About Me
Dear Winter Park Neighbor,
My name is Kris Cruzada, and I am running to serve you on the Winter Park City Commission, Seat 3. If my name is new to you, please know that I am not new to Winter Park. My childhood home was on Sherbrooke Road, adjacent to Winter Park High School. I remember walking to Brookshire Elementary, learning to swim at Cady Way Pool, going to church on Park Avenue at St. Margaret Mary, enjoying a sweet treat at East India Company and attending special events at the Langford Hotel. These Winter Park memories filled my boyhood.
Now is the time of year I have always found to be the most memorable in Winter Park. The great weather, the holiday decorations, the tree lighting, beautiful music in the park, or the parade - there is always something to warm my heart. The City’s focus on togetherness is one I admire and wish to continue.
My Background and Experience
I was born in 1973 at the Naval Hospital, which is now the VA Clinic near Baldwin Park. My father served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and one of his last assignments was at the Orlando Naval Training Center. Although I didn’t know it at the time as a young boy, Winter Park was a special place. I have fond memories of my childhood with neighborhood friends and families. I recall Hurricane David coming through the area and our street flooding and all the kids paddling around in inflatable boats. As kids, we didn’t have much, but we knew how to have fun. In the early 1980’s, my Father and Mother moved our family to our Orange grove in Seminole County that was the heart of our family business. Growing up in Central Florida through the 80’s and 90’s, I witnessed the growth everywhere. Through it all, Winter Park remained committed to its small-town charm. In 2006, I married my wife, Chichi, and we chose Winter Park as the place to grow our family. In 2007, we bought our Golfside Drive home on the Winter Pines Golf Course. We now have two children, a daughter and a son. Our dog Mason, an American Pointer, is also part of the family and we feel blessed to live in Winter Park, a City rich in culture, heritage and diversity.
Professionally, I am an attorney and accountant, I earned my accounting degree, in 1995, from the University of Central Florida and my law degree, in 2001, from St. Louis University. I have practiced as a tax professional, a financial accountant and a financial analyst. As an attorney, I have been an Assistant State Attorney, insurance defense counsel, and a partner in a mid-size law firm in Downtown Orlando. Now, I work as a solo practitioner with experience in real estate, civil litigation, and business.
I also support my family’s real estate company, Cristan Properties, Inc., as an active Board of Director and Officer. It was founded in 1981 by my mother and father with the intent to own small citrus groves. In the early 1980’s, they bought two citrus groves. Sometimes, my parents would take my brothers and I to the groves so we could pick oranges alongside migrant workers. My parents’ goal was to teach us about hard work and it did. But in 1983, a harsh winter decimated our citrus trees. As a result, the dead citrus trees had to be cleared and the land re-purposed. On one grove, we developed single-family residential lots. On another grove, we were able to triple our land holdings and plant pine trees for carbon sequestration. Today, the pine trees are still there, nearly 30 years later. Watching my father and mother manage the family real estate company, I witnessed firsthand that individuals can align their business goals with their moral and values. Today, the family company responsibly manages commercial, agriculture, and residential property throughout the State of Florida.
Service to Others Is Part of Who I Am
Throughout the Central Florida area, I have volunteered my time and service. I have served, as a Board of Director, on Florida Association of Housing Re-Development Officials, which is an association of County and Municipal Housing Authorities that delivers Public Housing and Section 8 benefits to qualified applicants. I also serve on Catholic Charities of Central Florida Housing Subcommittee which assists applicants in finding housing that do not normally qualify for State or Federal housing benefits. Lastly, I serve on the Orange County Government Development Advisory Board, which reviews amendments to County Land Development Code and policy related to land development throughout the County.
Looking Forward to a Bright Future
Winter Park is many things to many people. My hope is to honor the City’s proven formula for success . . . maintaining our small-town charm, strengthening our strong community feel, and enhancing our parks. Over the last 30 years, Winter Park has been successful in renewing its assets. The Langford Hotel is now the Alfond Inn; the Winter Park Mall became Winter Park Village; and the old K-Mart Plaza has become the Center of Winter Park. It is a given that explosive growth and demand in the Central Florida area mean that the next 30 years will be challenging. I am running for City Commission to ensure that the legacy of Winter Park will continue for future generations.
I believe my background and professional experience adds value to my role as a city commissioner. I will work hard to continue our City’s unique legacy and preserve our small-town charm for present and future Winter Parkers. I sincerely hope to earn your support and your vote.
Sincerely,
Kris Cruzada
Candidate for Winter Park Commission, Seat 3
