MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

As we head into November, I am reminded of the spirit of Thanksgiving, a time we gather in gratitude with our family and loved ones, and also share our blessings with others.

On November 12, we will kick off the annual  Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive . Since the Toy Drive’s inception, more than 35,000 toys have been distributed to local kids in need. Last year, Orange County employees and local residents generously donated more than 4,200 toys, and I am confident we will see that level of generosity again this year.

Please donate new, unwrapped toys for infants, children and teens at one of the multiple drop-off locations throughout the County. Visit www.ocfl.net/ToyDrive  for more information. Special thanks to  WOFL Fox 35  for its media partnership.

We also recently launched our annual  Adopt a Fire Station  program, which allows neighborhood groups, businesses and non-profits to give back to County Fire Stations during the holidays. Many of our first responders spend the holiday season on-call and are unable to be with their loved ones.

Residents can show their appreciation by providing holiday meals and treats and by volunteering their time with local firefighters. Visit  www.ocfl.net/AdoptaFireStation  for details.

Many thanks to all of our veterans as we honor and celebrate Veterans Day on Nov. 11. We are proud there are nearly 70,000 veterans who live in Orange County and about 10 percent of our Orange County employees are either active military or veterans. Finally, I am thankful to be your Mayor, and I know you will join me in giving thanks for the generosity of our wonderful community.
MAKE IT COUNT: CENSUS 2020
Orange County Government’s 2020 Complete Count Committee is already springing into action. It is important all Orange County residents get involved and participate in the U.S. Census Bureau's upcoming 2020 Census. The count helps directly benefit funding in your community. A full accounting of all residents is crucial for the region to get its fair share of federal funds in the next decade. Watch this video from WFTV, Channel 9.
IN THE NEWS
Large group of men and women gathered for a photo. Around them are parked different types of fleet vehicles, including excavators and trucks.
Orange County’s Fleet Management Division
TRANSPORTATION
We are currently hosting meetings and collecting resident feedback and survey data about the state of transportation in Orange County. Watch this short video explaining the facts and attend an upcoming meeting.
#OCFLTransportation
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Help Fight Hunger! The Orange County Corrections Division and other departments are hosting various food drives. Show your support for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and help feed the hungry by donating non-perishable food items or giving monetary donations. Visit www.feedhopenow.org for details. 

Global Cultures to be Showcased at FusionFest 2019 Mark your calendars for FusionFest 2019, which runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 1. The festival celebrates the region’s diverse global influences. Visit www.fusionfest.org for information.

Barktoberfest Orange County Animal Services presents the 8th annual Barktoberfest on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 12 – 4 p.m. at 100 North Eola Drive in Orlando. The event features free rabies vaccinations and microchipping, rescue pets available for adoption, fun activities and food trucks. Visit the Barktoberfest web page or email Barktoberfest@ocfl.net .

Orange County Recycles Day Join in the free festivities as Orange County celebrates recycling during Orange County Recycles Day 2019! Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange County Landfill, 12100 Young Pine Road in Orlando. The event features exhibits, children’s activities, refreshments, truck displays and the very popular landfill tour.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste Collection Event Don't let hazardous waste and old, unused electronics clutter your home. Dispose of your household waste for free at our collection event on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the East Orange County Service Center, 12050 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando. Drop-off items may include paint (oil and latex based); cooking oil and grease; fuels; household chemicals; pesticides and herbicides; rechargeable and lead acid batteries.
STAY CONNECTED
Join the conversation on social media and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter .
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.