MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST
The holiday season is fast approaching! This season is traditionally a time for large gatherings of family and friends, however as you make your plans I urge you to stay the course with facial coverings and social distancing as we try to slow the spread of COVID-19.
I also want to acknowledge there are many in our community who are hurting due to the massive layoffs in the tourism industry. Please look into making donations or volunteering with non-profit organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Feed the Need to help our vulnerable citizens during this difficult time.
Veterans Day will be observed on Wednesday, November 11. There are thousands of military veterans right here in Orange County. Our Veterans Advisory Committee will hold a virtual ceremony at 11 a.m. to celebrate the day. There are more details in the Digest.
Finally, I want to remind everyone that Orange County employees continue to deliver high-quality service during the pandemic. Our Animal Services workers have found homes for a record number of dogs and cats – the most in 50 years. In addition, the Orange County Corrections Department was recently reaccredited by the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission for having an outstanding commitment to professionalism and service. It places our facility among the top 25% of all jails in Florida.
Well done!
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ORANGE CARES DOLLARS AT WORK |
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Orange County CARES Act funds are supporting a program by CareerSource Central Florida that provides free career services such as training scholarships, paid internships and other career tools to help residents land careers in key industries. Learn more about this program in this short video. For more information on resident resources during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit ocfl.net/ResidentResources.
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Since April, Orange County Health Services has provided more than 26,000 free COVID-19 tests at its mobile testing sites. Every resident who gets tested receives free face masks and hand sanitizer kits. Do you know who helps make those kits? Long-time volunteer and Valencia College student Cesar Londoño-Jaimes has dedicated more than 400 volunteer hours volunteering at these test sites. He was recently honored by Mayor Demings and Orange County Health Services for his outstanding volunteer work. Read more: bit.ly/OCFLEverydayHero
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Every year, there are hundreds of complaints regarding improperly parked vehicles. On November 2, 2020 new parking standards take effect that will help law enforcement in their efforts to discourage drivers from parking illegally. Learn more in this report from WOFL FOX 35.
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Last month, more than 600 evictions were filed in Orange County. To help avoid evictions, the County’s CARES program is helping both tenants and landlords navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more in this report from WFTV Channel 9.
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Mary Johnson was the first Hispanic to be elected to the Orlando City Council and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. During her 24-year tenure as an elected official, she served on more than a dozen key community boards.
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Members of Orange County’s Domestic Violence Commission serve as advisors to assess gaps in services, identify significant issues and recommend solutions to help reduce domestic violence incidents. One Commission member, Lisa Alexander, provides a unique perspective as a survivor.
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Congratulations to all of Orange County’s Community Conference honorees, including Dr. Candice Jones, who was awarded the Mayor’s 2020 Distinguished Citizen of the Year. Read more about the winners or watch the virtual conference by visiting Orange County’s newsroom.
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Thank you to Orange County Animal Services Division, which announced a record-breaking live-release rate for fiscal year 2020. This year, 6,436 domestic animals and other pets were adopted — the most in over half a century!
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November 11, 2020
Orange County’s MLK Initiative has launched its Book Club to foster a love for literature by promoting books based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values. A new book will be introduced on the second Wednesday of every month. The first book will be announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 on the Initiative’s webpage.
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November 11, 2020
Mayor Demings and the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will host a flag-raising ceremony to honor veterans and service members across the County. The virtual event will be broadcast on OrangeTV and on Facebook.
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November 28-29, 2020
In partnership with the Downtown Arts District, Orange County Government Arts & Cultural Affairs, and the Orlando Downtown Development Board, FusionFest is a free, two-day, outdoor festival that celebrates cultures, music, dance, food, visual arts, language, games and more from across the globe. Learn more at FusionFest.org.
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Open until January 24, 2021
On October 26, 2020 the Orlando Science Center opened its newest exhibit, Pompeii: The Immortal City. Thanks to Orange County Government’s Arts & Cultural Affairs Program, Orange County is one of only three sites in the United States that will host this remarkable display. Tickets and information at osc.org.
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Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.
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