It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Downtown Winter Garden gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Winter Garden, FL is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Newton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Matthew's Steakhouse or visit Winter Garden old town, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Winter Garden, FL, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Winter Garden, FL understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Winter Garden, FL 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Winter Garden, Fla. — CBRE has brokered the sale of Winter Garden Village, a 629,326-square-foot power center located in Winter Garden, a western suburb of Orlando. The Orlando Business Journal reports that an affiliate of New York City-based RREEF Property Trust purchased the center for $165 million. Dennis Carson, Casey Rosen, Michael Etemad and Sriram Rajan of CBRE represented the seller, Beachwood, Ohio-based SITE Centers, in the transaction. Curbline Properties, an affiliate of SITE Centers, retained 130,...
Winter Garden, Fla. — CBRE has brokered the sale of Winter Garden Village, a 629,326-square-foot power center located in Winter Garden, a western suburb of Orlando. The Orlando Business Journal reports that an affiliate of New York City-based RREEF Property Trust purchased the center for $165 million. Dennis Carson, Casey Rosen, Michael Etemad and Sriram Rajan of CBRE represented the seller, Beachwood, Ohio-based SITE Centers, in the transaction. Curbline Properties, an affiliate of SITE Centers, retained 130,563 square feet of single- and multi-tenant outparcels at Winter Garden Village.
The retail center was 89 percent leased to tenants including Bealls, Best Buy, Burlington, Marshalls/HomeGoods, Ross Dress for Less and Ulta Beauty at the time of sale.
Gilbert, Ariz. — A partnership between Las Vegas-based IndiCap, Salt Lake City-based Colmena Group and locally based Langley Properties has received final entitlement approval from the Town of Gilbert’s Planning Commission to begin construction for The Ranch, a proposed $1 billion mixed-use development in Gilbert.
Situated near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus, The Ranch will span more than 295 acres and is anticipated to become Gilbert’s largest mixed-use development to date, according to the development team. The project is also expected to create roughly 6,000 jobs during construction.
“This entitlement approval marks a turning point not just for The Ranch, but for Gilbert as a whole,” says Todd Ostransky, vice president of regional development at IndiCap. “This development is designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and residents while driving sustainable economic growth in the region.”
Upon full build-out of the multi-phase project, The Ranch will include a 221-acre light industrial component totaling 3 million square feet, 34 acres of retail space and 729 multifamily units across three communities.
Steve Larsen of JLL is managing leasing efforts for the industrial portion of the project.
Phase I of The Ranch — which is set to break ground in the fall — will include Harvest Village, a neighborhood retail center that will comprise 51,000 square feet of commercial space across seven buildings. Jennifer Hill of GPS Advisors will be handling leasing and sales at the center.
The Ranch’s second retail component, dubbed Corner Springs, will span 78,000 square feet, and will offer four dedicated drive-thru pad sites, as well as retail, restaurant, office and patio space. Mark Bramlett of Lee & Associates is leading the brokerage efforts for Corner Springs.
Phase I will additionally include the development of roughly 18 acres of open space, featuring walking trails, seating and gathering areas, as well as infrastructure improvements such as turn lanes, traffic signal upgrades, street lighting and landscaping.
Founded in 2021, IndiCap has developed more than 30 million square feet of commercial real estate throughout the industrial, office and retail sectors.
Colmena Group holds a current portfolio valuation of more than $1.6 billion and has developed, co-developed and invested in multifamily, senior living, office, student housing, research parks, retail, hotel, industrial warehouses and mixed-use properties since 2008.
With over 60,000 acres owned across the Southwest United States, Langley Properties currently manages and leases prime office and retail space in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Robertsdale, Ala. — Forman Capital has provided a $20 million construction bridge loan to LV Petroleum, the largest owner and operator of TA Travel Center franchises in the United States, for the redevelopment and completion of a retail travel plaza in Robertsdale. Formerly the Oasis Travel Center, the property has already been converted into a TA Travel Center with all facilities operating, except for diesel fuel sales.
Situated about 27 miles east of Mobile, the 51-acre site features 26,797 square feet of retail space, including Subway and Sbarro restaurants, eight gas pumps, five diesel pumps, four diesel emission fluid pumps and parking for 100 vehicles and 220 semi-trucks. Brett Forman, Ben Jacobson, Scott Mehlman, Ty Regnier and Cam Fleury of Forman Capital internally represented the firm in the transaction. LV Petroleum operates more than 40 convenience stores and travel centers throughout the country.
Lawrenceville, Ga. — North Carolina-based Prudent Growth Partners has acquired Sugarloaf Village, a 32,000-square-foot shopping center located in Lawrenceville, for $7.3 million. Situated approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, the property was originally built in 2008 and features a mix of 17 tenants including lifestyle retailers and service providers. Other nearby retailers include AT&T, Starbucks Coffee, Publix, Target, Marshalls, ALDI, Home Depot, PetSmart, Hobby Lobby and Panera Bread.
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SITE Centers ( (SITC) ) has issued an update.On June 18, 2025, SITE Centers Corp.’s subsidiary, DDR Winter Garden LLC, agreed to sell its interests in Winter Garden Village in Orlando, Florida, to RA2 – Winter Gardens Village LLC for approximately $165 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pendin...
SITE Centers ( (SITC) ) has issued an update.
On June 18, 2025, SITE Centers Corp.’s subsidiary, DDR Winter Garden LLC, agreed to sell its interests in Winter Garden Village in Orlando, Florida, to RA2 – Winter Gardens Village LLC for approximately $165 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, pending certain conditions such as zoning confirmations and satisfactory tenant estoppel letters. This sale reflects SITE Centers’ strategic move to optimize its property portfolio and potentially enhance its financial position.
The most recent analyst rating on (SITC) stock is a Buy with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SITE Centers stock, see the SITC Stock Forecast page.
Spark’s Take on SITC Stock
According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, SITC is a Neutral.
The overall score of 67 reflects SITE Centers’ strong profitability and stable balance sheet, offset by concerns over declining revenue and free cash flow. The low P/E ratio suggests potential undervaluation, while technical analysis indicates neutral momentum.
To see Spark’s full report on SITC stock, click here.
More about SITE Centers
SITE Centers Corp. operates in the real estate industry, focusing on owning and managing open-air shopping centers. The company primarily deals with retail properties and is involved in transactions that enhance its portfolio and market positioning.
Average Trading Volume: 896,064
Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy
Current Market Cap: $655.6M
Winter Garden, Florida, is a former citrus town incorporated in 1908. It is a beautiful, charming, and historic spot in Central Florida.Located just west of the Orlando area on Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is known as the place “where good things grow”!There are plenty of exciting activities and things to do in...
Winter Garden, Florida, is a former citrus town incorporated in 1908. It is a beautiful, charming, and historic spot in Central Florida.
Located just west of the Orlando area on Lake Apopka, Winter Garden is known as the place “where good things grow”!
There are plenty of exciting activities and things to do in this part of the Sunshine State.
We’ve highlighted a few of our favorites.
Stop at the Visitor’s Center, the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, and the Central Florida Railroad Museum to dive deep into the history of West Orange County.
This historic hotel and bet and breakfast first opened in 1927 and was one of the safest and most technologically advanced of its time.
Originally, the hotel was primarily a winter hideaway for businessmen, housing for the Washington Senators during their Spring training and famous celebrities who visited Florida during the winter.
The hotel also housed the army during World War II in the 1940s.
In the 1960s and 70s, it was home to the crews working on creating Walt Disney World.
While the hotel closed its doors for a time, on November 8th, 2003, the Edgewater had a grand reopening after an extensive restoration.
Today, the owners have kept as much of the original experience and ambiance as possible while providing modern comforts such as A/C, TV, and internet.
However, you’ll still see antique sinks, fixtures, and even the original 1926 Otis Elevator.
As a Bed & Breakfast hotel, guests are offered a full breakfast modeled after the original breakfast menu from 1926, served by the innkeeper each morning.
The hotel also features a few great restaurants: The Thai Blossom (Thai cuisine), The Tasting Room (Tapas-style), and The Chef’s Table (fine dining).
Don’t miss Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream Store. It serves delicious drinks, floats, and Hershey’s ice cream.
If you need a haircut, stop by Earl Brigham’s old-style Barbershop within the hotel. Earl has been Winter Garden’s beloved barber for over 50 years!
Learn more about this historic hotel and book a stay on the Historic Edgewater Website!
Edgewater Hotel Address: 99 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
One of our favorite hot spots in Winter Garden is Plant Street Market. This local artisan community market features over 20 vendors selling everything from food and drinks to handmade products.
While shopping and eating, you can enjoy live entertainment and a pet-friendly patio.
The Crooked Can Brewing Company, founded in 2014, is attached to the end of the market.
Crooked Can is a brewery with a tap, tasting room, and brewery tours, created as a social gathering place for family and friends.
Enjoy a craft beer or cider and their limited edition seasonal flavors.
A few of our favorite spots inside the market include:
Learn more about all Plant Street Market vendors on the Crooked Can website!
Plant Street Market Address: 426 W Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
The Winter Garden Farmers’ Market has quickly grown into a community landmark. It’s in the heart of the beautiful downtown Winter Garden every Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm.
There’s a large selection of vendors, from fresh baked goods, locally grown produce, flowers, homemade soaps, and live music. Grab a potpie to go or a fancy mango on a stick.
Don’t forget to bring your friends (furry four-legged friends, too) and family to experience the Winter Garden Farmers’ Market. It’s one of the best in Florida.
Learn more about our favorite farmers’ markets in Florida by checking out: Nothing Beats A Fantastic Florida Farmers Market!
Winter Garden Farmers Market Address: 104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Winter Garden has so much to offer beyond its charming historic district, delicious dining, and vibrant market scene.
Here are a few more stops you won’t want to miss while exploring this delightful Central Florida gem.
If you love the outdoors, the West Orange Trail is a must-visit. This 22-mile paved trail is perfect for biking, walking, or jogging, and it winds through some of the most scenic parts of Winter Garden and beyond.
Rent a bike from Wheel Works, located right along the trail, and take a leisurely ride past lush greenery, historic landmarks, and peaceful residential neighborhoods.
One of the best spots to stop and take in the view? Chapman’s Coffee House, where you can grab a locally roasted coffee before hopping back on your ride.
Start your journey at: 501 Crown Point Cross Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787
If you’re craving a peaceful escape with waterfront views, head over to Newton Park on the shores of Lake Apopka.
This hidden gem is perfect for a picnic, a sunset stroll, or even a little birdwatching. Bring a fishing pole and try your luck, or just relax on the dock and take in the stunning scenery.
Location: 31 W Garden Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Downtown Winter Garden is home to some fantastic public art, including colorful murals that tell the story of the town’s citrus-growing history.
Stroll along Plant Street and you’ll spot vibrant artwork that makes for the perfect photo backdrop.
Some local favorites include the “Welcome to Winter Garden” mural and the citrus-inspired artwork on the side of Axum Coffee.
Keep an eye out as you explore downtown!
If you enjoyed learning about Winter Garden, check out these other Central Florida articles:
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved and authorized City Manager Jon C. Williams to sign an agreement with Plant Street Recycling.The Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement, Non-Exclusive Franchise Indemnity and Hold Harmless Letter of Credit Draw Agreement was approved during the commission meeting Thursday, June 12. Commissioners Colin Sharman and Lisa Bennett were absent.Plant Street Recycling LLC, a private company, approached the city to start collecting recycling material in the city.The company will b...
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved and authorized City Manager Jon C. Williams to sign an agreement with Plant Street Recycling.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement, Non-Exclusive Franchise Indemnity and Hold Harmless Letter of Credit Draw Agreement was approved during the commission meeting Thursday, June 12. Commissioners Colin Sharman and Lisa Bennett were absent.
Plant Street Recycling LLC, a private company, approached the city to start collecting recycling material in the city.
The company will be collecting and recycling aluminum cans, paper, paper board, glass and plastic.
It has been in discussions with Stoneybrook West to begin operations in the gated neighborhood.
Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said Plant Street Recycling expects to have approximately 200 customers upon its start. He said the company plans to use 14-gallon tubs that will be distributed to each customer. Pick-up dates will not interfere with any of the city’s garbage dates.
Plant Street Recycling will use a pickup truck with an open trailer to put enclosed bins on to haul it.
“They’ll do all the sorting in front of the house, much the same as it used to be, and then they’ll haul it to their facility,” Pash said.
Pash said fees are planned to be $25 per household.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Indemnity and Hold Harmless Letter of Credit Draw Agreement holds the city harmless in case of accidents, and it requires Plant Street Recycling to have a $50,000 letter of credit once the company starts operating outside the gated neighborhood.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Recyclable Materials Collection allows the recycling company to operate for city residents.
The agreement is effective until Sept. 30, 2027, unless terminated earlier. The agreement might be renewed in one city-fiscal year increments for up to three additional years.
Besides conditions the city put on the agreement, Plant Street Recycling also will need to follow the requirements for the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection for the recycled materials, Pash said.
“We’re looking forward to a big success in this one so we can bring it across the city,” Mayor John Rees said.
Robert Montgomery, the owner of Plant Street Recycling, said the company is starting off in local neighborhoods. As the company is able to grow, Montgomery said the company will expand to more areas and get more involved in the city.
“I’m expecting within the first 24 to 30 months that we would be able to involve about 40% of the city based on the surveys we’ve taken and the public demand for something along these lines,” he said.
The Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the Legacy Home Rehabilitation Program and agreement.
The city will work with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida to benefit homes in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is a nonprofit with a “mission to philanthropically provide repairs to homes of the under-resources, revitalize communities and rebuild lives.”
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a budget of $1 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to support the Legacy Fund Home Rehabilitation Program. Home improvement work includes interior and exterior repairs of roof systems, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, mechanical HVAC, environmental, ADA improvements, and other health and safety concerns.
The agreement with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is a one-year pilot to complete four full-repair projects to learn, assess and move forward assuming “everything works out positively towards the ultimate goal, which is to address 15 to 20 homes annually based on the set-aside budget for the Legacy Home Rehabilitation Program,” said Marc Hutchinson, the economic development director.
There will be a maximum grant amount of $50,000 to the approved homeowner, and the grant will be in the form of a zero interest, 10-year forgivable loan that will reduce by a factor of 10% over 10 years. There will not be monthly repayments for the grant.
Resident eligibility requirements include meeting Orange County’s income guidelines; the home must be owner-occupied with homestead exemption; single-family detached dwellings only; current on all taxes and liens; possess homeowner’s insurance but it might be waived; the property must have been built in 1979 or earlier; and the home must be located within CRA District and/or the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
“Staff believes there’s mutual alignment in this partnership with shared goals among the parties for improving the quality of life for residents with well-needed home repairs and honoring the East Winter Garden Plan,” Hutchinson said.
Jose Garcia, the CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, said his team is ready and prepared to start working with the city.
“As we know, this is hurricane season, so we want to make sure we make these homes resilient and we prevent any more damage in the house,” he said. “We were very honored for the city staff for inviting us to talk about this and to consider us.”
Larry Cappleman, a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency, said the partnership is a “great opportunity to demonstrate some tangible results the community may see and fall behind.”
He said if the four homes in the pilot program are completed in less than a year, the agency does not want to wait to move forward with more homes in the program.
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