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Port Orange proclaims Encephalitis Day; local advocates urge awareness and fundraising
Summary
The council proclaimed Feb. 22, 2026, Encephalitis Day. An advocate described local awareness efforts, fundraising for research and plans for a community awareness walk on the Riverwalk to raise funds and visibility.
The City Council formally proclaimed Feb. 22, 2026, as Encephalitis Day in Port Orange and invited local advocates to speak about awareness and research funding. A local organizer (unnamed in the transcript) described personal experience with encephalitis, recounted volunteer-led awareness efforts that raised more than $9,000 for research, and said Port Orange is one of multiple Volusia County municipalities participating in coordinated awareness events.
The speaker asked the city to support annual events — including a half-mile Riverwalk "catwalk" fundraiser planned to include food trucks and family-friendly activities — and urged local leaders to help secure broader recognition of World Encephalitis Day in Florida. The speaker also said local first responders and hospitals have begun adjusting protocols to better recognize encephalitis presentations and that a regional conference has been offered by a hospital partner.
Why it matters: Encephalitis is a rare but potentially serious neurologic condition. Advocates at the meeting sought to expand local awareness, promote first-responder training and grow fundraising to support research.
