The Florida Commission on Ethics Wednesday released a statement saying it has found probable cause that Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa had an employment or contractual relationship with three companies that accepted money from a city fund designed to help small businesses still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commission voted unanimously on its findings on Friday, and they became public record on Wednesday.
City records show that Adanse, LLC, the Kissimmee Diner and the Real Estate Gallery, which her husband and children own and operate received $50,000 in “Business Boost 2.0” funds in 2025. During Friday's hearing, Commission advocate Melody Hadley stated that Espinosa said she decided not to apply for the grant program, but once the requirements were publicized, "She learned her businesses were eligible, so she applied."
Neil Henrichsen, counsel for Espinosa in the matter, told the Ethics Commission that the Business Boost 2.0 program was a "one-off" program doling out federal funds with "uniform criteria created by the city's Economic Development staff, not Espinosa," and that city staff, namely then-City Attorney Olga Sanchez de Fuentes, did not note any conflict until after the funds were dispersed. (On Feb. 3 the Commission voted 3-1 to approve Espinosa's motion to terminate the attorney; the mayor cited job performance concerns.)
It is unclear what the next steps are or when they will be taken. Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents were in Kissimmee Thursday and Friday of last week to interview Kissimmee officials and others connected to their investigation of the case.
In a social media post, Espinosa said she would hold an online livestream on Wednesday evening.
“While I deeply respect the true spirit and responsibility of journalism, unfortunately, that standard is not always reflected,” Espinosa wrote. “For that reason, I will not be holding a traditional press conference.
"I believe this allows the facts and findings to be communicated directly and responsibly, without the substance being overshadowed by sensationalism."
At an Aug. 18 City Commission meeting, Special Prosecutor Mayanne Downs presented the City Commission her findings that Espinosa violated city ethics codes by voting to create and fund the business grant program while the three businesses tied to her and her family benefitted from it. While Downs recommended that the city could hold impeachment proceedings and to refer the matter to the FDLE, only two of the other four commissioners voted to do that. Lacking three votes, it ended the city’s role in the matter.
In another complaint filed against Espinosa, the state ethics board voted to find no probable cause she failed to report a gift of over $100 because she had disclosed the gift on the wrong form based on the advice of the City Attorney.
