W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Former MLB star Johnny Damon kicks off 2023 Squeeze season. PAGE 1B.
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023
VOLUME 90, NO. 23
Knights’ time to shine
Ocoee High School celebrated the members of its Class of 2023 at its graduation. PAGE 5B.
ALSO INSIDE: Windermere Preparatory School and Dr. Phillips High | 4B AND 6B
YOUR TOWN W.O. HABITAT RECEIVES GRANT West Orange Habitat for Humanity recently received a $5,000 grant from State Farm. “West Orange Habitat, working in close cooperation with the city of Winter Garden, is addressing the need for affordable housing in our community located in east Winter Garden,” Habitat officials said in a prepared statement. “This partnership provides the opportunity for low-income families to purchase their first home. ... In addition to our existing stalwart partners and volunteers, West Orange Habitat seeks strategic relationships with other interested corporations, churches, and community organizations to help us expand our volunteer and material resources, and hence our reach and impact for good.” The grant will go toward purchasing materials and supplies to help in the construction of affordable homes in Winter Garden.
Born to ride
Demonstration garden takes root in Ocoee
The garden promotes water conservation practices through Waterwise and FloridaFriendly landscaping. SEE PAGE 2A.
FREE-FLOWING MOVEMENTS The Centre for Dance & The Performing Arts is bringing the 2023 Global Water Dances to Lake Apopka. SEE PAGE 6A.
Annabelle Sikes
The Winter Garden City Commission will come to a final decision on the proposed annexation and development this week.
Anne Bingler got a law degree and then bought a horse farm. Now, she’s using her legal knowledge to fight not only for the future of her property — Crown Pointe Equestrian — but her way of life. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
OARS glides to nationals
The Orlando Area Rowing Society is sending nine boats — a club record — to the nationals competition. SEE PAGE 1B.