01.06.22 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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VOLUME 7, NO. 14

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

A WINDERMERE REPEAT!

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or our second annual Observer School Zone Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest, we received dozens of beautiful images depicting student achievement and success from schools throughout the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities. Some showcased athletic prowess,

while others captured beautiful moments of teamwork and camaraderie.

However, after all votes were cast, for the second consecutive year, Windermere High School’s marching band emerged as our winner. This photo, submitted by Sandy Pyko, features the Marching Wolverines during their

state competition performance.

The photo garnered more than 1,200 votes, and thanks to contest sponsor Healthy West Orange, the band will receive $2,500 to bolster its program.

For more contest photos, see page 2 or visit OrangeObserver.com and click on “Contests.”

SEE RUNNERS-UP ON PAGE 2

YOUR TOWN CHURCH LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAMS

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church is starting multiple programs for adults in the new year. This includes Breathing Space with Pastor Melissa on Mondays, a Tuesday morning women’s study starting Feb. 1, Encountering God with Andrea Batchelor starting Jan. 11, a Thursday morning men’s group beginning Jan. 13, and a Sisters of the PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Soul biweekly program in which participants read “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” starting Jan. 27.

For more information and to register, visit st.lukes.org/adults.

The church is at 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.

CITY UNCORKS WINE WALK If you love great wine, great music and tasty food, the Winter Garden Wine Walk is a great way to enjoy all three.

Wine tastings, food pair-

ings, shopping and fun with friends in downtown Winter Garden.

Join the Garden Choir Thursday, Jan. 6, and enjoy wines in more than a dozen designated tasting locations along Plant Street. Check-in ticket options are 6:30 and 6:45 p.m.

The Winter Garden Wine Walk is a singleprice admission event that includes a wine glass and printed guide to tasting spots at local merchant locations.

Each tasting spot has a sponsored winery and light food bites.

Tickets are $15 to $35.

For more, visit wintergardenwinewalk.com.

The city’s change comes after Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings instituted a similar one for county employees in county buildings.

Winter Garden reinstated its mask mandate for city employees, effective Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

The change is in response to a rise in COVID-19 cases caused by the Omicron variant.

“With the infection rate increasing, we are taking some steps to control the spreading of it,” Commissioner Ron Mueller said of the mandate.

Zoning and Permitting and Human Resources Departments have temporarily relocated to Historic Town Hall, located at 220 N. Tubb.

St. The temporary transition is in preparation for both departments’ permanent move to 2 W. Oakland Ave. scheduled for this month.

The offices will remain fully operational from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays.

OAKLAND MOVING WINTER GARDEN DEPARTMENTS REINSTATES MANDATE The town of Oakland’s Planning,

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2022 FORECAST

Respect the past, build for the future In his new role, Winter Garden Interim City Manager Jon Williams will draw from a long history of public service.

JIM CARCHIDI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

J

on Williams has served Winter Garden as assistant city manager of public services since 2018, but he will begin 2022 with a new job and an ongoing focus on some long-standing projects.

The list of services under Williams’ watch include: utilities, engineering, streets and storm water, garbage, and capital improvements.

He has overseen the construction of a new water storage and pumping facility, the expansion of a wastewater reclamation facility, and several road improvements. But his latest challenge came when former city manager Mike Bollhoefer announced his resignation during the Oct. 14 City Commission meeting. A motion to promote Williams to interim city manager was made just a few minutes later by Winter Garden Mayor John Rees.

“Everything I have observed from him has been positive,” Rees said of the decision to promote Williams.

“He works well with the public, has a finance background, he’s very knowledgable, and he’s had this kind of experience in the past.”

‘AHA MOMENT’

To hear Williams speak of his experience is a lesson in humility. His greatest blessings are his wife, Dorothy, who was his high school sweetheart, and their daughter, Emily, who currently is attending the University of Florida College of Nursing.

“I’m pretty much an open book,” he said. “Not a very exciting guy.”

But that’s really not the case.

Williams moved in 1979 to Florida from Columbus, Ohio. He attended New Smyrna Beach High School and, like many recent graduates, decided he needed some time to find his path.

“I was a non-traditional student,” he said. “I graduated high school and wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. I went into the military, then went back to school to earn my degree.”

He spent seven years in the Army National Guard, from 1989-95, but his path to public service became clear during the summer of 1992.

“I was deployed with the National Guard to provide relief after Hurricane Andrew came through,” he said. “That was probably my turning point, my ‘aha moment,’ if you will,” he said.

Williams was 19 years old when he witnessed the destruction the Category 5 hurricane left in Miami-Dade County.

“I was relatively young,” he said.

“Obviously, that was a devastating storm for South Florida. So, being deployed and experiencing that firsthand was a bit of a shock. But, you know, through that process, we provided assistance with food distribution, security, clothing distribution. … We really got a sense of accomplishment and left there knowing that we made a measurable difference in people’s lives. It was after that experience that I knew I wanted to work in public services in some form or fashion. It really solidified it for me.”

CITY SERVICE

After his National Guard service, Williams attended the University of Central Florida, where he majored in businesses administration with a concentration in accounting, and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2004. He served the city of Edgewater as code enforcement officer from 1999 to 2000 and as finance director from 2002-06. He then took on the role of city manager for 18 months, from 2006-2007.

Additional experience in city government came from 2008-09 during his employment at Government Services Group, providing government contract services for a variety of government entities.

He went on to serve as finance director for the city of Longwood from 2009-11, then accepted the role

Jim Carchidi

Winter Garden Interim City Manager Jon Williams has a long history of public service.

of city manager from 2011-18.

His future in Winter Garden was decided during his time in Longwood, when he visited City Hall for a meeting with the man he would eventually replace: Bollhoefer.

“I knew that if an opportunity ever presented itself, I wanted to come over here and join team Winter Garden,” Williams said. “By that time the assistant city manager for public services position had opened, so I applied for it and that new role started for me in 2018.”

The team environment and level of efficiency Williams saw during that first visit were contributing factors in his desire to join, but one Winter Garden attribute sealed the deal.

“Our family-friendly environment,” he said. “I want to make sure we preserve that, it makes a huge difference for me.”

A NOD TO THE PAST

Williams enjoys being outdoors in his spare time — boating, fishing, grilling and taking advantage of the Florida weather help him to unwind.

He’s also had a respect for history since childhood and enjoys reading about significant events in American history. It’s this interest that helps him in his job.

Winter Garden’s 118-year history is visible on every corner and in every building. Its charm and character rely on maintaining and respecting that history. And it’s Williams’ responsibility — and pleasure — to do just that.

“When we have development opportunities come before us, we go to great lengths to look at the city history and how any new development is going to fit into that history,” he said. “It’s an important process, but it’s a process that’s already there so, from my perspective, it’s not very difficult.”

His new role involves overseeing many items that have been on his plate since he began his previous role. But when assessing the priorities of the next six months, one project seems to stand out.

“Right after I first was hired as the assistant city manager, we had to select the engineering design firm for the Dillard Street redesign,” he said. “And so, taking that project through the design and now getting ready to bid it out and get it built — it’s one project that I was intimately involved with from the beginning.”

Dillard Street serves as the gateway to downtown Winter Garden.

Courtesy

Construction on the health and wellness project at Tucker Ranch could begin in the second quarter of the year.

A study conducted in 2017 determined its average annual daily traffic to be 23,730 vehicles, and it shows.

The resulting road wear, along with outdated infrastructure and lack of pedestrian-friendly features, create a stark contrast from the updated, well-maintained features of Plant Street.

Redesign plans include: a center median which can be used when making a left-hand turn; new landscaping and a dedicated bicycle lane; and speed decreases from 35 mph to 25 mph in some areas.

“What really makes it unique is, we’re going to have three roundabouts,” Williams said. “One at Plant Street, one at Smith Street, and one at Story Road. And we’re doing an overhead-to-underground conversion for the electrical services.

Everything with the exception of the new, high-energy transmission lines and one that crosses over to the substation for Duke Energy.”

According to Williams, project design is complete and the city is in the process of acquiring the necessary right of way.

“The more right of way we acquire, the closer that puts us to getting the construction documents out for bid and selecting the contractor to perform the work; we’re targeting first quarter for the bidding,” he said.

Another major project on the city’s 2022 agenda, Tucker Ranch, remains in the design stage and may not get to the construction stage until second quarter or later. The big issue for Dillard Street and Tucker Ranch is the same all construction projects have

been facing for the past 12 months.

“We’re all in this unique environment where supply-chain issues are impacting the timing of projects, delaying the start dates,” Williams said. “It would be our desire to start in the second quarter, but the availability of materials could be one reason that it’s not started until, say, the third quarter.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Williams’ dedication to the task at hand prevents him from looking too far into the future. For him, his new role is about staying the course the community has come to expect.

“The immediate goal is just to make the transition as seamless as possible,” he said. “We’re going to evaluate some of our processes over time and see if there are some changes that may be necessary. We certainly will continue to build on the momentum that has made Winter Garden great; we’re certainly going to continue to preserve the charm and the family-friendly environment. I haven’t really looked too far down the road yet, but certainly we’ll be doing what’s best for the city.”

Williams’ record stands for itself and he wants to build on it — but not for himself. His motivation in his new role is the same as it was as a finance director, and as a government contractor, and as a 19-yearold soldier in the aftermath of a Category 5 hurricane.

“Allow the passion to make a difference in people’s lives to serve as the motivation for public service,” he said.

“When we have development opportunities come before us, we go to great lengths to look at the city history and how any new development is going to fit into that history. It’s an important process, but it’s a process that’s already there so, from my perspective, it’s not very difficult.”

— Jon Williams

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2022 FORECAST

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Michael Eng

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the health care giant is making progress on several developments in the West Orange community.

Mind, body and spirit AdventHealth will celebrate this year the completion of its inpatient tower in Winter Garden.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

A

d a p ta t i o n , e d u c a t i o n , growth, perseverance.

These four words were used consistently by President and CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden Kari Vargas when describing the health care organization’s experience throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

During the COVID-19 Delta surge, in the AdventHealth Central Florida Division alone, which includes Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Polk, Volusia and Flagler counties, the organization had more than 1,600 patients.

“We tried to be the trusted source to our community when it had questions,” Vargas said of AdventHealth.

“As we learned more and more, we wanted to share that information with our loved ones and extended family in the community.”

Now, despite all odds, the health care giant is making progress and distinctive developments in West Orange.

Perhaps some of the most notable recent developments at AdventHealth Winter Garden are the upcoming opening of the inpatient tower; the new services being offered, including advanced gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology and general surgery; AdventHealth and the city of Winter Garden partnering to build a holistic health and wellness campus at Tucker Ranch; and the new leadership at the location.

ADVENTHEALTH WINTER GARDEN

In April 2021, the location announced the city was one big step closer to having a full-service hospital, with the celebration of a major construction milestone for AdventHealth’s inpatient tower, which broke ground in 2019.

Team members from the health center and general contractor Brasfield and Gorrie marked the “top-

ping out” of the building with a special ceremony at the Winter Garden campus.

The centuries-old “topping out” tradition involves hoisting a beam topped by a tree to the top of the structure.

The organization said in this case, the beam was covered in hundreds of digital signatures from members of the community, and an orange tree was used to honor the area’s agricultural heritage.

The tree symbolizes growth and is meant to bring good luck to the building.

“The tower is there to complement the existing services we already have,” Vargas said. “It will be a full-service community hospital. We want people to be able to receive their trusted AdventHealth care close to home.”

At completion, the five-story tower will have 80 beds. The tower will measure about 227,000 square feet and will include more than 15,500 cubic yards of concrete, enough to build a new 18-mile, twolane road from AdventHealth Winter Garden to AdventHealth Orlando. It will contain more than 1,750 tons of structural and reinforcing steel, comparable to the weight of 21 space shuttles.

Vargas said the organization designed the building with the patient at the center of their thinking.

The project will generate about 400 construction jobs. When complete, it will bring 400 medical and support jobs to the community.

The inpatient tower is expected to reach completion this spring.

NEW SERVICES

A big part of the anticipated inpatient tower is the multitude of new services that will be offered.

The new services include advanced gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, spine health and urology.

“Providing care in a convenient location close to home is a key part of our mission,” said Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Winter Garden. “We know that the presence and emotional support of loved ones during a hospital stay helps the healing process.”

The newest service that has joined

is the orthopedic line with Rothman Orthopaedics.

On Feb. 23, 2021, AdventHealth broke ground on a new state-ofthe-art health care center in Orlando. The center will bring a range of new and expanded services to the region.

The long-term partnership with AdventHealth and Philadelphiabased Rothman Orthopaedic Institute was announced in 2020. The partnership aims to bring worldrenowned sub-specialized care to Central Florida.

According to AdventHealth, the tower will serve as Rothman Orthopaedics Central Florida headquarters and will be utilized clinically for a sub-specialized practice, as well as research and academics.

The building also will include space for other AdventHealth services, including neuroscience, imaging, rehabilitation and research, offering comprehensive outpatient care all in one location.

Located next to Interstate 4, just north of the Princeton Street exit, the 12-story and 300,000-squarefoot building will be a major addition to the city skyline when it opens in late 2022.

“This project will have a big economic impact, both in construction jobs and in bringing more high-paying medical jobs to downtown Orlando,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in a press release. “And it reinforces Central Florida’s reputation as a burgeoning hub in lifescience innovation.”

TUCKER RANCH

Over the next five years, Tucker Ranch will become an integrated health and wellness campus focused on improving residents’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

The ranch, a sprawling 209-acre park along Tilden Road that was once a working cattle ranch, will feature a 5,000-square-foot retreat center, teaching and working farm, outdoor demonstration kitchen, greenhouse, gardens, trails, outdoor fitness, and recreational areas.

The campus, expected to reach completion by 2023, will run with the help of local health care organizations who will guide and contribute to the programming, including AdventHealth.

“This project will transform the

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West Orange community by providing a regional asset dedicated to state-of-the-art health and wellness, all within a natural setting that gives visitors the chance to reconnect with nature,” former Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said. “This will be a worldclass facility and a model for holistic health and wellness.”

NEW LEADERSHIP

AdventHealth began its principles for caring for the “whole person” more than 150 years ago with the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“I’m very connected to our mission in extending the healing ministry of Christ,” Vargas said. “AdventHealth values and my personal values are aligned. I met my husband here at AdventHealth, we had our children here at AdventHealth, so for me, this is my family, and I am proud of how that then translates into our community.”

Vargas has lived in West Orange County since the mid-1980s and attended Dr. Phillips High School and then the University of Central Florida and Rollins College.

In her graduate program at Rollins, Vargas served as an intern for AdventHealth for two years before joining the team upon graduation.

On Jan. 8, 2021, she was named president and CEO for the AdventHealth Winter Garden location and CEO for the West Orange and South Lake market located in AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division.

“For me, this is my home,” Vargas said. “It’s where my family lives and where I grew up. I’m very connected to this community, and it’s close to my heart. I feel honored as I think about the work that I lead to help serve and support this community.”

Prior to this role, Vargas served as vice president and chief operating officer of AdventHealth Orlando, the largest hospital in AdventHealth’s multi-state network.

Vargas joined AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, in 2000 and has held multiple positions over her tenure, including marketing and business development, service line strategy, and hospital operations.

One of her recent accomplishments was leading the strategy and facility development of AdventHealth for Women, a 330-bed patient tower.

“I’m proud of what we do and how we care for the whole person, mind, body and spirit, and we do that in the way that Christ would have done it,” Vargas said. “I’ve never felt like I had to compromise my values, because they’re so aligned with this organization, and you truly see and feel that when you come into this establishment.”

Dr. Miles Bennett, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Winter Garden and Clermont, also recently joined the leadership team.

Bennett joined the Advent Health West Orange team in July 2011 as

Kari Vargas, president and CEO, AdventHealth Winter Garden

Dr. Miles Bennett, CMO, AdventHealth Winter Garden and Clermont

Josie Zarate, chief financial officer, AdventHealth West Orange and South Lake markets

Shannon Zlajic, chief nursing officer, AdventHealth Winter Garden and Clermont

an emergency medicine physician at Apopka and later became the ED medical director.

“I love working at AdventHealth Winter Garden because we treat the whole patient — mind, body and spirit,” Bennett said. “We have the most compassionate team that puts the patient first, always.”

Shannon Zlajic was appointed chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Winter Garden and Clermont in September 2021.

She joined AdventHealth in 2018 as an executive director of nursing, a role in which she led the inpatient cardiovascular units, which include more than 300 beds and a team of 850.

Zlajic was instrumental in build-

ing and launching three new units for advanced cardiovascular and transplant patients.

“I love working at AdventHealth Winter Garden, because of the team members and patients we are blessed to serve,” Zlajic said. “When patients come into our doors, they can trust that we are providing world-class, whole-person care.

Our team (comprises) dedicated and compassionate individuals who care deeply about each other and the communities we serve. To me, AdventHealth Winter Garden is family.”

Josie Zarate also recently became chief financial officer for AdventHealth West Orange and South Lake markets.

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Zarate has been part of AdventHealth for more than 25 years.

She started her career with Florida Hospital shortly after graduating high school in 1995, when she took on a part-time role with Patient Financial Services.

Since then, she has served AdventHealth as lead financial analyst, revenue and finance manager, and later, director of finance at the Apopka and Winter Park campuses. She further went on to serve as executive director of finance at the Orlando campus before accepting her most recent role.

“I love the mission of AdventHealth and the leaders that I have been honored to work alongside, and I’m excited to see where the Lord leads my path,” Zarate said.

Vargas said the diverse group of individuals and backgrounds that the leadership team has make her excited for the future.

“We want to make this a healthier place for all of us so that in 10 years we can say we contributed to this West Orange community,” Vargas said. “That is our goal, our focus and our vision, which goes back to our core mission, and to feel that not mission only in the walls of a hospital but out on the streets.”

The middle of December marked the first time the Winter Garden campus came together in-person since the beginning of the pandemic. The organization held an employee town hall and holiday celebration.

“For us and for me, it’s not just about how we deliver care in our facilities, it’s how do we create healthier communities,” Vargas said. “We look forward to doing just that.”

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2022 FORECAST

Upon completion, City Center West Orange will be a “city within a city” — designed for convenience for its residents.

Fifteen minutes from everywhere Despite delays caused by COVID-19, the developer behind City Center West Orange in Ocoee remains confident in his dream to build Ocoee’s crown jewel.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

He said City Center West Orange already has submitted another building permit for one of the structures tied into the project. The parking garages that will be part of it already have been constructed.

“They have finalized the design on the wraparound building, and it will be big mobilization,” Rumor said.

“You won’t be able to go near the place for a good year-and-a-half.”

THE FUTURE

So far, only Phase 1 of the project has been approved. This will feature two mixed-use buildings —one residential and one vacation rental. Both will have retail and restaurant space, along with office space. This will take up 200,000 of the 300,000 total square feet of the entire project.

GROWING WITH OCOEE

In addition to City Center West Orange, there is still plenty going on in Ocoee as the city works to accommodate the increase in population.

The population of the city from the 2020 census was 48,623 but is now steadily approaching 50,000 resi-

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I

t’s been four years since the developer for Ocoee’s City Center West Orange project broke ground.

David Townsend, CEO of CCWO, had the West Orange city buzzing when he unveiled his “city within a city” project. The massive 300,000-square-foot, mixed-use facility includes retail, office and residential spaces. The site is located north of State Road 50 and east of South Bluford Avenue with Maine

Street running through it, resting on roughly 100 acres of land.

Originally, the project’s first phase was scheduled to be completed in 2022. However, Townsend said the timeline has been pushed back two years — to 2024 — because of delays caused by COVID-19.

However, Townsend believes two years is a short time to wait for what he hopes will be a source of pride for not only the city but also the future residents of City Center West Orange.

“It’s designed around the residents’ convenience,” Townsend said of the

project. “The way the whole project is designed, you are within a few hundred feet of grocery, restaurants, hair, stores. You literally just have to walk across the street, and you are right on top of the retail space or you’re living above it, so it’s designed for renter convenience. You don’t have to get in your car to go to the grocery store.”

Ocoee Planning and Zoning Director Mike Rumer believes when it finally opens, the project will be a “destination location” for not just the residents of the complex, but for all residents in the city of Ocoee.

“It is just off (Florida’s) Turnpike, (State Road) 408, and (State Road) 429. It will be a destination spot with the retail and restaurants that are there … in that first phase,” Rumer said.

Phase 1 also will feature between 500 to 600 apartment units, primarily used as senior living space. Phase 2 , when approved, would provide an additional 700 apartments. Once the whole project has been completed, there would be more than 2,000 apartments for a variety of residents.

With amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants and more within walking distance, residents would not have to rely on their cars for much of anything. Plenty of garage space is expected to be provided within the property. The easy access to Orlando’s attractions and Orlando International Airport also is expected to be a draw.

“You are, in essence, 15 minutes from everywhere,” Townsend said.

“While it will be a leisurely 25 minutes over to Orlando International, it’s not that crazy of a drive, like going to (Los Angeles International Airport).”

After originally being scheduled to be completed in 2022, Phase 1 is now expected to be completed in 2024 after experiencing delays due to the pandemic. Townsend said although the work inside the office has changed, that does not mean that construction has been on hold.

“We’re managing along right now,” Townsend said. “Just like everybody else, we’re doing the best we can to keep the fires burning. Other than that, not much has really changed other than we’re not in our offices.

We’re still building and going forward. It’ll take a bit longer, but we are still going.”

Rising inflation, which reached a peak of 6.8% in November, has added an extra 6% to 8% cost on construction goods for the company, on top of its $200 million budget for Phase 1 of the project. Townsend, however, said he is optimistic the company will stay within budget.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

dents, according to latest estimates provided by the city.

Rumer said most of the projects that already were in development prior to the pandemic still are going at full speed. That includes the refurbishment of the exterior of City Hall, which is expected to be completed in April or May. “I’m on the first floor, so I’ll be the last one to move in,” Rumer said. “The skin of the outside is finishing up.”

One of the other projects that is in the beginning stages of work has been the Master Pond Park in downtown Ocoee. The park will stretch from Bluford to Cumberland avenues. The area between Cumberland and West Oakland avenues will be refurbished to accommodate the next expansion and the inevitable foot traffic the park will bring.

“They’re a good ways into that project,” Rumer said.

The project is estimated to cost $6 million.

The city also has earmarked $2.25 million for the Wellness Park construction project and $750,000 for the Bluford Complete Street project. A total of $690,000 is set aside for other park improvements, which include $100,000 to replace the natural turf with synthetic turf at Withers-Maguire House, $170,000 to renovate the tennis court at Tiger Minor Park and $250,000 for the installation of a skate park to a designated park.

Rumer said City Manager Robert Frank and the city commissioners remain dedicated to supporting growth for the future of Ocoee.

“We’ve had great support (from the commission),” Rumer said. “They see

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the vision; they get it. We’re starting to see a lot of rehabilitation, a lot of sales … and that migration of jobs.

Value is being added to the downtown, even with all the skeleton work we’re doing. “(The commission) is on board; they’re excited,” he said. “They understand the fruit of what we’re trying to do, and it’s working out. It takes a while. Making the meatloaf you don’t see, but you eventually get to enjoy it.”

Townsend agrees.

“Ocoee is a wonderful place; a very nice town, and the people that run it are very accommodating, and it’s a very progressive place to be,” he said.

“The staff and Mayor (Rusty) Johnson have been wonderful. I could not be more pleased in their assistance helping us along with the project. It has been the most pleasurable city relationship I have ever had in developing.”

5. Inspires family and friends to do the same

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Eligible customers thoseperthat meet eligibility $28.50 per month and business servicesare are $41.00 month.

Specific rates will uponand request. efinedbebyprovided the FCC state commissions. Residents who live on nized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional benefits CenturyLink participates in a government benefitTribal program (Lifeline)iftothey make telephone broadband programs. service moreThe affordable to eligible lowertain residential additional federaloreligibility Lifeline discount income individualsorand families. Eligible customersservice are thoseper thathousehold, meet eligibility only one telephone qualifying broadband standards as defined by the FCC and state commissions. Residents who live on ther afederally wireline or wireless service.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

It’s finally happening!

After years of planning, the town of Windermere’s new government complex is on schedule to open in February.

JIM CARCHIDI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

T

he town of Windermere will celebrate the completion of its 11,000-square-foot municipal complex during the first quarter of 2022.

The facility, located at 614 Main St., marks the start of a safer, more user-friendly experience for staff and residents.

“The planning began about two years after I started, probably around 2013-2014,” Town Manager Robert Smith said.

The former buildings were demolished in October 2020, and the groundbreaking for the new complex was held Jan. 11, 2021.

“We weren’t looking to build more square footage than is necessary,” he said. “We planned this facility to meet the needs of the town as it is now.”

According to Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, it took about five years of planning strategies and studies to get the $5.2 million project designed and approved.

“The budget itself was not a big

challenge; the issue for us was the way our charter is structured,” he said. “We’re not able to borrow over 12% of our annual budget without voter approval.”

A lack of shared information and public understanding of the project took time to rectify.

“We took it to a referendum the first time, and it failed, because a lot of people wanted to know exactly what they were getting, relative to what the facilities were going to look and feel like,” Smith said.

Town leaders scheduled workshops and feedback sessions to bring constituents into the decision-making fold.

“It went through a lot of workshops to inform the public on exactly what the money would be spent on and how it would benefit the town,” he said.

OUT WITH THE OLD

For more than 20 years, Windermere’s administrative offices and police department operated out of a schoolhouse that dated back to 1916. Decades of wear, deterioration and lack of comfortable, air-con-

ditioned work environments were only part of the problems endured by the town’s employees.

“You could just walk in the door and have access to anybody’s office,” Smith said of the open floor plan.

What had been designed as an educational space, nearly a century prior, was completely inadequate as a municipal building. Instead of walled offices in which sensitive discussions could take place, cubicles were the only divider between government divisions.

“Human Resources was on the other side of the building, and everybody could hear everything that was happening, as well as what I’m discussing, which sometimes can be sensitive,” he said. “So just having walls will be a step in the right direction.”

IN WITH THE NEW

The exterior of the new facilities play off the town’s existing architecture and are a nod to the former schoolhouse design. Work spaces throughout the complex are built with current staffing needs in mind, but there is room to accommodate additional desk space in shared work environments should the need arise for expansion or temporary work spaces.

Photos by Jim Carchidi

Windermere’s new municipal facility uses some of the exterior design elements of the former building with an entrance meant to resemble a front porch.

There will be improvements to the roadway entering the facilities as well as a second Sixth Street access point to the neighboring library. The current single driveway often leads to traffic tie-ups during community events and rush hour.

The roof design of the main building was altered to accommodate the branches of a 100-year-old heritage oak tree. The building’s foundation also was designed around the tree’s root system to allow for proper structural support for the building and for the tree.

The old government buildings may be gone, but their legacy will last in a new form. Heart pine floor joists, measuring two-and-onehalf inches thick by eight inches deep, were salvaged and used to create a conference room table for

the new facility. An art wall in the lobby will be made of reclaimed wood flooring.

The new police station will span 5,445 square feet, town administration offices will occupy 3,000 square feet, and Public Works will occupy an adjacent, 2,554-squarefoot building that will share all the advanced design elements of the main building. The police station and town administration offices will be connected by a shared, glassenclosed lobby area with couches and other furnishings and exhibit areas for the town’s historic artifacts.

“It’s a contemporary feature that blends the architecture of the town into an indoor porch area,” project manager and town consultant John Fitzgibbon said of the lobby.

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF MULTIPLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNEXATION OF 3.067 ACRES

THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider a moratorium ordinance regarding all multiple family use, development, site plan, zoning and permitting.

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing and proposes to adopt an ordinance to annex property located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, Oakland, Florida, containing approximately 3.067 acres, as follows:

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-28 AAN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM (180 DAYS) ON THE ACCEPTANCE AND PROCESSING OF NEW APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES, REZONINGS, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS, AND ANY OTHER DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS OR PLANS PROPOSING TO INCREASE MULTI-FAMILY ENTITLEMENTS WITHIN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS OF FACT AND DEFINITIONS; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

ORDINANCE 2021-24 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 2122-27-0000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438), AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. General Site Description: Approximately 3.067 acres, generally located on the south side of West Oakland Avenue and the east side of Catherine Ross Road, addressed as 15738 State Road 438.

A second and final public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

A public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually:

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually:

Topic: January 11th Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom)

Topic: January 18th Planning and Zoning Meeting

Time: January 11, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Time: January 18, 2022, 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82370204007

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85069220722

Meeting ID: : 823 7020 4007 Passcode: 2c8ZqK

Meeting ID: 850 6922 0722 Passcode: 8eJbME

One tap mobile +19292056099,,82370204007#,,,,*658204# US (New York)

One tap mobile +19292056099,,85069220722#,,,,*076241# US (New York)

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+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 823 7020 4007 Passcode: 658204

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All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 850 6922 0722 Passcode: 076241

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DATE: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

POLICE DEPARTMENT PERFECTED According to Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden, the new safety measures in place for the entire facility will play a big role in the accreditation of the Windermere Police Department.

The accreditation of a police department hinges on its ability to serve the needs of its community and of its officers.

“There is a set of standards and protocols that meet the highest level of police professionalism for the country,” Ogden said. “The far majority of them will be policies and procedures. … Certainly, building security is one of those.”

The former police station, having not even lived up to local standards, held the Windermere Police Department back from even applying for accreditation.

“There are things that we would absolutely have flunked, and you never walk in knowing that you’re going to fail 10% of something, right? You’re probably going to fail another 10% that you didn’t know you were going to fail,” Ogden said.

The day-to-day operations of the police department are more than met by the new station, which includes a reinforced driveway entry gate operated by the driver that automatically closes once the vehicle passes the point of entry; a secure hallway leading to sound-

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proof interrogation rooms that feature audio and video surveillance; a secure evidence room reinforced with structural steel studs; and impact-resistant drywall.

According to Fitzgibbon, the reinforced construction and power generator shared by the entire complex will enable the police station to be the town’s emergency operations hub in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.

The police station also features a fully equipped kitchen and showers to ensure the department’s ability to staff an emergency operation for several days.

“The improved power infrastructure and generator will also be a big advantage for patrol units,” Ogden said. Frequent power outages at the former facilities led to problems with computer systems in the patrol units, which relay information to and from the main system, housed at the police station.

The new station also will include a 660-square-foot training room that can accommodate committee meetings and other government and community functions.

“We can fill that need so everything doesn’t have to happen at Town Hall,” Ogden said. “Our entire police department is really elated about this move. I think a lot of the officers really doubted that it ever was going to happen, but now that it’s here, you can just see the officers getting excited about it.”

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9

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

FOOD PANTRY

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 1-3pm in Education Bldg

CARING TABLE

4th Monday of the month at Elks Lodge from 5-7pm

FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm MOVIE Family Movie in Fellowship Hall NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

Moving Forward Program Offerings Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

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Despite the supply-chain issues that have wreaked havoc in the construction industry, Windermere’s project timeline remained largely unchanged.

“We’re not immune to the supply-chain issues, but we’ve been very fortunate,” Smith said.

The roof design of Windermere’s new municipal facility was altered to accommodate the branches of a 100-year-old heritage oak tree.

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A TEAM WIN

Flexible construction schedules accommodated a lag in materials shipping, and a built-in 45-day window allowed for unforeseen delays. Staffers are expected to begin moving into the new facility during the second week of February with a ribbon-cutting and public tours to be scheduled thereafter.

“This is to make sure that we’re set up for the next 50 to 100 years,” O’Brien said of the new facility. “To make sure we’re able to attract the right type of professionals to work for the residents of Windermere, to have all the right tools get our police department accredited and make sure that we fit the needs of the entire town.”

“At the end of the day, we can be proud of the work that we’ve done,” Ogden said. “This is a team win for all of us, this is part of a legacy that we all get to leave for the Windermere Police Department and the residents of the town of Windermere.”

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE? CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com 372079-1

And that’s just the beginning of the drastic improvements the new complex will offer.

“We have provided enhanced mechanical design for fresh air intake … to create a safe environmental workspace,” Fitzgibbon said.

Other enhancements include impact-resistant walls able to withstand 150 mph winds; a natural gas powered, 350 kVA (kilovolt-ampere) generator able to power the entire complex; controlled access via door locks equipped with key card readers; the addition of ballistics-rated wall panels; and glass for an additional level of safety.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

WILL HORIZON WEST GET COUNTY LIBRARY? The Orange County Library System is considering placing a facility in Horizon West and is inviting residents to take an online survey regarding the system’s growth in the area.

The survey is open to residents interested in the expansion locations at Horizon West and Lake Nona.

The survey asks residents to rate how important it would be for them to have specific services at the library on a range of “very important” to “somewhat important” or “not important.”

Some of the services listed for rating are borrowing materials, computers and printers, study rooms, reading areas, and classes for adults or children.

The library system also inquires on what kinds of events locals would like to see.

To take the survey, visit bit.ly/3sNfVa2.

2022 FORECAST

MASTERPLAN SNAPSHOT

PROTON THERAPY SITE SOLD AT AUCTION After Tennessee-based Provision CARES Proton Therapy, the company behind a $100 million proton therapy center in Hamlin, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2020, construction on the center stalled.

The company hosted auctions on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2021, for all of its assets, including the Hamlin center, located on 5.39 acres at 157745 New Independence Parkway. According to BankruptcyData, insider Provision Trust Inc. was the winning bidder for the Hamlin assets Dec. 1. The winning bid was $15.5 million in cash and the assumption of accrued PTO and Cure Payments. The back-up bidder was Proton International LLC, which offered a $9 million cash bid, BankruptcyData reported.

A website dedicated to the Hamlin town center provides a breakdown of the community in Horizon West. n More than 200 mature neighborhoods, with another 60-plus currently in development

Rave Commercial also has a project in Hamlin.

Growing out, growing up

n Direct access to the State Road 429 Expressway n Phase I, which features three retail centers anchored by a Walmart Supercenter; Publix Super Market; and Cinépolis, a 10-screen state-of-the-art dine-in theater

For years, Horizon West residents had to use their imaginations to picture what their town center would become. Now, it’s all happening in Hamlin.

n The lakeside Town Center, which mixes retail, restaurants and offices along the shores of a recreational lake n A 120-key boutique hotel site on the lake

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

O

nce a vast area of orange groves, Horizon West is among the fastest-growing masterplanned communities in the country. At the center of the massive project is Hamlin, a 900-acre development with more than two million square feet of commercial property featuring a 10-screen luxury movie theater, a future boutique hotel, office space, single-family residences, luxury apartments, shopping, dining,

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNEXATION OF 44.45 ACRES THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

n Lakewalk, with 316 luxury apartment residences, which will provide lakefront living within the Town Center n 220-acre sports and recreation complex n Orlando Health Emergency Room and medical complex n Wellness Way to connect South Lake County to the S.R. 429 interchange at Hamlin

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing and proposes to adopt an ordinance to annex property located in the north-central area adjacent to Lake Apopka in the Town of Oakland, Florida, containing approximately 44.45 acres, as follows:

ORDINANCE 2022-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JEFFERSON R. VOSS, JEFFERSON RICH VOSS TRUST, AND VOSS FAMILY HOLDINGS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS 20-22-27-0000-00-005; 20-22-27-0000-00-004; 20-22-27-0000-00-009; 20-22-27-0000-00-036; 20-22-27-0000-00-021; 20-22-270000-00-078; 20-22-27-0000-00-003; AND 20-22-27-0000-00-010, AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Oakland Town Commission will hold a public hearing to change the Town’s Future Land Use Plan Map Designation of its Comprehensive Plan of the following property generally located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, containing approximately 16.4 acre.

ORDINANCE 2021-25

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE TOWN’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM “COMMERCIAL” (TOWN OF OAKLAND) AND “LOW DENSITY” (ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN) TO “LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL” IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438) AND 21-22-27-0000-00-021 (15732 STATE ROAD 438), WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 16.4 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

General Site Description: Approximately 44.45 acres, generally located on the north side of the Town of Oakland, adjacent to Lake Apopka.

A public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

Location Map:

DATE: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

A second and final public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: January 18th Planning and Zoning Meeting

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually:

Time: January 18, 2022, 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: January 11th Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom)

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85069220722

Time: January 11, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Meeting ID: 850 6922 0722 Passcode: 8eJbME

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82370204007 Meeting ID: 823 7020 4007 Passcode: 2c8ZqK

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Meeting ID: 850 6922 0722 Passcode: 076241

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10

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Hamlin Town Center will welcome several new businesses in the coming months.

waterfront establishments and entertainment.

Although a great deal of development already has taken place, there is so much more to come.

Boyd Development announced several new incoming tenants to Hamlin, including a 6,000-square-foot Tiki Docks Bar and Grill Polynesianthemed seafood restaurant, on Lake Hancock south of Cinépolis; and a 59,000-square-foot kid-friendly Urban Air Adventure Park that includes a ropes course, climbing

THE MARK The construction boom continues in Horizon West’s Village F with the continuation of Unicorp development firm’s The Mark shopping center project. This is the company’s second Horizon West project, having previously developed Westside Shoppes in the Lakeside Village.

The 21-acre neighborhood center — still under construction along Miley Drive in Winter Garden — has more than 112,000 square feet of inline and outparcel opportunities in 10 buildings or pads for restaurants and retailers.

The Mark is fully leased, according to Unicorp leasing director Taylor Coan, and the first business, Heartland Dental, is expected to

walls, a warrior course and trampolines, to be located south of Publix on Hamlin Groves Trail.

The developer has a number of other confirmed tenants in three sections of its project. In the southwest quadrant near Publix Super Markets are Hamlin Animal Hospital, Moge Tee, Sports Clips Haircuts, Tijuana Flats and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro To-Go, all planning to open in the spring.

Home State Brewing, also in this plaza, is expected to open this month.

Owned by Colin and Lexi Vanatta, AJ open within a few weeks. All tenants should be in operation by spring.

One of the project anchors is New York Beer Project, a destination brewery. It will occupy one of the stand-alone buildings, as will six other businesses: Walgreens, AdventHealth Centra Care, Heartland, Starbucks, 7-Eleven and The Learning Experience.

Three other parcels will hold Papa John’s Pizza, Kenpo Karate Chophouse, EasyVet, PCG Artisanal Burgers, Winter Garden Liquor, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and AT&T in Building C; Huey Magoo’s, Cadri Meat Market, Piccolino’s Haircuts, Horizon West Barber Shop, Prime IV and Clean Eatz in Building H; and Top Star Surfaces, Cocoon Urban Nails, and Hand & Stone in the third building.

Courtesy photos

Alix and Marco Reyna, the social destination features a brewery, indoor taproom, outdoor patio and beer garden and will offer 20 craft beers of various flavors and styles.

In the northwest quadrant near Walmart, are The Blake at Hamlin, an assisted-living and memory-care facility, set to open this month; Ace Hardware, which will open sometime in 2022; and Auto Zone and Taco Bell, both scheduled to open at the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023.

In the southeast quadrant, which Boyd Development calls the Lake District, are Ford’s Garage Hamlin, scheduled to open this month; Tiki Docks Bar & Grill, a Polynesianthemed seafood restaurant to open at the end of 2022 or beginning of 2023; and PopStroke — a miniature-golf concept featuring two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design, food and drink, outdoor games and a playground — which should open in 2023.

Boyd Development also has a hand in the residential market, with multiple sold-out markets: Overlook, The Cove, Hamlin Reserve by Ashton Woods, Sanctuary by Dreamfinders Homes, Enclave and Wincey Groves

by Dreamfinders Homes. Lakeside at Hamlin has homes available for purchase, and there are two apartment complexes, Lakewalk and The Lodge.

Boyd Development will begin construction on a third apartment com-

plex, Homestead, this month.

Also helping bring desirable businesses to the Hamlin community is Rave Commercial, a developer that is creating Hamlin Plaza, a four-building retail center on Hamlin Groves Trail south of New Independence Parkway.

“Our Hamlin project is spread in four acres, which comprises a total of 40,000 square feet distributed in four buildings,” said Sakshi Shukla, development manager with Rave Commercial. “We finished construction of two buildings. … We are targeting to complete construction of Building 3 sometime in March of 2022.”

“We are pre-leasing for the remaining 20,136 square feet for medical, office and selected retail categories,” Shukla said.

Building 1, at 5742 Hamlin Groves Trail, is occupied by Esteem Dental, Design Me MedSpa, F45 Training and Oral Facial Surgical Arts. Another dental space and a pediatrician’s office are expected to open within the next few months.

Building 2, at 5736 Hamlin Groves Trail, has one open tenant, Flooring Spot. The remaining three, Pearle Vision, 100% Chiropractic and Farmers Insurance, are expected to open in the first quarter of this year.

Another building currently is under construction.

Already in operation are McCoy Federal Credit Union, My Neighborhood Storage Center, Hamlin Pediatric Dentistry, Amazing Explorers Academy and The Grove Bible Chapel.

One residential complex, Overture Hamlin, is open to residents and caters to an over-55 active-adult crowd.

In the southern portion of Hamlin — north of Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital and Porter Road and east of S.R. 429 — a commercial plaza has the following businesses, all in operation: Hamlin Modern Dentistry, Kiddie Academy, Hamlin Eye Care, Winter Garden Health & Wellness, Modern Foot & Ankle, West Orange Veterinary Hospital, and Upperline Foot & Ankle.

Two medical practices are scheduled to open soon: Pediatric Dentistry of Horizon West and Mid-Florida Endodontics.

Ten storefronts are empty and available for leasing through Coldwell Banker.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

11

IN OPERATION The commercial area of Hamlin Town Center north and south of New Independence Parkway has a list of businesses that are enjoying success after opening: n Abbott’s Frozen Custard n Action Gator Tire n AT&T n Axiom Bank n Bosphorous n Chase Bank n Cinépolis Movie Theater n Craig Martin State Farm Insurance n Cyclebar n Dunkin Donuts (inside Wal-Mart) n Eat the Frog Fitness n Eye Place of Windermere n Fidelity National Title n The French Cafe n Great Clips n Hamlin Discovery Center n Hamlin Groves Dental Care n HOTWORX Gym n The Joint Chiropractic n Lake Hancock Dental Care n McDonald’s n Pinspiration n Planet Smoothie n The Great Greek n The Pizza Press n Premier Sotheby’s International Realty n Prose Nails n Publix Super Markets n Regions Bank n Sakowitz Smiles Orthodontics n Spectrum n Starbucks n State Farm n SunTrust Bank n UPS Store n Valley Bank n Venetian Nail Spa n Verizon Wireless n Vita Lounge n Wal-Mart n Wal-Mart Gas n Wendy’s n Wolfgang Bakery

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF USE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning certain property generally located in the southeast quadrant of West Oakland Avenue and Catherine Ross Road, containing approximately 19.2 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-26

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FROM AG, AGRICULTURE, TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-016 (15752 E OAKLAND AVE), AND 21-22-27-0000-00-021 (15732 STATE ROAD 438), AND AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION TO DESIGNATE CERTAIN RECENTLY ANNEXED PROPERTY FROM A-1 (ORANGE COUNTY) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY NEW HORIZON INVESTMENTS, LLC BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 21-22-27-0000-00-017 (15738 STATE ROAD 438), WITH A COMBINED APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 19.2 ACRES IN SIZE, LOCATED AT THE SOUTHEAST QUADRANT OF WEST OAKLAND AVENUE AND CATHERINE ROSS ROAD; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Location Map:

A second and final public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/ developer at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2022 in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

In-person events return this January!

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: January 11th Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom) Time: January 11, 2022, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82370204007 Meeting ID: 823 7020 4007 Passcode: 2c8ZqK +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 823 7020 4007 Passcode: 658204

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12

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR REDISTRICTING NOMINATIONS

Redrawing the lines

The mayor selected three and each commissioner chose two people to represent their district on the Advisory Committee for Redistricting:

Orange County administration and an advisory committee have been tasked with studying the area and creating more equitable districts for county commissioners.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

E

very 10 years, the six districts for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners must be studied and updated to ensure balanced representation for all residents. This redistricting is the constitutionally mandated redrawing of local, state and federal political boundaries following the federal Census to account for growth and changes in population during the previous decade.

The goal of redistricting is to readjust the population between commission districts so no Orange County commissioner is representing substantially more individual residents than the other commissioners.

Creating the biggest challenge to forming equal districts has been Horizon West, in District 1, and Lake Nona, in District 4, because those communities grew exponentially, said Jason Reynolds, Orange County Neighborhood Services Division manager. An Advisory Committee for Redistricting was formed to study the entire county

sory committee members selected

by District 1 Commissioner Nicole H. Wilson. He was interested in serving on the committee because of prior experience.

“I worked on redistricting issues as a staffer for the Pennsylvania State Senate, so I am familiar with how important the process is to ensure residents are fairly and equally represented,” Hoover said.

It was an interesting process, he said, and he leaned on the expertise and guidance of the other committee members and county staff. He said the experience was “humbling and incredibly valuable.”

District 1, which encompasses most of West Orange County, likely will see the most change. Hoover said he heard from several residents who live in unincorporated areas of the county who do not have elected municipal governments.

“They expressed concerns that their communities might be split between districts in favor of keeping municipalities together,” Hoover said. “We also heard from Ocoee residents who advocated for uniting Ocoee into one district, rather than continuing to divide it between districts 1 and 2. The committee took community feedback very seriously, and I think that’s reflected in the maps we recommended to the Board of Commissioners.”

Hoover admitted he is part of his district’s population explosion because he and his family moved to Horizon West from Southern Pennsylvania four years ago.

Wilson also appointed Ruthanne Connor King, longtime president of the Hunter’s Creek Homeowners Association. Wilson said she took a nonpolitical approach to selecting

and recommend to the BCC changes in district lines to accommodate lop-sided growth.

The process must be completed by March — at the end of the legislative session — when the County Commission selects a modified version of the map proposed by the advisory committee. It will be effective for elections in 2022.

THE PROCESS

Orange County formed a Redistricting Project Team, which consisted of personnel from the Neighborhood Services Division, the County Attorney’s Office, Fiscal and Operational Support Division, Communications Division, and the Supervisor of Elections Office.

The mayor and each county commissioner appointed residents to an advisory committee. This group was tasked with reviewing the decennial census data, as well as proposing and analyzing maps reflecting various adjustment options to the commission district boundaries. These maps will then be presented to the BCC for consideration and adoption.

Zach Hoover was one of two advi-

e m o c l e W

REFRESH YOUR

! l l HOME a F 2010 VS 2020 COMMISSION DISTRICT POPULATION DISTRICT 2010 2020 POP. INCREASE %INCREASE 1 186,841 268,658 81,817 43.79% 2 188,499 220,861 32,362 17.17% 3 199,699 224,504 24,805 12.42% 4 185,351 260,955 75,604 40.79% 5 198,542 237,724 39,182 19.73% 187,024 217,206 30,182 16.14% 6 ORANGE COUNTY POPULATION AS OF 2020: 1,429,908

n Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings: Tico Perez and Camille Evans, co-chairs; and Garry Jones n District 1 Commissioner Nicole H. Wilson: Ruthanne Connor King and Zach Hoover n District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore: Joe Kilsheimer and Jason Mellen n District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe: Mark Arias and Thomas Callan n District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero: Jimmy Auffant and Julio Rocha n District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla: Wes Hodge and Kelly Semrad n District 6 Commissioner Victoria P. Siplin: Virginia Whittington and Homer L. Hartage

her representatives.

She said the retired businesswoman had a pragmatic approach to the process, while Hoover understood the constitutional principles at play.

The committee met regularly from September to mid-December in the County Commission Chambers, as well as in each of the six commission districts, and used a maps program to draw and redraw the lines, redefining district boundaries from all angles.

In developing its recommendations, the committee took into consideration the demographics of the county, the geography of the neighborhoods, existing precinct lines and community interests.

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“Each meeting, we were reviewing maps, some more than others, and, say, we had four maps at a meeting — they would discuss them one by one and decide if this map makes it to the end of the process,” Reynolds said.

Several committee members submitted map proposals for what they thought the districts would look like, Reynolds said.

“They would draw it based on what they heard from the community, what they heard from the public, maybe some of them drew based on numbers. Someone said, ‘I want the map to be as least disruptive as possible,’ so they balance the districts without disrupting as many people.”

Overall, members reviewed 20 maps and recommended two for further consideration. Those will be presented to the BCC later this month, where commissioners will discuss the options and either choose one or some variation of one.

LEARNING PROCESS

Throughout the process, residents had access to a county website set up to offer a convenient way to review all aspects of the redistricting effort, including agendas and minutes, maps and census data.

Public participation and input was encouraged, and residents were invited to attend in-person and virtual meetings to voice their opinions on how they thought the lines should be drawn.

Wilson attended all of the meetings, she said, and she learned things from residents. She originally thought all communities wanted to be in one district, but Pine Hills residents preferred dual representation in two districts, 2 and 6.

She also discovered some of the folks who encouraged her to run could possibly be redistricted.

Wilson said the advisory committee members took their roles seriously and were passionate about maintaining equality, sometimes taking the meetings late into the night.

“Nobody’s going to be totally happy about where those (boundaries) land, but I felt like the committee ultimately made a good recommendation,” she said. “District 1 (saw) a huge population growth, but there

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING

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A public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: Tuesday, January 18, 2022 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL any installed WHEN: 6:30 P.M. any installed sliding door or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

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All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, 2022, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

THRU 8/31/21

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Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

|

13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

ADVERTISMENT

This option puts 237,760 residents in District 1 and 233,624 in District 2. The purple dotted lines show the current district lines.

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This option puts 237,235 residents in District 1 and 238,680 in District 2. The purple dotted lines show the current district lines.

also was growth in Oakland, Ocoee and Winter Garden, too – overall population growth throughout the district.”

In both map options, Winter Garden, Oakland and the community of Tildenville remain in District 1.

“I think the idea of keeping Oakland with Winter Garden was a good recommendation,” she said. “I think it’s a benefit to have that singular point of contact with smaller com-

munities. … On a personal level, I would have liked District 1 to include going up to Colonial (Drive) in the Ocoee area, but there was a lot of input from Ocoee wanting to be in one district,” Wilson said.

Ocoee currently is split between Wilson’s District 1 and Christine Moore’s District 2.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

Demand Vs. Supply While market conditions continue to keep demand high for resident real estate, myriad issues in new-home construction likely will keep inventory low.

JIM CARCHIDI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

C

entral Florida real estate is about as hot as a typical local summer.

The forces that kept the 2020 market strong, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, remained in play last year. And some industry professionals believe that will be the case in 2022 — and beyond.

The biggest challenge in the local real-estate market has been inventory. According to the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, the median home price in October was $325,000 — up from $269,950 at the same time in 2020. Inventory for the month was 3,406 homes — down from 3,880 in October 2020.

“It’s a handful of things that add up to a big decrease in availability,” said Realtor Tennille Biggers, of Keller Williams Elite Partners III. “We can’t ignore the low interest rates. They have continued to be low in 2021.

“We’re very lucky in Central Florida. We have a very low unemployment rate, we have no state income tax, we have a Florida homestead exemption … and there’s the climate.”

— Realtor Paul McGarigal

They were really low last year, too, and I think that really got the fire burning.”

“The government has a responsibility to leverage the economy and spur on the economy when it’s not doing well,” said local Realtor Paul McGarigal, of Remax Properties SW Orlando. “That’s what they’re doing now, and that’s what they’ve been doing for the last two or three years — and I don’t think they’re going to change anytime soon.”

THE FLORIDA EFFECT

Shifting workplace dynamics and the desire for single-family homes over apartments are among the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need to stay at home caused renters to consider buying and owners to consider larger properties. But many owners across the country want something more than a bigger home — a change in environment.

According to U.S. Census data, Orange County’s population rose by 283,952 residents between 2010 and 2020. The factors making Central Florida a draw were in place long before social distancing and mask requirements.

“We’re very lucky in Central Florida,” McGarigal said. “We have a very low unemployment rate, we have no state income tax, we have a Florida homestead exemption … and there’s the climate.”

Florida’s reputation as a vacation destination is a big selling point for investors, and many vacation properties usually end up in the renters

Photos by Michael Eng

Supply-chain issues and labor shortages will continue to affect home construction in West and Southwest Orange.

market inventory for most of the year.

“Every community in Windermere and Winter Garden has a small percentage of vacation homeowners who hire a property management company to watch over their property while they’re back home,” McGarigal said.

Other investors will buy with the intent of cashing in on the long-term rental market, but some Realtors are seeing that inventory dry up in the current climate.

“A lot of people have either a vacation home or a rental property,” Biggers said. “I have found that quite a few of them have moved (into their rental property). So, maybe they had a vacation home and they lived up north, and then all of a sudden, their mailing address changes to the rental home. They may just do it for a year or two, but that has removed some listings that would have otherwise gone on the market.”

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRAINTS

The stress on inventory is not only coming from the consumer side.

Builders are experiencing issues that raise costs, decrease their profits and hold up projects for months at a time.

“The builders are having a hard time buying land and building subdivisions,” McGarigal said. “And when they do, the costs are way more than they were last year, five years ago or 10 years ago. At the same time builders have been seeing the lack of supplies — windows, shingles, appliances, airconditioning units — and they still are still feeling that.”

Aldo Martin, CEO of Bellavista Building Group and Bellavista Homes, knows these problems all too well.

“The demand for housing is very strong, but the other side of the coin is that construction costs have increased — for us, it’s (more than) 30% and continues to increase along

with delays,” he said. “In the past, we were able to turn a project around in four, maybe six months with a typical build for a single-family or townhome. It’s now seven, eight, nine months.”

The supply-chain issues that have plagued builders for more than a year have resulted in costly delays and also forced builders to pay more for materials. According to Martin, the situation has deteriorated to where many clients require proof of the fallout.

“We keep a journal to track all of the notices we receive from our vendors and suppliers of price increases,” he said. “Because we realize that just saying it goes over people’s heads.

They need to see, in writing, that pretty much every day a different supplier is notifying us that there is a new price for a product. It’s shocking.”

But the weak link in the supply

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

15

The City Winter Ga Is Now Hi Full Tim Positions Benefit

The City of Winter Garden Is Now Hiring BENEFITS Full Time Positions With Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 m County, this former citrus town is known for its man Benefits historical and natural assets that make it a great place

Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes west of Orlando in W County, this former citrus town is known for its many recreational amenities, e historical and natural assets that make it a great place to live and visit. In 2019, W was ranked by Money.com as one of the top 10 places in the nation to live. In 2 Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by the American Plannin Florida Chapter. Ranked as one of the fastest growing suburbs by Forbes.com, the Garden continues to grow and thrive, rivaling the best small cities in Florida and

chain is not always in materials costs their projects through no matter the or availability. cost.

“A lack of raw material is an issue, “On a daily basis, I have potential Retirement – Pension with 5 year vesting but then you have transportation,” new clients knocking on the door, askMedical Insurance - 100% City paid employee Martin said. “For example, most ing to be in the production pipeline,” only coverage housing units in Central Florida use he said. “I had a meeting with someconcrete block. There’s an issue now one that I was expecting to tell me he’s Health Savings Account - The City contributes that the block is available, but there’s not going to move forward, because I $1,454.24 annually to your account. not enough trucks and drivers to take was giving him a price that was way Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly it from the manufacturer to your job off, and in the end he said, ‘OK.’” Educational Reimbursement site.”

According to Martin, the factors The lack of drivers speaks to an contributing to the ongoing demand City paid Life Insurance & Disability overall labor shortage that rivals the show no signs of slowing down. And Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other supply chain as a challenge for the as the delays and costs continue to Nestled on thewest southern of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes west of Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Apopka, 20 minutes ofshore Orlando Group Plans in West Orange construction industry. Having sup- mount, the sales side of his business Orlando in West Orange County, this former citrus town is known for its plies means nothing without the must adjust accordingly.

Clothing allowance or uniforms supplied County, this former citrus town is known for its many recreational amenities, events, and many recreational amenities, events, and historical and natural assets labor to put them to use. And the “What we’re doing on the sales side squeeze is driving some companies and is limiting the number of units we put make it a great place historical natural assets that to itlive and visit.

In and 2019, Garden that make a great place to TO live visit. Winter Winter Garden was ranked HOW APPLY to devious solutions. up for sale and waiting until the last Money.com as one thePlant topSt., 10Winter places in the nation to live. Winter ranked Money.com places inIn the nation to live.

InGarden, 2018, Winter Person: 300ofWest FL 34787 “You have recruiters thatwas are actuminuteby to put a price tag on them,as ” he one of the top 10 by Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presented by the Amerially going to your job site with cash, ” said.

“So Great we can have confidence Online: www.cwgdn.com Garden won the Places inonFlorida Award presented by the American Planning Association, Martin said. “We heard that one what our cost will be and protect our can Planning Association, Chapter. Ranked as one of the fastest Email: Florida WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com recruiter was actuallyFlorida the person that profit as Ranked much as possible.

Chapter. as” one of the fastest growing suburbs byForbes.com, Forbes.com, CityGarden of Winter growing suburbs by the Citythe of Winter continues to was bringing in a food truck. She was Garden grow and thrive, rivaling thegrow best citiesthe in best Florida and inthe nation! andsmall thrive, rivaling small cities Florida and the nation!

KNOWLEDGE ISto POWER recruiting for another general con- continues tractor, taking crews from our jobs Predictions can vary, depending on the source. And many trends have a and sending them somewhere else.”

The overwhelming workload rep- way of blowing long-term predicresents an opportunity for income tions out of the water. But for anyone that creates a greater need for com- intent on testing the waters in the pensation. The solution can be lucra- current climate, the best route is the tive and exhausting, but rising costs practical approach.

Retirement-Pension with 5 year vesting (Police & Fire 6 years) “The best advice I can give to buyare the final result.

“If I’m an electrician and I have a ers is to sit down with a Realtor and Medical Insurance – 100% City paid employee-only coverage limited number of crews, and they get to know what’s happening in your and a partial City contribution for dependent coverage can only produce a certain number neighborhood,” Biggers said. “Have of working hours, I want to keep rais- the market analysis run on your propHealth Savings Account - The City contributes ing my bids, so builders don’t call me erty and understand what’s happened $1,454.24 annually to your account anymore,” Martin said. “But that’s in the last few months in your neighnot the case, because demand is so borhood, as far as property values.

Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly And then the Realtor can also talk high, the bids are getting accepted.”

Even Martin is facing that problem about your goals, and then they can Educational Reimbursement with developers demanding to see you can plan from there.”

was ranked by Money.com as one of the top 10 plac Garden won Places in Florida presente Nestled onthe theGreat southern shore of LakeAward Apopka, 20 mi Florida Chapter.

Ranked as one of the fastest growing s County, this former citrus town is known for its man Garden continues grow and rivaling bes historical and naturaltoassets thatthrive, make it a greatthe place

was ranked by Money.com as one of the top 10 place Garden won the Great Places in Florida Award presente BENEFITS Florida Chapter. Ranked as one of the fastest growing s Retirement – Pension withand 5 year vesting Garden continues to grow thrive, rivaling the bes

Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee only coverage BENEFITS Health Savings Account - The City contributes Retirement – Pension with 5 year vesting $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee Vacation and Sick Leave & 10 paid holidays yearly only coverage Educational Reimbursement Health Savings Account - The City contributes City paid Life Insurance & Disability $1,454.24 annually to your account.

Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other Vacation and Flexible Sick Leave &Accounts 10 paid holidays Dental, Vision, Spending & Other Group yearly Plans Group Plans City paid Life Insurance & Disability Educational Reimbursement Clothing allowance uniforms supplied allowanceor or uniforms CityClothing paid Life Insurance & supplied Disability Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts & Other HOW TO APPLY Group Plans Online: www.cwgdn.com In Person: 300 West Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 Email: WGRecruiter@cwgdn.com Clothing allowance or uniforms supplied

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

|

NEW POLITICAL BOUNDARIES

2022 FORECAST

New year, new schools Two new elementary schools will increase the number of Orange County Public Schools facilities in West Orange and Southwest Orange County. A new middle school also will be completed.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

s West and Southwest Orange continue to grow, the need for more schools increases. For the 2021-22 school year, two high schools, Horizon and Lake Buena Vista, and one middle school, Water Spring, opened in the Horizon West area of the county to alleviate overcrowding in neighboring schools.

It’s happening again later this year, when three more relief campuses open. Two elementary schools and a middle school currently are under construction in the Horizon West area of Winter Garden. All are in the West Learning Community in Orange County School Board member Pam Gould’s District 4.

“We continue to plan for the growth in West Orange,” Gould said. “We’re very blessed and lucky to be able to open three new schools, when many districts can’t do the same kinds of things that we’ve been able to do. It’s partly because of the half-penny sales tax — and good planning.

“It’s never as fast as we want it to be, but at least we have things in cue and they keep steadily opening,” she said.

Lauren Roth, senior manager of Facilities Communications with Orange County Public Schools, said the 2022 schools will build on recent improvements and innovations and include low-flow water fixtures; Xeriscape landscaping; reduced heat island effect by using reflective roofing membranes; energy-efficient HVAC systems with high-efficiency air filtration; and Low E glazing window systems.

These schools will continue the traditional 1-1 digital education with every student having his or her own device.

An aerial view shows the construction progress for the elementary school being built at 1051 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden.

The opening of the two elementary schools will alleviate crowding at several area schools. The projected student body numbers are: Water Spring Elementary, 995, when both new elementary schools pull from its attendance zone; Whispering Oak, 890; Independence, 1,045; Keene’s Crossing, 1,095; Summerlake, 725; and Castleview, 765.

Although the two new elementary schools will be similar, there will be differences between the two campuses because two architects were used.

They both will have administration offices, multipurpose/cafeteria space, kitchen, media center, art and music labs, computer and multipurpose labs, classrooms, a covered play area, hard courts and playgrounds, covered walkways, expanded park-

ing lot and student drop-off loop, and a secure campus with one public entrance.

The middle school will open with a projected 915 students. The surrounding middle schools will see a change in their projected student body numbers: Bridgewater, 1,235; Horizon West, 1,255; and SunRidge, 1,235.

The middle school will share land with one of the elementaries. This campus will have all the same amenities as the new elementary schools with the exception of a track and field area instead of a covered play area and playgrounds.

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The Orange County School Board unanimously voted Dec. 14 on Proposal 16, which sets the new boundaries for each of the seven School Board members’ districts. A Reapportionment Advisory Committee reviewed the 2020 Census data and then redrew the boundary lines to achieve School Board member residence areas that are reflective of the population changes that have occurred since the 2010 Census.

Pam Gould, who represents District 4, which is much of West Orange County, has less of the Hunter’s Creek area and more of Winter Garden in her district.

Much of Ocoee lies in District 7, represented by Melissa Byrd.

Gould appointed Krista Compton Carter and Sharod Kelley to represent her district on the committee, and Byrd named Monique Morris and Rob Richmond for hers.

In drawing the boundaries, the committee was tasked with making sure the census population is within 5% plus or minus of the average population; minoring voting interests are not being diluted, fragmented or packed; race is not the predominant factor in creating any “minority districts”; the districts are contiguous and appear to be compact; to the extent possible, municipalities are contained within a single district, and neighborhoods and subdivisions are not divided; each incumbent lives in his or her district; and the percentage of residents who have been displaced is at a minimum.

structed in the Town Center area of Horizon West. It is located at 16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, and will reduce overcrowding at Water Spring and Whispering Oak elementaries and is expected to open with about 515 students.

SchenkelShultz is the architect for the project, and this prototype also was used at Water Spring, Bay Lake, Independence and Keene’s Crossing elementary schools.

Construction continues with exte-

rior painting, lightweight concrete for the roofing system, layout of interior walls, fireproofing of interior structural members, concrete pours in stairwells and installation of upperlevel roofing membrane.

The construction is slated for completion in June, in time for the first day of school in August. The 88,900-square-foot school sits on 13.5 acres and will have a student capacity of 837.

The SchenkelShultz-designed school is being built by contracting company Welbro with a budget of $23.2 million.

This elementary school and the new middle school are being built on one large tract of land north of Lake Ingram Road in the Silverleaf Planned Development.

SITE 114-E-W-4

The second elementary school coming to the Seidel Road area of Horizon West is currently being called Site 114-E-W-4. It is under construction at 1051 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden — across the street from Horizon High School.

This school will pull its students from Water Spring, Summerlake and Castleview elementary schools. It is expected to open with about 765 students.

Construction continues, as tilt panel walls have been set in place and exterior painting is underway.

Underground storm and site electrical, as well as installation of the roof membrane, was in progress at the end of last year.

The project is on target for a June completion date, ahead of the start of the school year. The school is on 13.5 acres with a gross floor area of 94,369 square feet and a school capacity of 837.

The architect is BRPH, and the contractor is Williams Co. The budgeted amount was $28.2 million.

SITE 132-M-W-4

Southwest Orange County is getting a new middle school, too. Site 132-MW-4 will be located at 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, in the Horizon West/Town Center area — sharing a piece of property with one of the new elementary schools.

The middle school is being built to relieve overcrowding at Bridgewater and SunRidge middle schools by

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

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Water Spring Middle School opened August 2021 — not on its own campus but in one wing of Horizon High School.

A permanent facility will be built at 17000 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden. Construction on the campus will be completed and ready for students and staff in August 2023.

A virtual 100% project design meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18. Gould invites the community to attend via WebEx to hear details about the completed design and the construction plans for the campus.

To register for and connect to the meeting, visit tinyurl.com/ WSMS100. For information, call Roth at (407) 317-3774.

Currently, Andrew Jackson is principal of both Horizon High and Water Spring Middle; a separate principal

will be hired for Water Spring when it moves to its own campus.

THE NEXT STEPS

The three principals’ positions were advertised last month, and interviews were planned. After the area superintendent sends recommendations to Superintendent Barbara Jenkins, she will recommend the top candidates to the School Board for approval this month. The new principals also will start the interviewing process for teachers from feeder schools in January. In the spring, the schools’ name, mascot and colors will be decided.

According to OCPS’ Long Range Capital Improvement Plan for Additional Schools, which was updated July 27, other District 4 schools planned for the future are Water Spring Middle, whose campus will open in 2023; two elementary schools on the west side in 2024 and 2027; a middle school to the southwest in 2028; and an elementary school to the southwest in 2030.

Through the 2021-22 school year, the district has opened 59 new schools and renovated or replaced 132 schools.

This long-term construction plan is possible because of the halfpenny sales tax voters approved in 2003 and extended in 2014, plus residential development impact fees.

An aerial view shows the construction progress for the middle school being built at 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden.

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about 500 and 100, respectively.

Construction is expected to be finished by May, and the school will open in August with a student capacity of 1,215. The school sits on 20 acres and will encompass 192,408 square feet.

The middle school was budgeted for $41.3 million. The contractor is Welbro, and the campus will look similar to Horizon West and Innovation middle schools.

Courtesy photos

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Start fresh in the new year at the inaugural Healthy West Orange Fresh Start Festival on Saturday, January 29! From 9am - noon, come out to the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland and enjoy free fitness and cooking demos, games, healthy food samples, sweet prizes, and more!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS Special Olympics is “a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability,” according to the Special Olympics website.

Each athlete has an equal opportunity to compete and earn awards through the process of division, where athletes are sorted by gender, age and ability.

The free program is helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place, one athlete, one volunteer and one family member at a time.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

Shriver believed if people with intellectual disabilities were given the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else, they could accomplish far more than anyone ever thought possible.

In 1962, Shriver proved her belief by inviting young people with intellectual disabilities to a summer day camp she hosted in her backyard called “Camp Shriver.”

The goal of the camp was to explore the children’s skills in a variety of sports and physical activities.

In July 1968, the first International Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago.

Now, the Special Olympics is home to more than 5,000,000 athletes in 200 countries and jurisdictions.

“I can see the potential in every athlete, and I can see their pure enjoyment of sport and their own accomplishment, and that inspires me in what I do every day,” Laurie Chmielewski, local training director, said.

This year’s games, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, will host a lineup of celebrities and athletes, also known as USA Games ambassadors.

The impressive roster touts seven Hall of Famers, 14 Olympic medal winners and sports heroes, entertainment leaders and more.

Some of the participating ambassadors are Mark Cuban, Charli D’Amelio, Ellen DeGeneres, Dan Marino, Matthew McConaughey and Dara Torres.

Organizations such as Disney, ESPN, Coca-Cola, Orlando Health, Publix and WWE are also involved as partners.

“Sports is a common playing ground, and it brings people from across the world together to celebrate the incredible athletes we have,” Chmielewski said.

Coca-Cola, one of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games partners, surprised the Westside Varsity Volleyball team with the news that they will be going to the games. Hudson Adams-Farley said he was completely shocked when he found out his volleyball team would be competing.

Courtesy photos

Bryce, Calvin and Ashton Sanders will be heading to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games with their Renegades Unified Basketball Team.

Right: Ryan and Matthew Letcher said being selected for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is an honor.

Game on!

West Orange athletes will compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which will take place in June in Orlando.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

A

lthough 2020 and 2021 brought some unexpected surprises and hard times through the Coronavirus pandemic, West Orange residents already have something to look forward to in 2022.

This summer, Orlando will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which occur every four years, with several notable athletes competing from the West Orange area.

Laurie Chmielewski, Winter Garden resident and Special Olympics Orange County training director, said the local athletes amaze her.

“What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are no modified rules in Special Olympics,” said Chmielewski, who has been volunteering with the Special Olympics for 38 years. “It’s sports, so if you run track, you stay in your lane. If you leave your lane, you’re disqualified. If you have five fouls in

basketball, you’re fouled out of the game. It’s regular sports, and our athletes are more than capable at excelling at these things.”

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean and 125,000 spectators during one of the country’s most cherished sporting events.

For Special Olympics athletes, one of those reasons is the love of sport. Special Olympics athletes display remarkable abilities not only on the field, but in all areas of life.

By celebrating the athlete’s dedication and perseverance, the Special Olympics USA Games aims to lead the pathway for a more inclusive world.

“Everybody is celebrated — no matter how you finish or where you are at, and that’s one of the things that makes this program so special,” Chmielewski said.

Some local athletes are helping lead the way.

CALVIN SANDERS SPORT: Basketball AGE: 17 HEIGHT: 5-foot-4 WEIGHT: 185 pounds

West Orange resident Calvin Sanders has been involved with Special Olympics for 10 years. He was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth.

“Calvin isn’t a quitter,” Angel Sanders, Calvin’s mom, said.

“Every sport he is involved in gets his 100% effort. He loves showing off his athleticism.”

Although Calvin originally started in track in elementary school, he has gone on to excel in a variety of different sports, including powerlifting, swimming, bowling and flag football.

He has loved all of them.

Angel said Special Olympics has helped Calvin stay healthy, build confidence and make friends.

Calvin will be competing in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games with his basketball team, Renegades Unified Basketball.

Karol Young, a Special Olympics coach for 12 years and West Orange High School teacher, said

the Renegades team has more than 100 athletes ranging in age from 8 to late 50s.

Throughout the year, athletes can compete in a plethora of seasonal sports through the team.

The team includes Calvin and his other two triplets: Ashton and Bryce.

“I got involved with Special Olympics because of my brother, who has special needs, and because I love helping others with special needs,” Ashton said.

Ashton and Bryce have been playing basketball as a part of Special Olympics for seven years.

The boys compete with Calvin as Unified Sports Partners.

Special Olympics Unified Sports combines people with and without intellectual disabilities on sports teams for training and competition.

The program increases inclusion in the community and uses sports to help break down barriers.

“I like getting to help Calvin learn the sport while also spending time with him,” Bryce said.

Calvin said he practices each week at his school, West Orange High School, and at home with his brothers.

“I hope I can help my team win gold medals,” Calvin said. “My goal is to score a lot of points.”

Angel said being in the games has been a dream come true for their family.

“Calvin has proven time and time again that there are no boundaries when it comes to his abilities,” Angel said. “Now he gets to showcase those abilities to the world.”

OrangeObserver.com

HALI LUEBKE

SPORT: Swimming AGE: 16 HEIGHT: 5-foot-2 WEIGHT: 107 pounds

MATTHEW LETCHER

Hali Luebke attends Horizon High School and has been with Chmielewski as part of Special Olympics since she was 8 years old.

Her mother, Rumi, first got her involved in the Young Athletes program to give her the ability to participate in team sports, stay active and make friends.

Although her mother died unexpectedly in 2017, Hali doesn’t let that, or her autism, stop her from competing in an array of sports, including basketball, track and field, and golf.

She will be heading to the games for swimming, which she said is one of her favorite sports.

The young athlete found out she was heading to the games in a Zoom video announced by legendary swimming icon Rowdy Gaines.

As an individual athlete, Hali competes in both freestyle and backstroke. She currently is working on her side breathing and taking lessons to improve.

“Swimming is a full-body workout, so it’s good for Hali’s health, but also she just loves being in the water,”

SPORT: Basketball AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 5-foot-9 WEIGHT: 245 pounds

Matthew Letcher has spent 19 years in the Special Olympics program — not only as athlete but also as a coach.

Matthew is a member of Athlete Leadership as an Athlete Coach and helps to coach basketball.

Throughout his time with Special Olympics, he also has competed in flag football, and track and field. “(Because) we couldn’t do regular sports with regular kids, this was an alternative,” Matthew said.

Now, Matthew will be heading to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games as part of the same basketball team as the Sanders triplets.

“I enjoy running up and down the court and being very vocal with my team, and it helps to bring out my leadership,” Matthew said.

Matthew said before the games he is looking to get better overall by picking up new things, practicing his shooting and learning more about the game.

THE 2022 GAMES

RYAN LETCHER

SPORT: Swimming AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 5-foot-7 WEIGHT: 172 pounds

Ryan Letcher has been a part of the Special Olympics for 18 years.

He first got involved to meet other people and to compete.

Ryan has participated in track and field, bocce, swimming, flag football and basketball.

Now, Ryan will be heading to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games to compete individually in swimming. He will be swimming freestyle and backstroke.

Ryan said before the games he is looking to pick up his speed and get better with his dives.

Lisa Landsberger, Matthew and Ryan’s mother, said Special Olympics allows the boys to branch out, meet new people and travel to new places.

“Special Olympics has given the boys an outlet to do things that they didn’t think they would be able to do and helps to keep them busy and active,” she said.

The family is also active in volunteering for Special Olympics.

Through the Torch Icon Campaign at Publix, where the brothers currently work at in Horizon West, Publix associates, customers and local communities come together in an effort to support thousands of Special Olympics athletes and their families through a fundraiser.

Beginning Jan. 5 and running through Jan. 16, customers who visit their local Publix can help support their state athletes with a donation which can be made at the register during check-out for as little as $1 or a specific desired amount.

“Their (Matthew and Ryan’s) hard work and commitment just makes me so proud,” Landsberger said. “They’re so talented and have really good skills, and practice ethic.”

crossword

celebrity cipher

BRIDGE THE GAP by Prasanna Keshava. Edited by David Steinberg 130 Ready for recording 131 Treat successfully 132 & 133 Positive answers 134 Fueled (up) 135 Online outlet for crafters

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

33 Texting format (Abbr.)

ACROSS 35 Place to experiment 1 Agenda part 37 Watermelon’s exterior 5 On a ship, say 38 Paleontological job 11 Trembled (Last three letters + ...)

16 FBI agent 42 Sorbet relative (... first 19 Tedious talker four) 20 Plane’s landing area 45 Verse of praise 21 Simple putt 46 Cause to jump, maybe 22 ___ carte 47 Dieter’s figure, for 23 Pixar film set in a scream-powered city (Note short? the last three letters in this 48 Bread type 49 Wood concern clue’s answer + ...)

25 Egg dish station (... the 50 Swine’s supper 52 In regard to first three in this one) 57 2010 Taylor Swift album 27 Pour forth (Last four letters + ...)

28 Greet nonverbally 62 One may be above a 29 Bowling target 30 Chilling, but not relax- musical staff (... first five) 65 Preadolescent ing 66 Like a snail 31 Not happy with

The 2022 Special Olympic USA Games will run from June 5 through 12 at various Orlando locations, including Disney’s Coronado Springs, Exploria Stadium, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and the Rosen Aquatic Center.

Special Olympics also hosts the Healthy Athletes program.

Orlando Health is the 2022 USA Games Official Healthcare Partner and the Presenting Sponsor of the USA Games Healthy Athlete Experience.

Locals have the opportunity to get involved in the games from their home city.

Residents can be a part of history by volunteering for one of the many roles needed to bring the games to life, become part of the 2022 donation club or even join the “Fans in the Stands” group.

Those who wish to donate or learn more information on the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games can visit 2022specialolympicsusagames.org.

The 2023 Special Olympic World Games will take place in Berlin.

“I love our athletes; they’re awesome, and they get so excited about our competitions,” Young said.

“They love participating where they win or lose, although, don’t get me wrong, they love to win. The program is so much fun, and we are lucky to have such a loving and supportive community.”

68 TV channel hidden in “camcorder” 69 Early Andean 70 Pickled cucumber 72 One of a Disney septet 75 Bone mineral 77 Goes wrong 78 “Mamma ___!”

80 Northwestern housing?

82 Oscar winner Witherspoon 83 Background actor (Last three letters + ...)

87 Filling pizza style (... first two) 89 Promise 90 Certain parents 92 University URL ending 93 Marriage vow 96 Play-___ 97 Pub measures

100 “60 Minutes” network 103 Detectable segment of DNA (Last four letters + ...)

107 Apportion (... first six) 109 Japanese buckwheat noodle 110 Conflict in many epics 111 “That’s really something!”

113 Run like a mouse 114 “Halt,” nautically 116 Teacher’s org.

118 Braid 122 Chillax 123 Steve Wozniak portrayer (Last three letters + ...)

125 Successful racehorse (... first three) 128 Weeding tool 129 Vote in

1 PC pioneer 2 2016 Drake hit with the lyric “You take my love for granted” 3 Certain hosp. caregiver 4 Soldiers’ dining halls 5 Had some food 6 Stable building?

7 Phrase of approximation 8 Surrounded by 9 Terrible reviews 10 “Batman” publisher 11 ___-and-go 12 Mark who played Luke Skywalker 13 Alfresco 14 Vinegar’s partner 15 Tibia-femur connector 16 Textile 17 Major “Seinfeld” character who wasn’t in the pilot 18 Challenged 24 Bangkok natives 26 Actress Garr 31 OAK alternative 32 Affectionate treatment, briefly 34 Market compartment 36 Shoreline feature 39 Like intense chocolate 40 Golf clubs with thin heads 41 Age 43 Natural soother 44 Nigh 51 Portable organizer (Abbr.)

53 Pizza portions 54 Wind up or wind down 55 At the expected time 56 500 sheets 57 Turn sharply 58 Iran, once 59 Cartoon screech

60 Japanese cartoon genre 61 “Amazing!”

63 SUV maker 64 Paperless greeting 65 Apt thing to toss in the laundry?

67 Roll of bills 70 Precious stones 71 Veto 73 Fishing pole 74 Unpaid promotion, e.g.?

76 Hawaiian neckwear 79 $$$ dispenser 81 Newspapers and such 84 “Black Panther” villain Killmonger 85 Took a train, say 86 Surrounded by 88 Football kick 91 Herding canine 94 Morning moisture 95 Florida fruits 98 “___ the season ...”

99 2014 Winter Olympics city 100 Morsel made from a kernel 101 “Impossible” ones are meatless 102 Hog home 103 Get over a rejection 104 Subsided 105 Foolhardy 106 Birthplace of the Olympics 108 Subtle distinction 109 Malia Obama’s sister 112 Justice Kagan 115 Apt name for a third child 117 Pests in a colony 119 Peace treaty topic 120 Sacred Egyptian bird 121 Youngster 124 “Hooray,” in Jalisco 126 Marry 127 Spanish king

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“VJNSN ESN VJSNN VJBLYC GNL ZEL KP FBVJ FPGNL: TPMN VJNG, CXRRNS RPS VJNG PS VXSL VJNG BLVP TBVNSEVXSN.” – CVNDJNL CVBTTC

“TB ORS ER VPOKCTPX BRU KRR WRPX, TK ZKVUKZ KR WVMJ FEXF, KR DFMRHF KRR FVZO. FVZO TZ KCF JTZZ RB EFVKC.” – GSWTV RUHRPE

“PTO IKIZN YRHHIYYLRB WCP FY C JTTA LCOSIZ, URO IKIZN JTTA LCOSIZ FY C YRHHIYYLRB WCP.”

– ZTUIZO ARKCBB

Puzzle Three Clue: K equals V

Hudson “Huddy” Adams-Farley, who attends Legacy High School, has been involved with Special Olympics since the beginning of middle school.

He has competed in flag football, football, basketball and soccer.

Huddy’s mother, Renee Adams, said he has had a natural passion and love for sports since he was a child.

He talks sports all day long and can name statistics and players from a variety of sports.

“I love playing and watching sports, and they keep me more entertained than other stuff,” Huddy said.

Huddy started playing volleyball about five years ago but didn’t get serious about it until this last year.

“I like that size doesn’t matter in volleyball, because when I played football, it did matter, and there was nothing I could do about it,” Huddy said. “I didn’t want to hurt people or get hurt.”

Huddy said an anime called “Haikyu!!” inspired him to first get involved more with volleyball. The anime follows Shōyō Hinata, a boy determined to become a great volleyball player despite his small stature.

“It’s inspiring because even though he is short, he is playing tall people and learning how to play the game and become better,” he said. “It was teaching me.”

Huddy’s father, Jeffrey Farley, said he is inspired by his son’s dedication.

“When he decides to do something, he is completely all in, and he commits himself to what he is doing,” Jeffrey said.

Renee said even though Huddy has Asperger’s, he really isn’t that different.

“A lot of people don’t recognize that he is even on the spectrum,

said Hali’s dad, Scott Luebke.

Hali practices at the Rosen Aquatic Center with a free membership given to all Special Olympic athletes, regardless of participation in the USA games.

Scott said although Hali is relaxed in practice, she loves to compete.

“We love Special Olympics, and we also love the constant teaching of sportsmanship and the innocence of the athletes who congratulate each other no matter the outcome of the game,” Scott said.

Hali said she loves to eat healthy and is excited to be a part of the USA games, where she will stay at a Disney resort with other athletes and their families.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Puzzle Two Clue: D equals B

SPORT: Volleyball AGE: 17 HEIGHT: 5-foot-6 WEIGHT: 141 pounds

which makes things easier but also more difficult at times,” Renee said.

“He inspires everybody with his passions.”

Jeffrey said his son is also a great teammate and is the biggest cheerleader for his fellow players.

Huddy’s team comprises six athletes and six partners.

“We were all so excited when we found out we were going to the games, and we were jumping in the air and yelling,” Huddy said.

Huddy is currently continuing to practice and hopes to improve for the games.

|

Puzzle One Clue: M equals V

HUDSON ADAMS-FARLEY

OBSERVER

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

1-6-22

19

20

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

2022 FORECAST

Trusting the process UNLV during the early days of Jerry Tarkanian and Houston’s Phi Slama Jama in the 80s. They feature plenty of fast-breaks, big dunks and excitement for the fans who come to the gym at CFCA or watch them on the road.

Ever since the 2014 season, the Eagles have won at least 20 games in six of seven seasons, won six consecutive district championships and went to the Final Four for the first time in 2018.

In 2019, the team did something no CFCA team had been able to do to that point: Win a state championship. With a 71-67 victory over North Florida Educational Institute, the Eagles completed the journey from a team that had been 1-24 just six years prior to a state champion.

Gustafson said the biggest takeaway from that victory was that all the work done to build the culture was working — and then some.

“Any time you win a state championship, that’s going to do wonders for your program, but it was the culmination of years of hard work,” Gustafson said. “It’s a process — no matter what.

We’re still not where we want to be yet, but we are definitely getting there.”

Exactly one season after that state championship, Gustafson was given the keys to the metaphorical Porsche and told not to crash it after being named the head coach when McClintock left. Being given the freedom to run the team his way hasn’t changed the way he has coached during the three years at the helm. He still believes in hard work and putting in the extra work in the gym when other teams won’t do it.

“The boys do all the work, but we’re happy with how the rest of the school has bought in,” Gustafson said. “They keep the gym open for us, and the boys all go in and get extra work in during lunch or whenever they can. I can’t be more thankful for their support.”

Chris Martucci

CFCA head boys basketball coach Andrew Gustafson has led the program to new heights since 2013.

CFCA head basketball coach Andrew Gustafson helped change the Eagles’ culture into one that has produced long-lasting success.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

W

hat does it take to build a winning program after hitting the lowest point you could possibly hit?

There is no clear answer. Sometimes, it’s getting a great player or two. Other times, it’s getting the right coach for the right time.

Such was the case for Central Florida Christian Academy’s boys basketball team in 2013.

At the time, CFCA was a small Christian school struggling to compete with other schools in the area that had better funding or better facilities for athletes to grow. When it did manage to get someone good, it usually wouldn’t be long before that athlete would opt to leave for another, more competitive, school. After an abysmal 1-24 season in the 201314 season, which was on the backs of a 2-23 season the year before, it was going to take a miracle of a hire to resurrect this team and program. Thenassistant coach Andrew Gustafson was hired as part of an entirely new coaching staff, headed by Jonathan McClintock. They were starting at the bottom and knew it was going to be a long process to get up to the level the coaching staff believed the kids could reach.

“It takes an army to make this whole thing work,” Gustafson said. “All of us coaches working together and with the kids. It’s a complete team effort, and the kids understand that as well.

It’s been a great ride.”

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Gustafson was not the only new face brought in prior to the 2013 fall season. Athletic Director Kyle Wills also was new to the CFCA environment. Knowing he, too, was inheriting a program desperately in need of a jolt, it was time to get to work.

That started with improving the culture of the school and athletics.

“We’re a long way from where we want to be, but the key has been being fortunate to get coaches who have bought into the mission of this place,” Wills said. “They believe, and that culture has been passed down to the kids who are doing the same thing.

We have been fortunate and blessed to have coaches who have come in to do the hard work.”

With a brand-new coaching staff, this was perhaps the start of a new beginning for CFCA basketball.

They had no idea just what kind of ride they had just boarded — one that would take the Eagles to heights they had never seen before.

When CFCA came calling in 2013, he did not hesitate to answer. For several years, Gustafson wanted to get back to the high school ranks after coaching travel basketball teams. He knew CFCA was a rebuild. And he was ready.

“We want to play the right way,” Gustafson said of the culture he wanted to instill. “That’s the only way to play. When you play the right way, a lot of good things will happen to you.

It’s the way life is as well, and that’s what we want to teach the kids. It’s more than just basketball — it’s hitting all areas of life so that when these kids walk out of here, they’re set for life.”

That message hit home immediately. In the new regime’s first year at the helm, CFCA went from one win to 23 wins. The team won a playoff game against Meadowbrook Academy before losing to Agape Christian Academy, which also beat the Eagles in the district tournament.

That was just the beginning.

BRED TO COACH

A RUN LIKE NONE OTHER

Coaching runs in Gustafson’s family.

His uncle was a coach, and another member of his family served as an athletic director. So it was no surprise he would carry on the family tradition.

“I’ve had a passion for coaching for as long as I can remember,” Gustafson said. “It’s always been there, and it was just a natural thing for me to do once I stopped playing. I like being with the kids and making a difference in their lives.”

During his playing days, Gustafson was quite a player. While at Kane Area High School in Kane, Pennsylvania, he became the school’s all-time leading scorer, a record which he still holds today, and scored 1,000 points in his high school career. Gustafson went on to play at Houghton College, an NAIA school in New York his son, Rece, also attended.

As good of a player he was, Gustafson knew coaching was what he ultimately wanted to do. He bounced around as an assistant coach for several programs before arriving in Florida.

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A WIDER IMPACT

Wills has seen the rest of the school feed off the basketball team’s success, as well. During the fall, the Eagles football team won its first home playoff game and went to the second round of the playoffs for the first time ever.

Part of ensuring that success for him is allowing the coaches to do their jobs without him being a micromanager.

“I trust them with those jobs,” Wills said. “I let them coach and not get in the way. They’ve blossomed as a result, and the kids have responded to that. They’re our No. 1 focus above all, but it’s the coaches that are the reason we’re successful.”

Not to be outdone, the CFCA girls basketball team has started making a name for itself as well under head coach Blessing Freeman. The team won its first nine games and, as of press time Tuesday, sits with an 11-2 record.

“Great culture and great people,” Gustafson said. “(Freeman) and I work closely together, so to see them having success is awesome.”

The Eagles boys team is still on track to win 20 games once again, but the most important thing for Gustafson is seeing his athletes continuing to thrive. This group of players is the first team he has developed on his own, which makes it even more special for him.

“They’re such great kids, and it’s awesome to see them play as well as they have,” Gustafson said. “They’re so unselfish and play together well as a team. They don’t care who scores, so Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. long asGrove the3279 team gets Fowler’s Daniels Rd the win. That’s State Farm Winter Garden,me FL 34787 what makes the most proud. ” has a long tradition Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason The team plays Pine Ridge Friday, www.shannontill.com whythe I’m proud Jan. 7, in its second game of new to support West Orange county.. year.

As the 2021 season turns to 2022, CFCA basketball has amassed a run of excellence few schools in the area have been able to replicate. The team is known for playing a high-tempo style of play very reminiscent of

“The boys do all the work, but we’re happy with how the rest of the school has bought in. They keep the gym open for us, and the boys all go in and get extra work in during lunch or whenever they can. I can’t be more thankful for their Family. . support.”Family

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Funeral Director In Charge

OBSERVER

DIANE MARIE LESCZYNSKI DIED DEC. 18, 2021.

Diane Marie Lesczynski (nee Gray), 78, passed away on Dec. 18, 2021, after spending her final years in Winter Garden, Florida.

Diane was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Malcolm Gray and Mary Gray (nee Titus) on March 30, 1943.

She graduated from Parma Senior High School in Parma, Ohio. She also earned degrees from Dyke College and Cuyahoga Community College.

Ofelia Aguirre, 87, of Orlando, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

Diane married James Lesczynski on Feb. 20, 1965. She enjoyed a successful career as a brand manager

for Sherwin Williams Company in Cleveland. Diane was an avid traveler — visiting every continent.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She is survived by her sons, James Jr. and Joseph; her daughter, Jane; her daughters-in-law, Susan and Dawn; her grandchildren, Audrey, Andrew, Bethany, Adam, Jeremy, Alana, Sara and Benjamin; her brother, Jack; and her sister, Cheryl.

The memorial service will be private.

Bernard John Ferioli, 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, in Winter

®

Robert Lee Wood died Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

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Victor Manuel Alvarez, 72, of Winter Garden, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Dorothy M. McHan, 65, of Ocoee Florida, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

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Linda Dianne Worley, 72, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at Advent Health Orlando. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Garden. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.

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William Yuscinsky, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

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Who We Are: Edgewood Children’s Ranch is a faith-based residential program and accredited school, providing emotional and spiritual healing for children displaying negative social behaviors.

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