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"Winter Garden's Controversial Recycling Changes and Historic Hotel Redevelopment Sparks Debate"

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"Winter Garden's Controversial Recycling Changes and Historic Hotel Redevelopment Sparks Debate"

"Winter Garden's Controversial Recycling Changes and Historic Hotel Redevelopment Sparks Debate"
Stay informed on Winter Garden's latest news, from new ordinances to exciting youth empowerment initiatives and historic restoration projects! Explore the local buzz, weather outlook, DIY tips, and more in this edition of Rooted in Winter Garden. Sponsored by ZaarHub Directory.

Rooted in Winter Garden Team

Oct 29, 2025

October Edition

Greetings

Hey there, amazing readers! 👋

Happy October 29, 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 Commission Implements New Ordinances and Considers Recycling Changes
  • New Boys & Girls Club Facility in Winter Garden to Empower Local Youth.
  • Local Developer Plans Restoration and Redevelopment of Historic Edgewater Hotel in Winter Garden, Florida

 

Get Out & Go!

 

  • Downtown Art Walk
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest
  • Halloween Costume Parade & Contest

 

Business Buzz

 

  • Unicorp Secures $73 Million Loan for Luxury Apartment Complex near Disney World in Winter Garden, Florida
  • 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 local newspaper has been covering Winter Garden since the early 1900s?

Challenge: Look up its latest headline.

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 Commission Implements New Ordinances and Considers Recycling Changes
  • New Boys & Girls Club Facility in Winter Garden to Empower Local Youth.
  • Local Developer Plans Restoration and Redevelopment of Historic Edgewater Hotel in Winter Garden, Florida

📰 Winter Garden – News Highlights

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

💰 Jury Awards $11.3 M in Slip-and-Fall Case

In a major verdict, an Orange County jury awarded $11,391,183.28 to a local woman who tripped and fell in the Winter Garden Village Target parking lot in 2019.

The jury found Target 90% at fault for uneven paving and code violations.

(Orange Observer)

🔧 East Joiner Street Repairs Extended

Ongoing construction along East Joiner Street, between S.

Woodland Street and Dillard Street, will continue through the end of this week.

The project includes sidewalk repairs, new curbing, and resurfacing to improve pedestrian safety.

Expect detours and brief lane closures.

(City of Winter Garden)

🎵 Winter Garden Music Festival Set to Return

The annual Winter Garden Music Festival returns this year with three days of free outdoor concerts downtown.

The family-friendly event will feature over 30 musical acts, local vendors, and a kids’ zone for all ages to enjoy.

(My Central Florida Family)

Also happening...

The Winter Garden Commission passed major ordinances, including one prohibiting panhandling near major roadways.

The commission also debated the future of recycling, considering options such as reducing pickup frequency or increasing rates.

The decision on recycling is pending more research.

Read More...
The Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida recently broke ground on a new facility in Winter Garden.

Funding for the project was provided by several donors, including Jon and Kimberly Sidoli.

The new facility will serve as a safe space for children to engage in educational and recreational programs.

It aims to empower youth in the community and provide resources to help them succeed academically and socially.

The facility is expected to open in 2025 and will feature various amenities, including educational classrooms, a gymnasium, and a technology lab.

Read More...
The historic Edgewater Hotel in Winter Garden, Florida has been sold to a local developer with plans for restoration and redevelopment.

The hotel has been a fixture in the area since the 1920s, but has been empty and in disrepair for the past decade.

The new owner intends to restore the hotel to its former glory and potentially add new amenities, such as a rooftop bar, to attract both locals and tourists.

The sale of the hotel is seen as a positive development for the Winter Garden community and may bring new life to the area.

Read More...

Today's Weather Outlook 

🌤️ Lake Nona Mid-Week Forecast (Oct 29 – Oct 31, 2025)

Here’s what to expect in Lake Nona over the upcoming three days:

  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025: High: ~85 °F, Low: ~67 °FPartly sunny and warm; light afternoon breeze and low humidity.

  • Thursday, October 30, 2025: High: ~83 °F, Low: ~65 °FMostly sunny with scattered clouds; pleasant evening temperatures.

  • Friday, October 31, 2025: High: ~84 °F, Low: ~66 °FWarm and bright day; perfect weather for Halloween evening activities.

Overall: Expect warm, sunny, and comfortable weather across Lake Nona through the end of October — excellent for outdoor and festive plans.

Tip: Ideal time for evening walks and Halloween festivities — bring light layers for cooler late nights.

🎃

DIY Wednesday ✨

 

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

🎨 DIY Coasters: Protect Your Surfaces with Personalized Drink Holders

Add a touch of personality to your home while keeping your tables spotless with easy-to-make DIY coasters.

Whether you prefer rustic wood, elegant marble, or colorful resin designs, creating your own coasters is a fun and practical project that also makes for thoughtful handmade gifts.

  • Choose your base: Start with cork rounds, ceramic tiles, wood slices, or resin molds—each gives a unique look and texture.
  • Decorate creatively: Use paint, decoupage, pressed flowers, fabric, or patterned paper to design coasters that match your style.
  • Seal for protection: Apply a waterproof sealant or clear epoxy resin to make your coasters durable and moisture-resistant.
  • Add backing: Stick felt pads, cork sheets, or rubber dots underneath to prevent scratches and slipping.
  • Personalize it: Add initials, quotes, or simple line art to make your creations truly one-of-a-kind.

☕ Tip: Coordinate your coaster designs with your home décor or make a set for different seasons—perfect for cozy coffee mornings or entertaining guests.

With a few materials and your creative touch, you can craft beautiful, practical coasters that protect your surfaces and reflect your personal style.

🎁✨

🌳GET OUT  & GO

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

 

  • Downtown Art Walk
  • Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest
  • Halloween Costume Parade & Contest

🎉 Winter Garden Events

Wednesday – Friday • October 29–31, 2025

📅 Wednesday • Oct 29

Downtown Art Walk
🕕 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 📍 Historic Downtown Winter Garden
Stroll through downtown galleries and pop-up exhibits featuring local artists.

Live music and food trucks available.

📅 Thursday • Oct 30

Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 📍 Newton Park, Winter Garden, FL
Family-friendly pumpkin carving contest.

Prizes for most creative designs.

Registration recommended.

📅 Friday • Oct 31

Trick-or-Treat Downtown
🕓 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 📍 Main Street, Historic Downtown Winter Garden
Safe trick-or-treating event for children along downtown shops and local businesses.

Halloween Costume Parade & Contest
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Centennial Plaza Gazebo, Winter Garden
Parade and costume contest for all ages.

Winners receive gift certificates from local businesses.

📌 Events sourced from the official Winter Garden city calendar and local community listings.

Please confirm times, locations, and registration requirements before attending.

(Winter Garden City Events Calendar)

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!

 

 

  • Unicorp Secures $73 Million Loan for Luxury Apartment Complex near Disney World in Winter Garden, Florida
  • The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden to Bring Back Movie Magic this Summer.
A Winter Garden car dealer has been accused of rolling back odometers on 140 vehicles, according to authorities.

The dealer allegedly tampered with the mileage readings on used cars to make them appear to have lower mileage in order to inflate their value.

The investigation is ongoing and the dealer could face criminal charges.

Customers who purchased cars from the dealer are urged to check the mileage on their vehicles and report any discrepancies to the authorities.

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✔️

💧 Water Conservation in the Garden: Adjusting Irrigation for Cooler Weather and Less Evaporation

Keep your garden thriving while conserving water through smart irrigation practices suited for Florida’s seasonal changes.

As temperatures cool, plants require less frequent watering.

By adjusting your irrigation schedule and improving your garden’s efficiency, you can reduce evaporation, save money, and help preserve Florida’s precious water resources — all while maintaining a healthy, vibrant landscape.

🕓 Adjust Watering Schedules

  • Reduce irrigation frequency during cooler months — once or twice a week may be enough.
  • Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation losses.
  • Use a smart irrigation controller that adapts to weather conditions automatically.

🌿 Choose the Right Plants

  • Plant native and drought-tolerant species that need less water year-round.
  • Group plants with similar water needs together to prevent overwatering.
  • Replace high-water lawns with groundcovers or ornamental grasses.

🌸 Improve Soil and Mulching

  • Add compost to improve soil’s water-holding capacity and root health.
  • Use mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
  • Keep mulch 2–3 inches deep and away from direct contact with plant stems.

🚿 Maintain Your Irrigation System

  • Check for leaks, clogs, or misaligned sprinkler heads regularly.
  • Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering driveways, sidewalks, or streets.
  • Flush drip irrigation lines to ensure even water distribution.

🌎 Extra tip: Even in Florida’s mild winters, efficient watering can make a big difference.

Monitor soil moisture, let nature’s rainfall do the work when possible, and remember — a well-watered garden isn’t about frequency, but balance.

💚

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 West Orange Times has documented Winter Garden’s history.

🌟 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

Rooted in Winter Garden

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© 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, it’s the essential guide for anyone who wants to experience Winter Garden at its best.

© 2025 Rooted in Winter Garden.

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