denise.cochran@ocfl.net
Orange County Government Announces Grand Reopening of Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at Eagles Roost Green PLACE
Event to be hosted by Mayor Jerry L. Demings and Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero
Orange County, FL—Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, and the Environmental Protection Division will join staff and volunteers from the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge to celebrate its grand reopening on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
The updated facility includes a new visitor center, animal care building, community center, food prep building and administrative offices—all designed to support the rehabilitation and release of Florida native wildlife and expand nature-based education and recreation.
WHO:
Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor
Maribel Gomez Cordero, Orange County District 4 Commissioner
Debbie Helsel, Executive Director, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge
Andrew Bray, Green PLACE Team Leader, Orange County Environmental Protection Division
Permanent resident “Hang Ten,” a blind, disabled tortoise
WHEN:
Monday, July 7, 2025
9:00 to 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:
Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge at Eagles Roost
10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd
Orlando, FL 32832
MEDIA: Please RSVP to PIO@ocfl.net if your outlet is interested in attending this event.
About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.