I try not to send emails listing every little update from our Board of County Commission meetings, but today seems a little different and I wanted to take a moment to share. 

First, I am thrilled to announce that Orange County approved today an additional one-time $500,000 investment for UCF to administer specifically towards growing second stage, local companies. This investment has been matched with an additional $250,000 by the Florida High-Tech Corridor and will later this week (fingers crossed) be matched with an additional $300,000 by Seminole County.  What does this mean?  Simply put, it means that our region has just made a significant commitment to helping our business community grow and to provide opportunities for our citizens to find jobs.

I am also thrilled to announce that the Board of County Commissioners also approved today to immediately begin work toward opening a 232 acre GreenPlace parcel in SE Orange County.  The opening of this passive recreation park means that Orange County's long time partner, Back to Nature, will be able to finally expand their operations and educational programs in this community.

Don't forget:

Redistricting Meeting Weds night at the County building beginning at 6pm. This is the last meeting for the public to present public proposals.  Take a look at all the maps being proposed at www.ocfl.com/rac .

This Weds is also the first meeting of our District 4 Cultural Affairs Committee at 6:30pm at the Magic Recreation Center in Meadow Woods.  For details, contact jason.russo@ocfl.net .

Regards,

Jennifer Thompson

Orange County Commissioner, District 4

201 S. Rosalind Avenue

Orlando, FL 32801

407-836-7350

www.jenniferthompson.net