City designates Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood

Winter Garden commissioners passed the resolution with the help of community organization One Winter Garden.

By Annabelle Sikes
| 9:00 a.m. February 16, 2024

A multitude of members from One Winter Garden and the east Winter Garden neighborhood attended the commission meeting to hear the resolution.

West Orange Times & Observer
News

For the first time, the city of Winter Garden has officially identified and designated the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.

The city passed the resolution to rename the area, commonly known as east Winter Garden, to the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood at its commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 8.

City staff said the change has been repeatedly requested by the community during the city’s various outreach efforts, and the community believes the name Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood better represents the spirit of the community in a manner that is respectful and dignifying.

The resolution was passed with the help of local community organization One Winter Garden.

“The city worked very carefully with us to make sure this was right,” One Winter Garden officials wrote in a Facebook post following the meeting. “We proposed map changes, verbiage adjustments and added historical landmarks such as the Maxey Community Center, the former historic Maxey Elementary School building and the historic Charles R. Drew High School. The city made sure this was about our people, and tonight, they saw us.”

The city passed the resolution to rename the area, commonly known as east Winter Garden, to the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood

HISTORIC HOME

One Winter Garden exists to foster community outreach for east Winter Garden by advocating for programs and enhancements. The organization seeks to unite the affluent communities of Winter Garden, along with the historically underserved community of east Winter Garden, through awareness and outreach campaigns.

The resolution came from a collaborative effort with the help of Danykqua Faulk, president of One Winter Garden; Chloe Johnson, vice president of One Winter Garden; Austin Arthur, treasurer and secretary of One Winter Garden; and other board members, including Jamie Holley, past president; Charlie Mae Wilder; Patricia Angry; Carol Ward; Eric Debose; and Angelia Taylor Dean.

Those leaders worked with community members, neighboring allies, Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, District 3 Commissioner Mark A. Maciel, City Manager Jon C. Williams, Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson and former Economic Development Director Tanja Gerhartz to create the resolution leading to the designation.

Hutchinson said One Winter Garden approached the city in November with the proposal.

“The city fully supports this view and is enthusiastic to partner with One Winter Garden in this resolution,” he said.

“We always want to celebrate the rich African-American culture in east Winter Garden; (we) always have,” Maciel said. “The city is here for you. If there’s anything else or any other things you would like to see or like us to do, we’re all ears. … We usually can deliver. If we can, we will.”

Faulk said One Winter Garden is proud of the unique history in east Winter Garden.

“We have (a) heritage of loving family, loving friends and loving God,” she said. “Thank you for recognizing our unique history and for including us during the process of this special designation bringing additional dignity to our area.”

IN OTHER NEWS

Police Chief Steve Graham swore in four new officers in front of the Winter Garden City Commission: Spencer Gray, Ryan McMorrow, Lorenzo Ramirez and Jermaine Owens.

The commission approved the site plan for the Tucker Ranch Health and Wellness Park at 100 Avalon Road.

Commissioners approved awarding a purchase order to Vermana Pool Contractors for refurbishment of Bouler Pool in the amount of $90,200, which includes a 10% contingency.

Winter Garden approved the purchase of two 2016 Freightliner Rescue Ambulances, including preparation from the Waldorf Volunteer Fire Department, in the amount of $123,000.

The commission approved the city manager to determine vehicles and equipment as surplus as well as authorize sale or disposal if necessary.

The city approved two purchase orders: one to TD Thomson Construction for two sanitary manholes and piping on South Lakeview Avenue in the amount of $121,779.20, and another to Atlantic Pipe Services for Valencia Shores to line a portion of the sanitary sewer mains, as well as replace frames and covers, in the amount of $143,653.66.

Commissioners approved the acquisition of three pieces of property and authorized the city manager to execute all documents necessary. The properties are located at 813 E. Bay St., from Curtis J and G Properties; 681 W. Plant St., from CenturyLink of Florida; and the area southeast of South Highland Avenue and Tremaine Street, from Christos and Deborah Anthony Trust.

Winter Garden approved authorizing the city manager to sign property agreements up to $300,000.

The commission approved two special events: the West Orange High School Sen’ya Later School Parade Wednesday, May 15, and the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s Evening at the Pops Concert Saturday, March 23.

The city acknowledged the announcement of retirement from Mike Cain, who serves as the fleet and facilities division manager.

author

Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.