By Roger Jimenez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
"Building better through efficiency" was the message Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings drove home during the 2025 State of the County Address, a speech that outlined how the county is adapting to economic pressures while continuing to grow, serve, and sustain one of Florida's fastest-growing regions.
"This year, budgets are tighter, and resources are stretched—even as growth continues and community expectations remain high," Demings said. "This is a pivotal moment when the need for smart governance has never been greater."
On June 6th, hundreds of residents gathered at the Orange County Convention Center for this year's State of the County Address. The event opened with a Presentation of Colors by the Joint Honor Guard, a pledge led by retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Norris Henderson—Orange County's Veteran of the Year—and a rendition of the national anthem performed by the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park.
Key issues addressed included community development, environmental preservation, the improved use of artificial intelligence for security and safety, solutions for homelessness, transportation improvements, and affordable housing.
Community Developments
Orange County continues to rank among Florida's fastest-growing and most fiscally responsible communities. With a population surpassing 1.5 million, it is now the fifth-most populous county in the state. Key accomplishments include:
- Lowest tax rate among large Florida counties; 11th lowest overall out of 67.
- Investing nearly $1 billion in public safety and preserving 23,000 acres of sensitive land.
- Over $56 million dedicated to services for the homeless, including housing and mental health care.
- Launched Florida's first Financial Empowerment Centers, offering free financial counseling.
- Issued 243,000+ building permits over 3 years, totaling $2B in development value.
- A $23M flood mitigation project (Orlo Vista Flood Mitigation) successfully protected residents during Hurricane Milton.
- Over $795 million in purchases supported local business growth.
- Since 2018, Orange County has invested over $90 million annually in programs supporting children and families.
- $160 million committed to affordable housing; 900+ new units opened or underway in 2024.
- The Orange County Medical Clinic, now 30 years strong, serves over 10,000 uninsured residents annually through 12 facilities.
- In partnership with Undue Medical Debt, the County eliminated $472 million in medical debt for more than 310,000 residents using $4.5 million from ARPA funds.
- The County aims to double its preserved natural lands in 10 years and update its 35-year-old Wetland Protection Ordinance to strengthen development and environmental safeguards.
- Orange County reuses 100% of its reclaimed water, supporting aquifer recharge and wetland health.
Safety/Security
Orange County continues to prioritize safety and innovation:
- 4 million cyberattacks blocked daily through AI-enhanced cybersecurity, which the County has used for over 20 years
- A new $52 million Fire Rescue Training Center, opening June 18, will provide world-class emergency response training
- A Jail Oversight Commission, co-chaired by Judges Lisa Munyon and Belvin Perry, is working to address rising inmate populations and reduce incarceration costs
- The Winter Park Courthouse, a modern facility, opened in 2024 to improve the criminal justice system
Transportation
Transportation improvements remain a core focus:
- $100 million committed over 5 years to the Accelerated Transportation Safety Program (ATSP)
- 60+ safety projects completed
- 14 miles of sidewalk and lighting installed
- 21.4 miles of safety-enhanced roadways
- $55 million invested in LYNX, resulting in:
- 35% increase in ridership
- 81% increase on the Washington Shores route (Sundays)
- 264 new bus shelters are being added
- Brightline served 2.6 million passengers in its first year, removing an estimated 1.9 million cars from the roads
- In 2024, 75.3 million visitors generated $93 billion in economic impact, supporting 40% of the regional workforce
The Future of Orange County
Looking ahead, Demings discussed the comprehensive plans that will lay the groundwork for Orange County's future over the next 25 years: Vision 2050 and the Orange Code.
"Managing growth and doing more with less is becoming more important than ever," said Demings. "With a net of 800 people moving to Orange County each week, we are one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. To plan for the future, this week the board of County Commissioners adopted Vision 2050 and Orange Code."
Vision 2050 lays out the blueprint for Orange County's growth over the next three decades, while Orange Code establishes the development guidelines needed to bring this vision to life. Together, Vision 2050 and Orange Code will shape a smarter, more sustainable future for Orange County by encouraging affordable housing, preserving rural and natural spaces, promoting walkability and mixed land uses, and protecting established neighborhoods.
The Orange Code is an updated set of development and zoning rules designed to evolve with the times and adapt to the significant growth in the area.
As Orange County faces continued growth and rising demands, the 2025 State of the County Address offered a detailed look at the city's priorities. From infrastructure upgrades to environmental protections and housing initiatives, the County is aiming to balance expansion with long-term sustainability.
