City of Winter Garden E-News

November 2024

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variety of Thanksgiving produce

Holiday Closures and Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule for Thanksgiving Day and Friday After Thanksgiving

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29.
• On Thursday, November 28, there will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services (trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items). Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
• On Friday, November 29, there will be Regular Solid Waste Collection Services.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Recycling Can with Shredded Paper

Celebrate America Recycles Day with 

Free Document Shredding Event 

November 9

The City of Winter Garden will host a free document shredding event to commemorate America Recycles Day. Crown Information Management will provide safe and secure document shredding. You can even watch your documents get shredded. That paper will get recycled! 

You must be a Winter Garden resident to participate. Please bring proof of residency with you. For more information, call 407.877.5193.

Saturday, November 9 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (or until truck is full) | Free
848 E. Plant Street (across from the Winter Garden Library)

Shred Guidelines Chart

Craft Affair 

November 9

Handmade Jewelry on Display

Visit the annual Craft Affair to shop for unique items such as jewelry, holiday décor, crafts, artwork, and more. Hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, all the items are handcrafted by your local age 50+ community.

Saturday, November 9
10:00 am – 2:00 pm | Free Admission
Jessie Brock Community Center,
310 N. Dillard Street

Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk 2024 logo

WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk

November 2

Register now for the WGPAL Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk that will be held on Saturday, November 2. Run or walk -- and eat donuts -- through the neighborhoods of historic Winter Garden for the annual Donut Dash 5K! Prizes awarded for top runners plus a prize for best donut costume.

Participants receive a t-shirt, race medal, and free Krispy Kreme donuts. Register for this fun event online at wgpal.org or runsignup.com, or in-person at the race.

Proceeds support the Winter Garden Police Athletic League (WGPAL) Holiday Gifts for Kids program as well as other community programs for local underprivileged and at-risk kids. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

Saturday November 2 | 8:00 – 11:00 am (registration available at event)
Newton Park, 1 Surprise Drive

Farmers Market Logo

Thanksgiving at the Farmers Market

November 23


Bring the kids to the Farmers Market to make a homemade Thanksgiving decoration for your celebration. Complimentary craft making will be held under the tent on Tremaine Street at Parking Garage Plaza.

The Farmers Market has many of the essentials for your Thanksgiving dinner such as pumpkins, gourds, pies, cakes, spices, decorations, and more. 

Saturday, November 23 | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kids’ Crafts | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue

Large Pumpkins on a Table

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale 2024 logo

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale

November 30


Kickoff holiday shopping while supporting locally owned shops at the Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale in historic downtown. Stroll the festive streets and peruse the outdoor racks of sale items and seasonal merchandise. Pop inside for additional discounts and promotions.

Live music will entertain passersby with outdoor performances at Centennial Plaza throughout the day. The popular brother duo American Jones will perform 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, followed by local favorite The Jim Young Trio from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

The Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale will be held rain or shine. Sales, special offers, and operating hours vary per merchant. 

Remember to support the mom-and-pop businesses throughout Winter Garden because when you shop small, you help big with about 70 cents of every dollar you spend remaining in your community to make it stronger.

Small Business Saturday Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, November 30 | All Day
Historic Downtown

Registration Applications Now Open 

for Holiday Parades & Decorations Contest

Group of people standing in downtown behind a Hawaiian themed golf cart

Winter Garden Christmas Parade
Registration Deadline: November 15

To register to participate in the annual Winter Garden Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, click here. Deadline to register is Friday, November 15, 2024.

Parade Details

Golf Cart Parade Logo Animated

Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade
Registration Deadline: November 22

To register to participate in the Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, December 7, click here. Deadline to register is Friday, November 22, 2024, or until spots are filled. 

Parade Details

House With Festive Christmas Lights

De-light-ful Decorations Contest 
Registration Deadline: December 6

City of Winter Garden residents are invited to enter the annual De-light-ful Decorations Contest. Festive presentations of outdoor decorations could win up to $100 – plus bragging rights. Judging takes place on December 10th and 11th.

Click here to enter contest. Deadline to enter is Friday, December 6, 2024. 

Contest Details

Holiday Gifts for Kids Program Registration 

November 11 - December 6

stack of wrapped Christmas presents

Presented by the Winter Garden Police Athletic League, Inc. (WGPAL), the annual Holiday Gifts for Kids program provides presents to Winter Garden youth in need, ages newborn – 12 years old. 

Registration dates: November 11 - December 6

To register, pick up and return an application at one of the following locations or hand it to a police officer on patrol. (You can also access the application here.)

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 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 pickup date and time.

Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.

HOW TO DONATE 

WGPAL fundraisers partially fund this program, but donations from our generous community are needed to bring smiles to all the local kids in need. 

Please donate NEW, UNWRAPPED gifts. Donations are tax deductible. 

Donation Ideas:
*Toys *Board Games *Sport Balls *Puzzles *Toy Cars & Trucks *Legos *Matchbox Cars *Dolls *Bicycles for All Ages *Arts & Crafts Sets *Jewelry Kits *Infant Toys *Action Figures *Gift Card *Check payable to WINTER GARDEN POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE, INC. 

Donation Drop Off: 
November 1 - December 13

Winter Garden Police Department, 251 W. Plant Street

Large Pile of tree and brand Debris

Solid Waste Collection Resumes Regular Schedule

Solid waste collection schedule is back to normal this week! Starting October 28, the collection of yard waste, bulk items, trash, and recycling have resumed a regular pickup schedule. 

The storm debris recovery collection is complete! A total of 14,496 cubic yards of tree debris was collected by the City’s Public Services Department and storm recovery contractors in a two-week timeframe. This is equivalent to a 100- x 54-yard football field filled with debris 8 feet high!

Two yard waste bags filled curbside

Leaves & Small Sticks for Pickup Must be Placed in Bags
Please do NOT Leave Loose at Curb

Now that all the storm recovery yard waste piles have been collected, you will have remnants of smaller sticks, branches, and loose leaves that are left behind at your curb that the equipment used was not able to pick up.

Please place these remaining smaller sticks, branches, and loose leaves in bags for curbside pickup or place directly into your trash can. This will allow them to be removed from your property. The bags used can be paper or plastic.

Thank you for your help in returning your neighborhood to pre-storm conditions.

A white tent with sandbags and people loading them into a truck

How to Dispose of Sandbags

With back-to-back hurricanes, the Public Services Department filled and distributed more than 30,000 sandbags, placing directly in residents’ vehicles over a two-week period.

Now that you have these sandbags, you may be wondering what to do with them after the hurricane season ends on November 30. Please see the options below:

*Store in a dry place to have ready for next hurricane season. Since the limit is 10 bags per hurricane, having extra bags around will come in handy.

*Cut open the bags and spread the sand around your lawn (avoid swales or areas where water flows). Place the empty sacks in your trash can.

*Place the filled sandbags at your curb in a separate pile for pickup on your yard waste/bulk items collection day. Do not mix with other debris piles.

CPR administered on a dummy

Sign Up Now for Free Citizens CPR Class

November 16

Interested in learning how to take a hands-on approach toward saving lives? The City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department is offering a free, 90-minute Citizens CPR Class to the community. Class size is limited to 12 participants and fills quickly so secure your spot now.

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. 

Saturday | November 16
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

ART in Public Places logo

It's a Wonderful Life in Winter Garden

Art Exhibit at City Hall

Ten experienced Crealdé School of Art master class students created this exhibit that tells the visual story of contemporary life in downtown Winter Garden. Stop by during the holidays to see these black and white photographs that highlight Winter Garden’s history; its diverse community of residents and business owners; and Winter Garden’s unique way of connecting historic preservation, economic development, and overall quality of life.

It's a Wonderful Life in Winter Garden
November 1 – January 3
Art in Public Places Gallery at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM | Free

Turn Back the Clock, Turn Down the Sprinklers 

It's Time to Reset Your Irrigation System to Once a Week

lawn sprinkler spraying water

When you set your clock back for Eastern Standard Time on November 3, it is also a good time to reset your irrigation system to run only one day a week until March to comply with the conservation ordinance for landscape irrigation.

Remember: water only when needed, not between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, and irrigate no more than one hour per zone. Automatic lawn sprinkler systems must have a functioning rain sensor device. For more information, call 407.877.5193.

Water Laws Once a Week During Eastern Standard Time 
(First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March)

Specifications of Irrigation Dates
Logo to Fight Grease WG

Free Grease Monster Fighting Kit 

Helps Avoid Costly Repairs

 

Don’t let grease monsters be uninvited guests to your Thanksgiving dinner! As you prepare holiday meals this season, do not make the mistake of pouring cooking oils and grease down the kitchen sink or flushing down the toilet. When grease attacks the sewers, it can harden and build up and cause blockages in your public sewer system and even to your home plumbing, costing thousands of dollars.  

Ready to protect your pipes and the City against grease monsters?

Pick up a FREE "Put A Lid On It KIT"
at the Front Desk of Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street,
during operating hours.

1.    Cool. Allow your cooking grease to cool completely.
2.    Put a lid on it. Pour cooled grease into a can, jug, or jar.
3.    Store. Place container into a plastic bag and seal the bag.
4.    Conquer the grease monster. Dispose of the bagged container in your trash bin.

Fighting Grease Art Graphics Animate

Save the date

'Tis the Season Celebrations in Historic Downtown

Tis The Season Heading

Light Up Winter Garden: December 6, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Winter Garden Christmas Parade: December 7, 10:00 am
Holiday Night Market Downtown: December 7, 4:00 – 8:00 pm
Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade: December 7, 6:00 pm

To find out about more holiday happenings downtown,
please visit our 'Tis the Season Event Schedule page.

Fridays on the Plaza

Live Music Every Friday

Enjoy live music every Friday night, 7:00-9:00 pm, in the center of Downtown at Centennial Plaza. Hosted by the City of Winter Garden, the event is free.

This month's Fridays on the Plaza musical line-up:


    • November 1- Sound Traveler Band (Acoustic, Pop)
    • November 8- Mountain Brew (Irish, Bluegrass, Country)    
    • November 15- Scott Davidson (Southern Rock, 70s to current hits)
    • November 22- Bryant and Holloway (Folk, Americana)
    • November 29- Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)                     
dignitaries shoveling dirt to break ground for new Boys & Girls Club facility
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central FL logo

Groundbreaking for Boys & Girls Club June Family Branch in Winter Garden

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Florida, in conjunction with the City of Winter Garden, held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 24 for a 20,000-square-foot facility, the June Family Branch. Located at 459 Ninth Street in Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood, the new Club will include a Youth Center and a Teen Center and is expected to service 220 children ages 6-18 daily, a 400% increase over current capacity. 

calculator and utility bills

New Improvements Coming to Utility Online Payment Option

City of Winter Garden utility customers will soon have an improved online utility payment option on the website. The new system will enhance the online payment experience and bring more user-friendly features to manage their utility accounts. 

Our team has been hard at work on a transition to the new Utility management platform, which will enhance the online payment experience and bring more user-friendly features to help you manage your utility accounts.

This new system is designed to streamline your experience with faster processing, more flexible payment options, and a modern interface, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your utility services. 

Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being part of our community!

Mobile Citizen App icon with hammer and wrench

Mobile Citizen App Can Be Used for Hurricane Recovery Requests

If you need to notify the City for any hurricane recovery requests, you may do so 24/7 with the Mobile Citizen App. To use, just select the “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” service option on the scroll down menu on the app to route your concern properly. 

Examples of what you can report in the app are a fallen tree blocking a roadway, damages to power lines, light poles, street signs, etc.

Hurricane season goes through November 30, so be prepared and download the free Mobile Citizen App from Apple Store or Google Play to your personal device today.

Woman Archer

FALL into FUN with 

PARKS & RECREATION!


Yoga, Tennis, 50+ Activities & Trips, Art Classes, Pickleball, Kickball, Esports, Super Soccer Stars, Amazing Athletes, Preschool Activities, Intro to Spanish, Little Medical School, Cardio Drumming, Zumba, and more! For details about programs, classes, and athletic leagues, and more, visit the Parks & Recreation page or call 407.656.4155. Register at https://enroll.wgplay.com.

Unless noted otherwise, all programs listed are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street.

BEGINNER ARCHERY
This is a course for youth and adults in barebow category archery (without sighting devices). All equipment is provided. Class welcomes beginner and advanced Archers and provides a variety of skill development training and fun archery games.

November 6 & 7
7 years old – adult | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
$25 City Resident / $30 Nonresident, per class
$50 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, per 2-class session

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS DISCOVERY
Together, we explore a sport with concentrated play & practice to develop skills, followed by a finale game to apply what they have learned with confidence This is an indoor program but may move outdoors if weather permits.

2 – 4 years old | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
Baseball | Thursdays, November 7 – December 5 
$56 City Resident / $60 Nonresident 

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

Beginners
Introduction to pickleball beginning with the very basics. Includes instruction on rules, equipment, shots, strategies, skills, and techniques. 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 | November 5 - 19
Saturdays | November 2 - 16 

Advanced Beginners
Course is for players who have been playing for less than a year or desire to elevate their game, improve their shots and knowledge of the game, develop game strategies, work on techniques, and gain confidence to a point they feel they are participating equally with players during open play.

2:30 – 4:00 pm
Tuesdays | November 5 - 19 
Saturdays | November 2 - 16 

TENNIS LESSONS - Youth & Adult
Highly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advance registration required. 

November 4 – December 20
5 years and older
Time and fees vary, please check cwgdn.com for details.
Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

INTRO TO SPANISH
This course places emphasis on the basics of Spanish and helps to develop basic conversations in Spanish. Students will learn to greet others, introduce themselves and others, ask information, identify professions, and talk about basics, people, places, and things. 

Ages 18+ | 9:00 – 10:15 am
Session 2 | Saturdays, November 2 – 23 (November 9 class will meet at 8:45 am)
$225 City Resident / $245 Nonresident, per 4-week session

BABYSITTING 101
This 2.5-hour course is for students aged 11+ interested in babysitting. It covers basic childcare, safety, first aid, understanding of developmental stages and relevant activities, health, nutrition, sleep information, Heimlich maneuver, and EpiPen usage. Students also create a babysitting ad and earn a certificate. This class can also be used to earn the Girl Scouts babysitting badge. 

Ages 11+ | 6:00 – 8:30 pm 
Monday, November 18 | $89 

ACTIVE 50+ DAY TRIP:

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY - DAYTONA, FL
Venture behind-the-scenes and discover what makes Daytona International Speedway, the "World Center of Racing." You will have a guided tram tour of Daytona International Speedway, which includes a digital photo package. Take a ride through Daytona International Speedway's infield, see the 31-degree high banks and pass through the garages as you learn about the history of Daytona International Speedway. Travel along Pit Road and discover how NASCAR's top drivers prep for the largest motorsports event of the year. All tours conclude with access to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and a close-up look at the winning DAYTONA 500 car! (Experience may vary due to track events.) Dutch treat lunch. Transportation included.

Thursday, November 14 | 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
$38 City Resident / $43 Nonresident

School Holiday Camps

Kids Smiling on Playground

Reserve your child’s spot now for upcoming School Holiday Camps hosted by the qualified, well-trained Winter Garden Parks & Recreation staff. Activities include arts and crafts, games, sports, and more! 

Camp is open to all children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks and a water bottle to camp every day. 

CAMP DATES:
Thanksgiving Break, November 25 – 27 
Winter Break, December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31 and January 2, 3 
Student Holiday, January 6
President’s Day, February 17

7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Kindergarten - 8th grade
$26 City Resident / $32 Nonresident, per day

Central Florida Railway Historical Society, Inc

EVENTS

Books and Movies in Motion

Train documentary producer & author Richard Luckin will discuss the railroad books written and films produced during his career prior to screening of the movie, Selling Sunshine: The Florida Trains.

Friday, November 8 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd Street

Movie Premiere of the Train Station in American Life

Join us for the movie premiere of The Train Station in American Life. The film’s producer Richard Luckin and writer Bonnie Hansen will be on hand to introduce the film and host a Q&A following the movie.

Saturday, November 9 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant Street

EXHIBIT

It's About Time: How the Railroads Created Our Time Zones

The United States once had more than 140 time zones, usually set by the position of the sun. To operate safely over long distances, the railroads proposed a standardized timekeeping for the country. Learn how we came to live and work by the system the railroads created. 

Now – February 1, 2025 | Free Admission

Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm  |  Free Admission


Winter Garden Art Association
 SOBO Art Gallery


127 S. Boyd Street
 407.347.7996
wgart.org

Tuesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
 Free Admission

Winter Garden Arts Association logo
Harvest Palette SOBO Art Gallery graphic

CURRENT EXHIBIT

Harvest Palette

A celebration of fall, an exhibit dedicated to the vibrant essence of autumn. 

Now – November 30

CALL TO ARTISTS 

wgart.org/artists/call-to-artists

Visit the “Call or Artists” website page regularly for themes of upcoming exhibitions and submit online the FIRST through the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES

Details and registration, wgart.org/adults.

Artist Night Open Studio (New)
Mondays | 6:00 - 8:30 pm
$10 Member / $15 Nonmember

Technique Tuesdays @ Two
Pick up new tips and techniques while enjoying the artists’ open studio time. Schedule and details at wgart.org/Tuesdays.

Tuesdays | 2:00 - 4:00 pm | Studio Room
Open to all. Free to members & first-time visitors

Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing
Model is available to draw every session.
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 9:00 pm
18 years old and up only
$10 Member / $15 Nonmember (collected at sign in)

ART FOR KIDS

Details and registration, wgart.org/kids.

Wednesday Art Clubs
2nd grade - Middle School 
4:00 - 5:00 pm
$15 each session, includes all materials

VOLUNTEER

Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays.

BECOME A MEMBER

Winter Garden Art Association Membership Dues:
Individual Annual Membership: $45
Family Annual Membership: $65 
Purchase Membership
                           

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation logo

Winter Garden Heritage Museum

Exhibit

Seminole Attire: History and Culture 
through Design

During the 19th century, the indigenous people we know as Seminoles established a presence in our region. From a Creek word meaning outcast, the name Seminoles came to signify the native Americans expelled from Georgia and Alabama and driven into Florida. Three Seminole wars in the 19th century forced them further south, into the Everglades. 

The style of clothing displayed in the exhibit originated in the 1920s and continues to develop today with its trademark, intricate patchwork designs.

Now - December 31
Winter Garden Heritage Museum
1 N. Main Street | wghf.org | 407.656.3244 
Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm │ Free Admission

Tip411 logo

SUBMIT CRIME TIPS ANONYMOUSLY THROUGH WGPD ELECTRONIC TOOL

Residents can 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.

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.

You can also click here to sign up for Winter Garden Police Department Alerts.

Winter Garden Logo

City is Hiring:

Police Officer Cadets - with City Paid Sponsorship, Building Inspector/Plans Examiner II, 911 Dispatchers, Senior Records Specialist, Community Service Officer, Custodial Workers and Landscapers in Parks, & Public Utility Worker Positions

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, and 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:

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.

PUBLIC SERVICES:
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.

Senior Records Specialist: (Full-Time): The Senior Records Specialist is responsible for classifying, indexing, filing, storing, retrieving, and disposing of records and responding to police-related public records requests; and is assisted by the Records Specialist. An associate degree or higher level of education is required, with 2-3 years of prior police records experience. Must have advance knowledge of public records law in a government environment and be able to type at least 40 WPM. Florida Records Management Association certification is required within 2 years of employment. Bilingual skills highly desirable. An equivalent combination of education training and experience may also be considered.

Police Officer Cadet – City Paid Sponsorship : (Full-Time): The City of Winter Garden Police Department is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Police Officer Cadet Sponsorship Program, which includes (1) being paid as a full-time City employee (40 hours weekly) at an hourly rate of $20.57 while attending training, (2) City-paid Police Academy basic recruit training (includes tuition, books, uniforms, and other learning materials), and (3) full-time benefits as a City employee. After successful completion of the Police Academy and passing the State Officer Certification Exam (SOCE), required by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Cadet will become a certified Police Officer for the City of Winter Garden Police Department at an hourly pay rate of $29.30. Please visit the City of Winter Garden job posting on our website for the minimum qualifications and to apply to this position.

Winter Garden Logo

Participate in Your City

There are many different ways you can participate in your City government. Here are some options for you to consider: 

VOLUNTEER  - The City of Winter Garden has a number of advisory boards and committees that welcome your participation. Most have monthly meetings and require only a few hours of volunteer time per month. For those interested in serving, please complete the Board Interest Form. To find out more, contact the City Clerk's office at 407.656.4111, ext. 2297, or stop by City Hall at 300 W. Plant Street. 

JOIN A CLASS OR LEAGUE  - Sign up for one of the many classes or leagues offered by the City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department. 

ATTEND A MEETING - Open to the public, attend a City meeting to find out firsthand what is happening in your community. 

MEETING SCHEDULE  - Please see this month's meeting schedule below, subject to change. All meetings are held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street. 

Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 19, 6:30 pm

City Commission Meeting*
Thursday, November 14 , 6:30 pm 
Thursday, November 28, 6:30 pm - CANCELED

Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 5, 6:15 pm 

Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board
Tuesday, November 12, 5:30 pm

Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 6, 9:30 am
Wednesday, November 20, 9:30 am

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, November 4, 6:30 pm 

Visit the City of Winter Garden calendar for meeting updates, as well as to find out about additional meetings and events. 

*City Commission Meeting recordings are available the next business day following the meeting, Click here to listen.

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

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For questions, please email:

SocialMediaInquiries@cwgdn.com

Visit us at our websites:

www.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.com

Official Social Media Platforms:

www.facebook.com/officialdowntownwintergarden
www.instagram.com/officialdowntownwintergarden

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City of Winter Garden
300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787

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