 April 2022
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You are receiving E-News as a courtesy from the City.
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Holiday Office Closure
& Solid Waste Collection Services Schedule
for Good Friday, April 15- All City Government Offices will be closed on Friday, April 15.
- There will be Regular Collection Services of trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk items on Friday, April 15.
Click here for a yearly Solid Waste Holiday Collection Schedule.
If you have any questions, please call 407.656.2256.
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Spring Fever in the GardenApril 2 & 3
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Spring Fever in the Garden is back! Hosted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, in conjunction with the City of Winter Garden, the popular two-day plant, flower, and garden festival is one of Florida’s best!
Saturday, April 2 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 3 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Winter Garden | Free
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, activities include: - Chalkin’ It Up Sidewalk Art Contest at City Hall
- Live entertainment
- KIDZONE
- Nature-related arts and crafts
- Vendor booths selling thousands of a wide array of flowers and foliage
- and more!
Free shuttle service will be available both festival days from the lot at the corner of Ninth Street and Plant Street.
While attending the event, be sure to visit downtown’s new Monarch Butterfly Sculpture Park adjacent to the interactive fountain to meet Flora, a 10-foot copper butterfly sculpture, gifted by the Bloom & Grow Garden Society to mark the festival’s 20th anniversary partnership with Winter Garden.
All proceeds from Spring Fever in the Garden go toward providing financial support to West Orange County organizations, projects, scholarships, and schools to spread the love of gardening and nature. Since its founding 25 years ago, the Bloom & Grow Garden Society has invested nearly $500,000 back into our community.
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Arts in April Community EventsIn celebration of World Art Day, the Winter Garden Art Association will host a series of community events throughout the month of April to explore and create art. All of the events are FREE, except for the Art Night VIP fundraiser. Visit ARTS IN APRIL EVENT GUIDE for details and event schedule.
ARTS IN APRIL EVENTS:
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Downtown Gets a Little Free Library Downtown Winter Garden now has a Little Free Library for the community to share and enjoy books! Located at 207 W. Plant St. in front of the Downtown Post Office, the Little Free Library is a free book-sharing box that is open 24/7 for residents and visitors to take and/or leave books. Donated books should be appropriate for all ages, with an emphasis on kid-friendly topics.
Lauren Zimmerman, owner of downtown’s Writer’s Block Bookstore (32 W. Plant St.), donated the Little Free Library to show appreciation to the City and community in celebration of the store’s one-year anniversary.
Downtown’s Little Free Library is a registered unit of the worldwide network of more than 100,000 Little Free Libraries. |
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Summer Day Camp Registration
Available April 6 – 29Summer Day Camp offers children an interactive opportunity to participate in games, sports, crafts, swimming, and more with friends, counselors, and a well-trained Winter Garden Parks & Recreation staff!
Camp Dates | May 31 – July 29 | Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Age: Entering 1st through 8th grade
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
Registration:
April 6 – April 29 | City Residents
April 13 – April 29 | Nonresidents
(First two weeks payment due by April 29.)
Registration for this popular program starts on April 6 and space is extremely limited. To register, click here or register in-person at the Jessie Brock Community Center.
To avoid any registration issues, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 407.656.4155 prior to registration opening to verify your child’s information in our system. Payment for the first two weeks is due by the end of registration on April 29 or will result in cancellation of weeks registered. |
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 (Please note there is a $1.50 online transaction fee per transaction.)
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City is Hiring:
Public Safety, Permitting, Custodial & Skilled Trades Positions – TRAINEES & EXPERIENCED
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 a 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:
PUBLIC SAFETY (Experienced & Trainees):
911 Dispatchers (Full-time & As-Needed positions): 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. Full-time new hires are eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus!!
PERMITTING:
Customer Service Representative (Full-time): Experienced or Trainee for frequent direct public contact with citizens and others requesting information and service on planning, zoning, and permitting matters.
FACILITIES:
Skilled Trades Workers (Full-time & Stand-by): experience to include some or all of the following: Maintenance, repairs & troubleshooting main cooling/heating and humidity systems, CRACT (Computer Room Air Conditioners), and refrigeration units; electrical systems, PDU’s, emergency generators, circuit breakers, motor control centers, and control circuits; and plumbing pumps, valves, sprinkler/riser systems, piping and new fixtures.
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Orange County Extends CRA
& Annexes a County Enclave
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The Orange County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted on March 8, 2022, to extend the Winter Garden Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for 10 years. The City of Winter Garden had approved the extension one month earlier at a City Commission meeting.
The 10-year extension will allow the Winter Garden CRA to leverage the redevelopment success in Downtown Winter Garden to benefit East Winter Garden. It is estimated that over $20 million will be generated during this timeframe and at least 75% of these funds will be spent in East Winter Garden to revitalize the community.
The City of Winter Garden and Orange County also just completed an annexation of an enclave within the CRA allowing the annexed area to also be added to the CRA. The map shows the CRA area and the East Winter Garden area where the majority of the revenues will be spent.
Click here for more information about the CRA.
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Road Closures Alert
for SR 429 Improvement Project
From Sunday, April 3 - Thursday, April 7 (into April 8), there will be the following nightly SR 429 lane closures for setting Barrier Wall:
*Northbound SR 429: a single lane will be closed from south of Warrior Rd Bridge to West Road from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.
*Southbound SR 429: a single lane will be closed from West Road to south of Warrior Rd Bridge from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am.
From Monday, April 4 - Thursday, April 7 (into April 8):
Warrior Road from Windermere Rd (West) to Windermere Rd (East), under the SR 429 Expressway, will be closed nightly from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am (times subject to change) for bridge demolition.
- Westbound Motorists will be detoured to south on Windermere Rd (East) to west on Roberson Rd to north on Reaves Rd/ Beulah Rd to Warrior Rd.
- Eastbound Motorists will be detoured to south on Beulah Rd/ Reaves to east on Stoneybrook Parkway to north on Windermere Rd (East)/Tomyn Blvd.
From Sunday, April 10 - Thursday, April 14 (into April 15), there will be the following nightly SR 429 lane closures for bridge demolition:
*Northbound SR 429: a single inside lane will be closed from south of Warrior Rd Bridge to West Road from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.
*Southbound SR 429: a single inside lane will be closed from West Road to south of Warrior Rd Bridge from 7:30 pm to 6:00 am.
Questions about this SR 429 Corridor Capacity Improvements Project can be directed to Kevin Camera, Central Florida Expressway Authority Public Information Officer: 407-383-5817, construction@CFXWay.com. For more information about this project, click here.
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National Prescription Drug
TAKE BACK DAY
April 30On Saturday, April 30, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, bring your unused or expired medication for safe disposal to the drop-off site at the Winter Garden Police parking lot, 240 W. Plant Street. The event is part of DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
For questions, call the Community Liaison Unit at 407.656.3636 ext. 5416.
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Golf Cart Registration
April 8The Winter Garden Police Department offers designated days throughout the year for residents to register their golf cart. It is important to have this information on file in case your golf cart is stolen.
Friday, April 8 | 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Winter Garden Police Department (back parking lot),
251 W. Plant Street
Bring golf cart and proper form of identification for verification.
For questions about Golf Cart registration, contact Officer Gail Michaud at gmichaud@wgpd.com, 407.656.3636 ext. 4405.
Latest Golf Cart District MapView the most current Golf Cart District Map indicating the approved golf-cart friendly roads in which they are allowed (updated August 2021).
Golf Cart RulesClick here to view the rules and ordinance for driving a Golf Cart in Winter Garden.
Please note that anyone under the age of 18 driving a golf cart must have a driver’s license.
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Celebrate Earth Day with a Heritage Trees Walking TourTrees are vital to the environment and a great way to celebrate Earth Day on April 22 is to take a walking tour of the oldest and grandest trees in your community.
The self-guided Winter Garden Heritage Trees Walking Tour is a two-mile trek around historic downtown Winter Garden that pays tribute to 56 Heritage Trees. Each tree is labeled with its species and a QR code that provides information about the tree and historical information about Winter Garden and its people.
The Bloom & Grow Garden Society, in partnership with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the City of Winter Garden, recently created the tour.
Tour maps are available at the front lobby of City Hall or click here.
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Drop Savers Poster Contest – Winners AnnouncedThe City of Winter Garden recently took part in the annual Drop Savers Poster Contest sponsored by the American Water Works Association Florida Section. The City received 84 posters from six local schools: StarChild Academy, Whispering Oak Elementary, SunRidge Elementary, Lake Whitney Elementary, Foundation Academy and West Orange High School. Congratulations to the winners in the following divisions: - Division 1: (Kindergarten and 1st Grade) StarChild Academy, Student of Mrs. Grey
- Division 2: (2nd and 3rd Grade) StarChild Academy, Student of Ms. Sabbia
- Division 3: (4th and 5th Grade) StarChild Academy, Student of Mrs. Donnelly
- Division 4: (Middle School) Gianna Francis, Foundation Academy
- Division 5: (High School) Rosseth Meza Martinez, West Orange High School
The students will be recognized at the City Commission Meeting on April 14 at 6:30 pm. The five winning posters will move on to the state level competition. The posters will be on display in the City Hall lobby during the month of April to coincide with Water Conservation month. The lobby is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. The contest was open to students in grades K-12. Students were encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest teaches younger students, and reminds older students, about the importance of water conservation. Special thanks to the schools, students, and teachers for their participation! |
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 2022 Drop Savers Contest - Division 5 Winner
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Utility Bill Assistance Available for Low Income SeniorsAccepting Applications through May 1, 2022
The City of Winter Garden is currently accepting applications for the Utility Bill Assistance Program for Low Income Seniors. Qualified candidates can receive a reduction of up to $35 on their monthly utility bill.
Program Qualifications:
*must be 65 years of age, or 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits
*a City resident continuously for past 5 years
*monthly household income not to exceed $1,441.40 (Single) or $2,015.12 (Married)
Documents needed with application:
*copies of current identification
*2022 Social Security Benefit Statement OR 2021 Federal Income Tax Return
*ALL other proof of income for entire household
Applications are available at Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk, 300 W. Plant Street, Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, or contact City Clerk’s office 407.656.4111 ext. 2297.
APPLICATION and PROOF OF INCOME DEADLINE is MAY 1, 2022.
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Orange County Transportation SurveyDeadline April 25
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Orange County is conducting a survey to obtain residents’ input to shape transportation policy, priorities, and direction to improve transportation in Orange County. Thank you to those who have already completed the survey; and, if you have not had the opportunity to do so yet, the deadline has been extended to April 25. Click here to take the brief survey.
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Use QR Code to Download Your Mobile Citizen App
The Mobile Citizen app is a convenient tool to submit a work request to the City or have questions answered. For example, next time you see a pothole, a broken sign, a malfunctioning streetlight, or a leaky hydrant, you can notify the City through the app.
The app can also be used to inform the City that your trash was missed, schedule a pick-up for a discarded appliance or large electronic, inquire about a code enforcement concern, and more.
Use the QR code provided below to download the free Mobile Citizen app from Apple Store or Google Play to have a super convenient way to reach the City.
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SPRING into FUN withPARKS & RECREATION!Click here for a list of Parks & Recreation programs, classes, sports leagues, camps as well as additional details about offerings below. Questions, call 407.656.4155.Programs are held at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street, unless noted otherwise. Click here to register.
Group Tennis Lessons
Highly skilled instructor brings years of experience and knowledge to participants. Class space is limited, advance registration required. 6-week sessions beginning April 11 5 years and older Fee varies, click here for details Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road Boot Camp With BradLooking for cardio and strength training exercises that utilize both weights and body weight? Join this bi-weekly boot camp to learn how to develop a more physically healthy body and the mental well-being that comes with exercise.
Mondays and Thursdays
5:00 – 5:50 pm | 16 years and older
$16 City Residents / $18 Nonresidents per class
$55 City Residents / $65 Nonresidents per month (8 classes)
SystemaThis 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
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Central Florida Railroad MuseumHosts Open HouseApril 2 & 3
Visit the Central Florida Railroad Museum during its Spring Open House on April 2 & 3 to enjoy live presentations, special displays, a large-scale model railroad that young engineers can operate, a pop-up gift shop, and more.
Located in an over 100-year-old train depot, the museum boasts multiple galleries of local and nationwide railroad artifacts and memorabilia. Peek inside while attending Spring Fever in the Garden!
Saturday, April 2 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, April 3 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
101 S. Boyd Street | 407.656.0559 | Free Admission
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Winter Garden Art AssociationSOBO Art Gallery127 S. Boyd Street407.347.7996 wgart.org
Open Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
FREE Admission
ARTS IN APRIL
A host of events throughout the month for the community to explore and create art. Visit Arts in April Event Guide for details and schedule.
EXHIBITIONS
SOBO ART GALLERY:
Top Choice Annual Awards ShowThe annual juried exhibition features a variety of 2D & 3D works competing for Best of Show, People’s Choice, Curator’s Choice, and Multiple Medium Category Awards. April 5– May 28 Opening Reception | April 7, 5:30-8:00 pm | Public Welcome CITY HALL ART IN PUBLIC PLACES GALLERY:
High School Top Choice Annual Awards Show
A selection of high school students’ 2D & 3D works from SOBO Art Gallery’s Top Choice Annual Awards Show. April 1 – 30 Monday – Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Saturday, April 30 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm CALL TO ARTISTS
Interested artists can submit online between the FIRST and the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.
May 1-8 | Submit 2D & 3D artwork featuring portraits and other plays on the theme “About Face.” Creative interpretations of the theme are always appreciated.
WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTSClick here for more information or to register.
Expressive Floral & Still Life Painting in Oils | April 9 - 11Wish your paintings popped from across the room? Come learn how by painting still life and florals from life. Through demonstrations and discussion, followed by plenty of one-on one instruction, you can learn to make your paintings sing with light, color, depth, and movement in this all-from-life class. Fee required.
Artist Night Studio: Life Drawing A model is available to draw every Wednesday night.
Wednesdays | 6:30 – 9:00 pm
18 years and older only | $10 members; $15 non-members
Open Artist Studio Come in and create your art surrounded by other local artists.Every Tuesday | 11:00 am – 4:00 pmOpen to all | FreeTechnique Tuesdays @ TwoA different instructor & technique will be featured every week. Pick up new tips & techniques while enjoying the Open Artist Studio space. Click here for theme schedule.Every Tuesday | 2:00 – 4:00 pm (during Open Artist Studio)Open to all | Free to members & first time visitors
ART FOR KIDS
Click here for more information or to register.
Wednesday Art Clubs2nd grade – 5th grade: 2:45 – 3:45 pm
Middle and High School: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
$15 each session, (members $12) includes all materials
Home School Classes
SOBO is excited to offer Standards Based Art classes for small groups of Home School artists led by Lenore Eastham, Certified Art Educator.
$15 per child/55-minute session
Initial classes will be available in time blocks between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Become a Member or Donate
Interested in becoming a member of the Winter Garden Art Association or simply donating to the arts? Join or Donate here.VOLUNTEER
Currently accepting applications for volunteer opportunities at SOBO for Saturdays!
Click here to sign up.
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Disney’s Beauty and the BeastApril 22 - May 22 | Matinee and Evening Performances
ASL-Interpreted Performance: May 5
Sensory-Friendly Performance: May 14
Tickets start at $25 | Discounts available for youth, seniors, groups, and military members.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton
Directed by Roberta Emerson
There’s been a change in me, a kind of moving on, though what I used to be I still depend upon. Trapped in her provincial life, an intelligent young woman risks everything to save her father from a terrifying Beast in an enchanted castle. Belle becomes the heroine of her own story as she discovers the power in daring to be different and breaks free from the expectations of her quiet village. Filled with dancing teapots, gorgeous costumes, and theatre magic, this international best-selling sensation will be reimagined like never before for the Garden stage. EDUCATION
Talent is blooming at the Garden! At every age level, our students are encouraged to try something new, develop their theatre skills, and become more confident in everything they do. Camps and classes are tailored to fit the needs of each grade or skill level and are taught by experienced local theatre professionals.
Production Summer CampsPerform on the Garden stage! Production Camps are directed by theatre professionals and feature sets, costumes, lighting, and sound. Audition not required.
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
May 31 - June 17 | Grades 3 - 9 | Performances June 17 - 18
Be More Chill Teen
July 18 - August 5 | Grades 7 - 12 | Performances August 5 - 7
Design and Tech Team Camp
Students will learn the elements of theatrical design (costumes/lights/props) and take on backstage roles during the rehearsal and performances.
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
June 6 - 17 | Grades 3 - 9 | Performances June 17 - 18
Click here to register and learn about our educational programs.
Click here to learn about Garden Theatre’s health and safety protocols.
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Heritage Museum Premieres Exhibit
about the Tilden Family
EXHIBITION: TILDEN: The Story of a Family
The “Tilden” name is preserved indelibly on roadways, a neighborhood, antique citrus crate labels, and a historical legacy stretching back for almost 150 years in West Orange County. An exhibit showcasing photographs and artifacts donated by the pioneer Tilden family traces the heritage of an agricultural dynasty that greatly contributed to the region’s growth.
Now – May 31
Tuesdays through Saturdays | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main Street
Free Admission
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Live Music Every Friday Catch live music every Friday night from 7:00-9:00 pm in the center of Downtown at Centennial Plaza.
This month’s Fridays on the Plaza musical line-up:
- April 1 - Molly Holton (Blues, Acoustic)
- April 8 - Sound Traveler (Pop, Acoustic)
- April 15 - Rowdy Jameson Band (Country)
- April 22 - Orlando Gentleman of Jazz (Jazz)
- April 29 - Bird Dog Bobby (Blues)
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What Are Lift Stations?After you flush the toilet, wash your hands, take a bath, or rinse your dishes, do you ever wonder where all that water and its contents go? First, pipes carry wastewater from your home to bigger pipes in the middle of the street. From there, the wastewater travels to a lift station, usually in your neighborhood.
The City of Winter Garden has 105 lift stations. A lift station is a pump station that moves wastewater, or sewage, from a lower to higher elevation using a system of underground pipes and maintenance structures. Once the wastewater is lifted, more pipes then transport the wastewater from your home to its final destination: the wastewater treatment plant.
For more information, call 407.877.5193.
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Subscribe to Official City Communication Tools
to Be in the Know
The City of Winter Garden has several communication tools to keep you aware of the latest happenings and developments in the City of Winter Garden and Downtown Winter Garden. Take a moment to subscribe to the tools below to be the first to know about 2022 events and announcements: - Follow @OffficialDowntownWinterGarden on Facebook and Instagram.
- Subscribe to the Official Downtown Winter Garden website at downtownwg.com to receive periodic e-blasts about events, special offers, and news to your inbox. The website is also a handy official guide to the Downtown shops, restaurants, cultural and recreational venues, community sites, and much more.
- Subscribe to the City of Winter Garden website, cwgdn.com, to receive official notifications via email or text. Click the “Stay Connected” icon to sign up to receive important news flashes, calendar and meeting announcements, bid postings, and timely information.
Now sit back and let the City news come to you.
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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.
APRIL MEETING SCHEDULE
The City has resumed in-person meetings.
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
City Commission Meeting*
Thursday, April 14, 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 28, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 6:15 pm
City Hall Chambers
Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 13, 9:30 am
Wednesday, April 27, 9:30 am
City Hall Chambers
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, April 4, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
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.
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