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. 11
Scottie Scheffler wins Arnold Palmer Invitational. 3B.
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2024
Ocoee approves new manager Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix will succeed longtime City Manager Robert Frank, who is retiring after nearly two decades. SEE 2A.
CANDIDATE Q&A WINTER GARDEN DISTRICT 2
STARK DETERMINATION Mayor Kathy Stark has fiercely led her small town of Oakland for decades, determined to vote in the best interests of the residents she was elected to serve. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
YOUR TOWN
GET YOUR TIRES PUMPED UP FOR FOLA 40 BIKE RIDE Friends of Lake Apopka is hosting its seventh annual FOLA 40 — a bicycle ride around Lake Apopka, Florida’s fourth-largest lake. Participants can choose from 8-, 16-, 32- and 40-mile rides, and hybrid, mountain or cyclocross bikes are recommended. The 40-mile ride begins at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Winter Garden; all other distances start at Magnolia Park, Apopka. For information, email info@ fola.org. To register, visit bikereg.com/7th.
ONP SEEKS MATCHING FUNDS
Oakland Nature Preserve has received a challenge match grant for its environmental programs. This grant will provide matching funds of $10,000 if preserve staff, volunteers and guests are able to raise $10,000. Donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, so contributions have double the impact and will directly help fund the preserve’s mission throughout 2024. Visit: OaklandNaturePreserve.org/ donate to make a donation or discover other ways to give. For information, call (407) 905-0054.
WINTER GARDEN DISTRICT 3
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY Amy Quesinberry
Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark is retiring from her mayoral position with the town to allow someone else a chance to continue the Town Commission work she started 30 years ago.
EVENING OF ENCHANTMENT Hamlin Elementary School daughters and dads danced the night away during their special event that featured music, fun decorations and Tinker Bell. SEE PAGE 5B.
Two parties in West Orange County are being held this weekend to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Crooked Can Brewing Co. is hosting its annual Celtic Fest 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, March 15, through Sunday, March 17, at the Plant Street Market, 426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The event will include a plethora of beer, games, music and other entertainment. A free Hamlin Block Party will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the Lake District/Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. There will be music, giant yard games, photo opportunities, children’s crafts and a 3D photo booth, as well as beer, wine, and Irish food and drink available for purchase.