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DECEMBER 2024 |
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Vol. 1 Issue 14 |
County News |
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A Message from Chairman Jay Zembower |
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Dear Seminole County Residents and Business Community,
As we approach the holiday season and prepare to welcome 2025, I am deeply honored to serve once again as Chairman of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. Reflecting on the past year, I am proud of the progress we’ve made together, and I am eager to continue working on behalf of our residents to ensure Seminole County remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
In 2025, we will focus on enhancing our infrastructure, advancing economic development, and protecting the natural resources that make our County unique. Together, we will continue building a stronger, more vibrant Seminole County while maintaining the high standards of service our community deserves.
During this festive season, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. May this season bring you peace, happiness, and cherished memories with family and friends.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. I look forward to serving you in the year ahead as we achieve great things for Seminole County.
Sincerely,
Jay Zembower
Chairman, Seminole County Board of County Commissioners |
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Paws & Claus Brings Hope and Homes to Seminole County Animals |
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Seminole County Animal Services hosted its second annual Paws & Claus event on December 7, bringing together the community to support shelter pets and provide them with a chance at a better life. With the shelter currently at maximum capacity, events like Paws & Claus play a critical role in connecting animals with loving families while raising awareness about the importance of adoption.
The event featured over 50 vendors, rescue organizations, and food trucks, creating an opportunity for visitors to learn about local animal services, shop for pet-friendly products, and enjoy a festive day out. Over 220 families participated in the popular photo session with Santa, capturing holiday memories with their pets.
Adoption success stories were the true highlight of the day. Fourteen pets found new homes on-site, while another 10 adoptions occurred later at the shelter. Rescue partners, who also participated in the event, are still finalizing additional adoptions. For every animal adopted, space was freed up in the shelter, alleviating overcrowding and giving more animals a chance to find their forever homes.
“Our shelter is extremely full right now, and every adoption helps ease that pressure,” said Steven Lerner, Interim Director of Seminole County Animal Services. “We’re grateful for the community’s support in making this event a success.”
Paws & Claus also served as a reminder of the joy and companionship that adoption can bring. Attendees shared touching stories, like a first-time volunteer who not only helped with the event but also met and adopted her new pet. |
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Seminole County Animal Services extends heartfelt thanks to all the vendors, partners, and community members who participated. Events like Paws & Claus make a tangible difference in the lives of Seminole County’s animals, one adoption at a time. |
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Seminole Forever: Protecting Land, Preserving Legacy |
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Seminole County proudly unveiled this week the Seminole Forever Land Acquisition Program, a visionary initiative to protect the County's natural beauty and ensure a lasting legacy of environmental conservation.
Through Seminole Forever, the County is dedicated to purchasing lands to protect natural communities, including wetlands and forestlands, while expanding green spaces in both rural and urban areas. These lands could include passive recreation amenities such as pavilions, restrooms, and playgrounds. |
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Applications for property consideration are now open to landowners, government entities, conservation groups, and corporations. By safeguarding vulnerable lands, Seminole County reinforces its commitment to a sustainable future, making it Florida’s Natural Choice for generations to come. |
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Toy Drive |
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Seminole County would like to thank the community for their gracious support in making this year’s toy drive collection a success for the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office! The County was able to donate hundreds of toys, items brought to either Seminole County Fire Departments or one of the Seminole County libraries, to help brighten this holiday season for children in foster care or have experienced abuse. |
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December Veteran of the Month |
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The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Kathy Corraliza as the December Veteran of the Month. Cadet Corraliza entered the Air Force Academy in 1999, studying Foreign Area Studies and later separated due to a training accident. From 2005 to 2010, she worked as a theater logistics support contractor, providing direct support for the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom for the U.S. Army. She continues to support the local community through serving as Junior Vice Commander with the Disabled American Veterans Seminole Chapter 30 and conducting outreach to other local veterans in collaboration with the Seminole County Veteran Services Office. |
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Seminole County business offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Offices will reopen on Thursday, December 26, and Thursday, January 2, with regular hours.
Curbside trash collection for unincorporated Seminole County customers will NOT take place on Wednesday, December 25, or Wednesday, January 1. Service will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day. |
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Winter Break Eco Camp |
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This holiday season, children ages 7-12 are invited to join a fun-filled camp at the Ed and Imogene Yarborough Nature Center. Campers will enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, setting live traps, animal handling, arts and crafts, and more. Please note that the camp will be closed on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1.
Monday, December 30– Friday, January 3, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cost: $132
Extended day available, 7:30–5:30 p.m., $15 per camper |
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First Fridays with Florida Detector |
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UF/IFAS Extension Services hosts a monthly ZOOM meeting on the first Friday to educate attendees about Florida's invasive species. The session on January 3 will focus on invasive caterpillars affecting vegetables. Professionals with pesticide applicator licenses can earn CEUs by participating.
Friday, January 3, 12–1 p.m.
Location: Online |
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Outdoors/ Indoors Day Off at the Library
(K-5 children and families) |
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Grab some chalk and decorate the sidewalk space outside the library for this morning program. Return in the afternoon to watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with hot cocoa.
Monday, December 23, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Northwest Branch, 580 Green Way Blvd., Lake Mary |
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Stay connected with us online |
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Seminole County Government, 1101 East 1st Street, Sanford, Fl 32771, United States |
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