Make Good Trouble: 2024 General Election, OCN Recommendations

Posted on November 5, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Nov. 5, 2024 (Orlando, FL) — It’s Election Day! Here’s my message to every registered voter, in the words of the late Civil Rights leader and United States Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.), MAKE GOOD TROUBLE – VOTE.

This is for those who have not voted yet! Today, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is General Election Day. You get to voice your opinion by walking or driving to your polling place and voting! Who do YOU want to represent you and how YOU feel about the major issues on the ballot? Who do YOU think would make a better President of The United States of America: former President Donald J. Trump or current Vice President Kamala D. Harris?

Hours to vote today: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Location: Your assigned voting place.

Before you go, open up your Sample Ballot and read over each one of the choices and fill in the ovals, just like you would if you were in a booth at your voting precinct. You can take your Sample Ballot with you to check in easily and use it to mark your ballot – saving yourself some time!

When I voted on Day One of early voting, I overheard a young woman say in frustration, ‘I don’t know’ while she was filling out her ballot.

That’s the worst feeling. Staring at a ballot question and having absolutely no idea how to vote. This time, we’re going to vote wisely – together!

Here are my recommendations for some of the ballot questions:

President and Vice President: Kamala D. Harris and Tim Walz. I REALLY WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE IS BETWEEN Trump and Harris. Disinformation in candidate interviews and political ads want you to believe Harris had presidential power in the past nearly four years. She is VP of the U.S. and former U.S. Senator from California. Easy to research both of them and know about his legal battles since leaving office in January 2021, including him being convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to influence the 2016 election, according to reports.

I know political polls say this is a close race, but it shouldn’t be, in my book. I see Harris as more qualified and steadier to move the country forward, unifying all citizens and securing our respected position in the world. It is also a great opportunity for us to elect the first woman P.O.T.U.S.! The fact that she’s a Black American woman of Asian and Jamaican heritage is icing on the cake!

As far as other national races are concerned, Harris will need help in Congress to get key bipartisan bills passed so vote Democrat down the ballot!

For Florida State Attorney, 9th Judicial Circuit: Monique Worrell. For the simple fact that she is the former State Attorney for the circuit (Orange and Osceola counties), elected in 2020 by an overwhelming margin. In August 2023, she was suspended by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, saying she neglected her duty to faithfully prosecute crime in her jurisdiction, according to reports. DeSantis removed her from office and appointed former judge Andrew Bain for the duration of the suspension. Bain is running against Worrell as an independent (no party affiliation). I’ve personally met and seen Worrell supporting the local community – from participating in food giveaways in the aftermath of the pandemic to special events.

For Florida Supreme Court: Vote No to all. Also, No to all district court of appeal judges as well. (No means we don’t want to retain them.) Why? There is too little diversity on the state supreme court and many of the lower courts. Also, some of the judges are affiliated with the Federalist Society, a far-right organization that has increasingly influenced our judicial system. (Credit: A respected long time Orlando attorney.)

For Orange County Supervisor of Elections: Karen Castor Dentel. Unfortunately, there are way too many people in the race. Four people, all Democrats, are vying for supervisor of elections but Dentel, former school board member and state representative, had a sizable lead in the Democratic primary before a judge halted that race and moved it to November (for this General Election), according to the elections office. Again, you can search on OCN or just google why the primary was scrapped.

Next are my recommendations for the state and Orange County amendments, based on personal research and news reports.

State Amendment 1: NO. Leave school board races nonpartisan, with no closed primary elections so that all voters can vote for any candidate.

State Amendment 2: NO. We already have a law in place for this.

State Amendment 3: NO. I’ve gone back and forth on this one, but 37 other states already have legalized recreational marijuana, according to reports. This is for adult use only. Fewer people would be put in jail for smoking marijuana.

State Amendment 4: YES. Listen, the state of Florida recently approved and enacted a six-week abortion ban. It is already in place. Women, many who may not know that they are pregnant at six weeks, should be able to decide with their doctors on how to handle their own medical care. Don’t believe the commercials – your Sample Ballot gives the exact purpose of this amendment and it clearly states: This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.

State Amendment 5: NO. It’s sponsored by the current legislature. We need every dime for our local municipalities – for road improvements and other services.

State Amendment 6: NO. Leave the current public campaign financing intact, including spending limits. I agree with the League of Women Voters of Florida: The current system “enables candidates who are not wealthy or who have more limited access to financing to be able to run for office.”

For Orange County Charter Amendments: YES to 1,2,4,6,8,9,10. I have no recommendation for the others.

For the School Sales Surtax Referendum: YES. I can tell you from experience of a close family member who is a teacher, the school system needs to keep these funds. If anyone hasn’t noticed, Orange County is growing faster than ever. The growth is cause for more classrooms, supplies, you name it and this surtax will help.

Ok, there are too many items on the ballot to list every single item here. But, I did publish an article before this one with a list with my recommendations. Check it out! I hope and pray this helps. Email me if you have any questions on this information.

To find or confirm your polling place got to the elections office website: http://www.ocfelections.com 

Trish Marshall, Founder and Editor, Orlando Community News
Email: orlandocommunitynews@gmail.com

Posted in Community news that can help | Leave a comment

Who and What for Next Week’s General Election

Posted on October 30, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

October 29, 2024 – So far, 286,200 people in Orange County have voted early, either by vote by mail ballot or at an early voting location; that’s the unofficial number, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office. With seven days left before General Election Day, that’s good news. Keep it going: Early voting saves time from waiting (standing) in lines on election day and secures your vote in case you have an emergency on election day. (See OCN’s previous posts on early voting locations and hours.)

In addition to one of the most remarkable United States presidential races in modern history, voters nationwide will decide who they want in Congress, state Legislature and local public offices. (Yes, voters nationwide could elect the first woman to serve as President of the United States.) Florida voters will also decide on major issues like limiting government interference with abortion and permitting adult recreational use of marijuana.

For those who have not voted: As promised, I am publishing my recommendations for KEY public offices, state amendments and county charter amendments. I can’t do them all because as you know, there are quite a few items on the ballot, comprised of four pages – two pages with items printed on the front and back. Remember to complete both sides of the pages when you vote!

The length of the ballot is not a complaint: As U.S. citizens, we all should consider it a right and privilege to be able to freely vote. Sometimes, I do think we make it hard for people to vote. Still, we know people in many other countries don’t have the freedom as we do to select people we want to represent us and to voice our desire on certain issues. Our voting rights (esp. women and Black Americans) were hard fought for! We are blessed! Our votes count and our voices matter! If this was not the case, we wouldn’t see states tussling in court lately with political groups trying to stop people from voting. Research that!

Anyway, I hope and pray each one of you are REGISTERED to vote and do VOTE WISELY on or before election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. The recommendations below were derived from personal research and endorsements from local news outlets as well as organizations such as the League of Women Voters of Orange County. Two key points from me: A few ballot items could be decided by the governing body and we need Servant Leaders who work for the will of the people they represent, not necessarily for their political party. (And yes, they need to be able to work with others well to get things done.)

President and Vice President: Kamala Harris/Tim Walz

United States Senator: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

Representative in Congress, District 10: Maxwell Alejandro Frost

State Attorney, 9th Judicial District: Monique Worrell

Supervisor of Election: Karen Castor Dentel

Retain Florida Supreme Court justices? NO to all

Circuit Judge, 9th Judicial District: Alicia L. Peyton

Orange County Charter Amendments:

Amendment 1: YES

Amendment 2: YES

Amendment 4: YES

Amendment 6: YES

Amendment 8: YES

Amendment 9: YES

Amendment 10: YES

School Sales Surtax Referendum: YES (Keep it in place.)

Florida Constitutional Amendments:

Amendment 1 (Partisan election of school board members): NO

Amendment 2 (Right to fish and hunt): NO

Amendment 3 (Adult recreational use of marijuana): YES

Amendment 4 (Limiting government interference with abortion): YES (Please research Florida’s recently

adopted abortion law to get a full understanding of the amendment.)

Amendment 5 (Annual adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions): NO

Amendment 6 (Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement): NO 

-Trish Marshall, Founder and Editor
Orlando Community News
orlandocommunitynews@gmail.com
Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Up Next: Early Voting for Orange County – Monday, Oct. 21

Posted on October 20, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

October 20, 2024 (Orlando) —

It’s the eve of the first day of early voting (in person) and if Florida is anything like Georgia and North Carolina, it will see a record number of early voters according to reports, to cast votes on national, state and local candidates as well major issues that will affect residents in the state. Early voting starts Monday, Oct. 21 in many counties in the state including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and Volusia counties. Hours vary.

Here in Orange County, early voting will continue through Nov. 3 at 22 early voting locations. Hours daily: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents who are registered to vote can do so at one of the sites, saving time compared to waiting in lines on General Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Here’s a list of the early voting locations:

  • Alafaya Library
  • Apopka Community Center
  • Chickasaw Library
  • Fairview Shores Library
  • Hiawassee Library
  • Lift Orlando (Heart of West Lakes)
  • Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex
  • Meadow Woods Recreation Center
  • Orange County National Golf Center
  • Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office
  • Renaissance Senior Center
  • South Creek Library
  • Southeast Library
  • Southwest Library
  • Tibet-Butler Preserve
  • Town of Eatonville Town Hall
  • UCF – Live Oak Event Center
  • Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus
  • Washington Park Library
  • West Oaks Library
  • Winter Garden Library
  • Winter Park Library

Voters must present their photo and signature identification, like a driver’s license, when they show up at the locations. Good idea to take your Sample Ballot also: That will save time and help you recall for whom you want to represent you and how you want to vote on issues.

Key races and issues on the ballot include President of the United States: Former President Donald Trump versus current Vice President Kamala Harris, State Attorney-9th Judicial Circuit: Monique Worrell (former elected S.A.) versus Andrew Bain (current S.A. appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis) and whether or not the state should legalize adult recreational marijuana use. (Florida Amendment 3)

If you have any questions about voting early, reach out to the elections office: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806. Phone: (407) 836-2070. Website: www.ocfelections.gov

Posted in Community news that can help | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Election Roundup: What You Need to Know to Prepare for Nov. 5 General Election

Posted on October 5, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

October 5, 2024 (Orange County, FL) – For some people, the day can’t come soon enough. For others, the day seems too soon: They need more time to prepare. “The day” is Election Day on Nov. 5 in which Florida voters will vote on national, state and local races – including the race for President of the United States. There are also six Florida amendments and 10 Orange County charter amendments on the ballot – including whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana (among adults 21 or older).

No one can speed up the date but here are some key dates THIS MONTH and important information for residents to participate in the General Election (exercise their right to vote):

  • MONDAY, OCT. 7: Deadline to register to vote. Register In Person until 6 p.m.: Supervisor of Elections Office, 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806, a driver license office, a public library; the Center for Independent Living as well as WIC (Women, Infants and Children) and DCF (Department of Children and Families) offices. Register Online until 11:59 p.m.: http://www.registertovoteflorida.gov
  • FRIDAY, OCT. 11: Public testing of voting machines. 9 a.m.
  • MONDAY, OCT. 21: First day of Early Voting which runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Early Voting hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. See locations at elections office website: www.ocfelections.com/early-voting
  • THURSDAY, OCT. 24: Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot until 5 p.m. Return the completed, signed ballot and envelope until 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Sample Ballots have started going out so if you have not gotten one, contact the supervisor of elections office to make sure your address is correct. Reviewing your Sample Ballot ahead of time is a good way to prepare to vote. You can take it with you when you go vote, which will help you save time also.

If you have any questions about voting, contact the elections office: (407) 836-2070.

Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Community Meeting: Be Prepared for Nov. 5 General Election

Posted on September 26, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

Sept. 25, 2024 (Eatonville, Florida) – A group of concerned citizens gathered last week at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church to hear from voting advocates who shared their experiences over the years and specific issues that will be on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot.

Grace Lias, of League of Women Voters, talks about importance of voting and how to prepare to vote. (Photo: Trish Marshall/OCN)

About 70 people showed up for the gathering, sponsored by the church, which was held to educate members so they can make choices according to the beliefs in their hearts, according to Macedonia’s Pastor Willie C Barnes. Organizers plan another meeting Oct. 15 to review state amendments that will be on the ballot.

This is a Presidential Election year and it has been a remarkable election season, to say the least: President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, for the job. Harris, who could become the first woman to be elected P.O.T.U.S., is in a tight race against former President Donald Trump, who was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records, becoming the first former president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony, according to reports. Here in Florida and Orange County, key races include U.S. Senator, State Attorney and Supervisor of Elections.

At the gathering, several speakers took turns talking about the importance of voting, how to register to vote, various ways to vote and where to research candidates and issues. Afterwards, they took questions from people in the audience.

Grace Lias, of the League of Women Voters of Orange County, started out and spoke from the perspective of the league, a non-partisan organization which has been around for more than 100 years. “We don’t endorse any party or candidate,” she said. “We do make recommendations on amendments.”

She said during her many years with the league she has talked with people about registering to vote and voting she has often heard, ‘I am not political.’

“I don’t know what that means so I often ask, what is important to you or what do you care about?”

She pointed out several hot issues: Social Security (for those near or at retirement age), Homeowner Insurance (rising costs), Education (book banning), Gun Violence (now the #1 cause of death of children and teenagers in the United States) and Healthcare (pre-existing conditions currently covered under the Affordable Care Act).

“We vote to choose the people who make the rules,” Lias said. “That’s what elections are for…Participate, don’t be a bystander.”

She ended by asking audience members to make a plan to vote (early Oct. 21- Nov. 3, by vote-by-mail ballot or on election day), check their voting status with the elections office to make sure they are not inactive or removed from rolls and vote after doing the research.

Byron Green, Chief Deputy of Elections for the Orange County elections office, reviewed recent changes at the office in an effort to get more people out to vote. He got audience members to participate by quizzing them on key dates: Oct. 24 – Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot and Oct. 7 – Last day to register to vote (by 6 p.m. at the elections office and 11:59 p.m. online). Before the registration deadline is also a good time to update your address and signature, he said.

Completed vote-by-mail ballots can be mailed to the elections office and must be received before 7 p.m. on election day. If you requested a vote-by-mail ballot and for some reason you decide to vote early, you can drop off your completed ballot to the elections office or at any early voting location, Green said.

There are four pages to the General Election ballot, which includes national, state and local races, six state amendments, 10 county charter amendments and one referendum (on whether or not continue the one-half cent School Sales Surtax).

Larry Colleton, President of the Orange County Chapter of the Florida Voters League, closed out with a historical viewpoint of elections and what Black people especially in the South went through to vote. He talked about Project 2025 and how the plan, initiated by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, undermines the progress made during and after the Civil Rights movement. Colleton pointed out of few highlights of the plan, including the call to eliminate the Department of Education and to re-classify federal employees as “at will” workers. A significant number of Black people over the years worked and still work in those positions, he said.

Overall, the voting gathering was very informative, one attendee said, adding she wanted to learn more about the amendments.

Here are some resources to prepare yourself to vote: Macedonia, http://www.ocfelections.com and http://www.vote411.org. You can also call the elections office if you have questions: (407) 836-2070.

Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Save Money for Disaster Preparedness

Posted on August 29, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

August 29, 2024 (Orlando) — We’re in the midst of hurricane season here in Florida – with several more months to go. So now is the time to buy supplies, during the state of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, which started on August 24 and ends on September 6 (next Friday). Shoppers can get certain items and pay no taxes: Qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales taxes, based on the state’s Department of Revenue website.

Here are some common items that are exempt from sales during this period: manual can openers, pet food items, portable self-powered light sources; gas or diesel fuel tanks, batteries, smoke detectors and alarms; fire extinguishers and portable generations.

Now, where you purchase items does matter. The sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport, according to the Department of Revenue’s website.

For details, go to: Visit floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep

Posted in Community news that can help | Leave a comment

Vote and Vote Wisely – Early

Posted on August 17, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

From the Editor’s Desk:

August 16, 2024 – If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times – one way or another: Vote and Vote Wisely. Your Vote is Your Voice. Vote in every election.

So here we are, at the tail end of early voting here in Orange County for the 2024 Primary Election. (Election day is Tuesday, August 20.) Early voting started on Aug. 5 and will end on Aug. 18.

Have you voted by mail or early at one of the 22 Early Voting Locations within the county, including the Supervisor of Elections Office? If not, what are your voting plans? I hope you have taken the time to at least “goggle” the names of the candidates on your Sample Ballot (which you should have gotten if you are registered to vote.)

Here in Orange County, there are several key public offices that are partisan (party specific) and nonpartisan (non-party specific) – including quite a few judicial offices. This means that ALL REGISTERED VOTERS CAN VOTE FOR SOMETHING FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

In some of the public office races, several candidates did not qualify before the deadline or they dropped out late in the game. This is true for the race for Sheriff (incumbent John Mina), Clerk of Court (incumbent Tiffany Moore Russell) and Property Appraiser (incumbent Amy Mercado).

But we are voting for a new Supervisor of Elections in a heated race. The candidates are: Karen Castor Dentel (former school board member), Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund (real estate broker and National Guard veteran), Dan Helm (local attorney) and Wes Hodge (real estate broker and political organizer).

Hope you all are keeping up.

Helm sued retired Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles in the past and filed a lawsuit recently against candidate Cynthia Harris (no party affiliation) and Glenn Gilzean, who was appointed several months ago to replace Cowles by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Helm accused Harris of improperly paying the required filing fee to qualify for the race, according to reports. Something about using a personal account instead of a designated campaign account to pay the qualifying fee to get in the race. Seems technical to me but hey, I’m not an attorney. Yet, Helm wants the job. To my associates who are attorneys: couldn’t Harris qualify as a write-in candidate? I mean, if the fee was paid and paid on time, why not?

Anyway, who do you want to represent you locally, statewide and nationally?

Look at your Sample Ballot, for this election, there are multiple candidates for United States Senator and Representative, State Senator and Representative, Florida Public Defender, county Tax Collector and about a half dozen circuit and county judges as well as county commissioners. You will see familiar names – even some blasts from the past. Many of the candidates for school board and county commission are newcomers to public office.

I will not publish any recommendations or endorsements for the upcoming election but maybe, just maybe, I will for the November Presidential Election. (Let me pray about that one!)

Go vote and my suggestion, with all of the changes happening in our election system, VOTE EARLY and VOTE WISELY.

It’s past time for us to vote for servant leaders. People who have our best interests at heart, on a majority basis. People who aim to do the right thing, no matter the political party or special interest groups with big money. PLUS, character and integrity do matter!

WE know God is in control of it all. WE still have to do our part.

Click here to see the hours and locations for early voting Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18: https://www.ocfelections.com/early-voting

Posted in Community news that can help | Leave a comment

Orange County Early Voting Starts Today

Posted on August 5, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

August 5, 2024, (Orange County) – Good news: 22 early voting locations across the county are open today until 7 p.m. Yes, it’s a rainy day but you still can go vote early, if you are available and prepared. If you miss today, you have until August 18 to vote early. Early voting hours: 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Florida is a closed primary state so for many of the public office races, voters must designate which political party they belong to (for partisan races). There are, however, several non-partisan or non-political party races, such as for the school board and county commission, on the ballot. So all registered voters, including those who did not select a party or who selected an independent party, can get a ballot and VOTE.

Here is a list of the early voting locations:

Apopka Community Center

Alafaya Library

Chickasaw Library

Fairview Shores Library

Hiawassee Library

Lift Orlando

Marks Street Senior Center Recreation Complex

Meadow Woods Recreation Center

Orange County National Golf Center

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office

Renaissance Senior Center

South Creek Library

Southeast Library

Southwest Library

Tibet-Butler Preserve

Town of Eatonville Town Hall

University of Central Florida – Live Oak Event Center

Valencia College – Lake Nona Campus

Washington Park Library

West Oaks Library

Winter Garden Library

Winter Park Library

Now more than ever, it is important for voters to research the candidates, take sample ballots with them (if need be) and fill out the ballot completely (and correctly) so there will be no questions about their intentions for representation in the applicable local, state and national public offices. Also, voters: make sure to take a photo/signature I.D. with you.

If you have any questions or concerns about early voting, call the elections office: (407) 836-2070 or to see the addresses for each location go to the website: https://www.ocfelections.gov/early-voting

Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Leave a comment

Early Voting: City of Orlando District 5 Run-Off Election

Posted on June 11, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

June 10, 2024 (Orlando) – Residents in the city who are registered to vote started voting early today for the District 5 Run-Off Election.

Early voting, held at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, will run through Sunday, June 16. Early voting hours: Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., according to the elections office. The Run-Off Election Day is next Tuesday, June 18, at polling places throughout the district. Voting hours on election day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The District 5 seat was left vacant when Commissioner Regina Hill was suspended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after she was charged with various charges, including exploitation of an elderly person and mortgage fraud. Hill has plead not guilty to all charges, according to reports.

The two contenders in the District 5 Run-Off Election are Travaris McCurdy and Shaniqua “Shan” Rose, the top vote getters in the first election on May 21. Rose got 24.80 percent of the votes and McCurdy got 23.29 percent in that election, which had about a 10 percent voter turnout, according to the elections office. Whomever wins will begin serving when elected and until the criminal case involving Hill is resolved or the current terms ends, per election officials.

Shaniqua “Shan” Rose
Travaris McCurdy

In a recent interview, I asked Rose, who ran against Hill for the seat in 2021, at this point (in the midst of early voting and in light of the Run-Off Election next week) what are two things she wants District 5 residents to know?

Here’s her response: “One, as a Parramore resident, I’ve been a champion for positive change in the community and as the next District 5 commissioner, I will continue to champion the needs of this community. I love this community, I believe in this community and I want what’s best for this district – a place where we can all live, work and play.

Two, I am proud to have received endorsements from Greater Orlando Builders Association and the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, which means I have relationships and connections on Day 1 to address the affordable housing crisis. I have local government experience to serve District 5 and the City of Orlando well and I humbly ask for your vote.”

Rose, a former employee of the City of Orlando, currently works as the Executive Director of the Town of Eatonville’s Community Redevelopment Agency and founder/operator of the nonprofit organization Change For The Community (started in 2019). She said she’s lived in the Parramore community for six years.

McCurdy could not be reached to comment for this article.

District 5 covers a huge chuck of downtown Orlando, including historic neighborhoods west of Interstate 4 like Parramore and Rock Lake as well as neighborhoods in the Raleigh Street/Kirkman Road vicinity. A part of MetroWest is also in the district.

If you live in District 5 and have questions about early voting or Run-Off election day voting, contact the election office at (407) 836-2070 or City Clerk’s office at (407) 246-2251. Reminder: The location for early voting is the elections office: 119 W. Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806.

-Trish Marshall, Founder and Editor, Orlando Community News

Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Voters in Orlando’s District 5 Prepare for Runoff Election

Posted on May 22, 2024 by OrlandoCommunityNews

May 22, 2024, (Orlando) — It ain’t over. Registered voters in the city’s District 5 will go to their polling places on Tuesday, June 18 for Run-Off Election Day because none of the seven candidates hoping to fill the open commission seat got a majority of the votes in yesterday’s election.

According to the unofficial election results posted on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office website, Shaniqua “Shan” Rose and Travaris McCurdy got the highest and second highest number of votes cast in the May 21 Special Election for District 5 Interim City Commission seat. Rose, executive director of the Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency, got 24.80% of the votes cast and McCurdy, former state representative, got 23.29%, according to the elections office.

Shaniqua “Shan” Rose
Travaris McCurdy

The rest of the 2,134 votes counted were spread among the other five candidates. Ericka Dunlap and Lawanna Gelzer came close with 21.60% an 18.96% of the votes cast, respectively. TiaKeysha Ellison got 1.55%, Cameron Hope got 4.09% and Miles Mulrain Jr. got 5.69%.

The official results will be available on Friday, May 24, when Canvass Board members meet and certify the results.

The District 5 commission seat opened in April when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Commissioner Regina Hill after her arrest on charges of exploitation of the elderly and fraud, according to reports. She maintains her innocence, reports say.

Whomever wins the June 18 run-off election will begin serving and continue until the case against Hill is resolved or the current term for her seat is over (in 2025), according the election officials. Hill has been District 5 commissioner for 10 years.

Posted in Community news that can help, Election Connection | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment