SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Devin Fairchild promoted to chief petty officer in U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. PAGE 5B.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 30
The work begins now
YOUR TOWN WOJSL SADDLES UP FOR RUN FOR THE ROSES
The Observer visits TFA, West Orange and Windermere in our first in an ongoing series on the 2025 spring football season. SEE PAGE 1B.
The West Orange Junior Service League is hosting its 15th annual Run for the Roses, bringing the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to West Orange County. The event is at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. This fundraising event, the league’s largest, promises an evening of Southern charm, featuring derby-inspired food and drinks, a women’s hat contest, a men’s best-dressed contest, and a live viewing of the race. Beyond the festivities, the event aims to raise funds for the league’s community initiatives through sponsorships and a silent auction offering various items and experiences. To purchase tickets, visit bit. ly/4j1x8E1.
WOHS PRESENTING “GUYS AND DOLLS” The West Orange High School Theatre Department is staging “Guys and Dolls” this week. In addition to the school’s thespians, the show will feature members of the West Orange band and orchestra departments. Showtimes are 7 p.m. May 1, 2 and 3; and 2:30 p.m. May 4. For tickets, visit teachtix.com/ wohs.
DISCOVER HISTORY OF LOCAL STORMS Photos by Michael Eng
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien retrieved the time capsule — an ammunition box — from its home of 50 years in front of Windermere Town Hall.
Roger Benton Seidner, who served as minister of Windermere Union Church in 1975, included programs from the church’s services in April 1975.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
The town of Windermere continued its centennial celebrations by unsealing and revealing the contents of the 50-year time capsule the town buried in 1975. SEE PAGE 4A.
OCPS anticipates drop in enrollment Officials say the district is losing students because of state’s expanded voucher program. 8A.
It’s fun to play at the YMCA Roper YMCA comes alive with 2025 Healthy Kids Day. SEE PAGE 7B
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is announcing the launch of its newest exhibition, “Tempests and Tornadoes,” running through July. A VIP reception with meteorologist Tom Sorrells is open to residents from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1, at Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St. Dive into the dramatic history of storms that have shaped West Orange, including the February 1998 tornado that swept through Winter Garden. This exhibition features interactive displays, historical artifacts and compelling stories that showcase the powerful forces of nature and their impact on our lives. While the exhibition is free to the public, donations help the WGHF continue its mission of preserving the rich history of West Orange.