Orange County has a new Vice Mayor, which is not an elected position, but is a function held by a county commissioner who acts as the deputy to Mayor Jerry Demings.
County Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad is the new Vice Mayor in Orange County, Florida. She is a strong and vocal advocate on key issues in Central Florida.
Commissioner Kelly Martinez Semrad, Ph.D., calls herself an advocate and visionary who is committed to building a stronger, more sustainable Orange County District 5. She is a UCF professor, award-winning researcher, and fierce defender of smart growth, shaping policies that protect the environment, empower communities, and drive responsible economic development.
She has led the charge against reckless overdevelopment, successfully fighting for land preservation, sustainable infrastructure, and community-driven growth.
The role serves primarily when the Mayor is absent or incapacitated. The primary function is to fill in for the County Mayor when the Mayor is out of the county or otherwise unable to perform their duties. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is running for the Democratic nomination for Governor and is traveling the state while he focuses on his political future.
Orange County Vice Mayor Kelly Martinez Semrad also supports Mayor Demings, acting as a figure who can be assigned special tasks by the Mayor.
Commissioner Michael “Mike” Scott was previously nominated to serve as Vice Mayor to Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings last year.
