07/06/2026
I usually choose not to respond to online harassment, but when false claims are made that could affect my family, my customers, and my business, I feel it’s important to address them.
Someone made a complaint to the Orlando’s Best committee.
For the last year, a Facebook group of individuals has spread false information, left fraudulent reviews, in a targeted attempt to damage my reputation & launch a smear campaign.
This isn’t “satire” as they claim. It’s targeted harassment.
Here are the facts:
1. I did not nominate myself for this award.
The organization can verify who submitted the nomination.
2. SammiCakes & Cookies is still a Florida cottage bakery.
I do not operate SammiCakes & Cookies from a commercial kitchen.
Earlier this year, I separated myself from a business that I created & now operates as a commercial restaurant, but that business is completely separate from SammiCakes & Cookies and is neither owned nor operated by me - in order to protect them from this type of harassment.
3. The allegations regarding MRSA are false and misleading.
The child being referenced was hospitalized for five days while receiving treatment. He was not present in my home during his hospitalization or while his wound was being actively treated. He returned home only after receiving appropriate medical care and antibiotics.
His MRSA infection was limited to his knee wound. His nasal screening was negative for MRSA, indicating there was no evidence of nasal colonization.
Out of an abundance of caution, every member of our household also underwent MRSA nasal screening, and every one of us tested negative. We additionally completed the intranasal decolonization treatment recommended by our healthcare providers as an extra precaution, particularly because I am pregnant and considered high risk.
I take food safety extremely seriously. My baking and packaging areas are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before, during, and after food preparation. I am food handler certified and have worked in the food industry since I was 14 years old.
MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected wound or contaminated personal items. Simply having a family member who received treatment for a localized MRSA infection does not support the claims being made about my bakery. Those allegations are false and unsupported.
4. Google reviews cannot simply be “turned off.”
Businesses do not have the ability to disable Google reviews. Any changes to a business profile are made by Google, not by the business owner.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about me. Every false review, false story, false accusation, and attempt to discourage customers from ordering directly impacts my ability to support my family and provide for my children.
To everyone who has continued to support SammiCakes & Cookies despite the ongoing harassment, thank you. Your trust means more than you’ll ever know. ❤️
