SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
INSIDE:
SEASON
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 9, NO. 51
The Lake Buena Vista Vipers employ an old-school football mentality in their quest to be the area’s toughest team. 1B.
Around the world in 80 days Amrut Patel took 32 flights, visited 26 countries and spanned six continents during his two-and-one-half-month adventure. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.
The popular Korean fried chicken eatery on Mills 50 will take the spot left vacant by BurgerFi. PAGE 2A.
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
YOUR TOWN BLOOM & GROW TO HOST TREE GIVEAWAY
The Bloom & Grow Garden Society will host its final pink trumpet tree giveaway and sale from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 2 at the city of Winter Garden facility, 238 W. Smith St., behind Crooked Can Brewery. The organization expects a large crowd for the event, as last year all of the trees were gone in about the first hour. The 250 free trees being given away this year are for Winter Garden residents only. Residents will be asked to show an ID at the event. For those who don’t live in Winter Garden or those wanting more than one tree, Bloom & Grow also will have 150 trees on sale for $20. The organization also will have specialty-designed Plant it Pink tree charms in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for $5. For more information on the organization, visit bloomandgrow.club.
API TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Special Hearts Farm project passes P&Z
Tickets and upgraded offerings have gone on sale for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which will be held from March 3 to 9, 2025, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. General admission tickets start at $35 for the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, $70 for Thursday and $80 for Friday through Sunday. Because the API is presented by Mastercard, cardholders will receive an exclusive 10% discount on all tickets when they purchase using their Mastercard. The upgraded offerings include a brand-new all-inclusive hospitality option called The Lakehouse, the return of the Orange Grove and the Fan Deck, while various of the API’s special events also are back for 2025. More information on tickets and special events is available at arnoldpalmerinvitational. com.
The project now will move to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. SEE PAGE 7A.
Lucky charms
Amrut Patel paused for a photo at the Mount Everest base camp.
Water Spring students enjoy special night with grandparents. SEE 5B.
THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO ARTS AND SOCIETY
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
Game of the week Chi-Kin expands into H.W.
FA L L 2 0 2 4 / W I N T E R 2 0 2 5
Courtesy photo
Amrut Patel: I felt like I can make more money, but I can’t make more time.”