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CONGRATS TO CLASS OF 2024 GRADS

Congratulations to all our local graduates -- of all academic milestones! Truly, City of Winter Garden is not only where "Good Things Grow," but where "Good Things Grow…UP." Best wishes to the Class of 2024, and may you always fondly remember your roots.

Citizens Police Academy
Sign Up Now for Next Course
 

If you are curious about police department operations, you can learn firsthand about crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures at the Winter Garden Citizens Police Academy. This free, nine-week course covers these topics and more during weekly discussions hosted by Winter Garden police offers and staff. Class participants will also be eligible to go on a ride along with an officer!  

Academy Dates:
August 7 – October 2 (make-up date, if needed: October 9)

Wednesdays Only | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department, Training Room, 251 W. Plant Street | Free

Eligibility requirements:
*at least 18 years old
*live or work in City of Winter Garden
*no criminal record

Click here for application or visit the Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street. Seats fill quickly so submit your application today.

Questions, contact Officer Gail Michaud or Officer Timothy Thatford at 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

TRIM TREES NOW AND PREP FOR HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season is upon us (June 1 – November 30) so avoid last-minute panic by trimming trees and disposing of debris and bulk now before a named storm is headed our way. Curbside waste items pose a danger to human life and surrounding property during a storm. These items can become flying projectiles!   Please note that the City does not have trucks and crews available to pick up curbside debris outside of your normal yard waste and bulk collection day or when a storm is imminent.

If you hire a contractor to cut trees and bushes, the contractor is responsible for the removal and disposal of that debris. Yard debris and bulk piles are limited in volume to three cubic yards.  That is about the size of three washing machines sitting side by side. Extra charges will be applied for piles larger than the required size.

While stocking your hurricane supply box with emergency items, remember to take stock on what needs to be done to prepare the outside of your home for hurricanes. Don’t wait, start today. 

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

City Pools are Open for Summer

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

New Annual Water Quality Report is Available

The 2023 Annual Water Quality Report was recently mailed to all City utility customers (included with monthly statement) from the City of Winter Garden Water Division. The report (January 1 - December 31, 2023) is designed to inform you about the quality of water and services we deliver to you every day.

The City of Winter Garden Water Treatment & Pumping Division had no monitoring or reporting violations in 2023. Click here to view the report.

For questions about the report on your water utility, please contact David Jones, Chief Water Plant Operator, 407.656.4111 ext. 2017.

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.

Downtown Bursting in Patriotic Charm
 

Historic downtown Winter Garden is adorned in red, white, and blue through Independence Day weekend! Be sure to visit downtown to enjoy the patriotic decorations, paying tribute to America’s holidays while adding nostalgic charm to downtown. A great backdrop for celebrations and photos!

Summer Fertilizer Use Rules

June 1 - September 30 

To help protect our rivers, lakes, and springs from nutrient pollution caused by excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, you may only apply fertilizer with zero nitrogen and zero phosphorus from June 1 to September 30, per an Orange County Fertilizer Management Ordinance.

 Year-round, remember the following when fertilizing:

• All areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance.
• Deflector shields must be in place when using broadcast spreaders next to streets, inlets, ditches, conveyances, and waterways.
• No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on streets, driveways, or in storm drains.
• No fertilizer can be applied within 25 feet from waterways.
• Application sites should maintain a 10-foot low maintenance zone -- planted area with no fertilizing, mowing, or maintenance – adjacent to water bodies.
• No fertilizer shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm, or hurricane.

Violations of this ordinance are subject to Orange County Chapter 11 code violation penalties, including monetary. For more detailed information, visit www.ocfl.net/FertilizeResponsibly.

20^th All American Kids Parade & Breakfast – July 4, 8:00 – 10:00 am (Parade: 10:00 am)

Red, White & Blues on the Plaza – July 5, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

SUMMER 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.

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS DISCOVERY
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 - 3, this four-week mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete and their love of the sport. 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 sports they love!

2 – 3 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Basketball | Thursdays, June 6 – 27
Flag Football | Thursdays, July 11 – August 1
Baseball | Thursdays, August 8 – 29  

$56 City Residents / $60 Nonresident, 1-Sport Rate
$112 City Residents / $120 Nonresidents, 2 Sport Rate
$168 City Residents / $180 Nonresidents, 3-Sport Rate
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street

YOUTH SOCCER – FALL LEAGUE
Cheer on your child 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.

We want you! Head coaches pay only $10 for one child’s registration. 

4 – 13 years old (age as of September 1, 2024)
City Resident Registration | June 12 – July 17
Nonresident Registration | June 26 – July 17

Registration may close early due to limited availability in each age division.
Practices begin the week of August 19 | Games begin September 7
$110 City Resident / $140 Nonresident
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard

TAMPA BAY RAYS BASEBALL GAME—ST. PETERSBURG (50+ Active Community)
Enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes. Spend the afternoon at Tropicana Field watching a Major League Baseball game where the Rays vs. the Mariners play in the Tampa Bay Rays’ domed stadium. Dutch treat stadium food and drinks.

Wednesday, June 26 | 9:15 am – 6:30 pm (end time depends on when game is over)
$54 City Resident / $58 Nonresident (includes transportation)

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

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 | Now - August 8
12:00 – 12:45 pm | $3 per visit 
16 years & older 

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

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

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

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.

6 - 16 years old
Mondays – Thursdays | 11:00 - 11:45 am
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!

11 - 13 years old
Mondays & Wednesdays | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
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

Slow Down -- Schools Out for Summer 

Remember to drive with extra precaution as children play outdoors
during their summer break.

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

PRESENTATION

 Streamliners: A Photographic Journey Aboard America's Greatest Trains
 The June Saturday Series presentation travels back in time for a tour of the streamlined trains of the 1940s and 1950s. We'll look at advertising and publicity materials, menus, and photographs of the premiere passenger trains that carried passengers to scenic, tropical, and fashionable destinations. Presented in conjunction with our current exhibition, Dining in Style: The Golden Age of the Railroad Dining Car. Free admission. Details at cfrhs.org/events.

Saturday, June 15 | 1:30 pm

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:
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.

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

John Rees, District 5 - Citywide
407.656.7372
jrees@cwgdn.com

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

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