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"Controversy and Crime Rock Winter Garden: Murder, Abuse, and Financial Scandal Unveiled"

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"Controversy and Crime Rock Winter Garden: Murder, Abuse, and Financial Scandal Unveiled"

"Controversy and Crime Rock Winter Garden: Murder, Abuse, and Financial Scandal Unveiled"
Rooted in Winter Garden: PopStroke's High-Tech Mini-Golf, Murder Arrest, Allegations of Financial Mismanagement, and More! Plus, City Updates and Business Buzz. Get the latest news and weather forecast in Winter Garden today! ๐ŸŒณโœจ

Rooted in Winter Garden Team

Oct 27, 2025

October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! ๐Ÿ‘‹

Happy October 27, 2025! 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! โœจ

In this edition of Rooted in Winter Garden:

The Local Lowdown

 

  • Teacher at Water Spring Elementary Arrested for Alleged Child Abuse Incident
  • Arrest Made in Murder of Winter Garden Business Owner, More Suspects Sought.
  • Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 Rocked by Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Embezzlement

 

Get Out & Go!

 

  • Lake Nona Art Tour: โ€œA Night for the Artsโ€ (Self-Guided)
  • Live Music & Food Trucks โ€“ BOXI Park Lake Nona
  • Farmers & Artisan Market at Laureate Park Village Center

 

Business Buzz

 

  • Winter Garden City Commission Approves Business Plan to Elevate Garden Theatre as Cultural Hub
  • Duke Energy Florida Introduces 'Go Green' Program in Winter Garden to Provide Customers with Renewable Energy Options

 

 

Stay connected for more updates this week โ€” letโ€™s work together to make it a great one for Winter Garden, Florida. ๐ŸŒด

Trivia Questionโ“

What style of architecture is most common in Winter Garden’s historic homes?

Challenge: Can you identify three while walking downtown?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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!

Monday Motivation

The Local Lowdown

Weekend Recap...

 Here's a quick and simple recap of the weekend: It unfolded with calm and ease, leaving us with moments of quiet reflection. ๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
PopStroke, a high-tech mini-golf course, opened in Winter Garden at the Hamlin development.

The venue offers two 18-hole courses with mobile app scoring and augmented reality features.

PopStroke also features a full bar, restaurant, and outdoor seating area with live music.

The mini-golf course aims to provide a unique entertainment experience for families and friends, blending traditional mini-golf with modern technology.

Additionally, PopStroke hosts special events and private parties, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists in the Orlando area.

Read More...
The city of Winter Garden has finalized new fees for cemetery services, including burials, purchase of plots, and use of the mausoleum.

The fees vary based on residency status and whether the deceased is a child or adult.

Residents will have preferential rates for burial services, while non-residents will pay higher fees.

The city hopes the new fee structure will provide fair and reasonable costs for cemetery services for both residents and non-residents alike.

Read More...

This Week...

๐Ÿ“ฐ Welcome to this week's Local Lowdown! ๐ŸŒŸ Dive into the latest from our neighborhood, with updates that bring you closer to the heartbeat of our community. Whether you're looking for exciting events, community highlights, or just curious about local happenings, we've got you covered! ๐Ÿกโœจ
A teacher at Water Spring Elementary in Orange City, Florida, has been arrested on child abuse charges.

The teacher allegedly grabbed a student by the face and pushed him while using profanity.

The incident was witnessed by a school employee and reported to the school resource officer, leading to the teacher's arrest.

The teacher denies the allegations and claims that the student was acting out and being disruptive.

The school district has placed the teacher on administrative leave pending further investigation.

Read More...
An arrest has been made in connection with the 2019 murder of a Winter Garden business owner.

The suspect is being charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.

Police believe more suspects may be involved in the crime, and the investigation is ongoing.

The victim was found shot to death outside of his business in October 2019.

The suspect, who is currently in custody, has a criminal history that includes multiple felonies.

Police are asking anyone with information on the case to come forward.

Read More...
In a shocking turn of events, Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No.

165 is facing allegations of financial mismanagement, shady real estate dealings, and possibly even embezzlement.

The lodge's former treasurer, Fred Baldassarre, has been accused of mishandling funds and manipulating the organization for his own gain.

As the investigation unfolds, members are left shaken and questioning their trust in the institution.

Stay tuned as this once-respected organization descends into a scandal of epic proportions.

Read More...

Today's Weather Outlook 

๐ŸŒค๏ธ Winter Garden Early Week Forecast (Oct 27 โ€“ Oct 29, 2025)

Hereโ€™s what to expect in Winter Garden, Florida for the start of the week:

  • Monday, October 27, 2025: High: 85 ยฐF, Low: 69 ยฐF โ€“ Partly sunny and warm with light winds.

    ๐ŸŒค๏ธ A comfortable start to the week with just a 10% chance of light rain.
  • Tuesday, October 28, 2025: High: 86 ยฐF, Low: 70 ยฐF โ€“ Mostly sunny and slightly humid.

    ๐ŸŒž Expect a few passing clouds but plenty of sunshine throughout the day.
  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025: High: 84 ยฐF, Low: 68 ยฐF โ€“ Bright and calm with mild evening temperatures.

    โ˜€๏ธ Ideal weather for outdoor plans or a late walk downtown.

Overall: Expect a pleasant few days in Winter Garden with warm afternoons, comfortable nights, and minimal rain risk โ€” perfect for enjoying the outdoors or local cafรฉs.

๐ŸŒด

Tip: Bring sunglasses and stay hydrated while youโ€™re out enjoying the fall sunshine!

๐Ÿ˜Ž๐Ÿ‚

๐ŸŒณGET OUT  & GO

 Get out & go today - embrace the thrill of the outdoors and let every step be an adventure! ๐ŸŒโœจ

 

  • Lake Nona Art Tour: โ€œA Night for the Artsโ€ (Self-Guided)
  • Live Music & Food Trucks โ€“ BOXI Park Lake Nona
  • Farmers & Artisan Market at Laureate Park Village Center

๐ŸŽ‰ Lake Nona Events

Monday โ€“ Wednesday ยท October 27 โ€“ October 29, 2025

๐Ÿ“… Monday ยท Oct 27

Lake Nona Art Tour: โ€œA Night for the Artsโ€ (Self-Guided)
๐Ÿ•’ All day | ๐Ÿ“ Lake Nona Town Center & Sculpture Garden
A self-guided exploration of public art & installations in the Lake Nona community.

๐Ÿ”— Event Details

๐ŸŽถ Tuesday ยท Oct 28

Live Music & Food Trucks โ€“ BOXI Park Lake Nona
๐Ÿ•– ~7:00 PM | ๐Ÿ“ 6970 Lake Nona Blvd
Outdoor evening with live bands, food trucks and craft beer.

(Tentative) ๐Ÿ”— Event Schedule

๐Ÿ“š Wednesday ยท Oct 29

Farmers & Artisan Market at Laureate Park Village Center
๐Ÿ•” 5:00 PM โ€“ 8:00 PM | ๐Ÿ“ Laureate Park Village Center
Evening market featuring local vendors, crafts and live music.

(Tentative)

๐Ÿ“… Event listings include confirmed and tentative items for Lake Nona, Florida.

Please verify times, dates and locations with event hosts or venues before attending.

Business Buzz!

We are thrilled to announce Winter Garden, Florida's latest business addition! ๐ŸŒŸ Stay tuned for exciting updates on community initiatives and opportunities in the heart of Palm Bay!

 

 

  • Winter Garden City Commission Approves Business Plan to Elevate Garden Theatre as Cultural Hub
  • Duke Energy Florida Introduces 'Go Green' Program in Winter Garden to Provide Customers with Renewable Energy Options
The Winter Garden City Commission has approved a business plan for the Garden Theatre, including partnerships with local organizations, event planning, and financial goals.

The plan aims to increase revenue, expand programming, and actively promote the theater as a cultural hub.

The theater will focus on strategic marketing, community engagement, and building relationships with sponsors to ensure its success as a vital part of the Winter Garden community.

Read More...
Duke Energy Florida has launched a new energy program in Winter Garden, offering customers the opportunity to receive clean energy from renewable sources for a small additional fee.

The program, called "Go Green," allows customers to support renewable energy initiatives and reduce their carbon footprint.

Participants can choose to have a percentage of their energy usage from renewable sources, with the option to cancel at any time.

Duke Energy aims to increase access to renewable energy and help customers make environmentally conscious choices.

Read More...

Business Spotlightโœจ

 

๐ŸŒŸ Winter Garden Business Spotlight: Chefโ€™s Table at the Edgewater

 

Chefโ€™s Table at the Edgewater is one of Winter Gardenโ€™s standout dining destinations, offering a refined culinary experience in the heart of the historic Edgewater Hotel. Known for their seasonal, locally inspired menu and exceptional service, this restaurant brings elegance and flavor together for every guest.

 

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Where Elegance Meets Flavor

Nestled in the historic Edgewater Hotel, Chefโ€™s Table at the Edgewater offers a refined dining experience that showcases the best of Floridaโ€™s seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between the intimate Chefโ€™s Table, where they can observe the culinary team in action, or the lively Tasting Room, which serves small plates, craft beer, and a full bar. Orlando Magazine

 


๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ What Guests Are Saying

"An unforgettable dining experienceโ€”every dish is a masterpiece, and the ambiance is unparalleled."
โ€” Emily R., Winter Garden resident

"A true gem in Winter Garden. The Chefโ€™s Table is perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out."
โ€” John D., Winter Garden resident


๐ŸŽ‰ Visit Chefโ€™s Table at the Edgewater

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Chefโ€™s Table at the Edgewater promises an exceptional dining experience.

๐Ÿ“ 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787
๐ŸŒ www.chefstablerestaurant.com
๐Ÿ“ฒ facebook.com/chefstablerestaurant

 


Thank you for supporting the local businesses that make Winter Garden a vibrant and thriving community!

#WinterGardenProud #SupportLocal #MayorsBusinessSpotlight #ChefsTableWinterGarden

Lake Apopka, bordering Winter Garden, was once the fourth-largest lake in Florida? It was historically a fishing paradise before environmental decline in the mid-20th century.

The Savvy Spender's Guide

Welcome to The Savvy Spender's Guide, where we equip you with smart strategies and the latest insights to optimize your spending habits and maximize savings. ๐ŸŽฏ Whether you're navigating through the complexities of personal finance or seeking simple tips for everyday savings, we're here to empower you on your journey to financial freedom. ๐Ÿ’ก

 

๐ŸŽƒ Budget-Friendly Ideas for Halloween Fun in Florida ๐Ÿ’ก
Spooky season doesnโ€™t have to scare your wallet! With a few creative ideas and money-saving tips, you can enjoy Halloween festivities across Florida without overspending. Hereโ€™s how to make the most of the season on a budget:

 

๐Ÿ•ธ๏ธ DIY Costumes & Accessories โ€“ Get crafty with items you already have at home. Thrift stores and dollar stores are also great spots for affordable costume pieces.

๐Ÿฌ Plan Trick-or-Treat Routes โ€“ Focus on neighborhoods known for festive decorations or community events to maximize candy collection while minimizing travel.

๐ŸŽƒ Free or Low-Cost Events โ€“ Many Florida cities host local Halloween parades, pumpkin patches, and haunted trails that are either free or low-cost. Check community calendars or city websites for schedules.

๐Ÿฟ Host a Movie Night โ€“ Turn your living room into a spooky theater with classic Halloween films and homemade popcorn for a fun and cheap family activity.

๐Ÿ•ฏ๏ธ Decorate Smart โ€“ Use inexpensive decorations like printed cutouts, DIY paper lanterns, or repurposed household items to create a festive atmosphere without breaking the bank.

 

โœ… Takeaway: Halloween fun doesnโ€™t have to be expensive! With a little creativity, planning, and DIY spirit, you can enjoy the spookiest season in Florida without scaring your budget.

Winter Garden Snapshot

The lake never stood a chanceโ€”new swimmers completed their first Luckyโ€™s Lake Swim with Winter Garden Tri Club support! ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ‘

That's the lowdown for today!

๐Ÿ’ก Answer to Trivia Question:

Craftsman-style homes are a Winter Garden hallmark.

๐ŸŒŸ Help us grow by sharing this email with a neighbor, and if you have a news tip, simply hit reply! ๐Ÿ“ฉ


๐ŸŒ Stay connected by visiting our website at https://rootedinwintergarden.com

๐Ÿ“˜ Follow us on Facebook for news and updates: facebook.com/rootedinwintergarden
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Join the conversation in our community group: facebook.com/groups/rootedinwintergarden

 

Check out our local business directory: https://zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

 

- Rooted in Winter Garden Team

Rooted in Winter Garden

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ยฉ 2025 Rooted in Winter Garden.


Rooted in Winter Garden keeps you in the know with the latest on local news, events, and business spotlights. Delivered weekly, itโ€™s the essential guide for anyone who wants to experience Winter Garden at its best.

ยฉ 2025 Rooted in Winter Garden.

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