The

Demings

Digest

January 2024

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers gifts to residents during a recent toy drive event in Taft.

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had the chance to spend time with friends and loved ones during the holiday season. With the arrival of 2024, now is the perfect time to embrace the opportunities to improve and enrich our lives. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve this diverse and inclusive community, and I remain focused on making it a safe, healthy, and welcoming place for all.

There are several events and activities to look forward to in January. This month, we will celebrate the birthday of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and you can attend many celebrations honoring his legacy of equality. I also encourage you to join us for our Day of Service event at the Orange County Convention Center, where our goal will be to pack one million nutritious meals for local families in need.

Mayor’s Open House & Job Fair

Welcome to our house — which is also your house! Meet Mayor Demings, your district commissioner, as well as learn more about the County’s departments, services, initiatives and more! Human Resources will be on site to host a countywide job fair, and kids can enjoy family-friendly activities.

When: Saturday, January 20, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

In the News

American Citizenship Ceremony Highlights FusionFest Festival

Two dozen immigrants fulfilled their dreams of becoming United States citizens during a special ceremony at FusionFest, the annual two-day festival that celebrates Orange County's cultural diversity.

Florida's Head Start Father of the Year a Local Success Story

An Orlando native and Head Start employee was recently named Florida's Head Start Father of the Year. Learn more about the impact Darnellion Brown is having both inside and outside the classroom in Orange County.

Local Artist Creates Award-Winning Mural in Orange County Park

“Seeing the vibrant colors I was able to produce with the handmade tiles was incredibly emotional for me,” said local artist Cherie Bosela. Learn more about the artist behind the award-winning public art project at Bomberos Park in Orange County.

Office for a Drug-Free Community Working to Curb Opioid Deaths

A transformative and community-driven approach is at the heart of a new strategy to combat substance use disorders. Learn how the Office for a Drug-Free Community is leading the efforts to curb opioid deaths in Orange County.

Join our Orange County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative as we participate in a unique MLK Day of Service event scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2024. Our goal is to come together and package one million nutritious meals to support local families in Central Florida. Interested in becoming a shift volunteer? There are three 2-hour shifts available throughout the day.

When: Monday, January 15, 2024, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Orange County Convention Center West Concourse 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819

Nominate a Veteran of the Year

Do you know a local veteran making a difference? The Orange County Veterans Advisory Council needs your help to honor local veterans who have made significant contributions to the community, military members and their families. Nominate a veteran in your life for the inaugural Orange County Veteran of the Year award. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2024.

Nominate a Veteran

Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council

State of the Environment

Check out the State of the Environment, brought to you by Orange County's Environmental Protection Division. Learn about the latest air, water and land quality data and gain valuable insights about our beautiful region. Whether a resident, visitor, student or nature enthusiast, you can join us in protecting and preserving our natural resources for future generations.

Upcoming Events

History Alive: Famous Floridians

January 6, 11 a.m.

Take a journey through the lives of Famous Floridians during this one-day event at the Orange County Regional History Center.

Happy Birthday, Zora

January 7, 2 p.m.

Celebrate the life and work of Zora Neale Hurston with music, poetry and a lecture on Black Women's Self-Definition.

HOA and Condo Board Certification Training

January 13, 9 a.m.

This workshop will provide an overview of the responsibilities required by condominium and homeowners’ association boards of directors.

Eatonville MLK Parade

January 13, 2 p.m.

Attend this annual celebration of Dr. King's message of courage and unity in the historic Town of Eatonville.

Orlando MLK Parade

January 14, 10 a.m.

Experience this annual parade featuring community organizations, drumlines, music, artistic expression and more.

MLK Day of Service

January 15, 9 a.m.

Join the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Initiative as we give back to the community by packaging one million nutritious meals to support local families in Central Florida.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

January 15, 11 a.m.

This annual Winter Garden celebration includes a parade, live music performances, family-friendly activities and more.

Fleet & Facilities Job Fair

January 18, 9 a.m.

Join Orange County Fleet and Facilities divisions to learn about available, steady and rewarding career opportunities with same-day offers and up to $1,000 signing bonuses.

Planning Basics

January 27, 9 a.m.

Get an inside look at the Orange County land development process and how it affects your neighborhood at this free seminar.

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