Frank Torres, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Altamonte Springs State Rep. Bob Cortes is looking to reform the Central Florida Transportation Authority with a new bill that could eventually privatize the region’s LYNX bus system. Filed on Friday, HB 155 would change the five-person board, now made up of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Osceola Commissioner Viviana Janer, Seminole County Commissioner Carlton […]

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Orlando state Sen. and congressional candidate Darren Soto sent an email to supporters Friday morning to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and announce an endorsement from an Osceola County firefighter’s union. “Our nation owes a huge debt to the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders that answered the call of duty 14 […]

Frank TorresSeptember 11, 2015

Putting aside political differences, a group of college Democrats and Republicans from the University of Central Florida met this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks fourteen years ago and honor the heroes defending the country’s freedom every day. Over 60 students met at dawn to place 2,977 American flags on […]

Frank TorresSeptember 10, 2015

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer raised a combined $124,000 in campaign cash for his re-election efforts in August for a grand total of $484,000 for the campaign. The combined August total consisted of about $76,000 from his individual campaign account and $47,500 from the Dyer connected PAC “Moving Orlando Forward”. The haul on his individual account […]

Frank TorresSeptember 10, 2015

Orlando District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan will seeking a fifth term this November, and wants voters to know she’s ready to serve and to set the record straight on the property tax increase that has been the dominant theme in all of city races. Like Mayor Buddy Dyer and fellow Commissioner Sam Ings, who are […]

Frank TorresSeptember 9, 2015

In spite of a tough upbringing in a poor family, education helped Gov. Rick Scott get ahead, he told state leaders Wednesday morning at an Orlando education summit hosted by Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. The governor next reviewed his educational platform for the audience at the Omni Orlando Resort, connecting it to Florida’s job growth. “If we […]

Frank TorresSeptember 8, 2015

In the crowded field for Orlando City Council District 6, Nathan Chambers believes he has the momentum and support to defeat incumbent Commissioner Sam Ings. Chambers, a Realtor that has lived in the community for 25 years, was the only candidate to qualify by petition. The Jamaica native is running because he is upset with the lack of […]

Frank TorresSeptember 8, 2015

Two Central Florida corporations will provide $1 million each to benefit ongoing construction at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. DPAC officials told about the awards Tuesday afternoon, telling Florida Politics that they could approach the state Legislature again next session for additional money. The two companies making million-dollar contributions are direct sales […]

Frank TorresSeptember 5, 2015

Qualifying Orlando municipal races ended Friday with Mayor Buddy Dyer and two incumbent City Commissioners facing challengers in November. Dyer will face businessman and veteran Paul Paulson, as well as student Linda “Sunshine” Grund, who filed late Friday. The mayor will be favored to win a fifth term with a heavy fundraising advantage and wide support […]

Frank TorresSeptember 4, 2015

Seminole County Chief Deputy Dennis Lemma has received endorsements from three elected officials in his bid to be the next Seminole County sheriff. He announced nods from Republican state Reps. Scott Plakon and Jason Brodeur, as well as Seminole and Brevard County State Attorney Phil Archer. Lemma made the announcements on social media Friday morning, […]

Frank Torres
Rodney Guttman, image via University of West Florida.

New bill filed to reform Central Florida Transportation Authority, privatize LYNX

Email insights: Darren Soto announces firefighter support on 9/11

UCF Republicans and Democrats stand together for 9/11 remembrance event

Buddy Dyer banks 124K in August for re-election

Patty Sheehan wants to set record straight about property tax increase

Rick Scott talks education at DOE summit in Orlando

Sam Ings challenger Nathan Chambers says “We’ve got to get that guy out of there”

Orlando’s Phillips Center announces $2 million in gifts, seeks additional state funding

Field for Orlando municipal races set; Tony Ortiz re-elected without opposition

Dennis Lemma rolls out trio of endorsements for Seminole County Sheriff bid