Janer: Osceola is remarkable, resilient and determined

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 has been the year of virtual communication.

So it should not have been a surprise when Osceola Coounty Commission Chairwoman Viviana Janer delivered her second State of Osceola address virtually this week.

“In spite of all the hardships, the state of Osceola County is remarkable, resilient and determined,” Janer said during a streaming event over social media on Wednesday, several months after the traditional April program had been delayed. “Osceola County is a place that in spite of 2020’s challenges remains at the crossroads of progress and opportunity.”

Among the positives Janer noted:

•  The Osceola Green Initiative with steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their harmful effects by 2060.

•  Purchase of land for conservation and recreation, affordable housing and new fire stations.

•  A wave of transportation projects funded by more than $210 million.

•  Successful economic development efforts, such as the new AmeraCenter, expansion of production at the Gatorade plant, and negotiations with Skywater to manage the Center for Neovation at NeoCity.

•  Allocation of millions of dollars of CARES Act funds for to fight food insecurity, provide housing and business assistance, as well as job training and 3,800 computers the school district will use for distance learning.

The State of the County began in 2013, as Osceola emerged from the Great Recession. From the start, it has served as a status report on the community and the county’s victory lap. This year a large part addressed the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the county. Most county offices remain closed though staff has continued to assist the public.

“Our staff has found new ways to deliver service, to keep Osceola functioning, and they have done it with pride and professionalism. I am so very proud of everyone’s efforts,” Janer said.

The Ninth Judicial Circuit is scheduled begin in-person trials next week. And many county workers will return to their offices in November, as the Gov. Ron DeSantis moves the state into Phase 3. County officials hope that everyone will return to normal work schedules and reopen buildings in the next few months.  

The eighth annual State of the County event was presented by the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. The entire address is available for viewing on the county’s Web site: Osceola.org.