W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 92, NO. 19
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
Gotta have a Wawa!
Ocoee celebrated the opening of the convenience store’s newest location. PAGE 6A.
Dreamed a dream
The Young Star Musical Theatre Company gave everything they had during its performance of “Les Misérables School Edition.”
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.
Courtesy of Matt Immler
Winter Garden’s Young Star Musical Theatre’s production of ‘Les Misérables: School Edition’ features a cast of about 60 young actors. Performances take place May 8 through 16. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
FASHION FORWARD 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.
AND THEN THERE WERE FIVE
Matthew’s Hope loses major support 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.