May 2024

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Memorial Day Office Closure & 
No Solid Waste Collection Services

Monday, May 27

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services on Monday, May 27 (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items). 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.

Downtown SHOP, DINE & STROLL – May 4

Whether you gather with friends, a significant other, or treat mom for an early Mother’s Day celebration, SHOP, DINE & STROLL in historic downtown will be a fun outing for all! Be sure to stop by on Saturday, May 4, to enjoy live music, Raffle “May”nia, unique shopping and dining options, and the colorful blooming surroundings.

Live Outdoor Music Schedule

SHOP, DINE & STROLL will feature special live music performances centrally located at Centennial Plaza. The high-energy music will have everyone singing along!

Hanger 61 (Electric Rock Band) | 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mud Rooster (Blues / Roots / Jazz) | 4:00 - 8:00 pm

Raffle “MAY”NIA

The excitement of RAFFLE “MAY”NIA has struck downtown with chances to win prizes at shops and restaurants in addition to a grand prize of cash gift cards! Each participating business will conduct a raffle drawing for in-store gift cards or merchandise, and then all downtown entries will be combined and entered in a grand prize drawing to win $500, $250, and $100 Visa gift cards. The more places you make purchases, the more entries you earn — and the more chances to win!

Look for the raffle ticket sign in the windows of participating businesses, and step inside to find out how to enter to win. “May the Fourth Be with You” for good luck!

SHOP, DINE & STROLL will be held rain or shine. Operating hours, promotions, and raffle participation vary per merchant.

Saturday, May 4 | All Day | Historic Downtown

New Code Compliance Brochure is Handy Guide for Residents 

 
Code compliance is essential in preserving Winter Garden’s charm and ensuring our community stays inviting and beautiful for all. It takes every resident complying to the City’s codes to maintain a neighborhood’s integrity. To make residents more aware of code requirements, common code violations, and code enforcement services. the City has produced a handy reference brochure, Enhancing Our Community Through Code Compliance: Your Guide to Navigating Common Code Violations and Reporting Processes. 

In the brochure, you will find useful information such as:

• List of common code requirements and violations
• How to report a code violation
• How to inquire about City assistance to bring a property up to code
• How to request a Code Compliance Officer to attend a neighborhood association meeting

The printed brochure is available for pickup (during operating hours) at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street (during operating hours).

Memorial Day Community Ceremony – May 27

Please join us at the Memorial Day Community Ceremony to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces. The event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The event speaker is newly elected District 3 Commissioner Chloe Johnson.

Presented by American Legion Hugh T. Gregory Post 63 and City of Winter Garden.

Monday, May 27 | 8:30 - 9:30 am
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue | Free

Downtown Adorned in Patriotic Charm 

Historic downtown turns red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Independence Day! Be sure to visit downtown to enjoy the patriotic decorations adorning the buildings and landscape, which pay tribute to America’s holidays while adding to the nostalgic charm of your beloved downtown. 

Winter Garden PAL Youth Summer Camp 

Registration Open May 6 -17

 
The Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WGPAL) will host an eight-week summer camp for qualifying youth. The camp is available AT NO COST to children ages 5-15 residing within City of Winter Garden limits and receiving government assistance.  Local registration sites are available May 6 -17.

The camp’s mission is to create and build relationships among camp staff, Winter Garden police officers, area youth and their parents. The camp provides a safe, welcoming, and fun place to interact through sports, communication, and the introduction of experiences that encourage community ownership, leadership, education, and personal growth.

Camp Dates | June 3 – July 26 | Free
Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location | Cornerstone Community Church, 1333 East Crown Point Road, Ocoee

 When registering for the WGPAL Youth Summer Camp, the following documents are required:

• child’s birth certificate or court/custody paperwork -- only parent or legal guardian can register a child (Children must be ages 5-15 and have completed Kindergarten.)
• child’s medical insurance card
• current water or utility bill for the Winter Garden address residence
• poof of government assistance (WIC, food stamps, etc.)
• form of identification (driver’s license, ID card, passport, etc.)
• camp application

Visit the following locations on dates specified to complete an application and bring the required documents:

Maxey Center:                                May 6 | 3:00-5:00 pm
                                                        May 7 | 3:00-5:00 pm
Westside Townhomes:                    May 8 | 2:00-5:00 pm
Country Gardens:                            May 9 | 2:00-5:00 pm
Palm Crossing:                                May 10 | 2:00-5:00 pm
Village Grove:                                  May 13 | 2:00-5:00 pm
West Pointe Villas:                           May 14 | 2:00-5:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Dept.:            May 16 | 2:00-5:00 pm
(Back Parking Lot-Office Door         May 17 | 3:00-5:00 pm
is on Henderson St.)

Deadline to register is May 17, 2024. Space is limited so do not delay. For more information, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416 or visit wgpal.org. 

CITIZENS CPR CLASS – May 18

Registration is Open

The City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free, 90-minute Citizens CPR Class 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, click here and then click on “Recreation Classes.”

Saturday, May 18 | 9:30 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (select one session) 

Fire Department Headquarters Training Room, 1 East Cypress Street | Free

Pet Waste Bags Available at City Hall

for Walks on West Orange Trail

The West Orange Trail, which runs through downtown, is ideal for walks with Fido. While leashed pets are welcome along the trail, the pet waste that is sometimes left behind can harm the environment. During rainfall, pet waste left on the trail and sidewalks washes into storm drains. The bacteria in the pet waste ends up flowing directly into community streams and lakes causing harm to human health and the ecosystem.

To assist with the cleanup, complimentary pet waste bags, in a bone-shaped dispenser, are available for pickup at Winter Garden City Hall (300 W. Plant Street) reception desk during regular business hours. You can attach the convenient dispenser to a leash or belt loop. That way, the bags will be accessible when needed, keeping you and your pet happy and the trail hygienic.

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

 Artists’ Call for Exhibit in City Hall
Summertime in Winter Garden

Calling all artists! Roll up your sleeves, pull out the art supplies, and get to work. Artists are invited to submit original artwork from May 1 to June 10 for an upcoming exhibit in the Arts in Public Places Gallery at City Hall. The theme is Summertime in Winter Garden. The works should illustrate what summertime is like in Winter Garden. All mediums of art are welcome.  

The application and guidelines are available at the City Hall reception desk during operating hours or by email request to dcorbus@cwgdn.com. Submissions must be received no later than June 10, 2024, at 5:00 pm to the City Hall reception desk. The chosen artwork will be announced on June 18.  Summertime in Winter Garden will be on display July 1 – 31.

For more information, call 407.656.4111 ext. 5193.

Time to Make a Splash

The two City of Winter Garden public pools open this month for the summer season! Take a dip to cool off, meet new people, and have some family fun!  

2024 Poetry Competition 

Winners Announced

The City of Winter Garden conducted a 2024 Earth Day Poetry Competition to highlight the importance of protecting our natural resources and how this can be accomplished by ordinary people, every day.

The winning entries best convey the competition’s theme, Why Earth Day is Still Important. 

Congratulations to the 2024 winners in the following divisions:

Flowers Bloom by Weston Rinke – Elementary School Winner

The Dawn of Every Day by Aaron Loboda – Middle School Winner

Beauty is a Planet by Annie Loboda – High School Winner

Mother Earth by Jeanette Johnson- Adult Winner

(Click links to view the winning entries.)

Save the Date for Next Month’s City Events:

Farmers Market 16^th Birthday Party – June 1

Juneteenth Community Celebration – June 15

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.

All aquatics programs are held at Farnsworth Pool, 1 Surprise Drive.

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT
Join us Wednesday nights for Family Swim! A great way to relax during a busy week, enjoy your children, and have fun in the water. Let your kids show you their latest skills or just splash in the pool together!

Wednesdays | May 8 – August 7
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Fees | $2 for 12 years & older; $1 for 2 - 11 years old
(Family & Individual Passes permitted)

AQUA BOOT CAMP
Based on speed, power, and strength rather than rhythm and choreography, Aqua Fitness Boot Camp incorporates pyramid training, kickboxing drills, interval training, power drills, speed bursts, and strength exercises. While this class requires no coordination, it does demand a lot of stamina and is great for participants who need a new challenge and prefer intense, athletic workouts. This class will push you to your limits!

Mondays - Thursdays | May 28 - August 8
12:00 – 12:45 pm
16 years & older | $3 per visit

AQUA ZUMBA
Activate your urge for variety! Aqua Zumba offers fun, shallow water movement to improve agility and flexibility while addressing cardiovascular, strength and endurance conditioning. This 60-minute class combines some of the traditional elements of aqua fitness with the upbeat, Latin-infused dance moves. You don’t want to miss this pool party!

Mondays | May 6 – August 5
6:30 - 7:30 pm
16 years & older | $3 per visit

AQUA FITNESS
A stress-free exercise that works the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and major muscle groups in one workout. Water surrounds the body resisting every move, and muscle workouts are balanced at your own level. A great workout while putting minimal stress on the body.

Tuesdays & Thursdays | May 7 – August 8
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturdays | May 4 - August 10
8:00 – 9:00 am
16 years & older | $3 per visit

YOUTH SWIM LEAGUE
Join the team! Participants will learn about sportsmanship, team camaraderie, endurance, and stroke development while enjoying a fun and healthy environment. Prerequisite: Participants must be able to swim 50 yards without stopping.

Mondays – Thursdays | 11:00 - 11:45 am
6 - 16 years old
June 3 – July 25 | $120 City Resident / $135 Nonresident
June 3 – June 27 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident
July 1 – July 25 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident (no class July 4)

JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING
This program helps teens build the knowledge, attitude, and skills that are required to be a responsible future lifeguard. Participants learn skills such as swimming, leadership, rescue response, drowning prevention, professionalism, and teamwork. Give your child the opportunity to train as a lifeguard and prepare for their first summer job!

13 - 15 years old
$130 City Resident / $145 Nonresident

Two, 3-week sessions are offered:
Mondays – Thursdays
June 3 – June 13 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm
June 17 – June 20 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm

Mondays – Thursdays
July 1 – July 11 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm (no class July 4)
July 15 – July 18 | 12:00 – 3:00 pm

WATER POLO CLINIC
Learn how to pass, catch, dribble, and shoot a water polo ball this summer. This four-week clinic is designed to introduce your child to water polo or give them the extra experience needed to play at the high school level. This is a great introduction to the exciting game of Water Polo!

Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
11 - 14 years old
June 3 – July 24 | $120 City Resident / $135 Nonresident
June 3 – June 26 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident
July 1 – July 24 | $70 City Resident / $85 Nonresident

SUPER SOCCER STARS
Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 18 months – 4 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, noncompetitive, and educational environment. Through our age-specific curriculum, we use soccer to nurture and build self-confidence and teamwork. Each session is 10 weeks.

18 months – 3 years old
Tuesdays, 5:00 – 5:40 pm
Saturdays, 10:00 – 10:40 am
3 – 4 years old | Tuesdays, 5:50 – 6:30 pm
Saturdays, 10:50 – 11:30 am

Session 2 | Tuesdays, May 21 - July 30 (no session July 2)
Session 2 | Saturdays, May 25 - August 3 (no session July 6)
$150 City Resident / $160 Nonresident, per 10-week session

Optional purchase during registration:
Super Soccer Stars Jersey ($30)
Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street

RAILROAD MUSEUM EXHIBIT

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

This special exhibition 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. Details at cfrhs.org/events.

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:

FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Fire Inspector  (Full-Time): The Fire Inspector conducts regular inspections of businesses and premises in order to determine compliance with applicable codes, standards, and City Ordinances. Duties involve promoting public awareness and education regarding fire safety practices. Must hold and maintain a current State of Florida Fire Safety Inspector Certificate. All required certifications must be maintained as a condition of employment.

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..

Building Inspector / Plans Examiner II (Full-Time): Performs inspections and plan reviews of buildings and structures, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical installations that require considerable knowledge in the electrical, carpentry, plumbing, building construction, or mechanical field, as well as in-depth knowledge of all applicable codes and ordinances. Requires 5 years of experience, with a minimum of 2 years in construction, building code inspection, or plans review. Requires a State of Florida Residential Inspector, as well as 2 of the following: Standard Inspector or Standard Plans Examiner license in Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing.

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.

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.

District 2 Runoff Election Results

As a result of the April 16^th Runoff Election, Iliana R. Jones was sworn in as District 2 City Commissioner on Thursday, April 25, 2024, during the City Commission Meeting. She will serve a four-year term.

District 2 Map

City Government Serving You

MAYOR

COMMISSIONERS

Lisa L. Bennett, District 1, Mayor Pro-Tem
407.877.5131
lisa.bennett@cwgdn.com
 
Iliana R. Jones, District 2
407.877.5132
Iliana.jones@cwgdn.com
 
Chloe Johnson, District 3
407.877.5133
chloe.johnson@cwgdn.com
 
Colin Sharman, District 4
407.877.5134
csharman@cwgdn.com

CITY MANAGER