Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: January 21, 2026
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: Jeffrey J. Newton, County Attorney
FROM: Whitney E. Evers, Senior Assistant County Attorney
CONTACT: Whitney E. Evers, Senior Assistant County Attorney
PHONE: (407) 836-7320
DIVISION: County Attorney
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Reappointment of Mayor Jerry L. Demings as Chair of the Orange County Tourist Development Council and, in his absence, direction to the Tourist Development Council to select an alternate chair.
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: Orange County established its Tourist Development Council (TDC) in Section 25-145, Orange County Code; the TDC has been in existence since at least the 1970’s. Section 25-145(a) states, in pertinent part, that the Board of County Commissioners shall comply with the requirements of Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, “…with respect to the composition of the council, eligibility for appointment thereto, designation of a chairman and terms of office.”
As it relates to the membership of the TDC, Section 125.0104(4)(e) states, in pertinent part: “The chair of the governing board of the county or any other member of the governing board as designated by the chair shall serve on the council.” The Mayor has historically served on the TDC and desires to continue to do so.
As it relates to the appointment of the Chair of the TDC, Section 125.0104(4)(e) states, in pertinent part: “The governing board of the county shall have the option of designating the chair of the council or allowing the council to elect a chair. The chair shall be appointed or elected annually and may be reelected or reappointed.” The Mayor has historically served as the Chair of the TDC and desires to continue to do so.
In order to comply with the requirements of Section 125.0104, Florida Statutes, the Board is required to annually appoint the Chair of the TDC. Staff is recommending that the Mayor be reappointed as Chair of the TDC and, in the event of the Mayor’s absence, that the TDC determine who will serve as alternate chair.
BUDGET: N/A