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. 50
Observer Media Group mourns the loss of coowner Lisa Walsh. 5A.
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
‘We need more drivers’ A lack of drivers continues to cause problems with OCPS’ bus transportation. PAGE 7A.
ALL RISE: Court is in session
YOUR TOWN NATURE FEST IS SATURDAY AT ONP
The Oakland Nature Preserve and Orange Audubon Society are gearing up for the 2023 Nature Fest open house, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at ONP. Attendees can meet members of the environmental community, check out the children’s art tent and the vendors, participate in animal interactions and guided hikes, learn interesting facts from the various presentations, and more. Slots are still available for a boat tour of Lake Apopka. Register at oaklandnaturepreserve. wildapricot.org/naturefest. Admission to the festival is free, but all donations will benefit the mission of ONP.
City tables townhome development discussion The Winter Garden City Commission did not vote on a request to build 61 new townhomes at 1265 and 1271 Avalon Road. SEE PAGE 2A Annabelle Sikes
Nicolas Mujica, vice president; Maria Fernanda Sacchi, historian; Paulo Moreira, president; Maria Victoria Sacchi, secretary; and Raissa Oliveira, treasurer, lead the group.
Five students at Windermere High School are making a difference at the school by providing educational opportunities for their peers interested in law. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Athletes make a splash Windermere High School bests Windermere Preparatory School at season-opening meet. SEE PAGE 3B.
Windermere considers expansion of ramp hours The Fernwood Boat Ramp currently is open from dawn to dusk to follow Orange County standards. SEE PAGE 6A.
Kids lace up for Westly Westly’s Mile returns to schools throughout West Orange County. SEE PAGE 7B.