W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025
VOLUME 92, NO. 45
Local nonprofit makes waves Eight Waves hosted its 2025 Wavemaker Luncheon Oct. 24 at Bella Collina in Montverde. PAGE 5A.
Exit the Warrior
YOUR TOWN WINTER GARDEN CHICK-FIL-A FINALLY REOPENS
It’s a bittersweet goodbye as West Orange High Principal Matt Turner leaves to take on a new role with Orange County Public Schools. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
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
Liz Ramos
Principal Matt Turner: “We just want kids to be involved and to be heard. I got into this job so I could just really get to know kids more and make sure they had a really good high school experience. … My purpose is for the kids.”
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.
Town of Oakland considers three amendments Oakland town commissioners approved first readings of amendments for new developments coming to town, both residential and commercial. The second readings are planned for later this month. SEE PAGE 7A.
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: 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.