Thursday, April 23, 2026

31 sloths found dead at Sloth World warehouse. Pistons even series 1-1. Industry Expo today. R.C. Stevens marks 100 years. Farmers Market Saturday.

Good Morning Winter Garden

Thursday, April 23, 2026

West Orange County, FL

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Your daily dispatch from the heart of West Orange County.

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Top Story · Public Safety

31 Sloths Found Dead at Sloth World Orlando-Owned Warehouse

Florida wildlife officials are investigating after 31 sloths were found dead at a warehouse connected to Sloth World Orlando, one of Central Florida's best-known exotic animal attractions.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating after 31 sloths died at a warehouse linked to Sloth World Orlando, Fox 35 reports. The deaths represent a significant animal welfare concern at one of the region's prominent exotic-animal tourism operations. Details on the cause of death and the warehouse's conditions are still emerging as FWC continues its inquiry. Sloth World operates interactive sloth encounters in the Orlando area and has drawn visitors from across Central Florida including West Orange County.

Pistons Bounce Back in Game 2, Even Playoff Series 1-1

Detroit stifled the Magic to take Game 2 and even the first-round series at 1-1. Game 3 heads to Little Caesars Arena — Orlando will need to regroup after a flat offensive performance. WFTV →

Oakland Extends Alternative Water Supply Project

The Town of Oakland has voted to extend its alternative water supply project, the Orange Observer reports. The move reflects ongoing efforts to secure long-term water reliability for one of West Orange County's fastest-growing communities. Orange Observer →

📣 This Week in Winter Garden

Take Your Child to Work Day. Industry Expo is this morning.

The West Orange Foundation's Industry Exploration Expo kicks off at 9 AM — a hands-on career day for local kids in Horizon West. Tonight, the Horizon West Networking Night heads to Orlando Health Hospital at 5:30 PM. Tomorrow is Fridays on the Plaza and the Family Friday Street Party at The Mark. Then Saturday brings the Farmers Market on Plant Street, the free beginner Pickleball Clinic, and Drug Take Back Day at Windermere PD.

Today: Industry Expo 🏭 Tonight: Networking Night Sat: Farmers Market 🌿

☀️ Sunny and Hot Through the Weekend

Winter Garden, FL · Apr 23 – 28 · NWS Melbourne

Slight chance PM showers today and Fri–Mon · E/SE winds 10–15 mph · NWS Melbourne

Mount Dora Man Arrested for Impersonating an Ocoee Firefighter

A Mount Dora man has been arrested after impersonating an Ocoee firefighter, WFTV and the Orange Observer report. Officials have not disclosed what the man did while posing as a first responder, but the case raises serious public safety concerns. WFTV →

Wine & Dine Event Raises $51K for West Orange Legacy Fund

The annual Wine & Dine fundraiser pulled in $51,000 for the West Orange Legacy Fund, the Orange Observer reports. The Legacy Fund supports local education and community initiatives across West Orange County. Orange Observer →

R.C. Stevens Construction Marks a Century in Business

R.C. Stevens Construction Co. is celebrating 100 years in the business, the Orange Observer reports. The West Orange-area firm is a rare example of a local company that has shaped the county's built environment across multiple generations. Orange Observer →

NASA Analyzing Artemis II Data as Next Moon Mission Takes Shape

NASA is deep in data analysis from Artemis II as the agency works toward its next crewed lunar mission, WFTV reports. The Artemis program remains one of the biggest economic and scientific stories for the Kennedy Space Center region. WFTV →

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Industry Exploration Expo 🏭 · HW Networking Night · Oakland Town Commission — Today

Expo: 9 AM · Horizon West · Networking: 5:30 PM · Orlando Health Hospital · horizonwesthappenings.com →

Fridays on the Plaza 🎪 · Family Friday Street Party at The Mark

Plaza: 8 AM–1 PM · Downtown Fountain & Pavilion · Street Party: 5 PM · The Mark · cwgdn.com →

Farmers Market 🌿 · Free Pickleball Clinic 🏓 · Drug Take Back Day (Windermere PD) 💊

Market: 8 AM–1 PM · Plant Street · Pickleball: Veterans Memorial Park · Drug Take Back: Windermere PD · cwgdn.com →

Oakland Planning & Zoning Board Meeting 🏛️

7 PM · Oakland Meeting Hall · oaklandfl.gov →

Earth Day Tote Giveaway Ends 🌎

Last day to claim free reusable tote · City Hall · cwgdn.com →

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Fox 35 · Orange Observer · WFTV · City of Winter Garden · Horizon West Happenings · NWS Melbourne · Apr 23, 2026

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