March 2024

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Holiday Office Closure & 

Regular Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule

Friday, March 29

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Friday, March 29, in observation of Good Friday.
• There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Friday, March 29.
  
  

Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.

If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

City Commission 2024 General Election

March 19

The 2024 City General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Election for seats include Commissioner District 2 and Commissioner District 3. (District 4 Commissioner seat is unopposed.) Term of office is four (4) years and is nonpartisan.

View list of candidates
View City of Winter Garden District maps
Find your polling location

For information regarding polling locations, voter registration, early voting, or vote-by-mail (absentee) voting, please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections at 407.836.2070.

Upcoming Events at the Winter Garden Farmers Market

March 9 & 23

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 9

Visit with llamas, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, cows, and bunnies at the onsite petting zoo. This is a fun opportunity for all ages to see farm animals up close and learn about their important contribution on a farm as we celebrate National Farm Day.
 
Puppet Celebration – Saturday, March 23

Sure to capture the hearts of all,  Puppet Celebration, Inc. brings their fantastic puppet show to the Market. Enjoy the show as we observe World Puppetry Day.

Market Hours | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Special Event Hours | 9:00 am – 12:00
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue | Free

Household Hazardous Waste & Electronic Waste Collection Event 

at West Orange High School

March 9

Orange County will host a collection event for Winter Garden and all Orange County residents. This event allows residents to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste safely. This is a free event. No commercial waste is accepted.

Saturday, March 9 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

ST. PADDLE’S DAY WINTER GARDEN COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL FEST

March 14-16

Tournament Registration Deadline: March 8

The City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate 10 years of pickleball by hosting its first FREE recreational Pickleball Tournament and Clinics & Event at Veterans Memorial Park. 

Beginners, intermediate, and advanced players (ages 8+) will compete in the round robin tournament, March 14 – 16. Spectators are welcome! The tournament and event are FREE. Advance registration for tournament participation is required and deadline to register is Friday, March 8. Registrants receive a free event bag, t-shirt, and other surprises.

In addition, there is a Community Clinics & Event on the final day of the tournament: Saturday, March 16, 12:00 – 3:00 pm. Stop by for free pickleball clinics from local instructors and/or inquire about group lessons offered through the Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department.

SCHEDULE:

Youth / Men’s / Women's Doubles | Thursday, March 14
 Mixed Doubles | Friday, March 15 & Saturday, March 16
 First matches begin 8:00 am daily | Ages 8 and up
 End-of-Tournament Celebration | March 16, 12:00 – 3:00 pm
 Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue | Free
 
 For questions, contact the Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department at 407.656.4155,

Evening at the Pops 2024

March 23

Enjoy an outdoor concert while picnicking under the stars on the shore of Lake Apopka at the annual Evening at the Pops.

The live concert features a performance by the talented Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as well as a performance from John Stevens of American Idol.  

Bring a blanket or chair and a picnic basket filled with your favorite delicacies. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from onsite vendors. Presented by Rotary Club of Winter Garden and co-sponsors City of Winter Garden and Orlando Health.

Saturday, March 23 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
(Rain date:   March 24)
Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Avenue 

General Admission: $10 per person (online and at the door)
VIP: $75 per person – includes reserved seating, food & beverages (available online only) Children 8 and under are free

Purchase Tickets Online
Tickets can also be purchased in-person (cash/personal check) at the following locations during normal operating hours:
*Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
*Winter Garden Heritage Visitors Center, 21 E. Plant Street

PARKING & ROAD CLOSURES

Event attendees may utilize nearby Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, 22 W. Division Street, for parking, as well as other marked acceptable parking zones and street parking.

For the safety of the event attendees, Newton Park and roads surrounding the park will be closed for the event. There will be posted road closures surrounding the immediate event area and onsite event parking is not available except for limited handicap and golf cart parking zones. Golf carts may not park in the viewing area or inside the event and must be parked in the Golf Cart Parking Zone. Nearby residents will be notified if they are in one of the closure zones and will be provided with a pass to enable access to their property. Parking is not allowed on or within Trailer City roads, only residents of Trailer City will be allowed to access those areas. 

All road closures and access points will be clearly marked, Staff will be present at all locations to assist with access and questions.

Citizens CPR Class

March 16

The City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free, 90-minute Citizens CPR Class 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. To register, visit https://enroll.wgplay.com and click on “Recreation Classes.”

Saturday | March 16 | 9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (select one session)
Fire Department Headquarters Training Room, 1 East Cypress Street | Free

West Orange Women: Making History, Part 2

Exhibit Debuts at City Hall Today

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation continues to honor the dedicated women who helped establish Winter Garden and West Orange County. Be the first to see this new exhibit that highlights local female educators, professionals, public office and social service providers, and more whose legacy shines today.

March 1 – 28
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street | Free

Biannual Newsletter Is on its Way

Keep an eye out for the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Winter Garden Bulletin – Your Official City News Source arriving soon in your mailbox. This colorful, 36-page biannual publication is a handy guide to help plan your spring and summer and includes information about upcoming community special events, recreation classes, athletic programs, summer aquatics, youth camps, City programs and news, and more! 

Extra copies of the newsletter 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 digital version of the newsletter.

Take Survey to Help Identify Traffic Safety Problems

Deadline: March 31

Your input is needed to help create a Vision Zero Safety Action Plan. Please take the HELP IDENTIFY SAFETY PROBLEMS SURVEY to make the tri-county area transportation system safer.

Deadline to submit survey is MARCH 31, 2024.

Your input will help develop a comprehensive Vision Zero Safety Action Plan for our three-county region (Orange, Osceola, Seminole), as well as additional action plans tailored for each county and city to identify opportunities to change roadway designs, educational needs, and enforcement strategies.

To learn more about Vision Zero Central Florida initiative, click here.

Winter Garden Police Department Announces 

New Anonymous Tips Crime Fighting Tool for Residents

Residents can now 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.

Utility Bill Assistance Available

For Low Income Seniors

Application Deadline: May 1

The City of Winter Garden offers a Utility Bill Assistance Program for Low Income Seniors. Qualified candidates can receive a reduction of up to $35 on their monthly utility bill. Proof of income must be provided to qualify.

Program Qualifications:

• 65 years of age, or
• 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits, and
• CITY resident continuously for the past five years, PRIOR to your application date, and
• Utility bill must be in applicant’s name and billed directly to applicant, and
• Income for ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD MUST NOT EXCEED:

Copies of the following must be submitted with application:

• Current identification, and
• 2024 Social Security Benefit Statement, or
• 2023 Federal Income Tax Return, and
• ALL other proof of income for entire household

Those qualified for the program will see the reduction of up to $35 each month on their utility bill, beginning May 2024.

Only applicants that do NOT qualify will be notified.

Application is available at Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk, 300 W. Plant Street, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or by contacting the City Clerk’s office 407.656.4111 ext. 6327.

APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2024.
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Upcoming City-Hosted Spring Events:

• Spring Fever in the Garden | April 6 & 7
• Arts in April Community Events | Starts April 1
• Shop, Dine & Stroll | May 4

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.

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

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORT DISCOVERY - YOUTH
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 - 4, each mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete & their love of the sport. Together, we explore three sports (basketball, flag 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’ve learned with confidence, have fun with gameplay, and discover sports they love!

2 – 4 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Basketball | Thursdays, March 7 – 28 / June 6 – 27
Flag Football | Thursdays, April 4 – 25 / July 11 – August 1
Baseball | Thursdays, May 2 – 23 / August 8 – 29
$56 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, 1-Sport Rate
$112 City Resident / $120 Nonresident, 2-Sport Rate
$168 City Resident / $180 Nonresident, 3-Sport Rate

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 the 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.

8 – 14 years old | 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Session 1 | Mondays, March 4 – May 13 (no programming March 18)
Session 2 | Mondays, May 20 – July 29 (no programming May 27)
$140 City Resident / $150 Nonresident, 10-week session
Optional purchase | $45 ESports Jersey

AMAZING ATHLETES KARATE ZOO - YOUTH
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!

3 – 6 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Session 1 | Mondays, March 4 – May 13 (no programming March 18) 
Session 2 | May 20 – July 29 (no programming May 27) 
$140 City Resident / $150 Nonresident, 10-week session
Optional purchases | $25 Karate Zoo Jersey / $40 Karate Gi

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.

2 – 4 years old
Wednesdays | April 3 – May 1 | 9:30 – 10:15 am
Saturdays | April 20 – May 18 | 10:15 – 11:00 am
$70 City Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session

BALLET BASICS FOR TEENS & ADULTS
A basic level traditional ballet class for teens and adult with no previous experience or those looking to rediscover ballet after a long break. Class concentrates on proper body mechanics and barre work. 

Teens & Adults | 10:30 – 11:30 am or 5:45 – 6:45 pm
Wednesdays | April 3 – May 1
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 5-week session

BEGINNER TAP DANCE – YOUTH & ADULTS
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. Each session is six weeks.

3 – 6 years old | 3:00 – 3:45 pm
Wednesdays | March 6 – April 17 (no class March 20)
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 6-week session

7 – 10 years old | 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Wednesdays | March 6 – April 17 (no class March 20)
$85 City Resident / $90 Nonresident, per 6-week session

Adults (18 +) | 5:45 – 6:45 pm
Tuesdays | March 5 – April 16 (no class March 19)
$90 City Resident / $95 Nonresident, per 6-week session

GAMES, CARDS & MORE — ACTIVE 50+
Enjoy an afternoon with friends who are playing Mexican Train Dominoes, Hand and Foot, Liverpool Rummy, Euchre, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, and more! Participants may bring a “sealed” snack to share and personal non-alcoholic beverage. 

Second, Third, Fourth, & Fifth Wednesday each month
1:30 – 4:30 pm | Free
March 13 – May 22 | Jessie Brock Community Center
May 29 – July 31 | Tanner Hall

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE 
AARP is offering free tax help to low-to-moderate income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, at the Jessie Brock Community Center. Reserve an appointment at www.tinyurl.com/JBrockWG. (No walk ins available.)

Wednesdays Only | Now – April 10
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | Free

RAILROAD MUSEUM HISTORY SERIES PRESENTATION

The Three Great Henry's Who Built Florida

Seth Bramson, author of Speedway to Sunshine and Historian for the Florida East Coast Railway, will share the story of the three Henry’s who changed Florida forever – Henry Flagler, Henry Plant, and Henry Sanford.

Saturday, March 16 | 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Tickets are $18 per person – click here to purchase
Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559

Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission

RAILROAD MUSEUM EXHIBIT

Dining in Style: The Golden Age of the Railroad Dining Car

Be sure to visit this special exhibition that recalls the days when a sumptuous meal on a train was enjoyed in a stylish setting as small towns and scenic vistas passed your window.

Now – August 3

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

EDUCATION

gardentheatre.org/education

Spring Break Camps & Performing Arts Classes
Garden Theatre’s fun and exciting education offerings continue this spring for both youth and adults of ALL AGES and ABILITIES! Classes will focus on movement, dance, acting, stage combat, and acting through song. SPRING BREAK CAMPS run March 18 – 22, for Grades K – 12.

Support our students by purchasing tickets to the youth production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; performances on March 28 – 30. 

Garden Theatre TreeTop Players Musical Theatre Dance Workshop with Chance2Dance: March 9 at 2:00 pm
Join us for a one-hour specialty workshop intended for theatre performers with varying needs and disabilities to receive inclusive and accommodative performing arts prep, movement skills, and musical theatre technique. Contact education@gardentheatre.org for information.

Reminder from 
Winter Garden
Fire Rescue

• As daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10, remember to set your clocks ahead by one hour AND change your smoke alarm batteries!
• Smoke Alarms save lives (photoelectric alarms are recommended).

To learn about the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Smoke Alarm Program or for fire safety information, call 407.877.5175.

Keep you and your neighbors safe by obeying the speed limit.

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:

EXECUTIVE:
Executive Assistant – City Administration (Full-Time): This position is responsible for the performance of complex and varied office duties in the City Manager’s Office.  Associate Degree and seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience, or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and/or training. A Bachelor’s degree is preferred.  Advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and utilize other specialized software programs.  Ability to accurately type at a speed of 60 words per minute.   Possesses and maintains a valid Florida Driver’s License and acceptable driving record. Skills assessments will be administered for this position.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
Code Enforcement Technician (Full-Time): Entry level position. Training will be provided. Responsible for obtaining compliance with zoning, building, signage, and public nuisance codes of the City of Winter Garden. Investigates complaints, inspects sites, makes reports, takes corrective action to ensure compliance. General knowledge of code enforcement rules and regulations, building codes, and construction is preferred. Bilingual English and Spanish highly desired.  Must have valid Florida driver’s license.

Customer Service Representative – Building Department (Full-Time): The Building Division is seeking a Permit Technician.  The ideal candidate will have experience collecting various forms of payments from customers, enjoys working with the public and providing outstanding customer service, and has computer software and varied administrative and clerical experience.  The Permit Technician will take minutes for board, committee, and other various meetings. Must have scheduling flexibility to attend evening meetings. Previous experience working in a construction office setting, permitting position, or related role preferred. Training will be provided.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Economic Development Downtown Manager  (Full-Time): Responsible for assisting the Economic Development Department in the management, outreach, promotion and implementation of economic development, redevelopment, revitalization, business and downtown programs. Builds relationships with downtown businesses to provide support, serving as the liaison between the business community and the City. A Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience is required. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Experience in business and/or community development is highly desirable.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:
Custodial Worker (Part-Time, 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 works nights, weekends, and holiday shifts as needed. This position requires the ability to pass a FDLE background screening. 

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. 

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, responds 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.

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