October 13, 2006- City News
Mayor's Message

Dear friends,

As we continue to manage the growth of our community, the City of Orlando has taken proactive steps to conserve our fresh water supply. Our partnership with several local agencies to use reclaimed water for irrigation in new developments has been recognized as a project of regional significance.

The project includes the construction of the Eastern Regional Reclaimed Water Distribution System and will connect the City of Orlando’s Iron Bridge Treatment Plant with the existing reclaimed water distribution system in Southeast Orlando.

Seminole County, Orange County, the University of Central Florida, the City of Oviedo, the Orlando Utilities Commission, and Central Florida Research Park are joining together with the City of Orlando on this project that will eventually reuse 25 million gallons a day of reclaimed water. In the City, this reclaimed water will be used for irrigation in Lake Nona and other new developments in the Southeast section of the City, in Baldwin Park and along State Road 436, all areas where installation will be cost-effective.

In addition, by irrigating yards and golf courses with reclaimed water, this new system is expected to handle as much as 10 percent of the City’s water consumption.

This $65 million project will be paid for through joint funding by all the agencies involved, as well as federal funds and money from the St. John’s River Water Management District, which on Monday will present the City with a $6 million check. This partnership is an example of how Orlando is managing growth and helping our region preserve our fresh water resources.

Sincerely,


Buddy Dyer
Mayor

Mayor in the Community

Mayor’s Senior Supper
On October 9, Mayor Dyer hosted members of the City’s SeniorLinks program, the Mayor’s Committee on Aging and other senior volunteers for supper and a discussion on how to better connect seniors with City services.

Camden Orange Court Groundbreaking
On Tuesday, October 10, Mayor Dyer attended a groundbreaking at the southwest corner of Colonial Drive and Orange Avenue for the new Camden Orange Court, a mixed-use, multi-story, rental residential project.

Orlando Police Department Receives Reaccreditation

On October 11, the Orlando Police Department rose to the challenge once again by receiving its third reaccreditation status. The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc awarded Chief Michael McCoy and the members of the department’s Accreditation Section the "Certificate of Reaccreditation." The ceremony was held at the Cocoa Beach Hilton during the Commission’s quarterly conference.

The department was reassessed in July by an assessment team lead by Major Gary Robinson from the Port St. Lucie Police Department, and team members Captain Don Hall from Clearwater Police Department and Sergeant David Howard from the West Palm Beach Police Department. During the three-day reassessment, the department was assessed on a total of 271 standards, of which 246 standards were applicable to the Orlando Police Department.

The assessment team viewed a static display of various departmental vehicles and equipment, and conducted interviews with members of the agency assigned to each. The assessors also conducted three ride-a-longs during both the day and midnight shifts and found members to be well versed in policy and procedures, and commented heavily on the professionalism exhibited by all.

During the official final review and presentation of the Certification of Reaccreditation, the Commission found the Orlando Police Department to be an exemplary agency. Citizens should feel proud and confident that the Orlando Police Department holds such an honor, and will continue to be an active participant in the state commissioned accreditation process.

Orlando Magic Parking Passes – Courthouse Advantage

For a limited time, the Parking Division is offering a pre-paid debit card to Orlando Magic fans. The Courthouse Advantage card will allow fans to park at the Courthouse Garage for only $4.00 a game and ride the free Lymmo shuttle to the game.

The Advantage:

  • $4.00 per game (compare to $8.00 at Centroplex Garage)

  • Beat traffic near arena

  • Fast access to I-4

  • Quick and easy garage access


Cards can be purchased from the Parking Division in increments of 10 games, 15 games, 23 games (1/2 season) and 45 games (full season). Visit ParkSmart on the web for more information. Cards are available for purchase through November 10. The Courthouse Garage is located at 46 E. Amelia Street.

Smoke Alarm Tips

October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month. Smoke alarms play an essential role in protecting your family should a fire occur, so the Orlando Fire Department suggests the following tips.

  • Alarms should be placed outside the sleeping areas in your home, on the ceiling or on the wall 6 to 8 inches from the ceiling. Smoke rises, so this will allow you the best chance of surviving a fire by an early alert.


  • Test the batteries in your smoke alarms every month.


  • Change the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year. The Orlando Fire Department suggests changing your smoke alarm batteries each time your change your clock for daylight-saving time.


  • Free batteries may be picked up at any City of Orlando Fire Station.


  • The components in your smoke alarms break down over time. Therefore, we recommend you replace your smoke alarm every ten years.


The City of Orlando Fire Department strives for a working smoke alarm in each home in Orlando. If you need one in your household, contact the Public Relations Division at 407-246-3128 or e-mail Vicki@cityoforlando.net to arrange for the installation of a free alarm.

Leu Gardens’ Fall Jazz Stroll

On Saturday, October 14, enjoy an evening of live jazz music performed by Sunnie Paxson, Dr. Otto Gomez Band & The Robert Harris Group with candlelit walkways in Orlando’s most beautiful garden, Leu Gardens. Dinner picnic basket and blanket or chairs are recommended. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m.

Tickets: $17.00 General Admission plus tax, $13.00 Garden Members plus tax. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable to other garden activities. Call 407-246-2620 for more information. Free Parking and shuttles provided at the Orlando Science Center Garage located off of Princeton Street.

Upcoming Events
click for details
Date Event/Location
October 15, 2006 Dew Action Sports Tour details
October 21, 2006 Thank You Troops details
October 28, 2006 Jack-O-Lando’s Pumpkin Palace details
November 4-5, 2006 Fall Fiesta in the Park details
December 5, 2006 Holiday Lights Orlando details
Sundays Sunday Eola Market details
click for details
Road Closure

 

 

City Hall
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.246.2221
Fax: 407.246.2842
Email: buddy.dyer@cityoforlando.net

 
 
 
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