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Orange County Mayor Issues Hurricane Milton Update: Tornadoes, Flooding, Power Outages, and Emergency Shelter Guidance

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Hurricane Helene

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As Hurricane Milton continues to barrel toward Central Florida, Orange County is now under a Hurricane Warning, with officials urging residents to shelter in place due to heightened tornado risks and potential flooding.

Mayor [Orange County Mayor] has declared a local state of emergency, with both state and federal emergency declarations in place to help expedite resources.

Key Threats and Emergency Guidance:

  • Wind Speeds: Tropical storm-force winds expected at 45-65 mph.
  • Rainfall: Up to 8-12 inches of rain is anticipated, mainly impacting central and western Orange County.
  • Tornado Risk: Elevated with warnings possible; residents should remain alert.

Key Weather Alerts:

  • Tornado Watch: Be prepared; tornadoes are possible in the watch area.
  • Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted; seek shelter immediately.
  • Tornado Emergency: Severe threat to life and property; catastrophic damage is expected.

Flooding Threat:

  • High Flood Risk: Areas like Orlo Vista and Oak Crest Mobile Home Park are expected to experience significant flooding. Residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for potential evacuations.
  • Flood-Prone Roads: Ronnie Circle, Murry Drive, Livingston St., Mandrake St., Pine Hills, Dover St., Washington St., and Oak Branch Ave. are at risk for heavy flooding.

Emergency Shelters:

  • Several shelters, including Apopka High School, Lake Buena Vista High School, and Union Park Middle School, have been opened to residents seeking refuge.
  • PSN Shelters: Special needs shelters are available at Freedom High School and Goldenrod Recreation Center, among others.

Service Disruptions:

  • Garbage Collection: Services suspended until Friday, Oct. 11. Resume regular service afterward.
  • Power Outages: Prolonged outages are expected. Residents should report to their utility providers if necessary.

Safety Tips:

  • Generator Use: Ensure generators are used safely, never indoors, and fuel is stored properly.

Closures:

  • Schools, Government Offices, and Public Services: Closed through Friday, Oct. 11.
  • LYNX Services: Suspended until further notice.

Stay Informed: Residents are encouraged to follow official alerts and prepare for potential flooding, power outages, and safety measures. Visit ocfl.net/storm for up-to-date information.

_______________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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