Winter Garden: Winter Garden City Council Meeting
Summary. The Winter Garden City Commission held their regular meeting on March 26, 2026, addressing several ordinances and receiving a legislative update from Representative Spencer. The commission unanimously approved minutes from March 12 and tabled three ordinances (26-01, 26-02, 26-03) related to annexation and rezoning for New Life Slavic Church PUD to the April 9 meeting. Two ordinances were approved: 26-06 and 26-07 for rezoning at 761 Garden Commerce Parkway from industrial to commercial use, and 26-09 for McKinnon Square mixed-use development in the Oakwood Park area. Representative Spencer provided an extensive legislative session update, discussing state preemption issues, property tax proposals, and various bills he supported including e-bike safety, PFAS elimination, and veterans housing. He announced approximately $3.2 million in district funding for local infrastructure projects. Commissioner Smith expressed strong concerns about the proposed property tax elimination constitutional amendment, arguing it would create significant administrative burden and funding challenges for municipalities. The meeting concluded with Commissioner Sharpe sharing a personal presentation about the new AdventHealth Winter Garden cancer center, honoring those affected by cancer and making a plea regarding the property tax issue.
Agenda Items
1. Approval of Minutes from March 12 Regular Meeting
Routine approval of meeting minutes with no additions, deletions, or corrections
- No changes requested to distributed minutes
2. Second Reading - Ordinances 26-01, 26-02, 26-03 (New Life Slavic Church PUD)
Three ordinances for annexation, land use change, and rezoning for church development were tabled to next meeting
- Staff requested tabling to April 9, 2026 meeting at 6:30 PM
- Involves approximately 3.52 acres total on East Crown Point Road and East Fuller's Cross Road
3. Second Reading - Ordinances 26-06 and 26-07 (761 Garden Commerce Parkway)
Approved rezoning from industrial to commercial for 2.88 acres to allow medical offices, retail, and other commercial uses
- Property already developed, no site plan changes needed
- Expands permitted uses to include medical offices, personal services, retail, pet care facilities
4. Second Reading - Ordinance 26-09 (McKinnon Square PUD)
Approved rezoning for mixed-use development with 4 buildings containing commercial and residential units
- 12,515 square feet commercial space and 12 residential units
- Four mixed-use buildings with commercial first floor, residential second floor
- No negative feedback from neighbors or HOA since first reading
5. Legislative Update by Representative Spencer
Comprehensive update on 2026 legislative session covering local control, property taxes, and district funding
- Session extended due to budget negotiations over $113 billion
- Opposition to DEI restrictions as state overreach
- Property tax elimination constitutional amendment discussion
- E-bike safety legislation
- PFAS elimination in firefighting foam
- $3.2 million in district infrastructure funding
6. City Manager Report
Announcements about Evening at the Pops event and new downtown parking lot opening
- Evening at the Pops this Saturday, park opens 5PM, concert at 7PM
- New parking lot at 695 West Plank Street with 53 spaces plus handicap and large vehicle spaces
7. Commission Comments - AdventHealth Cancer Center Presentation
Commissioner Sharpe presented on new cancer center, sharing personal story and community impact
- Personal connection through family members lost to cancer
- History of hospital development and community compromise
- Advisory council helped address resident concerns
- New cancer center provides comprehensive local care
- Prayer and plea to governor on property tax issue
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve minutes from March 12 regular meeting
Passed unanimously
Motion to move ordinance 26-01, ordinance 26-02, and ordinance 26-03 to our next city commission meeting, April 9, 2026
Moved by Speaker 3
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance 26-06 and 26-07
Moved by Speaker 3
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve ordinance 26-09
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Prepare ordinances 26-01, 26-02, 26-03 for April 9, 2026 meeting
Assigned to Staff · Due April 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The Winter Garden City Commission held their regular meeting on March 26, 2026, addressing several ordinances and receiving a legislative update from Representative Spencer. The commission unanimously approved minutes from March 12 and tabled three ordinances (26-01, 26-02, 26-03) related to annexation and rezoning for New Life Slavic Church PUD to the April 9 meeting. Two ordinances were approved: 26-06 and 26-07 for rezoning at 761 Garden Commerce Parkway from industrial to commercial use, and 26-09 for McKinnon Square mixed-use development in the Oakwood Park area. Representative Spencer provided an extensive legislative session update, discussing state preemption issues, property tax proposals, and various bills he supported including e-bike safety, PFAS elimination, and veterans housing. He announced approximately $3.2 million in district funding for local infrastructure projects. Commissioner Smith expressed strong concerns about the proposed property tax elimination constitutional amendment, arguing it would create significant administrative burden and funding challenges for municipalities. The meeting concluded with Commissioner Sharpe sharing a personal presentation about the new AdventHealth Winter Garden cancer center, honoring those affected by cancer and making a plea regarding the property tax issue.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 7 agenda items: Approval of Minutes from March 12 Regular Meeting; Second Reading - Ordinances 26-01, 26-02, 26-03 (New Life Slavic Church PUD); Second Reading - Ordinances 26-06 and 26-07 (761 Garden Commerce Parkway); Second Reading - Ordinance 26-09 (McKinnon Square PUD); Legislative Update by Representative Spencer; City Manager Report; Commission Comments - AdventHealth Cancer Center Presentation.
How many motions were voted on?
4 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
1 action item were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Speaker 1, Speaker 2, Speaker 3, Speaker 4, Speaker 5, Speaker 6, Speaker 7, Speaker 8.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Winter Garden in?
Winter Garden is located in Orange County, Florida. Browse other Orange County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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