March 2026

Vol. 3 Issue 5

County News

One Year Later: Markham Woods Road Tornado Response

March 10 marks one year since an EF-2 tornado struck the Markham Woods Road area of Longwood, damaging homes and disrupting the community. Unlike large-scale disasters such as hurricanes that often come with a declared state of emergency and FEMA assistance, tornadoes are typically isolated events that require local government to lead the response and recovery with its own personnel and resources. 

In the hours that followed, Seminole County moved quickly to begin recovery efforts. The Public Works Roads & Stormwater Division played a critical role in the response. County crews mobilized immediately and, over nine days, logged 2,253 staff hours clearing debris and restoring safe access to neighborhoods.  

In total, crews transported 488 loads of storm debris — equal to 7,324 cubic yards — from roadways and rights-of-way as residents worked to clear their yards of fallen trees and construction debris.

Watch the video recapping the response efforts and hear directly from neighbors who were helped along the way. 

Supporting Our Heroes: Veterans Stand Down 2026

The Seminole County Veterans Stand Down welcomed 60 local veterans for a day of connection, care, and community on Saturday, February 28. Seminole County Veterans Services and Community Health partnered with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH)–Seminole, along with more than 35 community agencies, to provide resources and support for our local heroes. 

Veterans received essential services including mental health support, housing resources, employment assistance, health care enrollment, and benefits counseling, along with medical and dental screenings. The event connected veterans directly with agencies and organizations that can provide ongoing support and access to critical services in Seminole County.

Together, the community came together to ensure those who serve our nation know they are not forgotten and never alone. 

Seminole County Honored for River Restoration Effort

Seminole County recently received the Excellence in Conservation and Countryside Award at the 2026 East Central Florida Diamond Awards for the Little Wekiva River Restoration Initiative. The honor was presented by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), with Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine and Vice Chair Amy Lockhart in attendance at the ceremony. 

The Little Wekiva River, part of the Outstanding Florida Springs system, has experienced decades of erosion and sediment buildup that affected water quality and increased flood risk. From 2020 to 2025, efforts to improve the waterway included excess sediment removal, bank stabilization, and floodplain improvements. 

This project shows what is possible when partners come together. Through restoration, habitat improvements, and nature-based solutions, this waterway is being restored to a healthier and more natural condition while reducing flood risk for nearby neighborhoods.  

Working in coordination with the St. Johns River Water Management District and in conjunction with other projects along the Little Wekiva River, this project is part of long-term watershed restoration efforts.  

Around the County

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