On Thursday U.S. Representative Maxwell Frost and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a town hall discussion at the Multicultural Center in West Orange County.
Some of the topics of the joint town hall included affordable housing, transportation, culture and other major issues impacting Central Floridians.
Mayor Demings said he, and the county commission, will implement a new initiative to bring filmmakers to Orlando. Last Tuesday, the county commission voted to help bolster the city’s economy with incentives to movie production companies. Demings also said he had a conversation with an actor, whose identity he is not ready to release, about bringing film production to Orlando.
Frost and Demings also presented checks to build on tier commitments to the community. One million dollars has been allocated for the Orange County Multicultural Center. Demings said, “The Multicultural Center opened up here about a year ago and we are really proud of this facility… for what it means to this community.” Demings added that only a third of the facility has been opened. “The third phase will be for our senior citizens and those who live in this community.” Demings told the crowd the facility is a multi-generational facility. “I think there’s something beautiful about the place that here in the Multicultural Center you will be able to have access to the arts.” In addition, the duo presented a $271,000 check for transportation mobility hubs in Orange County.
Congressman Frost said, the town hall was to focus on issues the community might have. “Often times folks don’t understand how government works and it’s not any fault of their own. We need to be putting more money in this city’s education and not be attacking public education in this state,” Frost said.
Sarah Elbadri, Deputy District Director and Director of Constituent Services for Congressman Frost, shared with the attendees success stories about the Congressman’s work since his short time in office. An inspirational story of a veteran who had been trying to get the disability help he desperately needed garnered the crowd’s applause. By working with Congressman Frost, the veteran was not only successful in getting his disability benefits, but also the back payments he was owed. Elbadri said, the veteran was in tears and grateful for Congressman Frost’s help.
The well-attended event not only included members of the community but also a host of community leaders. With notable politicians in the room, Congressman Frost said the event was about the community and the community leaders who are coming together for a cause such as the town hall.
