Our paws are melting and the only movement we make is to stay in sync with an oscillating fan. And when you’re taking a nap-a-roo at pooch o’clock, your dreams are filled with whipped cream pup cups, running lawn sprinklers and not giving a single woof. These summer days have gone to the dogs. 

Keep Your Nose Clean by Preparing Early for a Storm
Clogged storm drains and loose yard debris can be dangerous things during heavy rainfall or high winds. They can cause major building damage, create sewage back-ups and potentially cause bodily harm. 

The best way to overcome this potential disaster is to start making conscious decisions about your yard waste now. Don’t wait until a storm is near to bag/bundle your yard waste, or to start trimming those iffy tree branches.

We’re ready, are you? 

Get more info and tips at floridadisaster.org

Making a Difference One Phone Call at a Time
When launching the Community Response Team (CRT), a City of Orlando pilot program, in March 2021, it created an opportunity to provide our community with a new line of first responders - behavioral health experts – who would respond to non-violent calls where someone is experiencing a mental or behavioral crisis.   

The program, led by the Orlando Police Department and in partnership with Aspire Health Partners, is part of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s efforts to ensure every person in Orlando is equally valued and protected. Building these types of partnerships help us ensure the safety of our residents, police officers and others. 

Recently, LaTashia Stephens, a member of the CRT team, spoke with the news to discuss how the program is going and how it has impacted her. “I do feel like I’m making a difference. I feel like the whole program is making a difference,” said Stephens.

Read on to learn more about the impact CRT is having in Orlando

Bring Your Events Downtown, We’ll Help
Are you planning a downtown event that supports diverse arts and cultural opportunities? 

The Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Special Events Grant Program is now open until August 1, for events taking place between November 2022 and April 2023, to help support events that promote the goals and objectives of the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan for the area, DTOutlook.

For info and requirements visit downtownorlando.com

Almost Last Call for Historic Preservation Board Calendar Photo Submissions
The theme for the 2023 calendar is Orlando’s Park Lake/Highland neighborhood, which is filled with homes from the 1910s and can be traced back to County Surveyor and City Engineer Samuel Robinson and Orlando’s early businessmen who engaged prominent local architects to design their dwellings.  

Want your photograph in the calendar? Submissions for the photo competition are now open until July 11, 2022.

Submit your photo at orlando.gov/calendarcontest

Work Hard to Give Your Dog Their Best Life
You know who else might need a summer vacation? Your dog. And really, who deserves to have fun more than your most loyal companion? 

Bark Orlando is owned by Kierstin Benitez, the full-service businesses is located in the heart of Mills 50 District and offers dog training, daycare and grooming services and more. On any given day at Bark Orlando, your dog could be playing with the water hose, taking a nap in the air conditioning, getting pampered to the nines and most importantly, hanging out with their other furry friends and forgetting you ever left. Paw-rents can also shop for goodies for them and their pooch, and even take an Instagram worthy selfie in the dedicated photo area. 

If you’re all about helping your dog live their best life and having the peace of mind of knowing they’re spending their time away from you with highly experienced caregivers and trainers, head over to Bark Orlando, located at 1211 Illinois Street, or check out their website at barkorlando.com. 

Other Things You Should Know

Get an update on the Downtown Loop construction

Community Connections is Saturday, sign up now

Bill Frederick Park has an entire month of events for the whole family

We’re getting close to the deadline for Historic Preservation Calendar submissions

OFD Station 2 firefighters got some bee-hind the scenes action with Black Bee Honey

Now Hiring

New Job Openings

Assistant Event Coordinator – Executive Offices

Capital Improvement Project Manager I/II – Public Works 

Crew Chief - Parks – Families, Parks and Recreation

Equipment Operator Heavy/Stormwater – Public Works

Site Engineering Review Manager – Public Works

Follow City of Orlando Careers on Facebook and LinkedIn.

View all jobs

Events

Public Board Meetings

Visit orlando.gov/publicmeetings
for more meetings and location details

Civil Service Board
July 12, 6 p.m.

Code Enforcement Board
July 13, 9 a.m.

Police Pension Board
July 14, 9:30 a.m.

Events

City Council Meeting
July 18
2 - 5 p.m.
Orlando City Hall Council Chambers
400 South Orange Avenue
Watch online

NNO Business Safety Summit
July 20
8 - 10 a.m.
OPD Headquarters
1250 West South Street

Orlando Fire Department Change of Command Ceremony
July 26
10 a.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
445 South Magnolia Avenue

COVID Information and Resources

Emergency rental assistance for those financially impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic is still available, more info at orlando.gov/assistance
Order free at-home COVID-19 tests through the federal government at covidtests.gov
Vaccine information can be found at ocfl.net/vaccine  
Updates on city services can be found at orlando.gov/covid19  
Updates on Orange County services can be found at ocfl.net/covid19