Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy November 14, 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

• FedEx Truck Crash Causes Traffic Delays and Fire on Florida's Turnpike
  
• Fatal House Fire in Orange County serves as a tragic reminder of fire safety importance.
  
• Winter Garden Chiropractor Wins Ms. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition for Second Consecutive Year

Get Out & Go!

• America’s Fleetwood Mac Experience” Concert
  
• Winter Garden Farmers Market
  
• Fridays on the Plaza – Live Music

Business Buzz

• Regal Appliance Repair: Your Trusted Solution for Appliance Repairs in Winter Garden and Surrounding Areas.
  
• 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!

• FedEx Truck Crash Causes Traffic Delays and Fire on Florida's Turnpike
  
• Fatal House Fire in Orange County serves as a tragic reminder of fire safety importance.
  
• Winter Garden Chiropractor Wins Ms. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition for Second Consecutive Year

Today's Weather Outlook 

WEEKEND REMINDER

🌞 Weekend Reminder 🌿

As the weekend begins, take a moment to pause and be grateful — for the people, the moments, and even the small things that make life beautiful. 💛

Don’t take anything for granted. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, share a kind word, or lend a helping hand — even a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day (or a furry friend’s too 🐾).

Let your weekend be filled with love, gratitude, and gentle reminders of how truly blessed you are. ✨

🌳GET OUT  & GO

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

• America’s Fleetwood Mac Experience” Concert
  
• Winter Garden Farmers Market
  
• Fridays on the Plaza – Live Music
  

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!

• Regal Appliance Repair: Your Trusted Solution for Appliance Repairs in Winter Garden and Surrounding Areas.
• 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

Foraging for Seasonal Edible Plants in Florida (with Caution)

Florida’s diverse ecosystems — from coastal hammocks to pine flatwoods and wetlands — offer a variety of edible wild plants throughout the year.

Foraging can be a rewarding way to connect with nature, but it requires knowledge, respect, and caution to ensure both your safety and the protection of local ecosystems.

• Learn Before You Pick: Only harvest plants you can positively identify.
  
  Some Florida species, like wild yams or certain berries, have toxic lookalikes that can be harmful if consumed.
• Harvest Responsibly: Take only small amounts, and never from protected parks or preserves where foraging is prohibited.
  
  Leave plenty behind for wildlife and regeneration.
• Know the Seasons: Spring brings wild greens like dollarweed and smilax shoots; summer offers beautyberry and prickly pear fruits; autumn yields nuts and palm hearts.
  
  Always verify local conditions before foraging.
• Avoid Polluted Areas: Steer clear of roadsides, stormwater ditches, or areas sprayed with pesticides or herbicides — plants in these zones may be contaminated.
• Use Proper Tools: Carry scissors or a knife to minimize plant damage, and bring a breathable bag or basket to keep your finds fresh while allowing airflow.
• Respect Wildlife: Many animals rely on native fruits and plants — avoid taking their primary food sources.
  
  Foraging should coexist with nature, not compete with it.

Tip: Bring a Florida field guide or plant identification app when exploring.

Take photos first if unsure — proper ID is the key to safe and sustainable foraging.

⚠️ Safety: Never eat a plant unless you are 100% certain it’s safe.

Some native species are toxic or cause allergic reactions.

Wash all foraged foods thoroughly, and when in doubt — don’t eat it!

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 November 14, 2025 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