PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact:  Clarissa Howard 407-599-3428 or cell 407-948-2044

WINTER PARK USES NEW CEMETERY MOBILE APP

TO KEEP THE MEMORIES OF OUR LOVED ONES ALIVE

 WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (June 28, 2013) – The mobile app world is not just for the living anymore – now those who have gone even 100 years before us can benefit from these new advancements in technology.  Well, sort of.

Two years ago in 2011, our Parks & Recreation Department implemented an online burial search that allows the public to find burial locations via the city website. Today, Parks & Recreation has launched a new feature to this software that will allow family, friends and visitors of both Palm and Pineywood cemeteries to remember their loved ones, and learn about the many others laid to rest at each cemetery as well.

By downloading the new mobile app called WPC Explorer from your devices’ app store, any visitor can walk through either Palm or Pineywood cemetery with an android, iPhone or tablet.  As they visit a gravesite, they can access their loved one’s obituary, life history and photos directly from their mobile device. This information would be electronically submitted by family or friends of the departed to the Parks & Recreation Department, who will review and upload into the new software.  Each site will have its own GPS location so as you travel through the cemetery, you can actually experience an in-depth history of the city’s past residents and family members.

Literally, as you travel through the cemetery, information and wonderful memories about the ones who have gone before us can be available on your android, iPhone or tablet.  With this new upgrade, the phrase  “there’s an app for that” will not only benefit us now, but can also be a new way to remember. Keeping these memories alive is so important and the city’s Parks & Recreation Department is making it easier for us to remember our dearly departed through the use of modern technology.

For more information regarding WPC Explorer, visit cityofwinterpark.org under What’s New or call 407-599-3252.

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact: Craig M. O’Neil   407-599-3506 or cell 321-303-2653 

WINTER PARK’S UTILITY SERVICES GOES GREEN AND OFFERS EASY OPTIONS 

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (June 28, 2013) – The City of Winter Park is pleased to announce its new electronic billing and payment service powered by Payment Service Network, Inc. (PSN). By implementing the latest technology, the city will provide several easy payment options for utility customers with no convenience fee. Customers participating in online billing will receive an email notification with a link to the PDF of their actual bill when it is ready for viewing. Bills can also now be viewed online which will save printing and mailing costs.

In order to reduce costs and paper usage, utility customers are encouraged to opt out of receiving paper bills and use eBill which is a FREE service. This new online billing and payment service complements the city’s efforts to be environmentally-conscious. If customers prefer paper bills, they can still pay electronically by paying online, via mobile app available mid-July, or by calling PSN. Another benefit is that current balances are posted daily so customers can see how much they owe by going online or using the new mobile app.

Customers are now able to review their accounts and pay from the comfort of their homes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by selecting one of the following options:

1. Log on to cityofwinterpark.org and click on “pay your utility bill” button.
2. Download “WP BillPay” mobile app for Android, Windows or iPhone.
3. Call the toll-free, automated phone service at 1.877.885.7968.

(English and Spanish languages)

1. Pay by eCheck, VISA, Mastercard or Discover.

(customers can pay immediately, schedule a payment, or set up recurring payments)

Security of online information is a top concern of the city. One of the reasons PSN was chosen is due to their Level 1 certification by the Payment Card Industry™ Data Security Standard, the highest degree of security awarded by the industry. PSN specializes in providing billing, payment and communication services to utility companies and municipalities. They are a pioneer in the online payment industry. For questions, please call PSN’s toll-free help line at 1.866.917.7368.

For additional information regarding the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact:  Clarissa Howard 407-599-3428 or cell 407-948-2044

HAVE A LATTE BEANS TO GRIND OR

WANT TO ESPRESSO YOUR THOUGHTS?

COFFEETALK IS THE CUP FOR YOU!

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (June 18, 2013) – The first COFFEETALK of the 2013 season featuring Vice-Mayor Sarah Sprinkel will be held Thursday, July 11, at 8 a.m., at the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave.

Initiated in 2005, COFFEETALK has become the place for citizens that have “a latte beans to grind” or who simply want to “espresso their thoughts.”  The purpose of COFFEETALK is to give citizens the opportunity to talk to their city leaders in a more casual, informal environment and avoid the stage fright that is often experienced at large meetings.

Mayor Kenneth Bradley’s COFFEETALK will be held Friday, August 9, in conjunction with the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Winter Park! at the Winter Park Welcome Center. Networking begins at 7:45 a.m. and the Mayor’s COFFEETALK will begin at 8 a.m.

Please make note of the following complete schedule for the upcoming 2013 COFFEETALK season with our city leaders:

All COFFEETALKS are held at 8 a.m., in the Winter Park Welcome Center located at 151 W. Lyman Ave. Please mark your calendars for a cup of conversation and great coffee courtesy of Palmano’s Café, Coffee & Wine Bar. For more COFFEETALK information, please call 407-599-3428 or visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Craig M. O’Neil   407-599-3506 or cell 321-303-2653

CITY OF WINTER PARK’S 18TH ANNUAL
OLDE FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (June 25, 2013) –

The City of Winter Park will present their 18th annual Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Central Park. Mayor Ken Bradley will lead a special presentation at 9:15 a.m. from the main stage. Wear your red, white and blue, bring a blanket or beach chair, and gather with family and friends to enjoy this Winter Park tradition.

The annual celebration will feature live patriotic music performed by the Bach Festival Brass Band and Bach Festival Choir, horse-drawn wagon rides, Orlando Cloggers, Rockin’ Roadster Road Show and much more! Children’s activities will include the annual bicycle parade at 9 a.m. (lineup begins at 8:30 a.m.) from City Hall to Central Park, as well as fun games and inflatables. Free hot dogs, watermelon and water will available for all to enjoy, while supplies last. Families and friends are also invited to stroll along Park Avenue and Hannibal Square to shop and dine at the wide selection of shops and eateries.

In addition, The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will present their Independence Day Open House. The museum, which is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of work by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, will provide FREE admission to its galleries from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note that City Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. City offices will re-open at 8 a.m. on Friday, July 5. The City of Winter Park wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day.

For more information regarding the 18th annual Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, please call 407-599-3463.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org.

MEDIA ALERT 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Craig M. O’Neil   407-599-3506 or cell 321-303-2653
CITY OF WINTER PARK UPCOMING EVENTS SCHEDULE 

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies

Celebrate The City of Winter Park’s 125th Anniversary!

Come to the 11th annual Unity Heritage Festival

The Event begins Sunday, January 20th, 2013. 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

We’ll be at Shady Park at Hannibal Square (corner of Pennsylvania and New England avenues)
And best of all, the event is FREE!

The wonderful community of Winter Park will come together for the 11th annual Unity Heritage Festival on Sunday and Monday. This celebration will promote family history and raise money for the Educational Fulfillment Fund for local economically disadvantaged youth. The festival will have fun for the whole family. Including children’s games, food and retail vendors, entertainment by various gospel artists, and then there will be a presentation of the annual Heritage Award.

Do not miss out on this great event. It is a festival the entire family can enjoy!

For more information, go to: www.cityofwinterpark.org or Contact: 407-599-3275

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (November 20, 2012) – The City of Winter Park and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra invite you to celebrate the spirit of the holiday season at their annual Holiday Pops concert Sunday, November 25, at 4 p.m., in charming Central Park. This free public concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Bring a blanket and picnic for a concert program that has become a family tradition in central Florida.

Conductor Albert-George Schram will lead the Philharmonic in a beautiful program of holiday favorites for all ages. Highlights will include instrumentals such as “Chanukah Suite,” “Sleigh Ride” and “Deck the Halls,” and vocal selections including “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” featuring Holiday Singer Connie Brink; “O Holy Night” featuring Tiffany Coburn; “The Twelve Days of Christmas” featuring the Holiday Singers; and “Christmas Memories,” featuring the children’s choir.

In the spirit of the season, audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable, canned or dry food items to help restock the pantries at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Over the past 11 years, the orchestra has helped collect over 4,000 pounds of food for families in central Florida.

For more information regarding the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra or this special performance, please call 407-896-6700, ext. 223, or visit orlandophil.org.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org.

WINTER PARK, Fla., an internationally recognized ICMA Excellence Award winner with accredited fire, police and parks & recreation agencies (November 2, 2012) – The City of Winter Park is once again preparing to welcome a string of festive events this holiday season. Gather with friends, family and loved ones to experience these annual holiday traditions in Winter Park, the “City of Culture and Heritage.”

The season begins with “Winter in the Park” holiday ice skating rink in Central Park West Meadow from Friday, November 16, 2012, through Sunday, January 6, 2013. “Winter in the Park” will include a full calendar of joyful events including holiday music, games, family nights, youth nights, carolers and so much more. The rink will be open Monday thru Thursday, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, please call 407-599-3203.

A special Holiday Pops concert performed by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra will take place Sunday, November 25, at 4 p.m., in beautiful Central Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a concert program of holiday favorites that will be sure to put everyone in the spirit of the season. Guest conductor Albert George Schram will lead the Philharmonic and guest soloists Tiffany Colburn and Connie Brink. This free concert is made possible by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. For more information, please call 407-770-0071.

On Friday, November 30, at 5 p.m., the festivities continue in Central Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and presented by the University of Central Florida. The night will begin with carols from several local ensembles, followed by the award ceremony for the 2012 Holiday Card Competition winners. Central Park will come to life with beautiful bright lights and Santa & Mrs. Claus will make a special appearance. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

In conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Stroll Friday, November 30, the City of Winter Park will present Popcorn Flicks in Central Park featuring “Elf” at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 407-629-0054.

On Saturday, December 1, Park Avenue comes to life at 9 a.m. with the 60^th annual Winter Park “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas Parade, hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce and presented by Bright House^® Networks. This family-friendly occasion showcases holiday-themed floats, Santa Claus and well-known local figures as they make their way down the avenue. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

Before and after the Christmas parade Saturday, December 1, Leadership Winter Park Class 23 will host the 14^th annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast, presented by Fannie Hillman & Associates and Vanson Constructors, at the Central Park main stage from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy hot pancakes, sausage and beverages for just $6 per adult and $4 per child, with proceeds benefiting

Winter Park area elementary schools. For more information, please call 407-644-8281.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continues their holiday tradition with the 34^th annual Christmas in the Park Celebration Thursday, December 6. Central Park creates the beautiful backdrop for the lighting of eight turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows as the Bach Festival Choir performs in concert on the main stage. The two-hour program begins at 6:15 p.m. For more information, please call 407-645-5311.

To complement the annual “Christmas in the Park Celebration,” Friends of Casa Feliz will present Christmas at the Casa, sponsored by Commerce National Bank and Trust, Thursday, December 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Casa Feliz located at 656 North Park Avenue. Santa Claus will be on hand to greet everyone, the house will be decorated for the season, and costumed carolers will lead attendees in holiday favorites. For more information, please call 407-628-8200.

On Saturday, December 8, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens will become the official judging and viewing site for the 9^th annual Winter Park Boat Parade & Festival of Lights including a water ski show on Lake Virginia near Rollins College. This free event will begin at dusk and parking fees will apply. For more information, please call 407-647-6294.

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present Chanukah in the Park Sunday, December 9, at 5 p.m., in Central Park. The evening will include singing performances, live music, dancers, face painting, jugglers and food. For more information, please call 407-644-2500.

The city’s 125^th anniversary will be celebrated at the Winter Park Historical Association’s Holiday Open House Thursday, December 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Winter Park Country Club.

Enjoy the rich sounds of Christmas as tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages gather to perform a FREE concert from the main stage in Central Park beginning at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 15. Winter Park’s 17^th annual Merry Tuba Christmas has become a must-see on the holiday list of things to do. Registration for musicians begins at 9:30 a.m., with rehearsal running from 10:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, please call 407-599-3463.

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will hold a FREE Holiday Weekend Open House Saturday, December 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, December 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call 407-645-5311.

To wrap up the holiday season with a bright red bow on top, the City of Winter Park will proudly host the 6^th annual Russell Athletic Bowl^® Parade of Bands Friday, December 28, at 11 a.m. As a prelude to the Russell Athletic Bowl^® game on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Florida Citrus Bowl, school bands from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big East championship teams will march through downtown Winter Park and perform a “Bandastic Game Day Preview” in Central Park. For more information, please call 407-599-3463.

For information regarding additional events in the City of Winter Park, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org.

The City of Winter Park wishes everyone a very happy and safe holiday season!

The Parks & Recreation Department of the City of Winter Park will present Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in Shady Park, adjacent to the Winter Park Community Center at 721 West New England Avenue.

Munchkins of all ages are invited to attend this FREE family-friendly event. Fun-filled activities will include games, bounce houses, a costume contest, Trick-or-Treat Trail and safe Halloween fun for everyone. If inclement weather tries to dampen the evening, the event will be moved into the Winter Park Community Center.

For more information regarding Pumpkins & Munchkins in Shady Park, please call 407-599-3275.

For information regarding additional City of Winter Park events, please visit the city’s official website at cityofwinterpark.org.

Wednesday, 10/17 

WINTER PARK HIGH SCHOOL PARADE & PEP RALLY
5 p.m., Park Avenue and Central Park

Thursday, 10/18

COFFEETALK featuring Commissioner Carolyn Cooper
8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Winter Park Welcome Center

Saturday, 10/20

HARRIET’S PARK AVENUE FASHION WEEK RUNWAY SHOW
7 p.m., Central Park West Meadow

Monday, 10/22   

CITY BLOOD DRIVE
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., City Hall

10/23 – 12/11 

BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS – BEGINNER
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Winter Park Farmers’ Market

BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS – INTERMEDIATE
8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., Winter Park Farmers’ Market

Saturday, 10/27

KID’S TRICK OR TREAT ON PARK AVENUE
10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Park Avenue

Wednesday, 10/31

PUMPKINS & MUNCHKINS IN SHADY PARK
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Shady Park

Thursday, 11/1 

POPCORN FLICKS IN CENTRAL PARK featuring “Chicken Run”
8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Central Park

Friday, 11/9

2nd ANNUAL VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION “HONORING  WINTER PARK HEROES”
10 a.m., Winter Park Community Center

November 10 – 11

11^TH ANNUAL WINTER PARK CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE
Hannibal Square, Saturday; Park Avenue, Sunday

Wednesday, 11/14

“WHAT WAS FLORIDA LIKE IN THE 1800s”
11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Casa Feliz

Thursday, 11/15

COFFEETALK featuring Commissioner Tom McMacken
8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Winter Park Welcome Center

Thursday, 11/15

“SIP & STROLL” ON PARK AVENUE
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Park Avenue