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

Issue 01| Vol. 1|Summer Edition 2025


We’re excited to launch this new way of keeping you informed, connected, and engaged with everything happening in our vibrant City. Whether it's community events, important updates, behind-the-scenes stories, or highlights of the people who make Sanford special this newsletter is designed with you in mind.

As we continue to grow and thrive together, communication remains a top priority.

Our goal is to provide timely, transparent, and meaningful information that helps you stay connected to your local government and the services that impact your daily life.

Thank you for being an important part of our Sanford community. We look forward to sharing this journey with you one story at a time.

Welcome Message from the City Commission

On behalf of the Sanford City Commission, welcome to the first edition of the City of Sanford’s official newsletter! 
This publication marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to open communication and community connection. Sanford is a City rich in history, diversity, and opportunity — and this newsletter will serve as a window into the progress, events, and initiatives shaping our great City.
We’re proud to serve you and look forward to keeping you informed, engaged, and inspired as we continue to build Sanford’s future together.

Photo left to right: Sanford City Commission

The Honorable Kerry S. Wiggins Sr., District 2, The Honorable Claudia Thomas, District 4, The Honorable Mayor Art Woodruff, The Honorable Sheena Britton, District 1, and The Honorable Patrick Austin, District 3.

City Commission meetings are held every second Monday at City Hall 300 N. Park Ave. Sanford. The Work Sessions are live streamed starting at 4 PM, followed by the Regular Meetings at 7 PM. 

Meeting Agendas

Welcome Message from the City Manager

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the City of Sanford’s official e-newsletter.

This new platform reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping our residents, businesses, and stakeholders informed, engaged, and connected. Through each edition, we will share important updates, highlight City services and programs, and celebrate the people and progress that make Sanford a special place.

As your City Manager, I am proud of the work our team is doing each day to enhance quality of life, ensure public safety, and foster a vibrant, inclusive community. Thank you for your continued support and for taking the time to stay informed.


Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr. ICMA-CM
City Manager
City of Sanford

Norton N. Bonaparte, Jr., has been serving as the City Manager of Sanford, since September 2011. As the City's Chief Administrative Officer, he is responsible for managing all City operations, including overseeing a $374 million budget and leading a team of 600 employees. 

City Manager's Monthly Reports

Star Spangled Sanford! 

Our Biggest Celebration of the Year.

Important Event Information (Parking, Street Closure, etc.)
July 4th, 2024, Highlights
Star Spangled Sanford 2024

Economic Development 

Costco Is Coming to Sanford Big News for Our City! The Ardent Companies has major plans to breathe new life into the Seminole Towne Center, with Costco leading the way as the first retailer in this transformative redevelopment.

Costco Wholesale has officially agreed to purchase a portion of the property and will build a brand new, state of the art warehouse.

The plans include:

  • 156,454-square-foot warehouse

  • 847 parking spaces

  • Convenient on-site gas station

The new development will replace the former Macy’s building and the adjacent parking lot south of the mall.

Big things are happening in Sanford stay tuned and get ready!

City Employment Opportunities Great Benefits

Apply Here

Sanford is Open for Business

The City of Sanford is committed to growth and welcomes new development.

Our permitting process is a collaborative effort among multiple City departments, designed to help projects move forward as efficiently as possible.

While we recognize that challenges can arise during the permitting process, the City is actively implementing improvements and initiatives to streamline procedures and provide better support.

These efforts aim to help residents and developers submit accurate permit applications ensuring a smoother experience from start to finish.

If you need assistance or have questions about permitting, please contact the City of Sanford Permitting Department at 407-688-5150.

We’re here to help.

Sanford Sizzlin' Summer is Here

Turn Up the Heat on Summer Savings!

Support Sanford’s small businesses all year long, but especially during the heat of the Florida summer with Sizzlin' Sanford, brought to you by Sanford Main Street.

Introducing Sanford Seeds – the exciting new local currency that’s changing how you shop, dine, and experience our vibrant community.

This program is about more than just savings—it's about:

  • Strengthening community connections

  • Supporting local entrepreneurs

  • Building a thriving local economy

  • Join us in making Sanford sizzle this summer!

Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium is home to Sanford Babe Ruth Baseball and the Sanford River Rats of the Florida Collegiate Summer League.

This summer, bring the family to watch classic movies at the Ritz Theater in beautiful downtown Sanford. 

Christmas in July Shopping Event featuring some amazing deals brought to you by the independent retailers of Historic Downtown Sanford!

Cool off and improve your swim skills this summer at the Larry A. Dale Aquatic Center. 

Join fellow locals and unleash your competitive spirit on Sanford’s pickleball courts!

Sanford Riverwalk scenic trail for walking, biking, jogging along Lake Monroe.

Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium is the home of Sanford Babe Ruth Baseball and the Sanford River Rats of the Florida Collegiate Summer League. 

Your Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of youth programs, including sports for ages 4 and up, swimming lessons, summer camps, and afterschool activities.

This summer explore the beauty of our City parks! Spend a delightful day outdoors under the shade of our spacious park pavilions. Bring your family along to enjoy the refreshing Splash Pad and make lasting memories together.

Park Locations
4th Annual Community Meeting & SCPS Back To School Event

Get ready for an incredible day! Save the date for the 5th Annual Seminole County Public Schools Back to School Event, taking place on July 31st, 2025.

Spearheaded by Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr., this event promises families a fantastic chance to discover outstanding programs and collect much needed school supplies. After the huge success of last year's event, this year's celebration is bound to be even more amazing. Don’t miss the perfect way to kick off the new school year!

Public Art

Sanford’s Public Art Program: Enriching Our Community Through Creativity.

The City of Sanford is committed to cultivating a vibrant cultural landscape through its Public Art Program. Designed to enhance the City’s visual appeal and celebrate artistic expression, this initiative actively engages residents, visitors, and businesses in meaningful ways.

The program encourages community participation and interaction with art, fostering a strong sense of pride, connection, and identity throughout Sanford.

From sculptures, utility box art wraps, murals to mosaics, installations are thoughtfully integrated into public spaces—including parks, streetscapes, and municipal buildings—creating an accessible and inspiring urban environment for all. Stay Tuned for an exciting public art installation at City Hall.

Citizens Academy Class 22
Apply Here

The 10 week City of Sanford Citizens Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about City government through first hand 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 September 3rd and is held weekly on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. 

Learn more
Photo Location: Artisan Square 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. 

City Projects

Utilities

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

City Hall Renovations

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. 

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. 

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!


Stay connected. Stay informed. 

Hurricane Prep Helpful Tips

Stormwater Education
Hurricane Guide
Sandbag Demonstration Video

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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