ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presented the annual State of Orange County address on Thursday at the Orange County Convention Center, which included him announcing his support of a 1 cent sales tax to support transportation.
Demings said the tax found help fun Lynx and SunRail to "prepare for the future."
Before the tax goes on the ballot, the county plans to hold several community meetings to find out what citizens think the money should be used for. Then it will need to be approved by county commissioners.
Demings plans to lead the way for a 1 cent sales tax to fund transportation. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
SunRail and Lynx are devoid of a dedicated funding source for operations. "Now is the time for our community to consider support of a sales tax referendum to prepare for the future." @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Talking transportation now - says by 2030 we will have a regional population of 5.2 million. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
In his address, Demings highlighted the accomplishments of Orange County and the community as well as previewed what’s to come in the future. He touched on both the need for affordable housing and the opioid crisis.
Demings was elected as mayor in August 2018.
Tune in to a live stream of the address below, and
WATCH LIVE: Orange County mayor giving State of the County addressOrange County Mayor Jerry Demings is giving the annual State of the County address at the Orange County Convention Center. READ MORE: https://at.wftv.com/2JHPLPu
Posted by WFTV Channel 9 on Thursday, May 16, 2019
With recent announcement of 75 million visitors to Orlando area last year, Demings says our tourism industry has a $70 billion impact on our region. He says the "time is right to build" when talking about the expansion of convention center. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
"It is my commitment that there will be no full-time employee who works for Orange County Gov. who will earn below $15/hour by the end of 2021." - Demings @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Demings say with extra $20 million allocated to child services this year, Orange County now provides $87 million to children. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Demings talking about the opioid crisis now. He says Orange County first responders administered more than 1500 doses of Narcan last year. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Demings says crime in the unincorporated part of Orange County declined by 7% last year. He says county recently received $3.5 million to put toward public safety. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Demings says Orange County will be opening new affordable housing with 96-units in Pine Hills in the next month. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
HOUSING FOR ALL: Demings talking about Central Florida being "worst in nation" for affordable housing. Says OC residents needs to work 82 hours a week at min. wage to afford a 1 bdrm home at market rate. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Demings says he has no intention of increasing property taxes now - or in the near future. @WFTV #StateofOrangeCounty
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
Mayor @JerryDemings starting his first State of the County address for @OrangeCoFL. @WFTV pic.twitter.com/vj9jeh6ja8
— Lauren Seabrook (@LSeabrookWFTV) May 16, 2019
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