A new controversy has emerged in Deltona after two attempted donations were made to long‑closed campaign accounts — one allegedly by Mayor Santiago Avila Jr. and the other by his former PIO/Communications staffer, Adam Vazquez — raising fresh concerns about political conduct, retaliation, and the handling of campaign finances.

Community members have for months voiced concerns about what they describe as patterns of alleged targeting by the mayor. Some residents have claimed he has allegedly involved law enforcement in personal disputes, contacted employers to create workplace issues, or used cease‑and‑desist letters against critics. While these allegations remain unproven, they have contributed to a climate of distrust and heightened scrutiny of City Hall.

The issue intensified in early December when concerns were raised about two city‑sponsored events. The situation was uncomfortable for all involved, including the commissioner who brought the concerns forward, who says they even notified city attorneys in advance because they anticipated backlash. Shortly afterward, the mayor issued a press release that included allegations about the commissioner’s personal employer. The release appeared to come from the City of Deltona through then‑Communications Director Catherine Barker, though it was later clarified that the City itself was not involved.

These events prompted a resident to invoke the City’s fraud policy during public comment on December 15th — a rare step that underscored the seriousness of the concerns. The policy includes a strict no‑retaliation clause.

Now, a new allegation has surfaced.

Two

Attempted Donations — Both to Closed Campaigns

On January 5th, former commissioner Nick Lulli received notice that an attempted donation had been made to his long‑closed campaign account. The attempt, allegedly made by former PIO Adam Vazquez, was automatically rejected.

Just hours earlier, former candidate Gean Corchado experienced the same situation — a $10 donation attempt allegedly made by Mayor Santiago Avila Jr., also voided because the account was closed.

The timing and pairing of the two attempts have raised questions in the community:

• Why would the mayor and his former PIO attempt donations to closed campaigns?
• Why did the attempts occur within hours of each other?
• Was this an administrative mistake — or something more targeted?

One of the individuals involved was allegedly told that the actions were “allowable” because a commissioner had raised concerns about city events. If true, that raises the question of whether the attempts could be interpreted as retaliatory under the fraud policy.

A

Possible Explanation — and a Serious Ethical Question

Anecdotally, some have claimed that certain elected officials in Florida allegedly keep their credit‑card campaign depositories open even after closing their campaigns, allowing funds to continue flowing into personal accounts. If such a practice occurs anywhere, it would raise serious ethical and legal concerns.

To be clear:In the January 5th incidents, no money was transferred. Both transactions failed.

But the failed transactions do not answer the central question:

Why would someone think to do this in the first place?

Unanswered

Questions That Now Hang Over City Hall

The situation has left residents and observers asking:

• Why would the mayor think to attempt a donation to a closed campaign?
• Did he believe such a transaction could succeed because he has seen it work elsewhere?
• Does he personally know elected officials who redirect campaign donations after closure?
• Or does he possibly participate in such practices himself?

The commissioner who raised concerns stated plainly:

Which leads to the final, lingering question:

Why did the mayor allegedly think of it at all?

For now, the public is left to draw its own conclusions. The City has not provided additional clarification, and the matter continues to fuel broader concerns about transparency, ethics, and accountability in Deltona’s government.