Winter Park City Talk

Thanksgiving wishes

This week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, I ask that we take a moment to acknowledge the true meaning of the holiday and pause to appreciate all of the wonderful people, blessings and gifts around us.

The city has many annual events to help celebrate the holiday season and I encourage you to visit cityofwinterpark.org to find the perfect event for you.

On behalf of the city staff, I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving. We are thankful for your continued support as we work hard to make Winter Park the best place to live, work and play in Florida. Warmest wishes to each of you for a holiday season filled with many blessings.

Nov. 23 City Commission meeting highlights

Mayor’s Report

• Proclamations were issued in recognition of Small Business Saturday and #GivingTuesday, a “Day of Giving.”

• A gift of art was presented to the city in recognition of Employment Technologies Corporation’s 20th anniversary.

• A presentation was made regarding the Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze Designation from the League of American Bicyclists.

• A presentation was made to honor the Core Value Coin recipients for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2015.

Consent Agenda

• The minutes for Nov. 9, 2015, were approved.

• The various purchases and contracts were approved (for a complete list, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/ccpackets).

• The annual review of the city’s Debt Management Policy was approved.

Public Hearings

• The second reading of the ordinance for the library and events center bond was approved.

• The request of Drew Hill for Conditional Use approval to redevelop Spanish Oaks and Golfview Apartments located at 633 and 651 N. Park Ave., into 10 new, three-story residential units, with a total project size of 44,200 square feet, was approved.

• Request of the Winter Park Health Foundation:

— The first reading of the ordinances:

 To amend the “Comprehensive Plan” to add a new Comprehensive Plan policy to the text of the Future Land Use element was approved.

 To amend the zoning code was approved.

 To amend the official zoning map was approved.

— The preliminary conditional use to redevelop the Wellness Center property at 2005 Mizell Ave. and the adjacent streets with a new two-story, approximately 78,000-square-foot “Project Wellness” facility consisting of a new 44,000-square-foot Wellness Center, 34,000 square feet of medical/public space, and parking garage with 265 spaces, was approved.

• Request of Benjamin Partners, Ltd.:

— The first reading of the ordinance to amend the “Comprehensive Plan” to change the Future Land use designations at 1531 Lee Road and 1325 Lewis Drive was approved.

— The first reading of the ordinance to amend the official zoning map was approved.

• The first reading of the ordinance creating regulations for street performers in certain areas of the city was approved.

• First reading of the ordinance amending Section 58-65 “R-1AAA Lakefront District” subsection (f)(1)(h) and Section 58-66 “R-1A and R-1AA District” was tabled.

• Historic Preservation:

— First reading of the ordinance amending Chapter 58 “Land Development Code” Article VIII, “Historic Preservation,” was approved.

A full copy of the Nov. 23 City Commission minutes will be available at cityofwinterpark.org/ccminutes the week of Dec. 14, pending approval by the City Commission.

Skate off that turkey stuffing

Now through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, the city of Winter Park has bundled up for “Winter in the Park,” the city’s annual holiday ice skating rink, presented by the Community Redevelopment Agency. The rink is located in Central Park West Meadow at 150 N. New York Ave., on the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard. Snowflakes of all ages and skill levels are invited to chill out at “Winter in the Park” during the following holiday hours*:

• Monday, Nov. 23, through Friday, Nov. 27: Monday through Wednesday from noon to 9 p.m.; on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day from 3 to 9 p.m.; and Friday from noon to 10 p.m.

*See website for regular hours.

Snow angels are invited to skate all day for only $12 per skater (skate rental included). For a blizzard of 20 or more people, cool group discounts are available. Advance reservations are required for private party and group events. For more information, including the event calendar with movie dates and titles, please visit 407-599-3203 or cityofwinterpark.org/witp.

Park Avenue road closures

As the holiday season kicks off, Park Avenue will be closed on various dates/times for several community events. Please make note of the following road closures prior to traveling around downtown Winter Park on Dec. 3 and 4 through 5.

• Thursday, Dec. 3

37th annual Christmas in the Park

Park Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Canton Avenue and Morse Boulevard, from 3 to 9:30 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 4

“Winter on the Avenue” featuring the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Popcorn Flicks

Park Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Canton and Lyman avenues at 3 p.m. with New England Avenue remaining open to east/west traffic. The road closure will remain in effect throughout the evening and will reopen at the conclusion of the Christmas parade the following day.

• Saturday, Dec. 5

63rd Annual “Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade”

Park Avenue will remain closed to through traffic from the prior evening’s events and will reopen at the conclusion of the Christmas parade. Park Avenue will also be closed to through traffic between Webster and Comstock avenues from 6 a.m. to noon. Side streets will be closed at the Park Avenue intersections along the parade route beginning at 6 a.m.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support of Winter Park’s community events. The city of Winter Park wishes everyone a very safe and happy holiday season.

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.