SEPTEMBER 2017
Greetings,
 
In the wake of both Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, Orange County has continued to exhibit our cherished "neighbors helping neighbors" philosophy - a reflection of our strong culture of caring and compassion. Even as we continue to recover from Hurricane Irma, so many in Orange County are working to help other disaster victims, including an urgent focus on the beloved friends and families in Puerto Rico who have ties to Central Florida. 

We know that many local residents continue to await word from their loved ones, made difficult by the limited cellular and internet communications. To assist those who are searching for loved ones, and also to help guide the many individuals and organizations who want to help with Puerto Rico relief efforts, we have launched a special webpage, " Puerto Rico Disaster Relief: United We Can Do More ," on our County website. This website will provide information about how local residents can participate in relief efforts, and will share special events to benefit the people of Puerto Rico. As resources become available, this information will be included as well.
 
We are also working with state and federal partners to determine FEMA and other relief resources for Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and continue to pray for all of those impacted by these devastating hurricanes. In particular, our thoughts and prayers are with the many first responders and military servicemen and women helping with relief in Puerto Rico, as well as the many everyday "citizen heroes" who are working to provide critical assistance.  We remain deeply grateful for the efforts of Central Florida's Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 4 first responders who deployed to Texas in late August. In their first three days in Houston and Beaumont, they performed more than 250 rescues and 100 assists. We also continue to pray for all those who are grieving the tragic loss of life from the devastating earthquakes in Mexico, and those still recovering from Hurricane Harvey.
 
Throughout these recent disasters, the support and mutual cooperation that our community displayed has been truly remarkable. For all those who offered a helping hand during Hurricane Irma to family, friends and neighbors, or who volunteered to assist those in need, thank you.  As so many of us know first-hand, Irma's strong winds and driving rain resulted in an extensive amount of storm debris. Our Public Works staff, contractors and garbage haulers are all working to assist in debris removal, but with a county as large as ours, it will take some time.  We are deeply grateful for your continued patience and support.

Thank you to all of our community and business leaders, partner organizations and residents who have come together to serve our citizens - you make Orange County one of the best places to live, work and raise our families. 

May God continue to bless our efforts.

Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Orange County Mayor
In This Issue
Hurricane Irma Debris Disposal Debris

As Orange County continues recovery efforts after Hurricane Irma, it is important for residents to be informed on debris removal. There are a number of options for storm debris disposal.  For more information, please contact 311 or our Public Works Department at (407) 836-7900.
 
No Mixed Debris
  • Before debris is removed, vegetative storm debris including tree limbs, branches and other organic debris should always be separated from storm-related construction debris shingles, fencing, lumber, drywall, etc.
  • Mixed debris will not be accepted at drop-off sites, or for curbside removal.
  • Construction debris will be collected separately. If not separated, neither construction or vegetative debris may be picked up.
  • Household garbage should NEVER be mixed with storm or construction debris.
Curbside Debris Removal
Curbside debris removal has already started in Orange County. As part of Orange County's comprehensive debris removal plan, beginning on September 12, 2017, the County had already initiated debris contractors. Orange County has activated all three removal contractors and two monitoring contractors.  
 
To view the current curbside debris removal schedule, please visit the Debris Clearance Schedule Map. This map will be updated weekly. Our overall projected debris removal schedule is as follows:
  • 1st Pass - September 14 through October 13, 2017
  • 2nd Pass - October 16 through October 31, 2017
  • Final Clean up - by November 1, 2017
  • Final Close out - by December 31, 2017                  
Citizen Drop-off Sites
Orange County has opened eleven (11) designated citizen drop-off sites for debris disposal. Residents of Orange County may bring vegetative (trees/yard waste) debris to any of the locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Residents will need to provide proof of Orange County address to gain access.
  • Barnett Park - 4801 W. Colonial Dr.
  • Conway Water Treatment Plant - 3590 Manatee St.
  • Cypress Grove Park - 290 Holden Ave.
  • Fort Christmas Park -1300 Fort Christmas Rd.
  • Harrell Road - 8503 Trevarthon Rd.
  • Meadow Woods Park - 1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir.
  • Northwest Water Reclamation Facility - 701 W. McCormick Rd.
  • Rose Place Park - 8200 Old Winter Garden Rd.
  • Across from Renaissance Senior Center - 3800 S. Econlockhatchee Tr.
  • West Beach Park Addition - 9227 Winter Garden Vineland Rd.
  • Zellwood Maintenance Unit - 3500 Golden Gem Rd.
Gated Communities
Orange County is working directly with authorized community representative(s) from gated communities to arrange for permission for the community's contractor to drop off debris at a designated citizen drop-off site. Alternatively, the community's representative can arrange for a County debris contractor to meet at or near the entrance to the gated community to accept debris from the community's contractor.
Road Designations Honor the Legacies of Orlando Police Department's Lt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy First Class Norman Lewis road-designations

This year, local lawmakers agreed to designate two Central Florida roads after Orlando Police Department's Lieutenant Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy First Class Norman Lewis, and the   bill went into effect on July 1. A portion of Silver Star Road between Princeton Street and North John Young Parkway was renamed "Lieutenant Debra Clayton Memorial Highway" on August 14. A portion of Pine Hills Road between Silver Star Road and State Road 50 in Orange County was renamed "Deputy First Class Norman Lewis Memorial Highway" on August 16.
 
Separate road renaming ceremonies were held, and the families of Lt. Clayton and DFC Lewis, the local law enforcement community, community leaders, elected officials and dignitaries attended both events.  Learn more >
Third Florida Simulation Summit Highlights Advancements in Augmented Reality simsummit

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the National Center for Simulation (NCS) hosted the third annual Florida Simulation Summit on September 7, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center. The Summit highlighted advancements in virtual and augmented reality within the transportation and automotive industry, the architecture, construction and engineering sectors, as well as the medical robotics and simulation areas. Elizabeth Baron, a virtual reality and advanced technical specialist from Ford Motor Co., served as the keynote speaker, with an immersive storytelling presentation on vehicle design and engineering.

The goal of the annual Summit is to raise awareness of the vast impact that the simulation industry has on Central Florida - including the role of MS&T as a catalyst for jobs and capital investment in the region - and to capitalize on existing and emerging synergies.  Learn more >
Orange County Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month with Annual Kick-Off Celebration  hispanic

The Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and the Board of County Commissioners hosted the annual cultural celebration on the lawn of the Orange County Administration Center to acknowledge the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 19, 2017.

The event honored the culture and traditions of the Hispanic community in Central Florida and recognized the contributions of Hispanic citizens in Orange County. 
Learn more >  
It's Honey for the Sweet Win honey

L
ike any good recipe, the search for a dish that represents Orlando is starting from the beginning: A signature ingredient has been decided - local honey - representing the diversity, sweetness and unique attributes of Central Florida.

A group of area chefs and food and beverage specialists met with Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Visit Orlando destination experts to consider exploring a signature dish for the region. The idea will focus on a culinary competition to showcase local honey. 
Learn more >
Orange County Experience Gives Residents Insight into Government Operations ocexperience

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs kicked off the sixth annual Orange County Experience program with local residents on August 25, 2017 at the County's Fire Rescue Headquarters. The interactive series is designed to provide citizens a behind-the-scenes look at Orange County Government.

The 12-week program offers local residents the opportunity to learn more about the vital services that Orange County Government provides, ranging from technology and infrastructure, to public safety, mosquito control, neighborhoods and health and family services. With 40 participants registered, the current class has the largest number of attendees since its inception in 2012 . Learn more >
Parks and Recreation Hosts 
Family Fun in the Fall parks

Orange County Parks and Recreation hosts a variety of popular fall-themed activities including  flag football leaguesKelly Park's Cardboard Canoe Regatta and the 17th Annual Pumpkin Fest and Hayride at Magnolia Park in October. For a full listing of upcoming events and for additional information, visit the Orange County Parks and Recreation website or call 407-836-6200. 
News Worth Noting ... newsnoting

Orange County participated in the 34th National Night Out, which continues to bring communities together and raise awareness on crime prevention.
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Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County Fire Rescue broke ground on Fire Station 67 on September 1, 2017. This is the first Orange County  fire station funded as part of Mayor Jacobs'  INVEST in our Home for Life initiative
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The Orange County Veterans Advisory Council and Mayor Jacobs gathered after Hurricane Irma to discuss Veterans services and programs in Central Florida. Orange County supports local veterans through Mayor Jacobs' Veterans Advisory Council, which is comprised of more than 30 veterans and community leaders who work to provide recommendations and services that enhance the quality of life for local veterans and their families.