W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
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
VOLUME 92, NO. 39
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
Keeping the peace Opera Orlando, WGHF partner for performance. INSIDE.
ART & SOUL
YOUR TOWN CHAMBER READY TO RIDE 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
Liz Ramos
Fritz-Lee Saint Paul worked on a collaborative piece, adding his own touch. It will be on display during this year’s Young Creative Showcase.
SOBO Art Gallery’s Young Creative Showcase will open at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. SEE PAGE 4A.
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. Reservations are required; please contact Mari Underwood Van Dyke before Oct. 4 at (407) 227-8361.
ROAD WARRIORS Out with the new, in with the old The Winter Garden location was one of four nationwide that was renovated with a new look and logo. SEE PAGE 5A.
Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography
West Orange High School took over Plant Street for its annual Homecoming Parade SEE PAGE 7B.
SWEET BONDS
Westbrooke Elementary School dads shared a special morning with their children at Doughnuts for Dad Sept. 18. SEE PAGE 5B.