january 2024

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The City of Winter Garden wishes you a 

Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!

.

Holiday Office Closure & 

Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule

Monday, January 15, 2024 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, January 15.
• There will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services on Monday, January 15.
  
  

Recycle Only Makeup Day on Saturday, January 6, for Monday Recycling Routes Only

REMINDER: For those with a Monday Recycle Collection Day, there will be a Recycle Only Makeup Day this Saturday, January 6. This is only for residents that did not have recycling collected on Monday, January 1, due to the holiday closure.

Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.

If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Join us at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration to commemorate the life and legacy of this civil rights legend. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the free annual celebration includes a parade through historic downtown as well as live entertainment and children’s activities.

The remembrance kicks off with a parade at 11:00 am along West Plant Street (from Woodland Street to Central Avenue). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and head to your favorite viewing spot to enjoy the procession of community floats and participants.

Following the parade, the festivities continue with a live music concert featuring Phoenix 5 and Selwyn Birchwood, as well as activities and more. Join us 11:30 am – 4:00 pm at the Downtown Pavilion for this family-fun celebration. 

To participate in the parade, complete the Parade Registration Form and submit no later than Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Please note that space is limited. For assistance, please call 407.656.4155.

Monday, January 15 | Free
Parade | 11:00 am, Historic Downtown
Live Entertainment & Activities | 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Register Now for Our Water Plant Tours

Tap water: There when you need it!
Learn more about how tap water gets to your home 
with our free water plant tours:

Friday, February 2
Saturday, February 3

Several tours of the City of Winter Garden Water Plant will be offered each day.

Space is limited, so advance registration is required.
Register: by email to dcorbus@cwgdn.com or call 407.877.5193

Utility Bill Assistance Available

For Low Income Seniors

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.

Take Survey to Help Identify Traffic Safety Problems

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 JANUARY 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.

Fire Rescue Offers Free Citizen CPR Class

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 Hands Only CPR Citizen Training Course 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 | January 20 | Free
9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (select one session)
Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department Headquarters, 1 E. Cypress Street

WGPD Explorer Program for Youth

The Winter Garden Police Explorer Program provides a close-up opportunity for young men and women, ages 14 – 21, to learn about law enforcement. An outgrowth of the Boy Scouts of America, the Explorer Program is designed to educate youth about police work regardless if they want to pursue a law enforcement career.

Free to join, Explorers will be orientated to the different aspects of law enforcement training, including hands-on practice on the following topics:

In addition, Explorers can compete in regional Explorer competitions, participate in City events and parades, and earn community service credit.

Mondays | 5:30 – 7:00 pm | Free
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room | 251 W. Plant Street
Winter Garden Police Explorer Post 901 Application
For more details about the program, contact Master Police Officer
Timothy Thatford: 407.656.3636 ext. 6372, tthatford@wgpd.com.

Tis the Season 2023 Wrap Up

Historic downtown Winter Garden will remain a holiday wonderland through Sunday, January 7, so it’s not too late to enjoy the festive ambiance!

Christmas Parade Winners Announcement

Thank you to the 50+ entries that entertained spectators at the annual Winter Garden Christmas Parade on December 2. Twelve winners were selected across seven categories. Click here to view the 2023 winners. 

De-Light Ful Decorations Contest Winners Announcement

Best Overall, 1st Place 

Thank you to all the participants of the annual City of Winter Garden De-Light-Ful Decorations Contest for brightening your community with holiday cheer. Eight winners were selected across four categories. Congratulations to the 2023 winners and click here to view their displays! It’s never too soon to start planning for next year!

Reflections of Time II Premieres at City Hall

Be sure to stop in City Hall to see this exhibition that highlights African American artists from Winter Garden and the surrounding areas and demonstrates how their works serve as a testament in preserving time. Curated by Patrick Noze, Crealdé School of Art Senior Curator of Exhibitions, the exhibit displays artwork of a variety of disciplines.

January 8 – February 29
Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm (excluding holidays)
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street | Free

Grass Clippings and Leaves Don’t

Belong in the Storm Drain

Extra precautions should be taken to make sure grass clippings and leaves do not wind up in storm drains. Allowing yard waste into the street or down the storm drain can cause blockages, serious damage to the storm drain infrastructure, localized flooding, and can pollute waterways.

Water that goes into the storm drains is not treated and goes directly in our creeks, lakes, and rivers. Grass and leaves in storm drains add carbon and nitrogen into our waterbodies through its decomposition. This creates algae blooms and harms wildlife that live in our waterbodies.

Storm water is not sent to the local wastewater treatment plant, and it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that only rainwater flows from our yards into the storm drains to keep the community’s waterways thriving.

Tips to Prevent Yard Waste in Storm Drain:

• Never rake or blow leaves into the street.
• Blow grass trimmings and leaves back onto your yard.
• Bag grass clippings and leaves and place bags curbside for pick up on your scheduled yard waste collection day.

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

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.

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.

Mondays | January 8 – March 4
(no programming January 15)
5:30 - 6:30 pm | 8 – 14 years old
$112 City Resident / $120 Nonresident,
8-week session
Optional purchase | $45 Esports Jersey

PICKLEBALL GROUP LESSONS
$100 City Resident / $125 Nonresident, per 2-week session
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

Beginners
This course will introduce players to pickleball beginning with the very basics and will include instruction on rules, equipment, shots, strategies, skills, and techniques associated with pickleball. The goals of the course are to enable the students to participate confidently, with an understanding of the game, along with possessing the skills necessary for open play.

Saturdays | January 13 - 27
Tuesdays | January 16 - 30
12:30 – 2:00 pm

Advanced Beginners
Course is for players who have been playing for less than a year, or desire to elevate their game, and have an interest in improving their shots, knowledge of the game, developing game strategies, working on techniques, and gaining confidence to a point they feel they are participating equally with players during open play.

Saturdays | January 13 - 27
Tuesdays | January 16 - 30
2:30 – 4:00 pm

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 health body and the mental well-being that comes with exercise.

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

CARDIO DRUMMING
This Cardio Drumming beginner’s class is a cardiovascular-based, full-body workout that requires you to move and play drums along to music. Except it doesn't actually involve any drums! It will raise your heart rate, help burn hundreds of calories, improve coordination and ability to focus, and help strengthen many muscle groups, including your core. Advance registration required, must contact prior to start of class for cancellations. Space is limited.

Mondays | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
$4 City Resident / $5 Nonresident, per single class

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 and older
$9 City Resident / $10 Nonresident, per class
$32 City Resident / $36 Nonresident, per month

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

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
$10 City Resident / $12 Nonresident, per class

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