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. 22
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026
They’re showing up to shine Ocoee High School students celebrated Black History Month with inspiring performances. PAGE 7B.
Information is power
YOUR TOWN CFCARTS’ HANDDRAWN JAZZ COMES TO ROSEN JCC
CFCArts’ Hand-Drawn Jazz is coming to Southwest Orange. Arts at the J will present the concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Pargh Event Center at the Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Featuring 20 musicians in the CFCArts Big Band, this concert combines new arrangements and unforgettable classics. With music from beloved classics such as “The Aristocats,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Monsters, Inc.” and more, this family-friendly concert promises laughter and a few surprises. Tickets are $25 to $29. For more information, visit rosenjcc.org.
STUDENTS: WIN A $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Empower Teens United founder Evan Quiquia created the nonprofit from his own questions navigating the college preparation process. Now he, Nicole Pinafernandez and Ivan Quiquia are giving back to the community to prepare students for the next chapter of their lives.
Empower Teens United started as a passion project eight months ago and now has grown into a nonprofit serving the next generation of college students. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Heroes welcomed
Winter Garden leaders: We can’t interfere with private real-estate deals Residents packed the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Feb. 26, to voice concerns over the recent property purchases around downtown by one individual. PAGE 6A.
BRAINFOOD Orange County leaders celebrated the opening of Fire Station 32 in Horizon West. SEE PAGE 8A.
LEARNING WITH LEGOS Yes, education can be fun, too! SEE PAGE 6B.
The Freedom to Think Project, a nonprofit launched by Horizon High teacher William Loggans, is hosting a new essay contest. High school juniors and seniors are invited to participate in the First Amendment Essay Contest for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. The contest is open to public, private and home-schooled students. Essays should explore why one or more of the freedoms protected by the First Amendment matter today. Loggans is the author of “Quiet Courage in the Classroom: One Teacher’s Stand for Freedom and the Future of America’s Youth.” For more information or to apply, visit freedomtothinkproject. com.