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Dear friends,
This past year we've made great strides towards assisting Orlando residents in fulfilling their dream of homeownership. The City’s Housing Department has successfully identified the barriers to homeownership, is pursuing new and innovative programs to increase homeownership, and is developing policy recommendations that will remove these barriers for residents.
In recognition of National Homeownership Month, the City of Orlando is participating in several community events and partnering with federal, state and local partners to increase awareness on homeownership. This Monday as part of the Pathways for Parramore Initiative we announced the creation of the Parramore Heritage Homebuyers Club. This new program will prepare potential homebuyers for homeownership through educational classes, credit and loan counseling and peer support. For more information on this new program, contact 407- 447-5686, extension 4 or visit www.handsorlando.org.
In addition, on June 16, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation will host a Homebuyers Expo to provide homeowners with information about local, state and federal affordable housing programs. Residents can talk with lenders, credit counselors, non-profit organizations and other housing professionals to learn more about available housing programs. The Expo will be in English and Spanish and takes place at the Orange County Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation will also conduct information seminars with realtors and lenders to keep them updated with new opportunities for affordable housing.
We can be proud that Orlando was nationally recognized as a leader for breaking down barriers by working aggressively to cut red tape and encourage the production of attainable housing. However, there is more work to be done and we must continue to address this issue by strengthening our regional partnerships and leveraging our State and Federal dollars to make homeownership a reality for our residents. During the next year, I stand committed to working together as a community to fulfill our goal of increasing homeownership opportunities for the residents of the City of Orlando.
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.
Vacation Crime Tips
 Last week’s Public Safety Update included tips on how to protect your home from crime while on vacation. This week, we focus on ways to protect yourself from crime during your vacation.
- Carry traveler’s checks instead of large amounts of cash.
- Always carry wallets, purses and bags securely. (Do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on restroom hooks)
- Keep your cash, jewelry and valuables (such as passports, cameras and airline tickets) locked in your hotel safety deposit box or safe.
- Keep track of your keys. (You may consider returning your hotel room key to the front desk while away from your room)
 Do not leave room keys lying around the swimming pool.
- NEVER pick up hitchhikers.
- Never leave your keys in an unattended car, even while running a quick errand or filling up with gas.
- While driving, travel on main roads and use maps.
- Lock any packages, cameras, clothing or other valuables in the trunk when you leave your car.
- At night, park your car in a well-lighted area. Remember to lock doors and roll up windows.
- Be wary of solicitors.
- Travel in pairs or groups if possible.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. Should you see anything suspicious call 9-1-1.
- ALWAYS lock your hotel room door, even if just going for ice. Intruders much prefer to walk in rather than crash in.
For more information on Crime Prevention, visit the Orlando Police Department’s website at cityoforlando.net/police.
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 On Wednesday, June 6, Mayor Dyer announced the NikeSummerShoes program. In an effort to help youth get active over summer break through sport, dance and play Nike donated 600 pairs of shoes to youth in the City’s After School All Stars Program (ASAS), a program chaired locally by District 2 Commissioner Betty Wyman.
Thursday, June 7, Mayor Dyer attended Taste of Downtown, sponsored by the Downtown Orlando Partnership. Taste of Downtown is an opportunity for local restaurants in downtown Orlando to display and provide samples of their various cuisines.
Also on Thursday, Mayor Dyer attended the Hearts of Gold Banquet and fundraiser to recognize the achievements of the families and children at the Coalition for the Homeless.
On Friday, June 8, Mayor Dyer attend the State of the County Address delivered by Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty.
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At Monday’s City Council Workshop, Orlando Police Chief McCoy briefed the Mayor and Commissioners on the Red Light Runner camera initiative. For the past three years, City staff have been researching and investigating this approach to reducing accidents at traffic lights. There is firm data that shows just how large of a problem red light running is on our streets here in Orlando, and research and statistics show that putting cameras at intersections is the most effective and efficient way to help solve this problem.
The City Council approved funding to the Downtown Arts District to support the Orlando Arts Business Institute. The Institute is a national organization dedicated to improving artists’ careers through business education. Our community can look forward to a conference in Downtown Orlando this fall that will showcase Orlando’s continuing commitment to the arts.
 Acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, commissioners also approved the Verde Apartments Project. This innovative project will provide needed rental property in the downtown area, affordable and attainable housing and will be the first LEED certified residential building in Downtown Orlando. LEED is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Located at 889 North Orange Avenue, the Verde project includes two 35-story mixed-use high-rise residential towers.
The Orlando Magic Youth Foundation donated $44,664 to the City to refurbish the computer lab at the Dr. James R. Smith Community Center. This donation will directly benefit the youth enrolled in the City's programs by enhancing their computer knowledge and abilities. It will also benefit other members of the community who use the computer lab.
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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.
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
To help prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, the City of Orlando encourages residents to take advantage of the current tax-free days. Through June 12, sales tax will not be charged on many hurricane preparedness items, including batteries, weather radios, cell phone batteries and generators.
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Mayor's Message
