CMF Public Media

Commentary

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:04:23 +0000

A feature of every Central Florida Matters is a 3-minute commentary presented by a voice that matters on an issue that voice believes matters.

The voice you’ll hear is that of Dr. Michael Hoover, Professor of Political Science at Seminole State College, commenting on three funding issues now facing the governor and the Florida legislature, each with an impact on Seminole County.
Feature length – 03:45

Central Florida Matters encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary. Below, you will find useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Should you wish to be considered for a commentary segment on Central Florida Matters, please click on the “contact” link to send us an email which should include adequate information for us to understand your issue. And please include a daytime telephone number where we may reach you.

Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

Additional Feature Information

2010 Census: The Complete Count

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:03:12 +0000

April 1, 2010 is U.S. Census Day. Every 10 years the U.S. Constitution requires that the government count every person to insure fair congressional representation and fair distribution of federal aid. Listen to how and why local governments, churches, schools and civic organizations, led by the Seminole County Complete Count Committee, are working hard to make sure 100% of the county’s population is counted. Feature length – 13:37

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

The 2010 census is of vital importance to our communities. Every 10 years the U.S. government is required by the Constitution to conduct a count of every person in the United States. That count is used to allocate congressional representation into the federal House of Representatives. Yet an equally important function of those population figures is to allocate federal funding to states and local governments. That money comes to the local communities to provide programs and services. If there is an undercount in a region, they don’t receive the money needed for vital programs. As the Census Bureau states, the 2010 census will affect “your community’s future, your country’s future and your future.”

In Seminole County Florida all agencies and organizations are actively working to make sure the population is accurately counted. The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners established the Complete Count Committee to coordinate civic groups, schools, municipalities and faith-based organizations in that effort. Flyers, posters, personal contact, church bulletins and the media will all be utilized to get out the word and get in the census forms. The more complete the count the more Seminole County will benefit from federal funding and services. As the slogan of the 2010 states “It’s in Our Hands.

In March 2010 over 130 million households will receive a census form in the mail. All of those households should answer the 10 questions and return the forms in the pre-paid envelope provided. Responses should include everyone living at the address permanently or temporarily. The Census Bureau cannot share any personal information gained from the survey with anyone, including other government agencies or law enforcement. No one should be afraid to mail in their questionnaire.

Households that do not respond to the census questionnaire or who do not have a mailing address will be visited in person by a census worker. It costs $75 per person for a worker to search out and find unresponsive households and individuals so it saves taxpayers a lot of money when the forms are returned accurately and promptly. The total cost of the census will be $14 billion.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

Darlene Jordan, Bryan Cobb and Desta Horner

Extended interview (14:24)

Additional Feature Information

Seminole County Complete Count Committee
U.S. Census
Tony Matthews Seminole County Census liaison: Email
Darlene Jordan, Oviedo Census liaison: Email

Coping with the Economy – Economic Development

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:02:26 +0000

The east Seminole County, Florida cities of Winter Springs and Oviedo, through their respective city governments, have stepped-up together to retain a consulting firm to advance the economic development and community redevelopment activities of their adjoining cities. This 2-city business development initiative is being led by Land Design Innovations – a local consulting firm specializing in economic development and community redevelopment projects. We talk with LDI’s senior planner, John M. Jones about the work he is advancing with the cities and the business community to shape and deliver the development tools necessary for each city to implement initiatives to sustain and grow their local economy. Feature length – 19:25

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck)

Jones addresses the credentials of LDI, the experience he brings to the project, and the scope of the venture with the two cities. He describes how small business will benefit from the services coming from the development initiative and the standards against which the outcomes may be measured. Jones articulates the contract’s deadline and the long-term outcome which local business, residents and the cities might expect as a result of the proper application of the economic development tools arising from this project.

In the 52-minute extended interview (below), Jones adds additional context to his previous answers. He also describes LDI’s structure and corporate culture. And he speaks about his own history, leisure time activities, and the role he believes local news media should have in advancing awareness of this economic development project.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

		John M. Jones and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (51:52)

Additional Feature Information

BIO: John M. Jones, Senior planner, Land Design Innovations, Inc.
Land Design Innovations, Inc. (LDI)
City of Winter Springs, Fl
City of Oviedo, Fl
Business Survey – City of Oviedo
Business Survey – City of Winter Springs

Adams: One-on-One

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:01:45 +0000

State Representative Sandy Adams, Republican/District 33 discusses the critical decisions facing the Florida Legislature in the face of the $3 billion budget shortfall. She addresses topics ranging from education and prisons to Medicaid and a second federal government stimulus.
Feature length – 11:47

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

The 2010 Florida Legislative Session convened on Tuesday March 2, 2010 in Tallahassee, Fl. Sandy Adams is the representative to the Florida House from District 33 which includes Oviedo and Winter Springs to the north and extends south to Waterford Lakes and Bithlo. Representative Adams is a Republican and was first elected in 2002. She is currently chair of the Criminal and Civil Justice Committee and a member of six other committees. She has recently announced her decision to run for Congress in 2010 for the seat currently held by Democrat Suzanne Kosmas.

The Florida Legislature faces a daunting task this term. The state budget has a revenue shortfall of $3 billion. The House and Senate leadership have both announced that there will be no new taxes or fees imposed this year. As a result, the budget gap will have to be closed by decreases in expenses through layoffs of state employees, scaling back state programs and reduced services to citizens. It is the job of the legislators to make the decisions on where to cut expenses while maintaining essential services.

Education makes up 50% of the general revenue budget and Medicaid costs for the poor and uninsured make up more than 25%. Federal aid in both of these areas is tied to state spending. Cuts by the state could result in cuts from the federal government matching funds. The dilemma is acute with little room to maneuver.

In a 1-on-1 interview with producer Desta Horner the Friday before the session began, Representative Adams discussed a number of crucial issues confronting the Florida House. You’ll hear her comments on the budget crisis and particularly the areas in her field of criminal and civil justice where savings can be found. She will also address the rising cost of Medicaid and the importance of education. She also speaks out on some of the components of Governor Crist’s proposed budget.

Representative Adams says that she is ready for the challenge of this session. Follow the progress of the decisions during the two month long legislative session by going to the Florida House website listed below. And share your thoughts on the budget dilemma with Rep. Adams at her website.

In May, after all the cuts have been made, we will return to Representative Adams for a post-session 1-on-1 interview.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

	Sandy Adams and Desta Horner Extended interview (21:30)

Additional Feature Information

State Representative Sandy Adams (Republican-Oviedo/District # 33)
Florida House of Representatives
Contact Sandy Adams by email or by phone: 407 977-4020.

Central Florida Matters (10th Edition)

Webmaster — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:00:15 +0000

One-on-one with State Representative Sandy Adams discussing the critical budget decisions facing the Florida Legislature as it begins the new session.

Advancing economic development in the cities of Oviedo and Winter Springs, Florida. Describing the method and importance of the 2010 Census to local communities. And commentary from political science professor, Dr. Michael Hoover. These are the issues and voices featured in a traditional radio-style format in this complete version of Central Florida Matters, posted on line 3/4/2010.
Feature length – 54:44

(Presented and hosted by Stephen McKenney Steck and Desta Horner )

Innovation -The Future of Regional Economic Development

Webmaster — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:00:52 +0000

On this Heard in Central Florida, you’ll hear a gavel to gavel presentation by two local subject matter experts on the issue of Innovation -The Future of Regional Economic Development.

Both Oviedo and Winter Springs, two adjoining cities in south east Seminole County, Florida are facing extraordinary budget challenges that accompany the nation’s “Great Recession.” But what about tomorrow? What does the future hold for the area? Are there steps citizens, elected officials, business owners, and chamber members should be taking today to help assure vibrant economic development tomorrow?

John M. Jones, a senior economic development planner with Land Design Innovations, Inc. and Jim Spaeth, president of Remora Partners, will address those questions in a 33-minute presentation.
Feature Length — 52:20

Selected photos courtesy of Charles Wells Photography

Key Participants and Bios

	Jim Spaeth Remora Partners, President resume slide presentation		John M. Jones Land Design Innovations, Inc., Senior Planner resume slide presentation
	Event Sponsor Krewe of Leaders Mary Alice Wilder (front row center holding picture)

Additional Participants

Cynthia Sucher

Chamber Board President, and Associate Vice President for Community Relations at University of Central Florida

website

Cory Skeates

Executive Director, Oviedo Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce

website

Student and Teacher of the Month

	Karen Astringer VP/Education Committee (OWSRCC) and President, Resilience Counseling Center, Inc. website		Lawton Chiles Middle School Student – Lauren Holladay (8th Grade) website
	Evans Elementary School Student – Anthony Reyes website		Keeth Elementary Student – Quinn Cauchois website
	Master’s Academy Teacher of the Month – Jessica Bourque website

Relevant External Links on Subjects Addressed by Program Speakers

Jim Spaeth, Remora Partners (in order of reference)

Sean M. Snaith, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Economic Competitiveness within the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida
The Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) at the University of Florida
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
Florida Chamber of Commerce
Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class and Who’s Your City?
University of Central Florida’s Office of Research & Commercialization
Robert Putnam, Social Capital (Wikipedia)
Orlando Sentinel article – Osceola seeks approval for new city of 30,000 homes
UCF – Business Incubation Program
Michael E. Porter, on “Clusters and Cluster Development”
Full Sail University
Florida Solar Energy Center
Arizona State University
City of Austin, Texas
City of San Diego, CA
Avalon Park
Seminole County Parks and Recreation department
Seminole Way

John M. Jones, Land Design Innovations (in order of reference)

Additional Useful Links

Pictures

Photos courtesy of Charles Wells Photography

After you launch the slideshow below, click “Next” and “Previous” to rotate through the photos.

Additional Event Information

The Thursday, February 18, 2010 presentation, sponsored by the Krewe of Leaders, drew an overflow crowd of 140 Chamber members and guests for lunch at the Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs.

Jim Spaeth of Remora Partners addresses key issues under the theme – The University Corridor: Achieving Prosperity in the Innovation Economy. Those issues include an explanation of the differences between the old and new economy, the components of an innovation ecosystem, the economic characteristics of the University of Central Florida corridor area, and the challenges and concerns confronting the corridor.

John M. Jones of Land Design Innovations offers remarks under the theme – Making State Road 417 the Next Technology Hot Spot. Jones discusses the scope of the consultancy with the cities of Oviedo and Winter Springs, noting the accomplishments to be achieved: establishing each city as a “quality place,” the creation or maintenance of economic partnerships, the identification of targeted industries for the area, and the identified sites for their location. He closes with a review of economic projects currently underway

As you listen to this presentation, please note that this Heard in Central Florida webpage offers you relevant and helpful information regarding the principal speakers plus links to external websites providing you useful information to the subjects addressed by each speaker.

In that regard, each speaker used a graphic presentation to focus their remarks. We have included a downloadable copy of each speaker’s graphics in a PDF format. You are encouraged to view those pages during their remarks, paying careful attention to the corresponding page number provided in the voice narrative.

Additionally, there are pictures of the event provided by chamber member, Charles Wells Photography. The Heard in Central Florida site also offers an on-line comment section, and the ability to email a link to the site to anyone interested in the subject matter.

After the remarks, Cory Skeates, executive director of the chamber, calls upon chamber members to recognize the student and teacher of the month and the Krewe of Leaders briefly honors a group of local citizen advocates for their work in the community. These concluding segments total an additional 11 minutes.

Homeless Students in Seminole County Florida

Webmaster — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:00:29 +0000

On Heard in Central Florida, you’ll hear a presentation by Beth D. Davalos on the issue of homeless students in Seminole County Florida public schools. Ms. Davalos is the staff liaison for a Seminole County school system project known as Families in Transition. Her address took place on Thursday, January 28, 2010, in front of a luncheon audience of League members and public attendees at Sergios Italian Restaurant in Sanford, Florida. After Ms. Davalos presentation, she responds to questions from the audience.
Feature Length — 44:21

League event coordinators: Mercedes G. Bermejo and Patricia Graves
Selected photos: GK Sharman

Bios

Beth D. Davalos

Presenter and Staff Liaison, Families in Transition
Seminole County Florida Public School System

resume

Pictures

Selected Pictures Photo Credit – GK Sharmin

After you launch the slideshow below, click “Next” and “Previous” to rotate through the photos.

Relevant Documents and External Links on Subjects Addressed by Beth D. Davalos

Panel Discussion Summary

At the January 28, 2010 “Hot Topics” luncheon for the League of Women Voters, Beth Davalos of the Seminole County Florida Public Schools was the guest presenter. Ms. Davalos, a school social worker, directs the program for homeless students called Families in Transition. This program provides services to homeless students attending Seminole County Public Schools.

In 2003 only 3 students were faced with concentrating on academic achievement while also facing the anxiety and embarrassment of homelessness. Today in Seminole County schools there are 904 such students and the number is rising. They come from all areas of the county, from every city. Each child must find some way to make it through the school year in a situation of insecurity and tension as their family struggles to find shelter.

In the current economic situation many families with school age children have lost their home and have struggled to find living facilities. Seventy six percent of these families end up in shared housing with all the attendant over-crowding and loss of privacy. The homeless shelter in Seminole county separates families by gender and has too few beds even then, but 9% of the students live there. Many other families live in temporary shelter in a single hotel room.

As a result, these homeless students are performing 1.7 grade levels below other students. Twenty-one percent of homeless children become homeless adults. Their social life is almost non-existent because they can’t bring friends “home.”

Ms. Davalos’ not only presented the disturbing statistics but described the action taken by the schools to provide the unique services that these children in need. The passage of the McKinney-Vento Act set federal requirements and guidelines to meet this crisis. Services provided by Families in Transition include:

Continuation in their school of origin no matter where they moved to find shelter so they don’t have to disrupt their school environment. Transportation provided
Free breakfast and lunch each day
Some new clothing, backpacks and hygiene products.
Counseling and tutoring to help with academics and behavior
Coordinated assistance from community agencies at all levels of government.
Pathways to Home, a pilot program to provide 30 case managers to serve 130 homeless families.

Many families are new to the economic crisis of homelessness and don’t know where to turn. Each year the school system sponsors a Families in Transition event at Winter Springs High school where 300 volunteers and social service agencies gather to provide information and services to 900 local families who find themselves homeless or in need.

Leauge Links

Commentary

Webmaster — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:05:33 +0000

A feature of every Central Florida Matters is a 3-minute commentary presented by a voice that matters on an issue that voice believes matters.

The voice you’ll hear is that of Rachael Todd, Miss Florida 2009 and a resident of Oviedo, Florida, commenting on why ending homelessness matters.
Feature length – 03:37

Central Florida Matters encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary. You will also find useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Should you wish to be considered for a commentary segment on Central Florida Matters, please click on the “contact” link to send us an email which should include adequate information for us to understand your issue. And please include a daytime telephone number where we may reach you.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

Additional Feature Information

State of the City Address – Follow-up: Mayor Andrews

Webmaster — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:04:31 +0000

Oviedo, Florida mayor, Mary Lou Andrews, and producer Stephen McKenney Steck get together for a follow-up discussion on issues the mayor presented in her recent state of the city address –the implications of reductions to the city’s tax revenue as a result of lower property values, issues dealing with incentives for local businesses, the status of the so-called “New Downtown Oviedo,” the city’s knowledge about the future of the Oviedo Marketplace Mall, and the scope and services of a city-retained consulting firm Land Design Innovations (LDI). Feature length – 31:09

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck)

On Thursday January 21, 2010, the mayor of the city of Oviedo, Florida – Mary Lou Andrews — presented the State of the City in remarks given to a luncheon audience of members of the Oviedo/Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, their guests and members of the public.

Mayor Andrews shared the stage with the Mayor of the City of Winter Springs, Florida – John F. Bush. Mayor Bush offered a similar address regarding the state of his city. Geographically, Winter Springs adjoins Oviedo to its east. The chamber’s membership draws from both cities.

After both mayors completed their prepared remarks, each responded to questions from the audience.

This shorter feature accompanies the full length version of the State of the Cities Address. To hear both mayors’ unedited remarks and their responses to audience questions, please visit “Annual State of the Cities Luncheon,” a presentation of Heard in Central Florida – HCF. Each mayor’s remarks at the luncheon were time and format restricted, a chamber rule and typical protocol followed for most business lunches.

While helpful and informative material was communicated by or between the mayors and the audience, time or inclination did not allow for more in-depth responses or follow-up during the luncheon…thus this feature.

To this end, each mayor accepted our invitation to respond to Steck’s questions asked of them a week or more after their luncheon remarks. Each mayor was separately recorded at their respective city hall office

Some of the questions you’ll hear Steck pose are follow-up or “drill-down” in nature, seeking further information or clarity on selected time-limited responses Mayor Andrews offered at the luncheon.

This page also provides Steck’s extended interview with Mayor Andrews, as well as informative links to additional websites giving you yet more information or context to issues she addresses.

Preceding Steck’s questions, as may be necessary, he offers brief context AND plays the actual luncheon remark or audience question which prompt his follow-up.

While this feature follows up with Oviedo Mayor Andrews, Winter Springs Mayor John F. Bush is accommodated in a separate feature.

In the extended interview with Mayor Andrews, hear her expand on 4 other issues. They are the relationship of the city with the State legislature and the US Congress; incentives offered or in-place for local businesses; her expectations of the upcoming review of the city charter; and population increases within the city.

In a future Central Florida Matters, we are planning interviews with principals related to a dominant issue addressed in the Mayor’s remarks –it is the role of Land Design Innovations in the economic development of the cities of Oviedo and Winter Springs.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

	Mayor Mary Lou Andrews and Stephen McKenney Steck Extended interview (01:11:58)

Additional Feature Information

Seminole Chronicle newspaper articles

Seminole Voice newspaper articles

Historic Downtown Oviedo – Walking Tour

Webmaster — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:03:01 +0000

Interested in history, old houses, walking, pancakes and supporting the hungry? The Oviedo Preservation Project (TOPP) will be hosting a Historic Oviedo Walking Tour and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 8 to 11a.m. On this preview, hear tour organizer Megan Sladek describe 10 historic buildings in downtown Oviedo and how the people who lived in each helped make Oviedo what it is today. Feature length – 17:40

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck)

As you follow Ms. Sladek’s walking narrative, we have provided in the order of the tour she takes us on still pictures of each location, addresses, a locator map and a brief text description of each of the 10-historic locations she describes. Additionally, we have provided links to external Websites featuring additional information relative to the tour and to the Oviedo Preservation Project.

Sladek notes the cost for both breakfast and the tour is “whatever you can afford.”

The breakfast will be hosted by First United Methodist Church of Oviedo with assistance from the Oviedo Woman’s Club, the HOPE Foundation, and TOPP.

All of the profits from the breakfast will benefit those in the Oviedo community who are in need. All of the proceeds from the tour will assist students in Oviedo learn more about local history.

Extended Interview & Pictures

Click on the picture(s) to enlarge.

Megan Sladek and Stephen McKenney Steck

Extended interview (28:43)

Walking Tour Map

View Larger Map

Additional Feature Information

Paper Resources (recommended by TOPP)

Circa 1960 (a booklet produced by the Oviedo Historical Society in 1982)
Oviedo: Biography of a Town, by Richard Adicks and Donna Neely (Executive Press, 1979)
Guide to Florida’s Historic Architecture (University of Florida Press, 1989)
Oviedo Historical Trail – Online Hiking Trail Route (Steve Ratjar, 1999)