SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 8, NO. 52
FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023
Matthew’s Hope goes wild It was steampunk-meets-western at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising party. 8A.
FOR
ANCHOR OTHERS
City, residents pleased with Stoneybrook Exchange
NATURAL WONDERS
The Winter Garden City Commission approved plans for the Stoneybrook Exchange, a nearly 90,000-square-foot commercial development. 6A.
Oakland Nature Preserve hosts Nature Fest. SEE PAGE 7A.
YOUR TOWN OAKLAND SWINGS WITH JAZZ CONCERT
Former OCPS teacher fired, arrested for child porn
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue into October with “Music Under the Oaks,” from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in VanderLey Park, 117 E. Gulley Ave. This free outdoor music event also will offer Latin food vendors, artisan craft booths coordinated by Orange Blossom Market, and wine and beer by West Orange Creamery. The evening will feature the #CubanAmerican Trio, presented by HAPCO, playing modern jazz. Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano fronts this internationally acclaimed trio, accompanied by renowned Cuban drummer Ludwig Afonso and Grammy-nominated New York City bassist Edward Pérez. Guests can take a lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the show. Coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Parking is available at the Family Church field at Oakland Avenue and Tubb Street.
Ryan Hamil, 22, worked at Water Spring Middle School and the YMCA. 2A.
Starting strong
OCOEE TO CELEBRATE UNITY PARK
Courtesy photo
Leah Stiles served 20 years in the U.S. Navy before coming to Horizon West.
Lake Buena Vista is 3-1 so far this season. SEE PAGE 1B.
Horizon West resident and veteran Leah Stiles is using her nonprofit, SeaWaves, to raise awareness about eating disorders for those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
The city of Ocoee is holding a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new Unity Park at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. The park is at 130 N. Cumberland Ave. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The city also will recognize Ocoee’s 100-year anniversary. As part of the celebration, the West Oaks Library will set up a StoryWalk along the park’s walking path featuring the book, “Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems.” Attendees are invited to take a stroll and enjoy reading in the outdoors.