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.

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

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — After three years of dedicated service, Orlando Fire Chief Charlie Salazar has announced his resignation from the Orlando Fire Department, effective November 3, 2025. The City of Orlando expressed its deep appreciation for Chief Salazar’s leadership and contributions to the department’s growth and modernization.

Salazar’s Leadership and Achievements

During his tenure, Chief Salazar spearheaded several major initiatives that strengthened the department’s operational capacity and community outreach. His key accomplishments include:

• Securing approval for up to four new fire stations to meet the demands of Orlando’s growing population.

• Overseeing the approval of a new OFD Training Complex, which is set to break ground soon.

• Launching a Cadet Program that provides local residents—especially those from underrepresented communities—pathways to become firefighters.

• Creating the Community Engagement & Preparedness Officer role to enhance public safety awareness.

• Introducing the PMO crossover-to-firefighter program, expanding professional opportunities within the department.

In a farewell statement, Salazar shared, “My departure comes with a personal decision to return home to Texas, where I look forward to spending more time with my growing family — including two grandchildren who were born during my time here. While this next chapter brings joy and reunion, it also brings a bittersweet farewell to a city and a department that welcomed me with trust and purpose.”

Mayor Dyer Appoints Revoldt as Interim Fire Chief

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has appointed Deputy Chief Jason Revoldt as Interim Fire Chief, effective October 18, 2025. Revoldt, a 24-year veteran of the department, brings extensive experience across multiple operational areas. He is certified as a State of Florida Paramedic, Law Enforcement Officer, FBI Bomb Technician, and Arson K-9 Handler.

Before this appointment, Revoldt led the Life Safety Bureau, overseeing new construction and development reviews, the Arson & Bomb Squad, community outreach and safety programs, and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

City Thanks Salazar, Welcomes Revoldt’s Leadership

City officials extended heartfelt thanks to Chief Salazar for his service and steady leadership over the past three years. They also expressed confidence in Chief Revoldt’s ability to continue guiding the department with integrity and dedication.

“We’re thankful for Chief Salazar’s stewardship and congratulate Chief Revoldt on his new role,” the City’s statement read.

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