03.01.18 West Orange Times & Observer

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

Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange

Ocoee High School Knights off to a hot start. PAGE 17.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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VOLUME 85, NO. 9

102 years of stories Meet World War II veteran Sandy Saunders. STORY ON PAGE 4.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

YOUR TOWN COMMUNITY FORUM ON SCHOOL SAFETY The community is invited to a school safety community forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at Windermere High School, 5523 Winter GardenVineland Road, Windermere.

The meeting is open to residents of Orange County School Board District 4.

Speakers will include a School Board representative, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and Jen Styles Williams, of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

W.G. leaders approve downtown rezones City commissioners approved rezoning about 1.25 acres near downtown Winter Garden.

SEE PAGE 4.

Amy Quesinberry

Tanya Murphy Estrada, left, and Debbie Murphy mourn the death of their daughter and granddaughter, Trinity, who died while the parents were tending to a family emergency in Georgia.

Rest in peace,

little angel Miniature horses get new footwear from Teddy Mountain, a toy company.

SEE PAGE 3

SEE STORY PAGE 6

TIE

REAL ESTATE

BLACK

Toy story: Shoes a perfect fit

A distraught family is grateful for Winter Garden funeral director Rob Bittle’s assistance in making transportation, funeral and burial arrangements for 4-month-old Trinity Murphy Estrada, who died suddenly in Georgia.

Pulte Homes offers Butler Chain of Lakes living at a new Dr. Phillips project, Phillips Grove. SEE PAGE 23.

IN BLOOM Voight Foundation, W.O. chamber host 2018 Lotus Gala.

SEE PAGE 12

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YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, MARCH 2

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 2, at the gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy Amy Robbins and her American folk and country music. (407) 656-4111.

LENTEN FISH FRY 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the Parish Hall of Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter GardenVineland Road, Winter Garden.

Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The menu includes baked or fried cod, french fries, vegetables, cole slaw, hush puppies, drink and dessert.

Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children. (407) 656-3113.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3

VAN GOGH LECTURE 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Winter Garden Art Association’s SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. This lecture will discuss Vincent Van Gogh’s life and paintings and

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

will delve into the legacy of this impactful artist. Practically unknown during his lifetime and having sold only one painting during his brief career, Van Gogh is now admired as a master of Modern Art. Tickets are $10 for WGAA members and $15 for others. Reservations can be made at wgart.org or by calling (407) 347-7996.

SCIENCE NIGHT LIVE 8 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at the Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. Among the events is a presentation at 8:15 by Winter Garden author Norine DworkinMcDaniel, who wrote “Science of Parenthood: Thoroughly Unscientific Explanations for Utterly Baffling Parenting Situations.” Her show is a mix of stand-up, cartoon slideshow and comic storytelling. Ages 21 and older. Free for OSC members, $15.95 for others. The link for tickets is osc.org/ SNL. (407) 5142000.

MONDAY, MARCH 5

JCCF 8TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 5, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden.

Enjoy a day of golf and food to benefit the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund. Includes light lunch and barbecue pork dinner. A silent auction that is open to the public will take place indoors at the clubhouse.

Cost is $110 per player, $400 for a preregistered foursome.

Register at jccancerfund.org.

(407) 656-6974.

THURSDAY, MARCH 8

SPRING LAWN TUNE-UP 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Join Ed Thralls, residential horticulturist and Master coordinator for the Orange County Master Gardener Program, as he provides expertise in general education classes on urban horticulture.

Cost is $5 per family. Advanced registration is required by calling (407) 254-9200.

WEST ORANGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED MEETING 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 8, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Special guest speaker is Michele Rigby Assad, author and former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations.

She trained as a counterterrorism specialist, and after retirement, worked in Iraq with her husband with persecuted Christians. Buffet lunch, served at noon, costs $20. RSVP to rebeccatmellen@gmail.com.

WINDERMERE GARDEN CLUB CRAZY CARD PARTY 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Lunch, crazy card game, silent auction, raffles galore and plenty of laughs and sociability are always the hallmarks of the Windermere Garden Club’s Annual Crazy Card Party fundraiser. Tickets are $25. For information, call Peggy, (407) 876-4239.

FRIDAY, MARCH 9

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9, at the gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy Molly Holton’s acoustic blues.

(407) 656-4111.

OUR TOUGHNESS IS YOUR STRENGTH.

LENTEN FISH FRY 4:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 9, in the Parish Hall of Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children.

(407) 656-3113.

‘NO LAUGHING MATTER’ 8 p.m. Fridays, March 9 and 16; 8 p.m. Saturdays, March 10 and 17; and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 11 and 18. The synopsis of this Mimi’s Community Theater production: Alexei comes to New York looking for a job when his career as a comedian stalls, and he unwittingly becomes entangled in an FBI operation.

The agents believe he is a Russian assassin in cahoots with the staff at the diner, but they couldn’t be further from the truth. Jeff Dunne is the author, and Paul Hamrec is the director. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/ybpdl8sd.

SATURDAY, MARCH 10

DEVICE ADVICE 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Have a new tablet or smartphone but not sure how to use it? Get started with the basics to become more familiar with your personal device. (407) 835-7323.

12403 WEST COLONIAL DRIVE, WINTER GARDEN • (407) 654-9299 • VISIT US ONLINE AT MAINSTREETMOWER.COM

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

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Sole providers Build-your-own-bear company Teddy Mountain donated eight sets of shoes to Soul Haven Ranch for its miniature-horse therapy program.

BLACK TIE EDITOR

T

he next time you’re out on the West Orange Trail, you just might see a white miniature horse rocking a set of black skull shoes or a brown one strutting her stuff in small, purple sneakers.

At Soul Haven Ranch in Winter Garden, there are four miniature horses that either are certified already or in the process of becoming a certified therapy horse. And yes, they do sometimes wear shoes.

When the minis are visiting hospitals, nursing homes or elsewhere, they need something on their hooves for both safety and sanitary reasons. The solution at Soul Haven came in the form of small shoes that are actually made for teddy bears.

Teddy Mountain, a build-yourown-bear business headquartered in Kissimmee, sells sets of sneakers for its stuffed animals. These sneakers also fit the mini horses perfectly — and they last, too.

And on Friday, Feb. 16, Teddy Mountain Chief Production Officer Jenni Green and her daughter, Jordan, hand-delivered eight sets of shoes for the minis.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF HORSESHOE

Susan Nastasi, owner of Soul Haven Ranch, first heard about Teddy Mountain’s shoes from her cousin, Jodie Diegel, who runs a similar program called Soul Harbour Ranch in Illinois. Diegel had talked previously with Green about using the shoes for her own mini horses. Green decided to sponsor the shoes for the minis at Soul Harbour Ranch.

“It’s probably been a couple of years now that Jodie and I crossed paths at Soul Harbour Ranch, and we had been providing the shoes for their minis and following all

of the amazing work they do — you know, taking their minis out into the community and helping people,” Green said. “Then she introduced me to Susan, and the rest is history. We started chatting, and we were so excited to find that there is a Florida connection. We are very proud to sponsor the shoes for Soul Haven and Soul Harbour ranch(es).”

Prior to Diegel reaching out to her, Green wasn’t aware that Teddy Mountain shoes could serve such a purpose. It came as a surprise that the teddy-bear shoes held up so well when used by the horses.

“We had no idea,” Green said.

“When we got our first call — which was from Jodie — that was a big surprise to us, like, ‘Our shoes can work for this?’ They’re made for teddy bears; we didn’t know how well they would last and how well they’d hold up.

“To find out how well they hold up and that the soles are made well enough that the horse can wear them and do work in them, and that they can sustain the washing, is really cool,” Green said. “We do toys for children, and we love bringing joy to the kids and such.”

TEARS OF JOY

Nastasi and Diegel began talking more about the shoes, and one day Nastasi got the call that Teddy Mountain wanted to sponsor her mini horses, too. After investing in the horses and spending the time to develop relationships with and train them, it was affirmation that her dream of giving back to the community in the form of animal therapy was coming together.

“When I got the (call) from Jodie, honestly, I actually started crying,” Nastasi said. “It was really tears of joy, because horses have been my passion my whole life, and to really see all of this coming alive … it’s been a wonderful journey and just the fact that we have the opportunity to go out and serve (is amazing).”

Even if Teddy Mountain is helping the mission of Soul Haven Ranch in just a small way, Green said, they are happy to be in a position to contribute.

“We’ve seen the joy that the minis bring,” Green said. “When they (people) look at the shoes and folks’s faces light up and they get so excited, that’s really the coolest thing for us — to see our product being used in a different way and how much joy it brings.”

Hawkeye, a 9-month-old mini horse, got a hug from owner Susan Nastasi after she finished putting on his new sneakers.

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Soul Haven Ranch volunteer Gloria Green, mini horse Shelton, Jordan Green, Soul Haven Ranch owner Susan Nastasi, mini horse Ellie and Teddy Mountain Chief Production Officer Jenni Green were all smiles.

Come find a safe haven for your soul at

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Our Mission is to: Serve the Lord and other saints Transform into the image of Christ Edify one another in love Evangelize with the Gospel of Grace Learn and apply God’s Word Together, through God’s strength, we can become spiritually strong as STEEL. Come grow with us!

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

World War II veteran celebrates 102nd birthday COMMUNITY EDITOR

Sandy Saunders always has a story to tell. And at 102 years of age, there are plenty of stories after more than 10 decades of living.

The Winter Garden resident believes his deceased grandfather helped him escape death when he served in the British Army during World War II. He then arrived in America on the RMS Queen Mary during its maiden voyage as a luxury ocean liner following the war.

Saunders has been a Boy Scout leader. He has amassed six trophies for his artwork and seven for his dance moves. He can play the piano. He has an annual Disney pass. He takes frequent cruises.

A BORN STORYTELLER

Samuel “Sandy” Saunders came into this world with a readymade story to tell. He was born Feb. 29, 1916, in London, and the 102-year-old Leap Year baby likes to tell everyone he has had only 25-and-one-half birthdays.

He grew up on the third floor of a three-story house; his father operated the ground-floor barbershop, and his mother ran the beauty salon on the second level. By the time he was 11, he was prepping the men for their weekend shave or haircut. At 13, London’s age limit for attending school, Saunders was a full-blown barber and hairdresser.

Four years later, he was a makeup artist and hairdresser with Universal Pictures.

That career was cut short when Saunders was drafted into the British Army. He knew first aid, so he was put in charge of recording the medical history of all the recruits. One day he saw a notice for kitchen help, and he eventually ran the kitchen as a first-class cook.

“When I spoke to my mother at the time, she said, ‘At least you

dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry,

THE WAR YEARS

amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, Amy Quesinberry

Samuel “Sandy” Saunders received numerous medals for his service in the British Army in World War II.

n Commissioners approved unanimously the second reading of a rezoning ordinance that allows for the construction of an 18.25-acre commercial development.

The site is located at 14120 W. Colonial Drive and will have 84,500 square feet of commercial/retail space.

Commissioner Mark Maciel recused himself from voting because he is involved with the project. n Commissioners approved unanimously a site plan for Kingdom Strollers, 730 Garden Commerce Parkway.

Kingdom Strollers repairs and maintains the rental strollers available at the Disney parks. n City Manager Mike Bollhoefer announced progress is being made regarding the annexation of land located

in unincorporated Orange County and near the city of Winter Garden.

“We’re in the process now of annexing two pretty large tracts of land and one smaller tract,” Bollhoefer said. “The largest one is on the east side of Winter Garden, the other piece of land is on the corner of Division Street and Hennis Road. It’s a fairly large piece.” n Commissioners and meeting attendees were introduced to new Assistant City Manager of Public Services Jon Williams, who started his position on Feb. 15.

“It’s a true honor, privilege and pleasure to be a part of team Winter Garden,” Williams said. “It’s a great place to work.”

mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Rachelle Mirizio,

going to throw this and see what happens.’ It exploded.”

Saunders remembered his mother telling him before he went to war that his grandfather, who had died, would look over him and take care of him.

“I believe he kept me safe,” Saunders said. “From then on, I stayed out of the dump.”

Saunders was in Brussels, Belgium, when peace was declared in 1945. He was discharged from the Army as a sergeant after six years of service and sent home.

BACK TO CIVILIAN LIFE

When Saunders returned to London, his family’s beauty parlor had been destroyed by German rockets. The family established another salon in a different part of London, and Saunders was to be in charge of it.

But first he wanted to go to beauty school to hone his skills.

After showing the professor what he could do, the teacher offered Saunders a job as an instructor.

One-and-one-half years later, Saunders was getting the itch to travel, and his mother suggested he come to the United States and stay with his mother’s family.

He arrived on the Queen Mary

and worked several jobs as a hairdresser.

While attending a party, he met Belle, who he would later marry.

Their marriage began on New Year’s Day 1949 and lasted 57 years. They had two children.

The last time Saunders saw London was in 1964, when he and Belle visited his parents. On their return trip aboard the Queen Mary, they sailed under the VerrazanoNarrows Bridge, which was under construction.

Saunders met his second wife, Elba, at a senior center dance in Brooklyn; they were married in 2011.

He spends his time painting and dancing and taking cruises.

He likes to take his boat out on the lake. He puts together puzzles.

He keeps a positive outlook and said he probably will live another 17 years. He loves telling jokes.

“I like to see people happy,” he said. “Unfortunately, you can’t walk up to everyone and tell them to take the chip off their shoulder.

You look at people younger than myself, you look at the elderly people, they walk around just waiting to die.

“I take each day as it comes, good, bad or indifferent.”

Rezones pave way for future development IN OTHER NEWS

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

Publisher / Dawn Willis,

know something about cooking so you won’t be on the front line,’” Saunders said.

By 1942, he was sailing from Greenock, Scotland, to Egypt with 9,999 other soldiers, many of them sleeping in hammocks on this 2,000-passenger ship.

Saunders’s mind remains sharp at 102, and he can recall most of his war experiences: a half-day stop in Sierra Leone, a trip up the Red Sea to Cairo before being transported into the desert for the El Alamein campaign against Germany.

The troops traveled through the deserts to Tunisia and onto a barge headed for Italy, all the while fighting the Germans.

As they made their way through Italy, Saunders read another notice addressed to Jewish personnel who wanted to join the Jewish brigade.

“Being of the Jewish faith, I decided it would be boys like myself, but it did not turn out to be boys like myself,” he said. “It turned out to be boys from Middle East, Romania, Palestine who joined the British Army.”

When someone was needed to translate from Hebrew to English, Saunders was summoned.

One story he likes to tell is the day the British Army trucks drove into Germany with the Star of David painted on the side.

“They wanted to show the Germans that you can’t kill the Jews,” he said matter-of-factly.

On another assignment, he and his men overran a German ammunition dump.

“The first thing in your mind is, ‘I have to get a souvenir,’” he said.

“I picked up a shell, 12 inches long.

I started to undo the wing, and a voice said to me in Jewish, ‘Throw it away.’ I looked around and didn’t see anybody so I kept on. Again, the voice said, ‘Throw it away.’

This time, I said to the other boys, ‘Get down behind something. I’m

Observer Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Winter Garden resident Sandy Saunders, who served in the British Army, has plenty of stories to tell.

AMY QUESINBERRY

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Winter Garden city commissioners approved unanimously the second reading of two ordinances that pertain to property located near downtown Winter Garden.

Ordinance 17-22 rezones about 1.25 acres of property located at 304, 310 and 314 W. Bay St., in addition to 419, 429, 439 and 455 W. Plant St., from Residential (R-2) and Central Commercial (C-1) to Planned Commercial Development (PCD).

Ordinance 17-23 changes the future land-use designation of about 1.01 acres of property at 304, 310 and 314 W. Bay St., as well as 439 and 455 W. Plant St., from Low-Density Residential to Traditional Downtown.

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said the rezoning opens up more possibilities for the area as the rezoning will allow for “residential and/or commercial (businesses) with limitations based on

the zone rules.

“It’s very common in a lot of smaller cities,” Bollhoefer said.

“What’s on there now are just single-family homes and residential. … The (new) zoning allows for options.”

Bollhoefer said the owners requested to rezone the property.

“As the city is growing, it (rezoning) makes more sense than the current zoning (of the property),” Bollhoefer said.

Community Development Director Steve Pash said there are no plans yet for the property after the rezoning and changing the land-use designation.

“I don’t know what’s going to become of it,” Pash said. “The owners just requested (rezoning) it. I don’t know if they’re going to sell it or what.”

Commissioner Lisa Bennett abstained from voting on the ordinances because she works for a company that manages property on the land.

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Ocoee candidates tackle questions at city forum Ocoee voters learned more about the candidates running for the Ocoee City Commission districts 2 and 4 seats Monday, Feb. 26, at the Ocoee Political Forum, hosted by the Woman’s Club of Ocoee.

The election is set for Tuesday, March 13. Voters will cast their ballots at the Woman’s Club of Ocoee, 4 N. Lakewood Drive, for District 2, and at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, for District 4.

District 2 candidates are challenger and retired Ocoee Police Sgt. Robert Rivera and incumbent Rosemary Wilsen, who is running for her fourth three-year term. In District 4, challenger George Oliver III is running his second race against incumbent Joel Keller, who is seeking his fifth three-year term as a commissioner.

The candidates debated a number of topics, including political experience, term limits and balancing development with preserving the city’s charm.

“To keep the small-town image, I don’t think it’s the large growth,” Rivera said. “I think it’s what kind of businesses are you bringing here, (and) what kind of business do you keep?”

Wilsen said she is excited about the way the city has handled its growth so far.

“We’re keeping trucks out of neighborhoods,” she said. “That’s how you maintain your smalltown atmosphere, keep the businesses to one side. … This is positive growth, and this is what we need in Ocoee.”

Oliver also said keeping businesses within certain areas of the city is important to maintaining the city’s small-town atmosphere and added the city also should consider infrastructure as it continues to grow. He suggested working with developers

to help out with road infrastructure improvements.

“The thing we have to look at are those small (road) arteries,” Oliver said. “The growth is fine, but we might want to slow it down just a little bit and look at the infrastructure.”

Keller said citizen input is key.

“Part of that is how you go about designing it; what you do with planning (and) what you do with zoning,” Keller said. “With planning and zoning is how you keep that charm with the city. …

We need involved people (with planning).”

The candidates also were asked for their thoughts on city commissioners having a twoterm limit.

“I whole-heartedly believe in term limits,” Oliver said. “There’s no need for someone to be sitting in these (city commission) seats to die in these seats.”

Although Wilsen is running for her fourth term, she said she was not opposed to term limits.

“I don’t intend to be 85 years old and sitting up here,” Wilsen said.

“But I want to see what we started finished.”

Keller said he thinks a twoterm limit would not afford a commissioner enough time to get adjusted to the position.

“It takes a period of time just to get familiar with what you’re doing,” Keller said. “Six years is not a lot of time, really, for someone to be up here. … By the time you learn what’s going on, you’re going to be out.”

Rivera said it is up to the voters to decide how long a commissioner should stay in office.

“I give credit more to the voters (because) if they want you out, they can vote you out,” Rivera said. “I give credit to the voters to (have) no term limits and have their say.”

CORRECTION In the Feb. 22 article, “Meet the candidates, Ocoee commission,” two of the candidates were featured under the wrong seat header. Robert Rivera is running for District 2, and George Oliver III is running for District 4.

We regret the error.

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Saturday, Saturday, March 10,-March 2018 10:00am 3:00pm 10, 2018 Breeze Park 10:00am 3:00pm 10:00am -Bill 3:00pm Saturday, March 10, 2018 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida Bill Breeze Park Bill Breeze Park 10:00am - 3:00pm 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida Saturday, March 10, 2018 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida A free community event and fun-filled day with activities, Saturday, March 10, 2018 Bill Breeze Park games and live demonstrations---all aimed at reinforcing safe 10:00am - 3:00pm Saturday, March 10,activities, 2018 A free community event fun-filled day with activities, 125 N.our Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida A free community event and day with 10:00am -and 3:00pm behavior by youthfun-filled and families and showcasing community Bill Breeze Park games and live demonstrations---all aimed at reinforcing safe games and live demonstrations---all aimed at reinforcing safe services available the area.

10:00am -throughout 3:00pm Bill Breeze Park 125 Drive, Ocoee, Florida Abehavior free community eventand and fun-filled day with activities,

by N. ourLakeshore youth families and showcasing community

behavior by our youth and families and showcasing community 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida games and live demonstrations---all aimed at the reinforcing services available throughout area. safe Bill Breeze Park services available throughout the area.

A free community event and fun-filled day with activities, behavior by our youth and families and showcasing community 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida A free community event and fun-filled day with activities, • Bike Rodeo • Balloon Artistaimed • Face Painting • games and live demonstrations---all at reinforcing safe services available throughout the area. games and live demonstrations---all aimed at reinforcing safe • Bounce Houses • Rock Climbing • Educational behavior by our youth and families and showcasing community Obstacle Track •and Trees, Plants ••Road behavior our youth and families showcasing community • by Bike Rodeo • Balloon Artist •with Face Painting • A free community event and fun-filled day activities, • Bike Rodeo Balloon Artist • Face Painting •and services available throughout the area.

Rain Barrels Giveaway* services available throughout •Houses Bounce Houses • Rock Climbing • Educational • Bounce • Rock Climbing • Educational games and live demonstrations---all aimedthe at area. reinforcing safe Road Obstacle Track • Trees, Plants and • Food • Music • Lots of Prizes & More!!!

• Obstacle • Trees, Plants and • Bike RodeoTrack • Balloon Artist • Face Painting • • Road behavior by our youth and families and showcasing community Rain Barrels Giveaway* Rain Barrels Giveaway* • Bounce Houses • Rock Climbing • Educational • Bike* Rodeo • available Balloon Artist • Face Painting • For tree/plants and rain barrel giveaway, must be Ocoee resident, services throughout the area.

Road Obstacle Track •& Trees, Plants and • •Bike •Rodeo Food •• Music •Residents Lots of Prizes & • Food • Music • Lots of Prizes More!!!

Balloon Artist • pre-register Face Painting proof of residency must for theMore!!!

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Rock Climbing • Educational Rain Giveaway* rain barrel workshop by calling 407-905-3159 • Bounce •Barrels Rock Climbing • Educational Obstacle Track • Trees, Plants and • RoadHouses * For tree/plants and rain barrel giveaway, must be Ocoee * For tree/plants and rain barrel giveaway, must be Ocoee resident, Road Obstacle Track • Trees, Plants and resident, • Food • Music • Lots of Prizes & More!!!

Rain Barrels Giveaway* proof of residency required.

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Residents must pre-register the pre-register for the Rain Barrels Giveaway* barrel calling 407-905-3159 • Food •rain Music •workshop Lots ofbyPrizes &Painting More!!! • barrel workshop calling 407-905-3159 •rain Bike Rodeo •byBalloon Artist • must Face * For•tree/plants and rain • barrel giveaway, be More!!!

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267851

STAFF WRITER

Saturday, March 10, 2018

of residency required.

Residents must pre-register for the •*proof Bounce Houses • Rock Climbing • Educational For tree/plants and workshop rain barrel must be Ocoee resident, rain barrel bygiveaway, calling 407-905-3159 Road Obstacle Track • Trees, Plants and • tree/plants * For andrequired. rain barrel giveaway, must be Ocoee for resident, proof of residency Residents must pre-register the proof of rain residency pre-register for the barrelrequired. workshopResidents by callingmust 407-905-3159 Rain Barrels Giveaway* www.ocoee.org 407.905.3100 rain barrel workshop by calling 407-905-3159

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Attendees heard from Ocoee City Commission District 2 incumbent Rosemary Wilsen and challenger Robert Rivera, and District 4 incumbent Joel Keller and challenger George Oliver III.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

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Family grateful for local funeral home

Largest Food Tasting & Business Expo in West Orange!

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Indulge in a variety of beer, wine and spirits from some of your favorite local restaurants along with scrumptious samples, including your favorite French, Italian, American and BBQ dishes!

All for one admission price. Visit wochamber.com to purchase tickets.

Thursday, March 8th 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm Rain or Shine 150 N. Lakeshore Dr.

Along the shore of Starke Lake in Ocoee

$46 advance, $56 at the door, save 10% when you purchase 10 wristbands.

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Ten-year-old D.J. falls asleep at night clutching his baby sister’s blanket. Across the hall, on a dresser top in the master bedroom, three pacifiers are lined up in a row; behind them, a religious candle burns in Trinity’s memory.

Her photograph hangs on the wall.

The 4-month-old daughter of David and Tanya Estrada had cut her first tooth and was babbling, laughing and trying her best to roll over when she suddenly died Jan. 28.

What happened in the days that followed has the grateful Winter Garden family seeking to appropriately thank a local funeral director who went out of his way to make sure the family’s needs were taken care of and their baby was properly laid to rest.

“It was Rob Bittle, of Collison Carey (Hand Funeral Home), who extended his heart and hand to help get us through this with the loss of my granddaughter,” Debbie Murphy said. “He was so wonderful to my daughter, Tanya.”

Bittle said his heart went out to the family when he received the call for assistance.

“We just helped get her baby girl from Atlanta back here and had a service for her,” he said. “Anytime someone’s in that situation, you just can’t help but feel for them.

It’s the worst situation to be in.

In funeral service, we see about everything, but this is the worst, seeing a little kid like that.”

With Bittle’s help, Trinity was flown back to Orlando. Pastor J.V. Sullivan and his wife, Carletta, arranged a special service at their church, Southside Christian Fellowship, on Ninth Street in Winter Garden.

TRAGEDY STRIKES

The family of five — David and Tanya Estrada and their two sons and daughter — had traveled to Augusta, Georgia, to visit Tanya’s uncle, who was ill. They were staying in a hotel, and Trinity was sleeping with her parents because their car had been too full of luggage to include the playpen.

Tanya said David checked on

SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH | 6:30 AT NEWTON PARK, WINTER GARDEN

HOW TO HELP Debbie Murphy has set up a GoFundMe account to help her daughter and son-in-law raise enough money to purchase a headstone and have it engraved for their 4-month-old baby’s gravesite in the Winter Garden Cemetery.

Donations can be made to gofundme/trinitysheadstone.

Trinity at 11:30 p.m. and she was fine; one-and-a-half hours later, she wasn’t breathing. After hollering to Tanya, he ran to the front desk to call 911 and hurried back to the room to start CPR. Tanya remembers hearing her 9- and 10-year-old sons crying and saying, “Daddy, we don’t want our sister to die.”

The emergency crew arrived and continued CPR in the ambulance, David right next to his daughter, but she couldn’t be revived.

“I didn’t get to hold her,” Tanya said. “After she passed, they wouldn’t let us hold her. We could only hug her. The last time I got to hold her I was putting her to bed.”

IT’S A GIRL

Trinity’s name had been picked out decades ago, when her mother was a little girl and had a baby doll named Trinity.

David’s side of the family has mostly nephews, so he was thrilled to hear he was having a girl last year.

“He grew up Catholic and always prayed with the boys,” Tanya said.

“He prayed and finished with ‘the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit’ — the trinity. So it fit in with her name the way that he prayed.”

When Trinity was born, D.J. was at the hospital, too, waiting in the restroom until the birth.

“He was messaging with his aunt everything he could hear from the bathroom,” Tanya said.

“He said, ‘I can hear her now; she’s here, she’s here. She already sounds so perfect. I just want to go out there and see her.’”

D.J. and his younger brother, Jordan, 9, both loved their sister, but D.J. never left her side, their mother said. The family has been

General Admission $ 15 (Children under 10 Free Admission)

VIP Tickets $75 All proceeds benefit charities supported by the Rotary Club of Winter Garden General Admission & VIP tickets are available at Winter Garden City Hall.

Proudly Sponsors...

Bring a Blanket and enjoy an outside concert under the stars

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For General Admission ticket holders, snack foods, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase.

VIP admission includes parking, dinner, beer, wine and indoor restrooms at Tanner Hall.

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comforted by the many photos and videos D.J. took in her four months of life.

BRINGING TRINITY HOME

Bittle and Pastor Sullivan knew the family because they previously had handled Tanya’s grandmother’s funeral arrangements. The funeral director was able to have Trinity home on a Friday, and the family held her service the next Tuesday.

“Rob suggested things and gave me recommendations on everything from flowers to everything,” Tanya said. “That’s what I loved about him. … He made us feel more peaceful.”

Trinity Murphy Estrada is buried in Winter Garden Cemetery, near Tanya’s great-great-grandmother. To ensure their baby won’t rest alone, Tanya and David are purchasing gravesites on either side of her.

“We don’t want her out there by herself,” Tanya said.

For now, Trinity’s gravesite has a small wooden fence on either side with her name written on one of the pickets. A temporary paper marker with her name on it distinguishes it from the hundreds of other graves in the cemetery.

Tanya’s mother set up a GoFundMe account to help the couple raise money for a permanent headstone. Tanya would like a heart-shaped marker with Trinity’s photo on the front and a short message, maybe “Our little angel” or “Rest in peace, little angel.” She is working on a short poem she’d like engraved on the back, next to an angel.

“It was amazing how everyone came together,” Tanya said. “I didn’t expect all that. My husband and I thought we were going to be going through this alone.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF ONLINE PUBLIC AUCTIONS TO DISPOSE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES, EQUIPMENT, AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS HOSTED BY: GEORGE GIDEON AUCTIONEERS, INC. 2753 N. HWY 441 ZELLWOOD, FL 32798 (407) 886-2211 www.ggauctionsonline.com

Sean Zimmerman was excited to read to the students.

Real men read Six Orlando Solar Bears players encouraged elementary students at Foundation Academy in their reading habits.

Items may be inspected at Gideon Auctioneers: During Business Hours from 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. for vehicles

DANIELLE HENDRIX

Vote

Joel F. Keller for Ocoee District 4 Commissioner on March 13, 2018

ME

MY OPPONENT

Paid 2016 property taxes

YES

NO

Paid 2017 property taxes

YES

NO

Attended public input sessions for downtown improvements

YES

NO

YES

My opponent made 1 meeting in 6 years

Attends Commission meetings

Paid for by Joel F Keller for Commissioner District 4

It’s not every day that a Solar Bears hockey player visits elementary students in their classrooms to read to them.

But Foundation Academy students in kindergarten through fifth grade enjoyed that special treat Monday, Feb. 19, when six Solar Bears players visited to kick off the Lower School’s third annual Real Men Read event.

The Real Men Read program is the brainchild of fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Douglass, who came up with the idea a few years ago while she was teaching at another school.

“The whole purpose behind this is young boys see their moms and their female teachers — because there really aren’t a whole lot of male teachers in elementary schools — we’re the ones pushing them to read, so they get this skewed idea that reading is a girl thing,” Douglass said. “We have invited dads, grandpas, uncles, cousins, teachers, husbands and those (people) in (along) with the Solar Bear players to show them that men read, that they enjoy reading, they’re good at it and it’s not just a girl thing, it’s an everybody thing.”

It’s especially exciting for the fifth-grade students, because they’re the only ones who get the players’s autographs. One of the

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Joe Perry showed kindergartners the pictures in the book he read to them.

fifth-grade field trips is to a Solar Bears game, so going from seeing the players from a distance to meeting them is a highlight of the school year.

“Now to bring them face-toface and listen to them read and listen to their stories and everything, they make a friend, almost,” Douglass said. “They’re really excited that they’re here. And they (Solar Bears) get a kick out of this, and when they leave, when the kids go to a Solar Bears game or we see them out and about sometimes around Orlando, they go, ‘I know you, you came to my school!’ It makes that kind of celebrity connection, and it’s so much fun.”

Solar Bears defenseman Sean Zimmerman added it’s always fun to meet the kids and watch their reactions to the books the players read to them.

“As funny as it sounds, we’re put in a position where we can have an effect on (people’s) lives, and I think that’s pretty important,” he said. “I love interacting with kids however possible, so it’s a fun day.”

INVITATION TO BID The Collage Companies, Construction Manager, is currently seeking subcontractor bids for the upcoming Lakeshore Center Expansion Project for the City of Ocoee. Subcontractors may visit the Collage Sub Room for more information at www.collage-usa.com/subcontractors.

Subcontractor bids are due March 2, 2018 at 11:00AM. Contact Keith Kolakowski at kkolakowski@collage-usa.com or 407.829.2257 for bid documents or more information.

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BLACK TIE EDITOR

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ALSO INSIDE: Heart of Florida United Way: Women United Luncheon. 11 Voight Foundation & W.O. Chamber: Lotus Gala. 12-13

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ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

Chareme Ortiz, Qiana Hinds, Natalia Peuschold and Monique Hinds looked stunning.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Richard Moreno, executive director for Building Hope, and wife, Paisly, enjoyed their evening.

A lovely evening DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

N

ot many people can say they’ve dined in the presence of a Tyrannosaurus rex — except for those who attended Innovation Montessori Ocoee’s Share the Love gala.

Held Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Orlando Science Center, the annual gala is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Innovation Montessori and brings together hundreds of parents and supporters for a night where inspiration and innovation meet generosity.

But this year’s gala stands out, because it’s the first to take place since students and faculty officially transitioned to a new, 18-acre campus in Ocoee. Funds from last year’s gala largely aided in funding a high-quality playground on the site, as well as other innovations.

“With the big funding last year, we were able to purchase our primary playground, mostly with funds from this gala and other capital campaign things,” said Sherilyn Moore, president of the school’s board of directors.

“So pretty much all the proceeds from last year went into the site — which is the human hamster wheel and all the other bells and whistles that we have there, this helped fund it.”

Bruce and Christine Marin, Stacey and Ryan Williams and Dr. Matt Roe and wife, Nadine, were a good-looking group.

Money raised at this year’s Share the Love gala will help fund a picnic area and water fountains at Innovation Montessori Ocoee.

SEE SHARING PAGE 10

J.W. and Heather Webb and Tiffany and Nick Debnath struck their best pose.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

ASSISTED LIVING: THE MUSICAL

Paul and Jenni Smith, Troy Hammond, Alison Franks and Libardo Lambrano enjoyed some light bites.

Sharing the love

SATURDAY

March 10, 2018 8 p.m.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Although students and teachers are settled in and enjoying the new school site, there is still work to be done.

Proceeds from this year’s gala will help fund a picnic pavilion and outdoor water fountains.

“The picnic pavilion is a big one, because we want to have an outdoor place where the kids can have lunch and sit by the pond and maybe have events there,” Moore said. “Then we have these outdoor water fountains with the water-bottle (fillers). … We’re so excited because we have this beautiful playground but (then) everybody gets thirsty. … The picnic pavilion is like $38,000, so that’s a big chunk for us. There’s lots of other needs but those are some of the top projects.”

Innovation Montessori’s goal is to educate the whole child, including cognitive, physical and social skills. Moore said students are encouraged to be stewards of both the environment and the future, and watching them experience everything the new campus has to offer has been both refreshing and magical.

“Here, they walk out back and they see four-and-a-half acres of the nature preserve behind them,” Moore said. “The biggest thing for me is when I’m there and see these students just loving and enjoying

“It’s like Lawrence Welk on nitrous oxide.”

the natural environment. They are making it their own. You’ll see a kid over there sitting on one of the tree benches reading a book at playtime. “ T h ey ’re wa l k i n g t h i s beautiful labyrinth, and it’s just an extraordinary moment for them to be calm and peaceful in nature,” she said. “They’re really embracing this on their own: No one’s telling them, ‘Go appreciate that tree.’ They’re able to really walk the walk that we want them to walk.”

Also new to the gala this year was guest speaker Frans Johansson, author of “The Medici Effect,” which aligns in many ways with the Montessori method. In fact, Moore said, the school and community took a page from his book in taking disparate things and putting them together — in their case, combining nature and technology.

“It’s really important for us to always innovate and grow,” she said. “The reason why we are named Innovation Montessori is to honor the traditions of Montessori that works best for education, but also to keep innovating so the children are able to be inspired and they can continue to learn and continue to reach higher. It’s important for us to be able to share that magic of innovation.”

Don’t miss this hilarious one-act Vaudevillian musical review that celebrates life on the flip side.

Group tickets available!

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Jeff Hagward, president and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way, brought McKayla on stage to talk about her love for reading.

Lisa Hultquist, Liefke Myers, Laureen Martinez, Jill Swidler, Sheena Fowler and Tracy Turk coordinated in pink and black.

Heart of Florida United Way Women United Luncheon

Giselle Allen, Brittany Cooke and Nancy Pazos

H

undreds of women gathered Thursday, Feb. 22, for an afternoon of food, networking and supporting education and literacy initiatives during the Women United Luncheon.

Held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, the luncheon is an event held by the Heart of Florida United Way organization, Central Florida’s largest supporter of local health- and human-service agencies.

All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Women United’s education and literacy initiatives, such as funding digital libraries for three different schools.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Mae Ashby and Charmaine DeGlas enjoyed catching up with each other.

Left: Keynote speaker Dr. Elizabeth Cobbs talked about her newest book, “The Hello Girls.”

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Dancers: Kate-Lynn Robichaux (USA), Daniel Benavides (USA) Photography by Michael Cairns 2018

Arts & Cultural Affairs

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PG-13

FRI: 4:00P 7:00P 10:00P SAT: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P 10:00P SUN: 1:00P 4:00P 7:00P MON-THURS: 4:00P 7:00P

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Voight Foundation’s Lotus Gala

BLACK PANTHER 3D PG-13

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FRI: 4:10P 7:10P 10:00P SAT: 1:10P 4:10P 7:10P 10:00P SUN: 1:10P 4:10P 7:10 MON-THURS: 4:10P 7:10P

WRINKLE IN TIME

PG

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Orange County School Board member Pam Gould, Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey, Joy Voight, William Voight, West Orange Chamber of Commerce President Stina D’Uva and Leslie Skillman.

Get hooked on great Service!

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he Voight Foundation and West Orange Chamber of Commerce united for the first Lotus Gala on Saturday, Feb. 24.

Held at William and Amy Voight’s home in Winter Garden, the event had guests bidding on silent auction items and picking lotus blossoms to support arts and education scholarships for West Orange High School students.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS JEAN & ALFRED GOLDSTEIN EXHIBITION SERIES The Hogan family dressed up for a fun night.

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Although there is no February 29th this year, we cannot ignore that

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“We would start with just the three of us in a conversation,” Salter said. “At church … we

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would be in a conversation, next thing you know, there’s seven, eight, nine people coming into the conversation.”

Now, the three West Orange friends are hoping to capitalize on their ability to captivate with conversation through their new podcast, Average Guys Podcast, which launched in January.

Salter said the idea to start the podcast came after he noticed there weren’t many podcasts from “average guys” where the podcasters talk about everyday topics and engage the audience.

“I had started listening to some

podcast, and I was looking for a guy-focused podcast that wasn’t (from) some executive,” Salter said. “Everybody knows somebody who is an expert or has a lot of knowledge in specific areas, and they’re just regular people … that’s the heart of being an average guy. Everybody knows an average guy who knows a lot about a few things.”

“We want to give everybody a voice,” Treadway said. “Not just the scholar, not just the historyspecific expert. … These (podcast) guys that have millions and millions of subscribers, I haven’t

CHURCH DIRECTORY

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 521, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

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Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

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

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found one yet that’s entertaining and actually talks about real stuff, and there are thousands of podcasts out there. I can’t find any that do what we’re doing.”

Before launching the podcast, Salter said they recorded a roughcut episode and released a 49-second teaser. At first, he didn’t expect it to get many plays.

“In my mind, I was thinking, ‘If we get to like 20 or 30 plays, maybe we got something,’” Salter said.

“Before we actually launched our first episode and that whole, fulllength precast episode, we actually had (more than) 100 plays on the teaser. … We put the first episodes out, and they shot through the roof.”

“You kind of doubt that anybody would listen to that crap, but they do,” Hungerford said. “We didn’t expect to gain so much traction so fast. … We just started it for the fun of it.”

“I was kind of like, ‘Holy crap, people are actually listening to this garbage?’” Treadway said.

“It’s kind of crazy to see how organically it’s grown and how really deep it’s gotten.”

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She was preceded in death by her two children, Linda (Ray) Green and Wayne Branch; and she is survived by five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

She will be forever loved by her siblings, extended family and dear friends.

Gram was born Jan. 13, 1925, in Miami, Florida, and lived in Georgia and Tennessee before making her home in the Orlando area. She worked for Lockheed Martin, as well as Mayflower Retirement Community, where she brought joy to all with her gentle nature and spiritual heart.

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WEST ORANGE OBTIUARIES

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

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The podcast’s topics range wildly — regular “guy stuff” such as Star Wars, the Marvel universe, sports, video games, alcohol, conspiracy theories, dad life and women.

“We agree on a lot of things, but we also disagree on a lot of things, which gives us a lot to talk about,” Hungerford said. “We’re all strong-willed people who like to argue our points.”

“We enjoy entertaining conversation over just regular topics,” Salter said. “We have a lot of fun … and the podcast is a small sample of the fun.”

“In fact, we have so much fun, the name of our studio is the Fun Shack, or F Shack for short,” Treadway said.

Podcasts began in the mid2000s as Apple’s iPod grew in popularity. The medium became the preferred method of publishing audioblogs and has continued to grow along with the rise of smartphones. In 2017, Edison Research surveyed 2,000 people and conducted a study on podcast users. The study showed the number of monthly podcast listeners increased from 14% in 2012 to 24% in 2017.

“Before we started this, one of the first things I did was I started looking at stats,” Salter said, “Over the last five years, it’s gone up.

What’s driving (the popularity) is actually not podcasting (itself).

What’s driving it is YouTube.”

“Podcasting as a genre, as a listening medium, is going to go through the roof,” Salter said. “I’d like for us to be the first group that does the opposite with YouTube where we start as a podcast and really grow our podcast community and then launch a YouTube channel.”

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Thank you to the Windermere HS Marching Band and Director Robert Darragh.

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MARCH 1, 2018

SPORTS

Installation of new turf underway at West Orange

HIGH

1

Senior Daniel Garcia helped Foundation Academy soccer team have breakout season. Page 18.

5

Legacy High’s Justin LaGasse pitched a nohitter for the Eagles Feb. 23 in an 11-0 victory against Faith Christian.

LaGasse struck out seven hitters in the game, which was five innings because of the 10-run rule. Legacy is 3-0 this season.

The synthetic-turf playing surface at Raymond Screws Field was damaged during Hurricane Irma last fall.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

After more than five months without a home field for several programs at West Orange High, an end may be in sight.

Installation of a new syntheticturf playing surface at Raymond Screws Field began Feb. 13 with the removal of the former turf field. That playing surface was damaged during Hurricane Irma last September when a stadium light fell onto the area of the field near the visitor’s sideline.

The light shattered and left glass

shards embedded into the turf.

“It was considered dangerous — we tried to clean it up, and there was still glass in the field,” West Orange Athletic Director Jerry Shafer said. “Obviously, OCPS is looking out for the best interests of the student-athletes, so we just couldn’t have anyone on that side of field, period.”

The school also had to replace all four stadium light poles as a result of the storm — two fell during Irma, and a third was considered unstable.

Steven Ryzewski

SEE TURF PAGE 18

2

The CFCA boys basketball team was dominant in the FHSAA Class 2A Regional Semifinals Feb. 22, defeating Vero Beach’s Master’s Academy 85-32. The win set up a rematch of last year’s regional final. The Eagles hosted Florida Prep Feb. 27 after press time, with a trip to Lakeland on the line. The result is available at ObserverPreps.com.

Crews began work on removing the turf at West Orange High Feb. 13.

Keeping

it REAL

Real Winter Garden, an amateur soccer organization based out of Winter Garden, has grown from one team to three since its inception in 2014.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Steven Ryzewski

3

The West Orange boys basketball team rallied from a halftime deficit to defeat the host University Cougars Feb. 22, 73-62. K.J. Simon scored a teamhigh 16 points to lead the Warriors. West Orange faced Boone Feb. 27 in the regional semifinals, after press time. The result is available at ObserverPreps.com.

4

The West Orange girls basketball team’s season concluded Feb. 20 in the FHSAA Class 9A, Region 1 Semifinals. The Warriors fell to Colonial 64-47. West Orange ended the season with a record of 24-5.

5

The Windermere High softball team won its first two games in program history last week — against Wekiva and Olympia — to improve to 2-1 this spring.

Photos and a recap of the Wolverines’ win against the Titans are available at ObserverPreps.com.

Steven Ryzewski

Bradlee Hollowell and the rest of Real Winter Garden SC played Spartans SC Feb. 25 at Barber Park in Orlando.

It’s Sunday morning in Central Florida, and although many around the region are in brickand-mortar churches, the men who compete for Real Winter Garden are in a different kind of church — on the soccer pitch.

The organization’s top team, Real Winter Garden SC, is playing a road game at Barber Park in Orlando’s Conway area in the

Central Florida Soccer League’s Mens Open Premiere division.

One step down, in the league’s Mens Open Division 1, the Real Winter Garden Kings host Atletico Rumba FC in a home game at the West Orange Soccer Complex.

Joining the RWG Kings playing a home game at the West Orange Soccer Complex is the organization’s Mens Over 30 division team, the Real Winter Garden SEE SOCCER PAGE 18

Ocoee High baseball sweeps opening week Competing in their Ocoee Invitational Tournament last week, the Knights defeated Wekiva, Edgewater and Windermere Prep to start the 2018 season.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee Knights baseball team has raced out to a 3-0 start to the 2018 season, sweeping all three teams it faced in its Ocoee Invitational round-robin tournament last week.

After first defeating Wekiva and Edgewater by a combined score of 17-1, the Knights completed their strong opening week by rallying past Windermere Prep in a Saturday morning showdown Feb. 24.

Ocoee let an early 2-0 lead slip away, surrendering three runs to the Lakers in the top of the fourth inning, but the Knights bounced back and used a five-run fifth inning to help earn a 9-4 victory.

“In the past, we would have started doubting ourselves,” head coach Bobby Brewer said, reflecting on when his team squandered its early lead. “These guys here, they don’t doubt themselves — they’re a scrappy team and they SEE BASEBALL PAGE 18

Steven Ryzewski

Ocoee High’s Ryan Lattner tags out a baserunner for Windermere Prep Feb. 24. Lattner was named most valuable player of the Ocoee Invitational.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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Daniel Garcia The Foundation Academy boys soccer team had its best season to date last winter and made it all the way to the regional final. Senior goalkeeper Daniel Garcia was a big part of the Lions’ success. Garcia had 127 saves in goal, while also scoring five goals and dishing out three assists while out on the field as a midfielder.

How proud are you of the season that the team had?

I’m really proud. We had a young group, and a lot of people said that we wouldn’t be able to do it. But we went undefeated in district, won the district title and (went) the farthest that the program has gone at Foundation.

What was different about this year’s team?

We were more like a family. ...

If somebody got hurt, another player would step up.

Year: Senior Age: 17 Hometown: Orlando Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 180 pounds Position(s): Goalkeeper, midfield Other varsity sports: Football GPA: 3.7

Orlando City?

I got to meet him and watch him play. I met him after a game, I was waiting out in line. It was a dream come true to get to meet your favorite player ever.

Which game this season was the most memorable?

The district semifinals against International Community School. It was a hard game, and we fought — it was our first penalty-kick shootout. We were able to make all of our penalty kicks, and it was just a good victory.

Who has been your favorite teacher at Foundation?

I would say Pastor Keith Yarborough, the Bible teacher. He’s always been there for me, and when I have questions, I can go and talk to him.

How long have you been playing the game?

I’ve been playing soccer since I was 4 — my grandfather used to play. I’ve loved it ever since.

Who is your all-time favorite soccer player?

Ricardo Kaká, the Brazilian player who came to Orlando City (Soccer Club). I’ve been watching him since I was 6 or 7 years old.

Did you get to see him play or meet him while he played for

THE BASICS

Who’s your favorite superhero?

Iron Man. With the suit, he’s super good, and without it, he’s got a bunch of money and a lot of nice cars. I like his ego.

Which movie featuring Ironman is your favorite?

I would say “Civil War” with Captain America. I liked the whole plot — the fighting and how they brought all the characters into it.

What’s your favorite meal?

It’s a Spanish meal called bandeja paisa. It’s a Colombian meal, and it has rice and beans, a big piece of steak, an egg — I love it. It’s something my grandma makes.

How excited are you for the future of the program?

I’m really excited for the program. It’s a young team, and they’re going to get way better, especially with the coaching staff we have.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Soccer FROM PAGE 17

Crazy Gang, which took on Malzooks.

They play in different divisions, but all three teams play serious soccer. Real Winter Garden was started in 2014 by Cristian Guare, a Winter Garden resident since 2002. After playing for a handful of teams in the league for roughly a decade, Guare got the itch to create something of his own.

“I guess I was just in the league for so long, and I wanted to see how it feels to actually run a team myself,” Guare said.

The name Real Winter Garden was both a nod to Guare’s place of residence and his favorite soccer team: Real Madrid.

The inaugural team for Real Winter Garden competed in the Open Division 1 and had 22 players. As more players became interested in joining the team, it became apparent that one Real Winter Garden team would not be enough. A second team was added in 2015, with a third addition in 2016.

Baseball FROM PAGE 17

keep playing.”

Ryan Lattner was named the event’s most valuable player, earning two wins on the mound for Ocoee — one of which came Saturday, in relief — and driving in three runs at the plate.

The Knights hope to carry their strong start over into next

Turf FROM PAGE 17

The process of replacing the lights and replacing the field has been handled at the district level by Orange County Public Schools, and Shafer complimented the district on its response.

The time lost since the storm has meant relocating home games in several sports to away games — including football.

That meant a decrease in revenue; ticket sales are an important source of funds for highschool athletic departments.

Other sports impacted

Across its three teams, Real Winter Garden currently has 75 players competing this spring, with Guare estimating that roughly one-third reside in West Orange.

He credits the growth of the club to its culture.

“It’s the culture that we have for the players — it’s a winning culture, but I also believe in having ‘organized fun,’” Guare said. “Let’s do it in an organized way with the right coaching and the right players, putting the players in the right spot to be successful.”

The league in which Real Winter Garden competes — the Central Florida Soccer League — traces its roots back to 1965.

Originally the Orange Soccer Club, the organization was rebranded to its current moniker in 1969.

The CFSL currently has more than 110 teams across 12 divisions, including coed and women’s divisions. The league’s Mens Open Premiere division includes several high-level players. Real Winter Garden SC, for instance, includes five players who played in college.

Players in the Premiere division

week, when they open district play against Ocala’s Forest High March 6. Before that, though, they faced rival West Orange Feb. 27 in a game that took place after press time.

Ocoee, which made the playoffs for the first time in program history last season, is hoping to build around continuity and familiarity this spring.

“We’ve done a lot of playing together during the summertime — which a lot of high-

school teams actually don’t do anymore,” Brewer said. “We’ve done that a lot here at Ocoee, and I think you see that we play well together.”

include boys and girls soccer in the winter, as well as boys and girls lacrosse and girls flag football in the spring.

Shafer is hesitant to commit to a timeline for when the field will be ready, noting that several factors could delay completion.

But he said he is hopeful spring sports will be able to salvage a home game or two.

“I’m hoping we can get some senior nights in for lacrosse and flag football,” Shafer said.

The in-between time without a field has meant no home games — including on senior night for football and soccer.

Noting that relocating games is not only an inconvenience on West Orange’s end, but also on

that of the school that hosts the games, Shafer praised his colleagues at other OCPS schools.

“I’ve realized how well some of these athletic directors work with each other,” Shafer said.

“I’ve seen schools step up and give us an opportunity to make (our senior nights) special.”

And despite the adversity that the Warriors have faced across several sports, the on-the-field results have been above average across the board.

“The kids at West Orange are adaptive — they roll with it,” Shafer said. “They deal with it and make the best of it. Our programs are still pretty good, and we’re playing 100% of games on the road.”

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often have professional or semipro experience, too, either domestically or internationally.

Teams from the CFSL’s Premiere division have played in tournaments outside of the league that include professional teams, including from Major League Soccer.

The games in CFSL may technically be recreational, but the players take them seriously.

Real Winter Garden teams have enjoyed some success in their relatively young existence: the Kings won a championship in 2017. In addition to games on Sundays, players often play pickup soccer during the week.

Guare said he spends several hours each week working on the organization and hopes it continues to grow. In addition to coaching the Division 1 team and playing for the Over 30 team, he coordinates with Luis Ayala, who coaches the Premiere team.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Guare either via email — cristianguare@gmail.com — or by messaging the organization’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ RealWinterGarden.

www.westorangehabitat.org

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

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Undefeated Cardinals ready for county tournament Ocoee Middle School’s boys basketball team went from a 1-6 record in 2017 to a 7-0 record in 2018. The Cardinals will host Bridgewater in the first round of the OCPS Middle School Basketball Playoffs.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee Middle School boys basketball team has put together quite the turnaround story, improving from a 1-6 record last season to an undefeated regular season in 2018.

Entering the Orange County Public Schools Middle School Basketball Playoffs next week, the Cardinals are 7-0.

“The biggest reason is we have a lot of returning players, and the returning players all understand the system,” head coach Wallace Phillips said.

Phillips is in his third season coaching the boys team at Ocoee and said the team has leaned into a philosophy that compensates for its weakness — a lack of size.

“Size is our biggest disadvantage — we’re one of the smallest teams in our division,” Phillips said. “Our calling card is shooting. We try our best to put up as many shots as we can. … We try to give ourselves an advantage mathematically, shooting (3-pointers).”

The Cardinals are undefeated entering Tuesday’s playoff game against Bridgewater Middle, but that does not mean they have been dominant. Phillips said most of the wins have been by a singledigit margin, adding that one win — against Piedmont Lakes — came by one point in quadruple overtime.

“It was early in the season, and they showed a willingness to keep executing, their ability to not give up and also a stick-with-it-ness,” Phillips said, recalling the thrilling — and exhausting — victory.

Looking forward, players for Ocoee know they will have to

MEET THE CARDINALS Frank Allen Christian Chambers Jean Charles Jacquez Cooks Taylor Douglas-Greene Ladavion Francois Jamarric Hammond Jaden Henry Jerell Jean-Baptiste Xavier Jordan Antonio Redding Jaylen Smith Michal Vyskocil Asaad Waseem Guyani Williams

Steven Ryzewski

The Ocoee Middle School boys basketball team has relied on perimeter shooting and attention to detail in its turnaround from 1-6 in 2017 to 7-0 in 2018.

IF YOU GO OCPS MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS Bridgewater Bobcats at Ocoee Cardinals WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 WHERE: Ocoee Middle School, 300 S. Bluford Ave., Ocoee

OTHER LOCAL SCHOOLS IN THE OCPS MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS Boys — Gotha, Bridgewater Girls — Chain of Lakes, SunRidge, Gotha

8th Annual

Coach: Wallace Phillips

GOLF TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER

mind the small details in the postseason and that their margin for victory is not large. Still, the team’s confidence is high, and already the team knows it has accomplished something in an undefeated regular season that will be remembered at the school.

“The biggest thing they’re excited about is to be up on the wall (in the gym) as an undefeated cluster champion,” Phillips said.

“They were super excited.”

Join us for a fun day of golf and good food, to benefit the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund.

Monday, March 5th, 2018

at The West Orange Country Club

SWIM LESSONS REDUCE RISK OF DROWNING BY 88%*

Register online: www.jccancerfund.org

DROWNING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH IN CHILDREN 1-4 YEARS OLD.**

Per player - $110 (pre-registered foursome is $400) Check in: 11:30am • Shotgun Tee off: 1pm Includes light lunch and BBQ pork dinner.

Dinner will begin at 5:30 and is open to golfers, guests and public.

(Additional BBQ dinners will be available for a donation)

*National Institutes of Health **U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Award Ceremony to follow tournament (cash bar)

Safety First Swim School teaches children as young as six months old how to roll on their back and float in case they accidentally fall into water.

Silent Auction all day until 7 p.m. The public is invited.

For more information email : jccancerfund@aol.com 268292

call

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

267668

321-236-0240 ext. 5 visit w w w.safe t yfirstswim.com

Seniors, Ladies and Regular Divisions Available

20

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

AIR CONDITIONING

AUTO SERVICE

AUTO SERVICE

Battery Testing and Replacement

Scheduled Maintenance

Transmission and Engine Repair

Computerized Diagnostics

Tune-Ups and General Repair

Tires and Alignments

In House Towing Available

• Sales/Service/Installation • HVAC Inspections & Tune-Up • Commercial & Residential mahrsair.com

STRESS

FREE

See store for details

BRAKE PAD SALE BMW 3 Series

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95

407-456-3038 “All Major Credit Cards Accepted”

260922

$

Mention this ad for a discount on installation!

930 Carter Rd #202 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Telephone: (407) 614-3827 rdtransautorepair@cfl.rr.com

Financing

Lic #CAC 1817326

www.

Working Owners

www.r-dauto.com

Licensed & Insured Email: mike@mahrsair.com

Ray Cornell Jr. Doug Gallinger

267805

263964

PROVIDING SERVICE OUT OF THIS WORLD

Mercedes C-Class

179.95 $199.95 $

881 S. 9th Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

Mercedes E-Class

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor.

Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 3/31/2018.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM - 5PM • All Engines $200.00 each • All Transmissions $100.00 each • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

“Your Complete Service Center” 10 West Story Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

Keeping Your Family Comfortable for More Than 20 Years!

$4999

with Any Mechanical Repair of $500 or More Preventive Maintenance

Not valid with any other offers.

& Inspection - Reg. $79

on Replacements Not valid with any other offers.

$199* *Call for Details

Subject to availability and scheduling in your area.

CAC1816732

RETAIL AT WHOLESALE PRICES

110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

MORE THAN JUST

Serving ALL of Central Florida

Orange/Seminole County

407-654-7420

TIRE VALUES

www.ac-guys.com

FOR ALL OF YOUR AUTOMOTIVE ACCESSORIES CALL TODAY FOR UNLIMITED OPTIONS

• Bridgetone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

TFN

• •

• ALIGNMENT • BRAKES • SHOCKS • OIL & LUBE SERVICE • NEW & USED TIRES • REPAIR & BALANCING • ROAD SERVICE • WE INSTALL LIFTS!

317 Enterprise Street, Ocoee, FL 407-554-2073

407.296.9622 407.877.6268

Amsoil Synthetic

TFN

267792

Mobil 1 Oil

www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

CONSTRUCTION Travis Hamric

267793

Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement.

We offer financing with approved credit

Branch Manager

1081 9th Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 Mention this ad for

267791

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential

10% OFF your rental

ATTORNEY

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

ONLY MOBILE

LAW OFFICE STEPHEN DEH. SCHWARZ II

P.O. Box 785031 • Winter Garden, FL 34778-5031

Steve@chronoslaw.com • www.chronoslaw.com

262522

ATTORNEY AT LAW

TFN

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

(407) 654-9516 Office (407) 491-0355 Mobile (407) 654-0145 Fax pcm050@sunbeltrentals.com

sunbeltrentals.com

YOUR CARD HERE!

Reach Over 37,000 Readers Each Week!

267799

WE ARE THE AREA’S

Local: 407-630-8070 • Toll-free: 833-945-5529

Chrome Packages Bedliners Graphics Kits Carbon Fiber Wraps Rear Spoilers Pin Striping Nurf Bars Bugshields Wheel Covers

Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5: Saturday 9-1

MV03215

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

www.budgetupullit.com

407-656-1817

TO ADVERTISE CALL 407-656-2121 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787

267801

FREE

ESTIMATES

Duct Cleaning 267790

FREE

Service Call

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

CRAWFORD TIRE SERVICE, INC.

Factory Qualified Techs to Service & Install / Fast, Reliable, Local

Seasonal Tune-Up

Phone 407-656-6646

267809

TFN

267761

Financing Available!

267807

407-656-4707

REG# MV-01095

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

PET SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

|

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

ROOFING

EXTINGUISHER

SERVICE

a unique no-cage facility daycare and overnight boarding

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes

TFN 267785

703 S. Vineland Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

www.puppydreams.com

Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

VIRUS & SPYWARE ?QV\MZ /IZLMV¼[ 8ZMUQMZ :WWÅVO +WUXIVa ;QVKM !

REMOVAL ;MZ^QVO )TT WN ?M[\ 7ZIVOM +W]V\a DATA & PASSWORD .]TTa 4QKMV[ML IVL 1V[]ZML :WWN :MXIQZ[ IVL :MXTIKMUMV\ RECOVERY ̆ ̆ WIRELESS &! ?M[\7ZIVOM:WWÅVO KWU WIRED NETWORKING .:-- -;<15)<-; TFN

RACING DOG RESCUE

Peace of mind pet sitting and dog walking

267797

Residential • Commercial • Tile • Metal

267802

everycritter@yahoo.com Licensed/Insured/Bonded

everycritterpetsitter.com

TFN

www.Firetechextinguisher.com

We’re there when you can’t be!

www.

UPGRADES & REPAIRS

267795

(407) 654-8885

407-810-5569

267788

Puppy Dreams Pet Hotel FIRE TECH Your pet’s home away from home

407.614.5962

Keith Keller President CCC1325778

267804

Email: keithksj@cfl.rr.com Ocoee, FL 34761

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Autos For Sale

Announcements

2011 HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER

Every Sunday

30K MILES 1For FULL WALLSale SLIDE OUT Autos SPACIOUS OPEN FLOOR PLAN

Help Wanted CUSTODIAL HELP Responsible, reliable hardworking. Background check required. Competitive pay and benefits for FT employment. Hours 4:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Apply at Montverde Academy, County Road 455 in Montverde. 3/1ma

Announcements

BINGOEvery Sunday

SERVICED AND INSPECTED 2011 HOLIDAY RAMBLER $59,995 267835

VACATIONER 407-654-5313

1701 Adair St. Ocoee 30K MILES 1 FULL WALL SLIDE OUT 2017 FORD F-150 Doors Open 2pm. Games 3 pm.

SPACIOUS 20K MILES 1 OWNER OPEN FLOOR PLAN SERVICED AND INSPECTED 407-592-4498 CLEAN CARFAX HISTORY REPORT $59,995 SAWMILLS FROM only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE BRAND NEW TIRES AND LIFT 267835

407-654-5313

www.NorwoodSawmills.com

Ext.300N 3/1fcan 2017 FORD1-800-578-1363 F-150 Doors Open 2pm. Games 3 pm.

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales 20K MILES 1 OWNER

COMMUNITY YARD Sale - 8:00 - 12:00, Saturday, CLEAN CARFAX HISTORY REPORT March 3rd. The Orchard - Rt 535 (Winter Garden Vineland Road) across from Daniels Landing.

GatesTIRES AND LIFT BRAND NEW open at 8:00am. Mulitple Families.

3/1jd 267833

ThurstonAutoSales.com

267837

$35,885 FUNDRAISER FOR heart patient yard sale. March

407-654-5313

2nd & 3rd. 8am-? 632 Cardinal Street, Ocoee. br3/1 FURNITURE SALE - March 2 & 3. 8AM - 2PM. 261 Surprise Dr., Winter Garden. 3/1bc

Garage/Moving/Estate Sales

407-592-4498

267828

ThurstonAutoSales.com

CUSTODIAL HELP Responsible, reliable hard-

DISHWASHER NEEDED for Montverde Academy. working.

Large volume feeding up to 1,400 people.

Must Background check required. Competitive have strong sanitation skills, team player a benefits for FT employment. Hours 4:00 payand and hospitality attitude. Hours 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Apply at Montverde Academy, Must pass background check and drug test. ComCounty 3/1ma pany offers major medical plan, eye and dentalRoad 455 in Montverde. plans, paid holiday, vacation, sick time, retirement for full time employees. Completive salary.

Apply at DISHWASHER NEEDED for Montverde Academy.

Montverde Academy, CR 455, Montverde FL. Large volume feeding up to 1,400 people. Must 3/1ma strong sanitation skills, team player and a IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN for Montverdehave Academy Must pass drug and background check.hospitality Competiattitude. Hours 12:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. tive pay and benefits. FT, experienceMust preferred. pass background check and drug test. ComApply at County Road 455, Montverde, FL 3/1ma

MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any 407-654-5313 dimension. In stock ready to ship!1701 FREE Info/DVD: Adair St. Ocoee

$35,885

267837

ThurstonAutoSales.com

Help Wanted

BINGO 267828

ThurstonAutoSales.com

SAWMILLS FROM only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE for full time employees. Completive salary. Apply at CNA WILL take excellent care of your love ones in MONEY with your own bandmillCut lumber any Please call Academy, CR 455, Montverde FL. their own home. Excellent references. Montverde dimension. In stock ready FREE Info/DVD: meto at ship!

407-376-6548.

3/8vs 3/1ma www.NorwoodSawmills.com IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN for Montverde Academy 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N 3/1fcan Lots/Acreage For Sale Must pass drug and background check. Competi-

267832

VARIETY OF AFFORDABLE, Easterntive Montana pay and benefits. FT, properties For Sale! Many opportunitiesApply in a great at County Road 455, recreational area! Please go to our website www.montanalandauctions.com or call (406)3665588.

3/1fcan

OAKLAND PARK SALE Community Garage2SaleFURNITURE - March & 3.Sales 8AM throughout the community. March 10, 8am-12pm.

Surprise Dr., Winter Garden.

Maps & lists of sales will be handed out at3/1bc 15211 E Oakland Ave, Winter Garden. op3/8

267833

W. Hwy. 50 at Dillard 267830

267832

and others- start here with hands on training for

267834

FAA certification.

HUGE CHURCHNOW Rummage Sale, First United Financial aid if qualified. Call AviPURCHASING ation Institute of Maintenance 888-242-2649.

Methodist of Winter Garden.

Saturday,3/1fcan March 3rd SCRAP BATTERIES Restaurants 7AM - 1PM. 125 N Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden.

407-656-3495 3/1FUMC

Help Wanted

W. Hwy. 50 at Dillard

equipped - fireplace, king bed, much more. Can be Background check & drug screening. CompensaOAKLAND PARK Community Garage Sale- Sales viewed on rvtrader.com. Asking $29,900. Call 989- tion based on experience. Call JoAnn 407-645throughout the community. March 10, 1100, 8am-12pm.

284-5482 3/1gw Email: westcovecondo@gmail.com wc3/15

Maps & lists of sales will be handed out at 15211 E Oakland Ave, Winter Garden. op3/8

Schools/Instruction

NOW PURCHASING

267834

SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495

267830

MOVING SALEHomes/RVs - March 2nd & 3rd, 8:00AM Motor MAINTENANCE 4:00PM. Town Homes of Winter Garden.

399 Dou- POSITION-- general maintenance 2015 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT 38 RLTS - New condi- for high rise condo in Maitland, including painting, glas Way. Dinette, bedroom suite, etc.

3/1bg tion, moveable destination Park Model. Very well drywall, basic plumbing, electrical, & irrigation.

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

Motor Homes/RVs 2015 JAYCO JAY FLIGHT 38 RLTS - New condition, moveable destination Park Model. Very well equipped - fireplace, king bed, much more. Can be viewed on rvtrader.com. Asking $29,900. Call 989284-5482 3/1gw

This week’s Sudoku answers

experience preferred.

Montverde, FL 3/1ma

Lots/Acreage For Sale

- 2PM. 261

Merchandise Wanted

Puzzle Two Solution: “I was kind of a street kid, in a lot of trouble committing crimes and stuff.

Music gave me something to focus on.”

– Flea

CNA WILL take excellent care of your love ones in their own home. Excellent references. Please call me at 407-376-6548.

3/8vs

FURNITURE SALE- Patio Furniture, Rattan Bedroom Furniture, Mahogany Antique Buffet. For phoMerchandise Wanted Schools/Instruction tos, detail. 407-584-7440. More items also.

AVIATION GRADS work with JetBlue, United, Delta Moving- must sell! ch3/1 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “Idealism allied with pragmatism ... making the world bend a bit, is very exciting ... very real ... very strong.”

– Bono

Positions Wanted

HUGE CHURCH Rummage United Vineland Road) across Sale, from First Daniels Landing. Gates Methodist of Winter Garden. Saturday, March 3rd open at 8:00am. Mulitple Families.

3/1jd Restaurants 7AM - 1PM. 125 N Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden.

3/1FUMC FUNDRAISER FOR heart patient yard sale. March

Ocoee.

pany offers major medical plan, eye and dental

Positions Wanted plans, paid holiday, vacation, sick time, retirement

FURNITURE SALE- Patio Furniture, Rattan Bedroom Furniture, Mahogany Antique Buffet. For phoCOMMUNITY YARD Sale 12:00, Saturday, tos, detail. 407-584-7440.

More- 8:00 items -also.

Movingch3/1 Marchmust 3rd.sell!

The Orchard - Rt 535 (Winter Garden

MOVING March 2nd 8:00AM Street, 2nd & SALE 3rd. -8am-?

632& 3rd, Cardinal 4:00PM. Town Homes of Winter Garden. 399 Doubr3/1 glas Way. Dinette, bedroom suite, etc. 3/1bg

21

AVIATION GRADS work with JetBlue, United, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 888-242-2649.

3/1fcan

Help Wanted MAINTENANCE POSITION-- general maintenance for high rise condo in Maitland, including painting, drywall, basic plumbing, electrical, & irrigation.

Background check & drug screening. Compensation based on experience. Call JoAnn 407-6451100, Email: westcovecondo@gmail.com wc3/15

VARIETY OF AFFORDABLE, Eastern Montana properties For Sale! Many opportunities in a great recreational area! Please go to our website www.montanalandauctions.com or call (406)3665588.

3/1fcan

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This week’s Crossword answers

Just enter your email address in the subscribe here box at the bottom of our home page at: www.OrangeObservercom

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS CALL 407-656-2121 Or email us at advertisenow@

orangeobserver.com

2018

W EAT HER

22

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST Winter Garden resident Suzi Shirley submitted this beautiful photo, which she calls “Sailing Away.” “I took this picture when I was on my lunch break down at Lake Apopka in Winter Garden enjoying the beautiful weather,” she said.

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

ONLINE

THURSDAY, MAR. 1 High: 88 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, MAR. 2 High: 78 Low: 54 Chance of rain: 0%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, March 1

6:52a

6:26p

Friday, March 2

6:51a

6:26p

Saturday, March 3

6:50a

6:27p

Sunday, March 4

6:49a

6:28p

Monday, March 5

6:48a

6:28p

Tuesday, March 6

6:46a

6:29p

Wednesday, March 7

6:45a

6:30p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAR. 3 High: 74 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 0%

March 24 First

March 1 Full

March 9 March 17 Last New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Feb. 20

0.00

SUNDAY, MAR. 4

Wednesday, Feb. 21

0.00

High: 74 Low: 52 Chance of rain: 0%

Thursday, Feb. 22

0.00

Friday, Feb. 23

0.00

Saturday, Feb. 24

0.00

Sunday, Feb. 25

0.00

Monday, Feb. 26

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

FEB. TO DATE:

2018 2.18 in.

2018

.33 in.

2017 2.96 in.

2017

.88 in.

SEARCH • FIND • POST

Visit Our Community Calendar Today!

www.OrangeObserver.com/Calendar 105 King’s domain 107 Some distracted walkers 109 Reel for film 113 Suppress, as a yawn 116 Viggo Mortensen film 120 Preachers’ platforms 122 Distinctive style 123 NBA whistle-blower 124 God Almighty 125 Property recipient, legally 126 Not all or none 127 Had pretzels 128 Spoken 129 Absorbers in the kitchen 130 “Check 1-2, check 1-2,” e.g.

131 By way of 132 “A Bug’s Life” extras

49 Major part of a long poem 51 Some Muslim leaders (var.)

55 A couple of drum sounds 57 Party on the fancy side 58 Swirled in a whirlpool 59 Cotton fabric 60 “Mission: Impossible” org.

62 Auburnish hair dye 66 Fish trapper 67 Eugene is there 69 Anecdotal collections 71 It may be overhead 72 Greyish-brown eagle 73 Variety show opener 74 Land that sinks underfoot 75 Idolizes DOWN 76 Some shunned colonists 1 Somewhere way out there 80 ___ de grace 2 “Take a number” store 81 Hiree of the King of Siam 3 Stable foodstuffs 82 Not as much 4 Display bad posture 83 Mile portions 5 Baby feline 85 Most desirable, as a job 6 Attired for judging 89 Baby racehorse 7 “ ___ more questions?”

91 Woman one 8 Wine holder 92 ___ Xer (one born post9 Well-off 1965) 10 Tech support caller 95 Emotional shock 11 With no frills 96 White House nickname of 12 Ankle bones the ‘50s 13 Direct suffix 97 Calif. airport 14 Baby bird 98 Lover of beauty 15 Put ___ words 99 Shortening kin 16 “Yikes!”

103 Baby in a barn 17 ___ good example 106 Relatives of donkeys 18 Deuce superior 107 Palindromic core belief 28 Butt 108 Condiment or dance 30 Barrel-bottom sediment 109 Mani-pedi spots 33 Romanian monetary unit 110 Meaty orange juice part 34 Tolkien monster 111 Mishmash 36 Layered Italian dish 112 Admitting customers 37 Fleece source 114 Moving ice sheet 38 Paddle-tailed creature 115 Beats it 39 Local church community 117 Bank transaction 41 Yodeling plateau 118 Sandpaper “sand” 42 Fleur-de-___ 119 Wagering concerns 44 Little sewer dwellers 121 Inexpensive shirt 45 Tennis pro’s lesson 123 Emulate Chance?

46 ___ mater 47 A magpie

©2018 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

29 Destroys, office-style 31 Sooner than tomorrow 1 Commotions 5 Bird with green feathers 32 Village relatives 35 European food fish 8 Baby worm 37 Nile slitherer 12 Like runts, compara40 Show disdain facially tively 41 Stuff in many cosmet19 Remarkable deed ics 20 Overnight lodge 43 Computer networking 21 Famous Mona 22 TV’s Steed or Mrs. Peel concern 48 Cary Grant’s surname, 23 Voice in a chorus really 24 Apply oneself 50 Baby on the water 25 PC and tablet maker 52 Like hard-to-comb hair 26 Adjust, as corporate 53 Attachment to mount earnings or chute 27 Rice cooked in broth

54 Church area 55 Scott Joplin’s music 56 Scoring 100s on tests 58 U-turn from good 61 Carpet style 63 Baby oyster 64 ___ Rica 65 Knocked-over game piece 68 Active Italian volcano 70 Any theme baby, much later 77 Branch-stem angle 78 Breastbones 79 Battery terminal 80 Farm baby

84 Farm baby’s sound 86 Pest in the air 87 Barbershop sharpener 88 Like the jack of hearts 90 Wee building block 93 Barely cooked 94 Not witnessed 95 Young person, animal or bird 99 First ___ (second place, according to Earnhardt) 100 Italian food staples 101 Sign of what’s coming 102 Buckwheat cereal 104 Leaky soccer ball’s sound

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“XIJDVXMT DVVXJI CXGL WEDFTDGXMT ... TDUXKF GLJ CAEVI HJKI D HXG, XM OJEP JZRXGXKF ...

OJEP EJDV... OJEP MGEAKF.” – HAKA

“B NHO CBDA EZ H OKUXXK CBA, BD H GEK EZ KUELVGX WEPPBKKBDM WUBPXO HDA OKLZZ. PLOBW MHYX PX OEPXKFBDM KE ZEWLO ED.” – ZGXH Puzzle Two Clue: V equals B

BABY, BABY, BABY by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue: Z equals X

CROSSWORD

268247

• Looking for local events to attend?

• Want us to inform the public about your local event?

©2018 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2018 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

3-1-8

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

HOUSE + HOME

A slice of

paradise

Phillips Grove, Pulte Homes’ newest community in Dr. Phillips, offers a rare opportunity: a new home on the Butler Chain of Lakes.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

W

est Orange-area homebuyers soon will have more housing options to

consider in the Dr. Phillips area.

Builder and developer Pulte Homes introduced recently Phillips Grove,

Buyers will be able to choose from myriad finishes as they customize their new home.

a new estate-home community that will offer 229 home sites priced from $500,000 to $2 million near Apopka-Vineland Road and Buena Vista Boulevard.

SEE PAGE 24

Courtesy of Pulte Homes

Pre-sales for the home sites have begun, and the grand opening is set for April. Model homes will be available to tour.

BUILDING “ON YOUR LOT”, OAKLAND PARK & BLUE SPRING RESERVE

VISIT OUR WEBSITE or CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

1st Place winner 2016 GOBA Parade of Homes 1st Place winner 2016 HBA Parade of Homes Florida Green Building Coalition Member and Platinum Level Builder

267308

BUILDING CUSTOM HOMES SINCE 1976

AWARDS

www.jjbuilding.com 407-476-7520

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Pulte unveils Phillips Grove

Lakes, so this is an opportunity desirable Dr. Phillips community. for people who have been looking “We are very excited to bring our for that.”

Phillips Grove community to life The new community will offer this year,” he said. “This is a prime a number of amenities, such as opportunity for buyers looking for a gated entrance, resort-style new construction in Dr. Phillips. swimming pool with cabana and … We believe this will be one of a summer kitchen and athletic the most unique opportunities to courts. Lawn care also will be come to the market in Orlando this included for those who live in the year.” community, and the homes will Phillips Grove is located minutes feature smart functionality, Ball from Interstate 4 and the shopping said. and dining options on Dr. Phillips’ “Every Pulte home is designed to Restaurant Row. be exactly as smart as you want it Phillips Grove becomes the third to be, meaning intelligence is built Pulte project under development into each home,” he said. “From in Dr. Phillips; it joins Pulte’s Ruby the basic pre-wire to a full suite of Lake and Overlook at Ruby Lake automation options, you’ll be able projects. to control the aspects of your home The grand opening of Phillips 720model Celebration Aven that you want to control right from Grove is set for April, and F your voice or smartphone.” homes will be available to tour Celebration by Celebration Avenue, Suite 100, Facebook.com/Century Ball said he expects720 Phillips then, as well.

Celebration FL 34747 Grove to appeal to buyers looking To learn more about the comFacebook.com/Century21Celebration to upgrade to new construction as munity and to view home models,Multi-Lingual O Multi-Lingual Offices well as those who seek to live in the visit pulte.com/PhillipsGrove.

Offices in Celebration

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

The community will feature 13 different floor plans ranging from $500,000 to $1 million-plus; two to seven bedrooms; two-andone-half to six-and-one-half bathrooms; and two- to three-car garages. The sizes of the homes range from 2,000 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet, and some of the larger homes come with life-tested designs that can be personalized to fit any family’s needs and lifestyle. The community also will offer six lots with frontage on the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Clint Ball, president of Pulte Homes’ North Florida division, said the lakefront homes will sit on about an acre and will serve as the project’s premium spots.

“It’s exclusive,” Ball said.

“There’s not much land left (for homes) on the Butler Chain of

267655

Offices in Celebration and Windermere B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P

Multi-Lingual Offices

720 Celebration Ave # 210 Celebration

Offices in Celebration, Windermere and Davenport

C

DU

RE

949 Westpark # 207 Celebration MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property Offered at: $299,900

1209 Downey Place Celebration

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage

MLS # S4816524 5 bed949 3 bath 3051 sq ft Westpark 3 car garage

# 207 Celebration

MLS # S4815324 MLS # S4812883 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft Downey 1209 Place Townhouse with 2 car garage End unit Water St condo

Lake Buena Vista Resort 2 Bed/2 Bath/1,060 Sq Ft Offered at $210,000 MLS# S4854310

Point Orlando Resort 2 Bed/2 Bath/1,056 Sq Ft Offered at $315,000 MLS# S4843907

MLS # S4815468 3 bed 2 bath 1460 sq ft Elevator building with 1 car garage Offered at: $296,000

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

Celebration

Offered at: $ 579,000

Offered at: $209,000

Offered at: $409,000

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

754 Siena Palm Dr # 101 Celebration

1109 Ashbee Ln Celebration

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 sq ft Fully furnished plus 1 car garage

MLS # S4810946 3 bed 2.5 Bath 2,522 Sq ft Over $60,000 in upgrades

Offered at: $429,900

Offered at: $429,999

Offered at: $235,000

Offered at: $499,000

ED Celebration Ave # 406 1400 C DU Celebration

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

RE

7395 Universal Unit #606

910 Spring Park St # 202 Celebration

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration

1211 Stonecutter Dr # 502 Celebration - Artisan Club

MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage

MLS # S4724783 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage

MLS # O5325911 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 4th floor condo with balcony

MLS # S4726678 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft First floor condo. 1 car garage

Offered at: $275,000

Offered at: $329,000

Offered at: $219,900

Offered at: $275,000

604 Mulberry Ave # 1101 1410 Celebration Ave # 407 CelebrationOffered Celebration Offered at: $219,900

8766 The Esplanade, #23

1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration

at: $429,900 MLS # S4727247

Offered at: $529,000

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MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 End unit Water St co

Offered at: $209,0

Offices in

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MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 Fully furnished plu 1 car garage

Call for

Offered at: $429,999

4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft Lowest priced SFH in Celebration with a garage apartment

753

789 Celebration A Celebration

MLS # G4812461 MLS # S4815137 Facebook.com/Century21Celebration MLS # S4816524 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 2 car garage Fannie Mae Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21BlueSkyFL 3 car garage Homepath Property Offered at: $415,000 Offered at: $ 579,000 Offered at:@C21BlueskyRealtyGroup $299,900 Instagram LinkedIn:Century21BlueSkyRealtyGroup

Offered at: $415,000

1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

Offered at: $219,900

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316 Charleston Pl Celebration

789 Celebration Ave Celebration

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7798 Winter Garden Vineland Road #116 Windermere, FL 34786

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

8101 Resort Village Drive Unit #3506

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1b Lo do

Offered at: $249,000

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New Windermere office in the ED UC Village Shopping Center: Lakeside D RE

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407.566.0555

407.566.0555

743

MLS # S4814275 2 bed 2.5 bath 1429 sq ft Town Center Condo

Offered at: $235,0

ED

UC

D RE

5010 Autumn Ridge Ct.

FeaturedOver Property investme Remodeled Condo 1 Acre Pool Home Our highly experienced 931 Spring Park - Celebration 1211Loop Stonecutter Dr # 502 267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 604 Mulberry Ave # 1410 Celebration Ave # 407from finding the perfect te in Orlando Celebration Club in- Artisan Windermere Celebration Celebration andCelebration maintenanc MLS # S4817743 MLS # S4809113 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 under air MLS sq # ftS4724783 S4726678 MLS # O5325911 ContactMLS our#office tod 3 Bed/2.5 Bath/2,700 Sq Ft 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ftCustom Garage, 38’x 26’ 1736 with 33 9’bed Bed/2 Bath/2,090 Sq Ft1435 sq ft 2 bed 2 bathmore 1196a 3 bath sq ft staff to learn 2 bed 2 bath 3 separate garage doors. condo. 2 car garage First floor condo. 1 car 5th floor condo.

1 car garage 4th floor condo with balcony Locally Own Offered at $379,900 Offered at: $275,000 at $399,900 Offered at: $275,0 OfferedOffered atOffered $721,900 at: $329,000 Excellent C Offered at: $219,900 Highly Ex MLS# O5536047 MLS# S4851324

Take the stress o

www.Century21BlueSky.com

Featured

931 Spring Park L

MLS # S 4 bed 3.5 bath 2 Custom Garag 3 separate 9’

Offered a

7526 Seven Eagles Way, #T82 Townhome with Golf Course View in Reunion 3 Bed/3 Bath/2,124 Sq Ft Offered at $218,000 MLS#O5544140

3736 Manteo Circle

6210 Roseate Spoonbill Dr.

Luxury Home in Hunter’s Creek 4 Bed/3 Bath/2,586 Sq Ft Offered at $424,900 MLS# S4854774

Pool Home in Windermere 4 Bed/3.5Bath/3,134 Sq Ft Offered at $517,999 MLS# O5556376

www.Century21BlueSky.com

Toll Free 1-877-YOUR C21

www.Century21BlueSky. 10255 Meadow Brook Brand New Rental Listing New Construction in Waterleigh 4 Bed/3.5 Bath/2500 Sq Ft Offered at $2,400/month MLS# S4855233 Property Management Line

407-566-9382

267716

24

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

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LUXURY THE WAY YOU WANT IT

Toll Brothers features luxury communities in the most sought-after locations in Central Florida. Choose from elegant designs with hundreds of options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your lifestyle.

LAKESHORE Quick Delivery Homes Available!

Lakeshore is a master planned community in Horizon West featuring luxury townhomes and single-family homes, and The Lakehouse, a state-of-the-art recreation center with resort-style amenities.

Townhomes from the low $300,000s Executive single-family homes from the upper $300,000s Estate single-family homes from the upper $500,000s 407-778-5200 | 8818 Lakeshore Point Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE Personalize Your Dream Home Today!

Gated community with outstanding included features, resort-style amenities and low-maintenance living located just minutes from popular area attractions from the upper $400,000s 407-217-7777 | 10312 Royal Island Court, Orlando, FL 32836

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Luxury, gated community of just 79 estate homes on 1/2-acre home sites from the mid-$900,000s 407-656-3200 | 4326 Isabella Circle, Windermere, FL 34786

TollBrothers.com/West Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun 11 am–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. CBC1255158

261252

Design trends, tips & more at TollTV.com | Download the Toll Brothers App today

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

REAL ESTATE

Pat Sharr Realty 407-656-7947

MultiMillion Dollar Producer patsharr@aol.com

www.patsharr.com

BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

CALL US TODAY!

Sales Associate

407-558-0461

michael.lowery12@gmail.com

WE DON’T CHARGE TRANSACTION FEES!

JU

D CE DU RE

ST

T JUS

PUT ANOTHER LOG IN THE FIREPLACE!!!

LD SO

Take a look at this CUSTOM BUILT 2 STORY BRICK COLONIAL!!! Located on 7.86 acres, bring your horses, cows, chickens or just enjoy all of the land. Open the door to your future, wood flooring, tile in all wet areas, living room, picture window dining room and custom eat-in kitchen includes all appliances, wood cabinets, granite counters and island.

Family room features brick wood burning fireplace for those cozy evenings!

All bedrooms are located on the 2nd floor, master bedroom has French doors leading to the private balcony, enjoy the panoramic views!!! Master bedroom is adjoined by master bath, dual sinks, garden jetted tub and separate shower.

The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the guest bath and the end bedroom also has a private balcony. Located on the first floor also features 1/2 bath and laundry room. Property is fenced and has gated entrance!!! See this property today, get away from all the traffic and noise to quite country living!!!

New roof to be installed!!! Asking Only $ 425,000

CORNER LOT--HISTORIC WINTER GARDEN!!!

to 23.

The home at 10164 Carthay Drive, Golden Oak, sold Feb. 13, for $2.975

SECLUSION AMONG THE TREES!!!

million. Built in 2017, it

JUST LISTED!!!

has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,563 square feet.

SO

The price per square foot is

LD

MR. & MRS. CLEAN LIVE HERE!!! 4BDRM., 2.5 BA. 2 STORY POOL HOME!!!This is a picturesque setting, very well maintained landscaped yard and a superb interior.

Inside you will find a ceramic tiled foyer, living/dining room that is currently being used as a living room, the kitchen features range, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal all are staying. Inside laundry room, large walk-in pantry. Breakfast area with sliding glass doors leading to the screened lanai. Family room with wood flooring and large enough for everyday living!!! Also featured is a half bath on the first floor. Upstairs you will find the huge master bedroom adjoined by the master bath, garden tub, dual sinks, separate shower and large walk-in closet. The other 3 bedrooms are centered around the guest bath, dual sinks, tub with shower. Lets go back down stairs and out to the screened lanai and sparkling pool, no rear neighbors right in your back yard! ASKING ONLY $279,000

$651.98.

!

WITH EVERY NEW LISTING!!!

PAT SHARR REALTY WILL PROVIDE A HOME WARRANTY FOR THE BUYER WHEN YOUR HOME SELLS!!!

Oak community in

transactions from Feb. 12

***4.97 ACRES*** 2 BDRM.,2 BA. LOCATED IN WINTER GARDEN!!! **NO HOA**Take a look at this 2 story home!!! First level has bedroom/ bath, the 2nd level is as nice as can be!!! Living room/great room, dining area, kitchen with all appliances,bedroom, bath and laundry room! Wood flooring except the bedroom has carpet, sliding glass door with balcony. Panoramic views of Winter Garden, Clermont and Disney fireworks from the balcony off of the living area. You have your own private driveway and only minutes away from shopping and major highways! Plus an Orange Grove that the Seller’s no longer work, but could have income. Asking only $349,000

FEBRUARY/MARCH SPECIAL!!!

A

home in the Golden

area residential real-estate

JU ST

*NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES***JUST FRESHLY PAINTED!!! LARGE SPARKLING POOL/SPA!!! GATED COMMUNITY!!! Nothing to do here but bring your furniture!!! This home is located in BROOKESTONE in Ocoee, 4 Bedrooms-3 Baths, Foyer, Dining Room, Living Room, Breakfast Nook, Family Room, Kitchen has 42” cabinets, Large Pantry, Breakfast bar, brand new appliances, washer & dryer in laundry room, 3 way split bedroom plan!!! Master bedroom features adjoining area that could be used as a sitting area, workout area and features sliding glass doors leading to the covered brick paver and open lanai. Master bath features jetted tub, separate shower and double vanities. The 3 way split bedroom plan with 2 of the guest bedrooms centered around the guest bath. The 4th bedroom w/ bath could be a Mother-In-Law suite or private guest bedroom. This is a MUST see, very convenient to shopping, schools and all major highways!!! JUST REDUCED to $345,000!

SNAPSHOT

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

These are the highestselling homes in each

The home at 6030 Sunset Isle Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 23, for $540,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,256 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.88.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14741 Snowy Egret St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 14, for $370,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,448 square feet. The price per square foot is $107.31.

OAKLAND

WINTERS LANDING

The home at 507 E. Henschen Ave., Oakland, sold Feb. 16, for $409,500. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,760 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.37.

ADMIRAL POINTE

community in West Orange. The home at 922 Chauncey HORIZON WEST

The home at 15326 Honeybell Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $374,382. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.18.

407-877-FIND (3463) 160 S. Main St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.FindWindsor.com

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15799 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 12, for $325,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,003 square feet. The price per square foot is $162.26.

BUY • SELL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

WINTER GARDEN CONDO $95,000 Newly remodeled 2 bedroom 2 bath condo. All new appliances, new flooring plus newly remodeled bathrooms. New kitchen cabinets and counter tops. Private balcony and storage room. Easy walk to community pool and mailboxes. 2 assigned parking spaces. Close to bus line, restaurants, shopping (Fowlers Grove), hospitals and banking. Convenient to downtown Winter Garden and the West Orange Trail. Easy access to East/West Expressway, Florida Turnpike and SR 429.

Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 15, for $320,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,754 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.19.

MCCORMICK WOODS

The home at 3403 McCormick Woods Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 14, for $348,900. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,877 square feet. The price per square foot is $89.99.

WINDSONG LANDING

The home at 223 Calliope St., Ocoee, sold Feb. 22, for $410,000.

Built in 2004, it has five bed-

OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE PROTECTS YOU… YOUR KIDS… YOUR GRANDKIDS… YOUR GREAT-GRANDKIDS AND…

WEST ORLANDO POOL HOME $229,900

WELL, YOU GET THE IDEA.

Plenty of room in this lovely pool home with Ocoee schools. On 0.63 acres! Split plan, fireplace, all weather porch and 2 car garage plus attached carport. 288 Sq ft outbuilding behind pool is perfect for storage of pool equipment or make into your own man cave/ she shed!

E W YOU SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

MINNEOLA POOL HOME $166,500

AND IT MEANS A LOT TO HOMEBUYERS. As an ALTA member, nobody knows more about the home closing process and title insurance than “we do”. That’s why homebuyers rely on us for the most effective and accurate information.

Get your ALTA Homebuyer Guide at For more information, ask an ALTA member alta.org/homebuyer. or visit homeclosing101.org.

Getting owner’s title insurance is one of the smartest and easiest decisions you’ll make as a homebuyer. It’s a one-time purchase that protects your property rights as long as you or your heirs own your home.

SOLD

OCOEE - 4BR 3BA - GATED COMMUNITY $254,300

This advertising is for informational purposes only. Actual coverages and your eligibility may vary by company and state. For exact terms, conditions, exclusions, eligibility and limitations, please contact a title insurance company authorized to do business in your location.

267466

office 407.654.8811 cell 407.758.4479 267658

2351 Sq Ft living area. On 1/3 of an acre. Community pool and club house. Spacious home with high ceilings, formal living and dinning rooms, maple cabinetry with Corian countertops with stone backsplash. Stainless steel kitchen appliances. Master suite boasts a tray ceiling and private reading area. This is a must see home. Call for a showing today!

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

OCOEE

HAMLIN RESERVE

“Brand New Air Conditioning” 10-20-2017! In ground pool.

Seller to help with buyers closing cost. No HOA. Pool home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Inside utility room, wood blinds and lots of laminate flooring. Also has a whole house water softener system. Two screened porches (front & back). Large back yard fenced all around with storage shed. Bring your toys. Has outside shower. Close to sought after schools. Close to major roads including new turnpike exit. Can close asap if needed. Did I mention no HOA!

Total Sales: 140 High Sale Price: $2.975M Low Sale Price: $33,000 REO/Bank Owned: 10 Auction/REO: One

topped all West Orange-

SO L

ED UC ED TR WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT???

MICHAEL ENG

Southwest Orange

D

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN!!! Take a look at this 3 BDRM. 2BA. 2260 sq.ft. of living and located on a corner lot! This home was built in 1948 and has a lot of charm. Open the front door to the foyer, spacious living room , master bedroom/master bath is on one side of the house and the other 2 are centered around the guest bath. Formal dining room, breakfast area, kitchen comes complete with range, refrigerator, dishwasher and disposal.

Just off the breakfast area is the large Family room and access to the detached 2 car garage.From the kitchen is the very large convenient laundry and storage room, plus you have access to the garage, yard and a storage building. This home is built to last and conveniently located to the many restaurants, shops and Farmer’s Market on Saturday, grab your golf cart and enjoy!!! Make your appointment to see this home today!!! Asking $345,000

JUS

MICHAEL LOWERY

267467

PAT SHARR

Broker/Owner

407-948-1326

Golden Oak estate sells for $2.975 million

267681

26

Suite 200B in the TD Bank Building

12200 W. Colonial Dr. • Winter Garden, FL 34787

info@treasuretitle.com

www.treasuretitle.com

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

27

Shopping for a mortgage?

As life changes, so do your needs. Let State Farm Bank® help with a mortgage that fits your life and your budget. Let us help you make the right move. Bank with a Good Neighbor®.

CALL ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NMLS MB #110089, NMLS MLO #385629 MLO License #LO22686

M-F 8:30 - 5:30 Sat 10:00 - 1:00 Evening by Appointment

267680

We have a great selection.

Jo Barsh, Agent State Farm Agent 317 West Road Ocoee, FL 34761 Bus: 407-299-0301

nectarrealestate.com

This Golden Oak home, at 10164 Carthay Drive, Golden Oak, sold Feb. 13, for $2.975 million. Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a residential resort community.

AVALON RESERVE

The home at 1008 Vinsetta Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $439,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,584 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.49.

BLACK LAKE PRESERVE

The home at 14432 Black Lake Preserve St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $410,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,542 square feet. The price per square foot is $115.75.

FOXCREST

12B

WEST ORANGE TIMES

WOTimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Here's My Card

The home at 1057 Home Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 15, for $466,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,396 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.22.

So local, it feels like your garage!

AIR CONDITIONING

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LANDSCAPE & LAWN

AUTO SERVICE CONTINUED

JP TREES AND LANDSCAPING, LLC

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Tree Trimming, Tree Removal, Landscape Installs FREE Estimates

John Freeman 881 S. 9th Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

-FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED –

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www.gsairsystems.com email: gsairsystems@cfl.rr.com Licensed & Insured - State License #CAC1814407

• Quality • Service • Sales • Installation • Commercial • Residential

WE BUY JUNK CARS WE BUY SCRAP METAL

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MORTGAGE

407-656-4707

Call for a FREE estimate on Equipment Replacement.

Call: Ernie Bagley 352.223.8359 (7 Days)

COMPUTERS

• Primary Residence • 2nd Home • Investment • Condo • Modular • Manufactured • Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, HARP, Jumbos, Construction, Commercial

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UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE REMOVAL

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SOLVING PROBLEMS SINCE 1990

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(2nd Floor Bank of America Building) Celebration, FL 34747 All Programs Subject to Credit/Income Approval

NMLS# 1032792

Travis Hamric Branch Manager

PEST CONTROL

GO GREEN with nature’s best rodent controller, the CAT!

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Phone 407-656-6646

HANDYMAN

33 West Silver Star Rd. • Ocoee, FL 34761

REG# MV-01095

Richard Hudson • Reggie Hudson

407.522.2617

barncatsinfo@CareFelineTNR.org

FITNESS SERVICES

Mobil 1 Oil

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CONSTRUCTION

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Amsoil Synthetic

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CELEBRATION FUNDING, INC.

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110 Taylor St. • Ocoee • (407) 656-4575

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Puppy Dreams Pet Hotel Your pet’s home away from home a unique no-cage facility daycare and overnight boarding

(407) 654-8885

Douglas Miller 619-727-1563 douglasjmiller@hotmail.com

IN WINTER GARDEN

4/30/15

Mobile In-Home

Dog Grooming

407-450-2007

4 Custom Painting PAINTING SERVICES 4 Wall Texturing 4 Wallpaper Removal 4 Wall Repairs 4 Honey Do Projects

703 S. Vineland Rd. Winter Garden, FL 34787

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Licensed and Insured

HOME SERVICES 5/14/15

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 5/7/15

FIRE TECH SERVICE

TRAYWICK'S GARAGE

TFN

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

407-656-1817

The home at 222 Stanton Estates Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 20, for $766,541. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,042 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.64.

• handyman • maid • painting • household repairs • home organization

Ocoee, FL

Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 Fax 407-654-2986

407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com

EXTINGUISHER ONE COMPANY, ONE CALL Everything from maid services, handyman repairs to household chores.

STANTON ESTATES

Call Today!

Apply from your Home or Office

www.celebrationfunding.com

www.budgetupullit.com

We offer financing with approved credit

AUTO SERVICE

The home at 1045 Colleton Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 22, for $475,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,668 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.04.

email: jptrees09@gmail.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8AM - 5PM

To advertise in this section call 407-656-2121

OAKLAND PARK

cell: 321-229-1958

Licensed and Insured

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www.Firetechextinguisher.com

STEVE DIAMOND

CPA/CGMA Certified Business Coach Corporate Training

“Learn how to work smarter in your business, not just harder”

Call for a FREE quote!

TruBlue of Orlando 6220 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Suite 195 Orlando, FL 32809 All employees bonded & insured

Office: Email: Web:

(407) 421-5068 sdiamond@focalpointcoaching.com www.stevediamond.focalpointcoaching.com sdiamond@focalpointcoaching.com www.linkedin.com/in/SteveDiamond 8223 Stonemason Court, Windermere, FL 34786

407-203-6000

www.TruBlueOrlando.Com

See Page 20 & 21 of this weeks paper

IN OCOEE

407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com maguireroadstorage@cfl.rr.com

267476

WINTER GARDEN

Check Out These Professionals

7/23/15

The home at 3426 Kentshire Blvd., Ocoee, sold Feb. 23, for $400,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,631 square feet. The price per square foot is $152.03.

The home at 13665 Killebrew Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 18, for $429,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,010 square feet.

5/15/15

WINDSOR LANDING

CYPRESS RESERVE

4/28/16

rooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,283 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.89.

Some products and services not available in all areas.

State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, IL

1001306.1

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS • FRENCH DOORS • ENTRY DOORS • GLIDING DOORS

Fibrex blends wood grain and a thermoplastic polymer, which is made up of 40 percent reclaimed wood fiber by weight. Even better: we source much of this material right from Andersen Corporation’s local wood window manufacturing facilities. As such, you enjoy the highest SCS certified recycled content available from a trusted window company.

LESS THAN 31 DAYS

left to schedule your FREE window diagnosis!

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Money Down Down NO Money Payments or or NO Payments Interest for for NO Interest

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Offer not available in all areas. Renewal by Andersen of Central Florida license numbers available upon request. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2018 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2018

Start from Scratch Serve up the best meals of your life in the house of your dreams.

It’s good to be finally home.

FREE $10,000 KITCHEN PACKAGE WHEN YOU PURCHASE A NEW TAYLOR MORRISON HOME*

Stop by any Orlando area community Sales Office to find your dream home and get cooking.

It’s said the kitchen is the heart of the home.

We’ve just made it sweeter.

TMKitchenPackage.com

Now through March 31st, purchase a to-be-built home at a select Orlando area Taylor Morrison community and you’ll receive a beautiful kitchen upgrade, complete with a French door refrigerator, built-in oven and microwave, gourmet cook top GE Café™ Series appliances.

407.756.5025

*Limited time Kitchen Package (up to $10,000 ARV) (“Kitchen Incentive”). Options offered and actual value of the Kitchen Incentive may vary by floor plan and community based upon Taylor Morrison’s current offerings. Valid only at participating Orlando Taylor Morrison communities on select to-be-built cash or financed homes purchased as of 2/3/18 - 3/31/18 (Promotion Period). Offer is not valid at Thornbrooke Towns. Potential savings of up to $10,000 to be applied toward Buyer-selected Options only and valid only upon Closing (and satisfaction of all eligibility criteria), as reflected on the Closing Disclosure or settlement statement, as applicable. Any unused portion of this Kitchen Incentive may not be used towards a reduction in the Purchase Price or structural options and will be forfeited

by Buyer. Not valid outside of the Promotion Period or in any other Community. Kitchen Incentive may not be combined with any other offer, unless expressly set forth in Buyer’s Purchase Agreement Documents. For financed buyers, all lender restrictions shall apply. No other discounts, incentives, offers, coupons, substitutions, etc. will apply, except as expressly agreed to in the Purchase Agreement. Additional restrictions (including those of lenders for financed buyers) may apply. All community and home information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. As-built plans shall control. All eligibility decisions by Seller are final. All special offers or incentive programs subject to change prior to contract. Pricing shown may not include options, upgrades and lot or elevation premiums. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or your Internet Home Consultant and your purchase agreement for community specific details or visit taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Additional details and restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. © January, 2018, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc., CBC1257462. All rights reserved.

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