Second Harvest Food Bank gets a $50K matching grant. Firefly Night at Oakland canceled. Gas tops $4. One more storm day — then sunny Spring Fever weekend ahead.
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Good Morning Winter Garden
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
West Orange County, FL
⛈ 71° · 80% Storms

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.
Palm trees in downtown Winter Garden, Florida
Photo: Daniela Captari / Unsplash
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Top Story
Second Harvest Food Bank Gets $50,000 Matching Gift for West Orange Families
A $50,000 matching donation to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida will help feed local families in West Orange County — but only if the community steps up to meet it.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has received a $50,000 matching gift challenge, with a donor pledging to match every dollar contributed by the public up to that amount. The food bank serves Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties, and West Orange residents are among those who benefit from its mobile pantries and partner agency network. Officials say the matching window is limited and urged donors to give now to maximize the impact. Every $1 donated becomes $2 until the match is fully claimed.
Oakland
Firefly Night at Oakland Nature Preserve Called Off
The popular Firefly Night event at Oakland Nature Preserve has been canceled, disappointing families who look forward to the annual springtime spectacle. No reschedule date was announced.
Orange Observer →
Economy
Florida Gas Prices Top $4 Per Gallon in Orlando Area
Average gas prices in the Orlando metro have crossed the $4-per-gallon threshold, putting pressure on local drivers. Analysts cite spring refinery transitions and lingering supply constraints.
WFTV →
📣 This Week in Winter Garden
One more stormy day. Then the sun comes out for Spring Fever.
Wednesday still carries an 80% storm chance, but the forecast clears sharply by Thursday evening. Friday and Saturday are both fully sunny — a near-perfect setup for Spring Fever in the Garden this weekend downtown. Roads around Plant Street will close for the festival; the Farmers Market will run its usual 8 AM–1 PM Saturday alongside it.
Today: 80% storms ⛈Fri: Sunny ☀️ 78°Apr 11–12: Spring Fever 🌸
⛈ This Week's Weather
Winter Garden, FL · Apr 8 – 11 · NWS Melbourne
Today (Wed) ⚠️ ⛈ 71° / 63°
Thursday 🌧 75° / 62°
Friday ☀️ 78° / 62°
Saturday 🌸 ☀️ 79° / —
⚠️ Weather Alert Day today · Burn ban in effect · Clearing Thursday · Perfect Spring Fever weekend · NWS Melbourne
Around Town
Wildlife
Rescued Florida Manatee Released Back Into the Wild
A Florida manatee that had been rescued and rehabilitated was successfully released back into Central Florida waters, wildlife officials confirmed — a bright note amid ongoing habitat pressures.
WFTV →
City Alert
Drug Take Back Day This Morning — 9:30 AM
The City of Winter Garden is hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back event this morning at 9:30 AM. Bring unused or expired medications for safe disposal — no questions asked.
cwgdn.com →
Parks & Rec
Free Beginner Pickleball Clinic Coming April 25
Winter Garden Parks & Recreation is hosting a free beginner pickleball clinic on Saturday, April 25. All equipment provided — no experience needed. Space is limited; register at cwgdn.com.
cwgdn.com →
City Alert
Tucker Ranch Regional Park to Close April 13–17
Tucker Ranch Regional Park in Winter Garden will be temporarily closed April 13–17 for scheduled maintenance work. The park is expected to reopen April 18. Plan ahead if you use the trails regularly.
cwgdn.com →
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Calendar of Events
Apr 9
Development Review Committee Meeting 🏗️
6:30 PM · City Hall Chambers · City of Winter Garden · cwgdn.com →
Apr 10
Fridays on the Plaza 🎪 · Wine Walk 🍷 · 2nd Fridays at Flamingo Crossings 🦩
Plaza: 8 AM–1 PM downtown · Wine Walk at Southern Hill Farms: 5:30 PM · Flamingo block party: 6 PM · horizonwesthappenings.com →
Apr 11
Spring Fever in the Garden 🌸 · Farmers Market 🌿
Apr 11–12 · Downtown Winter Garden · Roads closed · Market: 8 AM–1 PM · cwgdn.com →
Apr 14
City Commission Meeting 🏛️
6 PM · City Hall Chambers · City of Winter Garden · cwgdn.com →
Apr 16
Best Fest: A Taste of West Orange 🍽️
5:00–8:00 PM · Horizon West · Local food, drink & community · horizonwesthappenings.com →
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Orange Observer · WFTV Channel 9 · City of Winter Garden · Horizon West Happenings · NWS Melbourne · Apr 8, 2026
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