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| December 22, 2006- City News |
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Dear friends,
It's hard to believe we are once again in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. No matter what religion we celebrate, this is a very special time of year as families and friends come together. As you gather with your family this year, please take a moment to remember those who can’t be with their families as they are bravely serving our country. I ask you to keep them in your hearts and in your thoughts during this season. On behalf of the all the dedicated City of Orlando employees, I want to wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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Dr. Phillips Charities, which includes the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation and Dr. Phillips Inc., recently announced a gift of $25 million to the Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC). The new facility, which is expected to break ground in 2008 pending an Orlando/Orange County inter-local agreement, will be called the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center.
"We are thrilled with the commitment of Dr. Phillips," said OPAC Board President Jim Pugh, "and we couldn’t hope for a more appropriate name than the Dr. P. Phillips Orlando Performing Arts Center."
The donation from the Dr. Phillips Charities brings the total amount of charitable contributions raised for the performing arts center to $45.5 million in under three months, almost halfway to the total goal of raising $100 million from the private sector. Other gifts include $10 million from the DeVos family, $7.5 million from Jim and Alexis Pugh and $1 million each from Bank of America, The Kessler Collection, and Harriett Lake.
"During their lifetimes, the Phillips family played a central role in supporting the arts in Central Florida, many times hosting musicians and artists in their home," said Jim Hinson, chairman of the boards of both The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation and Dr. Phillips, Inc. "Now we have the opportunity to solidify the legacy that lives through the generosity of the Phillips family through our decision to lend our support to the Orlando Performing Arts Center." For more information about OPAC and community involvement opportunities, please visit www.orlandopac.org.
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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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On Thursday, December 14, 2006 Jim Zboril, President of Lake Nona Property Holdings, joined Mayor Dyer along with District 1 Commissioner Phil Diamond and Fire Chief Jim Reynolds as they broke ground on new fire station #16 to service the Central Lake Nona community. Coupled with the Mayor's 3-year Public Safety Initiative, Lake Nona Property Holdings has been instrumental in getting this project started with the donation of a 1.7-acre site and more than $2 million to equip and construct the building.
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"My Hometown"... a place where people come to visit, scientists make discoveries, doctors cure diseases, animators bring monsters to life, and much more. Sound familiar? That’s OUR "hometown", as it will be promoted through a commercial scheduled to premiere nationally on ABC-TV during the halftime of Orlando’s Champs Sports Bowl on December 29 and again twice during halftime of the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day.
The one-minute community promotional commercial is the work of O2 Pictures, a film and video production company based in Orlando. The spot was produced through a partnership which includes the EDC, Orange County, City of Orlando, Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, University of Central Florida, Florida Hospital and Florida Citrus Sports.
To get a sneak peek, go to www.OrlandoWorks.com.
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If you are traveling by plane this holiday season or picking up visitors at the airport, the Orlando International Airport has several options to make your traveling easier.
Parking Choices
Express Pick-Up- This unique, innovative, passenger pick-up option allows E-Pass and SunPass users ONLY, the closest short term parking for passenger pick-up available anywhere. Simply follow the Express Pick-Up signs to the "A" or "B" terminals, enter into the building where the vehicle will be subject to a security inspection and then park along the inner curb to wait for arriving passengers.
Cell Phone Lot- Nearly 100 free waiting spaces are now available for drivers picking up passengers who call when they are ready to be picked up outside the terminal. Adjacent to the Red Satellite Lot, the new cell phone lot provides secure parking with access to FREE wireless Internet services.
E-Pass and SunPass in Satellite Lots- Vehicles with transponders can now pay for parking in the Red and Blue Satellite lots with their E-Pass or SunPass accounts.
40 Minutes FREE Garage Parking- The amount of FREE parking in both the "A" and "B" garages has been increased from 30 to 40 minutes.
Important Holiday Travel Tips
Be aware of the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) 3-1-1 rule. THREE ounce bottles or less of liquids and gels, ONE clear plastic zip top bag to comfortably hold the three ounce containers and ONE bag per passenger allowed through security.
Do not wrap gifts. All packages are subject to search and inspection by the TSA.
Arrive Early. Arrive at least two hours early for domestic travel and three hours in advance for international trips. For more information, visit http://www.orlandoairports.net.
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Thursday afternoon, Governor Bush entered an executive order of removal under state law and permanently removed from office District 6 City Commissioner Ernest Page, who was suspended earlier this year for charges that were brought against him.
Under these circumstances, the City Charter requires the Mayor to call a special election for a permanent replacement of the District 6 Orlando City Commission seat within ten days of the removal. Mayor Dyer will issue a proclamation calling for the special election next week.
In anticipation of the call, we have set a Special Election schedule to fall within the 55-day window required by the Orlando City Charter. The Special Election will take place on February 13, 2007. Full details will be at www.cityoforlando.net once the proclamation is issued.
Please be assured that Mayor Dyer and the other 5 City Commissioners remain committed to advancing the positive vision for our City that we have begun in the last three years, and Commissioner Ings will continue to serve as interim District 6 City Commissioner.
The City of Orlando has a responsibility to serve our citizens, and be assured that Mayor Dyer, this City Council and City staff will not waiver from our commitment to do so.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Alana Brenner
City Clerk
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Mayor's Message
