By Jim Carchidi
March 10, 2026
Writer’s Block Bookstore will be closing its Winter Garden location at the end of April. The announcement was made in a March 10 social media post that cited lease termination as the cause for ending its 6 years at 32 W. Plant St.
Untimely exits
Writer's Block is the latest in a series of downtown Winter Garden businesses to lose tenant leases.
Writer's Block is part of a recent trend of small business exits from the Plant Street district that includes Polka Dotz boutique, located at 12 W. Plant St. in the Bond Building. Polka Dotz recently announced the loss of its lease and will be ending its 19-year run in June. Its former neighbor and Bond Building tenant, Three Birds Café, closed its doors on Feb. 26 after losing its lease, but announced a new concept in the works for the upcoming Crooked Can Brewing Co. market in Minneola. The Bond Building is among recent Plant Street building purchases by Anton Property Investors, LLC.
Additionally, Driftwood Market, at 32 W. Plant St., previously announced it will be losing its lease and closing at the end of May. Its building was sold to Shurlock, LLC in October 2025 for just over $2 million. However, the Plant Street building that houses Writer's Block Bookstore has been owned by JKSH Properties, LLC for about 20 years.
Residents have expressed concern to city leaders regarding the preservation of downtown small businesses. Winter Garden Economic Development Director, Marc O. Hutchinson, issued a response that states, "The City does not have the legal authority to intervene in or control these private real estate transactions or lease decisions, provided they comply with applicable laws and codes."
Moving on
Writer’s Block Bookstore has operated in Winter Park since 2014, the Plant Street location was its first and only expansion. A shop associate told The Orlando Real that owners are currently looking for another location, and online purchases will remain available on the Writer’s Block website. The closing will happen soon after Indie Bookstore Day on April 25, and the location plans to celebrate the annual event.
Check the Writer's Block website and social media accounts for updates.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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