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A Big Win 4 the Trees in Seminole County

Seminole County is quietly making one of the most important environmental moves in Central Florida—and most people don’t even realize it. In a region where development continues to expand at a rapid pace, the preservation of trees is no longer just a “nice idea.” It’s becoming a structured, enforced, and funded priority. And that’s a big win. The Shift: From Removal to Responsibility For years, development and tree removal have gone hand in hand. Growth meant clearing land, and replacement efforts were often inconsistent or limited to what could physically fit on-site. Now, Seminole County has taken a more strategic approach. Through updates to its land development code, developers who remove trees are now required to either replace them—or contribute financially to a county-managed Arbor Trust Fund. This changes everything. Instead of forcing unrealistic on-site replanting, the county can now redirect those funds into meaningful environmental projects across parks, trails, and public lands—placing trees where they will actually thrive and benefit the community. Real Projects, Real Impact This isn’t theoretical policy—it’s already happening. Funds collected are actively being used to plant trees in public spaces like:→ Red Bug Lake Park→ Soldiers Creek Park→ Boombah Sports Complex That means shaded walking paths, cooler recreational areas, and stronger ecosystems across Seminole County—not just within the footprint of new construction. It also means taxpayers aren’t footing the bill. Built Into the System Tree preservation in Seminole County isn’t just a side initiative—it’s embedded directly into how development works. Before a project is approved, site plans must clearly identify:→ Trees being preserved→ Trees being removed→ Trees being replaced or relocated Beyond that, the County Commission itself acts as a Tree Committee, with the authority to enforce preservation standards, approve protections, and guide long-term planting strategies. In short: trees are no longer an afterthought—they’re part of the blueprint. Why This Matters More Than People Think Tree canopy isn’t just about aesthetics. It directly affects:→ Heat reduction in urban areas→ Stormwater control and flood prevention→ Air quality and pollution filtering→ Property value and quality of life Seminole County has recognized that protecting trees isn’t anti-growth—it’s smart growth. A County With a Legacy to Protect This isn’t new territory for Seminole County. Home to historic natural landmarks like the ancient cypress trees at Big Tree Park—some over 2,000 years old—the area already understands the cultural and environmental value of preservation. What’s changing now is scale. Instead of protecting a few iconic trees, the county is building a system that protects entire ecosystems. The Bigger Picture This is the kind of policy shift that often goes unnoticed—but has long-term impact. More trees planted where they matter.More funding without raising taxes.More accountability in development. Seminole County didn’t stop development.They refined it. And in doing so, they created a model where growth and preservation can exist side by side. That’s not just a win for the environment. That’s a win for the future of the community.

Looking Ahead to 2026 Local Elections

Sanford is heading into another important election cycle, and while national headlines tend to dominate attention, local elections are where decisions directly impact daily life—zoning, development, schools, infrastructure, and community growth. The 2026 election cycle in Seminole County and Sanford will include key positions such as County Commission seats, judicial races, and local leadership roles. According to the official Seminole County Supervisor of Elections candidate listings, several candidates have already filed for positions including:→ County Commission District 2→ County Commission District 4→ County Court Judge (multiple groups)→ School Board positions (voteseminole.gov) Sanford voters should also be aware that municipal elections—including Mayor and City Commission seats—are expected as part of the broader 2026 cycle, with election day set for November 3, 2026. (GoodParty.org) Local elections determine how Sanford grows, who represents the community, and how resources are allocated. Staying informed early allows residents to research candidates, understand platforms, and participate with intention. Sample SanfordPages Ballot (Preview) Below is a creative sample ballot layout based on currently filed candidates. This is NOT an official ballot, but a simplified preview to help residents understand what to expect. 🗳️ SANFORD / SEMINOLE COUNTY — SAMPLE BALLOT (2026 PREVIEW) County Commission – District 2☐ Nakicha Dunn☐ Jay Zembower (voteseminole.gov) County Commission – District 4☐ Amy Lockhart☐ Charline Santos (voteseminole.gov) County Court Judge – Group 1☐ Dean Reed☐ Nathan Skop☐ Erik Swenk (voteseminole.gov) County Court Judge – Group 3☐ Sylvia Grunor (voteseminole.gov) County Court Judge – Group 6☐ Wayne Culver (voteseminole.gov) School Board – District 1☐ Kristine Kraus (voteseminole.gov) City of Sanford – Mayor (Municipal Race)☐ Christina Hollerbach (voteseminole.gov) What This Means for Sanford This ballot reflects more than names—it reflects direction. → County Commission decisions influence development, infrastructure, and long-term planning→ Judges impact legal outcomes and community justice systems→ School Board members shape education policy and student resources→ City leadership defines Sanford’s identity, growth, and local priorities Why You Should Pay Attention Now Most voters wait until weeks before the election to engage. That’s too late. The strongest voters:→ Research candidates early→ Follow announcements and debates→ Understand how local policies affect their neighborhoods Seminole County is already preparing for the 2026 election cycle, including recruiting election workers and encouraging residents to stay informed and engaged. (voteseminole.gov) Final Note Sanford is growing. Development is accelerating. Decisions are being made that will shape the next decade. Local elections are where those decisions are decided. Stay informed. Stay engaged. And when the time comes—vote with intention. For official candidate updates and full listings, visit:https://www.voteseminole.gov/current-candidates/

Hurricane Season Is on the Horizon — Here’s What Sanford Needs to Know

Hurricane season is here, and preparation isn’t optional—it’s responsibility. Every year, storms test Central Florida in different ways. Wind, flooding, power outages, and supply shortages can escalate quickly. The difference between chaos and control often comes down to preparation before the storm forms. This guide is direct, local, and actionable. Track Storms Early — Don’t Wait Do not rely on word of mouth. Actively monitor storms through official sources:→ National Hurricane Center (nhc.noaa.gov)→ Seminole County Emergency Management (prepareseminole.org)→ Local news and weather alerts Storm paths shift. Waiting until the last minute limits your options. Save These Emergency Numbers NOW Do this today—not during a storm. → Seminole County Emergency Management: 407-665-5102→ Non-Emergency Sheriff Line: 407-665-6650→ Florida Power & Light (FPL): 1-800-4-OUTAGE→ 911 (for life-threatening emergencies ONLY) Write them down. Screenshot them. Keep them accessible if your phone dies or service drops. Build Your Supply Kit Immediately If shelves are empty, it’s already too late. Minimum essentials:→ Water (1 gallon per person per day, at least 3–5 days)→ Non-perishable food→ Flashlights + extra batteries→ Portable phone chargers / power banks→ First aid kit + medications→ Cash (card systems may go down)→ Important documents (sealed/waterproof) Optional but recommended:→ Battery-powered radio→ Ice + coolers→ Hygiene supplies→ Baby / pet supplies if applicable Sandbags & Free Resources in Seminole County Seminole County often provides free sandbags ahead of major storms. Common pickup locations include:→ Boombah Sports Complex (Sanford area)→ Sanlando Park→ Soldiers Creek Park Check live updates here:→ prepareseminole.org→ Seminole County Government social media pages Bring your own shovel—sandbag sites are typically self-service. Know Your Evacuation Zone & Shelter Options Not all areas are equal. If you live in:→ Flood-prone zones→ Mobile homes→ Low-lying areas near water You may need to evacuate. Find your zone and shelter info here:→ prepareseminole.org Local shelters (when activated) may include schools and designated emergency centers. Elderly & Special Needs Assistance This is critical—and often overlooked. If you or someone you know is:→ Elderly→ Disabled→ Medically dependent Register with the Seminole County Special Needs Program. This provides:→ Transportation assistance→ Priority shelter placement→ Medical support during emergencies Register here:→ prepareseminole.org (Special Needs section) Check on neighbors. A 2-minute visit can save a life. Secure Your Property Do this before winds pick up: → Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and loose items→ Board or secure windows if needed→ Trim weak tree branches→ Fuel your vehicle→ Test generators (OUTSIDE use only) Small actions now prevent major damage later. Stay Local. Stay Connected. Sanford is a strong community—but storms don’t care about strength. They test preparation. Support local businesses early.Help neighbors secure their homes.Share verified information—not rumors. Final Word Do not wait for a named storm. Prepare now.Track actively.Stay informed.Help others. Because when the storm comes, the goal isn’t to react. The goal is to already be ready.

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