W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 87, NO. 35
FREE
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OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020
Students return to campus
Despite storm, parade rolls on at Castleview. PAGES 10-13
About 30% of the Orange County Public School’s 212,000 students set foot on their school campuses again for the first time since March 13. SEE PAGE 4.
IN THIS ISSUE:
BUBBLING BUSINESS
HEALTH MATTERS
Ocoee OKs final site plan for hotel The commission approved a Comfort Inn/Mainstay Suites on the north side of West Colonial Drive near Marshall Farms Road. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR
Convalescent plasma has become a key ingredient in fighting COVID-19.
In a nearly three-hour meeting Tuesday, Aug. 18, the Ocoee City Commission discussed several topics — including the approval for a preliminary/ final site plan for a new Comfort Inn/Mainstay Suites. The 3.17-acre property is located at 11409 W. Colonial Drive — southeast of Marshall Farms Road. It is zoned as gen-
YOUR TOWN COUNTY LAUNCHES EVICTION RELIEF PROGRAM
SEE OCOEE PAGE 4
Orange County’s COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program opened for applications Tuesday, Aug. 25. The $20 million program is funded by the federal CARES Act allotted locally and the Florida Housing CARES Act — Coronavirus Relief Funds. The income-based program assists Orange County tenants in imminent danger of eviction and provides property owners with an alternative to eviction. It provides up to $4,000 in past-due rent for landlords and tenants who meet the eligibility criteria. To submit an application or for more information, visit bit. ly/2YOQKnR.
Brielle Porter is the creator of SudsUpSoaps, which sells handmade soaps with names such as Orange Creamsicle, Jelly Gems and Hipster Tie Dye. SEE PAGE 2. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
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Postal Customer
Courtesy photo
Brielle Porter creates her fun soaps in the kitchen of her family’s Stoneybrook West home.
PRIVATE PRACTICE West Orange-area private schools create leagues for fall sports. SEE PAGE 15.