Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 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

• PopStroke: Tiger Woods-designed mini-golf venue with high-tech twist opens in Winter Garden.
  
• Upgraded Signage Enhances Safety and Traffic Flow at State Road 429 Plant Street Interchange
  
• Investors Seek to Bring Professional Men's Soccer Team to Winter Garden with New Stadium Proposal.

Get Out & Go!

• Fall Festival 2025
  
• Halloween at the Market
  
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Business Buzz

• Eight Waves Children's Museum: Sparking Creativity and Learning in Winter Garden.
  
• 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. 🌴

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation runs two museums downtown.

 Challenge: Can you find out their names this week?

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!

• PopStroke: Tiger Woods-designed mini-golf venue with high-tech twist opens in Winter Garden.
  
• Upgraded Signage Enhances Safety and Traffic Flow at State Road 429 Plant Street Interchange
  
• Investors Seek to Bring Professional Men's Soccer Team to Winter Garden with New Stadium Proposal.

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

💞 Weekend Reminder:

Take a moment to slow down and feel the love around you. Whether it’s from family, friends, a partner, or even yourself — love doesn’t always need grand gestures. Sometimes it’s in a message that made you smile, a warm meal shared, or simply giving yourself the rest you deserve.

Let this weekend be a gentle reminder: you are loved, and you are love. 🌷

🌳GET OUT  & GO

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

• Fall Festival 2025
  
• Halloween at the Market
  
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  

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!

• Eight Waves Children's Museum: Sparking Creativity and Learning in Winter Garden.
  
• Winter Garden to Introduce Zero Energy-Ready Townhomes in Collaboration with Meritage Homes and DOE

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

Introduction to Florida's Coastal Ecology: Mangroves and Estuaries

Florida’s coastline is home to one of the most vital and diverse ecosystems on Earth — the mangroves and estuaries.

These coastal environments act as natural barriers, protect shorelines from erosion, and serve as nurseries for countless marine species.

Understanding their importance is key to appreciating and preserving Florida’s unique coastal ecology.

• Learn the Landscape: Mangroves thrive in the brackish waters where rivers meet the sea.
  
  Red, black, and white mangroves each play a role in stabilizing coastlines and filtering pollutants.
• Respect Wildlife Habitat: These areas are home to birds, crabs, fish, and even small sharks.
  
  Observe quietly and avoid disturbing nesting zones or wildlife feeding areas.
• Mind Your Footing: Mangrove roots can be sharp and slippery.
  
  Wear water shoes and stick to established walkways or kayak routes to prevent injury and ecosystem damage.
• Go with the Tide: When kayaking or wading through estuaries, plan your trip with the tides.
  
  Low tide reveals exposed roots and mudflats, while high tide allows easier navigation through mangrove tunnels.
• Leave No Trace: Never leave litter behind.
  
  Even small plastics can harm marine life.
  
  Take only photos — leave shells, driftwood, and other natural materials where they belong.
• Be Weather Wise: Coastal storms and sudden wind shifts can make waters unpredictable.
  
  Always check tide charts and weather updates before your trip.

Tip: Early morning or late afternoon tours often offer the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy calm waters.

Bring binoculars for birdwatching and stay quiet to fully experience the ecosystem’s natural rhythm.

⚠️ Safety: Avoid kayaking or hiking through mangroves alone.

Watch for sharp barnacles and submerged roots, and always carry fresh water and insect repellent.

Respect nature’s balance — your awareness keeps both you and the environment safe.

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 October 24, 2025 at 8 PM.

They manage the Heritage Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum.

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