april 2024

You are receiving E-News as a courtesy from the City. 
Please remember to set your spam blocker to allow mail from listserv@civicplus.com.

If you decide you do not want to continue receiving the E-News, just scroll to the bottom and click 'Unsubscribe" to stop receiving this communication.

Spring Fever in the Garden 

Join us for the 22nd annual Spring Fever in the Garden festival hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, in partnership with the City of Winter Garden and presenting sponsors Healthy West Orange and Orlando Health. The festival features garden vendors lining the downtown streets as well as free live entertainment and activities for all ages.

The festival will take place rain or shine. For up-to-date event information, visit springfeverinthegarden.org.

Festival Highlights:

• Vendor Booths selling a wide array of flowers, foliage, and garden items
• Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest
• Live Entertainment
• Kid Zone Area
• Nature-related Arts and Crafts
• Ask the Experts Booth
• Avian Reconditioning Center Birds of Prey
• And more!
  
  

Saturday, April 6 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 7 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown | Free Admission

Municipal Election Results & Run-Off Election

As a result of the March 19th General Election, the following Commissioners will be sworn in for a four-year term on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the City Commission Meeting:

District 3: Chloe Johnson
District 4: Colin Sharman (unopposed)

A Run-Off Election will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm, for the purpose of electing City Commissioner – District 2 to serve a four-year term. Early Voting is Monday, April 8, 2024, through Friday, April 12, 2024 – from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office located at 119 W. Kaley St, Orlando FL 32806.

This election is only for residents living in District 2. Click here to see map of District 2.

Qualified candidates to appear on the ballot are Iliana R. Jones and Ron Mueller.

Polling Locations:
Precinct 107: Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Avenue
Precinct 108: West Orlando Christian Center, 1301 E. Bay Street
Precinct 109: Faith Family Community Church, 305 Beulah Road
Precinct 132: Oakland Presbyterian Church, 218 E. Oakland Avenue

Summer Day Camp Registration Opens This Month

Summer Day Camp registration launches this week for City residents. (Nonresidents’ registration opens on April 15.) Please see schedule below for grade specific registration dates. Registration opens at 8:00 am on each date. Space is extremely limited.

Registration is available online as well as at Jessie Brock Community Center. 

$130 Resident / $160 Nonresident, per week
$10 weekly discount for each additional child enrolled per week
Payment for the first two weeks of camp is due at the time of registration. Minimum payment not made will result in cancellation of weeks registered.

Summer Day Camp:

May 28 – August 9 (no camp on July 4)
Monday – Friday | 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Age | Entering 1st through 8th grade
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

Campers will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, as well as field trips on select dates. Qualified, well- trained Winter Garden Parks & Recreation staff members host the camp.

United Nations Sign Unveiled at Newton Park 

to Honor Lake Apopka Restoration

On March 18, 2024, a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Restoration Road Trip sign was unveiled at Newton Park to honor Lake Apopka being designated a destination worthy of visiting to see effective restoration efforts in person. Thanks to the ongoing endeavors made by the Friends of Lake Apopka (FOLA) since 1991 to restore the lake and wetlands, the UN Global Map on the agency’s website now includes Lake Apopka as a designated destination and directs visitors to the FOLA website to find more information about the history and progress of the restoration.  

Since 2021, the UNEP has been highlighting ecological restoration efforts throughout North America, with Lake Apopka receiving the honor in February 2023. Located at the shore of Lake Apopka, Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Avenue in Winter Garden, is open daily 7 am to 10 pm. Amenities include a boat ramp, playground, and picnic areas.

LEAF IT OUT Winter Garden! to Protect Stormwater System

The City of Winter Garden has launched a "LEAF IT OUT Winter Garden!" awareness campaign aimed to reduce pollution in the stormwater system. When we allow leaves and yard clippings to enter storm drains, it pollutes local streams and rivers, affecting the ecosystems that rely on it as well as water quality. In addition, the debris can clog pipes and lead to street flooding.

Here are ways you can LEAF IT OUT to keep local waterways clean:

• Don’t blow leaves and grass into the street.
• Use a mulching blade to return leaf and grass debris to your lawn.
• Utilize City of Winter Garden’s free yard waste collection services for responsible disposal.
• Keep pollutants (fertilizers, pesticides, oil, paint, pet waste, trash) out of storm drains.
  
  

If you observe potential stormwater quality issues, please contact City of Winter Garden Public Services Department at 407.656.2256.

Click here to view the new LEAF IT OUT Winter Garden! brochure with more information about the stormwater protection program and tips to help our waters stay clean. The brochure is also available for pickup at Winter Garden City Hall during operating hours, 300 W. Plant Street.

Woman's Basic Self Defense Class

The Winter Garden Police Department will host a free basic women’s self-defense class this month. The class is instructed by a police officer certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques.

Thursday, April 4 | 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Eligible Participants | Women only, ages 13 and up
Winter Garden Police Department Training Room,
251 W. Plant Street | Free

To register, contact Officer Gail Michaud at 407.656.3636 ext. 4405 or at gmichaud@wgpd.com. The class fills quickly so reserve your spot today.

April is National Safe Digging Month

Call 811 Before You Dig

Spring is notorious for outside DIY projects, and the Florida Public Service Commission wants to remind you to Call 811 at least two full business days before starting any outdoor house project (large or small) that requires digging, This allows Sunshine 811 to notify its member utility companies to mark their lines, pipes, or cables where you plan to dig which can save you time, money, and resources. This is a FREE service.

In Florida, 811 is managed by the Sunshine State One Call Center, available Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. In addition to calling 811, you reach the Center at 1-800-432-4770.

Established in 1993 by the State of Florida, Sunshine 811 is a call center and education resource that provides essential information on safe digging and prevents damages to underground facilities.

To learn more about the 811 service, click here.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, call the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District 24 hour emergency service line at 407.656.2734.

Utility Bill Assistance Available

For Low Income Seniors

Application Deadline: May 1

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.
.

Landscape Irrigation: Restrictions Are Not Prescriptions

This year marks the 26^th anniversary since April was first established as Water Conservation Month in Florida. To help conserve outdoor water use, Winter Garden has an ordinance for landscape irrigation. From the second Sunday in March through the first Sunday in November, residents are allowed to water their lawns twice a week. Residents living in odd numbered homes may water lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and those in even numbered homes may water on Thursdays and Sundays.   

However, many residents think they MUST water their lawns twice a week because that’s what the ordinance says. You are allowed to irrigate two days per week, but with the rainy season approaching, you may not need to. How often it rains, the type of soil, and grass type will determine if you need to water two days per week. 

Overwatering can cause standing water in your yard or your neighbor’s and can lead to grass fungus. The twice a week irrigation ordinance IS a restriction to help with water conservation, but it’s NOT a prescription for a beautiful lawn. Get to know your lawn a little better and soon you will be able to tell if you need to irrigate twice a week, once a week, or with mother nature’s help, not at all.   

Remember: 

• Know your days to irrigate.
• Water only when needed, and not between 10 am and 4 pm
• Irrigate no more than 1 hour per irrigation zone on each day that irrigation occurs.
• Automatic lawn sprinkler systems must have a functioning rain sensor device.
• Restrictions apply to all water sources including potable, reuse/reclaimed, and private wells.
• Restrictions apply to all types of sprinkler systems, including oscillating sprinklers attached to a hose.
  
  

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

City of Winter Garden Conservation Ordinance for Landscape Irrigation
(Second Sunday in March until the First Sunday in November)

2024 Drop Savers Poster Contest 

Winners Announced

The City of Winter Garden recently took part in the annual Drop Savers Poster Contest sponsored by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA). The City received 72 posters from local schools: 

Congratulations to the 2024 winners in the following divisions:

• Division 1:  (Kindergarten and 1^st Grade) StarChild Academy student (FSAWWA 2^nd Place winner)      
• Division 2:  (2^nd and 3^rd Grade) StarChild Academy student (FSAWWA 3^rd Place winner)
• Division 3:  (4^th and 5^th Grade) StarChild Academy student
• Division 4:  (Middle School) Foundation Academy student 
• Division 5:  (High School) Foundation Academy student
  
  

(Click links to view the winning entry in each division.)

A panel of judges selected one winner of each age category based on message, creativity, and originality. The five winning posters moved on to the FSAWWA state-level competition, in which two entries won: Division 1 (K-1^st grade) entry won 2^nd Place and Division 2 (2^nd-3^rd grade) entry won 3^rd Place. The City’s five winners, three Honorable Mention students, and their teachers will be recognized at the City Commission Meeting on April 11, 2024, at 6:30 pm at City Hall.

The contest was open to students in grades K-12.  Students were encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest teaches younger students, and reminds older students, about the importance of water conservation.  

Special thanks to all the schools, students, and teachers for their participation! 

SPRING 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.

Recreation classes are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street.
Click here to register.

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.

2 – 4 years old
Wednesdays | April 3 – May 1 | 9:30 – 10:15 am
Saturdays | April 20 – May 18 | 10:15 – 11:00 am
$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.

18 years and older
Tuesday | April 2 – May 21 | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
$50 Resident / $55 Nonresident, per 8-week session

ACTIVE 50+ TRIP: WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER—OCALA, FL
This world-class facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States. Take a bus tour of the facilities, watch some equestrian events scheduled for the day, shop in their many shopping boutiques and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. If you plan ahead, you can also rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit in their full-service spa. Dutch treat lunch.

Tuesday, April 16 | 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
$29 City Resident/ $33 Nonresident

PRE-SUMMER RED CROSS LEARN TO SWIM MINI-SESSIONS - YOUTH
These sessions are designed as refresher courses for young swimmers who have been out of the water since the previous summer. Each session offers four classes to help the participants regain confidence in the water. Registration available on April 3. 

Monday – Thursday | Evening, times vary
Session 1 | May 6 - May 9
Session 2 | May 13 - May 16
Session 3 | May 20 – May 23
$42 City Resident / $50 Nonresident

Pickleball in Winter Garden

Pickleball is the craze so come join the fun! In case you did not know, there are 10 public pickleball courts for community use at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue. The courts are open daily 7:00 am – 10:00 pm for Open Play only.

The Parks & Recreation Department offers Pickleball Group Lessons throughout the year with the next session starting on April 2. Click here to register for classes.

Pickleball Group Lessons

$100 Resident / $125 Nonresident, per 3-class session
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

Beginners
This course will introduce players to pickleball beginning with the very basics. It 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.

12:30 – 2:00 pm
Tuesdays | April 2, 9, 16
Saturdays | April 6, 13, 20

Advanced Beginners
Course is for players who have been playing for less than a year or desire to elevate their game. Players are interested 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.

2:30 – 4:00 pm
Tuesdays | April 2, 9, 16
Saturdays | April 6, 13, 20

Arts in April

Community Events for All Ages

 Arts in April provides an opportunity for the community to enjoy and create art. Hosted by the Winter Garden Art Association, in partnership with the City of Winter Garden, the annual monthlong celebration of the arts includes free community events as well as an annual Art Night VIP fundraiser. For the most up-to-date information, visit wgart.org/April or call 407.347.7996.

RAILROAD MUSEUM EXHIBIT

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

Be sure to visit this special exhibition that 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.

Now – August 3

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:

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:
Customer Service Representative – Building Department (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..

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Economic Development Downtown Manager  (Full-Time): Responsible for assisting the Economic Development Department in the management, outreach, promotion and implementation of economic development, redevelopment, revitalization, business, and downtown programs. Builds relationships with downtown businesses to provide support, serving as the liaison between the business community and the City. A Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience is required. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license. Experience in business and/or community development is highly desirable.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:
Custodial Worker (Part-Time, Regular): This position performs routine and specialized housekeeping and cleaning of city-owned facilities including but not limited to offices, conference rooms, kitchens, restrooms, common areas, entryways, and other areas and facilities as assigned. A minimum of two years of experience performing custodial/housekeeping tasks required. Must be able to works nights, weekends, and holiday shifts as needed. This position requires the ability to pass a FDLE background screening.

Building Maintenance I: (Full-Time, Temporary): This is a full-time temporary position for an approximate four-month assignment that will have the potential to turn into a long-term, regular position in the Department.   Minimum qualifications for the position include preferably five years of recent full-time building maintenance experience in commercial buildings and/or facilities that demonstrates knowledge of   multiple trades to include carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, masonry, concrete, HVAC, and pool operations.   A valid Florida Driver’s license is required with a satisfactory driving record. This position requires the ability to pass a FDLE background screening. 

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

Events Supervisor: (Full-Time): This position is responsible for the management and ongoing monitoring of all City events and requires five years of progressively responsible experience in event planning, with at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required. The position requires proficiency in developing and executing marketing plans for events and programs in all forms of media.  A valid Florida Driver’s License is required with a satisfactory driving record. Must be available to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

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.

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

*List is prior to certification of the March 19^th General Election Results and 
District 2 Run-Off Special Election on April 16, 2024.

CITY MANAGER