Heather Numa Bell

The Orange County Drowning Prevention Action Plan aims to reduce drowning incidents across the county, focusing on at-risk settings and populations. It outlines a multi-level approach with key objectives: increasing awareness of drowning risks, enhancing access to water safety education and lessons, and ensuring continuous monitoring through current data, coding, and terminology. The plan seeks to guide coordinated efforts and drive meaningful reductions in drowning throughout Orange County.

The meeting included discussions and recognitions related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. week/month, with acknowledgments for the commission's work and upcoming events. The council discussed the opening of a new COVID-19 testing site at Camping World Stadium and encouraged residents to get vaccinated and boosted. There was also a discussion regarding the rental assistance program and the administrative services contract with KPMG, including the distribution of rental assistance funds to city households.

The workshop of the Orlando City Council focused on Transportation Network Companies, vehicle for hire industry, and chapter 55. The topics of discussion included the regulation of the vehicle for hire industry, public safety, equal access, technological advances, changing consumer expectations, and the balance between public safety and public access. Presentations were made on the overview of chapter 55, transportation network companies, and ideas for consideration.

The Orlando City Council held a budget hearing to consider the adoption of the millage rate and budget for the city of Orlando for fiscal year 2013-2014. The proposed millage rate for the city was 5.65 Ms, which is 2.95% higher than the roll back rate. The total proposed budget is $934.5 million, including a general fund budget of $357.00 million. The council also discussed the Downtown Development Board budget for fiscal year 2013-2014, with a proposed millage rate of 1 mil, which is 2.39% lower than the roll back rate.

The City Council workshop included a presentation from the Orlando Magic and SEC development regarding their proposed mixed-use development across from the Amway Center. The council members reviewed the vision for the area, the space program of the project, and pertinent business and financial points. The project includes purchasing the city-owned block across from the Amway Center to construct an office retail Hotel and Convention Center that will include the Orlando Magic's headquarters. The CRA may provide support and funding for new downtown Conference Centers and hotels.