The voice you’ll hear is that of Rachael Todd, Miss Florida 2009 and a resident of Oviedo, Florida, commenting on why ending homelessness matters.
Feature length – 03:37

Central Florida Matters encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary. You will also find useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Should you wish to be considered for a commentary segment on Central Florida Matters, please click on the “contact” link to send us an email which should include adequate information for us to understand your issue. And please include a daytime telephone number where we may reach you.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Additional Feature Information

• Commentary Transcript
• Rachael Todd Biography
• Rachael Todd
• Hope Foundation

On Thursday January 21, 2010, the mayor of the city of Oviedo, Florida – Mary Lou Andrews — presented the State of the City in remarks given to a luncheon audience of members of the Oviedo/Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, their guests and members of the public.

Mayor Andrews shared the stage with the Mayor of the City of Winter Springs, Florida – John F. Bush. Mayor Bush offered a similar address regarding the state of his city. Geographically, Winter Springs adjoins Oviedo to its east. The chamber’s membership draws from both cities.

After both mayors completed their prepared remarks, each responded to questions from the audience.

This shorter feature accompanies the full length version of the State of the Cities Address. To hear both mayors’ unedited remarks and their responses to audience questions, please visit “Annual State of the Cities Luncheon,” a presentation of Heard in Central Florida – HCF. Each mayor’s remarks at the luncheon were time and format restricted, a chamber rule and typical protocol followed for most business lunches.

While helpful and informative material was communicated by or between the mayors and the audience, time or inclination did not allow for more in-depth responses or follow-up during the luncheon…thus this feature.

To this end, each mayor accepted our invitation to respond to Steck’s questions asked of them a week or more after their luncheon remarks. Each mayor was separately recorded at their respective city hall office

Some of the questions you’ll hear Steck pose are follow-up or “drill-down” in nature, seeking further information or clarity on selected time-limited responses Mayor Andrews offered at the luncheon.

This page also provides Steck’s extended interview with Mayor Andrews, as well as informative links to additional websites giving you yet more information or context to issues she addresses.

Preceding Steck’s questions, as may be necessary, he offers brief context AND plays the actual luncheon remark or audience question which prompt his follow-up.

While this feature follows up with Oviedo Mayor Andrews, Winter Springs Mayor John F. Bush is accommodated in a separate feature.

In the extended interview with Mayor Andrews, hear her expand on 4 other issues. They are the relationship of the city with the State legislature and the US Congress; incentives offered or in-place for local businesses; her expectations of the upcoming review of the city charter; and population increases within the city.

In a future Central Florida Matters, we are planning interviews with principals related to a dominant issue addressed in the Mayor’s remarks –it is the role of Land Design Innovations in the economic development of the cities of Oviedo and Winter Springs.

Extended Interview & Pictures

	Mayor Mary Lou Andrews and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (01:11:58)

Additional Feature Information

• City of Oviedo, Florida
• Oviedo on the Park (“New” downtown Oviedo)
• City of Oviedo Charter Review Committee and Economic Development Committee
• Land Design Innovations, Inc.
• M&I Bank
• Oviedo Marketplace Mall
• General Growth Properties
• Seminole Way
• Oviedo/Winter Spring Regional Chamber of Commerce

Seminole Chronicle newspaper articles

• State of the City Address (1)
• State of the City Address (2)
• Broadstreet Partners
• “New” downtown Oviedo

Seminole Voice newspaper articles

• Broadstreet Partners
• “New” downtown Oviedo

As you follow Ms. Sladek’s walking narrative, we have provided in the order of the tour she takes us on still pictures of each location, addresses, a locator map and a brief text description of each of the 10-historic locations she describes. Additionally, we have provided links to external Websites featuring additional information relative to the tour and to the Oviedo Preservation Project.

Sladek notes the cost for both breakfast and the tour is “whatever you can afford.”

The breakfast will be hosted by First United Methodist Church of Oviedo with assistance from the Oviedo Woman’s Club, the HOPE Foundation, and TOPP.

All of the profits from the breakfast will benefit those in the Oviedo community who are in need. All of the proceeds from the tour will assist students in Oviedo learn more about local history.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Megan Sladek and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (28:43)

Walking Tour Map

View Larger Map

Additional Feature Information

• The Oviedo Preservation Project (TOPP)
• Walking Tour Flyer

Paper Resources (recommended by TOPP)

• Circa 1960 (a booklet produced by the Oviedo Historical Society in 1982)
• Oviedo: Biography of a Town, by Richard Adicks and Donna Neely (Executive Press, 1979)
• Guide to Florida’s Historic Architecture (University of Florida Press, 1989)
• Oviedo Historical Trail – Online Hiking Trail Route (Steve Ratjar, 1999)

Lacrosse is an upstart sport transplanted from northeastern states that has found a home in Florida. It is a fast, aggressive game that got its name from the French word for field hockey. First played by as many as 48 Native Americans tribes, the teams consisted of 100 to as many as 1000 players on a field ranging in size from 500 yards to miles long. Players passed a ball to teammates using a net attached to a long pole. There was religious significance to the game and a single game could last many days.

Modern lacrosse became codified in 1867 and became popular on college and high school campuses. It was a demonstration sport in the Olympics in the 1920’s.

Played in a men’s and women’s version, it requires speed, endurance and stick skill. Many players start young in lacrosse clubs and then join high school teams. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships in lacrosse that make it a valuable game to master.

The furious pace and fierce body checking and stick handling make lacrosse look dangerous. Protection is afforded by large helmets and small pads. The US Lacrosse association says — “Field lacrosse is sometimes perceived to be a violent and dangerous game, however, injury statistics prove otherwise. While serious injuries can and do occur in lacrosse, the game has evolved with an emphasis on safety, and the rate of injury is comparatively low.”

Oviedo High School is one of the teams in the highly competitive Seminole County school district. Their coach, Sean O’Dell, brings many years of experience as both player and coach to the job.

Trevor Liljenquist is one of the seniors on the squad and has played this sport since the 5th grade. He is following in his brother’s footsteps as a star at OHS.

Both the coach and the team’s young players bring a love of the game and athletic ability to the field. As one player said “ Once you pick up a lacrosse stick you’ll never put it down.”

The lacrosse season is in full swing. Visit the website of your favorite high school and check for game schedules. Or attend one of the indoor professional lacrosse games featuring the new Orlando Titans.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Coach Sean O’Dell and Desta Horner Extended interview (17:12)		Trevor Liljenquist and Desta Horner Extended interview (10:26)

Additional Feature Information

• Florida High School Athletic Association
• US Lacrosse
• Oviedo High School
• Orlando Titans

On Thursday January 21, 2010, the mayor of the city of Winter Springs, Florida – John F. Bush — presented the State of the City in remarks given to a luncheon audience of members of the Oviedo/Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, their guests and members of the public.

Mayor Bush shared the stage with the Mayor of the City of Oviedo, Florida – Mary Lou Andrews. Mayor Andrews offered a similar address regarding the state of his city. Geographically, Oviedo adjoins Oviedo to its west. The chamber’s membership draws from both cities.

After both mayors completed their prepared remarks, each responded to questions from the audience.

This shorter feature accompanies the full length version of the State of the Cities Address. To hear both mayors’ unedited remarks and their responses to audience questions, please visit “Annual State of the Cities Luncheon,” a presentation of Heard in Central Florida – HCF. Each mayor’s remarks at the luncheon were time and format restricted, a chamber rule and typical protocol followed for most business lunches.

While helpful and informative material was communicated by or between the mayors and the audience, time or inclination did not allow for more in-depth responses or follow-up during the luncheon…thus this feature.

To this end, each mayor accepted our invitation to respond to Steck’s questions asked of them a week or more after their luncheon remarks. Each mayor was separately recorded at their respective city hall office

Some of the questions you’ll hear Steck pose are follow-up or “drill-down” in nature, seeking further information or clarity on selected time-limited responses Mayor Bush offered at the luncheon. Other questions center on issues Bush did not address in his formal remarks.

This page also provides Steck’s extended interview with Mayor Bush, as well as informative links to additional websites giving you yet more information or context to issues he addresses.

Preceding Steck’s questions, as may be necessary, he offers brief context AND plays the actual luncheon remark or audience question which prompt his follow-up.

While this feature follows up with Winter Springs Mayor John F. Bush, Oviedo Mayor Mary Lou Andrews is accommodated in a separate feature.

In the extended interview with Mayor Bush, he expands on 5 other issues. They are the relationship of the city with the State legislature and the US Congress; incentives offered or in-place for local businesses; actions the city is taking to make their budget more accessible and transparent to residents; how the Mayor feels the city “can do better” – to quote a recently elected US Senator; and his view of the pending city elections for Mayor and commissioners.

In a future Central Florida Matters, we are planning interviews with principals related to a dominant issue addressed in the Mayor’s remarks –it is the role of Land Design Innovations in the economic development of the cities of Oviedo and Winter Springs.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Mayor John F. Bush and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (52:33)

Additional Feature Information

• City of Winter Springs, Florida
• Seminole Way – brochure
• State referenda– amendment of local government comprehensive land use plans.
• Winter Springs Town Center
• James Doran Company
• Land Design Innovations, Inc.
• Oviedo/Winter Spring Regional Chamber of Commerce

Seminole Chronicle newspaper articles:

• State of the City Address (1)
• State of the City Address (2)
• City Audit
• Former City Manger Ron McLemore
• Winter Springs Town Center
• One cent sales tax extension

Key issues addressed by the mayors in their remarks include: budget reduction issues, joint economic development initiatives between the cities, progress on Seminole Way, Home Rule, and Oviedo’s charter review committee. In questions posed by chamber members, the mayors respond with answers about the “new” downtown Oviedo, incentives used to attract new businesses to each city, the scope of services under which Land Design Innovations, Inc. works and a lengthy exchange with members regarding the current status and future of the Oviedo Market Place Mall. Feature Length — 49:03

Key Participants

	John F. Bush Mary, City of Winter Springs, Fl biography/resume		Mary Lou Andrews Mayor, City of Oviedo, Fl biography/resume
	EVENT SPONSOR Dr. E. Ann McGee President, Seminole State College website

Additional Participants

	Cynthia Sucher Chamber Board President, and Associate Vice President for Community Relations at University of Central Florida website		Paul Sladek Event Moderator, and attorney, Cloninger & Files, Attorneys at Law website
	Cory Skeates Executive Director, Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce website		Karen Astringer VP/Education Committee (OWSRCC) and President, Resilience Counseling Center, Inc. website
	Student of the Month James Berkoben student at Geneva Elementary School website		Dr. Tina Erwin Principal, Geneva Elementary School website

Relevant Documents and External Links on Subjects Addressed by the Mayors and Sponsor

• City of Winter Springs, Fl
• City of Oviedo, Fl
• Oviedo Market Place Mall
• Winter Springs Town Center
• Land Design Innovations, Inc. (LDI)
• SeminoleWAY
• Tri County League of Cities
• Florida League of Cities
• “A Quick Civic Review” (referred to by Mayor Andrews)
• Seminole Chronicle (1 Cent Sales Tax and Amendment 4 newspaper reports)
• Seminole Voice
• Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
• Economic Development Department of Seminole County — Jobs Growth Incentive Fund
• Dr. E. Ann McGee’s slide presentation (1.5mb with 24 pages)

Pictures

After you launch the slideshow below, click “Next” and “Previous” to rotate through the photos.

Additional Event Information

This annual luncheon event was held at the Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs. This year’s event was sponsored by Seminole State College and also featured remarks by college president, E. Ann McGee. An audience of more than 120 attended the function.

The event was hosted by chamber president, Cynthia Sucher, associate vice president for community relations at UCF; speaker’s moderator Paul Sladek, attorney, Cloninger & Files; and chamber executive director, Corydon Skeates.

At the conclusion of the mayor’s portion of the on-line presentation, SSC’s Dr. McGee comments the educational leadership role the college takes in Seminole County. And the chamber salutes the student of the month – James Berkoben of Geneva Elementary School and teacher of the month – Collen Quaid from Jackson Height Middle School. This segment is 14-minues in length.

The panel includes Seminole County School Board member Dede Schaffner; school superintendent, Dr. Bill Vogel; Seminole County Parent/Teacher Association president Judy Wiant; and Seminole State College vice president and chief financial officer, Joseph A. Sarnovsky. The panel is moderated by Marilyn Crotty, director of University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government. Feature Length — 01:20:55

Bios

	Marilyn Crotty Moderator resume		Joseph A. Sarnovsky Seminole State College resume
	Dr. Bill Vogel Superintendent, Seminole County Public Schools resume		Dede Schaffner Seminole County School Board Member resume
	Judy Wiant Seminole County Parent/Teacher Association President resume		Sandy Robinson Seminole County School Board Chair resume

News Media Bios

	Desta Horner co-founder and senior producer of Carroll McKenney Public Media resume		Michelle Yoffee Seminole Chronicle Editor resume
	Scott Harris CFN News13 Anchor resume

Pictures

After you launch the slideshow below, click “Next” and “Previous” to rotate through the photos.

Relevant Charts & External Links

Additional Feature Information

• Seminole County League of Women Voters
• Seminole County Public School System
• Seminole State College
• Winter Springs High School

Feedback

We’d like to learn what you think about Heard in Central Florida and encourage you to leave a comment on the Website. And if you know of a local speaking event on an issue you believe is relevant to Central Florida and believe it to be appropriate for this series let us know that, too. Simply click on the “contact” link found on this site and tell us about it.

And while you’re on the site, please subscribe to CMF’s E-Letter so we may keep you up to date on the programming and activities of Carroll McKenney Public Media. Likewise, please consider subscribing to the content using the RSS feature we provide for your feed reader or subscribe using iTunes. Once subscribed, you’ll be alerted immediately to each new program we post in the Heard in Central Florida series.

The voice you’ll hear is that of Dr. Bill Vogel, Superintendent, Seminole County Public Schools, commenting on why a quality education for your children matters.
Feature length – 03:54

Central Florida Matters encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary. You will also find useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Should you wish to be considered for a commentary segment on Central Florida Matters, please click on the “contact” link to send us an email which should include adequate information for us to understand your issue. And please include a daytime telephone number where we may reach you.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Additional Feature Information

• Commentary Transcript
• Dr. Bill Vogel resume
• Seminole County Public Schools

On Tuesday, March 2, the Florida state legislature will convene for its annual 60-day period to determine and debate issues important to you and the people of our state. Issues like crime, education, the environment, and the state budget are debated. The budget is the only bill the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass before adjournment.

According to Sunshine Review – an on-line site that provides information about government – the budget adopted at the start of the current Fiscal year which started in July totaled $65.5 billion dollars. Of that amount, $21.3 billion or 32% was budgeted for public education throughout the state. Yet, during the year, as a result of national and state economic decline, state officials eliminated $466 million in education spending.

Seminole County School Board and Seminole State College receive a portion of their operating budget from the State. Each also had to make corresponding cuts to their budgets.

Officials from the school board and the college are making their budget case and stressing their funding priorities to state education officials and the local legislative delegation for a new budget to fund a portion of their expenses for a period of July 2010 through June 2011.

Those funding priorities became the subject of a Wednesday evening, January 13th, public forum presented by the Seminole County League of Women Voters at Winter Springs High School in front of an audience of more than 65 members of the public.

At the forum, the League impaneled spokespersons from the 2 public school systems to explain and defend the local funding priorities to which they believe the state must be fiscally responsive. The league asked local media to ask questions of the panel. Questions from the audience were also fielded. A moderator facilitated the 90-minute event.

In this feature, Central Florida Matters presents an edited version of the forum featuring only presentations and answers regarding the educators’ stated funding priorities. However, we recommend you visit Central Florida Matters’ companion Website – Heard in Central Florida – for a gavel-to-gavel version of the forum. The full presentation is approximately 1-hour and 20-minutes in length and features additional perspective and remarks from the panel. Look for and click on the Heard in Central Florida green and white logo. At either site, you’ll find pictures taken during the event as well as links to web links providing useful information and context on issues addressed by the panel

The panel in this feature included Seminole County School Board member Dede Schaffner; school superintendent, Dr. Bill Vogel; Seminole County Parent/Teacher Association president Judy Wiant; and Seminole State College vice president and chief financial officer, Joseph A. Sarnovsky. The panel was moderated by Marilyn Crotty, director of University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Additional Feature Information

Resumes and biographical information provided by each panel member:

• Marilyn Crotty, moderator and director of University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government
• Joseph A. Sarnovsky, Seminole State College vice president and chief financial officer
• Dr. Bill Vogel, Seminole County Public Schools, superintendent
• Dede Schaffner, Seminole County School Board member
• Judy Wiant, Seminole County Parent/Teacher Association president

Charts used by Dr. Vogel in his opening presentation:

• Florida Revenue per Pupil
• Seminole County State Formula Funding

Links mentioned and/or provided by Mr. Sarnovsky:

• Seminole State College of Florida
• The Florida College System

Other useful links:

• University of Central Florida’s Institute of Government
• Seminole County League of Women Voters
• Seminole County Council of PTA/PTSA (SCCPTA)

Every year Oviedo celebrates Martin Luther King Day with a parade along Broadway (State Road 426). This annual event has been staged for 12 years and is co-sponsored by the Oviedo Citizens in Action and the City of Oviedo. Kathy Hunt has been the chairperson of the event for many years.

The line of march runs from Oviedo High School east to Round Lake Park. Participants include local churches, civic and educational groups, high school clubs, University of Central Florida organizations and the Oviedo High School band. The Oviedo City Council and County Commission Chairman Bob Dallari and other dignitaries rode the lead float which was shaped like a big birthday cake for Dr. King’s birthday. Many of the participants riding floats or marching with signs were young people.

The large crowds along the route particularly like the candy and snacks that are handed out by the marchers. Parents bring their children for the big colorful event.

Most participants and parade viewers kept in mind the significance of the day’s events. In this feature, several Oviedo residents read these quotes from Martin Luther King…

• The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
• Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’
• Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars…
• I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
• Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Additional Feature Information

• MLK Parade Information