WINDERMERE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 33
ARTS & CULTURE
FREE
Awesome Andi
School makes a big splash at first Spring Fling. 10 •
THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016
YOUR TOWN Town manager wins League of Cities award
From the moment Maureen Wright found out her baby had Down syndrome, the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida was there. Now, the family realizes the treasure they have in Andi and give back. See page 4
Ocoee family shares Indian culture through music.
Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith was named the Tri-County League of Cities’ Executive of the Year April 29 at the league’s annual awards banquet. The league represents the municipalities from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. In making its decision, the league noted the situation Smith had inherited regarding the police department and shrinking financial reserves. “Four years later Windermere is a shining example of what can happen under professional leadership, citizen involvement and open, honest communication,” the league said in a statement. “The police department, which some had called to be eliminated, now consistently places among the top three departments in the state for its size. Windermere’s reserves have quadrupled in four years to over 25% of its annual budget.”
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Horizon West developer announces new shops Dunkin’ Donuts, Tijuana Flats, Gators Dockside and more will be open for business when Westside Shoppes near Lakeside Village opens next year. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST
Horizon West residents living near Lakeside Village will soon have a Dunkin’ Donuts, Tijuana Flats and more to call their own. Unicorp National Developments Inc. bought the 117-acre site — located at the corner of Winter Garden-Vineland Road and Lakeside Village, across from Publix and McDonald’s — in October 2015 as part of plans to turn it into a mixeduse development, with restaurants, shops and homes. Plans indicate that there also will be a middle school in the future. One of the first phases of this project, the Westside Shoppes, consists of a total of 70,700 square feet and includes six buildings with individual retail spaces, as well as three outparcel buildings. Unicorp Senior Vice President Amy Schuemann said the company started planning with its architect in 2014 and that the shops will not be just another strip center, but rather SEE SHOPPES PAGE 4
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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
Jennifer Nesslar
The Wrights, Ocoee residents, are grateful for the support of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida.
“I think we have a pretty abnormal experience, but I like it. Some things are a little more difficult, but some things easier. Some typical everyday stuff like going to the movies is a bit harder, but Andi is worth it. She gives you lots of love, and she’s really caring for everyone.” — Julianna Wright
John Lennon tribute artist to headline May 21 benefit. Page 9