From the Desk of Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy August!

August is a vibrant month filled with diverse events and activities. From summer festivals and back-to-school preparations, there’s something for everyone. It’s a time of celebration, vacation, and cultural observances, making August a captivating and dynamic month worldwide.

I would like to inform you of a new program that Orange County is spearheading with funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Orange County was awarded approximately $26 million from this act and will be making available grants to small businesses and gig workers. Small businesses can be eligible for up to $10,000, home-based businesses can be eligible for up to $3,000 and gig workers up to $1,400. I encourage all small business owners and gig workers to apply for this program at ocfl.net/boost. Additionally, on August 3rd at 6:30pm, Orange County Economic Development staff will be hosting an informational session at the National Entrepreneur Center (3201 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803). If you are interested, please apply at the web address above.

With OCPS reopening its schools in August, now is a good time to start preparing for back to school. On August 5th starting at 10am, I will be hosting a back-to-school event at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center (1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir, Orlando, FL 32824). We will be giving away backpacks, school supplies and other items to prepare students for their return to the classroom. Additionally, the first fifty families to arrive to the event on Saturday will receive groceries courtesy of Second Harvest. If you would like to register your child for this event, please call my office at 407-836-7043 or email us at district4@ocfl.net.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or if you would like to receive my newsletter, you can email me at district4@ocfl.net or call my office at 407-836-5881. You can also meet me in person at one of my two satellite office locations. On the first Wednesdays of the month, you can meet me at the East Orange Community Center (12050 E Colonial Dr.) or on the Third Wednesdays of the month at the Meadow Woods Recreation Center (1751 Rhode Island Woods Cir). My time at both locations is from 10am to 12pm. Thank you again!