Central Florida News
Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean Assures Voters That Elections Remain on Track Despite Hurricane Milton Impact
Published
4 weeks agoon
By
Willie DavidORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – During a press conference on Hurricane Milton, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings invited Glen Gilzean, the Supervisor of Elections, to give an update on the status of local elections.
Gilzean reassured residents that election operations remain on schedule despite the challenges posed by the storm, highlighting that contingency plans are in place to ensure smooth voting.
Gilzean explained that the Supervisor of Elections office temporarily lost power due to Hurricane Milton, but Orange County Government quickly stepped in to assist his office. “The safety of poll workers and voters is our top priority,” Gilzean stated, adding that they are working closely with local authorities to address any other potential issues.
Voters were also reminded of the three available ways to cast their ballots:
- Vote by mail
- Early voting
- In-person voting on Election Day
Gilzean emphasized that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure a safe and accessible election for all eligible voters in the county, despite the ongoing recovery efforts.
________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe Secures Reelection, Defeats Senator Linda Stewart in Heated District 3 Rematch
Published
2 days agoon
November 6, 2024By
Willie DavidORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Incumbent Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe clinched victory in the District 3 race, overcoming State Senator Linda Stewart in a contentious rematch. Both candidates entered the race amid controversies that fueled headlines and scrutiny.
Takeaways:
- Ticket Scandal and Ethics Dismissal: Uribe faced intense scrutiny after a report revealed that she had transferred hundreds of event tickets from the county’s Skybox at the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium to her husband’s nonprofit since 2019. The nonprofit, however, had not filed recent 990 tax forms, sparking questions around possible personal benefit. While ethics concerns were raised, the Florida Ethics Commission ultimately dismissed the complaint against Uribe, affirming that no ethical violations occurred. Uribe and her husband consistently argued the issue was politically motivated.
- Policy Change on Ticket Transfers: In response to the controversy, Orange County implemented a new rule in late October to close the loophole that allowed commissioners to assign county tickets to nonprofits of their choice.
- Stewart’s Own Controversy: Sen. Linda Stewart also faced backlash from local officials after drafting a bill with a county lobbyist that could have restricted county control over funding for Visit Orlando. The move, seen by some as undermining county authority, led to the dismissal of the lobbyist after the Orlando Sentinel reported the story. Stewart’s attempt to preserve Visit Orlando’s funding without direct county involvement frustrated county leaders, adding tension to her campaign.
- Uribe’s Statement on Reelection: After securing another term, Uribe expressed gratitude for the continued support from her constituents, promising to maintain transparency and prioritize community needs.
Impact of Uribe’s Win:
- Demonstrates voter confidence despite ethical challenges and a heated campaign.
- Highlights growing focus on ethics and transparency in county governance.
- Secures Uribe’s role in shaping policy for District 3 as Orange County enforces stricter ticket transfer rules.
_______________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Central Florida News
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers for Orange County Residents Impacted by Hurricanes Open this Weekend
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 26, 2024By
FNN NEWSORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will open this weekend to serve residents impacted by Hurricane Milton: the Orange County Multicultural Center and the Bithlo Community Center.
The Orange County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center and a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) are at the following locations:
The Orange County Multicultural Center FEMA Disaster Recovery Center
7149 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32818
Hours:
Saturday, October 28
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 27
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 28 –
Saturday, November 2
7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bithlo Community Center -State of Florida Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC)
18501 Washington Avenue
Orlando, FL 32820
Hours:
Saturday, October 26, and Sunday, October 27, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, October 28 through Saturday, November 2
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Apopka City Hall – CLOSED
120 E. Main Street
Apopka, Florida 32703
The FEMA DRC provides a one-stop-shop for individuals or businesses that need help recovering from loss or damage sustained during the storms. FEMA partners with local and state agencies.
Representatives from state agencies, partners, and federal organizations, along with volunteer groups, will be available to provide individual and business assistance, including:
- FEMA Individual Assistance
- FEMA Mitigation
- Small Business Administration
- Crisis Counseling
- Florida Dept. of Children and Families
- Florida Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation
- Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Individuals can also apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling FEMA’s helpline toll-free at 800-621-3362.
For the latest information about Florida’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
Central Florida News
Fake Cop Accused of Armed Robbery and Handcuffing Woman in Orlando Hotel Room
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 17, 2024By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orlando Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for Michael Darren Jesse Rodriguez, a New York man accused of impersonating a police officer and committing armed robbery at an Orlando hotel on August 23, 2024. Rodriguez, 27, of Poughkeepsie, NY, was apprehended by Georgia police and is facing multiple charges across Florida.
Crime Details:
- Incident Date & Location: On August 23, 2024, the Orlando Police responded to reports of an armed robbery at a hotel near Universal Blvd. and International Dr.
- Suspect’s Actions: The victim reported that an unknown man, wearing a badge around his neck, forced his way into her room, claiming to be a police officer. He restrained her with handcuffs, stole her wallet, and displayed what appeared to be a handgun in his waistband.
- Surveillance Evidence: The victim’s account was supported by hotel surveillance footage, which also helped officers identify the suspect’s vehicle. The vehicle was seen in multiple Florida cities during August.
Crime Spree:
- Similar Incidents: Rodriguez is also wanted for an armed robbery under investigation by the Lantana Police Department.
- Apprehension: On September 8, 2024, Rodriguez was apprehended in Georgia by Gwinnett County Police while driving the same vehicle spotted in the Lantana and Orlando incidents.
- Evidence Recovered: Orlando detectives recovered a fake police badge, handcuffs, and other items linking Rodriguez to both robberies.
Charges:
Rodriguez faces the following charges once extradited to Orange County:
- Falsely Personating an Officer to Commit Felony with a Weapon
- False Imprisonment with a Weapon
- Robbery with a Firearm
The Orlando Police Department is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Rodriguez to come forward and contact law enforcement.
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