Winter Park City Talk

CoffeeTalk featuring Commissioner Tom McMacken

The featured guest has changed, but the event remains the same. This month’s CoffeeTalk will feature Commissioner Tom McMacken, Thursday, Oct. 2, at 8 a.m. Please make plans to join him for conversation and a cup of coffee provided by Palmano’s Cafe, Coffee & Wine Bar. CoffeeTalk is held at the Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

“Test the Waters” Fishing Tournament

The Parks & Recreation Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission present their annual free “Test the Waters” Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 7 to 11 a.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Children of all ages are invited to participate in this 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 407-599-3334.

National Night Out

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. the Winter Park Police Department will host an “Open House” as part of their 31st anniversary of National Night Out. This event will be held at the Public Safety Facility located at 500 N. Virginia Ave. The national event sponsor, Target, will be on site along with a multitude of corporate and local businesses to present various items and ideas to aid in crime prevention. A shredding vehicle will be on site to destroy any personal documents you wish to bring in order to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. There will also be a Med Return receptacle for you to drop off any unwanted, unused, or expired prescription or non-prescription medicines for proper and safe disposal. We invite you to stop by and enjoy the displays presented by the Police and Fire-Rescue departments, and learn what you can do to “stand up against crime.” For more information, please call 407-599-3311. Thank you for helping in this effort!

Park Avenue closed to through traffic Oct. 11 and 12

Park Avenue will be closed to through traffic between New England and Canton avenues from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the 41st annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, which runs Saturday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 12. 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 Oct. 11 and 12. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support of Winter Park events.

Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park

The Parks & Recreation Department of the city of Winter Park will present the fourth annual Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park on Friday, 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.

Safety message from WPPD

Historically, Winter Park has enjoyed a relatively low crime rate. This can be attributed to the vigilant actions of our residents as well as the proactive actions taken by the Winter Park Police Department (WPPD). Although our rate is low, it is always important to remain vigilant and take the following precautions:

Residents

• Always keep your doors and windows locked, even while you are at home.

• If you park your vehicle outside, make sure that you remove your valuables (including cellphones, GPS units, purses/briefcases and spare change), lock the doors, and use the alarm system.

• If you have a home alarm system, please activate it every time you leave your home, and adjust your window coverings to impede a direct view into your residence.

Businesses

• Lock your doors at the close of business (front and rear doors).

• Always leave in pairs (to dump trash, make deposits, pull furniture off patios, and sidewalks).

• Leave as a group once closing activities are finished.

• Call the Winter Park non-emergency phone line for a police escort at 407-644-1313.

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Stay off your phone (calls and texts) when walking to your car.

If you see suspicious people in the neighborhood or business area or something “just doesn’t look normal,” take the initiative to call the police at 407-644-1313 and report it. Thank you.

Urban coyotes

Recently, urban coyotes have been spotted in College Park and some areas of Winter Park. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation in partnership with the University of Florida has developed an educational brochure, “A guide to living with urban coyotes,” that has been posted on the homepage of cityofwinterpark.org. Please take the time to review this document to help you understand and become familiar with the facts about this new visitor.

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