An Overview of the City Of Sanford in 2025
Presented by City Manager Norton Bonaparte, Chief Communications & Cultural Affairs Administrator, Lisa Holder and Nico Durham.
- Governance & Budget:
- The City Manager is hired by the City Commission to manage daily operations.
- Sanford has 67,000 residents and a $367M+ budget.
- 80K expected for the 4th of July celebration this year.
- Current & Upcoming Developments:
- Marina Rebuild and new Fire Station near Orlando/Sanford International Airport required FAA approval.
- 400 apartments being built near BJ’s off SR 46.
- New Mayfair Clubhouse Under Construction.
- 1,700 new single-family homes near Boombah Park.
- Publix project at 46A & 415 in progress.
- Mall redevelopment discussions—announcement expected in 3 weeks.
- Currently private easement issues being addressed.
- Goal: Increase property value from $50M to $300M.
- City Services & Community Engagement:
- Sanford Connect App for city updates.
- Sanford Says Podcast for community news.
- Live City Commission Meetings on YouTube (2nd & 4th Mondays Monthly).
- Active on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Nextdoor.
- Participate in Community Surveys & Be on the Look Out for Quarterly Newsletters coming soon.
- Arts & Culture:
- Over 100 public art pieces throughout the city.
- Call to Artists Program – Artists can submit work to Ms. Lisa Holder, Chief Communications & Cultural Affairs Administrator. (lisa.holder@sanfordfl.gov)
- Businesses can sponsor murals or partner with the city and the artist to fund them.
- Artisan Square & Art Walk initiatives.
- New Bronze Sculpture to be placed next to City of Sanford’s Visitors Center
- Mayors Gallery on the second floor at City Hall, featuring Seminole State College students’ art.
- “After Hours” City employee art exhibits on the first floor at City Hall.
- Public Services & Infrastructure:
- Grease Recycling Program – Two centers in Sanford.
- Flush only the three P’s: Pee, Poo, Paper.
- Utility bill updates coming soon.
- Transportation & Connectivity:
- Trolley Service: 87K riders in 2024, costs $247K/year to operate.
- Auto Train & SunRail – Focus on connecting the “last mile”.
- Development-in-Progress Map available on the city’s website.
- Community Programs:
- Citizens Academy: Free, 10-week program (Wednesdays, 6-8 PM). Open to ages 18+ (residency not required). Next application period: June for September session.
- Celebrating 150 Years of the Fire Department.
- Historic District & Goldsboro Art Showcases.
- City of Sanford Museum, 520 E 1st Street, Sanford (407) 688-5198
- Goldsboro Museum, 1211 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford
- Senior Citizens programs at the Sanford Civic Center.
Tricia Feliu
President & CEO of the Sanford Chamber of Commerce
230 E 1st St. | Sanford, FL 32771
P: 407-322-2212 x 1
mysanfordchamber.com