W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2024
VOLUME 91, NO. 15
Nothin’ but a good time Bret Michaels is just one of several headliners at this year’s Ocoee Music Festival April 12-13. SEE PAGE 6A.
YOUR TOWN ROTARY’S LOBSTER AND LAUGHS RETURNS
Rotary Club of Windermere brings back its longstanding lobster dinner and entertainment event at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and live entertainment by Daniel Giandoni of Kostyra Kimlat’s “See Magic Live.” There will be an extensive silent auction, including a signed guitar from Taylor Swift, a boating tour of the Butler Chain and many items from local businesses. All proceeds go to help local youth and veterans. Tickets are available at TicketStripe.com/LobsterandLaughs.
‘The purpose will come’
NEHRLING GARDENS TO STEP INTO SPRING
Nehrling Gardens is holding its annual spring fundraising event, Stepping into Spring, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the gardens, 2267 Hampel Ave., Gotha. The event includes the sale of caladium bulbs and plants, children’s activities, raffle and silent auction, live music, food and drink, and how-to talks. The event is free, but for $20, attendees will receive a raffle ticket, food and drink, a goody bag, and an exclusive tour of the historic Palm Cottage home of Dr. Henry Nehrling. Visit nehrlinggardens.org to purchase VIP tickets. Monies collected go to the preservation of Nehrling Gardens.
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Annabelle Sikes
The Hutchinson family is seeking help from the community following a tragic incident.
Courtesy photo
Resort-style development to move forward Horizon West residents voiced little opposition to a developer’s request to construct a resort-style development with related amenities and retail uses. SEE PAGE 8A.
Only three days after moving into their new home, Julie Hutchinson and her three adopted grandchildren — two with special needs — have lost everything in an unexpected house fire in West Orange County. STORY ON 4A.
A FEVER DREAM! The Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s Spring Fever in the Garden took over Plant Street. SEE PAGE 8B.
Oliver reclaims District 4 seat George Oliver III is officially back on the Ocoee City Commission. PAGE 8A.