Several hate symbols were found painted on trees near the Taft Community Center early voting site in Orange County, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office. (Credit: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office)
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Several hate symbols were found painted on trees near an early voting site in Orange County, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Swastikas painted on trees near voting location
What we know:
The swastikas were found outside the Taft Community Center on South Orange Avenue.
In a news release, elections supervisor Karen Castor Dentel said the office worked with Orange County government and other officials to have the symbols removed.
What they're saying:
"These symbols represent a history of hatred, antisemitism, and violence," Castor Dentel said. "Their presence in our community is deeply disturbing and unacceptable."
"No one should have to encounter symbols of hate and wonder whether they are welcome or safe in the place where they live, work, vote, or participate in their community," Castor Dental added.
What we don't know:
The Orange County Sheriff's Office has opened an investigation to try and figure out who painted the hate symbols, however, it's also unknown how long they've been there.
There are businesses across the street with surveillance cameras, FOX 35's Marie Edinger reports. However, when contacted, the businesses said their cameras did not clearly capture anything.
Florida early voting ends this weekend
Early voting in Florida ends on Oct. 31, while some counties have extended early voting to Nov. 1 for the 2026 midterm election. Find the last day of early voting in your county below, hours, and click the link to find polling locations.
- Brevard County: Oct. 31, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Flagler County: Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Lake County: Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Marion County: Oct. 31, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Orange County: Nov. 1, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Osceola County: Nov. 1, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Polk County: Oct. 31 - Early voting locations
- Seminole County: Nov. 1, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Sumter County: Oct. 31, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Early voting locations
- Volusia County: Oct. 31, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Early voting locations
The Source: The story was written based on information released by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office.