Commissioner Stuart – July 2017

by Rick · July 7, 2017

Commissioner Robert Stuart

July is synonymous with Independence Day. While we all enjoy friends, family and fireworks this month, from Lake Eola to Baldwin Park, we can all remind ourselves of the core values on which our great country was founded and remember that our differing opinions give our country strength.

Other events are happening this month that allow our residents to enjoy our Great City while staying indoors and cool. The Mennello Museum (mennellomuseum.org) is hosting their Free Family Fun Day on July 9^th. This is a perfect way to enjoy the current exhibitions in the museum. The Orlando Science Center (osc.org) has extended summer hours on Friday and Saturday evenings for extended fun! The center has four floors full of exhibits, educational and Hollywood films, laser shows and more to help the community gain inspiration and curiosity. This is a great place to “sneak” in some educational enrichment with your kids.

The Orlando Repertory Theater (orlandorep.com) is hosting the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical presented by The Rep Youth Academy. The show will run from July 14^th through July 30^th and is based on the 1968 film version of Ian Fleming’s book and features the score by the Sherman Brothers. Watching this musical is a great way to support the community and enjoy family time.

Also in the Loch Haven Park area is the Randall R. Tuten Orlando Fire Museum. The building that houses the museum was moved there after serving as College Park’s fire station, located on Orlando Avenue from 1926-1978. The museum is full of cool history and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays and other days for group tours. Visit cityoforlando.net/fire for details.

Another great way to celebrate this month is to stop by the Audubon Park Garden District’s 10^th annual Bastille Day Celebration July 14th and 15th. It is a district-wide event that starts with a Vive la France Party at East End Market on Friday night followed by free events throughout the District on Saturday July 15. There will be live music at East End Market and Bikes, Beans and Bordeaux throughout the day. Visit audubonparkgardens.com for details.

Then please join us Downtown on Friday, July 21 for Mayor Dyer’s annual State of the City Address. This year, he will be giving his State of the City address along with his Budget Address, so residents can learn about plans for our city along with our fiscal outlook for next year.

For those who are interested in learning more about Metro Plan’s Corrine Drive study, there is a public workshop taking place on July 27th in the Camellia Room at Leu Gardens from 6-8 p.m. The workshop will serve as the culmination of phase one of the study and the kick off of the second phase, which will include Metro Plan’s development of potential designs of the area to share with the community. During the meeting, Metro Plan will discuss the results of their thorough traffic collection methods and data as well as share results of their extensive public opinion research. They were proud that they received more than 1,700 surveys from area residents with their input about this thoroughfare and its future. Please continue sharing your ideas and thoughts through #CorrineWishList.

As always, thanks for your continued support for our great city and its events. Put on some red, white and blue this month and enjoy the all that is happening in our Great City. I look forward to seeing you around our community this month as we celebrate our Independence.