SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
VOLUME 11, NO. 6
Marching bands take the field Local bands shined at the Florida Bandmasters Association’s 2025 District 8 MPA. SEE PAGES 8-9A.
YOUR TOWN
WEST ORANGE HABITAT SETS STAGE FOR ROCK THE HOUSE
Members of Orlando Police Department’s SWAT team rappelled from the rafters during the celebration’s finale, ‘God Bless the USA.’
They answered the call Photos by Michael Eng
Members of TFA’s chorus programs sang a medley honoring each branch of the military.
The First Academy held the largest Veterans and Grandparents Celebration in school history Thursday, Nov. 6, at First Baptist Orlando. PHOTOS ON 4A.
PLAYOFF PICTURE Five football teams for West Orange and Southwest Orange still are alive in their respective quests for state championships. SEE PAGE 1B.
West Orange Habitat for Humanity is set to host one of its biggest events of the year this weekend. Habitat’s Rock the House: An Evening Among the Groves takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the McKinnon Grove Family Farm, 1401 Williams Road, Winter Garden. Rock the House is a unique celebration for more than 400 friends to gather and enjoy live entertainment, a silent/live auction and a celebration of Habitat family stories. West Orange Habitat has served families for more than 30 years through building and preserving homes; raising and upholding our community; and strengthening and safeguarding neighborhoods. For more information, visit westorangehabitat.org/rockthe-house.
TFA alum, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shawn Sagraves, spoke at this year’s celebration.
Neighbors nourishing neighbors Organizations and residents are coming together to collect and donate food items to help families unable to receive their food stamps during the government shutdown. SEE PAGE 5A.
CHALLENGE 22’S NINTH ANNUAL RUCK WALK IS SATURDAY Challenge 22 is lacing up for its ninth Ruck Walk this weekend in Winter Garden. The annual event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, beginning at 8 N. Highland Ave., Winter Garden. This free, family-friendly event supports Challenge 22 in its efforts to stop post-traumatic stress from claiming the lives of veterans. To register, visit bitly/3LCs1hy. For more information, visit challenge22inc. com.
‘WHEN I WIN, WE WIN’: Demings enters race for governor
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings held a rally to announce his candidacy for Florida’s top elected official. SEE PAGE 7A.