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. 41
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026
Chamber calls for straw and order The West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2026 Hob Nob July 9. PAGE 11A.
YOUR TOWN APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR GRANT PROGRAM Applications are being accepted for the 2026 Dr. Phillips Charities Legacy Microgrant Program. This program will award 15 $5,000 grants to eligible nonprofits serving Orange and Osceola counties, with recipients recognized at the annual Dr. Phillips Charities Impact Awards in October. Applications are open through Friday, Aug. 7. The Legacy Microgrant Program reflects Dr. Phillips Charities’ commitment to investing in organizations that strengthen the community and create opportunities for Central Florida residents. Since launching, the program has awarded 30 microgrants totaling $150,000 to eligible local nonprofits with annual operating budgets of $2 million or less. Grants are available to organizations working in arts and culture; children and youth; education; health; and social services. Priority is given to projects that reduce economic pressures on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and low-income families while creating lasting community impact. For more information or to apply, visit drphillips.org/applyfor-grants-11.
‘It was just like a nightmare’
Courtesy of Orange County Fire Rescue
ROCK ‘N REV OCOEE ANNOUNCES NEW HOURS
Rock ‘N Rev, an American music bar and grill located in Ocoee, has updated its business hours. Beginning Monday, July 13, the location no longer will open on Mondays. “Don’t worry — we’re not slowing down!” Rock ‘N Rev officials said. “Our team will be using Mondays behind the scenes to create even more exciting, engaging and familyfriendly experiences for you to enjoy throughout the week.” The bar and grill will remain open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Officials also said while the location will be closed to the public on Mondays, celebrations, parties, private events and meetings still can be scheduled. “Thank you for your continued support,” officials said
NACHO AVERAGE OPENING IN W.G. A new taco spot is headed to Winter Garden. Tacos My Guey will be opening at 1025 S. Dillard St. Although the grand opening date has yet to be announced, the restaurant posted on social media that the first 50 guests will enjoy a free meal. Tacos My Guey started as a food truck serving Mexican street food. The menu was expanded to include birria tacos, quesadillas, burritos, bowls and esquites.
The fire left 20 units needing to be evacuated, with 10 apartment being condemned.
Courtesy of the Padilla-Garcia family
The Padilla-Garcia family currently is residing at an extended-stay rental.
A July 5 fire at Horizon West’s Buena Vista Place Apartments has left some residents without a home STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Property tax reform could silence Ocoee Music Fest
Much fun intended
City commissioners are considering not hosting the event because of the potential impacts of proposed tax changes. 3A.
REAL
ESTATE See the area’s largest real-estate sales in our report. SEE PAGES 7-8A.
Local families were among the first to play at Level99. PAGE 3A.