Commissioner Stuart’s Message – March 2017
Commissioner Robert Stuart
One of the best things about Orlando, especially in the spring, is that there are always fun ways to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the many amenities of our community. Whether you are an enthusiast of the arts, sports, outdoors, or another pastime, there is something happening for everyone.
I am also excited that this month, two great new facilities are open- the Orlando City Soccer Stadium and the new Orlando Police Department Headquarters. Orlando City’s new stadium hosts their inaugural game on Sunday, March 5th. OPD’s new home is located at 1200 W South Street and is a 96,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility that is much more community-friendly, with public spaces for meetings and easier access for all.
Activities abound this month! On Sunday, March 12th, enjoy the College Park Neighborhood Association’s annual Sunday in the Park beginning at noon. This event, brought to you entirely by neighborhood volunteers, will take place at Dartmouth Park and admission is free. Check out www.collegeparkorlando.org for more information about this wonderful community tradition.
It’s also time once again for the popular Leu Gardens’ Annual Plant Sale taking place on March 11th and 12th. Admission to the gardens is free both days. Don’t forget to bring a wagon or cart to help you get all of your plant purchases to your car! This sale is a great way to visit this wonderful city amenity, support local vendors, and beautify your yard at the same time. For more information, go to leugardens.org.
Have you ever wondered how to get more involved in your community? Well, look no further. On Saturday, March 18th, join our city leaders and supervisory staff for a great day of networking and community building. The event will take place at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal from 7:30 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. This is a place where leaders from our city, faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, arts groups, business and civic community can come together with others who are looking to connect more deeply in their city. The day provides many great workshops, seminars, and fellowship opportunities. Visit cityoforlando.net for information on how to sign up and more detailed information about what is planned.
Running through March 19th is the annual Central Florida Fair. Now spanning three weekends, there are many great activities to enjoy. Check out centralfloridafair.com for details.
Another great March tradition is a professional golf tournament that began in Central Florida in 1966 as the Florida Citrus Open and has been steeped in Orlando history ever since. Now it is aptly named the Arnold Palmer Invitational after the man who gave so much of himself and his resources to our community, especially to our children. This year, Peter Jacobsen, Graeme McDowell, Annika Sörenstam, and Curtis Strange will join the former secretary of Homeland Security- and family friend- Tom Ridge, to host the 39th Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, taking place in Orlando March 13-19.
If you aren’t able to get away for Spring Break, there are many great camps right here in Orlando that provide fun activities all week long for school-aged children. The Orlando Science Center, Orlando Repertory Theater, Orlando Museum of Art, and the Orlando Magic all offer camps where kids can learn about science, theater, art or sports, while having a great time.
If there is a teen you know looking for a summer job, our own City of Orlando summer camps are looking to hire lifeguards and counselors for their 2017 program. Lifeguards must be 15 to apply and pass the lifeguard test, while counselors must be 16 to apply and go through an interview process. Visit cityoforlando.net for more information or call our Recreation Division at 407-246-4300.
As a lifelong resident of our Great City, I truly appreciate your continued support of our one of a kind community and look forward to seeing you around the district this spring!
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