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. 30
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026
Spell-binding experience Local wizards experience the wonderful world of Harry Potter at Hogwarts summer camp. SEE 14A.
CANDIDATE
Q&A
A hero, held high
Two School Board members vie for the board’s top post. SEE PAGE 3A.
YOUR TOWN CALLING ALL YOUTH ARTISTS Oakland Nature Preserve is calling for young artists to share their art during the preserve’s yearly Nature Fest event. This year’s theme is “Floral Fantasies.” Artists must be 17 years old or younger, and artwork must fit the theme. ONP said there are no restrictions on the type of medium used — watercolors, crayon, pencils, multimedia and more are welcome. Artwork must be dropped off one week before the event, which takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at ONP. To register, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org/ event-6577397.
HORIZON HIGH MARCHING BAND TO HOST CAR WASH
The Sound of Horizon, Horizon High School’s marching band, is hosting its annual Band Camp Blood Drive, Car Wash and Kona Ice fundraiser. People can have their cars washed while they donate blood on the Big Red Bus before stopping by Kona Ice for a sweet treat. The fundraiser will be from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Horizon High School, 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden. All the donations will support the Sound of Horizon’s trip to Chicago, where the band will perform in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Appointments for the blood drive can be made at donor. oneblood.org.
Nancy Loental and Ed Johnson lived the best six months of their lives together.
Courtesy photo
After losing his love, his life savings and his home, Ed Johnson is experiencing unparalleled kindness and generosity from Ocoee residents. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Oakland commissioners OK East Vick Avenue paving The project, which will shore up the road between Starr and Tubb streets, will cost $41,510.49. SEE PAGE 6A.
SQUEEZE PLAYS Nailed it: Ace The Winter Garden Squeeze reflects on a stellar season. SEE PAGE 9A.
celebrates 120 Winter Garden’s hardware shop has served the city since 1906. 8A.