From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October 15 with a series of cultural events and activities. Nine local students will be honored for achievements in athletics, leadership, and community service. Free Hispanic heritage exhibitions will also be displayed at the Orange County Administration Center and Orlando International Airport.
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In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the
Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County (HHNOC) and Orange County Government will hold a month-long series of cultural events to honor Orange County’s Hispanic community with the theme,
“Unidos, Somos Más" (“Together, We Are More”). Duke Energy is the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
“The contributions of our Hispanic and Latino communities have helped shape the character and spirit of Orange County,” said Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Their heritage is woven into the story of who we are today. Together, we are building a community where every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person has the opportunity to thrive.”
“This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, ‘Unidos Somos Más — Together We Are More,’ perfectly captures what our community is all about,” said Yetzenia Negron, President of the Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County. “We have the power to create greater opportunities, inspire brighter futures, and build a stronger, more united community for generations to come.”
The celebration begins on September 15 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) where the BCC will officially proclaim September 15 – October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.
In addition, Innovation High School student, 16-year-old Oswaldo Bello Alcala, will be recognized with the Hispanic Youth Athlete Award and Scholarship for his outstanding achievements in soccer. Eight other Orange County students will receive the Hispanic Youth Leadership Award (HYLA), recognizing their commitment to leadership and service. The honorees, ages 13 to 19, are actively engaged in social justice initiatives, volunteer service, athletics, and visual arts.
Through October 22, the Orange County Administration Center will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibit, celebrating the stories, cultures, traditions, and shared experiences of the Hispanic community.
A second exhibit is located at Gallery MCO on the third floor of Terminal B at Orlando International Airport. Hosted by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, this exhibition will be in place through November 9.
Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.
To watch the September 15 BCC meeting remotely, tune in to Orange TV, which will carry the meeting live. Viewing options include Channel 488 on Spectrum, Channel 9 on Comcast, WSWF Channel 10.2 (over the air), live streaming at
www.ocfl.net/orangetv, or the Orange TV app on ROKU in the Education category.
Key Points:
- Orange County’s 2026 theme is “Unidos, Somos Más,” or “Together, We Are More.”
- The celebration begins September 15 with an official proclamation by the Orange County Commission.
- Innovation High School student Oswaldo Bello Alcala will receive the Hispanic Youth Athlete Award and Scholarship.
- Eight additional students will receive Hispanic Youth Leadership Awards.
- Free exhibitions will be available at the Orange County Administration Center and Orlando International Airport.
Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers, and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net.
The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County is an employee volunteer-led, 501 (C)(3) not-for-profit organization that seeks to promote the understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture in Orange County. The network hosts various events throughout the year, including Hispanic Heritage Month.
