W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 93, NO. 22
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026
We are forever grateful West Orange honors our heroes at Memorial Day ceremonies. SEE PAGES 8-9A.
YOUR TOWN APPLY NOW TO SERVE ON OCOEE YOUTH COUNCIL The city of Ocoee is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Ocoee Youth Council. Members of the Ocoee Youth Council will participate in service events, explore scholarship opportunities and learn about local government and careers in public service. Spaces are limited and availability is on a first-come, firstserved basis. Council members can be residents or non-residents of Ocoee, and the council is for students entering high school in private or public school. Requirements to participate include parent approval, most recent report card, a teacher recommendation letter and the participant must have reliable transportation. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. For more information and to download an application, visit ocoee.org.
TRIP OF A
LIFETIME
Ocoee proposes fire fee changes The city is considering changing its fire assessment fee to 40% and a fixed rate of $341.24 for single-family homes to alleviate increasing costs. SEE PAGE 6A.
ALMA MATTERS
FOUNDATION CERTIFIES CPR, AED RESPONDERS
Foundation Academy announced it has added 27 newly certified adult and pediatric first-aid, CPR and AED responders to its Tilden campus. The students were certified through Foundation’s First Aid and Safety course. Each semester, a class of students learns the proper handson treatment and assessments to make sure they are proficient and confident in their skills in order to earn the American Red Cross two-year certificate. “These students are now equipped with life-saving skills that can make a real difference when it matters most,” Foundation officials said.
HELP ONP RECEIVE MATCHING GRANT The Oakland Nature Preserve recently received a Challenge Match Grant totaling $10,000. The preserve has raised $7,265, or 73%. It needs to raise another $2,735 by Tuesday, June 30, to be able to receive the matching grant. “Your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar, so your contribution will have double the impact,” ONP officials said. “Together, we can meet the goal to raise $10,000 by June 30. Thank you for your continued support of Oakland Nature Preserve.” Checks can be made to Oakland Nature Preserve and mailed to P.O. Box 841, Oakland. Cash also can be dropped into a donation bin at the preserve.
AJ Burnett follows in his family’s footsteps. SEE 3A.
Joyce and Randy Rouse took in the beauty of Mount Moran.
Courtesy photo
Winter Garden’s Joyce and Randy Rouse were gifted a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks from their family as a celebration of 50 years of love, support and dedication to the Rouse family. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
A FIRM FOUNDATION Foundation Academy celebrated the largest senior class in school history with a ceremony May 15. SEE PAGE 5B. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
THE FIRST ACADEMY | PAGE 6B WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL | PAGE 6B
Scooter fatality prompts discussions Orange County Commissioners are searching for ways to manage the rapid increase in usage of micro-mobility devices. SEE PAGE 5A.