Community News
Thursday, May 14, 2026 · Winter Garden
SpaceX Prepares to Launch Starship From Kennedy Space Center
SpaceX clears environmental review for Starship launches at Kennedy Space Center, pending FAA safety and licensing approvals.
Proposed E-Bike and Scooter Safety Legislation Raises Pedestrian Concerns
Proposed legislation seeks to enhance safety standards for electric bicycles and scooters across Florida.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Pasco Sheriff Nocco Steps Down to Run for State Senate
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is stepping down in November to run for an open state senate seat after 15 years leading the agency.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Collier County Celebrates Picayune Strand Everglades Completion
A cornerstone Everglades restoration project spanning 55,000 acres in Collier County has reached full completion, restoring natural water flows and revitalizing wetlands. The Picayune Strand Restoration Project marks another victory in Florida's massive Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Officials hailed the milestone as a model of federal-state collaboration.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ocoee Fire Department Celebrates 100+ Years of Service
The Ocoee Fire Department has served the community for over a century, growing from a volunteer operation to a professional agency with fire-based EMS transport.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Commissioner Joseph McMullen Honored with 2026 Home Rule Hero Award
Oakland Commissioner Joseph McMullen received the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award from the Florida League of Cities, recognizing his advocacy for home rule.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Summer Flix Returns to Garden Theatre June 9
Summer Flix returns to Winter Garden's Garden Theatre on June 9, offering $5 tickets for family films every Tuesday through August 4.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Winter Garden Fire Department Command Staff Oversees Operations
The Winter Garden Fire Department's Command Staff, led by Chief Jose P. Gainza, ensures efficient fire protection and emergency medical services for the community.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ocoee Streets Division Handles Repairs and Maintenance
Ocoee's Streets and Traffic Division handles pothole repairs, sidewalk maintenance, traffic signals and emergency road closures to keep city streets safe and functional.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ocoee Fire Department Now Accepts Newborns Through Safe Haven Program
The Ocoee Fire Department accepts newborns up to 72 hours old through Florida's Safe Baby Station program, operating 24/7.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Fire Chief Thomas Smothers Marks Two Decades of Service to Ocoee
Ocoee Fire Chief Thomas Smothers celebrates over two decades of dedicated service to the community, leading the department with commitment and care.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Winter Garden City Hall Switches to LED Lighting, Cuts Energy Use 40-70%
Winter Garden City Hall installed energy-efficient LED lighting with a federal grant, cutting energy use by up to 70%.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Oakland Avenue Road Closure Set for July 1
The 1600 block of Oakland Avenue closes July 1 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for CSX railroad maintenance. Drivers should plan alternate routes.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ocoee Fire Station 38 Opens Permanent Home at Village Center
Ocoee Fire Station 38 moves into its first permanent home at Village Center after operating from temporary locations since 2013.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Thursday, May 14, 2026