W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
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Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 92, NO. 17
FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
Where his HEART is
Hoppily ever after
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.
West Orange families enjoyed eggs-citing times for Easter. 6-7A.
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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PIGSKIN PREVIEW
“Art is one of the great unifiers that crosses the bridge of all socioeconomic groups, all races, all religions, every walk of life.” — Ryan Hinricher, Winter Garden Art Association board member
Ocoee adds $5.8 million to operating budget The commission approved the funds to cover unexpected demands such as new program opportunities, funding requirements for essential services and rising cost of health insurance. PAGE 2A.
Football fans, rejoice! The gridiron drought has ended, and teams are ready for some spring ball. SEE 15A.
YOUR TOWN
Freaky Friday
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.
Windermere, Clermont, Winter Garden, Oakland, Orlando
Windermere High School thespians bring classic comedy to the stage this week. SEE PAGE 3A.
THE GIVING TREE Winter Garden Art Association’s Enchanting Winter Garden fundraiser will feature Andy Warhol’s ‘Christmas Tree’ print. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
REAL ESTATE An incredible Golden Oak estate sells for $9.7 million to top all local real-estate sales. SEE PAGES 9-10A.