Kathy Till Apopka City Commissioner Seat 3

Current Press

Good news dog lovers! The City of Apopka has now opened its brand new dog park, named “Doctors Park”. It’s located at 21 North Highland Avenue just behind Edward’s Field and Kit Land Nelson Park. The hours are: 8:00 am to dusk, Sunday through Saturday. This is a great opportunity for you and your K-9 companions to get lots of exercise and meet new friends!

However, with the use of the park comes responsibility as a pet owner. So please take a moment to read through the following tips for park visitors provided in part by Dr. Edward Dworkin, DVM.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE:

Before using the park, contact your veterinarian and make sure your dog is current for vaccinations for Rabies, Distemper, Parvo and Kennel Cough viruses. If not, have them vaccinated ASAP before using the park.
Puppies should be at least 16 weeks of age before allowing them to use the park.
Parasites such as Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, Tapeworms, Giardia and Coccidia can harm your pet, or worse…can be deadly if left untreated. Have your pet’s feces checked every 60 days if you use the park regularly.
THESE PARASITES CAN BE HARMFUL TO HUMANS AS WELL, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that can easily be controlled by the proper uses of monthly applications of topical products. Purchase these products from your veterinarian to insure the best protection.

GET TO KNOW YOUR PET:

Monitor your pet’s feces for blood, mucus and diarrhea. If these systems appear, make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately s this may be a sign of an internal parasite.
Check your pet for vomiting and weakness as this may be a sign of a severe infestation of internal parasites.
Excessive scratching or “digging” with the teeth may be a sign of a skin disorder or fleas. Seek treatment from your veterinarian if these symptoms occur.

TREATMENT OPTIONS IF YOUR PET BECOMES ILL:

Treatment for viral diseases and parasites should be left to a professional.
Whether your pet falls ill as a result of using the park or not, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Home remedies often delay proper care and time is of the essence to successfully treat illnesses.
Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or ask a trusted friend and pet owner for the name of a veterinarian in your area.
Before choosing a veterinarian, visit their office and ask for a tour of their facilities. Also ask for referrals.

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR PET:

Keep your pet on a leash when not confined to the park.
Stay close to your pet in case you have to break up a fight.
Be careful when breaking up a fight, you may become a victim as well
Keep your cell phone with you while at the park in case of an emergency.
If your female dog is in heat, do not use the park for at least two weeks after the bleeding stops. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies and avoid aggressive behavior towards your dog.
If you see a dog that is aggressive, ask the owner to put the dog on a leash, put it in a time out pen, or take your pet home if you feel you or your pet are at risk.

LET’S KEEP DOCTORS PARK CLEAN FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!

It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet to prevent the transmission of disease to other dogs and their owners. Supplies are provided for proper clean up and disposal of waste.
If you see someone who is not cleaning up after their pet, please encourage them to do so.
If you bring toys for your pet, be sure to take them with you when you leave the park and wash them thoroughly before allowing your pet to play with them again.
We monitor our park on a daily basis to make sure it is ALWAYS safe and fun for everyone, however if you discover a problem, please contact the City of Apopka at: 407-703-1703.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS???

Do you have suggestions, safety tips or questions? Be sure to let me know via email at: kathyspud@aol.com and we’ll publish them in upcoming issues. If you have questions about your pets, contact Dr. Edward Dworkin, DVM at dworkvet@aol.com. He’s ready to answer your questions, so don’t be afraid to ask!

Doctors Park is a great addition to our community. So let’s all do our part to make sure it’s a fun, safe place for friends and neighbors (both human and K-9!!) to come together. See you at the park!

Kathy Till
Apopka City Commissioner

Have you recently moved to the City of Apopka?
Are you looking for information about your community?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the newly revised “City of Apopka Welcome Home” booklet is for you! This information packed booklet tells you everything you need to know to get connected and stay connected within your community.

Some of the information you’ll find is:

Council Actions such as:

Resolutions
Ordinances
Motions

City Telephone Directory
Information about Citizen Advisory Boards:

Planning Advisory Board
Land Development Review Board
Redevelopment Advisory Board

Detailed information about city departments and the services they provide
Contact information for area schools, churches and hospitals

To receive a copy, please stop by City Hall, Administrative Services Department and request a copy, OR contact Commissioner Kathy Till by phone at: 407-484-3597 or via email at: kathyspud@aol.com. She will personally deliver the booklet to your home or office at your convenience!

THE CITY IS READY...ARE YOU???

Since we are in the midst of another hurricane season, it’s important for our citizens to know that they can rest assured that your city is prepared!

The City of Apopka has a commitment for the safety of its citizens. Their safety and security depends on the continuation of government services during and following an emergency or disaster. We’re dedicated to ensure that community preparedness is encouraged, municipal responsiveness is assured, and post-incident recovery is achieved in the event of a community-wide emergency.

Flexibility and improvisation are the key elements to success. The City’s Emergency Operations Plan has been designed as a guideline for City Officials to use to provide for the safety and welfare of the citizens of Apopka.

Level I - Monitoring Activation – is continuously implemented. This level includes those preparations that are undertaken for hazard mitigation including, but not limited to, construction and drainage projects, public awareness and education, personnel training, relationship building among outside agencies, ordinance revisions, and maintenance of the CEMP.

Level II – Public Safety Activation – may be implemented by the Mayor, The City Emergency Manager, or designee. Activation is normally utilized for a specific, immediate event that may impact the community where public safety efforts are primarily needed. If the preparation is for an impending event, this time is utilized to prepare municipal buildings and emergency services equipment, as well as, notify emergency services personnel.

Level III – Full City Activation – may be implemented by the Mayor, the City’s Emergency Manager or designee in preparation for a major event. Under declaration of Level III, all departments and divisions within the City are required to prepare for the expected disaster. The City Administrative Command Structure shall reflect the City Emergency Manager as the final authority before the Mayor to prepare for and conduct administrative review in the event of an actual or impending disaster.

Level IV – Completion of Preventive Emergency Actions - may be implemented by the Mayor, the City’s Emergency Manager or designee in preparation for a major event. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be staffed by the Policy Group, the Emergency Manager, the Operational group and the Finance representative when the City is under a Level IV activation 24 hours a day.

Level V – Catastrophic Activation – Under this level, the disaster or major incident is under-way or at post disaster-recovery status. The EOC is fully staffed and may include representation from the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) and FEMA assistance.

The emergency plan establishes the concept under which Apopka will operate in response to natural and technological disasters by:

Establishing fundamental policies, program strategies and assumptions.

Establishing a concept of operations.

Defining the responsibilities of elected and appointed local government officials.
Defining the emergency roles and functions of Apopka, the Orange County Government, private industries, and volunteer and civic organizations.

Creating a framework through the Emergency Support Function (ESF) concept for effective and coordinated utilization of other community’s resources.

The roles of the Mayor, Municipal Emergency Manager, Executive Group and Support Staff are clearly defined in explicit detail so that each department and individual knows their role in responding to any emergency to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

Acknowledgements:
Information contained in this article was provided by: Richard Anderson, Chief Administrative
Officer City of Apopka. I would like to sincerely thank him for his contribution and assistance.

In a recent survey conducted by the Youth Advisory Board Development Committee at Piedmont Lakes Middle School, the 8th grade students were asked about what they disliked in our city. Over 50% of the students expressed concern with the trash and debris littering our streets and neighborhoods.

Well…they city was listening and is ready to give them and all members of our community a chance to do something about it!! On Wednesday, March 21, 2007 the City of Apopka introduced the “Adopt-A-Road” Program.

“Adopt-A-Road” is a volunteer liter control program sponsored by the City of Apopka. It will allow citizens to enhance the level of community pride in their surrounding area by reducing litter. Participants agree to pick up trash and litter in the right-of-way or median along roads they adopt, as often as necessary to keep the area clean.

If you’re not sure where to begin, come out and join us on Saturday, April 7, 2007 for Operation Clean Sweep Saturday from 9:30-11:30 am. We’ll be working on Monroe Street from McGee to SR 436. All supplies and refreshments will be provided.

“Adopt-A-Road” is built on the concept that volunteers at the local level, helping to keep their roads cleaner, will build more community pride. This in turn will contribute to a safer city and retention of property values.

THERE IS NO COST to citizens to participate in this program. All materials and supplies are provided by the City of Apopka. And because active participants deserve to be recognized, “Adopt-A-Road” signs including the organization’s name will be installed at each end of the adopted sections.

This is an EXCELLENT opportunity for neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, school clubs, civic groups, environmental groups, commercial or private enterprise and concerned citizens to take an active role in their community. Businesses can also get involved by sponsoring a group!

Just imagine, if every citizen in the City of Apopka stopped and picked up 1 piece of trash everyday for 7days, we would eliminate 260,771 pieces of debris in ONLY one week! So NOW is the time for EVERYONE to get involved and help keep Apopka beautiful!!

For more details and to receive an information packet, application and guidelines for “Adopt-A-Road”, contact the City of Apopka at 407-703-1703 during normal business hours.

In the recent Annual Apopka Update luncheon hosted by the Orlando Business Journal, panelists shared their thoughts about Apopka’s future challenges and opportunities.

It goes without saying that the completion of the John Land Apopka Expressway will present tremendous advantages and opportunities for our city. First of all, the dynamics of the current traffic patterns through Apopka will change. Commuters traveling to/from work will take advantage of the Expressway to avoid the congestion. This may or may not reduce downtown traffic, but it will certainly provide easier local access to residents in our community. Travelers on our local roads will consist primarily of residents or destination drivers, traveling to/from local businesses.

The Expressway will also make Apopka more easily accessible to the rest of Central Florida, fostering economic development through business and residential development. Such development, along with a growing population, means an increased demand for our water supply. But this challenge is not unique to Apopka. Cities and counties across the state are studying ways to supply water for the growing demands of their communities. Apopka has a distinct advantage, however, because we have an excellent water reclamation program already in use by our residents. We are working with the St. Johns River Water Management District to expand this program, while continuing to study alternative water supply projects.

So how do we meet these challenges and also keep the “small town” feel Apopka is well known for, as all of this growth comes our way? First of all, the new pedestrian-friendly downtown soon to be developed will certainly create an atmosphere that will bring families and neighbors together for shopping, dining and entertainment. With that in mind, we are listening very carefully to what our residents want and need in this new development.

We will also continue to hold the Apopka Fair, the Apopka Art & Foliage Festival, our annual Christmas parade and many more events that encourage community-wide participation. And we are continuing to expand our park facilities, which will help to bring residents together. For example, as the City works to complete the expansion of the Northwest Recreation Facility, we’re also gearing up to open a new public dog park on Highland Ave. There is a real buzz of excitement already growing about this new park!

Of course, with our many opportunities also come many challenges. As community leaders and government officials work together, we must continue to recognize what is driving the growth in our city. By understanding growth, we can plan for and manage it, allowing us to provide the right mix of commercial and residential development, as well as to plan for the infrastructure necessary to meet the demands of our growing community.

Responding to the requests of our citizens, the City of Apopka will soon be opening a dog park right here in our community! It is in the final phases of planning. The park will be located at 21 N. Highland, and will consist of approximately 5.2 acres of land.

We all know that dog parks are great for dogs. But are the great for people as well? Absolutely! In this respect, pets are like children. They bring people together! Just like our children, pet owners love to talk about their furry companions. They make us smile and love us unconditionally. And don’t we all love to share stories about how smart our pets are!! I’m the proud owner of two beautiful dogs, Smokey and Pickles. They are very different in appearance and personality. Yet it always amazes me how people of all ages will stop me to admire either one or the other.

Apart from exercise, walking my dogs is one way I meet my neighbors. And won’t it be wonderful when the new park opens and we not only have fun with our dogs and get some exercise, but meet “our neighbors throughout the community” as well!!

Parks and pets are the perfect combination. They help us get to know each other and learn what we have in common. They make friends out of strangers, and they give us a reason (sometimes by force!) to get outside and be social. So perhaps we will come to know our new dog park as the “Pets and People Park”! It’s another way we’ll keep that sense of “community” alive and well in Apopka.

Smokey, Pickles and I will see you soon in the park!

A huge “thank you” to Ronald Smith of Rock Springs Ridge and his family, for helping to make the first “Clean Sweep Saturday” on January 6, 2007 a success! We began at the corner of McGee St. and Monroe St., and moved east on Monroe to the entrance of the Apopka Square shopping plaza. When we were finished 29 bags of trash had been collected!

The volunteers worked very hard, leaving “no stone unturned” to help clean up our community. The goal of this project is to encourage ALL citizens to respect our city and our environment and work together to keep our streets clean.

“Clean Sweep Saturday” will take place the first Saturday of each month starting at 9:30 am. In February, we will be working at the corner of Old Dixie Highway and Errol Parkway, moving east down Old Dixie Highway towards Apopka Elementary School.

If you would like to join us, please send an email to: kathyspud@aol.com, contact me via phone at: 407-484-3597, or show up on Saturday, February 3, 2007 at 9:30 am. ALL are welcome to participate. Children under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult. All supplies will be provided along with some light refreshments.

If you made a New Year’s Resolution to get in shape…this is the perfect way to get started!! So come join us on February 3rd and together…we CAN make a difference in our community!

The youth of our community may soon be getting their own “voice”, if a group of students from Apopka High School get their way! This dynamic committee is working hard to lay the groundwork for a Youth Advisory Council in the City of Apopka. They meet every two weeks to discuss ideas, create a mission statement, determine the structure of the advisory council, and decide its primary goals and objectives. They are talking about what role the council will play within our city, such as planners, change agents, organizers, advisers, policy-makers, advocates or citizens. They are surveying their fellow students to determine what the important issues are for the city’s youth, and how they can have affect a positive change.

So why is a Youth Advisory Council so important for Apopka?

Engaging youth in government and the civic life of our community will truly increase the social capital of our city. It also provides a previously untapped resource of volunteers and increases leadership skills and social effacy of the youth population.

A youth initiative creates a positive outlet for our young people and gives them a sense of ownership in their community. And anyone who feels they have ownership in their city will take pride in keeping it an excellent place to live and work.

Young people have many wonderful, unique ideas and see our city from a different perspective than adults. By giving them meaningful opportunities to be to express these ideas, we can begin to understand how and what they think about our community and learn about their ideas for change.

Our youth will learn about the government process, and will come to understand and respect the many facets involved in implementing new projects and providing services to our citizens.

There’s no better way for our civic and government leaders to learn about what the youth in our community want or need than by providing a venue for them to talk with their peers. Many times, they are much more likely to be open and honest with each other.

But most importantly, a Youth Advisory Council is needed so that our young people can be heard. They deserve our attention, support and respect. And if given these things, they will offer them in return.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this project, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or phone. I look forward to hearing from you, and so do our youth!

With the New Year upon us, NOW is the time to make the commitment to get involved in your community. With so many non-profit organizations and community-wide events, there’s something for everyone!

If you’d like to be a part of the “bigger picture”…your chance is coming soon! The Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce will begin a “Visioning Process” in January that will give our community a look into the crystal ball of our future and help us decide where we’re going and how we’re going to get there. This process will take several months to complete and require a significant amount of input and involvement from our citizens to make it an effective tool for mapping our future. The end result will be an in-depth look at the most important objectives of our community are over the next 20 years.

There are several categories in this Process, including (but not limited to):

* Economic Development
* Healthcare
* Education
* Community
* Recreation & Entertainment
* Agriculture
* Governance
* Environment
* Housing
* Transportation

For more information on the Visioning Process, contact Alan Byrd, President Elect for the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Economic Development Committee at: alan.byrd@mccree.com

If you’re more “hands on”, then why not join us the first Saturday of every month for “Clean Sweep Saturday”! This on-going citywide cleanup project started with “Operation Clean Sweep” back in October. There was such a tremendous response at that event that we’re going to keep the community pride going strong throughout the New Year! We’ll begin on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 9:30 am. Crews will be working along Monroe Street, starting at the corner of Edgewood and Monroe and moving east towards 436 (behind Pizza Hut).

Or check out one of the local non-profit organizations, athletic programs, or local clubs. All are in need of volunteers and new members, and with such a variety of programs, there’s something for everyone!

For further information on any of these events or organizations, please visit my web site starting in February at: kathytillforapopka.com or contact me via email at kathyspud@aol.com

I look forward to seeing you around the community!!

As we begin another year, I would like to put forth a challenge to the citizens of our community. I would challenge each of you to keep alive the community spirit demonstrated at our recent citywide clean up project, “Operation Clean Sweep”. This was truly a day filled with community pride. Nearly 400 volunteers spread out throughout our community and picked up trash along our streets and roadways! The volunteers were excited, and more importantly, willing to work very hard to help keep our city clean.

So as we move forward in 2007, let’s continue that excitement as we begin “Clean Sweep Saturday”. The first Saturday of every month will be dedicated to picking up trash in a designated area of our city.

We’ll begin on January 6, 2007 working along Monroe Street, starting at Edgewood and moving East. If you would like to join us, grab your gloves and trash bags and meet us there starting at 9:30 am. All are welcome, no matter how much time you have to give.
(Children under the age of 16 are welcome with adult supervision)

I would also encourage everyone to look around our city, and if you see a specific area that is in need of cleanup, please let me know! We can add it to the list for a Clean Sweep Saturday, OR get a group of friends and neighbors together and adopt an area to keep clean!!

All ideas are welcome about how we can expand this program beyond just trash collection, so let’s “think outside the box” and all do our part to KEEP APOPKA BEAUTIFUL!!

On Wednesday, June 7, 2006 the City Council and City Staff came together for a special work session to discuss our city’s future. This type of forum has been a long time coming, and it proved to be a very productive meeting. It was open to the public however this general discussion was between staff and the council. A town hall meeting is being planned to present the ideas to the public.

Some of the key points discussed included:

Review of our landscape ordinance. Because of the rapid growth of our state and our community, we are faced with challenges regarding water supply, usage and conservation. In addition to the Lake Apopka augmentation project, we discussed changes to our landscape ordinance to include planting of a “Florida Friendly” landscape. This type of landscape requires minimal water and is very drought tolerant. Some suggestions were to offer incentives to residents and developers who use these “Family Friendly” plants for their landscape design. There was also discussion of changing the ordinance to make these plants a mandatory part of future landscape design. These discussions are also taking place throughout the state of Florida. In fact, Section 373.228 of the Florida Statute has directed several statewide organizations to work together to improve landscape irrigation and design standards to better conserve water.

Strengthening code enforcement. Recently, code enforcement was transferred to the Apopka Police Department. This will allow us greater opportunities and more personnel for enforcement. As we continue to move forward with downtown redevelopment, code enforcement becomes a critical part of keeping our city clean, safe and “walkable” for our residents.

Downtown Redevelopment. Should we redevelop our downtown or create an “uptown”?? This was a key topic of discussion at the meeting. Council and staff are all in agreement that this project and how we proceed will have the most significant impact on our community over the next ten to twenty years. That being said…I would like to strongly encourage residents in our community to take an active role and become a part of this process. How can you do this?

Attend the public workshops to learn about some of the possible improvements and changes.
Participate in the discussions and share your thoughts and ideas.
Contact your commissioners and the city staff to share your ideas.

Take pride in your community and become a “partner” with your local government in creating our city’s future!

In January the City of Apopka introduced our new V.I.P.S. Program. This stands for “Volunteers In Public Service”. This new program is designed to give residents of our community a chance to work together with their local government. We want our citizens to be informed AND involved in the future of our city, and this program is an excellent opportunity to do just that.

YOU decide how many hours you can commit, and when you would like to volunteer.

Whether you would enjoy working directly with our staff at city hall, or helping out with special community events, there are opportunities for everyone! Currently we have openings available for the following volunteer positions:

* Administrative Support
* Receptionist Activities
* Record Keeping
* Parks Projects

* Data Input
* Special Projects
* Research
* Citizens Advisory Boards

It is our goal to recruit, train, utilize and recognize volunteers who help enhance the services provided to our community. And it’s so easy to get involved! We’ve set up a special page on the city’s web site at: www.apopka.net .Click on the link in the top right corner of the home page for “Volunteer Opportunity”. You’ll be directed to the appropriate page. Complete the information requested, and you will contacted by our staff for further details.

If you have questions about the program, please send your questions via email to: volunteer@apopka.net. or contact me at: kathyspud@aol.com. You can also reach me by phone at: 407-484-3597.

In his recent “State of the City” address, Mayor John H. Land outlined some of the accomplishments during the 2005 year and outlined the city’s objectives for 2006. Following is a list of what’s ahead for our city in the coming year:

Initiate a citywide Volunteer Program
Complete our reorganization
Continue with Downtown Revitalization/business attraction and retention
Expand the Northwest Recreation Facility
Install traffic lights at Welch/Vick Road intersection and the entrance to Rock Springs Ridge
Install sidewalks along Ponkan Road
Complete Jason Dwelley Parkway with access to Rock Springs Ridge
Continue working with the St. John’s Water Management District on the Lake Apopka Reclamation Project
Installation of Automated Meter Reading System
Installation of a drive-up window for utility payments
Centralize Development and Building Permitting
Add a 2nd story to Fire Station 1
Establish City wide early voting
Continue working with the Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority on the John Land Apopka Expressway
Public Safety Enhancements
$28,000,000 Wastewater Treatment expansion
Coordinate the Final Phase of Rock Springs Road expansion with Orange County
Work with Orange County on the West Orange Trail overpass
Install lightning detection devices at all outdoor recreational facilities
Continue to enhance our local road network
City Hall Renovations
Police and Fire Accreditation
Introduce city wide wireless internet access

In the weeks and months to come, we will be providing in-depth information on each of these projects and they are initiated or continue throughout the year. We are working hard to meet the needs of all of our citizens, and appreciate all of the support and input we receive.

If you would like a complete copy of the “State of the City” report and the 2005 Annual Report, please contact me at: kathyspud@aol.com or by phone at: 407-484-3597.

At the January 4, 2006 City Council meeting, the Apopka City Council adopted Resolution No. 2006-01 urging members of the Florida Legislature to support the following issues during the 2006 Legislative Session.

“The City of Apopka urges Governor Jeb Bush and members of the Florida Legislature to support legislation as part of a comprehensive legislative reform package that:

Preserves municipal autonomy and protects the fundamental right of voluntary self-government.
Provides municipalities alternative funding options for the purpose of responding to impacts of declared disasters.
Preserves municipal tools for community redevelopment and urban revitalization.
Provides a dedicated and recurring revenue source for municipal transportation projects.
Preserves dedicated funding for local affordable housing programs.
Provides for an equitable distribution of fines and fees from criminal violations such as driving under the influence of alcohol or other chemical substances.
Provides a comprehensive and uniform workers’ compensation system.

A copy of this resolution shall be provided to Governor Jeb Bush, Senate President Tom Lee, House Speaker Allan Bense and members of the Florida Legislature.

For a complete copy of the Resolution 2006-01, please contact the City Clerk’s office at: 407-703-1703.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Biloxi, Mississippi to help deliver the donations collected through the City of Apopka Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort. Traveling with me were Deputy Chief Robbie Manley, Fire Chief Bobby Collins and Detective Charles “Mike” Cheetam. Knowing this trip was forthcoming, I tried to mentally prepare myself for what I would see when we arrived. However, I don’t think any amount of preparation could have prepared my traveling companions or me for the complete devastation we encountered.

It began in Pensacola, when we started seeing the blue tarps on roofs, a sight so familiar to us in Central Florida. This continued throughout the remainder of Florida and into Alabama. Once we arrived in Mobile, we began to see downed trees along I-10 and some minor damage to homes and buildings.

When we arrived in Biloxi, the damage became much worse. It started with a considerable amount of debris scattered along the roads, and the continuation of downed trees and damaged homes and businesses. As we traveled further to the coast, this became a more frequent sight, and at one intersection we saw a small fishing boat lodged in a tree.

However when we were approximately three blocks from the ocean the true devastation began. Piles of rubble were the only remnants of what used to be someone’s home or business. And as we started the drive along the beach, many of the homes and businesses were unrecognizable. In several instances, the only way we could tell that there was even a building there was by the foundation that was left behind.

The beach itself was littered with debris. Including large home appliances, a golf cart, hot tub, and half of a car buried in the sand. What was once a beautiful coastal town now lay in ruins. Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the trip was when we saw some of the residents standing in front of what used to be their homes or business. And they truly were just standing there, looking “off into space”. They looked as though they were not sure where to begin to pick up the pieces.

But as I reflect back on this journey, I remember so much good about it as well. The immediate need for the supplies we delivered. We arrived at the drop off site about 3:00 pm. There was an area for water and ice, and tents set up for clothing and non-perishable items. There we began to unload our supplies with the help of some incredible volunteers. We did not know them, or they us…but we worked together in effortless motion to get the supplies to those in need. And there were local residents lined up, taking the supplies we delivered immediately. Their appreciation was evident by their smiles and kind words.

Another highlight of the trip was the outstanding individuals I traveled with. It was an honor to travel with three of our city’s finest employees. Deputy Chief Manley, Chief Collins and Detective Cheetam. Their professionalism, passion for their work, and commitment to our community were evident throughout the entire trip. And I thank them for sharing this journey with me.

On behalf of Mayor Land, Commissioner Arrowsmith, Commissioner Dean, Commissioner McQueen, and the entire staff at City Hall, I would like to say “thank you” to the citizens of our community for their enormous generosity during this relief effort. We delivered over one ton of non-perishable items, distributed mountains of clothing to area churches to be delivered directly into the affected communities, and collected $18,000 in monetary contributions.

I know I speak for the Mayor and my fellow Commissioners when I say we are so proud to represent the members of our community. Once again, you have joined together to help others in their greatest hour of need.

Thank you to all of the area churches and their members for the donations you have collected and the countless volunteers you have sent to help those in need. Thank you to the many non-profit agencies in our community, thank you to our veterinarians and volunteers who made sure that the animals were not forgotten, and thank you to our young people who gave up their lunch money or spare change at school to help others. And a special “thank you” to Vern Graham and Wal-Mart for joining with the City of Apopka to help us collect donations.

In closing, I would like to share with you a quote from the People of Mississippi that was printed in a recent issue of USA TODAY. It says it all:

“We thank you for donating food, clothing, shelter and money. We thank you for driving through the night to bring us water, generators and fuel. We thank you for leaving your homes and families to help us restore power and communications. We thank you for your compassion, generosity and comforting words. We thank you for your prayers. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for all of the ways you helped during our time of need. We will never forget”…Sincerely, Mississippi.

Thank you Apopka.

Kathy Till

Commissioner

A great day for all…the first annual City of Apopka Expo was a day of family fun and information about our city. On Saturday, September 18th the city opened its doors to our residents, and invited them in to meet the staff. Self-guided tours allowed citizens to visit some wonderful displays created by each department and visit with employees about what services they provide.

In addition to lots and lots of information, the children were treated to fun activities and face painting by City Clerk, Jan Goebel’s daughter! Other highlights of the Expo included K-9 demonstrations at the training field, tours of a mobile EMS unit and police squad car, and a brief history of our city provided by Mayor Land.

Citizens were invited to attend a mock council meeting in which the Mayor greeted all who came, and shared information about our city’s past. Area students participated in an essay contest about “Why I Love Apopka”. Winners were presented a certificate by the Mayor, and a goody bag full of wonderful prizes!

Residents were greeted by the friendly faces of some wonderful volunteers, coordinated by Linda Laurendeau, Apopka resident. And a representative from Crystal Springs Water was providing everyone with a cool, refreshing drink!

Mayor Land, Commissioner McQueen and Commissioner Till were on hand to greet residents as they arrived and answer any questions they may have. Then attendees visited displays that highlighted services offered by each department, and were able to talk with staff and ask any specific questions they may have about that department. From there, they were free to visit the Fire Department and get a walking tour of an EMS unit, a tour of a police squad car, a tour of the Apopka Historical Museum, and finally a K-9 demonstration.

To keep in the spirit of the season, a representative from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office was on hand to register new voters for the upcoming November election.

A special “heart felt thank you” is extended to every member of our great staff who worked on this event. Thanks to each and every one of you who worked so hard, and provided the creative input necessary to make this event such a success….YOU ARE THE BEST!

Jeanne,

If you want to include the names of the essay winners, I think Kristi or Candy may have that information. Please let me know if you need additional info.