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Seminole County Logo with a photo of Lake Jesup Sunflowers

October 2025

Vol. 2 Issue 21

County News

SCOUT microtransit vehicles parked under a cypress tree

Scout Reaches First Ten Days of Full Service

Seminole County’s new on-demand public transportation service, Scout, is now in full operation. The October 15 launch also introduced the new Econ Zone, expanding service coverage and connecting more residents to schools, businesses, parks, and community destinations across Seminole County.


The official launch was celebrated by Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jay Zembower, who unveiled the new Econ Zone at the East Branch Library in Oviedo.


“Scout represents our commitment to improving mobility, sustainability, and accessibility for all Seminole County residents,” said Chairman Zembower. “We are delivering a smarter system that provides better service at a lower cost to taxpayers.”


Since the official launch, riders have already taken more than 3,120 trips, serving more than 3,600 passengers with an average of about 450 passengers per day. So far, the Monroe Zone has emerged as the most popular service area followed by Lake Mary, with residents using Scout to travel to shopping centers, SunRail stations and more.


Residents are encouraged to try Scout for themselves and experience a more convenient and flexible way to travel. Scout offers on-demand booking and direct connections to destinations like SunRail, schools, medical facilities, and shopping areas, making everyday trips easier and more efficient than traditional fixed-route service.


Download the Ride Freebee app to book your ride.

Learn More
Spectators watching a truck perform skills competition at landfill

Seminole County Hosts 2025 SWANA International Road-E-O

Seminole County hosted the 2025 SWANA International Road-E-O on October 11 at the Seminole County Landfill, bringing together top-tier talent from the solid waste industry for a day full of competitions and community fun.


The high-stakes event featured pre-qualified operators demonstrating their precision and skill by navigating heavy machinery—including roll-off trucks, dozers, rear loaders, and tractor trailers—through a challenging, timed, point-based obstacle course. 

Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jay Zembower welcomed guests to the event. Spectators of all ages turned out to support the competitors in a family-friendly atmosphere, getting a rare glimpse into the high level of training and accuracy required to keep solid waste operations running efficiently and safely.

Seminole County Hosts 2025 SWANA International Road-E-O
Utility worker inspecting the water treatment plant

Behind the Scenes: Seminole County Water Treatment Plant

Seminole County highlighted Imagine a Day Without Water on October 16 — a National Day of Action that reminds us how essential water is and why it’s so important to conserve and protect the limited resource.


Did you know Seminole County’s drinking water comes from the Floridan Aquifer? At Seminole County Utilities, wells reach 300–400 feet underground, pumping up about 3,500 gallons a minute for treatment.

The men and women of Seminole County Utilities work hard to deliver clean, reliable water to the community every day. On busy days, they process up to 22 million gallons for nearly 46,200 homes and businesses across unincorporated Seminole County, delivered through 650 miles of water mains.

Southeast Regional Water Treatment Plant | Seminole County Utilities

As we Imagine a Day Without Water, Seminole County Utilities customers are encouraged to do their part by conserving water and scheduling a free Irrigation Evaluation to ensure efficient outdoor watering.


The community can also take small steps like fixing leaks, following watering guidelines, shortening showers, and turning off the faucet to make a big difference in protecting our water resources. 

Learn More
parent and child on a crosswalk halloween night

Stay Alert This Halloween

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and with Halloween just a week away, Seminole County reminds everyone to stay alert and trick-or-treat safely. Shorter days mean reduced visibility, so drivers should slow down in neighborhoods and watch for trick-or-treaters.


Pedestrians are encouraged to wear bright or reflective clothing, use sidewalks when available, and cross streets at corners or crosswalks. Parents can remind children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Together, we can make our streets safer for everyone. Let’s ensure this Halloween is both fun and safe for all!

volunteers cleaning up the shoreline

SERV Lake Restoration Recap

The Seminole Education, Restoration & Volunteer (SERV) Program wrapped up its final lake restoration project of the year on October 18 at Lake of the Woods, where more than 40 volunteers replanted over 1,300 native plants along the shoreline.


Volunteers also removed 40 bags of invasive and encroaching vegetation and one bag of trash, contributing to a cleaner lake environment.


Throughout 2025, SERV held eight lake restoration events across Seminole County, all with the goal of preserving the waterways that make our community Florida’s Natural Choice.

More Events

Around the County

Spooky History of Seminole County

Dive into eerie secrets from Seminole County’s past with Museum of Seminole County History Coordinator, Bennett Lloyd, at the North Branch Library. Attendees will enjoy ghost stories and fun facts about the mysterious events that have happened across our County.


Tuesday, October 28 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.

North Branch Library

150 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford

Learn More
spooky moonlit dock with fog and spiderweb

Fall Foraging Hike

Enjoy an early morning hike with the Trails and Parks team learning how to identify seasonal, wild, edible plants, and mushrooms while strolling through diverse habitats in the Econ River Wilderness Area.


Saturday, November 1 | 8–10 a.m.

Econ River Wilderness Area

3795 Old Lockwood Road, Oviedo 

Register Now
hiker foraging for plants

Jam for the Holidays – Canning Class

Learn how to make delicious jams this holiday season! Join the Extension Services team to learn safe canning practices while learning how to make a scrumptious spread.


Wednesday, November 12 | 5:30–7 p.m.

UF/ IFAS Extension Seminole County

250 W. County Home Road, Sanford

Register Now
mason jar with jam inside and winter berries outside
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