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Dear friends,
 The anniversary of America's independence is a day for gratitude and celebration. The 4th of July is also a day when we remember what we are thankful for, and there are many reasons. We're thankful for the families we love, the opportunities in America and the freedoms declared by our founding fathers and defended by many generations. So as we prepare for this celebration, we must continue to remember the thousands of military personnel overseas and here at home protecting our nation and fighting for our freedom.
For 32 years, the City of Orlando has been honoring our country on July 4th by hosting Fireworks at the Fountain. This year’s festivities are extra special as the City is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lake Eola Fountain. In honor of this celebration, special fireworks have been added to our annual show, birthday cards will be available throughout the park, plus two stages of live entertainment, delicious food and a great children’s area. To help you plan your day, the entertainment schedule and parking and road closure information are also included in this edition of City News.
Happy Independence Day and I look forward to seeing you, your family and your friends at Fireworks at the Fountain.
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.
Sparkler Safety Tips
 July 4th is a great occasion for families to spend time together. The National Council on Fireworks Safety encourages everyone to enjoy the 4th of July safely and responsibly. Over 50% of sparkler-related injuries involve children under the age of 14. The Council reminds all parents to be careful when using sparklers around children. Parents are also encouraged to safely supervise the activities of their children when sparklers are present. While they appeal to children of all ages, sparklers are not toys.
Here are some safety tips on using sparklers as we get ready to celebrate our nation’s independence:
- Obey the local laws and use common sense.
- Always read and follow instructions. Always have an adult present.
- Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
- Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Light only one sparkler at a time.
- Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix. Be responsible.
- Do not point or throw sparklers at another person.
- Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
- When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
For complete information on the safe use of consumer fireworks and sparklers, state laws and regulations please visit www.fireworksafety.com.
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On Saturday, June 23, Mayor Dyer attended Mission Possible…a community prepared. The disaster preparedness event, held at the Amway Arena, provided the public with seminars and hands on training as well as the opportunity to meet emergency management staff and disaster responders within the region.
Mayor Dyer welcomed the 73rd class of Leadership Orlando on Tuesday, June 26.
Mayor Dyer opened the Latina Empowerment Conference on Wednesday, June 27. The conference offers Hispanic professionals information on professional and leadership development, education, careers, entrepreneurship and networking opportunities.
On Thursday, June 28, Mayor Dyer welcomed attendees at the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Summit.
Mayor Dyer also participated in a press conference at Orlando International Airport, as Lufthansa, one of the world’s leading air carriers, announced plans to begin non-stop service to Frankfurt, Germany this fall. The service will bring 58 brand new destinations and convenient connections to 91 locations around Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa to Central Florida travelers.
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On Monday, June 25th the City’s Chief Financial Officer, Rebecca Sutton, briefed the Mayor and City Commissioners on the budget impact of the State’s recently adopted property tax reform. The presentation outlined how the City’s estimated revenue reduction might impact its overall budget. The initial analysis shows Orlando will be in the lowest tier of the state-prescribed property tax revenue rollback, at about a 3 percent reduction in that revenue.
Also on Monday, the Orlando City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would move the City’s general election date to coincide with the presidential preference primary on January 29, 2008 at the request of the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. This will move the City’s election date up from March 11th. This change will not only save the City money, but will more than likely mean a higher voter turnout.
To watch the City Council meeting, please visit our website at cityoforlando.net.
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4th Fun Facts from 2006 Fireworks at the Fountain:
- 125,000 people attended
- 4,112 American flags were distributed by Veterans
- 10 tons of ice were used
- Thousands of hot dogs were eaten
- More than 200 gallons of ice cream were sold
- Hundreds of bags of cotton candy stuck to your ribs
- The most popular foods were hotdogs and ice cream cones
- Over 5,000 fireworks boomed
- Fun, Fanfare and great Food were had by all
Will you be there this year? Wednesday, July 4th, 4-10 p.m., Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando
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Entertainment Schedule
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5 – 7:00 p.m. | Colgate Country Showdown: See tomorrow’s country music stars today!
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8 – 9 p.m. | Orlando Concert Band |
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9 p.m. | Mayor’s Welcome, National Anthem |
Parking Information
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Garage |
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Opens |
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Centroplex I
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401 West Amelia St.
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Closed
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Centroplex II
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355 Alexander Place
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7 pm
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Courthouse
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46 East Amelia St.
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3 pm
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Central
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55 West Central Blvd.
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3 pm
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Library
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112 East Pine St.
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7 am
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Church St.
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150 South Hughey
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Closed
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Administrative
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300 Liberty Street
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3 pm
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Washington
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50 W. Washington St.
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5 pm
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Lot 4
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78 West Central
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3 pm
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Lot 9
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57 South Hughey
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5 pm
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Lot 10
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81 North Hughey
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5 pm
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Garland Lot
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109 West Pine
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3 pm
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Please visit our website at cityoforlando.net for additional information on Fireworks at the Fountain
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