WELCOME
written by Eddy Solon, Northwest Village
East Orlando Realtor, Keller Williams
Welcome neighbors. We are glad to be reaching over 2,000 plus residents in East Orlando, and happier to be "Building Community One Issue at a time."
This Month has been such an exciting month in AP, from Octoberfest, Movies Under the Stars, the biggest Yard Sale in Orlando, and not including, the activities planned this coming week. Many love this time of year. Fall reflects to many life transitions that we can either embrace or complain about. For the ones that embrace this transition, a journey from blooming vegetation to harvesting, a journey from life to death, from Activity to Rest, from Humidity and Heat to Florida Cold (we know what that means), it is a wonderful time of the year for family fun and memories. As always, I would encourage you to join the many interest groups that we have in Avalon Park and enjoy this beautiful community through different lenses. Also, we are always looking for great contributors, so if you would like to contribute an article please feel free to email publishing@apgazette.com for consideration.
The Series “My Journey" has come to an end, but do not be disheartened. We have another Series starting January 2013 planned "My Business Journey." Avalon Park Businesses discuss how they came to be, their triumphs and challenges. If you are an Avalon Park Business and will like to contribute your story (remember, we only have 6 articles in this series), please feel free to emailpublishing@apgazette.com for consideration.
We are often asked why an event or an issue impacting our community was not included. The simple answer is, although we strive to cover issues impacting our community, unless someone writes an article and submits it, it most likely will not be included. This newsletter is truly a newsletter developed by neighbors for neighbors and the content responsibility is shared by the community, therefore we all are part of the Gazette Team. Hence, if you have an event or life style oriented article that you would like to submit, please do so! Submit your article by the third Thursday of the month, by 12 pm, to publishing@apgazette.com for consideration in the next issue.
Lastly, we would like to thank our newest Sponsor, American Momentum Bank, for their Platinum Sponsorship, specifically Josh Velazquez, Mortgage Loan Originator. We really appreciate your Sponsorship and contributing to the enrichment of our community through your participation! For sponsorship opportunities, please email Sponsorships@apgazette.com
32828 Statistics: Zone 22B
While 25 incidents were reported last Newsletter, 36 incidents were reported this month in our zone, which includes Avalon Park Area and surrounding communities. Based on the data available, there were 15 Auto Burglaries, 2 Commercial BurglarIES, 14 Residential Burglaries, 3 Stolen Vehicles and 2 Arm RobberIES.
| Case Number | Crime | Location | Date |
| 130088001 | ARMED TO PERSON | [10214 - 10248] FALCON PINE BV | 10/7/2013 |
| 130091614 | AUTO BURGLARY | [10250 - 10408] CURRY FORD RD | 10/19/2013 |
| 130090753 | AUTO BURGLARY | [2700 - 2718] CYPRESSWAY CT | 10/15/2013 |
| 130090224 | AUTO BURGLARY | [2300 - 2414] TWILIGHT DR | 10/14/2013 |
| 130090414 | AUTO BURGLARY | [2441 - 2659] CYPRESS TRACE CI | 10/14/2013 |
| 130090427 | AUTO BURGLARY | [10700 - 10736] SUNRISE TERRACE DR | 10/14/2013 |
| 130089634 | AUTO BURGLARY | [1 - 299] S ALAFAYA TL | 10/13/2013 |
| 130089637 | AUTO BURGLARY | [UNKNOWN] TETON STONE RN | 10/12/2013 |
| 130090267 | AUTO BURGLARY | [2011 - 2199] STONE CROSS CI | 10/12/2013 |
| 130089143 | AUTO BURGLARY | [UNKNOWN] CURRY FORD RD | 10/11/2013 |
| 130088782 | AUTO BURGLARY | [520 - 638] CORTONA DR | 10/10/2013 |
| 130088910 | AUTO BURGLARY | [15301 - 15329] MONTESINO DR | 10/9/2013 |
| 130087215 | AUTO BURGLARY | [10101 - 10499] ANDOVER POINT CI | 10/5/2013 |
| 130085978 | AUTO BURGLARY | [12695 - 12899] MARIBOU CI | 10/1/2013 |
| 130085686 | AUTO BURGLARY | [10101 - 10499] ANDOVER POINT CI | 9/30/2013 |
| 130084415 | AUTO BURGLARY | [UNKNOWN] GOLFWAY BV | 9/25/2013 |
| 130087506 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [3000 - 3048] LAMBERTON BV | 10/6/2013 |
| 130085507 | COMMERCIAL BURGLARY | [3000 - 3298] SANCTUARY POINT BV | 9/27/2013 |
| 130091915 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [4401 - 4699] WATERSIDE POINTE CI | 10/20/2013 |
| 130091963 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [4401 - 4699] WATERSIDE POINTE CI | 10/20/2013 |
| 130091368 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [14121 - 14299] CASTLEROCK DR | 10/18/2013 |
| 130091118 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [14500 - 14698] MICHENER TL | 10/17/2013 |
| 130090764 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [13800 - 13838] PHOENIX DR | 10/16/2013 |
| 130090391 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10501 - 10729] LEADER LN | 10/15/2013 |
| 130090562 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [701 - 799] BELHAVEN DR | 10/15/2013 |
| 130090060 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [14000 - 14198] YELLOW WOOD CI | 10/14/2013 |
| 130090329 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10214 - 10248] FALCON PINE BV | 10/13/2013 |
| 130089471 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [2500 - 2518] WILD TAMARIND BV | 10/11/2013 |
| 130087888 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [700 - 898] CREST PINES DR | 10/7/2013 |
| 130087824 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [800 - 952] OLD BARN RD | 10/4/2013 |
| 130086311 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [500 - 698] LAKESCAPE CT | 10/2/2013 |
| 130085257 | RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY | [10701 - 10999] NORCROSS CI | 9/28/2013 |
| 130085750 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [12711 - 12729] LOWER RIVER BV | 9/30/2013 |
| 130085756 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [700 - 898] CREST PINES DR | 9/30/2013 |
| 130085975 | STOLEN VEHICLE | [12520 - 12698] CREST SPRINGS LN | 9/30/2013 |
| 130091817 | STRONG ARM TO PERSON | [UNKNOWN] AVALON LAKE DR | 10/20/2013 |
This month and every month after, we will report a summary of crimes reported in our specific area and adjacent neighborhoods. The first step in crime prevention is awareness.
Avalon Park Residents, Have a safety concern? Feel free to email our off duty deputy Sal.Saldano@ocfl.net He is very responsive! What does off duty mean? It really does not mean they are completely off duty. They are hired by funds set aside by our HOA dues, on their off duty hours, to help secure the safety of our Avalon Park community. We have four deputies, and Sal is the primary coordinator.
To receive future statistics, Subscribe to our newsletter here
Since first step in crime prevention is awareness, everyone can contribute by forwarding these updates to their neighbor.
East Orlando Resident, have an incident, a report, or safety event, please emailSafety@apgazette.com to be distributed to our 2,000 plus subscribers.
ORANGE COUNTY NEWS
Avalon Park Town Hall- Week of 10/18/2013
I want to thank everyone who attended the Avalon Park Town Hall meeting this past week. I am happy to have had the opportunity to address your concerns and discuss updates of what my office has been working on. Below is a recap of my meeting notes:
The new 28 acre Young Pine Park is scheduled to open late next year or early 2015. It will have new ball fields, diamond fields, fishing pond, pavilion, a fitness trail and more.
Corporal Patrick Deans Park (Timber Springs) - Park dedication will take place on November 11th at 4:30 pm. This is a five acre pocket park.
My office is currently working with the development outside the neighborhood to gain possession of a 23 acre park that was promised as part of a 2008 approval.
Currently working with OCPS to purchase their 20 acre parcel at the end of Lake Underhill Road for a future passive park.
I have included funds in this year's budget to build a pedestrian bridge so that we will have access to the Hal Scott Preserve as part of the East Orange Trail System. We are working through an extensive legal process with OUC.
East Orange Transportation Projects:
Lake Underhill Road - resurfacing project completed.
Rouse Road - widening project to be completed Summer 2014.
East Colonial Drive - FDOT widening project starting this Fall (3-5yr) completion date.
Alafaya Trail - widening project completion date is Spring 2014 to include 10ft mulit-purpose path on eastside and 5 ft sidewalk on westside. My office is well aware of the need for lighting and landscaping. We have a plan for both and will continue to work on this. More details to follow.
Traffic Calming Studies/Actions:
Golden Raintree - met warrants for speed humps, petition already signed, comptroller will be sending ballots to homeowners for vote. Proposing speed humps with center islands.
Tanja King west of Flowering Dogwood Dr. - met warrants for speed humps, need 67% of home owners to sign petition requesting them.
Three Rivers Dr. east of Anastasia Ln. - met warrants for speed humps/need 67% of home owners to sign petition requesting them.
Chicora Crossing Blvd. between Carriage Lake Dr. and Peacock Springs - did not meet warrants for speed humps.
Tanja King at Wild Tamarind - met warrants for stop sign, preparing for Board of County Commissioners approval.
Tanja King at Guiana Plum (both locations) - did not meet warrants for stop sign.
Tanja King at Peppervine Dr. - did not meet warrants for stop sign.
*To inquire about traffic calming on your street, please email my office at Jennifer.Thompson@ocfl.net. If you would like to lead a petition drive on your street, let us know and we'll get you started. An email to me with your address and request will also work in lieu of a signed petition. The County cannot move forward until 67% of home owners on a particular street requests something be done via a petition.
Reclaimed water lines have been installed.
All roads within Avalon Park are scheduled for resurfacing. This is a two year project that will be completed throughout the current and next budget cycle.
Trees are currently being trimmed throughout the neighborhood.
Traffic light at Avalon Park Blvd. and Waterford Chase Parkway had a revised signal timing to include a "Leading
Pedestrian Interval" allowing pedestrians a head start in order to cross.
Perdido Drive at Avalon Park Blvd. has new sidewalk connections.
Pellicer Drive at Avalon Park Blvd. has new sidewalk connections.
School sign installed on Tanja King and Phoenix Dr. for added safety.
There were (18) "Share the Road Signs" installed for all of Avalon Park Blvd.
After road resurfacing is complete, I have requested placement of pavement marking bike lane symbols installed for added cycling/pedestrian safety.
Striping out 1.5 parking spaces on Tanya King in front of Subway, at Publix entrance to improve line of sight. Waiting for approval by Board of County Commissioners.
Q: Will Alafaya Trail have lighting?
A: At the time the road is completed, there will be no lighting. The County discontinued the Lighting and Landscape Program back in 2009 due to the decline in our economy. Recently there have been discussions by the Board of County Commissioners to re-instate this program for the coming year. There have been other road projects which have occurred prior to the Alafaya project and those roads will receive funding ahead of ours. There has been no timeline established as of yet.
Q: Will Alafaya Trail have landscaping?
A: There will be minimal landscaping once the road is completed. There is a Roadway Median Tree Grant Program that communities, civic organizations and businesses may apply for that would consist of planting trees over a 1/2 mile area. Funding is up to $15,000 and is a dollar for dollar match. A maintenance agreement must also be signed. Once Alafaya is completed, I will host a community meeting to bring together the HOA's abutting the road to discuss the application process for these grants.
Q: When will Innovation Way be connected to the Beachline?
A: There are three entities involved in making this happen: Orange County, The Expressway Authority and International Corporate Park (ICP). I expect this project to move forward quickly because the interchange must be reconfigured to accommodate All-Aboard Florida (new train that connecting OIA to Miami in 2.5 hours). All-Aboard Florida is beginning construction of the rail lines next year and expect to be fully operational by 2016.
Q: How long is the widening of S.R. 50? And who is in charge?
A: The widening project of S.R. 50 is occurring between Dean Rd. and Old Cheney. This is an FDOT managed and funded project. It is scheduled to start later this year with a 3-5 year estimated completion date.
Q: When will Woodbury Rd. be widened?
A: Currently Woodbury Rd. widening is cost prohibitive and is not scheduled in the short range project plan (five year). The major costs of the project will be the widening of the bridge over 408 and the cost to aquire right of ways. I have been in talks regarding short-term improvements to the intersection of Woodbury Rd. and Lake Underhill Rd. which is currently underway. FDOT has agreed to fund improvements to the intersection of Colonial Drive and Woodbury Rd. during the S.R. 50 improvements scheduled to begin later this year.
Q: Why doesn't Orange County have a better relationship with O.U.C. and invest in improvements for our community?
A: The County has a strong relationship with OUC and we are constantly working with them.
Q: When traveling south along Alafaya Trail and approaching the new apartments under construction at the corner of Alafaya Trail and Avalon Park Blvd., will there be a southbound turn lane for motorists?
Q: How do speed hump ballots get treated if they are not turned in?
A: They are factored as a 'no vote'. The vote is based upon 67% of ballots that are returned.
Q: Why aren't there additional speed signs for 35 mph along Avalon Park Blvd. headed westbound after the roundabout before Publix?
A: We have requested that Public Works assess for more signage.
Q: Is the presence of a radar speed trailer an indication that a speed change is coming?
A: No, it is simply a reminder of your speed.
Q: Will there be a stop sign installed at Tanja King and Phoenix?
A: This is still under evaluation.
Q: How many lanes will there be exiting Avalon Park Blvd. as you approach Alafaya Trail?
A: (2) Straight lanes and (1) right lane. There will be no new left hand turn lane added in an effort to save trees per resident requests. Also, there are not enough left hand turns being made to warrant it.
Q: When traveling southbound along Alafaya Trail, will the 'No Left Turn' signs into Publix be permanent?
A: Once the widening project is complete, there will be a southbound directional left hand turn lane into Publix. However, when exiting Publix,it will not be possible to make a southbound or left hand turn onto Alafaya Trail. You will only be able to make a right onto northbound Alafaya.
Q: When requesting that a tree needs to be trimmed and it appears to be in the right of way, who do we contact?
A: You may report the matter to 3-1-1 or feel free to contact the District 4 office and we will handle.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please call my office at (407) 836-5916 or send me an email: Jennifer.thompson@ocfl.net.
Orange County Commissioner, District 4
Neighborhood Pride Grant Workshop
Saturday, October 26th ~ 9am to 11am
IOC 1, 450 E. South Street, 1st Floor, Orlando, 32801
Orange County's Neighborhood Pride Grants Program provides direct funding to support and assist neighborhoods and organizations in improving the physical and social quality of neighborhoods. Funding is available in the form of grans to help organizations revitalize and preserve their neighborhoods. The new grant cycle begins this month and there will be various workshops that you can attend.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, October 26th ~ 10am to 2pm
Various Orlando Locations
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) invites high school students to artistically communicate practices which helps prevent pollution, conserve natural resources and promote the health of our community. The contest is open to all Orange County high school students, grades 9-12. Winning entries will be featured in the 16-month 2014-2015 The Art of ReUse Pollution Prevention (P2) Awareness Calendar, where science meets imagination. All entries become the property of Orange County unless other arrangements are made with EPD staff. Deadline to submit your art is Friday, October 25, 2013, at 5pm.
Public Service Annoucement
Texting While Driving Law
Effective October 1, 2013
Please be advised that effective October 1, 2013, a new law is going into effect.
It's the "Texting While Driving Law" and 4 offense codes are as follows:
316.305(3)(A)-A - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - 1ST OFFENSE
$114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days
316.305(3)(A)-B -TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SUBSEQUENT WITHIN 5 YEARS
Subsequent offense within 5 years of conviction
3 points or 6 points if offense resulted in a crash
$164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days
316.305(3)(A)-C - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE 1ST OFFENSE
No points or 2 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone
$114.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days
316.305(3)(A)-D - TEXTING WHILE DRIVING - SCHOOL ZONE SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE
3 points or 5 points added to primary offense because moving violation occurred in a school zone
$164.00 Fine - Fines/Fees mail able within 30 days
Coping with a Difficult Life Transition
written by Linda Bilyeu (Sunshine), Village 2
Avalon Park Resident
You'll Find Strength When You Least Expect It
"Stay strong" are two words that, at times, irk me. People often say those words to those who battle cancer, are caring for a loved one or lose someone they care deeply for.
Possibly it's their way of giving a person strength, comfort and solace.
Possibly they are at a loss for words and feel "stay strong" seems suitable to say.
What irks me about hearing "stay strong" is that, isn't that obvious? Certainly no one who receives a diagnosis of cancer is going to instantly become weak.
Times of weakness are bound to happen, but that's OK. For now...yes, one must stay strong. You don't have time to collapse into a fetal position and give up. You must fight to the death.
Due to being a caregiver to my mother and my husband I've learned how to be strong. How to be positive. How to find a way to tackle the many decisions and options that cancer patients are offered.
I've also learned how to handle options that aren't offered and find a way to have them available.
I hope that my advice is of comfort to you during your time of crisis. I won't say "Stay strong," I'll suggest that you "Keep on shining."
25 Ways To Stay Strong When You Need To
1. First and foremost the caregiver must take care of themselves. Your support is crucial for the comfort of the patient. This doesn't mean that you can't collapse and have a good cry. Cry as often as needed. Expressing emotions is a healthy sign of strength.
2. You would benefit greatly depending on your attitude towards a situation. It's all in the attitude. Don't take no for an answer. If you strongly feel there is something that could possibly help your situation, then by all means...speak up.
3. Believe in miracles. They happen. More often than you think.
4. Exercise. Whether it's a stroll around your neighborhood or a bike ride. Appreciate the outdoors. The sunshine. The flowers. The stars at night. Allow your strength to rejuvenate from mother nature.
5. Eat healthy. Prepare meals ahead of time and make extra for leftovers. If you don't have an appetite, drink protein supplements such as Boost and Ensure. A proper diet is important to keep your strength intact.
6. Have a hobby that helps distract you, even for a few moments. Allow time for yourself. Lose yourself in your activity. Don't allow any distractions. This is your time to love yourself.
7. Routine is important, but it's OK to break out of routine every now and then.
8. One day at a time. Appreciate each and every day. Try your best to not worry about tomorrow. Next week. Next month. That's pointless and only causes anxiety and stress.
9. Be Here Now. This is very important to remember. Your mind might want to wander back to yesterday and "what if's" ... again that's pointless. What's done is done and can not be undone. Forward is the only way.
10. Don't overwhelm yourself with trying to remember appointments or medical history. Keep a journal. Take notes at each doctor visit. Request a copy of all tests and lab work. This way you don't have to cause unneeded stress on yourself trying to remember. You'll have everything with you in folders.
11. Familiarize yourself with the medical professionals who are caring for your loved ones. Have your voice heard at appointments. Don't be a wallflower. Your strength and drive will impress the doctors. Or annoy them, but that's OK too.
12. You will have good days and bad days. Welcome the good days with open arms. As for the bad days, realize that they aren't permanent and welcome those also. We all have bad days whether one is healthy or not.
13. Fact: We were born. We will die. Accept that. By accepting this you will be more prepared when the time does come.
14. Grieve beforehand. This does help many people. Prepare yourself. Don't be in denial.
15. Know that there are some events in life that you have no control over. What's going to happen, will happen no matter how much you fight it.
16. Continue to make memories. Treasure memories from your past. Once all is said and done memories are what you will have to carry in your heart and mind. Those memories will keep you smiling when you are sad. Will warm you on a cold day. Will make you realize that life is good, even when times are so tough.
17. Make treatments entertaining. Yes, you could find humor in cancer. Don't allow it to zap your spirit while it's zapping your energy. Zap it back.
18. Pray. Ask friends and family to pray for you or with you. Having faith gives you strength.
19. Focus on priorities. If you are the patient, don't worry about anything or anyone but your health. If you are the caregiver, focus on your loved one and yourself. Everyone and everything else comes next. When and if you have time. Set limits. It's OK to say no.
20. Rest your mind, body and soul as often as you can. Lack of sleep and relaxation will rob your strength. You need to pamper your strength so that it has your back when you need it.
21. You will often find yourself in a situation and wonder, "How did I get through that?" You did because you are stronger than you think you are. Yes, what doesn't kill us, does make us stronger.
22. Yesterday is over. Today is your gift. Use it wisely. Do something fun. Be a rebel.
23. Join support groups. There are many online groups and most likely many groups in your area. Check with local hospitals. Online support groups are available 24/7. Chances are no matter what time of the day it is, you'll find someone available in the group who is willing to listen. Draw strength from friends, family and fellow supporters...in other words, Your Team.
24. Positive thinking. There is no other way to think. In times of doubt or despair always remember the positive moments that will far outweigh the negative.
25. As we have realized, bad things do happen to good people. We don't know why, we must learn to accept. What we do know is that as tough as life might be when fighting cancer you are and always will be a champion. Champions are winners.
Story of my Hibiscus Flower...
You might wonder why I chose a photo of a hibiscus flower for this article. I did so because this flower represents life to me. It stands for hope.
Three years ago this bush was damaged during a Florida freeze. I never gave up hope that this bush would one day bloom again. My husband wanted to remove the bush. It was dead. I said it was alive and well.
A couple of weeks ago I discovered the first buds. My husband was shocked. I was elated. We both were thrilled. I got to say "I told you so!"
The day I discovered the first flower (posted above) my newest granddaughter was born. Her name is Lily. She is our gift.
Life is good. Hope is real. Be strong. You don't have to "stay strong." You just do the best you are able to. Most of all believe that miracle's do happen.
EAST ORLANDO REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE 32828 by the Numbers!
written by Eddy Solon, 32828 Realtor, AP Resident
Keller Williams Advantage Realty II
Many Foreclosures are now being sold close to 2007 levels (pre-crash), hence many homeowners who once were upside down, can now list their homes as a traditional sale, and some may even pocket equity from the sale. It is a very strong seller's market, hence if you are entertaining the idea of listing your home for sale, this would be a good time.
AP Gazette Opportunities
As a new and growing newsletter, we have many opportunities for neighbors to contribute and volunteer their writing talents and time to help build community. We are a group of volunteers. Below are several positions still needing to be filled:
1. Reviewers- to review final submittal of newsletters prior to publishing
2. Education Contributor- An article written by an Educator in one of East Orlando schools. Topics may be anything to do with Education and teacher, student, and parent awareness. This will be a good place to highlight top achievers in our school (teachers and students).
3. Sports Contributor- To discuss East Orlando Sports, anything from little league and up
4. Political Contributors- Discuss local politics that impact East Orlando Residents along with other Political contributors
To be able to participate, you must be an East Orlando resident, if writing, submit an article prior to 3rd Thursday of the Month 12:00 pm, and send your interest and brief description of your background to Publishing@apgazette.com Keep in mind, any neighbor can submit an article.
5. Safety Contributor- Preferably someone in law enforcement who lives or patrol our community to provide monthly contribution on safety trends, practices, and awareness.
6. Tell us your story- Have a personal story about a triumph or a life transition that took place and you think it will benefit others, tell us your story by
emailing publishing@apgazette.com
7. Have A Birthday or Anniversary coming up, Email us and we will showcase it in the associated issue. Email publishing@apgazette.com
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