W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 93, NO. 18
Winter Garden leaders OK partnership to reopen the Garden Theatre. PAGE 5A.
FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026
Game of throws Cornhole tourney lifts local nonprofit. ORANGEOBSERVER.COM.
City hires firm to support downtown businesses The city of Winter Garden has enlisted the consulting firm Retail Strategies Inc. as another way to explore balanced and targeted ways to support small local businesses downtown. SEE PAGE 5A.
MAKING THE CONNECTION
YOUR TOWN WOJSL RIDES WITH ANNUAL RUN OF THE ROSES
The West Orange Junior Service League is saddling up for its annual Run for the Roses. This year’s event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Guests will indulge in refreshing derby-inspired drinks and savor Kentucky-inspired cuisine while enjoying thrilling casino games and dancing to live music. This exciting night also will feature a silent auction, bourbon pull, “best dressed” contest and raffles — with all proceeds supporting vital local charities in West Orange County. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest derby attire and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and generosity while supporting the league’s mission. Sponsorship opportunities also are available for those wishing to further contribute. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit bit. ly/4mWLKat.
Smoke shop near Olympia High School sparks debate
OCOEE POLICE TO SERVE UP ANNUAL PICNIC
Teens spoke at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in support of buffer zones between schools and vape shops. SEE PAGE 6A.
Courtesy photo
Daniela and Andre Sophia began Connection, which is a center dedicated to helping people with Autism Spectrum Disorder reach an independent life, years after daughter Valentina’s autism diagnosis.
Connection, a center helping people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, began through the Sophia family’s journey with an autism diagnosis that led them to open the first physical location in January. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
ENCHANTED EVENING
The Ocoee Police Department is spreading out its blankets and filling its picnic baskets for its Community Picnic this weekend. This event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Vignetti Park, 1910 Adair St., Ocoee. Attendees will enjoy free food, games and prizes, and also will have a chance to visit with local vendors. This is a great opportunity to connect with local officers and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon together.
Windermere dads and daughters enjoyed a special evening together at Daddy Daughter Dance. SEE 7A.