In Summary:

Orange County Government will officially unveil its new Innovation Center during a July 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7149 W. Colonial Drive. The center will feature makerspace technology, 3D printing, STEM programming, and workforce training through partnerships with the Orange County Library System and CareerSource Central Florida. Officials say the facility will serve as both a community resource and a hub for county innovation initiatives.

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Orange County Government will officially introduce its new Innovation Center on Wednesday, July 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility preview ahead of the center's public opening later this year.

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The ceremony is scheduled for 1 pm at the Innovation Center, 7149 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. The facility is located alongside the Orange County Multicultural Center and the new Senior Center. Following the ribbon-cutting, members of the media will receive a guided preview of the center before it officially opens to the public this fall.

A community open house will follow from 2:30 to 6:30 pm, giving residents an opportunity to explore the new facility and learn about the programs and services it will offer.

County officials say the Innovation Center is designed to provide hands-on learning opportunities and emerging technology resources for residents of all ages.

Through a partnership with the Orange County Library System, the center will feature 3D printing, makerspace prototyping equipment, and fiber arts workshops aimed at encouraging creativity and technical skills.

The facility will also house CareerSource Central Florida's Community Hub, which will offer immersive career exploration experiences, STEM-focused camps, workforce readiness training, and occupational upskilling programs designed to prepare residents for high-demand careers.

In addition to serving the public, the Innovation Center will function as a hub for Orange County Government's internal innovation initiatives, providing space for county employees to develop creative solutions to improve government services.

Scheduled speakers and interview opportunities include Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, District 6 Commissioner Mike Scott, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and Orange County Innovation Manager Kunal Patel.

Key Points:

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8.
• Community open house runs from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• The center will offer 3D printing, makerspaces, and fiber arts workshops.
• CareerSource Central Florida will provide career exploration, STEM camps and workforce training.
• The Innovation Center is expected to officially open to the public this fall.

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The Innovation Center will provide residents with a variety of innovative programs, technologies, and hands-on learning opportunities for all age groups. In partnership with the Orange County Library System (OCLS), residents will have access to 3D printing, makerspace prototyping, and fiber arts workshops.

In addition, through its Community Hub program, CareerSource Central Florida will connect residents to immersive career exploration opportunities, STEM-focused camps, innovative workforce readiness training, and occupational upskilling programs that prepare participants for high-demand careers. The Innovation Center will also serve as a hub for Orange County Government’s innovation initiatives, empowering staff to develop creative solutions.

For more information and programs offered at the Orange County Innovation Center, please visit http://www.ocfl.net/InnovationCenter.