Friday, April 3, 2026

Exchange Building sold — downtown businesses forced to close or relocate. Lake Apopka fish kill. Good Friday: City Hall closed today. Farmers Market tomorrow 8–1.

Good Morning Winter Garden

Friday, April 3, 2026

West Orange County, FL

☀️ 84° · Mostly sunny

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

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Exchange Building Sold — Downtown Businesses Forced to Close or Relocate

Legacy Exchange LLC has purchased the Exchange Building in downtown Winter Garden, triggering the closure or relocation of multiple established businesses along the Plant Street corridor — and prompting public outcry from residents.

The sale of the Exchange Building has displaced tenants who had operated in the heart of Winter Garden's downtown district, a stretch that draws visitors to the city's historic core. Residents gathered to protest the loss of the businesses, reflecting growing concern about the pace of commercial change downtown. The purchase by Legacy Exchange LLC signals continued investor interest in the Plant Street area. Affected tenants are currently exploring relocation options within the community.

Fox 35 → Orange Observer →

Oakland Nature Preserve Receives Matching Grant

The Oakland Nature Preserve has landed a matching grant that will help fund conservation and education programs at the beloved West Orange County natural area. Orange Observer →

Chef's Table at the Edgewater Closed for Repairs

Chef's Table at the Edgewater Hotel has temporarily closed its doors for repairs. No reopening date has been announced; check with the restaurant for updates. Orange Observer →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

City Hall is closed today. Downtown is changing fast.

Good Friday brings a city office closure — trash and recycling run on normal schedule. The Exchange Building sale is the week's biggest local story, with longtime downtown tenants now searching for new homes. The Farmers Market opens tomorrow at 8 AM on Plant Street. Spring Fever in the Garden is eight days away, April 11–12 downtown.

Today: City Hall closed Apr 4: Farmers Market 🌿 Apr 11–12: Spring Fever 🌸

☀️ This Week's Weather

Winter Garden, FL · Apr 3 – 7 · NWS Melbourne

Beautiful weekend for the Farmers Market · Storms likely Mon–Tue · NWS Melbourne

Hundreds of Dead Fish Wash Up Along Lake Apopka

A significant fish kill was reported along the Lake Apopka shoreline, with hundreds of dead fish washing up on the banks of the lake that borders Winter Garden and West Orange County. Fox 35 →

Winter Garden Approves Redevelopment of Old Packing House

City leaders have approved a redevelopment plan for the old citrus packing plant, known as The Old Packing House, signaling new life for one of Winter Garden's historic sites. Fox 35 →

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

The city is advancing regulations that would impose tighter controls on e-bikes and scooters, responding to safety concerns on downtown streets and the West Orange Trail. Fox 35 →

Oakland Nature Preserve Collecting Book Donations

The Oakland Nature Preserve is asking the community to donate books for its education programs. Drop-offs are welcome at the preserve on Oakland Avenue. Orange Observer →

Orange County Approves Discovery Church Development

The Orange County Board of County Commissioners has approved a development proposal for Discovery Church, adding to the wave of growth across West Orange County. Orange Observer →

Ocoee to Experience Partial Lane Closure

Drivers in Ocoee should expect delays from an upcoming partial lane closure. Check local alerts for the affected road and duration before heading out. Orange Observer →

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Fridays on the Plaza 🎪

8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Interactive Fountain & Pavilion · Every Friday

Winter Garden Farmers Market 🌿

8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Pavilion · Plant Street · Every Saturday

86° and mostly sunny · Storms possible afternoon · Enjoy the morning

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting 🏛️

6:15 PM · City Hall Chambers · Open to the public · cwgdn.com →

Easter Kids' Craft at the Farmers Market 🐣

7–9 PM · Downtown Pavilion · Special Friday evening market event

Spring Fever in the Garden 🌸

Apr 11–12 · Downtown Winter Garden · Roads closed · springfeverinthegarden.org →

City Commission Meeting 🏛️

6 PM · City Hall Chambers · Regular monthly meeting · cwgdn.com →

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Fox 35 Orlando · Orange Observer · City of Winter Garden · NWS Melbourne · Apr 3, 2026

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