MAYOR DEMINGS' DIGEST

Welcome, October!

Fall has arrived, and soon we will move out of the rainy season and into cooler, more comfortable weather.

There is much to look forward to as we continue to emerge from the record-setting wave of coronavirus cases that started mid-summer.

We are in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month, which will continue through October 15, 2021. Additionally, Orlando Pride Week will be celebrated from October 1 - 10, with “The Most Colorful Parade” taking place on Saturday, October 9. Come Out with Pride Orlando, as well as other organizations listed in the community calendar, boast many in-person events, so I strongly encourage participants to get vaccinated, wear masks and follow safety protocols.

Finally, it appears children may be able to celebrate Halloween after it was called off in 2020. The CDC recommends trick-or-treating outside in small numbers and avoiding crowded Halloween parties. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable fall season.

Sincerely,

Jerry L. Demings
Orange County Mayor
Mayor Demings - I Got My Shot
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
October 2021

October is Domestic Violence Month. For more information about available resources for residents, visit Orange County’s Domestic Violence Commission’s webpage.
October 1-10, 2021

Central Florida celebrates Orlando Pride Week with multiple community events and our region’s most colorful parade and festival. So, come out with pride and enjoy the festivities as Orlando embraces being unified by diversity.
October 10, 2021

What will Orange County be like in 2050? As part of Vision 2050, the County is seeking submissions of 2D and 3D artwork for an indoor gallery exhibit titled “Postcards from the Future.” Submissions are due on Sunday, October 10, 2021.
October 19, 2021

The 2021 Florida Simulation Summit will take place in-person at the Orange County Convention Center and will also provide a virtual option to participate. Industry experts will discuss the growing importance of cybersecurity, as well as how our region can utilize the digital twin model to tackle present and future challenges.
October 29 – November 5, 2021

Mobility Week celebrates making smart, efficient and safe multimodal transportation choices. Are you interested in participating? Visit the Florida Department of Transportation’s website for more information.
October 30, 2021

Orange County District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore invites residents to participate in the inaugural Little Wekiva Spooktacular 5K. The race begins at Riverside Elementary School and takes runners and walkers through a fun route over the Little Wekiva River.
October 30, 2021

Bring your young dragons, high-flying fairies and mystical magicians to trick or treat at the Orange County Regional History Center. Enjoy games, crafts and activities for the whole family throughout the museum. Costumes are encouraged and admission is free. However, space is limited and RSVP is required.
VACCINES AND TESTING
COVID-19 Boosters - Pfizer booster shots are available at Camping World Stadium for eligible individuals.
Orange County Government’s Health Services Department has announced it will extend both free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations until the end of October 2021. Additionally, the Health Services Department is administering Pfizer booster shots at Camping World Stadium. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following groups should receive a booster shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after completing their 2-dose series:

  • Individuals 65+ years old
  • Those with underlying medical conditions
  • Workers with increased risk for COVID-19 exposure (e.g., first responders)

Residents are encouraged to speak with their healthcare providers about whether receiving a booster shot is appropriate for them. For more information about Pfizer booster shots, visit the CDC’s website.
ORANGE COUNTY REDISTRICTING
Orange County 2021 Redistricting - Draw the Line for Fair and Equal Representation
Following the completion of the U.S. Census, the Orange County Charter calls for a reconfiguration of district boundaries. The goal of redistricting is to readjust the population between County commission districts to ensure fair and equal representation.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the process by attending an in-person meeting or watching from home on Facebook or OrangeTV.

Find a meeting near you, learn about the redistricting process and submit public comments by visiting ocfl.net/redistricting.
AGE-FRIENDLY ORANGE COUNTY
The number of Americans 65 and older is expected to nearly double in the next 40 years, far outpacing growth in any other age group. In order to address this, Orange County has launched an Age-Friendly Initiative with the hope of building communities that meet the needs of local residents as they grow older. The ultimate goal is to receive the AARP designation as an “AARP Livable Community.”

COMMUNITY CONFERENCE
Community Conference - A Virtual Event - Saturday October 16 2021 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Orange County’s Neighborhood Services Division will host its annual Orange County Community Conference on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The conference provides Orange County residents an opportunity to learn about innovative ways to improve neighborhoods by connecting residents and community leaders with their local government. For the second year, Orange County’s annual Community Conference will be a free, virtual event. The conference will air on the County's Facebook, YouTube and OrangeTV.

Visit ocfl.net/CommunityConference to register or learn more.
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.