SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
OCOM medical student has an alter ego. SEE 3A.
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
VOLUME 11, NO. 5
Ale in a day’s work Windermere Craft Beer Festival returns to town. SEE PAGE 7A.
Caught in the web
YOUR TOWN WINTER GARDEN CHICK-FIL-A FINALLY REOPENS
It’s been hard times for the thousands of Winter Garden Chick-fil-A fans. But rejoice: The wait is over. Chick-fil-A Winter Garden officially reopened at noon Tuesday, Nov. 4. The restaurant, located at 3166 Daniels Road, has been closed for renovations since September. The restaurant now includes expanded drive-thru lanes to serve customers more efficiently. “We can’t wait to welcome you back and serve you again,” restaurant officials posted on Facebook.
EIGHT WAVES LAUNCHES FOOD DRIVE
Photos by Leticia Silva
Eight Waves, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of children, youth and families who live in under-sourced communities, is asking for food donations. The recent government shutdown has prompted SNAP benefits to be paused, leaving families unsure of how to feed their children and themselves. “We’ve identified 352 local children in our programs in immediate need and together we can make sure no child goes to bed hungry,” Eight Waves officials posted on Facebook. Eight Waves will be accepting donations until Saturday, Nov. 8. The most urgent items are:
Foundation Academy’s one-act play has students performing as apps and websites. Right: The play portrays different website distractions and games.
Foundation Academy will bring ‘The Internet is Distract — Oh Look, a Kitten!’ to the stage Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
LOUD & PROUD Windermere marching band returns to the national stage at Bands of America Regionals contest. PAGE 5B.
BRAINFOOD Native Americans Learn all about the first people to inhabit the land now known as Florida in this edition of Brain Food! SEE PAGE 6B.
n Mac and cheese cups n Shelf-stable milk n Granola bars n Pasta and sauce n Cereal and oatmeal n Canned chicken and soups n Rice and beans n Peanut butter and jelly Anyone helping can drop-off food items at Mike the Mechanic, 1143 E. Plant St., Winter Garden; Custom Metal Designs, 643 Oakland Ave., Oakland; and Greater Orlando Builders Association, 1953 Clayton Heritage Way, Maitland. Eight Waves also is offering volunteer opportunities to pick up donations and pack food boxes. Email volunteer@eightwaves. org to sign up.