W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 92, NO. 11
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025
Voters in Windermere, Ocoee select leaders Residents in both the city of Ocoee and the town of Windermere headed to the polls Tuesday, March 11, for the 2025 municipal elections. SEE PAGE 2A.
Mission accomplished
JUMPING FOR JOY! Foundation Academy dads, daughters enjoy unforgettable evening SEE PAGE 5B.
YOUR TOWN HALL OF FAME RETURNS TO WOHS
Courtesy photo
West Orange High School surpassed its $25,000 fundraising goal for Children’s Miracle Network during Warriorthon.
The West Orange High School Student Government Association’s 2025 Warriorthon raised $26,513.75 for Children’s Miracle Network. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Ocoee residents could see spike in water bill Orange County has informed the city of an increase in the cost of reclaimed water. Ocoee is seeking alternatives to avoid passing increased costs to local residents. SEE PAGE 2A.
KNIGHTS MAKE HISTORY! The Ocoee High School girls basketball team earned a spot in the Final Four. SEE PAGE 1B.
Do you know someone who has made a lasting impact on West Orange High School or its community? WOHS is bringing back its Hall of Fame! Candidates will be judged on their significant and/or long-term contributions to West Orange High School and/or its community. Nominees may be living or deceased. Nominees must meet the criteria in one of the following categories: Community Champion, Distinguished Alumni or Distinguished Educator. A nomination for induction into the OCPS Hall of Fame can be submitted by anyone and must be submitted on the official WOHS Hall of Fame online form. For details on the categories, visit tinyurl.com/westorangehofnom. A comprehensive and compelling narrative about the nominee’s success and achievements should be told in about 400 words. Nominations are being accepted until March 14.
OCOEE TO CELEBRATE LUCK O’ THE IRISH
The city of Ocoee is holding a celebration — the St. Patty’s Day Block Party — from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 14, on McKey Street in downtown Ocoee. This family-friendly event will feature games, rides, live Irish music, food, craft beer and more. The city will be offering at its tent Centennial Passports for the community to collect stamps at each 100-year event throughout the year. The event is free to attend, and all are encouraged to wear their best green attire to get into the holiday spirit. For more information on this and future events, as well as information on Ocoee’s centennial year, visit 100YearsOcoee. com.