Volume 21 / December 07, 2018
A Message from Jim Gray
Orlando City Commissioner
City Council Meeting December 10, 2018

A City Council Workshop will be held on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. entitled “Downtown Ambassador Program and Give Smart Campaign Updates.” Agenda Review will be held immediately following the Workshop. The City Council meeting will be held at 2:00 P.M.
Date: December 8, 2018

Time: 4:00 p.m.

Location: Starts at Orange Avenue and Robinson Street

Description: The Inaugural Rotary Club of Orlando Downtown Christmas Parade will take place on December 8 at 4:00 pm. Christmas is about hope, family, unity, faith and love. The Rotary Club of Orlando is all about service to community. Their projects have enhanced the local community since 1920. And now, they want to extend that service to include our first annual Christmas Parade.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
The most important element in helping OPD ensure your safety is you.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t feel right – trust your instincts.
  • Call law enforcement or reach out to mall security immediately and we will respond. See something, say something.
  • Carry your purses and wallets on the front of your body to make it harder for pickpockets.
  • Our mantra is, “If you see something, say something.” We can’t tell you how many crimes have been thwarted by citizens who saw something suspicious and brought it to our attention.
  • Always lock the doors. Try to park in well-lit areas and never be afraid to ask for an escort to your car if you need one.
  • Make sure your packages are stored securely in the trunk of your vehicle.
  • If you are dropping off packages and you intend to continue shopping, consider moving your car to a different area of the lot.
How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Group

The Neighborhood Watch Program was created for citizens to work with local law enforcement officers to detect and prevent crimes in their neighborhood. It is easy to start a Neighborhood Watch Group for your street, community, apartment complex or condominium community. All training is provided free of charge by the Orlando Police Department. To start a group:

  1. Click the button below and fill out the form or call the Neighborhood Watch Unit at 407.246.2369 to express interest in starting a watch group.
  2. The Unit will schedule a time to help you set up the program and provide necessary training.
  3. Locate a place and time for your first meeting and distribute flyers announcing the event to every household in the neighborhood – including people who may be creating problems. This will alert them that neighbors will be working with law enforcement to reduce crime in the neighborhood. OPD will gladly provide you with the flyers.
  4. At the meeting, your Neighborhood Watch Specialist and your Community Liaison Officer will give you the basics, answer any questions and supply all material needed for the effective implementation of your Neighborhood Watch.
  5. Elect a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain at that gathering to schedule subsequent meetings and act as the liaison between your members and the Orlando Police Department.
Vision Zero
Our Vision Zero mission is to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries within the city by 2040. Vision Zero is a systemic approach to increase safety and mobility for all roadway users by:
  • Engaging communities to expand awareness through education and encouragement.
  • Implementing and maintaining smarter streets for improved driver behavior.
  • Prioritizing areas with high numbers of pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders.
District 1 Commissioner Jim Gray | City of Orlando | 407.246.2001 | jim.gray@cityoforlando.net
| http://www.cityoforlando.net/district01/