Politics

Texas Democrats Dig in After Exodus; GOP Threatens Arrest

Published

5 years ago

July 13, 2021

Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, center left, and Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, joined at left by Rep. Chris Turner, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, welcome Democratic members of the Texas legislature at a news conference at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 13, 2021. The lawmakers left Austin hoping to deprive the Texas Legislature of a quorum — the minimum number of representatives who have to be present for the body to operate, as they try to kill a Republican bill making it harder to vote in the Lone Star State. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Democrats who hurriedly took off to Washington to block sweeping new election laws urged Congress on Tuesday to quickly pass legislation protecting voting rights, while Republican Gov. Greg Abbott threatened them with arrest the moment they return.

Speaking to reporters outside the Capitol, the Democrats were realistic about the limits of their gambit, noting they can hold up the GOP-backed proposals at home for only so long and arguing that only federal legislation would prevent some of the new restrictions from becoming law. In Austin, House Republicans authorized state troopers to find and corral missing legislators.

“We can’t hold this tide back forever. We’re buying some time. We need Congress and all of our federal leaders to use that time wisely,” Democratic state Rep. Chris Turner said, gathered with his fellow quorum-breakers outside the U.S. Capitol.

The Democrats’ dramatic exodus to Washington was in part aimed at rallying their voters on what they see as a priority issue ahead of the 2022 midterms, and at pressuring President Joe Biden to act as a federal voting legislation has stalled for months in the Senate.

Back home, Republicans in the unusually skeletal Texas Capitol authorized finding and bringing back more than 50 lawmakers “under warrant of arrest if necessary.” However, state troopers have no jurisdiction beyond Texas, making it unclear what — if any — actions would immediately be taken. A House Democrat who stayed behind said his understanding was that officers would search for his absent colleagues in Texas, even if it’s known they’re in Washington.

Abbott has already threatened Democrats with arrest once they come back home, which may not be until the current 30-day special session ends in August. Though that would successfully stymie the GOP’s current effort, Abbott has vowed to keep trying until the 2022 elections if necessary.

Turner, the Texas House Democratic leader, predicted the Texas Democrats’ efforts would ultimately be futile unless congressional Democrats take bolder action to overcome a Senate Republican blockade of their sweeping voting bill. The legislation, known as the For the People Act, would create national standards for voting that could roll back some restrictions that have been approved or are advancing in the Republican-led states.

The move by Texas House Republicans was expected after Democrats boarded private planes Monday to deny them the quorum necessary to conduct business — namely, passing one of America’s most restrictive voting measures. Other lighting-rod conservative issues that Abbott put on the agenda — including how race is taught in schools and new abortion restrictions — also were shelved with the Legislature now at a standstill.

“A sergeant-at-arms and any officers appointed by him are directed to send for all absentees whose attendance is not excused, for the purpose of securing and maintaining their attendance, by warrant of arrest if necessary,” Republican House Speaker Dade Phelan said.

Shortly after the vote, sergeant-at-arms locked the chamber doors. Four Democrats who did not go to Washington were among the lawmakers still inside, while the voting mechanisms on the desks of absent Democrats were locked.

A spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, which oversees state troopers and the Texas Rangers, did not comment after the remaining House members approved the measure 76-4.

State Rep. Eddie Morales, one of four Democrats who stayed behind, said it was his understanding that troopers would not leave Texas.

“I was told they will go to your home back in your district, they will go to your place of work, they will got to your apartment in Austin or wherever you live close by when you’re in session. And also family and friends that they may know of,” he said.

Despite the exodus by Democrats, Abbott has said Republicans will not be deterred.

“As soon as they come back in the state of Texas, they will be arrested, they will be cabined inside the Texas Capitol until they get their job done,” Abbott told Austin television station KVUE.

It was the second time that Democratic lawmakers have staged a walkout over the voting overhaul, which they say will make it harder for young people, people of color and people with disabilities to vote. The legislation would outlaw 24-hour polling places, ban drop boxes for mail ballots and empower partisan poll watchers. Republicans say the measures are needed to fight fraud. Democrats counter that fraud is very rare and the bills target their supporters.

The measures are part of the GOP’s rush to enact new voting restrictions in response to former President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. More than a dozen states this year have already passed tougher election laws — but only in Texas have Democrats put up this kind of fight.

The state has a history of attention-getting political tactics. Democrats, shut out of power in the Texas Capitol for decades, last left the state in 2003 to thwart a redistricting plan. That year, troopers went to Ardmore, Oklahoma, and asked them to come home on a plane sent by the Republican House speaker. But they were unable to arrest the lawmakers without a warrant issued by Oklahoma authorities, and the lawmakers refused the troopers’ request.

Democrats ultimately lost that fight, with the GOP passing new voting maps.

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Central Florida News

City of Orlando Earns Top-Tier ISO Building Code Effectiveness Rating, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety and Resilience

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The City of Orlando has earned a Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS) rating of 2 from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), marking an improvement from its previous rating of 3 received during the city’s 2023 evaluation.

The improved rating recognizes the city’s continued commitment to enforcing strong building codes that enhance public safety, strengthen disaster resilience and support long-term economic growth.

Orlando Surpasses State Averages

The ISO’s BCEGS program evaluates how effectively local governments adopt and enforce modern building codes for residential and commercial construction. Ratings range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of building code effectiveness.

Orlando earned a rating of 2 in both the residential and commercial categories, outperforming Florida’s statewide averages.

According to the city:

Orlando Residential Rating: 2
Florida Residential Average: 4
Orlando Commercial Rating: 2
Florida Commercial Average: 3

The city’s performance also exceeds national ISO averages, reflecting Orlando’s continued investment in building safety and code enforcement.

Mayor Buddy Dyer Praises Permitting Team

Mayor Buddy Dyer credited the city’s Permitting Services Division for the achievement.

“This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community through strong building safety standards,” Dyer said. “Our Permitting Services team works every day to ensure that homes, businesses and other structures throughout Orlando are built safely and in accordance with the highest standards.”

Benefits for Residents and Businesses

City officials said a stronger ISO BCEGS rating offers several potential benefits for homeowners, businesses and developers, including:

Potential reductions in property insurance premiums for qualifying residential and commercial properties.
Improved disaster preparedness and faster recovery following hurricanes and other natural hazards.
Greater community resilience through safer, more durable construction.
Enhanced economic competitiveness by attracting new commercial investment and development.

While insurance savings vary by insurer and policy, many companies consider ISO ratings when assessing property risk.

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

Communities participating in the BCEGS program are evaluated across 27 categories, including:

Building code adoption
Code enforcement practices
Inspection procedures
Staff qualifications and training
Administrative processes
Fire prevention coordination
Permitting operations

The City of Orlando said the improved rating reflects the collaborative efforts of building inspectors, plans examiners, permitting technicians, fire marshals, code officials and administrative staff who work together to ensure new construction complies with current safety standards.

Investing in Long-Term Resilience

City officials noted that strong building codes not only improve life safety but also reduce property damage during hurricanes and other disasters.

More resilient buildings help stabilize neighborhoods, preserve property values and protect the local tax base that funds essential public services, including:

Police and fire protection
Transportation infrastructure
Parks and recreation
Public works
Community services

The improved ISO rating underscores Orlando’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high construction standards while supporting sustainable growth throughout the city.

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Teen Arrested on Evidence Tampering Charge in Deadly Old Cheney Highway Shooting

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that a teenager has been arrested on an evidence tampering charge as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl in east Orange County.

Authorities identified the suspect as Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19, who was arrested and charged with Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence. Investigators emphasized that the homicide investigation remains active and that no additional charges or details have been released.

Victim Identified

The Sheriff’s Office previously identified the victim as Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17.

Bradford died after being shot on Wednesday, July 29, in the 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway.

Investigation Timeline

According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 4:55 p.m. on July 29.

When deputies arrived, they found Bradford suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The Sheriff’s Office said all individuals involved remained at the scene when deputies arrived and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Arrest Announced

On Friday, investigators announced Mitchell’s arrest on a charge of Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Authorities have not released details explaining what evidence was allegedly tampered with or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.

Investigation Continues

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Bradford’s death.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has not released information regarding a possible motive, the events leading up to the shooting, or whether the incident may have been accidental or intentional.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips may be eligible for a reward.

What We Know

Victim: Skyler Ley’Shea Bradford, 17
Incident Date: July 29, 2026
Time: Approximately 4:55 p.m.
Location: 5500 block of Old Cheney Highway, Orange County
Arrest: Jehovah Jeremiah Mitchell, 19
Charge: Tampering With or Fabricating Physical Evidence
Investigation Status: Active and ongoing
Community Threat: None identified by investigators

Florida

Alex Vindman Calls on Ashley Moody to Support Release of Hope Florida Grand Jury Report

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman renewed criticism of U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody this week, calling on her to publicly support the release of the confidential Hope Florida grand jury report as questions surrounding the state’s controversial Medicaid settlement continue to draw statewide attention.

Vindman made the remarks during a Thursday news conference at the Florida Capitol alongside supporters, including a registered Republican, arguing that Florida voters deserve greater transparency regarding the Hope Florida investigation.

Vindman Launches New Campaign Website

The Vindman campaign also unveiled a new campaign website, MoodyCorruption.com, highlighting Moody’s role in the Hope Florida controversy and encouraging voters to contact public officials in support of releasing the grand jury report.

The campaign said the website was launched following recent reporting by the Miami Herald examining additional connections between Moody’s Senate campaign and the Hope Florida controversy.

Focus on Attorney General’s Role

Vindman criticized Moody’s actions while she served as Florida attorney general, pointing to the Attorney General’s Office’s approval of a $10 million Medicaid settlement transfer that later became the focus of legislative and criminal scrutiny.

According to public reporting, the settlement funds originated from a Medicaid agreement involving Centene Corp. before money was later directed through the Hope Florida Foundation and subsequently distributed to nonprofit organizations that later contributed to political committees. Investigations into the transactions have generated legislative hearings, public records litigation and criminal inquiries.

Vindman argued that the public deserves to know what conclusions, if any, a statewide grand jury reached during its investigation.

“If she has nothing to hide, she should go ahead and call for this release,” Vindman told reporters.

Grand Jury Report Remains Sealed

A central issue in the controversy is whether the final statewide grand jury report should remain confidential.

Court records indicate objections have been filed seeking to prevent or delay public release of the report. The identities of those objecting have not been publicly confirmed through court filings.

A judge is expected to determine whether the report, or portions of it, should become public.

Media Coverage Highlights

Vindman’s news conference received statewide media coverage.

WFSU reported that Vindman focused on CBS News reporting concerning Moody’s role in approving the original settlement agreement while serving as attorney general.

WUSF reported Vindman argued voters should consider the controversy as they evaluate candidates in Florida’s 2026 U.S. Senate race.

CBS Miami highlighted Vindman’s challenge for Moody to publicly support releasing the grand jury findings.

WFLA News Channel 8 reported Moody had been scheduled for an interview but that her campaign later requested to reschedule.

ABC 20 reported ongoing litigation surrounding the confidential grand jury report while covering Vindman’s criticism of Moody.

Spectrum News noted Democrats continue pressing for disclosure of the report, citing public records showing the Attorney General’s Office approved the initial transfer that later became the subject of controversy.

Moody Has Not Publicly Called for Release

As of Friday, Moody had not publicly announced support for releasing the confidential grand jury report.

The report remains under court review, and no final judicial decision has been issued regarding whether it will be released.

Why the Report Matters

Supporters of disclosure argue the public has a right to understand how taxpayer-related Medicaid settlement funds were handled and whether investigators identified misconduct or recommended reforms.

Those opposing disclosure contend grand jury secrecy protects ongoing legal interests and confidential proceedings until a court determines what may legally be released.

The court’s decision could significantly shape public understanding of one of Florida’s highest-profile political controversies as the 2026 U.S. Senate campaign continues.