KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Florida Commission on Ethics has found probable cause to believe Mayor Jackie Espinosa had an employment or contractual relationship with an entity doing business with the City of Kissimmee when her business accepted grant money administered by the city, according to a Sept. 2 commission press release. The probable-cause finding is not a final determination that Espinosa violated state ethics law. It allows the matter to proceed, potentially to a public evidentiary hearing.

The allegations center on approximately $50,000 awarded through Kissimmee’s Business Boost 2.0 program to three businesses connected to Espinosa and members of her family. WFTV reported that its journalists reviewed records showing the businesses received a combined $50,000 through the program.

Business Boost 2.0 used federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist Kissimmee businesses that reported experiencing financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $20,000 and did not require repayment.

A report issued earlier this year by court-appointed Special Prosecutor Mayanne Downs identified a $20,000 grant to Adanse LLC and a $15,000 grant to Kissimmee Diner Inc. The report stated that Espinosa’s financial disclosure identified her as vice president of Kissimmee Diner with an ownership interest exceeding 5%. The report also referenced a third grant involving another business connected to Espinosa’s family.

The city’s published Business Boost 2.0 guidelines did not expressly prohibit elected officials or members of their families from applying for the grants.

Espinosa has maintained that she did not manipulate the application process or use her position as mayor to obtain preferential treatment.

Separate Impeachment Proceedings Ended in Tie Vote

The state Ethics Commission proceeding is separate from the city ethics process that unfolded earlier this year.

In July, Downs found probable cause to pursue three proposed articles of impeachment involving an alleged prohibited conflict of interest, alleged failure to disclose financial interests and alleged failure to follow legal guidance provided by Kissimmee’s former city attorney.

Espinosa and her attorney disputed the special prosecutor’s factual and legal conclusions. They maintained that the report was not a final determination of wrongdoing and that Espinosa did not use her position to receive preferential treatment.

The proposed impeachment proceedings ended Aug. 18 when the Kissimmee City Commission voted 2-2 on whether to advance the articles to a formal impeachment hearing. Three affirmative votes were required, meaning the articles failed and no additional city action will be taken under them.

The city’s decision did not resolve or terminate the separate Florida Commission on Ethics case.

Commission Finds No Probable Cause in Separate Complaint

The Ethics Commission also considered a separate complaint alleging Espinosa failed to report a gift valued at more than $100 on the required quarterly gift-disclosure form.

According to the commission’s press release, commissioners rejected their advocate’s recommendation and found no probable cause on that allegation because Espinosa disclosed the gift on a different form based on advice she received from the city attorney.

Espinosa Responds to Ethics Finding

In a social media statement Wednesday, Espinosa said Kissimmee should remain focused on city business and characterized the controversy surrounding her administration as a distraction from the community’s progress.

“Kissimmee deserves progress, productivity, and leadership—not theatrics, distractions, or dramatic representations that take attention away from the work of our community,” Espinosa wrote.

Espinosa said the city would remain focused on creating opportunities, supporting residents and businesses and moving Kissimmee forward.

“Kissimmee is bigger than the noise,” Espinosa wrote. “Our residents deserve our focus. Our community deserves our energy. And our city’s future deserves our attention.”

Espinosa said she would respect the Ethics Commission process, answer questions with facts and defend what she described as the integrity of the city’s work.

“Stay tuned as the commission on ethics allows us the opportunity to discuss the findings for 4 of the 6 complaints that have been presented,” Espinosa wrote. “So much will be revealed. Timing is our best ally and I will finally be able to express my position.”

Espinosa also said she would not hold a traditional press conference. Instead, she plans to make herself available to selected reporters whose work she believes has demonstrated fairness, accuracy and responsible journalism.

“I believe this allows the facts and findings to be communicated directly and responsibly, without the substance being overshadowed by sensationalism,” Espinosa wrote.

Her statement did not specifically address the Ethics Commission’s finding concerning her relationship with a business that received city-administered grant funding.

State Referral Remains a Separate Track

Separately, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia previously announced that findings involving Kissimmee’s administration of federal grant funding had been referred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Public Corruption Unit.

FDLE told Spectrum News 13 that the agency does not confirm, deny or comment on referrals involving elected officials. A referral does not establish that a criminal investigation has been opened or that a crime occurred.

No criminal charges against Espinosa have been announced in connection with the Business Boost 2.0 grants.

The Ethics Commission proceeding and any potential law enforcement review are separate processes. The Ethics Commission’s jurisdiction involves Florida’s statutory Code of Ethics, while law enforcement authorities would independently determine whether evidence supports further investigation or criminal charges.

If the Ethics Commission ultimately determines that a violation occurred, it may recommend civil penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 per violation or removal from office. Espinosa will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations and present evidence before any final determination is made.

Photo Source: Kissimmee.gov,

Source: State of Florida Commission on Ethics. WFTV. Spectrum News