SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Duke Energy announces plans to file for increased base rates. SEE PAGE 5A.
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024
VOLUME 9, NO. 18
Down and derby Cub Scout Pack 978 hits top speed at Pinewood Derby. PAGE 7B.
Scout’s honor
WGPD uploads crimefighting tool Winter Garden PD tip411 allows residents to submit anonymous information through three different options. SEE PAGE 2A.
YOUR TOWN LET THEM EAT CAKE!
Annabelle Sikes
Rick Allen, Jake Carsten, Keith Carsten and CT Allen were all instrumental in creating the special project for the town.
Windermere resident Jake Carsten, 17, recently built a flag retirement box in the town of Windermere as part of his journey to earn the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. SEE PAGE 4A.
An exact science Tildenville Elementary School families spent an evening experimenting with the wonderful world of science. SEE PAGE 5B.
GLUTEN TAG! German bakery expands to new location Beneficial Breads found great success at its South Main Street storefront but outgrew it after being open just 14 months. SEE PAGE 6A.
Don your purple, green and gold to get in the mood for the city of Ocoee’s Mardi Gras Block Party. The party will be hopping from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, along McKey Street in downtown Ocoee. Downtown businesses will be open during the festivities to serve attendees. Mardi Gras Kitchen food truck will offer Cajun cuisine, and Orlando Gentleman of Jazz Dixieland Band will play traditional New Orleans tunes at 7 p.m. There will be family-friendly entertainment, face painting, musical chairs at 6:15, treasure hunt at 6:30, bead toss game at 7:45 and a contest for best mask. For more, call the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 905-3180.
WIN $2,500 FOR YOUR SCHOOL!