Orange Co. Update: Blood drive in Apopka/Zellwood on Tuesday; Eviction Moratorium to expire

While the CDC recently extended the Eviction Moratorium through July 31, it is expected that this will be the last extension of the moratorium; rental assistance still available

From the Orange County Newsroom

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gave a news conference Monday afternoon, sharing the latest COVID-19 numbers, and information on rental assistance, local blood drives, and safety tips for Independence Day festivities.

COVID-19 BY THE NUMBERS

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County reported Monday that 57.86% of all Orange County residents who are 12+ have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the 14-day rolling positivity rate is 4.1%.

ORANGE COUNTY BLOOD DRIVES

Orange County Government’s Neighborhood Centers for Families continues to collaborate with OneBlood to host blood drives across the County. Upcoming blood drives are scheduled for Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at the following locations:

Apopka/Zellwood Neighborhood Centers for Families

6565 Willow St., Zellwood, FL 32798

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bithlo/Christmas Neighborhood Centers for Families

18510 Madison Ave., Bithlo, FL 32820

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Winter Park Neighborhood Centers for Families

901 W. Webster Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/NCFBloodDrives2021.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program continues to help residents who are past-due in rent as a result of financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is still available and accepting applications from both tenants and landlords.

While the CDC recently extended the Eviction Moratorium through July 31, it is expected that this will be the last extension of the moratorium.

Residents living in unincorporated Orange County, Apopka, Bay Lake, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Lake Buena Vista, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Garden and Winter Park are eligible for the County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program. If you live within the City of Orlando limits, the City has its own program.

For information about the program, please visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance.

INDEPENDENCE DAY SAFETY

As Independence Day approaches, it is essential that all individuals take the necessary COVID-19 and fire safety precautions to help protect themselves and others. Residents are also urged to be aware of neighbors who may be sensitive to fireworks, including individuals with pets, veterans and individuals who have auditory sensitivity. Residents with unvaccinated adults and children should follow health and safety protocols.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines:

Practice good hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol

Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces by choosing safer outdoor venues if possible

Continue practicing social distancing where appropriate

More information on COVID-19 health and safety guidelines can be found on the CDC website.

Firework Safety Tips:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks

Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire

Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

More firework safety tips can be found on the National Safety Council website.