Rob Panepinto to run for Orange County mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Businessman and civic leader Rob Panepinto has filed with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections to be a candidate for Orange County mayor.
Panepinto is touting a platform that will diversify the region's economy while building on the tourism industry. He says he wants to create higher wage jobs, expand affordable housing and improve infrastructure to accommodate growth.
"There are many in our community with good intentions, but to innovate and expand our local economy to new sectors takes more than that. Here in Orange County we have a moment to seize; an opportunity to plan and build a more prosperous future, one that every person in our community participates in," said Panepinto said in a statement sent to FOX 35.
The nonpartisan election for Orange County mayor will be held in August of next year, with a potential runoff between the top two candidates in November. Panepinto joins Orange County School Board Chairman Bill Sublette, who threw his hat in the race last week. Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings has announced his candidacy as well, along with Jose Colom and Robert Melanson.