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Orlando family evicted from affordable housing complex despite overpaying rent
Read full article: Orlando family evicted from affordable housing complex despite overpaying rentA mother and her children faced eviction from their affordable housing unit in Orlando last month despite overpaying her rent by more than $1,000.
Crews begin demolishing Griffin Park, Orlando’s 1st and oldest public housing community
Read full article: Crews begin demolishing Griffin Park, Orlando’s 1st and oldest public housing communityCrews have started demolishing Orlando's first and oldest public housing community with a mission to make it a better place.
Gun violence reduced in Orlando neighborhoods due to intervention program. Here’s how
Read full article: Gun violence reduced in Orlando neighborhoods due to intervention program. Here’s howThe level of gun violence in several neighborhoods across Orlando has been dropping in recent months, according to city officials.
Orlando Magic give away free tickets as community supports playoff win
Read full article: Orlando Magic give away free tickets as community supports playoff winOn the heels of the Orlando Magic’s game three play-off win, former players Bo Outlaw and Nick Anderson hosted a Magic Youth Basketball Academy at the Boys and Girls Club in Parramore.
Orlando districts team up for community cleanup ahead of Earth Day
Read full article: Orlando districts team up for community cleanup ahead of Earth DayTo celebrate Earth Day, two Main Street districts came together on Sunday, along with Orlando City Soccer to help the City Beautiful live up to its name.
Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessness
Read full article: Here’s how Orlando leaders are working to address homelessnessCentral Florida is known as a top tourist destination in the world, but if you pull back the curtains and look a little closer, you'll also find one of the worst affordable housing crises in the country.
Orlando police rescue 3 children, arrest ‘barricaded subject’ after negotiations
Read full article: Orlando police rescue 3 children, arrest ‘barricaded subject’ after negotiationsAccording to police, officers responded to the 300 block of Beech Avenue around 4:09 p.m. after receiving a call about a shooting.
Orange County residents struggle with energy costs, cooling amid high temps
Read full article: Orange County residents struggle with energy costs, cooling amid high tempsYour air conditioning unit is probably running non-stop, but News 6 has learned there is help out there to keep your home cool — all while saving you money.
Veterans find housing, jobs and medical help in Orlando’s Parramore community
Read full article: Veterans find housing, jobs and medical help in Orlando’s Parramore communityDozens of veterans, many who said they’re facing homelessness, came out Wednesday to a resource event in Orlando’s Parramore community that provided housing help, job workshops, medical assistance and so much more.
Colonial Drive reopened in Orlando after police investigation prompts shutdown
Read full article: Colonial Drive reopened in Orlando after police investigation prompts shutdownA short stretch of West Colonial Drive near Lake Dot was blocked off Saturday morning as an incident was investigated in the area, according to the Orlando Police Department.
Orlando commissioners vote to apply for $2.25M grant aimed at reducing crime
Read full article: Orlando commissioners vote to apply for $2.25M grant aimed at reducing crimeOrlando commissioners voted Monday to allow the city’s police to apply for a $2.25 million federal grant aimed at reducing crime in the area.
Central Florida organizations provide financial literacy classes amid housing crisis
Read full article: Central Florida organizations provide financial literacy classes amid housing crisisAs rising rent continues to plague Central Florida and the nation, local organizations are working together during this housing crisis to bring vital tools to residents.
42 pounds of cannabis, THC among drugs found during Orlando traffic stop, police say
Read full article: 42 pounds of cannabis, THC among drugs found during Orlando traffic stop, police sayOrlando police announced Monday that Parramore bike officers found multiple drugs, a loaded firearm and cash during a traffic stop on West Church Street.
UCF teaches parents how to play with their children, why it’s so important
Read full article: UCF teaches parents how to play with their children, why it’s so importantUniversity of Central Florida researchers have discovered one of the simplest stress relievers for families, now and during the height of the pandemic, is plain old child’s play.
‘Empower our community:’ Learning center with garden, hydroponics coming to Parramore
Read full article: ‘Empower our community:’ Learning center with garden, hydroponics coming to ParramoreA pink house seen on W. Washington Street in the Parramore community will soon be known as Ms. Betty Resilience Hub Learning Center.
Here are the roads closing downtown for Sunday’s Orlando City soccer game
Read full article: Here are the roads closing downtown for Sunday’s Orlando City soccer gameShort stretches of Church Street and Central Boulevard near Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando will be closed Sunday as the Orlando City Lions take on the New York Red Bulls.
Orlando Firefighters, Red Cross volunteers install new smoke detectors in Parramore homes
Read full article: Orlando Firefighters, Red Cross volunteers install new smoke detectors in Parramore homesAfter a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Red Cross volunteers and Orlando firefighters joined community members for the in-person "Sound the Alarm" event in Parramore.
Artists reveal new murals in Orlando as an ‘Ode to Parramore’
Read full article: Artists reveal new murals in Orlando as an ‘Ode to Parramore’A crowd joined a trio of artists in Orlando’s Parramore community Saturday — recently designated the Parramore Main Street District — to rally around three newly unveiled murals.
New Image Youth Center in Parramore celebrates 17th year providing to community
Read full article: New Image Youth Center in Parramore celebrates 17th year providing to communityThe center celebrated its 17th year of providing after-school care and summer programs to youth in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood.
People in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood treated to free turkeys, produce for Thanksgiving
Read full article: People in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood treated to free turkeys, produce for ThanksgivingTwo days before Thanksgiving, dozens of people living at Jackson Court apartments in Orlando's Parramore neighborhood were treated to a food giveaway.
Orlando barber who lost everything in a fire overwhelmed by community support
Read full article: Orlando barber who lost everything in a fire overwhelmed by community supportAn Orlando area barber who lost everything in a fire last weekend said he's overwhelmed with the support he's received from customers, developers, residents, city leaders, county leaders and state leaders.
Signs installed recognizing Parramore as National Register Historic District
Read full article: Signs installed recognizing Parramore as National Register Historic DistrictCity officials were joined by community leaders on Thursday to install a sign recognizing the Parramore neighborhood as a National Register Historic District.
Orange County deputies find missing 12-year-old
Read full article: Orange County deputies find missing 12-year-oldThe Orlando Police Department said they are searching for a missing 12-year-old kid. ORLANDO, Fla. – ***10:45 A.M. UPDATE***Orlando Police said that a missing 12-year-old was found safe Friday. OPD said Ingram was found by deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. — Orlando Police (@OrlandoPolice) February 19, 2021***ORIGINAL STORY***The Orlando Police Department said they are searching for a missing 12-year-old kid. Police said Javon Ingraham was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue shorts and black sneakers.
Exhibit on display at Orlando airport celebrates Black legends with ties to Central Florida
Read full article: Exhibit on display at Orlando airport celebrates Black legends with ties to Central FloridaDr. and Mrs. Wells about 20 years after the Wells' Built Hotel was constructed. (Credit: Wells' Built Museum)ORLANDO, Fla. – Travelers will get to learn about Central Florida Black history this month at the Orlando International Airport with the help of a new temporary exhibit. The Wells’Built Museum of African American History & Culture, in the Parramore neighborhood, opened the exhibition this week highlighting Central Florida Black legends. Wells built the entertainment venue South Street Casino to help bring African American artists to the Central Florida area. (Credit: Wells Built Museum)However, the exhibit at OIA is just a sampling of what the Wells’Built Museum has to offer.
New Image Youth Center in Parramore known as the ‘good in the hood,’ founder says
Read full article: New Image Youth Center in Parramore known as the ‘good in the hood,’ founder saysORLANDO, Fla. – The New Image Youth Center in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood is known as the “good in the hood.”Dr. Shanta Barton-Stubbs founded the center when she was just 21 years old. Barton-Stubbs also wrote a book called “There is Good in My Hood,” which is the story of a young boy who finds support at a community center. How that can literally change your life -- and in return, that every child can be the good in their hood. You can purchase a copy of “There is Good in My Hood” here. To volunteer with or donate to the New Image Youth Center, visit them online.
Hygiene vending machine provides free essentials for homeless in Parramore
Read full article: Hygiene vending machine provides free essentials for homeless in Parramore“A lady gave us a free vending machine. She wanted us to get into the snack business,” said Street Team Movement Founder Briana Daniel. In response, they created hygiene vending machines, filled with items like toothpaste, ponchos, tampons and other sanitary items. Overcoming those obstacles, the Street Team Movement continued their vision of offering free hygiene supplies through the vending machines. The other four hygiene vending machines are expected to be installed in the next few months around Orlando.
Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida hosts drive-thru college fair
Read full article: Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida hosts drive-thru college fairORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida in Parramore hosted a drive-thru college fair Thursday evening. High school senior Morgan Burnett attended the event and said she was relieved the event was organized. The drive-thru college fair provided prospective students with scholarship opportunities, college admissions material, and financial aid. Representatives from local and state universities and colleges were on hand to answer questions. “It’s given me so many opportunities to see plenty of different schools,” Toney said.
Head chef at new Ritz-Carlton hotel restaurant plans to give back to Parramore community
Read full article: Head chef at new Ritz-Carlton hotel restaurant plans to give back to Parramore communityORLANDO, Fla. – Access and exposure for children in Parramore are the goals for the head chef at a new restaurant opening Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando hotel. On Tuesday, a group of Parrramore Kidz Zone participants got to tour the new restaurant and assist with the grand opening of Knife & Spoon at the five-star hotel. The new eatery is known for its tasty steak and seafood, but for head chef Gerald Sombright, the experience for the children goes way beyond the food. The restaurant is also vowing to a give a portion of its proceeds this year to the Parramore Kidz Zone. Tuesday, he and many of the children from the Parramore Kidz Zone got to tour the hotel, fine dine at the new restaurant and speak with the head chef.
My Brother’s Keeper awarded $1 million to expand in Orlando
Read full article: My Brother’s Keeper awarded $1 million to expand in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando city commissioners voted this week to approve $1 million to help fund the My Brother’s Keeper program, expanding it to four new neighborhoods throughout the city. The program is a national initiative started by President Barack Obama aimed at helping minority youth reach their full potential. He said he turned his life around thanks to the My Brother’s Keeper Program. Raysean Brown also mentors kids in Parramore and is a former coordinator for the My Brother’s Keeper program. You can read more about the My Brother’s Keeper Program and ways to get involved here.
Mobile Census Unit out in Parramore as court order buys 2020 Census collection more time
Read full article: Mobile Census Unit out in Parramore as court order buys 2020 Census collection more timeThe order stops the Census Bureau from winding down operations until a court hearing is held on Sept. 17. In an empty lot along Westmoreland Drive, Elder Anthony Davis and members of his outreach ministry preach to the Parramore community. A Census mobile unit joined them to help boost the response rate, something Davis said the community needs. The new order by a federal judge keeps the census bureau from winding down operations until a court hearing in mid-September. The mobile census unit stuck around for about three hours to help neighbors complete the survey.
‘We can understand one another:’ Orlando police officer from Parramore says to troubled teens
Read full article: ‘We can understand one another:’ Orlando police officer from Parramore says to troubled teensORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando police officer Darius Barker was born and raised in Orlando’s historically black community of Parramore. Barker became an Orlando police officer in Parramore, the neighborhood where he grew up. OPD partners with Boys 2 Men Mentoring, a Parramore-based program founded in 2016 by Pastor Daniel Ings. You can learn more about Boys 2 Men Mentoring by clicking here. The Orlando Police Department now has 22 youth outreach liaison officers who’ve volunteered for the position.
Free COVID-19 testing happening Saturday in Orlandos Parramore neighborhood
Read full article: Free COVID-19 testing happening Saturday in Orlandos Parramore neighborhoodORLANDO, Fla. Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill has partnered with the Sports + Entertainment District to bring free COVID-19 testing to the Parramore area on Saturday. Testing will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Geico Garage located at 400 W. South St. in Orlando. Drive-thru and walk-up options will be available to anyone 18 and older who has an appointment. District 5 residents whod like to get tested during the event should keep in mind that masks are required and the space is not air conditioned. Quest Diagnostics will process the 500 nasal swab tests that are performed that day.
Basketball legend Shammgod and inspirational speaker team up to give back in Parramore
Read full article: Basketball legend Shammgod and inspirational speaker team up to give back in ParramoreOn Saturday, that mission led a basketball legend and a philanthropist to Parramore. Victor Cherry, a Parramore resident and inspirational speaker, uses his life experience to mentor youth around the world. Like Shammgod, Cherry also has a passion for giving back. Cherry is a former coach for The Boys & Girls Club and wanted to give back because he says he saw the need for it in the Parramore community. “Especially for me being good at basketball, people in the neighborhood helped my mom out with bills and stuff, so I’ve always come up with wanting to give back and wanting to be more than just a basketball player,” Shammgod said.
Orlando police to Parramore: ‘This community deserves better’
Read full article: Orlando police to Parramore: ‘This community deserves better’PARRAMORE, Fla. – Tuesday afternoon, the Orlando Police Department's Special Operations Unit raided three houses in the Parramore neighborhood and arrested nearly a dozen people that police say are responsible for much of the violence plaguing the community. "This community deserves better," Bigelow said. Bigelow said last month an armed carjacking in Parramore stemmed from a drug deal gone bad. Bobby Sullivan, a Parramore resident of 42 years, watched a raid from his apartment next door to one of the suspected drug houses. They [drug dealers] are harassing me, I can't sleep at night, they harass me all night, sell drugs all night.
Parramore business owner works to preserve black history as area grows
Read full article: Parramore business owner works to preserve black history as area growsMore affordable housing has opened in the area and the Orlando City soccer stadium is drawing in new restaurants and shops. Crosier said he also wants to preserve the rich history of the area and encourage other people in the area to open small businesses. “I just hope everybody can last longer enough to see the full effect of the changes,” Crosier said. “We are trying to make sure we maintain the small businesses that are in Parramore,” Hill said. To read more about business incentives and services offered by the city of Orlando to assist small businesses, click here.
Parramore residents want to preserve history as area grows
Read full article: Parramore residents want to preserve history as area growsParramore residents want to preserve history as area growsPublished: January 23, 2020, 6:34 pmThe face of Orlando's Parramore community is changing by the day and if you ask some residents, the change is for the better.
Evaluation of historic Orlando church’s collapsed roof could cost $17,000, contractors say
Read full article: Evaluation of historic Orlando church’s collapsed roof could cost $17,000, contractors sayFla. – A contractor hired by the City of Orlando estimates it will cost almost $17,000 to evaluate a historic church after the roof collapsed two weeks ago. The roof of the Black Bottom House of Prayer in Parramore collapsed on Dec. 5. "God has many ways that he can make this happen and my faith is still strong," she said. News 6 found out contractors estimate it will cost $16,700 to evaluate the church to determine how crews will remove the roof with as little damage as possible. Still, Jackson believes the community will help save the church.
Crews work to preserve historic Orlando church after roof collapse
Read full article: Crews work to preserve historic Orlando church after roof collapseCrews work to preserve historic Orlando church after roof collapsePublished: December 6, 2019, 1:47 pmCrews are expected to return to the site of a historic Parramore church Friday to begin the preservation process while removing pieces of the roof that collapsed earlier this week.
EP102: Florida Foodie -- Parramore's food desert
Read full article: EP102: Florida Foodie -- Parramore's food desertORLANDO, Fla. – For the second episode of Florida Foodie, we are taking a look at a big problem facing the Parramore neighborhood in Orlando. Parramore is what's known as a "food desert," which means the people who live there do not have easy access to quality, nutritious foods. This is not a problem that is unique to Parramore, food deserts exist in just about every major city across the country. What is unique, is how the city of Orlando is tackling this problem. They explain how this effort came together, the success they've already seen and how it is growing beyond the Parramore neighborhood.