SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Observer
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Can you believe it? The 2023 hurricane season is upon us.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2023
VOLUME 8, NO. 33
ADVERSITY OVERCOME
IN THIS ISSUE:
We’re in a grad mood! In this special edition, we celebrate the members of the incredible Class of 2023.
The Class of 2023’s four years of high school coincided with all the trials and tribulations related to COVID-19. Its members endured virtual learning, masks and social distancing. While lesser classes might have faltered, this one rolled with it all, adapted and came out even stronger.
YOUR TOWN EVENTS PLANNED FOR MEMORIAL DAY There are several ways to remember our fallen heroes in honor of Memorial Day. The city of Ocoee will hold its first in-person Memorial Day Ceremony since 2019. The ceremony will honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The public is invited to attend. First Sgt. Daila Espeut-Jones, a retired combat veteran with 22 years of service in the U.S. Army, will be the keynote speaker. During her military tenure, she served in many positions around the world, which includes squad leader, platoon sergeant, training non-commissioned officer, customs supervisor, plans supervisor, area support team leader, Korean linguist, senior transportation supervisor, first sergeant and acting transportation division sergeant major. Woodlawn Memorial Park is hosting its 73rd annual Memorial Day Celebration at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, in front of the Christ Mosaic, at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. The program will pay respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and include recognition of the United States Armed Forces, guest speakers and music. The city of Winter Garden will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 29, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave. The community is invited to a roll call of veterans, placement of wreaths and patriotic songs to honor and remember local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
ROAD RAGE Horizon West residents are banding together to fight the ongoing drag-racing problem in the area. STORY ON PAGE 4A. Courtesy photos
Horizon West residents fear the street racing problem in the community will worsen once school is out for the summer.
AdventHealth opens new ER in Horizon West The new emergency room will cater to Disney Cast Members, guests and residents living in Horizon West and Southwest Orange. PAGE 6A.
GROWING TREND ON SOCIAL Dr. Andre Baptiste has amassed quite the online following through his gardening pursuits. PAGE 3A.
FAITHFUL SERVANTS Foundation seniors celebrated the end of high school. SEE PAGE 19A.
OTHER GRADUATIONS IN THIS ISSUE: Olympia High...............PAGE 20 Windermere High........PAGE 21