Year 2010 was a year with great challenges.  Balancing the City Budget with minimal layoffs, and being able to maintain our Law Enforcement and Firefighters was quite a test. But I am happy to report that we moved forward our projects and programs with minimum to none resistance.

I have much to thank our City Staff for their support and for having the motivation and drive to continue striving to make our community a better place to live.

In addition to adopting a Vision Plan for the re-development of the Semoran corridor, community concerns were addressed for District 2 such as:

I.    Infrastructure

a.   10 centerline miles of pavement rejuvenation.

b.   Speed Humps Projects Finalized: Gaston Foster Road, Oxalis Avenue, Delicata Drive, Hibiscus Road and replacement on La Costa Drive.

c.   62 ADA compliant curb ramps

d.   Eight New Light Polls

e.   Partnered with Orange County for repaving and revitalization of Lake Underhill Road

 

II.   Special Projects

a.   Opened OPD Satellite Office and Seniors vs. Crime Program on Semoran Boulevard

b.   11 homes were purchased via the Neighborhood Stabilization Program for a total of $1.38 million.  Homes sold as of today: 1 Sold, 1 Pending   

c.   15 Homes were rehabilitated via the City Housing Rehabilitation Program.  One home was re-built.  Total Amount Spent on District 2 as of today: $545,820

d.   Partnered with Orlando Magic for the renovation of Game and Computer Rooms at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center

e.   359 Homes in the Monterey neighborhood were enhanced through the OUC Weatherization Program.

f.    Initiated revitalization of the Demetree Park.

g.   Supported expansion of the UCF Incubator – Orlando Office, District 2.  (Currently serving 15 clients (13 on site, 2 off site) with a total of 42 employees

h.   Submitted and approved new roof for the Engelwood Neighborhood Community Center. New roof was installed.

i.    Working with Stonewall Jackson Middle School SAFE Program assisting homeless families with food.

j.    Sign Language classes at the Engelwood Park Community Center.

 

III.  Pending Projects

a.   Approved final stages plans for the construction of the safety wall at the 700 block of South Semoran Boulevard.

b.   Traffic Light at Lake Underhill and Yucatan – Project is scheduled to begin on May 2011.

c.   Florida Department of Transportation: 2 million dollars grant to beautify the South Semoran Boulevard medians and expansion of Semoran Sidewalks – To be adopted by City Council in January 2011.

d.   Public meetings were held for the approval of the Semoran Boulevard Vision plan. Semoran Boulevard Vision Plan was submitted and approved by the Municipal Planning Board.

 

IV. Special Events/Functions

a.   One Housing Help Event – more than 150 people attended

b.   One Seniors’ Fraud Prevention Event at Ventura

c.   Three Bingo Events at El Dorado Apartments

d.   Two Bingo Events at Johnson Manor Apartments

e.   Three Neighborhoods Clean Up Events

f.    Approximately 150 Trees were planted in District 2

 

V.  Voting Record on City Issues

a.   Voted for Ordinance to force Gas Stations to post gasoline prices

b.   Voted to support construction of the Amway Center.  Project cost $363,816,462 – 31.8% of contracts were given to minorities ($94,385,496) – Hispanics 9.9% ($29,340,128) – Afro Americans 9.7% - Asian Americans 4.8% - Native Americans .8% - Women 6.55%.

c.   Voted for the implementation of NID (Neighborhood Improvement District).  This program can be implemented on District 2, for the improvement and revitalization of the Semoran and Curry Ford Corridors.

 

VI.  Miscellaneous Items

a.   Assisted the Azalea Park Little League with clay for fields

b.   Renewed contract for Duquesito Hernandez for continuation of use of the Dover Shores Baseball field for “El Duquesito Baseball League”

c.   Facilitated renewal of lease for Casa de Mexico at City Hall

d.   Purchased Wi-Fi for Engelwood Neighborhood Center and the Dover Shores Community Center

e.   Two dominoes tables were purchased for Seniors Program at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center

f.    Purchased LCD projectors and screens for Engelwood Neighborhood Center and the Dover Shores Community Center

We are working very hard to make our district a better place to live. We want you to be proud of our community.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my office.

Warm Regards,

Tony Ortiz
Commissioner, District 2