In this edition
America 250 fills Winter Garden's July 4 weekend · Parade, Farmers Market, concert & fireworks · Team USA watch party tonight 8 PM · 90° storm chance · 3 days to Independence Day
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 · ⛅ 90° STORMS POSSIBLE · TEAM USA WATCH PARTY 8 PM · 3 DAYS TO JULY 4
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, MMXXVI · WEST ORANGE CO., FL
Good Morning, Winter Garden
⛅ 90° · Storms Possible · NE 15 mph · 3 Days to Independence Day
America 250 City Hall
Winter Garden’s July 4 weekend is packed — parades, live music, fireworks, and a Farmers Market celebration for America’s 250th.
Winter Garden is marking Independence Day with a full slate of America 250 events. On Saturday, July 4: the RED, WHITE & BLUES on the Plaza runs 8–10:30 AM downtown; the All American Kids Parade & Pancake Breakfast follows at the Downtown Interactive Fountain & Pavilion through 1 PM; the Farmers Market hosts its Independence Day Celebration from noon to 7 PM; and the July 4th Concert at Centennial Plaza (Newton Park) runs 6–9:30 PM with fireworks to cap the night. One heads-up: City offices will be closed Thursday, July 3, and solid waste collection is suspended that day. Official America 250 T-shirts and hats are on sale now at the City.
City of Winter Garden →
FWC Captures Two Gators After Fatal Seminole County Attack.
Florida Fish and Wildlife captured two alligators from the Little Big Econ River following the death of a woman described by family as “a fun-loving soul,” WFTV reports. Residents near any Central Florida waterway — including the shores of Lake Apopka and Oakland — are urged to stay alert this summer. WFTV Channel 9 →
Universal Orlando Unveils July 4 Fireworks and Entertainment.
Universal Orlando Resort has announced its full Fourth of July entertainment and fireworks lineup, WFTV reports — a nearby option for families who want to add a theme park stop to their holiday weekend alongside Winter Garden’s downtown festivities. WFTV Channel 9 →
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◆ America’s 250th Birthday
Tonight: Team USA at the World Cup. Watch party in Horizon West at 8 PM.
The FIFA World Cup is in full swing and Team USA has a match tonight — catch the community Watch Party at 8 PM in Horizon West, listed on Horizon West Happenings. Thursday, July 3: City offices are closed and there is no solid waste collection. Friday: Fridays on the Plaza (8 AM–1 PM) downtown and Red, White & Rum at Maya Speak Tiki (6:30 PM). Saturday is the big one — All American Kids Parade at 8 AM, Farmers Market noon–7 PM, and the July 4 Concert at Newton Park at 6 PM with fireworks to close out America’s 250th year.
Tonight: Team USA 8 PM Fri: Red White & Rum 6:30 PM Sat: July 4 🎆
⛅ 90° with afternoon storms possible. July 4 weekend stays unsettled.
5-DAY · NWS MELBOURNE · WINTER GARDEN, FL
Today carries a 50% storm chance, with storms possible between 10 AM and 8 PM. Thursday is similar. Friday jumps to 70% and Independence Day Saturday also sits at 70% — keep an eye on the radar as the holiday approaches and plan outdoor events with a backup.
More from West Orange and beyond.
Orange County Moves to Limit Tobacco & Vape Shops Near Schools.
Orange County Commissioners are moving forward with a proposal to restrict where tobacco and vape shops can locate near schools, WFTV reports. The measure is intended to reduce youth access to tobacco and nicotine products across the county. WFTV Channel 9 →
Kiwanis Club of Winter Garden–Horizon West Hosting Community Workshop.
The Kiwanis Club of Winter Garden–Horizon West is hosting an upcoming community workshop, the Orange Observer reports. It’s one of the area’s most active civic clubs and a good entry point for anyone looking to connect with neighbors and give back locally. Orange Observer →
Lightning Strike Knocks Out Water for Thousands in Groveland.
A lightning strike disrupted water service for thousands of Groveland residents, WFTV reports. Groveland is about 25 miles southwest of Winter Garden along US-27; crews were working to restore service following the outage. WFTV Channel 9 →
Disney and Pixar Surprise Young Patients with a Toy Story 5 Experience.
Disney and Pixar brought the magic of Toy Story 5 to young hospital patients with a surprise in-person experience, WFTV reports — a bright moment that has become a quiet tradition of Central Florida’s entertainment community giving back to families in difficult times. WFTV Channel 9 →
Team USA World Cup Watch Party (Tonight)
8 PM · Horizon West · Wed
Fridays on the Plaza + Red, White & Rum at Maya Speak Tiki
Plaza 8 AM–1 PM · Tiki 6:30 PM · Downtown Winter Garden · Fri
Independence Day — America’s 250th 🎆
Kids Parade 8 AM · Farmers Market noon–7 PM · Concert 6 PM · Newton Park · Sat
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WFTV · NWS Melbourne · City of Winter Garden · Orange Observer · Horizon West Happenings · July 1, 2026
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