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OVIEDO IN THE NEWS C II T C T Y Y O O F F O O V V II E E D D O O

SEPTEMBER 2026

It is with a very heavy heart that we report the passing of K9 Xander. Xander has been a loyal member of the Oviedo Police department, serving along side Officer Ashley Pierce for 9 years. He has been a staple at Lawton Chiles Middle School and had recently retired due to health issues. Xander’s personality helped children, teachers, and officers during his time and was always there for hugs, kisses and snuggles. He was a source of comfort for the kids who were struggling or having a hard time. Xander didn’t just walk up and sit. He walked up and FLOPPED. He had a love for all people and was a very special gentle giant. Xander was featured in pictures, on the news and in school photos. He was the most popular kid on campus! Xander passed away at home with Officer Pierce and surrounded by his family. He was cared for and shown the greatest amount of love in his last moments. We will miss this special guy who always lit up the room when he came through the doors. Please take a moment to think of this beautiful boy and all the joy he brought to everyone. Our thoughts are with Officer Pierce and her family and his extended family at Lawton Chiles Middle School.

What’s Inside What’s Inside City Council Events City Hall Public Works Projects Recreation Programs Public Safety For Your Health

COUNCIL COUNCIL MEETINGS MEETINGS

Regular Agenda Council Meetings:

September 21 - 6:30 p.m. - City Council Meeting - The FY 2026-27 Budget will be finalized October 5 - 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting

City Council Chambers Oviedo City Hall - 400 Alexandria Blvd., Oviedo

You can also view all public meetings live on the City's YouTube Channel!

Wildlife Whereabouts Recognition

At the September 10, 2026 City Council meeting, Ms. Karen Guin was recognized for her contributions to the "Wildlife Whereabouts" program. Ms. Guin has been an avid supporter and contributor to the program having shot photos of an eagle, alligator and shared an amazing video of otters playing at Solary Park. “Wildlife Whereabouts” was created as a citizen science initiative that encourages everyone to explore the outdoors and contribute to wildlife conservation. Citizens can use an online, interactive map to see not only what type of rare or endangered wildlife they could be viewing but also see more common species of local interest and where wildlife can be found. The city houses several bird species such as bald eagles, sandhill cranes and owls. In addition, other species such as otters, alligators, deer, snakes, turtles and many more are also part of the city’s ecosystem, along with valuable native plants that help the local wildlife thrive. The full list can be found here: cityofoviedo.net/wildlife The signs, now fully installed, give explorers information about local wildlife, as well as provides a QR code for anyone to scan and upload their wildlife pictures. This will also allow visitors to the parks to pin the locations where they see wildlife.

Wings

OF JOY

Oviedo, Fla. - The City of Oviedo and the Public Arts Board are proud to announce the completion of the ‘Wings of Joy’ installation in Solary Park. ‘Wings of Joy’ features five butterfly sculptures, thoughtfully placed in the park. The idea for ‘Wings of Joy’ originated in 2022, when the Public Arts Board proposed adding a sculpture project to Solary Park. Artist Diane Boswell, who had previously designed a project in Winter Park, presented her concept for the metal panels in June 2022. The panels display five unique butterfly designs. ‘Wings of Joy’ was conceived as a contemporary artistic interpretation of butterflies, aiming to immerse visitors in joy and happiness through interactive experiences for families and friends. The panels consist of high-definition photography printed on metal. “The Oviedo Public Arts Board is thrilled about the Wings of Joy installation,” said Public Arts Board Chair, Keith Koons. “This has come after many years because of the hard work of many people in the city. We hope that it will bring joy and inspiration to all Oviedo residents and visitors.” Complementing the sculptures, butterfly-friendly landscaping will soon be added to further enhance the park’s features. Over the past week, crews prepared the site for installation, including grading, drainage, and upcoming landscape modifications. The City encourages residents and visitors to interact with the display and capture photographs, creating lasting memories for all.

September 25-27 - Oktoberfest October 6 - National Night Out October 23 - Food Truck, Movie Night and Candy Crawl Bark and Brew - November 7

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November 14-15 Great Day in the Country Click the links above for more details!

EETINGS

Property Tax Referendum Discussion (Amendment 3) Session 1: September 16, 2026

Ses.sion 2: September 30, 2026

Session 3: Odober 13, 2026

Oviedo Cultural Center - 357 Center Lak& L -

Virtual

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6:JO p.m.

6:30 p.m.

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11 a.m .

The City of Oviedo will be hosting three information sessions regarding the Property Tax Referendum (Amendment 3) on the November 3rd ballot. City Leadership will be in attendance and will start with a short presentation about how the budget works, funds within the budget, and impacts should the amendment pass. There will also be a discussion about what the City’s options are for the FY 2027-28 am FY 2028-29 budget. After the presentation, residents can speak with representatives from each department answering questions about their divisions and assisting with information.

• The first information session will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Oviedo Cultural Center, 357 Center Lake Lane. • The second information session will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. and will be virtual. • The third information session will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Riverside Recreation Center, 1600 Lockwood Blvd. This is an opportunity to learn about the Amendment that could affect city services to our community.

Amendment 3 Information Page

❗Important Information ❗

Our Public Works crews were inspecting Sweetwater Creek this morning and came across at least three homemade bridges spanning from one side of the creek to the other. If you have built a bridge, it needs to come down immediately. As you can see in the image below, debris collects around and under the bridge, creating a dam effect that results in flooding and flood damage. Building a bridge is a direct violation of the NFIP/FEMA code and the City's Stormwater code. Public Works crews spent the morning removing the garbage and debris that collected in and around them. For the safety and integrity of the creek and properties around it, please do not rebuild or build a new bridge.

Programs and Activities FOR YOUTH, ADULTS AND SENIORS CLICK TO REGISTER FOR PROGRAMS ONLINE

Memberships Available for Residents and Non-Residents

Seniors Special Seniors Special Events Events Decluttering Your Mind and Space presented by Stephanie Turner from Home Instead Friday, September 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30 a.m. You can also subscribe to get notifications when new events are added to the calendar! CLICK HERE to register!

City of Oviedo

SOCCER 148 Oviedo Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765

Tuesdays 5:30p-6:30p October 13th-November 17th

Fees: Resident Member: $75 Resident Non-Member: $95 Non-Resident Member: $85 Non-Resident Non-Member: $105

For more information, call 407-971-5568

Registration open September 8th-October 5 ( or until full}

Ages3-5 THIS IS A PARENT-CHILD CLASS

Remembering 9/11 Oviedo Firefighters and Police Officers paid tribute to the victims of 9/11 in a salute at Mission BBQ. We appreciate everyone coming out and speaking with our first responders. We were joined by Seminole County Fire Rescue and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office for the remembrance ceremony.

In May 2026, A Shift Station 46 crews consisting of Battalion Chief David Barsky, Lieutenant Mike Radzak, and Firefighters Mike Stroh, Jason Strain, Alex Nichols, and Kevin Figueroa responded to a cardiac arrest patient in Winter Springs. Through the quick recognition and work of Winter Springs Police Officers on scene performing CPR and the work of Oviedo Fire crews, the patient was revived and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. Thank you for keeping our community Safe!!

OVIEDO PUBLIC SAFETY CADET PROGRAM The Public Safety Cadets program offers participants hands-on experience, leadership development, and the opportunity to serve the Oviedo community alongside our officers. The Police Cadet Program introduces young adults to the world of law enforcement through hands on training, classroom education, and mentorship

Download and fill out the application here: This form must be notarized

Enjoy Our Facilities For Your Health

Step Aerobics! Extreme Hip Hop Choreographed stepping patterns, including basic stepups, V-steps, and knee lifts, synchronized to an upbeat tempo. Join us at Riverside Recreation Center every Thursday and Saturday for a FREE class! Donations to the instructor are accepted Thursday 6pm and Saturday 10:30am

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