Community Events

Fall Update

It seems like just yesterday we were preparing the kids for a new school year, and now the holidays are upon us. Before we all become busy with holiday celebrations, I want to take the time to let you know about the recent happenings in our district.

Redistricting Update

The Redistricting Advisory Committee (RAC) narrowed down their choices for two map proposals to be sent to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The maps will be voted on at the November 15^th BCC meeting. These final map proposals are the culmination of months of discussion and input by residents and RAC members. The final proposals can be viewed at www.ocfl.net/rac. Because these maps have an impact on all residents of Orange County, I encourage you to review the final proposals and send your feedback to all members of the BCC.

I want to thank everyone who became involved and actively participated in the redistricting process. The input you gave helped guide the RAC to their final proposals. Whether you came and spoke out at a meeting or submitted a map proposal, your involvement in local government makes a difference.

Lake Jessamine Water Study

I am pleased to announce that the Water Quality Study on Lake Jessamine has been completed and we are moving forward to address the issues affecting the lake. The study was conducted by ERD INC. and gave recommendations to improve the quality and integrity of the lake. Some of the recommendations include restricting boating activities to the lobes outside of the main lobe, establishing a public education program to inform residents on the link between the watershed and water quality, and in-lake alum treatment to reduce the internal recycling of nutrients and lateral seepage nutrient contributions.

The Lake Jessamine Advisory Board will review and discuss the recommendations made by the study and take actions in addressing the needs of the lake. The preservation of our natural resources is vital to the well-being of our community. Taking the right steps now to protect our lakes will ensure a solid future for generations to come.

Pine Castle Woman’s Club

I had the honor of attending the Pine Castle Woman’s Club Recognition Luncheon in October. The event was a great way to acknowledge the dedicated service to our community by the Pine Castle residents. A shout out goes to Conway resident Chad Lampman on his Service Award. He and his Boy Scout Troop assisted with the beautification of the building along with signage. Great job Chad for demonstrating such leadership at a young age!

Commissioner Thompson and Chad Lampman

Upcoming Events

Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 9th

6:30pm

Meadow Woods Magic Recreation Center

1751 Rhode Island Woods Circle, Orlando, Fl

RAC Public Hearing at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting

Tuesday, November 15^th

2:00pm

BCC Chambers

201 S. Rosalind Ave, Orlando, FL

District 4 Thanksgiving Dinner

TBA

Taft Community Center

9450 S. Orange Ave, Orlando, FL

Charter Review Commission Public Hearing

Thursday, December 1^st

6:30pm

Northlake Park Elementary School

9055 North Lake Parkway, Orlando, FL

I want to thank you again for your continued support. I am truly enjoying my time serving as your County Commissioner and am working hard to make Orange County a great place to call home. Please know that my door is always open and I want to hear from you. If you have any questions or concerns please email me at Jennifer.Thompson@ocfl.net or call (407)836-5881.

OCHEEP! Lite

Sep 19th, 2011

by jennthompson.

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Do you want to lower your power bill? The Orange County Homeowners Energy Efficiency Program (OCHEEP!) has expanded! In an effort to promote energy efficiency in Orange County OCHEEP! has extended the program to include renters and residents living in designated Safe Neighborhoods.

OCHEEP! will provide energy efficient assistance packages for up to 600 Safe Neighborhood residents or renters who attend an OCHEEP! Light Workshop. The energy efficiency assistance package contains the following items:

R-10 insulating hot water heater blanket
Two compact fluorescent light bulbs (60 Watt)
Two rolls of weather-stripping (2 different thicknesses)
1.5 gallon/minute shower head
Caulk (rope-form for easy, no-mess application without needing a caulk gun)
Refrigerator/freezer thermometer to calibrate the temperature of existing appliances

Take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about energy saving practices and how we can work together to make Orange County more energy efficient! More information on OCHEEP! workshops and energy savings can be found here!

Get to know our neighbors and give back a little

Jul 27th, 2011

by jennthompson.

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As many residents have taken these summer months as an opportunity for vacation, I can assure you that there was no such time off for my office or I. We marched on through the hot days to continue to serve our district the very best we that can. And now, faster than I could imagine, we are almost into August, with school starting at the end of the month. But before the rest of summer slowly slips away, I want to share some information about a few August events going on in our district.

On Tuesday, August 2 communities around District 4 will celebrate the 27^th Annual National Night Out event. National Night Out is known as “America’s Night Out Against Crime.” The event is designed to promote drug and crime prevention awareness while encouraging police-community partnerships.

National Night Out strengthens neighborhood spirit and pride by bringing residents together for the common good and improvement of their streets. The event is an inexpensive way for prevention tips and ideas to be expressed and shared throughout the neighborhood.

Communities across the nation will participate on the same night to come together and speak out. Held every year on the first Tuesday in August since 1984, National Night Out started as traditional light vigils and front porch candles, and has quickly morphed into block parties, cookouts and parades.

Since being elected I’ve continued to press on the importance of community involvement and safety of our neighborhoods. Our District 4 communities’ participation in this event is a great example of neighbors coming together to fight crime and actively push for a better place to call home. The high profile nature of this event shows criminals that the community is organized and has no patience for mischief. Events like these are just some of what continue to make District 4 a great place to live.

Active participation in our community by residents is what great communities are built on. That’s why I’d like to invite you to the District 4 Back to School Day on August 13. We have been hard at work to collect school supplies for children and families living in District 4. On the day of the event, which is located at the Orange County Orlando Magic Recreation Center in Meadow Woods, the District 4 Office will distribute 1,000 backpacks to our district’s kids! The goal of this event is to give parents and their children the necessary tools for a successful school year.

But that’s not all that’s going on – this is a community event, complete with free food, entertainment, a health fair, business expo and more. The event will run from 11:00am-2:00pm, with backpack distribution beginning at 12:30pm. Backpacks are on a first come first serve basis and the child must be present to receive a backpack. Families are welcome to pick up backpacks and spend the afternoon enjoying the different vendors and learning about the various Orange County Departments. The departments will have representatives on hand to answer questions and pass out information on services and opportunities available to residents.

District 4 is filled with amazing residents. I am honored to be your Commissioner and will continue to serve you to the best of my ability. Again, please know that my door is always open if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach me at Jennifer.Thompson@OCFL.net or call my office at (407)836-5881.