PR07-07-2026Min PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
LONGWOOD CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS
175 WEST WARREN AVENUE
LONGWOOD, FLORIDA
MINUTES
July 7, 2026
6:30 P.M.
Present:
Ardel Cheffer, Chair Aryn Nichols, Member
Larissa Morgan, Vice-Chair Jason Jose, Member
Judi Coad, Member Chris Capizzi, Leisure Services Director
Jennifer Barr, Member Ryan Rinaldo, Recreation Manager
Amanda Sackett, Member Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
1. CALL TO ORDER. Chair Cheffer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC INPUT.
A. Public Participation. None.
3. ACTION ITEMS
A. Approve Minutes from June 2, 2026 Meeting.
Member Sackett moved to approve the June 2, 2026, Minutes. Seconded by
Member Jose and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
4. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Member Jose congratulated staff on another successful Rock, Freedom and Fireworks
event. He advised that the only negative comments he observed on social media concerned
reports of a fire during the fireworks display.
Mr. Capizzi explained that a small fire involving the fireworks cakes is not uncommon and
remained contained throughout the event. He advised that this year's display utilized two
barges rather than a barge and boardwalk configuration, making the fire more visible to
attendees. He noted that the situation was quickly controlled and posed no safety concern.
He further advised that local news stations had contacted the city after seeing social media
posts, but the incident was quickly resolved after speaking to the Fire Marshal.
Vice-Chair Morgan reported that although the Longwood Luau was cancelled due to
weather, she is optimistic about the rescheduled event on November 7, 2026, noting that
the cooler weather should provide a better experience. She thanked Member Barr for
hosting her family during the Fourth of July festivities.
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Member Sackett did not have a report but requested updates during the Staff Report
regarding sponsorships, park improvements, and potential upcoming events.
Member Nichols reported that she will update her marketing for the Luau with the new
date.
Member Coad reported she did not have anything on the Christmas events and that she will
discuss other items when Mr. Rinaldo is back from his conference which he attends in
August.
Member Barr said that she attended the Liberty Tree Dedication and complimented staff on
another successful Rock, Freedom and Fireworks event. She noted that attendance
appeared to increase throughout the evening.
Chair Cheffer confirmed with staff that Dogtoberfest and the Luau will occur on the same
day in November. She and Mr. Capizzi discussed opportunities to partner with the Florida
Wildlife Corridor Foundation by showing educational videos before Movies in the Park and
incorporating conservation awareness into future Parks and Recreation events. She also
complimented staff on the Fourth of July event and the Liberty Tree Dedication.
5. STAFF REPORT
Mr. Capizzi reported that Rock, Freedom and Fireworks was another successful event
despite a last-minute change to the entertainment schedule. He thanked staff and event
partners for their flexibility and noted positive community feedback. He also advised that
the Longwood Luau has been rescheduled for November 7, 2026, following two weather-
related cancellations.
Mr. Capizzi provided updates on several capital improvement and maintenance projects,
including lighting, the planned sealing of the Candyland pump track, restroom flooring
improvements, repairs to the pickleball courts, continued ballfield renovations, and planned
resurfacing of the pickleball and basketball courts. He reported that Summer Camp remains
at full capacity and that staff quickly filled a vacant counselor position to ensure
uninterrupted operations. He also advised that staff has begun preparations for National
Night Out and continues pursuing sponsorship opportunities for upcoming events.
Mr. Rinaldo reported that sponsorship efforts began earlier this year for our Fall events and
that Rock, Freedom and Fireworks generated approximately$16,000 in sponsorship
revenue, covering nearly half of the event's cost.
Discussion ensued regarding expanding sponsorship opportunities through local businesses,
healthcare providers, utility companies, developers, and other corporate partners to help
support future Parks and Recreation events.
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Mr. Rinaldo advised that the City continues its successful partnership with iHeart Media,
which provides a substantial media package, promotional support, and sponsorship
opportunities for the event.
Mr. Capizzi advised that FDOT permits had been secured, multiple public safety agencies
were involved in the event, and additional parking was available this year due to changes at
the former hospital property. He also provided updates on ongoing improvements at Reiter
Park and Candyland Sports Complex, the demolition of 451 West Warren Avenue, and the
City's continued evaluation of relocation options for the Lewis House.
Discussion ensued regarding the future of the Lewis House, placement of recycled wind
turbine benches throughout the city, the Historic Society agreement for the Arts and Crafts
Festival, vendor recruitment, and additional opportunities to increase sponsorships and
funding for Parks and Recreation programs.
Member Coad specifically referenced Duke Energy when it came to large sponsorship
donations.
Member Jose inquired about event sponsorships, the City's partnership with iHeart Media,
and parking accommodations.
6. ADJOURN
Member Coad moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Member Sackett
and carried by a unanimous voice vote.
Chair Cheffer adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.
Minutes approved by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 08-04-2026
01-t" OL) (1211-',1
Ardel Cheffer, Chair /
ATTEST: l
C
Donna Alt-Bowes, Recording Secretary
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