Liz Ramos

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Liz Ramos |Debra Garcia

Windermere’s Walter Toole smiled big as he watched Neil Asma, president and CEO of Toole’s Ace Hardware, use giant scissors to cut a ribbon outside the newest Toole’s Ace Hardware. Toole had been waiting about seven years for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Toole’s Ace Hardware of Windermere, signifying the opening of the 14th Ace Hardware location for Toole and his wife, Patricia. Finally, the day had come Monday, June 9.

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Liz Ramos

When Sue Chicone sees the clock tower in downtown Winter Garden, she’ll think of her husband, Jerry Chicone Jr. When she sees the mid-1940s railroad caboose outside the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, she’ll think of him. When she hears “Mr. Florida Citrus,” she’ll think of him. When she sees the slogan “Squeeze Oranges, Not Growers” on bumper stickers and signs, she’ll think of him.

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Liz Ramos

Eric Misura, a rising eighth-grader at Hamlin Middle School, joined his fellow clarinet players in the auditorium of Horizon High School. In unison, they started playing a portion of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”Although the clarinet players only had been playing together for four days during Horizon High School’s summer music camp, they were progressing in the song and as individual musicians.

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Liz Ramos

Ms. Bee's Gourmet Popcorn & Candy Shoppe is mourning the loss of its founder. Belinda Wilson, aka the store's Queen Bee, will be remembered for her kindness and commitment to the West Orange community. "She created a place for families to make memories that will live on forever," the store posted on Facebook.

2 weeks ago | orangeobserver.com | Liz Ramos

Mathew Baum, president of Wolverine Management, has devised a plethora of business plans while majoring in business at the University of Kentucky and throughout his career. Not many came to fruition. But 17 years ago, he created a business plan for a Mexican restaurant. He rediscovered the business plan about 10 years ago while moving files off an old computer and decided it was time to start conceptualizing it.