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. 25
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
Alec Nachtsheim proudly shows off his art, medals and trophies.
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.
Leaders worry tax change will cause fire, police shortfall Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams estimates the city will lose $13.5 million over the next two years if the property tax proposal passes. 5A.
Photos by Leticia Silva
Calvin and Brian Sanders love spending time together.
CLASS ACTS
West Orange High School celebrates seniors. PAGE 7B. ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
LAKE BUENA VISTA | PAGE 6B HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL | PAGE 8B