Hartmann speaks for the first 44-minutes of this event, touching on such issues as his previous leadership experiences in county and municipal government, the new normal of living with staff reductions, the county’s property tax values, economic development, place making, SunRail, the environment and recreation trails, roads and utilities, Seminole County public schools, public safety, and social services.

His remarks are followed by 9-minutes of answers to 5 questions you’ll hear asked of him by league members on issues of homelessness, military veterans, on the job surprises he has encountered, the county’s water supply, and the nuance of county and city governments working together toward a common goal.

Below, are helpful links to additional on-line content regarding issues addressed by James Hartmann, as well as an on-line slide show of photographs taken at the event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

This is the 17th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced with the League of Women Voters of Seminole County, Florida. This Hot Topics luncheon was recorded at the Patio Grill in Sanford, Florida, on Thursday, January 26, 2012. League president, Pat Graves, facilitated the event.

Principal Speaker:

James D. Hartmann County manager, Seminole County government web | bio

League of Women Voters of Seminole County host and facilitator:

Pat Graves President, League of Women Voters of Seminole County web | facebook

External links related to this podcast:

• Seminole County Government
• City of Alexandria, Virginia
• Spartanburg County, South Carolina
• Eagle County, Colorado

Links to CMF podcasts featuring issues related to Seminole County government

• Superintendent Search (01/12/12)
• Carey on Carey (12/08/11)
• Homeless: A New Chapter (12/08/11)
• Commentary: Seminole County Matters (10/13/11)
• Seminole County’s New Manager (05/12/11)
• Mass Transit in Central Florida (04/22/2011)
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation (04/11/2011)
• Code Enforcement (03/10/2011)
• Carey: 1-on-1 (01/13/2011)
• Dallari: 1-on-1 (12/09/2010)
• Voting Smart: Michael Ertel, Supervisor of Elections (07/29/2010)
• Dallari: Mid-term Update (05/27/2010)
• Eslinger: 1-on-1 (05/24/2010)

Pictures

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In front of an audience of 300 people at the annual Mayor/Commissioner luncheon, Winter Park, Florida, Mayor Ken Bradley spoke of the achievements of his city’s government during 2011and the many ways Winter Park is recognized as an exceptional city. He introduced five citizens from ages 6 to 106 who have contributed to making Winter Park exceptional.

His speech followed remarks by the four other members of the city commission — Steven Leary, Sarah Sprinkel, Carolyn Cooper and Tom McKaken — each speaking for 2 minutes about the accomplishments of the past year.

City Manager Randy Knight also presented the city’s Employee of the Year Awards to three exceptional staff members — Caleena Shirley (employee of the year); Jeff Spinelli (fire/rescue), and Randall Morrissey (police).

In addition, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce offered comments by the luncheon’s principal sponsors — Tim Dolan from Waste Pro, and Becky Wilson of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed.

The host of the luncheon was Maritza Martinez, chairman-elect of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

State of the City Address

Length: 31:15

Principal Speakers

Kenneth W. Bradley Mayor, city of Winter Park web | bio

Commissioners and Bios

	Carolyn Cooper Commissioner bio		Steven Leary Commissioner bio
	Tom McMacken Commissioner bio		Sarah Sprinkel Commissioner bio

Employees of the Year Presentation

Length: 21:50

	Caleena Shirley Employee of the Year		Jeff Spinelli Fire-Rescue
	Randall Morrissey Police Department

Content Related Links

• City of Winter Park
• Video: Every Day Exceptional
• Winter Park Chamber of Commerce

Podcasts Featuring Winter Park

• 2012 Winter Park Mayoral Election
• Park Avenue History Alive!
• Winter Park City Commission Candidate Forum

Pictures

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To a 75-person audience of chamber members and guests, the principal elements of this public meeting commence with 4-minute remarks by Oviedo’s new city manager, Kathryn Breazeale. Oviedo Mayor Persampiere speaks for about 14 minutes, followed by 19-minutes from Winter Springs Mayor Lacey. Event sponsor, Seminole State College and its president, Dr. E. Ann McGee, speaks for 8-minutes, and the remaining 6 minutes of this over all 55-minute program concludes with a recognition of Todd Cluxton, the immediate past chairman of the chamber, and announcements of upcoming chamber events. The event is moderated by Paul Sladek, chamber board chairman, and Cory Skeates, chamber president and CEO.

Below are links to other CMF features regarding issues surrounding both cities. In an on-line slide show, view still pictures of this event, taken by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller. Links to content-related documents and web pages are also provided, as is a copy of the slides referred to by Oviedo Mayor Persampiere in his remarks

This presentation marks the 16th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced featuring luncheon programs staged by the chamber which address a range of important issues relevant to the business community and the general population in the Oviedo and Winter Springs communities served by the chamber.

Principal Participants

	Dominic Persampiere Mayor, city of Oviedo web | bio		Charles Lacey Mayor, city of Winter Springs web | bio
	Kathryn Breazeale Manager, city of Oviedo web | bio		Dr. E. Ann McGee President, Seminole State College (event sponsor) web | facebook | bio
	Paul Sladek Chairman, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors bio		Cory Skeates President/CEO, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce web | Chamber facebook page | Chamber TV (You Tube) | bio

Content Related Links

Slide presentation used by Dominic Persampiere, mayor, city of Oviedo Oviedo_SOC_2011.pdf (13-pages, 1.5mb)

Event Pictures

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CMF podcasts featuring cities of Oviedo and/or Winter Springs

• A Boss for the City of Oviedo (12/08/2010)
• Oviedo Elections – No Contest (09/08/2011)
• Oviedo Budget – 2012 (08/11/2011)
• Winter Springs Budget – 2012 (08/11/2011)
• Bouquets & Brickbats – A Survey of Oviedo Residents (07/08/2011)
• The Nitty Gritty – Behind the Oviedo Survey (07/08/2011)
• Twin Cities – Economic Development (5/23/11)
• SEMATECH: A Postmortem (05/12/2011
• Oviedo On The Park (03/10/11)
• Historic Downtown Oviedo (03/10/2011)
• Oviedo/Winter Springs Joint Economic Development Task Force (03/10/2011)
• Oviedo’s Hospital Future? (02/14/2011)
• 2010 State of the Cities (2/2/11)
• Game Changer? (01/13/2011)
• Lacey: 1-on-1 (part 2) (01/13/2011)
• Lacey: 1-on-1 (part-1) (12/09/2010)
• Economic Development – Twin Cities Update (11/11/2010)
• Oviedo City Council Seat 4 Candidate Forum (10/14/2010)
• Schenck on Andrews (09/30/2010)
• Schenck: Housekeeping or Substance? (09/30/2010)\
• Mayor Persampiere, part-2 (09/30/2010)
• Andrews: Revenge or Justice? (09/09/2010)
• Mayor Persampiere (part-1) (09/09/2010)
• Oviedo and Winter Springs mayor’s “state of the cities” address (1/27/2010)

This 52-minute event, is hosted by Pathways to Home, the non-profit umbrella organization under which 18 provider organizations are working together to lower that number of homeless children which knowledgeable sources place at about 1700 students in 2010..

Prompted by a series of features on CBS Television’s 60-Minutes, which focused its cameras directly on the plight of homeless school children in Seminole County, a panel of local providers and advocates speak on a theme organizers billed as “what 60-Minutes didn’t tell you about Seminole County.”

The panel describes the unique Pathways to Home collaborative, its history and the steps being taken to apply a range of best practices to address and manage the problem. During the discussion, you’ll also hear members of the audience ask questions to which the panel responds.

The Heard in Central Florida webpage offers you helpful links to on-line content regarding issues addressed by the panel…as well as giving you an on-line slide show of still pictures taken at the event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

This podcast was recorded Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in the commission chambers of Seminole County’s board of commissioners.

Below, are helpful links to on-line content regarding issues addressed by the panel…as well as a slide show of photographs taken at this event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

Principal Speakers

	Debbra Groseclose Executive director of Pathways to Home web | facebook		Stephen Burris, chairman Pathways’ board of advisors bio
	Bob Dallari Commissioner and former chairman of Seminole county government web | bio		Reverend Charles Holt Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and School in Lake Mary web | bio | facebook
	Penny Seater Executive director, Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County and Greater Apopka web | facebook		Jeanne Gold Chief executive officer, Safe House of Seminole web | facebook
	Debbie Leon Panel moderator and development director, Pathways to Home web

Additional Content Related Information

• The Children’s Cabinet of Seminole County
• Grace ‘N Grits & Wednesday Wash Day
• Shelter Plus Care Program
• CBS – 60 Minutes: Hard Times Generation – Families Living in Cars
• CBS – 60 Minutes: Hard Times Generation – Homeless Kids

Pathways to Home Partner Agencies:

• Boys Town Central Florida
• Children’s Home Society of Florida
• Community Based Care of Central Florida
• Elizabeth House
• Grove Counseling Center
• Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County
• Harvest Time International
• Hope Helps
• Human Service Associates
• Intervention Services
• Northland, A Church Distributed
• Rescue Outreach Mission of Central Florida
• SafeHouse of Seminole
• Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
• Seminole County Health Department – Healthy Start
• Families in Transition – Seminole County Public Schoolss
• St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and School

CMF podcasts related to homelessness:

• Homeless: A New Chapter
• Children that are Hurting
• Homeless Senior Citizens
• Faith Community’s Conversation on Homelessness
• Homelessness — Sidebar
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #6
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #5
• Fallout and Followup
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #4
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #3
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #2
• Homeless Forum (#1) Followup (12/9/2010)
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Problem & the Players
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The People
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Possibilities
• Kids of HOPE
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Shepherd’s Hope Health Clinic
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Sonshine Food Pantry
• Homeless Students in Seminole County – Families in Transition
• Commentary: Feeding the Hungry
• Commentary: Homeless Issues in Seminole County
• Commentary: Ending Homelessness
• Commentary: Affordable Health Care Services for the Homeless

Pictures

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Venita Garvin Valdez speaks for first 10-minutes on the role of the foundation’s history and their special interest in women military veterans.

Laurie Reid offers 16-minutes of remarks on the specific aspects of being a female military veteran and the services and support of such veterans in Seminole County.

Valdez’ and Reid’s remarks are followed by 21-minutes of their answers to 11 questions you’ll hear asked by league members and guests. Those questions address issues related to steps local citizens and organizations may take to assist local women military veterans, and recommended sources women veterans may call upon for assistance and support.

Below, are helpful links to on-line content regarding issues addressed by each speaker…as well as an on-line slide show of photographs taken at the event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

To the uninitiated non-military listener there is a limited amount military jargon and acronyms spoken during this presentation. Here’s a very quick primer on three of them for you…

The acronym – OIF and OEF – stands for “Operation Iraqi Freedom” OIF… and “Operation Enduring Freedom,” OEF.

The event descriptor, “stand down” is a term which originated in the Vietnam war. When front line soldiers returned to base camp, they would “stand down” for a brief period of time to address mostly personal business before returning to the front-lines. Today, “stand down” refers to bringing local homeless military veterans together — often at a special community event which provides the veterans with medical doctors, dentists, and lawyers, as well as haircuts, showers and new clothes. Importantly, counselors are present to assist the veteran not only in transitioning from military to civilian life, but in moving back to society from the streets of homelessness.

“Boot camp” describes a military training culture or experience for new recruits undergoing basic training in military service.

This event was presented by the League of Women Voters of Seminole County as part of their Hot Topics luncheon series. It was recorded at the Patio Grill in Sanford, Florida, on Thursday, November 17, 2011. League member and 2nd vice president, Zelda Ladan, facilitated the event.

Principal Speakers

	Venita Garvin Valdez A non-veteran and CEO of Domestic Abuse Shelter, Inc. member of the board of the national Business and Professional Women’s Foundation web | web | bio
	Laurie Reid US Navy veteran, and director of clinical quality improvement & utilization management, Seminole Behavioral Healthcare. web | bio

League of Women Voters of Seminole County host and facilitator:

Zelda Ladan web | facebook

Links to additional information related to Women Military Veterans:

• Business and Professional Women’s Foundation Web & Facebook
• Women Joining Forces.org
• Military to Medicine
• Seminole Behavioral Healthcare
• Community Services Department, Seminole County government
• US Department of Veteran Affairs
• Hispanic Health Initiatives, Inc
• Women Veterans of America

Links to other CMF podcasts featuring issues related to Veterans

• Vietnam Veterans Remember
• Veterans Day 2009

Pictures

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Extended Text

Event Summary — written by league member Elizabeth Murphrey:

On November 17, approximately thirty people attended the League of Women Voters Seminole Hot Topics Luncheon on the subject of helping women veterans adjust and transition to civilian society. The two speakers were Venita Garvin Valdez, Secretary of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation (BPW) and Laurie Reid, a counselor at Seminole Behavioral Healthcare.

According to literature on the subject, Florida has the third largest number of women veterans of the states, behind only California and Texas. Approximately twelve per cent of Seminole County’s 38,500 veterans are women. Besides facing the same challenges as men veterans in reintegrating into civilian society, women are often disproportionately challenged by such issues as children, family obligations, and sexual trauma. They have skills such as leadership and teamwork learned in the military, but often they do not self-identify as veterans when they get out of the military and do not expect, and sometimes do not apply for the benefits available to all vets.

Venita Garvin Valdez told of the BPW Foundation’s program, “Joining Forces for Women”, which includes mentoring, collaboration, knowledge-sharing and reintegration assistance for returning women veterans. The BPW is particularly interested in helping women vets rejoin the civilian workforce. They are spending $50,000 on a mentoring program, which pairs returning vets with working women. The BPW also provides helpful websites for knowledge-sharing.

The second speaker, Laurie Reid, herself a Navy veteran, told of her experiences in the military, especially as one of 500 women on an aircraft carrier with 5000 men. She said that women veterans often have special challenges, including issues of privacy and pride, which make it difficult for them to seek the help they need. On any given night in Seminole County, 155 veterans are homeless—and some of these are women. There is no veterans’ homeless shelter program in Seminole County.

In 2010, 315,000 women veterans used VA hospitals—that is a much greater number than in earlier years. The average age of a woman veteran is 48, whereas it is 63 for their male counterparts. VA personnel are now being sensitized to the feelings and plight of women veterans. But transition to civilian life takes time—perhaps four to seven years. It is recommended that the transition period from the military to civilian life be extended—that is, that people departing from the military become acquainted with the benefits and services available to them as vets long before they actually are discharged.

Mark Brewer speaks for about 29 minutes – which includes 6- minutes of answers to audience questions. He is followed by a 2-minute chamber recognition of local non-profit organizations present at the luncheon, and 5 minutes of chamber announcements. The event was recorded November 3rd, 2011 Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce members’ luncheon

Still pictures of this event, including many pictures of the non-profits organizations present at the luncheon, as well as links to content-related documents and web pages are provided below.

Chamber executive director, Cory Skeates, presided at the event held at the Oviedo Mall before an audience of 90 chamber members and guests.

This presentation marks the 15th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced featuring luncheon programs staged by the chamber which address a range of important issues relevant to the business community and the general population in the Oviedo and Winter Springs communities served by the chamber.

Principal Participants

Mark Brewer President and chief executive officer, Community Foundation of Central Florida. web | bio

Cory Skeates Executive director, Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce web

Content Related Links

• Community Foundation of Central Florida – Facebook page
• Slide presentation used by Mr. Brewer (PDF, 22 pages)
• Per capital giving in Central Florida and Seminole County
• Chamber Facebook page
• Chamber TV (You Tube)

Local Non-profit Organizations recognized at the event

• Lawton Chiles Preparatory School
• Christian Help
• Galileo School for Gifted Learning
• Stars of Hope
• Oviedo Preservation Project
• Life Skills Academy of Orlando
• Doglando Foundation
• Heart of Florida United Way
• Lach Orthodontic – Smiles of Hope Foundation
• Krew of Leaders
• The Forgotten Ones
• Wings to New Horizons
• Fairwinds Credit Union
• Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union
• Just 1 Book
• Ribbon Riders
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools
• Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
• Helpful Hands
• Children’s Miracle Network
• Boys Town
• YMCA
• Goodwill

Event Pictures

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Chamber programs on the Heard in Central Florida web site:

• George O’Leary – UCF Head Football Coach (6/07/11)
• Twin Cities – Economic Development (5/23/11)
• Bullying (5/23/11)
• 2010 State of the Cities (2/2/11)
• State of Law Enforcement in Seminole County (11/29/10)
• Oviedo City Council Seat 4 Candidate Forum (10/14/2010)
• Business Incubation in Central Florida (9/27/10)
• Summary by 3 local legislators on the results of the 2010 session of the Florida Legislature (6/30/2010)
• Broadband technology and it’s potential for the community (6/01/2010)
• Donnie Jones, new head coach of the University of Central Florida Men’s basketball team (4/22/2010)
• State constitutional amendments (4/01/2010)
• High-tech innovation along the 417 Corridor (2/24/2010)

The panel speaks for about 1 hour and 20 minutes in response to end of life scenarios presented by the forum moderator who asks followup questions and facilitates questions asked of the panel by members of the forum audience.

End of life issues discussed include choosing the time and place for a dignified death… treatment and care options… legal issues surrounding advanced directives…involving family members…and how and when hospice care can be of help.

Still pictures of the forum as well as links to content-related documents and web pages are provided below. The forum was recorded in Orlando, Florida on October 16th, 2011 at the church of the University Unitarian Universalist Society before an audience of 25 people.

Principal Speakers

Dr. Sanjay Muttreja Medical director for the hospitalist program, Physician Associates; and assistant medical director, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care web | bio

Dr. Norma Conner Assistant professor, College of Nursing, University of Central Florida web | bio

Jorge Aguero Palliative care chaplain, Florida Hospital East in Orlando web | bio

Hemlock Society of Florida host and moderator

Ben Wilcox Executive director, Hemlock Society of Florida web | bio

Links to content related information:

• End of life scenario and questions discussed by panel
• Hemlock Society of Florida, Inc.
• Hemlock Society of Florida on Facebook
• Hemlock Foundation of Florida – Book List Suggestions
• Advance Directive (Hemlock Society of Florida)
• Do Not Resuscitate Order (State of Florida, Department of Health)
• POLST – Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment

Pictures

Forecasting the economy for 2012, Dr. Sean Snaith speaks 19 minutes – which includes 9- minutes of answers to audience questions. His remarks are followed by a 2-minute chamber recognition of Lawton Chiles 8th grade middle school student, Gabriella Grinstead, and 5 minutes of chamber announcements and introduction of new members and guests.

The event was recorded at the Oviedo Mall on October 6th, 2011. Chamber executive director, Cory Skeates, presided at the event held at the Oviedo Mall before an audience of 70 chamber members and guests.

Now in its second year, this presentation marks the 14th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced featuring luncheon programs staged by the chamber which address a range of important issues relevant to the business community and the general population in the Oviedo and Winter Springs communities served by the chamber.

Principal Participants

Dr. Sean Snaith Director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness, at the University of Central Florida web | bio

Cory Skeates Executive director, Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce web

Student of the Month Recognition

Yolanda Pitchford Member, chamber education committee; senior membership director, Oviedo YMCA Center for Health and Wellness web

Gabriella Grinstead 8th grade student, Lawton Chiles middle school, Oviedo, Fl. web

Content Related Links

• Chamber Facebook page
• Chamber TV (You Tube)

Pictures

Chamber programs on the Heard in Central Florida web site:

• George O’Leary – UCF Head Football Coach (6/07/11)
• Twin Cities – Economic Development (5/23/11)
• Bullying (5/23/11)
• 2010 State of the Cities (2/2/11)
• State of Law Enforcement in Seminole County (11/29/10)
• Oviedo City Council Seat 4 Candidate Forum (10/14/2010)
• Business Incubation in Central Florida (9/27/10)
• Summary by 3 local legislators on the results of the 2010 session of the Florida Legislature (6/30/2010)
• Broadband technology and it’s potential for the community (6/01/2010)
• Donnie Jones, new head coach of the University of Central Florida Men’s basketball team (4/22/2010)
• State constitutional amendments (4/01/2010)
• High-tech innovation along the 417 Corridor (2/24/2010)
• Oviedo and Winter Springs mayor’s “state of the cities” address (1/27/2010)

Feature Length — 53:36

More than 56,700 persons in Florida have been identified as homeless through a statewide “point in time” count conducted on one single day in January 2011 —this according to statistics released in June 2011 by Florida’s Department of Children and Families and their Council on Homelessness.

In Seminole County, that same count yielded 810 homeless persons, more than twice the 397 count from the year before. Applying state wide percent figures that show 5.3% of the overall homeless population are persons considered to be over 60 years of age – that county count yields about 43 homeless senior citizens in Seminole County. Experts consider that number conservative as the count does not include persons sharing the housing of family or friends, or persons living in a motel, travel trailer park or living in a campground.

Though difficult to quantify beyond the application of that statewide percentage, each speaker will address the rising number of homeless senior citizens from their on-the-ground perspective.

In a wide ranging 45-minute Q and A format, you’ll hear the experts establish their credentials, describe the problems, offer current and proposed solutions and address multiple trip-wires and frustrations confronting homeless senior citizens. Speaking knowingly and personally of her homeless condition, Susan Mooty offers a tangible description of life as a currently homeless elderly person.

The Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy, often referred to as SACSON, is a non-profit group of faith based organizations and individuals in Seminole County providing education, programs and services to those in need. One such program is this – their Dessert and Coffee discussion series. Visit this link for more information about SACSON.

Principal Speakers

	Karen Harmon Housing coordinator of Seminole Behavioral Health Care, Sanford, Fl. web
	Barbara Fore Elder crimes and services investigator with the Seminole County Sheriff’s office web
	Susan Mooty A 61 year old local homeless woman

SACSON host and facilitator:

Trace Trylko Chairman, Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy (SACSON) web

Links to additional information referenced by Trace Trylko:

• IDignity
• SACSON: Seminole Action Coalition Serving Our Needy
• Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Sanford, Fl.
• Rescue Outreach Mission
• Florida Department of Children and Families: Council on Homelessness – 2011 Report

Links to additional information referenced by Karen Harmon:

• HUD’s Public Housing Program
• Serenity Towers
• Marchman Act User Reference Guide
• Baker Act Manual

Links to additional information referenced by Barbara Fore:

• Florida Area Agency on Aging
• Section 8 Housing (HUD’s Housing Choice Vouchers)
• National Association of TRIADS
• Committee on Aging
• Vulnerable Adults in Florida

Links to podcasts produced by CMF Public Media featuring issues related to homelessness:

• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #6
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #5
• Fallout and Followup
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #4
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #3
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #2
• Homeless Forum (#1) Followup (12/9/2010)
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Problem & the Players
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The People
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Possibilities
• Kids of HOPE
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Shepherd’s Hope Health Clinic
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Sonshine Food Pantry
• Homeless Students in Seminole County – Families in Transition
• Commentary: Feeding the Hungry
• Commentary: Homeless Issues in Seminole County
• Commentary: Ending Homelessness
• Commentary: Affordable Health Care Services for the Homeless

Pictures

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Length 01:02:13

This 51-minute event, hosted by the Seminole County League of Women Voters and facilitated by league member, Zelda Ladan, presents 4 elected officials — representing the station stops of SunRail in the County – and a spokesperson for the Florida Department of Transportation – FDOT. They will build and operate the $1.2 billion dollar project. Each speaker reviews the status, impact, economic development opportunities and timetable for the rail stops in their area. This portion lasts 30-minutes.

In the remaining 21-minutes, luncheon guests followup with a range of questions addressing specific aspects of SunRail on local workforce employment, business development opportunities, feeder transportation systems, elderly and handicapped rider accommodations, ticket affordability, student transportation, and the future prospects of adding more rail stops within Seminole County.

The program concludes with 2- minutes for announcements from league members about upcoming league projects and programs. This event was recorded at the Patio Grill Restaurant & Lounge in Sanford, Florida, on Thursday, September 22, 2011.

Principal Speakers

	Marianne Gurnee Public liaison, Florida department of transportation web
	David Mealor Mayor of the City of Lake Mary, Fl. web
	Joe Durso Mayor of the city of Longwood, Fl. web
	Patricia Bates Mayor of the city of Altamonte Springs, Fl. web
	John Horan Commissioner, Seminole county government web

League of Women Voters of Seminole County host and facilitator:

Zelda Ladan web

Links to additional information related to SunRail:

• Slide presentation to the League (PDF, 25 pages)
• SunRail
• Florida Department of Transportation
• Metroplan Orlando

Links to podcasts produced by CMF Public Media featuring issues related to transportation:

• Mass Transit in Central Florida (April 22, 2011)

Pictures

Event Summary – written by league member Susan Squires:

Most of the $1.2 billion for SunRail will come from the federal and state governments, but local elected officials say it’s largely up to them to make it succeed in Seminole County.

“We have lots of very hard work to do,” Seminole County Commissioner John Horan told a crowd of about 40 at the League of Women Voters Seminole County’s September Hot Topics luncheon “SunRail and You.”

The commuter rail’s first 31-mile phase, which will connect DeBary to downtown Orlando and include stops in Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs, is expected to go online in 2014. Eventually, SunRail will run from DeBary south to Poinciana in Osceola County.

During peak travel periods, SunRail hopes to transport as many passengers as a lane of I-4. The average fare, according to SunRail public liaison Marianne Gurnee, will be $2.50 one way, with an additional $1 surcharge for traveling between counties.

Among the challenges for local officials is attracting the kind of development around stations that will encourage ridership.

Lake Mary envisions a station with shops, restaurants and other amenities in “a facility that will rival anything in Europe in terms of convenience,” Mayor David Mealor said.

But the areas around all of the stations except the proposed Sanford site are already developed.

“One of the things we have to focus on is incentives for redevelopment,” Longwood Mayor Joe Durso said.

For example, Longwood has established a program for rehabilitating brownfields and streamlined its permitting process. The payoff, the city hopes, is $630 million in property value in the area surrounding the station.

“It is not just about a train station,” Durso said. “It has to be a comprehensive approach.”

There is also the problem of moving people from the stations to other destinations.
Altamonte Springs, along with Casselberry, Maitland and Longwood, are developing a system called FlexBus to transport riders on-demand from SunRail stations to other areas in each city.

“SunRail is only going to work if we have a way to get to and from the stations,” Altamonte Springs Mayor Pat Bates said.