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December 2025 |
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Vol. 2 Issue 25 |
County News |
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Stay Connected with Scout |
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If you plan to ride Scout, now is the time to get fully set up in the Ride Freebee app—before LYNX service changes begin on January 11.
Riders are encouraged to download the Ride Freebee app, create their account, and apply for any available discounts on fares. Be sure to complete any required forms, upload your ID or eligibility documents if applicable, and confirm that your account is fully active and ready to use before you ride. Discounts are available for seniors, students, income eligible riders and individuals with disabilities.
As LYNX service changes take effect on January 11, several routes will remain in operation in Seminole County with updates designed to improve connections to the Altamonte Springs SunRail Station:
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436N – Realigned to connect Apopka SuperStop and Altamonte Springs SunRail
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436S – Extended to Altamonte Springs SunRail with schedule adjustments
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102 – Extended to Altamonte Springs SunRail with schedule adjustments
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23 – New endpoint at SR 436/SR 434 with weekday and Saturday schedule changes
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ACCESS LYNX – Continues for eligible riders
Having your Ride Freebee app fully set up now ensures a smooth transition and immediate access to Scout once these changes begin. |
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Seminole County Firefighters Welcome New Graduates |
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Following weeks of training and extensive preparation, the Seminole County Fire Department celebrated the graduation of 18 new recruits to probationary firefighters on December 12 at CrossLife Church in Oviedo.
More than half of the graduates are Seminole County natives. Many completed their EMT and Fire Standards coursework at Seminole State College, then spent nine weeks at the Seminole County Fire Training Center in Longwood.
Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley, who started at the department in 2001, served as the keynote speaker for the ceremony.
“Some things have never changed about the fire service: the job, and the effort you put in as a crew every day, speaks volumes about the kinship, respect, and trust you build with each other,” said Fire Chief Kinley.
This marks the department’s second graduation in 2025, following a class of 20 graduates earlier this year. Together, they join more than 550 firefighters serving Seminole County residents across 21 fire stations. |
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Spreading Holiday Joy, One Paw at a Time |
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Paws & Claus 2025 was Seminole County Animal Services’ biggest and most successful event to date. The event resulted in more than 20 adoptions, around 65 rabies vaccinations, and over 30 microchips, helping ensure a safer and happier season for our community’s animals.
Now a beloved holiday tradition, Paws & Claus brings families and pets together for photos with Santa, visits with local pet-friendly vendors, and a variety of food trucks.
As the new year approaches, Animal Services also debuted its first-ever 2026 calendar, featuring inspiring adoption success stories from the shelter. Every purchase directly supports the animals in the shelter’s care.
When purchasing online, you'll complete your order through the donation portal. In the notes section, please indicate “Calendar” and how many you’d like to purchase. Each calendar is $15. |
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Nominate a Veteran of the Month |
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Seminole County proudly honors the brave men and women who have served our country. Do you know a veteran who goes above and beyond in your community? Now’s your chance to recognize them as Veteran of the Month.
Share the story of a veteran who inspires you—whether it’s a spouse, family member, friend, or coworker. Let’s come together to celebrate our heroes and honor their dedication to both our country and our community. |
| How to Nominate |
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New Community Hub Opens at Seminole State College |
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CareerSource Central Florida opened its first Seminole County community hub at Seminole State College’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. The hub offers residents easy access to career coaching, training, and job opportunities.
Those interested can visit the Seminole State College Sanford/Lake Mary Campus community hub located at 100 Weldon Blvd., Building C, Room C103 in Sanford to meet with a career consultant. |
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Holiday Closures |
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Seminole County business offices and facilities, including libraries, Animal Services, the Museum of Seminole County History, UF/IFAS Extension Services and 4-H, Water and Sewer Customer Service, and the Household Hazardous Waste Tunnel, will be closed December 24–26 and January 1–2, 2026.
The Central Transfer Station and the County Landfill will both be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1, 2026.
There will be no curbside collection on Thursday, December 25, or Thursday, January 1, 2026. All other collection days will remain the same, and there will be no make-up days for either holiday.
Seminole County parks and trails will remain open but unsupervised, with limited courts and fields available at no charge. Parks will close at 5 p.m. on December 24, December 26, December 31, January 1, and January 2, and will be closed on Thursday, December 25.
Scout, Seminole County’s on-demand public transportation service, will not operate on December 25 and January 1. |
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Family Storytime and Winter Crafts |
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Families and kids are invited to enjoy a special story time, take on a scavenger hunt, and create a few wintry crafts. Attendees can also enjoy an indoor story-walk set-up in the library.
Monday, December 29, 2–3:30 p.m.
West Branch Library, 245 N. Hunt Club Blvd., Longwood |
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Winter Break Eco Camp |
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This winter break, kids ages 7–12 can join the Natural Lands Program to dive into camping fun. Attendees will enjoy hiking, setting live traps, fishing, handling animals in the Nature Centers, and several other eco-inspired activities during this 4-day camp!
December 29, 30, 31, and January 2, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Ed and Imogene Yarborough Nature Center, 3485 N. County Rd. 426, Geneva
Cost: $132 (extended day available 7:30–5:30 p.m. for $15/week/camper) |
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Knowledge on Tap: The Spy and the State: History of American Intelligence |
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Did you know the city of Sanford was named after Henry Sanford? Dive into the fascinating history of how the town’s founder played a role in American espionage and how Sanford’s intelligence work was critical during the U.S. Civil War.
Tuesday, January 13, 7–9 p.m.
Wops Hop’s Brewing Company, 419 S. Sanford Ave., Sanford |
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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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Check out our most recent Leisure Guide for more upcoming events
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