MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST
Hello and Happy New Year!
January is a time for looking ahead and resolving to fulfill all of those New Year’s resolutions. For me personally, I plan to improve my fitness and remain steadfast in my commitment to enrich the lives of Orange County residents.
One of my goals for 2022 is to solidify Orange County plans for a dedicated funding source to improve transportation options. I envision safer bikeways, pedestrian walks, commuter hubs and technology-enhanced roads. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing more about my vision and plans for the future regarding transportation and other important initiatives.
There is no doubt we have faced new challenges with the ongoing coronavirus and its variants. A few weeks ago, we opened additional free COVID-19 testing sites to meet the significant demand brought on by the holidays. We continue to work closely with local hospitals, community leaders and health experts daily to contain the virus. These important lines of communication are vital to keeping our community safe, as we continue to get vaccinated, wear masks in enclosed spaces and practice social distancing.
There is much to look forward to this month, as we honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and celebrate Orange County’s Heritage Day. There are also many entertainment options for the entire family on the horizon, including premiere events at the brand-new Steinmetz Hall, which will be opening this month at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
I wish you and your family a safe and happy new year.
Sincerely,
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Other Orange County News:
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations
January 17, 2022
During the weekend of January 15-17, several cities and towns in Orange County will host a tribute, parade or celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Residents are encouraged to reach out to each location or organization for the most up-to-date information regarding schedules.
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January 22, 2022
Celebrate Orange County’s Heritage Day with a free visit to the Orange County Regional History Center. Families will enjoy fun activities, refreshments and a screening of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.
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January 2022
Celebrate one of the world’s most renowned writers and anthropologists, Zora Neale Hurston, with a month-long series of cultural events. Keep the “Celebration for the Generations” going as the annual Zora! Festival hosts events throughout the year.
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January 2022
Join the Orange County Library System for a mix of in-person and virtual events throughout January. Schedule is subject to change.
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Orange County Health Services Department continues to provide free testing services to the community. Due to the increase in demand for testing, residents should plan to arrive early to Orange County’s testing sites. Currently, the County operates three mass-testing sites.
Barnett Park
4801 W. Colonial Dr., Orlando, FL 32808
Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
Econ Soccer Complex
8035 Yates Road, Orlando, FL 32807
Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
South Orange Youth Sports Complex
11800 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32824
Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
For more information about COVID-19 testing, or for additional testing locations, visit ocfl.net/Testing.
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There are many location options for eligible individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Orange County, including at Orange County Public Schools, mobile vaccination sites, Federal Retail Pharmacy Program locations, VA Orlando Health Care sites and other various community locations. Currently, the County operates one free mass-vaccination site at Barnett Park for individuals 5 years old and older.
Individuals 12+ Years Old
Seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
Drive-thru: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
Children 5-11 Years Old
Saturday and Sunday only, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until daily capacity is reached
Marlin Room, inside main building: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
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EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE |
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To date, Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program has provided more than $16 million to keep nearly 3,000 families in their homes. The program is still open to aid to residents who are behind on rent or at risk of being evicted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible residents include those living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Orlando, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park.
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Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.
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