Public Works is the foundation of a thriving community! From keeping our roads smooth and facilities running to managing stormwater and emergency response—much of what Public Works does happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day.In this episode of Sanford Says: Beyond City Hall, host Lisa Holder is joined by Public Works and Utilities Director Brynt Johnson and key leadership staff to pull back the curtain on how Sanford stays safe, connected, and moving forward.Featured Guests:Brynt Johnson – Public Works and Utilities DirectorMike Cash – Public Works Operations ManagerPete Wilson – Streets SuperintendentDenis Kanelakis – Facilities SuperintendentBrett Ferguson – Fleet SuperintendentShawn Lemons – Stormwater SuperintendentIn this episode, we cover:🛠️ The People Behind the Work: The dedicated field crews, inspectors, operators, and staff who keep services running 24/7.🚜 Infrastructure & Maintenance: Preventive care for roads, sidewalks, facilities, fleet, and drainage systems that protects taxpayer investments.🚨 Emergency Operations: Why Public Works is known as "First ones in, last ones out" during storms and emergency events.🌿 Environmental Responsibility: Sustainable practices in stormwater management, waste reduction, and resilient design.🏅 APWA Accreditation: The major efforts underway to achieve national accreditation for high-quality public service delivery.Get Involved: Public Works is a partnership with the community! Share your feedback, report maintenance needs, and stay connected with city projects.🌐 Learn More & Report Issues: https://www.sanfordfl.gov 🔔 Subscribe to our channel for more behind-the-scenes looks at City Hall operations!

July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and we’re celebrating by going Beyond City Hall to showcase everything that makes Sanford’s parks, green spaces, and community programs so special! 🌳✨In this episode of Sanford Says, host Lisa Holder (Communications & Marketing Manager) is joined by Jose Ortiz (Operations Superintendent) and Matthew Coleman, CPRP, CPSI (Recreation Manager) to take a deep dive into the Sanford Parks & Recreation Department.In this episode, we cover:🍃 What We Do: The department's core mission and the impressive amount of land, turf, and facilities maintained daily for our community. *💡 Surprising Services: Unique offerings, health and wellness benefits, and recreational programs you might not realize are available.🏞️ Fun Facts & Hidden Gems: Sanford’s most popular facilities, signature annual events, and a few underrated neighborhood parks you need to visit.🏛️ Rental Facilities: How to book spots for family gatherings, birthday parties, and community events.🔮 Looking Ahead: Upcoming seasonal programs, new projects on the horizon, and the long-term vision for expanding recreational spaces across Sanford.Get Active in Sanford! Whether you’re taking a stroll through a neighborhood park, joining a recreation class, or booking a shelter for the weekend, getting involved is easier than ever. Register for classes, activities, and rentals anytime using CivicRec!

School is just around the corner, and the City of Sanford is ready to help you prepare!In this episode of Sanford Says, host Lisa Holder (Communications and Marketing Manager) sits down with District 2 Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins, Sr. to discuss the upcoming 6th Annual District 2 Community Meeting & SCPS Back to School Event on Thursday, July 23, 2026.Commissioner Wiggins also shares insight into his ongoing work, upcoming community initiatives, and other great events happening right here in Sanford.What to expect at this free, two-part event:💬 Part 1 (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) | Community Meeting: Talk face-to-face with City Manager, City Staff, and representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works, Code Enforcement, and more. Have your voice heard!🎒 Part 2 (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM) | SCPS Back to School: Connect with local high, middle, and elementary school reps, discover student resources, and link up with community partners like True Health, Red Apple Dining, and SCPS Transportation.Event Details: 📅 Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 📍 Location: Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center (919 S. Persimmon Ave., Sanford, FL) 💵 Admission: FREE and open to the public!📞 Have questions? Contact:Commissioner Kerry Wiggins, Sr.: 321-377-9130Mr. Bentley: 407-322-2509(Save the Date: The next District 2 Community Meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2026!)

Are you ready to take charge of your financial future?In this episode of Sanford Says, we sit down with representatives from the City of Sanford and Habitat for Humanity Seminole Apopka to discuss an exciting, free opportunity for our community: the upcoming Financial Academy!Join host Lisa Holder (Communications and Marketing Manager, City of Sanford) alongside guests Nicole Osburn (Community Relations & Neighborhood Engagement Director, City of Sanford) and Kelly Pisciotta (Chief Operating Officer, Habitat for Humanity Seminole Apopka) as they break down what the academy is all about.What you’ll learn in this episode:📊 How the Financial Academy helps local residents build strong financial foundations.💳 Key topics covered, including understanding credit scores, debt management, and homebuying basics.🏫 Event details and how you can register for this free, two-part Saturday series.Event Details: 📅 When: Held over two Saturdays (Upcoming dates) 📍 Where: Dr. Velma H. Williams Westside Community Center (Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, Sanford, FL) 💵 Cost: FREE!Register Now to Reserve Your Spot: 🔗 Click here to register today: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n95w2bs/lp/9c69f897-1713-47c5-b8cf-9dec40a4b237?__cf_chl_f_tk=W52FKNscv2FmYoy9B1WoaJbitdILNhYm9b_wLBhoc_Q-1782816067-1.0.1.1-lmQ4bnNS0HEYS1sVNzxr_aZe6fJTH8xWey83A.REn3QAbout Sanford Says: Sanford Says is the official podcast and video series of the City of Sanford, Florida, bringing you the latest updates on community projects, local partnerships, events, and resources directly from city staff and community leaders.

☀️ Welcome back to the Sanford Says Podcast: Summer Series – Beyond City Hall! 🎧 In this special summer series, we’re stepping outside of City Hall to shine a light on the hard-working departments that keep the City of Sanford running smoothly every single day. For this episode, we are diving deep into the Utilities Department! 💧🚧From managing clean drinking water and complex infrastructure to the massive coordination behind the city's essential services, the Utilities team is always working behind the scenes for our community. Join us as we chat with the team about what it takes to keep the taps flowing, the pipes clear, and our city moving forward. In this episode, we discuss:🚰 An inside look at how Sanford manages its water resources.🏗️ Major infrastructure updates and what they mean for residents.🛠️ The daily dedication of the crew working behind the scenes.💡 How the department plans for Sanford’s future growth.

In honor of America’s historic 250th birthday, we are bringing a completely different kind of conversation to the microphone.What does America actually mean to us?The answer depends entirely on where you've been, when you grew up, and where you're heading.In this special milestone episode, we sit down for an open, honest roundtable discussion with neighbors spanning multiple generations right here in our community. From elders who have watched our local history unfold over decades, to the Gen Z and younger voices just starting to shape our future, our guests share their personal stories, diverse perspectives, and hopes for the next chapter of the American story.It’s a powerful reflection on freedom, progress, and hometown pride.Tune in to hear a shared love for community bridge the generational gap as we toast to America's semi-quincentennial.Listen now to hear what patches make up our community's piece of the American quilt

Happy 50th anniversary to Sanford Historic Preservation! To celebrate half a century of protecting our city’s heritage, we are letting the experts take over the Sanford Says podcast.This episode features an incredible roundtable with Jerry Mills, Alexander Then, Tammy Agnini, Barbara Farrell, and Michael Skat. They’re diving into the early days of the local preservation movement, sharing the personal stories behind their favorite historic landmarks, and giving us an exclusive look into Sanford’s past. Tune in straight from the source!

Sanford PorchFest Fundraiser!  This Saturday, February 28, downtown Sanford comes alive for the Sanford PorchFest Fundraiser! This year, the fundraiser helps support PorchFest, which is being held entirely in local downtown businesses, no porches this time, but the music, fun, and community spirit are very much alive. From 12 PM to 10 PM, enjoy a day of free live music at various venues throughout downtown, showcasing local artists and a mix of musical styles. It’s a perfect way to experience Sanford’s vibrant arts scene, support our local businesses, and connect with neighbors, all while helping ensure PorchFest continues for years to come. Admission is free, so grab your friends and family and come celebrate Sanford, one song at a time!

In this episode of Sanford Says, Commissioner Kerry S. Wiggins Sr. from District 2 provides updates on recent community events. Tune in to hear about the No More Excuses Mental Health Awareness Event, where the importance of mental health and community support initiatives are discussed. Additionally, learn about the College Career Fair, which connects students and young adults with potential career paths and educational resources.Finally, join him for a special Thanksgiving Dinner following the District 2 community meeting Thursday November 19th, 2025 where everyone is welcome to celebrate together.

In this episode, we chat with John Polk from Parks and Recreation about youth baseball and the various sports programs available in our city. We discuss the history of baseball and explore how young people can get involved.To sign up and learn more about our youth sports programs, click this link: Youth Sports.