Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Helps Downtown Ambassadors “Gear Up”

Last updated on August 01, 2018

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer Helps Downtown Ambassadors “Gear Up” to Hit the Streets

WHAT:

On Wednesday, August 1, the new Downtown Ambassador Program will officially launch and Ambassadors will be out on the streets assisting patrons in downtown Orlando.

To ensure the ambassadors are ready to roll, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will help them gear up on launch day, putting the final touches on their official uniforms.

The Downtown Ambassador Program, managed by Block by Block, was created as a direct result of the growing downtown area and the unique needs of the community.  The Ambassador Program will provide a direct, on-the-street connection seven days a week to help meet these needs and further elevate the downtown experience for everyone, as the urban core continues to attract new businesses, residents and visitors.

Ambassadors will proactively engage in services ranging from assisting as safety escorts for workers and residents, helping visitors navigate their way to one of downtown’s many venues for an event, connecting the most vulnerable individuals to critical social services and curbing aggressive panhandling.

Ambassadors will also serve as additional eyes and ears, working closely with the Orlando Police and Fire Departments and the Health Care Center for the Homeless HOPE Team to help provide enhanced public safety assistance and direct outreach.  Additionally, the team will serve as an extension of the Downtown Clean Team to ensure downtown cleanliness.

The team of 17 ambassadors will be on foot, bikes and make routes in a designated vehicle, giving them the ability to provide service and outreach in downtown where it is needed most.  The team will operate starting as early as 7 a.m., Monday-Friday, going as late as 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.  This schedule is flexible and subject to change depending on downtown events and happenings. Those seeking services offered by the Ambassadors can call or text 407.902.4374.

WHO:

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer

City Commissioners

Orlando Police Chief John Mina

Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams

DDB/CRA Executive Director Thomas C. Chatmon, Jr.

Downtown Ambassadors

Block by Block representatives

WHEN:

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

City Hall Plaza

400 South Orange Avenue

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