Orlando Standard

The City Council meeting on June 10, 2024, began with Commissioner Ortiz leading the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The session included significant recognitions and updates on various community events.

Chief Assistant City Attorney Roy Payne was honored with a retirement proclamation. Deputy City Attorney Jody Litchford highlighted Payne's contributions, stating, "Roy has served the City of Orlando for more than three decades and his professionalism and expertise have been incredibly impactful."

The council also addressed the upcoming Pulse remembrance events. This week marks eight years since the Pulse tragedy. A Remembrance Ceremony will take place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m., preceded by the ringing of 49 bells at First United Methodist Church. The event is free but requires advance ticket reservations.

A Pulse Memorial Advisory Committee will be formed to develop a permanent memorial for the victims. The committee aims to gather input from the community in both English and Spanish and recommend a conceptual design. Interested individuals can apply at pulseorlando.org/committee.

The District 5 Interim City Commission Run-Off Election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, with early voting already underway. Residents can find voting information at orlando.gov/election.

Next Wednesday marks Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth is now a recognized holiday for City of Orlando employees. The city will host a Juneteenth Celebration with Senator Geraldine Thompson at Camping World Stadium this Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m.