01.14.16 Windermere Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 16

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Relief in sight REAL ESTATE

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Justin Tucker leads Dr. Phillips squad.

See page 15A THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

District officials unveiled four rezoning maps for West Orange High and its relief school. Page 3A.

Answering the call

Optimize your profits by setting the stage for a successful sale.

SEE PAGE 1B

YOUR TOWN Scholars speak at Garden Club Windermere Garden Club welcomed its two scholarship recipients and their professor, Charles Guy to its Jan. 7 meeting.

Raymond Odeh and Allison Bechtloff are seniors at the University of Florida, and both are majoring in plant science. Bechtloff is specializing in landscape and nursery horticulture and studying native plant production. Odeh has an emphasis in plant and people interaction; participating in a study of the psychological benefits of gardening.

Winter Garden to honor MLK The eighth annual Unity Celebration, sponsored by the city of Winter Garden and Orange County Parks and Recreation, is Saturday, Jan. 16, at the West Orange Recreation Center, 309 S. West Crown Point Road, Winter Garden. The community march is at 12:30 p.m., and the event is from 1 to 4 p.m.

The march will travel from Third and East Bay streets to the rec center.

To participate, contact the city at (407) 656-4111. The entry fee is a monetary or canned-good donation to the Kid’s Café program.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Courtesy photo

Above: U.S. Army Col. James Wilhite and his team inspired the documentary.

Right: “We Answered the Call” is Scott Holmgren’s first documentary.

In the middle of a life-changing season of his life, Scott Holmgren found a story worth telling through film.

SEE STORY ON 4A

Jennifer Nesslar

A crosswalk for 10th Avenue After years of noting a need for a 10th Avenue crosswalk, Windermere Councilwoman Molly Rose finally got her wish at the Jan. 12 council meeting.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE

Fellow council members and Mayor Gary Bruhn congratulated Councilwoman Molly Rose for realizing a small yet significant goal on an issue she has championed for almost as long as she has been part of the Windermere Town Council.

A crosswalk at 10th Avenue and Main Street.

The council voted 5-0 in favor of a crosswalk for that location instead of at Eighth Avenue and Main Street during its Jan. 12 meeting, on the basis of Rose’s argument as a resident who lives in that vicinity.

“I live between Ninth and 10th (avenues),” Rose said. “(A crosswalk) at Eighth (Avenue) would be a waste of our money. The only thing that crosses at Eighth are

ARTS & CULTURE

the carts that aren’t allowed to, so I would really prefer to see it down to 10th, so that there’s something halfway between here and Chase (Road).”

A maximum allotment of $8,410.05 will go toward this project, but Town Manager Robert Smith said he expected the price to be thousands of dollars less.

FEMA REIMBURSEMENT

Hundreds of thousands of dollars could be what Windermere must ultimately pay to reimburse the Federal Emergency ManageSEE CROSSWALK PAGE 4A

Sounds Like Chicken seeks new singers.

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THURSDAY, JAN. 14

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

WARM SEASON VEGETABLE GARDENING 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Learn the “warm season” vegetable gardening, including soil preparation, adjusting soil pH, fertilizing, irrigation, pests and diseases.

Gardens can be grown yearround in Florida, but spring is the preferred season by most homeowners. Cost is $5 per household. Pre-register at gardenflorida.eventbrite.com. For information, call the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Education Center at (407) 254-9200.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECKPOINT 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Fire Station 22, 13521 Foxcrest Blvd., Winter Garden. The Winter Garden Fire Rescue, Winter Garden Police Department and Safe Kids Worldwide are sponsoring this free event. On-site certified technicians will educate caregivers about proper car seat installation. Parents and caregivers can have their seats checked to make sure they meet current safety standards and are installed correctly, and they can find out what type of safety seats are required for different ages and sizes of children.

No appointment is needed. For more information, contact Trena Waters at (407) 877-5175 or twaters@cwgdn.com.

FROZEN SING-ALONG 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Warm up your voices and experience Frozen, the Sing-Along Edition, for the first time in forever. Children ages 6 to 12. For details, call (407) 835-7323.

GROOVE AT THE GROVE 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Grove shopping plaza, 47504757 The Grove Drive. Live music by the Z Street Band and interactive science experiments with Mad Science. Mad Science will be there from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with interactive discovery

stations such as Amazing Air, Cotton Candy and Slime. Take blankets and chairs to the outdoor piazza and enjoy food and treats from area restaurants. For information visit thegroveorlando.com.

WILD PENGUIN TAILS 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Curious kids can go wild with stories and arts and crafts about penguins. Ages 3-5. Call (407) 835-7323 for details.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

CRUZ-IN CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, along Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. See dozens of classic cars and trucks and enjoy dinner and music at this quarterly event. For details, call (407) 656-4111.

PLANT SALE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, on Brick Main in front of Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Members of the Windermere Garden Club have cultivated plants from their gardens and will sell them at the Arbor Day Treebute Festival. Available will be unique and unusual plants, garden accessories and member advice. All items will be marked “for donations.” For more information, call (386) 986-0704.

TUESDAY, JAN. 19

MEET THE ARTIST: DAWN WICKLOW 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Her exhibit, It’s a Beautiful World, can be seen throughout the library and will be on display March. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20

CAREER FAIR 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden.

Presented by the Promise Community Services of Florida, the event will include more than 100 representatives from the retail, hospitality, construction, banking and building maintenance industries. Participants should take their resume and dress appropriately for possible interviews. For information, contact erma08@cfl.rr.com or (407) 731-9566.

MEASURE IT! 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Preschoolers will learn how to find the answers to questions such as “how many?” and “how long?” through stories and activities measuring common household items. Ages 3 to 5. Call (407) 835-7323 for details.

READING WORKSHOP Noon Wednesdays, Jan. 20 through Feb. 17, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Improve your English vocabulary, pronunciation and comprehension. (407) 8357323.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

District unveils options for relief high school zoning

small pocket of homes near the center of the current area should attend.

Public Schools Director of StuOption 2 would divide West dent Enrollment Carol McGowin Orange High from its relief hosted what she referred to as school via a zigzag moving west Step 6 in a 12-step process for from Lake Rhea to McKinnon OCPS rezoning – a community Road but north of Lake Roberts meeting Jan. 11 at the Ronald Court, after which the boundary Blocker Educational Leadership would follow McKinnon Road Center in Orlando. to Lake Butler Boulevard. The A throng of parents might divider goes west on that road have felt puzzled at being seem- until County Road 535, which it ingly only halfway to finalized moves north along until it folrezoning, but the Orange County lows Stoneybrook West Parkway School Board public hearing and to its end at Avalon Road. West vote on rezoning West Orange of that intersection, virtually all High and its relief school — houses south of Lake Avalon’s March 8 at RBELC — is Step 10. northern shore would be zoned In this community meeting, for the relief school.

McGowin and staff reviewed Option 1 differs from Option 2 various figures pertaining to only in excluding land bounded four options of maps for West by S.R. 429, Tilden Road and Orange County high schools.

C.R. 535, about 86 current West The final two options did not Orange students. please OCPS personnel, she said.

Most local parents at the meet“We said, ‘Ouch,’ to this one,” ing, such as a few from BridgeMcGowin said of Option 3, which water Middle School, indicated involves a relatively simple divi- a preference for their children to sion running west from Seventh remain zoned for West Orange Avenue in Gotha almost to State High. McGowin said BridgewaRoad 429 at Windermere Road. ter Middle School students likely The border goes southwest along would stay together — probS.R. 429 all the way to the end ably for the relief school — but of the boundary straight west some elementary and middle along McKinney Road, with the schools could be split between exception of the area north of West Orange High and the relief Tilden Road and west of County school.

Road 535.

Although a slim possibility Option 4 strays from Option of affecting Ocoee High’s zone OCOEE HS High’s ter3 only in making current West remains, Olympia Orange High students east of ritory will not change in this S.R. 429 and north of Rober-lant rezoning.

Street P son Road pupils at Ocoee High The next scheduled meeting School. is the School Board Rule DevelStory Road “This is about the ugliest opment Workshop, scheduled State Road 438 rezoning option I’ve ever seen,” for 4:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at 445 W. Colonial McGowin said of Option 4. Drive Amelia St., Orlando.

Old Winter Gar den Thus, it seems the rezoning Tomyn Boule of West Orange High and its Contact Zak Kerr at vard relief school will hinge on which zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

H school the School Board thinks a West Orange

ZAK KERR

STAFF WRITER ORANGE COUNTY Orange County

Courtesy

The renderings of the proposed building at the southwest corner of the Isleworth/Four Corners area on ConroyWindermere Road and Apopka-Vineland Road include a restaurant, stores and a drive-through coffee shop.

Tavistock looks to add retail space in Isleworth area

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For complete maps of all four options, visit OrangeObserver.com

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Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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Dick Radkewich, Keene’s Pointe resident

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“… the parking at The Grove is terrible now.

You’re fighting for parking spaces. Now you’re going to put this big building and drive more cars through there? It doesn’t make sense to make an exception.”

Road daily — increasing the wear and tear on a road maintained by the town. However, Bruhn said, because The Grove project isn’t located within the town’s limits, 438 ad o Windermere does not enjoy Rany tate of the tax benefits of theSproject.

Residents agreed and said existing businesses have made it difficult to get in and out of the town.

“I’m retired so I don’t have work to be late to, but you all will be making me late to my racquetball,” Dick Radkewich, a former OCOEE HS Chrysler executive who has lived in Keene’s Pointe for 17 years, Marsh Road treet joked with Orange County staff at Plant S OLYMP the meeting.

Radkewich, who lobbied on Story Road ue Tilden Road ven behalf of Chrysler, is now an advo- 8 State Road 438 kA r 3 a 4 P cate in the community and sees adit Lake Butler Boulevard Colonial Drive Ro e Old Winter Gar t as his civic duty to attend such a den St Tomyn meetings and keep the county in Boule vard check.

“There were a lot of agendas H West Orange there,” he said of the meeting.

“Also, the parking at The Grove P ³ ² is terrible now. You’re fighting 27-H-W-4 for parking spaces. Now you’re going to put this big building and drive more cars through there? It oad WEST ORANGE HS doesn’t make sense to make an Marsh R Chase Road exception.”

OLYMP Tavistock spokeswoman Jessi e Blakley said the company has u Tilden Road ven kA r heard the residents’ concerns a P Lake Butler Boulevard and is currently in the process of reviewing design options. New ideas will be presented at the next Re community meeting. am sR “Our current plan for the site is oa d a d consistent with the prior approved Ro l e id Courtesy P plan,” Blakley said. “We are com³ ² Se 27-H-W-4 The first option (top) and second option (bottom) differ only regarding mitted to working with the counthose residing within State Road 429, Tilden Road and County Road 535. ty to resolve any pending issues.

In Option 1, they would attend West Orange; in Option 2, they would attend Tavistock remains committed to WEST ORANGE HS the relief school. developing a high quality shopChase Road ping center that attracts iconic brands to the community.”

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A request for more retail space and a drivethrough coffee shop in The Grove ignited a debate on traffic, architecture and responsible growth at a Jan. 6 community meeting.

At the meeting, held at Olympia High, officials from Tavistock Development Company presented a request for increasing commercial square footage in the southwest quadrant of Isleworth and Four Corners, near the intersection of Conroy-Windermere and Apopka-Vineland roads. The staff planned to request a waiver to add a second coffee shop with a drivethrough in the same quadrant.

“We are very happy with the success we’ve seen at the two new buildings of The Grove and how that’s progressed,” said Heather Isaacs, Tavistock planning and entitlement manager. “there’s still a pretty good market for additional retail opportunities, and we’ve had a lot of interest from a number of users, from restaurants to another drive-through coffee shop.”

The proposed two-story building is planned with a 6,000-square-foot restaurant, a lobby, three retail venues and a drive-through coffee shop on the ground floor, a total of 15,000 square feet of retail space. The second floor would consist of 16,500 square feet of office space, Isaacs said.

But, Tavistock’s plans for development currently are stalled by the Four Corners CVC area code, which states land designated for commercial is limited to the permitted uses allowed in the retail commercial district. Restaurants with drive-throughs are not permitted, according to the code.

Additionally, code states commercial square footage cannot exceed 300,000 square feet.

Orange County Planning Administrator John Smogor said that should the conversion occur, the square footage would exceed the current maximum by about 13,000 square feet and therefore violate the current Four Corners CVC code.

Because of this, Tavistock has a couple of options. It could request a change determination

to the zoning, in which it would have to process a code amendment to increase the total allowed square footage to 313,000 square feet. Another option is scaling back on what it is requesting and moving some of the square footage. Smogor told residents at the meeting that there is about 10,000 square feet on the northwest corner that is currently approved for development but not yet built.

One major issue related to the overall square footage deals with the current 45,000-square-foot LA Fitness health club. Tavistock and the county are debating whether the health club should be counted as commercial space.

“Our position is and has always been that it is separate, because on the land-use plan approved by (the Orange County Commission), it is shown as separate,” Isaacs said. “It is shown as a completely separate line item. The traffic studies that we’ve done and that the county has approved have it as a separate line item, as well.”

Residents’ concerns were the proposed architectural design, adequate parking spaces, the responsibility of maintenance for Conroy-Windermere Road, neighborhood landscaping and general traffic flow in the area.

“This is cold; this is lifeless; this does not go with this area,” Cypress Landing resident Jeffrey Yorinks told Isaacs and Belflower at the meeting.

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn said more than 14,000 people come down Conroy-Windermere

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STAFF WRITER SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Four Corners CVC has limitations on the total allowed commercial square footage in the area.

300,000 — Current maximum square feet 13,000 — Current proposal’s excess square feet 15,000 — Total proposed retail square footage 16,500 — Total proposed office square footage 10,000 —Square footage available on northwest corner

St at e

DANIELLE HENDRIX

BY THE NUMBERS

Avalon Road

The development company’s current proposal for the area exceeds the maximum commercial square footage allowed by Four Corners CVC code.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Veteran inspires documentary

WINDERMERE

Observer “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.”

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE Although he studied

filmmaking in college, Windermere resident Scott Holmgren had never made a full-blown documentary. Instead, he found himself in the corporate world where he currently works as a marketing director in the hotel industry.

It’s not that he lost a passion for the art of film, but rather that he hadn’t found the story he wanted to tell.

“I don’t know if I would ever make a film for (the sake of) making it,” he said. “It’d have to have that appeal. It’d have to be something I want to see for myself.”

About five years ago, he found that inspiration in U.S. Army Col. James (Jim) Wilhite. The result is the documentary “We Answered the Call.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Jennifer Nesslar, Courtesy photo

MEETING HIS MUSE

Holmgren’s son graduated from West Orange High School in 2010 and was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. It was a monumental time for the Holmgrens, who don’t have a military background.

Within a few days of the acceptance, the family received an invitation to a West Point Parents Club of Central Florida luncheon.

At that luncheon, Wilhite told his story — he had been a member of the Army Reserve for more than 35 years and a college professor for more than 20 when he was called to active duty in 2004. His mission was lofty: Build a military school for Afghan students using West Point as a model. He saw the mission through, despite funding challenges and other obstacles.

Holmgren was blown away.

“Afterwards, I (said), “‘How come I never heard this story?’”

Holmgren said.

It was a breath of fresh air for Holmgren. As he sent his son to the military, he was relieved to hear a good news story in a time he felt was dominated by negative military stories.

Holmgren bought Wilhite’s book, “We Answered the Call.”

After he finished reading it, he called Wilhite and expressed his amazement over the story — which Wilhite said was a common reaction. Holmgren added he thought it could be a movie, which Wilhite mentioned he had

U.S. Army Col. James Wilhite, fourth from left, and Scott Holmgren, fifth from left, enjoyed promoting the film with members of the mission at the Branson Veterans Week Film Festival.

BY THE NUMBERS $25,000 — The budget for “We Answered the Call.”

12 to 14 — The number of hours of interview footage 30 — The length, in minutes, of the documentary

PRODUCTION TEAM James Wilhite, executive producer Scott Holmgren, executive producer, writer and director Adam Braun, co-producer Patrick Gines, director of photography Bryan Zhang, editor

also heard people say. But then Holmgren said something different from all the others.

“Well, what do you think?” he asked.

There was a pause on the line.

After Holmgren and Wilhite had more discussions, Wilhite agreed to work on the film.

ROLLING THE SNOWBALL

“The expression Jim often uses is rolling the snowball down the hill — you (have) to keep it rolling or it’s going to melt,” Holmgren said. “So when I told him, ‘Hey, it

would be great to make a film,’ he said, ‘Let’s roll the snowball down the hill.’”

Holmgren initially wrote a fulllength screenplay adaptation, but after attending the GI Film Festival in 2012, they decided to tell the story as a documentary.

Holmgren wanted the soldiers to tell the story rather than a narrator. To his delight, he realized a core group of officers involved in the mission were going to be at West Point at the same time for one month. After coordinating with the West Point public affairs office, Holmgren and Wilhite went to interview the officers there.

Holmgren was fascinated with both the education and military sides of the story. For the Afghans, access to education was a huge stride.

“To actually sit and talk with (the officers) was humbling,” Holmgren said. “I loved hearing them speak as real people.

The take on the story that is so interesting for me was this isn’t necessarily just a military story.”

The 30-minute film was complete in 2015 — the 10-year anniversary of the opening of National Military Academy of Afghanistan.

It premiered globally at the Branson Veterans Week Film Festival in Branson, Missouri, where Holmgren estimates more than

400 people viewed the film.

Wilhite invited team members who were part of the mission, and Holmgren was able to meet people whose names he had only read in the book.

The film has been submitted to the GI Film Festival, which takes place in May.

ment Association, stemming from funds that went toward storm damages in 2004.

Like other municipalities, Windermere will appeal a request for more than $483,000 in reimbursement, based on a unanimous council vote. This appeal would include a forensic audit, which Smith received council authorization for at a total not to exceed $20,000, including attorney fees and other costs.

Councilman John Armstrong said he had compared the town’s payments for grinding stumps of fallen trees with those of a friend he referred to as the most reputable stump-grinder to be found, and the prices Windermere had payed were outrageous. FEMA therefore might have a case, he said.

WINDSONG BURN UPDATE

Councilman Robert McKinley

IN OTHER NEWS

n By a 4-1 vote, the council approved right-of-way use agreements with Orlando Telephone Company and CenturyLink, both to install underground cables in the town — OTC for cell towers and CenturyLink for Windermere Baptist Church telephone fiber optics. Councilman Richard Gonzalez dissented. n Armstrong announced the Windermere Art Affair, a new event he said could be the best of its kind in West Orange County. It will start at 11 a.m.

Feb. 20 in Town Square. n Smith said he had been talking with county and school

said he had continued correspondence with Windermere residents who had persisted in expressing

officials about improvements to the roundabout and other features near Windermere Elementary School, with the possibility of a project occurring this summer. n Since a change in recycling bins, recycling has increased twofold to threefold in Windermere, to the point recycling trucks are too small to carry the loads, leaving garbage trucks to the task, Bruhn said. n Bruhn said he had been discussing with various agency officials a westward extension of Old Winter Garden Road, beyond Maguire Road. The idea would be for it to ultimately meet Florida’s Turnpike.

dissatisfaction with Taylor Morrison’s tree burn on its Windsong at Windermere property, just north

Advertising Executives / Bill Carter / bcarter@OrangeObserver.com Kim Edwards, kedwards@OrangeObserver. com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

HOLMGREN’S BACKGROUND

Holmgren studied film in college, but his career took him to the corporate world. “We Answered the Call” was Holmgren’s first film, although he has used his skills throughout his career.

He was the president of the West Point Parents Club of Central Florida — the organization that introduced him to Wilhite — for two years.

He enjoys life in Windermere, where he has lived with his wife and four kids since 2001.

His hobbies include baseball — he was on the board of Windermere Little League for a few years while his kids played — history and reading.

But will he create another film?

“I would imagine if something were to get my attention and I get passionate about another project, I could see it being in one of those areas,” he said.

CONTACT US

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.

Windermere council approves crosswalk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com

of the intersection of Windermere and Maguire roads.

McKinley reported he had told residents there had been no violations by Taylor Morrison in his view, and Bruhn agreed.

McKinley said the timing of the burn permit in terms of a day limit had not been violated, and that the ordinance dealing with air pollution had referred to personal garbage burning, not development.

Jane Guida, a resident of The Willows, disagreed. Pollution is pollution regardless of its source, and this burning has caused air pollution leading to health concerns, she said. Moreover, she said the burning was not approved by the council but at the directive of Smith.

Council members and Smith maintained the town’s position of compliance in this process.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery.

The Windermere Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

If you wish to subscribe to the Windermere Observer, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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It’s time to sell the doughnuts …

At the opening of a Dunkin’ Donuts on Winter Garden Vineland Road, West Orange demanded many more doughnuts than the store anticipated.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

While many West Orange residents enjoyed a holiday off of work, one Dunkin’ Donuts was just getting started.

Dunkin’ Donuts at 4020 Winter Garden Vineland Road opened right in the middle of the holidays — on Dec. 26.

At opening, the store was busy — so busy that keeping doughnuts stocked was a challenge.

“We opened up and tripled our expectations on doughnut quantities,” said John Sloan, director of operations. “Our doughnuts were 300% over projection.”

The location of the store drew in West Orange residents who live nearby.

Claudia Myers lives five minutes away from the new location and works out at the gym next door with her friend Michele Coppola. They stop by to spend time with one another and enjoy doughnuts after workouts.

Previously, the friends traveled to Clermont regularly to enjoy post-workout doughnuts, so they watched with anticipation as a location was built next door to their gym.

“We don’t have anything really over in this direction,” said

Coppola. “Everything is farther.”

Sloan, who is involved with more than 15 Dunkin’ Donuts locations, also thinks the spot is ideal for the store.

“Traffic counts kind of dictates a lot of what you want to be,” he said. “Also, you want to look and see how many other people are selling coffee in your market. I don’t think there’s a great deal of coffee in this market. I think the traffic

counts outside are very heavy.”

The mix of opening during the holidays and the popularity of the location provided an extra challenge for the location. Staffing was the biggest concern for the location.

“A lot of people during the holidays aren’t thinking about going out and trying to find a job,” Sloan said.

The location needs about 35 employees. When it opened, there were about four employees, but it was able to borrow help from other stores Sloan said. The location still needs to hire more employees.

“HAVE A DUNKERIFIC DAY”

“Hey sir, how was everything today?” Sloan asks a customer.

His friendliness with customers is the model he wants to set for the rest of the store. As more places that sell coffee come to the area, Sloan believes it’s the customer service and the kindness of the employees of the store that will set Dunkin’ Donuts apart.

“You (have) to give people a

“We opened up and tripled our expectations on doughnut quantities. Our doughnuts were 300% over projection.”

— John Sloan, director of operations

JOB-HUNTING? Dunkin’ Donuts, at 4020 Winter Garden Vineland Road, is hiring. No experience is necessary.

“My one job requirement is you (have) to be friendly and outgoing,” Sloan said.

To apply, go to the store and fill out an application.

reason to come to your place,” said Sloan, who likes to tell his customers to “have a Dunkerific day.” “I think friendly service beats everybody out. That’s just critical to me because it’s a fierce competition.”

Sloan also plans for the location to give back to the community.

He hopes Dunkin’ Donuts can participate in children’s events — birthday parties, church and school events and fundraisers.

“It’s goodwill,” Sloan said.

“I have a philosophy of friends doing business with friends.”

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

Tiny path a big deal near Lake Mabel KB Homes is offering part of the property from its approved 14-house development as a path for the original owner to reach his property just beyond.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST KB

Homes officials and the couple who sold them 7.52 gross acres to develop 14 lots are in Orange County’s review process to settle where a 20-foot-by-150-foot path should be located for the owners to access property they still own on the edge of the countyapproved development site.

This led to a community meeting Orange County staff and District 1 Commissioner S. Scott Boyd hosted Jan. 7 at West Orange High, where neighbors from the Thornhill Homeowners Association in particular voiced concerns with intentions behind the proposal and possible further development.

Owner Kinsey Craichy said the contract between him and KB Homes to sell the 7.52 acres abut-

ting the eastern edge of Wakeworth Street and Brightstowe Way included a condition of area being available for the Craichys to access their property near the southern end of the development.

This is because the Craichy house, east of the southern tip of Lake Mabel Drive, is separated from that wooded area by a swamp in the middle,Craichy said.

But Craichy and KB Homes officials did not specify until recently where that access point would be, so KB Homes personnel have offered the aforementioned path at the southern endpoint of their 7.52 acres, where their plans would have a cul-de-sac ending.

Craichy said KB Homes staff had failed to insert the condition in the contract up front, so he had to just before signing. KB Homes official Dan Edwards said the best location was not determined until

after county approval, which was many months ago.

Craichy, KB Homes representatives, residents and even Boyd agreed the matter is mainly between Craichy and KB Homes, but that did not stop the neighbors from asking what the use in that area would be and whether developers would try to build even more in their area.

Orange County Environmental Protection Division official John Geiger said the remaining area contains no uplands, so it would not be developable without massive mitigation and development fees for disturbing such a habitat.

Geiger said the only feasible legal use would be walking to observe nature.

But resident Joe Berry said he had learned Walt Disney World officials had been seeking about 500 acres of swamp to fill for development near Magic Kingdom, which he said would fit the description of this area.

Based on what Thornhill HOA President Vernon Bliven and neighbors referred to as not hold-

ing true to its word, they said they did not trust KB Homes to avoid developing in that vicinity, either.

They all wondered whether this would increase traffic from cars driving to the access point, but Craichy reiterated it would just be for his family to go through their locked gate to observe nature.

“This (development) has been nothing but a nightmare for us, because we deal with the traffic flying down our streets with kids out,” Bliven said. “And you guys haven’t done one thing that you agreed to — not one.”

Boyd’s aide, Diana Garcia, said construction to simply clear an earthen path as an access easement could start in three to six months.

For more information, contact Pedro Medina, case planner, at Pedro.Medina@ocfl.net or (407) 836-7904.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

“This (development) has been nothing but a nightmare for us, because we deal with the traffic flying down our streets with kids out. And you guys haven’t done one thing that you agreed to — not one.”

Thornhill HOA President Vernon Bliven

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CRI TT E R CO RNER Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia.

The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays.

In January, Orange County Animal Services is reducing the pet adoption fee to $20.16 in celebration of the new year.

File photo

Bear (ID# A338472), is a smart dog in search of a new home. The 6-year-old dog can sit and shake on command, and he gets along well with children and other animals.

Bear’s family brought him to Orange County Animal Services because they could no longer take care of him. Bear loves treats, snacks and rolling on the ground.

Participants such as this come from around the world for Treebute’s Geezers in Treezers competition.

For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com.

Windermere celebrates its 16th annual Treebute and Florida Arbor Day festivities this week.

Land of the Tree

Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. If you run a shelter or animal rescue and wish to participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

ZAK KERR

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tage of Windermere is perhaps an equally vast canopy of historic oaks and other trees, some of which might have seen all 100 years of the town’s history and more.

Each year since 2001, residents have celebrated that heritage as a Tree City USA with the free Windermere Treebute Arbor Day Festival, which Windermere Tree Board chairwoman Theresa Schretzmann-Myers said has been one of few Florida events actually centered on Florida’s Arbor Day. “Arbor Day is in January for Florida — it’s not April like most of the rest of the 48 (contiguous) states — because they do best in January while they’re dormant,” she said. “They don’t have to worry about the heat shock, stress and all that stuff, so Arbor Day is always the third Friday in January.”

Along with an Arbor Day Ceremony and Tree Planting at 10 a.m. Jan. 14, Windermere will sandwich Arbor Day with its Treebute from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jan. 16, both in the Town Square.

But Schretzmann-Myers is most enthusiastic about what Windermere will host from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Arbor Day. “We also do ... a training of (more than) 100 firefighters, first-responders, arborists to deal with emergencies regarding power lines, trees and people,” she said. “The event is completely underwritten by the (Tree Care Industry Association), so we’d like to get that out to all of our

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SO MANY ACTIVITIES This year’s Treebute will feature a plethora of activities. n Enchanted Walkabouts with John Springer for nature education. n Children’s tree climb, supervised by certified arborists using safety gear. n Geezers in Treezers, an international tree-climbing competition n IFAS Master Gardener Mobile Plant Clinic n Plant sale n “Ask the Arborist” booth n Eco Activities for Families n Food trucks n Arts and crafts n Live music

first-responders, because ... they cannot touch that person unless they have the safety training. We provide lunch and they don’t have to pay a dime.”

As for the Treebute, not much changes based on the longstanding tradition of Arbor Day, Schretzmann-Myers said, a testament to the dedication of many local botanical enthusiasts.

“Windermere Garden Club will be having special … heirloom plants — donations from their members — and for a donation, you can adopt a plant, so that’s new this year,” SchretzmannMyers said. “We also have some new varieties of tree, including the beautiful Florida native mahogany.”

The main focus, of course, is to plant trees — Windermere residents can get one tree for free — and learn everything planters should about healthy planting from experts at the “Ask the Arborist” booth, she said. But one event she is always excited about is the Geezers in Treezers treeclimbing competition, which involves participants from every state and other countries.

The Windermere Tree Board, Tree Climbing Concepts Training Team Inc., Windermere Garden Club and Duke Energy Florida sponsor the festival, with proceeds supporting Windermere’s Urban Forestry program.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

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ARTS + CULTURE QUICK HITS THURSDAY, JAN. 14

SEWING 101: SEWING BASICS Learn a new skill from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Joann’s Fabric and Crafts, 3379 Daniels Road, Winter Garden. This class will teach you to sew alongside other crafters. Cost is $35. (407) 877-1050.

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

BETWEEN THE BRUSHES Create a 10-inch-by-20-inch special wrapped canvas of Apples in a Row from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15 at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Cost is $35; materials are included. Bring your favorite beverage and snack, and enjoy the night out with friends or a date.

(407) 909-1869.

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

Members of Sounds Like Chicken A Cappella, as well as rehearsal accompanist Annalisa Brawdy, are looking for new members.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? How did the group come up with its curious name?

“I wish there was some brilliant story I could tell you,” McClellan said.

After the group had been together for about a year, it experienced some growth and the members wanted to find a name that would fit the group. They spent weeks trying to come up with a name, without much success. One night, the group was gathered together and was chatting about various topics, when they began to discuss the taste of alligator.

“Tastes like chicken,” someone said.

The others got excited, thinking that could be the new name of the group.

“No,” someone responded. “Sounds like chicken.”

The group decided the name fit well.

The members of the group make up various ages and nationalities, but when they come together to sing, they all sound the same — just like everything tastes like chicken.

For the BIRDS

SURFACE-FINISHING WORKSHOP Learn how to create and design clay tiles at a workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 16 and 23, at SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. Artist Katherine Mathisen will lead the class and provide materials. $225 for members, $250 for non-members; enrollment limited to 10 students. (407) 347-7996.

Sounds Like Chicken, a men’s a cappella group with a creative name, is celebrating its eighth year in Winter Garden.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

A

SANDY SHUGART IN CONCERT Join Sandy Shugart, the president of Valencia College, for a night of acoustic music at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Tickets are $25; $15 with a Valencia College ID. (407) 877-4736.

fter a long work week, there are many ways to spend a Friday night.

For a few West

Orange men, the best place to spend the evening is in the choir room at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden.

It’s the weekly practice of Sounds Like Chicken A Cappella, an all-male group that has been part of the Winter Garden community for the past eight years.

SEE PAGE 13A

Photos by Jennifer Nesslar

Chad McClellan sings at a Sounds Like Chicken practice.

NEXT PERFORMANCES n 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden. A unity concert in conjunction with the Garden Community Choir. Benefits Matthew’s Hope. n 4 p.m. May 21 at First United Methodist Church of Orlando, 142 E Jackson St., Orlando. In conjunction with the Garden Community Choir.

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We have partnered with the Winter Garden Rants, Raves and Reviews Facebook group to spotlight a different “rave” each week.

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High-school seniors from around Florida participated in the Distinguished Young Women of Florida state program on Jan. 9 at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden.

The event allowed each of the young women to showcase various talents while competing for college scholarships.

At the conclusion of the evening, Madison Taylor, of Okaloosa, was named Distinguished Young Woman of Florida.

Taylour Marks, of Apopka, won first honoree, and Haley Horton,

of Orlando, was named second honoree.

The competition included categories such as fitness, interview and talent, and seeks to promote scholastic achievement, public speaking confidence, interview skills, physical fitness and moral character in the participants.

In the week prior to the event, the participants volunteered and spent time in the community.

As Distinguished Young Woman of Florida, Taylor moves on to represent Florida at the national competition.

Megan Alsene, of Winter Garden, sang “Goodbye Until Tomorrow.”

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Right: Victoria Fields, of Dade City, showed grace during her ballet performance.

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“We’re a bunch of guys (who) love to sing,” said Richard Brophy, who has been with Sounds Like Chicken since its inception.

They call themselves “Chickeneers.”

Some members of Sounds Like Chicken also are involved in the Garden Community Choir, and the a cappella group performs many concerts with the choir, which is directed by Jeffery Redding.

Although the group practices at First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, participants do not need to be members or attend the church.

The group started when a member of the community choir approached Chad McClellan about starting a barbershop quartet. McClellan liked the idea but decided it would be an ensemble open to any man who wanted to sing, and that the group wouldn’t be limited to barbershop music.

When the ensemble began, there were four consistent members. Once a fifth member joined, the group was able to branch out into more varied genres of music.

The selected genres range from men’s choral music to contemporary a cappella to barbershop.

They will pick classical pieces and spirituals, as well as songs played on the radio. Favorites include Eric Barnum’s arrangement of “A Red, Red Rose,” Franz Biebl’s “Ave Maria” and “Prayer of the Children.” They also have enjoyed more light-hearted pieces, such as “Sweet Caroline” and “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Member Rob Aylesworth particularly enjoys DaVinci’s Notebook’s “Kingdom in the Sky,” a song that parodies traditional gospel pieces to poke fun at Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom.

“We enjoy singing together, but we also enjoy just hanging out sometimes.”

Chad McClellan

WANT TO JOIN?

The group is always looking for more members, as more members give the group a wider range of options of selections to perform. No experience is required, but you must be a male age 18 and up.

To join, contact Chad McClellan at tenorthechad@ yahoo.com.

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CURRENT MEMBERS Rob Aylesworth Frank Bailey Curtis Brawdy Richard Brophy Michael Glen Matt Heim Chad McClellan Tim McNamara Quinn Roberts Sam Wagster Annalisa Brawdy, rehearsal accompanist

But the ensemble is more than music. They enjoy spending time with one another during rehearsals and outside of them.

Sometimes, the group will head over to Brophy’s house to play cards.

“We enjoy singing together, but we also enjoy just hanging out sometimes,” McClellan said.

Most performances are with the Garden Community Choir, but the group sometimes visits local retirement communities, hospitals and schools. At times when the group is larger, it can do stand-alone concerts.

Once the choir director at Evans High School invited Sounds Like Chicken to come sing with the Evans choir, which was in its infancy.

“You could tell the audience, (which) wasn’t used to experiencing stuff like that, was very appreciative of it,” McClellan said. “It was a boisterous, loud reaction. They went crazy for it.”

Sounds Like Chicken enjoys putting on a good performance.

“We’ve been told we are good,” Brophy said with a laugh.

“Every once in a while, we don’t disappoint,” McClellan agreed.

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

A MetroWest band is sharing the proceeds from its single “Rocket Girl” with a fund set up to provide education for girls around the world.

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE COMMUNITY EDITOR METROWEST Rob Lamp

said it took him just a week to write the music and lyrics for his song, “Rocket Girl,” after reading 18-year-old education activist Malala Yousafzai’s book, “I Am Malala.”

This project has become an important mission for Lamp and the other two members of Yesterday’s Future, a band from MetroWest.

“I was determined to capture her courage and energy in a rock song vs a ballad,” Lamp said. “I sent ‘Rocket Girl’ to Malala’s organization, and they were excited to promote it to her fans.

We are hoping thousands would donate 99 cents to download the song ‘Rocket Girl’ so we can donate all the proceeds to help girls all around the world get an education. If everyone does just a little, then together we can help many girls.”

Yesterday’s Future band members are songwriter Rob Lamp, who also contributes on keyboards and drums; McKinney Griffin, vocals and guitar; and Alan Reitman, guitars, bass and vocals.

The trio formed last fall, when Lamp met Reitman at a Full Sail University recording session and heard Griffin’s voice on a project Reitman was engineering at the time. Lamp was interested in working with the singer and sent the basic tracks of 10 original songs to Reitman and Griffin, who collaborated and brought them to life with a very modern pop sound, Lamp said.

In the chorus McKinney Griffin sings: “Look into her eyes; you can see the fire. Her desire to fly higher and higher. She’s a rocket girl, gonna rule the world. Don’t try to hold her down.”

“When I watched Malala confidently addressing the leaders of the world at the United Nations, I saw a young woman with inspiring passion and purpose,” Lamp said.

Producer and guitarist Reitman agreed.

“We wanted to create a rock song that shares Malala’s passion

Courtesy photos

McKinney Griffin, Rob Lamp and Alan Reitman are Yesterday’s Future.

for giving every girl a chance for an education,” he said.

Yesterday’s Future is available for personal appearances to perform Rocket Girl and discuss its mission to assist Malala in raising support for girls’ education.

For more information contact Rob Lamp at roblamp@gmail.com or (407) 729-5267.

The band has performed locally at Yellow Dog Eats in Gotha.

The song is available on iTunes and Amazon. The video can be viewed at bit.ly/Yesterdays Future.

“We hope that everyone who loves Malala will download ‘Rocket Girl’ and keep it on their playlist to keep them inspired and rocking for a great cause,” Griffin said.

By donating the proceeds of song purchases to the Malala Fund, Yesterday’s Future is helping in the fight to improve girls’ lives around the world.

“When you see a need in the world like education, it’s good to know we can all do a little something to make a big difference,” Lamp said.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at aqrhode@orangeobserver.com.

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MALALA’S STORY Malala Yousafzai was born in northwest Pakistan in 1997.

Her father ran a school near the family’s home in Pakistan, which has the second highest number of out-of-school children in the world. He became an outspoken opponent of Taliban efforts to restrict female education.

Equally as passionate about education was Malala, who began writing a column under a false name out of fear of retaliation after the Taliban’s military demanded her father close his school.

After Malala received Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize in 2011, the Taliban sought to kill her.

Two years later, a gunman boarded her bus and shot Malala once in her head, neck and shoulder. She was in critical condition and was moved to a hospital in England for treatment.

This tragedy received worldwide attention and outrage, and Malala and her father began advocating for the millions of girls being denied a formal education because of social, economic, legal and political factors, according to malalafund.org.

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JOHN MOFFAT PRYOR OF OCOEE, DIED JAN. 9

John Moffat Pryor, age 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Ocoee on Jan. 9, 2016.

He was born on May 3, 1950, and was raised in Batesville, Mississippi, the youngest of four children. The family moved to Ahway, Iran, when John was 8 years old, where they spent the next two years before returning to the states.

He graduated from high school in 1969, in Oxford, Mississippi and, afterward, completed a fouryear tour abroad as a member of an aircraft-refueling unit in the United States Air Force. Upon returning to civilian life, John settled in Central Florida, where he earned a degree in journal-

ism at the University of Central Florida and later met his future wife, Gayle. They were married in 1985. In 1987, they became Subway franchisees and since then have continued to grow the family business, operating 10 Subway restaurants in Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden.

Survivors are his sister, Penny

ROBERT H. “BOB” WALLICK OF CLERMONT, DIED JAN. 3

Robert H. “Bob” Wallick died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 3, 2016, at Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont, Florida.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanette; children, Mark (Gloria), Kurt (Donnette), Kelly (Bill) Chambers, Kerry Herzig; grandchildren, Kam (Dan) Bratkovich, Travis (Marzie) Wallick, Jared Prince, Tom Wallick, Allie Wallick and Harry Herzig; and five greatgrandchildren.

Born in 1928, in Beach City, Ohio, Bob completed high school at 16, attended Ohio State for a year before beginning a life of travel. He met Jeanette in Virginia, where they eventually settled and Bob’s dream of owning his own business took form. His entrepreneurial talent led him through a number of enterprises, most which were before their time. He sold and built homes, and sold products for major companies: Coleman and Robin Hood Mills.

His sales ability, strong work ethic, intelligence and problemsolving ability were the spring-

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board of his greatest accomplishment, aside from his children, as founder of Robert Wallick Associates Inc. A natural salesman, Bob was selling cellulose insulation faster than the manufacturer could produce it due to a lack of newspaper. The answer was to start a recycling company focused on newspaper which led to his company being a forerunner in the recycling industry in Central Florida.

Bob excelled in many things, but building a house from the ground up was a passion. He was never happier than when he built his home and three for his children as they worked alongside him every step of the way. Fam-

Pryor Pynkala, and brother, James Pryor, both of Oxford; as well as wife, Gayle; and sons, Arthur and Jean Legere and Stephen Pryor, all Central Florida residents.

His extended family and friends will sadly miss John, but he leaves behind many joyous memories in the lives of those he has touched.

A Celebration of Life was held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the DeGusipe Funeral Home, 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd., Ocoee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in the memory of John M. Pryor to the Florida Hospital Foundation — The Bartch Transplant House — floridahospital.com/foundationhosipital-transplant-house.

ily was the most important part of his life. He cherished his wife of 65 years and the life they built with their children. He loved having them close and as neighbors.

He prepared his children for life with lessons not only in hard work and the value of a dollar, but with hands-on skills of physical labor and the gratification of seeing the fruits of your labor.

He taught his children to enjoy travel and places off the beaten path. An avid gardener, Bob grew food for his family in the early years and later, in Florida, experimented with a variety of fruits.

A man of many facets and many talents, a man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends, a man who will be missed by all those whose life he touched.

A memorial celebration will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 S. Ninth St., Winter Garden. Memorials may be made to Mike Conley Hospice House, Alzheimer’s Association, The Russell Home for Atypical Children and Elks National Foundation.

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PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept.

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Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905.

For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition.

Today, that changes.

Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper.

For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

14A

JANUARY 14, 2015

SIDELINES

SPORTS

Will Seelman posting big numbers for Windermere Prep basketball. Page 16A

Griffey makes Hall Windermere resident and former Major League Baseball superstar Ken Griffey Jr. was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame Jan. 6, receiving 99.32% of votes — a record.

During his career, Griffey played for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox, belting 630 home runs with 1,836 RBI and hitting .284.

Warrior commits West Orange junior baseball standout DeAndre Shelton verbally committed to play his college baseball at the University of Alabama Jan. 7.

Shelton, who has played infield and outfield for the Warriors, also plays for the Orlando Scorpions travel baseball organization.

Steven Ryzewski

After coming off the bench as a sophomore and getting some starts as a junior, Dr. Phillips’ Justin Tucker has become “the guy” for the Panthers as a senior.

STEPPING UP Transfers and roster departures have elevated Dr. Phillips senior forward Justin Tucker from role player to leader in less than a year — a task he’s met head-on, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR DR. PHILLIPS

Lakers shine at Showdown The Windermere Prep Lakers scored another convincing win over the Hagerty Huskies, 89-59, at the annual Showdown in O-Town showcase, held Jan. 9 at Orlando Christian Prep.

Behind Xion Golding’s 24 points, the Lakers (15-1) took a double-digit lead after one quarter and never looked back. Parker Davis had 17 points, and David Nickelberry chipped in 13 points on the day.

For more photos from Saturday’s game, visit orangeobserver.com.

J

ustin Tucker remembers what it was like as a freshman, playing on a Dr. Phillips varsity basketball team that had scoring phenom RaShawn “Pookie” Powell.

Then there were Tucker’s sophomore and junior years, in which his minutes increased to that of a role-player, while players like Jonathan Laurent and David Stephen guided the ship.

Even going into Tucker’s senior year, this year’s Panthers

were not initially going to be the dynamic 6-foot-7 forward’s team — the team supposed to belong to blue-chip prospect Chaundee Brown.

Then, with the transfer of Brown and two other teammates to The First Academy last summer, Tucker became “the guy” for coach Anthony Long’s program in the blink of an eye.

So far, all he has done is average a double-double and lead a team that wasn’t supposed to contend after losing all its starters from a season ago to a 14-3 record. “(Tucker has) really devel-

UPCOMING Dr. Phillips boys basketball’s next three games:

oped his game to the point where he’s one of the most athletic and versatile players that we’ve ever had at Dr. Phillips — and that’s a huge statement,” Long said. “He can defend any position on the floor, point guard through center. He gives us 15 (points) and 12 (rebounds) about every single night. And that’s not even speaking of how he impacts the game, defensively, with changed-shots.”

More recently, the load on Tucker’s shoulders got even heavier.

Jan. 16: vs.

Melbourne at The Master’s Academy, 4 p.m.

Jan. 19: vs. Olympia, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20: at Apopka, 7:30 p.m.

SEE TUCKER PAGE 17A

Brothers in legs Two pairs of Olympia soccer players have played together since sixth grade, developing team chemistry and lasting friendships.

Softball clinic

ZAK KERR

The West Orange softball team will host a skills clinic at its on-campus facility from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 30, at the school, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden.

The clinic is intended for players ages 8 to 12 and covers conditioning, pitching, hitting and fielding. Cost is $40 per participant, and lunch is included. To reserve a spot, email to kelsey.laneave@ gmail.com.

difference between a great team and a great collection of players.

One word used often to describe great teams is chemistry — how well teammates interact and complement one another. A collection of great players can fail to meet expectations without good chemistry, but the richly talented Olympia boys soccer team has it, with two epitomes.

Seniors Jayson Moorman and Bryce Gilgallon have been teammates since sixth grade at Chain of Lakes Middle School, often on multiple teams at

STAFF WRITER SOUTHWEST ORANGE There is a

once, and juniors Daniel Aroujo and Nicolas de la Portilla have done the same at Gotha Middle School. This includes Florida Rush Soccer Club for both sets, with occasional practices there involving all four.

“We got closer,” Aroujo said.

“We know really well where each other are on the field. We have a lot of chemistry together on the field. I have a good idea of what he’s going to do and open up to make it better for him.”

This benefits the juniors especially — they work together as midfielders. Although Moorman plays defense and Gilgallon striker, Moorman said playing with someone he has

Zak Kerr

Titans soccer juniors Daniel Aroujo, left, and Nicolas de la Portilla have been teammates since sixth grade, just as seniors Jayson Moorman and Bryce Gilgallon have.

known so long makes it more fun, too, often from balancing one another in a happy medium.

“We challenge each other’s perspectives and then work it out on the field,” Gilgallon said.

“We both will listen to the other’s opinion. Because he plays defense and I play striker, we see a lot of different things.”

SEE OLYMPIA PAGE 17A

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

SIDELINE SCENE

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Will Seelman Teammates of Will Seelman had been waiting for the him to have a breakout game. The junior Laker shooting guard/small forward scored 13 points to go with four rebounds in a victory Dec. 29 against Cannon (North Carolina) in the semifinal of The Rock Holiday Classic. He followed with 11 points and seven rebounds vs.

Windermere Prep in the final.

How did it feel to put together two strong games over the holiday break to get your scoring production going?

It really felt good, because I knew it was coming. After coming back from football, I kind of had a little bit of a slow start. When it finally happened during The Rock Holiday (Classic), it felt good.

You played football for the varsity team for the first time this year. What was that like?

I really didn’t have any expectations. Parker is the quarterback, and it was his last year, so Yassen (Aratius) and I kind of talked about it and we were like, “Sure, why not?” It ended up being a great experience.

Against Winter Park, you played a pivotal role in a stretch to end the third quarter and begin the fourth quarter. What do you remember about that sequence?

My team needed me. Coach (Ben) Wilson has told me, “Just keeping grinding, and it will happen for you.” I was crashing the boards; I got rebounds and I got putbacks. I drove to the basket and got a one-and-one and

Former WOHS O.C. ready for challenge as East River head coach

THE BASICS School: Windermere Prep Position: SG/SF Year: Junior Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds Hometown: Orlando

that felt good — it kind of changed the momentum for us.

What’s your favorite gym in which you’ve played?

Last year, we went to Alaska for a tournament. We played at this school, it was called West Anchorage — that gym was crazy. It was probably the steepest gym I’ve seen. The fans in Alaska — they packed the gym.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SIDELINE SCENE

During the past week or so, Collin Drafts has made the drive from West Orange High in Winter Garden to East River High — clear across Orange County — nearly every day.

If nothing else, the drive — a 45-minute trek if traffic is kind — has allowed for plenty of time for reflection.

Drafts, who has been the offensive coordinator at West Orange for the past three seasons, took the head coach job at East River Dec. 28.

As far as surprises go, the move hardly qualifies as one.

Drafts, a young and charismatic coach with professional football experience as a quarterback in the Arena Football League, is one of the area’s best offensive coordinators and has partnered with Warriors head coach Bob Head to turn the program into an offensive juggernaut.

Drafts’ long drives across greater Orlando are an opportunity to reflect on the value of his time at West Orange, where his last day as a faculty member will be Jan. 14. You see, Drafts got his start in highschool coaching in 2011 when he was signed by the Orlando Predators and reunited in Orlando with then-Olympia coach Bob Head. After becoming the Titans’ offensive coordinator for two seasons, Drafts was a natural choice at Olympia to replace Head when he made the move to Winter Garden following the 2012 season.

It was a position for which Drafts recalls feeling like he was ready, but after some further reflection, Drafts — who was never formally offered the job at Olympia — remembers not being able to shake the feeling that something special was about to happen at West Orange. He called Head and asked if he could come along to Winter Garden and — after three playoff appearances, two

What’s your non-sports dream job?

I just want to travel the world.

I have a strong passion for traveling. I have a strong passion for Europe and the history there, so that would be great if I could be paid to travel the world.

What’s a quote or piece of advice you’ve received that has really stuck with you?

I know there’s a quote by Michael Jordan: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” And that kind of stuck with me, because sometimes, I think about missing shots, (but) when I think about that quote, (I remember) there’s nothing really to lose. Just go for it, no matter what. Good things are going to happen.

What’s a song you’ve been listening to a lot lately?

I like that song “Jumpman”

by Drake and Future. It’s kind of a newer song, but it kind of gets me hyped before games.

If you had to pick a superpower, what would it be?

Unlimited jumping ability. I can jump pretty well as it is, but if I could fly out of the gym, that would be great.

When it comes to superhero movies, are you more of a Marvel or a D.C. fan?

I’d say more of a Marvel fan. But I’m not really crazy about those types of movies — I’m more of a comedy guy. I like Will Ferrell and all those type of guys.

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Collin Drafts helped develop the Warriors’ offense into one of the most prolific in the region.

district championships, the undeniable best season in program history and a ton of other firsts — the Warriors offense has never been the same.

“It was by far the best decision I ever could have made for my coaching career,” Drafts said. “(Being at West Orange) really showed me what it takes to have a successful football program from top to bottom.”

Now Drafts, the son of a longtime basketball coach in his native South Carolina, is getting his first chance to build a program of his own. And although he’s taken his career to East Orange County, he’s still got people rooting for him in West Orange — most notably his coaching mentor for the past five years.

“I’m super excited for (Drafts),” Head said. “I hate to lose Collin — Collin has been my right-hand man for five years. We’ve won four district championships out of five years together. We’ve had a great partnership, but I knew the time was going to come.

He’s more than ready to be a head coach.”

Perhaps more than anyone, Head has witnessed the evolution of Drafts as a play-caller.

“He’s grown a lot because he’s been able to adapt to the different personnel that he’s had,” Head said. “When he first came to Orlando, he really had his system that he knew but now he’s learned to incorporate a lot more tight ends, a lot more two-backs, a lot more things to adapt to his personnel.”

East River will be a rebuild-

WARRIORS HIRE COORDINATOR

The offensive coordinator position at West Orange High wasn’t open for long.

Warriors head coach Bob Head confirmed Jan. 7 that Vernon Mitchell would be replacing Collin Drafts as the new offensive coordinator for West Orange. Mitchell comes to West Orange with more than a decade of experience at Freedom High and Boone High under head coach Andy Johnson.

Mitchell played his college football at Florida A&M University and played professionally in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League. “(Mitchell is) one of the great coaches in the area — we’ve had a hard time preparing for him (in the past),” Head said. “When I was a defensive coordinator for years, going against him, he made great adjustments.”

ing job. The Falcons went 1-9 in 2015, but the school is located in a fast-growing part of town. Drafts sees potential — and an administration that wants a good football program.

And besides, Drafts becoming a head ball coach was always just a matter of time.

“I’m the son of a coach, so I always knew I wanted to be a coach,” Drafts said. “I felt like it was the right fit at the right time for me to make that jump.”

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

17A

Long time together helps Titans Lions land record All-State recognition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15A

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR WINTER GARDEN The Foundation

Academy Lions made one last bit of history from the 2015 season, placing a program-record two athletes on the Class 2A All-State First Team to pair with two honorable mentions.

The Florida Class 2A team, as chosen by newspaper editors and reporters, was announced Jan. 4.

Sophomores Luis Rivera and Konrie Brown both were named to the First-Team Defense. Senior running back Gabe Walker and junior offensive lineman Sydel Barton were named honorable mentions. It is the first time the program has had four players recognized in one season.

“It’s huge for us,” head coach Brad Lord said. “We’ve probably had five others (recognized) throughout my tenure here in nine years — so four in one year is big.”

What’s even more encouraging for the Lions, who won a district title for the first time this past fall and also recorded the program’s first playoff win, is that both Rivera and Brown have two more seasons left in the program.

“They’re both freak athletes,” Lord said. “As freshmen, they didn’t work as hard. But this year, they were in the weight room every day — they didn’t miss workouts.”

Both players play on both sides of the ball and also are an important part of the team’s offense.

Brown, in particular, has received interest from several Division I FBS college programs because of his athleticism. The

PANTHERS, TITANS RECOGNIZED Dr. Phillips and Olympia got in on the recognition last week, also, when the Class 8A AllState team was announced Jan. 7.

The Panthers had four athletes recognized. Junior offensive lineman Calvin Ashley was named to the First Team Offense, while junior linebacker Dylan Meeks was named to the Second Team Defense. Junior Emare Hogan was named to the Third Team Offense, and senior Jaquarius “Q” Bargnare was named as an honorable mention.

Two Titans also earned recognition. Senior defensive back Jeff James was named to the Second Team Defense and senior kicker Jonathan Messina to the Third Team Offense.

talented sophomore is also a standout for the Lions in basketball and track.

“8A, 2A, it doesn’t matter — he’s probably one of the best athletes in Central Florida right now,” Lord said of Brown.

Walker was recognized as an honorable mention for a second consecutive year, and he, too, has drawn interest from several Division I programs.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

Aroujo said similar coaches have helped him and de la Portilla to think similarly, and de la Portilla said a mix of strengthening one another has helped them develop.

Those two also like to literally strengthen together in the weight room, and besides frequent interactions at school, all four are otherwise all about soccer together.

This goes from each pair enhancing friendships through Rush and pick-up to playing the popular FIFA video game.

Having two pairs of returning starters who have played hundreds of games together is a boon for any team. For head coach Lou Romao, it also has produced his two senior captains and two juniors he looks to for leadership.

This means — despite a 14-22 record before a game Jan. 14 at East Ridge — all four know their team must further cohere and improve in their two road games before district playoffs, given their 3-1-2 district record that put them behind three undefeated rivals.

“We still haven’t found our best starting lineup, and we need to have the best 11 out there to start, because we have so many talented players,” de la Portilla said. “We need to find that chemistry to work together, work for each other to defeat our opponents. We have an amazing record because of the talent, but we still want to keep it

ONLINE

going, because we’re hosting and it’s very important for us.”

Aroujo added a need to remember how well the team has united in comebacks this season, which Moorman expounded on.

“We’ve got to remember, the whole team, to stay calm, because we’re always going to mess up, but it’s always going to bounce back,” Moorman said.

If not?

“In playoffs there’s no losing and fixing things — there’s losing and sitting and watching,” Gilgallon said.

Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

See the boys soccer district tournament schedule at OrangeObserver.com

Tucker takes leading role CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15A

When some in-house issues led to senior Jaquarius “Q” Bargnare being dismissed from the program and senior Richard McKenzie left the team, Tucker suddenly became the only senior on the Panthers’ roster.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself once they left,” Tucker said. “There are a lot of freshmen on the team, sophomores, and I have to pretty much guide them since now, I’m the only senior.”

In a fitting sort of way, Tucker has now stepped into the roles players he had looked up to previously held. Where there once was Powell or Laurent, there is now

Tucker, and the task of continuing Dr. Phillips’ streak of consecutive 20-win seasons is his next challenge. “(Tucker) knew when we lost those kids to transfer that this was his team and he’s really fulfilled that role well,” Long said.

“We lean on him for leadership on the court and for leadership off the court.”

Tucker’s breakout season has led to recruiting interest from a host of suitors, including Florida Southern, Wofford, Florida Gulf Coast and FAMU, among others.

The frequent visits from college coaches after games have made him all too aware that he is playing for a scholarship.

But Tucker also is playing to prove people wrong. The most recent wave of departures surely will have the doubters around the region flaring up again, but Tucker has a lot of faith in underclassmen like Daniel Love, Nick Smith and Jaquan Burton, among others, as they step into more prominent roles.

As he tells it, the “next man up” at Dr. Phillips is usually better than the next man up most other places.

“We’ve just got to keep our head on straight and just prove everybody wrong,” Tucker said.

Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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JANUARY 18, 2016

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

19A

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

Take the Pledge!

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PLEDGES OF THE WEEK: Congratulations to individual winner Neal Funston of Dr. Phillips and business winner R. C. Stevens Construction Company for taking the Pledge and for making a commitment to becoming healthier. Be proud. You are helping to make our community the healthiest in the nation!

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The opinions and views of the advertisers listed here are the expressed opinions of the advertisers and not the opinions or endorsement of the Healthy West Orange collaborative. The editorial content presented has been developed by physicians and other experts in the field of health, fitness, and wellness. Seek the advice of your physician before beginning any exercise or fitness program.

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20A

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

The West Orange Healthcare District, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital and the West Orange Times & Windermere Observer are joining together in championing efforts to become the healthiest community in the nation, by fostering a culture of health and wellness based on health status, nutrition, fitness and lifestyle.

Residents – Businesses – Schools Municipal and County Leaders Join in the long term goal of transforming our community to the healthiest in the nation, by encouraging and empowering all to: • Understand their personal health • Become educated on and strive for healthy eating habits • Participate in fitness activities • Adopt healthy behaviors and make healthy choices

Take the pledge!

Become an early champion and win!

• Individuals • Businesses • Schools Be one of the first to make an ongoing commitment by signing the Healthy West Orange pledge. Taking part in an initial commitment between December 17, 2015 and February 19, 2016 will make you eligible for special prizes.

• Individuals can take the pledge to be eligible for weekly drawings and special prizes like gift cards, spa treatments, & fitness memberships.

• Businesses can take the pledge to be eligible for weekly drawings to win the Healthy Business Award of the Week and be eligible for 4 - $500 advertising packages.

• Schools can take the pledge to be in weekly drawings for the Healthy School of the Week and be eligible for 2 - $1000 grants for fitness or nutrition.

Don’t do this alone! Invite family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to take the pledge with you and all of you will be on track for a healthier 2016!

Log on to www.HealthyWestOrangePledge.com to take the pledge today.

It’s simple and fun!

Coming Soon...

Health and Wellness events throughout the year! These events will include FREE Health Screenings and FUN activities for all ages.

Learn more about Healthy West Orange at: www.HealthyWestOrange.org.

Thank you to these business who have already pledged to make a Healthier West Orange!

• American Dragon Martial Arts Academies • DRB Benefits Group • Energy Wellness Center • Florida Center for Hormones & Wellness • Florida Film Academy • Perry’s Taekwondo Academy • Plant-Based Table LLC • R. C. Stevens Construction Company • RC Stevens

• RM2 • Smart Fitness • Stoneybrook Family Medicine • The Occasional Grape • The Sacred Olive • West Orange Healthcare District • West Orange Times & Observer • Winter Garden Athletic Club

Follow us on Facebook.com/healthywestorange and

twitter.com/healthyworange to get the latest updates.

Keep Updated on the latest happenings for Healthy West Orange!

Take a “Healthy Selfie” and post on our social media sites and continue to be a part of our community’s transformation to the healthiest community in the nation!

Look for details on Facebook.com/healthywestorange and

twitter.com/healthyworange.

Healthy West Orange We are a community with many efforts underway to becoming healthier.

CHAMPIONED BY:

SPONSORED IN PART BY:

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Let’s join these efforts and together we can become the HEALTHIEST COMMUNITY IN THE NATION!

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

W EAT HER

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST

|

21A

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, JAN. 14 High: 68 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, JAN. 15 High: 73 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 90%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 14

7:20a

5:50p

Friday, Jan. 15

7:20a

5:51p

Saturday, Jan. 16

7:20a

5:51p

Sunday, Jan. 17

7:20a

5:52p

Monday, Jan. 18

7:20a

5:53p

Tuesday, Jan. 19

7:20a

5:54p

Wednesday, Jan. 20

7:19a

5:55p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN. 16 Jan. 23 Full

High: 72 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 10%

Jessica Collins submitted this photo of a rainbow near Chapin Station, across from the stop on the West Orange Trail.

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name and city and a caption, to aqrhode@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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57 Bryce and Glenwood, e.g.

59 Government upper houses 61 Chicken noodle, e.g.

62 Balance-sheet entry 64 Baltic states port 65 Old village 66 Important testimony provider 71 With no weaning 74 More than able 75 Yard parts 77 Catcher in the Rhine?

78 Baseball scoreboard units 79 Big city of Israel 82 How movers might move a sofa

86 Perform in a play 87 Idiot (var.)

88 “Fifteen Miles on the ___ Canal” 90 Leave scratches on 91 Insane 92 Medicinal dose, sometimes 94 Mother-of-pearl sources 96 Tequila source 98 Fully stretched 99 Sweetheart 100 Revival-meeting cry 101 Under a wicked spell 105 Accelerate an engine 106 Enclosed car 110 Paine’s “Common Sense,” e.g.

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112 “Stand By Me” singer King 113 A pair 115 “I’ll go along with that” 116 Infamous fiddling emperor 117 One enjoying the sights 119 Chill in the air 120 Paternity evidence 122 ___ out a living

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed philosopher. Using the hints V=E and M=T, decipher the clues to name the philosopher.

1. G V X K O B M P E W 2. G V X Q V B M P E W 3. S Y O Q P C H 4. V J F E W V W M C 5. D V E H V M K A This philosopher was considered a genius and has been dubbed the Father of Modern Philosophy:

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

|

9

5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

OrangeObserver.com

CLASSIFIEDS 9 5 6 4 Thursday, Januray 14, 2016 Thursday, DATE, 2015

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT (CONT’D)

Afrocentric Orlando Event, celebrating Black History Month. 2/20/2016 From 6:30PM. Rosen JCC, 11184 Apopka Vineland Rd. Benefiting Wells’ Built Museum of African American History & Culture.

Tickets $18. Https://AfrocentricOrlandoEvent.

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LV11097

Windermere Observer 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 Windermere Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

9

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Refraction, 2) Reflection, 3) Dualism, 4) Exponents, 5) Geometry.

René Descartes Jan 14 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.57) This week’s Sudoku answers

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23A

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Quality Furniture & Interior Design

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15 Florida Locations Featuring The Finest Quality Home Furnishings & Interior Design

15 Florida Locations Featuring The Finest Quality Home Furnishings & Interior Design

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TOP SALES: Keene’s Pointe home sells for $1.111 million. 6-7B COMPARABLES: What can you buy for $745,000 to $800,00? 4B >

REAL ESTATE THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

BUSINESS BRIEFS CFHLA names new committee

AFTER

Stage Coach Investing in staging can pay off in time and money for people selling their homes.

BEFORE BEFORE

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE

“(Staging is) not that expensive when you look at the whole scheme of things. If you’re going to save money by not having your house on the market as long and you’re going to get a higher amount of money, it pays for itself.”

— Megan Morris

R

usty mailbox.

Broken tile in the entryway. Dead

grass. Dirty roof.

In the midst of everyday life, these are all things that homeowners sometimes ignore. But when selling a home, keeping the home just as it was lived in can cost time and money.

AFTER

Windermere resident David Bartek, of Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando, was named the chairman of the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2016.

The board comprises 45 Central Florida Hospitality Executives from the tri-county area (Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties).

Other committee members include First Vice Chairman David Friederich (Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando), of Windermere; Second Vice Chairman Doug Ridge (Orlando World Center Marriott), of Windermere; Secretary Fred Sawyers (Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort), of Dr. Phillips; Treasurer Jetse Pottinga (Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration), of Celebration; Assistant Treasurer Brian Comes (Hyatt Regency Orlando), of Windermere; and Historian Laura Sherman (CLC Encantada Resort), of Dr. Phillips.

Orlando tops list According to The Money Source, Orlando tops the list of the top 10 most attractive U.S. cities for first-time homebuyers in 2016.

The list is based on the company’s review of more than 70,000 loan applications, as well as city-specific data such as median home prices, unemployment rates and quality of life.

According to the study, Orlando boasts a low unemployment rate (4.5%), an affordable median home price ($155,500) and strong job growth. Although much of Florida is dependent on retirees and snowbirds, Orlando is the youngest nonSEE BRIEFS PAGE 2B

Lakefront Winter Garden....Over 4,000 heated sq feet of Custom Quality Construction. 5 Bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths with 2 Master Suites located downstairs. Pool, dock, sandy beach and fire pit on John’s Lake. Call for a private tour.

191165

MORE ON PAGE 2B

Lakefront Romanesque features in this over 4300 sq ft 5 bedroom 4 1/2 bath pool home located in the heart of Clermont on Lake Minnehaha.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

BUSINESS BRIEFS CONTINUED FROM 1B

college town in the state, according to Forbes. The presence of large tourism and entertainment companies such as Universal and Disney in the city attracts millions of visitors each year and strong economic growth.

Other cities on the list include Des Moines, Iowa; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Riverside, California; Chandler, Arizona; Amarillo, Texas; Reno, Nevada; Tacoma, Washington; and Boise, Idaho.

Carmellas Pizza sells for $970K Crossman & Company, one of the largest retail leasing, management and investment sales firms in the Southeast, recently negotiated the $970,000 sale of the former Carmella Pizza building at 5320 S. Kirkman Road, in Southwest Orlando.

Tyler Wilkins, associate at Crossman & Company, represented the seller of the 3,363-square-foot restaurant near the intersection of Kirkman and Vineland roads.

Meritage to host opening Meritage Homes will host the grand opening of its Twinwaters community from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16 at 16554 Raven Rock Place, Winter Garden.

The new single-family home community features 140 home sites off Hartwood Marsh Road on Johns Lake in Winter Garden.

For more information about Twinwaters, visit meritagehomes. com.

First impression CONTINUED FROM 1B

When your house is for sale, staging it can pay off, according to Megan Morris, owner of MHM Professional Staging. Staging prepares a home for potential homebuyers.

According to Morris, 95% of Association of Staging Professionals staged homes sell in 11 days on the market as compared to 90. This means professionally staged homes sell 88% faster than homes that aren’t staged. These homes sell for 17% more money on average than homes that aren’t professionally staged.

“It’s not that expensive when you look at the whole scheme of things,” Morris said. “If you’re going to save money by not having your house on the market as long and you’re going to get a higher amount of money, it pays for itself.”

Much of selling a home is about first impressions, which starts with the exterior. If a potential homebuyer drives up to your house to notice you have not kept up the exterior of your home, it can change their opinion of the home.

“A lot of people come into the house through the garage every day, and they don’t even look at the front porch,” Morris said.

“When you’re selling a house and someone walks up on the front porch and sees a broken tile or something up front, that’s a first impression. They might think the house isn’t well taken care of.”

In the digital age, people also view your home through photos online, so your online first

Belmere | $459,000

Stunning 4/3 Aster Model on a premium lot with upgrades galore. Private back yard, gorgeous pool lanai and dramatic waterfall. Desirable gated community conveniently located near major roads, shopping and fine dining.

Lake Down | $1,595,000

Motivated seller. One story residence on 1 acre with 115’ of shoreline and spectacular sunsets. Dramatic open plan includes 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, island kitchen and full sized bar.

Amanda Black

REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com

Morris’ top five

impression counts. Often, Realtors and home sellers may use smart phones to take these photos, which Morris said is less effective. Homeowners should invest in high-quality photography, and their homes should be staged for the photos.

“You are just a click away from being deleted,” Morris said.

When selling a home, it’s important that potential buyers can envision themselves in the space. When your family photos are on the walls, it still looks like your house.

“It’s better to go ahead and pack those all up and know that it’s going to your next house, and have the house look more neutral,” Morris said. “Then the people are going to notice the architecture; they’re going to notice more of the elements of the house.”

Professional staging offers several options to the homeowner.

Owners can get a professional evaluation of the home and then make the changes, or they can have the stager make the changes, as well.

Julie Bettosini, co-founder of Stockworth Realty Group, recommends home sellers in all price ranges stage their homes.

“I think the return on the investment far exceeds the investment,” she said. “It’s not a cost. It comes back to you tenfold in the purchase price, as well as in the time on market,” she said.

Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

Lake Whitney | $1,795,000

Fabulous Lake Whitney residence with gated front courtyard and separate guest house. 7,000 sf of luxurious living area includes game room, theater, wine cellar and office. Resort style backyard with boat house, infinity edge pool, fire pit, 5 hole putting green and more!

Lake Down | $1,799,000

Historic Art Deco residence in the Town of Windermere.

Tri-level floor plan offers 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, study, exercise room and elevator. 160’ of sandy shoreline, boat dock and seawall too!

Judy Black

CURB APPEAL If you’re tight on a budget, Morris said to invest the money you do have in your lawn rather than on the inside of the home. The outside of your home is the first impression potential home buyers get when they arrive at your house. Pay attention to your mailbox — how does it look?

Does your roof need pressure washing? Are there cobwebs or broken tiles on the entrance of your home?

THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR What you see when you open the front door of your home matters. If the foyer and the main area are less than desirable, many potential home buyers won’t continue on to the rest of the house. If you can see several rooms with different colors right from the entryway, paint them a neutral color to make the space inviting. Pick the neutral color by following the scheme of your flooring. If you have a travertine floor, pick a light beige. If you have a gray slate, select a light gray color. Many homes could benefit from an off-white color. Ultimately, you should pick a color that is clean and uniform.

BATHROOMS A dirty bathroom discourages potential home buyers.

Hair on the floor and cluttered counters are things in particular to avoid. Hide your toothbrush and put away the personal things. Hire a profes-

Lake Crescent | $995,000

Sprawling 2 story home on 1 acre with 140’ of sandy shoreline. Transitional interior with 4,500 sf of open spaces, wood floors and soaring ceilings.

5 bedrooms, 4 baths, pool lanai and 2 tiered boat house.

Lake Butler | $2,150,000

Panoramic waterfront with 100’ of sandy shoreline. .88 acre corner lot in the Town of Windermere is cleared and ready to build. Seawall and brand new boathouse with double jetski lifts. Freedom from HOA dues and restrictions!

Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com

sional cleaner if you don’t have the time to clean it. “When it’s dirty, it can send the signal that it needs to be remodeled, when really it only needs to be cleaned,” Morris said.

MASTER BEDROOM AND OTHER BEDROOMS These are big features of the home. Be sure to put away glasses and other medicines that may be sitting out. The only thing on your nightstand should be a lamp and other accessories that aren’t personal. The bed should be made neatly with pillows organized.

Courtesy of Megan Morris

KITCHEN “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Morris said. If your kitchen is not updated, make sure the room looks as clean as possible. The room also could benefit from changing out the counters or replacing the cabinet hardware.

Lake Butler | $1,250,000

Key West custom design with sandy waterfront and unobstructed views of Lake Butler. 3,000 sf of living space with bonus room, screened pool and 3 car garage.

No HOA!

Windermere Downs | $579,900

2,500 sf of living area extends to private back yard with pool, patios and cabanas. Quality finishes throughout including wood, bamboo and travertine floors. Amenities include beach, boat ramp and dock on the Butler Chain.

THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com

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OrangeObserver.com

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Golf Course View in Keene’s Point Single Family Home in Windermere . 5 bed / 6.5 bath / 6,035 sq ft . Offered at $1,980,000

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1209 Downey Place Celebration

MLS # G4812461 MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft 2 car garage Fannie Mae Homepath 764 Celebration Ave, #2202Property 206 Norfolk Pl Siena Palm Dr # 101 Offered at:754$415,000 Celebration Celebration Celebration Offered at: $299,900 MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

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Single Family Home in Orlando 3 bed / 2 bath / 2,127 sq ftCED DU RE Offered at $344,900

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MLS # S4724783 MLS # sq S4726678 MLS # O5325911 3 bed 2 bath 1943 ft 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft 3 bed 2 3 bath sq ft 1345 sq 2 bed ft detached bed1736 2 bath, ft 2 bath 14351sqcar garage First floor condo. 1 car garage 5th floor condo. 1 car garage 4th floor condo with balcony

1 car detached garage

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1211 StonecutterCelebration Dr # 502 1410 Celebration Ave # 407 Celebration - Artisan Club Celebration

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UC

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6749 Valhalla Way

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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Offered at: $275,000

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MLS # S4727247 MLS # S4814151 4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft 3 bedLowest 2.5 bath priced 2077 SFH in sq ft Celebration with a garage With 2apartment Car Garage

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931 Spring Park Loop - Celebration

307 E. Harwood Street Single Family Home in Orlando 5 bed / 5.5 bath / 3,961 sq ft Offered at $924,900

824 Bridgeford Crossing Blvd Single Family Home in Davenport 4 beds / 3 bath / 1,962 sq ft Offered at $229,900

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 1200 Roycroft Avenue Celebration

Single Family MLS #Home S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft in Celebration condo. 2 car garage 6 bed / 4.5 bath / 5,071 sq ft Offered at: $275,000 Offered at $915,000

MLS # S4817743 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 sq ft under air Custom Garage, 38’x 26’ with separate 1211 Stonecutter3 Dr # 5029’ garage doors.

1410 Celebration Ave # 407 127 Celebration Blvd Celebration

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MLS # S4724783 MLS # O5325911 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ftCelebration 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage 4th floor condo with balcony

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11946 Waterstone Loop

8044 King Palm Circle

Single Family Home in Windermere. 4 bed / 4.5 bath / 3,442 sq ft. 3 car garage Offered at $900,000

Single Family Home in Kissimmee 5 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,255 sq ft Offered at $309,990

908 Waterside Drive

7107 Beek Street

Single Family Home in Celebration 5 bed / 3 bath / 3,051 sq ft Offered at $579,000

Single Family Home in Windermere.

4 bed / 3 bath / 2,464 sq ft Offered at $355,000

149 Longview Ave www.Century21BlueSk

9557 Wickham Way Single Family Home in Dr. Phillips 5 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,834 sq ft Offered at $485,000

Single Family Home In Celebration 5 bed / 4 bath / 3,828 Offered at $549,999

10753 Village Lake Road

www.Century21BlueSky.com

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Townhome in Windermere 4 bed / 3.5 bath / 1,825 sq ft. Offered at $299,000

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

What can you buy for $745K to $800K? WINDERMERE

BAY HILL

ADDRESS: 6527 Cartmel Lane, Windermere ASKING PRICE: $780,000 BEDROOMS: Four BATHROOMS: 4.5 SQUARE FEET: 3,844 NEIGHBORHOOD: Reserve at Lake Butler Sound SCHOOLS: Windermere Elementary, Bridgewater Middle, West Orange High

ADDRESS: 5371 Brookline Drive, Orlando ASKING PRICE: $795,000 BEDROOMS: Five BATHROOMS: 4.5 SQUARE FEET: 4,441 NEIGHBORHOOD: Bay Hill SCHOOLS: Palm Lake Elementary, Southwest Middle, Dr. Phillips High DESCRIPTION: This completely renovated estate sits on a private .75acre fenced lot. It includes five bedrooms plus a home theater on the lower level. The home also features marble and hardwood floors, upgraded kitchen, fireplace, a 55-foot lanai with granite summer kitchen, pool with waterfall. The owner also can enjoy deeded lake access to Lake Tibet.

LISTING AGENT: Lily Wang, Cino International Inc.

DESCRIPTION: This Reserve at Lake Butler Sound offers many upgrades, including an oversized .69-acre corner lot, custom flooring and large deck.

The home features wood flooring in master bedroom and office. The open backyard offers plenty of space to entertain.

LISTING AGENT: Daniel Coombs, Florida Real Estate & Land Co.

DR. PHILLIPS

ADDRESS: 8202 Livorno Drive, Orlando ASKING PRICE: $789,000 BEDROOMS: Four BATHROOMS: Three SQUARE FEET: 3,275 NEIGHBORHOOD: Vizcaya SCHOOLS: Bay Meadows Elementary, Southwest Middle, Dr. Phillips High

HORIZON WEST ADDRESS: 14826 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden ASKING PRICE: $745,000 BEDROOMS: Four BATHROOMS: 3.5 SQUARE FEET: 3,510 NEIGHBORHOOD: Independence/Signature Lakes SCHOOLS: Keene’s Crossing Elementary, Bridgewater Middle, West Orange High DESCRIPTION: This semi-custom craftsman home features four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a bonus room and office. It is situated on a premium lakefront lot on Lake Speer and includes custom platform dock for lakefront relaxing, kayak enthusiasts and viewing Disney fireworks. The home is designed for entertaining with an open floor plan and panoramic views of the lake from the kitchen, family room, master bedroom and bonus room.

LISTING AGENT: “Reenie” Frush, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate — Southwest Orlando

DESCRIPTION: This Vizcaya home sits on one of the best corner lots in the neighborhood. This residence features an open floor plan with two-story ceilings, a spacious master suite with separate sitting area, and a spa bath with walk-in shower and a jetted tub. It also includes a second bedroom/office on the first floor and two additional bedrooms with a loft on the second floor. Community amenities include a 24-hour guard at the gate, tennis courts, fitness center, clubhouse, playground and two dog parks.

LISTING AGENT: The Christensen Team, Regal R.E. Professionals LLC

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

Theresa Blahut, Realtor Regal Real Estate Professionals Direct 407-590-0004 TBlahut@gmail.com

Celebrating 20 Year Anniversary for Kathleen Roat & Company

T he West Orange Chamber of Commerce (wochamber.com) celebrated Kathleen Roat & Company’s 20th anniversary of their financial services practice headquartered in Orlando. KRC

specializes in tax planning & preparation, financial consulting, and life & long term health care insurance. “I firmly believe superior customer service is the foundation of our sustainability. Our focus is not only what we do-but how we do it”, stated Mrs. Roat. That fact is validated by a KRC client portfolio, many of which have been with the firm for those 20 years. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

GORGEOUS, WATERFRONT HOME Move right into this 4 bedroom 4.2 bath home with breath-taking views from every room!

This home is perfect for FAMILY, FUN and ENTERTAINING, featuring a gourmet CHEF’S KITCHEN. Priced at $1,250,000

WOCC Leadership Program Focuses on Government

T he West Orange Chamber’s Leadership West Orange Program, sponsored by Florida Hospital, completed their fourth session focused on different levels of Government. The group participated

Pictured: Stina D’Uva, Marc Lillis, Celena Orr, Bo Herrington, Andrew Heintzelman, Glenn Landry, Brenda LaBattaglia, Fred Stein, Lana Marchitelli, Hart Donovan, Irma Cuadra, Jimmy Dunn,Valerie Read, Stacy Williams, Julie Robinson, Joey Alarie, Cyndi Gustafson, Kim Hardy, Rachel Saunders and Krista Carter.

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Nobody Cares More

Selling? Buying?

Call Today!

in UCF’s Focus on Excellence Breakfast and visited with Lex Veech Manager of Community & Government Relations at the Orange County Convention Center. In addition, they met with Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, Orange County Commissioners Scott Boyd and Bryan Nelson, City of Ocoee Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix and Tanja Gerhartz, Economic Development Director of the City of Winter Garden. For more information about the WOCC Leadership West Orange, please contact Krista at kcarter@wochamber.com. Photo courtesy of WOCC.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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Tap into a better story.

The West Orange Times and Observer and the Windermere Observer websites are now the all new OrangeObserver.com 193967

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

REAL ESTATE

YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING… When someone tells you buying or selling a home is easy, think again! Truth is, you’re busy working, raising families, and enjoying life.

Don’t just put up a yard sign!

Let dealing with calls at night, appointments, realtors, signs, open houses, and lenders, be my responsibility as I work to sell your house or buy another.

As your Professional REALTOR® I will provide a

JOE F. BERRY REALTOR®

469-939-3200

JoeFBerry1@gmail.com

FREE Comparative Market Analysis

to guide us both as we work to sell your home. Plus, as a Member of MLS your house will be seen by thousands of realtors with prospective buyers. If you are looking to buy – Wow! You will have access to “hundreds” of properties through my Multiple Listing Service affiliation. We can narrow the search to get just the right home.

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Why hesitate?

Call me today

Chris Quarles Properties At Q Realty & Development

Keene’s Pointe home sells for $1.111 million EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A

home in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate sales from Dec. 25 to 31.

The home at 11832 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 28, for $1.111 million. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 4,171 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $266.36.

The home at 9003 Reyes Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 28, for $275,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,886 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.81.

SERENATA

BERMUDA DUNES

The condo at 7360 Westpointe Blvd., No. 120, Orlando, sold Dec. 29, for $123,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,466 square feet. The price per square foot is $83.90.

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PEMBROOKE

WOODLANDS VILLAGE

METROWEST

CARRIAGE HOMES AT STONEBRIDGE COMMONS

Don’t Take a Chance - Choose Barbara Vance!

The home at 1724 Knotting Hill Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 29, for $265,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,052 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.14.

The home at 2628 Tilton Court, Orlando, sold Dec. 31, for $220,000 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,100 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $104.76.

The home at 4663 Wooded Village Cove, Orlando, sold Dec. 31, for 302,500. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,341 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.22.

By Publix on Maguire, Windermere office.

29, for $157,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,857 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.54.

The home at 7740 Pointview Circle, Orlando, sold Dec. 31, for $285,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,051 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.96.

SAND LAKE POINT

Call Barbara Vance for details:

This Keene’s Pointe home, at 11832 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 28, for $1.111 million. The home features an outdoor fireplace with a pergola, custom pool, spa, and outdoor kitchen with a 48-foot-long covered lanai with retractable screen.

METROWEST

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

We can prove it!

Call to find out how.

DEC. 25 – DEC. 31

MICHAEL ENG

DR. PHILLIPS

Our team shows your home PERSONALLY each and every time, so that your home will sell FASTER and closer to your asking price.

RESIDENTIAL TRANSACTIONS

The condo at 6440 Axeitos Terrace, No. 104, Orlando, sold Dec.

The condo at 6171 MetroWest Blvd., No. 206, Orlando, sold Dec. 31, for $97,000. Built in 2004, it has one bedroom, one bath and 731 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $132.69.

STONEBRIDGE RESERVE

The home at 3362 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 306, Orlando, sold Dec. 29, for $205,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,002 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $102.40.

The condo at 3362 Robert Trent Jones Drive, No. 10307, Orlando, sold Dec. 31, for $179,900 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths

and 2,129 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.50.

WEST ORANGE

LAKE SHEEN RESERVE

The home at 9815 Pineola Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 28, for $395,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,661 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.44.

PALM COVE ESTATES

The home at 1144 Palm Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 28, for $299,900. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,999 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $150.03.

The home at 933 Palm Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 28, for $297,500. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,849 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $160.90.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8041 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 30, for $671,400. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, six baths and 5,109 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $131.42.

WINDERMERE BUTLER RIDGE

The home at 5116 Autumn Ridge Lane, Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $386,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,332 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $165.52.

CHURCH DIRECTORY To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com

EPISCOPAL

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Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at wotimes.com.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

DAVIS SHORES

The home at 20 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $667,500. Built in 1955, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,188 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $305.07.

ENCLAVE AT WINDERMERE LANDING

The home at 6407 Swanson St., Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $483,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,420 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $141.23.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8561 Bowden Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 29, for $565,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,151 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $179.31.

The home at 11335 Camden Loop Way, Windermere, sold Dec. 29, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,502 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $151.34.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 7437 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $650,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,657 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.74.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7676 Brofield Ave., Windermere, sold Dec. 29, for $339,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,610 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.89.

OASIS COVE AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE

The town house at 8118 Enchantment Drive, No. 702, Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $240,000.

Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,046 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $117.30.

The home at 14348 Desert Haven St., No. 101, Windermere, sold Dec. 31, for $222,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,840 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $120.65.

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WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8775 Crescendo Ave., Windermere, sold Dec. 31, for $430,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,911 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.72.

The home at 9101 Reflection Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 28, for $367,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,987 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.87.

WINTER GARDEN BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 587 First Cape Coral Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 28, for $264,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,365 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $111.63.

COVE AT HAMLIN

The home at 5336 Bowman Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $792,312. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,482 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $227.55.

DANIELS CROSSING

The home at 334 Daniels Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 31, for $105,000 (short sale). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,194 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $87.94.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14918 Gaulberry Run, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 31, for $335,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,336 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.42.

The town house at 14434 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $200,000 (short sale).

Built in 2005, it has three bed-

Courtesy photos

This Lake Sheen Reserve home, at 9815 Pineola Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 28, for $395,000. The home features a saltwater pool, and the neighborhood offers access to the Butler Chain of Lakes.

rooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,184 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $91.58.

The town house at 14457 Vashons Way, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 28, for $170,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,221 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $139.23.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15102 Owls Perch Court, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $333,227. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,400 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.84.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 860 Rhett St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 29, for $347,419.

Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,985 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $175.02.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14331 White Moss Way, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 28, for $376,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,218 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $116.84.

OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN

The home at 7573 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 29,

for $700,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,443 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $203.31.

SOUTHERN PINES

The condo at 1315 Eastern Pecan Place Circle, No. 107, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 28, for $86,000.

Built in 2005, it has one bedroom, one bath and 838 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $102.63.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15015 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $294,000.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,578 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $114.04.

The home at 14919 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 31, for $242,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,549 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $156.23.

TOWNHOMES OF WINTER GARDEN

of living area. The price per square foot is $95.64.

The condo at 15419 Georgia Oak Place, No. 11, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 28, for $115,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,216 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $94.57.

VERDE PARK

The home at 17989 Gourd Neck Loop, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 29, for $416,840. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,161 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.18.

The home at 15000 Ozzi St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $385,036. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,467 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $111.06.

WATERMARK

The home at 9240 Woodcrane Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 31, for $508,570. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,760 square feet. The price per square foot is $135.26.

The town house at 347 Douglas The home at 14642 Glade Hill Way, No. 510, Winter Garden, Parkway, Winter Garden, sold sold Dec. 30, for $69,000 (REO/ Dec. 30, for $430,000. Built in bank owned). Built in 1987, it has 2015, it has five bedrooms, threetwo bedrooms, two baths and and-one-half baths and 3,717 930 square feet of living area. The feet of living area. The OWNER’S TITLEsquare INSURANCE price per square foot PROTECTS is $74.19. YOU… price per square foot is $115.68.

YOUR KIDS… The home at 9353 Meadow Hunt YOUR GRANDKIDS… The home at 132 Traditions Drive, Drive, Winter Garden, sold Dec. YOUR GREAT-GRANDKIDS AND…

TRADITIONS

Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for 31, for $261,500. Built in 2015, it $225,000. Built in 2002, it has has four bedrooms, two-andthree bedrooms, two baths and one-half baths and 2,029 square WELL, YOU THEofIDEA. 1,591 square feet of living area.

TheGETfeet living area. The price per price per square foot is $141.42. square foot is $128.88.

The home at 9459 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Dec. 29, for $415,000 (short sale). Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,345 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.07.

The home at 12757 Calderdale Ave., Windermere, sold Dec. 29, for $260,000. Built in 2012, it

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,684 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.39.

WESTOVER CLUB

WICKHAM PARK

|

TUCKER OAKS

The condo at 1553 Broken Oak Drive, No. 353, Winter Garden, sold Dec. 30, for $162,500 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,699 square feet This Davis Shores home, at 20 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold Dec. 30, for $667,500. Built in 1955, the home features frontage on the Butler Chain of Lakes and a large backyard with open lanai, pool/spa, boathouse and lift.

ONLINE

WESTLAKE MANOR

The home at 314 Apopka St., Winter Garden, sold Dec. 29, for $210,000. Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,215 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $172.84.

Read more real estate transactions at OrangeObserver.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

WEST ORANGE COUNTY IS NOW 6 TIMES BETTER WITH TAYLOR MORRISON! Discover Taylor Morrison’s six luxury communities in the West Orlando area. Each community offers a variety of home styles and price ranges to choose from. Find the exclusive neighborhood and classic lifestyle you’ve been searching for with Taylor Morrison.

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THE COVE AT HAMLIN 1,938 - 2,444 Sq. Ft. • 2 - 3 Bedrooms • 2.5 Baths •

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2 Car Garage From the $260s

5717 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-905-4651

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taylormorrison.com | 407.756.5025 Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floorplans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2016, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

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