W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 92, NO. 40
FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2025
Happy haunts return Owners Annie and Joe Williams have worked to become compliant with Orange County Code Enforcement to continue annual Halloween and Christmas displays. SEE PAGE 7A.
YOUR TOWN HORIZON WEST HOME EXPO TAKES PLACE OCT. 4
Homeowners: Horizon West Happenings has created a local hub for home improvement, and you’re invited! The Horizon West Home Expo takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Toole’s Ace Hardware of Hamlin, 5175 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden. Meet trusted service providers such as plumbers, electricians, and landscapers — all in one place. Attend workshops and demos to learn DIY tips for repairs, upgrades and outdoor projects. Enjoy complimentary barbecue and live music from Stephen Currance in a festive, familyfriendly atmosphere. Enter raffles for prizes and enjoy exclusive discounts from local businesses. This event is your perfect opportunity to find inspiration, expert advice and new ideas to turn your house into your dream home.
In honor of the eternal optimist HAPPY
TRAILS
MUSIC UNDER THE OAKS SET FOR OCT. 11
The town of Oakland is hosting its fourth annual Music Under the Oaks event from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at VanderLey Park, 117 E. Gulley Ave., Oakland. This year, the event is ’80s and ’90s themed, so the town is asking attendees to dress in style. The event will feature the band Switch, as well as food trucks, alcoholic beverages, movie theater popcorn and glow sticks, providing multiple forms of entertainment for all to enjoy. The town asks residents to take lawn chairs and blankets but reminds them that coolers are not allowed.
Oakland Nature Preserve festival delights with animals, exhibits and more. SEE PAGE 8A.
Leaders consider limiting cemetery to residents only
Ocoee resident Danette Carter is working to continue her husband’s Hollywood dreams while raising ALS awareness. SEE PAGE 4A. Photo by Liz Ramos
A second reading of the ordinance regarding Winter Garden Cemetery is scheduled for Oct. 9. SEE PAGE 6A.
HIGH-STAKES BRAINFOOD HIJINKS! AWESOME AUTUMN! Matthew’s Hope Ministries bets big on Mobsters and Money. SEE PAGE 3A.
We are SO ready for some traditional fall fun! SEE PAGE 6B.