Orlando is a vibrant, diverse and passionate city. You can see it visually by just driving from neighborhood to neighborhood, from one main street district to another, from East to West. We wear our hearts on our sleeves and everyone knows where we stand.

Whether it’s our love for tacos, art, swans or soccer, Orlandoans love hard, and they adopt whatever it is as theirs and become very proud of it. Our soccer journey, for one, was a real grass roots movement led by fans. It’s led this city to host national and international games, building a new stadium, and now hosting Florida Cup games, including the much-anticipated Arsenal v. Chelsea game. We may not have been chosen as a host city for the World Cup, but we all know it’s their loss. 

This weekend, as we prepare to be overrun with soccer enthusiasts, arts and culture patrons and good-time warriors, don’t forget to be part of the fun, the history and showing the world how Orlando does it. 

Now, if you’re an enthusiast who wants to know the best places to park and how to get to the fun the fastest, we have some information that may help you out regarding parking, alternative transportation and list of all the road closures so you can make a plan and avoid any frustrations.

Continuing to Accelerate Orlando

At this week’s City Council meeting staff presented initial plans on using $58 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Because of the City of Orlando's strong financial footing that existed long before the pandemic, we’re able to leverage the ARPA funding from the federal government to make a significant investment in addressing two of the greatest challenges in our region: homelessness and affordable housing. 

Striving to use the funding to create the greatest impact, we’re calling our approach the Accelerate Orlando initiative, because our focus in these areas isn’t new. Right now, we’re housing close to 400 previously homeless residents in permanent, supportive housing. Over the past few years, we’ve invested more than $43 million to create or preserve housing options for residents at all income levels. That investment has helped more than 2,000 families have a safe place that they can afford to call home. 

This initiative gives us the opportunity to accelerate our efforts to care for those experiencing homelessness and expand affordable housing opportunities. 

Read more about this initiative

Welcome Chief Salazar

In May, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the appointment of Charlie Salazar as the new Fire Chief of the Orlando Fire Department. On Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at 10 a.m., the Orlando Fire Department will hold a time-honored Change of Command ceremony to recognize the department's new leadership.  

The Change of Command is a traditional ceremony that marks the public transition from one Chief to the next. It marks a pivotal moment in Orlando’s history as Fire Chief Charlie Salazar will be sworn in as the 21st Orlando Fire Chief. 

Visit orlando.gov/firechangeofcommand to view the live stream of the ceremony. 

Christmas and Public Safety in July

It was merry and bright this week when the Orlando Police and Fire Departments partnered for an important mission: to spread summer cheer to patients and families at AdventHealth for Children. During this special Christmas in July event, our teams rappelled down the side of the hospital and carried signs with encouraging messages to share with child patients at their windows. Nessie, the Arson Detection canine, as well as motors and mounted patrol greeted those that came outside. Santa and Mrs. Claus even wore their summer gear while waving to patients in the ladder truck. 

See the photos from the event

When Coaching Kids Matters

Recently, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission awarded their annual SPORTY awards which honor sports business professionals whose contributions and impact have been vital in making Greater Orlando one of the country’s premier sports destinations. We’re proud to say that Gregory Bird, of the Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center, won for Best in Social Responsibility. Thanks to local heroes, like Coach Bird, kids in our neighborhoods have great role models and positive experiences in their after-school programs. Way to go, Coach Bird! 

To become a coach call 407.246.4222 or email [email protected].

How May We Help You?

We all want a photographer who can perfectly capture the most important moments of our lives. That’s why we’re here to introduce you to RTW Photography, a company owned by Derrious Robinson. 

RTW Photography started as Ride the Wave Photography in 2016 and has continued to grow to include wedding photography, storytelling, videography and even commercial services. Check out RTW’s portfolio at ridethewave.co. 

As a Black-owned business located in Parramore, RTW qualified for the Minority/Women Entrepreneur Business Assistance (MEBA) Program funding assistance. And this week, the Orlando City Council approved RTW Photography for more than $35,000 that will be used for capital equipment, rent abatement and marketing.  

We are proud to offer incentives that help attract and retain existing minority-owned businesses to downtown Orlando. To learn more about our business incentives programs visit downtownorlando.com/Business/Incentives or orlando.gov/businessincentives. 

Click Here to view the City Of Orlando News - July 22, 2022