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. 26
YOUR TOWN WINTER GARDEN LAUNCHES BUDGET TRANSPARENCY PORTAL The city of Winter Garden has launched a budget transparency portal designed to provide residents, businesses and stakeholders a “clear view of how taxpayer dollars are collected and spent.” Viewers can explore 10 years of General Fund revenues and expenditures, including nine years of audited actual results as well as the Fiscal Year 2026 adopted budget. “Our commitment to transparency ensures that you can see where public funds come from, how they are allocated and how financial resources support the essential services that maintain and enhance our community,” city officials wrote on its website. The budget transparency portal can be viewed at cwgdn. com/902/Budget-Transparency.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026
TRICKS & GIGGLES LAND OF LIBERTY! Hamlin dedicated its new flag pole and buried a time capsule as part of its America 250 festivities. SEE PAGE 3A.
HELP SELECT THE NEXT RUN AMONG THE LAKES MEDAL
Windermere is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Run Among the Lakes. As part of the celebration, Windermere’s Parks & Recreation is launching a program to allow the Windermere community to vote on the design of this year’s race medal. Created by town resident Janelle Bell Martin, the designs feature Old Glory, for a “patriotic Windermere feel,” Parks & Recreation Co-Chair Dena O’Malley said. The goal is to have the mural completed before July 4, as a way to honor America’s 250th birthday. Voting runs through Tuesday, June 30, here: simonsimaan. com/medal.
Christian center to close
Courtesy photo
Daniel Giandoni has been practicing the art of magic, illusion and mentalism for 24 years.
Comedian/magician Daniel Giandoni, a Winter Garden resident, leaves his audiences amazed — and in stitches. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Byron Donalds talks faith in Winter Garden The gubernatorial candidate met with pastors and faith leaders from throughout Central Florida Tuesday, June 16, at the West Orange Dream Center in Winter Garden. PAGE 6A.
The Christian Service Center will close its Ocoee location July 31. Services will end June 30. SEE PAGE 5A.
FINALLY FREE Winter Garden honored Juneteenth with a jubilant celebration June 20. PAGE 7B.