Mayor Demings embracing students in a group hug on stage
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Hello, February!

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day in February, it’s important to embrace love, not only for your fellow man, but also for our most vulnerable creatures. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll learn about Orange County Animal Services’ foster kitten program , which is making a difference in helping kittens find a permanent home.
 
Orange County is also proud to celebrate February as Black History Month. We’re highlighting Carla McClendon, Orange County’s first black female municipal fire safety inspector . During her career, McClendon has shattered racial barriers, and her story is compelling. We’re incredibly blessed to have such smart and dedicated public servants. For upcoming Black History events for our MLK initiative, visit www.ocfl.net/MLK . 
 
And we’re always looking for more talent! February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science . Orange County offers multiple STEM jobs in various fields that can lead to wonderful and fulfilling careers. We would love for you to take advantage of these opportunities and join our team! 
 
In addition, the year-long celebration has begun as Orange County marks its 175 th  anniversary. Look for more events in upcoming newsletters.
Mayor Demings' home page
AMAZON ALEXA
Orange County Government now offers the “Ask Orange County Government” app/skill through Amazon’s Alexa. Orange County is the first county in Florida to incorporate the Alexa virtual assistant – which serves as an extension of Orange County’s 311 service . See how Mayor Demings uses the Alexa app (and Alexa even mentions Congresswoman Demings). Learn more at www.ocfl.net/Alexa .
TRANSPORTATION
We have more than 6,000 responses to Orange County’s brief transportation survey … and have heard a lot of feedback from residents on the long-term needs and concerns for transportation. If you haven’t already, please take the survey or share with those you know at www.ocfl.net/TransportationSurvey . 
Word cloud including words like: Sunrail, Orange, Traffic, infrastructure, time, increase and more
IN THE NEWS
February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in STEM
February 11 is International Day of Women & Girls in Science. Learn about two female STEM superstars at Orange County Government: Carol Merkel, a Senior Engineer at Orange County Public Works and Julie Bortles, the Regulatory Compliance Program Coordinator at the Orange County Environmental Protection Division .
Carla McClendon
Geovanie Hernandez receiving an award
Kitty on a blanket
Students posing for a photo
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Two people planting a tree
Movie in the Park: Disney’s Aladdin . Enjoy this Disney classic at Silver Star Community Park on Fri., Feb. 21 and Wedgefield Park on Sat., Feb. 22, both from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Free admission.

Free Child Safety Seat Checks . Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available for free car seat inspections at Station 83 (on Lake Underhill) on Feb. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Station 70 (on Wallace St.) on Feb. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. No appointments necessary.

Dedication of the Lockhart Community History Mural. District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore will host this event on Sat., Feb. 29, 9:30 a.m. at 7110 Edgewater Dr., Lockhart, FL 32810. For more information, contact Katherine.Marsh@ocfl.net or 407-664-6582.

EcoSaturdays . Exciting free classes on Sat., Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. & Sat., Feb. 29, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Tibet-Butler Preserve . Suitable for ages 7 and older and limited to 30 participants.

Don’t Pitch It, Fix It . The Environmental Protection Division is hosting a free, community repair event on Sat., Feb. 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Blanchard Park , where volunteers will be on hand to make minor repairs to items such as electronics, bicycles, jewelry and clothing.

Mayor’s Jazz in the Park . Save the date! Mayor Demings will host this free concert at Cypress Grove Park on Sat, March 7, 3 to 6 p.m. Expect food trucks, a kid zone and fun entertainment for all ages.
STAY CONNECTED
Join the conversation on social media and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter .
Facebook Post - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Twitter Post - Pro Bowl Kickoff
LinkedIn Post - Orange Day
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.