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🌱 What $25 million in tourist taxes means for Winter Garden families

Winter Garden, Florida Patch AM: a 4 min read

Good morning Winter Garden! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What $25 million in tourist taxes means for Winter Garden families
  • What officials want Winter Garden residents to know after fatal gator attack
  • Which Winter Garden Squeeze stars made the All-Florida League teams?

Also on today's calendar: Spiritual Formation Class and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Did you hear about the two cell phones who got married? 🤔 (Answer below!)

☑️ Important voting information: The Nov. 3 general election is coming up. Official Florida election resources: Find your polling place | Register to vote | Check your registration | Absentee, mail and early voting.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 80 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 81, low: 62.
  • Thursday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Orange County leaders approve $786M tourism tax funding plan (theorlandoreal.com) — Orange County commissioners have approved a $786 million tourist tax package that includes $25 million for the 8 Waves I Am Children’s Museum planned in Winter Garden, starting in 2027. This long-term funding commitment, alongside other regional cultural and tourism projects, positions Winter Garden for a major new family attraction and potential boost in local visitors and economic activity.
   

• Fisherman, 71 attacked and killed by 12-foot alligator at popular park (cleveland.com) — A 71-year-old Winter Garden fisherman was killed Friday evening after a nearly 12-foot alligator attacked him at Dr. Bradford Memorial Park, which connects to alligator-heavy Lake Apopka. Authorities recovered his body and removed the animal, while Winter Garden police and state wildlife officials are urging residents to stay alert near local waterways and respect the dangers posed by alligators.
   

• 2026 All-Florida League teams announced (mysanfordherald.com) — Several Winter Garden Squeeze standouts made the 2026 All-Florida League teams, including MVP-caliber second baseman Fabian Antonsanti, power-hitting outfielder Alex Galan, and speedy hitter Cael Reish. Local fans also see Winter Garden mentioned as a playoff site and former Squeeze players succeeding elsewhere, underscoring the town’s growing role in Florida’s summer collegiate baseball scene.
   

📸 Around Winter Garden

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Winter Garden

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📣 Winter Garden Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Looking for a company or individual that designs and builds outdoor kitchens.
    You must provide me with photos of our previous work and a review from a previous customer. Thank you in advance! (Nextdoor Waterleigh)
  • Two Maids posted a job opening for Professional House Cleaner - 787 in Winter Garden. Apply here.
  • Panera posted a job opening for Team Member in Winter Garden. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Winter Garden here.

🗞 Nearby News

Windermere

Ocoee

Horizon West

Ok Winter Garden! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Did you hear about the two cell phones who got married?" — They had a great reception (Thank you Hallie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Winter Garden

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Winter Garden

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.