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. 43
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023
Ocoee PD throws backpack bash Officers handed out school supplies to eager children. SEE STORY ON PAGE 5B.
Musician strikes a new chord
YOUR TOWN
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Arroyo
WINDERMERE SEAMAN SERVING ON USS GERALD R. FORD Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Philip Riker, right, of Windermere, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Rholanda Tucker, from Palmdale, California, are both assigned to the Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213. They conducted routine maintenance on the 20mm gun from an F/A-18F Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on July 16. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
ANNABELLE SIKES
Well-known artist developer Michael Walker has more than 25 years of experience as a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, songwriter and instructor. Now, he is using his talents to embark on a new journey: releasing his own music. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Sewing squad City amends turns surgical budget for midyear adjustments wraps into The Winter Garden City sleeping bags. Commission approved changes SEE PAGE 7A.
to the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget. PAGE 5A.
ON THE FENCE: SEE PAGE 6A.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT AT ZANDERS PARK Students are returning to school in a few weeks, and the The city of Winter Garden is hosting a Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Zanders Park and Bouler Pool, 362 11th St., Winter Garden. The family-friendly event for Winter Garden families will include a free backpack and school supplies, free food, a deejay, foam party, water activities, relay races, community vendors and free haircuts by Orange Technical College – West Campus. No registration necessary. For information, call City Hall at (407) 656-4111.
Windermere town leaders seeks park solutions.