Community News · Winter Garden, FL
Winter Garden city officials announced Friday, Oct. 23, that reclaimed water service is now operable and available citywide following a power surge that damaged the wastewater plant's reclaimed water facilities. The suspension was originally announced Tuesday, Sept. 29. Residents must follow permissible watering schedules through Sunday, Nov. 1: odd-numbered homes are scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays, even-numbered homes for Thursdays and Sundays, and non-residential properties for Tuesdays and Fridays.
Local Politics · Orange County
Early voting for the 2026 General Election began Monday, Oct. 19 in most Central Florida counties, with some starting as late as Thursday, Oct. 22. The voter registration deadline was Oct. 5, and the mail-in ballot request deadline was Oct. 22. Mail-in ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Early voting periods extend through Oct. 31 or Nov. 1 depending on the county, with varying daily hours.
Local Politics · Orange County
The Winter Garden Observer is publishing candidate Q&As ahead of the November 3 general election in West and Southwest Orange County. Three candidates—James Pericola, Joe Strada, and Ralph Groves—are running to succeed U.S. Representative Daniel Webster in Florida’s 11th Congressional District. Candidate Joe Strada declined to respond to the publication's questions.
Community News · Winter Garden, FL
The Tucker Ranch Holistic Health & Wellness Park and Botanical Garden held its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and butterfly release on Friday, Oct. 23. The park features a 5,000-square-foot retreat center, edible learning gardens, an outdoor demonstration kitchen, botanical gardens, a labyrinth, story circle, trail system, pond pavilion, and ranch house. Walking paths connect to Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve's existing playground, nature trails, picnic areas, and canoe/kayak launch. Mayor John Rees called it one of the most transformative community projects in the city's history.
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Community News · Winter Garden, FL
The City of Winter Garden announced on Oct. 23, 2026, that reclaimed water is now operable and available citywide following repairs to damage caused by a power surge at the plant. Residents are asked to resume irrigation while following the city's permissible watering schedule per its irrigation ordinance. Nonresidential properties may irrigate on Tuesdays and Fridays under the current schedule, which runs until Nov. 1, 2026.
Community brief · Winter Garden, FL
The inaugural "From Grief to Grace" memorial 5K will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at Chapin Station Park, 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden, honoring Lavardo Denashe "Eljay" Fisher II, a 13-year-old Ocoee Middle School student who died Feb. 8, 2016, from an accidental gunshot wound. His mother organized the run to provide resources on safe firearm storage, the grieving process, and Donate Life organ donation. Registration is $35 until 6…
Community brief · Winter Garden, FL
Horizon High School in Winter Garden will present "9 to 5: The Musical" from November 5 through November 8. The production involves over 130 students and features two casts, with proceeds benefiting the Dollywood Foundation. Performances are scheduled at the school auditorium on Seidel Road.
Community brief · Winter Garden, FL
Crooked Can Brewing Company in Winter Garden, Florida, will host an Oktoberfest celebration from Friday, Oct. 23, through Sunday, Oct. 25. The event at the brewery's location on West Plant Street features live German music, a stein-holding contest, jugglers, and stilt-walkers alongside food and beer.
Nearby · Public Safety · Apopka, FL
The Florida Department of Health confirmed four locally transmitted dengue fever cases in the Apopka area and one in Pine Hills as of October 12. Orange County Mosquito Control scheduled aerial spraying at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, and Saturday, October 24, targeting neighborhoods in central and south Apopka and Pine Hills. Treatment areas include portions near U.S. Highway 441, Main Street, Park Avenue, West Colonial Drive, North Pine Hills Road, Bel-Aire Woods, and Orlo Vista; Apopka High School is excluded. County officials said residents do not need additional precautions for pets, livestock, or gardens, noting the materials are approved by the EPA and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
