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. 24
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
No cap: Grads turn tassels This week, we celebrate seniors from Horizon, Lake Buena Vista and Ocoee. PAGES 5-7B.
Mr. Florida Citrus INSIDE THE OCTOGON Ocoee High’s Zion Grant was born to be a fighter. And with the help of his coaches, his future looks bright. SEE PAGE 1B.
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.
Courtesy photo
Jerry Chicone’s No. 1 priority was his wife, Sue Chicone, and their three children.
Jerry Chicone, a titan of the citrus industry and of Winter Garden, died May 29, 2025. He was 90. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
W.O. Habitat digs deep to help locals West Orange Habitat for Humanity celebrated 35 years at its Shovel to Keys event last week. SEE PAGE 5A.
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE SEA CADETS EARN TOP AWARD 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: “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.
SWEET VICTORY Winter Garden Squeeze get first win of the season. SEE PAGE 2B.