W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating 110 years in West Orange
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Local graduates turn their tassels. PAGE 10.
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VOLUME 84, NO. 22
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THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017
All gave some ... Some gave all West Orange residents honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice at three Memorial Day events. PAGES 6-7.
Three injured in Winter Garden block party shooting
YOUR TOWN ELKS HOST CHARITY BALL The Winter Garden Elks Lodge 2165 recently held its 57th Annual Charity Ball, which raises funds for the lodge’s major statewide projects. The Outstanding Citizen of the Year was Brian Smith, president of the West Orange Girls Club. The Outstanding Firefighter Award was given to fire prevention specialist Victoria Rutherford, of the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department. Receiving the Police Officer of the Year Award was detective Dave Vernon, with the Winter Garden Police Department. The recipient of the Veteran of the Year Award was Sgt. Russell Pelaquin, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975. The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award was presented to support person Patsy Minor, of Dillard Street Elementary School. The Elk Officer of the Year Award went to Esteemed Loyal Knight Pam Smith, presented by Exalted Ruler Roy LaBossiere. Nancy Jernigan received the top Elk of the Year Award. The Gavel Award was presented to outgoing Exalted Ruler LaBossiere by incoming Exalted Ruler Bob Warren.
Police officials said they are investigating a shooting that took place following an argument.
When in drought … The St. Johns River Water Management District estimates it will take several months for groundwater levels to return to normal despite the coming rainfall this weekend.
SEE STORY ON PAGE 4
GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Three people were shot after an argument escalated Friday, May 26, according to Winter Garden Police Department reports. The shooting occurred at about 2 a.m. in front of a home at the corner of Bay Street and Bethune Avenue where a wake was being held following a funeral. The argument turned violent when someone, standing in the middle of a crowd, shot at one of the people involved in the argument. Three people were shot and transported to a hospital to receive medical treatment. “At some point, several subjects were in an argument near the intersection of Bay Street and Bethune Avenue,” Lt. WINTER GARDEN
Abnormally dry Moderate drought Severe drought Extreme drought
SEE WAKE PAGE 5
Exceptional drought
ARTS & CULTURE
Big Easy owners open new Latin-American cantina Casa Jimenez opened on Stoneybrook West Parkway last month. BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER
For years, Morgan and Misti Jimenez have dreamed of opening a second restaurant. They already tasted success with The Big Easy, located at the intersection of Stoneybrook West Parkway and Avalon Road, but they wanted to expand their brand. What they never imagined was that their expansion would be just WINTER GARDEN
Brittany Gaines
After finding success at their restaurant The Big Easy, Misti and Morgan Jimenez decided to open a second restaurant, Casa Jimenez.
across the street from their first restaurant. “Opening a second restaurant was always on the radar, maybe doing another Big Easy,” Morgan said. “We were looking at other areas, but we love Winter Garden. So when the opportunity came across the street, I figured I’d just do something else (instead of another Big Easy).” To decide what kind of food to serve at the new restaurant, the couple turned to their loyal Big Easy patrons for help. “I did a survey asking people what kind of food they need for this area, and a lot of them were talking about Latin American and SEE SOUTH PAGE 5
SHOUT IT OUT LOUD School of Rock opens new facility in Dr. Phillips.
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