Orange County, established two centuries ago on Dec. 29, 1824, originally bore the name 'Mosquito County' due to its ubiquitous pests. However, in 1845, it embraced the now iconic title of Orange County and has since grown into a bustling hub for tourism, economic development, and community life. During the recent bicentennial celebration, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings reflected on the county’s journey and the road ahead. "Our county's history is still being written," Demings said in a statement reported by ClickOrlando.

Orange County has seen significant movement in that domain amid an ongoing push to tackle the nationwide housing challenges. "We have a net of nearly somewhere between 401,000 new people moving in here every week, which puts a lot of pressure on our infrastructure as a community," Demings stated per My News 13. Noteworthy initiatives include the $160 million allocated for developing affordable and workforce housing and the groundbreaking partnership with Universal Resorts to transform 20 acres into workforce housing on International Drive.

Tourism continues to thrive as a cornerstone of Orange County's economy. With a record of 74 million visitors in 2023, the county's tourism sector is reported to have generated a staggering $87.6 billion in economic impact. These numbers underscore the sector's importance, supported by the region’s theme parks, which employ nearly 40% of the local workforce.

As Orange County marks its bicentennial, it's not just reveling in past achievements but actively gearing up for future challenges with robust plans. Leadership aims to address the needs ranging from homelessness to transportation and housing affordability through public, private, and philanthropic partnerships.