MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST
As we enter the month of May, we are fortunate to have a vast number of COVID-19 vaccination sites now available throughout the County. With Mother’s Day approaching on May 9, I cannot think of a better gift for your mom and others than getting vaccinated. It protects not only yourself, but all the moms and everyone else in our community against the COVID-19 virus. We need your help to protect our community against the COVID-19 virus. We are working to reach more residents so they can make an informed decision for themselves and have all of their questions answered about the vaccine.
I am proud to announce that in collaboration with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County and partners across the region, Orange County Government has launched the “I Got My Shot” public safety campaign, which is designed to debunk vaccine myths, highlight trusted voices in the community and encourage you to get vaccinated and become advocates for inoculation.
Thank you for supporting this initiative.
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Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings
Orange County Mayor
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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.
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We also encourage you to share your vaccine selfie on social media by tagging Orange County, FL Government and using #IGotMyShot. |
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Hear from Central Florida doctors as they clear up misinformation surrounding the vaccine and its development.
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TUSKEGEE DESCENDANTS TOUT COVID-19 VACCINE |
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Recently, Mayor Demings and U.S. Representative Val Demings were honored to meet with the Voices for Our Fathers Legacy Foundation, which is dedicated to honoring the 623 Black men victimized and unethically treated in the U.S. Public Health Service Syphilis Study in Tuskegee.
“These descendants told us that despite the victimization that occurred during Tuskegee, they’ve listened to the public experts, and they encourage everyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Demings. “Their confidence speaks volumes on our perception of vaccine hesitancy.”
Additionally, the Mayor endorsed his support for the group’s initiatives, which include creating a memorial garden and providing scholarships for descendants.
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TESTING EXTENDED AND MORE COVID-19 VACCINATION SITES |
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Orange County Government’s Health Services Department has extended its FREE COVID-19 testing at Barnett Park through May 30, 2021. The testing site will continue to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, Barnett Park is now a COVID-19 vaccination site.
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HELP SHAPE THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTY |
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There is still time to help guide the growth of your community by participating in the Vision 2050 initiative.
Planning for the future requires input from the entire community. To get started, take our surveys or plan to attend the complete series of upcoming virtual town hall meetings, during which staff will discuss the Countywide development code and public feedback.
For questions about the surveys, town halls or the registration process, please contact the County’s Planning Division staff at 407-836-5600 or at planning@ocfl.net.
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Town Hall Meeting 1: Tues., May 25, 2021 – 6 p.m.
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Town Hall Meeting 2: Wed., May 26, 2021 – 6 p.m.
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Town Hall Meeting 3: Mon., June 7, 2021 – 6 p.m.
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Town Hall Meeting 4: Tue., June 8, 2021 – 6 p.m.
- Town Hall Meeting 5: Wed., July 7, 2021 – 6 p.m.
- Town Hall Meeting 6: Thurs., July 8, 2021 – 6 p.m.
Residents can visit ocfl.net/Vision2050 to watch previously recorded town hall meetings in their area.
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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Join the Orange County Asian Committee as they celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a virtual celebration of culture, art and performance! Watch the LIVE event on Friday, May 21, 2021, on Facebook or YouTube.
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May is Clean Air Month! Help protect air quality by driving less, conserving electricity and fueling up early or late in the day. Another great way to promote clean air is by going solar through the Orange County 2021 Solar Co-op. Also, be sure to check the Air Now Mobile App to get real-time air quality information directly on your phone. Learn more about Orange County’s commitment to clean air by visiting ocfl.net/CleanAir.
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Mental Health Awareness Month. To help connect residents with helpful resources, learn about OrangeConnects Program, developed by mental health experts. It is a free, confidential, web-based navigation platform that connects you with behavior/mental health providers in your area.
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International Firefighters’ Day is
May 4. It is a day for the world to recognize the selfless sacrifices firefighters make to ensure their communities are safe and honor their commitment to public service. Thank you to Orange County Fire Rescue Department for assisting in COVID-9 operations. Orange County Fire Rescue now has more than 112 qualified vaccinators, 42 qualified testers and more than 170 personnel who contributed in various capacities throughout the pandemic.
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May 3-9 is National Corrections Officers and Employees Week. The week honors the vital contribution that correctional employees make in enhancing public safety. The Orange County Corrections Department was recently recognized at the Board of County Commissioners meeting in observance of this week.
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Did you know that, because of tourism, our residents pay less in taxes and have more money for schools, roads and public services? Celebrate the power of travel during National Travel & Tourism Week, May 2 – 8. Enjoy all that Orange County has to offer by visiting VisitOrlando.com.
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May 9, 2021
Festivals and holidays have celebrated mothers and motherhood since ancient times; our American holiday has roots in the late 19th century. On Mother’s Day, the History Center offers free admission to all moms.
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Now until May 10, 2021
Orange County is accepting proposals through Monday, May 10, 2021, for its 7th annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition. Artists can submit work by visiting http://bit.ly/2OEEGDg.
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May 12, 2021
Orange County’s MLK Initiative has completed its April book from its Book Club — Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America by John Lewis. A new book is introduced on the second Wednesday of every month. The next book will be announced on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, on the Initiative’s webpage.
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Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.
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