February 10, 2012 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

Each year I host a Neighborhood & Community Summit to bring together leaders from neighborhood, arts and cultural, community and faith-based organizations to share best ideas and strategies for community building and civic engagement. I invite you join me for this year’s seventh annual summit on Saturday, March 17.

Last Chance to Register for Tomorrow's FREE Neighborhood Leadership Training

Topic: Enhancing Neighborhood Safety: It’s a Partnership!
Date and Time: Saturday, February 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Orange County Internal Operations Center I, 450 East South Street, immediately west of Channel 9 TV Station

Feeling safe in your home is very important to how you feel about where you live. Crime prevention experts will discuss the top crime and safety issues that adversely affect neighborhoods and the many resources and solutions to increase safety in your home and neighborhood. Find out about crime prevention grants, Neighborhood Watch, Citizens on Patrol, gang prevention, youth programs and more.

To register for this workshop, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2646932045 or call the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division at 407.836.0035.

Free Training for Mandatory Homeowners Association Board Members

Hosted by the City of Orlando and Orange County Government
Topic: Mandatory Homeowner Association Board of Directors Training 101
Date and Time: Saturday, February 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Orange County Internal Operations Center I, 450 East South Street, immediately west of Channel 9 TV Station.

Join us to learn the basics about the state laws applicable to being a board member, understanding your fiduciary responsibilities and how to run an effective organization. The attorneys from Taylor & Carls, P.A. will be presenting an overview of State Statutes Chapters 618 & 720, as well as other applicable regulations. (This workshop is not for Condo Association Board Members - it will only cover HOA board requirements.)

To register, visit http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2670630929 to register for this workshop or call the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division at 407.836.0035. Be sure to register early, as this workshop fills up quickly!

Nominate a Neighbor Making a Difference in your Neighborhood

Do you know a neighbor or another City resident who has consistently made positive contributions to the quality of life in your neighborhood? Nominate that City resident for Mayor Dyer’s Neighborhood Champion Award! The award will be presented at the Mayor’s Neighborhood and Community Summit on March 17. Mayor Dyer gives this award to recognize the many unsung heroes that work to make their neighborhood a better place. The deadline to nominate someone for 2012 Neighborhood Champion Award is March 2. For more information and to complete the award application, click here or visit CityofOrlando.net/Mayor and click on Neighborhood Champion in the left column.

Share your events, photographs, best practices and processes that are working in your neighborhood with other neighborhood organizations throughout the City. Contact Cindy Light with the Office of Communications and Neighborhood Relations at Cindy.Light@CityofOrlando.net.

Keep up to date with events, parking options and road closures related to the 2012 NBA All-Star Game at CityofOrlando.net/allstar.

NBA All-Star 2012 Recycling Event

During NBA All-Star 2012, as part of the NBA's overall greening and sustainability efforts, fans will be given the opportunity to responsibly recycle unwanted electronic products such as cell phones, computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers and fax machines at this one day recycling event.

This event will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Orlando Festival Park (2911 East Robinson Street).

Don't throw away your old electronics, bring them to be recycled! For more information, please contact Jody Buyas at Jody.Buyas@CityofOrlando.net or 407.246.2752.

Last week, the OUC Board voted to reduce its fuel charge rate by 11 percent and lower electric rates for all OUC customers. Residential and small commercial customers can expect to see about a 4 percent reduction in their overall electric bill. Mid to large commercial customers will see a decrease between 4.5 to 5.3 percent. These lower rates can provide a boost to commercial customers and small businesses by reducing their utility costs and allowing them to put that money toward growing their business, by taking on new projects and creating jobs.

Elections, Redistricting and Voting Locations

On Monday, the City Council gave vital information regarding the upcoming General Elections for Mayor and Commissioners of Districts 1, 2, 4 and 6 which will be held on April 3. Some residents have changed districts because of the Redistricting process. Additionally, new voting locations are also being established. In the coming weeks, the City website will link to the Supervisor of Elections website to provide residents an easy tool to locate their new district and voting location. All residents of Orlando are encouraged to participate and get involved in this democratic process. Residents, who are not already registered, should register to vote prior to March 5. As the election approaches visit CityofOrlando.net for all the election information.

Publix Update

Also on Monday, the City Council approved two items on its consent agenda as it relates to property owned by Publix in the Southeast area of the City. Publix will design and construct the extension of Hazeltine National Drive from Goldenrod Road east to the Publix-owned property line. The new roadway will service the proposed Publix Distribution Center that is being contemplated for the 110 acre site. The roadway will also be incorporated in to the City’s Major Thoroughfare Plan and serve additional transportation users in southeastern Orlando. Publix is considering constructing a nearly one million square foot distribution center on the site that will create more than 150 jobs and add approximately $188 million to the City’s tax base.

Did You Know?

Walk for Peace

On Saturday, February 25, Commissioner Samuel B. Ings and District 6 will be hosting an inaugural Walk for Peace. The one-mile walk will start at the Frontline Outreach Center (300 C.R. Smith Street) and make its way to conclude at Hankins Park (1340 Lake Park Court). There, local speakers will address the public and local businesses will host a job fair. This event is to recognize the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. For more information call Cynthia Wilson, Aide to Commissioner Ings, at 407.246.3016.

Families, Parks and Recreation Introduce Teen Dragon Boating Program

Families, Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce the start of its new Teen Dragon Boating Program. Dragon Boating originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and is the world's fastest growing water sport. The Teen Dragon Boating program is comprised of sports practice, where the teens can gain strength and endurance as well as paddling practice, where the teens will take to the water on beautiful Lake Fairview to work together in unison. This recreational activity promotes health and wellness while teaching its participants the importance of communication skills, and working together. This unique experience creates a team spirit unlike any other. Listed below are dates for upcoming sessions:

• Session 1: February 1 – March 8
• Session 2: March 14 – April 19
• Session 3: April 25 – May 30
• Session 4: June 6 – July 11
• Session 5: July 18 – August 22

No experience is necessary. To participate, you must be a high school student and know how to swim. For more information, please contact Jacqueline Williams at Jacqueline.Williams@CityofOrlando.net.

ArtsFest

Mayor Dyer invites all citizens to experience ArtsFest 2012. ArtsFest is a celebration of Central Florida arts and culture that takes place throughout the month of February in four counties. Presented by Bank of America, ArtsFest includes more than 300 FREE arts and cultural events held in various locations in Orange, Lake, Osceola and Seminole Counties. The City of Orlando is a United Arts funding partner. Visit ArtsFestFL.com to get a taste of everything the arts community has to offer here in Metro Orlando! For more information call 407.363.5816.

Mayor in the Community

27th Annual Neighborhood Watch Leader’s Forum
On Wednesday, Mayor Dyer recognized the 2011 Neighborhood Watch Block Captains for their service at the 27th Annual Neighborhood Watch Leader’s Forum hosted by the Orlando Police Department.

Orlando Health Lake Beauty Park Groundbreaking
Also on Wednesday, Mayor Dyer joined with District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, Orlando Health Vice President of Business Development Karl Hodges, Orlando Health President of Adult Hospitals Shannon Elswick and Orlando Health Board Chairman Linda Chapin for the Lake Beauty Park groundbreaking. The Lake Beauty Park will provide a new amenity for patients, visitors and staff at Orlando Health and for residents in the surrounding area.

Nap Ford Community School’s Annual Fundraiser
On Thursday, Mayor Dyer joined with Nap Ford Community School friends and family, community leaders and corporate partners to help raise funds for the school. Nap Ford Community School, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is a prekindergarten through fifth grade title one charter school located in the Parramore neighborhood of Downtown Orlando.

Men’s Service Center Groundbreaking
Today, Mayor Dyer will join Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, District 5 City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum, President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Brent Trotter, and Chairman of the Coalition Board of Directors Bill Warren for the Men’s Service Center groundbreaking. The new Men’s Service Center will offer much-needed case management and supportive services to the most underserved segment of the homeless population – homeless men.

Upcoming Events

City Hall
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.246.2221
Fax: 407.246.2842
Email: Buddy.Dyer@CityofOrlando.net