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The City of Winter Garden wishes you a 

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

.

Holiday Office Closure & 

Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 (New Year's Day)

• All City Government Offices are closed on Wednesday, January 1.
• There are NO Solid Waste Collection Services on Wednesday, January 1. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
• There will be a RECYCLING ONLY Makeup Day on Saturday, January 4, for Wednesday Recycling Routes Only. 

Monday, January 20, 2025 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 20.
• There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Monday, January 20.
  
  Click here to view the 2025 Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.
  
  If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

If your cart is not removed within the scheduled timeframe, please call 407.656.2256 to schedule a pickup day. 

What to Expect:

• The City will continue to offer twice a week trash collection. 
• Cardboard boxes will be picked up on your yard waste/bulk collection day.
• The City will continue to collect (free-of-charge) and recycle large electronics and appliances (call to schedule) and repurpose yard waste.
• The City will continue to concentrate on community environmental events, such as the free annual document shredding event where the shredded paper is recycled. 
• If needed, a second trash container may be requested for an additional disposal fee of $24.32 per month.

While it may appear that environmental efforts are taking a step back, the City is looking for innovative ways to serve our residents, as well as being mindful of the environment. Although the City of Winter Garden has suspended curbside recycling, there are personal recycling alternatives such as taking acceptable recyclables to local retailers, Orange County drop-off sites, and contacting private recycling companies such as AMT Recycling, 531 Susan B. Britt Ct., Winter Garden.

The City hopes you will join our campaign as we focus on the first two Rs of waste management that will decrease waste in a more environmentally conscious manner: Reduce and Reuse.

Please continue to monitor the website for updated information. Questions, call 407.656.2256.

LOW INCOME SENIORS CAN NOW SAVE UP TO 90% ON UTILITY BILLS

Revamped Program for 2025

The City of Winter Garden has revamped its long-standing Utility Bill Assistance for Low Income Seniors Program, lowering the residency and income requirements to increase its reach and provide greater savings (up to 90% discount). 

Changes to the program include reducing the resident requirement to 12 continuous months, updating the income eligibility threshold to mirror federal poverty income guidelines, and providing a reduction of up to 90% of base charges on City utility bills. 

To enroll in the program, candidates must complete an application and provide required documentation no later than 5:00 pm on May 1, 2025, as well as meet eligibility requirements. Qualified candidates will receive the cost savings in their May 2025 through April 2026 utility bills. Only applicants that do NOT qualify will be notified. Residents must apply annually for this program.

Program Qualifications:

• 65 years of age, or
• 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits, and
• CITY resident continuously for the past 12 months, PRIOR to your application date, and
• Utility bill must be in applicant’s name and billed directly to applicant, and
• Gross household income for ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD MUST NOT EXCEED 60% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. View Income Guideline Chart *.

* These figures are based on the 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Guideline published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2024.

Income Guideline Chart:

Copies of the following must be submitted with application:

• Current identification, and
• 2025 Social Security Benefit Statement, or
• 2024 Federal Income Tax Return, and
• ALL other proof of income for entire household

Only applicants that do NOT qualify will be notified.

Starting January 2, the application is available to complete and return at Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk, 300 W. Plant Street, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or by contacting the Utility Billing Customer Service, 407.656.4100.

APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2025 at 5:00 pm.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration

January 20

Join us at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of this civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the free annual celebration includes a parade through historic downtown as well as live entertainment, family friendly activities, and more.

PARADE
The remembrance kicks off with a parade at 11:00 am along West Plant Street (from Woodland Street to Central Avenue). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite viewing spot to enjoy the procession of community floats and participants.

To participate in the parade, complete the Parade Registration Form and submit no later than Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (space is limited). Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. All entries are eligible for the Parade Spirit Award. For assistance, please call 407.656.4155.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES
Following the parade, the festivities continue with a live music concert featuring  Selwyn Birchwood and Sugar Vibe. Fun activities for kids and families, as well as refreshments available for purchase, will add to the festivities. Join us 11:30 am – 4:00 pm at the Downtown Pavilion for the celebration.

Monday, January 20 
Parade | 11:00 am, Historic Downtown
Live Entertainment & Activities | 11:30 am – 4:00 pm,
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue | Free Admission

Register Now for Our Water Plant Tours

Tap water: Where Does it Come From?
Learn more about how tap water gets from the source
to your faucet by taking a tour of the City's water plant!

TOUR DATES:
Friday, February 7
Saturday, February 8

Multiple tour times will be offered each day.

Space is limited, so advance registration is required.
The deadline to register is Friday, January 31, 2025. 
To register: send email to dcorbus@cwgdn.com or call 407.877.5193.

Drop Savers Poster Contest

Open to Winter Garden Students K - 12

The City of Winter Garden cordially invites students to participate in our annual Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest. 

Students in grades K - 12 are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. This contest allows students to promote water awareness and the importance of water conservation in their daily routines.

The contest is open to Winter Garden public school, private school, and homeschool students. The deadline to enter is Friday, February 28, 2025.

For complete contest details and entry form, click here or call 407.877.5193.

Fire Rescue Offers Free Citizen CPR Class
January 18

Interested in learning how to take a hands-on approach towards saving lives? The City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free, 90-minute Hands Only CPR Citizen Training Course to the community.

The program will cover:

• Hands only Adult and Child CPR
• Proper AED use
• Adult and Child Choking
  
  

Upon completion, participants will earn a certificate acknowledging their successful demonstration and learned concepts detailed in the program. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 12 participants. To register, click here and then select “Recreation Classes.”

Saturday | January 18 | Free
9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (select one session)
Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department Headquarters, 
1 E. Cypress Street

WGPD Explorer Program for Youth

The Winter Garden Police Explorer Program provides a close-up opportunity for young men and women, ages 14 – 21, to learn about law enforcement. An outgrowth of the Boy Scouts of America, the Explorer Program is designed to educate youth about police work regardless if they want to pursue a law enforcement career.

Free to join, Explorers will be orientated to the different aspects of law enforcement training, including hands-on practice on the following topics:

In addition, Explorers can compete in regional Explorer competitions, participate in City events and parades, and earn community service credit.

Mondays | 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room | 251 W. Plant Street
Winter Garden Police Explorer Post 901 Application
For more details about the program, contact Master Police Officer
Timothy Thatford: 407.656.3636 ext. 6372, tthatford@wgpd.com.

Tis the Season 2024 Wrap Up

It is not too late to enjoy the festive ambiance as historic downtown Winter Garden will remain a holiday wonderland through Sunday, January 5!

Christmas Parade Winners Announcement

Thank you to the hundreds of participants representing 55+ registrants that entertained spectators at the annual Winter Garden Christmas Parade on December 7. Twelve winners were selected across seven categories. Click here for list of 2024 winners. 

De-Lightful Decorations Contest Winners

2024 Winner: Best Overall, 1st Place

Thank you to all the participants of the annual City of Winter Garden De-Light-Ful Decorations Contest for brightening your community with holiday cheer. Eight winners were selected across four categories. Congratulations to the 2024 winners and click here to view their displays! It’s never too soon to start planning for next year!

Reflections of Time III Premieres at City Hall

This exhibition highlights African American artists from Winter Garden and the surrounding areas and demonstrates how their works serve as a testament in preserving time. Curated by Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art, this exhibit displays artwork of a variety of disciplines. Located on the first floor of City Hall, visit the Art in Public Places Gallery to see this impactful exhibit.

January 6 – February 28
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm | Free

WINTER FUN with

PARKS & RECREATION!

Yoga, Tennis, 50+ Activities and Trips, Art classes, Pickleball, Kickball, Esports Video Game Club, Super Soccer Stars, Amazing Athletes Preschool Activites, Little Medical School, Cardio Drumming, Zumba, and more!

Click here for a list of Parks & Recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, as well as additional details about offerings below. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

Recreation classes are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street.
Click here to register.

ESPORTS VIDEO GAME CLUB 
Look no further, ESports Club Orlando has made it to Winter Garden. Upon joining the program, children 6 - 14 years old will learn leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, and the opportunity to interact with other peers their age, all while engaging in video game play. Children will be coached by trained Rocket League and Fortnite Coaches.

6 - 14 years old
Saturdays 10:00 – 11:00 am | January 4 – March 15 (no programming January 18)
Mondays | Rocket League Team, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
January 6 – March 17 (no programming January 20)
Wednesdays | Fortnite Team, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
January 8 – March 19 (no programming January 22)
$150 City Resident / $160 Nonresident, per 10-week session
Optional Purchase | $45 Esports Jersey

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS DISCOVERY 
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 – 4, this four-week mini season of Basketball is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete & their love of the sport. Together, we will explore the sport with concentrated play & practice, followed by a finale game. Your Amazing Athlete will have the opportunity to develop skills with practice, apply what they’ve learned with confidence, have fun with gameplay, and discover a sport they love! This program is an indoor program but may move outdoors if weather permits. 

2 – 4 years old | Basketball
Thursdays | January 9 – 30
5:30 – 6:20 pm
$56 City Resident / $60 Nonresident

KARATE ZOO
In Karate Zoo, we teach the fundamentals of martial arts to children ages 3 – 6 years old in a high-energy progression based program. Students learn & practice the traditions & skills of the sport and receive colored belts and stripes for their achievement. Each skill introduced is designed for progression with beginner, intermediate, and advanced modifications allowing each student to progress at their own pace in a mixed ability group setting. Inspired by the traditions & practices of martial arts, Karate Zoo is designed to benefit a child’s physical, social, & emotional development while building confidence & teaching practical life lessons. Hi-yah!

3 – 6 years old | 5:00 – 5:50 pm
Mondays | January 6 – March 3
(no programming January 20)
$191 City Resident / $201 Nonresident, per 8-week session (belt included in fee)
Optional purchases | $30 Karate Zoo Jersey / $40 Karate Gi

SUPER SOCCER STARS
Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 18 months – 4 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, noncompetitive, and educational environment. Through our age-specific curriculum, we use soccer to nurture and build self-confidence and teamwork. This activity is an outdoor activity but may move indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Tuesdays | January 21 – March 25
Saturdays | January 25 – March 29
18 months – 3 years old | Tuesdays 5:00 – 5:40 pm, Saturdays 9:00 – 9:40 am
3 – 4 years old | Tuesdays 5:50 – 6:30 pm, Saturdays 9:50 – 10:30 am
$150 City Resident / $160 Nonresident, per 10-week session
Optional purchase at start of program | $30 Super Soccer Stars Jersey 

BALLET BASICS FOR ADULTS
A basic level traditional ballet class for teens and adults with no previous experience or those looking to rediscover ballet after a long break. Class concentrates on proper body mechanics and barre work.

Teens & Adults 
January 8 – February 5
Wednesdays | 10:30 – 11:30 am
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 5-week session

CREATIVE MOVEMENT 
This unique program introduces basic dance ballet technique and movement through dance, games, and song. Class focus is on gross motor skills, left/right, body awareness, ballet positions, and beginner ballet technique and language. Advance registration required.

2 – 4 years old
Wednesdays | January 8 – February 5
9:30 – 10:15 am
Saturdays | January 11 – February 8
10:15 – 11:00 am
$70 City Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session

LITTLE DOCTOR SCHOOL
Section 2: Basic first aid, prescribing medications & exploring key organs. These future doctors will learn about prescriptions, explore the brain and spine, and learn about vital bodily functions through hands-on activities and roleplay. Students will build a first aid kit and create models of the brain and spine.

6 – 10 years old
Course Section 2 | January 6 – February 17 (no class January 20)
Mondays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
$259, per 6-week course section

LITTLE VETERINARIAN SCHOOL
Section 2: Cat/Veterinarian. Students will role-play the key responsibilities of a veterinarian and perform a whiskers-to-tail exam on their newly “adopted” plush cat. These future veterinarians will learn about animal body language, maintaining a healthy environment such as proper litterbox placement, create a cat toy, and design a vet clinic.

6 – 10 years old
Course Section 2 | January 7 – February 18
(no class January 21)
Tuesdays | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
$259, per 6-week course

Central Florida Railroad Museum

SPECIAL EVENT 

Archives Day at the Museum 
The public is invited to view items from the Museum’s library and archives and take tours of the library.

Saturday, January 18 | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Free Admission

EXHIBITION

It's About Time: How the Railroads Created Our Time Zones 
The United States once had more than 140 time zones, usually set by the position of the sun. To operate safely over long distances, the railroads proposed a standardized timekeeping for the country. Learn how we came to live and work by the system the railroads created.

Now – February 1 | Free Admission

Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559
Tuesday - Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free Admission

SUBMIT CRIME TIPS ANONYMOUSLY 

THROUGH WGPD ELECTRONIC TOOL

Residents can submit anonymous, nonemergency tips 24/7 to the Winter Garden Police Department through a technology crime fighting tool, Winter Garden PD tip411. 

Anonymous tips can be submitted via any of the following three options:

1. Download the free "Winter Garden PD" app from Apple Store or Google Play to your personal device and submit through the app. Residents can also sign up to receive public safety alerts through the app.
2. Submit via text message to the Winter Garden Police Department by texting the keyword WGPD and your tip to 847411.
3. Submit online through the Winter Garden Police Department website, wgpd.com, or the City of Winter Garden website, cwgdn.com.

The technology utilizes a third party to protect your identity and contact information, keeping tips anonymous. The tip411 service is strictly for nonemergency use. For emergencies, always contact 911.

You can also click here to sign up for Winter Garden Police Department Alerts.

The City currently has great career opportunities available for those with EXPERIENCE and for TRAINEES. The City offers competitive wages and full-time employees are eligible for generous benefits, pension, and tuition reimbursement plan. Click here to review all available positions and for additional information on position responsibilities and minimum qualifications. Several examples of our career opportunities include:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Building Inspector / Plans Examiner II (Full-Time): Performs inspections and plan reviews of buildings and structures, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical installations that require considerable knowledge in the electrical, carpentry, plumbing, building construction, or mechanical field, as well as in-depth knowledge of all applicable codes and ordinances. Requires 5 years of experience, with a minimum of 2 years in construction, building code inspection, or plans review. Requires a State of Florida Residential Inspector, as well as 2 of the following: Standard Inspector or Standard Plans Examiner license in Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing.

PARKS:
Landscaper – Public Services Worker (Full-Time): Needed to perform grounds keeping and landscape maintenance of City parks, grounds, and facilities. Responsibilities include use of equipment to install, care for, and maintain turf, shrubs, trees, ground cover, plant containers, and seasonal plantings. Performs irrigation maintenance as needed. Assists with preparation, set-up, and removal of decorations for special events, including holiday events. Performs custodial services at parks and other City-owned facilities and buildings. Must have experience with the use of landscape equipment and performing manual labor.

PUBLIC SERVICES:
Utilities – Public Utilities Technicians: (Full-Time): Experienced or Trainees to perform physically demanding work (have/obtain a Florida CDL Class B) while using light and/or heavy equipment. Locates water mains and valves and installs, relocates, replaces, repairs & maintains gravity sewer lines, force mains, manholes, service connections, water mains, fire hydrants, gate valves, etc. related to water and wastewater systems. Must be available and able to answer emergency or service calls after normal working hours.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
911 Dispatcher  (Full-time): Experienced or Trainees to coordinate incoming calls for service with Police resources, assess/prioritize calls, dispatch Officers, maintain/monitor Officer responses, conduct/enter inquiries, relay information, and help with lifesaving instructions. Must have the ability to type proficiently at a minimum speed of thirty (30) words per minute. An online assessment is required. . 

SIGN-ON BONUS for 911 Dispatchers!
There is a $2,000 sign-on bonus for entry level candidates and up to $5,000 for experienced Dispatchers. 

Community Service Officer  (Full-Time): Develops and maintains positive relationships with neighborhood organizations and residents in an effort to increase community-police cooperation and to promote crime prevention and safety theories and practices that can be implemented in communities to deter criminal activity. Serves in a para-police capacity, assists sworn officers with various duties, respond to traffic accidents and parking violations, and performs other non-emergency calls for assistance. Must have valid Florida driver’s license, reside within 35 driven miles of the police station. This position requires no tobacco usage of any kind within the past year and no drug use within the past three years. Must be available to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, various shifts, and overtime, as needed.

Records Specialist: (Full-Time): The Records Specialist is responsible for classifying, indexing, filing, storing, retrieving, and disposing of records and responding to police-related public records requests. This position is also responsible for researching records, receiving telephone calls, answering inquiries from the public, assisting the public in person and using office equipment. An Associate degree or higher level of education is required. Two to three years of prior police records experience is preferred. Knowledge of public records law preferred. Must be able to type at least 40 WPM. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may also be considered. Must be willing to obtain the Florida Records Management Association certification within 2 years and maintain such certification.

Police Officer Cadet – City Paid Sponsorship : (Full-Time): The City of Winter Garden Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship Program, which includes (1) being paid as a full-time City employee (40 hours weekly) at an hourly rate of $20.57 while attending training, (2) City-paid Police Academy basic recruit training (includes tuition, books, uniforms, and other learning materials), and (3) full-time benefits as a City employee. After successful completion of the Police Academy and passing the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE), required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Cadet will become a certified Police Officer for the City of Winter Garden Police Department at an hourly pay rate of $29.30. Please visit the City of Winter Garden job posting on our website for the minimum qualifications and to apply to this position.

City Government Serving You

MAYOR

COMMISSIONERS

Lisa L. Bennett, District 1, Mayor Pro-Tem
407.877.5131
lisa.bennett@cwgdn.com
 
Iliana R. Jones, District 2
407.877.5132
iliana.jones@cwgdn.com

Chloe Johnson, District 3
407.877.5133
chloe.johnson@cwgdn.com

Colin Sharman, District 4
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com

CITY MANAGER