The

Demings

Digest

September 2025

Teachers welcome back students for the first day of the 2025 school year at Southwood Orange County Head Start.

Greetings,

I hope you all had a strong start to the school year and enjoyed a relaxing Labor Day weekend. With summer winding down and fall just around the corner, now is a great time to take advantage of the many outdoor activities and events planned throughout September. Be sure to check out the full calendar of events at the end of this newsletter.

Last month’s close call with Hurricane Erin serves as an important reminder that we are now in the peak of hurricane season. I encourage everyone to ensure you have a well-stocked emergency supply kit and to review our safety and preparedness information provided by Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management.

National Hispanic Heritage Month - September 15 to October 15

From September 15 through October 15, Orange County proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month — honoring the rich diversity and cultural contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities. A variety of public events and showcases are planned throughout the month. Follow the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County on Facebook to stay informed and get involved.

In the News

County Employee Juggles Work, Life and Family for a Brighter Future

Balancing work and family can be a challenge — especially for young professionals building their careers while raising children. Wendy Reyes of Orange County Public Works understands this firsthand. Her story is a powerful example of determination, time management and perseverance in the face of life’s demands.

Orange County Head Start Helps Families Build a Strong Start to School

The Orange County Head Start program offers comprehensive, no-cost early childhood education to children from low-income families. With 23 locations — including public school campuses and County facilities — the program supports not only young learners but their families as well, helping build a strong foundation for lifelong success.

What to Do When the Power Goes Out During a Storm

In Central Florida, summer storms often bring unexpected power outages. Whether they last a few minutes or several hours, a little preparation can make a big difference. Learn what steps you can take to keep your household safe, informed and ready to respond when the lights go out.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit

An emergency supply kit is a collection of essential items you and your family may need in the event of a major storm or disaster. Being prepared means having enough food, water and basic supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours.

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and pack everything in one or two easy-to-carry containers — such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:

One gallon of water per person, per day (for at least three days)
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Cell phones with chargers and backup batteries
Manual can opener
Flashlight
First aid kit
Local maps
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
Wrench or pliers for turning off utilities

Find more tips on storm preparedness, visit ocfl.net/Storm.

Orange County Budget

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold two public hearings on the proposed $8.2 billion Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The public hearings are scheduled for Thursday, September 4, and Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 5:01 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the BCC Chambers at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando. Learn More

Magical Dining Month

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining returns from August 15 through September 30, featuring 160 participating restaurants, including several recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.

Menus are now live at OrlandoMagicalDining.com. In addition to making reservations, diners can discover curated arts and cultural events by United Arts of Central Florida to create a full evening experience — or take advantage of affordable overnight stay deals for a weekend getaway.

Engage Orange

Engage Orange is our new community engagement platform that puts your voice front and center. Whether it is commenting on proposed development projects or sharing your thoughts on new environmental policies, this interactive hub makes it easy to: