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CareerSource returns $1.9M from supervisor of elections deal to Orange County; Gilzean legal memo defends plan
Read full article: CareerSource returns $1.9M from supervisor of elections deal to Orange County; Gilzean legal memo defends planCareerSource Central Florida returned $1.9 million to the Orange County government Thursday, ending a deal the agency made with the county supervisor of elections that has sparked a fight between the elections office and the county commission over surplus budget money.
Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme park
Read full article: Epic Universe development boom: Check out what’s being built near Central Florida’s newest theme parkIt's been more than 10 years since a new major theme park opened in the Orlando area. Here's what's cooking as Universal nears the grand opening of Epic Universe.
Orange County instructs attorneys to look at options after Gilzean scholarships
Read full article: Orange County instructs attorneys to look at options after Gilzean scholarshipsOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings criticized outgoing Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean on Tuesday, accusing him of being “manipulative” in handling surplus funds.
Orange County Commission to discuss money fight with supervisor of elections Tuesday
Read full article: Orange County Commission to discuss money fight with supervisor of elections TuesdayOrange County commissioners on Tuesday will discuss what, if anything, can be done regarding $4 million in surplus funds that the supervisor of elections spent on a scholarship and training programs.
Orange County mayor questions use of $4M elections office surplus, hints at lawsuit
Read full article: Orange County mayor questions use of $4M elections office surplus, hints at lawsuitA potential legal battle is brewing between the Orange County government and the county’s supervisor of elections office over a reported budget surplus of $4 million that was spent on a scholarship at Valencia College and training programs at CareerSource Central Florida.
Orange County steps up with new program to make pedestrian safety a top priority
Read full article: Orange County steps up with new program to make pedestrian safety a top priorityOrange County's $100 million Accelerated Transportation Safety Program targets safer streets and transit for all residents.
Orange County mayor announces high-speed internet in Bithlo, Christmas, South Apopka
Read full article: Orange County mayor announces high-speed internet in Bithlo, Christmas, South ApopkaOfficials in Orange County are announcing an expansion of broadband connectivity for the communities of South Apopka, Bithlo and Christmas.
Orange County leaders approve higher property tax for fire, emergency services
Read full article: Orange County leaders approve higher property tax for fire, emergency servicesFor the first time in 17 years, Orange County leaders have approved an increase to the Fire & EMS property tax. The increase will add an estimated $150 per $250,000 of taxable value of single-family homes in unincorporated Orange County.
Orange County mayor promises transportation sales tax relaunch in 2024 State of the County address
Read full article: Orange County mayor promises transportation sales tax relaunch in 2024 State of the County addressOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings will highlight the county's accomplishments and challenges over the last year.
‘Every single life matters:’ Naloxone Awareness Day promotes awareness of life-saving medications
Read full article: ‘Every single life matters:’ Naloxone Awareness Day promotes awareness of life-saving medicationsOrange County is recognizing the push for life-saving medication in the ongoing fight against the opioid epidemic.
Expressway authority approves toll road through Split Oak Forest
Read full article: Expressway authority approves toll road through Split Oak ForestThe Central Florida Expressway Authority is voting to approve an agreement that allows for an extension of Osceola Parkway through a section of Split Oak Forest.
New Florida expressway will connect Orange, Lake counties -- while charging cars on the road!
Read full article: New Florida expressway will connect Orange, Lake counties -- while charging cars on the road!Officials with the Central Florida Expressway Authority are set to break ground on a brand new highway connecting Lake and Orange counties.
Orange County mayor makes pitch for tax to improve public transportation
Read full article: Orange County mayor makes pitch for tax to improve public transportationOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a community town hall inside the Pavilion at Avalon Park on Thursday to discuss transportation needs.
Orange County, Orlando battling over land annexation in developer agreement
Read full article: Orange County, Orlando battling over land annexation in developer agreementOrange County and the city of Orlando appear to be at odds regarding a private land development worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
‘No rarely means no forever:’ Demings asks commissioners to consider putting transportation sales tax back on ballot
Read full article: ‘No rarely means no forever:’ Demings asks commissioners to consider putting transportation sales tax back on ballotMayor Jerry Demings is asking commissioners in Orange County to consider putting a transportation sales tax back on the ballot in 2024.
Heart of Florida United Way premieres documentary ‘Know Your Place’ in Orlando
Read full article: Heart of Florida United Way premieres documentary ‘Know Your Place’ in OrlandoAccording to Heart of Florida United Way, the short film “shares the personal stories of Central Floridians who have faced racism, segregation, and bias throughout their lives.”
Massive mixed-use development breaks ground in Apopka's booming Kelly Park corridor
Read full article: Massive mixed-use development breaks ground in Apopka's booming Kelly Park corridorWork is now underway on a $1.2 billion development that's expected to transform the northwest corner of Orange County.
Orange County commissioners vote to reduce Visit Orlando funding
Read full article: Orange County commissioners vote to reduce Visit Orlando fundingThe Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted 6-1 Tuesday to approve the use of tourism development tax funding for other projects it hopes will bring more tourism to the area.
Orange County employers look to fill over 1K positions at job fair
Read full article: Orange County employers look to fill over 1K positions at job fairThe third annual Orange County Mayor’s Open House and Job Fair attracted hundreds of people curious about full and part-time work within their local government.
Environmental advocates to speak out against planned road through Split Oak Forest
Read full article: Environmental advocates to speak out against planned road through Split Oak ForestEnvironmental advocates are planning to once again speak out against a project to extend a toll road through a protected forest in Orange and Osceola counties.
Convicted sex offender ordered to unlicensed Orlando assisted living facility
Read full article: Convicted sex offender ordered to unlicensed Orlando assisted living facilityAn assisted living facility assigned to house a convicted sex offender from the Orange County Jail does not have a state license, a News 6 investigation revealed.
As onePULSE Foundation reassesses its goals, critics ask: where did the money go?
Read full article: As onePULSE Foundation reassesses its goals, critics ask: where did the money go?Nearly one week ago the onePulse Foundation announced they were scrapping plans for a proposed museum project and returning the property to Orange County.
Construction underway on Lynx bus transfer center in Pine Hills
Read full article: Construction underway on Lynx bus transfer center in Pine HillsCentral Florida transportation officials and elected leaders broke ground Monday on the Pine Hills Transfer Center, a LYNX facility designed to improve transportation access in that Orange County community.
onePulse Foundation cancels museum project, will give land to Orange County
Read full article: onePulse Foundation cancels museum project, will give land to Orange CountyThe onePulse Foundation on Friday announced it was no longer planning to build a museum to honor the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, and will give the land back to Orange County.
Orange County approves hundreds of millions in TDT funding for these projects
Read full article: Orange County approves hundreds of millions in TDT funding for these projectsOrange County commissioners approved moving forward with spending hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism tax development funding for at least two big venues across Orange County.
Orange County mayor supports budget cuts amid tourism revenue losses
Read full article: Orange County mayor supports budget cuts amid tourism revenue lossesOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings sent a memo to commissioners on Thursday, asking them to come prepared to express their stance on important budget issues at their next meeting.
Onyx Magazine holds 4th annual ‘Man of Honor’ event in Orlando
Read full article: Onyx Magazine holds 4th annual ‘Man of Honor’ event in OrlandoOnyx Magazine held its 4th annual “Man of Honor” event this weekend in Orlando, honoring Central Florida’s most influential Black men while also celebrating high school students.
Orange County to continue discussing how to spend up to $900M in tourism tax funds
Read full article: Orange County to continue discussing how to spend up to $900M in tourism tax fundsThe Board of County Commissioners held a work session Tuesday that lasted for hours, where many commissioners said they didn't want to rush to make a decision.
Your Florida Daily: State investigating former RCID, flesh-eating bacteria blamed for 5 deaths
Read full article: Your Florida Daily: State investigating former RCID, flesh-eating bacteria blamed for 5 deathsThe oversight board appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to handle Walt Disney World property is asking the Florida Inspector General to investigate why the board's predecessor spent at least $2 million for employee perks.
Orange County comptroller warns against big spending with tourism tax funds
Read full article: Orange County comptroller warns against big spending with tourism tax fundsOrange County’s comptroller has a big warning for if — and when — the county decides to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in tourism tax revenue.
Orange County lays out options for tourism tax revenue amid ‘summer slowdown’
Read full article: Orange County lays out options for tourism tax revenue amid ‘summer slowdown’Orange County is considering its options about how to spend its tourist development tax (TDT) revenue amid a “summer slowdown” for tourism countywide.
Orange County Convention Center tops list for tax dollar uses, task force finds
Read full article: Orange County Convention Center tops list for tax dollar uses, task force findsA citizen task force examining the most responsible ways to spend millions of dollars generated by Orange County's tourist development tax produced a ranked list of recommended projects Monday.
County officials approve construction project to improve pedestrian safety near UCF
Read full article: County officials approve construction project to improve pedestrian safety near UCFMuch needed updates are coming to the streets surround the University of Central Florida to make them safer for pedestrians.
‘To the next level:’ Mayor Jerry Demings gives 2023 State of Orange County address
Read full article: ‘To the next level:’ Mayor Jerry Demings gives 2023 State of Orange County addressOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivered his 2023 State of Orange County message on Friday, discussing recent struggles, accomplishments and views of future projects.
‘Hate is never welcome here:’ Orange County mayor responds to NAACP travel warning
Read full article: ‘Hate is never welcome here:’ Orange County mayor responds to NAACP travel warningOrange County’s mayor wants the NAACP to know the county is a welcoming community and not a danger to minority travelers.
Who gets tourist tax dollars? Orange County grapples with dozens of requests
Read full article: Who gets tourist tax dollars? Orange County grapples with dozens of requestsA new citizens task force is sifting through dozens of requests from organizations on how to spend billions in Orange County tourist development tax dollars.
‘The gun was still hot:’ Orange County leaders re-form safety task force after deadly shootings
Read full article: ‘The gun was still hot:’ Orange County leaders re-form safety task force after deadly shootingsOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings said a citizens safety task force will be reconstituted to take another look at rising gun violence, including the deadly shootings a day earlier in Pine Hills.
Annual prayer breakfast honors Orlando’s first Black city council member
Read full article: Annual prayer breakfast honors Orlando’s first Black city council memberFor the first time in two years, community and faith leaders gathered in person for the celebration of Orlando's first Black elected official.
Orange County honors ‘selfless service’ of veterans in annual ceremony
Read full article: Orange County honors ‘selfless service’ of veterans in annual ceremonyFriday’s Veterans Day ceremony was held at the Orange County’s Commission building with the goal of simply saying 'thank you for your service' to those brave men and women.
Orange County leaders urge residents to pivot to preparation as Nicole nears Florida
Read full article: Orange County leaders urge residents to pivot to preparation as Nicole nears FloridaOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Wednesday held a news conference to discuss the county’s preparations and storm readiness, now faced with Tropical Storm Nicole.
Results 2022: Here’s what you need to know about the Orange County transportation sales tax measure
Read full article: Results 2022: Here’s what you need to know about the Orange County transportation sales tax measureOrange County residents voting in the November election will be deciding whether or not to approve a transportation sales tax measure. Here's what it is.
Orange County man, 75, dies in fall from ladder while cleaning debris after hurricane, mayor says
Read full article: Orange County man, 75, dies in fall from ladder while cleaning debris after hurricane, mayor saysA 75-year-old man died after falling from a ladder while cleaning debris from his roof, marking the first hurricane-related death in Orange County, according to the mayor.
Orange County extends state of emergency amid recovery efforts in wake of Hurricane Ian
Read full article: Orange County extends state of emergency amid recovery efforts in wake of Hurricane IanOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings said as of Monday, the county has extended its state of emergency as the area deals with its first hurricane-related death, ongoing debris cleanup and an increased demand for affordable and emergency housing in the wake of Ian.
Orange County sees $172M in damages so far, flooding affecting assessments
Read full article: Orange County sees $172M in damages so far, flooding affecting assessmentsDebris removal is underway in Orange County after Hurricane Ian, but it could take some time to remove all the debris from the county.
More flooding, evacuations expected in Orange County as receding rainwater swells rivers, lakes
Read full article: More flooding, evacuations expected in Orange County as receding rainwater swells rivers, lakesMore flooding is expected in Orange County as water levels crest over the coming days after Ian dumped rain across the area, according to Mayor Jerry Demings.
Orange County in ‘recovery phase’ following Hurricane Ian’s onslaught, mayor says
Read full article: Orange County in ‘recovery phase’ following Hurricane Ian’s onslaught, mayor saysOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Friday said emergency management efforts in the community had transitioned from response to recovery.
Orange County leaders give update on Ian response
Read full article: Orange County leaders give update on Ian responseOrange County's emergency manger is urging people to remain vigilant and sheltered as Hurricane Ian passes over the county, despite the storm having weakened since first making landfall.
Florida realty groups file lawsuit over Orange County rent ballot measure, reports show
Read full article: Florida realty groups file lawsuit over Orange County rent ballot measure, reports showSeveral Florida realty companies filed a lawsuit Monday over a rent control proposal introduced by Orange County commissioners earlier this month, according to an affidavit.
‘He doesn’t listen to the people:’ Orange County mayoral candidate looking to unseat Jerry Demings
Read full article: ‘He doesn’t listen to the people:’ Orange County mayoral candidate looking to unseat Jerry DemingsEven though Florida is a closed primary state, there are still a number of nonpartisan positions up for grabs in the Aug. 23 primary election, including Orange County mayor.
Orange County board holds special session on rental ordinances
Read full article: Orange County board holds special session on rental ordinancesThe Orange County board came out of Thursday’s special session with a consensus on a notice ordinance and tenants bill of rights — but agreed more research and further discussion needs to be had about a rent stabilization ordinance.
Orange County mayor celebrates Juneteenth, signs Juneteenth proclamation
Read full article: Orange County mayor celebrates Juneteenth, signs Juneteenth proclamationOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings hosted a celebration Thursday evening for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, which seeks to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
‘49 Bells Ceremony,’ remembrance event held in Orlando to honor Pulse victims
Read full article: ‘49 Bells Ceremony,’ remembrance event held in Orlando to honor Pulse victimsSunday at noon, amid days of events in observance of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016, each of the 49 victims killed in the attack were recognized with the somber tolling of a bell at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.
‘We boldly invest:’ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers State of the County address
Read full article: ‘We boldly invest:’ Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivers State of the County addressOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings described a growing community with a wealthy future and a tourism industry in “full throttle” at the 2022 State of the County address Friday morning.
Retiring Orlando police chief reflects on legacy, hints at run for public office
Read full article: Retiring Orlando police chief reflects on legacy, hints at run for public officeAs Orlando’s first Hispanic police chief prepares to retire later this year, the 30-year agency veteran said he’s considering a run for public office.
Orange County commissioners send proposed transportation tax to November ballot
Read full article: Orange County commissioners send proposed transportation tax to November ballotOrange County commissioners voted Tuesday to send a penny sales tax to the November ballot, giving voters the ultimate say on whether it will pass.
Orange County mayor meets with business leaders ahead of transportation tax vote
Read full article: Orange County mayor meets with business leaders ahead of transportation tax voteOrange County’s mayor is meeting with business leaders Tuesday to deliver a final push for his transportation initiative.
‘The time is now:’ Orange County mayor makes final push for transportation tax ahead of final vote
Read full article: ‘The time is now:’ Orange County mayor makes final push for transportation tax ahead of final voteOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings made a final push for his transportation initiative ahead of a critical vote during the 2022 Orange County Regional Economic Summit.
Orange County mayor worried Reedy Creek repeal could mean ‘cost shifts’ for taxpayers
Read full article: Orange County mayor worried Reedy Creek repeal could mean ‘cost shifts’ for taxpayersMayor Jerry Demings said leaders in Orange County are closely watching developments in Tallahassee after Republican lawmakers introduced legislation that would strip Walt Disney World of its special governing powers.
Orange County leaders break ground on new affordable housing project
Read full article: Orange County leaders break ground on new affordable housing projectOrange County leaders teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County to break ground on a project to bring affordable housing to Holden Heights.