Woman playing disk golf
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Hello, September!

This is the month we say farewell to summer and welcome to fall. Our students also are back in their classrooms, where every precaution is being taken to keep them safe and secure during this pandemic.

I want to wish our Orange County employees and all of the workers in our community a Happy Labor Day. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, especially in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic. I hope everyone finds time over the Labor Day weekend to get together safely with friends and family.

This month also marks the 20th anniversary of our country’s biggest national tragedy — the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. On that day, we will honor the victims and the heroic efforts of our first responders. Let us never forget their bravery as we reflect on what we now know as Patriot Day – a Day of Service and Remembrance.

I would be remiss if I did not continue to stress the importance of wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces and getting fully vaccinated. The pandemic is far from over, therefore we must continue to work together to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Jerry L. Demings
Orange County Mayor
P.S. If you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, you can add the “I Got My Shot” Facebook frame to your Facebook profile photo. Visit www.ocfl.net/IGotMyShot for details on how to add it to your profile. 
IN THE NEWS
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Now - October 3, 2021

Experience our region’s amazing culinary scene with Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining. Through Visit Orlando, $1 from each meal served will benefit Pathlight HOME and IDignity, both of which help to combat homelessness in Central Florida.
September 1 - October 28, 2021

The annual Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit features traditional dresses and artwork highlighting Hispanic culture by local artists from across Central Florida. This year, items from the exhibition will be showcased at the Orange County administration building, Orlando International Airport, as well as digitally on Univision Orlando.
September 8, 2021

Orange County’s MLK Initiative has completed its August book from its Book Club — The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. A new book is introduced on the second Wednesday of every month. The next book will be announced on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 on the initiative’s webpage.
September 14, 2021

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will proclaim September 15-October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County. The meeting will air live on Orange TV. In the evening, the Hispanic Heritage Committee of Greater Orange County will host a reception with artists from its 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit.
September 26, 2021

On Sunday, September 26, 2021 the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council will pay tribute and host its annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Ceremony. The virtual ceremony will air on Orange TV and Facebook. More information will be posted on the council's webpage.
September- October 2021

The Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative created the “Let’s Take It Personal” Pledge Campaign to recognize the equality, dignity and worth of every human being. This act of kindness and compassion is simple: “Take a stance to eradicate prejudice and bias from society.” More information will be posted on the initiative’s webpage.
VIRTUAL HURRICANE EXPO
On Saturday, August 28, 2021, broadcast meteorologist Amy Sweezey and Orange County Government’s Office of Emergency Management hosted the 2021 Virtual Hurricane Expo. During the virtual event, residents learned how to stay prepared before, during and after a storm.

Rewatch the expo or learn more about storm preparedness by visiting ocfl.net/Storm.
COVID-19 VACCINE
Grandparents’ Day is on September 12. Keep your loved ones safe and protect yourself by getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are now available at Orange County’s free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination site at Camping World Stadium — first and second doses only. Third-dose booster shots are not available at this time. Camping World Stadium also provides Monoclonal Antibody therapy treatments.

Residents who are eligible to receive a booster may contact their nearest pharmacy location participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program to check if boosters are being administered. For a list of Federal Retail Pharmacies or other vaccination sites in Orange County, visit ocfl.net/VaccineSites.

ORANGE COUNTY OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Orange County Convention Center, one of the first convention centers to receive the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC) STAR Facility Accreditation from the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, was recently reaccredited after a successful year of safely hosting in-person events. The Orange County Convention Center remains fully committed to hosting safe events, growing our economy and prioritizing the health of all who enter the convention center.

Generating millions of dollars in economic impact for Orange County, the recent MegaCon Convention at the Orange County Convention Center is just one example of a successful collaborative effort to support the health of our local economy and the safety of our residents and guests.
KUDOS TO PUBLIC WORKS

Orange County has been selected for an American Planning Association Florida Chapter (APA Florida) Award of Merit in the Best Practices category. The Transportation Planning Division and Public Works Department successfully developed and implemented comprehensive Orange County Code/Land Development Code amendments to enhance pedestrian safety and meet ADA needs in site development, streets and sidewalks in the County.

Read more in Orange County’s online newsroom.
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter.
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.