W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026
VOLUME 93, NO. 32
Ah, ah, ah, ah stayin’ alive! Ocoee Lakeshore Center was the perfect venue for the disco-themed Pink Affair Friday, July 31. 22A.
YOUR TOWN EARLY VOTING BEGINS IN ORANGE COUNTY Through Sunday, Aug. 16, county residents have the opportunity to cast an early vote for the 2026 Primary Election. All registered voters are able to vote early with a non-expired photo and signature ID. West Orange and Southwest Orange locations include:
Courtesy photos
The Winter Garden Community Chior has performed in Vatican City in Italy. Left: Nicole Kimmel is able to sing under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Redding once again as a member of the Winter Garden Community Choir. He was her director at West Orange High.
Note worthy
n Southwest Library at 7255 Della Drive, Orlando n West Oaks Library at 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee n Tibet-Butler Preserve at 8777 County Road 535, Orlando n Orange County National Golf Center at 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden n Winter Garden Library at 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. For more information and additional voting sites, visit voteorangefl.gov/vote-early.
CANDIDATE
Q&A
The Winter Garden Community Choir is celebrating 20 years of unity, giving back to the community and creating new experiences for its members. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Overestimated Oakland property values result in town budget deficit Oakland’s Finance Director Gaby Leon said the town’s general budget was overestimated by $11 million. PAGE 6A.
BRAIN
FOOD
COOL CATS
We celebrate International Cat Day with feline facts. SEE 19A.
FRIDAY NIGHT SIGHTS Get ready for the 2026 prep football season with our exclusive preview. SEE PAGE 15A.
Three democrats compete for Daniel Webster’s former seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. 3A.