Winter Park City Talk

Join Commissioner Tom McMacken at CoffeeTalk

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of CoffeeTalk where the community can talk one-on-one with city leaders. On Thursday, Oct. 8, citizens can join Commissioner Tom McMacken for her CoffeeTalk at 8 a.m., at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. Make plans to join Commissioner McMacken for a cup of conversation and great coffee provided by Barnie’s Coffee Kitchen. For more information, please call 407-599-3428.

Oct. 12 City Commission meeting

There will be a City Commission meeting Monday, Oct. 12, 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 under What’s New. Below are a few topics of interest:

Mayor’s Report

• Recognition – Winter Park 14u Babe Ruth 2015 World Series Bronze Medalist

• Proclamation – Feed the Need

• Proclamation – National Friends of Libraries Week

• Proclamation – World Stroke Day

• Proclamation – 2015 Fire Prevention Month

Consent Agenda

• Approve the minutes for Sept. 28, 2015.

• Approve various purchases and formal solicitations (for a complete list, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/ccpackets).

Action Items Requiring Discussion

• State legislative priorities

Public Hearings

• Request of Phil Kean Designs, Inc. for the property at 652 W. Morse Blvd.:

o Second reading of the ordinance to change the Future Land Use Map Designation of Commercial to Central Business District.

o Second reading of the ordinance to change the existing zoning designation of Office District to Commercial District.

o Conditional Use approval to redevelop the property into 11 residential units that are two- and three-story in height with a total project size of 40,566 square feet.

• Request of Sydgan Corporation:

o Second reading of the ordinance vacating and abandoning the 5' utility easement located on Block “G” of the Home Acres Subdivision and the 1999 Florida Power Corporation distribution easement.

• Resolution – Supporting the school rezoning petition of the Lake Bell neighborhood.

Remember, if you are unable to attend City Commission meetings, you can watch them live, gavel to gavel, as they happen. During the meeting, simply log on to cityofwinterpark.org/cclive to easily stay tuned-in to official city business.

Park Avenue closed to through traffic Oct. 10-11

Park Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Lyman and Canton avenues during the 42nd Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, which runs Saturday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 11. 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. 10 and 11. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued support of Winter Park events.

Forestry grant secured for tree canopy maintenance

The City of Winter Park’s Urban Forestry Division has recently completed the second phase of its tree inventory and risk assessment. The project is a multi-year effort which is funded by an Urban & Community Forestry Grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The second phase of the program was funded with a $20,000 grant that was matched by the city. Winter Park will now embark on the third phase of the program funded with another $20,000 grant.

The U.S. Forest Service and Florida Forest Service departments work together to issue urban and community forestry grants to cities throughout the country that are proactive in tree canopy maintenance. The grant was presented to Winter Park for its partial rights of way tree inventory. This partial inventory will assist the city in managing rights of way maintenance cycles.

Winter Park Benefit Shop to celebrate 80th Anniversary

The city is proud to announce the Winter Park Benefit Shop 80th Anniversary Celebration will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the first floor of the Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. In honor of their 80th anniversary, a ceremony at 10 a.m. will be led by city officials. Light refreshments, giveaways, and special surprises will be offered throughout the day.

The Winter Park Benefit Shop was established in 1935 as a non-profit organization. In 1946, President Ramsey held an open house for the public in their previous building on Lyman Avenue, which was home to the Benefit Shop, welfare association offices, and a health clinic. At their current location at 140 W. Lyman Ave., the Benefit Shop continues to serve the community by accepting donations, offering products at low prices, and providing funds raised to organizations in need.

The Benefit Shop is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please call 407-678-5871.

Pumpkins & munchkins in Shady Park

The Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Winter Park will present the 5th Annual Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park on Saturday, 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 have to be cancelled.

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

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.