Winter Park City Talk

SUPER weekend for Winter Park

This past Super Bowl weekend was an amazing one for the city of Winter Park. To be a part of America’s tribute to our military personnel and welcome home one of our own hometown heroes, Lt. Chuck Nadd, in such a meaningful way was incredible. Then to have this tribute broadcasted in front of hundreds of millions of fans during the nation’s largest sporting event as a full 60-second Super Bowl commercial was even more unbelievable.

This journey began about one week before Christmas, when the Metro Orlando Film Commission asked if the city of Winter Park would be the host city to film the homecoming parade for Lt. Chuck Nadd, a soldier returning home from his service in Afghanistan. We were told the parade was for a Department of Defense documentary and also a Budweiser commercial honoring one man for his service in the war. When the parade was filmed on Jan. 8, we heard speculation it might be featured in the Super Bowl, but were not given confirmation until a few days before it actually broadcast during the Super Bowl.

This amazing opportunity to be a part of this tribute could not have been possible without the teamwork that our city staff exemplified throughout this filming. All departments and divisions put their heads and resources together, and within a two-week timeframe the city of Winter Park became part of America’s “thank you” to all who fight for the very freedoms we enjoy.

This past Sunday, we were blessed to show millions of Super Bowl fans how one small city said “thank you” in a very big way. At the end of the game it didn’t matter if you were a Denver Bronco or a Seattle Seahawk, we were all American’s cheering for Winter Park and the USA on Sunday night.

To see the mini-documentary and Super Bowl commercial, “A Hero’s Welcome” please visit cityofwinterpark.org under “What’s New.”

Feb. 10 City Commission meeting

There will be a City Commission meeting Monday, Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall Commission Chambers located at 401 S. Park Ave. For the most up-to-date agenda, please visit cityofwinterpark.org > Government > City Commission > Agenda. Below are a few topics of interest:

Mayor’s Report

• Presentation of checks by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce to area schools from proceeds from the December 2013 Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

• Presentation – Employee of the Quarter (fourth quarter of 2013) - Joe Smirti, Horticulture Specialist, Parks & Recreation Department

• “A Hero’s Welcome” featured in Super Bowl XLVIII

• Board appointments: Code Enforcement Board, Civil Service Board

Consent Agenda

• Approve the minutes of 1/27/14

• Approve various purchases, contracts and awards (for a complete listing, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/ccpackets).

• Approve the request by non-profit FM radio station to place an antenna on a city tower at 3111 Temple Trail.

Public Hearings

• Request of the City of Winter Park:

• Second reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 58 “Land Development Code” creating a non-compete window of 30 days before or after the annual spring and fall art festivals (relating to non-residential zoning districts and the conditions required for a special event).

• Request of Mr. and Mrs. Truby for the property at 612 E. Lake Sue Ave.:

o Second reading of the ordinance amending the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map to establish a Single Family Future Land Use designation.

o Second reading of the ordinance amending the official zoning map to establish Single Family Residential (R-1AA) District.

You can find the City Commission’s full agenda on the home page of cityofwinterpark.org under What’s New > City Commission Agenda.

Watch City Commission meetings live

If you are unable to attend the Monday, Feb. 10, meeting or future City Commission meetings, you can watch them live, gavel-to-gavel, as they happen. During the meeting, simply log on to the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org and click on Government > Live Video Broadcasts to easily stay tuned-in to official city business.

City receives Florida Municipal Achievement Award

The city of Winter Park has received the 2013 Florida Municipal Achievement Award in recognition of the city’s 125th anniversary community-wide campaign honoring the historic milestone. The prestigious award was presented to the City Commission on Jan. 27 by Florida League of Cities President Dr. P.C. Wu.

In January 2012, the city’s Communications Department was tasked with implementing the 125th Anniversary Celebration and guided a City Commission-approved task force comprised of a diverse mix of community partners. More than a dozen community events and exhibits drew thousands of attendees during the five-month campaign, which led to the pinnacle on Oct. 12, 2012.

In addition to serving as a reminder of the past, Winter Park’s 125th Anniversary Celebration also served as a tool to unite the faith community, businesses, residents, cultural and educational organizations, and visitors for one common goal - honoring the city of Winter Park’s history. The celebration garnered local and state media exposure, and was successful in educating residents and visitors on the rich history of the city of Winter Park.

The Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to serve the needs of Florida’s cities and promote local self-government. The League was founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. The Florida Municipal Achievement Awards Program recognizes innovations and excellence in municipal government.

For more information regarding Florida League of Cities, please visit floridaleagueofcities.com

Questions about building or permitting?

Beginning Saturday, Feb. 8, and once every other month during the Saturday morning Winter Park Farmers’ Market, the city’s Building & Permitting Services Department will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about building safety and sustainability. Building safety is important to our community and this is an opportunity to learn more about the department and how it can help you with your building and permitting needs. Visit us at the market or on the web at cityofwinterpark.org > Departments > Building & Permitting Services.

Visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org, find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch us on Vimeo.