“We were forced to work across jurisdictional boundaries. Federal, state and local government authorities were able to work together,” Sheriff Demings said. “I think we grew as a community, to be better for all people.” Martinez admires how Jacobs and Dyer put the community first in pursuing a common goal. “Oftentimes those situations can get competitive,” he said. “They were working hand in glove. I honestly believe they made this community proud.” “I think the most important role as mayor at that time was to provide comfort and assurance to our LGBTQ community and Hispanic community, that they were not alone. That we were going to stand with them,” Jacobs said. “And we did. I have never been more proud of the Orlando Orange County Community than I was in the hours, days and weeks that followed Pulse. Absolute unity and outpouring of support.” ••• Mayor Jacobs and Sheriff Demings have worked together extensively over the past eight years, but Jacobs and Val Demings are more familiar with one another from interactions at their children’s PTSA meetings and various other encounters. Still, their respect is mutual. “The thing that I admire about her is what really got her into politics in the first place,” Val said. “A lot of people will see a problem and sit on the sidelines and criticize the leaders that are dealing with the problem and really do nothing. She saw a problem in her community and she got in the arena to deal with that problem. “She’s not a sideline person.” Which describes all three of them.
Opposite top left: As Jerry Demings looks on, Val Demings is elated moments after being sworn in as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Jan. 26. Photo by Orlando Sentinel Opposite top right: Sheriff Jerry Demings and U.S. Rep. Val Demings walk into funeral services for a fallen Orlando police officer in January. Photo by Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images Opposite bottom: With Val Demings at his side, Jerry Demings announces his bid for Orange County mayor in July. Photo by Orlando Sentinel Top left: Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Sheriff Jerry Demings at a workshop to address opioid addiction in May. Photo by Orlando Sentinel Top right: Flanked by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, law enforcement officials and Mayor Jacobs, Demings gives an update on the Pulse nightclub shooting at a news conference June 12, 2016, just hours after a gunman opened fire, killing 49 people and wounding at least 53 others. Photo by Orlando Sentinel Bottom: Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma, Dyer and Jacobs join others in the #letsALLconnect unity movement after Jacobs' State of the County address at the I-Drive 360 entertainment complex. Photo by Orlando Sentinel Vires 45