W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 90, NO. 31
FREE • THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2023
Ocoee PD throws backpack bash Officers handed out school supplies to eager children. SEE STORY ON PAGE 5B.
YOUR TOWN
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Arroyo
WINDERMERE SEAMAN SERVING ON USS GERALD R. FORD
POOCH PERFORMANCE
Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Philip Riker, right, of Windermere, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Rholanda Tucker, from Palmdale, California, are both assigned to the Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213. They conducted routine maintenance on the 20mm gun from an F/A-18F Super Hornet in the hangar bay of the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on July 16. Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT AT ZANDERS PARK Students are returning to school in a few weeks, and the The city of Winter Garden is hosting a Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, at Zanders Park and Bouler Pool, 362 11th St., Winter Garden. The family-friendly event for Winter Garden families will include a free backpack and school supplies, free food, a deejay, foam party, water activities, relay races, community vendors and free haircuts by Orange Technical College – West Campus. No registration necessary. For information, call City Hall at (407) 656-4111.
Amy Quesinberry
Matteo Rodriguez sat among a bevy of trained dogs following a performance at the open house for Young Innovators Academy in Winter Garden. The Ministrelli Dog Show visited the early-childhood center Saturday, July 29. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Sewing squad turns surgical wraps into sleeping bags. SEE PAGE 7A.
ON THE FENCE: SEE PAGE 6A.
City amends budget for midyear adjustments
The Winter Garden City Commission approved changes to the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget. PAGE 5A.
Windermere town leaders seek park solutions.