Age gracefully on your own terms with Home Care from Mind & Mobility

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Your top choice for compassionateIn-Home Care in Winter Park, FL

It's often said that the golden years of your life are the most enjoyable. For most older adults in the U.S., it's a time to unwind, reflect, and live in the comfort of familiar surroundings. And that's how it should be - most senior citizens in America worked hard to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise their families. Shouldn't they be able to age with grace and dignity at home?

The answer is undoubtedly "yes," but as seniors age, they sometimes need assistance to live independently. Unfortunately, many older adults are unable to rely on adult children for help due to busy schedules, a lack of expertise, or both. That's where Mind & Mobility's home care in Winter Park, FL begins to make a lot of sense.

Our in-home care services cater to those who want to stay in their homes as they age but require ongoing care that their loved ones cannot provide. Nowadays, most seniors prefer to live away from long-term care facilities and closer to their home where they feel most at ease.

If you or your senior loved one wants to thrive in their own house and avoid care facilities, in-home care is an effective, safe way to give family and friends the care they need when they need it the most.

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Home Care Winter Park, FL

The Mind & Mobility Difference

Mind & Mobility is a home care agency that takes pride in helping seniors enjoy life at home with grace and comfort. One of the biggest reasons why so many seniors and their families choose us is that our senior caregivers in Winter Park, FL, do more than just change bedsheets and prepare meals. They make it a point to provide compassionate care and connect with patients on a personal level.

Instead of eliminating independence from our senior population in Florida, we believe in maximizing it - a goal that's not always supported by assisted living facilities and nursing homes. In fact, those locations are often overpriced, understaffed, and known for the spread of disease. Senior care from Mind & Mobility provides a more emotionally and financially relieving option, whether you need a little help around the house or more involved services like companion care or dementia care.

While we take pride in providing compassionate caregiving services for seniors at home, we also offer clients free access to our Mind & Mobility Homecare Center in South Florida. Here, your senior can receive treatment from therapists who are experts in physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Our therapists work collaboratively in a supportive environment, taking into consideration the client's needs and concerns. They combine their expertise with the latest research in their fields to deliver cutting-edge, evidence-based services. With unlimited access to one-on-one sessions, our therapists' top priority is to help seniors live and age gracefully at home without having to relocate to an assisted living facility.

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What is Senior Care in Winter Park, FL?

Many older adults in the United States prefer to age at home, as it offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity. According to an AARP report, three out of four adults aged 50 and above wish to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

However, as adults approach their 60s and 70s, some may require assistance around the house, especially when family members are too busy or live far away. The truth is that the natural process of aging can make it challenging to continue living at home. Simple tasks like running errands become more difficult due to mobility issues. Preparing healthy meals and keeping track of medications and appointments can also become a challenge. Safety becomes a concern, and family members may worry about the well-being of their loved ones.

In these situations, in-home care is often a perfect fit. It allows seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

Mind & Mobility provides a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they receive the help they need to remain independent. If you have a senior loved one who needs some extra help to stay happy and healthy, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even from afar.

Some of the most common home care services offered at Mind & Mobility include.

  • Light Housekeeping
  • Nutrition Monitoring
  • Assistance with Technology
  • Meal Preparation
  • Dressing, Bathing, & Grooming
  • Medication Reminders
  • Laundry Services
  • Activity Escorts
  • Much More
 Senior Care Winter Park, FL
 In-home Care Winter Park, FL

Did You Know?

U.S. adults over the age of 60 have a 59% higher chance of being unable to perform daily routines and activities if they're lonely.

Our in-home care services are covered by medical insurance, long-term care policies, and private pay. Members have the freedom to choose their own caregiver and can benefit from unlimited physical and occupational therapy, regular visits from a registered nurse, and care management from a licensed clinical social worker.

Curious if home care in Winter Park, FL is right for you or your older loved one? Contact our office in Florida today for a no-pressure discovery call to learn more. If you or your loved one is ready to live life to the fullest, getting in-home care from Mind & Mobility is a quick, easy three-step process.

1. Speak to a Care Representative

One of our skilled care representatives will speak with you in person or over the phone and help you select the best home care plan to keep your loved one happy at home.

  Senior Caregivers Winter Park, FL

2. Go Over Your Care Plan

A local care professional from Mind & Mobility will travel to your home and sit with you one-on-one to discuss the details of your care plan.

 Companion Care Winter Park, FL

3. Thrive from the Comfort of Home

Once your care plan is selected, you will have the pleasure of watching your senior loved one enjoy an independent life at home with the help of a compassionate caregiver.

Home Care Winter Park, FL

Companion Care You Can Count On

Aging in place refers to the practice of aging adults living in their homes as they grow old. Studies show that around 77% of retirees prefer to stay in their homes for as long as possible, and home care can be an excellent way to bridge the gap between receiving elder care and staying at home.

Allowing your aging loved ones to maintain their independence is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. This can contribute to their overall health and well-being, as opposed to a living facility where they may feel powerless and depressed. Unfortunately, these facilities often take away a senior's ability to do simple things like cooking for themselves, scheduling visits with family and friends, and even bathing in the comfort of their own homes.

Home care in Winter Park, FL, including companion care services, is designed to provide both medical and non-medical solutions that your senior needs in order to maintain their independence. That way, your senior doesn't have to destabilize their life or adjust to a new way of living away from home.

Mind & Mobility companion care incorporates a number of different services, including.

  • Spending Time with Your Senior
  • Conversation
  • Homemaking Support
  • Planning Outings
  • Mobility Assistance
  • Help with Nutrition
  • Staying Active
  • Memory Skills and Games
  • Running Errands
  • More

Getting Started with Companion Care from Mind & Mobility

To learn more about our companion care services, you can contact any of our nine locations in Florida to request a care consultation with one of our representatives. During your consultation, we'll assess your needs to ensure that we provide the right caregiver at the right time to meet your specific requirements.

Doing so helps us ensure that we get it right the first time. We'll also be happy to answer any questions you may have and introduce you to the team of senior home companions who will provide you with companion care services in Florida.

Need home care companion services on short notice? As a respected senior care business with more than a decade of experience, we have access to a large pool of senior caregivers in Winter Park, FL who would be happy to provide you or your senior with last-minute support.

 Senior Care Winter Park, FL
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Take a Break with RespiteCare Services from Mind & Mobility

Taking care of a senior loved one can be a tiring and overwhelming task, particularly if the caregiver is employed full-time and has other responsibilities to handle. Taking care of an older adult in such a situation can result in caregiver burnout, which can lead to a decline in the quality of care provided and even illness. To combat this issue, many adult caregivers choose respite care as a solution instead of full-time home care in Winter Park, FL.

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults in the United States provide care to someone aged 50 or older. Unfortunately, many of these caregivers experience stress, fatigue, and even depression.

Respite care services offer a short-term break to family members and unpaid caregivers from their caregiving duties. This is a crucial service that benefits both seniors and their caregivers and can be arranged for a few hours or even several days, depending on their requirements.

What are the Benefits of Respite Care from Mind & Mobility?

Respite care services can have a significantly positive impact on the health of your elderly loved one, as well as your own. Whether it's for an extended period of time or just a few hours a week, respite care can help ease the burden of caregiving.

Taking some time off for yourself may seem selfish at first, but it's crucial to recharge your batteries to be able to continue providing care. Taking a short (or longer-term) break can also improve the overall quality of your care. Plus, professional respite care services offer your senior an opportunity to learn from and engage with a compassionate caregiver from Mind & Mobility.

 In-home Care Winter Park, FL

Some of the most common caregiving services provided by our respite care professionals include.

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Help with Dressing and Grooming
  • Bathing Assistance
  • More

Our respite care services in Florida are typically offered on a temporary basis. However, we also serve many clients who require assistance on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on their specific needs. We recognize that care needs and schedules can be subject to change, and we strive to be flexible in our approach to ensure that your and your family's needs are met.

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Three Hurdles That Family Caregivers Face

Caring for your aging parents can be a fulfilling act of love. As you reminisce about the care they gave you while growing up, you now have the opportunity to return the favor. However, providing care for loved ones can be challenging. It's important to anticipate the obstacles you may face and learn how to manage them to protect your own health and well-being.

Here are three of the toughest challenges that family caregivers have to face when caring for their senior parents or loved ones.

Enough Support

Not Enough Support

It's common to feel like you're carrying the majority of the burden when it comes to taking care of your aging parents. However, assuming that you are solely responsible for their care can be overwhelming and cause strain in other relationships. It's important to remember that caring for someone else is not a one-person job. Attempting to do so can lead to burnout, depression, and other serious health issues. It can also negatively impact the level of care your parents receive.

Enough Sleep

Not Enough Sleep

Interrupted sleep can be a problem for older adults whose circadian clock has shifted, leading them to wake up more frequently throughout the night. It can also be a result of stress and worry. If dementia is a factor, you may need to stay alert due to sundowning and wandering. Those tasks can be difficult and require a sharp mind that has had plenty of rest. In fact, getting enough sleep is crucial for your ability to provide the best care for your parents, as well as for your own physical and emotional well-being.

Enough Privacy

Not Enough Privacy

Sharing living space with your parents can compromise both your physical and emotional privacy. This is especially true if one or both of your parents have dementia, which can cause them to feel afraid or disoriented when you're not around. At the same time, your parents may also find it difficult to maintain their privacy while under your care.

That begs the question - how can you conquer the challenges that most family caregivers face on a daily basis?

In-Home Care in Winter Park, FL Helps Alleviate Your Burden

Mind & Mobility's in-home caregivers can be there to help you ensure the best care for your parents and a healthier life balance for yourself. Taking a break from caregiving is not just a great idea; it's essential.

Our respite care services offer you regular breaks from caregiving, which allows you to take care of yourself while enriching your parents' lives. We provide opportunities for socialization and engaging activities, along with the necessary support to ensure safety and comfort. You can rest easy knowing that your parents are in the best of hands while you take a break.

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Compassionate Care When You Need It the Most

At Mind & Mobility Home Care, we take pride in our commitment to helping older adults maintain a high-quality life. Our team of senior caregivers cares deeply about the well-being of our clients and works together to craft personalized services that are backed by research and experience.

Our home care services are designed to support clients in various ways. Whether it's recovering from hip surgery, preventing falls, enhancing cognitive abilities through brain training, or pursuing new hobbies, you can rest easy knowing we have your senior's health and happiness at heart.

Of course, every one of our clients has their own unique needs and goals, and we adjust their levels of care accordingly. But one aspect of our home care services never changes - and that's the compassionate care we provide to seniors so that they may remain independent.

Contact Mind & Mobility today to take the first step toward aging gracefully at home. We'll be there by your side every step of the way.

Latest News in Winter Park, FL

Dutch Bros plans Apopka, Winter Park drive-thrus

Dutch Bros plans to open a location soon in Apopka and Winter Park.The Grants Pass, Oregon-based coffee chain (NYSE: BROS) wants to open an Apopka location by the end of this year, spokeswoman Brenna Bryan told Orlando Business Journal. It will open its first two Florida locations in March at 3064 S U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont and 2800 Jacks ...

Dutch Bros plans to open a location soon in Apopka and Winter Park.

The Grants Pass, Oregon-based coffee chain (NYSE: BROS) wants to open an Apopka location by the end of this year, spokeswoman Brenna Bryan told Orlando Business Journal. It will open its first two Florida locations in March at 3064 S U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont and 2800 Jacks Road in Davenport.

An exact location has not been finalized for the Apopka site, but plans have been filed with the city for a 950-square-foot drive-thru along West Orange Blossom Trail near the North Orange Animal Hospital.

Dutch Bros also lists a future location on its website at 104 S. Semoran Blvd. in Winter Park, which it expects to open in late July or early August this year. The chain's confirmed location at Unicorp National Development's O-Town West has not yet revealed its opening date.

SURVEY: OBJ is gathering information for a new series called Advance CFL, which will provide our readers with an opportunity to share what the region does well and what needs improvement. We need your input! Click here for the 15-question Advance CFL survey.

The menu for Dutch Bros includes hot and cold coffee — flavored cold brews, freezes and breves — as well as tea, smoothies, shakes, lemonade, cocoa, soda, energy drinks and snacks like various flavored muffin tops and granola bars. Featured drink flavors include peach ring rebel, white chocolate lavender freeze, flap jack mocha and more.

Dutch Bros has roughly 831 locations across 16 states as of Dec. 31, 2023. In January, it said it expected to open up to 150-165 locations total during 2024 as a company.

Other Florida locations in the works according to the company's website include one at 50 McCoy Way in St. Augustine.

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Central Florida Catering Cos.

2022 C. Fla. catering revenue

RankPrior RankCompany
11Puff 'n Stuff Catering LLC
22Arthur’s Creative Events & Catering
334 Rivers Smokehouse

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Land at busy Winter Park intersection sold to local developer. Here's what's planned.

A subsidiary of a physician-led development group spearheading construction projects throughout Orlando recently bought land at a busy Winter Park intersection.Verax Lakemont LLC, owned by Orlando-based Verax Investments, paid $2.75 million to Fifth Third Bank for an assemblage of properties at the northwest corner of Aloma and North Lakemont avenues.The deal closed Feb. 7 for the 1.24-acre assemblage, which is less than a quarter-mile north of AdventHealth Winter Park.Matthew Weinberger, vice president of health care re...

A subsidiary of a physician-led development group spearheading construction projects throughout Orlando recently bought land at a busy Winter Park intersection.

Verax Lakemont LLC, owned by Orlando-based Verax Investments, paid $2.75 million to Fifth Third Bank for an assemblage of properties at the northwest corner of Aloma and North Lakemont avenues.

The deal closed Feb. 7 for the 1.24-acre assemblage, which is less than a quarter-mile north of AdventHealth Winter Park.

Matthew Weinberger, vice president of health care real estate for Lee & Associates in Central Florida, represented Verax Investments in the acquisition.

In an emailed statement to Orlando Business Journal, Javier Miller — a principal for Verax Investments — said the group has plans for a 17,000-square-foot medical office building on the site and has begun the architectural and civil engineering work.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for us at Verax to develop prime real estate at the gateway into Winter Park," Miller wrote. "With our strong relationships with the health care systems in town, we are confident that a tenant will see the value at this location. Verax is bullish in our vision of medical real estate throughout our community."

Orange County records further show Verax Lakemont LLC secured a $1.4 million mortgage from Fairwinds Credit Union related to the purchase.

As for why the seller decided to part with the property, Fifth Third Bank's Orlando market President Greg Dryden noted the bank's strategy shift since it bought the land in 2007.

"We continually evaluate branch placements in conjunction with our new and planned Fifth Third locations, and we determined that this property was no longer needed," Dryden told OBJ via an emailed response. "Fifth Third continues to explore expansion opportunities in Central Florida. We recently opened our Tuskawilla location and have another location planned to open in Lake Nona next quarter."

Meanwhile, the acquisition is the second for Verax Investments in Winter Park in the past year.

Last July, Verax Florida LLC paid $2.25 million for an assemblage at the corner of West Fairbanks Avenue and Clay Street. The group plans to build a 20,000-square-foot medical office development there.

Apart from the two Winter Park medical office buildings, Verax has been busy with similar projects — some of which include a retail component — in Lake Mary, Oviedo and Winter Garden.

SURVEY: OBJ is gathering information for a new series called Advance CFL, which will provide our readers with an opportunity to share what the region does well and what needs improvement. We need your input! Click here for the 15-question Advance CFL survey.

Verax is not alone in investing in medical office space in Central Florida, either:

Orlando Health starts construction of $160M pediatric medical office building

AdventHealth nearly finished with $47.5M medical office building in Daytona

According to Colliers, metro Orlando is the third-largest medical office market in the state, with 10.7 million square feet of space. The region had an occupancy rate for those buildings of 93.2% in third-quarter 2023, up 50 basis points from the prior quarter.

"Strong demand for medical outpatient space is driving demand for new supply with 665,000 square feet currently under construction in third-quarter 2023 and 454,000 square feet delivering in third-quarter 2023," read the report.

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Central Florida's Wealthiest ZIP codes

Median household income (2022)

RankPrior RankZIP code
1132766
2232814
3334786

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Winter Park considering extension on implementing ban of gas leaf blowers

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The city of Winter Park is set to discuss the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at a special meeting on Thursday.In 2022, the city approved a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers by July 2024.Danny Loeber is already ahead of the curve when it comes to the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. His company, Mow Quiet, uses all-electric lawn care equipment including a lawnmower, hedge trimmer and of course, ...

WINTER PARK, Fla. – The city of Winter Park is set to discuss the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at a special meeting on Thursday.

In 2022, the city approved a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers by July 2024.

Danny Loeber is already ahead of the curve when it comes to the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. His company, Mow Quiet, uses all-electric lawn care equipment including a lawnmower, hedge trimmer and of course, a leaf blower.

“My customers definitely enjoy the fact that they can work from home since so many people are working from home now,” Loeber said. “The noise that is caused by the leaf blowers in particular, and all the gas-powered equipment can drive people crazy. So I think that’s what has drawn people to my business.”

The city sent out a survey to landscapers and they tell us 95% were against the measure. Loeber said he’s not surprised by that number.

“It’s like 95% of them are using gas-powered stuff,” Loeber said. “So they’re going to take a big hit and it’s going to take them a little bit longer, potentially to do their yards if they have, like, the most powerful stuff. But I haven’t ever used gas, like I said, so it’s hard for me to say what the huge differences are, but I’m able to do all my stuff and I don’t even have the highest grade electric things that you can have.”

Even though Loeber’s business is already in compliance, he can understand the impact this would have on other companies using gas-powered equipment.

“I know there are a lot of people that are going to be struggling because of this but I can sympathize with them as well,” Loeber said.

The city tells us they made the change back in 2022 to reduce noise and air pollution. City officials will hold a special meeting on Thursday. Feb. 1, at 9 a.m. to discuss a 6-month extension on the July 2024 deadline.

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Celebrate the Season with Holiday Events around Winter Park

The holiday season has begun and residents, visitors and businesses are gearing up for the citywide celebration. Beginning Thursday, Nov. 30, family friendly festivities will feature parades, concerts, and plenty of community spirit.Events are presented by several local organizations including the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, ...

The holiday season has begun and residents, visitors and businesses are gearing up for the citywide celebration. Beginning Thursday, Nov. 30, family friendly festivities will feature parades, concerts, and plenty of community spirit.

Events are presented by several local organizations including the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, City of Winter Park, Rotary Club of Winter Park, Chabad of Greater Orlando, Equity Council Corp. and the Morse Museum. See the listings, below, for the full schedule and links to more information.

45th Annual Christmas in the Park: Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:15-8:30 p.m. in Central Park

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art continues its holiday tradition, started by museum benefactors Hugh and Jeannette McKean. Turn-of-the-century Tiffany windows are lighted as the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble performs on the new Central Park Main Stage. For more information, see the event page on the Morse Museum website.

The Morse Museum also hosts Holiday Friday Nights in November and Deceber. Guests can enjoy free museum admission from 4-8 p.m., and live music from 5-8 p.m. For more information, please access morsemuseum.org.

• Winter on the Avenue: Friday, Dec. 1, 5-9 p.m. at Central Park and Park Avenue

Presented by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Winter Park, Park Avenue Merchants Association and Enzian Theater, the yearly event transforms downtown Winter Park into a winter wonderland. Enjoy the annual tree-lighting and a menorah-lighting ceremony, strolling carolers Popcorn Flicks in the Park and a visit from Santa. For additional information, please call 407-644-8281 or check winterpark.org.

71st Annual Winter Park Christmas Parade: Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-noon on Park Avenue

Hosted by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, “Ye Olde Hometown” Christmas parade will usher in the season as it decks the halls – and the streets – for its 71st edition. The parade is the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida and includes more than 80 organizations participating with marching bands, floats, and Santa Claus himself.

The parade is preceded by the 24th Annual Leadership Winter Park Pancake Breakfast from 7-10 a.m. by the Central Park Stage. Pancakes, sausage, and a toppings bar are included with a choice of beverage for $7 per person. Tickets are available on site or in advance at winterpark.org. Proceeds benefit adult and youth leadership development programs, and school supply donations. Click here for ticket purchases.

• Holiday Pops Concert: Sunday, Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m. at Central Park Main Stage

A program of holiday favorites will be presented at a free concert, presented by the Charlotte Julia Hollander Trust. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and get into the spirit while enjoying the December weather. For more information, please call 407-599-3342.

Light Up Hannibal Square: Friday, Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m. at Hannibal Square Heritage Center, 642 W New England Ave.

Head to Hannibal Square Heritage Center for the 4th installment of the popular community event. Santa Claus will be available for free photos, a Cupcake Challenge will be sponsored by Dress for Success Greater Orlando, a mini-market will offer holiday gifts by local artisans, and a holiday lights countdown will begin at 7 p.m. For more information, email bchandler@crealde.org.

• Winter Park Holiday Boat Parade: Saturday, Dec. 9, 6-8:30 p.m. on Lake Virginia

Presented by the Rotary Club of Winter Park, the yearly event showcases the creativity of the local boating community. Decorated vessels circle the shore to allow lakefront residents to watch from their backyards while spectators can catch everything from Dinky Dock Park. For more information, visit winterparkrotary.com or call 407-256-6369.

• Chanukah on the Park: Sunday, Dec. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in Central Park

Chabad of Greater Orlando will present an evening of celebration featuring live music, food, and a grand menorah lighting. Kids’ activities include face painting, crafts, and a gelt drop. For more information and event registration, please access chabadorlando.org.

Wreaths Across America: Saturday, Dec. 16, beginning at noon at Palm Cemetery, 1005 N New York Ave., and at Pineywood Cemetery, 1900 S Lakemont Ave.

Wreaths Across America will honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen. The public can participate in person or sponsor a wreath by Friday, Dec. 1. Click here to access volunteer and sponsorship information for Palm Cemetery, or here for Pineywood Cemetery.

Merry TubaChristmas: Saturday, Dec. 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at Central Park Main Stage

Baritone players of all ages will perform a free concert of holiday favorites in the impressive register of tubas, euphoniums, and sousaphones. Musician registration begins at 9 a.m., the fee per musician is $10 with rehearsal from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Performers must bring a folding chair and music stand. For more information, email jmiller@cityofwinterpark.org or call 407-599-3463.

Orlando Big Band Christmas Concert: Saturday, Dec. 16, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Central Park Main Stage

Enjoy a free concert of seasonal standards when Orlando Big Band returns to Central Park for its second Christmas Favorites concert. More than 25 professional musicians and singers will present a showcase of holiday music from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and the modern era. For more information, access orlandobigband.com, email kbaker@cityofwinterpark.org, or call 407-599-3342.

• Kwanzaa Celebration: Tuesday, Dec. 26, 5-9 p.m. at Winter Park Community Center, 721 W New England Ave.

Equity Council Corp., in cooperation with the Parks & Recreation Department, will present its annual Kwanzaa Celebration. The event will include food vendors, dance and musical performances. Attendees can support black-owned businesses by shopping the SOKO Marketplace. The celebration will commence with the lighting of the Black Candle and focus on the Kwanzaa principle of Umoja (Unity). For more information on tickets and upcoming special guest announcements, please access equitycouncilcorp.org.

• Pop-Tarts Bowl Parade of Bands: Thursday, Dec. 28, beginning 11 a.m. on Park Avenue

College bands will march through downtown and perform a game day preview concert in Central Park before the 5:45 p.m. debut of the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Plan your visit by accessing the City of Winter Park parking page, and navigate event road closures on the closures & construction page. Check the City of Winter Park event page and poptartsbowl.com for information and updates.

West Winter Park residents say new development is pushing Black community out

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Residents of west Winter Park are fighting to take their neighborhood back after finding out a developer could change the trajectory of the place they call home.On Wednesday, commissioners held a public hearing to discuss plans to amend the plan for future land use designation from institutional to a medium density residential area.“It has to be some satisfaction between the residents and the city. Black, white, it doesn’t matter. They have to stop coming in here and gobbling up our heritag...

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Residents of west Winter Park are fighting to take their neighborhood back after finding out a developer could change the trajectory of the place they call home.

On Wednesday, commissioners held a public hearing to discuss plans to amend the plan for future land use designation from institutional to a medium density residential area.

“It has to be some satisfaction between the residents and the city. Black, white, it doesn’t matter. They have to stop coming in here and gobbling up our heritage,” said Shelia Reid, a Winter Park resident.

The city plans to move forward with a two-story, 53-unit multi-family project on nearly 5 acres of land along West Swoope and Webster avenues.

Read: New Tex-Mex restaurant to debut in Winter Park

Residents tell Eyewitness News they are going unheard and feel the project will destroy the west-side’s equality and affordability.

The Patmos Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church has sat on the property since 1978 and would be torn down if approved.

In 2019, it was sold to Metro Winter Park LLC. The site has been zoned R-3 since 1971 but has an Institutional future land use designation based upon the previous church sanctuary use.

Read: Neighborhood battles squatters in Winter Park

“With this at-large voting system, we will continue to see this overdevelopment. We will be able to see women like Mrs. Reid and others feel uncomfortable in their communities,” said Barbara Chandler, west wide Winter Park resident.

Reid said officials should work on current problems on the west side, like flooding. They feel the new property would bring traffic congestion, hurt stormwater retention, and cause problems for parking.

“They don’t care. If you’re not rich, then you can not be in Winter Park, period. We don’t care about the history. That’s the attitude I’m getting from our officials,” said Reid.

Read: Here’s what’s coming next to the revamped Winter Park Village

The City Commission tabled the Conditional Use request as it is reviewing plans and considering the concerns expressed Wednesday night regarding parking, traffic, and stormwater retention before making a decision.

The next commission meeting is set for Wednesday, Nov. 8.

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