SOUTHWEST ORANGE
Instrumental bonds
OCOEE TO HOST CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
The city of Ocoee invites residents and visitors to a spectacular evening of festivities as it marks its 100th anniversary with a Centennial Celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 9, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The free milestone event marks a century of community, growth and progress in Ocoee. Guests can enjoy tours of the historic Withers-Maguire House, local vendors and food trucks, rides and attractions for all ages, live musical performances by The Smoking Jackets and The Gerry Williams Band, and other live entertainment.
“We are proud to commemorate this historic moment with our community,” City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “It’s a time to reflect on our rich history, celebrate our present and look ahead to a bright future.” The centennial event is made possible by the support of the Platinum Sponsor, AdventHealth. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the music and festivities in the park. For information, visit 100yearsocoee.com.
GRAPE opportunity
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Keene’s Pointe residents Arjun Kumar and his wife, Sara, always have been big wine people.
They wanted to take their love of wine from the dining room table with friends and put their passion toward a wine bar where local residents can find community and learn more about wine.
The Kumars decided to open Solvino in the town of Windermere.
“It’s a space where like-minded people can come together, share stories, share a glass of wine and still have great food and a good overall experience,” Kumar said. Solvino, which will be located at 507 Main St., is part of the Downtown Windermere Redevelopment Project and is expected to open in August or September.
Kumar said originally, the Downtown Windermere
“Originally, the concept was we would be the pre-dinner spot to drop into before you go out somewhere or go somewhere else,” Kumar said. “We were actually able to double our footprint and expand our concept.”
Initially, Solvino was planned to be a wine bar with a boutique vibe customers wouldn’t get “in any big city around the world,” Kumar said. However, to serve alcohol in the town of Windermere, the Town Council must approve a conditionaluse permit, but council denied the permit for Solvino.
After the redevelopment project changed because of a business leaving, Solvino went back to the drawing board. With the expanded capacity, Kumar said he was able to turn Solvino into a wine bar and restaurant, and they addressed all the concerns that were brought up when Solvino was applying for a conditional-use permit. As a
based on this development,” Kumar said. “(The landlord) was very good at helping us make sure we can meet all the Department of Health requirements in terms of wastewater usage and allowed us to amend our lease to add our commercial kitchen. We’ve been able to pivot to do what we really wanted and have a full res-
“It’s not a chain,” he said. “It’s not something that was developed outside and then we said, ‘Oh, here’s a great location.’ It was literally built once this development sort of came to light.’”
To ensure Solvino is community driven and focused on the residents of the town of Winder-
Kumar said he wants Solvino to be a
“home away from home” for people. He said memberships are selling out faster than anticipated, and people from all walks of life have applied. Solvino prioritizes residents from the town of Windermere and the surrounding communities. Kumar said several town residents already are members.
In addition to the restaurant, Solvino will have a retail store open to the public that will have various events and tastings and a gourmet goods section.
Solvino has partnered with a Windermere-based chocolatier, Maison Desreve, which sells online. The retail store will be her first opportunity to have a brick-andmortar presence.
Solvino also plans to partner with another local business that is a sourdough bakery.
“We’re passionate about giving a platform for local, small businesses almost like the weekly farmers market in a way but then create more of a regular staple opportunity for some of these small vendors,” Kumar said. Kumar said Solvino needs the final fire sign-off from the county before it can receive the certificate of occupancy and start its build out.
“We’re most excited to put our money where our mouth is, in terms of showing how we can be a good, productive, positive member of the community,” Kumar said. “We see this as a place where we can spend time with our neighbors and have those interactions and a nice place to visit on a regular
Talking up a storm
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation held a special reception Thursday, May 1, to debut its new exhibition, “Tempests and Tornadoes,” which proves Florida isn’t always all sunshine. In addition to the sunny beach days, Florida — and West Orange County — has been subjected to freezing temperatures, hurricanes and fatal tornadoes. All of this and more are chronicled in the heritage museum’s exhibition room. The exhibition will remain on display through June 30. — AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COUNTY LEVEL
Orange commissioners approve Waterside at Hamlin apartments
The project will add 113 apartments to the Horizon West community.
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
The Orange County Commission on April 22 unanimously approved a plan to add 113 apartments to Horizon West.
The Waterside at Hamlin project sits on 19.27 acres (10.78 developable) north of Summerlake Park Boulevard, south of New Independence Parkway, east of Hamlin Groves Trail and west of Ficquette Road.
The four approved waivers include decreasing the setback from the Normal High Water Elevation from 50 feet to 35 feet; decreasing the NHWE setback for parking, paving and pool from 20 feet to 5 feet; decreasing the building separation from 20 feet to 15 feet; and a waiver to decrease the link-to-node ratio requirement from 1.35 to 1.
During discussion, District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson asked for clarification regarding the waiver requests to the high water setbacks.
“This is … very close to the area in Reams (Road),” she said. “This is not a wet area but very close to the area in Reams that we’ve had so many concerns with flooding.”
Jim Willard, attorney for applicant Scott Gentry, Kelly Collins & Gentry Inc, said the waivers are needed because of the odd shape of the land coupled with the requirements of framework streets within Hamlin Town Center.
“We have an irregularly shaped piece of frontage on (Lake Hancock) and an irregular location of the normal high water line,” he said. “There’s probably about 1,000 feet of frontage here.”
Willard said there are two locations where the project encroaches on the normal high water setback. One includes about a 7-foot encroachment with one apartment unit, and a second includes a 13-foot encroachment where the community clubhouse is planned.
“This is … very close to the area in Reams (Road),” she said. “This is not a wet area but very close to the area in Reams that we’ve had so many concerns with flooding.” — District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson
IN OTHER NEWS
n The commission on April 8 unanimously approved an amendment to the Silverleaf Planned Development, located south of Silver Grove Boulevard and west of Avalon Road in Horizon West. The amendment includes a waiver to allow a mechanical unit side setback of zero feet (instead of 2 feet) from the property line.
n Commissioners on April 8 unanimously approved amending the Municipal Service Benefit Units for the maintenance of retention ponds and street lighting in Summerlake Reserve (41 lots). The estimated assessment for establishing the MSBU for maintenance of retention ponds is $78 per lot, per year, and $108 per lot, per year for the street lighting MSBU. The amended MSBUs are effective Nov. 1, 2025.
n Commissioners on April 8 unanimously approved amending the Municipal Service Benefit Units for the maintenance of retention ponds and street lighting in Waterleigh Phase 5 (286 lots). The estimated assessment for the establishing the MSBU for maintenance of retention ponds is $78 per lot, per year, and $136 per lot, per year for the street lighting MSBU. The amended MSBUs are effective Nov. 1, 2025.
“All the other locations … are in excess of the 50-foot setback,” Willard said. “In fact, the average setback is approximately … 64 feet. We also have an 8-foot retaining wall, so the issue isn’t one of flooding or water safety. It’s more the fact that the Normal High Water Elevation varies in and out in an odd way. And to accommodate the framework streets that are required to be done in Hamlin … the buildings are laid out in a somewhat rectangular fashion. … Frankly, we didn’t need the full relief from 50 feet to 35 feet across the board. We only need it for those two buildings that encroach just a few feet into the 50-foot setback.”
ATTEND/ WATCH THE BCC BCC MEETING AGENDAS: bit.ly/3vWX1Be ORANGE TV LIVE STREAM: bit.ly/3vV180J VIEW PAST MEETINGS: bit.ly/42m9eeW
Meteorologist Tom Sorrells, second from right, spoke to attendees at the WGHF’s opening night reception of “Tempests and Tornadoes.” With him are curator Will McCoy, left, director of operations and programming Jim Crescitelli and executive director Kristi Karst Gomen.
Longtime residents understanding the importance of the smudge pot, which saved many orange groves during freezing temperatures.
An aerial map shows the 1998 tornado’s path of destruction through Winter Garden. Just above the bottom arrow is Dillard Street and Toole’s Ace Hardware.
The West Orange Times produced a book of photos after the 1998 tornado that ripped through Winter Garden.
Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial
2015-2025
n
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COMMUNITY EDITOR
In its last decade, the city of Ocoee has experienced growth that extends beyond the construction of subdivisions and retail projects. It also has been a period of healing from a tragedy in the city’s past. What took place five years before Ocoee was incorporated has haunted the municipality for more than 100 years, but city officials have acknowledged the brutal incident and worked to mend the hurt to heal and move forward.
It was Nov. 2, 1920, Election Day, and members of Ocoee’s black community were either killed or run out of town by white supremacists who were trying to keep the community from voting. It would be known as the Ocoee Massacre, and for the next century, the city never officially acknowledged this dark period in its history.
In the 1920 census, Ocoee was home to 255 black residents; the 1930 census registered two.
After that, no black residents were identified in census records again until the mid-1970s.
A group of businessmen created the West Orange Reconciliation Task Force in 1989 to honor the memory of the lives lost in 1920.
This led to the formation of the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board, a group of volunteers whose objective was to promote understanding, respect, goodwill and equality among all citizens and businesses of Ocoee.
2018 and 2019 signified a turning point for Ocoee, when George Oliver III and Larry Brinson were the first two black residents elected to serve on the City Commission.
The city issued a formal proclamation in November 2018 expressing regret and horror at the events of November 1920, as well as its recognition of the event and the
CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL
2025 marks a major milestone for the city of Ocoee as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation, which took place May 13, 1925. The city is hosting several centennial events this year, including two key events: n Centennial Celebration 5 to 10 p.m. May 9 — Join city officials for live entertainment, food, vendors and activities at Bill Breeze Park.
n Time Capsule Ceremony 6:30 p.m. May 13 — City officials will hold a special ceremony at the Withers-Maguire House to preserve a snapshot of the city for future generations.
For information about the centennial, visit 100yearsocoee.com/ historical-timeline. Residents taking photos during the centennial events are being encouraged to use the hashtag #100YearsOcoee when posting on social media.
city’s dedication to changing the community culture.
“Let it be known that Ocoee shall no longer be the sundown town but the sunrise city,” the proclamation read.
In addition, the HRDB planned a weeklong agenda, from Nov. 1 to 8, 2020, dedicated to programs and events to honor the lives lost 100 years prior while educating the public.
Mayor Rusty Johnson stood before a crowd on the final day and read the city’s formal apology.
“Today, Nov. 8, 2020, we, the elected officials of the city of Ocoee have chosen to invite each of you here to openly, publicly and sincerely admit, acknowledge and forever voice our displeasure over the inhumane acts of terror committed against the African American community of Ocoee,” Johnson said.
“Let us be clear and completely candid: Those of us gathered here today will forever bear testimony to the efforts of the city of Ocoee and its citizens to move forward into the future knowing that we are a culturally diverse, modern community with eyes set on a conscious unification.
“Therefore we, the elected officials of the city of Ocoee, Florida,
NOTABLE NEWS
2017: When James “Buddy” Elmore was hired by the city of Ocoee in 1972, the population was less than 4,000. When he retired — as the longest-serving employee — 34 years later from the Public Works Department, it was closer to 40,000. He was instrumental in bringing many of the safety programs to Ocoee when it had none.
2017: Scott Vandergrift, the longest-serving Ocoee mayor, died at age 77. He championed many causes in his hometown of Ocoee. His family described him as cantankerous, witty, eccentric and a beloved icon and said he died just as he lived — as a fighter and a legend. Vandergrift was an Ocoee city commissioner from 1967 to 1969 and mayor from 1973 to 1975 and again from 1992 to 2015. Vandergrift frequently was spotted driving his white Toyota Prius (his “mayor mobile”) and wearing his shirts, hats and ties that promoted his beloved city. He gave out butterfly pins and “get out of jail free” cards.
2019: Manheim Orlando, the nation’s second-largest used-car reconditioning center, opened its new state-of-the-art body shop and reconditioning center.
2020: Central Park was renamed Vandergrift Central Park in memory of the former mayor.
2021: Ocoee made a groundbreaking move by appointing Saima Plasencia as the city’s first female police chief.
do hereby and herewith officially extend to each and every member of the community of Ocoee, of 1920, and to each descendent both living today or deceased, our deepest apology for each and every atrocity that was committed against those individuals,” Johnson continued.
The week concluded with the unveiling of a historical marker at the southeast corner of Bill Breeze Park that recounts the events of Election Day 1920.
In 2024, the city of Ocoee unveiled a memorial at Unity Park to honor the lives disrupted and the lives lost in 1920, paying tribute to the individuals in the black community who called Ocoee home. The park is at 130 N. Cumberland Ave.
IMPROVED WORKPLACE
AT NEW CITY HALL
City employees moved into a new City Hall on Bluford Avenue closer to downtown McKey Street in 2022.
The three-story, 46,000-squarefoot facility features modern resources that support the city’s continued growth and development.
The first floor has the commission chambers and the service departments. The city clerk’s office and other administrative space is on the second floor. The commissioners’ offices and conference room are on the third floor.
Each floor has its own kitchen, dining area and conference room. And there is enough space for staff expansion in the future.
The facility was built with a health and wellness theme in mind. There are stand-up desks, an outdoor eating area for employees and water bottle fillers on every floor.
The conference rooms have the latest video conferencing technology, and the Ocoee TV and Commission Chambers have cuttingedge broadcasting equipment and capabilities. Those improvements make it easier to control and manage broadcasts during commission meetings.
City Hall is a central part of the city’s downtown redevelopment plan. The master plan includes more than $44 million capital projects that aim to enhance the public spaces in downtown Ocoee and some of the key infrastructure of the city.
2022: City officials broke ground on Healthy West Orange Wellness Park across from the Ocoee Police Department on South Bluford Avenue. The five-acre park features a half-mile trail and four wellness stations. A pavilion sits in the middle, connected to both sides of the trail by a boardwalk.
2022: Westyn Plaza, a new shopping center in Ocoee, opened with 10 stores offering everything from pizza, wine and tacos to haircuts, shopping services and insurance.
2022: Commissioners voted in favor of The Dynasty | Ocoee, a $1 billion, 159-acre regional sports and entertainment complex. It will be situated in the southeast corner of Ocoee-Apopka and Fullers Cross roads with more than a dozen sports fields and an indoor facility for mainly youth sports tournaments and other athletic events; a mixed-use pedestrian riverwalk lined with restaurant, retail and entertainment spaces; and two hotels that will offer a combined 1,100 rooms.
2023: Ocoee opened Action Sports Park, the city’s first skate park and pump track, at Vandergrift Central Park on Flewelling Avenue. It features street-style elements, including raps, stairs, rails, grind box, competition-level pump track and wall ride.
2023: Mattie “Jean” Grafton, the former city clerk who served her hometown of Ocoee for 30 years and was known for her love of laughter, family, fierce friendships and traveling the world, died at the age of 92. She was a lifelong resident of Ocoee and attended the original Ocoee High School, where she performed as a cheerleader, played on the girls basketball team and was named Miss Ocoee High School.
2023: Orange Technical College –West Campus broke ground near Ocoee High School. OTC moved from its original location in Winter Garden to the new campus, 2010 Ocoee-Apopka Road, in 2024.
2024: Vincent L. Ogburn Sr. marked a milestone as the city’s first black police chief.
In partnership with the city of Ocoee, the Observer is publishing a 10-week series examining each decade of the city’s history.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Above: Artist Shea Monahan was commissioned to paint the second centennial mural on a building in downtown Ocoee.
Courtesy of Orange County Regional History Center
Right: Julius “July” Perry was one of the dozens of black residents killed Nov. 2, 1920.
File photo
Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson took a seat behind his desk in the new Ocoee City Hall in 2022.
DERBY LOOKS: W.O. Junior Service League hosts 2025 Run for the Roses
The West Orange Junior Service League held a festive 15th annual Run for the Roses Saturday, May 3, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, bringing the excitement of the Kentucky Derby to West Orange. Attendees wore their largest hats and most colorful attire to the league’s biggest fundraising event. The evening provided an evening of Southern charm, derby-inspired food and drinks, a women’s hat contest and a men’s best-dressed contest, and a live viewing of the race. — AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
Southeastern Food Bank expands to the Peach State
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
In 2020, Mark Anthony, founder and president of Southeastern Food Bank, had a vision.
He said God spoke to him and gave him the idea to put a central warehouse in the middle of five states to serve more people.
Southeastern Food Bank, based in Ocoee, is one step closer to achieving that vision by expanding to Fort Valley, Georgia.
The food bank has partnered with Matthews-Scippio Impact Center, a nonprofit that facilitates academic, physical, mental and spiritual needs for the community.
Anthony said Matthews-Scippio Impact Center has sent volunteers to Southeastern Food Bank to pick up food to bring take to Fort Valley in the past. Now, the impact center has given Southeastern 2.5 acres to construct an 11,000-square-foot warehouse that can hold about 500 pallets, drive-in freezer and drive-in cooler. Anthony said the warehouse will be pre-engineered so there will be space to expand. The project will cost about $675,000.
Anthony said Matthews-Scippio Impact Center will have grant writers submit proposals to help cover construction and other costs.
“My hope and vision is working with more nonprofits up there and
creating nonprofits for a seminar that I’ve done on if God gives you a vision, I know how to help put all that together,” Anthony said. Besides providing food to those in need, Anthony said they will be providing disaster relief training, a seminar on farming and more. Anthony said he hopes the warehouse will be built within a year.
In the 34 years since starting Southeastern Food Bank, Anthony said he’s made thousands of connections that have helped his nonprofit partner with more than 85 nonprofits to distribute more than 6.3 million pounds of food across 28 counties in Florida.
Department of Defense recognizes Oakland police chief
Darron Esan received the Patriot Award for the police department’s support of men and women in the U.S. military guard and reserves.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
The Oakland Police Department was presented a Patriot Award at the April 22 Oakland Town Commission meeting for its support given to employees who are members of the National Guard and the Reserve Force. Police Chief Darron Esan accepted the certificate, letter and pin.
“We have several members of the department who have served in the military,” Esan said. “This isn’t for me; it’s for the whole department.”
The certificate designates the town as a “patriotic employer” and recognizes it “for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.”
A letter signed by Rita M. Broadway, retired major general and chair of the Florida Committee Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said the country relies heavily on Reserve and National Guard service members to maintain national defense, and she commended the Oakland Police Department for supporting employees who also serve in the guard and reserves.
MIKE ON THE MIC Public Works director Mike Parker addressed the commission and audience multiple times during the meeting, both to answer questions and to provide information about issues.
He said there were delays with adding the asphalt millings because of equipment failures but the work would be done as soon as it was possible. The consultant hired by the town will return May 13 to assess more of the roads.
Parker was absent from the April 8 meeting but wanted to address the roundabout conversation that took place at that meeting. He said money has been budgeted for the intersection’s four corners, as well as the brick planter and the acorn sculp-
IN OTHER NEWS
n Oakland Town Manager Elise Hui introduced the new town clerk, Kathy Heard, who comes to Oakland from the city of Clermont. Heard brings more than 10 years of experience in municipal government, including serving as deputy city clerk and municipal records coordinator for the city of Ocoee and clerk of courts for Orange County Government.
n Ricky Dumas, on behalf of his brother-in-law, John Ward, requested to hold an informal Memorial Day program again this year at the two cemeteries in Oakland. Last year, Ward and about two dozen Oakland residents placed American flags on the graves of veterans. Dumas said he was not asking for money but requested the event be placed on the town’s website. n Commissioners accepted the consent agenda, which included approval for Oakland Police Chief Darron Esan to sign a Memorandum of Agreement related to the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle to be used for hurricane and other natural disaster responses as well as during working events where large crowds will assemble in the town. The vehicle is considered a regional asset and will be purchased with UASI funding, as Oakland is a sub-grantee under the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, which approved the police department’s request.
ture that will sit in the center. The town was ready to sign a contract and move forward with getting that piece created and installed. The town has decided to add perennial peanut, a Florida native groundcover plant, for landscaping.
He reported the town has not replaced the grass in the town center since 2012 and did so recently where the grass was worn down from foot traffic.
Parker welcomed the newest sanitary sewer lift station to the town. This marks the 12th station in the town after nine years of operation.
His ability to make connections will help Southeastern and MatthewsScippio Impact Center partner with nonprofits, organizations and others who will help to reach those in need. Besides the expansion to Georgia, Southeastern Food Bank has started partnering with nonprofits in Alabama. Anthony hopes to have a warehouse built there, too, as well as in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.
‘RETIREMENT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE’
Anthony started Southeastern Food Bank in his garage 34 years ago.
He sold his lawn and garden business and felt called to serve the community, so he began collecting food donations and storing them in his garage until they could be distributed.
Anthony recalled having a two-car garage that stored a 17-foot boat, five bikes, three lawn mowers, four freezers, all the donations he received but no car. Every time the family wanted to use the boat, Anthony said he would have to take all the boxes out of the garage, take the boat out, put all the boxes back in the garage and do the same when they returned from their boating outing.
He said God blessed him by connecting him with people who helped him open the 10,600-square-foot warehouse that now is located on North Kissimmee Avenue in Ocoee.
Southeastern Food Bank’s operating budget was $300 when Anthony started it in 1991. The nonprofit’s operating budget now is $296,000.
“It’s come a long ways, and I have a long way to go,” Anthony said. “I’m
73, but I don’t look at that as a number only. Even my doctors want to know when I want to retire. Retirement is not in the Bible. It’s something we created in the 20th century. So I will continue to do what I’m supposed to do, and how it’s going to happen, I have no idea.”
Liz Ramos Mark Anthony, the founder and president of Southeastern Food Bank, is on a mission to expand the nonprofit to five states. The first step,
This group of friends made a coordinated effort to complement one another’s attire.
Four past presidents of the West Orange Junior Service League attended the 15th annual Run for the Roses: Beth Ielfield, left, Sonya Adams, Bekki Ousley and Kimberly Young.
Carmen Love, left, and Vikki Rogers were among the many attendees.
Elaina Lavdas, left, and Angela Baublit looked happy in their pink outfits. Fred and Diana Chambers were all smiles at the event.
Weatherstone on Lake
Ahome in the Weatherstone on Lake Olivia community in Windermere topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from April 14 to 20.
The home at 9664 Weatherstone Court, Windermere, sold April 18, for $2,650,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, sixand-one-half baths and 6,200 square feet of living area on 1.74 lakefront acres. Days on market: 104. The sellers were represented by JJ Mackle, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BRENTWOOD CLUB
The home at 9833 Camberley Circle, Orlando, sold April 17, for $925,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,127 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
CITRUS CHASE
The townhouse at 8244 Limetree Court, Orlando, sold April 14, for $520,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,380 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.
DELLAGIO
The home at 8304 Via Vittoria Way, Orlando, sold April 17, for $1,370,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,858 square feet of living area. Days on market: 157.
ISLES AT CAY COMMONS
The condo at 4126 Breakview Drive, No. 10301, Orlando, sold April 17, for $545,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet of living area.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 7609 Sandstone Drive, Orlando, sold April 18, for $685,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,300 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
SANDPOINTE TOWNHOMES
The townhouse at 7709 Sundial Lane, Orlando, sold April 14, for $547,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,084 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
TOSCANA
The home at 6992 Brescia Way, Orlando, sold April 15, for $717,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,988 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
VIZCAYA
The home at 7923 Versilia Drive, Orlando, sold April 14, for $1,150,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,161 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
VIZCAYA HEIGHTS
The condo at 8766 The Esplanade, No. 27, Orlando, sold April 15, for $580,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,012 square feet of living area. Days on market: 94.
HORIZON WEST
ASHLIN PARK
The home at 11560 Ashlin Park Blvd., Windermere, sold April 14, for $595,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,270 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
EDENS HAMMOCK
The townhouse at 14143 Ancilla Blvd., Windermere, sold April 15, for $410,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,629 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16249 Taliesin St., Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $808,900. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,526 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
INDEPENDENCE/
SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 15041 Gaulberry Run, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $1,125,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths, and two half-baths and 4,964 square feet of living area. Days on market: 57.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
PEACHTREE
The home at 8432 Abbotsbury Drive, Windermere, sold April 17, for $532,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,890 square feet of living area. Days on market: 148.
MABEL BRIDGE
The home at 11619 Chateaubriand Ave., Orlando, sold April 16, for $525,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,303 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.
OSPREY RANCH
The home at 15167 Blue Peacock Lane, No. 87, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $686,700. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,500 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.
OXFORD MOOR
The home at 5518 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold April 15, for $1,370,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 5,260 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN
The townhouse at 6672 Juneberry Way, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $489,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,846 square feet. Days on market: 155.
STOREY GROVE
The home at 10241 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold April 16, for $550,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. Days on market: 156.
WINDERMERE
KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER
The home at 1140 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold April 14, for $2,400,000. Built in 2009, it has six bedrooms, six baths and 6,003 square feet. Days on market: 80.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 315 E. Sixth Ave., Windermere, sold April 16, for $939,000. Built in 1964, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,869 square feet. Days on market: 13.
WEATHERSTONE ON LAKE OLIVIA
The home at 9664 Weatherstone Court, Windermere, sold April 18, for $2,650,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 6,200 square feet of living area on 1.74 lakefront acres. Days on market: 104.
WINTER GARDEN
SUMMERPORT TRAIL
The home at 13832 Summerport Trail Loop, Windermere, sold April 18, for $505,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,245 square feet of living area. Days on market: 91.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 8547 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $645,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,348 square feet of living area. Days on market: 51.
WATERMARK
The home at 10414 Austrina Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 18, for $475,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 90.
OCOEE
HAMPTON WOODS
The home at 527 Buckhaven Loop, Ocoee, sold April 18, for $437,500. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,558 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
LAKE MEADOW LANDING
The townhouse at 1819 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold April 14, for $399,900. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,767 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.
WESTYN BAY
The home at 2333 Pesaro Circle, Ocoee, sold April 14, for $603,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
WHITEHILL
The home at 298 Misty Meadow Drive, Ocoee, sold April 14, for $449,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,184 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2512 Coachwood Drive, Ocoee, sold April 17, for $464,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.
CROWN POINT SPRINGS
The home at 1627 E. Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $455,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,678 square feet of living area. Days on market: 130.
GLYNWOOD
The home at 713 Duff Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $780,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,509 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The home at 15886 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 15, for $785,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,493 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.
The home at 15870 Citrus Grove Loop sold April 17, for $720,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,074 square feet. Days on market: 92.
LAKE AVALON GROVES
The home at 17952 Lookout Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold April 15, for $880,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,330 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.
LAKEVIEW RESERVE
The home at 165 Lakeview Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold April 18, for $525,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,853 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 210 Hammock Preserve Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $980,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,070 square feet of living area. Days on market: 47.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 2341 Baronsmede Court, Winter Garden, sold April 18, for $790,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,507 square feet. Days on market: 28.
TUSCANY
The home at 1623 Walkerton Court, Winter Garden, sold April 17, for $539,900. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,721 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.
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 on YouTube
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
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 FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
BIGGER slice of Orange
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1Olympia High baseball
coach Michael McDaniel has announced he is leaving his role in the program to become the first head coach of John Melvin Christian College — Central Florida. McDaniel was the fourth baseball coach at Olympia. Prior to his stint with the Titans, he served as the coach of Oak Ridge High and Apopka High. He also currently serves as the coach of the Winter Garden Squeeze of the Florida Collegiate Summer League and will remain in that role for the 2025 season.
2
The First Academy football’s Sean Kentish, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound offensive lineman, has announced his commitment to play college ball for the FIU Panthers. Kentish selected the Panthers over offers from Cornell, Liberty and Georgia State.
“I am grateful to announce I am committed to FIU,” he wrote in a post on X. “Thankful for my coaches, family, teammates and support around me!”
3
The rosters for the 2025 Cure All-Star Girls Flag Football Game have been announced, and the West Orange and Southwest Orange areas were well-represented. Eleven area players and two coaches across the two teams were selected for the game. Three players from Horizon High were selected: Nyree James, Isabella Almarza and Mariangely Blanco. From Ocoee High, Jayla Wesier, Aliyah Morris-Law and Jayla Williams were selected. From Windermere High, Riley Allen, Trinety Incoldsby and Znyah Kelly were included and so were Olympia High’s Valecia Foster and Baylie McCoy. Titans coach Tim Swanigan was the head coach for the Soliders team, while West Orange coach Vincent Chance served as his assistant coach. The game was played after press time Tuesday, May 6, at Dr. Phillips High.
4
Six members of the West Orange High girls lacrosse team were recognized as part of the All-West Metro Conference awards for the 2025 season.
Emily Noel was been named the Conference’s Coach of the Year, while senior defender Julie Reeth was named the Academic Senior of the Year. Reeth has a GPA of 5.309. Along with Noel and Reeth, four Lady Warriors were named the the 2025 AllWest Metro Conference Team of the Year.
Junior midfielder Tori Madrid, the team’s leader in goals, junior attacker Sammy Wheeler, captain Addy Petch and junior midfielder Aubrey Beahler made up the group of four to be selected. West Orange finished with a 12-6 record and reached the regional quarterfinals.
5Olympia boys basketball player Jonathan Watts has been named to ESPN’s top 60 recruits list for the class of 2027, as the No. 56 overall player. The 6-foot-7, 200-pound rising junior averaged 10.9 points, seven rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for the Titans, helping lead the young team to an 18-11 record.
Along with the overall ranking, Watts was also named a four-star prospect by ESPN the fifth-ranked 2027 player in Florida and 12th-ranked power forward in the country.
After claiming gold in the 400-meter dash at regionals and districts, TFA’s Gianna Landri established herself as one of state’s top middle school runners. Page 2B.
SAM SESSION
PLAYOFF PURSUIT
Five of West Orange and Southwest Orange high school softball teams are alive in the state championship hunt, with a few ready to make some serious noise this postseason.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The spring high school sports postseason is now fully underway as the girls on the softball diamond are the last set of athletes to have begun their battles for state championship glory.
As always, the West Orange and Southwest Orange areas are wellrepresented in the FHSAA softball regional tournaments, with five teams across four of the state’s seven classifications.
Led by 2025’s top teams — Horizon High and Foundation Academy — defending regional champions Windermere High, The First Academy Royals and Windermere Prep Lakers all reached the regional playoff tournament. With the regional quarterfinals games happening May 7-8 and the usual heavy presence from the area’s top dogs, here’s everything you need to know about the teams fighting for high school softball immortality in 2025.
Part II: Sam’s spring football stops
Sports Editor Sam Albuquerque takes you behind the scenes of spring high school football in West Orange and Southwest Orange.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
It’s the second week of the 2025 spring high school football session, and that means the acclimation period is done-and-dusted, and players can strap on their helmets and shoulder pads and get physical. In the second edition of Sam’s 2025 spring football stops, we continue our 12-stop journey to take fans of West Orange and Southwest Orange high school football behind the scenes of the spring high school football. This week, we’re taking a look at two of last season’s most
interesting, physical and talented teams: The Ocoee Knights and Olympia Titans.
OCOEE KNIGHTS
2024 record: 5-5 Spring game: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 vs. Oviedo High Coach: Buck Gurley, third season Key returners, additions: LB Michael McClenton, ATH Marvin Brown, DB Dariyon Gordon and QB Onrique Archie.
Ocoee Knights’ third-year football coach Buck Gurley is a 6-foot-2, 285-pound former defensive lineman for the Florida Gators. He was a member of the team for five seasons under legendary UF coach Steve Spurrier. As a redshirt junior, he won the Rex Farrior Award, given to a player who exemplifies a teamfirst attitude and exhibits leadership on and off the field. And, if you know anything about playing the defensive tackle position, you know that to put the team
first and be a leader on and off the field means a whole lot of physical, emotional and mental sacrifice. Playing that position in a teamorientated way means on every play your responsibility is to essentially get mauled by a pair of offensive linemen, hoping to occupy them long enough for your teammate to get around you and make the play. Playing that way means you don’t get to rack up the stats. The fans aren’t cheering for you — they probably don’t even know your name. And it means off the field, you have to put in insane amounts of work in the weight room to better occupy space and opponents. It takes discipline, selflessness and so much toughness that normal
Sam Albuquerque
Ocoee High’s rising junior quarterback Onrique Archie dialed up a pass during spring practice.
Windermere High softball pitcher Lauren Harper (No. 19) sent the ball toward home plate.
Horizon Hawks pitcher and Penn State signee Mackenzie Duncan (No. 14) has been dominant in the circle this season.
Photos by David Jester
KRISTEN BRYANT SOUTHWEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kristen Bryant is an eighth-grade English Language Arts teacher, middle school color guard teacher and yearbook teacher at Southwest Middle School. She also teaches Dr. Phillips High School’s eurythmics program, which is the school’s artistic color guard that performs with the band in the fall and competes during the winter season.
Bryant has been recognized as Teacher of the Year and has had opportunities to lead teams and present professional development on her campus and other campuses. She also has received grants.
She is most proud of the art, relationships and experiences for students she has created. This school year, Dr. Phillips High’s winter guard won the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit state championship.
“This teacher goes above and beyond for her students,” Southwest Middle Principal Damian Rosado said. “Not only does she do an amazing job as a language arts teacher and sponsors the yearbook, she also coaches the color guard here at SWMS and Dr. Phillips High School.
… She is the department chair for the Language Arts department and is the School CTA representative. She also coordinates and facilitates the eighth-grade day of festivities. She also takes an active role in mentoring students and teachers.”
What brought you to your school?
After spending 14 years in elementary school, I decided to make the jump to middle school, and I’ve never looked back. The middleschoolers are quirky and fun, and each day is unique.
What do you love most about your school?
The people I work with is what makes the school more than just a job.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When students come back and thank me for teaching them something or just letting me know that they appreciated that I cared.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be in another profession. I wanted to be a teacher since I was 5 years old. I’ve been teaching for 25 years with no regrets.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was Mr. McGuffin, my middle school band director. He took an interest in students, had high expectations but always with the sense of fun. He grew students not only as musicians but, more important, as people.
REPORT CARD
POSITION: English Language Arts teacher
YEARS AT SCHOOL: 10
YEARS WITH OCPS: 25
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Miss Piggle Wiggle.” I love that she was loved by children because she didn’t think kids were a nuisance. However, she always had creative ways to fix their bad habits for their parents. The humor in the books made reading them so much fun.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix with my two dogs, Gus and Gracie.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d like to be like Samantha on “Bewitched.” It would be great to make anything happen with just a wiggle of the nose, however, I guess that would require learning how to wiggle my nose.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Shania Twain, Indigo Girls and the Dixie Chicks. Their music is fun, and there is usually a message of empowerment in their songs.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
Bologna and cheese was my go-to sandwich. Oreo cookies were my favorite snack.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas because my dad was military and traveled a lot. However, somehow he always made it home for Christmas. Christmas represents family to me.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
Becky Bates. She moved in next door when I was in the fourth grade. We are still best friends to this day. I often think how grateful I am to her parents for buying that house.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I was in band and in color guard, and I was a member and president of the FEA (Future Educators of America).
Korbin Sanqui, a fifthgrader at Castleview Elementary School, wasn’t sure he had the talent or the interest to audition for the school’s Drama Club. But in his last year of elementary school, he decided to give it a chance. And he landed the lead role as Shrek in the school’s production of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” April 17-19. Sanqui encouraged other students to audition for the musical as they might discover talents they didn’t know they
Castleview stages ‘Shrek the Musical Jr.’
had. For fifth-graders Jaylen Sanchez, who played Lord Farquaad, and Lincoln Lund-Johnson, who played Donkey, the musical was an opportunity to play characters they said were fitting of their personalities.
— LIZ
Helena Caliman, who played Fiona, said she loved being able to express a range of emotions in the musical, making the audience laugh, cry and feel happy.
RAMOS
Helena Caliman sang her heart out as Fiona.
Korbin Sanqui and Lincoln Lund-Johnson had the playful backand-forth between Shrek and Donkey.
Grace Prendergast brought the sassy attitude of the dragon to life.
Jaylen Sanchez was thrilled to play the wannabe-king Lord Farquaad.
Isla Giuliani brought the wooden puppet of Pinocchio to life.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
On May 8, 1952, exactly 73 years ago, a photographer “only known to history as Swift” created this group portrait of the packinghouse employees at the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association. Located on property bordered by East Bay, Second, Third and East Smith streets, this former citrus powerhouse was celebrating its 43rd year of operation. Phil C. Peters was the plant’s manager. No doubt many folks might be able to point out a family member who worked here when King Citrus ruled West Orange County.
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
80 years ago
Plans were being perfected for Winter Garden to have an up-todate laundry, according to William H. Lockhart, new owner of the Edgewater Hotel. W.B. Burch, census enumerator for Winter Garden, reported the population was 3,008.
75 years
ago
More than 60 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14 were at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting lobbying for the opening of the swimming pool.
55 years ago
From a column called “Things to do, places to go in Central Florida”: A series of Orlando Twins baseball games were scheduled at Tinker Field. Tickets ranged from 50 cents to $1.25. Steve Dunegan, Rex Robertson, Bill Coleman and Steve Strube brought new laurels to Lakeview High School in the field of mathematics. Lakeview’s fourmember “man math” team walked away with honors in the countywide math competition. Friends and former students paid tribute to Jessie Brock, retiring principal of Winter Garden Elementary School. In her 48 years of teaching, three generations of students passed under her watchful eyes. Among those sharing memories were Charles McMillan, George Howard, Mary Engstrom, Tom Sewell, George Bekemeyer and Foy Maloy.
50 years ago
Ron Lopsonzski, a member of the Lakeview High School coaching and teaching staff for 12 years, was appointed to the post of head football coach at the new West Orange High School. The town of Windermere celebrated its 50th anniversary with a parade and a big week of festivities. Parade band units included the Walt Disney World Fife and Drum Corps and the marching bands from Lakeview and Ocoee high schools. Bob Matheison as master of ceremonies, introduced Miss Florida Delta Burke. As a gesture of goodwill to mark the occasion, Bill Love, owner of Windermere Standard, caused a mild traffic jam by selling gas for 29.9 cents per gallon for three hours.
20 years ago
A principal and name were chosen for a relief school in the Stoneybrook West area. Patricia RamseyBaney was chosen to lead the facility, named Whispering Oak Elementary School. There was a strong local connection to the annual Kentucky Derby horse-racing event at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Don and Sue Graham, of Ocoee, were the breeders of Spanish Chestnut, an entrant in the Triple Crown race. The Grahams had stables on Ocoee-Clarcona Road and a horse farm in Ocala.
Windermere resident and former mayor Robert J. Pleus Jr. unanimously was elected chief judge by the other nine judges in the Fifth District Court of Appeal for a two-year term.
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TICKTOCK by Jessica Bloom-Foster & Larry Snyder, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos