Jerry Demings

The former Orlando police chief won with more than 84% of the vote.

The qualifying period ends at noon Friday when candidates for governor, three state Cabinet posts, a U.S. Senate seat, 28 congressional seats and all 160 legislative seats have to make sure their paperwork is submitted.

Dr. Raul Pino, who biecame a trusted info source for Orange County during the COVID pandemic but was put on leave during a state investigation in an email he sent, has accepted a position as director of the county's Health Services.

The Florida Department of Health placed Dr. Raul Pino on leave in January after he sent an email to his staff citing its low COVID-19 vaccine rates and encouraging employees to get the shot.

A week ago, Mayor Jerry Demings said Gov. Ron DeSantis was missing in action as COVID case numbers shot up in the state. The governor said he was with his wife as she underwent cancer treatment.

Orange County leaders plan to open a third testing site ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Meantime, Mayor Jerry Demings says Floridians should be outraged.