Orange Observer News | West Orange and Windermere News and Real Estate

Cops Corner

July 31, 2025

Officer embodies WGPD standards in response to motorcycle crash

Officer Brian Drechsel went above and beyond to make sure the crash victim’s family was notified in the middle of the night.

July 11, 2025

New officers welcomed to the Ocoee Police Department

On Monday, July 7, the city of Ocoee announced two new members of the police department.

June 25, 2025

Ocoee plans to crack down on parking violations

Police Chief Vincent Ogburn and the city commission discussed new enforcement measures such as escalating citation fines to deter parking violations.

June 4, 2025

West Orange Dream Center set to host women’s self-defense class

The class will be led by Windermere Police Chief and lifelong martial artist Dave Ogden from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 7.

May 6, 2025

Ocoee PD partnering with Project ChildSafe to give away free gun locks

The local police department and firearm safety education program have teamed up to help communities store firearms safely and securely.

May 4, 2025

PHOTOS: Ocoee PD hosts annual community picnic

The Ocoee Police Department welcomed folks to Vandergrift Central Park for a day of fun at its annual community picnic event.

Business

February 23, 2026

Property purchases signal major changes to downtown Winter Garden

One individual — James Larweth — has spent more than $40 million since 2015 to buy 36 residential and commercial properties — all in downtown Winter Garden. No one knows his plans.

February 19, 2026

Three Birds Café supporters plan demonstration

The demonstration is planned for 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, outside the cafe, 2 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.

February 16, 2026

Three Birds Café to close in Winter Garden

The final day for the café will be Thursday, Feb. 26.

January 30, 2026

JETSET Pilates coming to Winter Garden

The modern pilates studio signed a lease at 16 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Winter Garden veteran’s book captures experience of war

Air Force Capt. Michael Makatura shares experiences of his squadron serving in the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm in his new book.