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FNN’s Hidekel Griffin Joins 2024 Graduating Class of Orlando’s Government Academy

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Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz celebrate the Annual City of Orlando Government Academy. Source Hidekel Griffin, Florida National News

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The City of Orlando celebrated its Government Academy graduation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for its participants, including Florida National News social media reporter Hidekel Griffin, a member of the 2024 graduating class.

The ceremony, held at the Orlando Police Training Facility, brought together graduates, government officials, and notable Central Florida figures in an exciting event that underscored the power of civic engagement and education.

Annual City of Orlando Government Academy. Source Hidekel Griffin, Florida National News

 

Established by Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz in 2014, the Government Academy was designed to empower residents to understand and engage with their government. Commissioner Ortiz, reflecting on the academy’s purpose, shared his vision: “True government power resides in the hands of the people. By teaching them the importance of understanding government, we can guide them in making the most of their governmental resources.”

Ortiz emphasizes the belief that educated citizens are essential for a thriving community, and he remains committed to improving residents’ quality of life through this educational initiative.

About the Government Academy Program

The Government Academy is a comprehensive 12-week program that covers government structures from the federal to the municipal level. Each session is taught by government leaders from Orlando and Orange County, offering students the chance to connect directly with professionals, gain practical insights, and foster relationships with like-minded residents passionate about civic engagement.

  • Participants receive hands-on learning opportunities and in-depth knowledge about the functions and services provided by various government agencies.
  • Graduates are awarded a certificate of Continuous Education Units from UCF, further solidifying the program’s educational impact.

Annual City of Orlando Government Academy. Source Hidekel Griffin, Florida National News


Takeaways for Orlando Residents

  • Educational Empowerment: The academy equips Orlando residents with essential tools to effectively engage in local governance.
  • Community Impact: Graduates are better positioned to contribute to their communities, enhancing Orlando’s civic landscape.
  • Networking and Collaboration: Participants build connections with professionals and peers, creating a strong network for future civic involvement.

Annual City of Orlando Government Academy. Source Hidekel Griffin, Florida National News

The next Government Academy session will begin on March 4, 2025, with an English-language program running through June 3, followed by a Spanish-language session later in the year. Orlando residents interested in deepening their understanding of government are encouraged to register.

_________________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III and Hidekel Griffin contributed to this report.
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and District 1 City Commissioner Jim Gray Break Ground on New Southeast Community and Government Center

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The City of Orlando, the Orange County Library System and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will break ground on a new, state-of-the-art community and government center, along with a library in Southeast Orlando.

The opening of the new Southeast Community and Government Center (SCGC) represents a significant step in bringing city services closer to residents and businesses in the area. By providing convenient access to essential services, the center aims to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, ensuring that community members can easily engage with local government and access resources.

Encompassing approximately 15,000 square feet, the SCGC will be a versatile, multi-functional facility tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community. Among its features, the center will play a pivotal role in supporting community safety initiatives. Serving as a regional police substation, it will facilitate enhanced coordination among the 17 police districts in the Southeast Orlando area.

Additionally, the SCGC will include a satellite office for the District 1 City Commissioner and will offer convenient access to services such as Permitting, Code Enforcement, Communications and Neighborhood Relations, and Families, Parks and Recreation for residents and visitors.

Moreover, the SCGC will feature public meeting rooms to accommodate resident gatherings and community meetings. The center will also house the Orange County Library System’s newest branch, the Lake Nona library.

The new community and government center is made possible by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 2022 Community Project Funding Grant and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. One million dollars was awarded to the City of Orlando to help fund the SCGC, with the land being leased from GOAA.

This project promises to deliver substantial benefits to the residents of Southeast Orlando community, aiming to enhance efficiency and responsiveness while fostering a stronger connection between the city and its residents and businesses, ultimately promoting a vibrant and supportive community.

Construction of the Southeast Community and Government Center is expected to be completed by spring 2026.

WHO:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
District 1 City Commissioner Jim Gray
Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith
Orange County Library System Board Trustee Ashley Cisneros Mejia
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority CEO Kevin Thibault

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
10:30 a.m.

WHERE:
McCoy Community Park
7945 Dowden Road

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Central Florida News

Supervisor of Elections Warns 25 Residents About Potential Voting Ineligibility

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office has issued a formal notice to 25 county residents who may be declared ineligible to vote. According to Florida law, these individuals must contact the Supervisor’s Office within 30 days of this announcement to address their voting eligibility or risk being removed from the Florida Voter Registration System.

This announcement, published on November 25, 2024, aligns with Section 98.075 of the Florida Statutes, which mandates due process for voters identified as potentially ineligible. Supervisor of Elections Glen Gilzean emphasizes the importance of timely action to resolve any discrepancies.

Orange County Supervisor of Elections Issues Notice to Potentially Ineligible Voters
Act Now to Avoid Removal from the Florida Voter Registration System

What This Means for Impacted Voters
If you are listed in the notice:

  1. Contact the Supervisor of Elections Office immediately at (407) 836-2070 for detailed information about the reason for your potential ineligibility.
  2. You can request a hearing to challenge the determination.
  3. Failure to act within 30 days will result in your name being removed from the voter rolls.
  4. If you attempt to vote, your ballot will be provisional and may not be counted unless your eligibility is confirmed within two days after the election.

Complete List of Impacted Voters

  1. Baba, Hassan – 190 Covered Bridge Dr, Ocoee, 34761
  2. Baez, Hector L – 8424 Pocasset Pl, Orlando, 32827
  3. De Santiago, Andres A – 594 Maineline Blvd, Apopka, 32712
  4. Delgado, Jorge – 2216 Bay Leaf Dr, Orlando, 32837
  5. Domenighini, Antonella M – 7816 Murcott Cir, Orlando, 32835
  6. Fleming Damaso, Cierra MD – 1205 Vizcaya Lake Rd Apt 109, Ocoee, 34761
  7. Goynes, Benjamin – 2753 Elmhurst Cir, Orlando, 32810
  8. Jean Charles, Jemima – 7365 Rex Hill Trl, Orlando, 32818-8764
  9. Louis Jeune, Gerlande – 1424 Center St, Ocoee, 34761
  10. McHugh, Michaela M – 2604 Falkner Rd, Orlando, 32810
  11. Middleton, Moya M – 3024 N Powers Dr Apt 176, Orlando, 32818-3281
  12. Monds, Jerome – 1831 Central Park Ave, Orlando, 32807
  13. Morillo, Angel A – 3100 Via Dos, Orlando, 32817
  14. Parente, Michael A – 2001 Glenridge Way Apt 77, Winter Park, 32792-5442
  15. Parente, Sabella E – 2001 Glenridge Way Apt 77, Winter Park, 32792-5442
  16. Pierre, Hassan – 114 Cherry Laurel Dr, Orlando, 32835
  17. Pinto, Robert – 310 W Castle St, Orlando, 32809
  18. Powers, Marcia – 4814 Red Willow Ave, Orlando, 32808
  19. Robinson, Surrell – 426 McFall Ave Apt A, Orlando, 32805
  20. Saintil, Benson – 2013 Rivertree Cir Apt 205, Orlando, 32839
  21. Salazar, Ariana – 3539 Mount Martre Dr Apt 1150, Orlando, 32822
  22. Teague, Tamika R – 1616 W Grant St, Orlando, 32805
  23. Thomas, Jennifer BJ – 7830 Riffle Ln, Orlando, 32818
  24. Washington, Johnathan T – 4828 Lighthouse Cir, Orlando, 32808
  25. Watson, Vanita A – 1900 Mercy Dr Unit 125 B, Orlando, 32808

What’s Next
Residents listed have the right to dispute the determination and provide evidence to confirm their eligibility. The Supervisor of Elections Office offers assistance to navigate this process. It is crucial to act promptly to preserve voting rights.


El Supervisor de Elecciones del Condado Orange Publica Aviso para Posibles Votantes Inelegibles
Actúe Ahora para Evitar la Eliminación del Sistema de Registro de Votantes de Florida

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – La Oficina del Supervisor de Elecciones del Condado Orange emitió un aviso formal para 25 residentes del condado que podrían ser declarados inelegibles para votar. Según la ley de Florida, estas personas deben comunicarse con la oficina dentro de los próximos 30 días para resolver su elegibilidad o serán eliminadas del Sistema de Registro de Votantes de Florida.

El anuncio, publicado el 25 de noviembre de 2024, cumple con la Sección 98.075 de los Estatutos de Florida, que exige el debido proceso para los votantes identificados como potencialmente inelegibles.

Lo que Esto Significa para los Votantes Afectados
Si aparece en el aviso:

  1. Comuníquese de inmediato al (407) 836-2070 para obtener información sobre la razón de su posible inelegibilidad.
  2. Puede solicitar una audiencia para impugnar la determinación.
  3. Si no actúa dentro de los 30 días, su nombre será eliminado del registro electoral.
  4. Si intenta votar, su boleta será provisional y no se contará a menos que se confirme su elegibilidad dentro de los dos días posteriores a la elección.

Lista Completa de Votantes Afectados (Ver sección anterior para detalles de la dirección)

Próximos Pasos
Los residentes mencionados tienen el derecho de disputar la determinación y proporcionar evidencia que confirme su elegibilidad. Es esencial actuar rápidamente para preservar el derecho al voto.

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Central Florida News

Orlando International Airport Gears Up for Busy Thanksgiving Travel Season with Over 1.9 Million Passengers Expected

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Airport (MCO) is preparing for one of its busiest travel seasons as more than 1.9 million passengers are expected to travel through its terminals during the Thanksgiving holiday period, running from November 22 through December 3, 2024.

“With our experience from the past two holiday seasons, Orlando International Airport is ready to handle this year’s robust travel surge,” said Kevin J. Thibault, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Our staff, security teams, and vendors are energized to provide a seamless experience for our guests.”

Despite a slight drop in passenger volume compared to 2023, this year’s projections surpass pre-pandemic travel numbers. MCO handled 1.75 million travelers during the same period in 2022. December 1, 2024, is forecasted to be the busiest travel day, with 181,688 passengers arriving and departing.

Economic Impact for Orlando:

The influx of passengers bolsters Orlando’s economy, supporting the tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors during one of the most crucial periods for local businesses. As a gateway to Central Florida’s theme parks, resorts, and attractions, MCO plays a vital role in driving revenue for the region.

Traveler Tips for a Smooth Journey:

  • Follow the 3-2-1 Rule: Be at the ticket counter 3 hours before your flight, at security checkpoints 2 hours before, and at the gate 1 hour before departure.
  • Reserve Parking Early: Use MCO’s Reserved Parking program via the Orlando MCO mobile app or the airport’s website. Additional spaces are available in the renamed surface lots—Atlantis, Endeavour, and Discovery—but they require E-Pass or SunPass Plus.
  • Consider Alternatives: With parking expected to reach capacity, rideshares, taxis, or drop-offs are highly recommended.

Important Reminders:

  • Stay Updated: Download the Orlando MCO app for live updates on parking and security wait times.
  • Be Prepared: Check for prohibited items, secure luggage tags, and ensure pets have leashes for TSA screening.
  • Be Patient: Expect large crowds and potential delays throughout the journey.

___________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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