W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025
VOLUME 92, NO. 18
YOUR TOWN WOJSL SADDLES UP FOR RUN FOR THE ROSES 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 bestdressed 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. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest derby attire and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and generosity while supporting the league’s mission. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit bit. ly/4j1x8E1.
Roper YMCA comes alive with 2025 Healthy Kids Day celebration. SEE PAGE 7B.
Owning the catwalk
Local community leaders take the stage at Eight Waves’ Glam and Giving. SEE PAGE 3A.
Leaving his post
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 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 County, 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 and sharing the rich history of West Orange County.
Amy Quesinberry Price
For 20 years, customers needing to send packages, buy stamps or pick up mail at the Winter Garden Post Office on West Colonial Drive likely walked up to Ramanand Rewah’s window. The longtime USPS employee is retiring this week. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Garden Theatre to reopen Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a business plan to reopen the theater. SEE PAGE 2A.
OCPS anticipates enrollment drop Officials say the district is losing students because of state’s expanded voucher program. 8A.
THE WORK BEGINS RIGHT NOW The Observer visits TFA, West Orange and Windermere in our first in an ongoing series on the 2025 spring football season. SEE PAGE 1B.