What changed in town, in plain English. We summarize local reporting and link to every original story.
Latest story Wednesday, September 23
Get it every ThursdayCity HallMonday, September 21
Oviedo leaders voted Monday on the millage rate for the budget taking effect Oct. 1, keeping the 5.6692 rate. The mayor said the city will collect no more property tax money than last year, and proposed event and program cuts were not adopted.
What it means for you
The city's share of your property tax bill won't rise for the year starting Oct. 1.
CommunitySep 23
City Walk Lane is closed for tent setup through late morning Sept. 28, and Center Lake Lane closes from about noon Sept. 24 through 11 p.m. Sept. 26 for the three-day festival.
Reported by City of Oviedo
City HallSep 23
Oviedo will hold a virtual meeting on the Amendment 3 property tax referendum at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Residents can submit questions in advance through an online form, and council members and staff will answer them during the session.
Reported by City of Oviedo
Public SafetySep 21
A proposed ordinance would cap e-bikes, scooters and similar devices at 10 mph, bar them from some public places including parks, and require riders to yield to pedestrians. Violations would be civil. A work session is set for Sept. 28, with a hearing Oct. 5.
Reported by News 6 (WKMG)
City HallSep 21
The city reported a reclaimed water service interruption affecting Easton Park, Chapman Oaks, Chapman Cove and Chapman Groves, with repairs expected by the end of the week.
Reported by City of Oviedo
Decisions still in motion, where each one stands, and what happens next.
City pays off loans, proposes lower 5.6692 rate
Jul 29
Council finalizes rate and budget
Sep 21
New rate takes effect
Oct 1
Next: The 5.6692-mill operating rate applies to the budget year starting Oct. 1.
Read the reportingFirst city information session
Sep 16
Virtual Q&A meeting
Sep 30
Session at Riverside Senior Center
Oct 13
Statewide vote (needs 60%)
Nov 3
Takes effect if passed
Jan 1
Next: Residents can submit questions for the Sept. 30 virtual meeting.
Read the reportingCandidate qualifying ends
Aug 7
Election Day
Nov 3
Next: Voters choose three at-large council members on Nov. 3.
Read the reportingCouncil sends term-length and election changes to ballot
Jun 17
Council adds rural annexation supermajority amendment
Jul 20
Voters decide
Nov 3
Next: Oviedo voters decide the charter changes on Nov. 3.
Read the reportingCounty planning board approves
Sep 2
Seminole County Commission final vote
Detailed site plan review
Next: The County Commission is expected to vote in October.
Read the reportingConstruction contract awarded
Jul 29
FDOT notice to proceed
About nine months of construction
Next: Work starts once FDOT issues its notice to proceed.
Read the reportingCouncil work session
Sep 28
Public hearing
Oct 5
Next: The council discusses the proposal at a Sept. 28 work session.
Read the reportingSep 19
Sports
The Lions defeated the Huskies 28-7 on Sept. 18, their third straight win, improving to 3-2. It was Hagerty's first loss of the season, dropping the Huskies to 2-1.
Reported by MaxPreps
Sep 17
Sports
The reigning state champion Lions played teams from Hawaii, California and Nevada at a Labor Day weekend tournament, finishing 7-1. The self-funded trip went ahead after the district had discussed limiting out-of-state travel.
Reported by Oviedo High student journalism
Sep 17
Roads & Traffic
Contractors are trimming overhanging trees on North Lake Jessup Avenue, East Franklin Street and Mitchell Hammock Road between Lake Jessup Avenue and Lockwood Boulevard, with flaggers directing traffic starting Sept. 22 and Sept. 24.
For you: Expect brief slowdowns on these roads during daytime work.
Reported by City of Oviedo
Sep 16
Public Safety
Seminole County officials estimate the property tax amendment would cut more than $119 million, eliminating over 300 sheriff's office positions and 175 fire jobs, slowing non-emergency 911 response and ending the animal shelter's no-kill status.
For you: County sheriff and fire services cover Oviedo-area residents outside city limits.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 10
Community
A routine afternoon storm on Sept. 10 pushed creek water into backyards and eroded soil. The city blamed temporary construction barriers at the Magnolia Street crossing and says an early-stage drainage study is underway.
For you: Homeowners along the creek can follow the city's drainage study for possible fixes.
Reported by FOX 35 Orlando
Sep 9
Schools
Enrollment fell to about 55,465 this fall, triggering a $5.7 million budget cut. District leaders cited lower birth rates, private school vouchers and immigration fears, and said they expect to avoid layoffs, though teachers could be moved.
For you: Staffing at Oviedo-area schools could shift as the district rebalances.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 9
City Hall
About half of Oviedo's property tax revenue comes from homesteaded properties. The city says Oktoberfest, holiday events, youth recreation programs and park and pool hours could be cut if voters approve the larger homestead exemption.
For you: Many city events and programs residents use could be on the line in November.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 8
Community
Seminole County's Mission Blue Tarp program began taking applications Sept. 21 for roof replacement grants of up to $20,000. Only the first 60 applications will be accepted, with priority for households with members who have disabilities or special needs.
For you: Oviedo homeowners with failing roofs can apply, but slots are limited.
Reported by Seminole County
Sep 4
Business
Maitland-based CrossMarc Capital bought the fully leased Food Factory at Oviedo on the Park and an adjacent lot. It plans a small retail building there, with Kilwins signed as a tenant and construction slated to start in November.
For you: A new chocolate and ice cream shop is headed to Oviedo on the Park.
Reported by GrowthSpotter
Sep 3
Growth & Development
Seminole County's planning board approved rezoning a 23-acre RV and boat storage lot on Slavia Road near S.R. 417 for a four-story apartment complex. Lukas Nursery raised flooding and traffic concerns. The County Commission is expected to decide in October.
For you: More traffic on Slavia Road is possible if the County Commission approves it.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 2
Public Safety
After a council work session, the city removed all eight Flock license plate reader cameras on Sept. 1, about seven months after installation. Police say they will rely on other tools, and some council members oppose bringing the readers back.
For you: Oviedo no longer uses automated license plate readers on city streets.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 2
Roads & Traffic
Average Scout wait times in Seminole County rose to about 52 minutes in August, above the 30-minute contract target. The rush-hour surcharge rose from $1 to $2.50 this month, with discounts for students, seniors and riders with disabilities.
For you: Rush-hour Scout trips now cost more and may take longer.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Sep 1
City Hall
Oviedo voters will see city charter amendments in November, including extending council terms from two to four years, changing council voting procedures, adjusting special election timing and moving the candidate qualifying period.
For you: These changes would affect how often and when Oviedo holds city elections.
Reported by City of Oviedo
Aug 26
Community
The council unanimously named the former police substation the African American Legacy and Cultural Arts Center. Renovations are funded by a $500,000 state grant, and a pavilion, signage and public art are among the planned upgrades.
For you: A renovated community space honoring Oviedo's Black history is taking shape.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Aug 22
Public Safety
After several license plate cameras were stolen or damaged, Oviedo police put a 3D-printed fake camera on Lockwood Boulevard and arrested a man seen cutting it down. The mayor said the council had not known about the operation.
Reported by FOX 35 Orlando
Aug 19
Business
The council unanimously let nonprofit Save A Life Pet Rescue board dogs on weekends at the mall, despite noise complaints from a neighboring tenant. The kennel isn't running yet; the group must first raise money and improve the space.
For you: Adoptable dogs could stay overnight at the mall between weekend events.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Aug 18
Schools
In the Aug. 18 primary, incumbents Kristine Kraus and Autumn Garick won their Seminole County School Board seats easily. Holton Mills edged Joshua Memminger by about two points for the open District 2 seat.
For you: School board members are elected countywide and set policy for Oviedo schools.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Aug 18
City Hall
Ryan Elijah, a former FOX 35 anchor, defeated the incumbent in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 7. He faces Democrat Bale Dalton in November.
For you: District 7 includes the Oviedo area, so this race picks your next U.S. representative.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Aug 12
Health
The hospital now offers an implantable shock absorber for patients with knee osteoarthritis or meniscus damage. The minimally invasive procedure usually allows same-day discharge and can help some patients delay or avoid a total knee replacement.
For you: A new knee pain option is available close to home.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Aug 4
Public Safety
The police department launched CommunityConnect, an opt-in system that notifies callers when an officer is dispatched, if there are delays, and who the assigned investigator is. It can also connect crime victims with support services.
For you: You can track a police call's status without phoning back.
Reported by City of Oviedo
Jul 29
City Hall
The city paid off about $1.6 million in loans for a fire station, public works complex and Center Lake Park, and set a proposed operating rate of 5.6692 mills, down from 5.8610. Revenue still rises slightly because taxable values grew.
For you: The city now carries no general fund debt payments going into the new budget year.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 29
Roads & Traffic
Oviedo hired Southern Development and Construction for about $3.8 million to add a raised median, three left-turn lanes and an 8-foot sidewalk on West Mitchell Hammock Road between S.R. 426 and South Lake Jessup Avenue. Work should take about nine months.
For you: Expect overnight closures and detours once FDOT gives the go-ahead.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 29
Schools
The district closed most of its budget gap by cutting about 315 positions, sharing some school roles and using one-time state money, according to the superintendent. The board gave the budget tentative approval in late July.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 28
Business
Recent openings at Oviedo Mall include Bruder Brewing Company, Yuji Sushi, Martial Arts Nation and Lucky Star Vintage. An alternative fashion shop and a paint-your-own-pottery studio are coming.
For you: More local dining and activity options are opening at the mall.
Reported by Sanford Herald
Jul 23
Growth & Development
Collection 674, a gated project with 34 climate-controlled garage condos and an owners' clubhouse, plans to break ground in October about a mile east of S.R. 417. Units are priced from the low $300,000s, with completion expected in 2027.
Reported by GrowthSpotter
Jul 22
Growth & Development
The council voted 3-2 to put a charter amendment on the November ballot requiring a four-of-five council supermajority to annex land inside Seminole County's rural area. It comes as a developer seeks to pull the Pappy's Patch property out of the rural boundary.
For you: It would make it harder for the city to annex rural land east of town.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 22
Business
Seminole County commissioners voted 5-0 to rezone a building now home to BioFit gym so a specialty car dealership can move in. Nearby residents objected; the developer said vehicles would be kept indoors.
For you: A neighborhood gym on Aloma Avenue is likely to be replaced.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 15
Business
Seminole County approved rezoning the 1920s pink filling station at Red Bug Road and S.R. 426, next to the Cross Seminole Trail, for a coffee shop. An environmental survey for old fuel tanks is required first.
For you: Trail users could get a new coffee stop in a restored landmark.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 15
Growth & Development
A developer has asked Seminole County to remove the 67-acre former strawberry farm next to Oviedo from the rural boundary for 136 homes, while acknowledging denial is likely. Oviedo's mayor argues the land lacks utilities and should stay rural.
For you: The outcome shapes how far suburban growth spreads at Oviedo's edge.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 15
Community
The family-owned agriculture and real estate company donated $50,000 to fund more than 500 adaptive swim lessons for children with special needs, plus instructor training and sensory-friendly supplies.
For you: Families of kids with special needs can find more swim lesson options locally.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jul 8
Growth & Development
After the mall's property owners signed agreements, the first phase can move ahead: up to 400 apartments and a new mall entrance on the former Macy's site. A second phase of about 325 apartments is planned on the west parcel.
For you: The long-vacant Macy's building is set to be demolished for new housing.
Reported by News 6 (WKMG)
Jul 1
Schools
The state's 2026 school grades rated SCPS an A, ranking it first in Central Florida and first among Florida's 14 largest districts, and 11th of 67 districts statewide.
Reported by Seminole County Public Schools
Jun 24
Community
After restarting the contest over AI-generated entries, the council voted 3-2 for Oviedo artist Justin Herman's design featuring Spanish tile, classical imagery and oranges. It will be painted on the boathouse's back wall for the city's 100th anniversary.
For you: A new piece of public art is coming to Center Lake Park.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jun 17
Growth & Development
The council unanimously approved up to 163 student beds, including a 40-bed dorm for short-term students, on the seminary's 63-acre campus near East Mitchell Hammock Road. Wooded buffers along the property edges will remain.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
Jun 17
Health
Leapfrog gave the hospital an A for safety for the sixth consecutive grading cycle. It also received a Healthgrades patient safety award and five-star ratings for hip fracture, hip replacement and sepsis care.
Reported by Oviedo Community News
No older stories on that topic yet.