Orlando

Scott PowersApril 21, 2017

A twine noose taped to a postcard and nasty comments sent in the mail and via social media are showing racist hatred Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala is receiving as she battles in court with Gov. Rick Scott over whether she has the power to refuse to pursue death penalty prosecutions. The twine noose was […]

Scott PowersApril 20, 2017

Republican state Sen. David Simmons sharply condemned racist and vulgar comments made earlier this week by state Sen. Frank Artiles. The behavior is nothing new, Simmons said, but he puts his faith in the Senate’s due process to determine a judgment by the body. Simmons, of Altamonte Springs, then suggested that Artiles’ behavior might be […]

Scott PowersApril 19, 2017

The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association – which represents the states’s 20 state attorneys including Orlando’s Aramis Ayala – will be filing an amicus brief against her and supporting Gov. Rick Scott‘s power to reassign state attorneys’ cases. The association filed a motion Wednesday morning requesting the chance to weigh in as a friend of the […]

Scott PowersApril 19, 2017

With Democrats such as herself facing innumerable challenges in a President Donald Trump administration and Republican dominated Congress, U.S. Rep. Val Demings found triumphs – and joy – in moments of resistance. The freshman congresswoman from Orlando outlined her first 100 days on Capitol Hill Wednesday and looked ahead expressing her optimism and faith, particularly in the American […]

Scott PowersApril 17, 2017

Saying that conservationists’ efforts apparently are dead this year to get funding routed for preservation as Amendment 1 voters expected, Democratic state Sen. Linda Stewart said she’s organizing support now for next year. That begins with state Sen. Rob Bradley, the Orange Park Republican who chairs the SenateAppropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources, she […]

Scott PowersApril 17, 2017

State budget cuts the Florida Legislature is aiming at Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s office could slice up to $1.3 million and 21 staff members yet there is dispute over how much she’ll need that money and staff to prosecute criminal cases in Orange and Osceola counties. Her office currently has 55 open jobs out […]

Associated PressApril 17, 2017

Florida’s House is backing Gov. Rick Scott in his legal battle against an Orlando prosecutor who refuses to seek the death penalty in cases handled by her office. The state Supreme Court said Monday it would allow attorneys working for House Speaker Richard Corcoran to file legal briefs in the case between the governor and […]

Scott PowersApril 17, 2017

Three bomb threats in early January left parents being served by the Roth Family Jewish Community Center in Maitland torn between their appreciation for the center and the safety of the children. Should they stay or should the leave? The bomb threats led to no physical harm and the March arrest in Israel of the suspect […]

Associated PressApril 16, 2017

A water shortage warning has been issued to 8.1 million residents from Orlando to the Florida Keys. South Florida Water Management District Board Chairman Dan O’Keefe said Thursday that residents’ voluntary efforts will help the water supply last through the region’s dry season. If those efforts prove insufficient, mandatory water restrictions may be considered. Drought conditions […]

Scott PowersApril 12, 2017

A Florida Legislature Conference Committee showdown appears likely over how much money will be cut from Orlando’s State Attorney Aramis Ayala‘s office now that the Florida Senate passed a budget package Wednesday that includes a much smaller cut than is being proposed in the Florida House. Engineered by state Sen. Randolph Bracy, an Oakland Democrat, […]

Orlando

Twine noose lowlights hate being sent Aramis Ayala’s way

David Simmons condemns Frank Artiles comments; calls for due process, suggests PTSD might be factor

Florida prosecutors’ group to weigh in on Rick Scott’s side in Aramis Ayala dispute

Val Demings hails triumphs of resistance in Republican D.C.

Linda Stewart gathering support for Amendment 1 funding next year

Aramis Ayala’s staff build up raises questions about whether she has enough

House backs Governor in battle with Orlando prosecutor Aramis Ayala

Stephanie Murphy tours JCC, pledges help to keep community secure

Water shortage warning for 8 million from Orlando to the Keys

Florida Senate passes budget with limited cut to Aramis Ayala’s office