Community members in Parramore came together Tuesday in an effort to stop violence and crime that for many years consumed the area.
- Mayor Dyer's State of Downtown address Tuesday
- Parramore crime down nearly 20 percent
- Focus in 2017 on education in Orlando
“Theres a new flavor in our community. We are promoting unity and safety,” said longtime Paramore resident Vencia Cannady.
Police and residents took part in a community barbeque Tuesday evening as part of ongoing efforts to build and strengthen relationships.
But it’s not just residents -- the change in Parramore was the focus of Mayor Buddy Dyer's State of Downtown address Tuesday.
“We went block by block to overcome challenges and now we’ve reduced crime by nearly 20 percent,” Mayor Dyer said.
Dyer also told the enthusiastic crowd that juvenile crime is down 61 percent there.
Dyer hopes for more success for Parramore in 2017. Dyer said the city would be focusing on education. Orange County Public Schools will add a new PreK through eighth grade community school that will serve more than 900 kids.
The University of Central Florida and the Valencia College downtown campuses are also coming to Creative Villages.
“Our shared dream is to return Parramore to a neighborhood of opportunity and celebrate its rich history. A place where learning, the careers of tomorrow, sports and entertainment, come together in one neighborhood that’s shared by everyone,” Dyer said.
Residents say they can see the vision and Parramore will get back to its roots if they continue on this path.
“We are determined to stay here and continue to live and see the change and live it,” Cannady said.
Another area of growth Orlando has seen is bringing in new businesses. Dyer said just this year 200 new businesses started in downtown and 14 of those are in Parramore.