Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order this afternoon to suspend Commissioner Regina Hill from her role as city commissioner for the City of Orlando, in accordance with the Florida Constitution and sections 112.51(1) and 112.51(2), Florida Statutes.
Hill was indicted in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in and for Orange county on three counts of Exploitation of an Elderly Person or Disabled Person Greater than $50,000, one count of Scheme to Defraud of $50,000 or More, one count of Fraudulent Use of Personal Identification Over $100,000, and one count of Mortgage Fraud Greater than $100,000.
Hill has been accused of stealing from a 96-year-old constituent, more on that here.
The Governor has the power to suspend a city councilperson under Article IV, section 7(c) of the Florida Constitution, which states: “[b]y order of the governor any elected municipal officer indicted for crime may be suspended from office until acquitted and the office filled by appointment for the period of suspension, not to extend beyond the term unless these powers are vested elsewhere by law or the municipal charter.”
Hill came to work today for an agenda review session at 1 p.m. at City Hall before the announcement was made, though she was absent for the public meeting. Council voted to extend the current nightclub moratorium, and annex land for Tavistock’s Sunbridge development without her in attendance.
A special city council meeting is scheduled for April 8 to discuss hosting a special election for Hill’s District 5 seat, with the city hoping to have a vote set for sometime in May. Mayor Dyer currently has ten days from now to officially call for the special election to temporarily/permanently replace Hill.
Hill issued the following statement.
“As I navigate through these challenging times, I want to assure the residents of District 5 that our team’s commitment to your needs and well-being stands firm. The office remains operational and fully equipped to provide the support you need, so please don’t hesitate to contact them at [email protected] or by calling 407-246-2005 for any assistance.
My confidence in the integrity of the legal process and faith in God is unwavering, and I’m deeply moved by the support from our community. This support is a constant reminder of the strength and resilience that defines District 5, and it fuels my continued dedication to serving and uplifting every community member through these trying times. I will wait for my day in court when I’ll be able to prove my innocence and that I always acted in good faith.”
