OctoBER 2023

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IMPORTANT: New Application Process 

Instituted for Building Permits

When applying for a building permit, please note that a new application process is in place. Effective immediately, application submittals requiring Planning & Zoning review must first go through a Planning & Zoning Pre-review process prior to submittal for Code Compliance.

Upon receiving the Planning & Zoning Pre-review approval, applicants must include the approved zoning documents with a building permit application and plans for review.

For questions, please call the Community Development Department at 407.656.4111 ext. 5136

National Night Out Community Event 

in Historic Downtown

Join the Winter Garden Police Department for the National Night Out Against Crime community event in historic downtown. The free annual event includes children’s activities, food, music, raffles, meet and greet with your local police officers, crime prevention tips, and lots of fun!

Tuesday, October 3 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm | Free
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

City Hosts 12-Day

HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE

Halloween is celebrated for 12 days in Winter Garden – not just one! The annual Halloween Experience provides multiple days of FREE family-friendly festivities in Downtown Winter Garden. Daily, Halloween Experience features a hay maze; spooky- and fall-themed photo locations, decorations, and light displays. A Halloween Light Show and street performers will provide entertainment on designated dates. There is also a Halloween celebration at the Farmers Market and an outdoor Spooky Caboose.

Available EVERY DAY

• Hay Maze at City Hall (10:00 am – 9:00 pm)
• Halloween- & Fall-Themed Photo Stations
• Seasonal Decorations & Light Displays

Halloween Light Show & Street Performers

Creepy crawlies, ghosts, ghouls, and other creatures invade the walls of City Hall for an outdoor animated Halloween Light Show synchronized to music on seven nights. In addition, you never know what entertainment surprises are lurking downtown on these evenings.

October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 31 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street

Halloween at the Market

Come out to the Farmers Market for some Halloween fun and enjoy the fresh fall harvest. Free Halloween craft making for kids at Parking Garage Plaza, plus live music It is the best place to get your pumpkins for carving with a large assortment of sizes and shapes. Also a great photo opportunity!

Saturday, October 28 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
(Event Activities | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Downtown Pavilion, 104. S. Lakeview Avenue

Spooky Caboose at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum

Enter the Spooky Caboose – if you dare – stationed outside the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. The spooky-decorated caboose has fun frights for all ages. Free to enter. Donations appreciated.

Tuesday, October 31 | 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main Street

Halloween Spooktacular Preschool Holiday Program

Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, preschoolers are invited to enjoy fall carnival games while dressed in your spookiest costume. Finish the morning off with holiday themed craft and office trick or treating! Welcome to bring a friend or a group!

All preschoolers welcome! Preschool classes are also invited, but first please send email to recinfo@cwgdn.com for participation information.

Friday, October 27 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Ages: 3 – 5 years old | Free
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

City of Winter Garden wins 

Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest

The City of Winter Garden won 1^st place in the Best Tasting Drinking Water in Central Florida contest conducted by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA).

Representing Region III, the blind taste testing competition included the drinking water of 14 Central Florida municipalities. The contest was conducted at the FSAWWA annual luncheon on September 27, 2023.

Next, Winter Garden will move on to the State Level for the next round of the drinking water competition.

Kudos to the City staff in the Public Services and Utilities departments for making sure our residents, businesses, and visitors receive the highest quality and best tasting drinking water every day.

Annual Fire Hydrant Testing

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department will begin conducting fire hydrant flow testing and water line flushing the first week of October. This process will continue 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 of 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.

WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk

Register Early for Discounted Entry Fee

Registration is now open for the WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk. Sign up early for a discounted entry fee, and start strategizing how many donuts you can eat while you run/walk. The fee includes a t-shirt, race medal, and free Krispy Kreme donuts.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 4, to participate in this fun annual event! You will run/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. 

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

Click here for more information and to sign up. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Registration Dates/Entry Fees:
Now – October 28: $40
October 29 – November 2: $45

WPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk | November 4, 8:00 – 11:00 am
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive

Register Now for Recycling 101

Fall School Holiday Camps

The School Holiday Camp is a fun way for school-aged children to spend their days when schools are closed. Campers will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, arts and crafts, sports, and more with friends and a qualified, well trained Winter Garden Parks and Recreation staff. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day.
 
Advance registration required. Questions, call 407.656.4155.
 
Upcoming Fall School Holiday Camps:
School Holiday  |  October 16 
School Holiday  |  October 27
Thanksgiving Break  |  November 20 – 22

7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grades | Kindergarten – 8th grade
Camp Location: Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
$24 City Resident / $30 Nonresident, per day

Golf Cart & Bicycle Registration Day – October 16

The Winter Garden Police Department will host a golf cart and/or bicycle registration day on October 16. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart or bicycle is stolen.

Monday, October 16 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Winter Garden Police Department (back parking lot off Henderson Street), 251 W. Plant Street | Free

Bring golf cart/bicycle and proper form of identification for verification. 

Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416

Friday Nights Are For 

Chillin' Downtown

In case you did not know or have not been in a while, there is live music every Friday night year round from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in historic downtown. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the weekly Friday outdoor concert features a variety of musical genres. 

Grab a nearby swing, bench, or bring your own chair to the Centennial Plaza gazebo to enjoy the music that fills the night air. A great way to kick off your weekend!

Fridays on the Plaza
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Centennial Plaza Gazebo Historic Downtown | Free

Free Women’s Self-Defense

Class for Residents – October 26

The Winter Garden Police Department is hosting a free basic women’s self defense class on Thursday, October 26, 6:00 – 8:30 pm. A police officer certified in using S.A.F.E. self defense techniques will instruct the class. Make it a “ladies night” and learn some self defense!

Thursday, October 26 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Free
 Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room
 Women only, ages 13 and up

To register, contact Officer Gail Michaud: 407-656-3636 ext. 4405, gmichaud@wgpd.com. The class fills quickly so act now.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY DAY ~ October 4

Do you want to lower your energy bills and be more environmentally friendly? These tips, from energyefficiencyday.org, will help you reduce energy waste throughout the year.

1. Make the Switch to LED: They last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
2. Seal Those Leaks: On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. Caulk windows, seal leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and slide draft guards under your doors.
3. Heat and Cool Efficiently: Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty house. Install a programmable thermostat. In cooler weather, set it lower when you are away or asleep and raise temperature when you are returning home or awake. In warm weather, set thermostat to raise temperature when you are away or asleep and lower it at other times.
4. Maintain Your HVAC System: Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty filter will slow down airflow, making the system work harder to keep you cool (or warm) and costing you more money. A semi-annual or yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can be vital to improve efficiency.
5. Look for the ENERGY STAR Label: ENERGY STAR labeled windows, appliances, and HVAC equipment can save you money by cutting your energy use.
6. Turn the Electronics Off: This sounds easy, but we often forget and leave electronics on when not in use.
7. Cool Weather Tip: Invite the Sun in: Open curtains/shades on your west and south facing windows during the day to allow the Sun to heat your home naturally.
8. Warm Weather Tip: During the day, keep your blinds/shades closed to prevent warm air from building up in your home.
9. Clean Your Clothing Efficiently: A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water. Use cold water instead. In addition, run full loads and consider air-drying.
10. Clean Your Dishes Efficiently: Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle on your dishwasher and skip the heated drying. Instead, simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry!

¡Viva El Arte! Exhibit at City Hall

Curated by the Winter Garden Art Association, the ¡Viva El Arte! exhibit features various forms of 2-D and 3-D artistic expressions from Central Florida Hispanic Artists. Visit the gallery in the City Hall lobby to see these colorful and amazing works of art.

¡Viva El Arte!
Now – October 30

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

FALL 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 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, October 2 – November 20
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

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!

Basketball | Thursdays, October 5 – 26
Flag Football | Thursdays, November 2 – 30 (no programming November 23)
Baseball | Thursdays, December 7 – 28 

2 – 4 years old | 5:00 – 5:50 pm 
$100 City Resident / $110 Nonresident, 
1-Sport Rate (4 weeks) 
$176 City Resident / $186 Nonresident,
2-Sport Rate (8 weeks) 
$252 City Resident / $262 Nonresident,
3-Sport Rate (12 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 th 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
October 2 – November 6
November 13 – December 18
January 8 – March 4 (no programming January 15)

5:30 - 6:30 pm | 8 – 14 years old 
$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

BEGINNER TAP DANCE - YOUTH
Students will learn the beginning fundamentals of tap dance with making rhythmic sounds with their feet. Upon completion, students will have a basic understanding of tap dance and rhythm with and without music.

Wednesdays | October 4 – November 8
4:15 – 5:00 pm | 5 – 8 years old
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per session

YOUTH RUNNING AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM
This four-week 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.

Tuesdays | October 3 - 24
6:00 – 6:50 pm | 6 – 12 years old
$100 City Resident / $120 Nonresident

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

Session 2 | October 30 – December 15
Session 3 | January 22 – March 2
5 years and older
Lesson time and fees vary, click here
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

SUPER SOCCER STARS - YOUTH
Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 18 months – 3.5 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. Each session lasts eight weeks.  

Tuesdays | October 3 – November 21
Saturdays | October 7 – December 2
Tuesdays| December 5 – January 23
Saturdays| December 9 – January 27
18 – 24 months old | Weekdays 5:00 – 5:35 pm, Weekends 9:00 – 9:35 am
2 – 3.5 years old | Weekdays 5:50 – 6:30 pm, Weekends 9:50 – 11:30 am 
$176 City Resident / $186 Nonresident, per 8-week session 
Optional purchase at start of program | $30 Super Soccer Stars Jersey

LEGO DAY AT THE RAILROAD MUSEUM 

-- A Frightfully Fun Experience

Stop by the Central Florida Railroad Museum during the Halloween Experience as they host the Greater Florida Lego User Group and their large Lego display loaded with buildings, people, trains, and a Halloween surprise!

A kids' coloring table and sweet treats will be available for the visiting little ghouls.

Saturday, October 21 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Free
Central Florida Railroad Museum 
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559

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. 

Speed limits are designed to protect all – drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

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

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com

Official Social Media Platforms:

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