Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Winter Garden public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues with low priority
Purchasing Manual Update for State Compliance
The city's purchasing rules would be updated to match new state procurement requirements — the fine print that governs how the city buys goods and services and awards contracts.
Lien Search Fee Increase
The city wants to raise the fee it charges for lien searches — title companies and homebuyers pay these during real estate closings — with automatic annual inflation adjustments going forward.
Residential setback variance at 338 E Smith Street
A homeowner wants to build an attached carport that comes within 2 feet of the standard front setback and within 5 feet of the side property line. Because the 1916-era neighborhood has lots that predate modern zoning rules, variances are common there. The question for the board was whether the reduced setbacks would cause problems for neighbors.
Code Enforcement Lien Reductions for Habitat for Humanity Housing
Two East Bay Street liens from a single 2015 mowing were cut back to their original amounts so the properties can be sold to Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing.
Steve Hamilton Memorial Bridge proposal
Resident Pete Vega asked the city to name a golf cart bridge in Dr. Bradford Memorial Park after Steve Hamilton, a beloved neighbor who died there; neighbors will pay for the signs themselves.
West Orange High School Homecoming Parade
The annual homecoming parade returns to Plant Street on October 22 from 6 to 7 p.m., with street closures starting at 2 p.m. Drivers should plan around the detour that evening.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness
City Hall will be lit green, teal, and pink on October 13 for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, honoring Winter Garden resident Brittney Beadle, who died in June at 29. Her family's 'Be Like Brittney Fund' is giving $500 a day this month to patients.
Property maintenance at 13697 W Colonial Dr
The city cited this property for trash, junk, weeds and stormwater issues — but it cleaned up. The case was closed with no penalties.
Tucker Ranch Landscape Maintenance Contract
The city will keep BrightView on to maintain Tucker Ranch landscaping during the warranty period rather than hire staff right away — about $741,000 for a year, shrinking as positions are filled.
Code enforcement lien relief at 243 Florida Avenue
A $168,300 lien from 561 days of unpermitted work was cut to $5,000 if paid by August 31, letting the owner sell the property.
Cell tower lease modernization
The city's 1999 cell tower lease got a major upgrade: $100,000 up front, rent up 20%, and about $2.06 million projected through 2054.
Sewer odor control at Lift Stations 23 and 47
The city is spending $400,000 over a year on Thioguard to keep sewer smells and pipe corrosion down, and testing ways to use less of it.
Fire Department Earns ISO Class 1 Rating
Winter Garden's Fire Department landed an ISO Class 1 rating — the top 1% nationwide — which can also mean better homeowners insurance rates.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
The city will host its Juneteenth celebration at City Park on June 20, 2026, with a kids zone, roughly 20 vendors, and free shuttle parking — no street closures needed.
Industrial district zoning flexibility
Ordinance 26-16 opens the door for more compatible special exception uses in the city's light and general industrial districts while keeping prohibited uses clear — aimed at supporting local economic development.
West Colonial Drive annexation and future billboard
A small West Colonial Drive parcel was annexed and rezoned so OutFront Media can pursue one new digital billboard in exchange for removing two existing ones — a deal that still needs a separate special exception approval.
Digital billboard exchange program
A small West Colonial Drive parcel was annexed and rezoned so OutFront Media can pursue one new digital billboard in exchange for removing two existing ones — a deal that still needs a separate special exception approval.