Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Sheriff admits mistake on $40K family contract. Industry Expo today at West Orange. Earth Day tomorrow. Orlando's most stressful off-ramp named. Farmers Market Saturday.

Good Morning Winter Garden

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

West Orange County, FL

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

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Top Story · Local News

Sheriff Admits Mistake After Daughter Was Paid $40K in Department Contract

The Orange County Sheriff is acknowledging an error after it came to light that his daughter received $40,000 through a department contract — raising questions about oversight and potential conflicts of interest.

Orange County Sheriff officials are confronting an ethics question after WFTV reported that the sheriff's daughter was paid $40,000 through a departmental contract. The sheriff has admitted the arrangement was a mistake. The revelation puts a spotlight on contracting oversight within the agency that serves West Orange County residents. WFTV has the full details on how the contract was awarded and what steps, if any, are being taken in response.

West Orange Foundation Hosts Industry Expo for Kids Today

The West Orange Foundation's Industry Exploration Expo kicks off this morning at 9 AM — giving local kids a hands-on look at real careers in celebration of Take Your Child to Work Day. The Orange Observer has the details. Orange Observer →

Orlando's Busiest Off-Ramp Ranked Florida's Most Stressful

A new survey has pinned an Orlando off-ramp as the most stressful in Florida, WFTV reports. If your morning commute has you grinding your teeth before you hit the office, the data is firmly on your side. WFTV →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

Earth Day is tomorrow. Don't miss the free tote bags.

Tomorrow is Earth Day — swing by Winter Garden City Hall for a free reusable tote bag while supplies last (available through April 30). Also tomorrow: westbound SR 50 will have lane closures near Beulah Road, so plan accordingly. Thursday brings the Horizon West Networking Night at Orlando Health Hospital at 5:30 PM. Then Friday is Family Friday Street Party at The Mark, and Saturday is Farmers Market day on Plant Street along with the free Pickleball Clinic at Veterans Memorial Park.

Tomorrow: Earth Day 🌎 Tomorrow: SR 50 Closures ⚠️ Sat: Farmers Market 🌿

☀️ Sunny and Warming Through the Week

Winter Garden, FL · Apr 21 – 26 · NWS Melbourne

NE winds 10–15 mph today, gusts to 30 mph · slight chance storms Thu–Sat PM · NWS Melbourne

Orange County Judge Denies Tommy Zeigler a New Hearing

An Orange County judge has denied a request for a new hearing from Tommy Zeigler, who has been on death row since 1976. The Orange Observer has the latest on one of Florida's longest-running capital cases. Orange Observer →

Gatorland Adds Educational Signs on the Importance of Swamps

Gatorland has installed new educational signs highlighting why Florida's swamps matter, WFTV reports. It's a great excuse to visit a classic Central Florida attraction — and learn something along the way. WFTV →

Guang Ming Temple Invites All to Celebrate Buddha's Birthday

The Guang Ming Temple is opening its doors to the broader community to celebrate Buddha's Birthday, WFTV reports. A meaningful invitation to explore one of Central Florida's most vibrant cultural institutions. WFTV →

Casselberry Leaders Break Ground on Terracotta Terrace Community

Casselberry officials have broken ground on Terracotta Terrace, a new residential community, WFTV reports. Development is active across Central Florida as the region continues its post-pandemic building boom. WFTV →

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Oakland Town Commission 🏛️ · Urban Air Homeschool Meetup · American Legion — Today

Commission: 6:30 PM · Oakland Meeting Hall · Homeschool: 12:30 PM · Urban Air · Legion: 6 PM · oaklandfl.gov →

Earth Day 🌎 — Free Tote Bags at City Hall · WB SR 50 Lane Closures

Free totes: City Hall (through Apr 30) · WB SR 50 closures near Beulah Rd · cwgdn.com →

Industry Exploration Expo 🏭 · Horizon West Networking Night

Expo: 9 AM · Take Your Child to Work Day · Networking: 5:30 PM · Orlando Health Hospital · horizonwesthappenings.com →

Fridays on the Plaza 🎪 · Family Friday Street Party at The Mark

Plaza: 8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Fountain & Pavilion · Street Party: 5 PM · cwgdn.com →

Farmers Market 🌿 · Free Pickleball Clinic 🏓 · Drug Take Back Day 💊

Market: 8 AM–1 PM · Plant Street · Pickleball: Veterans Memorial Park · Drug Take Back: City Hall · cwgdn.com →

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WFTV · Orange Observer · Fox 35 · City of Winter Garden · Horizon West Happenings · NWS Melbourne · Apr 21, 2026

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