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| September 8, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
This Monday marks the five-year anniversary of September 11. The attacks that day touched each of us in a personal way. Many of us had friends or relatives who were in New York City or Washington, D.C., the day of the attacks or who were stranded in airports across the country. Some of us know people who have lost a family member. And unfortunately, some of you reading this lost a loved one that day.
Watching the events of the day unfold in front of our eyes on television was hard to believe. While no words can relieve the somber reality of the thousands of lives lost – a few stories helped keep this nation’s spirit from falling. Because of the police officers, firefighters and other first responders who selflessly gave of themselves to help others, many of them giving their own lives, this anniversary reminds us of American generosity and courage.
The dedication and spirit of those who responded is a tribute to the character of our law enforcement officers and firefighters across the nation. It’s a tribute to the people of this country.
Our City will remember September 11 at a ceremony on Monday at 7:30 p.m. The Orlando Fire Department will be hosting a candlelight memorial service at Firehouse 1 to honor the 343 members of the New York Fire Department who lost their lives that day.
While this anniversary marks a sad day in our country’s history, it also reminds us of the spirit of those who gave their lives to help others. That inspiration uplifted us and our country after the attacks on 9-11 and continues to inspire us today.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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On Monday, September 11, in honor of the five-year anniversary of September 11, the Orlando Fire Department will be hosting a candlelight memorial service to honor the 343 members of the New York Fire Department who lost their lives. This event will include a flag ceremony, a presentation featuring pictures of each individual firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice that day and a lighting ceremony of 343 candles in honor of those who gave their life. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. at Orlando Firehouse 1 on 439 South Magnolia Avenue. For more information, visit CityofOrlando.net.
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 As part of national POW-MIA Day, Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will host an official POW-MIA ceremony to honor United States Military prisoners of war and those still missing in action. The VFW Post 2093 Band will provide patriotic music and the symbolic setting of the table will be performed to remember those members of the five branches of the military who are held prisoner or are missing in action.
 This solemn event will take place in the Orlando City Hall Rotunda at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 15. For more information call 407-246-3095.
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Since 1994, the Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants (MNMG) program has provided funds to neighborhood associations to improve the quality of life in Orlando's neighborhoods.
In order to qualify for the grant, City of Orlando neighborhood associations must match the City's contribution with volunteer time, in-kind donations of goods and services and/or financial contributions. Partnerships with local businesses, religious institutions, social service agencies and other community resources are encouraged.
The 2007 MNMG application deadline is September 29. For more information about the MNMG or assistance with the application, contact Christine Lewis in the Neighborhood and Community Affairs Office at 407-246-3189 or christine.lewis@cityoforlando.net. Applications are also available online at cityoforlando.net. Please note, incomplete applications will not be accepted.
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The City of Orlando is hosting two public workshops related to the proposed new and renovated community venues (a performing arts center, events center and Citrus Bowl) so residents can get updated and engaged with these important projects.
On September 11, Glatting Jackson, the City’s urban design and planning firm will be presenting phase 2 of the master planning process for Downtown Orlando and community venues. Through the master planning process, the City is working to build venues that enhance the surrounding neighborhoods, while also providing entertainment options, road improvements and additional park space for residents.
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission will also present findings from an economic impact study conducted by a national consulting group, Convention, Sports & Leisure, that analyzed both the economic and quality of life impacts of an events center, performing arts center and renovated stadium. For example, the construction of the venues alone is estimated to generate $1.1 billion in local economic impact, which includes more than 10,000 jobs.
On September 18, a public workshop from the venue partners – the Orlando Performing Arts Center, Inc., Florida Citrus Sports, the Orlando Magic and other arena tenants – will provide citizens a chance to learn more about the specific recommendations to enhance community venues and what each venue means to the community. For more information, contact the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-2169.
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Over the past month, Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners have held a series of neighborhood meetings for residents to discuss how new and updated community venues can enhance our City neighborhoods and where the City is in the process. The final neighborhood meeting is Monday, September 25 at 6:45 p.m. at the Engelwood Community Center, 6123 La Costa Drive. This meeting will be translated into Spanish. The neighborhood meetings will also offer opportunities for residents to get engaged in these projects.
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City employees contributed $271,782 this year during their annual Workplace Giving Campaign. This money went to a variety of non-profit organizations in the community, including the Heart of Florida United Way, United Arts of Central Florida, America’s Charities, Community Health Charities of Florida and other non-profit organizations selected by employees.
At the August 28 City Council meeting, Donna Chun with America's Charities presented the City with an award to thank City employees, who through the Workplace Giving Campaign, helped families, children and seniors. Gwen Cooper with Community Health Charities of Florida presented the Ray of Hope Award to the City to thank employees for their charitable giving. A special award was presented to Andrea Wilson of the City's Office of Audit Services and Management Support as Campaign Coordinator of the Year for her commitment to the City of Orlando's campaign.
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 For those of you reading this e-mail newsletter, it may come as no surprise that Forbes.com found Orlando the second most wired city in America, only behind Atlanta, Georgia. The online magazine took into account the number of residents with high-speed connections, the number of service providers and the number of public Wi-Fi hot spots in the area. Other cities in the top five were Seattle, third, San Francisco, fourth, and Raleigh, fifth.
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Mayor's Message
