W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026
VOLUME 93, NO. 28
Star-spangled celebrations Local residents enjoy America 250 parties throughout West Orange County. SEE 7A.
‘You all made a difference’
The First United Methodist Church Learning Center preschool staff reunited, bringing together teachers, staff members and former directors from its opening in 1992 to the present.
Photo by Liz Ramos
First United Methodist Church Learning Center staff reunited, bringing together teachers and directors since the school opened in 1992 to reminisce, laugh and cherish their community. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Creative thinker
Horizon West’s Roy Zheng, 9, won IDEASforEARS, a global invention contest for kids. SEE PAGE 3A.
YOUR TOWN CANDIDATES TO STUMP AT 2026 HOB NOB If you want to meet candidates whose names will appear on your ballots later this year, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Hob Nob and Straw Poll is the place to be. This event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thuresday, July 9, at Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. The candidates participating in the West Orange Chamber’s Hob Nob & Straw Poll are the ones who will shape the future of this county. Wouldn’t you like to know what their thoughts are on key issues before the August primary? This is one of your last chances to hear from the candidates. The Hob Nob Straw Poll is not only a litmus test for this fall’s elections but also an opportunity to find the
candidate who will earn your vote. Tickets are $50 at the door. For more information, visit wochamber.com.
SOUNDS OF SILENCE
BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIR SET FOR JULY 11 Orange County’s Community and Family Services Department, and Orange County Commission Districts are hosting a back-toschool, offering free health-care services and community resources to students. The free fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11, at West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden. Electrocardiogram and immunizations also will be available, but parents must bring ID, the student’s birth certificate and vaccination records to receive these services. To register, visit 4cflorida. org/appointments.
Friends, family members dance the night away at silent disco night at Tom Ison Center. PAGE 11A.
Venezuela tragedy hits close to home Locals struggle with grief, guilt following two earthquakes that devastated Venezuela. 5A.