W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 93, NO. 9
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Rhythm and brews Winter Garden Music Fest takes over downtown. SEE PAGE 4A.
IN THIS ISSUE: SPRING / SUMMER 2026
SEASON THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO ARTS AND SOCIETY
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
FEAR OF THE
UNKNOWN
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.
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.”
Photo by Liz Ramos
Polka Dotz owner Heidi Hardman and Three Birds Café owner Ashley Morton were caught off guard when they learned the leases for their respective businesses would not be renewed after the building changed ownership.
One individual — James Larweth — has spent more than $40 million since 2015 to buy 36 residential and commercial properties — all in downtown Winter Garden. No one knows his plans. STORY ON PAGE 8-10A.
FULL STEAM AHEAD
Tildenville Elementary School’s 2026 Family Science Night captivated young minds. PAGE 19A.
Residents worry Ocoee Middle renovations won’t fix flooding issues The Ocoee City Commission heard the Ocoee Middle School project updates and expressed concerns regarding attention to residents. SEE PAGE 6A.