Orange County TDT Citizens Advisory Task Force Meetings!

Our office hosted a press conference to speak on the relaunching of this year's TDT Citizens Advisory Task Force. The task force reviews and recommends uses for future unallocated Tourist Development Tax revenues in compliance with Florida Statutes to the Tourist Development Council and the Board of County Commissioners. There are four meetings left.

When:

• Tuesday, July 28th 9:00am - 2:00pm
• Wednesday, July 29th 9:00am - 2:00pm
• Wednesday, August 5th 9:00am - 2:00pm
• Tuesday, August 11th 9:00am - 2:00pm

Where: In-person at the Orange County Innovation Center, 7149 W. Colonial Dr, Orlando, 32818 or stream it live via Orange TV Live

This is your chance to:

• Share your voice during Public Comment section (sign up early!)
• Listen in on key discussions that directly affect future TDT allocations
• Email your comments to TDTcitizenadvisory@ocfl.net

Thank you for staying active and involved. Together, we’re building the future of Orange County.

East Colonial Drive Widening - Open House

The Florida Department of Transportation plans to widen East Colonial Drive (SR 50) from Avalon Park Boulevard to Chuluota Road (CR 419) in east Orange County. The projects will add one lane in each direction, resulting in three travel lanes in each direction separated by a raised median. Full and directional medians will be provided at several locations along the corridor. Additionally, these projects will add shared-use paths on both sides of the roadway.

The open house will be held in-person from at Boardwalk Bowl - Bridge Event Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to view a looping presentation and project displays, speak with project team members, and submit comments or questions.

When: Thursday, July 23rd, 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Where: 10749 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32817

Alternatively, you can join an online webinar at 5:30 p.m. to watch a project presentation and submit written questions or comments using the webinar questions box. To attend using the virtual option, please register below.

For more information, contact Will Isidort, FDOT Project Manager.

386-943-5415

Will.Isidort@dot.state.fl.us

District 5 Back to School Fair

Join us at the 2026 Orange County Community and Family Services Back to School Fair in District 5! As the school year approaches, the B2S Fair is here to help families get a strong start—bringing together food boxes, support services, and school essentials all in one place. From backpacks and supplies to community partners ready to assist, it’s about making sure every student walks into the classroom prepared and confident.

Parents must bring the following documents for ECG/Immunizations:

• Parent identification
• Child's birth certificate
• Vaccination record needed
• Children must be present

When: Saturday, July 25th, 9:00am - 12:00pm

Where: East River High School, 650 East River Falcons Way, Orlando 32833

Volunteers Register Here

D5 Neighborhood Advisory Council Meeting

You are invited to join Commissioner Semrad's D5 Neighborhood Advisory Council this July 29th. Our members will be present in-person and online to discuss ongoing projects such as the AI Data Center Moratorium, STAR Plan (transit), and a new community gardens ordinance.

Do you have a policy idea that is not currently on our radar? Join us and learn how to impact your community through local government.

When: Wednesday, July 29th 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: 201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 OR Online on Microsoft Teams

Orange County Government Business Resource Office Workshops

Our Business Resource Office is hosting a series of workshops designed to help business owners navigate county services. You are invited to join the following sessions which are offered free-of-cost.

Understanding Small Business Development Opportunities

When: Wednesday, July 22nd, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Meadow Woods Recreation Center, 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824

Understanding Procurement Opportunities

When: Wednesday July 29th, 6pm - 8pm

Where: Meadow Woods Recreation Center, 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824

Indiana Jones & the Raiders of the Lost Ark

This film series features classic films for the whole family. We encourage you to bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and some family and friends. This event is free for the public.

When: Thursday, August 13th at 8:00pm

Where: Central Park, Main Stage, 11 South Park Avenue, Winter Park

Samaritan Resource Center Town Hall: The Cost of Doing Nothing

You are invited to join Samaritan Resource Center's next Town Hall on homelessness. Continuum of Care organizations, Orange County Sheriff's Office, and faith groups come together to discuss collective efforts to eradicate homelessness. This month's topic is "The Cost of Doing Nothing".

When: Thursday, September 17th at 5:30 PM

Where: Spirit of Joy Church, 1801 Rouse Rd. Orlando, 32817

For more information, contact townhall@samaritanresourcecenter.org.

ARM Your Pet: Dog Wellness Day

Protect your pet by attending this event, where services are available on a first come, first served basis via drive-thru. We are inviting you to shield your pet from danger by having them vaccinated against the rabies virus and microchipped for free.

When: Wednesday, July 29th, 7:00am - 11:00am

Where: Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32808

Central Florida Diaper Bank

Join the Central Florida Diaper Bank at an upcoming mobile diaper distribution! Please bring all required documents. Participants may only attend one distribution site per month and must be an Orange County resident.

When: Tuesday, August 4th, 9:00am - 10:30am

Where: 9645 E. Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32817

Central Florida is Experiencing Extreme Heat

Central Florida is experiencing long stretches of dangerous heat which threaten health, infrastructure, and your normal routine.

When the heat index reaches 103 degrees or greater in Orange County, LYNX offers free bus rides to and from designated cooling locations. While cooling sites are available year-round during normal business hours, the activation expands access by removing transportation barriers, making it easier for residents to access relief from extreme heat.

For more information on extreme heat in Orange County, click below.

Nonprofit Safety Grant

The Nonprofit Safety Grant provides reimbursement funding to eligible 501(c)(3)

nonprofit organizations implementing community projects that improve public safety and reduce crime.

• Eligible nonprofits may receive $1,000-$10,000 for approved projects.
• Organizations must meet all Orange County documentation requirements.
• Applicants awarded this grant in the previous two consecutive years are not eligible.
• Priority is given to projects serving neighborhoods with large youth and senior populations, higher crime rates, individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged communities.
• Applications will be available soon.

Eligible Reimbursable Projects:

• Promote public safety and crime-prevention education
• Provide home safety improvements (house numbers window locks, fire extinguishers, 911-only cell phones, gun locks)
• Offer resident training (self-defense, theft prevention, senior safety)
• Support disaster-preparedness initiatives
• Application Deadline: September 10th, 2026

Contact the Neighborhood Services Division

(407)-836-4200

OCNeighborhoods@ocfl.net

www.ocfl.net/Neighborhoods

Nonprofit Housing Repair Grant

The Nonprofit Housing Repair Grant reimburses 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for completing minor exterior repairs on single-family homes in underserved areas of Orange County.

• Projects serving seniors, individuals with disabilities, and households in moderate- to very low-income areas may receive special consideration.
• Reimbursement available for projects up to $20,000.
• Organizations must meet all Orange County documentation requirements.
• Applicants who received this grant in the previous two consecutive years are not eligible.

Eligible Reimbursable Projects:

• Minor exterior home repairs
• Gutter cleaning and repair
• Painting and pressure washing
• Door and window replacement
• Materials needed to complete project (up to 25% of total grant award)
• Application Deadline: September 10th, 2026

Contact the Neighborhood Services Division

(407)-836-4200

OCNeighborhoods@ocfl.net

www.ocfl.net/Neighborhoods

Protect Your Pets This Hurricane Season!

Tips to Prepare Your Pets Hurricane Season:

• Have a safe place for pets, never leave them behind.
• Stay informed on pet-friendly shelters/boarding facilities.
• Pack food, water, meds, leash, car, and vet records.
• Make sure your pet’s collars are secure & identification tags are up-to-date.
• Transport pet snakes in pillowcases, then secure housing at shelter. 
• Birds and small pets need sturdy, safe carriers they can stay in during sheltering.

Don't wait, prepare now.