Winter Park City Talk

On behalf of the city of Winter Park, I would like to extend the happiest of holidays to you and yours. This time of year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the people and moments that mean the most to us. We thank you for your continued support of our city and wish you happy holidays this season and throughout the year.

City Hall closed

City Hall will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, at noon, through Monday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. In addition, City Hall will also be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of New Year’s Day. There will be no Waste Pro services on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Normal collection services will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day.

It’s a great time to skate on Christmas break!

Don’t forget the city’s “Winter in the Park” holiday ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow is waiting for you! Yes, we are open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day from noon to 6 p.m. Only $12 per skater all day! For more information, please call 407-599-3203 or visit cityofwinterpark.org/WITP.

Russell Athletic Bowl Parade of Bands

The city of Winter Park will proudly host the 10th annual Russell Athletic Bowl Parade of Bands, featuring school bands from West Virginia University and University of Miami, Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. As a prelude to the Russell Athletic Bowl game at 5:30 p.m. at Camping World Stadium, school bands, cheerleaders and mascots will march through downtown Winter Park and perform a “Bandtastic Game Day Preview.”

From 9:30 to 11 a.m., Interlachen Avenue will be closed to through traffic between Fairbanks and New England avenues, and Lyman Avenue will be closed between Knowles and Interlachen avenues, for the band staging area. From 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Morse Boulevard will be close to through traffic between Park and New York avenues. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Park and Lyman avenues, heading north on Park Avenue through downtown Winter Park. After turning west onto Garfield Avenue, they will proceed to Central Park where they will perform for all fans to enjoy.

In order to minimize disruption to traffic flow, street closures along the parade route will occur in a rolling fashion. Street closures will reopen immediately after the parade has safely passed. However, a portion of Park Avenue between Morse Boulevard and Canton Avenue will remain closed for the duration of the parade. Side street entrances on to Park Avenue will also be closed as the parade approaches each intersection.

The Russell Athletic Bowl is operated by Florida Citrus Sports, a non-profit group which also manages the Camping World Kickoff, Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl and the Florida Blue Florida Classic. For information regarding Florida Citrus Sports and to purchase tickets for upcoming events, including the Russell Athletic Bowl and Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, please visit fcsports.com.

For specific information regarding the Russell Athletic Bowl Parade of Bands in Winter Park, please call 407-599-3463.

Recycle your big gift boxes

In an effort to encourage good crime prevention practices and to foster proper recycling, the Winter Park Police Department has partnered with Waste Pro in providing a large dumpster for residents only to drop off their empty cardboard boxes from electronic purchases and other valuable holiday gift packaging instead of leaving them curbside for Waste Pro pick-up. This is not only an effective way to thwart off crime in your neighborhood, but also a preventative method of not advertising to potential criminals what might be “available” in your residence.

The dumpster is available for use now through Saturday, Dec. 31, at the police station located in the Public Safety Facility at 500 N. Virginia Ave. It will be positioned on the west side of the building near the intersection of Virginia and Swoope avenues.

For more information about the Winter Park Police Department, please visit wppd.org or cityofwinterpark.org/sustainability for additional recycling details.

Dinner on The Avenue tables on sale Jan. 9

The city of Winter Park is proud to announce the 16th annual Dinner on the Avenue will be held Saturday, April 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. Hosted by the city, this unique, fun-filled dining experience has become the social event of the year.

Tables will go on sale Monday, Jan. 9, at 8 a.m. at the Winter Park Community Center located at 721 W. New England Ave.

Gather a table of friends, family, co-workers or neighbors to dine under the stars on beautiful Park Avenue. Tables of eight are available for just $125 each. Only the table, white linen tablecloth and chairs are provided – everything else is up to you. Get creative with table set-up and let your appetites decide whether you bring your own potluck dinner or hire a local caterer to satisfy your palate.

Creativity is encouraged and each group is challenged to develop its own unique look and individual décor. Awards will be presented to winners in various categories including most colorful, most elegant, most original, best TV/movie-themed and honorable mentions. The judging will begin at 7 p.m. sharp, and awards will be presented once the judges have decided on the winners.

For more information regarding this unique dining experience, please visit cityofwinterpark.org/dinner or call 407-643-1613.

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.