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Dear friends,
Parks are an essential part of a vibrant city. At any time at Lake Eola Park, you may find children from nearby schools playing games, people exercising, couples enjoying a stroll, swan boats paddling out to the fountain, or people enjoying a play, concert or festival. At times, there has been a zoo, a horse track, and a pier with a dance floor and music at the park. It has become a community gathering place for celebrations or memorials. Just a few weeks ago, I met Bubba the Camel at the park during a celebration of Israel’s Independence Day.
This tranquil getaway in the heart of our downtown has preserved the natural beauty of our City for all generations of Orlando. It is the heart of The City Beautiful.
When I say Lake Eola, most people probably think of our annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration or the lake’s beautiful fountain. Yet the fountain is a relatively new addition to the park. In 1955, Linton E. Allen, an Orlando banker, went to Europe and was inspired to add a grand fountain to Lake Eola. In 1957, that dream became a reality and this year we celebrate “The Year of the Fountain” on it’s fiftieth anniversary.
The park’s first amphitheater was built in 1910, and three more followed. Numerous bands, plays and events have taken place on these stages. This Monday, we will rededicate the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola. Thanks to Walt Disney’s Million Dreams Campaign, the amphitheater was renovated with new lights, a new sound system and a new color scheme. These enhancements will allow this open-air venue to continue to entertain and delight Orlando audiences. You are invited to attend the rededication of the Lake Eola amphitheater on Monday, May 14 at 3:30 p.m.
Great cities are defined not just by their skylines, but also by their public spaces. Lake Eola Park will continue to play a vital role in our vibrant downtown and growing City. And speaking of vital roles, I would also like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who play such an important role in our families.
Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor
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House of Moves
 At Monday’s Council meeting, the City Council approved an interlocal agreement with the University of Central Florida to bring House of Moves to Orlando. This brings Orlando one step closer to realizing the vision of a Creative Village. House of Moves, the world’s largest motion capture service bureau, will co-locate an East Coast operation in the Downtown Orlando Creative Village at UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy. This will be the only professional motion capture sound stage on the East Coast with fully integrated film, video and audio facilities. With film credits including Polar Express, Spiderman II and Titanic, House of Moves is a cornerstone project for the Creative Village.
Lee Vista Town Center
The Municipal Planning Board approved a number of exciting projects that came before City Council, including the Lee Vista Town Center project east of Semoran Boulevard between Lee Vista Boulevard and Hazeltine National Drive. This development includes a Super Target and is a much-needed development for that area of the City.
Homestead Exemption for Seniors
In April, the Florida Legislature enacted legislation permitting municipalities to provide for a total additional homestead exemption of $50,000 for homeowners over the age of 65 whose household income does not exceed $20,000. The City Council approved an ordinance that will increase the previously allowed exemption by $25,000 and will go into effect for the 2007 tax year.
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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.
Police and Fire Explorer Programs
The Police and Fire departments both provide opportunities for teens to get an introduction to public safety careers through the Police and Fire Explorer programs.
 The Orlando Police Explorer Program was created in 1974 to develop a positive relationship between police officers and the youth of the community. Police Explorers learn about law enforcement through practical application.
The Orlando Police Explorers meet on a weekly basis and learn about different police functions such as drug enforcement, crime scene investigations, CPR, traffic stops, traffic investigations and all other aspects of law enforcement. The Rider Program allows Explorers ages 16 and older who have passed the necessary training to assist in the 911 Communications Center and ride with community service officers and sworn police officers. Explorers can also be part of the Orlando Police Explorer Honor Guard, responsible for the presentation of the Colors during award ceremonies, parades and other special occasions. The Orlando Police Explorer Post is also involved in over 80 community service events each year. These events range from directing traffic at the Central Florida Fair to McGruff the Crime Dog presentations.
Fire Explorers attend bi-weekly meetings and bi-monthly training sessions, learning everything from medical skills to firefighting techniques. The most exciting portion of the program is the opportunity for the Explorers to ride on the fire apparatus and to observe what takes place on 911 calls. This job shadowing "ride time" is the key element to the success of the program. Started in 1976, the Fire Department’s Explorer Post lets teens experience exactly what is needed, both mentally and physically, for a career in firefighting.
 The Boy Scouts of America developed the Explorer Program for career-oriented young adults.
The Orlando Police Department and the Orlando Fire Department provide an opportunity for young adults to explore public safety careers while having a fun time.
For more information on the Police Explorer Program, contact Officer Jay L. Smith at 407-246-2110 or opdexp103@aol.com. For more information on the Fire Explorer Program, contact Aaron Stover at Aaron.Stover@cityoforlando.net.
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 On Tuesday May 8, a delegation of Taiwanese-Americans visited with Mayor Buddy Dyer. Mayor Dyer presented the Miami Consulate Office Director General, Owen Chyi-Wang Hsieh a proclamation proclaiming May 2007 as Taiwanese-American Heritage Month. On Sunday May 13, 2007, the City’s Taiwanese-American community will hold an outdoor festival honoring this celebration at 7 p.m. at the Lake Eola Amphitheater.
 On Wednesday, May 9, Mayor Buddy Dyer officially opened the Senior Expo, sponsored by the Mayor’s Committee on Aging, Seniors First, Senior Alliance and Orange County Council on Aging. This free event was an educational opportunity with programs on investment advice, travel opportunities, retirement living choices and health screenings.
On Thursday, May 10, Mayor Dyer attended the United Way Citizen Review Panel and Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast recognizing the volunteers for their service in the review and funding process of our community’s non-profit organizations.
 Also on Thursday, Mayor Dyer joined District 2 Commissioner Betty Wyman to unveil plans and details of the City’s first mixed-use business development center to promote and encourage small business.
 On Friday, Mayor Dyer held a work-along with City staff from the Orlando Police Department’s Super Kids program at Eccleston Elementary School. Super Kids is an interactive program that teaches fifth graders how to make positive choices. Eight Orlando Police officers work at 28 City schools preparing children for the transition to middle school.
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Leu Gardens Treats Mothers on Mother’s Day
Can’t think of what to give your mom for Mother’s Day? Then give her an entire garden. Moms get in free on Mother’s Day at Leu Gardens. Located at 1920 North Forest Avenue, Leu Gardens features three miles of paved scenic walkways and fifty acres of southern styled gardens. The gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Garden admission is $5 adult, $1 child (K-12th grade). For more information, visit leugardens.com.
Bike to Work Day on May 18
 Mayor Buddy Dyer will host his annual Bike to Work Day ride on Friday May 18. Bicyclers are invited to join the Mayor at 8:30 a.m. as he leaves his neighborhood College Park Starbucks at Yale Street and Edgewater Drive to ride to City Hall. As part of this event, Starbucks has agreed to partner with the City and offer free coffee at all Orlando area (Orange and Seminole County) Starbucks locations to anyone who commutes by bicycle on the morning of May 18.
Bike to Work Day celebrations continue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LYNX Central Station, where the City will be giving out safety information and 50 sets of lights for LYNX customers who ride the bus and bike for transportation.
Designated a Bicycle Friendly Community since 2000, Orlando promotes bicycling as a form of transportation through engineering, education and enforcement. In 2006, the City added 70 bike racks in the Downtown area for additional parking, completed almost 15 miles of additional bike lanes and trails for a total 250 miles of bikeways, and held a bike giveaway for adults as part of Active Living by Design.
Office of Communications Wins Two Bronze Telly Awards
 The City’s Office of Communications won two Bronze Telly Awards for recent television productions featuring City services and programs. The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. The award judges selected both the 2006 State of the Downtown - It's Working Now video and Inside Orlando’s Behind the Badge SWAT segment. The City of Orlando’s television shows can be watched on Orange TV Bright House Channel 9 or online at cityoforlando.net/tv.
Orlando 360
 Host Annetta Wilson talks with Mayor Buddy Dyer about his State of the City Address. Watch an in-depth interview that highlights the pride, progress and partnerships that are making Orlando a world-class City. 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 at CityofOrlando.net/tv. Orlando 360 is another creative product by the Office of Communications.
Disney and Lynx Keep Orlando’s Workforce Moving
On Friday, April 27, Walt Disney World Resort® presented a check for $220,000 to the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) to match federal funds for expanded public transportation options. Beginning April 29, 2007, LYNX added extended night service helping move passengers along Links 300 – 304. These routes provide travel from area communities directly to Downtown Disney.
This relationship will help offer more Central Floridians the opportunity to work for the area’s biggest employer.
Hurricane Preparedness Week
To help residents prepare for our upcoming hurricane season, the City of Orlando recognizes Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 20 to 26. June 1 is the start of hurricane season, and preparedness of our community and citizens is vital. From June 1 – 12, sales tax will not be charged on many hurricane preparedness items, including flashlights, radios, batteries, gas or diesel fuel containers, non-electrical food storage coolers and storm shutters. Residents can take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on necessary items.
To be prepared, follow these simple steps.
- Get a kit of emergency supplies.
- Make a plan for what you will do in an emergency.
- Be informed about what might happen.
- Get involved in preparing your community.
For more information please contact the Office of Emergency Management or visit www.cityoforlando.net/emergency
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Mayor's Message
