Orange County Hosts Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs recently spoke at the opening session of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) 2014 Annual Conference at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orange County.

FAC’s annual conference is the organization’s largest event and provides an opportunity for statewide commissioners and county staff to come together for continuing education, networking, and exhibitions. FAC is a Tallahassee-based nonprofit association representing each of Florida’s 67 counties.

Having served two terms as an Orange County Commissioner from 2000 to 2008, Mayor Jacobs said public servants often use the summer months to work on critical issues that affect their communities.

“Summertime for us means budgets, work sessions, and public hearings. It means poring over the new state budget, ramping up for the implementation of new programs, and educating the public about new laws or regulations,” Mayor Jacobs said. “The fact that you’re here today, ready to work and ready to learn demonstrates that you love what you do, and that you care deeply about your communities.”

This is the second time FAC has chosen Central Florida for its annual conference in recent years. The Orlando World Center Marriott hosted the conference in 2012.

“The Florida Association of Counties loves coming to Orange County,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley. “Orange County has world class amenities as well as offering a central location for easy accessibility whether you are from Escambia or Miami-Dade counties.”

Mayor Jacobs also shared information on International Drive’s major expansion including the $200 million I-Drive 360 project, which will be home to three headlining attractions — the Orlando Eye observation wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando Wax Museum and the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.

“Down the road, we’re preparing to welcome the Orlando Eye, a Florida cousin to the world famous London Eye,” Mayor Jacobs said. “A little further down on International Drive, plans are in the works to construct the Skyscraper at SkyPlex – the world’s tallest roller coaster.”

In her closing remarks, Mayor Jacobs thanked other public servants for their continued commitment to improving the lives of all Floridians.