This week we kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Central Florida’s growing Hispanic and Latino community. Hispanic culture is one of many positive impacts adding to the diversity and vibrancy of our welcoming, inclusive city. We’re committed to celebrating our differences and learning more about each other’s heritage to become a more united community.

In special celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and the important role art plays within the Hispanic culture, the City of Orlando?will host an art exhibition featuring local artists, showcasing the richness of Latin American history and heritage through visual arts. The exhibition will run from September 16 through November 13, at the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall.   

In addition to the Terrace Gallery Art Exhibition, the community is invited to the City of Orlando’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Event on September 29, at Camping World Stadium.  

Learn more about how we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Can’t Get More Local Than This

Our Black Bee Honey kids have released a new sweet treat from Parramore! Buddy’s Summer Blend is a limited-edition honey harvested from the beehives at Orlando Fire Station 1, which are tended to by the BBH students. The young entrepreneurs of BBH chose to name this batch after Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who founded Parramore Kidz Zone in 2006 and has supported Black Bee Honey since its inception. Buddy’s Summer Blend is available in one-pound jars at Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center (800 Grand Street, Mondays through Thursdays 5:30 – 7 p.m.) and occasional pop ups and at Discover Downtown.

Learn more about Black Bee Honey

Honoring Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will host an official POW-MIA ceremony to honor United States military prisoners of war and those still missing in action as part of national POW-MIA Day.  

Cadets from the University of Central Florida Army ROTC will lead a symbolic “setting of the table,” where each item on the table represents the commitment to remember and honor our POW-MIAs from the five military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.  

The ceremony renews the city's commitment of bringing prisoners of war home to their families and vowing to never forget those missing in action.

For more info visit orlando.gov/powmia

Protect Your Information
The Orlando Police Department is hosting another shred event as part of this year's National Night Out crime prevention programing. Shredding personal documents can significantly reduce your risk of identity theft. You can safely dispose of your personal documents by bringing them to the Orlando Police Department Headquarters (1250 West South Street) on September 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. And don’t forget, join your local Neighborhood Watch to give crime and drugs a going away party on October 4.

Learn more at orlando.gov/nno

Small Business Music to Our Ears

Do you ever look at the apps on your phone and think “this app is someone’s business?” You should.  

Go ahead and pick up your phone, if you’re not already staring at it, and search “Music Journeys” in your app store. Created by local father and son duo, David and Alex, the app creates a music experience for listeners based on where they are and what they’re doing. Just imagine that you’re three-fourths of the way through a run, your body hates you, and you really could use a great hype tune to give you that extra push. Music Journeys allows you to curate a list of songs that will motivate you to the finish line by recognizing your location, giving you the motivation you need, right when you need it.  

David and Alex began building the app in 2014, with son Alex teaching himself to code at 13, and David, an engineer, guiding the road map feature and app interface. Since launching in 2019, David has retired, and Alex is now a student at the University of Central Florida, but the two of them are still dedicated to managing and creating the highest quality user experience for Music Journeys, as well as a handful of other apps they’ve created. To learn more visit hyndsproductions.com. 

Other Things You Should Know

Fix It, Don’t Pitch It event is coming on September 17

Watch the Orlando Fire Department’s September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Get involved with local government, join us for Boards and Brews

We’ve extended the pilot program for OPD’s Community Response Team

Click here for More Information