Kissimmee Commission rejects impeachment of Mayor Jackie Espinosa

The Kissimmee City Commission has voted against advancing articles of impeachment against Mayor Jackie Espinosa. The decision follows an investigation by a court-appointed special prosecutor into potential ethics violations involving the city’s BOOST 2.0 program, a grant initiative designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The special prosecutor’s report alleged that Espinosa and her family received over $50,000 in public relief funds through businesses linked to the program without proper disclosure of conflicts of interest. The report further suggested that Espinosa may have assisted relatives and tenants in obtaining grant money. While the prosecutor recommended impeachment, the commission ultimately decided not to proceed with the formal removal process.

The vote was met with significant public interest and tension. Following the decision, Espinosa expressed gratitude to her legal team and supporters. However, Commissioner Janette Martinez, one of the two members who voted to move forward with impeachment, expressed disappointment, citing a lack of transparency in the commission’s decision-making process.