Orlando Mayor and Commissioners Dedicate Historic Sign for Gilbert McQueen Today

Orlando Honors Korean War Hero Gilbert McQueen Today

Today, Thursday, February 5, 2026, Orlando city officials and community members are gathering for a significant historical dedication as part of the city’s ongoing Black History Month commemorations. Mayor Buddy Dyer, alongside District 5 Commissioner Shan Rose and District 6 Commissioner Bakari F. Burns, is scheduled to host a formal sign unveiling ceremony at Gilbert McQueen Park this morning.

Located at 650 West Lake Mann Drive, the 10:30 a.m. event honors the legacy of Gilbert McQueen, a local hero and graduate of Jones High School. McQueen served in the 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, and holds the somber distinction of being the first African American from Orlando killed in combat during the Korean War. This dedication aligns with the 2026 national Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” which seeks to highlight individual sacrifices and community leadership that have shaped the city's history.

Administrative and Safety Board Sessions

In addition to the ceremonial dedication, the City of Orlando is conducting administrative business through its technical committees. The city’s procurement department is holding a session today for the 2nd Committee for RQS26-0005. This in-person meeting, which commenced at 9:00 a.m., is part of the city’s formal process for evaluating professional qualifications for upcoming municipal projects. These sessions are essential to the city's transparency and infrastructure management, ensuring that vendor selections for city contracts are made through structured public evaluations.

At the county level, regional governance also continues today with the Orange County Fire and Life Safety Code Board of Adjustment and Appeals. This board is meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 7079 University Blvd. The session provides a critical venue for the public and business owners to appeal determinations made by the Office of the Fire Marshal. Typical agenda items for this board include reviews of the Florida Fire Prevention Code's application and the consideration of alternative safety materials for local buildings.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

While a full City Council vote is not on the docket for today, residents should prepare for the next major legislative session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026. The council is slated to hold a workshop at 1:00 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Today’s activities reflect a typical balance for Orlando's government: honoring the city's historical figures while managing the technical and safety regulations that support daily operations.