Too often, unused prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands, which can have dangerous consequences. That's why the Windermere Police Department is participating in the DEA's Drug Take Back program again this fall!

Bring your unused, unneeded, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medication to 614 Main Street on Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

No illicit substances, needles, or inhalers will be accepted.

The Town of Windermere extends its condolences to the family of former Mayor Karen Ruenheck, who recently passed away. Ruenheck served as Mayor from 1998 - 2002, and on Town Council from 1988 - 1998.

Ruenheck was instrumental in restoring the Town Hall and establishing the library. She was also the director of Volunteer Services at Health Central and took pride in boosting not only the quantity but quality of volunteers. This included competitive internships for promising high school students. 

Mayor Andy Williams reflected on her contributions to the Town.

“Karen Ruenheck was part of a generation of leaders who helped preserve the character and history that makes Windermere so special. Long before my own service in Town government, Karen was giving her time to this community — from serving on Town Council and as Mayor to helping raise funds for the preservation of our historic Town Hall. Her service left a lasting mark on Windermere, and we are grateful for the time, energy and care she gave to our Town. Our thoughts are with her family and friends," Williams said.

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

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)