Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) - Coyotes
2024-01-10 00:00 (America/New_York)
Have you heard about, or perhaps seen, a coyote in our community? According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), coyotes are found throughout Florida and are now considered to be a naturalized species in all 67 Florida counties. It’s important to keep our pets safe from coyotes, so follow these FWC tips:

Do not allow them to roam freely; keep cats indoors. Free-roaming cats are at a high risk of being preyed upon by coyotes and other animals.
Walk small dogs on a short leash that is less than six feet long, especially at night, dusk or dawn.
Be extra careful if you are going to walk your pet in a wooded area that has heavy foliage, where coyotes may rest.
If pets are kept in a fenced yard, be sure the fence is at least 6 feet high to deter coyotes from jumping over it and check the bottom of the fence regularly to ensure there are no holes where coyotes can get underneath.
Remove attractants from around your home, including pet food and unsecured garbage left outside. Problems with coyotes can be significantly reduced if residents remove attractants and secure trash.

MW February Connect Winter Deadline Meeting
2024-01-11 10:00 - 11:00

MWMA Strategy Board Meeting
2024-01-11 13:00 - 15:30

Free Classes offered at Hiawassee Library!
2024-01-12 00:00
Did you know that the Hiawassee library offers free classes and events every month? To find out more, visit https://www.ocls.info/classes-events/library/Hiawassee%20Branch?page=3

Today is Martin Luther King Day!
2024-01-15 00:00
Today is Martin Luther King Day, which can be celebrated as a ‘Day of Service’ where Americans are encouraged to volunteer to help others less fortunate than themselves. Help to honor Dr. King’s legacy by finding a way to make a difference in our community. We’d like to suggest helping Edgewood Children’s Ranch, a nonprofit, residential program that helps boys and girls ages 6-17 address and overcome behavioral issues in a positive, safe environment: https://edgewoodranch.com/

MWMA Design Review Board Meeting
2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-21 14:00 - 15:00

New Year's Resolutions!
2024-01-18 00:00
Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? If you didn’t but would like to, check out these ideas for easy and achievable resolutions:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/advice/g985/achievable-new-year-resolutions/

OUC Free Home Energy Survey
2024-01-22 00:00
Now that the holidays are over, it would be a good time to review your home’s energy use and address ways to reduce your energy bill in 2024. OUC offers a free home energy survey to help identify energy and water loss issues. Go to https://www.ouc.com/residential/save-energy-water-money/online-and-in-home-energy-audits for more information.

University of Florida IFAS Best planting ideas!
2024-01-24 00:00
Wondering what to plant in your yard this month? The University of Florida IFAS extension has created useful calendars that list all the best planting ideas by month. Check it out here: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep450#SECTION_1

MWMA Leasing Standards/Public Safety
2024-01-25 10:00 - 11:30

City of Orlando offers easy way to Report a Problem
2024-01-29 00:00
Did you know that the City of Orlando offers an easy way to report problems within the city? From potholes to graffiti, issues can be reported online at https://www.orlando.gov/Report-a-Problem

First day of Black History Month
2024-02-01 00:00
This is the first day of Black History Month, which celebrates the important contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation’s history. In celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans to our country, the Orange County Library System is offering special events throughout the month including lectures, cultural performances and film screenings. For more information, visit https://ocls.info/black-history-month.

Today is Groundhog Day!
2024-02-02 00:00
Today is Groundhog Day! This is the odd, more than 130-year-old American tradition, where a groundhog called Punxsutawney Phil is called upon to forecast whether we’ll endure six more weeks of winter or get an early spring. You can watch a live feed of Groundhog Day here:
https://visitpa.com/groundhog-day-live-stream/

Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening Reception!
2024-02-05 00:00
Every February, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioners celebrate Black History Month by highlighting the lasting contributions and positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida community. Tonight, the City launches its celebration with the Black History Month Art Exhibition Opening Reception. For a complete list of all Black History Month events, visit https://www.orlando.gov/Our-Government/Departments-Offices/Executive-Offices/Office-of-Multicultural-Affairs/Black-History-Month/Black-History-Month-Events

February is American Heart Month
2024-02-06 00:00
February is American Heart Month and the American Heart Association shares these warning signs of a heart attack:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

To learn more, visit:
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack

MWMA Board Meeting
2024-02-07 12:00 - 13:00

In observance of American Heart Month
2024-02-09 00:00
In observance of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association wants you to know that heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, so being able to identify heart attack symptoms can mean the difference between life and death. For more information, visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack/heart-attack-symptoms-in-women

It's Super Bowl Sunday!
2024-02-11 00:00
It’s Super Bowl Sunday! Are you rooting for the Chiefs or the 49ers? If you’re still looking for some game day recipes, check out these 70 ideas from Good Housekeeping:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/g1305/super-bowl-recipe-ideas/

Do you have plans for Valentine's Day?
2024-02-12 00:00
Do you have special plans for Valentine’s Day? We have so many amazing restaurants here in MetroWest, you don’t have to go far to find a wonderful Valentine’s Day dinner experience. Visit the Businesses page of the MWMA website and click on restaurants for a full list of MetroWest eateries: https://www.metrowestcommunity.com/businesses/metrowest-businesses/

The February issue of MetroWest Lifestyle is now available!
2024-02-13 00:00

Food Truck Connection is One Week Away!
2024-02-15 00:00
Food Truck Connection is One Week Away. Join us Thursday, Feb. 22 at Veranda Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m. 5:30-8:00pm

In observance of American Heart Month!
2024-02-16 00:00
In observance of American Heart Month, the American Heart Association offers these top tips to prevent heart disease:

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to learn your personal risk for heart disease.
Quit smoking. Did you know that just one year after you quit, you’ll cut your risk of coronary heart disease by 50 percent?
Start an exercise program. Just walking 30 minutes a day can lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.

For more information, visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day!
2024-02-17 00:00
Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a time to perform a few random acts of kindness – any kind deed will do! It can be as small as giving someone a compliment, paying for a stranger’s coffee, or picking up any trash you might find around the neighborhood. For more ideas, visit https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/

Orange County Library System Special Events!
2024-02-18 00:00
If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out the special events the Orange County Library System is offering to celebrate Black History Month, there are still many events through the end of the month. For more information, visit https://ocls.info/classes-events/hashtag/blackhistory?page=3

Today is President's Day!
2024-02-19 00:00
Today is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday, which means most government offices, post offices and banks are closed. OCPS schools are also closed.
(Presidents’ Day image)

City of Orlando's Black History Month Community Celebration Event is today!
2024-02-20 17:00 - 20:00
The City of Orlando’s Black History Month Community Celebration Event is today from 5-8 p.m. at Camping World Stadium, West Lounge. The event celebrates the remarkable contributions and positive influence of Black Americans in the Central Florida community. This free event will include the participation of Mayor Dyer, City Commissioners, City of Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome, Standing Ovation Dancers, saxophonist James Johnson, entertainment, music, food and the debut of the City Beautiful Voices, featuring city employees. Free parking is available in Lots 6 and 7 on Rio Grande Avenue.
https://www.orlando.gov/Events/City-of-Orlando%E2%80%99s-Black-History-Month-Community-Celebration-Event

Food Truck Connection is Tomorrow!
2024-02-21 00:00
Food Truck Connection is Tomorrow. Join us Thursday, Feb. 22 at Veranda Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Food Truck Connection is Today!
2024-02-22 17:30 - 20:00
Food Truck Connection is Today. Join us Thursday, Feb. 22 at Veranda Park from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Coyote Myths from The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
2024-02-26 00:00
As coyote sightings have become more frequent, it’s good to be aware of these coyote myths from The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

Coyotes are extremely dangerous: FALSE! There have been very few reported cases of Eastern coyotes biting people. The coyote’s innate fear of humans tends to keep them from getting too close.
Coyotes are a new problem: FALSE! Coyotes have been in Florida for many years and will continue to make their homes around the state. This medium-sized predator is extremely adaptable, and thrives in urban, suburban and rural areas.
Coyotes need our help to survive: FALSE! People like to feed animals. However, by providing a “free lunch” for coyotes, you eliminate their natural fear of humans and increase their populations. Remember … a fed coyote causes problems. Keep ‘em wild!
Coyotes can be totally eliminated: FALSE! Removing coyotes is an inefficient and ineffective method to control populations. They compensate by increasing litter size and new coyotes move into areas where others have been removed. Populations can quickly return to original size.

(Coyote infographic)
