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. 17
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
Excellence in motion West Orange students showcase their talents at Dance Gala. 14A.
Bridge Theatre’s ‘Anne & Emmett’ inspires audiences at Rosen JCC. SEE PAGE 3A.
Dancing for a difference
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE TO SERVE UP WINE & DINE It might be a chilly night, but hearts will be warm at the 2026 Windermere Wine & Dine. The event takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Town Square Park, 520 Main St., Windermere. Wine & Dine will feature food and wine from top restaurants in Central Florida. Attendees will be able to sample more than 100 wines, beer and cordials. This year, the event will be hosted by the West Orange Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds from this event support the West Orange Foundation and the Windermere Legacy Fund. For more, visit wochamber.com/windermere-wine-dine.
Courtesy photos
Myles Murillo dressed as Spider-Man to attend Windermere High’s annual Dance Marathon. Left: Myles Murillo gave a speech at a previous Dance Marathon event at Windermere High School.
WGHF PICKLEBALL TOURNEY A BIG ‘DILL’
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is hitting the courts for a new event next month. Registration now is open for the Paddles for the Past Inaugural Pickleball Tournament, which will take place Saturday, Feb. 28, at both the Roper YMCA Family Center, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden; and the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. Player check-in takes place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. On-time check-in is required. Warm-up will take place from 8:30 to 9 a.m., and gameplay begins at 9 a.m. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a weekend warrior, this tournament is all about fun, friendly competition and meaningful connection, on and off the court. Registration for the Recreational and Competitive brackets is $150 per team; and $110 per team for the 65-and-older bracket. WGHF members save $50 per team. For more information or to register, bit.ly/4rk16qz.
Windermere High School Dance Marathon efforts are in the works. Students hope to raise at least $80,000 by its main event Saturday, Feb. 28. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
WHOOP, WHOOP!
Windermere High School’s competitive dance team captured its second state championship. PAGE 9A.
A league of their own Winter Garden Little League launches new Challenger Division. SEE PAGE 9A.