Hurricane Ian Recovery Information
As the City continues recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, please monitor the city website for evolving updates concerning solid waste collection services, reopenings, closures, etc.
City Hall is open for regular business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 (Utility Dept. 7:30 am – 5:30 pm). The majority of the public parks and athletic fields have reopened.
Solid Waste Collection Schedule
Regular Trash/Recycling/Bulk Collection Schedule resumes on Monday, October 3.
Yard Waste removal commences on or around Monday, October 3. Every effort will be made to maintain a regular yard waste collection schedule; however, the schedule may vary due to the excessive amount of debris.
Recovery Resources
City of Winter Garden Service Work Request to submit non-emergency hurricane-related issues through City website. (Select “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” option.)
Download Mobile Citizen App to submit non-emergency hurricane-related issues through the app. (Select “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” option.)
Florida Division of Emergency Management
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Orange County Government Emergency Information
National Night Out
Community Event
Join the Winter Garden Police Department for the National Night Out Against Crime. Free food, children’s activities, meet and greet with your local police officers, demonstrations, crime prevention tips, and fun!
Tuesday, October 4 | 6:00 -9:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S Lakeview Avenue | Free
Visit the Downtown Halloween Experience
Halloween is celebrated for 11 days – not just one — in Winter Garden! The City’s Halloween Experience extravaganza provides family-friendly festivities in Downtown Winter Garden, including seven nights of an outdoor animated Halloween Light Show on City Hall; a hay maze; themed photo locations; decorations and light displays throughout downtown; a Spooky Caboose; a Halloween Celebration at the Farmers Market; a Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll; and more!
Schedule of Events
Halloween Light Show
A Halloween animated light show synchronized to music projected onto the front façade of City Hall. In addition, you never know what entertainment surprises are lurking downtown on these evenings.
October 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm
City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Halloween at Winter Garden Farmers Market
Come out to the Farmers Market for some Halloween fun and the fresh fall harvest. Free Halloween craft making at the KidZone tent (next to the Parking Garage), live music, and family-friendly games on the lawn. A great place to get your pumpkins for carving with a large assortment of sizes and shapes. Makes a great photo opportunity as well!
Saturdays | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday, October 29 | Halloween at the Market
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
Spooky Caboose at the History Center
Enter the Spooky Caboose – if you dare – stationed outside the Winter Garden History Center. The spooky-decorated caboose has fun frights for all ages. Free to enter / donations appreciated.
Monday, October 31 | 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Winter Garden History, Education, and Visitors’ Center
21 E. Plant Street
Halloween Movie Series at the Garden Theatre
Saturday, October 29 - Hotel Transylvania, (2012, PG) 3:00 pm
Saturday, October 29 - Psycho, (1960, R) 7:30 pm
Sunday, October 30, Hocus Pocus, (1993, PG) 2:00 pm
Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant Street
Available All-Day, Every Day
- Hay Maze at City Hall
- Themed Photo Stations
- Seasonal Decorations & Light Displays
Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll
Stroll and shop the outdoor sidewalk sale surrounded by Halloween Experience ambiance. Stores will feature special sales, promotions, and seasonal merchandise so be sure to pop inside as well. Dine at the outdoor patios to enjoy the fall weather and festive décor.
Saturday, October 22 | Daylong
Historic Downtown
Take a Guided Tour of Lake Apopka Art Exhibit
at City Hall on October 13
A complimentary guided tour of the latest art exhibit at City Hall, The Lake: A Documentary Exploring the Land and People of Lake Apopka, will be presented on Thursday, October 13, at 5:30 pm. Peter Schreyer, Project Director and CEO/Executive Director of Crealdé School of Art, will lead the tour. A reception will immediately follow the tour. No reservation is required.
The exhibit is a culmination of work by documentary photographers and plein air painters who captured the culture and landscape of Lake Apopka. It explores the relationship between the lake and the diverse people who call the shore of Florida’s second largest lake their home and place of work. Discover how the lake changed from the early 1900s to the current era. The Crealdé School of Art, in partnership with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, host the exhibit.
Tour | Thursday, October 13, 5:30 pm
Exhibit | Now – October 31 | Monday – Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall | Free | 300 W. Plant Street
Local Artists’ Call for Holidays in Winter Garden Exhibit
Deadline Extended To October 17
The City of Winter Garden announces Holidays in Winter Garden as the theme of its Arts in Public Places exhibit featuring local artists. Artists are invited to submit art of all mediums that relate to Winter Garden and holidays that occur in November and December. A total of 20 - 25 pieces of art will be chosen. The exhibit will be on display November 1 - December 30 in the Art in Public Places Gallery located in the lobby of Winter Garden City Hall.
To enter, submit original artwork and application no later than Monday, October, 17, 2022, to the reception desk of Winter Garden City Hall during operating hours. The application is available at City Hall or by request. For more information, call 407.656.4111 ext. 5193 or send email to dcorbus@cwgdn.com.
Golf Cart/Bicycle Registration Day
On October 7, the Winter Garden Police Department will host a designated day for residents to register golf carts and/or bicycles. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart or bicycle is stolen.
Bring your golf cart and/or bicycle and proper form of identification for verification. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.
Monday, October 7 | 2:30 – 4:30 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department (back parking lot), 251 W. Plant Street
National Prescription
Drug Take Back Day
October 29
The Winter Garden Police Department is participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Bring your unused or expired medication for safe disposal to the drop-off site at the Winter Garden Police Department parking lot.
Saturday, October 29, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department (parking lot), 251 W. Plant Street
For questions, call the Community Liaison Unit at 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.
HOLIDAY GIFTS for Kids Program:
Registration Opens this Month
Presented by Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL)
The Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL) annually conducts a Holiday Gifts for Kids program to provide presents to Winter Garden youth (newborn – 12 years old) in need.
Registration dates: October 24 – December 5
To register, pick up and return an application at one of the following locations or hand it to a police officer on patrol.
Winter Garden Police Department – 251 W. Plant Street
City Hall – 300 W. Plant Street
Maxey Center – 830 Klondike Street
Mildred Dixon Activity Center – 303 S.W. Crown Pointe Road
Jessie Brock Community Center – 310 N. Dillard Street
When registering, ALL of the following documents are required and must be verified:
- Birth certificate or court/custody paperwork (only parent or legal guardian can register a child)
- Current water or utility bill for the Winter Garden address they reside
- Proof of government assistance (WIC, food stamps, etc.)
- Some type of identification (driver’s license, ID card, passport, etc.)
- Child must be age 12 or younger
Note: You are not registered for the program until you have been contacted by the Community Liaison Unit and given a HGFK ticket with a scheduled pick-up date and time.
Register for WGPAL
Donut Dash 5K
Registration is open for the 2022 Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk hosted by WGPAL. The annual event will be held on Saturday, November 5, 8:00 – 11:00 am, in historic Winter Garden. Run or walk – and eat donuts – through the timeless neighborhoods as you start/finish at Lake Apopka.
Registration fee is $35 and includes a t-shirt, race medal, and free Krispy Kreme donuts. Kids (5-12 years old) race free in a mini-donut fun run with every adult entry. There is also a virtual participation option ($30). Fee increases after October 29 so sign up now.
Prizes will be awarded for 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 (WGPAL) in providing programs to underprivileged and at-risk kids in your community.
For more information and to register, click here. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.
WGPAL Donut Dash 5K
November 5 | 8:00 – 11:00 am
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive
Lego Day at the Railroad Museum
Join us as we host the Greater Florida Lego User Group to see their large Lego display, loaded with buildings, people, and working trains!
Saturday, October 8 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Free
Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559
Open Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission
Live Music Every Friday
Catch live music every Friday night from 7:00-9:00 pm in the center of Downtown at Centennial Plaza.
This month’s Fridays on the Plaza musical line-up:
- October 7 - Mountain Brew (Bluegrass, Country)
- October 14 - Crenshaw (Folk)
- October 21 - Garden Music School
- October 28 - Retro Ramblers (Oldies)
FALL 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.
Programs are held at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise. Click here to register.
ATHLETIC PROGRAMS
Registrations may close early due to limited availability.
Youth Running and Conditioning Program
This 4-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.
6 – 12 years old
Tuesdays | October 4 – 25 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm
$100 City Resident / $120 Nonresident
Youth & Adult Tennis Lessons
Highly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advance registration required.
Session 2 | October 31 – December 16
Session 3 | January 23 – March 3
5 years and older
Lesson time and fee varies – visit cwgdn.com/Parks & Recreation/Athletics
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road
HEALTH & WELLNESS CLASSES
Boot Camp with Brad
Looking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body and the mental wellbeing that comes with exercise.
Mondays and Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
16 years and older
$16 City Residents / $18 Nonresidents, per class
$55 City Residents / $65 Nonresidents, per month (8 classes)
(8 classes)
Systema
This Russian Martial Art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience, and working with others. Winter Garden is the only place in Central Florida to practice this art used by Russian Special Forces!
Mondays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
18 years and older
$15 per class
$45 City Resident / $55 Nonresident, per 4-week session
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Archery
This is a course for youth and adults in barebow category archery (without sighting devices). All equipment is provided. Class welcomes beginner and advanced archers and provides a variety of skill development training and fun archery games.
Session 2: October 12 & 13 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm
Session 3: November 9 & 10 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm
$50 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, per session
Creative Movement
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.
Wednesdays | October 19 – November 16 | 10:00 – 10:45 am
Saturdays | October 15 – November 12 |10:15 – 11:00 am
2 – 4 years old
$70 City Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session
ACTIVE 50+ PROGRAMS
Participants may bring a “sealed” snack to share and personal non-alcoholic beverage.
Bunco
A fun and entertaining dice game for all to play! No skill required!
First Wednesday and Fourth Monday of each month | 1:30 – 4:00 pm
$3 per person
Games, Cards & More
Enjoy an afternoon with friends who are playing Mexican Train Dominoes, Hand and Foot, Liverpool Rummy, Euchre, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, Corn Hole, and more!
Second, Third, Fourth, & Fifth Wednesday each month
1:30 – 4:30 pm | Free
Heritage Museum
West Orange Women Exhibit
Visit the Winter Garden Heritage Museum to view its current exhibit that celebrates the women who helped establish Winter Garden and West Orange County – from the days when pioneer families cultivated the land to the politicians and community leaders of today. The exhibit’s images and artifacts tell the stories of the women who devoted their lives to family and community.
Now – November 30
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
1 N. Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Free Admission
Winter Garden Art Association
SOBO Art Gallery
127 S. Boyd Street
407.347.7996
wgart.org
Tuesdays – Saturdays | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Free Admission
Exhibition
Good, Bad & the Ugly
The exhibition features 2D & 3D artwork representative of “good,” “bad,” and “ugly.”
October 4 – November 19
Opening Reception | October 6, 5:30 – 8:00 pm - Public Invited
Call To Artists
Would you like to see your art on display at SOBO Art Gallery? Click here to view upcoming exhibit themes and submit online between the FIRST through the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.
Workshops For Adults
Click here for more information or to register.
Artist Orit Reuben: Creating Pastel Studio Paintings from Photograph
Learn how to use soft pastels and the steps to create a studio painting from a photograph. We will cover materials, values, temperature, edges, and more.
October 15 - 16 | Fee Required
Artist Nicora: The Fine Art of Mixed Media
The Art study is the attempt to perceive and create fine relations of line, mass, and color. This class technique session will begin training through appreciation and observation, and color harmonies will be worked out through the medium of pastel paints.
November 4 - 5 | Fee Required
Master Class: Henry Yan
This workshop will help students to make competent portrait drawings. Step-by-step demonstrations will help students to understand the structure of the face in terms of shape, planes change, anatomy, and value by using lines and value rendering.
Class by invite only.
Technique Tuesdays at 2PM
A weekly “CREATE” event and learning opportunity at SOBO Gallery that allows people of ALL SKILL LEVELS in our community to learn, grow, and be inspired through the talents of other artists.
Click here for theme schedule.
Tuesdays | 2:00 – 4:00 pm | Studio Room
Open to all | Free to members & first time visitors
Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing
A model is available to draw every Wednesday night.
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
18 years and older only | $10 member; $15 nonmember (collected at sign in)
Open Studio Saturdays/Front Patio Live for Members
Saturdays at SOBO is OPEN STUDIO day for MEMBERS ONLY. Bring your own supplies and enjoy creating in our studio room -- or on our outdoor front patio with the Farmers Market (open through 1:00 pm) just steps away. Must bring your own drop cloth (and shading if necessary) when painting outside.
Click here to reserve your space.
Saturdays | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Members Only | Free
Art For Kids
Click here for details and registration.
Wednesday Art Clubs
2nd grade - 5th grade | 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Middle and High School | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
$15 each session, includes all materials
Volunteer
Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays. Sign-up at wgart.org/volunteer.
Join
Individual membership is $35 and a family membership is $50. Click here to become a member or donate to the arts.
Mobile Citizen App can be used for Hurricane Ian-Related Requests
Download the App Today
The Mobile Citizen app can be a vital tool to help you communicate with the City for non-emergency Hurricane Ian requests. For example, if you see a broken sign, a pothole, leaky hydrant, etc., select the “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” service option on the app to route your concern properly. For all emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
The app is a convenient tool year round to address the service needs in your neighborhood and community such as a broken streetlight, a cracked sidewalk, an annoying pothole, a damaged street sign, or a missed trash pickup. In a few clicks, you are a step away from a response.
Scan the QR code to download the free Mobile Citizen app from Apple Store or Google Play to your personal device before faced with any hurricanes or storm disasters.
City is Hiring:
Receptionist for City Hall, Permit Technician, 911 Dispatchers, Parks Workers, Solid Waste Drivers, & Utilities Positions – TRAINEES & EXPERIENCED
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 a 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:
PUBLIC SAFETY:
- 911 Dispatchers(Full-time & As-Needed positions):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. Full-timenew hires are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus!
PARKS:
- Parks Workers(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 & 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.
- Receptionist (Full-time): The City of Winter Garden is seeking a Receptionist for the information desk to be the “face of the City.”. The receptionist will greet citizens and guests via the phone and in person. The ideal candidate is outgoing, friendly, and approaches all tasks with customer service excellence in mind. The receptionist performs administrative and clerical duties. Previous experience working in an office setting is preferred. Scheduling flexibility is required for evening meetings, as needed.
- Permit Technician (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.
Pet Waste:
Scoop It Up To Help Our Waterways
When your dog leaves a “calling card” on the ground, it will find its way into storm drains, ditches, and our waterways. Your pup’s waste affects marine life, seafood; and, yes, even people swimming in those waters. Dog waste contains parasites and leads to bacteria formation. Rain and other water moves pet waste, and its bacteria, from your yard to shared waters. That is why we encourage you to pick up your pet’s waste, whether it is in a public space or your own yard.
For more information call, 407.877.5193.
Participate in Your City
There are many different ways you can participate in your City government. Here are some options for you to consider:
VOLUNTEER
The City of Winter Garden has a number of advisory boards and committees that welcome your participation. Most have monthly meetings and require only a few hours of volunteer time per month. For those interested in serving, please complete the Board Interest Form.
To find out more, contact the City Clerk’s office at 407.656.4111, ext. 2297, or stop by City Hall at 300 W. Plant Street.
JOIN A CLASS OR LEAGUE
Sign up for one of the many classes or leagues offered by the City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department.
ATTEND A MEETING
Open to the public, attend a City meeting to find out firsthand what is happening in your community.
OCTOBER MEETING SCHEDULE
The City has resumed in-person meetings. All meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street.
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 pm
City Commission Meeting
Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 pm (Rescheduled Final Budget Hearing & City Commission Meeting due to Hurricane Ian)
Thursday, October 13, 6:30 pm
Thursday, October 27, 6:30 pm
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 6:15 pm
Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, October 5, 11:00 am
Wednesday, October 12, 9:30 am
Wednesday, October 26, 9:30 am
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, October 3, 6:30 pm
Visit the City of Winter Garden calendar for meeting updates, as well as to find out about additional meetings and events.
- City Commission Meeting recordings are available the next business day following the meeting, Click here to listen.
City Government Serving You
Mayor/Commissioner
John Rees, District 5 – City Wide
407.656.7372
jrees@cwgdn.com
Commissioners
Lisa Bennett, District 1
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 , Mayor Pro-Tem
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com
City Manager
Jon C. Williams
407.656.4111 ext. 2267
jwilliams@cwgdn.com
