04.08.21 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Keene’s Pointe estate tops weekly sales. PAGES 10-11.

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‘Fore’ the right reasons The Rotary Club of Windermere teed off for a night of fun and fundraising. 9.

Love all people … at all times, at all places Wes Beacham, lead pastor of Hope Church in Winter Garden, is the Windermere Police Department’s newest chaplain. SEE PAGE 4.

YOUR TOWN GARDEN CLUB HOSTING FILM The Bloom & Grow Garden Society is presenting “Flight of the Butterflies,” a film about the monarch butterfly’s migration from Canada to Mexico in the fall and north in the spring. There will be two showings, at 3 and 5 p.m., Saturday, April 10, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.

Tickets are $16 at sforce. co/3rO5b75. Proceeds benefit the club and its Monarch Project, which includes the installation of a fabricated monarch in the park near the splash pad in downtown Winter Garden.

Windermere to consider new project A developer wants to redevelop 2.17 downtown acres.

SEE PAGE 8.

Wes Beacham is looking forward to building relationships with the Windermere law-enforcement community.

SPORTS

County introduces growth initiative Orange County staff has been hosting a series of town hall meetings to introduce residents to the Vision 2050 growth and planning initiative.

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With Orange County projected to add 690,000 new residents by 2050, staff and stakeholders are working on a plan to lead the county toward a future vision

rather than reacting to existing conditions.

Called Vision 2050, this initiative aims to guide how and where growth will occur over the next three decades. Vision 2050 will be SEE LONG-RANGE PAGE 2

HOPPY HUNTING Windermere and Ocoee hosted Easter celebrations. PAGE 3.

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Long-range plan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

implemented through the adoption of a new land-development code called Orange Code, which fill focus on placemaking standards and context-based regulations.

As a type of form-based code, Orange Code will rely on developmental characteristics that are desired rather than those that communities seek to avoid. The county’s current comprehensive plan was adopted in 2009. These plans act as blueprints for guiding short- and long-range development, resource protection, provision of public services and economic growth.

In a virtual town hall meeting Thursday, April 1, representatives from the county, Canin Associates and DPZ CoDesign gathered to show res-

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idents in southwest Orange County two elements of the Orange Code — sectors and place types.

This was the second series of town-hall meetings regarding Vision 2050. The first series — which took place between December and January — introduced residents to the comprehensive plans and what makes each of the county’s six market areas unique, as well as touching on growth strategies for each area. “(Sectors and place types) are intended to further define how to guide growth in a more predictable manner and in a way that supports the mayor’s initiatives and what we are hearing many county residents and commissioners want and support,” Marina Khoury, of DPZ CoDesign, said.

Orange County Planning Manager Alberto Vargas said Orange Code is a different way of planning than has been done for the last 30 years.

“The diversity that exists in Orange County is extremely important — from

VISION 2050 The intent of the Vision 2050 initiative is to guide how and where growth will occur in the county over the next three decades. County staff is looking for as much public engagement and input as possible via avenues such as surveys and participation in town-hall meetings.

For more in-depth information on Vision 2050, visit bit. ly/31MIjuk. To learn how to get involved or provide input, visit bit.ly/3rTZwfM.

lifestyles to development trends to topographic conditions throughout the county — (and these) are beginning to drive specific, context-based decisions in which the policies are going to be slightly adjusted in order to identify areas for targeted growth or preservation, as well as preservation of those neighborhoods that are pretty much built out,” he said.

The county is first divided into six market areas — West Orange County falls in the southwest market area. Each market is further subdivided, county staff said, by sectors and place types.

“We look at planning … to direct

growth to specific places and not everywhere,” Matthew Lambert, of DPZ CoDesign, said. “One of the two components of growth management in Vision 2050 are sectors. Sectors direct growth to where it’s encouraged, but we also plan in order to direct the character of new development in places where growth is desirable.

“Place types direct the character of future growth through form, intensity, the structure of blocks, civic spaces … and then the mix of uses and mobility options that are available in different places,” Lambert said.

There are six types of sectors — targeted, intended, established, rural, preserved and special. They direct the “where” component of growth. Within sectors are place types — urban, rural, village open space and special. These determine “how” growth should occur.

Place types also help determine density, intensity and character.

Targeted sectors refer to infill growth areas and comprise about 6% of unincorporated Orange County. Intended sectors are previously entitled growth areas — such as Horizon West — and make up 5.5% of unincorporated county.

Established sectors refer to areas

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where existing character should be retained and make up 13% of it.

Rural sectors refer to rural areas where existing character should be retained, or about 21% of unincorporated Orange County. Preserved sectors — like the lakes and Shingle Creek area — are large and contiguous preserved natural areas, or about 21% of it. Finally, special sectors refer to places that require special rules, such as airports, power plants and universities — 3.5% of unincorporated county.

“Currently, the future land use is a reaction to existing uses today,” Lambert said. “It must be changed often. … It’s unstructured at present, meaning there’s really no structure of rules as to where one future land use or another should be located. With sectors (and place types) … both of these levels of planning provide structure and rules that are aimed at a predictable outcome. … Sectors influence place types. Place types direct zoning and build outcomes. … Sectors limit place types permitted within them. Place types are the new future land use.”

Khoury said a third series of town halls will take place in late spring.

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Eggs-tra special occasions C

hildren in the town of Windermere and city of Ocoee once again were able to celebrate the Easter holiday at two events Saturday, April 3.

In Windermere, the Windermere Police Department brought some Easter cheer during the town’s Easter parade. Starting at Estancia Woods Loop at 10 a.m., police vehicles — one of which carried around the Easter bunny and Police Chief David Ogden — proceeded to ride around town for two hours, throwing out bags filled with candy and small toys to children waiting in their driveways.

A few miles to the north, attendees at Ocoee’s Easter Eggstravaganza enjoyed perfect weather and an old-fashioned egg hunt hosted by the city of Ocoee and its Recreation Department. Four thousand plastic eggs were filled with candy and other treats and scattered around the field at the Jim Beech Recreation Center.

Victor Ortiz, 1, checked out the contents of his basket after Ocoee’s egg hunt.

— TROY HERRING AND AMY QUESINBERRY

Chloe Black, left, and Mattie Ross ran around the front yard to pick up toys thrown their way in Windermere.

Two-year-old Lilliann Shellem quickly gathered enough eggs to fill her basket in Ocoee.

Ace Crissinger-Hill and Savannah Barnes counted all the eggs he collected during Ocoee’s egg hunt. His brother, Canon, also scooped up dozens of eggs filled with goodies.

Everleigh Barrett sported some nice specs she got during the parade.

Bags of candy and toys were tossed to Windermere children.

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Another opportunity to serve DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

A

passion for serving others runs in Wes Beacham’s blood.

Beacham has been in ministry for 16 years now, and as the founder and lead pastor of Hope Church in Winter Garden, he and his family have been serving people in West Orange County for the last six years.

He isn’t stopping there, though.

As of mid-March, the Ocoee resident is also the Windermere Police Department’s newest chaplain.

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A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

Born and raised in Orlando, Beacham has been a pastor for 11 years. He’s been married to his wife, Diana, for 16 years. Together, they have a 13-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son and 6-year-old twins.

The Beachams moved to the area from east Orlando six years ago to plant and grow Hope Church. For Beacham, his passion lies in building authentic relationships with everyone he meets. That includes serving people and weaving himself and his family into the fabric of West Orange County.

“We’ve done a little bit of everything,” he said of his time in West Orange. “Our kids have played sports in the schools here, and we serve on several boards in the city.

I serve on the West Orange Habitat for Humanity board, and I also serve on the board at the Roper YMCA. We are in it as much as we can.

“One of the things for our church is we’re all about serving the city,” he said. “We wanted to be a church that if we ever left the city, the city would miss the church. … I feel like we’ve done a lot as far as connecting with people.”

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SERVING THE CITY

Being able to serve and love on others became especially important after the COVID-19 pandemic began last year. It was one of the most challenging years of ministry, Beacham said, but he and his congregation still found ways to help others.

“The challenging part was, ‘How do you care for people if you can’t really leave your home?’ or, ‘How can you really care for people if you can’t really be close to them in physical proximity?’” he said.

“That has been a learning curve for us.”

When everyone was home, Beacham and Hope Church found new ways to serve. They have made and taken more phone calls than they ever had. They wrote letters and sent gift cards to Roper YMCA employees, single mothers and those who needed help most.

“The pandemic was crazy, but I feel like in a lot of ways, we served better in some ways, because we had to do it differently,” he said.

In fact, it’s his involvement in the community — and, specifically, on the Roper YMCA board — that led him to his newest role as a Windermere Police Department chaplain.

It’s how he met Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden.

Beacham said his story is unique because he grew up in a home with a black father and white mother.

For that reason, he said, it gave him a unique platform to serve in different places.

“Because of the tensions that we see in our community, our culture and our nation today, I really feel like because I’m multicultural myself, I was able to serve in mul-

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Wes Beacham and his wife, Diana, live in Ocoee with their four children.

tiple different facets and areas,” he said. “That led us to the chaplain seat. One of the things we say in our church is we love all people in all times at all places. I want to serve the people who serve the city.

I know those officers, and they serve the city so well, so we wanted to serve them.

“Leadership is lonely, and we know that’s a position in our city where people are tired and they’ve done their best and they’re loving well,” he said. “We want to come alongside them and love and serve them as they love and serve the city.”

A NEW ROLE

The role of chaplain has proven to be a valuable asset to the Windermere Police Department’s staff, as well as town residents, Ogden said.

“Our chaplains handle critical-incident stress management,

“One of the things we say in our church is we love all people in all times at all places. I want to serve the people who serve the city.”

deliver sensitive notifications with the utmost care, are available for emergency calls for service, and build relationships that help our team continue to function with balance,” he said.

Police chaplains serve as a support system for law-enforcement officers, as well as the public they serve, in times of crisis. They can be volunteers or sworn officers.

Beacham said he will be sworn in at the April 13 Town Council meeting.

“The role of chaplain is kind of a twofold thing,” Beacham said. “It’s to serve those officers however we can, so connecting with them relationally and just being there for them if they need somebody to talk to. They call it the ministry of presence. Really, it’s being around those guys and building relationships with them.

“The other facet is serving other people who have been impacted by something in the city,” he said.

“What happens to those residents that have called after the emergency is over? I’m able to go and be with and serve those people who have been affected. I can be there to serve those people if something … happens and/or if they need anything.”

OPPORTUNITY

The Windermere Police Depart— Wes Beacham, chaplain, ment has another chaplain, Andy Windermere Police Department Jones, who was sworn into his role

in August 2017. Beacham will work with him and assist in providing moral and spiritual support for the town’s law-enforcement community.

“Andy’s done incredible things,” Beacham said. “You’re on call to help as much as the families and/or the city or the chief needs. You’re there to help as much as you can.

Andy has had his hands full by himself, so to have someone else to help him (is good).”

Ogden said Beacham is a passionate communicator and has a desire to encourage and inspire people. He added that Beacham will be out riding with patrol officers in the near future.

Beacham, who also has family members in law enforcement, is looking forward to being able to extend his involvement with and service to the community he loves.

He said this is an opportunity to reach the community in a new way.

“I feel like God’s put us on this earth to help people,” he said. “I don’t think that is just a chaplain’s role. I believe God built humanity to help humanity, and so we love it, because we felt like this is what we’re called to do. One of the things that we say at our church is our mission is to love all people, at all times, at all places, so we feel like this is an opportunity for us to get there. … We’re looking forward to it.”

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Celebrating Local Arts & The World Outside Downtown Winter Garden | Saturday, April 17 Indoor and Outdoor Exhibitions & Outdoor Art Activities Plus, Art Night VIP – Curated Immersive Art Experiences ARTIST:

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AdventHealth celebrates topping out in Winter Garden BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee (407) 656-3097 Sunday: 11 AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM www.VBCOCOEE.com

Team members marked the construction milestone for the new Winter Garden hospital, which is expected to open in spring 2022.

CHURCH OF GOD

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

DANIELLE HENDRIX

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

The only full-service hospital within Winter Garden city limits reached a new milestone with a topping-out ceremony April 8.

AdventHealth Winter Garden celebrated the major construction milestone with team members from the health care organization and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie. Topping out means the building has reached its full height.

“We are excited to have expanded health care services out here in Winter Garden and give the community an AdventHealth choice,” said Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth Winter Garden. “We know that West Orange is growing, and we want to be here and grow with and support the community.”

The topping-out tradition involves hoisting a beam topped by a tree to the top of the structure.

The beam used for AdventHealth Winter Garden’s topping-out ceremony was covered in hundreds of digital signatures from team members and the West Orange community. Atop the beam was a small orange tree to pay homage to West Orange County’s agricultural heritage. The tree symbolizes growth and is meant to bring good luck to the building.

When the hospital’s five-story inpatient tower is complete, it will have 80 beds and space for new services such as advanced gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, spine health and urology. Also included will be an operating room and catheterization laboratory.

The project broke ground in 2019 and is expected to open its doors in spring 2022. It has generated about 400 construction jobs,

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

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“We have been in Central Florida for (more than) 100 years, and our commitment to whole-person care is really something that we know the residents fo the West Orange community are really looking forward to.”

In 2020, Matthew's Hope experienced a 300% increase in the number of weekly visits with those finding themselves homeless in our community.

Here is a brief Snapshot of what that looked like.

Personal Hygiene Items: 139,300 Total Weekly Visits: 13,630 Clothing Items Distributed: 50,600 New First Time Guests: 639 Protective Masks: 53,900 Hand Sanitizers: 9,930 Plus, we provided weekly Nursing/Medical Care: 1,300 laundry service, showers, assistance with food stamps, Prepared Foods: 54,400 Nonperishable Foods:169,000 lbs. Florida ID's, COVID Testing,

— Kari Vargas, CEO, AdventHealth Winter Garden

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

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EDITORIAL SHEDS LIGHT ON ASIAN AMERICAN DISCRIMINATION

Dear Editor: I loved your (editorial, “Do you really want to #StopAsianHate”. Hard work and dedication is absolutely not a reason to use someone’s Asian heritage against them. It’s so sad that this is happening to young Asian American students.

My Japanese grandmother lived in Hawaii during World War II. She and her family were split up and sent to internment camps around the country. She was forced to work as unpaid labor on a farm in Arkansas. In the early 2000s, my family was paid a small

and upon completion, it will bring 400 medical and support jobs to the West Orange community.

Vargas expressed gratitude for construction partner Brasfield & Gorrie, which was able to continue progress on the inpatient tower throughout the pandemic by adhering to necessary safety protocols.

“As we stand here at our topping out, we know that we’re just that much closer to being able to be a full-service community hospital,” Vargas said. “We were excited that so many people would continue working through the pandemic — but making sure that we did it in a very safe way, following the same guidelines that we do out in the community with social distancing, masking, hand washing and all of those things that we know are proven to keep people safe.”

The tower — which joins the existing emergency department and office building — will span 227,000 square feet, and it includes more than 15,500 cubic yards of concrete. According to AdventHealth, that’s enough concrete to build a new 18-mile, two-lane road from AdventHealth Winter Garden to Advent Health Orlando.

Dr. Omayra Mansfield, chief medical officer of AdventHealth Winter Garden, said the addition of the hospital tower allows AdventHealth to expand services to community members and allow them to stay close to home for the care they need.

“We’ve established trust with our community as (far as) providing excellent care and really caring for people and loving them, which is part of our service standards,” Mansfield said. “What I’m even more excited about now, though, is knowing that for those who truly need that next level of service, we can keep them right here. And as a physician who really wants to be amenable to not just the medical needs of my patients but also the emotional support that a local family and community can provide, that’s truly significant for me.”

Mansfield added that with the West Orange community expanding so rapidly, the addition of AdventHealth’s inpatient tower is more important than ever.

“We have anywhere from young families to older individuals, and they all at some point may need health care,” she said. “The beauty of this facility is that we’re going to be able to provide care to that entire continuum of a family.”

sum of money as reparations. I don’t remember how much it was, and it certainly didn’t do much to erase the injustice.

My mother is white and I look white, so I can’t say that I really understand racism. But I do know that many of the people who tell me that … did not actually know their relatives who were slaves.

I knew my grandmother. I knew what happened to her, and I heard the stories of her time in government internment.

Good for you for speaking out for the unfortunate treatment of hard-working Asian Americans that so many others dismiss under the guise of “privilege.”

Thank you!

LAUREN LENEIS

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Town leaders discussed a request to redevelop 2.17 acres at Main Street and East Sixth Avenue with up to 21,750 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space.

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In Loving Memory

Justin Matthew McWilliams January 26, 1982 – April 7, 2002

O

ur sweet Justin. It is just so hard to comprehend that we haven’t physically seen your sweet face and that signature crooked smile; felt the warmth of those teddy bear hugs or heard that laugh that would light up a room...in 19-years.

Our sweet boy from Ocoee, who at the age of 20, felt enriched by simply surrounding himself with his family & friends, would be amazed at the impact his loss has had on so many. From giving & enhancing life via organ, tissue & corneal donation; to strengthening the Florida Statutes relating to hit and run crashes (The Justin McWilliams Act); to educating our young people to make better choices than those choices that were made that late night & early morning that took his life (Parents Encouraging Confident Choices), his legacy continues.

We love you, Justin. We miss you every day. You will forever be our Angel in the Infield and the Captain of Heaven’s team.

Mom, Dad & Ashley www.PECC.US.com

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A proposed redevelopment project in downtown Windermere could change the landscape of a 2.17-acre property at Main Street and East Sixth Avenue.

In a public workshop with town leaders, residents and the project applicant Wednesday, March 31, community stakeholders got a first glimpse of what could be coming to the area.

The town received an application from Windermere Downtown Property LLC to rezone and obtain a preliminary development plan to redevelop the property. Located at the northeast corner of Main Street and East Sixth Avenue, the property is located within the Town Center Overlay District. It is owned

by Jim Karr and his partners.

As currently proposed, the redevelopment project would require demolishing the existing buildings — Elysium, Karr Realty and Spa Affair, according to the workshop presentation — and constructing two new commercial buildings with up to 21,750 square feet of retail, office and restaurant uses. Additionally, the two single-family homes at the back of the property along Oakdale Street would be demolished.

Applicant Jim Hall, principal at HDSI, said the team’s current requests are 11,500 square feet of retail, 3,375 square feet of food/ beverage or restaurant use, and 6,600 square feet of office space.

“From the get-go, Jim Karr has been adamant that we create a really high-quality project for everyone,” Hall said. “We’re going to have not just one type of use. There will be a mixture of non-residential uses. … There will be straight retail uses, food and beverages, some type of restaurant-type setting and office spaces. It needs to age really, really well over time. We need to create a really great place for pedestrians and the residents of Windermere.”

These new buildings would front Main Street and the western portion of the property along East Sixth Avenue. Proposed for the portion adjacent to Oakdale Street is a 20-foot-wide landscape buffer with a 6-foot wall.

Parking and stormwater retention would be located on the side of the wall that faces the project.

Town Planner Brad Cornelius said although a portion of the building fronting the corner of Main and Sixth is proposed to be two stories, the maximum building height allowed is 35 feet.

“That is what’s required by the town master plan, is that the buildings are required to be pushed to Main Street, and the properties on the back or along Oakdale are required to be parking and stormwater and buffering,” Cornelius said. “There’s only two access points to the property — one off of East Sixth Avenue. A requirement of the

DOWNTOWN DETAILS To view further details regarding the proposed redevelopment project, visit town. windermere.fl.us/downtownredevelopment. Any questions about it can be directed to Brad Cornelius at (813) 882-4373 or bcornelius@ wadetrim.com.

master plan is that access can only be a right-in and right-out.

(And) on the other side of the property on the Fifth Avenue side, there will be a full-access connection to Fifth Avenue.”

The property’s future land-use designation and zoning combines commercial and residential within the Town Center Overlay District. Because that overlay district applies, the properties must be developed consistent with the downtown master plan, both of which were adopted in 2004 to guide the redevelopment of properties within the downtown area.

Cornelius said Hall and the team also have requested two waivers to the PSP submission requirements, one of which is from providing proposed actual building facade drawings. Hall explained this deferral stems from uncertainty regarding how much land area will be necessary for an on-site septic system for wastewater.

“The area that may be required for the on-site septic system may limit the amount of area available for the required parking, which could then reduce the size of the proposed buildings based on available parking,” Cornelius said.

Before the project can become reality, Town Council would need to approve rezoning the property to Planned Unit Development, as well as both the preliminary site plan and the final development plan. Town Council public hearings for the PUD and PSP are scheduled for April 13 and June 8.

Hall assured town leaders that for Jim Karr and his team, this is a legacy project, and they have no plans to flip it to another developer.

“Between the ownership group and myself and the town, this is a really important project,” Hall said. “This really has to come off and be done very, very well. If we can all work together and do that, then I think it’s a huge win for all the residents, it’s a win for us, it’s a win for the people that will be running their shops and stores and restaurants here.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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Golf for good

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t was the perfect night for scoring a hole in one March 22, as the Rotary Club of Windermere took over TopGolf Orlando for an evening of golf, friends and food. The club’s Golf for Good event raised funds to go toward supporting Rotary service projects in the Windermere community. Players enjoyed three hours of golf, dinner and beverages, camaraderie, a silent auction and the chance to win in the 50/50 raffle drawing.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $2.05 million A

home in the Keene’s

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

dential real-estate trans-

The home at 15343 Murcott Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $537,000.

Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,038 square feet.

The price per square foot is $176.76. Days on market: 48.

actions from March 27 to

WATERLEIGH

Pointe community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area resi-

The home at 9068 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $580,136.

Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,327 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.37.

Days on market: 10.

April 2.

The home at 9733 Carillon Park Drive, Windermere, sold April 2, for $2.05 million. Built

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

in 2014, it has five bedbaths, a pool and 7,200 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $284.72. Days on market: Zero.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

The home at 9733 Carillon Park Drive, Windermere, sold April 2, for $2.05 million. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from March 27 to April 2.

GOTHA

BLACKWOOD ACRES

The home at 1876 Blackwood Ave., Gotha, sold March 29, for $599,000. Built in 1972, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,366 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.20. Days on market: 149.

GOTHA

The home at 1535 Dingens Ave., Windermere, sold April 1, for $755,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,495 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.96. Days on market: 147.

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ORCHARD HILLS

has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,749 square feet. The price per square foot is $187.07. Days on market: Three.

The home at 5400 Walsh Pond Court, Windermere, sold March 29, for $558,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,178 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.58. Days on market: Eight.

The home at 14038 Eden Isle Blvd., Windermere, sold March 30, for $514,250. Built in 2003, it

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EDEN’S HAMMOCK

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has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 2,921 square feet. The price per square foot is $177.01. Days on market: 29.

SNAPSHOT

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3390 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $517,050. Built in 2021, it

The home at 14457 Cedar Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 1, for $630,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,094 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.88. Days on market: One. ORCHARD PARK

The home at 14037 Pecan Orchard Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $500,000.

Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,793 square feet. The price per square foot is $131.82.

Days on market: 120.

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BANK

The home at 7627 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $1,540,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,596 square feet. The price per square foot is $275.20. Days on market: 57.

WINDING BAY

The home at 15432 Gilligan Court, No. 93, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $566,990.

Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,244 square feet.

The price per square foot is $174.78. Days on market: 144.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1627 Amber Leaf Circle, Ocoee, sold April 1, for $399,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,900 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.59. Days on market: Two.

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three baths, three half-baths, a pool and 5,840 square feet. The price per square foot is $300.51.

Days on market: 302.

CROWN POINT WOODS

The home at 1350 Log Landing Drive, Ocoee, sold March 29, for $460,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,221 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.81. Days on market: 125.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6343 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1,675,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,968 square feet. The price per square foot is $280.66. Days on market: 119.

EAGLES LANDING

The home at 2872 Eagles Landing Trail, Ocoee, sold March 29, for $440,900. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,464 square feet. The price per square foot is $127.28. Days on market: 30.

The home at 1917 Lake Roberts Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $1.24 million. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from March 27 to April 2.

FORESTBROOKE

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

The home at 249 Otter Tail Court, Ocoee, sold April 2, for $382,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,070 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.43.

Days on market: Four.

PLANTATION GROVE WEST

The home at 11021 Groveshire Court, Ocoee, sold March 31, for $410,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,124 square feet. The price per square foot is $193.03. Days on market: One. WESTYN BAY

The home at 553 Palio Court sold April 2, for $380,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,946 square feet. The price per square foot is $195.27.

Days on market: Two.

BALMORAL

The home at 9152 Balmoral Mews Square, Windermere, sold March 29, for $832,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,157 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $200.14.

Days on market: Two.

WEST ORANGE CASA DEL LAGO

The home at 12318 Montalcino Circle, Windermere, sold March 30, for $875,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,764 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $232.47. Days on market: 60.

PROVIDENCE

The home at 13114 Zori Lane, Windermere, sold April 2, for $1 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,195 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $238.38.

Days on market: Zero.

TILDENS GROVE

The home at 12708 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold March

31, for $955,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,263 square feet. The price per square foot is $224.02. Days on market: 10.

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 1112 Lascala Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $572,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,844 square feet. The price per square foot is $201.13. Days on market: Nine.

CRESCENT LAKE ESTATES

The home at 2641 Crescent Lake Court, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1,100,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,066 square feet. The price per square foot is $358.77. Days on market: Four.

ISLEWORTH

The home at 9304 Isleworth Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold March 30, for $1,755,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms,

BUYING or SELLING?

WATERSTONE

The home at 11946 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1,175,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,442 square feet. The price per square foot is $341.37. Days on market: Zero.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 2138 Kane Park Way, Windermere, sold March 31, for $800,000. Built in 1993, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,210 square feet. The price per square foot is $249.22. Days on market: Two.

WINTER GARDEN CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15629 Granlund St., Winter Garden, sold April 2, for $530,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,106 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.64. Days on market: Zero.

The home and property at 17835 Marsh Road, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $875,000.

Built in 2000, the home has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,224 square feet of living area on 9.82 acres. The price per square foot is $714.87. Days on market: 438.

LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 701 Lake Cove Pointe Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $655,000.

Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,847 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $170.26. Days on market: Six. LAKE ROBERTS LANDING

The home at 1917 Lake Roberts Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $1.24 million. Built in 2010, it has seven bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,138 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $241.34. Days on market: Two. OAKLAND PARK

The home at 872 Rhett St., Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $547,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,174 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $251.61. Days on market: Five.

PARK PLACE

The townhouse at 474 Hazelnut Court, Winter Garden, sold April 1, for $540,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,870 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $288.77. Days on market: 11.

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The home at 2616 Carter Grove Circle, Windermere, sold March 31, for $530,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,397 square feet. The price per square foot is $221.11.

Days on market: One.

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The home at 3482 Starbird Drive, Ocoee, sold March 30, for $405,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,072 square feet. The price per square foot is $131.84. Days on market: Seven.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

The Orange County School Board held a rule development workshop March 30 to review rezoning options for seven areas of our community.

Those rezonings include: Hamilton Gardens: The School Board will move forward with the proposed targeted rezoning for August 2021 affecting Horizon and West Orange high schools. Eight students will be rezoned from West Orange to Horizon.

Sanctuary at Lakes of Windermere: The School Board will move forward with the proposed targeted rezoning for August 2021 affecting Independence and Sunset Park elementary schools, and Bridgewater and Horizon West middle schools. Fifteen elementary students will be rezoned from Independence to Sunset Park, and eight students from Bridgewater to Horizon West.

New school 132-M-W-4, which will bring in students from Bridgewater, Horizon West and SunRidge middle schools when it opens in August 2022.

The School Board decided to move forward with the proposed option 2.

New schools 89-E-W-4 & 114-E-W-4, which will affect students at Castleview, Summerlake, Water Spring, Whispering Oak, Independence and Keene’s Crossing elementary schools, when they open in August 2022. The School Board decided to move forward with the proposed option 5.

Proposed changes are scheduled to be voted on at the School Board meeting April 27.

SAMMIE LAMBOURNE WINDERMERE HIGH SCHOOL

A senior at Windermere High, Sammie Lambourne has been involved in creating traditions and shaping the Wolverine legacy since Day One. Lambourne was part of the school’s first freshman class, which will graduate this spring. She is known as the girl who “bleeds navy and lime” — even “Windermere Woman” to some — and last year was recognized by Orange County Public Schools as an outstanding ADDitions school youth volunteer honoree.

Tell us briefly about everything you’re involved in at Windermere High.

I am the student body president at Windermere High, a student adviser to the superintendent, senior/coverage editor of the yearbook and (National Honor Society) historian.

I also used to be a varsity basketball player my freshman and sophomore year.

What made you want to be so involved in your school?

Toward the end of middle school, my leadership teacher extended an offer to be involved in a leadership training camp to learn from other student leaders across the state of Florida and bring back those skills and ideas to starting the new school.

From choosing to be involved in helping to start the traditions at Windermere High, I have had a passion for wanting to create a legacy that inspires people to become involved. I believe that when you are involved in high school — specifically in projects focusing on bettering the community — you are creating a culture of outreach and support.

REPORT CARD

What is the most rewarding part of being so integrated in service to your school?

I have loved seeing how my school has changed since we opened our doors for the first time my freshman year. It is incredible to see how talented and accomplished my peers are. We truly have the best students who are exceptional in all areas. I have loved watching the theater performances, band competitions, sporting events, club activities and seeing the artwork from our creative students. There are so many organizations on campus that are doing amazing things; it’s a reward itself to be a part of that school community where you can observe all the talent.

What do you love most about your school?

I love that my school is new. Because my school is new, there has been so much possibility for creating traditions and school culture. Some of my favorite events and projects that we do include our senior handprints, annual fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network and our school dances.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to listen to music and go on long car rides, and if I have more than a couple minutes … of extra time, I’ll learn a song on the guitar from a YouTube video.

Who is/was your favorite teacher?

Why? This is impossible to answer! I have been blessed to have many impactful teachers that have helped me throughout high school in one way or another.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Why? In college, I plan on majoring in international relations/public policy, so I hope to be working in foreign policy combating the world’s major issues in a few years. I have always wanted to make a widespread impact, and I feel like working in foreign policy would allow me to make lasting change.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

AGE: 18 CLASS: Senior

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

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Keeping the music alive The music department at SunRidge Middle School is in dire need of instruments for students, and band director Melissa Westerman is looking for help.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Around the world, COVID-19 has had massive negative impacts on many aspects of life. However, at SunRidge Middle School, it has led to an explosion of interest in the school’s music department.

The school always has shown an affection toward the arts, said Melissa “Missie” Westerman, the school’s director of bands, but this past school year has been different.

With students being moved around as an effect of COVID-19, the department has seen an influx in students transferring in and wanting to participate in the programs. The only

HOW TO HELP If anyone has instruments to donate to the SunRidge Middle School band, contact Melissa Westerman at (407) 656-0794, Ext. 5352310, or email her at melissa.ellis@ ocps.net.

issue? There aren’t enough instruments.

“With COVID happening, kids can’t share instruments … so I have students sitting there just playing on mouthpieces, and it hurts my heart,” Westerman said. “I’ve loaned my personal instruments out to students, and I’m tapped out.

“We get kids that transfer in, and that sort of trickles throughout the first semester, and then I had three kids transfer just this January, and those are the three that are just sitting there,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK, I have this trumpet mouthpiece that you can buzz on, and actually you’ll be a stronger player when you’re buzzing.’ And they feel a little embarrassed, but I don’t bring attention to them — I want to hand them over my trumpet so bad, but I can’t. …

That’s the part that just breaks my heart to death.”

At the start of the school year, Westerman loaned out the school’s seven flutes, eight clarinets, nine trumpets and seven trombones, before loaning out one of her own trumpets

Troy Herring

Melissa Westerman is seeking instrument donations to keep her young musicians playing.

— which was her older brother’s trumpet. She’s also borrowed instruments from Lakeview Middle, Bridgewater Middle and West Orange High School — but even they are largely tapped out, she said.

Although only a small number of students remained without instruments, Westerman can’t bear the thought of them not being able to play or losing them from the program because they didn’t have an instrument.

“Some parents were like, ‘I can’t purchase it,’ and I said, ‘You know what, instead of removing them from band, let me see what I can do — give me a few weeks,’” Westerman said.

“We’re not going to start playing our instruments just yet

anyway — we have to learn how to put it together and hold it without dropping it. I’m pretty resourceful about that.”

With some time to work with, she approached Principal Amy McHale about reaching out to the community for help. Since then, Westerman has come up with one donation — that of a flute — but is holding out hope as she continues to get the word out.

“I feel like I’ve kind of hit a brick wall,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve ever had to reach into the community and ask. I’ve never had to experience this before, and this is my 24th year teaching, so it’s kind of like, ‘What do I do? What do I do?’”

As she continues her search for

more instruments, things in the band program are still different.

Last year, those in the program didn’t get to participate in their usual big spring concert, and this school year, they didn’t get to perform at their winter concert, either. However, the band program did perform in a virtual concert — though it remains to be seen when they will get the change to perform live again.

“They’re like, ‘Well, what are we working for?’” Westerman said. “To keep them motivated, we’re working on songs from ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Harry Potter’ and Beethoven with the beginners — stuff that they know.

And fun things in class to keep them upbeat and like, with the top band, we’re working on The Beatles and exposing them to music. Some kids love it and some kids are like, ‘Why are we playing The Beatles?’”

While Westerman continues leading her students in whatever way she can, she hopes is folks in the community will hear her call for instrument donations and lend a helping hand to a program in need.

“We just keep plugging forward,” Westerman said. “Anyone who has any instruments — even if they work or they don’t — we’ll take anything, any kind of donations of any instrument that they’d be willing to donate to the school.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY APRIL 4, 1947 It once was common for companies to offer a free promotional item in hopes of selling more merchandise or goods. In a 1947 advertisement in The West Orange News, Pillsbury offered one of three useful kitchen pieces — the baby elephant pitcher, early-bird pie whistle or Puss-in-Boots flower vase/pitcher — with every 25-pound bag of enriched flour purchased at local grocery stores. Could anyone in your family have one of these in their attic?

85 years ago

Mrs. Harry Bumby, a stimulator for the beautification of Winter Garden, donated about 20 lovely flame vines to adorn the lakefront projects. These were to be planted at the poolside and near the shuffleboard courts.

80 years ago

Norman Lee Thompson, of Sanford, was visiting his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. T.T. Cappleman. Mrs. Henry Britt Jr., Mrs. Phil Pounds, Mrs. Ruby Stone, Mrs. Robert Brown and Mrs. John Minor left to attend the State Convention of the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs, which was convening in Miami. Mrs. John T. Ezzard Jr. and Mrs. Carey Youngblood spent last Wednesday in Tampa and Palm Harbor.

75 years ago

Seen at the Yacht Club dance were Johnnie and Dottie Lu Johnson, Leila and Wilson Griffith, Charles McMillan, Ty Youngblood, Elmer Youngblood and Jerry Brown.

Lakeview High School seniors sold magazine subscriptions for the purpose of purchasing a new-model electric mimeograph, which they will present to the school at graduation.

CROSSWORD

©2021 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Sprinkler sites 6 One may be incandescent 10 Text format letters 13 Strong criticism 17 Earth Day’s month 18 Pirates’ sea in movies 20 Echo voice 21 Mexican dip in Manila?

23 Report on 24 Look after a pet, say 25 Knobs 26 Venomous porcupine’s defense?

28 Where paradise was lost 30 Chinese menu general 31 Country lodging

FROM THE ARCHIVES VENI VIDI VICI: Fifty-six years ago this month, the Lakeview High School Latin Club held its annual banquet. Some of the students elected to appear in “Roman” garb, while the adults opted for a more traditional look — some would say “futuristic,” considering the setting. From left: Assistant Principal Raymond Aldridge and his wife; Principal Bob and Dolly Moore; student Reggie Sterns; Latin instructor Carroll Barrett; and students Mitchel Hull and Eddie Bradford.

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.

70 years ago

Carol Ann Bekemeyer, Beth Minor, Beverly Cooper and Eva Jane Hovsepian helped Linda Rose Hull celebrate her birthday with an Easter egg hunt.

PICK, QUICK! by Hal Moore; Edited by David Steinberg

32 Series of concerts 33 Cold, as a look or a brook 35 “It’s of no ___ me” 38 Smallest possible amount 41 Guthrie at Woodstock 43 Weed chemical, for short 44 Beehive State native 45 Starts feeling fatigued 47 Heineken alternatives, informally 50 Curved path 52 Gravelly sound 54 Tiffany fixture 55 One particle in alignment with another?

58 Streetcar

60 Historical period 61 Stage sister of Masha and Irina 62 Hide’s counterpart, in a game 64 Missions, briefly 65 Come out on top 66 Charming old color assortment?

70 Resistance measure 73 Big ___, California 74 Pop star nickname hidden in “Missouri River” 75 Marsh plant 76 Kool ___ Dee (hip-hop pioneer) 77 As of right now

55 years ago

New directors elected for the Winter Garden Stamp Plan were B.P. Hannon, Joe Valdes, Abe Haimowitz, J.C. McClung, Evelyn Lease, Johnie Griffin and Beulah Zeigler. Stamps given by the downtown merchants may be redeemed for either cash or merchandise.

105 Smoke with a pen 109 Airplane flyers who have misgivings?

113 Decrees 115 ___ de los Muertos 116 Not trendy 117 “Behave,” or a theme hint 120 Agenda components 121 Komodo dragon’s country 122 Prize highly 123 The Terra-cotta Army guards one 124 Rooibos or oolong 125 Largest of Canada’s First Nations 126 Dueling swords

20 years ago

West Orange High School Principal Mike Armbruster was spotted in a kilt when he made good on a deal with Kathryn Austin. He promised to wear the get-up if Austin’s team raised a certain dollar amount for the West Orange Relay For Life.

47 Explode like a volcano 48 Enticed 49 “Genesis does what Nintendon’t” sloganeer 51 Sea seen from Baku 53 Mentored one 56 Place to hibernate 57 Irish actor Stephen 59 Take place?

63 Russell of “The Americans” 67 Muslim face veil 68 Play about Capote 69 Outdoor wedding need 70 Union Pacific’s Nebraska base 71 Baklava sweetener 72 Queens team DOWN 73 Bicyclist’s challenge 1 Moment of forgetfulness 77 Interview goal 2 Part of a ladybug’s lunch 78 ___ Eats 3 Compose a letter 79 Sammy with six Silver 4 Zero, in soccer Slugger Awards 5 Went downhill, perhaps 6 Help for a struggling bank 80 15 minutes, say, at a crossword tournament 7 Huge coffee containers 82 Ringlet 8 Tell a tall tale 83 What an athlete might 9 Place for grilling take in protest 10 Escort from the door 84 Certain flat-screen set 11 Einstein’s “m” 87 Remote abbr. near a “+” 12 Most stuck-up and a “-” 13 Some grain-grinding 91 Beats, as a lovestruck facilities heart 14 Strauss of denim 94 Vast grassland 15 Skating jump 97 Weisshorn or Matterhorn 16 Marx or Malden 98 One-up 18 Books reviewers, briefly 99 Harmonious 19 Good, in Italian 100 Halloween animals 81 Factory that makes noisy 20 Find not guilty 102 Odyssey automaker 22 Shame toy ducks?

104 Valley known for 85 Instrument that tunes an 27 French refusal vineyards 29 Nabisco’s ___ Wafers orchestra 106 Discombobulate 34 Formal discussion 86 Opera star 36 Hack-a-___ (rhyming NBA 107 Irritated feeling 88 Sister with a habit 108 Simplifies strategy) 89 Shows the ropes to 109 Give up 37 Linen shade 90 Under siege 110 Golden rule word 38 Long Island Rail Road org.

92 Mafia 111 “Uh, I’m standing right 39 Eurasian border region 93 Part of a gym set here” 40 Viral phenomenon 95 Australian greeting 112 It may be dotted or 41 “Pong” producer 96 Senator Warnock dashed 42 Showed again 98 Gulf ship 44 “Family Matters” charac- 113 Firework feature 100 Wager 114 Rescue ter Steve 101 Select the best of 46 Agent involved in a dead 118 Opposite of ‘neath 102 Invader of Gaul 119 Quick snooze drop 103 Santa ___ winds

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.

“H.J.C. GMWHJA MPKGDFKI, K GWFJG NPIJRA ... VPK KHUDRH KIE FKEPMJIP XKDI KHP LPMGWFJIN DPH UW GWFPEZ DPKSPI.” – CKRM HREIJGX

“UNY SXCB RN VN RSMNYVS RSNWB TNYERXAEW XEP CXIIBUW – KBFXYWB RSXR’W DSXR IAGB AW: WNYI VMNDRS.”

– DXUEB EBDRNE

Puzzle Two Clue: F equals C

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue L equals W

14

© 2021 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

04-08-21

APRIL 8, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

Windermere Prep’s Gracie Wallace has recorded 12 wins in 14 appearances on the mound this season. Page 16.

1

5

It was a good outing for the Olympia boys and girls track and field teams at the Bob Mosher Wildcat Open Saturday, April 3. The Titans finished in third place in the boys competition and saw first-place finishes by Andrew Miller (2K steeple) and Kai Komatsu (1600-meter run, 3200-meter run). Meanwhile, on the girl’s side, the Titans took a fourth-place finish and were led by wins for Maya Abraham (100-meter hurdles) and Morgan LaBord (100-meter dash, 200-meter dash).

2

A busy day at the Panther Invite Saturday, April 3, at Dr. Phillips High School saw local schools haul in the hardware in track and field action. On the girls side, Dr. Phillips took the top spot, while Windermere (No. 2) and Ocoee (No. 4) rounded out the top five, while Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Windermere and Olympia finished in first through fourth place in the boys meet. Overall — between both boys and girls — Dr. Phillips walked away with 12 wins, Ocoee and Windermere recorded four wins each, and Olympia notched three wins.

3

In Dr. Phillips baseball’s 7-0 win over Boone Thursday, April 1, pitcher Tyler Blanchard had an outstanding performance. He recorded the completegame shutout while striking out nine batters and giving up only three hits.

At the plate, Noah Sullivan led the way with two hits and five RBIs.

4

The Foundation Academy softball team rallied late in its 10-9 win over Geneva School Thursday, April 1. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lions scored two runs and were spurred on by the hitting of Elena Friedman — who had three hits and the game-winning RBI.

5

Ocoee baseball’s Lloyd George came through in the clutch in the Knights’ 6-5 walkoff win against Colonial Wednesday, March 31. Tied at 5-5 in the bottom of the seventh, George singled on a 1-1 count to score the winning run. He went 2-for3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Troy Herring

Head I above water

Ocoee High senior Christina Aguirre got in one final year of water polo despite the challenges of bringing together and fielding a team at the school.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

n a pool teeming with members of the Ocoee High boys water polo, Christina Aguirre goes through the usual motions of a typical practice.

But on this day at Farnsworth Pool, Aguirre — the lone girl putting in work— looks around dismayed by the stark reality of the moment.

It’s not new that it’s just her at practice, but with this season being her last at the school, the lack of participation on the girls’ side hits harder than normal. For someone who has fought so hard to keep the girls water polo at Ocoee afloat, it feels like a blow to her soul.

“I was practicing with the boys, and I got out and I told Jason (Westcott), ‘I want my girls here, you know?’” Aguirre said. “And I think that was the hardest thing — I felt alone in this, because toward the end of the season, not many of the girls wanted to try anymore.

They were kind of done, and I don’t blame them. None of them were seniors, so they didn’t understand where I was coming from.”

The frustration she felt during that practice has been with Aguirre the last few years. She has spent countless hours being the program’s biggest advocate and life-preserver — a role that’s difficult for a sport that often gets overSEE AGAINST PAGE 17

Olympia, Dr. Phillips split water polo district championships The Olympia girls water polo team stormed to a 17-2 win over Dr. Phillips, while the Dr. Phillips boys team grabbed a thrilling 15-14 win.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

A busy night at Rosen Aquatic & Wellness Center featured two different district championship games between bitter rivals Thursday, April 1.

Throughout the years, both the Olympia and Dr. Phillips water

polo programs have made a name for themselves in the pool, and they didn’t disappoint on this night, either.

DR. PHILLIPS OUTLASTS OLYMPIA

When Dr. Phillips needed him the most, Sam Collingwood stepped up and delivered.

With the game between the Panthers (14-2) and Olympia Titans (11-1) knotted up at 14-14 with six seconds left in regulation, Collingwood took his place for the penalty shot and delivered a crushing blow to the Titans — scoring his fourth goal of the game to hand Dr. Phillips the 15-14 win in the District 5 championship game.

“You know, we are disappointed in the outcome — we had some big goals,” Titans head coach SEE DISTRICT PAGE 16

Troy Herring

Dr. Phillips’ Sam Collingwood leaps from the water before firing off a shot.

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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

Gracie Wallace In her first year as a member of the Windermere Prep softball team, Gracie Wallace has had no issues fitting in. The Florida Gulf Coast University commit is the Lakers’ go-to pitcher. She recorded 12 wins in 14 appearances so far this season while striking out 169 batters and maintaining a 0.46 ERA.

When did you first start playing softball?

I was about 5 years old when I started playing softball, and it was just seeing it on TV and stuff, and I really wanted to play. So I got into playing at the local Babe Ruth, and then I was 10 when I first started wanting to pitch. I asked my parents if I could try to start pitching, and then I started doing pitching lessons and went from there.

What is it about softball that has kept you involved in the sport?

I just love playing with a team and having to rely on each to get through games … and the culture, the coaches and everybody supporting each other. I just fell in love with the sport.

What is your favorite part about pitching? The most challenging part?

My favorite part about pitching is having the most control over the game, but also the challenging part about that is the pressure that is on yourself. Sometimes the way you control the game, if you’re having a bad day but things aren’t going well — you’re team is looking out for you — and you just have to figure out everything during the game or you have to rely on your teammates to help you get through it.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Junior AGE: 17 SPORT: Softball POSITION: Pitcher

This is your first year at Windermere Prep. Tell us about that.

It’s been really cool — the culture is way different than what it used to be at my old school.

My old school wasn’t competitive at all, but this school for softball is more competitive.

The coach really strives for a culture to be your best every time you go on the field and work hard.

Coming into this season, did you have any goals you were hoping to accomplish?

I actually wrote down some goals before the season had started … I wrote down pitching goals and stuff, and some team goals for winning districts. I wanted to be in — at least — the top 10 in strikeouts.

What’s it like being the go-to pitcher for your team?

It means a lot. We have a backup pitcher, but I’m the only pitcher. It can be stressful, but I truly love what I do. As long I keep doing everything that I need to do, and I’m confident in myself and I know that I’ve done everything I can possibly do to prepare myself, it kind of takes the pressure off.

You’ll be playing collegiately at Florida Gulf Coast after you graduate from Windermere Prep. What are you most excited about?

I’m really excited to play, but the most exciting thing is just stepping into a new culture and everything and changing stuff. I’m going to have to work my way up all over again, but it’s going to be fun.

— TROY HERRING

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Stephanie Johnson Possell said.

“We are better than we played, but you play the game for a reason. We had 40 turnovers, so it’s hard to win a game with 40 turnovers.”

The late drama was only fitting for this rivalry matchup; both the Panthers and Titans spent the entire afternoon exchanging blows left and right, with the largest lead being only three goals.

In the first half alone, both teams scored nine goals each and exchanged leads on multiple occasions. Although the second half did not feature that same level of scoring — both teams’ defenses found their footing — the trend of lead changes continued before Collingwood’s final goal sank the Titans and pushed the Panthers into the state playoffs.

For Dr. Phillips, Collingwood and Liam Ortiz led the way with four goals apiece, while Colin Bryant (three goals), Samer Bon (two goals), Max Collingwood (one goal) and Aiden Abayasekera (one goal) rounded out the scoring. For Olympia, Eli Schweitzer recorded a game-high seven goals, with Zeyad Abdelmaged (two goals), Coby Scanlon (two goals), Lorn Duff (two goals) and Jacob Nagy (one goal) picking up scores for the Titans.

With the win, the Panthers moved on to face Boone in the regional quarterfinals Wednesday, April 7 — after press time.

The Titan’s loss ended their season at 11-1.

“This season was full of challenges — with lack of pools available and lack of practice time; it was a big change and big adjustment,” Johnson Possell said. “I give our boys credit

Samer Bon fights for a loose ball.

Isa Galbis winds up for a pass.

Photos by Troy Herring

for their flexibility of trying to work through it.”

OLYMPIA GIRLS BLAST DR. PHILLIPS

The Olympia girls water polo team stormed its way to a District 5 title during a 17-2 win over rival Dr. Phillips in the pool.

The Titans (15-1) bombarded the Panthers (8-5) with a barrage of goals in the first half before going into the break up 11-0. It all started with backto-back goals from Isa Galbis — whose goals would start the cascade of offense for the Titans early and often.

“This year, our girls are really strong,” Johnson Possell said.

“We have a variety of girls who can play, like playing, they’re a lot of fun to coach, they’re excited … and they’re learning every game, so we have a lot of good things going on with our

girls team this year.”

In the second half, things slowed down a bit for the Titans, although they kept up the pace on defense — all but shutting out the Panthers. Dr. Phillips broke through twice in the third quarter — both goals were scored by freshman Nicole Speller — but the Titans reeled off 17 goals to claim the title in a game that was never close.

Olympia was led by Isa Galbis, Maddie Johnson and Karolyn Henderson — each of whom scored three goals apiece. Meanwhile, senior goalie Krystyna Jolley recorded four saves and five steals.

With the win, the Titans advanced to the state playoffs, where they took on Lake Nona Wednesday, April 7, in the regional semifinals, after press time.

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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

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16

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

17

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES Kenneth Kron, age 85, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky, and Kensington, Connecticut, died after a short illness compounded by a hospital stay. He died at home in Ocoee, Florida.

Ken was a former schoolteacher and elementary school principal and a lifetime writer. He published two books, “Feet of Clay” and “Running Through the Roses,” and wrote many published pieces in newspapers and magazines, including the Orlando Sentinel. He taught writing classes and was a reporter for the Hickory (NC) Daily Record and

the New Haven Register.

Ken was an Army cook, chaplain’s assistant and M-48 tank driver at Fort Benning, Georgia. He graduated from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, and Southern Connecticut State College in New Haven, Connecti-

cut. He earned his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

His father; his mother, Helen Nelson Kron; and his twin, Keith Ki Kron; preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Rutherford Kron, of Ocoee.

They were married for 60 years.

He is also survived by his son, Keith Nelson Kron (Christian) of Providence, Rhode Island; his daughter, Karen Kron Hamilton (John, deceased) of Oakland, Florida; and two grandchildren, Richard Dylan Hamilton and Samantha Dorothy Hamilton, of Oakland, Florida.

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Against all odds

BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY

In the Aguirre family, water polo has been a longtime tradition; both Christina Aguirre’s older sister and brother had played at the school before. Both also wore No. 12, which was Christina Aguirre’s inspiration for choosing the number for herself.

In her freshman year, she decided to stick to swimming, but opted into continuing the family tradition in water polo her sophomore year. She remembers how fun it was to get out into the water — as well as the challenges of learning to play a team sport.

“When I first went in, I was like, ‘This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,’” Aguirre said. “Because not only is it hard swimming-wise, but I had to learn how to just play and not care what other people think, because I don’t like to be criticized.”

During Aguirre’s sophomore year, everything seemed right in the pool. Her team was led by two trusty seniors, and it was a stable and competitive team. However, once the season ended, things changed dramatically.

During the summer going into her junior year, the two seniors who led the program left, as did multiple girls. Suddenly, Aguirre was thrust into a role she wasn’t ready to take.

“All of the responsibility from those two seniors was put down on me,” she said. “I barely had a year of experience, so I had to learn the game, I had to teach it to the girls who were new, and it was very, very stressful on me. … The other hard part was we would just grab whoever we could find to play.”

Throughout her junior year, Aguirre did everything she could to find girls around campus and cobble together a team. Despite her shy nature, Aguirre snagged girls from her swim team at Ocoee to join and ran around campus trying to find other people.

NO QUIT

The lack of players continued into her senior year, putting her ability to play in jeopardy.

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looked, despite it’s growth around the area.

“I remember I talked with teammates a lot about it — the boys team — and I’d be like, ‘This is going to be really hard for me. … I want to play, and this is my senior year. I want to enjoy it as much as I can, but we’re not going to have a girls team.’ It was really hard.”

Regardless, Aguirre persisted and fought through the challenges of the season. It was a constant struggle each week for Aguirre and first-year Ocoee swimming and water polo coach Jason Westcott.

“Pretty much every single game on the girls side, we were struggling, because we would have maybe one girl join and then one girl leave,” said Westcott, who was teammates with Aguirre’s brother at Ocoee a few years back. “It was very disappointing, because I really wanted to teach the girls.”

Aguirre and Westcott went around during lunchtime at the school to try their best to bring more girls on.

For the entire season, the team played — when they had enough to field a team — a man down and with no subs. That meant Aguirre and the girls in the pool were worn out by halftime. Regardless of the circumstances, Aguirre was always there for practice and whatever games the Knights could get in.

“I feel like Ocoee creates the best leaders in water polo … and I definitely see some good traits in Christina leadership-wise — never giving up,” Westcott said.

There were times when Aguirre said she felt like giving up but never allowed herself to. She wanted to do it for her parents — especially her father, who loved watching her play — and she wanted him to see her in the pool one last time. She also loved the program too much to give up on it.

“I’m stubborn,” Aguirre said with a laugh. “At that point, why give up?

I know it’s aggravating; I know it’s frustrating. But for the people (who) were actually there and needed me, I needed to be there for them.

“And I knew if I left the whole girls program would just crumble altogether,” she said. “I still love the boys (team), I still love the program, and I love the exercise. I’m just stubborn, and I just wanted to make my dad proud and keep going.”

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18

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