Gymnastics USA held its annual G.USA Olympics Saturday, May 16.
More than 1,200 athletes performed and five programs were highlighted.
The G.USA Olympics is a noncompetitive, Olympic-like event, where athletes can showcase their skills to family and friends without scores or judges.
Beyond supporting athletes, the event raised $3,000 for 8 Waves, a nonprofit supporting students facing barriers in Orange and Lake counties through education recovery, tutoring and whole-student support.
“We are so proud of every athlete who stepped out and showcased their hard work in gymnastics, ninja, tumbling and aerial skills,” Gymnastics USA officials said. “The energy, confidence and support throughout the entire event was incredible to watch! Thank you to our athletes, coaches, families and community for making another amazing G.USA Olympics possible. We already can’t wait for next year.”
OCOEE POOL NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER
The pool at the Family Aquatic Facility at Jim Beech Recreation Center in Ocoee is open for the summertime.
From Saturday, May 16, through Saturday, May 30, the pool will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
The pool also will open for the public on Memorial Day, from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, May 25.
The pool will be open daily from noon to 6 p.m. Monday, June 1, through Sunday, Aug. 9, From Monday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 20, the pool will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
MATTHEW’S HOPE IN NEED OF WATER, ELECTROLYTES
As the summer heat approaches, Matthew’s Hope Ministries is asking for bottled water and electrolyte drinks.
The ministry also is in need of fresh meal items such as fruits, vegetables and salads, as well as
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Purr-fect Panthers
White coat tales
Pedro Do Coutto Silveira, a junior at Windermere Preparatory School, wrote his first book from his passion to become a doctor and help others. His book gave him a new purpose, and he is using it as a tool to help fund treatment at Connection. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
SET UP FOR SUCCESS
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of a rezone proposal for a 613-home development after the project underwent changes to address concerns. SEE PAGE 7A.
Dr. Phillips High alum Bobby Olszewski has spent his life serving his hometown. 3A.
The Horizon boys volleyball team made a state final appearance. 9A.
Photo by Megan Bruinsma
Windermere Preparatory School’s junior Pedro Do Coutto Silveira turned his school project into a children’s book, which was inspired by his own dream of becoming a doctor, and a vessel to give back to the community.
5FAST
1
Windermere family loses home to fire
A Windermere family lost their home, their belongings and one cat during a house fire 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.
To support the Novik family
the school, at 601 Thornebrooke Drive, Ocoee.
All funds and donations will go directly to the Novik family. Visit bit.ly/4nxC9at to access Foundation for OCPS’s fundraiser. For questions, email alana. luken@ocps.net.
2
Man arrested for recording women in W.G. restroom
A 19-year-old man was arrested Tuesday, May 19, after being caught inside the women’s bathroom of the Roper Garden Building, located at 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.
According to the arrest affidavit, the Winder Garden Police Department received a call regarding a man with his pants down in the women’s bathroom.
When officers arrived, they found Brian Larios-Perez inside the bathroom in the handicap stall.
He was then escorted out of the bathroom.
he was in one for women.
“Brian then changed his story and stated he was in there to do schoolwork and later changed his story again, stating he was in there to play games on his phone,” the affidavit read.
While officers spoke with LariosPerez, the owner of the building was contacted. He stated he told Larios-Perez to leave the premises on various occasions and claimed he caused damage to the men’s bathroom. Larios-Perez then confirmed he did, in fact, damage the men’s bathroom to oversee the women’s handicap stall.
3
Pure Barre opens in Downtown Winter Garden
A Pure Barre studio now is open in the heart of Winter Garden, directly next to Harlow Grove Restaurant & Bar.
Located at 186 S. Main St., Suite 140, the studio offers a low-impact exercise routine combining elements of ballet, pilates, yoga and strength training. Visit purebarre.com for more information.
4
Lake Buena Vista
offers slushies, soft drinks, energy drinks, milkshakes, health shots, juices, smoothies, waffles, crepes, pastries, sandwiches and more. For more, visit boraborausa.com.
Work continues on various roads in Horizon West Orange County is progressing on various projects on New Independence Parkway and Flemings and Ficquette roads. On Flemings Road, curb and drainage installation, as well as based work has been completed from the end of the project limits to Eastmoor Drive.
Crews are continuing drainage installation toward Avalon Road and have begun utility installation in the area.
Work on Western Way also has started. The work includes curb removal, backfill placement and excavation at the pond.
In the New Independence Parkway area, Junior Davis has completed curb, soil cement and drainage installation from the Lake County line to Wincey Grove.
Soil cement work is progressing from Wincey Grove to Avalon Road.
Along New Independence Parkway and Avalon Road, drainage installation is complete, and road work has begun on Avalon Road. In the area of Ficquette Road, Duke Energy is in the process of
Ficquette Road and is anticipated to be completed within the next -
We are part of the HCA Florida Healthcare family, Florida’s largest ER network. Our board-certified physicians and highly trained nurses specialize in emergency medicine, diagnosing and treating all emergency conditions for adults and pediatric patients including:
• Injuries, such as fractures and lacerations
• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Upper respiratory infections
•
• Stroke
42 9
Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe opens in
Courtesy photos
The Pure Barre studio now is open Mondays through Sundays at 186 S. Main St., Suite 140, Winter Garden.
The Novik family’s house caught fire Monday, May 11.
ALMA MATTERS
A life shaped by baseball
as a
and
A member of the Class of 1995, Robert ‘Bobby’ Olszewski says his time at Dr. Phillips High School taught him resiliency at a young age that helped him pave a career in sports, politics and writing his first book.
JUSTICE COVERT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Editor’s note: Alma Matters is an ongoing series featuring alumni from West Orange and Southwest Orange high schools who have chosen to stay and become integral leaders and contributors to the community.
Scattered across a dark blue wall in the Dr. Phillips High School baseball locker room are signatures from past alumni. It includes names such as former MLB all-stars and World Series champions Johnny Damon and A.J. Pierzynski, along with some players from Dr. Phillips’ 1996 state championship team. Also on the wall, in silver Sharpie, is Bobby Olszewski’s signature.
Although Olszewski didn’t make a name for himself playing professional baseball after graduating from Dr. Phillips in 1995, he said the resiliency he learned at a young age competing on the baseball team shaped his time as a Winter Garden city commissioner, Florida state representative and now author.
“I always joke, I never got to play baseball, so I settled for politics,” Olszewski said.
Being the backup catcher for Pierzynski, Olszewski said he learned early on the importance of controlling what you can control and knowing your role. And the heightened expectations from parents and teachers is what he said prepared him for careers as a public servant, politically and professionally.
“At the time, Dr. Phillips was one of the elite baseball programs in the country,” Olszewski said. “So there was a lot of pressure and a lot of focus and a lot of external forces from parents and peer pressure to perform at a high level.” He said the spotlight always was on the players in those four years he
“I absolutely miss the public service. In politics, when a stranger or constituent calls you, they’re in trouble or they need something or they don’t know where to turn. To be able to help someone like that is very rewarding.”
—
Bobby Olszewski
attended Dr. Phillips since the program produced first-round picks such as Damon and Brian Barber, raising the bar for what each player was asked of them.
Meeting expectations and dealing with that sort of pressure was something Olszewski came to handle a lot in his political career, but his path to public service wasn’t a straight line following his time as a Panther. It came after a venture in a different industry before realizing what was right for him.
A SHIFT TO SERVICE
After graduating from Dr. Phillips, Olszewski enrolled at the University of South Florida and tried to join the school’s baseball team as a walk-on.
He was cut before the season started, leading him to focus more on another passion he had in high school: sports broadcasting.
The day after being cut, Olszewski walked into the USF Athletics department and earned a gig sideline reporting. It’s something he did as a student at Dr. Phillips, anchoring and reporting for its student-run news production W-DOC, which aired every morning. A highlight from that time in high school was interviewing Shaquille O’Neal at the Orlando Arena following a public service event.
At USF, Olszewski was featured on Tampa Bay sports radio and did halftime interviews for the USF Bulls Sports Network his freshman year. He soon found a job with Florida Citrus Sports’ PR department, lending him an opportunity to move back to his home town of Orlando and transfer to the University of Central Florida.
Olszewski graduated in 1999 from UCF with bachelor’s degrees in radio/ television and organizational communication. He quickly found himself wanting to take part in his community.
His parents influenced his drive to help his neighbors. Growing up, he said his mom and dad actively volunteered to help in Little League, church and the Dr. Phillips community. Olszewski’s mother, Rosie, was a teacher at Dr. Phillips for 39 years — including when Olszewski went there as a child.
“You couldn’t get away with anything, but I didn’t get in any trouble,” Olszewski said about the dynamic with a laugh. “It was fun having people know and respect your mom, and then having her there was great, you always had a ride to school or a ride home, so it worked out.”
After moving to Winter Garden following college, he said he attended every City Commission meeting
for two years and figured if he was so involved, he might as well run for a seat on the commission. He always loved politics but another motivation was that an early career in sports reporting didn’t seem as impactful as civil service.
“I saw a lot of my friends working as a sports reporter in, you know, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, making $15,000 a year,” Olszewski said. “I said, ‘I don’t think you can live on that.’ That kind of made me realize there’s other things than being a reporter and being on TV.”
Olszewski won the Winter Garden City Commission District 3 seat in March 2012, earning 70% of the vote to defeat two other candidates, including the incumbent. It was an achievement he had not thought was possible for somebody with his background.
“I say all the time, I’m shocked I was ever elected to office,” he said. “So many times, you have to come from money or you have to come from a political family.”
Olszewski later was reelected to the commission in 2015 before resigning in 2016 to run for the Orange County District 1 Commissioner position against Betsy VanderLey. Although he lost the Orange County election, just a year later, he won a special election to become the District 44 Florida state representative.
“As always, if you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans,” Olszewski said. “It worked out better for me to be up in Tallahassee with the relationships and the opportunities that I had to serve my community.”
Now out of office, having lost his seat in the Florida State Legislature to Geraldine Thompson in 2018, Olszewski said he doesn’t miss campaigning, but he does miss helping the residents and voters for whom he worked.
“I absolutely miss the public service,” Olszewski said. “In politics, when a stranger or constituent calls you, they’re in trouble or they need something or they don’t know where to turn. To be able to help someone like that is very rewarding.”
Away from serving in politics, Olszewski has delved into the world of publishing while trying to keep up with his everyday job.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Olszewski’s motivations behind writing his first book, “Grand Slam Leadership: Using Baseball Principles and Strategies to Win in Business and Life,” was to use baseball as an analogy to “make things make sense” in a world he believes was
Communities plan Memorial Day ceremonies
There are several ways to honor our heroes this Memorial Day. n Ocoee begins the observances Thursday, May 21, with its Memorial Day Ceremony. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Elizabeth Bledsoe will speak at the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. at Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Bledsoe completed a 20-year career in the U.S. Army. As a signal corps officer, she was dedicated to military communications and served in various assignments with the 11th Signal Brigade.
gravely disrupted ever since the COVID-19 pandemic. Published Jan. 1, the 55-chapter book blends lessons he learned from playing baseball and applies them to the world of business.
One example is “Don’t Swing at Every Pitch,” an excerpt that goes over the plate discipline that made the greats like Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn legends in the sport but also how the same principles can apply to being patient when leading in a workplace.
“As an academic, I don’t think there’s anyone who’s got their Ph.D that says they’ve never thought about becoming an author,” Olszewski said.
“So I guess that’s always been in the back of my head. With all the excitement of baseball and the Orlando Dreamers, it just reignited something in me and a year ago this time I said, ‘I’m going to do it.’”
He completed the book by finding time between working as vice president of government and community relations for Global-5 Communications, writing it bit by bit while handling the marketing for the I-4 Express.
He recently finished another book, titled “Donor Motivations,” based on his doctoral thesis from Northcentral University going over what motivates people to donate to a nonprofit.
Olszewski plans to write his third book with his daughter, Reagan, with the premise based on Grand Slam Leadership for kids. For now, at least, he hasn’t thought about getting back on the campaign trail.
“You never say never to public office,” Olszewski said. “But, I don’t see me jumping into a campaign anytime soon.”
Olszewski uses his time around baseball as a strong foundation for his life. He looks back fondly on the time he spent playing Little League with his dad as the coach and his mom helping run concession. His dad died unexpectedly in 2003 and led him to cherish his mother more now, calling her twice per day on the drive to and from work.
When recalling his time at Dr. Phillips High in totality, the fond est memory was ironically not on a baseball field but during a varsity spring football game his freshman year. Olszewski wasn’t supposed to play, but a starter on Dr. Phillips messed up on special teams. Thanks to the error, the head coach grabbed Olszewski and subbed him in the game. What sticks out most was the image of his parents cheering him on from the stands.
“I just remember looking in the stands and seeing both my mom and dad, just shocked, so happy to see me run out on the field,” he said.
In addition to the keynote speaker, the Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard will present the colors, and the national anthem will be performed. The ceremony will include a processional to the Ocoee Memorial Wall. The Memorial Wall is inscribed with the names of Ocoee residents who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and city commissioners will recite the names of each fallen soldier. Taps also will be performed.
n Winter Garden will honor our war dead at its 2026 Memorial Day Community Celebration. The event takes place from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden. Presented by American Legion Post 63 and city of Winter Garden, the event will include a roll call of veterans, placement of wreaths and patriotic songs to pay homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The keynote speaker will be Jessica Moore, American Legion Department of Florida commander. Moore, a U.S. Navy veteran, has served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate with assignments across the United States, Europe and the Middle East.
n In Oakland, town native John Ward invites the public to attend a Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Oakland-Tilden Cemetery, 16673 W. Colonial Drive, Oakland, and Oakland Cemetery. Join town officials for a Memorial Day service honoring military personnel. Flags will be provided. For more, call Ward, (904) 891-0059.
n Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home will host its 76th annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. This meaningful ceremony will include a tribute, the playing of taps and a flag presentation in remembrance of our fallen heroes.
n The town of Windermere and
Before serving
Winter Garden city commissioner
Florida state representative, Robert ‘Bobby’ Olszewski played catcher for the Dr. Phillips baseball team for four years before graduating in 1995.
Photo by Justice Covert
Local student pens first children’s book
THE ADVENTURES OF DR. PEDRO
WHERE TO BUY:
‘The Adventures of Dr. Pedro’ is available in both English or Portuguese on Amazon and Walmart.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Windermere Preparatory School’s Pedro Do Coutto Silveira has wanted to be a doctor for as long as he can remember.
His whole life has been spent going in and out of the hospital for his family’s different emergencies — his mom’s surgeries, his sister’s broken leg, his dad’s possible stroke or even his own issues with asthma.
Through it all, Silveira couldn’t escape the feeling of hopelessness. He dreams of becoming the person who can be there for families to give them the help they need and not leave them stranded.
Silveira’s experiences led him to writing his book “The Adventures of Dr. Pedro,” which was published Tuesday, March 24, in English and Portuguese. The book is inspired by his own dream of becoming a doctor, and it follows Dr. Pedro on his passion for medicine, which leads to him diving into the world of the human body.
But his book is more than his first publication; it became a vessel to give back to the community.
Silveira has been helping at Connection, a transdisciplinary therapeutic support center in Winter Garden that helps people with Autism Spectrum Disorder live life independently, since before it opened its physical location in January.
Watching families come in and struggle to pay for therapy because their insurance wouldn’t cover treatment sparked his desire to help.
At that moment, Silveira decided all the proceeds from his book sales would go toward Connection to help the developing facility and its families.
“I’m not going to help the (entire) world, but the little I do is a world for an entire family,” he said.
Seeing the children grow at Connection means the world to him.
“Sometimes (the children) are misunderstood because of what they have and being able to be there
After three months of writing, Silveira had a doctor proofread the book to ensure accuracy. Then others went over the corrections, while he worked alongside the book’s illustrator Leandro Francisca.
“As a school project, a lot of people don’t think of the impact that they can actually do,” Silveira said. “I’ve always liked to help other people … I just thought that doing a project where I’m able to help a family, help someone in need is much more meaningful than just doing a project.”
Impacting others and creating change is all Silveira truly was hoping to do, especially by writing it in Portuguese, too, and sending that version to hospitals in Brazil.
PASSION FOR HELPING
Silveira was born in Brazil and lived there until he was 7 years old. He and his family moved to Windermere in 2016, and he enrolled at Windermere Elementary. After a few years, he moved back to Brazil to get his green card before enrolling at Windermere Prep in eighth grade.
At first, the move was a struggle.
“I’m social but in the environment I’m very comfortable in, so moving to a place where I wasn’t able to speak the language well because I did do English classes in Brazil, but it’s not really the same,” he said. “When you get put into an environment where everyone’s speaking English and no one is there to speak your language, it’s quite like you’re scared and you won’t talk to anyone.”
He used to cry at school and ask his parents to spend the whole day there just so he could stop by and say hi at lunch. Silveira thanks his parents for everything they have done for him. Moving from Rio de Janeiro, which was full of violence, gave Silveira a comfortable place to work and grow.
Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com
for them, sometimes all they need is a hug and all they need is someone to play with them and just to be that person to help them is something that’s really impactful for me,” Silveira said. “It’s really important to just be there to help.”
Andre Sophia, owner and executive director of Connection, said it was a huge honor to Connection that Silveira decided to help the center with the proceeds of his first published book. The Sophias met Silveira’s family a few years ago and they have been friends ever since.
“There’s no words to represent what a person he is with his heart, and he’s doing it for love and he just wants to do good,” Andre Sophia said. “He did a great job with the book. I bought our clients’ books. … With this (money), we’re going to create much better quality of the kids’ lives.”
And although Silveira created the book and the plan for its proceeds, the inspiration came through Windermere Prep’s Theory of Knowledge class, which required Silveira to create a Creativity, Activity, Service Personal Project for his IB Diploma.
PROJECT TO PURPOSE
When Silveira was assigned the personal project, he instantly knew he would do something related to health, but he wanted to figure out a way to turn the health information into a presentable medium for children. He took the main body parts — brain, heart, intestine, lungs, stomach and kidneys — and turned them into writing.
Silveira chose to write a children’s book to spark their interest in the human body and inspire others to become doctors in the future. He also wanted to make it interesting for their parents to read to them.
Writing a children’s book meant Silveira had to write everything in a specific “kids language.” He introduced what would happen in the book and broke down how they can use their sights and senses to feel the body parts in their body such as placing their hand on their chest to feel their heart.
Although the move was difficult at first, it was the best decision for him and his future. Silveira said Windermere Prep shaped him into the person he is today. The support he received from teachers, counselors and his friends enabled him to become an author. They have supported him through his research on the efficacy of biosynthetic scaffolding and stem cells. Silveira said research came out in Brazil that is curing people with paralysis, which shocked him. It inspired his research. He’s working on it as a part of his full IB Diploma. He elected to publish his work by the end of the 2025-26 school year so he can work on it further his senior year.
Because he took a year to work on it rather than the typical two years, Silveira has relied on the feedback from his teachers and counselors for proofing, and he currently is in the process of finalizing his graphs. He has been impressed in his research seeing the science behind it and how new types of proteins interact with one another in a positive or negative way.
“It’s giving me new skills to use in the future once I get to college,” he said.
He is using those research skills as the president of the Health Occupations Students of America club at his school and teaching students how to suture, perform CPR and other functional skills.
But his experience in Brazil has provided him with the most experience for his life as a doctor.
Last summer, he shadowed in a top trauma hospital in Rio de Janeiro, and it has been an eye opening experience for him. Silveira has watched surgery and seen all of the inner workings of the hospital, which has reinforced his passion for becoming a doctor.
“The happiness that people have, like how they enjoy doing it and it’s not just, ‘Work for the money,’ because that has nothing to do with when you’re in the hospital,” he said. “They work for the purpose of helping other people and putting smiles on people’s faces. They work for a greater cause and not just helping to help. They help for a purpose and that’s what I want to do. I want to help make the families feel comforted.”
“I’m not going to help the (entire) world, but the little I do is a world for an entire family.”
— Pedro Silveira
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
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Courtesy photo
Pedro Do Coutto Silveira worked on his book “The Adventures of Dr. Pedro” for four months. He always has dreamed of becoming an author and hopes to inspire other children to follow that pathway.
Oakland commissioners approve water treatment plant expansion
Kimley Horn’s proposal to design the Oakland Water Treatment Plant Expansion will cost $488,590.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
The Oakland Town Commission unanimously approved Tuesday, May 12, a $488,590 project to expand the town’s water treatment plant.
According to Capital Projects
Coordinator Mike Parker, the town’s current water plant, which was designed in 2009, was created under the assumption Oakland’s population would max out at 5,600 residents.
In 2017, Oakland added its wastewater system.
“With the central sewer now available, development exploded and has not slowed down,” Parker said. “It is now assumed that the equivalent residential population can be expected to rise to slightly more than 10,000 people within the next 20 years.”
In 2024, Kimley Horn and CPH Corporation gave presentations on the water system’s limits, which prompted staff to move forward with a new water plant design.
Both companies’ initial costs exceeded the amount budgeted in impact fees for the project.
Because of that, the town looked for ways to reduce the cost.
The first cost reduction staff considered was to eliminate the prefabricated pump building.
Instead, the town will proceed with a concrete block structure that will not require any additional engineering costs.
The second cost reduction is designing the new facility to use a pump currently in storage rather than a new one.
“This pump will get us beyond the current crisis and will serve the
IN OTHER NEWS
n Oakland Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, National Police Week.
n Taylor also proclaimed Friday, May 15, as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
n Taylor proclaimed the week of Monday, May 18, through Sunday, May 24, as National Public Works Week.
n The Oakland Town Commission approved wine to be served at artist receptions for the 2026-2027 exhibit season.
town’s needs for the foreseeable future,” Parker said. “Ultimately, we will have one 750 gallon-perminute pump to start with, and in the future, two 1,000 gallon-perminute pumps.”
Finally, the town looked into reducing the electrical design and eliminating the need for an additional emergency power generator.
Currently, the town has a 200-horsepower well motor that is used to pump water up to the elevated storage tank.
Because of past improvements to the facility, the water now is pumped to the ground storage tank, which eliminates the need for such a large motor, Parker said.
“It can be reduced to a 75 horsepower motor, which in turn lowers the electrical demand for the overall plant operation, and thus, eliminates the need for the additional generator,” he said.
This change alone accounts for an $80,000 reduction in design costs.
With these changes, Kimley Horn’s and CPH Corporation’s project design went down in price to $488,590 and $477,100, respectively.
After the town’s finance, administrative and public works staff held
a meeting to discuss their options, they ultimately chose Kimley Horn’s project design.
“I just wanted to recognize staff and appreciate your efforts in finding those adjustments in that program that could reduce those design costs,” Commissioner Kris Keller said. “I’m glad to see that it can be paid for by impact fees, but I always appreciate the fact that some adjustments were able to be made to the design, that we’re able to bring those costs down.”
NEW CATHERINE ROSS ROAD EXTENSION
The new Catherine Ross Road extension is open to Oakland residents.
The extension opened Monday, May 4, and it connects Oakland Avenue to State Road 50, giving residents of Oakland Park and Winters Landing an easier access to the highway.
This connection was created during a 2018 development agreement with Landeavor, the Oakland Park developer.
The developer asked to construct a connection to Motamassek Road, which was designed as a two-lane roadway connecting State Road 50 and Oakland Avenue.
However, as planning for the road progressed, staff realized several changes need to be made to the twolane roadway.
The first addition was a sidewalk.
As the extension is more than 5,000 feet in length, it was deemed a sidewalk was needed.
“This would provide connectivity between these areas of rapid growth and the community at large,” Parker said.
The second change included extending the John’s Lake Outfall pipes from 36 feet in length to the full width of the 60-foot right-of-way.
Finally, the town refused to remove trees on the east side of the new roadway. While the initial plan was to remove all the trees, “that was something the town staff simply
could not consciously do,” Parker said. “So, with some realignment of the roadway, a few changes in drainage, some strategically place guard rails and some negotiation with the landowner on the west side, it was accomplished.”
Because these changes were identified before finalizing Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the commission already approved the work.
The project totaled $102,064.50, in which the Town Commission unanimously approved to reimburse the company.
“It’s a very nice road,” Deputy Chief Mike Bryant said. “It helps the police department expeditiously get down to State Road 50 and get to the southern half of town. It’s a beautiful road, thank you.”
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS
ORDINANCE APPROVED
Commissioners approved the second reading of the telecommunications towers ordinance.
The approval of the second reading means amendments to the current Land Development Code will take place, fixing the current lack of signal in town. Telecommunication towers now are allowed to be placed on town-owned property zoned R-1A as a special exception.
The ordinance includes increasing the height limit of towers from 100 feet to 150 feet, which will enhance coverage and reduce the number of necessary facilities.
This ordinance also would create a minimum required distance between towers of 1.5 miles, rather than the current 2 miles. It also would require monopole towers, designed to promote lower-profile, streamlined structures, reducing the visual impact in neighborhoods.
“All right, town manager, go find us some providers,” Mayor Shane Taylor said.
“My phone works better already,” Vice-Mayor Mike Satterfield added jokingly.
FOXTAIL TO OPEN IN HORIZON WEST
A new Foxtail Coffee Co. soon will open in Horizon West.
The newest location will be located at 7263 Avalon Road, Winter Garden.
The coffee shop offers lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, americanos, cold brews, teas, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastry items and more.
An opening date has not been released yet.
TRIM YOUR TREES BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
With hurricane season starting Monday, June 1, the city of Winter Garden is encouraging residents to begin preparing now with tree trimming.
The city is urging residents to start trimming trees and placing yard waste and other outdoor debris out on yard waste collection days for pickup now instead of waiting until the days before a hurricane approaches.
The city said its Solid Waste Division cannot accommodate special pickup days before a storm because city crews are preparing for the storm citywide. If residents leave debris on the curb, it can become flying projectiles that could potentially damage property and cause harm.
As residents trim their trees and collect their yard waste, they should be mindful that the city can only pickup yard waste each week that is equal in size to three washing machines side-by-side. Any piles larger than that can result in an added solid waste fee.
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 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
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
S.R. 50 Maryland Fried Chicken to be torn down
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
Winter Garden will be saying goodbye to the old Maryland Fried Chicken building.
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Thursday, May 14, a site plan for 13675 W. Colonial Drive that would allow for the demolition of the existing building, which is Maryland Fried Chicken.
The demolition of the building will allow for the construction of a one-story commercial building totaling 3,184 square feet on the property, which is about .42 acres. The plan also includes enhanced landscaping and new parking.
Kelly Carson, the city’s planning director, said the new parking will eliminate the “dangerous situation where you back out onto (State Road) 50 directly.”
Commissioners reminisced over Maryland Fried Chicken, which closed in April 2023 after being a staple in the Winter Garden community for 57 years.
“I remember as a child my grandma getting the chicken boxes; they were iconic,” Commissioner Lisa Bennett said.
PROPOSED ORDINANCES FOR WEST COLONIAL DRIVE PROPERTY
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of three ordinances pertaining to about .44 acres located on West Colonial Drive.
The property is located at West Colonial Drive, west of Ewell Road, east of Ninth Street, south of West Colonial Drive and north of Magnolia Street.
The applicant would like to annex the property into the city of Winter Garden, have the property assigned a commercial future land use designation and rezone the property from Wholesale Commercial to Arterial Commercial after annexation.
The rezoning of the property will allow for the construction of digital billboards on the property in exchange for the removal of billboards at 1101 E. Plant St. and 14899 Colonial Drive.
ORDINANCE TO ADDRESS SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS
Commissioners unanimously approved
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved waiving the formal procurement process and awarding a purchase order to Wharton Smith Inc. for the repairing and replacing gravity sewer at the Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility in the amount of $2,833,542.47.
n Commissioners also unanimously approved a Lift Station Oversizing Agreement with Beazer Homes, LLC. for the sanitary collection system at the Windham Park Subdivision in the amount of $39,465.
n The City Clerk Employment Agreement with Ronisha Martin also was unanimously approved.
the first reading of an ordinance that focuses on updating the list of special exceptions and prohibited uses within the light industrial and warehousing and general industrial districts. This would provide for additional uses determined to be similar in type and intensity and compatible with permitted uses as well as clarify prohibited uses.
PROPOSAL TO VACATE
DRAINAGE, UTILITY EASEMENTS
The City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance to vacate certain drainage and utility easements existing over .68 acres of undeveloped property located at 841 Tilden Oaks Trail and 15411 E. Oakland Ave.
The applicant requested to vacate certain drainage and utility easements recorded with the final plat of the Oakland Park Unit 5 subdivision. The commission also unanimously approved a binding lot combination agreement for these properties in Oakland Park.
The approval of the requests will allow the applicant to combine the lots and build a 8,732-square-foot mixed-use building that will be part of the McKinnon Square Planned Community Development.
LOCAL MOTION
As the Observer’s annual guide to life and living in West Orange and Southwest Orange, Local Motion connects new and longtime residents with their communities, local businesses and resources.
Local Motion provides essential information about Winter Garden, Windermere, Horizon West, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Oakland and Gotha.
• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events
• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved
Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget
• A guide to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs
Reserve your space today! 407-656-2121 advertise@orangeobserver.com
Fun, food & safety
Ocoee residents and firstresponders gathered at Vignetti Park for a community picnic full of fun, laughter and education.
The Ocoee Police Department hosted the annual event Saturday, May 2, as a way to connect community members with law enforcement and first responders.
Children enjoyed a plethora of activities, including face painting, inflatable slides and mazes, a SWAT course and games.
Food trucks also were present at the event, feeding attendees with a variety of flavors.
Attendees had the opportunity to go inside and explore a SWAT truck and a fire truck.
Though the event ended early due to rain, lots of fun was had.
Comedian Brad Stine to perform in Windermere
Three men’s ministries are trading their annual picnic for a night of stand-up comedy, bringing in the conservative Christian comedian Friday, May 29, at Family Church.
JUSTICE COVERT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Looking to offer laughter and thought-provoking discussion, three local men’s ministries have partnered to bring comedian Brad Stine to perform “A Night of Comedy and Clarity” from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Family Church in Windermere.
The Ironmen of God, Linkmen and the Sons of Thunder ministries have organized an annual picnic for the past three years but wanted to shake things up this year to increase their outreach in the community, sparking a night of comedy.
Jack Levine, a volunteer with the Ironmen who helped plan the event, said the organizations have found the same people kept attending the picnics and figured a comedy night would be a good attraction for folks of all backgrounds. Levine said the event has a one-of-a-kind setup to offer a unique experience.
The first half of the event will be Stine’s comedy routine, but after, Stine will field questions from the audience — with nothing left off the table. Levine described Stine as a bold conservative comic, comparing him to a “Christian Robin Williams” for his wit and quickness. Stine is prepared to answer questions about anything from God to politics.
“I expect that not only will Brad be hilarious as always and the first half will have them laughing their butts off, but the second part, where they go to the Q&A, there’s going to be a lot of clarity and insight because Brad is very on fire for God,” Levine said.
Levine said it’s impossible to come away from listening to Stine without feeling his heart in his act. He expects attendees to be encouraged to examine their own lives and find how to get more out of an abundant Christian life.
While Levine emphasized the event wouldn’t be like a church communion and the organizations wouldn’t be asking for memberships, the three ministry leaders will each speak for about a minute at the start of the night to explain their work.
IF YOU GO
A NIGHT OF COMEDY AND CLARITY WITH BRAD STINE
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, May 29
WHERE: Family Church — Windermere Campus, 300 Main St., Windermere
DETAILS: The Ironmen of God, Linkmen and the Sons of Thunder have come together to bring a night of comedy followed by a Q&A with Brad Stine.
TICKETS: $15, available online at bit.ly/3R4l0sE
MEET BRAD STINE
Dubbed as “God’s Comic” by New Yorker Magazine, Brad Stine is a conservative evangelical Christian stand-up comedian with a career spanning more than 20 years. Known for having a bold and unapologetic style, he’s performed his routine on A&E’s “Evening at the Improv” and MTV’s Half Hour Comedy. Stine also has acted in minor roles for films such as “Sarah’s Choice,” “Christmas with a Capital C” and “Homeless for the Holidays.”
Levine said each ministry meets at a different time throughout the month and each has a different flavor of discussion for different men. Though they vary, Levine established the importance of the ministries and the essential support they offer, allowing men a space to share and connect.
“For men, sometimes it’s hard to have a community and share a little bit of what’s going on and to have people to confide in,” Levine said. “It’s fellowship, it’s brotherhood, and we understand it in the military and sports communities, but here in the faith community, it’s wonderful to see.”
The three ministries worked together to underwrite the event, lowering the ticket price from $45 to $15 plus tax.
613-home development clears first hurdle
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The next “Oakland Park” is one step closer to becoming a reality.
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved Thursday, May 14, the first reading of former county commissioner Scott Boyd’s McKinnon Corp.’s plans to rezone properties on Marsh Road and Williams Road to build the Johns Lake Urban Village Planned Unit Development.
The rezoning request is for 17729 Marsh Road as well as 1400, 1401 and 1756 Williams Road. The property currently is not zoned and has an Urban Village designation.
The Johns Lake Urban Village Planned Unit Development is a proposed community planned for 613 homes on about 337.25 acres in Winter Garden near the Lake-Orange county line.
The development proposal consists of 613 single-family homes and townhomes, a city park and two special districts.
Special District 1 will consist of parks, a bed and breakfast that includes 40 rooms, event space, agricultural uses and accessory retail/ service uses in support of the property’s primary use.
Special District 2 will be reserved for a future Winter Garden city park.
Of the more than 337 acres, 85.26 acres will be open space, 16.86 will be active recreation and 3.65 acres will be dedicated for the future city park.
“It builds upon demonstrated success of the area, including the lowdensity development; promotes the preservation of natural features, including mature trees, native vegetation and open space,” said Kelly Carson, the city’s planning director.
“For anyone who’s actually been on the property, you know it is an absolutely gorgeous piece of real estate, and the owner is also going to live
in this community. He already owns a house on the site. His family has owned this for quite some time, and so he has a very vested interest in maintaining that natural beauty and character.”
Carson said the developer took “a lot of cues from other low-impact development subdivisions (such as) Oakland Park and some other neighborhoods in the city.”
During a community meeting held in January, Geoff McNeill, a consultant on the project, said Oakland Park was the benchmark project used to work from and inform the work done on the master planning and development for the Johns Lake property.
In terms of phasing, the development will be phased with no more than 50 units per phase, and there will be multiple builders, including custom builders. Although there might be one or two national builders, the focus is on custom builders to create varied elevations to avoid a “cookiecutter community,” Carson said.
With 613 homes proposed, Carson said that is 1.82 dwelling units per acre, which is less than half the allowable density.
The residential units will be mixed and varied, with several small townhome and cottage lots up to lakefront estate homes that would be a minimum of 90 feet wide.
Special District 1 will include a 40-room bed and breakfast, as well as at least six cottages nestled among the trees. It would include a restaurant that would be available by reservation only, as well as some event space and buildings.
“We did put in some provisions about making sure the noise remains inside the building,” Carson said.
“Any amplified noise would have to be inside the building so as not to bug the neighbors.”
A dock also would be available for those who live on the lake to pull a boat up and dock it so they can eat at
The Johns Lake Urban Village Planned Unit Development is a proposed community planned for 613 homes on more than 337 acres in Winter Garden near the Lake-Orange county line.
the restaurant, but it is not permitted to be a commercial marina.
When the developers and city staff hosted a community meeting, Special District 2 had plans for a potential future Orange County Public Schools elementary school, but after hearing concerns regarding the traffic from the school, the developers decided to remove the school from the plan.
Residents and community members provided feedback on the project including concerns regarding traffic, the environmental impacts, docks and park access.
The current proposal will create 5,411 daily trips, with 408 total trips in the peak hour in the morning and 538 trips in the peak hour at night. By removing the school site, there will be 1,816 fewer daily trips, with
592 fewer in the morning and 128 fewer at night. Carson said the developer is required to do several off-site improvements, including a roundabout at the intersection of Marsh and Williams roads. The developer also is required to develop Williams Road to city standards and connect the segment of Williams Road that goes to the Waterside community. Furthermore, the developer also will be required to pay for 31.2% of the cost to construct a new northbound turn lane at the intersection of Marsh Road and Stoneybrook West Parkway.
Another requirement will be developing Amber Sweet Lane to the city standard. In addition, the developer will have to pay 21% of the cost and dedicate a 12-and-one-half feet of
right of way to develop Amber Sweet Lane to the Lake County line.
Chuck Piper, the owner of the property south of Amber Sweet Lane across from the Johns Lake development, said although he is in support of the Johns Lake project, he does not agree with also having to give 12-andone-half feet of right of way to develop Amber Sweet Lane as the previous owner of the property already provided 25 feet for the right-of-way.
“This road that’s being built on the north side of (my property) is not really necessary for my project, but I do understand there’s interconnectivity issues the city would like to see,” Piper said. “I just don’t want to be unjustly placed in a situation where I’m having to pay for more road or having to provide more right of way than I should. Other than that, this is going to be a great community. I’m looking forward to seeing it flourish.”
The city will not widen Marsh Road because of site limitations. Moreover, when a road is widened, it creates more traffic on the roads, Carson said.
Carson said regional projects currently under construction and planned in the future will assist with traffic flow in the area of the Johns Lake project. She said the 2027 completion of the new Independence Parkway, which will connect Wellness Way to Avalon Road and ultimately State Road 429, will have a significant impact.
After Carson’s presentation, Mayor John Rees questioned whether the city could put a toll on Marsh Road to charge those coming from Lake County because of the number of people coming from Lake County.
Winter Garden City Attorney Kurt Ardaman said the city has begun discussions with the Central Florida Expressway Authority to look into potential opportunities.
The second reading of the proposed rezoning will take place Thursday, May 28.
— LETICIA SILVA
Ocoee officers Andrea Sanders and Amanda Strong let attendees leave painted handprints on a patrol car.
Gabriel Pacheco supervised the SWAT course. Left: Damian Flores and Rosalin Sarai enjoyed the event and the activities offered.
The Stephens family enjoyed their time at the Community Picnic.
a state-of-the-art facility.
County approves $8.9M DP fire station upgrade
County Fire Rescue will replace Station 31 in Dr. Phillips with a new two-story facility.
Orange County Fire Rescue’s Station 31 is receiving an upgrade. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday, May 5, a replacement for Station 31, which is a 50-year-old station. The county will work with Mulligan Constructors Inc. on the $8.9 million project.
Deputy Chief John Westmoreland said the lease for Station 31 dates back before Orange County Fire Rescue consolidated its 14 districts in 1981. Station 31 will be constructed as a two-story facility on Dr. Phillips Boulevard, just south of Banyan Road, about 3,500 feet northeast of the current station.
“We have continued making sure we’re good partners with the Dr. Phillips Foundation and certainly ensuring we continue our service within the community,” Westmoreland said.
Westmoreland said the department decided to replace Station 31 rather than continue with the current one because that gave OCFR an opportunity to own the station. He said Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners own and operate the majority of the department’s stations.
“We’re looking forward to putting a modern fire station that is fitting for the men and women today that has the technologies, layout and the things we believe are necessary, not only to serve the public and be operationally ready but also to make sure we’re providing the right housing and space for our personnel serving 24/7-365,” he said.
The new station will be a state-of-
the-art facility; the department has more information for an intentional design than it had more than 50 years ago, Westmoreland said.
One of the major concepts the department is working to employ is reducing exposure to carcinogens.
The layout of the new building is a “dirty-to-clean concept,” so contaminated areas are effectively isolated and main living quarters don’t have the same cross-contamination they might otherwise incur.
The facility also won’t have a communal restroom but rather individual sleeping quarters and bathrooms.
There will be six bunk rooms, a lieutenant suite and a command officer suite. But there still will be a community aspect with the living area.
A community room also will be included in the new station.
Westmoreland said all the design improvements from the current station are to ensure the department will remain operationally ready.
“We have to have buildings that are resilient,” he said. “We need to have facilities that can meet the demands of today’s workforce, and we need to have facilities and fire stations that are fitting for our personnel.”
The Dr. Phillips station will have an aerial apparatus and a transport rescue, and it will serve the community with two marine rescues and potentially a command officer.
Westmoreland said the station is an opportunity for the department to show an investment in the community and public safety, which will bring a sense of pride not only to those serving in the station but also to the community.
Construction is expected to begin within the next eight to 12 weeks as the county and department work on the execution of final contracts and begin scheduling. Once construction begins, the facility could be completed in 12 to 15 months with the expectation of completion by the end of 2027.
Windermere cruises through budget check
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
The town of Windermere received a clear audit for the 2025 fiscal year.
Tammy Campbell, an audit partner with McDirmit Davis, gave a presentation on the audit findings to Windermere Town Council during its meeting Tuesday, May 12.
She said the town received an unmodified audit opinion, which is the best type of audit the town can receive.
Although the town’s General Fund balance decreased $1.7 million, Campbell said a large portion of the decrease is because of the town’s numerous capital projects. Some of the decrease is expected to be refunded with grant monies this coming fiscal year, she added.
Campbell said the stormwater fund balance increased by $101,600, and the town had $401,000 in payments on existing debt. The town also had a $2.9 million increase in capital assets due to the infrastructure construction throughout town.
The town also was subject to a federal single audit to ensure it was in compliance with grant requirements from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and other federal grants, and there were no issues.
2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Windermere Town Council unanimously approved the town’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
The Town Council previously adopted the plan in October 2025 after the Florida Department of Commerce said there were no objections to the plan.
However, the Florida Department of Commerce in December 2025 sent a letter to town staff stating because there was a word change in one policy and one objective in the plan, the town was in violation of Senate Bill 180 and Town Council would need to readopt the plan after removing or changing the verbiage.
Brad Cornelius, Windermere’s town planner, said the word “discourage” was changed to “prohibited” in a transportation policy. He paraphrased the policy as “the town shall discourage the conversion of residential properties to commercial properties on your major highways, thoroughfares, mainstream,” and the adopted plan in October 2025 changed “discourage” to “prohibit.”
The other portion of the plan with the same objection was “the town shall prohibit the conversion of residential properties to commercial properties on Main Street and Sixth Avenue.”
“The reason why we changed that was there’s other policies within your comp plan that already did the same thing,” Cornelius said to the Town Council. “You had a policy that says the town will prohibit strict commercial development along your major roadways. That’s saying the exact same thing.”
Ultimately, town staff agreed to go back to using “discourage” and have Town Council re-adopt the Comprehensive Plan.
Cornelius said he will send the plan to the Florida Department of Commerce for review, and the department will have 30 days to review it.
NEW OFFICER
Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden swore in the department’s newest officer.
Officer Phillip Polan was a retired police corporal with more than a decade of law enforcement experience before taking an oath to serve for the Windermere Police Department.
“Phillip brings a wealth of experience and heart of service that aligns perfectly with our mission,” Ogden said. “What stands out most about Phillip, I think, is his continued commitment to service. Even in retirement, he has chosen to step back
“
IN OTHER NEWS
n Mayor Andy Williams proclaimed Municipal Clerks Week from Sunday, May 3, to Saturday, May 9.
n Windermere Town Council unanimously approved a variance request for 11214 Lake Butler Blvd. to allow for the construction of a boat dock 7.9 feet from the projected property line. The town’s code required a minimum setback of 16 feet from the projected property line.
n The Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to the lobbying services agreement between the town of Windermere and JEJ & Associates, Inc. The new contract was approved with a fiscal impact of about $15,000 annually.
“For the amount of money we spent on them, the return has been enormous,” Town Manager Robert Smith said.
n The discussion on the authorization of professional engineering services from Kimley Horn for the Town Square restroom facility’s final design and construction documents was tabled to the next meeting, Tuesday, June 9.
n The discussion on Windermere Town Hall rental agreements was moved to a workshop scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.
into the profession to give back, and we are better for it.”
Polan has served in areas such as crisis intervention, hostage negotiations and behavioral threat assessments.
During his tenure with the Clermont Police Department, he held key leadership roles within the crisis unit, and he also played an instrumental role developing programs focused on public safety and mental health support.
Polan is the recipient of the Rocky Pomerance Law Enforcement Excellence Award, as well as other awards, and he currently serves as the community liaison officer for Central Florida Behavioral Hospital.
“This is a really good starting point with a new agency with a continued passion for mental health and a continued partnership with the individuals in this town so we can help raise awareness for mental health, reduce the stigma, help people that are struggling that we may not know are struggling and just be able to work together to start something new,” Polan said.
Orange
Courtesy rendering Orange County Fire Rescue is replacing Station 31 with
Photo by Liz Ramos
Officer Phillip Polan was sworn into the Windermere Police Department.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Dr. Phillips High’s boys water polo head coach
Leonardo Leon Ramirez was named the 2026 Boys Water Polo Coach of the year in the Metro West Conference.
Ramirez has coached the team since 2006 and celebrated his 500th victory Sept. 1, 2021. He graduated in 1997 from DP, where he swam and was a member of the water polo team. He won states with the men’s swim team in 1995 and held the school record in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:43.22.
The boys water polo team finished the past season 18-8 under his guidance and first in Class 1A, District 5 with a 4-0 record.
DP’s boys team also had four athletes named to the Metro West Conference 2026 first team: Tate Miller, Emanuel Pardo, Alejandro Delgado and Giacomo Graff. The girls team’s Natalya Speller and Dora Chen also were named to the first team.
2
The Ocoee High girls basketball team reached the Final Four in back-to-back seasons, and six players celebrated signing to the next level at Spring Signing Day Thursday, May 7. Gabriella Fortius and Jazmine Monroe committed to St. Petersburg College; Aubrey Satterfield committed to Florida Southwestern State College; Aniya Hester committed to Eastern University Eagles; Taliyah Trent committed to Warner University; and Senaia Asanya committed to Eastern Florida State College.
3
Windermere High football and boys soccer standout Luke Anthony was named the Male Athlete of the Year. The senior Super Scholar also will attend Cornell University. He held a 5.3 weighted GPA and tested a 34 on the ACT and 1,550 on the SAT. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds, recorded a 36 inch vertical, benched 275, squatted 405 and dead-lifted 585 pounds.
Rylee Erisman was named the Female Athlete of the Year. She will be attending the University of California — Berkeley on a swim scholarship. In her high school swim years, she won the 2025 FHSAA Class 4A State Championship in the 100-meter freestyle. Her time of 46.73 seconds broke Olympian Gretchen Walsh’s high school record.
4
Windermere Preparatory School announced it is hiring for the 2026 fall athletics season for a head coach for sideline and competitive cheerleading. If interested, email lisa.rovetto@windermereprep.com. Windermere Prep also is looking for a girls’ golf head coach and boys’ JV golf head coach. If interested email patrick.hollern@windermereprep.com. All of the positions are paid.
5
Windermere High announced openings for its fall and spring athletics programs. In the fall, the Wolverines are hiring a head coach and assistant coach for the boys and girls swimming and diving team. For spring sports, Windermere is looking for a head and assistant coach for softball; head and assistant coach for boys and girls tennis; and a head and assistant coach for boys lacrosse. All positions are paid. For more information visit windermereathletics.com or email resume to jeremy.cambell@ocps.net.
HISTORIC HAWKS
The Horizon High boys volleyball team’s first state runner-up finish in school history was the product of playing for each other and having fun.
Winter Garden pole-vaulter soars in state championship
Montverde Academy senior Grant Williams closed his senior season with a state championship title in pole-vaulting.
WRITER
At the Class 2A FHSAA Track-andField State Championships Thursday, May 7, Winter Garden resident and Montverde Academy senior Grant Williams was competing neck-and-neck with South Walton’s Pierce Williams. Both athletes cleared 4.50 meters and failed to jump over 4.65 on all three attempts. Williams said in pole-vaulting, the winner can either be decided by who jumps the highest. If two competitors jump the exact same height, the number of misses can determine the winner.
Williams didn’t have any misses on his four successful marks. Pierce Williams had three.
After they both finished jumping and the scores were calculated, Williams won the 2026 3A Men’s Pole Vault State Championship. His success came down to his ability to stay calm before lifting off the pole.
Heading into states, Williams knew there was a lot at stake. There was a state title on the line but also his last opportunity to compete in high school, so he did his best to stay calm mentally and focus on putting all his effort into the run.
“When I was on the runway and I was preparing for my jump, I knew that I had my last three attempts,
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Since the beginning of this year, the Horizon High boys volleyball team has been destined for greatness.
The Hawks began as one of the most productive teams in Florida with a 12-0 record before it lost its first game to Lake Brantley 3-0, but that first loss didn’t derail the team. The Hawks continued on with their success by having fun together and claimed the district, then regional crowns.
For the second consecutive year, the Hawks were heading to the FHSAA 3A State Semifinal game.
The opponent: Lake Brantley.
But Horizon headed into the Final Four game with a new headspace, head coach Kristen Caleo said.
“We had a good game plan going in and just preparing as much as we could for it and had the right mindset,” she said. “We were just working so hard toward it and wanted it so bad, and so they were ready to go.”
The Hawks stepped onto Polk State College’s court to have fun, and the players did. In dominating fashion, Horizon swept Lake Brantley 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-20) and for the first time in school history made it to the 3A State Championship.
“We just had that momentum moving forward and we tried to prepare them like, ‘When you step out there, you’ve got this,’ and adrenaline was going and all the fans were just unbelievable,’” Caleo said of heading into the championship game.
However, the team met the buzzsaw that is Columbus in the championship game Saturday, May 16. The Hawks fell 3-0, but their state runner-up finish is a new milestone for the school.
“It was sadness of coming to an end, but the pretty cool thing was
and I was getting to that point, and I was like, ‘OK, I just (hit a) personal record,” he said. “I want to try getting to the next height as best as possible. We’re going to take a deep breath, look forward and just try running as fast as possible.”
On the runway, he broke down exactly what steps he should take.
“If I’m clearing this height, what is the thing I need to do to clear this height?” Williams said. “Is it swing quicker? Is it run faster? Is it be taller? Is it pull faster? Is it any of those? I try to go step-by-step, talk to my coach and once I finish my jump, I talk to my coaches and do the exact same thing for my next jump.” Williams’ state championship height of 4.5 meters was a personal record, and although he failed clear-
Two-way threat and sophomore Jace Jenniex has a promising future ahead for his career on the Dr. Phillips High baseball team. Page 10A.
Senior James Caleo served during Horizon High’s state championship game Saturday, May 16.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF
Courtesy photo
Grant Williams proudly stood with his pole-vaulting state championship medal.
Jace Jenniex
As only a sophomore, Jace Jenniex was chosen as the Most Valuable Player on the Dr. Phillips High baseball team for the 2026 season and was named to the second team All Metro Friday, May 15. The team finished the season 14-11, and Jenniex led the Panthers with his .377 batting average, .468 on-base and .532 slugging percentages, two home runs and 22 total runs.
Jenniex isn’t only a threat with a bat in his hand, but also he plays infielder, outfielder and pitcher for the Panthers. The 6-foot-2 player also has recorded a 60-yard dash in 6.8 seconds.
What do you enjoy most about baseball?
I enjoy competing with my team, being out on the field and making friends along the way.
When did you start baseball and why did you join?
I started baseball when I was 4 years old because my dad introduced me to it, along with many other sports such as gymnastics, soccer, basketball and football. Baseball was special, I’ve fallen in love with it ever since.
What is your best memory in baseball?
My best memory is a lot of memories. All those memories after each big win was special. We got to celebrate as a real team where everyone is just in the moment and happy.
What has baseball taught you? Baseball has taught me discipline, teamwork and patience. Be hungry, be humble and be smart.
How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
I would describe myself as supportive, hardworking and posi tive. I always want to challenge my teammates but make it fun as well.
What advice would you give someone who just joined base ball?
Keep practicing, listen to your coaches and don’t give up after mistakes. Have a short memory.
If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?
I would tell the team to work hard, trust (one another), always give 110% and always have good body language — even if it’s not going your way.
What is your pre-game ritual?
My pre-game ritual is just being in the moment, like being happy that I get to play every day and just be excited and ready to go for that game.
If you could pick a dif ferent sport what would it be? Why? I would pick football because I used to play as a kid, and it was really fun and enjoy able.
Who do you look up to the most?
I look up to my parents because they support me in every way pos sible and push me to do my best all the time and in every thing I do.
What is something new you’d like to learn?
I’d like to learn more about the benefits and the real concept of fitness and training.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?
I would want to live in Georgia because I like the area and all my favorite sports teams are there.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
I would help my family, save money and invest in my future.
What is your favorite birthday memory?
My favorite birthday memory was spending time with family and friends at The Melting Pot.
What future career do you want to have?
I want to have a career connected to sports in any way possible.
If you became famous, what would it be for?
I would want to be famous for baseball or helping others.
If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?
I would choose a lion because it represents confidence and leadership.
What is your perfect day?
My perfect day would be hanging out with friends, relaxing
Royals softball team rises under player, coach duo
The First Academy softball team’s transformation this season began with a new head coach and a player who were ready to step up to the plate for a bigger purpose than themselves.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
The relationship between The First Academy softball team’s head coach Elicia D’Orazio and standout player Luna Taboas had been developing years before the pair first dressed in their Royals’ colors.
D’Orazio had been working as an assistant coach at Montverde Academy the season prior, and Taboas was playing under her guidance, but their relationship extends beyond Florida’s border. D’Orazio played for Puerto Rico’s national softball team from 2013 to 2020 before helping Taboas earn a spot on the national team in 2022.
Their bond is what has helped Taboas become one of the most productive players in Florida. Taboas knows she always had someone there for her who would support her on and off the field, understanding her family, and what gets her going.
“She reminds me of me so much as a player,” D’Orazio said of Taboas. “That connection guides us so much. She’s part of our family. Our parents do things together. It’s bigger than softball.”
Taboas said the stability in their relationship is a major reason why she is ranked No. 15 in Florida for her .686 batting average and No. 21 for her 21 runs. She also recorded 33 stolen bases. The senior began playing for Puerto Rico at 14 years old and now is in her fourth year with the team, but her growth was accelerated by having D’Orazio to shadow.
“We played against each other last summer (in Puerto Rico) and basically did everything the other person did,” D’Orazio said. “I’d strike out, then she’d strike out. I’d hit a single, then she’d hit a single. Everyone was looking at us like Their relationship and the other team dynamics has helped create a culture at TFA that centers on their “I feel like a lot of other schools can be a lot of, ‘me, me, me,’” Taboas said. “Girls are worried about college or their own things. Here, we’ve stayed grounded in
In D’Orazio’s first season leading TFA, the Royals transformed from a program that finished below .500 into a 21-4 team with its first district championship in four years and a Class 2A Region 2 FHSAA regional semifinal finish Wednesday, May 12. The culture shift at the beginning of the season helped
“We all go for the glory of God,” Taboas said. “Keeping that the main thing is what really keeps us grounded. It’s not for us. It’s not to be selfish. It’s trying to do our best for the glory of
RISE TO SUCCESS
When D’Orazio arrived at TFA in the fall and looked at her landscape of a team — ranging from sixth-graders to seniors — she first wanted to focus on the relationships of the teammates rather than going strictly into drills.
The team spent time in classrooms with spiritual advisers, completing team-building activities and even engaging in one of their favorites: paint and pass. Players began with one canvas before passing it around for teammates to continue painting. Taboas said hers started with a cross but
evolved into a landscape with the cross as the center piece. She said everyone was laughing the whole time, especially seeing the crazy evolution of their paintings.
“It put everyone in an environment where they were just having fun and getting to know one another before we even got to the athletic side,” D’Orazio said.
When it came time to step on the field as a team, their unification prioritization came together in a productive way and D’Orazio quickly realized the group of Royals were meant to be something special to watch during the season.
The team opened the year on a four-game winning streak, and two of those games were blowout wins over Trinity Catholic and Windermere High.
“We kind of looked around and thought, ‘Wow, we’re going to do this,’” D’Orazio said. “They’re putting the work in. They listen. They are selfless. They do everything that you could ask for — especially as a first year coach.”
The Royals continued to work hard all season, rarely taking breaks, training on weekends and throughout the holidays.
“When you have 20 girls who are coachable and willing to compete, it
changes everything,” D’Orazio said. Junior pitcher Alaina Suber, who transferred from Boone High, said the positive atmosphere and support system at TFA helped her rediscover her confidence.
“I used to play really mental when it came to pitching,” she said. “Now, I feel like I’ve become a much better pitcher.”
She was able to find herself while the team found its momentum. When TFA claimed the district championship and ended the four year drought of the title by beating Montverde Academy 4-1, it felt like the team had won a state championship.
People were lined across the foul lines and the outfield trying to watch the game and support the Royals, but despite the high pressure from fans and a title on the line, the team stayed composed and used that as it headed into the regional playoffs.
For Taboas, making the postseason represented more than the wins or championships, rather how far the team and her relationship with D’Orazio came in one season.
“When we started we didn’t even really know each other as a team,” she said. “Now it just feels like family.”
Photos by Megan Bruinsma
TFA’s junior pitcher Alaina Suber started in the team’s regional quarterfinal game.
Head coach Elicia D’Orazio and senior Luna Taboas share a bond on and off the field.
Horizon High boys make school history
we got to play every game possible and make history for our school, so there were some pretty cool things mixed in with it, but you know it was the overall sadness of, ‘We’ve had such a good run, and it’s done,’” Caleo said.
Throughout the first set, the players were building their way up. None of them had ever played on a stage that large, and Caleo said they were focused on getting themselves comfortable, working through the nerves of the pressure and accepting that mistakes were OK. Once they realized they could do it, the dynamic shifted and they were able to relax and play their form of volleyball.
“Sometimes, you’re in panic mode and you’re (filled) with all the adrenaline, and trying to control it can get a little chaotic,” she said. “We got to settle in, just kind of breathe it out, and it was a pretty cool experience. They were nervous, but they were ready for it.”
The whole time the Hawks also had the backing of their student section, parents and school administration. Half of Polk State’s stands were decked out in purple and orange for both the championship and Final Four games. Horizon’s principal, Brian Sanchez Corona, helped bus students out to the games and fill the arena with cheers.
“It kind of (was) like a movie looking out at the crowd,” Caleo said. “The support that they’ve given our team is unbelievable and (also) the noise that they have helped bring the energy to our game. I know the boys appreciated and loved every second of it.” When it got loud, the Hawks would look up and smile, soaking in every second of the dream it felt like to have the support. The joy it brought them was unmatched because the season truly was about having fun in order to play their best game.
Caleo said she and the staff were laughing all year from how much each player was a goofball. She said they all could be in a house doing different tasks, but when it was time to come together as a team they always were ready.
PLAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER
They also took the phrase, “there’s no I in team,” to heart.
Senior James Caleo led the team offensively the whole season with 3.8 kills per set on a .439 hitting percent-
age, but for him, it never was about his own statistics. Kristen Caleo said
James would say, “We did this.”
“It’s been about the team this entire season, and actually, that’s what’s brought us our success, too,”
Kristen Caleo said. “We have captains (who) are going up to the coin toss, but we don’t have any personalities that are very individual.”
The whole season, the players worked and breathed together and entrusted first-time head and volleyball coach Caleo and first-year high school assistant coach Jack Sarnowski.
Although Caleo had the official head coach title, she and Sarnowski worked together as co-head coaches. She focused on the behind-thescenes work, while he actively was coaching them during games and focusing on all of the technical aspects.
“Coach Jack has been the most incredible addition to our team,”
Caleo said. “I’m so thankful for that and the boys are, as well. He’s done an absolutely incredible job with these boys and they would do anything for him and they played so hard for him.”
Sarnowski was a decorated high school player as a four-year starter for Winter Springs and played four years at Kings University before playing for Long Island University as he earned his graduate degree. Although he was in his first year coaching high school volleyball, he has coached at Orlando Gold Volleyball Club for five years. Caleo said four of Horizon’s seniors played for Sarnowski in their first year of volleyball four years ago.
“It was surreal and crazy that he closed out their high school careers as well, so he was their first-ever coach and their last coach for high school so it was a pretty amazing and beautiful thing that we got to experience with them,” she said.
ing 4.65 meters, he couldn’t hide his excitement of reaching a new best in his last meet.
Over the course of the postseason meets, Williams’ height steadily increased. He first hit 4.15 meters at the FHSAA Class 2A, District 6 meet, then 4.47 meters at the FHSAA Class 2A, Region 2 meet, where which he won the regional championship. That .35-meter increase over two weeks was the direct product of his intense training.
“We do a lot of gymnastics and
upper body work,” he said. “Obviously, we work lower body accelerations in a run to make sure that we can exert as much energy as possible on the runway, because the run is everything. But when it comes to the jump, we have to focus on a lot of pull-ups, upper-body inversions, handstands and things like that.” Williams and his coaches tested training on different poles, including ones with a higher grip that allowed him to exert enough energy onto the pole to get upside-down and jump over the higher marks. He also focused on training his swing leg,
which is the back leg that drives his rotation. Doing so helped Williams get over the higher poles by having more energy going upside-down and inversion.
Montverde’s pole-vaulting coach David Jones found Williams four years ago. When Williams joined track in eighth grade, he wanted to be a sprinter, but Jones introduced Williams to pole-vaulting, and he loved the thrill of it.
“Being able to jump that high to get over something that most people would never be able to, the difficulty of it, everything,” Williams
Pole-vaulter reaches new heights at states
said about his love for pole-vaulting.
Williams said Jones had helped him learn everything, including jumping technique, the correct run and even overcoming mental struggles.
In Williams’ sophomore year, he hit a mental block where he couldn’t jump over the pole no matter how hard he tried. The thought of quitting the sport crept into his mind. But Jones still saw potential in Williams, and through his encouragement, Williams was able to overcome the mental hurdle.
Sticking with pole-vaulting his sophomore year paid off. Williams
made states three consecutive years before capturing the state title.
“I’m glad I was able to end up this year pretty well, of course winning state championships, but it was all pretty nice,” he said. “Everyone’s been congratulating me … and always encouraged me to push forward and into the next stage of my life.” This summer, Williams will continue to train at Montverde to attempt to jump even higher so he can be recruited by the University of South Florida, but if August comes and he hasn’t received a letter, then he will try to walk on the
team.
Horizon High boys volleyball team closed out a tremendous season, making school history by finishing as state runners-up.
Photos by Megan Bruinsma Senior middle Joshua Robinson celebrated after he blocked the ball in the state championship game, and setter Rafael Melo cheered for his teammate. The team played its best game when the players were out there having fun for one another.
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OF THE WEEK
INFLUENCER
JARROD WALTERS
ATWATER BAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Jarrod Walters is the technical support representative at Atwater Bay Elementary School. He is responsible for keeping all technology at the school functioning, but he also will help anywhere that is needed.
Walters also served as the coach for Math Olympics.
“While he is shared between two schools, so he only serves Atwater Bay Elementary half-time, his impact is huge,” Atwater Bay Principal Matthew Hendricks said. “Not only does he keep our school’s technology functioning, (but also) he gives back so much more to the school. For example, he coached our Math Olympics team, he’s worked on our school’s musical, and he serves as site supervisor for after-school functions. Whenever there is a problem, Jarrod is able to work on swift solutions.”
What do you love most about Atwater Bay Elementary School? The staff are a team and we take care of (one another). I have worked with most of them for these four years at OCPS. We work together for the students.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
In the various jobs I have had, working at schools is by far my favorite. Putting systems in place that allow students to learn and grow.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
Owning my own business as I have in the past. But working at schools is a much more rewarding experience for me.
Who influences you?
What influences me is a well constructed and presented argument. It shows the presenter has done the research and knows the material. Now it will be scrutinized for things like, false premises or other unknown knowledge, but it shows research, thought and effort went into it.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
The most influential teacher by far was my mentor, Ms. Davis. Not only did she open the work of in seventh grade Exploratory Computers class, (but also) I then worked with her learning everything I could for the next 12 years without slowing down. Someone (who) never slowed down like me.
What is your favorite movie or TV show and why?
“Jurassic Park” just satisfies the kid in me. But I will take any stories that are well constructed, smart, make you think and maybe experience something new.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
If I am not having the time of my life hanging out with my daughter, I like camping, adventuring, hanging with friends, learning something new and playing video games.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Randomly pick any person (who) has ever lived and give me a universal translator. I bet I would come away with a fascinating story and perhaps some new knowledge.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I already have them. People have always pointed out my drive to do things is very strong. I can take a situation or project with many moving parts and naturally be able to “project manage” it to completion with much stress. But then, @Cracked on YouTube, made a compelling argument for the Zack Morris Time Out in “Saved by the Bell.” It allows you to affect future events as they happen without disrupting or drawing attention to your life. (Video is NSFW.)
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
That sounds horrible. I like so many different songs across genres and artists. I usually only like a few songs from an artist.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
There was this open-face taco-type thing at school. Loved them.
What is your favorite holiday and why? Halloween. The style is just my thing. I love the creativity and effort of dressing up.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
Brian has been my best friend since middle school because our love of technology, learning, exploring and doing better. We experienced life. We recently got together, and my daughter now has another uncle.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
Ever since seventh grade Advanced Computers, it has all been about learn and using technology to make something new or more efficient. When I wasn’t forced to go to my classes, I was in the media center working on something technology related. I was surprised and honored to receive the Technology Achievement Award at the end of my senior year. It was an award the school staff created for me.
What is a fun fact about you that people would be surprised to learn? I can be one of the girls. I am a scout leader for my daughter’s Scouting America Girl Troop 325. As I write this, I am wearing one of their pink camping shirts. It is so bright.
— LIZ RAMOS
Years at school: Two Years at OCPS: Four
Dr. Phillips High shares spirit at Panther Pride Day
Dr. Phillips High’s stu-
dent-body President Christiana Stubbs wanted to leave her mark as a Panther before heading to college.
Her idea was simple yet heartwarming.
“I started (Panther Pride Day) because I wanted to bring together the Dr. Phillips High School community before I leave, so we can have a moment of celebration for the school and celebrate the community, the alumni, the people here and the environment,” she said.
The event included games, activities, performances, bounce houses, a DJ and food trucks. With dozens of people in attendance, lots of laughter and stories were shared.
While this was the first Panther Pride Day, the school hopes to make the event an annual occurrence.
“People are coming up to me and they’re excited to continue the event,” Stubbs said. “That makes me very happy.”
— LETICIA SILVA
Kaori Lang, Amari Major and John Poussin matched in white tees.
Marquis Payton is an alumnus and now a staff member at Dr. Phillips High. He was joined by Whitley Dolley and Ty Grant.
Christiana Stubbs created Panther Pride Day to bring the Panther community together before she graduates high school.
Football coach Caleb Walls, 1995 alumnus Erik Garbus, Principal Jackie Ramsey and Student Council Adviser Krystle Diaz chatted at the event.
Leilani and Jazmin Johnson enjoyed slushies together.
— MICHAEL ENG
By Luis Campos
Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
“D’KX QXXY KXVW QEXCCXA DY PW LXVCZYHE EDRX HYA DY PW JHVXXV HYA D OHKX YXKXV QXXY TYFVHSXRTE RZV GOHS D OHKX.” PHYAW LHSDYUDY
