A dream came true when I was able to be part of the final mission for Shuttle Atlantis on November 2, 2012. My up-close experience followed the Shuttle all day long, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey was fascinating to witness and rewarding in so many ways. I only hope… [read more]
The Orlando Film Festival welcomed a slate of talented independent cinema to the City Beautiful October 17-21. The Festival aims to promote culture and arts in Downtown Orlando by exposing wide audiences to unique and diverse stories told by independent filmmakers. This year did not disappoint. West Orlando News spotlighted… [read more]
Orlando is essentially broke. The city dipped into the reserves to the tune of around $30 million to “balance” its budget just weeks ago. Our credit is maxed out, literally. Mayor Buddy Dyer had to get Orange County to bail him out just to get the Citrus Bowl renovations started. But… [read more]
Local Orlando news coming out of the DNC Convention in Charlotte included numerous media reports covering Mayor Buddy Dyer’s comments that he was considering a run for governor. During my run for Mayor, we knew Dyer had ambition for higher office and I tried to get him to sign my pledge… [read more]
As students across Central Florida returned to school this week, one statistic sank my heart instantly. 10,000. That’s the number of children in our community without a home. After school, many will return “home” to cars or extended stay motels with their families who continue to struggle without even a… [read more]
Hey everyone – sorry for the lack of posts lately. I took a quick little getaway for a Cantone family vacation. It was much-needed and a great trip! Now I’m back…and there’s a lot of work for us to do. Coming up: Citrus Bowl deal struck between Mayors as money… [read more]
Dear Mayor Jacobs and Mayor Dyer, It has come to my attention that the Commission on Homelessness, which has been under fire for quite some time, has now recommended the commission “cease to exist.” At this time of crisis in our community regarding homelessness, this is unacceptable. I urge you to use this… [read more]
Mike will begin blogging here soon!