Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Winter Park City Commission met on June 24, 2026 at 3:30 PM in City Hall Commission Chambers. Mayor Sheila DeCiccio called the meeting to order. The agenda was approved with the removal of Item 12.b (withdrawn by applicant). The meeting included a proclamation for Lakes Appreciation Month, recognition of City Clerk Rene Cranis retiring after 32 years, and updates from the City Manager on library/event center issues, MLK Park playground delays (first quarter 2027), Fairbanks Avenue project (July 13 public meeting, planned protected left-turn at Fairbanks and Denning), Webster Avenue reconstruction (fall start), Gulfside Drive project (near completion), and fuel cost recovery. The consent agenda was approved unanimously. Michael Poole was appointed to the Police Pension Board. A zoning ordinance (3366-26) adding single-family residential use to PQP district for OCPS properties was adopted on second reading (4-0, Commissioner Russell recused). The major discussion centered on a Comprehensive Plan amendment to allow a lakefront lot split at 1020 Palmer Avenue (Merrywood), which was approved with conditions (3-2). A building permit fee schedule amendment was also approved (5-0). Public comments addressed neighborhood safety and the Merrywood proposal.
Proposal: Applicant Tara Tedrow requested a text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to allow splitting the 3.67-acre lakefront property at 1020 Palmer Avenue (Merrywood) into two lots, each with a minimum of 150 feet of lake and street frontage, minimum 1.5 acres, and a total floor area cap of 40,000 sq ft (later amended to 30,000). The property contains a 1938 James Gamble Rogers II house that is not designated historic and has an approved demolition permit; the owners oppose historic designation.
Staff Analysis: Planning and Zoning Director Allison McGillis stated that only this property meets the criteria (minimum 3.5 upland acres, R-1AAA zoning). The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval (4-2). Staff proposed an alternate policy requiring historic designation, but the applicant and owner declined.
Applicant Position: Ms. Tedrow stated she grew up nearby and wants to return. She argued that without the split, the lot could host a 56,000 sq ft home, which would be out of scale. She agreed to reduce the total floor area to 30,000 sq ft and accept architectural design restrictions on one lot.
Owner Statement: Homeowner’s daughter Kathy Gilmer testified that the house is in poor condition and unlivable; demolition is inevitable. She supports the lot split as a practical solution.
Commission Discussion: Commissioners Cruzada and Russell supported the split with conditions. Mayor DeCiccio supported the square footage reduction but not design limitations. Commissioners Ingram and Lindsey opposed, citing preservation and process concerns. A motion was made by Commissioner Cruzada to approve with amendments: total floor area reduced from 40,000 to 30,000 sq ft, and a new paragraph requiring one of the two homes to be architecturally designed with Mediterranean, Mission style, or James Gamble Rogers II influence.
Vote: The motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners Cruzada and Russell and Mayor DeCiccio voting yes; Commissioners Ingram and Lindsey voting no).
Next Steps: The amendment will undergo state agency review (30 days) and return for second reading in approximately 45–60 days. The applicant agreed to suspend demolition until the second reading.
Proposal: Director of Building & Permitting Services Gary Hiatt presented a fee schedule amendment to comply with Florida Bill 803, requiring a shift from valuation-based to actual cost calculation. Exemptions for projects under $7,500 are not automatic and do not apply to structural, mechanical, gas, or plumbing work. Reinspection fees are graduated but waived at staff discretion for customer service.
Vote: Motion to approve passed unanimously (5-0).
Calling the June twenty-fourth City Commission meeting to order. First on the agenda, I would like to call Pastor Jake Lavender from Action Church for the invocation. Thank you. Let's pray. God, we love you so much. God, we invite you into this space. God, we're thankful that you woke us up this morning. We're thankful that you gave us breath in our lungs that we're on two feet. I pray for this meeting today. I pray for our mayor and our city commissioners and every decision maker here. Your word says that you've established all authority, God, on heaven and on earth. And so we recognize their authority today. And I pray wisdom over the decisions that have to be made. I pray for discernment. God, I pray that you would protect them, protect their homes. I thank you that the decisions that are going to be being uh being made today will affect all citizens of Winter Park. So, God, I pray uh that as we make those decisions, that you would be in the middle of them and that we would represent you the best that we can. We love you, we thank you in advance for what you're gonna do. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thank you. Next is the approval of the agenda. If I could have a motion, but with the removal of item 12B, as the applicant has withdrawn the request. So moved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Passes unanimously. Now for my mayor's report, the proclamation for Lakes Appreciation Month. The Natural Resources and Sustainability Department team members, thank you for being here. The city's national natural resources and sustainability department is responsible for the overall operation and management of sustainability as well as management and regulation compliance for the city's lakes. Focused on protecting Winter Park's treasured natural assets. This crew does an amazing job year-round. We are so appreciative of all they do. I will now read the proclamation for Lakes Appreciation Month. Whereas lakes and waterways are among the City of Winter Park's most valuable natural resources. And whereas these bodies of water provide recreation, scenic beauty, habitat for wildlife, quality of life for residents and visitors. And whereas these beneficial uses have been of vital importance to the City of Winter Park's history, growth, and ecotourism industry. And whereas the City of Winter Park hereby recognizes the importance of protecting, preserving, and enhancing our lakes and waterways, and expresses its sincere appreciation to the Natural Resources and Sustainability Department and the Lakes Division for their continued dedication and stewardship of these treasured natural resources. Now, therefore, I Sheila De Sisio, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Winter Park in the state of Florida to hereby proclaim the month of July 2026 as Lakes Appreciation Month in Winter Park and encourage all residents, support environmental efforts to help safeguard the health and beauty of our waterways for present and future generations to enjoy. Thank you. Do you want to speak? Yeah, I'll speak. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, Commissioners. I'd first like to acknowledge the wonderful staff we have in Natural Resources and Sustainability Department, both those here and those out in the field. It could be a place to swim. So it means something different to everyone. And to help our residents and our guests find what that means to them.