Winter Garden commission unanimously approves rezoning, annexation, budget amendment, solicitor rules and Back-to-School Bash

The Winter Garden City Commission on a regularly scheduled meeting unanimously approved a package of land-use and administrative measures, a budget amendment and a citywide special event, while opening public hearings on several items and receiving no public comments.

City staff presented and the commission approved Ordinance 25-13 to rezone about 4.71 acres on West Colonial Drive from C-2 (arterial commercial) to PCD (Planned Commercial Development) to allow four new commercial buildings, including a new Solomon's Auto Body facility. Staff told commissioners the proposal preserves as many existing live oaks as possible, requires a six-foot masonry wall and enhanced landscaping along the property’s north side adjacent to the Hyde Park neighborhood, orients garage bay doors to the rear of the new Solomon’s building, and will demolish the existing Solomon’s structure. "Staff recommends approval of ordinance 25-13," said city planning staff during the presentation. The commission approved the ordinance with a second public hearing and second reading set for 07/24/2025; the motion carried unanimously.

The commission also approved a three-part package to bring about 1.88 acres along Avalon Road into the city. Ordinance 25-18 annexes the property at 1150, 1158, 1166 and 1204 Avalon Road into Winter Garden; Ordinance 25-19 amends the future land…