If you’re looking for a rootin’ tootin’ good time, Hamlin will be the place to be Saturday, May 16.
The 2026 Hamlin Hoedown will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the Hamlin Green Space, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. This family friendly morning of western fun will feature pony rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, food vendors and a live DJ. FAR EAST MEETS WEST ORANGE
The Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida returns to Ocoee this weekend for its annual Asian Cultural Festival.
This year’s event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The celebration showcases a wide variety of Asian-American cultures and talent from Central Florida’s Asian American ethnic groups from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Attendees will enjoy special performances, authentic cuisine and plenty of business vendors offering a variety of items.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
showcases student creators at Festival of the Arts event. SEE PAGE 5B.
• THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
In their senior era
ConGRADulations to the members of the Class of 2026.
WAR STORIES
Winter Garden Air Force Capt. Michael Makatura shares experiences of his squadron serving in the Cold War and Operation Desert Storm in his new book. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD
The First Academy’s Kyler Priester became the first Royal lifter to bring a state championship home. SEE PAGE 1B.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in West Orange
As the United States turns 250, cities and towns around the nation are celebrating this milestone. Winter Garden and Hamlin are getting ready for the celebrations with lots of festivities already planned. SEE PAGE 5A.
The First Academy alumna now is the musician God called her to be. PAGE 3A.
The Ocoee City Commission heard from Florida Rep. Leonard Spencer on the stalled budget and the local funding priorities for which he is pushing. SEE PAGE 6A.
CFCA
5FAST
1Shepherd’s Hope appoints new president, CEO Shepherd’s Hope has announced a new president and CEO. Raquel “Rocky” McCormick is taking the leadership position.
According to a press release, McCormick is the first Hispanic to lead the organization.
“When I look at what Shepherd’s Hope does and who it serves, I see
Her leadership experience includes serving as the vice president of corporate donor engagement at Heart of Florida United Way, executive director of Cornerstone Hospice Foundation and executive director of Pace Center for Girls Orange.
As president and CEO, McCormick’s goal is to increase the nonprofit’s reach.
In 2025, the free clinic served nearly 6,000 patients. Her goal is to reach 10,000 patients annually.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped carry this mission through a challenging season,”
Shepherd’s Hope Board Chair William Mullowney said. “Rocky brings the kind of proven leadership this moment calls for — a strategic thinker, a collaborative partner and a decisive leader with a deep commitment to community impact. She brings the energy and the heart this organization needs. Her ability to build strong relationships, inspire teams and translate vision into
2West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s Women
Build raises $250K
The West Orange Habitat For Humanity’s Women Build annual event was its most successful yet.
More than 200 women raised funds to address the Central Florida housing crisis.
They raised nearly $250,000 for the cause and also spent Saturday, May 2, building homes.
Women and Habitat families worked alongside each other to build seven homes in a day.
“Thank you to everyone who vol-
3
Italian deli plans to open on Plant Street
The Cosa Nostra Italian Deli first opened in Clermont, making a name for itself in the community through its food offerings.
According to public records, the deli now is expanding to Winter Garden, taking over Writer’s Block Bookstore’s former space.
To be located at 32 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, the deli offers salads, appetizers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, desserts and beverages.
The deli has yet to announce
4
Chain of Lakes Animal Clinic partners with shelter
The Chain of Lakes Animal Clinic in Windermere has announced a new partnership.
The animal clinic now is partnering with the Harbor House of Central Florida, the only certified domestic violence shelter in Orange County. Harbor House provides counseling, emotional support, legal advocacy and confidential hotline crisis.
“Many victims are scared to leave without their pets, which is where we come in,” animal clinic officials said. “We will be helping offer medical care to the furry family members.”
This partnership helps those in domestic violence situations by lowering the delay in leaving an abusive situation due to not being able to take their pets with them, and it allows survivors to have another source of emotional support.
5
Pedestrian bridge in Windermere to close temporarily Windermere residents and visitors will have to find an alternate path from the pedestrian bridge for the Ward Trail project.
From about Monday, June 1, through Monday, Aug. 3, the bridge will be temporarily removed for north-south access through this area, including crossing via Main closure, allow for extra travel
Courtesy photos
More than 200 women raised nearly $250,000 to combat the Central Florida housing crisis.
Raquel “Rocky” McCormick now serves as the first Hispanic president and chief executive officer in Shepherd’s Hope history.
ALMA MATTERS
JOYFUL NOISE
Caitlin Caggiano graduated from The First Academy in 2009. Today, she takes the lessons she learned and applies them to her everyday life as a guitar instructor and performer.
was like no other. She credits that to Dr. Scott Toenges, her apologetics teacher.
When The First Academy alumna Caitlin Caggiano was 5 years old, she received from her parents perhaps the most important Christmas gift of her life — a Spanish silent guitar.
“I felt some spiritual calling at 5 years old that I had to do this,” she said. “Or else I wasn’t going to unlock all the other doors.”
However, something happened to her guitar just a few days after she received it.
“I found the guitar completely smashed in my closet,” she said. “To this day, I have no idea how it happened.”
Six years after that, she received another guitar for Christmas.
“I would play that guitar until my fingers bled,” she said. “It wasn’t just a passion; it was an obsession.”
And although she was taking guitar lessons, she didn’t have opportunities to perform in front of an audience. At the time, TFA didn’t offer music classes besides band and choir.
It wasn’t until she entered high school that she auditioned for the school’s chapel band. She played “Standard Lines” by Dashboard Confessional, an “intense acoustic guitar intro where you’re all across the neck of the guitar,” she said.
“I played the song, and they said, ‘You realize you’re a really advanced level; we can’t even play that song,’” she said of her audition. “That’s the first time I felt validation.”
God’s calling was loud and clear.
She hasn’t put the guitar down since.
Today, through her online guitar school, she shares her passion with more than 350 students across the world. She also performs at the Guitar Shred Experience at Disney Springs, a guitar-led concert experience.
FROM STUDENT TO TEACHER
Caggiano attended TFA from the third grade until graduation in 2009.
Her experiences at TFA were nothing short of amazing, she said.
The lessons she learned and the relationship she created with God
CAITLIN CAGGIANO
Caitlin Caggiano is a guitar instructor and performer with years of experience. For more information or to schedule a lesson, visit caitlincaggiano.com.
“He is a remarkable man, and he solidified so many things in my faith before I went to college,” she said. “He didn’t just teach how to further your walk with the Lord, but he helped you solidify it and understand how to defend it. It was remarkable, and I hope they still have that class.”
In chapel band, she recalls the culture of excellence that was created.
“There were five or six core players there, and because we were giving an offering and sacrifice to the Lord, we wanted it to be excellent,” she said.
“TFA was the first time I was exposed to playing music with other musicians, and I thought it was the coolest thing.”
She adored playing live with other musicians, and from then on, she knew this is exactly what she needed to be doing.
Her experiences at TFA were instrumental to her success today.
While TFA focused on academics and athletics more than music when she was a student; it ignited curiosity in her.
“I honestly think I wouldn’t be the musician I am today if I had (TFA’s current music department),” she said.
“I didn’t have any actual music theory knowledge, but I was so hungry for it.”
When she graduated from TFA , she went to the University of Central Florida for business. She quickly realized that wasn’t what she wanted to do and moved to Nashville with her twin sister to attend Belmont University.
They only attended one semester before making the decision to leave the school because of its cost.
Caggiano’s sister then came back to Florida, but she stayed in Nashville and played with bands.
“Pretty quickly, I realized I don’t want to be a mom in my 50s and still playing in clubs until 2 a.m.,” she said.
“I wasn’t really living the life I want my kids to see me living.”
So she moved back home.
Discouraged from music, she decided to go to school for mathematics.
Her father refused.
“No you’re not,” he said to her.
“You’re going to school to study the guitar. … You’re going to do this because this is the passion and inspiration God has put inside you. This is the gift that God has given you. You have to invest in it.”
Those words were enough to inspire her to go to school for music.
She attended UCF and graduated in 2017 with a degree in classical guitar — the first female to graduate from the university with that degree.
“I had no life,” she said. “It was four-and-a-half years of completely sacrificing everything else to understand the instrument, and it was the most beautiful thing. It was eight to 10 hours a day of being locked in a room where it’s nothing but you, the guitar and God. I quickly realized when I do that, I’m not the artist and the guitar is not the instrument. God is the artist, I’m the instrument, and the guitar is just an extension of that.”
When she graduated, she began instructing guitar courses in person, but then, COVID-19 hit.
“I moved everything online, and it just completely blew up,” she said. “It’s truly amazing. I’m very grateful.”
She started teaching through Zoom, and in three months, she was teaching 60 hours per week.
She has students from England, France, Haiti, Australia and other parts of the world. And although she had no idea this is what she would do for the rest of her life, she is grateful for the path on which God put her.
More important, she also teaches TFA students, some of whom are in chapel band now.
To her, that is a true full-circle moment.
“It’s such a cool thing,” Caggiano said. “It freaks me out sometimes, because I didn’t realize how much time had passed since I went to TFA, but it’s the coolest thing.”
SUNSETS. SADDLES. GROW.
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“If you want to do anything in the arts, you can have no ego with it. If you truly want to be successful where you actually understand you’re fulfilling your purpose, you have to run toward God, and you have to pursue Him with everything that you are.”
— Caitlin Caggiano
PLAYING FOR GOD At TFA, she learned to play for God. When she teaches Christian students, she makes sure to instill that mentaility into them — ensuring they become fluent in guitar so the Holy Spirit can come through.
“If your fingers and your ears are completely fluent with the guitar fretboard and the Holy Spirit wants to say something, then you can allow Him to say something, because you know exactly where things need to go,” she said.
Caggiano said she’s had multiple people come up to her during her performances over the last 15 years and say they physically saw Jesus next to her when she played.
“Every note needs to be purposeful when I’m on stage, and it all started at TFA,” she said.
When she’s teaching non-Christian students, her style of teaching remains the same.
She teaches students how to play with excellence — no matter who it’s for, because that is what everyone should strive for.
“If you want to do anything in the arts, you can have no ego with it,” she said. “If you truly want to be successful where you actually understand you’re fulfilling your purpose, you have to run toward God, and you have to pursue Him with everything that you are.”
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Caitlin Caggiano performs at the Guitar Shred Experience on a monthly basis.
Courtesy photo
Book captures experience of war
When Winter Garden’s Capt. Michael Makatura travels to Virginia Beach next year, he will be reunited with his buddies with whom he served in the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Just as they have at every reunion every three years, they’ll reminisce and tell war stories.
But what will make this reunion special is it’ll be the first since Makatura, who served in the Air Force from 1987 to 1994, published his book, “The Fightin’ Tenth: Cold War to Desert Storm,” a book putting all the stories the members of the squadron have been sharing with others over the past 30 years on paper.
A tradition in the Air Force was for each member of a squadron to sign a lithograph of an F-16 and its silhouette as a keepsake for those who were departing. The lithographs were given as tokens of appreciation.
Instead of each member of the Fightin’ 10th signing the lithograph at the reunion next year, everyone will sign 50 copies of Makatura’s book so every member can return home with a copy of their written legacy in hand with all the members’ signatures.
The book, which was published Tuesday, May 5, is a memoir of the individuals who served in the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the U.S. Air Force.
Makatura shares his experiences serving as an Air Force officer with the squadron as the Cold War dragged on before the squadron was deployed to Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm.
The book is a telling of the squadron’s legacy of standing ready to serve.
CALL TO SERVE
Freshly graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Makatura was trying to figure out his next steps and drove past a military recruiting station in Pittsburgh. He always felt a sense of duty and desired to give back to his country.
Before he knew it, Makatura was headed to the airport to fly to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, for Officer Training School.
At the airport in San Antonio, he saw about 300 young people sitting on duffle bags, but he was pleasantly surprised to learn he would not be joining them as they were going to basic military training. Instead, he was put in a taxi and taken to the dorms of Officer Training School where they were met by a training officer who welcomed them and brought them to the dorms.
“We went to bed that night thinking, ‘This is going to be great,’” Makatura said. “At 5 a.m., there were really angry people yelling at us and waking us up. The evening before was the last nice thing that happened to us.” Makatura went through four months of intense training in which he was put through a mental game to break a civilian of the “self-centric” mindset and rebuild him to become a military officer.
“It might have been the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through,” he said. But it was the sense of duty that
made him persevere through training.
On Feb. 23, 1988, Makatura was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi, to Keesler Air Force Base for operations management and technical training before he was assigned.
He recalled receiving his assignment on a rip, a sheet of paper printed on a dot matrix printer that stated Hahn AB-GE.
“I was a civilian, right? I’m just getting into this mess, so I don’t know what AB means, and I don’t know what GE means, so I asked my flight commander,” Makatura said. “He said, ‘Oh, that’s Hahn Air Base in Germany.’ I can remember thinking clear as day, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Really, how cool is this?’ Just a few months ago, I was a college student, and all of a sudden I’m a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and I’m going to Germany.”
A NEW ATMOSPHERE
Makatura landed in a country where everything was different. Moreover, he discovered being in the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron would be completely different from the atmosphere he experienced at training.
Makatura said a fighter squadron has its own ethos. Unlike Officer Training School, which was a regimented, by-the-book environment, the squadron was different.
In training, he was taught to report to his superiors by saying, ‘Sir, Lt. Makatura reporting for orders, sir.’
He was practicing this in his head. When he approached his sponsor, a first lieutenant, he gave him a “crisp salute” and said his line.
The lieutenant with a “wry Oklahoman grin,” said, “Be careful with that thing, you’re going to put an eye out,” Makatura said.
That was his introduction to the fighter squadron culture.
“The other thing about the fighter squadron ethos, because the gravity of what they do is so great, the communication and feedback loop is immediate and radically candid,” he said. “So there is no time or appetite for beating around the bush and the niceties. It is very, very blunt. There’s a lot of sarcasm, and there’s a lot of thick skin, because that’s what you need to survive in that environment.”
As the executive officer, Makatura was the commander’s right-hand guy, conducting all the “administrative functions that enabled pilots to
fly, fight and win,” he said. He was known as a “shoe clerk,” which he said was a derisive term for someone in that position who also was supposed to be subservient.
But not Makatura.
He, like the F-16 pilots, was a TypeA personality, gregarious and loud, which took the pilots and others in the squadron by surprise.
Because of his personality, Makatura became “one of the guys.”
He knew he was trusted and highly revered when he became the first non-pilot in the 10th Tactical Fighter Wing history assigned to the duty desk, the central nervous system of the fighter squadron. The duty officer was charged with ensuring the jets were ready to go, communicating with maintenance teams and the control tower and letting pilots know of anything that could impact the mission.
“It was unbelievable,” Makatura said. “Military service in general is a calling, and I found myself walking tall and proud that I was an Air Force officer, that I was serving in Europe during the Cold War. I was completely bought into the calling and the responsibility that I had.”
PART OF HISTORY
When Makatura was sent overseas to Germany in June 1988, it was in the midst of President Ronald Reagan’s second term. Reagan was working with Margaret Thatcher and the U.S.’ NATO allies to put pressure on the Soviet Union. Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union at the time, were redefining the geopolitical landscape, negotiating treaties to remove nuclear weapons from Europe in the wake of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the subsequent attack on Libya.
“We were on the front lines of the Cold War,” Makatura said.
Makatura served in Germany when it was an occupied nation and the country was in the process of reunification, the Soviet Union crumbled and the Warsaw Pact disintegrated.
“The gravitas of everything that was going on was amazing,” he said. “We said that peace was breaking out all over. As soon as we were all wondering, well, what’s next, Saddam Hussein invades Kuwait.”
While the rest of his squadron was shipped to the Middle East to help ensure Iraq didn’t obtain sole control
over the world’s oil supply in Saudi Arabia, Makatura went to the command post and stayed in Germany.
He said it was agony being left behind as all the men he served with were going to serve in Operation Desert Storm, which only lasted 43 days.
“It was pretty tough, but what military people will tell you is we are each assigned a role, and everybody’s role is important,” Makatura said.
“You have to answer the call of duty to whatever role you’re in at the time that it happens.”
Makatura recalled sitting in his house in Germany with the wife of one of his squadron buddies as they watched his buddy on CNN flying over Iraq. He consoled the wife as she cried.
At the time, Makatura said it was expected that of the 40 men sent to the Persian Gulf, 10 would not return home.
“We were sitting there just praying that everybody would survive,” he said. “She’s crying and I’m comforting her, and we’re drinking coffee by the gallon because we’re riveted to the fact the guys we know are prosecuting the war right in front of our eyes.”
Because Makatura was not in Operation Desert Storm, he depended on the journals men in his squadron kept to share the stories, history and legacy of the 10th Tactical as they fought in the gulf.
WRITING A LEGACY
Looking back, Makatura said he and his squadron didn’t understand the depth and impact of their missions as they were living it. They simply were doing their jobs, playing important roles in the defense of NATO and Central Europe.
Three years ago, Makatura started looking at old copies of the “Stars and Stripes,” a military newspaper. He took the time to examine dozens of front pages of the newspaper in the archives. He said it took his breath away to see how many events happened while the 10th Tactical was in Germany and how many of which they were involved.
“That gave me the perspective of, holy cow, we were right in the middle of enormous historical events and geopolitical shifts, and that’s when I first fully recognized it and that’s when I said, I have to tell this story,” he said.
Although the book focuses on the 10th Tactical, Makatura said he “always takes a step back in deference to everybody else,” because he could be telling the story of any Air Force fighter squadron or unit in the U.S. military over any period of history.
“My point is that I’m telling the story of the 10th, but it’s a microcosm of the broader story of soldiers, sailors and airmen, who have answered the call of duty and served their country and have done extraordinary things when duty called,” he said.
FIND THE BOOK
“The Fightin’ Tenth: Cold War to Desert Storm” can be purchased on Amazon as well as at Target, Barnes & Noble and other locations.
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Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com
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The Desert Storm Sabres were ready to serve. Courtesy photos
Michael Makatura, right, served in West Germany as part of the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron during the final years of the Cold War.
West Orange to celebrate America 250
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Horizon West’s Kevin Kelly grew up in Boston celebrating Flag Day every year. The childhood memories sparked an idea for Hamlin to host its first parade in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4.
“When I moved to Horizon West, I knew this was the kind of community where we could create something just as meaningful, something families could look forward to for years to come,” Kelly said.
Hamlin will host The Hamlin AllAmerican Flag Parade, just one of the festivities in West Orange County to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The parade is a free, family-friendly event taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Thanks to community advocate Austin Arthur, local organizations, Horizon West Happenings and Hamlin, Kelly’s idea now is coming to fruition.
“It’s incredibly important for communities like ours to come together as Americans, and while our focus is here in West Orange, this is something every community in the country should be doing,” Arthur said.
“Ever since I was a kid, I was drawn to American history, so to be living in a time where we are celebrating 250 years of this country and to play a small role in honoring that, is something I don’t take lightly — it is a blessing to have the chance.”
Check-in, vendors and activities open to the public at 9 a.m.
From 10 to 10:30 a.m., a patriotic ceremony will take place featuring the Horizon West American Legion and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
From 10:30 to 11 a.m., a 1-mile American flag walk will take place.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., attendees will enjoy more festivities, vendors, food trucks, kids activities and a live band.
The event is dedicated to honoring the official United States flags throughout history.
LOCAL
EVENT SCHEDULE
HAMLIN THE HAMLIN ALLAMERICAN FLAG PARADE
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Hamlin’s Green Space. Visit hamlinflagparade.com.
WINTER GARDEN GIANT BIRTHDAY CARD TO AMERICA
Through Friday, July 31, at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum
“AMERICA 250: PATRIOTISM ON PLANT STREET”
Through Friday, July 31, at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum
“CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICAN RAILROADS” Tuesday, May 19, to Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Central Florida Railroad Museum
“AMERICA 250: ART & IDENTITY”
Opens to the public Tuesday, June 2, at SOBO Art Gallery
RED, WHITE & BLUES ON THE PLAZA: AMERICA 250
7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Centennial Plaza
22ND ANNUAL ALL AMERICAN KIDS PARADE & PANCAKES
BREAKFAST: AMERICA 250
8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge
Two of the most meaningful moments of the event will be the dedication of a new American flagpole in Hamlin, as well the burial of a community time capsule that will be opened in 50 years for America’s 300th anniversary.
“For years, I have hoped to create something truly meaningful for America’s 250th anniversary here at Hamlin,” said Heather Easterling, event director and public relations for
WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: AMERICA 250
8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 4, at the Downtown Pavilion
PARTY IN THE PARKS & FIREWORKS: AMERICA 250 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Newton Park
“PATRIOTISM ON PLANT: A MUSICAL JOURNEY CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH”
n 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Garden Theatre n 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at the Garden Theatre
Learn more at downtownwg.com/ downtown-winter-garden-events
OCOEE FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at Bill Breeze Park
Hamlin. “This event is that moment, bringing together community, history and patriotism in a way that will leave a lasting legacy through the flagpole and the time capsule.”
Her hope is to make this event an annual tradition. Proceeds from The Hamlin AllAmerican Flag Parade will support programs serving local veterans through the Horizon West American Legion Post 419.
All attendees will receive a complimentary handheld American flag, encouraging community members to continue to display their patriotism.
“I hope attendees take away a feeling of unity,” Arthur said. “I hope they look around at the event and see many different types of people, all walks of life, all backgrounds, all income levels, and they look and say, ‘Wow, we really are one.’ I think our community can benefit from that kind of unity, and that’s really what it’s all about.”
To register for the free walk, become a sponsor or learn more, visit hamlinflagparade.com.
WINTER GARDEN
The Hamlin parade is just one of several events taking place in the community.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is hosting a variety of exhibits and events in commemoration of America’s founding. Through Friday, July 31, Winter Garden residents are invited to the Winter Garden Heritage Museum to add their names and heartfelt messages to a giant birthday card to America, which will be preserved as a living time capsule in the foundation’s permanent archive.
On top of that, residents now can visit the “America 250: Patriotism on Plant St.” exhibit in the museum.
Through Friday, July 31, visitors will explore the origins of the country and how stories of America’s revolution have echoed in West Orange County for more than a century, through photos and artifacts.
At Winter Garden City Hall, the “Winter Garden Americana: A Look Back” also is on display through Tuesday, June 30. The exhibit looks back at earlier years of Winter Garden from the lenses of photographer Peter Schreyer.
At the Central Florida Railroad Museum, the “Celebrating 250 Years of American Railroads” exhibit, which will be open from Tuesday, May 19, to Saturday, Sept. 26, will feature railroads through American history.
The SOBO Art Gallery also is celebrating with its art exhibition,
“America 250: Art & Identity.” It will open to the public Tuesday, June 2. The gallery currently is accepting submissions.
On Friday, July 3, the city will host Red, White & Blues on the Plaza, kicking off celebrations for the day ahead.
The Big Ron Betts Trio will take the stage, combining blues, rock, soul, pop and funk.
Saturday, July 4, will be a big day for Winter Garden, with several events planned.
From 8 to 10:30 a.m., the 2026 All American Kids Parade & Breakfast will take place at the Masonic Lodge No. 165.
From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Winter Garden Farmers Market Independence Day Celebration: America 250, will take place. There will be live music; a craft-making station; red, white and blue snow cones; and more.
From 6 to 10 p.m., the city of Winter Garden will host its Party in the Park event, which will include live music, games and activities, food trucks, vendors, and will end with a firework show.
To conclude celebrations, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host “Patriotism on Plant: A Musical Journey Celebrating America’s 250th,” Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, at the Garden Theatre.
Opera Orlando will lead the performance.
According to WGHF, “this special performance traces the American story through song and cinematic imagery, weaving together patriotic music with historical film spanning the decades. From the earliest days of our republic through the moments that defined each generation, audiences will experience America’s journey as only live performance can tell it.”
Veterans also will be recognized during the performance, something Arthur wanted to do as chairman of Challenge 22 to End Veteran Suicide. “The goal is to recognize their service and bring awareness to the mission, while keeping the overall tone of the event positive and aligned with the celebration,” he said.
9:30AM
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 on YouTube
Florida state Rep. Spencer addresses Ocoee’s concerns
Florida District 45 State Rep. Leonard Spencer provided Ocoee leaders with an update on Tallahassee during the Ocoee City Commission meeting Tuesday, May 5.
Spencer said the 60-day legislative session has been extended into overtime as the lawmakers remain in a stalemate on the final funding prorates of the more than $113 billion state budget. Discussions on the budget will continue throughout May as legislators work to finalize spending decisions that will directly affect West Orange communities.
“Ocoee
There are several funding requests for the district still under consideration, including infrastructure improvements, water system expansions and community-based programs. Among them are $1.5 million for a wastewater extension project near Lake Apopka, which Spencer is pushing to gain funding for, roadway improvements in Windermere and funding for local nonprofit initiatives addressing food insecurity and youth development.
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
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
“My focus is making sure your tax dollars are reinvested right back into our communities,” Spencer said. He also voiced opposition to state preemption and the measures that would limit the power of local cities such as Ocoee to govern themselves.
“The state Legislature should not be preempting local communities and stripping decision-making power away from cities,” Spencer said.
and the residents of this district deserve maps and should have maps that keep our communities together and give every voter a meaningful voice.”
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 cited House Bill 1000, which restricts local governments from funding or implementing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. He said the bill could penalize local officials for actions previously within their authority.
amendment that barred gerrymandering to benefit any political party, and the maps that passed are drawn to protect political incumbents, rather than to fail to represent the communities that actually live here,” Spencer said. “Ocoee and the residents of this district deserve maps and should have maps that keep our communities together and give every voter a meaningful voice.”
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy said he is concerned about the state overreach, especially in development policies tied to affordable housing. He said Spencer supported Senate Bill 102 Live Local Act donating all of its money to affordable housing, which would have negative implications on Ocoee’s mission to create local high-end apartments and living sites.
YOUTH COUNCIL YEAR IN REVIEW
The Ocoee Youth Council is an organization for the youth to learn more about decision-making, self-growth and grow as future leaders. Members presented their favorite memories from the 2025-2026 year at the City Commission meeting.
Spencer said the state is trying to find the appropriate balance between expanding affordable housing and preserving local control.
“I hear from constituents every day who are struggling to afford housing, but I also want to work with you to ensure communities develop in a way that reflects local needs,” he said.
Beyond local government issues, Spencer highlighted several bills he voted to pass during the session, including House Bill 365, which allows high school students to volunteer at polling locations, and the bill regulating e-bikes. Spencer also voted against redrawing Florida’s congressional and legislative maps in the special legislative session, which ended Friday, May 1.
“Florida passed a constitutional
IN OTHER NEWS
n Mayor of Ocoee Rusty Johnson proclaimed Friday, May 15, as National Peace Officer Memorial Day.
n Johnson also proclaimed Sunday, May 10, to Saturday, May 16, as National Police Week.
The members spread holiday cheer during Ocoee’s Operation Santa, attended a Youth Council Summit in DeLand, assisted the Ocoee Police Department with organizing toys and bicycles for children, and helped run and organize many other Ocoee events. Ocoee Municipal Records Coordinator Miranda Justice said the OYC members have contributed 450 volunteer hours to the Ocoee community in the past year through the events.
The City Commission approved the Council Scholarship Program Dec. 5, 2023, and allowed OYC members to receive up to $250 per year of participation with the youth council if they met the scholarship qualifications for that year. Six senior members qualified for scholarships: Daniel Idowu, Demetrius Molina, Jimmy Nguyen, Luciana Arce-Cervantes, Miley Zumaeta and Zachary Lauro.
Former OYC member Ashley Clark, who graduated from Tennessee State University debt-free on a full-ride scholarship by volunteering for the council, shared a message to the graduating seniors.
“Have the faith to ask, ‘What if I can,’ and know that you have a whole community of people supporting you and rooting for you and cheering for you,” she said. “It’s so easy to doubt yourself and doubt the places that you can go, but I’m living proof of the way that you help others comes back to you in big ways.”
Rosen JCC Learning Center to offer new kindergarten program
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Since 2009, the Rosen JCC Learning Center has offered infant, toddlers and preschoolers with STEAMbased, social, physical, emotional and intellectual programs to prepare them for kindergarten.
Now, the JCC also will offer a kindergarten program starting in August — something the community center has been wanting to do for a while.
“We already have the preschool here,” said Sarah Ratliff, senior director of youth programs. “We have families who have been with us for years and would love to stay an extra year because they know the JCC, they know we provide a really great education for the kids, but there is also now a really big demand for alternative schooling options.” Ratliff said the demand is because of Orange County Public Schools closing and consolidating schools.
“The classes that still exist are now going to grow in size, there’s going to be less resources, and more demand on the teachers, which is crazy,” she said. “They’re already overloaded as it is.”
As the kindergarten program flourishes, Ratliff said the goal is maintain small class sizes. She said the program will cap classes once it reaches 16 students, allowing for more teacher-student interactions, personalized lessons and increased engagement.
Ratliff said kindergartners will have two teachers — a lead teacher and an assistant.
The lead teacher has not been hired yet as Ratliff is looking for someone who is certified and experienced.
A pre-K assistant teacher will be promoted to kindergarten assistant teacher.
“We’ll have someone new coming in but we’ll still have someone that’s been here for a long time and knows the way we do things,” Ratliff said.
The Rosen JCC is looking to meet
ROSEN JCC KINDERGARTEN
n Registration for the 202627 school year now is open.
n Monthly tuition is $1,250.
n Visit eclc.rosenjcc.org to enroll today.
the state standards but also exceed them.
“We have a STEAM Lab here in the preschool that (kindergartners) will also have access to,” Ratliff said.
“It’s one of my favorite things that we have here. We have a whole hydroponics system in there. We also have the room set up so that (students) can have different station areas with different themes each week.”
Involving children in science, technology, engineering, arts and math is key.
“We’re going to have weekly Spanish lessons (and) weekly piano lessons,” Ratliff said.
On top of that, kindergartners will go through social and emotional learning.
“A big part of the curriculum is to
not only teach the kids how to regulate their own emotions, but to learn how they fit into a community, how they relate to their friends, parents and teachers,” she said. “We also are going to have a values class. This is something we already do for our pre-K students. … They learn about things we want them to adopt to become good people. They’ll learn about kindness, charity, friendship. It’s really good character development for them.”
Ratliff also is coordinating an annual field trip to the Orlando Science Center for the kindergartners.
“I’m really excited to get to see the same kids who have been here for preK that we know and love, and just get to have them for another year,” she said. “I’m sure they’ll be so excited to have another year with their friends, too. … There’s definitely the aspect of
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belonging to a community. Some of these kids have been here since they were babies and they’ve had the same friends in the same class for years now. … There’s a foundation of trust and belonging there. I think it’s just a very natural way for them to continue their education here.”
Because many of the students stay for after-school care, the program also will facilitate the transition into it.
Ratliff also is excited to welcome new students.
“We want to be able to have as many kids as possible access the best education as possible,” she said.
Families don’t need to be Jewish or a member of the Rosen JCC to join. The only requirement to be able to sign up for the program is the child must be 5 years old by Tuesday, Sept. 1.
FIRE ENGULFS WINDERMERE HOME
A house fire broke out in Windermere Monday, May 11. According to Orange County Fire Rescue, the fire engulfed about 70% of the home on Wild Oak Drive, Windermere. While a multitude of crews units worked to extinguish the fire, there were no injuries or medical transports. The fire was contained. The cause of the fire was not revealed.
OCOEE REPORTS WATER OUTAGE
Ocoee residents experienced a reclaimed water outage earlier this week.
A contractor struck a reclaimed water line Monday, May 11, at the intersection of Ocoee-Apopka Road and Chablis Way. Because of the accident, reclaimed water was shut off west of State Road 429 and north of Clarcona Ocoee Road. The line was expected to be down for two to three days. “We appreciate your patience as we work to restore service as soon as possible and we will provide updates as they become available,” city officials said.
WINDERMERE ROAD WORK CONTINUES
The town of Windermere is asking residents and drivers to allow for extra travel time and to drive safely as work continues on multiple roads and parks through Friday, May 15. Work was scheduled to be conducted in Fernwood Park, as well as working in various areas along Butler and Forest streets; Seventh Avenue; Eighth Avenue and East Boulevard; Third Avenue; West Second Avenue; and Palmer Park.
Photo by Leticia Silva
Two classrooms are available for kindergarten classes to take place at Rosen JCC.
Ahome in the Golden Oak community in Southwest Orange topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from April 27 to May 3.
The home at 10227 Morey Court, Golden Oak, sold May 1, for $7,250,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 4,722 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25. The sellers were represented by Anna McKee, Golden Oak Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK
The home at 10842 Woodchase Circle, Orlando, sold April 27, for $585,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,847 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.
BAY HILL
The home at 8968 Bay Cove Court, Orlando, sold April 29, for $4,250,000. Built in 2025, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,428 square feet of living area. Days on market: 177.
BAY LAKES AT GRANADA
The home at 8701 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold April 30, for $310,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,214 square feet of living area.
BAY VIEW RESERVE
The condo at 7550 Hinson St., No. 11C, Orlando, sold April 30, for $662,500. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.
BRISTOL PARK
The home at 9181 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold April 30, for $795,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,488 square feet of living area. Days on market: 55.
HERITAGE BAY
The home at 9107 Phillips Grove Terrace, Orlando, sold May 1, for $925,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,818 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.
ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB
The home at 7224 Greenville Court, Orlando, sold May 1, for $650,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,226 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8591 Geddes Loop, Orlando, sold April 30, for $1,364,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,294 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
RUBY LAKE
The home at 11256 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold April 30, for $1,465,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 4,931 square feet of living area. Days on market: 118.
The home at 10790 Citron Oaks Drive, Orlando, sold April 29, for $770,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,150 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
SOMERSET SHORES
The townhouse at 7578 Somerset Shores Court, Orlando, sold April 30, for $574,900. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,817 square feet of living area.
TOREY PINES
The home at 5110 Pine Top Place, Orlando, sold April 29, for $750,000. Built in 1991, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,248 square feet of living area. Days on market: 162.
VISTA CAY
The townhouse at 5026 Tideview Circle, No. 12, Orlando, sold April 28, for $475,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 1,741 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.
VIZCAYA
The home at 8118 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold May 1, for $2,550,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,244 square feet of living area. Days on market: 111.
HORIZON WEST
ASHLIN PARK
The townhouse at 11854 Water Run Alley, Windermere, sold April 30, for $400,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,588 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.
DEL WEBB OASIS
The home at 13732 Fresh Ivy St., Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $575,000. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,889 square feet of living area. Days on market: 218.
The villa at 13545 Pearl Beach St., Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $387,000. Built in 2025, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet of living area. Days on market: 69.
LAKE STAR AT OVATION
The home at 17347 Beachgrass Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $539,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,983 square feet of living area. Days on market: 308.
The home at 17341 Beachgrass Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $469,990. Built in 2026, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet of living area. Days on market: 101.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 6718 Romney Lane, Windermere, sold April 30, for $540,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,460 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.
LAKEVIEW POINTE
The townhouse at 7333 Duxbury Lane, Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $405,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,813 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
The townhouse at 7230 Duxbury Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $384,500. Built in 2016, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,456 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
NORTHLAKE AT OVATION
The home at 17652 Japonica Bloom Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $773,739. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,545 square feet of living area. Days on market: 165.
The townhouse at 11141 Lime Flower Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $450,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,635 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
OASIS COVE II
The townhouse at 8226 Serenity Spring Drive, No. 2402, Windermere, sold April 28, for $390,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,208 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.
PALMS AT WINDERMERE
The home at 14285 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold April 28, for $990,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,100 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.
The home at 14377 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold April 30, for $970,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,239 square feet of living area.
PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN
The townhouse at 15351 Hamlin Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $463,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,072 square feet of living area. Days on market: 84.
PRESTON SQUARE
HAMILTON GARDENS
The home at 6072 Glory Bower Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $460,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,128 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 6155 Hamlin Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $975,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,778 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES
The home at 15023 Sunstar Way, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $885,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,243 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.
LAKE REAMS TOWNHOMES
The townhouse at 12683 Langstaff Drive, Windermere, sold April 27, for $375,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,428 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
LAKE SAWYER SOUTH
The home at 13320 Fernow St., Windermere, sold April 30, for $731,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,745 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
The home at 6573 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold April 30, for $631,900. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,664 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
SAWYER SOUND
The home at 5024 Sawyer Cove, Windermere, sold April 30, for $3,100,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,501 square feet of living area. Days on market: 187.
SERENADE AT OVATION
The home at 13169 Calming Breeze Way, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $553,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: 105.
The townhouse at 13282 Serene Glade Road, Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $444,990. Built in 2026, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
The townhouse at 13343 Peaceful Melody Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $431,990. Built in 2026, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet of
The home at 10227 Morey Court, Golden Oak, sold May 1,
$7,250,000. Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a residential resort community where families can live in the embrace of luxury, privacy and the magic of Disney. The sellers were represented by Anna McKee, Golden Oak Realty.
Courtesy photo
The home at 5024 Sawyer Cove, Windermere, sold April 30, for $3,100,000. It was the largest transaction in the Horizon West area from April 27 to May 3. The sellers were represented by Rob Rahter, Stockworth Realty Group.
The townhouse at 13335 Peaceful Melody Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $428,000. Built in 2026, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,715 square feet of living area.
SILVERLEAF OAKS
The townhouse at 16286 Bright Leaf Road, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $474,790. Built in 2026, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,770 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE AT HAMLIN
The home at 4878 Coral Bean Alley, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $515,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 7630 Bluejack Oak Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $555,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,520 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
The home at 8216 Gray Kingbird Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $470,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,765 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63.
SUMMERPORT
The townhouse at 5317 Keenes Pheasant Drive, Windermere, sold April 30, for $352,500. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,155 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST
The home at 6638 Bridgewater Village Road, Windermere, sold April 30, for $640,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,908 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.
The home at 6626 Bridgewater Village Road, Windermere, sold April 30, for $585,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,720 square feet of living area. Days on market: 150.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 11187 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $794,566. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.
The home at 11112 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $760,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet of living area. Days on market: 134.
The home at 10241 Merrymeeting Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $765,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,840 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
The home at 16833 Hobe Sound Court, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $552,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 124.
The home at 8685 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $550,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
WESTSIDE VILLAGE
The home at 7885 Berkshire Oak Alley, Windermere, sold April 27, for $545,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,214 square feet of living area. Days on market: 57.
WICKHAM PARK
The townhouse at 12879 Emersondale Ave., Windermere, sold April 30, for $390,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,565 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.
WINCEY GROVES
The home at 5391 Golden Apple Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $1,015,000. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,124 square feet of living area. Days on market: 183.
WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 12121 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere, sold April 30, for $500,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,035 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.
WINDING BAY
The home at 15432 Gilligan Court, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $830,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,267 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
The home at 15371 Gilligan Court, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $550,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,152 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
OAKLAND LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND
The home at 2606 Bobcat Chase Blvd., Oakland, sold April 28, for $600,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,473 square feet of living area. Days on market: 114.
TOWN OF OAKLAND
The home at 2135 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold April 30, for $475,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: 64.
OCOEE
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 1776 Black Maple Place, Ocoee, sold April 30, for $585,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,980 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
BORDEAUX
The condo at 1101 Vintage Village Lane, No. 103, Ocoee, sold April 27, for $200,000. Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one bath and 702 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
BROOKSTONE
The home at 214 Highbrooke Blvd., Ocoee, sold April 27, for $620,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,208 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.
CROSS CREEK
The home at 438 Darkwood Ave., Ocoee, sold May 1, for $479,900. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,895 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
FOREST OAKS
The home at 506 Hager Drive, Ocoee, sold April 29, for $365,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,371 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.
The home at 1413 Ison Lane, Ocoee, sold April 27, for $270,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,453 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
MCCORMICK RESERVE
The home at 3506 Gretchen Drive, Ocoee, sold April 28, for $435,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,675 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63.
NORTH OCOEE ADDITION
The home at 314 15th Ave., Ocoee, sold April 30, for $400,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,050 square feet of living area. Days on market: 240.
PLANTATION GROVE WEST
The home at 841 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold April 30, for $710,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,585 square feet of living area.
PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT
The home at 3427 Stonegate Drive, Ocoee, sold April 30, for $499,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
SAWMILL
The home at 5139 Log Wagon Road, Ocoee, sold April 29, for $375,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
SILVER BEND
The home at 2546 Alclobe Circle, Ocoee, sold April 30, for $440,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,675 square feet of living area. Days on market: 133.
TWIN LAKES MANOR
The home at 405 Caballero Road, Ocoee, sold April 27, for $192,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,025 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
WIND STONE AT OCOEE
The home at 2214 El Marra Drive, Ocoee, sold April 29, for $435,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,255 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
WYNWOOD
The home at 3262 Spineywood Drive, Ocoee, sold April 29, for $558,990. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.
The home at 2322 Ashwood Bluff Drive, Ocoee, sold April 29, for $494,990. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,447 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.
WEST ORANGE
GLENMUIR
The home at 6569 Crestmont Glen Lane, Windermere, sold April 27, for $1,030,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,080 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
WATERSTONE
The home at 11821 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold April 29, for $1,500,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,447 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 8447 Woburn Court, Windermere, sold May 1, for $1,310,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,945 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
THE LAKES
The home at 1625 Down Lake Drive, Windermere, sold May 1, for $1,318,000. Built in 1984, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 3,383 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 1020 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold April 29, for $2,171,470. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,994 square feet of living area. Days on market: 107.
WINDERMERE DOWNS
The home at 1826 Windermeredown Place, Windermere, sold April 29, for $1,330,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,856 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
WINTER GARDEN
AVALON WOODS
The home at 15274 Maritime Pine Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $1,039,538. Built in 2026, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,222 square feet of living area.
The home at 15261 Maritime Pine Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $1,1113,986. Built in 2026, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,222 square feet of living area.
COBBLESTONE AT WINTER GARDEN
The home at 224 Black Springs Lane, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $485,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,916 square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 14170 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $770,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,931 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
DANIELS LANDING
The townhouse at 13335 Daniels Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $324,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,347 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
DEER ISLAND
The home at 17737 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $2,775,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 4,886 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
EMERALD RIDGE
The home at 1818 Morning Sky Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $610,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,943 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET
The townhouse at 628 Orange Belt Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $510,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,850 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.
LAKE COUNTY
The home at 11714 Flynn Court, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold April 27, for $1,240,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 4,370 square feet of living area. Days on market: 142.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3383 Current Ave., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold April 27, for $929,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,975 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.
OAKLAND HILLS
The home at 15198 E. Oakland Ave., Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $1,790,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,616 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 883 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $1,075,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,811 square feet of living area.
ORCHARD HILLS
The home at 4937 Wildwood Pointe Road, Winter Garden, sold May 1, for $800,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,289 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.
WINTERMERE POINTE
The home at 2425 Prairie View Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $641,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,524 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.
The home at 1020 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold April 29, for $2,171,470. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from April 27 to May 3. The sellers were represented by Candace Cassidy, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
realtor.com
The home at 17737 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $2,775,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from April 27 to May 3. The sellers were represented by Candace Cassidy, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
The Florida High School Athletic Association announced the eight members of the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame Wednesday, May 6, including Windermere High’s baseball as sistant coach Ray Evans. Evans has coached baseball for more than 30 years and earned a cumulative 559-251-2 record as a head coach. He has served as a head coach at Miami Beach Senior High, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High, Charles Flanagan High and Dr. Phillips High, before becoming Winder mere’s assistant in 2022. He is a member of three other hall of fames: National High School Baseball Coaches Association (2021), High School Baseball Network South Florida (2023) and Florida Athletic Coaches Association (2025).
2
Foundation Academy track-and-field teams competed in the FHSAA Class 1A and Unified state championships Wednesday, May 6. The Lady Lions finished seventh in the state overall. Senior Lee Peters defended her state champion title in the 100-meter dash with her time of 11.76 seconds. She also finished in second in the 200M with a time of 24.13. The girls 4x100M relay team — Ashley Jones, Katie Rosenthal, Gracen Field and Lee Peters — finished second. They ran the event in 48.95 seconds, which broke the school record for the third consecutive week. Foundation’s boys also had a strong finish in the 4x400M relay. The team of Landon Wildenburg, Josh Mercado, Bradley Reuter and Jesse Rosenthal finished in sixth and broke the school record with their time of 3:26.57. Jesse Rosenthal also finished in 10th in the 400M dash.
3
Back-to-back Coach of the Year Albert Settles won’t be returning to Central Florida Christian Academy’s boys basketball team. He entered the Eagles’ program that had gone 6-19 in 2023-2024, but in two seasons, he transformed it. Under his guidance, CFCA compiled a 4615 record, reached the FHSAA Class 1A Regional Finals in 2025 and most recently brought the team back to the Final Four for the first time since 2019.
4
At the FHSAA Class 4A Track-and-Field State Championships Saturday, May 9, Ocoee High’s Jaiden Manning became the first male Knight to claim a state championship. He ran the 100-meter hurdles in 13.92 seconds to win gold. Devin Matthews also won the state championship in the 400-meter dash in 47.24 seconds.
As a team, Ocoee’s boys placed fourth in states by scoring 31.
5
Local high schools celebrated multiple players being named to the All-Metro teams. West Orange High’s baseball team had five players named to the 2026 All Metro team. Miguel Acosta, ranked No. 19 in Florida and No. 2 in 7A for runs, and Lukas Stirewalt, ranked No. 5 in 7A for batters struck out, were placed on the first team. Braxton Stalvey, Jayden Taveras and Evan Goodmon made the second team. Ocoee High’s Serico Allen recorded 12 stolen bases this past season and was named to the All-Metro first team.
10-year-old prepares to play in Europe
Stars Academy’s Lorenzo Rodriguez is a team captain and recently won back-to-back MVP. He now prepares to play with the best in France, England and Ireland.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Lorenzo Rodriguez, a 10-year-old on Winter Garden’s Stars Academy 2015 Top Team, distinctly remembers one of the first soccer tournaments of this season. His team was down 2-0, but he and his teammates rallied back to tie the game 2-2. They were heading to overtime. Lorenzo, team captain, stepped up to the penalty mark. He watched the ball soar past the goalie and fly into the net. His team won 3-2, and he felt incredible. It showed all of his hard work over the years was paying off and the road ahead would be full of greatness. Since then, Lorenzo has won back-to-back Most Valuable Player
awards in recent competitions. This summer he will tour Europe to compete with his team in the Paris World Games Monday, July 6, to Saturday, July 11, before training with a couple professional clubs in England and then traveling to Ireland to compete with another club in a tournament.
“It’s huge,” Lorenzo’s dad, Zay Rodriguez said. “It’s one of those things that when the universe aligns certain things, you just go with the flow. We’ve been talking about doing things like this, (but) we didn’t expect for us to be in Europe playing internationally so early.”
All of the Stars Academy 2015 Top Team will travel to Paris, and Zay Rodriguez said it will be incred -
In Kennedy Guzak’s second season of softball, she has become an MVP on her West Orange Girls Club team. Page 2B.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma Winter Garden’s Stars Academy Lorenzo Rodriguez prepares to play in Europe and use the experience to propel his future professional career.
teammates a hug.” Winning states feels surreal to
Courtesy photo
The First Academy’s Kyler Priester won the state championship in boys weightlifting Olympic division through his consistency and hunger to win.
Kennedy Guzak
West Orange Girls Club’s Kennedy Guzak joined softball two seasons ago, and in her first year on the 12U team, she has become a valuable part of the squad’s success. The lefty first baseman recorded a .600 batting average, .806 on base percentage, nine hits, 21 runs, 16 walks and 22 defensive put outs.
“Kennedy (KDOG) is a phenomenal player who is always working hard, staying positive and cheering for her teammates,” coach Coy Byrd said. “She always keeps her head up. Even when we’ve been losing big, you can find her dancing to the opposing team’s walk up songs with the biggest smile on her face. She’s an absolute beast on the ball field, always going 100%, and we are extremely lucky to have her this season.”
Following the end of WOGC’s spring season Saturday, May 9, Guzak is looking forward to the All-Stars game Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31, in DeBary.
What do you enjoy most about softball?
What I enjoy most is hitting and playing first base.
When did you start softball, and why did you join? I started softball fall of 2025, and I joined because my brother does baseball, and I wanted to try it myself because it looked fun.
What is your best memory in softball?
My favorite memory is when I hit my first home run.
What has softball taught you? Softball has taught me to persevere. Even when I make a mistake, I can use it to be better next time.
How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
When I go to play softball, I try to work hard and be kind to my teammates.
What advice would you give someone who just joined softball?
My advice would be to not give yourself a hard time on your mistakes. Instead, use them to make yourself a better ball player.
If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?
If I was a coach, my speech would be to never give up in hard times, work hard and remember to have fun.
What is your pre-game ritual? My pre-game ritual is that me and my friends, Noelle and Charlie, always draw pink mustaches on our faces for good luck.
If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?
If I were to pick a different sport, it would be cheerleading, because I played for a long time before I made the change to softball.
Whom do you look up to the most?
One person I look up to the most would be my mom, because she is always there for me and always knows what to do even in hard times.
What is something new you’d like to learn?
Something new I would like to learn is pitching.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?
I would want to live in Italy or London if I weren’t in Florida because of the food and places.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
I would give half of it to charity, and the other half I would use to go to London and shopping sprees.
What is your favorite birthday memory?
My favorite birthday memory is when I was 9 years old and I went to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.
What future career do you want to have?
To be honest, I would want to become a lawyer when I grow up, mainly because I like yelling at people and fighting for something right.
If you became famous, what would it be for?
If I were to become famous, it might be for softball, or I could be a famous lawyer and then become president.
If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?
My spirit animal would be a cat, because I have two at home, and they, in my opinion, are the best pets.
What is your perfect day?
My perfect day is waking up at 7 a.m. naturally and winning the softball Little League World Series.
Why did you pick your jersey number?
I chose 22 because my birthday is Feb. 22, and 22 has always been my lucky number.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
TFA lifter becomes first to win states
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
Priester, but it also means a lot to him to be able to put the title in TFA’s school record books and accomplish it for the glory of God. He said someone had to be the first win the state title, and he’s grateful he was able to achieve it. He’s also grateful he will be able to come back next year to compete and do even more.
The state meet was held at RP Funding Center in Lakeland — more than an hour drive from TFA. Priester was determined to make the drive worth it.
“I had a conversation with my mom,” he said. “I told her we didn’t just drive all the way out here just to lose. I told her, ‘I want to win and win for the glory of God and come out with a win.’ I don’t like to put in all the work and not be able to get the outcome of a win.”
Priester already had the winning headspace down, but he also needed to make himself angry to bring out the best. On the mat, he was telling himself, “No way this weight doesn’t think I’ll get it. No way this weight doesn’t think it’s going to go over my head.”
By reinforcing his confidence, the junior Royal Priester achieved his goal he’s had ever since first going to states his freshman year.
GROWING AS A LIFTER
Priester started lifting to help with his strength in football; he also plays as a linebacker for TFA. After
lifting for a year, he noticed he was more explosive in his runs, which allowed him to tackle and hit better.
But through the first year, he fell in love with it.
“Weights don’t care about your feelings,” he said. “They don’t care if you feel good or feel bad. They don’t care if you had a good day or a bad day. I love how there’s nothing changing — 225 (pounds) will be 225 today and tomorrow.”
Falling in love with the sport and seeing the results in football kept him going.
After reaching states his fresh-
Local soccer star to play overseas
ible for the elite-level team to see what international soccer is like. But after the Paris tournament, the families will part ways, and Lorenzo will shift focus to playing for Good Lad Soccer, a club based in Jacksonville.
Zay Rodriguez said the Good Lad Soccer is doing “great” work in the community, too, and Lorenzo has played against them in tournaments before. The coach of the team reached out to the family through Instagram, gushing about Lorenzo’s talents, and asked if they’d be interested. Since the family already would be in Europe, they decided to extend the stay.
But staying in Europe for a month isn’t a cheap trip, so they’ve reached out for sponsorships and one of their biggest supporters has been the Tasting Room. Zay Rodriguez said it has supported Lorenzo’s journey by donating to sponsor the Ireland tournament, which was incredible to see the Winter Garden community backing youth soccer.
Ever since Lorenzo and his teammates knew they were traveling to Paris, he said the intensity has skyrocketed.
“We’ve been doing great in training,” he said. “We used to go up and down, but now, we’re just consistent.”
His goal for the summer is simple — win both tournaments and have pro scouts see him.
“You see these athletes come around so many years that set the standard and they kind of run through it,” Zay Rodriguez said.
“I’m very happy that we’re able to take advantage of these opportunities. I know the game is different in Europe, so it’ll be a good experience for him to see where his personal game is compared to a place where soccer is the main thing.”
The Rodriguezes are hoping that traveling to Europe for the first time this summer will help Lorenzo achieve his dreams of playing soccer professionally. He said the youngest players in the pro leagues are 14 or 15 years old so he’s working every day to achieve that for himself.
“I want to play (pro) for Barcelona, but the national team I want to play for is America,” he said.
It’s a dream he has been developing ever since he first dribbled a soccer ball at 5 years old.
EARLY BEGINNING
What inspired Lorenzo to join soccer wasn’t the push of a parent or a family member who played the sport but rather his idol: Cristiano Ronaldo. The professional Portuguese soccer player is one of the greatest in history, holding the record for the most Champions League goals and assists and winning 34 trophies and numerous other accolades.
Lorenzo loves Ronaldo’s scoring capabilities the most and studies how he does it.
In his five-year career, Lorenzo credits his family as his main motivation to continue improving. He understands working hard now will help him to excel later
man year, Priester wanted to repeat his states appearance his sophomore year but scratched out at regionals. He had hit a personal record of 225 in snatch, which was huge for him, but the success got to his head. When Priester began clean-and-jerk, he was overconfident and started at a weight he shouldn’t have and missed it. He thought he knew what went wrong, so he went up five pounds but missed that, too, and his confidence faltered.
Weightlifters need at least one
in life and achieve his dreams of owning a mansion one day.
“(Lorenzo) motivates me with his work ethic and how dedicated he is to his craft that it really just bleeds on the rest of the family”
Zay Rodriguez said. “I’m really just proud of all the work that he’s put in, and it takes a village.”
The village surrounding Lorenzo is his parents, his younger brother and the coaches at Stars Academy, who understand how to work with youth. The coaches are on the younger side, Zay Rodriguez said, and that helps them relate to the athletes and make them fall in love with the sport, rather than simply focusing on results and winning.
Lorenzo’s coaches fully are focused on the development aspect of youth soccer, which has helped him skyrocket in the only club for which he’s ever played. He said he trains every day of the week, three times with his coach one-on-one and twice with his team.
“My coach said I can achieve great things if I just put my mind to it,” Lorenzo said. “It just motivates me whenever I’m down.
“I became the team’s captain because I have the hardest work ethic, I think, and I’m always trying my best,” he said. “I have a lot of responsibilities. I can’t let anybody do anything that they’re not supposed to do like eating candy or something before a game.”
Courtesy photo
After making history for The First Academy, Kyler Priester, middle, celebrated his state title with his teammate Jackson Jones and head coach Trey Tyler.
attempt in snatch and one in cleanand-jerk, but Priester missed all three in clean lifting and scratched out.
Experiencing the loss changed how he approached this year.
At the beginning of the season, Priester had a conversation with Tyler about his consistency. Every meet he wore the same socks, same undershirt and followed the same routine every time he went up to the bar: Get his feet and hands set, roll the bar close to him, take two deep breaths and empty his mind to lift.
“We have a great relationship,” Priester said of Tyler. “We talk back and forth, he gives me feedback on every lift. He helps me with every little detail. Nothing flies by Coach Trey.”
By being consistent with following the same routine every lift and listening to Tyler, Priester was able to overcome his hurdles. He first did by winning first in Olympic and second in traditional at districts, then first in Olympic and Traditional at regionals.
TFA as a team also won the district championship for the first time since 2022 and won the Olympic division at regionals Thursday, April 23.
Priester said Tyler has been an incredible part of the success.
“He helps anybody,” Priester said. “It doesn’t matter who you are on the team or whether you’re the best lifter or not the best lifter. If you need help or need some attention, he’ll go and correct you, tell you what you’re doing wrong.”
That’s exactly what Tyler did to help Priester achieve his state title and will continue to as he grows for next year.
Priester now will focus his efforts on spring football training, which includes weight training. But as for the road ahead in lifting, he already knows he wants to be back on the stage next spring. His goal is to break the state record, which means hitting 315 on snatch and more than 405 in clean-and-jerk.
Right now, his personal records are 245 for snatch and 320 in clean-andjerk. Every day, he will look toward becoming the best version of himself through consistency and focus, but now he knows he’s capable.
Hawks seeking first state title
After beating Freedom High School for the third time to claim the regional championship, Horizon High’s boys volleyball team is flying back to the Final Four.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Heading into the Class 3A, Region 2 Championship game against Freedom High Friday, May 8, Horizon High’s boys volleyball team knew it would be a challenge. The Hawks already had beaten Freedom twice this season. Doing it a third time meant the players had their work cut out for them.
After going down 2-1 sets, the Hawks rallied back together to take the fourth set 25-21 and the fifth 15-10, claiming the Regional Champion crown in back-to-back years.
“Our boys have worked so hard and again, their close bond is what brings them into these (situations) where matches get a little tight and they really, rally around (one another),” head coach Kristen Caleo said. “They really do that and they support (one another), and that’s what’s been able to bring us through each time.”
Horizon (26-3) now is prepping for its Class 3A State Championship Semifinal game against Lake Brantley (26-3) Thursday, May 14, at Polk State College. The Hawks program, which only has existed for five years, is two wins away from a state title. The team made it to the Final Four last season but lost.
The teams saw each other twice earlier this season. Horizon claimed the first match 2-0, then Lake Brantley handed the Hawks their first loss of the season Wednesday, March 25, after beginning it 12-0. In that loss, Horizon’s players’ biggest struggle was playing a selfish game and staying out of their heads.
But having the midseason struggle helped to prepare the team for its postseason run. Through regionals, Horizon won the quarterfinals over Lake Nona 3-1, then semifinals 3-1 over Harmony and never allowed faltering one set to be a mental block.
Caleo said the team’s preparation for the biggest stage in Florida won’t be focused on the playing tal-
ent but rather how to overcome the mental hurdles and enter the game prepared to leave everything out on the court. She said it begins from the players who don’t start. Those guys rally around the ones playing, talking through certain movements and cor-
rections or what to look for from the opponent’s attack and serve.
“It becomes a team effort,” Caleo said. “So they feel supported and they feel like they’re not just crumbling with no support. Our whole team has really stepped up and
picked (one another) up and really just kind of push them to get through those moments and really be able to regroup and refocus and go again.”
The players not only find support through one another but also the administration, their families and the students who have been there through the whole journey.
Those fans will travel to Polk State for Horizon’s 4 p.m. Final Four game. If the Hawks win, they will play for the state championship Saturday, May 16.
Caleo, who’s in her first year ever coaching boys volleyball, said reaching the state stage feels “surreal.”
“Their success and their time together has made my time more special,” she said. “I’m just blessed to be able to share that with them. … I will do anything for them and I want it to be their biggest celebration ever.”
City of Ocoee Memorial Day Ceremony
11 AM to Noon | Thursday, May 21, 2026
Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will
Keynote Speaker
Junior opposite hitter Esteban Tascon helped Horizon take the regional quarterfinal game, 3-1, with his 14 kills on 35 attacks.
Photos by Megan Bruinsma Senior setter Rafa Melo sets allaround for Horizon, recording 666 assists. He will continue to connect with his hitters at the team looks for its first state title.
LINA LOGAN
TILDENVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Lina Logan is the Parent-Teacher Association president for Tildenville Elementary School.
Her responsibilities include overseeing school events, fundraisers, volunteers, partnerships and communication between families and the school. She said her most important responsibility is creating opportunities to bring families together and make school feel fun, connected and memorable for students.
Julie Clemons-Hager, the twoway dual language coordinator at the school, said Logan is a PTA superstar who is amazing.
“Mrs. Logan is a Tildenville rock star, and we couldn’t do it without her,” Clemons-Hager said.
Why did you join Tildenville Elementary School’s PTA? I joined the PTA because I wanted to be present for my kids and soak up every bit of this little-kid magic while I still can. This is the age where they still get excited to see you at school, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. If I can help create those memories and be part of the magic for all the kids, that’s really special to me. Before we know it, they’ll be teenagers telling us to drop them off around the corner! Right now, their world is still small, safe and full of wonder, and I want to make the most of it.
What do you love most about your school?
The community! At Tildenville, you truly become part of a village, a family. Everyone chips in, parents genuinely care, and there’s such a strong sense of support and connection. It feels like home.
What is the most rewarding part of your job for the PTO?
Getting to see the kids smile. I always say the school itself is already pretty amazing, like an ice cream sundae, and PTA just adds the sprinkles and cherry on top. We get to plan the fun and then watch the joy it brings to the kids.
Who influences you?
My husband influences me the most. He’s my best friend, my biggest supporter and one of the most loving and talented people I know. He constantly pushes me to be the best version of myself.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My high school psychology teacher, Mr. Rozanas. He made learning fun and completely opened my mind to how fascinating human behavior and development really are. I remember constantly being in awe of how complex the human mind is and how he could make everything suddenly make sense.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Harry Potter.” It was the first series that truly made me fall in love with reading. It opened the door to imagination and storytelling for me in a whole new way.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love reading — audiobook, Kindle or paperback, I’m happy with any of it. I also love crafting and making things. Watch out, “Crafty Carol!” And my family is absolutely travel-
obsessed. Where are we going next? I love exploring the world with them.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Mark Wahlberg. What I wouldn’t give to meet him! Passionate fan or slightly obsessed? The line is blurry.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Definitely teleportation. Between four kids in football, competitive cheer and dance, plus PTA, real estate and every day life, being able to instantly get everywhere I need to be would completely change my life!
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Bruno Mars because every song is a vibe, The Killers because their music is timeless, and Camilo because his music just makes me happy.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I think I ate pizza, a pink frosted sugar cookie and drank Cherry Coke almost every single day in high school. I was never the packedlunch kid. I wish I had been!
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. I love the magic, the traditions, the decorations and the time with family. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of kids makes it even more special.
Who was your best friend when you were in school? Are you still in touch?
My best friend was Ciara, and yes, we’re still in touch! We’ve been friends since fifth grade.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
I loved dance growing up, especially hip-hop. It was such a fun, creative outlet for me and definitely helped shape my confidence and personality.
What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise people to know?
Most people are surprised to learn I’m actually a huge introvert. I can turn it on when I need to, but I definitely recharge quietly at home. Also, I’ve been told I have a pretty fantastic sense of humor.
— LIZ RAMOS REPORT CARD
Position: PTA president Years at school: Three
CFCA celebrates student creativity
Central Florida Christian Academy’s Festival of the Arts Friday, April 24, brought to life the beauty within all forms of artwork.
The school’s Grace Auditorium was filled with galleries of CFCA student artwork including photography, digital art, sculptures and traditional mediums. Guests came together to watch musical performances from the school’s kindergarten to fifth-grade classes.
In the parking lot, high-schoolers brought their monologues to life, and robotics students showcased their creations to the many guests in attendance inside of the Champions Gym.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
CFCA students enjoyed spending time together while enjoying artwork created by their peers.
Above: CFCA’s first-grade students kicked off the performances at the festival with the song, “Every Move I Make.”
Right: D’Anna and Mark Rupert, who teaches at CFCA, loved seeing all the artwork with their two kids.
Above: Giovanna Rezende created many paintings and graphite artworks to display at the festival.
Right: Nathaniel Reed, right, proudly showed the robot he and a friend made to launch a piece at a target. He was there with fellow CFCA student Cameron Wilson.
Sand Lake Elementary parties at Spring Carnival
Sand Lake Elementary families and students gathered for a fun afternoon of carnival games, activities and community Thursday, April 24. With more than 200 people in attendance, the carnival was one for the books. Carnival games, tempo rary tattoos, inflatable slides, soccer targets and axe-throwing were some of the activities students enjoyed. Stilt-walkers created balloon sculptures and pony rides were new this year, bringing new activities for all to enjoy. A petting zoo also was among the many attractions students enjoyed, with tortoises, chickens, bunnies and more. Attendees also brought non-per ishable food items to donate to the Stingray’s Let’s Eat food pantry.
The Bhagan family attended the event in matching outfits.
Above: Theo and Kellayne Apoluceno had
Caroline Stottlemyer enjoyed her dog’s, Watty, company.
Orange County firefighters made an appearance to interact with students and parents at the event.
Stilt-walkers created balloon sculptures for attendees.
A journey through Israel
Israel: North to South. Each station highlighted a unique region of Israel, giving people an opportunity to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day Sunday, April 26, at the Rosen JCC. The event included a rock climbing wall, train rides, games, graham cracker decorating and bracelet making.
It also brought together organizations including the Jewish National Fund, Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation, Keshet, Southwest Jewish Seniors, JOIN, Shalom Orlando, PJ Library and IsraeliAmerican Council.
— LIZ RAMOS
Shell of a good time
Shells and jokes were cracked at the Rotary Club of Windermere’s Lobster and Laughs.
The event, meant to raise funds for local organizations to support education, mothers and children’s safety, food insecu-
rity, veterans and firstresponders, had more than 200 people in attendance.
Magician Daniel Giandoni and musician Richard LaFrete provided entertainment for the night. A silent auction also
took place, with items such as a guitar signed by Taylor Swift, football tickets, artwork, jewelry and more on display.
The night was filled with laughter and joy, and lots of lobsters.
Gloria Ortiz said she attends all events in Orlando that support Israel.
Yael Edri used all her strength in a krav maga demonstration.
Above: Samantha and Elliott Shultz played with sand after completing another activity.
Right: After visiting Israel in December, Mark and Deborah Brisson attended the event to support the Rosen JCC.
— LETICIA SILVA
Rotary Club of Windermere’s President Regiane Cidral was all smiles during the event. Cigdem Karadag and Seiji Shiraishi enjoyed the evening together.
Tom Lowe, Justus and Barbara Frazier, and Stanley Stoy chatted and laughed together.
Sara and Steve Ruffner chatted with Maria LewisNatter before dinner was served.
Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith and former Town Council member Chris Sapp dressed as Dumb and Dumber characters.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1971: 55 years ago
Don Shaw, of Windermere, who had been serving as principal of Tildenville Elementary School, was named principal of Hiawassee Elementary School. Helen Watson, also of Windermere, was named to succeed Shaw at Tildenville. She was serving as head of Lakeview High School’s Home Economics Department.
1976: 50 years ago
Frances McKey, Dillard Street Elementary School’s librarian, loved curling up with a good book in the library’s new special place for reading — a bathtub decorated with decoupage by ADDitions volunteers Connie Holland and Wilma Aubry.
Plans were made to dredge the canal linking Lake Down and Wauseon Bay. When the cleanup project was completed, it would make the canal 16 feet wide and four-and-one-half feet deep.
Tildenville Elementary School celebrated Bicentennial Week with Flag Day and Old-Fashioned Day, as well as through a choral concert and an old-fashioned play.
Dillard Street Elementary School staff and students dressed in bicentennial garb and visited each of the classrooms to show off their costumes. Pictured were cafeteria staff members, Doris Young, Becky Bentley, Alma Woodley, Vernell Graham and Johnnie Dowdy. Dressed-up students were Amy Quesinberry, Angie Smith, Lee Fulford, Rhonda King, Kim Hodge and Jess Dykes. Other students, including Sam Louck, Colleen Parker, Brian Craig and Mandy Munroe, performed in a mini version of the school’s “Speak Out America” bicentennial program at Lake Buena Vista at the Captain’s Tower.
Patrol leaders for Girl Scout
The Winter Garden Fire Department responds to many calls, some more peculiar than others. In 1975, the two owners of a record shop in the Tri-City Shopping Center on West Colonial Drive blew up their own store with an improvised bomb. Firefighters were on the scene and cleaning up shortly after the blaze.
The blast shook houses as far away as Oakland and knocked people in the vicinity to the ground. Fortunately, the resulting fire did not cause nearly as much damage as the initial explosion. Most importantly, nobody was seriously hurt as the explosive detonated after all the nearby shops had closed. Not long after, the police caught the shop owners fleeing the scene of the devastation; their motive remains unknown to this day.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Junior Troop 729 — Lorri Thornton, of the Dolphins; Vicki West, of the White Lightning; Angela Vanderjagt, of the Love Bugs; and Jennifer Howard, of the Pepperonies — and their patrols were busy learning about the history of the United States and its growth since 1776. They also were making items to be sold at their 1776 Bazaar at the Church of the Messiah Episcopal Church, Winter Garden.
Talmadge Hodge, new owner of the Oakland General Store,
purchased the store’s stock and leased the building for three-andone-half years. He also was given permission to sell beer and wine seven days per week.
2006:
20 years ago
The Health Central Park Department of Recreational and Volunteer Services honored 21 dedicated volunteers with a luncheon of lasagna, salad, garlic bread and chocolate mousse. Following the meal, each one received a gift
bag of goodies, and four lucky winners received door prizes.
The Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center businesses got together to collectively advertise their services: Cherished Moments, Rosie Nails, Crazy Wings Restaurant & Pub, H&R Block, Hair Cuttery, Publix, Bealls, Royal Oaks Travel, C&H Hallmark, Ton’s Jewelry & Clock Shoppe, Three J Dog Training School, Italian Pizza II, Geared to Dance and Emerald Cleaners.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
MAY 17, 1979
The building that currently houses the 4Rivers Smokehouse on West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden has offered meals to residents for decades — as a variety of different restaurants. Before it sold barbecue, the estab-
DOUBLE TAKE by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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