HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 07 10 Veteran and Veteran Family Adviosry Committee Regular Meeting AgendaVETERAN AND VETERAN
FAMILY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025 - 5:30 PM
CITY HALL - COMMISSION CHAMBERS
1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434, WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
1
CALL TO ORDER
Roll Call
Invocation
Pledge of Allegiance
Agenda Changes
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
PUBLIC INPUT
Anyone who wishes to speak during Public Input on any Agenda Item or subject matter will need to fill out a
“Public Input” form. Individuals will limit their comments to three (3) minutes, and representatives of groups or
homeowners' associations shall limit their comments to five (5) minutes, unless otherwise determined by the City
Commission.
CONSENT AGENDA
300. Approval of the April 10, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee Regular
Meeting Minutes
2025 04 10 Veteran and Veteran Family Regular Meeting Minutes.pdf
301. Approval of the April 22, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee Regular
Meeting Minutes
2025 04 22 Veteran and Veteran Family Regular Meeting Minutes.pdf
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
REGULAR AGENDA
500. Veteran Banner Program Update
Winter Springs Veteran Banner Program Outline.pdf
Winter Springs Veteran Banner Program Presentation.pdf
501. Recommendation for 2025 Hometown Hero
Hometown Hero Nomination - Matthew Gallant.pdf
Hometown Hero Nomination - Art Gallo.pdf
Hometown Hero Nomination - Sean Richards.pdf
502. Liaision Selection: Veterans Day
503. Winter Springs Veterans Memorial Update
504. Newsletter Items: August - October 2025
2
REPORTS
PUBLIC INPUT
Anyone who wishes to speak during Public Input on any Agenda Item or subject matter will need to fill out a
“Public Input” form. Individuals will limit their comments to three (3) minutes, and representatives of groups or
homeowners' associations shall limit their comments to five (5) minutes, unless otherwise determined by the City
Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC NOTICE
This is a Public Meeting, and the public is invited to attend and this Agenda is subject to change. Please be
advised that one (1) or more Members of any of the City's Advisory Boards and Committees may be in
attendance at this Meeting, and may participate in discussions.
Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the
City of Winter Springs at (407) 327-1800 "at least 48 hours prior to meeting, a written request by a
physically handicapped person to attend the meeting, directed to the chairperson or director of such
board, commission, agency, or authority" - per Section 286.26 Florida Statutes.
"If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the board, agency, or commission with respect to
any matter considered at such meeting or hearing, he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and
that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made,
which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based" - per Section
286.0105 Florida Statutes.
3
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 300
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Approval of the April 10, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the April 10, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory
Committee Regular Meeting Minutes as presented
4
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member Scott Sims called to order the Tuesday, April 10, 2025 Regular Meeting of
the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee at 5:33 p.m. in the Commission Chambers
of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida 32708).
Roll Call:
Committee Member Scott Sims, present
Committee Member Laurel Ross, present
Committee Member Robert Miller, present
Committee Member Wayne Douglas, absent
Committee Member Kim Bean, absent
Assistant City Clerk Tristin Tarrant, present
Also present:
Mr. Christian Gowan, MPA, CMC, City Clerk
Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director, Operations Department
City Clerk Christian Gowan advised that no quorum was present and explained allowable
actions in the absence of a quorum.
Discussion followed on quorum requirements, scheduling, and the availability for a new
meeting date.
“MOTION TO SET THE MEETING ADJOURNMENT DATE TO APRIL 22, 2025 AT 4:00PM.”
MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SIMS. SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLER.
VOTE: MILLER (AYE); ROSS (AYE); SIMS (AYE)
MOTION CARRIED 3-0
Brief discussion followed on the need to clarify the quorum requirements.
*THE AGENDA BELOW WAS NOT DISCUSSED DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF A
QUORUM*
REGULAR AGENDA - PART I
500) Election for Chairperson of the Veteran and Veteran Family’s Advisory Committee
for Calendar Year 2025
501) Election for Vice-Chairperson of the Veteran and Veteran Family’s Advisory
Committee for Calendar Year 2025
5
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 10, 2025
PAGE 2 OF 2
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD/LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
REGULAR MEETING | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2 OF 2
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
100) Committee Training
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
200. Not Used
PUBLIC INPUT
CONSENT AGENDA
300) Approval of the Thursday, July 11, 2024, Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory
Committee Regular Meeting Minutes.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
400. Not Used
REGULAR AGENDA - PART II
502) Discussion on Proposed Resolution 2025-05: Amending and Restating the Purpose
and Function of the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee
REPORTS
PUBLIC INPUT
ADJOURNMENT
The Regular Meeting of the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee was adjourned
at 5:38 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
________________________________________
CHRISTIAN D. GOWAN, MPA, CMC
CITY CLERK
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the__________, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee.
6
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM 301
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Approval of the April 22, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the April 22, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory
Committee Regular Meeting Minutes as presented
7
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 22, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Member Scott Sim called to order the Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Regular Meeting of
the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee at 4:00 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers of the Municipal Building (City Hall, 1126 East State Road 434, Winter Springs, Florida
32708).
Roll Call:
Committee Member Scott Sims, present
Committee Member Laurel Ross, present
Committee Member Robert Miller, present
Committee Member Wayne Douglas, present
Committee Member Kim Bean, present
Assistant City Clerk Tristin Tarrant, present
Also present:
Mr. Christian Gowan, MPA, CMC, City Clerk
Mr. Brian Dunigan, Director of Operations
A moment of silence was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
No changes were made to the agenda.
REGULAR AGENDA - PART I
500) Election for Chairperson of the Veteran and Veteran Family’s Advisory Committee
for Calendar Year 2025
Assistant City Clerk Tarrant opened the nominations for Chairperson.
COMMITTEE MEMBER SIMS NOMINATED COMMITTEE MEMBER ROSS TO BE
CHAIRPERSON. COMMITTEE MEMBER BEAN SECONDED. COMMITTEE MEMBER ROSS
ACCEPTED THE NOMINATION.
NO OTHER NOMINATIONS WERE MADE.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT
COMMITTEE MEMBER ROSS WAS ELECTED CHAIRPERSON FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025.
501) Election for Vice-Chairperson of the Veteran and Veteran Family’s Advisory
Committee for Calendar Year 2025
Chairperson Ross opened the nominations for Vice-Chairperson.
CHAIRPERSON ROSS NOMINATED COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLER FOR VICE-
CHAIRPERSON. COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLER ACCEPTED THE NOMINATION. NO OTHER
NOMINATIONS WERE MADE.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT
8
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 22, 2025
PAGE 2 OF 3
P L A N N I N G A N D Z O N I N G B O A R D / L O C A L P L A N N I N G A G E N C Y
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | W E D N E S D A Y , J U N E 5 , 2 OF 3
COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLER WAS ELECTED VICE-CHAIRPERSON FOR CALENDAR YEAR
2025.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
100) Committee Training
City Clerk Gowan gave a review of the Florida Sunshine law, Code of Ethics, and public records
request policy as it pertains to the Committee. Clarification was provided on the appropriate
avenues on how the members could have information distributed among themselves without
violating the Sunshine laws.
INFORMATIONAL AGENDA
200. Not Used
PUBLIC INPUT
Chairperson Ross opened Public Input.
Mr. Matt Smith, 251 Michael Blake Blvd, Winter Springs inquired about the normal time and
scheduled dates for the Veterans meeting.
Chairperson Ross closed Public Input.
CONSENT AGENDA
300) Approval of the Thursday, July 11, 2024, Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory
Committee Regular Meeting Minutes.
"MOTION TO APPROVE.” MOTION BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SIMS. SECONDED BY
COMMITTEE MEMBER MILLER.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA
400. Not Used
REGULAR AGENDA - PART II
502) Discussion on Proposed Resolution 2025-05: Amending and Restating the Purpose
and Function of the Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee
Christian Gowan City Clerk opened the item, gave background, and reviewed the original
resolution and proposed amendments. Clarification on was asked for the current vacancies,
seats associated with said vacancies and the terms for all seats. Staff responded in kind.
Discussion ensued on the quantity of scheduled meetings in a year and the regularly
scheduled time of the meeting was clarified.
Discussion shifted to the staff recommended changes for the Resolution and the committee
suggested keeping the original quantity of members, seven (7) members and an established
quorum be four (4) members, instead of the proposed change of five (5) members and three
(3) being a quorum.
9
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REGULAR MEETING – APRIL 22, 2025
PAGE 3 OF 3
P L A N N I N G A N D Z O N I N G B O A R D / L O C A L P L A N N I N G A G E N C Y
R E G U L A R M E E T I N G | W E D N E S D A Y , J U N E 5 , 3 OF 3
"MOTION TO RECOMMEND THE COMMITTEE BE MADE OF SEVEN (7) MEMBERS WITH
FOUR (4) MEMBERS REQUIRED FOR A QUORUM.” MOTION BY CHAIRPERSON ROSS.
SECONDED BY COMMITTEE MEMBER SIMS.
MOTION PASSED WITH UNANIMOUS CONSENT
Discussion continued, led by Chairperson Ross, with the suggestion that the Committee
should have appointed member liaisons for the various city functions to work to city staff
regarding Military protocols. Mr. Dunigan addressed the Committee relaying that the
suggestion was already taken into consideration and was going to be brought up at a future
meeting.
City Clerk Gowan proposed for the next meeting the Committee bring ideas regarding the
Hometown hero nomination process. Questions on the deadlines ensued for the process and
submittal for the City Newsletter. Staff relayed the deadline as two weeks before the letter goes
out at the first of the month. Further clarification of the format and additional information
needed was requested. Conversation regarding suggestions for the June and July newsletter
were as follows. For June including hometown hero submissions and July either mention of
Honor Flight or the Veteran Service Officers schedule, and cross-sharing Seminole county
Veteran information. The Committee additionally requested a standing item for the
Newsletter discussion to be added to every agenda.
Brief discussion ensued in the tentative schedule for when the Banner presentation would be
presented to the City Commission.
REPORTS
PUBLIC INPUT
Chairperson Ross opened Public Input.
Mr. Paul Dollman, 388 Twelve Oaks Drive, Winter Springs gave the suggestion to add
information about the Seminole County Veterans Service officer to the Newsletter.
Chairperson Ross closed Public Input.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Ross adjourned the Regular Meeting at 5:02 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
____________________________________
TRISTIN TARRANT
ASSISTANT CITY CLERK
NOTE: These Minutes were approved at the__________, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee.
10
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 500
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Veteran Banner Program Update
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
N/A
11
Winter Springs Veteran Banner Program
Program Overview
The Winter Springs Veteran Banner Program honors local veterans by displaying
commemorative banners along designated city streets on right of way street lights. This
annual initiative recognizes the service and sacrifice of Winter Springs residents who have
served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Banners are displayed each year from early January
through early June.
Display Time Frame
• Start Date: Early January
• End Date: Early June
• Annual Renewal: Banners may be renewed each year for an additional fee.
Program Cost
• Initial Banner Fee: $200
Includes design approval, banner production, installation, and removal.
• Renewal Fee: $100 per year
Applies to banners stored by the City and reinstalled the following year.
Key City Personnel and Responsibilities
Role Staff Member Responsibilities
Program
Administrator
Recreation & Events
Manager
Oversees operations, coordinates with
applicants, manages scheduling
Design &
Communications
Communications
Director
Creates banner designs, ensures branding
compliance, promotes the program
Installation
Coordinator Parks Manager Oversees the installation, removal, and
storage of banners with maintenance staff
12
Application and Approval Process
1. Application Submission:
Applicants must be Winter Springs residents or immediate family members of a
veteran who resided in Winter Springs. The application must include:
o Applicant’s contact information
o Branch of Service
o Years of Service
o Awards and Commendations received during time of service
o Proof of residency or relationship
o Proof of military service (e.g., DD-214, military ID)
o High-resolution photo of the veteran
2. Review and Approval:
Applications are reviewed by the City Staff and a designated liaison from the Veteran
& Veteran Family Advisory Committee (VAVFA) for eligibility and service verification.
3. Payment:
Upon approval, a $200 fee is collected by the City, renewal fee is $100
4. Banner Production and Installation:
Approved banner designs are sent to a city-approved vendor. Once produced, the
Parks team installs banners at designated locations.
5. Display Period:
Banners are displayed from early January through early June annually.
6. Post -Display:
Banners are returned to the applicant or stored by the City for future display (if
renewing). Applicants are notified when banners are available for pickup.
Display Locations
• Blumberg Avenue: 22 poles (44 Banners)
• North Tuskawilla Road in the Town Center: 14 poles (28 Banners)
13
Banner Specifications
• Size: Standard size will be 17X36
• Material: Double-sided, weather-resistant vinyl
• Design Elements:
o Veteran's name
o Military branch
o Photo
o Rank, years of service
o Awards and Commendations
Designs will be created by the Communications Director to meet city branding and
formatting standards.
Eligibility Criteria
• Veteran Status: Must have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces
(Active Duty, Reserves, or National Guard).
• Residency: Veteran must be a current or former Winter Springs resident, or the
applicant must be an immediate family member of such a veteran.
• Verification: Documentation confirming military service is required.
Renewal Process
• Banners may be renewed annually for $100 if still in displayable condition.
• The City will inspect stored banners prior to reinstallation.
• If banners are damaged or worn, a replacement may be required at the applicant’s
expense of $100
Program Promotion
The City’s Communications Director will oversee outreach and promotion through:
14
• City website and social media channels
• Community newsletters and email campaigns
• Local press releases
Contact Information
For questions or to submit an application, contact:
Hannah Kirsch
Recreation and Events Manager
Email: hkirsch@winterspringsfl.org
15
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS
VETERAN BANNER PROGRAM
16
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
THE WINTER SPRINGS VETERAN BANNER PROGRAM HONORS LOCAL VETERANS
BY DISPLAYING COMMEMORATIVE BANNERS ALONG DESIGNATED CITY STREETS
ON RIGHT OF WAY STREET LIGHTS. THIS ANNUAL INITIATIVE RECOGNIZES THE
SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF WINTER SPRINGS RESIDENTS WHO HAVE SERVED IN
THE U.S. ARMED FORCES. BANNERS ARE DISPLAYED EACH YEAR FROM EARLY
JANUARY THROUGH EARLY JUNE. BANNERS MAY BE RENEWED EACH YEAR FOR
AN ADDITIONAL FEE.
17
PROGRAM COST
INITIAL BANNER FEE: $200
INCLUDES DESIGN APPROVAL, BANNER PRODUCTION, INSTALLATION, AND REMOVAL.
RENEWAL FEE: $100 PER YEAR
APPLIES TO BANNERS STORED BY THE CITY AND REINSTALLED THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
18
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
ROLE POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
PROGRAM
ADMINISTRATOR
DESIGN &
COMMUNICATIONS
INSTALLATION
COORDINATOR
RECREATION &
EVENTS MANAGER
COMMUNICATIONS
DIRECTOR
PARKS MANAGER
OVERSEES OPERATIONS,
COORDINATES WITH APPLICANTS,
MANAGES SCHEDULING
CREATES BANNER DESIGNS, ENSURES
BRANDING COMPLIANCE, PROMOTES
THE PROGRAM
OVERSEES THE INSTALLATION,
REMOVAL, AND STORAGE OF
BANNERS WITH MAINTENANCE STAFF
19
APPLICATION PROCESS *CREDIT CARD
20
APPLICATION PROCESS *CREDIT CARD
21
APPLICATION PROCESS *CREDIT CARD
22
APPLICATION PROCESS
23
APPLICATION PROCESS
24
APPLICATION PROCESS *CREDIT CARD
25
APPLICATION PROCESS *CREDIT CARD
26
APPLICATION PROCESS
ONCE PAYMENT IS COLLECTED, THE RECREATION & EVENT
MANAGER WILL BE NOTIFIED
THE RECREATION & EVENT MANAGER WILL REACH OUT TO THE
APPLICANT TO COLLECT PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND PROOF OF
MILITARY SERVICE
27
APPLICATION PROCESS
AN APPLICANT WILL NEED TO REACH OUT DIRECTLY TO THE
RECREATION & EVENT MANAGER TO SCHEDULE A DATE AND TIME
TO MEET TO PROCESS ANY CASH OR CHECK PAYMENTS
ALL CHECKS WOULD BE MADE OUT TO, “THE CITY OF WINTER
SPRINGS”
PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND PROOF OF MILITARY SERVICE WILL
NEED TO BE PROVIDED AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION
PHOTOS WILL NEED TO BE SENT IN PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1 ST
APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE ON OCTOBER 1 AT 5 PMST
*CASH OR CHECK
28
BANNER SPECIFICATIONS
SIZE: STANDARD SIZE WILL BE 17X36
MATERIAL: DOUBLE-SIDED, WEATHER-RESISTANT VINYL
DESIGN ELEMENTS:
VETERAN'S NAME
MILITARY BRANCH
PHOTO
RANK, YEARS OF SERVICE
AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS
DESIGNS WILL BE CREATED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR TO
MEET CITY BRANDING AND FORMATTING STANDARDS.
29
ELIGABILITY
VETERAN STATUS: MUST HAVE SERVED IN ANY BRANCH OF THE
UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES (ACTIVE DUTY, RESERVES, OR
NATIONAL GUARD).
RESIDENCY: VETERAN MUST BE A CURRENT OR FORMER WINTER
SPRINGS RESIDENT, OR THE APPLICANT MUST BE AN IMMEDIATE
FAMILY MEMBER OF SUCH A VETERAN.
VERIFICATION: DOCUMENTATION CONFIRMING MILITARY SERVICE
IS REQUIRED AS WELL AS PROOF OF RESIDENCY.
30
RENEWALS
BANNERS MAY BE RENEWED ANNUALLY FOR $100 IF STILL IN
DISPLAYABLE CONDITION.
THE CITY WILL INSPECT STORED BANNERS PRIOR TO
REINSTALLATION.
IF BANNERS ARE DAMAGED OR WORN, A REPLACEMENT MAY BE
REQUIRED AT THE APPLICANT’S EXPENSE OF $100
31
PROGRAM PROMOTION
THE CITY’S COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR WILL OVERSEE
OUTREACH AND PROMOTION THROUGH:
CITY WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERS AND EMAIL CAMPAIGNS
LOCAL PRESS RELEASES
32
CONTACT
CONTACT INFORMATION
FOR QUESTIONS OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:
HANNAH KIRSCH
RECREATION AND EVENTS MANAGER
EMAIL: HKIRSCH@WINTERSPRINGSFL.ORG
33
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 501
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Recommendation for 2025 Hometown Hero
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Committee discuss the received nominations and recommend
one individual to the Commission to be designated the 2025 Hometown Hero.
34
From:Eduardo Cruz
To:_City Clerk Department
Subject:Hometown Hero
Date:Wednesday, June 18, 2025 6:13:19 PM
EXTERNAL EMAIL:
[Caution: Do not click on links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the content is safe.]
Hello City Clerk:
Please find nominated candidate:
Name: Matthew Gallant
Address: 535 Pleasant Grove Dr WINTER SPRINGS, FL 32708
Info: Veteran committed to support his community. HOA board member for over 4 years doing a great job keeping
costs down. Always supporting our police officers and fire fighters.
My name is Benjamin Cruz
35
From:Christian Gowan
To:Tristin Tarrant
Subject:Fw: Hometown Hero 2025
Date:Thursday, June 26, 2025 3:30:42 PM
Attachments:V2VV2V2_3d6ce35a-edbd-4479-ae1e-dcdfd786dee7.png
fbookv3_15231ecf-ef76-4fb4-acfe-a0d8c45ac529.png
linkedinv3_ada14ec2-58bc-48bf-95ad-93afcd902817.png
youtubev3_f5679ea2-9e71-4c98-833c-957965e0cd13.png
websitev3_dd0664f4-95fe-40e4-926a-c274a6076e65.png
V2VV2V2_3d6ce35a-edbd-4479-ae1e-dcdfd786dee7.png
fbookv3_dbdb2534-08bf-47a7-b14a-abbc25a5b7af.png
linkedinv3_956732b4-425d-4d6d-82c8-4d7967d7d32a.png
youtubev3_6d354294-7ce8-47fc-a0f9-8f65bd070b30.png
websitev3_5ab4f008-aab2-4dc3-8307-ec21220b3cc9.png
Christian Gowan, MPA, CMC
City Clerk
P: (407) 327-6560 F: (407) 327-4753
A: 1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
From: Victoria Bruce <vbruce@winterspringsfl.org>
Sent: Friday, June 6, 2025 4:22 PM
To: Christian Gowan <cgowan@winterspringsfl.org>
Subject: Hometown Hero 2025
Christian,
I would like to nominate Art Gallo for Hometown Hero. He was a Navy Pilot from 1973-2004.
He spent his time in the U.S. Navy flying helicopters and served as the air boss for a
deployment aboard the U.S.S. Tripoli.
His address is 199 Nandina Terrace WS
Art is a advocate for all aspects of Winter Springs and Seminole County. From being
involved with CALNO, almost every city meeting and speaking at public comment
period on the regular; he has been a advocate for water conservation and was most
recently featured with SJRWMD for his tireless efforts. We appreciate his
participation, involvement and perspectives on all things Winter Springs!!!!
https://mynews13.com/orlando/news/2025/01/31/retired-navy-helicopter-pilot-art-gallo?
cid=app_share
36
Victoria Bruce
Commissioner - District 2
P: (407) 327-7585 F: (407) 327-4753
A: 1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
37
Outlook
Hometown Hero
From Keith Batchelder <keithbatch20@gmail.com>
Date Mon 6/30/2025 9:45 AM
To _City Clerk Department <City-Clerk-Department@winterspringsfl.org>
EXTERNAL EMAIL:
[Caution: Do not click on links or open any attachments unless you trust the sender and know the
content is safe.]
For your consideration, please let me know if you have any questions...
Nominee Info:
SEAN RICHARDS
418 PARK LAKE DRIVE
WINTER SPRINGS, FL 32708
Cell: 931-206-8658
Nominee Bio:
Sean is a highly decorated and combat wounded military veteran who dedicated twenty years of service
to the United States Army and ultimately served with the most elite special operations unit in the
Department of Defense, Delta Force. While assigned to Delta Force, Sean deployed multiple times to
various combat zones and participated in the most complex, covert, and dangerous national-level
missions directed by the President of the United States and the Secretary of Defense.
Sean enlisted as an Infantryman and began his career at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the
101st Airborne Division. During his time at Fort Campbell, his leadership selected Sean to attend the
highly-demanding Ranger School. He successfully passed Ranger School and subsequently served as a
Ranger Instructor at 6th Ranger Training Battalion at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During this period,
the United States Army Special Operations Command invited Sean to attend a selection assessment
course for Delta Force. Sean successfully passed the Operator Training Course and became a member
of the elite unit.
During his deployments, Sean consistently displayed his courageous actions during fierce firefights and
received two Bronze Star Medals with Valor Devices and the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during
these dangerous missions. Sean rose through the ranks and retired as a Sergeant Major, the highest
enlisted rank in the United States Army.
Following his military retirement in 2021, Sean and his wife, Sarah, along with daughter, Ashlynn, moved
from Fort Bragg, North Carolina to Winter Springs, FL. Upon settling in Winter Springs, Sean
demonstrated the same characteristics in his post-military life that made him one of the most elite
members of the U.S. military as he embarked on a challenging entrepreneurial endeavor, building and
growing a successful company that remains tied to the local community.
Sean successfully launched his own home inspection business, Tier-1 Pro Inspections, within Winter
Springs and consistently and tirelessly donates time, services, and funds to multiple charitable
organizations that are near and dear to his heart. These organizations include, but are not limited to:
7/3/25, 10:19 AM Hometown Hero - Christian Gowan - Outlook
about:blank 1/238
Dave’s House, which provides permanent supportive housing that integrates affordable homes with
essential mental health services, which empowers residents to thrive with dignity and purpose.
Seminole Kids House, which partners with law enforcement, the state attorney's office, medical
personnel, child protection professionals, social workers, and licensed mental health counselors to break
the cycle of violence often seen in child abuse cases.
Annabel’s Closet, which helps families who have left abusive situations start over by providing
essential furniture and household items they can’t afford on their own.
Additionally, Sean and his wife regularly host several networking events within Seminole and Orange
County that seek to strengthen relationships in the real estate / home improvement industries.
Nominator Info:
KEITH BATCHELDER
704 TIOGA COURT
WINTER SPRINGS, FL, 32708
Cell: 630-632-1400
7/3/25, 10:19 AM Hometown Hero - Christian Gowan - Outlook
about:blank 2/239
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 503
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Winter Springs Veterans Memorial Update
SUMMARY
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
N/A
40
REGULAR AGENDA ITEM 504
VETERAN AND VETERAN FAMILY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDA | JULY
10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
Newsletter Items: August - October 2025
SUMMARY
At the April 22, 2025 Veteran and Veteran Family Advisory Committee Regular Meeting
the Committee requested a standing item for suggesting items to the upcoming
newsletters for the City.
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Committee have a discussion on protentional items for the next
upcoming Newsletters and submit information to staff to be included.
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