W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange
Ocoee league advocates change to Babe Ruth. 13.
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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VOLUME 85, NO. 28
YOUR TOWN
THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2018
Big air under the Big Top
MULLINGS COMPLETES TRAINING U.S. Air Force Airman Shikema L. Mullings graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas.
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Campers fly at Footworks studio. SEE PAGE 3.
Story-driven Winter Garden resident Leonard Archie Wilson’s new book is based on stories he heard growing up and was inspired by his mother. STORY ON PAGE 4.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Mullings is the daughter of Stafford and Donnarie Mullings of Winter Garden and a 2014 graduate of West Orange High School.
THE 411 ON 689 Central Florida to get new area code DANIELLE HENDRIX
Amy Quesinberry
“A Jamaican Family’s Saga,” by Leonard Archie Wilson, is available in book stores and online.
SUMMER SCIENCE
BLACK TIE EDITOR
With Orange County’s population increasing about 17.5% since 2010 — and Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties following suit in growth — the 407 area code soon will be exhausted. The Florida Public Service Commission announced July 10 that because new Central Florida phone numbers are in such high demand, a new area code will make its appearance within the next year. The 689 area code will overlay the existing 407 area code. With all available 407 phone SEE 689 PAGE 4
OCPS homeless student count increases by 58% Survey data indicates the number of Orange County students living in unstable housing circumstances increased by 3,542 since last year. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR
Crossings Church in Winter Garden experimented with summer fun at Science Camp. SEE PAGE 9.
The number of homeless students attending Orange County Public Schools has increased by about 58% since the 2016-17 school year. According to OCPS spokes-
woman Lorena Arias, OCPS identified 6,134 homeless students during the 2016-2017 school year, but survey estimates rose to 9,676 during the 2017-18 school year — an increase of 3,542. It’s suspected the increase was SEE HOMELESS PAGE 4