Statement from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings on Farmland Reserve Annexation | August 26, 2024

Statement from Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings on Farmland Reserve Annexation | August 26, 2024

"First, let me begin by saying that I have the greatest admiration for Farmland Reserve and the management team of Deseret Ranch. Orange County has enjoyed a lengthy harmonious relationship with the leadership of the organization for decades. Deseret Ranch has been responsible landowners during that time and Orange County has worked with them for the last decade or so in perfecting their 70-plus year vision plan on responsible and sustainable growth.

Central Florida and Orange County have been experiencing record growth in the past several decades that has placed an enormous amount of pressure on our ecological, environmental, transportation and other systems. This has made it difficult to maintain the high quality of life for many of our residents, which has necessitated Orange County to create new plans that will provide adequate protections for maintaining our high standards of living.

As such, the County has sought to directly give our electorate the opportunity to vote on a balanced annexation philosophy between Orange County and its municipalities. This vote is planned for the November 5 elections as an amendment to Orange County's Charter as a ballot initiative. We recognize that this may cause some property owners concern if the ballot initiative passes by the voters. However, I want our residents to know that if property owners have the right balance in protecting the environment and responsibly managing growth in a sustainable way that works for everyone, they should not fear Orange County's vision for growth management.

Orange County looks forward to working with our municipalities and property owners in the coming months and years as we grow better together!"

- Jerry L. Demings, Orange County Mayor