Winter Park City Talk

On behalf of the city of Winter Park, I’d like to wish you a very safe and Happy New Year!

City Hall closed

City Hall will be closed at noon on Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day and will reopen for regular business on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

New Year’s Eve and fireworks

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. Have a safe and Happy New Year.

Last few days of ice skating!

The last day to skate at the city’s “Winter in the Park” ice-skating rink is Sunday, Jan. 8. If you haven’t already taken a spin on the ice, there’s only a little over one week left. Come bring your friends and family to experience some cool fun before it’s all over. Open daily Monday thru Thursday from 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday from 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday noon-8 p.m. until Sunday, Jan. 8. For more freezing information, please call 407-599-3203 or skate onto our blustery website at www.cityofwinterpark.org.

Save the date for the annual Winter Park Mayor/City Commission Luncheon

Save the Date! The 2011 Winter Park Mayor/City Commission Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 11:30 a.m., at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Featuring Mayor Ken Bradley’s annual State of the City Address and the Winter Park City Commissioners, you won’t want to miss hearing your elected officials’ plans and visions for the New Year. For more information call the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at 407-644-8281 or purchase tickets directly on their website at www.winterpark.org.

City of Winter Park presents 10th annual Unity Heritage Festival

The city of Winter Park is proud to present the 10th annual Unity Heritage Festival on Sunday, Jan. 15, and Monday, Jan. 16. The annual community festival will promote family history and raise funds for the Educational Fulfillment Fund for local economically disadvantaged youth.

The festival begins on Sunday, Jan. 15, in Shady Park in Hannibal Square located at the intersection of Pennsylvania and New England avenues, from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Special activities will include children’s games, career booths, food and retail vendors, special entertainment by various gospel artists, health information by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Nu Iota Omega Chapter and the presentation of the annual Heritage Award. Patrons are also encouraged to visit the Hannibal Square Heritage Center just across the street from Shady Park to see “Mid-Century: A photographic view of Three African-American communities in Florida.” The center pays tribute to the past, present and future contributions of Winter Park’s historic African-American community.

The heritage festival continues in Shady Park on Monday, Jan. 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join Mayor Ken Bradley and Winter Park city officials at 10 a.m. for a special Martin Luther King Jr. symbolic program, including the Feature Family Presentation. The feature families being honored are the Simpson family, from the 2011 celebration which was rained out, and the Israel family for 2012. Exciting events and activities will continue throughout the day including food and musical entertainment by Brenda White & the White Boys and Motown Magic.

Special thanks to event sponsors including the city of Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Iota Omega Chapter, Crealdé School of Art, Davis Bakery, MetroPlan Orlando, Verizon Wireless and Tim Webber, The Coordinator.

For more information regarding the 10th annual Unity Heritage Festival, please call 407-599-3275. For information regarding additional city of Winter Park events, please visit the city’s official Web site at www.cityofwinterpark.org

Walk more, bike more — stay safe on the road

As we all become more focused on our New Year’s resolutions and look for ways to burn off those extra calories, here are some helpful tips for you as you hit the bicycle trails in Winter Park:

All trail users

• Show courtesy to other trail users at all times.

• Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.

• Respect the rights of property owners.

• Keep dogs on leash and remove pet feces from trail.

Bicyclists

• You are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle.

• Yield to pedestrians.

• Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists.

• Ride at a safe speed. Slow down during congested conditions, reduced visibility and other hazardous conditions.

Pedestrians

• Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.

• Watch for other trail users.

• Be especially alert when running.

• Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users to pass safely.

For maps on the best trails in Winter Park, the city offers Cycling Guide Maps online that shows bike lanes, shared use paths and streets commonly used by cyclists. Visit www.cityofwinterpark.org and click on the Residents Tab > Walking.

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