Angela Eady, previously the vice mayor, has taken over as mayor of Kissimmee. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Jackie Espinosa on Friday, Oct. 30, following her arrest.
The suspension was issued under Executive Order 26-226. The city announced it in an overnight statement. Eady assumed the duties under Article 25 of the Kissimmee city charter.
Under the charter, Eady will serve as mayor until Espinosa’s suspension is lifted or until the end of the current term, whichever comes first. The mayor’s seat is up for election in 2028. The city also is to fill Eady’s seat on the city commission (Seat 2) by appointment. Eady had previously stood in for Espinosa in some of her duties since her arrest on Oct. 21.
Espinosa was arrested on Oct. 21 on charges of grand theft and organized fraud. Investigators link the case to $50,000 in pandemic-era grants from the city’s “Business Boost 2.0” program. According to prosecutors and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the funds went to businesses tied to her or her family. Investigators also say she ignored ethics concerns raised by city employees.
Espinosa maintains she is innocent. A pretrial hearing in Osceola County is scheduled for Dec. 1. The defense has filed a motion to excuse Espinosa from appearing, so only her attorneys will be in the courtroom.
The Florida Commission on Ethics has also taken up the matter. According to NBC Miami, it accepted a settlement in which Espinosa admitted violating the state’s ethics law. The settlement calls for a $2,000 fine and a public apology.
Source: Orlando Sentinel
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Source: Słoneczne Radio
