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. 16
Foundation Academy celebrates success at State of the Academy. 6B.
FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025
‘Hate is too great a burden to bear’ The cities of Winter Garden and Ocoee celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday, Jan. 20. PAGE 3A.
YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE DEDICATING TENNIS COURTS
Michelle Snyder, foster parent: “Of all the things we go through, saying goodbye is the hardest. You come to think of them as your own.”
A safe haven
The Windermere Recreation Center tennis courts will be dedicated in honor of Doug Bowman during a ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Bowman was a 20-year volunteer with the town’s Parks & Recreation Committee and the Tennis Subcommittee. He also was in charge of Windermere’s tennis camps. Bowman died July 2, 2023, at 59 years old. A complimentary tennis skills event will be held after the ceremony. The Windermere Recreation Center is located at 11465 Park Ave., Windermere.
PREPPED FOR THE PLAYOFFS Amy Quesinberry Price
Michelle Snyder and her son, Ben Snyder Jr., have written about their experiences of opening their home to foster children. A large scrapbook carries photos of the more than 25 children who temporarily have been placed in their care.
Ben Snyder Jr., with the help of his mother, Michelle Snyder, has written a book that shares a biological child’s view of growing up in a household with more than 25 foster ‘siblings.’ STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Windermere increases tree mitigation fee Teams from West Orange and Southwest Orange prep for the postseason. SEE PAGE 1B.
The Windermere Town Council approved the measure at its Tuesday, Jan. 14, meeting. SEE PAGE 2A.
NOVEL IDEA This year, one of the book clubs at the Southwest Branch Library in Dr. Phillips is celebrating 20 years of page-turning history. SEE PAGE 5A.