Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy January 30, 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
  
• Winter Garden Leaders Approve Reopening Plan for Historic Theater
  
• Winter Garden Chiropractor Wins Ms. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition for Second Consecutive Year

Get Out & Go!

• Fridays on the Plaza – Live Music
  
• Sell Your Camera Gear Swap Meet
• 2026 NHL Stadium Series (Nearby in Tampa) 

Business Buzz

• Support Small Businesses at Winter Garden's Small Business Saturday
• 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 historic high school opened in 1927 to serve all West Orange County?

Challenge: See if you know anyone whose parents or grandparents attended.

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
  
• Winter Garden Leaders Approve Reopening Plan for Historic Theater
  
• Winter Garden Chiropractor Wins Ms. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition for Second Consecutive Year

In 2010, Rene Porter of Winter Garden was deeply moved when she saw young Greyson Heineke’s hospital room filled with Christmas spirit—stockings, lights, and a small decorated tree brightened the challenging days as his family searched for answers to his seizures.

Galvanized by that memory, Porter launched The Greyson Project in 2015, honoring Greyson’s life and legacy after his early passing.

The nonprofit delivers cheerful holiday decor to hospital-bound families, making sterile rooms feel welcoming and filled with hope.

Since beginning, over 15,000 decorated bags—with trees, garlands, lights, and DIY kits—have brought comfort in 15 states.

Community support fuels the movement, with businesses like Pammie’s Sammies hosting donation drives and volunteers delivering festive bags, ensuring families feel the magic of the holidays even during hardship.

Each room transformation offers families relief, joy, and a shared sense of belonging during the season.

The Winter Garden City Commission has unanimously approved a bold plan to revive the historic Garden Theatre, bringing new hope to this beloved local venue.

Closed suddenly in October 2024 because of financial hardship, the theater’s comeback strategy was shaped with input from arts consultant Alauna Friskics.

The reopening model will spotlight concerts, movies, camps, and classes in its first year, focusing on engaging the community while controlling expenses.

Full theatrical productions are set to return in the second year, ensuring stability before expanding programming.

Management will be handled by a third-party company, with the city sharing oversight and costs. City Manager Jon Williams shared optimism for the theater’s renewed role as a cultural anchor.

Officials hope to reopen the Garden Theatre by summer, launching camps and classes for local children and reestablishing its vital community presence.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

❄️ Weekend Reminder:

Temperatures are dropping, so bundle up and stay warm! Take this slower weekend as a chance to rest, reset, and recharge. Even small steps forward matter — be kind to yourself, enjoy something cozy, and remember that brighter days are always ahead. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep going. 🤍🧣✨

🌳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
  
• Sell Your Camera Gear Swap Meet
• 2026 NHL Stadium Series (Nearby in Tampa) 
  

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!

• Support Small Businesses at Winter Garden's Small Business Saturday
• 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.

Outdoor & Survival

🌿 Outdoor & Living Survival

Planning a Winter Nature Walk in Florida’s Natural Areas

Florida’s mild winters create the perfect opportunity to explore trails, wetlands, and wildlife preserves without the intense summer heat.

A thoughtful plan helps you enjoy nature comfortably while protecting the environment and staying safe outdoors.

• Dress in Light Layers: Mornings can be cool while afternoons warm up quickly.
  
  Wear breathable layers so you can adjust as temperatures change.
• Choose Wildlife-Friendly Trails: Stick to marked paths to protect fragile habitats and avoid disturbing nesting birds or resting animals.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Even in cooler weather, staying hydrated is important.
  
  Pack reusable bottles and light snacks for energy.
• Check Weather Conditions: Winter cold fronts can bring sudden wind or rain.
  
  Review forecasts before heading out and plan accordingly.
• Carry Sun Protection: Florida sun remains strong year-round — hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses help prevent overexposure.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Take all trash with you, avoid picking plants, and leave natural features undisturbed.

Tip: Bring binoculars or a camera to observe winter migratory birds and native wildlife — quiet observation adds magic to any nature walk.

⚠️ Safety: Watch for uneven terrain, wildlife crossings, and cooler evening temperatures.

Let someone know your plans, and turn back if conditions change.

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 30, 2026 at 8 PM.

Lakeview High School served the region starting in 1927.

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