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"Winter Garden Shake-Up: Commissioners Vote to End Recycling Program as Pizza Lovers Celebrate National Pizza Day 🍕"

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"Winter Garden Shake-Up: Commissioners Vote to End Recycling Program as Pizza Lovers Celebrate National Pizza Day 🍕"

"Winter Garden Shake-Up: Commissioners Vote to End Recycling Program as Pizza Lovers Celebrate National Pizza Day 🍕"
Get ready to celebrate National Pizza Day, learn about the end of Winter Garden's curbside recycling program, and discover the first zero-energy-ready townhomes in Winter Garden! Don't miss out on the latest news and updates in this edition of Rooted in Winter Garden. 🍕🌳✨

Rooted in Winter Garden Team

Oct 15, 2025

October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 15, 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

 

  • Celebrate National Pizza Day in Orlando with a Slice from These Top Pizza Spots
  • Winter Garden City Commissioners Vote to End Curbside Recycling Program due to Financial and Environmental Concerns.
  • Orlando Photojournalists Give Back with Turkey Giveaway Event for Thanksgiving

 

Get Out & Go!

 

  • Live Music with Andrew Rich
  • Halloween Spooktacular Preschool Holiday ProgramWinter Garden 
  • Farmers Market

 

Business Buzz

 

  • Winter Garden, Florida Introduces First Zero-Energy-Ready Townhomes for Sustainable Living Optio
  • The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden to Bring Back Movie Magic this Summer.

 

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

Trivia Question❓

What was the primary reason the Orange Belt Railway came through Winter Garden in the 1800s?


Challenge: Guess how trains changed the economy here.

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!

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 Pet Owner Warns of Coyote Attacks on Pets
  • Plant Street Recycling Expands Services Across Winter Garden to Meet Growing Demand and Reduce Waste.
  • Winter Garden Residents Celebrate Rejection of Controversial Fire Fee Plan

📰 Winter Garden – News Highlights

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

🏆 City Earns Community Connection Award

Winter Garden has been named a top performer in the 2025 Best in Governance Awards, receiving the Community Connection distinction among over 300 municipalities nationwide for exemplary resident engagement and service metrics. (Orange Observer; City News Flash)

🔌 Duke Energy to Host Energy Saver Meeting Tonight

Duke Energy will hold a public meeting and free dinner this evening at Maxey Community Center (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM).

The event will introduce the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program, which offers income-qualified customers up to 21 free energy-saving installations. (City News Flash)

🎭 Garden Theatre & PopStroke Update

The Garden Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Winter Garden, continues to host diverse events across theatre, music, and film. (Garden Theatre (Wiki)) Also, PopStroke, a new mini-golf and entertainment venue, recently opened in Winter Garden, offering a fresh attraction for families and golfers alike. (MyNews13)

Also happening...

National Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a delicious slice from one of Orlando's top pizza spots.

The article highlights nine different pizza places in the Orlando area that offer a variety of unique and mouth-watering pizzas, from classic pepperoni to adventurous creations like lobster bisque pizza.

Whether you're in the mood for traditional pizza or something more unconventional, there's a pizza spot in Orlando that's sure to satisfy your cravings on National Pizza Day.

Read More...
Winter Garden city commissioners have voted to end the city's curbside recycling program in January due to financial and environmental concerns.

The decision comes after the city faced increased costs for recycling services and the closure of China's recycling market.

Residents will be encouraged to use drop-off locations for recycling and make use of the city's free trash removal services.

The city plans to explore alternative recycling options in the future.

Read More...
News 6 photojournalists in Orlando, Florida, kicked off a Turkey giveaway event to feed Orange County seniors and families for Thanksgiving.

The event was organized in collaboration with a local charity and featured photojournalists distributing turkeys to families in need.

The goal was to provide a holiday meal to those facing food insecurity during the Thanksgiving season.

The event received positive feedback from both recipients and volunteers, highlighting the importance of community support and giving back during the holiday season.

Read More...

Today's Weather Outlook 

🌤️ Winter Garden Mid-Week Forecast (Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2025)

Here’s what to expect in Winter Garden over those days:

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025: High: ~83 °F, Low: ~66 °FMostly sunny with light breezes; minimal chance of showers.
  • Thursday, October 16, 2025: High: ~84 °F, Low: ~67 °FPartly cloudy with a moderate chance of late-day storms.
  • Friday, October 17, 2025: High: ~82 °F, Low: ~66 °FHumid and unsettled with increased storm chances in afternoon/evening.
  • Saturday, October 18, 2025: High: ~82 °F, Low: ~65 °FBrighter, with fewer storms—mostly sunny skies.

Overall: Expect warm, humid conditions with increasing rain and storm chances toward the end of the week.

Mornings will generally be your best window for outdoor plans.

Tip: Keep an umbrella or light rain jacket on hand, especially during afternoons and evenings.

🌦️

DIY Wednesday ✨

 

🔥 Get ready to unleash your inner creator: This DIY Wednesday promises to ignite your imagination like never before! 🌟

🐾 Homemade Pet Toys: Fun and Safe Toys for Your Furry Friends

You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your pets entertained!

With a few simple household items, you can craft fun, engaging, and safe toys your pets will love.

These DIY ideas encourage play, bonding, and mental stimulation while keeping your furry friends healthy and happy.

  • T-shirt tug toy: Braid strips of old cotton T-shirts into a sturdy rope for your dog to tug and chew.

    Washable and gentle on teeth!
  • Cardboard cat maze: Stack small boxes with holes cut in the sides and hide treats or toys inside for your cat to explore and paw through.
  • Tennis ball treat puzzle: Cut a small slit into a tennis ball and fill it with kibble or small treats for a fun mental challenge.
  • Sock squeaky toy: Slip an old squeaky toy or plastic bottle into a clean sock and tie the end for an instant crinkly toy.
  • Frozen summer treats: Mix water or broth with pet-safe fruits, then freeze in silicone molds for a cool chew during hot days.

🧸 Tip: Always supervise your pet with homemade toys—replace them once they show signs of wear or loose parts to keep playtime safe.

A little creativity goes a long way—homemade toys save money, reduce waste, and bring extra joy to your four-legged companions.

🐶🐱💚

🌳GET OUT  & GO

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

 

  • Live Music with Andrew Rich
  • Halloween Spooktacular Preschool Holiday ProgramWinter Garden 
  • Farmers Market

🎉 Winter Garden Events

Wednesday – Saturday • October 15–18, 2025

🎵 Wednesday • Oct 15

Live Music with Andrew Rich
🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Crooked Can Brewing Co., 426 W Plant St
Enjoy an evening of live music on the main patio with Andrew Rich.

Free admission.

More details

🎤 Thursday • Oct 16

Live Music with Francesca
🕒 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Crooked Can Brewing Co., 426 W Plant St
Enjoy an evening of live music on the main patio with Francesca.

Free admission.

More details

🎃 Friday • Oct 17

Halloween Spooktacular Preschool Holiday Program
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W Plant St
Preschoolers are invited to enjoy fall carnival games, crafts, and trick-or-treating.

Free event.

More details

Fridays on the Plaza
🕒 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Historic Downtown
Enjoy live music in the heart of downtown Winter Garden.

Free admission.

More details

🎶 Saturday • Oct 18

Winter Garden Farmers Market
🕒 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 📍 Downtown Interactive Fountain & Pavilion, 104 S Lakeview Ave
Shop for fresh produce, artisan goods, and enjoy live music at this popular market.

More details

⚠️ The events above include both officially confirmed listings and community-sourced activities.

Check local listings, community boards, and the Winter Garden calendar closer to October 2025 for updates.

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!

 

 

  • Winter Garden, Florida Introduces First Zero-Energy-Ready Townhomes for Sustainable Living Options
  • The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden to Bring Back Movie Magic this Summer.
In Winter Garden, Florida, the first zero-energy-ready townhomes are set to be built, offering environmentally friendly and energy-efficient living options.

The townhomes will include features such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and advanced insulation to reduce energy costs.

This project represents a step towards more sustainable housing options in the city and aims to provide residents with a comfortable and eco-friendly living environment.

Read More...
The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, Florida, is set to resume showing movies this summer as the city begins hosting events again.

The theater will offer a variety of classic and popular movies for families to enjoy.

The decision to reopen the theater and resume events comes as Winter Garden looks to revitalize its downtown area and bring back a sense of community following the pandemic.

Residents and visitors can look forward to a summer filled with entertainment and opportunities to come together once again.

Read More...

Green Living Tip✔️

💡 Outdoor Lighting Best Practices

Reducing light pollution and energy use in your outdoor spaces

Thoughtful outdoor lighting not only makes your home more inviting and secure but also helps protect the night sky and conserve energy.

By choosing efficient fixtures, directing light where it’s needed, and reducing excess brightness, you can create a safer, more sustainable outdoor environment for everyone—including wildlife.

🌙 Choose the Right Fixtures

  • Use fully shielded fixtures that direct light downward instead of outward or upward.
  • Opt for warm-colored bulbs (2700K or lower) to reduce glare and sky glow.
  • Select lights with adjustable brightness to match your outdoor needs.

🔋 Save Energy Efficiently

  • Install LED bulbs that consume up to 75% less energy than traditional ones.
  • Use motion sensors or timers to ensure lights are only on when needed.
  • Replace high-wattage bulbs with lower-lumen alternatives for softer illumination.

🌿 Minimize Light Pollution

  • Turn off decorative lights after hours to preserve dark skies.
  • Position lights carefully to avoid shining into neighbors’ windows or onto roads.
  • In gardens, use low-path or solar lights that stay close to the ground.

🌞 Go Solar & Smart

  • Switch to solar-powered garden or pathway lights to save on electricity.
  • Use smart lighting systems that adjust brightness based on time or activity.
  • Combine solar panels and rechargeable batteries for sustainable lighting solutions.

🌌 Extra tip: Keep your outdoor lighting subtle—less is more.

By reducing glare and unnecessary brightness, you’ll help protect nocturnal wildlife, improve stargazing visibility, and lower your energy costs.

✨🏡

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

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!

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The railway was built to transport citrus and farm products to larger markets.

🌟 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: https://zaarhub.com

See you tomorrow,

 

- Rooted in Winter Garden Team

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

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