January 5, 2007- City News
Mayor's Message

Dear friends,

Happy New Year! Our City had the wonderful opportunity of ending 2006 with not one, but two national football bowl games and our wonderful Orlando Citrus Parade. As Mayor, I went to many different events on behalf of the city this year, but it is certainly fun to ride on a float down Orange Avenue with thousands of visitors and residents lining the street. It was great to see everyone who came out.

As we begin 2007, I want to wish all of you a happy, healthy and successful new year! The beginning of a new year is a traditional time to reflect on the past and look forward to the opportunities of 2007. In 2006, the City saw the approval of a new medical school at the University of Central Florida and the Burnham Institute’s decision to locate their east coast headquarters at Lake Nona. In addition, the State of Florida announced a commuter rail project for Central Florida, and the City and Orange County agreed to move forward with our new events center, performing arts center and renovated Citrus Bowl. As we look forward to this year, we will continue to build on our downtown renaissance, lay the ground work for a digital village of high-tech companies anchored by the UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy, focus on our public safety initiatives, build three new fire stations to improve our fire insurance rating, and continue to make Orlando a great place to live, work and play.

And speaking of opportunities – go Gators!

Sincerely,


Buddy Dyer
Mayor

District 6 Special Election

On December 21, Governor Bush entered an executive order of removal under state law that has left a vacancy for the District 6 City Commission seat. As a result, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has called for a special election on February 13, 2007 to permanently fill the District 6 Orlando City Commission seat.

To vote for the District 6 City Commissioner please note the following dates:

January 16 – Last day to register to vote to participate in the election
February 5 – Early voting begins
February 13 – Special District 6 Election

To register to vote, visit the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office at 119 W. Kaley Street or call 407-836-2070.

For more information or to find your precinct, visit CityofOrlando.net, www.ocfelections.com or call 407-246-2251.

City-wide Community Forum on Public Safety

The Mayor’s Safe Orlando Task Force will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. at the John Jackson Community Center, 1002 West Carter Street. Facilitated by Dr. Stanley Stone, chairman of the Mayor’s Safe Orlando Task Force, the meeting is an opportunity for Orlando residents to share their concerns or suggestions on public safety in our community.

The Mayor’s Safe Orlando Task Force is working in tandem with the Orlando Police Department to develop recommendations that tackle crime-related issues and education and to help develop a strategic action plan using police, volunteer and community resources.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Events

The City of Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission is sponsoring several events to commemorate the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

Thursday, January 11

The International House of Blues Foundation: 6th Annual Elders Speak Program
Beardall Senior Center, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (free)

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Forum
New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (free)

Friday, January 12

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: 21st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Luncheon
Orlando Marriott Downtown, 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. (cost)

The Negro Spiritual Scholarship Foundation: City of Hope Concert
The Lake Eola Amphitheater, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 13

Southwest Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc.: 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Downtown Orlando, 10:00 a.m. (free)

Southwest Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc.: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival
Lake Eola Park, 2:00 p.m. (free)

Town of Eatonville: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade
Downtown Eatonville, 2:00 p.m. (free)

Sunday, January 14

City of Orlando Mayor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission: Candlelight Vigil and March
Orlando City Hall, 6:00 p.m. (free)

Interfaith Council of Central Florida: Multicultural Celebration
First Presbyterian Church, 6:45 p.m. (free)

Monday, January 15

YMCA & Southwest Orlando Jaycees: Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast
First Baptist Church of Orlando, 7:30 a.m. (Cost)

Green-Up Orlando & City of Orlando Office of Human Relations: Plant Seedlings for Civil Rights
Clear Lake Park, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (free)

Thursday, January 18

PAST (The Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, Inc)
Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture
6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (free)

Friday, January 19

Orlando Magic: Recognition of Humanitarian Award Winners
Amway Arena, 7:00 p.m. (Cost)

Mayor’s Work-along with City Employees

On Wednesday, January 3, Mayor Buddy Dyer worked with a tree-trimming crew from the City’s Families, Parks and Recreation Department. The Mayor assisted in trimming trees on the right-of-way. This preventative maintenance of the City’s trees helps to avoid limbs from falling on power lines or in streets during storms.

As part of Mayor Dyer’s commitment to providing citizens with the high quality service they have come to expect, he participates in monthly work-alongs with various City staff. In the past, Mayor Dyer has conducted walking audits in Downtown Orlando with transportation planners, worked with Code Enforcement Officers, went door-to-door with Orlando Police Officers delivering valuable City information to residents in the Parramore Heritage Neighborhood, and assisted City staff aquatic weed spraying in the Clear Lake aquatic community.

Next City Council on Thursday, January 11

Next week’s City Council meeting will be on Thursday, January 11 at 2 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall. It can be viewed live on Orange TV Brighthouse Channel 9 or online at CityofOrlando.net.

Upcoming Events
click for details
Date Event/Location
January 11-19, 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Events details
January 13, 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade details
January 18, 2007 Stunt Junkie Sneak Preview details
Febuary 24, 2007 Orlando Wetlands Park Festival 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