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| January 26, 2007- City News |
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Dear friends,
I have often talked about not just creating a big city, but a great place to live. So to add to our rich variety of cultural activities, the City will host the first annual Blues-B-Q, a free blues concert at City Hall Plaza, on February 17. Grammy award-winning artist Buddy Guy will head south from Chicago for some warm weather, a chance to eat barbeque and to perform some of the best blues in America.
Mark your calendar for this free event, and continue reading City News for other upcoming activities like the Orlando Wetlands Park and the Dew Action Sports Tour.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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| Public Safety Update
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This section of City News provides public safety updates on ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.
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As part of Mayor Dyer’s three-year public safety initiative to increase the number of police officers, 65 individuals are going through the Orlando Police Department’s recruitment process or are now training for OPD. This means additional frontline responders in our neighborhoods protecting our streets.
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Last week, Buddy Dyer announced the new Illegal Gun Bounty Program. Over the first weekend, 18 tips were called into Crimeline and are being investigated by OPD. Citizens can call Crimeline anonymously at 1-800-423-TIPS to report suspicious activity. Information that leads to an arrest, a gun recovery and a weapons charge will result in a cash reward. A one thousand dollar reward is just a phone call away.
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On January 22, Chief Michael McCoy met with Congressman John Mica to discuss what federal resources and funding are available for local hometown security. As part of the City’s effort to address public safety from every angle, we are working with other cities to lobby state and federal legislators for increased public safety funding.
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 Join Mayor Buddy Dyer at the first annual Blues-B-Q, a celebration of blues music and barbecue at City Hall Plaza, February 17 from 4-9 p.m. The headliner for this event will be famous blues legend Buddy Guy. Buddy Guy is a five-time Grammy award winner and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He also owns the world famous blues club, Legends, in Chicago. The Blues-B-Q will also feature local blues group Sam Rivers Trio from Apopka and Blues Image’s Mike Pinera. In addition, there will be several types of tasty BBQ available for purchase and sampling. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss this free event. This free event was made possible by our community sponsors: the Downtown Development Board, the Orlando Utilities Commission, All Florida Mortgage Centers, 96.5 WHTQ, McCree Construction, Star 94.5, Miller Lite, Monarch, Lynx, WDBO, and the Jimmy Dean Breakfast Tour.
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As part of the three-year, $100 million dollar public safety initiative, City Council approved a new fleet for the Fire Department including a new dive unit that services all of Orange County, four new rescue trucks equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a new education trailer that serves as a hands-on teaching aid for all ages.
Twenty-two Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants were awarded to implement useful, innovative neighborhood projects. These projects will be implemented by teams of neighbors, who will volunteer their time and resources. The City has granted a total of $92,000 and the neighborhoods have pledged more than $230,000 in matching in-kind and cash contributions. More than 300 residents and their business partners will make these projects successful! Grants are awarded in three categories: educational or cultural initiatives, public safety and physical improvements, and are used to provide funding for neighborhood improvements that address needs and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
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Mayor Buddy Dyer was the keynote speaker at the SCORE Association’s monthly meeting. Mayor Dyer spoke to more than 100 business owners and discussed his major initiatives for 2007 and how they relate to small businesses in our community. The SCORE Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneurial education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide.
On Wednesday, January 24, Mayor Dyer officially opened Orlando’s newest restaurant, Maggiano’s Little Italy at Pointe Orlando, International Drive.
On Thursday, January 25, Mayor Dyer attended the annual Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Employee Recognition dinner at the Wyndham Orlando. The Mayor recognized the exceptional employees who ensure that visitors experience the best stay possible while in Orlando
 Mayor Dyer also attended the announcement of the return of the Dew Action Sports Tour, the pro tour of action sports, October 18-21 at the Amway Arena. For the third consecutive year, the Orlando event, entitled PlayStation Pro, will be the final of five stops on the tour. The event will feature the greatest talent in skateboarding, BMX and freestyle motocross.
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Kids at Lake Eola Park can now swing, climb and imagine on the newly refurbished playground. On Tuesday, January 30 at 2 p.m., Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 4 City Commissioner Patty Sheehan will cut the ribbon on the new Lake Eola Park playground—a first of its kind in the area. The new state-of-the-art playground includes special play areas for different ages groups. Children ages two to five will enjoy innovative play possibilities with vivid colors and older kids will discover unlimited physical challenges that will cultivate the imagination.
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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 while supplies last.
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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:
February 5 – Early voting begins
February 13 – Special District 6 Election
Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church will not be available as a polling place in
Precinct 6401. Therefore, Fire Station #12 (1588 Park Center Drive) will
be the polling place for Precinct 6401 in the District 6 Commissioner Special Election.
For more information about the election, visit www.cityoforlando.net or call 407-246-2251. To find your polling place, visit www.ocfelections.com or the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office at 119 W. Kaley Street or call 407-836-2070.
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Mayor's Message
