If summer had a warrior cry it would probably melt away before it could be said. Temperatures are in the upper 90s and the heat index is well above 100°. We’re willing to do just about anything to stay cool. Here are some ideas on how to stay cool here in The City Beautiful. 

Go swimming at a Neighborhood Pool

Visit the Splash Pad at Lake Lorna Doone Park

Hang at one of our Neighborhood Centers, which have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi

Come to a public meeting at City Hall – learn something about your local government and bask in the A/C

Take a walk in the shade at Dickson Azalea Park or Leu Gardens

Either way, during these hot days, make sure you drink plenty of water, don’t leave children or pets in cars and wear a ridiculous amount of sunblock.

Beat the Heat in a Neighborhood Pool

If you’re looking for something to do, especially with kiddos, and not be inside, one of our neighborhood pools might be what you’re looking for. With certified lifeguards, slides, diving boards and more, each pool is equipped to handle open swim times, water aerobics, swim lessons, swim teams and water fitness. 

City residents can enjoy these pools for free! Non-residents can also swim for $4 + tax. 

Learn more at orlando.gov/pools

Things are About to Go BOOM!

Are you ready for the city’s 45th Annual Fireworks at the Fountain?! Bring the whole family to Lake Eola Park on Monday, July 4, beginning at 4 p.m., to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and a kids play zone. Then, around 9:15 p.m., prepare yourselves for our spectacular 20-minute fireworks display celebrating Independence Day. 

More info at orlando.gov/fireworks

Emergency Rental Assistance Application Deadline: July 1, 2022

If you’re a city resident and you're behind on your rent due to financial impacts during COVID-19, our Emergency Rental Assistance Program may be able to help you get current up to 18 months of unpaid rent. To learn more and apply, visit orlando.gov/assistance.

The deadline to submit an application is July 1, 2022.

Visit orlando.gov/assistance

A Slam Dunk for Tiny Tots

Basketball is a great physical activity that keeps kids moving and off the couch and it’s even better when kids get the chance to start playing early.

Our Families, Parks, and Recreation Department offers basketball to children starting at age 5. The kids learn basic skills and have fun, but there is one thing they can’t do – dunk.

Well, now they can. The Dr. James R. Smith Neighborhood Center received a grant from the National Recreation and Parks Association to install adjustable basketball goals. These hoops have flexible height so they can host pros who want to put on camps for high school students or they can meet our Tiny Tots (ages 5 to 7) as they build confidence in basic skills while learning the fundamentals of the game – and DUNK! Also, with this summer heat, it means more kids can safely play in the AC.

Get Expert Advice on Hurricane Preparedness

Join us on Thursday, July 7, at 12 p.m. for a Hurricane Preparedness Lunch and Learn - Are You Prepared for a Hurricane? Our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) assists residents in preparing for, coping with and recovering from the effects of a hurricane. Log on as OEM teaches us about the three steps to Hurricane Preparedness - Make a Plan, Build a Kit and Get Informed.

Register in advance for this meeting

A Speakeasy Without the Prohibition

This week’s spotlight is on Orlando’s very first spirit-free speakeasy – The BANDBOX.

The BANDBOX is owned by Kevin Zepf, who originally planned to open The BANDBOX as an Art Deco inspired boutique art and photo gallery with vintage goods and collectibles. As planning began, Kevin and his team thought it would be fun for the space to really embrace the 1920’s speakeasy vibe when it came to décor and ambiance, but with the twist of having what is known as a temperance bar – a non-alcoholic tasting lounge that serves handcrafted tonics, bitters, fizzy pops and more.

Some people may read this and think “why?”, but in truth, temperance bars have been around since the late 1800’s and more recently have started to pick up steam in other big cities including New York City, Denver, Austin and throughout California. When Kevin decided to open The BANDBOX in Orlando, he immediately was attracted to Ivanhoe Village not only for its quirky atmosphere, but for its roots in history and love for all things vintage. 

The goal of The BANDBOX is to provide a new and unique amenity in Orlando’s untapped market for those who want a themed experience and alcohol-free beverages. So, if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you stepped into a scene from the Great Gatsby, head on over to The BANDBOX at 1817 North Orange Avenue or visit their website at bandboxorlando.com.

Other Things You Should Know

Investing in Multifamily Recycling is Paying Off
Submit your photo for the Historic Preservation Board Calendar

Check out the latest public art piece that’s now part of I-4 in downtown

OFD goes above and beyond to make a resident’s home safer

OPD launches Citizen Connect to give community more info on incidents

Now Hiring

New Job Openings

Fiscal Manager Departmental – Business and Financial Services
Purchasing Agent – Business and Financial Services

Digital Service Designer and Delivery Manager – Information Technology

Assistant Construction Manager – Facilities

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

Board of Zoning Adjustment
June 28, 2 p.m.

Audit Board
June 30, 1 p.m.

Events

Nature Programs at Bill Frederick Park
Now - June 30
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
3401 South Hiawassee Road

Fireworks at the Fountain
July 4
4 - 10 p.m.
Lake Eola Park
512 East Washington Street

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