JERRY DEMINGS

Non-profit partnership Orange County is teaming up with Rollins College in Winter Park to support Central Florida non-profits. (WFTV.com News Staff)WINTER PARK, Fla. — Orange County is teaming up with Rollins College in Winter Park to support Central Florida non-profits. Mayor Jerry Demings announced the partnership, which will focus on small and diverse non-profits based in Orange County, on Monday morning. READ: Rollins College Valedictorian with autism delivers inspiring ‘silent’ commencement speech“When we strengthen our non-profits, we strengthen our community,” Demings said. Orange County is funding it with $4 million collected from the American Rescue Plan.

A federal judge has tossed the first challenge to Florida's law dissolving Disney's Reedy Creek special district. The lawsuit filed on behalf of residents of...

As Orlando’s first Hispanic police chief prepares to retire later this year, the 30-year agency veteran said he’s considering a run for public office.

Video: New $23M marketing campaign to highlight Orlando’s economic strengths The city of Orlando is trying to attract more than just people looking for a vacation spot. ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is trying to attract more than just people looking for a vacation spot. A new partnership between Visit Orlando and Orlando Economic Partnership is hoping to market Orlando to tourists, meeting planners, business owners and company CEOs. The branding plan will cost about $23 million and will highlight Orlando’s economic strengths in digital game development and military simulation, in addition to tourist attractions and outdoor activities. READ: Florida’s Space Coast sees biggest month ever for tourist tax collectionsOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings said tourism in Orlando is rebounding from the pandemic.

A group of Central Florida taxpayers are suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over a recently signed law that would dissolve Walt Disney World's Reedy Creek...

Video: Orange County leaders open longer, safer Holden Avenue Holden Avenue in Orange County just got a little longer and safer. (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Holden Avenue in Orange County just got a little longer and safer. Holden Avenue was extended from Texas Avenue to John Young Parkway. Photos: Orange County leaders open longer, safer Holden AvenueExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Orange County leaders open longer, safer Holden AvenueIt was also widened from a two-lane rural road to a four-lane divided highway between Orange Blossom Trail and Texas Avenue. READ: Volusia Sheriff’s Office offers decals to alert first responders to the presence of autistic peopleCrews also added sidewalks and bike lanes along both sides of Holden Avenue from John Young Parkway to Orange Blossom Trail.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Three hours into his meeting, Mayor Jerry Demings looked at the clock, then the crowd gathered in front of him. Though the majority of speakers backed giving voters a say in November, the night was far from over. READ: Billions in road, rail and bus improvements promised if penny sales tax passes“It’s not about if we need it,” District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe said. READ: “We must act now”: Mayor Demings pushes penny sales tax hike ahead of key commission vote“The time to act is now. She said the proposal wasn’t “there yet.” She wanted more time to study each of the projects being funded.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — If you live and work in Orange County, chances are you’ve had a few choice words about transportation: congestion on I-4, long bus trips or the SunRail. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings understands all of this. That is why he is asking voters to pay a little more in the form of a one-cent sales tax hike. READ: Penny sales tax increase: Orange County commissioners to decide whether to add proposal on ballotOn Tuesday, more than 40 speakers are scheduled to give their opinions about the tax, and many are hoping the money would lead to mass transit. If we don’t invest in transportation, it will get worse and worse because the county is already so far behind.

Orange County commissioners voted Tuesday to send a penny sales tax to the November ballot, giving voters the ultimate say on whether it will pass.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners will decide whether to put a penny sales tax proposal on your November ballot. If you work or live in Orange County, you know congestion is a problem. READ: Orlando plans to buy 160 acres in east Orange CountyMayor Jerry Demings said a penny sales tax hike will help fund a mass transit overhaul. READ: “We must act now”: Mayor Demings pushes penny sales tax hike ahead of key commission vote“We are using that to perfect the plan,” Demings said. WATCH: Central Florida Spotlight: Orange County penny sales tax“By going to a true mass transit system.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Orange County Board of Commissioners will vote Tuesday on whether to include a proposed penny sales tax increase on the November ballot. 🚶🚲🚗🚌🚆 Since beginning the Orange County Transportation Initiative in 2019, more than 19,000 individuals have completed... Posted by Orange County, Florida Government on Monday, April 25, 2022Orange County residents and travelers who frequent the area were invited to participate in the 2022 version of the survey, which got nearly another 8,500 total replies. 79 percent of the participants said congestion was the biggest transportation issue in Orange County. At least four commissioners have to vote “yes” Tuesday for the Transportation Sales Tax Referendum to be included on the November ballot. READ: ‘Political retribution’: Demings denounces decision to strip Disney’s self-governing powerTo view the full results of the 2022 transportation survey, click here.

Orange County’s mayor is meeting with business leaders Tuesday to deliver a final push for his transportation initiative.

It's a make or break week for Orange County Mayor Jerry Deming's transportation initiative.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The decision over whether to dissolve Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District lies in the hands of the governor. If it passes and actually happens down the line, it would dump Disney’s tax burden on us, the taxpayers. Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph said dissolving the district could be a massive financial burden for taxpayers. “The moment that Reedy Creek doesn’t exist is the moment that that those taxes don’t exist,” Randolph said. Read: What would dissolving Disney’s Reedy Creek mean for local taxpayers?

Local leaders and business partners gathered Thursday to discuss transportation concerns during the 2022 Orange County Regional Economic Summit.

The Orange County mayor said that dissolving Disney's special district would be catastrophic to the county's budget at an economic summit Thursday. Mayor Jerry Demings...

Mayor Jerry Demings said leaders in Orange County are closely watching developments in Tallahassee after Republican lawmakers introduced legislation that would strip Walt Disney World of its special governing powers.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Dr. Raul Pino, former Chief Health Officer of the Department of Health in Orange County, has been appointed Orange County Director of Health Services by Mayor Jerry Demings, the county announced Tuesday afternoon. Pino is a revered public health expert in Orange County,” Demings said in a news release. READ: DeSantis: Florida lawmakers to consider ending Disney’s self-governing power during special sessionPino served as the Chief Health Officer of the Department of Health in Orange County for the past three years. Pino has a rich history in working with our Health Services Department to meet the needs of our community,” said Mayor Demings. In January, while in his role with the Department of Health, Pino was placed on administrative leave after he sent an email on Jan. 4 to Orange County Department of Health staff regarding employee COVID-19 vaccination rates.

The 2022 annual Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival is just days away. PonceWhen you think of Puerto Rico, Salvador Rovira wants you to consider the city known as the “pearl of the south.”“Ponce has a lot of things to offer,” Rovira said. READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival returns to downtown Orlando this monthHe’s the president of the chamber of commerce for the southern region of Puerto Rico and he’s getting the word out. READ: Florida Puerto Rican Parade announces launch of 2022 scholarshipIt’s just part of a growing relationship between Puerto Rico and Central Florida, with a new focus on business in Ponce. Eyewitness News is getting ready to bring you live coverage of the 2022 Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival.

Complete streets “Complete streets” give complete accessibility and mobility to all users busing, biking, walking or driving. “Complete streets” give complete accessibility and mobility to all users busing, biking, walking or driving. Orange County recently transferred ownership of Virginia Drive from Ferris Avenue to North Forest Avenue to the city of Orlando, and improvements are officially underway. MetroPlan Orlando’s 2045 master plan allocates 32% of funds to complete streets projects. Data shows complete streets have worked to reduce crashes on some Florida roads by more than 25%.

Orange County Government, along with the City of Orlando and Visit Orlando, have partnered with food blog Tasty Chomps to promote the event and give away items from businesses in celebration of #407Day. #407Day is a celebration of Orlando, as well as our vibrant small businesses --> https://t.co/3bMXEwqiBm pic.twitter.com/OC2PFduRem — Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) April 4, 2022Residents can win prizes from local businesses when they share posts and photos marked with the #407Day hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on Thursday, April 7. “As Orlando residents we are lucky to live in a destination that tops the vacation bucket list for millions of visitors from around the world,” Visit Orlando President and CEO Casandra Matej said. For more information about #407Day and the prizes that are being offered Thursday, click here. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Winter Park Village Winter Park Village is undergoing a massive makeover.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Voters could decide whether to put a cap on some apartment and home rental rates in Orange County. Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonilla is pushing to put a rent control measure on the ballot. Throughout the state of Florida, rent control isn’t allowed unless there’s a housing emergency. Robert Arnold, a landlord in Orange County, said he’s against a measure like this. “Grocery prices are sky-high, but nobody’s talking about capping Publix or Walmart to control their prices.”READ: Orange County looks at rent control measure to ease skyrocketing living costsBonilla said she wants the decision to ultimately become a referendum to be placed on a ballot for voters to decide on.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — We finally expect to hear from the state team investigating a teen’s death on a free-fall ride at ICON Park. It has been a week since Tyre Sampson, 14, fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall. The department in charge of investigating said it can close and impound rides that pose an immediate and serious danger. READ: ICON Park calls for FreeFall, SlingShot rides to suspend operations following teen’s deathMany have been calling for the ride to be taken down. READ: Boy, 14, dies after falling from FreeFall ride at ICON Park in Orlando“My desire is that whatever is done ultimately should ensure everyone that that type of tragedy can never ever happen again,” Demings said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Construction has kicked off on a new affordable housing project in Orange County. “We are suffering with an affordable housing crisis right now,” she said. READ: Florida’s homeowner’s insurance market continues to spiral with 9 companies in liquidationThe lot was donated by the county. READ: Sanford grapples with rising housing costs, shifting demographicsNow, the empty space will be transformed to give families in need a place to call home. “When we are able to take out the bad and put it in the good, that really just lifts the overall quality of living for the people who live here,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.

Orange County leaders teamed up with Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County to break ground on a project to bring affordable housing to Holden Heights.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Community leaders, elected officials, minority business owners and diverse cultural groups celebrated the grand opening of CASA CULTURE at Orlando’s Fashion Square Mall. CASA CULTURE is a safe space for creativity and collaboration to promote equity for under-funded artists, creators and entrepreneurs. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. “This is an opportunity for this facility to share the cultural experience through the arts, making sure that we have the ability to create, connect and collaborate,” Demings said. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 4 Grand Opening CASA CULTURERead: Kissimmee police and firefighter come together to “Rock the Bald 2022″The grand opening featured performances from various cultural organizations and an art exhibit titled “The Divine Feminine,” which showcases ethnically diverse artists who identify as women.

The Florida Department of Health transitioned to biweekly reporting of COVID-19 cases following a drop in infections.

The 911 calls made after a 14-year-old boy plummeted to his death from an Orlando thrill ride were released on Friday afternoon.

A 14-year-old boy died in a fall from the Orlando Free Fall at ICON Park, officials say.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders are presenting a list of projects they said could be paid for by an increase in the sales tax. READ: Billions in road, rail and bus improvements promised if penny sales tax passesOrange County commissioners are not ready to put the penny sales tax increase on the November ballot just yet. The hundreds of millions of dollars raised would go toward everything from road improvements to upgrades to public transportation. The plan includes a long promised west Orange County SunRail line, twice as many trains and night, weekend and holiday service. READ: Should Orange County raise the sales tax?

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — We’re getting a first look at Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’ plan to improve transportation through a penny sales tax. The plan includes 195 miles of intersection and street safety improvements, 25 miles of pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, technology and traffic safety signal upgrades and 154 miles of major roadway improvements. The plan is two years past due for Demings, but thanks to the pandemic, his transportation plan has had to wait. Still, he and many residents say a plan for Orange County’s transportation is overdue. Demings said the top priority is to make it easier for those who rely on public transportation, which would mean more routes and more connectivity.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has just over a month to convince at least three out of the six county commissioners to vote in favor of putting a penny sales tax measure on the November ballot.

Latest numbers from the state health department show Orange County's COVID-19 positivity rate is under 3%.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — You can share your opinion on the Orange County mayor’s plan to raise the sales tax. Orange County commissioners will hold a workshop on the penny sales tax hike on Monday. READ: Select Great Value pancake, waffle mix sold nationwide by Walmart recalledOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings wants to raise the sales tax by 1%. Demings said the sales tax hike could raise $18 billion over 30 years. READ: Bunny invasion: Residents in east Orange County say they are overrun by rabbitsThe meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Colonial High School.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is relaunching his transportation initiative, working to gain support for his one-cent sales tax hike proposal.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will present his plan for a one-cent hike to the sales tax on Monday. Demings said raising the county’s sales tax could bring in almost $18 billion over 30 years. READ: SunRail extends train schedule for spring breakDemings will provide more details about the plan in a meeting with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council at 10 a.m. Monday. If voters approve the increase in November, the county would begin tax collections at the start of next year. READ: County leaders look to the future of Sunrail fundingThe tax does not apply to essential groceries, prescription drugs, medical supplies or utilities.

It’s been a month and a half since the Florida Department of Health relieved its top official in Orange County, pending an investigation the agency says it handed over to the Office of the Inspector General.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County officials had some good news on the status of new cases of COVID-19, but it didn’t come from a health department spokesperson. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings painted a positive picture on how the county is doing. READ: Markeith Loyd sentenced to death in killing of Orlando police Lt Debra ClaytonHe said the 14-day positivity rate is 6.4%, and it’s a good indicator that infection is under control. A representative from the Florida Department of Health decided not to participate in Thursday’s meeting. Channel 9 asked why and if it had anything to do with the county health director, Dr. Raul Pino, being placed on administrative leave.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says Orange County’s 14-day rolling positivity rate for COVID-19 is back down to single digits.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Would you vote to pay more in sales tax if it meant you had to deal with less traffic? That’s the question Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is once again posing to everyone in the county. He’s promising major improvements for transportation but only if voters decide to raise the county’s sales tax from 6.5% to 7.5%. If voters approve the increase, their tax dollars could be spent on expanding Lynx and SunRail, as well as repairs to roads and sidewalk improvements to boost public safety. Demings is relaunching an initiative for a 1% sales tax hike to pay for transportation improvements.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Mayor Jerry Demings looked at the several dozen people gathered before him in the Windermere High School gymnasium Monday night. Most likely, Orange County’s voters will be asked to raise the sales tax by 1% — from 6.5% to 7.5% — in November. Demings is betting on voters understanding several facts: first, Orange County’s tax rate is lower than its neighbors. It’s less restrictive than other taxes and can generate significantly more revenue than property taxes or impact fees. “We want better bike lanes, we want to make sure there’s transit, like actual incentivized mass transit.

EATONVILLE, Fla. — Orange County’s growing elderly population now has a new option for medical care. READ: 9 things to do this weekend: I-4 Express to open, Orlando Taco Festival & moreOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings was at the opening Friday morning of a new dedicated senior medical center. Photos: Orange County opens new dedicated senior medical center in EatonvilleExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Orange County opens new dedicated senior medical center in EatonvilleDemings said this meets the county’s demand for medical services, as the area nears a population of 1.5 million people. READ: CDC announces that majority will be able to remove masks indoorsOne 92-year-old patient told Channel 9 what stands out at the facility. READ: Immigration services center honored by city of ApopkaThe medical center treats people under Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

In 2021, Orange County voted unanimously to approve $315,000 for a study by the Heart of Florida United Way to do an analysis of the county's mental and behavioral health system.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — If you travel regularly through Orange County, the county wants to hear from you. The county is asking the community to attend transportation open houses and fill out a transportation survey online to talk about the good and bad of traveling through the county. The county held more than 200 community meetings and received nearly 11,000 survey responses in 2019 about local transportation needs and priorities. The survey is open until March 31. Click here to participate and for a list of upcoming community open houses.

Orange County is reintroducing online surveys and community open houses to answer the transportation needs and priorities of its residents.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a COVID-19 update Wednesday from the Orange County administration building in downtown Orlando.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will give an update on COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon. The mayor is planning to speak at 4:30 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Center. According to a news release, the mayor will give an update about the omicron variant as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. READ: Here’s how you can apply for rental assistance in OrlandoThe mayor will be joined by Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins and Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond. Diamond will present the latest on the Tourist Development Tax collections and deliver the report for December 2021, the mayor’s office said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The penny sales tax hike for transportation is back on the table in Orange County. Demings wants to increase the county’s current 6.5% sales tax by a penny to pay for transportation initiatives such as expanding Lynx, SunRail and more. The push was paused in 2020 because of the pandemic but on Tuesday the mayor and county commissioners held a work session to revisit the proposal. Read: Showers to be on and off through Wednesday, coldest air in four years arrives this weekend“It’s ultimately up to you. County commissioners have to vote to put this on the November ballot,” Demings said.

The Florida Department of Health is investigating a health officer for the department in Orange County pending an inquiry involving COVID vaccines.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said Friday that he and his wife have tested positive for COVID-19. READ: CDC: Boosters 90% effective in preventing severe COVID-19, hospitalizations“Today, after being made aware that I had been exposed to COVID-19, Susie and I both tested positive,” he said. After being made aware that I had been exposed to COVID-19, Susie & I both tested positive. — Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) January 21, 2022Dyer said he and his wife are both asymptomatic, which he credited to being vaccinated and boosted. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings announced Tuesday evening that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings threw his support behind the head of the county's Department of Health after the latter was placed on leave by...

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A temporary COVID-19 testing site has launched in Osceola County. The new site is located at The Maingate in Kissimmee, which is not far from Walt Disney World. READ: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings tests positive for COVID-19County leaders launched the new location to meet the increased need for testing. A spokesperson said work on the site began weeks ago during the omicron surge and plans were finalized this week. READ: Free N95 masks: Federal government to distribute more than 400 million masksAccording to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, demand for testing in Osceola County is the highest it’s been since the start of the pandemic.

Mayor Demings and Dr. Raul Pino Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is showing his support for Orange County Health Director Dr. Raul Pino after he was placed on administrative leave by state health officials. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is showing his support for Orange County Health Director Dr. Raul Pino after he was placed on administrative leave by state health officials. READ: Orange County health director Dr. Raul Pino placed on administrative leaveDemings, who is working from home after contracting COVID-19, released a statement in support of Pino:“Dr. Pino wrote an email telling employees that the low vaccination rate at the Orange County Department of Health was irresponsible. He wrote that only 38.5% of health department employees had two COVID-19 shots and only 13.5% got their booster shots.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has tested positive for COVID-19.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings tested positive for COVID-19 this week. County officials said the mayor will be working from this week after testing positive on Tuesday evening. The county said Demings is fully vaccinated and boosted and is experiencing mild symptoms. Officials said Demings will continue to work on county business and participate in meetings from home, including attending Wednesday’s GOAA board meeting by conference call. READ: Orange County health director Dr. Raul Pino placed on administrative leaveDemings will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols for returning to the office when it is safe to do so, the county said.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida has hit a milestone this weekend becoming the third state to top five million COVID-19 cases. Florida is trailing California and Texas, with 6.8 and nearly 5.5 million cases, respectively. Department of Health data shows four out of every 10 people in Orange County are testing positive for COVID-19. Most of these new cases in Orange County are coming from people between 25 and 44 years old. Read: Coronavirus: Total US COVID-19 cases top 65M; Florida becomes 3rd state to top 5M infectionsThe county is still waiting on a request made weeks ago to the state for 100,000 tests, and Demings is not sure they’re going to show up.

With the new year comes a renewed push for Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to pursue the passing of a one-cent sales tax for transportation in the November 2022 election.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said during his 170th COVID-19 briefing Wednesday that while virus levels in county wastewater reclamation facilities remain high, a recent decline seen in gene copies per liter of the virus is “good news.”

During a regular coronavirus briefing on Tuesday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings revealed that the 7-day positivity rate in the county is north of 40%....

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In Orange County, COVID-19 cases are surging, and leaders said on Wednesday that they expect to see more cases and hospitalizations in the coming weeks. On Wednesday, Orange County leaders said there are now more than 319,000 active cases of COVID-19 throughout the county. That is four in ten people in Orange County who are testing positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, increasing hospital admissions among children have Orange County schools ready to deploy 10,000 home test kits while it waits for another 10,000 from the state. Read: COVID-19 tests are free starting Saturday; how to get one; how to get it deliveredDemings said the county does have federal dollars to keep up testing for now, but it’s not known for how long.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is set to give a COVID-19 update on Wednesday afternoon. Demings will talk about the county’s effort to monitor the omicron variant, along with an update on testing and vaccinations. The mayor will be joined by Alvina Chu with the Florida Department of Health. READ: Federal government to send millions of free rapid COVID-19 tests to schoolsThe news conference will start at 4:30 p.m.Channel 9 will livestream the news conference when it begins. CDC says yes, but follow steps to sanitize themClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County leaders say they’re opening up a new COVID-19 testing site for county employees to address the continued rising numbers of COVID-19 infections. The site is set to open Wednesday morning on Michigan Street. It is only for Orange County employees, and will possibly be expanded to courthouse employees. So far the county has committed $19.3 million of American Rescue Funds to testing, and $3.7 million to provide all three authorized vaccines. As of Tuesday, it’s estimated that 74% of the county’s eligible population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and other local leaders will host a COVID-19 briefing on Wednesday, according to county officials.

Florida's Republican governor recently defended his lack of public appearances during the omicron surge, saying he was with his wife who is undergoing cancer treatment, but a Democratic mayor of one of Florida's largest counties said that elected officials should be able to care for both their families and their constituents.

In the final weeks of 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was nowhere to be found. As the Omicron variant pushed COVID-19 case numbers in the...

OCPS faculty and staff called out in large numbers on the first day of school after winter break, according to OCPS Superintendent Barbara Jenkins. Jenkins,...

Nearly a third of all COVID-19 tests administered in Orange County are coming back positive. That's according to the latest news conference from Orange County...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Omicron’s surge shows no signs of peaking, Orange County and health department officials reported Tuesday as they worried over the possible impact on the area’s economy. One in three tests came back positive this past week, a rate that doubled from the week before. READ: Too many faculty COVID-19 cases could shut down schools, Orange County school board chair says“COVID is everywhere,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings summed up. Hospitalization data was barely mentioned, even though the Florida Hospital Association reported 1,324 new inpatients, suggesting many of the reported cases continued to be mild. His remarks were followed by Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins, who warned the high number of teacher callouts might force school closures if staff continue to get sick.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Orange County are expected to give an update on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday afternoon. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings; Director, Division of Infectious Diseases at Florida Health Alvina Chu; and Orange County Schools Superintendent Barbara Jenkins are among those expected to speak at today’s briefing. Read: ‘This governor does not care’: Demonstrators delay Gov. DeSantis news conference in JacksonvilleAmong the topics to be discussed are efforts to monitor omicron, COVID-19 testing, and vaccinations. Read: School is back in session as COVID-19 cases continue to climbThe update is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Omicron is touching almost all of Orange County, Mayor Jerry Demings said at the latest COVID-19 news briefing Tuesday afternoon.

Mayor Jerry Demings, alongside other community leaders, is preparing a program ahead of El Día de Reyes, otherwise known as Three Kings Day, on Wednesday.

Like other states, Florida is reporting record case numbers. Although the state did not announce any new testing sites, local governments responded.

Orange County is opening a third COVID-19 testing site Thursday to help meet the demand.

Orange County opens new COVID-19 testing site As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, there is a new push for people to get tested for coronavirus. ORNAGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County is opening a third COVID-19 testing site this week to meet the increased demand. Both drive-thru and walk-up testing options will be available at this testing site. Barnett Park and Econ Soccer Complex testing sites will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or until they reach capacity. On Tuesday, the Barnett Park testing site closed at noon, while the Econ Soccer Complex site closed roughly an hour later.

Orange County is opening a third COVID-19 testing site Thursday to help meet the demand.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Officials in Orange County are expected to give an update on the coronavirus pandemic Tuesday afternoon. VIDEO: Omicron COVID-19 cases rising at higher rate than delta variant, expert saysOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Health Officer Dr. Raul Pino are among those expected to speak at today’s briefing. The Mayor is expected to discuss efforts to monitor omicron as well as give updates on testing, vaccinations and boosters,Read: Doctor says COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing at AdventHealth Centra Care locations in Orange CountyThe update is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV. Cox Media Group

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said county COVID-19 testing sites have been flooded with demand amid a wave of new infections and blamed a lack of response from Gov. Ron DeSantis, in part, for the sites being overwhelmed.

Following reports of the Omicron variant of coronavirus appearing in Orange County's wastewater, county mayor Jerry Demings noted that the county is still in good...

At the COVID-19 update on Wednesday afternoon, the 167th for Orange County since the pandemic began, Demings pointed out that there was no presence of omicron in the wastewater only a month ago.

The omicron variant was detected in Orange County based on initial results from wastewater testing, county officials said in a release on Monday.

With tourism continuing to bounce back in Central Florida, local leaders remain hopeful for a full economic recovery.

Orange County and the city of Orlando honored Walt Disney World for its efforts in the Central Florida community on Friday.

The $1.2 trillion dollar infrastructure bill was signed by President Biden earlier this month.

The City Beautiful is in full celebration mode this weekend as it once again hosts the Florida Blue Florida Classic, a weekend full of events including the Battle of the Bands.

A local government and courts in Florida are easing up on COVID-19 restrictions.

Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings announces 11th annual toy drive

Orange County Public Schools announced Wednesday that face masks will be optional for all district employees starting the next day.

Orange County children ages 5-11 could be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as the winter holiday season, local leaders announced at a Thursday news conference.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson celebrated the opening of the new Malcolm Road Water Supply Facility.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced this week the state is suing the Biden administration over its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors.

Parents can opt out their children from wearing a mask again at Orange County Public Schools, the district announced Thursday.

Orange County's local state of emergency will be allowed to expire at 3 p.m. Wednesday, nearly three months after Mayor Jerry Demings signed an executive order declaring it.

Several firefighters along with an attorney will be discussing a lawsuit against Orange County over its vaccine mandate during a press conference Sunday afternoon.

Gov. Ron DeSantis called for the Florida legislature to return for a special session aiming to provide more safeguards for workers in the state facing vaccine mandates.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings addressed the recent termination of a county battalion chief at a news conference Thursday.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a COVID-19 update during a news conference Thursday.

Orange County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Davis was fired on Tuesday after failing to follow a direct order over a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to county officials.

Orange County is in its final stages to develop four new affordable housing complexes that will ultimately help 525 families in need.