December 7, 2007 - City News

Mayor's Message

Dear Friend,

In October, the Orlando Police Department started Operation Delta, and within a month our talented law enforcement officers had arrested more than 200 people. In November, the number of arrests more than doubled. But we are not just celebrating arrests, we are celebrating change. Delta is the Greek symbol for change, and Operation Delta is changing our community for the better.

By placing our best officers in the worst areas for drug sales and violent crime, we are aggressively attacking crime in the Parramore neighborhood. Through undercover work, community connections and a 24-hour police presence, the Orlando Police Department made an additional 487 arrests over the past month.

That means in the last two months, 721 criminals have been taken off the streets.
Drug dealers, violent individuals and their illegal weapons are all off our streets, making the neighborhood safer.

Amongst all these numbers, it’s the absence of a number that is most significant. Since the start of Operation Delta, there have been ZERO homicides in Parramore. Now with the criminal element off the streets, other City services can move in and improve the environment that has been contributing to criminal activity.

Working with OPD, Code Enforcement has cited 72 properties for violations including illegal and unlicensed commercial activity, housing violations, junk cars and parking violations. Solid Waste is quickly addressing illegal dumping and other waste issues, removing seven truck loads of bulky waste in one week. And with the support of our partners, Orange County Animal Control has removed dozens of stray animals, and the Orlando Utilities Commission is improving street lighting.

Crime and neglected property go hand-in-hand, so Operation Delta is attacking crime from all angles. We’re putting more boots on the streets, using the latest tools and technology and dedicating all available resources to reduce violent crime in Orlando.

Operation Delta changes the way we address crime, changes the makeup of the community and changes our City for the better. Together with our new Police Chief Val Demings, I stand committed to forcing criminals out of our City.
 

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 in their neighborhoods.

Decorations are very much a part of the holiday season, and the Orlando Fire Department wants residents to have a safe holiday by following these suggestions:

This week, the City of Orlando organized and hosted a two-day LEED-NC (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - New Construction) training course. Both City and Orange County staff from Planning, Permitting, Facilities, Purchasing, Capital Improvement, Housing and other departments participated in this training. The course gave a thorough overview of the LEED-NC standards and showcased incorporating sustainable design features in public buildings, assisting the private sector in attaining LEED standards and instituting green building programs.

The course was instructed by Dr. Charles Kilbert and Donna Issacs from the University of Florida Rinker School of Building and Construction. Dr. Kilbert has become a national expert in green building issues.

The commitment to green building is part of “Green Works Orlando,” Mayor Dyer’s environmental action agenda. In September, the City opened the first two “green” fire stations in the state and soon will be opening two more “green” stations. The new facilities are the only fire stations in Florida to have applied for LEED certification. For more information on Green Works Orlando visit cityoforlando.net.
 

Appointment of Chief Val Demings
 

At Monday’s meeting, City Council approved the appointment of Val Demings as the 36th Chief of Police for the Orlando Police Department. A 23-year law enforcement veteran, Demings has a proven track record in every facet and function of law enforcement operations such as uniform patrol, criminal investigations, special operations, internal investigations, airport services, crime prevention, tactical patrol operations, neighborhood patrol operations, and crisis negotiation. She also brings an extensive background with training from the FBI National Academy and the Southern Police Institute Command Officer’s Development Course, and numerous leadership roles with community service organizations.  Chief Demings begins her new role on December 17.

Appointment of Blueprint Special Project Manager

The City Council approved the appointment of Janeiro Colter as the Blueprint Special Project Manager. As part of the Community Venues process, the City developed a Blueprint to serve as a framework for inclusiveness and community building throughout the various levels of contracting. Colter will be responsible for implementing those guidelines and has extensive experience with minority businesses contracts, purchasing and small business development.
 

Economic Development Funding

The City Council approved funding for seven local organizations that stimulate job creation or provide services to residents. These include Florida Citrus Sports, Central Florida Sports Commission, National Center for Simulation, Minority/Women Business Enterprise Alliance, Digital Media Alliance Florida, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Greater Orlando and the Black Business Investment Fund of Orlando. These agencies who assist minority and women-owned businesses with financing and technical issues have committed to incorporating the Blueprint, which promotes the hiring of local and MWBE businesses, into this year’s agreements.
 

Red Light Cameras

The City Council heard the first reading of the Red Light Running ordinance which would allow the use of cameras to fine red light runners. At the next meeting, the Council will be presented with the rankings of the vendors who will provide the technology to capture and fine red light runners.

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