SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
FRIDAY SIGHTS
Observer
Observer
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
NIGHT
FRIDAY NIGHT SIGHTS
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 10, NO. 46
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025
Football is finally back!
THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO THE 2025 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON
Celebrate the return of Friday night football with our annual guide. INSIDE.
YOUR TOWN GET READY FOR SOME HEALTHY FUN
The Roper Family YMCA Center will host a day full of free family fun at its 2025 Healthy Family Day. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Aug. 23, at the Roper Y, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden. The event is an opportunity to explore all the Y has to offer through hands-on activities, interactive demos and experiences for every age. Highlights include: n Health and wellness activities for kids, teens, adults and seniors n Preview of fall youth sports and programs n Small group personal training demos and experiences n Wellness workshops n Connections with local partners n Information on before- and after-school care For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/4mIWF6c.
GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT
City rejects fire fee proposal The City of Winter Garden also decided to eliminate the Halloween Fest event. PAGE 6A.
Serving up aces
Artistic endeavor on asphalt
Check out the top girls volleyball players to watch from West Orange and Southwest Orange. SEE PAGE 9A.
Seniors at Horizon and Windermere high schools endured the heat to create their custom parking spots. SEE PAGES 13-14A.
Jeff Fitzgerald brings a long history of ministry leadership to Edgewood Children’s Ranch.
vehrsmedia.com
At first, Jeff Fitzgerald decided not to apply to become the new executive director of Edgewood Children’s Ranch. But, God had other plans.
STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Bathroom plans no longer clogged Windermere Town Council approves location of Town Hall restrooms adjacent to Windermere Library. PAGE 7A.
MAGICAL MENUS ARE HERE The 2025 Magical Dining features dozens of local restaurants and eateries. SEE PAGE 3A.