MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST Happy New Year! 2020 is the start of a new decade and a historic anniversary for our residents. One hundred and seventy-five years ago, the Florida Legislature had the good sense to change our name from Mosquito County to Orange County. To mark that day back in 1845, the Orange County Regional History Center will celebrate our humble beginnings with free admission and family-friendly activities on January 25 . January also marks another important day in U.S. history.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is January 15 and will be celebrated as a federal holiday on January 20. For the first time in the history of unincorporated Orange County, we have created the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative . The members of this initiative have been charged with creating ways to commemorate Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to civil rights, nonviolence and justice throughout the year. As your Mayor, I resolve to continue to have community outreach and engagement on a variety of issues in 2020. Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

TRANSPORTATION

If you have not already, please make sure to take our brief transportation survey at www.ocfl.net/TransportationSurvey . The survey closes on Feb. 1. So far, we have had more than 3,600 responses. Thank you to the many residents who have participated in the Transportation Town Halls. Since August 2019, Mayor Demings and his staff have had the pleasure of participating in more than 115 community meetings regarding the need for long-term transportation funding. Stay updated at www.ocfl.net/Transportation for next steps in 2020 with a proposed transportation plan. Stay engaged and provide your feedback. Also, check out this video comparing a SunRail commute vs. a car commute from Maitland to downtown Orlando.

CENSUS

An accurate and complete count is important for the 2020 Census because it allows funding for family programs, such as  Head Start  in Orange County. Hear how Head Start makes a positive local impact in this report on News 13. Also, learn how one Orange County employee credits Head Start with her family’s success when they moved to Central Florida from Puerto Rico by visiting ou r OCFL Newsroom .

IN THE NEWS

Mayor Demings announces the hiring of Jeff Benavides as Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer

Congratulations to Orange County Corrections Chief Louis Quiñones Jr. for being recognized with a Don Quijote Award

A Neighborhood You Should Know: Union Park is Diverse and Welcoming

Mayor’s Toy Drive Leads to Happy Holidays for Families: More than 4,100 Toys Collected

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

175th Anniversary of Orange County . Celebrate at a free event commemorating the 175 th Anniversary of Orange County at the Orange County Regional History Center’s Heritage Day on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy free admission to the History Center. Residents and visitors can also enjoy live music, sample citrus-inspired treats and fun activities for families. For more information, visit the History Center’s webpage .

Martin Luther King Jr. Parades Downtown Orlando Jaycees MLK Parade Saturday, January 18 at 10 a.m.   Historic Town of Eatonville’s Annual MLK Parade Celebration Saturday, January 18 at 2 p.m.   City of Ocoee’s Annual MLK Day Parade Monday, January 20 at 10 a.m.   City of Apopka’s MLK Day Parade Monday, January 20 at 2 p.m.

Learn about other upcoming Community Events and Opportunities

STAY CONNECTED

Join the conversation on social media and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter .

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