Baldwin Park Living June 2026

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

JUNE 2026

BALDWIN PARK LIVING

JUNE 2026

Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Brie Bernstel and Michael Lynch

ADVERTISING

Sales Associate Kassie Gustafson, kgustafson@orangeobserver.com

PRODUCTION

Graphic Designer — Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT

To

inquiries, call (407) 656-2121.

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Community Calendar

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND BUSINESS FAIR

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jun 5, at the Baldwin Park Village Center. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Baldwin Park with a business fair, giveaways, samples a live DJ and food trucks.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 POOL PARTY

Saturday, Jun 6 at High Park Pool. Guests will enjoy Kona Ice. Residents: Check your weekly newsletter for full details.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.

SAVE THE DATE

THURSDAY, JULY 2

BALDWIN PARK

INDEPENDENCE BASH

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at the Baldwin Park Village Center. Enjoy music and dancing; a beer garden; food trucks; balloon artists; photo ops; live performances; and, of course, a choreographed fireworks show over Lake Baldwin at 9:15 p.m. Presented by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee, this is a free-to-attend event.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, virtually. Meeting information also can be found on the Baldwin Park Network, along with the link to the meeting.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

JUNETEENTH

Association office is closed in observance.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

BALDWIN PARK LIVING 101 Wednesday, June 24. Get to know your neighborhood and clubs while enjoying complimentary refreshments. Check your weekly newsletter for full details, BaldwinParkNetwork. com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 25

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, virtually. Because of the current high volume of Residential ARC applications, the number of applications accepted is being capped at 25 per meeting. Once this number is reached, subsequent applications will be held for the next scheduled ARC meeting. The ARC meets twice a month. More information can be found in your weekly newsletter.

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Baldwin Park Village Center

MUSIC AND DANCING

BEER GARDEN

FOOD TRUCKS

Joint Committee TO ATTEND!

BALLOON ARTISTS

FACE PAINTERS

PHOTO OPS

LIVE PERFORMANCES & MORE

OVER LAKE BALDWIN AT 9:15!

#BEAUTIFULBALDWINPARK

Baldwin Park to celebrate its 25th anniversary

BRIE BERNSTEL MULTIMEDIA & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

For 25 years, Baldwin Park has stood as one of Orlando’s most vibrant and unique communities, blending rich military history with the energy of modern neighborhood living. Officially established in 2001 on the grounds of the former Orlando Naval Training Center, Baldwin Park was envisioned as a walkable, connected community built around parks, lakes, local businesses and gathering spaces that would bring people together. In recognition of the growth, in June 2020 Buddy Dyer signed an official proclamation declaring Baldwin Park Day, honoring the neighborhoods transformation, strong sense of community, and the residents, businesses and leaders who helped shape it into the thriving destination it is today.

From the bustling storefronts of the Village Center along New Broad Street to the neighborhood businesses tucked throughout the community, Baldwin Park has become home to an incredible mix of restaurants, boutiques, cafes, fitness studios, professional offices, salons, breweries and locally owned shops that help define the heart of the neighborhood. These businesses not only have served residents for decades but also have helped shape the walkable, community-driven atmosphere for which Baldwin Park is known today.

On June 5, the Baldwin Park Village Center will come alive as dozens of Baldwin Park-based businesses come together to be a part Baldwin Parks 25th Anniversary Celebration. As part of the event, a business fair will New Broad Street with food, music, shopping and the local spirit that has made Baldwin Park feel like

home for a quarter century.

The celebration officially kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and will transform the streets of Baldwin Park into a lively community block party and businesses fair designed for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy. Attendees are encouraged to stroll through the Village Center and down New Broad Street while enjoying live music, exploring dozens of local businesses and vendors, grabbing dinner from food trucks, and collecting exclusive discounts, giveaways, samples and freebies throughout the evening. From interactive booths to special promotions and family friendly activities, the event is meant to showcase the energy and community spirit that has made Baldwin Park such a special place over the last 25 years. Guests also should make sure to stop by the Baldwin Park-branded tent located near the flagpole during the event to pick up a complimentary drawstring bag — the perfect way to carry all the goodies, treats and surprises collected throughout the celebration.

As you explore the celebration, be sure to keep an eye out for the special Club 32814 logo displaced at participating business tents and point of sales. The logo signifies that the business is officially part of Club 32814, a brand-new initiative launched by the Baldwin Park Joint Committee to reward residents for shopping and supporting local businesses. Participating businesses offer exclusive deals, discounts, promotions, and specials perks available only to Baldwin Park residents who show proof of residency. The program was created to strengthen the connection between the community and its local business-

es while encouraging residents to discover everything Baldwin Park has to offer. Residents, check your weekly newsletter and social media platforms for regular updates, featured businesses and highlighted offerings.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration of Baldwin Park is more than just a community event; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people, businesses, history and neighborhood spirit that has made Baldwin Park such a special place to call home over the last quarter century. Whether you are a longtime resident, a new neighbor or someone visiting for the first time, the event promises an unforgettable evening with music, local shopping, delicious food and community connection.

Businesses interested in participating in this milestone celebration are encouraged to sign up by contacting Adam at Adam@timewebberevents.com for additional information and future vendor opportunities. If you would like to sign up to be apart of Club32814, email Brie at Mediacomm@BaldwinParkPOA. com. As the community continues to grow, residents should also keep their eyes peeled for the official Club 32814 logo beginning to appear at participating businesses throughout Baldwin Park, a symbol of shopping local and supporting the businesses that help make this community thrive.

Being the Light

Evangelist Mark Starner is the man behind the Prayer Stop on Lake Baldwin.

MICHAEL LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake” is a famous line from poet Wallace Stevens’ long poem, “Notes Toward a Supreme Fiction”.

It suggests truth is not fixed or absolute but rather something that shifts as we change our perspective, observe our surroundings and take time to reflect.

For longtime Baldwin Park resident Mark Starner, walkers around Lake Baldwin can chance encounter a sign inviting a Prayer Stop alongside a welcoming open chair that marks his very own per-

sonal devotional gathering place. Through his ministry DRINK414, inspired by John 4:14 (“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst”), Starner utilizes the lakeside setting to connect through faith and prayer with people from all walks of life. Based on Matthew 18:20 — “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” — praying together — even with a stranger — creates a powerful sense of unity, making the presence of God felt in a tangible way.

“We all need to be reminded that God sees us and cares about what we are going through” Starner says. “We need to be reminded that ‘The very hairs on

your head are all numbered’ (Matthew 10:30). The Drink414 prayer stop is there to remind people how much Jesus loves them.”

Informal, handwritten signs — often displaying simple, open-ended phrases, such as “Talk to me about Jesus” or “Ask me about God” — are growing in popularity as a modern grassroots evangelism tool. Instead of traditional street preaching, these approachable signs are designed to spark casual, low-pressure conversations in public spaces such as college campuses, parks and city streets.

Starner’s simple sign and open chair acts as a conversation-starter, drawing people in with a gentle, intriguing offer to address their specific needs through prayer. His method is simple — a meeting of two people characterized by informal conversations that serve as source of reflection and peace, drawing many who are seeking a deeper, more personal connection to Christ.

“The most important thing for me when I am sitting is to bring peace to the conversation,” Starner says. “I often have them drink these words of Jesus

in John 14:27 before we pray: ‘Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”

Starner’s goal in forming his DRINK414 ministry is to facilitate a two-way, friendly conversation rather than a one-way sermon.

“Raising and providing for five children, my wife of 30 years and I had many times where we struggled wondering, ‘Where is God?’” Starner says. “But Jesus never left us. The Bible reminds us, ‘I am with you always’ (Matthew 28:20).”

By using a simple sign, Starner shifts the dynamic from confrontational to welcoming. Instead of aggressively approaching strangers, he waits for curious individuals to voluntarily initiate the interaction. Through his faith, patience and personal life experiences, he empathizes with their struggles and shows them the genuine love and compassion of Jesus.

“As professed in John 7:37, ‘Let

anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink,’” he says.

Many of his prayer sessions are centered on individual testimonies and sharing personal stories, which resonates with — and is designed for — those on their own unique journeys of faith.

“Since July 16, 1994, Jesus has carried me through many times of doubts and uncertainty and delivered me from my personal battles with addiction,” Starner says. “Jesus can do the same for anyone.”

Mark usually sets up at sunset, after the day has cooled down and residents often walk Lake Baldwin to help transition from the professional day to the personal evening. His conversations about Christ are designed to provide a pause and a moment for calm reflection amid a hectic life.

“If you are walking around Lake Baldwin and have a moment, stop and sit,” Starner says. “Let’s talk and pray together. Let’s end the day drinking the words of Jesus — the most refreshing water on earth.”

PET OF THE MONTH

Meet Mixie! Mixie is a very sweet, affectionate and curious cat who has quickly become a little favorite at home. He loves observing everything around him, keeping us company, and bringing a lot of joy into our daily routine.

We want to meet your beautiful four-legged family members! Send in a pic of your pet for Pet of the Month, along with a brief description to Brie Bernstel, Mediacomm@BaldwinParkPOA.com.

‘No

one is left behind’

Tactical Brewing Running Club has become one of the best running clubs in the state,

MICHAEL LYNCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

One of the best examples of social and athletic groups fostering improvement and support among members are running clubs. Running clubs offer benefits such as increased motivation and help in sticking to routines while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. They also provide a built-in social circle and a way to meet like-minded people and foster new friendships.

Baldwin Park’s very own Tactical Brewing Running Club is proof that athletic clubs can serve as a catalyst for a shared supportive journey in fitness, friendship and personal growth.

Tactical Brewing Running

Club was the brainchild of George Champigny, in collaboration with Doug Meyer, of Baldwin Park’s Tactical Brewing Company. Formed in 2019, the club will be celebrating their seventh year anniversary in July 2026. A lifelong fitness enthusiast and a fan of brew pubs, Champigny saw Tactical Brewing Co.’s proximity to Lake Baldwin made perfect sense for a running club.

The club began with only a handful of runners and faced challenges in navigating the masking mandates and restrictions on even small outdoor gatherings enforced during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“It started off as an idea in late 2018, and once I found out that Tactical Brewing Co. was opening

in Baldwin Park, I pitched Doug the idea of a run club and social gathering,” Champigny says. “Seven years later, and we are now one of the most well-known run clubs in Central Florida.”

The club meets at 6 p.m. every Thursday — rain or shine — at the flagpole near the Baldwin Park fountain. The club runs the loop around Lake Baldwin, which is about 2.5 miles, but the course is stretched to 3.1 miles to represent a formal 5K. The club is open to all levels of participants, including runners, joggers and walkers, and is both kid and even dog friendly.

“The determination, grit and discipline of everyone’s participation is what I admire the most,” Champigny says.

The club is open to all ages, but the majority of runners are in the 24-65 age range. The motto of the club is “no one is left behind.”

Club members who have completed their run often support other runners with applause until they finish, where they are then congratulated with a high-five or fist bump. Most runners then retire to Tactical Brewing Company to socialize.

“Tactical Brewing Co. has been a great cooperative partner to say the least,” Champigny says. “And without a doubt, the best thing after a run is an ice-cold beer!”

The club is not only about getting in shape and improving performance. It also fosters genuine connections beyond just running, often leading to deep friendships and support networks. To encourage members to socialize outside of the weekly gatherings, Champigny organizes one non-run club event every month. Past activities have included club soccer games, outings to Top Golf and member group trips to Wekiva Island.

“Many of our club members are multi-sport athletes, and soccer is a common pastime,” he says. “One of the favorite non-run outings is going to Orlando City/ Pride games and drinking Tactical Base Lager beers, of course.”

Group runs and shared goals make it easier to get out the door and stay consistent. To keep things fun, the club coordinates an annual “Zombie Run” during the Halloween season with scare zones, face-painted runners and

capture-the-flag areas. The club also issues a commemorative challenge coin every year for its anniversary run which have become fun collectibles.

“Out of deep respect and admiration for Doug Meyer and his service as a U.S. Marine, we make a challenge coin each year for our club anniversary,” Champigny says with pride.

Mike Lee is veteran of 19 marathons and is looking forward to his first IRONMAN Triathlon. A

Tactical Brewing Running Club member for five years, he credits Champigny for being the foundation and backbone of the group.

“I had always been a fan of Tactical Brewing Co. since it opened in Baldwin Park, and as an avid runner, joining the Tactical Brewing Running Club was a no-brainer,” Lee says. “George is such an excellent organizer and goes the extra mile (no pun intended) to make sure every week members not only experience a great run-

ning club but a fun, enjoyable experience for all involved.”

Lee credits the club’s inclusive atmosphere in welcoming new members and low-pressure socializing in helping grow the club into a genuine, vibrant Baldwin Park running community with average Thursday night participants numbering 30-50 runners.

“Tactical Brewing Running Club has, at its core, a desire to help people achieve their goals and make new friends,” Lee says. “This is so crucial for building a supportive club where everyone feels welcome. Everyone, from beginners to seasoned runners, feels valued and accepted.”

For Champigny, goals for 2026 include increasing membership and the number of standalone events, with aspirations for a formal Tactical Brewing Running Club 5K by the end of the year.

“An ambitious goal is to have a Tactical Brewing Co. 5K race right here in Baldwin Park,” he says. “It will require a lot planning and logistics, but this club exemplifies perseverance, hard work and turning goals into reality.”

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Baldwin Park notebook

ROA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

BY STACEY FRYREAR

The following information is a glimpse of the ROA’s general updates for the month. A copy of the official April 28, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

n The board approved the amended Investment Policy Resolution and Resolution 2026-02 Approval of Account Opening with Fidelity.

n The board approved the disbandment of the Insurance and Finance Committees.

n The board approved appointing Mr. Schmiedehausen as the at-large member of the Townhome Service Area Committee.

n The board approved sponsoring the 2026 National Night Out by donating $2,500 and including

logistical support from the maintenance team, along with OT pay for the maintenance team’s assistance with setup and takedown during the event.

n The board approved the Crafters Club.

n The board approved the Late Bloomers & Young Sprouts Club.

n The board approved the use of the gathering rooms for the Baldwin Park Traffic Committee Meetings.

n The board approved painting the trash cans, benches, bike racks and sign posts in its Parks and Mews.

n The board approved replacing the window glazing beads at Grace Hopper Hall.

n The board approved replacing three elm trees at Grace Hopper.

n The board approved landscape replacements at Grace Hopper,

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Preparing in advance for hurricane season can determine not only how safely and comfortably you ride out the storm but also how easy it is to handle the days after the storm has passed.

The Baldwin Park Residential Owners Association, Commercial Owners Association and Joint Committee are responsible for the property owned by each association, including certain parks, facility centers, parking lots and landscaping. This is not an all-inclusive list.

As homeowners and business owners, you are responsible for your dwelling during a hurricane.

Here are some important steps:

BALDWIN PARK COMMERCIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION INC.

BY ERIN GILREATH

Here comes the heat and humidity! Cool off by stopping into one of Baldwin Park’s amazing dining and bar establishments for a cold drink.

THINGS TO KNOW

n Lighting. All the parking lots have been upgraded with LED lighting over the past several years. These LEDs are brighter than the original bulbs and exceed the standards of parking-lot lighting. A light out can be reported either via Baldwin Park Solutions, by emailing the property manager or by calling the office.

n Towing. All nine parking lots in the Village Center are privately owned by the Commercial Association. The owners have adopted rules and regulations for these parking lots. Any vehicle not following the rules is subject to towing at the owner’s expense. This includes out-of-date tags/stickers; inoperable vehicles; double parking; and abandoned vehicles.

n Make a plan. All residents should prepare for hurricane season by creating a family plan and disaster supply kit, securing personal property and having a place to go in the event of an evacuation. Learn more floridadisaster.org/hazards/ hurricanes.

The most important part of your hurricane plan is a Hurricane Kit that includes the basic life support you will need after a disaster. Prepare to be self-sufficient for at least three days to two weeks.

n Tune in. Listen to and follow public announcements through local media. OCFL ALERT is an alert system that allows Orange County Government to contact you during an emergency. Download to your phone here: bit.ly/4dDnzJI.

n Trash Talk. The dumpster in the commercial lots are for use of commercial tenants and apartment residents. Apartment residents are encouraged to throw their trash all the way down the chute on the side. Commercial tenants are not to use the trash chute for discarding trash. Rather, they are to go inside the enclosure and throw directly in the dumpster. Please do not leave trash bags in front of or around the dumpster; this attracts bugs and rodents.

n ARC. An architectural review is required for all exterior, and some interior changes, including roof replacement, painting, signs and landscaping changes. For the city to approve permits, the Commercial Owners Association must sign off on the project. For questions and application submission, please feel free to email Erin Gilreath at egilreath@baldwinparkpoa.com.

n Baldwin Park Solutions. Commercial owners, tenants and managers can submit work requests through our Baldwin Park Solutions system. It is located on the Baldwin Park Network.

TOWNHOME SERVICE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING

BY MELISSA PARKER

The following information is a glimpse of the business that the Townhome Service Area Committee addressed at the April 16, 2026, meeting. A complete copy of the official minutes can be obtained on the Community Network, BaldwinParkNetwork.com.

n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve the appointment of Marcus Schmiedehausen to the at-large committee seat.

n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve the United Land Services proposals for the Cambridge service area.

n The TSAC recommended to the ROA Board of Directors to approve allowing Wayne Automatic to complete the transition from the radio dialers to cellular dialers.

UPDATES

n Please remember to report any landscape, building or irrigation issues on Baldwin Park Solutions. Reporting items on Baldwin Park Solutions allows residents to share photos of the reported area(s) and receive real-time updates from management staff on corrective measures being taken. Baldwin Park Solutions can be accessed on the Baldwin Park Network. If you have experienced an issue with any of the roof replacement projects, please email Community Association Manager Melissa Parker directly for assistance.

n Live/Work Phase 2 Roof Replacement Project has been completed.

n Mattamy/City Homes No. 2 Roof Replacement Replacements, Phase 2, G&A Certified City Homes No. 2 project will be completed first prior to moving to the Mattamy project. Roofing work for City Homes No. 2 began May 14 at 1865-1895 Britlyn Alley following a brief weather-related delay. This phase includes roof replacements

HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TOWNHOME OWNERS

Who is responsible for maintaining townhome driveways?

The townhomes are fee-simple properties just like any single-family home — where the owner owns the townhome inside and out as well as the land on which it sits. There are specific maintenance items the association performs on the owner’s behalf, which are stated in Exhibit “G” (or Exhibit “H” for Live/Work townhomes) of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association. Unfortunately, driveways are not included as an Association responsibility. Anything not specifically stated under Exhibit G or H of the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions for Baldwin Park Homeowner’s Association is a homeowner responsibility. Driveways are a homeowner responsibility to repair and/or replace.

for three buildings. Roof replacements will also be completed at 1862-1898 Sipes Alley and 18641894 Prospect Ave. Residents within City Homes No. 2 are receiving project updates through Constant Contact notifications and notices posted on their front doors.

n DRS Inc. currently is providing annual preventative maintenance in the Issa 28 service area. Cambridge service area will be the next area to receive maintenance following the completion of Issa 28. Notices will be placed on the front doors of townhomes prior to maintenance beginning to inform residents of the upcoming service. You can find a copy of the 2026 maintenance schedule by visiting The Baldwin Park Network.

n United Land Services has replaced BrightView Landscaping and now provides lawn maintenance and landscape services throughout the townhome service areas. United Land Services has completed cutbacks of all landscaping affected by frost damage. Landscaping that does not recover following the cutback will be replaced as needed.

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