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, DECEMBER 11, 2025
VOLUME 11, NO. 10
They’ve got spirit, yes, they do! Windermere Prep’s competitive cheerleading team is ready for another run at states. SEE PAGE 9A.
New home. Same Special Hearts Special Hearts Farm has acquired a new 19-acre home in Horizon West. The property will allow the nonprofit to fully fulfill its vision in assisting people with disabilities. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Special Hearts Farm works to create creating memories and a sense of purpose and responsibility through animal care.
Horizon West resident wants new laws governing e-bikes Linda Sibley has created a petition regarding rules and laws she wishes to be implemented for e-bikes and mopeds. PAGE 3A.
A REEL GOOD TIME
Water Spring Elementary students and families enjoy Winter Drive-In movie night. SEE PAGE 13A.
YOUR TOWN OCOEE TO HOST FULL DAY OF HOLIDAY CHEER Ocoee will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Jolly Jamboree and Tree Lighting this weekend. The event takes place from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. In addition, the city’s annual dog parade will take over downtown Ocoee at 1 p.m. Attendees of the Jolly Jamboree will enjoy Santa’s Village, a kids zone, special guests, tree lighting and much more.
CHABAD TO HOST CHANUKAH CELEBRATION
Courtesy photo
What a bright time! Windermere caps off its centennial year by burying a time capsule at Holiday Hoopla. PAGE 6A.
Chabad of Winter Garden will celebrate Chanukah with a huge celebration this weekend. Chabad’s Chanukah Celebration will take place at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at 240 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The event will include a menorah lighting, donuts, live deejay, balloon twisting, stiltwalkers, magic and much more. Admission is free. For more information, click visit JewishWinterGarden.com/ Chanukah.
NEHRLING GARDENS TO CELEBRATE 14TH AMARYLLIS FESTIVAL
Nehrling Gardens will celebrate the holiday season with its 14th annual Holiday Amaryllis Festival this weekend. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. The gardens will feature beautiful and rare amaryllis bulbs for sale; pictures with Santa; owls and birds of prey; a holiday market; family photo ops; food trucks; holiday treats and more.