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| October 6, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
For the past several years, our City has gathered at the State of Downtown event and discussed our big dreams. We’ve imagined and talked about how to create a world-class urban core for our residents.
While laying out our vision was important, more important was our commitment to act on that vision, to push beyond a possibility and create reality.
On Wednesday, I delivered this year’s State of Downtown address and shared what the future holds for Downtown Orlando.
Ongoing Development:
New construction is redefining our skyline, including 55 West, the Premiere Trade Plaza, the Paramount, the Dynetech building, the Lexington, the Monarch and the Vue.
New restaurants are poping up downtown, including the Exchange Lounge, The Beacon, Fifi's and Graze.
Parramore:
Through our recently appointed Attainable Housing Task Force, and projects like Otey Place, Parramore Village and Carver Park, we will be providing housing for people of all income levels..
Soon, residents and visitors will enjoy the newly renovated $17 million grand entertainment boulevard - West Church street - and the new Parramore Heritage Park.
Creative Village
The Creative Village Concept Team will be developing recommendations to transform the Centroplex into a place where artists, computer programmers, video game designers and musicians gather to live, share ideas, create and learn together.
This is an opportunity to build on our partnership with the UCF School of Film and Digital Media, and to make Downtown the heart of our creative industry.
Transportation:
Our comprehensive Downtown Transportation Plan addresses everything from mass transit to electronic signage. As a result of our planning, we will have a stronger focus on pedestrian places and amenities while also connecting streets for easier traffic flow – reducing the time we spend in traffic.
Community Venues
Last week, Mayor Crotty and I stood together with our city council and county commission to unveil a plan that builds on our amazing residential, retail and commercial renaissance - and delivers us at the doorstep of becoming the greatest city, not just in Florida, but in the entire country. In the midst of one of the nation’s most successful revitalizations of a downtown we will build three world-class community venues … venues that will make us proud and show the world that Orlando is no longer a second tier city.
To catch the State of Downtown in its entirety, watch it on on WMFE Channel 24 on Sunday, October 8 at 10:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 15 at noon or read it online at CityofOrlando.net
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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Orlando Regional Healthcare’s Hope Hike
 Mayor Dyer kicked-off Orlando Regional Healthcare’s Hope Hike on Monday, October 2. The walk, which began in front of City Hall, helped spread awareness about breast cancer prevention and education. The group met in front of City Hall and hiked to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Stunt Junkies
 Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Patty Shehan were on hand on Saturday at Lake Eola Park as J.D. Webb jumped the Lake Eola Fountain on a wakeboard for an episode of the Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies. With a large crowd in the park, J.D. took two practice jumps before the water was turned on and he made the final jump over the fountain successfully. Mayor Dyer presented him with a proclamation on a wakeboard and a key to the City. The show, which features wild stunts and the science behind them, will feature the jump in an episode this season.
Lexington Grand Opening
Mayor Dyer participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lexington’s Downtown condo hotel. The Lexington Hotel will be part of the new Orlando City Place. This luxury resort is Orlando’s first Downtown condo hotel.
Monarch Grand Opening
Mayor Dyer attended the Grand Opening Celebration of the Monarch, downtown’s newest residential development.
Home Depot’s Playground Building Event
On Saturday, September 30, Mayor Dyer joined Home Depot and KaBOOM! to build safe, fun and accessible playgrounds in the neighborhoods that need them the most. Hundreds of volunteers worked together for this playground build at the Universal Boys & Girls Club.
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Columbus Day is the annual U.S. commemoration of Christopher Columbus's landing in the New World, at San Salvador island in the Bahamas, on October 12, 1492. While Columbus was not the first European to successfully cross the Atlantic, his journey started a lasting trade route and migration from Europe to the Western Hemisphere.
Because the United States evolved out of British colonization rather than the Spanish settlements in the New World, the U.S. for many years did not celebrate Columbus Day. It was Italian immigrants who recognized the day as a celebration of their heritage that started the tradition in America, since Columbus was believed to be Italian. In 1937, Columbus Day became a national holiday, first celebrated every October 12 and now recognized on the second Monday in October.
U.S. federal government offices close on Columbus Day, as do most banks. The City of Orlando be open and will provide city services as normal.
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This fall, Families, Parks and Recreation has several activities planned to celebrate the season.
Beardall’s Fall Fair & Wood Carving
Crafts and white elephant sale, a wood carving display and demonstration, and hotdogs and drinks booth by the RAFMAN Club. October 14, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Beardall Senior Center, 800 South Delaney Avenue. 407-246-2637
College Park Fall Fair
Live performances, food and games. October 14, 1o a.m – 2 p.m. College Park Community Center, 407-246-4361.
Jack-O-Lando’s Pumpkin Palace
 This annual non-scary trick or treating event will feature themed rooms with live characters, costume parade, entertainment, costume contests, hay rides, train rides, and more for only $3. October 28, 6 p.m., Dover Shores Community Center, 1400 Gaston Foster Road. 407-381-2708
Halloween Tunnel
Performances, costume contest, haunted house, refreshments, dj, and games. October 31, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Northwest Community Center, 3955 WD Judge Road.
Halloween Party
Pass out candy and participate in other activities celebrating the spookiest day of the year. October 31, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center, 101 N. Parramore Avenue. 407-246-2305
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Mayor's Message
