Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy November 24, 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! ✨

In this edition of Rooted in Winter Garden:

The Local Lowdown

• Winter Garden Nonprofit Brings Holiday Cheer to Hospitalized Children
  
• Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Kicks Off Holiday Season with Oranges & Ornaments
• Windermere High's Rylee Erisman Shatters National High School 100-Yard Freestyle Record
  

Get Out & Go!

• Plant Propagation Class 
• Art Exhibit – “Orlando Urban Sketchers”
  
• Plant Propagation Class(Continued)

Business Buzz

• Home Again Ranch Leads Winter Garden Real Estate Sales
• Market Watch: Buy, Buy, Buy!

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

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

Challenge: Can you identify three while walking downtown?

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...

This Week...

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 Heritage Foundation is welcoming the holidays with its first-ever Oranges & Ornaments: A Festival of Trees at Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., right in downtown Winter Garden.

Festivities unfold Friday, November 21, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m., and pick up again Saturday, November 22, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Visitors will find beautifully decorated, themed holiday trees on display—each available for purchase—and a vibrant atmosphere brimming with local artistry and hometown pride.

The Friday opening reception sold out quickly, revealing just how excited the community is for this new holiday tradition.

Saturday welcomes families with cheerful visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, festive photo ops, lively raffles, and delicious seasonal treats.

Early bird ticket pricing ends November 1, so reserve your spot soon for an unforgettable holiday experience while supporting Winter Garden’s cherished history.

Windermere High School junior Rylee Erisman has taken the swimming world by storm, shattering the national high school record in the 100-yard freestyle with a blazing 46.73 seconds during the FHSAA Class 4A Championships on November 14, 2025.

Her remarkable swim broke Gretchen Walsh’s 2020 record and set a new standard for high school athletes nationwide.

Erisman also dominated the 50-yard freestyle, clocking 21.67 seconds, and helped Windermere’s relay teams earn a state record and victory in two key events.

These performances propelled Windermere High to a runner-up finish at the state meet.

Already wooed by top college programs, Erisman’s decision is highly anticipated.

Internationally, she shone at the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Romania, earning eight medals and setting a world junior relay record.

The community eagerly awaits what barriers she’ll topple next.

Today's Weather Outlook 

🌳GET OUT  & GO

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

• Plant Propagation Class 
• Art Exhibit – “Orlando Urban Sketchers”
  
• Plant Propagation Class(Continued)
  

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!

• Home Again Ranch Leads Winter Garden Real Estate Sales
• Market Watch: Buy, Buy, Buy!
  

The Winter Garden real estate scene remains active, highlighted by the sale of Home Again Ranch on Walker Pond Road.

This expansive, five-bedroom estate sold for $2.84 million after 54 days on the market, represented by Simon Simaan of the Simon Simaan Group.

Several other properties also changed hands in November, spanning neighborhoods like Glenview Estates, Oakland Trails, Oaks at Brandy Lake, and Stoneybrook West.

Homes ranging from three to five bedrooms and sale prices between $475,000 and $715,000 drew attention, with days on market ranging from as few as 5 to as many as 461.

These sales showcase both the variety and demand in Winter Garden, from luxury ranches to family-friendly communities.

Buyers are moving quickly on properties, reinforcing Winter Garden’s position as a thriving, desirable place to call home.

The Central Florida real estate market is seeing a notable shift, now favoring buyers after a decade-long seller’s streak.

Orlando’s July 2025 median home price held steady at $389,999, while average days on market stretched to 69 days, hinting at slower sales.

Housing supply increased to 5.31 months, suggesting a more balanced market landscape.

The July mortgage interest rate eased to 6.5%, the lowest locally this year, offering some relief to prospective buyers.

Carmelo Nuccio of RE/MAX sees this as a chance for buyers to gain leverage, comparing it to “buying at the dip.”

Still, West Orange—powered by top schools and proximity to Walt Disney World—remains pricey, especially in Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, and Horizon West.

Nuccio urges first-time buyers to consider Tavares, Sorrento, Apopka, and Lakeland for greater affordability and future opportunity.

He predicts more market changes by spring 2026 as interest rates potentially stabilize.

Business Spotlight✨

🌟 Winter Garden Business Spotlight: Chef’s Table at the Edgewater

Chef’s Table at the Edgewater is one of Winter Garden’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.

🍽️ Where Elegance Meets Flavor

Nestled in the historic Edgewater Hotel, Chef’s Table at the Edgewater offers a refined dining experience that showcases the best of Florida’s seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between the intimate Chef’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

🗣️ What Guests Are Saying

"An unforgettable dining experience—every dish is a masterpiece, and the ambiance is unparalleled."
— Emily R., Winter Garden resident

"A true gem in Winter Garden. The Chef’s Table is perfect for special occasions or a memorable night out."
— John D., Winter Garden resident

🎉 Visit Chef’s Table at the Edgewater

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

📍 99 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787
🌐 www.chefstablerestaurant.com
📲 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. 🎯 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. 💡

🛍️ Smart Shopping Strategies for Black Friday & Holiday Sales 💡✨
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to drain your wallet! With the right approach, you can score amazing deals, stretch your budget, and make the most out of seasonal sales.

📝 Make a List & Set a Budget – Know what you need before browsing so you don’t get pulled into impulse buys.

🔍 Compare Prices Ahead of Time – Use price-checking tools or compare across stores to confirm the “deal” is really a deal.

📦 Monitor Early Sales & Pre-Black Friday Events – Many retailers start markdowns weeks early—grab deals before stock runs out.

💳 Use Cashback & Rewards Wisely – Stack store rewards, cashback apps, and points to maximize savings.

📱 Download Store Apps – Exclusive app-only coupons, flash sales, and early access can give you first pick on discounts.

🛒 Add Items to Your Cart in Advance – Many websites show price drops or apply auto-discounts when sales go live.

🎁 Buy Essentials in Bulk – Holiday sales are great for stocking up on household needs at a fraction of the price.

🚫 Ignore “Doorbuster” Pressure – Some limited-time offers aren’t actually the best value—research before rushing.

🎫 Look for Coupons & Stacking Deals – Promo codes, email sign-ups, and bundle deals can lower prices even more.

✅ Takeaway: With a clear plan and smart tools, you can navigate Black Friday and holiday sales confidently—saving money while still getting everything you need (and maybe a little extra!

Winter Garden Snapshot

The lake never stood a chance—new swimmers completed their first Lucky’s Lake Swim with Winter Garden Tri Club support! 🌊👏

That's the lowdown for today!

Craftsman-style homes are a Winter Garden hallmark.

🌟 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

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👥 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