In the late 1800s an early settler, Andrew Aulin decided that he needed a post office that was closer to where he lived in central Florida. Needing a unique name that no other post office had, Aulin decided on Oviedo. From the chickens to the traffic, Oviedo has become one of the best cities to raise your children in Florida and has captured the hearts of all who decide to call it home.
1. When people ask where you're from, you just say Orlando
Chances are if the person that you're talking to isn't from Florida, they've probably never heard of Oviedo. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, it becomes easier to say that you're from Orlando than taking the time to explain where Oviedo is. Just be cautious, as soon as you say Orlando the other person is automatically going to ask if you have been to Disney World.
2. Chickens
Ironically known for hanging around the local Popeye's, the chickens that roam the downtown have become synonymous with the name Oviedo. Featured on bumper stickers, t-shirts, artwork and now Comedy Central, you can always see one stopping traffic by crossing a road. Just don't forget to ask it why!
3. The Townhouse is going to be packed on Sundays
Formally located in the heart of downtown, the iconic yellow building that is the Townhouse became the local diner that we all love. While it has now moved just up the street, the Townhouse 2.0 kept all of its southern charms that made it so good. If you ever drove through downtown on a Sunday, you could see the line backed out the door all the way to the high school, but that would never faze you. Whether it is before or after church service, the Townhouse is the place to eat.
4. Ugh, traffic
While it is probably the most complained about thing in Oviedo, the traffic is something we have all come to terms with. If you're traveling on Mitchell Hammock in the rush hours, you might as well tack on an additional 30 minutes to your drive time. The road widenings that are coming will become a blessing to us all.
5. You're either orange, or you're blue
When Hagerty High School opened in 2005, the town of Oviedo became split between the Huskies of Hagerty and the Lions of Oviedo High. The two have become bitter rivals, with even some families becoming divided having one child attend Oviedo and the other Hagerty. The Friday night matchup between the two has become a must-attend event, not only for the great football but to see all your friends who left you after middle school.
6. You always know when it's a Great Day and when you can have a Taste!
"Great Day in the Country" and "Taste of Oviedo" have become two festivals that have stood the test of time. Whether it's arts and crafts at "Great Day" or the eclectic variety of food at "Taste," you just hate to miss either one. Having moved multiple times, both festivals have continued to grow and will always be something special that Oviedo gets to savor.
7. Dairy Queen :(
Before Jeremiah's came into town, DQ was the place to go when you needed a blizzard to cool off. The day Dairy Queen left was a sad day for all those in Oviedo. What has become even sadder is the revolving door of restaurants that have called that location home. Every time a new place comes to Oviedo, some still have hope that it will be a Dairy Queen.
8. You are amazed at the people who don't know how to drive in a roundabout.
Also known as the "circle of doom," the roundabout that connects Geneva to Oviedo is guaranteed to feature an almost accident. No matter what time of day it is, you have to be looking all ways to make sure that a car is not about to pull out in front of you. Keep looking and you may just see someone stop dead in the circle in an attempt to let someone go in front of them. If you counted the number of honks that happen in that intersection and turned it into currency, you'd be rich.
9. Oviedo? Ovee-a-doh? Oveeda?
Who really knows the proper pronunciation of Oviedo? Legend has it that Mr. Aulin preferred the Spanish pronunciation of Oh-vee-Ay-doh, but over time, it has become Americanized and southern to give it many different sounds. No matter how you say it, we all know what you mean.
10. If you're at the Farmers Market at noon, plug your ears
With the installation of tornado sirens that came about, testing them has become a monthly occurrence. Tested on the first Saturday of each month at noon, the sirens can be heard all throughout town. If you happen to be at the Lawton House that day taking in the Farmers Market, I hope you brought your earplugs as one of the sirens is right next door. Standing right underneath that siren, you'll find Chief White with a smirk as he presses the button to test it.
11. Even with all the complaints, you wouldn't want to live anywhere else
What makes Oviedo so great is the people who live there. With so many awards that have been given to the city, the mayor ran out of room in his email signature to put them all. Having people who deeply care about the city in charge have allowed for some much-needed growth while striving to maintain the unique southern charm that made Oviedo special.
