Sunday, April 12, 2026

SR-429 closes today through Apr 16 — plan your commute. Plus: Spring Fever's finale downtown, a Winter Garden apartment shooting, and EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival.

Good Morning Winter Garden

Sunday, April 12, 2026

West Orange County, FL

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

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Heads Up — Starting Today

SR-429 Closes Today Through Wednesday — Plan Your Commute

The Central Florida Expressway Authority is closing State Road 429, the Western Beltway, starting this weekend through April 16 — a four-day disruption on one of West Orange County's most-traveled roads.

SR-429 is the primary expressway connecting Horizon West, Oakland, and Winter Garden to I-4, downtown Orlando, and points south. The closures, announced by CFX and reported by the Orange Observer, run through Wednesday, April 16. Residents should plan extra time and consider alternate routes including State Road 50, the Florida Turnpike, or US-192. No specific exit or ramp details were immediately available — check CFX's road alerts and Google Maps before you head out.

Man Shot and Killed After Dispute at Winter Garden Apartment

A man was shot and killed following a dispute inside a Winter Garden apartment complex, Fox 35 reports. Police responded to the scene and the investigation is ongoing. Fox 35 →

Windermere Legacy Fund Launches Community Initiative

The Windermere Legacy Fund has launched a new community initiative aimed at local civic engagement and philanthropy. Details on how to get involved are available online. Orange Observer →

🌸 Good Morning, West Orange County

Spring Fever's finale. 81° and all sun.

Spring Fever in the Garden wraps up today with its final afternoon on Plant Street — 10 AM to 4 PM downtown. Sunrise Yoga at Southern Hill Farms runs at 7:30 AM for the early risers. And remember: SR-429 is closed through Wednesday, so plan ahead before you head out.

Spring Fever Finale 10 AM–4 PM 🌸 Sunrise Yoga 7:30 AM 🧘 ☀️ 81° Full Sun

☀️ A Warm Week Builds

Winter Garden, FL · Apr 12 – 15 · NWS Melbourne

Temperatures climbing all week · NWS Melbourne

Family Wants Justice for Winter Garden ATV Shooting Victim

The family of a Winter Garden man killed while riding an ATV is considering a civil lawsuit against the neighbor accused of shooting him, Fox 35 reports. The criminal case against Ralph Hensel is proceeding separately. Fox 35 →

Fake HVAC Repair Sites Flooding Orlando Google Results

Fox 35 is warning Orlando-area residents that fraudulent HVAC repair websites have taken over local Google search results. Verify any contractor through the BBB or direct referrals before calling a number from a search. Fox 35 →

EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival 2026: Dates, Food & Concerts

Horizon West Happenings put together a full guide to EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Festival — dates, food booths, outdoor kitchens, and the concert lineup for one of Walt Disney World's best spring events. HW Happenings →

Meet Ovation Elementary's New Principal, Patty Harrelson

Horizon West Happenings sat down with Ovation Elementary Principal Patty Harrelson — a get-to-know-you feature for the Horizon West school community. HW Happenings →

Get to Know the Rotary Club of Horizon West

Horizon West Happenings spotlights the Rotary Club of Horizon West and its community service work — a good introduction for newcomers looking to get involved locally. HW Happenings →

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Spring Fever Finale 🌸 · Sunrise Yoga at Southern Hill Farms 🧘

Sunrise Yoga: 7:30 AM · Spring Fever: 10 AM–4 PM downtown · horizonwesthappenings.com →

City Commission Meeting 🏛️ · Oakland Appearance Review Board 🏛️

City Commission: 6 PM · City Hall · Oakland ARB: 7 PM · Oakland Meeting Hall · cwgdn.com →

Best Fest: A Taste of West Orange 🍽️ · Flamingos & Fuel Cruise Night 🚗 · Chicago Teen Edition 🎭

Best Fest: 5 PM · Flamingos & Fuel: 6 PM · Chicago at Horizon High: 7 PM · horizonwesthappenings.com →

Fridays on the Plaza 🎪

8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Interactive Fountain & Pavilion · Every Friday · cwgdn.com →

Winter Garden Farmers Market 🌿 · Horizon West Home Expo 🏠

Farmers Market: 8 AM–1 PM · Home Expo: 10 AM · wintergardenfarmersmarket.com →

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Orange Observer · Fox 35 · Horizon West Happenings · NWS Melbourne · Apr 12, 2026

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