Five Star New Year’s Eve at I-Drive 360 and more news …

compiled by Lauren Salinero


Inaugural regional affordable housing summit

111716nbb02(L. to r.) Alberto Vargas, Orange County planning manager; Andres Duany, co-founder of Duany Plater-Zyberk and Co.; Southwest resident and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs; former State Rep. Dick Batchelor, a Southwest resident and president of Dick Batchelor Management Group; and Mitchell Glasser, Orange County Housing and Community Development manager, gather for the first Regional Affordable Housing Summit.

Southwest resident and Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs hosted the first Regional Affordable Housing Summit at the Orange County Convention Center. Planners, developers and local governmental leaders from across the region gathered to explore affordable housing solutions, including strategies, tools and best practices being implemented throughout Florida and across the country.

The goal of the summit was to utilize the community’s collective experience and knowledge to create a regional approach to address affordable housing needs. It featured the State of Regional Housing Outlook and two panel discussions.


A new definition of a penguin suit?

111716nbb03A female Adélie penguin sports a custom-made wetsuit, created by SeaWorld Orlando’s aviculture team after the bird experiences feather-loss.

Guests visiting Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld Orlando may see one penguin that does not quite look like the others. She is wearing her very own wetsuit.

The female Adélie penguin experienced feather-loss, which can happen to penguins in their natural habitats and wild populations. As a result of her feather-loss, the bird had a hard time naturally regulating her body temperature. SeaWorld’s aviculture team created a wetsuit to mimic her former coat of feathers. It was designed and sewn by SeaWorld’s wardrobe department and custom fit just for her. She wears it as she swims, sleeps and eats alongside her fellow penguins.


Realtors tour MetroWest

111716nbb04Realtors get an update on MetroWest’s communities and businesses during MetroWest Master Association’s “Pick of the Patch” Realtor Tour.

The MetroWest Master Association hosted its fourth annual “Pick of the Patch” Realtor Tour at MetroWest Golf Club. More than 50 participants enjoyed updates about community connection through public-safety initiatives, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, MetroWest Connect magazine, YMCA and MetroWest Golf Club.

The community bus tour featured Stonebridge Commons communities, Valencia College, Veranda Park and The Crystal Ballroom. MWMA hosts the tour each fall to share information about MetroWest’s newest businesses, residential opportunities and developments happening in the community with local Realtors.


Water Restriction in Effect for Orange County

Mandatory one-day-a-week watering restrictions recently began for Orange County residential and nonresidential properties and will continue through March 12, 2017. Properties must adhere to the following watering schedule:

• Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses can water only on Saturdays.

• Homes with even-numbered addresses can water only on Sundays.

• Nonresidential properties can only water on Tuesdays.

Residents should only water when needed and not between 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watering is restricted to no more than one hour per zone. The restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities.

For more information, email water.division@ocfl.net or visit www.occonservewater.net on the web.


BUSINESS BRIEFS


111716nbb05West Orange Chamber of Commerce members recognize the one-year anniversary of JME Cleaners LLC. (Photo courtesy of WOCC).

West Orange Chamber of Commerce held a one-year anniversary celebration for JME Cleaners LLC. WOCC builds partnerships, strong businesses and commitment to the community by serving as the leading business advocate in Central Florida, facilitating opportunity to nearly 1,000 member businesses. For more information, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com on the web.


Edu World Tutors is now hiring teen tutors age 16 and older. Edu World provides tutoring services online, in home and by phone. It pairs students with tutors accordingly to achieve maximum results and help each student reach his/her potential. For more information, call 407-413-3961 or visit eduworldtutors.com on the web.


Winter Garden Farmers Market, located at 104 S. Lakeview Ave., was voted No. 1 in America by American Farmland Trust and is now the largest farmers market in Florida. Open every Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., the market also boasts a new parking garage next to the facility and more than 150 vendors.


111716nbb06Southwest resident John Stine (middle, far right) of IDrive 360 joins representatives from Concept ID and Case Americas to celebrate the announcement of Five Star New Year’s Eve.

Concept ID and Case Americas officials announced Five Star New Year’s Eve at IDrive 360. The unique event will gather local celebrities and Orlando’s most influential people, and feature world-class disc jockeys and entertainment. Admission packages start with general admission, including a full-service open bar with beverages, beer, vodka, whiskey and Prosecco, and go up to the Gold Lounge package, which accommodates 16 people, features a separate VIP entrance, full-service open bar, exclusive dinner and breakfast, a dedicated butler service, and private transportation for the entire party. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fivestarnye.com on the web.


Florida Hospital Association officials recognized 11 hospitals and leaders who achieved notable success this year in improving patient care and contributing to their communities. Among those was Orlando Health, which received an award in the category of leadership in quality and patient safety, over 150 beds. Orlando Health launched an organizationwide effort to implement the latest safe-surgery protocols. The entire system, from the executive level to caregivers, was involved in the effort and is committed to providing high-quality surgical care.


The Southwest Orlando Bulletin is holding its 25th annual holiday short-story contest Stories of the Season. Southwest residents are encouraged to submit an original holiday-themed short story with a maximum of 600 words. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-place, second-place and child (age 12-younger) winners. Stories must include the author’s name, age, neighborhood and phone number. The deadline to enter is Nov. 21. Stories can be submitted at www.southwestorlandobulletin.com on the web, emailed to lauren@kearneypublishing.com or mailed to P.O. Box 851, Windermere, FL  34786. 💓