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| March 30, 2007- City News |
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Dear friends,
Public safety is a top priority of this administration and together with the Orlando Police Department, we have been squarely focused on finding solutions and engaging local, state and national resources as well as community partners and residents to reduce the rise in crime.
That’s why in August, as part of the City’s three-year, $110 million Public Safety Initiative, I established the SAFE Orlando Task Force to tap the expertise of 26 community leaders and empower the entire community to play an active role in crime reduction initiatives and programs.
On Monday, Dr. Stanley Stone, task force chair, presented the final recommendations of the SAFE Orlando Task Force to the City Council.
Over the past seven months, these task force members dedicated substantial time attending task force and subcommittee meetings, hosting community forums and conducting extensive research. I would like to thank all the task force members for their commitment: Margaret Anglin, Rev. Willie Barnes. Greg Clendenin, Jerry Demings, David Glicken, Father Miguel Gonzalez, Brandy Hand, Arrington Hicks, Rev. Charles Jackson, Pastor Randall James, Douglas Kelly, Sarah Kelly, Kelly Klatt, Mary Maxwell, Dr. Lance McCarthy, Beverlye Neal, Ramon Ojeda, Ann Brown Payne, Honorable Belvin Perry, Jr., Robert Pickerill, Ronald Rogers, Randy Tuten, Annetta Wilson, Martha Wright, Luis Zayas and Dr. Stanley Stone, chairman.
These all-inclusive recommendations, together with the numerous crime prevention initiatives and programs already underway, will have an impact on our community’s public safety. I commit to you that the City will act swiftly and deliberately to begin implementing or advocating for the task force recommendations.
In fact, we are already beginning to see an impact from the short-term solutions. Since implementing tactical squads that aggressively confront violent crimes, the City saw a general decline in criminal activity during the second six months of 2006.
In order to ensure the remaining recommendations are explored and implemented, I am announcing a City implementation team. This will ensure that we are engaging community partners as part of the regional solution and that Orlando will see results.
To view the entire workshop, watch it online at http://www.cityoforlando.net/elected/safety/news.htm#taskforcerec. While you are there, visit our dedicated public safety section that includes public safety updates on new and ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.
Community involvement is vital to the success of our efforts. Thank you for everything you do as a City resident to become engaged in our crime prevention programs.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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This section of City News provides public safety updates on new and ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.
SAFE Orlando Task Force Presentation
Dr. Stanley Stone’s presentation to City Council on the Safe Orlando Task Force’s recommendations can be viewed online at  cityoforlando.net/elected/safety/presentations.htm . Both the PowerPoint presentation and the video of the workshop are available.
Orlando 360°
This new show, produced by the City’s Office of Communications, features in-depth conversations with City officials on important issues facing Orlando. The first episode focuses on the City’s Public Safety Initiative.
Host Annetta Wilson talks with Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orlando Police Chief Michael McCoy on the City’s efforts to combat violent crime in Orlando and how citizens can become engaged and support this effort. Catch Orlando 360° on Orange TV, Bright House Networks Channel 9 Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. or watch it online.
Public Safety Information Series
City residents are encouraged to attend one of the two remaining Public Safety Information meetings being held throughout the City. These meetings will inform citizens about Orlando’s public safety efforts and will empower citizens to help reduce and prevent crime in our neighborhoods. The first meeting held at the Rosemont Community Center can be seen online at the public safety section of the City’s website, cityoforlando.net/publicsafety.
For more information, please call the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-2169.
Public Safety Information Series Schedule
Wednesday, April 4, 7 p.m. – Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Boulevard
Monday, April 16, 7 p.m. – NorthLake Park Community School, 9055 NorthLake Parkway
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At the Monday, March 26 City Council meeting, the City Council approved the purchase of new fire equipment and technology as part of the three-year $110 million public safety initiative. This latest technology will help the Orlando Fire Department continue to meet the growing needs of our City and includes thermal imaging cameras, bunker gear and radios for use in new Engines 15, 16 and 17 at our new fire stations.
The City Council also approved grants for two Parramore businesses through the Storefront Improvement Program. Midtown Realty of Orlando and Blans Investment will receive $40,000 each to improve the exterior appearance of their buildings. For more information on the City’s Storefront Improvement Program, contact the Housing Department at 407-246-2708.
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On Thursday, March 29, Mayor Dyer attended the Orlando Regional Chamber Trustee Community luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Tom Murphy, former Mayor of Pittsburgh.
 On Thursday afternoon, March 29, Mayor Dyer welcomed Mrs. Fields, a first-time homebuyer, to her new home in Parramore. Mrs. Fields took advantage of housing assistance programs available through the City to purchase her new home.
On Friday, March 30, Mayor Dyer cut the ribbon and officially opened the new Compassion Outreach Center, which provides families with access to community resources, medical care, educational classes and helps break the cycle of poverty.
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New York Times Features Downtown Orlando’s Appeal
In an article highlighting 36 hours in Orlando, the New York Times features Downtown Orlando as a hip alternative to Central Florida’s more popular attractions. The article highlights various places in Orlando that are often overlooked including unique restaurants and bars, nightlife entertainment, art galleries and cultural attractions. Both tourist and locals may learn of a few new places to visit and gain a new appreciation of the City. Read the article online.
Mayor’s City Academy
The Mayor’s City Academy is an ideal way for residents to become informed about City government. This nine-week program will feature road trips, field demonstrations, department tours and many other experiences.
The Mayor’s City Academy is held twice a year in the spring and in the fall. Participants meet every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. during the nine-week program. The spring application deadline is April 20, 2007. Apply by submitting the application form to:
City of Orlando - NCA
P.O. Box 4990
Orlando, FL 32802-4990
or via fax to:
407-248-3508
You must be at least 18 years old. For information on the next session, please call 407-246-2169.
Early Registration Discount for Neighborhood and Community Summit
Register for Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Neighborhood and Community Summit by Monday, April 16, 2007 and pay half price, $5, for registration. The registration fee includes the summit’s workshops, a continental breakfast, lunch and conference materials. Seating is limited to 300 people so register early. Registration forms are available in the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs or online at www.cityoforlando.net.
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