SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 10, NO. 44
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 7, 2025
Local stars compete at APJI The action and competition were fierce at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Junior Invitational. SEE 3B.
YOUR TOWN OBSERVER WINS AWARDS
The West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer won awards for its journalism, design and advertising at the 2025 Florida Media Conference, held July 31 and Aug. 1 at the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor. In the Florida Advertising Media Executives’ 2025 Creative Excellence Awards, the Observers won a Gold Awards for Digital Retail Ad (Discover Preschool). In the Florida Press Association’s 2025 Better Weekly Awards Contest, the Observers won four first-place, five second-place and four third-place awards for writing, photography and design. The first-place awards included: Front Page Makeup (staff); Overall Graphic Design (Jessica Eng); Community History (The story of Gotha by Amy Quesinberry Price); and Community Service (Orange County Commission District 1 Candidate Debate).
Wildfire ends 17year run The softball squad is one of the area’s most celebrated teams. SEE PAGE 1B.
HOLE IN FUN!
Photos by Liz Ramos
PopStroke Hamlin features three bars and other games besides its mini golf course.
PopStroke’s new Hamlin location features new technology and the company’s first restaurant, Bar Tenders. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
‘C’ IS FOR DOGE begins Orange COOKIE County investigation Have you met Matt Sutton, Winter Garden’s resident Cookie Monster? SEE PAGE 3A.
In response to a notice of investigation sent by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency, Mayor Jerry Demings is confident in the county’s funding decisions, calls audit ‘mean-spirited politics.’ PAGE 6A.
Residents push back on potential fire fee increase
BRAINFOOD BRICKS AND GIGGLES
An actual rate will be established at the Winter Garden City Commission’s meeting Thursday, Aug. 14. SEE PAGE 7A.
Did you know LEGO was named the ‘Toy of the Century’ not once — but twice? Find more LEGO facts inside! SEE PAGE 6B.