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TO: Avalon Home and Property Owners Association, Inc. (Rural Settlement)
ahp...@yahoo.com ~ kathys...@yahoo.com
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December 31, 2009 ~ Orange County Government ~ Neighborhood Update
This public service notice is being sent to the registrants of the Orange County Neighborhood Organization Directory. Please share the following information with your neighbors and organization members. We want you to know that we respect the privacy of your email address – this email is sent per individual email addressees listed in our Directory. Only other members in your organization, if listed below, are seeing your email address. However, if you do not wish to receive emailed information from Orange County Government, please reply to sender and request that your email address be removed from our database.
INFORMACIÓN IMPORTANTE. PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL FAVOR DE LLAMAR A NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AL 407-836-5606
Your friends at Orange County Neighborhood Services...
Connecting Neighbors & Neighborhoods!
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Quick Links
Most underlined items in this E-Newsletter are hyperlinks!
The following subjects are bookmarks to easily navigate to a topic of interest within this e-newsletter.
Orange County Neighborhood Services
Orange County Parks & Recreation
Orange County Code Enforcement
Orange County Environmental Protection
Orange County UF/Cooperative Extension
Orange County Commission on Aging
Orange County Regional History Center
Other Happenings in Orange County
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Holiday Observance
v Happy New Year! Most county facilities will be closed Jan uary 1, in observance of New Year’s Day. Have a fun and safe holiday!
v Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Observance: Most county facilities will be closed January 16, to commemorate the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. President Reagan signed the bill into law, declaring Dr. King’s birthday a national holiday on November 2, 1983. President Reagan paid warm tribute to Dr. King, saying, “his words and deeds have stirred our nation to the very depths of its soul.”
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Because No One Should Go Hungry!
v Hispanic Office for Local Assistance can help! Do you know anyone that may be struggling to provide for their family? The City of Orlando’s Hispanic Office for Local Assistance (H.O.L.A.) can help with the application process to get assistance with food, Medicaid, KidCare, etc… Friendly application assistance provided from start to finish, in person. For more information call (407) 254-4652. H.O.L.A. is located at 595 N. Primrose Drive , Orlando , FL 32803 . Use the link to find out more information.
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Garbage Collection
v Holiday Schedule ~ No garbage or recycling collection in unincorporated Orange County :
New Year’s Day, Friday, Jan uary 1: If Friday is your garbage collection day, garbage will be collected on the following Tuesday. Recycling service will be available on New Year’s Day if that is your regularly scheduled collection day.
Christmas Tree Collection: We encourage recycling your Christmas tree. Place it curbside on your regularly scheduled yard waste collection day. Remove all ornaments, decorations, nails, and tree stands prior to placing your tree curbside. If tree is over six feet tall, cut in half.
REMEMBER: There is no collection of bulky items during a holiday week. For more information, visit Orange County Utilities, or call the Utilities Solid Waste Hotline at (407) 836-6601. Email Solid...@ocfl.net.
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v Orange County Neighborhood Stabilization Program
If you are interested in buying a home or know someone that may be interested, the Housing and Community Development Division’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program may be just right for you. This program provides down payment assistance of up to $35,000, and closing costs will be paid by Orange County for qualified homebuyers. The homes are energy efficient, affordable and have been recently renovated. For more information, use the link to visit their website or contact them directly at 407-836-5189.
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Information from Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty
v Orange County Armed Forces Community Covenant
v Orange County Government has a Legislative Delegation!
v Downtown Orange County! Downtown Orange County is the initiative of Mayor Crotty to provide Orange County services and support to defined community partners and other regional stakeholders.
v Bring World Cup Soccer back to Orlando: Use this link to view and sign the petition to bring World Cup Soccer back to Orlando !
v eAgenda: Use this link to view the Board of County Commissioners’ upcoming Meeting Agendas or to request an appearance before the Orange County Board.
v County Calendar: Use this link to find out when Board of County Commissioner meet and information about other Community Meetings & Events that are held by Orange County Government.
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Orange County Sheriff’s Office
A Holiday Greeting from Orange County Sheriff Jerry L. Demings
With the bulk of the holiday behind us and 2009 coming to a close, I want to again Thank You from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, and wish a happy and safe New Year to you and your family.
Driving and pedestrian safety:
Ø Drivers should always be mindful of posted speed limits. Don’t be in a hurry for holiday events.
Ø Wear your seat belts and always make sure children are properly restrained.
Ø Designate a driver before attending any holiday events where you may consume alcohol.
Ø If you do not have a designated driver, call a friend, family member or a taxi.
Ø Be courteous and remain calm, even if provoked by another driver.
Ø Maintain a safe following distance with the vehicle in front of you.
Ø When packing your vehicle, make sure items are properly secured. Never store items in a back window shelf. They interfere with your ability to see and can become dangerous in an accident or a sudden stop.
Ø Always walk on sidewalks and cross at marked crosswalks or intersections.
Ø Dress to be seen. Wear visible clothing.
Ø Always follow the pedestrian signal and not the traffic light.
If your vehicle breaks down:
Ø Signal, slow down and carefully pull off the road on to the shoulder.
Ø Turn on your emergency flashers
Ø Raise your hood
Ø Never stand behind or directly in front of a disabled vehicle.
Ø Remain in your vehicle unless you think your vehicle may be struck from behind.
Ø Call and wait for assistance.
If you are pulled over by Law Enforcement:
Ø Pull slowly and carefully off the road or to the closest shoulder of the road.
Ø At night, turn on your interior light or if possible pull over in a well lit area.
Ø Remain in your vehicle unless asked to do otherwise.
Ø Remember to slow down or move over and slow down to another lane when you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
Other holiday celebrations and traditions: Please be mindful that some holiday traditions such as the use of fireworks and the discharge of a firearm are illegal and dangerous. At least three people have been killed or injured in Orange County since 2005 from the indiscriminate shooting of guns to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. Please use common sense and lock your guns up on New Year’s Eve.
Again, have a SAFE 2010!
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If You or a Friend Is Out Celebrating & Consume Alcohol, Remember to call Tow-to-Go
v Tow-to-Go service is currently provided through and including 1/2/10. Through a partnership with Budweiser, AAA Auto Club South provides the Tow to Go program. The program offers intoxicated motorists a free tow, taking both the driver and the vehicle safely home. Anyone who needs this service can call 1-800-AAA-HELP (which is also their 24-hour emergency road service number.) The caller does not have to be AAA member and there is NO CHARGE for the tow. Use the link to find information about other holidays when this service will be available. Be Smart…Drive Safe!
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Crime Prevention Resources
v Call for nominations for the Neighborhood Watch Awards of Excellence
v CrimeLine Warrants: Use this like to find out who is wanted by the police. If you have information about the location of any wanted person, contact CrimeLine or call 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous!
v OCSO Crime Prevention Unit: All OCSO Crime Prevention Officers’ contact information has been updated. For more information about Orange County Sheriff’s Office programs such as Neighborhood Watch or COP’s, and other important crime prevention information, contact the Crime Prevention Unit, (407) 254-7433, or go to OCSO Program Brochures
v Neighborhood Crime Statistics: Use this link, if you would like crime stats for your neighborhood streets!
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Orange County Neighborhood Services Division
Our Mission is to strengthen the Orange County community
we design services which empower citizens and neighborhood organizations
in ways that help citizens increase their involvement in community decision making.
(407) 836-5606 ~ Neighborho...@ocfl.net
v Community Connections Workshop: “Enhancing the Neighborhood” ~ Saturday, Jan uary 9, 9 am to 12 pm ~ First encounters make lasting impressions…what does the condition of your neighborhood say about your community and its neighbors? Maintaining a well kempt neighborhood is a priority of many neighborhood organizations. City of Orlando and Orange County staff will share programs, services and resources to help neighborhood organizations enhance their neighborhoods. Topics will include graffiti prevention and removal, neighborhood cleanup and beautification programs, code enforcement, crime prevention and animal control. Click on the hyperlink above for more information or to register for this workshop, or call 407-836-0035.
v Grant writing technical assistance: Need assistance writing winning grants? Or, need assistance researching available grant funds? Orange County Neighborhood Services can help. If you have a question regarding grant writing for a neighborhood/community project, call us at (407) 836-5606 or click here to submit your question via email.
v Connecting Neighbors & Neighborhoods: This television program is produced by OrangeTV & Neighborhood Services. Watch it to learn how to make your neighborhood and Orange County the best possible place to live!
v Neighborhood Update: Access this E-Newsletter from our website!
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Orange County Parks & Recreation Division
Upcoming Events & Important Information!
v Renaissance Senior Center activities – South Econ Community Park ( East Orange County )
January 10, February 14, March 14, 1 to 4 pm - Flea Market – Buy, sell, or trade your treasures. Tables are only $5. Please call ahead of time to reserve your table. Future dates are Event runs from
February 5, 7 pm and 10 pm Ballroom Dance After Hours ~ Show your talents with Julius bringing the music. will be the upcoming dances and the cost is $7 per person. Some refreshments will be provided.
Every Thursday, 3 to 5 pm – Bingo! and a chance to win up to three prizes. $2 entry fee to play and we encourage you to bring your own refreshments.
Renaissance Senior Center is located at 3800 S. Echnlockhatchee Trail, Orlando 32829. For more information, call (407) 254-9070.
v Mark Street Senior Recreation Complex
January 15, 6 to 8:45 pm, 99 E. Marks Street , Orlando ~ Clown School: Learn skills such as make up and costuming, ballooning, face painting, magic, and more. $125 for nine-week course, registration required. For more information call (407) 252-6911.
January 16, 8 to 11 pm, St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, 801 Hastings Street , Orlando , $8 includes soft drinks and snacks. For more information call (407) 298-5981.
v Pre-school programs
9:30 to 11 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Barnett Park , 4801 W. Colonial Drive , Orlando ~ The ABC’s & 123’s program is for children ages 3-6 and their adult caregiver; includes story time and more. Free, For more information call (407) 836-6248.
v Parks Database ~ Use this link to quickly see what’s happening at any of Orange County park location; there are lots of events and activities are going on at Orange County ’s Parks!
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Orange County Animal Services Division
Upcoming Events & Important Announcements!
(407) 254-9140 ~ AnimalS...@ocfl.net
Animal Services home page now features an easy way to donate a Kuranda dog bed at a discounted price. Help make a shelter pet’s stay more comfortable.
January 9, 9 am to 12 pm, Downey Park , 10107 Flowers Avenue , Orlando , 32825 (Colonial and Dean Road at the dog park). Orange County residents with dogs and cats over four months old can receive FREE rabies vaccines.
v Newspapers Are Always Needed! ~ Animal Services is located across from the Mall at Millenia and Ikea. Drop off newspaper at 2769 Conroy Road , 9 am to 6 pm, Monday-Friday or 9 am to 2 pm, Saturday.
v Stay connected with Animal Services! Twitter click here! YouTube click here! Facebook click here!
( Search Orange County Animal Services)
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Orange County Code Enforcement Division
“Working for a better Community”
3-1-1 or (407) 836-3111 ~ CodeEnf...@ocfl.net
v "Working for a better community": The Code Enforcement Division exists to enhance the quality of life and economy of Orange County through enforcing regulations that preserve and protect neighborhoods. The Division will promote voluntary compliance by establishing partnerships with citizens, community groups and other agencies. Register a Complaint Online.
v Garage Sales Permit: Garage, yard, shed or other type sales are allowed in residential zoning districts with the proper Zoning permits. Sales are limited to 2 per year and are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division.
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Orange County Environmental Protection Division
Upcoming Events & Important Information!
(407) 836-1400 ~ EPDwebc...@ocfl.net
v Household Hazardous Waste ~ Learn more and what to do about it.
v Environmental Programs ~ Use this link to find out how to make new environmental discoveries at Orange County Park Locations!
v Stay connected with Environmental Protection (EPD)! Twitter click here! YouTube click here! Facebook click here!
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Orange County UF/Cooperative Extension
Check Out What’s Available to Orange County Residents…
6021 South Conway Road, Orlando , FL 32812
(407) 254-9200 ~ ora...@ifas.ufl.edu
v Florida Friendly Landscaping class:
January 16, 8 am to 5 pm, City of Altamonte Springs , West Operations Center , 9450 Calabria Drive . Florida-Friendly Landscaping (tm) Principles will be covered in depth for maintenance of Turf, Ornamental Plants, Trees, and Palms. Learn about proper irrigation, fertilizing, pest management, landscape design concepts and impacts on our environment. Appropriate for landscape Industry, government employees, and interested homeowners. For more information or to register call 407-665-5575.
v 4-H Extravaganza
January 16, 10am to 3pm ~ Watch youth compete in public speaking and creative arts competitions at a luncheon honoring 4-H alumni at the Orange County Extension Center , 6021 South Conway Rd. Orlando 32812 . Free and Open to public. For more information, call 407-254-9200 or visit http://oc4h.ifas.ufl.edu.
v Trail of Trees
January 20, 3pm ~ Featuring nationally renowned educator/performer Tim Womick, this high energy educational program will teach youth the importance of trees. Sponsored in partnership between the Florida Urban Forestry Council and Orange County 4-H. For school-age youth and their families. Located at the Orange County Extension Center , 6021 South Conway Rd. Orlando , 32812. For more information, call 407-254-9200 or visit http://oc4h.ifas.ufl.edu.
v Vegetable Gardening: Warm season:
January 23, 9 to 10:30 am, Orange County Extension
January 28, 6 to 7:30 pm, Jessie Brock Community Center , 301 N. Dillard Street, Winter Garden 34787
Registration is required. For more information or to register, call (407) 254-9200
v Tree Adoption Program: Orange County Cooperative Extension hosts tree adoptions, free to all Orange County citizens. Along with the obvious advantages of shade and beauty, trees provide oxygen, filter, pollution, and create habitats for wildlife. Adding trees also replenish lost canopy due to storm damage, age, and development. And of course, pride of ownership, a sense of accomplishment and increased property value are added perks. The tree adoptions events will be held the on following dates and locations from 8am until 12noon, or when all trees are gone:
2010 Streetscape Tree Adoptions Schedule
Date Location Address
Jan 23 Bear Creek Park 1600 Bear Crossing Dr , Orlando 32824
Feb 13 Ft. Christmas Historical park 1300 Ft. Christmas Rd , Christmas FL 32709
Mar 13 Barnett Park 4801 W. Colonial Dr , Orlando 32808
Apr 10 Tibet Butler Preserve 8777 County Rd 535, Orlando 32836
May 15 Magnolia Park 2929 Binion Rd , Apopka FL 32703
Jun 12 Jay Blanchard Park 2451 N. Dean Rd., Orlando 32817
Jul 24 Bear Creek Park 1600 Bear Crossing Dr. , Orlando FL 32824
Aug 14 Ft Christmas Historical Park 1300 Fort Christmas Rd., Christmas FL 32709
Sep 18 Barnett Park 4801 W. Colonial Dr. , Orlando FL 32808
Oct 9 Tiber Butler Preserve 8777 County Rd., 535, Orlando FL 32836
Nov 13 Magnolia Park 2929 Binion Rd. , Apopka FL 32703
Dec 11 Jay Blanchard Park 2451 N. Dean Rd. , Orlando FL 32817 .
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Orange County Commission on Aging
News in Central Florida …This information isn’t just for Seniors!
2100 E. Michigan Street, 2nd Floor, Orlando , Fl. 32806
(407) 836-7616 ~ Office...@ocfl.net
v Counsel for Caregivers Seminar
January 21, 12:10 to 12:50pm ~ This month’s presentation is the “What to Consider when Selecting a Long Term Care Facility” given by Edith Gendron, with Emeritus Senior Living. Join this FREE seminar, at the Downtown Orlando Public Library, 3rd Floor, Albertson Room. Lunch is provided for the first 50 people to RSVP to 407-836-7446 or office...@ocfl.net.
v Recommended Reading : “Lessons for Living Longer.From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest” by Dan Buettner.
v Partner Paragraph: SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a program of the Florida Dept. of Elder Affairs. Shine volunteers provide educational materials and free unbiased insurance counseling to Florida elders on Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning & insurance, and other health care issues. For more information, call “2-1-1 or 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
v Did you know…78% of citizens 65+ registered to vote in the 2006 congressional election and 63% of these individuals reported casting a ballot.
v Commission on Aging Monthly Newsletter: One-page newsletter summarizing the activities of the Commission on Aging and other initiatives in our community.
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Great Events & Programs for Neighborhood Organizations & Residents
(407) 935-7323 ~ www.ocls.info/Virtual/AskaQuestion/email
v Hiawassee Branch Grand Operning
January 9, 10 am, Orlando Public Library, Hiawassee Branch, invites you to celebrate the opening of its new digs on Saturday, Jan uary 9 at 10 a.m. The library, now located at 7391 West Colonial Dr. , Orlando , Fla. 32818 , will be host to a ceremony featuring food, live music and other activities. First, Central Florida based jazz group the Jarritt Sheel BLU-TRIO will play a barrage of classic tunes. Then, Commissioner Tiffany Moore-Russell will commemorate the occasion and light refreshments will be provided by Subway. You may view pictures of the new location at:
www.ocls.info/locations/Hiawassee/hiawassee_mo ving.asp.
v Second Saturday
January 9, 10 am, Orlando Public Library, Library Central - Congressman Lou Frey will discuss his book Political Rules of the Road, a collection of insights from America ’s finest political thinkers. In the book, representative, senators and presidents share thoughts about the fierce and complex American political landscape and the keys to their success. For more information visit www.loufrey.org.
v Experience the Titanic
January 9, 2 pm, Orlando Public Library, Library Central - Come to Library Central for a historical retelling of Titanic proportions! Travel back in time with Denise Vanaria playing the role of Mrs. Thomas Andrews, Jr., wife of Titanic’s ship designer who perished when his behemoth boat sank in the freezing depths of the Atlantic Ocean .
v Travel Forecast: Images of Cuba
January 15, 6:30 pm, Orlando Public Library - visit one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of land just 90 miles off the coast of Florida . Former recipient of the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year Award and Cuban travel expert Christopher P. Baker will recount his travels through Cuba . Baker’s travels inspired him to write six books on the subject of Cuba in addition to multiple other travel guides. Visit www.christopherbaker.com for more information. Reservations are required. Call 407-835-7481 to reserve your spot.
v Ethos 10 percent Benefit Day
January 16, support your local libraries! Eat at Ethos Vegan Kitchen Jan uary 16, between 11 am and 10pm and show a library bookmark, sign or newsletter regarding this event and 10% of the check amount (excluding tax) will be donated to help the Orange County Library System.
v Soul of a People: Movie Screening
January 23, 10 am, Orlando Public Library, Library Central ~ Enjoy a special screening of the documentary film Soul of a People. The film tells the story of the Federal Writers’ Project (FWP) of the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. The project was designed to employ writers from across the country to document personal American stories through striking images and firsthand accounts. This program is free; all are welcome, presented by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Spark Media.
v Author & the City Beautiful
January 23 at 12:30 pm, Orlando Public Library Albertson Room ~ Author Frank T. Allen will discuss his debut novel, The Whispering Winds of Putnam County. The book is a harrowing story of an African-American female attorney challenged with defending a black man wrongfully accused of murdering a prominent white politician in the heart of Dixie . This program is part of the Author and the City Beautiful series, a monthly event created with the purpose of supporting local authors and their work.
v We the People: A Lesson in Civics and Democracy
January 23, 2 pm, Orlando Public Library, Albertson Room ~ Join Congressman Lou Frey Jr. for a civic education series that will encourage development of civic and political skills through research, policy analysis, and advocacy. It will also concentrate on working with others to help strengthen the civic education capacity of Florida 's K-12 education system. This series will run through June 2010.
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Orange County Regional History Center
There’re always fun things to do at the History Center !
65 E. Central Boulevard in Downtown Orlando
(407) 836-8500 ~ www.thehistorycenter.org
v Retro Game Night
January 8, 7 pm.-midnight ~ Retro Game Night is back with more old-fashioned board games including Parcheesi, Chinese Checkers, Simon, and Pictionary; video games; more snacks; and some “out of this world” characters! Free nostalgic treats and cash bar. Ages 18 and up. . Members free; non-members $5 cash at door. Retro attire encouraged.
v Family Funshop: The Drama in You
January 9, 10:30am to 12:30pm ~ Whether it’s on the big screen, the TV screen, billboards, or the Internet, we see many images of people “acting out” life each day. Join us for a fun, get-out-of-your-seat approach to acting in our daily lives. Learn acting and audition basics and discover the many theatrical “hats” you wear on a daily basis. Presented in conjunction with ACT III Acting and Performing Arts Studio. Adults $7; children ages 12 & under $4. Members: adults $5; children ages 12 & under $3. Call (407) 836-8580 to register.
v I Do Downtown Bridal Crawl
January 10, noon to 5pm ~ An opportunity to meet downtown’s wedding professionals and visit wedding event venues while enjoying wonderful food, drink, and entertainment, $10 per person, $15 per couple. FREE to first 100 participants - register online at www.thehistorycenter.org/bridalcrawl or call 407-836-7035 or 407-836-8502.
v The Great Toy Build Off
January 16, 11am to 1pm ~ Using Legos, Tinker Toys, Erector Sets, or Lincoln Logs, teams will compete in a “Build Off.” Teams have two hours to design and create an object using one of the toy building materials randomly assigned on the day of the event. Teams can enter in Amateur, High School, College, or Young Professional categories. Special “Out of this World” Category for 2010: Teams entered in this category will be randomly assigned one of the following movies from the upcoming exhibition Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television: “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Indiana Jones,” or “Ghostbusters.” Designs will be judged based on originality, resourcefulness, and practicality. Free to participate. Call (407) 836-7010 for more information or to register your team.
v Discovery Day: Going Green
January 18, 9am to 3pm ~ School's out, but learning and fun are in at the History Center ! Kids discover easy ways to keep our planet beautiful and safe. Make recycled art, learn about endangered wildlife, and innovate ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Grades K-5. $25 per child, per day; Members pay only $20 per child, per day. Early drop-off starts 7:30 a.m. and extended day until 6 p.m. is available for a fee of $10 per child, per day. Call (407) 836-8580 to register
v Orange County Regional History Center E-News ~ Sign up for the Orange County Regional History Center ’s e-newsletter to find out about the latest happenings at the museum
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Other Happenings In Orange County
Grab a Neighbor & Jump In, the Water’s Fine!
v Capitol One Bowl
January 1, 2010, 1pm ~ Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium www.fcsports.com.
v Retired Educators
January 7, 10am ~ College Park United Methodist Church , 644 W. Princeton Street , Orlando . The Orange County Retired Educators Association will have a program about food safety. Free, details 407-677-0446.
v 2010 MLK Holiday Calendar of Events
January 9th thru 21st ~ Use this link to check out the City of Orlando ’s Website for great events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and a day of service!
v MLK Parade
January 16, 10am to noon ~ Southwest Orlando Jaycees & RAFMAN Club, Inc. present the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade – “Let’s Take the Next Step” in Downtown Orlando. Volunteers needed, for more information call 896-3715.
v 2010 MLK ~ Volunteer Opportunities to Serve
January 18, 9am to 12noon ~ Join the clean up, green up, and spruce up at Callahan community...on a day of service! Meet at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex, 649 W. Livingston Street Orlando , 32805. For more information, call Georgeanna Butler at 407-246-3628 or email: georgean...@cityoforlando.net.
v Florida Prepaid College Program
The Prepaid Plan locks in the cost of college tuition, local fees, and dormitory housing no matter how much the cost may increase in the future for all of the State of Florida’s higher education institutions. To lock in this year's prices, you must sign-up by Sunday, Jan uary 31, 2010. Enroll online: www.MyFloridaPrepaid.com or call to request an enrollment package: 1-800-552-GRAD (4723).
v Orlando Venues Events: Use this link to find out about upcoming events!
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Great Orange County Government Resources
v Orange County Source Government Directory: This valuable resource provides useful information about Orange County Government programs and services, as well as other public service agencies that do business with Orange County .
v Orange County Government Information & Services: “One Call Does it All”…3-1-1 or 407-836-3111
What does Orange County 3-1-1 do?
Orange County 311 staffs the call center with courteous specialists to answer questions, coordinate complaints, handle designated requests for services and solves problems related to Orange County Government. We also work with the community to enhance awareness of services offered to Orange County citizens through various fairs, festivals and expos scheduled in the area. Click here to visit their website for more information.
Assistance is available in three ways:
Simply dial 3-1-1 or 407-836-3111, between the hours of 7am to 11pm, Monday through Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sundays. Spanish operators and translators are available.
Via Internet: Click Here
TTY: 407-836-4250
Neighborhood Presentations:
If you would like a Customer Services Liaison to attend your next neighborhood meeting and give a presentation explaining 3-1-1 services provided for Animal Services, Code Enforcement, Roads & Drainage, Traffic Engineering, Zoning, Government, and disaster & emergency situations, contact Brandy Davis, 3-1-1’s Customer Service Liaison, at: 407-836-4291 or email her at: Brandy...@ocfl.net.
County News - Orange County Government is one of the largest public organizations in the region, with one of the fastest growing media markets in the country. County News is an interactive tool designed to keep you informed about major announcements and events in Orange County . County News includes a Video on Demand feature with live press conferences and board meetings.
Orange TV and Vision TV- Orange TV, a government information channel, televises programming about government services, activities, and issues. Vision TV features locally produced programs that promote Central Florida events, performances, children's education, senior living, diversity, culture, the arts, safety and regional economic development.
OCALERT – This new service will send out instant weather warnings and other Orange County emergency notices. Up-to-the-minute alerts will be sent to your personal text-based message devices, including cell phones, pagers and other wireless devices. Sign up for OCALERT.net.
Events Database - Use this link to find out about events hosted by Orange County Government Agencies.
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Orange County Neighborhood Services Division
“Connecting Neighbors and Neighborhoods"
****Florida has a very broad public records law. As a result, any written communication created or received by Orange County officials and employees shall be made available to the public and media, upon request, unless such written communication falls within an exception or exemption to the Public Records Act.****
_____________________________________________________________________ PLEASE NOTE: Florida has a very broad public records law (F. S. 119). All e-mails to and from County Officials are kept as a public record. Your e-mail communications, including your e-mail address may be disclosed to the public and media at any time. |