Orlando residents ask commissioners to help arrange meeting with sheriff and state attorney over deputy‑involved shooting

During the public‑comment period at the May 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting, David Porter of Orlando Against Police Crimes urged the board to use its influence to help arrange meetings between the community, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney regarding a February deputy‑involved death in Pine Castle.

What the speaker asked: Porter said Luis Lopez, 26, was shot and killed inside his home by deputies responding to a reported home‑invasion call. He told the board the deputies said they believed Mr. Lopez had a knife; investigators briefly placed deputies on administrative leave. Porter said community members trying to engage the sheriff and the state attorney’s office about the case had been rebuffed and he asked commissioners and the mayor to use their influence to secure meetings so community members can hear from and question the elected officials responsible for law enforcement and prosecution.

Board response: The mayor acknowledged the public comment and said staff would note the request; no formal board action was made during the public comment period. The sheriff’s office and state attorney’s offices are separate elected offices; the commissioner who heard the remark encouraged the county administration to follow up on the request for engagement.

Why this matters: Community requests for elected officials to facilitate dialogue and transparency in high‑profile investigations are common during public comment. The speaker’s request underscores community concerns about deputy‑involved uses of force and transparency around investigative and prosecutorial processes. The county commission does not operate or direct the sheriff or state attorney, but commissioners can sometimes act as conveners or facilitate inter‑governmental meetings.