SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Summer scenes inspire Art Room campers PAGE 7B.
FREE • THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024
VOLUME 9, NO. 39
Meet our elections supervisor David Caicedo ran straight into the foam pit in the kids zone during the event.
SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY
Ocoee’s Glen Gilzean focuses on transparency as county’s supervisor of elections. PAGE 3A.
YOUR TOWN SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS Do you have a burning question before you head to the polls to vote for your next Orange County commissioner? If so, here’s your chance. The Observer will host the Orange County Commission District 1 Candidate Debate at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, at Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, 7011 Kiran Patel Drive, Winter Garden. In addition to questions from our editorial staff, the debate will include questions from our readers. To submit questions for consideration, email to Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver. com. Please write “District 1 Candidate Debate Question” in the subject line. Limited debate tickets are available. To secure yours, visit orangeobserver.com/debate.
Above: The rain didn’t slow down the Fourth Of July festivities at the Independence Firework Spectacular in Horizon West. Right: Robson, left, and Michele Santos, right, enjoyed the kids zone with their four children — Thomas, Cleo, Sophie and Theo.
The Independence Village in Horizon West kicked off the Fourth of July celebrations with its annual fireworks event. More events take place Thursday. SEE PAGE 4A. Photos by Sam Albuequerque
EXPERIENCE: THE BEST TEACHER
Rural district designation The Lake Avalon Rural Preservation District highlights county’s June decisions. PAGE 6A.
BRAINFOOD Windermere Prep alum, UF softball player Mia Williams is sharing her knowledge with area student-athletes. 8A.
The Orange County Library System has opportunities for kids to learn coding skills. 6B.