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Oviedo BEHIND THE SCENES BEHIND THE SCENES

QUARTER 2 2025

April May June April May June

Keeping all employees informed about City news, awards, events and messages that will allow you to get to know different departments, employees and those who go above and beyond to make Oviedo one of the Top 10 Cities in Florida.

100 Years

The events team knocked this one out of the (Center Lake) Park! The 100 Year Celebration took visitors through a portal back to 1925 when Oviedo was incorporated as a City and continued the festivities all the way up to 2025. There were thousands that came to the celebration to enjoy all the live music, food, carnival games (HUGE HIT), visit our city booths, vendors, a car show through the decades, and A Walk Through Time inside the Cultural Center. There was a lot of media coverage and everyone had such a great time, especially with the amazing laser light show at the end. Cheers to the Recreation and Parks staff, Police and Fire for keeping everything orderly and safe and all the departments that had booths and participated in such a memorable event!

City Manager's Message

Hi All:

The 2025 hurricane season is starting to show signs of activity. This week, Invest 93L passed over our area, bringing lots of rain in a short period of time. Thankfully, it did not cause any damage. However, it reminded us that though the month of June was quiet, we cannot let our guard down. With Gulf and Atlantic water temperatures rising and the protective Saharan dust beginning to dissipate, forecasters expect an active remainder of the season Now is the time to prepare both at home and within our City operations.

Home Preparations

Prepare Your Home: Inspect windows, doors, and roofs for any vulnerabilities. Trim the trees away from the house and secure loose objects in the yard. Prepare a safe room for riding out the storm If you have a two-story house, the room should be on the first floor Take pictures of your home’s interior and exterior before a storm. You will need them should you have to file a claim with your insurance company.

Prepare Your Hurricane Kit: Stock up on non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, toilet paper, propane, cash and gas for vehicles and backup generators Don’t forget your pets. Include their food, medications, and comfort items in your kit. You will also need them if you shelter your pet away from home.

Prepare an Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and closest shelter locations. Also, plan so that you are not stuck in traffic during the storm If you have to evacuate, take your hurricane kit with you. A shelter may not have supplies for you and your family. The County usually has at least one pet-friendly shelter so that your pets can evacuate with you.

The work we do before, during, and after a storm increases our stress levels as everyone is counting on us to get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible Taking care of your home and family before reporting to work will hopefully reduce some of the stress.

City Preparations

Communication: Familiarize yourself with the City’s Emergency Management Plan Discuss your specific duties before, during, and after the storm with your supervisor/manager/director, especially if you are uncertain about your role Let them know if there are any special needs at home so that they can plan accordingly. Also, offer suggestions for improving our storm preparation and response. Open communication is most important.

Teamwork: A storm event is an “all hands on deck” effort before, during, and especially after the storm. All of us need to pitch in, even if the assignment isn’t something we normally do. Everyone’s willingness to take on different roles and work together is critical, especially if the forecasters are correct.

I hope we don’t have to respond to a storm this year However, if a storm does come, we will work together to restore services as quickly as possible. Let’s face the remainder of the 2025 season with confidence, knowing that we are prepared and ready to respond when called upon.

Thank you for your dedication and continued excellence in service to our City. It is an honor to serve alongside each of you every day

Bryan Cobb City Manager

PUBLIC INFORMATION PUBLIC INFORMATION

The City website was redesigned and unveiled in April and the Communications Department was thrilled with the outcome

This process began in early 2024, with Patrick and Lisa collaborating with Civic Plus redesign staff to initiate the project and determine the necessary steps. The first steps included having two focus groups come to City Hall to go over what they liked and disliked about the former website The main issues included the colors, the layout and the inability to find recreation programs and business programs easily.

After the focus group meetings, there were meetings with each department over the period of a year to establish what pages/information was needed, what information could be discarded and how to reduce the number of pages overall to make browsing through the site easier for the end user.

Patrick took detailed notes and Lisa set to work to redesign the pages using new functions and layouts, which took weeks to complete. The last department to meet with was Recreation, which is constantly updated with new information and not just one, but two buttons on the home page that lead directly to events and recreation programs!

In the end, the Communications staff was pleased with the outcome, and even more pleased to complete this project so your PIO could have a stress-free two-week trip to Japan! Thank you to all the staff who contributed to making the updated pages happen.

Feature your Employees or Department on Social Media

Recognize employees who do great things for our community! Please text the number above or email lmcdonald@cityofoviedo.net

Please include a narrative of what the picture is about!!

on wheels party party

Another successful Party on Wheels event from our Engagement Squad who headed out to the Oviedo Fire Stations, 46, 28 and Fire Admin to hand out goodies and play some corn hole and basketball. We love showing our employees who work out in the field how much we appreciate them!

City Council

Work Session (tentative) July 28

Regular Session August 4

Regular Session August 18

Work Session (tentative) August 25

Budget Session September 4

Budget Session September 15

Work Session (t t ti ) S t b 22

Regular Session

Work Session ( Please have yo before the mee

In Fiscal Year 2023-2024 the

Records Management

Contact Records Coordinator Annie Mattinson, ext 5501, or your department’s Records Liaison if you have any questions. You can find the City’s Records Management Handbook & other resources on the City Clerk’s SharePoint page.

This employee is responsible for the Records Management and Disposition for their respective Department and will review Department records to identify those eligible for destruction in accordance with the General Schedules, verify inclusive dates, and record series titles.

As records are eligible for disposition, they should be destroyed.

As we approach October and the start of the new fiscal year, you should begin to look at your records to ensure compliance with Florida records law. It is important to evaluate all your files: paper, digital files on your desktop and drives. Note: If you destroy the paper file but a digital version of it still exists, the file has not actually been destroyed.

Emails dated before 10/1/2020 will be deleted from the server on 10/6/2025.

If you have emails from before 10/1/2020 in your Outlook that you need to retain, you will need to transfer them over to another drive. This includes emails that are in subfolders within Outlook.

Any emails moved from Outlook and placed in a drive are subject to public records law. IT cannot retrieve these emails because they will no longer reside in Mail Archiver.

Please note: You will be responsible for retrieving emails you save if a public records request is made for them or any content held therein.

PROCLAMATION

through 10th as Professional Municipal Clerks Week The City Clerk is responsible for recording and maintaining the minutes of the City Council, ordinances and resolutions of the City Council, contracts, deeds, and other legal documents of the City.

SAFETY COMMITTEE SAFETY COMMITTEE

April

Natalie Angel - (Development Services: Development Review Coordinator)

Edwin Rodriguez – (Public Works: Utility Technician)

May

Michelania Acevedo – (Development Services: Code Enforcement Officer)

June

Maurasse Belony Jr. – (Police: Police Officer Trainee)

Marcus Pack – (Recreation & Parks: Building Custodian)

Christopher St. John – (Police: Police Officer)

Rae Leann Winegar – (Police: Property & Evidence Specialist)

Paul Brandan Wood – (Public Works: Utility Technician)

Recruitment Incentive

Refer someone and earn $$

Employees who refer applicants have a chance to earn bonus money. You can earn $200 if the recruited employee is hired and an additional $300 if the recruited employee completes their probationary period All the applicant has to do is put your name as the referral in their application!

July

Alexis Stewart – (Public Works: Asst Public Works Director/City Engineer) – 10 years

Charles Hernandez – (Finance: Senior Accountant) – 15 years

Justin Varkony – (Police: Police Sergeant) – 25 years

August

Jean Gomez – (Fire: Firefighter/EMT) – 5 years

Gustavo Solares – (Police: Police Officer) – 5 years

Salita Tennant – (Police: Police Officer) – 5 years

Yashira Velez – (Police: Police Officer) – 10 years

Nelson Genao – (Police: Police Lieutenant) – 25 years

Robert (Rob) VanHeusen – (Police: Police Sergeant) – 25 years

David Pardo – (Public Works: Operations Manager) – 30 Years

September

Ricardo Alvarado Tapia – (Recreation & Parks: Building Custodian) – 5 years

Mark (Chuck) Norris – (Police: Police Officer) – 5 years

Scott Learned – (Public Works: Plant Operator) – 10 years

Congratulations to Chantelle Bryant and Robert VanHeusen who received a recruitment incentive! (Referred: Marcus Pack and Christopher St. John)

EMPLOYEE FITNESS CENTER EMPLOYEE FITNESS CENTER

The new Employee Fitness Center is open!

The Center opened up in June and is located at the Employee Health Clinic. There is a separate door to enter and you need your fob approved by IT after you sign a waiver to HR. If you need a copy of the waiver, just reach out to Stephanie Abadie.

The fitness center has all new equipment that includes free weights, a treadmill, an elliptical, arms, legs, bands, balls and everything you need for a full body workout. The center is open 24/7 for employee use only. Please be sure to wipe down all equipment with the provided wipes. Employees can only use the center when they are on break or off-duty!

Government Engineer of the Year

The ASCE Central Branch and Florida Sections awarded Assistant City Engineer Paul Yeargain the Government Engineer of the Year!

Paul serves as the Assistant City Engineer/Engineering Manager for our Public Works Department. His role involves managing the transportation and stormwater services for the City. While working at the City of Oviedo, he has been active in the EWRI (Environmental & Water Resources Institute) Water Resources Group, serving as the seminar chair for the past two years. In addition, he has also served on the Water Resources Scholarship Committee. For the past 25 years +/-, Paul has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Florida, teaching the Water Resource Design Class. He also serves on the Conference Committee for the Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) with the main function of reviewing abstracts and making recommendations for the two FSA Conferences each year. Lastly, he has been active in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for 25+ years, having previously served as the EWRI Water Resources Group Chair and Vice Chair as well as being involved in other committees. With all his undertakings, it’s no wonder that Paul was nominated for the ASCE Engineer of the Year for the ASCE Central Branch and Florida Sections

We are very proud of his achievements and are lucky to have him on our team. Congratulations, Paul!

We welcome Isaac Morales to the Public Works/Operations team!

Issac Morales was born and raised in Miami, and is the eldest child of three. He relocated to Oviedo two years ago and began his career with the City in August 2024 with our Recreation and Parks Department. We are now thrilled to welcome him into Public Works as a member of the Operations team, where he is now a part of our Streets (Concrete) crew

Issac likes being outdoors, so in his spare time he enjoys fishing, hiking, riding his bicycle and motorcycle. He is also an avid baseball fan; whether he is watching his little brother’s game or cheering on his favorite pro team go Marlins!

Congratulations to Galo Orozco for passing his Drinking Water Plant Operator license exam. As a result, Galo was promoted to Drinking Water Plant Operator

Mitchell Hammock Road additional Left Turn Lane at SR 434 Project

Recently, the construction of the Mitchell Hammock Road additional left turn lane at SR 434 Project was completed. The goal of the project was to improve the westbound traffic operations at the intersection. Hence, a second left turn lane was added along westbound (WB) Mitchell Hammock Road. With an overall construction cost of approximately $1.9 million, the project involved minor widening on the north side of Mitchell Hammock Road, the addition of a second WB turn lane, minor drainage and utility improvements, traffic signal modifications, and milling and resurfacing of Mitchell Hammock Road from SR 434 to Clara Lee Evans/City Plaza Way.

The Fire Department conducted a total of 20 Public Education events during the months of April, May, and June. These include: Groups, schools, citizens, etc., visiting the stations; Engines or Rescues visiting schools or community/City events. We even participated in end-of-school events at Oviedo High and Partin Elementary!

The Fire Department participated in the following City events:

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway at City Hall

100 Anniversary Celebration at Center Lake Park th

Fire Admin Patti Stevens was recognized for National Administrative Professionals Day in April. Patti has been with the City for 18 years, having started her career in Development Services before moving to the Fire Department. She’s been married for 50 years (congratulations!). Patti grew up as an Air Force brat and has lived in Tripoli, Libya and North Africa. Patti is the glue at FD!

AAWARDS WARDS

Congratulations to Firefighter Gary Sgambati, who was awarded the Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year award by the American Legion Oviedo Memorial Post 243 as part of the Gary Sinise Foundation back in May. This is a well-deserved award for all his hard work and public service to the community!

Congratulations to Firefighter EMT Austin Turja for completion of his probationary year with the Oviedo Fire Department!! Battalion Chief Dave Barsky presented his permanent helmet shield containing his personal department ID number as a rite of passage with his crew in April.

Training continued for our firefighters at the beginning of April and it was the second session the firefighters had to train with the first being in March at a closed convenience store.

The training took place the first week of April at the old Oviedo Lodge Motel, offering another valuable chance to engage in immersive training scenarios before the structure met its fate.

With both buildings unoccupied, firefighters safely executed a range of high-stakes drills designed to prepare them for real emergencies. These exercises include rapid intervention, search and rescue, hose line deployment, standpipe operations, fire suppression techniques, forcible entry, truck company operations, and teamwork enhancement. By rotating all shifts through the training, every member of the department will have the chance to refine their skills in a real-world setting.

"Opportunities like this are incredibly valuable," said Fire Chief Michael Woodward. "Training in actual structures rather than controlled environments allows our firefighters to experience real-world conditions, ensuring they are better prepared when responding to emergencies."

In April, our firefighters participated in a multi-jurisdictional mass casualty incident drill that spanned Central Florida. Our crew took part in an exercise simulating a chemical attack and a cyber attack on radios. Our firefighters were responsible for patient assessment and transport, decontamination, and communication with Oviedo Medical Center. Drills like these enable our firefighters to solve real-world scenarios in collaboration with other agencies and medical facilities.

Welcome!!Welcome!!

The Oviedo Police Department officially welcomed a new officer to its ranks, as Bryan Chesnut was sworn in during a ceremony at City Council Chambers.

Officer Chesnut took the oath of office administered by Police Chief Dale Coleman. Following the swearing-in, his mother proudly pinned his badge

“I am thrilled to welcome Officer Chesnut to our department,” said Chief Coleman. “I look forward to watching him grow and develop in his role. Our officers support one another, and he is joining a strong team.”

A Deltona native, Chesnut graduated from Deltona High School before completing Seminole State College’s Public Safety program in 2023. He began his law enforcement career as a Corrections Officer in Volusia County before deciding to transition to the Oviedo Police Department, where he already had strong connections with fellow officers.

The ceremony was attended by Chesnut’s family friends long time girlfriend fellow officers, command staff, and city employees,

ACHIEVEMENTS

We had so many achievements and awards this quarter!

In June, Deputy Chief Brian Foley graduated from the 294th Session of the prestigious FBI National Academy For the past 10 weeks, DC Foley was at the FBI training facility in Quantico, VA, attending advanced law enforcement executive training with approximately 200 other law enforcement executives from around the world

The knowledge he has gained and the contacts he has made will be an asset to the Oviedo Police Department and our community Congratulations DC Foley!

The Oviedo Police Department participated in the Florida Tour De Force Charity Bike Ride in April. This was the 29 annual ride that kicked off April 7 and lasted for 5 days. The riders start in North Miami Beach and ends in Daytona Beach Shores. The ride is approximately 270 miles, completely done on bicycles! Participants ride for 50-55 miles a day, which is quite a feat! They were escorted by FHP, Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments up and down the coast. All money raised is donated to the families of Florida’s fallen heroes. Great job everyone! th

OFFICER ASHLEY PIERCE

Not only was SRO Pierce awarded with the American Legion Oviedo Post’ 243's Police Officer of the Year, she was also awarded School Resource Officer of the Year for the State!

The SRO of the year award was presented during FASRO’s annual conference held in June in Miami

The Florida Attorney General/Florida Association of School Resource Officers SRO of the Year award is presented annually to a School Resource Officer who has made a significant contribution to their school and community. This award is to recognize an individual who has gone above and beyond their normal duties as an SRO and has shown dedication and a tireless work ethic to enhance the SRO philosophy of counselor, teacher, and law enforcement officer. Each year, the AG and FASRO partner to choose a victor.

Officer Pierce, an 18-year veteran of the Oviedo Police Department, currently serves as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Lawton Chiles Middle School. Her dedication to students extends far beyond her regular duties

She leads several impactful programs on campus, including the school’s food pantry to support families facing food insecurity, Panther Threads, a clothing donation closet for students, and a school supply drive at the start of each school year. Officer Pierce also organizes the school’s Angel Tree Program during the holidays, an annual Thanksgiving basket donation drive, and a holiday toy drive. She even coordinates a holiday store, where students can select gifts for their families, extending her support to other schools across the district as well

Officer Pierce is often accompanied by her comfort K9, Xander, a beloved presence at the school who provides emotional support and helps students manage stress and anxiety. Together, Officer Pierce and Xander foster a safe and nurturing school environment where students can thrive both emotionally and academically

“Officer Pierce is so passionate about her community and helping kids who need it the most,” said Oviedo Police Chief Dale Coleman. “She is a rock for the kids at the school and exemplifies everything a police officer should be in Oviedo.”

The impact Officer Pierce has had on her school and the broader community cannot be overstated. Her ability to build meaningful, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families is at the core of her success. She creates a positive, supportive atmosphere that is essential for a strong learning environment.

Pierce was selected from a pool of candidates across the state The announcement was kept a surprise until the official presentation at the conference.

Founded in 1979, the Florida Association of School Resource Officers provides comprehensive training and support for school-based law enforcement throughout the state.

W E L L D O N E ! W E L L D O N

Julissa Vargas

April

Rishona Jermone - 2020 May

Ryan Dauzat - 2018

Rishona Jermone - 2020

Deacon Pollard - 2010 June

Ines Fonseca Torres - 2019

Chris George - 2009

Scott Moseley - 2013

Nelly Gutierrez - 2023

Nelly Gutierrez - 2023 June

Congratulations to Officer Yashira Velez on the birth of a baby girl on June 19th and Officer Leo Massip on the birth of his baby girl on June 15th!

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

A Call to Artists!

The City of Oviedo and Public Arts Board are putting out a Call to Artists! We are looking for a logo design for the newly created Oviedo Arts and Entertainment District, located in Oviedo on the Park. The logo will be placed on a white, plastic reusable 16 oz. cup. The logo will identify the approved cups to be used as an open container within the district boundaries. Artists must be 18 years old or older and reside in the state of Florida. To send in your application,

Please fill out the form completely to be considered. The artist chosen will receive $1,000! If you have any questions, please reach out to Dalia Acosta at dacosta@cityofoviedo.net The deadline to submit is end-of-day, August 4, 2025.

Design Guidelines

Aspect Ratio: Must be 1:1 or 3:2 (vertical).

File Format: Initial submissions must be in SVG, PNG, or PDF. Final design will be required in vector format (EPS or SVG).

Color: Designs must include both a full-color and a single-color version.

Text Requirement: The logo must include the name "Oviedo Arts and Entertainment District"

Application Requirements

To be considered, artists must submit the following:

1.A completed entry form (available on the City’s website)

2.The proposed logo design (SVG, PNG, or PDF)

3.A current résumé or CV

4 A one-paragraph artist biography

5.An artist statement describing the vision behind the logo

6.A proposed project schedule

Meet Missy Acevedo!

Missy joins the Code Enforcement Team from the City of Casselberry, where she served for nearly six years. She brings with her an impressive 13 years of experience in code enforcement. Missy has a passion for palm trees and cherishes family vacations that help create lasting memories. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, watching a good movie, and staying active through various projects We’re excited to have her on board!