KISSIMMEE, Fla. \u2014 The City of Kissimmee has been told by DOGE to turn over documents related to the city\u2019s BOOST 2.0 grant program.<\/p>\n
The request comes just weeks after Channel 9 first reported that Mayor Jackie Espinoza\u2019s family businesses received $50,000 from the city-funded program.<\/p>\n
BOOST 2.0 was designed to help businesses that said they were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to city records, hundreds of thousands of dollars were distributed to businesses across Kissimmee \u2014 including three businesses owned by members of the Espinoza family.<\/p>\n
Putting the grant program online was Mayor Espinoza\u2019s proposal during a commission meeting last year.<\/p>\n
When questioned during a December commission meeting, the mayor defended the grants awarded to her family saying her husband applied.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy husband isn\u2019t an elected official,\u201d Espinoza said.\u201cI am an elected official, so that still means I am no one\u2019s punching bag. So don\u2019t get it twisted. I will defend what\u2019s mine. I will defend my family in spite of the criticism that are absolutely unfounded.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, the program has caught the attention of the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight, the office leading the state\u2019s DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) efforts.<\/p>\n
Sources tell Channel 9 that the agency sent a letter to the city requesting documents related to American Rescue Plan Act funds, including BOOST 2.0 applications and a list of grant recipients.<\/p>\n
The City of Kissimmee told Channel 9 there is no policy prohibiting elected officials, city employees, or their families from receiving leftover COVID-19 relief funds.<\/p>\n
Previously obtained emails, first reported by WFTV, show the city attorney raised concerns that it could be a state ethics issue if the mayor personally accepted grant money.<\/p>\n
Mayor Espinoza told Channel 9 that no individual is personally being investigated as part of the state\u2019s review.<\/p>\n
In an email to Channel 9, the city confirmed the state is requesting information dating back to 2020 and said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe City of Kissimmee welcomes this review and is fully cooperating to ensure transparency and accountability for our residents and business community.\u201d<\/p>\n
A city council meeting is underway at the city right now. <\/p>\n
Channel 9 will continue to follow this developing story.<\/p>\n
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