Orange County employees to be subpoenaed over DOGE audit

Orange County is being accused by Gov. Ron DeSantis of being uncooperative with the Department of Government Efficiency's audit. 

Earlier this year, DeSantis signed an executive order to review 900 state positions, along with state boards and commissions. 

The Orange County was subject to audits early August. 

On Wedneday, Aug. 27, DeSantis and and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia held a conference in Orlando, where they announced the Orange County employees will be issued subpoenas. 

According to the press conference, DeSantis mentioned the dissatisfaction from his team not being able to get questions "fully answered." 

Ingoglia also mentioned Orange County staff changing names of files in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

He said there are six grants related to DEI that the county gave out with missing information. It is said the grants are worth more than $500,000. 

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said in a statement the county has fully cooperated with the Florida DOGE audit team in providing all data and documents requested. 

"The state has offered no evidence to support its allegation that we were hiding information or acting without integrity," Demings said in a statement. "We welcome the opportunity for full public transparency on this issue." 

Demings also stated that no employees were instructed to alter, change or delete any documents. 

At the moment, it is not known how many employees will be subpoenaed.