Another bi-weekly City of Longwood commission meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. on March 3 at the Longwood city hall.
The city clerk, Michelle Longo, began the meeting with community announcements. The downtown Longwood cruising car show will be held on Saturday, March 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Historic District of Longwood, located off Church Avenue.
City District Five deputy mayor Brian D. Sackett nominated Stills Upholstery and Design in Longwood for the Business person of the Month award for March 2025.
City District One commissioner Abby Shoemaker nominated Longwood resident Jennifer Barr for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
"Her dad has served 19 years on this board, and she is open to follow in his footsteps and join the team," said Shoemaker.
The meeting then moved to public input, and Karen Bush came to the podium. Bush volunteers for Our Legacy, an organ and tissue donation program in Central Fla. and each year, the program hosts a huge 5k run for organ donation in Longwood. Bush came to thank the mayor and commissioners for the city's support of the program. She gave the commissioners medals that the runners get from the 5k to congratulate the town on sponsoring.
City manager Clint Gioielli made his report and mentioned that the Florida chapter of the American Society of Landscaping Architects awarded Longwood's Reiter Park the merit award.
Gates have been added to the city easement along Shadow Trail. This helps ensure that people cannot walk into residents' backyards.
This was one concern from a Longwood resident who brought this up with the council last December. Trespassing signs were also posted on the gates to ensure that no strangers could walk into the residents' backyards.
The city is now partnering with Duke Energy to offer residents an energy-saving program. Dinner will be on March 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Longwood community building. During this event, there will be education and opportunities for residents to sign up for in-home inspections and benefits to take advantage of what Duke offers. During this dinner, elected officials will have a chance to share a few moments with the residents.
The meeting then ended with another city clerk report. Longo reminded the mayor and commissioners of a couple of future ribbon cuttings. A ribbon cutting for Studio 92 Salon will be on Thursday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m., and another for Magnolia Yoga and Wellness Center will be on April 17 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned.
