W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
INSIDE:
SEASON
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FA L L 2 0 2 4 / W I N T E R 2 0 2 5
THE OBSERVER’S GUIDE TO ARTS AND SOCIETY
MUSIC DANCE ART THEATER BLACK TIE
FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024
VOLUME 91, NO. 39
Chi-Kin expands into Horizon West The popular Korean fried chicken eatery on Mills 50 will take the spot left vacant by BurgerFi. PAGE 2A.
FORCE FOR
NATURE
YOUR TOWN BLOOM & GROW TO HOST TREE GIVEAWAY The Bloom & Grow Garden Society will host its final pink trumpet tree giveaway and sale from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 2 at the city of Winter Garden facility, 238 W. Smith St., behind Crooked Can Brewery. The organization expects a large crowd for the event, as last year all of the trees were gone in about the first hour. The 250 free trees being given away this year are for Winter Garden residents only. Residents will be asked to show an ID at the event. For those who don’t live in Winter Garden or those wanting more than one tree, Bloom & Grow also will have 150 trees on sale for $20. The organization also will have specialty-designed Plant it Pink tree charms in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month for $5. For more information on the organization, visit bloomandgrow.club.
API TICKETS NOW ON SALE
One of Jennifer Hunt’s favorite outdoor activities is kayaking.
Courtesy photos
In the seven years she has led the Oakland Nature Preserve, Jennifer Hunt has expanded its programs and introduced generations to the wonders of the outdoors. SEE PAGE 4A.
GAME OF THE WEEK The Lake Buena Vista Vipers employ an old-school football mentality in their quest to be the area’s toughest team. SEE PAGE 1B.
Tickets and upgraded offerings have gone on sale for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which will be held from March 3 to 9, 2025, at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. General admission tickets start at $35 for the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday, $70 for Thursday and $80 for Friday through Sunday. Because the API is presented by Mastercard, cardholders will receive an exclusive 10% discount on all tickets when they purchase using their Mastercard. The upgraded offerings include a brand-new all-inclusive hospitality option called The Lakehouse, the return of the Orange Grove and the Fan Deck, while various of the API’s special events also are back for 2025. More information on tickets and special events is available at arnoldpalmerinvitational. com.
Special Hearts Farm project passes P&Z Great outdoors Oakland celebrates nature, conservation at its third annual Nature Fest last weekend. SEE 6A.
The project now will move to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. SEE PAGE 7A.