ReportWire

Tag: Seminole County

  • New Seminole County fire station will serve 32771 ZIP code

    New Seminole County fire station will serve 32771 ZIP code

    [ad_1]

    SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A new fire station under construction in the Heathrow and Paola area of northwest Seminole County is on schedule for a fall 2024 opening.

    County officials say it will reduce response times in the area while relieving the call volume of neighboring fire stations.

    “It’s very exciting. This is a state-of-the-art fire station,” Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley told News 6. “This will provide (our crews) with the facilities to not only be comfortable, but respond quickly.”

    Seminole County leaders were talking about the need for a new fire station more than 23 years ago when Kinley began his career here as a firefighter and paramedic at Station 34, which currently serves the area. It is located near the intersection of Interstate 4 and State Road 46.

    “Station 34 is maxed out,” Kinley said. “In just in the past decade, their call load has increased 53%.”

    The new fire station, which is being built on First Street near Orange Boulevard, will be responsible for handling some of the 5,200 calls annually that are currently received by Station 34 while also alleviating call volume loads from three other nearby fire stations in Sanford, Lake Mary and unincorporated Seminole County.

    Current fire station service areas surrounding site of Station 39. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    Upcoming fire station service areas following the completion of Station 39. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

    “The addition of this station is going to decrease response times by two minutes or greater in some of the area, and by a minute in most of the area,” Kinley said. “The quicker that we put water on a fire, the quicker it goes out (…) The quicker we get to somebody who’s not breathing, or whose heart is not beating, the higher chance we have to save their life.”

    At 13,356 square feet with four apparatus bays, Station 39 will be Seminole County’s largest fire station.

    The $10.7 million station will house a truck with a 100-foot-tall “aerial tower” capable of responding to tall apartment buildings that have recently been built in the area.

    The fire station backs up to the Seminole Wekiva Trail, making it easier for emergency crews using a utility vehicle to access hikers and cyclists.

    “We were approved a couple of years ago for the 30 personnel that it takes to open a station of this size with this apparatus,” Kinley said. “We’ve already begun hiring those people so that we have trained people on staff by the time this opens in fall 2024.”

    Jeff Atchison, who lives in the 32771 zip code, contacted News 6 with questions about the new fire station as part of “WKMG Hits The Road.”

    “I was a former Jacksonville Fire Rescue volunteer, so I appreciate it,” Atchison said. “This is going to be a big help with the 429 (Expressway) extension and the new construction that’s going in.”

    Atchison said he has been informed by his property insurance company that his premium will drop slightly when the new fire station opens a few blocks from his home.

    He is also comforted knowing first responders will likely get to his home faster if there were to be an emergency.

    “I’m impressed,” Atchison told News 6. “I really appreciate you looking into this story for me.”

    [Tell WKMG what everyone should know about Sanford, Midway and Heathrow, 32771 ZIP code]

    Come join News 6 on Wednesday, April 10, from 4-7 p.m. at Hollerbach’s German Restaurant for a live broadcast of the stories you told us you wanted covered.

    Hits The Road, 32771 (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

    The stories you told us you wanted us to focus on range from the city’s rich history, to the impact of the area’s rapid growth, the rising cost of living and the hot spots everyone should know about in Seminole County.

    We will also be talking to local leaders and highlighting the everyday heroes who make this community so unique.

    Learn more about this free family-friendly event by clicking here.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

    [ad_2]

    Mike DeForest

    Source link

  • Seminole County first responders rescue two people stranded on a boat

    Seminole County first responders rescue two people stranded on a boat

    [ad_1]

    Two people are safe after getting stranded on a boat in Geneva on Sunday morning.Seminole County Fire Department crews got a call to Mullet Lake Park around 2 a.m.That’s where they found two boaters trapped on a sand dune about 150 yards from the main waterway. Crews tell us the pair was driving the boat down the creek and ran aground.Responders got them back to shore by 2:45 a.m., and no one was hurt.Fire rescue crews taped off the boat until they could remove it because it was sitting in a high-traffic area.

    GENEVA, Fla. —

    Two people are safe after getting stranded on a boat in Geneva on Sunday morning.

    Seminole County Fire Department crews got a call to Mullet Lake Park around 2 a.m.

    That’s where they found two boaters trapped on a sand dune about 150 yards from the main waterway.

    Crews tell us the pair was driving the boat down the creek and ran aground.

    Responders got them back to shore by 2:45 a.m., and no one was hurt.

    Fire rescue crews taped off the boat until they could remove it because it was sitting in a high-traffic area.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Central Florida Presidential Preference Primary results

    Central Florida Presidential Preference Primary results

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — As voters went to the polls Tuesday, elections officials across Central Florida began tabulating those results, and combining them with the ballots submitted by mail. Former President Donald Trump has already garnered enough electoral votes to clinch the Republican nomination, but party members statewide had the opportunity to vote for him and several other candidates who dropped out, but still appeared on the ballot as a result of their prior ballot access actions. 


    Early voting took place from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties were able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19: (Winners will be displayed in bold when their race is called. Percentages will appear next to candidate names)

    Only the Republican primary is present, since the Democratic Primary was canceled because President Joe Biden has enough delegates to clinch his nomination.

    Republican Primary for President

    Ryan L. Binkley

    Chris Christie

    Ron DeSantis

    Nikki Haley

    Asa Hutchinson

    Vivek Ramaswamy

    Donald J. Trump

    City Council seat 3 (Currently held by Kyle Becher)

    • Nadia Anderson
    • Darryl Richardson

    City Council seat 4 (Currently held by Nick Nesta)

    City of Eatonville

    Council Seat 4

    • Marlin Daniels
    • Tarus Mack

    Council Seat 5

    • Wanda Randolph
    • Crystal Short-Bertrand

    Ballot Questions: 

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter, the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    City Commissioner District 4

    • George Oliver III
    • Nate Robertson

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    City of Winter Garden

    City Commissioner District 2

    • Danny “DJ” Culberson Jr.
    • Iliana R. Jones
    • Ron Mueller

    City Commissioner District 3

    • Chloe Johnson
    • Karen McNeil

    City of Winter Park

    Mayor

    • Commissioner Sheila DeCiccio
    • Candidate Michael Cameron
    • Candidate Roland Hotard [withdrew]

    City Commission Seat 2

    • Candidate Jason Johnson
    • Candidate Stockton Reeves
    • Candidate Craig Russell

    Town of Oakland

    Mayor

    • Salvador Ramos
    • Shane Taylor

    Flagler County

    City of Flagler Beach City Commissioner

    • Eric Cooley
    • Bob Cunningham

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Both the City of Maitland and the City of Edgewood have charter amendments or questions only for their voters. 

    City of Maitland

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    City of Edgewood

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used for “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • ‘Hot Rods for Heroes:’ Central Florida nonprofit raises funds for veteran honor flights

    ‘Hot Rods for Heroes:’ Central Florida nonprofit raises funds for veteran honor flights

    [ad_1]

    OVIEDO, Fla. – Honor Flight Central Florida held its biggest fundraiser, “Hot Rods for Heroes,” on Saturday.

    The nonprofit volunteer organization raises money to give our veterans the experience of a lifetime, an honor flight trip to visit our nation’s military memorials.

    Kaye Dunham, Honor Flight Central Florida co-chair, said she gets emotional thinking about the flights.

    “We lived in the D.C. area for awhile so we got to see it fairly often and it is such a moving event,” Dunham said. “Now to be inside of it and part of it, and see not just what it means on the outside, but what it means to those veterans.”

    [EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

    While there were plenty of hot rods to go around on Saturday, one truck stood out, but not for what was under the hood.

    Rick Wade was there with his truck that has received over 1,200 signatures from veterans.

    “It really started with Peter Foster there, he was the first to sign it,” Wade said. “He was a four-time cancer survivor and unfortunately he was passing away from his fourth time and he didn’t want his legacy to die.”

    While Wade isn’t a veteran, he feels passionately about giving back to the men and women who served our country and is involved in the REBOOT combat recovery program for veterans. He said every signature has a story.

    “I really didn’t know what I was doing, right?” Wade said. “I really just built a truck because I loved the truck and I leave it up to God after that.”

    Even though Saturday’s event had the goal to raise money for honor flights, it was also about recognizing our nation’s heroes, such as Korean War and Vietnam War veteran Bill Sharp. Sharp, a Marine Corps veteran, was able to go on a recent honor flight.

    “It’s really nice. To have the people, when you get to the airport, 50 to 75 bands and orchestras, choirs singing, 50, 75 dogs barking, you couldn’t hold back the tears,” Sharp said.

    Sharp received a Korean War Ambassador for Peace medal on Saturday.

    “I think it has been a great privilege to serve God and my country, especially the Marine Corps,” Sharp said.

    While the Hot Rods for Heroes event took place on Saturday, anyone can donate to Honor Flight Central Florida at any time. If you’re interested in donating or know a veteran who would like to go on an honor flight, click here.

    Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

    [ad_2]

    Emily McLeod

    Source link

  • Changing voter trends in Seminole County could be seen across Florida

    Changing voter trends in Seminole County could be seen across Florida

    [ad_1]

    SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — As the 2024 election cycle rolls on, political leaders on both sides of the aisle will be watching to see if the trends of recent election cycles continue. In suburban areas surrounding cities across Florida, voting trends have been shifting.

    What You Need To Know

    • In 2020 in Seminole County, President Joe Biden got 7,000 more votes than Donald Trump, marking the first time in 75 years the county voted for a Democratic presidential candidate

    • UCF Associate Professor Aubrey Jewett says one of the main reasons for the political shift is new development of apartments and condos popping up all over the county, which he says attract younger residents from more Democratic areas who are typically more progressive

    • Jewett says that’s a trend we could see play out in other areas outside big cities across the state

    In Seminole County, for example, trends took a Democratic shift in 2020. Despite Donald Trump winning the Florida on his way to defeat to Joe Biden, President Biden got 7,000 more votes in Seminole County. It was the first time in 75 years the county voted for a Democratic presidential candidate. 

    Since 2018, according to the Seminole County Supervisor of Elections office, the county has seen a few more Democrats register to vote with 15,185 additional Republicans compared with 17,753 more Democrats. And 16,242 more people have registered as No Party Affiliation. 

    University of Central Florida Associate Professor Aubrey Jewett says one of the main reasons for the political shift is a recent development of apartments and condos popping up all over the county, which he says attract younger residents from more Democratic areas, who are typically more progressive. And Jewett says that’s a trend we could see play out in other areas outside big cities across the state.

    “You’re seeing more African American and Hispanic people moving into Seminole County,” said Jewett. “And so, it’s gotten more diverse and our politics have changed. That could certainly be happening in some other areas of the state, certainly Tampa, South Florida, even some places in North Florida, although maybe not quite as much there because the population growth in North Florida tends to be more from other southern states.”

    Hailey Donahue and her boyfriend, Nathan Lax, have spent time going door-to-door in the county, encouraging people to get registered to vote.

    “We want to make sure people are up to date on their registration. We have these buttons right here,” said Donahue.

    They say the focus is making sure people are engaged in the political process.

    “We’re making sure they’re up to date, and that everybody that is registered to vote is able to vote in the general since we have a major election coming up,” said Donahue.

    They also know the political makeup of the county is changing.

    “You’re seeing a lot of people moving into Seminole that are Democrat, you have a lot of families that are updating registration to be more Democrat, and especially with college students from the UCF area coming into Seminole, again you’re seeing more people come out and vote blue,” said Donahue.

    Bruce Cherry is the chairman of the Seminole County Republican Party. He is skeptical of the idea that the political tides are turning for good.

    “Because I live in a condo development myself — I’m a renter — and a lot of folks are relocating here from New York and California and places like that, and many of them are thankfully not bringing their politics with them,” said Cherry. “They have come to Florida because they realized this is a great place to live, and Seminole County is a great place to live. And so, it’s not necessarily true that people who live in apartments are Democrat, that those numbers are going to skew more liberal.”

    Cherry says the Seminole GOP will be shoring up the county’s Republican vote, looking to turn those registered as No Party Affiliation to their side. And he believes some Democrats will swing back their way this election cycle.

    “When you’re constantly being approached by people out at events and they go ‘Well, I’m a Democrat, but I’ve got to vote for,’ that tells us something,” said Cherry. “So no, we’re not feeling threatened or anything like that by the number of people moving to Seminole County,or whether or not the numbers tend to trend upward for Democrats, because we’re finding that a lot of them are not voting Democrat, or intend to.”

    When Lax enrolled at UCF, he moved from a very Democratic area of South Florida and now lives in an apartment in Oviedo. He believes the changing political tides of the county are more than just more democrats moving to town.

    “While we are seeing some change with the short-term people coming in and leaving, I think what we’re seeing in Seminole County is really for the long haul, and we’re going to see it move further blue as people come to understand just what’s going on out there,” said Lax.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Allen

    Source link

  • Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in. 


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.

    OCOEE

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    MAITLAND

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    EDGEWOOD

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?

    EATONVILLE

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • ‘Brews Around the Zoo’ returns at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

    ‘Brews Around the Zoo’ returns at Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

    [ad_1]

    SANFORD, Fla. — Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ beer tasting event, “Brews Around the Zoo,” is returning on April 13.

    What You Need To Know

    • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ beer tasting event, “Brews Around the Zoo,” is returning on April 13

    • Guests can sample more than 30 craft beers, as well as wine and seltzer options, as they walk through the zoo

    • There will also be food available for purchase, along with live music

    At the fundraising event, guests can sample more than 30 craft beers, as well as wine and seltzer options, as they walk through the zoo. There will also be food available for purchase, along with live music.

    “Brews Around the Zoo” will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is only open to guests 21+ and it is required to show a valid ID. 

    New this year, attendees can experience Five Brews exclusive dishes by adding a Tasting Trail Pass for $25, according to officials with the zoo.

    Early admission starts at 4 p.m. There are also VIP tickets available to purchase. View all ticket information for “Brews Around the Zoo.”

    “We are thrilled to welcome back Brews Around the Zoo for another year of beer, fun and wildlife,” said Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens CEO Richard E. Glover, Jr. “This event not only is a great evening of entertainment but also allows us to raise awareness and support for the important conservation work we do here at the Zoo.”

    Here are the featured breweries and wineries at the event, per officials with the zoo:

    • SweetWater Brewing Co.
    • Sunshine Bliss Winery
    • Wicked Weed Brewing Co.
    • Central 28 Beer Co.
    • Wop’s Hops Brewing Co.
    • Sanford Brewing Co.
    • 101 North Winery
    • Fox Horn Winery
    • Victory Brewing Co.
    • Blue Springs Brewing Co.
    • Civil Society Brewing
    • Dees Brothers Brewery
    • 3 Daughters Brewing Co.
    • Southern Tier Brewing Co.
    • Golden Road Brewing
    • Tampa Bay Brewing
    • Clubtails 
    • Woodchuck
    • Surfside
    • Nutrl
    • Kona 

    The zoo will be closed all day on April 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for event set up, and the event will take place rain or shine, officials with the zoo stated.

    [ad_2]

    Anna Wronka

    Source link

  • Explore Florida’s wildlife during FWC’s ‘Florida WildQuest 2024’ event

    Explore Florida’s wildlife during FWC’s ‘Florida WildQuest 2024’ event

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — Adventure is out there! Explore the outdoors during the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s “Florida WildQuest 2024” event.

    This year’s event will take place in Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) across the state from April 27 to May 5.

    Florida residents and visitors can use the GooseChase app to join a wild adventure to complete scavenger hunt missions and discover Florida’s wildlife.

    During the event, WildQuest players will have opportunities to explore Florida’s extensive WMA system and learn about its wildlife, habitats and recreational opportunities. Registered players can also qualify for a chance to win wilderness-inspired prizes.

    (Photo Courtesy: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

    Follow these steps to adventure:

    1. Find It: Find your closest WMA with the WMA Recreation Finder Map.

    2. Charge Up: Make sure your phone is charged and the GooseChase app is installed. Not all areas have mobile coverage, but you’ll be able to take pictures for your scavenger hunt missions and submit them later. Visit FloridaWildQuest.com for instructions on how to join.

    3. Be Safe: Stay on marked roads and trails. Before you enter a trail, be sure it fits your skill level and the distance you’re prepared for.

    4. Pack Smart: It gets hot outside and there are no vending machines in the wilderness. Check the weather before you go. Pack water, sunscreen and snacks!

    5. Snap a Pic: Most WMAs have a kiosk at the main entrance with a welcome sign that includes a map and important reminders for visiting the area. When you see this sign, be sure to take a picture for reference. Grab a guide at the kiosk if one is available.

    (Photo Courtesy: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

    Florida has one of the nation’s largest systems of state-managed wildlife lands, according to FWC. The WMA system includes more than 6 million acres managed primarily for wildlife conservation and nature-based public use.

    The FWC maintains, enhances and restores native natural habitats for the benefit of plant and animal populations as well as for the people of Florida.

    To learn more about Florida’s WMA system, visit MyFWC.com/WMAs. 

    (Photo Courtesy: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Lights out! Power cut to Seminole Towne Center. Here’s what’s going on

    Lights out! Power cut to Seminole Towne Center. Here’s what’s going on

    [ad_1]

    SANFORD, Fla. – Shops in the Seminole Towne Center in Sanford were forced to close Thursday after power was cut to the mall because of unpaid electric bills.

    Technicians with Florida Power & Light switched off power to the building and signs were posted at entrances with a notification that the mall was closed.

    “Disconnection for nonpayment is and always has been a last resort,” an FPL representative said in a statement. “FPL works with all customers, including the Seminole Towne Center in Sanford, to help them pay their electric bill, including payment plans. While FPL doesn’t take lightly the decision to turn off anyone’s power, we must treat all customers fairly given unpaid electric bills are ultimately paid for by all our customers in the form of higher rates.”

    Brady Lessard, economic development director for the city of Sanford, said a portion of the mall ownership was behind on their power bill so electricity was turned off to a portion of the mall.

    “Representatives for this portion of mall ownership has assured the city and various tenants that they have initiated payment to get the power restored to the common area,” Lessard said.

    Dillards, JCPenny, and ELEV8 are all current on their electric bills and are fully operational with power, according to the city.

    News 6 has also learned the mall owes nearly $1 million in unpaid property taxes.

    According to the Seminole County Tax Collector’s Office, the entity is delinquent on its 2022 taxes, with a bill of $522,087.05. For 2023, the Seminole Towne Center owes $415,301.71, records show.

    Power remained off for most of the mall early Friday, with signs still posted about the closure.

    Hours for the Seminole Towne Center on a Friday are listed from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., but it’s not yet known when the mall will reopen.

    Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

    [ad_2]

    Mark Lehman

    Source link

  • Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    Here’s all of the ballot questions for Central Florida voters to decide

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19. Many municipalities will hold their local elections, with some charter amendments and ballot questions thrown in. 


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    Both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections in addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans on March 19.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    Here is a full list of the proposed charter amendments or ballot questions, according to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office.

    OCOEE

    Question #1

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Liberally Construe the City’s Powers

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City of Ocoee’s powers be liberally construed in favor of the city to effect their intended purposes.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #2

    Amendment of § C-8, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for the Exchange of Property

    Section C-8 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the City’s enumerated powers shall include the right to acquire or dispose of property, including real property, by exchange.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #3

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Establish One (1) Year Residency Requirements

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that candidates for Mayor shall reside in the City of Ocoee for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate and to require candidates for City Commissioner to reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one (1) year before qualifying as a candidate; candidates shall provide such proof of residency as may be prescribed by ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #4

    Amendment of § C-11, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide Consent to a Background Check

    Section C-11 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that each candidate for Mayor and City Commissioner shall consent to a background check to verify the candidate’s qualifications to hold office; and no candidate shall be barred from running for office without notice, a hearing, and clear and convincing evidence that the candidate is not qualified to hold office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #5

    Amendment of § C-16, City of Ocoee Charter, to Limit Salaries to Part-Time Compensation

    Section C-16 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the salaries of the Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Commissioners shall be commensurate with the part-time nature of the duties of the office.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #6

    Amendment of § C-17, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Election of Successors

    Section C-17 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that the successor to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be elected at the next regular or general city election, if held within twelve (12) months of the vacancy.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #7

    Amendment of § C-18, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Designation of an Accountant

    Section C-18 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to designate an accountant or accounting firm in accordance with the procedures set forth in Florida Statutes §

    218.391 annually or for a period not to exceed five (5) years.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #8

    Amendment of § C-21, City of Ocoee Charter, to Authorize Commencement of City Manager Residency

    Section C-21 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to reasonably extend the requirement for the City Manager to reside in the City of Ocoee within one (1) year of beginning employment upon the Commission’s unanimous approval.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #9

    Amendment of § C-28, City of Ocoee Charter, for Budget Approval of City Clerk’s Salary

    Section C-28 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to clarify that the City Manager shall determine the City Clerk’s salary, subject to budget approval by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #10

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Define “Regular,” “Special,” and “General City Elections”

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to define “regular elections” as those held at regular intervals for the election of Mayor and City Commissioner, “special elections” as those held to fill a vacancy in the office of Mayor or City Commissioner, for a citizen initiative to approve of an ordinance, or a referendum to repeal an ordinance, and “general elections” as any other municipal election.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #11

    Amendment of § C-45, City of Ocoee Charter, to Provide for Swearing-In to Office

    Section C-45 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to provide that any person elected to the office of Mayor or City Commissioner shall be sworn into office immediately prior to commencement of the next regularly scheduled City Commission meeting held after the Canvassing Board declares the election results.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #12

    Amendment of § C-49, City of Ocoee Charter, to Set Elections by Resolution or Ordinance

    Section C-49 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to authorize the City Commission to set the dates of elections and dates of qualifying periods for candidates by either resolution or ordinance.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    Question #13

    Amendment of § C-50, City of Ocoee Charter, to Appoint City Clerk to Canvassing Board

    Section C-50 of the City of Ocoee’s Charter shall be amended to appoint the City Clerk to the City of Ocoee’s election Canvassing Board in addition to two (2) citizens and two

    (2) citizen alternates appointed by the City Commission.

    Shall the above-described amendment be adopted?

    MAITLAND

    Question 1

    City of Maitland General Obligation Bonds for a New Public Library and Park Project

    Shall the City issue bonds to finance the construction and equipping of a new public library and improving its location at Quinn Strong Park in the principal amount not to exceed $14,000,000, bearing interest not exceeding the legal rate, maturing not later than thirty (30) years from the date of issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied in the City on all taxable property?

    EDGEWOOD

    Question 1

    Removal of Unnecessary Transition Schedule Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete the now unnecessary transition schedule used to phase in the adjustment to the current staggered three year terms for Council members?

    Question 2

    Mayoral Stipend Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to increase the maximum monthly stipend amount the City Council is authorized to approve for payment to a mayor from the current $1,000 to $3,000?

    Question 3

    Adoption of Emergency Ordinances Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to delete local provisions regarding emergency ordinances and to provide that emergency ordinances may be adopted in the manner set forth in Florida state law?

    Question 4

    Electronic Distribution of City Code Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide an option for electronic distribution of the City Code?

    Question 5

    Grammatical Correction Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to make non-substantive corrections in Article 4?

    Question 6

    Timing of Budget Message Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change the timing of the Mayor’s annual budget message?

    Question 7

    Reserves Savings Cap Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to change terminology related to reserves allowed to be saved by the City to provide for a cap on “uncommitted reserves” rather than the current terminology used of “unrestricted reserves”?

    Question 8

    Procurement Threshold Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood Charter be amended to provide that for any procurement between $10,000 and $25,000, the City shall obtain at least three quotes and that for any procurement over $25,000, the City shall utilize a competitive bidding method?

    Question 9

    Resolution of Tie Votes in City Elections Amendment

    Shall the Edgewood City Charter be amended to provide that in the event of a tie in a city council election result, the winner shall be determined between the two tied candidates by a coin flip?

    EATONVILLE

    Question 1

    Providing a Defined Qualifying Period and Methods of Qualifying for Office

    Amending the Charter to provide a defined qualifying period for candidates for Mayor or Council and providing alternative methods of qualifying to run for office.

    Question 2

    Amending the Method for Confirming Mayoral Appointments to Avoid Deadlock

    Amending confirmation of Mayoral appointments providing interim appointees not confirmed by Council within 120 days, may continue to serve no more than 180 days, during which time the Mayor shall propose 3 candidates, one of which may be the interim appointee, for confirmation by Council. If no candidate is confirmed within the 180-day period, the Mayor may appoint a candidate from among the 3 who will fill the position on a permanent basis.

    Question 3

    Amending the Method for Selecting the Vice Mayor

    Amending the method for the selection of the Vice Mayor to provide for election by the Town Council.

    Question 4

    Allowing Council to Establish the Effective Date of Any Mayoral or Council Salary Increase

    Amending the Charter by allowing the Town Council to establish the effective date of any Mayoral or Council salary increases in the ordinance adopting such increases.

    Question 5

    Relocating Section Providing Right to Hearing Before Forfeiture of Office

    Relocating from Section 2.08 to Section 2.07 of the Charter the right to a hearing for elected officials charged with an offense that could result in forfeiture of office.

    Question 6

    Clarifying and Supplementing the Powers and Duties of the Town Clerk

    Amending the Charter by clarifying the duties of the Town Clerk and adding certain responsibilities to the position.

    [ad_2]

    Gary Darling

    Source link

  • Important election deadlines for Florida’s upcoming Presidential Primary

    Important election deadlines for Florida’s upcoming Presidential Primary

    [ad_1]

    The 2024 presidential race is well underway, with several states already holding their primary elections to decide who will top the Republican and Democratic tickets in November. Floridians across the state will have a chance to make their voice heard on Tuesday, March 19.


    Before that can happen, there are some important dates for voters in Central Florida to be aware of.

    In addition to the Presidential Preference Primary election for Republicans, both Orange and Flagler counties will hold municipal elections that day.

    Tuesday, Feb. 20, is the last day to register to vote or change your party affiliation ahead of the Presidential Preference Primaries.

    Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, March 7.

    Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from March 9 through March 16. Voters in Orange and Osceola counties will be able to vote early on March 17 as well.

    Here are the municipal elections taking place in Orange County on March 19:

    Municipal Candidates / Amendments:

    • City of Apopka – (City Council Seats 3, 4) 
    • City of Eatonville – (Council Seats 4, 5 and 5 Charter questions)
    • City of Edgewood – (9 Charter questions)
    • City of Maitland – (1 question)
    • City of Ocoee – (City Comm. Dist. 4 and 13 Charter questions)
    • City of Winter Garden – (City Comm. Dist. 2, 3) 
    • City of Winter Park – (Mayor and City Comm. Seat 2) 
    • Town of Oakland – (Mayor) 

    Voters in Flagler County can vote for the City of Flagler Beach Mayor, and 1 City Commissioner.

    After the Presidential Preference Primary, there’s the statewide primary election, which will host other local offices across the state on Aug. 20. Voters will need to adjust or confirm their registration by July 22 in order to vote in that election.

    The General Election will take place on Nov. 5 this year, with a voter registration deadline of Oct. 7.

    Early voting dates for the primary and general elections have yet to be confirmed.

    [ad_2]

    Phillip Stucky

    Source link

  • Orlando celebrates Black History Month 2024

    Orlando celebrates Black History Month 2024

    [ad_1]

    By

    Spectrum News Staff

    Orlando

    UPDATED 5:24 PM ET Feb. 07, 2024
    PUBLISHED 3:04 PM ET Feb. 01, 2024
    PUBLISHED 3:04 PM EST Feb. 01, 2024

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2023

    Catching up with Floridians whose stories inspired us in 2023

    [ad_1]

    FLORIDA — As we reach the holiday season’s peak and look back at a year that brought happy times for many people but major struggles for even more, the stories of those who found the strength to overcome adversity often make the most inspiring impression.

    Spectrum News catches up with some of the incredible individuals who taught us all a little bit about the best of humanity in 2023.

    Storm devastation reveals strength of spirit

    When Category 4 Hurricane Idalia stormed Florida’s Big Bend, it sent destructive storm surge into the Tampa Bay area and left parts of Central Florida flooded.

    The floors of Beatrice Hall’s Rubonia home buckled and collapsed, but the great grandmother stood tall. She made fast friends with David Couzens, when he generously brought her a new refrigerator.

    Days later, when a fall landed Hall in the hospital for 60 days, Couzens and a friend got to work, making her home safe to live in once again.

    Some parts of hurricane recovery occur pretty rapidly, and areas that avoid a storm’s most destructive effects can sometimes slip from the headlines even fasterIn Orlo Vista, it didn’t take long for the waist-high flood waters to recede from Willie Wright Jr.’s family home on Hope Circle, but he’s been working to repair all the damage for more than a year.

    Help from neighbors and kindhearted strangers meant the world in the beginning. Now, Wright’s mission to move his father back into the home he built decades ago fuels his determination to complete the massive task at hand.

    Life’s obstacles provide unique perspectives

    At 15 years old, Jasmine Zipperer found herself in the foster care system. When she aged out and faced the prospect of figuring life out all alone, she found a place to call home — and a family to help her prepare for the opportunities and responsibilities of adulthood.

    It’s all because of a former NFL player, who was adopted by a loving family when he was just a week old. Jeff Faine says he always felt an obligation to share his blessings and give back. So he and his wife opened Faine House for 18-23-year-olds on the verge of homelessness.

    When James McCallum was born with a large, bulging birthmark on his neck and back, his parents didn’t know how it would affect him. But after three surgeries and numerous trips to his doctor in Chicago, the two-year-old continues to inspire with his simply effortless smiles.

    The painful process may not yet be over, but the McCallum family is certainly looking to the future. James’ mom, Kaitlyn, is pregnant.

    She shared the moment of concern they made their way through, wondering if their second child would face the same struggles as their first. Then, they realized — they would just have to follow James’ example.

    At this time last year, Janet Thompson had just undergone surgery for stage 1 pancreatic cancer and was scheduled to start chemotherapy right after Christmas. 

    The treatment took an expectedly harsher toll than she expected, but Thompson fought her way to ringing the cancer-free bell.

    With her follow-up scans since then all giving her a clean bill of health, she’s back in the holiday spirit at her home in Titusville and grateful for life’s simply joys — like gathering with family in the kitchen to decorate Christmas cookies.

    Culture fuels entrepreneurial purpose

    Floridians are from everywhere, and that natural diversity of culture has cooked up a wide range of culinary options in small towns and big cities across the state.

    An Orlando restaurant is serving up Filipino food that feeds a growing sense of community and is turning its small bungalow-style building into somewhat of a cultural center.

    Milosz Gasior doesn’t speak much — but he doesn’t have to. The 2023 Gibbs High School graduate has developed a remarkable talent for talking with 88 black and white keys that, his mother hopes, will open doors to a bright and successful future.

    Gasior has autism and is mostly non-verbal.

    With prospects for holding down a job after graduation unlikely to manifest, he was connected with a professional musician who has since gotten him several paid piano gigs. 

    Good people find cool ways to help

    Reasons for helping others vary as much as the ways people go about doing it.

    For Brian Farr, a family tragedy moved him to put smiles on the faces of some incredible children — and keep them safe.

    His daughter, Maddie, died three years ago. She had White-Sutton syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, that caused her many difficulties in life. But every Friday night, they would head to the pool for swimming lessons, loving every minute of it.

    Farr created a foundation in his daughter’s name to help special needs children learn swimming safety.

    Now, Maddie’s legacy and love of the water lives on through other kids.

    At 10-years-old, Greshaun Dabrezil has already made quite a name for himself.

    You can call him “Cooler Boy.” It’s a moniker he both relishes and counts on to continue his mission, which is as simple as it is successful.

    Dabrezil is a decorated gymnast and certainly understands the importance of hydration. So when he noticed the people who spend hot days on street corners, he decided to help.

    For a while now, he has been handing out free bottles of water and leaving coolers at bus stops around Orlando. Each one has a straightforward sign on the handle. And Dabrezil isn’t finished. He hopes to partner with Lynx to put coolers on buses, too. 

    Sports can facilitate healing

    On a sports field, the prospect of injury always lingers. But when an athlete gets badly hurt away from the game, sport can drive them down the road toward recovery. 

    Mona Rodriguez was a professional soccer player, and fitness has always been paramount. She was riding her motorcycle to the gym, when a driver making a turn didn’t see her. 

    Rodriguez woke up in the hospital with multiple major injuries — but her spirit never shattered.

    Now, she lives by a simple mantra, and she’s using soccer to regain her mobility.

    When a player suffers a personal loss, teammates often help heal the invisible wounds. 

    Bella Rodrigues was a flag football star at Robinson High School, where she helped lead the team to their 7th-straight championship her senior year. She did that while dealing with the loss of her father, who died of cancer during the season.

    The Knights, and the rest of the school, rallied around her.

    Now, even though she’s in college, Rodrigues loves to return and just enjoy a grueling workout with her family.

    Faith inspires grand transformations

    From barber to YouTube star, life looks a lot different for Travis Settineri these days.

    He spent 18 years cutting hair for a living, but decided to take a leap of faith. He put a longtime passion for filming to use and started a channel focused on spreading kindness around Plant City and Lakeland.

    A year-and-a-half later, he’s introducing his almost 4 million subscribers to the many different people he meets and helps with food, finances and shelter.

    The massive following has given him the financial freedom to expand and focus all his time on making a difference.

    When a group of teenage boys dove into Spring Bayou in January on a quest to retrieve the Epiphany cross, they continued a 118-year Tarpon Springs tradition. 

    George Stamas surfaced victorious, and he says, as promised by his Greek Orthodox faith, the cross brought him numerous blessings over the last year. 

    He led his high school football team to a 9-1 season, and his coach says he’s made a number of positive changes in his life. 

    Stamas’ family is no stranger to the Epiphany cross. His cousin retrieved it a few years back, and his great grandfather did the same 85 years go.

    [ad_2]

    Curtis McCloud

    Source link

  • Everything to know about voting by mail in Florida

    Everything to know about voting by mail in Florida

    [ad_1]

    It has long been the voting method of choice – and necessity – for out-of-state college students and military service members serving overseas.

    The 2022 Legislative session produced a law that changed how mail in ballots are requested and collected, making it so that voters who want a mail-in ballot have to request one each year. That means that now is the time to check to see if your vote-by-mail request is still standing. 


    Is there a difference between a vote-by-mail ballot and an absentee ballot?

    No. 

    Florida lawmakers in 2016 changed the terminology from “absentee” to “vote-by-mail” because all registered voters in the state are allowed to cast a ballot without showing up at their assigned polling location. Other states require an accepted excuse for being unable to vote in person.

    Will my standing vote-by-mail ballot request be honored in 2023?

    No, the Florida legislature passed a law that only allows people to make ballot requests for up to two years, not four. This means that some voters who have had standing vote-by-mail requests in prior election years will need to request their earlier than anticipated. 

    Voters can check their vote-by-mail status and other election information by checking with their local county supervisor of elections. 

    Can anyone vote by mail?

    Yes. Please see above.

    How do I request a mail-in ballot?

    There are four options:

    1. Fill out an online application
    2. Request one in writing
    3. Go to the elections office
    4. Call the elections office

    You can find the mailing address, email address, phone number and fax number for your county’s Supervisor of Elections by clicking this link.

    What is the deadline for requesting a vote-by-mail ballot?

    It’s 10 days before an election at 5 p.m. However, the U.S. Post Service is asking voters to make the request no later than 15 days prior to the election, to give you time to get the ballot and mail it back in. 

    There are exceptions and alternatives for military service members serving overseas and American citizens living in other countries. That information can be found here.

    What information do I need to request a mail-in ballot?

    • Name
    • Address
    • Date of birth
    • The voter’s Florida driver license, Florida identification card, or last four digits of the elector’s social security number, whichever may be verified in the supervisor’s records;
    • Signature (If the request is being made in writing)

    You should also already be registered to vote in Florida elections. Check your voter registration status.

    If someone is requesting a ballot on your behalf, they need to include the following information:

    • The requestor’s address
    • The requestor’s driver license number, state identification card, or the last four digits of the elector’s social security number (if available)
    • The requestor’s relationship to the voter
    • The requestor’s signature (if the request is written)

    Can someone else pick up my mail-in ballot?

    Yes, no earlier than 9 days before Election Day, and as long as that person is someone you have officially designated to pick up your ballot by filling out this form.

    Here’s what they will need:

    • Your address
    • Your driver’s license number, if you have one
    • Your signature
    • A written authorization from the voter, and they will have to sign an affidavit

    It’s important to note that Florida law prohibits anyone from picking up more than two vote-by-mail ballots for other people who are not their immediate family members.

    When do I have to send in my vote-by-mail ballot?

    Your county’s Supervisor of Elections must receive the ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Because of the expected influx of ballots, the U.S. Post Office suggests mailing your ballot in at least one week before Election Day to make sure it gets delivered on time.

    “Customers who opt to vote through the U.S. Mail must understand their local jurisdiction’s requirements for timely submission of absentee ballots, including postmarking requirements,” USPS said in a statement released to Spectrum News Tuesday. “Voters must use First-Class Mail or an expedited level of service to return their completed ballots.”

    Is the mail the only way to send in a vote-by-mail ballot?

    No.

    You can drop it off at your county’s Supervisor of Elections office. Florida law also requires all counties to accept vote-by-mail ballots at early voting locations.

    Florida law recently changed how “drop boxes” are allowed to be used. These drop boxes are secured metal boxes where a voter cand turn in their ballot. Now, drop boxes can only be used at Supervisor of Election offices, can only be open during regular voting hours, and have to be personally monitored at all times by an election worker. 

    Do I have to put stamps on my mail-in ballot?

    That depends on where you live. Some counties send out vote-by-mail ballots with pre-paid return postage. Others don’t.

    Where can I see if my mail-in ballot was received?

    You can check the status of your mail-in ballot by providing your name and birthdate on the Florida Division of Elections website. Your county’s Supervisor of Elections will also be able to provide that information.

    When are vote-by-mail ballots counted?

    Mail-in ballots are usually counted before all the in-person ballots, despite a common myth that suggests otherwise. Those numbers are among the first results reported on election night.

    Can I change my vote on a mail-in ballot if I change my mind?

    No.

    Unlike other states, Florida will not allow you to change your vote after you send in your vote-by-mail ballot. However, if you make a mistake while you’re filling it out, the Supervisor of Elections will send you up to two replacement ballots. 

    If you decide not to submit your mail in ballot, bring it with you to your assigned polling place so that you can cancel your mail in ballot and complete a new ballot in person. 

    If the local Supervisor of Elections can confirm that they have not received a mail in ballot with your name, you can fill out a ballot in person at your polling location. 

    If the supervisor is unable to confirm that they have not received your mail in ballot, and you assert that you did not vote, you can vote using a provisional ballot. 

    What if my vote-by-mail ballot signature doesn’t match the one on file?

    You will be notified by the Supervisor of Elections. That’s why it’s so important to include your contact information.

    You must complete a “Vote-By Mail Ballot Cure Affidavit” and send it to your county’s Supervisor of Elections by 5 p.m. two days after Election Day. It’s the same process if you forgot to sign your ballot, and if you miss the deadline, your vote will not be counted.

    Everyone’s signature changes over time, so you can always send in a new voter registration form to make sure your signature is up to date and avoid any issues.

    Can I vote in person if I requested a mail-in ballot?

    Yes.

    Bring your vote-by-mail ballot with you to the polls. If the poll workers can’t confirm that your vote hasn’t already been counted, you will be allowed to vote on a provisional ballot.

    [ad_2]

    Dale Greenstein

    Source link

  • Where to find last-minute gas

    Where to find last-minute gas

    [ad_1]

    Many Floridians are preparing for Idalia, and soon many will be searching for gas as the storm gets closer.

    With the GasBuddy Outage Tracker, drivers can search for gas stations nearby, as well as filter by the following criteria:

    • Has Fuel & Power
    • Has No Power
    • Limited Fuel Options
    • Has No Fuel & Power

    Click/Tap on the image below to locate gas stations near you and check their status. For the best results, be sure to share you location. You can also track outages on your phone by downloading the GasBuddy app for Android or iOS.

    Screenshot of the GasBuddy Outage Tracker (Courtesy: GasBuddy.com)

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link