SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2024
VOLUME 9, NO. 20
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE TO UNLEASH PETFEST The Windermere PetFest returns for a seventh year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, and folks are invited to take their pets along. The event is held at the town square and hosted by the town of Windermere’s Parks and Recreation Committee. The day will include petfriendly activities, entertainment and a number of vendors selling pet-related merchandise. Admission is free.
WIN $2,500 FOR YOUR SCHOOL!
Winter Garden hosts Little Cupid’s Carnival for local children. SEE PAGE 5B.
11-hour jam session
The 2024 Winter Garden Music Festival takes place Saturday, Feb. 24. ORANGEOBSERVER.COM
14 ORIGINALS
ARE YOU READY TO TAKE OVER THE TRAILS?
Join Healthy West Orange Trails Connection for Take Over the Trails Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, when community partners will have activities, giveaways and safety information along the trail starting at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. As you walk, run, or roll down the West Orange Trail, stop by and learn more about the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection and its work to maintain and improve trails in the community. Oakland’s new farmers market also will be taking place at that time.
Courtesy photos
The inaugural employees celebrated 40 years at the resort with the help of Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings.
The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort celebrated its anniversary Thursday, Feb. 1. In doing so, it honored 14 employees who have been there since Day One. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Bringing the heat! Despite the rain, chili chefs threw down at the Central Florida Chili Cook Off. 3A.
Disney project progresses A 1,400-unit affordable-housing project clears Planning & Zoning hurdle. 6A.
PANTHERS ON TRACK FOR 3-PEAT The Dr. Phillips girls basketball team cruised to the regional final with a 73-29 beatdown of Centennial. SEE 3B.