NOVEMBER 2024  

Vol. 1 Issue 11

County News

Seminole County Celebrates Grand Opening of Economic Development Hub

Seminole County welcomed a new, one-of-a-kind resource for local businesses on October 30, as the Economic Development Hub officially opened its doors at the Seminole State College Heathrow campus. The Hub is designed to empower local businesses by connecting them with more than 15 key business support organizations in a single, easily accessible location.

Vice Chair Andria Herr of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners led the ceremony, highlighting the Hub’s pivotal role in fostering economic growth across the region. “Today’s opening marks a significant milestone in Seminole County’s commitment to supporting local businesses,” Commissioner Herr said. “The Hub will be a valuable space where entrepreneurs and business leaders can connect, innovate, and grow right here in their own community.”

During the event, County Commissioner Amy Lockhart, who sits on the Board of Trustees for Seminole State College, spoke on the partnership between the College and Seminole County, noting that the Hub’s location within the College’s economic development center positions it as a vibrant center of learning and business collaboration.

The Economic Development Hub offers a flexible, multi-use space for educational programs, networking events, expos, and hybrid seminars tailored to meet the evolving needs of Seminole County’s business community. This collaborative environment provides valuable resources, mentorship, and connections for businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises.

The grand opening of the Hub is just the beginning of Seminole County’s vision for a more accessible, business-friendly environment, solidifying the County’s commitment to building a vibrant local economy. The Hub is now open to the public, ready to welcome businesses seeking guidance, growth opportunities, and community support.

Seminole County Fire Department Celebrates 50 Years

During the month of October, the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking a half-century of dedicated service to the community. In 1974, SCFD's origins began with the consolidation of several volunteer fire departments, located in the unincorporated areas of Seminole County. Under the leadership of founding Fire Chief Gary Kaiser, the department originally had just 57 personnel with nine stations.

Over the years, SCFD has experienced significant growth and advancements. It has expanded its fleet of vehicles, opened new fire stations and a state-of-the-art training center, and implemented advanced life support services. The department has also played a crucial role in responding to major disasters. In 1998, SCFD led recovery efforts after tornadoes devastated parts of Seminole County. The Department also assisted with recovering from the destructive impacts from Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne in 2004. In addition, SCFD serves as one of the lead agencies on a statewide-wide deployment team - Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 4 - which provides search and rescue, medical support, communications, and damage assessment for all types of disasters.

County Celebrates Historic Announcement from FDEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced last month the completion of the Yarborough Ranch Florida Forever Project with the recent purchase of the 1,361-acre property. Located in southeastern Seminole County, this property links the Florida Wildlife Corridor to existing conservation lands, including the Little Big Econ State Forest.

The Yarborough Ranch is almost entirely within the Geneva Freshwater Lens, which provides drinking water for Seminole County residents. Conserving the property protects this unique and valuable hydrologic resource, safeguards the health and diversity of the regional ecosystem, and limits future development. It will be managed by the Florida Forest Service as part of the Little Big Econ State Forest, which is open during daylight hours for visitors to enjoy hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

“The preservation of the Yarborough Ranch property is a tremendous win for Seminole County, not only for its environmental benefits but for protecting a key piece of our local history,” said Commissioner Jay Zembower, Chairman of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. “The Yarborough family has deep roots in our community, having made significant contributions to the agricultural heritage of Florida. Ed and Imogene Yarborough were known for their leadership and commitment to teaching young people about agriculture, and their legacy continues to inspire many in our County.”

“By conserving the Yarborough Ranch, we are safeguarding critical water resources and maintaining habitat for a wide range of imperiled species, including the Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and bald eagle,” said Rick Durr, Director of the Seminole County Parks and Recreation Department.

Central Transfer Station Renovations

The Central Transfer Station is getting a much-needed upgrade. Crews will be resurfacing the tipping floor, the area where trucks unload (or “tip”) their waste so it can be inspected, sorted, and consolidated for transportation to its final destination, such as a landfill or recycling facility. The current tipping floor has been serving Seminole County for more than 30 years and requires a safer surface.

Work began Monday, October 21 and will last for approximately six weeks. During this time, the tipping floor will be closed to commercial trash haulers. Commercial recycling, residential drop-offs, and Household Hazardous Waste will remain open. There may be delays in your trash collection pickup times as trucks are diverted to the Landfill – please be patient during this temporary change in operations.

County Unveils Plans for Spring Hammock Preserve Improvements 

Funded by the Penny Sales Tax and Natural Lands-Trails Bond Fund, this project supports local green spaces. Learn more at www.seminolecountyfl.gov/penny.

Around the County

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Seminole County Government, 1101 East 1st Street, Sanford, Fl 32771, United States