Florida

Randy Ross to Run for Orange County Republican Executive Committee Chair

Published

9 years ago

November 28, 2016

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Randy Ross, Orange County Chairman for Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign, is running for Orange County Republican Executive Committee Chairman.

Ross recently announced his bid to challenge incumbent Lew Oliver, who is planning to run for reelection.

In an open letter to Orange County Republican Executive Committee members, Ross vows to “Make Orange County Red Again.”

Ross on Inspiration

“You can create and dream the most wonderful place in the world…but it takes people to make the dream a reality,” Walt Disney. These words inspired me when I first came to Orlando in 1987 to complete my Public Relations internship at Walt Disney World, and they still inspire me today. As I announce my next move politically and how I hope to use a lifetime of experience to move the Orange County Republican Party forward, I am reminded…this task will not be easy. The numbers are against us. Then again, many didn’t believe Mr. Trump would be the nominee…and now he’s President-elect. I believe in the citizens of Orange County and that together we can Make Orange County “RED” Again.

Ross on Voter Registration

The one thing we must acknowledge is how successfully the Democrats are at voter registration and get out the vote efforts. In Orange County there are over 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans, and nearly as many NPA (No Party Affiliation) voters as Republicans. The numbers simply don’t lie. Without a substantial shift in focus and registration efforts, Orange County will never be RED. And that’s where I think I can help. No secret…that’s where the strength to rebuild begins. We can’t wait a few weeks ahead of an election and hope for the best. The odds change only when the numbers do. It’s really that simple.

Ross on Leadership

In one year we have worked diligently to change the face of the local party. We’ve illustrated that with passion and hard work, despite the odds, you can organize and motivate people behind a common purpose. No other presidential campaign in Orange County came close to our organized, energized and methodic execution. In addition to leading the campaign efforts for Orange County I took the lead on office negotiations, Regional Management of all three Orange County Trump/Victory offices and their teams and rallied our leadership and volunteers to reinvent what was a less than inspired effort in Orange County. Orange County, under my leadership, led the state in field operations not seen in years. My leadership was acknowledged by local, state and national leadership and campaign staff numerous times as well as Mr. Trump and the Trump family. So now the question is how do we harness this energy to ensure Republicans win in 2018, 2020 and beyond? We must change the status quo. The time has come to take the risk necessary to rally for the future, and that cannot and will not occur without change in our local leadership.

Ross on His Role with the Trump Campaign

In my role as Trump Campaign Chairman for Orange County, I’ve had the honor of touring literally every part of our county to present, meet with, and discuss mutual passions and goals for Americans. I’ve had the distinction of not only introducing and meeting our President-elect, but his children as well as Florida and national campaign staff. I take pride in having worked diligently, with new and unique donors, to bring a change in the fundraising movement for Mr. Trump even though that was not in my scope of work. I’ve had the privilege of working with all 66 other county Chairs to talk about the future and there is strength in unification. And I did so as a volunteer…because I believed that much in our candidate, America, and our need for change. These resources and experience bring huge benefits to our local processes and candidates, as Mr. Trump takes on the highest role in the free world as President of the United States. I’m running for Chairman not only because members of OCREC asked, but more importantly, because I know the time is now to make a difference for Republicans in Orange County. I’m a proven leader who listens and leads with humility, and I know that not all the answers rest with me. In fact, the critical lesson I’ve learned is you MUST surround yourself with people inherently stronger than you. Leadership from behind.

Ross on general election losses

I was dismayed by the loss of Congressman Mica, and other candidates such as Dean Asher, Edward DeAguilera and Thuy Lowe. I will work to create the conditions that diminish the chances of suffering these losses in the future. We must begin with robust Orange County-wide registration efforts. We must organize more than one major fundraiser a year so we are in a stronger financial position to assist local candidates. Quarterly I propose we bring in state and national speakers for breakfast and luncheon fundraising events. And finally, we must recruit and retain new members through a revitalization of our meetings, both formal and informal, to ensure fellowship and like-minded camaraderie. These were the tools to our success in helping Donald J. Trump win Florida and ultimately the election. I am the only person running for Chair that possesses the proven history of developing programs to accomplish the goals as stated. Couple this with an increased social media strategy for OCREC membership and recruitment purposes and the possibilities are infinite.

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The Orange County Republican Executive Committee elections will be held December 2016.

Entertainment

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

Published

18 hours ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

160+ Bands, 5 Stages: Welcome To Rockville Returns to Daytona International Speedway May 7–10 with Expanded Fan Experience

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN) — Music set times have been released for the 15th anniversary of Welcome To Rockville, Florida’s largest rock, metal and punk festival, set for May 7–10, 2026 at Daytona International Speedway.

Produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, the four-day event will feature more than 160 bands performing across five stages, marking the festival’s largest lineup to date.

HEADLINERS AND DAILY LINEUP

This year’s festival will be headlined by Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses and Bring Me The Horizon.

Thursday, May 7: Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack, Staind
Friday, May 8: Foo Fighters, Turnstile, The Offspring, Parkway Drive
Saturday, May 9: Bring Me The Horizon, Breaking Benjamin, Motionless in White, Lamb of God
Sunday, May 10: My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, Rise Against, Yellowcard

FESTIVAL EXPANSION AND NEW FEATURES

Organizers announced several enhancements for 2026 aimed at improving the fan experience. A new “Pit Stop” fan zone near the Apex Stage will feature artist interviews, special performances and interactive experiences.

In addition, the Garage Stage will be fully tented for the first time, offering expanded shade coverage and upgraded production for attendees.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Festivalgoers can kick off the week with a pre-party on May 6 featuring performances by Fuel, Local H and others.

A new crossover event, “Blood4Blood,” will also take place at the Ocean Center, combining live music with bare-knuckle fighting, including a headline bout featuring Alex Terrible of Slaughter to Prevail.

TICKETS, ACCESS AND ATTENDANCE

Festival gates will open daily at 11:30 a.m. Organizers are offering a range of ticket options, including single-day, weekend, VIP and camping packages. A new Camp to Coast shuttle will provide transportation between the speedway and nearby beaches.

With expanded attractions, including rides, themed bars and interactive zones, Welcome To Rockville 2026 is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans to Daytona Beach, reinforcing its role as a major driver of Florida’s tourism and live entertainment economy.

Crimes and Courts

Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud

Published

23 hours ago

April 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.

As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.

TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD

The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.

“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”

MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION

State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”

Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.

“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.

“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.

ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.

Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.

PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT

Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.

Florida

Former Property Appraiser Rick Singh Launches Clerk of Courts Bid, Passes on Mayor and CFO Races

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

Photo credit: The Honorable Rick Singh, who served two terms as Orange County Property Appraiser.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Rick Singh, a U.S. Army veteran, business leader and former Orange County property appraiser, has announced his candidacy for Orange County Clerk of Courts, outlining a platform focused on efficiency, modernization and improved customer service.

While some observers expected Singh to pursue higher-profile offices such as Orange County mayor, Florida chief financial officer or Congress, his decision to run for Clerk of Courts reflects a focus on operational leadership and improving local government services.

“I’m running to make government work faster, smarter and more efficiently for the people of Orange County,” Singh said. “Residents deserve a Clerk’s Office that is responsive, transparent and built for today’s needs.”

PLAN TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SERVICES

Singh outlined several immediate priorities if elected, including upgrading technology and expanding digital access.

“We will modernize the system by reducing long lines, enhancing online services and making it easier for residents to access records, make payments and interact with the Clerk’s Office,” Singh said.

His plan includes improving website and mobile access, streamlining in-person services and reducing wait times for residents.

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In addition to modernization, Singh said he will prioritize operational improvements and customer service reforms.

“We will overhaul customer service to prioritize speed, respect and accountability,” Singh said. “That includes auditing operations to eliminate delays and inefficiencies that frustrate residents.”

Singh emphasized that creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience will be a top priority from day one.

EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE FIELD

During his tenure as property appraiser, Singh led the office with the scope and visibility of a countywide constitutional role, implementing reforms that improved transparency, accuracy and efficiency.

His annual “State of Orange County Real Estate” events drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, real estate professionals, financial leaders and community stakeholders, positioning the office as a key platform for economic insight and public engagement.

Supporters point to Singh’s track record of innovation — including modernizing systems and improving operational performance — as a model for how he would lead the Clerk of Courts office.

“I’ve led a large countywide office and delivered results,” Singh said. “I’m ready to bring that same level of leadership, innovation and accountability to the Clerk of Courts.”

His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field that includes Maribel Gomez Cordero, a current county commissioner and former vice mayor, and Emily Bonilla, a former commissioner and vice mayor, both of whom bring experience in local government leadership and community engagement.