Council Highlights – June 28, 2021

Last updated on June 28, 2021

Council Update - June 28, 2021 

General Items 

4th of July Fireworks at the Fountain 

Thanks to so many residents getting the vaccine, Fireworks at the Fountain is back on Sunday at Lake Eola Park. The spectacular fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m. is accompanied by a live patriotic performance by the Orlando Concert Band.   

For COVID-19 safety information and details on how to watch from home, visit orlando/fireworks. 

Retirement – Mike Rhodes and Jim Hunt 

Two members of our City of Orlando leadership team are retiring this week and we want to recognize them for their commitment to serving Orlando residents and businesses.  

Economic Development Deputy Director Mike Rhodes is retiring after serving our city for more than 34 years. It’s also the final week for Jim Hunt, our Deputy Public Works Director and City Engineer, after 23 years. 

Both Jim and Mike have had many accomplishments during their careers, and have countless stories to tell. They have provided incredible leadership and we want to thank them for their service to the City of Orlando.   

Items of Note 

A#1 and F#2 – Funding for First Step Staffing 

Switching to items of notes, on today’s agenda are two items to support First Step Staffing, the largest non-profit staffing provider in the United States, as they are moving into the Orlando market.  

First Step Staffing connects those experiencing homelessness to employment and provides transportation to employment sites, including the City of Orlando’s Solid Waste, Water Reclamation, Streets and Stormwater and Parking Divisions.   

First Step Staffing has recently started operating at the Christian Service Center and is already connecting an average of 40-55 individuals experiencing homelessness to employment on a weekly basis.  

The additional funding being considered today will allow them to scale to serve up to 100 individuals each week. 

We'd like to acknowledge Amelia Nickerson, the CEO of First Step Staffing, who is here with us today from Atlanta. We welcome First Step Staffing to the Orlando market and appreciate your partnership in connecting those experiencing homelessness to jobs and opportunity.  

F#1 – Funding for IDignity   

While we are talking about employment for those experiencing homelessness, in addition to transportation, another barrier can be lack of identification. And so we'd like to acknowledge funding on today’s agenda for IDignity, a long-time partner of the city’s in helping residents replace lost identification cards which are crucial to help them get a job, get into housing, cash a check or pick up a prescription.   

We are so grateful for our many partners helping to advance the city’s shared priority to care for those experiencing homelessness and provide services to help lift them out of the cycle of homelessness.  

B#9 Under-I Advisory Committee Ranking for Design Services 

Lastly, for several years, we have envisioned what the area Under I-4 would be post expansion. With the I-4 project nearing the end of construction. On today's agenda we are seeking a design team to begin to formally begin the process. AECOM Inc. was the top ranked firm.