GMWG Good Morning Winter Garden

Thursday, March 26, 2026 West Orange County, FL ☀️ 83° · Mostly Sunny

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

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Top Story

Winter Garden Moves Closer to Stricter E-Bike and Scooter Rules

The city is advancing new regulations for electric bikes and scooters on trails and sidewalks amid growing safety concerns from residents.

Winter Garden is moving ahead with tighter rules for e-bikes and electric scooters, responding to complaints about speeding on the West Orange Trail and downtown sidewalks. The proposed regulations would set speed limits, designate permitted riding areas, and establish enforcement mechanisms. The push comes as e-bike use has surged across Central Florida, particularly on the popular multi-use trail system that runs through the city's historic core.

Development Old Citrus Packing Plant Gets New Life The city approved redevelopment plans for the historic Old Packing House, opening a new chapter for the landmark property. Fox 35 →

Development City Weighs 70-Acre Mega-Sports Complex A proposal for a 70-acre multi-sport facility is under consideration, which could bring tournament-level fields and economic activity to Winter Garden. Fox 35 →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

Evening at the Pops is Saturday. Newton Park roads close for the show.

Reclaimed water service remains off through Friday — keep sprinklers adjusted. Tomorrow night, Fridays on the Plaza brings live music to the Centennial Plaza Gazebo at 7 PM. Saturday, Newton Park, the boat ramp, parking lot, and surrounding roads close for Evening at the Pops — the Plant Street Pops Orchestra returns that evening. Tickets still available.

☀️ This Week's Weather

Winter Garden, FL · Mar 26–31 · NWS Melbourne

Today (Thu)	☀️	83° / 63°
Friday	☀️	87° / 64°
Saturday	🌧	84° / 65°
Sunday	🌤	75° / 64°
Monday	☀️	80° / 61°

20% chance PM storms today · Sunny & 87° Friday · 30% storms Saturday · Cooler Sunday · NWS Melbourne

Around Town

Community Special Hearts Farm Receives $18K From Giving Machine The West Orange farm for adults with special needs collected more than $18,000 through a Light the World vending machine at a local mall. Observer →		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 →
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 →		Nonprofits Rising Fuel Costs Squeeze Local Nonprofits Area organizations say climbing gas prices are straining budgets for food delivery, transport, and outreach programs. Observer →
Heads Up Starke Lake Boat Ramp to Close in Ocoee The Starke Lake boat ramp in Ocoee will be temporarily closed. Boaters should plan alternate launch points. 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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Winter Garden residents protesting downtown closures — Fox 35 Orlando

Calendar of Events

Mar 27	Fridays on the Plaza 🎵 7–9 PM · Centennial Plaza Gazebo · Free live music · Bring a chair
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 26, 2026

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