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Oviedo in the News
Black History of Oviedo mural, photo by Hayden Turner, Hagerty High School Student Journalist
Celebrate Black History
To Celebrate Black History Month 2021, the City is highlighting the 20 elements of the mural Black History of Oviedo located at Round Lake Park. Painted by local artist Xavier Moss in 2020, the mural showcases just some of the many impactful people of the local African American community.
A key is displayed on a plaque in front of the mural (pictured right). Click here to open the mural key in a new tab.
The project is online at cityofoviedo.net. Or, follow us on Facebook or Twitter to see new posts daily, culminating February 28, 2021.
SCAM alert from Oviedo police department
Reminder, the Oviedo Police will not call to notify you of an outstanding warrant or criminal issue nor will they ask you to send money and/or gift cards. The Oviedo Police does not conduct such business. Do not provide any personal information to anyone over the telephone.
We have received reports that residents have received these phone calls and would like to alert the public that this is a scam. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be an Oviedo officer, please hang up and contact us at 407-971-5700.
NORTH LOCKWOOD BOULEVARD to get street lights Fall 2021
North Lockwood Boulevard will be lit with streetlights starting this fall.
The Oviedo City Council unanimously passed Resolution No. 4028-21, Street Light Improvements North Lockwood Boulevard, at its February 1 meeting.
The project, expected to begin in fall 2021, will create a safer environment on North Lockwood Boulevard between County Road 419 and County Road 426.
Currently, there are only a few street lights along this corridor, on the east side near CR 419. The City pursued the project due to increased foot traffic, vehicle traffic, development, and bus stops. The move will convert and create LED street lights in the area. To date, approximately 22 percent of the more than 3,800 City streetlights have been converted to LED.
The project will cost $486,121.59 and a monthly fee of $535.68 would be required to OUC for maintenance as well as monthly energy payments to Duke. Click here for more information, including a fund breakdown for the project.
updated MASTER PLAN provides CITY BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE
The City of Oviedo has a vision for the future with its Downtown Master Plan Update. The City Council unanimously passed the update, Resolution No. 4027-21, at its meeting February 1.
The update was developed in partnership with architecture firm CPH, Inc. and analyzes current land use, development, and redevelopment patterns and practices. The plan includes recommendations for land use densities and intensities, preferred land use types, development patterns, building and property relationships, public realm design options/opportunities, and architectural styles. The update cost $51,750 and was approved in August 2019. The City and CPH, Inc. hosted an open house in November detailing the update. Click here to view the materials and presentation video.
Oviedo Police get new K-9
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Oviedo Police Department Canine Unit!
Canine Lexington is a one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepard and Belgian Malinois mix.
The purchase of Lexington was made possible as a result of a generous donation from a local citizen who wishes to remain anonymous and the Oviedo Police Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose purpose is to raise money to enhance the capabilities of the Oviedo Police Department.
The anonymous donor’s only request was to have the K-9 named Lexington “Lex” in honor of a family member who served on the USS Lexington, a World War II Essex Class aircraft carrier.
Lex and his handler Officer Michael Monani will now begin their more than 480 training hours required to become an effective team. The training includes obedience, drug detection, tracking and apprehension and will be conducted by Senior K-9 Officer and Trainer David Capetillo.
Once their training is complete, Officer Monani and Lexington will undergo the rigorous Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) certification process. The certification is conducted by an independent impartial third party who is FDLE certified to conduct the evaluation. The certification process is a series of exercises designed to test both the handler and dog’s capabilities.
Welcome aboard, Lex!
Splash Pad improved
The Splash Pad at Center Lake Park reopened Friday, February 5.
Crews replaced the pebble surface with a new top safety-rated aqua-based floor.
The project earned the Splash Pad the NSF-50 safety rating. That's the highest safety rating possible!
NEW CITY BUSINESS HOURS FOR 2021
MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Celebrate valentine's
Treat your special someone with deals at the Oviedo on the Park Cantina and Marina this weekend to celebrate #ValentinesDay weekend!
Free heart-shaped lollipop with $5 purchases and chocolate rose with each swan boat rental. Subject to change. While supplies last.
On the Agenda: Monday, February 15
City Eyeing Verizon cell tower lease renewal with provisions for additional income
Verizon's cell phone tower lease with the City of Oviedo is set to expire soon, and the City has proposed amendments that could bring more revenue than it currently earns from the agreement.
The City has had a lease agreement with Verizon (and its predecessor) for the tower, located at the Oviedo Sports Complex, since 1996. With its lease expiring April 2, Resolution 4032-21 would amend the lease to include a potential additional revenue stream, providing income for the City beyond the current annual rent it charges the carrier. The City Council is expected to hear the resolution at its February 15 meeting.
The resolution includes the following changes:
- Provide a one-time payment to the City of $10,000.
- Extend the term of the lease for five years plus give Verizon the option to extend the term for five additional periods of five years each (until April 2, 2051).
- Adjust the current rent from $24,583 to $20,400 and provide for two annual increases of two percent.
- The City would receive 25 percent of Verizon's co-use revenue if the carrier enters into an agreement with another carrier to co-use the tower.
- Other provisions of the Lease were updated with respect to confirmation of the City’s regulatory authority, insurance, and indemnification.
If approved, the proposed changes would generate $827,000 in rent over the course of the lease agreement ending in 2051, not including the one-time $10,000 payment and potential co-use revenue.
To view materials related to the resolution, including the meeting agenda and packet, click here. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 15.
proposed water storage tank could mean additional revenue stream
The Oviedo City Council is expected to hear a resolution to name a design firm for a new reclaimed water storage tank at its next meeting Monday, February 15.
Resolution No. 4040-21 would pay Carollo Engineers $206,719 to design a 2.0 million-gallon (MG) tank for the Oviedo Water Reclamation Facility. The new tank would replace one of two current tanks, a 1.5 MG capacity tank that needs repairs, including work to the foundation and earth below the foundation.
City staff determined it is more cost-effective to design and build a new tank rather than continuing to repair the current 1.5 MG tank. The new tank would have a 33 percent larger capacity and last 50 years.
The additional. 05 MG capacity would increase storage from wet weather and in turn create more reclaimed water to be sold, providing additional income for the City.
The City Council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 15. To view the agenda and packet, click here.
the Fire and rescue report
The Fire and Rescue Report is a monthly column by Oviedo Fire Chief Mark Ellis.
As America gathered to watch the Super Bowl last Sunday, stories circulated of the 7,500 vaccinated health care workers in attendance. The NFL invited health care workers from Tampa and the Central Florida area to thank them for their tireless efforts in keeping Americans safe.
This week, I’m in Phoenix, Arizona, deployed by the Federal Government as Deputy Commander of a Florida Disaster Medical Assistance Team. We’re providing much-needed assistance to the Arizona Department of Emergency Management in their Vaccination Station operations. We are grateful to be supporting those who serve their hard-hit community each and every day. They work around the clock to promote public health, treat those who are sick, and keep people safe.
As the COVID-19 pandemic hits the one-year mark, many people wonder how we can continue to show support to our frontline workers. There is something every single one of us can do to help, and you don’t have to be Roger Goodell or part of an emergency response team to do it.
Hold the line. The Oxford dictionary defines it as to “not yield to the pressure of a difficult situation” – and that’s exactly how we can thank our frontline workers.
You can help slow the spread of COVID-19 by continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands, and not gathering with others outside your household. Slowing the spread means fewer people will get sick, fewer people will die, and in turn that supports America’s frontline workers. Your actions will directly support those working from across the nation to right here at home with the Oviedo Fire Department, the Oviedo Police Department, and other locals dedicated to fighting this pandemic.
They’ve worked at a break-neck pace for nearly twelve months now, making sacrifice after sacrifice because they believe in helping others. Let’s help them by not yielding to the pressure of a difficult situation. Let’s thank our frontline workers and hold the line.
For more information on testing and vaccines in Seminole County, visit PerpareSeminole.org or call 407-665-0000. For more information on COVID-19, visit CDC.gov.
Chief Mark Ellis
Oviedo Fire Department
Coyotes Reported in oviedo
The City has received reports of coyotes in the Oviedo Forest area. Did you know coyotes live in all 67 Florida Counties? They live in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and the average Florida Coyote weighs 28 lbs.
Protect your home and pets
Coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or in the early evening or morning hours (dusk and dawn). To protect your pets, do not allow them to roam freely. Keep cats indoors. Free-roaming cats are at a high risk of being preyed on by coyotes and other animals. Walk small dogs on a short leash that is less than six feet, especially at night, dusk or dawn. Be extra careful if you are going to walk your pet in wooded areas or areas that have heavy foliage, where coyotes may rest.
Keeping trash, livestock, and pets secure is an easy way to keep coyotes from being interested in your home and area.
Coyotes are not large animals and rarely pose a threat to people, especially adults. They can be curious but are also timid and generally run away if challenged. If a coyote approaches too closely, there are methods you can use to deter it and frighten it away.
Detering, or hazing, the animal by making loud noises and acting aggressively will typically cause a coyote to leave an area, but you may need to increase and continue hazing efforts until the coyote is effectively deterred and leaves the area for good. There are several methods of hazing that are effective with coyotes.
How to haze Coyotes
This short and educational video below discusses how to effectively haze coyotes. Coyotes in urban areas may learn to tolerate human presence instead of fleeing. Hazing is the process of disturbing an animal’s sense of security so it leaves an area or otherwise changes its behavior.
This information was provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, click here to visit their website for additional information.
help preserve our waterways, fertilize responsibly
How we maintain our yards and community areas, have a direct impact on our natural lakes and rivers.
• Apply only slow-release nitrogen and phosphorous free fertilizer products.
• Only fertilize during the months of October through May. Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous is not permitted to be applied during the rainy season per Ordinance Number 1657.
• Excess fertilizer causes algae blooms in ponds, lakes and rivers. Excessive algae can cause oxygen depletion to healthy vegetation and aquatic species.
• Do not overwater grass, if you have reclaimed water the water already contains elements of nitrogen and phosphorous, saving you money on fertilizers.
• When cutting the grass, leave grass clippings in place. This helps keep moisture in and provides natural nutrients.
• Never blow yard clippings into the street. Rain will wash clippings into the storm system and finally to our waterways creating harmful algae blooms.
Thank you for helping preserve our waterways!
Would you like to learn more?
Visit FertilizeFlorida.com
or call 407-971-5682
The City of Oviedo partners with Seminole County and the Florida Friendly Landscaping Program. For educational programs and environmental opportunities, please reach out to serv@seminolecountyfl.gov.
UPCOMING RECREATION EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
the 9 p.m. routine
We send a reminder every night through social media to head out to make sure you've done the #9pmRoutine. It's important because thieves often look for opportunities such as unlocked doors and unlocked vehicles. We'll share one of the popular #9pmRoutine posts here in Oviedo in the News.
This week, we're highlighting Fred the Rooster, whose recent homecoming made headlines in local and national news outlets, and even as far away as the UK. Click on the picture of Fred and Officer Massip to view the post and video on our Facebook page.
Join the conversation! Tweet #HeyOviedo and #9pmRoutine or share our posts on FB and help spread the word.
CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
skate park and riverside pool closed for repairs
Rippin' Riverside Skate Park and the Riverside pool are closed for repairs and expected to reopen March 1st (subject to change).
RIVERSIDE PARK REPAIRS CONTINUE
The City of Oviedo and its contractor, Boulevard Construction are working to repair the Riverside Park Multipurpose Room. During construction, the northernmost park entrance will be closed to the public to accommodate Boulevard's equipment. The southern entrance to the park, adjacent to Rippin' Riverside Skate Park, will remain open and accessible to the public. Construction is slated to be completed by March 2021.
Please note, the tennis court entrance to Riverside Park will be closed until further notice while construction is being performed on the multi-purpose room. Please use the skate park entrance.
GENEVA DRIVE - ROAD CLOSURE FROM THE ROUNDABOUT TO THE WESTERN ENTRANCE TO CITIZENS BANK
Geneva Drive will close, as needed, from the roundabout to the western entrance of Citizens Bank during the construction of the Solary Park Project. Maintenance of traffic will be in place to route vehicular traffic safely around the work zone. The Project is currently under construction and is estimated to be completed in August 2021.
SIDEWALK CLOSURES - EAST FRANKLIN STREET AND GENEVA DRIVE
Closures to the sidewalks adjacent to East Franklin Street and Geneva Drive will occur during the construction of the Solary Park Project. The Project is currently under construction and is estimated to be completed in August 2021.
SEMINOLE COUNTY COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE
Seminole County is offering COVID-19 vaccines for area residents age 65 and older as well as non-hospital healthcare workers. Appointments are required. Register online.
Visit prepareseminole.org for more information, including information on testing and additional resources. For more information on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN OVIEDO
Click the photo below to view current development projects in Oviedo.