When pondering exactly what problem I should utilize for this assignment, the first thought that came to mind is an opportunity in my own backyard. At least, the backyard of my office. And hopefully, Lord willing, my actual backyard in the coming months. Let me explain.
I have worked for the municipality that governs the city in which I grew up for more than a decade. I was incredibly fortunate to land a part time job just before Thanksgiving 2006, was promoted to full time less than a year later and never looked back. I held two different positions within the same department over eleven-and-a-half years. This spring, I took a leap and made the transition to work for our Fire Chief after we had some thoughtful discussions and I decided I was ready for a change.
Though there will always be a soft spot in my heart for Ocoee, the current fastest growing city in Orange and Seminole counties is not without a disreputable past. Some of the below-mentioned articles will delve into those details. Additionally, it is important to note that historically, there has always been a little "beef" between Ocoee and neighboring Winter Garden. Some friendly competition, if you will. Putting it bluntly, Winter Garden is and has been the winner for the past several years. This is evidenced by their bursting-at-the-seams downtown and skyrocketing (honestly, ridiculous) property values. A plan was set for their future infrastructure and development about twenty years ago, and those staff members and consultants must have had a crystal ball. Logically, Ocoee and other suburbs of Orlando seek to replicate their success, but this venture is not without complications or difficulties.
Ocoee hires state rep as consultant in no-bid contract
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-ocoee-randolph-bracy-consulting-contract-20150226-story.html
Ocoee awarded a $20,000 contract to a State Rep (who is now a Senator) for consulting services to help plan for new businesses at three highway interchanges. Representative Bracy helped the City be awarded $100,000 of State funding, and was given assurance by the Florida House of Representatives General Counsel that this was legal, despite the fact that there was no competitive bidding process.
The problem with this to me, really is appearances. Although the City doesn't require a bid for services less than $25,000, the manner in which the process and results took place may have looked suspect, especially as the Representative's office was located within the City Hall annex.
In this case, the City of Ocoee has the problem of appearing as though this agreement was not done "by the book".
Fast-growing Ocoee tries to balance small-town past with progress
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-fastest-growing-florida-cities-ocoee-20160701-story.html
Ocoee has a not-so-pleasant past, but substantial growth over the last two decades in total and minority population is helping the town separate itself from its history. Now it has to balance the small town feel and local small businesses with the rapid growth and planned development over the coming years.
To me, the problem here is the difficulty of getting long-time residents and businesses on board with the coming progress and changes. If growth, development, and resulting prosperity are going to be possible, everybody has to be in on the plan. Things are very different now from when citrus was the primary industry. In fact, you rarely see an orange tree, let alone a grove anymore. One of the major groves has in recent years converted to a successful blueberry farm and business. Otherwise, the acreage would likely have sat lonely and dilapidated.
The City of Ocoee has the problem here as well, with getting their community and constituents engaged in the process and participating in decision making.
Ocoee sets $43.5M list of projects to revamp downtown
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-ocoee-downtown-redevelopment-20161005-story.html
After holding several public meetings to discuss plans and get public input, Ocoee elected officials voted to approve $43.5 million in funding for projects to redevelop downtown, including seeking funding for $25 million (Note: this was later accomplished via bond issue with an A+ credit rating).
There's not much of a problem here, save for several wished for projects that had to be left out of the plan. Assuming $25 million in debt is a big risk, but hopefully will not be without reward.
The City of Ocoee has the "problem" here.
Apopka, Ocoee seek downtown success like Winter Garden
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-building-downtowns-west-orange-20170504-story.html
Ocoee and Orange County's second largest city, Apopka, are trying to replicate the booming downtown that Winter Garden has accomplished. Ocoee plans to bring potentially $400 million in development and relocate City Hall, which has major foundational issues that are too costly to repair.
The problem here is some in the community see the project as too costly and don't understand why City Hall needs to be relocated (despite its structural issues). Some don't have a concept of spending money to make money.
Ocoee has the problem here, as not all of its community is onboard with the massive redevelopment plan.
Winter Garden, Ocoee work together on SR 429 corridor, new gateway
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orange/os-winter-garden-ocoee-429-corridor-20170619-story.html?
Ocoee and Winter Garden are partnering to improve a six mile stretch along the SR 429 corridor to change the look and feel of the entryways to both cities. The area does not give a positive image of either town. Looking at the history of changes in Winter Garden, this can make a positive impact for the neighboring cities.
Ocoee and Winter Garden both have the problem here, which is that as the entrances to their crown jewels are quite lackluster.
14 September 2018
07 September 2018
Assignment 3 - My Entrepreneurship Story
My Entrepreneurship Story
I suppose technically that my story begins in the third grade, when I met my best friend, Anthony. There has always been something "different" about him. He thinks outside of the box and marches to the beat of his own drum. We grew up together and even ended up in the same dorm our freshman year of college at Stetson. Anthony finished his Bachelor's there; I did not. I would not be here taking this class if I had, so for that I am thankful.
After finishing his four years at Stetson, Anthony became involved with an event called the Florida Coastal Run. He started a marketing and consulting firm, previously called RPM, now called Loop Group. I've helped him with a few projects here and there, and would eventually like to play a more active role. He also works for a company to diversify his income. He is of the belief that you should rely on income from one source. He has been very successful and I feel like he becomes more intelligent and knowledgeable every day. I admire him greatly.
I'll be honest, I enrolled in ENT 3003 this semester at the suggestion of my advisor. I had been enrolled in two different classes and when I told her that my husband and I would be in the process of selling our house and buying another, and maybe I should only take one course this fall, she suggested this course with Dr. Pryor. I am hoping to develop more of a entrepreneurial spirit and mindset so I am not necessarily always tied to my 7-5.
Below is a photo of me and my husband from the grand opening of Orlando City (soccer) stadium. Down the road if I get to the point that I can own my own business, I will have more time to spend with him, our boys, and doing the things that we enjoy.
I suppose technically that my story begins in the third grade, when I met my best friend, Anthony. There has always been something "different" about him. He thinks outside of the box and marches to the beat of his own drum. We grew up together and even ended up in the same dorm our freshman year of college at Stetson. Anthony finished his Bachelor's there; I did not. I would not be here taking this class if I had, so for that I am thankful.
After finishing his four years at Stetson, Anthony became involved with an event called the Florida Coastal Run. He started a marketing and consulting firm, previously called RPM, now called Loop Group. I've helped him with a few projects here and there, and would eventually like to play a more active role. He also works for a company to diversify his income. He is of the belief that you should rely on income from one source. He has been very successful and I feel like he becomes more intelligent and knowledgeable every day. I admire him greatly.
I'll be honest, I enrolled in ENT 3003 this semester at the suggestion of my advisor. I had been enrolled in two different classes and when I told her that my husband and I would be in the process of selling our house and buying another, and maybe I should only take one course this fall, she suggested this course with Dr. Pryor. I am hoping to develop more of a entrepreneurial spirit and mindset so I am not necessarily always tied to my 7-5.
Below is a photo of me and my husband from the grand opening of Orlando City (soccer) stadium. Down the road if I get to the point that I can own my own business, I will have more time to spend with him, our boys, and doing the things that we enjoy.
Assignment 2 - Bug List
My Bug List
1. Our next door neighbors' daughters are always frequently outside and don't understand the concept of privacy.
Why? They are homeschooled and have a more flexible schedule than most elementary and middle school students.
2. Blind mosquitoes are swarming our neighborhood again, making it difficult to be outside comfortably, as they cover you like a blanket.
Why? The hot summer weather and increased rain are perfect conditions for them to breed and thrive.
3. We have to vacuum our main living areas every day to keep our house clean and presentable for showings.
Why? Our German Shepherd is shedding like crazy.
4. Our water pressure has been incredibly low for weeks, causing cleaning and bathing to take longer than normal.
Why? The City had a chlorine gas leak at the water plant, which has affected the psi throughout the system.
5. The line for the Dunkin' Donuts drive-through on Consumer Court is so long in the mornings that traffic is sometimes backed up to Highway 50.
Why? At 6:45 AM many people are trying to pick up their morning coffee fix on their way to work.
6. Drivers often do not move to the right when emergency vehicles are trying to get through, potentially causing accidents and delaying first responders from getting to those who need their help.
Why? People often panic and forget what they are supposed to do when they see lights and hear sirens approaching them.
7. Mosquitoes bite me every chance they can get, despite the fact that A- blood is supposed to be one of their least favorites.
Why? I typically wear black, navy, and red during the week to the office, three colors to which mosquitoes are drawn.
8. I am so exhausted that it is affecting my ability to function regularly.
Why? My thyroid-stimulating hormone level is at an all time high and I am not getting enough sleep at night.
9. People use 911 as their primary care, often taking EMTs and paramedics away from patients that truly need them.
Why? Medical insurance is expensive and not everyone can afford it plus copays to see their doctor.
10. People use the outside left turn lane at Highway 50 and Maguire Road, which is not continuous, to speed up and cut in front of drivers in the inside, continuous left turn lane, potentially leading to road rage and accidents.
Why? They are probably afraid that if they don't, they will not be able to make their turn within one light cycle.
11. Traffic is terrible at Silver Star Road and Franklin Street, causing massive backups and what should be a 20-second drive to take upwards of 10 minutes.
Why? With Bluford Avenue being closed, a traffic study needs to be done to adjust the light patterns to compensate for additional traffic.
12. We still have to pay the base meter fee to Duke Energy each month, despite the fact that our solar panel system produces enough kW to cover our usage.
Why? Duke still has to pay its employees for system maintenance and linemen for emergency repairs.
13. I feel like I am constantly picking up toys around the house.
Why? Our boys are 3 and a half; and are far better at making messes than cleaning them.
14. I dislike being so much shorter than most people, and it makes me feel like they don't take me seriously.
Why? My growth was stunted at age 10 due to undiagnosed autoimmune disease.
15. I wish we could have some cooler weather already; it's so hot that it's making me anxious.
Why? It is the hottest part of the year in Florida.
16. We get so many pre-approval mail items for credit cards and personal loans, our "burn or shred" bin is overflowing from its space on the shelf in the garage.
Why? Our "opt out" requests are taking a lengthy amount of time to be processed.
17. The self checkout lines at the Target in Clermont are always full with a line, making it almost just as well to use a cashier.
Why? There are only four self checkout stands and an increase in customers at the store.
18. Pants do not fit the same from one brand to another, making it difficult to purchase clothing online.
Why? There is no globalized standard for sizing.
19. There are some people who think global warming is a hoax, and this can affect environmental regulations in the United States.
Why? Not everyone is gifted in common sense.
20. There is a delay on shipping of paint supplies from Magnolia Home.
Why? Chip and Joanna Gaines have become very popular show hosts, leading viewers to want to purchase their products.
Reflection:
I actually found that this exercise was less difficult than I anticipated. I feel as though I am experiencing being scatterbrained, or almost as though I have ADD lately, and it forced my thoughts to jump around to give me lots of ideas. That being said, I wish I had better followed Dr. Pryor's advice and started earlier, as the "why" portion of each bug was where I struggled. Looking at why the bugs exist was an interesting perspective to which I am not accustomed; I think I've found a new way of looking at life.
1. Our next door neighbors' daughters are always frequently outside and don't understand the concept of privacy.
Why? They are homeschooled and have a more flexible schedule than most elementary and middle school students.
2. Blind mosquitoes are swarming our neighborhood again, making it difficult to be outside comfortably, as they cover you like a blanket.
Why? The hot summer weather and increased rain are perfect conditions for them to breed and thrive.
3. We have to vacuum our main living areas every day to keep our house clean and presentable for showings.
Why? Our German Shepherd is shedding like crazy.
4. Our water pressure has been incredibly low for weeks, causing cleaning and bathing to take longer than normal.
Why? The City had a chlorine gas leak at the water plant, which has affected the psi throughout the system.
5. The line for the Dunkin' Donuts drive-through on Consumer Court is so long in the mornings that traffic is sometimes backed up to Highway 50.
Why? At 6:45 AM many people are trying to pick up their morning coffee fix on their way to work.
6. Drivers often do not move to the right when emergency vehicles are trying to get through, potentially causing accidents and delaying first responders from getting to those who need their help.
Why? People often panic and forget what they are supposed to do when they see lights and hear sirens approaching them.
7. Mosquitoes bite me every chance they can get, despite the fact that A- blood is supposed to be one of their least favorites.
Why? I typically wear black, navy, and red during the week to the office, three colors to which mosquitoes are drawn.
8. I am so exhausted that it is affecting my ability to function regularly.
Why? My thyroid-stimulating hormone level is at an all time high and I am not getting enough sleep at night.
9. People use 911 as their primary care, often taking EMTs and paramedics away from patients that truly need them.
Why? Medical insurance is expensive and not everyone can afford it plus copays to see their doctor.
10. People use the outside left turn lane at Highway 50 and Maguire Road, which is not continuous, to speed up and cut in front of drivers in the inside, continuous left turn lane, potentially leading to road rage and accidents.
Why? They are probably afraid that if they don't, they will not be able to make their turn within one light cycle.
11. Traffic is terrible at Silver Star Road and Franklin Street, causing massive backups and what should be a 20-second drive to take upwards of 10 minutes.
Why? With Bluford Avenue being closed, a traffic study needs to be done to adjust the light patterns to compensate for additional traffic.
12. We still have to pay the base meter fee to Duke Energy each month, despite the fact that our solar panel system produces enough kW to cover our usage.
Why? Duke still has to pay its employees for system maintenance and linemen for emergency repairs.
13. I feel like I am constantly picking up toys around the house.
Why? Our boys are 3 and a half; and are far better at making messes than cleaning them.
14. I dislike being so much shorter than most people, and it makes me feel like they don't take me seriously.
Why? My growth was stunted at age 10 due to undiagnosed autoimmune disease.
15. I wish we could have some cooler weather already; it's so hot that it's making me anxious.
Why? It is the hottest part of the year in Florida.
16. We get so many pre-approval mail items for credit cards and personal loans, our "burn or shred" bin is overflowing from its space on the shelf in the garage.
Why? Our "opt out" requests are taking a lengthy amount of time to be processed.
17. The self checkout lines at the Target in Clermont are always full with a line, making it almost just as well to use a cashier.
Why? There are only four self checkout stands and an increase in customers at the store.
18. Pants do not fit the same from one brand to another, making it difficult to purchase clothing online.
Why? There is no globalized standard for sizing.
19. There are some people who think global warming is a hoax, and this can affect environmental regulations in the United States.
Why? Not everyone is gifted in common sense.
20. There is a delay on shipping of paint supplies from Magnolia Home.
Why? Chip and Joanna Gaines have become very popular show hosts, leading viewers to want to purchase their products.
Reflection:
I actually found that this exercise was less difficult than I anticipated. I feel as though I am experiencing being scatterbrained, or almost as though I have ADD lately, and it forced my thoughts to jump around to give me lots of ideas. That being said, I wish I had better followed Dr. Pryor's advice and started earlier, as the "why" portion of each bug was where I struggled. Looking at why the bugs exist was an interesting perspective to which I am not accustomed; I think I've found a new way of looking at life.
23 August 2018
TestNewBlogUF
Hello and welcome! This is a quick test post to make sure the blog is working. I look forward to sharing here with you all!
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