W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
IN THIS ISSUE:
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
VOLUME 93, NO. 13
Gas prices fuel anxiety for nonprofits Local nonprofits are being forced to make adjustments in services to accommodate for rising fuel prices. SEE PAGE 6A.
YOUR TOWN VFW POST 4305 TO HOST EASTER CELEBRATION VFW Post 4305 is welcoming the community to a Community Easter Celebration, featuring an Easter egg hunt and bunny pancake breakfast. The celebration will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 29, at 1170 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. The event will include an egg hunt, golden egg prizes, a crafting corner and pictures with the Easter Bunny. “We love creating moments like this where families can come together, make memories and celebrate the season,” VFW Post 4305 posted on Facebook. “We can’t wait to see all your smiling faces!” For more information visit Facebook.com/vfwpost4305.
EVENING AT THE POPS RETURNS Join the Rotary Club of Winter Garden in dancing through a century of service with its annual Evening at the Pops at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Ave. Plant Street Pops Orchesta will provide live music during the outdoor concert, which starts at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and blanket or chair for an al fresco dining experience during the concert. Proceeds from the signature event support the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s community projects, scholarships and charitable initiatives in West Orange that align with the club’s mission of service above self. Tickets are $10 for general admission online and in advance in-person and at the door. Admission is free for children 8 and younger. VIP tickets are available for $85 per person in advance and online only. The VIP tickets include dinner, drinks and preshow entertainment at Tanner Hall starting at 5:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/4d6APIu as well as in person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Winter Garden City Hall at 300 W. Plant St. or 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center at 21 E. Plant St. Newton Park will open at 5 p.m. for attendees.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Richard Schon, his wife, Terri Schon, his 25-year-old son Alex Schon and mother-in-law can’t wait to participate in Lift Disability’s annual Breakaway Camp Retreat. This year will be their fourth year at camp.
LIFTING UP FAMILIES Lift Disability supports families through its Breakaway Camp Retreat and is hosting a cornhole tournament to raise money for the camp. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
EGGS-PERT HUNTERS
Families find the golden egg at Roper YMCA. PAGE 3A.
On the right track
Two Foundation Academy seniors started on different paths, but now both are looking toward states. SEE PAGE 15A.