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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Issues Critical Update on Hurricane Helene; Schools and Services Set to Reopen Friday

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Hurricane Helene
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Hurricane Helene. Source: Orange County Government

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a vital update ahead of Hurricane Helene’s impending landfall in Florida’s Big Bend, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance as the storm approaches Central Florida.

Key Highlights:

  • Tropical Storm Warnings and Tornado Watch: Central Florida remains under Tropical Storm Warnings, with Orange County under a Tornado Watch until 8 p.m. Mayor Demings urged residents to stay alert as “conditions will deteriorate rapidly in the coming hours.”
  • Severe Weather Forecast: Sustained winds of 25-35 mph with gusts reaching 45-55 mph are expected. Rainfall could range from 1-2 inches, with localized areas receiving more.
  • Garbage Collection Resumes: Garbage, yard waste, and recycling collection will resume on Friday, September 27, 2024. Those with missed service on Thursday will have a makeup day on Saturday, September 28, 2024. “We are committed to restoring services as quickly as possible,” Demings stated.
  • Power Outages: Several outages have already been reported across the county. Residents are advised to report outages directly to their service providers, including OUC, Duke Energy, and Winter Park Utility.
  • Shelter Status: Over 80 residents are currently housed in shelters, which are scheduled to close tomorrow morning. “We’re here to ensure everyone’s safety through the night,” Mayor Demings assured.
  • Reopenings on Friday: Orange County Government, schools, courts, and other services will resume normal operations on Friday, September 27, 2024, as weather conditions improve. “Our goal is to return to normalcy as swiftly as possible,” Demings emphasized.
  • Neighboring Assistance: Orange County Utilities and Fire Rescue teams are preparing to assist neighboring regions, with deployments planned for Tallahassee and Ocala. “We stand ready to help our fellow Floridians in their time of need,” Demings affirmed.

Impact and Precautions:

Residents are urged to stay indoors during peak storm hours and monitor local news for updates. The Orange County team is on high alert, ensuring that all essential services are restored and that community members are safe.

______________________

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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