September 7, 2007 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

The Mayor’s Matching Grants Program provides resources for neighborhood associations, schools and non-profit organizations to plan and implement projects that address neighborhood needs, improve education and build neighborhood pride. This program includes three different grants: the Faith Based and Community Matching Grants, the Neighborhood Matching Grants and the Educational Partnership Grants.

Since I became Mayor, a total of 123 community-building projects have received $720,000 in grant funding. By working together toward a common goal, citizens have implemented hundreds of projects, cultivated partnerships with local businesses, civic groups or faith-based entities and have become better neighbors. Applications are currently being accepted until October 26, 2007.

The Mayor’s Faith Based and Community Matching Grants program was established in 2001. This year funding will support neighborhood-based crime prevention or youth anti-violence projects that improve the community’s quality of life by improving or promoting safety. Projects that receive funding must help create economically strong and crime-free neighborhoods where residents feel a sense of belonging and commitment. Applications will be available from September 15 until November 30, 2007.

The Mayor's Educational Partnership Grant was established in 1998 and provides matching funds for schools, nonprofit organizations and neighborhood organizations to partner and receive funding to help our youth improve their academic skills. The City of Orlando believes the education of our communities' youth does not, nor should it, rest with one organization or entity. The educational development of our children demands leveraging the resources of our families, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, city and other government agencies. Applications will be available in early October 2007.

For more information about any of the Mayor’s Matching Grants programs and application workshops, please visit www.cityoforlando.net/grants or call the Office of Neighborhood and Community Affairs, 407-246-2169.
 

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer
Mayor


 

This section of City News provides public safety updates on new and ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.

National Preparedness Month - Back to School The first week of National Preparedness Month focuses on Back-to-School, with an emphasis on teaching children how to prepare with their family for a disaster or an emergency. The Department of Homeland Security made a special Ready Kids section on its website that turns the task of making emergency plans and kits into games. It also includes educational material for teachers and for parents, including how to involve children in the family’s planning process for an emergency and advice on how to look out for their emotional needs before, during and after a storm. National Preparedness Month is a nation-wide effort between emergency management offices at all levels of government, local organizations, businesses and communities. For information on events in our area, view them online or call the Orlando Office of Emergency Management at 321-235-5437.

Mayor in the Community

On Wednesday, September 5, Mayor Buddy Dyer hosted the Kickoff of the fall session of the Mayor's City Academy. The ten-week, interactive program facilitated by Mayor Dyer, Police Chief Michael McCoy, Fire Chief Jim Reynolds and City Directors, will take residents on a private tour of Orlando City Hall, visit police headquarters, see what life is like at one of our busiest fire stations and go backstage at the Amway Arena. The Mayor’s City Academy Program is held twice a year in the spring and in the fall. For more information, visit the City Academy online.

On Thursday, September 6, Mayor Dyer attended the Burnham Institute of Medical Research Grand Opening at Florida’s Blood Centers and participated in the Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Later that day, he attended an Arts Business Institute Workshop at the Gallery at Avalon. The three-day series of workshops are designed to teach artists the business side of their work.

Tonight, Friday, September 7, Mayor Buddy Dyer will attend the NAACP-Orange County Branch Annual Freedom Fund Banquet.

Did You Know?

Free Performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The City of Orlando is sponsoring two free performances of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" at the Orlando Repertory Theatre located at 1001 E. Princeton Street on September 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Everyone with a sweet tooth will be enticed by this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel. To reserve your seats, call (407) 896-7365 extension 1. Mention the “City of Orlando” offer and reserve up to four tickets to either performance. Tickets will be held at the Orlando Repertory Theatre box office until 15 minutes prior to show time.

Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Application workshops will be offered for neighborhood organizations wishing to apply for a Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant. Attendance at an application workshop is required. A minimum of two people who reside within the boundaries of the neighborhood organization must attend. Workshops will review the guidelines, instructions and application. There is no limit to the number of workshops attended by representatives of a neighborhood organization. Each workshop will cover the same information. Please call the City of Orlando’s Office of Neighborhood Community Affairs at 407-246-3787 to reserve a seat at one of the workshops listed below: • Jackson Community Center, Tuesday, September 11, 6 - 8 p.m. • Dover Shores Community Center, Tuesday, September 18, 6 - 8 p.m. • Orlando City Hall, Saturday, September 22, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. • Callahan Neighborhood Center, Monday, September 24, 6 - 8 p.m. For more information on the Mayor’s Neighborhood Grant Program, visit cityoforlando.net/grants.

Upcoming Events

Road Closure

City Hall
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.246.2221
Fax: 407.246.2842
Email:
buddy.dyer@cityoforlando.net