Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Red Flag Warning for Orange County on Earth Day. Starke Lake Boat Ramp reopens. Florida probes OpenAI. Free tote bags at City Hall today. Farmers Market Saturday.

Good Morning Winter Garden

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

West Orange County, FL

🌤️ 80° · Breezy, Mostly Sunny

Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

📬 Enjoying GMWG? Share it with a neighbor.

✉ Email a friend Share on X

Presented by GMWG Sponsors

Advertise with GMWG — Reach Winter Garden's Most Engaged Local Readers

Red Flag Warning Issued for Orange County on Earth Day

Gusty easterly winds and low humidity have prompted a Red Flag Warning across Orange County today — raising fire danger even as residents celebrate Earth Day.

The National Weather Service and Orange County officials issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday as East winds of 5–15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph combine with dry conditions to create elevated wildfire risk. The warning comes as a separate brush fire near Umatilla in Lake County remains 85% contained but could flare up under today's wind conditions. Residents are urged to avoid burning and report any smoke. Meanwhile, Amtrak has resumed most of its Central Florida service following the disruption caused by that same 4,000-acre Lake County wildfire earlier this week.

Starke Lake Boat Ramp Reopens — Just in Time for Earth Day

The Starke Lake Boat Ramp in Ocoee has reopened, giving anglers and boaters renewed access to one of West Orange County's favorite waterways. A welcome bit of news on Earth Day for outdoor lovers in the area. Orange Observer →

Florida Opens Criminal Probe of OpenAI After FSU Shooter's ChatGPT Chat

Florida has launched a criminal investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT following revelations that the accused Tallahassee FSU shooter engaged in conversations with the AI chatbot before the attack, Fox 35 reports. Fox 35 →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

Happy Earth Day. Free tote bags at City Hall — today only.

Stop by Winter Garden City Hall today for a free reusable tote bag while supplies last — part of the city's Earth Day initiative running through April 30. Also today: westbound SR 50 will have lane closures near Beulah Road, so allow extra time. This Saturday brings the Farmers Market on Plant Street (8 AM–1 PM) plus a free beginner Pickleball Clinic at Veterans Memorial Park and National Drug Take Back Day at Windermere PD.

Today: Free Tote Bags 🌎 Today: SR 50 Closures ⚠️ Sat: Farmers Market 🌿

🌤️ Breezy Today, Then Warm and Sunny Through the Weekend

Winter Garden, FL · Apr 22 – 27 · NWS Melbourne

E winds 5–15 mph today, gusts to 25 mph · slight chance storms Thu–Sun PM · NWS Melbourne

West Orange High HOSA Chapter Competes at State Leadership Conference

West Orange High School's HOSA chapter attended the state leadership conference, giving health-focused students a chance to compete and network at the statewide level. The Orange Observer has the details on how the team performed. Orange Observer →

Windermere Police Hosting Drug Take Back Day This Saturday

Windermere Police will participate in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. Drop off unused or expired medications safely — no questions asked. Check the Orange Observer for times and drop-off details. Orange Observer →

Chuck E. Cheese Now Offers Sensory-Friendly Birthday Parties for Kids with Autism

Chuck E. Cheese has launched sensory-friendly birthday party options designed for children with autism and sensory sensitivities, WFTV reports. The initiative reflects growing awareness among family entertainment venues in the Orlando area. WFTV →

Florida IVF Mix-Up: Couple Says Baby's Genetic Parents Have Been Identified

A Florida couple at the center of an IVF embryo mix-up says the baby's genetic parents have been identified, WFTV reports. The case has drawn widespread attention and reignited calls for stricter oversight of fertility clinics statewide. WFTV →

Sponsor this section

Your Local Business Name Here

A one-line description of your business, offer, or event — seen by your neighbors.

Earth Day 🌎 — Free Tote Bags at City Hall · Drug Take Back @ City Hall · SR 50 Lane Closures — Today

Tote bags: City Hall (through Apr 30) · Drug Take Back: 9:30 AM, City Hall · WB SR 50 closures near Beulah Rd · cwgdn.com →

Oakland Town Commission 🏛️ · WG Development Review Committee

Commission: Oakland Meeting Hall · Dev Review: 6:30 PM, WG · oaklandfl.gov →

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

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

Farmers Market 🌿 · Free Pickleball Clinic 🏓 · Drug Take Back Day (Windermere PD) 💊

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

Oakland Planning & Zoning Board Meeting 🏛️

7 PM · Oakland Meeting Hall · oaklandfl.gov →

Got something happening in Winter Garden?

Put your event in front of hundreds of engaged local readers — featured calendar placements available every edition.

Support local journalism — sponsor GMWG

Every edition, every morning. Section sponsorships & display ads available.

We want to hear from you

How are we doing? Tell us.

Got a tip or correction? We read every reply.

gmwgnews.com · hello@gmwgnews.com

Orange Observer · WFTV · Fox 35 · City of Winter Garden · Horizon West Happenings · NWS Melbourne · Apr 22, 2026

You're receiving this because you subscribed to GMWG.

Unsubscribe · View in browser