MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Season’s Greetings!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to spend some quality time with your family and loved ones. And now – Welcome to December!

It is hard to believe the end of the year is almost here. This past year has been a struggle for many of our residents, as we battled another year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragedies brought on by the Delta variant. Fortunately, with proper planning and by following scientific data, we have been able to turn things in the right direction for Orange County and are returning to some normalcy in our lives. And rest assured we will continue to monitor all COVID-19 variants as they emerge. I am so appreciative for all who helped us reach 76 percent in our vaccination rate (total population receiving at least one or more dose) in our community. Let us continue to do everything we can to keep all of us safe.

The Orange County Mayor’s Annual Toy Drive is in full swing, and I am beyond thrilled with your response to this important initiative. The Toy Drive helps provide children and families in the County with much-needed extra support to help make their holidays joyous and bright. There is still time for you to help either with an online donation until December 6 or by dropping off toys in-person until December 13. Learn more at ocfl.net/ToyDrive.

With this being the last Demings Digest for 2021, I want to take this time to wish all of you a beautiful holiday season, and may 2022 bring us all joy and happiness.

Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings - Orange County Mayor
IN THE NEWS
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
December 2, 2021

Join Chabad of South Orlando for its Chanukah Celebration at the Summerport Club House in Windermere. The community event will feature live music, holiday crafts and the menorah lighting.
December 3, 2021

The City of Orlando invites residents and visitors to ring in the holiday season and help countdown to the lighting of the City of Orlando’s Christmas tree at Lake Eola Park’s Washington Plaza.
December 4, 2021

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 69th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event, held each December, is the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida.
December 4, 2021

A long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition, the annual Winter Garden Christmas Parade will bring in holiday cheer to residents and local businesses. Do not forget to look out for Santa during the parade!
Free Movie in the Park: Dolittle
December 10 and 11, 2021

Bring out your lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for this month’s Free Movie in the Park! Shows will be located at Meadow Woods Community Park on December 10 and at Magnolia Park on December 11.
December 11, 2021

Join the Annual Holiday Pops concert at The Apopka Amphitheater. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sounds of the season with familiar favorites to delight the entire family.
TOY DRIVE
The Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive is in full swing! This year, the Toy Drive is more important than ever. With many Orange County families still recovering from the pandemic, some may need extra support to make their holiday joyous and bright — and a single toy donation can do just that!

There are two ways to give. Residents can drop off new, unwrapped gifts in person or shop and donate a gift virtually through Roonga, an online shopping platform. Local businesses also have the opportunity to support the toy drive by creating a Team Drive on Roonga.

Online Donation Deadline: Monday, December 6, 2021
In-Person Donation Deadline: Monday, December 13, 2021
ORANGE COUNTY REDISTRICTING
Orange County 2021 Redistricting - Draw the Line for Fair and Equal Representation
There is still time to make your voice heard by participating in Orange County Government’s redistricting process! Help us draw the line for fair and equal representation. Residents are encouraged to attend an in-person meeting or watch from home on Facebook or OrangeTV. Upcoming meetings:


Residents can draw their own district maps, submit virtual public comments and learn more about redistricting by visiting ocfl.net/redistricting.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.
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