May 2025

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Memorial Day Office Closure & 
NO Solid Waste Collection Services

Monday, May 26

• All City Government Offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
• There will be NO Solid Waste Collection Services on Monday, May 26 (trash, yard waste, bulk items). Services will resume on your next scheduled collection day.
  
  

2025 Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule

If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.

SHOP, DINE & STROLL Raffle MAY-nia & Live Music 

Saturday, May 3

This year’s SHOP, DINE & STROLL event on Saturday, May 3, is full of extra excitement with increased chances to win multiple Raffle MAY-nia prizes (including cash gift cards), a live outdoor concert, a free tote bag giveaway, as well as merchant promotions.

Congrats to Our Local Class of 2025 Graduates

Congratulations to our local graduates! Truly, City of Winter Garden is not only where “Good Things Grow” but where “Good Things Grow…UP.” Best wishes to the Class of 2025, and may you always fondly remember your roots. 

Voice Your Opinion through The NCS Survey 

Mailed to Random Residents

The City is mailing surveys to randomly-selected residents to effectively gauge residents’ opinions regarding the quality of community characteristics, services, and governance. Should you receive this survey, please be sure to complete it by the June 6 deadline and offer your voice to make Winter Garden an even better place to live, work, and play. All feedback is anonymous. Surveys may be submitted by mail or online option.

The National Community Survey™ (The NCS) is conducted every two years by the City in partnership with an independent consultant. The survey is scientific in methodology and results are used to shape City services, your quality of life, and City’s overall direction. In fact, over the last 12+ years, resident feedback has affected improvements in nearly every aspect of City operations. 

Memorial Day Community Celebration

Monday, May 26

Join us to honor and remember our local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States Armed Forces at the annual Memorial Day Community Celebration. Presented by Hugh T. Gregory American Legion Post 63 and City of Winter Garden, the event includes a Roll Call of Veterans, placement of wreaths, and patriotic songs to pay homage to those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

GUEST SPEAKER: Cassandra Guzman (USAF), winner of the 2024 Ms. Veteran America Pageant

Monday, May 26 | 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 weekend! 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 Deadline: May 16

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 the City limits and receiving government assistance.

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 9 – August 1 | Free
Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Cornerstone Community Church, 1333 E. 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
• proof 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:

West Orange Recreation Center:
May 5 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm
May 6 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Westside Townhomes:
May 7 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Country Gardens:
May 8 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Palm Crossing:
May 9 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Village Grove:
May 12 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

West Pointe Villas:
May 13 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Winter Garden Police Dept.: (Back Parking Lot-Office Door is on Henderson St.)
May 15 | 2:00 - 5:00 pm
May 16 | 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Deadline to register is May 16, 2025. Space is limited so do not delay.

Lessons Learned from Last Hurricane Season: 

NOW is the Time to Trim Trees

Last hurricane season, many residents cut trees a few days before the hurricanes approached and that debris was left at the curb to become flying projectiles, potentially damaging property. As a reminder, the City’s Solid Waste Division cannot accommodate special pickups days before a storm. At that time, City crews are occupied with citywide storm preparation.

NOW is the time to prepare for storm season by doing the following:

• Identify and trim the overgrown trees on your property.
• If you want to have a tree cut down, you must first secure a permit at City Hall, per City code. Allow time for this process.
• If you hire a contractor to trim/cut trees, remind the contractor that it is their responsibility to remove and dispose of that debris (do not place curbside).
• Cut tree limbs to no more than four inches in diameter and four feet in length, per City code, so they can be collected. Yard debris is limited in volume to three cubic yards placed at the curb, per yard waste collection day. That is about the size of three washing machines sitting side by side. Extra charges may be applied for piles larger than the maximum size so plan ahead and make trimmings over several collection days.
• Place yard waste at the curb or the edge of the road (but not on top of fire hydrants or storm drains) to allow for easy pickup. Be a good neighbor and do not place curbside until at least the day before your scheduled collection day.
• Put leaves and small sticks in bags (not loose) and place separate from tree debris at the curb.

Trimming trees and discarding the debris before storm season arrives will avoid last-minute panic and keep your home safer.

For more information, call 407.877.5193.

CITIZENS CPR CLASS – May 17

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 17 | 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

 City Hall Exhibit 

Young Creatives Showcase Art Awards Exhibit 

Curated by Winter Garden Art Association/SOBO Art Gallery, the exhibition celebrates the outstanding talent of emerging teen and young adult artists in the community. Be sure to pop in City Hall to see the exhibit during its last month on display.

Now - May 30 
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm | Free

Time to Make a Splash

Public Pools Open May 3 - August 16

The City of Winter Garden pools open for the summer season on May 3! Take a dip to cool off, meet new people and have some family fun! Click here for information on the Aquatics classes and programs offered this summer.

Save the Date for Next Month’s City Events:

SPRING into FUN
with PARKS & RECREATION!

Click here for a list of Parks & Recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, as well as for additional details about offerings below. Questions, call 407.656.4155.

All recreation classes are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise. All aquatics classes and programs are held at the Farnsworth Pool, 1 Surprise Drive.

Click here to register.

AMAZING ATHLETES SPORTS DISCOVERY - YOUTH
Explore, learn, develop, and play with Amazing Athletes Sport Discovery! For ages 2 – 4 years old, this four-week mini season is designed to empower kids to discover their inner athlete and love of the sport. Together, we will explore baseball with concentrated play & practice, followed by a final game. Your Amazing Athlete will have the opportunity to develop skills with practice, apply what they’ve learned with confidence, have fun with gameplay, and discover a sport they love! This program is an indoor program but may move outdoors if weather permits. 

Age | 2 – 4 years old
Baseball | May 1 – 22
Thursdays | 5:30 – 6:20 pm
$64 City Resident / $70 Nonresident

BALLET BASICS FOR ADULTS
A basic level traditional ballet class for teens and adults with no previous experience or those looking to rediscover ballet after a long break. Class concentrates on proper body mechanics and barre work. 

Age | 13 years & older
Session 2 | April 30 – May 28
Wednesdays | 10:30 – 11:30 am
$80 City Resident / $85 Nonresident, per 5-week session

CREATIVE MOVEMENT 
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.

Age | 2 – 4 years old
Wednesdays | 9:30 – 10:15 am 
Session 2 | April 30 – May 28
$70 City Resident / $75 Nonresident, per 5-week session

INTRO TO SPANISH 
This 1.5-hour-long course places emphasis on the basics of Spanish and helps to develop basic conversations in Spanish. In this course, students will learn to greet others, introduce themselves and others, ask information, identify professions, and talk about basic people, places, and things. 

Age | 18 years & older
Session 2 | May 6 – 27
Tuesdays | 5:30 – 7:00 pm
$180 City Resident / $195 Nonresident, per 4-week session

KARATE ZOO 
In Karate Zoo, we teach the fundamentals of martial arts to children ages 3 - 6 years old in a high-energy progression-based program. Students learn and practice the traditions and skills of the sport and receive colored belts and stripes for their achievement. Each skill introduced is designed for progression with beginner, immediate, and advanced modifications, allowing each student to progress at their own pace in a mixed ability group setting. Inspired by the traditions and practices of martial arts, Karate Zoo is designed to benefit a child’s physical, social, and emotional development while building confidence and teaching practical life lessons. Hi-yah!

Age | 3 – 6 years old
Session 2 | Mondays, May 19 – July 14 (no programming May 26) 
5:30 – 6:20 pm
$191 City Resident / $201 Nonresident, per 8-week session (belt included in fee)
Optional purchases | $30 Karate Zoo Jersey, $40 Karate Gi Uniform

SUPER SOCCER STARS - YOUTH
For children 12 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. This activity is an outdoor activity but may move indoors in the event of inclement weather. 

Tuesdays | May 27 – July 29
Saturdays | May 31 – August 9 (no programming July 5)
Parent & Me | 12 months – 2 years old | Weekdays 5:00 – 5:40 pm, Weekends 9:00 – 9:40 am
2– 3 years old | Weekdays 5:50 – 6:30 pm, Weekends 9:50 – 10:30 am
3 – 4 years old | Weekdays 5:00 – 5:40 pm, Weekends 9:00 – 9:40 am 
$170 City Resident / $180 Nonresident, per 10-week session 
Optional purchase | $30 Super Soccer Stars Jersey 

AQUATICS

FAMILY SWIM NIGHT
Join us every Wednesday for Family Swim Night! A great way to relax after a busy day, 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 7 – August 6 
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Fee | $2 for 12 years & older / $1 for 2 - 11 years old 
(Family & Individual Passes permitted)

PRE-SUMMER RED CROSS SWIM LESSONS
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. Advance registration required.

Monday - Thursday
Session 1 | May 5 – May 8
Session 2 | May 12 – May 15
Session 3 | May 19 – May 22
$44 City Resident / $60 Nonresident

ACTIVE 50+

AARP SMART DRIVER TEK WORKSHOP
Learn how new, high-tech features in today’s cars can help make driving safer and easier. You will learn how the benefits of these technologies may enhance your driving safety and extend your safe driving years. You will receive a technology checklist and learn to identify the safety technologies that best suit your needs. Space is limited, so register now for this course by calling 1.877.805.0458.

Monday, May 5 | 6:30 – 8:00 pm | Free

I WANT TO KNOW 
The informative presentation provides new insights and/or deepens knowledge in an entertaining manner. Register for this month’s presentation. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish.

It Is All About the Weather and Hurricanes by a WFTV Channel 9 meteorologist 
Tuesday, May 27 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Free

FREE PHOTO BOOTH DAY - May 3

Visit on Free Photo Booth Day to take fun photos with friends and family with scenes of historic downtown Winter Garden as your background -- without ever leaving the booth! A fun souvenir!

Saturday, May 3  | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free 

COMMUNITY DAY: Explore the Great (Local) Outdoors- May 17

Five Central Florida organizations will be at the museum to answer your questions and share information about exploring the great outdoors in the region. The Bloom and Grow Garden Society,  Oakland Nature Preserve, Orange County Parks and Recreation, Orange Audubon and Trout Lake Nature Center will be located in the museum meeting room and have displays and information available. Oakland Nature Preserve will have animal ambassadors on site. Free admission.

Saturday, May 17  | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm | Free Admission

EXHIBIT: MAGIC ON THE RAILS: THE TRAINS OF WALT DISNEY WORLD

Journey through time as we look at the history of the trains at the Magic Kingdom. These century-old locomotives pull millions of guests annually on their grand circle tour at Walt Disney World.

EXHIBIT DATES | Now – August 30 | Free Admission

Central Florida Railroad Museum
101 S. Boyd Street | cfrhs.org | 407.656.0559
Tuesday – Friday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Free Admission

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.
   
   

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:

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 five (5) years of experience, with a minimum of two (2) years in construction, building code inspection, or plans review. Requires a State of Florida Residential Inspector, as well as two of the following: Standard Inspector or Standard Plans Examiner license in Building, Electrical, Mechanical, or Plumbing.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:
Facilities Electrician (Full-Time): Performs responsible journey-level electrical work involving the installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment, machinery, power appliances, fixtures or other electrical components. Work is subject to review while in progress and upon completion for compliance with acceptable electrical standards. Three (3) years of recent full-time building maintenance experience in commercial buildings and/or facilities is preferred.  High school diploma or GED and one (1) year of education at a recognized electrical training institution and two (2) years of electrical field experience or an equivalent combination of related education, training, and experience needed. Must be able to pass CJIS online security training and background check. Valid Florida Driver’s license and ability to maintain satisfactory driving record is required. Must be able to obtain Journeyman Electrical Competency Card within six (6) months of employment.

PARKS:
Events Coordinator (Full-Time): Responsible for assisting with the coordination, support, and ongoing monitoring of all City events, which requires flexibility and availability to be on-site during all events, including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Key responsibilities including assisting with the planning, marketing, production, and execution of City-wide special events, as well as providing support, as assigned, for other City-sponsored community events and priorities. Excellent logistical planning and coordination skills; well-developed critical thinking skills; and a proven ability to exercise independent and sound judgement; and appreciate, value, and consider diverse perspectives while being able to persuade, negotiate, influence, and participate collaboratively with partners and stakeholders in this role is vital to its success.

Landscaper – Public Services Worker I(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:
Collection Field Technician II – Wastewater Collection System Operator (Full-Time): Minimum of two (2) years of experience with wastewater collection systems to include pipeline cleaning and maintenance, pipeline repair and rehabilitation; and an understanding of inflow, infiltration and basic system inspection and testing.  Must have knowledge and experience with pump installation and repair and lift station equipment and maintenance. Possession of a valid Florida Water & Pollution Control Operations Association Wastewater Collection System Operator C Certificate is preferred. Possession of a valid Florida CDL Driver’s License Class B with air brake and tanker endorsements within 90 days. High school diploma or GED certification preferred. Must be available and willing to answer emergency or service calls after normal working hours.

Lift Station Operator (Full-Time): Perform responsible skilled labor including the repair, maintenance, adjustment, inspection and have a knowledge of the mechanical and electrical equipment involving lift stations. Performs a variety of maintenance, construction, repair or location tasks involving lift station, force mains etc. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Field Technician I or related experience. Possession of a valid FWPCOA Class “C” Wastewater Collection Certification. Florida CDL Driver License Class “B” with air brakes and tanker endorsements. Based on FMCSA regulations, applicants for employment and existing employees in positions requiring a CDL are subject to pre-employment, post-employment, and ongoing testing for controlled substances and alcohol as a condition of employment. High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred. Must be available and willing 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
 
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