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Seminole County Logo with a photo of a monarch butterfly and pink flowers

May 2026

Vol. 3 Issue 11

County News

overhead shot of scattered items from a disaster supply kit

Seminole County Prepares for 2026 Hurricane Season

Hurricane season begins June 1, and Seminole County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to prepare now by making a plan, building a disaster supply kit and staying informed throughout the season. 


Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Seminole, the County’s emergency notification system, which provides real-time updates on severe weather, evacuations, boil water notices, road closures and other emergency events. Alerts are sent directly via text or email. Residents can register at alertseminole.org or by texting SEMINOLE to 888-777. 


Volunteers are always needed before and after emergencies. Seminole County urges all volunteers to join a voluntary organization to provide support. Those interested in volunteering can gain knowledge from organization professionals at the upcoming Hurricane Action Day. This event will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 2255 Lake Emma Road in Lake Mary, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees will learn essential readiness skills, see emergency preparedness demonstrations, meet local volunteer groups, and receive advice on creating a disaster supply kit.

Register Here
graphic of red and orange bags of fertilizer with labels: no nitrogen and no phosphorus

Take a Rain Check on Fertilizer

Summer rain can quickly wash fertilizer and other pollutants from yards into Seminole County waterways. 


To help protect local lakes and rivers during Florida's rainy season, Seminole County's summer fertilizer restrictions begin June 1 and continue through Sept. 30. During this time, residents should avoid using fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus on lawns. Heavy rain can wash those nutrients into storm drains, lakes and rivers, which can lead to algae growth and poor water quality. 


Outside of the summer months, residents should also check fertilizer labels to make sure products contain at least 65% slow-release nitrogen, which is required in Seminole County.  


Learn more about responsible lawn care and local fertilizer requirements at www.FertilizeFlorida.com

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Members of the Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club and Seminole County staff gather beneath the newly constructed arbor at the West Branch Library garden sanctuary.

Growing Garden at West Branch Library Gets New Centerpiece

The West Branch Library’s garden sanctuary continues to grow as a symbol of community partnership, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood pride.


Library staff, members of the Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club, and Seminole County Parks & Recreation employees recently gathered outside the library to celebrate the collaboration that transformed the space into a welcoming landscape filled with native plants and butterflies.


The Sweetwater Oaks Garden Club began work on the garden in January 2025, helping create a striking entrance for the library and a peaceful outdoor setting for visitors. Recently constructed by Seminole County Parks & Recreation staff, a decorative arbor now serves as the centerpiece of the garden.


Fondly described as part sculpture, part design feature, and part landscaping element, the arbor adds height and visual interest to the thriving outdoor space. The club also secured a $500 grant through its state organization to help offset construction costs for the arbor.


group of 11 people at a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of a mural

Sanford Unveils Student Mural

The City of Sanford recently celebrated a new student mural created by the Seminole State College Art Club in partnership with the City’s Public Art Commission. The mural faces the County’s recently constructed Safety Lane roadway, which was built by Seminole County Public Works to connect to the 5-Points complex.  


Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Amy Lockhart joined City officials to celebrate the mural, which highlights successful collaboration between students, artists, local government, and community partners to enhance public spaces through art. 

Learn More
woman holding drink and petting cat next to stack of library books

Seminole County Cat Café Success

Seminole County Animal Services partnered with the Seminole County Library Saturday, May 16, to host its first-ever Cat Café event at the Central Branch Library. 


More than 90 attendees enjoyed cat-themed crafts, educational activities, and time with adoptable cats in a cozy cat lounge setting. The event was a success, with two cats finding their forever homes. 

Learn More

Around the County

Myrtle Lake Restoration  

The Seminole County Lake Management Program and SERV Program are inviting the community to help plant shoreline vegetation at Myrtle Lake to support wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Service hours are available for students. 


Saturday, June 6 | 9–11 a.m. 

Myrtle Lake, Longwood

Register Now
2 women wading in lake holding shovels above their heads

Teen Cosplay Workshop: Helmetcraft 

Teens ages 13+ are invited to learn the art of cosplay armor-making with a hands-on EVA foam helmet workshop. Participants will create a realistic cosplay helmet while building skills for conventions, costumes, and the end-of-summer Teen Costume Party & Fandom Trivia Night. 


Saturday, June 6 | 1:30–4 p.m.

North Branch Library | 150 N Palmetto Ave., Sanford 


Register Now
metallic gold and silver foam cosplay helmet

Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest 2026 

Fire up your tongs and get ready for the 4-H Tailgating Contest—where grilling meets great life skills! Youth ages 11-18 will learn grilling basics, food preparation, seasoning, presentation, and more while building confidence, teamwork, and cooking skills. 


Friday, June 19 | 9–11:30 a.m. (Basics) & 12:30–3 p.m. (Advanced)

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

Register Now
4-H youth holding bucket of food next to grilll
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Seminole County Government, 1101 East 1st Street, Sanford, Fl 32771, United States


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