Orlando Standard

In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, City Hall and all city offices will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024. Despite the closure, residential trash pickup will occur as usual.

The City Council meeting on January 8, 2024, began by acknowledging the work of the city's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission in honoring the legacy of Dr. King. The MLK Commission, along with city staff, organizes meaningful events that recognize Dr. King's values throughout the community. Marcia Hope Goodwin, the city's Director of Community Affairs, gave a brief presentation on the Commission's efforts.

Moving on to the Mayor's update, the Oath of Office ceremony for the City Council took place earlier that morning to kick off the new year. The Mayor congratulated Commissioners Ortiz, Sheehan, and Burns on their new terms and expressed excitement about serving the community alongside them and Commissioners Gray, Stuart, and Hill for the next four years.

Tomorrow, January 9, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and the community recognizes the daily sacrifices made by the Orlando Police Department (OPD) officers to keep everyone safe. The Mayor expressed gratitude for their courage and commitment. Additionally, January 9 marks the seventh anniversary of the loss of OPD Lieutenant Debra Clayton, who dedicated herself to making the community a better place.

A temporary art experience called Prismatica was installed at Lake Lucerne and Orange Avenue over the weekend. This exhibit adds to the city's commitment to creating a vibrant and diverse urban downtown. Residents and visitors can enjoy Prismatica until February 11, 2024.

One notable agenda item was an amendment to the city's Land Development Code to increase the production of affordable housing units. The city aims to ensure that anyone who wants to call Orlando home has access to safe, affordable housing. The amendment would enhance the available density and intensity bonuses for low and very low-income housing developments.

As always, City Hall remains open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, residents can visit the city's website or contact the City Directory.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Mayor-City-Council/Council-Highlights/City-Council-Highlights-%E2%80%93-January-8-2024