Top Newsroom Stories of 2018

In 2018, Orange County experienced historic milestones, accomplishments and successes that will benefit local residents for years to come. Government services continued to be a priority for residents with updates from Orange County Government’s Fire Rescue, Utilities, and Environmental Protection Division rounding off the list of most popular stories in Orange County’s newsroom.

In addition to Orange County’s newsroom stories, the County’s 311 help and information line also assisted residents with reporting local non-emergency incidents while social media provided an instant online connection to local services. Orange County’s 311 enhances accountability in government by offering citizens an opportunity to provide feedback on government services and voice concerns about service issues in the community.

Here is a look at the top five articles featured in Orange County’s Newsroom and the OCFL News mobile app in 2018.

1. Weekly Large Item Collection Begins in Orange County January 1, 2018
   The Orange County Utilities Solid Waste Division began weekly large item curbside collection on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018.
2. Orange County Firefighter Beats the Odds and Finds Passion and Purpose
   For SteveO Michel, a 26-year-old Orange County Fire and Rescue firefighter and emergency medical technician who grew up in the troubled Tymber Skan community in Orlando, his greatest joy is being a positive role model to children exposed to the same negative influences he experienced as a child.
3. Orange County Fire Rescue’s Project Leave Behind to Helps Prevent Deadly Opioid Overdoses
   Orange County Government announced Project Leave Behind on Oct. 10, 2018. The program supplies Orange County firefighters with Naloxone nasal spray kits for distribution to the families and loved ones of individuals treated by emergency medical services who remain at high risk of an overdose.
4. Orange County Fire Rescue Celebrates Opening of New Fire Station as Part of INVEST in Our Home for Life Initiative
   Orange County Government celebrated the opening of Fire Rescue Station 67 on June 4, 2018 at a ceremonial ribbon cutting held at the new station in east Orange County, in close proximity to the University of Central Florida. Station 67 is considered the flagship project of the County’s INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative and is the first of three fire stations to be funded through INVEST funds.
5. New Solar Co-ops Launch in Orange County
   Orange County partnered with the state’s largest and most successful solar co-op, Solar United Neighbors of Florida, to bring two additional solar co-ops to residents and business owners in 2018.

For additional news and information, visit Orange County’s website at www.ocfl.net or follow the County on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Photo Caption: Orange County Fire Rescue Department personnel gather for the Project Leave Behind announcement on Oct. 10, 2018.