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| April 20, 2007- City News |
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Dear friends,
Last Sunday, the Fiesta Medina filled Downtown Orlando. Today, the 14th Annual Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo kicked off its three-day expo, and the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade takes place this Sunday. These events demonstrate not only how the Hispanic community has grown, but how they have embraced Orlando and become an active part of the community.
As part of the City’s effort to reach out to our Hispanic community, we partnered with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and 47 other community organizations and created the Hispanic Office of Local Assistance, or H.O.L.A. This office connects individuals and families new to the Orlando community with the information, resources and tools necessary for a successful transition to their new home.
By working together in a true public-private partnership with the Hispanic Chamber, we launched the first ever bilingual, 24-hour job placement portal called H.O.L.A Orlando Jobs. Through this website, thousands of job opportunities have been made available to our local residents.
This weekend, H.O.L.A. will be at the Hispanic Business and Consumer Expo along with other City departments and offices including Human Relations, Housing, Economic Development, Orlando Police Department, Minority Business Enterprise, Neighborhood and Community Affairs, Orlando Fire Department and Purchasing. If you are at the Expo, make sure you stop by and say “¡Hola!”
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 Recommendations
The Safe Orlando Task Force, comprised of 26 local community leaders, was formed in August 2006 to identify specific ways to prevent crime, use police resources more effectively and stop repeat offenders.
The task force was divided into three separate sub-committees: prevention, enforcement and re-integration. Each sub-committee researched their topic area, discussed options and developed recommendations, which were presented to the City Council on March 26.
The goal of the re-intergration subcommittee was to recommend strategies to successfully transition ex-offenders back into society, which will reduce the number of repeat offenders.
Re-Integration Subcommittee Recommendations
- Secure funding to create a Re-Entry Council within three months.
The City has applied for two grants that would fund the staff necessary to develop a plan and model for the Re-Entry Council.
- Secure funding, through the Re-Entry Council, to open a permanent HELP Center (Helping Ex-offenders Live Productively).
- Advocate for legislation implementing the Governor’s Ex-Offender Task Force recommendations, beginning with the 2007 legislative session.
As part of the City’s 2007 Legislative Agenda, the City is supporting initiatives for ex-offenders and re-entry processes.
- Establish the Mayor’s Safe Orlando Task Force as a designated ongoing Advisory Committee.
- Re-Entry Council to support and assist faith based organizations in securing funds for the development of transitional housing and related services.
- Re-Entry Council to identify and recommend funding sources and opportunities to enhance existing local re-entry programs and to develop new programs to address unmet needs.
- Re-Entry Council to secure funding and begin operation of mobile mini-HELP Centers.
- Re-Entry Council to secure funding for expansion of services including possible additional permanent HELP Centers.
Other Public Safety Updates
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 on Demand
If you missed one of the City’s Public Safety Information Series meetings, Central Florida News 13 is offering it on their video on demand. This option is available on Central Florida On Demand Digitial Cable 300 on Bright House Networks through April 27.
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On Tuesday, April 17, Commissioner Daisy Lynum and other community organizations hosted a Construction Industry Business Forum on the Community Venues projects. The enhanced Community Venues projects present the City and the Venue partners with an opportunity to make a significant and long-term positive economic impact on the local communities in Orlando and Orange County.
The meeting provided the local construction industry an interactive business forum to learn more about the development and construction process, and provide input into the creation of a “Community Blueprint” as announced by Mayor Dyer at his annual State of the City Address.
“When we announced our $1 billion investment in Community Venues, we said we would create a model for how communities nationwide can leverage public projects to create local jobs and local business growth,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Thanks to the efforts of Commissioner Lynum, Commissioner Ings and our local partners like the African American Council of Christian Clergy, the Urban League and the Black Business Investment Fund, we’re developing this model through the Community Blueprint.”
The Community Blueprint is a comprehensive approach that is inclusive of more than just the City’s Minority and Women Business Enrichment program. This process will also engage a diverse cross-section of the region to address the role economic development and social programs will play in the Community Venues. For more information on the Community Venues, visit CityofOrlando.net.
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 On April 17, Mayor Dyer attended the City’s 7th Annual National Volunteer Week Celebration and Recognition. The event recognized the more than 100,000 hours of volunteer service coordinated by the City of Orlando in 2006. This hard work and dedication of many employee and citizen volunteers amounted to a savings of nearly $2 million.
On April 18, Mayor Dyer addressed the guests who attended the United States Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants performance at the Bob Carr. This event was coordinated by the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council.
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Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Community and Neighborhood Summit
 Register now for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's Neighborhood & Community Summit: TOGETHER building pride through partnerships on Saturday, April 28, 2007, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orlando City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue. Hosted by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs, this annual summit will feature keynote speaker, Dr Deborah German, Dean of the UCF Medical School. Attendees will gain insights on innovative and exciting City initiatives, discuss community-building opportunities and create partnerships that contribute to a vibrant City. With the focus this year on public safety, the Summit will offer a variety of community engagement workshops, best practices and networking opportunities for neighborhood and community leaders and citizen volunteers. Submit completed registration form with check or money order for $10 to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs by April 25. For more information, call 407-246-2169.
Lake Eola Renovations
The City of Orlando is currently undertaking several construction projects at Lake Eola Park as we continue to enhance the amenities we provide to residents and visitors.
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 Thanks to the generosity of Walt Disney World and The Year of A Million Dreams initiative, the amphitheater is getting a new color scheme, sound and light equipment, as well as a new marquee. This is being completed in record time, with work wrapping up this April. Orlando residents are invited to attend in the re-dedication of the amphitheater on Monday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m.
- Construction on a new well to the south of the amphitheater should be completed in early May and return the normal pedestrian flow through the park. This well and two other wells control the lake water level in order to avoid flooding during hard rains. This construction project combined with the low amount of rain has brought the lake level down approximately seven feet, affecting the operation of the swan boats and gondolas. Once the rainy season arrives, the lake will be back to its normal level, and this popular amenity will return to its normal operation.
- Over the next several months, both the east and the west restrooms at Lake Eola will undergo a complete restoration. Work will occur one restroom at a time and temporary facilities will be provided during the construction period.
Thanks for your understanding and patience as the City strives to provide a higher quality visit to Lake Eola Park. For more information, contact Leo Falcon at 407-832-4325.
2007 Youth Baseball League
 Registration has started for the 2007 Youth Baseball League, with the season starting May 5. For ages five through 14 (T-Ball included), the cost is $20.09 per child and includes equipment and uniform. Registration forms are available at all City Community Centers. Completed forms and checks, payable to the City of Orlando, should be dropped of at the Primrose Plaza, 595 N. Primrose Drive.
Volunteer coaches are needed as well. For more information, call 407-246-4286 or visit cityoforlando.net.
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Mayor's Message
