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Holiday Closure:

Independence Day, Monday, July 5

 City government offices will be closed.
There will be regular trash, recycling, yard waste and bulk collection on Monday, July 5. 
If you have questions, please call 407.656.2256. 

Winter Garden is bursting with Fourth of July Festivities all weekend long!
Click here for details.       

Make a Difference in Your Community

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The City of Winter Garden is currently seeking volunteers 
for ALL Boards and Committees

Interest Forms Available here:
Board Interest Form

or come see us at City Hall
300 W. Plant Street
Winter Garden, Florida 34787
Or call us at (407) 656-4111 (Ext. 2297)

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 to be on an advisory board.  If you are interested, you can fill out the Board Interest Form and engage in local affairs.
  
Sign up for one of the many classes offered by the City of Winter Garden Parks and Recreation Department.
 
Attend City meetings. Join us in the City Hall Commission Chambers. Check out the calendar for upcoming meetings & events.

*The City has resumed in-person meetings. In the event you are unable to attend, there may be a temporary option to listen remotely via GoTo Webinar. Please check the individual meetings here to see if this an option for the meeting you would like to attend.  

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

Stay in the Know by
Subscribing to City’s Electronic News Outlets

Do you want to be the first to know what is happening in your hometown? The City of Winter Garden has several online communication tools to keep you informed of timely news, events, programs, services, meetings, and so much more! Be sure to subscribe to the following electronic news outlets to stay in the know:

*City of Winter Garden E-News –  If you are reading this because someone forwarded it or because you found it on the City website, you can subscribe to receive your own monthly copy. This electronic newsletter provides current news and events delivered via email and/or text the first week of every month. To subscribe, click here and select “NEWS FLASH” and “City News Updates,” and indicate preferred method of delivery.

*News Flash Alerts – Timely bulletins about City news and happenings delivered via email and/or text at the same time the information is posted on the City of Winter Garden website. To subscribe, click here and select “NEWS FLASH” and “City News Updates,” and indicate preferred method of delivery.

*Downtown Winter Garden News – Timely updates on city news, events, new local experiences, and special offers delivered to your email when News articles are posted on the Downtown Winter Garden website. To subscribe, visit www.downtownwg.com and register for “Stay Connected” at bottom of homepage.

The City’s Budget Cycle Begins…

 
The City’s budget serves as the primary tool in allocating resources to programs and services.  The City’s annual budget indicates the community priorities, projected revenues and costs and long-range planning.  Development of the annual budget reflects a strategic plan and considers the needs and priorities of the citizens, business leaders, and employees. The development, approval and implementation of the budget are all critical steps of the budget process.
 
Development
The first step of the budget preparation process is identifying budget objectives and operating budget requests.  Department directors and managers start this process in April and submit the requests to the Finance Director in June.  The Finance Director and City Manager meet with the department directors in the month of July to go over the requests.  These meetings provide each department director with the opportunity to discuss his or her budget and programs it provides.  Once the City Manager drafts a proposed budget, it goes to the City Commission for review and approval in mid-August.
 
Review & Approval
When the proposed budget goes to the City Commission for review, each member of the Commission reviews the budget in detail and hosts a public budget workshop and information session for public input at the end of August.  The Commission workshop provides a forum for finalizing spending plans, the proposed millage rate, and policy issues before the final budget hearings in September.  After community input and review, the City Commission will adopt the budget.  Approving the annual budget is done at the annual public budget hearings held in September.
 
Implementation
Following Commission approval of the final spending plan, the Finance Department staff will prepare the approved budget for distribution and post an electronic copy on the City’s website.  The budget for the upcoming year becomes effective October 1^st and the spending plan, as authorized by the Commission, will be implemented throughout the fiscal year.   For a copy of the current year FY2020/21 budget, please click here. 

There are a number of U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 relief options to help businesses recover from losses incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs include the following:

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness – Although PPP ended on May 31, existing PPP borrowers may be eligible for PPP loan forgiveness. Click here to find out how. 

Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)—Funding is available to provide emergency assistance to eligible restaurants, caterers, bars, bakeries, breweries/microbreweries, and other food and beverage entities impacted by COVID-19. To learn more and apply, click here.

Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) –Live venue operators/promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organization operators, museum operators, motion picture theater operators and owners, and talent representatives may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue.  Click here to find out more and apply.

COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) – Small business owners, including agricultural businesses and nonprofit organizations, may apply for an EIDL that has a fixed interest rate of 3.75% for businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits. To learn more and apply, click here. 

A Permit Is Required Before Cutting Down a Tree

Do Your Part to Keep Our Waterways Clean 

Stormwater runoff occurs when the rain pours over all surfaces. Stormwater from lawns or landscape is partially absorbed by the soil, with the remainder becoming runoff, flowing over impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and roads. Along the way, the runoff picks up pollutants such as litter, oil, and chemicals. Stormwater flows from streets and gutters into storm drains, pipes, and ditches, then it goes directly into our waterways. These pollutants can be harmful to frogs, fish, and other aquatic animals and plant life, and can lead to the uncontrolled growth of algae in our lakes, streams, rivers, and coastal waters.

Here’s how you can help:

• Scoop the poop. Pet waste contains nitrogen and bacteria, which is harmful to waterways.
• Use a commercial carwash to wash your car or wash your car on the grass. Grass stops soap and grime from reaching the waterways.
• Drain pool water and clean filters in grassy areas. Grass will absorb and filter the chemicals and dirt.
• Pick up litter. Litter decreases property value, clogs storm drains, helps breed mosquitoes, and pollutes local waterways.
• Dispose of hazardous waste properly. Find a facility that accepts household hazardous waste. Never put it in a storm drain.

Fridays on the Plaza are Back

The popular Fridays on the Plaza live music series returns this month. The open-air performance is held weekly in the center of Downtown in the Centennial Plaza gazebo from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

• July 2 - Red, White & Blues on the Plaza
• July 9 - Watkins Duo (Acoustic - 70’s & 80’s)
• July 16 - The Company of the Steel Hound (Classic Country - 50’s & 60’s)
• July 23 - Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)

• July 30 - Jason Thomas- Southbound Duo (Country, Bluegrass, Folk)
  
  

Parks & Recreation News

Summer Fun with Winter Garden PARKS & RECREATION!

Find dates, details and fees at: Parks and Recreation or call 407.656.4155.

Tai Chi, Yoga, Martial Arts, Tennis, Softball, 50+ Activities, Special Olympics Activities, Trips, Horticulture Lectures, Guitar Lessons, Art Classes, Kickball, Preschool Activities, Cooking Classes, Belly Dance, and more! Click here for dates, details, and fees or call 407.656.4155. 

USSSA Softball - Adult Fall League

Snag a line drive, make a diving catch, and crush a game winning homerun in our adult softball leagues. Church, Men’s, and Co-ed leagues offered Monday – Thursday. Registration is open for returning teams July 5 – August 2 and for new teams July 19 – August 2. Registration may close early due to limited availability.

*A returning team is classified as a team that has participated in any of our softball leagues within one of the past three consecutive
seasons. 

Leagues begin the week of August 16
Games at 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm, and 8:45 pm
$460 per team for season
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue

Kickball - Adult Fall League

Your favorite game during grade school recess just turned into your weeknight get-together. Come out and KICK IT with our Thursday night co-ed league. Registration is open July 5 – August 2. Registration may close early due to limited availability.

League begins August 19
Games at 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm, and 8:45 pm
$300 per team for season
Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Boulevard

Super Soccer Stars 

Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 12 months – 3 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, and educational environment. Through the age-specific curriculum, they use soccer to nurture, build self-confidence, and develop teamwork. The low child-to-coach ratio and positive reinforcement will ensure that each child improves at their own pace while having a blast! This program operates on a monthly basis. Each month long session includes four Saturdays. Session begins July 10. 

Saturdays, beginning July 10 four-week session each month
12 – 24 months | 10:00 – 10:30 am 
2 – 3 years old | 10:40 – 11:20 am 
$56 City Resident; $64 Nonresident 
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard 

Youth Soccer Camp - Challenger Sports

Winter Garden Parks & Recreation and Challenger Sports Camps are hosting a weeklong youth soccer camp. Children will be taught skills, self-discipline and good sportsmanship with daily scrimmages and a World Cup Tournament. Register at Challenger Sports Youth Soccer Camp.

Monday, August 2 - Friday, August 6
3 – 5 year olds | Tiny Tykes | 9:00 am – 10:30 am 

Youth & Adult Tennis Lessons 

Highly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advanced registration required. Private lessons available upon request. 

July 12 – 28 | three-week session
5 years and older
Lesson times vary by skill level. Click here for details 
Chapin Station Neighborhood Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road

Gentle Yoga

Great for beginners or anyone that wants to learn the basics of yoga. Yoga involves stretching and strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and relaxing meditation.

Tuesdays | 7:15 – 8:15 pm
16 years and older
$9 City Resident; $10 Nonresident per class, $32 City Resident; $36 Nonresident 
per four-week session

Systema

This Russian Martial Art focuses on self-defense methods, greater strength and endurance, patience, and working with others. Winter Garden is the only place in Central Florida to practice this art used by Russian Special Forces!

Mondays | 7:00 – 8:30 pm
18 years and older
$15 per class, $45 City Resident; $55 Nonresident 
per four-week session

Central Florida Railroad Museum

101 S. Boyd Street

cfrhs.org

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
FREE Admission

Expanded Operating Hours

The Central Florida Railroad Museum is now open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Museum, located in a 100-year-old train depot, houses railroad artifacts, memorabilia, and model trains. A variety of offerings provides fun for all ages. Admission is always free.

Visit us at our websites: