Winter Park City Talk

Test the Waters Fishing Tournament

The Parks & Recreation Department of the city of Winter Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission present their annual “Test the Waters” Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 7 to 11 a.m., at Martin Luther King Jr. Park located at 455 S. Denning Drive. Children of all ages are invited to participate in this free, fun-filled event. Bait, fishing poles and snacks will be provided for all participants. The city’s Parks & Recreation Department also guarantees that everyone will take home a fish! For more information, please call 407-599-3203.

National WateReuse Project of the Year Award

The WateReuse Association has awarded the city of Winter Park the “2013 WateReuse Project of the Year Award” for its Winter Park Estates Wastewater Treatment Facility. This award recognizes projects whose significance and contributions to the community continue to advance the water reuse industry. The Winter Park Estates facility was selected among 21 entries based upon demonstration of continued dedication to the water reuse community.

The high-quality reclaimed water that is produced at the Winter Park Estates facility is used for irrigation at two nearby golf courses in addition to a ballpark and cemetery. The facility is currently under plans for expansion to provide reclaimed water to local neighborhoods for home irrigation.

The city of Winter Park is committed to running the Winter Park Estates facility to the highest level of operation with no reported permit exceedances. Because the Winter Park Estates facility has irrigation-only customers and no other forms of effluent disposal, it only treats the amount of reclaimed water demanded. Excess wastewater is diverted to the city of Orlando’s Iron Bridge Treatment Facility. This process makes the best use of available local supply and demand for reclaimed water and provides Winter Park with savings on their potable water supply.

For more information regarding the WateReuse Association, please visit watereuse.org

America in Bloom 2013 National Award

The city of Winter Park has received the America in Bloom 2013 National Award from the America in Bloom (AIB) organization. Winter Park earned a four-bloom rating to become the overall winner in the 25,001 - 30,000 population category. In addition, the city received two special awards for Best Arbor Day Celebration and Most Effective Water Management Program.

Winter Park was judged on six criteria including overall impression, environmental awareness, heritage, urban forestry, landscape, and floral displays across four sectors: municipal, residential, commercial and community involvement. Two specially-trained AIB judges visited towns of similar populations and spent two days touring each town, meeting municipal officials, residents and volunteers. Other competitors in the 25,001 - 30,000 category were Kent, Ohio; Wake Forest, N.C.; and West Chicago.

America in Bloom is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting nationwide beautification programs, and personal and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. The organization provides educational programs, resources and the challenge of a friendly competition between participating communities across the country.

For more information regarding America in Bloom, please visit americainbloom.org

Park Avenue closed to through traffic

Park Avenue will be closed to through traffic between New England and Canton avenues from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the 40th annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, which runs Saturday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 13. Morse Boulevard will also be closed between New York and Park avenues.

Please make note of these road closures prior to traveling around downtown Winter Park on October 12-13. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support of Winter Park events.

CoffeeTalk featuring Commissioner Carolyn Cooper

If you have a latté beans to grind or you simply want to espresso your thoughts, CoffeeTalk may be the cup for you. Please join an informal conversation with Commissioner Carolyn Cooper Thursday, Oct. 17, from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave.

CoffeeTalk gives the community an opportunity to sit down and talk with the Commissioner over a cup of coffee and chat about any city issues that are of interest to them. Special thanks to Palmano’s Cafe, Coffee & Wine Bar for donating the coffee for this special series. For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park

The Parks & Recreation Department of the city of Winter Park will present Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Shady Park, adjacent to the Winter Park Community Center at 721 W. New England Ave.

Munchkins of all ages are invited to attend this free family-friendly event. Fun-filled activities will include games, bounce houses, a costume contest, Trick-or-Treat Trail and safe Halloween fun for everyone. If inclement weather tries to dampen the evening, the event will be moved into the Community Center.

For more information regarding Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park, please call 407-599-3275.

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