W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 91, NO. 7
Meet SOBO’s Artist of the Month for February, PJ Svejda. SEE PAGE 7A.
FREE • THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024
Absolute fun-demonium! Windermere Elementary students saddled up for the 2024 Spring Carnival. SEE PAGE 5B.
Ocoee city manager candidate emerges
THE UNSOLVED
Dead ends
Several commissioners said their preference is to promote longtime Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix to the role. SEE PAGE 6A.
YOUR TOWN THE HEAT IS ON FOR CHILI COOKOFF
McKey Street in downtown Ocoee will be closed Saturday, Feb. 17, for the third annual Central Florida Chili Cookoff. The street party, set for noon to 4 p.m., is a fundraiser to support Legacy Events for Education and its mission to inspire students, teachers and communities to leave their legacy on the world. Sample 30 chilis provided by local restaurants and chefs, have a bite from food trucks and dessert vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and let your children play in the Kids Zone. Wristbands are $15 for adults and $7 for children (which includes Kids Zone entry). For tickets, visit bit. ly/3SUWNn5.
They’ll ink to that! Local athletes make their college selections on National Signing Day. 1B.
WELLNESS PARK CELEBRATES ONE YEAR
This sketch, completed by forensic artist Stephen Fusco, is based off of the skull found at the crime scene. The drawing gives a rough outline of what the possible unidentified subject could look like.
The Winter Garden Police Department is asking the community for information regarding unidentified remains found in 2004. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
CHAMBER PARTY HONORS LEADERS The West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Big Orange Awards featured a little Disney magic. 3A.
The city of Ocoee is hosting a block party to celebrate the one-year anniversary of its Healthy West Orange Wellness Park, 1320 S. Bluford Ave. The festivities are from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the park, located across from the Ocoee Police Department. Enjoy fitness activities, a rock-climbing wall, health resources, and music and dance performances. Take a walk around the ponds, enjoy the views on the boardwalk and meet local health partners. Admission is free and open to all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. Parking is at HighPoint Church, 476 Ocoee Commerce Parkway.
WIN $2,500 FOR YOUR SCHOOL!