THURSDAY, JUNE 11  ·  ☀️ 91°  ·  MAYOR DEMINGS GIVES FINAL STATE OF COUNTY  ·  PLAZA & MARKET THIS WEEKEND

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, MMXXVI  ·  WEST ORANGE CO., FL

Good Morning, Winter Garden

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Today in WG

Good morning. Storms push in after 1 PM today — the morning is clear and dry, so take advantage of it. Mayor Jerry Demings gave his final State of the County address yesterday, a significant moment given his cancer announcement earlier this month. Also: a Windermere teen built the community’s first butterfly garden. This weekend is a good one — Plaza on Friday, Market on Saturday.

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Mayor Demings gives his final State of the County address.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivered his final State of the County address Wednesday, a defining moment in the close of his tenure. Demings — who announced earlier this month that he has been diagnosed with cancer and stepped back from his campaign for governor — spoke about the county’s growth and accomplishments and addressed the challenges ahead for the region. The address marks a transition point for Orange County after years of pandemic recovery, rapid growth, and significant infrastructure investment under Demings’ leadership. The Orange Observer has the full report.

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Community Windermere Teen Builds the Community’s First Butterfly Garden. A Windermere teenager took the initiative to create the community’s first butterfly garden — planting native flowers to support local pollinators and transform an underused space into something living. The Orange Observer profiles the project and the young person behind it. Orange Observer →

Space Coast Space Florida Backs Startup with Plan for Offshore Rocket Launches. Space Florida has invested in a startup’s plan to conduct launches from offshore platforms — a novel approach that could expand capacity and reduce noise over Central Florida communities. WFTV has the details on the investment and the concept behind it. WFTV →

☀ Clear mornings all week. Afternoon storms building toward 94° Saturday.

5-DAY · NWS MELBOURNE · WINTER GARDEN, FL

THU ⛈ 91° 50%⛈

FRI ⛈ 93° 50%⛈

SAT ⛈ 94° 70%⛈

SUN ⛈ 93° 50%⛈

MON ⛈ 93° 40%⛈

Morning hours clear and dry — storms after 1 PM, 50% chance. Rain climbs through Saturday (70%), then eases Sunday and Monday. Heat stays in the low 90s all week.

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More from West Orange and beyond.

Weather	Heat Wave Opens Air-Conditioned Libraries as Cooling Centers. With temperatures pushing into the 90s, local libraries are opening as cooling centers. WFTV has locations and hours available to residents seeking relief during the hottest part of the day. WFTV →
Development	Horizon West Regional Park Phase 1B to Break Ground. The next phase of Horizon West Regional Park is set to break ground, bringing new recreation space to one of the county’s fastest-growing communities. Ceremony is Thursday, June 18 at 11 AM. Orange Observer →
Community	Troop 210 Scouts Achieve Eagle Scout Rank. Several members of Troop 210 have earned the Eagle Scout rank — Scouting’s highest honor — recognizing years of leadership, service, and community commitment. The Orange Observer has details on the scouts and their projects. Orange Observer →
Education	Lake Apopka Natural Gas District Offering Skilled Trades Scholarships. The Lake Apopka Natural Gas District is offering scholarships for students pursuing skilled trades careers — a timely opportunity as demand for tradespeople in the region outpaces supply. The Orange Observer has the details on eligibility and how to apply. Orange Observer →

Up next.

JUN 12	Fridays on the Plaza + 2nd Fridays Summer Bash 8 AM Plaza · 6 PM Flamingo Crossings Town Center
JUN 13	Winter Garden Farmers Market 8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Pavilion · Plant Street
JUN 16	Summer Flix — A Minecraft Movie (PG) 2 PM & 7 PM · Garden Theatre, Downtown · $5
JUN 18	Horizon West Regional Park Phase 1B Groundbreaking 11 AM · Horizon West Regional Park

gmwgnews.com · hello@gmwgnews.com
Orange Observer · WFTV · NWS Melbourne · Horizon West Happenings · June 11, 2026

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