City of Seminole COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER THE CITY OF SEMINOLE Summer 2014 Seminole City Council IS DEDICATED TO EXCELLENCE, PROFESSIONALISM AND INTEGRITY IN THE DELIVERY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR AN ENHANCED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE LIVING, WORKING AND VISITING OUR COMMUNITY. Inside This Issue Citizens Academy Graduates City Manager to Retire . . . . . . . . . 2 Library Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Recreation Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2014 Hurricane Season Welcome Chief Burford . . . . . . . . . . 5 Enhanced Recycling a Success New Community Garden Coming New Community Center and Historical Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Development, Redevelopment Accelerates Enroll at SPC Seminole Campus . . 7 Phone Numbers & Addresses . . . . 8 Back row: Councilor Jim Quinn, Councilor Chris Burke Center Row: Councilor Patricia Plantamura, Councilor John Counts, Councilor Bob Matthews Front Row: Mayor Leslie Waters, Vice Mayor Thom Barnhorn Municipal Election November 4, 2014 ity of Seminole regular Municipal Elections are held in conjunction with state general C elections, the next one being this fall on November 4. Voters will choose two Council members (who serve three-year terms). Residents also will be able to vote on Charter amendments. All municipal elections are non-partisan. Here are important dates relating to the election: Candidate qualifying period - July 29, at 9:00 a.m. to August 11, at 4:00 p.m. Absentee ballots sent to overseas and military voters - September 20 Absentee ballots sent to domestic voters - September 30 Voter registration deadline - October 6 Early voting - October 20 to November 2, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily Deadline for voter to request mail ballots - October 29, 5 p.m. General election - November 4, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Voter Identification Requirements: When entering a polling place, an inspector will require each voter to present a valid photo identification with a signature. If the picture identification does not include the voter’s signature, the voter must provide an additional identification that has the voter’s signature. Please see “election” on next page “election” from front page Acceptable forms of identification include: Municipal Elections: • Florida driver’s license • Florida ID card issued by the Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles • U.S. passport • Debit or credit card • Military identification • Student identification • Retirement center identification • Neighborhood association ID • Public assistance identification • If none of the forms of identification are provided, the voter will be allowed to use a provisional ballot. City Clerk’s Office, 9199 113th Street N., Seminole, FL 33772. Phone: 727-391-0204, Ext. 102, Fax: 727-399-6023. Email: rbenoit@myseminole.com. Website: www.myseminole.com/ cityclerk. Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Additional Election Information: Pinellas County/State Elections: Deborah Clark, Supervisor of Elections, 13001 Starkey Road, Largo, FL 33773. Phone: 727-464-6788, Fax: 727-464-6239. Hours: M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Email: election@votepinellas.comMail. Request a mail ballot: 727-464-VOTE (8683), or Email Ballot Request to: absentee@votepinellas.com. We urge you to be proactive and vote! Every vote counts! First Citizens Academy Graduates The members of the first annual Citizens Academy received their graduation certificates after attending five weekly sessions learning about the inner workings of the City of Seminole. They reviewed the fiscal side of local government, met elected officials and key staff and took site tours of various city facilities, including the Seminole-St. Petersburg College joint-use library, the Recreation Center, Public Works buildings and Fire Station #29. There were 23 local participants. City Manager Announces Retirement uring the June 10, 2014, City Council Meeting D I announced my decision to retire on January 16, 2015, after 19 years of service. It has been a privilege to serve as Seminole’s first city manager. I announced my retirement plans then to provide sufficient time for Mayor Waters and members of the city council to recruit and select my successor, a process that typically takes five to six months. During my employment with the City of Seminole it has been a pleasure to work with Mayors Reeder, Johnson and Waters, as well as the various city council members. Our city employees are a group of professional and dedicated folks who provide services to our residents every day. Our facilities have been recognized nationally as examples of good facility planning and will serve the public for many years to come. I leave the city in a very strong financial condition. The property tax millage rate is lower today than it was when I arrived in 1995. Our property tax rate is one of the lowest in Pinellas County. Over the years we have been able to build a solid emergency reserve that is now close to $4.3 million. 2 City of Seminole Community Newsletter The city’s bonded debt is fully paid by revenues we receive from the Penny for Pinellas program. We anticipate the city will be debt free by 2020. The City of Seminole has fewer fees and/or taxes than most Pinellas County commuFrank Edmunds nities. Currently, Seminole is experiencing a resurgence in retail/commercial growth as evidenced in the Bay Pines redevelopment. Soon, we anticipate the redevelopment of Seminole mall property which will continue to contribute to Seminole’s growth and redevelopment. The City of Seminole has a strong sense of community. Over the years I have greatly appreciated the support that I have received from our residents. It has truly been a pleasure to serve you and Seminole city government. Remember, Seminole Recycles! CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS View City Council meetings on the City’s web site: www.myseminole.com Click on the “Watch Council Meetings” icon. Library Update The World at Your Fingertips @ Your Library! www.spcollege.edu/scl • 727-394-6905 o you have the “smartest card” in your purse or wallet? Your local Pinellas library card is valid D at all member libraries of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative (www.pplc.us). Library Programs and Events For Adults LIBRARY NEWS Backwards Travelers Historical Fiction Discussion Group: Third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Discussions of the best of historical fiction. Be sure to visit the new Innovation Lab on the second floor (Room 201). A maker space for students and the general public!! LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES For the latest calendar of events information visit: www.spcollege.edu/SCL/ calendar/index.php. All programs and activities are in the library program rooms on the first floor unless noted. For All Ages Two Towers Chess Club: Second and fourth Monday of the Book Buzz: First Tuesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Drop by and enjoy talking to other readers about your favorite books. Booktalkers: First Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Discussions of contemporary fiction and nonfiction. Cinema at Sundown: July 24, Aug. 7, Aug. 28, Sep. 11, Sep. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Dec.11, at 6:00 p.m. Contemporary films from around the world. month at 3:30 p.m. All levels welcome. Basic instruction available from chess coaches. Classic Movie Matinee: Fridays at 1:00 p.m. Aug. 15, Nov. 14, Nov. 28, Dec. 26. Movies from the golden age of Hollywood. The Artistry of Model Railroads: A Three-Dimensional Exhibit of Thematic Sculptures: Aug. 15, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Aug. 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Aug. 17, 1-4 p.m. Five model railroad layouts! Great Books Discussion Group: Third Wednesday of the month at 2:00 p.m. Discussions of great works of literature, history, philosophy, religion, politics, economics, and more. Mid-Pinellas Comic Con: Aug. 9, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For comic book fans, gamers, and more! Pause for Poetry: Aug. 20, Sep. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy a supportive atmosphere where lovers of poetry share their own creative works and/or read favorite selections aloud. For Children and Families Toddler Storytime: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. For ages 18-36 months. Preschool Storytime: Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. For ages 3-5 years. Baby Steps Storytime: Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. For ages birth-18 months. Hands On: Mondays in July at 1:00 p.m. For elementary-aged children. Reading with the Dogs: Mondays in July at 10:00 a.m. For reading aged children. Wiggle, Giggle and Sing!: Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. For ages 5 and under. Family Movie Matinee: Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. For the whole family! For Teens Tween Thursdays: Tuesdays in July at 2 p.m. For grades 5-7. Seminole Chess Club: Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For novice, intermediate and advanced players. Socrates Café: Sep. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15, at 1:00 p.m. For people interested in discussing serious philosophical questions that may have more than one answer. Sunday Musicale: Sep. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, at 3:00 p.m. A variety of musical concerts for a Sunday afternoon! Super Novels: Aug. 28, Sep. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 20, Dec. 18, at 2:00 p.m. Reading and discussion of the best novels of the 19th and 20th centuries. Thrilling Tales – A Story Program for Adults: Sep. 4, Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Dec. 4, at 1:00 p.m. Skilled readers present entertaining short stories from the best of popular fiction and classic literature. Our Community’s “living room” and gathering place – The Seminole Community Library! Library Youth Advisory Board: Beginning in September: Second and fourth Mondays of month at 7:00 p.m. For grades 8-12. City of Seminole Community Newsletter 3 Recreation Adults/Seniors Check out our Day Trips, Chow Crowd, Eats & Sweets, and Luncheons. Facebook 101 Pinochle Computer Class Canasta Scrabble Monday Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Free Members/$5.00 Non-Members Free Members/$5.00 Non-Members Free Members/$5.00 Non-Members Free Members/$5.00 Non-Members Free Members/$5.00 Non-Members Painted Ceramics Woodcarvers Monday Tuesday 6:00-8:00 p.m. 6:00-9:00 p.m. $2.00 Members/$3.00 Non-Members $7.00 Members/$10.50 Non-Members Fit Forever Indoor Cycling Personal Training Pilates Total Body Conditioning Video Cycling Yoga, New World Zumba, Aqua Zumba Fitness Zumba Gold Zumba Toning Mon/Wed/Fri 10:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesday/Thursday 6:00-6:45 p.m. Call for Dates & Times Tuesday/Thursday 9:00-10:00 a.m. Tuesday/Thursday 5:00-5:45 p.m. Saturday 10:00-11:00 a.m. Monday 7:15-8:30 p.m. Friday 8:00-8:45 a.m. Monday/Wednesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday 7:00-8:00 p.m. $3.00 Members/$4.50 Non-Members $3.00 Members/$4.50 Non-Members $25.00 Members/$37.50 Non-Members $4.00 Members/$6.00 Non-Members $4.00 Members/$6.00 Non-Members Free Members/$3.00 Non-Members $8.00 Members/$12 Non-Members $7.00 Members/$10.50 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members Friday, August 8 Wednesday 1st Saturday Each Month 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1st Wednesday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 7:00-8:00 p.m. 7:00-11:00 p.m. 6:00-7:00 p.m. 7:00-8:00 p.m. $75.00 Members/$80.00 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$10.00 Non-Members Membership Required Membership Required Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Tuesday Saturday Monday/Thursday 1st Friday Each Month Saturday Saturday Wednesday 4:00-5:30 p.m. 6:00-6:45 p.m. 5:00-5:45 p.m. 6:00-7:45 p.m. 10:-00-11:30 a.m. 5:15-6:00 p.m. 7:00-11:00 p.m. 11:00-11:45 a.m. 10-00-10:45 a.m. 6:00-7:00 p.m. $32.00 Members/$48.00 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members $40.00 Members/$60.00 Non-Members $6.00 Members/$9.00 Non-Members $8.00 Members/$12.00 Non-Members Free Members/$3.00 Non-Members $10.00 Members/$15.00 Non-Members $24 Members/$36.00 Non-Members $36.00 Members/$54.00 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7.50 Non-Members SEPTEMBER September 5, 12, 19, 26 Music in the Park 7:00-9:00 p.m. Seminole City Park OCTOBER October 3 & 10 October 24 October 24 & 25 October 25 Music in the Park Field of Screams Haunted House Doggy Derby 7:00-9:00 p.m. 6:00-9:00 p.m. 6:00-10:00 p.m. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Seminole City Park Seminole Recreation Center Seminole Recreation Center Family Aquatic Center DECEMBER December 7 December 12 December 20 Fit for Kids Zumba Kids Bright Before Your Eyes Parade7:00-9:00 p.m. Winter Fest 5:30-9:00 p.m. Breakfast with Santa 9:00-10:30 a.m. Monday/Thursday 5:15-6:00 p.m. Wednesday 6:00-7:00 p.m. All Ages Fitness Classes Teens eXtreme Trips (Adventure Studios) Pin with Us Rec After Dark Teen Advisory Board Teen Board Youth Archery Art 4 Kids Ballet & Tap Cheerleading Comic Book Art Fit for Kids Freaky Fridays Lil Picassos Lil Sports Zumba Kids Events 4 City of Seminole Community Newsletter North on 113th Street North Seminole Recreation Center Seminole Recreation Members Free Members/$3.00 Non-Members $5.00 Members/$7:00 Non-Members Fire Rescue 2014 Hurricane Season June 1st to November 30th very year as regular as tax season, hurricane season arrives. and radios. Have a supply of personal hygiene items such E The 2014 North Atlantic season is expected to be an active as toilet paper, diapers, sanitary napkins, soap, toothpaste, period for strong storms. It is inevitable that we will be affected by Mother Nature’s fury so why not be prepared? We can, by following some easy steps: • Be informed, pick up a free copy of Surviving the Storm at City Hall, the Library, or your neighborhood firehouse. Also register for FIRST CALL at https://alertregistration.com/ PinellasCoFLEMS/ • Know your evacuation zone, as listed in Surviving the Storm. • Listen to your radio, television, and media reports for storm progress. • Prepare your home now! Clean your yard of loose items, (even our afternoon thunderstorms create high winds that can blow items around causing damage to your home). Have your roof inspected if you suspect problems, weather-strip windows and doors, and make sure your garage door can be secured. Consider getting storm shutters for your windows. Prune trees of overhanging or dead branches and clean your gutters. • Prepare your vehicles, have a first aid kit, tool kit, tire inflation kit, flashlight, jumper cables, road flares, 12 volt cell phone charger and a map with shelter locations. • Review your homeowners insurance. (Once a storm is declared you cannot change or get a new policy.) • Be sure you have an ample supply of your medications. (Do not rely on 911 services to provide them.) • Stock your pantry with bottled water, canned goods and non-perishable items that can be prepared easily with little to no heating. Stock up on batteries for your flashlights toothbrushes, etc. • Have a plan for your pets. (Where you can shelter them and a supply of food and water.) • Have a plan for Seniors and those needing special medical attention. Register a resident with special needs if the person has medical conditions by contacting Pinellas County Emergency Management at 464-3800, or http://www. pinellascounty.org/forms/evac-assist.htm. • Create a Go Box of items that are important and can be grabbed quickly such as food items, water, medicines, important papers, and personal identification with your address on it. • Also create a Go Box for your children including toys, games and puzzles. Do not plan to use your cell phone for entertainment as you will need the battery life for communication. • Back up your computer and store the information on a portable hard drive in a strongbox along with other important documents. • Have a plan for your boat, including extra lines and a working bilge pump, or have it tied down to the ground if it is on a trailer. A little preparation now can make a difference in limiting your losses during the catastrophe of a hurricane or tropical storm. For more information or if you would like us to make a presentation to your group, please contact Brad Dykens, Public Education Officer for Seminole Fire Rescue at 393-8711 ext. 210. City of Seminole Welcomes Chief Heather Burford n January 13, 2014, the City of O Seminole welcomed Heather Burford as the Fire Rescue Department’s new Fire Chief. Chief Burford came to us with 25 years of experience in the American Fire Service, most recently with a community in southwest Connecticut. Chief Burford began her fire service experience in 1988 as a volunteer fireChief Burford fighter and after some consideration left a career in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue a career in the fire service. She was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in 1993 by the Manchester Fire Rescue Department where she spent 13 years moving up through the ranks. “As it turns out, the experience I gained working in Manchester was ideal for the City of Seminole. The departments are very similar in size and scope of service; it’s a perfect match” stated Burford. Chief Burford left the Manchester department as a Battalion Chief in 2006 to lead the Ridgefield Fire Department in Ridgefield, Connecticut. There she assumed the role of Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management for a combina- tion fire department, (both career and volunteer personnel), of over 100 members. Chief Burford holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut. “I have always believed in the power of education, and I have made it my career focus to help move the fire service towards professional recognition,” stated Burford. Burford spent several years serving on the International Association of Fire Chiefs Professional Development Committee helping to create quality professional development and mentoring programs. “I am very impressed with the professionalism and quality customer service I have already seen within the City of Seminole Fire Rescue Department,” stated Burford. “Personnel are welltrained, hard-working and compassionate towards our residents and visitors. I could not ask for a better starting point.” Chief Burford knows the fire service changes constantly and looks forward to the future and the possibility of enhanced service delivery. She understands and enjoys Seminole’s close community atmosphere and as a resident looks forward to becoming more involved in local activities and events. City of Seminole Community Newsletter 5 Public Works Enhanced Recycling Program a Success he City of Seminole rolled out the a new recycling program on April 1st, which T provides all single family homes a 64-gallon wheeled cart for single stream recycling. Since the new program began, participation in the recycling program has increased from an average of 40% to an estimated 70-75%. Also, the recycling materials collected have dramatically increased from an average monthly collection of 40 tons to 70.5 tons collected in May. Community Garden Coming Soon he City of Seminole, with guidance T from the Tree Advisory Committee, has begun the preparation and planning for a city community garden. The garden will be located in an open space on the corner of 70th Ave. and 113th St., just west of the Public Works Administration Building. The garden will include 21 rental spaces in three sizes, 4’ x 8’, 4’ x 16’ and 4’ x 24’ with raised beds with water access at each location. The garden area will be secured with fencing and include a designated area for future composting, as well as a shady picnic area. For more information concerning the city community garden, please contact the Public Works Department at (727) 397-6383. New Community Center & Historical Society Project Is Underway he new Community Center and Historical Society T facility project has begun. The construction project will include both renovation and new construction. The eastern portion of the project will consist of approximately 6650 square feet of public rental banquet space with a seating capacity of up to 250. This space will also offer a fully-equipped commercial kitchen. The central portion of the facility will be occupied by the Seminole Historical Society with a museum and a gift shop. The remainder of the space will be used for recreational activities and Public Works storage. 6 City of Seminole Community Newsletter Community Development Development and Redevelopment Accelerates in the City of Seminole he The 60-acre Bay Pines redevelopment project is heading T towards completion. Over 250 of the proposed 330 Courtney at Bay Pines apartment units are finished and available for lease. Regarding the proposed 56 Cove at Bay Pines single family homes, over one-half of the homes are either being constructed, or expected to be under construction in the very near future. And the largest single use at the Bay Pines project site, the 195,000 square foot Walmart opened on July 16th. Currently under review is a proposed 7,100 square foot, 267-seat, Texas Roadhouse steakhouse, to be located at the northwest corner of Bay Pines Blvd. and 100th Way. Future additions to the Bay Pines project will include a hotel, other restaurants and small retail uses. The developer, Kitson and Partners, has spent over $5 million to install the necessary infrastructure and roadway improvements to support all the current and proposed development on the 60-acre Bay Pines project site. The Bay Pines site is being developed in a Mediterranean Revival architectural style, which is consistent and complementary to the nearby historical VA hospital. Other projects that have been approved by the City include: a 15-lot single family subdivision being built on the former Lake Shore mobile home park site at 8003 Seminole Boulevard between the Lake Seminole Estates mobile home park and the Monterey at Lake Seminole condominium project; a two-story, 10,000 square foot medical office building at 8900 Park Boulevard where the Sunoco gas station previously existed; the completion of the 64-unit Bayou Grande townhome project located east of the Home Depot and, the Boca Ciega Court single family subdivision located on the west side of the Seminole United Methodist Church on 54th Ave. Additionally, awaiting City Council approval is a proposed 53-lot single family subdivision to be located where the existing Orange Blossom Groves citrus business was located at 5800 Seminole Blvd. Finally, the major, upcoming redevelopment project of interest is the Seminole Mall. Once the Mall owners finalize a concept plan for the redevelopment of the almost 40-acre site, they will present it to the City Council for input and comment. We also anticipate there will be a lot of input from the residents, through advertised public hearings. Both the City Council and staff will be involved in the review of any Mall redevelopment proposal submitted by the owners, so as to assure that any proposal will result in the Mall’s being a positive asset to the community. All of this activity is evidence of the positive, on-going development and redevelopment in the City of Seminole. And, these projects demonstrate the City Council’s dedication, attention and vigilance to reviewing and approving projects that add value and quality to the City of Seminole. SPC - Seminole Campus he St. Petersburg T College-Seminole Campus has had a long-standing partnership with the City of Seminole, and we want you to benefit. Fall registration is underway, and we are offering Seminole residents special assistance in getting themselves, friends or family registered for fall term classes on campus. You can view our course offerings at www.spcollege.edu/se and then click on the link to “View our Seminole Campus course offerings for Fall 2014.” Our enrollment team is standing by to help at 727-394-6968 or 727-394-6994. City of Seminole Community Newsletter 7 PRSRT STD US Postage City of Seminole PAID St. Petersburg FL Permit # 8185 9199 113th Street North Seminole, FL 33772 & Telephone Numbers City Hall 391-0204 9199 113th Street North Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Community Development 398-3108 9199 113th Street North Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Building/Code Enforcement/ 392-1966 Occupational License 9199 113th Street North Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Public Works 397-6383 11195 - 70th Avenue North Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fire Administration 393-8711 9199 113th Street North Hours: M – F 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Recreation Center 391-8345 9100 113th Street North Hours: M – F 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Sat 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Addresses Library 394-6905 9200 113th Street North Hours: Effective when SPC is in session M – Th 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Fri 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sun 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Waste Management 572-8779 Trash Services, Special Pickups, Brush Disposal Pinellas County Utilities 464-4000 Water Services, Watering Restrictions Greater Seminole Chamber of Commerce 392-3245 7985 113th Street North Pinellas County Sheriff 582-6200 *If your call is an emergency, Dial 9-1-1. www.myseminole.com View our newsletter online. Visit www. myseminole.com/seminolenews.htm
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