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. 48
We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!
FREE • THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
A delight for the senses Nehrling Gardens’ Owl Prowl Art and Wine Wander featured music, art, food and more. SEE PAGE 6B.
YOUR TOWN DONATE NEW BOOKS TO READING REINDEER
Orange Observer is continuing to collect books for its annual Reading Reindeer literacy program through Wednesday, Dec. 4, just in time to deliver brand-new books to local needy children for the holidays. Reading Reindeer collection bins are set up at many locations around West Orange County: n Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, at the Season of Trees’ Observer tree, 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland n Houseblend Café, 17030 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee n Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee n Chews a Puppy, 11167 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee n Hohman Rehab, 11095 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee; and 236 Mohawk Road, Clermont n Dr. Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Dr. Phillips/ Orlando n Sunset Park Elementary School, Horizon West/Winter Garden n Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden n West Orange Chamber of Commerce, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden n Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays or by appointment) n Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden n Winter Garden Smiles, 1317 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 110-1291, Winter Garden n Winter Garden Elks Lodge #2165, 700 Ninth St., Winter Garden n Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive n Hi-Lite Coaching & Consulting, throughout West Orange County n Bridgewater Elementary School, Horizon West/Winter Garden n C2 Education of Windermere, 8946 Conroy Windermere Road, Orlando n Baptiste Orthodontics, 8907 Conroy Windermere Road, Orlando
REAL ESTATE
A Willows at Lake Rhea home topped all real-estate sales from Nov. 15 to 22. SEE PAGES 8-9A.
Nature calls Nicole O’Brien has assumed the position of director at the Oakland Nature Preserve. She is familiar with the preserve, having worked there for six years as coordinator for both animal care and volunteers. SEE 4A.
Nicole O’Brien loves being in nature and has the perfect job as director of the Oakland Nature Preserve.
Torah Center project draws community’s ire Orange County staff is scheduling a second meeting in December so more residents have a chance to ask questions and share their opinions on the Orlando Torah Center project. SEE PAGE 2A.
GAME OF THE WEEK Dr. Phillip High School’s defense is peaking at the exact right time. SEE PAGE 1B.
Amy Quesinberry Price