02.25.21 West Orange Times & Observer

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

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 88, NO. 8

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Senior finishes strong Weightlifter Zamora St. Cyr brought a state championship to DP. PAGE 15.

OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE

West Orange’s real-estate market stays strong. 10.

Reaching the top

YOUR TOWN PACK BOXES FOR SOUTHEASTERN FOOD BANK The Southeastern Food Bank needs volunteers to help pack food boxes for hungry families, children and seniors this spring break. Helpers are needed in two shifts, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27.

The food bank, Publix Super Markets and hundreds of volunteers will unload, set up, sort and pack 2,000 boxes of food to be delivered March 13 to help people in need. Sorting and packing takes place at the food bank warehouse, 655 N. Kissimmee Ave., Ocoee. Visit southeasternfoodbank.com.

Stoneybrook residents head to second vote

CHEFS IN TRAINING West Orange High will host a culinary program on campus next fall.

SPORTS

SEE PAGE 13.

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A motion to purchase the Stoneybrook West Golf & Country Club failed by a narrow margin last week, but another vote will take place next month.

‘It’s a disgrace’ NCAA extends dead period, complicating recruitment process further.

SEE PAGE 15.

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DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Jose “Jojo” Gainza Jr., Winter Garden’s new fire chief, has served 32 years in the firefighting industry and previously was a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman during Operation Desert Storm. STORY ON PAGE 2.

Although Stoneybrook West residents recently shot down a proposal necessary to allow the homeowners association to purchase Stoneybrook West Golf & Country Club, another vote is on the horizon.

During a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16, residents were asked to answer two questions on the ballot. The first SEE TRY PAGE 8

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Jose Gainza Jr. named Winter Garden fire chief AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden has named Jose P. “Jojo” Gainza Jr. the fire chief for the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department. The six-year deputy chief took over as interim chief when Matt McGrew retired last November.

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer made the appointment official Jan. 25.

“It’s truly exciting,” Gainza said of the position. “This is the pinnacle of a firefighter’s career should they climb the ladder. I’m excited, but I’m also humbled by the opportunity. I’m grateful to the city and excited to grow things in the city and fire department.”

As chief, Gainza’s first order of business is to hire firefighters to fill three vacancies in the department.

“The biggest goal for any fire department, I see, is the continued growth and

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development of the fire department,” he said. “We want to … become the best fire department we can be. I look forward to being the best small fire department — not only in the county but in the state and country.”

Part of those aspirations include upgrading the WGFRD’s public protection classification rating.

Gainza said the city was evaluated about a year ago and the insurance rating improved from an ISO 4 to an ISO 2 — and just a few points shy of the top rating.

“We have a few things in place now that I believe are going to help us within the next year or two to request (another) evaluation, which I certainly believe will attain the class 1 rating,” he said.

Gainza wants to continue a project he and McGrew started last year before the pandemic struck and forced the department to temporarily abandon the idea.

Winter Garden currently does not have its own EMS transport service. The city is equipped to run one, but ordinances and fee schedules must be established first.

“It’s my goal to see it by the end of the year, if not sooner,” he said.

“I’m very focused on community service and ensuring the community realizes they can count on us.

We’re much more than fighting fires and running medical calls. …

We want to be more than just the insurance policy when you need 911. We’re here to help all the time.”

BACKGROUND

Gainza grew up in the Miami and Hialeah area. He served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman from 1985 to 1989 and then in the Navy Reserve until 1993. His last deployment was Operation Desert Storm, where he was part of a medical mobile reconnaissance team.

He graduated from Barry University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in public administration.

Following EMT and paramedic school, he briefly worked for Brevard County. He was hired by Orange County Fire Rescue in 1989 and served 25 years, rising through the ranks from firefighter to assistant chief.

While at Orange County, Gainza was the Honor Guard commander

for 20 years, helped develop the county’s current EMS transport model and helped the department achieve international accreditation.

Gainza eventually led the county’s EMS program and was responsible for expanding EMS transport service to unincorporated West Orange County. In his final role with the county as the assistant chief of operations, he oversaw all the fire stations and personnel within Orange County.

He spent five years as an adjunct professor in Valencia College’s EMT program.

He became deputy fire chief of the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department in 2014.

THE WINTER GARDEN WAY

Former Fire Chief McGrew knew he had hired someone special when Gainza joined the department in 2014.

“When you’re the fire chief and you’re hiring a deputy chief, you know you have to have someone who’s a perfect hire — not only for you but (also) for the city,” McGrew said.

The two had worked together at Orange County.

“He really cares about his citizens and his firefighters and the community that he serves,” McGrew said. “I knew what I was getting when I hired him, and I knew that he had the potential to be the next fire chief. He’s really a good fit. … He knows ‘The Winter Garden Way,’ and when we compared notes, how we would have handled something, we always were on the same path.”

Gainza and his wife, Laurie, a retired Orange County Fire Rescue dispatcher, are content sharing their Mount Dora farm with horses, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks and dogs. Together they have four children and 10 grandchildren.

“We’re just excited for Jose coming on,” City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said. “He’s worked well with Matt, and I think he will do a great job for the city. He’s got all the qualifications, and he gets along with the guys and gals.”

Gainza feels blessed.

“I’m very happy and excited,” he said. “But there’s also butterflies in my stomach. I want to do a very good job. I’m a pleaser kind of person. I like to please people and make them happy.”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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Eat good, DO GOOD DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Fifteen years ago, Josh Taylor set out to change the world with a coffee shop and café in Ocoee.

Today, House Blend Café is celebrating 15 years of eating good while doing good in West Orange County and worldwide.

Taylor first opened House Blend on Feb. 1, 2006, with a mission to positively influence the community at large. At House Blend, it’s always been more than a great coffee or panini: The café donates 100% of its net profit into community projects on both local and global levels.

To date, House Blend has donated more than $20,000 to organizations that tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.

“We wanted to create a business that would generate revenue that could be used to impact things like ending human trafficking, bringing clean water to people that need it, orphan care, adoption, health care, and hunger and malnutrition,” Taylor said. “That’s why we started it, and we’ve been very, very

West Orange Chamber of Commerce ambassadors recently helped House Blend celebrate its anniversary.

HOUSE BLEND CAFÉ 10730 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-7676 HOURS: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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grateful to still be cranking today.”

Taylor said his inspiration behind opening the café is his belief God created people to “change the world and to bring light and life and freedom into hard places.”

“People who get involved in what we’re doing are passionate about changing the world for different reasons,” he said.

It hasn’t always been easy. House Blend — along with most nonprofits and businesses in the community — have had to navigate the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. For the latter, House Blend had to get creative with operations to ensure safety and keep the doors open.

“The only reason we’re still here is because we have incredible people (who) support us and believe in what we’re doing and come on a regular basis,” Taylor said. “We have a loyal following and are really very grateful for that. I would say — 100% — we wouldn’t be here without people that support what we’re doing.”

Some of the projects that have been funded by House Blend include installing a clean-water well in Ethiopia, as well as feeding and mentoring people right here in West Orange County. The café also has helped set up sustainable farms in Honduras and Africa.

“Just being able to actually accomplish what we set out to do in the first place has been a lot of fun to be a part of,” he said.

It isn’t just about the mission, though: People come to House Blend for the food. Taylor said the café regularly receives fivestar reviews on everything from the food and atmosphere to the service. Crowd favorites include the Mexican salad, chicken pesto panini, yellow curry chicken salad, Baja chicken enchilada soup,

Ocoee seeks to expand cemetery The City Commission approved the first steps required to purchase land to allow for more burial spaces.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

The city of Ocoee cemetery, located at 368 E. Geneva St., is out of space, and the Ocoee City Commission wants to change that.

During their meeting Tuesday, Feb. 16, commissioners discussed the need to expand the city’s cemetery and how important it is to look into purchasing a 5-acre parcel of land — partially wetland — located adjacent to the cemetery.

That parcel, just west of the cemetery, is the only land that could be connected to the cemetery

easily. The contract for purchase is $425,000, and commissioners and the mayor said they believed purchasing the land is critical.

“We have a contract here … they’ve said they already have someone who wants to buy it, but if we don’t buy the property, then we’re done,” said Mayor Rusty Johnson. “That’s where we can start going back to where we wanted to do with our cemetery — making it the way it should be and (making) it presentable, because we get a lot of complaints sometimes about it.”

City Planner Michael Rumer said

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the property owners approached the city in 2019. In the usable portion of the parcel, and depending on the type of grave — traditional burial spots or columbariums — put into place, the city could create more than 500 new burial plots, Rumer said. There also could be two different points of access, Rumer said.

“We could look at it and say, ‘Do we want the front to be off of Geneva, or do we want to make the front back where it used to be back in the day off of Richmond?’”

Rumer said. “It’s the only property that we have where we could control what is used there — expand our cemetery and the rest is wetland.”

The city cemetery has not seen

mushroom and Brie bisque, and pumpkin-apple bacon soup.

“We want to impact the lives of individuals on a daily basis,” Taylor said. “I want people to support us because they’re passionate about what we’re doing, and I also want people to support us if they … just want a really good cup of coffee or an incredible salad or panini or whatever.”

Encouraged by House Blend’s trajectory, Taylor expanded further into community involvement in 2012 when he started a nonprofit sustainable farming venture, Do Good Farm, in Winter Garden.

There, he produces chemical-free produce using permaculture and aquaponic farming methods.

He’s also got some projects in the works through Do Good Farm, including a farm-to-table school cafeteria at Hope Charter and Legacy High schools under construction.

“The fact that the last 15 years have prepared us for where we currently are has just been huge,” he said. “We’ve developed a reputation in the community and with leaders that have opened some

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission approved a new appointment to the Citizen Advisory Council for the Ocoee Police Department. n The commission approved the third amendment to the development agreement for Arden Park PUD.

an expansion since 2003, when the city created 300 new plots that sold quickly. This purchase would create hundreds of new spots; each would cost $800 for residents and $1,200 for non-residents. The city could use that money to help maintain and nurture the cemetery, Johnson said.

“We do not now get any money, except what we put in from what the city does every year,” Johnson

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Volunteers love House Blend Café.

doors for us, and that’s been awesome. We’re very grateful that the last 15 years have kind of set the stage for what’s on the horizon for us right now.”

said. “With this amount of money we can make off of lots, we could put it into a fund that would help pay for that cemetery and a person to be there that will handle it — like a full-time superintendent.”

“Unfortunately we have not enforced (rules),” Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said. “People have put rocks in there, and whirligigs and everything. To me, it’s not respectful. I would like to maintain this.”

To complete the purchase, the city first will need to have an appraisal done, followed by a sales contract that would require commission approval. Finally, the commission would have to approve a budget amendment to take $425,000 out of reserves to pay for the parcel.

The commission directed staff to begin the process and approved spending $5,000 for the appraisal.

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House Blend Café, which donates 100% of its net profits to global and community projects, recently celebrated its 15th year in Ocoee.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

‘You are heroes’

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com 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 Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden presented Lisa Savey with a folded flag.

Danielle Hendrix

Windermere hosted a small ceremony to honor law-enforcement officers who aided the Savey family following a double homicide last summer that rocked the town to its core.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Last summer, Windermere police officers and those from neighboring agencies stepped headfirst into the unknown as they responded to a reported double homicide.

Their quick response and display of courage ultimately brought the situation to a safer ending, Windermere Deputy Chief Jennifer Treadwell said.

The town gathered in a small, private ceremony at Family Church Feb. 19 to recognize various law-enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers and victim advocates — honoring their willingness to protect and serve the community that night.

On July 30, 2020, police responded to a call regarding a burglary and battery in Windermere’s gated Lake Crescent Reserve community. The call came from 10-year-old Mason Cardy — who lived at the home with his grandparents — as he hid in a bathroom.

Police said the suspect, 34-yearold Ezekiel Emanuel Hopkins, was confronted by homeowners John and Lisa Savey after he attempted to steal a vehicle. Hopkins attacked and killed both John Savey and his son, James “Jay” Savey. Lisa Savey survived but suffered serious injuries.

Two lives were taken, but the quick response from various local law-enforcement agencies ended the situation before it could get worse. Along with Windermere police, those from the Ocoee, Oakland and Winter Garden police departments assisted, as well as Orange County Sheriff’s deputies.

For months, Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden had been planning the special recognition and awards ceremony for all who assisted, from officers and deputies to 911 dispatchers, detectives, forensic personnel and victim advocates. Ogden said the town was rocked to its core that night.

“Immediately and without hesitation, members of the Ocoee Police Department, Oakland

Mason Cardy, center, smiled from ear to ear with his gift from the Windermere Police Department.

Police Department, Winter Garden Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office banded together to work as a team,” Ogden said. “Our dispatchers did a fabulous job keeping calm in the face of this crisis and talked to Mason on 911 to provide valuable information ... Officers collaborated to make entry into the residence — no doubt stopping further violence that night — and placing themselves in danger. A rescue was performed, and evil was confronted.

“Forensics teams, homicide

investigators and victim’s advocates responded to aid in every way possible,” he said. “Thank you for your partnership and professionalism.”

Ogden and the Windermere Police Department presented dozens of first responders in attendance with awards. The Award of Merit was given to those who depicted excellence while performing their duties. The Chief’s Special Award honored anyone exemplifying exceptional service to the Windermere Police Depart-

ment or the community at large.

“We also honor Lisa and Mason, whose faith and courage in the face of tremendous adversity has allowed their light to shine for others,” Treadwell said. “We pledge to walk alongside you and your tremendous grief, and to honor your loved ones.”

Prior to the awards presentation, Lisa Savey took to the stage and scanned the room, seeing the faces of those she called her heroes.

Through tears, she told them that she and John were high school sweethearts who met when they were 16 and dated for six years.

They had been two weeks shy of their 39th anniversary.

“John and Jay were easygoing guys that loved to joke around, and they were fiercely loyal to family and friends — and fanatics about Ohio State football,” Lisa Savey said. “We miss them with every breath we take.”

Lisa Savey added that she prayed for each person who came to her family’s rescue that night. She said she realized they didn’t know what they were going to find upon their arrival, but they came anyway.

“As I told Chief Ogden and Detective Allen a couple weeks ago, I have no words to describe how I felt when I heard the sound of that police dog’s nails on my tile floor or hearing the officers say, ‘Can we come in?’” Lisa Savey said. “Saying thank you for coming to our house is so inadequate, but on behalf of my family, thank you for coming to my house, and thank you for being my heroes.”

Lisa Savey was presented with a folded flag, and Mason was given a very special memento of his own — a block of 100-year-old heart pine wood from the old police department. Inserted into it were Ogden’s challenge coin and an inscription.

The smile on Mason’s face lit up the room as Ogden knelt and explained to him each element of the gift.

“Mason, I have a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old, and I will teach them, and I will train them to hopefully be as brave as you are,” Town Manager Robert Smith told Mason.

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Dance instructor arrested on seven felony charges Police say Kevin Cosculluela engaged in sexual activities with two underage students at Peaches Dance and Music Orlando.

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CITY OF OCOEE GENERAL ELECTION TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 (Possible Run-off April 13, 2021) CANDIDATES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT #2

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

CANDIDATES FOR CITY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT #4 Lori Hart Joel F. Keller George Oliver III Keith Richardson

Kevin Cosculluela

View sample ballots at www.ocfelections.com or www.ocoee.org

grew intense as time went on, and the victim said she often would be verbally abused if she didn’t do what he wanted, the report states.

“She explained that Kevin would threaten to take away lessons, ignore her during lessons, yell at her, swear at her and not speak to her for days if she didn’t do what he wanted,” the arrest warrant reads. “She said that it affected her greatly when he ignored her during her dance lessons because of how important she viewed him.”

Things escalated as the victim was invited to his apartment between dance classes — where she performed a sexual act. The same happened to the second student, who told investigators she had been to his apartment several times and had also sent nude photos over Snapchat.

Since his arrest, Cosculluela has bonded out and entered a plea of not guilty. His next hearing is set for May 5.

Polls are open 7:00 am – 7:00 pm and are accessible for people with disabilities.

You will be asked to show both Photo and Signature Identification.

Need assistance reading or marking your ballot? Bring a family member, friend or ask a poll worker. You are entitled to assistance at the polls, except from your employer or union representative.

For a Vote-by-Mail Ballot, call 407-836-VOTE (8683) Early Voting: March 1 thru 5, 2021, 8 am – 5 pm only at the Supervisor of Elections Office 119 West Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806

Polling Location for Precincts #104S22, #218S22, #219S22, #220B22, #220S22 & #221S22 (District 2) OCOEE LAKESHORE CENTER – 125 N LAKESHORE DR, OCOEE From Silver Star Rd and Bluford Ave, go south on Bluford to Oakland Ave, turn left on Oakland to poll on left.

Polling Location for Precincts #218S24, #219S24, #222S24 & #223S24 (District 4) JIM BEECH RECREATION CENTER - 1820 A D MIMS RD, OCOEE From A D Mims Road and Clarke Road, go west on A D Mims to poll on right, next to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

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One Horizon West dance instructor is facing seven felony charges related to sexual activities with two underage students at Peaches Dance and Music Orlando.

According to Orange County Sheriff’s Office reports, Kevin Cosculluela, 25, of Windermere, was arrested Jan. 20 on seven felony charges — including charges of sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old child, solicitation of a minor, lewd or lascivious conduct, and illegal use of a communication device.

According to the arrest warrant, Cosculluela — who had appeared on the television reality show “Dance Moms” in 2018 — was fired from the studio in early January after the two students he sexually abused reported his misconduct.

Winter Garden police, Orange County deputies and the Department of Children and Families began an investigation in early December 2020, after they received a report of inappropriate text messages between Cosculluela and one of the students.

The victim told authorities she had been texting with Cosculluela since September 2020 and saw him as “famous” and “important” for his role as a “celebrity” dancer.

Cosculluela’s manipulation

Knox Anderson Rosemary Wilsen

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Dance company under scrutiny after lock-in event A young dancer with Creative Soles Dance Company in Windermere was fed cat food by an instructor during a lock-in.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

A local dance studio is being put under a spotlight after feeding one of its young dancers cat food, and the Bergren family — of Windermere — is furious.

The incident occurred during a team lock-in event hosted by the Horizon West-based Creative Soles Dance Company Saturday, Jan. 23, when dance students returned to the studio — following time at a local movie theater — for fun and games.

According to Jennifer Bergren, studio owner Elizabeth Mico called her between 11 p.m. and midnight and told her that her 10-year-old daughter, Kayla, was fed cat food during a food challenge game where students had to guess what they were being given. The cat food, Jennifer Bergren was told, was meant for an older student.

“My wife and I are still trying to process it and deal with it,” Frank Bergren said. “We can’t fathom how somebody could consciously do this, and there is just no right from this wrong that has occurred.

“They loved this place — this has been their safe space, dance is their thing, and they’ve been there for years,” he said of his two daughters.

When Frank Bergren picked his daughters up, Mico apologized, but after leaving, he asked both Kayla and Lauren, 11, what happened.

Lauren said Kayla was sat down in a chair, used her face mask as a blind fold and was fed the cat food out of a cup by an instructor. She said another instructor gave a different student a dog biscuit. She also said the instructor who fed Kayla the cat food asked Mico, “Do I put it in her mouth?” Mico responded “yes” before Kayla was fed the cat food, Frank Bergren said.

The frustration continued into the following day, when the Bergrens and

Mico exchanged texts and phone calls.

During one of those phone calls, Mico asked the Bergrens if they would be more comfortable if she removed the two instructors from the class — while letting them stay on for recreational classes — which was met with criticism and the changing of the narrative, Frank Bergren said.

“We wanted the studio to just be honest and tell us what happened so we could figure out how to move forward with it and make decisions for ourselves based on that, and we couldn’t get there,” Frank Bergren said. “Basically after the first phone call that we had, there was no denial — there’s never been a denial of the event. The only change in the story was who did it.”

The following day — Monday, Jan. 25 — the Bergrens filed a police report against Mico and instructor Madison Shifflett, the woman who Lauren said had fed her sister cat food. Since then, the Bergrens have pulled their daughters out of the school and have met with the Department of Child Services. Most recently, they spoke with an investigator looking into the case.

Attorney Joseph Fitos, of Orlandobased Gray-Robinson, is representing Creative Soles Dance Company.

“We feel like this was a situation where it was just a kid’s game where somebody’s feelings got hurt, and it’s a shame,” Fitos said. “We hate to see that, of course — the whole purpose of these events is they are team-building events. … It’s just unfortunate that this young lady was upset. ... As far as this being a situation that is worthy of the attention that it’s been getting, because of the way that the parents have reacted, we don’t think that it has got any merit.”

CLARIFICATION In Mike Hargreaves’ Windermere Town Council candidate Q&A published Thursday, Feb. 4, Hargreaves’ position with the Orange County Sheriff’s office was stated as sheriff’s deputy. Hargreaves’ biography on his company website states he served as an Orange County law-enforcement officer.

GEORGE OLIVER III Hi Neighbors, I’m George Oliver and I’m your City of Ocoee Commissioner.

I’ve called Ocoee my home since 2002 and have contributed over 10 years of public service to our community.

I’m a former member of the US Navy with extensive experience as a civic organizer, youth coach, and volunteering.

On March 9th, I’m counting on your vote to continue serving you as your Commissioner and to keep on working to make Ocoee a great place to live.

GEORGE’S 5-PART AGENDA EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP A spirit of service, leadership with a sense of urgency. “It shouldn’t take 30 years to repair and pave a road.

It’s time to demand accountability.”

TRANSPARENCY WITH FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY Holding leadership accountable for the spending of tax dollars.

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

Working Together Towards a Healthier West Orange

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Attracting new sit-down restaurants to Ocoee.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT Empowering all citizens to engage in the political process by registering to vote, attend monthly council meetings, and joining city-sponsored councils.

YOUTH PROGRAMS Providing a constructive means for youth to have a voice in decision-making processes, self-growth opportunities and developing future leaders.

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Paid for by the Citizens for the Advancement of Ocoee.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

... Try, try again Two things are necessary for that to happen. First, residents requested approval of changes to need to approve both questions the HOA’s governing documents, on the ballot the second time. The while the second asked for per- city then would submit the conmission to move forward with tract for purchase to the bankpurchasing the property. ruptcy trustee, who would submit To amend the governing docu- it to the judge for approval. ments, they needed a supermajorAlthough it seems there’s a good ity — or two-thirds — of the votes possibility that could work, there cast, HOA President Dennis Arm- is a chance a judge could reject the strong said. For proceeding with offer and move forward with the the purchase, only a majority was auction process, Bollhoefer said. necessary.

“That was really a big change Armstrong said there were 532 for us, because probably the bigvotes cast. Although the second gest unknown that we heard from question passed with no issues, the residents was, ‘Well, what’s the request to amend the govern- the purchase price really going to ing documents fell 15 votes short. be? How much is it really going to Because the vote was so close, the cost us? Do we really have to go HOA is opting to hold a second. through the whole auction sce“We’ve addressed a lot of the nario?’” Armstrong said. “This, of residents’ concerns — the ones course, addressed all three of those that weren’t willing to support the questions.” first go around,” he said. “We tried Meanwhile, the HOA is hoping to listen, and we tried to come up to hold the second vote in early with some changes that we feel March — before the auction. reflects what people had to say.”

“We’ve seen a number of posiThe HOA vote took place 15 days tive comments on social media after Fisher Auction Company and all … that after the discussion announced it was appointed by the and proposed language changes, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court to manage number of the residents that voted the auction of the golf course and no were now comfortable in voting club. The auction is scheduled for yes,” Armstrong said. “Plus, we’re Friday, March 12. the second vote electroniAdvertise your Services ordoing Events However, Winter Garden city cally so it’ll be easier for people to on this weekly. officials asked thepage bankruptcy vote, and hopefully we’ll get more trustee what it would take for the voters. page appears weekly city — This in partnership with the in the “That was very fortuitous that Orange Times & Observer and the opportunity to go back HOA West — to buy the property before we have the auction.

The answer: $2 mil- again and ask the residents, ‘Hey, online at OrangeObserver.com. lion. we heard what you had to say, “After we found out that it went we’re trying to make this as palatTo advertise in the Church Directory to auction,call I asked the attorney, able to everyone as it can be. Here’s 407-656-2121 or email ‘DoAdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com we want to go and try to pur- another crack at it,’” he said. “All chase it?’” City Manager Mike things combined, we believe we’re Bollhoefer said. on the right track.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com

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 a.m., 7 p.m.

ChurchoftheMessiah.com

CHURCH DIRECTORY First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL Services: Livestreaming FIRST UNITED METHODIST PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Dr., Ste 110, 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden Facebook Youtube Service Times 9:00 AMand and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

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OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD UNITED CHURCH OF Orlando Purpose Church Pastor Thomas Odom Victory Baptist Church CHRIST 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST & Christian 13640 WUNION Colonial Academy WINDERMERE CHURCHDr. Ste 110, 407-656-8011 or Casey Butner 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Winter Garden Beulah Rd, Winter1601 Garden A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee Windermere, FL 34786 EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org (407) 654-9661 (407) 656-3097 407-876-2112 Worship times: CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM 9:00am Adult Sunday School Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m.

11 andGarden 6 p.m.

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N. Main, Winter NDAY SERVICE Sunday: 11:00AM 10:00am WorshipBrazilian Service: 7 p.m.

Sunday Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM Wednesday: 7 p.m. www.windermereunion.org www.churchofthemessiah.com Saturday Service: 6 p.m. www.VBCOCOEE.com ST BAPTIST CHURCH purposechurchorlando.org E Plant St., Winter Garden -656-2352 NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study 00 am Contemporary DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana MIKE YOAKUM or Tim Grosshans PASTOR w.fbcwg.org Campus: P: 407.656.1520 UNDATION WORSHIP C: 407.758.3570 NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM ndation Academy High School 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden w.FoundationWorship.com -730-1867

APTIST

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ORDER YOUR Wellington Esquea, PA-C • Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt CUSTOMInMADE Furniture, 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase• Custom in the number of Farm Tables, Barn Doors, and More Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani CHRISTMAS weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in• our community.

Repaired, Refinished and GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture

Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs.

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Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

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Starke Lake Baptist Church STARKE LAKE BAPTIST Pastor JeffCHURCH Pritchard GLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, W 611 WAve., Ave, Ocoee PO Box 520 611 LLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor Jeff Pritchard tor The Rev. CanonOcoee Tim Trombitas (407) 656-2351 6 East Plant St, Winter Garden656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org (407) NDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM StarkeLakeBaptist.org d us at: Theacf.net CHURCH OF GOD

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OrangeObserver.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, FEB. 25

WINDERMERE TREE BOARD MEETING 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. (407) 876-2563.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26

MEN OF HOLY FAMILY 25TH ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 26, March 5, 12, 19 and 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.

This drive-thru event features three dinner choices. (407) 876-2211.

ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION WILSON FACEBOOK LIVE 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays on Facebook, facebook.com/NicoleWilsonD1. The purpose of these live office hours is to pull back the curtain of local government and help residents learn about what goes on behind the scenes once an elected official is sworn into office.

WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue.

Masks and social distancing are required; leashed pets welcome. Visit town.windermere.fl.us.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. For more, visit downtownwg.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 1

WORD FUN WITH DR. SEUSS 3 p.m. Monday, March 1. Have fun with word games from Dr. Seuss books and learn to paint a truffula tree. Ages 6 to 8. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/4842979.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

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9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

‘A RAISIN IN THE SUN’ Through March 14 at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Filled with passion, humor, and humanity, “A Raisin in the Sun” is an iconic piece of American dramatic literature that will move audiences of all ages. For tickets, visit gardentheatre.org.

Celebrates Business Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Winter Garden Smiles’ New Office!

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

WEST ORANGE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOMEOWNER ORIENTATION 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at 955 E. Story Road, Winter Garden. Those interested in homeownership should attend this orientation to obtain an application packet. For more information, visit westorangehabitat. org/home-ownership.

Congratulations to Winter Garden Smiles on their new office, located at 1317 Winter Garden Vineland Rd., Suite 110 in Winter Garden. Winter Garden Smiles General and Pediatric Dentistry serves the Windermere, Ocoee, and Orlando area.

To learn more about Winter Garden Smiles visit www.wintergardensmiles.com

HORIZON WEST FEST 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden.

A day of family fun awaits you as residents, businesses and organizations join together to showcase all things Horizon West. Enjoy music, stage performances, food, kids games and activities, a scavenger hunt, and vendors. General admission is $5; children 3 and younger are free. Guests will be divided into three time slots — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and 3 to 5 p.m. Wristbands must be purchased in advance at bit.ly/2ZcXFGY. For more information, email info@horizonwesthappenings.com or call (407) 574-2477.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Orange Tree Golf Club Renovations WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the Clubhouse renovation at Orange Tree Golf Club. Orange Tree is a private, family owned and operated golf club located in the heart of Dr. Phillips. Built in 1972, Orange Tree Golf Club has maintained a reputation for excellent course conditions and offers golf for all ages and skills level in a familyfriendly atmosphere. Their newly renovated clubhouse is a great place for weddings, business functions and special events.

To learn more about Orange Tree Golf Club, visit www.orangetreegolfclub.com

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at Winter GardenChamber Smiles’ New Office!

West Orange of Commerce Celebrates PearleGarden VisionSmiles on Congratulations to Winter

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Mark’s Floors, 731 S. Dillard St., Suite 101-103, Winter Garden. For more information, visit wochamber. com.

their new office, located at 1317the Winter Garden WOCC Ambassadors celebrated opening of Vineland Rd., Suite 110 inWith Winter Winter Pearle Vision, in Ocoee. theGarden. convenience Garden Smiles General Pediatric Dentistry and expert guidance of anand eye care professional, serves the Ocoee, andofOrlando Pearle hasWindermere, the biggest selection frames area. in town.

To learn more about Winter Garden Smiles visitlearn www.wintergardensmiles.com To more about Pearle Vision or to schedule an appointment, visit www.pearlevision.com

West Orange Chamberof Commerce Celebrates Code Ninjas WOCC Ambassadors celebrated Code Ninjas, in Ocoee, where kids learn to code by building their very own video game! They have flexible coding programs and convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends.

To learn more about Code Ninjas, visit www.codeninjas.com/fl-windermere/

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West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates House Blend Cafe WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the 15th anniversary of House Blend Café-a coffee shop and neighborhood cafe located in Ocoee, Florida. With the motto, “Eat Good, Do Good,” the cafe is dedicated to providing quality food with a friendly atmosphere, all while positively impacting the community.

You can learn more about House Blend Cafe on their website www.houseblendcafe.com

THE WORLD’S GREATEST FIREARMS EXPERIENCE

The West Orange Chamber Offers 4 Networking Groups:

TAKE YOUR FIRST SHOTS AT SHOOTERS WORLD FREE CLASS DAILY FOR BEGINNERS

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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Overlook at Hamlin home sells for $990,000 A

Total Sales: 51 High Sale Price: $990,000 Low Sale Price: $165,000

Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 12 to 18.

The home at 14297 United Colonies Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $990,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,750 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $172.17. Days on market: 273.

These are the highest-selling homes in each community in West Orange.

GOTHA

OAKS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 10453 Oakview Pointe Terrace, Windermere, sold Feb. 18, for $515,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,791 square feet. The price per square foot is $184.52. Days on market: 23.

HORIZON WEST

The home at 12807 Woodmere Close Drive sold Feb. 16, for $475,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,627 square feet. The price per square foot is $180.81. Days on market: Four.

The home at 6333 Schoolhouse Pond Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for $410,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,607 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.27. Days on market: Four.

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SNAPSHOT

home in the Overlook at Hamlin community in Horizon West topped all West

Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 18, for $465,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,745 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.40. Days on market: Six. LATHAM PARK SOUTH

The home at 9060 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $850,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,734 square feet. The price per square foot is $227.64. Days on market: 11.

The home at 9271 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb.

The home at 13418 Hopkinton

PANTHER VIEW

The home at 9134 Pinch Shot Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 17, for $487,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,296 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.75. Days on market: 22.

SANCTUARY AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 7058 Kiwano Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 14, for $419,540. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,890 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.17. Days on market: 53.

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

e N it’s Time to $aveSAVINGS! OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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The home at 1232 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $915,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,409 square feet. The price per square foot is OR $207.53. Days on market: 315.

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The home at 9050 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. $ 15, for $505,826. Built in 2020, it FREE has four bedrooms, three baths Wrap 10% After In-Home OMirror FF OR KEENE’S POINTE and 2,113 square feet. The price Before Mirror Wrap E...at 6354 Lake MOR tes Estima 2 OR 15% OFF The home Burden per square foot is $239.39.

Days on FREE NOT GOOD WITH DISCOUNT CLOSEOUT ORSWAP PRIOR SALES OUT ANY DBLGLASS, DOOR, In-Home 2 OR MORE...

View Drive, Windermere, sold market: 38. orDPRE-HUNG UNIT mates OOwith MIRROR MATE Esti Feb. 16, for $980,000. Built in RSAny Shower FREE Can of Glass Cleaner Purchase WINDERMERE TRAILS 2008, it has five bedrooms, four $ The home at 9138 Outlook Rock baths, a pool and 3,966 square $ Shower Door Slidin Any foot Trail, Windermere, sold Feb. 16, feet. The price per square is g Any Sliding Shower Doo r for $480,000. Built in 2015, it has $247.10. Days on market: $ 120. $ Swing Over (Over 20 sq ft) four bedrooms, three baths and OR Any WILLOWS AT LAKE Any RHEAClear Swinging 2,966 square feet. The price per nging Any Sliding Shower FCle REarESwi Shower r up to 25 s/f Door with Carved Design r Door up to 25 s/f The home at 11440 Willow Garsquare foot is $161.83. Days on Showe In-HoDoo $ Estimame dens Drive, Windermere, market: Eight.

(Over 20 sq ft) Slide or Swing $ sold tes Any ERS Feb. 17, for $761,715. Built in 1994, SHOW ar Shower SwingingDoor Any ChipCle Top Shower Door over 26 s/f DOOR Clear Swinging OCOEE it has five bedrooms,Any four-andS *FREE Can of Glass Cleaner w/ BROOKESTONE one-half baths, a pool and 3,690 r Door over 26 s/f Showe An1122 y Sho we r Pu Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, FL rch ase The home at 389 Covered Bridge square feet. The price per square ner w/Any Shower Purchase s Clea (352) 751-0833 of Glas Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 16,*FRE for foot is $206.43.

Days on market: $ E Can $450,000. Built in 2001, it has Nine. www.entrypointbyperrys.com Any Sliding Shower Door four bedrooms, three baths, a pool 112 2 Bic ha ra Blv d, Ne xt toDesign *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already Publixmarked down. Lic. # SCC131151683 WINTER GARDEN and 2,671 square feet. The price with Carved on(over Route2044 OAKLAND PARK per square foot is $168.48. Days 1/2 7 sq ft), Slide or Swing The home at 1044 Galston Alley, on market: Zero. www.EntryP oin tby Perrys.com • 751-0883 $ *Not good with sales, prior Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683 HAMMOCKS $645,000. Built in 2018, it has four Swing Over (over 20 sq ft) The home at 1010 Shady Maple bedrooms, three-and-one-half Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 16, for baths and 2,665 square feet. The $ ERS W O $430,000. Built in 2005, it has price per square foot is $242.03.

151683 #SCC131 Lic.SH down. marked already s closeout or promos orders, prior sales, four bedrooms, three baths*Not andgood with Days on market: Eight.

Any Chip Top Shower Door 3,679 square feet. The price per REGENCY OAKS square foot is $116.88. Days on The home at 621 Groves End Lane, market: 16.

Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH $365,000. Built in 2004, it has The home at 1351 Olympia Park four bedrooms, two baths and Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 16, for 1,972 square feet. The price per $510,000. Built in 1991, it has square foot is $185.09. Days on three bedrooms, two baths, a pool market: Two. and 1,978 square feet. The price per square foot is $257.84. Days on TWINWATERS *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683 The home at 16636 Toccoa Row, market: Zero.

Winter Garden, sold Feb. 16, for PLANTATION GROVE WEST $491,000. Built in 2016, it has The home at 814 Windergrove three bedrooms, three baths, a Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 18, for pool and 2,492 square feet. The $392,000. Built in 1995, it has four price per square foot is $197.03. bedrooms, two baths and 1,862 Days on market: Two.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

City of Ocoee names essay contest winners The city of Ocoee announced recently the winners of its 2021 Black History Month Essay Contest.

The city received 186 submissions this year.

The winners will be honored in a virtual ceremony at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. It will be livestreamed at ocoee.org/197/Ocoee-TV and broadcast on Ocoee TV Spectrum channel 493. Members of the city’s Human Relations Diversity Board will read the Overall Winner and first-place essays during the broadcast.

The winners include: n OVERALL WINNER: Julia Barry, Thornebrooke Elementary n CITRUS ELEMENTARY: Cassidy Green (first), Anaya Saintelo (second) and Jaelynn Ramos (third) n HOPE CHARTER ELEMENTARY: Andrew Diaram (first), Madison Holdsworth (second) and Annelise Chiarella (third) n MAXEY ELEMENTARY: Devin Johnson (first), Arriana Hylton (second) and Samira Motilall (third) n PRAIRIE LAKE ELEMENTARY: Maryam Afolayan-oloye (first) n RENAISSANCE CHARTER AT CROWN POINT: Jayla Graybill (first), Lenward Williams III (second) and Jovani Medina (third) n THORNEBROOKE ELEMENTARY: Julia Barry (first), Brady Allgire (second) and Matilda Bencosme Rey (third) n WESTBROOKE ELEMENTARY: Kyani Morgan (first)

DREW SIEGEL, WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL Windermere High School senior Drew Siegel is a student who wears many hats.

He serves as the president of the National Honor Society chapter, plays on the Windermere baseball team and is the historian for the school’s Student Government Association. Siegel began doing volunteer work in eighth grade. Most recently, he has committed much of his time toward his family’s foundation, Victoria’s Voice, to help spread awareness on the dangers of drugs.

What led you to join Windermere NHS? National Honor Society members are students who don’t just hope for change, but do whatever it takes to see it through. As leaders in their community, they strive to make each day better than the one before, and I knew I wanted to be part of that. I want to be the change in my community.

What’s your favorite part of your role?

Seeing our members come together to really take advantage of our projects and make the most of them is truly special. We have hundreds of members, but the unity that we create when working towards a common goal is quite beautiful. Not to mention how amazing it is to see how much of a direct impact we have on the people in our community.

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

Coming from a small middle school of only a couple hundred students, I struggled to communicate with new people and make new friends when I first went to

REPORT CARD

Windermere High. After sitting alone at lunch for the first few weeks, a kid came up to me and asked if I wanted to sit with him and his friends. Today, I am best friends with that kid and still thankful that he approached me that day.

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

I would go to Hawaii, because of its beautiful landscapes. Every once in a while, I love being in nature and escaping from the fully digital and developed world we live in.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

Elon Musk. Not only do I look up to him as a brilliant businessman but also as a wonderful person.

The purpose to everything he does, unlike most, is not money.

It’s to help move the world into a cleaner, safer and more beautiful future. I believe the world would be a much better place if we had more people like him.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment?

Working with my fellow officers

and sponsor to overcome the challenges thrown at us this year and still continue to make a huge difference in our community. National Honor Society is a community service-based club, and due to COVID restrictions, it was very difficult to give members volunteering opportunities. By changing the bylaws and coming up with events that have minimal physical contact, we were able to make the most out of this year and continue to benefit our community.

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

I always wanted to be an astronaut. ... The idea of being the first person to do something and leading the world into a new future came with great amazement and interest. I now understand that I don’t need to be in space to make that happen.

— TROY HERRING

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

SCHOOL: Windermere High AGE: 17 GRADE: Senior

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.

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

WOHS to offer culinary arts program Colton Nessmith, the chef at Orange Technical College - Westside Campus, will lead the class this fall.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Students at West Orange High School with a passion for cooking or an interest in becoming a chef will have a new opportunity come fall.

Orange County Public Schools is launching the dual-enrollment culinary arts program on the WOHS campus. It has been at Orange Technical College — Westside Campus for more than a decade but was limited to about 35 students, who were required to have three open periods together to be able to switch campuses.

Colton Nessmith, culinary department chairman and postsecondary chef instructor for 11 years at Westside, is excited to make the transition to WOHS. Several West Orange students are in the program but have had to travel to Westside for classes.

West Orange Principal Matt Turner is eager to see his students benefit from this class being moved to the school.

“I’m a huge fan of cooking, and I think it just engages kids, and it’s something they can use their whole life,” Turner said. “Any kids who may not be invested in school — it gives them something to get engaged in. “(Nessmith’s) been doing this

for 10 years; he’s a Disney chef,” he said. “Not only are we adding culinary, but we’re getting the best around. Adding a new program is always scary, but finding the right teacher … is always a winner.”

Nessmith will teach in a classroom currently occupied by a teacher who is retiring in the spring. The room originally was designed for culinary arts when the school was built in 2008; it will need a few modifications.

Turner said the classroom is designed for four or five stoves, sinks and refrigerators with small alcoves for cooking. Several freezers and other kitchen items, such as bowls, mixers and spatulas, will be purchased.

“We’re going to be spending some money to make sure the equipment is upgraded,” he said.

“It’s a financial commitment on our end but one we really wanted to go for, because it’s an elective kids will love.”

WOHS provides the teacher’s salary and the equipment, and Westside will provide the food.

The program is offered to ninth- through 12th-graders, although the program is designed to be taught over three years. Seniors will get entry-level instruction, and juniors will be required to double up one year.

Courtesy

Colton Nessmith is making the switch from Orange Technical College’s Westside Campus to West Orange High School.

Students who complete the program will receive industry certification.

Hospitality is the umbrella for the entire program, and within it are topics such as food and beverage, transportation, hotels and lodging, and sanitation, Nessmith said. Then students learn their way around the kitchen with stocks and soups; salads and sandwiches; starches and grains; quantity foods; meat, poultry and seafood; and sauces.

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To pass, students must identify, explain or demonstrate various kitchen procedures and skills, as well as relevant commercial food-service knowledge. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared for entrylevel positions, such as steward, prep cook, pantry cook, fry cook, banquet cook, retail and cafeteria line cook. ​The program will follow a curriculum written by Nessmith — with feedback from compa-

nies such as SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando Resort, Walt Disney World and Hilton Hotels & Resorts — and developed by the National Restaurant Association.

The postsecondary course has to be modified to fit the high school bell schedule. Nessmith said 90 minutes of daily instruction is being restructured to be taught in less than an hour.

“A yeast bread (such as) focaccia might take three to six hours to do,” he said. “We break it down to just pretzels so we can break it down into days.”

Prior to his 11 years as a culinary instructor at Westside, Nessmith held positions at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian Resort, The Venetian Room at Caribe Royal Resort, and Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort — all at Walt Disney World.

The chef graduated from a similar high school program taught by a home economics teacher.

“The only reason I went to college at the level I did was because of the program in high school,” he said. “It’s come full-circle for me.

“I would like for students to get inspired and excited about food and really find out how they can use it throughout their everyday life,” Nessmith said. “I would like to get students in food and beverage positions, from dishwasher all the way up to the top to restaurant manager or chef or sous chef.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY FEB. 25, 1971 The Winter Garden Times followed closely the progression of construction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. A front-page announcement showed sideby-side photos of Cinderella Castle in its initial stages, in 1970, and a year later, when the finishing touches were put on the iconic structure.

70 years ago

Girl Scout Troop 3 visited Midget City. Those making the trip were Frances Ficquette, Linda Reams, Barbara Gail Stephens, Angilee Davis, Sue Britt, Sue Chicone, Rosalie Jarrett, Sandra Russ, Donna Gray, Kay Petris and Ann Barley.

The class in vocational agriculture at Lakeview High School, under the direction of Robert Hargraves, is in charge of the community exhibit for the Winter Garden area in the Central Florida Exposition in Orlando. Students in charge include Bob Freeman, citrus exhibit; Derwood Outlaw, vegetables; Sidney Johnston, fruits other than citrus; Harold Woodley, manufactured articles; Lowell Teal, bulbs and ornamental plants; Charles Beck, cut flowers; Donald Butts, dairy products; Sam Carpenter, poultry and rabbits; Gene Crabtree, citrus nursery stock; and Raymond Bruce, the best decorated booth.

50 years ago

The Red Devil Postal Express culminated its activities at Lakeview High School with two mail deliveries. The Valentine Box placed in the cafeteria contained many greetings and letters and a few packages.

Postmen were Paul Teal, Gary Johnson, Derek Blakeslee,

CROSSWORD

FROM THE ARCHIVES The Orgarlan Women’s Club Inc. began in 1975, when six charter members gathered to create an organization devoted to “reaching out into the community to help those in need and by spreading goodwill.” The name “Orgarlan” comprises syllables from both Orlando and Winter Garden, as the club’s outreach extends throughout Orange County. Pre-COVID, the group held monthly meetings at the West Orlando Christian Center at the Church of God in Christ. Currently, the club holds meetings virtually, continuing its “mission of service to God through service to Mankind.”

Members include: back, Margaret Jefferson, left, Janice Hogan, Martha Stevenson, Frances King and Joyce Brown; front, Ferndale Jenkins, Dorothy Brown Matthews and Annie Bell Brown.

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.

Craig Hartpence, Stan Lummus, Jimmy Taylor, Lynn Crooker and Valeria Norman.

The West Orange Branch Library held a Pioneer Night with Mr. L.F. Roper and Dewey Vick Matthews, both of whom were born in West Orange County.

PAM KLAWITTER by David Steinberg; Edited by David Steinberg

After a brief introduction by Judge Ted Van Deventer, president of the Friends of the West Orange Library, Roper shared recollections of his boyhood and early life in Beulah, with cane syrup, hogs, turpentine and trips to town by pony. Mat-

110 Where a play starts 113 Like peacocks, when evaluating mates?

117 German automaker 118 “Ciao!”

119 Smartwater alternative 120 Futbol chant 121 What’s more?

122 Pianist’s talent 123 “Fresh” flower 124 Zilch, slangily

DOWN 1 (Over here!)

2 Will figure 3 2012 film set in Iran 4 December temps 5 Prefix for “center” 6 Calls something different 7 Yang of “SNL” 8 Some Apple music players 9 Blue, on an electoral map (Abbr.)

10 Before, to Browning 11 Dee or Oh 12 Bete ___ 13 Dull speaker 14 World’s most common birds 15 Digital marketing communications 16 Tossed beanbag’s path 17 Home for many fish 18 Amy who penned “Saving Fish From Drowning” 24 Student’s stat.

26 Uncompromising ©2021 Universal Uclick 30 Green house plant?

ACROSS 31 Sneaky pitch from Don 57 Pigpen noise 83 Part of NYC 32 Two-purpose 1 Sci-fi stunner Draper, say?

58 Perjure oneself 84 Risky pace for a horse 33 Mare’s male baby 7 ___ one’s time (waits) 35 Persevere with 59 When it’s all over carrying reds and whites?

34 Beauty superstore 12 “Zoey’s Extraordinary 39 It’s up for debate 61 Crocheter’s tool 87 Church VIP 36 Part of a city bus?

Playlist” network 41 “Love the skin you’re in” 63 Bartlett kin 88 Craft show merchants 37 “Set Fire to the Rain” 15 Post in the Navy? brand 65 Yiddish cry 90 Pub handout singer 19 Shawl in Rivera’s “Za42 Atlantic Ocean’s ___ 66 Where the top racehorses 92 Yellowstone beast 38 Pics from parlors patista Landscape” Triangle reside?

93 What tailors and tilers do 39 “That’s enough for me!”

20 Drama with many singers 43 German automaker 70 Notes before sols 94 Cain’s victim 40 Forecaster Roker, to his 21 “I’m in awe!”

44 Road crew supply 73 Omar of “Fatal Affair” 96 Fall zodiac sign wife?

22 Zone 48 “Care to make a wager?” 75 Entertainment center 98 Sprinkled, as a snowy 42 Give support to 23 Those who join the Se49 Perfect collection road 43 Huge uncertainty attle Storm or L.A. Sparks? 51 Congregation’s strata76 Currently living 99 Guilty pleasure of reading 45 Vehicle that rhymes with 25 Fingerprint alternative gems?

78 “The Jungle Book” python Marie Kondo books? “train” 27 Pace slower than a run 54 Targets for reform 79 Stitch’s buddy 103 Gland above a kidney 46 Car starter?

28 Copied 55 Leaves 81 People to move on from 105 “Sesame Street” series 47 Sailor’s assent 29 Runs the show 56 Reduce, as expenses 82 “Benson” star Swenson 106 Connection point

thews told of her childhood in the more settled and progressive community of Oakland, with its railroad and fine hotels, and of her father’s frequent gatherings to share his Lake Apopka catches at a neighborhood fish fry.

48 Victory 50 Fire sign?

52 Refrigerates 53 Kind of torch at a beach barbecue 56 ___ up (adds spice to) 60 Medium’s “ability,” for short 61 Mayhem 62 Far from fresh 63 Rite for a Jewish baby boy 64 Yiddish cries 67 Sitting around 68 Irks 69 Bring to bear 71 Germany’s Merkel 72 Like some contrasts 74 Karachi natives 77 Up to, for short 78 Seoul, South ___ 79 Part of a script 80 Job connections 81 ATL guess 83 Orange Thanksgiving foods 84 Gateway to Narnia 85 PC brand 86 French Quarter’s city, briefly 87 Name whose last letter may also be “k” 89 Shoemaker’s leather 91 Reason for an apostrophe, at times 94 “I’m ___ loss” 95 Took off in a hurry 97 Jane Austen’s Elizabeth 99 Disdainful look 100 Posh parties 101 Ivory counterpart 102 TiVo ancestor 104 One-named Irish singer 107 “Or, maybe ...” in a tweet 108 Supermarket section with ham 109 Early garden 110 Nickname within “Rosalyn” 111 Hint from offstage 112 Style guide users, briefly 114 Director DuVernay 115 Second sequel letters 116 “Strange Magic” grp.

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“XE PSKKGV JEZ PFOJ BEF CEX’K INTG BEFVHGIM EV KJG CVSPS EM BEFV INMG, BEF OSX HKNII MNXC HEPG OEPGCB NX NK.” – KEPPB IGG YEXGH

“UHBAIS VLLF PSA S ESGHBTN, STE KOHH LK JIU EUYBH. S PBGUE-OC HBJJHU KUHHLP PIL PSA SHPSRA DOAR, DOAR, DOAR.”

– XSGBU PBTEALG

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals K

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue T equals K

14

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

02-25-21

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

1

5

The Dr. Phillips girls wrestling program kept the dynasty alive as the Panthers won their fifth consecutive state championship Saturday, Feb. 20. The dominating performance — the Panthers captured the title by scoring 27 points more than second-place Freedom — was led by statechampion performances

by Juliana Diaz (117-pound division), Armelle Oliantus (162-pound division) and Skyy Gowan (197-pound division).

Legacy Charter junior shortstop Jayden Colon is a force at the plate. Page 16.

GOOD AS GOLD

2

In Foundation Academy baseball’s 17-5 blowout win over Orlando Christian Prep Friday, Feb. 19, sophomore Will Ford had a big day for the Lions. He went 2-for-2 with a double, two runs and four RBIs. Fellow sophomore Braden Holcomb added on to the scoring with a three-run homer while accounting for three runs scored.

3

The Windermere High boys basketball team kept its postseason run going, as the Wolverines downed Boone in a 64-50 win in the Class 7A, Region 2 quarterfinals Thursday, Feb. 18. Leading the way for the Wolverines was a stat-filled night for Sean Stewart, who picked up 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, teammates Trey Moss and Kanye Jones both went off for 15 points and three steals apiece.

Troy Herring

Dr. Phillips senior Zamora St. Cyr’s 355-pound lift total helped push her to become the first state champion in weightlifting in school history.

4

The Windermere Prep boys basketball team picked up a few awards from the Florida Athletic Coaches Association after another solid season on the court.

Senior Zavien Williams was named the FACA 3A, District 11 player of the year, while head coach Brian Hoff was named FACA 3A, District 11 coach of the year.

5

It was a good night for the Windermere Prep softball team Thursday, Feb. 18, as the Lakers dispatched Dr. Phillips in a 17-0 win.

Gracie Wallace pitched a no-hitter and struck out nine batters. At the plate, Mia Williams went perfect on the night, as she went 4-for-4 with a grand slam and five RBIs. Madison Carr provided two RBIs on a 3-for-3 night.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

O

ne lift — that’s all Dr. Phillips’ Zamora St. Cyr had to do to make history.

At the FHSAA weightlifting state championship, there was no mystery in the moment as she walked up to the bar fitted with 180 pounds. It was simply one lift to win states.

As she lifted the bar up and to her chest, her teammates cheered her on, but the only thing she could think was, “I’m not dropping this weight.”

“The way my mindset was —

because I was already aware of what was going on — I had to keep my mind at a stable point and believe in myself,” St. Cyr said. “I wasn’t really thinking, ‘Oh, I can’t do it,’ I was just like, ‘OK, I got this.’ I like to have my mind clear and get the weight of the floor — once I get off the floor, then (I’m good).”

With the weight at her chest, St. Cyr pushed her way into the second half of the clean and jerk — throwing the bar above her head and taking a few steps before stabilizing herself. After she dropped SEE LIFT PAGE 16

NCAA extends dead period to May 31 The extension is the eighth since March 2020, and its consequences will be felt by high school athletes.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

In a time of uncertainty caused by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, rules and guidelines have been changed dramatically at the NCAA level — especially regarding recruiting.

On Feb. 17, the Division 1 Council extended the recruiting dead peri-

od until no later than May 31 at the behest of the Division I Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball Oversight Committees and Division I Legislative Committee, which all cited uncertainty and concern regarding in-person interaction among recruits and their families, as well as current student-athletes and school staff.

The extension — the eighth put

into place since March 13, 2020 — means there will be a continuation of no in-person recruiting. Furthermore, recruits still won’t be able to take official visits to campuses.

“It’s a disgrace,” said Brad Lord, the football operations and athletic collegiate placement director at Foundation Academy. “These kids have been back a year — they’ve missed all of last year, and they had no exposure summer camps.

People are allowed to go to bars, movie theaters and people are

going to sporting events … and there’s 7-on-7s going on now, and I guess college coaches must carry the virus more than anyone that goes to a bar.”

Although the 2021 class was somewhat affected by changes put in place last year, it’s the 2022 class that will be among the most affected by this recent development.

Normally during the spring, college coaches visit schools to get inperson looks at recruits — which SEE EXTENSION PAGE 16

16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021

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

Jayden Colon The starting shortstop for the Legacy Charter baseball team, Jayden Colon is looking to make the most out of his junior season after seeing the 2020 season get cut short because of COVID-19. The Eagles are only a few games in, but Colon already has established himself as one of the team’s best hitters.

When did you first get into baseball?

My dad got me into it when I was about 6. I started playing Ocoee Little League with him, and he’s been my coach since I was 5.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Legacy Charter GRADE: Junior AGE: 17 SPORT: Baseball, football POSITION: Shortstop

Your dad is a coach on the Legacy baseball team. What’s that like?

It’s amazing. We get to go home and talk everything over, and there is nothing like it. I love being with him, and I love him.

Do you have a highlight moment for you that stands out?

Just being in the dugout with everybody — supporting the team. That’s probably the highlight, just being in the dugout and being able to hang out with everybody at practice every day, and game days are special.

What is it about baseball that has kept you in the sport for so long?

You fail 70% of the time, and you’re amazing? That’s crazy, and that’s what keeps me into it.

What’s your favorite part about playing shortstop? The hardest part?

My favorite thing is being the leader of the infield, and the most challenging part is being the leader in the infield; leading the infield by example — showing them what to do and what not to do — and also having to teach the freshmen how to do everything, how we do it and how we go about things.

You’re in your third year at Legacy. What’s been your favorite thing about playing at the school?

The coaches and the players.

Going to school with everybody is just so much fun. Those are my boys, and I hang out with them, and it’s amazing.

And knowing everybody at the school is also cool — they’re all coming to the games and supporting us, also.

What’s it been like going into this new season?

It’s been a lot different. Normally, we would be able to go to the field as a team without the coaches before the season started and get warmed up before tryouts and everything, but this year, we can’t do that because of COVID.

Since you first started playing at Legacy, what would you say has been the biggest change that you’ve seen in yourself?

My freshman year, I wasn’t really the best hitter.

I could hit, but I wasn’t really great at it. But Coach (Rich) Dilyerd has dramatically helped me.

Did losing most of last season to COVID-19 affect the way you appreciate the game now?

Oh yeah, definitely. I think we played 11 games last year, and we were 9-2 at the end of last year — we were looking real good going into midseason. This year, I’m just playing every game like it’s my last, because I don’t know what’s going to happen.

— TROY HERRING

Lift off CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

the weight, Dr. Phillips weightlifting coach Ben Sokolowsky and her teammates were ready with plenty of bear hugs.

With that third and final lift,the senior finished a historic Saturday — Feb. 13 — with a 175-pound bench and 180-pound clean and jerk for a 355-pound total to claim the 139-pound weight class state title; the first such title in the sport in school history.

“I won’t say I’m not emotional — I am — but I’m very collected when it comes to my emotions, so when it happened and everyone was crying … and everyone wanted a hug, and so out of the blue, I just started tearing up,” St. Cyr said. “It was a good moment.”

Sokolowsky said they had planned for this moment going into the final stretch of the tournament. Still, that didn’t take away from the emotions that followed.

“She’s a different kind — she doesn’t show emotion or nerves or things like that, she’s like, ‘Fine,’” Sokolowsky said. “I was very excited, and I haven’t felt like that since I was on the girls basketball staff and we won our state championship. You can’t script it any better.”

FROM THERE TO HERE

Sokolowsky discovered St. Cyr when she was a freshman — he said he recognized her potential immediately.

St. Cyr said she had always been strong — starting with weights up to 115 in both the bench and clean and jerk — but her strength had grown over the years. As a member of both

Troy Herring

Zamora St. Cyr is riding high after her state title-winning performance.

the weightlifting and wrestling teams, she pushed up to 165 pounds at states last year and took home sixth place.

This year, St. Cyr found herself in a similar situaiton that she experienced in last year’s tournament, and she knew she couldn’t let herself lose again.

“That was my first time hitting 165,” St. Cyr said. “It was like the same predicament as now — we were close in the numbers and stuff. I got 165 in the clean and jerk, and I would have placed third, but due to my weight, I ended up placing sixth … because they weighed less than me. But this time I didn’t let the weight beat me, because I was like, ‘No, not again.’”

Unlike last season, however, this weightlifting season has seen its share of challenges with COVID-19. During the Metro tournament — which Dr. Phillips won — St. Cyr was quarantined after a family member tested positive for COVID, before returning in time to compete and help her team win districts. It was annoying to miss Metro, but the time off gave her a chance to recoup and rest up.

From a team perspective,

seeing St. Cyr bring home the school’s first state title in the sport is a cherry on top of a season filled with plenty of highs, Sokolowsky said.

“We’ve just finished our fourth consecutive undefeated regular season — Metro championship, district championship and regional championship … that doesn’t happen,” Sokolowsky said. “It’s so impressive, and to add a state champion? It’s a great accomplishment.”

Although St. Cyr’s weightlifting and wrestling careers are now over, the future neonatal nurse still said she plans to take the things she’s learned during her time with the programs to heart going forward. But in the meantime, the reality of her achievement is still taking its sweet time to sink in.

“I’m still collecting it in now, because as I go to school — I’ve been online — for practice and certain people see me, they offer congratulations,” St. Cyr said.

“And every time I get congratulated, I go, ‘OK, wow, this really did happen … wow, this is crazy.’

It was just a good moment.”

Extension could lead to issues CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

also gives players a chance to show their skills in the journey toward finding their college of choice. This year, Lord said he had more than 100 collegiate coaches who had planned to check out the Lions football team between April 15 and May 22, but that’s not happening.

Furthermore, during this time, Lord usually takes his team on a collegiate camp tour that includes stops at schools such as the University of Alabama and Clemson University. That’s also been put on hold.

Although the situation won’t hurt the four- and five-star recruits, everyone else is in for struggles, he said.

“Hunter Moss — he should be having Division 1 looks — but

nobody can come see him,” Lord said. “With offensive lineman, coaches want to eyeball these kids. Not having any camps last year really hurt the 2022s.”

To lessen the blow the spring season — many Florida schools will be holding spring games — the council provided a blanket waiver that “increased the number of hours football teams can spend on countable, athletically related, out-of-season activities” from eight to 10 hours per week. Those 10 hours can include: up to four hours per week for meetings/film review; up to two hours per week for walk-throughs; and no more than six hours of physical activities (weight training/conditioning).

Another concern with the new change involves the trans-

fer portal. Originally, only a few would enter, but because of how easy the process has become, the portal has exploded the last few years. With talent coming out of bigger programs — such as Alabama and Ohio State — in search of playing time, some high school recruits could lose out.

With that in mind, Lord believes it may be a smart choice for athletes to research their school as much as possible, but look at committing more quickly to avoid losing their shot.

“I’m trying to keep my kids upbeat,” Lord said. “I tell them they can control what they can control — that means their grades, their work ethic and staying in shape … but everything else is a mystery right now.

I’ve never seen anything like it.”

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Waymon Lee Jones Jr. passed away Feb. 1, 2021, in Vero Beach, Florida, at the age of 87.

Lee was born April 9, 1933, in Winter Garden, Florida, to father Waymon Lee Jones Sr. and mother Mamie Lou Jones.

Lee attended Winter Garden Elementary, graduated from Lakeview High School in 1951 and studied at Florida State University. He was drafted in the United States Army and served in Korea.

He lived in Altamonte Springs for years while working as an examiner for the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corpora-

land, with her parents and three brothers. She spent much of her adult life in College Park, Maryland, before moving to Florida to enjoy retired life.

Her interests included spending time with her grandchildren, Scrabble, crossword puzzles and her annual girls week at the beach with lifelong friends. Upon her retirement, she devoted much of her time and energy as a foster grandparent to special-needs children.

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The loving and devoted mother of sons Daniel (Kelly) Sheehan, of Gambrills, Maryland, and Patrick (Erika) Sheehan, of Clermont, Florida; and daughter Lori (Gary) Lightner of Dover, Pennsylvania. Her greatest joys in life were her seven grandchildren, Hunter Sheehan, Kathleen Sheehan, James Hook III, Jack Sheehan, Ty Sheehan, Tanner Sheehan and Sophia Hook. Carole was a loving sister to her three brothers, Tom (Terry) Manuel, Roger (Bobbi) Manuel and Mike (Cherie) Manuel. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donations can be made in her honor to the Foster Grandparent Program: volunteersforcommunityimpact.org/in-honor-of-carole.

CAROLYN LOUISE KETTENHOFEN DIED FEB. 11, 2021.

Carolyn Louise Kettenhofen, age 76, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2021, in Winter Garden, Florida, surrounded by her family.

Carole was a dedicated mother and gramma first and foremost. She treasured her children and grandchildren, embracing every moment. As a single mom for many years, she dedicated her life to her children. She never missed any of their baseball, football or softball games; Pom competitions; or any other events. She kept score for the teams, coached cheer and judged Pom competitions.

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PEGGY PARISH PORTER DIED SATURDAY, JAN. 23, 2021.

Peggy Parish Porter, 66, of Daytona Beach, passed away Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, in Ormond Beach. She was born Feb. 5, 1954, in Leesburg, Florida, to James C. and Hazel Louise Parish.

Growing up, she attended Winter Garden Elementary, ticipated in horse show compeLakeview High and Mid Florida titions.

Tech. She worked at two differShe is survived by her chilent daycares and was a candy dren, Chris (Jenny) and James striper in the hospital.

(Connie); three grandchildren; Peggy attended the First one sister, Pat (Gary) VanderpBaptist Church of Winter Gar- laats; and several nieces, nephden and enjoyed spending time ews and cousins. with friends and family. She Her brother, Gary Parish, also had her own19903 horse and parpassed away in 2000.

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