SOUTHWEST ORANGE
Escape artists Young
YOUR TOWN
CHAMBER TO HOST BIG ORANGE AWARDS SATURDAY
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce will celebrate its biggest night of the year this weekend.
The chamber’s Big Orange Awards will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, 1000 W. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista.
The chamber will announce the winners of its full slate of awards, including the Small Business of the Year; Big Business of the Year; Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange” Award; Bert Roper Award; George Bailey Award; and the Sam Hovsepian and Mary Vandeventer “Spirit of West Orange” Award.
WINDERMERE PD EARNS ACCREDITATION
The Windermere Police Department was accredited for the second time Thursday, Feb. 19. According to Chief David Ogden, the department underwent an on-site assessment, including a detailed review of procedures, policies, evidence handling, community engagement, training and accountability standards.
“Accreditation is not a plaque on the wall,” Ogden said. “It is a commitment. It is proof that we meet and maintain the highest professional standards in law enforcement.”
Ogden said the reaccreditation not only belongs to the police department but also to its civilian staff, full-time and reserve officers, volunteers and crossing guards, town leadership and the citizens of Windermere.
“This is a shared accomplishment,” he said. “We are proud to serve a community that expects excellence and partners with us in achieving it.”
The Florida Keys team was ready to take on it first challenges at Escapology.
1
Outback Steakhouse in Hamlin to open soon
Outback Steakhouse is preparing to open its doors in Hamlin Town Center.
The restaurant, located at 16323 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, will host a grand opening at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 3.
Outback will have a menu including its staples such as the Bloomin’ Onion, hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and more.
2Hi-Lite Academy
founder, CEO separates from school
Jessica Villegas, founder and CEO of Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting, announced last week her separation from Hi-Lite Academy LLC.
Last year, Villegas opened Hi-Lite Academy LLC in Winter Garden with Lenka Brady. The school is a life-skills academy designed to guide teenagers through the process of growing up.
“I’m no longer involved in the leadership or operations of Hi-Lite Academy LLC,” Villegas said. “While I remain vested as an owner, the academy is continuing under sepa rate management.”
to operate Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting, as well as coaching and mentorship programs independently.
“My focus remains on youth development, coaching, mentorship program development and community partnerships,” she said. “Because this involves an active legal and business transition, I’m not commenting on internal matters, but I wish the students and families the best.”
3
Orlando Health — Health Central to expand cardiology services
More services are coming to Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital.
The hospital will be expanding its cardiology services to include advanced electrophysiology and arrhythmia care starting in the spring.
The additional services are coming as board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr. Karnika Ayinapudi joined the Orlando Health Heart and Vascular Institute. She specializes in heart rhythm disorders, cardiac ablation procedures, and cardiac device implantation and
irregular heart rhythm, is becoming more prevalent.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new patients here in Ocoee and helping them navigate their heart care,” she said in a news release.
Health Central also is building a new cardiac catheterization laboratory with specialized electrophysiology equipment to complement Ayinapudi’s practice.
Once the new lab is complete, cardiac ablations and other advanced procedures will be available on top of the current opportunities for patients to receive pacemakers and defibrillators at the hospital.
“We’re thrilled to have Dr. Ayinapudi on board and know she’ll be a
Health Central Hospital. “Expanding our electrophysiology care is another important piece in our mission, to continue bringing specialized providers and services to our hospital.”
4
Dead fish surface at Newton Park
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has received multiple reports of dead fish in Central Florida.
Since Feb. 1, the FWC has received more than 500 reports of fish kills, both in freshwater and saltwater, and last week, the commission received reports of dead fish surfacing at Lake Apopka.
provided to FWC confirm the fish are tilapia,” Research Communications Kelly Richmond said. “This mortality is being attributed to recent cold weather conditions.”
Richmond said FWC anticipates more reports as fish die from secondary infections caused by cold stress. “The best thing we can do is to remind folks to report this to our fish kill hotline: 800-636-0511 or online at myfwc.com/reportfishkill,” Richmond said.
With another recent cold front in Central Florida, it is expected more fish will surface along the shoreline.
5
Williams Holiday House resolves code enforcement issues
The Williams Holiday House shared some exciting news on social media regarding code enforcement.
According to the social media post, the owners, Annie and Joe Williams, have successfully obtained a permit for the fence.
The tents and gazebo issues on the tennis court areas have been resolved, and the case has been closed.
Currently, the owners area awaiting approval for its permit application for the fountain, which is being processed with Orange County.
“Although challenging, it’s been determined that removing the gazebo above the fountain is necessary,” the post read. “Furthermore, ensuring compliance, the canopy opposite
on the
File photo
A complaint against the Williams Holiday House threatened the future of the Winter Garden mainstay.
A century of service
The Rotary Club of Winter Garden is dedicated to children, families and organizations locally and around the world.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
HISTORIAN
One hundred years after its inception, the Rotary Club of Winter Garden boasts 100 members, a fitting number for a milestone anniversary. This nonprofit has played an important role in the community for a century, chartering March 4, 1926, and keeping with its motto of Service Above Self.
A descendant of at least one of the 20 charter members continues to support Winter Garden and West Orange County a century later — deepening the roots of community service still today — as a member and former officer of the local club.
Larry Cappleman is the grandson of a charter member, and he said there has been a Cappleman in the Rotary since the beginning. Five family members have served as president, including Larry Cappleman in 1980.
Other club participants can list several family members as Rotarians. Krista Carter, club president in 2012, is a third-generation Rotarian. Bert Valdes served as president in 1993, and his father, Albert C. Valdes, was the club’s 25th president. In 2009 and 2015, respectively, Rod Talbot and his wife, Jennifer Talbot, led as presidents.
Rotary is an opportunity for business-minded individuals who want to improve communities and the people in them. Members volunteer their time and talent at local and international levels.
The Rotary Club of Winter Garden hosts multiple fundraisers annually and regularly participates in community service projects that make a positive difference.
In 1958, the club held its first Pancake and Sausage Supper to raise money for scholarships. The event continued for about four decades and was held in numerous locations.
The Florida Cracker Festival started in 1992 and offered a Redneck Lunch and a Cracker Supper, performances by the Winter Garden Players and a chance to wear the coveted crown in the first Possum Queen Pageant.
The Winter Garden club completed its first international project in 2008 when it partnered with other local Rotaries to rebuild an elementary school playground in the Bahamas after it was destroyed in a hurricane.
The club’s largest fundraiser continues to be Evening at the Pops.
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
The club partnered with the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation for a celebration Feb. 11 that included the opening of a new history exhibition dedicated to the local organization.
“The beautiful thing about (the event) was there were a lot of past presidents and their families, and that was personal to me,” current President
George Spigener said.
Spigener said he was honored to escort Harriette Grimes and Nancy Barber into the event. They, along with Betty Spears, were recognized for their late husbands’ contributions to Rotary and service as presidents — Larry Grimes in 1973, Bob Barber in 1975 and Ray Spears in 1983.
The evening also included recognition certificates to past presidents in attendance, as well as legacy families, and other members and their families.
“Service Above Self: A Century of Winter Garden Rotary” is on display at the Heritage Museum through April 30.
ON THE FUTURE
FOCUS
George Spigener joined the Winter Garden club 25 years ago. He has spent the year serving as the club’s 100th president, and his theme has
been “Past, Present and Future” — a nod to the club’s century celebration with a focus on growing the club and providing even more opportunities to serve the community.
“We work very hard on taking care of our community,” he said. “On an average day we’ll have 40 to 50 at a meeting (from) all walks of life, retired to working, that’s what we’re about, taking care of the community. … My thing is ‘Do what you can when you can.’”
To kick off Winter Garden Rotary’s 100-year anniversary, the club participated in the 2025 Winter Garden Christmas Parade and decorated the float to represent the past, the present and the future. Two members were dressed in turn-of-the-20thcentury attire, a handful donned their red Rotary shirts and several wore spacesuits.
A steady increase in membership and reaching the youth of today are key to the future of the club.
building skills. The club sends two to five students each year.
“Daryll does such a good job,” Spigener said. “That’s the future right there, that’s the future of Rotary.”
Reaching youth and young adults in the schools is another way to recruit future Rotary members. Interact is a Rotary-backed program available in many high schools, including West Orange High School. Rotaract, once offered in West Orange County, is a club for college-age students and people in their 20s.
Prior to the pandemic, the Winter Garden club participated in a successful Rotary Youth Exchange program. Parker’s daughter, Jessica, traveled to Belgium for one summer through the program. Daryll Parker said he would like to see the club participate again.
Pam Thomas is president-elect, and her term begins in July. She said the club will continue its local involvement and find even more ways to support the needs of the community.
“We need to focus on what our community needs, and that’s my mission,” she said. “It’s going to be a crazy year. I like to shake things up.”
She is asking for the community’s help in growing the club. She hopes to create committees within the club that would allow members to work on different projects throughout the year.
— The club raised $42,000 through its fundraising efforts to help more than 35 nonprofits throughout West Orange County. The club also logged more than 2,500 volunteer service hours to create another $58,000 in economic impact, equating to a value of $100,000 invested back into the community.
A new exhibition at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation pays tribute to the Rotary club’s dedication to its mission of Service Above Self and making a difference in Winter Garden. For photos, visit OrangeObserver.com.
Past president Daryll Parker has spent the last 15 years leading the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy committee. RYLA is a leadership training program for young people sponsored by local Rotary clubs that focuses on developing communication, problem-solving and team-
“The members who are coming in are younger, and it’s inspiring,” Thomas said. “That’s the message I want to put out in July: Rotary is amazing. The depth of commitment and the way we touch people is remarkable, and we need to show that.
For information about joining the Rotary club, email wintergardenrotary@gmail.com or visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.
2025 — After decades of watching from the curb, the club jumped back into the Winter Garden Christmas Parade with its “Past, Present & Future” float to celebrate its 100th year. 2026 — The Rotary Club of Winter Garden was named the largest Rotary club in the five-county district with 98 members. In February, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation launched a centennial exhibition that will be on display at the museum until April 30. This month, with the return of former Rotarians Sherri Loiacono and Commissioner Lisa Bennett, the Rotary Club of Winter
Photos courtesy of Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Above: Johnnie Griffin, left, Gene Cappleman, Dick Smith and Helen Thurlow helped out at a Rotary-sponsored rummage sale around 1955.
Left: Former Rotary president Jimmy Pitchford manned the griddle at the annual pancake supper fundraiser in 1964.
Mrs. Sisler celebrated winning the coveted Possum Queen title at the Winter Garden Rotary’s Florida Cracker Festival in 1997. She used young Jonathan as possum bait, which evidently worked.
Local escape room pros snag world record
LETICIA
SILVA STAFF WRITER
Ona Delussey, a Dr. Phillips resident and Florida Virtual School math teacher, has been an escape-room enthusiast since 2015.
Her passion for it all began because of a Disney podcast she listened to where the host mentioned attending an escape room.
At the time, she didn’t know what that even meant.
“I dragged a family member to it, and they thought it was fun,” Delussey said. “But I wanted to play on — another one and another one. … I realized really quickly that my friends and family … did not have the same passion for it.”
She compared escape rooms to theme parks, expressing her love for that sort of immersive experience — getting to experience different stories and worlds.
As a math teacher, she also loves the satisfying aspect of finding solutions to problems — even more when there is teamwork involved.
In 2024, she learned about Orlando Escape Room Meetup, an enthusiast group with people who love escape rooms just as much as she does. There, she met some wonderful friends who wanted to get together for escape rooms more than just once per month.
They created their own group called The Florida Keys, meeting on a regular basis to complete escape rooms around Central Florida.
In 2025, Delussey completed more than 250 games.
The team consists of five participants: two lawyers, two engineers and a math teacher.
Most of the members have been playing for nearly or more than a decade, with a love for the game.
In the summer of 2025, they came together to begin planning for their one goal: break the world record of escape rooms completed in 24 hours, with no hints allowed and only using public transportation.
The team wanted to beat Japan’s record of 32 escape rooms, which was the world record at the time, and they did more than that.
The Florida Keys met at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, to complete the
“Bringing the record to the U.S. — and especially to Orlando, a world capital for immersive entertainment — makes this incredibly meaningful.”
Rick Corbett
TIMELINE
ESCAPOLOGY
Start time at 10 a.m., end time at 2:15 p.m. 11 games played
WILL 2 ESCAPE
Start time at 3:13 p.m., end time at 5:52 p.m. Seven games played
PUZZLE CORP
Start time at 6:29 p.m., end time at 10:03 p.m. Four games played
LOCKBUSTERS
Start time at 10:22 p.m., end time 1:41 a.m. Seven games played
THE ESCAPE GAME
Start time at 2:40 a.m., end time at 6:15 a.m. Seven games played
THE BUREAU
Start time at 6:38 a.m., end time at 9:06 a.m. Five games played
24-hour challenge, and by 9:06 a.m. the following day, the team had finished 41 escape rooms.
Delussey said breaking the record took preparation, dedication and patience while maneuvering through challenges.
To them, this is more than just a game — it’s a lifestyle.
GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS
Raychel Garcia is the organizer of the Orlando Escape Room Meetup and a team member of The Florida Keys.
Since she was a child, Garcia dreamed of etching her name into the record books.
As she grew up and discovered her love for escape rooms, she decided she wanted to break the world record of most escape rooms completed in 24 hours.
Delussey said Garcia introduced the idea to the team in the summer of 2025.
Before even attempting to break the record, they had to find out if it was even attainable.
“I didn’t know if it was possible here in Orlando because things are so spread out,” Delussey said. “It’s not like we’re like New York or other cities (where) people can just walk around.”
Previous records were not completed in the United States, and that motivated them to try to become the team with most escape rooms completed in 24 hours in the world. The first record was set in Russia, but Japan held the latest record.
“Bringing the record to the U.S. —
and especially to Orlando, a world capital for immersive entertainment — makes this incredibly meaningful,” team member Rick Corbett said.
With nearly eight months of preparation and figuring out logistics, the team finally was ready to attempt to break the Guinness World Record.
THE CHALLENGES
Guinness sets guidelines that each member of the team must follow to ensure validity.
One of the rules set upon the team was it could not, by any means, take any private transportation to and from venues.
Team members worked to figure out bus and trolley routes, prepare meals in advance and speak to venues about staying open late or opening early so the team could complete the challenge.
“We’re really grateful for (the venues), because during the daytime, it was actually harder to book,” Delussey said. “We weren’t able to tell them our exact arrival time, because it would depend on when we finished the previous games at the previous location, so we had to give them estimated arrival times, which meant they had to block out certain booking slots so members of the public wouldn’t book those.
“It was definitely a logistics challenge,” she said. “We’re really thankful that each of the locations were on board.”
Delussey said the team was able to drop off cases of water bottles at each venue beforehand, because it was not possible to carry that around.
All they had with them were hearts with a dream and a backpack full of snacks.
Beyond scheduling challenges, once in an escape room, the team could not ask for any hints.
Each escape room needed to be at least 30 minutes long, and each member needed to actively participate. If the team wanted to give up on that escape room, they were not allowed to leave until the time was up.
Luckily, that was not an issue for The Florida Keys as they were eager to complete every room in which they entered.
Delussey said most escape rooms include some form of note-taking device, either a whiteboard, a boogie board or other form. Because of this, they designated a person to take notes so no scrambling was taking place figuring out who was doing what.
“Our two attorneys love logic problems,” Delussey said. “So anytime something like that came up, we tagged them in for that.”
She also mentioned the team figured out a strategy beforehand on what they would do if they hit a wall.
Editor and
/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com
Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com
Managing Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
THE FLORIDA KEYS
Rick Corbett Ona Delussey Raychel Garcia Steven Hepsworth Victor Hui
“We said that if that happens, we’re going to get together, we’re going to sit, and we’re going to breathe for a minute,” she said.
Delussey said they strategized to complete a search fail, which is going back to search every corner of the room to make sure they did not miss any obvious hints, and re-read files that sometimes can be overlooked in a rush.
Team members also had to wear body cams, have witnesses and, most important, needed time to eat.
BREAKING THE RECORD
Meeting up at 10 a.m. to start the challenge was exciting, Delussey said.
They began at Escapology with 11 games to complete, and as they finished them, they realized they actually could break the world record.
There were a few moments where they got stuck, but when they did, they used their strategized methods to find a solution.
“There was one game called Seven Deadly Sins, and in the first couple of minutes of (the) game, we hit a puzzle we couldn’t figure out,” she said. “Looking back at it, we spent 24 minutes trying to figure out this one four-letter puzzle. We eventually got it, but we got to it in the completely incorrect way.”
The Florida Keys spent all day working on escape rooms, and by 4 a.m., they had completed 33, officially breaking the world record.
“We were delirious at that point,” Delussey said laughing.
But they wanted to keep going, to reach their goal of 40 rooms.
“We were so ahead of schedule at one point that we added in one 90-minute game to get an extra one,” Delussey said.
By 9:06 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, the team had successfully completed 41 rooms.
“We were screaming, cheering, and we had a lot of friends and family come out to meet us at the end,” she said.
As they stayed awake for more than 24 hours, all team members were ready to rest after reaching this accomplishment.
“This wasn’t just puzzle-solving — it was an endurance test,” Corbett said. “When you’re on hour 18 and facing another locked door, your team is your lifeline — and yes, there was a lot of caffeine involved.”
Now, the team is in the process of finishing time-keeper statements, witness statements and editing the body camera footage to send to Guinness.
It might take weeks or months to hear back from Guinness, but nonetheless, they are happy they experienced this as a team.
“We just really wanted to highlight what’s happening here in Central Florida because it really is a destination for escape rooms,” Delussey said. “We wanted to bring the record here to emphasize that.”
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
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.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.
POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, 11970 Main Street, Floor 3, Sarasota, FL 34236 CONTACT US
The team celebrated its accomplishment at The Bureau Escape Room once 41 rooms were completed. Courtesy photo
County celebrates Horizon West park’s first phase
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
Horizon West’s Brett Buske watched his 2-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter running around the playground at the newly opened Horizon West Regional Park.
Buske said it’s wonderful to have a public resource for his family to go outside and play without it costing a penny. They had been driving to R.D. Keene Park in Windermere to use the playground.
The children laughed and smiles almost never left their faces while they went down the slides, across the bridges and around the playground.
The playground was bustling with kids Monday, Feb. 16, providing the perfect background noise as Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Horizon West Regional Park’s Phase 1A.
The park, located at 4715 Hamlin Groves Trail in Horizon West, originally opened about 15 years ago in December 2010 and only had horseback riding available.
“Today, I say, ‘giddy up,’” Demings said. “Our commission has devoted a lot of time and resources to ensure we have green spaces throughout our county. We now have some 114 different parks, some 15,000 acres of parkland that we manage thanks to Kyle Ken and his entire team.”
Phase 1A includes a playground, restrooms and pavilions for picnics and birthdays. There also are about six miles of unpaved hiking trails, newly paved vehicle access from Hamlin Groves Trail, two paved parking lots totaling 165 parking spaces, pedestrian and bicycle sidewalk access, two grills, water fountains and a bike rack. Buske was excited to have the trails so he and his wife can grab the jogging stroller and go on a walk and run with the kids.
“There’s not a lot of walkability where we live, because we’re down farther on Avalon, so a spot where we can load up the stroller and actually get some miles in is great,” he said. The ribbon-cutting not only was to
celebrate the completion of Phase 1A but also a time to look forward to the future phases of the park.
Wilson said the county is fortunate to “have this space tucked away” on 215 acres that will provide active and passive recreation with all aspects of the park chosen by residents. She considers it the “crown jewel” of the county.
“This was a full collaboration from early days in getting out a survey, and we had hundreds of responses to the survey and we continue to get feedback from people,” Wilson said.
“Look at the turnout even here (at the ribbon cutting), what that tells me is it’s wanted, needed and we’re going to continue to make sure we’re getting it the right investments in the right
time. We’re going to keep pushing, pushing, pushing.”
Kyle Kent, the Orange County Parks and Recreation Manager, said Phase 1B will begin in about three months and will include a splash pad, a floating dock and kayak launch on Lake Hartley, additional sidewalks, parking areas, a third picnic shelter and a pavilion with a paved parking area on the west side of the playground.
Once construction begins, Kent said it typically takes 180 days barring any issues in the process.
Buske can’t wait for the kayak launch as he spent a lot of time as a kid kayaking. He looks forward to when his children are older to be able to take them out on Lake Hartley.
Kent said phases 2 and 3 are not yet funded.
According to conceptual master plans from Mulligan Constructors, Phase 2 includes a large pavilion, paved parking, grass overflow parking, soccer fields and pickleball courts.
Phase 3 includes a dog park, a botanical garden, baseball fields, paved parking, restrooms, more pickleball courts and more restrooms.
Phase 4 includes another botanical garden, community center and performing arts stage area, more soccer fields, basketball courts, a playground tot-lot and a potential YMCA.
Lastly, Phase 5 will have the tennis courts.
When all phases of the park are complete, Kent said it will be a “grand pearl” in Horizon West.
“It’s like Disney World without having to go there,” he said. “You’ve got the animal kingdom, you’ve got the water parks, you have the big picnic area, so this is accessible for everyone.”
“Our commission has devoted a lot of time and resources to ensure we have green spaces throughout our county. We now have some 114 different parks, some 15,000 acres of parkland that we manage thanks to Kyle Ken and his entire team.” — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
Photos by Liz Ramos
Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson and Mayor Jerry Demings cut the ribbon for Phase 1A of Horizon West Regional Park.
Liz Buske, 2-year-old Cooper Buske, Brett Buske and 4-year-old Caroline Buske love having the playground at Horizon West Regional Park close to home. Brett Buske is looking forward to the kayak launch opening in the future.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
City of Orlando City Council to Consider a Petition to Establish Dowden Central Community Development District
DATE: March 16, 2026
TIME: 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION: City Hall
City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 400 South Orange Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801
In compliance with the provisions of Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, a public hearing will be held on March 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., or soon thereafter, at City Hall, City Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 400 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32801, before the City Council of Orlando, Florida to consider an ordinance granting a petition to establish Dowden Central Community Development District (the “District”). The title of the proposed ordinance is as follows:
AN ORDINANCE GRANTING PETITION OF BEACHLINE SOUTH RESIDENTIAL, LLC, ESTABLISHING AND NAMING THE DOWDEN CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FINDINGS; DESCRIBING THE EXTERNAL BOUNDARIES, THE FUNCTIONS AND THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING FIVE PERSONS TO SERVE AS THE INITIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S BOARD OF SUPERVISORS; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The District is comprised of approximately 379.19 acres, more or less, generally located north of Wewahootee Road, south of Dowden Road and Florida Turnpike, west of Innovation Way, and east of Launch Point Road, as identified in the map depicted in this notice. The Petitioner has proposed to establish the District to plan, finance, acquire, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure and community facilities, which may be authorized by such special districts under Florida law including but not limited to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
The information presented at this hearing will be used to afford the Petitioner, landowners, any affected units of local government, and the general public, a fair and adequate opportunity to appear and present oral and written comments regarding the establishment of the District. If adopted, the ordinance will establish Dowden Central Community Development District and designate the land to be serviced by the District.
Copies of the petition, proposed ordinance, and department reports are open to public inspection at the office of the Clerk of the City Clerk, located at 400 S Orange Ave, Orlando, Florida 32801, (407) 246-2251.
All interested persons and affected units of general-purpose local government shall be given an opportunity to appear at the hearing and present oral or written comments on the petition. Any persons or affected unit of general-purpose local government, who wish to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this public hearing will need a record of the proceedings. For that purpose, the person or unit of general-purpose local government may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made that includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
THE CITY OF ORLANDO IS COMMITTED TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATING THE COMMUNICATIONS NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WHO NEED REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD CONTACT, AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, THE CITY OF ORLANDO ADA COORDINATOR AT 407.246.2057 OR ADAREQUEST@ORLANDO.GOV.
LOCATION OF DOWDEN CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Ocoee leaders not satisfied with Ocoee Middle update
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
The Ocoee City Commission heard the updates on the Ocoee Middle School comprehensive renovation project during the commission meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The $62.5 million project is intended to improve the cosmetics of Ocoee Middle as well as upgrade the programs and facilities that are at the end of their lifespan. However, residents and city leaders worry the project won’t address what they consider the area’s most pressing concern: flooding.
Since Ocoee Middle was built, residents along South Lakeshore Drive have dealt with longstanding stormwater runoff and flooding issues. Ocoee resident Patricia Robertson said she has spent thousands of dollars replacing her floors and other house repairs since the school opened.
She wasn’t alone.
“I’ve lived at this property since 1985,” Ocoee resident Cathy Sills said. “We’ve had our foundation eroded because of so much standing water from the school. Patty’s property has been flooded. Her foundation was eroded because of so much water coming off the school property. During this whole process, St. Johns requires — whatever — nobody came down and asked anybody, ‘Do you have any issues here?’”
Andy Orrell, of Orange County Public Schools community relations, said revised drainage plans, new retention ponds, retaining walls and stormwater systems had been reviewed and approved by the St. Johns River Water Management District. He said the redesign would capture the runoff on campus rather than allowing it to flow into neighboring properties.
Mayor Pro Tem Rosemary Wilsen agreed with the residents. She was frustrated with OCPS’s public outreach efforts, saying a Zoom meeting isn’t the way to engage with people one-on-one. Residents should have felt engaged earlier and more directly. She does house visits to speak with residents to hear and see their concerns, and OCPS missed that level of care. While the school is important, no resident wants the excess repair costs to their home.
“I’m usually pretty good at solutions,” District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy said. “I like to fix things and this is broken, and I don’t have any idea what the solution is.”
He said OCPS hasn’t gone through any of the formal meetings with Ocoee required of other developers.
Orrell said they’ve had the engineers at the three previous meetings, but because this was an update on the project, he didn’t ask them to come and apologized.
THE PROJECT
Proposed work includes adding a new regulation 400-meter track and field; basketball and tennis courts; court-
yard design; ramp and retaining walls to athletic fields; site and building lighting; and covered walkways and extended drop off canopies. Orange County Public Schools intends to improve the site drainage at the athletic fields and improve markings and flow arrows in the parking lots.
On the exterior of the school, OCPS will add new exit doors, reconfigure entry to administration to give visitors better visibility; repaint the walls; replace wall and window sealants; and add missing roof drainage and a new chiller yard enclosure. Interior improvements include new finishes and ceilings; instructional technology; plumbing fixtures; signage; furnishings; lighting; and the replacement of existing movable partitions with hard walls.
OCPS will practice sustainability in the renovation project. It will add high-efficiency chillers; a light colored roof to reduce heat gain; Energy Star rated equipment; water-saving toilets, faucets and fixtures; and an automated building controls system. More than 75% of spaces will have natural lighting.
The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028. Between spring 2025 and second semester 2026, the design and permitting is scheduled; second semester 2026 to summer 2026 is portable construction; and construction is summer 2026 through spring 2028.
The schedule is divided into five phases. Phase one is portables installation and construction area; phase two is the east side of building one; phase three is the rest of building one, admin, building two and three, and the bus loop; phase four is building four and five, media, kitchen, dining and gym; phase five is north parking, courtyard and track.
Portables will be removed as soon as the new classroom buildings are completed.
ADDITIONAL CONCERNS
As commissioners continued to make their comments, District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner brought up the point of education. He agreed, aesthetically the changes are nice, but they aren’t addressing the educational issues. To him it’s a “disservice for children.” Teaching positions are vacant across the county and the quality of learning has “gone down the drain” in recent years, he said.
Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson is worried about the 400 to 500 kids sitting outside of Ocoee Middle waiting for the gates to be unlocked when the first bell rings.
“The major problem we got is who we have elected to respond to us, Melissa Byrd (OCPS District 7 representative),” Johnson said. “We haven’t heard a word out of her. Never do we hear anything out of her. It upsets me that these citizens bring this to us, we have to answer to them, and what we can’t tell them is how we’re going to fix it.”
Courtesy images
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West
Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of RoofBids
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of RoofBids. Operating out of Winter Garden, RoofBids offers peace of mind in an industry filled with spamming and scamming. At www.MyRoofBids.com, they never share your information until YOU select the contractor you prefer from the choices they provide. They call this their PRIVACY SHIELD where they place your DATA IN ESCROW until it is ready to be released. Finding the right roofing expert has never been easier. With www. MyRoofBids.com, you can find local roof contractors in just a few clicks. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching and let RoofBids streamline the process for you.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of
Horizon West Regional Park
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Horizon West Regional Park. Located at 4715 Hamlin Groves Trl in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, A 215-acre space, Horizon West Regional Park was originally opened in December 2010 to only horseback riding and hiking. The grand opening for the $15.6 million investment for phase 1A was primarily for infrastructure - the access road, utilities, parking, an inclusive playground, restrooms, a trail and an event pavilion. The budget for Phase 1B is $7 million and construction will begin soon. Phase 1B will add a splash pad, hook-ups for a farmer’s market, a kayak/canoe launch and infrastructure to support these amenities, all of which were requested through public surveys. Horizon West Regional Park is one of 114 parks, trails and facilities on nearly 15,000 acres maintained by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division. Tolearn more, visit tinyurl.com/ HorizonWestRegPark.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West
Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening
of Always Best Care of Greater Orlando
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Always Best Care of Greater Orlando. Located at 501 N Magnolia Ave Ste A03 in downtown Orlando, ABC Orlando provides in-home caregiving services and assisted living placements to senior citizens in our community. To learn more, visit https://alwaysbestcare.com/orlando/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
TALK OF THE (DOWN)TOWN
HISTORY OF DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN BUSINESS BUILDINGS
Throughout the years, the buildings along Plant Street that have been sold in 2025 have housed numerous businesses. Here are some throughout history.
54 E. PLANT ST. CURRENT n Khouzam General Surgery
FORMER OCCUPANTS
n Dudley’s Gulf gas station/Childs Taxi restaurant
n Outdoor hamburger joint
n First Baptist Church Winter Garden
* The Plant family lived in a two-story house behind the church/ boarding house
12 W. PLANT ST. CURRENT n Polka Dotz
FORMER OCCUPANTS
n Shirley’s Trailside Antiques
n The Magic Wand
n Merle Norman
n Leader Department Store
99 W. PLANT ST.
CURRENT n Edgewater Hotel (includes The Chef’s Table, Scoops Old Fashion Ice Cream, Earl Brigham’s Barber Shop and Thai Blossom)
FORMER OCCUPANTS
n Choctaw Willy’s (also was Hart’s TV, Orange County Health Department clinic and Dr. Utlaut’s office)
n Whippoor Willy’s (also was Penny Saver, Florida Power office and lawyer’s office)
n Rep. Randy Johnson
n Telegraph office
n George Merchant Men’s Wear
n Bumby Hardware’s lumber yard
100 W. PLANT ST.
CURRENT
n The Real Estate Collection Offices
FORMER OCCUPANTS
n First Union National Bank/Main Street Winter Garden office
n First Bankers
n First National Bank of Winter Garden
n A.B. Newton’s store
126 W. PLANT ST.
CURRENT
n Black Bean Deli is in the works
FORMER OCCUPANTS
n NY Bagel Deli & Pizza
n Eggs & Oats
n Sweet Traditions French Bakery & Cafe
n Downtown Brown’s
n Suzanne’s Southern Sandwich Shop/antiques shop
n Austin’s antique store
n Pool hall
n McMillan Hardware Co.
n Bray Hardware
Property
WBY LIZ RAMOS | MANAGING EDITOR
hen Winter Garden Mayor John Rees decided to build his house in Winter Garden in 1979, he chose to move downtown because it was in the midst of 40 acres of orange groves.
Over the past 76 years of living in Winter Garden, Rees has seen the city undergo several changes.
Gone are the orange groves he cherished, and now he has Dillard Street Elementary School behind his house, Courtlea Oaks nearby and more development.
“I would prefer the 40-acre orange grove, but I had a problem; I didn’t have $3 million to buy it,” he said. “I got stuck with that.”
Today, Winter Garden residents are concerned about a new change: One individual has spent more than $40 million since 2015 to buy 36 residential and commercial properties — all in downtown Winter Garden. The purchases were made using 26 different LLCs.
Rees, who is concerned as well, said he had a two-hour sit-down talk with James Larweth, the man connected to the LLCs that own these properties.
“He acts like he wants to make it and continue a family-friendly town with its charm,” he said of Larweth. “He’s got more pictures of Winter Garden in the beginning and after the fire than I’ve seen anybody have. But as far as exactly what he’s going to do, I don’t know if he’s going to do it until he starts. … I think you’re always concerned until you start seeing something happen. I am, but we’re going to continue to encourage our thoughts on what we think Winter Garden
should be, and I hope that he shares those same thoughts.”
Repeated attempts by the Observer to reach Larweth were unsuccessful.
According to property records, in 2025, LLCs connected to Larweth purchased the Edgewater Hotel for $10.3 million; the Khouzam Building for $3.2 million; portions of the Bond Building for $4 million; the building where Black Bean Deli is trying to open for $2,002,499; and the building that houses The Real Estate Collection Offices for $4,497,501.
According to property records, he also owns 16 single-family residences, seven multi-family residences, three vacant residential lots, two homes used as office spaces or stores, two duplexes and a triplex.
Besides LLCs connected to Larweth purchasing buildings along Plant Street, property records show three LLCs — all under different ownership and not connected to Larweth — purchased three downtown buildings in 2025. Southboyd109 LLC purchased 109 S. Boyd St., which will house Harlow Grove Restaurant and Bar that is expected to open in March, for $10.4 million. Devnull Winter Garden LLC purchased 16 E. Plant St., which Dox-
PRINCIPAL PERMITTED USES AND STRUCTURES
ology is moving into, for $2.3 million. Shurlock LLC purchased 50 W. Plant St., where Driftwood Market is located, for $2,050,000.
Rees and City Manager Jon C. Williams said there is nothing the city can do to prevent any individual from purchasing property in Winter Garden. Transactions and sale of properties as well as lease agreements are private transactions.
“As far as restricting somebody from selling or somebody from buying, this is America, there’s not a whole lot we can do about that,” Rees said.
Numerous residents and business owners fear Winter Garden will lose its small-town charm it has become known for and helps to draw new residents, small businesses and tourism.
Rees said he and city staff are “working hard to make sure that does not happen,” and he has asked Williams and his staff to review all of the city’s ordinances, “whether it’s height of the buildings, type of buildings, types of businesses,” and meet with City Attorney Kurt Ardaman to see if the Winter Garden City Commission needs to consider “tightening up” any ordinances.
“As our town’s gotten more popular, it is bringing in outside investors,” Rees said. “When it does that, they’re paying more for these buildings, which means they want to charge more for rent, which means that starts blocking out certain people. That’s a concern we’re having, because the charm of Winter Garden is the uniqueness of our businesses. If you went to Hilton Head or to Winter Park, you aren’t going to see the same stores. That’s part of the uniqueness and charm.”
WHO IS JAMES LARWETH? Larweth is the founder and executive vice president at Anton Rx & Anton Health, which has offices on Boyd Street in downtown Winter Garden. Anton Rx is a pharmacy intelligence and management firm, while Anton Health is a health care market access and advisory firm. Both firms were founded in 2018. A few years after starting his health
As our town’s gotten more popular, it is bringing in outside investors. When it does that, they’re paying more for these buildings, which means they want to charge more for rent, which means that starts blocking out certain people. That’s a concern we’re having, because the charm of Winter Garden is the uniqueness of our businesses.”
— John Rees Winter Garden mayor
Ashley Morton opened her restaurant, Three Birds Café, on Plant Street five years ago. The café will close Thursday, Feb. 26.
Photo by Liz Ramos
care businesses, Larweth branched out. In April 2021, he became the owner of Lake Cypress Ranch in Windermere followed by taking ownership of Lake Avalon Ranch in February 2022, according to property records. The ranches have cattle operations and land stewardship.
Also in 2022, LLCs connected to Larweth purchased three properties — two of which are on Davenport Road and the other on Avant Drive in Winter Garden — used for agricultural citrus production economics for a combined total of $2.5 million, according to property records. In March 2022, he opened Anton Groves, which produces Navel and Valencia oranges.
Since 2020, eight LLCs tied to Larweth also have purchased 11 properties in Windermere for a combined total of $17,659,000, according to property records.
Before Anton Rx and Anton Health, Larweth’s health care career began in 1994 with Sanofi, before he started serving in various roles from 2006 to 2018 with his former employer, Arizona-based Magellan Health. He sued Magellan Health in May 2018 for fraud and breach of contract. He contended the billion-dollar managed health care firm refused to pay him a previouslyagreed-upon commission, and when he complained about it, he was fired, according to the complaint filed in federal court in Orlando. He further alleged that after he was terminated, “Magellan’s executives engaged in a smear campaign to destroy his reputation throughout the health care industry.” The case was settled for an undisclosed amount, court records show.
More than his career and purchasing real estate in Winter Garden, Williams said Larweth, who has been in the Winter Garden community since 2006, also has supported nonprofits within the community. This year, Anton Rx sponsored the beloved Winter Garden Music Fest, which drew more than 40,000 people to downtown Winter Garden. Anton Rx also will be a sponsor of the Rotary of Winter Garden’s Evening at the Pops.
“Our conversations with (Larweth) have been nothing but positive, and he loves what Winter Garden is and what it has become over the years,” Williams said. “I certainly can’t speak for him, but (based on) my interactions with him, I don’t think the concerns that are being expressed by a lot of folks are warranted at this point in time. He wants to protect what has been built here and loves the family-friendly atmosphere. He raised his kids here is what he’s told us. At this point, all of the vision that he has shared with us verbally is very positive.”
through whatever process that he has going on right now,” he said of Larweth. “One of the visions he shared with the Edgewater Hotel was restoring it to its original grandeur and its glory days. But we haven’t seen any plans or anything at this point. … I know he has spent quite a bit of time researching the archives to look at what the buildings looked like back in the day, before he acquired them, before some of the changes we see here today, and he’s expressed his intent and desire to resort to that.”
SMALL BUSINESSES
CLOSE THEIR DOORS
Fear among residents is the unknown of what Larweth plans to do with the buildings and other new landlords raising rent that forces small businesses out.
Three Birds Café owner Ashley Morton and Polka Dotz owner Heidi Hardman already have been impacted by Larweth purchasing the portions of the Bond Building in which their businesses reside.
Morton opened Three Birds Café at 2 W. Plant St. five years ago after having another business, Melts on Main, on Main Street for two years.
Next door, at 12 W. Plant St., Heidi Hardman brought Polka Dotz to Plant Street nearly five years ago after 14 years in Winter Garden Village. She also started her dog rescue, Polka Dogz Pet Rescue, inside her boutique.
But on Jan. 1, Morton and Hardman both received a call from their former landlord notifying them the building had been sold, and there was no guarantee their business leases would be renewed.
A few weeks later, they received a letter in the mail from Anton Property Investments LLC, which is tied to Larweth, notifying them their deepest fear was becoming a reality: They would not be given the option to renew their leases.
Morton had been trying to receive an extension on her lease since February 2025, when she knew she only had a year left on the lease. She said the landlord at the time assured her that despite the intention to sell the building, the landlord would make sure whoever buys the building wants to keep her as a tenant.
Three Birds Café will be closing its doors Thursday, Feb. 26, as a result of promises from the previous landlord being broken and the present landlord not being willing to renew the lease. Hardman’s Polka Dotz has until June before it must close its doors due to the landlord choosing not to give an option to renew the lease.
Both Morton and Hardman are frustrated with the previous landlord — their leases could have been extended at any time under his ownership. But now with a new owner, the decision has been made, and they have no option but to vacate. Neither Morton nor Hardman were able to connect directly with the new landlord despite numerous attempts, they said.
“There is no community, there’s no heart, it’s transactional,” Hardman said. “It’s exactly the opposite of what this town is about.”
Learning their leases officially wouldn’t be renewed caused panic for
They moved to Plant Street for its blend of what small businesses and community members bring to the area. They worry their spaces will be filled with chain stores or restaurants rather than small businesses.
I
the business owners. They worried where they would take their businesses next as well as for their employees. Three Birds Café employs 22 people, while Polka Dotz has 16 employees and some seasonal workers.
“I feel like it’s a corporate raider, but worse, because corporate raiders come in and take over companies that are struggling; we have thriving small businesses, and somebody’s just coming in and devastating the small businesses that are here,” Hardman said. “That’s painful in so many ways. This was our life. This is my dream store.”
“What made the charm of the town is all the businesses you can’t find anywhere else,” Morton said. “We can all probably name the five franchises we always see in every small town now, and it’s like, what were those before? What’s sad is people forget about them, people’s dreams, people’s financials that they put on the line, and it’s all gone just because there’s a big investment group that comes in and is like, ‘Well, we actually don’t like this concept.’” Hardman and Morton are looking in Lake County for new locations to house their businesses. Morton said Three Birds Café still will have its coffee carts available at farmers markets, including the Winter Garden Farmers Market. The café also will have different pop-ups that will be posted to social media in the coming months, and she is introducing Three Birds Express, a compressed version of what the café currently offers but still will include a full food and coffee menu, juices and smoothies.
Other businesses also have been impacted by their buildings being under new ownership.
Ruby & Rust, which resides in a building Candy Properties and Investments Inc. owns, announced it will close by the end of the month due to “an astronomical increase” in rent.
Joe Williams, the owner of Candy Properties and Investments Inc.,
said Ruby & Rust was given a notice to vacate Thursday, Jan. 29, after the owner failed to pay rent in December 2025 and January.
This wasn’t the first time the owner failed to pay rent when it was due, Williams said. The owner didn’t pay rent in December 2024 and was given a three-day notice to pay, which the owner did.
Along with the notice to vacate, Ruby & Rust was notified of an approximately $700 rent increase, the first increase since the business made 31 S. Main St. its home in 2020. The rent went from about $3,700 to $4,400.
Driftwood Market will close at the end of May after the owner received notice its lease would not be renewed.
The building in which Driftwood Market is located was sold to Shurlock LLC, which has ties to Minesh Patel, Oct. 10, 2025, for $2,050,000. Rees and Williams said the city is working with the displaced business owners to find new homes for their businesses around Plant Street because they want to see them stay in Winter Garden.
“My wife and I are downtown all the time; we want to see them stay,” Rees said.
Residents also are concerned the buildings will become vacant for a long period of time or changes will be made to the historic buildings.
Williams said if Larweth plans to implement interior or exterior modifications to the buildings, everything will have to be reviewed and permitted. He cannot simply tear down a building or make changes without oversight. For exterior modifications, Williams said there is a development review process because the Architectural Review Board, downtown overlay and historic district code all have to be taken into consideration.
A permit applicant can appeal the decision made by city staff and ultimately, the City Commission.
As for the types of businesses that can go into the buildings he has purchased, as long as they fit in the permitted use, the city can’t control leases. Downtown Winter Garden is zoned as C-1 Central Commercial District, which allows for retail establishments; eating and drinking establishments; offices and studios; financial institutions; hotels; private clubs and lodges; personal services; recreational and entertainment uses; public buildings; churches; and upper-story residential.
Williams is asking residents and community members to be patient as plans are formulated, proposed and reviewed.
“Let him put together his plan,” he said. “Let him come in and submit (the plan), and let us do what we have done to make this city so successful. I don’t think anybody will find that our mission from the beginning has changed, or it is his desire to change. Everybody should know we’re all working together. It is our goal to maintain what has made Winter Garden what it is today and to even make it better. I think there is definitely an opportunity here to do that, and I think we’ve got to give individuals time to be able to put together their plans for us to take a look at.”
Photo by Liz Ramos
Heidi Hardman’s boutique, Polka Dotz, will have been on Plant Street for five years as of August, but the boutique must close its doors in June after Hardman was not allowed to renew her lease.
Heidi Hardman Polka Dotz owner
For many, the idea of growing anything at their homes is daunting. They don’t know what they don’t know, and out of fear of failure, many folks decide to do nothing at all.
A garden or landscaping project can add beauty, calm and life to your home, and luckily for West Orange residents, there is an incredible group ready to help you ease into the world of gardening.
Since 1997, the Bloom & Grow Garden Society and its members have worked to stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening through promotion and sponsorship of community projects and the protection and sustainability of native habitat.
gardening journey
Have you ever wanted to plant a garden but didn’t know how to start? The Bloom and Grow Garden Society and its upcoming signature event — Spring Fever in the Garden — has you covered. SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN
And soon, the society’s signature event — Spring Fever in the Garden will blossom in downtown Winter Garden. This two-day event, April 11-12, is the perfect place to begin your gardening journey.
Bloom & Grow Garden Society President and Tree Committee
Chair Katy Moss Warner said the best way to get started is to make a plan for your space. Think of your growing space like an artist would a blank canvas.
“Decide where you want a shade tree, where you want a hedge to screen out an unwanted view, where you want a pop of color,” she said. “If you want to grow vegetables, you will need to find a spot in the sun. You will want to start with landscape plants that are well suited to our Central Florida climate. Native plants are best.”
Of course, like an artist’s color palette, there are rules and best practices for gardens. It’s a good idea to get your soil tested — the
The Bloom and Grow Garden Society’s signature event, Spring Fever in the Garden, takes place April 11-12 in downtown Winter Garden. There, the society will host two booths designed especially for those getting started.
The Ask the Experts booth will be stationed by Garden Theatre. Two experts will be available to answer questions about everything from trees to pests to flowers to house plants throughout the festival. And everyone who asks a question will receive a free plant.
The society’s Pollinator Power booth will be staffed with gardeners who know all about garden plants that attract butterflies and bees. They will be giving free seed to those who come to the booth.
plants to give your garden a visual foundation. Then, make sure you choose plants that will thrive in your space.
“We use an adage, ‘Right Plant for the Right Place,’” she said. “If a plant likes full sun, plant it in full sun. If it wants shade, make sure it has some shade.”
At first, the only tools you’ll need are a shovel and a garden hose.
“The most important key to suc-
is
when you plant and then follow up with water — even if it rains or you have irrigation.”
For Central Florida’s climate, Warner has some recommendations for good starter plans.
“For trees, the Southern Live Oak is terrific,” she said. “For shrubs, camellias and azaleas are great — and they bloom. The native Coontie is a tough green plant that is actually a good pollinator plant. Plants that spread are helpful — (such
as) walking iris, African iris, ferns (and) cast iron plant. We love the tractor seat plant.”
And despite year-round sun, Central Florida definitely has gardening seasons. As a general rule, spring and fall are the best times to plant. There are some flowers that grow best in the winter, while others grow best in the summer.
“During this last freeze, dianthus, pansies and snapdragons came through without a blemish,” Warner said. “Impatiens and begonias melted. Impatiens and begonias are great in the summer. This is also true of herbs and vegetables.”
The county extension office has University of Florida publications with recommendations for different planting seasons.
In addition to adding beauty and charm to your home, gardening has other benefits, too.
“Gardening is an excellent physical activity and rates highly against other forms of exercise,” Warner said. “Gardening encourages sustainable living by growing your own food. Gardening strengthens connections with nature and the environment and offers a means to connect with the community via gardening projects. It is meditative and calming. Gardening is used as therapy. Research has shown that even seeing plants outside the window helps patients heal faster, causes them to be kinder to their caregivers and makes them happier.”
UF/IFAS Extension Orange County can perform the test. Warner recommends starting with green
cess
water,” Warner said. “You need to make sure to water
Local insurance agent Jo Barsh says regular insurance reviews are critical to ensuring you have the right amount of coverage for your home.
It’s understandable. You buy a new house, which means a new home insurance policy. You go with all of your agent’s recommendations, and you check that off your to-do list.
That policy renews every year without input from you. It’s set-itand-forget-it, and you’re fine letting everything just continue as usual.
But of course, life never stays the same. Over the next 10 years, you have significant family changes. Maybe you get married or have a baby (or babies). Maybe you launch a home-based busi ness. You make some large purchases jewelry, firearms, etc.
Even if none of this applies, most certainly, the cost of goods and labor increases. And that’s precisely why local insurance agent Jo Barsh recommends regular home insurance checkups.
“They don’t want to call, because they don’t want the rates going up,” Barsh said. “But they don’t understand the backlash of that. If your house is not (insured) at fullreplacement cost and you have a cata strophic loss, there’s a chance we’re going to put the outside back together, and we’re going to go, ‘OK, we’re done. We can’t put any walls up because you don’t have enough money.’
“So, if you’re not keeping your home (insurance) up to a catastrophic-loss level, that’s where you could essentially lose out,” she said.
THE COST TO REBUILD
Certainly in West Orange, the costs associated with building homes have increased. Those include the prices for goods such as tile, wood and fixtures, as well as the cost for labor.
Many policies have an inflation guard in place to accommodate for some of these increases. That guard typically ranges from 2% to 8%.
However, that increase might not keep pace with the increase in costs to rebuild your home. For example, if a homeowner paid $400,000 for his or her home in West Orange eight years ago, it might be worth $800,000 today. And although it wouldn’t cost $800,000 to build it back, it might cost $600,000. And if your policy doesn’t cover a $600,000 replacement cost, your money will run out.
Reviewing your policy and raising the replacement cost value will cause your premium to increase. But when you buy insurance, you’re paying to offset risk. If you’re paying for insurance that doesn’t adequately cover replacement costs, you’re not offsetting all of the risk.
LIABILITY
Another critical component of your insurance policy is the amount of liability coverage you carry. Like replacement cost, this amount should change as your life does.
“You want to make sure you have enough liability in there, because if they sue you and you don’t have
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REVIEW
enough liability in your policy, (your) life changes,” Barsh said. Attorneys will examine your wealth and earnings, and if you’re found liable and don’t have enough insurance, your wages could be garnished.
“If you only have $100,000 (in liability coverage), and that’s what (Florida) requires you to carry in an insurance policy, is your home worth more than $100,000?” Barsh said. “Why would you carry less than what your home is worth? If you hurt someone in a car accident (and your house is paid off), that’s a lot of free money sitting right there. (And then you might have to) get a loan against your house to pay restitution.”
DON’T ASSUME
Anyone who has lived in Florida for any length of time has been through a hurricane. The wind and rain sounds like a freight train outside, and when it’s all done, you wait and watch for leaks or obvious damage.
If you see none, you breathe a sign of relief.
Not so fast.
Even if you see no damage, Barsh said it is a good idea to have your roof inspected following a major storm. Sometimes, the damage isn’t obvious, and symptoms might not appear right away. And if it does — and you have no documentation — it will be nearly impossible to prove the damage was related to a storm.
“You can’t file a claim on something that happened five years ago,” she said. “(Have) somebody come check. … Most roofers will come out and check your roof for free.”
For more information or to schedule your checkup, contact Barsh at (407) 299-0301.
n Confirm your home is insured for the estimated cost to rebuild. Ensure any replacement cost estimate reflects the actual characteristics of your home. Insuring your home for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost — not the current market value — could give you the means to replace your home entirely in the event of a loss.
n Ask questions about current coverages, limitations and exclusions. You can get the best out of a meeting with your agent by asking about your current coverages and understanding any limitations and exclusions to the homeowners policy. You might be better prepared for a loss when you know what is covered and what is not.
n Create a home inventory. A home inventory is a listing of the property in your home, the date you bought it and what you purchased it for.
n Review home renovations. If you have added on to your home or updated any rooms in the house, tell your agent to ensure your coverage reflects the changes as your property’s value might have increased. Furthermore, share any changes to major appliances, because these might increase your home’s value.
n Share any significant life changes with your agent. Getting married, having a baby, starting a new home business or even getting divorced might trigger changes to your property that are worth a conversation to address the correct coverage with new needs.
WOW factor!
MOTHER’S DAY
Instead of getting her flowers that will wither and die, why not consider a windowbox for your next Mother’s Day gift?
And if you get your estimate done before April, WOW Windowboxes
Orlando West is guaranteeing installation before Mother’s Day.
For 10 years, Ocoee resident Michelle Finley owned and operated Kids Virtual Yoga LLC, a platform she used to extend the benefits of yoga to children. It was a way for her to use a passion to make the world a better place.
Now, she is using that same desire to connect with her community as franchise owner of WOW Windowboxes Orlando West.
Finley and her family had been searching since 2018 for the perfect business opportunity. They found it in WOW Windowboxes and launched the business in January.
“I was very particular,” Finley said of her search for a franchise. “My values are very important to me, and I really cared about what the widget was. It was important to me that we would have a business that AI couldn’t replace.”
Moreover, Finley said she found a connection between WOW Windowboxes and her health-focused background.
“One thing that yoga has taught me is that one small, intentional change, done consistently, can have profound effects on life, on how you feel, your environment,” she said.
WOW Windowboxes began in 2007 in Cincinnati. The business builds and maintains custom windowboxes and planters for homes and businesses.
Finley and her team customize each windowbox specifically to a client’s specifications. They build and paint each box by hand, and then plant four times a year using plants from local growers. Each installation includes irrigation, too, making the boxes completely maintenance-free for the customer. They’re also installed directly into the concrete or cement block using Tapcon screws, ensuring they will stay in place even during a hurricane.
“We call it a green-glove service, where you really just get to have this little piece of happiness,” Finley
Ocoee resident Michelle Finley has brought Cincinnati-based WOW Windowboxes to West Orange.
said. “You come home after a hard day of work, and you pull up to your house, and you have beautiful flowers.
“And for businesses, there is nothing more welcoming than when you have beautiful flowers out front,” she said. “People’s eyes are attracted to beauty.”
In addition to yoga, Finley and her family also share a passion for gardening, which comes in handy with their new business. Originally from Wisconsin, the Finleys moved to Florida 13 years ago and, ultimately, to West Orange in 2017.
“We have a 1-acre food forest, which doesn’t look pretty right now,” she says. “But most of our stuff will come back. My husband and I, on the weekend, we’re out in our area. We’re planting flowers. We’re planting fruit trees. (It’s) just what we do.”
With a shop based in Apopka,
WOW Windowboxes
Orlando West
WEBSITE: wowwindowboxes.com/orlando-west
EMAIL: info.orlando@wowwindowboxes.com
PHONE: (407) 336-9396
WOW Windowboxes Orlando West can serve clients throughout Central Florida — as far east as the Space Coast and down south to Kissimmee. And even though the product — a beautifying windowbox — is a luxury item, Finley said it can have a larger effect on a customer’s quality of life.
“It’s a way of giving joy, seeing beauty every day,” she said. “Those moments to just pause and see a butterfly land on a flower. To me, as a yoga teacher … those are just the little moments that just make life beautiful.”
For busy families in West Orange, WOW Windowboxes is a great way to add character to their homes without spending every weekend maintaining the yard.
“A lot of homes around here, they’re all beautiful, but they kind of all look the same,” Finley said.
“So it’s a really great way to make
your house look a little bit different. It’s living art. It’s just adding art to your home.”
And for those living in homeowners association-governed communities, windowboxes typically are considered a fixture. Finley said she has not had any HOA issues so far.
Ultimately, Finley and her team want to leave each client wowed.
“Our motto is, ‘We always leave it better than we found it,’” she said. “So we’re going to blow off the front porch. We’re going to clean the window that we’re putting the windowbox on. We’re going to make sure everything looks really, really beautiful.
“And it really is our goal of every customer that when they walk out or when they see it for the first time, they say, ‘Wow,’” Finley said. “And we don’t leave a property until it’s perfect.”
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Dr. Phillips High’s new football coach already was in the building. Former assistant coach Caleb Walls will step into the head coaching slot. Walls has worked alongside legendary DP head coach Rodney Wells, who announced Tuesday, Feb. 3, he was stepping down from the post, for the past three seasons as the wide receivers coach. Walls played at Dr. Phillips during his high school career and was a wide receiver on Dr. Phillips’ state runner-up team in 2016. Following high school, he traveled down to West Palm Beach to play at Keiser University. He became an All-Sun Conference kick returner. During college, he also became the first player in the school’s history to return a kick for a touchdown with an 89-yard score.
The school announced Friday, Feb. 20, that Darryl Monroe will step in as the offensive coordinator. Monroe played his high school career as a Panther, where he was named one of the top five linebackers in Central Florida and led the team in tackles his junior year. Following graduation, he played college football as a linebacker on Washington State University’s team.
2
The Windermere High boys soccer team will advance to the Final Four of the Class 7A State Tournament. The team only has lost one game this season. That record continued Tuesday, Feb. 17, when the Wolverines topped Olympia High 2-1 in the Class 7A Regional Championship. The team traveled to DeLand’s Spec Martin Stadium at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, to play Columbus for a shot to make it to the 7A State Championship. The results weren’t available as of press time Tuesday.
3
The state title chase for high school basketball teams began with 14 programs. Now after the regional semifinals concluded Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21, the number is down to four. On the girls’ side, Ocoee High is the only team that will advance to the regional finals. The Lady Knights dominated the entire game against Timber Creek with the final score of 60-27. On the boys’ side, Olympia High, TFA and CFCA will advance to the regional finals. Each team also won with at least a double-digit advantage over its opponent.
4Windermere Preparatory Academy senior guard Brandon Bass Jr. was awarded the District 11 Overall Player of the Year and Class 3A Player of the Year.
The 6-foot-4 guard, who is committed to Florida State University, has played all four years of his high school career as a Laker. In December, he broke Windermere Prep’s all-time scoring record by surpassing 1,912 career points. He holds 12 records during his time as a Laker.
5Olympia High’s junior James Nowells was awarded the Class 7A, District 11 Player of the Year. The rising guard has become a player to remember on the Titans’ squad. Standing at 6-foot-2, Nowells has averaged 18 points per game, five rebounds per game, two assists per game and two steals per game. Nowells led Olympia in scoring in the team’s first regional playoff game Saturday, Feb. 14, where he recorded 26 points in the 62-51 win.
At
Gridiron girls
Foundation Academy’s welcoming its first girls flag football team, and the players are ready to make their presence known.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
As Foundation Academy’s senior Sara Gomez watched the Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIX, her brain pictured the imaginary route lines each player was running.
Without hesitation, she called out the name of a play to her dad. He looked at her with a puzzled look. Gomez never called out plays before through her years of watching football. Why was she now?
Gomez smiled back. She thought of Foundation Academy’s girls flag football head coach Daniel “DJ” White and the plays he taught them.
For the first time while watching a football game, she knew the plays teams were running, and she beamed with pride.
That moment all came to fruition after White, also Foundation’s football team’s head coach, took on a new form of his beloved sport and the school welcomed its first girls flag football Florida High School Athletic Association team.
SLOWLY BUILDING
Gomez and junior Avery Grosshans have waited a long time for Foundation’s new flag football team to launch. The team was intended to start last season, but the planned coach, who also was an assistant football coach, Denzel Irvin, died Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024.
The tragedy turned into remembrance, and the girls began a club flag football team in his honor. Gomez said they didn’t know anything about flag football. In the club, they mostly sat
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Baseball, softball squads stacked with talent
West Orange and Southwest Orange baseball and softball teams should be fun to watch this season.
When people think of the West Orange area and athletics, there are two key pieces of gear that come to mind: a ball and a bat.
The history of children picking up a bat at age 4 to play baseball and softball dates back decades in the area. The Ocoee Little League began in 1962; Dr. Phillips Little League began in 1971; West Orange Girls Club began in 1976; Winter Garden Little League began in 1986; and the Windermere Little League began in 1996. Many children started their careers at one of those leagues and now are
playing on a bigger stage in high school. As the spring sports season rolls around, let’s take a look at baseball and softball players and teams to watch as their journey continues.
BASEBALL
The First Academy’s 2024-25 roster completed the season with the title everyone chases — champions. TFA’s campaign ended with a 7-2 win over Trinity Christian Academy to win the Class 2A State Championship. It was the team’s second state title in program history.
Although no other team captured the dream finish, many other programs made their way into the
postseason brackets. Foundation Academy lost in the Class 2A Regional Quarterfinals 2-1 to Santa Fe Catholic, and West Orange, Olympia and Windermere high schools all fell in the Class 7A Regional Quarterfinals. But a new year means new players, growth from returning players, lessons learned and a fresh slate to attempt to make history. Here are some baseball players to watch as they swing their way into the season.
DIEGO DIAZ, DR. PHILLIPS
Dr. Phillips’ senior Diego Diaz was on the Orange County All-Metro West team last season. Through the Panthers’ first six games this year, he has recorded a .278 batting average, .409 on-base percentage and two stolen
12 years old, Top Gun cheerleader Giulia Belardo has won the National Championship twice and placed second in Worlds. Page 16A.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Head coach Daniel “DJ” White is finding his footing in a new form of football.
Foundation Academy welcomes its first girls flag football team who will set the standard for years to come.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Phillips’ Diego Diaz is striving to find success and commitment in his senior year of high school.
Giulia Belardo
old, Giulia Belardo already has achieved what most competitive cheerleaders dream to achieve in their career. Although Belardo only has been cheering for four years, she already has won the National Championship two times and placed in second at the World Championship in 2025 at Junior Level 2 medium.
Currently, she’s cheering on Top Gun’s Pink Assassins team, and the team has won the Allstar World Championship for three consecutive years. The flyer is a Senior Level 3 cheerleader, which means she is preforming intermediate to advanced skills, including extended one-legged stunts and running tumbling back handsprings.
What do you enjoy most about cheerleading?
I enjoy making new friends and competitions.
When did you start cheerleading, and why did you join?
Four years ago, I used to do gymnastics, and one day, I was invited to a trial class at Top Gun. I loved it and never stopped.
What is your biggest accomplishment in cheerleading?
My biggest accomplishment so far is making Pink Assassins.
What has cheerleading taught you?
Teamwork and never give up.
How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
I would describe myself as kind and encouraging.
What advice would you give someone who just joined cheerleading?
I would say believe in yourself and keep practicing even when it’s hard; keep pushing, because you will get there.
If you were a coach, what speech would you give the
If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?
If I could pick a different sport, I would pick volleyball, because I am good at it and (I would be able to) play with my friends.
Who do you look up to the most?
I look up to Worlds team athletes.
What is something new you’d like to learn? Baking.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? I love Florida, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? If I won the lottery, I would save money and spend some on stuff that I enjoy.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I love the feeling of it, and it’s just the best holiday.
What future career do you want to have?
My future career I want to have is either to be a cheer coach or an interior designer.
If you became famous, what would it be for?
If I were famous I would probably be famous for either cheerleading or social media.
If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? Maybe a giraffe because they are one of my favorite animals.
Foundation Academy flag football takes the field
FROM PAGE 15
down, learned plays, memorized rules and scrimmaged another club. It was a learning opportunity rather than a competitive-natured sport.
Then, a year ago, a new figure emerged in Foundation’s athletics scene: White.
He came to the school to become the new head coach of the football team and led the Lions to their first 10-win season.
“The boys’ success was an indicator that maybe I know what I’m doing, maybe I can coach and maybe this can work for girls too,” he said. “A lot of the students were asking (me to coach flag). … I had no real motive, real indication of doing flag, in general.”
The former Apopka High School football player and University of Alabama at Birmingham linebacker always had played or been involved in tackle football and had no intent to take the plunge until Homecoming came around.
Foundation Academy has an annual Powder Puff game as a part of the festivities tied with Homecoming week.
White’s football players dressed to resemble their head coach’s signature look — long sleeves and long pants — and took charge of teaching football to the Powder Puff teams. Each grade, ninth through 12th, was represented. The girls attended practices with their White lookalikes in preparation of taking the field. When they did, it was the seniors who won, and Gomez felt the early taste of success in flag football.
Little did she know White quietly was watching from the sidelines and one word flashed through his mind: potential.
He watched the ladies compete with only a week’s worth of practice and after being coached by his players, but he saw the real potential. At that moment, he realized, ‘OK, I think we can do this.’
anything of that nature. It was just about watching them compete.”
He went to Foundation’s Athletic Director Krystal Thomas-Smith and told her the girls flag football team had to happen.
“I was really excited when (White) said that he wanted to coach, because he saw the potential,” Grosshans said. “Even if he didn’t see potential, he still took the job because we need to start it somewhere. … In the coming years the program will get bigger and it will grow, but we have to start from a foundation.”
THE GROUNDWORK
LAYING
The first flag football team had no struggles finding players, White said. It’s open to grades six to 12, and each team is allowed to have up to 25 players; Foundation’s just shy at 24. The roster is an eighth-grader-dominant team, with only seven players being upperclassmen and even two sixth-graders.
Being a part of the inaugural team means a lot to Grosshans and Gomez, who said the team should be on Foundation’s wall recognizing organizations.
“I’m just so excited,” Gomez said. “I love flag football, I’ve been watching (football), and I never thought I was going to play.”
She and Grosshans grew up watching football, and being able to step onto a field, in uniform, with a ball in their hand is a dream come true. It also gives the girls something to look forward to at the end of a long school day.
Grosshans, also a Foundation girls soccer player, always looked forward to soccer practice, but the spring sports lacked girls opportunities. The season was male-dominated with the options at Foundation, and she pushed for more options, especially for the girls who don’t play other sports.
“Every girl here needs to have something to look forward to,” she said.
thing to look forward to every day.
White hopes to achieve what he did with the boys football team — lay a foundation for the Lions who will come after them. And that foundation will be built on the idea of C4 — Christ, Character, Competition and Champions.
“We want to do it in that order,” White said. “That’s the most important thing for us, and we’re not out here just for participation trophies. We’re in a district, and we want to compete for a championship, a state championship, this year.”
To achieve that, he and his staff are taking what they know about coaching football and applying it to the girls. White’s finding different methods to get the same points across.
Each girl has been given a wristband with the plays drawn out to them in color codes, so White can easily call out a color for each girl and the play number and they instantly will know what route to run. He has learned how to remove his previous assumptions that every player knows what a five-out is, but rather he’s understanding it’s a new world for him and the girls.
“I use the game of football to teach these young men and women about God, and now I get to mentor young ladies,” White said. “I’ve never done that before, and it’s been an interesting ride. It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Since coaching girls flag football, he has noticed one challenge — time. The team plays two games per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and it leaves Mondays and Wednesdays for practice. It’s much different than the boys’ one-game-per-week schedule and the year-round training.
The team will strive to become No. 1 in character and a focal point in the community.
What is your perfect day?
My perfect day would be a cheer comp day with
way more than veggies.
“The thing that stood out most was the competitiveness,” White said. “The willingness to compete. Whether these girls knew what they were doing or not, whether they had success throwing or running or
Now through flag football, Gomez does. She has broken her traditional routine of going home after school and doing homework. Now she has practices and games. She wakes up energized because she has some-
“I do believe that if we keep those things in order, eventually the championships will come — whether I’m the coach or whether that’s somebody else,” White said. “But we do want to set a standard. We want to raise the bar. We want to set a level of expectation of excellence.”
Winter Garden Little League celebrates largest season-opener
were
Winter Garden Little League President Terence Curran always has had a love for baseball.
Today, he’s able to introduce the sport to many youth in the Winter Garden area, including his son.
At this year’s season-opener, which took place Friday, Feb. 20, Curran was proud to announce 615 kids — the largest number ever — joined the Little League.
“It is an incredible event,” Curran said. “The experience with everybody just makes it heartwarming, especially looking at some of the surprises and being able to announce the inaugural Challenger Divi-
sion coming out — that was an incredible experience.” Curran said he and his team were delighted to learn so many children wanted to join.
“It’s baseball,” he said. “It’s the American sport. All of the (children) want to be part of it.”
Curran said his son is part of the league and wants to become a pro.
“My son is literally asking, ‘How do I become one of the top champions?’” Curran said. “‘How do I get into AllStar? What does it take?’ And I tell him dedication and time.
… To see him want to be part of this experience is incredible.” — LETICIA SILVA
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Terence Curran is the current president of the Winter Garden Little League.
Local teams ready for spring season
bases. Diaz is No. 2 on the team in all of those statistics. The four-year varsity player recorded his best season as a junior and is working to achieve similar success this time around. In his junior campaign he played 24 games, posted a .425 batting average, 13 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and nine putouts on 53 chances.
AIDEN WILLIAMS, THE FIRST ACADEMY
The First Academy is off to another hot start, 3-0, after the team’s state-title finish. One of the younger faces on the Royals’ lineup who already has played an important hand is Aiden Williams. His on-base percentage is .556, and he’s tied on the stats leaderboard with one home run. The sophomore began his TFA career in eighth grade on junior varsity, now he’s a starter on varsity. Williams is a second baseman who’s had 11 total catches and on those he’s earned three put-outs, seven assists and one error.
SAMUEL GRANDE, OLYMPIA HIGH
Olympia High’s Samuel Grande already is making his presence felt his junior season. The three-year varsity player already has surpassed his previous season averages in the Titans’ first six games. His batting average is .421, with six runs batted in and 21 plate appearances. Grande stands at 6-foot-2, and as a third baseman, he’s recorded a .692 fielding percentage and six putouts with 13 total chances.
SOFTBALL
Of the local teams, the Foundation Academy softball team had the most success in the 2024-25 season. The Lions recorded 11 runs on the board in the first two rounds of the state tournament, but ultimately, the team fell to Geneva 5-3 in the Class 1A Regional Finals. Horizon High concluded its season in the 6A Regional Semifinals, and Windermere Preparatory Acad-
emy and Windermere High ended in the quarterfinals of their respective classes. Here’s softball athletes to watch in the spring season.
ENSLEY SMID, WEST ORANGE HIGH
West Orange’s Ensley Smid is making her career start on the Warriors’ varsity squad. The freshman has played in all three games this season, and she has placed herself on the stats leaderboard for the team. The outfielder has recorded a .375 batting average on eight at-bats, one run batted in, .444 on base percentage and .500 slugging percentage. She also doubles as a pitcher, and she’s averaged 4.2 innings pitched, allowing four hits.
KYLIE “KK” KONSTAND, WINDERMERE PREP
Freshman Laker Kylie “KK” Konstand has been on Windermere Prep’s varsity team since sixth grade. She’s ranked No. 48 by Extra Inning Softball’s Class of 2029 infielder rankings and was recognized for her 4.0 GPA. Outside of high school, she also plays for Fury Platinum X Higdon/Helton. Her fall stats were .456 average batting on 79 at-bats, 22 runs batted in, 34 runs and .547 on-base percentage. In Windermere Prep’s first two games this year, the 5-foot-4 player has averaged .400 batting and four runs.
RILEY WINTERS, FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Foundation Academy’s Riley Winters is on a mission her senior season to break all of the school’s softball records. Through the team’s first two games she’s recorded one home run, a 10.50 earned run average, two RBIs and a .667 slugging percentage. The 5-foot3 senior has played on Foundation’s varsity team since her sixth-grade year and is committed to Belmont University. Last year she was voted All-District Most Valuable Player, and she made all-state and all-academic.
TOWN OF OAKLAND GENERAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
CANDIDATES FOR SEAT #4
Anne Fulton
Joseph P. McMullen
CHARTER AMENDMENT QUESTIONS
Six (6) Charter Amendment Questions
View sample ballots at www.ocfelections.gov or www.oaklandfl.gov
Early Voting: Monday, March 2nd – Sunday, March 8th
7:00 am – 7:00 pm daily only at the following locations:
Supervisor of Elections Office
119 West Kaley Street, Orlando, FL 32806
Apopka Community Center 519 S. Central Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703
Election Day: Tuesday, March 10th
Polling Location: Oakland Presbyterian Church 218 East Oakland Avenue
Polls are open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and are accessible for people with disabilities. You will be asked to show both Photo and Signature Identification.
Do you have questions or require additional information? Contact: Town Clerk - 407-656-1117 Ext. 2110
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary
Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097
www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
Windermere Prep’s softball player, Kylie Konstand, is prepared to make her mark her freshman campaign after playing on varsity for three seasons.
Courtesy photo
OF THE WEEK
INFLUENCER
JACKIE ARCHER
LAKE WHITNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jackie Archer is a school bus driver for Lake Whitney Elementary School.
Archer is responsible for the safe transportation of students to and from school. Her responsibilities include conducting pre-trip vehicle inspections, maintaining a scheduled route and managing students’ behavior to ensure a focused and secure environment for everyone on board the bus.
Archer started her career with Orange County Public Schools as a bus monitor six years ago before transitioning into the driver’s seat.
“Amidst a significant statewide shortage of transportation drivers, Jackie’s dedication to our students has been nothing short of heroic,”
I’ve always had a mind for logic and enjoyed the satisfaction of solving complex problems.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” It’s a classic that has everything — fantasy, mystery and plenty of drama. It really captures the imagination.
Principal Pamela Crabb said. “At the start of this school year, when a second bus route was vacant and without applicants, Jackie didn’t hesitate. She generously stepped up to transport all our students on her bus, handling the increased responsibility without a single complaint and ensuring every child made it to school ready to learn.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m off the clock, I’m usually cheering on my favorite teams. I’m a big sports fan and love catching a good game.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.
www.langd.org
407-656-2734 ext. 307
“What truly sets Jackie apart is the deep personal care she invests in our ‘Little Dolphins,’ Crabb said. She takes special interest in our youngest learners, carefully seating kindergarteners at the front of the bus and personally ensuring they are buckled in safely. Her kindness extends beyond the driver’s seat; at the end of the year, she frequently purchases snacks out of her own pocket to celebrate our students’ hard work. We are incredibly lucky to have Jackie Archer on our team — she is a shining example of the heart and dedication that keep our school running.”
What do you love most about Lake Whitney Elementary? The staff at Lake Whitney is incredibly polite and helpful. There is a real sense of community here; whenever a problem arises, everyone works together to resolve it quickly and efficiently.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is the fresh start each year. I truly look forward to meeting a new group of students every season and ensuring they arrive at school safely and ready to learn.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
If I weren’t behind the wheel, I would likely still be working as an office manager. I enjoy the organization and coordination that comes with managing a professional office environment.
Who influences you?
My mother is my greatest influence. She raised seven children on her own, and through her example, I learned very early on that I can accomplish anything if I have faith.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My math teacher was my favorite.
REPORT CARD
Years with school: Four
Years with OCPS: Six
President Barack Obama. I find his journey and leadership so inspiring; I feel like I could learn a lifetime of wisdom in just one meal with him.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would choose the power of flight. I love to travel and explore new places, and being able to fly would be the ultimate way to see the world!
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be? My ultimate playlist would have to be Bon Jovi, Phil Collins and Tom Jones. You can’t go wrong with those classics.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
I was all about the chicken nuggets at lunch, followed by graham crackers for a snack.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas! Beyond the spirit of the season, I have to admit — I really love the tradition of giving and receiving gifts.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
My best friend’s name is Patricia Gascoigne. We’ve been close since our school days, and I’m happy to say we are still best friends to this day.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades?
I was a dedicated track athlete. I spent a lot of time on the field and was proud to win several medals during my time competing.
LIZ RAMOS
Tildenville goes full STEAM ahead with Science Night
Both of our kids have been at Windermere Prep since early elementary, and we’ve had a great experience. The staff has always been supportive and genuinely interested in helping our children grow. We’re really thankful to be part of this community and feel like our kids are in a place where they’re seen, supported, and encouraged to do their best. — WPS Parent via Niche.com
From computer programming and meteorology to biology and chemistry, Tildenville Elementary School made science come alive at its Family Science Night Thursday, Feb. 12, at the school.
The Tildenville Elementary PTA-hosted event featured interactive stations led by several community partners, including Orlando Science Center, HCA Florida West Orange Emergency, Animal Clinic of Windermere and the University of Central Florida’s Bug Closet.
Hundreds of budding scientists loved exploring each of the stations as they discovered more fascinating facts about the world.
This year’s event was made possible through the sponsorship of The Bond Foundation.
MICHAEL ENG
Tanisha Adkins and her son, Ezra, 7, enjoyed programming a toy car to move by itself.
Enzo Alomia loved seeing a specimen up close through a microscope.
Valentina Berberena used her own power to build a sno-cone.
Wilmarie Jeremy De La Cruz helped kids create the classic volcano science project at the chemistry booth.
Orlando Science Center’s Ivan Santana taught Tildenville students all about different kinds of turtles.
Publishing:
Young Star Musical Theatre soars with ‘In the Heights’
Young Star Musical Theatre students took the stage last week for performances of the musical, “In the Heights.”
The company is a Winter-Garden-based theater dedicated to inspiring young performers and engaging the community through live theater.
From Friday, Feb. 20, to Sunday, Feb. 22, the theater presents “In
the Heights,” which examines cultural identity, the pursuit of the “American dream,” the meaning of “home” and community.
Six more performances will take place from Friday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 1; Friday, March 6; and Saturday, March 7.
To purchase tickets, which are $14 to $25, visit bit.ly/40eBHDf.
— LETICIA SILVA
Above; Benny, played by Landon Tuttle, is Nina’s love interest in the musical.
Left: Kevin Rosario, Nina’s father, told everyone he is planning to sell Rosario’s.
“In the Heights” hair-salon owner and worker, played by Angela Kourie and Annabelle Perez, spoke to Nina Rosario, played by Harmony Hernandez, while Vanessa, played by Nashley Bautista, joinsed the conversation.
Landon Tuttle and Harmony Hernandez played love interests in the musical.
The community grandma, Claudia, sang “Paciencia y fe.” She is played by Amelia Kourie.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1966: 60 years ago
Dawn Princeton, bride-elect of Lt. Thomas DeLoach, was honored at a lingerie shower given by Kay Heidt, Patti Moore and Judy Parrish at the Florida Power Lounge. A bridal shower also was held at the home of Mrs. Ward Britt, with Mrs. James Sweeney and Mrs. Lloyd Clifton as co-hostesses.
L. Frank Roper rode his Tennessee Walking Horse, Dazzling Sun, in competition during the second Charity Horse Show at the Seminole Raceway in Casselberry.
Advertisement: It’s Band Benefit Week at the Winter Garden Laundromat. We will donate 1 cent on each load of washing, 1 cent on each load of drying and 25 cents on each load of dry cleaning to the Lakeview High School Band for new uniforms. William G. Cook, owner and manager
1971: 55 years ago
Arnold Palmer was welcomed home to a victory celebration at the Bay Hill Club after winning the Bob Hope Desert Classic.
1976: 50 years ago
Albert C. Valdes, president of Valbro Business Forms in Winter Garden, was appointed by Orlando Mayor Carl Langford to a two-year term on the Orlando Public Library Board of Trustees.
Advertised candy deals at Food World: Peanut Butter Oompas, 77 cents; Peter Paul Mounds Jr. or Almond Joys Jr., 97 cents; Switzer’s Licorice, 57 cents; plain M&Ms, 77 cents for a six-pack; and caramelcovered popcorn Cracker Jacks, 29 cents for three packs.
1991: 35 years ago
As Desert Storm began in the Middle East, many West Orange
Twenty-eight years ago this week, the deadliest tornado outbreak in Florida history struck our region. While tornadoes are somewhat common in our state, Florida tornadoes are not usually as powerful as their Great Plains counterparts. However, the tornado outbreak that occurred Feb. 22, 1998, in Central Florida produced numerous rare and powerful F3 tornadoes.
This image shows severe damage to a residence in a Winter Garden neighborhood, directly in the path of one of the tornadoes. This storm caused significant damage to hundreds of residences in Hyde Park Village and the adjacent neighborhoods on Park Avenue. From there, the tornado went east, impacting several Dillard Street businesses and continuing through Winter Garden and into Ocoee. Three lives were lost and more than 500 buildings sustained damage locally. The outbreak claimed 42 lives total.
The West Orange Times, with Amy Quesinberry as project lead, published a comprehensive book about the destruction left in the tornado’s wake.
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.
County residents with family members in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf spent hours in front of their TVs for news of the war with Iraq. Saddam Hussein’s threat of chemical warfare caused many Central Floridians to purchase gas masks. The C&C Army Surplus Store on Highway 50 in Winter Garden was doing a brisk business. Some 1,100 Lakeview Middle School students showed their sup-
port for the U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia by forming “USA” on the school grounds. Principal Mike Blasewicz said the students initiated the idea themselves. Several had relatives serving in Operation Desert Storm.
2006: 20 years ago
New tenants were bringing nostalgic charm to the Edgewater Hotel, owned by Max Blanchard and Mi-
chael Lanza. Among them was the plan for Nostalgic Memories Store, which was to transport customers to the 1920s and 1930s with a Cracker Barrel concept that would connect to a new restaurant in the former Whippoor Willy’s location in the southwest corner of the first floor.
FEB. 24, 1950 Winter Garden Ford, located at 236 E. Plant
cipher
COPY THAT by Daniel Grinberg, edited by Taylor Johnson
By Luis Campos
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 60-year anniversary of Edgewood Children’s Ranch
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 60-year anniversary of Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Located at 1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd in the Metrowest part of unincorporated Orange County, Edgewood Children’s Ranch provides children and their families a safe environment to change their behaviors and the course of their lives. Their “cottage life” or residential program allows children to live with others in a familystyle unit and emphasizes the development of responsibility, accountability, self-control and faithfulness. On weekdays children attend Edgewood Ranch Academy, their on-site private Christian school. Although many of their students arrive one to three years below grade level, their personalized approach builds the confidence and accountability needed to advance. They kicked off their 60th Anniversary Celebration by dedicating the Family Care Building to Dr. Joan E. Consolver, honoring her 43 years of faithful service, leadership, and lasting impact on generations of lives through compassion and commitment. To learn more, visit https://edgewoodranch.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Horizon West Hospital
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Horizon West Hospital. Located at 17000 Porter Rd in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital has added specialized healthcare services, earned patient quality accolades and built strong community partners since opening its doors in 2021. Major accomplishments include:
• Building a cardiac catheterization lab program
• Becoming a Certified Primary Stroke Center to care for patients suffering from a stroke
• Expanding orthopedic care and earning Joint Commission certification for disease specific care regarding hip, knee and shoulder replacement
• Leapfrog straight “A” grades for three consecutive semesters
• Opening new outpatient services in the Davenport area with primary care, cardiology and general surgery clinics
• Stationing a dedicated pediatric critical care transport at Orlando Health Emergency RoomReunion Village
“Our team has accomplished so much in the last five years and I’m really excited for what’s still to come,” said Joe Khayat, Orlando Health vice president and president of Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital. “As this area grows, so does our hospital, so we are very intentional about tailoring new services to what is needed in this community, with safety and quality always at the forefront.” Patients can expect to see expansions in women’s services, neurology and urology care over the next year. Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital and Orlando Health Emergency Room - Reunion Village currently employ roughly 400 team members. Over the last five years, Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital has served nearly 200,000 patients. To learn more, visit https://www.OrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304