Town of Windermere officials share a commitment to finding a solution in the ongoing lawsuit over boathouses on Lake Butler.
For decades, a small cluster of boathouses along Lake Butler has existed. The Town of Windermere has consistently maintained that it owns the underlying property up to the State’s ownership of the Lake and the rights of water access in this area, while private individuals have owned the structures themselves and used them under informal and formal agreements with the Town. Leases were established in 1986 as part of a legal resolution intended to clarify responsibilities and preserve the structures temporarily – not to permanently transfer public waterfront into private ownership. Interpretations of boundaries, water lines, and jurisdiction have been called into question, creating uncertainty that has now surfaced through litigation.
The Town appealed a court ruling, not to “take” property, but to resolve questions about ownership, water boundaries, and longstanding legal principles. The case is now in the appellate courts, with both parties continuing settlement negotiations. The Town’s priorities remain the same: protecting public assets, correcting factual misunderstandings, using taxpayer dollars responsibly, and working toward an outcome that serves the entire Windermere community.
“A resolution to the Windermere boathouse litigation has been a long time coming. I sincerely appreciate the time, effort, and good-faith work of everyone involved. It is my hope—and my belief—that all parties share the desire to bring this matter to a respectful conclusion, put it behind us, and move forward together,” said Mayor Andy Williams.
For more information, visit: Lake Butler Boathouses | Town of Windermere
The Town of Windermere and Mayor Andy Williams invite you to join us for a sunset memorial in honor of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Town leaders will be joined by keynote speaker Jimmy Brown, a former FDNY firefighter who rushed to save others at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The event starts at 6 p.m. at Town Square Park.
Town leaders will be joined by keynote speaker Jimmy Brown, a former FDNY firefighter who rushed to save others at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The event starts at 6 p.m. at Town Square Park.
Labor Day Office Closure: Town of Windermere Offices will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day.
Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.
Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8th.
TENNIS COURTS RESERVED: Two tennis courts at Windermere Recreation Center are reserved from 5 - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from now until October 15th, and again from October 19th - December 10th.
One court at Windermere Recreation Center will remain open to residents during these times, as well as the courts located on Main Street. 🎾
One court at Windermere Recreation Center will remain open to residents during these times, as well as the courts located on Main Street. 🎾
REMINDER: Property taxes are all the buzz! One thing is certain: Constitutional Amendment 3 could reshape homestead exemptions and the funding behind public safety, environmental protection, traffic and infrastructure across our county.
Hear directly from your local government representatives, including Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith, about the potential impacts and how this proposal made its way to the November ballot. Don’t miss out on this special informational session to get your questions answered!
Register today at: https://bit.ly/3TX9Kjg
You may also use the following link: https://forms.gle/4spFSPEffmTefyRFA
Details:
🗓️Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00pm
📍West Orange High School Cafeteria (1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787)
Attention, drivers! ⚠
The Town of Windermere Public Works team will be out tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. performing landscaping work at the 5th Avenue roundabout.
Please allow extra travel time, and be cautious when driving through the area.
The Town of Windermere Public Works team will be out tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25th, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. performing landscaping work at the 5th Avenue roundabout.
Please allow extra travel time, and be cautious when driving through the area.
ROAD REOPENED: Crews have cleared the downed power line and tree from the road on Main Street near the Pedestrian Bridge. The road is now fully reopened at this time.
The Town of Windermere would like to thank drivers for their patience as we worked to clear the scene.
The Town of Windermere would like to thank drivers for their patience as we worked to clear the scene.
ATTENTION: ROAD CLOSED ON NORTH MAIN STREET NEAR PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE. ⚠
The Town of Windermere advises drivers to avoid North Main Street near the Pedestrian Bridge at this time, as crews respond to a fallen tree and downed power lines. Please seek alternative routes, as the road is completely shut down.
We will update our social media, website, and the Town of Windermere app with more information as it becomes available.
The Town of Windermere advises drivers to avoid North Main Street near the Pedestrian Bridge at this time, as crews respond to a fallen tree and downed power lines. Please seek alternative routes, as the road is completely shut down.
We will update our social media, website, and the Town of Windermere app with more information as it becomes available.
Come enjoy some community fun in full bloom at the Windermere Flower Show! 💐
Join the Windermere Garden Club at Town Hall September 17th and 18th as they celebrate National Constitution Day. This event is free and open to the public! 🌷
Join the Windermere Garden Club at Town Hall September 17th and 18th as they celebrate National Constitution Day. This event is free and open to the public! 🌷
WARNING: UNAUTHORIZED EVENT
The Town of Windermere would like to inform residents and visitors that the following event is not authorized, and will NOT take place at Windermere Town Hall as described. If you have already purchased tickets, please contact Eventbrite directly, as the Town of Windermere is not affiliated with this event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/
The Town of Windermere would like to inform residents and visitors that the following event is not authorized, and will NOT take place at Windermere Town Hall as described. If you have already purchased tickets, please contact Eventbrite directly, as the Town of Windermere is not affiliated with this event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/help/en-us/
Property taxes are all the buzz! One thing is certain: Constitutional Amendment 3 could reshape homestead exemptions and the funding behind public safety, environmental protection, traffic and infrastructure across our county.
Hear directly from your local government representatives, including Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith, about the potential impacts and how this proposal made its way to the November ballot. Don’t miss out on this special informational session to get your questions answered!
Register today at: https://bit.ly/3TX9Kjg
You may also use the following link: https://forms.gle/4spFSPEffmTefyRFA
Details:
🗓️Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00pm
📍West Orange High School Cafeteria (1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787)
Hear directly from your local government representatives, including Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith, about the potential impacts and how this proposal made its way to the November ballot. Don’t miss out on this special informational session to get your questions answered!
Register today at: https://bit.ly/3TX9Kjg
You may also use the following link: https://forms.gle/4spFSPEffmTefyRFA
Details:
🗓️Tuesday, September 1 at 6:00pm
📍West Orange High School Cafeteria (1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787)
A Friendly Reminder About the New Ward Trail Pedestrian Bridge:
We’re excited to see residents enjoying the new Ward Trail & Pedestrian Bridge! As everyone gets familiar with this new community connection, we want to share one important reminder.
🚫 The pedestrian bridge is NOT designed for automobiles, trucks, or other full-size motor vehicles. Please do not attempt to drive a vehicle across the bridge.
The bridge and shared-use trail are designed for:
🚶 Pedestrians
🚴 Bicyclists
🛺 Golf carts
Golf carts may use the bridge to safely cross the canal and reconnect to the roadway network, but cars and other full-size motor vehicles must remain on designated roadways.
Attempting to drive an automobile onto the bridge could damage the bridge or surrounding trail infrastructure and, most importantly, create a serious safety hazard for pedestrians and other trail users.
Please help us protect this new community investment and keep the Ward Trail safe for everyone.
One Bridge. One Trail. One Community. 💙
Attention, drivers! ⚠
The Town of Windermere Public Works team will be out tomorrow, Friday, August 14th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. performing landscaping work at the Park Avenue and 5th Avenue roundabouts.
Please allow extra travel time, and be cautious when driving through the area.
The Town of Windermere Public Works team will be out tomorrow, Friday, August 14th, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. performing landscaping work at the Park Avenue and 5th Avenue roundabouts.
Please allow extra travel time, and be cautious when driving through the area.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here's a quick recap of last night's Windermere Town Council meeting.
For more information about Town Council meetings, including agendas, minutes, and how you can attend in person or virtually, visit https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/meeting-agendas-minutes
For more information about Town Council meetings, including agendas, minutes, and how you can attend in person or virtually, visit https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/meeting-agendas-minutes
As a reminder, our Town Council meeting will be held tonight, Tuesday, August 11th, starting at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Citizens are invited to attend in person or via Zoom.
Join the Zoom meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81692866627?pwd=aQu0ZlCoFawIqmetTOGeM0NJbkmQtw.1
Meeting ID: 816 9286 6627
Passcode: TOW2024
View the agenda here: https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/meeting-agendas-minutes
Join the Zoom meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81692866627?pwd=aQu0ZlCoFawIqmetTOGeM0NJbkmQtw.1
Meeting ID: 816 9286 6627
Passcode: TOW2024
View the agenda here: https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/meeting-agendas-minutes
Help us save lives by donating blood tomorrow at the Windermere Farmer's Market! 🩸
Stop by from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday to donate. One Blood will be on hand offering wellness checkups and special gifts for donors! Identification is required.
Stop by from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Friday to donate. One Blood will be on hand offering wellness checkups and special gifts for donors! Identification is required.
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OPEN: The Town of Windermere is pleased to announce portions of the Ward Trail and Pedestrian Bridge are now open, just in time for the start of the new school year!
The project includes a new shared-use trail, a pedestrian bridge spanning the canal, drainage improvements, and landscaping stretching approximately half a mile. The new bridge can accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts, creating new opportunities for neighbors to connect as they travel to our community’s schools, parks, and more.
While portions of the trail are now open for public use, work will continue throughout the fall as crews complete the final pathway sections, landscaping and other finishing touches. Stay tuned to our social media platforms for more information as we plan an official full grand opening this coming fall/winter season.
The project includes a new shared-use trail, a pedestrian bridge spanning the canal, drainage improvements, and landscaping stretching approximately half a mile. The new bridge can accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and golf carts, creating new opportunities for neighbors to connect as they travel to our community’s schools, parks, and more.
While portions of the trail are now open for public use, work will continue throughout the fall as crews complete the final pathway sections, landscaping and other finishing touches. Stay tuned to our social media platforms for more information as we plan an official full grand opening this coming fall/winter season.
Calling all young anglers! 🎣
The Windermere Police Department Foundation is hosting the annual Cops & Bobbers event on Saturday, September 19th. Kids will have a chance to cast their lines with some of Windermere's finest, creating lasting connections and memories.
Mark your calendars, and fill out the waiver here: https://form.jotform.com/252454986101054
The Windermere Police Department Foundation is hosting the annual Cops & Bobbers event on Saturday, September 19th. Kids will have a chance to cast their lines with some of Windermere's finest, creating lasting connections and memories.
Mark your calendars, and fill out the waiver here: https://form.jotform.com/252454986101054
🤟 Looking to learn something new? Join us starting this Friday for FREE American Sign Language classes!
The Town of Windermere, in partnership with Council Member Mandy David, is offering ASL classes for adults and teens. The 8-week course builds week to week, so consistent attendance is encouraged.
Details:
📍 Community Conference Room
Town of Windermere Administrative and Police Complex
614 Main Street, Building 100
🗓 Fridays
• ASL 1 (Beginner): 1:00–2:00 p.m.
• ASL 2 (Intermediate): 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Please note: After the second week of classes, groups will be closed to new participants. Newcomers will need to wait until the next session to join. This helps maintain continuity and improve the learning experience for everyone.
“Construction Site Runoff”
Silt and soil runoff from construction sites can harm aquatic life.
Report any muddy runoff entering storm drains or lakes.
For more information, visit our Stormwater Page: https://www.town.windermere.fl.us/page/stormwater
#NPDES #CleanWater #IllicitDischarge
