SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Agave Bandido adds some sizzle, spice to Horizon West. PAGE 3A.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 36
No cap: Grads turn tassels This week, we celebrate seniors from Horizon, Lake Buena Vista and Ocoee. 5-7B.
Getting into treble
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE SEA CADETS EARN TOP AWARD
Through its annual Summer Music Camp, Horizon High School strengthens students’ passion for music. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Rising second-grader Desmond Lynch has loved learning new instruments and making new friends.
NUTS AND BOLTS
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Toole’s Ace Hardware of Windermere PAGE 6A.
Courtesy photo
Ocoee earns praise in financial audit report Representatives from Purvis Gray presented the audit results for the city’s fiscal year during the June 3 Ocoee commission meeting. SEE PAGE 6A.
SWEET VICTORY!
Winter Garden Squeeze get first win of the season. 2B.
The Lone Sailor Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, based in Windermere, has been awarded the 2024 John J. Bergen Award, officially naming it the No. 1 Sea Cadet unit in the United States. The award is the highest honor given annually by the USNSCC, recognizing a single unit that exemplifies outstanding performance in training, leadership, inspections and community involvement. The Lone Sailor Division earned this distinction based on its exceptional 2024 annual inspection score and its ongoing commitment to developing strong, disciplined and service-minded youth leaders. “This award reflects the hard work, dedication and integrity of our cadets and volunteers,” said Commanding Officer Jeffrey Hawk, who has led the unit since 2023. “We’re incredibly proud to be recognized at the national level and deeply grateful for the families, supporters and community partners who help make this program thrive.” Lone Sailor Board Member, Mark Wilson, of the Windermere Police Department said: “I could not be more proud of the outstanding young men and women of the Lone Sailor Division. Being named the No. 1 Sea Cadet unit in the nation is a tremendous honor and a testament to their unwavering dedication, discipline and teamwork. For more information about the Lone Sailor Division or to learn how to support its mission, visit LoneSailorDivision.org.