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 24, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 29
NEW FEATURE IN THIS ISSUE HouseWise House WiseofWOC APRIL 2025
Freaky Friday Windermere High brings the classic comedy to the stage. 3A.
Housewise of WOC is an Observer Media Group sponsored content product.
Where his HEART is With his tricked out 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser, RE/MAX real-estate adviser Carmelo Nuccio makes quite the first impression. But it’s not all for show. Nuccio’s longtime love affair with Winter Garden and West Orange makes him one of the most knowledgeable agents around. SEE PAGE 3.
There’s no time like the present. Start your home search today. Carmelo Nuccio Real Estate Advisor | Re/Max Exclusive Collection P: 321-441-6951 E: carmelo@nucciohomes.com W: carmelonuccio.remax.com
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English / Spanish / Italian Windermere, Clermont, Winter Garden, Oakland, Orlando
YOUR TOWN NATURE PRESERVE RECEIVES TRAIL GRANT AWARD Oakland Nature Preserve has received the first Trail Project Grant Award from Healthy West Orange Trails Connection. The preserve will receive a $2,000 grant to “enhance wayfinding and redevelop its guided tour program, promoting accessibility, education and outdoor engagement” for the community, according to a release. “The Oakland Nature Preserve’s project exemplifies our mission to activate and enhance the trail system in West Orange County,” said Kelly Carson, a Healthy West Orange Trails Connection executive committee member. “By making the trails more accessible and informative, this initiative will inspire more people to engage with nature while supporting a healthier, more connected community.” The Trail Project Grant program was launched in 2024 to provide funding to organizations that enhance, activate or promote the local trail system. The program will award a total of $500,000 to support community-driven trail projects. For more information about the Trail Project Grant Program and upcoming grant opportunities, visit hwotcgrants.org.
A-MEI AMEI-zing -zing journey Mei Ashton’s passion has turned into a business that inspires others and spreads awareness for her invisible illnesses. PAGE 4A.
Carnival craze hits Palm Lake
Palm Lake Elementary students and families enjoyed spring fun at the school’s carnival. SEE PAGE 20A.
PIGSKIN PREVIEW Football fans, rejoice! The gridiron drought has ended, and teams are ready for some spring ball. SEE 15A.
Courtesy photo
Ocoee adds $5.8M to operating budget
Bunny business
The commission approved the funds to cover unexpected demands such as new program opportunities, funding requirements for services and rising cost of health insurance premiums. SEE PAGE 2A.
West Orange and Southwest Orange families enjoyed eggs-citing times for Easter. PAGES 6-7A.