SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
VOLUME 11, NO. 29
Cultural phenomenon Horizon West Middle School students serve up A Taste of Cultures. SEE 13A.
Windermere Town Council toasts Wine & Dine success
Pawn star
The funds raised from the Windermere Wine & Dine will directly support the work of the West Orange Foundation and the Windermere Legacy Fund. SEE PAGE 6A.
YOUR TOWN WEST ORANGE FOUNDATION TO HOST KIDS EXPO
Windermere Prep’s sophomore Suvir Aylawadi has created global change through the 64 squares of a chess board.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
D
uring COVID-19, Windermere Preparatory School’s sophomore Suvir Aylawadi used chess as a way to connect with others. It has led him to
create Chess for Change Academy, which impacts students globally and fuels his research on the mind’s response to stress. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Chamber’s 2026 Best Fest pleases palates
The West Orange Foundation will host a fun, hands-on industry exploration exposition for children this week. The Industry Exploration Expo will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 23, at Southern Hill Farms, 16615 Schofield Road, Clermont. Children will have the opportunity to learn about different career paths through hands-on, interactive activities. The expo is a free, outdoor, family-friendly event to celebrate Take Your Child to Work Day. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/4vy2AjI.
FOLA 40 CELEBRATES TRAIL COMPLETION
WAY BACK WHEN
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s annual food festival delighted attendees with food, drink. PAGE 7A.
SWEET FEET At 5 years old, Dr. Phillips Elementary speedster Shawn Crawford already is turning heads. SEE PAGE 9A.
Windermere’s John Nabers remembers life way back when. SEE PAGE 3A.
Friends of Lake Apopka celebrated the completion of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail Sunday, April 19, with a sold-out FOLA 40 bike ride. The ninth annual event’s 47-mile ride began at 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. Riders who did not wish to take on the entire trail could choose shorter routes — 36 miles, 16 miles or 8 miles. For more information about the Friends of Lake Apopka, visit friendsoflakeapopka.org.