Winter Park hosts State of the City Luncheon

The Central Florida region is changing — and Winter Park needs to change with it in its own way.

That was the message Winter Park Mayor Steve Leary shared with a packed ballroom at the annual State of the City Luncheon on Friday, Feb. 22, at The Alfond Inn.

The mayor gave the Winter Park community an update on everything happening within the city during his annual State of the City Address, covering everything from the undergrounding of the Fairbanks Avenue transmission lines to the city’s upcoming Winter Park Canopy project that’s taking shape in Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

“Regardless of what some may be telling you, regardless of the opportunism of election season, we have a (Canopy) project that is on budget,” Leary said. “Our shopping, dining, recreational opportunities, higher education, hotel, golf course — the Canopy will stand alongside these and other global venues. You can count on me, and you can count on other city leaders to continue to always look for ways to improve our projects — this year, next year and for years to come. Fundraising is underway and we hope to be able to add to this base project (with additional features), because failure is not an option.”

Leary also spoke to the traffic situation within the city.

“Some will tell you that the traffic increase on our arterial roads is the result of increased density in Winter Park — this is not accurate,” Leary said. “The work on I-4 has increased the traffic that we see on Lee, on Fairbanks, on 17-92, Lakemont, Palmer, etc.

“Folks, we’re in a growing region, and our friends and neighbors are all doing well, as well,” he said. “At certain times of the day, particularly rush hours, we feel the impact of the surrounding communities’ growth, so while your City Commission and staff have worked to manage growth in Winter Park, we are feeling the growth of the region. … Last year, we began work on a city-owned fiber optic network, which — among other benefits — will allow for intelligent traffic signalization of our major thoroughfares to smooth traffic in Winter Park.”

Leary concluded with a sentiment that Winter Park must continue looking at the road ahead with the next generation in mind.

“We owe future generations a flexible canvas on which to create their version of Winter Park — one true to our roots but malleable enough to meet new needs and desires — as I call it, ‘generational customization,’” Leary said.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO …

During the luncheon, the city also recognized its Employees of the Year. Fleet Services Manager Luke Bryan was recognized as Employee of the Year by Risk, Safety and Fleet Division Director Keri Martin after he helped save the city $31,000 on the purchase of a vehicle to service backlot power lines.

The Winter Park Fire-Rescue Department also recognized the Firefighter of the Year Kevin Powers, who has set the bar for professionalism and customer service, Fire Chief Dan Hagedorn said. Powers also was acknowledged for leading a team of Winter Park firefighters in last year’s Fight For Air Climb, which supports the American Lung Association.

“The team ascended 26 stories — that’s 512 steps — in full firefighting gear and breathing apparatus in just under four minutes, one of the fastest times ever recorded,” Hagedorn said. “(Powers) is greatly respected by his peers, and it is they who nominate him for this award, for his selfless dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Master Police Officer Javier Rodriguez was recognized as Officer of the Year by Police Chief Michael Deal, who commended Rodriguez’s exceptional level of service to the community. The Winter Park officer teaches the S.A.F.E. classes for women’s self defense and runs the Seniors 1st program that collects food for seniors in need.

“Master Police Officer Rodriguez has been — at least the last two years that I’ve been here — the face of the Winter Park Police Department,” Deal said.

Just before Leary gave his address, he presented The Rev. Richard Walsh with The Mayor’s Founders Award, which recognizes commitment, dedication and actions that build upon the founders’ vision for Winter Park.

“This past year (Walsh) was honored for 50 years of devoted and dedicated service,” Leary said. “He has been the pastor of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church since 1985 and leads the spiritual well-being of over 3,500 families. Father Walsh has initiated programs both locally and internationally such as Family Promise, Shepherd’s Hope Health Center, Bridging the Color Divide, KUDO Orphanage in Uganda, Haiti Outreach and more. … He’s a dynamic individual who has enhanced not only his own parish, but the spirit of community in Winter Park.”