W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating 110 years in West Orange
CFCA hoops has high hopes this season. 13
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 83, NO. 49
YOUR TOWN Exhibit honors St. Augustine
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016
All is bright ...
ARTS & CULTURE
Both Winter Garden and Ocoee kicked off the Christmas season with their signature holiday events. See page 4.
Dr. Phillips ballerinas to star as Clara in “The Nutcracker.”
PAGE 9 An opening reception for the Art in Public Places exhibit at Winter Garden City Hall is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. The subject is St. Augustine, and the photographs were taken by artists at Crealde School of Art. The exhibit will remain on display until Feb. 17, 2017.
Spectrum takeover irks local customers
Donate to Reading Reindeer
Since it purchased Bright House Networks, Charter Communications has become the talk of the town. But not everyone has nice things to say. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Charter Communications — also called Charter Spectrum or Spectrum — has riled up strong emotions from some Central Floridians on its recent purchase of longtime cable provider Bright House Networks. West Orange residents have expressed multiple concerns,
WEST ORANGE
The Observer Media Group’s Reading Reindeer is collecting new books to be given to children in need at Christmastime. The Observer is partnering with Healthy West Orange to help reach its goal of 5,000 books. New books for children from infancy through middle school are being accepted for this annual literacy project. Books are distributed to 16 organizations. Red donation bins are set out in locations throughout West Orange County for donors to drop off books, including libraries, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and the Observer office. The community is invited to join the effort to improve literacy levels in West Orange County. Checks payable to Reading Reindeer also can be mailed to Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.
Brittany Gaines
Finn Seppi, 5, could hardly wait for the lights to be turned on at this year’s Light Up Winter Garden.
SEE TAKEOVER PAGE 5
Armstrong Air & Heating spearheads clothing drive
STRONG START
Armstrong has teamed up with Matthew’s Hope and Ocoee Taco Company to help keep families warm. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN For many Florida
residents, the rare cold snap is a welcome change during the winter months. But for those without a home, that drop in temperature can make for long — and potentially dangerous — nights outside.
That’s why Armstrong Air & Heating has teamed up with Matthew’s Hope to organize a Winter Wear Drive. The drive will collect new or used winter clothing, including coats, scarves, mittens and sweaters, for distribution to families in need. This is the first time the company is hostSEE WINTER PAGE 6
After months of planning and preparation, Mimi’s Community Theater will stage its first show. Page 3