Orlando

Associated PressNovember 25, 2016

Federal prosecutors in central Florida have created a special unit aimed at reducing the number of violent criminals in the region. The special prosecution unit was formed at the suggestion of Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith. Smith told the Orlando Sentinel that the majority of violent crime in his city is committed by a few people. He […]

Scott PowersNovember 23, 2016

As Orlandoans gather round dinner tables with family and close friends, let us start by being thankful that those of us who can be are there to gather. Let’s give thanks for a community that found comfort, faith, and strength in each others arms during the dawn following our darkest day, and for the commitment […]

Scott PowersNovember 22, 2016

As one of his last acts on behalf of the state of Florida, outgoing Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner arranged a moment of silence Tuesday for those killed in the Pulse nightclub shooting just outside his district on June 12. Gardiner, the Orlando Republican who now is a private citizen, did so on the request […]

Scott PowersNovember 21, 2016

As they prepare for the 2017 Legislative Session, Central Florida lawmakers are looking out for help for the emerging Advanced Manufacturing Research Center in Osceola County, the demise of the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in Lake Nona, and I-4 throughout the region. Those are things almost everyone in Central Florida’s delegation is examining. […]

Larry GriffinNovember 21, 2016

Linda Stewart is headed to the state Senate this week representing District 13, and her agenda going forward is mostly focused on liberal issues like the environment — but she also wants to do something to curb gun violence, even if only by tackling the mental health aspect. Talking to FloridaPolitics.com Sunday, Stewart said some of her […]

Associated PressNovember 19, 2016

A woman hiding in a closet described gunman Omar Mateen spraying bullets throughout a Florida nightclub during the worst mass shooting in recent U.S. history, according to 911 call transcripts released Friday. The transcripts were the last batch of 911 calls from last June’s massacre at Pulse to be made public by the city of […]

Scott PowersNovember 18, 2016

Of the three new members of Congress elected from Orlando this month, Democrat Darren Soto is the one who’s no mystery to constituents, and still committed to the same agenda he’s pursued for nearly 10 years in the Florida Legislature: a stronger, fairer economy. Soto, 38, an Orlando lawyer, defeated Republican businessman Wayne Liebnitzky for the open […]

Larry GriffinNovember 17, 2016

The Orlando Political Observer, a local political news site, has changed hands — now it’s owned Doug Kaplan, a Winter Park-based pollster and president of market research firm Gravis Marketing. Kaplan purchased the Orlando Political Observer from founder Frank Torres, according to a story on the site written by Torres himself. Kaplan assured readers in the OPO story […]

Associated PressNovember 17, 2016

Patrons trapped in an Orlando nightclub as a gunman carried out the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history begged 911 operators to send help in audio recordings released Wednesday. The 150 or so calls were the last batch of recordings made public by the city after a court fight with media companies, and they […]

Drew WilsonNovember 16, 2016

Orlando-based Darden Restaurants announced Wednesday that it added former fast food executive Nana Mensah to its board. Darden board chair Chuck Sonsteby said he and his colleagues “are delighted to welcome Nana to the board.” With Mensah’s appointment, Darden expanded its board to eight seats. “His extensive restaurant operations background, both domestically and internationally, coupled […]

Orlando

State, federal agencies working together in central Florida to combat violent crime

Orlando’s cornucopia of thanks runneth over for area leaders

Andy Gardiner, Linda Stewart arrange moments of silence for Pulse victims

Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, I-4, Sanford Burnham, water quality, Pulse, on Central Florida lawmakers’ minds

Linda Stewart wants to focus on bills for the environment, mental health during her first session in Senate

Pulse 911 calls: ‘I’m shot!’ Then silence.

For Darren Soto, it’s still all about a stronger, fairer economy

Orlando Political Observer purchased by Doug Kaplan-led group

911 calls capture Pulse patrons desperately waiting for help

Darden Restaurants name former fast food exec to board of directors