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Bonds go on sale for capital improvements Construction of much-needed government facilities in the County seat are edging closer to a reality when $87.5 million in capital-improvement bonds went on sale April 12 and recently sold out. Backed by sales tax, these bonds will support the construction of a Judicial Center expansion, a two-story office building for the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, a downtown Tavares parking garage and improvements to the County jail. Lake County officials met with bond-rating companies during the third week of March. The County received favorable bond ratings from the companies of Moody’s (A1), Fitch (A+) and Standard & Poor’s (A). “Lake County’s track record of solid management has resulted in favorable bond ratings,” said County Manager Cindy Hall. “This translates to better value for our customers, the residents of Lake County.” An additional $36 million in general obligation bonds for the 2004 voter-approved public lands referendum was also recently sold. Closings on these two bonds are expected in May.
The Public Defender’s Office, currently located on the fourth floor of the Lake County Judicial Center, is relocating to 123 N. Sinclair Ave. during the first weekend of May. The office will be open for business on Monday, May 7, at its new location. Following the office’s move, interior renovations will start on the fourth floor of the Judicial Center to accommodate the court administration offices and for additional judges and hearing rooms.
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| Groundbreaking scheduled for health department facility in Umatilla Officials from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the Lake County Health Department will break ground on Monday, May 7, at 9:30 a.m. for a renovation and addition project to the Umatilla health facility, located at 249 E. Collins St. The $4.4 million project includes renovating the existing 4,600-square-foot structure and adding 11,000 square feet of space. When completed in about one year, the facility will enable the Lake County Health Department to offer clinical services to the surrounding community, including family health, maternity, immunizations and specialty clinics. The new facility was designed by the Maitland office of Harvard Jolly architects, and the construction manager for the project is R.D. Michaels Inc. of Maitland. Added features to the health facility include exam rooms, nursing workstations, storage rooms and a laboratory. In addition, The facility will be the first project Lake County will pursue silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. The voluntary program provides a framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. The requirements of the system emphasize sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.  |
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A crowd of more than 100 bicyclists and trail enthusiasts gathered at a grand-opening ceremony on April 21 for the 4-mile South Lake Trail. The new trail connects the 5.5-mile Lake Minneola Scenic Trail and the 22-mile West Orange Trail, creating more than 30 miles of contiguous trails. Attendees at the ceremony included Lake County Commissioners, bicyclists from Florida Planning & Zoning Association (FPZA) Bike-a-Thon, the Orlando Road Club and the Lake County Sheriff’s Police Activities League youthcycling team. The Bike-a-Thon raised more than $5,000 for the boundless playground program. “Thank you to the Florida Planning and Zoning Association,” Commissioner Renick said. “The Bike-a-Thon is a great way to support a worthy cause and also feature the long-awaited South Lake Trail.” Future enhancements for the trail include mileage markers, covered benches, trash receptacles, bike racks and more landscaping. For more information about the South Lake Trail, call the Lake County Parks & Trails Division at (352) 742-0992. |
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| Roll Call
There are more than a dozen different projects underway for the Lake County Department of Facilities Development and Management. Here are a few developments: 
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