W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
Mary Surprenant runs her own race. PAGE 15.
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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VOLUME 87, NO. 18
INSIDE
Painted rocks bring smiles to hospitalized patients, families. 7.
County, state create task forces to reopen
A Knight to remember Ocoee High School football standout — and University of Louisville signee — Dexter Rentz Jr. was shot and killed in Orlando Saturday, April 25. PAGE 4.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020
Ocoee OKs annexation, rezoning for facility The City Commission held a public hearing regarding the property for the proposed West Orange Medical Center. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR
The Ocoee City Commission convened in an empty City Hall Tuesday, April 21, for the first time since March 17. As always, the commission hosted its meeting via the city’s YouTube channel, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, the commissioners and staff could be seen wearing masks while sitting a safe distance from one another. Most of Tuesday’s discussion involved two subjects: a second reading and public hearing regarding the annexation
Officials have put together groups of experts from various businesses and organizations.
SEE OCOEE PAGE 4
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
YOUR TOWN
Orange County has created a task force to reopen the county as quickly and safely as possible. The team of health care professionals, business owners, company presidents and
ORLANDO HEALTH TAKING DONATIONS Orlando Health officials are asking the community for donations of homemade fabric masks for its staff members. A website link provides instructions and a donation form: orlandohealth.com/ covid-19/donations-withlocations.
SEE TASK PAGE 2
ROLLING WITH THE CHANGES
File photo
Dexter Rentz Jr. holds up the Shield after beating rival West Orange High during the 2019 football season.
Pammie’s Sammies adapts to COVID-19. SEE PAGE 3. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
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Postal Customer
“When Dexter entered any room at Ocoee High School, it lit up — his smile, his charisma — and everybody knew who he was. He came so far in life and had done so many things.” — Bill Alderman, athletic director, Ocoee High
The form requests information such as the mask size, design and fabric used, and it must accompany the donation. The hospital wants to diversify its resources and allow a more comfortable mask option for non-clinical situations. Drop-off donations are accepted Mondays through Fridays at the hospital system’s sites.