Mayor Demings reading to children. Behind him, the words "Change the World with Optimism."
MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Time is flying, and we are “springing” into March at lightning speed with lots of activities for you to enjoy.

On March 7, we will once again host the popular Jazz in the Park at Cypress Grove Park – a great way to spend the day with family and friends.

If you prefer acoustic music, the Fort Christmas Bluegrass Festival will take place on March 28 with a day-long lineup of artists. Both musical events are free.

March is also Women’s History Month, and I am so proud of the extraordinary women who work in Orange County Government and who serve with me on the Board of County Commissioners .

Spring is around the corner, so enjoy the beautiful weather and all the natural splendor Orange County has to offer.
Mayor Demings' home page
CORONAVIRUS
Governor Ron DeSantis recently issued an Executive Order directing a Public Health Emergency and statewide response for Coronavirus Disease. Declaring a State of Emergency is a common proactive practice that allows state resources and personnel to respond to any incidents.

While the Florida Department of Health is in charge sho uld there be outbreaks, Orange County Government is prepared to provide support to health officials.

Please help our efforts to keep your families and all residents safe by washing hands often, not touching faces, covering coughs and staying home if sick (except if you need medical attention). Please visit the CDC’s webpage for a fact sheet for more information.

Please visit www.ocfl.net/Coronavirus for more information and to stay up-to-date.
CENSUS
Did you know the results of the U.S. Census in Orange County help determine federal funding for some of our community's services, including hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, housing programs, and emergencies and natural disasters programs?

It even determines our congressional representation!

Residents will start receiving Census mail this month, and you can easily fill out the Census survey online. The deadline to complete the 2020 Census is April 1, 2020. Learn more at ocfl.net/Census2020 .
TRANSPORTATION
Thank you to the more than 10,000 residents who participated in Orange County’s transportation survey !

According to survey results, residents listed their top transportation challenges as traffic congestion, transit needs, and bicycle and pedestrian safety. On Feb. 25, a transportation work session was held at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting , which highlighted community engagement efforts and laid out a proposed transportation plan framework.

Visit www.ocfl.net/Transportation for full survey results and to learn more about next steps in the process.
Survey Says, by the numbers: More than 10,000 responses; more than 4,000 comments and recommendations; Mayor Demings and Staff participated in more than 200 community engagement opportunities
HOUSING FOR ALL
Watch Spectrum News 13’s recent segment highlighting Mayor Demings’ Housing for All initiative and how Orange County plans to bring more affordable housing to the area. In addition, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently voted to set aside $10 million for an affordable-housing trust fund .
Apartment building on a sunny day
IN THE NEWS
A group of young volunteers surround Mayor Demings
Wide view of a park on a lake
A man in an inside gymnasium hitting a ball with a paddle
Two men carrying work bags walking down a neighborhood street
KUDOS
MLK INITIATIVE
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Save the Date! Mayor Demings and the Orange County MLK Initiative will host its first signature event on April 4 in commemoration of Dr. King and his legacy. More details to follow at www.ocfl.net/MLK .
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Mayor Demings and staff are smiling as they run on a cobblestone road
IOA 5k on April 9 at 6:45 p.m. in downtown Orlando. Last year, there were more than 18,000 participants. Visit www.trackshack.com for more details.

Mayor’s Jazz in the Park – Mayor Demings will host this free concert at Cypress Grove Park on Sat., March 7, 2-6 p.m. Event will include food trucks, a kid zone and fun entertainment for all ages. Go to www.ocfl.net/ParksEvents for more information.
 
Daddy-Daughter Dance – Fathers can make special memories with their daughters at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center on Sat., March 7, 6-9 p.m. Tickets bought prior to the dance cost $25 per couple and $10 per additional daughter. Tickets bought the day of the event cost $35 per couple and $10 per additional daughter. LongHorn Steakhouse will provide dinner and refreshments. For more information, visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net or call 407-254-9065.
 
Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Event – Dispose household waste at Orange County Utilities’ free event on Sat. March 21, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., 475 Story Rd, Ocoee. Visit www.ocfl.net/HHW for more information or email Solid.Waste@ocfl.net .

Orange County Regional History Center's Women’s History Month Breakfast with a program honoring Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) on March 12 at 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $30. For details, visit www.thehistorycenter.org .
SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
Check out these social media highlights, connect with Orange County Government, and follow Mayor Demings on Facebook and Twitter .
Twitter Post - Valentines
Instagram Post - Dog Parks
Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.