Winter Park City Talk

Thunderstorm safety reminders

We are right in the middle of summer and daily thunderstorms are very common. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during inclement weather:

• Never touch downed power lines. Also never touch tree debris touching a powerline. Lines may be live and deadly. Dial 911 immediately to ensure that the line is turned off so repairs can be made.

• Fallen trees/large limbs. If you see a large tree or limb that has fallen, please call the Urban Forestry Management Division at 407-599-3325.

• Stay in your car if you are traveling. Fully enclosed, metal-hard-topped vehicles offer excellent protection because the metal bodies conduct electricity away from the occupants. Use extreme caution when driving.

• Occasionally test your brakes by pumping them. While inside a safe vehicle, do not use electronic devices such as radio communications during a thunderstorm. If you drive into a thunderstorm, slow down and use extra caution. If possible, pull off the road into a safe area.

• Protect your appliances. Sign up for the city’s Surge Protection Program and block powerful lightning strikes from entering your home through electrical, cable or phone lines – effectively saving your belongings from possible damage or destruction. To enroll, call 1-866-548-3419.

• Don’t use hard-wired (land line) telephones or electronic equipment. Stay away from stoves, radios, corded telephones and computers. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe to use.

• Don’t take a shower or a bath. Water and copper tubing are excellent conductors of electricity.

• Stay indoors. Don’t venture out unless absolutely necessary. According to the National Weather Service, summer is the peak season for lightning. In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year by lightning. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm so get indoors into a safe shelter or vehicle quickly.

Reporting power outages

Remember to report power outages to 1-877-811-8700 or via the “Report a Power Outage” button at cityofwinterpark.org. When reporting an outage, if you receive a busy signal, it most likely means Winter Park electric is aware of the outage. Most outages affect numerous customers, and the busy signal means we are receiving calls about your outage and are working to restore power as quickly as possible.

Sign up for OUTREACH

OUTREACH is the city’s emergency notification system that uses technology to send out notifications such as extreme weather conditions, boil water alerts, power restoration status, and hurricane/tornado warnings directly to you. Upon hearing the tornado siren, you should tune to local media for specific weather information.

In addition to outdoor warning sirens throughout Winter Park, OUTREACH will notify residents and business owners of impending emergencies via their home phones, cell phones and/or email.

To sign up, please log on to the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org, click on the OUTREACH logo and follow the sign-up instructions. The city can then keep you informed immediately of any major emergency situation that may impact you, your business and neighbors.

Parking lot temporarily closed for construction

The municipal parking lot located on the corner of New York Avenue and Morse Boulevard is closed for refurbishment and asphalt resurfacing until Monday, Aug. 5.

For more information, please call 407-599-3225 or email [email protected]

Popcorn Flicks in the Park featuring “Shrek”

On Thursday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m., in downtown Central Park, Popcorn Flicks in the Park will feature “Shrek.” Popcorn Flicks is presented by Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc. and Winter Park CRA and produced by Enzian Theater. This film series features classic films for the whole family. We encourage you to bring a blanket, a picnic or snacks, and family and friends and join us. Free popcorn for everyone! Rain date will be Thursday, Aug. 22. For more information, please call 407-629-0054 or visit enzian.org/film/popcorn_flicks

CoffeeTalk featuring Mayor Kenneth W. Bradley

Please join Mayor Kenneth W. Bradley at CoffeeTalk scheduled in conjunction with the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Winter Park Friday, Aug. 9, at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 West Lyman Ave. Networking begins at 7:45 a.m., and CoffeeTalk will begin at 8 a.m.

CoffeeTalk was created for the community to talk with their elected officials about any issues or questions related to city business in a more informal setting. For additional CoffeeTalk information, please call 407-599-3428 or visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org

Save the Date: Education Update

On Thursday, Aug. 22, at 7:45 a.m. the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and city of Winter Park will host an Education Update presented by Rollins College Hamilton Holt School at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave. The event will explore “From Learning to Working: How Winter Park Creates a Strong Workforce” via panel discussion moderated by WKMG Local 6 news anchor Lauren Rowe. Panelists for the breakfast event include Dr. Barbara Jenkins, Superintendent, Orange County Public Schools; Dr. David S. Richard, Dean, Rollins College Hamilton Holt School; Michael O’Donnell, President/CEO, Ruth’s Hospitality Group Inc.; and Dr. Sandra Lyn Jewell, Senior Director, Winter Park Tech. Throughout the morning, panelists will highlight accomplishments, celebrate collaborations and examine how educators and business leaders are partnering to meet future workforce needs.

The Chamber will also hold a school supply drive in conjunction with the breakfast event. Attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to the event for A Gift For Teaching’s 15th Birthday Back-to-School Drive. Recommended items include loose leaf paper, No. 2 pencils, 24-count crayon boxes, eight-count marker packages, glue sticks and 12-count colored pencil packages. A representative will be on hand to collect supplies and donations at the event.

Event registration will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by breakfast and program at 8 a.m. Admission is $25 in advance for Chamber members and $30 for non-members. Corporate tables are also available. Reservations are required by Friday, Aug. 16, and can be made by contacting the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce at 407-644-8281, or winterpark.org

The event is made possible by presenting sponsor Rollins College Hamilton Holt School, in addition to support from the city of Winter Park, Everglades University and Winter Park/Maitland Observer.

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