Orange Observer

06/19/2026

Are you excited?

The gelato store will be located at 153 Sugar Belle Drive, Suite F, Winter Garden.

06/18/2026

Winter Garden Little League coach Ryan Ledford has spent his whole life in the community as a player and now a coach. After a diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, the community is returning its support.

Winter Garden Little League coach Ryan Ledford has spent his whole life in the community as a player and now a coach. After a diagnosis of a rare blood cancer, the community is returning its support to him.

06/18/2026

Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams estimates the city will lose $13.5 million over the next two years if voters approve the property tax proposal in November..

Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams estimates the city will lose $13.5 million over the next two years if the property tax proposal passes.

06/18/2026

Windermere Town Council wants answers to potential funding replacements if the property tax reform proposal is passed in November and plans to engage the community to see what they would like if the town needs to make cuts to services.

Windermere Town Council is sending a letter to the Florida Legislature to share concerns regarding the potential impact of the proposed property tax legislation.

06/18/2026

SUMMER MEMORIES START HERE

Reconnect. Relax. Explore.

Imagine gathering with family, friends, colleagues, or your organization surrounded by breathtaking sunsets, wide-open spaces, and authentic Florida adventure.

Whether you're planning a family reunion, church retreat, corporate getaway, team-building experience, or special celebration, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo offers the perfect setting to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Add a little adventure to your event with unforgettable experiences like guided airboat rides through the headwaters of the Everglades or exciting swamp buggy tours across Florida's natural landscapes. It's the perfect way to create shared memories that your guests will be talking about long after the event ends.

• 16,500 Sq. Ft. of Flexible Event Space
• Customized Group Activities & Team-Building Experiences
• Airboat Rides & Swamp Buggy Adventures
• Accommodations from Lodge Rooms to Luxury Teepees
• Unique Outdoor Venues & Scenic Waterfront Views

This summer, trade the ordinary for an unforgettable experience.

Retreats. Reunions. Celebrations. Adventures.

We've got the space for it.

ranchmeetings.westgateresorts.com

06/18/2026

Come celebrate America250 with us in Hamlin this weekend!

This free event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden.

06/18/2026

🏠🔑🤝 A Keene’s Pointe mansion tops Windermere home sales from June 1-7. Check out all the weekly real-estate sales in our exclusive report.

Jay Martin, Real Estate

The home at 9121 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold June 5, for $13,200,000.

06/18/2026

Orange County Library System (FL) is encouraging EVERYONE to read for 30 days during Summer at Your Library June 1-July 26. Reading a little a day goes a long way; just a few minutes a day boosts language, focus, empathy, and a love for lifelong learning. And, reading is reading! Audiobooks, magazines, graphic novels, newspapers, blogs, and more all count! Plus, adults and youth who complete the 30-day reading challenge can enter to win prizes! Find out more at ocls.org/summer.

06/17/2026

Those with children or family members with Down syndrome consider themselves "the lucky few."

Click below to learn all the ways they are lucky, and what individuals with Down syndrome are achieving in our communities!

Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida

There are more than 1,200 people with Trisomy 21 — aka Down syndrome — in Orange County — and each has a story to share. They make an impact in the communities in which they live, work and visit.

06/17/2026

Southwest Middle School's Principal Damian Rosado will begin his new position Tuesday, June 30.

Principal Damian Rosado will begin his new position Tuesday, June 30.