Monday, July 30
New 4 Rivers Smokehouse opens
New location opens
John Rivers served patrons for hours on Monday, July 30, the opening day for his new 4Rivers Smokehouse, just a block away from the beloved barbecue restaurant's original location.
Early voting starts Aug. 4
The skinny on three ways to vote: early voting, vote by mail or Election Day voting
Early Voting is one of three voting options available to voters. They also have the option to submit an absentee ballot to vote by mail.
Friday, July 27
Have a LUVly Weekend!
Have a LUVly Weekend!
Long & hectic weeks make the arrival of Friday that much sweeter! A few things you may want to take in this weekend and beyond . . . to help you relax!
Thursday, July 26
Wawa mania in East Orlando
East flocks to opening
To Marie Ramos, a Wawa hoagie is a little piece of home she’s been missing for six years. She and her husband, Phillip Ramos, traveled from their Waterford home to the Wawa grand opening in Goldenrod.
Wednesday, July 25
Lake Mary's Rowdy Gaines in London
Olympics' big shift
London Olympics commentator Rowdy Gaines of Lake Mary talks swimming’s evolution, Phelps’ future and the drowning epidemic.
Maria Alvarez-Simmons' goodbye letter
Summer Update & Farewell
Calendar
Design studio opens
Design Studio 15, a professional interior design firm, will mark the opening of its new Winter Park office with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, July 26.
Louis Roney: Let me call you something or other
The future of the American family depends upon slashing the president’s enormous spending. His present expenses are not sustainable.
Maitland City Talk
Maitland moves forward
For quite some many years now, the city of Maitland has found itself in various states of transition.
Letters to the editor
The Park Avenue zoning change is not good for Winter Park. We want shops along the Avenue that bring in consumers and tourists.
The Park Avenue zoning change is not good for Winter Park.
Chris Jepson: Less brute in the beast
Why not put more humanity in humans?
We have recently been reminded of exactly how far afield people go seeing themselves as agents of God’s handiwork.
Winter Park Political Mingle packs civic center
Candidates come to WP
Hundreds packed the main hall of the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center for the Winter Park Chamber's Political Mingle on Monday, July 23.
Maitland group helps raise money for injured service dog
A girl and her dog
This is a story of the unshakable bond between two of its victims: a 1-year-old medical service dog, and her beloved disabled 10-year-old friend.
Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar
The 6th Annual Target Family Theatre Festival, hosted by the Orlando Repertory Theatre, will be July 28 and 29 in Loch Haven Park.
Movie lovers of all ages may enjoy an exceptional selection of family-friendly movies ranging from silent comedy classics to popular favorites at Enzian’s annual Kidfest Summer Movies Series.
Maitland Food Truck Cafe here to stay
Continues going strong
Maitland’s Food Truck Café has seen large success since it first premiered 14 months ago.
Winter Park Diamond Dawgs near league lead
Two wins out of first
The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs are just a pair of wins out of first place in the Florida Collegiate Summer League standings.
Family Calendar
Celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day
Come celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day with Peterbrooke Chocolatier on Saturday, July 28.
Maitland City Council proposes tax increase
Proposed tax increase
The Maitland City Council is proposing to increase the city’s property tax rate for the first time since 2007.
Community Bulletin
Troop gives back
Maitland Troop gives gift to New Hope for Kids Center for Grieving Children.
Winter Park tables Park Avenue code changes
To be reviewed later
City Commission tables talks of code changes to southernmost block of Park Avenue.
Colibri brings authentic Mexican cuisine to Baldwin Park
Big plates, bigger taste
Colibri Mexican Cuisine brings authentic, spicy flavors to New Broad Street in Baldwin Park.
Clyde Moore: A saint among us
Judy Sarullo dedicates her life to saving pets in need in Central Florida through her organization, Pet Rescue by Judy.
She works to save pets
New Warner Chapel in Winter Park honored
Church wins award
New Warner Chapel Primitive Baptist Church and its pastor, Mitchell Dawkins, are recognized as the latest International Knights of Alberta prize honoree.
Maitland Chamber lays off executive director
Lays off its new director
The Maitland Chamber of Commerce is struggling to pull itself together — both fiscally and in management — following a shakeup in leadership.
Tom Carey: Fruits of our labors
Looking to grow berries in your backyard? Be sure you know what you're getting into.
Tips for growing tropical fruits in Central Florida.
Business Briefs
Bar la Carte at Fleming's
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers a new Bar la Carte menu with six new dishes.
Tuesday, July 24
Tuesdays Are In!
Tuesdays Are In!
I think Tuesdays have finally arrived! I've noticed more and more Local stores promoting specials FOR Tuesdays. And with Totally LOCAL Tuesday set to go weekly . . . watch for more!
Monday, July 23
THAT Was A BUSY Weekend!
THAT Was A BUSY Weekend!
That's the weekend that was . . . . DOGS, and baseball, and ice cream and wine and more dogs and owls and actors and so much more!
Friday, July 20
GREAT . . . . Everything's GREAT!
GREAT . . . . Everything's GREAT!
GREAT food, GREAT crowd, GREAT opportunity . . . . I guess I'm just in a good mood, but it all seems GREAT! And will continue on tomorrow!
Thursday, July 19
Join Us Tonight @ The Bistro!
Join Us Tonight @ The Bistro!
Join us tonight at The Bistro On Park Avenue, located in Winter Park's most charming courtyard, The Hidden Garden Courtyard! It's the Chamber's Business After Hours event starting at 5 p.m.!
Family Calendar
Family Theatre Festival
The Sixth Annual Target Family Theatre Festival in Loch Haven Park starts Friday, July 20.
Wednesday, July 18
Cash Mob on Park Avenue!
Cash Mob on Park Avenue!
So many remember the days of The East India Ice Cream Shop! Well . . . you can still get the East India ICE CREAM, but now at Briarpatch . . . join us on Saturday for an ice cream social cash mob!
Letters to the editor
Were property owners on the remainder of Park Avenue informed about this meeting?
Communication falters in rescheduling of Planning and Zoning meeting.
Maitland City Talk
Turning point for Art and History
When the termination of the lease was included on the agenda for July 9, I was glad.
Are you a Savage? Guide to adventure racing
How to adventure race
If you’re thinking about signing up for one of these events but feel unsure about how to get started, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Roney: Where it stops nobody knows
Everything in sight to do with our government gets larger at every glance.
Winter Park/Maitland teach free self-defense
Free classes every month
High number of women are attack victims, police say.
Chris Jepson: Where I spend my time
Philosophy and sorrow
If you have enough (life’s necessities) and are at all reflective, at some point in your life you reasonably ask, “How do I want to spend my time?”
Winter Park's Breakthrough Theater turns 3
Breakthrough turns 3
With the odds stacked against him, Wade chose to open the theater during the economic downturn, which partially inspired the theater’s name.
Protecting your body’s biggest organ
While family history of skin cancer increases your risk, most skin cancers are preventable.
In Florida, your skin gets plenty of exposure. Sun exposure not only greatly increases wrinkles, but also increases your risk of skin cancer.
Winter Park City Talk
Popcorn Flicks rescheduled
Due to the inclement weather last week, the "The Great Muppet Caper" has been rescheduled to Thursday, July 26.
Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar
In my whirlwind week in New York City, I went from theater to theater, and I’m happy to share my excitement with you.
There is a magnificent feeling when you know something is going to be good, and then you experience it and it turns out to exceed all of your greatest expectations.
Winter Park Diamond Dawgs streak reverses course
Team recovers from streak
A three-game skid had the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs reeling after a seven-game winning streak was snapped in dramatic fashion last week.
Veterinarians come calling
Pet vets make house calls
The days of traveling doctors are back, at least for our pets, in the form of veterinary house call practices.
Winter Park dance center teaches special needs students
Center's special dancers
The Center for Contemporary Dance in Winter Park offers dance classes for students with special needs.
Community Bulletin
World Series bound
Winter Park softball team bound for the Babe Ruth Softball League Regional Championships and World Series in August.
Winter Park considers rezoning parts of Park Ave
Rezoning vote July 23
Government offices and educational buildings could be coming to Park Avenue if a proposed change gets the green light from the City Commission on Monday.
Clyde Moore: No place like Park
Observer exclusive: The East India Ice Cream Co. is alive and well on the Avenue — just in a new form.
Why people and dogs love Park Avenue in Winter Park.
New Maitland city hall comes together
It opens next week
Maitland starts its move as finishing touches come together in new city hall.
Winter Park cheer gym expands size and programs
Cheer gym expands
Winter Park Cheer Athletics maximizes number of teams and programs in new, larger space.
Business Briefs
Grant for Coalition for the Homeless
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida receives a grant from Enterprise Holdings Foundation with the help of the Holler-Classic.
Is getting wired rewiring us?
Online addiction trends
Are our virtual addictions redefining more than communication, but what it means to be human?
Expect traffic congestion for Obama event
Visit rescheduled for Thursday
The president has rescheduled his appearance at the college for Thursday, Aug. 2.
Tuesday, July 17
Holy Bricks & Spanish Moss!
Holy Bricks & Spanish Moss!
Holy Bricks & Spanish Moss . . . . I think some of you are going to be a little shocked at a piece of information I have to share with you tomorrow! And YES, I'm a HUGE tease! :-)
Monday, July 16
BurgerFi Is Open!
I Predict BurgerFi Will Be A Big Hit
BurgerFi is now open on Park Avenue and the anticipation we've all felt has been worth it, I believe. Welcome BurgerFi!
Friday, July 13
Looking for a Bargain?
A Great Weekend For Hitting Park Avenue
Like to support LOCAL businesses? Well, here's another great week to do it! Come out to enjoy deals, Local products, delicious food and MORE!
Wednesday, July 11
Tom Carey: Huney bottles
American homesteaders knew the best place to plant an apple tree was the depression left at the location of last year’s outhouse.
American homesteaders knew the best place to plant an apple tree was the depression left at the location of last year’s outhouse.
Did Someone Say SALE?!
SALE, SALE, SALE!
Tomorrow I'm out and about and trying to capture some of the BEST deals to be had during this weekend's Park Avenue Sidewalk Sale!
Winter Park City Talk
Ask Winter Park
If you ever have any city-related questions and aren’t sure who to ask, click the “Ask Winter Park" button on the city's website.
Winter Park electric undergrounding half done
Mileage half complete
Winter Park’s initiative to underground more than 150 miles of power lines is nearly halfway complete in terms of mileage.
Turn your home into a green machine
Tips on the trend
Tips on how we can take part in the trend of reduce reuse recycle in our existing abodes.
Louis Roney: Bits and tidbits
There were no sun-blocking lotions in those days, and if we applied baby oil, it was probably a useless precaution.
The country needs some R & R — no, not rest and recreation, Romney and Rubio!
Real Estate Briefs
Mattamy Homes U.S. Group earned its second Grand Award in two years during the recent Home Builders Association of Metro Orlando’s Parade of Homes.
Peak Season Pops offer frozen treats in W.P./Maitland
Popsicle stand pops up
Frozen desserts in Maitland and Winter Park have never been healthier, for you or your dog.
Remit payroll taxes or pay big time
Seek help, avoid tax violations
IRS aggressively pursues business owners who fail to remit payroll taxes.
Maitland City Talk
Environmental Stormwater Utility — four years later
With more stringent water quality requirements on the horizon, Maitland will continue to be at the forefront of stormwater management.
Chris Jepson: What do women want?
I saw “Magic Mike” opening night, and I was one of maybe three men in a theater full of “ooohing” and “awwing” women.
"What do women want?" - Over the decades I have earnestly considered just that question.
Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar
Sample fine wines and artisan cheeses in the Audubon Park Garden District on July 14.
Wine lovers and cheese foodies can sample fine wines and artisan cheeses during the “Inaugural Garden Party Wine and Cheese Tasting” on July 14.
Two stories on Rollins nab state editorial awards
Stories about Rollins College's football team and senior photography class win state awards.
The Winter Park-Maitland Observer won awards in three categories at the Florida Press Association Better Weekly Newspaper awards on July 7.
Family Calendar
Free treats for Friday 13th
Celebrate Friday the 13th with free treats from Chick-fil-A and Pollo Tropical.
Underserved Maitland residents see progress
Area sees improvement
Maitland residents say they’ve seen the first steps toward equality in services in decades.
Winter Park Diamond Dawgs on win streak
Now tied for first
The Winter Park Diamond Dawgs are in a tie for the league lead after leaping two spots on the ladder thanks to a seven-game winning streak.
Maitland City Council offers A&H trial lease extension
Council offers trial extension
Vice Mayor Phil Bonus put forth a decision item July 9 to terminate the lease A&H currently has with the city of Maitland.
Community Bulletin
Miss Florida returns to UCF
Miss Florida and former Miss Winter Park returns to UCF as reign ends.
Winter Park budget calls for cuts
Movie nights could be next
The glow of the movie projector could go dark in Winter Park’s Central Park, one of a few cuts proposed at Monday’s City Commission meeting for the 2013 budget.
Clyde Moore: Sweet success
Sweet Shoppe's successes
Sassafras Sweet Shoppe is no longer just a local success story anymore — it's a national one.
Business Briefs
Corporate runners raise funds
More than 13,800 corporate runners and walkers, together with their fellow employees, helped raise $60,000 by participating in the IOA Corporate 5k.
Obituary: Jay R. Bradshaw
Musician loved the road
Jay R. Bradshaw, 58, of Oceanside, Calif., died in an auto accident on May 23, 2012.
Audubon celebrates growth in eagle population
Center holds celebration
Florida recently surpassed Minnesota as the No. 1 state in the lower 48 for active eagle nests.
Tuesday, July 10
Totally LOCAL Tuesday Is HERE!
Totally LOCAL Tuesday Is HERE!
Our second Totally Local Tuesday is here! Strive to stay TOTALLY Local today!
Tuesday, July 3
Women and retirement savings
Their future depends on it
Women have made great strides as professionally, yet one unfortunate fact remains: women are lagging behind men on retirement planning and saving.
Winter Park City Talk
CoffeeTalk with City Manager
Come to CoffeeTalk with City Manager Randy Knight from 8 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the Winter Park Welcome Center.
Winter Parker publishes D-Day eyewitness book
D-day witness writes book
John Raaen, a retired U.S. Army major general, recently released his book “Intact,” an eyewitness account of the D-Day invasion.
Luxury Trips plan once-in-a-lifetime vacations
Plan an unforgettable journey
Everyone deserves a break from their daily routine, and summer is the ideal season for your bucket-list getaway.
Senior Calendar
Group offers grief support
The Jewish Pavilion and Vitas Hospice are pleased to offer a free grief support group for people who have lost loved ones, next meeting July 26.
Senior Bulletin
New Senior Help Desk
Jewish Pavilion starts free Information and Referral Service available to seniors of all faiths and their family members.
Louis Roney: So proudly we hail
No place like the USA
Whatever concept of God you have, if you have been around the world a bit, you’ll recognize that “America” is a blessed piece of real estate.
Winter Park community unites to restore Mead Garden
Volunteers clean up garden
Volunteers from Full Sail and Summit Church help kick-off cleanup to keep Mead Garden and Winter Park beautiful.
Maitland City Talk
Police participate in task forces
Task force participation reaps benefits for Maitland.
Letters to the editor
Thoughts on renaming Lake Island Park
Winter Park’s past was nothing to be proud of and naming a park after Dr. King does little to erase that.
Maitland’s Legacies exhibit showcases city’s family history
Showcases city's history
The new and permanent exhibit features items of technological, economical and social importance to the city of Maitland.
Jewish Pavilion guides caregiving for Jewish elderly
Not everyone eats white bread
The Jewish Pavilion designed a booklet to familiarize long term care staff with Jewish culture.
East Side Regional Hob Nob at UCF goes nationwide
Hob nob brings out big names
Local politicians took the August and November elections for a test-drive at the East Side Regional Hob Nob on June 26 at UCF.
Josh Garrick: Culture Worthy of Your Calendar
Sounds of summer
The Orlando Philharmonic’s “Sounds of Summer” chamber music series continues with an all-tango program July 9.
Family Calendar
Popcorn flicks in Central Park
Enzian’s popcorn flicks in Central Park is featuring “The Great Muppet Caper” from 8-10 p.m. on Thursday, July 12.
Winter Park Diamond Dawgs snap streak
Defeat Leesburg Lightning
Winter Park and Sanford have watched other teams circle the bases as they run away with the Florida Collegiate Summer League regular season standings.
Community Bulletin
Students win science prize
Students from Orlando Science Schools won sixth place at the 2012 Science Olympiad National Tournament in Orlando.
Winter Park adds fine print to email disclaimer
New email disclaimer
A communication controversy seems to have been put to rest by the Winter Park City Commission Monday, but there’s a lot of fine print involved.
Clyde Moore: Totally Local Tuesday
Love to shop local
We are fortunate in Winter Park for many things, and while I realize it, it’s also nice to get gentle reminders.
Calendar
First Friday Festival
Baldwin Park’s First Friday Festival & Art Stroll will be 6-10 p.m. on Friday, July 6.
Alzheimer’s Association initiative focuses on boosting brain health
Help build a healthy brain
It takes more than a crossword puzzle and a bowl of blueberries to build a healthy brain.
Baldwin Park Talk
Fireworks and festivals
The Independence Day Bash this past Sunday in the Village Center was awesome.
AARP offers teachers driver safety discounts
If you can read this thank a teacher
Everyone who can read this: Please take a minute to thank a teacher.