From the Orange County Newsroom and Staff Reports
In Summary:
In his final State of the County address, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings reflected on nearly eight years of leadership marked by rapid population growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian, and major investments in public safety, housing, transportation, and economic development. Demings highlighted accomplishments ranging from affordable housing initiatives and homelessness programs to record tourism numbers and expanded transit infrastructure. As he prepares to leave office, Demings said Orange County is well-positioned for future success, declaring that "the best is yet to come."
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Standing before elected officials, community leaders, business executives, and residents, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivered his final State of the County address on Friday, using the occasion to reflect on nearly eight years of accomplishments while outlining the priorities he believes will shape Orange County long after his administration ends.
Related: Demings diagnosed with prostate cancer, suspends gubernatorial campaign.
The speech, themed around "reflection," served as both a look back at Demings' tenure and a defense of the policies that have defined his administration since taking office in 2018. Throughout the address, Demings highlighted five pillars that guided his leadership: public safety, affordable housing, economic development, transportation, and community care.
"This year marks my 45th year in public service, and my final year as your Orange County Mayor," Demings told attendees. "Through it all, we have remained focused."
Population growth and financial stability
Demings noted that Orange County's population has grown from approximately 1.4 million residents in 2018 to nearly 1.6 million today, an increase of almost 200,000 people. Despite that growth, he said the county has maintained Fitch's highest Triple-A credit rating and continues to have one of Florida's lowest countywide operating tax rates.
The mayor credited careful fiscal management and long-range planning for allowing the county to navigate unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ian and ongoing housing affordability concerns.
COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian among defining moments
Much of the speech focused on the county's response to two events that defined Demings' administration.
During the pandemic, Orange County distributed more than six million pieces of personal protective equipment, tested nearly 800,000 residents through drive-through testing sites and administered 1.7 million vaccine doses through one of Florida's largest vaccination operations. Demings also highlighted the county's efforts to reopen businesses and tourism attractions ahead of many other metropolitan areas.
He later pointed to Hurricane Ian in 2022 as another major test, noting that the county distributed more than 170,000 sandbags, converted schools into shelters and coordinated widespread recovery efforts after severe flooding impacted communities such as Orlo Vista. The county has since invested $23 million in flood mitigation improvements in the area.
Public safety investments top $1 billion
Demings said public safety remained the administration's top priority, with Orange County investing more than $1 billion last year in Corrections, Fire Rescue and the Sheriff's Office.
Among the accomplishments highlighted were the construction of six new fire stations since 2019 and the opening of a $52 million firefighter training center in 2025. The mayor also touted Orange County Fire Rescue's blood transfusion program, domestic violence prevention efforts and violence intervention initiatives that have served thousands of young people and families.
Demings also defended recent jail reforms, including diversion programs, increased correctional officer pay and efforts to limit the county's role in housing federal immigration detainees.
Affordable housing remains centerpiece of legacy
Affordable housing received some of the strongest emphasis during the speech.
Demings called Orange County's Housing for All initiative a "legacy project" and highlighted the county's commitment of $160 million over 10 years to create and preserve affordable and workforce housing. Voters later approved a charter amendment requiring the housing trust fund to continue indefinitely.
The mayor said the county expects to create or preserve more than 10,000 housing units by the end of 2028 through public-private partnerships and housing initiatives.
He also praised major commitments from the region's tourism industry, including Universal Orlando's Catchlight Crossings development and Walt Disney World's affordable housing project.
Other housing initiatives highlighted included the Ready Set Orange accessory dwelling unit program and the donation of county-owned surplus lots for nonprofit housing projects.
Tourism, sports and economic development continue to expand
On the economic front, Demings pointed to record tourism numbers and continued investment from major attractions.
Central Florida welcomed 76.7 million visitors in 2025, while Tourist Development Tax collections reached a record $384 million. The mayor attributed much of that growth to convention travel and major theme park expansions, including the opening of Epic Universe.
The Orange County Convention Center is expected to host 185 events this fiscal year, generating an estimated $5 billion in economic impact and attracting more than 2.3 million attendees.
Demings also highlighted Orange County's growing role in sports tourism, including hosting major events such as the NBA bubble, FIFA Club World Cup and future Olympic qualifying competitions. He noted that the Jacksonville Jaguars are scheduled to play the 2027 NFL season at Camping World Stadium while renovations are completed in Jacksonville.
Transportation remains unfinished business
While celebrating progress, Demings acknowledged transportation remains one of the county's biggest unresolved challenges.
After voters rejected a transportation sales tax referendum in 2022, county leaders redirected funding toward an Accelerated Transportation Safety Program. Since 2024, that initiative has funded miles of sidewalks, roadway lighting, and safety improvements while also investing millions into the LYNX transit system.
Demings reiterated support for the proposed Sunshine Corridor rail expansion connecting Orlando International Airport, International Drive, and Disney Springs.
Looking ahead
As the speech moved toward its conclusion, Demings highlighted environmental conservation, parks, youth services, arts funding and workforce investments before reflecting on his nearly eight years as mayor.
"I am confident in the path ahead and the continued growth of Orange County," Demings said. "It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Mayor."
The address marked one of Demings' final major public speeches before Orange County voters elect his successor in 2026, closing a chapter that saw Orange County navigate a pandemic, historic storms, record population growth, and some of the region's largest investments in housing, public safety, and tourism.
Key Points:
• Orange County's population grew from approximately 1.4 million residents in 2018 to nearly 1.6 million today while maintaining a AAA bond rating and one of Florida's lowest countywide tax rates.
• The county invested more than $1 billion in public safety last year and highlighted major accomplishments, including six new fire stations, a new firefighter training center, and significant reductions in opioid-related deaths.
• Affordable housing remains a cornerstone of Demings' legacy, with a $160 million Housing for All trust fund expected to help create or preserve more than 10,000 housing units by 2028.
• Tourism and economic development reached record levels in 2025, with 76.7 million visitors generating a record $384 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue and helping fuel major infrastructure and sports investments.
• Transportation, environmental protection, and community programs continued to receive significant funding, including roadway safety improvements, transit enhancements, conservation projects, parks, arts initiatives, and services supporting families, seniors, and veterans.
