JERRY DEMINGS

News 6 spoke with Orange County leaders and experts on how to prep for a hurricane and about where the county currently stands with potential storms.

Onyx Magazine recognized more than 20 Black men Saturday night at its annual awards dinner.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Someone new will lead Orange County’s sustainability efforts starting next month. County officials announced Monday that Carries Black will be the county’s next chief sustainability and resilience officer. She also serves on the local U.S. Green Building Council, chairing the Green Education Committee and leading the Sustainability Officer Roundtable. The county said Black will work to ensure Orange County is “future-ready,” with the environment and people at the forefront. Read: 9 tips to help you travel more sustainably“I look forward to joining Orange County and leading a multi-faceted approach to strengthen our environmental sustainability and resilience,” Black said in a statement.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — One of the biggest campaigns during this election season will be a push for Orange County voters to increase their taxes for transportation. Mayor Jerry Demings said voters have a chance in November to help fund the solution. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Orlando looks to improve public transportation safety for seniorsRead: Woman shot, killed in Orange County, deputies saySome say a campaign that answers their questions could win them over but others have their minds set. “Thousands of people are moving here each week within Orange County,” Demings said. “And then thousands are coming here to visit each week.”Read: Orange County rental assistance expands, offers more moneyIf the tax referendum is passed, the revenue would be collected starting next January.

Several Florida realty companies filed a lawsuit Monday over a rent control proposal introduced by Orange County commissioners earlier this month, according to an affidavit.

LYNX CEO Jim Harrison dies at 63 He died unexpectedly, the company said. (LYNX/LYNX)ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority Chief Executive Officer Jim Harrison died unexpectedly Friday morning, the company said. Harrison, 63, has been with LYNX for 30 years. Read: Actress Anne Heche dies at 53 after car crashHe navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the first electric buses on LYMMO. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who serves as chairman of the LYNX Board of Directors, said Harrison’s personality was infectious to everyone around him.

Mayor Jerry Demings says decision would have to come from state

By a narrow vote of 4 to 3, the Orange County Commission voted to put a rent stabilization ordinance on the ballot in November. The...

Orange County commissioners managed to pass minor protections for Orlando-area renters, in a heated meeting surrounding the idea of imposing rent control. After a 10-hour...

VIDEO: What would a cap on rent increases mean for Orange County? What would a cap on rent increases mean for Orange County? ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County commissioners went back and forth Tuesday night about a proposal to stabilize rent. The ordinance, if put on the November ballot and approved by voters, would cap rate increases at 5% next year. READ: Mega Millions jackpot now at $830M for Tuesday’s drawingVIDEO: Orange County has adopted a new rental ordinance.

Even though Florida is a closed primary state, there are still a number of nonpartisan positions up for grabs in the Aug. 23 primary election, including Orange County mayor.

From the conception of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to now, one person has been at the head. Jim Pugh oversaw the...

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — If you’re looking for rent prices to stop skyrocketing in Orange County, be prepared to wait longer. Commissioners talked about a possible rent cap on Thursday. After more than three hours of discussion, some commissioners said they needed more time to look into the issue. READ: Developer sues after Apopka blocks affordable housing development, insists on ‘luxury’Mayor Jerry Demings wants the county’s attorney to analyze everything first. READ: Orange County residents fed up with rising rents, ask commissioners to declare ‘state of emergency’The next work session is scheduled for the end of next month.

The Orange County board came out of Thursday’s special session with a consensus on a notice ordinance and tenants bill of rights — but agreed more research and further discussion needs to be had about a rent stabilization ordinance.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Renters in Orange County are demanding action. Orange County commissioners will meet on Thursday to come up with solutions to fight the lack of affordable housing. “What we will be discussing is not just about rent control, but also about programs to provide assistance to renters who are struggling,” Mayor Jerry Demings said. Another idea the county is considering to provide relief to renters is capping rent hikes at 5% for a year. READ: Orange County residents fed up with rising rents, ask commissioners to declare ‘state of emergency’“I’m concerned about the consequences of capping rents instead of allowing the market to determine pricing,” an Orange County resident said.

Orange County leaders marked the grand opening of a new senior affordable housing community in Pine Hills on Wednesday.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presented a proclamation last week to celebrate Juneteenth here in Orange County.

Video: Lawsuit challenging Orange County’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate dropped A group of first responders has dropped its lawsuit challenging Orange County’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — A group of first responders has dropped its lawsuit challenging Orange County’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. READ: FDA authorizes 1st COVID-19 shots for infants, preschoolersThe attorney handling the lawsuit filed it last October. It came in response to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings issuing a vaccine mandate for county employees last summer. READ: Officials: Millions of COVID-19 shots ordered for youngestThe attorney voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit because it’s no longer valid.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings hosted a celebration Thursday evening for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, which seeks to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.

Sunday at noon, amid days of events in observance of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016, each of the 49 victims killed in the attack were recognized with the somber tolling of a bell at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings described a growing community with a wealthy future and a tourism industry in “full throttle” at the 2022 State of the County address Friday morning.

VIDEO: Orange County housing crisis not quite an emergency, new study shows Under Florida law, rent control measures are illegal unless state leaders declare a housing emergency. (Christy Turner, WFTV.com/WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Under Florida law, rent control measures are illegal unless state leaders declare a housing emergency. A new study done at the request of Orange County Commissioners found that the local rental market doesn’t meet that criteria. 💵 Orange County Government’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program has distributed more than $15,000,000 to keep families in their homes. pic.twitter.com/RjvZtHDTSG — Orange County FL (@OrangeCoFL) December 27, 2021It found rent costs jumped 25 percent in Orange County last year alone.

Video: Orange County temporally bans some fertilizers to improve water quality There are new rules for Orange County residents who like to work in their yard or garden. (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — There are new rules for Orange County residents who like to work in their yard or garden. WATCH: Kissimmee loan officer accused of forging documents, bank fraud and identity theftThe county has temporarily banned fertilizers with nitrogen through September. Photos: Orange County temporally bans some fertilizers to improve water qualityExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 Orange County temporally bans some fertilizers to improve water quality“This ordinance is one of many steps in the right direction to keep pollutants out of our waterbodies,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. WATCH: ‘My rent went up $500 a month’: Orange County leaders say rent issue is likely beyond their controlMore information on the fertilizer rules can be found here.

The 33rd annual Zora Fest! continued Friday with the beginning of its three-day Outdoor Festival of the Arts in Eatonville.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Science Center broke ground on its largest project ever. The groundbreaking of the new exhibit called “Life” took place on Wednesday morning. Mayor Jerry Demings said the project is a great initiative for the community. READ: A library trip can earn Floridians free admission to state parks this summerThe new exhibit is expected to open late next year. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 "Life" exhibit at Orlando Science CenterClick 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.

New rules for fertilizer use in Orange County are now in effect.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings proclaimed May 24 Vanessa Echols Day in the county. Demings presented the proclamation to Echols during the Board of County Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning. Read: ‘We’ve set a standard’: Vanessa Echols calls on the next generation to ‘rise to the occasion’Echols delivered remarks upon receiving the proclamation. And so I think this proclamation just lets me know that you think that I tried to do a good job at that.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Vanessa Echols Day Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings proclaimed May 24 Vanessa Echols Day in the county. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer surprises Vanessa Echols with city proclamation ahead of her retirement Friday, May, 27, will be Vanessa Echols Day in the city of Orlando.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County has partnered with the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College to provide area nonprofits with the tools necessary to succeed in the post-pandemic environment. The three-year, $4 million partnership will provide nonprofit training support through Crummer’s Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. According to a news release, “Empowering Good: A Nonprofit Capacity Building Project is designed to offer training in five key areas: impact measurement, innovation, financial management, fundraising and risk management.”Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 59 Orange County - Rollins College - Nonprofit (F Weber)“Nonprofits play a central role in the wellbeing of our community here in Orange County. Despite increased demand for their services during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our community’s nonprofit organizations were being adversely affected by the pandemic in potentially devastating ways, directly impacting essential services in Orange County,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Yet the struggles with increasing demand for services and maintaining a robust workforce were real,” said Min Sun Kim, executive director of Crummer’s Edyth Bush Institute of Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership.

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...

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

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.”

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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