01.13.21 Southwest Orange Observer

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Construction causes concern for popular bald eagle nest

YOUR TOWN The town of Windermere will not have a municipal election March 8 after three people qualified without opposition for the Windermere Town Council.

Mayor Jim O’Brien and Town Council Member Andy Williams will retain their seats on the commission for another two-year term. Molly Rose, who served as a council member in the past, will begin her first two-year term.

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Dr. Phillips community remembers Bill Spoone. 8.

Courtesy of Jon Burket

Residents fear road work at East Crown Point Road and Plant Street will disturb a popular Winter Garden nest. SEE PAGE 2.

1936-2021: Remembering Robert Pleus

Editor & Publisher magazine has named its first class of Sales Superstars, and Cyndi Gustafson, multimedia sales executive for the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer, is among the 15 recognized in the Class of 2022.

“We are here to complete the circle,” Gustafson said of the Observer’s role in the community. “We provide the catalyst that makes a community special and holds it together while helping it grow.

The growth is not only in size but in strength and integrity — the things that really matter.

We tell a story about our audience, around our audience and to our audience.

“We introduce them to new thoughts and preserve their history; we keep them informed and educated,” Gustafson said. “We help businesses prosper, informing them, promoting them and helping them grow. These things draw residents and new businesses owners to a certain community. They desire the bond that makes a community strong and able to accept the new while preserving the old.”

Gustafson has been with the newspaper since 2013.

DREAM CENTER STARTS NEW GROUP

The West Orange Dream Center has a new support group starting called Sprinkles of Joy, which is designed for individuals who are caring for a loved one. The person being cared for might have chronic illness or disability, or he or she might be a frail elder who requires care at home or a facility.

This four-session support group begins at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13, and is open to spouses, parents, other family members and friends.

For information, email info@ wodreamcenter.com.

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Bob Pleus lived a full life of service to community through the military, as a judge and as mayor of the town of Windermere. STORY ON PAGE 4.

Ocoee commission approves plan for rehab hospital Everest Rehabilitation Hospital is slated for the east side of Lake Johio Road and the intersection of North Clarke Road and East Silver Star Road. SEE PAGE 4.

Titans get last-second three in win Windermere and Olympia gave fans a game to remember when they met Jan. 7.

SEE PAGE 11.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Will construction disturb bald eagle nest?

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The corner of East Crown Point Road and Plant Street in Winter Garden is home to a popular family.

However, the family doesn’t live in a typical home, but instead, a nest.

Bald eagle nest OR066 has been home for an eagle couple for more than 12 years, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Now, that home may be in danger.

Over the New Year weekend, Winter Garden resident Diane Melesio noticed a message board placed directly in front of the active bald eagle’s nest. It said construction would start Tuesday, Jan. 4.

Melesio said the nest is popular for locals because of its accessibility and visibility. She keeps a special eye on the nest both as a photographer and a member of the Audubon EagleWatch program at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey.

“The nest has been there for years, and there are quite a few of us local residents that like to keep an eye on it,” Melesio said.

The construction in the area is set to include widening, milling and resurfacing of the mainlane expressway and ramps, as well as a reconfiguring of the Plant Street and State Road 429 Interchange, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

Melesio said her particular concern rests with the newly born eaglet, who is less than a month old.

“The next two months are really important for the baby because of feeding that occurs all day, in the same hours of construction, and the fledging, because when they start flying they aren’t real coordinated,” Melesio said. “They’re clumsy, and if a loud noise startles them they could fall out of the nest.”

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the construction company with the Central Florida Expressway Authority does have a permit for nest disturbance, with specific guidelines for the planned work near the nest at various distances.

The construction permit shows the construction will take place with the nest being impacted within the 660foot radius. However, the construction cannot take place closer than 173 feet from the nest at any time of year.

According to the permit, the construction crew is expected to create an eagle nest buffer to delineate the 173-foot buffer to prevent per-

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sonnel or heavy equipment entering the area.

The crew must refrain from excessive or sudden loud noises, minimize the need for “reverse” indicator horns and provide signage to indicate the need for quiet.

Melesio, who also is in construction as a project manager with Harris Rebar, said although she knows the crew may do its best, the guidelines may not be enough.

“I understand the crew has a job to do, but as someone in construction, I just don’t know if all of this is possible while still getting the job done,” she said.

Within the 173 feet boundary of the

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nest, exterior construction, heavy landscaping and associated activities are prohibited, access roadways within the project limits are to be kept free of carcasses to minimize the attraction of wildlife, and lights are to be down-shielded so as to not shine directly on the nest.

Shawnlei Breeding, program manager of the Audubon EagleWatch program at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, said situations like this can be common, because the construction companies may not be aware of the nests.

She said the project has taken the appropriate steps of applying with USFWS for a Federal Nest Disturbance permit.

If the nest does fail because of DER GRIN P M STU

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Courtesy of Diane Melesio

Both bald eagle parents tend to their newly born eaglet at their nest on the corner of East Crown Point Road and Plant Street in Winter Garden.

the work, Breeding said the company would be covered by the permit.

“There’s the understanding that they are doing their best not to disturb the nest but it may disturb the nest,” Breeding said. “Everyone’s trying to do the right thing, and nobody wants to see the nest fail, but the work project does need to be done.”

Breeding said that like humans, eagles have different living preferences.

“A lot of the eagles that are settling in urban areas are showing their tolerance for being around humans and interacting in certain capacities with forces such as traffic, pollution and construction,” Breeding said. “These are also good parents, and they are experienced parents.”

Breeding said the eagle’s resilience is one of the things that most inspires her about the species.

“Most of the time the eagles do go on and nest successfully,” she said.

“Their drive to take care of their young and raise them is incredibly strong.”

As a biologist and a conservationist, the program manager said the eagles give her hope.

“You hear all the difficult news with species becoming extinct and environmental destruction but the bald eagles are such a great example of a species that have faced adversity and overcome it,” she said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

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Left: Harold Mills said Daniel’s love for theater started with his sisters who were both involved.

He said his son loved the work involved with theater and the dedication that came along with it.

Harold and Rosy Mills started the William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program at the Garden Theatre for young artists ages 13 through 22 in 2021 to celebrate their son’s legacy.

Courtesy of Harold Mills

PASSION PLAYERS The William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program gives local theater students a chance to work alongside professionals at the Garden Theatre.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

W

indermere residents Harold and Rosy Mills are working with the Garden Theatre to turn a nightmare into a dream.

In 2020, the Mills family’s lives changed forever, when they lost their youngest son, William Daniel Mills, in a boating accident.

“Daniel was probably one of the most liberated people I have ever known in the sense that he accepted others no matter who or what they came with,” Harold said. “It was never a case of if someone had a weakness or a deficiency. He never said, ‘Let me ignore your deficiency.’ Instead, he said, ‘Let me celebrate it. This is who you are, and this is your contribution to the world and that’s what should be celebrated.’”

Now, the family is honoring their son in the way they know he would have wanted — not through grief but rather by creating opportunity for others.

Harold and Rosy started the William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program at the Garden Theatre for young artists ages 13 through 22 in 2021 to celebrate Daniel’s legacy and his love for theater.

This year’s inaugural class of the apprenticeship program includes 30 students. The apprentices will spend the next season at the theater preparing for a career as a performer, director, educator, playwright, stage manager or designer.

MEMBERS 2021 members of the William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program Ashton Appadu Emma Barker Sydney Barker Caroline Becker Helena Cabrera Adrian De Leon Alison Diaz Jackson Dowling Lily Downs Larissa Foxx Sydney Francis Eislinn Gracen Billy Granville Jr. Jessie Harris Brooke Herrera Safiin Karim Ethan Kaufman Jordyn Kinard Liam Klingberg Valarie Kutemeier Avery Liao-Troth Luisa Luo Hilary Pardey-Hernan Madison Poston Nicholas Querino CJ Rosado Stuart Sheffield Aaron Sinclair Jacob Steele Matthew Zenon

The yearlong program includes a variety of master classes and workshops. The apprentices recently enjoyed a master class with Kelli O’Hara, Tony winner and Emmy- and Grammy-nominated actor and singer. To honor Daniel, the theme of the main-stage season is “identity.”

So far, some of the apprentices have worked on plays at the Garden Theatre such as “The Bodyguard,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Looped” and “Big.” Harold said Daniel loved the world — mostly because of the humans in it — and thought everyone was fascinating in his or her own way.

“He always created this environment for people where they felt like they belonged,” Daniel’s father said.

“He was someone people always knew they could come to and trust and find a listening heart where they felt welcome.”

FAMILY AFFAIR

Daniel’s love for theater started with his sisters, who both were involved.

Harold said his son loved the work involved with theater and the dedication that came along with it.

“I would always compare him to a baseball card kid in the sense that he knew actors, performers and their statistics from years and years ago,” Harold said. “We would go to Broadway every year, and he would talk to these people about a performance they did six years ago, and they would be so surprised.”

Garden Theatre Education Director Nick Bazo said one of the theater’s main goals is to engage and impact the community and the apprenticeship program embodies that concept perfectly.

“The goal is to provide artistic training and professional opportunities for young artists in our community,” he said. “The apprentices each follow

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Courtesy of Garden Theatre

their own individual track, based on their interest, as well as a group track.”

Harold said the students selected all share similar qualities but are uniquely different.

“Theater kids are sometimes thought of as a community of misfits, and I mean that in the very best way,” Harold said. “You hear their personalities and their different backgrounds, but when they get on stage, they’re all the same. They share a deep passion and love for theater, and their differences are set aside as they step into their roles and come together.”

The apprentices are led by Bazo, Associate Artistic Director Roberta Emerson and Artistic Director Joseph C. Walsh.

“The Garden Theatre, and particularly those three people (Bazo, Emerson and Walsh), have just been amazing in leading this effort,” Harold said. “They’ve turned our dream into a reality.”

“It is such an honor that the Mills family entrusted us with this program,” Bazo said.

‘OUR NEW DREAM’

A month before Daniel’s accident, he auditioned for his first professional role at the Garden Theatre. The Millses later learned Daniel would have gotten the role.

Daniel was particularly close to Emerson, who served as his theater director and his sister’s director, when he attended Montverde Academy.

They later worked together at the Garden Theatre.

Harold said Daniel loved to learn, and Emerson pushed him to work

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“Daniel was one of the nicest kids I ever met,” Emerson said. “He was one of those people that always stood up for others and he wanted ‘fair to be fair’ no matter what. He was funny and silly and smart — almost too smart for his own good. He was very stubborn in the way that he was passionate about things he felt were important and he always pursued those passions.”

Emerson said she worked with Daniel since he was in eighth grade.

“Even qualities that some people would perhaps consider negative about a person — he used those qualities to transform them into something he could do good with, for the betterment of himself and others,” Emerson said. “He had one of the best smiles ever, and he changed the energy of the room no matter what was going on. If Daniel was there, somehow it was better.”

The Mills family said they hope to grow the program in the future by hosting multiple sites across the region to give more students the opportunity to pursue their passions. “(Daniel) was such a blessing,” Howard said. “I’ve always felt like I learned more from him than he learned from me.”

Recently, Daniel’s parents have learned of the large number of people on whom Daniel had an impact.

“This is what I mean when I say, ‘Turning a nightmare into a dream,’” Harold said. “That fulfillment of knowing we are going to build a legacy for Daniel, which is part of our new dream, while also building a dream for other students in a field they love.”

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

A life in service to others AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

R

obert James “Bob” Pleus Jr. spent his entire adult life serving others — in the U.S. Navy; as a commissioner, mayor and attorney for the town of Windermere; as a judge with the Fifth District Court of Appeal; and as a deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Pleus, who was born in Orlando and was a longtime Windermere resident, died Dec. 14, 2021, at age 85.

Perhaps his most important role was that of husband and father. Pleus and his wife, Terry, were married for 58 years and raised six children — Larry, Robin, Michael, Maria Harrington, Melissa Torres and Sean — in Windermere after moving to the town in 1967.

In his later years, he was surrounded by the love of 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“He was such a loving father,” son Michael Pleus said. “It was so funny because, for a lot of people, he was this serious lawyer and mayor and judge. … So many people loved him, but in his circles, he was a pretty serious person. But I wanted them to know that as a dad, he was a very gentle, kind and caring person and deeply cared about this family.”

He said his father stressed the importance of doing right by his family.

“None of this other stuff would mean anything to me if I didn’t get that right,” he said his father told him.

Pleus shared a birthday with daughter Melissa Torres and passed on his affinity for law to son Sean Pleus and nephew Jim Lussier.

In Pleus’ eulogy, which he wrote several years ago, he spoke of his legacy and the gifts of faith and love he leaves behind.

“He really taught us to love one another, despite our faults,” Michael Pleus said. “We are a family that loves and cares for one another. We genuinely love spending time together, and that’s because of my dad. As a deacon he wanted to pass that along to us the gift of faith.”

Pleus established his faith and love of family at a young age. He was born in Orlando to the late Judge Robert J. Pleus Sr. and Virginia Sleeper Pleus.

They regularly prayed together and attended Mass at St. James Cathedral.

He attended St. James School and Orlando High School, and graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota. He obtained a bachelor’s degree cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1957.

Upon graduation, he was commissioned an ensign in the Navy — following in his father’s footsteps — and served on active duty, attaining the rank of first lieutenant, until his entry into the University of Florida College of Law. Pleus graduated in 1962 and returned to his home in Orlando, where he began the practice of law with his father’s former firm, known then as Rush Reed and Marshall. He later was a partner in Smathers, Tepper and Pleus; Carlton Fields; and Pleus Adams and Spears. He was of counsel to Akerman Senterfitt. For 25 years, he was general counsel to the Diocese of Orlando, serving five bishops.

In 2000, Gov. Jeb Bush appointed Pleus to the Fifth District Court of Appeal, where he served as chief judge before his retirement. He then

SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee City Commission convened for its first meeting of the new year Jan. 4 and approved the preliminary site plans for two major projects within the city.

The first of these to be approved was the site plan for the Everest Rehabilitation Hospital, which would have space for 36 beds in its facility.

The preliminary plan approved by the commission would consist of a 39,817-square-foot facility to go along with 4,792 square feet of potential expansion space. The hospital would be located on the east side of Lake Johio Road, and the intersection of North Clarke Road and East Silver Star Road.

Chip Bryan, the property owner

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com

Terry and Bob Pleus stand with their house in the background on the last day they lived there in June 2013.

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Bob Pleus was named Senior Officer of the Year.

Bob Pleus’ graduation photo from St. Thomas Military Academy.

returned as a senior judge.

Pleus practiced law in Central Florida for 35 years. During those years he was a diocesan attorney for four separate bishops in the Diocese of Orlando.

Attending Loyola University’s LYMEX program as a major part of his formation, he received his master’s degree in pastoral ministries. He was ordained as a deacon at St. James Cathedral June 4, 2000, by Bishop Norbert Dorsey. Prior to receiving the Sacrament of Holy Orders at St. James Cathedral, he had received the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Holy Matrimony — all at the cathedral.

Pleus served as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church.

According to Holy Family Catholic Church, the deacon’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16: “And he is in awe of the love of God, that Jesus would die for his (and our) salvation.”

While serving at Holy Family, he presided at baptisms (including a grandchild) and funerals and gave homilies.

His leadership in civic activities included serving as president in many organizations: Windermere Rotary Club, Tiger Bay Club of Orlando, University Club of Orlando, Committee 101, Orange County Historical

Longtime friend Pat Christiansen said he met Pleus when they were attorneys and discovered they both attended Notre Dame.

“That led to a close relationship with our families and wives,” he said.

He and his wife, O’Ann, took many vacations together with the Pleuses, to the Bahamas and on ski trips, and including flights to Notre Dame games with Pleus in the cockpit.

“Bob came to work for the Akerman firm for a while and then wanted to be a judge. … During that time, he became deacon in the church. He wanted to do that. He was really good at being a deacon; his sermons were quite good.”

Christiansen said Pleus was well regarded in Windermere and in the Catholic Church.

The two had many conversations about life.

“He lived his life fully because his dad died when he was young and he worried about that,” Christiansen said. “He just enjoyed life to the fullest. There’s no question about it.”

Memorial donations can be made to Catholic Charities Donate — Catholic Charities of Central Florida (cflcc. org). Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park handled the funeral arrangements.

Courtesy photos

Ocoee approves plan for new rehab hospital CHRIS MARTUCCI

Observer

and master developer of the site, answered questions from both the public and the commission. Representatives from the hospital were scheduled to attend, but they did not because of a change in plans.

Commissioner George Oliver said although he liked the plan for the facility — saying it would fit into the neighborhood — he was concerned with a two-acre empty lot next to the development.

“We were looking at getting some retail space in that area,” Oliver said.

“If Everest is allowed to put the rehab center, it really condenses the area that we can use for any retail space.”

Oliver asked Planning and Zoning Director Mike Rumer if there were any plans to develop that parcel of land.

Rumer said it was too soon to say-

Society, Notre Dame Club of Greater Orlando, Sierra Club, Tri-County League of Cities and Orange County Bar. He also was past grand knight of Council 5150 and district deputy, as well as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus.

In the political arena, Pleus served two years on the Windermere Town Council in the 1970s and for six years as the mayor of Windermere. He also was the town attorney for Windermere.

He served for eight years on the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors as well.

The town of Windermere remembered Pleus on its Facebook page: “The town of Windermere is saddened to hear of the passing of Judge Robert ‘Bob’ Pleus. Judge Pleus led a very accomplished life and spent many years in public service, including serving as a Windermere Town Council member from 1971 to 1974, as well as the mayor of Windermere from 1987 to 1993. Additionally, Judge Pleus served as the town’s attorney for many years.”

“His fingerprints are on many of the important document and policies that helped to shape our town and the West Orange community,” Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said.

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission held the first reading on the ordinances for annexation and rezoning for the proposed West Orange Surgery Center in Ocoee. The site is expected to be located at the intersection of Blackwood Avenue and Old Winter Garden Road. A second reading will be held at the Jan. 18 meeting. n An amendment was passed with the consent agenda that would bar members of the fire department, police department and parks and recreation department from serving on their respective advisory boards. This was to keep exclusively citizens on these boards.

fwhat exactly would be going on the parcel but he was working with another group to come up with ideas for that space.

“The meatloaf-making starts before you can make it,” Rumer said.

One idea was to use the space for extra parking for people in the neighborhood, in addition to the rehabilitation center. However, Bryan said he could not commit to any one idea just yet because the development process was still ongoing.

“We don’t want (the land) to remain as a vacant lot either,” Bryan said. “It’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg (situation); you have to know what the uses are on both sides in order to work out the details.”

Because of this, Oliver said he had trouble approving the site plan if there was no concrete plan for the piece of land next to it.

The preliminary site plan passed by a 4-1 vote, with Oliver dissenting.

The second site plan passed was for a self-storage facility expected to be placed on Tomyn Boulevard and Roberson Road. The facility is expected to be three stories tall and consist of 34,969 square feet of space. That plan also passed by a 4-1 vote, with Oliver dissenting.

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Ocoee Fire Department, union agree to contract

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF MULTIPLE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT MORATORIUM PUBLIC HEARING

The city will increase firefighter pay from $43,691 to $45,439.

Paramedics also will receive an increase to their salaries.

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.

CHRIS MARTUCCI

ORDINANCE 2021-28

SPORTS EDITOR

AN 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.

good relationship with them.”

The contract also helps Ocoee Fire Department in its mission to becoming a competitive option for new firefighters in the area. The new wage increase puts the department in company with some of the others in the region.

The Orlando Fire Department has one of the highest starting salaries in the region, which ranges from $51,370 to $53,654 annually based on experience. Orange County Fire Rescue Department firefighter salaries start at $45,823 annually.

The department in 2021 lost 14 firefighters — one more than the number it lost in 2020. Atalski said based on the new agreement with the city, he hopes the department can attract new hires.

“When you lose (more than) 10 people while we’re in the midst of a pandemic, it’s not a good look for you,” Atalski said.

The issue of a pension multiplier is still a topic of discussion going forward. The mark previously was capped at 3.25%, with an 81.25% pension entitlement. Atalski previously stated he wanted to raise it 3.6% with a 90% entitlement, but neither side could come to an agreement.

Ocoee Fire Chief John Miller did not return repeated requests seeking comment by press time Tuesday.

Location Map:

A second and final public hearing by the Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the following time, date, and place::

DATE: Tuesday, January 25, 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 24, 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.

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 25th Town Commission Hybrid Work Session and Regular Meeting (In-person and Zoom) Time: January 25, 2022 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87191853955 Meeting ID: 871 9185 3955 Passcode: 9F1qqh One tap mobile +19292056099,,87191853955#,,,,*256763# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 871 9185 3955 Passcode: 256763

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As we celebrate the birthday of a civil rights leader, we also celebrate the strides we’ve made toward achieving his dream of freedom and equality for all Americans, regardless of color or creed. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, join Lake Apopka Natural Gas District as we take a moment to honor his memory and make a pledge to uphold his message of nonviolence, love, tolerance, reconciliation and service to humanity.

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After several months of negotiations, the Ocoee Fire Department and the Ocoee Professional Firefighters Local 3623 firefighters union have come to an agreement on a new contract, which would include better pay and incentives for firefighters and paramedics.

According to the new contract, the pay for firefighters would increase from $43,691 to $45,439 in October, when the agreement will go into effect. Paramedics also will receive an increase from $9,000 to an additional $9,500 to their salary.

Firefighters and paramedics now can receive up to 276 hours of paid vacation leave with nine paid holidays.

The agreement was ratified at the beginning of the new year and was a welcomed late Christmas gift for the firefighters and their families.

“We’re just glad that it’s all over with,” Chris Atalski, president of the Local 3623 union, said. “It took a long time, and a lot of headaches on our side, but we’re very happy with the results. This is not just about giving our first responders what they deserve but also to help benefit the city of Ocoee by keeping people safe and helping the city attract new people.”

With this pay increase, this would allow Ocoee to help improve a situation that was on the precipice of reaching irreparable harm.

“It’s not something any side wants to go through, but when you had a year like we had at the department, we couldn’t just let it go,” Atalski said. “We’re very happy with how the negotiations with the city went and look forward to maintaining a

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6

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Event will celebrate life, legacy of MLK BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

The city of Winter Garden celebration will include a parade, speeches, displays, music and more at the downtown pavilion.

CHURCH OF GOD

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

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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 METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Residents are invited to a community celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work to create unity and equality. The remembrance event takes place Monday, Jan. 17, in downtown Winter Garden and begins at 10 a.m. with a Celebration Parade along Plant Street.

The free celebration continues at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., and will feature speeches from the community, including those

by Dr. King; as well as displays, family-friendly activities, food vendors and daylong live stage performances.

At 11 a.m., Winter Garden Mayor John Rees will address the crowd. At 12:15 p.m., Anthony Hodge, minister and founder of Finding the Lost Sheep Ministry in east Winter Garden, will present King’s speech.

PERFORMERS 10:30 a.m. — The Gerry Williams Band (funk, soul, rhythm) 11:15 a.m. — The Gerry Williams Band 12:30 p.m. — Corrinne Thompson (solo saxophonist) 1 p.m. — Nick Melvin (R&B acoustic soul) 2:45 p.m. — Selwyn Birchwood (American Blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter)

icon as King reflects on the man he is and the man he hoped to be. Written in honor of the individuals who King inspired but never met, Katori Hall’s Olivier Award-winning play is a stunning imagining of King’s last night on Earth.

Essex O’Brien portrays King, and Anita Whitney Bennett is cast as Camae. The understudies are Matthew Zenon and Lauren Muller, respectively.

To purchase tickets, visit sforce. co/3t1LWve. OCOEE

The city of Ocoee has canceled its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration because of COVID-19 concerns.

The city posted a comment on its website: “The city of Ocoee is committed to embracing Dr. King’s ideals of peace, justice and equality for all.”

Previous MLK celebrations in Ocoee are streaming online at ocoee. org/OcoeeTV. The events, from 2017 to 2020, also can be viewed on Ocoee TV Spectrum 493: at 9 and 10 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 13; 9 and 10:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 14; 2:45 and 5 p.m. SaturAdvertise your Services or Events ‘THE MOUNTAINTOP’ day, Jan. 15; 2:45, 4:45, 9 and 10 p.m. on this page weekly.

In addition, to further celebrate Dr. Sunday, Jan. 16; 2:45, 5, 9 and 10:45 King’s Garden weekly Theatreinwill This legacy, page appears the p.m. Monday, Jan. 17; and 9 and 10 host a live production of “The Moun- p.m. Tuesday, Jan.18.

West Orange Times & Observer and taintop” that depicts an imagining of In addition, a special photo monOrangeObserver.com.

Dr.online King’s at last night on Earth. tage, “A Look Back Through the The play will run from Jan. 21 Years,” highlights the city’s past MLK To advertise Church DirectoryDay celebrations, including the city’s through Feb.in6.the One performance call 407-656-2121 email including an American or Sign Lan- first parade, held 15 years ago. This is AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com guage interpreter will take place at posted on Ocoee’s YouTube channel.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3.

In “The Mountaintop,” King is in his OAKLAND Memphis motel room after delivering The town of Oakland issued a prochis iconic “I’ve Been to the Mountain- lamation at its Jan. 11 meeting in top” speech when a maid brings him honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. a newspaper, some coffee and news It pays tribute to the town’s diverthat he won’t live past tomorrow. sity; honors King’s message of peace Her revelation spurs an all-night and service; and urges residents to conversation that illuminates the find ways to show service and respect humanity behind the Civil Rights to others.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

146 East Plant St, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM nd us at: Theacf.net

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM www.churchofthemessiah.com

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship

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Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

www.windermereunion.org

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

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7

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Pastor forging new path for Presbyterian church Craig Sumey sees the pandemic as a way to give the church a fresh outlook and to prepare it for future generations.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Cecil Ramsey

Craig Sumey is motivated by transformation and is excited for the future of Oakland Presbyterian Church.

Coeur d’ Alene and the Winter Garden/Oakland area.

“My personality is to come and sort of help a church innovate, and I really like working with existing churches that want to sort of find a future,” Sumey said. “They’ve had a rich and glorious past — and now, in a changing world, how do we find that future mission? That’s kind of a specialty that I’ve been drawn to.”

This month has been reconnecting with everyone, he said.

“It’s a generational game-changer for the church and may go way past generational, too,” Sumey said. “The way churches are accustomed to running and the value they put on things, COVID changed that. Gatherings, use of buildings, pastors had to relearn their jobs, where suddenly I’m standing in front of a camera and microphone week after week after week.”

Sumey said he is motivated by transformation.

“I just like to see things get better,” he said. “I like to see people get better, because they’re effective dealing with their stuff, and some of the burdens they’re carrying are starting to fall away.”

As a child growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, Sumey knew he was destined to be a speaker.

“I remember seeing people who were speaking to a crowd and imagining myself in that,” he said. “Very early on, my grandmother, who’s passed on now, her favorite story was my first sermon, which was standing on the wall … and I was preaching a sermon about how God should do something about my little brother because he was being a pest. I would have been 5, 6. She loved to tell that story.”

Sumey said he received the pastoral call when he was a college student looking for a summer job. He was hired at his home church to help with the youth program. He then went from college straight to Princeton Theological Seminary.

“This church is in an excellent location to reach a lot of people,” Sumey said. “We have wonderful resource; caring, loving people; a facility; property, and so we have a call really to reach the community as it is now.”

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Understanding the history of the church and community is as important as leading the congregation, said Craig Sumey, new pastor of Oakland Presbyterian Church.

“I just always felt the pastor should be a historian and know the stories,” Sumey said. “This church’s history is intwined with the town’s history: Judge (James Gamble) Speer was a Presbyterian and was a charter member of this church.”

There is an abundance of history in the 134-year-old church, and it’s Sumey’s job to connect its past with its future.

“You have a church in a crossroads, and it owns its own property, has multi-use facilities,” he said. “I just thought, ‘That’s a church that would be well positioned to be a blessing in its community. … And then I met the people, I thought, ‘These are good people, it’s got a diversity of people here, they seem like they want to honor their past but not be beholden to it, but they need guidance, they need leadership and to move forward.’”

Sumey has been pastoring for nearly 30 years. He has learned that when he moves to a new community and church, it’s important to gather information about a place and not try to do “anything other than what’s basic to being a pastor and do that as best as I can and focus my energy on that,” he said.

“When I’m preaching, I’m as connected to them and God’s word as I can,” Sumey said. “Learning people’s stories and really just, I’ve really only asked one question of people when we meet. I ask, ‘What’s your greatest hope for Oakland Presbyterian?’ and kind of leave that open-ended and let them answer that question however they want.”

One theme emerged, he said. Local folks are discovering the median age is younger than the national average here in West Orange, which means an increase in young families to bring into the church and preschool.

“I’m preaching a whole series on Children’s Church, and it’s basically, ‘How do you care for children in your midst, how do you steward?’” he said.

“And Jesus had a lot to say about caring for children. My first message was ‘children need to be safe.’ The church is supposed to be a refuge for parents and for children so that they’re safe — and when they’re safe, they thrive.”

At the job just five months, Sumey is serving as the church’s leader at a time when it’s difficult to organize group gatherings.

Sumey and his wife of 28 years, Lynn, have made several moves to and from Florida. He started a church in Lincoln, Nebraska, and then was an associate pastor at a Presbyterian church in Lakeland before accepting a pastoral position in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Their next move was to the warmer climes of West Orange, where they found many similarities between

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8

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

SCHOOL BOARD, TEACHERS UNION RESOLVE IMPASSE The Orange County School Board and the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association appear to have an agreement regarding issues including wage increases, supplements for lead nurses, longevity supplements for veteran educators and the cost of health benefits.

“The School Board determined our teachers should receive, pending ratification, the much-deserved salary supplement, bonus and salary increase, which is between $2,600 and $6,000 for the 2021 to 2022 school year, depending on years of service and performance evaluations,” OCPS officials said.

According to OCPS, teachers will receive a range of compensation from $2,600 to $3,000. This will include a one-time district supplement of $2,500, a $100 cost-of-living increase, and $200 or $400 based on a teacher’s performance rating of “highly effective” or “effective.”

“We are pleased that the School Board voted to increase the cost of living base from the insulting $25 a year to $100,” OCCTA officials said.

“It is still not what our hard-working teachers deserve, but considering the inadequate funds from Tallahassee, it certainly is a welcome improvement.”

In terms of the longevity supplement, the School Board decided on a ESSER, School Emergency Relief Fund, Grant Three-Year Retention Supplement, based on the union’s proposed chart ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on years of experience for school years 2021 to 2022, 2022 to 2023, and 2023 to 2024.

Teachers will keep their current health care plan through September. In October, the new plan will be effective, which includes no increase to premiums and some increase in deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

The agreement also includes a 5% salary supplement for seven districtlevel nurses.

OCCTA controls the ratification process. The meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Jan. 18.

DP remembers Bill Spoone Spoone was the first principal at Dr. Phillips High School.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

P

rincipal. Pizza delivery man.

Rotarian. Father. Lifelong companion.

William “Bill” C. Spoone was a man of many hats. And throughout his life, he accomplished much.

Spoone, 89 of Orlando, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022.

His legacy will live on in every person whose heart he touched in the community.

Spoon came from humble beginnings. He was born in 1932, in Morristown, Tennessee, and didn’t have running water until he was 11 years old.

Morristown is where he met his lifelong partner of 66 years and love of his life, Pat. Bill and Pat were high school sweethearts at Morristown High School, where Bill was the captain of the football team and basketball team his senior year.

In 1952, he earned a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he then became a member of the UT Letterman’s Club. In 1956, he graduated from UT with a degree in education.

“The way that he was able to overcome challenges when he was younger, like being pushed back in school, to end up being one of the best known educators in Orange County and to change so many people’s lives is just incredible,” Dan Spoone, Bill’s son, said.

Spoone began his teaching and

“Dad (Bill) loved sports, but he loved everything. He encouraged everyone no matter their passions. He was a student’s principal.”

— Dan Spoone

Bill Spoone was a 30-year member of the Dr. Phillips Rotary Club, a group that provided him with 30 years of friendships, according to his family.

football coaching career at Etowah, Tennessee, and then moved his family in 1958, to Orlando, where he began coaching at Edgewater High School.

He later served as a teacher and football coach at Oviedo High School, DeLand High School and Evans High School.

After earning a master’s degree in education at Rollins College, he became the principal in 1971 at Howard Junior High for three years.

Bill Chambers, Ocoee resident, said Spoone was the first principal with whom he worked in Orange County. Chambers first met Spoone in 1973 when the school had a coaching vacancy. Chambers moved from Ohio to Orlando within two weeks of meeting Spoone.

“He always had an open-door policy that went much more than just Monday through Friday,” Chambers said. “You could go in and talk to him

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Bill Spoone served as principal at Oak Ridge High School for 12 years. Oak Ridge named the gymnasium the William C. Spoone Gymnasium in honor of him.

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Bill and Pat Spoone at Thanksgiving 2021 with daughter Cathy’s two sons and daughter-in-law.

Courtesy photos

In 1952, Bill Spoone earned a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he then became a member of the UT Letterman’s Club.

about anything. If you made a mistake, you knew you were in trouble, but he would never hold a grudge; he was always so forgiving and just a special man.”

Chambers said although Spoone had a kind heart, he was also a disciplinarian.

“He was honest, and you knew 100% of the time where you stood with him, and I respected that,” Chambers said. “He always stood up for his teachers and his students, even when they did wrong. He was always fair and heard everyone’s sides.”

Spoone next moved to Oak Ridge High School for 12 years. Oak Ridge named the gymnasium the William C. Spoone Gymnasium in honor of Bill.

The former principal is a member of the Oak Ridge High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Morristown High School Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1987, Spoone became the first principal of Dr. Phillips High School, where he served for six years. The school named its football stadium,

which seats 6,600 people, after him.

“Dad loved sports, but he loved everything,” Dan said. “He encouraged everyone no matter their passions. He was a student’s principal.”

Spoone believed in weekly pep rallies and student support at every event and raised school spirit to a remarkable level.

“He just had his hip replaced so he had a cane, but he called it a spirit stick and he had pompons off of it, blue and white tape, and all that kind of stuff,” Dan said, laughing. “One time, he even promised the student body he would hold a pep rally and do a somersault across the stage if the gymnastics team placed well in a competition. He put down his spirit stick, and the students helped him roll over a couple of times on stage.”

During Spoone’s time at DP, Dan opened a pizza place in Ocoee. He said his dad would work as a delivery driver for him on Sundays.

“He was a principal at DPHS knocking on doors delivering pizza to his students and their families,”

Dan said. “He would always be there for you whenever you needed him. It didn’t matter when or where.”

After DPHS, Spoone continued his passion for education through serving as a member of the Orange County School Board for eight years.

He also was a 30-year member of the Dr. Phillips Rotary Club, a group that provided him with 30 years of friendships.

Current club President Terry Taggart said Spoone’s Tennessee background led the club to some interesting activities, such as “Tennessee Math.” Taggart said he had wonderful stories that generally started with, “Hey Gang,” and even introduced them to “Hip Hip Hooray.”

“It took some getting used to, but it is now a key tradition in our club,” Taggart said. “Any service project or club endeavor had Bill’s influence.”

Spoone received the Paul Harris Fellow three times and served as the president of the club for a year.

Taggart said Spoone was a model Rotarian.

“It was a life of giving, positivity and making everyone feel special,” Taggart said. “Rotary is guided by the ‘Four Way,’ Test which speaks to honesty and character. He fully exemplified this.”

Spoone is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Dan, and his wife, Leslie; daughter, Cathy, and her husband, Gregg Buckingham; two grandsons, Ben Buckingham and Sam Spoone; and his exchange student daughter from Norway, Helga Brun. He is preceded in death by his two older brothers, Bob and Jack.

In lieu of flowers, the Spoone family invites locals to join them in honoring Bill’s lifetime commitment to education by helping them create the Bill and Pat Spoone Scholarship at Valencia College. Donations can be made online at valencia.org/donate/ or by sending a check made payable to Valencia College Foundation to Valencia College Foundation, P.O. Box 3028, MC: DO-41, Orlando, FL 32802. Please indicate your donation is in memory of Bill Spoone.

Bill and Pat Spoone were high school sweethearts at Morristown High School.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION THROWBACK THURSDAY JAN. 10, 1974 It’s the new year and the perfect time to give your home a furniture makeover. The Badcock Home Furnishings Center, at 1542 State Road 50, Winter Garden, had all the latest styles in its showroom and advertised in “The Winter Garden Times,” giving readers a glimpse at the furniture store’s offerings.

A china credenza with sliding glass doors and adjustable shelves was available in a walnut finish for $39.88. Old-fashioned platform rockers came in assorted colors and with a choice of 100% nylon face pile or plastic cover for $47.88.

If you were shopping for a new bedroom suite, the Spanishstyle, four-piece group was available in a pecan finish “to transform your bedroom to a place of enchantment and warmth.” For $188, you could get a six-drawer double dresser, framed crystal mirror, fourdrawer chest and panel bed with footboard. Need a nightstand? It was only $36.95.

A three-piece Dresden living room set featured leather-looking expanded black vinyl “that’s both luxurious and comfortable.” A sofa, love seat and chair cost fewer than $400.

80 years ago

Mrs. Robert Davis and Mrs. R.G. Dickson entertained with a luncheon at Lake Butler honoring Mrs. C.M. Biggers on her birthday.

War with Axis calls all American men between the ages of 20 and 44 inclusive to register for military service.

Mayor Frank Roper announced Winter Garden was to have its test blackout Jan. 12.

The Lakeview High senior class raised $517.92 toward a new gymnasium. But under the existing war clouds, the time for building a gymnasium seemed further removed, and the money was used to buy dense bonds.

Dr. Gibbs Ashley was scheduled to be in Apopka at the city jail to inoculate dogs.

70 years ago

Mrs. Hearn Ficquette opened her home Monday night for a benefit Plastic Party for the Episcopal Church.

55 years ago

The Lakeview High School varsity basketball team had a tough schedule facing it. Team members were Pat Lyons, Lex Veech, Johnny Rees, Bill Cappleman, Cal Sadler, Doug Gamble, Chuck Sargent, Larry Graham and Denny Reid.

The coach was Dean Craig.

50 years ago

The West Orange YMCA began its first bridge class with Lois Dennis as the Tuesday-morning instructor.

New officers at the West Orange Junior Service League were installed at a luncheon meeting at the Hilton Inn South. They are: Del

FROM THE ARCHIVES Exactly 105 years ago this week, workers posed for a photograph in a Winter Garden-area field cultivated by the Tilden family of West Orange County. Names were penciled in on the back of the photo and are almost illegible in many cases.

Front row, from left: Jim Prevott, Claude Plumer Healan, Elmor Crawford, Mr. Wilpherson, Shorty, Jim Gaddy, Daniel Eubanks, Mr. R. Hearns, Elec Prevatt and Mr. Johns. Back row, from left: Jack Bofoa, Brantly Strickland, Mr. Steeples, Charlie, Erst or Carl Healan, George Morse, Sam Hodge, Will Morris, John Bofoa, Ralph Howard, Mr. McLane, Jet, Mr. Smith and foreman Mr. Crofford.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will present a new exhibit in March titled “Tilden: The Story of a Family.” If anyone knows of any proper identification or spellings for this image, they are asked to contact the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation at (407) 656-3244.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

Heidt, corresponding secretary; Dottie Walker, president; Kathryn Street, second vice president; Carolyn Greer, treasurer; Eva Meridith, board member at large; and Kelly Hicks, corresponding secretary.

“Doc” Howard Tibbals announced he had sold all remaining interest in Tibbals Rexall Drugs in Winter Garden to his junior partner, Jimmy Hendrix. He operated the pharmacy for more than 24 years.

35 years ago

What Father Jim Radebaugh thought was going to be a routine church service turned out to be an overflow crowd at the Church of the Messiah. The parish of the church, together with longtime friends and associates of “Fr. Jim,” observed the 25th anniversary of his ordination.

30 years ago

Winter Garden Postmaster Jim Crowe retired after 30 years working at the Winter Garden Post Office.

More than 200 citizens went to the Tanner Auditorium in Winter Garden last week to show a strong grassroots support for the kickoff of Friends of Lake Apopka. The new citizens advocacy group was formed to work as a well-informed and well-organized group to review and encourage restoration plans for the sick lake. President Jim Thomas addressed the standingroom-only crowd.

crossword

celebrity cipher

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8 Ctrl+V, on a PC 9 Ravens’ home?

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92 Received by good 41-Across) 1 Baseball field cover 41 Dessert topped with 70 Summer, in French fortune 27 Cardamom and nutmeg 5 “Don’t do that!” burnt sugar 71 Dream sleep letters 95 Day celebrating an 1862 29 List shortener 9 Venmo and Tinder 43 Making a fortune?

72 Church song Mexican victory 31 Type of PC port 13 Despise 47 Former Russian leader 73 Word before “the land of 98 University official 34 Review using stars 17 “Hello” pop star 48 Be a bad winner the free” 99 They position cameras 35 Thurman of Hollywood 19 Killer whale 49 Hula dancer’s garland 74 Common feature of an on a set 36 “Mr. Blue Sky” grp.

20 Length of a sub, 50 Piece of concert merch antismoking ad 100 Topped, deep-fried 37 ___ & Perrins steak maybe?

51 Statements recited in 77 Poet W.H. tortilla sauce 21 Songs that sound the court 78 She visits Luke in “The 103 (“The baby’s sleep38 To this day same backward? ing!”)

53 Faux ___ Last Jedi” 40 Religious ceremonies 22 Group of witches 105 “Moby-Dick” captain 54 Makes amends 79 Building wing 42 Nail polish brand 23 Perishes 106 Sure winner 56 Name hidden in 80 “That’s beautiful!”

43 Anticipate logistically 24 Adorable 107 Corp. image squad “Aquarius” 81 Certain goat’s wool 44 One may have time for 25 “Gimme five!”

110 Country estate 57 Scientist Newton 82 Thanksgiving dessert many hobbies 26 Tire patterns 83 “A League of ___ Own” 113 Skilled enough 45 Ark constructor 28 One of 1,093 for Edison 60 Like a bass’s voice 115 Somewhat (1992 film) 46 Gem that’s often red 30 ___ Goldberg machine 63 Dressed to the ___ 85 Cause of a swelled head 117 Model maker’s wood 52 X game (... includes let32 Places in med. dramas 64 “Stan & Ollie” co-star 118 For grown-ups 67 De Armas of “No Time 86 Hairpiece ters 7-9 in 74-Across) 33 Characterized by 119 Hard-boiled movie 87 Be of use 53 Tree with fronds 35 How stereotypical teens to Die”

55 Earn after taxes 58 Apple assistant 59 Apt name for a smarty 60 Make it clear what’s allowed, and a hint to filling in four answers in this puzzle 61 How many applicants are selected?

62 “Interested in comin’?”

64 San ___, Puerto Rico 65 Fairy tale baddie 66 Flinch 69 Zits and such 72 Embrace 74 Mariner’s headwear 75 Add-on 76 Drive-___ window 77 Battery terminal 81 50+ years, for Harold and Maude 82 Chunky salsa (... includes letters 4-7 in 95-Across) 84 “Yo!” 85 Scraped (by) 87 “Cathy” cry 88 Compete 89 Whichever 90 Musical group in a gym 91 Lecturer’s pause fillers 93 Stretching, as one’s neck 94 Split second 96 One of 31 in enero 97 Win in 52-Down 101 Afternoon TV dramas 102 Lower leg bone 104 Must 106 ___ ‘N Slide 108 Longtime SCOTUS monogram 109 Word after “midnight” or “critical” 110 Movers’ vehicle 111 Promise at the altar 112 Carry laboriously 114 “No way, ref!”

116 Airport org. with wands

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“MTSW C RVH XCHA, PO ZRMNW VJJCJDHW SRVTLWH. C ZVA NCXW, ‘OMD PVXW V ABCTVN SMFH IFMP ASFVJSR, VTH ZW’NN JVNX.’”

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“XT ZCRPU ZP LC NWKCALW TC RABW FXHU. ZP WXSP NC DHSP NWHT FPKJPBN DHJP ZWPU ZP XKP RPTTPE AF HUTHEP.”

– RXKV O. IDHLP

“E’UK ZWDZNX GKKP ZV VSK EPVKYXKHVECP CT HCBIJVKYX ZPM DSZVKUKY VSKN HZP YKUCWJVECPERK.” – OKTT GKRCX © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: B equals M

75 years ago

Puzzle Two Clue: O equals J

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: T equals F

10

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

1-13-22

JANUARY 13, 2022

SPORTS

Windermere wrestler Kurt Vollenweider is currently on a sixmatch winning streak. Page 12.

A Titan for life CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

H

ow do you measure someone’s life?

Is it in the years he lived, or in the lives he impacted?

If you were to ask anyone in the Olympia community, they would say that to describe the life of one Harvey “Bubba” James, it would have to be measured in the impact not only on the athletes he coached as the boys and girls tennis head coach but also on the school community as a whole.

Although he had spent the last eight years as Olympia’s tennis coach, James also coached football, baseball and softball for many schools in the Orlando area during the more than 30 years he lived in Orange County.

James died Dec. 31, 2021, at age 65.

His death came as a shock not only to the school and his athletes but also to the greater West Orange community.

“Absolutely stunning news,” Olympia Athletic Director Kevin McElveen said of James’ death. “I had talked to him just two days before. We were talking about the upcoming season, and he was calling me and asking me Sunday before church … if I could look at the GPAs of two of the girls (who) were wanting to play tennis this year.

He wanted to make sure that they were on track and that everything was good with them. That’s typical Bubba; the fact that we’re here on Dec. 29, and he’s worried about the well-being of kids.”

James’ sister, Carol Haderer, who is now interim head coach for Olympia, received calls from people asking if it was just a bad rumor. She had to break the unfortunate news.

“I said, ‘Yeah, it’s not a rumor,’” Haderer said.

Courtesy photo

Bubba James was famous for having a pen or pencil in his sock at all times.

Because his family is up in North Carolina, James stayed with Haderer at her house during the tennis season. With only a 22-month difference between the two of them, they were best friends in almost every way.

Haderer recalled all the times they had spent talking about strategy and enjoying each other’s company.

As they coached at Olympia together, Haderer promised James that as long as he was at Olympia, she would be there as well. Although she did not expect it, when McElveen asked if she wanted to take on the role as head coach for now, she did not hesitate to

accept to carry on his legacy.

“I said that when you leave, I leave,” Haderer said. “And I just can’t do that right now.”

The man affectionately known as Bubba exemplified every trait one would want in a coach. He was able to show his athletes how to be good tennis players on the court, but he also went out of his way to provide for them in other ways. That also extended to his days as a football coach in the Orlando area and also Miami, where he was born and raised.

Tennis always was a big part of his early years. His mother played tennis

Beloved tennis coach Harvey “Bubba” James leaves a lasting impact on Olympia High School. at the University of Miami, and his godmother was former Wimbledon champion Doris Hart, who played doubles with their mother prior to turning professional. She was simply “Aunt Doris” to both him and Haderer. Although Hart won the Wimbledon tournament in 1951, five years before James was born, he always referred to it as one of his earliest memories.

The way he coached was so unique to him that it simply became known as “The Bubba Way.” “There are some coaches who coach for the money, and there are some coaches who coach from their heart and for the love of sports,” Haderer said. “(He wanted) to give the opportunity to as many kids as he can to play a sport, be involved in athletics, represent their school and be part of a team — to give kids a chance to play sports.”

James always carried a pen or pencil in his sock at all times. He carried one on him, because, as he told Haderer one time, “You never know when you need to change the lineup.”

It was such a part of his routine that when he was placed in the casket, a pencil was placed in one of his socks.

One of McElveen’s favorite stories involving James was when he was an assistant football coach for Olympia and coached James’ son, Matt, who was a kicker for the Titans. Matt had gotten into a funk and needed some help to come out of it.

“He didn’t want to play football his senior year,” McElveen said. “Bubba calls me at home and says, ‘Hey, man, I need you to come over to my house, and I need you to get Matt off the computer. He’s been sucked into this video game, and it’s all he does.’ So I

did. I came over and took Matt out to McDonald’s. I was able to convince him to come back out for football, and he did. Bubba always appreciated that I had done that.”

One thing that McElveen said he’d miss the most about James was watching him work a tennis match.

“Watching him go from court to court and checking on the kids, asking if they need anything,” he said. “It was amazing to watch.”

In September 2021, James was honored by the United States Tennis Association’s Florida division as its Volunteer of the Month. While he was aware of the honor, the plaque officially commemorating the accomplishment did not arrive until almost a week after his death — Jan. 6.

With Haderer now taking over as head coach of the tennis team, the Titans plan to honor James Feb. 7 in a ceremony prior to their first home competition against Wekiva.

“I’m not going to say I’m going to fill his shoes up, because I won’t,” Haderer said. “This season is dedicated to Coach Bubba James, and it will be done ‘The Bubba Way.’”

“There are some coaches who coach for the money, and there are some coaches who coach from their heart and for the love of sports. (He wanted) to give the opportunity to as many kids as he can to play a sport, be involved in athletics, represent their school and be part of a team — to give kids a chance to play sports.”

— Carol Haderer

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Kurt Vollenweider Kurt Vollenweider has been a standout on the Windermere High School wrestling team throughout his time at Windermere, but his senior season has been nothing short of dominant. Vollenweider has eight wins to two losses this season in the 180-pound division. He is currently on a sixmatch winning streak since the District Duals meet in December. During the competition, he didn’t surrender a point until the last match against Apopka. Vollenweider placed in the 154-pound division Jan. 8 at the Tournament of Champions at Lake Mary.

How did you join the wrestling team?

Being from Florida, I played baseball my whole life — playing Little League, travel ball.

I always wanted to be an MLB player and always thought I was going to be the Cy Young pitcher. I loved pitching. High school baseball was the next step to take. I went out and thought I had a good tryout, but I didn’t make the first cut, because it was such a crazy pool of guys (who) were talented. I had a couple of friends … on the wrestling team (who) knew I was athletic and wanted to do something. When they found out I didn’t make the baseball team, they said I had time to join wrestling. I joined wrestling and trained really hard. A couple of seniors took me under their wing. I won a couple of matches, which was a high almost for me. The more I started winning, the more I grew to love it. It took off from there.

What do you like about wrestling for Windermere?

The connections I’ve made; that’s how I’ve made a lot of my friends in high school.

Being around a great group of guys (who) are so driven. When you’re around people like that, it helps grow you as a person.

You grow to love your teammates, coaches, and you just want to be around them more.

THE BASICS AGE: 17 SCHOOL: Windermere GRADE: Senior SPORT: Wrestling

style after him, because he’s super tall and has long limbs. I utilize that in my style — keeping guys at distance until I’m ready to come in and attack.

What’s one wrestling memory that stands out?

Making it to regionals my sophomore year. That was my first year on varsity after wrestling on the JV team my freshman year. Going in as a sophomore, the seniors on my team had graduated, and I wanted to make them proud, but I said I had to do it for myself. The match itself was a real meatgrinder. I went back and forth with this guy from Apopka. It came down to the last 10 seconds, and I got a takedown and won. Getting up and yelling in celebration, I felt like I had finally found my thing. I really won something big.

Photos by Chris Martucci

Windermere’s Chris Nurse rejected X-Zavion Laster at the rim. Nurse scored 12 points for the Wolverines.

Olympia stuns Windermere on last-second three-pointer The Titans and the Wolverines gave local basketball fans a game they will remember for years to come.

Favorite movie?

“Vision Quest.” That was the first movie my dad showed me after I joined the wrestling team. He said I had to watch “Vision Quest” if I was going to wrestle.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

The stands were packed at Windermere High School as crosstown rivals Windermere and Olympia clashed Jan. 7. Not only was it a Friday game but also a marquee matchup of two of the area’s top teams.

It promised to be a tough, physical game between two rival schools.

And yes, it lived up to the hype.

A last-second three by Olympia’s Edgerrin James Jr. completed Favorite food? the Titans’ comeback as they came Stuff from Chipotle, and Polish away victorious, 57-54. He finished food, (because) my family is the night with 18 points in the secPolish. ond half after sitting out the first half for undisclosed reasons.

Would you want to go to James is the son of NFL Hall of Poland someday?

Fame running back Edgerrin James.

It’s a place I’d like to travel to When James came into the someday. I’ve been to places game, Olympia was down by 12 at in Europe before but haven’t halftime, 44-32. The Titans were gotten to Poland yet. struggling on offense and needed It’s an interesting a spark to get them going. place I would Head coach Rob Gordon’s meslike to go to. sage to the team during the break was to chip away at the deficit and What do you to stay the course. love the most “I challenged our guys to be as about living tough as they had been in the first in Central half and match that to see what Florida? happens,” Gordon said. “(WindThe variety ermere) really got the best of us in of activities the first half. As the second half from the sports wore on, our guys got stronger. It to the theme seemed the conditioning really parks. There’s mattered down the stretch.” a bunch of lakes When the second half began, in Windermere; Olympia slowly hacked at that you can go out on deficit and was positioned for a the boat with your breakout in the fourth quarter. friends. There’s also The Titans scored 24 points in always something the fourth to keep the game close, going on, so there’s but Windermere still held the lead never a dull moment. heading into the final minute of . play.

— CHRIS Then, James took over the ball MARTUCCI Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. game.

Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State Farm has a long tradition “He’s not our everything, but Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason he’s the guy that gets us moving in www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support Westthe right direction,” Gordon said.

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“He’s a special player. Anytime

When you guys aren’t wrestling, what do you do together?

We love watching UFC events.

We’ll go to Miller’s Ale House or Gator’s Dockside to watch them. When we’re not doing that, we’re playing video games or chilling at someone’s pool.

Who is a wrestler you admire?

Zahid Valencia. Going into wrestling, I started as a skinny and tall guy. I embodied my

Favorite wrestling move in your arsenal?

My hand-inside single-leg takedown. If I’m going for a flashy move, I love stacking guys, because when you see it on the side of the mat, you go “Oh, that doesn’t feel too good.”

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“For us to get our first win against that school in that fashion, it was awesome,” Gordon said. “I’m proud that we had so many fans here who were able to enjoy that with us.”

Sean Stewart led Windermere in scoring with 15 points, while teammates Chris Nurse and Chalier Torres joined him in double digits, with totals of 12 and 11, respectively.

Olympia’s record improved to 11-1 at the time of publication, while Windermere rebounded the next day against Trinity Prep by winning 82-44 to improve its record to 12-2.

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you’re in a situation where a guy’s not in there … you’ve got to figure out a Plan B.” That Plan B worked.

Just as it seemed like the game would be heading to overtime with the score tied at 54 and fewer than five seconds remaining, James received the inbound pass and tossed up a prayer. It went through with a swish, and the Olympia players and supporters went absolutely bonkers, storming the court in celebration.

Part of the celebration was the fact that Olympia had not won a game against Windermere, going 0-4 before this meeting.

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Olympia’s Edgerrin James Jr. lines up to attempt a free throw.

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Reinaldo Casiano Rodriguez, 78, of Orlando, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.

DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

Neville Claude Solan, 72, died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

BLAIR M. JOHNSON Attorney at Law

C Martin Ins and Fin Svcs Inc Craig Martin ChFC CLU CLF, Agent 14416 Shoreside Way Winter Garden, FL 34787 Bus: 407-656-1040

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Proudly serving West Orange County for over 40 years 425 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787

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James Bernard Hamilton, 67, of Clermont, died Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Gotha.

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213 S Dillard St., Suite 140 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 @Observerorange @Observerorange Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Here’s the deal, Fri: 7-1 home + auto = savings.

Call Today for YourWe’ll Appointment! take the first Marvin Jerald Rosenthal, 86, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.

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Frank B. Mansur, 79, of Orlando, died Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

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Dorothy Lee (Rodd) Fry, 95, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Gotha.

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BR DENTAL 407-905-9965

and Lucy Hill of DeLand. She will be dearly missed by her family, including 11 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins and many close friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life, Miles L. Minor, of Ocoee; and her sister, Wilma Mason, of Winter Haven.

We celebrated Ruth’s life at a funeral service that was held at West Orange Church of Christ, 1450 Daniels Road, in Winter Garden on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. Visitation was at the church from noon to 1 p.m.; the service started at 1 p.m. with a reception that followed. Private graveside for family to be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers living plants or donations be given in Ruth Minor’s name to the Children’s Ministry at West Orange Church of Christ Kid’s Wing Fund. Donations can be made online at www.cocwo. com by selecting the “give” tab or by check to WOCOC, 1450 Daniels Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

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Robert Bit le

into her 80s. She especially enjoyed helping people buy their first home.

Her honesty and diligence provided her with a loyal clientele throughout generations of the same families.

She was active in her community as a longtime member of the Woman’s Club of Ocoee and her beloved Church of Christ.

Ruth is survived by her five children, Trisha Shkoler (David), of Ocoee, Beverly Willis (Gary), of Winter Garden, Danny Minor, of Ocoee, Heidi Walker, of Ocoee, and Paul Minor (Edith), of Ocoee; sisters, Iverna Thomas, of Salt Springs,

13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

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Ruth S. Minor, age 91, a longtime resident of Ocoee, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, and is now with her Lord and Savior. She was born in Umatilla, Florida, on April 16, 1930, as the second daughter to Margaret Collins Schultz and John Herbert Schultz. Graduating as salutatorian from Umatilla High School in 1948, she later attended business school.

An entrepreneur at heart, Ruth was always finding ways to help provide for her family. In the early 1960s, she was ahead of her time with a homebased mass-mailing business called “Typing Service Plus.” She employed other stay-at-home moms and their children, including her own.

Some of her many other ventures included raising hamsters to supply local pet departments and selling Avon products. Ruth eventually found her passion as a Realtor beginning in 1979 until she retired well

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RUTH S. MINOR DIED THURSDAY, DEC. 30, 2021.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

WE ARE SERVE YOU WE ARE HERE TO YOU WE AREHERE HERETO TOSERVE SERVE YOU Collison Carey Hand Funeral Collison Carey Hand Funeral Collison Carey Hand Funeral Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is a proud fixture ofof Homeisisa a proud fixture Home proud fixture of Home is a proud fixture of Windermere and West Orange Windermere and West Orange Windermere and West Orange Windermere and West Orange County.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

RED PAGES INFORMATION & RATES: 407-656-2121

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Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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1207 North Lakewood Avenue Ocoee, FL 34761

ISSION SM AN TR ISSIONS Motes 0% O TRANSMDanny F F O 1 10% REE-SERVALICS E Cell 407-466-4738 ANY SER ANY S TFN r fo ll Now Tel 407-654-2395 Ca Call Now CHECK ENGINE t. en ointm FLEET SERVICES pp ppointm • Toyo • BFG Tires A • Bridgestone • AMichelin www.Firetechextinguisher.com . n Req po u upon Required Co CoLIGHT? CALL US TODAY! 1 /2 31 p. 8/3 p. 8/

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(407) 795-7882

certifiedbackflowsbydale@gmail.com PO Box 568982, Orlando FL 32856

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. or Repair o D s s a l We are experts in Sliding G ll.

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Approval/Release to Print Approval/Release to Print Subject to corrections as noted below.

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If If it meets your approval, please sign and fax This proof is for your protection. it meets your approval, please sign and fax back to 407-889-4121.

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93 088 740 r Cal Now fo Auto Service Professional Services pointment. p A a mission On a missionuito fix ThenOn call .GINEyour transmission? d e r EN K q S EC ICE e CH RV R SE FIRE TECH T EE FL n o p Cou LIGHT? CALL US TODAY!EXTINGUISHER ALLTRA ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD xE p. 8/31/21 SERVICE

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2022

Introducing a better way to bank in Winter Garden.

And it comes with free checking.

At VyStar we’re all about doing good. Good for our members, by helping them make the most of their financial futures, and good for the area by giving back to the communities we serve. Stop by our new Winter Garden branch and see all the good we can do for you.

MEMBERS ENJOY: > Free checking with no minimums > Paid up to two days sooner with a VyStar checking account direct deposit* > Network of 20,000+ surcharge-free ATMs across North America > Reduced or zero fees for most services > Lower rates on loans

Now open at 14130 W. Colonial Drive 800-445-6289 vystarcu.org/wintergarden

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All new accounts are subject to approval. *Posting is contingent on the originator releasing the payments into the network early.

Certain restrictions may apply. ©2021 VyStar Credit Union.

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