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'Culture of compassion makes Orlando rich place to live,' Jacobs says in State of the County speech

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs delivered the 2017 State of the County address Friday morning at the I-Drive 360 development.

Jacobs said the county's population has increased by 15 percent since last year. Jacobs said the county's unemployment rate hovers at above 4 percent, and she said metro Orlando leads the nation in job growth among large regions.

In the last decade, Orange County spent $650 million of tourism tax dollars on venues in downtown Orlando, the mayor said.

Jacobs announced Friday that she has challenged local chefs and other culinary leaders to develop a signature dish for Orlando.

She said Orange County deputies and Orlando police officers used naloxone in the last year to save more than 80 people who were overdosing on heroin.

Jacobs also said Orange County Fire Rescue raised its ISO rating from class 4 to class 1, a rating based on an agency's ability to respond to emergencies.

The county is the only one in the state with such a high rating, which the fire chief said could increase property values and lead to discounted insurance for homeowners.

Jacobs said there are a number of issues that she aims to tackle in the final year and a half of her term.

"Every day, we will remain focused on making progress on complex problems," she said. "From affordable housing, to pedestrian safety, to discovering more and better ways to serve you, our citizens, and to care wisely for your tax dollars."

Jacobs observed a moment of silence for Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was fatally shot in January. A tribute video was also played for the 49 people who were slain last June in the Pulse nightclub massacre.

Jacobs ended the address by inviting attendees to join her outside in a courtyard to join hands and form a heart. The peace demonstration, known as "#letsAllconnect," has been observed worldwide. Friday's gathering was the largest yet.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma were among the participants. Jacobs stood at the tip of the heart.