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Valentine’s Day Celebration at the Market

February 8

Bring the kids to the Winter Garden Farmers Market on Saturday, February 8, for a special Valentine’s Day Celebration. Complimentary Valentine craft making will be held at the kids’ tent at Parking Garage Plaza. 

The market is one-stop shopping for Valentine gifts with over 100 vendors selling a variety of unique items including jewelry, scented soaps, flowers, plants, desserts, and more. Live music makes a trip to the farmers market a fun Valentine celebration for all!

Saturday, February 8
Kids’ Crafts | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Parking Garage Plaza | Free 
Market | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Little Cupid’s Carnival Preschool Holiday Program

February 14 

Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, bring your 3 - 5-year-old to this fun, free Valentine’s Day program. Preschoolers will be treated to arts & crafts, fun games, face painting, and fun holiday themed activities!

Bring a friend or a group as all preschoolers are welcome. Preschool classes are also invited, but call 407.656.4155 in advance for group registration.

Friday, February 14 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm 
Age | 3 – 5 years old | Free to attend
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

Drop Savers Poster Contest for Grades K - 12

Deadline February 28

 
The City of Winter Garden is once again participating in the Water Conservation “Drop Savers” Poster Contest, sponsored by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association.

Students in grades kindergarten - 12th are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest allows students to promote the importance of water conservation in their daily lives. Winners will receive prizes and recognition at a City Commission meeting in April.

Click here for contest details and for entry form. Deadline to submit entry is Wednesday, February 28, 2025.

Start drawing and help us spread the word about water conservation! For more information, call 407.877.5193.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY
Free Course Starts March 5

Sign up now for the next Citizens Police Academy. During this free, nine-week course, Winter Garden police officers and staff host weekly discussions on such topics as crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures. Class participants will also be eligible to go on a ride along with an officer!  

Curious about what goes on inside your police department? Get your questions answered at the next Citizens Police Academy class!

Class Dates | March 5 – April 30 (makeup date: May 7) 
Wednesdays Only | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street

Eligibility requirements:
*at least 18 years old
*live or work in City of Winter Garden
*no criminal record

Applications are available online and at the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street. Seats fill quickly so act now.

Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud or Officer Timothy Thatford at 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Reflections of Time III Exhibit 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.

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

LOW INCOME SENIORS CAN NOW SAVE UP TO 90% ON UTILITY BILLS
Revamped Program for 2025 / Application Deadline: May 1

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, residents 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 residents 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.

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

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..

Save The Date:

Evening at the Pops | March 29

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 Activities, Little Medical School, Cardio Drumming, Zumba, and more! For details about programs, classes, athletic leagues, and more, click here. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

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

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE 
AARP is offering free tax help to low-to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older. Click link to make an appointment: www.tinyurl.com/JBrockWG.

Wednesdays | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
February 5 - April 9 | Free
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St.

A MATTER OF BALANCE
This four-week nationally recognized program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Empowering the participant to view falls as controllable, the class teaches exercises specifically designed to help prevent falls, as well as the small changes one can make to increase confidence. Advance registration is required; space is limited.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | February 4 – 27
1:30 – 3:30 pm | Free

BABYSITTING 101
This 2.5-hour course is for students ages 11+ interested in babysitting. It covers basic childcare, safety, first aid, understanding of developmental stages and relevant activities, health, nutrition, sleep information, Heimlich maneuver, and EpiPen usage. Students also create a babysitting ad and earn a certificate. This class can also be used to earn the Girl Scouts babysitting badge. 

Tuesday | February 25
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Ages 11+ | $89

BEGINNER ARCHERY
This is a course for youth and adults in barebow category archery (without sighting devices). All equipment is provided. Class welcomes beginner and advanced Archers and provides a variety of skill development training and fun archery games.

Session 2 | February 5 & 6
5:30 – 6:20 pm
$25 City Resident / $30 Nonresident, per class
$50 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, per 2-class session

PICKLEBALL 101
Course introduces players to pickleball beginning with the very basics. Three, 1.5-hour classes provide instruction on rules, equipment (paddles & balls provided), basic shots, strategies, skills, and techniques. The goals of the course are to enable the students to participate confidently, with an understanding of the game along with possessing the necessary technical and tactical skills for open and/or doubles play.  Minimum of 4 participants, maximum of 8 participants, per course session.

Tuesdays | February 4 – 18
Saturdays | February 1 – 15
12:30 – 2:00 pm
$100 City Resident / $125 Nonresident
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

PICKLEBALL 102
Course builds on the fundamentals learned in Pickleball 101 and delves deeper into various shots, court positions, strategy, and rules to increase skill level. Designed for players who have been playing for less than a year or desire to elevate their game, the three 1.5-hour classes will help to improve shots, game knowledge, game strategies, techniques, and instill confidence to participate equally with players during open and/or doubles play. Equipment to play available as needed. Minimum of 4 participants; maximum of 8 participants, per course session.

Tuesdays | February 4 - 18
Saturdays | February 1 - 15
2:30 – 4:00 pm
$100 City Resident / $125 Nonresident
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

PICKLEBALL ADVANCEMENT
Course focuses on advancing game play by working on the strategy and theory of pickleball. Each 1.5-hour class will provide in-depth discussion and explanation during simulated games and specific scenarios. Designed to assist players who consistently play and are interested in elevating their game by providing a better understanding of the nuances of pickleball. Equipment to play available as needed. Minimum of 4 participants; maximum of 8 participants, per course session.

Thursdays | February 13 & February 27
12:30 – 2:00 pm
$30 City Resident / $40 Nonresident
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

ACTIVE 50+ DAY TRIP
SOLOMON’S CASTLE AND LIPIZZANER STALLIONS – ONA, FL 

Experience a guided tour of the home, galleries, and workshop of internationally renowned artist Howard Solomon. Enjoy the visually delightful Castle and more than 80 interpretive stained-glass windows and countless metal sculptures, followed by lunch at the Boat in the Moat restaurant. 

After visiting Solomon’s Castle, we will proceed to watch Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzaner Stallions perform. The Lipizzan is one of the rarest breeds in the world and are known for being the “ballerinas of the horse world.” The Herrmann’s have proudly trained and shown these horses right here in Florida for you to see.

Thursday, February 20 | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
$78 City Resident / $85 Nonresident (includes transportation)

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:

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.

Events Supervisor (Full-Time): This position is responsible for the management and ongoing monitoring of all City events and requires five years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. The position requires proficiency in developing and executing marketing plans for events and programs in all forms of media.  A valid Florida Driver’s License is required with a satisfactory driving record. Must be available to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

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 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. 

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.

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.

Winter Garden Police Department:

 Anonymous Tips Crime Fighting Tool for Residents

Residents can submit anonymous, nonemergency tips 24/7 to the Winter Garden Police Department through a new 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. (QR code provided below to scan and download 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.
   
   

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

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.

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