Summer Camp will be here before you know it! Club Oviedo is open for registration for ages 6-13. Camp starts June 1 - August 7 from 7:30 A.M.- 6 P.M. daily!
There will be field trips. games, crafts rock climbing and so much more. Employees get half off the regular rate! It's $112.50 for regular weeks and $90 for fun weeks.
If you have any questions, please call the Gym and Aquatics Center: 407-971-5565 or email Rebecca Padua at rcrothers@cityofoviedo.net
Thank you to all employees who contributed to the contents of this newsletter on behalf of their departments!
City Manager's Message
Why We Serve: The Values That Define Public Service
Those of us who choose careers in local government do so for many reasons, but we stay for a shared purpose: serving our community with integrity and professionalism. At its best, local government work is not just a job. It is a commitment to people and community. For me, it is a passion.
One way to understand that commitment is through the values we admire most in our coworkers. At the April 29th quarterly employee appreciation luncheon, while listening to BobbyWyatt speak about Steve Puckett’s over twentyyears of service to the City, the three qualities of adaptability, responsibility, and reliability really hit home with me. I thought about all of us, the many things we face each day, and the multiple hats we wear serving this community.
Adaptability is essential in public service. As a small organization, many of us perform multiple functions and have to “switch gears” often. No two days are ever the same, and the needs of our residents can change quickly. We must move seamlessly between field operations and technical problem-solving or step into unfamiliar situations with confidence. Adaptability allows us to respond effectively. It reflects a willingness to learn, to help where needed, and to put the mission first. We see this most when we respond to storm events. Everyone steps up even when they are asked to do something that is not part of their normal duties.
Responsibility is the foundation of trust. In local government, accountability is not optional. It is central to who we are. Taking ownership of our work, honoring commitments, stepping up to address challenges, and not blaming others when thing do not go the way they should demonstrates respect for our colleagues and the people we serve. When responsibility guides our actions, we strengthen our credibility and build confidence, both internallyand out in the community.
Reliability may be the most powerful value of all. Knowing that a task will be done well, without constant oversight or concern, is what makes teams successful. Reliability creates stability in an environment where the public depends on, and expects much from, us every day. When we consistently deliver quality service, we show that service is not occasional. It is dependable. Time and time again I receive emails and phone calls about City employees going above and beyond to help others. It shows the true character of who we are.
These traits are often what we hope to hear when interviewing candidates. Yet the true impact comes when they are demonstrated daily, quietly, and consistently. They are the qualities that make someone more than a great employee. They make them a trusted coworker, a valued teammate, and a respected friend.
As we go about our work, let’s remember why we serve. Every person, no matter how visible or behind the scenes, matters. By living these values, we honor not only our co-workers but also the community that relies on us. That is the true meaning of public service. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and continued excellent service to our City. It is an honor to serve withyou everyday.
PUBLIC PUBLIC INFORMATION INFORMATION
Starting a new year means launching new projects for the City! Your PIO was featured on a PIO Podcast on January 28th, discussing being the Communications Manager for Oviedo, branding, expectations,andmore. Youcancheckoutthepodcaston YOUTUBE
It’s about 40 minutes long, so if you wish to hear all about communications, then it’s worth the listen!
The Communications Office had a total of 61 Media Requests and nearly 100 stories in the media about various projects, initiatives, and communityinformation
. From January through March, stories such as the Police Department’s Trading Cards garnered stories from a few stations, as well as, an in-studio visit to FOX35, Firefighter trainings, the heart-warming story of the PD Bike Donation, the MLK Day Parade, our new Golf Cart Ordinance and signage, and more serious stories such as a recent shooting, Ebike Crackdowns, Brush Fires and a variety of coverage on many topics, citywide.
If you have a story that you’d like to work with the PIO on for media coverage or you think of something unique the in City,you’d like to see featured, reach out and invite me for photo ops!
Please text the number above or email lmcdonald@cityofoviedo.net
Please include a narrative of what the picture is about!!
City Council Upcoming Meetings
Regular Session May 4
Regular Session May 18
Work Session (tentative) May 26
Regular Session June 1
Regular Session June 15
Work Session (tentative) June 22
Regular Session July 6
Regular Session July 20
Work Session (tentative) July 27
Reminder: Please have your agenda items placed in the OneMeeting workflow no later than 3 weeks prior to the meeting date. Complete Council Meeting Schedule & deadlines available on Sharepoint. Please contact City Clerk Elianne Rivera, ext. 5504, if you have any questions or would like to schedule OneMeeting training.
Records
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.
Public Records Requests
Contact our office if you have any questions or would like to schedule Public Records training. You can find the Public Records flow chart & 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.
Public Records
The City has an online Public Records Request portal. This system is used for all requests made via email, phone, or in person, and for all subpoenas received byall departments.
You can use this site to submit a public records request, track it, and download responsive records. The link to the NextRequest page can be found on the city’s website or the home page of SharePoint.
Reminder: Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to schedule training on NextRequest or on general Public Records. You can find the Public Records flowchart and other resources on SharePoint.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Check out the New Projects Coming!
New construction and projects underway can be reviewed on the City website. Select Development Projects and note the current cityof Oviedo Development Projects Interactive Map.
Project status includes – in review, approved, in construction, and completed. They are updated as their status changes and as new projects come into the city.
public art public art public art
The Public Arts Board Members with Staff worked on a presentation ofArt in the Chambers exhibit, which features a collection of paintings by Hagerty High School Students. The free exhibition will be open to the public during regular office hours from April 6, 2026, through July 6, 2026. The Public Art Fund benefits from the artwork sales, with 25% donated back to the fund.
In other news, staff have been reviewing changes that affect the department’s applications and permits. It is an all-hands-on-deck approach, as the new Legislative Bill proposes changes that will affect applications from the consulting phase through building permitting.
Code Enforcement conducts several ongoing reviews, including neighbor yard issues, abandoned lots and vehicles, and follows up on business BTR renewals. The Code Enforcement team has also been working diligently to monitor compliance with ordinances. Residents can submit a report, but they need to provide their name and address, as requests are not anonymous. Code reviews all concerns and maintains ongoing communication throughout the process. We also welcomed a new Code Enforcement Officer to the team!
We are excited to welcome two interns to our Development Services team. Their contributions tovarious projects underwayare acknowledged and appreciated.
Mumtaz Hammad
·Lives in Oviedo
·Originallyfrom Lahore, Pakistan
·Education: Master’s in Science from Columbia UniversityGSAPP
·Enjoys: playing soccer, composing music, meditating, reading, writing poetry, swimming in the springs
·Career Interests: Pursuits in cultural infrastructure planning, environmental resiliency, and working through the built environment to enhance our natural surroundings and lives of everyday people in our community
Jacob Wienke
·Lives in Kissimmee
·Originallyfrom Kansasville, Wisconsin
·Education: Bachelor’s in Urban Planning from Arizona State University
·Enjoys: Spending time with family, Cycling, Nature Walks, Riding Sun Rail
·Career Interests: in Transportation Planning, expanding housing opportunities, bike/walking trails, and public transportation infrastructure.
·Grateful for the opportunity to intern with the City of Oviedo in the Development Services Division.
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!
Danielle Enevoldsen Danielle Enevoldsen
The City’s Human Resources Department welcomed its new Benefit Manager, Danielle Enevoldsen. Mrs. Enevoldsen has over 10 years of HR experience in both the public and private sectors. Her previous position was with the City of Maitland, FL as the Human Resources/Risk Management Generalist where she provided support to all departments with recruitment, onboarding and off boarding, classification and compensation, benefit administration, training, FMLAmanagement and safetyand risk management.
Mrs. Enevoldsen has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She brings manyother skills to the position, and we all wish herwell!
OVIEDO WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY TEAM EFFORT
The team at the Oviedo Water Reclamation Facility (OWRF) had to step up and proactively address a potentially major treatment issue before the piece of equipment (clarifier drive) failed completely. Waiting to repair this issue would have caused considerable damage to the clarifier drive components and tens of thousands of extra dollars in repairs, plus the diversion of wastewater flows. The OWRF team connected with a welding contractor to help fabricate clarifier drive parts, improve clarifier arm weight distribution, and improve clarification skimming mechanisms in record time. The OWRF operations team worked tirelessly for days to avoid extended plant downtime while keeping repair costs to a minimum. The team’s effort and dedication to completing this work in such a short period werenothingshortofamazing.
FRANKLIN STREET
The City of Oviedo has been working to improve and revitalize the landscape around Solary Park. The pedestrian pathway, open grassy regions, the mix of low-lying plants and variety of trees are all features that were designed to create a park environment in the downtown area.
On the north side of Solary Park along the south side of Franklin Street, Crepe Myrtle trees were initially installed in paver tree wells. However, due to poor soil conditions, the City determined it was best to replace the Crepe Myrtles.
The City of Oviedo’s contractor, Ovation Construction Company, installed Sabal Palms in the tree wells and replaced the pavers with concrete pavement. This project was completed in March and fulfills the original vision for Franklin Street and SolaryPark.
Town and Country Road Undermined Culvert Project
The City of Oviedo’s contractor, Heavy Metal Site Construction, LLC, recently completed the construction of the project. It involved two separate stormwater improvements within the Twin Rivers Subdivision in Oviedo. The first is a replacement of three existing 24” reinforced concrete pipes (RCPs) along Town and Country Road with two 29” by 45” Elliptical RCPs. The second is the replacement of the outfall structure for an existing stormwater pond adjacent to Town and Country Boulevard. Overall, the project improves the resiliency of these two stormwater systems.
Florida Flood Awareness Week
Florida Flood Awareness Week was the 2nd week of March, and every day, messages were shared with residents to help protect their homes and property from potential flooding. Amanda Kortus shared daily messages from FEMAon the following topics:
Flood Maps
Flood Insurance
Disaster SupplyKits
PropertyProtection
Keeping Storm Drains Clear
Local Flood Risks
Hurricane season startsJune 1 and we want to make sure all employees are aware of anyrisks they mayface in their neighborhoods, in and around Oviedo.These messages are for everyone, including our
employees who mayface flooding risks. Protectyour home and propertybefore a storm soyou can feel confident about mitigating risks.
Lacey Willis was hired as a Maintenance Worker I in March 2026. She was born and raised right here in the middle of Florida. She enjoys hands-on work and horseback riding. She’s also the first and only person in her family to work for the City of Oviedo. Enjoy life to the fullest & stayin school!!"
Linsome Boyd was hired in February as a Utility Technician. He really enjoys assisting homeowners in solving both potable and reclaimed water issues. His previous work experience includes working for the City of Winter Haven in the wastewater division, operating the vac truck for MG Underground. He is a very laid-back and easy-going person. In his free time, he enjoys going to college football games and going to the gym. When it comes to work, he is very hardworking, humble, and efficient. He enjoys being a helping hand and helping others in the community.
The Fire Department held a total of 12 Public Education events in January, February, and March! These include: Groups, schools, citizens, etc., visiting the stations; Engines or Rescues visiting schools or community/City events.
The Fire Department participated in the Martin Luther King Parade on January 19, 2026, and an Engine staged at Center Lake Park for the celebration.
The Fire Department was at the Cops N Cars event at the Oviedo Mall on January 24, 2026, and our firefighters did a rappelling demonstration.
The Fire Department, along with Seminole Co. Fire, participated in “Get Informed About Uniforms” at Hagerty High School on January 28, 2026. The firefighters answered questions about their work and showed the students our apparatus.
The Fire Department participated in the “Taste of Oviedo” on March 7, 2026, providing goodies and First Aid to all attendees!
On March 25, Fire Chief Michael Woodward presented a Unit Citation Award to Battalion Chief Raul Nin, Lt. Chris Daily, Engineers Danny Forrest and Jeff Pirkola and Firefighters Mike Stroh, Chase Bennett, Cameron Isler,AustinTurja and Ethan Loor.
On December 28, 2025, C-Shift from Station 46 responded to Froggers for a patient in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the patient was fconfirmed to be in cardiac arrest and the crew immediately performed life-saving measures. Due to the quick, direct and cohesive efforts, the patient was revived and taken to the hospital.
It’s not often patients survive active cardiac arrest, but our crew knew exactly what steps to take to save their life.
The Oviedo Fire Department spent about two weeks in January conducting acquired-structure training at a home slated for demolition, generouslydonated bya resident.
The home of Stephen Schenck was a two-story residence on a two-lane road, nestled in a canopy of old oaks, where he allowed firefighters from all shifts to train in several scenarios. The location was added to the training due to limited access, creating new challenges for the firefighters to overcome.
Firefighters participated in several training exercises in morning and afternoon rotations. The exercises include rapid intervention, search and rescue, bailout, hose line deployment, fire suppression techniques, forcible entry, vertical and horizontal ventilation, and team building. By rotating all shifts through the training, every member of the department had the chance to refine their skills in what could happen in a residential area.
“My wife and I donated the use of the home after seeing Oviedo Firefighters do training in the hotel in 2025,” said Stephen Schenck. “We figured it was a good way to allow a different and more lengthy type of training for the firefighters. We have seen how hard our emergency service personnel train and prepare, and we were happyto be able to help.”
Mr. Schenck went on to add, “I went by to see how things were going and spent an hour watching the training and learned a lot about how the small things make a difference. Having those who have experience give you the little, nuanced things that, in the case of firefighting, could save lives and property is a great asset that was shared.”
With the home unoccupied, firefighters safely conducted a range of high-stakes drills to prepare for real emergencies.
"We cannot thank Mr. Schenck enough for the use of his home," said Fire Chief Michael Woodward. "This was a great wayfor our newest firefighters to get real-world training alongside our seasoned firefighters.” This unique training opportunity not only sharpened critical skills but also showcased the powerful impact of communitysupport for public safety.
Crews responded to a very active car fire in the Home Depot parking lot back in January. Upon arrival, there was heavy smoke and flames shooting from the hood of the vehicle. Crews immediately went to work to extinguish the fire, using all the tools they train with to make sure the fire didn’t spread and everyone was safe. It was a pretty dramatic fire that called for a big response.
This was a very dry season in Central Florida and the extreme freeze over a weekend in January made conditions perfect for grass/brush fires to spark. Our Firefighters worked alongside Seminole CountyFire responding to several fires in and around Oviedo.
All it took was one spark and heavywinds to create fires that quicklygrew out of control.
Many residents were nervous as they watched the black smoke rise from behind their homes, in wooded areas and drytimber made things worse.
Thanks to a unified response from both departments, we were able to gain control of these fires before things worsened. All the fires were contained to well under an acre and we kept an eye on them even after theywere extinguished.
welcome! welcome! welcome!
Hi everyone!
My name is Ezinne Nkoronye, and I’m excited to introduce myself as your new IT Help Desk Technician. Some of you may have already met me, but I’m happy to formally introduce myself here as well. I was born in the “BigApple,”NewYorkCity.AftermovingtoOrlandowith my family, I spent much of my childhood in Nigeria until the age of 12, fulfilling my parents’ wish for me to grow up connected to my roots. Since then, I’ve been back in Orlando, where I’ve continued my education and professionaljourney.
I graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Criminology, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree at University of Central Florida.
Outside of work, I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting and building LEGO sets. If you’ve stopped by the IT office, you may have noticed some of my LEGO flower builds displayed on my windowsill and freshly done chalkboard wall art. The flowers are one of my favorite small projects. I also love traveling, exploring new places, and trying new food experiences whenever I can.
As someone new to the City of Oviedo, I’m truly excited to be here and to grow alongside such a welcoming community. I’ve already heard so many great things, and I look forward to contributing however I can. If you have a moment, feel free to stop by the IT office and say hello — I’d love to meet you!
The Oviedo Police Department officiallywelcomed two new officers to its ranks on March 26, as Christopher Roberts and Conner Sawyerwere sworn in during a ceremonyat CityCouncil Chambers.
Both officers took the oath of office at 10 a.m., administered byPolice Chief Dale Coleman.
“We are proud to have both of these officers join the Oviedo Police Department today,” said Chief Coleman. “Oviedo is a great place to work and be a police officer, and both officers will find a great support system here.”
Officer Roberts hails fromTampa but moved to Orlando about fouryears ago. He enjoys spending time with friends at the local theme parks andvolunteering for his church. Officer Sawyer hails from Central Florida and grew up fishing and playing baseball. He loves spending time with his son and familywhile enjoying the great outdoors.
Officer Sawyer was pinned by a colleague who attended the police academy with him and Officer Roberts was pinned by his father.
The ceremony was attended by fellow officers, family members, friends, police command staff, and cityemployees.
Well done Delta Shift! Sgt. Gabriel Roberts, Officers Ines Fonseca-Torres, Bryan Santiago, Roderick Velazquez, Vladyslav Blagodar, Shaniya Jernigan and Bryan Chesnut received a Unit Citation following the apprehension of an attempted burglarysuspect.
On October 26, 2025, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Delta Shift was dispatched to an attempted burglary in progress. The caller reported they were following the suspect southbound on CR 419. Responding units quickly located the suspect vehicle, which was observed to be driving erratically. Officers initiated a successful felony stop in the area of Broadway, south of Winter Springs Boulevard, and safely took the suspect into custody. This incident was the result of outstanding collaboration by all shift members, including those who contributed to the felony stop, traffic and scene security, vehicle search, evidence collection, investigative follow-up, documentation, and arrest. The coordinated effort and teamwork of Delta Shift ensured a safe and effective resolution.
Congratulations to Alpha and Charlie Shifts, who were awarded a Unit Citation for their job in locating two runaways in October. Sgt. Chris George and Officers Joseph Meyer, Logan Smith, Luke Nakamura, Renier Marerro-White, Johnathan Ortiz, and Timothy Jernigan received their awards from Deputy Chief Brian Foley. On 10/04/2025 at approximately 2030 hours, an Oviedo officer, while off duty at the Oviedo Mall, recognized two juvenile runaways who had been reported missing for approximatelythree weeks. The off-duty officer notified Officer Smith, who coordinated a response after learning the juveniles were possibly squatting in the abandoned Macy’s store. Members of Charlie Shift, along with Officer J. Meyer, responded and developed a plan to clear the building. Officers safely located the juveniles on the second floor, where theywere compliant and taken into custody. The juveniles admitted to running away and living in the abandoned store, and one juvenile was found to have an active warrant and probation violation. The incident demonstrated effective planning, teamwork, and safe execution byall involved.
At the March 2, 2026, City Council Meeting, Officer Matthew Brongel was recognized for his life-saving efforts after a child nearlydrowned.
On December 28, 2025, Officer Brongel was the first law enforcement officer to arrive at the scene of a reported drowning involving a 15-month-old child. Upon entering the home, Officer Brongel found the child in critical medical condition, with family members visibly distressed and the situation highly emotional.
Officer Brongel immediately and without hesitation, initiated lifesaving measures, including cardiopulmonaryresuscitation (CPR), airwayclearing, and stimulation.
As a direct result of his prompt and decisive actions, the child began exhibiting signs of life prior to the arrival of the Fire Department and the transfer of medical care. Throughout the incident, Officer Brongel remained calm, composed, and professional in an extremelychaotic and emotionallycharged environment.
Afew days after the incident the hospital reported the child was expected to make a full recovery.
“His actions reflect the highest standards of service and dedication to public safety and are worthy of commendation,” said Police Chief Dale Coleman. “The recognition honors Officer Brongel’s decisive actions and commitment to public safety during a critical incident in which his efforts directly contributed to saving a life.”
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Brian Foley spoke about the background of the incident, along with the criteria required for receiving a Life Saving Award. Following the reading, Chief Dale Coleman presented Officer Brongel with the Life Saving Award and commended him for his exemplary service, professionalism, and dedication to the citizens of Oviedo.
events events Cops and Cars for Kids
The first quarter of the year started off with a busy January! The ever-popular Cops and Cars for Kids event was held at the Oviedo Mall on January 24 and our officers were busy showing off cars, talking to all the families who came out and making sure traffic moved smoothly while keeping an eye on the crowds. It was another successful event with the Oviedo/Winter Springs Optimist Club. We even took home a few trophies. 1 place in Motors and 2 Place in Marked Cars!
Get Informed about Uniforms
On January 28 , the Community Relations team visited Hagerty High School for its “Get Informed About Uniforms” Day. We had a lot of kids come up to the table to ask about policing and law enforcement careers. It’s a great way for kids to learn about public service from not just police, but firefighter careers and militarycareers as well. th
events events Trading Cards
In 2025, Lt. Egert and OfficerJulissaVargas Medina had the idea to bring back police officer trading cards, which hadn’t been done in a number of years. The focus was on the newest officers, including Deputy Chief Foley, and to give them away at various locations in town while the officers were on duty. The trading card giveaways started in January 2026, held twice a week at local businesses and city parks, where kids (and adults, too!) could grab a card and meet the officers. The cards feature the officer's name, bio, and a personal message. The program received a lot of publicity, not just from kids excited to meet officers and grab a card, but also from the media! The team took a trip to FOX 35 to be live on The 407 show to talk about them!
Coffee with a Cop
Coffee with a Cop returned in February, as another event was held at Flakes & Fables for Coffee It was a perfectly chilly morning for a hot cup of coffee and we were thrilled with the turnout. We certainly enjoyed our conversations with our residents and everyone had a great time. Flakes and Fables was such a great host and they took care of everyone who came out! Thank you to UCF Police Department for joining us!
events events
BBQ with Heroes
Community Relations had a busy 1 Quarter! Also in February, they held a BBQ with Heroes event at Mission BBQ!This event was held during lunch, when everyone could sit, eat, and enjoy conversation with our officers. We had a lot of kids and families join us and meaningful conversations were had. Mission BBQ is a strong supporter of first responders and the military, and we are always happy to pair up with them for events. st
Fraud Education for Seniors
On March 27, Detectives Warren and Salemi were at Riverside Recreation talking to seniors about fraud and scams, and how they can prevent themselves from becoming victims. It was a great discussion to have with them, telling them what to avoid and giving examples of how easily scammers can drain a bank account. We’d like to thank the staff at Riverside for inviting us out and help educate our seniors about scams and frauds that specificallytarget them!
Some stories are meant to be shared more than once.This one is about OfficerJonathan Lopez and Officer YashiraVelez taking care of a child who needed help.
It may bring tears to your eyes, but it is important to know how much we care about our kids, the students at the school, and their well-being. In January, Officer Lopez worked with OfficerVelez to secure a bicycle donation for a student in need at Jackson Heights Middle School. Together, they got with The Christmas Bike Program to find the perfect bike.
She has been walking to school every day, while her friends rode their bikes. Our officers wanted to make sure she was much safer by allowing her to ride instead of walk, and giving her a chance to ride with her friends.
Officer Velez also provided a helmet for her commute for safety, and when it was presented, she started bawling from gratitude and happiness.
It was a beautiful moment between this student and our officers, and we could not thank everyone enough for their kindness and consideration. She loves the bike and took it on a little spin before heading back to class. Theygave her a lock so she can keep it locked up when she's not using it!
When she was brought to the front office and saw all the officers, she thought she was in trouble! We hope she enjoys her bike every day!! ��♀����♂���� We would be remiss if we didn't thank SRO Pollard, Lt. Genao and Sgt. Brown for helping also!
