04.05.18 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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WOHS, WHS lacrosse match divides house. 19.

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VOLUME 85, NO. 14

CAMERAS ROLL AT GARAGE It should be safer to park and walk in the Winter Garden public garage now that the camera project has been completed. Surveillance Plus was hired to install the system in the South Boyd Street garage. The surveillance system includes 56 high-definition cameras that produce highquality images both day and night. Winter Garden City Hall and the Winter Garden Police Department will monitor the videos.

All Aflutter

NRA TO OFFER SAFETY COURSE

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

What started out two years ago as a bicycle and pedestrian mobility plan in the town of Oakland has become an entire network plan that now includes vehicular traffic and an illustrated outline of scenarios for SEE PAVING PAGE 6

Orange County officials offer update on Avalon Road GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

To address future traffic demands from projected growth in West Orange, Orange County and the city of Winter Garden agreed to collaborate on a large-scale road improvement project targeting

The Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s annual Spring Fever in the Garden takes flight this weekend in downtown Winter Garden.

SEE AVALON PAGE 4

AMY QUESINBERRY | COMMUNITY EDITOR

TIE

The plan provides a transportation framework for town officials to consult in managing anticipated growth.

HOPPY HUNTING

Winter Garden, Ocoee celebrate Easter with community egg hunts. SEE PAGES 14-15

The American Legion Post 63 is hosting an NRA Home Firearm Safety Course, led by Christopher M. Rumbaugh, a certified law-enforcement firearms instructor. The non-shooting course is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the post, 271 Plant St., Winter Garden. It is designed to teach students the basic knowledge and skills and to explain the attitude necessary for the safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition in the home. The cost is $50, paid in advance and at the door. Register at nrainstructors. org/searchcourse.aspx. For information, call (407) 656-6361.

Oakland finalizes mobility plan

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

hether you are looking to start a garden or update your old one, downtown Winter Garden is the place to be Saturday and Sunday, April 7

and 8. The 18th annual Spring Fever in the Garden is taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and it promises to offer everything a plant enthusiast could want.

SEE PAGE 4

Andy Crabtree, of Crabtree Ink, has created all of the Spring Fever designs. T-shirts and gloves will be for sale at the Bloom & Grow booth.

BLACK

YOUR TOWN

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FOR THE KIDS

Richard Schwamm named to Florida’s Children First board. SEE PAGE 9

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy the pop and acoustic sounds of Bob & Patty Tatum. (407) 656-4111. ‘REALLY PATHETIC & TOTALLY AWKWARD’ 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 6, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Be the first to see this new comedy/ drama. Tickets are $10 and available at TotallyAwkwardMovie.com; they will not be available the night of the event. There will be a Q&A with the cast and crew after the screening. supermegaultraent@gmail. com.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL CARNIVAL 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 6, at Windermere High School, 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere. Games and activities provided by Windermere High clubs, sports and organizations. There will be food trucks and an inflatable obstacle course, too.

skills to explain the attitude necessary for safe handling and storage of firearms/ammunition in the home. Students will receive multiple safety handbooks and a course completion certificate. The cost is $50, but there are $15 scholarships for legion members. Sign up at nrainstructors.org/searchcourse.aspx and select “NRA Home Firearm Safety Course” and search using the zip code 34787.

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

18TH ANNUAL SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 7, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 8, in downtown Winter Garden. The Bloom and Grow Garden Society will host this event, which will feature gardening vendors, a KidZone, live music, shows, gardening experts and more. For more visit springfeveringarden.com.

INDEPENDENCE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, in the Independence community in south Winter Garden. Find some bargains at this multi-home sale. (407) 654-7479.

GUN SAFETY CLASS 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at American Legion Post 63, 271 Plant St., Winter Garden. Class is limited to the first 50 who sign up. Lunch is provided. This is a non-shooting course that teaches students the basic knowledge and

SUNDAY, APRIL 8

BLUEGRASS CONCERT 4 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Performing are bluegrass groups Dave Adkins Band and Ernie Evans and the Florida State Bluegrass Band. Tickets are $25; VIP tickets are $40 and include premium seating, a pre-show reception and a meet-and-greet with the bands.

MONDAY, APRIL 9

CENTRAL FLORIDA RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, at the Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. Steven Olszewski will present “The Tavares and Gulf Railroad.” Free. (407) 656-0559.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10

‘GO, GRANNY D!’ 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at the Woman’s Club of Ocoee, 4 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee. Learn the true story of Doris Haddock, Granny D., who in 1999, at age 90, walked from California to

Washington, D.C., to encourage people to stand up and make a difference. One-woman play hosted by the Democratic Women’s Club of West Orange. Includes light refreshments and a cash wine bar. Tickets are $10 at gogrannyd.eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 12

ANNUALS AND PERENNIALS FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden. Join Ed Thralls, residential horticulture 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. ART HISTORY TRENDING 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at the Winter Garden Art Association’s SoBo Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. “Pop Culture, Social Media & Instagram” is this month’s discussion in the series of art historical topics through the lens of today’s social media and pop culture trends, such as selfies and food pictures. Register at wgart.org/ events/lecture-arthistorytrending. Information at (407) 347-7996.

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INSECT SAFARI 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 7, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Christy LeDuc leads this familysuitable program, teaching attendees about different native insects of Florida. The program starts in the classroom and continues with a guided hike on the preserve so participants can see bugs up close. Take a reusable water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes. Bug nets and containers are provided. Cost is $5 donation for non-members, free for members. Register at oaklandnaturepreserve.org/ insect-safari.

TRIO SOLEDAD IN CONCERT 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 7, at the gazebo in downtown Winter Garden. Enjoy live music following a day of shopping and browsing at the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s Spring Fever in the Garden festival. (407) 656-4111.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Independence Elementary community helps principal’s family in time of need The school community is fundraising to help the school principal’s family with mounting medical expenses. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

s most life-changing events tend to do, the stroke attacked unexpectedly on what might have otherwise been a typical morning in the Osborne household. Independence Elementary School Principal Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne woke at 6 a.m. to start her day and get ready for work when she stumbled upon the sight of her husband, Paul, lying on the floor covered in blood. Paul had been ill the previous few days, but nothing prepared Osborne and her family for the stress and struggle of the following months. Paul was forced to jump back and forth from the intensive-care unit to a rehabilitation center for the next four months. “We were going back and forth from Oct. 20, (2017), to about Feb. 23, with the exception of about 40 hours when we made it home one time in December,” Osborne said. “But then he got extremely ill again, and we had to take him back by ambulance.” MOUNTING BILLS

Now, Paul is recovering slowly at home and continues to receive therapy five times a week. But things have been difficult for the Osborne family ever since that day, and financial stress has loomed over the family as medical bills for Paul’s care continue to pile up. “The bills just keep coming; I don’t know what the final total will be,” Osborne said. “We’re just lucky Orange County Public Schools has a good benefits package — that’s definitely helped.” Because her husband must have someone with him at all times and only recently has begun to show significant signs of improvement, a caregiver must be present to assist Paul with day-to-day functions while Osborne is at work. “The doctors say his prognosis is unknown because they would never have thought that he would be doing this well after such a massive stroke,” she said. “They’re very shocked he’s doing

Courtesy photo

Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne, the Independence Elementary School principal, with her son, Conner, and her husband, Paul. Paul suffered a stroke in October 2017.

this well. He can eat on his own. He can talk. Cognitively, he’s doing pretty good. He’s got great long-term memory, and he’s walking about a total of 400 feet using a quad cane now. Of course, he has to sit down in his wheelchair every so often and then take a break and start walking again. He went for about five weeks with his left leg totally paralyzed; it was only the weekend before last he could even wiggle his toes for the first time. His arm is still pretty much totally paralyzed.” WARNING SIGNS

Osborne regrets not knowing the signs of an incoming stroke and hopes to spread awareness of what to look for in hopes that it could help someone else. “Just know the signs,” Osborne advised. “If we had known the signs the day before, my husband’s stroke wouldn’t have hit as bad. … People need to know the signs, like facial drooping or numbness, weakness in the arms, speech difficulties. If you know the signs, you can get to the hospital fast enough and get a drug that can save yourself a whole lot of heartache.”

While Paul was gradually recovering, Osborne’s mother also had a stroke on Jan. 2. Her mother has two caretakers helping her night and day at her home in West Virginia. Although her husband’s stroke might have been harder to catch, she believes her mother’s stroke was preventable and reminds others to keep track of their blood pressure and sodium intake. “There’s little things you can do to help too,” she said. “Just walking 30 minutes a day, cutting down on your sodium and cholesterol, making sure you take your blood-pressure medication, making sure you take your blood pressure at least once a day.” Despite her recent struggles, Osborne said she tries to remain positive and feels grateful for all the support she’s received from OCPS parents and coworkers. “I’ve spent my whole life trying to give back to people, and I hope when I get through this situation I’ll never forget all the wonderful things people have done for me,” she said. “I’m not asking for anyone to feel sorry for me, but everyone has been so supportive.”

HOW TO HELP

To help with the medical expenses, Osborne’s former colleague has set up an online fundraiser via GoFundMe for those wishing to donate money. So far, $3,130 has been raised out of the overall $30,000 goal. Anyone wishing to help the Osborne family, may visit bit.ly/2GuvPPs.

STROKES: MYTH VS. FACT MYTH: “Strokes cannot be prevented.” FACT: Up to 80% of strokes are preventable. MYTH: Strokes are not hereditary. FACT: A family history of strokes increases an individual’s risk of a stroke. MYTH: Strokes only affect the elderly. FACT: Although the majority of strokes occur in those aged over 65, about 10 to 15% of strokes affect people age 45 and younger. MYTH: Strokes happen in the heart. FACT: Strokes actually are considered “brain attacks,” which occur when vital blood flow and oxygen to the brain is cut off via clogged or burst blood vessel. Source: National Stroke Association

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Spreading its wings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

There will be plant and flower vendors lining the streets, as well as a KidZone, live entertainment, shows, experts on hand to answer lawn and garden questions and other seminars. On Saturday, amateur and professional artists will be creating their nature-related images in the Chalkin’ It Up event in front of City Hall. A total of $2,100 in prizes will be awarded. For information or to register, call (407) 496-3428. The raffle will be located near North Boyd Street and will include tickets to local attractions and merchandise donated by local restaurants and shops. Drawings will be held throughout both days. The KidZone has something for all ages, including a Lowe’s workshop with a take-home project on Saturday, plus a variety of other presentations and demonstrations on both days. All of those gardening, lawn and tree questions you have can be answered at the “Ask the Expert” area, which consists of demonstrations and questionand-answer opportunities with Ed Thralls, Kelly Greer and Amy Vu from the UF Orange County Extension Service; Robert Bowden from Harry P. Leu Gardens; Tom MacCubbin, UF extension agent emeritus; and Tristen Bowen, area landscape manager at Marriott Vacation Club. On Saturday: 9 to 11 a.m., Getting Your Lawn Ready for Summer; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., FloridaFriendly Natives for Your Garden; 1 to 3 p.m., New and Underutilized Plants for Florida; and 3 to 5 p.m., Bringing the Outside In – Best Plants for Indoors. On Sunday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Weed Control; and 1 to 3 p.m., Backyard Beekeeping.

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

IF YOU GO 18TH ANNUAL SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 7, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 8 WHERE: Downtown Winter Garden WEBSITE: springfeverin garden.com

Entertainment takes place on five stages. Scheduled to perform are Davis McGee, John Lee Wyatt, Capt. Harry Hann, The Sandy Back Porch Band, Opera Orlando Youth Program, the Citrus Singers Girl Scout Choir, Layla Brisbois, Joe Hand, Lisa Morales, Andrew Parker and the High Ground Band and the Good Times Jazz Band. Bloom & Grow is dedicating this year’s festival to recently deceased members JoAnn Cauthen, Mary Ann McMillan and Mary Root. BLOOM & GROW GARDEN SOCIETY

When Gretchen Boyd was thinking about starting a garden club in Winter Garden in 1997, she sought the guidance of Marjorie Masson, who was president of the successful Windermere Garden Club. “She really helped mentor,” Boyd said. “She came to the Tanner (Hall) and spoke at the first meeting in May and told us what to do. She told us to put a notice in the paper that we were going to start a garden club.” Twenty-three interested women attended the first organizational meeting. Leaders adopted the bylaws of the Windermere club and set out to grow the new group.

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng,

“There was a membership cap in our bylaws of 100,” said Boyd, who was elected the first president. “We thought that was kind of funny. A hundred? Too high. But by four months, we had 100 members and a waiting list.” The club’s mission statement is this: “To stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening. To aid in protection of native plants and birds. To encourage civic plantings.” Club members heard from educational speakers at their monthly meeting and took field trips to Central Florida gardens. They participated in community projects, such as landscaping the West Orange Christian Service Center, Oakland Town Hall and homes for the West Orange Habitat For Humanity and Home At Last programs; and creating a meditation garden for Health Central Park residents and a sensory garden for UCP West Orange. The outdoor enthusiasts celebrated Arbor Day with tree plantings. In 2000, they added the two drake elms that stand on either side of the sidewalk leading out to the dock at Newton Park. They planned fundraisers, such as poinsettia sales and Stepping Out, but perhaps the club’s most ambitious projects have been the Path of Life and Spring Fever in the Garden. Jackie Brown-Colberg came up with the idea of the landscaped brick path at Chapin

meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero,

Station in Winter Garden in 1999. Members sold engraved bricks to help fund the serene area just off the West Orange Trail. To order a brick, visit bloomandgrowgardensociety.org. Spring Fever in the Garden has been the most successful continuous fundraiser for Bloom & Grow. A member of the Winter Garden club, the late Helen Kennedy, attended a garden festival in Mount Dora and wanted to bring the idea back to Winter Garden. The one-day event soon turned into two after Winter Garden joined as a co-sponsor, and it is now in its 18th year, drawing hundreds of garden- and plantrelated vendors and thousands of attendees. Sue Crabtree has been the chairperson since 2005. The garden club has dedicated itself to local students, too. Funds from Spring Fever have provided $125,000 in scholarships to students attending Valencia College and the University of Florida who are majoring in plant science, environmental horticulture and landscape design. Money has been invested in creating gardens at area elementary and middle schools. And, for years, members donated gardenrelated books to schools in West Orange and South Lake counties. To view the official Spring Fever guide, visit bit.ly/2uIltGl.

Avalon Road (County Road 545). The multi-phase project, which first became a concept in 2007, aims to widen all of Avalon Road from two to four lanes, as well as identify possible drainage, roadway and lighting improvements. Some major segments of the roadway already have completed the design phase and now are scheduled to begin the construction phase in April 2018 with a targeted completion date of October 2019. Other segments of the roadway are still in discussion or being made possible via partnership with private developers. “A lot of the segments come in because the developers come in and then they decide they want to do a mixed-use development somewhere, but to do that, they have to do intersections and they have to widen the road,” said Blanche Hardy, of the county’s Transportation Planning Division. “So in that case, we do a Preliminary Design Study instead of an RCA and we provide impact fee forgiveness and they provide the cash to go ahead and do something that we wouldn’t normally do so quickly. So some are development-driven improvements, but the county still manages the project.”

This latest segment of the arterial thoroughfare to be improved has been targeted for a Roadway Conceptual Analysis Study that began in October 2017 and is anticipated for completion in August 2018. With the study now nearing 50% completion, the county hosted a community meeting on March 28 to relay the study’s findings and road-improvement recommendations so far. According to the study, this segment of Avalon Road generates 15,000 to 15,400 vehicles a day and is expected to generate 32,320 to 33,050 vehicles per day by 2045. It currently has no shoulders, bike facilities, lighting, accommodation for left turns or regular transit service, and is expected to fail by 2045 if nothing is done. To prevent this, Hardy said the study has identified three alternative road design options: East, West and Centered/Hybrid alignment. The three options differ only in terms of which side of the roadway the majority of the rightof-way is acquired. If the county decides to take the right-of-way solely from the west or east side of the road, the project would impact several homes. But if equal right-of-way is acquired from both the east and west sides of the roadway, the impact to the

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

The West Orange Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The West Orange Times & Observer can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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Avalon Road study nears completion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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The county has zeroed in on the widening of of Avalon Road from Florida’s Turnpike to West Colonial Drive — a distance of .43 miles.

structures would be kept to a minimum. For this reason, the Transportation Planning Division recommends the Centered/Hybrid design for the project. “The reason we’re preferring that alignment is because it adversely impacts the least number of private property owners,” Hardy said. “It’s not our goal to impact someone’s property — it’s our goal to build a more functional

road, but sometimes impacts are unavoidable. So we want to minimize them.” The second community meeting for this project is scheduled for the end of June, with a public hearing before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners anticipated for early September. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Blanche Hardy at Blanche.Hardy@ocfl.net or call (407) 836-0257.

The West Orange Times & Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the West Orange Times & Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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Winter Garden and Orlando police are searching for a man suspected of having committed several violent crimes on Sunday, April 1.

Suspect sought in Winter Garden, Orlando crime spree NEWS EDITOR

Local law enforcement is searching for a suspect believed to have been involved in several violent crimes Sunday, April 1. Winter Garden Police Department officials said the first crime occurred at a SunTrust Bank in Winter Garden located at 13520 W. Colonial Drive. The suspect shot a man at a drive-thru ATM twice, according to Winter Garden Police Lt. Scott Allen.

The 50-year-old victim made his way to a nearby Wawa to get help and was taken to a hospital, Allen said. After the ATM shooting, the suspect, a black male, then made his way to a nearby 7-Eleven, where he attempted to steal a van. The suspect was unsuccessful in stealing the unlocked van, and the van owner is still unaware he was nearly a victim of an auto theft because he had been inside the store at the time of the attempt, Allen said.

FIVE ARRESTED IN GUN THEFT RING

Five men accused of being members of a burglary ring behind numerous gun thefts from federal firearms dealers are now behind bars. According to a news release from Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office, federal agents began investigating burglaries of federally licensed firearms dealers in and around the Central Florida area in late 2016. The federal investigation revealed similar characteristics among the burglaries, such as the use of sledgehammers and pry bars to gain entry to the stores. The burglary suspects — Ray-

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Kentric Collier, 28, was the last suspect taken into custody.

mond Williams, 28, Jermeil Williams, 28, Richard Jernigan, 30, Robert Tilmon, 31, and Kentric Collier, 28 — also burglarized several Central Florida businesses in Orange, Seminole and Polk counties the past two years, targeting cash, electronics, firearm stores, jewelry, safes and other valuables. “The investigation found that the suspects allegedly sold many of the firearms in the Orlando area within days of the burglaries,” the release stated. “According to (the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), law enforcement recovered approximately 35 of the 156 stolen firearms, most seized from prohibited individuals involved in previous violent criminal acts.” Michelle Guido, an Orlando Police Department public information officer, said one of the guns stolen from a pawn shop in October 2016 was later identified as the murder weapon in a shooting at an Orlando nightclub in 2017 – a shooting that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old. The five suspects, dubbed “The Tildenville Burglary Crew” face charges related to burglaries, grand theft of a firearm, grand theft and racketeering.

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Law-enforcement officials are searching for the suspect who committed a shooting, carjacking and armed robbery Sunday evening.

The suspect later went to a nearby Walgreens on West Colonial Drive and carjacked a Mitsubishi Outlander from a family, Allen added. Following the carjacking, the suspect left Winter Garden was caught on surveillance video entering a 7-Eleven located at Colonial Drive and Mills Avenue in Orlando, where he unsuccessfully tried to use the carjacking victim’s credit card. He then robbed a CVS at 1201 E. Colonial Drive at about 7:45 p.m. Allen said the man then lit the stolen Mitsubishi on fire at another location. Police have released surveillance-video images of the suspect arriving at a 7-Eleven located at 83 E. Colonial Drive in Orlando and request that anyone with possible information on the suspect’s identity or pertinent to this investigation contact Crimeline at (407) 423-8477, the Winter Garden Police Department at (407) 656-3636, or Detective Dave Clarke at (407) 877-4896.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Paving the future CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

creating a more connected community. The Oakland Town Commission approved the Mobility Master Plan at its March 27 meeting. The plan was created and presented by Kittelson & Associates, the transportation planning firm hired through a MetroPlan Orlando grant to develop the framework for expanding the current street network into the surrounding areas with new connections. This standard of urban design is intended to aid in putting an upgraded system in place ahead of the anticipated growth. J.P. Weesner, urban planner and landscape architect with Kittelson, has worked with the town, holding charrettes and discovering what the town and its residents want and merging existing conditions with those desires. The Mobility Master Plan includes alternatives for a better sidewalk system throughout the town, a standard for maintaining unpaved and paved streets, a street network hierarchy that lays out street design guidance and maps

OAKLAND BY THE NUMBERS SIZE 2.1 square miles LENGTH OF STREETS 230 lane miles ESTIMATED POPULATION 2,652 residents MEDIAN INCOME $79,750 UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY .95 square miles

of areas of opportunity for development and connections. A complete-streets plan proposes details for the main arteries, West Colonial Drive, Oakland Avenue and Tubb Street; as well as for the local paved streets and unpaved streets. For Colonial, one design proposes six-foot sidewalks, five-foot bike lanes, five-foot landscape buffers, 12-foot bus lanes and two 11-foot travel lanes on either side of the road’s center line. The center would include a 12-foot landscape buffer with curbs, gutters and space for left-turn lanes. Overall, the estimated rightof-way is 125 feet from sidewalk to sidewalk. The other two main streets in the town, Tubb and Oakland, would have eight feet of landscape, six feet of sidewalk, another six feet of landscape, a seven-foot buffered bike lane and 11-foot travel lanes on either side of the center of the street in a total of about 80 feet of right-of-way. This proposal does not require the town to acquire any additional right-of-way. “There will be no paving of dirt streets and no more widening of Tubb Street and Oakland Avenue,” Town Planner Jay Marder said. Weesner suggested ways to connect all of Oakland, including “humanizing” Colonial Drive, creating walkable blocks and extending the downtown grid across Colonial, adding connections to the West Orange Trail and extending Tubb from Lake Apopka to Johns Lake. The continuation of the downtown Oakland grid system across

IN OTHER NEWS

The goal of this proposed section is to add consistent sidewalks and bicycle lanes, as well as provide room for landscape and street trees.

LIFT LIFE BREAKFAST A FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR LIFT DISABILTY NETWORK

Colonial could create a section of walkable blocks that look similar to Colonial near Mills Avenue in downtown Orlando. Existing streets south of Colonial could be extended westward to create additional walkable blocks near Florida’s Turnpike. The plan provides proposals for

2018

a potential Lynx Bus Rapid Transit regional hub at Colonial and Tubb. “This will help us maintain our identity,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. When one resident expressed concerns, Stark said, “We have no intention of putting in anything that we cannot budget for or maintain.”

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce presents

Celebrating Extraordinary Women An evening of cocktails and conversation

BETSY VANDERLEY

April 25 • ShowcaseWG

is Orange County’s District 1 Commissioner. She has been an Orange County resident since 1971 and has been very involved in local non-profit organizations for many years. Her involvement has included Habitat for Humanity, Hapco Foundation, Home at Last, Winter Garden Rotary, Young Fathers of Central Florida and more. She is a firm believer that you get out of life what you give.”

Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsor

This is your opportunity to meet some of West Orange County’s leading women, with plenty of time for cocktails and conversation. Join us April 25 at ShowcaseWG in Winter Garden for the latest Celebrating Extraordinary Women event! Attendees will enjoy getting to know each of our featured guests in this engaging, “round-robin” style event. Featured speakers include:

Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Heller Hall 21 E. Plant St. | WInter Garden

•

Julie Kleffel, Executive Vice President & Head of Community Banking, Seacoast Bank; Orlando Business Journal 2017 Business Executive of the Year

•

Suneera Madhani, Founder & CEO, Fattmerchant

Thursday • April 26

•

Stacey Papp, Creative Designer & Founder, Bay Hill Jewelers

7:30 am Arrivals and complimentary breakfast

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Tiffany Moore Russell, Orange County Clerk of Courts

8:00 am Program

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Jamie Seh, Sports Director, News 6 WKMG

RSVP, donate or sign up to host a table at: liftdisability.net/2018-breakfast 271161

THURSDAY

n The commission approved spending up to $100,000 on two projects at Oakland Avenue Charter School. The first is a two-year rental of a mobile building for the pre-kindergarten classes, necessitated by the elimination of the classroom co-teacher program. The second is the purchase and installation of 1,800 linear feet of vinyl-coated chain-link fencing and five gates to complete the perimeter of the school to better maintain school safety.

This proposal takes into consideration buffered bike lanes, lane widths reduced to 11 feet and consistent sidewalks and street trees.

Over breakfast learn about the impact Lift Disability Network’s services have and how you can get involved financially, as a regular volunteer or in prayer for our ministry.

APR

n The commission approved the final subdivision plat for the Longleaf at Oakland project on the west end of Oakland Avenue. Pulte Homes is the builder for the 39.5 acres of land. Another unanimous vote allowed for the vacating of a 5,350-square-foot partial utility easement that was dedicated to the town of Oakland in 2002 but is no longer needed.

This alternative considers the extension of the West Orange Trail with a 10foot shared-use path on the west side of the street and on-street parking on both sides.

GUEST SPEAKER:

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE

n Town commissioners Joseph McMullen and Rick Polland were sworn into office for another term. “We are very, very lucky to have such faithful servants in the town of Oakland,” Mayor Kathy Stark said.

Throughout the year, Lift provides camps, community events and family services that elevate life for families and individuals impacted by disability. Lift Disability Network is a place where the disability community comes together to discover opportunity, faith, fun and a real sense of community for your entire family unit.

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Kleffel

Madhani

Papp

Russell

Seh

Tickets available at wochamber.com. Chamber member advance rate: $36 Non-member & at the door rate: $46

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Boyd Development Corp. requests 78-acre rezoning in Horizon West Orange County hosted a community meeting Monday to explain the developer’s request to rezone 78.97 acres for 317 future homes. HORIZON WEST Boyd Development Corporation seeks to add a new residential development to the Hamlin community. The 78.97-acre property — located north of Porter Road, south of New Independence Parkway, east of State Road 429 and west of Avalon Road — could add as many as 317 single-family homes to the Horizon West village. Boyd Development has requested to rezone the property from Citrus Rural District (A-1) to Planned Development District (PD). The property has a future land use designation of Horizon West Town Center Urban Residential (UR-5), which permits a density of four dwelling units per acre. “This piece of property is in the Horizon West Town Center village, and the property itself is designated urban residential, so what we’re doing is going through the normal process of getting a Planned Development zoning,” said Ken Kupp, a partner at Boyd Development. “We’re

complying with the existing land use but requesting to change the zoning to allow us to move forward with this residential development.” The proposed project, known as the Hamlin Southwest Land Use Plan, has just begun Orange County’s standard rezoning process, which requires an engineering analysis. Future analyses of the site may result in a determination that the site can support fewer homes than is permitted by its current land-use designation. If that happens, the number of permitted homes will be adjusted. “When they did the Town Center land-use code, they determined how much could fit on the actual acreage while meeting the density requirements,” said Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. “But, at that time, they didn’t look at wetlands and stormwater drainage. That’s why we’re saying that’s what the acreage would support, but doesn’t mean that’s actually will be built because as they go through the process, that will likely be reduced. So there’s this maximum that’s ascribed

to the acreage and then there’s what actually can be built on this property.” Kupp added he estimates it will be at least two or more years until construction of the homes begins, assuming the process goes smoothly. About 10 residents attended the meeting and asked questions regarding drainage improvements and wildlife preservation. They also wanted to know if nearby roadways, surrounding schools and the local fire depart-

ment would be able to adequately support the population growth projected to come with the development. VanderLey said the project will be subject to the scrutiny of state agencies, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Orange County Public Schools, which will all make their own d e te r m i n a t i o n s re ga rd i n g whether existing facilities can support the development.

Courtesy

The 78-acre property is sandwiched between Avalon Road and State Road 429 north of Porter Road and south of New Independence Parkway.

18th Annual

April 7th • 9 am – 5 pm April 8th • 11 am – 4 pm In beautiful Historic Downtown Winter Garden Join us for a two-day festival with many plant, nature and wildlife related vendors. Raffles and festival shirts will be available at the Bloom & Grow booth at Plant St & N. Boyd St. Kidzone will host educational programs for children of all ages. Learn more about water conservation and your environment. Live entertainment throughout both days. Finally don’t miss the “Chalkin’ It Up” - Sidewalk Art Contest, which will be held on Saturday.

Presented by Bloom & Grow Garden Society and Co-sponsored by the City of Winter Garden

springfeveringarden.com

268768

NEWS EDITOR

270472

GABBY BAQUERO

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Easy being cheesy Emilio Queroga opened Morthan Cheese at the Plant Street Market on Wednesday, March 14.

Emilio Queroga is building his new business on one thing — his love of cheese. Queroga opened his new shop, Morthan Cheese, Wednesday, March 14, at the Plant Street Market. There, Queroga serves a variety of dishes — each topped off with a slathering of melted raclette cheese. The concept behind the restaurant is modeled after a traditional method of eat-

Each dish at Morthan Cheese is topped off with a slathering of melted raclette cheese.

ing raclette cheese, Queroga said. “It’s an Alpine-region concept,” Queroga said. “They melted the cheese … and scraped the cheese on top of bread to eat. This is the original way of (eating) raclette.” Currently, the menu features four items. Simply Chips and Cheese is a dish raclette over seasalted pita chips and is served with or without salsa. Over My Potatoes is a dish of small baked potatoes topped with raclette. Southern Charm consists of Brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet baby onions, tiny pickles and raclette. European Tradition — Queroga’s favorite — consists of prosciutto, artichokes, potatoes, cornichon pickles, pepper, arugula and, of course, raclette. Each dish costs $12. Morthan Cheese only uses imported French or Swiss raclette cheese. However, Queroga currently is working to find a local source. Prior to opening, Queroga said he had been looking for a space at the Plant Street Market for a long time. The idea and name for Morthan Cheese was inspired by a conversation he had with the owners of Crooked Can Brewing

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Emilio Queroga is the owner of Morthan Cheese at the Plant Street Market in Winter Garden.

Company during which they discussed the need for cheese at the Plant Street Market. “We always thought — from the inception of the market — that a cheese spot would kind of help round out the options in here,” Crooked Can General Manager Ryan Gossett said. “There’s so many different things that you can pair with beer, so having another thing in here is just going to help enhance that experience for everybody.” Queroga added that when they discussed what would be served, they mostly talked about just cheese. “I told them, ‘We need more

BLACK PANTHER

than that. We need more than cheese.’ That’s (how we got the name),” Queroga said. “It’s something that we really came up (with) working together.” Queroga, 53, is a Brazilian immigrant with a background as a business consultant for startup companies. He moved to the United States about six years ago to chase the American dream of owning his own business. “I say it’s the country of opportunities,” Queroga said. “If you’re a hard worker, if you have consistency in your business, if you’re a persistent person, the United States is the place (for you).”

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TIE

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

A voice for the children

DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

Spring has officially sprung, and so have an abundance of extraordinary galas and fun, philanthropic fundraisers to put on your calendar. We’re in the height of our springtime Black Tie season, and that means there is no shortage of wonderful events — hosted by various organizations worthy of your support — to attend. Our top five picks for April will bring you into “Old Florida,” tease your taste buds with the best food and beverages in Central Florida and have you partying the night away for a great cause.

ORLANDO CATTLE BARON’S BALL

6 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Whether you’re a Florida native or have made the state your home in recent years, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to get a glimpse of “Old Florida” while simultaneously contributing to pediatric cancer research. The Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball is an annual fundraising event for the American Cancer Society, and this year the organization will turn part of the Rosen Shingle Creek into a setting featuring the state’s humble beginnings. Guests will enjoy music from three-piece band Florida Cracker Boys and from Hot Property, tricks from “Old Florida” musicians, visits with cowboys and stilt walkers, games, dinner and a live auction. Individual tickets cost $250 and can be purchased at bit.ly/2J6pGH7.

TASTE OF WINTER PARK

5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 18. Exercise your taste buds and dabble in some of Central Florida’s best dishes and beverages during the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s 33rd annual Taste of Winter Park event. Presented by Corkcicle, the event showcases more than 40 chefs, bakers and other restaurateurs at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. Taste of Winter Park is a fundraiser for the WPCC, a nonprofit that SEE APRIL PAGE 10

Courtesy photo

Windermere resident and lawyer Richard B. Schwamm will bring his child injury-prevention advocacy experience to Florida’s Children First’s board of directors.

Windermere resident and lawyer Richard B. Schwamm has been appointed to the board of directors for child-advocacy organization Florida’s Children First. DANIELLE HENDRIX BLACK TIE EDITOR

usband, father, lawyer, child injury-prevention advocate. Windermere resident Richard B. Schwamm plays all of those roles, but his newest includes being appointed to the board of directors for Florida’s Children First.

PUTTING CHILDREN FIRST

FCF was founded in 2001 by child advocates, volunteers and attorneys from across the state committed to working on issues affecting Florida’s most vulnerable children. It seeks to improve the government and private sys-

FLORIDA’S CHILDREN FIRST Florida’s Children First Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rights of at-risk children and youth. It seeks full representation of children and youth — as well as meaningful and sustainable improvement in Florida’s child-serving systems — using strategies such as public policy development, ongoing training and technical assistance and strategic litigation. For more information, visit floridaschildrenfirst.org.

tems that exist to serve children through executive-branch advocacy; legal and legislative advocacy; procedural-rule advocacy; support for former foster youth; and training and support of attorneys. “We are honored to have Richard join our board of directors with his many years of dealing with children’s cases and his passionate support of the work we do to advocate for Florida’s youth,” said FCF Executive Director Christina Spudeas. Schwamm is a shareholder with Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm and leads the firm’s Orlando office. He is an experienced trial attorney of SEE RICHARD PAGE 11

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

UCP of Central Florida April showers bring extraordinary galas This month’s featured nonprofit is the United Cerebral Palsyof Central Florida. UCP has hosted an Evening at the Palace gala locally for 25 years to raise money for its efforts, and this year’s theme is Starry Night. The event will be star-studded, indeed, as celebrity co-hosts Rachael Harris, Matt Iseman, Cheryl Hines and RJ Mitte get the party going. Country music star Jake Owen is set to provide a special opening performance, with UCP students performing throughout the evening. Evening at the Palace takes place at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace at Disney Springs starting at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit ucpgala.home.qtego.net.

to have local guests. The gala is our 25th, so we’re celebrating a milestone. We’re going to have headlining acts for that one. … This is probably our biggest fundraiser of the year.” Why do you enjoy working with UCP? “Honestly, it’s the kids,” Soto said. “They have so much to offer and are willing to show their strengths and wisdom and kindness. I consider myself very lucky to be allowed to advocate for them.”

What is UCP of Central Florida? “The majority of our services are education based, therapy based and family-support counseling, and we provide equal access to elementary education for children with and without disabilities,” said J.P. Soto, senior director of marketing for UCP of Central Florida. “We apply an inclusion program and we don’t have special-education classes — our kids learn side by side. What we’re trying to do is give the children a real-world model and prepare them for integration as adults, both the kids with and without disabilities. … It seems to benefit both sets of children quite well.” How many children has UCP of Central Florida impacted? UCP of Central Florida currently provides support,

therapy and education services to more than 3,000 children, teenagers, young adults and their families across seven Central Florida locations. How long has UCP been in the Central Florida area? UCP of Central Florida began in 1955 to offer hope to children, particularly those with cerebral palsy. A group of parents banded together to start the small program — which provided an early-intervention classroom and therapy services — in a remodeled house on Colonial Drive. Tell us about your upcoming fundraising events. “It’s kind of like big fundraising weekend,” Soto said. “The Friday event is our charity poker tournament, and both that (and the gala) will be hosted and attended by Cheryl Hines, Rachael Harris, R.J. Mitte and Matt Iseman. We’re also going

How can someone get involved? Want to learn more about UCP of Central Florida, find a location, donate or get involved? Visit ucpcfl.org for more information. UCP currently has seven locations in Central Florida. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

Causing an Effect is a monthly feature that introduces a charity or philanthropic organization and highlights its impact on the local community. If you would like to be featured in a future Causing an Effect, contact Black Tie Editor Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

serves the local business community throughout the year and hosts several community events. This event is for those 21 years of age and older. Tickets start at $50 for WPCC members in advance and are $65 for nonmembers and everyone at the door. VIP guests receive access to a private tent, seated tables, Corkcicle stemless keepsake cup, VIP parking spots and more. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/2uCLUgN.

HAMLIN & ASSOCIATES WISHMAKER’S BALL

6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 21. Did you know that you can help make wishes come true without having to work at Walt Disney World? The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Wishmaker’s Ball, held at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, is the perfect way to do so. The signature gala is the largest event for Make-A-Wish’s Central and Northern Florida chapter, and in 2017 raised more than $1 million. The estimated 1,200 attendees get to enjoy a three-course dinner, silent and live auctions and an after party. Additionally, they’ll hear from “wish children” whose lives have been impacted by a wish. Tickets begin at $400 each and can be purchased at one.bidpal.net/wishmakersball/ticketing.

TOWN OF OAKLAND WINE & DINE FOR THE ARTS

aspiring for a career in the arts. Chef Anthony Fothergill will cater the event, and both the Vincent Gardner quartet and Thomas Milovac are set to perform. Funds raised will go toward HapCo’s arts programs, which include jazz band summer camp, arts and music programs for both children and seniors, music clinics at local schools and the monthly Jazz in the Park event. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at /bit. ly/2Gt2ukG.

19TH ANNUAL DOWN TO PARTY AND AUCTION

7 p.m. Friday, April 27. Start preparing now to get your party on for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida’s highenergy fundraiser. Held at The Pines at Windermere, the party encourages guests to come out and enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing and an open bar. This year’s theme is “White Party,” so come dressed in your best white outfit as you enjoy an evening on Lake Down for Down syndrome. DSACF owns a home in Winter Park that enriches the lives of local people with Down syndrome and their families; proceeds will go toward hosting summer classes, mom-and-me play groups, holiday parties and more. Tickets are $50 until April 15, $60 April 16 through the day of the event and $75 for a VIP ticket. Purchase yours at bit. ly/2H3G9eu.

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 21. If relaxing with a glass of wine while the sweet sounds of jazz music surround you, Wine & Dine for the Arts is the place to be. Held at the Oakland Town Center, the event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the HapCo Music Foundation, which creates programs and funds projects that assist youth

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What can guests expect from the event? “The gala is going to be an night in which we, at the heart of it all, we’re going to advocate and celebrate the hard work and spirit of our children and the families that support them, as well as the teachers and therapists (who) support them,” Soto said. “Within that, it will be kind of a gathering of local influencers, business leaders, community leaders and national artists just really coming together to advocate for these children. It’s a very upscale event with a lot of heart.”

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CAUSING AN EFFECT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Richard Schwamm puts children first CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

27 years who focuses his practice in the areas of medical malpractice, catastrophic brain injury, personal injury, premises liability, wrongful death and complex corporate litigation. But he also specializes in representing families and catastrophic injury cases affecting children. After working these cases and having two daughters of his own, he realized his passion lies in protecting children from injury and abuse. That’s where his involvement with nonprofit organizations such as the Children’s Safety Village of Central Florida and Safe Kids Worldwide began. “When you’re focused on being a lawyer, litigation and advocacy, you start to develop some skills that you think to yourself, ‘Where could I best use these?’” he said. “I decided to help kids.” He started by volunteering for CSVSF, which helps at-risk youth in the Central Florida area by providing education and advocacy to the public with the goal of helping prevent injuries to children. Since then, he continues to sit on its board, as well. “It’s everything from drowning prevention to car-accident and car-seat issues, as well as hyperthermia awareness,” Schwamm said. “We do a lot of work locally and statewide advocating on these issues. (Then) I became a spokesperson for Safe Kids Worldwide on some of the same issues, and when I got approached to sit on the board for Florida’s Children First, it seemed like a natural expansion (of my volunteering). A lot of the work I do involves helping children and families when there’s a serious situation.” MAKING VOICES HEARD

Such issues Schwamm has experience in dealing with

include: drowning prevention; hyperthermia awareness; physical and sexual abuse of foster children; representing parents of children with brain damage caused by either accident or injury during labor and delivery; day-care accidents; and bullying and cyber bullying. “As you look at the surrounding world and see opportunities to help keep kids safe, I think FCF is probably the best organization statewide where I think I can help other kids,” Schwamm said. “This is really a platform, a statewide presence … that’s really taking on these issues. (I’ve been) helping at-risk and abused youth, and I feel really honored to be asked to join the board.” In his role on the board, Schwamm will assist with strategic planning and identifying goals and topical issues pertinent to child injury-prevention advocacy within the local and state government. He will assist with legislative agendas and hopes to find ways to integrate other local nonprofits that are also there to assist in prevention of abuse or injuries. “All of us need to find our passion in life,” he said. “We need to find what issues appeal to our social conscience and how we want to spend our busy lives. ... I love my kids, and I love being a lawyer. I have found ways to blend these passions to teach my children that my most important responsibility in life is to keep them safe. Period. I now carry that philosophy into helping children in our community stay safe, as well. “If my ability to educate and advocate is able to help just one child or give comfort and justice to a family, then I have truly given back and helped my community,” he said. “Because of my role as a lawyer on child-injury cases, I think it definitely creates a niche within the board.”

FLORIDA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Sunday, April 8 | 3p.m. Mozart’s Requiem is a choral masterpiece whose genesis is shrouded in mystery – one that makes the piece all the more fascinating and emotionally stirring.

In Our Hearts Forever, Justin McWilliams January 26, 1982 - April 7, 2002

16-years without a hug; a glimpse of your crooked smile or an “I Love You.” 16-years without your infectious laugh, giving heart and caring nature. Life changed in ways we never imagined when you were tragically taken from us that early April morning. There will never be enough words to fill the emptiness of your loss in our lives. On this 16th anniversary, we remember the influence your story has had on others. From The Justin McWilliams Act, to increasing awareness of organ, tissue & corneal donation to inspiring more than 50,000 young people through Parents Encouraging Confident Choices, to #betheexample. Your legacy lives on in the lives of many.

Pasquale Valerio, Music Director

Much love to you our sweet Angel in the Infield…

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Ask about special discounts when you buy multiple shows.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Kervin Medard, left, and Ventrice Hinds performed a scene during rehearsals for “Once on This Island.”

To the music of the Gods, we dance! Olympia High School theater students will perform “Once on This Island” from April 5 to 7. ma Director Alan Pagan-Pearl. “It’s based on a book which was a Caribbean retelling of ‘The Little oin Olympia High School Mermaid.’” theater students as they tell Pagan-Pearl said the story is a tale of love, pain, grief and set on a Caribbean Island that hope with their production had been devastated by a hurof “Once on This Island.” ricane. He said the show carries The production will be held at 7 some relevance today because of p.m. April 5 to 7 at Olympia High the damaging hurricanes that hit School. A matinee will be held at Puerto Rico and the Caribbean 1 p.m. April 7. last year. “‘Once on This Island’ pre“We’ve already had over miered on Broadway in 1990,” 200,000 refugees coming from said Olympia High Assistant Dra- the Caribbean into the Central Florida area,” Pagan-Pearl said. “I teach foreign language here at this school, and I see kids who are T H E F I R ST AC A D E M Y ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

IF YOU GO ‘ONCE ON THIS ISLAND’ WHEN: 7 p.m. April 5 to April 7; 1 p.m. April 7 WHERE: Olympia High School, 4301 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando TICKETS: $10 and can be purchased at the door or at goo.gl/FJ1qxW.

coming in here from Puerto Rico … who’ve lost everything and are now trying to make it here. … This is a story about: What do you do when you lose everything? What do you still have and how do you get through that? So I feel like this story is more relevant now than it’s ever been.”

“Once on This Island” requires significant vocal work from the actors. “The biggest challenge of putting all of this together is that unlike a lot of other shows where you have a lot of dialogue that you deal with — this show is almost completely sung through,” Pagan-Pearl said. “That’s been really demanding on our vocalists. It’s been really demanding on our band. ... Getting our band and our singers to sync up — that’s been a process.” Senior Vann Washington is a first-year theater student in the leading male role, Daniel Beauxhomme. He said “Once on This Island” will be his first musical. “A lot of the cast is very talented, so I really had to practice my music game,” Washington said. “Having to go through a straight hour-and-a-half of singing with barely any lines is a really new experience (as) opposed to just having to act.” Washington said during the audition, he was open to any role and was surprised when he snagged the leading role. “I really thought I was going to be part of ensemble,” Washington said. “I was just really elated (when I got the role). I was in the middle of a Planet Smoothie (when I found out) and was like, ‘Holy crap,’ and I dropped my smoothie. It was really funny. I said, “Dude, I just got a lead role.’” Junior Ventrice Hinds will play the role of Momma Euralie. Hinds is also a first-year theater student. “It felt unreal, because I’ve never tried out for a musical or gotten a part in a musical before, so this is my first time doing a musical or theater anything,” Hinds said. “It’s the role I originally auditioned for and wanted. ... I was really excited.” Although this is her first musical, Hinds is no stranger to singing in front of an audience; she is an active choir student. However, the dancing in the production posed as a challenge for her. “I didn’t really dance at first,” Hinds said. “Our first number was pretty difficult, but with more practice, I got it.”

“I was just really elated (when I got the leading male role). I was in the middle of a Planet Smoothie (when I found out) and was like, ‘Holy crap,’ and I dropped my smoothie. It was really funny. I said, “Dude, I just got a lead role.’” — Vann Washington

“(Getting the role as Momma Euralie) felt unreal, because I’ve never tried out for a musical or gotten a part in a musical before, so this is my first time doing a musical or theater anything. It’s the role I originally auditioned for and wanted. ... I was really excited.” — Ventrice Hinds

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

METAL

for the man cave Scott Nemiro creates metal home décor pieces from his auto shop. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

At first, Scott Nemiro’s auto shop seems like any other. A faint scent of motor oil fills the air. Rock ’n’ roll music is drowned out by the sounds of power drills. Cars sit high on lifts. But the stark difference begins to reveal itself in the form of a large, metal cutout of the United States that hangs on a wall of the waiting area. The piece has stars and stripes cut into it with blue and red transparent film underneath; giving the piece a patriotic touch. That art piece — along with many others — was created in Nemiro’s auto shop. The shop is not only a place for fixing cars. It’s also where he creates custom-made metal art

pieces for Advanced Metal Art. “A lot of our stuff is man-cave stuff,” Nemiro said. “Right now, what’s real big is our monograms. Each one of those is customizable for a name and color and size. … They’re more elegant-looking where somebody can hang it on their front door or in their living room.” Nemiro, 39, grew up near the West Oaks Mall and graduated from West Orange High School. He currently resides in the Winter Garden area. Nemiro has a long history of working with cars and in auto shops. He managed a local dealership for nine years before opening up his own shop, Advanced Automotive Works, in Orlando. He also owns Advanced Automotive Ocoee. Although Nemiro said he has a talent for building and creating, the work behind Advanced Metal Art only started in recent years. “I don’t know if I’d call myself an artist, but I guess it is (art) because we are creating it,” Nemiro said. “In the last three years, the artistic side of me has come out. It’s more of a recent hobby.”

Scott Nemiro has been creating metal home-décor pieces for about three years.

ADVANCED METAL ART

To view or order items from Advanced Metal Art visit, advancedmetalart.com. Orders also can be placed via facebook at facebook.com/ advancedmetalart. Additionally, Nemiro will have a booth at Winter Garden’s Spring Fever in the Garden April 7 and 8.

The art pieces are made out of marine-grade aluminum. They are created using a computeraided drafting program, a computer numerical control plasmacutting table and a laser-cutting table. Once the pieces are cut, each one is grounded and painted by hand. “We draw vector graphics and curves and create the art or the shape, and then that translates to a computer program, which sends the information to the CNC machine,” Nemiro said. “The machine cuts it out, and then we hand-process it (and) grind it. … That’s more of the artistic portion: grinding and painting and things like that. The cutting is actually the easiest part of the

$100 per person in advance $150 per person day of event

Eric Gutierrez

whole deal.” In addition to home décor, Nemiro also creates custom logos, flags and signs. Although some of his pieces are painted, the focus of his work is the metal. “We always try to use some kind of a translucent paint or something (like that) where you can see the metal,” Nemiro said. “I’ve actually had to turn down customers (because) they wanted it (as) an exact match of their colors and their logo in solid colors. And I told them, ‘Why don’t you just make it out of wood or acrylic or something that’s going to be a lot cheaper? What’s the point of using the metal if you’re not going to see the metal?’”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Easter eggs-cavation T

here was plenty of Easter excitement March 31 in West Orange as the cities of Winter Garden and Ocoee, as well as West Orange High School’s Future Farmers of America program hosted holiday events. The Winter Garden Lions Club held its 67th annual Easter egg hunt on the shores of Lake Apopka. Newton Park was a sea of colorful eggs and hundreds of children eager to gather the eggs while searching for the golden egg. The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department had a fire truck on hand, and area churches provided activities. In Ocoee, more than 10,000 candy-filled Easter eggs were spread across the soccer field at

the Jim Beech Recreation Center for the city’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza. Hundreds of children raced to the field in hopes of filling their Easter baskets. In addition to the egg hunt, attendees enjoyed food trucks, inflatables and face painting. Non-perishable food items were collected at the event to benefit the West Orange Christian Service Center. Finally, egg hunts, carnival games and a petting zoo were just some of the fun at West Orange High School’s Eggz at the Zoo event. Dozens of children raced to a small field to fill their Easter baskets and hunt for the golden egg.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ AND AMY QUESINBERRY

Children of all ages left the Winter Garden hunt with full baskets.

Laura Smith, left, and Isabella Sheffer enjoyed petting the rabbit at the Eggz at the Zoo petting zoo.

Sariel Phillips, 5, and Zion Phillips, 4, were happy with their finds at the Winter Garden hunt.

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Alexandra Sheffer, 4, stoped for a photo with the Winter Garden Lions Club mascot before the hunt began.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Zakir Saferali found the golden egg at Eggz at the Zoo. Left: Dozens of children ages 7 to 9 rushed to the field to fill their baskets with Easter eggs at the city of Ocoee’s hunt.

West Orange High School FFA volunteer Amelia Sauls smiled as she held up a goat named Ivy. Right: Madison Olivereri and Angelina and Alianna Edmond showed off their full Easter baskets at the city of Ocoee’s Easter egg hunt.

Gisela Laurent ran away from the crowd to fill her Easter basket at Eggz at the Zoo.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Florida Technical College becomes part of

National University College which is accredited by MSCHE* We are pleased to announce that Florida Technical College is now an academic unit of National University College (NUC), an academic institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)*, a regional accrediting agency. We believe this change will allow us to serve students’ needs as an educational institution even better than before.

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*National University College (NUC) is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267) 284-5000. NUC’s National University College – IBC Institute (NUC-IBC), National University College – POPAC Institute (NUC-POPAC), Florida Technical College (FTC), The Digital Animation & Visual Eﬀects School (The DAVE School), and LaSalle Computer Learning Center (LCLC) are included in this accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. April 2018.

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THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

85 years ago

Installing new departments offering new goods from’ hardware to toys, Bray Hardware completed extensive remodeling and alterations. New counters sparkling with new goods, arranged so customers can serve themselves, contain about every device a householder could want. The Winter Garden Theatre was featuring four movies this week: “Sailor Be Good,” with Jack Okie; “Hidden Valley,” with Bob Steele; “Sign of the Cross,” with Frederic March and Claudette Colbert; and “Island of Lost Souls,” with Richard Arlen and Lelia Hyams.

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At a Windermere Town Council meeting, Jim Hayes reported the library board had gathered number of old books at the old school and was moving ahead with plans for the library, to be located in Town Square behind Town Hall. Sam Weir, a member of the football coaching staff at Arkansas State University, has been appointed head football coach at Lakeview High School.

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The 1963 Cancer Crusade drive officially opened in Winter Garden, with a kickoff coffee held at the American Legion Hall. Mrs. Tena Britt is Winter Garden chairman and is assisted by Mrs. A.E. Cannon, Mrs. Eva Partee, Mrs. Buford Tyson, Mrs. R.C. Lewis and Mrs. Lee Bekemeyer.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES This teacher’s certificate was issued to Lizzie Patterson, of Boyle County, Kentucky. Lizzie Patterson (Sept. 18, 1867 to Dec. 4, 1932) was the wife of Eli Williamson (Dec. 12, 1844 to Aug. 23, 1910), an AfricanAmerican citrus grower. The family lived on what is known as Williamson Island, located off the south shore of John’s Lake in West Orange County, just south of Oakland and Winter Garden. Eli owned a productive and hearty citrus-seedling grove, and the family lived in a large house that once stood nearby. The Williamsons had 11 children, and the entire family is interred at the Williamson Cemetery on the island. Local lore identifies Lizzie as Indian, although the certificate was issued to her as a “colored” woman. The certificate, good for two years, is dated Sept. 2, 1887. Lizzie was just 20 years old at the time.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Henry Richard Luss passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018, at his home in Winter Garden, Florida, after a short battle with brain cancer. He was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1939 to Harry and Edith Luss. Henry worked at Eastman Kodak, Rochester, New York, for 29 years as an X-ray crystallographer. After retirement from Kodak, he taught science and physics at Notre Dame in Batavia, New York. He is predeceased by his parents; his first wife of 38 years, Jean Luss; and his sister, Catherine Sharp. He is survived by his second wife of 16 years, Sandi Luss; children, Richard (Oma) Luss, William (Betsy Tascione) Luss and Susan (Jake) Saulter; bonus children, Don (Amy) Heath, Bill Heath and Kimberly Konings; grandchildren, Holly (Jon) Miller, Jake Saulter and Natalie (Andrew) Cook; bonus grandchildren Tyler Heath, Nikki Heath, Erin (Alex) Price, Billy Heath, Sierra Heath and Claudia Konings; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty (Thom) MARY BRENNAN, 94, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. ROBERT NEAL “BOB” FAIRCHILD, 67, of Winter Garden, died Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. YOLANDE GABBAI, 90, of Winter Garden, died Monday, March

Quayle; niece, Faith Sharp; plus a large extended family. Henry moved to Florida in 2002. While living in New York, he was always involved in his children’s lives — reading them bedtime stories and coaching their T-ball and Little League teams. He was an active member of Pearce Memorial Church in Rochester, where he was a player coach on several Suburban Church League championship softball teams well into his 50s. He spent summers at Lighthouse Christian Camp in Barker, New York, and was involved in many activities at the camp. After moving to Winter Garden, he became an active member of The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. Henry’s Christian faith was very important to him, and he showed this in his daily living 19, 2018. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. DELORES BRUTON GAY, 79, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. MARY MARCIANO, 106, of Ocoee, died Saturday, March 24, 2018. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory – West Orange Chapel.

and interactions with others. He was Dr. Paws at Vacation Bible School, and the children still called him Dr. Paws for a long time afterward. Henry loved to play golf, and even if he lost golf balls on the course, he always seemed to find more to bring home. His lifelong dream was for the Eagles to win the Super Bowl, which they did in 2018 just before he died. His family was very important to him, and he passed on many good attributes to them. Henry will be buried in East Bethany, New York, next to his first wife, Jean. A service will be held at Pearce Memorial Church in Rochester, New York. A private burial will be held after the service. A memorial service will be held at The First United Methodist Church in Winter Garden at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden at 125 Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, FL 34787; or The Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund, JCCF’s address is P.O. Box 770446, Winter Garden, FL 34777.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Saturday April 14, 2018 Robarts Arena | Sarasota, FL

FREE EVENT

Robarts Arena 3000 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, Florida 34237

Registration required. Online registration is strongly encouraged at www.neurochallenge.org.

9am–3:30pm Doors open at 8am, program starts at 9am

Call 941-926-6413 for more information.

THE PARKINSON’S EXPO will feature presentations from medical experts on treatment options, the latest in research, managing the non-motor aspects of the disease, and more.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST

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UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at orangeobserver.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

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SPORTS

Emma Wagner has been a leader in two sports at Foundation Academy. Page 20.

HIGH

NAVAL

KNIGHT Ocoee High School swimming and water polo standout Ryan Le has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy, where he will walk on for the Midshipmen and — most importantly — serve the country he loves.

Courtesy photo

During Spring Break, Foundation Academy freshman Kayla Smith competed at the USA Gymnastics Trampoline & Tumbling Florida State Championships in Estero. Kayla placed first in Level 8 Trampoline, Level 8 Double-Mini Trampoline and Level 7 Tumbling. She advances to a USA Gymnastics regional meet in Daytona in May.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Ryan Le took up swimming and water polo when he arrived at Ocoee High — as a sophomore. Less a vehicle for a career in college athletics, Le joined the teams and gave the sports a try, in part, to make some friends. “When I first came (to Ocoee), I knew no one, and the swim team was my in with people,” Le said. “That’s how I started meeting people. Same thing with water polo.” Three years later, the standout for the Knights has made some friends — and then some. SEE LE PAGE 20

The West Orange boys lacrosse team defeated East Ridge and Edgewater last week — in games played March 27 and 29, respectively — by a combined score of 42-10. The Warriors are 8-0 so far this season.

Steven Ryzewski

One wouldn’t know it based on his performance, but Ryan Le’s career in the water has been brief — he began his swimming and water polo careers as a sophomore.

Rivalry lacrosse matchup meant a house divided When Windermere hosted West Orange March 30, it meant coach Ann Bomleny would have to game plan for her daughter — Warriors senior Meghan Bomleny. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Steven Ryzewski

Windermere coach Ann Bomleny and West Orange senior Meghan Bomleny were all smiles after their teams faced off March 30 at Scott Pine Community Park.

Plenty of families and friendships have encountered a fun new dynamic this school year with the split between West Orange and Windermere in athletics. Former teammates now line up opposite one another. Siblings — such as West Orange’s Elijah Jackson and Windermere’s Isaiah Jackson — squared off during football season. But the girls lacrosse matchup between the Warriors and Wolverines March 30 added a new

wrinkle to the dynamic, as Windermere head coach Ann Bomleny got to game plan for a West Orange team that featured her daughter: Warriors senior and Saint Francis signee Meghan Bomleny. And in the days leading up to the match, it was safe to say the Bomleny abode was a house divided. “There was a lot of smack talk — still loving, but some smack talk between each other,” Meghan said. Meghan and her West Orange teammates got the better of the first exchange of new rivals: the SEE LACROSSE PAGE 20

Brendan Valdes, a freshman for the Dr. Phillips boys golf team and a member at Orange Tree Golf Club, won the Drive, Chip & Putt competition for boys ages 14-15 last weekend. The final competition for the national event was held at Augusta National.

The FHSAA Class 2A, Region 5 Boys Weightlifting meet was held at West Orange High March 28. The top two local finishers were West Orange’s Nathaniel Imler, who placed third at 129 pounds, and Ocoee’s David Clarjuste, who placed third at 119 pounds.

The West Orange baseball team (68) got back in the win column last week, ending a five-game skid with a district sweep of Wekiva. The Warriors first defeated the Mustangs 10-0 March 28 and then 17-5 March 30. During the latter game, Noah Hughes went 3-for-3 with a double, a triple and three RBIs for West Orange.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

Lacrosse

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Emma Wagner

FROM PAGE 19

Emma Wagner has been an athlete for Foundation Academy the last three years in track and soccer and has become a leader for the Lions. Wagner, who is home-schooled, won a district title in 2017 in the 400-meter dash and is hoping to build upon that success and make it to State. Wagner intends to become a professional photographer.

How did you settle on the 400-meter dash as your race? It’s kind of just the one that I’m good at — I kind of have a love/ hate relationship with it. Last year was the year that I finally started to understand how to pace myself well and Coach (Andrew Walker) has really helped me to work on my form and understand how to run it. How do you view leadership being that you’re a senior? I think it’s definitely heightened as a senior, the leadership aspect. The younger girls for soccer, as well as for track, really look up to you. (Because) we’re a smaller and growing program … you have to be a good teammate, and you have to be accountable. You have to show how to get better, more so than talk (about it). Of which accomplishment are you most proud? I won districts in track last year, so that was really fulfilling and motivating to try and get better. What’s your goal the rest of the way this season in track? I’d really like to win districts and place top two in regionals, so I

THE BASICS Year: Senior Age: 18 Height: 5-foot-6 Hometown: Orlando GPA: 4.0 Track event: 400 meters Other varsity sports: Soccer

can go on to State. You do photography at Foundation Academy’s football games. What do you enjoy the most about that? All the guys have become my brothers — so I just love hanging out with them, and I’m definitely going to miss that a lot. Which football game has been the most memorable? That’s pretty hard — there’s been a couple. When they won the district two years ago, that motivated me as an athlete to try and play better, because all the guys played really hard. This season, I think the Northside (Christian) game — that was a really tight game. What got you interested in photography? I always thought doing film was really interesting, so I started doing that. This year, I got a DSLR camera, and started playing around with that, so that kind of opened up more doors to take photos. My mom is a really good photographer, so she’s helped me. What’s your dream job? Engagement and wedding photography. One, it makes a lot of money if you’re good at it. But I also think it’s just kind of cool. What’s your favorite restaurant in this area? Winter Garden Pizza Company is really good. My go-to dish is definitely the pepperoni pizza — you can’t go wrong.

Warriors (8-3) earned a 20-2 victory over the host Wolverines (6-4). Meghan scored a game-high seven goals for West Orange, creating an interesting dynamic for her mother while coaching on the sideline — the player causing her the biggest headache was the one she had raised. “It’s a combination of pride and — at the same time — I’m trying to figure out how to stop her,” Ann said. Taylor Bryan added five goals for the Warriors, while Jayden Smith scored both goals for the Wolverines. West Orange taking the victory was not entirely surprising. Windermere has no seniors and has a roster that skews young, reflective of a building program. For girls from both sides, the game was a unique occasion to reunite with former teammates. “They were all former teammates of ours,” Meghan said. “We were really excited to play against them and be back on the same field with everybody. They

Le FROM PAGE 19

Le is a senior captain for the water polo team as it nears the completion of its spring campaign. He was also a senior captain for the Ocoee swimming and diving team in the fall. Indeed, Le’s experience with the aquatics programs at Ocoee has been a good one. Despite the relative brevity of his swimming career, his success in the water has helped to open a door he has been pursuing since middle school. Le, who originally dreamed of becoming a Navy SEAL, has been accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy. There, he will be a walk-on for the Navy men’s swimming and diving and water polo teams, with a strong chance of continuing his aquatics career with the Midshipmen. “It’s intimidating, but it’s definitely a challenge I’m willing to take on,” Le said. At Ocoee, Le entered his name into the Knights’ record books as a junior after breaking the school record for the 100-meter

“We know that West Orange is the powerhouse in our district, and we knew this would be a big game and high-level competition for us to face. We’re already talking about next year — the rematch.” — Ann Bomleny

(the Wolverines) have many great players, and they’re definitely going to be a team to beat in the next coming years.” For Windermere, a team that has had some success already in its first year, the defeat at the hands of their friendly foes was somewhat humbling — but also an opportunity for motivation going forward. “We know that West Orange is the powerhouse in our district, and we knew this would be a big game and high-level competition for us to face,” Ann said. “We’re already talking about next year — the rematch.” With the game behind them, both mother and daughter have plenty to focus on moving forward as the regular season nears its conclusion. Of course, that doesn’t mean Meghan isn’t going to take advantage of an

opportunity to gloat here and there. “I’m going to hold it over her head like every day,” Meghan said, laughing. Fortunately, a little friendly ribbing is something Ann said she will allow. It’s a reward to her daughter for all the hard work she put in while playing for Ann’s Storm Lacrosse club teams. “For all the years I coached her in club, I’ve been incredibly tough on her,” Ann said. Of course, the two might not have to wait all that long for a rematch. In lacrosse, the top four teams in a district advance to the district tournament, and there is a chance that West Orange will be the No. 1 seed in District 9, while Windermere could be the No. 4 seed.

“We have so many freshmen this year, and they’re all very promising with a lot of potential. I hope that I leave an example.” — Ryan Le

breaststroke with a time of 1:05 — the first of a handful of program records he set. Before that, in the spring of his sophomore year, he had 59 goals, 22 assists and 38 steals for the boys water polo team in his first taste of varsity action. Le said he has always gravitated toward the idea of serving his country and that war movies and the like have helped fuel that interest along the way. When a representative for the Navy came to campus and shared the ways he had served his country through the Navy and the opportunities it had opened up, it fueled Le’s patriotic passion. “(Service is) something I want to do,” Le said. “I want to make a difference.” In addition to hopefully competing for the Midshipmen, Le will study at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. After his studies are complete, he has commit-

ted to serve in the U.S. Navy for five years. He said he would like to become a pilot — assuming he doesn’t continue to grow and become too tall — but also mentioned surface warfare as a possible area of service. Once water polo season concludes, and his career as a Knight along with it, Le said he will be training with his club team — the SouthWest Stars — until he departs for Annapolis in June. Looking back on his time at Ocoee, Le said he is proud not only of his own success but also of the growth of the programs while he was there — particularly the Knights swimming and diving team. “We have so many freshmen this year, and they’re all very promising with a lot of potential,” Le said. “I hope that I leave an example.”

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

West Orange third baseman Alli Sartini made a throw to first for an out March 27.

amiliar faces, a handful of whom once shared a dugout, were on opposite sides of the diamond March 27 as the West Orange High and Windermere High softball teams met for the first time. While the game was tight early — West Orange led Windermere 3-1 through three innings — a grand slam by Lexie Blair opened things up, and the Warriors (10-5) never looked back en route to an 11-1 victory in six innings. Blair, who recently returned from an injury that kept her sidelined for the first seven games of the season, drove in seven total runs on the night. “It’s great having Lexie back,” West Orange coach Kelsey LaNeave said. “She’s definitely a piece we were missing in our lineup. She’s made a huge impact, literally, from the first game she was back.” On the mound, Landry Newgent and Riley Fromberg combined to limit Windermere to one run and just five hits. Holly Heath got the start for Windermere (7-6-1), pitching five innings. The Wolverines scored their run in the top of the third inning, when Kristen Rifenberg was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, scoring Chrissy Fleming. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

ONLINE

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

GAME FILM

West Orange Warriors power past Windermere in softball showdown

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

Riley Fromberg pitched in relief for the Warriors and sealed the victory.

Lexie Blair drove in seven runs in the Warriors’ 11-1 win over Windermere, including four runs on a grand slam.

Middle: The Windermere Wolverines were pumped up to play West Orange in softball for the first time. Above: Windermere’s Olivia Lovins fielded a bouncer at shortstop before throwing over to first for an out against the Warriors.

For more photos from West Orange’s 11-1 win over Windermere March 27, visit ObserverPreps.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

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1701 Adair St. Ocoee Doors Open 2pm. Games 3 pm.

HYDE PARK Small Business & Craft Fair. April 14th, 9AM - 2PM. State Route 50, Winter Garden next to Captain D’s. 4/12hp WINDERMERE GARAGE Sale, April 6th 7:30am4pm, April 7th 8am-3pm. 416 E 5th Ave, Windermere. Huge 4-Family- Men this one’s for you. Tons of tools, hand, power, tool chests, Rockwell, Stanley, B&D work tables, Bench clamps, electric extension cords, etc. Hickory shaft golf clubs, antiques, fishing, ski, boat equipment, old ‘60s Hobie longboard, baby gear, clothing, drift wood, settling torch, boxes of fasteners, and garden tools. tk4/5

Puzzle Two Solution: “A movie camera is like having someone you have a crush on watching you from afar – you pretend it’s not there.” – Daryl Hannah

W. Hwy. 50 at Dillard

270701

407-654-5313

Puzzle One Solution: “‘Blade Runner’ is such a unique film. How do you describe a diamond? I don’t think you should ever touch it again.” – Rutger Hauer

SAWMILLS FROM only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N fcan4/5

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26K MILES 2 SLIDE OUTS EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE AND OUT OPEN FLOOR PLAN SERVICED AND INSPECTED $79,885

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Announcements

270697

2008 HOLIDAY RAMBLER VACATIONER

REALTORS

Puppy Dreams Pet Hotel

Travis Hamric

Mention this ad for

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

269148

CONSTRUCTION

Visit OrangeObserver.com/Calendar

2018

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

FORECAST

W EAT HER

Oakland resident Gabriel R. Chambless submitted this photo of light rays shining upon Lake Apopka’s southern shores.

I LOVE WEST ORANGE ONLINE

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.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 High: 80 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 High: 86 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, April 5

7:12a

7:46p

Friday, April 6

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Saturday, April 7

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Sunday, April 8

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Monday, April 9

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Tuesday, April 10

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Wednesday, April 11

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 High: 88 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 10%

April 22 First

March 31 Full

April 8 Last

April 15 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, March 27

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SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Wednesday, March 28

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High: 82 Low: 68 Chance of rain: 50%

Thursday, March 29

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See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

MARCH TO DATE:

2018 4.63 in.

2018 2.44 in.

2017 3.16 in.

2017

.16 in.

SEARCH • FIND • POST

Visit Our Community Calendar Today!

www.OrangeObserver.com/Calendar

ACROSS

1 Ukraine port city 7 Dodges, as the cops 13 Never getting older 20 They’re drained by rivers 21 Brazilian tango 22 Type of cotton fabric 23 Bad CASE scenario (Pt. 1) 26 Piggish abode 27 Leavenworth uprising 28 Joey’s friend on “Friends” 29 Mai follower 30 Emulate a butterfly

31 Popeye’s strengthener 34 “Big” one of comic strips 38 Lille farewell 41 Cries of discovery 42 Performer’s reward 45 Bad CASE scenario (Pt. 2) 51 Still under covers 52 Indications of sadness 53 Extravagant, qualitywise 54 Not hog 55 A crowd in France? 56 Edible seaweed 60 Unstable or changeable 64 Windfalls

65 Not mono 67 Bad CASE scenario (Pt. 3) 71 Bullish noises 72 Went after aggressively 73 Foot of two short syllables 74 Edible root of the taro 75 Like military ships 76 Person of many parts 78 Things in albums 80 Wedding worker 81 Acct. figures 85 Bad CASE scenario (Pt. 4) 91 Mr. Dum or Mr. Dee 92 It’s not butter

93 Pound fraction 94 Use a bayonet 95 Common bank transaction 99 Do a rhythmic roll 101 What consumers do 104 Power measure 105 Definitely not sweet 106 Fancy shoulder wrap 109 Bad CASE scenario (Pt. 5) 116 U-turn from “way too hard!” 117 The stuff of quiz shows 118 Four Seasons alternative 119 “Hmm ...” relative

120 Most abominable 121 Word with solar or Dewey Decimal DOWN 1 Sashes in Japan 2 Way off one’s trolley 3 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, e.g. 4 Mister relative 5 Make tangled 6 Computer character set 7 Release, as light 8 Little sucker? 9 Feller in a forest 10 Anne Frank, famously 11 Pen pal no more? 12 Words with course or date 13 Ottoman VIP 14 “Atlas Shrugged” hero 15 Singing Fitzgerald 16 Assail 17 “I could go on, but I’ll stop here” 18 One’s Red, one’s Dead 19 ___ Rafael, California 24 One eligible for daycare 25 Trojans’ sch. 30 Provide nourishment 31 Hite of sex-oriented research 32 Fundraising grps. 33 Baseball legend Wagner 35 Kool finisher 36 Kid’s birthday present 37 Cousins of ems 38 Group for MDs 39 Be dainty with a napkin 40 Mr. Eisenhower, familiarly 41 Not near at all 43 ___ populi (popular opinion) 44 Mr. Lincoln, familiarly 46 Moral standards 47 Gasp, flinch or giggle, e.g. 48 Definitely not all thumbs 49 Broadway luminaries? 50 Place for wannabe stars 54 Leave in text after all 55 Wreck entirely 56 Remain unspoiled 57 Irish river leading to Donegal Bay 58 To a smaller extent 59 Master of rhyme 60 Church section

61 Mail off 62 Paced heavily 63 Roundish hairdo 64 Dennis Rodman’s book, “___ Wanna Be” 65 Mexican “ma’am” 66 1916 ruler, but not 1917 68 “___ Like About You” 69 Complete chaos 70 Dislikes with a passion 75 Celebrated or distinguished 76 Any positive attribute 77 “Ah” follower 78 Thing for a sketch artist 79 Stomach acid letters 80 Jamaican citrus fruit 81 “Add two numbers to reach ___” 82 Ararat or Denali (Abbr.) 83 Cannabis’ stoner 84 Make out visually 85 Word with “a fact” or “my party” 86 RCMP patrol place, briefly 87 “Black-eyed” veggie 88 Picture-based puzzles 89 A hole in the head 90 How Burger King lets you have it? 96 “So gross!” 97 What basic cable is 98 Cheri of “SNL” 99 Outburst from Homer Simpson 100 Who’s sorry now? 102 MTA stops (Abbr.) 103 Something ___ (extraordinary item) 105 Revealing sports number 106 Spoiled little child 107 “Ye ___ Curiosity Shoppe” 108 First family man 109 Shriner, Cordero or Wheaton 110 Coy attachment? 111 Q-U link 112 Pro vote 113 “Now ___ seen it all!” 114 Sue Grafton’s “___ for Noose” 115 Mantra sounds

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.

“’HFEZJ KWSSJK’ BX XWOM E WSBTWJ LBFG. MRP ZR CRW ZJXOKBHJ E ZBEGRSZ? B ZRS’N NMBSI CRW XMRWFZ JDJK NRWOM BN EUEBS.”

– KWNUJK MEWJK

“Z FGRNB PZFBLZ NV DNEB SZRNUK VGFBGUB IGT SZRB Z PLTVS GU OZCPSNUK IGT ALGF ZAZL – IGT XLBCBUH NC’V UGC CSBLB.” – HZLID SZUUZS

Puzzle Two Clue: O equals W

ATTORNEY AT FLAW by Timothy B. Parker

Puzzle One Clue:C equals Y

CROSSWORD

271146

• Looking for local events to attend? • Want us to inform the public about your local event?

SUDOKU

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

4-5-18

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

HOUSE + HOME

HIGH LOW DEMAND INVENTORY In the first quarter of 2018, West Orange communities remained hot in a seller’s market. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

MARKET TIPS

JoAnn Quarles, owner of Treasure Title Insurance Agency, offers tips for buyers and sellers: BUYERS

SELLERS

n Shop around and do not jump on the first home that fits your requirements, even in a tight market.

n Don’t price yourself out of the market.

n Make sure your real estate professional uses a strong title company, one that follows the best practices of the industry, to ensure a smooth closing.

SEE SELLER’S PAGE 26

“This area is a hot market. Everyone wants family suburbia, they desire it, and more than anything they desire to live where they work and work where they live. We have been exceedingly busy.” — Realtor Sheri Loiacano, Windsor Realty Group Inc.

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

VISIT OUR WEBSITE or CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

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n If you are financing, make sure to get pre-approved so the seller’s Realtor knows you are serious about purchasing a home and prepared to move forward if the contract is accepted.

n Keep good curb appeal and a tidy and clean home inside and out.

AWARDS

n If you purchase a home as-is, you should always get a full inspection from a qualified/recommended home inspector. If the inspector finds some issues and estimates costs of repairs, this actually gives the buyer some leverage.

n Make it convenient to show your home at any time to ensure exposure to the right buyer.

n the first quarter of 2018, data suggests Orange County’s hot real-estate market is keeping pace — or even exceeding — its strong showing from 2017. And Realtors who specialize in the West Orange market certainly have seen that success mirrored in Winter Garden, Windermere and Horizon West. Furthermore, with low inventory and high demand, it most certainly is a seller’s market. “This area is a hot market,” Realtor Sheri Loiacano said of West Orange. “Everyone wants family suburbia, they desire it, and more than anything they desire to live

where they work and work where they live. “We have been exceedingly busy,” Loiacano said of she and her business partner, Lisa Bennett, co-owners of Windsor Realty Group Inc., in Winter Garden. In January and February, homes in West Orange were on the market an average of 47 days, with several West Orange markets snagging the lion’s share of the attention. “Downtown Winter Garden and, certainly, obviously Windermere is desirable,” Loiacano said. “Those are the two highestgrowth markets. And Horizon West is unbelievable; it’s incredible the way they are putting

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Seller’s market CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

houses together. We’re within a 3% margin of growth, so we’re still growing at a steady pace.” One reason this area is desirable, she said, because it is far enough away from downtown Orlando to be considered rural yet still has convenient access to the toll roads. JoAnn Quarles, president of Treasure Title Insurance Agency in Winter Garden, agrees it’s a seller’s market, because there are fewer homes for sale and a large number of buyers looking to purchase one. “Typically, home prices will rise as buyers are making an offer to purchase property; and when buyers compete for a property (multiple offers on a property), that will drive the price above expectations,” Quarles said. “We saw this in the Great Recession, and there are signs of it returning today.” Loiacano, too, recalled the 2008 housing crisis, when housing prices skyrocketed and then plummeted after when recession hit. But she doesn’t expect that to happen now, a decade later. Quarles said what could impact this market are low interest rates and high employment rate — “situations that make buyers think it would be a good time to buy a large investment, like a home.” One problem in West Orange, she said, is there isn’t an abundance of affordable homes. Many builders are constructing, but the average price exceeds $200,000.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

YEAR-TO-DATE MARKET STATISTICS FOR 34787 SOLD SUMMARY FEBRUARY 2018 $77,375,756 Sold Dollar Volume Average Sold Price $330,666 Median Sold Price $310,000 Units Sold 234 Average Days on Market 54 Average List Price for Solds $337,998

FEBRUARY 2017 $75,422,530 $329,356 $305,000 229 71 $338,375

% CHANGE 2.59 0.40 1.64 2.18 -23.94 -0.11

INVENTORY Active Listings New Listings New Under Contracts New Contingents New Pendings All Pendings

FEBRUARY 2017 392 316 297 0 308 208

% CHANGE -15.82 10.76 9.76 0 12.66 9.13

FEBRUARY 2018 330 350 326 0 347 227

DAYS ON MARKET (SOLD) 0 45 1 to 10 51 21 11 to 20 21 to 30 15 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 22 91 to 120 18 17 121 to 180 13 181 to 360 361 to 720 1 721+ 1 SOURCE: My Florida Regional MLS

YEAR-TO-DATE MARKET STATISTICS FOR 34786 SOLD SUMMARY FEBRUARY 2018 Sold Dollar Volume $79,532,811 Average Sold Price $616,533 Median Sold Price $377,000 Units Sold 129 98 Average Days on Market Average List Price for Solds $646,146

FEBRUARY 2017 $83,630,560 $606,019 $379,190 138 99 $638,814

% CHANGE -4.90 1.73 -0.58 -6.52 -1.01 1.15

INVENTORY Active Listings New Listings New Under Contracts New Contingents New Pendings All Pendings

FEBRUARY 2017 479 269 198 0 207 162

% CHANGE -23.17 -13.38 -3.54 0 -1.45 -13.58

FEBRUARY 2018 368 233 191 0 204 140

DAYS ON MARKET (SOLD) 0 4 1 to 10 21 11 to 20 9 21 to 30 15 31 to 60 22 61 to 90 9 16 91 to 120 121 to 180 19 8 181 to 360 361 to 720 5 721+ 1 SOURCE: My Florida Regional MLS

720 Celebration Avenue, Suite 100, Celebration FL 34747 Facebook.com/Century21Celebration

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

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

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

910 Spring Park St # 202 Celebration 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

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1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

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754 Siena Palm Dr # 101 Celebration

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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

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ED Celebration Ave # 406 1400 C DU Celebration

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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

1009 Orange Cosmos Blvd.

1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration

at: $429,900 MLS # S4727247

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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

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743

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

Offered at: $219,900

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

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D RE

3736 Manteo Circle

Featured Property investme Single Family Home Luxury Home in Hunter’s Creek 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 Celebration - Artisan Club Celebration in Davenport 4 Bed/3 Bath/2,586 Sq Ft 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 38’x 26’ 1736 with sqat 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft Custom Garage, 5 Bed/4.5 Bath/2,820 Sq Ft 3 bed 2 bed 2 bathmore 1196a 3 bedOffered 3 bath ft $424,900 staff to learn 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 3 separate 9’ 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: $275,000 Offered at: $275,0 Offered at $349,000 OfferedOffered at $721,900 at: $329,000 MLS# S4854774 Excellent C Offered at: $219,900 Highly Ex MLS# O5561627

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6210 Roseate Spoonbill Dr. Pool Home in Windermere 4 Bed/3.5Bath/3,134 Sq Ft Offered at $512,999 MLS# O5556376

8124 Via Rosa

410 Greenbrier Ave

Single Family Home in Gated Vizcaya 5 Bed/5 Bath/4,311 Sq Ft Offered at $869,900 MLS# S4858509

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

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

CASABELLA AT WINDERMERE Act Now For Best Home Site Selection! 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

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

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

Home Selling Is Easy When You List With The Broker Bryant Team

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.

WEST ORLANDO POOL HOME $229,900

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!

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SOLD

MINNEOLA POOL HOME $166,500

“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!

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247814

1106 Brick Rd., Winter Garden, FL 34787

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!

SOLD

271355

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

mans rk UP TO

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

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OrangeObserver.com

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

REAL ESTATE

So local, it feels like your garage!

Call Today!

Windermere estate sells for $2.05 million

IN WINTER GARDEN

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

IN OCOEE 269971

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

realtor.com

This Windermere home, at 3308 S. Lake Butler Blvd., sold March 21, for $2.05 million. It features waterfront living along Lake Butler.

MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

home in the Windermere community topped all West

Orange-area residential real-estate transactions

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

LAKE HANCOCK SHORES

six baths, a pool and 6,559

The home at 7848 Ficquette Road, Windermere, sold March 30, for $780,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,015 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $194.27.

square feet of living area

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

2005, it has five bedrooms,

on Lake Butler. The price per square foot is $312.55. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Or270508

ange.

The home at 15204 Shonan Gold Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $1.075 million. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,450 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $197.25. PROVIDENCE

The home at 13526 Zori Lane, Windermere, sold March 19, for $440,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,129 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.62. RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15534 Sandfield Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $545,000. Built in 2014, it has four OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE LAKESHORE PRESERVE bedrooms, three-and-one-half PROTECTS YOU… The townhouse at 8907 Lakeshore baths, a pool and 3,801 square feet Pointe Drive, YOUR WinterKIDS… Garden, sold of living area. The price per square March 30, forYOUR $409,995. Built in foot is $143.38. GRANDKIDS… 2016, it has four bedrooms, threeYOUR GREAT-GRANDKIDS AND… and-one-half baths and 2,548 The home at 15522 Sandfield Loop, square feet of living area. The price Winter Garden, sold March 19, for per square foot is $160.91. $430,000. Built in 2014, it has four WELL, YOU GET THE IDEA. bedrooms, three-and-one-half OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN baths and 4,010 square feet. The The home at 7567 Green Mountain price per square foot is $107.23.

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.

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The home at 8104 Jailene Drive, Windermere, sold March 22, for $405,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,886 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.33.

Way, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $1.14 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,929 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $231.28.

E W YOU SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

Shopping for a mortgage?

office 407.654.8811 cell 407.758.4479 Some products and services not available in all areas. State Farm Bank, F.S.B., Bloomington, IL

270655

1001306.1

Total Sales: 207 High Sale Price: $2.05 million Low Sale Price: $63,000 REO/Bank Owned: Five Short Sale: One

dermere, sold March 21, for $2.05 million. Built in

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

The home at 15859 Burch Island Court, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $923,670. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,989 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $231.55.

Lake Butler Blvd., Win-

The home at 3308 S.

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

SNAPSHOT

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 7131 Desert Mandarin St., Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $413,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,652 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $113.09.

from March 19 to 30.

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

HORIZON WEST

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

OrangeObserver.com

SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

JOHNS COVE

SUMMERLAKE

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 7512 Mandarin Grove Way, Winter Garden, sold March 28, for $468,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,816 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.64.

The home at 1209 Johns Cove Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 22, for $425,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,324 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $127.86.

The home at 8184 Snowy Plover Ave., Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $405,840. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 3,032 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $133.85. WATERLEIGH

The home at 15698 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 27, for $621,800. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,754 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $225.78. The home at 15642 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $741,091. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,936 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $188.29. The home at 10277 Spring Shores Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 26, for $390,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,316 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $117.61. WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 12797 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold March 21, for $432,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $163.02.

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

The home at 15269 Sunset Overlook Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 26, for $504,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,496 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.16. coldwellbankerhomes.com

This Overlook at Hamlin/West Lake Hancock Estates home, at 7567 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $1.14 million. This home features waterfront living on Lake Hancock and has direct water access to Hamlin’s future Town Center.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8328 Lookout Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold March 26, for $695,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,329 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $160.55. The home at 9032 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold March 26, for $420,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,011 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $139.49.

OCOEE

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 426 Anessa Rose Loop, Ocoee, sold March 26, for $402,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,515 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $159.84. WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 3089 Kentshire Blvd., Ocoee, sold March 20, for $410,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and

3,287 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.73.

WEST ORANGE

CYPRESS SHORES

The home at 10209 Trout Road, Orlando, sold March 19, for $965,000. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,940 square feet of living area on 2.04 waterfront acres. The price per square foot is $328.23. HAVENCREST

The home at 7595 Blue Quail Lane, Orlando, sold March 23, for $822,500. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,959 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $165.86. LAKE MABEL SHORES

The home at 8819 Lake Mabel Drive, Orlando, sold March 21, for $725,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,824 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.59.

ROYAL RANCH ESTATES

The home at 8618 Benoit Ave., Orlando, sold March 30, for $655,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,350 square feet of living area on 2.05 acres. The price per square foot is $195.52. WESTMINSTER LANDING

The home at 8140 Westminster Abbey Blvd., Orlando, sold March 29, for $590,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 4,441 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $132.85.

WINTER GARDEN

BRONSON’S LANDINGS

The home at 2219 Tillman Ave., Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $449,900. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,514 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $128.03.

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 13006 Shadow Bend Court, Winter Garden, sold March 28, for $655,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,730 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.60. TWINWATERS

The home at 1664 Holcomb Creek St., Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $495,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 4,329 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $114.35. WINTER GARDEN

The two homes at 11630 Flynn Court, Winter Garden, sold March 23, for $598,800. Built in 2013, they combine to have six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,730 square feet of living area on five acres. The price per square foot is $160.54. The home at 202 Tildenville School Road, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $390,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,602 square feet of living area on 1.98 acres. The price per square foot is $149.88.

Pat Sharr Realty 407-656-7947

MultiMillion Dollar Producer patsharr@aol.com

www.patsharr.com

BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

270525

CALL US TODAY!

JUST LISTED!!!

***LAKEFRONT*** DOCK***SCREENED POOL*** NO HOA*** Take a look at this home that features 3 Bdrms.2 Ba. Living room, dining area, eat-in kitchen, family room, brick wood burning fireplace,screened pool and scenic views of the lake!!! This home is just minutes away from DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN with the many restaurants, specialty shops and FARMER’S MARKET on Saturdays!!! Step into this home and relive the good ole days of when this home was built in 1961. Living room features the corner brick fireplace, entertain in uncrowded comfort in the spacious dining area. The family room is a favorite spot for fun and informal entertaining and is very open view of the large lot, dock and lake. This home is situated on almost an acre on a quiet dead end street. Asking $425,000

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Sales Associate

407-558-0461

michael.lowery12@gmail.com

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BRING YOUR BOAT!!!

LET’S GO TO CLERMONT!!! This home says come in, you will feel right at home the moment you step in...Capture the beauty of this very open floor plan that features 3 Bdrms./ 2 Ba., living, dining , family room, split bedroom plan. This home has just been freshly painted inside!!! Kitchen features a large breakfast bar, pantry, refrigerator, dishwasher, range and range hood. Entertain in comfort when you open the french doors to the bonus room that features a pool table that stays plus a hot tub!!! Master bath features shower no tub and on the other side of the house are the 2 guest rooms centered around the guest bath. The laundry room comes complete with washer & dryer, also featured is the side entry garage. Beautiful trees in the front yard and the community features: LAKE ACCESS to CHAIN of LAKES, fishing pier, BOAT RAMP, skiing allowed, PLAY GROUND, and TENNIS COURTS!!! All of this for the asking price of only $240,000

Trane Comfort Specialists. Quality Work & Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Priority Call us and catch a great deal!

MICHAEL LOWERY

269956

PAT SHARR

Broker/Owner

407-948-1326

407-470-7014

NOT FANCY...JUST HOMEY!!!

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 $333,000

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE

PE SA ND LE IN G

1319 Green Forest Ct, Suite 412 Winter Garden, FL 34787

SECLUSION AMONG THE TREES!!!

***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

www.DuncansACOrlando.com

270548

WHAT IS YOUR OFFER???

***MAKE THIS HOME YOURS***BRAND NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES*** FRESHLY PAINTED!!! Enjoy the whole POOL/SPA scene from the open living room, MASTER BEDROOM, BREAKFAST NOOK AND FAMILY ROOM...The kitchen features BREAKFAST BAR, 42” CABINETS, LARGE PANTRY, all APPLIANCES stay!!! BRIGHT BREAKFAST NOOK over looking the PAVER LANAI & DECKING enjoy the LARGE SPARKLING pool/spa! .The family room is a cheerful center for everyday family living w/ sliding glass doors leading to the lanai. This home is a 3 WAY SPLIT PLAN, master bedroom is ADJOINED w/ a sitting area/den/workout and sliding glass doors leading to the lanai. Master bath has separate vanities, Jetted Garden Tub and separate shower. Just off the family room are 2 bedrooms centered around guest bath. The 4th bedroom is private area and pool bath. This home has privacy VINYL FENCING and is the cure for relaxing in your OWN PRIVATE POOL/SPA!!! Take a look at this home today!!! LAUNDRY ROOM (WASHER & DRYER STAY) IS JUST OFF THE KITCHEN WITH ACCESS TO THE 2 CAR GARAGE WITH laundry tub!!! Gated community close to all major highways, shopping and top rated schools! Asking $345,000

FANTASTIC BUY WITH A POOL!!!

IMMACULATE CONDITION!!! 4 BDRM.,2 BA. FORMAL LIVING AND DINING, KITCHEN COMPLETE WITH APPLIANCE THAT ARE 1 YR. OLD, QUARTZ COUNTERS, BREAKFAST AREA, FAMILY ROOM, SPLIT BEDROOM PLAN. PAVER COVERED SCREENED LANAI AND SCREENED SPARKLING POOL!!! MINUTES AWAY FROM SHOPPING, ALL MAJOR HIGHWAYS!!! THIS IS A DREAM COME TRUE AND NO REAR NEIGHBORS!!! ASKING ONLY $250,000!!!

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018

• Cypress Reserve

• Retreat at Lake Charm

• The Reserve at Phillips Cove

• Esplanade at Highland Ranch

• Southern Oaks

• Thornbrooke at Towne Center

• Estancia at Windermere

• Steeple Chase

• Walden Cove

• Overlook at Hamlin

• The Canyons at Highland Ranch

• Woodland Park

• The Cove at Hamlin

• The Estates at Pearl Lake

• Havencrest

• The Preserve at Laureate Park

Explore Orlando Area Homes

407-756-5025 taylormorrison.com/orlando

Taylor Morrison received the highest numerical score in the proprietary Lifestory Research 2016, 2017, and 2018 America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder study. Your experiences may vary. Visit www. lifestoryresearch.com. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, 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. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Manager for details and visittaylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © March 2018, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. CBC1257462 All rights reserved. 270736

A VIBRANT VISION An Update For Our Community

OUR CITY IS ON THE RISE!

The Ocoee Series Continued... • Vision A better connected community for all modes of circulation

• A more dynamic linkage of Lake + Park + Community • A downtown of linked experiences and many reasons to come back • A place that captures an attractive, authentic Ocoee sense of place

ings are coming to Ocoee. Upon etion, the downtown will have the ucture it needs to grow, the vision to • A place of lasting value, authentic and the people to make it new investment and To learn more about the vision for the economic future of Downtown activity Ocoee, . visit www.ocoee.org

270861

is developing, growing and advancing et the needs of our citizens. We are midst of designing surroundings that esh, forward and that will enhance y’s signature Floridian character.

NTOwN CORE:

VISION DEVElOpmENT:

OAKLAND AVE

Lakefront Park Concept Plan

••• DESIGN ELEMENTS •••

Below are illustrations of future City Hall looking to the park.

VE DA

OA K

R FO

U BL

AV E

CITY HALL LAKESHORE CENTER RESTROOMS PARK DEPARTMENT OFFICES FUTURE DEVELOPMENT GATEWAY ENTRANCE

BLU

AV E

7 8 9 10 11 12

PORTABLE STAGE ADDITIONAL EVENT STAGE OPPORTUNITIES BOARDWALK & LARGE PAVILLIONS PARKING / OUTDOOR EVENT SPACE MEMORIAL GARDEN BOAT RAMP

13 14 15 16 17 18

WEDDING GARDEN BOAT RAMP & PARKING STORMWATER GARDEN MEMORIAL / PUBLIC ART UPPER COMMONS LOWER COMMONS

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1 2 3 4 5 6

CONCEPT 8

BLUFORD AVE. STREETSCAPE REMNDERINGS

Bluford Avenue Project Update Major Checkpoints: • April 2nd – The sidewalk on West side of Bluford Avenue between Delaware Street & W. Ohio Street open to public foot traffic • April 20th – Roadway and Sidewalks open from the north end of Bluford Avenue & Delaware Street to the north end of Bluford Avenue & Lafayette Street • May 14th – All roadways & sidewalks completely opened from the north end of Bluford Avenue & Lafayette Street to the north end of the Magnolia Street • May 14th – Bluford Avenue & McKey Street intersection to south end of Bluford Avenue & City Hall Entrance Road will be closed down. • July 2nd – All roadways & sidewalks completely opened from Bluford Avenue & McKey Street intersection to south end of Bluford Avenue & City Hall Entrance Road. • July 2nd - Bluford Avenue & the City Hall Entrance intersection to south end of Bluford Avenue & Silver Star Road will be closed down. • September 17th – All roadways & sidewalks completely opened from Bluford Avenue & the City Hall Entrance intersection to south end of Bluford Avenue & Silver Star Road. • October 1st - Completion of Project

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• September 17th through the 28th – Punch walk and corrections

Ocoee Downtown Redevelopment Dear Citizens of Ocoee and our Friends in Central Florida, We are delighted to bring you our third update on implementation of projects associated with the City of Ocoee’s Downtown Master Plan. As most of you are aware, the City of Ocoee is a year into implementation of its historic Downtown Master Plan, and award winning plan prepared by a team of consultants including GAI, Tindall Oliver, Kittleson and Associates, and Beat Creative Marketing, as well as several others. This plan, which included the City’s largest public participation effort in its history, resulted in an investment by the Ocoee City Commission of 44 million dollars (in a year in which we also lowered taxes), including several projects. The plan, the documents, and each project funded is listed on the website at www.ocoee.org and is updated weekly for valuable information. You the citizen have probably been slightly inconvenienced by some of the detours in town, but those instances will be well worth the benefits of having new streetscapes and wide sidewalks throughout our downtown. The Bluford avenue project will be completed by the end of October and will provide an urban streetscape connecting our downtown from north to south. We are under design for Oakland Avenue, Taylor Street, and McKey Street, and within a few months you will be noticing major differences in the look and feel of downtown streets. Also included in our first wave of projects in the first phase of renovation of our lakefront park, reconstruction of the Lakeshore Center (making it the largest meeting venue on the west side of Orlando), and construction of a new City Hall. These projects are well underway. Work is about to begin on the Lakeshore Center, and the exterior should be complete in November. Additionally, the new City Hall will be bid later this month for the design build contractor, and over the next few months, these projects will start to take shape in the community. Please know that we are working to get these projects done efficiently and effectively, and that without your input, all of these exciting things would not be possible. Sincerely, The Ocoee Mayor and City Commission

SAVE THE DATE

PRESENTED BY

DON’T MISS!

• Local Artists • Marketplace • Beer Garden • Food Vendors • Carnival Rides • Classic Car Show • Fishing Tournament • Cornhole Tournament • Poker Tournament • Chick-Fil-A 5K & Fun Run

Stay up to date and visit... OcoeeFoundersFestival.org

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November 2 & 3, 2018