SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
TURNING
POINT Thousands attended Charlie Kirk’s vigil in Winter Garden. PAGE 3A.
FA L L 2 0 2 5 / W I N T E R 2 0 2 6
SEASON YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. T H E O B S E RV E R ’S G U I D E TO A R TS A N D S O C I E T Y
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 51
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
Keeping the peace Opera Orlando, WGHF partner for performance. INSIDE.
PROST!
YOUR TOWN CHAMBER READY TO RIDE Home State Brewing Co. employees were in full character during Oktoberfest.
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce will host the fourth Stina D’Uva Tour de Chamber next week, and you’re invited! This year’s ride takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, beginning at Home State Brewing Co., 16016 New Independence Parkway, Suite 100, Winter Garden. This fun, recreational 8.2mile bike loop includes paved sidewalks and a paved bike trail through the neighborhoods of Horizon West. Participants ride at their own pace. All ride participants will have staggered starts beginning at 5:30 p.m. A hydration station will be available at the 4-mile mark. Helmets and a signed a waiver are required for everyone. No bike? No problem! Bike rentals will be available from Winter Garden Wheel Works. Individual riders are $25; children ages 12 and younger are free with paid rider. Teams of five riders are $100. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/4mue5Tu.
WOHS CLASS OF 1976 PLANS FOOTBALL BASH
Home State Brewing Co. held its annual Oktoberfest with live music, games, food and beer. SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 4A.
Photos by Leticia Silva
Jessica Bruce and Alex Brown were happy to be there and enjoyed the live music and beer. Right: Cat Nelson, a Home State Brewing Co. employee, was all smiles during the event in her dirndl.
The West Orange High Class of 1976 will host a Football Gathering Friday, Oct. 10. The class will enjoy a tour of the school at 5:30 p.m. followed by a pizza party and the football game. The charter Class of 1976 will be recognized at the game.
Out with the new, in with the old
The local location was one of only four nationwide that was renovated with a new look and logo. SEE PAGE 5A.
When will the Avalon/Schofield intersection improve? Horizon West residents are concerned with traffic and safety as the county installs a new light at the intersection. PAGE 8A.