In this edition
West Orange Venezuelans grieve deadly earthquakes · Eight Waves needs a van · 97° heat index 107° — hottest day yet · Big Friday tomorrow · New World Screwworm pet alert
THURSDAY, JULY 9 · ☀ 97° HEAT INDEX 107° — PEAK HEAT · WEST ORANGE VENEZUELANS GRIEVE EARTHQUAKES · BIG FRIDAY TOMORROW
THURSDAY, JULY 9, MMXXVI · WEST ORANGE CO., FL
Good Morning, Winter Garden
☀ 97° · Heat Index 107° · Mostly Sunny · Storms Possible After 5 PM
West Orange Community
West Orange’s Venezuelan community is grieving after deadly earthquakes struck their homeland.
West Orange County is home to a significant Venezuelan community, and many of those neighbors are grieving this week following deadly earthquakes in Venezuela, the Orange Observer reports. It’s a reminder that the people who make up our community carry deep ties to places far away — and that their sorrows are part of our shared life here too. If you know Venezuelan families in the area, this is a week to check in. Information on relief efforts and how to help may be available through local Venezuelan community organizations and the Observer’s coverage.
Eight Waves Is in Need of a New Van to Keep Serving Kids.
Eight Waves, the local nonprofit that provides adaptive aquatics programs for children with disabilities and special needs, is in need of a new van, the Orange Observer reports. If you’re in a position to help — or know someone who is — the Observer has the details on how to get involved. Orange Observer →
New World Screwworm: What Florida Pet Owners Need to Know.
Fox 35 has an important primer on the New World Screwworm, a deadly flesh-eating parasite that poses a serious risk to pets and livestock. Florida pet owners should read up on the signs to watch for and what steps to take if a pet shows symptoms — especially with outdoor animals this summer. Fox 35 →
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◆ Tomorrow in Winter Garden
Friday is stacked. Three things happening downtown.
Tomorrow is one of the fuller Fridays of the summer. The 2nd Fridays monthly block party kicks off at Flamingo Crossings at 6 PM. The City of Winter Garden launches its Dog Days of Summer PAW-ty art exhibit downtown at 7 PM — dogs on leashes welcome, with splash pads, artist meet-and-greets, and free merch for your pup. And Summer Flix screens The Princess Bride (PG) starting at 6 PM. Plan your route accordingly.
2nd Fridays 6 PM · Flamingo Crossings PAW-ty 7 PM Princess Bride Flix 6 PM
☀ 97° today, heat index 107°. The hottest day of the stretch.
5-DAY · NWS MELBOURNE · WINTER GARDEN, FL
Today is the peak — 97° with a heat index near 107° and only a slim 20% storm chance after 5 PM. Friday stays hot at 97° but is fully sunny with zero rain, making it a good day to be outdoors before noon. Saturday brings a 40% storm chance after 2 PM. Rain becomes more frequent Sunday and Monday as a wetter pattern builds.
More from West Orange and beyond.
Oakland Resident Transforms Backyard Into a Private Sniffspot Dog Park.
An Oakland resident has converted their backyard into a private dog park through Sniffspot — a platform that lets dog owners rent private outdoor space by the hour, the Orange Observer reports. It’s the kind of entrepreneurial, community-minded story that makes West Orange feel like West Orange. Orange Observer →
Former Dance Teacher-Student Duo Opening New Studio in Horizon West.
A former dance teacher and her former student are joining forces to open a new dance studio in Horizon West, the Orange Observer reports — a story about mentorship coming full circle in our own community. Details on the studio’s name, location, and opening timeline are in the Observer’s coverage. Orange Observer →
Artemis II Crew Returns to the Space Coast After History-Making Mission.
The Artemis II crew has returned to the Space Coast following their historic mission, WFTV reports — the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Florida’s space community has good reason to celebrate as the astronauts come home. WFTV Channel 9 →
Blue Spring State Park Starts Day-Use Reservations July 18.
Blue Spring State Park — a popular West Orange-region manatee spot — is introducing a day-use reservation system beginning July 18, WFTV reports. If you’ve been planning a visit, check ahead before heading over — walk-up access may be limited after the new program begins. WFTV Channel 9 →
2nd Fridays at Flamingo Crossings + PAW-ty Art Launch + Princess Bride Flix
Block Party 6 PM · PAW-ty 7 PM · Flix 6 PM · Fri
Farmers Market + Summer Bash at The Learning Experience
Market 8 AM–1 PM · Bash 7 PM · Sat
Horizon West Kids Expo
4:00 PM · Wed · Horizon West
Flamingos & Fuel Cruise Night at Flamingo Crossings
6:00 PM · Thu · Horizon West
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Orange Observer · WFTV · NWS Melbourne · City of Winter Garden · Horizon West Happenings · Fox 35 · July 9, 2026
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