October 12, 2007 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Orlando Police Officer L. Alfred Gordon Sr. whose life was violently taken in the early morning hours of October 4, 2007. I extend my sympathies to the entire Orlando Police Department over this tragic loss.

Officer Gordon was an 18-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department assigned to the Orlando International Airport Patrol Division. Officer Gordon was a father, a friend and Deacon of his Church. He served in the United States military and continued serving the public by choosing a career in law enforcement.

I cannot explain what drives individuals to commit crimes such as the one that took Officer Gordon's life. But, I can reinforce that all the dedicated men and women of OPD are personally committed to protecting our community and are willing to risk their lives each and every day to ensure our safety.

Officer Gordon not only leaves behind three children, his wife of 25 years and a host of friends and family, but untold numbers of good people he quietly and humbly protected during his years of service. His sacrifice and service will forever be a part of his legacy.
 

Sincerely,

Buddy Dyer
Mayor


 

This section of City News provides public safety updates on new and ongoing City initiatives and opportunities for citizens to become engaged.

Fire Prevention Month

Nearly 80 percent of fire deaths in the United States result from fire in homes without working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half by providing an early warning. The Orlando Fire Department offers a free smoke alarm to any City resident who does not have one. To take advantage of this life-saving service, contact 407-246-3128.

In addition, the Orlando Fire Department recommends the following fire prevention tips for making your home a safer place for you and your family:

• Develop and practice a home fire escape plan. Know two ways out of your home, designate a meeting place for family members a safe distance away from your home in case of a fire and practice your escape plans monthly. • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Teach your children not to touch lighters and matches and if they do see them, instruct them to tell an adult. Three out of five child fatalities from home fires are a result of children playing with fire. • Check your smoke alarm batteries every month, change your batteries every six months and replace your smoke alarm every ten years. Domestic Violence Awareness In an effort to bring more attention to domestic violence, Harbor House launched "Stop the Violence" earlier this month. Residents are encouraged to sign the Call to Action and pledge support to end domestic violence in our community. Individuals can visit the new Harbor House website or the Men Against Domestic Violence website to sign the call to action.  Allstate will donate to Harbor House $1 for every person who signs the call to action up to $25,000.00. Domestic violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year. Harbor House provides counseling, emotional support, safe shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline and legal advocacy for thousands of domestic violence survivors and their children each year. Harbor House also prepares survivors for re-entry into the community.

On Friday, October 12, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) Board President Lonnie Bell came together to sign a “Green Partnership Pledge.” Over the past year, the City, County and OUC have each worked to develop individual “green plans.” Each of these plans contains strategies to make positive environmental strides as individual organizations. These individual plans also call for a sharing of resources and information and a commitment to partnering with other local governments and organizations in an effort to make our region more environmentally friendly. The Green Partnership Pledge will serve as a catalyst for leveraging each entity’s leadership position to build regional partnerships, share resources and promote environmental stewardship.

The signing ceremony officially kicked off the 2007 Florida Renewable Energy Expo, a two-day event hosted by OUC—The Reliable One, that focuses on sustainable solutions for our community. In addition to the pledge signing, Friday’s event features keynote speaker Tommy Boroughs, Florida Energy Commission Chairman and OUC commissioner, as well as presentations from renewable energy and green development experts and culminating with a networking reception featuring Senator Lee Constantine. The Expo continues Saturday at Lake Eola from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with live music, renewable energy demonstrations and a free screening of Leonardo DiCaprio’s environmental documentary, The 11th Hour. Visit www.floridareexpo.org for a complete schedule.

Mayor in the Community

On Saturday, October 6, Mayor Buddy Dyer attended the 8th Annual Kids Klassic Golf Tournament to benefit After-School All-Stars. After-School All-Stars is a national provider of out-of-school programming for at-risk children and is chaired locally by District 2 City Commissioner Betty T. Wyman.

Saturday evening, Mayor Dyer attended the SAKtoberfest Street Party in celebration of SAK Theater’s 20th Anniversary.

On Tuesday, October 9, Mayor Dyer provided an update on City Programs and initiatives to the MetroWest Golf Club.

On Wednesday, October 10, Mayor Dyer attended the inaugural fundraising event for the Victim Service Center of Orange County, Inc & Sexual Assault Treatment Center.

On Thursday, October 11, Mayor Dyer joined District 6 City Commissioner Samuel B. Ings at the grand opening of the Orlando Magic Computer Lab at the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. The new lab will provide state-of-the-art computers for the neighborhood community center.

Did You Know?

Upcoming Events

Road Closure

City Hall
400 South Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: 407.246.2221
Fax: 407.246.2842
Email:
buddy.dyer@cityoforlando.net