Usually when I write these columns lately it is explaining why there is no available funding for needs in our neighborhood.  This month I am thrilled to write about a wonderful corporation that wants to help renovate our neighborhood center.  The Carroll Adams Group is a hotel renovation and design company located in the Day Building in downtown Orlando.  Carroll Adams sponsors backpacks for needy children in the Reeves Terrace neighborhood in District 4.  When Ted Carroll, President of the company was handing out backpacks to the kids, he mentioned that the community center was looking a little run down.  He offered to do a full renovation.  His staff painted, reupholstered, and hung beautiful art work on the walls.  When the work was complete, his business partner,  Katherine Adams, asked what center was next for renovation.  I was speechless, but of course uttered “Colonialtown!” 

Colonialtown Neighborhood Center is pretty large, so I am asking for volunteers to help us paint the interior of the building.  We will schedule it over a weekend to make it more convenient for any painting helpers.  I do not have a date yet, but please watch the Colonialtown website for more information.  And thanks to Carroll Adams for being so giving in these tough economic times!

If you need any information, please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 407-246-2004.

Office hours at City Hall have been pretty challenging lately. News of layoffs of firefighters, police, and office workers had everyone concerned and upset. The one thing I would like all of my constituents to ponder, it takes $7313.00 to educate a child in the Orange County Public School System, which ranks among the lowest funded in the nation. It takes $1,000.00 per person in the City of Orlando to provide Police and Fire Service. Take into account the costs of providing garbage service, repairing roads, fixing sidewalks, making sure your toilets flush, and numerous other services provided by the City of Orlando. We can do the best we can, but I will not tell you that I can do all of the above with less funding after Amendment 1. And there is another Constitutional Amendment tax cut slated for next year. Please think about the cuts we have made before you vote, and realize that we can only spend what the public provides us in tax revenue. Crime rose dramatically after public safety funding was cut in COPS grants by the Federal Government. I have seen the impact of reduced revenue, and it has me greatly concerned.

Some ask how we could build a new arena or movie theater downtown when this is happening. Those taxing districts were put in place as a result of the Tourist Development Tax (the Arena) and the Community Redevelopment Agency (the movie theater). It is similar to any special assessment that is to be used for specific purposes. It is illegal to use them for any other purpose. It would be like asking a neighborhood to pay for brick streets, then raiding the fund to pay for something else when money is short. It is unfair, illegal, and unethical to do so. You have every right to hold me accountable for spending your tax dollars wisely. But I can’t tell you that as prices increase on goods and services, that we can continue to cut the cost of those services and reduce tax bills.

The only good news I can offer this month is that Federal Stimulus dollars have bailed out Orange County Public Schools, and we will not have to face Howard Middle School, Ferncreek Elementary, or Hillcrest closing next year. But when the stimulus dollars run out, we will be back in the same situation.

If you have any questions regarding any city issues, please contact me at 407.246.2004 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Commissioner Sheehan wanted to make sure everyone was kept abreast of what the city is doing regarding the possible school closures considered by the Orange County School Board.  City staff has been in negotiations with School Board staff to determine the impacts - on the city, students, neighborhoods, transportation, etc. - these closures will potentially have.  Below you will find an email we received yesterday from Linda Rhinesmith, Chief Planner for the City, outlining the latest details with an attachment providing information on all of the affected schools located within the corporate limits of the City of Orlando. 

The overall concern of Colonialtown residents over the past few months has been residential burglaries.  There was an increase in late June and early July in the area adjacent to Colonial Drive.  These crimes stopped after the arrest of a suspect.  Usually a string of burglaries that occur suddenly are the work of one individual, as was true with this case.  There has been a great deal of concern in the neighborhood, and I appreciate that, especially since I live here.  There are several things residents can do to make their homes safer. 

Please, if you have not done so, contact Officer Jim Young at (407) 246-2489 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule a free residential security survey.  Jim is a trained professional, and can give you great tips to make your home harder to break into. Even though people are concerned about crime in Colonialtown, and we are one of the largest neighborhoods in District 4, we only have three active neighborhood watches, on Spokane Avenue, Minnesota Street, and Iowa Place.  All of these are located in the northern part of Colonialtown.  I am a firm believer in the Neighborhood Watch program, as I have seen the difference it made on my street.  Consider calling Officer Young to establish a neighborhood watch.  Many of the arrests we make are because concerned citizens got involved to take back their neighborhood from criminals. 

This is important.  I know we are all busy, but watching out for one another is what makes neighborhoods great.  And the best thing that could happen to you is that you can meet your neighbors, and maybe make a few friends. 

If you need any assistance with any city-related issue, please call the office at (407) 246-2004, or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .