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Orange County Mayor launches 15th Annual Toy Drive to benefit local families
Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings has kicked off the 15th annual Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive, which has provided nearly 100,000 toys and gifts to local families since 2011. This year’s goal is to surpass 100,000 donations, continuing a tradition of generosity that brings joy to children across the county. more
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Developing Story: Demings officially enters Florida governor’s race
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has officially filed to run for governor of Florida, ending months of speculation and signaling the start of a potentially historic statewide campaign. His announcement follows weeks of public clashes with state officials over a disputed audit, fueling speculation that the controversy motivated his entry into the race. more
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Orange County erases $49.2 million in medical debt for 49,000 residents
Orange County has eliminated another $49.2 million in medical debt, helping over 49,000 residents through its ongoing collaboration with Undue Medical Debt. Since the program’s inception, more than $515 million in medical debt has been cleared for 302,000 residents, with no action required from those affected. more
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Orange County’s Surplus Lots Program helps family build stability
Chelethia “Chelly” Helmes turned the dream of homeownership into reality thanks to Orange County’s Surplus Lots Program and Habitat for Humanity. The initiative is transforming vacant county-owned land into affordable homes, giving families stability, security, and a foundation for the future. more
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Orange County Procurement Division wins again! Named Best of the Best for 30 years running
For the 30th consecutive year, Orange County’s Procurement Division has earned the prestigious Achievement of Excellence in Procurement® Award from the National Procurement Institute — a feat unmatched in Florida. Led by County Procurement Manager Carrie Mathes, the team continues to set the standard for innovation, transparency, and fiscal responsibility in public procurement. more
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Orange County challenges SB-180, citing threats to Vision 2050 and local growth planning
Orange County has joined a lawsuit against SB-180, warning that the law could invalidate Vision 2050 and limit local authority over land use and development. The county plans to continue operating under its current Comprehensive Plan while seeking legislative solutions and keeping the public informed throughout the process. more
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A quiet overnight shift near Apopka turned into a life-or-death rescue earlier this month when two security guards sprang into action after a fiery crash just outside the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility on McCormick Road.
Apopka-area security guards save man from fiery crash at water facility
Two security guards near Apopka pulled a driver from a burning car after he crashed into a tree at the Northwest Water Reclamation Facility. Their rapid response and coordination with first responders ensured the man survived without life-threatening injuries. more
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Orange County’s green investments save millions, boost resilience
Orange County’s push for sustainability is delivering more than environmental benefits — it’s generating major cost savings for taxpayers. From LED lighting and reflective roofing to solar energy and resilience hubs, these smart investments are lowering utility bills, reducing risk, and improving quality of life across the community. more
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Home repair program gives veteran a second chance at a safe and stable home
U.S. Army veteran Michael Owens spent sleepless nights listening to rainwater drip through his roof and struggling with electrical failures in his longtime home. Thanks to Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and community partners, those worries are over — replaced by a revitalized home and renewed dignity. more
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Brownfields seminar aims to turn blighted properties into opportunities
Brownfields — long-neglected contaminated properties like gas stations, dry cleaners, and nurseries — can be transformed into productive assets through available state and federal grants. A new seminar series will give stakeholders the tools to remediate soil, reduce blight, and boost Orange County’s property values. more
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AAA: Speeding hits just as hard as drunk driving; 40% of Floridians admit to driving over the speed limit in a new survey
Speeding is responsible for nearly as many deaths as drunk driving, yet it remains widely accepted. Through its new “Crashes Hit Different” campaign, AAA–The Auto Club Group is calling for drivers and lawmakers to shift perceptions, enforce new penalties under Florida’s Super Speeder Law, and make speeding just as unacceptable as driving under the influence. more
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Orange County kicks off annual Peanut Butter Challenge to fight hunger
The Peanut Butter Challenge returns to Orange County, aiming to top last year’s record of nearly 4,000 jars collected for local food pantries. Donations not only help neighbors in need but also highlight Florida’s peanut industry, proving that a small jar can make a big difference. more
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Orange County strengthens community through mental health and homelessness programs
Orange County is strengthening its response to mental health and homelessness by funding and coordinating programs that connect residents to crucial support services. Through its Mental Health and Homelessness Division, the County is investing in long-term stability, saving taxpayer dollars, and fostering a healthier, more resilient community. more
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Orange County urges pet adoptions as work begins on state’s largest animal shelter
Orange County Animal Services is calling on residents to adopt or foster as the shelter faces a slowdown in adoptions and longer pet stays. At the same time, the county has approved construction of a new $49 million, 123,000-square-foot facility — the largest in Florida — to better serve the region’s animals and residents by 2027. more
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Orange County partners with Pathlight Home to create housing for disabled veterans
Orange County has committed $84,100 to help Pathlight Home transform a former Hilton Inn near John Young Parkway into six new affordable units for disabled veterans. The project is part of Mayor Jerry L. Demings’ Housing For All Initiative, which has already supported nearly 2,400 affordable housing units since 2020. more
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Orange County to honor Gold Star Mothers and Families with annual ceremony
The Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council will host its Annual Gold Star Mothers and Families Day Ceremony on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Taft Community Center. The event will feature keynote speakers, a tribute video, and proclamations presented by Mayor Jerry L. Demings. more
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Workers clear land at an environmentally sensitive site destined for development in Stuart.
Orange County among 25 Florida municipalities to sue state over new development law
A coalition of 25 Florida cities and counties has filed suit in Leon County seeking to block Senate Bill 180, a new law they argue strips local governments of their constitutional authority to regulate land use. The measure, originally intended to aid hurricane recovery, is now accused of overreach that could derail environmental protections, growth management, and resilience efforts statewide. more
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Orange County helps fill gaps in affordable housing as residents await more options
Orange County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is critical to addressing the housing shortage. It supports projects like Southwick Commons in Apopka and Catchlight Crossings near Universal Orlando. Developers say the fund, combined with fee waivers and federal support, allows working families to keep rents lower. more
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Orange County Public Works Roads and Drains crew repairing Park Avenue in front of Apopka Memorial Middle School on Saturday.
From potholes to apps: How Apopka and Orange County residents can solve problems fast
Apopka, Orange County, and the Florida Department of Transportation are making it easier than ever for residents to report problems like potholes, drainage issues, and graffiti. With apps like SeeClickFix and the county’s 311 hotline, solutions can often happen within days instead of weeks. more
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The West Orange Trailhead in Apopka.
Bike Trail Takeover brings community ride and celebration to Apopka
Orange County’s Bike Trail Takeover will roll into Apopka on Saturday, Sept. 20. From 9 a.m. to noon, the West Orange Trailhead will host group rides, bike safety checks, vendors, and family activities. The event, led by Commissioner Christine Moore, will also feature giveaways, including 40 bikes and an e-scooter, to encourage healthy living and active communities. more
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Orange County has indulged in nearly $200 million of ‘wasteful spending,’ Florida CFO asserts
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia accused Orange County of wasting nearly $200 million over five years, citing his auditors’ findings of “excessive and wasteful spending” while pushing for statewide property tax relief. Mayor Jerry Demings pushed back hard, saying Ingoglia distorted the facts, ignored the costs of supporting the world’s top tourist destination, and was using “fuzzy math” for political gain. more
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Orange County launches Hispanic Heritage Month with art, culture, and community events
Orange County and the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a proclamation and a full calendar of cultural events highlighting the contributions of Hispanic and Latino residents. The celebration includes art exhibits, live performances, and youth and artist awards, culminating in an Artist Meet & Mingle reception on October 7. more
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Slowing Down to Save Lives: Orange County’s approach to safer streets
Orange County Public Works is deploying innovative traffic calming devices to reduce speeding and protect pedestrians, responding to hundreds of community requests each year. Officials say the tools — including mini roundabouts, radar speed signs, and raised intersections — are already making neighborhoods quieter, calmer, and safer. more
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Arts Investment and Community Impact: Orange County’s cultural grants deliver big returns
Orange County’s Cultural Tourism grant program is fueling the local arts scene, awarding nearly $4 million in FY24 to support organizations like Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic, and the Florida Film Festival. The investment generated a nearly tenfold return, driving $89 million in economic impact, supporting thousands of jobs, and attracting more than 1.8 million attendees. more
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Mayor Demings highlights hurricane readiness, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Magical Dining in September column
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ September Demings Digest emphasizes hurricane preparedness following last month’s brush with Hurricane Erin. He also highlights Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining, showcasing the county’s rich culture and food scene. more
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