SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 31
‘Ogres are like onions’ Castleview Elementary School thespians bring ‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’ to life. SEE PAGE 5B.
Instrumental bonds
Courtesy photo
These seven teenagers were among the orchestra students from Dr. Phillips High School who performed a series of concerts for residents at Brookdale Dr. Phillips Assisted Living.
Amy Quesinberry Price
The Dr. Phillips students performed as duets, trios and quartets.
Orchestra students at Dr. Phillips High School have formed a special relationship with residents at an assisted-living facility through an outreach recital series. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
YOUR TOWN OCOEE TO HOST CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION The city of Ocoee invites residents and visitors to a spectacular evening of festivities as it marks its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The free milestone event marks a century of community, growth and progress in Ocoee. Guests can enjoy tours of the historic Withers-Maguire House, local vendors and food trucks, rides and attractions for all ages, live musical performances by The Smoking Jackets and The Gerry Williams Band, and other live entertainment. “We are proud to commemorate this historic moment with our community,” City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “It’s a time to reflect on our rich history, celebrate our present and look ahead to a bright future.” The centennial event is made possible by the support of the Platinum Sponsor, AdventHealth. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music and festivities in the park. For information, visit 100yearsocoee.com.
AND THEN THERE WERE FIVE
FASHION FORWARD Matthew’s Hope loses major support Attendees of the West Orange Junior Service League’s Run for the Roses certainly came dressed to impress. The event took place May 3 in Ocoee. PAGE 8A.
The nonprofit’s largest contributor has decreased its annual giving to the Orange County campus by $25,000 because of the unstable economy, founder Scott Billue said. PAGE 7A.
Meet the five West Orange and Southwest Orange softball squads seeking postseason glory. SEE PAGE 1B.