Orlando Welcomes New Fire Chief as National Disability Council Meets Downtown
New Leadership for Orlando Fire Department
Today marks a significant milestone for the City of Orlando’s public safety infrastructure as Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners gather for the formal swearing-in of Fire Chief Jason Revoldt. The ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at The Plaza Live on North Bumby Avenue. Chief Revoldt, a veteran of the department with nearly 24 years of service, officially assumes command of the Orlando Fire Department (OFD) today.
Mayor Dyer is expected to highlight the importance of the transition, noting that the Chief’s leadership will guide the department’s next chapter in emergency medical response, fire prevention, and community safety. The event is open to the community, signaling a public commitment to the department’s legacy and future growth.
National Council on Disability Concludes Orlando Session
While local officials focus on public safety, federal representatives are concluding a major two-day session in the city. The National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency, is holding the final day of its quarterly council meeting at the Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando. Today’s session, running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., focuses on critical policy updates and legislative recommendations.
Agenda items for today include a presentation on the NCD’s disability competency curriculum project for medical professionals, aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for the disabled community. The council is also reviewing a study on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) denials in Florida, a topic of significant concern for local advocacy groups. The session will conclude with a legislative and media update followed by an award presentation for former Chair Neil Romano.
Expanding Services for Unhoused Residents
In addition to today's scheduled meetings, city leadership is emphasizing its commitment to the Accelerate Orlando initiative. Following a groundbreaking event earlier this week, details were released today regarding the $2.4 million expansion of the Pathways Drop-In Center. Mayor Dyer issued a statement today confirming that the city’s investment will double the center's capacity to serve unhoused residents living with mental illness. The project, funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act grants, remains a top priority for the administration as it seeks to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the region by 50% over the next year.