Commissioner Stuart – August 2016

by Rick · August 2, 2016

While the Orlando Sentinel columnists are the pros, I thought I would provide my own version of running off at the typewriter with some news from the City of Orlando…

I am humbled to report that the One Orlando fund has garnered more than $20 million in donations. Kenneth R. Feinberg, administrator of the OneOrlando Fund, released a draft protocol that outlines the proposed process for the distribution of the OneOrlando funds directly to victims’ families and survivors. In addition to feedback from Equality Florida and the National Center for Victims of Crime/National Compassion Fund, the OneOrlando Fund Board is encouraging input from victims’ families and survivors of the Pulse tragedy as well as the Orlando community as a whole. Two town hall meetings will be held to get feedback from the public on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Amway Center.
I am glad to report that we had our budget workshop in July and our City is very healthy financially. While the final vote on next year’s budget will be September 26th, I can report that the mayor has asked that the city council vote to keep our city’s millage rate the same as it has been the past two years, at 6.65. For more information on the City’s budget, visit net/budget or feel free to attend one of the two budget public hearings taking place at 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 15^th and Monday, September 26^th in the City Council Chambers.
As we all try to fit in a few more fun family activities before summer comes to an end, consider visiting our city’s signature park, Lake Eola. If you missed our 4^th of July festivities, check out Movieola on the East Lawn of the park. This fun, outdoor family movie night will take place on August 26^th with an 8:15 p.m. showing of “Minions.” Check out cityoforlando.net for details.
August is a very special month this year because we have twelve days of Summer Olympics in Rio to enjoy! I don’t believe that there is much that unites our country more than this amazing global event. While we all will be cheering on Team USA, check out our local Olympic heroes, such as Katelin Snyder, a graduate of Winter Park High School and a member of the Olympic Rowing Team. Marvin Bracy, a graduate of Boone High School will be competing in Track and Field and another Orlando resident, Laura Graves, will be competing in Equestrian.
As you are probably aware, many sidewalks are being completed throughout our city, with a second phase of funding from a federal transportation grant. The City is committed to a safe, comfortable pedestrian system. Check out cityoforlando.net/orlandowalks for more information.We are also excited to continue the expansion of our trail system through the City. Since its opening in 2012, the Urban Trail has been a great connector and the Lake Baldwin and Cady Way Trails are constantly busy with residents, which is great to see! We are excited that while Bumby Avenue is under construction to address flooding and road surface issues, the City will take advantage of this opportunity to construct a new off-street, shared-use path in the right-of-way for biking and walking that will be completed at the same time as the current project, in the spring of 2017. The new path will consist of 10-feet-wide asphalt pavement in most areas and run along the east side of Bumby Avenue from Rosedale Road to Corrine Drive, providing a safe route and further connecting neighborhoods.
Another great reason to get on one of our trails is to walk or bike to one of our many delicious restaurants, especially those participating in the 2016 Main Streets Restaurant Week (#afoodiething), which runs through August 13^th. Restaurant Week encourages restaurant members to offer a select prix fixe menu with established price points of $5, $10, $20 and $30 depending upon lunch or dinner, and the restaurant’s normal price point. No tickets or passes are required. Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like. Visit orlandomainstreets.com for more details as well as a list of participating establishments.
August means back to school for many youth and families in our community. I want to congratulate all of our local schools for continuing their high standards of student achievement. Part of what makes all of these schools special is their high level of community involvement. Please consider learning more about what each of these schools does and getting personally involved. Also, for those who are shopping, the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday will take place this year August 5^th through the 7^th. For more information about what is covered, visit dor.myflorida.com.
If you are a member of any sort of group, through your business, church, civic organization, or other, please consider signing up for our Take Heart Orlando Hands Only CPR Training. To schedule a Free Hands-Only CPR for your group e-mail [email protected] or call 407-246-4CPR. Also, we are encouraging citizens to check out the PulsePoint app through our Orlando Fire Department, which provides life-saving tips in case of an emergency. Visit cityoforlando.net/fire for more information.