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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings Provides Crucial Updates on Tropical Storm Helene

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings on Tropical Storm Helene
Mayor Jerry Demings gives update on Tropical Storm Helene Source: Orange County Government

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – As Tropical Storm Helene approaches, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has issued critical updates to ensure residents are well-prepared for the impending weather.

The National Weather Service has placed Orange County under a Tropical Storm Warning. Residents should be alert to the possibility of isolated tornadoes starting as early as Wednesday evening. The storm’s most severe conditions are expected to develop by Thursday.

Key Weather Conditions

  • Sustained Winds: 25-30 mph (gusts up to 45-55 mph)
  • Rainfall: 1-4 inches expected

Residents are strongly encouraged to complete all storm preparations by this evening.

Sandbag Distribution

Orange County Public Works is continuing to offer free self-serve sandbags to residents until 7 p.m. tonight, weather permitting. So far, 13,000 sandbags have been distributed at the following locations:

  • Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  • Bithlo Community Park: 18501 Washington Avenue, Orlando, FL 32820
  • Clarcona Horse Park: 3535 Damon Road, Apopka, FL 32703
  • Downey Park: 10107 Flowers Avenue, Orlando, FL 32825
  • Meadow Woods Rec Center: 1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, FL 32824
  • West Orange Rec Center: 309 S West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Garbage Pickup Schedule

  • No garbage collection on Thursday, Sept. 26, for unincorporated Orange County.
  • Makeup day will be Saturday, Sept. 28.
  • Visit www.ocfl.net/UtilitiesStormInfo for more details.

Shelter Information

  • General Population Shelter:
    • Barnett Park: 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808
  • Special/Medical Needs Shelters:
    • West Orange Rec Center: 309 S.W. Crown Point Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
    • Goldenrod Rec Center: 4863 N. Goldenrod Rd, Winter Park, FL 32792

Shelters will open on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 a.m.. No ID cards are required, and all shelters are pet-friendly. LYNX will provide free transportation to shelters. Visit ocfl.net/shelters for details.

Power Outages

Report power outages to your electric provider:

  • Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC): 407-423-9018
  • Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
  • Winter Park Utility: 877-811-8700

Lake and Pond Preparations

  • Orlo Vista: Ponds have been pumped down, and additional mobile pumps are on standby.
  • Big Sand Lake: Sediment has been cleared from the drainage canal to ensure proper outflow.

County Closures

  • Orange County Government: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • Orange County Public Schools: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26. All after-school activities will end by 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
  • Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • Solid Waste Facilities: Closed to the public on Thursday, Sept. 26.
  • SunRail: Closed Thursday, Sept. 26.

Residents are urged to stay informed and take all necessary precautions as Tropical Storm Helene nears.

___________________
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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