Greetings,

As summer break concludes and families begin to prepare for the first day of school, I encourage all residents to join our efforts in keeping students safe. Whether children are walking or biking to school, Orange County wants to ensure that residents and guests enjoy a community with safe and efficient transportation options.
 
Through Orange County's pedestrian safety program, Walk-Ride-Thrive!, we continue to work diligently to enhance the County's response to pedestrian and bicycle safety issues in coordination with other local, regional, state and federal initiatives. The program, launched in 2015, establishes a coordinated, comprehensive and consistent response to the pedestrian and bicycle safety issues in Orange County by improving street safety, as well as biker, walker and driver behavior to create lasting, positive change.
 
In partnership with the University of Central Florida Police Department, Orange County will be launching an extension campaign of Walk-Ride-Thrive! titled,  "Eyes Up, Ears Open" - aimed to encourage students to be vigilant when crossing the street and keep headphones out of their ears.
 
Our local transportation and pedestrian safety partners - including Best Foot Forward, the City of Orlando, MetroPlan Orlando, LYNX, Bike/Walk Central Florida, reThink Your Commute, Orange County Public Schools and local enforcement agencies continue to work together to successfully boost pedestrian and bicycle safety through the presence of school crossing guards, educational programs and engineering and traffic enhancements.
 
Orange County is committed to providing long-term benefits to our residents. Through our INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative, we are continuously working to address pedestrian needs at selected intersections and provide overall corridor improvements. Through these efforts and more, we are well on our way to enhancing walkable communities for residents and visitors.
 
With the start of the school year just a few weeks away and as students begin preparing for a new academic year, please join me in recognizing the devoted volunteers, caretakers, crossing guards, teachers and mentors who make a tremendous impact in the lives of our children. Their dedication to our students and commitment to hard work helps nurture our youth to be the citizens and leaders who will take us into tomorrow.
 
I wish all of our students another successful school year. May they set their sights high, discover new passions, acquire new skills and work hard to achieve their goals.
 
Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Orange County Mayor
In This Issue

sunrailSunRail's Southern Expansion Officially Opens in
Orange and Osceola Counties

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined community leaders and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, and Tupperware Brands for  SunRail's  Southern Expansion Inaugural Ride and the Grand Opening of Phase 2 on July 28, 2018. The ceremony commemorated the 17-mile expansion within Orange and Osceola counties and new stations located in Meadow Woods, downtown Kissimmee/Amtrak and Poinciana.  

The bell ringing ceremony, a partnership between federal, state and local government agencies, was held at the new Tupperware Station in Osceola County.   Learn More>
investOrange County Fire Rescue Celebrates Opening of New Fire Station as Part of INVEST in Our Home for Life Initiative
 

Orange County Government celebrated the opening of Fire Rescue Station 67 on June 4, 2018.  Mayor Teresa Jacobs was joined by District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke, District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla and Orange County Fire Rescue (OCFRD) Chief Otto Drozd III for a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the new station in east Orange County, in close proximity to the University of Central Florida.  Station 67 is considered the flagship public safety project among Mayor Jacobs' INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative and is the first of three fire stations to be funded through INVEST funds. Learn More>
necOrange County Government Celebrates 15 Years of Collaboration with National Entrepreneur Center


Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined the Central Florida business community for the Celebration of Collaboration Breakfast hosted by the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC) on June 27, 2018.

The event recognized the many partners of the NEC and the transformative role these relationships have played in nurturing a successful environment for start-up businesses, small businesses and entrepreneurs over the last 15 years. Learn More>
wyndhamWyndham Destinations Brings 200 New Jobs to Orange County


Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined Florida Gov. Rick Scott to announce that Wyndham Destinations, Inc. has selected Orange County for its new global headquarters on June 1, 2018. The company will create 200 new jobs and make a $7.5 million capital investment in Orlando.

"Wyndham Destinations is the latest in a growing list of companies that have recently decided to operate their headquarters in Orange County," Mayor Jacobs said. "Our community's culture of collaboration has led to incredible economic development opportunities, as well as the creation of high-value jobs and significant capital investments in Orange County."

This announcement marked the relocation of Wyndham Worldwide's headquarters from New Jersey to Orange County. Learn More>
sunscreenCelebrate Summer with Sunscreen at Orange County Parks


As Central Florida celebrates summer, Orange County Parks and Recreation and Orlando Health UF Health Cancer Center with Seminole County Parks and Recreation, have announced they are bringing sunscreen stations to 15 Central Florida parks.

"Since installing the sunscreen dispensers in several parks, we've had positive feedback from visitors," said Matt Suedmeyer, manager of Orange County Parks and Recreation. Learn More>
News Worth Noting noticias

Orange County Government wants to be sure that everyone has the information they need before, during and after any severe tropical system affects the community. Visit www.OCFL.net/storm to learn about hurricane preparedness resources available. 
 


Mayor Jacobs was recognized by the Brazil America Council for her leadership and guidance on hurricane recovery efforts. The Brazil America Council works to promote art, culture, heritage and business among the Brazilian community in Orange County. 


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