Winter Garden Commission approves voting district map

The Winter Garden City Commission has accepted the map for new voting district boundaries submitted by a districting commission appointed to redraw the lines. The City Commission voted unanimously in favor of the map at its March 10 meeting after postponing the vote Feb. 24 to allow two elected officials more time to study this and alternate maps.

During the discussion, Commissioner Ron Mueller was hoping to present still another version of the map, but Commissioner Lisa Bennett said she had confidence in the residents appointed to the committee and recommended approving the submitted map.

The city’s charter requires the City Commission appoint a districting commission to develop and propose a report pertaining to the adjustment of commission districts within the city within 45 days following official certification of the decennial census of the state.

IN OTHER NEWS

• Elected officials approved the site plan for a Crunch Fitness at 14150 W. Colonial Drive. Commissioner Mark Maciel recused himself from voting.

• Commissioners approved a traffic enforcement agreement for Waterside on Johns Lake Phase 1. The gated community had asked that Winter Garden’s police and fire departments be given access to the neighborhood.

• The commission approved several special community events. The city approved a Global Not Local community basketball tournament March 19 for children in grades fifth through 11th with games, music and food; and waved several thousands of dollars of fees associated with the Winter Garden Rotary Club’s “Broadway & Beyond” music in the park event March 26, which includes Broadway music and family-friendly skits; and approved a series of Arts in April events hosted by the city of Winter Garden and Winter Garden Art Association.

• Winter Garden resident Joseph Richardson asked the commission to publicly recognize the LGBTQ+ community in light of the recent news of Florida House Bill 1557.

“Whether one is for or against this bill, I hope the acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is recognized,” he said. “These individuals are our neighbors and friends and family, and they deserve to know the city is behind them. I’m asking you to take a stand with those you represent.”