Congressional Delegation Visit

In March, Central Florida business leaders and I met with members of our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. to discuss key industries that are vital to Central Florida's economy.

Of particular emphasis on this trip was our modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) industry, which contributes more than $4.8 billion to Florida's gross state product, and directly employs more than 27,000 Floridians with an average salary of almost $70,000.
 
In addition to productive discussions regarding Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC), we delved into the issues of hospitality, tourism, research funding, entrepreneurship, and how Central Floridians can work with our delegation to protect and nurture these core job creation and economic sectors.

Although our representatives have done an outstanding job advocating for the needs of our citizens, it is imperative that we maintain an ongoing dialogue with them so that our congressional districts remain top of mind when new legislation is proposed and considered.  Thanks to all who attended these meetings, and to all who are working so hard at home to keep our economy strong!

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Economy Featured on Orange TV  

Last month, I joined regional business leaders on the Orange County LIVE! program for a discussion on jobs and our efforts to promote our region as a global hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business excellence.

I am pleased to report that employment in Orange County has increased by 17,634 jobs over the past 12 months. While our travel and tourism sectors provide a variety of opportunities in the hospitality industry, our robust modeling, simulation, and training cluster, Medical City at Lake Nona, and our life sciences hub continue to have a profound impact on capital investment and the creation of high-value jobs in Central Florida.

Additionally, more than $2 billion in construction projects have been completed at Medical City since 2006. According to the University of Central Florida, the College of Medicine and its surrounding life sciences cluster could create an additional 30,000 jobs and $7.6 billion in annual economic activity.

I look forward to being a guest on future episodes of Orange County LIVE! and I encourage you to watch this informative program, broadcast every fourth Wednesday of the month on Orange TV, which can be viewed on Bright House Channel 199 and Comcast Channel 9. 

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Jazz in the Park Celebrates Service

Jazz in the Park Celebrates Our Service Organizations

It was my pleasure to host Orange County's 2nd annual Jazz in the Park event at Dr. Phillips Community Park in honor of our service and volunteer organizations. Guests sat on the lawn and mingled under the pavilion next to the lakeside stage while taking in the cool sounds of the Jazzway Express band.  

I enjoyed visiting with members of the East Orange Kiwanis, whose partners include Kiwanis of North Orlando, Kiwanis of Greater Orlando, Lake Nona Kiwanis, and Kiwanis of Winter Park. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

The Rotary Club, whose membership is dedicated to encouraging service above self, also had a presence at the event. Representatives from the International Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce, which promotes businesses and supports improvements to enhance the tourism experience in Orange County, also stopped by.

Public service and volunteerism are important threads in the fabric of this great community. The efforts of our service groups enrich the lives of so many Orange County citizens, and it's been an honor and privilege to work alongside them. 

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Lighthouse Works! A Beacon  of Light for Blind and Visually Impaired

In March, I met with the wonderful leadership team of Lighthouse Works!, which was created in partnership with the National Industries for the Blind as a business extension of Lighthouse Central Florida, an employer that provides job opportunities in services and light manufacturing industries for people who are blind or visually impaired.

Since 1976, Lighthouse Central Florida has assisted more than 100,000 blind or visually impaired children and adults in learning the necessary skills for independent living.

Lighthouse is the only non-profit, private agency providing comprehensive, vision rehabilitation services for persons of all ages and their families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

I am so proud of the impact this organization has in our community, and I applaud their commitment to increasing economic independence for those who are blind or visually impaired. I wish to thank all of our partners for supporting Lighthouse and its mission.

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Orange County Government - A Shared Commitment of Service

In follow up to the April 11th release of two internal reports regarding the operations of our Home Confinement Unit within Orange County Corrections, I'd like to share some personal thoughts.

I continue to offer my sincerest condolences to the parents and family of Alex Zaldivar, and my thoughts and prayers remain with the Campos siblings.  I can't change the past or lessen the suffering of victims or their families, nor can I promise that criminals won't engage in heinous acts. But what I can promise is that I will do everything in my power to ensure that our public safety programs perform as designed, and that our staff is held accountable for following policies and procedures.  

The reports indicate that violations of our policies and procedures occurred. I am deeply disappointed by these violations, and will continue to demand adherence to our guiding principles, and the daily demonstration of accountability, transparency and integrity.  In addition to the departure of top jail officials, any individuals who are alleged to have violated or ignored policies and procedures will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

I am deeply committed to public safety and to working with our partners in the judiciary and law enforcement.  In particular, I want to commend Chief Judge Belvin Perry for his willingness to work with me in establishing a general framework to determine who should even be eligible for pre-trial supervision or monitoring.  As I've stated on numerous occasions, while our judges have the responsibility of making pre-trial or bond determinations, for those deemed ineligible for release, there is space in our jail to house those who might be a threat to our community.  

In closing, I would also like to commend the men and women of Central Florida's law enforcement community, including our own Orange County deputies.  They are our front-line protectors, and we thank them for their willingness to serve.  Together we will continue working to create a safe community, in which our children and families may grow and thrive.  

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News Worth Noting ...

- Congratulations to Medellin, Colombia for earning the title of "Innovative City of the Year" from Citi and the Wall Street Journal Magazine. Recently, as part of Orange County's sister region agreement with Medellin, a delegation visited our Information Systems and Services Division to learn about our technology.

- According to a new report, Florida ranked fifth in small business tax climate.

- I was honored to speak at La Prensa newspaper's 6th Annual Mujeres Destacadas Awards. It was heartwarming to see many successful Hispanic women recognized for their achievements.

- I enjoyed attending the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida's new distribution center.

- I had a blast dropping the puck and meeting fans at the Solar Bears Fan Appreciation Day at the Amway Center.

- Last month, I attended a meeting to discuss the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund and the work and successes achieved by the organization.

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Congressional Delegation Visit

Economy Featured on OTV

Jazz in the Park Celebration

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Commitment of Service

News Worth Noting

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