Scott Powers
Boosted by several big checks from medical and chiropractic offices, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings pulled in more than $237,000 in donations in March to support his Orange County mayoral bid.
Demings’ campaign is reporting Friday morning that it raised $52,225 in March and his independent political committee, Orange County Citizens for Smart Growth, brought in $185,000.
That $237,225 total, boosted by several generous donations from medical and chiropractic practices, is Demings strongest monthly total yet and brings the campaign’s total raised to $441,000 and the committee’s to more than $340,000. Overall, Demings’ two funds finished March with more than $725,500 left in the bank.
Demings faces Winter Park entrepreneur Rob Panepinto and Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke in the non-partisan contest. Neither Panepinto nor Clarke has posted nor announced his independent committee figure yet, though they both have posted their official campaigns’ fundraising totals for March. Panepinto’s official campaign fund raised $35,200, and Clarke’s, $11,955, in the month.
They all seek to succeed Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, who is leaving due to term limits.
Orange County Citizens for Smart Growth tapped the health care industry. Eight different medical or chiropractic offices donated between $10,000 and $30,000 apiece, and another seven contributed at least $2,000 apiece in March.
