Winter Park City Talk

On behalf of the city of Winter Park, I wish you and your loved ones a happy New Year!

City Hall closed

City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. There will be no Waste Pro services on New Year’s Day, however, recycling will still be collected. Normal collection services will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day.

New Year’s Eve and fireworks

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, remember to leave fireworks up to the professionals. In Florida, virtually all fireworks, except sparklers, are considered illegal and can turn any amateur fireworks festivity into a tragedy. Keep your friends and family safe this year by letting professionals do the show.

Recycle gift wrap and Christmas trees

Holiday wrapping paper and empty gift boxes can be recycled with the exception of foil and flocked papers. Please, however, pitch any packing materials such as plastic bubbles and Styrofoam peanuts into your regular garbage cart. Be sure to bag first, especially those flyaway Styrofoam peanuts.

Cut your real Christmas tree in 4-foot lengths then place curbside for yard waste pickup on your regular yard waste pick-up day. Be sure to remove all lights and decorations first.

Only a week and a half left to ice skate!

The last day to skate at the city’s “Winter in the Park” ice skating rink is Sunday, Jan. 9. If you haven’t already taken a spin on the ice, there’s less than two weeks left. Bring your friends and family to experience some cool fun before it’s all over. Open daily Monday through Thursday, from 3 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. For more freezing information and to see the school extended hours, please call 407-599-3203 or skate onto our blustery website at cityofwinterpark.org/WITP.

Dinner on The Avenue tables on sale Jan. 9

The city of Winter Park is proud to announce the 16th annual Dinner on the Avenue will be held Saturday, April 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. Hosted by the city, this unique, fun-filled dining experience has become the social event of the year.

Tables will go on sale Monday, Jan. 9, at 8 a.m. at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Gather a table of friends, family, co-workers or neighbors to dine under the stars on beautiful Park Avenue. Tables of eight are available for just $125 each. Only the table, white linen tablecloth and chairs are provided – everything else is up to you. Get creative with table set-up and let your appetites decide whether you bring your own potluck dinner or hire a local caterer to satisfy your palate.

Creativity is encouraged and each group is challenged to develop its own unique look and individual décor. Awards will be presented to winners in various categories including most colorful, most elegant, most original, best TV/movie-themed and honorable mentions. The judging will begin at 7 p.m. sharp, and awards will be presented once the judges have decided on the winners.

For more information regarding this unique dining experience, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/dinner or call 407-643-1613.

2017 election schedule

In 2017, City Commissioner seats 1 and 2 are up for election. Here are the critical dates as it relates to the upcoming election schedule:

• Qualifying begins Tuesday, Jan. 3, at noon and ends Tuesday, Jan. 10, at noon

• Primary election (if necessary) will be Tuesday, Feb. 14

• General election will be Tuesday, March 14

For more information, call 407-599-3277 or email [email protected]

Side by Side

Save the date to attend Side By Side – “A celebration to pause and honor the gifts of our community,” Friday, Jan. 27, at 8:30 a.m.

Join in this community celebration presented by First Congregational Church of Winter Park and Rollins College, in partnership with the city of Winter Park and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. The celebration will be held in Knowles Memorial Chapel at 8:30 a.m., followed by refreshments near the rose garden at 9:30 a.m.

For more information regarding the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org. Like, follow and watch us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vimeo, and YouTube.