Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 23, 2026! We hope your day is going splendidly. Dive into this month's edition as we bring you exciting updates, and, of course, sprinkle some joy into your inbox! Don't forget to stay curious and inspired! ✨

In this edition of Rooted in Winter Garden:

The Local Lowdown

• Winter Garden Nonprofit Brings Holiday Cheer to Hospitalized Children
• Oranges and Ornaments: A Festive Celebration of Citrus and Christmas in Winter Garden
  
• Fatal House Fire in Orange County serves as a tragic reminder of fire safety importance.
  

Get Out & Go!

• Fridays on the Plaza – Live Music
• Winter Garden Farmers Market – Special Edition
  
• Sunday Evening Community Walk & Talk

Business Buzz

• Come Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Winter Garden and Support Local Entrepreneurs!
  
• Winter Garden to Introduce Zero Energy-Ready Townhomes in Collaboration with Meritage Homes and DOE

Stay connected for more updates this week — let’s work together to make it a great one for Winter Garden, Florida. 🌴

What weekly event is now one of Central Florida’s most popular?

 Challenge: Attend this Saturday and see how many vendors you count.

Discover local gems! This newsletter is sponsored by ZaarHub, your go-to online directory for finding the best local businesses in your community. Find everything from restaurants and shops to services and more. Visit ZaarHub today!

The Local Lowdown

🌟 Uncover the Essence of Your Community: Stay updated with the latest happenings, hidden gems, and exciting events right in your neighborhood, making you feel more connected than ever!

• Winter Garden Nonprofit Brings Holiday Cheer to Hospitalized Children
• Oranges and Ornaments: A Festive Celebration of Citrus and Christmas in Winter Garden
  
• Fatal House Fire in Orange County serves as a tragic reminder of fire safety importance.
  

Rene Porter of Winter Garden was inspired to act after seeing a friend’s hospital room transformed with festive lights and decorations for Greyson Heineke, a young child battling seizures.

Moved by the comfort this brought the Heineke family, Porter founded The Greyson Project in memory of Greyson, who passed away at one year old.

Since then, the nonprofit has dedicated itself to delivering holiday decorations to families in hospitals, aiming to share seasonal joy where it’s needed most.

In 2024, the charity provided 2,418 decoration bags to 41 hospitals across 16 states—an accomplishment fueled by passionate Winter Garden residents, volunteers, and local businesses.

Community members assemble bags with festive items, offer hands-on help, and donate funds, all ensuring hospital rooms glow with hope and warmth each holiday season.

Thanks to their efforts, The Greyson Project continues to brighten difficult days for families, keeping Greyson’s legacy alive.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

🌟 Weekend Reminder: Keep Your Goals in Sight

As you head into the weekend, take a moment to reconnect with your goals — big or small. You don’t have to finish everything at once. Just focus on one meaningful step that moves you forward.

✔️ Reflect on what matters
✔️ Reset your energy
✔️ Refresh your mindset
✔️ Realign with your purpose

Small progress is still progress. Be proud of how far you’ve come, and stay committed to where you're headed. You’ve got this! 💛

🌳GET OUT  & GO

 Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! 🌍✨

• Fridays on the Plaza – Live Music
• Winter Garden Farmers Market – Special Edition
  
• Sunday Evening Community Walk & Talk
  
  

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Winter Garden, Florida's latest business addition! 🌟 Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!

• Come Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Winter Garden and Support Local Entrepreneurs!
  
• Winter Garden to Introduce Zero Energy-Ready Townhomes in Collaboration with Meritage Homes and DOE

Historic Downtown Winter Garden welcomes you to Small Business Saturday on November 29, a special day devoted to championing local, independent shops.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., stroll the picturesque, brick-lined streets and discover exciting sales, one-of-a-kind promotions, and the friendly faces behind your favorite mom-and-pop businesses.

The festive atmosphere grows with live music at Centennial Plaza — enjoy Brian and Hannah's soulful jazz, Motown, and R&B sounds from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by the Joey & Danielle Duo performing a lively mix of jazz, rock, country, and pop from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Experience a wide variety of local eateries, from cozy coffee shops to delightful bakeries and farm-to-table restaurants.

Free parking is conveniently available at several downtown locations, making your visit easy.

Support small businesses and help Winter Garden’s community spirit shine.

Winter Garden will soon see the construction of zero-energy-ready townhomes, the first of its kind in the city.

These homes will feature cutting-edge technology and energy-efficient designs to significantly reduce energy consumption.

The project is a collaboration between homebuilder Meritage Homes and the Department of Energy's Zero Energy Ready Home program.

The townhomes will be built in the Oakland Hills community and are expected to be completed by early 2025.

This initiative marks a significant step towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly housing options in Winter Garden.

Outdoor & Survival

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Building a Survival Kit for Your Vehicle in Florida

Whether you're commuting across town or exploring Florida’s coastlines and backroads, keeping a well-stocked vehicle survival kit can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a serious emergency.

Florida’s heat, sudden storms, and occasional flooding mean your kit should focus on hydration, sun protection, and items that help you stay safe if you’re stranded.

• Water & Hydration: At least 2–4 liters of bottled water per person (rotate periodically).
  
  Include electrolyte packets for hot-weather emergencies.
• Food & Energy: Nonperishable, high-calorie snacks (energy bars, nuts, dried fruit).
  
  Replace every 6–12 months as needed.
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, antihistamine, pain reliever, and any personal prescription meds.
• Shelter & Warmth: Emergency Mylar blanket(s), compact sleeping bag or lightweight blanket, and a waterproof tarp — useful during unexpected overnight waits or storm sheltering.
• Sun & Rain Protection: Broad-spectrum sunscreen, wide-brim hat or cap, sunglasses, and a lightweight rain poncho or packable rain jacket.
• Lighting & Power: Reliable flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a USB power bank for charging phones (keep it charged).
• Tools & Repair: Multi-tool, pocket knife, tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor or tire inflator, plug-and-seal tire repair kit, and duct tape.
• Recovery & Signaling: Tow strap/rope, jumper cables, reflective triangle/flares, high-visibility vest, and a whistle for signaling rescuers.
• Navigation & Communication: Paper maps of your area, a compass, and a car charger for your phone.
  
  Consider a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio.
• Vehicle Care: Small container of engine coolant/antifreeze, motor oil, spare fuses, and a basic set of tools (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench).
• Comfort & Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, extra socks, a change of lightweight clothing, and insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in Florida).
• Documents & Cash: Waterproof pouch with driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration, emergency contact list, and some cash (small bills).
• Special Considerations: If you travel with children, pets, or have medical needs, include appropriate supplies (child snacks, pet water bowl, meds, copies of prescriptions).

Tip: Store items in a sturdy, waterproof container and keep the kit secured in the trunk or cargo area.

Check your kit seasonally — replace expired food, batteries, and medications, and top off the power bank so it’s ready when you need it.

⚠️ Safety: In Florida, never drive through standing or flowing floodwater — six inches can stall a car and deeper water can sweep it away.

If stranded, stay with your vehicle whenever safe (it’s easier for rescuers to spot) unless staying put puts you at risk (rising water, fire, or hazardous surroundings).

Call emergency services when in doubt and avoid attempting roadside repairs in unsafe areas or at night without proper visibility and signaling.

Trivia Challenge!

"Congratulations to all who participated in this week's trivia! To enter our weekly drawing for a [local prize,
e.g., gift card to a local restaurant], email us your answers to all three trivia questions by January 23, 2026 at 8 PM.

The Winter Garden Farmers Market is a regional favorite.

That's the Pulse to get your weekend started!
Have a fantastic time out there enjoying Winter Garden, Florida. See an adorable pet? Send us a picture!

🌟 Help us grow by sharing this email with a neighbor, and if you have a news tip, simply hit reply! 📩

🌐 Stay connected by visiting our website at https://rootedinwintergarden.com

📘 Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/rootedinwintergarden
👥 Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/rootedinwintergarden

Check out our local business directory: zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

- Rooted in Winter Garden Team