How would a Democratic governor work with a GOP-led Legislature in Florida?

Orange County mayor Jerry Demings and David Jolly are vying to become the first Democratic governor to lead Florida in nearly three decades

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix May 15, 2026May 15, 2026

Orange County mayor Jerry Demings and David Jolly are vying to become the first Democratic governor to lead Florida in nearly three decades.

Orlando Area News

Orange County expands access to cooling centers during extreme heat

County leaders agreed to lower the heat index threshold required to open these county-operated cooling centers

by McKenna Schueler May 7, 2026May 7, 2026

Orlando Area News

Demings extends deadline for renegotiating ICE agreement, blames government shutdown

This is the second time the Orange County mayor has extended the deadline to renegotiate.

by McKenna Schueler April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Orlando Area News

Jerry Demings applauds GOP sheriffs for speaking against federal immigration efforts

“They have gone overboard,” Orange County Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Demings said of ICE

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix March 23, 2026March 23, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County leaders back off proposed one-cent sales tax to fund transportation, conservation

Mayor Jerry Demings said he felt the timing of the proposal was off

by McKenna Schueler March 5, 2026March 10, 2026

Immigration

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings threatens to cancel agreement with ICE over costs

Demings sent a letter to the feds expressing concern about how much it’s costing local taxpayers to house people detained by ICE in the Orange County Jail

by McKenna Schueler February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Orlando Area News

Orange County officials consider resolution symbolically opposing ICE facility

After hours of discussion and a fiery public comment period, county leaders ultimately delayed any formal action.

by McKenna Schueler February 13, 2026February 16, 2026

News

Feds toured Orlando warehouse as potential new ICE detention center

Orlando City Council member cautiously ‘skeptical’ of rumored plans for ICE detention center

by McKenna Schueler January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Florida News

David Jolly leads Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings in new Democratic poll

But, the majority of Democratic voters surveyed are undecided at this point ahead of the 2026 Florida race for governor

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

News

Orange County mayor says local taxpayers ‘unfairly’ shouldering cost of federal ICE duties

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings wrote a letter to the U.S. Marshals Service on Monday seeking full reimbursement for jailing ICE detainees

by McKenna Schueler December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

News

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings intends to change home rule if elected governor

The latest such move by the Legislature is a law passed earlier this year that restricts local governments from regulating development

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix November 18, 2025November 18, 2025

News

Orange County to give $1M to Second Harvest Food Bank to meet rising need

County officials see it as a “strategic investment” to help mitigate hardship and prevent hunger

by McKenna Schueler November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

News

‘Florida needs a change’: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings kicks off campaign for governor

Demings formally announced his bid for governor, setting up a Democratic primary fight next year against former Congressman David Jolly

by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

News

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings files to run for Florida governor

Demings, a former police chief and sheriff, is running as a Democrat in the 2026 gubernatorial race.

by McKenna Schueler November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

News

Florida Republicans lead Democrats in top 2026 races by double digits, survey says

The survey includes First Lady Casey DeSantis, who polls slightly better vs. Democrats than Byron Donalds

by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

News

Florida AG threatens to remove Orange County leaders if they don’t sign ICE addendum

Despite Uthmeier‘s contention, neither federal nor state law requires Orange County to opt in.

by Chloe Greenberg July 30, 2025September 1, 2025

News

Orange County Commissioners want a 25% salary boost, subject to public hearing

Mayor Jerry Demings and County Commissioner Emily Bonilla voted down, with Bonilla citing hypocrisy

by McKenna Schueler July 28, 2023April 3, 2025

News

Orange County to challenge ruling on rent control ordinance

by Gabby Macogay October 31, 2022August 16, 2023

News

State Sen. Randolph Bracy proposes tax on Orange County real estate for out-of-state buyers

Mayor Jerry Demings says decision would have to come from state

by Alex Galbraith August 11, 2022July 13, 2024

News

Florida legislature votes to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek government over company’s opposition to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

by Alex Galbraith April 20, 2022January 10, 2025