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By
Spectrum News Staff
Florida
UPDATED 12:00 AM ET Nov. 04, 2024
PUBLISHED 10:39 AM EDT Oct. 22, 2024
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Spectrum News Staff
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The 2024 presidential race is well underway. The general election is coming soon, and voters in Tampa Bay and Central Florida counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Nov. 3 to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.
Central Florida Early Voting
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
Tampa Bay Early Voting
Residents of Tampa Bay looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Oct. 21. Check with your county elections office for locations near you.
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Phillip Stucky
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The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters in Orange and Osceola counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Aug. 18 to cast their ballots early.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, Aug. 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be receiving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Aug. 5.
After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on Nov. 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before Oct. 7, and early voting will take place from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3.
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Phillip Stucky
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The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters have until Monday, July 22 to register to vote or update their registration.
Florida is a closed primary state, which means voters will need to lock in their party affiliation by that date in order to participate in their chosen primary elections.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, August 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be recieving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from August 5 through August 18.
After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on November 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before October 7, and early voting will take place from October 21 through November 3.
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Phillip Stucky
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The Congressional Dads Caucus is demanding answers from Food and Drug Administration commissioner Robert Califf about what the agency is doing to guarantee food safety for young children and ensure snacks like applesauce are not being tainted as was the case last year.
Back in 2023, the FDA recalled applesauce pouches after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. The latest report from the CDC says that as of last month, over 500 cases of lead poisoning have been reported to local health departments across the country, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., reached out to the FDA for answers following an investigation by the New York Times on the matter, and while Gomez says his staff did meet with the FDA, they “didn’t find those answers satisfactory.” A new letter released Wednesday signed by 31 members of the Dads caucus, demands more clarity.
“We wanted to make a more formal inquiry by sending a letter from the Dads Caucus with individual Dads Caucus members signed on to ask a few things: one, where do they see the room for improvement?” said Gomez in an interview with Spectrum News. “We understand that they’re asking for more money, they’re asking for more authority. But we want to see how is that going to impact the ability of the FDA to find food with lead in it, especially when it comes to our children? So we’re asking them to answer a series of questions that we can get a formal response to, and then we can see what steps we take from there.”
The letter’s three questions to Califf include:
What steps are being taken to address food contamination by heavy metals, and what guarantees do you have for the public that such incidents won’t happen again?
What is the level of funding necessary for the FDA to achieve its food safety mandates?
How does the agency propose to utilize any new authorities and make concrete changes to ensure the safety of the food products consumed by our families?
“If we find the answers unsatisfactory, or that they don’t provide enough details, we will ask for a hearing,” said Gomez. “But we’ll also try to figure out what else we can do as individual members. We will maybe introduce legislation to get the FDA’s attention.”
“I think when it comes to protecting our food supply, protecting the food that children, especially babies, consume, that’s critical. So all options are on the table.”
The FDA told Spectrum News that it received the letter and “will respond directly to the Congressional Dads Caucus.”
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Cassie Semyon
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“Happy Black Maternal Health Week!” Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Ill., said Thursday, addressing a room filled with advocates and fellow lawmakers at the Library of Congress. For Underwood, who cofounded the Black Maternal Health Caucus alongside Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., this week — April 11 to April 17 — is her Super Bowl.
In five years in championing maternal health, Underwood and the Black Maternal Health Caucus have secured millions of dollars for maternal health priorities, including over $100 million for Black maternal health priorities just last month as part of the 2024 federal budget that President Joe Biden signed into law. Their love letter to moms across America is the “Momnibus,” a bipartisan package of bills that address “all aspects” of the maternal health crisis through a package of 13 bills.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. The CDC also reports that death from pregnancy-related complications has gone up in recent years, from 861 deaths in 2020, to 1,205 deaths in 2021.
That, Underwood says, is unacceptable.
“We are so close — we have come right up to the finish line and now we need to get across it together,” Underwood said to nods from the audience. “It’s designed to be a solution, not a Band-Aid. Let’s fix it, once and for all. We know how to fix it — let’s just be courageous enough to get this done.”
Underwood was joined Thursday by Dads Caucus founder Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., Mamas Caucus founder Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and advocate groups such as Chamber of Mothers to discuss the issues mothers are facing, including maternal mortality and lack of affordable childcare.
“In America, we talk about being pro-life, and we care about our people, we care about the economy. I think of childcare as an infrastructure issue. And that’s part of why it was a part of the care infrastructure package and Build Back Better,” explained Erin Erenberg, CEO of Chamber of Mothers. “If you have a new baby, who’s holding the baby? Just like a bridge is holding transportation over two bodies of water, who’s holding the baby when after you have a child and you head back into work? Childcare is a necessity, it truly is essential.”
Gomez, who went viral for carrying his son on the House floor during last year’s speakership race, has been a vocal advocate for supporting maternal health and expanding the child tax credit. He says they are laying the groundwork to accomplish these priorities if Democrats are able to take back the House next year.
“We’re gonna make the issues of the child tax credit that cut poverty rates in this country a top priority and paid family leave — all those issues — childcare, a top priority,” said Gomez. “This year, 2024, it’s a tough election year. But it’s all about laying the groundwork for the new Congress in 2025.”
When asked why Republicans haven’t signed on to become members of the Dads Caucus and headline this family issues, Gomez admitted he hasn’t done much recruiting of his colleagues across the aisle.
“I think there is definitely a disconnect on how Republicans view the role of government in people’s lives. They, I often say and history has shown, care about how you are born and how you die, but they don’t really care about anything in the middle. That is something that we have to try to change.”
Black Maternal Health Week runs from April 11 through April 17.
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Cassie Semyon
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FLORIDA — As voters went to the polls Tuesday, elections officials across Central Florida began tabulating those results, and combining them with the ballots submitted by mail. Former President Donald Trump has already garnered enough electoral votes to clinch the Republican nomination, but party members statewide had the opportunity to vote for him and several other candidates who dropped out, but still appeared on the ballot as a result of their prior ballot access actions.
Early voting took place from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties were able to vote early on March 17 as well.
Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19: (Winners will be displayed in bold when their race is called. Percentages will appear next to candidate names)
Only the Republican primary is present, since the Democratic Primary was canceled because President Joe Biden has enough delegates to clinch his nomination.
Ryan L. Binkley
Chris Christie
Ron DeSantis
Nikki Haley
Asa Hutchinson
Vivek Ramaswamy
Donald J. Trump
City Council seat 3 (Currently held by Kyle Becher)
City Council seat 4 (Currently held by Nick Nesta)
Council Seat 4
Council Seat 5
Ballot Questions:
Question 1
Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office
Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.
Question 2
Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock
Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.
Question 3
Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor
Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.
Question 4
Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase
Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.
Question 5
Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office
Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter, the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.
Question 6
Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk
Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.
City Commissioner District 4
Question #1
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #2
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #3
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #4
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #5
Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation
Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #6
Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors
Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #7
Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant
Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §
218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #8
Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency
Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #9
Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary
Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #10
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #11
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #12
Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance
Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #13
Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board
Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two
(2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
City Commissioner District 2
City Commissioner District 3
Mayor
City Commission Seat 2
Town of Oakland
City of Flagler Beach City Commissioner
After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.
The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.
Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.
Both the City of Maitland and the City of Edgewood have charter amendments or questions only for their voters.
Question 1
City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project
Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?
Question 1
Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?
Question 2
Mayoral Stipend Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?
Question 3
Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?
Question 4
Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?
Question 5
Grammatical Correction Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?
Question 6
Timing of Budget Message Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?
Question 7
Reserves Savings Cap Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used for “unrestricted reserves”?
Question 8
Procurement Threshold Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?
Question 9
Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment
Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip.
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Gary Darling
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FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in.
Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.
Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.
Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:
Municipal Candidates / Amendments:
Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.
After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.
The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.
Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.
Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.
Question #1
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #2
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #3
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #4
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #5
Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation
Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #6
Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors
Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #7
Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant
Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §
218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #8
Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency
Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #9
Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary
Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #10
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #11
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #12
Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance
Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #13
Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board
Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two
(2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question 1
City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project
Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?
Question 1
Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?
Question 2
Mayoral Stipend Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?
Question 3
Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?
Question 4
Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?
Question 5
Grammatical Correction Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?
Question 6
Timing of Budget Message Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?
Question 7
Reserves Savings Cap Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?
Question 8
Procurement Threshold Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?
Question 9
Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment
Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?
Question 1
Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office
Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.
Question 2
Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock
Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.
Question 3
Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor
Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.
Question 4
Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase
Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.
Question 5
Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office
Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.
Question 6
Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk
Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.
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Gary Darling
Source link
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FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in.
Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.
Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.
Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:
Municipal Candidates / Amendments:
Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.
After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.
The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.
Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.
Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.
Question #1
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #2
Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property
Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #3
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #4
Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check
Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #5
Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation
Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #6
Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors
Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #7
Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant
Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §
218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #8
Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency
Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #9
Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary
Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #10
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #11
Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office
Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #12
Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance
Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question #13
Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board
Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two
(2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.
Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?
Question 1
City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project
Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?
Question 1
Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?
Question 2
Mayoral Stipend Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?
Question 3
Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?
Question 4
Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?
Question 5
Grammatical Correction Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?
Question 6
Timing of Budget Message Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?
Question 7
Reserves Savings Cap Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?
Question 8
Procurement Threshold Amendment
Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?
Question 9
Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment
Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?
Question 1
Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office
Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.
Question 2
Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock
Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.
Question 3
Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor
Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.
Question 4
Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase
Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.
Question 5
Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office
Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.
Question 6
Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk
Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.
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Gary Darling
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The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19.
Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.
In addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans, both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections that day.
Tuesday, Feb. 20, is the last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation ahead of the Presidential Preference Primaries.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.
Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:
Municipal Candidates / Amendments:
Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.
After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.
The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.
Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.
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Phillip Stucky
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