ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County leaders broke ground today on Osprey Sound, a new 100-unit affordable apartment community for seniors located at 5453 Rio Grande Avenue.

Developed by Denver-based Ulysses Development Group, Osprey Sound will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units designed for residents aged 62 and older earning at or below 70 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

The County supported the project with a $7 million investment from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund, in addition to $378,000 in impact fee waivers to help make the development possible.

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott, and District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe attended the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the milestone.

“With housing developments like these, we are moving the needle in our community to make housing more affordable,” said Mayor Demings. “The seniors living here will be incredibly blessed with a good place to live. This is going to uplift the entire community.”

Since the creation of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in 2020, Orange County has allocated $58 million to support more than a dozen affordable housing projects, creating nearly 2,400 new affordable units. In October 2025, the Board of County Commissioners approved an additional $58.5 million investment over the next three years, expected to create or preserve an estimated 3,570 affordable housing units.

Set to open in Spring 2027, Osprey Sound will feature a variety of modern amenities, including:

• In-unit washers and dryers

• Stainless steel appliances

• Walk-in closets

• A fitness center

• A business center

• Multipurpose space for resident activities and crafts

• A swimming pool

The Osprey Sound project underscores Orange County’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and improving quality of life for seniors across Central Florida.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is inviting the public and media to its 8th Annual Halloween Safety Spooktacular, presented by The Hartford in partnership with Seminole State College, Hits 96.5, K92.3, Wal Rose, and Nationwide Insurance – Charles Davis.

This family-friendly haunted trunk-or-treat event will take place on Thursday, October 30, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Seminole State College, located at 100 Weldon Boulevard in Sanford. A designated parking area will be available to ensure a safe and organized experience for all attendees.

Family-Friendly Fun with Safety in Mind
Children and families will enjoy a safe evening of trick-or-treating at more than 40 themed displays decorated by members of the SCSO and various Seminole County partner agencies, including the Fire Department, Emergency Management, and Seminole State College.

In addition to the trunk-or-treat experience, guests can enjoy live music, entertainment, and candy giveaways while supplies last. The SCSO encourages families to attend in costume and enjoy a night of fun, safety, and community spirit.

Community Partnerships Make the Magic Happen
The event highlights the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement, local organizations, and community partners to promote safety and connection among Seminole County residents. Sponsors like The Hartford and local radio stations help make the Halloween Safety Spooktacular a memorable experience each year.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – The 12th Annual Barktoberfest is back at Lake Eola Park on Sunday, October 26, 2025, and this year’s celebration comes with something special — the debut of Orange County Animal Services’ (OCAS) brand-new mobile veterinary unit.

This annual community event honors the strong partnership between OCAS and Central Florida’s animal rescue organizations, spotlighting adoptable pets and raising awareness about the importance of giving every animal a loving home.

Celebrating Rescue Partnerships

“Barktoberfest is our longest running event, and it’s been a joy to see this event grow and evolve over the years,” said Diane Summers, Manager for Orange County Animal Services. “Year after year, we see thousands of people turn out to support our rescue groups, pet-related vendors and shelter, with dozens adopting a pet in need.”

Rescue groups from across the region will be in attendance, bringing pets of all breeds, ages, and sizes ready for adoption.

Free Vaccinations and Microchipping

As part of the event, OCAS staff will provide free vaccinations and microchipping for qualified dogs owned by Orange County residents (some exclusions apply). The new mobile veterinarian unit will also support OCAS’s quarterly “Arm Your Pet” events, extending vital pet care resources throughout the community.

Vaccinations include:

• Rabies

• Bordetella

• Canine Distemper

• Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus)

• Parvovirus

• Canine Parainfluenza

Event Details

When: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Where: Lake Eola Park (next to the Farmer’s Market)
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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News@FloridaNationalNews.com