MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST
The month of April shines a positive light on the Sunshine State and our County, especially as it relates to expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Anyone 40 and older is now eligible for the vaccine, and we are closing in on 200,000 people being vaccinated at our Convention Center. On Monday, April 5, all Florida residents 18 and older will become eligible for the vaccine (along with 16- and 17-year-olds with certain restrictions).
With 64 percent of Orange County seniors 60 and older having received at least one shot, there is much hope, promise and potential about the vaccine’s continued rollout. There are numerous locations around the County for COVID vaccinations (including a FEMA location at the South Branch Library), so please visit ocfl.net/vaccine for more information.
Our latest 14-day positivity rate is 6.1 percent, but we need to stay vigilant. In fact, the 18 to 25 year old age group has experienced increased cases, so testing is still important. That is why we have extended free testing at Barnett Park through the end of April (7 days per week). The facility will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4.
I am pleased to announce that beginning April 5 we are opening the County’s senior centers, gymnasiums, fitness centers and outdoor courts at a limited capacity of 50 percent.
Our Public Works, Utilities, along with our Building Safety, Planning and Zoning Divisions, will also reopen their lobbies to the public in a limited capacity with appointments required. Permits and other needed documents are still required to be submitted online.
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Finally, I would like to thank our community for coming together in solidarity to stand against social inequities. With more than 40 years in public service and as Mayor of Orange County, it has always been my solemn commitment to work with community leaders in addressing inequality.
After meeting with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups and staff, they have made clear their grief and frustration about unprovoked attacks nationwide. Their experiences underscore an overwhelming desire to achieve justice for all people.
Thank you to my special assistant Shally Wong, who has been in this community for more than 30 years helping to bridge discussions and make meaningful change. I encourage you to watch insightful discussions in which Shally recently participated with WFTV and WOFL Fox 35 on the Asian community and working to overcome prejudice.
Sincerely,
Jerry L. Demings
Orange County Mayor
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P.S. If you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to add the “I GOT MY COVID-19 VACCINE!” Facebook Frame to your profile photo.
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Directions:
- Go to your Facebook profile
- Click the camera icon next to your profile photo
- Click “Add Frame”
- For English, search for: “Orange County, FL - I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine!” or in Spanish, search for: “Orange County, FL - ¡Ya me vacuné contra el COVID-19!”
- Click “Use as Profile Picture”
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101-year-old Orange County resident Jose Ros recently received his COVID-19 shot at the convenient drive-thru vaccination site at the Orange County Convention Center. Mr. Ros was born in 1919 during the Spanish flu pandemic and is an inspiration to our community. Learn more here: |
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FREE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESOURCES: ORANGE CONNECTS |
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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have experienced increased levels of stress and anxiety and are dealing with mental health issues. To help connect residents with helpful resources, Orange County Government has launched its free OrangeConnects Program, developed by mental health experts.
The program is a confidential, free, web-based navigation platform that connects you with behavior/mental health providers in your area.
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EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM |
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Are you or someone you know behind in rent?
The Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance program is aimed at helping Orange County’s most vulnerable tenants who are past-due in rent as a result of financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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CITIZENS SAFETY TASK FORCE |
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Orange County’s Citizen Safety Task Force recently held its final meeting. Visit ocfl.net/SafetyTaskForce for Crime Survey results. The final recommendations will also be posted on the webpage.
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HELP SHAPE THE GROWTH OF THE COUNTY |
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Orange County is fortunate to have a wide variety of environments – from urban and suburban to rural and pristine natural areas. The Vision 2050 initiative will guide how and where growth will occur during the next 30 years.
If you missed our virtual town hall meetings, you can REWATCH them on our YouTube. For any questions about the town hall meeting series or registration process, please contact Planning Division staff at 407-836-5600 or via email at planning@ocfl.net.
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LEARN ABOUT YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
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What are Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) and how do they benefit you? Learn more about Orange County’s CRAs at Orange County online newsroom.
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TESTING EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL |
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The testing site will continue to operate seven days per week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed April 4 in observance of Easter.
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April is Water Conservation Month. Clean and sustainable water sources are vital to our environment, economy and quality of life. Help protect this valuable resource by promoting and embracing water conservation, including Florida Friendly Landscaping. After all, how we care for our water today affects nearly every aspect of our future!
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#407Day
April 7, 2021
#407Day is back! Help support your favorite local restaurants in Orange County! When you order from local restaurants, you are helping local businesses recover from the pandemic. Share your food photos with us by using the hashtag #407Day!
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April 8, 2021, 7-8 p.m.
Victim Service Center of Central Florida (VSC) is bringing its annual Cheers to Change event online. Join the livestream on Facebook and Orange TV with inspiring stories of courage, support and love. Make it an evening of giving by supporting the VSC and uplifting victims by donating and participating in a silent auction.
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April 14, 2021
Orange County’s MLK Initiative has completed its March book from its Book Club — His Truth is Marching On by Jon Meacham, afterword by John Lewis. A new book is introduced on the second Wednesday of every month. The next book will be announced on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 on the Initiative’s webpage.
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April 28, 2021
Denim Day is a campaign to raise awareness and bring an end to sexual violence in our community. In honor of victims of sexual assault, Victim Service Center in Central Florida encourages local businesses, organizations, schools and individuals to wear jeans on the last Wednesday in April.
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Innovation. Collaboration. Inclusion.
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