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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.

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Latest News

1
  • May 13, 2026
Ocoee police warns residents of bank fraud scam
2
  • May 13, 2026
New summer hours for farmers markets in Oakland
3
  • May 13, 2026
New cardiologist at AdventHealth Winter Garden
4
  • May 13, 2026
Rosen JCC now offering kindergarten program
5
  • May 13, 2026
Ocoee Fire seeks volunteers for Citizens Advisory Council

Neighborhood

  • May 13, 2026
Keeping childhood memories alive through Hess-tory
  • May 12, 2026
Winter Garden veteran’s book captures experience of war
  • May 11, 2026
Foundation for a Healthier West Orange welcomes new member to board of directors
  • May 11, 2026
Ocoee experiences reclaimed water outage
  • May 10, 2026
PHOTOS: Panther Pride Day 2026
  • May 6, 2026
Lake Buena Vista Rotary tees up for 10th annual golf tourney
  • May 6, 2026
Orlando Health doctor to have double the joy on Mother's Day
  • May 6, 2026
Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal: Ocoee Elementary registrar to retire
  • May 5, 2026
Alma Matters: Ocoee High School alum to perform at Rolling Loud
  • May 5, 2026
PHOTOS: 3rd Annual Oakland Car Stroll
  • May 3, 2026
PHOTOS: Ocoee Police Department’s Community Picnic 2026
  • May 2, 2026
PHOTOS: West Orange Junior Service League's Run for the Roses 2026

Arts & Entertainment

  • May 13, 2026
West Orange ready to celebrate America's 250th anniversary
  • May 12, 2026
Oakland Nature Preserve to offer Meditative Hike and Yoga at the Lake
  • May 12, 2026
State Rep. Eskamani to host supply drive for former Spirit Airlines employees
  • May 12, 2026
Town of Windermere to host Armed Forces Day 2026

Winter Garden Livestream of the Downtown Area

House Wise

  • March 26, 2026
Outdoor kitchens help complete Florida lifestyle

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s the perfect time to consider adding or revamping your outdoor kitchen.

Sponsored Content
  • March 26, 2026
Downtown Winter Garden business changes will affect nearby residents

RE/MAX real-estate adviser Carmelo Nuccio has built his business on intimate knowledge of Winter Garden.

Sponsored Content
  • February 26, 2026
Local insurance agent Jo Barsh says regular insurance reviews are critical to ensuring you have the right amount of coverage for your home.

Be proactive now to prevent major heartbreak later

Sponsored Content
  • February 26, 2026
To start your gardening journey

Have you ever wanted to plant a garden but didn’t know how to start?

Sponsored Content

Schools

  • May 13, 2026
OCPS School Board announces administrative personnel changes

New assistant principals and principals were announced during the school board meeting Tuesday, May 12.

  • May 13, 2026
Alma Matters: The First Academy's alumna now guitar instructor, performer
  • May 13, 2026
Graduation 2026: They Understood the Assignment
  • May 12, 2026
Canvas app has been restored
  • May 11, 2026
Winter Garden sets road closures for WOHS senior parade

Sports

  • May 13, 2026
Dr. Phillips spring football game moved to Winter Park

The Panthers no longer will host their spring game Tuesday, May 19.

  • May 12, 2026
Horizon boys volleyball wins regional championship, eyes Final Four
  • May 12, 2026
Stars Academy 2015 Top Team's captain prepares for soccer overseas
  • May 12, 2026
The First Academy boys weightlifter becomes the first to claim state title
  • May 12, 2026
Athlete of the Week: Kennedy Guzak, West Orange Girls Club

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Things to Do

  • May 13, 2026
West Orange ready to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

As the United States turns 250, cities and towns around the nation are celebrating this milestone. Winter Garden and Hamlin are getting ready for the celebrations with lots of festivities already planned.

  • May 12, 2026
Oakland Nature Preserve to offer Meditative Hike and Yoga at the Lake
  • May 12, 2026
State Rep. Eskamani to host supply drive for former Spirit Airlines employees

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Opinion

1
  • February 12, 2026
  • By Michael Eng
OBSERVED: New digs! Observer returns to Dillard Street
2
  • September 18, 2025
  • By Megan Bruinsma
Introducing myself to you: The Observer's new writer, Megan Bruinsma
3
  • September 17, 2025
  • By Jeff Lawrence | Between Faith & Reason
MY VIEW: How then shall we live?

Real Estate

  • May 13, 2026
Wynwood home tops Ocoee home sales from May 4 to 10
  • May 12, 2026
Enclave estate tops Horizon West home sales from May 4 to 10
  • May 11, 2026
Golden Oak mansion sells for $9.25 million
  • May 8, 2026
Deer Island estate tops Winter Garden home sales from April 27 to May 3

Photo Galleries

  • May 10, 2026
PHOTOS: Panther Pride Day 2026
  • May 5, 2026
PHOTOS: 3rd Annual Oakland Car Stroll
  • May 3, 2026
PHOTOS: Ocoee Police Department’s Community Picnic 2026
  • May 2, 2026
PHOTOS: West Orange Junior Service League's Run for the Roses 2026
  • May 2, 2026
PHOTOS: 2026 Ocoee Cinco de Mayo Block Party
  • April 26, 2026
PHOTOS: Rosen JCC presents Israel: North to South
  • April 25, 2026
PHOTOS: CFCA's Festival of the Arts

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