Politics
‘We were put in a tough spot’ as he caves over fears of Gov. DeSantis interference
Orlando County Mayor Jerry Demings admitted he felt forced to sign the updated federal immigrant agreement because he feared Gov. Ron DeSantis would “insert his minions” into the county leadership, sending the county into chaos.
“Yes, I signed the damn thing because we really had to. We were put in a tough spot. I can’t let our entire Board of County Commissioners and myself be removed from office,” Demings said speaking to the media Friday. “I signed under protest in extreme duress … but I think that it was the right thing at the right time.”
The contract goes to the full County Board Tuesday for approval.
Earlier Friday morning, Demings signed the controversial addendum which allows Orange County Correctional Officers to transport immigration detainees to immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities, which could be as far as Alligator Alcatraz in the Everglades.
Shortly after Demings signed the agreement, DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a press conference Friday in Orange County although they said little on the standoff with Demings. The press conference announced a new immigration unit in the Florida Highway Patrol.
Demings said he did not have any direct knowledge that DeSantis arrived into town to announce his removal, but the Mayor seemed to allude that was a concern.
It would not be the first time DeSantis targeted removing an elected official in Orange County, one of the bluest parts of Florida. In 2023, he suspended Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Monique Worrell, a Democrat, from office, a move Democrats criticized as political. Demings, who is a former Sheriff and Police Chief, is also a Democrat.
Demings also gave more insight into why he had pushed back against the contract in the first place.
“The agreement was really written for law enforcement agencies, not for correctional agencies. It just so happens that we are one of the few counties in the state of Florida that manages and operates the jail. In most cases, it’s the sheriffs,” Demings said. “One size does not fit all.’
He warned the Orange County Jail employs 880 certified corrections officers but also has 212 vacancies. Sending them four-plus hours to drive ICE detainees to South Florida leaves the county understaffed and at risk, Demings insisted.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that the jail is safe every day, 24 hours a day, for those persons who are in our care and custody,” Demings said. “ I don’t have to tell you that the men and women who work at that jail, it is my responsibility as the CEO for this county to make sure that they are safe.”
Demings said he signed the contract under advice from the county attorney after he received Uthmeier’s letter threatening to have him removed from office in the postal mail Friday — days after Uthmeier posted the letter on his social media.
“As we move forward collaboratively, I hope we get to a better place,” DeSantis said. “I want our citizens to understand that we will continue to fight for what is right, but we’ll do so very strategically.”
When asked Demings what message he would like to give DeSantis, Demings said, “We are not enemies.”
“Local governments are subdivisions of the state. Our state officials and governors should act like it. They should remember that we are part of the state of Florida. The state of Florida works best when we work in collaboration across political lines.”
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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