For Your Information

Where is Indian Wells??

The following information was obtained  from the current edition of the "Citizen's Handbook", published by the Osceola County Public Information Office.  Where do we live, what laws do we follow, who provides our services, who do we complain to, who sets our building code? etc.?

"Osceola County Government is one level of government serving the residents of, and visitors to, Osceola County. It is unique and distinct from federal and state agencies and other local governments operating within the county.  Osceola County Government is distinct from the two city governments and the school board, each of which has its own elected officials and government. Osceola County Government is governed by an elected Board of County Commissioners, while another segment is governed by five independently elected officials known as Constitutional Officers. These officers include the Supervisor of Elections, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Sheriff and Clerk of the Court.

The mission of the cities and school board in Osceola County are different than that of county government.  Cities are multi-purpose local governments providing municipal services only to the residents within their city limits. The school board is a single-purpose government serving all county residents with one overall program.  Osceola County Government is a multi-purpose government providing different services at different levels.  Osceola County Government provides municipal services to unincorporated county residents and countywide services to all residents regardless of where they may reside.

Osceola County is a charter county and an administrative subdivision of the state of Florida. The voters of Osceola County approved the county charter form of government in March 1992 and it was instituted on October 1, 1992.  Under the charter, the Board of County Commissioners appoints a county manager, county attorney and a commission auditor. The county manager is vested with a broad range of duties including managing the day-to-day operations of the county government and formulation of an annual budget.  The county attorney provides legal counsel for the Board of County Commissioners and assists in the preparation and implementation of all ordinances, codes and regulations adopted by the Board.  The commission auditor provides the Board with reports and analysis on a variety of financial issues."

The Citizens Guide lists 20 county government departments that provide services and programs for county residents.  Kissimmee and St. Cloud have fewer departments and they provide services/programs exclusively for their own residents.

Indian Wells is located in unincorporated Osceola County.

Picnic Shelter

The Picnic Shelter, in our park, is for the use of all residents, but when having a party  that will occupy the entire shelter, you are required to reserve it and place a clean-up deposit. This reservation is for the shelter only and does not give anyone the exclusive rights to the park or any of its facilities nor does it grant anyone the right to allow more than 3 guests into the pool when you accompany these guests. The entire park is for the use of property owners and residents though it is the property of the Homeowners Association who sets rules so that everyone can enjoy it.

The Indian Wells "Pond

Our pond, lake or what ever you wish to call it is actually the Indian Wells Storm Water Retention Pond. The pond and its surrounding banks are the property of Osceola County.  This property includes the area of the pond and all the land up to each property owner's fence.  You can not build anything upon this property and anyone who does is subject to what ever action the County Government wishes to take.  Although we tax payers are taxed for the upkeep of the entire storm water system, including our storm sewers, the County has control of the water, its cleanliness or lack thereof and if and when a fountain is ever placed there.  The pond was never intended to be used as a fishing pond, but we are fortunate to be able to use it for that.  The ducks, the fish and the turtles add to the attractiveness of the pond and are enjoyed by many, but eating fish from storm/sewer water is not advisable

On-Street Parking Permits: The current change in the Smoke Signal, your source of On-Street Parking Permit Request Forms, will not change the current requirements for these permits. You may use forms from past newsletters, copies  of these forms, download and print from our Web Site or phone the Voice Mail at 407-931-7222 to request a form. Copies of the form will be delivered with each delivery of permits.

Code Enforcement: We have been reminded by Osceola County Code Enforcement officers that the time for lax enforcement, brought on by the hurricanes, has ended. All ordinances affecting our community will be enforced, including parking, abandoned/disabled vehicles, junk and debris and the height of grass. We have an attractive community. Don't allow forgetfulness to make you a violator and result in a fine. A reminder that most home repairs including window, garage door and fence replacement, require a building permit. Roofs and concrete work also face the same requirement. When in doubt, phone the Osceola County Building Department at 407-343-2225.

The Recreation Park parking lot is for the use of persons using the park.  It is not for the purpose of overflow parking for the residents or their visitors. It is not a display area for vehicles for sale. On-Street Parking Permits are needed for overflow parking and Request Forms and instructions are available from this site.