The

Demings

Digest

June 2024

Orange County employees took over the streets of downtown Orlando for the annual IOA Corporate 5K run.

Greetings,

Summer break has arrived for students and with it comes the opportunity to get outside and enjoy all that our vibrant community has to offer. In addition to enjoying our beautiful parks, lakes and outdoor spaces, there are a number of cultural experiences and events taking place this month, including our popular Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Orange County MLK Initiative. Check out the full calendar of events in this newsletter.

Although hurricane season has just begun, it is never too early to ensure your family is prepared. The Orange County Office of Emergency Management is hosting the Orange County Hurricane Expo on Saturday, June 15 at Evans High School. Make sure to arrive early to pick up free preparedness items while supplies last. I also encourage everyone to take advantage of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday to stock up on essential items.

Orange County Emergency Operations Center Modernized for Hurricane Season

With an "extremely active" hurricane season predicted for 2024, the Office of Emergency Management is laser-focused on preparing for the saving of lives, protection of property and recovery from the effects of an emergency or disaster.

Community Action Division Helps Low-income Seniors Stay Cool

Orange County Community Action Division offers a number of programs to assist low-income families in achieving economic stability. Learn more about the Senior Climate Efficiency Program, which assists low-income seniors with air conditioner replacement, service or system upgrades.

Orange County Green PLACE Program Celebrates New Bird Blind at Johns Lake Conservation Area

In celebration of Earth Month, Orange County’s Environmental Protection Division unveiled its first bird blind for bird watching. Learn more about this new amenity that allows visitors to capture photos and observe bird behavior without disturbing them.

Orange County Works on Growth Blueprint with Orange Code and Vision 2050

Orange County is rethinking how and where it should grow. Learn more about the planned overhaul of land development rules and regulations, which emphasizes diverse housing options, sustainability, and walkable spaces.

State of the County

This month, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings will deliver his annual State of the County address, which highlights the outstanding accomplishments of Orange County Government and its regional and local partners over the past year, as well as provides a look ahead at how we are building better together.

Date: Friday, June 7, 2024

Time: Networking begins at 8 a.m.; Program begins at 9 a.m.

Location: Linda Chapin Theater, Orange County Convention Center

RSVP for the Event

More Information: State of the County Webpage

Watch Live on June 7: Orange TV

Orange County Hurricane Expo

The Orange County Hurricane Expo is back! The event, which is free and open to the public, will include one-on-one meetings with emergency responders and safety vendors, safety tips on how to survive a hurricane, hurricane predictions with meteorologist Amy Sweezey, and free preparedness items while supplies last.

Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Evans High School

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

The first Florida Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from Saturday, June 1, through Friday, June 14. During that time, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness will be exempt from sales tax. Eligible items include:

Flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less
Radios costing $50 or less
Coolers and portable power banks costing $60 or less
Batteries and fuel tanks costing $50 or less
Generators costing $3,000 or less

For the full list of eligible items, visit the Florida Department of Revenue.

Upcoming Events

Just Elected? Now What?

June 8, 9 a.m.

Gain a better understanding of what to expect as a newly elected board member of your neighborhood organization by attending this workshop.

Pulse Remembrance Ceremony

June 12, 7 p.m.

Community leaders, first responders and the families of the victims and survivors of the Pulse tragedy will come together for an annual remembrance ceremony hosted by the City of Orlando.

Father’s Day at the History Center

June 16

On Father’s Day, the Orange County Regional History Center offers free admission to any caregiver accompanied by their loved one of any age.

MLK Initiative: Juneteenth Celebration

June 19, 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate with us during this free resource event featuring community vendors, food trucks, a kid’s zone and more.

First Day of Summer

June 20

Enjoy the first day of summer by visiting one of more than 100 of Orange County’s parks, trails, recreation centers or Green PLACE properties.

Orange County Library System June Events

June 1-30

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