Tourist Development Council Florida Association of Counties Legislative Day, Seminole
Cultural Arts Council Taste of the Arts, Seminole County Annual Awards for A shift, Seminole
County Chamber Business Expo, and Leadership Seminole Summit.
The Commissioner advised there was an amendment put into HB399 which basically says
notwithstanding any provision of a county charter, the executive method of the transmittal and
adoption of an amendment to the future land use element of a comprehensive plan must be
an affirmed vote of the majority of the members of the governing body present at the hearing.
He has spoken with Deputy County Manager Tricia Johnson and Ms. Borkert, and they do not
know exactly what that means. Upon Vice Chairman Lockhart's inquiry, Commissioner
Constantine advised it is a supermajority vote in the Seminole County Charter, which was
voted in favor of by the citizens.
District 4 - Commissioner Lockhart
Vice Chairman Lockhart reported on meetings and events including the Scottish Highland
Games and Aerospace & Aviation Day.
The Vice Chairman provided an update on Lynx and the transit paraphernalia around the
county that needs to be removed from discontinued routes. They were notified that Lynx was
contemplating charging the County a significant amount to remove those items. There has
also been discussion about recalculating, coming up with a new formula for the funding model
for Lynx that would charge an estimated additional $1.5 million to Seminole County. That
would not provide additional services but would base the formula on criteria that changes the
math that makes the County pay more. She believes it's going to be based more on the
Access Lynx paratransit numbers as opposed to the fixed route. She reminded that one of
the reasons they went down the path of minimizing the fixed routes is because they could not
continue to afford Lynx's services, and Lynx said they would need to eliminate some of the
fixed routes. Staff is still working on that and are in contact with Lynx to make sure they
understand exactly what the rationale is. Given the dynamics and setup of those committees,
Seminole County is always going to be on the losing end of a vote to not charge more. There
is no way for the County to advocate and assert themselves in this environment.
Mr. Gray stated regarding the removal of the bus shelters, trash cans, and pole signs, it was
reported that it was a bill to the County of over $600,000. County staff continues to work with
Lynx staff. He had a conversation with Tiffany Hawkins, Lynx CEO, to get clarification if Lynx
is asking the County to pay that. She doesn't know. Where more cost is coming in is
removing the shelters because there is still life to them and they may be used elsewhere. It is
to be determined how much additional the County will have to pay, so there probably is a bill
coming at some point; but they have offered assistance to Lynx to help take out some of the
structures. As soon as they get that information, he will advise the Board. He also asked Ms.
Hawkins for clarity if it is the city or county's responsibility to remove those shelters if a county
or city discontinues routes. She referred to an agreement that expired back in October of
2023.
Commissioner Zembower stated he would like staff to look at the paratransit cost and what
other options there are. After discussion, no objections were voiced.
Vice Chairman Lockhart advised Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer has been elected as Chairman
of Lynx, SunRail, and the Expressway Authority.
District 1 - Commissioner Dallari
