W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
There might not be another football player as perfectly named as Bryce Speed. 1B.
FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024
VOLUME 91, NO. 41
New homeless law in effect YOUR TOWN According to Matthew’s Hope, the Florida law already is affecting homeless residents in Winter Garden. SEE 2A.
The pile of debris cleared from Steinhatchee resident Betty Green’s home was enormous. Left: Horizon West resident Kayla Bushman helped to knock down one of the walls of Steinhatchee resident Betty Green’s home.
In their time of need
ORANGE COUNTY SHELTERS ARE OPEN
Ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival, Orange County has opened these shelter locations: n Apopka High School: 555 Martin St., Apopka (pet-friendly shelter) n Carver Middle School: 4500 W. Columbia St., Orlando (petfriendly shelter) n Colonial High School: 6100 Oleander Drive, Orlando (petfriendly shelter) n Lake Buena Vista High School: 11305 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando n Lake Nona High School: 12500 Narcoossee Road, Orlando (pet-friendly shelter) n Oak Ridge High School: 700 W. Oak Ridge Road, Orlando n Ocoee High School: 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee n Odyssey Middle School: 9290 Lee Vista Blvd., Orlando (pet-friendly shelter) n Timber Springs Middle School: 16001 Timber Park Lane, Orlando n Union Park Middle School: 1844 Westfall Drive, Orlando (pet-friendly shelter) n Wedgefield K-8: 3835 Bancroft Blvd., Orlando In addition, these special-needs shelters also are available: n Goldenrod Rec.: 4863 N. Goldenrod Road, Winter Park n Silver Star Rec.: 2801 N. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando n South Econ Park: 3850 S. Econlockhatchee Trail, Orlando Orange County residents requiring a PSN Shelter should dial 3-1-1 or call (407) 836-3111. LYNX will provide free service to shelter locations. For important information on what to bring to a shelter, visit ocfl.net/ shelters.
HORIZON WEST TO HOST PET FEST Attention pet-lovers: Horizon West will host is first Pet Fest this weekend. Horizon West Happenings’ Pet Fest is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. This event is designed to bring together pet owners, animal-lovers and the entire community for a day of fun. The inaugural event will feature local vendors, pet products and services, adoption drives, and much more. Attendees also will enjoy fun activities and contests, such as agility courses and giveaways. As of press time, this event was still scheduled as planned.
Annabelle Sikes
Volunteers from the Orlando West Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints took a picture in front of Steinhatchee resident Minnie Pope’s home with her neighbor, Ken Pender.
Courtesy photo
Horizon West resident Corbin Clouser, center, flew essential supplies and resources to those in need in North Carolina.
After seeing the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, members of the West Orange community sprung into action. STORIES ON PAGES 8-9A.
EDGEWOOD SADDLES UP FOR DINNER, AUCTION
Edgewood Children’s Ranch is saddling up for its Country Round-Up Dinner and Auction. The annual event takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee. The evening will feature a reception, silent auction, delicious dinner and, of course, the always-entertaining live auction. For more, visit edgewoodranch.com. As of press time, this event was still scheduled as planned.