W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Matthew’s Hope plans major expansion. PAGE 3. FREE
VOLUME 86, NO. 17
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APRIL 25, 2019
Legacy slugger battles back After tearing his ACL, Alex Gonzalez has returned with a new batting stance. 13.
North Ocoee projects advance Ocoee commissioners took action on two development proposals and additional phases for Arden Park during their April 16 meeting. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER
Two large development projects in north Ocoee moved forward at the April 16 City Commission meeting. City leaders voted unanimously to transmit comprehensive plan amendments for two separate developments to the Department of Economic Opportunity for state review.
West Orange children make short work of area egg hunts in Winter Garden, Ocoee and Horizon West.
Easter eggs-citement
SEE OCOEE PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN CALLING KITCHEN CONNOISSEURS The Winter Garden Art Association is looking for people who enjoy creating masterpieces in the kitchen. Those who love baking and cooking can sign up to prepare foods to share at the monthly art exhibition openings at SoBo Art Gallery. Anyone who would like to share their talents is asked to email info@wgart.org.
Winter Garden considering property sale for hotel Following residents’ concerns, city officials will re-examine some parts of the proposed Plant Street project. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
GLOBAL STUDIES Bridgewater Middle celebrates cultures at 2019 Heritage Night.
SEE PAGE 3.
Clockwise from top: Isabella Johnson proudly displayed her Easter basket, which she filled at Ocoee’s hunt. Ella Ionelli, left, and Miley Starr enjoyed the views from the train caboose at Oakland’s event. Charris Vickers was happy with the eggs she found during the Winter Garden hunt.
It was standing-room-only during an April 17 community meeting regarding the potential development of a hotel in downtown Winter Garden. The proposed 60-room boutique hotel, which would be located in a three-story building on Plant Street, north of Bay Street and west of Highland Avenue, is mainly being designed by Studio Tack — a New York-based innovative design group. The first floor of the hotel SEE VACANCY PAGE 4