Orange County Government wins “Largest Team” Award during the 2022 Track Shack SimplyIOA Corporate 5K in downtown Orlando.
Orange County Government wins “Largest Team” Award during the 2022 Track Shack SimplyIOA Corporate 5K in downtown Orlando.
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Hello everyone,

May is filled with important recognitions, including Community Action Month, Building Safety Month, Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American Heritage Month. We will be celebrating Asian American Heritage Month in the lobby of our County Administration Building on S. Rosalind Avenue with 43 pieces of Asian-themed artwork from local residents, some as young as 5-years old. I encourage you to stop by and see these beautiful pieces of art.

On April 26, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners passed the ordinance allowing the Transportation Sales Tax referendum to be placed on the November ballot. Now you, the voter, will have the opportunity to have your voice heard on this critical initiative. The proposed 1-cent sales tax increase would provide nearly $600 million to support transportation projects, including improving mass transit, creating safer routes for pedestrians and bikers, utilizing new technology to sync traffic signals to ease congestion, and much more.

I want to remind everyone there are still a few weeks left to give us your thoughts on aging and living in Orange County. I encourage you to take the Orange County Livable Communities Survey, which addresses housing, recreation, communication, transportation and health services for people of all ages in our county. The survey will close at the end of this month.

Finally, I would not be where I am today without my mother's love and support, and I miss her terribly. I was very blessed to have her in my life. I wish my dear wife Val and all mothers a very Happy Mother's Day.

Sincerely,
IN THE NEWS
TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE PASSES
By a vote of four to three, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners passed the Transportation Sales Tax Referendum. This means Orange County voters will have the opportunity to decide on November 8, 2022 if they want a 1-cent sales tax increase that would be a dedicated funding source for transportation needs. Individuals are encouraged to learn more about the Transportation Initiative, review survey results and read the Transportation Initiative Report.

Survey Results: 2019 and 2022
LIVEABLE COMMUNITY SURVEY
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double in the next 40 years, far outpacing growth in any other age group. In order to address this, Orange County has launched an Age-Friendly Initiative with the hope of building communities that meet the needs of local residents as they grow older. The ultimate goal is to receive the AARP designation as an “AARP Livable Community.”

Share your thoughts on how we can create a livable community for all ages.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
May 2022

May is full of events at the Orange County Library System. Find a virtual or in-person event at a branch near you.
May 2022

Join Orange County Community Action Division for an open house or outreach event to learn more about available services in your area.
May 8, 2022 | 12 p.m.

On Mother’s Day, the Orange County Regional History Center offers free admission to any caregiver accompanied by their loved one of any age.
May 10, 2022 | 7:30 a.m.

The Orange County Asian Committee hosts its annual celebration highlighting the diverse group of Asian cultures and traditions in Orange County.
May 11, 2022 | 2 p.m.

Protect our waterways by growing a responsible yard and garden. Join the UF/IFAS Extension to learn tips on effective fertilizing while also protecting our environment.
Cypress Grove Memorial Day Salute
May 28, 2022 | 10 a.m.

The Friends of Cypress Grove Park salute our veterans and active-duty service members during its annual remembrance event at Cypress Grove Park.
May 30, 2022

The Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council hosts the annual War Memorial Commemoration Ceremony honoring Orange County’s veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice to serve our nation.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
“We All Shine as One” is the theme for the upcoming 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be hosted in Orange County. The games will need more than 10,000 volunteers to provide the athletes the outstanding experience they deserve. The Special Olympics is seeking volunteers during competition, special events, game operations, and marketing and development activities. For more information, visit the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games website.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Facebook: Cultura, Comunidad y Familia. The Central Florida community celebrates the annual Puerto Rican Parade and Festival at Lake Eola.
Twitter: Fire Chief James Fitzgerald opens Orange County Fire Rescue’s 44th station, located off Goldenrod Road in east Orange County.
Instagram: Join the City Nature Challenge and help scientists document the County’s rich biodiversity.
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.
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