SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 11, NO. 37
Windermere couple rolls with ice cream adventure in Winter Garden. SEE 8A.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026
The sounds of summer
Horizon High School hosts Summer Music Camp for budding musicians. PAGE 9B.
YOUR TOWN HAMLIN SET TO HOST ALL-AMERICAN FLAG PARADE The Horizon West community will kick off America 250 celebrations in West Orange and Southwest Orange with the Hamlin All-American Flag Parade this weekend. This free event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. The event will feature a 1-mile flag walk, patriotic ceremony, live music and community activities. Event organizers say the event will honor the past and celebrate the shared values that unite us today. Every attendee will receive a free handheld American flag. Larger, home-mount flags will be available for purchase, encouraging participants to proudly display their flags throughout Hamlin and Horizon West after the event. Proceeds from the event benefit Horizon West American Legion Post 419, which supports local veterans and patriotic programs in our community.
Up syndrome
Sophia Mazo is a woman of many talents. She lives each day with a positive, can-do attitutde.
EVENT SCHEDULE n 9-10 a.m.: Check-in begins, DJ music, vendors and activities open n 10-10:30 a.m.: Patriotic ceremony featuring the Horizon West American Legion and Daughters of the American Revolution n 10:30-11 a.m.: 1-mile American flag walk n 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Live band, food trucks, vendors, kids’ activities and community celebration
There are more than 1,200 people with Trisomy 21 — aka Down syndrome — in Orange County — and each has a story to share. They make an impact in the communities in which they live, work and visit. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Property tax concerns loom over town of Windermere The Windermere Town Council is sending a letter to the Florida Legislature to share concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed property tax legislation. SEE PAGE 5A.
Photo by Leticia Silva
Maureen, Andi and Greg Wright hang out together on a daily basis, enjoying their time together.
CLASS ACTS
Horizon High School celebrates seniors. PAGE 8B.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: LAKE BUENA VISTA | PAGE 6B WEST ORANGE HIGH | PAGE 7B