Jerry Demings

Mayor Jerry Demings says he supports firefighters. Gov. Ron DeSantis says the Orange County case underscores the need for a special session to outlaw mandates by local governments.

The vaccinated employees include 95 percent who are nonunion and about 75 percent in a union. Mayor Jerry Demings says workers who showed proof of vaccination by Thursday will receive a day off.

Mayor Jerry Demings says the county is on firm legal ground regarding its COVID vaccine mandate because employees who don’t get the shot can receive only a written reprimand, not termination.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings has announced a cap on disciplinary actions that can be taken against county employees who aren't fully vaccinated by Halloween.

DeSantis said a new law allowing him to invalidate local emergency measures gives him the power to issue the fines, although the measure does not prohibit requiring workers from getting the shot.

The county’s 14-day rolling positivity rate has dipped a bit, offering a sliver of hope as the death toll continues to rise. Also, the mayor is extending a deadline for county employees to be vaccinated.

County Mayor Jerry Demings says the decision was made because ages 11 and younger are not yet authorized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Orange County's positivity rate for the virus has tripled to 14% from about 4.3% a month ago. Mayor Jerry Demings also said the region's hospitals are approaching capacity.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says he’d like to enforce a mask mandate but can't because an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis that outlaws local government restrictions.

Orange County’s first phase of lifting its mask mandate begins immediately. Social distancing in public places is now reduced from six feet to three feet.