2015 State of the County Address

6-12-2015 Remarks as Prepared

SECTION ONE - INTRO
OPENING VIDEO Retrospective of First Term
Good morning, ladies and Gentlemen and welcome!
What a great look back at the last four years!
Its gratifying to see what weve accomplished together. More than anything, I think of
these past four years as transformative because of the historic achievements weve
realized through partnership and collaboration. To each of you here today, and the
thousands whove helped along the way, I offer my heartfelt appreciation for the part
you have played.
And speaking of historic achievements, how about this incredible center? How many of
you are here for the first time? Isnt this amazing?
Please join me in recognizing Ken Robinson, Jim Hinson and the Dr. Phillips
Charities, Jim and Alexis Pugh not only for their incredibly generous financial
contribution, but for their great work as champions for this project The Walt Disney
World Company, Jim Seneff and CNL, the DeVos family, and so many miracle workers
who have helped lead the largest philanthropic effort our community has seen.
And how about this magnificent Walt Disney World Theater Truly magical!
Walt Disney World your contributions to Central Florida have added a whole new
dimension to the happiest place on earth. Thank you for making this dream a reality!
But for our citizens and local performers, the vision wont be complete until our Orlando
Philharmonic is performing on the Steinmetz stage. By the way how many of you
caught the sneak peak of that new theater in the video? Lets put it back up there. What
a great look at the 3rd hall!
In the last two weeks we have taken a giant step forward in achieving that vision.
Topping the list? Chuck and Margery Pabst Steinmetz. Their extraordinarily generous
gift provides real momentum for fundraising. And of course, the announcement that
Orlando City Soccer will privately fund a new soccer stadium is hugely positive, and
offers Orange County and the City of Orlando the opportunity to partner yet again in
closing the funding gap.
Would all those who have played a role in creating the Dr Phillips Center for the
Performing Arts please rise so we can thank you!
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And along with those here today, we must never forget the hard-working men and
women of the tourism industry, and how their culture of hospitality has helped to fund
our venue projects including this gorgeous Dr. Phillips Center.
With our record-breaking 62 million visitors, we continue to be a premier global
destination. And just wait until we unveil OIAs multi-modal hub! When this is finished, it
will be the first in North America to connect more than 5 modes of transport, including
commuter rail, automated people movers, ground transit, All Aboard Florida, and of
course, air travel to nearly every spot on the globe.
Investing in our tourism and travel infrastructure is so important, because lets not
forget even when times were at their most difficult, our tourism economy provided a
beacon of light toward recovery.
In recognition of their impact on Central Florida, including the 1 out of every 3 jobs that
they support, please join me in saying thank you to the leaders of this vitally important
economic engine!
our friends from Disney, Sea World and Universal Orlando
our hotel industry leaders, including Rich Maledecki of the Central Florida
Hotel & Lodging Association, and
George Aguel and his worldwide team of Visit Orlando ambassadors
Thanks to our many robust industries like tourism, Orange County has largely overcome
the serious economic concerns of eight years ago.
From the beginning of the recession in 2008 to fiscal year 2014, countywide property
tax revenues had declined nearly 22% - from $477 million to $374 million. But today,
and for the third consecutive year, those revenues are on the rise, with projections of
nearly $431 million for the upcoming fiscal year.
That economic strength is generating attention, with each of the big three credit
agencies elevating the countys credit worthiness to historic levels. To quote from The
Orlando Sentinel, the upgrades reflect the financial worlds growing confidence in
Orange Countys new economic diversity and strength, as well as its resilience The
upshot of these superior rankings? Loan and finance-cost savings in the millions for our
taxpayers.
In fact, next week I will sign the paperwork for a single bond refinancing that will save
three million dollars.
Please join me in recognizing Eric Gassman, our Chief Accountability Officer, and his
entire financial leadership team. Increased credit ratings are very difficult to achieve,
but they are so valuable and vitally important. Eric, team, great work by all!
From housing starts to private sector investment, activity in Orange County is soaring,
with our theme parks, alone, investing literally billions of dollars.
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But the most important measure of all? Jobs. Again, the numbers tell the story. Since
being elected in 2010, when our unemployment rate was a staggering 11.3%, today
were measuring 4.7% more than 6 points LOWER than those very difficult days in the
fourth quarter 2010.
By these and so many measures, it is clear that the state of Orange Countys economy
is strong!
From the debut of SunRail, our new Citrus Bowl, and the Dr. Phillips Center, to more
groundbreaking ceremonies than we can keep track of, we are building a thriving
community. And theres so much to come Ultimate I-4, Lake Nonas new U.S. Tennis
complex, the V.A.s new Medical SimLEARN Center by working together, we, my
friends, are creating history.
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of so many private and public sector leaders,
including our own dedicated Board of County Commissioners, we are on a mission to
create the best place to live, to work and to raise a family.
I am honored to serve with these true public servants, who work hard for their
constituency and our community each and every day.
Please join me in recognizing our County Commissioners!
Commissioner Boyd please stand so we can thank you Commissioner Nelson,
Commissioner Clarke, Commissioner Thompson, Commissioner Edwards and
Commissioner Siplin
I would also like to take a moment to recognize your County Comptroller Martha Haynie,
who in addition to her other roles, joins our board each Tuesday morning. Thank you,
Comptroller Haynie would you and all of our constitutional officers who are here today
please stand so we can recognize your service to Orange County.
To our partners at the City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City
Council thank you for your hard work and partnership!
To all of our mayors and city council members, as well as county commissioners in
Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties, with your leadership and commitment, we are
setting the new standard for effective, regional collaboration!
And lets not forget our outstanding legislative delegation, led by a staunchest
community advocate, Senate President Andy Gardiner!
To our County Administrator Ajit Lalchandani, and my Chief of Staff Graciela Noriega
Jacoby, whoever said no one is irreplaceable, obviously hadnt had the privilege of
working with the two of them. And to the incredible leadership team at the County, and
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the dedicated staff of over 7,000 county employees, from the bottom of my heart, and
on behalf of our citizens, thank you.
Would our leadership team please rise so that we can all recognize you for your
dedication and contribution to our County!
And lastly, Id like to thank my heart, my soul, and my core team of supporters and
counselors my family. My husband Bruce and our four children (Josh, Max, Lisa, and
Chase), and my incredibly strong mom I love you, and would never have embarked
on this journey without your support. Thank you for taking this public service walk with
me.
SECTION TWO: SETTING THE STAGE - SECOND TERM
Here in Central Florida, we can be proud of the solid foundation were building, and of
our future as a great American community. Weve all seen cities and regions that have
had their heyday wonderful periods of prosperity and achievement only to fall into
sad decline.
I see a very different future for our region.
I see a future that is filled with creativity and innovation, rich in diversity, and a superb
quality of life for our children and more importantly, for THEIR children!
Together, we will make that dream a reality.
When I moved here nearly 25 years ago, I soon discovered something amazing
moving here was like moving home. Many of you know my story I was a homeowner
and was involved in my neighborhood. I had four small children and enjoyed the parks
and library with them. My life was simple back then, much more simple (funny).
However, two critical things happened that changed the course of my life and brought
me to where I am today. The first was a proposed division of my neighborhood by a
major roadway and the second was a well-placed phone call by Mayor Linda Chapin. I
wont go into the details because most of you have heard my story. But I realized I had
to work outside of the boundaries of my neighborhood to effect change in my
community, and that getting involved in local government was a vehicle for that change.
When I first decided to run for the county commission, I was motivated by the fact that a
small group of people could make a difference my neighborhood was living proof of
that.
I discovered that not only was Margaret Mead right, so was Linda Chapin, whose
personal phone call and mentoring truly opened my eyes to see how, even though our
neighborhood lost our road battle, we could have a very real and positive impact the
future.
At that time, I knew how great this community was, but I also believed it could become
even greater. Once I understood how I could play a part, I ran for mayor with that
thought in the forefront of my mind and each day I work to move us closer to that mark.
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Over the last four years, I continue to be amazed by the individuals in this community
that step up to the plate and join in that pursuit. Admittedly, it is sometimes easier to get
things done when you are county mayor, but there is a genuine interest on the part of
our residents, faith leaders and corporate citizens to make this community better.
SECTION THREE QUALITY OF LIFE
And that includes taking care of our own, by lifting people up and providing hope and
opportunity.
Look around the room from left to right, front to back each of you have played a
part. From mental health to homelessness, and through partnerships with faith,
charitable, and social service partners, we are committed to helping those in need.
In particular, weve made great strides in caring for our homeless Veterans. Central
Florida can be deeply proud of its history with the military. But our debt of gratitude is
never fully paid, and today, as too many veterans and their families struggle with
homelessness, we are fighting for them, as they fought for us.
Working with regional partners, including our Central Florida Commission on
Homelessness, the Veterans Administration and United Ways Mission United, we
have pledged to END VETERANS HOMELESSNESS in Central Florida. With your help,
we will achieve this goal.
For decades, Orange County has been the leading provider of homeless services,
budgeting more than $5 million annually. Earlier this year, we committed another two
million dollars to that annual amount, and partnered with the City of Orlando to help
attract new federal grants to house the chronically homeless.
In recent weeks, we provided 40 more chronically-homeless housing units, in addition to
the nearly two hundred that Orange County has already provided.
But helping homeless families and children is even more complex than helping the
chronically homeless..
From the lack of affordable housing and transportation, to bad credit many times
through no fault of their own the barriers to ending family homelessness are
staggering.
Thats why, through the regional Commission on Homelessness, we created the Family
Homelessness Committee. I asked our communitys greatest champion for children,
Dick Batchelor, to chair this committee. To partner with that effort, Rulon Munns agreed
to bring his heart, soul and leadership to the Orange County Committee, which looks at
Orange Countys overall safety-net of programs.
And last month, pastors from around the area including Pastor Youth, who led our
opening prayer helped us to kick-off the Open Table program, which brings church
families together with homeless families.
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Through these and other efforts, we WILL create a path of hope and self-sufficiency for
at-risk families.
Id like to ask both committees to stand, as well as those participating in Open Table,
our regional commission, and service providers so we can recognize your selfless
service.
There are other challenges that todays families are facing, including those dealing with
mentally ill youth.
Incredibly, sadly, 1 out of every 10 children suffers from a mental health disorder
with symptoms that are very real, and sometimes severe.
Last year I announced the creation of our Youth Mental Health Committee. This year
we have moved beyond the recommendation phase and now with the help of our Youth
Mental Health Implementation Committee chaired by Rich Morrison with Florida
Hospital, were working to get the pieces of this puzzle aligned, so our parents know
when to ask for help, and where to turn.
Were also keenly aware of the dangers from domestic violence, and how children in
this situation are so vulnerable to child abuse. The tragic reality is that 80% of battered
women have children in the same position. In response to this harsh reality, I expanded
the mission of our domestic violence commission to address issues related to child
abuse.
Through the efforts of our Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission, co-chaired
by Judge Alice Blackwell and Dick Batchelor, and working together with our public
safety partners, including Chief Judge Fred Lauten, State Attorney Jeff Ashton, and
Sheriff Jerry Demings, we are working to protect and defend our youngest citizens. To
work on this and other critical issues, were also blessed to have the special leadership
of Dr. George Ralls, our new public health and safety director.
I want to take a moment to recognize our Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
Commission , as well as our Youth Mental Health Implementation Commitee, our law
enforcement and public safety professionals, as well as members of the judiciary, and
thank them for the crucial role they play.
Also, to our men and women in the armed forces and their families here at home. We
pay special tribute to your service, and to all the men and women who have chosen a
career where they put their lives at risk to protect our citizens and our way of life.
SECTION FOUR MS&T AND FOREIGN TRADE

Im so proud to say, that for the benefit of emergency personnel around the world, we
are at the forefront of preparing our military and first-responders for their life-saving
work.
Through our renowned modeling, simulation and training cluster which generates
nearly $8 billion dollars a year in statewide sales, and employs more than 27,000
Floridians Central Florida is a global leader in training fire-fighters to war-fighters.
But I will tell you with success comes competition. In recognition of the threats to this
industry, including BRAC and other federal realignments, in 2013, I created the MS&T
Blue Ribbon Commission, chaired by Waymon Armstrong.
To ensure that we retain this vital, high-tech sector, the commission has been working
diligently with congressional and legislative leaders. Even this year, with a difficult
legislative session really one for the ages weve seen a genuine acknowledgement
of how valued this sector is.
Were deeply hopeful that we will again be successful in securing significant legislative
support for this catalyst industry, thanks to the efforts of our MS&T ambassadors,
including UCF, the High Tech Corridor, the National Center for Simulation, Metro
Orlando Defense Task Force, the EDC and our number-one champion, Congressman
John Mica.
Also! Be sure to mark your calendars for September 16th, when well be holding our first
Florida Simulation Summit, focusing on the commercialization of MS&T. I look forward
to showcasing some of the incredible products and people who are driving this industry,
as well as what the future holds.
Another important economic tool that were investing in is international trade. To
connect local entrepreneurs and businesses with the global marketplace, in 2014 we
launched the Central Florida International Trade Office as a pilot program. One year
later, the CFITO is going strong.
Funded in partnership by Orange County and JP Morgan Chase, the CFITO helps local
companies looking for exporting opportunities, as well as streamlining the process for
foreign investors.
SECTION FIVE IDRIVE VISION
And just as were nurturing international trade, were nurturing the heartbeat of our
convention economy, International Drive. Let me give you an idea of whats happening,
and more importantly, why.
First, the vision. You know, were always reinventing ourselves. From our theme parks
and their cutting-edge attractions to new venues and neighborhoods, we are a
community in constant motion.
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Its time to bring that sense of exciting change to I-Drive. Throughout its history,
International Drive has been an acclaimed tourist corridor and convention center
location. But I-Drive hasnt always been viewed as a destination for our local residents.
That began to change especially when Pointe Orlando saw the potential of reaching
out to the local markets, especially our young people and families Today, Point
Orlando is a mecca for locals and guests from around the world, and I-Drive is
exploding with entertainment options for Central Floridians. From I-Drive 360 to exciting
developments in the works, already were transforming.
But things are changing beyond these highly visible landmarks. As consumers, were
changing.
Think about how we develop new regions and neighborhoods today. From our
acclaimed Horizons West where nearly 40% of our home building is taking place to
Baldwin or Avalon Park, today we crave the feeling of being in distinctly authentic
settings, with unique neighborhoods and restaurants. Think about your own travel,
whether for business or family adventures. You want to explore the destination from
the parks and museums to quaint neighborhoods and charming local establishments.
Thats what we envision for International Drives future.
An entire region with unique neighborhoods and a distinctly local flavor, that overflows
with art, culture, dining and delight.
To make this vision a reality, earlier this year I convened an I-Drive Visioning
Committee. Ive asked them to work with our outstanding Orange County planners and
convention staff in crafting a revitalized, long-term vision for I-Drive, embracing visitors
as well as our families, entrepreneurs and young people.
Were dreaming big, of beautiful plazas that flow seamlessly from meeting spaces to
dining and living, with interactive art installations, unique entertainment, and a
transformed transportation network.
But of course, no discussion of I-Drive would be complete without the Orange County
Convention Center a premier destination for business leaders from around the world.
As the second largest convention center in the U.S., we welcome more than 1.3 million
annual visitors, supporting 26,000 jobs and generating a $2.1 billion dollar impact. But
to remain competitive, we must also invest in this asset. Thats why last year, our Board
authorized a $187 million dollar capital investment project.
To keep - and grow - our incredible line-up of convention and trade shows, were
focused on the long-term vision, and how the convention center will fit into the broader IDrive vision. From the research and our own experiences, we know that our convention
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visitors want a uniquely local experience - not an impersonal, secluded convention

center district.
The I-Drive Visioning group is already hard at work. Weve seen some preliminary
concepts, and I cant WAIT to roll out the formal plan. Were committed to creating a
dazzling International Drive entertainment district that will be the envy of the world!
A destination that visitors will want to come back to again and again but more
important than that a place where locals will enjoy a unique lifestyle filled with
entertainment, dining, and the arts.
Weve got so many creative minds at work on this project. Please, will the participants
of our I-Drive Visioning committee, as well as our planning and convention center staff,
stand so we may recognize your contributions?
SECTION SIX Branding
Thanks to our theme parks and convention center, Orlando is one of the most
recognizable regions in the entire world.
We have such a positive image, providing the perfect platform for showcasing our
never-ending story.
To leverage that positive awareness, weve invested in a branding campaign, aimed
directly at business decision makers. The reason? To increase employment
opportunities today and for generations to come. And as our economic development
community knows, for companies interested in relocating or expanding, Orlando only
makes the short list about a third of the time. And another third of the time, we dont
make the list at all.
During our January Economic Summit, we launched the regions new branding
campaign, Orlando. You dont know the half of it. Our goal? Make the short list every
time, to create more career opportunities for our citizens, to diversifying our economy,
and ultimately to boost wages.
[Video of Branding Commercial]
Isnt that great? Im so proud to publically thank the EDC, who we asked to take on this
project, as well as the two individuals who really spearheaded this initiative. Please,
join me in acknowledging the leadership and hard work of Rick Weddle and his EDC
team, as well as Ken Potrock from Disney, along with his wonderful team of marketing
and advertising geniuses!
SECTION SEVEN: Creating Opportunity by investing in the Future

But more than anything, to build a vibrant economy where creativity, innovation and
opportunity will flourish, we need to invest NOW in the tools that future generations will
need. From efficient roads to a healthy environment, its our job our responsibility to
invest, and invest wisely.
Therefore, to insure that our great county is poised for success for generations to come,
today I am proposing one of the largest capital investment projects that Orange County
has ever undertaken.
Totaling more than $300 million dollars, these investments will be spread through-out
Orange County. Next month, I will be presenting a budget that includes a
comprehensive initiative involving the construction of roads, parks, pedestrian safety
projects, public and fire safety facilities, affordable family housing and more.
The good news is that this proposal will not increase taxes. Through our
conservative budgeting, and thanks to an improving economy, we are able to
identify the annual revenue needed to finance this program from existing
sources.
And, to leverage the Countys high credit rating and historically low interest rates
and before construction costs rise the time is now to address our
infrastructure and public safety needs.
SECTION EIGHT: WRAP
This morning weve talked about so many essential aspects of what makes Orange
County great. From a thriving sports, recreation and arts culture, to a deep commitment
to helping those in need, we are truly your Home for Life.
But more than how you or I are impacted, lets remember why were doing this, and for
whom our children and their grandchildren.
Without question, were prepared to take our place on the world stage, and we are
poised for long-term success.
Lets keep todays energy and momentum going by investing in our future, and by
growing our awesome Orange County culture
a culture of collaboration,
a culture of caring,
and a culture of creativity and innovation.
May God bless each of you, and may God bless Orange County. Thank you!

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