April 8, 2014 (Orlando) — It’s going down in the City of Orlando today, as residents in District 5 select their commissioner. One thing’s for sure, each one of the candidates have very different personalities and bring very different skill sets to the table. The key here is voter turnout. There are about 40,000 people living in the district and about half are registered to vote, according to reports. Many people stay home during mid-term election years…when just about every other political office except the U.S. Presidency is voted on, especially local and state offices.

But locally, residents vote on representatives and issues that more closely affect them and their families’ livelihood.

In this race, current District 5 Commissioner Daisy Lynum abruptly announced her retirement in February, after serving in the position for 16 years and paying the filing fees to run again. Shortly after that, her son, E. Juan Lynum, jumped into the race which already had two other candidates: Cynthia Harris and Regina Hill.

All sorts of allegations have been tossed around in the local media about the candidates’ legal residence, background and experience.

Today is the day voters get to speak up and voice their opinion, by voting.

Depending on where they live, voters will cast ballots in one of four polling places: Rock Lake Community Center, 440 N. Tampa Ave.; John H. Jackson Community Center, 1002 Carter St.; Orlando Fire Station 12, 1588 Park Center Drive; or Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Drive. 

Polls are open today until 7 p.m.

If no candidate earns more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two would compete in a runoff on May 6.

The District is home some of Orlando’s oldest communities: Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and Mercy Drive. The District is home to Jones High School, Nikki’s Place Restaurant, the Amway Events Center, the Florida Citrus Bowl and the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center (opening in the fall).

© Orlando Community News, 2014