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
Spectrum News 13
FOX 35
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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.
Eastland Baptist Church: 12-1:30 p.m.
Bomberos Field Park
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.
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:

  1. Senior-Friendly
  2. Family-First/Charitable
  3. Magnet for Entrepreneurship
  4. Barnett Park
  5. 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.
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.