W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 93, NO. 23
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026
Summertime slugfest!
2026
SEASON PREVIEW
The Winter Garden Squeeze begins its 13th season of summer play. IN THIS ISSUE.
‘Our day of life’
Rezoning proposal clears first reading A property owner wants to change the zoning of a 12.91-acre parcel from agriculture to single-family residential. SEE PAGE 8A.
YOUR TOWN COUNTY CONSIDERS CHASE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS
Courtesy photo
Members of the Winter Garden Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shaved their heds in solidarity with Esther McMann.
A Winter Garden couple had their lives turned upside-down when their 12-year-old daughter suffered from a brain bleed in March. Their church community has been a blessing. PAGE 4A.
TOURNEY OF CHAMPIONS
City of Winter Garden approves Johns Lake housing development The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the rezone proposal for a 613-home Johns Lake development despite concerns over traffic. PAGE 6A.
END OF AN ERA Innovation Montessori High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated graduation in Ocoee. SEE PAGE 14A.
Players from DP, Windermere and Winter Garden took the field for the Little League Tournament of Champions. PAGE 10A.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY | PAGE 14A WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL | PAGE 13A
Orange County’s Public Works is evaluating potential configurations to replace the Chase Road Bridge. The proposed concept includes a two-lane bridge with shoulders and sidewalks to enhance safety and pedestrian connectivity. The evaluation will result in the development of a conceptual design that addresses infrastructure improvements. Any future phases, including construction, only will occur if funding becomes available. In the meantime, the bridge will remain open and safe for public use. There is no construction currently scheduled.
DRIFTWOOD MARKET REOPENS ON MAIN Driftwood Market, a gift boutique, has moved to a new location at 49 S. Main St., Winter Garden. The boutique held its grand opening Saturday, May 30, as well as an eighth anniversary celebration. Owners Tina and Paige Butler invite community members to browse the newly designed space, filled with home décor, gifts, apparel and more.