Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Downtown business protests grow. Special Hearts Farm gets $18K boost. Dead fish at Lake Apopka. + 83° Mostly Sunny · Evening at the Pops Saturday · Reclaimed water off through Friday

Good Morning Winter Garden

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

West Orange County, FL

☀️ 83° · Mostly Sunny

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

Downtown Winter Garden · Photo: Unsplash

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Winter Garden Residents Rally as Downtown Businesses Forced Out

A growing number of residents are pushing back after several longtime Plant Street businesses were forced to close or relocate following a building sale.

Demonstrators gathered in downtown Winter Garden to voice frustration over a wave of business displacements tied to recent property transactions in the historic core. Multiple shops — including Driftwood Market, which has since signed a new lease at 49 S. Main St. — lost their Plant Street locations to rent increases following the sale. Residents say the closures threaten the small-town character that defines the downtown district. City officials have not commented on the protests.

Fox 35 → · Fox 35 (background) →

Special Hearts Farm Receives $18K From Giving Machine

The West Orange County farm for adults with special needs collected more than $18,000 through a Light the World vending machine at a local mall. Observer →

Rising Fuel Costs Squeeze Local Nonprofits

Area organizations that rely on vehicles for food delivery and outreach say climbing gas prices are straining already-tight budgets. Observer →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

Reclaimed water off through Friday. Pops under the stars Saturday.

The city has shut off reclaimed water service through March 29 — adjust your sprinklers. Newton Park, the boat ramp, parking lot, and surrounding roads close Saturday for Evening at the Pops. The Plant Street Pops Orchestra returns that evening — tickets on sale now. City offices close April 3 for the holiday.

Wed–Fri: Reclaimed water off Sat: Evening at the Pops Sat: Newton Park closed

☀️ This Week's Weather

Winter Garden, FL · Mar 25–31 · NWS Melbourne

20% chance PM storms today · Sunny & warm Friday · 30% storms Saturday · Cooler Sunday · NWS Melbourne

Hundreds of Dead Fish Wash Up Along Lake Apopka

A large fish die-off has been reported along the Lake Apopka shoreline. Officials are investigating the cause. Fox 35 →

Reclaimed Water Service Off Through Friday

The city is interrupting reclaimed water March 25–29 for system maintenance. Adjust irrigation schedules. Observer →

West Orange High to Host Book Drive

West Orange High School is organizing a book drive to collect reading materials for students and the community. Observer →

Driftwood Market Signs Lease at 49 S. Main St.

After losing its Plant Street space, the handmade-goods shop has found a new downtown home. Grand reopening date TBA. Observer →

FLHSMV Warns Drivers of New Scam

The Florida Highway Safety agency is alerting motorists about a new scam targeting drivers. Be cautious of unsolicited messages. Observer →

Our Cause 4 Paws Seeks Donations for Dog's Surgery

The local animal rescue is fundraising for a dog in need of emergency surgery. Donations welcome. Observer →

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"The closures threaten the small-town character that defines downtown Winter Garden."

Winter Garden residents at downtown protest — Fox 35 Orlando

Reclaimed Water Service Interruption Begins

Through March 29 · Adjust irrigation schedules · details →

Evening at the Pops 🎶 Newton Park

Plant Street Pops Orchestra · Tickets on sale now · tickets →

Newton Park / Boat Ramp / Parking Lot Closed

Roads surrounding Newton Park closed for Evening at the Pops setup & event · city alert →

Winter Garden Farmers Market

8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Pavilion · Fresh produce, crafts, food trucks

Holiday Office Closure — Regular Solid Waste Collection

City offices closed · Trash and recycling collected on normal schedule

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Fox 35 Orlando · West Orange Observer · City of Winter Garden · NWS Melbourne · Mar 25, 2026

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