A Message from Jim Gray Orlando City Commissioner

Volume 44/September 15, 2020

A Message from Jim Gray

Orlando City Commissioner

District 1

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As part of our partnership with the Orlando Magic, OUC is donating one tree to community members for every assist the Magic makes during the 2019-20 season. We are committed to sustainability and improving our community, and are excited about this opportunity to team up with the Magic and make Orlando a greener place to live, work and play.

This exclusive OUC customer tree giveaway will take place on two Saturdays in September. The tree seedlings, consisting of several different tree varieties, are typically between 6-12 inches tall, so no need to worry about having a large vehicle or getting your car dirty. It will be a contactless event - just drive up and an OUC employee will put the tree in your car. Tree seedlings are available on a first come, first served basis. Tree recipients will receive tree planting tips as well as some Orlando Magic swag.

WHEN: Saturday, September 19 & 26

TIME: 9 am - 3 pm

WHERE: OUC Gardenia Facility -

3800 Gardenia Ave. Orlando, FL 32839

RSVP: Use the link below to pre-register

Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will host a virtual 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 AFROTC Detachment 159 from the University of Central Florida will lead a symbolic “setting of the table,” where each item on the table represents the commitment we have to remember and honor our POW-MIAs from our five military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

Debbie Berry, a Gold Star Sister, will be delivering a keynote address about her brother, who was reported missing in action while he served in Vietnam.

Watch the Livestream on Facebook

The link to the Heart of Florida United Way web site is now open for residents to request an application to apply for rental assistance. There is a 10-day public notice period that has to expire before applications can be sent, that day is Wednesday, September 23, 2020. Applications can then be filled out and emailed back as soon as the same day.

Click Here for More Information on the Program

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

2020Census.gov

See what programs are impacted by the Census

Community Connections

Workshop

Diversity and Inclusion in Your Neighborhood

Orlando and Orange County are increasingly culturally diverse. Inclusion, however, has to be intentional. This workshop will give participants a stronger understanding of how to engage neighbors of differing cultures in their neighborhood. Together, we will focus on best practices for communicating with and engaging neighbors across cultures.

This workshop will be hosted virtually. You will receive an email with Zoom meeting link, two days prior to the event

When:

Saturday, October 10, 2020

9 am - 10 am

Where:

Online

*Registration Rquired

Hurricane season does not end until November 30th. Be sure to keep your supply kits up-to-date by including COVID-era necessities like extra face masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectants and remember to include seven days worth of non-perishable foods.

To help you get and stay prepared for Hurricane Season, the City of Orlando Office of Emergency Management offers guides to assist in preparing for natural and man-made disasters.

Orlando.gov/imready

Ready.gov

Curry Ford West

Looking for Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are seeking a way to get more involved in your community and are excited about the things that Curry Ford West is doing, than join one of our amazing monthly volunteer meetings. Follow us on Facebook for volunteer meeting dates.

We have a Promotion that works on events and promoting businesses, Design that focuses on beautification efforts, Economic Vitality which looks into helping businesses thrive, and Organization which focuses on development and fundraising.

Visit CurryFordWest.com

Connect on their Facebook page

RESOURCES

The City of Orlando is actively responding to the threat of COVID-19 and is working closely with the Florida Department of Health, who in turn is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Find additional resources and updates on city services on the City of Orlando's COVID-19 webpage. You are encouraged to first seek assistance via phone, online or through email.

COVID-19 Latest Updates and Resources

Central Florida COVID-19 Testing Sites

Immediate utility bill-payment relief is available for OUC customers in need through the Project CARE assistance program, administered by Heart of Florida United Way.

Many customers may be facing unusual financial hardships as a result of COVID-19. You can now set up a payment extension or a payment arrangement depending on your needs.