SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer
INSIDE:
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
LOCAL
MOTION AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN WEST ORANGE COUNTY
2026-2027
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
VOLUME 11, NO. 43
Winter Garden keeps millage rate The city commission set public hearings on the budget for September. SEE PAGE 6A. LOCAL MOTION 2026
MOVING UP THE RANKS
Observer 1
HOMEWARD
HOUND
Local author publishes children’s book about his beloved dog, Bear. SEE PAGE 9A.
YOUR TOWN DONATE TO THE CHAMBER’S SUPPLY DRIVE
Courtesy photos
Top: The mixed-male raider team celebrated going to states. Bottom: The mixed-male raider team was the first in the Horizon High School National Defense Cadet Corps’ history to go to states.
Horizon High School’s National Defense Cadet Corps now is officially a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, expanding opportunities for cadets. SEE PAGE 4A.
CANDIDATE Q&A
Four candidates are running to succeed Jerry Demings as Orange County mayor. PAGE 3A.
The West Orange Foundation is teaming up with Orange County School Board member Anne Douglas to supply kids in District 1 with backpacks as they head back to school. The foundation seeks to donate 300 filled backpacks at the SunRidge Community Back-to-School event, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at SunRidge Elementary School, 14455 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden. Donate backpacks, pencils, pens, folders and one-subject notebooks by Monday, Aug. 3, at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. For more, visit wochamber. com.
HAMLIN PARADE RAISES $9K FOR AMERICAN LEGION
SUN’S OUT, FUN’S OUT Ocoee residents enjoyed a day of sunshine at the city’s Family Receation Day . SEE PAGE 7B.
A $9,000 check was presented to the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 Tuesday, July 21, from proceeds collected at the Hamlin All-American Flag Parade. “This year’s kickoff event was proudly themed in celebration of America’s 250th, while supporting the veterans who have served our great nation,” said Austin Arthur, one of the event coordinators. These funds will support the post’s mission and the continuation of veteran assistance and resource navigation, scholarships youth leadership programs, family support, veteranto-veteran mentorships, events and activities. “This is only the beginning,” Arthur said. “God bless our veterans and God bless America.”