March 5, 2010 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

During the week of March 15, you should receive a questionnaire from the U.S. Census in the mail. It is very important that you take the time to fill out this quick form and mail it back. If you’ve already heard the commercial, it’s just ten questions and ten minutes of your time.

The results from the census will determine how $400 billion in federal funding is divided across our country. This funding impacts our schools, transportation projects, Community Development Block Grants, housing assistance, social services, law enforcement and other vital resources. It is important that we get an accurate census count, or our community may not receive the funding we need.

Make sure you are counted. Complete your census form and mail it in by April 1, Census Day. If you have any questions about the census, including job opportunities, visit 2010.census.gov.

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer
Mayor

Home Buyer Education Workshop

If you’ve been dreaming of owning your own home, Consumer Credit Counseling Service is pleased to offer the First Time Home Buyers Workshop to help make that dream a reality.

Topics include determining the price you can afford, down payment and closing cost assistance, shopping for an interest rate, qualifying for a loan and more. The next workshop is March 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 3670 Maguire Boulevard in the third floor conference room. For reservations, call 1.800.251.2227.
 

Buy Local Orlando Highlight

Buy Local Orlando is under way and each week we want to make sure you know that you can get great deals, discounts and offers. There are more than 300 merchant members participating in the Buy Local Orlando campaign offering special offers and discounts exclusively to Buy Local Orlando consumers.

Need a chiropractor? Buy Local Orlando consumers receive a free initial exam, consultation and x-rays from Dr. Bret Scheuplein at Park Lake Health & Wellness (300 East Colonial Drive). Call 407.221.6690 or visit parklakehealth.com for more information.

Get your yard in shape for Spring! At Nancy Bauer Landscaping (421 East Miller Street), Buy Local Orlando consumers receive 10% off gardening services. Call 407.247.2864 for more information.

Send flowers to a loved one from InBloom Florist (325 West Gore Street). Buy Local Orlando consumers receive a free balloon (a $9.95 value). Call 407.649.7771 or visit inbloomflorist.com for more information.

For information on how you can get your Buy Local Orlando card or how your business can be a part of this program, visit buylocalorlando.net.

Crime Reports Now Online

In an effort to make crime information easier to find, the Orlando Police Department (OPD) is joining several other law enforcement agencies across the nation to publish their crime data on CrimeReports.com.

Crime Reports is the largest and most accurate online resource for up-to-date crime and sex offender information. Citizens can access the integrated crime map that shows crime incidents and registered sex offenders. They can also receive email crime alerts based on the area of the City they are interested in and even the type of crime. By providing this information to residents and visitors, the Orlando Police Department believes it will significantly enhance the City’s crime prevention and crime reduction efforts.

This is one of several efforts for OPD to use new technology to fight crime, as mentioned in last week’s City News. To view Orlando’s crime reports online, go to CrimeReports.com.

Cash for Clunker Appliances

During the week of April 16 through April 25, Florida is offering rebates up to 20 percent of the cost for Energy Star appliances. In addition, residents can receive an extra $75 if they show that they have recycled the appliance. These rebates are for personal purchases, not commercial, and cover the purchase of one of each of the following items: refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, room air conditioners and gas tank-less hot water heaters.

This rebate is only for items purchased during April 16 through April 25 and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is designed to encourage energy efficiency as well as to provide economic stimulus for appliance manufactures. More information can be found online.

• March 8: 10 a.m. City Council Workshop; 2 p.m. City Council meeting.
• March 9: District 3 Elections.
• March 22: 2 p.m. City Council meeting
• All City Council meetings are in the Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 400 South Orange Avenue.

Mayor in the Community

Also on Saturday, Mayor Dyer attended the eighth annual Black History Month Gala and Celebration. The event raises money for scholarships for African American students in Orange County Public Schools to attend local colleges.

Did You Know?

Hosted by Mayor Buddy Dyer, this annual summit offers a variety of workshops, resources, best practices and networking opportunities for neighborhood, arts & cultural, civic, community and faith-based leaders and volunteers. Join Mayor Dyer and other neighborhood and community leaders to learn how together, we can build on a decade of success and move our community forward.

This year’s summit will be held on Saturday, April 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriott Downtown Orlando. Workshops, continental breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee. Registration will be available soon at CityofOrlando.net. Register by March 26 and save!

The 5th annual Mayor's Neighborhood & Community Summit is put on in partnership between the City of Orlando's Office of Communications & Neighborhood Relations and the Office of Community Affairs.

For more information, you may contact the Office of Communications & Neighborhood Relations, 407.246.2169 or visit cityoforlando.net/summit.

Lake Alert Informs You

If you live on a lake or use one of the many lakes in the City for recreation, the City’s Stormwater Section wants to keep you informed about water quality. The Lake Alert page on CityofOrlando.net provides any current alerts if they occur. If you sign up for the Lake Alert e-mail, you will get a message e-mailed directly to you related to your zip code or the lakes you have an interest in. The messages include the type of water quality hazard and severity and whether it is safe for recreational purposes. Stormwater also has a 24-hour Lake Alert Message at 407.246.2220.
Signup for Lake Alert and have messages sent directly to your e-mail.

Got Bikes? Ride ‘em!

The City is offering Got Bikes? Workshops throughout the City in the month of March to promote fun activities, safety and bicycling information for youth. Each workshop will include a raffle for a bike. See the list below to find a workshop convenient to you.

• Friday, March 5, 4 p.m., Citrus Square Center, 5625 Hickory Drive with Commissioner Phil Diamond
• Tuesday, March 9, 4:30 p.m., Dover Shores Community Center, 1400 Gaston Foster Road with Commissioner Tony Ortiz
• Wednesday, March 17, 2:30 p.m., College Park Community Center, 2393 Elizabeth Avenue, with Commissioner Robert Stuart
• Wednesday, March 24, 2:30 p.m., Colonialtown Neighborhood Center, 1517 Lake Highland Drive with Commissioner Patty Sheehan.
• Saturday, March 27, 10 a.m., Dr. James R. Smith Center, 1723 Bruton Boulevard, with Commissioner Samuel Ings and in conjunction with the Kids Health Fair and Field Day.

One additional workshop will be held in District 5. For more information on Got Bikes? Ride ‘em! Contact 407.246.3347 or 407.246.3325.

Upcoming Events

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