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| September 22, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
This edition of City News includes information on activities happening throughout the City of Orlando, the announcement of our new fire chief, a recent award for JetBlue and an exciting event at Lake Eola Park.
Our neighborhood update series on the community venues continues on Monday, September 25 at the Engelwood Community Center. On October 5, our Transportation Department will hold a workshop on the Downtown Orlando Transportation Plan.
Tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, one of the holiest days of the Jewish year. I wish everyone in our Jewish community a happy and healthy New Year.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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 On Monday, Mayor Dyer appointed Deputy Chief Jim Reynolds, a third generation Orlando firefighter, as Fire Chief. Reynolds will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department and provide counsel to the Mayor in matters of public and fire safety. Reynolds has been a member of the Orlando Fire Department for 22 years and has been serving as Deputy Chief for the last three years.
"With 25 years of in-depth experience in the public sector, focusing on the delivery of urban services, I’m confident that our highly-rated Fire Department is in extremely capable hands under the leadership of Chief Reynolds," said Mayor Dyer.
Chief Reynolds replaces Fire Chief Robert Bowman, who returned to the City three years ago to assist Mayor Dyer in addressing the Fire Department’s growth challenges.
The Mayor also announced the appointments of two Deputy Chiefs to the Fire Department. Assistant Chief Mark Oakes, with 18 years of service, and Assistant Chief Rudy Johnson with 19 years of service have been promoted to Deputy Chiefs and will assist in the leadership of the department. Additionally, Deputy Chief Kathy Miller, who has been with the Orlando Fire Department for 25 years, will continue to be a key member of Orlando Fire Department leadership.
Chief Bowman, a veteran public administrator, will remain a key member of the Dyer administration. Bowman will provide municipal expertise and counsel on strategic planning and growth management issues for the City. He will focus on the effective and efficient delivery of urban services, public safety and growth management issues.
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 The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission honored JetBlue with the 2006 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award on September 14, 2006.
The annual award program recognizes innovative companies who have had a significant impact on the region and in their respective fields for innovative practices, products and/or ideas.
The program is named in honor of the late William C. Schwartz, an avid community leader, business pioneer and innovator within the field of optics and photonics.
JetBlue University Training Center and LiveTV Hangar, located on Orlando International Airport property, serves as the training headquarters for JetBlue and reflects the company’s commitment to building their presence in Metro Orlando. The programs offered at "JetBlue U" provide state-of-the-art training for the company’s pilots, technicians, flight crews and customer service staff.
Other honorees included JHT, Inc. from Orange County, Rini Technologies Inc. from Seminole County, Senninger Irrigation Inc. from Lake County and Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center from Osceola County.
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 Yes, it’s true – Stunt Junkies is coming to Lake Eola Park. If you thought a wakeboarder jumping over the fountain was a rumor, it’s not. On September 30, Stunt Junkies, a show on the Discovery Channel, will spotlight professional wakeboarder J.D. Webb jumping over the Lake Eola fountain and the science and mechanics behind the jump.
Stunt Junkies is an immersive, weekly series in which the world's best extreme sports athletes, designers and stunt fabricators execute one unbelievable, hair-raising stunt.
Plan to be at the park early to view the stunt. The stunt is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m., but J.D. Webb will be practicing early and you can watch him live. J.D. will be available to sign autographs between 12:10 and 12:30 p.m. Plan to pack a lunch or visit one of the restaurants surrounding the lake and enjoy beautiful Lake Eola Park! Mayor Dyer will also be there to cheer on J.D. and to present him with a gift to commemorate this special day! Don't miss this unique event experience!
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Over the past month, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando 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 meeting will also offer opportunities for residents to get engaged in these projects.
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The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) has selected Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer as the Government Business Advocate Regional Winner, Region VI, for the USHCC 2006 Hispanic Leadership and Business Excellence Awards. This award was presented on Thursday, September 21 during the USHCC 27th Annual National Convention & Business Expo at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, an active member of the USHCC, nominated Mayor Dyer for this award based on his continuous contribution to the Hispanic business community of Central Florida. Mayor Dyer’s commitment to the community was instrumental in the creation of two highly successful programs: the Hispanic Chamber Business Police Academy and the HOLA Orlando Jobs. In addition, the City of Orlando, with the leadership of the Mayor, is involved in various programs and events administered by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando.
The regional award winners are finalists for the National Hispanic Leadership & Business Excellence Award. The winner of this national award will be announced at the USHCC Awards Gala on Saturday, September 23.
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The City of Orlando’s Transportation Department will hold a workshop related to the Downtown Orlando Transportation Plan on Thursday, October 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Residents and businesses are invited to participate in the review before the plan is finalized. The workshop will be held in the Overlook Room on the ninth floor of City Hall at 400 S. Orange Avenue. For more information, contact Malisa McCreedy at 407-246-3347.
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 Applications to participate in the City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade are now available. The November 11 parade honors our nation’s veterans and those serving in the military. Applications must be turned in by October 13 and space is limited. Download an application now and be a part of this annual event.
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Mayor's Message
