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. 18
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
Cheers and chills! Windermere Wine & Dine attendees brave the cold. SEE PAGE 3A.
Supporting ‘The Stallion’
YOUR TOWN CHILI COOKOFF HEATS UP THIS WEEKEND
Savannah Emery’s cancer journey has inspired her and her family to organize a 5K to support other children facing cancer.
Courtesy photos
Savannah Emery, 14, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer. To raise funds to help children like her, her family is hosting a 5K. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Community honors beloved coach Ocoee resident and Little League coach Pete Armstrong died Saturday, Jan. 24. His legacy lives on through former players and local coaches. SEE PAGE 9A.
Karaoke helps pass time at local shelter Those staying warm at Matthew’s Hope Ministries’ emergency shelter enjoyed taking the stage in song. SEE PAGE 8A.
BRAINF
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MOTOWN SOUND In honor of Black History Month, we take a look at Motown, its history and the lasting impact it has had on American Music. SEE PAGE 11A.
If you’re still needing to thaw out from last weekend’s cold snap, Legacy Events for Education’s fifth annual Central Florida Chili Cookoff is the place to be. This year’s event takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. Local restaurants and chefs of all varieties will provide sample chilis. Enjoy a bite from food trucks and dessert vendors while enjoying live entertainment, adult and family-friendly refreshments, as well as a Kids Zone play area. Adult chili-tasting wristbands are $10; kids chili-tasting and Kids Zone wristbands are $5. To purchase, visit bit.ly/4aujlDO. Legacy Events for Education is a 501c3 nonprofit. Its programs include the Leave a Legacy and Teacher Nominated scholarships and its Legacy Academy. The scholarship programs recognize students for exceptional community volunteerism both on and off campus, and scholarships are awarded to students who have performed hundreds of volunteer hours during high school. Since 2019, Legacy has awarded more than 100 scholarships totaling $100,000. For more information, visit legacyeventsfored.org/aboutus.
HOME STATE TO CELEBRATE ANNIVERSARY
West Orange doesn’t have its own Renaissance Faire, so Home State Brewing Company is celebrating its fourth anniversary by making one of its own. The Renaissance Faire Birthday Bash takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Home State, 16016 New Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Winter Garden. Festivities will include live music from the Celtic Mayhem Band; jousting; tapping an anniversary barrel; turkey legs; face-painting; DIY flower crown station; inflatable ax throwing; and more. For more, visit homestatebrew.com.