Orlando City News

March 12, 2010 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

I would like to thank everyone for their response to Get Googling Orlando. As I mentioned to you in an e-mail earlier this week, Google is looking for a city like ours to test their experimental ultra high speed internet network.

Here are some of the reasons people have given for wanting Google’s high speed fiber at GetGoogling.com:

“Working from home..., my day could be even more productive.”

“I would use it to video chat with relatives and friends from out of town.”

“I would take the opportunity to watch more streaming video online. I've been waiting for a reason to transition my flat screen TV to my computer.”

If you have not had a chance to respond yet, here’s how you can help:

  • Fill out Google’s survey: Tell Google what you or your company might be able to accomplish with this kind of internet connection. You can find a link on GetGoogling.com. If you do not already have a Google account, you will need to sign up for a free one to access the form.
  • Get Creative: Show the world why you want Google to choose Orlando by making your own YouTube video and submitting it to GetGoogling.com
  • Tell your friends: Pass along this email, post it on Facebook and talk about it on Twitter or Buzz. Tell them to go to GetGoogling.com

We don’t have much time. Our City’s application is due back to Google on March 26.

We need to get to work fast to show Google that the next generation of the internet is a natural fit with Orlando - the next Great American City.

I know our community is up to the task. So, “Get Googling” Orlando!

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer
Mayor

Mayor’s Neighborhood and Community Summit

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 April 2 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.

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.

At Playoffs Sports Grill (4645 S. Semoran Blvd.), Buy Local Orlando consumers receive 15% off meal purchases with the Buy Local Orlando card. Call 407.277.1000 for more information.

Visit Dairy Queen (3728 E. Curry Ford Rd.) and receive 20% off your check with the Buy Local Orlando card. Call 407.896.7861 for more information.

Book your travel at Seaward Travels (8864 Abbey Leaf Lane) and receive cash rebates of $100 to $750 with your Buy Local Orlando card. Call 407.362.1877 or visit www.seawardtravels.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.

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery

This Saturday night, remember to change your smoke alarm batteries when you change your clock ahead one hour. Replacing the batteries twice a year will insure that your smoke alarms will be ready to protect you should a fire occur in your home.

If you don’t have a smoke alarm and you live in the City of Orlando, call the Orlando Fire Department at 407.246.3128 to request an installation of a free smoke alarm. City residents can also pick up free smoke alarm batteries at any Orlando firehouse.

In 2008, fire killed more people than all other natural disasters combined, and three-fourths of those deaths occurred in homes. Smoke alarms provide a quick warning to help you get out of the house – so don’t let old batteries get between you and safety. Change your clock, change your batteries.

Enroll Now for the 50th Citizen Police Academy

The Orlando Police Department (OPD) is celebrating its 25th year of offering the Citizen Police Academy. This incredible class gives the public a close-up look at the Orlando Police Department and how they keep our community safe.

The 50th class of the Citizen Police Academy begins March 23. The class meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for 14 weeks in the auditorium of the Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Classes include detailed information on topics such as uniformed patrol, special operations, criminal investigation, youth/criminal law and more. Also available are elective field trips to the Orlando International Airport, the 33rd Street Jail and a ride-along with a uniformed patrol officer. To download an application, click here. For questions, please call the Orlando Police Community Involvement section at 407.246.2461.

Green Works Update Banner

OUC Reliably Green

Reliably Green is OUC’s promise to keep an eye on our environmental impact and to weave sustainability through everything we do while providing reliable and affordable energy and water to our customers. OUC continues to seek and evaluate new technologies, projects, programs and services to help its customers become more efficient in their own homes and businesses and save on their utility bills.

To help people conserve at home and at their office, OUC will be holding several “Make Your Mark” open houses in community centers throughout Orlando, including the first at 6 p.m. on March 16 in the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. For additional dates and locations, as well as tips to save on energy, visit reliablygreen.ouc.com.

Upcoming Meetings
  • March 22: 10 a.m. City Council workshop: Creative Village
  • 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.

Community Venues Update Banner

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is Taking Center Stage

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will transform Central Florida’s cultural, economic and community landscape. With the mission of being inclusive – serving as the “family room” for the entire region – virtually every culture, interest and walk-of-life will be embraced.

Please join us for a first-hand look at how this much anticipated project is unfolding, leading up to groundbreaking this fall. Most importantly, learn how you can be a part of it all!

Center Stage - A Community Presentation Series
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
8:30 – 10 a.m.
455 South Orange Avenue, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801

On site and ancillary parking available. Light refreshments will be served

RSVP by March 22, 2010 to Info@orlandopac.org.

Mayor in the Community

On Tuesday, March 9, Mayor Buddy Dyer attended the 13th annual Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida Board of Directors Honorary Luncheon. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida finds, creates and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and families.

On Wednesday, March 10, Mayor Dyer attended the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission 2010 James B. Greene Award dinner.

On Thursday, March 11, Mayor Dyer attended the Central Florida Partnership Transportation Corridors Task Force meeting for an update on SunRail and the Tampa Bay/Central Florida Super Region.

Also on Thursday, Mayor Dyer attended the grand opening of one of three new Sedona’s Grocery Stores to open in Central Florida. This is the first time the chain has expanded outside of South Florida.

Did You Know?

Collective Soul at Downtown Concert Series

WMMO’s Downtown Concert Series returns to City Hall Plaza on Saturday, March 13, at 4 p.m. with Collective Soul and special guest Big 10-4. Enjoy free music and an evening in Downtown Orlando. For more information, visit wmmo.com.

Leu Gardens Plant Sale

If your backyard is looking a little brown from this year’s cold weather, perk it up with a trip to Leu Gardens' annual plant sale, March 20 and 21. The gardens are free both days, and bring a wagon or plant cart for your purchases.

Gardens are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Leu Garden members can enter the park at 8 a.m. on Saturday. For more information and a vendor map, visit LeuGardens.org. The gardens are located at 1920 N. Forest Avenue.

TrashTalk

The City’s Solid Waste Division has a new quarterly newsletter, “Trash Talk,” to keep Orlando residents informed about garbage pickup schedules, recycling programs and other initiatives. In the current issue, you will find information about how to bundle up for leaf season, what to do with hazardous waste and much more. To view “Trash Talk,” go online to cityoforlando.net/trashtalk.

Sunshine Week

Next week, March 14 to 20, is Sunshine Week in the State of Florida. Sunshine Week is a national initiative to open a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.

To increase opportunities for our residents to access their local government, the City has launched a number of initiatives including:

The City also has several existing resources online:

To find out more information visit our website at cityoforlando.net.

Got Bikes? Ride ‘em!

Got Bikes? Ride' emThe City is offering Got Bikes? Workshops throughout the City in 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.

  • 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 B. 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


click for details
Date Event
 
March 13 Downtown Concert Series details
March 17 Got Bikes? Ride 'em  details
March 19 Buddy Jam 2010 details
March 20 & 21 Leu Gardens Plant Sale details
March 20 City Beautiful Waterway Cleanup details
March 23 Citizen Police Academy details
March 24 Got Bikes? Ride 'em  details
March 27 Got Bikes? Ride 'em  details
April 1 Census Day
April 10 Mayor’s Neighborhood and Community Summit details
Sundays Orlando Farmers Market details
   
click for details
 
 

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

Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by City of Orlando officials and employees will be made available to the public and media, upon request, unless otherwise exempt. Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this office. Instead, contact our office by phone or in writing...........