The Brief

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orange County commissioners have approved construction of a new animal shelter that officials say will be the largest in Florida when completed.

What we know:

Orange County commissioners have approved construction of a $49 million animal shelter that officials say will be the largest in Florida when it opens in summer 2027.

The 123,419-square-foot facility will feature two floors, with space for 265 dogs on the ground level and 200 cats above.

The contract was awarded to The Collage Companies, and the building will replace the county’s current shelter.

The backstory:

The project has been in the works for several years. The design contract was awarded in 2022 to Bacon Group, Inc., which worked with county staff and consultants to study shelter layouts ac

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