Orange County Head Start students enjoying the first day of school August 10 2022 in the Dover Shores Head Start classrooms at Dover Shore Elementary.
Orange County Head Start students enjoying the first day of school, August, 10, 2022, in the Dover Shores Head Start classrooms at Dover Shore Elementary.
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Greetings!

September is here, and so is the long-awaited football season. From grade schools to colleges and professional football, it is an exciting time for tailgating with friends and rooting for your favorite teams. Our own University of Central Florida kicks off its season at home on September 1. Go Knights!

We are fortunate to live in a region home to many incredible cultural dining experiences, and this month is an ideal time to enjoy delicious food and support a charity through Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program. Read more about this popular event in the newsletter and learn which restaurants are participating this year.

September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, during which we celebrate the broad diversity in our community. As part of the celebration, we will be hosting our annual art exhibition featuring local artists in the Orange County Administration Building lobby on Rosalind Avenue. Additionally, and for the first time, a second art exhibition will be held at the Mall of Millenia. Learn more in this newsletter.

I would like to thank everyone for your confidence in my leadership by voting for me to continue my role as your mayor for another four years. I am positive we can carry on working together to keep Orange County an amazing place to live, work and visit. During my first term we accomplished extraordinary things, and we will continue to invest boldly in our future to make this the greatest county in the State of Florida and the nation!

Finally, on September 11, our nation uplifts the spirit of unity and remembers the innocent lives lost 21 years ago. We also honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and years later due to illness related to their heroic work. Together as a nation, we will never forget.

I wish everyone the very best.

Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings - Orange County Mayor
IN THE NEWS
COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
Orange County Government 25th Annual Community Conference - October 8 2022 - Orange County Convention Center North Concourse - 9400 Universal Boulevard - Orlando FL 32819 - Neighborhood Services Division - Engaging and Strengthening Neighborhoods
Mark your calendars! — Join Mayor Demings, the Board of County Commissioners and the Orange County Neighborhood Services Division for an action-packed day during the annual Orange County Community Conference. The conference provides opportunities for residents to learn more about County services, attend workshops on how to strengthen neighborhoods, and share new ideas for preserving and enhancing communities.

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2022
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Orange County Convention Center, North Concourse

To learn more about the conference or to register, visit ocfl.net/CommunityConference.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
September 2022

September is full of events at the Orange County Library System. If you have not already, make sure to sign up for your free Orange County Library Card!
September 2022

Experience our region’s amazing culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining program. Through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal served will benefit The Able Trust, which works to help expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
September 10

The Adopt-a-Tree Program will host its September event at Magnolia Park. Residents can pick up available tree species while supplies last. Limit two per household. Residents are asked to bring proof of residency.
Fish4Fun
September 10, 17, 24 and 25

Children 12 and younger are invited to participate in Orange County Parks and Recreation’s Fish4Fun events. Several free catch-n-release events will be held at parks across the County — September 10 at Blanchard Park, September 17 at Bear Creek Recreation Complex, September 24 at Barnett Park, and September 25 at Bithlo Community Park.
September 18

Join Mayor Demings and the Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council at the Renaissance Senior Center as they honor Gold Star mothers and families. Families in attendance are kindly asked to bring a framed picture of their loved one.
Global Peace Film Festival
September 19-25

Since 2003, the Global Peace Film Festival has used the power of the moving image to further the cause of peace on earth. This year’s festival will have both a live and virtual event.
NEW HISTORY CENTER EXHIBIT
Figurehead Music and Mayhem in Orlando's Underground - A new exhibition that really rocks. Opens September 10.
Between 1985 and 2001, the Orlando concert promoter, Figurehead, invigorated the musical landscape in Central Florida. This special exhibition, Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground, tells the story of how the company helped grow the local scene with a focus on underground rock music and the club circuit. Utilizing the extensive Figurehead archive, now part of the Orange County Regional History Center’s permanent collection, the exhibition showcases an impressive display of concert posters that capture the energy and drive of this era.

Figurehead: Music & Mayhem in Orlando’s Underground opens at the Orange County Regional History Center on Saturday, September 10, 2022.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 to October 15
From September 15 through October 15, Orange County recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the broad diversity in our community. For 2022, the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County will feature an art exhibition of local artists featuring traditional dresses and artwork that highlight Hispanic culture. This year’s art and dress exhibition offers two locations for residents to visit — one at the Mall of Millennia from September 15 through October 15 and the other at the Orange County Administration Building from September 30 through October 28.

Follow the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County on Facebook to learn more.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Facebook: Visitors experienced new amenities at Magnolia Park in Apopka this month with the unveiling of an eco-education center, fishing pier, dock and inclusive playground.
Twitter: Learn more about local artist Stephen Taylor, whose works were chosen by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs for its Art in the Atrium program.
Hurricane Prep Water Hacks
Instagram: Stocking up on water for storm season does not have to break the bank. Learn easy and affordable ways you can stay prepared during hurricane season with Orange County tap water.
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.