W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange
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VOLUME 85, NO. 7
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Scarface sneaks into Horizon West. SEE 4.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018
Cementing her legacy Tya Freeman became Legacy High’s first 1,000-point scorer. SEE PAGE 15.
Sugar-coated soireé
Family, friends remember Ocoee Fire Lt. James Kelley
Mr. Kelley served in the city’s fire department for 24 years. He died Feb. 4, after a battle with thyroid cancer. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR OCOEE You could say James Kelley was a man of many hobbies. Some included carpentry, collecting antiques, hunting, enjoying the soothing sounds of nature and spending time with friends and family. But, according to those closest to him, his favorite hobby was being the comedic relief and the source of someone’s laughter.
SEE REMEMBERING PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN Amy Quesinberry
The Winter Garden City Commission gave preliminary approval for a rezoning associated with a future commercial project on West Colonial Drive. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
Winter Garden city leaders approved unanimously the first reading of a rezoning request that would pave the way for an 18.25acre commercial development. Winter Garden Commissioner Mark Maciel recused himself from voting, because he is involved
in the project and stands to gain from its final approval. The commission granted its approval of Ordinance 18-09 during the Feb. 8 meeting, allowing the zoning classification for the property to be changed from Arterial Commercial District (C-2) to Planned Commercial SEE CITY PAGE 6
BLACK
Proposed 18.25-acre project receives initial approval
TIE
David Ray escorted his niece, Eymoni Wellington, left, and his daughters, Winter, front, and Summer to the annual Lake Whitney Elementary School Daddy-Daughter Dance. Fathers and daughters spent the evening of Friday, Feb. 2, dancing and snacking and playing games at Tanner Hall in Winter Garden.The theme was Candy Land, and the venue was full of bright and colorful decorations, including floor mats resembling the popular Hasbro game board. See more photos at OrangeObserver.com.
First Baptist Church Windermere rolled out the red carpet for the 2018 Night to Shine. PAGE 7.
WOMAN’S CLUB TO HOST FORUM The GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocoee will host its annual Political Forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in the Ocoee City Hall Commission Chambers, 150 Lakeshore Drive. The public is invited to meet and hear the candidates for City Commission Districts 2 and 4. Those attending will have the opportunity to submit written questions for the candidates. The forum will be televised on Spectrum — Channel 493. Questions from residents may be called in during the broadcast at (407) 5547118, or emailed to citizens@ ocoee.org In District 2 race, incumbent, Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen will face challenger Robert Rivera. The District 4 race will match George Oliver III against incumbent Commissioner Joel Keller.