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| December 15, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
On December 9, Mayor Crotty and I joined local non-profit and faith based service organizations and hosted Project Homeless Connect at the downtown recreation center. This event had three goals: to help our homeless population connect with the services they need, to have all agencies work together toward one common goal, and to engage members of the community in helping our region’s less fortunate.
Over 600 people attended the event. Twenty-two were placed in housing, including 10 that were transported from the event straight to their new housing. The Department of Motor Vehicles gave out 83 state identification cards, nine drivers licenses, and one commercial license. The City of Orlando, Orange County and Goodwill Industries received 68 employment applications. Other services included providing 122 flu shots; 72 haircuts; 166 showers; and 300 blankets, sweatshirts, and other clothing. More than 300 volunteers assisted with the event.
In addition to connecting people with services, Project Homeless Connect connected service providers with each other. The cooperation between the City of Orlando, Orange County and other area agencies has created a foundation on which to host future events and initiatives. We must all work together to make Orlando a region that is focused on finding solutions to help end homelessness.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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Nemours has expressed interest in building a $250 million integrated children's healthcare system in Orlando. If built, this independent, comprehensive pediatric hospital would improve the well being of children in Central Florida by providing a location where many pediatric ailments can be treated and that would enhance services currently provided by Orlando’s two leading healthcare systems.
The University of Central Florida has received approval to build a medical school at Lake Nona, and The Burnham Institute chose to locate their east coast headquarters in Orlando, including a University of Florida research program. This combination has laid the foundation for a “medical city” to develop in the Lake Nona community, and the presence of Nemours--including its Biomedical Research Program--will further strengthen this concept.
The Orlando City Council, along with Orange County and neighboring Seminole County, have expressed support for Nemours’ $250 million proposed investment in healthcare services for the children of our community. On Monday, December 11, Orlando City Council adopted a resolution that supports a state-of-the-art Nemours campus that will not simply duplicate services but enhance the current healthcare system of our community.
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Downtown Orlando Creative Village
On December 11, a team of volunteers appointed by Mayor Dyer presented their report to the City Commission on a proposed Creative Village that would replace the current Amway Arena when a new events center is built Downtown. Anchored by the University of Central Florida’s School of Film and Digital Media and the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA), the Downtown Orlando Creative Village would be a combination of digital media businesses, retail and dining, and residential buildings that would create a high-wage employment center in downtown with a unique mix of housing, office, and retail.
The Creative Village Concept Team believe this revitalized area would be an economic engine attracting companies of various sizes, with some large technology companies, start-up companies, and freelance and contractors. It would create a 24-hour environment, supporting diverse cultures and lifestyles. It would also include new attainable housing and innovative and appealing architectural features.
This vision of a Downtown Orlando Creative Village will move the City closer toward the goal of diversification of our economy, furthering Orlando’s high-tech role and the continued investment in Orlando’s city center.
To view the Creative Village Concept Team’s report and watch the workshop presentation, visit CityofOrlando.net and click on the “Community Venues” banner.
Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance Program
In August, the City Council approved the Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance Program (MEBA). MEBA is a financial assistance program to retain existing minority-owned businesses located within blighted communities in the City of Orlando and to attract new minority-owned businesses to these areas. At Monday’s meeting, the City Council approved the first business to receive assistance from this program, Shiobhan's Cheveux Salon, Spa and More, located in Parramore. Through the MEBA program, they will receive assistance in the amount of $36,500 to be used for capital equipment, rent assistance and start-up expenses.
Downtown Transportation Plan
For the last year and a half, a comprehensive analysis of transportation in Downtown was undertaken encompassing traffic, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, freight and parking. Focused on developing a flexible plan for how people will move within, through and around Downtown over the next twenty years. You can view the full report at CityofOrlando.net.
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Holiday Displays at City Hall
Hanukkah is a holiday of hope and is inspired by the story of the miracle of the oil. A Hanukkah menorah will be on display in the City Hall Rotunda along with a Kwanzaa display. These displays are part of the holiday decorations that began with the City’s Holiday Lights Orlando event on Tuesday, December 5.
OPD Community Christmas Party
Mayor Dyer and Commissioner Lynum joined the Orlando Police Department at the Jackson Community Center for their annual Christmas Party for children living in Parramore. Children were treated to dinner, toys and a special early visit from Santa Claus.
Garbage/Recycling and City Hall Holiday Schedule
Garbage, recycling and yard waste will not be picked up on Christmas Day. If your pickup day falls on this holiday, your garbage, recycling and yard waste will be picked up on the next scheduled pickup day.
We will pick up your garbage, recycling and yard waste on the day after Christmas and on New Year's Day.
City Hall offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Tuesday, December 26. City Hall Offices will also be closed on Monday, January 1.
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Fire House Ground Breakings
On Thursday, December 14 Mayor Buddy Dyer joined City Commissioner Patty Sheehan and Fire Chief Jim Reynolds as they broke ground for the new firehouse #17 at 3691 Millenia Boulevard, one of three state-of-the-art firehouses that will begin construction this month as the next step in the Mayor’s Public Safety Initiative. Later that day, Mayor Dyer and Chief Reynolds joined City Commissioner Phil Diamond for the groundbreaking of Fire Station #16 located at 12375 Lake Nona Gateway Road.
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The City of Orlando is commemorating the golden anniversary of the Lake Eola Fountain with a special calendar by the Historic Preservation Board. The fountain was built in 1957 to celebrate the centennial of Orlando becoming the county seat and gaining the recognition of the US Postal Service. Waters from five international fountains were poured into the basin to mingle with the water of Lake Eola as part of the grand celebration. The calendars are available in the City Hall Rotunda, 400 South Orange Avenue, through the end of the year while supplies last.
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Mayor's Message
