HRT for Women in Oviedo, FL

OVIEDO, Fla. —

There's the front nine and the back nine, but you don't expect a large swine when you're golfing.

But that's precisely what a group of golfers found on a local golf course. They reflected on their encounter with a giant wild hog.

“At least four feet and probably at least 100 pounds,” golfer Kyle Jeffers said.

It was a pig on a mission that got the golfer's attention for sure.

“Just pulling up to one of the holes, saw a pig come from behind one of the trees and it was huge and it just caught my eye,” Jeffers said.

On Monday, he was on an Oviedo area course when suddenly, the pig surprised him.

Recommended

Bear captured after sighting prompts closures at Magic Kingdom

“I don't think anybody expected to see a pig, let alone on a golf course, walking and minding its own business,” Jeffers said.

There's often wildlife around, like a deer WESH 2 spotted. And even when wildlife itself isn't spotted, you can tell the animals have been around.

“You can see their dig marks where they've been rootin’ around all over the place,” Harry Smith said.

Smith sees the damage the hogs cause and he's seen them up close.

“Just as I was teeing off, this boar – well, I say a boar – pig came running up out of the woods right up behind me and just scared whatever out of me,” Smith said.

State wildlife officials say you can find wild hogs in all 67 of Florida's counties and they can get big: anywhere up to 150 pounds and five feet long.

Jeffers thinks his encounter was less than the maximum size but no slacker.

“Couldn't miss it. It was in plain sight; it was huge," Jeffers said.

And so he was happy to see it moving on.

“If it was coming at me, I'd be startled for sure,” Jeffers said.

Groups of hogs over the years have done a number of many Central Florida lawns.

Top headlines:

Nestled in the heart of Central Florida, Oviedo, FL offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences. The city boasts a harmonious blend of natural beauty, quaint architecture, and a vibrant community spirit.

A Closer Look at Oviedo, FL

History and Heritage: Oviedo’s roots trace back to the late 19th century, and the city has preserved many of its historic buildings, giving visitors a glimpse into its storied past. The Oviedo Historical Society Museum is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and stories from bygone eras.

Natural Beauty: Beyond its historical structures, Oviedo is home to some of Florida’s most enchanting natural wonders. The Oviedo on the Park is a favorite for families, offering scenic lake views, picnic spots, and a playground for kids. Additionally, the Econlockhatchee River runs through the city, providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and bird-watching.

Culinary Delights: Oviedo’s dining scene is a culinary explorer's dream. From authentic Southern BBQ joints to trendy cafés offering global cuisines, there's something to tantalize every palate. The city's farmers' market, held every first Saturday of the month, showcases the best of local produce and artisanal goods.

Events and Festivals: The city is known for its lively community events, such as the Oviedo Great Day in the Country Arts & Crafts Festival, where local artisans display their crafts, and the Taste of Oviedo Festival celebrating the diverse culinary offerings of the region.

While Oviedo’s charm captures the heart of every visitor, maintaining its aesthetic appeal is vital for the community.

The Role of Pressure Washing in Oviedo's Pristine Beauty

Given Florida's humid climate, the buildings and pathways of Oviedo can quickly accumulate algae, mold, and other unwanted residues. To combat this, pressure washing is essential.

The Pressure Guys, LLC

The Pressure Guys, LLC leads the front in preserving Oviedo’s beauty, ensuring structures not only look their best but also have a prolonged life. With their vast experience and commitment to quality, they are the first choice for many residents and businesses in the area.

In wrapping up, Oviedo, FL, is more than just a place to visit; it's a place to experience. From its historical allure to its natural beauty, the city beckons all. And behind the scenes, ensuring that Oviedo always looks its best, are dedicated services like pressure washing from renowned companies like The Pressure Guys, LLC.

The Pressure Guys, LLC

5372 Rocking Horse Pl, Oviedo, FL 32765

(407) 917-7748

https://www.thepressureguys.com/

Welcome to this first round match-up in the eighth annual Strongest Town Contest! In this round, 16 towns are facing off, and eight will advance to the next segment of the contest, based on your votes. We invite you to read answers representatives of these cities provided to questions we posed, and then cast your vote for which place you think is the strongest.

Can’t decide? If you’re looking for inspiration, check out how we describe the Strong Towns approach.

You may vote once per match-up. Round 1 voting closes at noon CT on Thursday, March 23. For rules, and to follow along with the contest, visit the Strongest Town Contest page.

Note: All entries are lightly edited for clarity and readability.

OVIEDO, FL

Entry submitted by: Bryan Cobb, Roxane Ferguson, Kevin Hipes, Danny McKinney, and Megan Sladek.

Allowing street parking to count toward a building's parking requirements. (Wish I could say we had no minimums, but that's actually up for discussion right now. Fingers crossed!)

Got state-level legislators to file bills to expand how the local option 1-cent sales tax could be used. Currently, this revenue source can only be used for new stuff (i.e., more roads). If passed, this change would allow our city (and others) to use the revenue to maintain what we already invested in versus having to choose between forfeiting a revenue source or buying even more stuff we can't afford.

Accessory dwelling units are allowed by right citywide, and we just updated our comp plan to be form-based instead of use-based (as of August 2022). As part of that, we added a "downtown transition" zone in the Comprehensive Plan to allow for more flexibility up to the edges of single-family zoning. Though we haven't cracked into those sacred exclusionary single-family zoning areas (except for giving them the right to add an accessory dwelling unit), we're up to some of the edges with the potential for useful, flexible, incremental changes.

After working with Joe Minicozzi and his team, we are in the process of recalculating/updating our stormwater, water, and sewer rates to bake in the actual cost of maintaining those, so we can wean ourselves off of perpetual loans to keep those running. While there is next to no political oomph to raise property taxes to subsidize these things, there does seem to be tolerance with the public for paying rates calculated by mathematical formulas related to every distinct, and easy-to-track/segregate fund uses. We track all water/sewer uses in an "enterprise fund"—same for stormwater. We have also begun telling new developers who want to give us "gifts" of sidewalks and roads that we must decline their kind offer. We still accept stormwater ponds, but that has its own enterprise fund, so it's hypothetically possible to charge a fair rate to maintain it.

We just adopted a Mobility Plan, which pretty much kills the focus on roads and replaces it with a focus on moving people. Just last year, we fought for, and achieved, a wider sidewalk and slower speed limit on a road expansion (initiated by the state). The promise of the road expansion stifled investment in the downtown for over 20 years, and its completion will trigger a complete reinvention of the old town center (as the original was razed for the road). The new road will have bike lanes and sidewalks wide enough for a golf cart to ride on them. We are also working to get more people to park ON the street in places where speed is a concern (free safety barrier and way to narrow the road), and have allowed continued use of outdoor/parking lot spaces for use by restaurants and businesses that want to spill out into these areas. We are also putting one of our four-lane roads on a road diet!

The nice people and the fact that I can get to my job, church, groceries, and all three of my kids' schools on a bike (they're all within two miles). Though it is not feasible for the entire city to be car-free, it is possible for all the people who live in my little patch of it to become significantly less car dependent, and I love how many people seem open to giving it a try.

JACKSON, TN

Entry submitted by: Mayor Scott Conger, Amy Mallette, Claire Pierson, Abby Palmer, and Kenneth Cummings.

Jackson's city council eliminated minimum parking requirements from the Official Zoning Ordinance in October 2021, opting instead for shared parking analyses for mixed-use spaces. This change increases opportunities for small businesses and walkable retail, while requiring developers with excess parking spaces to create plans for their use.

However, downtown's business development surge caused a shortage of on-street parking due to downtown office employees using the spots. To address this issue, the city enforced two-hour parking limits and encouraged employees to use free city parking lots. Additionally, a greenway master plan was announced in January 2023 to increase pedestrian and bicycle use of roads, further reducing the negative impact of parking.

In 2019, a study was conducted to assess the condition of our city streets, resulting in a street resurfacing plan that began in 2020. To date, 180 roads have been resurfaced, with plans to resurface 269 roads over the next four years, totaling $10 million. In 2020, we closed 2,200 potholes and invested in a sustainable pothole machine that uses infrared technology to heat up existing asphalt for repairs. We prioritize maintaining existing infrastructure and constantly seek new opportunities to improve our roadways. However, our state highways have been neglected by the state's Department of Transportation for years. We continue to advocate for repairs and resurfacing of these main highways.

To increase affordable and flexible housing options, commercial zones have been rezoned to allow for mixed-use development. Additionally, laws are being amended to permit accessory dwelling units within homes. This approach supports diverse lifestyles, economic development, and reduces the environmental impact of housing development. Eliminating parking minimums has made mixed-use development more feasible, allowing for the use of existing parking space.

Furthermore, the Jackson is updating rules to allow residents to welcome customers into their at-home businesses. This further supports redevelopment and mixed-use development. The Community Redevelopment Agency is encouraging new development to include mixed-use components. The city learns from other cities with successful mixed-use development strategies to ensure this type of development remains a priority for developers.

Prior to 2019, our city lacked transparency in budgeting and used outdated accounting software. To improve accountability, a budget committee was established in 2019. It meets monthly to discuss budget amendments and provide oversight for inter-fund transfers. An internal auditor role was also created in 2020 to ensure fiscal accountability. The auditor provides independent assurance and consulting services to the city, ensuring it adheres to regulatory standards and achieves its objectives. These efforts have led to a general fund increase from $16 million to $37 million and reduced general obligation debt from $76 million to $43 million by 2022. The city is also in the final steps of upgrading its accounting software to improve financial record access and transparency.

In April 2022, our city adopted the Bicycle and Pedestrian Greenway Master Plan to create a complete active transportation network for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those using mobility devices. Our aim is to connect people safely and comfortably while promoting healthy lifestyles, economic development, and improving the city's overall quality of life. To achieve this, we are prioritizing the development of a greenway network that includes five walkable centers and a priority network providing city-wide connectivity, focusing on areas with safety issues and decreased comfort due to high vehicle speeds and volumes. We seek funding to implement these projects, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing people over cars and providing safe and convenient walking and bicycling options that support community well-being.

Our favorite thing about Jackson is the vast opportunity we see. Our government is committed to making local government more equitable and accessible through policy changes and innovative programs, ensuring the city operates to its highest potential. We value the diverse cultures in our community and empower all groups to celebrate their unique traditions through events like Black History Month and the International Food Festival. Our commitment to growth brings opportunity to disinvested areas by zoning these areas as redevelopment districts and programs like Love Your Block, which provides homeowners opportunities to beautify their streets. We prioritize small businesses and invest in downtown to preserve the small-town pace that draws us to this city, even as we grow.

'Dangerous alligator' attacks couple's dog

A Florida alligator trapper who is called when alligators meet the state's "nuisance" threshold said there are a lot of large alligators in the Little Econ River, which is where a couple's dog was snatched by one while out on a walk last week.

OVIEDO, Fla. - A couple was walking their dog at a Central Florida park last week when a large alligator came out of the water and snatched their dog.

The incident reportedly happened Friday at Riverside Park in Oviedo, Florida.

Lisa McDonald, communications manager for the City of Oviedo, told FOX 35 that the couple was walking along the Little Econ River at Riverside Park when an alligator – estimated to be 12-feet long – came out of the water and snatched the dog. The boyfriend then reportedly jumped on the alligator to rescue the dog, she said.

City staff was not notified of the incident until Saturday, she said.

In a statement, the FWC said a permit was issued to trap the gator, and that the trapper removed a 12-foot, 6-inch alligator from the park on Sunday.

The status of the dog was not immediately known.

According to the FWC, alligators are located throughout Florida and should be presumed to in any body of water, including lakes, ponds, swamps, rivers, and marshes. While they are considered to be opportunistic feeders, they do become more active in the spring and summer months as temperatures rise.

The FWC recommends the following alligator safety tips:

So, what do you do if you see an alligator?

Florida Nuisance Alligator Hotline

The state of Florida has a Florida Nuisance Alligator Hotline where people can report nuisance alligators – and have a licensed trapper come out to remove the reptile. The Florida Nuisance Alligator Hotline number is 866-FWC Gator, or 866-392-4286.

According to the FWC's website, "an alligator is deemed a nuisance if it is at least 4 feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property." This also includes alligators that end up in places you do not want them to be, such as in swimming pools, garages, or on the front porch.

However, alligators that are smaller than four feet are not considered to be a nuisance alligator because they are "not large enough to be dangerous to people or pets," the FWC said.

Alligators are not relocated once captured; they are euthanized. The FWC said removing nuisance alligators does not have a significant impact on the overall gator population in Florida, and alligators would have to be relocated to remote areas where other alligators may live and have already determined their social structures.

Photos by Roberto Gonzalez

Living in Oviedo offers a unique blend of small-town charm and city convenience. Oviedo serves as a warm haven for its residents, blending a rich history, a vibrant local culture, and a welcoming community. The city is a paradise for food enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.

Oviedo’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing the future is evident in the redevelopment of the historic Lawton House into the Oviedo Preservation Project, a focal point for the community’s cultural and educational events.

The city’s culinary scene is a highlight that cannot be ignored. Gourmet burgers at the Townhouse Restaurant are a must-try for every visitor and resident, while Sushi Pop offers a contemporary spin on traditional Japanese cuisine, attracting a crowd that appreciates innovation and authenticity.

Little Big Econ State Forest offers picnic tables while the new Center Lake area boasts swan boats

Oviedo’s commitment to outdoor recreation is another reason why living here is so attractive. The city’s extensive parks and trail system offer ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and picnicking. The Oviedo Sports Complex, a popular spot for residents of all ages, is home to several sports leagues and a vibrant community spirit. Nearby, the Little Big Econ State Forest provides miles of trails along the Econlockhatchee River, offering a chance to observe Florida’s unique wildlife and ecosystems up close.

The city’s academic and technological focus is also notable. Oviedo is adjacent to the University of Central Florida, one of the largest universities in the U.S. Its presence has cultivated a community that values education and innovation, and has led to the development of the Central Florida Research Park, a hub for tech companies and start-ups.

Little Big Econ State Forest offers picnic tables while the new Center Lake area boasts swan boats

Life in Oviedo is about balance. It’s about enjoying a gourmet burger at the Townhouse Restaurant one day, and a picnic at the Little Big Econ State Forest the next. It’s about living in a town that values its history, yet embraces innovation.

Finally, Oviedo’s central location in Florida offers easy access to some of the state’s most popular attractions. Just a short drive away, residents can enjoy the beaches of the Atlantic coast, the bustling city of Orlando, and the world-renowned theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.

Life in Oviedo is about balance. It’s about enjoying a gourmet burger at the Townhouse Restaurant one day, and a picnic at the Little Big Econ State Forest the next. It’s about living in a town that values its history, yet embraces innovation. It’s about being part of a community that cares for each other and takes pride in its unique identity. It’s about living in a place that feels like home. And for those fortunate enough to call Oviedo their home, it truly is a great place to live.

← Back to 10 Great Places to Live in Orlando in 2023