02.24.22 West Orange Times & Observer

W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 89, NO. 8

SPORTS

Basketball teams from West Orange-area schools cruise past first round of the state playoffs to keep their championship dreams alive.

SEE PAGE 15

FREE

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Windermere Prep throws fundraising carnival. 12.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

TAKING THE

PLUNGE

Ocoee improves Wurst Ten days after a child was struck on Wurst Road, the city created a new crosswalk at Wurst and Adair Street.

SEE PAGE 4.

COLORING THEIR WORLD

YOUR TOWN OCOEE OPENS NEIGHBORHOOD GRANT PROGRAM Applications for the Ocoee Neighborhood Matching Grant Program are available. The grant program is open to homeowner associations and to neighborhoods that do not have a structured HOA. The goal of the grant program is to assist residents with making improvements to their neighborhoods. There is $12,000 available, and the maximum grant award is $2,000.

The deadline to submit applications is March 18. Applications are available online at ocoee.org and at the City Hall reception desk. Completed applications should be mailed or delivered to Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive.

For more information, call (407) 905-3100.

HEAR ZACH MUTH ON OAKLAND PORCH

Ocoee police officer Natalia Ortiz braved icy waters at this year’s Polar Plunge — a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. STORY ON PAGE 4.

Courtesy photo

Join the town of Oakland from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, to listen to guitarist Zachary Muth perform on the porch of the Healthy Wets Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 W. Petris Ave. Muth, a HAPCO Music Foundation jazz guitarist, started playing the guitar at the age of 7, and after 14 years he has been playing and teaching other instruments, as well. He performs in various groups playing jazz, avant-garde/free improvisation and his original compositions.

Take a lunch or a cup of coffee and relax on the center’s rocking chairs or picnic tables along the West Orange Trail. While there, go inside to visit the Black History Month display.

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

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Postal Customer

Police: Woman stole from WGLL

Students at Foundation Academy laced up for the school’s 2022 Color Run, an annual fundraiser.

SEE PAGE 11.

FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT!

Jaclyn Lowe faces charges of third-degree grand theft and scheming to defraud. Police say she stole $4,176 from Winter Garden Little League. 3.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

OAKLAND COMMISSION For the first time in 16 years, voters in Oakland will cast ballots for an open Town Commission seat.

PAGE 3.

Horizon West resident Dr. Charles Lerner and his team won the top prize at the Legacy Events for Education’s first Central Florida Chili Cookoff Feb. 19. PAGES 6-7.

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Winter Garden community responds to OCPS’ proposed bus compound Residents in east Winter Garden are adamantly opposed to the Orange County School Board’s proposal to park up to 200 buses on the tech school property after it relocates.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Representatives from Orange County Public Schools hosted a community meeting Feb. 16 at Orange Technical College — West Campus to share their proposal to locate a bus compound on the east side of Winter Garden.

Residents who spoke, as well as officials from the city of Winter Garden, shared their opinion of the proposed project.

OTC — West is moving to Ocoee in 2024, and OCPS is proposing building a bus compound with up to 200 buses, a 10-bay repair facility and a fuel island on the 18.8-acre site on East Story Road.

The technical college campus originally was created for black students in West Orange County and called

Charles R. Drew High School. It was open until 1969.

Among those in attendance were officials representing OCPS facilities, transportation and design.

Lauren Roth, senior manager of Facilities Communications for OCPS, stressed the plan is in its early stages and said officials are looking at two other placement options.

OCPS has four bus depots and three bus compounds, and is looking to build three more compounds in three growing areas of the county. Officials said it would decrease fossil fuel usage, reduce nearly 310,000 “empty bus” miles annually and provide more than 150 jobs.

OCPS is proposing having primary access from East Story Road, removing several other property entry points, locating the maintenance bays as far north as possible on the site, and building a retention pond and eightfoot barrier wall on the west side of the property as a buffer for residents.

Drew High and its legacy would

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pound proposal “an assault on the community.”

“How is it that Story Road, which is a two-lane road, is going to handle all these buses?” one speaker asked.

“This is not going to help us. It’s not going to help our residents. … This is not the right place for this bus depot.

We deserve better.”

Ed Johnson, whose father had his first teaching job after college at Drew High, said he grew up a few blocks from the school.

“I work in land development,” he said. “I’m all for development, this is not the location for this bus (compound) because the people in this area need something better than this. … I don’t think it’s the place to honor the students and the graduates.”

He suggested several sites near State Road 429 that already are zoned industrial.

A nearby business owner said his employees provide 75 road-impact trips per day.

“I work in land development. I’m all for development, this is not the location for this bus (compound) because the people in this area need something better than this. … I don’t think it’s the place to honor the students and the graduates.”

— Ed Johnson

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be commemorated on the site, but it hasn’t been decided how this would be done.

After the OCPS presentation, the audience was given the opportunity to speak.

“We’re all very passionate about protecting this property,” Winter Garden City Manager Jon Williams said of the OTC land. “Our concerns not only are for this site and preserving the history of the site but extends beyond the property line.”

The city of Winter Garden embarked on a revitalization program for the eastside residents that includes improving health, safety and security, as well as working to bring new businesses and restaurants.

“This bus compound does not fit in that plan,” Williams said. “We made a promise to this neighborhood and the community. We stand in unity of opposing this bus compound and look forward to meeting with OCPS staff and finding an alternative site.”

The city and residents all are hoping to see the former Drew High School and its students honored. Several Drew High alumni were at the meeting. Many of the attendees’ families have lived in east Winter Garden for generations.

Residents called the bus com-

“We’re now talking about potential 200 buses, 200 vehicles, maintenance workers; we’re now talking about 500 trips a day,” the business owner said.

“How is the city of Winter Garden going to be able handle (this)?”

Other residents spoke in opposition.

“I appreciate all of the insight, all of the input, all of your concerns,” School Board Vice Chair Melissa Byrd said. “In my conversations with the superintendent, she is open to alternatives. This is land we own, and we needed a bus compound on this end of town, and it made sense in a logistical point of view.”

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson responded: “I do agree that we’re talking about logistics as the reasoning for this location, but the impacts are human.”

She urged OCPS to step back and look at the alternatives and consider the impact on the community.

“The school district needs a bus compound on this side,” Byrd said.

“We have built a lot of schools out here. … I’m trying to find something that might work better if we can. Nothing’s written in stone. …

We have time to find a solution that hopefully will work for everyone.”

She said OCPS has two other locations it could consider.

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MEET THE CANDIDATES

OAKLAND COMMISSION Incumbent and 10-year OaklandTown Commissioner Rick Polland will face off against political newcomer Matt Bunevich in Oakland’s first election in 16 years.

F

or the last 16 years, all candidates running for a seat on the Oakland Town Commission — or commissioners seeking re-election — faced no opposition and automatically elected to a fouryear term.

In the town’s first municipal election since 2006, there are two

qualifiers for Seat 1: incumbent Rick Polland and political newcomer Matthew Bunevich. Polland, a former financial advisor and division manager, joined the Town Commission in 2012 when he filled a seat vacated by former Commissioner Mona Phipps. Bunevich is an area leader for 7-Eleven, and

this is his first bid for office.

The West Orange Times & Observer sent a questionnaire to both candidates, and these are their responses. Responses have been edited for space. Complete, unedited answers are available on OrangeObserver.com.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

MATTHEW BUNEVICH

RICK POLLAND

AGE: 36 FAMILY: Wife of three years, Megan; 6-month-old daughter, Monroe YEARS IN OAKLAND: Two CAREER: Area leader for 7-Eleven; helps franchisees grow their business while maintaining brand standards.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, University of Central Florida CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS: None currently

AGE: 65 FAMILY: Wife of 34 years, Tammy YEARS IN OAKLAND: Bought land in 1996 and built their home in 1999-2000 CAREER: Recently retired. Background as a financial adviser and a division manager and license holder from a local mechanical company.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in accounting CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS: Board member, Oakland Nature Preserve and Friends of Lake Apopka

Why do you want to serve on the Oakland Town Commission?

After moving to Oakland, I found the community was growing, but the town was not evolving with it. Some examples are, we can finally pay our water bill online, the town is not on reclaimed water, few communityengagement events to help blend the new developments with the established residents. So, I challenged myself to make a difference and run for Town Commission.

Why do you feel that you are the best-qualified candidate for this office?

Honestly, it is time for change in the leadership of Oakland. The town is growing; there needs to be some new leadership brought to the table to match. I may not have the tenure in the community, but I do have a fresh, energetic perspective on how to engage the town.

What do you feel are the most important issues now that need to be addressed?

Oakland is in a triangle of three “namesake” areas (Clermont, Windermere and Winter Garden); but it has a charm that could be dismantled if not protected.

I believe we have to engage in conversations and developments that will lead to sustained local business growth while keeping the town a great place to live — from raising children to retiring. We have to protect that charm while blending the changes required to being a modern town.

What are your goals if elected?

Oakland has to continue to evolve. This means getting to the modern level of standard living as a community, to not feel like we are just Winter Garden adjacent, but the beautiful Town of Oakland. This means more engagement from the residents in projects that will help drive awareness to the preserve and history museum, becoming a green town, and ensuring the town continues to grow without losing the charm.

What is your response to residents who say the town is growing too fast and they don’t want to lose the “Mayberry” charm?

Change is inevitable; there is only so much land to develop, and Oakland has some valuable areas. But what is important to recognize is the influence the town leadership and residents can have on the partnerships taken with developers and businesses. If

the residents and leadership focus on blending the growth with the charm we want to maintain, it can work, but it has to be crafted and managed.

What are your thoughts on multifamily housing in Oakland?

Multifamily housing has benefits and detractors, but at the core, it is a business (most of the time, i.e., large-scale apartment complexes) and should be treated as such. Oftentimes, it sounds great, and the early stages of the partnership are advantageous to both. However, as time wears on, it can become clear that the business finds itself more important than the community they partnered with. This can lead to changing in tenants and rental value to guarantee profit, thus, affecting the community and its land/homeowners. It is important to understand that they are a business, and profit will remain their focus above all. It will take effort and leadership to safeguard the town from possible changes from these types of development.

What type of development on West Colonial Drive do you think would be most suitable for the town and why?

This land is valuable but can quickly turn to a drive-thru window buffet if allowed. I believe it is important to ensure development of these areas is of use to the community through revenue streams and high-quality anchors.

I would love a grocer to compete with Publix or an anchor that is future thinking. While restaurants and retail are expected and great, I do not want to be a wash-andrepeat from a few miles either way down the road. A high-quality anchor might also allow the town to encourage local businesses’ development with less competing national chains or brands.

How do you see the demographics of the town changing? How do you see that affecting life in Oakland?

The town of Oakland is getting younger, and amenities are now something that will be key to the future. Whether it be the golf-cart community in development, more community events to drive participation by residents and finding new ways to showcase Oakland as a town among the oaks. Did you know the town of Oakland does not have a Twitter account for community engagement? What about a community app for events and planning? These apps and forms of communication are now part of everyday life — no matter the age. Why not develop them to drive that community feel?

Why do you want to serve on the Oakland Town Commission?

Serving on the commission is a labor of love for all of us, as the compensation is only $50/month.

We serve because we care about Oakland and the quality of life we all work to protect. I have served on the commission for nine years, and we have come a long way in the past few years. My passion for serving is solving problems for our residents, ensuring our taxes are not wasted and that our smalltown charm is protected. That’s why I want to continue serving.

Why do you feel that you are the best-qualified candidate for this office?

Prior to being elected, I volunteered for seven years, serving on Oakland’s Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments and one year on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Professionally, I have retired with a background as a financial adviser and a division manager with a local mechanical company with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. My strong financial background has been a great aid in cutting waste and passing fiscally responsible budgets.

Another area which I’m passionate about is our environment and natural resources. That’s why I represent the Town of Oakland on the Oakland Nature Preserve Board and serve on the Board of Friends of Lake Apopka.

During my nine-year tenure on the commission, some of my proudest accomplishments include four years lowering and holding the line on property tax rates; new and improved parks and recreation areas; spearheading the town’s “dark sky lighting” initiative; requiring native and Florida-friendly landscaping on all new homes and buildings; and increasing greenspace acreage to the Oakland Nature Preserve.

What do you feel are the most important issues now that need to be addressed?

Managing the inevitable growth coming to Oakland and keeping the small-town charm that has attracted us all to Oakland.

Irrigating with an alternative water source so we can reduce the amount of potable water being used on lawns. We have everything in place, including the land for the pump station to use stormwater and canal water off of Lake Apopka; we are currently working on funding.

What are your goals if elected?

Going forward, I will continue focusing on lower property tax rates while providing residents with outstanding service and support; protecting Oakland’s charm and small-town identity in the

DEMOGRAPHICS n 3,516 Population 2020 U.S. Census n 3,895 Population 2021 estimate, a 10.8% Increase n 35.8 Median age in Oakland n 42.4 Median age in Florida n 76.9% 18 years and older n 12.4% 65 years and older n 84.8% English spoken in the home n 10.2% Spanish spoken in the home n 5% Other language spoken in the home n $110,118 Median household income n 36.2% Bachelor’s degree or higher n 70% Employment rate n 1,339 Total housing units n 963 Total households n 56.4% Occupied units paying $1,500 to $ 1,999 in rent n 3.33 Average person in family n 10% Without health care coverage n 59.9% Married n 3.1% Widowed n 8.6% Divorced n 28% Never married

face of growth; and ensuring an open, accessible and transparent Town Hall.

What is your response to residents who say the town is growing too fast and they don’t want to lose the “Mayberry” charm?

This is the reason so many of us have chosen to move to or stay in Oakland. We are such a unique community. I plan to do all I can to maintain that. We must be smart now about the decisions that could affect the future of this special place. We don’t need to look like Clermont or Winter Garden. We have specific guidelines that developers along the highway must adhere to. We are different and want to continue to make Oaklanders proud to live here. I have voted for a six-month moratorium on multifamily housing.

What are your thoughts on multifamily housing in Oakland?

I have voted to stop or slow them down. I recently voted for the six-month moratorium on all multifamily housing. The most recent multifamily projects being proposed in Oakland have either been turned down, or the developers withdrew their applications. So now, it’s time for a public discussion to determine how to move forward without wasting the town’s and the developers’ time and money processing applications.

What type of development on West Colonial Drive do you think would be most suitable for the town and why?

I would like to see some unique retail and restaurants that complement Oakland’s charm. It would be a gathering place for our residents and a draw to our nearby neighbors in Winter Garden or Clermont.

How do you see the demographics of the town changing? How do you see that affecting life in Oakland?

I see a new generation already in Oakland. Many of our existing residents come from families that have been in Oakland for generations. We are a very tight-knit community, and I’d love to see the integration of the old and new Oakland. Oakland has a rich heritage. The gems of our community are the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at Oakland as well as the Oakland Nature Preserve. I see our town’s identity as one of well-being, respect for our natural surroundings and a love of our roots. This is what brings us together!

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

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Woman arrested for stealing from Little League Jaclyn Lowe was president of the Winter Garden Little League when police say she stole more than $4,000 from its bank account.

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

A former Winter Garden Little League president was arrested Friday, Feb. 11, for stealing money from the league’s accounts.

According to Winter Garden Police Department reports, Jaclyn Lowe, 43, was charged with third-degree grand theft and scheming to defraud after a league investigation revealed Lowe had made withdrawals totaling $4,176 from the league’s SunTrust account. Lowe used the money to make purchases at retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon, the report said.

In a statement given to police

by Leesa Hodges, assistant district administrator for Florida District 14 Little League, the league received a parent complaint in July 2020 asking for a review of the league’s financials.

The ensuing review revealed several anomalies, including cash withdrawals, purchases at various retailers, as well as a missing computer, Hodges said.

In October 2020, Lowe gave the league a check for $329.99, a check for $22.74 and a Best Buy gift card in the amount of $350.

However, that leaves a balance of $3,473.27, which does not include debit card purchases still in question, Hodges said in her statement.

“The actions of Jaclyn Lowe, and we stress, the former president of the Winter Garden Little League, greatly affected the trust granted to her by the Board of Directors of the league,” the league said in a prepared statement. “Since uncovering Ms. Lowe’s alleged actions, which included a number of expenditures and financial transactions (that) did not appear to have been used for the operation of the league itself, the matter was fully vetted by law enforcement officials.

“When Ms. Lowe’s actions were brought to the attention of the league’s board and the District 14 staff, the District staff initiated an investigation (into) the matter and found a number of inconsistencies in the expenditures and financial transactions made by Ms. Lowe,” the statement said. “Again, once discovered, the matter was turned over to the appropriate law enforcement officials for their full vetting and investigation.

“The league and district offices have fully cooperated with law enforcement officials, and will await a decision of Ms. Lowe’s peers through the criminal justice system,” the statement said.

“The league has now moved forward from the impact of Ms. Lowe’s actions on the league’s family of parents and players.”

Winter Garden Little League is scheduled to host its opening day celebration Saturday, Feb. 26, at the WGLL fields, 415 S. Park Ave. Although this case is ongoing, it is not affecting the league’s ability to move forward with its season, Hodges said.

Lowe posted bond. Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, March 3.

Courtesy photo

Jaclyn Lowe’s arraignment is scheduled for March 3.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Changing the world, one goosebump at a time ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

O

coee Police Officer Natalia Ortiz said she wants to make a mark and leave a lasting

impact.

At 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Aquatica Waterpark, she did just that.

Feb. 12 marked the 12th anniversary of the Special Olympics Orlando Polar Plunge.

Like hundreds of others, Ortiz was plunged into icy water for a good cause.

“It was a great experience to be a part of something as amazing as Polar Plunge,” Ortiz said. “The atmosphere at the event was very warm, fun and welcoming. I enjoyed every part of the contact — from the check-in and the numerous Special Olympic athletes who paved the way to the destination of the plunge. The plunge itself was cold and uncomfortable as expected, but it’s the impact that leaves a lasting mark.”

Polar Plunge is an annual fundraising drive for those “brrrr-ave” enough to take the challenge. Participants or “plungers” raise funds for the Special Olympics Florida by getting wild and plunging into chilly water.

About 200 plungers took on the challenge in teams and individually.

This year’s campaign aimed to raise $153,500. The campaign is currently at $136,961.

Participants and attendees also enjoyed food and drinks, costume

“Whenever you have the pleasure to speak to the athlete, you see joy and enthusiasm in their eyes and excitement like no other.

This is our ‘why’ of why we continue to provide such fundraisers.”

— Natalia Ortiz

contests, live music and more at the event.

The event was especially important this year. This summer, Orlando will host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which occur every four years, with several notable athletes competing from the Central Florida area.

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

Ortiz said the Polar Plunge event was introduced at the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run kickoff event.

The LETR is a running event in which officers and athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, state and provincial Games, and National Summer or Winter Games.

At the meeting, Special Olympics advertises upcoming events and ways to fundraise for their organization.

“As a team member of the Ocoee Police Department, we want to participate in fundraisers or events that benefit the community such as the Special Olympics,” Ortiz said. “It is our honor to represent the department and express our efforts to the community and the organization.”

Individually, Ortiz said she decided to participate in the fundraising event because it provided opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world.

She said the Special Olympic athletes are finding success, joy and friendship as part of the global community. The fundraisers give athletes the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

The fundraisers also help to alleviate financial burdens on some of the families.

“Whenever you have the pleasure to speak to the athlete, you see joy and enthusiasm in their eyes and excitement like no other, Ortiz said. “This is our ‘why’ of why we continue to provide such fundraisers.”

Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia said the department is invested in the community.

“We get involved and champion those we serve,” she said. “Community Service Officer Ortiz is an integral part of our making those invaluable connections. We could not be more proud of her taking the Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics and their athletes.”

Friedrich Hayek

Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.

If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE Courtesy photos

Ocoee Police Officer Natalia Ortiz celebrated her Polar Plunge with retired Sgt. Jim Berish.

In addition to the Polar Plunge and LETR, Ortiz started the Tip A Cop event in 2021, where law enforcement officers and department personnel volunteer their time as “Celebrity Waiters” to collect tips at a restaurant, to benefit the Special Olympics when she joined the community affairs division of the department in 2020.

The Ocoee Police Department will next participate in the Tip A Cop event March 9 at Texas Roadhouse.

The restaurant will donate 10% of each bill to the Special Olympics.

Last year, the Ocoee Police Department raised $1,771 from the event.

This year, Ortiz said the department wants to double the number.

The department and other agencies will then participate in the annual LETR on April 19.

“When Ocoee PD participates in events like this, it brings awareness of the cause to the community and helps others,” Ortiz said. “By participating in these events, it makes a difference to the whole community and the officers and families involved.”

HOW TO HELP

To donate to the Ocoee Police Department’s Tip A Cop event, visit bit.ly/3H14qiJ.

The change comes 10 days after a child riding a bike was struck by a car. The hit-andrun incident was captured by a neighbor’s Ring camera.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Ten days after a child was hit at the intersection of Wurst Road and Adair Street, city workers installed a crosswalk at the intersection.

Ashley Wynn, the mother of the child, is thankful her child is OK but wants to make sure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else. She suggested a three-way stop, crosswalks and a pedestrian signal could help combat the issue.

“I know that the traffic is bad because some of the detours, but I want to know what can be done now,” Wynn said. “My kids have not gone out to ride bikes in the neighborhood since that event, they have not talked about riding bikes, and I don’t know when they’re going to want to. I don’t know if I can even say it’s safe to go out in our own community that we live in.”

Another resident, Irene Welch,

“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.”

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Ocoee installs crosswalk at troubled intersection

While Ocoee Police Department officers still are searching for the suspect driver who hit a child Feb. 7 at Adair Street and Wurst Road, the city’s leadership wasted no time in making the intersection safer.

Two days after discussion regarding the intersection at the Feb. 15, Ocoee City Commission meeting, employees from Ocoee’s Public Works Department were building a crosswalk at the intersection.

The change comes 10 days after the hit-and-run incident. According to Ocoee police reports, at about 5:35 p.m. Feb. 7, the suspect driving a mid-2000s blue Toyota Corolla hit a child who was riding a bicycle on Wurst Road. The driver did not stop to render aid to the child or give any information.

The incident was captured by a neighbor’s Ring camera.

The vehicle had a faded roof and possibly could have damage to the right front passenger side of the vehicle. A witness stated the driver may possibly have been a young male driver. The child was uninjured.

Observer

said visibility is a problem at the intersection.

“The problem is (drivers) are allowed to park out in front of their houses, and (I) live right on the corner,” she said. “The people trying to get off Adair at busy times cannot see past the trunks. A lot of times, the traffic will not stop for children.”

At the meeting, City Manager Robert Frank said the city has been collecting speed data and traffic counts. Police also have been monitoring the area.

“You all may have seen we had the police down there, and they wrote quite a few tickets,” he said. “We’re going to keep them there for a while to try and make a dent.”

IN OTHER NEWS n The consent agenda passed unanimously; Commissioner George Oliver was not present.

Some of the items included the purchase of four new Motorola radios for the police department, which will cost $26,000; the approval of improvements to a sidewalk on Ingram Road; and the approval of a resolution to make the city of Ocoee a partner in the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection project. n Bike/Walk Central Florida Executive Director Emily Hanna gave a presentation about the Trails Connection project. The project is part of an overall initiative to improve the trails around West Orange and make them more connected, which will in turn improve the overall health of the community. Winter Garden, Windermere, Oakland and Apopka had all signed on to be partners in this initiative. n The commission hosted a public hearing for a contract with Wire Development to develop commercial property at Ocoee Apopka Road and Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, planned to be 16.19 acres and cost about $3 million. The commission voted unanimously to approve the contract.

The video of the hit-and-run incident is available at neighbors.ring. com/n/VjPm4pNuBO. Anyone with information about the driver in the incident should call Officer Duane Hunt, (407) 554-7216.

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121.

For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

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

To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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Windermere Fine Art Show returns with new artists, work The show will celebrate its sixth year Saturday, Feb. 26, and Sunday, Feb. 27, in downtown Windermere.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Although the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2021 Windermere Fine Art Show, it also inspired several locals to discover their inner artist.

And later this month, when the show makes its triumphant return to the town of Windermere, there will be some new faces.

Although Windermere’s Michael Beck never had any formal training, art has been a hobby of his since he was in the fifth grade.

However, when the pandemic hit, Beck found himself unemployed — and at home with his wife and three children.

“I started working on my art again and found myself staying up to all hours of the night perfecting my skills,” he said. “I was drawing with my kids at breakfast and teaching my 7-year-old how to draw. My wife started to take notice, and with her pushing and amazing support, ‘Art

by Mike B.’ was created.”

Beck specializes in graphite portraits of people and pets, as well as landscapes and buildings.

“I really love being able to capture my subject’s personality,” he shared.

“Whether it be a pet, grandchild or even landscape, there is something unique about each moment that I try to capture and showcase in the portrait.”

For more, visit artbymikeb.com or find Beck on Instagram, @Graphite.

Mike.

Windermere Arts Chair Anne Scharer started the show as the Windermere Art Affair in 2016. Since then, it has grown into a staple event.

This year, the show will feature more than 80 artists — more than 30 under

age 18— and their creations in clay, pottery, painting, sculpting, woodworking and more.

“Seeing how happy the artists are when they sell their artwork and they realize that what they’ve done is truly good enough … I think that’s what really inspires me about these individuals,” Scharer said.

The show, set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27, will feature awards, vendors, live entertainment, food, drinks and even live performances from Amanda Finnegan’s Finnegan Academy of Irish Dance and jazz music from Richard Lafferty.

Like Beck, 16-year-old Lydia Erickson also is excited to showcase her work. Erickson always had an interest in art but fell in love with painting because of free time during the pandemic.

As for her pottery, she started under the introduction of her ceramics teacher in her freshman year of high school.

“There is always something new to learn about in art, and this has always been so motivating for me,” she said.

“I love to try new techniques and experiment with styles, and visual art really has no limit to what you can create. Art is never boring to me because of the endless possibilities.”

Find Erickson on Facebook at Tinywatercolors.

Beck and Erickson — relative newcomers to the art world — will be joined by Windermere artist Linda Mamounas who has sold her work throughout the United States and internationally, as well as showcased her work at the SOBO Art Gallery.

After the passing of her father more than three years ago, Mamounas decided someone should use his art supplies. She said what happened next was a transformative experience.

“I could hear my father’s voice and his laughter while painting with his things,” she said. “Memories of him and my mother flooded through me.”

Find Manounas on Instagram @ Lisa_Mamounas_Art.

WINDERMERE FINE ART SHOW WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 WHERE: Main Street, downtown Windermere ADMISSION: Free DETAILS: Funds raised from the show will help in beautification of the town and also go to Windermere police officer Lori Sipek and her son, L.T. WEBSITE: windermerearts.com

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

BAPTIST

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

Wally the Warrior and PTSO volunteers represented West Orange High School.

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Also viewable on YouTube METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Competition sizzles at first Central Florida Chili Cookoff

D

CHURCH DIRECTORY

www.starkelakebaptist.org

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

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

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Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

The cornhole tournament featured fierce competitors throughout the day.

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

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

espite the forecast for cooler temperatures, the competition was sizzling hot at Legacy Events for Education’s inaugural Central Florida Chili Cookoff, which took place Saturday, Feb. 19, at Hamlin Town Center.

The event featured dozens of amateur and professional chili chefs and their best recipes. In addition to sampling the various chilis, guests enjoyed a kids zone, perusing a variety of vendor booths and marveling at the skill on display at the cornhole tournament.

The event raised funds for the nonprofit, which supports programs and students at West Orange-area high schools.

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Advertise your summer programs in the 2022 Summer Fun Guide, while parents are thinking about summer break and what their kids will be doing when school is out.

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CALL (407) 656-2121

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Gina Mangiatordi, of the YMCA of Central Florida, enjoyed the day.

|

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

7

Cycle Bar representatives Gena Lane, left, John Pinaghi, Adam Drayton and Kaitlin Dylnicki.

Horizon High School won the PTSO chili competition.

Chili cooks competed for a variety of awards.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

REAL ESTATE

OBSERVER

Isleworth estate sells for $5 million A

home in the Isleworth community near Win-

dermere topped all West Orange-area residential realestate transactions from Feb. 12 to 18.

The home at 5507 Worsham

Wouldn't NOTICES KEEP PUBLIC want know IN NEWSPAPERS. ?

WE ALL LOVE A CONVENIENT GAS STATION,

you

These are the highest-sell-

plans to put one on

ing homes in each commu-

the property next to your house...

nity in West Orange.

The informed find public notices in newspapers.

Don’t place them inside government-run websites where they can be hidden and manipulated. Keep public notices front and center, in print, where they can be accessed and referenced.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

The townhouse at 8048 Glenlloyd Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $405,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,505 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

BE INFORMED

DON’T LET FLORIDA LAWMAKERS REMOVE YOUR RIGHT Read public notices to find out what’s going on in your community. TO KNOW! Call your legislators and voice your opinion today.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 15079 Driftwater Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $540,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,426 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 48.

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LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

ing area. Days on market: 514.

but when there are

for $488,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,714 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

five baths, four half-baths and 10,200 square feet of liv-

to

Total Sales: 49 High Sale Price: $5 million Low Sale Price: $171,900

2008, it has five bedrooms,

Feb. 15, for $5 million. Built in

New Neighbors

SNAPSHOT

The townhouse at 7741 Moser Ave., Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $365,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

Court, Windermere, sold

The home at 6234 Lewis and Clark Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18,

The home at 15724 Cutter Sail Place, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $1,118,118. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,811 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 389.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The condo at 11562 Amidship Lane, No. 103, Windermere, sold Feb. 18, for $360,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

LAKEVIEW POINTE

The townhouse at 7363 Duxbury Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $360,000. Built in 2017, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,456 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

MERRICK LANDING

The townhouse at 6339 Blu Knight Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 18, for $359,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,401 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

HAMMOCKS

WINDERMERE

HIDDEN OAKS

The home at 8432 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 17, for $1,568,500. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,868 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

PLANTATION GROVE WEST

The home at 8408 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 17, for $940,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 3,245 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 804 Rosemist Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 16, for $429,000.

Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,378 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

The home at 414 S. Cumberland Ave., Ocoee, sold Feb. 15, for $585,000.

Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,567 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

The home at 11001 Orangeshire Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 18, for $560,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,600 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

RESERVE AT MEADOW LAKE

corcoran.com

The home at 1534 Sagebrook Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 14, for $400,000.

Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 5507 Worsham Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $5 million. This custom estate is situated on the 14th green of Isleworth Country Club.

OASIS COVE II

The townhouse at 14340 Desert Haven St., No. 4005, Windermere, sold Feb. 16, for $322,500. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,067 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14549 Cedar Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $535,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,916 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

ROYAL ESTATES

The townhouse at 9017 Via Di Canti Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 17, for $450,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,322 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8219 Purple Sandpiper Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 17, for $530,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,054 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 13.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15231 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $585,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,953

square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13884 Bluebird Pond Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $630,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,748 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 23.

The home at 13486 Sunkiss Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $650,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,342 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. WATERLEIGH

The home at 10386 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $621,380. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.

The home at 16149 Azure Key St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $546,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Four.

WATERMARK

The home at 14612 Glade Hill Park Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $744,000. Built in 2015, it has

five bedrooms, four baths and 3,892 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SILVER GLEN

OAKLAND

The home at 1749 Glenhaven Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 14, for $359,900.

Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,424 square feet of living area.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1877 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Feb. 14, for $431,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,986 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.

WATERSIDE

The home at 2706 Child St., Ocoee, sold Feb. 18, for $400,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,938 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK

The home at 1759 Black Maple Place, Ocoee, sold Feb. 14, for $525,000.

Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,933 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

|

e m o c l e W

KEENE’S POINTE

WINTER GARDEN BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 725 Tranquil Trail, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $520,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,834 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 33.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1064 Orange Wharf Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $420,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,038 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

GLYNWOOD

The home at 13537 Glynshel Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $660,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,871 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

REFRESH YOUR

! l l HOME a F

ARDEN PARK SOUTH

The home at 1439 Terra Verde Way, Ocoee, sold Feb. 17, for $595,000.

Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,092 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

BORDEAUX

The condo at 2015 Erving Circle, No. 108, Ocoee, sold Feb. 15, for $200,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,234 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

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The home at 1439 Terra Verde Way, Ocoee, sold Feb. 17, for $595,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Feb. 12 to 18.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

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The home at 16550 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $675,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Feb. 12 to 18.

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The home at 3273 Sailing Pier Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $500,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,990 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

M.C. BRITT

The home at 223 E. Lafayette St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $249,000. Built in 1940, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,292 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

MAGNOLIA WOOD

The home at 1556 Coluso Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $480,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,916 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 40.

OAKS AT BRANDY LAKE

The home at 857 Bending Oak Trail, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $475,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,212 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Seven.

STONE CREEK

The home at 15326 Beamleigh Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 17, for $410,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

The home at 1844 Sherbourne St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $385,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,3409 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Eight.

The home at 1415 Sherbourne St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $373,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,369 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 11.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1367 Castleport Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $565,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,679 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. TWINWATERS

The home at 16550 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $675,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE

The home at 17126 Quicksilver Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $428,135. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,023 square feet of living area.

WESTFIELD LAKES

The home at 12000 Radbourne St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $480,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,451 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

WINTERMERE POINTE

The home at 2016 Tall Oak Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $609,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,726 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

11

Foundation students lace up for Color Run

F

oundation Academy students and families powered through a 2-mile course for the school’s 2022 Color Run Friday, Feb. 11, at the Tilden Campus.

After starting on the football field, runners followed a route around the school buildings. Throughout the course, volunteers doused the participants with colorful powder.

All participants received an event T-shirt and medal.

The annual run is a fundraiser that supports Foundation programs.

h

— MICHAEL ENG

Some runners welcomed the colorful addition to their T-shirts.

a

After the race, the sixth-graders still had plenty of energy to dance the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’

Runners who finished early lined the finish line to cheer on their classmates.

Right: With a time of 13:48, sixth-grader Chase Fouraker was the first to cross the finish line.

Participants received a special medal.

Left: Students supported one another as they neared the end of the run.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

Thrill rides entertained guests at the WPS carnival.

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Step right up! Lakers blow off steam at carnival

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VISIT YOUR LOCAL Y! DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA ROPER YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd 100 Windermere Rd Orlando, FL 32819 Winter Garden, FL 34787

indermere Preparatory School opened its campus for a family fun night Saturday, Feb. 12, for the WPVA Rockin’ Carnival.

Attendees were treated to rides, bounce houses, bumper cars, a rock wall, slide cyclone swing, club booths, carnival games, a deejay and a karaoke show. Food trucks lined the entrance for those who were hungry or in need of a snack. Students enjoyed the evening under the stars and the chance to get together for some fun.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

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13

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE TEACHERS RATIFY 2021-22 CTA CONTRACT

ANDY SUGRIM, DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL

Teachers ratified agreements for salary and other articles in the Orange County School Board and Classroom Teachers Association contract for 2021-22.

The contract salary agreement was ratified by a majority vote of 73.1% “yes,” and the health and safety memorandum of understanding was ratified by a majority vote of 86.7% “yes.”

The compensation package provides:

Andy Sugrim is the Food Nutrition Manager at Dr. Phillips High School. With his dedicated team of 12 staff members, they are responsible for feeding about 700 students breakfast, 1,700 students lunch and 100 students dinner. His focus is also on training, teaching, coaching and encouraging staff growth. He was honored to be featured on the Orange County Public Schools social media for “Meet the Manager Monday” for the month of February and was an award nominee at the 2021 Annual conference and Expo in November 2021 at Daytona Beach.

What brought you to your school?

I joined the OCPS family on Dec. 3, 2019, as part of the Manager in Training Program. Upon graduation I was sent to Dr. Phillips High School. I have never looked back since. What brought me to OCPS was the work schedule and quality of life with my family.

What do you love most about your school?

I love my food service team of dedicated and hard working women, the administration team, and the custodial and engineering team, who have always supported my team and me. Lastly, I enjoy feeding and building a positive relationship with the students on a daily basis.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The impact that I have on the students by providing a well-balanced and nutritious meal — while also establishing relationships with the administration team and student body.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy gardening and working on cars. Also, learning how to do things

REPORT CARD POSITION: Food nutrition manager TIME AT SCHOOL: Two years, OCPS three years

by reading or watching DIY videos.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Now we’re going back to the midlower 1980s, but I had a fifth-grade teacher named Mary. I wasn’t the smartest or well behaved young man, and I got in trouble a whole lot.

But every day, Mary encouraged me to do my best and never gave up on me. I have never forgotten Mary’s kind words to this day.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Why? I wanted to become a police officer.

My childhood neighborhood wasn’t always the safest place growing up, and I wanted to help change that by becoming an officer to help the communities become better.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Native Son” was by far my favorite childhood book growing up. The book was based on “fear” and how to overcome fear in any situation in life.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy camping, canoeing, hiking and anything that involves connecting with Mother Nature.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I grew up listening to Bob Marley with my dad. He sang about his life and its simplicity. Bruce Springsteen was also my favorite, because I love

the passion and power in his voice.

Lastly, I grew up in the hip hop era, so I listen to 2Pac. He sang about life’s challenges (such as) injustices and inequality.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

I was not a picky young man growing up, so I ate what was offered during school lunches and was very grateful. I did however enjoy the chocolate milk and cookies in the snack lines.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. It’s a time when family and friends can share a meal, enjoy some fun humor, and mostly be grateful for the blessings that we have received.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why?

Ironically, I have a best friend to this day named Andy. He was the guy (who) always stood up for me and made sure I got home safe every day. We are still in contact with each other.

n Instructional personnel also will receive a one-time $2,500 supplement hired on or before Oct. 8, 2021, and remain working as of the day of payout. n A cost-of-living increase of $100 for all instructional personnel, and statemandated performance pay of an additional $400 for teachers rated as “Highly Effective” for 2020-21 and an additional $200 for teachers rated as “Effective” for 2020-21. n In addition, instructional personnel will receive a retention supplement for the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 202324 school years based on cumulative years of instructional employment in a benefited position as of the initial date of payout for each year of the threeyear program. n There are no premium increases associated with the plan design changes in health insurance coverage through the 2023-24 plan year, and the board will cover the costs associated with continuing the 2020-21 plan design of the medical plan for 2021-22.

DR. PHILLIPS HOSTS ART AND POETRY NIGHT Seniors in Dr. Phillips High School’s Center for International Studies magnet hosted an Art and Poetry Night Thursday, Feb. 17, to honor and celebrate talent from around the world. The seniors worked on culturally diverse booths to allow visitors to learn and particpate in interactive activities.

Booths included Kings Day, Eurasia and East Asia customs and holidays, French poetry, and even an origami and poetry station.

r r e e n n t r t r r e r e n ! a t ! a n r r s t s ! e P a P th s r n PPaa U t U U r ! h h s t P i t U U i w h i h t i t ww wwi

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I played in the band as a trumpet player in junior high school in New York City.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

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Observer School Zone_021821.indd 1

Observer School Zone_021821.indd 1

2/12/21 9:24 AM

2/12/21 9:24 AM

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

Mr. and Mrs. Phil C. Peters were hosts at their home entertaining as their guests members of the faculty of Lakeview High School.

The party was in the form of a buffet supper with the George Washington motif used in the decorations featuring red roses.

The young son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fulmer has been named Lavon Coleman Fulmer.

80 years ago

There were 102 boys from Winter Garden serving Uncle Sam: 67 in the Army (selectees), 13 enlisted in the Army, six in the Navy, eight in the Marine Corps, seven commissioned officers in the Air Corps and one in the foreign service.

75 years ago

The new business block of W.F. Hartzog and Ed Fisher on Plant Street next to the Winter Garden Theatre was nearing completion.

Fisher said the building had been leased to the Interstate Department Stores Inc. and would open one of its stores here.

70 years ago

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.

Freeman, J.H. Butler and Earl Hunter were co-hostesses at a bridal tea/shower honoring Mrs. William Jarrett. Guests were invited to the home of Mrs. Vernon Walker in Winter Garden Shores.

40 years ago

For the second consecutive year, the Winter Garden community booth at the Central Florida Fair won in almost every category — capturing 14 of the 19 first-place

ribbons, including the coveted Best Decorated Booth Award.

Ocoee’s community booth won the second-largest number of first-place ribbons, winning four of the five that Winter Garden did not win.

20 years ago

Orange County planned a grandopening ceremony for a new park in West Orange County. George Bailey Park was built next to Lake

Whitney Elementary School at the corner of Roberson and Windermere roads. The park, which included baseball fields, was named for the longtime owner of The West Orange Times.

Ted and Marian Wiedenbeck, residents of Winter Garden since 1949, celebrated 60 years of marriage on Valentine’s Day.

crossword

celebrity cipher

A MODEL THEME by Christina Iverson. Edited by David Steinberg

DOWN

©2022 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

FEB. 25, 1982 How many of us grew up with bakeware and dish sets courtesy of Food World or some other grocery store? Food World advertised in the Feb. 25, 1982, issue of The Times announcing the latest pieces in its Ekco Baker’s Secret Non-Stick Bakeware set. Shoppers could buy the eight-inch round cake pan for 99 cents or the oblong pan for $1.99.

“Either piece is a welcome addition to any kitchen. During the next few weeks, Food World will be featuring all 14 pieces of this easy-release, scratchresistant bakeware at extra-value prices.”

Other pieces were various sizes of pans (roast, pizza, pie, brownie and loaf) and cookie sheets.

This aerial photograph shows the path of the tornado that ripped through Winter Garden from the vicinity of John’s Lake Feb. 22, 1998 — almost 25 years ago.

It came in over the lake, crossed Florida’s Turnpike, tore through the neighborhood known as Possum Hollow on Avalon Road (just north of the turnpike overpass) and crossed State Road 50. It ravaged sections of Winter Garden’s southeast quarter. Three residents of the Hyde Park community lost their lives.

The West Orange Times, with Amy Quesinberry as project lead, published a comprehensive book about the destruction left in the tornado’s wake and how the community came together to rebuild what was destroyed.

85 years ago

George M. Barley, manager of Diamond R Fertilizer Co., was named chairman of the annual American Red Cross Drive to raise $2,000 in the Winter Garden-Tildenville area. Serving with Barley were Dal Duppenthaler, Lee Grimes, Henry Britt, Gerald Thompson, John Girvin, Bob Davis, Tom Cox and Alton Haler.

The Rotary Club held its annual Ladies Night at the American Legion building. Bob Davis, president, gave the welcome address and then introduced Louis Warden as master of ceremonies. A dance followed the banquet.

The Mmes. W.T. Highfill, P.H.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FROM THE ARCHIVES

37 Mark with two dots 39 Purpose 1 Love, in Lombardy 40 Wedding seater 6 Line crossers?

41 “Someone told me ...”

11 Part of UCLA 43 Not taken in by 14 Part of UNLV 17 Button inside a blouse? 44 Cosmic fate 46 Faulty firework 18 ___ opposites 49 “We’re all out of that 19 Fizzy drink Ford SUV”?

20 Shipped 52 Rae of “The Lovebirds” 21 Last Nissan pickup at 53 Jitters while putting the dealership?

24 82-Across’s features a 54 Recipe verb after “combine” butterfly 55 Western native 25 Peppermint Patty, to 56 Finally registered Marcie 58 Wedding runner 26 She has a wool coat 60 “Strip of cloth” in 27 Place for a piercing Sanskrit 28 Anderson on CNN 62 Criticizing 30 Descendant 63 Look for your Kia hatch33 Makes a compact back in a crowded lot?

Chevy?

67 Pat with four Grammys 68 Protest singer Seeger 69 Unclothed 70 Harshly criticize 71 Inflate, as a resume 72 Elizabethan collar’s shape 73 “House” actor Omar 77 How some NBA games end 78 Honda SUV used in a commercial?

82 Web portal since 1995 83 Creamy breakfast dish 85 “Include me!”

86 Spanish for “madame” 87 Noble below a viscount 89 ___-garde 90 Last word of many fairy tales 91 Exits a Subaru sedan?

95 Joyce ___ Oates 97 Bring into a conversation 98 End of Reed College’s address 99 Chunk of cash 100 “___ been thinking ...”

103 Mid-March date 104 Own a Dodge SUV that excels in crash tests?

111 Boston NBA player, briefly 112 Shiraz’s country 113 Candy heart sentiment 114 “Silly” birds 115 Free app annoyances 116 According to 117 Enchanting singer of myth 118 Party throwers

1 Insects in underpants, in a phonics book 2 When doubled, a Hawaiian fish 3 Miss the alarm, maybe 4 Soccer official 5 Director Roth 6 Reproduce like salmon 7 Nat King ___ 8 Alien of ‘80s TV 9 Setting for many jokes 10 Full show letters 11 Longest river in France 12 “Kind of an ___ to Duty” (Nash poem) 13 “Oh, fun” in response to a chore, e.g.

14 Inspiration for a spotted print 15 Red emotion in “Inside Out” 16 Birth bird 19 “On the double!”

20 Incline 22 Lead-in to “classical” 23 Orderly 29 Workers’ protection org.

31 Seasoning in a grinder 32 Regarding 33 Singer Oberst 34 Communion, e.g.

35 Name within “on the nose” 36 “Why not?!”

37 Shanghai or Bangkok 38 Surprised greeting 39 Animals many children want 42 Sony’s portable CD player 44 2021 Bachelorette Thurston 45 “Great” animal 47 Employing 48 “Fudge!”

50 Turn the wheel 51 Blessing’s opposite 52 Hot tips and such 56 Nauseates 57 Tennis great Arthur

59 “Hello ___” (classic cellphone tagline) 60 “Blue ___ Shoes” 61 Modifier key on a PC 62 Clog-clearing product 63 ___ list (scholarly award) 64 Pungent rolls with holes 65 Australian gems 66 Rub with oil 67 Fedora feature 71 Sweetie, in the U.K. 72 2004-13 forensic spinoff 74 People follow them in movies 75 Study, with “over” 76 Twinkling thing 78 “Bossypants” author Fey 79 Paper towel brand 80 Green Apple product, perhaps 81 Fruit that may grow inside a brandy bottle 83 “Cousin” on “Succession” 84 Fruit on a thorny bush 88 “Stop!” on a ship 89 ___ de Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea) 91 German camera company 92 Concluded 93 Burton who will host “Trivial Pursuit” 94 Where Eve lived 95 Jambalaya cuisine 96 Hurly-burly 99 Contraction that sounds like a hair extension 101 Sleeveless garment 102 <O> <O> 105 “___ you free?”

106 Bro’s sib, maybe 107 Comedian Wong 108 Fox’s coat 109 Disgusted exclamation 110 ___ Speedwagon

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“J’ND KDNDB GDDK OGXD PR WXOK VA XJED. J CTUP XTBYZ EBRV JKLDYJUJRK PR JKLDYJUJRK.”

– OXOK BJYFVOK

“N VLJFLUC GUJFRNRO GUVVTRV JATDL AUNRO J OTTC HUFVTR GTRO AUPTFU N UEUF IRUM MBJL AJVIULAJGG MJV.” – KDGNDV UFENRO

“BPBAXTWB VW WBG XTAI VN PBAX NBSZ-VWPTSPBL. ... SVIB GOSIVWD LTGW JMB NJABBJ, YBTYSB OAB VW JMBVA TGW UTWB.” – LOITJO ZOWWVWD Puzzle Three Clue: C equals J

|

Puzzle Two Clue: A equals B

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: L equals D

14

© 2022 NEA, Inc.

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

©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

2-24-22

FEBRUARY 24, 2022

SPORTS HIGH

Olympia freshman Aarya Patel is in her first year playing lacrosse. Page 16.

1

5

Windermere Prep’s Jackson Bennett set the school record for career goals scored in lacrosse during the Lakers’ game against Lake Buena Vista Feb. 17. Bennett scored seven times and had two assists, as the Lakers defeated the Vipers 21-1 to give him 138 career goals.

With his performance, Bennett passed Davis Crayner as the school’s all-time leader in goals scored. Windermere Prep will face The First Academy Feb. 24.

2

Foundation Academy’s girls basketball team nabbed two postseason awards. Senior Ajalon Gillard and head coach Krystal ThomasSmith were honored for their excellence on the court and on the bench for the Lions. Gillard was named Class 3A, District 11 Player of the Year, and Thomas-Smith was named the District Coach of the Year. The Lions finished the 2021-22 season with a 19-8 record after losing in the regional semifinals to Florida State University High School 79-45.

3

Local wrestlers competed at the Class 3A, District 4 championships Feb. 19 in Apopka and will be sending strong contingents to the regional tournament.

Ocoee had eight wrestlers finish in the top four in their respective weight classes to move on to regionals.

Eric Gilreath and Keniel Carrasquille finished second in their weight classes to be the top finishers for the Knights. Windermere will have nine wrestlers competing at regionals. The Wolverines’ Jerry Vargas, Franco Bustamante and Kurt Vollenweider all won district championships in their weight classes. Regionals take place on Feb. 25 and 26 in Palm Coast.

4

Dr. Phillips head girls basketball coach Anthony Jones was named the Class 7A, District 11 Coach of the Year after leading the Lady Panthers to a 21-6 regular season record and a district championship one year after going 16-8. The Lady Panthers are one win away from going to the state championship game; they take on Vero Beach Feb. 25 in Lakeland.

5

Baseball is back for high school as teams began play this week.

Dr. Phillips and West Orange are set to play against each other Monday, Feb. 28 at Dr. Phillips, while Windermere and Olympia will face off Feb. 25 at Olympia High School. Horizon plays its first home game Feb. 24 against Wekiva, and Lake Buena Vista plays at Timber Creek Feb. 24, as well.

Courtesy photo

The First Academy returns 18 players, including its entire pitching staff from the 2021 season, in bid to repeat in 2022.

A Royal return The First Academy’s varsity baseball team is ready to defend its state championship.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

A

fter a long fall and winter, high school baseball makes its return to the diamond in Central Florida. With Major League Baseball still in the midst of a lockout, baseball fans starved for the game they love will have plenty of high school teams taking the field.

The new season could not come soon enough for The First Acad-

emy. The Royals won their first state championship in 2021 — their first title since winning the 2014 national championship.

In 2021, the Royals dominated almost every opponent that came their way, with a loss to Bishop Moore being the lone blemish on an otherwise perfect record. Throughout the season, the team scored 280 runs, allowed fewer than 50 runs and maintained a team batting average of .313 — almost 30 points more than the national average.

That dominance continued into the postseason. TFA only allowed 16 runs (11 of which came against Trinity Catholic in a 12-11 victory) and scored 60.

“2021 was an extraordinary year,” head coach Scott Groves said. “It was a lot of fun. Coming into this year, we have a lot of returners, as well as all

of our pitching returning. We’re seeing how much stronger the team has gotten over the year.”

In addition to the entire pitching staff from last season, TFA is returning 18 position players, including almost its entire starting lineup from last year. The only losses were rightfielder Khadin Bastian and third baseman Tyler Hopkins to graduation. Hopkins finished the season with a .324 average and nine RBIs, while Bastian hit .389 and had 26 RBIs — despite being in and out of the lineup during the season.

Losing big bats would be a challenge for any team to replace, but Groves counts depth among his team’s strengths.

“Khadin had such a great senior year, and he will certainly be missed,”

2021 SEASON COACH: Scott Groves RECORD: 31-1 RUNS SCORED: 280 RUNS ALLOWED: 48 RESULT: Won state championship against Westminster Christian

SEE ROYALS PAGE 16

Area basketball teams advance in state playoffs CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

In a strong first week for the boys basketball teams and an even stronger second week for the girls teams, all of West Orange County’s representatives in the state playoffs won their first-round games to advance to the regional semifinals of their respective brackets.

This is a recap of the first week of playoffs.

GIRLS BASKETBALL CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

The Central Florida Christian Eagles girls basketball team defeated Calvary Christian Academy 62-33 in the regional semifinals to keep its magical season going. Unfortunately, that

run came to a screeching halt against Faith Christian in the regional final as the Eagles lost 67-35.

The Lady Eagles had a season for the ages with a 22-4 record and won their first district championship since 2003.

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS

The train keeps on going for the Dr. Phillips Lady Panthers, as they defeated Gulf Coast 59-40 to advance to the state semifinals. Sophomore point guard Trinity Turner led the team with 15 points, with teammate Kalea Rainey finishing with 14.

The Lady Panthers now get set to play in the state semifinals against Vero Beach Friday, Feb. 25, in Lakeland. Tipoff is at 12:30 p.m.

Chris Martucci

SEE POSTSEASON PAGE 16

Olympia’s Joshua Meo floated one up over two Plant City defenders.

16

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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

Aarya Patel Aarya Patel is a freshman on the Olympia Titans lacrosse team. This is her first year of playing lacrosse — let alone high school lacrosse — after having taken a hiatus from organized sports after she dislocated her knee.

She plays as a defender for the Titans, who split their first two games of the season against Freedom and Winter Springs a year after winning the district championship. Patel was key in limiting the Patriots to three points in their game Feb. 17.

What brought you to Olympia?

My former school was a charter school, and it had a really different environment compared to most other schools. I wanted to change my experience in high school by meeting more people and things like that. The people at Olympia are different and nice; it’s a very welcoming school. There are also a lot of other extracurricular activities, opening other doors for me, too.

How did you get involved with lacrosse?

There was a girl in my neighborhood (who) asked me one day if I wanted to give it a try. I stopped all sports a couple of years ago and decided that maybe this was the year to get back into it and try lacrosse. Until I joined the team, I had not seen an actual game — only a couple of people playing around.

What do you like about lacrosse?

I like how the game is played when I saw it for the first time.

I always heard people talk about it, but I never really knew what it was until now. One of the things I like is running again; it feels great to defend people.

You play defense for the Titans.

What is something you like about it, and what is a challenge?

You have to be aggressive, which is something I’m trying to get better at as I go along.

What other sports did you play before jumping into lacrosse?

I played a lot of different sports growing up. I remember doing soccer, which was not for me.

I did tennis for four years and then swimming for three years.

I went onto a

THE BASICS AGE: 14 SCHOOL: Olympia GRADE: Freshman SPORT: Lacrosse POSITION: Defense

swim team and said that maybe this was not for me. I also did volleyball and basketball for a season just to try them out.

CFCA’s Nick Rodriguez (center) and Jamar Houston (right) swarm to take the ball away on defense.

Postseason play

How do you feel about how the team has done so far?

Things have been pretty good so far. The older girls are mentoring us and teaching us a lot of things, so it’s been a fun experience so far.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BOYS BASKETBALL

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

What is your favorite class in school so far?

My hospitality class. I like the way my teacher conducts the class. The work is interesting; creating different logos, brand marks, that sort of thing. It’s something I want to possibly do in my future, like business or something like that.

Favorite movie genre?

Horror and action are my two favorite genres of movies. My favorites in those categories have to be “The Conjuring” and “Jurassic Park.”

What’s an interesting thing about you no one would expect to know?

I’m a big softie. The way I show myself, I look pretty straightforward, but once you get to know me, I’m a pretty soft person.

After a tense battle in the district championship against Faith Christian, CFCA didn’t need to sweat this game, as the Eagles made sure the game was practically over at halftime against International Community High School.

The Eagles were up 44-19 at halftime and continued dominating down the stretch to punch their ticket to the regional semifinals. By the time the dust cleared, the final score was 72-31.

Cameron Simpson and Jamar Houston both scored more than 20 points to help pace the Eagles’ effort. Simpson led with 22 points, while Houston had an even 20.

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS

Dr. Phillips didn’t have much time to dwell on its stunning loss to Olympia in the district champion-

What’s your attitude toward life?

Taking one step at a time and learning through things. Everyone goes through different things, and you learn from it.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Tanzania — my greatgrandmother was from there, and I’ve never seen Africa.

My dad is from London, and I’ve never been to there. I want to go to all these different places and see where they’re from.

Olympia’s Kamran James was a contributor in the Titans’ win.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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10 games. Senior Isaac Sewell led in every single major pitching category with 14 wins, 112 strikeouts and a 1.13 ERA. With Barrett now making the move to third base, that leaves DJ Brazelton, Caleb Parmer and Nathan Seeber with chances to become the No. 2 guy in the rotation.

As defending champions, TFA knows it will get every opponent’s best effort. However, Groves said the Royals are ready.

“We just have to keep a close eye on the little things every day,” Groves said. “By avoiding complacency and thinking because we’re TFA, we just show up and we’re going to win. I have never seen that characteristic in our team; they work extremely hard.

“Our schedule is challenging this year — we’re playing in two big national tournaments,” he said. “We’re more concerned with

round with a 64-32 victory.

Sean Stewart led the way with a double-double: 22 points and 12 rebounds to go with five blocks.

This is the fourth consecutive year Windermere has made the regional semifinal.

WINDERMERE PREP LAKERS

Windermere Prep continued its winning streak with a first-round win over P.K. Yonge 73-57.

Jayden Williams led the Lakers in scoring with 22 points. Eduardo Placer, Zaciah Clark and Drew Kousaie also scored in double-digits.

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getting the team prepared to make another run in states and peak at the right time like we did last year.

You run into one great arm on any particular day in the tournament, and you’re done if you don’t play well.”

Not only is a new season coming up for the Royals, but also it will feature some new looks. First, the team debuted new uniforms that invoke the same lettering and look as the Kansas City Royals. Furthermore, the baseball field at Payne Stewart Athletic Complex got a facelift with new turf, LED lights and a new clubhouse that Groves said reminded him of a Division I college clubhouse.

“We have so many great donors that have been so generous to us, so we have them to thank for all that,” Groves said.

Opening day for the Royals was to take place Feb. 22 against Windermere Prep, after press time.

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After a close first quarter during which the Wolverines built a fourpoint lead at 19-15, Windermere stepped up the defensive pressure to break the Alonso Ravens, never allowing more than 10 points for the rest of the game. The Wolverines punched their ticket to the second

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Olympia hosted its first home playoff game in years after winning its first district championship in school history against Dr. Phillips.

With the No. 1 seed in the bracket, the Titans’ first test would be against Plant City.

The Titans passed that test, coming away with a close 70-65 victory.

Edgerrin “Jizzle” James Jr. scored a team-high 31 points to carry the Titans to victory.

The win gave head coach Rob Gordon his 300th career victory as a head coach.

Royals ready to defend

Groves said. “But we didn’t have him for most of the season, so the guys who platooned in his position did a great job in his position.

What are some of I think we’re in pretty good shape your goals for this defensively.” season?

Florida State commit Ben Barrett Become a good will be assuming the role of third defender. I have a lot baseman — a position he played to learn (because) it his first two years of baseball with is my first year playthe team before being made a starting lacrosse, so I’m ing pitcher. Replacing Bastian will going to try and do be the platoon of Tyler Rondon and my best to become newcomer Jaden Huygens, who the best defender transferred to TFA from CornerI can be. stone Charter for his junior year.

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ship, as the team traveled to Newsome for the first-round game of the Class 7A tournament.

Luckily for the Panthers, it seemed that loss had been put in the rearview mirror as they started strong and never looked back as they defeated the Wolves 70-41.

Senior center Ernest Udeh Jr. was named Player of the Game after a strong performance. Udeh scored 26 points and collected eight rebounds.

Jordan Tillery almost had a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Denzel Aberdeen scored 10, while Riley Kugel added nine points to go along with seven assists.

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17

Windermere band preps for annual API fundraiser place March 3 to 6 at Bay Hill.

But for the Windermere High School band and its supporters, it’s more than just a chance to mingle among golfing’s greatest. For the last four years, the tournament has been the home to the band’s largest fundraiser — its concession stand — and the band once again will be serving refreshments to keep golf fans satiated.

To run a stand of this size takes a lot of work and planning every year.

Beth Siegmann is in charge of making sure this mini-operation is a success every year after a successful first year in 2018.

The band runs one of the most successful concession stands at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which takes place March 3 to 6 at Bay Hill.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

For West Orange-area golf fans, March is the month in which some of the best golfers in the world come to their backyard for the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, which takes

“(The organizers) loved what we were doing and our attitude, (so) they wanted to help us out even further, so they gave us the opportunity to work the lodge, which is an amazing location next to the clubhouse,” Siegmann said. “It’s fun if you’re a golf fanatic, because you can see the pro golfers work on putting and driving.”

Siegmann is a busy woman this time of year in that she not only runs the band stand but also a second stand for the Windermere High School PTSO. Both stands are open throughout the tournament and rotate food offerings as the day pro-

gresses. In the morning, breakfast items such as coffee and breakfast burritos are served; in the afternoon, burgers and hot dogs are among the offerings for lunch. Those old enough to serve alcohol also help run a bar that the group puts on.

Running an operation like this takes about 145 volunteers — about 30 per shift. Moreover, the need is throughout the week — not only on the days of tournament play.

“There’s action going on other than just the weekend; there’s something fun happening all week,” Siegmann said.

The one event going on preced-

ing the tournament that Siegmann enjoys is the Pro-Am, which allows professionals to play with amateurs and celebrities in a round of golf.

“If you have the workers and volunteers behind you that are willing to put in long hours, at the end of the day, they really make it fun,” Siegmann said. “If you work the morning shift, you’re able to stay afterwards and enjoy the tournament. You work hard and give them 100 percent, they are going to support you. Plus, who doesn’t love the Palmer family? It’s an iconic family, and it’s awesome to be a part of it.”

He loved the Lord and for many years served as an Elder and Deacon in his church and facilitated the church nursery with his wife. He adored the children and they him. He was a quiet man and always had such a sweet and kind disposition. His calm nature and obvious Christian display were an attractant and served as a role model for many.

He was known for his ability to fix anything electronic and often repaired for free friend and family radios and TVs. He would say, “Let’s barter and just bake me some cookies or a cake,” so they would.

He is predeceased by his wife, Dolores Jean Cooper; parents, Ray and Luella Martin; a son, William; a granddaughter, Jennifer; and three

siblings, William R., Jack and JoAnne.

He is survived by his sister, Zelda; his children, Yvonne (Denny), Mark (Cindy), Diana (Steve) and Jimmy and his beloved grandchildren, Heather (Leroy), Matthew (Kira), Billy (Zoe), (Aaron), Tiffany, Steven, Johnny (Tiffany), Zach (Lauren); and 17 greatgrandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or West Orlando Baptist Church missions, his devoted charities.

Please sign and view the online family guestbook at winteroakfuneralhome.com. You can also view the service through YouTube online streaming at West Orlando Baptist Church. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations.

Martha C. Meadows, 94, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES JAMES C. “J.C.” MARTIN DIED FEB. 20, 2022.

IMAJEAN “JEAN” TRENT WASSON DIED THURSDAY, JAN. 20, 2022.

Imajean “Jean” Trent Wasson entered into eternal life on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the age of 93.

The family is comforted in the fact that there was no illness, no pain — just an everlasting slumber.

Jean was always an adoring daughter, sister, loving wife, a caring mother and grandmother, a pillar of strength and courage, as well as a guiding force for her family and friends.

Jean’s Celebration of Life will be held beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in the Hyde Park Community Center, 14253 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden Florida 34787.

Jean will be laid to rest in West Linn Cemetery (Linden, Iowa) alongside her husband, Bob.

Lynda Augustine, 70, of Windermere, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2022.

Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

John Paul Bass, 75, of Ocoee, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

Neusa Bernardes de Oliveira, 89, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home &

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for both Martin Marietta and Florida Gas (Enron), retiring in 1994.

He was extremely athletic, lettering in four school sports and, in his later years, was an avid softball player and golfer. He coached Little League Baseball, as well. He loved any type of sports and was well-versed in them all.

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Shirey Crockett, 88, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022.

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Paul L. Hershaw, 70, of Ocoee, died Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Ricardo Tirado Montes, 74, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, Feb. 19,

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Tired of commuting?

Looking for more time to do the things you love?

Work where you live and add to your quality of life.

As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work. Explore the job opportunities and the impressive benefit package at www.cwgdn.com and click on Jobs at bottom of home page.

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1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

407-656-1817

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• Estate Sales • Consignment • Downsizing • • Clean-Outs (Storage Units & Hoarder Homes) • • Buy-Outs • 102 W. McKey Street Historic Downtown Ocoee www.LetItGoLifestyle.com (407) 797-3534

UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE Winter Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 REMOVAL Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Tractor Supply WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Tractor Supply. Located at 15949 W. Colonial Drive in Oakland, Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S. They provide essential, everyday products like animal feed, pet food and supplies, propane, fencing, garden supplies, home supplies and more. Their knowledge helps customers find the right products. To learn more about Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Blush Medspa & Laser WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Blush Medspa & Laser. Located at 15532 W. Colonial Drive, Suite B, in Winter Garden, Blush Medspa & Laser’s talented, experienced medical professionals combine advances in medical technology and their expertise to give you your dream aesthetic goals. They provide a one-stop-shop experience that will boost your self-confidence and leave you feeling your best. To learn more, visit www.blushlaserspa.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Firestone Complete Auto Care WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Firestone Complete Auto Care. Located at 14170 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, Firestone Complete Auto Care has served customers worldwide since 1926 and is one of the world’s largest car care and repair centers. To learn more, visit https://local.firestonecompleteautocare. com/florida/winter-garden/14170-west-colonial-dr/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Southern Steer Butcher WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Southern Steer Butcher. Located at 11024 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 20 in Ocoee, Southern Steer Butcher is a fullservice butcher shop specializing in marinated beef and chicken, homemade sausage, and prime cuts of steak. All of their meats are antibiotic- and hormone-free. To learn more, visit visit www.southernsteer.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for OneBlood’s Winter Garden Donor Center It is even more convenient to donate blood in Winter Garden. The WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of OneBlood’s new Winter Garden Donor Center, located at 1200 E. Plant St, Suite 170 in the new Foundation for a Healthier West Orange building.

OneBlood serves the hospitals in West Orange and throughout Florida. They also deploy their Big Red Buses throughout the area. To learn more, and to schedule an appointment to donate, visit www.oneblood.org.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Swalty Sisters LLC WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Swalty Sisters LLC. Located at 24 E. Joiner St. in downtown Winter Garden, Swalty Sisters specializes in local, classy and sassy gifts to fit every personality from sweet to salty. They can personalize items, curate custom baskets and share a laugh. Their goal is to create a charming, unforgettable experience where their guests feel like family. To learn more, visit visit www. swaltysisters.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the 10-year Anniversary of Beverly Hills Jewelery Watch and Loan The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Beverly Hills Jewelry Watch and Loan.

Located at 12348 W. Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, Beverly Hills is a family-owned and -operated business specializing in fine jewelry and watches, both new and estate. Their master jeweler handles in-house repairs and custom design, while their GIA Graduate Gemologist provides appraisals. They also offer pawn loans on jewelry, watches, antiques, collectibles and vehicles, but they are not your average pawn shop. To learn more, and to schedule an appointment to donate, visit www.407pawn.com.

The West Orange Chamber offers 4 networking groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304