W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
THEY UNDERSTOOD YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. NMENT SIG E AS THYOU. and is ready is bringing main-character energy to cook. Look out, world! The Class of 2026 unlocked, these seniors are ready mas diplo With . stage ation to slay the gradu
VOLUME 93, NO. 20
CFCA showcases student creators at Festival of the Arts event. SEE PAGE 5B.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
In their senior era Obser ver GRADUATION | 2026
ConGRADulations to the members of the Class of 2026. INSIDE.
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OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com
YOUR TOWN HAMLIN SADDLES UP FOR HOEDOWN
WAR STORIES
ALMA MATTERS
If you’re looking for a rootin’ tootin’ good time, Hamlin will be the place to be Saturday, May 16. The 2026 Hamlin Hoedown will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. This family friendly morning of western fun will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, food vendors and a live DJ.
The First Academy alumna now is the musician God called her to be. PAGE 3A.
FAR EAST MEETS WEST ORANGE
The Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida returns to Ocoee this weekend for its annual Asian Cultural Festival. This year’s event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The celebration showcases a wide variety of Asian-American cultures and talent from Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Attendees will enjoy special performances, authentic cuisine and plenty of business vendors offering a variety of items.
City of Ocoee hosts state Rep. Spencer Winter Garden Air Force Capt. Michael Makatura shares experiences of his squadron serving in the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm in his new book. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
The Ocoee City Commission heard from Florida Rep. Leonard Spencer on the stalled budget and the local funding priorities for which he is pushing. SEE PAGE 6A.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD The First Academy’s Kyler Priester became the first Royal lifter to bring a state championship home. SEE PAGE 1B.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in West Orange As the United States turns 250, cities and towns around the nation are celebrating this milestone. Winter Garden and Hamlin are getting ready for the celebrations with lots of festivities already planned. SEE PAGE 5A.
SPRINGTIME SOIREE Sand Lake Elementary unwinds at annual Spring Carnival. SEE 6B.