MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST The first day of school is just around the corner, and we find ourselves facing many public health challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us. As Orange County Public Schools is working on the safest way to bring students back into the classroom, here in county government, we are working to keep our residents safe from the deadly and highly contagious delta variant.   A few days ago, I declared a state of local emergency due to the record-breaking number of new coronavirus cases in Orange County. I am urging our residents and visitors—both vaccinated and unvaccinated—to wear a mask while indoors.   In addition, we are mandating all Orange County Government employees get vaccinated. There will be some exceptions, but overall, we must increase the number of vaccinated residents to reach herd immunity. I am telling you this because if you are not vaccinated, now is the time to do so. Our hospitals are in a crisis mode with COVID-19 patients. So, please join in our fight against this deadly disease.   Together we can slow the spread and continue to make Orange County one of the best places to live in our country. Sincerely,

Jerry L. Demings Orange County Mayor

P.S. If you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, you can add the “I Got My Shot” Facebook frame to your Facebook profile photo. Visit www.ocfl.net/IGotMyShot for details on how to add it to your profile.

IN THE NEWS

Apply Now: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Spectrum News 13

Enroll Now: Head Start Enrollment 2021-22 FOX 35

Other Orange County News:  Orange County’s Pollution Prevention Champion Spotlight: Avalon Eatery Hurricane Season Shelter Guidelines Job Alert: Pandemic Leaves Great Oaks Village in Need of Counselors for Foster Children and Young Adults

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday July 31–August 9, 2021  Florida consumers can purchase qualifying back-to-school supplies exempt from tax during the 2021 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The sales tax holiday begins Saturday, July 31 and extends through Monday, August 9.

Back to School Supply Giveaways & COVID-19 Vaccinations July 31, 2021 District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe and District 4 Commissioner Gomez Cordero invite you to attend their Back to School events to receive a free backpack and school supplies. COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for individuals 12+.  Oak Ridge High School: 10-11:30 a.m. Meadow Woods Recreation Center: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Eastland Baptist Church: 12-1:30 p.m.

Bomberos Field Park August 4, 2021  Mayor Demings and District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero invite you, your family and friends to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bomberos Field Park on Wednesday, August 4 at 9:30 a.m. RSVP to parks@ocfl.net.

Artist Talk: Cherie Bosela August 4, 2021  Immediately following the Bomberos Field Park grand opening, there will be a Featured Artist Talk by Orlando-based mosaic artist Cherie Bosela. Bosela created the signature sand crane mural that will be featured at the new park. RSVP to parks@ocfl.net.

MLK Book Club August 11, 2021  Orange County’s MLK Initiative has completed its July book from its Book Club — The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett. A new book is introduced on the second Wednesday of every month. The next book will be announced on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, on the Initiative’s webpage.

STORM PREPAREDNESS + SURVEY

Do you have a storm preparedness kit? Do you know how to safely operate a power generator? Do you know who to call for hurricane home repairs? Residents can learn about these topics and more by visiting ocfl.net/storm.   Let us know how you would like to receive emergency notifications from Orange County Government by taking this short eight-question survey. The survey takes less than two minutes to complete and will assist the County in communicating with its residents in case of emergencies: bit.ly/OCFLAlerts.

#IGOTMYSHOT + MASK RECOMMENDATIONS

Orange County’s 14-day COVID-19 rolling positivity rate has increased dramatically and is in the double digits. We are now considered in the high-risk category by the CDC for community transmission. We strongly urge our residents to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces.

The COVID-19 immunization is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus. It is trusted, convenient and free! Visit ocfl.net/vaccine to find a COVID-19 vaccination site near you.

DISTRICT 6 HIGHLIGHT

Orange County is home to six districts that each has a distinct personality when it comes to history, natural beauty, parks and recreation options, resident diversity and business opportunities. District 6 Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin gave us her Top 5 things to know about her district: Senior-Friendly Family-First/Charitable Magnet for Entrepreneurship Barnett Park Cultural Diversity Learn more at Orange County’s newsroom and find out what District you reside in.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.

FACEBOOK

TWITTER INSTAGRAM

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Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion. Share Your Orange County Story or Suggestion

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