august 2023

You are receiving E-News as a courtesy from the City. 
Please remember to set your spam blocker to allow mail from listserv@civicplus.com.

If you decide you do not want to continue receiving the E-News, just scroll to the bottom and click on unsubscribe to stop receiving this communication.

Back to School Bash

for Winter Garden Families

Free Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway

Saturday, August 5

Get the supplies you need to head back to school while enjoying a fun end-of-summer event!
 
Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the Back to School Bash is a free family-friendly event for Winter Garden families. The event includes a FREE backpack & school supplies giveaway, free food, an interactive DJ, a foam party, water activities, relay races, and more!
  
Saturday, August 5, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Zanders Park & Bouler Pool, 362 11^th Street | Free

Backpack and school supplies giveaway while supplies last.
No reservations needed.

Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale –

August 26

The shops of downtown are hosting a daylong Summer Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, August 26. Stroll the scenic streets to discover boutique bargains while enjoying the small town charm. Uncover great deals on those one-of-a kind items that can only be found at downtown’s specialty stores, plus in-store raffles, and more! 

The Summer Sidewalk Sale is along West Plant Street and the surrounding side streets, stretching from Woodland Street to Central Avenue. This is a rain or shine event. Participation, offers, and operating hours vary per merchant.

Saturday, August 26 | All Day | Historic Downtown

Smile for #CityHallSelfie Day – August 15

Show pride for Winter Garden by participating in the #CityHallSelfie Day, on Tuesday, August 15. It’s a great way to show your local gov some love as your city celebrates its 120th anniversary.

Stop by the front desk of City Hall (300 W. Plant St.) while taking your selfie to receive a FREE commemorative 120th anniversary reusable tote bag. The bag can serve as a great prop for your photo! Bag giveaway is limited to August 15, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (while supplies last). 

National Farmers Market Week Celebration — August 12

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week by visiting your neighborhood market on Saturday, August 12. Free event activities include kids’ craft station, family-friendly lawn games, and live music.

More than 110 booths (including 20+ local farmers) set up weekly at the Winter Garden Farmers Market offering an assortment of fresh produce, plants, flowers, and artisanal goods. Please come out to support the local farmers and wide variety of vendors that make the market one of the best in the country.

Saturday, August 12 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm | Activities, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk

Register Early for Discounted Entry Fee

Registration is now open for the WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk. Sign up early for a discounted entry fee, and start strategizing how many donuts you can eat while your run/walk. The fee includes a t-shirt, race medal, and free Krispy Kreme donuts.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 4, to participate in this fun annual event! You will run/walk – and eat donuts – through historic neighborhoods, starting and ending at Lake Apopka in downtown Winter Garden. Kids (5-12 years old) race free in a mini-donut fun run with adult entry.

Prizes are awarded to the top runners, plus a prize for best donut costume! There will also be live music, sponsor tents, and giveaways. 

Proceeds from this event support the Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WPAL) in providing programs to underprivileged and at-risk kids in your community.

Click here for more information and to sign up. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Registration Dates/Entry Fees:
Now – August 27: $35
August 28 – October 28: $40
October 29 – November 2: $45

WPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk | November 4, 8:00 – 11:00 am
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive

Last Chance for a Dip in the City Pools

The City’s two public pools will close this month as summer comes to an end. Be sure to come for a dip with family and friends to cool off and have some fun.

SUMMER FUN 

with PARKS & RECREATION!

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 CLUB
Look no further, ESports Club Orlando has made it to Winter Garden. Upon joining the program, children 8 – 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. Trained Rocket League and Fortnite coaches will coach the club members.

Monday Sessions Starting October 2 – November 6 and November 13 – December 18
(No programming January 15)
5:30 - 6:30 pm
$120 City Resident/$130 Nonresident, 6 week session
$160 City Resident/$170 Nonresident, 8 week session
Optional ESports Jersey can be purchased during registration.

TENNIS LESSONS — YOUTH & ADULT
Highly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advance registration required.

Session 1 | September 11 – October 20
Session 2 | October 30 – December 15
Session 3 | January 22 – March 2
5 years and older
Lesson time and fees vary, visit cwgdn.com/Parks & Recreation/Athletics
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

BOOT CAMP WITH BRAD
Looking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically health body and the mental well-being that comes with exercise.

Mondays and Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
16 years and older
$16 City Resident / $18 Nonresident, per class
$55 City Resident / $65 Nonresident, per month (8 classes)

GENTLE YOGA
Great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxing meditation.

Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:15 pm
16 years and older
$9 City Resident / $10 Nonresident, per class
$32 City Resident / $36 Nonresident, per month

SYSTEMA
This Russian Martial Art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience, and working with others. Winter Garden is the only place in Central Florida to practice this art used by Russian Special Forces!

Mondays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
18 years and older
$15 per class
$45 City Resident / $55 Nonresident, per 4-week session

TAI CHI
An ancient Chinese exercise that emphasizes relaxation, breath control, correct posture, balance, and flexibility to develop the mind and body. One free introductory lesson in Tai Chi is offered for all first timers. For more information, visit returntogoodhealth.20fr.com.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 – 10:00 am
$50 City Resident / $55 Nonresident, per month

City Hall Displays Summertime in Winter Garden

Be sure to stop by City Hall to see the current art exhibit that highlights the summer season through the eyes of local child artists. The Winter Garden Art Association curated this fun exhibit.

Summertime in Winter Garden – Children’s Art Exhibit
Now – August 31
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm | Free
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street

Let’s Talk Bulky Trash

City of Winter Garden collects bulk waste and yard waste on the same collection day. Place these items curbside no earlier than the night before collection or by 7:00 am on collection day. There is no fee to have any of these items picked up. City crews will only pick up three cubic yards of bulky waste and tree debris on collection day. The City does not pick up items generated by private contractors performing tree trimming or remodeling work at your home. The contractor must remove this waste.

Bulk Items: 
Bulk items are those large items of residential waste, which because of their size, shape or weight, will not fit in the City-issued garbage container.

Types of Household Bulk Collected by the City:

• Mattresses
• Furniture
• Rolled carpet and padding
• Fencing
• Large Boxes
• Swing Sets
  
  

Tree Debris:
Tree limbs may be placed curbside for collection and should not exceed four inches in diameter and four feet in length.

The regular bulk waste truck will not collect appliances, large electronics or recreational equipment such as bikes and basketball hoops. You must call to schedule these for pickup. To schedule electronics/appliances/recreational equipment pickup, call 407-656-2256, or place a request in the Mobile Citizen app.

Why Can’t Styrofoam Go in the Recycling Cart?

Styrofoam is a DuPont trademark name for a particular type of polystyrene foam. It was created for use in building materials and insulation. What we call Styrofoam is really Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). This white, porous, plastic material creates cups, packing material, egg cartons, and take-out containers. It is 95% air and has insulation properties that keeps food and drinks hot or cold. It is also durable for shipping fragile products.

EPS cannot be recycled and should never be placed in your recycling cart. Most recycling facilities are unable to process EPS. It is not like other plastics because it is difficult to get it back to its base form. EPS can contaminate other plastics and paper, preventing an entire batch from being recycled. 

Instead, dispose of EPS materials in your trash bin, but be sure to place inside a trash bag since they break easily when compacted and can litter streets and neighborhoods. EPS is a problem at landfills too. It occupies space and can take up to 500 years to decompose because it is essentially non-biodegradable waste. When possible, avoid using polystyrene.

Publix accepts EPS in their recycling containers at the front of their stores. They take it to a special facility that will compress it into dense foam where it will be repurposed.

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

August is Water Quality Month

Seven Tips You Can Do at Home to Protect Your Water

1. Wash your car at a car wash:  It may cost more than washing your car at home, but taking your car to a car wash saves water and prevents toxic chemicals from being flushed down your storm drains that eventually empty into our lakes, rivers, streams and oceans. Professional car washes are legally required to drain into sewer systems, so that the water can be treated before being re-used.
2. Pick up after your pet: Animal waste is full of nitrogen that can remove oxygen from the water leaving it completely unusable for aquatic life.
3. Don’t hose down your driveway; use a broom.
4. Don’t use fertilizer made with phosphorus: After heavy rainfall or watering, these chemicals can leak into nearby groundwater sources. Try using organic materials or waiting for drier weather if you absolutely need to use lawn care products.
5. Do not flush expired or unwanted medication down the toilet: These products have toxic chemicals and should not be flushed down the drain.
6. Take used oil or antifreeze to a service station or the Orange County Solid Waste Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Call 407.836.6601 for more information.
7. Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater: Use the rain water to water your plants and lawn. It may save you some money too.
   
   

Free Women’s Self-Defense

Class for Residents

The Winter Garden Police Department is hosting a free basic women’s self defense class on Thursday, August 24, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. A police officer certified in using S.A.F.E. self defense techniques will instruct the class. Make it a “ladies night” and learn some self defense!

Thursday, August 24 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room
Women only, ages 13 and up

To register, contact Officer Gail Michaud: 407-656-3636 ext. 4405, gmichaud@wgpd.com. 

The class fills quickly so act now.

Reminder to abide by the speed limit when driving on City streets. Speeding is being closely monitored and citations will be issued.

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, & 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:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Business Analyst (Full-Time): Under the direction of the Economic Development Director, this position provides support and assists in the strategic planning and performance management process analyzing programs, public policies, issues and needs of the City.   Performs analytical work related to performance management, operational improvement, budget development, programs, and related work. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance or related field and a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in performing business and statistical analysis of performance measurements, Six Sigma training, and Total Quality Management, or the equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

FLEET MAINTENANCE:
Mechanic III – Heavy Equipment  (Full-Time): This is highly skilled work in the maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel driven trucks and related heavy equipment. Work is performed on heavy duty trucks, transit buses, tractors, graders, fire trucks, gas compressors, heat exchangers, sanitation hydraulic packer trucks and other related equipment. A.S.E. certified with heavy duty brakes and one other A.S.E. “T” certification required. High School Diploma or G.E.D. and 5 years of experience in automotive and light truck repair or 3 years of experience in heavy truck equipment repair required for position. Must be able to obtain CDL Class B license within 90 days of employment.

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

PUBLIC SERVICES:
Solid Waste Drivers  (Full-time): Requires Florida CDL Class B to pick up and haul garbage and refuse, experienced in using some/all of the following: Commercial Front End Loader, Rear End Loader, ASL, Boom Truck, Container Delivery Truck, & Roll off Truck. Scheduling flexibility is essential, as routes may require varying schedules including early morning, weekend, etc.

Utilities - Collection Field Technicians & Utilities - Distribution Field 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.

Railroad Museum Presentation:

“The Sunshine Corridor: Passenger Rail in Central Florida”

The public is invited to the 'The Sunshine Corridor: Passenger Rail in Central Florida,' presentation, hosted by the Central Florida Railroad Historical Society on Monday, August 14, 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Speaker Bob O’Malley will share his extensive experience working on freight and passenger rail projects, and his insight about the future of passenger rail in Florida. 

O’Malley has a long career in the transportation and railroad industry, and has held executive positions with CSX Transportation, Brightline Trains, and MetroPlan Orlando. In addition, he played a key role in the development of the 61-mile SunRail corridor, Brightline’s expansion to Orlando and planned expansion to Tampa, and Brightline West’s planned system between Las Vegas and Southern California. He currently serves as a consultant for the development of the Sunshine Corridor, the expansion of a shared-use rail corridor for SunRail and Brightline connecting the Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center/International Drive Resort Area. 

Monday, August 14 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm | Free, No RSVP required
Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S Boyd Street
cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559 

Museum Operating Hours | Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free Admission

City’s FY2023/24 Public Budget Workshop is on August 24
Budget Hearings to Follow in September

This month, the Commission will review the proposed FY2023/24 budget and host a public budget workshop and information session for community input during the City Commission Meeting on Thursday, August 24.

After community input and review, an approval of the annual budget will be conducted at the public budget hearings held during the City Commission meetings on Thursday, September 14, and Thursday, September 28. 

City Commission meetings commence at 6:30 pm at Winter Garden City Hall, Commission Chambers, 300 W. Plant Street. 

City Government Serving You

MAYOR/COMMISSIONER

COMMISSIONERS

Lisa L. Bennett, District 1, Mayor Pro-Tem
407.877.5131
lisa.bennett@cwgdn.com
 
Ron Mueller, District 2
407.877.5132
ron.mueller@cwgdn.com
 
Mark A. Maciel, District 3
407.877.5133
mmaciel@cwgdn.com
 
Colin Sharman, District 4
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com

CITY MANAGER

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com

Official Social Media Platforms:

www.facebook.com/officialdowntownwintergarden
www.instagram.com/officialdowntownwintergarden