Winter Garden issues hurricane updates

The city of Winter Garden has issued a series of updates pertaining to Hurricane Milton. 

TRASH COLLECTION

Solid waste collection — trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk items and previously scheduled reservation pickups — will be canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10. 

Residents should stay tuned to the city's website about Friday, Oct. 11, collection services (for regular Friday collection routes only).

The city is asking residents to not place anything curbside after Tuesday, Oct. 8. This includes any garbage and recycling containers, yard waste, bulk items, and items that require a reservation special pickup. Please bring items inside to avoid damage and injury.

The city also is asking residents not to trim or cut down trees, as there will be no pickup prior to the hurricane, as collections services are suspended.

Due to the volume of storm-related calls, the city additionally is requesting residents to wait to call to schedule a pickup of appliances and other large electronics that require a reservation with the Public Services Department until following the hurricane. 

Following a storm, residents should be sure to separate debris, keeping bulk items separate from yard waste so the items can be collected. Do not mix yard waste with bulk items.

CITY OFFICES/PUBLIC FACILITIES CLOSURES

City offices will be closed Oct. 9 and 10. Weather permitting, offices will reopen Oct. 11 for normal operating hours, which are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

The downtown interactive foundation will be closed from Oct. 8 through Oct. 10. Its reopening will be determined following the hurricane.

The Jessie Brock Community Center will be closed starting at 5 p.m. Oct. 8 and running through at least Oct. 10. All day and evening programs are canceled. The center’s reopening on Oct. 11 is to be determined. 

MEETINGS, PAYMENTS AND INSPECTIONS 

The City Commission meeting Oct. 10 is canceled. The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.

In-person payments for utility bills will be suspended Oct. 9 and 10.

Payments can be made online 24/7 at this link.

Building inspections also will be canceled Oct. 9 and 10. Fridays inspections are to be determined following the hurricane. 

PARKING

City of Winter Garden residents may park their personal vehicles overnight in the downtown parking garage, which is located at 160 S. Boyd St., on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 8. 

Vehicles are allowed to remain through the duration of the hurricane only. 

Vehicles must be removed immediately following the hurricane to prevent parking issues for weekend downtown activities.

No commercial trucks, fleet vehicles, RVs, trailers, boats, etc. are allowed, and these vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

All vehicles must be parked legally in marked spaces. Any vehicles parked illegally or blocking other vehicles will be ticketed and could be towed.

PARKS & FIELDS

The following parks and fields will be closed as specified until post-hurricane evaluations take place:

Veterans and Braddock parks: Closed starting Monday, Oct. 7, until the park is evaluated for damage following the storm. This includes all fields, pavilions and pickleball courts.

Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve: Closed starting Oct. 8 until the park evaluated for damage following the storm

Sam Williams Little League Complex and Walker Football Field: Closed following Little League games the evening of Oct. 7. All Little League activities and games will be suspended following the games until further notice following the hurricane. The fields will remain closed until the park can be evaluated for damage following the storm. 

Pop Warner and all outdoor leagues and activities, including pickleball, are cancelled as of Oct. 7.

NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT

The Mobile Citizen app can be a vital tool to help residents communicate with the city for non-emergency hurricane-related requests. If residents see a fallen tree blocking a roadway; street flooding; traffic signal outages; damages to power lines, light poles, street signs, etc., be sure to select the “Hurricane/Storm Disaster” service option on the scroll-down menu on the app to route your concern properly. 

Remember, for all emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

The free app can be downloaded from Apple or Google Play stores to a personal device before faced with any hurricanes or storm disasters. Those who would like additional download instructions can click here.

Those who wish to report hurricane/storm-related service issues, can do so using the city's website under the Customer Service webpage, which can be reached here.

CITY EMERGENCY AFTER-HOURS PHONE NUMBERS

All emergencies: 9-1-1
City main number: (407) 656-4111
Police non-emergencies: (407) 656-3636
Fire non-emergencies: (407) 877-5175
Utility after hours and weekends (water leaks, sewer back-ups, broken water or sewer pipes, flooding and no-water service: (321) 436-4559

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESOURCES

All city residents and businesses need to take any storm or hurricane very seriously. Residents are asked to make sure homes are prepared and loose items are clear from outside of homes. Additionally, residents should have essential supplies and an emergency preparedness plan for their family and pets. You need to be prepared for power outages and to be self-sufficient with non-perishable food and water for the next several days. 

It is important to know that when the storm is upon you, city personnel will not be able to assist you when winds reach 40 mph, and emergency vehicles (police, fire and ambulances) will not be able to respond to 9-1-1 calls in winds above 50 mph.

City representatives are asking residents to continue to monitor the city's website for Hurricane Milton updates.