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Seminole County Logo with a photo of the Boombah Sports Complex at sunset, kids playing in the field

February 2025

Vol. 2 Issue 4

County News

Kid playing baseball at Boombah sports complex with Partner organization logos Greater orlando sports commission and Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association

Seminole County Commission Champions Tourism Improvement District

The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners has taken a major step to boost sports tourism by approving the establishment of the Seminole County Tourism Improvement District (TID). This initiative, backed by local hoteliers, will provide dedicated funding to enhance sports tourism infrastructure and attract premier events.


“This is a game-changer for Seminole County,” said Chairman Jay Zembower. “By investing in our sports tourism assets, we are creating jobs, driving economic growth, and strengthening our position as a top destination.”


More than 54% of eligible hotel rooms have supported the initiative, demonstrating strong industry backing.


“This is a tremendous step forward in strengthening our region’s ability to attract premier events and drive long-term economic growth,” said Jason Siegel, President & CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.


The Board will vote on whether to levy the $1.75 per room, per night assessment at its March 11 meeting. If approved, discussions on a potential indoor sports facility will begin this summer.


“The establishment of the Seminole County TID marks a pivotal moment of collaboration between County leadership, our sports tourism partners, and our local hoteliers,” said Robert Agrusa, President and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association. 


For more details, visit seminolecountyfl.gov.

Commissioner Zembower on Stage at the State of the County Delivering his speech

Watch This Year’s State of the County Address

On February 14, Seminole County Chairman Jay Zembower delivered the State of the County address at the Seminole County Chamber’s annual luncheon.


Seminole County saw many achievements in 2024, from the launch of the Seminole Forever land acquisition initiative, to the renewal of the fourth generation of the Penny Sales Tax, to the 50th anniversary of the Seminole County Fire Department, honoring half a century of dedicated service to our community.


In addition to highlighting recent successes, Chairman Zembower invited the County’s constitutional officers to join him on stage with updates on how they are better serving the community this year.


Watch the full program on YouTube.com/SeminoleCounty, or read about the past year’s accomplishments in the newest County Manager’s Annual Report.

Watch Now
image of multiple types of rechargeable batteries and lithium batteries, showing a set of lithium batteries on fire

Recycle Your Lithium-Ion and Rechargeable Batteries

The Seminole County Fire Department and Solid Waste Division remind residents to always keep safety first when operating, storing, and disposing of rechargeable and lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in laptops and other small electronics.


Proper disposal helps prevent life-threatening fires, as the batteries have an internal chemistry that can combust due to overheating or being crushed in a landfill or recycling facility.


Drop off lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries for free and safe disposal at the Central Transfer Station Household Hazardous Waste Tunnel, 1950 FL-419, Longwood, Monday–Saturday, 7:30 a.m–5:30 p.m.

Learn More

Loop Trail Opens at Sylvan Lake Park

The Seminole County Parks and Recreation Department cut the ribbon to the new loop trail at Sylvan Lake Park in Sanford, funded by the One Cent Infrastructure Sales Tax, or Penny Sales Tax.


 The 1.5-mile paved, ADA-accessible loop trail carves a new path through the park for pedestrians and cyclists. Three newly constructed boardwalks take users over sensitive wetlands.

PARKS AND REC: Loop Trail Opens at Sylvan Lake Park
Photo of veteran of the month --- with Board of County Commissioners

February Veteran of the Month

The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners proudly proclaimed United States Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kathryn Lee-Hunt as the February Veteran of the Month. She served from 1980 to 2000, including a deployment to Saudi Arabia where she supported Operation Desert Storm. She continues to serve the community as a staff advisor with United Assistance for Veterans, with a student veteran group at Seminole State College, and other roles.

4-H youth students serving veterans at their Volunteer Luncheon

4-H Youth Host Thank You Luncheon

Participants in the 4-H Youth Development Program hosted a Thank You Luncheon to recognize the support of volunteers and donors. Open to youth ages 5 to 18, the program offers experiences in public speaking, food and nutrition, gardening, leadership, and more.

Learn More

Around the County

Home & Food Preservation: Cheesemaking Class

Join Extension Services for a cheesemaking class! Attendees will learn the processes, equipment, and food safety needed to create their own charcuterie board filled with delicious homemade cheese.


Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, 250 W. County Home Rd., Sanford

Cost: $15

Register Now
Couple particicating in cheesemaking class with a bag a cheese cloth

The Birds & The Bees: Creating Backyard Habitats

Get the inside buzz on how to make your home and yard more nature-friendly by joining the North Branch for an educational session with science-based tips. Presented by Kristen Mattson, Ecologist and Director of the Gillespie Museum, Stetson University.


Tuesday, March 11, 3:30–4:30 p.m.

North Branch, 150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford

Learn More
Bees on a Bee House

Timeline of Women’s History

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a stop at the Museum of Seminole County History! Join living historians dressed in fashions of earlier times and witness the struggles of settlement, suffrage, warfare, civil rights, and more through the eyes and voices of the women of Seminole County.


School Day: Friday, March 14, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Public Day: Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Museum of Seminole County History, 300 Eslinger Way, Sanford

Learn More
Women dressed in Time period clothing
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Seminole County Government, 1101 East 1st Street, Sanford, Fl 32771, United States



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