SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 45
YOUR TOWN WGHF, OPERA ORLANDO PARTNER FOR XMAS SHOW Tickets are on sale now for Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s 2025 spectacular holiday event, “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” featuring a stunning performance by Opera Orlando. This production will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. This musical commemorates the extraordinary true story of the 1914 Christmas Truce, when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday in peace. “All Is Calm” beautifully captures the spirit of hope and humanity that emerged during one of history’s darkest times, making it the perfect centerpiece for our holiday celebrations. “We are excited to present this powerful piece during the holiday season,” Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Executive Director Kristi Gomen said. “It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of community. We hope to inspire attendees to reflect on the values of peace and goodwill.” This festive performance is more than a holiday celebration — it’s also a vital fundraiser for the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. All proceeds will go directly to supporting its mission: preserving and promoting Winter Garden and West Orange County’s rich cultural heritage through our history museums, archives, educational programs and community events. Tickets for “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” are available for purchase teachtix. com/wghf/all-is-calm-thechristmas-truce-of-1914. This event is expected to sell out quickly. For more information, visit wghf.org.
An ordinary demi-guy Arts After 5 students delight with production of ‘Moana Jr.’ SEE 5A.
Magic touch Hamlin’s Steven Miller, a senior manager with Walt Disney World External Affairs, said the partnership with A Gift for Teaching hits close to home as his parents were educators, so seeing cast members collect thousands of school supplies to support teachers is heartwarming.
Courtesy photos
Jane Thompson, the president of A Gift for Teaching, celebrated Disney cast members collecting more than 100,000 school supply items to support teachers throughout Central Florida through A Gift for Teaching.
Disney cast members collected and donated school supplies as thousands of students return to school. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
Ocoee trash fees to go up According to city leaders, the $42 annual increase will restore the financial stability of the city’s Solid Waste Fund. SEE PAGE 5A. Superheroes save the day as HCA Florida celebrates West Orange Emergency. SEE PAGE 8A.
Local family needs help after van breaks down. 3A.
SPOT CHECK West Orange High and Foundation Academy seniors painted their parking spaces. PAGES 6-7B.
Bears Who Care, Eight Waves join forces The two local nonprofits will continue providing bears and new books to children in schools and hospitals. PAGE 7A.