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July 2013 Top

Greetings,

Four years after the global financial crisis, I am grateful to report that on June 14th I delivered my annual State of the County address, in which Orange County's economy was determined to be strengthening and Orange County Government headed in the right direction:

* Since being elected in 2010, Orange County's unemployment rate has fallen from 11.3% to 6.5%.  
*  And although property tax revenues had declined nearly 25% since the start of the recession, the good news is that for the first time in more than 4 years, we're seeing a slight uptick in property tax revenues.  In fact, preliminary estimates show that taxable property values will increase by 3.8% for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.
* Permitting activity jumped 26% in 2012 and rose another 11% in the first quarter of 2013.
*  The average sales price for housing has risen 23% in the last 12 months, and 48% since January of 2010.
*  And another key metric, housing starts, rose more than 29% during the last 12 months.   

When I developed my first budget in 2011, the economy was still restrained by the many lingering effects of the Great Recession, and taxable property values were at a five year low. Fast forward to now.  While the last few years have been challenging, Orange County has fared better than most other governments. Due to our fiscally responsible approach - in both good times and bad - while other governments were cutting services, we found ways to improve and enhance our services and responsiveness.  While other governments were raising taxes, we held the line.  And even now, though we sense an improvement in our local and broader economy, Orange County's focus on fiscal responsibility will not change.

As we look to the work ahead, I have every confidence that we will continue to collectively rebuild our economy.  We are so fortunate to have an engaged Board of County Commissioners, who care about the needs of the community and about spending taxpayer funds responsibly.  Our budget work sessions ended last week and I look forward to our first public hearing on the subject on September 5th.

Thanks to our collective efforts to diversify our economy, promote tourism and create a place where people want to live, work and visit, we've positioned ourselves to take advantage of improving economic trends.          

In this month's newsletter, I encourage you to read about the work and progress of Orange County's Domestic Violence Committee. Also included is information about Lakes Awareness Month, the 10th anniversary of the National Entrepreneur Center, and the homecoming of Florida Army National Guard's 856th Quartermaster Support Company.

As always, I thank you for your hard work, your continued support, and for staying connected with your government.

Sincerely,
Teresa Jacobs
Orange County Mayor


           Domestic Violence Commission

Orange County Domestic Violence Commission  
Issues Final Report


In June, the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission issued a comprehensive report, including specific strategies and recommendations to help victims of domestic violence move toward recovery - particularly during the at-risk time period immediately following an incident of domestic violence. 

Joined by Chief Judge Belvin Perry and the late County Clerk Lydia Gardner, I reconvened the Domestic Violence Commission in January in response to a sudden spike in domestic violence cases in our region. Co-chaired by Circuit Judge Alice Blackwell and Community Leader Dick Batchelor, the commission distributed copies of its recommendations at the BCC Chambers during the group's last meeting in June

The commission recommended that law enforcement personnel, who respond to domestic abuse calls, receive regular training on stalking, dating violence behaviors, relevant state statutes, and agency policies. Other proposals include developing a family justice center for victims and having the civil court notify the state attorney of its injunction docket to improve information sharing. The creation of a centralized, secure victim information line and integrated statewide databank would also be useful for data sharing between law enforcement, the courts, and victim advocates.

Additionally, the commission agreed that law enforcement agencies should notify the State Attorney's Office within 24 hours of allegations of threats or repeat violence. Another recommendation is to have additional victim advocates for Harbor House of Central Florida, the only licensed domestic violence center in Orange County, to help support and navigate victims at the outset and throughout the process. Finally, all domestic violence suspects who are jailed should have no access to telephones to prevent further victim harassment or contact.

For the past five months, the commission has been reviewing aspects of law enforcement, criminal justice, and victim care with an eye toward protecting Central Florida citizens from the threat of domestic violence. I wish to thank the commission for their thorough examination of the issue and for their astute recommendations. I hope to bring the final report and recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners in August and to continue working with law enforcement, the judiciary and community leaders to make sure the necessary resources are in place.

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            National Entrepreneur Center

National Entrepreneur Center Celebrates
a Decade of Service




In June, I joined our thriving small business community, regional leaders, and elected officials to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC).

Headquartered at Orlando Fashion Square, the center was founded in 2003 in collaboration with Orange County Government, Walt Disney World and the University of Central Florida. Since then, the organization has directly coached and trained more than 100,000 small businesses. This year alone, the center assisted more than 12,000 small businesses in their endeavors.

With my good friend Jerry Ross, Executive Director of the National Entrepreneur Center.
During the past 10 years, the center has had a tremendous impact on the development of small businesses, while contributing to the creation of many jobs in Central Florida. Orange County has provided support to the NEC, resulting in little or no costs to our small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

The NEC's award-winning Resource Providers have also played a critical role in assisting local entrepreneurs succeed in their business ventures.

I wish to thank the National Entrepreneur Center for their dedication in playing such a key role in the success of our small business community and for being a major contributor in Orange County's economic growth and development.  If you are interested in learning more about the resources that the NEC offers to entrepreneurs, please visit their office, or log on to www.nationalec.org.

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              Lakes Appreciation Month

Celebrating Lakes Appreciation Month  
in Orange County


Lake Mary Jess
I encourage Orange County citizens to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month in July. Orange County is known for our beautiful lakes, which serve as magnets for community life and exciting recreational activities, like boating, fishing, and swimming.

Our lakes also play an extremely important role in our everyday life and provide a home to our region's precious wildlife. Additionally, our lakes serve the vital function of absorbing rainfall and runoff from land to help prevent flooding.

Coinciding with Lakes Appreciation Month, Orange County's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has worked to create a stormwater pond for Lake Mary Jess. The pond will include plants that will help improve water quality at Lake Mary Jess. Join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lake Mary Jess on July 23, 2013 at 9 a.m., and celebrate another important milestone in protecting Orange County's precious natural resources.

You can learn more about our plan for A Sustainable Orange County, Our Home for Life, on our website, OCFL.net

EPD is also hosting a photo contest on Orange County's official Facebook page from July 1 to July 31, 2013. I encourage you to show your appreciation for Orange County's lakes today by submitting historic photos of your favorite lake in the contest.

The winner will receive Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour tickets and a chance to be featured on the homepage of the Orange County Water Atlas, a one-stop water management resource, www.orange.wateratlas.org. For more information, email [email protected]

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         A Homecoming for Our Troops

        Welcoming Our Brave Troops Back Home

Earlier this month, we celebrated our country's Independence Day, and paid tribute to those who protect our freedoms. I was honored to attend the homecoming of some of those brave men and women when the Florida Army National Guard 856th Quartermaster Support Company arrived home on June 2nd.  I joined families from across Orange County in welcoming their loved ones back home from their tours in Afghanistan. It was so heartwarming to see our soldiers and their families reunite at the Orlando International Airport with smiles, big hugs, and emotional tears of joy.

We are deeply fortunate to have these brave men and women courageously serving our country to protect our liberties, freedoms, and way of life.

On behalf of Orange County, we thank those serving in the Armed Forces for their unwavering dedication, sacrifice, and service to our country.

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                    Summer of Service

     Summer of Service Continues in Orange County

Summer of Service participants paint a home with Seniors First in Orange County.

I wish to thank my staff and the volunteers who continue to support my 2013 Summer of Service initiative, which promotes volunteerism and community service throughout Orange County.

This year's program is connecting citizens to service projects with various Orange County agencies and organizations who are seeking volunteers.

From the Environmental Protection Division's community clean-up  and storm drain labeling event in Winter Park to the house painting project in partnership with "Seniors First" in the Rio Grande Terrace neighborhood, our citizens continue to do an outstanding job in giving back to the community that we call home.  

Our August volunteer event in the Conway area, Fixin' Up The Neighborhood, is an opportunity for volunteers to assist their neighbors in house painting and making small household repairs. Activities will take place August 12 through August 16 during the morning hours, and all the necessary tools and supplies will be provided to volunteers. To participate, please call or email Tabitha Wood in the Orange County Neighborhood Preservation and Revitalization Division at (407) 836-5613 or [email protected].

A special thank you to our volunteers and staff for their hard work in successfully bringing these important service projects to our communities.

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                     News Worth Noting ...




*   It was my pleasure speaking at the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Orlando Campus graduation ceremony. In the photo above, I am joined by Dr. Sylvia C�ceres, Chancellor of the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico - Orlando Campus; CEO & Publisher of La Prensa Dora Casanova Nelson; and her husband, Dan Nelson.

*   I had a blast at the 10th Domino World Federation Championship held at the Florida Hotel in Orange County.

*   I spent a wonderful afternoon with friends at the Bithlo Community Park's splash playground hose-cutting ceremony.

*   Last month, Orange County students submitted artwork to our Neighborhood Preservation & Revitalization Division in support of its "A Litter Free Orange County" campaign.  Winners will be recognized at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting, and their artwork will be on display at the Orange County Public Schools Administration Building and Orange County's Administration Center.

*   I participated in the Florida Mayors Forum at the Urban Land Institute's Florida Summit in June. Our discussion focused on economic development and land use.

*   The Modeling, Simulation & Training Blue Ribbon Commission held its second planning meeting with industry partners in June.

*   Last month, I attended the Florida Association of Counties Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida.

*   I spent a wonderful evening with friends at the 104th NAACP Annual Convention Dinner in Orange County.

*   It was my pleasure attending the NCAA Basketball Local Organizing Committee Tip-Off Reception. The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is expected to generate nearly $10 million of economic impact.

*   I enjoyed Hunter's Creek festive July 4th Celebration.

*   I wish to thank the Winderemere community for the warm welcome at the Winderemere Pancake Breakfast!

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In This Issue

 
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2013-2014 Budget

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Mayor Teresa Jacobs
201 S. Rosalind Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
[email protected]

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