Orange County's annual community conference highlighted neighborhood leadership, local services and civic volunteers in the county.

Keynote speaker LaVaughn Williams, deputy director in Community and Family Services, urged neighborhood leaders to cultivate trust, mentor younger leaders and build lasting community legacy. Williams described neighborhood organizations as "advocates, organizers and liaisons" between residents and county services, and asked leaders to use available county assistance programs. She provided the Community & Family Services assistance line: (407) 836-7699.

The afternoon program recognized individuals and groups nominated by commissioners and peers. Mayor Jerry Demings presented his 2025 mayor's distinguished citizen award to Ricky Lee. Commissioners honored residents and organizations across the county: Anne and Sean Fulton (District 1), Pam Welker (District 2), Dickie Owens (District 3), Bill Dimont (District 4), Pamela Seibel (District 5) and Dr. Shanta Barton Stubbs (District 6). Awards included project- and leadership-based recognitions and a new citizen-planner graduation list.

County staff and commissioners emphasized the role volunteers play in connecting residents to services, supporting seniors, addressing homelessness and improving public spaces. The event also highlighted workshop offerings and resources available at neighborhood centers.

Provenance: Keynote (SEG 248–751); awards program (SEG 5536–6410).