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Explore Sanford's Quarterly Newsletter to uncover the latest updates, services, and exciting developments shaping our community.

Issue 02| Vol. 1|Fall Edition 2025

We have some amazing things happening this fall, and we’re excited to keep you informed, connected, and engaged with everything taking place in our vibrant City of Sanford.

In this newsletter, you’ll find information about community events, important updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and highlights of the people who make Sanford special.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Sanford community. We look forward to sharing this journey with you, one story at a time!

City Manager's Monthly Reports

Meeting Agendas

City Hall Grand Reopening

Exciting progress is underway at Sanford City Hall as the Breezeway Expansion project moves forward! This renovation will enhance the building’s functionality, improve customer service areas, and create additional office space for City departments.

We are expecting to wrap up soon, with structural upgrades and key interior improvements nearly complete. During construction, please note some parking adjustments and temporary changes to lobby access.

Get ready for a vibrant evening of celebration, creativity, and community pride as we officially unveil the beautifully renovated Sanford City Hall and the breathtaking 3-D Illuminated Art Mural that brings our City’s story to life! Art Mural Reveal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Refreshments and Exclusive First-Floor Tours of the Newly Renovated City Hall Thursday, November 6, 20255:00 PM

We appreciate your patience as we work to modernize City Hall and provide a better experience for residents, business owners, and visitors alike. Stay tuned for more updates as the project continues!

For questions, contact the City of Sanford at 407-688-5000.

C.A.R.E. about Sanford

The City of Sanford’s core values represent the ideals it strives to incorporate into all aspects of its services. Employees are encouraged to “C.A.R.E. about Sanford,” which stands for Community Focused, Accountable, Resilient, and Environmentally Responsible. Strategic planning involves anticipating change, preparing for it, and positioning the community to capitalize on new opportunities.

To ensure that the organization’s direction effectively guides program development, service delivery, and planning and budgeting efforts, the City of Sanford has developed its current strategic plan.

This plan will take effect in October 2025 and will be implemented through September 2030. While celebrating its past, the City of Sanford staff recognizes that it is a dynamic community. To better serve residents, businesses, and visitors, the organization aims to grow alongside the City.

This new strategic plan was created to foster focus and unity across the City’s various departments, enabling them to provide exceptional services that reinforce Sanford as a premier destination. Stay tuned as the City prepares to release the strategic plan to the public.

How City Government Works

Learning about the functioning of city government is always valuable, especially for city residents. Understanding how city government operates can enhance our community engagement. The Florida League of Cities offers excellent videos and information on this topic.

Cities 101: Florida’s Local Governments

Celebrating America

250 Years of Celebration

The Seminole County 250 Subcommittee is tasked with planning how Seminole County will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The next meeting is scheduled for October 8th, and Sanford is preparing its own special activities in honor of this significant celebration.

Florida City Week

October 20-26, 2025

Held annually in October, Florida City Week is a weeklong event when Florida’s cities celebrate, showcase, and engage citizens in the work of municipal government. Florida City Week is a time for municipalities to foster civics education, collaboration, volunteerism, and more. All cities are encouraged to participate, and the League helps celebrate what makes our cities great.

Sanford, get ready for a whole new way to explore Seminole County! Introducing Scout your ticket to scenic rides and incredible destinations, from the serene Lake Monroe to lively local hotspots. Safe, comfy, and super convenient, Scout is here to make traveling a breeze!

Seminole County’s on-demand public transportation service officially rolls out on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Booking a ride is simple just enter your starting point and destination in the Ride Freebee app. With average wait times of 30 minutes or less and curb-to-curb service, you can relax at home, work, or wherever you are while you wait for your ride.

Recently Opened Businesses

Explore the exciting new businesses that the City of Sanford has to offer, from delicious dining options to various services. Sanford is committed to growth and welcomes new development in our community.

Please be Mindful

COYOTE SIGHTINGS: With a recent increase in coyote sightings, residents are encouraged to take steps to ensure their pets are safe. Problems with coyotes can significantly be reduced by removing attractants around your home. This can be prevented by:

• Securing garbage cans

• Removing pet food outdoors

• Keeping pets indoors and livestock in predator- resistant enclosures

• Walking dogs on a short leash less than six feet for more information on coyotes, please visit:

Promote Your Business at the Nation’s Oldest Senior Games! The City of Sanford Golden Age Games is celebrating 50 incredible years, and your business can be a part of the legacy! Support active aging, community spirit, and healthy competition by becoming a sponsor for the event.

Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 2 Sponsorship packages start at just $250!

This is a great opportunity to: Showcase your brand Connect with the community

Support a historic event for more information, contact Dom Pascuzzo dominic.pascuzzo@sanfordfl.gov 407-688-5120Let’s make this 50th celebration one to remember together!

Registration is OPEN for the Nation’s Oldest Senior Games! Join us as the City of Sanford Golden Age Games celebrates its 50th anniversary! 🏅
Be a part of the legacy and compete in fun, friendly events like:

📅 Dates:

Thursday, October 30 – Sunday, November 2

Enjoy twinkling lights, festive floats and marching bands as Sanford's Holiday Spirit comes alive in a joyful procession on 1st Street, from San Juan Avenue to Elm Street. Come downtown early to get a bite to eat then get great seating along 1st Street for a glowing good time!

This is a FREE EVENT to attend so come out and join us Sunday, October 26th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Jeff Triplett Community Center 1211 S Mellonville Ave, Sanford, FL 32771

Get ready for a frightfully fun-filled afternoon with the City of Sanford Parks and Recreation at FANG-TASTIC FEST Don't miss out on the fun!!Kids 12 and under can show off their costumes during the costume contests

PBS and WGCU Public Media is spotlighting Sanford, Florida, on the latest episode of Florida Road Trip! Dive into a fascinating history lesson and celebrate the local community members featured in the show. Buckle up for an adventure through Sanford’s vibrant past, shaped by steamboats, citrus, and celery. Discover the inspiring legacy of freed slaves in Georgetown, the delightful Central Florida Zoo, and the intriguing history of a World War II-era airport. This episode uncovers the unique people, places, and stories that make Sanford a must-see Florida destination.
Don’t miss the premiere on Thursday, October 2, at 8 PM! You can also stream Florida Road Trip anytime on pbs.org or the free PBS App. Watch on your favorite devices, including iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.

Meet the incredible members of the City of Sanford Mayor’s Youth Council for the 2025-2026 term! This dynamic group of high school students is set to embark on an exciting journey of civic leadership and community impact. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students to sharpen their leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in governance, and make a real difference in Sanford. Keep an eye out for the exciting projects and initiatives they have in store this year!

Discover the winners and nominees of the Best of Sanford 2025, showcasing everything from your favorite restaurants to exceptional professionals!

Sofas & Suds is back! This outrageous race pits local businesses—and their creatively customized couches against each other in a wild, high-speed dash for glory… or at least for laughs. Whether they’re the fastest team or just the fan favorite, it’s all about fun on four wheels! Our City of Sanford staff will also be participating in the race!

Think you’ve got the squad to take the trophy?

Teams consist of 5 people, with one person on the sofa at all times.

No substitutions—teams must remain the same throughout the event to keep things fair.

You can race with fewer than five people if needed, as long as one person is riding at all times.

Bridge to the Future

City of Sanford to Unveil “Bridge to the Future” Sculpture in Downtown Ribbon-Cutting Celebration The City of Sanford will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newest public art installation, Bridge to the Future, on Tuesday, September 30 at 5:00 PM at the corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Historic Downtown Sanford. The public and media are warmly invited to attend. Commissioned by the City of Sanford Public Art Commission in partnership with the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and funded by the CRA’s $87,000 investment, Bridge to the Future is a bronze sculpture by nationally recognized artist James Haire. The artwork depicts three children walking across a symbolic bridge of books, representing imagination, education, and a hopeful journey into the future.

The installation embraces Sanford’s commitment to art as a driver of cultural connection, civic pride, and downtown revitalization. "This is a perfect example of the CRA Board working with another City Board to accomplish great things in the Downtown District,” said Charles Davis, Sanford CRA Chairman. "This investment by the CRA in our downtown will be a lasting reminder that symbolizes who we are, where we have been, and where we are going," said Mayor Art Woodruff. “Public art brings us together and enriches the heart of our City. "Local businessman Javier Ayala generously donated two benches, placed near the sculpture—not as part of the artwork, but as a public invitation to sit, reflect, and enjoy the space.

More Info

The 10-week City of Sanford Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about City government through firsthand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of government functions, services and activities. (This is a free public information program).

The next Citizens Academy class starts February 2026 and is held weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.

Learn more

Photo Location: Corner of First Street and Palmetto Avenue in Historic Downtown Sanford

Community Development Block Grant

As an Entitlement Community under the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of Sanford receives federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and is required to prepare a HUD Five-Year Consolidated Plan. This plan is considered the City’s official application for funding for CDBG Program Years (PY) 2025-2029. The City will receive funds on an annual basis to address priority housing, homelessness, community revitalization, and economic development needs identified through a comprehensive planning process and through- extensive community engagement.

Free Bulk Trash Pickup

FREE Bulk Waste “Community Clean Up Day” is collected two (2) times per year. Your pickup schedule is in April and October. Please click on the following link for a map of your service area: Map of FREE Bulk Waste “Community Clean Up Day” Service Area

Every April and October City residents are scheduled for one FREE pickup of bulk waste that is not practical to bag or bundle and tie, including loose yard waste branches that are no longer than five (5) feet or larger than five (5) inches in diameter and other acceptable homeowner generated non-hazardous materials. Tires are limited to eight (8) maximum per residence per pickup. All materials must be manageable and capable of being removed by two (2) persons, cannot weigh more than 50 pounds each or exceed five (5) feet in length. The Contractor will leave behind items not in compliance. A tag indicating the reason will be left.

City Projects

Utilities

New Customer Portal

The City of Sanford is launching a new Customer Service Portal to help you manage your Utilites account online. This portal will help accurately track your consumption, set alerts when you go over a certain amount and more.

To get started: Click the link

Click "Need to set up an account" and enter your email address.

You will receive a confirmation email with a link to complete your registration.

Have your account number (found on your utility bill) ready.

Important:

Your account number must be entered as 9 digits. If your bill shows fewer than 9 digits, add zeros at the beginning.

Example: If your account number is 12345, enter it as 000012345.

Once logged in, you’ll be able to explore features such as tracking your water usage and more.

FDOT Projects

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is actively working on several projects aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing transportation across our City. From road expansions to traffic signal upgrades, these initiatives are designed to make travel safer, more efficient, and accessible for all residents and visitors.

Stay tuned for detailed updates on project timelines, completion milestones, and how these improvements will benefit our community.

Learn more

Sanford Says Podcast

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The Sanford Says Podcast is an official City of Sanford Podcast. A trustworthy source of information that you can tune in to anytime and anywhere. Learn while you listen to a wide variety of topics related to City government, such as Economic Development, Special Events, Public Works projects, Permitting, and City services just to name a few. Hear the latest and greatest from the source. Special guests from the Sanford community will be featured. If you have any topic ideas for future podcasts, please send them to Communicate@sanfordfl.gov. Happy listening!

Leading with Purpose: A Conversation with Commissioner Claudia Thomas

Stay Connected. Stay informed.

Hurricane Prep Helpful Tips

As we progress through hurricane season, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential storms. Hurricanes can develop quickly and pose significant risks to both property and personal safety.

Hurricane Guide

The City of Sanford actively uses Nextdoor to share timely updates, announcements, and information relevant to residents. By signing up for Nextdoor, you can stay up to date with local neighborhood news, receive alerts about City projects, learn about community events, and even connect with neighbors to discuss shared interests or address local concerns. It’s another great way to ensure you’re always informed about what’s happening right where you live.

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