MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Hello and Happy New Year!

2023 has arrived, and there is much to be thankful for and optimistic about. January is traditionally a time for making resolutions and this year is no different. As I embark on my second term as your mayor, I plan to work hard and do my part to ensure Orange County is a safe, healthy and vibrant community for all.

There is so much to look forward to this month. We will be celebrating the birthday of civil rights icon, Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as honoring one of the world’s most renowned writers in Zora Neal Hurston. There are also many entertainment options for the entire family on the horizon, including the launch of a year-long celebration honoring the 100^th anniversary of the Orange County Library System and a special look at the history of transportation in Orange County at the Regional History Center.

I encourage everyone to take a few moments to reflect on the opportunities we have been given over the past twelve months and look forward to a brighter future in 2023 and make it a year in which we pledge to serve our community. As we consider the life of Dr. King, I challenge you as he challenged an audience back in 1957 with this statement: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing for others”? Let us work together in the coming year to help those in need and elevate Orange County to greater heights.

Sincerely,

Home for the Holidays | WESH

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• Orange County 311 a Calming Voice Before, During and After Hurricane Ian
• Great Oaks Village Campaign: Making Holiday Wishes Come True
• Record Year for Employee Giving Supports Heart of Florida United Way

OCLS 100 Year Celebration Kickoff

January 7, 2023

The Orange County Library System is turning 100! Join the team as they kick off a year-long celebration with story time, crafts, music, a Friends of the Library Booksale and more.

Orlando MLK Parade

January 14, 2023

Join the Southwest Orlando Jaycees for the annual downtown Orlando Parade featuring dance, comedy, community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration

January 16, 2023

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a community celebration in Winter Garden. The event includes a parade, a lineup of live music performances, family friendly activities, displays, and food vendors.

Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration

January 16, 2023

Bring the family and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King! The City of Ocoee’s 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade & Celebration takes place on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 10 a.m.

Lunar New Year

January 22, 2023

Celebrate the year of the Rabbit this January! Additionally, mark your calendar for the next month for the upcoming Dragon Parade, hosted by Asia Tred, the Mills 50 District, REACH, Y.E.S.S. and community partners across Orange County.

Orange County Heritage Day: Planes, Trains & Automobiles

January 28, 2023

Join us as we celebrate the many decades of transportation history that made Orlando the city it is today with free admission to the Orange County Regional History Center!

ZORA! Festival

January 2023

Celebrate one of the world’s most renowned writer and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, with a month-long series of cultural events focused on “Spirituality Via an Afrofuturism Lens.”

Welcome to our house — which is also your house! Guests will be able to meet the mayor and learn about Orange County services, initiatives, and more! Meet County Commissioners, learn about different departments, participate in complimentary wellness screenings, and enjoy family friendly activities. Learn more and register today.

When: Saturday, January 28, 2023 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Registration: ocfl.net/OpenHouse