april 2025

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Holiday Office Closure and  REGULAR Solid Waste 

Collection Service Schedule - April 18

• All City Government offices will be closed on Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday.
• There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Friday, April 18 (trash, yard waste, bulk items). 

Spring Fever in the Garden 
April 5 & 6

Join us for the 23rd annual Spring Fever in the Garden festival hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society. In partnership with the City of Winter Garden and presenting sponsors Orlando Health and Healthy West Orange, the festival features garden vendors lining the downtown streets as well as free live entertainment and activities for all ages.

The festival will take place rain or shine. For up-to-date event information, visit springfeverinthegarden.org/. 

Festival Highlights:

• Vendor Booths selling thousands of a wide array of flowers and foliage
• Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest 
• Live Music & Entertainment
• Kid Zone Area
• Arts and Crafts
• Ask the Experts Booth
• Avian Reconditioning Center Birds of Prey
• And Much More!
  
  

Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 6 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown | Free Admission

Celebrate Earth Day with the City of Winter Garden

The City of Winter Garden is commemorating Earth Day 2025 with a variety of FREE community activities and workshops that align with the City's REDUCE and REUSE waste management campaign to decrease waste in an environmentally conscious manner. 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day - April 26

Dispose of unused, expired, and unwanted pharmaceutical controlled substances and unwanted household medications at the DEA National Take Back Day, hosted by the Winter Garden Police Department.

The drugs collected will be disposed of in a safe and environmentally conscious way. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, drug take back programs are one of the most effective and sustainable ways to dispose of unused medications, protecting both your home and the planet.

Saturday, April 26 | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Collection Site: Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street 

Little Peeps Carnival Preschool Holiday Program

April 11

Enjoy snacks, crafts, face painting, and photos with the Easter Bunny! Conclude the morning with an egg hunt. 

Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, all preschool children and their friends are welcome. Interested preschool classes must register in advance at 407.656.4155.

Friday, April 11
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
(Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11:30 am)
Age | 3 - 5 years old | Free 
Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street 

Summer Day Camp Registration Opens This Month

Summer Day Camp 2025 is almost here! This extremely popular camp is a fun way for youth to spend their summer. Campers will enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as field trips on select dates. Mark the registration dates on your calendar as space is extremely limited.

REGISTRATION:
Day camp registration will begin for City residents the week of April 7 and will open to nonresidents on April 21. Please see schedule below for grade level specific dates of availability. Each grade will open at 8:00 am on their corresponding day. Registration will be available online at https://enroll.wgplay.com, as well as at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street. 

$140 City Resident / $170 Nonresident, per week 
(Half the total payment is due at time of registration. Minimum payment not made will result in cancellation of weeks registered.)

May 21 | Parent Information Meeting
6:30 pm | Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street  

CAMP DATES: 
June 2 – August 8 (no camp on July 4), 10 weeks
Monday – Friday | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Age | Entering 1st - 8th grade
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

For questions, please contact the Recreation Office: 407.656.4155, recinfo@cwgdn.com. 

Woman's Basic Self Defense Class

The Winter Garden Police Department will host a free basic women’s self-defense class this month. The class is instructed by a police officer certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques.

Thursday, April 24 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Eligible Participants | Women only, ages 13 and up
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room,
251 W. Plant Street | Free

To register, contact Officer Gail Michaud at 407.656.3636 ext. 4405 or at gmichaud@wgpd.com. The class fills quickly so reserve your spot today.

What is Your Vision for Winter Garden?

Take Survey to Help Shape the Future of Your Hometown

Want to help shape the future of Winter Garden? Click here to take part in the Winter Garden 2050 Comprehensive Plan SURVEY! 

Your input will help the process of implementing a long-term vision for the City's growth and development through 2050. The survey will address areas such as land usage, transportation, housing, infrastructure, public facilities, public schools facilities, intergovernmental coordination, capital improvement, property rights, conservation, parks and recreation, and more. 

Your voice is valuable and helps shape your community to be the best it can be!

Voice Your Opinion through City Survey
Arriving in Mail Shortly to Randomly-Selected Residents

The City of Winter Garden is mailing The National Community Survey™  (The NCS) later this month to randomly-selected residents to effectively gauge residents’ opinions regarding the quality of community characteristics, services, and governance. Should you receive this survey, please be sure to complete it by June 6 deadline and offer your voice to make Winter Garden an even better place to live, work, and play. All feedback will be anonymous. Surveys may be submitted by mail or online option.  

The NCS survey is conducted every two years by the City in partnership with an independent consultant. The survey is scientific in methodology and results are used to shape City services, your quality of life, and the City’s overall direction. In fact, over the last 12+ years, resident feedback has affected improvements in nearly every aspect of City operations. 

The Word Is Out....
Winter Garden Ranked #4 Nationwide as 

Job Magnet: The Suburb that Everyone is Talking About 

It is no secret to us, but the word is out that City of Winter Garden is a top five job-magnet suburb that everyone wants to move to, according to a nationwide study released from moveBuddha in late 2024.

Using search data, moveBuddha was able to research the most popular suburbs for people relocating for strong job markets. With a 1.6% job growth from 2023 to 2024 and a move in-to-out ratio with 2.46 people searching to move in for every resident looking to leave, Winter Garden is ranked #4 nationwide as a Job Magnet: The Suburb that Everyone is Talking About.

Click here to read the moveBuddha study.

2025 Drop Savers Poster Contest 

Winners Announced

The City of Winter Garden recently took part in the annual Drop Savers Poster Contest sponsored by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA). The City received 67 posters from local schools: 

Congratulations to the 2025 winners in the following divisions:
(Click links to view the winning entry in each division.)

• Division 1: (Kindergarten & 1st Grade) Dillard Street Elementary Student 
• Division 3: (4th & 5th Grade) Creation Village World School Student 
• Division 4: (Middle School) Foundation Academy Student 
• Division 5: (High School) Foundation Academy Student

(There were no Division 2 entries this year.)

A panel of judges selected one winner of each age category based on message, creativity, and originality. The winning posters move on to the FSAWWA state-level competition. The City’s four Winners and four Honorable Mention students, as well as all their teachers, will be recognized at the City Commission Meeting on April 10, 2025, at 6:30 pm at City Hall.

The contest was open to students in grades K-12.  Students were encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The annual contest teaches younger students, and reminds older students, about the importance of water conservation.  

Special thanks to all the schools, students, and teachers for their participation! 

Low Income Seniors Can Now Save Up to 90% on Utility Bills
with Revamped Utility Bill Assistance Program

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 meet eligibility requirements, complete an application (available online, at City Hall Front Desk, or by contacting the Utility Billing Customer Service, 407.656.4100), and provide required documentation to City Hall Reception Desk no later than 5:00 pm on May 1, 2025.

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 

Winter Garden City Hall: 300 W. Plant Street, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 

PLEASE NOTE: Completed application and required documents must be submitted in-person to City Hall Reception Desk NO LATER THAN 5:00 pm on MAY 1, 2025.

New & Improved Utility Billing Online Portal 

Create Your Online Account to Use Handy Features 

A new Utility Billing online portal provides expanded payment options and allows customers to track usage, view bills/payment history, & more. All utility customers are urged to create an online account to take advantage of the new portal's many features.

BENEFITS OF NEW BS&A ONLINE UTILITY BILLING ACCOUNT

• Additional payment options accepted: Credit / Debit card, ApplePay®, GooglePay®.
• User-friendly, modern interface features to manage your utility account.
• Track utility usage (meter reads, billing / payment / usage history). Select the "Advanced Record Search" feature to view.
• And more!

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Downtown Events

SPRING 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.

All recreation classes are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise.

Click here to register.

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORT DISCOVERY
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 love of the sport. Together, we will explore flag football with concentrated play & practice, followed by a final 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 sports they love! This program is an indoor program but may move outdoors if weather permits.

Flag Football
Age | 2 – 4 years old
Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
April 3 – 24
$64 Resident / $70 Nonresident

CARDIO DRUMMING
This Cardio Drumming beginner’s class is a cardiovascular based, full-body workout that requires you to move and play drums along to music – except it doesn't actually involve any drums! It will raise your heart rate, help you burn hundreds of calories, improve your coordination and ability to focus, and help strengthen many muscle groups, including your core. Advance registration is required as space is limited.

Age | 16 years old and older
Wednesdays | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
April 16 – May 15 | Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N Dillard Street
May 22 – August 14 | Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Avenue
$4 City Resident / $5 Nonresident, per class

INTRO TO SPANISH
The course places emphasis on the basics of Spanish and helping to develop basic conversations in Spanish. In this course, students will learn to greet others, introduce themselves and others, ask information, identify professions, and talk about basic people, places, and things.

Age | 18 years old and older
Tuesdays | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Session 1 | April 8 – 29
Session 2 | May 6 – 27
$180 City Resident / $195 Nonresident, per 4-week session

RUNNING AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM - YOUTH
Program uses games and activities focused on developing skills when attempting short and long-distance running. Emphasis is placed on breathing techniques, gait analysis, core and strength, injury prevention, and overall running mechanics for speed and endurance.

Age | 5 – 13 years old
Tuesdays | 6:00 - 6:50 pm | April 22 - May 13 
$100 City Resident / $120 Nonresident, per 4-week session

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

Age | 5 years old – adult
Session 1 | March 31 – May 9, 6-week session
Time and fees vary, please visit cwgdn.com for details.
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

VIDEO GAME CLUB
Gamers will meet and practice each week to train for a team tournament that will be held on the last class of each session. Upon joining the club, children 6 – 14 years old will build friendships while also learning and developing leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork while engaging in video game play.

Age | 6 – 14 years old
Session 1
Mondays | Rocket League Team | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
March 31 – May 19
Wednesdays | Fortnite Team | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
April 2 – May 21
$120 City Resident / $128 Nonresident, per 8-week session
Optional Purchase | $45 E-sports Team Jersey

ACTIVE 50+

AARP SMART DRIVER COURSE
Insurance reduction and driver refresher course! Up to 10% discount after completion of course depending on your insurance provider. Advance registration required as classes can be cancelled due to low enrollment.

Monday, April 28 & Tuesday, April 29 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (both days)

Little Hall, 31 W. Garden Avenue
$20 AARP Member / $25 Non-AARP Member

CAPE CANAVERAL LIGHTHOUSE – CAPE CANAVERAL, FL
The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse is a long-standing icon of the area. It was built in 1868 and is located on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It is the only working lighthouse owned by the United States Space Force. The Keepers Cottage now houses a museum that walks you through the history of the lighthouse and how the lighthouse played a part in our space program. You will be touring the lighthouse and Launch Complex 26. Because this is located on a secure military installation, when registering we will need your driver’s license number, name on your license, and state it was issued. In lieu of an entrance fee, you can help support the Lighthouse by donations. Walking and steps involved. Fee includes transportation. Dutch treat lunch.

Tuesday, April 15 | 7:45 am – 5:30 pm
$15 City Resident / $19 Nonresident

I WANT TO KNOW
This activity will address different topics that may be of interest to you. Register for the presentation and walk away with a new idea, a new thought, and/or just a reminder of something you once knew and want to know more about. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish.

Tuesday, April 29 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden’s Love Affair with our Honeybee: A Whole Lotta Shaken’ Going On
by Max Croft – Local Beekeeper and Honey Maker

LUNCH AND LEARN—UNIFIED REHABILITATION, PLLC – WINTER GARDEN
Join us for an insightful presentation on "Functional Therapy and Performance Rehab for the 55+ Community." Innovative approaches to enhance mobility, strength, and overall wellness tailored specifically for older adults will be explored. This session will cover practical strategies to improve daily function and promote an active lifestyle, empowering participants to maintain independence and vitality. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how functional therapy can make a positive impact on your health and well-being! 
Presenters: Jeremiah Bradford, PT, DPT and Kelli-Ann Wallace, Community Relations Director. Lunch will be provided.

Friday, April 4 | 11:30 am | Lunch provided | Free

Arts in April

Community Events for All Ages

In celebration of World Art Day, the Winter Garden Art Association annually hosts a series of Arts in April events throughout the month for the community to enjoy and create art. For the most up-to-date Arts in April schedule, visit wgart.org/April or call 407.347.7996.

RAILROAD MUSEUM EXHIBIT
MAGIC ON THE RAILS: THE TRAINS OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

Journey through time as we look at the history of the trains at the Magic Kingdom. These century-old locomotives pull millions of guests annually on their grand circle tour at Walt Disney World.

Now – August 30 | Free Admission

ARCHIVE DAY AT THE MUSEUM

Visit our Library and Archives and see some of the latest additions to our collection.

Saturday, April 19
10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free Admission

Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559
Tuesday – Friday| 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Free Admission

April is National Safe Digging Month

Call 811 Before You Dig

Spring is notorious for outside DIY projects, and the Florida Public Service Commission wants to remind you to Call 811 at least two full business days before starting any outdoor house project (large or small) that requires digging, This allows Sunshine 811 to notify its member utility companies to mark their lines, pipes, or cables where you plan to dig which can save you time, money, and resources. This is a FREE service.

In Florida, 811 is managed by the Sunshine State One Call Center, available Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. In addition to calling 811, you reach the Center at 1-800-432-4770.

Established in 1993 by the State of Florida, Sunshine 811 is a call center and education resource that provides essential information on safe digging and prevents damages to underground facilities.

To learn more about the 811 service, click here.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, call the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District 24 hour emergency service line at 407.656.2734.

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.

PUBLIC SERVICES:
Collection Field Technician II – Wastewater Collection System Operator (Full-Time): Minimum of two (2) years of experience with wastewater collection systems to include pipeline cleaning and maintenance, pipeline repair and rehabilitation; and an understanding of inflow, infiltration and basic system inspection and testing.  Must have knowledge and experience with pump installation and repair and lift station equipment and maintenance. Possession of a valid Florida Water & Pollution Control Operations Association Wastewater Collection System Operator C Certificate is preferred. Possession of a valid Florida CDL Driver’s License Class B with air brake and tanker endorsements within 90 days. High school diploma or GED certification preferred. Must be available and willing to answer emergency or service calls after normal working hours.

Lift Station Operator (Full-Time): Perform responsible skilled labor including the repair, maintenance, adjustment, inspection and have a knowledge of the mechanical and electrical equipment involving lift stations. Performs a variety of maintenance, construction, repair or location tasks involving lift station, force mains etc. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Field Technician I or related experience. Possession of a valid FWPCOA Class “C” Wastewater Collection Certification. Florida CDL Driver License Class “B” with air brakes and tanker endorsements. Based on FMCSA regulations, applicants for employment and existing employees in positions requiring a CDL are subject to pre-employment, post-employment, and ongoing testing for controlled substances and alcohol as a condition of employment. High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred. Must be available and willing to answer emergency or service calls after normal working hours.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
911 Dispatchers  (Full-time): Experienced or Trainees 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.

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.
   
   

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@swgdn.com
 
Colin Sharman, District 4
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com

CITY MANAGER