7 qualify to run for District 5 opening

Special election to replace Regina Hill after suspension

An unexpected chance to sit on the Orlando City Council proved to be popular.

The special election to represent District 5 in place of suspended commissioner Regina Hill turned into a frenzy, with 11 candidates filing initial paperwork, and seven qualifying by Tuesday’s deadline to appear on the ballot next month, a city spokeswoman confirmed.

The candidates are: former State Rep. Travaris McCurdy; Cameron Hope, who owns a tax business; Shaniqua “Shan” Rose, Lawanna Gelzer and Miles Mulrain Jr., who all are community activists with their own nonprofits; former Miss America Ericka Dunlap and Tiakeysha Ellison, a business coach.

While a candidate could qualify by submitting signatures from 627 registered voters in the district, all seven chose the other method of making it on the ballot: Paying a $2,288.76 fee.

Election Day is May 21, giving candidates a month to make their case to voters in the downtown Orlando area, including neighborhoods like Parramore, Mercy Drive, West Lakes and the city’s Central Business District.

District 5 is also home to the Kia Center, INTER&CO Stadium, Camping World Stadium and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Candidates are expected to spar on a host of issues that are particularly challenging for the area, ranging from development, to public safety, to affordable housing and homelessness.

Many have already begun campaigning, with the first reporting period for donations up at the end of the week.

On Tuesday, McCurdy, a former state representative, announced an endorsement from the union representing about 500 of the city’s firefighters.

If no candidate receives 50% plus one vote, then a runoff is scheduled for June 18 between the two who receive the most votes.

The fast-moving election was called last week by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, a week after Hill was suspended from office by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Most candidates announced their intentions to run within minutes – though Dunlap, a former Miss America pageant winner, kicked off her campaign Friday.

Hill was indicted last month on felony charges of elder abuse and fraud, and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The winner of the May election will serve out the remainder of Hill’s term, which is up at the end of 2025. However, Hill could return to the job if the criminal charges filed against her are resolved in her favor.

City Commissioners are paid $76,291.87.