Mayor Buddy Dyer says Orlando is changing and new growth is on the way.
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer gave his 15th State of the City Address
- Touted continued growth, economic development
- Announced new initiatives in several areas
- READ: Dyer's State of the City Address
- RELATED: City urges people to get involved in community
A packed room and moments of loud applause marked Mayor Buddy Dyer’s annual State of the City address Friday.
Mayor Dyer addressed not only economic growth over the past year, but also some of the tragedies the city has faced.
“A hateful act took the lives of 49 beautiful souls and shattered countless others,” Dyer said, opening his speech with a moment to reflect on the Pulse tragedy and its significance on the community.
Then he jumped into the accomplishments the city has seen, most notably the increase in jobs throughout the city.
“We have 10 main street districts that are responsible for 3,000 full-time jobs 2,500 part-time jobs, and a thousand new businesses,” Mayor Dyer said.
Dyer said the city would build on that success with a new program called "Permitting Express," which will fast track qualified small business projects.
Dyer highlighted Universal’s new water theme park, Volcano Bay, as an example of tourism growth. Volcano Bay has created 1,700 new jobs.
Tech jobs are also on the rise. Dyer said they have increased 150 percent just in the last year.
Dyer also says the city is extending this economic development to young people by extending hours at community centers, opening more programs to pair young people with mentors and help them learn about jobs and get needed tutoring over the summer.
“Our Families Parks and recreation department new serves 11,000 kids across 17 community centers, eight middle schools and five high schools. For the third year in a row, every single graduate of the Paramore Kidz Zone has gone on to college,” Dyer said.
Dyer says by focusing on these youth programs, the city is also reducing crime. He attributes this philopsophy to Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, who was killed earlier this year. Clayton was very involved with youth programs.
"Our community can never repay her for the ultimate sacrifice she made," Dyer said. "But, we can honor her legacy by continuing the work she loved."
The Orlando Police Dept. is adding more police officers and making sure every patrol officer is equipped with a body camera. Dyer said violent crime in the city is down 18 percent, residential burglaries are down 14 percent, and robberies of businesses are down 76 percent.
Dyer said the city will also make in-roads into more affordable housing. The city bought 36 acres of blighted land on Mercy Drive and Orange Center Boulevard for a project in partnership with non-profits like LIFT Orlando and Ability Housing.
The city is also restoring 30 units at Richard Allen Gardens for the New Horizon Project, a partnership with HOPE Church to provide hosing for homeless veterans who have children and people with low incomes.
The city is also investing $5 million in vacant lots in the Parramore area for new homes for families.