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 13, 2025
VOLUME 92, NO. 46
Marching bands take the field Local bands shined at the Florida Bandmasters Association’s 2025 District 8 MPA. SEE PAGES 8-9A.
Neighbors nourishing neighbors
Hometown
TALENT
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. Bre Hopkins will take the stage Friday, Nov. 14.
YOUR TOWN
WEST ORANGE HABITAT SETS STAGE FOR ROCK THE HOUSE
Dallas Tyler will sing an original song Saturday, Nov. 15.
Courtesy photos
This year will be the third time John Ashley will perform at the Ocoee Music Festival.
PLAYOFF PICTURE Five football teams for West Orange and Southwest Orange still are alive in their respective quests for state championships. SEE PAGE 1B.
In addition to national acts, the 2025 Ocoee Music Festival also will feature three artists who call Central Florida home. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
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/rock-thehouse.
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 bit.ly/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.