Over the weekend, Commissioner Mable Butler passed away at age 98. She was a legendary community leader who loved Orlando and never stopped serving. Commissioner Butler was a trailblazer and the first Black woman elected to serve on the City Council and the first Black elected official on the Orange County Commission.
Her advocacy, leadership and tireless work ethic made our community a better place to live. She was a friend and mentor to so many of us. We know that Commissioner Butler leaves a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.
As we send love to her family and friends, let’s pause for a moment of silence.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
1.f.1- 2024 Mayor’s Leadership Award
Each year, the Mayor’s Leadership Award helps the City of Orlando recognize staff members who lead with great commitment and passion. Our Human Resources Director Ana Palenzuela will give us some background on the award and announce our recipient.
1.f.2 - Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
In Orlando, we are proud of our community’s diversity. And proud that our city is welcoming to all.
Hispanic Heritage Month gives our community the opportunity to celebrate the rich heritage, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans to our nation, state and city. We want to thank the staff on our Hispanic Heritage Month Employee Committee and sponsors who have organized events for our community to enjoy. We also want to thank Commissioner Ortiz for his leadership. Luis Martinez from our Office of Community Affairs is here to provide an overview of our Hispanic Heritage Month recognition. Luis…
While we are disheartened that the Pulse Memorial Crosswalk was removed by the state, it has been uplifting to see the outpouring of love and support from the Orlando community. It’s certainly clear that our community’s commitment to honoring the 49 cannot be erased. That commitment includes completing a permanent memorial at the site.
On today’s agenda are two items that advance the memorial. First, is a funding agreement with Orange County, they are expected to take this agreement to their Commission later this month. We want to thank Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners for providing funding that will go toward the creation of the permanent memorial. We also want to once again thank the advisory committee representing families, survivors and other stakeholders that recommended a conceptual design.
Also on today’s agenda is an agreement with Gomez Construction Company, who will complete the design and then manage the construction. We expect construction to start next summer and then conclude the following year.
It remains so important that there is a permanent space where the families of the victims, the survivors and our entire community can go to honor, remember and reflect.
3.j.2 - Geraldine Thompson Way
In February, our community lost a true servant leader. State Senator Geraldine Thompson was an elected official, civil rights advocate, educator, historian and so much more. She made immeasurable impacts on Orlando and our entire state, serving each day with great dedication and integrity.
On today’s agenda is a resolution supporting the honorary designation of a portion of West South Street as “Geraldine Thompson Way.” This is especially fitting because the honorary designation will include the portion of South Street in front of the Wells’ Built Museum of African American History and Culture. Senator Thompson was a champion for preserving this landmark that was an important part of Orlando’s history.
We want to thank State Senator Kristen Arrington and new State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis for bringing this forward at the state level.
Today we are joined by Judge Emerson Thompson and other members of Senator Thompson’s family. Thank you for sharing her with us. We look forward to unveiling the street sign with a formal event soon.
But we’d love it if you would join us for a photo today.
5.a - O-Line Project – NID – Gore to Columbia
Lastly, we are looking to approve the proposal for a new linear park called the “O-line” project. This new world-class park and transportation corridor in the SoDo district will connect residents, workers and visitors to Orlando’s core, showcasing how city partnerships with neighborhood districts can deliver lasting infrastructure for today and future generations.