U.S. Attorney announces results of Project Safe Neighborhoods
The second quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy are in. Over the past three months, prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 64 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses. Those prosecutions have removed more than 200 firearms from streets.
PSN community outreach efforts in the second quarter involved more than 900 people.
The cases identified were investigated by the Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office, among dozens of other state law enforcement agencies. These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce violent crime in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to help make that happen, and we look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and our community stakeholders in this effort.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problemsolving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/ usao-mdfl/project-safeneighborhoods-0.
Orange, Bay Street closures for Toho Water Kissimmee project
Toho Water Authority (Toho) is announcing temporary road closures to thru traffic on East Orange and Bay Streets.
The closures are necessary to conduct a sewer rehabilitation project. Closures to thru traffic will occur in two phases:
Orange from North Brack Street to Royal Street: Ongoing, this phase is scheduled to be completed by July 28.
Bay from East Orange to Magnolia Street: expected to begin July 29 and be completed by August.
During the phases, intersection of East Orange and Bay Streets will be closed. Schedules could vary according to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution when approaching these areas, as workers will be present and speed limits may be reduced and sidewalks possibly closed and diverted. Signage will be placed as needed to keep the traveling public informed of the project.
LYNX accepting Public Service Bus Contest applications
The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) will bring back the Public Service Bus in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. The application period opened this week for qualified non-profit organizations in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to register for a spot on the bus.
Eight qualified agencies will be chosen in a random drawing to have their logo displayed for one year. The Public Service Bus travels routes every day throughout the threecounty area.
To be eligible, for the 19th celebration, the nonprofit organization must be based in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County; operate on a budget of less than $1.5 million and show proof of 501(c)(3) status or be a governmental agency.
Qualified agencies are required to fill out registration form online (golynx.com/publicservicebus) with all fields completed, including its 501(c)(3) status or government agency designation.
Previous winners are eligible to apply. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Aug. 19. Incomplete entries will not be accepted. Winners will be drawn randomly and announced in September. The official unveiling of the 2022-23 Public Service Bus will be held at a to-be-determined time and location.
Osceola County’s overall proposed tax rate will remain at 8.2308 mills
Osceola County, in preparing to share its Fiscal Year 2023 budget, announced its tax rate for the general fund, EMS, library and environmental lands under the County Manager’s recommended budget presented to County Commissioners on Monday will remain the same. The General Fund millage rate of 6.7 mills is proposed at the same rate for the 12th year in a row.
Commissioners have allocated federal dollars to allow for immediate recovery activities, including $35.4 million dedicated for the extension of utilities and roads that could spur economic development, $12.5 million for workforce development, scholarships, wrap-around services, and potentially infrastructure, another $15 million dedicated for the recovery of the tourism industry, and $5 million in targeted recovery efforts dedicated for specific projects to address the needs in County districts.
In the current fiscal year, the County started work on two new fire stations and added 21 new firefighters to its ranks, while completing a 16,000-square-foot Sheriff’s training facility. For FY23, the County proposes adding 30 firefighters to its ranks in order to staff two additional fire stations being funded in the upcoming budget year.
