City of Winter Garden E-News

sEPTEMBER 2023

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City Hall

Holiday Office Closure & 

NO Solid Waste Collection Services 

for Labor Day

  • All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, September 4.
  • There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services for trash, recycling, yard waste, or bulk items on Monday, September 4. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.

Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.
 
 If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

Register Now for Recycling 101 

Sorting Recycle

Are you still confused about what can be recycled? Are you a wish-cycler, hoping everything you put in the container will be recycled? Do you wonder what those numbers mean on plastics? Find out the answers to those questions and more when the City’s sustainability folks host a Recycling 101 presentation on Friday, November 3, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, at City Hall. 

Join us to learn why certain items should not be placed in the recycling cart and about the challenges faced by municipalities and recycling processors. The class is free, but you must register. Space is limited so sign up early!

Recycling 101
Friday, November 3 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
City Hall, Commission Chambers, 300 W. Plant Street | Free

Register by phone, 407.877.5193 or by email, dcorbus@cwgdn.com.

Golf Cart & Bicycle Registration Days

Golf Carts parked i a row

The Winter Garden Police Department will host golf cart and/or bicycle registration days on September 21 and October 16. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart or bicycle is stolen.

Thursday, September 21 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm 
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.

Art in Public Places

New Exhibit Premieres Today

at City Hall -- ¡Viva El Arte!


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!
September 1 – October 30

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

Friday Nights Are For 

Chillin' Downtown

Musician Playing a Guitar

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

This month’s Fridays on the Plaza musical line-up:

  • September 1 - Dallas Tyler (Country)
  • September 8 - Crenshaw (Folk)
  • September 15 - Amanda & Steve Music (Acoustic, Covers)
  • September 22 - Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)
  • September 29 - Rowdy Jameson Band (Country)

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

Winter Garden Bulletin Cover of the Fall/Winter 2023-24 edition

Resident Newsletter is on its Way

Look for the Fall/Winter 2023-24 issue of Winter Garden Bulletin – Your Official City News Source to arrive in your mailbox any day now. This colorful, 35-page biannual publication is your guide to the City’s upcoming fall, holiday, and winter events. It also serves as a handbook to the City’s classes and programs offered from now through February 2024. 
 
Extra copies of the Winter Garden Bulletin are always available at City Hall (300 W. Plant St.) and Jessie Brock Community Center (310 N. Dillard St.).To read the newsletter now, click here.

Mobile Citizen App.


Mobile Citizen App can also be used for 

Storm-Related Requests


We have already faced Hurricane Idalia and there could be more storms coming with the height of hurricane season upon us.  If you’ve not done so already, now is a great time to download the Mobile Citizen app to have a quick and easy means for making the City aware of non-emergency issues related to a hurricane event. 

During last year’s storm season, the City responded to over 100 service requests reflecting concerns like a fallen tree in the roadway, damaged street signs, damaged light poles, street flooding, traffic signal outage, and downed power lines. With this Mobile Citizen app, in a few easy steps - including taking a photo  - you can quickly alert the City about these storm issues to ensure the safety of all in our community. Just select the “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” service option from the drop-down menu to properly route your specific concern.

Remember as always, for all emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.  

Scan the QR code now to download the free Mobile Citizen app from Apple Store or Google Play.

Mobile Citizen App. QR Code
Slow Down Winter Garden

Schools are back in session, so please pay extra attention to speed limits on City streets.
Thank you for keeping your community safe.

FALL FUN 

with PARKS & RECREATION!

Archery

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.

BEGINNER ARCHERY - YOUTH & ADULTS 
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 1 | September 20 & 21
Session 2 | October 4 & 5
Session 3 | November 1 & 2
6:00 – 6:50 pm
$25 City Resident / $30 Nonresident, per class
$50 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, per 2-class session

MIDDLE SCHOOL RUNNING AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM
Participants will receive training that develops speed, stamina, and an understanding for fast-twitch/slow-twitch muscle fibers. The program will conclude with an in-class versatility contest that will test their abilities in a 100-meter and a 1-mile race. 

Tuesdays | September 5 – 26 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm 
11 – 14 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 1 | September 11 – October 20
Session 2 | October 30 – December 15
Session 3 | January 22 – March 2
5 years and older
Lesson time and fees vary, visit cwgdn.com/Parks & Recreation/Athletics
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

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

Wednesdays | September 13 – October 11
October 18 – November 15 
10:30 – 11:30 am 
Teens & Adults
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 5-week session

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

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.

Wednesdays | September 13 – October 11, October 18 – November 15 | 9:30 – 10:15 am Saturdays | September 9 – October 7 |10:15 – 11:00 am
2 – 4 years old
$70 City Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session

GENEALOGY – DISCOVERING WHO YOU ARE 
Looking for ways to discover clues related to your family’s history? Join June Kelly on her quest to teach you how to interpret and utilize public sources in finding out more about who you are and where you came from. 

Tuesdays | September 26 – November 14 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm 
18 years and older
$40 Resident / $45 Nonresident, per 8-week session 

XTREME HIP HOP WITH TARCIA 
This is a revamp of traditional step aerobics and includes routines set to hip-hop and R&B that provide a great caloric burn. Please note, steps are not provided. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays
6:00 – 7:00 pm
$10 Residents / $12 Nonresidents, per class

Flushable Wipes Can Damage 
Plumbing and Sewage System

Wipes are convenient — they smell fresh and feel nice. However, wipes, even the flushable ones, are not good for plumbing and should never be discarded into a toilet. 

Wipes are made of a type of paper pulp that is held together with non-degradable materials like polyester and polymers (plastics). This is unlike toilet paper, which is designed to breakdown immediately in the toilet bowl to prevent obstruction. Wipes stay intact as they make their way through your home’s plumbing. Eventually, those wipes get stuck in your pipes or the City’s sewage system. Wipes can lead to clogs, backups, blockages, and even flooding. 

Only flush human waste and toilet paper down your toilet. Throw everything else in the trash.

Winter Garden Clock Tower Logo


City is Hiring:
Mechanic, 911 Dispatchers, Landscapers -Parks Workers, CDL 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  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:

FLEET MAINTENANCE:
Mechanic III – Heavy Equipment  (Full-Time): This is highly skilled work in the maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel driven trucks and related heavy equipment. Work is performed on heavy duty trucks, transit buses, tractors, graders, fire trucks, gas compressors, heat exchangers, sanitation hydraulic packer trucks and other related equipment. A.S.E. certified with heavy duty brakes and one other A.S.E. “T” certification required. High School Diploma or G.E.D. and 5 years of experience in automotive and light truck repair or 3 years of experience in heavy truck equipment repair required for position. Must be able to obtain CDL Class B license within 90 days of employment.

PARKS:
Landscaper – Public Services Worker (Full-Time): Needed to perform grounds keeping and landscape maintenance of City parks, grounds, and facilities. Responsibilities include use of equipment to install, care for, and maintain turf, shrubs, trees, ground cover, plant containers, and seasonal plantings. Performs irrigation maintenance as needed. Assists with preparation, set-up and removal of decorations for special events, including holiday events. Performs custodial services at parks and other City owned facilities and buildings. Must have experience with the use of landscape equipment and performing manual labor.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
911 Dispatchers  (Full-time): Experienced or Trainees to coordinate incoming calls for service with Police resources, assess/prioritize calls, dispatch Officers, maintain/monitor Officer responses, conduct/enter inquiries, relay information, and help with lifesaving instructions.  Must have the ability to type proficiently at a minimum speed of thirty (30) words per minute. An online assessment is required. 

SIGN-ON BONUS!
There is a $2,000 sign-on bonus for entry level candidates and up to $5,000 for experienced Dispatchers. 

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.


New Exhibit Premieres

Treasured Wardrobe Collection at Heritage Museum

McMillan's Flying Tigers Jacket
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

Over the years, the people of West Orange County have donated prom dresses, wedding gowns, sports uniforms, military dress, and more to our Archive. In the newest exhibit, the Winter Garden Heritage Museum presents a selection of these treasured clothing items.

Dressing the Part: Selections from the Wardrobe Collection  
September 1 - December 31


Winter Garden Heritage Museum 
1 N. Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244 
Tuesday - Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Free Admission

Railroad Museum to Host 

“Trains in Winter Garden: Now and Then”

1965 ACL Locomotive in front of the Edgewater Hotel

“Trains in Winter Garden: Now and Then” is a slide show presentation that will visit familiar sites around Winter Garden today, and show how the same location looked 50-100 years ago. The presentation includes a commentary on the railroads that served Winter Garden and West Orange County. The September Saturday History Series presentation is hosted by the Central Florida Railway Historical Society

“Trains in Winter Garden: Now and Then” Saturday History Series Presentation
Saturday, September 16 | 1:30 – 2:30 pm | Free Admission, No RSVP Required

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 

Garden Theatre

Garden Theatre

160 W. Plant Street
407.877.4736
gardentheatre.org

The historic Garden Theatre provides entertainment and educational offerings for all ages.
Visit gardentheatre.org for a current list of upcoming live theatre shows, movies, and performances.

LIVE THEATRE

Dreamgirls

Every Brilliant Thing

Presented by Garden Theatre | Produced by Victory Productions 

September 8 - 24 | Matinee and Evening Performances

Written by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe

Purchase Tickets 

Starring the incomparable JOHN O’HURLEY, renowned for his memorable portrayal of J. Peterman in the hit show “Seinfeld,” a first-year finalist on “Dancing with the Stars,” and former host of the beloved game show “Family Feud.”  Every Brilliant Thing is a moving, insightful, and hilarious one-person play leading audiences through a remarkable journey that truly examines what makes life worth living, and the power of theatre to bring people together. O’Hurley draws audience members into the story collaboratively to weave a message of hope by focusing on life’s small joys and our love for others, even in the darkest of times.

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, military, first responders, teachers, seniors, and students. 


Winter Garden Art Association
 SOBO Art Gallery


127 S. Boyd Street
 407.347.7996
wgart.org

Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
 Free Admission

Winter Garden Arts Association
Free Expression Abstract Exhibition

EXHIBITION

“Free Expression” Abstract Exhibition
This exhibit of amazing 2D and 3D abstract art represents free expression, void of a specific theme.

Now – September 30

CALL TO ARTISTS

Visit the “Call to Artists” website page regularly for themes of upcoming exhibitions, and submit online the FIRST through the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS

Click here for more information or to register.

Technique Tuesday 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)

ART FOR KIDS

Details and registration, wgart.org/kids.

Wednesday Art Clubs
Clubs resume on August 23
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. 

JOIN

Individual membership is $35 and a family membership is $50. Click here to become a member, purchase an engraved brick, or donate to the arts.

Save the Date for Next Month's Downtown Events:

      • National Night Out Community Event: Tuesday, October 3
      • Halloween Experience: October 20 – 31

City’s FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 BUDGET HEARINGS
September 14 & 28

Public hearings of the City’s Fiscal Year 2023/24 budget will take place during the City Commission meetings on Thursday, September 14, and on Thursday, September 28. 

The meetings commence at 6:30 pm at Winter Garden City Hall Commission Chambers, 300 W. Plant Street.

Winter Garden Clock Tower Logo


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.

SEPTEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE 
Please see this month’s meeting schedule below, subject to change. All meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street. 
 
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 19, 6:30 pm

City Commission Meeting*
Thursday, September 14, 6:30 pm
Thursday, September 28, 6:30 pm
 
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 5, 6:15 pm 

Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 12, 5:30 pm 

Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 6, 9:30 am (rescheduled from August 30)
Wednesday, September 13, 9:30 am
Wednesday, September 27, 9:30 am
 
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, September 11, 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 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


Jon C. Williams
407.656.4111 ext. 2267
jwilliams@cwgdn.com



Winter Garden Clock Tower Logo

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com


Official Social Media Platforms:

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www.instagram.com/officialdowntownwintergarden

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City of Winter Garden
300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787

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