Oviedo Biz - Local Community News and Events

Seminole schools face cuts
By Jessica J. Saggio | January 19, 2011

Facing more than $39 million in cuts, the Seminole County Public School System has its work cut out for it.

Despite a history of wise spending and high success rates academically, Seminole County schools are faced with more cuts proposed by legislators in Tallahassee. Beginning with a proposal to shut down Longwood Elementary, a series of tough decisions are being faced head-on by Superintendent Bill Vogel and the school board.

The closure of Longwood elementary would save about $1 million, Vogel said, and all tenured teachers would be placed in other schools.

He also said he hopes to place teachers who are under contracts as well. Children will be rerouted to other nearby schools, including Highlands Elementary and Winter Springs Elementary. However, other staff, including custodians, principals and office staff, may be out of jobs if not placed in other positions.

Oviedo project costs $4 million under budget
By Jessica J. Saggio | January 19, 2011

An estimated $11 million project to rebuild and rejuvenate public works facilities in Oviedo has now entered its final phase, more than $4 million under budget.

The project included the acquisition of land to centralize city operations, constructing a new fire and fire administration building, constructing a new administration and engineering public works complex and fuel depot, and renovations to the city's existing fleet buildings and storage bays. With renovations starting this month, the entire project is expected to be completed by October of this year, said Assistant City Manager Bob Bentkofsky.

"Some of the projects weren't quite as costly as we thought," said Bentkofsky. "We actually benefited from what's been going on in the economy. When you build things now, the costs are much lower than what they were in 2006, when this project was approved, and before the economy went into the recession."

Oviedo Police Academy needs new recruits
By Tom Iversen | January 19, 2011

If you've ever wanted to shoot an uzi, learn to take down criminals, or just get a better understanding of what police officers do, here's your chance. The Oviedo Police Department is currently accepting applications for the 2011 Community Police Academy.

The 11-week program gives citizens a firsthand look at the inner workings of the Oviedo Police Department. It uses an interactive setting to provide training in all aspects of law enforcement.

"Most people don't know about all the things we do, just certain aspects," said Lt. Heather Capetillo. "Participants will be amazed to learn about some of things we do. It's a great learning experience and a lot of fun. People of all ages sign up and many of them end up becoming good friends."

Drago wins by 16 votes
Recount makes Drago new Oviedo City Councilwoman
by Michelle Y. Ertel | November 08, 2010

SANFORD--About 104 hours after the polls closed on Election Day, an open position on the Oviedo City Council was finally decided after a vote recount Monday.

After the recount, the newest member of the Oviedo City Council, by 16 votes, is Cindy Drago.

On Election Day, there were 7 contenders for this seat and on Monday morning, 6 days later, it came down to 2 remaining candidates, Drago and Oviedo attorney, Paul Sladek.

Sladek, who congratulated Drago at the Supervisor of Elections office immediately after the recount, was 14 votes short of Drago on Election Day, making this election the tightest in recent Oviedo history.

Drago, 58, will take over the city council seat held for almost 10 years by Dominic Persampiere. He was sworn in as mayor when Mary Lou Andrews resigned the position in July.

Oviedo’s water confusion causes frustration
By By Jessica J. Saggio | October 20, 2010

OVIEDO - Dave Darling wants a reasonable water bill. After living in Oviedo for six years, Darling was shocked when he received his latest bill from Alafaya Utilities Inc. that had increased by almost 50 percent.

Darling was even more appalled when he attempted to discuss the bill with the utilities company.

"Everyone's pointing fingers and not helping," Darling said.

Everyone, he said, includes Alafaya Utilities, the City of Oviedo and the Public Service Commission of the State of Florida.

Darling received his bill and called to discuss it with Alafaya Utilities, but a customer service representative told him to call the City of Oviedo, which purchased the utilities company Sept. 15.

Referendum will settle city buy-out
By Gary Roberts | August 19, 2010

OVIEDO - In next Tuesday's primary election, Oviedo residents also will decide whether the city should purchase the assets of Alafaya Utilities, which supplies wastewater and reclaimed water to the city.

The public referendum will ask voters to issue up to $36 million in revenue bonds to acquire and improve these water systems. A majority vote is required for passage.

In April, the Oviedo City Council voted unanimously to place this issue on the ballot, unified in their belief that the proposed purchase is good for the city and good for its residents.

"The acquisition of Alafaya Utilities is a complete win-win for the city of Oviedo," Mayor Dominic Persampiere said. "It would allow the city to combine its water system with the wastewater and reclaimed water systems, making one complete system. The benefits just go on and on and on."
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Source: www.seminolechronicle.com

Deputy mayor steps up to finish Andrews’ term
By Michelle Yoffee | August 04, 2010

OVIEDO - Standing in the front of the room with his family looking on, Dominic Persampiere became Oviedo's Mayor on Monday.

Persampiere, 46, put his hand on a Bible being held by his teary-eyed 89-year-old grandmother and made it official. Also at his side were his wife, Debbie, daughters Amanda and Krysta, his mother, Toni Solomito, and his father and stepmother, Tony and Mary Persampiere.

As per the city's Charter, or constitution, Persampiere will complete the term of resigned Mayor Mary Lou Andrews, which expires in 2011. Currently, the mayor's term is two years.

Before Monday's swearing-in, Persampiere was deputy mayor. On Monday, the City Council elected Councilman Steve Henken to fill his spot.
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Source: www.seminolechronicle.com

Oviedo Selected in Top 100 Places to Live (2009)
Relocate America | 2009

Located in the heart of Central Florida just 10 minutes from Orlando, Oviedo is surrounded by lush, sub-tropical hammocks with dense trees, fresh water lakes and ponds. Oviedo has it all when it comes to location. Situated in eastern Seminole County, Oviedo is centrally located and minutes from downtown Orlando, major highways and interstates, the Orlando and Sanford International Airports, colleges and universities, beaches and a plethora of attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and the new Medical City at Lake Nona.
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Source: www.relocateamerica.com

"Shop Oviedo" is the Economic Development
Committee's pilot program to give local
businesses and residents an economic stimulus

OVIEDO - The City of Oviedo is seeking the services of a qualified firm or individual
to provide a web based "consumer loyalty/discount" program. This pilot program's
goal is to encourage the citizens of the City of Oviedo to utilize city businesses versus going outside the city for their shopping, dining, service and entertainment needs. OviedoBiz.com was recommended by the EDC to participate in this new venture at it's last meeting which took place at City Hall on March 6th, 2009. . Additional presentationsmust be made to finalize the selection process with the City Council.


	Shop Oviedo Meeting 03-06-2009		Shop Oviedo Update 05-18-2009
	Click the download link to listen to the "Shop Oviedo" audio recording from the meeting at City Hall held 03-06-09
	Download File Source: www.cityofoviedo.net