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20th ANNUAL ALL AMERICAN KIDS PARADE & BREAKFAST - July 4

Join your community in this down-home tradition that started back in 2004. Don your red, white, and blue and parade through historic downtown by foot, bike, scooter, wagon, etc. Whether you are participant or spectator, wave to family and friends as the patriotic parade strolls by.

The approximately 30-minute All American Kids Parade kicks off promptly at 10:00 am (lineup at 9:45 am) at Winter Garden City Hall and loops around downtown’s Plant Street. No RSVP required, just come join the fun!

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to get a viewing spot along West Plant Street to cheer on the parade participants. Bring a chair to watch in comfort.

Immediately before the Parade, the Masonic Lodge will host a Kids Eat Free Pancake Breakfast, 8:00 am – 9:45 am. Breakfast is available for adults to purchase (while supplies last). In addition, there will be entertainment and fun activities for the kids outside the Lodge, as well as complimentary patriotic decorations to adorn for your
parade stroll, courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

The morning is full of nostalgic fun for all ages! Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 hosts this event, in collaboration with the City of Winter Garden.

Thursday, July 4
Pancake Breakfast (Kids eat free!), 8:00 – 10:00 am
Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay Street
Parade, 10:00 am (Lineup: 9:45 am)
Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street

ROAD CLOSURES

Due to the Parade, West Plant Street from Dillard Street to Park Avenue, as well as adjoining side streets, will be CLOSED on THURSDAY, July 4, from 2:00 am through approximately 12:00 pm.

PARTY IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS DISPLAY - July 4

Celebrate Fourth of July at Party in the Park with spectacular fireworks show and preshow activities to delight all ages.

Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, preshow activities start at 6:00 pm with family-friendly games, kids’ crafts, and live Country and Caribbean style party music performed by popular band, Ranahan.

The sky above Lake Apopka lights up at 9:15 pm with an amazing firework display guaranteed to get lots of "oohing" and "aahing."

Bring a chair or blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy this free annual Winter Garden tradition. No personal fireworks or alcohol is permitted.

Parking is available on North Dillard Street, including Dillard Elementary School, 311 N. Dillard Street. 

Thursday, July 4
Preshow: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Fireworks: 9:15 pm
Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Avenue
Free

RED, WHITE & BLUES ON THE PLAZA – July 5

Extend your holiday celebration for some Red, White & Blues on the Plaza on Friday, July 5. The Grimes Alley Blues Band will sing the blues in a festive, outdoor performance in the heart of downtown from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

Sing along from a nearby swing or outdoor dining patio or bring a chair for a front row seat to enjoy the live music amidst the patriotic decorations adorning historic downtown. A perfect setting to kick back and enjoy the holiday weekend.

Friday, July 5: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Centennial Plaza, Historic Downtown
Free

Downtown Bursting in Patriotic Charm

Historic downtown Winter Garden is adorned in red, white, and blue through Independence Day weekend! Be sure to visit downtown to enjoy the patriotic decorations, paying tribute to America’s holidays while adding nostalgic charm to downtown. A great backdrop for celebrations and photos!

City Names Newest Park after Community Activist -- 

Charlie Mae Wilder Park

On June 15, 2024, the City of Winter Garden revealed the name of its newest public park: Charlie Mae Wilder Park. The park is named after 91-year-old community activist, former City of Winter Garden Commissioner, and longtime resident of Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. 

The park's naming and sign reveal took place at the site of the City's annual Juneteenth Community Celebration, in which Ms. Wilder was in attendance and an integral contributor to the event's planning.

The park is located at 1203 E. Plant Street and features a walking trail, picnic tables, open turf area, and FL-friendly landscape.

Photo (left to right): City of Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, Charlie Mae Wilder, District 4 City Commissioner Colin Sharman, Winter Garden Police Officer James McLeod, District 3 City Commissioner Chloe Johnson, and District 1 City Commissioner Lisa L. Bennett.

Summertime in Winter Garden Exhibit Brightens City Hall

 Juried Selection from City's Artists' Call 

As the weather heats up, stop inside City Hall to cool off, yet still get a taste of Summertime in Winter Garden. Enjoy this juried exhibition of artwork from local artists that responded to the City of Winter Garden Artists’ Call. 

The exhibit features various mediums and illustrates what summer is like in our community. A perfect indoor summer outing, this exhibit will make you crave a cool summertime drink and brighten your day!

July 1 - 31
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Free

HOW TO STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT DOWNTOWN HAPPENINGS

To help residents stay in the know about historic downtown events and news, the City of Winter Garden has a dedicated website and social media accounts to provide official information. 

Official Downtown Winter Garden Website: www.downtownwg.com

The Downtown Winter Garden website, www.downtownwg.com, is an official online guide to historic downtown. You can use as a resource for downtown events, retail, dining, attractions, news, and more. To receive the periodic news blog to your email, “Subscribe” at bottom of home page.

SOCIAL MEDIA: @OfficialDowntownWinterGarden

Be sure to follow @OfficialDowntownWinterGarden on Facebook and Instagram for timely information and announcements about historic downtown including events, things to do, new business openings, and more.

HOW TO SAVE WATER OUTDOORS

Save water and money by following these tips from the St. Johns River Management District:

•    Collect water in a rain barrel to use to water your plants. Rainwater is free and is better for your plants because it doesn’t contain hard minerals. Planter beds or flower gardens and potted plants can easily be irrigated with water from a rain barrel.

•    Pay attention to your hose. Left unattended, a garden hose can pour out 8 – 12 gallons each minute, or hundreds of gallons of water in an hour. Check all hoses, connectors, and spigots regularly to make sure they are in good working order. Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to eliminate leaks. Replace or repair damaged or leaking hoses, nozzles, spigots, and connectors.

•    Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from sidewalks and driveways rather than a hose.  Using a hose to clean a driveway can wastes hundreds of gallons of water.

•    Outfit your hose with a spray nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.

•    Consider using a commercial car wash as most use recycled water.

•    If you install ornamental water features, such as fountains, make sure they are designed to recycle water.

•    If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. 

For more water conservation information, call 407.877.5193.

Citizens Police Academy
Sign Up Now for Next Course

If you are curious about police department operations, you can learn firsthand about crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures at the Winter Garden Citizens Police Academy. This free, nine-week course covers these topics and more during weekly discussions hosted by Winter Garden police offers and staff. Class participants will also be eligible to go on a ride along with an officer!  

Academy Dates:
August 7 – October 2 (make-up date, if needed: October 9)

Wednesdays Only | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street | Free

Eligibility requirements:
*at least 18 years old
*live or work in City of Winter Garden
*no criminal record

Click here for application or visit the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street. Seats fill quickly so submit your application today.

Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud or Officer Timothy Thatford at 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Sign Up for Free Citizens CPR Class – July 20

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 Citizens CPR Class to the community on Saturday July 20, 2024. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 12 participants. Click here for registration page and then click on "Recreation Classes."

Saturday | July 20
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

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.

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue provides this class to the community throughout the year. 

Questions, call 407.877.5175

Christmas in July Toy Drive at City Hall

Drop-off through July 3

Please help us lift the spirits of children at local hospitals by donating new unwrapped toys, games, or books to the CHRISTMAS IN JULY TOY DRIVE. The Toy Drive is hosted by the City of Winter Garden, in conjunction with the Florida Association of City Clerks.

Drop-off Dates: JUNE 3 - JULY 3 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)

Drop-off Location: Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street. (A donation bin is in the lobby of City Hall.)

The donations will benefit Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital and Nemours Children's Hospital as we deliver Christmas in July.

Take a Dip to Cool Off in City's Pools

The two City of Winter Garden public pools are open for summer! Take a dip to cool off, meet new people, and have some family fun!  

City’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget Process Commences

Starting every July, the City formulates its next fiscal year budget. The budget serves as the primary tool in allocating resources to programs and services. 

The City’s annual budget indicates community priorities, projected revenues and costs, as well as long-range planning. Development of the annual budget reflects a strategic plan and considers the needs and priorities of the citizens, business leaders, and employees, while keeping today’s inflationary environment in mind.

Three steps of the budget process:

Development
The first step of the budget preparation process is identifying budget objectives and operating budget requests. The Finance Director and City Manager meet with department directors in the month of July to go over budget requests. The department requests are compiled into a proposed budget. Following these meetings, a proposed budget is drafted.

Review & Approval
The proposed budget is presented to the City Commission for review. Each member of the Commission will review the budget in detail and hosts a public budget workshop and information session for public input at the end of August. The Commission workshop provides a forum for finalizing spending plans, the proposed millage rate, and policy issues before the final budget hearings in September. After community input and review, the City Commission will adopt the budget. Approving of the operating budget is conducted at the annual public budget hearings held in September.

Implementation
Following Commission approval of the final spending plan, the Finance Department staff will prepare the adopted budget for distribution and post an electronic copy on the City’s website. The budget for the upcoming year becomes effective October 1 and the spending plan, as authorized by the Commission, is implemented throughout the fiscal year, ending September 30. For a copy of the current year FY2023/24 budget, please click here.

Summer Fertilizer Use Rules

June 1 - September 30

To help protect our rivers, lakes, and springs from nutrient pollution caused by excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, you may only apply fertilizer with zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus from June 1 to September 30, per Orange County Fertilizer Management Ordinance no. 2022-03.

 Year-round, 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.

Violations of this ordinance are subject to Orange County Chapter 11 code violation penalties, including monetary. For more detailed information, visit www.ocfl.net/FertilizeResponsibly.

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.
Click here to register.

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS DISCOVERY
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 - 3, this four-week mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete and their love of the sport. 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!

2 – 3 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Flag Football | Thursdays, July 11 – August 1
Baseball | Thursdays, August 8 – 29  

$56 City Residents / $60 Nonresident, 1-Sport Rate
$112 City Residents / $120 Nonresidents, 2 Sport Rate
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

BOOT CAMP WITH BRAD

Looking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this biweekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body and the mental well-being that comes with exercise. 

Mondays & Thursdays ¦ 5:30 - 6:20 pm
16 years & older
$16 City Resident / $18 Nonresident, per class
$55 City Resident / $65 Nonresident, per month (8 classes)

GENTLE YOGA

Great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxing meditation.

Tuesdays ¦ 7:15 – 8:15 pm
16 years & older
$9 City Resident / $10 Nonresident, per class
$32 City Resident / $36 Nonresident, per month

KICKBALL – FALL ADULT LEAGUE

The playground game we all remember from grade school has evolved into today's hottest get together sport for adults. Anyone can play from the less experienced to the diehard. This is a great way to stay in shape, meet new people, and have fun! Come out and KICK IT with our Thursday night co-ed league.

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. 

4 – 13 years old (age as of September 1, 2024)
City Resident Registration | Now – July 17
Nonresident Registration | Now – July 17

Registration may close early due to limited availability in each age division.
Practices begin the week of August 19 | Games begin September 7
$110 City Resident / $140 Nonresident
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard

AQUATICS 
All aquatics programs are held at Farnsworth Pool, 1 Surprise Drive.

AQUA BOOT CAMP
Based on speed, power, and strength rather than rhythm and choreography, Aqua Fitness 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! 

Mondays - Thursdays | Now - August 8
12:00 – 12:45 pm | $3 per visit 
16 years & older 

 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 – August 5
6:30 - 7:30 pm |  $3 per visit
16 years & older

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. A great workout while putting minimal stress on the body. 

Tuesdays & Thursdays | Now – August 8
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays | Now - August 10
8:00 – 9:00 am
16 years & older |  $3 per visit 

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT
Join us Wednesday nights for Family Swim! A great way to relax during a busy week, enjoy your children, and have fun in the water. Let your kids show you their latest skills or just splash in the pool together!

Wednesdays | Now – August 7
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Fees | $2 for 12 years & older; $1 for 2 - 11 years old
(Family & Individual Passes permitted)

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 1
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Monday – Thursday ¦ Now – July 25
8:00 – 9:00 am
Saturdays ¦ Now – August 3
8:00 am – 10:00 am
16 years & older
$3 per visit 

YOUTH SWIM LEAGUE
Join the team! Participants will learn about sportsmanship, team camaraderie, endurance, and stroke development while enjoying a fun and healthy environment. Prerequisite: Participants must be able to swim 50 yards without stopping.

6 - 16 years old
Mondays – Thursdays | 11:00 - 11:45 am
July 1 – July 25 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident (no class July 4)

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING
This program helps teens build the knowledge, attitude, and skills that are required to be a responsible future lifeguard. Participants learn skills such as swimming, leadership, rescue response, drowning prevention, professionalism, and teamwork. Give your child the opportunity to train as a lifeguard and prepare for their first summer job!

13 - 15 years old
$130 City Resident / $145 Nonresident

Mondays – Thursdays
July 1 – July 11 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm (no class July 4)
July 15 – July 18 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm

WATER POLO CLINIC
Learn how to pass, catch, dribble, and shoot a water polo ball this summer. This four-week clinic is designed to introduce your child to water polo or give them the extra experience needed to play at the high school level. This is a great introduction to the exciting game of Water Polo!

11 - 13 years old
Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
July 1 – July 24 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident

ARCHIVES DAY AT THE MUSEUM - July 13

Whether you are a train buff or not, you will enjoy exploring the extensive collection of railroad memorabilia during Archives Day at the Central Florida Railroad Museum. Browse the documents, photos, timetables, menus, maps, and ephemera in the museum’s archives. An Archivist will be available to answer questions, and the library will also be open to visitors. Details at cfrhs.org/events.

Saturday, July 13 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission

EXHIBIT

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

This special exhibition 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. Free admission. Details at cfrhs.org/events.

Now – August 3 | Free Admission

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

SUBMIT CRIME TIPS ANONYMOUSLY THROUGH WGPD ELECTRONIC TOOL

Residents can now 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.

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:
Commercial Route Driver: (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 – Public Utilities 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, 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.

Senior Records Specialist: (Full-Time): The Senior Records Specialist is responsible for classifying, indexing, filing, storing, retrieving, and disposing of records and responding to police-related public records requests; and is assisted by the Records Specialist. An associate degree or higher level of education is required, with 2-3 years of prior police records experience. Must have advance knowledge of public records law in a government environment and be able to type at least 40 WPM. Florida Records Management Association certification is required within 2 years of employment. Bilingual skills highly desirable. An equivalent combination of education training and experience may also be considered.