From the Desk of Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero

Happy September!

As we get closer to Labor Day weekend, I really hope that everyone can enjoy and make the most of this welldeserved break. It’s a chance to relax, spend time with family and friends, and do things that make us feel good. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment to think or having fun outside.

As we near the end of Orange County’s 2022-2023 fiscal year, the Board of County Commissioners will be holding public hearings to finalize the County’s budget for the next fiscal year. The dates are September 7 at 5pm, September 11th at 5pm, September 21st at 5pm and September 26th at 5pm. All four of these public hearings will be held at County Administration Building in Downtown Orlando (201 S Rosalind Ave, Orlando FL 32801). If you are interested in this budget process, I encourage you to watch the proceedings either on Orange TV or by attending in person.

I would like to remind 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 1099 professional service workers. Small businesses can be eligible for up to $10,000, homebased businesses can be eligible for up to $3,000 and 1099 workers up to $1,400. I encourage all small business owners and gig workers to apply for this program at ocfl.net/boost

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 on the first Wednesdays of the month 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 and enjoy September!