SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 10, NO. 8
We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
A world they designed
Dr. Phillip High School’s defense is peaking at the exact right time. SEE PAGE 1B.
Residents, town review new restroom proposal
YOUR TOWN DONATE NEW BOOKS TO READING REINDEER
Orange Observer is continuing to collect books for its annual Reading Reindeer literacy program through Wednesday, Dec. 4, just in time to deliver brand-new books to local needy children for the holidays. Reading Reindeer collection bins are set up at many locations around West Orange County: n Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, at the Season of Trees’ Observer tree, 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland n Houseblend Café, 17030 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee n Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee n Chews a Puppy, 11167 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee n Hohman Rehab, 11095 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee; and 236 Mohawk Road, Clermont n Dr. Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Dr. Phillips/ Orlando n Sunset Park Elementary School, Horizon West/Winter Garden n Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden n West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden n Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays or by appointment) n Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden n Winter Garden Smiles, 1317 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 110-1291, Winter Garden n Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165, 700 Ninth St., Winter Garden n Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive n Hi-Lite Coaching & Consulting, throughout West Orange County n Bridgewater Elementary School, Horizon West/Winter Garden n C2 Education of Windermere, 8946 Conroy Windermere Road, Orlando n Baptiste Orthodontics, 8907 Conroy Windermere Road, Orlando
GAME OF THE WEEK
At a public meeting, Windermere staff shared plans for new restrooms in the Town Hall area and collected feedback from residents. SEE PAGE 6A.
Heart for helping
Photos courtesy of Venardos Circus
Husband, Manuel, left, and wife, IIenay Acosta, perform together on stage and travel together with their two children.
The families of the Broadway-style, animal-free circus are what make the show a family-friendly and fun event for parents and kids alike. SEE PAGE 4A.
A delight for the senses Nehrling Gardens’ Owl Prowl featured music, art, food and more. PAGE 6B.
Ashley Sweder is using her platform as Mrs. Albania World to help youth. SEE PAGE 3A.