epic video game music playing in the background - think Mortal Kombat* 

We are on the precipice of the ninth month of the year. You must prepare for the upcoming battle between yourself and your desires to live life according to the weather, your feelings and/or peer pressure. In this battle of the wills, you must choose your player. Who will represent you in your September crusade? 

Option 1: You’re wearing boots, flannel and a scarf. You’re holding a pumpkin spice latte in one hand and an apple cinnamon candle in the other. The Orlando heat will not win, our blood type is PSL. 

Option 2: Earth, Wind and Fire have nothing on you as you hum “Do you remember?” all day long and dance the night away. 

Option 3: Basic ‘Florida Man’ setup - flip flops, cargo shorts and a sweat-stained graphic tee. You know summer will never end and there’s no point in changing up the wardrobe. 

Who do you choose?

If You Don’t Know This by Now.... 

September is National Preparedness Month. Why? Because Hurricane Season is kicking into high gear.  

Can you, like, just be prepared? We like you a lot and would prefer for you to not struggle.  

K? Thanks. We love you. Bye. XOXO 

Get tips on preparing at ready.gov/plan

We Had a Party at Callahan 

We recently celebrated 100 years of learning at the Dr. J.B. Callahan Neighborhood Center.  

The building originally opened in 1922 as Jones High School and later converted into Callahan Elementary. With help from neighborhood leaders and the city, it was repurposed into the neighborhood center we know today using the original building’s façade as a tribute to the schools.   

School alumni and District 5 Commissioner Regina I. Hill gathered to recognize the evolution and impact of the site with a proclamation dedication and commemorative sign unveiling.     

For Callahan Elementary Alumna, Josephine Anderson, the occasion was a full-circle moment.   

“We've preserved the outside of the building, and it’s truly an honor to come by and see that and to say I value the time I spent in this neighborhood and my family still lives in this neighborhood.”  

“I really am grateful to those...who have preserved the history of this building and community. Because there’s lots of futures still here in Callahan.”  

Watch the latest Knowlando about the Callahan Center

The Green has Been Illuminated 

That giant green space in the middle of Creative Village? It’s finally open and a real park now. Luminary Green is a 2.3-acre park open to all to share as a gathering and play space and enjoy the outdoors. The lawn will host events for unorganized recreation and feature landscaped areas shaded with canopy trees and seating.  

The park will be activated with decorative and interactive light installations illuminating the park from day to night, which will be installed later this year. The “Luminaries” will represent those who have preceded us but who lived lives exemplified with service to the Parramore-Holden Community. The area also includes a large artistic circular trellis and a city-themed photo spot to serve as the aesthetic cornerstones of the park.   

And yes, that is the photo spot of giant letters spelling out Orlando that was featured at the park’s opening event earlier this week. And yes, they were removed the next day, because they were actually the molds for the real thing, which will be installed in a few weeks. Sorry, but we promise it’ll be awesome. We were just too excited to wait to open the park.  

Learn more about Luminary Green Park

Help Us Recognize Our POW-MIA Residents 

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council invite you to attend the POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Devos Family Room.

More information at orlando.gov/powmia

Click here to View The More Information About City of Orlando News - September 2, 2022