March 2025

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Evening at the Pops 2025
March 29

The shore of Lake Apopka with twinkling stars above is the perfect setting for an outdoor concert! Join us for Evening at the Pops and enjoy a night of high caliber music alongside family, friends, and neighbors in beautiful Newton Park. The Plant Street Pops Orchestra will entertain guests with a “Dancing through the Decades” fun and nostalgic show.

Besides bringing a chair or blanket, pack a picnic to indulge in during the performance (no outside alcoholic beverages permitted). Refreshments and alcoholic / nonalcoholic beverages will be available onsite for purchase.

This event is presented by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden, with co-sponsorship from the City of Winter Garden.

Saturday, March 29 | 6:30 – 9:00 pm 
(Rain Date:  March 30)
Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Avenue

Tickets:
General Admission: $10 per person (online, in-person in advance, and at the door)
VIP: $85 per person (online only)
Children 8 and under are free
Purchase Online Ticket

General Admission Paper Tickets ($10) may be purchased in advance (cash or check) through March 28 during regular operating hours at:

*Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
*Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center, 21 E. Plant Street

Event Parking and Road / Park Closures Information.

Please note that Newton Park, including the boat ramp, will be closed on March 29 for the event. 

Upcoming Events at the Winter Garden Farmers Market
March 8 & 15

Kids of all ages will enjoy this month's FREE special events at the Winter Garden Farmers Market.

Farm Day at the Market - Saturday, March 8

The farm comes to the Farmers Market! Stop by on March 8 to visit up close with farm animals and learn about their roles on the farm. Located on the Lawn Area adjacent to the Pavilion, the free petting zoo will feature a variety of animals.  

Saturday, March 8
Petting Zoo, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm |  Lawn Area (Free) | Market:  8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

St. Patrick's Day Celebration / Kids' Craft  - Saturday, March 15

Bring the kids to the Farmers Market on March 15 to make a complimentary St. Patrick's Day craft. Look for the kids' tent in front of Parking Garage Plaza. Enjoy the festively decorated market and fun atmosphere for the holiday!

Saturday, March 15
Kids' Craft, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Parking Garage Plaza, 160 S. Boyd St. (Free) 
Market:  8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Free Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Waste 

Collection Event at Apopka High School 

March 29

Orange County will host a free Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Waste Collection Event for all Orange County residents (which includes Winter Garden residents). This event, held at Apopka High School, allows the safe disposal of these items.  

Saturday, March 29 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Collection Site: Apopka High School, 555 Martin Street, Apopka 

WHAT TO BRING:

DO NOT BRING:

• Household electrical items such as toasters and irons 
• Radioactive materials 
• Ammunition 
• Explosives & Fireworks 
• Smoke Detectors 
• Medicines 
• Biomedical Waste

No commercial waste is accepted. For more information, call 407.877.5193.

Spring Break School Holiday Camp 

Your child will have a fun spring break holiday from school with friends doing a variety of activities, arts and crafts, sports, and much more under the direction of the qualified, well-trained Winter Garden Parks and Recreation staff. 

Camp is open to all children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day. 

Camp Dates:

March 14, 17 - 21 
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Age | Kindergarten through 8th grade
$26 City Resident / $32 Nonresident, per day
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

Advance registration required. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

Fire Rescue Offers Free Citizen CPR Class 

March 15

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. Click here to register.

Saturday | March 15 | 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

GOLF CART & BICYCLE REGISTRATION
March 28 

The Winter Garden Police Department is offering a Golf Cart & Bicycle Registration Day on Friday, March 28, for residents to register their golf carts and/or bicycles with the Police Department. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart or bicycle is ever stolen so it can be returned to you if found or recovered. 

Bring golf cart / bicycle and proper form of identification for verification with you to the registration. 

The Winter Garden Police Department also offers a year-round Bicycle Registration Program and Golf Cart Registration Program. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Golf Cart & Bicycle Registration Day
Friday, March 28 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department (back parking lot off Henderson Street), 251 W. Plant Street

Biannual Newsletter Is on Its Way 

The Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Winter Garden Bulletin – Your Official City News Source is on its way to your mailbox, or you may have just received it. This colorful, 36-page biannual publication is a handy guide to help plan your spring and summer. It includes information about upcoming (March - August) community special events, recreation classes, athletic programs, summer aquatics, summer youth camps, City programs and news, and more! 

Extra copies of the Bulletin are available at Winter Garden City Hall (300 W. Plant St.) and Jessie Brock Community Center (310 S. Dillard St.). Click here to view the newsletter.

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 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.

Upcoming City-Hosted Spring Events

• Spring Fever in the Garden | April 5 & 6 
• Earth Day Events | April 18, 22, 26, and May 3
• Shop, Dine & Stroll Raffle MAY-nia | May 3 
• Memorial Day Community Celebration  | May 26

West Orange Women: Making History, Part Three

Exhibit Premieres at City Hall

This exhibit features women, from all walks of life, who have worked to make West Orange County the special place it is for all its residents. Presented by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, be sure to visit to see the amazing women who have made an impact on our community.

March 3 – 31
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm | Free

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.

Click here to register.

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

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORT DISCOVERY - YOUTH
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 explore the sport 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 a sport they love! This program is an indoor program but may move outdoors if weather permits.

Basketball
Age | 2 – 4 years old 
Thursdays | March 6 -27 
5:30 - 6:20 pm
$64 Resident / $70 Nonresident, per 4-week session

BALLET BASICS
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. 

Age | 13 years old – adult
Wednesdays | March 26 – April 23
10:30 – 11:30 am
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 5-week session

CREATIVE MOVEMENT - YOUTH
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.

Age | 2 – 4 years old
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 10:15 am
March 26 – April 23
$70 Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session

EQUINE MEDICAL SCHOOL
Students will adopt and name their plush horse and learn the anatomy and maintenance of a horse. They will also learn basic horse nutrition, riding styles, gaits and role-play, and basic key responsibilities of an equine veterinarian.

Age | 5 – 11 years old
Mondays | March 3 – April 14 (no programming March 17)
6:30 – 7:30 pm | $259, per 6-week session

LITTLE VET DOG SCHOOL
Part 2- Students will role-play the key staff functions performed at a veterinary office and how to keep their “adopted” plush puppy healthy. These future veterinarians will explore digestion, the different parts of the canine eye, animal body language, and how X-rays are used to diagnose and treat common illnesses.

Age | 5 – 11 years old
Tuesdays | March 4 – April 15 (no programming March 18)
6:00 – 7:00 pm
$259, per 6-week course section

KARATE ZOO 
In Karate Zoo, we teach the fundamentals of martial arts to children ages 3 - 6 years 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!

Age | 3 – 6 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Mondays | March 3 – April 28 (no programming March 17)
5:30 – 6:20 pm
$191 City Resident / $201 Nonresident, 8-week session (belt included in fee)
Optional purchases | $30 Karate Zoo Jersey / $40 Karate Gi

MIDDLE SCHOOL RUNNING AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM
Program conditions athletes to be able to compete in a Versatility Contest that will test their abilities in the 100 meter and 1-mile race. Participants will receive training that develops speed, stamina, and an understanding of fast-twitch/slow-twitch muscle fibers. Athletes will get a unique opportunity to develop as a sprinter and distance runner.

Age | 10 – 14 years old
Tuesdays | March 4 – April 1 (no programming March 18)
6:00 – 6:50 pm | $100 City Resident / $120 Nonresident, per 4-week session

SUPER SOCCER STARS
Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 12 months – 4 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, 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. 

Parent & Me (12 months – 2 years old) 
Weekdays 5:00 – 5:40 pm, Weekends 9:00 – 9:40 am

Age | 2– 3 years old 
Weekdays 5:50 – 6:30 pm, Weekends 9:50 – 10:30 am

Age | 3 – 4 years old 
Weekdays 5:00 – 5:40 pm, Weekends 9:00 – 9:40 am

Saturdays | March 1 – May 17 (no programming March 22 & April 19)
Tuesdays, March 4 – May 13 (no programming March 18)
$170 Resident / $180 Nonresident, per 10-week session
Optional purchase | $30 Super Soccer Stars Jersey

TAI CHI & CHI KUNG
Ancient Chinese exercises that emphasize 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. This program promotes meditation for health. 

Age | 16 years and older
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 – 10:00 am
$60 Resident / $65 Nonresident, per month

ACTIVE 50+

Florida Strawberry Festival Day Trip - Plant City, FL
Crafts, booths, rides, vendors, music and your favorite carnival food! Enjoy the famous Florida Strawberry Shortcake! Lunch is Dutch treat. Fee includes transportation and festival admission.

Thursday, March 6 | 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
$25 Resident / $29 Nonresident

I Want to Know
Register and attend to learn more about the topic presented. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish.

March 25 | Probate, Wills, and Estates, Guardianship by Inns of Court Elder Law
Project Committee: Pamela G. Martini, Arti Hirani, Stacey Felter, and Dave Cannella
12:00 – 1:00 pm | Free

Watering Days Change with Daylight Saving Time 

 March 9 - November 2  

Water only when needed and not between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Reminder from Winter Garden Fire Rescue 
Change Smoke Alarm Batteries with Time Change

• When daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9, remember to set your clocks ahead by one hour AND change your smoke alarm batteries. 
• Smoke Alarms save lives (photoelectric alarms are recommended).

Click here to learn more and apply for a complimentary smoke alarm from Winter Garden Fire Rescue. Questions, 407.877.5175 ext. 2020. 

RAILROAD MUSEUM HISTORY SERIES PRESENTATION

The Trains of Walt Disney World - March 15

Take a deep dive into the history of the locomotives that pull the passenger trains of the Walt Disney World Railroad. This presentation looks at the locomotives’ years in Mexico, acquisition by Disney, restoration, and operation in the Magic Kingdom.

Saturday, March 15 | 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Free Admission, but click here to register. 
Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd Street

RAILROAD MUSEUM EXHIBIT:

Magic on the Rails: the Trains of Walt Disney World

Journey through time as we look at the history of the locomotives at Magic Kingdom at our latest exhibit, Magic on the Rails: The Trains of Walt Disney World. These steam locomotives pull millions of guests annually on their grand circle tour at Walt Disney World, but their story starts far away and a century ago. 

Now – August 3

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

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 five (5) years of experience, with a minimum of two (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 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.

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. 
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