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Dr. Phillips football player dies in December shooting. OrangeObserver.com
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026
VOLUME 11, NO. 14
YOUR TOWN OLYMPIA HIGH RETURNS WITH TITAN TROT
Olympia High School will return with its second annual Titan Trot 5K later this month. The event will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Bill Frederick Park, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Like last year, the event will be RFID-timed, and dogs are welcome. To register, visit track.rtrt. me/e/TT-TITANTROT-2026.
THEATER COMPANY TO PRESENT CONCERT SERIES
Horizon West Theater Company is partnering with Two Bridges Pub to present a new concert series. The first concert, Groovin’ Through the Decades, takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at the pub, 16112 Marsh Road, Winter Garden. This event is a chance to enjoy dinner and drinks at Two Bridges while theater company performers provide the perfect soundtrack. Attendance is free, donations are welcome to support the company. To reserve a table, call (407) 347-3820. For more information, visit horizonwesttheatercompany.com.
CONSTRUCTION CLOSES ROADS IN WINDERMERE
The town of Windermere is asking for patience as construction occurs on Butler Street and Seventh Avenue through Friday, Jan. 9. Crews will be pouring curbs along Butler Street and installing storm drainage in Fernwood Park. The boat ramp will be accessible from either Seventh Avenue or Butler Street, but Seventh Avenue will be most dependable. Drivers should allow for extra travel time and drive safely.
THE FIRST ACADEMY | PAGE 18A
JERRY DEMINGS | PAGE 4-5A
2026
FORECAST From a longtime local leader eyeing the governor’s mansion to a West Orange evangelist sharing his faith all over the world, here are 10 people and issues that will shape the news landscape in 2026.
KRISTI KARST GOMEN | PAGE 13A
407SPORTS | PAGE 16-17A
KK CHARLES | PAGE 2-3A WILLIAM LOGGANS | PAGE 8-9A
FOUNDATION TO HOST STATE OF THE ACADEMY
Foundation Academy will host its 2026 State of the Academy from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at The Mane Cafeteria/ Worship Center at the Tilden Campus, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden. Foundation Academy alumni, families, grandparents, business partners and community organizations are invited. The event will be packed with student performances, a student art gallery and the school’s vision for its future.
ALSO INSIDE PROPERTY TAXES | 6-7A OCOEE SPORTS DESTINATION | 12A NEW ELEMENARY SCHOOL | 14-15A
CHRIS MIKKELSON | PAGE 10-11A