SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 11, NO. 15
Winter Garden educator creates new academy for gifted learners. SEE 3A.
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Local Venezuelans react to Nicolás Maduro’s capture Residents — many of whom fled Venezuela — say they feel hope for their home country. 7A.
‘Never about one person’
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE PLANS ARBOR DAY GIVEAWAY Town of Windermere residents: If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your landscaping, you’re in luck. The town will host its 2026 Arbor Day Tree Giveaway from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Windermere Recreation Center, 11465 Park Ave., Windermere. This event is exclusively for residents of the town of Windermere. This event will run while supplies last. Residents must show proof of residency; there is a limit of one tree per address.
DR. PHILLIPS DANCE MAGNET PRESENTS ‘CELEBRATION OF DANCE’
Liz Ramos
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said stepping down after the town’s centennial was perfect timing. As part of the celebrations, the town had legacy benches dedicated in honor of families and individuals in town, including a bench for Roger, Judi and Karin Tome and Jim, Kristin, Jacob and Emily O’Brien.
After serving as mayor of Windermere for six years, Jim O’Brien says now is the right time to step away, because the town has talented people prepared to lead. STORY ON PAGE 4A. Courtesy photo
Hamlin BJJ academy rebounds after fire A mini-Pepsi cooler started a fire last month at MVBJJ Academy in Hamlin. SEE PAGE 9A.
BRAINFOOD SAFE HABITS: Here’s how kids can stay safe online. 14A.
Cart blanche: City rolls with larger Golf Cart District The city also approved an ordinance regulating the operation of electric bicycles, motorized scooters and wheeled devices on the city’s streets and sidewalks. PAGE 5A.
The Dr. Phillips High School Dance Magnet will host a full day of learning and performances at its 14th annual Celebration of Dance. This year’s performance and activities will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at Dr. Phillips High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. Master classes will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., a technical rehearsal will be from 1 to 6 p.m., and a performance will take place at 7 p.m. Celebration of Dance is a fundraising event for the Dr. Phillips High School Dance Magnet. The participating schools/studios will be given eight minutes to show their best in an artistic, proscenium stage setting. For more information, visit dpdancemagnet.ocps.net.
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