Weekly Electronic Newsletter
We're now in the Fourth Week of the Legislative Session in Tallahassee. To keep you properly informed; on a regular basis, the Central Florida Partnership will be providing this Weekly Electronic Newsletter on SunRail.
We invite you to "bookmark" the web site for Right Track Florida at www.RightTrackFlorida.org and "check back" frequently for "daily postings" and "breaking news" between now and the end of the Legislative Session.
Volusia Chairman Touts SunRail
What is the state of Volusia County? Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno answered that question today during his annual State of the County Address.
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| Shown above: Frank Bruno, Chairman of the Volusia County Council and Chairman of the Congress of Regional Leaders. Chairman Bruno is also a member of the Commuter Rail Commission |
"Our decision to finance the Central Florida Commuter Rail system linking Deland and Orlando was unprecedented. This project is a partnership effort between Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, as well as the City of Orlando and the state and federal governments. It will take thousands of cars off the highways while providing cost effective transportation to our citizens," Bruno said.
Bruno also serves on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission. We thank Chairman Bruno for his leadership in making SunRail a reality. For the complete article, just “click here,” State of the County Address.
Resolutions of Support
When it comes to Resolutions of Support, SunRail enjoys seventy (70) Resolutions of Support offered by individuals, organizations, associations and various levels of government. Each is essential; but not one is sufficient, they are all equally important when it comes to building a coalition of support for a "Stronger Florida" through SunRail.
Have you presented your Resolution or Letter of Support on behalf of SunRail? It’s not too late to join the team. For your convenience, just “click here” for a Sample Resolution you may tailor to your organization. Let us know once it’s approved we will be proud to highlight it in upcoming messages to legislators, newsletters and our web site.
African American Chamber Endorses SunRail
The African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida adopted a Resolution of Support for SunRail. The chamber is a community-based organization designed "to build sound business leaders, and advocate competitive advantages for long term growth and prosperity."
Ultimately, the goal of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida is to enhance the quality of life for their members and for our family of communities.
Through self-empowering programs and services, members of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida are encouraged to network with their affiliate corporate business managers and owners; enabling their members to capitalize on immeasurable economic development opportunities, while learning cutting edge marketing techniques that will help propel their businesses forward. For a copy of their Resolution of Support, just “click here,” for the Resolution of Support
Lighthouse Central Florida Endorses SunRail
Lee Nasehi, President of Lighthouse Central Florida, Inc., wrote a personal email to several members of the Florida Senate. The organization provides life-changing services for blind and sight-impaired babies, children, teens, adults, seniors, and their families in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties and The Villages.
In her email message, Ms. Nasehi talks about the import role that transportation plays in the lives of those living with impaired sight. "It is key to them being able to participate fully in community life; working, paying taxes, receiving and paying for professional and recreational services and shopping."
Want to see other Resolutions of Support? It's easy, just "click on" www.RightTrackFlorida.org. New Resolutions of Support are being added on a regular basis along with additional Letters of Support.
UCF’s Student Newspaper Endorses SunRail
In a recent editorial from the University of Central Florida’s student newspaper, Central Florida Future, it endorses SunRail stating that, “A significant economic and political player in the Orlando community, UCF has to take a stand on the matter. And since it’s a no-brainer, the university needs to jump on the SunRail caboose. UCF students and staff, as Floridians, should encourage projects like SunRail for their greater utilitarian scope, even if UCF is cropped out of the picture. The increasing political involvement from the community is exciting. People are sticking their necks out in larger numbers, with more willingness and persistence.” For the complete editorial, just “click here,” UCF Editorial of Support for SunRail.
SunRail vs. Schools? That’s Not the Choice
Beth Kassab of the Orlando Sentinel wrote a thoughtful Column last week on the misperception that money for the rail project means money taken away from education. She reports that such claims just aren’t true. “A good portion of the federal, state and local money set aside for SunRail would simply go away if the project fails again this year. And the remainder would remain in Central Florida for other road projects.”
"The senators know better," Senator Constantine said. "They know that this money is not being taken out of the mouths of children or anything else."
To read the complete Column, just “click here,” Beth Kassab’s Column
Moving Forward
Here are just two of many examples of local community businesses taking advantage of the planned SunRail and its expected 61.5-mile path.
The Orlando Business Journal reports that Orange Crown Holdings LLC unveiled a plan for a 6-acre, mixed-use development as part of Longwood’s planned SunRail Station. The $14 million first phase would include more than 100,000 square feet of apartments, office space and retail in a live/work environment.
And in other news, a 31,000-square-foot office building is the newest addition to the community redevelopment corridor in Maitland. The building, called Northbridge Office Centre, will have almost 200 feet of train tracks running across it and will eventually provide 255 parking spaces for commuter rail riders.
Maitland's SunRail Station will be built on this site and the neighboring Parker Lumber site. "It was somewhat incredible when we held the ribbon cutting to be able to look out and envision the SunRail Station right outside their front door," Mayor Doug Kinson said.
To view both articles just “click here,” Longwood Rail Station Village and Maitland Rail Station
What’s Next?
Senate Bill 1212 is now headed to the Florida Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee (TED); however, it has not yet been calendared for action. At your convenience, please convey your personal support regarding SunRail to the following members of the Florida Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee (TED). For your information and review, shown below are the "Member Pages" of the Florida Senators serving on this Committee.
Chair: Senator Mike Fasano (R)
Vice Chair: Senator Anthony C. "Tony" Hill, Sr. (D)
Senator Alex Diaz de la Portilla (R)
Senator Paula Dockery (R)
Senator Andy Gardiner (R)
Senator Christopher L. "Chris" Smith (D)
Senator Ronda Storms (R)
In addition, please continue to email the Governor, Cabinet, and Members of the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives via the Right Track Florida web site, just "click here," Contact Your Elected Officials.
Don’t Forget!
Please go to our comprehensive web site, www.RightTrackFlorida.org to find recent reports, talking points, and articles of interest. In addition, please utilize the "Email Your Elected Officials" page to let Governor Crist, Florida’s Cabinet Members, and the Legislature that you support commuter rail!
So You Will Know
As our Governor and Legislative Leaders continue their work in Tallahassee, I will continue to represent the Central Florida Partnership "on the ground;" advancing SunRail and other key issues that will positively impact the Central Florida Region.
Traveling to Tallahassee?
Please let us know if you or your colleagues will be in Tallahassee during the Legislative Session. Here's why – we may need your attendance at a Committee Hearing or a Press Conference at a "moments notice." So, please let us know if you are "Traveling to Tallahassee" so that we can "link" you to activities and events that will be important to the success of SunRail. Please send us your availability by contacting Pam Clancy at 407.835.2486, or via email at pam.clancy@centralfloridapartnership.org so we may maximize your "Time in Tallahassee."
Need More Information?
Please let us know please if there is any information we may provide to you and your organization as we work enthusiastically toward successfully advancing SunRail.
