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. 38
Observer Media Group mourns the loss of coowner Lisa Walsh. 5A.
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
‘We need more drivers’ A lack of drivers continues to cause problems with OCPS’ bus transportation. PAGE 7A.
Challenges & Changes
YOUR TOWN NATURE FEST IS SATURDAY AT ONP
The Oakland Nature Preserve and Orange Audubon Society are gearing up for the 2023 Nature Fest open house, to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at ONP. Attendees can meet members of the environmental community, check out the children’s art tent and the vendors, participate in animal interactions and guided hikes, learn interesting facts from the various presentations, and more. Slots are still available for a boat tour of Lake Apopka. Register at oaklandnaturepreserve. wildapricot.org/naturefest. Admission to the festival is free, but all donations will benefit the mission of ONP.
City tables townhome development discussion The Winter Garden City Commission did not vote on a request to build 61 new townhomes at 1265 and 1271 Avalon Road. SEE PAGE 2A
Catherine Terrell’s collection of Care Bears brightens up her kindergarten classroom at Tildenville Elementary.
Amy Quesinberry
Catherine Terrell was forced to find a new career after a serious car crash left her with injuries that ultimately resulted in her having a leg amputated. The former convenience store manager now teaches kindergarten students at Tildenville Elementary School. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Athletes make a splash Windermere High bests Windermere Prep at season-opening meet. SEE PAGE 3B.
Windermere considers expansion of ramp hours The Fernwood Boat Ramp currently is open from dawn to dusk to follow Orange County standards. SEE PAGE 6A.
Kids lace up for Westly Westly’s Mile returns to schools throughout West Orange County. SEE PAGE 7B.