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Downtown WG goes red, white & blue for America 250 · Orange County launches affordable housing program · Rainbow River reopens · 96° drier start to the week · America 250 events all week long
MONDAY, JUNE 22 · ☀ 96° PATCHY FOG · AMERICA 250 EVENTS THIS WEEK · DRIER START
MONDAY, JUNE 22, MMXXVI · WEST ORANGE CO., FL
Good Morning, Winter Garden
☀ 96° · Patchy Fog Before 8 AM · 30% Storms · Drier Week Ahead
Winter Garden America 250
Downtown turns red, white, and blue. Winter Garden is celebrating America’s 250th birthday all week long.
The City of Winter Garden is going all in on America’s 250th anniversary, with downtown getting a patriotic makeover and a full schedule of events stretching into July 4th weekend. Summer Flix at the Garden features America 250–themed screenings including Independence Day (Thursday, June 25) and The Sandlot (June 30), with community celebrations woven throughout. It’s shaping up to be one of the most festive weeks Winter Garden has seen — and a chance to enjoy what makes this city worth celebrating.
City of Winter Garden →
Orange County Launches ‘Building Affordable Orange’ Housing Program.
Orange County has launched a new program called “Building Affordable Orange” to expand affordable housing options across the region, WFTV reports — a direct response to rising housing costs that have put pressure on families throughout West Orange County. WFTV Channel 9 →
Rainbow River Reopens After Alligator and Snorkeler Incident.
Rainbow River has reopened following an incident involving an alligator and a snorkeler, WFTV reports. The river, one of Central Florida’s most popular natural swimming spots, is back open — though the reminder to stay alert in Florida waters is always worth heeding. WFTV Channel 9 →
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◆ This Week in Winter Garden
America turns 250 on July 4th. Winter Garden is already celebrating.
Tomorrow, June 23: the city’s Juneteenth Community Celebration (10 AM) and Summer Flix: Lilo & Stitch (Live Action, PG) at 7 PM. Thursday, June 25: Summer Flix: Independence Day (PG-13) at 6:30 PM as an America 250 event. June 30: The Sandlot (PG) at the Heritage Museum. The week closes in on July 4th with downtown draped in red, white, and blue. Oakland’s Town Farmers Market runs this evening at 6:30 PM if you need a Monday reason to get out of the house.
Tue: Lilo & Stitch 7 PM Thu: Independence Day Jul 4 Coming
☀ 96° with a drier start to the week. Storm chances build again Thursday.
5-DAY · NWS MELBOURNE · WINTER GARDEN, FL
Today’s fog clears by 8 AM, then mostly sunny with only a 30% storm chance. Tuesday stays dry and sunny. Wednesday storms return (50%), with Thursday bringing 60% storm risk — the Independence Day screening is at 6:30 PM that evening, so keep an eye on timing.
More from West Orange and beyond.
Orlando Science Center Opens ‘Memories of Water’ with Augmented Reality.
The Orlando Science Center is hosting “Memories of Water,” an art exhibit featuring augmented reality experiences, WFTV reports. It’s a compelling mix of science and storytelling — a good option for summer family outings when the afternoon heat sets in. WFTV Channel 9 →
Florida Juvenile Justice Dept. Faces Security Questions After Massive Data Breach.
Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice is under scrutiny after a massive data breach raised security questions, Fox 35 reports. If you or your family has interacted with the juvenile justice system in Florida, it’s worth checking whether your information may have been affected. Fox 35 →
Lane Closure Coming to Ocoee — Plan Your Route Accordingly.
A lane closure is scheduled to take place in Ocoee, the Orange Observer reports. The timing and specific road affected aren’t yet detailed, but drivers regularly moving through the area should expect some slowdowns and check local signage for updates. Orange Observer →
Oakland Town Farmers Market (Tonight)
6:30 PM · Town of Oakland · Mon
WG Juneteenth Celebration + Summer Flix: Lilo & Stitch
10 AM Celebration · 7 PM Lilo & Stitch (PG) · Heritage Museum
Summer Flix: Independence Day — America 250 Event
6:30 PM · Heritage Museum · PG-13 · Thu · 60% storms
Fridays on the Plaza + Summer Flix: Jaws
8 AM–1 PM Plaza · 7 PM Jaws (PG) · Heritage Museum · Fri
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WFTV · Fox 35 · NWS Melbourne · Orange Observer · City of WG · Horizon West Happenings · June 22, 2026
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