SOUTHWEST ORANGE
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Southwest Orange artists take center stage at annual arts festival. PAGE 14A.
Some enchanted evening
Windermere fathers and daughters made memories at Daddy Daughter Dance. SEE PAGE 7A.
Gold mime
Erik Morgan, a visually impaired Orlando native, is carrying Mr. Gold’s legacy every day at The Grove in Windermere. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Smoke shop near Olympia High School sparks debate
Teens spoke at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in support of buffer zones between schools and vape shops. PAGE 6A.
WOJSL RIDES WITH ANNUAL RUN OF THE ROSES
The West Orange Junior Service League is saddling up for its annual Run for the Roses. This year’s event will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Clermont Arts and Recreation Center, 3700 S. U.S. 27, Clermont. Guests will indulge in refreshing derby-inspired drinks and savor Kentucky-inspired cuisine while enjoying thrilling casino games and dancing to live music. This exciting night also will feature a silent auction, bourbon pull, “best dressed” contest and raffles — with all proceeds supporting vital local charities in West Orange County. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest derby attire and enjoy an evening of camaraderie and generosity while supporting the league’s mission. Sponsorship opportunities also are available for those wishing to further contribute. To purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit bit. ly/4mWLKat.
OCOEE POLICE TO SERVE UP ANNUAL PICNIC The Ocoee Police Department is spreading out its blankets and filling its picnic baskets for its Community Picnic this weekend.
Games, rides and performances delighted attendees at Hamlin Elementary’s fourth annual carnival. PAGE 13A.
Erik Morgan enjoys working as Mr. Gold, meeting new people on a daily basis.
Photo by Leticia Silva
5FAST
Food trucks catch fire in Windermere
A fire incident occurred Friday, April 24, in front of Windermere Town Hall.
Two food trucks, Grandma’s BBQ and Smoothie Express, caught on fire prior to Food Truck Night. Due to the fire, Food Truck Night was canceled.
According to Windermere Police
Chief Dave Ogden, upon arrival, officers saw Grandma’s BBQ food truck fully engulfed in flames, with the fire reaching about 20 feet into the air.
Ogden said a Hazmat team was requested as a precaution, the Miller Environmental Group handled cleanup and decontamination efforts, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was notified regarding potential runoff into nearby drainage systems.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office now is leading the investigation, Ogden said.
“At this time, the fire appears to be accidental in nature,” he said.
“There will be no further investigation conducted by the Windermere Police Department.”
2
Allora Day Spa to open in Hamlin Town Center
Allora Day Spa has secured a new location in Hamlin Town Center.
The new 2,991-square-foot location will be the fifth Allora Day Spa, which also operates in downtown Orlando, Oviedo, Winter Park and Dr. Phillips.
The luxury wellness brand offers
ing their luxury spa experience in vibrant, high-growth communities,” said Flavia Kanyago, CrossMarc Services vice president, who brokered the long-term lease agreement on behalf of the spa. “We are very intentional about identifying sites that not only meet their operational needs but also position them for long-term success.”
The spa will be located at 14416 Shoreside Way, Unit 100, Winter Garden.
3
Polished by Omairis to celebrate new location in Oakland
Polished by Omairis is celebrating the opening of its new location in Oakland with a ribbon-
day, April 30, at 301 N. Tubb St., Suite 113, Oakland.
“This is a safe haven, a home away from home, a space where clients become family and where nail artists can grow, build and step into their purpose without pressure,” owner Omairis Santiago wrote on social media. “A place built with love, built with intention, built from the ground up by every single appointment, every referral, every kind word, every person who believed in me.”
4
Man arrested after impersonating Ocoee firefighter A man was arrested the morning of Wednesday, April
Department responded to a call at 922 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee, to put a fire out.
While actively working the scene, personnel noticed a man dressed as a firefighter but did not recognize him. The man was identified as Mount Dora 20-year-old Henry Roth.
After confronting him, he was removed from the scene.
Police officers later questioned Roth and arrested him for pretending to be a firefighter, a thirddegree felony.
He also is facing another felony charge for interfering with an active fire scene.
Ocoee police said Roth told them he is a fire enthusiast and wants to be a firefighter.
Police believe Roth had no connection to the fire. 5
Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse to open in Lake Buena Vista A new steakhouse is soon to come to the Lake Buena Vista area.
Located at 12148 S. ApopkaVineland Road, Orlando, the New York Italian-American steakhouse will mark the second one in Florida. It is taking the space formerly occupied by Romano’s Macaroni Grill.
The 9,000-square-foot restaurant will seat about 250 guests and
Courtesy photos
The new Hamlin location will be the fifth for the Winter Park-based Allora Day Spa.
Two food trucks caught fire Friday, April 24, prompting the town of Windermere to cancel Food Truck Night.
Cause for shell-abration
Five students from Windermere High’s esports team worked together to win the Mario Kart State Championship Saturday, April 18.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Jumping up and down, shouting and with smiles on their faces, the Mario Kart esports team at Windermere High could not contain its emotions as it won the 2026 Florida FASA Mario Kart State Championship Saturday, April 18.
Sophomore Beckett Vorwaller, juniors Marcos Lima, Alejandro Pereda-Miguez and Cameron Gainey, and senior Jack Aboud brought the championship home for the second consecutive year and third time overall.
The team, also known as Kart Lime, was ranked No. 9 in the nation by PlayVS, North America’s leading scholastic and collegiate esports, gaming and curriculum platform, after its performance in the Spring 2026 season.
The team played in the semifinals and finals, winning the title of state champions by defeating Dr. Phillips 2-0.
“It was just such a rewarding moment for us as a team,” Vorwaller said. The win came after months of preparation.
FAVORITE TRACKS
n Beckett Vorwaller: Sunshine Airport
n Marcos Lima: Dragon Driftway
n Alejandro Pereda-Miguez: Snow Land
n Cameron Gainey: Dolphin Shoals
n Jack Aboud: Animal Crossing Winter Edition
n Favorite Characters: Yoshi, Mario, baby characters
n Bikes or Karts: Bikes
The boys don’t believe they practice — they call it playing. Dominating.
They sit in the visual arts classroom, which also is their coach’s classroom, make sure cameras, computers and other equipment is working properly, and then get to work.
They practice warm-ups, some of the tracks and shortcuts, and play matches against one another.
“Practice is more than just practice,” Lima said. “It’s a way to develop deeper bonds with each other. In the game, it’s all about chemistry — that’s something we have that many other teams don’t have. We have a connection to each other. That’s why we’re so good at the game, because we know each other so well.”
To team members, having a bond is important. Thankfully for them, that’s not an issue, as they all get along well.
“It’s fun because we can have sort of small rivalries with each other to help each other,” Vorwaller said.
“That’s really what esports is about. There’s this community and connection that helps us really push ourselves to the best moments that we can.”
During the championship, their bond is what made them win.
“Not being on our home turf can be a little nerve-wrecking,” PeredaMiguez said. “Especially with other teams who also have their own supportive crowds of fans and their well-established communities. … These friendships allows us to trust each other implicitly. I know they’d never lead me astray.”
And that indeed did not happen.
The last time they were at Dr. Phillips High for finals, they could not communicate with one another because of the noise. This time, they did not let that stop them from achieving victory.
Instead, they continued to work on
their bond and their teamwork while playing.
“When you know your team well, you understand as you’re playing the game what they’re going to do,” Aboud said. “That allows me to know where I need to play because I know their play style well. We also know each other well enough to make jokes constantly as we’re playing, because at the end of the day, it’s also about having fun.”
They’re proud of what they’ve accomplished together and hope to continue playing together for the remainder of their time at Windermere High.
To them, it’s more than just a game, it’s a community that provides longterm friendships and future opportunities.
Vorwaller said a lot of the skills learned through playing Mario Kart can be applied to real-world life experiences and careers, teaching them how to work together, research and analyze, multitask and more.
“It’s also an invitation to other kids (who) might not have found their place yet,” he said. “We took something that some people might think is weird, nerdy or very basementdwelling, and we owned it. We’re showing our strength as a school and a team.”
Head esports coach and visual arts teacher Karen Ashe is proud of the Kart Lime team and the hard work its members put into the game and every championship in which they participate.
“You guys are amazing,” she said
Ocoee receives positive report following audit
The Ocoee City Commission saw positive trends in its audit results and recognized local student winners of the water conservation poster contest.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
STAFF WRITER
The Ocoee City Commission received a positive audit for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025, during the presentation of audit results at the City Commission meeting Tuesday, April 21, but further internal reviews were deemed necessary to address the city’s water utility bill.
Audit director Matthew Ganoe presented the annual financial report, which was done with an unmodified opinion, the highest level of assurance that Ocoee’s financial statements are fairly presented.
“There were no material weak-
nesses and no significant deficiencies,” he said.
The report showed a decrease in the general fund balance, which Ganoe largely attributed to the ongoing expenditures, while other funds and ARPA funds saw increases driven by investment earnings.
Ganoe noted that about $5.6 million in Federal American Rescue Plan Act funds remain unspent and must be spent by the end of 2026.
District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy raised concerns about the accounts in the city’s water utility system, including about $500,000 in write-offs tied to the outstanding balances. His concerns stemmed
from the presentation of the utility billing policies and procedures assessment during the Tuesday, April 7, City Commission meeting, which revealed there is more than $2 million in unpaid bills.
Ganoe said the issues became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic and internal controls are reviewed during the audit process but not examined in the same depth as financial statements.
City Manager Craig Shadrix pointed to several other internal reviews already underway. He said there have been recent audits of fleet services that returned with clean results. The water billing issue now is being addressed as well as an audit of the city’s golf course operations.
DROP SAVERS AWARDS
The city of Ocoee also recognized local students who won the water
conservation poster contest, which was held in honor of April being Water Conservation Month and to teach students that water touches everything people do in every day life.
For kindergarten and first-grade students, first place went to Thornebrooke Elementary’s Lacey Ryan, and second and third went to Ocoee Elementary’s Raya Bholanata and Owen McDonigle, respectively. The second- and third-grade winners were Thornebrooke Elementary’s Joanna Bermingham, Aliya Kumar and Zoe Foster. The fourth- and fifth-grade winners were Thornebrooke’s Kennedy Buck and Ocoee’s Kinley Badenna and Kensi Spalholz.
First-place overall winners received a reusable water bottle with their poster design, a magnet of their poster and a jigsaw puzzle of their design. Second-place winners
to the students. “I love every minute that I spend with you, and we are like a family. These moments and these times are precious, and it’s my goal to provide you with just that last little bit of childhood and that last little bit of fun before you become adults. You have these memories to look back on — and that’s exactly what drives me to do what I do.”
The boys are grateful for Ashe’s coaching and support.
Inspired by her efforts, they hope other schools create an esports team so students across the county can experience the fun and team bonding they’re able to have.
“Take that leap of faith, because it’s really worked out for us,” PeredaMiguez said.
IN OTHER NEWS
n Commissioners asked residents to take an online public survey sharing their opinion on the most important public services. The survey is to give the city a better idea for the future after the Florida Legislature votes on the property tax law. Survey here: bit.ly/4cXt3Qu.
n The City Commission unanimously approved an annexation and rezoning request for 6.46 acres along North Lakewood Avenue. The site will be paved for a 30-unit single family home development and feature walking trails, a dog park and other neighborhood amenities.
received the water bottle and magnet, and third place received a water bottle. The contest drew more than 120 submissions.
Photo by Leticia Silva
Marcos Lima, Beckett Vorwaller, Cameron Gainey, Alejandro Pereda-Miguez, Jack Aboud and Karen Ashe are excited about the team’s win and all they will accomplish in the future.
better and brighter, which is what Morgan hopes to accomplish daily.
The love he receives on a daily basis now is his new norm, but there was a time where he was shocked to learn the amount of people who care about him and talk to him.
While he’s had different signholding jobs, he’s never interacted with as many people as he does as Mr. Gold.
“It surprises me every day the amount of people that come up to me, loving the work that I do,” he said. “If we’re talking numbers, (at different jobs), it’d be six people per day, but here I run into 20 to 30 people every day.”
He recalls the first time he went on vacation after working as Mr. Gold and being told people were going into the jewelry shop looking for him because he was not outside.
Even children would question where he was.
“That’s my favorite moment,” he said. “When I realized people have missed me. … People enjoy seeing me out there.”
He’s a helper and a giver, always caring for those around him.
That also is reciprocated.
Morgan said he has phenomenal bosses and coworkers who are there for him at all times of the day.
“I’ve had other jobs where my bosses and coworkers weren’t there for me,” he said. “It made me feel like I was on my own, like I had to figure it out alone.”
At Gianni Vincent Jewellers, he’s not worried about a lack of support, he’s not concerned about whether he’s doing a good job. Through the job’s positive work culture, he knows they’re there for him, he’s doing a good job, he’s working hard and it is paying off.
KEEPING THE LEGACY ALIVE
Morgan is part of a local tradition.
While he respects the legacy of the original Mr. Gold, he wants people to know he’s his own person, creating greatness the way he knows how.
“I want to be able to stand out from the other gold guy,” Morgan said.
And he was able to accomplish that in the six years he’s been with the company through his positivity efforts.
“Whatever you stick me with, I’m going to accomplish it,” he said. “I’m not going to let anything bring me down. I’m a fighter; that’s the one thing about me. I’m a fighter, and I’m going to keep going and keep getting through things.”
While some people drive by and say negative comments to him, he doesn’t let it affect him.
/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com
Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com
Managing Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
CONTACT
The West Orange Times West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 210 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787
TO ADVERTISE
Meet the man behind the mask Observer
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
If you’ve ever driven, walked, biked or jogged south on South Apopka Vineland-Road by The Grove at Isleworth, you’ve likely seen a man dressed in gold from head to toe and waving a “We Buy Gold” sign.
That’s Mr. Gold, aka Erik Morgan. Morgan began working for Gianni Vincent Jewellers in 2020 and has since become popular within the community, bringing smiles and positivity to all those who interact with him.
Located at 4757 The Grove Drive, Unit 164, Windermere, Gianni Vincent Jewellers sells jewelry and buys gold — something the owners have done since they opened the Diamond Exchange on East Colonial Drive in 2010.
That’s where Mr. Gold first made an appearance to the public, quickly becoming popular because of his looks, moves and positive attitude. When the owners decided to relo-
cate to Windermere, they knew they had to bring the community’s favorite sign-holder with them.
Although the original Mr. Gold has moved to North Carolina, his legacy remains intact today, through Morgan, his hard work and bright spirits.
“I’m on my own type of level,”
Morgan said. “I know he did his thing, and I’m the next one in line doing my thing.”
He dances a little, waves and draws dozens of people’s attention to him on a daily basis.
Over the past six years, Morgan has become more than just a man holding a sign. He’s a symbol of dedication and inspiration to the people who meet him.
Through consistency, hard work and a desire to put smiles on people’s faces, Morgan now is a staple in the Windermere and Dr. Phillips communities.
What was supposed to be a job like others he had in the past ended up deeply impacting his life through the kindness of community members and coworkers. And now, he’s
UNDER THE GOLD MASK
Under the mask, there’s a man with a heart of gold.
Morgan was born premature, which led to long-term vision impairments.
At 1 year old, Morgan’s twin died.
Today, Morgan does not see out of one of his eyes and has blurred vision in the other.
Even then, he perseveres.
He always has been motivated to be the best he can be, overcoming challenges through positivity and faith.
He went to a school for the blind, where he learned to navigate the world with his impairment and has never let it get in the way of his success.
He played basketball and ran track while in middle and high schools. He works out on the weekends to stay in good shape — something he said is important for this job.
Enduring Florida’s weather is no joke, but he always is prepared by staying fit, hydrated and positive.
“I love being out there enjoying the weather when it’s good,” he said.
While suffering from cataracts is hard, he finds ways to get tasks done.
He goes through the parking lot and gets to his positions by himself, safely navigating through cars and taking his time with his cane.
When he’s out there as Mr. Gold, he is happy and fulfilled.
“I love doing my job,” he said. “That’s what makes me happy. Every day, I see wonderful people and meet a lot of people. They’re always so surprised to see I’m in gold. People will come and take pictures with me, people do videos on TikTok with me, and that’s the type of energy that I
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, Morgan is on the side of the road doing what he loves.
“I love the love people give me, like ‘Thank you for being out here,’ ‘I see you doing a great job,’ and even the little kids that pass me every morning wave their hands at me saying ‘Hi Mr. Gold,’” Morgan said. He said some people go up to him to thank him for making their days
He navigates every day with grace, love and positivity, attributing his demeanor to God, his bosses, coworkers, family members and daily regimen.
Morgan soon will have surgery to clear his vision and will have to take some time off work to recuperate.
“I’m nervous about it, but I feel like this is my year,” he said. “Once it gets done, I’ll be doing more great things.”
He has waited for years for this surgery and is confident now is the time to get it done.
Once he’s healed, he said he’s going right back to work.
He truly loves being Mr. Gold and what he’s able to accomplish through the persona.
He hopes to continue to be out there Mondays through Fridays as Mr. Gold, interacting with residents and commuters one wave, one dance and one smile at a time.
To him, the job is way more than just holding a sign — it’s about spreading positivity, working hard and being proud of his work at the end of the day.
He hopes to serve as inspiration for others, claiming if he can do it in his situation, others can too.
“Never give up and keep pushing, because we can do it,” he said.
“I love doing my job. That’s what makes me happy. Every day, I see wonderful people and meet a lot of people. They’re always so surprised to see I’m in gold. People will come and take pictures with me, people do videos on TikTok with me, and that’s the type of energy that I love.”
— Erik Morgan
email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
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Erik Morgan, aka Mr. Gold, loves to spread happiness and cheer as he waves his “We Buy Gold” sign.
Photos by Leticia Silva
‘When’s our first play?’ City finds new partner for theater
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a partnership with DNA Event Creative to partner on managing the Garden Theatre.
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The first question Winter Garden Mayor John Rees asked after the Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a partnership with DNA Event Creative to manage the Garden Theatre was: “When’s our first play?”
“We’re ready to get started with our theater,” he said.
The City Commission unanimously approved the partnership with the Winter Park-based performing arts organization during its meeting Thursday, April 23.
The city has been looking for a third-party manager to reopen the Garden Theatre with full programming since April 2025.
City Manager Jon C. Williams said the Garden Theatre is a community treasure and an asset to the city that is vital to Winter Garden’s economic development.
Marc Hutchinson, the city’s economic development director, said a five-person selection committee evaluated the organization based on experience in producing or presenting live theatrical or performing arts events; organizational structure and key personnel; list of similar projects completed within the past five years with an overview description, event/performance type, targeted audience, production budget and notable accomplishments; three client references; proof of insurance or statement of insurability; and financial statement or funding plan.
Hutchinson said DNA’s proposal was “the highest ranked, most responsive and best qualified organization to serve as the presenting partner” for the theater.
DNA Event Creative has been designing and producing events for more than 20 years. The organization offers program management; live production and staging/production development; experiential production; multimedia and technology/ AV support; video production and editing; housing accommodations and registration services; on-site account management supervision; graphic design; content development; theme development; event entertainment; and off-site events.
The city now will enter contract negotiations with DNA Event Cre-
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission proclaimed Public Service Recognition Week Sunday, May 3, through Saturday, May 9.
n The City Commission unanimously approved a resolution amending the city’s purchasing manual, which was last updated in July 2025. The resolution adds additional language for federal procurement spending for federal expended grants. The proposed changes ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and satisfies conditions for federal grant funding.
n Commissioners approved a contract with T.D. Thomson Construction Inc. to remove and replace sidewalks in Regency Oaks, Daniels Crossing and Daniels Road in the amount of $224,649.64.
n The city of Winter Garden will celebrate West Orange High School’s Class of 2026 with the City Commission’s unanimous approval of the West Orange High Sen’ya Later School Parade from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, downtown. Everything will be staged in the southwest corner of east Plant Street and south Dillard Street. The parade will go west on Plant Street and turn around at Central Avenue to go back to the parking lot. Students will be walking down Plant Street, and there will not be any vehicles in the parade except possibly one permitted golf cart.
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the Summer Sidewalk Sale for Saturday, Aug. 1, in downtown Winter Garden.
HISTORY OF THE GARDEN THEATRE
n 1935: Garden Theatre was the first in Orange County to open as a test market for “talkie” films.
n 1963: The theater closed its doors.
n 2002: Winter Garden purchased the theater and entrusted the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation to renovate and operate the facility.
n 2004: More than $2.4 million was raised and renovations on the theater began.
n 2008: Renovations were complete, and the Theatre Opening Gala Night was held Feb. 29, with a performance written especially for the opening.
ative, and once the contract is finalized, DNA will work with the city to create a season calendar of events to take place in the theater.
Hutchinson said the Garden Theatre is fully operational for programming and is not in need of any immediate, major renovations, and renovation opportunities will be
n 2008-2024: The theater operated as a nonprofit.
n October 2024: The theater closed its doors once again due to financial duress.
n December 2024: The city reopened the theater with temporary holiday programming.
n 2025: The city engaged a performing arts consultant to develop a business plan and lay the framework for an operating directive.
n April 2026: The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a partnership with DNA Event Creative to reopen the theater.
actively monitored and planned accordingly.
Planned programming, which Hutchinson said will commence this summer, includes plays, musicals, concerts, comedies, movies, specialinterest events, summer camps and events showcasing local performing arts schools and nonprofits.
New Animal Control ordinance approved
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that repealed and replaced the city’s existing Animal Control provisions and adopted the Orange County Animal Services ordinance.
Marc Hutchinson, the city’s economic development director, said the ordinance is “in the interest of public safety and to reinforce the regulatory language and ensuring ongoing alignment with Orange County’s Animal Control Services ordinance.”
The ordinance will addresses the overall public safety and health to more effectively regulate control of dogs, cats and other domesticated animals regarding the use of leashes, direct and competent owner control of pets in public spaces, certain restrictions for animals in parks and recreational facilities, and refining requirements related to the dogfriendly dining program.
The ordinance includes a leash and control requirement that states “no owner or person in custody of a dog, cat or domesticated animal shall permit the animal to be in a public park, right of way, sidewalk or other public space unless it is on a leash, no longer than 8 feet, and under the direct control of a competent person at all times.”
PROPOSAL TO VACATE
DRAINAGE,
utility easements existing over .68 acres of undeveloped property located at 841 Tilden Oaks Trail and 15411 E. Oakland Ave.
The applicant is requesting to vacate certain drainage and utility easements that were recorded with the final plat of the Oakland Park Unit 5 subdivision in order to combine the lots and build a 8,732-square-foot mixed-use building as part of the McKinnon Square Planned Community Development.
The commission approved the rezoning of McKinnon Square at the March 26 commission meeting, but the lot combination and a final Certificate of Occupancy is contingent on the successful vacation of the easements.
The second reading of the ordinance will take place at the commission meeting Thursday, May 14.
SHOP, DINE AND STROLL APPROVED
Shop, Dine and Stroll in downtown Winter Garden was unanimously approved for Saturday, May 2.
Hutchinson said the event will attract and offer shoppers opportunity to experience downtown retailers and restaurants with an “exciting twist” as shoppers can win gifts and cash prizes through multiple raffle opportunities.
Besides in-store prizes, shoppers also will have the opportunity to win cash with jackpot prizes between $100 and $500.
There also will be live music entertainment.
The event will not require any road closures.
Consulting firm will help guide downtown’s future
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The city of Winter Garden is working to maintain its small-town charm in historic downtown after the Winter Garden Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved hiring a consulting firm to support small local businesses.
Downtown Winter Garden has experienced “unexpected marketplace forces” since the beginning of the year that have caused concern for residents and business owners.
Several properties have changed ownership in the past year, including the Edgewater Hotel, portions of the Bond Building, the Khouzam Building, the Exchange Building, the building that houses The Real Estate Collection Offices and others.
As a result of the change in ownership, some small local businesses have not been given the option to renew their leases, causing concern for many residents.
Commissioners and city staff have expressed a strong desire to maintain downtown Winter Garden’s small-town charm it has established over the past 30 years.
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a three-year contract with Retail Strategies Inc. during the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, April 23.
Marc Hutchinson, economic development director for the city, said the contract is a way to further support small local businesses. The company will use data and stakeholder-driven feedback and analytics to formulate a plan and solutions catered to Winter Garden.
“We want to take a closer look at what can we do more to undergird the small business operator,” Hutchinson said. “We’re wide open to some of the recommendations.”
The company not only will look at west Plant Street and its adjoining streets but also in the east Winter Garden area as the city works to redevelop the area. Hutchinson said east of Dillard Street to State Road 429 is the target area for redevelopment and the extension of Plant Street.
“There’s much more land there for an opportunity to redevelop, and there’s a design overlay of what east Plant Street should look like, and it will have connectivity to west Plant Street so there should be a continuous sort of identity,” he said.
The CRA will pay Retail Strategies $50,000 per year with the first year producing actionable policy and incentive recommendations.
“They’ll take a look at our code, so our design standards, especially in the historic downtown district, and see where are some areas from a regulatory framework standpoint that we can tweak that will be ultimately reinforcing and supportive of the small-town operator, therefore being supportive of the smalltown character of our downtown,
TIMELINE
n Kick-off call and onboarding: Within 14 days of the effective date.
n Market intelligence and data deliverables: Within 60 days of the effective date.
n In-market workshop: Within 90 days of the effective date.
n Downtown market assessment (written deliverable): Within 120 days of the effective date.
n Local policy recommendations report (written deliverable): Within 120 days of the effective date.
n Active business recruitment: Commencing upon completion of the downtown market assessment and continuing throughout the term.
n Biannual property owner roundtables: Every six months during the term.
n Quarterly progress reports: Within 15 days following the end of each calendar quarter.
which has always been the vision,” Hutchinson said.
Retail Strategies will recommend process improvements, including potential areas to streamline permitting and clear approval timelines as well as recommend digital tools that reduce delays.
“Together, these changes create a more predictable, business-friendly environment that helps retailers open faster and strengthens downtown investment,” according to agenda documents Retail Strategies provided.
The company also will work with the city to structure incentive programs to address gaps in the market to reward businesses that meet critical community needs.
The second and third year of the contract will consist of Retail Strategies providing ongoing support with small business recruitment, retention, biannual property-owner roundtables, quarterly progress reporting and access to an online small business training platform for merchants.
Retail Strategies will conduct a study by not only talking to city officials but also going into the community to meet with key stakeholders, including property owners, business owners and others, about the partnership, the challenges they face and potential opportunities.
Every year, Retail Strategies will conduct a market visit to identify, evaluate and catalog which downtown properties are best suited for adaptive-reuse, backfilling and redevelopment. The team also will identify property that can have a “higher and better use for community impact,” according to agenda documents Retail Strategies provided.
The team will provide a list of businesses that fit Winter Garden, especially as the city looks to redevelop east Plant Street with a desire to recruit more small businesses.
An electronic survey will be circulated to business owners, property owners, community partners and the general public to give insights to downtown.
Retail Strategies also will use advanced analytics and proprietary tools to uncover and define the economic potential in Winter Garden based on the result from its market intelligence and the in-market workshop of downtown.
Every six months, the team will engage with property owners by facilitating a roundtable to hear challenges and opportunities to better recruit and grow businesses in the area.
Retail Strategies also will have tools and training to help business owners to be “better operators, better entrepreneurs, better decision-makers with real-time market information,” Hutchinson said.
As new property owners come in and some small businesses not being given allowed the option to renew their leases, many residents are concerned about property owners leaving spaces vacant in downtown Winter Garden for unknown periods of time.
Hutchinson said Retail Strategies will work with property owners to fill the vacancies by canvasing other communities and areas of businesses that are suitable for the space and a “great fit” for Winter Garden.
“They’ll help kind of source and mitigate that exact concern of vacant storefronts,” he said. “Then certainly the recruitment will expand into areas where we’re redeveloping. We can kind of help property owners coming in with, ‘Here’s a list of potential candidates that we view as a great fit for Winter Garden. You’re free to sort of explore and vet those to see if it matches your needs.’” Community Redevelopment Agency member Larry Cappleman said the agency wants there to be an annual review on the effectiveness of Retail Strategies to ensure it is providing new information to the city.
“This is an excellent follow up to our original plan that we developed back in 1992, and we’ve progressed a long way to this point,” he said. “It’s probably a good opportunity for us to step back and see where we are today and what we can do to continue the progress we’ve seen in the past.”
Photo by Liz Ramos
The city of Winter Garden has entered a partnership with DNA Event Creative to reopen the Garden Theatre with plans for programming to commence this summer.
Church DIRECTORY
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus:
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable
Buffer zones could reduce teen vaping
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson has heard a variety of complaints from parents across the county regarding vape shops and their close proximity to schools.
An example of this would be SkyWalker Smoke Shop, a smoke and vape shop fewer than 500 feet away from Olympia High School’s baseball field.
Wilson said this proximity, combined with flavored products and sometimes a lack of age verification, are increasing the likelihood of teen vaping, impulse purchases and addiction.
“The placement near schools for these smoke shops and retail outlets is not coincidental,” she said. “It’s very much a marketing tactic. … Vape retailers often locate near schools to maximize exposure to youth and utilize high-traffic areas to target students. If you are a businessperson who claims not to want to market to children, why are you using childlike names, Star Wars characters, bright colors? … It is a targeted marketing ploy, and it’s successful.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2.2 million students use tobacco in the United States, an alarming number to Wilson, parents and even teens.
pressure and mental health all are causes for this wide use.
“Teens think vaping and alcoholism is a way to escape their mental-health problems,” he said. “It’s a way to get away from everything they’re going through in their life —that might be school, that might be their family issues — and it’s just something we need to emphasize, (because) it’s only going to make It worse.”
With Wilson’s initiative to look into buffer zones, Serrato hopes vape and tobacco products become harder to access, lowering the amount of teenagers who smoke.
“It’s not a miracle proposal, but it’s a huge step in the right direction,” he said.
Horizon High junior Adi Subramanian said she’s seen the negative effects of smoking on close friends. She hopes buffer zones can be implemented to stop students from going through a “lifetime of horrible addiction and a really bad spiral that’s extremely difficult to get out of,” she said.
Subramanian said parents need to become educated on the effects of vaping to help prevent teenagers from trying it.
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
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
METHODIST
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org
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
On Tuesday, April 7, Wilson asked the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to research ways an amendment can be made to the Orange County Use Table that would prohibit smoke shops from opening 500 to 1,000 feet away from public schools.
PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM
As a result, she said, teens would be less exposed, decreasing the initiation rate of teenagers who smoke.
Board members were supportive of Wilson’s suggestion and so were parents and teens.
Horizon High junior Gabriel Serrato said vaping has become normalized, casual and desensitized — so much so, he said it’s not uncommon to see his peers vaping in the school’s bathrooms, hallways and even classrooms.
“The more we emphasize the impacts of doing drugs, doing vaping and drinking alcohol, the more we emphasize the negative impacts of that, the more educated everyone is and the more everyone stays abstinent,” she said. “Students need to stay focused on their goals … and not let these distractions such as the vape shop influence them and influence their decisions, especially in partaking in drugs, vaping, alcoholism, all that.”
Evan Quiquia, junior at Windermere High, agrees.
“A lot of students don’t even think about the risks (of smoking) because of how normalized it is between teenagers,” he said. “Creating these buffer zones and more regulations on it would create a safer environment at schools.”
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
He believes advertisement on storefronts, family members who smoke, peer
His father, Ivan Quiquia, said he’s concerned about the chemicals in vapes, and how long-term effects still are unknown. He hopes Orange County’s research on the topic helps bring attention to the matter and helps teens stay away from smoking.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM 1333 EAST
West Orange Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stephen Lewis brought his daughter, Hayden, to this year’s dance.
Drew Palladino loved the way she looked in the mirror.
Hart and Elle Donovan made goofy faces at the photo booth.
George Clark had a fun time in the photo booth with daughters Aurora and Olivia.
Left: Rheanna Kim sat still while her temporary tattoo was applied.
Above: This year’s Daddy Daughter Dance included a plethora of goodies.
Left: Brendan Sherlock helped tie the ribbon on daughter Amelia’s tiara.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the groundbreaking of West Sand Lake Industrial
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the groundbreaking of Atrium Development Group’s West Sand Lake Industrial. Located at 540 W Sand Lake Rd in Orlando, Atrium focuses on identifying unique infill sites to build best-in-class residential, mixed-use, and small-bay industrial projects throughout Central Florida. From land acquisition, through construction and stabilization, their vertically integrated approach ensures every detail is managed with intention, expertise, and long-term value — creating places that empower growing businesses and strengthen communities. To learn more, visit https://www.meetatrium.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Mini Health Clinic West Orlando
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Mini Health Clinic West Orlando. Located at 48 N Kirkman Rd Ste 1 in Orlando, Mini Health Clinic West Orlando specializes in medical weight loss and lifestyle medicine. Led by expert providers with 30+ years of experience, they offer personalized GLP-1 programs, body contouring, and primary care. They empower their our community through sustainable, evidence-based wellness. To learn more, visit https://www.mini-healthclinic.com/.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Solara Dental Studio
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Solara Dental Studio. Located at 15513 Sunquat Dr Ste 140 in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, Solara Dental Studio redefines the dental experience through premium service, innovative technology, and personalized care. More than a practice, they provide a stress-free, elevated oral healthcare journey. Located in Central Florida, Solara Dental Studio is positioned as a premier destination for modern, sophisticated dental care. To learn more, visit https:// www.solaradentalstudio.com.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
1
SPORTS
5
West Orange High girls water polo team closed its 2026 season as the No. 2 team in the state. The Warriors competed in the FHSAA State Championship game Saturday, April 25, against Seminole High but lost, 8-4. The team ended its season with a 24-3 record. On the road to the championship, West Orange celebrated winning the FHSAA Region 2 Championship for the third consecutive year topping Westminster Academy 13-7. In the state Final Four game, the Warriors defeated Gulliver Prep 12-5.
2
The district tournaments for high school boys volleyball teams began Tuesday, April 21. In Class 3A, District 4, West Orange High took the district crown by sweeping Apopka High, 3-0, Thursday, April 23. Across town, Horizon High topped the No. 1 seed Freedom, 3-2, Friday, April 24, to earn the Class 3A, District 5 crown. Following the wins, West Orange’s record advanced to 16-4 and Horizon’s 23-3. The Warriors will play for the regional quarterfinal game at Winter Park, and the Hawks will host Lake Nona at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30.
3
Following the end of the regular season for track-and-field, teams have shifted their focus toward reaching postseason glory. Foundation Academy, The First Academy and Legacy High School competed in the FHSAA Class 1A, District 8 Championship at Holy Trinity Thursday, April 23. The Lions’ girls team clinched the district runners-up crown, breaking a three-year drought. During the secondplace finish, Lee Peters led the way for Foundation by sprinting in first for the 100M and 200M dashes and helped the 4x100M relay team earn a second-place finish. In the relay, Peters, Katie Rosenthal, Ashley Jones and Gracen Field made school history with a new record of 49.76 seconds. Eighth-grader Jesslyn Porter earned first in the triple jump. Morgan Flournoy broke the school’s record in the javelin throw with her distance of 34.14 meters, which won the event.
4
Three beach volleyball teams competed in their respective regional quarterfinal matches Monday, April 27. Olympia High completed its mission for the postseason by clinching the Class 3A, District 6 Championship Wednesday, April 22. The Titans topped Lake Nona 3-2 to earn the title. In the regional quarterfinals, Olympia fell to Winter Park, 5-0, and Horizon High fell 4-1 to Lake Brantley. On the Class 1A side, The First Academy won 3-2 over Geneva. The Royals advanced to the regional semifinals Wednes day, April 29. Results weren’t available at time of publication.
5
The Class 4A, District 5 track-and-field meet took place at Cypress Creek High Wednesday, April 15. Of the nine teams competing for their shot at regionals, four local high schools tested the waters. On the boys side, Horizon High claimed second with 102, Windermere High third with 86, Dr. Phillips High fifth with 77.5 and Olympia High eighth with 54. On the girls’ side, Olympia claimed second with 135, just .5 behind first place. Dr. Phillips placed fifth with 69.5, Windermere sixth with 69 and Horizon seventh with 61.
Horizon High School girls lacrosse missed the mark in regionals but are thankful for the road to get there.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Izzy Scarpulla, Horizon High girls lacrosse team’s senior captain, remembers entering the team’s district championship game against Lake Nona High Thursday, April 16, with their “heads high and sticks up.”
The Lady Hawks had won districts the year before over Lake Nona. The experience gave the team the extra boost of confidence they needed. Scarpulla said they knew they could do it, so they did.
Horizon clinched back-to-back district championships with the 20-9 win.
“We started cheering with our new goalie this year,” she said. “She wasn’t there last year to experience the fun of
winning districts, but it was her first year this year. We came back and our athletic director had the trophy, and we just started jumping with it. … It was awesome.”
But the Class 2A Regional Quarterfinal game against Hagerty High Saturday, April 25, didn’t bring the same joy as districts.
For the second consecutive year, Horizon fell to the Huskies.
Although there were no cheers this time, the Lady Hawks still walked off the field with their heads held high.
“The only thing we asked of the girls was to leave everything on the field, play your hearts out and leave it on the field,”
SEE LADY PAGE 10A
AREA REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS RESULTS
CLASS 1A
BOYS
n Foundation Academy (12-4) fell 17-4 to Benjamin n The First Academy (14-6) fell 16-9 to St. Edward’s
GIRLS n The First Academy (15-4) fell 7-6 to Edgewood
CLASS 2A
BOYS n West Orange (15-7) fell 13-3 to Winter Park
GIRLS n Horizon (12-4) fell 17-4 to Hagerty n West Orange (12-4) won 13-10 over Lake Minneola Advanced to regional semifinals Wednesday, April 29
Dynamic duo leads Windermere’s season
The Windermere High baseball team came up short in the regional quarterfinal round of the Class 7A FHSAA state tournament, losing to Winter Haven 2-1. It ended a district-winning run led by a pair of Diegos and a competitive drive for Gatorade.
JUSTICE COVERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After capturing the program’s fifth consecutive district title this season with the help of versatile pairing of players who share the same first name, the Windermere High baseball team fell just short of advancing past the regional quarterfinals round of the Class 7A FHSAA state tournament Friday, April 24, losing to Winter Haven at home 2-1.
“I thought we played pretty well,” head coach Brian Adkins said. “We pitched it well, played great defense. We threatened offensively in a couple of innings; we just couldn’t get the clutch hit. That was the difference in the game. When (Winter Haven) had guys in scoring position, they got a clutch hit, and we couldn’t do that.”
The loss capped Adkins’ second season as Windermere’s head coach. He had been the team’s
Lake Buena Vista’s Keira Bullion has been dialed in her freshman softball season. Page 10A.
Megan Bruinsma
Horizon High girls lacrosse team’s leading scorers Sarah Walsh and Izzy Scarpulla helped the team win two consecutive district championships.
Photos by Justice Covert
Above: Senior left fielder Diego Borjas played the last game of his high school career against Winter Haven.
Left: Junior center fielder Diego Rodriguez celebrated after he hit a single against Winter Haven.
Keira Bullion
At the core of Lake Buena Vista High softball team’s 13-9 record (at time of publication) and district tournament run has been freshman player Keira Bullion.
The third and first baseman as well as centerfielder has knocked it out of the park four times this season. She leads the Vipers in home runs and leads with her 0.618 batting average and 0.639 on-base percentage. In the Vipers’ 25-0 win over Edgewater, Bullion was perfect on 2-for-2 and recorded one home run and two RBIs.
What do you enjoy most about softball?
I enjoy the friendships I make along the way and being with my teammates every practice and game.
When did you start softball and why did you join?
I started softball when I was 10, I joined with my friend because she asked me to and it looked fun.
What is your biggest accomplishment in softball?
My biggest accomplishment in softball was probably when I hit my first home run, a grand slam, as part of a cycle in one of my high school games.
What has softball taught you?
Softball has taught me that mistakes are part of life and it’s all a path to success.
How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
I am reliable, respectful and focused on team goals. I make sure my work is done, but I also check in with my teammates so we succeed together.
What advice would you give someone who just joined softball?
Never give up. There are going to be times when you feel down on yourself when you think you aren’t as good as the other’s but I prom-
THE BASICS
Age: 15
Grade: Freshman
School: Lake Buena Vista Sport: Softball
If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?
You have five seconds. Five seconds to get out of your head and be ready for the next play. Five seconds to be down on yourself. Five seconds to sit on the bench after a strikeout before you need to be on the fence cheering on your team. Only five seconds — never longer.
What is your pre-game ritual?
My pre-game ritual consists of listening to music so I can get locked in and ready for the game, then throwing with my partner and hitting off the tee.
If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why?
I would probably pick flag football because I like football, throwing the football and it looks really fun. What is something new you’d like to learn?
Something new I would like to learn is how to play another instrument.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?
I would like to live in Texas because I have so many family members and it is also a really cool place to live.
If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
If I won the lottery I would take care of my family, spend it on softball things and also buy a lake house.
What future career do you want to have?
I would like to be a doctor in the future, neurology is one of my top
Spring football returns
Local high school teams are testing the waters before new districts appear for the fall year.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
The sounds of pads clashing out on the gridiron for Friday night lights is only a few more months away. But for now, local high school football teams have begun their spring training voyage in preparation for the first nights of kickoffs.
Each team is allowed 20 spring practices, which began in late April and will continue through the end of May, and are testing the waters of their new lineups and coaching staffs to be showcased in the fall.
This fall season won’t only bring new faces to the sidelines but a new rotation of opponents teams will face.
DISTRICT ADJUSTMENTS
Back in December, the Florida High School Athletic Association finalized its new classifications for the 2026 to 2028 football seasons. There only are seven classes, rather than eight, under the new classification and the biggest news for our area high school teams was the removal of Class 7A. Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, Olympia and West Orange high schools all played under that class, and the Knights battled the Warriors and the Panthers and Titans were pitted against one another.
Now, those top programs in the West Orange area — three of which made it to regionals last season — all will compete for the same district title.
Dr. Phillips had extended its season the furthest with the team’s regional final appearance but now will begin next fall without its longstanding head coach Rodney Wells at the helm. Head
coach Caleb Walls took over the program in February with the same understanding of success and determination to continue DP’s champion title. This spring season will be the fans first opportunity to see how the coveted program is shaping under his guidance.
The Warriors extended their season to the regional semifinals but fell to their kryptonite, Venice. The team graduated its top wide receivers Devonte Anderson and Edison Delagago but are bringing back other powerful forces on offense: quarterback AJ Chung, who had a record-breaking sophomore season, and running back Jayden Ammons, who will be playing his last season in his blue and orange gear.
While Ocoee didn’t get over the regional quarterfinal hurdle, the team still made it past districts to the next level. This year, the Knights will see a new face at its QB1 slot with Nathaniel Watkins III taking over under center. Watkins is a Class of 2028 transfer from East Ridge.
Independent teams also heard some exciting news for the upcoming season during FHSAA’s meeting Monday, April 20. The association’s board of directors met and created the FHSAA’s own Independent League.
For Windermere High, the news is huge. The Wolverines, who had gone 10-0 in back-toback seasons, were unable to play in the postseason because of the FHSAA’s previous independent rulings. Now, Windermere will be able to seek postseason glory while still opting out of a classification system.
Teams have until Monday, June 1, to officially enroll in the league.
SCHEDULE
If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?
Probably a lion. They are confident, courageous and powerful, which I feel describes me pretty
What is your perfect day?
My perfect day would be going on the boat or in the pool with my favorite people, then practicing softball and then ending the day with going out to dinner with my
Why did you choose your jersey number?
My original jersey number was 28 because that is my birthday, but in high school, it is 42 because I was given it by my coach as he said it was Jackie Robinson’s number and it is very significant.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Lady Hawks proud of growth
head coach Victoria Moore said. “They did exactly that, so there’s nothing to be upset about. … Every game we asked them to not leave anything on the field, and every time, they answered.”
Moore emphasized to the players how proud she was of them. The team lost 20-2 to Hagerty last year, but this swing around it was 17-4. The improvement was all she could ask for as a coach, especially one who had her first go around as a lacrosse coach.
GROWING JOURNEY
Moore took over the girls lacrosse program at the beginning of the season. She previously was working as Horizon’s girls soccer head coach and when she heard the lacrosse team was looking for a new leader so it could have a season, she decided to give it a try.
“Let’s bring on a challenge,” Moore said of her decision. But she can’t take the credit for
the Lady Hawks’ 12-4 record and regional quarterfinal appearance. The credit goes to the trio of coaches who worked together as one unit.
Moore said her and assistant coach Keren Dwyer both were in their first year of coaching lacrosse, but assistant coach Jessica Wubker knew the game.
Wubker taught the coaches and players all of the lacrosse-specific knowledge from breaking down how to properly hold a stick to figuring out the flow of the game.
In soccer, every time a foul is called, the game stops. With lacrosse, it’s different. Moore said refs can blow the whistle, but the play continues, and determining the flow of the game was her biggest challenge.
But the coaching style already had developed from her career in soccer.
It wasn’t only the coaching staff who was learning the game. Newer players also were learning how to pilot while building the plane.
“Seeing how girls at the beginning of the season, who had never touched a stick in their life, were able to put on the field toward the end of the season and have confidence in what they were doing (is rewarding),” Moore said.
The makeup of Horizon’s team was half returners, who had seen last year’s success, with half new players. At the beginning of the season, the team ran many simple drills such as learning how to collect ground balls, catch and pass. Through time, the growth became evident.
Moore specifically remembers seeing the team click and “put everything in motion” when it shut out Edgewater 12-0 Friday, Feb. 20. She saw a cohesive team, they weren’t playing individually, they were reading each other’s minds and knew everyone’s place.
From there, they honed in on the plays and expanded their knowledge outside of the basics.
What helped was having experienced players such as Scarpulla.
“She’s definitely extremely important to the team,” Moore said.
“She commands the field when she’s on it. She leads with confidence. She has good sportsmanship. She’s a player that any coach would want on their team so losing
her strength and confidence next year will be hard.” Scarpulla began playing lacrosse in seventh grade. Growing up as a military daughter, she traveled all over the country, living in seven states and attending 10 schools. But traveling is what shaped who she has become today.
In New York, lacrosse is very popular, she said, and that is where she first started playing. They put her as an attacker but moved her to midfielder, which is what stuck. Last year she came to Horizon, and after seeing the girls who had played club lacrosse together for years, she knew it would be a great fit.
This season, she received a referee’s nomination and memorabilia pin for the Sportsmanship Award, which is given to players who exemplify high character and integrity. It meant a lot to her and she gave all the credit to her upbringing. Her whole life was surrounded by the military, following her dad who served 40 years.
“My junior year receiving the role of captain was very amazing,” Scarpulla said. “I don’t even know how to describe how I felt. I really achieved something in my high school career, getting the role of a captain my junior and my senior year. It’s showing myself I can do these things. I know what I’m doing.”
But it wasn’t only the extraverted Scarpulla who helped the Hawks find postseason glory with her average of 3.5 goals per game, it also was the quieter yet focused sophomore Sarah Walsh.
Walsh has played lacrosse since fifth grade, and after a few years she joined M&D Lacrosse, a top club in Central Florida. Her experience allowed her to transition seamlessly into Horizon’s team and climb in the statistics to close the season as the leading scorer with 4.2 goals per game with 63 total, and tied for top assists with 1.1.
As for the road ahead, all she hopes for is to maintain the success the Hawks have built up over the last two seasons.
“I hope we get more people to play because it’s not very popular,” Walsh said. “We’re very lucky to have people that have had experience before high school, and it won’t be hard (to maintain).”
Wolverines’ season ends
pitching coach since its inception in 2017, before replacing Windermere’s longtime head coach Eric Lassiter.
During Lassiter’s tenure, the team won the district five times, reaching the FHSAA Class 7A State Championship for the first time in 2024.
Adkins led the Wolverines to a 17-8 regular-season record this year and captured the program’s fifth consecutive district title in the process. To keep the program’s momentum going, he strived to maintain Lassiter’s style while benefiting from a dynamic duo of Diegos and instilling batting practice showdowns for Gatorade.
GO DIEGOS GO
When Adkins took the reins of Windermere’s baseball team last year, he inherited a roster filled with sophomores who had little varsitylevel experience. Adkins relished the challenge.
“To me, it’s fun,” Adkins said of coaching younger talent. “You get to kind of mold them as you see fit, and we have a great coaching staff. I’m blessed to have a great hitting coach, great outfield coach, great infield coach. So I really rely on those guys to develop our players on a dayto-day basis.”
Adkins said the staff installs drills and practices they have learned over their careers in coaching, employing a competitive, all-in philosophy that has produced two of the team’s most impactful contributors who happen to share the same first name.
Junior centerfielder Diego Rodriguez batted first in Windermere’s lineup, and senior right fielder Diego Borjas batted second. The two headlined each hitting category this season, helping spark one of the district’s best offenses. Rodriguez led the team with 23 runs batted in and three home runs, while Borjas led the Wolverines with a .459 batting average, .573 on-base percentage, .662 slugging percentage, 34 hits, 29 runs and 14 stolen bases.
“That’s our one-two punch,”
Adkins said. “They kind of get us off to the right foot from an offensive standpoint. And they’re the first guys here (who) are working in the weight room, and they’re doing all the right things.”
Rodriguez personifies leadership on the field and in the batter’s box. When he steps in to lead off the batting order, he’ll make motions to the dugout in-between pitches to indicate to his teammates what’s being thrown so they can prepare themselves. As a fielder, he makes sure the other outfielders are in position. During the playoff game, he made a heads up sliding stop in center field to help prevent more runs from scoring in the top of the third.
Adkins described Borjas as a player who can do it all, and he is unsure how the team will replace the senior going into next season.
“It’d be huge,” Adkins said of losing Borjas. “He obviously leads our team in batting average. He does everything. He can hit, he can steal bases, he’s closed a handful of games on the mound. So it’s not just replacing one position; it’s replacing multiple things he does for our team.”
Adkins described the Diegos as the epitome of Windermere baseball: highly competitive players who hate to lose. However, Rodriguez said the team’s bond forged over many of them playing together for the past three years has been key to winning another district championship.
Adkins found a way to tap into this bond and competitive drive during practices. While Adkins is adamant practice is “obviously a job,” he strives to create an environment where players enjoy being around each other. Enter a drill that has the Wolverines swing away for a Gatorade of any color.
ALL WORK AND SOME PLAY
Junior first baseman Joey Waddingham said a week before Windermere’s playoff contest, the team competed in a “points game.” Fought among three groups of players, the game was a situational batting practice where every batter had to success-
fully accomplish what’s immediately asked of them. These included either laying down a bunt, hitting a ball into the gap or just advancing the runner. Every successful attempt earned the team a point; the winning team picked their favorite color Gatorade, and the losing team ran a lap.
“Whoever had the most points at the end got the Gatorade, and that didn’t just make us want to compete, it made us have a lot more fun,” Waddingham said. “It made us loosen up a little bit.”
Waddingham’s squad scored 65 of 180 possible points but unfortunately lost by two points after an hour-long, hard-fought competition that came down to the final round. Waddingham said one of the main reasons the program has won five district titles isn’t only the talent of the players but also the bond the team creates in these games.
“I mean, obviously, skills are a big part of it,” Waddingham said. “But you can have all the skill in the world, but if you don’t have a good vibe in the dugout, and there’s hostility between players, well, that’s not really the greatest thing.”
SOMETHING TO PROVE
As the season came to an end, Rodriguez looked back on his junior season. What stood out to him was the growth he experienced mentally. He said he started the year off with a very negative attitude, but with the support of teammates he’s been able to push through and looks forward to next year. He added the future of the program looks bright as the JV team has impressed him.
If all the juniors from this year’s team return next season, Windermere will have 12 seniors on its varsity roster. Looking ahead, Adkins thinks the playoff loss at home will be good fuel for next year’s group.
“They should be hungry,” Adkins said. “We’ve got something to prove, I think. We have a good group coming back next year. We should be seniorheavy, and hopefully we can go on a run.”
Justice Covert
Junior Frayndor Albornoz readied his bat against Winter Haven. He was one of five Wolverines to record a hit in the 2-1 loss.
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OF THE WEEK
INFLUENCER
JENNA FRENCH
BAY MEADOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jenna French is a school assistant and cafeteria monitor at Bay Meadows Elementary School. French is responsible for monitoring the cafeteria and supporting students’ safety and well-being, both physically and emotionally, during lunch hours. She cleans, tends to students’ needs, makes the lunch room a safe and pleasant experience for all students while maintaining decorum, and ensuring rules and procedures are followed.
“Jenna French is an invaluable behind-the-scenes team member whose contributions make a meaningful difference in our school community,” Principal Joann Dorries said. “As a school assistant, she supports both the cafeteria and classrooms with dedication and flexibility. Jenna has provided consistent support in pre-K ESE classes and third grade, demonstrating her ability to adapt to diverse student needs. She serves as a positive role model and builds strong, genuine connections with our students, helping to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all.”
What brought you to your school?
My mother is an educator at Bay Meadows and identified this great opportunity.
What do you love most about your school?
I love how our school feels like a family. The community is very involved and parent and grandparents occasionally volunteer in the cafeteria. The school puts on numerous activities throughout the year to include multiple stakeholders making Bay Meadows a great place to work.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The children; I adore our students. Helping students when they are feeling sad, lonely, scared, frustrated or even angry is where I excel. I have a great relationship with the school counselor and work closely with her to ensure our most vulnerable population are getting their needs met physically and emotionally.
On Fridays, I sing the ABCs to the students with intellectual disabilities in our primary separate classroom. The smiles and clapping always make me happy. One of the sweet young girls always says, “Ms. Jenna you did a good job.” This is the best compliment I could receive. If the students are having fun and enjoying themselves, then so am I.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
A teacher. I am currently in the process of getting my teaching degree at UCF.
REPORT CARD
Years with school: Two
Years with OCPS: Two
Who influences you?
My parents are my biggest influences.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My algebra teacher in high school, Mr. Lane. He was an amazing educator and cared about his students social emotional wellbeing.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“The Paper Bag Princess” for its important message of empowerment.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read, I am an avid reader.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would dine with Kristin Hannah, a famous author, to learn more about her work and writing process.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose teleportation so that I could see my long distance family and friends anytime.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Noah Kahan, Eminem and Taylor Swift, for a good mix of different genres.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
Chicken nuggets, and it’s still chicken nuggets to this day!
What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas because I love all the lights and the joy it brings.
What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people?
I listen to my audiobooks on three times speed. I also love to teach our students some basic sign language when I can.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you earn any accolades?
I was the first junior to be elected as the vice president of the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow Club.
— LIZ RAMOS
Huskies go wild at Hamlin Elementary School carnival
Hamlin Elementary teachers, faculty, students and families came together Friday, April 10, to have fun at the school’s fourth annual carnival.
With hundreds in attendance, it was one for the books.
Attendees enjoyed a plethora of activities, including carnival rides, inflatables, a rock-climbing wall and carnival games.
The dunk tank also was popular among the crowd, with laughter erupting every few minutes because of it.
There also were food trucks, a DJ and an auction.
Sandro, Adelia and Francisco Sousa were happy to be at the event as a family.
Mina and Selina Gong ate cotton candy together.
Right: The carnival rides were a hit among the students.
Quincy Hatcher, a second-grade teacher, was one of many teachers who were dunked in the dunk tank.
Festival of the Arts celebrates Southwest Orange creatives
r. Phillips High School jazz band saxophonist James Lalane stood in front of packed risers in the Southwest Middle School gym and took his moment to shine. He played a solo with confidence, bringing cheers and applause as he sat down. The band continued to play the Mario Brothers song during Southwest Middle School’s Festival of the Arts Friday, April 10.
Dr. Phillips High’s jazz band joined orchestras, bands, jazz bands, theater groups, choirs and more from various schools including Southwest Middle, Bay Meadows Elementary and Lake Buena Vista High for the 15th annual festival.
LIZ RAMOS
By Luis Campos
past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “WSBWA XV HKHS WY CH PYBMZ XM WAH VXDTUXQXWE, LMZ MYW XM WAH DBUWXTUXQXWE LMZ QYMPBVXYM YP WAXMJV.” XVLLQ MHRWYM
“JB XBHDLPB UNB LOGRXUHKIB RY DLENU JNBK JB ABB VHXCKBAA. JB XBHDLPB UNB LOGRXUHKIB RY RZX SRLIB JNBK JB HXB ALDBKIBV.” OHDHDH TRZAHYPHL
“TLLNB ISM ZLEMSPYC, IOR BFLSVMB DIJM I ZLEMSPYC SLCM FL ZCIK VO LYS CVJMB. FDMK DMCZ YB FL PMMC CMBB ICLOM.” QLDO WSMMO Puzzle Two Clue: Q equals C Puzzle Two Clue: K equals N Puzzle
PART OF SPEECH by George Simpson & Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Taylor Johnson
Left: Dr. Phillips High School’s James Lalane captured the audience’s attention with his solo.
Lake Buena Vista High School’s Alessandro Nunez served as a student conductor.
Dr. Phillips High School junior Emmagrace Albertson was graceful in her performance with the color guard.
Above: Southwest Middle School’s cast of “Beauty and the Beast” struck a final pose.
Right: Bay Meadows Elementary School’s Koala Chorus sang Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.”
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Empower Teens United
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Empower Teens United. Operating out of Windermere, Empower Teens United seeks to empower teens and families through education, leadership, and community engagement. To learn more, visit https://empowerteensunited.org/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Beauty Sorcery
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Beauty Sorcery. Located at 301 N Tubb St Ste 103 in downtown Oakland, Beauty Sorcery is a boutique beauty studio specializing in customized skincare, nails, waxing, and custom facials. They blend result driven treatments with a relaxing, magical experience to help clients feel confident, radiant, and empowered. Your glow is their craft, where beauty meets intention and transformation begins. To learn more, visit https://instagram.com/thebeautysorceress_.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 25-year anniversary of HAPCO Music Foundation
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 25-year anniversary of HAPCO Music Foundation. Operating out of Oakland, HAPCO’s educational programs help young people in Central Florida further their education through music and the arts. To learn more, visit https://hapcopromo.org/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
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