Community & Services

Orange County Leads the Way in Creating “EPIC” ESOL Pilot for International Drive Hotel Employees

Sadya Pierre has a tough job. For the last five years, she has worked as a housekeeper at the Rosen Centre Hotel on International Drive. Originally from Haiti, Pierre’s limited language proficiency led to challenges communicating with guests at the resort, as well as with simply living in a largely English-speaking community. Now she’s tackling […]

A Look Ahead: Mayor Demings’ Priorities for 2023

When Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings gave his Oath of Office speech on December 6, 2022, he outlined some key focus areas for...

Record Year for Employee Giving Supports Heart of Florida United Way

For nearly 30 years, Orange County Government and its constitutional offices have led a giving campaign to support the Heart of Florida United Way...

2022 Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive a Huge Success

The 2022 Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive recently completed its 12th year collecting gifts for the benefit of local youth, and the final numbers are...

Great Oaks Village Campaign: Making Holiday Wishes Come True

Great Oaks Village (GOV), a residential foster group home for children, has been a safe-haven for kids ages 6 to 21 for nearly a...

Orange County 311 a Calming Voice Before, During and After Hurricane Ian

When Hurricane Ian wrought havoc to much of the Florida peninsula, many Central Florida residents turned to Orange County 311 and its dedicated team...

Orange County’s 2022 Oath of Office Ceremony an Inspiring Affair

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family members and supporters, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore, District 4 Commissioner Maribel...

Peanut Butter Challenge Helps Stock Food Pantries Across Orange County

During the month of October, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County collected jars of peanut butter to give to local food banks. The Peanut Butter Challenge,...

Citizen of the Year and Community Organization Award Winners Recognized

Due to Hurricane Ian, the 2022 Orange County Community Conference, which was scheduled for early October, was canceled. In lieu of the conference, Orange...

Orange County Regional History Center Pays Tribute to Orlando’s Alternative Music Scene with Figurehead Exhibit

Between 1985 and 2001, the Orlando concert promoter Figurehead invigorated the musical landscape in Central Florida. The Orange County Regional History Center’s special exhibition, Figurehead:...