SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 8, NO. 24
Elena Friedman undergoes knee surgeries. PAGE 1B.
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2023
Crooked’s Celtic celebration Crooked Can brewery celebrated St. Patrick’s Day weekend. PAGE 5A.
Voice voyage
YOUR TOWN ENJOY AN EVENING AT THE POPS
The Rotary Club of Winter Garden, in partnership with the city of Winter Garden, is hosting Evening at the Pops featuring the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 25. It takes place at Newton Park on the shores of Lake Apopka. General admission tickets are $10; children 8 and younger are free. VIP tickets are $75 and include reserved seating, dinner, drinks and live entertainment by HAPCO Music Foundation at Tanner Hall. Tickets are available at Winter Garden City Hall and the Winter Garden Heritage Museum or online at bit.ly/rotaryclub1. An instrumental petting zoo for children begins at 4:30 p.m.
MATTHEW’S HOPE TURNING 13 The Matthew’s Hope homeless ministry is looking for donors as it celebrates its 13th anniversary in West Orange County. Scott Billue founded the ministry 13 years ago with the intentions of getting homeless residents and families back on their feet and off the streets. The mission holds true still today. Donations are vital to the organization, and Matthew’s Hope relies on regular donors and annual fundraisers to help fund the various programs offered by the ministry. Billue is looking for sustaining donors willing to give $13 monthly for the next 13 months. To donate, visit bit. ly/3li4ANY. Andrea Mujica
Mikala Banham plays myriad instruments, including the ukulele. However, her favorite way to make music is with her voice.
Windermere resident Mikala Banham spent years auditioning to The Voice until she finally was able to make it to the blind auditions round, becoming part of Team Niall. SEE PAGE 4A.
Windermere Council discusses variances The two separate variances, which pertain to a sports court and a home expansion, were approved unanimously at the Town Council meeting. SEE PAGE 4A.
END OF AN ERA
LIFE IN FEAR
West Orange County folks are mourning the loss of their beloved Maryland Fried Chicken restaurant in Winter Garden and are making sure they get their crispy meal one last time before it closes for good.
Ye’vette Toms has started a vlog to share her story of living with agoraphobia. SEE PAGE 6A.
SEE PAGE 3A.