Politics
US Congresswoman Val Demings Joins Effort to Save Shuttered Venues
Published
5 years agoon
Washington, D.C.: Today, U.S. Rep. Val Demings (FL-10) joined bipartisan colleagues to send a letter to Administrator Isabel Guzman of the Small Business Administration urging immediate action to stabilize and improve the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, which provides emergency assistance grants to venues that were unable to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The rollout of the SVOG program has been plagued by technical challenges and persistent delays. Since launching the program in April, the SBA has approved roughly 400 grants as of June 14 – despite receiving more than 14,000 applications.
The letter requests a detailed explanation of ongoing issues with the program and demanded the SBA expedite the release of relief funding to struggling venues across the country.
“The slow pace is becoming increasingly untenable for the small businesses in our districts. Their banks have threatened to call in the full amount of small business loans, they do not have the funds to pay their landlords full rent, and they cannot retain staff,” wrote the Members. “We are hearing from venue operators who are days away from closing their doors if these funds are not sent soon. These small businesses not only provide good jobs and contribute economically to our local communities, they contribute to the spirit and local culture as well. We must act now.”
“Our members are still at grave risk of going under while $16 billion waits for them,” said National Independent Venue Association Executive Director Rev. Moose. “Emergency relief requires urgency. It has been 6 months since the law passed and 45 days since our members submitted applications, so we’re truly grateful that our Congressional champions are pressing the SBA for action now to save our stages. Our small businesses, employees, and communities depend in it.”
The program, which is administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance, was originally created as part of the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act last December. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues and also received additional funding from the American Rescue Plan Act earlier this year. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million.
On April 8th, the program’s portal crashed, halting applications for nearly three weeks. Even after relaunching the application portal, there have been significant delays in the processing of applicants and the awarding of funds. According to the Office of Disaster Assistance, as of June 14, the SBA has only approved 411 grants out of the over 14,000 applications submitted, and nearly half of the applications have not yet reached the review stage.
You can find the full text of the letter here and copied below.
June 16, 2021
The Honorable Isabel Guzman
Administrator
US Small Business Administration
409 3rd St SW
Washington, D.C. 20416
Dear Administrator Guzman,
We write today to urge the Small Business Administration to expedite the release of funds to beneficiaries of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program and provide answers to the questions below in a timely manner.
For over a year, we have consistently heard from venue operators about the unprecedented and unsustainable economic impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on their small businesses. This community was relieved when the SVOG program was created in the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act in December of 2020 and additional funding was added as a part of the American Rescue Plan.
However, the rollout of this program and the release of funds is of great concern to us and many of our constituents. In addition to the initial crash of the application portal on April 8th and delay of the opening to April 28th, there has been a significant delay in the processing of applicants and awarding of funds. According to the Office of Disaster Assistance, as of June 14, the SBA has only approved 411 grants out of the over 14,000 applications submitted, and nearly half of the applications have not yet reached the review stage.
The slow pace is becoming increasingly untenable for the small businesses in our districts. Their banks have threatened to call in the full amount of small business loans, they do not have the funds to pay their landlords full rent, and they cannot retain staff. We are hearing from venue operators who are days away from closing their doors if these funds are not sent soon. These small businesses not only provide good jobs and contribute economically to our local communities, they contribute to the spirit and local culture as well. We must act now.
We understand the complexity and difficulty of managing a program of this size; however, we request the disbursement of funds be expedited immediately.
In addition, we respectfully request answers to the following questions are made available to all Members and staff:
- What is causing the delay of processing applications and disbursement of funds? Is further action by Congress needed to help you address these issues?
- Since the Priority 1 Tier deadline has passed, will funding be awarded retroactively to those who didn’t receive funding in the Priority 1 Tier?
- When can businesses expect to receive these funds? What plans are in place to communicate a likely timeline for disbursement of funding to afford small venue operators the opportunity to appropriately plan and respond to their individual needs?
- Would you and the SBA staff host a briefing for Members and staff on this program and the issues with its implementation?
Thank you and your staff for your hard work to implement the various SBA programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know you are committed to serving our small businesses and we look forward to working together to ensure these funds are distributed and these issues are addressed efficiently.
Sincerely,
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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 agoon
August 1, 2026
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 agoon
August 1, 2026
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 agoon
August 1, 2026
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.
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