Mayor Demings' Speech

Good morning!

Welcome to the 2022 State of Orange County.

We are investing boldly and going where we've never gone before. 

Please allow me to give my heartfelt thanks to Robert Agrusa and the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association for their partnership in making today’s event possible. 

I also want to recognize the joint Honor Guard of first responders from the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, Orange County Corrections Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. They did a fantastic job! 

I would like to acknowledge Chevalier Lovett with Opera Orlando whose rendition of the National Anthem was phenomenal.

We are so proud to have command sergeant major Tommie Maldonado, Manager of Orange County’s Veterans Services Office, who lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

He served honorably in the United States Army for 30 years and has served Orange County with that same commitment for the past 18 years. 

Thank you to Rabbi Sholom Dubov of Chabad of Greater Orlando and Senior Pastor Reverend Terri Steed Pierce of the Joy Metropolitan Community Church for their invocations and commitment to Orange County’s faith community. 

Please give them all another round of applause!

I am joined by my wife, the Honorable U.S. Congresswoman Val Butler Demings, my sons and other family members today. 

I couldn’t do this job without their support.

I know that our County Commissioners have already been recognized, but I want to again thank my colleagues for their presence today. 

I would also like to express my gratitude to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, for being here and being such a great community partner.

This is my 4th State of Orange County address and I am thrilled to have so many gathered here in the beautiful Linda Chapin Theatre.

This has already been a year of extraordinary accomplishments as we continue to invest boldly in our future and work to make this.... the greatest county in the State of Florida and perhaps the nation!

Through our nearly 8,000 county employees and over 1.4 million residents, we have accomplished great things.

I want to begin by highlighting the fuel for our primary economic engine---the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.

I am happy to say it is in full throttle.

Our tourism industry broke another record in March of this year.

We collected 38.5 million dollars in tourist development tax dollars, which shattered the previous TDT record of 31.2 million dollars collected in March 2019.

None of this would have been possible without major capital investments by our world-class theme parks and their multibillion-dollar expansion projects. 

Universal Orlando’s EPIC Universe has resumed construction. We hope to see it open by the end of summer 2025.

Already Universal has opened new thrill rides, including Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure and Jurassic World Veloci-Coaster. 

Sea World Orlando’s Ice Breaker ride is also open and was voted the Number One Best New Theme Park attraction in the 2022 USA Today’s Reader’s Choice awards.

Walt Disney World just launched Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, a hybrid roller coaster that I had the pleasure of riding a few weeks ago. 

And, throughout this year the celebration continues for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World’s opening in 1971.

Let’s now talk about the building you're in right now.

For nearly 40 years, the Orange County Convention Center has proven to be a multibillion-dollar economic driver for our community. 

During this fiscal year alone, we are projected to host 155 events with 1.5 million attendees That will generate an economic impact of an estimated 2.4 billion dollars.

Just last month, the Convention Center hosted Megacon Orlando, welcoming nearly 100,000 attendees that resulted in 128 million dollars in economic impact. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending US Travel Association’s IPW, the country’s largest travel association trade show.

With tourism numbers escalating, it’s no surprise the Orlando International Airport is experiencing record-breaking passenger counts and is ranked as the seventh busiest airport in the United States and the world!

Later this year, the airport will expand its footprint with the opening of the new South Terminal C. 

It is a 2.75 billion-dollar investment, with more than a million square feet that can also accommodate up to three regional rail systems. 

The private rail company Brightline, has finished construction of an intermodal terminal facility at OIA. 

Its 170-mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando should begin operations in early 2023. 

The new terminal will also support ground transportation including taxis, shuttle buses, and LYNX Bus operations.

Last month, Visit Orlando and the Orlando Economic Partnership launched a new comprehensive brand campaign to promote the destination and region. 

The “Orlando Unbelievably Real” Campaign was developed to attract leisure travel and economic development.

The campaign combines what is both fantastical and authentic about our unique destination.

I want to share more good news. Last year, Orlando welcomed 59.3 million visitors.

These visitation numbers put us well ahead of New York at 33 million visitors and Las Vegas at 32 million.

We are not quite at our pre-pandemic numbers; however, we’ve come a long way as our travel and visitor numbers continue to climb this year.

As our economy has rebounded, the county’s fiscal health remains strong with healthy reserves and outstanding bond ratings. 

Two multinational credit rating agencies, recently announced the highest-level - AAA credit rating for Orange County. 

This Triple-A rating reflects the County’s low debt, conservative fiscal management, and strong operating flexibility. 

Our nationally recognized financial strength has made Orange County a beacon for existing and relocating businesses.

This past year, both Astronics Corporation, a technology company, plus Conti Federal Services, an infrastructure construction firm, relocated their headquarters to Orange County. 

Aerospace and defense leader Northrup Grumman expanded their footprint with a new 88,000 square foot facility in the Central Florida Research Park.

Most recently, Sherwin Williams, one of the world’s top paint manufacturers opened a new 44 million-dollar manufacturing facility in Orange County.

This is a positive indicator of our appeal to new businesses, which help grow our local economy.

Personal finance company Wallet Hub, recently ranked the 100 best places to start a business and Orlando was at the top of the list.

This is due to our region’s business environment, access to resources, and business cost metrics. 

We continue to support our small businesses which are the backbone of our local economy.

They bring growth, innovation and employment opportunities.

In October of last year, the Orange County Board of County Commission approved 1.6 million dollars in programming as a catalyst for industry diversification and small business training.

While Orange County is world renowned for its tourism industry, it is also known for Modeling, Simulation and Training. 

In keeping with our goal of diversifying industry, the Central Florida Cluster Initiative called Cenfluence, established a global network to stimluate expanded economic opportunities and jobs for Central Florida. 

We are also connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with tools for success.

Let’s take a closer look to see how these initiatives are helping shape the small business and entrepreneurial landscape.

[MAYOR VIDEO PACKAGE]

I look forward to seeing these businesses thrive in our local marketplace.

As employers across the nation have struggled to hire workers, we’ve invested federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act back into our workforce. 

Orange County Government provided CareerSource of Central Florida with 10 million dollars to launch Level Up Orange. 

The program enhances workforce training, connects people to careers, and develops skilled talent for such in-demand jobs as healthcare, construction, and more.

Within the last year, CareerSource served nearly 18,000 Orange County residents and helped over 1300 businesses, with a focus on small to mid-size establishments who have experienced recruitment challenges. 

We recently announced a three-year partnership with the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.

By working with the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, we will grow 260 small non-profits organizations. 

This four-million-dollar investment will support organizations with training, consulting services and custom programming to address their specific challenges.

In addition, our community partners are addressing displaced workers through high-demand certification programs.

Last year, Valencia College opened six Centers for Accelerated Training to assist residents in gaining experience using the newest tools and technology. 

Students can earn certifications in high-demand trades like, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Health Care, and Transportation. 

With the help of a 550,000 donation from JPMorgan Chase and Microsoft, the University of Central Florida created Charge UP!

This new program will provide free skills-based training opportunities helping workers displaced by the pandemic.

We continue to invest in our employees, the backbone of Orange County Government. 

Every employee is now earning a living wage of 15 per hour or higher. We worked with our various labor unions to make that a reality.

I would like to take a moment to recognize the award-winning efforts of our dedicated staff. 

Once again, the National Association of Counties awarded Orange County Government seven National Achievement Awards! 

The awards recognized innovative programs, community collaboration and creativity in service delivery.

In addition, Orange County received the Silver Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for its "I Got My Shot" campaign to combat vaccine hesitancy. 

Thank you to our Communications Team for their efforts.

I could not ask for a more dedicated and committed team focused on improving Orange County’s delivery of service and quality of life for everyone. 

Thank you to our caring employees and leaders like County Administrator, Byron Brooks, and the senior staff. 

And we still have a lot of work ahead of us. 

As we continue to build the county workforce, we have joined with the United States Army PAYS program. 

This unique collaboration allows Orange County Government to recruit from a trained, experienced, and

well-matched talent pool. 

Speaking of talent, there are more than 70,000 veterans who call Orange County home.

And, we have more than 700 Orange County employees who are veterans and over 300 are active service members.

Thank you to our United States Armed Forces for your service and sacrifice to this great nation.

As the economy continues to grow in Orange County, so has our population.

Based on the latest 2020 census data, Orange County’s population increased by 25% between 2010 and 2020 to 1.43 million residents. 

Given the new data, the Advisory Committee on Redistricting recommended new commission district boundaries to meet the needs of representation. 

They ensured our residents were informed and engaged during the process. 

Thank you to the Committee for your volunteer work.

In February, the Board of County Commission approved a new map that revised district boundaries to account for population changes.

Population growth has strained housing availability for both renters and prospective home owners.

By December, the number of county residents is expected to reach approximately 1.5 million.

This week, the Board of County Commission had a robust conversation on the county’s housing affordability crisis.

We join many metropolitan communities across America in experiencing high increases in rent. 

Knowing these factors, the board will hold a special work-session later this month to look at available solutions that can provide relief to our residents.

Our challenges will require us to remain proactive with our Housing for All 10-year Action Plan aimed at addressing affordable housing deficiencies. 

So far, our Housing for All Trust Fund has invested 33 million dollars in public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing. 

In addressing the housing rent crises, Orange County has provided approximately $25 million in federal funds to assist over 4,000 residents with emergency rental assistance to keep them in their homes.

Now, I want to highlight a few significant projects that are moving the needle on workforce and senior housing in Orange County.

[MAYOR VOICE OVER PACKAGE]

These are just a few examples of successful public private partnerships that can have a meaningful impact on affordable housing in our community. 

We cannot adequately address the total cost of living for our workforce without also addressing the cost of transportation. 

The cost of housing and transportation is crippling the ability of many of our working families to get back on their feet.

The time to act is NOW. 

The Transportation Sales Tax referendum will be on the November ballot. 

This is a generational opportunity to transform Orange County’s transportation system.

As you may have heard, the penny sales tax is expected to raise $600 million annually with more than half or 51 percent would be paid by tourists. 

Having someone else pay more than half for something that you need, is what I call a good deal!

But we need our residents—the voters—to see themselves personally benefitting from this plan.If passed, east-west connectivity would vastly improve and offer better connections to all four corners of Orange County as well as all points in between. 

A dedicated funding source would allow us to build a true multimodal transit system with improved access, reliability and connectivity.

45% of the monies generated by the penny sales tax would be earmarked for transit---starting with LYNX. 

There would be more buses, improved connectivity, and express service.

It would allow for Bus Rapid Transit, which would create dedicated bus lanes on several major thoroughfares.

The penny sales tax would improve SunRail operations, with potential service to the Orlando International Airport.

It will also add weekend and late-night service.

The long-term goal would be to expand commuter rail service to Apopka and beyond.

There would be plenty of benefits for drivers.

45% of the transportation sales tax collected would be used to upgrade major road intersections, improve existing roadways and repave older roads sooner. 

There would be high-tech solutions to move our traffic more efficiently through the integration of advanced traffic signal technology shared by local jurisdictions.

The referendum would also address the dire state of bicycle and pedestrian safety in Orange County. 

There would be better protected bike lanes, and technology to reduce crashes involving vehicles or persons walking or biking.

Increased roadway and pedestrian lighting plus adding more sidewalks are also part of the plan.

I want to point out that the positive impacts of the plan would be felt for decades.

Having better transportation options would help spur new businesses and support existing ones.

It would yield billions of dollars in investment, job growth and tax revenues.

Such improvements could trigger a boost in transit-oriented development, that would help mitigate the affordable housing shortage.

In addition, we will be sharing revenues from the sales tax with our municipalities to help address their local needs.

The plan includes the establishment of a Transportation Trust Fund that would protect monies raised from being used for purposes other than what was promised. 

 We have the ability to act now as we prepare for the future. 

If not now, then when?

If not us then who?

The conversation about transportation is not only about Orange County, but one that is regional. 

Just last week, the federal government announced the awarding of a 15.8 million-dollar matching grant to explore the viability of a regional public/private partnership with Brightline for an intercity passenger rail connection between Orlando and Tampa. 

The prospects of the Orlando-Tampa area becoming a megaregion is probable within the next several decades.

Quality affordable housing and economic opportunity are ways a community may measure its overall quality of life, but land conservation is another one. 

Last year, Orange County committed 100 million dollars to purchase 23,000 acres, under a program called Green Place. 

The first purchase with this funding preserved 24 acres near the Econlockhatchee River and added to an existing 1000- acres of publicly and privately-owned conservation lands.

Our Green PLACE properties not only give Orange County residents beautiful spaces to hike, relax and observe wildlife, they also help prevent wildfires, reduce flooding, and keep our air, lakes and waterways clean. 

Recently, the Florida Wild Life Federation gave Orange County a special award for its land conservation efforts.

As we continue planning to improve the overall quality of life in our community, Vision 2050 planning is moving forward. 

Vision 2050 will guide how and where growth will occur during the next three decades. 

The plan focuses on:

• environmental preservation
• community character
• transportation needs
• diverse housing opportunities and
• public spaces as guiding principles for future development. 

Recently, the U.S. Green Building Council announced Orange County as a LEED Gold Certified County.

We were only one of 17 counties in the U.S. to receive this international accreditation. 

Another way we are investing in our community’s wellbeing, is using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to provide direct relief to residents.

In the first round of funding, 135 million dollars was approved last year by the BCC with five focus areas. 

These include making available small business grants:

• non-profit technical assistance
• and funding programs that address
• food insecurity, childcare
• and mental health services.

We are also investing in infrastructure projects to bridge the digital divide and improve access to the internet for underserved communities. 

The Orange County Commissioners have been hard at work helping residents in their districts.

Dr. Jeff Williamson, Communications Director, will highlight a few of the initiatives underway within the various county commission districts.

[JEFF WILLIAMSON VO PACKAGE]

Funding public safety is a priority and includes the construction of a new public safety communications tower, building new fire stations and a new Sheriff’s sector building in West Orange County. 

Just last month, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for Fire Station 68 on South Goldenrod Road. 

In the span of 20 minutes, firefighters ran three calls for service.

Orange County Fire Rescue also completed the design phase for a new 30,000 square foot Fire Training Center in East Orange County. 

First responders will receive the highest-quality training at this future state-of-the-art facility. 

The Project completion date is expected in the Fall of 2024.

Our Corrections Department is proactively addressing the opioid epidemic. 

In collaboration with Aspire Health Partners, the Corrections Department opened a fully licensed satellite clinic to treat incarcerated individuals with opioid addictions.

This is the first of its kind in the State of Florida.

Inmates will continue to receive supportive re-entry services during incarceration and after release to the community.

Corrections recently launched a mental health program called “New Start” in February. 

In partnership with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other groups, the program is designed to lead inmates from hardship to healing by providing medication management, education, support and guidance for eligible inmates.

For inmates with substance abuse problems, the Orange County Health Services Department and the Drug Free Coalition are forging new initiatives to address the opioid epidemic with partners like AdventHealth.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office launched a Behavioral Response Unit Co-Responder Model.

This program uses trained clinicians paired with deputies to respond to calls involving those experiencing a mental health crisis. 

The teams are designed to de-escalate situations with peaceful resolutions and limit the number of arrests. 

The Board of County Commission provided 730,000 dollars in funding for the Sheriff’s pilot program.

Since the program began, deputies from the Behavioral Response Unit have responded to over 5,000 calls for service.

The plans we’ve laid out demonstrates what can be achieved when we invest boldly in our community. 

Coretta Scott King once said, “the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

I am thankful to live in a community that cares for its people and is willing to tackle complex issues like mental health. 

Last year, Orange County Government commissioned the Heart of Florida United Way to lead the analysis of gaps in services for our Mental and Behavioral Health System of Care. 

Over 200 community stakeholders and mental health providers participated in the gap analysis study.

Let’s hear more from Jane Watrel, Communications Division Manager on steps taken to meet the community’s mental and behavioral health needs.

[THROW TO JANE’S PACKAGE]

Thank you, Jane, for the overview.

We know that the pandemic resulted in more people becoming homeless. 

And, we know that rent payments have skyrocketed.

By implementing the Orange County Mental and Behavioral Health System report recommendations, I’m confident that together we can make a difference.

You may recall that in 2020, Orange County convened the Citizens Safety Task Force after a series of shootings involving our youth, including two children who were tragically killed by gunfire: one just three years old. 

I said then and I’ll say it now, we have no silver bullet to stop the violence, but through prevention, intervention, enforcement, and prosecution strategies, we can reduce violent crime over time. 

The task force developed 20 recommendations to prevent and reduce violent crime and gun violence. 

Trauma-informed training will be expanded among our non-profit agencies.

faith-based leaders and youth organizations will provide both role models and safe places for youth. 

Central Florida’s first Credible Messenger Training program will be implemented to focus on hard to reach youth. 

the Orange County Citizens Commission for Children continues to work with grassroots organizations and connect residents with children and family services through a new online resource directory. 

In April, the State Attorney’s Office launched the first Adult Civil Citation program in Central Florida.

This was done in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department and the Kissimmee Police Department.

The program provides non-violent first-time misdemeanor offenders with an opportunity to enter a diversion program to avoid prosecution but still be held accountable. 

Additionally, the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission concluded their work last fall and presented 16 recommendations to the Board of County Commission. 

Their work provides the county and our community partners with strategies to prevent and reduce domestic violence. 

We will allocate funding in next year’s budget to continue addressing the issues.

Now, let’s talk about our bold investments in entertainment and culture. 

Thanks to our Tourist Development Tax dollars, we have invested in world class facilities that help us compete at a national and international level.

This was a banner year for sporting events. 

From the Florida Classic to the VRBO Bowl, crowds were ready and enthusiastic to return to the gridiron.

Just this week, we are hosting the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

With over 5,500 athletes and coaches from across 50 states, joined by 30,000 volunteers and 125,000 spectators, the weeklong Special Olympics Games began with a spectacular opening ceremony and will leave an indelible mark on this community. 

Full Sail University teamed up with Special Olympics USA to host the first ever 2022 USA Games Unified E-sports Invitational which took place at their state-of-the-art Orlando Health Fortress e-sports arena. 

We are hopeful that Orlando will be the site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

We’ve successfully hosted World Cup Soccer matches, the Copa America Centenario and most recently, the Concacaf Gold Cup and the Florida Cup. 

The Orlando pitch is ready for the World Cup, which will likely be announced next week.

And now let’s talk about the beauty and culture of our county. 

Just last week, we broke ground on a new nature and conservation LIFE exhibit at the Orlando Science Center.

The Board of county Commission approved 10 million dollars from the tourist development tax fund for this transformational project. 

We look forward to the exhibit opening in late 2023.

We are proud to boldly invest in events that showcase the broad array of cultures and diasporas from around the world.

We continue to work with our MLK Initiative members to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy with year-round programs of service.

We also honor those who serve our country. 

These include numerous events hosted by the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council.

And we continue to support LGBTQ+ events, and the community’s diverse entertainers in Orange County.

Let’s now hear from Despina McLaughlin, Senior PIO with our Communications Division, who will take us on a journey of art and culture that brings our community together.

[DESPINA’S PACKAGE]

Through our Tourist Development Tax dollars, Orange County invested more than 40 million dollars to build the Steinmetz world-class concert hall at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando.

It is one thing to talk about the arts, and it is truly another to experience a live performance...something like this.

[START LIVE PERFORMANCE]

We are proud to provide a platform for our local artists to showcase their talent and diversity.

Please help me give another round of applause to CeCe Teneal, Entertainment Director of FusionFest who coordinated today’s live performance and our talented performers.

Today’s State of the County address took a closer look at our investments and achievements.

We boldly invest in tourism as Orange County continues to be the number one destination for visitors from around the world. 

We boldly invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs that further diversify our economy. 

We boldly invest in workforce training to meet the needs for high-demand jobs.

We boldly invest in Affordable Housing and Transportation that benefit us now and for future generations. 

We boldly invest in the preservation of our environment that improves our quality of life.

We boldly invest in public safety, the fundamental reason why government exists.

We boldly invest in social and behavioral health issues that improve our community’s wellbeing.

Lastly, we boldly invest in ENTERTAINMENT and culture, the heartbeat of our community.

This is why Orange County is unbelievably real!

Mayor Demings State of the County Address
June 10, 2022 | 9 a.m.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings delivered the 2022 State of the County address on Friday, June 10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center to an audience of more than 600 residents and local community leaders.

The theme this year was “Investing Boldly.”

“This has already been a year of extraordinary accomplishments as we continue to invest boldly in our future and work to make this.... the greatest county in the state of Florida and perhaps the nation,” said Mayor Demings.

The 2022 State of the County address centered on investing boldly in four areas: tourism; business and entrepreneurship; community wellbeing; and entertainment and culture.

Tourism

Mayor Demings noted the Central Florida tourism industry is back in full throttle. Orange County collected $38.5 million in tourist development tax dollars, which shattered the previous tourist development tax record of $31.2 million in March 2019.

None of this would have been possible without major capital investments by the theme parks and their multibillion-dollar expansion projects. Universal Orlando, Sea World Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort all have opened new attractions this year and have more openings coming soon.

The Orange County Convention Center has proven to be a multibillion-dollar economic driver, projected to host 155 events with 1.5 million attendees this fiscal year, generating an economic impact of an estimated $2.4 billion.

The Orlando International Airport (OIA) is experiencing record-breaking passenger counts and is ranked as the seventh busiest airport in the United States and the world. Later this year, the airport will expand its footprint with the opening of the new South Terminal C, a $2.75 billion investment, with more than a million square feet that can accommodate up to three regional rail systems. 

The private rail company Brightline has finished construction of an intermodal terminal facility at OIA. Its 170-mile extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando should begin operations in early 2023. 

Last month, Visit Orlando and the Orlando Economic Partnership launched a new comprehensive brand campaign to promote the destination and region. The “Orlando Unbelievably Real” campaign was developed to attract leisure travel and economic development.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Orange County has been nationally recognized for its financial strength, making it a beacon for existing and relocating businesses.

This past year, both Astronics Corporation, a technology company, and Conti Federal Services, an infrastructure construction firm, relocated their headquarters to Orange County. Aerospace and defense leader Northrup Grumman expanded its footprint with a new 88,000-square-foot facility in the Central Florida Research Park.

Most recently, Sherwin Williams, one of the world’s top paint manufacturers, opened a new $44 million manufacturing facility in Orange County.

“This is a positive indicator of our appeal to new businesses, which help grow our local economy,” said Mayor Demings.

In keeping with the goal of diversifying industry, the Central Florida Cluster Initiative, also known as Cenfluence, established a global network to stimulate expanded economic opportunities and jobs for Central Florida. Also, BizLink Orange launched in late 2021, connecting small businesses and entrepreneurs with tools for success.

Orange County Government provided CareerSource of Central Florida with $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to launch Level Up Orange. This program enhances workforce training, connects people to careers and develops skilled talent for such in-demand jobs as healthcare, construction and more.

Mayor Demings noted the continued investment in its employees, the backbone of Orange County Government. Every employee now earns a living wage of $15 per hour or higher. 

“I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and committed team focused on improving Orange County’s delivery of service and quality of life for everyone,” he said.

Community Well-Being

Orange County’s population continues to grow. Based on the latest 2020 census data, the County’s population has increased 25 percent since 2010 to 1.43 million residents. Given the new data, the Advisory Committee on Redistricting recommended new commission district boundaries to meet the needs of representation. The Board of County Commissioners approved the new redistricting map in February 2022.

With population growth has come strained housing availability for both renters and prospective home owners.

“Our challenges will require us to remain proactive with our Housing for All 10-year Action Plan aimed at addressing affordable housing deficiencies” asserted Mayor Demings. “So far, our Housing for All Trust Fund has invested $33 million in public-private partnerships to increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing.”

Mayor Demings also noted we cannot adequately address the total cost of living for our workforce without also addressing the cost of transportation because the combined cost of housing and transportation is crippling the ability of many of working families to get back on their feet.

To address this, the Mayor talked about the Transportation Sales Tax referendum, which will be on the November 2022 ballot. He referred to this as a “generational opportunity to transform Orange County’s transportation system.”

The penny sales tax is expected to raise 600 million dollars annually with more than half (51 percent) paid by tourists. If passed, east-west connectivity would vastly improve and offer better connections to all four corners of Orange County as well as all points in between. 

The Mayor stressed that a dedicated funding source would allow for a true multimodal transit system with improved access, reliability and connectivity.

Forty-five percent of the monies generated by the penny sales tax would be earmarked for transit, starting with LYNX. There would be more buses, improved connectivity and EXPRESS service.

The penny sales tax would also improve SunRail operations, with potential service to the Orlando International Airport, as well as add weekend and late-night service.

Additionally, 45 percent of the transportation sales tax collected would be used to upgrade major road intersections, improve existing roadways and repave older roads sooner rather than later. 

The referendum would also address the dire state of bicycle and pedestrian safety in Orange County. 

“The positive impacts of the transportation plan would be felt for decades,” affirmed Mayor Demings. “Having better transportation options will help spur new businesses and support existing ones.”

Quality affordable housing and economic opportunity are ways a community can measure its overall quality of life, but land conservation is equally as important. 

Last year, Orange County committed $100 million to purchase 23,000 acres of land under a program called Green Place. The first purchase preserved 24 acres near the Econlockhatchee River and added to an existing 1,000 acres of publicly and privately-owned conservation lands.

Recently, the Florida Wild Life Federation gave Orange County a special award for its land conservation efforts, and the U.S. Green Building Council announced Orange County as a LEED Gold Certified County, one of 17 counties in the United States to receive this international accreditation. 

“Another way we’re investing in our community’s wellbeing is using American Rescue Plan Act dollars to provide direct relief to our residents,” said Mayor Demings. “We’re also investing in infrastructure projects to bridge the digital divide and improve access to the internet for underserved communities.”

Funding public safety is a priority and includes the construction of a new public safety communications tower, as well as building new fire stations and a new Sheriff’s sector building in West Orange County. 

Orange County Fire Rescue also completed the design phase for a new 30,000-square-foot Fire Training Center in East Orange County. The project completion date is expected in the Fall of 2024.

The Mayor also discussed how Orange County Corrections Department is proactively addressing the opioid epidemic. In collaboration with Aspire Health Partners, the Corrections Department opened a fully licensed satellite clinic to treat incarcerated individuals with opioid addictions.

Corrections also launched a mental health program called “New Start” in February 2022. In partnership with the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other groups, the program is designed to lead inmates from hardship to healing by providing medication management, education, support and guidance for eligible inmates.

For inmates with substance abuse problems, Orange County Health Services Department and the Drug Free Coalition are forging new initiatives to address the opioid epidemic with partners such as Advent Health.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office launched a Behavioral Response Unit Co-Responder Model that pairs trained clinicians with deputies to respond to calls involving those experiencing a mental health crisis. The teams are designed to de-escalate situations with peaceful resolutions and limit the number of arrests. 

Last year, Orange County Government commissioned the Heart of Florida United Way to lead the analysis of gaps in services for our Mental and Behavioral Health System of Care. More than 200 community stakeholders and mental health providers participated in the gap analysis study.

“By implementing the Orange County Mental and Behavioral Health System report recommendations, I’m confident that together we can make a difference,” said Mayor Demings.

In 2020, Orange County convened the Citizens Safety Task Force after a series of shootings involving our youth, including two children (one only 3 years old) who were tragically killed by gunfire. The task force developed 20 recommendations to prevent and reduce violent crime and gun violence.

“I said then and I’ll say it now, we have no silver bullet to stop the violence, but through prevention, intervention, enforcement and prosecution strategies, we can reduce violent crime over time,” asserted Mayor Demings.

The Orange County Citizens Commission for Children continues to work with grassroots organizations and connect residents with children and family services through a new online resource directory. 

In April, the State Attorney’s Office launched the first Adult Civil Citation program in Central Florida in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department and the Kissimmee Police Department. The program provides non-violent first-time misdemeanor offenders with an opportunity to enter a diversion program to avoid prosecution but still be held accountable. 

Additionally, the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission concluded its work last fall and presented 16 recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. 

The Commission’s work provides the County and our community partners with strategies to prevent and reduce domestic violence. 

Entertainment and Culture

In 2022, tourism development tax dollars provided an investment in world-class facilities that helped the County compete at a national and international level.

Orange County hosted the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games with more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from across 50 states. The were joined by 30,000 volunteers and 125,000 spectators for the week-long games that left an indelible mark on this community. 

Full Sail University teamed up with Special Olympics USA to host the first ever 2022 USA Games Unified E-sports Invitational, which took place at Full Sail’s state-of-the-art Orlando Health Fortress e-sports arena. 

The Orlando Science Center broke ground on a new nature and conservation LIFE exhibit, with $10 million approved for this project from the tourism development tax.

“We’re proud to boldly invest in events that showcase the broad array of cultures and diasporas from around the world,” said Mayor Demings.

Work continues with the MLK Initiative and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council events. Support also continues for LGBTQ+ events and the community’s diverse entertainers in Orange County.

Through tourism development tax dollars, Orange County invested more than 40 million dollars to build the Steinmetz world-class concert hall at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center in downtown Orlando.

Final Thoughts

The 2022 State of the County address took a closer look at investments and achievements.

We boldly invest in tourism as Orange County continues to be the No. 1 destination for visitors from around the world. 

We boldly invest in small businesses and entrepreneurs, further diversifying our economy. 

We boldly invest in workforce training to meet the needs for high-demand jobs.

We boldly invest in affordable housing and transportation to benefit us now and for future generations. 

We boldly invest in the preservation of our environment to improve our quality of life.

We boldly invest in public safety, the fundamental reason why government exists.

We boldly invest in social and behavioral health issues that improve our community’s wellbeing.

Lastly, we boldly invest in entertainment and culture, the heartbeat of our community.

This is why Orange County is unbelievably real!