Is Oviedo’s arts district becoming a new ‘open container’ drinking hotspot?

OVIEDO, Fla. – Oviedo is moving closer to permitting attendees to carry alcoholic beverages as they stroll around during events at the city’s center.

There are only a few places in Florida that allow open containers – Mt. Dora was one of the first in 2018.

On June 6, Governor Ron DeSantis approved Oviedo’s ordinance to allow open containers at Oviedo on the Park. However, the city is now tasked with determining the specifics – the timing, location, and implementation details, as well as the naming of this new development.

The governor’s signature gives businesses in Oviedo’s special district special licenses to sell alcohol that people can take outside.

Oviedo on the Park is the lakeside family-friendly city square where it hosts Oktoberfest, movie nights, and other events.

City councilmembers nicknamed it Oviedo’s “Arts and Entertainment District.”

But even the mayor admitted it’s not exactly art that makes the district special.

During the June 16 city council meeting, Mayor Megan Sladek asked city staff about changing the name of the district.

“Should we consider a name change?” Sladek pondered. “It’s quite misleading to call it an arts and entertainment district. People keep asking, ‘What about culture, are we incorporating a museum or diverse elements?’ In reality, it’s more of an open container drinking area. I understand some might not favor a cup labeled ‘drinking district’… but maybe that would make it more appealing, and perhaps provide a clearer idea of what it truly entails.”

Sladek asked City Manager Patrick Kelly if Oviedo is required to use the Arts and Entertainment District name after lawmakers approved open containers in the special district.

“The local bill that was passed was signed by the governor on June 6, so that is now law, and that named the district, for all intents and purposes, for licensing purposes, let’s say, it named that district the Oviedo Arts and Entertainment District,” Kelly said. “It’s where all our festivals are.”

Sladek followed up.

“But if there is flexibility in changing the name, is that something you guys might be interested in having a discussion about?”

The response from councilmembers: “No.”

The purpose of the drinking district, according to the city, is to “provide new opportunities for equitable community participation… by encouraging private establishments to participate in local events, and festivals…”

City councilmembers must now settle on rules for the special district.

So far, they’ve proposed:

• Open containers only during city events

• Only in the Special District

• Only two drinks at a time

• Only in a 16-ounce cup with a yet-to-be-designed logo

Now through Aug. 4, Oviedo is searching for a logo design and has issued a call-to-artists offering to pay $1,000 for the design selected by the city.

You can enter your design here: https://www.cityofoviedo.net/FormCenter/Development-Services-13/A-Call-To-Artists-Oviedo-Arts-and-Entert-126

Councilmembers must hold two public hearings before ultimately voting on the proposed rules, before the city allows open containers in Oviedo’s Arts and Entertainment District.