May 2009

Dear District 2 Resident,

Last year was a challenging year with so many changes in government at all levels, national, state, and local. When we face problems in our economy, we are also confronted with the byproducts of it; crime is the number one problem that directly impacts us as the economy gets worse. I have created an initiative with the Orlando Police Department, City of Orlando Code Enforcement, and the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco to implement and enforce laws in order to make our community safer. They are all working together and we have been able to obtain quantifiable results. District 2 experienced an overall reduction in crime of approximately 7% in 2008 from the prior year.

I hope most of you have witnessed new changes in our district: repaved streets, light poles, new sidewalks, and handicapped ramps in some areas. We are making sure that District 2 gets the services to which it is entitled.

Our office has been working with the Orlando Housing Department in a Housing Rehabilitation Program. Out of 350 applications sent during the first phase of the program, 20 were submitted for assistance. Currently, 12 houses are in the process of being rehabilitated for a total of $279,100.00, and one is under reconstruction for a total of $150,000.00. In the future, we will continue working with residents of our district in need of emergency repairs to their homes.

During the first few months after I took office, we established the Neighborhood Leaders’ Council and the Business Owners’ Council in order to organize our communities and our merchants in the district. By doing this we also ensured being proactive when addressing the problems of the district. It is the first time in the history of District 2, and possibly the whole city, that these kinds of councils have been created with such defined goals for the community. We are already seeing the changes taking place, starting with the positive attitudes of a community hungry for progressive change and prosperity and followed by the implementation of a special task force working with the vision of a new Semoran corridor.

I am happy to announce our accomplishments from May 1st, 2008 to December 31st, 2008:

• Established a Neighborhood Leaders’ Council and a Business Owners’ Council that have been meeting every other month since their first meeting in July and August respectively.
   
• Since May 2008, there have been approximately 4 miles of paved streets that have been repaired in our district. In addition we have built 1 mile of sidewalks.
  In June 2008, met with Ronald Block, OCPS Superintendent, and discussed the possibility of adding Civil Responsibility courses to school curriculum. I am also working with National League of Cities to try making this a reality.
   
• In June 2008, the traffic lights at Semoran Boulevard were synchronized!
   
• In August 2008, a Law Enforcement Task Force was created between the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to address the crime areas on District 2. As a result, “Operation Semoran Initiative” produced 738 traffic citations, six fire arms were seized, eight stolen vehicles were recovered and three vehicles, two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) and 28.5 grams of heroin were also seized for forfeiture. Last, but not least, one hundred and three (103) arrests were made!
   
• In September 2008, Commissioner Ortiz was selected as a member of the Florida League of Cities Urban Administration Committee.
   
• In September 2008, the Dover Manor Homeowner’s Association applied for and was selected as one of the eight winners of the 2009 Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Project.
   
• In October 2008, we started a Housing Rehabilitation Program with the City of Orlando Housing Department. The Monte Rey Neighborhood was our Phase 1. As of January 20, 2009, 12 houses are in the process of being rehabilitated for a total of $279,100.00 and one is under reconstruction for a total of $150,000.00.
   
• During the month of October 2008, visited District 2 schools (Engelwood Elementary, Ventura Elementary, Jackson Middle, Dover Shores Elementary, Azalea Elementary, Passport School, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Orlando Baptist School and Prince of Peace Lutheran Pre-K School) with Marcia Hope Goodwin and Julie Tindall, from the Neighborhood & Communications Affairs, letting the principals know about an Educational Partnership Grant that to which they can apply for our children for up to $10,000. This grant can be use to provide after-school academics enrichment programs.
   
• In October of 2008, visited some businesses of the Semoran corridor with Jacqueline Barton to get them involved with the Orlando Business Development Center.
   
• Celebrated the first District 2 Family Celebration on Saturday, November 22, 2008, at the Dover Shores Community Center. Close to 150 residents enjoyed games, music, food and health-related screenings.
   
• In November 2008, Commissioner Tony Ortiz joined the National League of Cities.
   
• Between May 2008 and December 2008, ninety-nine poles and 137 lights have been installed in the district.
   
• Between May and December 2008, the Code Enforcement Department has attended 1,628 cases of violations in our district.
   
• Crime Prevention - OPD Bikes have been patrolling the district, especially, the Danube Plaza area.
   
• The Danube Plaza is in the process of being revitalized.
   
• Commissioner has been meeting with the Family, Parks and Recreation Department on a monthly basis trying to keep the district’s trees trimmed, as needed.
   
• In October 2008, Commissioner Tony Ortiz joined the Attorney General Gang Task Force.
   
• In October 2008, Commissioner Tony Ortiz joined the Board of Directors of the After-School All-Star Program.
   
• After a rigorous investigation that lasted several months on December 1, 2008, an Agreement for Compliance was signed between the owners of the building where the Methadone Clinic is located and the City of Orlando Police Department. Strict crime prevention measures were established.
   
• Resolution to get shelters for bus stops has been passed by City Council. Commissioner Ortiz proposed legislation to keep advertisement limited to company information. No alcohol, tobacco, sexual, or political advertisement will be allowed.
   
• In partnership with the After-School All-Star program and Mr. Adrian “Duquesito” Hernandez, former New York Yankees Pitcher implemented baseball clinics and formed four Baseball teams. We are also working to develop a baseball league.
   
• A traffic light was requested and approved for the Yucatan and Lake Underhill intersection.
  DOT finalized the construction of the median on the South Semoran Corridor and beautification of it is in order.
   
• Our office has kept up with the approval of speed hump requests and installations.
  In partnership with the Center for Drug Free Living, a drug prevention series of monthly workshops will be given to parents at the Engelwood Community Center starting in January 2009.
   
• Plans for the remodeling of Park of Las Americas have been approved. Remodeling of the park is under way.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Respectfully yours,

Tony Ortiz
Commissioner, District 2