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
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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 on a warm spring morning
Downtown Winter Garden · Photo: Unsplash
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Top Story
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.
Community
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 →
Nonprofits
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 offSat: Evening at the PopsSat: Newton Park closed
☀️ This Week's Weather
Winter Garden, FL · Mar 25–31 · NWS Melbourne
Today (Wed) ☀️ 83° / 63°
Friday ☀️ 87° / 64°
Saturday 🌧 84° / 65°
Sunday 🌤 75° / 64°
Monday ☀️ 80° / 61°
20% chance PM storms today · Sunny & warm Friday · 30% storms Saturday · Cooler Sunday · NWS Melbourne
Around Town
Environment
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 →
Heads Up
Reclaimed Water Service Off Through Friday
The city is interrupting reclaimed water March 25–29 for system maintenance. Adjust irrigation schedules.
Observer →
Education
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 →
Local Business
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 →
Safety
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 →
Animal Welfare
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
Calendar of Events
Mar 25
Reclaimed Water Service Interruption Begins
Through March 29 · Adjust irrigation schedules · details →
Mar 28
Evening at the Pops 🎶 Newton Park
Plant Street Pops Orchestra · Tickets on sale now · tickets →
Mar 28
Newton Park / Boat Ramp / Parking Lot Closed
Roads surrounding Newton Park closed for Evening at the Pops setup & event · city alert →
Mar 29
Winter Garden Farmers Market
8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Pavilion · Fresh produce, crafts, food trucks
Apr 3
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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