novemBER 2023

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Holiday Office Closure & 

Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule 

for Thanksgiving Day and Friday after Thanksgiving

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items) on Thursday, November 23. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
• There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Friday, November 24.

Free Shredding Event for Winter Garden 

Residents – November 11

The City of Winter Garden will host a free document-shredding event for its residents to commemorate America Recycles Day. Crown Information Management will provide safe and secure document shredding. Participants are welcome to watch the shredding of their documents. The shredded paper will then be recycled.

You must be a City of Winter Garden resident to participate. Please bring proof of residency.

Saturday, November 11 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (or until truck is full) | Free
848 E. Plant Street (across from the Winter Garden Library)

For more information, call 407.877. 5193.

Craft Affair – November 11

Hosted by City of Winter Garden Parks & Recreation, visit the annual Craft Affair to shop for unique items handcrafted by your 50+ creative friends. From jewelry, holiday décor, to crafts, artwork, and more, the arts and crafts show is great for holiday shopping!

Saturday, November 11
10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Free Admission
Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street

Shop Small Business Saturday – November 25

Live Music & Festive Fun Downtown

Make downtown Winter Garden a “must-stop” to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Visit the downtown mom-and-pop stores to kick off your holiday shopping, and discover unique finds for your gift list.

Live musical entertainment will perform at Centennial Plaza from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, adding to downtown’s merry ambiance as you shop, dine, and stroll through the festive streets.

When you shop local, a greater portion of every dollar spent remains right in your community to make it stronger. Citywide, remember to shop small to make a big impact!

Saturday, November 25 | Daylong
Historic Downtown & Citywide

Temporary Winter Garden Fire Station 21 

is Now Open

Located at 902 Avalon Road, the temporary location of Winter Garden Fire Station 21 opened on October 9, 2023, to service the City’s growing southwest corridor. The jurisdiction of Station 21 encompasses Avalon Road, extending north from the Florida Turnpike to Tilden Road, west from Marsh Road and the county line, and east to SR 429. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the City also has inter-local and mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire departments.

The 3,000-square-foot facility includes approximately 2,000 square feet of living quarters to house up to four crew members and a bay area for firefighting apparatus and Engine 21.

Residents are welcome to stop by to tour Fire Station 21 daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Large groups tours (schools, church groups, scouts, etc.) can be scheduled by contacting Inspector Rutherford at 407.877.5175.

Construction of the permanent Fire Station 21 facility, to be located on Marsh Road, is estimated to break ground in September 2024.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS

Program Registration Opens November 20

It's a Wonderful Life in Winter Garden

Art Exhibit at City Hall

Collaborating to create a cozy small town feel, Crealdé School of Art and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will highlight artwork and photographs paying tribute to the holidays. This exhibit is sure to help you slow down, reminisce, and find the wonderful during this busy time of year. Be sure to stop in!

November 1 – January 5

Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (excluding holidays)
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street | Free

School Holiday Camps

WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk – November 4

It is not too late to sign up and participate in this Saturday’s (November 4) annual WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk.. Come out and run or 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. 

Click here for more information and to sign up online through November 2. In-person onsite late registration (cash or credit card only) available starting at 6:00 am at the race.

Packet Pickup: Friday, November 3, 3:00-7:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department, 11 Henderson Street (Rear Entrance) or at race starting at 6:00 am.

5K start time is 8:00 am. Kids Fun Run start time is approx. 8:15 am

Proceeds from this event support the Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WPAL) in providing programs to underprivileged and at-risk kids in your community. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

5K Run/Walk | November 4, 8:00 Race Start Time
(Event concludes at 11:00 am)
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive

Water Lawns Once a Month During Eastern Stand Time

It's Time To Reset Your Irrigation System 

When you set your clock back for Eastern Standard Time on November 5, it is also a good time to reset your irrigation system to run only one day a week until March to comply with the conservation ordinance for landscape irrigation.

Remember: water only when needed, not between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, and irrigate no more than one hour per zone. Automatic lawn sprinkler systems must have a functioning rain sensor device.

For more information on the irrigation ordinance, call 407.877.5193.

Water Lawns Once a Week During Eastern Standard Time
(First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March)

Orange County Program Offers 

Qualifying Seniors A/C Replacement & Services

The Orange County Senior Climate Efficiency Program (SCEP) serves to provide low incomes seniors (60+) with air conditioner replacement, service, or system upgrades. SCEP is available to Orange County residents (which includes City of Winter Garden).

Click here for a list of complimentary climate efficiency services that SCEP provides as well as the requirements to qualify. Due to popular demand, there is a wait time so do not delay in signing up. Citizens interested in the program may contact Orange County Representative Ben Paquin at 407.836.0918 or Ben.Paquin@ocfl.net.

Winter Garden Fire Rescue Offers 

Free Smoke Alarm Program

The end and start of Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder to perform a necessary biannual test to your home’s smoke alarms. So, when you reset your clocks on November 5, be sure to hit the test button on your smoke alarms to make sure the units are functioning.
 
The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department “Smoke Alarm Program” is a community outreach initiative to improve fire safety. To receive a smoke alarm at no cost, while supplies last, we ask that you meet the following requirements:

1. Reside within the City limits of Winter Garden.
2. Do not currently have a working smoke alarm in your home.
3. Agree to let the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Dept. personnel install the smoke alarm.
4. Agree to test and maintain the smoke alarm once it is installed.
5. Agree to follow the smoke alarm instructions at all times found in the owner’s manual.

Smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. If you need a smoke alarm, batteries, or would like your smoke alarm tested, please contact Fire Inspector Victoria Rutherford at 407.877.5175 ext. 2020.

City Budget Adopted for Fiscal Year 2024

The City of Winter Garden Fiscal Year 2024 Budget was adopted at the City Commission Meeting and Budget Hearing held on September 28, 2023, The budget covers the tax year beginning October 1, 2023, and ending September 30, 2024. 

There is no change to the millage rate and it remains at 4.50 mills (assessed valuation of property within City limits).
  
Click here to view the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

Annual Fire Hydrant Testing

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is conducting fire hydrant flow testing and water line flushing through mid-December.

This important annual preventative maintenance activity ensures that all the City’s fire hydrants are functioning properly and identifies any needed repairs. It also helps maintain the City’s water quality by flushing all the lines and removing sediments from the system. 

Residents may notice a brief reduction in water pressure and some discoloration of the water. Discolored water poses no threat to the public’s health. If you notice discolored water coming from your fixtures, please allow the cold water to flow for several minutes.

Although residents may experience some temporary inconveniences, the flushing program is necessary to maintain a good water supply for firefighting. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you experience continued loss of pressure or water discoloration, please contact the Public Services Department at 407.656.2256.

FALL into 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.

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORT DISCOVERY - YOUTH
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 – 4 years old, this four-week mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete and their love of the sport. Together, we explore three sports (basketball, football, & baseball) with four weeks of concentrated play & practice, followed by a finale game. Your Amazing Athlete will have the opportunity to develop skills with practice, apply what they have learned with confidence, have fun with gameplay, and discover sports they love!

Flag Football | Thursdays, November 2 – 30 (no programming November 23)
Baseball | Thursdays, December 7 – 28 

2 – 4 years old | 5:00 – 5:50 pm 
$56 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, 
1-Sport Rate (4 weeks) 
$112 City Resident / $120 Nonresident,
2-Sport Rate (8 weeks) 

ESPORTS CLUB - YOUTH
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. Children will be coached by trained Rocket League and Fortnite coaches.

Monday Sessions |
November 13 – December 18
January 8 – March 4 (no programming January 15)

8 – 14 years old | 5:30 - 6:30 pm  
$120 City Resident / $130 Nonresident, 6-week session
$160 City Resident / $170 Nonresident, 8-week session

Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street
Optional purchase | $45 Esports Jersey

AMAZING ATHLETES KARATE ZOO
In Karate Zoo, we teach the fundamentals of martial arts to children 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, immediate, 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!

Mondays | November 27 – February 5 (no programming December 25, January 1, and January 15)
3 – 6 years old | 5:00 – 5:50 pm
$191 City Residents / $201 Nonresidents 8 Week Session (Belt included in fee)
Optional purchases | $25 Karate Zoo Jersey, $40 Karate Gi

PICKLEBALL GROUP LESSONS

Beginners
This course will introduce players to pickleball beginning with the very basics, and will include instruction on rules, equipment, shots, strategies, skills, and techniques associated with pickleball. The goals of the course are to enable the students to participate confidently, with an understanding of the game along with possessing the skills necessary for open play.

Saturdays | November 4 – 18
Tuesdays | November 7 – 21
12:30 – 2:00 pm
$100 Residents / $125 Nonresidents, per 2-week session
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

Intermediate
The course is for those who have been playing and fit into open recreational play comfortably and desire to advance to competitive play by further developing skills with an emphasis on court strategies.

Saturdays | November 4 – 18
Tuesdays | November 7 – 21
2:30 – 4:00 pm
$100 City Resident / $125 Nonresident, per 2-week session
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

XTREME HIP HOP WITH TARCIA
This is a revamp of traditional step aerobics and includes routines set to hip-hop and R&B that will give you a great caloric burn. Please note, steps are not provided.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
6:00 – 7:00 pm
$10 Residents / $12 Nonresident, per class

Treasured Wardrobe Collection at Heritage Museum

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:

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:
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.

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

Please obey the speed limit signs to keep your community safe.

Tis the Season Upcoming Events

• Light Up Winter Garden – December 1, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
• Winter Garden Christmas Parade – December 2, 10:00 am 
• Holiday Market Downtown - December 2, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
• Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade – December 2, 6:00 pm 
   
  For a daily downtown holiday happenings schedule (November 1 – January 5), click here.

Notice of Municipal Election and Candidate Qualifying 

2024 City Commission General Election

 
The 2024 City election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. The qualifying period begins 12:00 pm Noon on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, and ends 12:00 pm Noon on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Election for seats include Commissioner District 2, 3, and 4. Term of office is four (4) years and is nonpartisan. 

Candidates for the City Commission shall have been a resident of the City and district in which they run for one (1) year by the end of qualifying and shall have been a registered voter in the district for which they run for one (1) year prior to the end of the qualifying period. Those elected to office shall maintain their district residency and voter registration while in office.

Individuals may announce their candidacy and open a campaign account by completing forms provided by the City Clerk at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, any time prior to the qualifying period. Additional qualifying forms and fees are required.

For additional information, contact City Clerk at 407.656.4111 ext. 2297.

Spanish Version
 
For information regarding voter registration, early voting or vote-by-mail (absentee) voting, please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections at 407.836.2070.

City Government Serving You

MAYOR

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