As the cleanup from Hurricane Milton continues into the weekend, a number of community facilities are reopening and a seasonal highlight will stay on schedule.
The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce officially announced plans to move forward with this year’s Autumn Arts Festival, October 12-13 at Central Park and along Park Avenue. Plans to continue were posted on event social media accounts on Monday, but the decision was confirmed on Thursday.
“We have confirmed the feasibility of hosting the festival with public safety officials and city staff, and our team has begun preparing to safely host this beloved community tradition,” reads a statement on the event Facebook page. “We recognize and understand the impact Hurricane Milton has had across our state. As previously communicated with artists, those unable to participate due to Hurricane Milton will have the option to be auto-accepted into next year’s show. Your safety remains our top priority, and our team is thinking of all participants who were impacted by the storm.”
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce Chief Marketing Officer Addison Cursey told the32789 that many exhibiting artists had already confirmed their attendance along with vendors and live music acts. “We have all of our live entertainment confirmed, and all of our vendors, and the children’s art tent,” she said. “The daily schedule will remain in place and the city is working with us on having the space ready for guests and artists.”
Updates and information are available on the event web page and social media accounts, or call the Winter Park Chamber at 407-644-8281.
The Winter Park Parks & Recreation Department also confirmed schedules for city facilities impacted by Hurricane Milton with several opening today, Friday, Oct. 11. The Community Center and administrative offices, Events Center, Farmers’ Market, Ward Park turf fields, playgrounds, Winter Park Tennis Center, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park have resumed normal operations. The following facilities will open Saturday, Oct. 12:
- Cady Way Pool
- Kraft Azalea Garden Exedra
- Mead Botanical Garden (front gardens, not all areas)
- Winter Park Golf Course (WP9)
The following facilities are closed until further notice:
- Community Center Pool
- Dinky Dock Park
- Lake Baldwin Dog Park
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Park fields
- Ward Park baseball and grass fields
- Winter Park Pines Golf Course (WP18)
Park Avenue businesses started to reopen yesterday as the city confirmed garbage pickup will resume today. Waste Pro will start collecting only properly bagged, containerized, and bundled debris up to 50 lbs. on Saturday. Additional updates and information can be found on the City of Winer Park website and social media accounts.