Meet the Team
Irma G. Yapor, Broker-Owner Windermere
625 Main Street, Suite 103 • Windermere, FL 34786
877-522-1010 • www.YaporRealty.com Hablamos Español
Representing Buyers & Sellers of: Luxury Estates Foreclosures Short Sales Green Homes New Home Construction
836 Main St, Downtown Windermere
Keene’s Pointe, Windermere
Holly Fournier, Realtor® Altamonte Springs
Tanya Osman, Realtor® Windermere
Christopher San Jose Miami
Cassandra Doty, Realtor® Tampa
Maritza Luciano Office Manager
Art Haas, Realtor® Windermere
Town of Windermere
Table of Contents
614 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786 (407) 876-2563 • www.town.windermere.fl.us Administration Offices Gary Bruhn, Town Mayor Robert Smith, Town Manager Dorothy Burkhalter, Town Clerk David Grimm, Public Works Director Linda Bouton, Finance Supervisor Amanda Click, Finance Clerk II Jacquelyn M. Hefeli, Administrative Assistant
From the Desk of the Mayor
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Farmer’s Market 4
Police Department Business Hours Non-Emergency: 407-876-3757 After Hours Non-Emergency: 321-299-2414 David Ogden, Police Chief Maria Carrasquillo, Police Clerk Sandra Regot, School Resource Officer
Family Food Truck Night
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4th of July Pancake Breakfast
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Summer Reading Program
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Safety First 5
Council Members Mayor Gary Bruhn: gbruhn@town.windermere.fl.us John Armstrong: jarmstrong@town.windermere.fl.us Richard Gonzalez: rgonzalez@town.windermere.fl.us Jim O’Brien: jobrien@town.windermere.fl.us Mike Pirozzolo: mpirozzolo@town.windermere.fl.us Molly Rose: mrose@town.windermere.fl.us
From the PD Chief’s Desk
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Lights On Officer Treadwell
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Boating Safety Tips 8 Hurricane Preparedness
Boards and Committees Special Magistrate • Development Review Board Downtown Business Committee • Elder Affairs Committee Historical Board • Long Range Planning Committee Parks and Recreation Committee • Tree Board
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
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Flashback to the 50s
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“Still a Small Town” by John Nabers
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The Windermere Gazette is published quarterly and is designed by Yapor Communications. For more information visit: www.Windermere Gazette.com. For news or advertising information, contact: Jacquelyn M. Hefeli: jhefeli@town.windermere.fl.us. COPYRIGHT © Town of Windermere, FL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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The Town of Windermere accepts MasterCard, VISA and Discover as methods of payment.
A MID-YEAR REPORT CARD My Fellow Neighbors…. As always, I hope this Newsletter finds all of you well. For this Gazette, I thought I would give you a mid-year review. But before I begin, I need to share something with you. A BIG THANK YOU TO STAFF FOR THEIR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS I believe you look at what your staff does during times of unexpected calamity and stress. And on March 24th we were put to the test with an unexpected and potentially deadly storm with winds in excess of 80 miles per hour. Immediately our staff, which includes Town Manager Robert Smith, Public Works Director David Grimm and Police Chief David Ogden were on site to insure public safety, and then open streets for traffic and emergency vehicles. Before sunset all roads were open. This was attributable to the fact that we have plans, procedures and contracts in place for this type of event and Windermere Land and Tree Services had workers in place before the rains stopped. This was a test for the upcoming storm season and we are prepared. When you see our staff, thank them! THE YEAR IS ALMOST HALF OVER For most of us, this is the middle of the year. For our staff and Council, it’s the end of the year as we begin our long and dedicated commitment to review our annual budget, which begins in just 3 short months. I and your Council are committed to providing you with the highest level of service and making sure that YOUR tax dollars are spent wisely. SO… WHAT HAVE WE ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR THIS YEAR? We have a new Police Chief, David Ogden, and a new Deputy Chief Jennifer Treadwell who have over 50 years of law enforcement experience between them. We already have had a
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Women’s Self Defense Course, and a DUI Awareness course for the Town, with more classes to follow.
Food Truck Night – what can I say. This has brought so many friends and family together. It has been just over a year and WE are the premiere event. Thank you Downtown Business Committee!
We hired a new Public Works Director along with a number of new employees committed to customer service.
We have a new American Disabilities Act compliant (ADA) ramp at Town Hall.
Windermere is available through social media. The Town and I are on Twitter, Facebook, as well as the web, to let you interact with us without ever having to leave your home. Have you seen our website? You can post a complaint, report a code enforcement violation, request a form, review Council Agendas and Minutes, just to name a few…. all at the touch of a button.
A Master Plan for our Town’s public spaces has been created with citizens’ input coordinated by the University of Central Florida at no expense to our tax payers.
We are auctioning 7 vehicles and equipment that are no longer useful as we enter a new era of professionalism with updated equipment and vehicles.
We are working on grants for storm water improvements and some areas ready for remediation have gone to bid and construction will start before year end.
We are soliciting bids to provide the Town with a comprehensive traffic study from traffic professionals to determine what improvements can be made to improve traffic flow. We need to insure that any road improvements fit into a master plan.
We contracted with a new Information Technology Services provider which provided improved service and cost savings to the Town.
The final portion of repaving Main Street from Sixth Avenue to Chase Road has been released to bid.
We have made a lot of progress this year and this is the result of a lot of hard work by all of our staff.
Our basketball courts have been resurfaced through the generous contribution of a Windermere family.
LET’S MAKE 2013 A SAFE YEAR! We saw what a storm can quickly do in March. June 1st starts hurricane season. Take time now to be prepared. And don’t forget to contact our Police Department if you are in need of special assistance.
We have public restrooms at Town Square though the generous donation of John Thurman. All of our codes and ordinances will be online in the next 60 days. We are proofreading 800 pages. This has been a long and difficult task to convert from paper to digital format, but long overdue. We have entered the 21st century.
Don’t forget that you can read all of the latest news by visiting my website: http://www.windermeremayor.com.
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Stop by and pick up your fresh produce, local honey, fresh bread, pasta, organic tea, nuts, gourmet cheeses, roasted coffee, healthy snacks, flowers, fresh kettlecorn, and so much more! Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WindermereFarmersMarket.
Every Friday 9 am – 2 pm Main Street
Every 4th Friday 5 – 9:30 pm Main Street Every 4th Friday of the month, the Town of Windermere’s Downtown Business Committee hosts the Family Food Truck Night. The event is held on brick Main Street, in front of Town Hall, located in the heart of Downtown Windermere. Trucks are open for business from 5 to 9:30 pm. Bring friends, family, chairs, blankets and an appetite. For the current month list of participating trucks please visit our website at www.town.windermere.fl.us. 4
PANCAKE BREAKFAST July 4th • 8:30 – 10:30 AM $7 for adults, $3 for children
@ Town Hall (tickets for sale at the door)
Dig into reading this summer with weekly special events featuring science, animals, arts, storytelling and computer classes at the Windermere Branch Library. Registration is required. For more info visit: www.ocls.info/srpkids and www.ocls.info/srpteens or call 407-835-7323.
j Make your neighbors aware that you will be out of town, and if anything suspicious arises to contact the Police Department.
k Instead of loading up a car the night before you leave for an extended trip, do it in the morning right before you leave. A fully packed car in front of a house pretty much screams: “We won’t be here for a long time, come steal our stuff!” (Also, what thief wouldn’t just steal your car full of stuff?)
l Lower the volume of your home telephone ringer. This way, a lurker won’t be able to hear it go to voicemail, an indication that no one is home.
Now that your bags are packed and your itinerary has been planned, you still need to consider protecting your home. You know to lock your doors and to set the alarm system when you leave your house, but here are some little known tips that can add to the security of your precious abode.
m If you don’t have a security system, get a decal at the very least. The
possibility of an alarm system may stop a thief from breaking into your home.
n Set timers for your lights, so that it appears someone is home. o Social Networking – don’t advertise that you are going on vacation. Try to refrain from posting the photos while you are away.
p Contact the WPD at 407-876-3757 and request a “House Check” be conducted while you are away.
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For 5 great years of your business! 523 Main Street Windermere, FL • 407-876-3558 www.AllensCreamery.com
The Town of Windermere
Now is the PREFECT Time to Sell Your Property. We are LOW on inventory with a BIG Demand for Windermere Property!!
Average Days on the Market: 86
28 Homes For Sale ranging from $360,000 to $4,950,000
Real Estate Market Report
13 Pending Sales ranging from $299,900 to $2,875,000
15 Homes Sold ranging from $255,000 to $1,720,000
$292 Average Sq Ft for Lake Front Homes $149 Average Sq Ft Non Lake Front Homes
Present this coupon for $1.50 OFF of your next purchase. EXP 8/31/13.*Excludes Fritters/Coffee Rolls
Mark Allen
Matthew Allen
CCIM • RESS • ABRM • CIPS • e-PRO
GRI • ABR • RESS • MS
Broker
www.WindermereProperty.net 321.689.8000 Mark@WindermereProperty.net
Broker Associate
www.TheAllenRealEstateTeam.com 321.228.5555 MattA@RIFlorida.com
Visit our NEW Historical Office in Downtown Windermere at 102 W. 6th Avenue, Windermere, Florida 34786
Creamery & CoffeeHouse
Based on information from the Mid Florida MLS published on 5/20/13. This information may or may not include all listed, pending or sold properties of one or more members of the Mid Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. Listings are not to be construed as agent’s listings.
From the Chief’s Desk On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2013, Sergeant Jayson Bonk responded to a man down call at one of our resident’s homes. The victim had been pulled away from his boat when the wind blew the boat away and the victim was unable to swim back. The victim called out for help and two others went into the water to retrieve him. Upon Sgt. Bonk’s arrival the victim was in the boat at the dockside being held by others. The victim was limp, motionless and had no pulse. Sgt. Bonk immediately rendered first aid/CPR. After approximately 30 seconds of continuous CPR the victim began to breathe and open his eyes. The paramedics arrived and took over the rescue efforts. The victim was revived thanks to the quick actions of Sgt. Bonk, the witnesses and paramedics. Great job to all!
Change is often good and marks a new beginning. To kick it off we are turning over a new leaf with brand new vehicles, you may have already seen them on the roads. Here is the new Windermere PD vehicle, with new graphics & color and WPD’s New Motto… “Honor, Integrity, Service”. On Friday May 17, 2013 I had a great time at Windermere Elementary meeting with a few hundred 4th & 5th Graders and their parents. Our presentation for the day was Safe Kids’ Internet Safety course. Parents, you need to engage your kids with what they are doing on the internet.
The Internet Safety Course for Adults is going to be offered Wednesday, July 17, 2013 hosted by WPD with the FBI as guest presenters. It will be held at the Town Hall from 6-9 PM. Please come join us to ensure you are properly educated on the precautions that need to be taken to keep your family safe in every aspect.
The Ladies of Windermere! The first ever Windermere Female Self Defense Course was a big success. Thanks to all the ladies who participated. You did an outstanding job!
Deputy Chief Jennifer Treadwell joined the Windermere Police Department this past April, after retiring from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Born and raised in South Florida, Deputy Chief Treadwell began her civil service career in 1985 as a dispatcher with the Miami-Dade Police Department. Two years later she attended the Law Enforcement Academy and began patrolling the streets of her home town of Miami. In 1993, Deputy Chief Treadwell moved to Central Florida and joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Office where she attained the rank of Captain. As a law enforcement officer of twenty-six years, Deputy Chief Treadwell served in various positions to include Community Policing, Professional Standards, Uniform Patrol, Vice/Organized Crime, Youth Services, and Specialized Patrol. Deputy Chief Treadwell’s extensive background with the Field Training and Evaluation Program will undoubtedly benefit the Windermere Police Department’s hiring and training of future police officers.
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This is the time of the year for families and friends to kick back relax and have fun. Some do this by going to theme parks, shopping or going to sporting events. Known for its beautiful and peaceful lakes, it’s no wonder our residents naturally enjoy and soak up as much fun in the sun as they can. A few important reminders of the “Do’s & Don’ts” of personal watercraft safety tips and regulations, as well as a reminder of some of the laws and rules of the road; yes, rules of the road still apply while in the water.
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Age & ID Requirements – Everyone born after January 1, 1988, is REQUIRED to have a Boater Safety I.D. card in their possession along with another form of government issued photo I.D. This is required for the operation of ANY vessel or PWC with 10hp or greater. (F.S.S. 327.395)
R Boating/Skiing under the influence – It is prohibited to operate a vessel or ski with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher or while under the influence of drugs. (The penalties include a fine up to $2500 and/or one year in jail.)
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R Registration – Remember that all
R Protecting our Youth – Remember
an adult “PFD” is not intended for use on children. To work correctly a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through. USCG regulations and state law require the PFD to be the appropriate size for the intended wearer. All Children 6 years of age MUST wear a type I, II or III USCG approved PFD at all times while underway* on any vessel less than 26 feet in length within Florida waters. (Underway* any time except when the vessel is anchored, moored, docked or aground.)
personal watercraft must have the current copy of the registration along with all equipment required of a Class A motorboat. An approved USCG fire extinguisher for marine use must be on board. The vessel must have a horn/whistle readily accessible to the operator. If the vessel is equipped with an engine shut off lanyard, it must be attached to the operator.
R Be mindful of “IDLE SPEED/NO
WAKE” AND “SLOW SPEED/MINIMUM WAKE” ZONES.
Brochures and Pamphlets are available at the Town Office as well as at Windermere PD. For further information please stop in or visit www.fwc.com. The Town of Windermere & Windermere PD want you and your loved ones to have a safe and memorable summer.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Prepare and Stay Aware!
www.floridadisaster.org
It is never too early to prepare. Stay informed and alert. Here are just a few tips to get you started. Please visit the websites below to obtain thorough information to get you ready. • Get a weather radio and stay current with the weather news. • Have a safe place to go for you, your family and your pets. • Have on hand: canned foods, manual can opener, water bottles, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlights, wrench or pliers, duct tape and extra batteries; and make sure your car has a full tank of gas and your cell is fully charged. • Visit www.town.windermere.fl.us for Town instructions • National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov • Road Closures - Florida 511: www.fl511.com • Florida Highway Patrol: www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/traffic
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The Town of Windermere participates in the NPDES program, along with other communities in Orange County and the State of Florida. The Town has a Generic Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater from the Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (also known as an MS4) under Section 402(p)(6) of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This is pursuant to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) federally approved National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program. This Generic Permit allows the discharge of stormwater from the Town’s Phase II MS4’s to its receiving water bodies, the Butler Chainof-Lakes. No discharge from a Phase II MS4 is authorized unless a community has applied for and received coverage under the Generic Permit. The Town is currently concluding Cycle 2 of its Generic Permit for Phase II MS4. During this five (5) year period, the Town was required to submit reporting for Permit Years 2 and 4 of their permit cycle. During this period, the Town developed and implemented all components of its stormwater management program including: • Public Education; • Public Participation/Involvement; • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Control Measures; • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control Measures; • Municipal Operation Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Control Measures. The Town passed Ordinance No. 2012-07 ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND ILLICIT CONNECTIONS and Ordinance No. 2012-08 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL last year as part of the Town’s permit Cycle 2 permit requirements. These ordinances provide the Town with the authority and enforcement of these
regulations. Under Ordinance No. 2012-07 ILLICIT DISCHARGE AND ILLICIT CONNECTIONS, discharges of non-stormwater discharges or stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity are not allowed under the Town’s Generic Permit for Phase II MS4 with the exception of the following, provided they do not cause a violation of State water quality standards: • Water line flushing; • Landscape irrigation; • Foundation drains; • Air conditioning condensate; • Irrigation water; • Water from crawl space pumps; • Footing drains; • Lawn watering runoff; • Water from individual residential car washing; • Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges; • Residual street water; and • Discharges or flows from fire fighting activities. A complete listing of authorized non-stormwater discharges can be obtained from the FDEP’s website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/index.htm. The Town will be applying for a Notice of Intent (NOI) for Permit Cycle 3 of its Generic Permit for its Phase II MS4 later this year. More NPDES information and resources can be found on the Town of Windermere’s website at http://town.windermere.fl.us.
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In Lake Butler, just off the shore of Windermere, lies Bird Island. Once known as Alligator Island, it was deeded to the Florida Audubon Society by the Chase Company in 1958. An article in The Florida Naturalist at that time provides an excellent description. Much of the 10 acres was underwater. One side was covered with a dense growth of saw grass and bushes, which provided protection against human intrusion. On the other side the waves from the lake built along its edge a crescent-shaped sand bar that enclosed a lagoon overhung with tall cypress trees. Through the single entrance to this lagoon it was possible to drift in silently with a canoe, through a fairyland of tall ferns and Spanish moss under the canopy of cypress and to approach almost unnoticed. Bird Island was home to thousands of birds, among them, Horned Owls, Egrets, Herons, Ducks, White-eyed Vireos, Wrens, Purple Martins, Blue Jays, Mockingbirds and others. Today Bird Island is lined with large boats, loud motors and pumped up radios. Certainly enjoyed and appreciated, but not necessarily for the birds. So, the birds have moved but not too far. On a quiet evening take time to look up and marvel at the array of feathered friends that continue to call Windermere home. And be grateful that we do also.
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by John Nabers
Continued from the previous issue.... Waco was the name of the railroad stop south of Town at the end of Main Street. Even though this area was never officially part of the Town, it played a major role in the history of the Town... and still does today. It was known by residents as Chase Groves or now a more familiar name “Isleworth”. This former plantation is now recognized by that name literally world wide as a result of a group led by Arnold Palmer who purchased the land from the Chase family and developed a world class golf course and community of famous and wealthy athletes and businesspeople. It is interesting to ponder the fact that the lakefront along Lake Bessie was populated by mostly minority workers in small frame houses furnished by Chase Groves is now a series of huge mansions. Public education began in Windermere with a one room schoolhouse in 1890. This structure still stands and is being restored to its original look and condition. In 1916 a new school was built with two classrooms and a lunch room was added in 1933. This building was modified into Town offices and unfortunately is no longer recognizable as the 1916 school. The current school is at the north end of Town at Park Avenue. Social life in Windermere developed further in the 1940s when the shuffleboard club took over the Palmer Building and built courts which were heavily used in those pre TV days. The club welcomed the local children to participate and they greatly enjoyed it. The Town Hall became a periodic entertainment center with dances during WWII for local servicemen, pot luck suppers, itinerant acts such as magicians, movie shows, plays, and any kind of Town meeting. It was and still is the center of Town activities and is the most important building in Town. During the 50s small commercial buildings were built along Main Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Most are still occupied by retail businesses and real estate offices. Prior to that time the needs of residents were met by Grice’s grocery store on the N.E. corner of 5th and Main St. and Parramore’s Store on the S.E. corner of 6th and Main. These were old fashioned country stores with the bare essentials of food and gasoline and kerosene needed by residents especially with rationing during WWII. Neither building still stands. One is a vacant lot and United Medical is on the site of Parramore’s. To be continued on the next issue....
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Full Estate Management • • • • •
Lawn service Mulch Tree trimming Sod Tree removal
• • • • • •
Grading and clearing Stump grinding Total yard restoration Landscaping Install Demolition and clearing Landscape Maintenance
• Events - Weddings - Parties - Social Events - Yard cleanup and pruning
24-hour answering service for after hour activities and storm recovery FREE ESTIMATES • Locally owned for 30 years
407- 877-8806 P O Box 171, Windermere, FL 34786 • Fax (407) 877-8809 Michael Swatkowski • Cell: (407) 948-7072 • swat2005@earthlink.net
Photo Contest Submit an original photo taken by you that depicts a special event in Town or simply the beauty of our Windermere surroundings, and your photo could appear on the front or back cover of this Gazette. Please send high resolution digital photos to: mail@windermeregazette.com.