Large commuter bus in front of the Orange County Administration Center
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Schools are back in session, but after six months of meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlike any other school opening we have seen in our lifetime. As Orange County Public Schools work to re-open safely, I want you to know our County has hosted 65 news conferences, with various experts, to help keep you up-to-date. We are in the 24th week of local emergency activation and I am more committed than ever to keeping our community safe.

Wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a political statement or a personal opinion. It is a moral and civic obligation to yourself, your family, your neighbors and your community so we can slow the spread of the virus and ultimately, contain it.

I believe we are doing just that. Recent positivity numbers are lowering in Orange County significantly, but we cannot let our guard down and we must continue to stay vigilant. The local Executive Order requiring face coverings in Orange County will remain in effect until further notice.

Please check out our latest public health campaign, We Got You Covered, at ocfl.net/WeGotYouCovered. It is a reminder to do the right thing and wear a mask.
Mayor Demings' home page
SAFER, STRONGER, TOGETHER
In one month, our Strike Teams have visited more than 1,500 businesses across Orange County, providing resources to business owners to help keep employees and guests safe. The teams have seen that the overall majority of businesses they have visited – nearly 90 percent – are in compliance with CDC and other safety guidelines. Watch the latest video from the Safer, Stronger, Together campaign to see a day in the life of a Strike Team member.
YOU COUNT
Currently, the County’s self-response rate for the 2020 Census is approximately 61 percent. A decade ago we had a 73 percent response rate – so we need your help. Census takers will be wearing masks and following local guidelines for everyone’s safety as they visit homes that have not responded. The new deadline to respond to the survey is September 30, 2020. Take the survey now at 2020Census.gov.
Who Counts Facebook video
HURRICANE SAFETY
Man rescuing a dog from a flooded area with waist-high water
We are in the peak of Atlantic Hurricane Season. Residents and businesses are urged to review their emergency preparedness plans before a storm hits, paying special attention to how COVID-19 may affect those plans. Helpful tips, County resources and videos on storm preparedness and recovery can be found at ocfl.net/Storm.
IN THE NEWS
Firefighter sitting by a fire truck
Large convention space with a floormat that reads EXPO
KUDOS
Among the familiar faces at Orange County Government’s COVID-19 news conferences is our dedicated group of American Sign Language interpreters. Watch this video to meet two of our interpreters, Jill and Jonathan, as they strive to provide equal access to information for all residents.
Learn more in Orange County’s online newsroom: Behind the Scenes: Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Sign Interpreters
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Medical professional administering a COVID-19 test at a drive-thru testing site
Don’t Forget about COVID-19 Testing! Orange County Health Services provides free testing to the community. For Orange County Health Services’ current testing location, along with other testing sites in our area, visit ocfl.net/covid19.

Listen to Local Reflections of the 57th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech.” Video brought to you by Mayor Demings’ MLK Initiative.

Join the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Orange County and WUCF as they host a free virtual event on Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m., highlighting community stories. Featured guests include Dr. Raúl Pino, Orange County Health Officer, Florida Health Department; Ashley Figueroa, Executive Director, Gender Advancement Project; and Marcia Romero, Founder and CEO of People Who Make A Difference Foundation. More information at ucf.org/events.

Orange County’s annual Community Conference will be held virtually this year on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The conference will be free for residents to learn about how your neighborhood can work with your local government to make a positive impact. More details to follow.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.
Twitter Post - Mask video
Instagram Post - Woofgang
Facebook Post - League of Women Voters
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.