 March 2022
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Downtown Events to Celebrate
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
Winter Garden’s small businesses make our community unique so come out to support them at two downtown events in celebration of the annual National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day.
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Downtown Boutique WalkThursday, March 24, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Join the downtown boutiques for a splendid evening of shopping, sips, and snacks. Participating shops will have in-store raffles, special sales, as well as new merchandise to kick off the spring season. Complimentary light refreshments will be provided. Click here for participating stores and details.
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Shop, Dine & StrollSaturday, March 26Shop, Dine & Stroll is a daylong shopping and dining experience in Downtown Winter Garden. Shop the sidewalk sales, spring fashions and merchandise, and enjoy seasonal menus at expansive outdoor patios. Stroll through blooming flowers along the historic brick-lined streets while enjoying the spring weather. Live music will fill the air in the evening with a special performance at Centennial Plaza.
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Farmers Market March Events
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Farm Day on March 5
The Winter Garden Farmers Market is all about the “farm” and on March 5, there will not only be the farm’s produce and dairy at the market, but also farm animals!
A free petting zoo will be on the lawn adjacent to the Pavilion, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, for all ages to enjoy. Visit with lambs, goats, bunnies, a pig, chickens, and more. Learn about these animals that are an important component of a farm.
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St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 12“Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!” to all that visit the Winter Garden Farmers Market on March 12 for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration.
Kids are invited to make complimentary St. Patrick’s Day crafts at the KidZone tent, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm, located in front of the Parking Garage on Tremaine Street. These take-home artistic creations will add holiday spirit to your home. The Farmers Market is a great place to seek unique St. Patrick’s Day décor, gifts, and treats.
Winter Garden Farmers Market
Saturdays | 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue
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Visit the EBT/SNAP Tent located by the Pavilion. In addition, select produce vendors accept Fresh Access Bucks.
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Resident Publication is on its WayKeep an eye out for the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of Winter Garden Bulletin – Your Official City News Source arriving in your mailbox. This colorful, 36-page biannual publication (formerly called The City of Winter Garden News) is chock-full of information about upcoming events, classes, programs, and City news. The newsletter serves as a handy guide to all Living Local opportunities to help plan your spring and summer.
Extra copies are available at City Hall and Jessie Brock Community Center. Click here to view the digital version of the newsletter.
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Now Hiring Part-Time School Crossing GuardsWould you like to work part-time and close to home and have nights, weekends, holidays and summers off? If so, consider becoming a City of Winter Garden School Crossing Guard. In this position, you will work four hours or less daily, but be paid for an entire four hours, and earn paid vacation leave. No experience is necessary and training is provided.
If you cannot commit to the entire school year, there are also positions available for temporary/stand-by School Crossing Guards to fill-in when needed.
Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work. Click here to apply to the School Crossing Guard positon or to explore all City of Winter Garden job opportunities. Questions, call 407.656.3636 ext. 4036
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Intro to Pickleball Free ClinicPickleball is all the rage so come out to a free clinic to learn about the exciting game from experienced Winter Garden pickleball players. Join in for instructions on basic play, tips, strategies, and general information on the game.
No registration required. Show up anytime during the scheduled time and join the fun. Extra paddles and pickleballs will be available.
Saturday, March, 26
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Avenue
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Spring Break CampsWith OCPS spring break starting next week, reserve your spots now in these fun local options:
Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Spring Break CampThe Spring Break Camp hosted by the Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department is a fun way for your school-aged children to spend their time off from school. Campers will enjoy various activities, sports, arts and crafts, and more alongside their friends. A qualified, well-trained staff will provide a safe and outstanding break for your child. Camp is open to all children in Kindergarten through 8 th grade. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day. Camp dates: March 11, 14 - 18 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Camp is open to children Kindergarten through 8 th grade $21 per day City Resident / $26 per day Nonresident Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street Click here to register. Questions, call 407.656.4155. Garden Theatre Spring Break Camps Camp dates: March 14 – 18 Schoolhouse Rock Live Production Experience | Grades 1 – 3 | 8:30 am – 2:00 pm | $210 Get Down With Six | Grades 3 – 6 | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm | $190 Villains Musical | Grades 3 – 6 | 9:00 am – 2:30 pm | $190 Musical Theatre Songwriting | Grades 7 – 12 | 2:00 – 6:00 pm | $180 Click here to register. Questions, call 407.656.4155.Aftercare available for additional fee. |
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Entry Deadline for
Drop Savers Poster Contest is March 4The City of Winter Garden cordially invites students to participate in our “Drop Savers” poster contest.
Students in grades K - 12 are encouraged to create a poster depicting a water conservation idea in slogan form, drawing form, or both. The contest allows students to promote water awareness and the importance of water conservation in their daily routines.
The contest is open to Public School, Private School, and Homeschool students.
Entry deadline is this Friday, March 4, 2022.
Click here for complete details and entry form, or call 407.877.5193. |
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2021 High School Winner - Peyton Brown - West Orange High School - Division 5
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Know your Day to Water Your Lawn
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Daylight Saving Time also means you can now water your lawn twice a week. This two-day limit helps conserve water. Please water only when needed and NOT between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
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Celebrate World Water Day – March 22
World Water Day highlights the importance of fresh water. Did you know that 2 billion people worldwide are living without access to fresh water? Working to protect our water is critical, and it is everyone’s responsibility. Conserving water saves a precious natural resource, avoids overdraft of reservoirs and groundwater, maintains future water supplies, and leaves more water for wildlife.
Interesting Water Facts (courtesy of St. Johns River Water Management District):
- Of the world’s freshwater supply, over two-thirds is found underground.
- Only 3% of the water found on Earth is freshwater; 97% is salt water, found in oceans and salty lakes.
- The human body is 66% water.
- About 82% of our blood is water. Water helps digest our food, take in oxygen, transport body wastes, and control body temperature.
- Only 1% of the Earth’s water supply is in a form that is usable by animals, plants, and humans.
For questions, call 407.877.5193.
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Orange County Transportation Survey
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Orange County is conducting a survey to get residents’ input to shape transportation policy, priorities, and direction to improve transportation in Orange County. Click here to take the brief survey before it expires on March 31, 2022.
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Art in Public Places Exhibit at City HallCelebrates Black History
Visit City Hall to see historic and contemporary images documenting the history and accomplishments of Winter Garden’s African American people. This insightful exhibit is a collaboration from the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the Crealde’ School of Art.
Now – March 31
Monday – Friday | 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
Art in Public Places Gallery in City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
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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:
- March 4- Caribbean Country (Pop, Country)
- March 11- Pacific Rush (Coastal Rock)
- March 18- Mountain Brew (Irish, Bluegrass)
- March 25- Crenshaw (Folk)
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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. Advance reservations required. Spring Break CampCampers will enjoy various activities, sports, arts and crafts, and more alongside their friends. A qualified, well-trained staff will provide a safe and outstanding break for your child. Campers must bring a packed lunch, snacks, and a water bottle to camp every day.
Camp dates: March 11, 14 - 18
7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Camp is open to children Kindergarten through 8th grade
$21 per day City Resident / $26 per day Nonresident
Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street
Click here to register. Questions, call 407.656.4155
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 advance Archers, and provides a variety of skill development training and fun archery games.
Session 3: March 30 & 31 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm
Session 4: April 27 & 28 | 6:00 – 6:50 pm
$25 City Resident / $30 Nonresident, per class
$50 City Resident / $60 Nonresident, per 2-class session
Super Soccer Stars
Super Soccer Stars is a soccer development program for children 18 months - 3 years old. All classes teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive and educational environment. Through our age - specific curriculum, soccer is used to nurture and build self-confidence and teamwork. Each session lasts four weeks, with new sessions starting each month.
Tuesdays beginning March 1 and April 5
Saturdays beginning March 5, and April 9
18 - 24 months; weekdays 5:15 – 5:45 pm, weekends 10:00 - 10:30 am
2 - 3 years; weekdays 5:50 – 6:35, weekends 10:40 - 11:20 am
$56 City Residents / $64 Nonresidents
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)
Gentle YogaGreat 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 4-week session
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
Active 50+ Programs & Day Trips
Boccia BallBoccia is a precision ball sport similar to Bocce Ball. The game is played inside and you sit next to your opponent on the Boccia Court. It can be played one-on-one or in teams. The object of the game is to throw or roll leather-like balls so that they land as close as possible to a target ball.
Spring (Now – May) | Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Free
Brevard Zoo — Melbourne, FLThis zoo's lush, open-air habitats are home to over 900 animals from around the world! The zoo is divided into four loops: Expedition Africa, Lands of Change: Australia and Beyond, Wild Florida, and Rainforest Revealed. Dutch treat lunch.
Tuesday, March 22
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
$33 City Resident / $37 Nonresident
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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, 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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New Parking Lot Coming to Downtown
A new 124-space parking lot is under construction on two City-owned parcels located at 37 N. Boyd Street and 63 N. Boyd Street. The new asphalt parking lot will have improved lighting, drainage, landscaping, and irrigation, as well as a bicycle repair shelter. The new North Boyd Parking Lot is slated to open in May/June 2022. The former parking lot at 63 N. Boyd Street is closed during the construction. |
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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, 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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Recycle These Plastics
Just Not in the Curbside Recycling CartMany plastic bags, film packaging, and wraps are still showing up in the recycling carts. These items get tangled in the sorting equipment at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), which is why they are not allowed in the cart. However, they can be recycled; you just have to take them to a retailer that provides that service.
Recycle these at the store (make sure they are clean & dry): |
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Candy bar wrappers, chip bags, six-pack rings, and degradable bags are NOT recyclable.
For questions, call 407.877.5193.
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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.
March 1 – 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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Central Florida Railroad MuseumPRESENTATION: History Series: The Tug & Grunt, Our Beloved Tavares and Gulf Railroad
One of two railroads serving Winter Garden during the city’s earliest days, the Tavares & Gulf Railroad seemed plagued by an almost daily onslaught of challenges, the least of which was simply keeping the train on the track. However, despite its troubles, the railroad played a major role in the development of Winter Garden and West Orange County.
Presentation - Saturday, March 19 | 1:00 pm
Museum Hours - Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd Street
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 EXHIBITION
Women’s Living Legacy
2D & 3D works that celebrate the legacy and history of women on others, society, and the future.Now – March 26CALL TO ARTISTS
Interested artists can submit online between the FIRST and the EIGHTH of the month prior to an exhibition.
March 1-8 ¦ Submit your best 2D & 3D works to the Top Choice Annual Awards Exhibition, open to all types of artistic entries.
WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTSClick here for more information or to register.
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 link above for full schedule.Every Tuesday | starting at 2:00 (during Open Artist Studio)Open to all | Free to members & first time visitors
Master Class: Oliver Sin | March 6 -10
This workshop will help students to make competent portrait drawings. Step-by-step demonstrations will help students to understand the structure of the face in terms of shapes, planes change, anatomy, and value by using lines and value rendering. Fee required.
Expressive Floral & Still Life Painting in Oils | April 9 - 11
Wish 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. ART FOR KIDSClick 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 per 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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ParadeNow - March 13 | Matinee and Evening Performances
ASL-Interpreted Performance: March 10, 7:30 pm
Tickets start at $25 | Discounts available for youth, seniors, groups, and military members.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Book by Alfred Uhry | Music & Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Joseph C. Walsh
I’m trapped inside this life and trapped beside a wife who would prefer that I’d say “Howdy!” not “Shalom!” This provocative Tony Award-winning musical explores the endurance of love, hope, and compassion against seemingly insurmountable odds. Ostracized for his faith, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jewish man, is accused of murder in 1913 Atlanta. The whole town turns against him, leaving his wife Lucille as his only defender. A moving love story, a riveting murder mystery, and a gripping courtroom drama, Parade illuminates a circus of conflicting accounts, false testimony, and mishandled evidence in a town reeling with social and racial tension.
INTERACTIVE MOVIE
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975, PG)
Sunday, March 27 | 7:00 pmInteractive Pre Show at 6:30 pm | Tickets $15Click here to purchase tickets.Ni! Armed with coconuts and holy hand grenades, King Arthur and his motley crew struggle to find the Holy Grail in this British cult classic film. 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.
Weekly Classes
Acting for Adults (Beginner)
Tuesdays | March 8 – 29 | 7:00 – 9:00 pm | Ages 18+
Beauty and the Beast Saturdays
Saturdays | March 26 – April 30 | 8:00 – 10:00 am | Grades 1 – 3
Latin Dance
Saturdays | March 26 – April 30 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 pm | Grades 3 – 6
Spring Break Camps | March 14 – 18
Schoolhouse Rock Live Production Experience | Grades 1 – 3 Get Down With Six | Grades 3 – 6 Villains Musical | Grades 3 – 6 Musical Theatre Songwriting | Grades 7 – 12
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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Local COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Sites
There are a number of local options to get a COVID-19 vaccine. All vaccines are free. For a detailed list of vaccination sites, click here.
There are free COVID-19 testing sites located throughout the community. Click here for more information about these testing sites and to register, as well as to find a list of retail pharmacies and medical clinics that offer testing.
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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 is currently seeking volunteers for ALL Boards and Committees. There are open seats on 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.
MARCH MEETING SCHEDULE
The City has resumed in-person meetings.
Architecture Review and Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
City Commission Meeting*
Thursday, March 10, 6:30 pm
Thursday, March 24, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers
Code Enforcement Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 6:15 pm
City Hall Chambers
Development Review Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 2, 9:30 am
Wednesday, March 16, 9:30 am
Wednesday, March 30, 9:30 am
City Hall Chambers
Planning & Zoning Board Meeting
Monday, March 7, 6:30 pm
City Hall Chambers Police Officers' & Firefighters' Pension Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 1, 4:00 pm
Winter Garden Fire Department, 1 East Cypress St.
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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