ORLANDO, Fla. — Karen Castor Dentel began her term as Orange County Supervisor of Elections on Tuesday, as questions into her predecessor’s spending continue.

What You Need To Know

  • Karen Castor Dentel began her term as Orange County Supervisor of Elections on Tuesday, as questions into her predecessor’s spending continue

  • As the new supervisor took office, Orange County leaders voted to resume regular funding to the supervisor’s office, something they froze back in December after the spending questions began

  • Outgoing supervisor Glen Gilzean’s spending came into question back in November after he spent several million dollars on scholarship programs to nonprofits – money Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says was leftover money

  • Castor Dentel says she wants to increase access to voting and expand voter education, but getting the office’s finances in order might push that back a bit

As the new supervisor took office, Orange County leaders voted to resume regular funding to the supervisor’s office, something they froze back in December after the spending questions began.

After several weeks of disputes between the Orange County Supervisor of Elections and Orange County Government, newly elected supervisor Castor Dentel had a message for Orange County residents.

“The days of public disputes between his office and this office are over, and we will work together,” Castor Dentel said. “It is back to business, and today makes a fresh start.”

Outgoing supervisor Glen Gilzean’s spending came into question in November after he spent several million dollars on scholarship programs for nonprofits. That was money Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says was leftover money, and a decision the says the county should’ve approved. 

Castor Dentel says she will work to get all of that money back.

“While these organizations, they are pillars of our community, have been drawn into this situation through no fault of their own, it is vital that funds are returned to ensure the integrity of our elections,” Castor Dentel said.

The new supervisor also initiated a full audit of the office’s finances, as well as all equipment, which is usually a standard practice with a transition from one supervisor to another. But in this case, the county comptroller Phil Diamond, who’s already working directly with the supervisor’s office on day one, says the office could have outstanding debts.

“I was told when I was over there this morning that there were some outstanding bills, so we don’t really know,” said Diamond.

“We remain optimistic that we will find the office in proper order, and if it’s not, then someone will be held accountable for that, whether that is in the court of public opinion, or the court of law,” said Demings.

Castor Dentel says she wants to increase access to voting and expand voter education, but getting the office’s finances in order might push that back a bit.

“A lot of the things I ran on we’re still going to be able to put into place. It just might take a few more weeks than we had planned,” Castor Dentel said.

Castor Dentel also filed for dismissal of a lawsuit Gilzean filed against the county and comptroller in December. Gilzean also filed for that lawsuit to be dismissed before he left office, but it was filed without prejudice, which could’ve allowed the lawsuit to be brought back up.