Community Cleanup Day: In 2007 the FMRA joined forces with the Velasco Village Neighborhood Association and held a community cleanup followed by a cookout at McCutcheon Park. Community members work side-by-side with representatives of the Fort Myers Code Enforcement, Police, FMRA, and other non-profit agencies that came out to lend a hand.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony/National Night Out: The City of Fort Myers Parks and Recreation Department working in concert with the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency under took rebuilding McCutcheon Park in 2005. The park had become drug infested and unsafe for children. The rebuilding project spanned two fiscal years and was completed in 2007. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 24th, and the park was the site of a National Night Out party.
Monthly Neighborhood Meetings: The, The City of Fort Myers Code Enforcement, Police, and FMRA support the monthly neighborhood meetings held on the 4th Thursday of each month. Code Enforcement Community Policing Officers attend the meetings and provide a status of activities taking place in the community, as well as address issues raised by resident at the meetings.
Quarterly Beautification Program: In June 2007 a Quarterly Beautification Program was launched in an effort strengthen and encourage “community pride” in Velasco Village. The area, formerly known as the “Bottoms”, and was redeveloped by the Community Redevelopment Agency over the past 20 years and now contains approximately 200 single family homes. The program recognizes multi-family and single family homes (including apartment complexes and group homes), businesses, and churches. (1st contest winner 8/07 pictured)
Quarterly Newsletter: In the 1st quarter of 2007 the Velasco Village News, a quarterly newsletter, was started to keep Velasco Village residents informed about events and activities in and around the community.
Holiday Lighting and Decorating Contest: The Second Annual contest was held in December 2007, providing another opportunity to reinforce “community”. The neighborhood association recruited participants who paid a small fee to take part in the festivities and the judges. The contest winner received a certificate, a yard sign, and pictures feature in the Velasco Village News and the Velasco Village i-neighbors website.