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 27, 2025
VOLUME 11, NO. 8
Panthers still on the prowl Dr. Phillips is the last local team standing in its quest for a state championship. SEE PAGE 7B.
When giving becomes the feast
YOUR TOWN
WINDERMERE ELEMENTARY HOSTING TOY DRIVE Windermere Elementary School is hosting a toy drive. The school is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children at Orange Center Elementary, a school serving families in need in the Parramore community. The school will be accepting donations until Friday, Dec. 5. The toys then will be part of a Holiday Shopping Day, where parents can choose what gifts to get for their kids, something the school says brings dignity, choice and cheer this season to families in need. The school said every toy makes a difference and helps spread the magic of the holiday. There also is an Amazon wish list that will ship items directly to the school. Visit amazon.com/hz/ wishlist/ls/21BZLBEXEV3SO to see the wishlist and make a difference this holiday season.
HI-LITE CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Courtesy photos
PTO members delivered food to firefighters on Thanksgiving.
For more than a decade, a PTOs from several Horizon West schools have gathered to donate Thanksgiving food to community members in need. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
County greenlights park plan additions Phase 1B of the Horizon West Regional Park will include a 2-acre open lawn, splash pad, and a boardwalk and floating dock to Lake Hartley. SEE PAGE 6A.
Publix at Lakeside Village donates dozens of loaves of bread for the Thanksgiving giveaway each year.
SCOUT’S HONOR
Local scout embarks on mission to create a database to find veterans buried at Woodlawn. SEE PAGE 3A.
Forever grateful to our heroes Winter Garden honored veterans at the ninth annual Challenge 22 Ruck Walk. PAGE 7A.
Congratulations to Jessica Villegas and Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary. Hi-Lite’s mission is to equip youth with a sense of clarity, direction that inspires a lifetime of confidence, resilience and continuous improvement. Because of this milestone, Hi-Lite offered a free, 1-hour private coaching session throughout the month of November. Teens were matched with a personalized coach based on their needs and goals. For more information, visit hilitecoaching.com.