- May 17, 2025
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Meteorologist Tom Sorrells, second from right, spoke to attendees at the WGHF’s opening night reception of “Tempests and Tornadoes.” With him are curator Will McCoy, left, director of operations and programming Jim Crescitelli and executive director Kristi Karst Gomen.
Meteorologist Tom Sorrell was a special guest speaker at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s debut of its newest exhibition, “Tempests and Tornadoes.”
The exhibition at the history museum includes an interactive quiz on storms.
Longtime residents understand the importance of the smudge pot, which saved many orange groves during freezing temperatures.
The West Orange Times produced a book of photos after the 1998 tornado that ripped through Winter Garden.
Rain gauges and thermometers once were popular branded giveaways at local businesses.
An aerial map shows the 1998 tornado’s path of destruction through Winter Garden. Just above the bottom arrow is Dillard Street and Toole’s Ace Hardware.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation held a special reception Thursday, May 1, to debut its new exhibition, “Tempests and Tornadoes,” which proves Florida isn’t always all sunshine. In addition to the sunny beach days, Florida — and West Orange County — has been subjected to freezing temperatures, hurricanes and fatal tornadoes. All of this and more are chronicled in the heritage museum’s exhibition room.
Meteorologist Tom Sorrells was the guest speaker, and he shared his career experiences.
The exhibition will remain on display through June 30.
