June 2023

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Farmers Market 15th Birthday Celebration

The Winter Garden Farmers Market is celebrating its 15th birthday, and you are invited to its party! Visit on Saturday, June 3, for free birthday-related activities such as face painting, kids’ crafts, giant lawn games, and live music.

In addition, the first 120 guests to visit the Information Tent at the entrance of the Pavilion will be gifted the City’s commemorative 120th anniversary tote bag.

A visit to the Winter Garden Farmers Market has become a weekly ritual to many residents since it premiered in June 2008. What started with 20 vendors has grown to 110 booths. It is a convenient option to shop locally and sustainably, while providing a communal meeting place to gather and enjoy the market’s recreational offerings such as live music, lawn games, and monthly special events.

Voted the Best Farmers Market in the state and in the country by the American Farmland Trust, it attracts 4,000+ locals and visitors each week. Its offerings are vast from locally sourced produce, gourmet provisions, baked goods, and delicacies to handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, home décor, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal items, and more.

The market is open every Saturday year-round from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm. Leashed pets are welcome! EBT/SNAP benefits are accepted for eligible items. Follow @WinterGardenFarmersMarket on Facebook and Instagram for announcements and updates.

Be sure to stop by to celebrate this special milestone!

Saturday, June 3 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
15th Birthday Activities | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

City Launches Anti-Speeding Campaign

“Slow Down Winter Garden” is the City’s new public safety message to remind motorists to drive at a safe speed through neighborhoods and city streets. By coming together, citizens can help prevent accidents and save lives within their hometown.

The “Slow Down Winter Garden” campaign is an extension of the City’s recently adopted transportation policy plan that addresses safety, speed management, and traffic calming. Phase one of the plan will include increasing police presence on City roads to monitor speeding, erecting two speed cameras and warning notice systems at select locations, and temporarily installing speed cushions and speed tables on designated roads to monitor their effectiveness.

Please share the “Slow Down Winter Garden” message with all drivers in your household to avoid speeding tickets, and potential property damage and physical harm.

Hurricane season starts today so now is the time to trim and prune trees and dispose of unwanted bulk items. By placing these items curbside now for pick up, they will be disposed of before the threat of an incoming storm.

Curbside items pose a serious threat to human life and all surrounding property during a storm, as they can become flying projectiles. Please note that the CITY DOES NOT HAVE TRUCKS AND CREWS AVAILABLE TO PICK UP CURBSIDE DEBRIS OUTSIDE OF YOUR NORMAL COLLECTION SCHEDULE or when a storm is imminent.

Please set aside time this month to prepare your home for hurricane season. Avoid last minute panic by trimming trees and getting rid of tree debris and bulk items now, long before a hurricane is headed our way.

How to Dispose of Appliances and

Large Electronics

The City of Winter Garden will gladly and free-of-charge dispose of old TVs, appliances, computers, and other large electronics you no longer want; however, you must schedule a pickup. 

Many residents think the bulk truck will get these items on their large item collection day; however, a special appliance/electronics only truck is assigned to remove them. To keep your neighborhood tidy, please schedule a pickup before placing at the curb.

The following appliances/electronics require a phone call to be picked up. Call 407.656.2256 to schedule a pickup or request a pickup via the Mobile Citizen app.

Call First for Collection of

Bikes, Basketball Hoops, and Large Toys

Residents sometimes place bikes, recreational equipment, and toys out for bulk disposal and are disappointed when they are not picked up on collection day. Our waste workers do not know if those items are trash, or if they were mistakenly left at the curb. For that reason, residents must schedule collection of bikes, basketball hoops, large motorized children’s vehicles, and large toys.

To schedule a pickup, call 407.656.2256.

Fertilizer Use Rules to Protect 

Our Waterways

Effective June 1 – September 30

From June 1 – September 30, you may only apply fertilizer with zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus. This ordinance was enacted to help protect our rivers, lakes, and springs from nutrient pollution caused by excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers.

Remember the following when fertilizing:

* All areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance.

* Deflector shields must be in place when using broadcast spreaders next to streets, inlets, ditches, conveyances, and waterways.

* No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on streets, driveways, or in storm drains.

* No fertilizer can be applied within 25 feet from waterways.

* Application sites should maintain a 10-foot low maintenance zone — planted area with no fertilizing, mowing, or maintenance – adjacent to water bodies.

* No fertilizer shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm, or hurricane.

For more detailed information, visit www.ocfl.net/FertilizeResponsibly

We’ve Got Mail Exhibit Premieres at City Hall

Stop in City Hall this month to see the new exhibit, WE’VE GOT MAIL: A Postal History of West Orange County. The exhibit highlights the post offices that served as lifelines to a pioneer population living hundreds of even thousands of miles from major cities. Included are letters and announcements heralding births, weddings, and the beginning of World War II in the United States. 

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation curated this interesting exhibit showing how the world communicated prior to modern day technology.

June 1 - 29
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
 
Arts in Public Places Gallery in City Hall,
300 W. Plant Street

Winter Garden is Red, White and Blue Americana

Downtown is decorated red, white and blue so come out to stroll, shop, and dine with the backdrop of American nostalgia. Perfect for summer holiday photos!

Mark your calendars for the City’s FREE Community 4^th of July Festivities:

Farmers Market Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 1: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

All American Kids Parade & Pancake Breakfast
Tuesday, July 4
Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 – 9:30 am (Kids east free, nominal donation for adults)
Parade Kickoff: 10:00 am (Line up at 9:45 am)
Winter Garden Masonic Lodge no. 165, 230 W. Bay Street

Party in the Park Fireworks Display
Tuesday, July 4
Festivities (live music, games, crafts, vendors) start at 6:00 pm
Fireworks Display, 9:15 pm
Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Avenue

Independence Day Office Closure and NO Solid Waste Collection Services
 for Tuesday, July 4

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services for trash, recycling, yard waste, nor bulk items on Tuesday, July 4. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.

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.

Aquatics Programs are held at Farnsworth Pool, 1 Surprise Drive.

Click here to register.

YOUTH SOCCER – FALL LEAGUE
Cheer on your child while they have a great time with friends! This recreational program emphasizes an environment that is fun for all ages. We focus on each child through positive coaching, teamwork, sportsmanship, skill development, and more! Fee includes an eight-week season, an end of season award, and a team jersey.

We want you! Head Coaches pay only $10 for one child’s registration. Paid officials are also needed.

City Resident Registration | June 12– July 28
Nonresident Registration | June 26– July 28
$110 City Resident / $130 Nonresident
Registration may close early due to limited availability in each age division.

Practices begin the week of August 21 | Games begin September 9
3 – 13 years old (age as of September 1, 2023)
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard

AQUA BOOT CAMP
Based on speed, power, and strength rather than rhythm and choreography, Aqua Fitnes Boot Camp incorporates pyramid training, kickboxing drills, interval training, power drills, speed bursts, and strength exercises. While this class requires no coordination, it does demand a lot of stamina and is great for participants who need a new challenge and prefer intense, athletic workouts. This class will push you to your limits!

Monday – Thursday | Now - August 3
12 – 12:45 pm
16 years & older | $3 per visit

AQUA ZUMBA
Activate your urge for variety! Aqua Zumba offers fun, shallow-water movement to improve agility and flexibility while addressing cardiovascular, strength, and endurance conditioning. This 60-minute class combines some of the traditional elements of aqua fitness with the upbeat, Latin-infused dance moves. You don’t want to miss this pool party!

Mondays | Now – July 31
6:30 - 7:30 pm
16 years & older | $3 per visit

AQUA FITNESS
A stress-free exercise that works the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and major muscle groups in one workout. Water surrounds the body resisting every move, and muscle workouts are balanced at your own level. Aqua fitness provides a great workout while putting minimal stress on the body.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | Now – August 3
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays | Now - August 5
8:00 – 9:00 am
16 years & older | $3 per visit

LAP SWIMMING
The outdoor lap swim program gives adults the chance to take to the water for health and fitness without interruption from other swimmers. Participants who swim 25 miles or more over the summer will receive a free Aqua Exercise Flex Pass for the following summer.

Monday – Thursday | Now - August 3
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Monday – Thursday | June 5 – July 27
8:00 – 9:00 am
Saturdays | Now – August 5
8:00 am – 10:00 am
16 years & older | $3 per visit

RED CROSS LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM
The Learn to Swim Program is designed to teach children, teens, and adults to swim in a positive, fun, and safe environment. Lessons emphasize skill progression, water safety awareness, and endurance. To fit your schedule, we offer morning and evening sessions. Each morning session offers eight classes and each evening session offers four classes. Please visit the aquatics webpage at cwgdn.com for more detailed information.

Beginning June 5 | Fee varies based on session 
One-week and two-week long sessions are offered.

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
One-on-one swim instruction is perfect for those who need more instructor attention. Private lessons are available for all ages and swimming levels. Each session includes four, 30-minute classes. Space is extremely limited, advance registration required.

Monday – Thursday | Now – July 28 
Morning and Evening times available
$140 City Resident; / $160 Nonresident

JAZZERCISE
Jazzercise is the original dance party workout. Blending dance with Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and strength training, one 55-minute session can burn up to 800 calories. The results? Long, lean muscles and an undeniable mood boost.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturdays | 8:30 – 9:30 am
16 years and older
$15 Resident / $20 Nonresident, per class
$59 City Resident / $64 Nonresident, per month

Time to Make a Splash

City Pools are Open

The City’s two public pools are open for the summer season!

Stay fit and healthy with a range of aquatics classes, enroll in swim lessons or the lap swim program, or just take a dip to cool down. Please see chart below for the pools’ operating hours and additional information. 

City Hiring for Summer Water-Related Jobs

The City’s Parks & Recreation Dept. is now hiring for summer water-related jobs such as Lifeguards, Pool Managers, Water Aerobics Instructors, and Water Safety Instructors.

Lifeguard applicants must be at least 15 years old, and must be able to complete a Lifeguard course pre-test prior to receiving training. American Red Cross training is provided at no cost for all eligible participants.

A great way to have fun while earning money and learning important life skills!

Job Flyer

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:

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:
Custodial Worker  (Full-Time and Part-Time, Temporary and Regular): This position performs routine and specialized housekeeping and cleaning of City-owned facilities including but not limited to: offices, conference rooms, kitchens, restrooms, common areas, entryways, and other areas and facilities as assigned. A minimum of two years of experience performing custodial/housekeeping tasks required. Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holiday shifts as needed. This position requires the ability to pass a FDLE background screening. 

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 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.

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

Voice Your Opinion through City Survey

Please Complete if Received 

The City is mailing surveys to random-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 quickly and offer your voice to make Winter Garden an even better place to live, work, and play. Surveys may be submitted by mail or online option.  

The National Community Survey™ (The NCS) survey is conducted every two years 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 City’s overall direction. In fact, over the last 12+ years, resident feedback has affected improvements in nearly every aspect of City operations. 

SUMMER CAMPS

The Garden Theatre is excited to welcome students for our fun and creative Summer Camps! Each engaging camp is taught by local, experienced theatre professionals, and is tailored to fit the needs of each grade and skill level.

Students entering grades 3-12 will have a blast singing, dancing, and acting their way through summer.

For camp descriptions and to register, click here.

Railroad Historian & Author Presentation

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com

Official Social Media Platforms:

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