decemBER 2023

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Holiday Office Closures & 

NO Solid Waste Collection Services

December 25 & January 1

Monday, December 25, 2023 (Christmas Day)

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, December 25.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items) on Monday, December 25. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
• There will be a RECYCLING ONLY Makeup Day on Saturday, December 30. 
  
  

Monday, January 1, 2024 (New Year’s Day)

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 1.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items) on Monday, January 1. Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
• There will be a RECYCLING ONLY Makeup Day on Saturday, January 6.

Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.

If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN

Winter Garden Fire Rescue Annual SANTA RUN

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Annual SANTA RUN brings Santa and his sleigh full of elves (firefighters, police, City staff) through neighborhoods located within City limits. The fast-moving parade spreads holiday music, treats, and good cheer along the way!

Santa Run Schedule, 5:45 - 9:00 pm:

• Monday, December 11 - North West Winter Garden
• Tuesday, December 12 - North East Winter Garden
• Wednesday, December 13 - South Winter Garden: CR 545 Corridor (West Side)
• Thursday, December 14 - South Winter Garden: CR 545 Corridor (East Side)
• Friday, December 15 - South Winter Garden: CR 535 / Daniel’s Road Corridor
• Saturday, December 16 - South Winter Garden: Beulah / Windermere Road Corridor

An alternate date is scheduled for December 18 if weather interrupts one of Santa’s visits. 

Please check Santa’s nightly route maps by clicking on links above for the estimated time of Santa’s arrival and to find a nearby viewing location. Due to significant community growth, not all neighborhoods/streets can be accommodated.

Due to safety concerns, please refrain from parking on the street during your neighborhood’s Santa Run. Street parking, especially parking on both sides of street, may prohibit the parade from going down a street.

Light Up Winter Garden – December 1

The City of Winter Garden presents the 36^th annual Light Up Winter Garden, a free community event to welcome the holiday season! In addition to the lighting of historic downtown, the event includes holiday entertainment and activities for all ages, including snow mounds and sledding!

Light Up Winter Garden kicks off 38 days (December 1 – January 7) of Tis the Season events in the Holiday Wonderland of historic downtown.

Friday, December 1
6:00 – 9:00 pm (Lighting, 6:15 pm)
300 W. Plant Street/Downtown Winter Garden | Free

Thank you to our sponsor, Duke Energy.

Winter Garden Christmas Parade – December 2

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite viewing spot for this annual event. The Winter Garden Christmas Parade is a long-standing Winter Garden holiday tradition that delights spectators and brings in holiday cheer! The parade kicks off on Dillard Street at the Palmetto Street intersection and proceeds north then heads west on Plant Street and concludes at Park Avenue. Don't forget to look for the Big Guy himself at the end of the parade! Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Christmas Parade is a free community event.

Saturday, December 2
Kickoff at 10:00 am
South Dillard Street & West Plant Street, Downtown Winter Garden | Free

Holiday Market Downtown – December 2 

Experience a traditional outdoor Holiday Market right in historic downtown Winter Garden with festive shopping and merry entertainment for all ages. Wander freely from booth-to-booth through the pedestrian-only streets to shop for everything and anything holiday -- from décor, ornaments, cookies, cakes, breads, chocolates, to plants, arts and crafts, pet items, jewelry, apparel, and accessories. Of course, there will be a plethora of unique gifts for sale as well as holiday sweets and treats – and gingerbread galore.

Free live holiday entertainment (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.) will add to the festivities as Dickens Carolers stroll through the market to serenade shoppers. In addition, a caricature artist will hand draw caricatures, with a holiday twist, for attendees to take home. Plus, children will enjoy an outdoor story time of holiday classics.

Saturday, December 2   
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown | Free Admission

Winter Garden 

Christmas Golf Cart Parade – December 2

The 11th annual Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade is an amazing sight of elaborately decorated golf carts making their way through historic downtown to spread holiday cheer. Bring a chair or blanket, grab a viewing spot along West Plant Street, and be ready to be amazed. Following the Parade, the golf cart entries will park throughout downtown for bystanders to get a closer look at the holiday-themed masterpieces.
   
The West Orange Junior Service League and the City of Winter Garden host the event.
  
Saturday, December 2 | Kickoff at 6:00 pm 
Historic Downtown | Free

De-light-ful Decorations Contest for Residents

Entry Deadline is December 8

Drag out the lights, hang the garland, put out your holiday yard decorations, and enter your residence in the City of Winter Garden De-light-ful Decorations Contest! Festive presentations of outdoor decorations could win prizes up to $100 – plus bragging rights!

Judging will take place on Tuesday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 13, starting at 5:30 pm. The contest is free to enter, and all residences must be within the City limits of Winter Garden.

Click here to enter contest. Deadline to enter is Friday, December 8, 2023. Questions, call Parks & Recreation at 407.656.4155. 

A Merry Winter Garden Light Show

This animated holiday light show has become an annual tradition to so many households. Do not miss this spectacular show synchronized to music projected onto the front façade of Winter Garden City Hall on select nights this month.
  
 December 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
 Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street | Free

A Very Merry Farmers Market

Santa Visits on December 9 & 16

Santa will make a special visit to the Winter Garden Farmers Market on December 9 & 16 (9 am – 12 pm). Located at the Parking Garage Plaza, Santa is ready to hear wish lists and pose for photos. The Winter Garden Farmers Market is merry every Saturday in December with holiday décor, flowers, desserts, gifts, and everything to make holiday gatherings extra special.

Saturdays: December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Santa Visit: December 9 & 16 | 9:00 am -12:00 pm | Free
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

The Winter Garden Farmers Market is OPEN EVERY SATURDAY in DECEMBER.

Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours through Downtown

Experience the holiday magic with a horse drawn carriage tour experience through festive downtown Winter Garden. Provided by SOUL Haven Ranch, the tours are offered on select nights this month.
 
December 3, 10, 12, 14, 17-20, 21, 26-28
5:30 – 9:30 pm
Downtown Pavilion,104 S. Lakeview Avenue
Fee and reservations required. Click here to reserve your spot.

Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, preschoolers are invited to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and story time with Mrs. Claus, create a holiday themed craft, and meet and greet Santa Claus. Welcome to bring a friend or a group!

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

Friday, December 15
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 3 – 5 years old | Free
Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street

Click here to view or download the Tis the Season Event Schedule 2023 flyer of City of Winter Garden sponsored/co-sponsored events. For additional downtown holiday happenings, visit the City website Tis the Season 2023 page.

Holiday Gifts for Kids Program Donation Drop Off

Deadline: December 8

The Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WGPA) is accepting donations of unwrapped toys or gift cards through Friday, December 8, for the annual Holiday Gift for Kids program. All donations help children right in your own community. Donations are tax deductible.

Donation Ideas:

• Board Games • Sport Balls • Puzzles • Remote Control Vehicles • Legos 
• Matchbox Cars • Dolls • Bicycles for All Ages • Arts & Crafts Sets • Jewelry Kits 
• Infant Toys • Action Figures • Gift Card

Donation Drop Off:

Now - December 8
Winter Garden Police Department,
251 W. Plant Street

HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS

Registration Deadline Ends Today (December 1) 

Registration ends TODAY, December 1, for the Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL), annual Holiday Gifts for Kids program. The program provides presents to Winter Garden youth in need, ages newborn – 12 years old.

To register, pick up and return an application at one of the following locations or hand it to a police officer on patrol today:.

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.

Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

It's a Wonderful Life in Winter Garden

Art Exhibit at City Hall

As a holiday tribute, Crealdé School of Art and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation partnered to curate an exhibition of photographs and paintings that celebrate the special character of the historic downtown district. Be sure to stop in to see the wonderful in our community!

Now – January 5

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

WINTER 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.

YOUTH SOCCER - SPRING LEAGUE
Cheer your child on 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 and socks.

We want you! Coaches pay only $10 for one child’s registration. Paid officials are also needed.

City Resident Registration: December 6 – January 3
Nonresident Registration: December 20 – January 3

Registration may close early due to limited availability in each age division.

Practices begin the week of January 29
Games begin February 10
3 – 13 years old (age as of September 1, 2023)
$110 City Resident / $130 Nonresident
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORT DISCOVERY - YOUTH
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 – 4 years old, this four-week mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete and their love of the sport. Together, we explore baseball with four weeks of concentrated play & practice, followed by a finale game. Your Amazing Athlete will have the opportunity to develop skills with practice, apply what they have learned with confidence, have fun with gameplay, and discover a new sport!

Baseball | Thursdays, December 7 – 28 
2 – 4 years old | 5:00 – 5:50 pm 
$56 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, 
1-Sport Rate (4 weeks) 

Do not let the holiday hustle and bustle affect your driving. 
Follow posted speed limits and stay safe this holiday season.

Fire Hydrant Testing Concludes Mid-December

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department fire hydrant flow testing and water line flushing will conclude mid-December. Residents may notice a brief reduction in water pressure and some discoloration of the drinking water. Discolored water poses no threat to the public’s health. If you notice discolored water coming from your fixtures, please allow the cold water to flow for several minutes. If you experience continued loss of pressure or water discoloration, please contact the Public Services Department at 407.656.2256.

City of Winter Garden Staff

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Last month, City of Winter Garden staff donated Thanksgiving meal baskets that served about 100 local families in need. This annual event is a partnership with the Christian Service Center which serves the West Orange community.

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.

FINANCE - UTILITY BILLING:
Customer Service Representative (Full-Time): Entry level position. Training will be provided. Acts as a primary point of contact with citizens and other individuals requesting services relating to utility accounts. Accepts payments on accounts, assists residents with establishing new service and stopping service. Ideal candidate will have prior utility billing experience. Minimum qualifications include prior customer service and cash handling experience. Bilingual English and Spanish is highly desired. Must be able to pass a clerical skills assessment.

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, 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.

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