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Orange County swears in five constitutional officers at 2025 oath ceremony
Summary
Orange County held an oath-of-office ceremony where five constitutional officers were formally sworn in. Each officer outlined priorities for their next term, including criminal justice reforms, improving court access, election administration, fiscal stewardship and property services.
An afternoon ceremony in 2025 in Orlando saw Orange County administer oaths of office to five constitutional officers, who pledged to serve the county as they begin new terms.
The ceremony, introduced by Monica May and attended by Mayor Jerry L. Demings and local judges, formalized the start of duties for Melissa Vickers as public defender for the Ninth Judicial Circuit; Tiffany Moore Russell as Orange County clerk of the court; Phil Diamond as county comptroller; Karen Castor Dentel as supervisor of elections; and Amy Mercado as county property appraiser.
The oaths mark the official transition for each office and set priorities the incoming or re-elected officials said they will pursue. Mayor Jerry L. Demings told the audience the oath is “not just a ceremonial gesture. It is a solemn commitment to upholding the constitution and impartially representing the people,” and noted the county’s population and role in the state as context for the officers’ work.
Public Defender Melissa Vickers, sworn in by Judge Amy Carter, framed her office’s work in terms of reform and partnership. Vickers said her prior term included policies to divert lower-level offenders, increase transparency and expand victim services, and she emphasized continuing those efforts. “We will seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly,” Vickers said, adding that the office will work with community partners to address root causes of crime including poverty, mental health and substance abuse.
Tiffany Moore Russell, sworn in by Judge Alicia Lattimore, highlighted the clerk’s office initiatives aimed at improving access to justice. Russell cited programs started during her prior term, including the Lydia Gardner Self Help Center, which she said has served more than 15,000 people since 2015, legal forums, restoration-of-rights workshops and expanded weekend passport services. She said she will continue to push for transparency, efficiency and statewide advocacy as president of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association.
Phil Diamond, sworn in by Judge Barbara Leach, described his office as the county’s “financial watchdog” and pointed to administrative changes he credited with returning roughly $1 million to taxpayers and expanding around-the-clock online services. Diamond thanked staff and supporters and said he will continue efforts to streamline services.
Karen Castor Dentel, sworn in by Judge Frank S. Castor II, told the audience the Supervisor of Elections office was “back to business” under new management. Castor Dentel, who referenced a family history of public service, said her priorities include more early voting sites, shorter lines and increased transparency. “Let’s get to work,” she said.
Amy Mercado, sworn in by Reverend Michael Blake, noted the scale of the Property Appraiser’s office, saying the agency currently manages valuation work for more than 450,000 parcels with a staff she described as part of a larger team of roughly 150 employees who serve Orange County’s population. Mercado said she will continue to emphasize transparency and accountability across the office.
The Orange County Bar Association president, Arthi Ajith Harani, presented a congratulatory gift to the newly sworn officials and encouraged residents to engage with their new leaders. The ceremony closed with a brief reception and light refreshments for attendees.
The event combined ceremonial remarks, individual pledges about office priorities and acknowledgments of staff and families; no formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the ceremony.
