Peter Schorsch Criticizes Lack of Coverage Over Orlando Gudes Scandal, But Vowed to not Fully Cover Top Democrat Ramon Alexander Scandal
May 19, 2022 Updated 8:36 A.M. ET
TAMPA (FLV) – After a new lawsuit was announced over alleged abusive behavior by Tampa City Council Member Orlando Gudes, Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch went after the Tampa Bay Times for their delayed and lack of coverage over the scandal, despite his own reluctance to cover a major scandal last week.
“As much as we enjoy scoops at Florida Politics, it’s a bit jarring — and depressing — to see the Times’ apathetic, nearly invisible coverage of these significant local stories,” Schorsch wrote.
Last week, Schorsch himself publicly said his media outlet will not be covering top Florida Democrat Ramon Alexander’s sexual harassment allegations: “FP [Florida Politics] will give Rep. Alexander the space and privacy his family needs at this time.”
“Hoping the rest of the #FlaPol media world will do likewise.”
Florida’s Voice covered the scandal and, shortly after, Alexander announced his intention to not run for re-election.
“After thoughtful consideration and personal self reflection, I will not seek re-election for my final term in the Florida House of Representatives,” Alexander said in a statement last Thursday.
Alexander was next in line to lead Florida House Democrats in 2023. Democrat Leader Evan Jenne said in a statement that their caucus will meet to elect a new Leader Designate.
Florida’s Voice reported on Republicans criticizing mainstream media outlets, like ‘Florida Politics,’ for not writing a full report on the allegations against Alexander.
Florida Politics was first to break the news about the sexual harassment allegations against Alexander on their text alert system and only included a three sentence write-up in their morning “Sunburn” report.
“The legacy media of Florida’s refusal to cover this story-which is the biggest scandal of the year in Florida politics— shows you what corrupt scumbags they are,” said Republican State Rep. Anthony Sabatini in Florida’s Voice report.
The Tallahassee Democrat initially reported that Democratic State Rep. Ramon Alexander apologized and told the outlet that it was an “adult consensual” relationship with Johnson. However, Johnson said there was not a physical relationship between the two of them and filed complaints alleging Alexander harassed and intimidated him.
Alexander has become a prominent Florida Democrat. He was in the national spotlight for his criticism of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “Stop W.O.K.E Act” that bans educators and workplace employers from teaching Floridians that their “moral character” is determined by race, sex, or national origin.
Alexander is married and is also the executive director of “Distinguished Young Gentlemen,” which provides mentoring for students.
