May 5, 2014
In This Issue
CITY COMMISSION

 

At the City Commission on May 1, 2014, City Commissioner Horace West, who was re-elected to office, was sworn in by City Clerk Joshua Fruecht. Commissioner West will serve another four-year term. In addition, the City Commission elected Commissioner H.L. Roy Tyler to serve as Mayor, and Commissioner Kenneth Kipp to serve as Vice Mayor.

Left to Right: Commissioner Horace West, Commissioner Ronnie Cotton, Vice Mayor Kenneth Kipp, Commissioner Don Mason, Mayor H.L. Roy Tyler

 

TAKE OUR COMMUNITY VALUE SURVEY  

 


 

Haines City desires your input!

 

The City of Haines City has created an online survey intended to engage our residents, business owners and visitors about what they think about City services and what they value in Haines City.  The survey is merely a tool for City Administration and the City Commission to hear your opinion on City Services.

 

This is not a scientific survey, but an opinion survey. Your participation is critical to helping us move Haines City forward.  The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

 

All surveys must be submitted no later than 5 PM, on May 19, 2014. Thank you again for your participation!

 

Take the Haines City Community Value Survey HERE

 

WOW (Watched Outstanding Work!)
 

Leisure Services Director Auburn Taylor, and the City of Haines City would like to recognize the following employees for their selfless efforts in helping at Lake Eva Park during the thunderstorms on Wednesday, April 30, 2014.  

  • Mike Stripling
  • Maleah Hinkle
  • Dan McClain
  • John Brewer
  • Ed Trail
  • Lindsaia Baker
Left to Right: Ed Trail, Dan McClain, Maleah Hinkle

The City of Haines City would like to thank all of our excellent, dedicated employees and volunteers who help make the City a great place to work, live and play. If you have "Watched Outstanding Work" within the City, please let us know at wow@hainescity.com.
CHIEF'S TIPS
 
Police Chief/Interim Fire Chief Rick Sloan has provided the following tips to avoid a break-in and entry to your home: 

 

  • Always lock your doors and windows when you are away from home
  • Install exterior motion lights 
  • Work with and get to know your neighbors 
  • Keep spare keys with a trusted neighbor not under a doormat or planter 
  • Set timers on interior lights when you're away from home 
  • Research and invest in a good alarm company
FINANCE DEPARTMENT 
 
 
Assistant Finance Director Kari Giddens would like to congratulate Ms. Mae Gordon Daniels on her retirement from the City after 33 dedicated years.  
 
Mae's started her career with the City on April 1, 1981 as an Accounting Clerk I and completed her career on May 2, 2014, as the Customer Service Supervisor. 
 
We all wish Mae the best in her new journey as she begins her retirement.  
 
Congratulations Mae!
 
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
 
New Subdivision for Neighborhood Commercial Approved

On April 17, 2014, the City Commission approved the Final Plat for a project known as the "Trejo Corner Subdivision".  This was the last step in a multi-phased process to allow for future neighborhood commercial development at the Northwest Corner of 30th Street and Hinson Avenue. 

 

Community Development Staff worked with the applicant (The Trejo Family) to process a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning application. These applications allowed for a change in the property's designations from residential to neighborhood commercial.  After obtaining these approvals, staff then worked with the Trejo's and their consultants to reconfigure their property into separate residential and commercial tracts. 

 

The end result is that the property owners now have valuable commercial property located at a visible intersection.  The public also benefits from this action by obtaining additional right-of-way as part of the plat for any future widening of Hinson Avenue and/or 30th Street (although no road widening projects are currently planned).

 

Lien Amnesty Program Approved

On April 17, 2014, the City Commission passed Resolution 14-1093, establishing a Lien Amnesty Program to assist property owners who have had a lien placed on their property due to code enforcement actions.

 

The Amnesty Program will run from May 1, 2014 to November 30, 2014.  Any property owner that is currently in compliance is eligible for a significant reduction of their lien(s). Each lien will be reduced to 5% of the face value of the lien or $1,000, whichever is less. A $100 dollar non-refundable application fee is required to participate in the program.  If accepted, the fee can be credited toward the payoff of the lien(s).

 

See the attached flyer for additional requirements.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Code Enforcement Division at (863) 421-9937.

 

Downloads:

Lien Amnesty Program Flyer

 

Summertime Pool Safety

Bill Nolen, Building Official, wants to remind us that summertime is fast approaching, the time of year when temporary, backyard swimming pools start popping up. The Building Division receives many inquiries asking about pool permit requirements. The Florida Building Code requires permits for swimming pools and also regulates the security measures that must be followed for pool installation. Per the Florida Building Code/Residential the definition of a pool is "any structure, located in a residential area, that is intended for swimming or recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches deep including but not limited to in-ground, above ground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and non-portable spas."

 

So does every pool need a permit? No, only those that contain more than 24 inches of water. A pool that contains 24 inches of water or less does not require a permit per the code. There are many small pools on the market, made of a variety of materials that do not require a permit.  The responsibility for security and safety for those pools not requiring a permit, falls on the homeowner. So homeowners, please be mindful of these pools and your children. When not in use, cover, drain or remove all means of entry. Please help us all have a safe summer.

LEISURE SERVICES DEPARTMENT 
 

 

Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center is now currently open on weekends. June 9, 2014, will mark the first day of the Aquatic Center opening seven (7) days a week. The hours of operation are 12PM - 6PM and admission is $5 per person. We also have individual and family aquatic center passes available for purchase. Please see the flyer below for more details.

 

Swim Lessons

Never learned to swim or feel uncomfortable in the water?  No worries, we can help.  We are still taking sign-ups for swim lessons. Spaces are going quickly, so make sure you come to the Lake Eva Community Center to save yourself a spot!  It's very important to know how to swim when living in Florida, for yourself and your children.  We will teach your children the basics of holding their breath underwater, climbing out of the pool, swimming above and below the water, and different strokes.  Adults usually have a fear of going underwater. We will help you to trust yourself in the water, learn to hold your breath and float as well as teaching you to swim on your own. It is a huge accomplishment and relief when you learn! For more information see the flyer below, or call the Community Center at (863) 421-3700.

 

Lake Eva Tennis News

The Lake Eva United States Tennis Association (USTA) 7.0 Mixed Combo team is trying to be the first team from Haines City to win a Polk County USTA title.  The team is captained by Scott Campbell and they compete in home and away matches on Sunday afternoons.  Their last home match is on May 4, 2014, at 4:30 PM against a strong Lakeland team.  Other members of the team are Larry and Louise Patterson, Jim and Mandy Hoffman, Nadine Pantano, Mark Kaylor, Leroy Parker, Deborah Waldrip, and Paula McCardle.  Best of Luck!

 

On Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the City of Lakeland courts, the 8th Annual Tennis for Tumors benefit will be held.  Unfortunately, the event is not at Lake Eva's six beautiful courts, and even the 18 court facility in Lakeland is becoming too small for this large one day benefit tournament.  Lake Eva tennis professional Jeff McCardle will be directing the event and many of our Lake Eva members will be competing. 

 

Summer Recreation Leaders-in-Training Program

This program is designed for teens who want to further develop their leadership and communication skills as well as gain experience in planning and instructing activities for children by volunteering with the Haines City Summer Recreation program, in exchange for community service hours. In order to be considered for one of our L.I.T. positions, you must: be at least an incoming high school junior, be completing community service hours for school or civic group, have two letters of recommendation from school advisers or civic leaders, and must be able to work 8 weeks during the summer.

 

Acceptance into this program is based on an application and interview process. To be considered for an interview for the summer L.I.T. program, please complete the application and submit it with two letters of recommendation to the camp program coordinator at the Haines City Community Center. Applications are available at the Community Center. Deadline to submit an application is May 9, 2014. For more information, please contact Haines City Leisure Services at (863) 421-3700 or email: jlatimer@hainescity.com.

 

Indoor Soccer

Indoor Soccer is structured to provide every child the opportunity to participate in the world's most popular sport.  This is a fast paced sport that emphasizes learning and having FUN! Young soccer enthusiasts will experience soccer in a safe and non-competitive environment.  Registration will end on May 9th. Please see attached flyer for more information.

SPECIAL EVENTS
 

Reverse Raffle  

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, the Haines City Leisure Services Department will host the 19th Annual, Reverse Raffle.  This fundraiser will be held in the Banquet Hall at Lake Eva in Haines City.  All proceeds go toward the July 4th event, Thunder on the Ridge featuring national recording artist, Michael Ray. 

 

The theme for this fun filled evening is "Sport Your Team".  Tickets are priced at $30.00 per person which entitles the ticket holder to a catered steak dinner and an opportunity to win cash and other fantastic door prizes throughout the evening.  Tables may of eight or ten may be reserved. Those decorating their table will be eligible to win $100.00 cash prize.  The best dressed "fan", man and woman, will each win $25.00 cash.

 

Cocktails are at 6 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM.  Tickets are limited to the first 300, so get yours today by phoning (863) 421-3700. 

 

Memorial Day Celebration

On Monday, May 26, 2014, a Memorial Day Celebration will be held at Railroad Park.  This event, which begins at 9 AM is Haines City's way of saying "Thank you" to all those who have fought for our freedom.  This celebration reminds us about the great men and woman who help protect this country.

 

We will honor and recognize all branches of military service at the Military Court of Honor. Please mark your calendars and join us as we salute these hero's. 

 

Haines City Military Court of Honor Est. 2012

 

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Children from ages 2-10 collected over 12,000 Easter eggs at the 30th annual Easter Egg hunt held at Larry Parrish Baseball Complex on Saturday, April 19, 2014.  These eggs, prepared by volunteers from Woodland Lakes, were stuffed with candy and golden eggs that were exchanged for toys of their choice.

 

Hosted by the Haines City Leisure Services Department this free event was made possible through our generous sponsors: Railroad Park Pediatrics, Teresa Connell-State Farm Insurance, Sons of the American Legion Squadron #34, Delane's Truck Brokerage, Inc., Cody's Auto Parts, Heart of Florida RMC Auxiliary, Subway and Polar Air.

 

Our Mission

 

"Our team of professionals will provide our residents and business community with the highest quality services in a fiscally responsible manner through cooperation, strong ethical leadership with a lifelong commitment to enriching lives."
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