IN THIS ISSUE:
SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
SPRING / SUMMER 2026
SEASON THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO ARTS AND SOCIETY
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 11, NO. 21
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Young Star reaches new heights More performances of the theater’s “In the Heights” production have been scheduled. SEE PAGE 21A.
Escape artists YOUR TOWN CHAMBER TO HOST BIG ORANGE AWARDS SATURDAY
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its biggest night of the year this weekend. The chamber’s Big Orange Awards will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista. The chamber will announce the winners of its full slate of awards, including the Small Business of the Year; Big Business of the Year; Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award; Bert Roper Award; George Bailey Award; and the Sam Hovsepian and Mary Vandeventer “Spirit of West Orange” Award.
The Florida Keys team was ready to take on it first challenges at Escapology.
Five Central Florida escape room enthusiasts break the world record of escape rooms completed in 24 hours. STORY ON PAGE4A.
WINDERMERE PD EARNS ACCREDITATION
The Windermere Police Department was accredited for the second time Thursday, Feb. 19. According to Chief David Ogden, the department underwent an on-site assessment, including a detailed review of procedures, policies, evidence handling, community engagement, training and accountability standards. “Accreditation is not a plaque on the wall,” Ogden said. “It is a commitment. It is proof that we meet and maintain the highest professional standards in law enforcement.” Ogden said the reaccreditation not only belongs to the police department but also to its civilian staff, full-time and reserve officers, volunteers and crossing guards, town leadership and the citizens of Windermere. “This is a shared accomplishment,” he said. “We are proud to serve a community that expects excellence and partners with us in achieving it.”
Courtesy photo
FULL STEAM AHEAD Tildenville Elementary School’s 2026 Family Science Night captivated young minds. PAGE 19A.
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
Horizon West Regional Park will be area’s ‘crown jewel’ The county celebrated the completion and opening of the park’s first phase with a ribbon-cutting. There is much more to come. SEE PAGE 5A.
One individual has spent more than $40 million since 2015 to buy 36 properties — all in downtown Winter Garden. No one knows his plans. SEE PAGES 8-10A.