September 2008
Greetings from Mayor Buddy Dyer
The City is going through its budget process for the upcoming year, which starts on October 1, 2008. I encourage you to participate in this process by attending our two Budget Open Houses and public hearings scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2008 with the Open House beginning at 4 p.m. and the public hearing starting at 5:01 p.m. and Monday, September 15, 2008 with the Open House beginning at 6 p.m. and the public hearing and Council vote starting at 7:01 p.m. Both Open Houses and budget hearings are being held at City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave.). The community Budget Open House will begin one hour before each public hearing. City finance staff and other key departments will be on-hand to distribute information about core City services and answer questions about the upcoming budget. Staff will also be available to provide residents an estimate of their City taxes using the City's tax calculator at www.cityoforlando.net. I have moved the start time for the second hearing being held on September 15 to 7:01 p.m. in an effort to make participation in the public budget hearing process more convenient for you and your neighbors. It’s our desire to give as many neighbors as possible the ability to take part in the budget process. I am confident that we will generate a balanced budget that will keep the City of Orlando safe, provide a high quality of life and create opportunities, even in these challenging economic times. In our effort to be as open and transparent as possible and to engage you and all our citizens in the budget process, we have created a Fiscal Year 08/09 Proposed Budget section on the City’s website- www.cityoforlando.net, click on Fiscal Year 08/09 Proposed Budget in the center of the City’s homepage. Under this section, we have posted my FY 08/09 Budget Address, the PowerPoint presentations made by staff to City Council and other details about the FY 08/09 budget process. I have enclosed the fact sheet with this Briefing. We also want to provide our City residents with the most accurate estimate of their City taxes under the proposed FY 08/09 budget plan. Homeowners will be able to go to the City’s website, under the Fiscal year 08/09 Proposed Budget page and do this calculation for their individual properties.
My regards,
Mayor Buddy Dyer
NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
A Message from OPD Chief Val Demings – The men and women of the Orlando Police Department rely
on our citizens to help us keep our streets and neighborhoods safe. The annual National Night Out event, which is held the first Tuesday in August, is one opportunity we have to come together to celebrate this critical partnership. This year’s National Night Out was another outstanding success. There were 63 parties hosted by Neighborhood Watch groups this year. This year’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd place theme contest winners for National Night Out were:
2008 National Night Out Theme Contest Winners:
1st prize - Richmond Heights - Brooke Street (Leader: Jeanette Marcus) Theme: Drum Out Crime in Our Neighborhood - Listen to the Drums Prize - $100 from Target and $100 from Publix 2nd prize- North College Park- Neptune Drive (Leaders: Bertie Hunt, Patti Riva and Craig O’Neil) Theme: Light Up the Night, Give Crime the Red Light Prize - $150 from Publix Supermarkets 3rd prize- The Willows - Shady Willow Drive (Leader: Erma Green) Theme: "Time" Out for Crime Prize - $75.00 from Target My thanks to all the Neighborhood Watch leaders and volunteers for all of your hard work and support of this year’s National Night Out. I ask all our citizens to join OPD in keeping our streets and neighborhoods safe by participating in Neighborhood Watch, which is proven to be very effective in reducing crime. If you are not a member, I urge you to join. Together, we can make a difference. For more information about starting or joining Neighborhood Watch please contact: Laura Velez Jehan Shelton Georgeanna Butler Commissioner Districts 1 & 2 Commissioner Districts 3 & 4 Commissioner Districts 5 & 6 407-246-2644 407-246-3773 407-246-3628
On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the Orlando Police Department partnered with Real Radio 104.1’s Monsters, 102.JAMZ and Rumba 100.3 to sponsor the 10th Annual Kicks for Guns – 2008. Participants were able to exchange firearms for a new pair of tennis shoes or miscellaneous gift cards at three different locations in Orlando. The event was a huge success. The Orlando Police Department collected 118 guns. For detailed information about the Orlando Police Department, and crime prevention programs, log on to www.cityoforlando.net and click on “Police.”
Get involved in stopping and preventing crime:
Reporting Crime & Suspicious Activity – call 911 Neighborhood Watch – 407-246-2461 Crime Prevention Presentations/Residential Crime Prevention Surveys – 407-246-2461 Operation Identification –407-246-2461 – Marking or taking pictures of your property to prove ownership. Crimeline – 1-800-243-8477 - Available 24 hours a day, taking anonymous tips on any felony criminal activity. Spanish speaking operators available. (If you witness a crime in progress, you should call 911). Drug Hotline 407-246- CRAK (2725) – An anonymous hotline for citizens to report drug activity to the Orlando Police Department. Illegal Gun Bounty Program - call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-8477. CRIMELINE, along with the City of Orlando, sponsors the very successful Illegal Gun Bounty program. You are eligible for a $1000.00 reward for information that leads to an arrest, a gun recovery and a weapons charge. You can also 2 remain anonymous.
NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
Hosted by City of Orlando and Orange County Government Topic: Asset Based Community Development
Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2008, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. NOTE: This workshop starts at 9 a.m. Location: Orange County Regional History Center, 65 East Central Boulevard Overview: It is all about community building! This workshop will give you the facts, community resources and tips to work with the assets that exist right in your own neighborhood. You will learn how to motivate neighbors to get involved by helping neighbors get to know one another. This workshop is also designed to teach neighborhood leaders and volunteers new strategies for finding resources through "civic and social networking.” See enclosed flyer for details. Registration: To register for this workshop, please call Orange County Neighborhood Services at 407-8360035 or register on-line at www.ocfl.net/CommunityConnections.
2008-2009 City of Orlando Budget Open House and Public Hearings- Mayor Buddy Dyer and the
Orlando City Council will hold two Budget Open Houses and public hearings as a part of the City’s annual budget approval process. Monday, September 8 is the first Budget Open House from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and first public hearing is at 5:01 p.m. Monday, September 15, is the second Budget Open House from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and final public hearing and Council vote starts at 7:01 p.m. Both hearings will be held at City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave.) in Council Chambers on the second floor. Please advise your neighbors. See enclosed flyer for details.
POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11 a.m. Please join Mayor Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council as they host the 2008 POWMIA Recognition Ceremony in the City Hall Rotunda, 400 S. Orange Avenue, Downtown Orlando. The City will renew our commitment to bringing prisoners of war home and vowing to never forget those missing in action. Please plan to attend and show your support for our military. Free parking available in the visitor lot on the southeast corner of Orange Avenue and South Street. Covered parking is available in the City Commons parking garage located on the southwest corner of Boone Avenue and South Street. Handicapped parking is available on every level of the parking garage. See enclosed flyer for details.
2009 Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant – Deadline September 19, 2008 - Applications are now
being accepted for the 2009 Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants (MNMG). These grants provide funding of up to $5,000 for projects that address neighborhood needs and improve the quality of life in City of Orlando neighborhoods. Through this grant, neighborhood, condominium, resident and homeowner associations implement physical improvement, public safety, educational or cultural projects and programs that benefit all residents of the neighborhood. At least two members of the neighborhood organization must have attended one of the eight application workshops that were held in July and August in order to be eligible to apply. The 2009 MNMG guidelines and application were mailed to all Orlando neighborhood organization presidents. For additional copies, please call 407- 246-2169. Applications may be completed on-line or a hard copy may be delivered to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs or postmarked no later than September 19, 2008. Please visit our website at www.cityoforlando.net/grants for more information.
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NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
FUNDS AVAILABLE! – Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Mayor's FaithBased and Community Matching Grant - Deadline October 17, 2008. Please pass this funding
opportunity to all the non-profit or faith-based organizations working in your neighborhood or who have partnered with your association. This grant provides funding to non-profit and faith-based 501(c)(3) organizations, which offer youth programming in crime prevention and anti-violence. Organizations applying for these grant funds must have a letter of support from a City of Orlando condominium, homeowner or neighborhood association where the project is located. These organizations will receive grant funding to provide adult supervised and structured activities for youth during non-school hours. Grant funds are available annually, with awards up to $10,000, which are matched dollar for dollar by the non-profit organization using a combination of cash, volunteer labor and/or in-kind donations of goods and services. The applicant’s attendance at an application workshop is required to apply for this grant. For more information, please visit www.cityoforlando.net/grants.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration – Sunday, September 14 - Join Mayor Buddy Dyer,
City Commissioners and the Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Network on Sunday, September 14, 2008 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at Lake Eola Park to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place from September 15 to October 15 and coincides with the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. This free event will feature music and information from many Hispanic countries. There will be a variety of Latin food available for purchase. Pedro Brull, a local Hispanic artist, has created an art piece that will be on exhibit at Lake Eola Park. For more information on the event, contact Maria V. Zapata, at HispanicAdvisoryCouncil@gmail.com or 407-254-4652. See enclosed flyer for details.
Join Mayor Buddy Dyer for his annual CityKidz! Buddy’s Benefit for Children – Mayor Dyer will
be hosting his annual fund raising benefit for children on Thursday, September 18, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Amway Arena. CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children will raise funds for the City’s Parramore Kidz Zone (PKZ) program. PKZ gives children in the historic Parramore neighborhood positive opportunities they otherwise might not have, such as pre-kindergarten programs, pediatric health and dental care, mentoring, tutoring, after school and summer programs, and programs that help youth transition into jobs and higher education. In partnership with existing children’s organizations, non-profits and schools, PKZ aims to make Parramore the kind of neighborhood where children grow up strong, healthy and well educated. This will be an evening of surprises, excitement and entertainment. See enclosed flyer for details.
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NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
Keeping the City Informed about Your Association Meetings and Events – We need your help in
keeping us informed about your association’s board and membership meetings and any events or activities hosted by your association. Our Neighborhood & Community Affairs Outreach Team maintains a list of association meetings and events. Each week Jennifer Chapin and Patricia Newton, our Community Outreach Coordinators, generate a two week calendar that reflects all the association meetings and events NCA is aware of. This calendar is sent to Mayor Dyer, the City Commissioners and City department directors to keep them apprised of association meetings, events and activities. Although NCA knows that your association meets on a specific day of the month, Jennifer or Patricia still must call or email the president each month to verify the date, time and location of your meeting or event. NCA strives to produce the weekly calendar that is accurate and thorough, which requires NCA to count on your information and verification. If you are not receiving a call or email from NCA confirming your meeting for the month, please contact Susan Harris at 407-2462779 or susan.harris@cityoforlando.net. We greatly appreciate your assistance with producing this weekly association meeting and event calendar.
Need a Speaker for Your Association or Civic Organization Meeting? Contact the Office of
Neighborhood and Community Affairs (NCA) to schedule a member of Mayor Dyer’s senior staff to speak to your organization about City priorities, programs and services. NCA can also help you with program ideas and presentations that may be of interest to your neighbors and members. Contact Jennifer Chapin, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 407-246-3846 or Jennifer.chapin@cityoforlando.net.
Opportunities-Activities-Events
September is National Preparedness Month - National Preparedness Month is held each September to
increase public awareness about emergency preparedness. During the month, everyone is encouraged to take simple steps to be prepared for any natural or man-made disaster. Build a Kit: Gather necessary items for your family's emergency preparedness kit; Make a Plan: A thorough and practiced plan can help you keep track of family members in any emergency; Be Informed: Daily tips will add to your knowledge and help you make a wise decision during any crisis; Get Involved: We all have a role to play in keeping our hometowns safe. Make it yours, and prepare yourself and your family to minimize the emotional and physical effects and be ready to help others in need the first 24 to 72 hours after a disaster when responders can't get to your community. For more information on the Ready Campaign and National Preparedness Month, please visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov. Information is also available by phone at 1-800-BE-READY or 1-888-SE-LISTO. Also, you may contact Adolfina Ortiz, Disaster Volunteer Manager/Orlando Citizen Corps Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management, at 321-235-5432 or email her at adolfina.ortiz@cityoforlando.net.
Disaster Volunteer Open House - Get involved and find out about the different areas where you can
volunteer before, during and after a disaster. Meet the Orlando Office of Emergency Management staff and partners, learn the role of the Emergency Operations Center and take a tour of the Orlando Operations Center. Volunteers are at liberty to choose their area and level of commitment. Date: September 13, 2008 Time: 9 am - 11 am Where: Orlando Operations Center located at 110 N. Andes Ave., Orlando, FL 32807, (Off of Lake Underhill Rd., between Conway Rd. and West of Semoran/SR436, there is a traffic light at Andes Ave.) RSVP: To Janice Owens-Cannady at 321-235-5437 or Janice.Owens-Cannady@cityoforlando.net
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NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
For more information, please contact Adolfina Ortiz, Disaster Volunteer Manager/Orlando Citizen Corps Coordinator at 321-235-5432 or adolfina.ortiz@cityoforlando.net.
Do you want to know what it is like to be an Orlando Firefighter? Attend the next Citizen Fire
Academy from September 16, 2008 through November 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which is conducted by the Orlando Fire Department. The Citizens Fire Academy is a ten-week program designed to give Orlando residents an inside look at the life of Orlando Firefighters. Each week citizens meet for three hours and interact with firefighters on a number of topics, such as: fire fighting apparatus and protective gear; fire hazards should you look for in your home; how to survive a fire in the workplace; using a fire extinguisher; arson and bomb detection procedures; basic first aid and CPR, and; other firefighting techniques. To register or for more information, contact Vicki Robles at 407-246-3128 or vicki.robles@cityoforlando.net.
The City’s Mayor William Beardall Senior Center provides a variety of activities and events Each month over 2,000 people attend nearly 100 classes, clubs, meetings and events managed by the City of Orlando's Families, Parks and Recreation Department. The Beardall Center sits on 3 ½ acres at 800 Delaney Avenue, on the northwest corner of Delaney Avenue and Gore Street. The center was the Delaney Elementary School, constructed in 1920. Some older adults who enjoy classes and events at the center attended grammar school at Delaney Elementary more than 70 years ago. In 1983, Orange County Public Schools sold the building to the City of Orlando. After completing award-winning renovations, it was dedicated as the Mayor William “Billy” Beardall Senior Center on November 13, 1986. For a monthly schedule of events and activities being held at the Beardall Senior Center go on line to http://www.cityoforlando.net/fpr/Html/PDFs/Beardall_Aug08.pdf for the August and September Calendar. See the enclosed September Calendar.
Help Seniors, People with Disabilities and Veterans Get their $300 Stimulus Check from the Federal Government – Did you know there are more than 14,000 City of Orlando residents eligible for an
economic stimulus check who have yet to file their 2007 tax return? This unclaimed money totals more than $4 million. Even if you do not usually file a tax return, you can get the stimulus payment from the federal government if you file this year. To get this payment, citizens must file a tax form (1040A) with the IRS by October 15. This payment should not affect a person’s other benefits, such as SSI, Food Stamps or Medicaid. We need your help to reach our City’s eligible seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. Please encourage them to attend one of these events where they can file for this stimulus check: Monday, September 8, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Engelwood Neighborhood Center, 6123 LaCosta Dr. Monday, September 8, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd. Wednesday, September 10, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Avenue Wednesday, September 10, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Dr. Friday, September 12, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center, 101 N. Parramore Ave. Friday, September 12, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Disabled American Veterans, 2040 W. Central Blvd. In addition to these events, citizens may file for free at: Orlando ACORN – 120 E. Colonial Drive, Orlando, 407-423-9832 Mon. – Fri. 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center – 850 Trafalgar Court, Maitland, 407-660-5830 Mon. – Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
For more information about filing for the stimulus payment, dial 2-1-1 or contact the IRS at 1-866-234-2942 or www.irs.gov. See enclosed flyer for details.
Graffiti Hotline: 407-254-GRAF (4723) - Residents can call in and report graffiti to 407-254-GRAF (4723).
This information clearinghouse, managed by Keep Orlando Beautiful, streamlines the process for graffiti removal by working in tandem with City departments and the OPD Gang Enforcement team to aggressively locate and remove graffiti. Residents can also report graffiti online by going to http://cityoforlando.net/public_works/graffiti/Graffiti.aspx.
Keep Informed about your City – Subscribe to “City News” – City News is the City of Orlando’s
weekly electronic newsletter delivered to your e-mail every Friday. City News keeps you up-to-date on what is happening in Orlando by featuring a message from the Mayor, City Council updates and information on City programs, services and events. If you would like to receive City News, please go on-line to subscribe at http://cityoforlando.net/elected/subscribe.
Shop for Fresh Vegetables, Plants and Unique Arts and Crafts at the Sunday Farmers Market The Sunday Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is located at the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park. Vendors line the sidewalks with artwork, plants, handcrafted jewelry, fresh produce and gourmet food all available for purchase. For more information call 321-202-5855 or visit http://www.downtownorlando.com.
Update on Community Venues
Events Center, Citrus Bowl and Performing Arts Center Looking for Information - The City is committed to keeping you informed and providing updates on the
progress of the Venues projects. Go online to the City’s website – http://www.cityoforlando.net and click on the “Community Venues” icon in the center towards the bottom of the page or here is the direct link http://www.cityoforlando.net/elected/venues/. If you have questions that are not addressed on the City’s Community Venues web pages, or would like to have a Community Venues presentation at your association meeting, contact Susan Harris at 407-246-2779 or email susan.harris@cityoforlando.net. JOBS - The City of Orlando has partnered with Workforce Central Florida and four community based organizations (CBOs), to develop a local workforce initiative to provide trained workers for Community Venues construction and retail venues created by development. Anyone interested in finding a job with one of the Venues, needs to contact one of these CBOs:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Center for Change, Inc. - 407-836-8497 Community and Church Assistance Program - 407-351-4151 Community Service Center of Central Florida, Inc. - 407-851-5920 Nehemiah Education and Economic Development, Inc. (N.E.E.D.) - 407-661-9050
These four CBOs provide targeted community outreach, advocacy, intake, assessment and employment/training referral services to Workforce Central Florida. CBOs will also provide supportive services to eliminate barriers to employment, if needed. Examples of supportive services are resume writing, bus passes, childcare, tools and 7 mentoring. Workforce Central Florida will assess the individual’s employment interest, ability and skills and assist them with finding employment. Job training will be provided based on individual abilities and skills.
NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
September 2008
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NEIGHBORHOOD BRIEFING
Invitation to Upcoming City Events & Meetings:
September 2008
To stay on top of City events, visit the City’s web site at http://www.cityoforlando.net and click on Calendar tab at the top and then click on the calendar you want to view. For Harry P. Leu Garden’s event information go to http://www.leugardens.org. Please share this information with your neighbors. Every Sunday September 8, 2008 September 8, 2008 September 8, 2008 September 8, 2008 Sunday Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the southeast corner of Lake Eola Park. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Engelwood Neighborhood Center, 6123 LaCosta Dr. See information above. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, 1723 Bruton Blvd. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Beardall Senior Center. See information above. 2008-2009 City Budget Open House at 4 p.m. and Public Hearing (first hearing) at 5:01 p.m., at City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave) in Council Chambers on the second floor. See information above. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Beardall Senior Center, 800 S. Delaney Ave. See information above. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Northwest Community Center, 3955 W.D. Judge Dr. See information above. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center, 101 N. Parramore Ave. See information above. Economic Stimulus Check Filing Event, 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Disabled American Veterans, 2040 W. Central Blvd. See information above. Community Connections Workshop, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Orange County Regional History Center. Topic: Asset Based Community Development. See information above. Disaster Volunteer Open House, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Orlando Operations Center. See information above under the Orlando Citizen Corps section. National Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Lake Eola Park. See information above. 2008-2009 City Budget Open House at 6 p.m. and Public Hearing (final hearing and Council vote on budget) at 7:01 p.m., at City Hall (400 S. Orange Ave) in Council Chambers on the second floor. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rosemont Community Center. See information above. Citizen Fire Academy, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Advance registration is required. See information above. CityKidz! Buddy's Benefit for Children, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Amway Area. See information above. POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony, 11 a.m. in the City Hall Rotunda. See information above. Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant Application Deadline, 5 p.m. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Wadeview Community Center. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Engelwood Neighborhood Center. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. See information above. Mayor’s Faith-based & Community Matching Grant Application Workshop, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Orlando City Hall. See information above.
September 10, 2008 September 10, 2008 September 12, 2008 September 12, 2008 September 13, 2008 September 13, 2008 September 14, 2008 September 15, 2008
September 16, 2008 September 16, 2008 September 18, 2008 September 19, 2008 September 19, 2008 September 24, 2008 September 29, 2008 October 8, 2008 October 13, 2008
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