JERRY DEMINGS

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A new Little League baseball complex is under construction in Doctor Phillips. The Doctor Phillips Little League All-Stars and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings broke ground on the complex Thursday. Photos: New Little League baseball complex under construction in Doctor PhillipsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 New Little League baseball complex under construction in Doctor PhillipsThe nearly 17-acre complex will be just off of South Apopka Vineland Road. Read: Here are 9 things to do this weekend in Central FloridaOne little league player said the fields at the new complex will be a major upgrade for him and the other players. The new complex will include four baseball fields with field lighting.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The National Arbor Day Foundation awarded Orange County with an award on Friday. The county was named Tree City USA for the 16th year in honor of the state’s Arbor Day, according to a release. The Tree City USA program recognizes tree-planting efforts. Read: Duke Energy celebrates Florida Arbor Day, gives away free trees“Trees provide effective and low-cost solutions to many urban challenges, including reducing pollution, removing carbon dioxide from the air, and reducing energy costs for homeowners,” said Mayor Jerry Demings. Read: Fresh squeeze on sports: New pickleball team comes to OrlandoLast year, Orange County planted more than 2,500 trees and gave 1,000 trees to homeowners.

For the first time in two years, community and faith leaders gathered in person for the celebration of Orlando's first Black elected official.

Lawmakers were given an insight on how it will all be sent at the Orange County Utilities Headquarters. Most of the money will be used for water projects in Orange County. After a tough month of flooding in Central Florida, the year is ending with relief in sight for water restoration projects. Out of $50 million given to Orange County, $29 million will be used to improve water supply and storage capability. The act will also give the initial OK for ecosystem restoration projects in Osceola County.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jerry Demings remembers shopping at the Gooding’s when it was still a grocery store. The Orange County Mayor had lived in the community at one point near the store at 7149 W. Colonial Drive when it was open. The store went through several iterations, including when it was purchased by Winn-Dixie from Gooding’s in 2000 and later closed in 2006. Read: Judge: Apopka can’t block affordable housing project in city’s ‘crown jewel’Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website. Read: Man arrested, accused of fatally shooting 21-year-old after argument at hookah loungeFood safety experts: Don't wash your turkey, it could spread germs Food safety experts: Don't wash your turkey, it could spread germs (NCD)©2022 Cox Media Group

A new tool to handle pop-up events that can disrupt traffic flow was put to the test following the Florida Classic event on Saturday.

In July, the Orange County Sheriff's Office was granted a new tool to handle unlawful pop-up events that can disrupt traffic flows.

Disney has shared the location of a planned affordable housing complex near Walt Disney World. The entertainment giant contributed 80 acres of land for the...

Orange County commissioners, meeting Thursday, voted to appeal a ruling blocking a recently-passed rent control ordinance. The Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 in favor...

Friday’s Veterans Day ceremony was held at the Orange County’s Commission building with the goal of simply saying 'thank you for your service' to those brave men and women.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Four people died in Central Florida during Hurricane Nicole. Officials said all four deaths happened in Orange County. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said the first two deaths happened during a traffic crash on the Florida Turnpike during the storm. The other two people — a man and a woman — died after they were electrocuted by a downed power line in the Conway area, near Bayfront Parkway and Pershing Avenue. Read: Orange County man, woman electrocuted by downed power lineDeputies said the man was killed after he lost control of his vehicle and made contact with the downed power line.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Wednesday held a news conference to discuss the county’s preparations and storm readiness, now faced with Tropical Storm Nicole.

Orange County residents voting in the November election will be deciding whether or not to approve a transportation sales tax measure. Here's what it is.

Orange County voters shot down a proposed 1% increase in sales tax to fund transportation throughout the county on Tuesday. The tax hike was boosted...

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said there is a plan in place to keep floodwaters from taking over the Orlo Vista area. Watch: Subtropical Storm Nicole to strengthen as Florida’s east coast under tropical storm warningA lot of that has to do with making sure water in retention ponds is drained to allow for more rainfall to safely accumulate. Read: Subtropical Storm Nicole: Where you can get sandbags in Central FloridaThe historic flooding and devastation Ian left behind were scenes residents won’t soon forget. More than a month has passed since the storm and residents are still working to get back to normal. Watch: Central Florida coast urged to make full hurricane preparations ahead of Nicole’s impactMany are still working to clear their homes as a new storm approaches.

Orange County officials are urging residents to prepare for Subtropical Storm Nicole on the eve of Election Day.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is scheduled to discuss the county’s preparations ahead of Subtropical Storm Nicole. Demings will provide updates on the county’s readiness plans at 4 p.m. Monday. Officials from the public safety, public works and utility departments will also be on hand to answer questions. Click here to watch the news conference live at 4 p.m.Video: Subtropical Storm Nicole prompts hurricane, storm surge watches for parts of Central Florida The tropics are churning out another disturbance, even as parts of Central Florida continue to recover from Hurricane Ian. 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.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An appeals court decision could block the Orange County rent stabilization ordinance that is currently on the ballot. Watch: See where the Orlando area’s cheapest apartment rent can be foundOrange County has already counted more than 31,000 ballots so far, and Orange County Elections Supervisor Bill Cowles said there’s still time before a final decision is made. Those in favor of the rent stabilization ordinance gathered outside the commission building Friday in support of the measure to cap rents for a year. Watch: 14 complaints filed since Orange County instituted rent increase ordinanceThe appeals panel majority said the ballot summary, the wording that people see when they vote, did not adequately describe the measure. Channel 9 has reached out to Orange County commissioners and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings to see if they have any plans to fight the appeal.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The crowd inside Brew Theory eagerly waited for the first speaker of the night to take the podium. The 1% sales tax increase would pay for an expanded bus system, Sunrail system and road and bike path projects throughout the county. READ: Orange County mayor relaunches initiative for 1% sales tax hike for transportation improvementsHowever, the referendum isn’t a shoo-in for passage. The question over the sales tax comes last — past the races for judges that relatively few voters pay attention to. I’m interested to see how many people actually vote all the way down.”VIDEO: Battle lines forming over Orange County transportation tax vote Battle lines forming over Orange County transportation tax voteClick 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 residents voting in the November election will be deciding whether or not to approve a transportation sales tax measure. Here's what it is.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orlo Vista residents got a chance to confront Orange County leaders about plans to fix flooding in their community. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings apologized to those residents about the “insufficient pace” of making improvements. “I would like to see the paperwork and what plans you all have for Orlo Vista and West Side Manor,” resident Levi Williams said. There’s a $10 million plan that was drafted after Hurricane Irma in 2017 to address flooding, which would expand three retention ponds in the Orlo Vista community. But in the meantime, Demings has asked the county to look toward other solutions to further address the flooding threat.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — On Tuesday Orange County commissioners will provide an update on recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian. At a briefing on Monday, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said that losses from storm damage total more than $188 million. Read: Police: Man posing as licensed roofer enters contract with elderly victim to replace roof for $47K“Everything in my house is gone. Williams is one of several residents who plan on attending Tuesday’s meeting to urge the mayor to do more for affected areas. Read: Orange County leaders to discuss dangerous intersection improvements“We have too much technology for this to be happening in a neighborhood.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Dumpsters full of belongings line the roads of an Orange County neighborhood near the University of Central Florida. Many of the homes off Rouse Road, which is not in an official flood zone, were flooded following Hurricane Ian. Greg Cole and his family thought they were in the clear when their home went untouched during storm. Read: Daytona Beach woman loses 30 years’ worth of possessions from Ian floodingPublic works is now fixing roads demolished by Ian including Rouse Road, which led the river to Cole’s home. Mayor Jerry Demings said it will take about six more weeks to remove the rest of the debris across Orange County and that 1,500 properties had reported damage.

A 75-year-old man died after falling from a ladder while cleaning debris from his roof, marking the first hurricane-related death in Orange County, according to the mayor.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is scheduled to give an update on storm recovery efforts Monday afternoon. Read: Two disaster recovery centers open to help Central Florida residents after IanJoining Mayor Demings will be Orange County Office of Emergency Management Division Chief Lauraleigh Avery, Director of Public Safety Danny Banks, FEMA representative Charles Williams, and Orange County Public Schools Director of Communications Scott Howat. Read: DCF announces first disaster SNAP program after Ian, here’s how to registerThe update is set to begin at 12:30 p.m.Two disaster recovery centers open to help Central Florida residents after Ian (WFTV)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. ©2022 Cox Media Group

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said as of Monday, the county has extended its state of emergency as the area deals with its first hurricane-related death, ongoing debris cleanup and an increased demand for affordable and emergency housing in the wake of Ian.

Despite warnings from meteorologists that the entire cone was in play, which included Lee County, preparations mainly centered around the Tampa region. READ: ‘It’s my home and I love it here’: Mims residents still reeling from Hurricane Ian floodingPeople in Lee County now say they wish they had been told to evacuate sooner. “That’s not a lot.”Indeed, the storm’s eventual southern track helped to bring massive amounts of rain to Central Florida, contributing to the flooding. In the Geneva area, property owners watched as stakes were placed along low-lying roadways that frequently flood. Moving forward, some of the most consequential lessons learned may come at the county level.

Some officials are now calling for communities of temporary homes to help people get back on their feet. “There are processes in place for individual assistance,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Thursday. “All of those families will be assisted in that process.”Thousands of Central Florida families could be facing homelessness this month after their apartments flooded, without any temporary safety net to fall back on. With Hurricane Ian wrecking communities up and down Central Florida, nonprofits say their ability to respond is being tested. They say they’re expecting a wave of even more refugees from Southwest Florida where entire communities were wiped off the map.

Debris removal is underway in Orange County after Hurricane Ian, but it could take some time to remove all the debris from the county.

More flooding is expected in Orange County as water levels crest over the coming days after Ian dumped rain across the area, according to Mayor Jerry Demings.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Friday said emergency management efforts in the community had transitioned from response to recovery.

Orange County's emergency manger is urging people to remain vigilant and sheltered as Hurricane Ian passes over the county, despite the storm having weakened since first making landfall.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is set to host a news conference to provide an update on the county's preparations ahead of Hurricane Ian.

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.

With this over two-week celebration quickly approaching, now is the time to begin your planning.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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