Despite it All, Jacobs says Orange County’s Economy is Strong

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs in delivering the 2013 State of the County address Friday said that, “the state of Orange County’s economy is strong and continues to head in the right direction.”

Jacobs, who cited statistics to support her claim, said Orange County’s unemployment rate has fallen from 11.3 percent in 2010, to 6.4 percent, permitting activity has increased and there was an uptick in the average sale price in the housing market.

Jacobs also touted the continued strong performance of the tourist sector, noting Orange County remains the #1 travel destination in the U.S. for two consecutive years, with over 56 million visitors spending more than $30 billion annually.

Beyond having the best theme parks in the world and the top convention center, Jacobs opined that Orange County is more than this, with Central Florida being the epicenter of a multi-billion dollar modeling, simulation and training cluster. She said efforts are underway to expand Orange County’s brand and a MS&T Blue Ribbon Commission had been established aimed at helping to diversify and grow the innovation economy.

Jacobs highlighted several ongoing projects including SunRail and the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which “when completed is going to absolutely transform our downtown and create a richer fabric of creative opportunities for our children.”

Jacobs made no mention of Orange County’s continued record foreclosures, growing child and senior hunger, rising homelessness, low wages, still too high crime and child sex slaves, except to say, “We will continue to be vigilant on behalf of those still in need….” Nice.

Quality of life issues in the County appear to have fallen from Jacobs’ earlier narratives concerning community and family. Lost are the platitudes of a 2010 exclusive interview with the West Orlando News:

“The hunger our children face has to be addressed, both by the public sector and by the private sector. We have some good programs in place, and certainly Second Harvest Food Bank is one of them, but these are challenging times. …..So, we have to pull through together and recognize basic needs like food have to be addressed before those higher wants we have are taken care of. “ 

 What a difference three years can make!