Mayor Sheila DeCiccio took the podium for her first State of the City address at Winter Park Events Center Grand Ballroom on the morning of Friday, Jan. 31. It was the third year the address was presented during a free community event where attendees could visit with city department representatives prior to the featured programming.
DeCiccio reflected on the city’s achievements throughout 2024 and thanked city staff, businesses, and residents for their contributions. “What truly stands out is not just our accomplishments, but the incredible people who live and work here,” she said. “Winter Park is a city built on community, collaboration, tradition, and robust discussions.” During the address, she noted a particular discussion surrounding the addition of a traffic signal at the corner of Aloma and Cortland avenues.
City commission adopted a resolution in June to approve the signal as part of the S.R. 426 improvement project. However, Cortland Avenue residents cite an FDOT traffic analysis that suggests the signal could result in a 613% daily increase in cars traveling through their neighborhood. The city has received calls to overturn the resolution and a petition containing the names of residents opposing the traffic signal was sent to city commissioners. Residents also point out that the signal was not part of the original S.R. 426 improvement plan.
DeCiccio took the opportunity to announce that a resolution to repeal the approval of the signal will be part of the next commission meeting. “Once FDOT has finished the road repair the issue can always be revisited,” she said. “But right now, the light is not going to go in.”
Financial strength and emergency response
Mayor DeCiccio touted Winter Park’s financial stability, noting $21 million in emergency reserves, the 2025 budget of $214.4 million, and the CRA extension to 2037 that will retain more than $57 million in property tax revenue. She also noted the city’s IDR and GO bonds ratings of AAA, upgraded in August by Fitch Ratings. And she reminded the audience that Winter Park residential property owners have enjoyed the same milage rate for 17 years.
The city’s response to the hurricanes of 2024 was also praised. DeCiccio said 275 residents lost power during Hurricane Milton and all power was restored within 12 hours of the storm’s passing. And she lauded the efforts of city staff in the production of the Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival just two days after Milton. Efforts at future preparedness were also noted as the city is better able to prioritize stormwater improvements upgrade infrastructure with the recent completion of the basin studies.
Arts and culture
Winter Park’s dedication to the arts was typified by the creation of the Public Art Collection. The online platform developed by the Public Art Advisory Board catalogues the city’s collection of art pieces in an interactive locator map. The mayor also noted the upcoming Arts Weekend, happening February 20-23, in which every member of the city’s Arts & Culture Alliance will participate in a four-day schedule of events. And she praised Winter Park Library’s recognition as the number one children’s library in the state along with its 140th anniversary.
The recent Tourist Development Tax grant awards for the Winter Park Playhouse purchase and Rollins Museum of Art construction were also mentioned. The city received $8 million to secure the purchase of the current playhouse building, ending a multi-year effort to find a permanent location for the nonprofit. Rollins College received $10 million for its new museum project.
Projects
DeCiccio touted the Park Avenue Refresh Project that will take place over the summer, providing upgrades and new amenities along the downtown corridor. She also noted the upcoming Seven Oaks Park ribbon cutting and the February completion of Unity Corner at MLK Park, which broke ground last year.
Award presentations
Human Resources Director Pam Russell presented HR Generalist Jeanni Ruddy with the City of Winter Park Employee of the Year Award in recognition of her efforts to improve employee health and wellbeing through classes, events, and activities.
Fire Chief Dan Hagedorn presented the Firefighter of the Year Award to Lt. Brandon Williams, who was not present. Chief Hagedorn noted Lt. Williams’ work to improve paramedic training and his efforts to streamline communication, daily assignments, and access to central resources.
Police Chief Tim Volkerson presented the Police Officer of the Year Award to Senior Police Officer Christopher Belcore, who serves as Student Resource Officer at Winter Park High School Main Campus. Chief Volkerson cited Officer Belcore’s dedication to the safety and protection of students and staff, and his efforts to mentor students seeking guidance and a proper path forward.
Mayor DeCiccio presented the Mayor’s Founders’ Award to former Winter Park mayor David Strong, who served from 2006-2009. She noted his passion to preserve Central Park in the face of a proposed commercial development that would have overlooked the iconic greenspace, and his financial and real estate background that helped him oversee the city’s economic stability. He also spearheaded the creation of Howell branch preserve, is a founding member of Winter Park Land Trust, and a supporter of Casa Feliz, Winter Park History Museum and the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce will present its State of the City Luncheon at Alfond Inn on Friday, Feb. 28. Click here for tickets and registration information.
