Council Highlights – September 27, 2021

Last updated on September 27, 2021

Council Update - September 27, 2021 

General Items 

Florida League of Cities Presidency Recognition – Commissioner Tony Ortiz  

We wanted to start our update with recognizing Commissioner Tony Ortiz on his leadership and efforts during his 2020-2021 role as President of the Florida League of Cities 

During his presidency, he provided guidance and vision during an unprecedented time in our nation’s history.  

Commissioner Ortiz, on behalf of the entire City Council, congratulations on your Florida League of Cities presidency term. We are proud to have your leadership and efforts recognized today.  

OPD Officer Recognition 

Last week, OPD officers were the target of two unprovoked attacks, which have no place in our city or anywhere else. Every day, our officers risk their lives to keep our community safe and we want to remind OPD officers that our City Council appreciates them and our community appreciates them. And that we are grateful for their commitment and dedication to protecting us all. 

One of those incidents occurred in our downtown area we are continuing to look at proactive safety measures we can take to ensure a safe and inviting downtown. 

COVID-19 Update 

Time has passed, but the pandemic is still here and every shot in the arm still matters. We want to remind everyone in our community that the vaccine site at Camping World Stadium, which we’ve partnered with Orange County Government on, is still open seven days a week. Commissioner Hill and Mayor Dyer visited the site last week, and it only takes about 20 minutes at this drive-through site to get the vaccine and take action to protect yourself from the serious impacts of the virus. Also, starting tomorrow the site will be offering Pfizer booster shots to those ages 65 and older and anyone who is immuno-compromised. 

Items of Note 

Art Squared (B#1, C #9, C#10, CRA # 2 and CRA #3)  

Moving on to items of note, the Orlando Community Redevelopment Area Plan highlights the need for additional open spaces, diverse arts and entertainment options. On today’s agenda, we will seek to approve several items as part of this goal. An urban park, which will be named Art Squared, will be located on the corner of Orange and Robinson and will provide an activated open space and amenities such as a two-story container structure with a café, an art gallery, a stage, seating, green space for activities and more. Contingent upon approval, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held Monday, October 18 at 12:30 p.m.