Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsJuly 10, 2018

An allegation that a former Rene Plasencia campaign staffer downloaded private campaign data and took it with him to a GOP rival was turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Plasencia’s campaign manager said Tuesday. But Acacia Baker also told Florida Politics that FDLE agents “acknowledged that information was obviously accessed, but without a signed confidentiality agreement or […]

Staff ReportsJuly 10, 2018

A former campaign volunteer for Rene Plasencia is seeking an apology from the state representative after the Orlando Republican accused him of downloading campaign data and taking it with him to a GOP rival. George Collins is challenging Plasencia, first elected in 2014, for the House District 50 seat. “Although my counsel has advised me I have […]

Scott PowersJune 18, 2018

State Rep. Rene Plasencia is alleging that a volunteer who moved from his re-election campaign to the campaign of his Republican primary opponent George Collins illegally downloaded Plasencia’s campaign data and took it with him to Collins’ campaign. Plasencia and his campaign met with an Orange County Sheriff’s Office detective Monday. Plasencia said they intend […]

Scott PowersMarch 13, 2018

Retired Florida Highway Patrol Chief Jose “Joe” Lopez and Orlando Police Chief John Mina each raised about $20,000 in the first month of the Orange County sheriff’s race. Lopez, of Orlando, is reporting that he brought in $20,263.93, including $3,888.93 for professional campaign services during February. His campaign spent $256 leaving it with about $16,119 […]

Scott PowersJanuary 10, 2018

Retired 32-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Thomas Stroup has filed to run for Orange County Sheriff, the first major candidate into the contest to succeed Jerry Demings, who has held the job for nine years and is running for mayor this year. Stroup, 60, a Windermere Republican, retired three years ago as […]

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 […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott has ordered flags at half-staff to honor two first responders killed in Central Florida. The governor issued the directive Thursday. “My wife Ann and I join Floridians across the state in praying for these officers and their families during this unimaginable time,” he said. “We ask that God provide them with much needed […]

Scott PowersJanuary 10, 2017

With a bipartisan gathering of other Florida congressional members, Orlando’s former police chief Val Demings, now a congresswoman from Orlando, led the House of Representatives in a moment to remember and honor Orlando’s fallen officers Monday night. “I rise today to honor the lives of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton of the Orlando Police Department and Deputy Norm Lewis […]

Scott PowersJanuary 9, 2017

U.S. Rep. Val Demings – a retired Orlando police chief who spent 26 years on the force before entering politics – is “devastated” to hear about the murder of her former colleague Orlando Police Department Master Sergeant Debra Clayton followed by the traffic death of an Orange County deputy sheriff working that scene, Demings office […]

Associated PressSeptember 23, 2016

Conversations with the purported gunman at the Pulse nightclub. Tracking down his identity through his cell phone service. Nonstop calls from people reporting loved ones trapped inside the gay nightclub. Mistaken reports about explosives at the club and a false alarm about a second shooter at a nearby hospital. New 911 calls released Thursday show […]

Tag: Orange County Sheriff’s Office

Rene Plasencia campaign fires back over data theft allegation

Former Rene Plasencia campaign worker denies taking info to rival

Rene Plasencia alleges espionage by opponent’s treasurer, seeks criminal charge

Joe Lopez, John Mina each raise about $20K in first month of Orange County sheriff’s race

Tom Stroup files to run for Orange County sheriff

Twine noose lowlights hate being sent Aramis Ayala’s way

Rick Scott orders flags at half-staff for Central Florida officers

Val Demings, Florida members, lead moment in Congress to remember Orlando’s fallen officers

Val Demings ‘devastated’ by Orlando officer deaths

Orlando releases more Pulse nightclub shooting 911 calls