WINDERMERE ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR NIGHT TO SHINE
Family Church once again will host the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine event this weekend.
Night to Shine 2026 will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the church’s Windermere campus, 300 Main St., Windermere.
The Windermere event will be one of hundreds taking place throughout the world.
Night to Shine is a complimentary event for people with special needs hosted by local churches around the world. The event is open to anyone living with disabilities, ages 14 and older. Each event is unique to its location, but some cornerstone activities included across all of them are a red carpet entrance complete with a welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi, hair and makeup stations, shoeshines, limousine rides, karaoke, gifts, a catered dinner, a sensory room, a respite room for parents and caregivers, dancing, and a crowning ceremony where every guest is honored as a king or a queen.
ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE IN WINDERMERE
The town of Windermere has announced daytime road closures on Butler Street and Seventh Avenue through Friday, Feb. 13. Crews will be grading Butler and Forest streets and working in Fernwood Park.
Two crews will be removing old asphalt and dirt and install-
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
A town of Oakland tradition
Great minds dink alike
of
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Landon Cox, Diego Villasroel and Grant Ludwig enjoyed playing pickleball together on Winter Garden’s courts.
1
Harlow Grove set to open in March in Winter Garden
A new restaurant will open soon in Winter Garden.
Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar is set to open in March at 186 S. Main St., Winter Garden.
This is considered a “much anticipated” concept from Knallhart Management Group, which also manages AJ’s Pizza Joint, The Wilder, Florida House and more. The restaurant will be two stories, blending ambiance, food and drinks for “the perfect cocktail of a dining experience.”
2
Play Street
Located at 12107 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 104, Winter Garden, Play Street Museum allows guests to explore big-city living in a world that’s “just their size,” according to the museum’s website.
Children will enjoy hands-on experiences and immersive exhibits from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
The museum will be closed on weekends.
“Whether taking orders at our cafe, getting a checkup at the doctor’s office, saving the day on the pretend fire truck or building their world with blocks, they will make lifelong memories and build essential connections while having a blast,” the website states.
Admission is $17 per child ages 1 through 8. Older and younger children are free if accompanied by a paying sibling.
3
CFS Coffee is coming to Horizon West CFS Coffee will be opening a location at the Shop-
special selection of 100% Colombian coffee. The menu also includes breakfast dishes, smoothie bowls, bakery items, arepas and more.
The coffee chain has 18 locations across the United States; 13 are in Florida, including a location in Dr. Phillips.
An opening date for the Horizon West location has not been announced.
4
Ocoee opens Black History Month Essay Contest
The city of Ocoee issued a Black History Month proclamation during its City Commission
its 21st annual Black History Month Essay Contest. It is open to all fifthgrade students attending schools in Ocoee.
The essay prompt for this year is, “Black History Month is celebrating its 100th anniversary! In 1925, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established the observance of black history, it started as a week and has now evolved into a month dedicated to remembering black history. Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Black History Month? How has Black History Month impacted you and what inspirational stories have you learned about African Americans’ contributions
recognized at the Ocoee City Commission meeting Tuesday, March 3.
The grand prize winner will receive a $200 Best Buy gift card, firstplace winners will receive a $100 gift card, second place will receive a $50 gift card and third-place recipients will receive a $25 gift card. All students also will receive certificates of recognition and gift bags full of city of Ocoee items. For more information, call (407) 905-3100.
5
Vines by H now is open at Restaurant Row Vines by H is a newly reintroduced dining destination previously known as Vines Grille & Wine Bar.
The restaurant, located at 7533 W. Sand Lake Road, Orlando, was established in 2003 and now has been renovated and reimagined, blending modern American cuisine with Mediterranean and European influences.
“Guests can expect an experience that feels polished yet welcoming, with signature elements preserved, including live jazz, an approachable menu and the warmth longtime regulars have always loved,” according to a press release.
The restaurant will be hosting a grand-opening celebration 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, to commemorate the revived steakhouse.
The menu offers a variety of items, such as fish, meat, homeand more, under Executive Chef Omer Yildiz, formerly executive
Stoneybrook West
FRIENDLY FIRE
Chili Cookoff returns to Hamlin
Candace Knight grew up in a chili family.
Her parents entered their first chili competition in 1975.
Her upbringing took her down the path of chili, and she dished up her family’s recipe at Legacy Events for Education’s Central Florida Chili Cookoff, held Saturday, Feb. 7, in the Hamlin Green Space.
The cook-off drew hundreds of guests who put their tastebuds to the test against more than 30 booths of chili cooks. There also were yard activities, drinks and bounce houses for the children to enjoy.
Salute to healing
The inaugural Boots and Salutes will help military veterans, first responders and their families travel to Wind River Ranch for Healing Warriors Week in Estes, Colorado.
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden and his wife, Shelly, first went to Wind River Ranch in Estes, Colorado, in 2017.
Since then, the couple has volunteered during Healing Warriors Week at the ranch to help military veterans, first responders and their families heal and reconnect.
“We get an opportunity to get to know them, and we have seen lives changed dramatically,” Ogden said.
“We have seen faith renewed. We have seen relationships restored. It’s a big purpose of our life, so we’re so glad to be a small part of it.”
Seeing the difference Wind River Ranch, one of the oldest Christian family dude ranches in the country, has made on military veterans and first responders not only across the country but right at home in Windermere, Ogden, his nonprofit, Got Your Six Ministries, and the Windermere Police Department Foundation have come together to host the inaugural Boots and Salutes Saturday, Feb. 14, at The Pines at Windermere.
Proceeds from the event will go toward sponsoring the travel for local first responders and veterans to go to the ranch for Healing Warriors Week.
For five weeks over the summer, military veterans, first responders and their families go to the ranch for Healing Warriors Week. During these Christ-centered retreats, participants go horseback riding, kayaking, ride mountain bikes, hiking, use electric bikes and more.
“You can just sit out there and enjoy just the amazing scenery and really connect and get a chance to relax,” Ogden said.
To support the ranch, Boots and Salutes will have food from Mission BBQ, a silent auction, a live auction and there will be four country artists who rather than having a concert actually will sit on stage and talk about their music, what it means and the purpose of Wind River Ranch.
Ogden said country artists Mark Powell, David Lee, Daniel Johnson and a surprise fourth guest will be on stage, and they all have volunteered at the ranch.
“They’re going to share their songs and their writings, and it’s going to be much more of a personal event than it is like a concert,” Ogden said. “Those folks that are out there are involved in the ranch as well. They know what the ranch does. They know the impact it’s had on our military and first responders, and they volunteer their time to fly down from Colorado to be a part of this event. It’s really cool.”
Another opportunity guests of Boots and Salutes will have is purchasing a horse for $5,000, which will include the rights to name the horse.
Ogden knows personally the impact Wind River Ranch can have on people as he and his wife participated in a retreat at the ranch after their son, Kaleb, died from a rare, genetic and terminal illness called Sandhoff disease at age 4. They went to the ranch in 2017 as participants,
IF YOU GO
BOOTS AND SALUTES
WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
WHERE: The Pines at Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere
COST: $75 per person
DETAILS: Enjoy a live auction and silent auction and hear from four country artists. Tickets are sold out, but there is a waitlist.
WEBSITE: bootsandsalutes.org
HOW TO DONATE
Visit bootsandsalutes.org or visit wpdfoundation.com and earmark the donation for Boots and Salutes.
A check can be dropped off at the Windermere Police Department, located at 620 Main St., Windermere.
and since then, they have facilitated one of the Healing Warriors Weeks every summer.
“We know that we have used every part of our situation and our journey to make an impact in other people’s lives while we’re out there, and that’s a lot of what we do as we go and facilitate our program that’s out here,” Ogden said.
While at the ranch, the Ogdens learn of a need for a specialized saddle. They had saved up $7,500 they initially planned to use to purchase a small boat so Ogden could go fishing and they could enjoy the ocean, but after hearing the need for the saddle and the impact horse therapy can have on veterans and first responders, they changed their minds.
The Ogdens sponsored a handcrafted saddle that paraplegics and individuals whose legs are injured can use to ride a horse. The saddle is in honor of their son. Every time a veteran or first responder uses the saddle, the Ogdens receive photos to see the joy they have when using it.
“We felt that was truly God speaking to us at that time,” Ogden said. “One of the ways we could honor our son is that we could sponsor that saddle, and we eventually bought a boat, and we called our first boat ‘Saddle’ because of that.”
The Ogdens and several other West Orange County families have come together to support Boots and Salutes because of their personal experiences with Wind River Ranch. He said at least 50 people from Windermere alone have a connection to the ranch on a regular basis.
Although the event is sold out, Ogden said there is a waitlist. He said it’s amazing the inaugural event already is sold out.
“It just demonstrates the impact that Healing Warriors has had,” he said. “Not only that, I think it also demonstrates where we are in society today. If you look around, everything that’s going on in our society, I can tell you there is a tremendous impact on the overall wellness, mental health and spiritual health of our law enforcement officers, first responders and military veterans today. I love programs like this that specifically address needs like that.”
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Candace Knight decorated her stand with chili peppers and has continued the chili competition tradition from her parents.
State Farm’s Shannon Till, left, and her coworkers came ready to protect everyone’s castle. Their chili won the coveted People’s Choice Award.
Each booth carefully was decorated to match the uniqueness of the chili. On the Chili Trail Rocky Raby has been attending chili fests since 2012.
Jason Cannon | Cannonfire Photography Attendees enjoyed perfect weather at this year’s event.
Sandi and Ralph DiSciullo topped their chili with chips to scoop it.
Jason Cannon | Cannonfire Photography The Horizon West Rotary Club proudly supports Legacy Events for Education.
Jason Cannon | Cannonfire Photography Heather Easterling happily served up Legacy Events for Education’s chili.
Pickleball craze inspires WGHF event
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Why do you play pickleball?
The answer was simple for participants at Winter Garden’s pickleball courts’ open play: “It’s social.”
Dozens stood on the sidelines of the community courts, chatting amongst each other as all eight courts were filled with teams of two players. The sounds of the wooden paddles making contact with the plastic balls ricocheted throughout the area.
Players tapped their paddles together, using them as “hands” for a highfive, after winning the point. A similar scene occurred when they began games. All four players met at the net, tapping their paddles and introducing themselves before gameplay began.
Pickleball was created in 1965. In 1984, the USA Pickleball Association was formed and the sport slowly began to spread, especially to retirees, and the first nationals formed in 2009. Through the 2010s, the sport continued to spread throughout the U.S. for its lower-impact nature.
Then, in 2020, it exploded. Participation grew 21% in 2020, and by 2022, participation doubled to almost 8.9 million players in the United States. Now, to appeal to the popularity of the sport and the community building it creates, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is hosting its inaugural Paddles for the Past Pickleball Tournament.
PICKLERS TOURNAMENT
Kristi Karst Gomen, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s executive director, said the inspiration stemmed from golf tournaments the foundation has done in the past. The organization was searching for new ways to bring the community together, and with pickleball’s popularity and welcomeness to all age groups, it was perfect.
But the popularity brought a dilemma. There has become more picklers, who are dedicated pickleball players, so where would they find courts they could actually reserve?
In came the Central Florida YMCA. Karst Gomen said it donated two indoor courts for the tournament.
The Dr. Phillips YMCA has a larger facility, so the recreational and advanced players will compete there, while the 65-year-old-plus players will compete at Roper YMCA because of its size. Players can either sign up individually and be placed in a team or sign up in pairs.
Karst Gomen has seen the recreational and 65-plus players looking to have fun and fellowship from the tournament, while the competitive groups want to win. The foundation is using the DUPR system, an individual player rating used to calculate the team’s rating, to better accommodate the competitive players. All competitive players must have a DUPR rating of 3.5 to 4.5 or have two years or more of experience.
First-place winners of the tournament will receive a golden paddle trophy and a medal. Second- and third-place winners also will receive a medal. There also will be swag bags and light bites of healthy breakfast for the players.
The YMCAs have been wonderful throughout the whole process, Karst Gomen said. Not only did they provide the two locations for the foundation to use, but also they have been instrumental in teaching about the logistics of the tournament. The YMCA taught them how tournaments work and how many players and teams they should do.
Karst Gomen, someone who was unfamiliar with pickleball before planning the tournament, now understands the rapid climb in popularity. She has seen the passion within players and the abundance of groups out there, as well as how players find pickleball as a way to stay healthy and meet others.
“I love that, and that’s what the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is all about,” she said. “We’re all about our community and introducing people and meeting your neighbor, learning new things. So for us, this fits into our whole overarching plan and who we are and how we want to be out there in West Orange County.”
WHAT
YOU’LL NEED
TOWEL
Be sure to bring sweat cooling towels if you’re playing for long periods of time.
PADDLE
Hitting the ball in the middle of the paddle allows for easier control over the ball with less power, while hitting the ball toward the top of the paddle generates more strength but requires more precision. They should be gripped with a closed hand and held at a 30-degree angle toward the ground.
COMMUNITY SPORT
Pickleball is all about community.
Heidi Goldstein, a player at Winter Garden’s courts, has been playing pickleball for two years, and she said the social aspect is what keeps her coming back. She has wanted to start playing ever since going on a cruise that had pickleball but was nervous because she was a newbie. One day, she was in her hair salon and a woman invited her to play.
“The people are so welcoming,” she said. “You can be bad, you can be good, it doesn’t matter. … It’s addicting.”
Lisa DeLoney, a member of West Orange Trail SoleMates, was introduced to pickleball through the running club. Instantly, she loved finding another venue to interact with others.
DeLoney and Goldstein see each other at least once per week on the courts. They smile, laugh and create memories under the sun.
Winter Garden’s open pickleball play is organized chaos. People use their paddles to reserve their spots when they wait for an open court. They come in pairs or randomly play with someone new and form another bond. The exchange of teams, the willingness to step in if someone is alone or step up and share knowledge are the elements creating a social environment. It’s not every man for himself or “I’m going to stick with my friends.”
When DeLoney began playing pickleball one-and-one-half years ago, a gentleman took her under his wing and showed her how to become a pickler.
She said she had never felt more welcomed and knew it would be a place she could develop relationships. And since then, she’s been hooked.
SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses also are recommended. Not only can they help with sun protection but also they can protect from the fastpaced balls.
WARM WELCOME
With my reporter hat on, I took to Winter Garden’s courts to talk with picklers to see what their “why” was and at that moment, a man approached asking if I wanted to play. I explained what I was there for — to report on the sport for the paper — and instantly he grabbed a spare paddle, took me to a court and showed me the ropes. My reaction? Shocked. Never before someone had been so welcoming. There I was, admittedly slightly nervous to stop people in the middle of their game, and instantly the nerves melted away.
For an hour, we stayed on the courts until my feet fitted with Converse couldn’t take the concrete anymore. We never kept score — although he was clearly talented — we played recreationally. The former tennis player almost was at his oneyear anniversary of joining pickleball.
We served the ball back and forth. He reminded me to stop my body movement before I hit the ball and how to grip and wing the paddle, the whole time remaining patient.
After leaving and driving away in the car, all I could think was, “Wow, that just happened?”
BALL The ball is built with a hard and denser plastic. They’re lightweight and completely hollow.
And then I understood what everyone else had been saying: Pickleball is social. You don’t have to be the best of the best, you can be a beginner or someone who hasn’t played in years, like me, and still be welcomed onto the court.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
IF YOU GO PADDLES
FOR THE PAST
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Check in begins at 8 a.m. WHERE: Recreational, one year or less of experience, and competitive, two years or more of experience, will play at Dr. Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd. Players 65-plus will play at Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road. All courts are indoors.
COST: Recreational and competitive is $35; 65plus is $25.
COST OF THE GAME
Paddles range from 15 to 17 inches in length and 7 to 8 1/4 inches wide. They are 12-mm thick to provide more power and pop or 14- to 16-mm thick for more control over the ball. The standard paddle size is 16-inches-by-8 inches to provide a stable body and a larger sweet spot for beginners.
COST: About $50 for four. Apexup paddles are 15 1/2-inchesby-7 1/2-inches and are made from high-quality wood with a polymer coating. They have a larger sweet spot, perfect for beginners, providing enhanced accuracy.
COST: About $30 for two. Recruit paddles are your standard, cheap and beginner-friendly paddles. The wood lacks a top coating, so there will be less control, and it makes a louder sound when contacting the ball.
COST: $100 and up for one. HEAD Radical Pro uses a high-rebound honeycomb core to provide explosive energy. It’s on the longer side of paddles at 16 1/2 inches, the maximum legal length for pros, giving better reach and leverages to return serves. It’s a heavyweight paddle at 8.3 ounces, further developing power and ability to attack.
COST: $7 to $13 for a pack of three. This ball is designed for indoor play. The softer plastic prevents slipping on smoother floors, and the 26 larger holes give better control with lower bounce and a slower speed.
COST: $10 to $12 for a pack of three. This ball is designed for outdoor play. The 40 small holes are designed to move quicker to reduce the wind resistance. They’re harder and denser to protect against the concrete.
tions and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
Scholarship collaboration helps families in need
Graduating seniors from West Orange High School in families affected by cancer could earn up to $8,000 to put toward enrolling at a Florida college.
JUSTICE COVERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This year, graduating seniors at West Orange High School whose families have been affected by cancer will be able to apply for a scholarship to offer financial assistance when enrolled in a Florida college.
It’s happening thanks to a collaboration between the West Orange Scholarship Foundation and the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, an effort JCCF President Andy Crabtree said was “at the heart” of what the cancer fund does: help families that have been touched by cancer.
The nonprofit was created after Andy Crabtree’s brother, Jimmy Crabtree, lost his battle with carcinoid cancer on April 5, 2011. He was 42 years old, a father of two children, Jacob and Mattie, and had graduated from West Orange High School in 1987, where he met his wife, Lorie.
“We’ve learned over the years with cancer in general that there’s usually a huge financial burden — whether it’s with medical bills or with just lack of income,” Crabtree said. “So that’s kind of our goal with this is to see if we can help a little with financial assistance to keep (students’ college careers) going.”
JCCF previously had funded a scholarship for Valencia College students but decided to shift to West Orange to be more “hyperlocal” because that’s where most of the nonprofit’s donors are located, Crabtree said. The organization converted the Valencia College scholarship into an endowment moving forward.
The two boards’ relationships overlap, so communication was easy because they all know one another, Crabtree said.
Beth Wincey, the WOSF president, recalls growing up with the Crabtrees. They lived around the corner from her grandparents. Fred Crabtree, Jimmy and Andy’s father, as well as a JCCF board member, was the first recipient of the WOSF scholarship in 1962.
“Many of us have worked with the Crabtrees over the years,” Wincey said. “So we’re excited. We want to make sure we honor their commitment to the community and to the people they have been giving to in a way they want.”
The WOSF will award and determine the amount of the scholarship, with each scholarship going toward a bachelor’s degree valued at $1,000 per semester, renewable for eight semesters and/or toward an associate’s degree valued at $500 per semester, renewable for four semesters.
The scholarship application includes an essay prompt explaining how the student’s family has been affected by cancer, an area to list the family’s financial information, the
student’s high school transcript, any extracurricular activities and two reference letters.
Wincey, who has served as the WOSF president since 2021, said the foundation awards three to five scholarships per year on average. The total depends on the number of applicants.
While the scholarships provide financial assistance, Wincey said the foundation also works to ensure students are supported in other ways.
“We don’t just give the kids the money and never talk to them again,” Wincey said. “We are in communication with them all through their years of going to school, that’s why we have a renewable program. We’re not a one-and-done situation.”
Majors range from biological sciences and nursing to computer sciences and aerospace engineering. Wincey said one of the current scholars is studying finance and later plans to become a CIA agent.
With the various levels of challenging coursework, students often need more guidance, including considering hiring a tutor or speaking with the foundation about what to do next.
“Sometimes, classes aren’t as easy as you think they’re going to be,” Wincey said.
Wincey isn’t sure how many applicants there will be for the new scholarship. She expects it to take some time for families to find out it’s being offered, she said, but the organization is grateful to help JCCF.
Wincey has spent her whole life in West Orange and, as an alumna of West Orange High, said she values giving back to her alma mater. The significance of supporting the JCCF isn’t lost on her, either.
“Heartwarming is not even something to touch what I can say,” Wincey said. “It’s kind of hard to describe. The fact that (JCCF) came to us is something we don’t take lightly. … I know (the Crabtrees) care about what is right and what is to be given out into the community in Jimmy’s name. I personally want to make sure that is upheld.”
The JCCF has helped 72 families receive financial support since its inception nearly 15 years ago, with the scholarship set to serve as another way to help. While growing up, his mom and dad always were active in the community, but Crabtree explained he never pictured a life like this.
“When my brother got sick and you had told me that for the next 15 years I would be around a lot of cancer patients in hospitals talking to people, I would’ve said ‘You’re nuts,’” Crabtree said. “But for some reason, this is where God led us to do this. When you meet with the patients, that’s when you realize, ‘Alright, this is why we’re doing it.’”
According to the WOSF website, students may apply for this designated, sponsored scholarship through the standard West Orange Scholarship
process by connecting with their West Orange High School counselor. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary
Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
Foundation application
Courtesy photo
Austin Arthur, board Member of the West Orange Scholarship Foundation; Beth Wincey, president of the WOSF; Kathee Pierce, past-president and board adviser of the WOSF; Fred Crabtree, co-founder of the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund; and Andy Crabtree, president of the JCCF, have partnered together to ceate a new scholarship opportunity.
NEW DIGS! Observer returns to Dillard Street
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Smack dab in the middle of the Observer’s move from our former home on Garden Commerce Parkway to our new one on Dillard Street, I turned 48.
And with each packed box, office chair, desk, filing cabinet or shelf I hauled, I felt every one of those years.
Even as I type this, I have a pinch behind my shoulder blade every time I look down too far. I’m not one to pine for my youth, but it would be nice if my body weren’t in a constant state of rebellion.
Despite the pain, I am grateful, encouraged and pleased that after almost eight years, the Observer is back on Dillard Street. We left our longtime home at 720 S. Dillard St. in 2018 and now have found a new one at 210 S. Dillard St. We’re within walking distance of Plant Street. Natural light spills into our office from every window, and I can hear the constant buzz of downtown Winter Garden traffic.
Mind you, I appreciate our former home. It was large, efficient and designed exclusively for our needs. But there was a certain sterility to it, a starkness that stood in contrast to the warmth we hope our stories bring to our readers.
Our new home is the exact opposite. Built in 1929, it is small, cozy, oozing of character. Sure, the floor isn’t exactly level, the bathroom door closes by itself, there is a board on our front porch
COME SEE US!
Our favorite day of the week is Thursday, when our new edition hits newsstands. And we absolutely love it when people come to our office to grab copies from our Big Red Box outside. So, come visit us at 210 S. Dillard St. — our boxes are outside and will be fully stocked for you!
that could double as a Looney Tunes trap, and the front windows still have graphics from when the building was a nail salon. But what it lacks in right angles, it more than makes up for in vibe. And even when we were in the midst of moving, the place felt more inspiring, more creative, more us What’s more, because we moved almost everything ourselves, the Herculean team effort it took to make this change — while still producing our newspapers, website and the next Season
magazine — taught me a lot about our team. In the three weeks it took to pull this off, I never heard a single complaint. No eyes rolled (that I know about), and we’ve emerged with renewed strength in knowing we can do hard things. And we made a lot of great memories together.
Of course, a building is just a floor, some walls and a roof without people to turn it into something more. And so in the months to come, I hope many of you will stop in to say hello. For those of you who want to find something we’ve published in the past, our archives still are available for perusal. And for those who come every Thursday for our new editions, our Big Red Boxes stand proudly in our parking lot.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue settling into our new home and get used to where everything is located. We’ll become familiar with the new sounds.
And yes, we’ll remove those nail salon graphics.
You’re Invited to Our Kick-Off! You’re Invited to Our Kick-Off! Join West Orange Habitat for Humanity for an evening of great conversation and meaningful connections—your first step toward participating in Women Build Day. Form or join a Women Build team and learn how we empower women to build homes, community, and hope.
Ocoee defines code enforcement guidelines
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
The Ocoee City Commission supported updates to the city’s code enforcement and foreclosure policies for residential properties during the Tuesday, Feb. 3, meeting.
Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn presented a proposed framework that would strengthen enforcement, establish clearer timelines for foreclosure and reduce long-standing inconsistencies in how violations are handled.
Under the proposed policy, the city would follow Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, which allows the city to implement a fine of up to $250 per day per violation and increase the fines to a maximum of $500 per day per violation, Richard Geller, Ocoee city attorney, said. Implementing the fine threshold is to encourage early compliance and prevent excessive lien accumulation. Ogburn also recommended beginning a foreclosure review six months after a lien is recorded if fines exceed $15,000 and the owner has failed to respond to repeated notices. Any homestead property would not be targeted for foreclosure, he added, but rental and other non-homestead properties are subject to the process.
The steps for the proposed framework include: issuance of a lien, a settlement conference with the property owner, review by a magistrate or code enforcement authority, commission authorization and a public foreclosure hearing.
“We are taking a more active role in public to talk to people that we see violations and say, ‘Hey, you can get cited for this, why don’t you do ahead and think about cleaning it up?’” City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “Our goal is to bring about compliance and also equity and fairness to neighbors of places that are being allowed to fall into a very neglected state.”
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Ocoee City Commission unanimously approved the largescale final site plan of Ocoee Village Center, adding a Walmart Neighborhood Market and fuel station.
n The City Commission unanimously approved a 60-day extension to the temporary operator agreement with SS Down To Earth OPCO LLC, extending the term from Sunday, March 1, to Friday, May 1, for interim operation of Forest Lake Golf Club.
Commissioners voiced their concerns about lenient fines and delays that allow violations to continue for years. They shared examples of complaints they’ve received from residents or seen themselves, such as long-term parked junk vehicles, illegal parking and abandoned homes that decrease neighborhood property values.
“We’ve been kicking this can down the road here for a while,” District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III said. “Until we can actually pull the trigger and hold these owners accountable at the high standard then nothing’s going to happen. … We need to adopt a plan that’s going to put some bite into the bark and hold these guys accountable for these properties that have been abandoned or not kept up.” Ogburn also proposed establishing a foreclosure and cost-recovery fund to cover upfront legal expenses. The fund would be reimbursed through lien settlements or property sales, reducing the financial burden on the city’s general budget. Ocoee city commissioners unanimously motioned to move forward with the policy changes and directed Ogburn and the code board staff to prepare the necessary ordinances for the Tuesday, Feb. 17 meeting.
The Observer’s new home, 210 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Despite the nail salon graphics, you cannot ‘Indulge in Relaxation’ here. Sorry.
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THE CANDIDATES Oakland Town Commission District 4
ANNE FULTON
Age: 47
Family: Husband, Shaun Fulton; four children; one granddaughter
Education: Associate’s degree from Valencia College
Employment: Office manager at an independent insurance adjusting firm.
Licensed insurance adjuster in Florida and Texas
Experience: Thirty years of accounting experience across several industries, including environmental engineering, wholesale distribution, architecture and engineering, and insurance adjusting. At an environmental engineering firm, Fulton handled project billing and report preparation while learning about environmental remediation. In her current role, she manages all accounting, HR, administrative work and industry trend analysis.
Residency: Fifteen years in Oakland
Why are you running for Seat 4?
I’m running because I believe Oak‑ land deserves a commissioner who listens, unites and serves. Our town is beautifully diverse, including long‑ time residents and newcomers, young families and retirees, people of many backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. That diversity is what I love most about Oakland.
I’m not a politician and don’t aspire to be one. I’m running to be an advo‑ cate for our community and to help build a future that includes all of us.
Why are you the best candidate for the Oakland Town Commission District 4 seat?
I believe I’m the best candidate because I don’t just say I care about our community — I show it through action. I stay connected to what’s happening in town and I’m not afraid
JOSEPH MCMULLEN
Age: 58
Family: Father of a 22-year-old college student, a pharmacy major at Florida A&M University
Education: Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in health administration from Florida International University.
Employment: Thirty-plus-year licensed Florida pharmacist. Currently works as a senior clinical account manager with Centene HMO
Experience: Served as a town commissioner for the town of Oakland since 2006. McMullen has served on the boards of the Tri-County League of Cities and the Florida League of Cities and worked on legislative, growth management and economic development issues. He is a U.S. Air Force Reserves veteran and founder of the HAPCO Music Foundation, which provides youth with access to arts and educational opportunities.
Residency: Longtime Oakland resident
Why are you running for Seat 4?
I’m running to continue provid‑ ing steady, experienced leadership
to speak up when something feels inequitable or out of step with what residents want.
When Seat 1 was filled in 2024 despite 11 qualified applicants, the commission unanimously voted to reseat the previous commissioner. Many residents felt unheard. I took a stand by organizing a recall effort, spending my free time at a park bench listening to neighbors and collecting signatures. I did it because 70% of voters had asked for change and I felt their voices mattered.
I’ve spoken up at commission meetings, even when it was uncom‑ fortable. I’ve been yelled at, criti‑ cized and confronted, and none of it deterred me. When I advocate for my community, I do my research, gather facts and stand firmly on truth and principle.
Beyond policy, I’ve shown up for residents in need: organizing meal trains, helping build a wheelchair ramp with Scout Pack 978, fixing safety hazards, assisting neighbors with home repairs and rallying vol‑ unteers to support elderly residents. I don’t do these things for recognition, I do them because this is what com‑ munity looks like.
I’m also a strong advocate for families experiencing homelessness. When a family at West Orange High School needed help, our community raised $750 for food. My family and
for Oakland. This town has a unique character, and my goal is to protect what makes Oakland special while planning responsibly for the future.
As an elected official, others and I have been working hard for the town of Oakland’s successful growth — that growth is now happening.
Why are you the best candidate for the Oakland Town Commission District 4 seat?
My nearly two decades of service give me a strong understanding of Oakland’s history, finances and growth pressures. I bring experi‑ ence, institutional knowledge and a collaborative approach that helps turn resident concerns into practical
two others founded My Backyard Initiative Inc., a nonprofit connecting builders, municipalities and service providers to create shelters, transi‑ tional housing and dignified afford‑ able housing.
The town of Oakland has two people on staff who write grants. The town also pays two different lobbyists to advocate for us. I understand how to work with legislators. I don’t need taxpayer‑funded travel to get face time; I already call, email, video chat or drive to their offices when needed.
What does this position mean to you?
To me, this position is about ser‑ vice. Yes, it involves reading, evaluat‑ ing and voting on issues, but it also means being present for people. Sometimes, that looks like listening. Sometimes, it’s a meal, a cup of coffee or a hug. Sometimes, it’s rolling up my sleeves and doing the work. And sometimes, it’s causing good trouble when our community needs a voice.
If elected, what would be your top three issues to address for the town of Oakland?
1. Protecting affordability and preventing displacement as prop‑ erty values rise, taxes rise and that impacts seniors, young families and longtime residents. I want to pursue affordable housing options for indi‑ vidual lots and ensure development decisions consider the ripple effects on middle‑ and low‑income house‑ holds.
2. Bringing resident ideas forward. Over the past few years, residents have shared dozens of thought‑ ful ideas with me. I currently have a two‑page list. I will bring those ideas to the town and work collaboratively to see what we can accomplish.
solutions. I always have and will have an open door policy.
What does this position mean to you?
Serving as a town commissioner is a responsibility I take seriously. It means being accessible, listen‑ ing carefully and making thoughtful decisions that balance today’s needs with long term impacts. Everyone has a voice, and I have always given my all to ensure the town of Oakland’s successful growth.
If elected, what would your top three issues address be for the town of Oakland?
My top priorities are managing smart growth, maintaining infra‑ structure and public safety, and continuing responsible fiscal man‑ agement to keep taxes low while delivering quality services.
Oakland is a small town and mostly residential. How do you think the town should handle new developments?
Development should be intentional and well planned. I support smart
3. Transparent, informed deci‑ sion‑making. I will read every line of every document, ask questions, research thoroughly and listen to residents. My only agenda is creating the best possible community for all of us. I will represent every resident, whether your family has been here for generations or just moved in. My personal credo is: “We do not have to look, pray, love or vote the same to be neighbors and friends.”
Oakland is a small town and mostly residential. How do you think the town should handle new developments?
Most remaining development opportunities are commercial along Highway 50 and Tubb Street. I believe the town should take a proactive approach: come together as a com‑ munity, identify what we want and then reach out to businesses, doctors and local shops that align with our vision.
For empty or rehab lots within town, I will strongly advocate for affordable housing options for seniors and young families.
How will you ensure you’re listening to/addressing residents concerns?
I’ll continue doing what I’ve already been doing: keeping my phone num‑ ber and email public, making time to sit on a park bench and listen, show‑ ing up at town hall or county offices when needed and using my network to help residents, including veterans and those with social service needs. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty or to get into good trouble when nec‑ essary. This is our hometown and our shared future, and I’m proud to serve regardless of the election outcome.
growth that fits Oakland’s scale, protects neighborhoods, preserves natural resources and ensures roads, utilities and public services keep pace. Developers must understand our culture and create synergy with town government and our citizens as we grow.
How will you ensure you’re listening to and addressing residents’ concerns?
I stay engaged through public meetings, community events and direct communication. Listening to residents is essential, and I make it a priority to ensure their feedback informs decisions at town hall. All my communication and business cards have my personal email address and cell number.
Oakland’s strength has always been its sense of community. My focus is on thoughtful growth, fiscal respon‑ sibility and making sure residents continue to have a strong voice in the town they call home.
Our arts scene, eco tourism, parks, along with maintaining small town feel is at the forefront of our current and future.
The town of Oakland will hold its general election Tuesday, March 10, where residents will have the opportunity to vote for six amend ments and one candidate for Seat 4. Anne Fulton and incumbent Joseph McMullen will go head to head for that seat.
— LETICIA SILVA
Because of God’s grace
The story of Samuel led to the search team restarting its hunt for the next president.
“There was just a sweet spirit in the room,” he said. “It was very clear, because I needed that, and they needed that, that God was speaking and moving us into this new season.”
The vote was unanimous, Lawrence was named the next president of Foundation Academy.
Lawrence is coming into the position after Carol Grosshans has served as interim president since May 2025, when Dave Buckles stepped down after serving as president for at least 10 years.
For the past 20 years, Lawrence said every position he has held were not ones he applied for but rather positions God opened doors to and guided him through each time.
“In this situation, it was definitely not something I sought after,” he said. “But when the time came, I could tell God was saying, you go and you stand in the gap and you lead my people. Because what we’re after here is of eternal significance. It’s legacymaking with these students. It’s kingdom-building stuff. I sense in it God saying, ‘Just go lead them. Lead them well. Lead them with character. Lead them with integrity. You don’t have to shoulder it all. Just stay in step with me. Love the staff, love the families. Lead us toward excellence.’”
As the next president, Lawrence wants to focus on strategic initiatives relating to academics, athletics, arts and college preparation.
Dr. Jeff Lawrence almost didn’t lead a career and life based in faith.
As a native of Orlando who graduated from Oak Ridge High School and lived in the Conway area of the city, Lawrence grew up with Disney World nearby.
When Disney MGM Studios, now known as Hollywood Studios, was being built and opening, a member of the executive team asked Lawrence if he would audition to be a part of the team that opened The Great Movie Ride.
He played a gangster in the attraction and went on to become a show VIP, serving as the person to welcome VIPs as they arrived. He met Madonna, New Kids on the Block, Lucille Ball and other celebrities.
He also hosted SuperStar Television at MGM Studios.
As he was leaving to go to seminary at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Disney approached Lawrence with a career path that was quite tempting. “But as I moved in that direction, it’s like the grinding of a wheel, I just knew inside me,
Dr. Jeff Lawrence was a member of the search team looking for the next president of Foundation Academy.
The team interviewed six candidates. After months of searching and interviews, they felt the doors closing on them with each candidate, and they were stalled, Lawrence said.
So Lawrence, who served as the director of spiritual development at the time at Foundation Academy, reminded the search team of the biblical story of Samuel, whom God told to
go to Jesse and anoint one of his sons king.
Lawrence reminded the team that just like Samuel looked at all the sons Jesse presented, knew they weren’t right to be king and asked for the son Jesse deemed least likely to serve as king — David — maybe Foundation Academy’s search team needed to look beyond the candidates before them.
“The point being the true king was not the one everybody thought — (David) was not the one that had the résumé, he was not the one who had the look, he was not the one who had all this experience, but he was God’s choice because of his heart,” he said.
Later, Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church’s new pastor Jeremy Woods told Lawrence he had been praying and asked if he would consider being the next president.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I see me as a candidate,” Lawrence said.
He explained he was content with serving as the director of spiritual development. He didn’t need authority, title or the approval of others. He was comfortable.
“(Woods) listened to me, and I got done with my waxing, and he goes, ‘So God called you to be comfortable?’” Lawrence said. “That was like a sucker punch.”
Lawrence applied for president. When he sat down for the final interview with the search committee, it was “amazingly confirming,” he said.
He wants to continue to solidify and excel the school’s academics, providing more opportunities such as creating programs of distinction and having the school be accredited as an exemplary school.
With the continued academic and athletic success, the next step is expansion, Lawrence said. He envisions a state-of-the-art fine arts center being built on the Tilden Campus in the future.
Expansion needs to be done deliberately, intentionally and strategically, he said.
“I want us to be able to go to a place that when we get there, you can’t explain it by human terms,” Lawrence said. “How did we get here? We got here simply because of God’s grace, because if he hadn’t put all the right people in the right place, if he hadn’t sent the right donors, if he hadn’t sent the people who would walk alongside us, we would have never gotten here.”
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Dr. Jeff Lawrence will serve as the next president of Foundation Academy with hopes of implementing strategic initiatives relating to academics, athletics, arts and college preparation.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Longtime Dr. Phillips football head coach Rodney Wells is stepping away from the game.
The Dr. Phillips alumnus attended Syracuse University and saw playing time on the field all four years. After graduation, he returned to Dr. Phillips and became the defensive coordinator in 2005. In 2011, Wells began his 15-year head-coaching career, leading the team to nine consecutive district championships in 2016.
Wells led the Dr. Phillips football team to the program’s first Football State Championship in 2019 and was inducted into the Dr. Phillips Athletic Hall of Fame in May 2019.
Wells announced his departure on social media, and thanked the parents for trusting him, Dr. Phillips’ administrators and staff, and the coaching staff and their wives for the countless hours they’ve dedicated.
“Coaching at DP, my alma mater, has always been about the young men who trusted me, showed up every day and gave everything they had,” Wells wrote. “To my players: Thank you for your extreme effort, your resilience and for allowing me to be a small part of your journey. You are champions on and off the field, and I am proud of each one of you.”
2
After Foundation Academy girls weightlifting team’s back-to-back district championship, the team headed to the Class 1A, Region 6 Championship Saturday, Jan. 31, and won the Olympic category for the first time in school history.
Kayla Bolivar earned first in the 129-pound weight class by lifting 240 total pounds. Kena Terry finished first in the 154-pound weight class by lifting 280 total pounds. The Lions will send three to five girls to compete for the state championship, Friday, Feb. 13.
3
The Ocoee High girls wrestling team finished as the West Metro Conference Champions for the second consecutive year Friday, Jan. 30. In the win, three Knights finished on the podium. Sophomore Giulia De Olivelra Palva claimed gold, sophomore Savannah Fernandez and junior Hanna Perez finished in second in their weight classes.
4
Anai Braxton, an eighthgrader, achieved her 300th career point and counting for Foundation Academy girls basketball team. The Class of 2030 player reached the achievement Tuesday, Feb. 3. The 5-foot-8 guard is a lefty, and she is playing her first season as a Lion. She’s ranked No. 14 in 2A with 51 buckets and she is ranked No. 146 in Florida. Her accomplishment came during the Lions’ first district game against Ridgeview Global Studies Academy. The Lions won 62-32.
5
Dr. Phillips girls basketball team’s season came to a close Friday, Feb. 6 by falling 63-40 Oak Ridge Friday, Feb. 6, in a fight for district championship title.
Dr. Phillips boys basketball team also played Oak Ridge for the district championship Saturday, Feb. 7. The team had a similar result and fell 55-46. But the team had a strong regular season record and will compete against Windermere High Saturday, Feb. 14. It’s the first time since 2022 the team has made it to regionals.
TRIO OF TITANS
Kevin Edou, James Nowells and Bishop Wenze have played together since the sixth grade. Now, they’re working together to achieve history for Olympia.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
When Olympia High boys basketball player James Nowells was 4 years old, his older cousin introduced him to basketball. The pair went outside at 1 p.m., and the small Nowells locked eyes with the 10-foot hoop. He missed his first shot. He missed his second. The passing feeling of “I can’t do it” crept in. But he was determined.
Finally the 4-year-old’s determination paid off. At 10 p.m. the net swished with the sweet sound of success as his ball found its way over the rim.
From then on, Nowells knew he wanted to play basketball.
The determination will continue within Nowells and his teammates
Windermere softball welcomes new coaches
The Wolverines have a new coaching staff, and the duo is determined to continue the winning culture.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
STAFF WRITER
When coaching a 14U team at Windermere Wild Fire in 2017, Ken Janata would have Dean Spinogatti’s daughter, Danika, guest play for the team. Janata then welcomed Spinogatti to help out as a coach. Spinogatti jumped at the opportunity. He began coaching to work with his daughter and guided her on her journey to becoming a Division I player at Florida State.
As the years passed, Spinogatti continued to guest coach when his daughter played for Janata. They began to work softball All-Star Games and other events as a coaching duo and slowly developed the same coaching style and mentality: develop the girls while having fun.
Through softball’s small community, Janata heard Windermere High’s softball coach Eileen Hannigan was stepping down. He called the Wolverine’s athletic director, interviewed and got the job.
Janata brings 15 years of coaching experience — seven at the high school level — more than 1,600 games and an assistant coach who already understands the game plan: Spinogatti.
“For us, it’s easy, and we also have trust together, which is good because he lets me do what I need to do, and he does what he does,” Spinogatti said. “At any given time, we really have two head coaches.”
When they have individual conversations with players, they don’t need to check in and ask what was said,
Spinogatti said, which stems from their trust in each other’s teaching.
Being able to work at Windermere is exciting. Both live in the area and have seen Windermere grow from an idea to a reality and to a school with programs that produce excellence.
Spinogatti also has worked with some of the players previously at the Little League level.
“There’s a level of comfortability in me as a coach knowing these girls and their abilities already so we’re not going in 100% blind, and it’s definite-
ly an advantage, even with the parents having confidence in us as a coaching staff to continue the success of the program,” he said.
Janata only is the second head coach in Windermere’s history. When the Wolverine program began in 2018, Hannigan had taken the helm and developed the softball program. She led the Wolverines to a 135-56 record, four district championships and a 2024 7A Region 2 champion-
Senior shooting guard Ben Bunnell balances academic excellence with his on-court presence. Page 2B.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Head coach Ken Janata and assistant coach Dean Spinogatti usher in the new coaching staff era for Windermere High.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
James Nowells, Bishop Wenze and Kevin Edou are working hard to become the best version of themselves to set up for success this year and years to come.
Ben Bunnell
Ben Bunnell is a 6-foot-5 standout player for Windermere High boys basketball team. He’s brought size, intelligence and consistency to the court. The shooting guard’s senior season has been chock full of success on the hardwood. A 5.0 GPA student, Bunnell balances academic excellence with his on-court presence. He recorded a high of 11 rebounds in Windermere’s game against Timber Creek High Thursday, Dec. 18, playing 32 minutes and putting away nine points.
The three-year varsity player has helped Windermere achieve its No. 72 Florida ranking. The Wolverines went into the district tournament with a 13-12 overall record and played their first game Tuesday, Feb. 3 against Freedom. The team will play on the road Saturday, Feb. 14, at Dr. Phillips in the first round of regionals.
What do you enjoy most about basketball?
The competitiveness and having the opportunity to meet so many great people through the sport.
When did you start basketball, and why did you join?
I started at around 5 years old after watching Magic games as a kid and my dad getting me into the sport.
What is your biggest accomplishment in basketball?
Committing to a school for basketball, as well as being a 7A state runner up.
What has basketball taught you?
Teamwork, accountability, time management and leadership skills.
What advice would you give someone who just joined basketball?
Stick the course. There will be ups and downs, times where you’re struggling and when you are succeeding. Even if you never step on the court, work your hardest to get that opportunity. Put your best foot forward every day.
What is your pre-game ritual?
I eat rice and
chicken, drink coconut water and shower before the game.
If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why?
Baseball. I was considering playing baseball over basketball in high school, because those were my two sports that I mainly played growing up. I was a pitcher and had a lot of good friends on the team, which made it a tough choice for me.
Who do you look up to the most?
Definitely my parents and sister — just seeing them work so hard to accomplish what they have is truly inspiring. My sister plays Division I softball in college and has truly helped me in my journey to be the best person and athlete I can. My parents have helped me throughout it all being my biggest supporters, for which I’m grateful.
What is something new you would like to learn?
I’ve always been big on wanting to learn new things earlier in my life. It was how to fish, juggle or do a magic trick, but currently I’m trying to get into stocks and do research there to prepare myself for school.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?
Either Georgia or up in New England. Both are beautiful places where I have family, and I could truly see myself there.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
Christmas, because it always means I get to gather with family, and I genuinely notice people in better spirits during that time, which is great to see for the community.
What future career do you want to have?
I don’t know specifically what I’d like to be, but I’m planning to major in finance, marketing and entrepreneurship. I plan to study those fields and hopefully gain qualities to set me up for
Olympia seeks postseason glory
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
when the Titans play in the 7A Regional Quarterfinals Saturday, Feb. 14, against Palm Beach Central.
“Coach (Justin) Shipp said, ‘All we need to do is win five games, five games in a row, and we’re going to states, we’re going to Jacksonville,’” junior forward Bishop Wenze said. “To be honest, we needed this loss so we can be more detailed. If we go in Feb. 14 detailed, more locked in than we were, we’ll win. We’ll win states.”
Going into the regional tournament, the players are focused on keeping their foot on the gas throughout the game. Wenze said they often are either a first- or second-half team. Instead they need to be a whole-game team.
Last year, the team lost in the first round of regionals, and making it past the hurdle is the dream.
“It is going to be a real statement for me, personally, and a really big achievement for my personal growth, and I just love that for the team as well,” junior guard Kevin Edou said.
Over the years, Edou not only has seen his own growth since he picked up a basketball at 5 years old but also his teammates’.
ALWAYS GROWING
Nowells, Edou and Wenze met in sixth grade when they joined The National Basketball Academy Orlando to play AAU basketball.
The trio continued their club basketball journey together, playing from sixth to ninth grade on the same team. In ninth grade, they first were introduced to Shipp and instantly were drawn to his coaching style. He stresses, “no space, no comfort,” a model the team lives by, Wenze said.
In their freshman year of high school, Wenze, Edou and Nowells were separated on the court as they attended different schools. But they all shared a desire to find a basketball program that was more suited for their development.
Then two years ago, Shipp accepted the position as head coach of Olympia’s basketball team and the players’ decision became simple — go to Olympia.
“I was very excited,” Wenze said. “I was looking forward to the opportunity and it was a really good opportunity for me. It’s a blessing to have Coach Shipp around. He’s a great coach.”
Shipp said he’s lucky to have been with some of Olympia’s players for three years. On the court, he’s “Coach Shipp,” but off the court he works to be a support system for them. He’s seen Olympia turn into
What is your perfect day? Wake up early and make myself a good breakfast; then go to the gym and get a good workout in. After that, maybe get a nice coffee or drink and go for a walk with my dogs listening to music. Do some work for a little bit and have a nice lunch with the family and then later in the day hang out with friends and do a fun activity.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
ship. Last season, the Wolverines went 14-12, the worst season in program history.
Windermere’s softball program is known for its excellence and competitive nature, which meshes perfectly with Janata’s coaching mission.
“As a coach, I’m still a competitor,” he said. “I love to win but I’m not going to push the girls so they don’t have fun. I want the high school team to have the best high school experience possible.” Janata and Spinogatti want their players to have pride in wearing their school colors, representing the Wolverines and relish the time they’ll be playing for their high school.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY School and softball aren’t the same. Academics can be stressful and daunting, but softball should be the place to escape all the stresses.
a player-led team, and at the forefront is Nowells.
At first, his leadership began with leading the team by example. Shipp remembered the exact moment he realized Nowells’ teammates respected him.
He was driving a few of them after practice, and when it came time to pick their seats in the car — without any arguing or shotgun calls — the 6-foot-7 Wenze, 6-foot-5 Edou and the 6-foot-7 former player Jonathan “JJ” Watts took the backseat. Nowells, with his 6-foot-2 stature, took the passenger seat.
From that point forward, Shipp saw the respect Nowells slowly had been growing, quietly but steadily, and began to nudge Nowells to become the vocal leader he is today. Now, Nowells is the first to text the group chat reminding his teammates what time they need to be at practice or a game, reminding them what apparel they need to wear and keeping everyone — including himself — accountable.
Before holding anyone accountable, Nowells always calls out his mistakes first. He’ll say what he didn’t do and what he needs to do, then tell his teammates areas of improvement. They huddle up and prioritize staying together as a unit. As long as all 11 players are on the same page, they’re bound to play better.
“Let all of the outside noise go, because that’s the people that are not in this group (who will) tell you what they think they know,” he said.
“But we’re the ones (who) are playing. We’re the ones (who) are doing it together. So what we say determines the outcome.”
Edou said during tense moments and games, Nowells is the first to bring everyone together, break down what’s going wrong and discuss what they can do to fix it.
He watched Nowells go from a middle-schooler who played out of control and seemed confused on the court to become Olympia’s leading scorer. Wenz became a player who put in work to dominate in games, and Edou has become a player whose confidence and IQ has grown.
The three players’ growth has come from their constant grind. They train in the gym at 5:30 a.m. five days per week before school, finish school, then return for more practice. Nowells said he wakes up at 4:45 a.m. to fit everything in and admitted it sounds crazy but it now has become his lifestyle.
Edou said the waking up early has helped him to create positive habits and allowed him time to work on his skills.
Olympia’s players’ training schedule reflects how they’re unit-
ed on the mission to accomplish school history and win states.
“I love my team,” Nowells said. “I wouldn’t want to do this with anybody else. To be honest, we get emotional because we work so hard, so when we lose, we take it to heart.”
PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
But the players’ vision extends further than closing out their junior season with a historical moment at Olympia — the training is preparation for life after high school.
Shipp feels blessed with the players he has on his varsity team this season. The whole team’s level of dedication exceeds the norm, and he wants to be able to set everyone up for success. He’s talked with college coaches and discovered freshmen in college always are behind in their diet and training. He’s taken that knowledge and turned it into his coaching style, teaching players the importance of becoming wellrounded athletes.
Players can do all of the training they want, but if they don’t take their diet seriously, the benefits won’t flow in as quickly. It’s why Nowells, Wenze and Edou have started to watch what they eat. Nowells’ pre-game meal is a bowl from Chipotle consisting of rice, chicken, lettuce and the occasional vinaigrette dressing. He’d love to have the cheese and other toppings that elevate the taste, but he knows his stomach will thank him without it.
Watching the junk food intake, prioritizing meal times and having adequate sleep is the formula to grow for the next level: College.
For the Titans’ junior heavy squad, the offers already have begun to flow in. Wenze has received offers from Stetson University and Le Moyne College, and Edou from Stetson and Austin University. Nowells received offers from Stetson as well as Holy Cross, Le Moyne, Dartmouth and Boston University.
All three players are continuing to prioritize working their bodies, taking care of themselves and becoming more disciplined players and people as a whole. Playing basketball at the next level is their dream, and they’re going to relish the next year to continue developing themselves through Shipp’s guidance.
But for now, they’re focused on making history on the hardwood. On the journey to winning states, Shipp’s goals are centered around building sustainable habits for his players that they can take with them after being a Titan.
“I want them to leave here better than they came,” he said.
Janata wants it to be the best part of the players’ days, rather than something they’re dreading.
The No. 1 priority he has as the head coach is to build an environment where the players have fun. The second priority is creating an excellent dugout — the players need to be positive, encourage one another and always be supportive.
But there’s layers to accomplish this.
“I like to break that down,” Spinogatti said. “Is losing fun? (No), winning is fun. We work hard to win, but there’s ways we can have fun while still being productive in practice.”
His goal every practice is to keep the players guessing. If Spinogatti can advertise a drill as a game, they have fun, but also they’re competing and he’s figured out a way to get through to them. Determining the practice plan for coaches is trial and error; they’re constantly testing out new drills to keep practices evolving.
But it’s not only the players who are learning but also the coaches. In their first season at Windermere, they’re learning how to coach each girl according to her personality and her passion.
Both coaches have experience at the travel-ball level, where all of the girls are trying to play in college, but with high school, not everyone shares that goal, and that’s OK, Spinogatti said. But they’re going to develop each girl like they want to and work on building the team back to a level of state championship contenders.
Seeing the players develop is the best part of coaching in Janata’s eyes.
“To see a player learn something for the first time, have success, get their first base hit or pitch a perfect game or strike 10 batters out in a game and see their smile on their face and their success, their confidence grow,” he said.
Eagles soar at Family Fun Fest
Families, teachers and students gathered at Sunset Park Elementary School to celebrate the annual Family Fun Fest Friday, Feb. 6. Children enjoyed a plethora of activities such as bounce houses, a winter maze, soccer, face painting, rock climbing, hula hoops and more. While the weather was chilly, it didn’t stop the children from having fun or
the parents from catching up with one another. Food trucks also were in attendance to bring delicious foods and treats to the event.
Class basket drawings also were available to support the school’s teachers.
The Fifth-Grade Celebration Committee sold pizza and drinks throughout the event, raising funds to benefit the fifth-grade celebration.
—LETICIA SILVA
Central Florida Diaper Bank receives four-month supply from Huggies
The Winter Gardenbased bank has served local families for more than 30 years.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Sharon Lyles gave birth to a beautiful baby girl 38 years ago.
But beyond feeling overjoyed with happiness for her baby’s arrival, she couldn’t stop worrying about diapers.
She only had one, and unfortunately, the diaper’s adhesive strip would not stick.
She felt helpless, agony.
From then on, she vowed to help other parents who struggle like she did.
“There was no place that I could go that was a social service agency for me to get any assistance,” Lyles said. “And that is why the Central Florida Diaper Bank was founded.” Lyles is the founder of Central Florida Diaper Bank and has served as the executive director since its founding in 1995 in Winter Garden.
Recently, the diaper bank was gifted 267,887 diapers from Huggies as part of the 15-year celebration of the National Diaper Bank Network.
“We’re incredibly grateful for it,” she said. “It will help us reach a significant amount of families. I am always enthusiastic, but especially about this donation, because it lets us know from a national level that companies (such as) Huggies are concerned about babies in our com-
munity. We hope that the individuals, companies and corporations that are in this local area will take that same interest in what we’re doing and help us create an even greater impact.”
Lyles said this donation will last the bank about four months.
Usually, the Central Florida Diaper Bank will distribute 150 to 200 diapers to around 1,235 families per month.
The bank not only serves Orange
County but also Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Polk counties.
One in two families in the U.S. struggles to afford diapers, Lyles said. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the need mostly was seen in low-income, high-risk families. Since then, it’s everybody.
“You have suburban families that are barely able to meet their needs,” she said. “Our diapers are the core (of the bank), because we don’t want our
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babies to go without clean diapers. If they don’t have clean diapers, they get UTIs, they get diaper rashes and by the time they get to that point, their families are at the emergency room, and then there is a real medical necessity. That is what we try to avoid.”
The bank also offers baby formula to struggling families, as well as education programs such as nutrition classes, development education from birth to age 5, financial literacy courses and more.
Lyles also makes sure to include hygiene kits in every monthly distribution. Many of these families experiencing diaper needs also experience menstrual poverty, she said.
“We do those sorts of things just to make sure that we can help them not just survive but thrive,” Lyles said.
To qualify for monthly distributions, families need to be at or below 185% the federal poverty guidelines, which means a family of three earning $50,546 annually or less qualify for services.
Lyles said the Central Florida Diaper Bank served about 19,000 babies in 2025, and she expects that number to increase this year.
HOW TO HELP
n Visit centralfloridadiaperbank.org/donate to donate.
n Visit a.co/cTVhLiP to purchase items from the bank’s Amazon Wishlist.
Items such as disposable diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, baby formula, diaper rash cream, tampons and pads, baby wash and lotion, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and more can be donated if not expired.
n To volunteer, visit centralfloridadiaperbank.org/volunteer.
To help families in need beyond just baby items, the Central Florida Diaper Bank partners with a variety of organizations such as Orlando Health, Florida Department of Children and Families, Good360, Heart of Florida United Way and more.
As a small but mighty agency, Lyles said she always is looking for new ambassadors and volunteers to help with the distribution process.
Diapers also can be donated.
“I tell people, ‘We love getting diapers, but if you donate money, we can take that money and buy our diapers and our products in bulk,’” she said. “ We’d just like to see the community get more involved to help us make a greater impact so that we can keep our babies safe, healthy and dry.”
Blaire and Ray Ytienza headed to the bounce houses after Blaire had her face painted.
Left: Patrick and Julia Serani brought good vibes to the event, holding smiles on their faces all throughout the evening.
Left: Lakesha, Topher and Chris Kelly checked out the class basket drawings.
Cleo Delmonte and Simone and Valentina Alves attended the event to support the school.
Andrea, Cristiano and Chuck Ulbrich didn’t let the cold ruin their fun.
Photo by Leticia Silva
Central Florida Diaper Bank Sharon Lyles started the organization in 1995.
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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK
KIMBERLY COSME
WHISPERING OAK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kimberly Cosme is the school secretary at Whispering Oak Elementary School.
She is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the school, assisting families and staff, managing communication and helping to ensure the campus runs efficiently and smoothly.
“Kim is an excellent resource for all staff,” Principal Lee Montgomery said. “She is helpful, encouraging and problem-solving. She maintains a positive attitude as she deals with students, staff, maintenance workers, construction personnel and parents. She serves so many so well and does so unselfishly. She is a great example of a team player and ultimate influencer as she affects everyone by solving their issue and making them feel valued during the process.”
What brought you to your school? I was drawn to Whispering Oak because of its welcoming atmosphere and the strong sense of community. From my very first visit, I felt that this was a place where I could make a meaningful difference for students, families and staff.
What do you love most about your school?
What I love most is the people — our students’ joy and curiosity, the dedication of our teachers and the supportive families who work with us every day. It truly feels like a family.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is being able to support our students and staff so their days run smoothly. Knowing that my work helps create a positive environment where learning can thrive is incredibly fulfilling.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I would work in the medical field.
I’ve always been drawn to roles that involve caring for others, and the idea of supporting people through moments of need really resonates with me.
Who influences you?
I’m influenced by people who lead with kindness and integrity — those who stay calm under pressure and always put people first. I try to model that in my work and personal life.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was Ms. C, who made me feel seen and valued. She took time to encourage me and made learning enjoyable, which left a lasting impact on how I view education.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is my favorite children’s book. I’ve always loved its sense of wonder, adventure and imagination. The story invites you into a magical world while also highlighting
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themes of bravery, friendship and hope — messages that stay with you long after you finish the book.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing outdoors and finding small creative projects or hobbies that help me unwind.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would choose Walt Disney. His creativity, imagination and ability to build an entire world of joy and wonder continue to inspire people of all ages. I’d love the chance to hear how he turned simple ideas into timeless stories and how he stayed so innovative throughout his life.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose the ability to pause time — just long enough to catch up, breathe or truly savor a moment.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
I would choose Marc Anthony, Whitney Houston and Adele. Marc Anthony’s music is full of energy and emotion, and his voice always lifts my mood. Whitney Houston’s powerful vocals and timeless songs never fail to inspire me. And Adele’s heartfelt lyrics and soulful sound make her music perfect for any moment, whether I want to relax, reflect or simply enjoy a beautiful song.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
Lindens Butter Crunch cookies and pretzel sticks.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the sense of togetherness, the traditions and the joy it brings to family and friends.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
My best friend from childhood is Yesenia A., and she made school fun and always stood by me. Although life has taken us in different directions, we still keep in touch.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
I participated in school clubs, yearbook, newspaper, honors society, and I played tennis. I also had a part-time job at a clothing store and during the summer also worked at a summer camp.
— LIZ RAMOS
New Lakeview Middle media center booked
Dozens of Lakeview Middle School students, faculty and parents crowded outside the doors of the media center and watched as Principal John Linehan and Wharton-Smith’s George Novo and Dean Schiffbauer cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated media center Thursday, Jan. 29.
After filing into the media center, everyone took a seat and listened as local author Amar Shah shared the lessons he’s learned throughout his career as a journalist and author. He encouraged students to be resilient, believe in teamwork and overcome any obstacles that come their way.
He talked about meeting Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan and other famous basketball players as a child and being on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids. He shared his journey of writing “Wish I Was a Baller,” a memoir-turned-graphic novel.
Afterward, Shah signed copies of his graphic novel for students as others went around the media center to participate in literacy activities. Media center specialist Patricia Rawlings was thrilled to have the media center renovation complete.
“It was pretty magical before they redid it, but since they’ve redone it, it just seems to have really taken flight and become some place where the kids can feel comfortable, feel safe and really gravitate towards books and other media,” she said.
— LIZ RAMOS
Lakeview Middle School Principal John Linehan and Wharton-Smith Senior Project Manager George Novo and Senior Superintendent Dean Schiffbauer cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the renovated media center.
Both of our kids have been at Windermere Prep since early elementary, and we’ve had a great experience. The staff has always been supportive and genuinely interested in helping our children grow. We’re really thankful to be part of this community and feel like our kids are in a place where they’re seen, supported, and encouraged to do their best.
— WPS Parent via Niche.com
Lakeview Middle School’s Gabriel Holloway had his copy of “Wish I Was a Baller” signed by author Amar Shah.
Oakland celebrates Heritage
T— LETICIA SILVA
Chris, Katie, Claire, Piper and Quinn Kelley attended the celebration as a family with big smiles on their faces.
Don Price, Amy Quesinberry Price, and Tammy and Rick Polland chatted and laughed during the event.
Caroline and Darren Lengyel were all smiles during the event.
Above: Lucky To Be brought its best songs to the stage for Heritage Day.
Left: Hailee and Taylor Meli cozied up during the
Attendees brought their fur babies to celebrate.
Anne Bailey built community through local newspaper
Anne and George Bailey bought The Winter Garden Times in 1970 and shared the ins and outs of small-town living for 44 years.
HISTORIAN
When Anne Bailey and her husband, George, moved to Winter Garden in 1970 as the new owners of the weekly newspaper, she wasn’t sure how residents would react to “outsiders” sharing their news and stories. But the community welcomed the Baileys and their four sons to West Orange County, where the family worked together to expand a local treasure with their personal touches and a passion for keeping people “in the know.”
The Baileys continued the tradition for 44 years, changing the newspaper name several times to reflect the growing community surrounding Winter Garden — from The Winter Garden Times to The Times to The West Orange Times. Anne Bailey served as editor and writer, documenting the stories of West Orange County and giving residents a place to announce their engagements, weddings, growing families, fundraisers, school news and more. She also wrote about her family, neighbors and friends in her Editor’s Notebook column in the 1980s and ’90s.
Anne Bailey, of Ocoee, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the age of 94.
Anne Stevens Bailey’s life began in New England — she was born in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1931 to Evarts and Jane Stevens. She was well-educated, attending Abbot Academy, a girls’ preparatory school in Andover, Massachusetts, and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1953 from the private women’s school Smith College.
She was working at the Young & Rubicam advertising agency in New York when she met her future husband, an agency executive, at a Christmas Eve party. Five months later, Anne and
George Bailey were married in New York City.
They lived in different parts of the country as their family grew.
After the Baileys moved to Winter Garden with their four sons — ranging in age from 9 to 16 — they made West Orange County their home for the remainder of their lives.
The newspaper truly was a family affair, as all six folded and addressed newspapers on the living room floor each Tuesday night after George Bailey brought the bundles home from the Winter Haven printer in the back of his station wagon.
The newspaper grew in the Bailey era.
“They expanded it because there was attention being given to it,” said Andrew Bailey, one of the sons. “It went through a lot of different phases. … My parents became involved in it, and my dad
with his advertising background, he within a couple of years had gotten grocery accounts. It was certainly a little more legitimate after a few years.”
In 1996, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce presented Anne Bailey with the inaugural Athena Award for her “exemplary accomplishment and leadership as a businesswoman and in recognition of (her) dedicated service to the West Orange community.”
The Bailey family celebrated Anne and George’s 50th wedding anniversary in 2004 at Windermere Town Hall. After George Bailey’s death in 2008, Anne Bailey continued as newspaper co-owner with their son, Andrew Bailey. She worked there on a limited basis until the newspaper was sold in 2014.
When she wasn’t writing stories and manually laying out the
newspaper pages, Anne Bailey still maintained a connection to the community, delivering food to homebound senior citizens for many years with the Meals on Wheels program. It was through Meals on Wheels that she met Ted Van Deventer, another volunteer who lived in the area. In their later years, the two were companions until his death in 2020.
She also was a decades-long member of Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. Andrew Bailey remembers his mother as someone who always was creative but who preferred to operate in the background.
“She serviced my dad’s whims, but she was the creative force behind it,” he said. “My relationship with my mother was probably different than others because I worked with her for so many years and then I lived with
her and took care of her.”
Anne Bailey was preceded in death by two sons, Terry (1979) and Steve (1981); her husband of 54 years, George (2008); her brother, John; and a niece, Suzy Alarcon.
Besides Andrew Bailey, Anne Bailey is survived by her youngest son, John; sister-in-law, Ann Stevens; grandchildren, Laura (and Ralf) Vidal, John Bailey Jr., Erin (and Rees) Hoover and Zach (and Tara) Bailey; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Orien, Arden, Cannon, Barrett, Julia Jade, Hollis and Drew (whose birth is expected in April); and nieces and nephews, Mike Green, Patricia Green, Alice Dunning, Molly Malloy, Nancy Tobin, Judy Green, Karen Hutchinson and Ken Stevens. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden.
Left: Anne and George Bailey and their four sons donned cowboy hats for a Christmas card when they lived in Texas.
Below: Anne and George Bailey played a big role in the lives of their grandchildren.
Courtey photos
Anne Bailey was born in Connecticut and grew up in Wallingford.
Anne and George Bailey were married in May 1954, five months after they met at a Christmas Eve party.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1941: 85 years ago
Miss Rubie Harris’ second-grade pupils were guests of Lakeview High School’s chapel program. The children recently had won New Testaments by memorizing 36 Bible verses: John Arnold, Charlotte Graham, Helen Lesley, Raymond Spears, Jean Mask, Billy Simmons, Joyce Clark, Theresa Wheatly, Jane Charles, Eugene Charles, Donald Jarrett, Paul Argo, Virginia Beard, Robert Freeman, R.L. Rogers, Kathryn Carlton, Billy Peavey, John Lawrence Sewell and Ben Martin.
1976: 50 years ago
Eight young ladies were selected for the Lakeview Junior High Valentine Court: ninth-graders Sherri Brown, Allison Guernsey, Darlene Mitchell and Mary Roberson; eighth-graders Cindy Varnadoe and Annette Perechlin; and seventhgraders Tammy Broyles and Cathi Norris.
Mike Douglas, star of “The Mike Douglas Show,” was greeted by Walt Disney World characters during a visit to the Magic Kingdom. Douglas, with Anita Bryant and a dozen other top entertainment and sports personalities, taped five 90-minute shows at the theme park.
West Orange High School students and staff were busy getting acclimated in their new environment. They had been holding classes at the former Lakeview High School; students at Lakeview Junior High joined Ocoee Junior High in double sessions until the completion of the new building.
1996: 30 years ago
Orange County unveiled its first village concept for Horizon West. About 150 Southwest Orange landowners gathered at West Orange High School to hear from Don Phillips, president of Horizon West
There’s a lot of history to be gleaned from this photograph of an accident, found in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archive. The building might seem vaguely familiar to anyone driving from Oakland east toward Winter Garden. Soon after passing beneath the Sadler Oaks, you’ll see it standing on the northeast corner where State Road 438 crosses Tildenville School Road.
It was once the location of J.S. “Shorty” Reddick’s market and has since housed several small businesses. Reddick’s supplied the Tildenville neighborhood with meats, groceries and notions for many years and also cashed the checks of workers who labored in the region’s citrus groves. The store’s large, wooden freezer door now serves as an artifact on display at Harrell’s Hot Dogs on Plant Street. Reddick lived across the road on the northwest corner in the large brick house that replaced the Clarence G. Tilden home, the ornate Victorian structure seen in the background.
There’s so much to be seen along West Orange County’s quieter roads. Take a Sunday drive and discover.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Inc., who shared the basic concept of Village E, which was to have several neighborhoods of about 500 developable acres, each with a 15-acre elementary school site. The village center also would have a school site plus up to 60 acres for other purposes.
The West Orange Times asked students at Tildenville Elementary School to write about “What Valentine’s Day means to me.” Andria Kittle wrote: “The Kiss of
True Love — Mrs. Jenkins’ class had a Valentine’s party. Suzie brought red, white, purple and pink carnations for the teacher. There were cookies, candy, cards and a lot of giggling. Everybody brought their sweet tooth. Freddy made Suzie a special Valentine card. Everyone thought Cupid shot Freddy with the arrow of love. Suzie gave Freddy a kiss!”
Kiera Wright wrote: “Roses are red, violets are blue, I sit by the
window, and think of you.” Christine Jordan wrote: “I think about giving my parents a heart box of chocolate pieces of candy.”
Sam Manuel, 83, reminisced about his early days in Winter Garden when he worked with the original brick-laying crew in the early 1920s. As part of its revitalization program, the city relayed the old downtown streets with its original bricks.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
FEB. 12, 1976
It’s Valentine’s Day 1976, and you need to buy something for your sweetheart. Where are you going? Eckerd Drugs, of course! An advertisement in The Winter Garden Times offered a selection of sweet gifts for your sweetie, including a Swiss-made mood watch with a felt-like band for $10.99; Lanvin Atomiseur with 2 ounces of Arpege or My Sin perfume for $5; a lovable,
By Luis Campos
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