Central Florida News

State Sen. Geraldine Thompson Presents Tyre Sampson Amusement Park Bill Monday

Published

2 years ago

March 13, 2023

State Senator Geraldine Thompson speaks during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Opening Day of the 2023 Legislative Session at the Florida State Capitol Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Photo: J. Willie David III/Florida National News.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Senator Geraldine Thompson is scheduled to speak on her Tyre Sampson Act bill (SB 902) and Public Records/Active Amusement Ride Investigation bill (SB 904) in the State Senate Agriculture Committee at 3:30pm ET today.

Shortly before the hearing, Sen. Thompson spoke with the press to clarify what the SB 902 bill proposes for amusement parks.

Here are some of the requirements:

– signage for height and weight requirements
– an annual affidavit and a third party to inspect rides and commission approving the ride
– a duty to report to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) after permit to operate
– training (beyond having 18-year-olds with limited training operating the ride)
– perform maintenance and changes (due to metal fatigue, etc.); there will be unannounced and more frequent inspections
– require seatbelts on any ride that goes above 100 feet (Freefall ride didn’t require seatbelts with the other restraint)
– accident reporting (for any emergency care, including Urgent Care centers, not just hospitals)

When Florida National News asked what her initial reaction was when she learned during the investigation that the Freefall ride had no safety belts, she replied, “I’m surprised…I don’t think you should put profits over people. For an additional $20-50 dollars, you could’ve secured the safety of Tyre Sampson [with a safety belt]. Therefore, I decided to amend the bill to require a seatbelt as a redundancy, and not just have it as an option.”

FNN News also asked who would be responsible for choosing the third party inspector for the rides. Sen. Thompson explained that the company can choose and would be responsible for paying for 3rd party based on the criteria for third party inspectors in the legislation. We followed up asking what would happen if companies push back on having to not only allow for more and unannounced inspections and then also be responsible for paying for them. She replied that companies will have to include these inspection costs in their budgets. “How do you put a price on the life of an individual?” she asked.

Sen. Thompson was asked about her public records exemption request for the investigation of the Free Fall Ride on International Drive in the death of 14-year-old Tyre Sampson almost a year ago. She explained that she requested the exemption because the investigation wasn’t completed. Once it was, the records were made available, and she added that the fines charged could only be made available at the end of the investigation.

So how would this legislation affect older rides and new rides if it becomes law? Sen. Thompson explained that, if it becomes law, it would apply to any ride launched after July 1, 2023. In fact, it would also affect carnival rides. “Every time you move a temp ride, an inspection would be required–at fairs and carnivals; also go-carts, and bungee jumping rides.”

When asked about her thoughts on the ride being taken down near the anniversary of Tyre Sampson’s death, she replied, “This says that it’s not business as usual. The State of Florida is taking this very seriously. We’re communicating very clearly that this is not business as usual and honoring this young man’s life by calling it the Tyre Sampson Act.”

Sen. Thompson says this bill is expected to have bipartisan support. She mentioned that she has spoken to the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and noted that this is not a partisan issue, but a public safety issue.

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Mellissa Thomas is the Editor of Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

Related Topics:Central Florida News politics

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Central Florida News

Orange County Launches Month-Long Earth Day Celebration with Eco-Friendly Events

Published

4 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

FNN NEWS

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – In honor of Earth Day on April 22, Orange County is transforming April into a month-long celebration of sustainability, conservation, and environmental education. Residents and visitors will have access to a wide range of activities designed to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about protecting natural resources.

Earth Month 2025: A Community Effort to Preserve the Planet

Throughout April, Orange County will host interactive events, workshops, and educational programs aimed at fostering a greener future. The initiative highlights the County’s commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation, and sustainable living.

Key Activities Include:

Eco-Scavenger Hunt: Engage in a fun and interactive challenge to explore nature and sustainability efforts across the county.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping Workshops: Learn how to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden using native plants and water-efficient techniques.
Water Conservation Classes: Gain valuable tips on reducing water waste and improving efficiency at home.
Beginner Beekeeping Workshops: Discover the essential role of bees in the ecosystem and learn how to start your own hive.
Oyster Mushroom Cultivation: Learn how to grow your own nutritious mushrooms at home.
Spring Vegetable Gardening: Get expert advice from the University of Florida Orange County Extension Office (UF/IFAS) on growing seasonal vegetables.

Join the Movement for a Greener Future

The month-long Earth Month celebration encourages Orange County residents to take action by adopting eco-friendly habits and participating in educational programs that support sustainability.

For a full list of events and registration details, visit www.ocfl.net/EarthMonth.

Stay tuned to Florida National News for updates on Orange County’s Earth Month 2025 initiatives.

Central Florida News

2026 Orange County Mayor’s Race Heats Up: Tiffany Moore Russell Declares Candidacy

Published

4 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

Willie David

Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Morre Russell speaks at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell has officially filed paperwork to run for Orange County Mayor in the 2026 election, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website. Russell, a trailblazing leader in local government, seeks to succeed Mayor Jerry Demings, who will complete his final term in 2026.

Russell’s Historic Leadership in Orange County

Russell is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2014, she made history as the first African American female Clerk of Courts elected in Florida and the first African American Clerk in Orange County. Before that, she served as the District 6 Orange County Commissioner, first elected in 2006 at just 27 years old, making her the youngest commissioner ever elected in the county. She successfully served two terms on the commission, advocating for economic development, public safety, and affordable housing.

As Orange County Clerk of Courts, Russell has led efforts to modernize the court system, improve public access to legal services, and enhance transparency in county government. Under her leadership, the Clerk’s Office has expanded online services, improved efficiency, and increased community engagement through outreach programs.

The Role of Orange County Mayor

The Orange County Mayor is one of the most powerful local government positions in Central Florida, overseeing a $4.4 billion budget and more than 8,000 county employees while serving a population of approximately 1.5 million residents.

With Mayor Demings unable to seek re-election due to term limits, Russell’s candidacy sets the stage for a highly competitive race. Other potential contenders include:

Former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, who previously considered a run in 2014 but later dropped out.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.
Former Orange County Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd.
Former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Russell’s deep-rooted experience in public service and history-making leadership make her a formidable candidate in the non-partisan race. As the campaign unfolds, voters will look for candidates with strong leadership, financial management expertise, and a vision for Orange County’s future.

Stay connected with Florida National News for updates on the 2026 Orange County mayoral race.

________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Takes Questions on Economy, Education, and Federal Cuts in Orlando Reddit AMA

Published

4 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) took to Reddit’s r/Orlando community this past Friday for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, addressing Central Floridians’ concerns on inflation, federal funding freezes, and the future of the Democratic Party. The discussion garnered over 81,000 views, 1,000 upvotes, and more than 350 comments and questions from local residents.

Congressman Frost on Economic Policy & Rising Costs

One Reddit user asked: Do House Democrats have a plan to offer an alternative to Trump’s economic policy?

Congressman Frost responded:

“We can’t just oppose Trump’s billionaire takeover—we must provide our vision. People don’t want marginal improvements, they want bold, transformational change.
Expanding Medicare so no one must choose between medical bills and rent.
Increasing affordable housing and enacting strong renter protections.
Holding corporations accountable for price gouging and price fixing.
Raising the minimum wage so workers aren’t stuck with $7.25 an hour.
We have a popular agenda, and we must fight to reclaim the narrative. While Republicans cover up their SignalGate scandal, Democrats are working to lower costs. I’ve championed price-lowering legislation to reduce property insurance costs, grocery prices, rental fees, and prescription drug costs, including capping EpiPen prices.”

Concerns Over Federal Education Cuts & Public School Support

Another Orlando resident expressed concerns over federal funding cuts to Title I schools, fearing that many students will lose access to free lunch programs.

Congressman Frost, whose mother was a public school teacher for 37 years, responded:

“Florida’s state government is actively working to dismantle public education. Title I funding is crucial for schools serving low-income communities. In February, I marched with fellow members of Congress to the Department of Education’s doors to fight back against threats to public education.
It took Department of Homeland Security officers in body armor to keep us out. That should tell you how serious this is.
Parents, teachers, and school administrators must pressure elected officials at all levels to oppose Trump’s efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. A strong federal education system is more important than ever.”

Food Insecurity: Second Harvest’s Government Support Cut

A Reddit user voiced concerns over Second Harvest Food Bank losing federal food shipments, which impacts over 300 local food pantries, churches, and shelters that rely on their support.

Congressman Frost assured residents that he is taking action:

“This week, the Trump Administration canceled federal food shipments to Second Harvest, and it’s likely not a temporary cut. Hunger is a devastating crisis, affecting both physical and mental health.
I was able to secure $200,000 for Second Harvest to help offset their energy costs for food storage, but I will continue fighting for more resources to ensure families in our district don’t go hungry.”