With worldwide attention focused on the potential for an Avian Flu pandemic, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty organized a community-wide Avian Flu Summit at the Orange County Convention Center on April 5, 2006. Focusing on current federal, state and county planning efforts, this meeting laid the groundwork for a regional response in the event the Avian Flu makes its way to central Florida.

Speaking to an audience of more than 500 leaders from local businesses, schools, government, non-profit agencies, the faith community and health care organizations, Mayor Crotty stated, "Our overriding goal today is to provide timely and proper information to our community leaders. Although today's focus is on the Avian Flu, what you will hear are strategies that are essential for coping with all potential hazards..."

Joining Mayor Crotty were the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Captain Lynn Slepski (Senior Public Health Advisor), and James Caverly (Director Infrastructure Partnerships Division), Florida Department of Health's Dr. Rony Francois (Secretary of Health), Nancy Humbert (Deputy Secretary of Health), and Dr. Jennifer Bencie-Fairburn (Director of Emergency Medical Operation), and Michael Roberson, Director of Corporate Quality Assurance for Publix Super Markets.

A panel discussion followed the presentations with topics and questions posed by various Summit attendees. The panel consisted of expert representatives from the Orange County Health Department, Orange County Fire Rescue, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Central Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross, Health Care Research & Information Services, Florida Hospital, Orange County Public Schools, and Progress Energy.

While hoping for the best, Mayor Crotty recognizes that it is our responsibility to ensure the public is informed and prepared, and that local government is ready to meet the challenges of any emergency - with solid, effective plans in place.