West Orange honors our heroes at Memorial Day ceremonies. SEE PAGES 8-9A.
The city of Ocoee is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Ocoee Youth Council.
Members of the Ocoee Youth Council will participate in service events, explore scholarship opportunities and learn about local government and careers in public service.
Spaces are limited and availability is on a rst-come, rstserved basis.
Council members can be residents or non-residents of Ocoee, and the council is for students entering high school in private or public school.
Requirements to participate include parent approval, most recent report card, a teacher recommendation letter and the participant must have reliable transportation.
The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. For more information and to download an application, visit ocoee.org.
Foundation Academy announced it has added 27 newly certi ed adult and pediatric rst-aid, CPR and AED responders to its Tilden campus.
The students were certi ed through Foundation’s First Aid and Safety course.
Each semester, a class of students learns the proper handson treatment and assessments to make sure they are pro cient and con dent in their skills in order to earn the American Red Cross two-year certi cate.
“These students are now equipped with life-saving skills that can make a real di erence when it matters most,” Foundation o cials said.
The Oakland Nature Preserve recently received a Challenge Match Grant totaling $10,000. The preserve has raised $7,265, or 73%. It needs to raise another $2,735 by Tuesday, June 30, to be able to receive the matching grant.
“Your donation will be matched, dollar for dollar, so your contribution will have double the impact,” ONP ofcials said. “Together, we can meet the goal to raise $10,000 by June 30. Thank you for your continued support of Oakland Nature Preserve.”
Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
Winter Garden’s Joyce and Randy Rouse were gifted a trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks from their family as a celebration of 50 years of love, support and dedication to the Rouse family. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
The city is considering changing its fire assessment fee to 40% and a fixed rate of $341.24 for single-family homes to alleviate increasing costs. SEE PAGE 6A.
AJ Burnett follows in his family’s footsteps. SEE 3A.
Orange County Commissioners are searching for ways to manage the rapid increase in usage of micro-mobility devices. SEE PAGE 5A.
1Orange County closes case against Williams Holiday House
After nine months, Orange County Code Enforcement has closed the case against the Williams Holiday House.
The Williams Holiday House owners, Annie and Joe Williams, have secured and had all necessary permits approved to allow them to continue going all out with their Halloween and Christmas decorations that draw thousands to the home every holiday season.
“With all the necessary permits secured and approved, we’ve emerged stronger and more resilient,” the owners posted on the Williams Holiday House Facebook page. “Although this prolonged journey has taken its toll, we’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community, who have stood by us and our beloved holiday house traditions.”
The Williamses’ issues began in August 2025 when Code Enforcement received a complaint regarding “vehicles in a state of inoperability or disrepair, dual-rear
ses to continue decorating for the holiday season in 2025.
Metro Diner coming to Winter Garden
West Orange’s first Metro Diner will be built from the ground up in Winter Garden.
The local location will be built at the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center at 14001 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden.
Broker Marc Lewin said two other tenants will join Metro Diner at the outparcel. However, those have yet to be announced.
Although Metro Diner officially was branded in 1992, the first location dates back to 1938, when the building that would become the first location opened in Jacksonville. Today, Metro Diner has more than 60 locations in 12 states and is known for its home-style comfort food.
There are three locations in the Central Florida area, including Hunters Creek, Altamonte Springs and Casselberry.
Commissioner receives 2026 Home Rule Hero Award
The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Joseph McMullen, Oakland commissioner, with a 2026 Home Rule Hero Award.
The award honors McMullen’s hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session.
Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
data, and real-world examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities,” Florida League of Cities officials said.
Casey Cook, Florida League of Cities’ chief of legislative affairs, recognized him, among other leaders, for their determination in ensuring local voices were heard.
“By engaging early, often and thoughtfully, they helped elevate the municipal perspective and reinforce the importance of local decisionmaking,” Cook said. “We sincerely appreciate their dedication and are proud to recognize their advocacy on behalf of Florida’s cities.”
The town of Oakland is
4
Pilates Addiction now open in Dr. Phillips
The Pilates Addiction now is open in Dr. Phillips.
Located at 5110 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, the pilates studio is a brand new, modern and high-energy studio blending classical pilates principles with contemporary strength and athletic training.
It offers patented Aurum Reformer technology, an elite, gold-plated pilates machine used exclusively at Pilates Addiction used to combine four classic pieces of apparatus into a single versatile unit.
Memberships vary from $139 to $259, and a single drop-in costs $39.
The studio is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visit pilatesaddiction.com to learn more.
5
The Goddard School of Winter Garden expanding The Goddard School of Winter Garden is opening a second location in Hamlin.
According to its website, the owners opened the Goddard School in Winter Garden in 2019, though they founded their first school more than 25 years ago.
The school opening in Hamlin is described as one-of-a-kind and now is enrolling new students. “It truly is a campus as opposed
these and many other features
Despite not aspiring to join the family business as a child, West Orange High alumnus
AJ Burnett found his way back to Florida Metal Craft to carry on a four-generation legacy.
LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR
Through his eight years serving in the U.S. Navy, Winter Garden’s AJ Burnett always dreamed of home.
No matter where he was in the world — Afghanistan, Iraq, southeast Asia — he always thought of home.
“I spent eight years being homesick because Winter Garden is where my family’s been for a long, long time, so it was always home to me,” Burnett said. “I always had every intention of coming back home, whether I took over Florida Metal Craft or not, I always had every intention of moving back home and being able to stay in the Winter Garden area.”
For eight years after graduating from West Orange High School, Burnett served in the Navy, specializing in human intelligence and counterintelligence before returning home to Winter Garden and being the fourth generation of his family to run the family business, Florida Metal Craft.
A LONG WAY FROM HOME
Despite growing up spending time in Florida Metal Craft, Burnett said he never had the desire to join the family
business his great-grandfather started in 1931.
Upon graduation in 2012, he enlisted in the Navy, fulfilling the call to service he felt since he was a child. The Navy had the most diverse options available of potential pathways to serve.
He was shipped to Intel Basic School at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C.
“I’ve always been decent with talking to people, communicating, so the human intel is what I wanted to pursue,” he said.
After at least two years, he was screened to go to Naval Special Warfare, which led him to participating in special operations for the Navy and supporting the West Coast SEAL teams.
His deployments sent him to the Middle East and southeast Asia, but he always missed home. Amazingly, he managed to stumble across ways to reconnect to home.
“It was funny that I’d be in weird corners of the world — Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan — and ran into people from Winter Garden that I either knew from West Orange or through mutual friends,” Burnett said. “No matter where I ended up in the world, it was weird how usually you found some-
Florida Metal Craft has been in business since 1931, and four generations have taken ownership.
Current owner AJ Burnett’s great-grandfather Lawrence Iserman started the business as Iserman and Company.
Throughout the years, ownership changed hands to his grandfather Lou Burnett and later his father, Tom Burnett, in partnership with his uncle Rob Burnett before AJ Burnett took ownership in 2023 with Matt Bracewell.
body that was from Winter Garden or knew about Winter Garden.”
Burnett recalled the first time he ran into someone he knew from his West Orange High days. He was in Kuwait and ran into a fellow Warrior alumnus
who joined the Air Force and also happened to be deployed in Kuwait. Burnett said he was headed to the bathroom in the middle of the night when he passed a familiar face. Unsure it was who he thought, Burnett called him by his first name, an anomaly in the military, garnering the man’s attention. Burnett asked about his last name.
“I was like, ‘Dude, it’s AJ. We went to West Orange together,’” he said.
“He was like, ‘No way,’ but yet, in the middle of Kuwait in the middle of the night, I woke up for a pee break and found a friend from high school.”
Any moment Burnett was able to reconnect with his alma mater or his hometown was special. It always was refreshing and a “big win” for him.
As his time in the military was winding down, Burnett said it was rewarding to be making an impact on making the world a safer place, but
it was time for him to start thinking about what would come next. He returned to the idea of his family business.
THE FAMILY BUSINESS Burnett said it would have been “kind of silly” for him not to take over Florida Metal Craft because of its success throughout 95 years and generations of his family.
Burnett’s parents traveled to California to make the drive back to Florida with their son, with everyone thrilled to have him home for good.
Burnett went right to work at Florida Metal Craft. His dad still was running the show, so he spent time working in the shop to re-acclimate himself to the environment.
As a kid, the times he was in the shop either was to help sweep and mop the floors and clean toilets or to work on a personal project with his friends. He remembered going to job sites with his dad, bringing his little tape measure and being right by his side.
As an adult, he had to learn everything he could from the veteran employees and work alongside his dad in a professional capacity.
It wasn’t long before his dad pulled him into the administrative offices, and the transition to leadership began.
He said it was a tumultuous learning curve, going from the rigorous structure of the military that had clear-cut guidelines of what could and could not be done to everything falling on his shoulders at Florida Metal Craft.
“There was this pressure that came along with carrying on the family legacy and the burning fear of failure of ‘Oh, I don’t want this place to crash and burn on my watch,’” Burnett said. It was the leadership training conferences, his various activities with student council and involvement in sports at West Orange High that he attributes to his ability to lead and be organized in the military and at Florida Metal Craft. His time at West Orange taught him discipline, team work and leadership.
In early 2023, Burnett officially took ownership of the business in partnership with Matt Bracewell. He said it was a “big, huge honor” to become the next generation of Burnetts to take the reins.
Growing up, Burnett always bragged about his family’s company building the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pirate ship and the big fronds for the top of the pineapple at Bongos at what was then Downtown Disney.
Now as the owner, Burnett is working on projects with Crooked Can as the brewery expands to Minneola. He also is working with the University of Central Florida on hypersonic technology.
“Having my own projects now has been pretty cool, and I knew that little AJ would have been proud to brag about,” Burnett said.
After 95 years of operating in West Orange, Burnett hopes to continue the longstanding legacy of being the hometown, community-focused shop for the next 100 years.
“We’ve always been the one place somebody can go to, no matter how small the project is, and we’ll get it done,” he said. “We’re kind of the one fabrication shop that still has a walkin storefront where anybody off the street ... can walk in and be like, ‘Hey, I need this one weird little piece.’ We’ve always been there to do it for them.”
They both love the idea of business for a social impact.
torians, acquiring degrees in social entrepreneurship.
Growing up, Emma and Kate Salerno, Windermere Preparatory School alumnae, always were curious about social inequality.
“We had conversations with our parents about things in society that we wanted to see improve, like how women are perceived in society, and I remember at a young age, we asked our parents, ‘Why is there no female president?’” Emma Salerno said.
“Having those conversations with them growing up, I was like, ‘Wait, I want to make an impact in society.’”
The twins graduated from Rollins College Sunday, May 10, as valedic-
“It feels good to be valedictorians together, especially because we worked on a lot of the projects and studied for tests together,” Emma Salerno said. “It’s fun and rewarding that we both get to experience it together, and I’m very proud.”
Although both Emma and Kate Salerno have degrees in social entrepreneurship, they didn’t always think they would follow the same path.
At first, the twins were determined to forge their own paths, but after realizing they have similar passions, they decided to travel the road to college and their careers together.
“It’s the business for the social impact aspect — not just business for profitability, but looking at it through that triple bottom line perspective, like economic, social and environmental sustainability,” Kate Salerno said. “We both love the idea of using business to help people.”
And that’s what they studied at Rollins College.
While they face the everyday challenge of being seen as identical twins rather than individuals, they are grateful that wasn’t the case at Rollins College. Although they chose to follow the same path, professors, classmates and friends saw them not as one but as two women who are dedicated to go above and beyond to help society.
They see Kate Salerno’s fieriness and Emma Salerno’s empathy.
At Rollins, they worked with Professor Ruonan Zhang in the communications department for the school’s Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Program and studied the intersection of artificial intelligence, marketing and education.
Through their hard work, they went to Las Vegas to present their research and won the Top Tier Paper award. This accomplishment furthered what they already knew: They can make an impact if they put in the work, dedication and interest into their projects.
Being a part of their sorority also was important in their development and achievement of becoming valedictorians.
“I was president of my sorority, and I feel like they pushed me to be a confident woman when I was surrounded by women that inspired me every day, and so Rollins has given me that foundation to have core friendships that I’m so happy about,” Emma Salerno said. “We were both much shyer, much more timid when we first came to Rollins. I’ve definitely seen growth throughout my time here.”
Kate Salerno served as co-president of Tars Pantry, the campus’ food pantry, and Emma Salerno worked as the operations coordinator of the Student Support Foundation, which not only runs the food pantry but also reviews grants and disperses money to students.
“We raised (more than) $14,000 to give back,” Emma Salerno said. Now, Emma and Kate Salerno both are working toward their master’s degrees in marketing and business analytics, with another graduation to come in May 2027.
“It’s like double the excitement,” Kate Salerno said.
That love for business stems from Windermere Preparatory School’s International Baccalaureate program, where Emma and Kate Salerno first discovered business for a social impact.
“That was the best part — getting to learn so many different subjects and be surrounded by teachers who really taught like they were professors and at a higher academic level,” Emma Salerno said. “Getting to do business in high school already and do SL Business Management, that was probably one of my favorite memories of Windermere Prep.”
KATE AND EMMA SALERNO
n Two out of seven valedictorians at Rollins College’s May 2026 graduation
n Members of the Alpha Omicron
Pi Greek house n Award-winning academic papers
n Named Social Entrepreneur of the Year
n Recognized with Rollins’ Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
n May 2026: B.A. in social entrepreneurship n May 2027: MBA in marketing and business analytics
While in the program, Kate and Emma Salerno were able to help women access menstrual products in the school’s dorm program through their Creativity, Activity and Service project.
As recent graduates, their goal is to work in management or sustainability consulting, helping with team coordination and tackling everyday problems at one of the big four management consulting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPGM.
Most important, they want to make a positive impact through their work, rather that be through sustainability, social empowerment or even their own company one day.
“I would love to help businesses see the benefit of sustainability,” Emma Salerno said.
Currently, they are interning at CenterPoint Group, a Windermere business-management consulting firm. Their tasks are to help with strategy, supply chain and procurement operations to get some quantitative experience.
Emma Salerno also has a different internship with Align Business Consulting later in the summer, helping the company with their marketing strategy through AI incorporation.
As each other’s best friends, they’re proud of their accomplishments and all they have yet to achieve.
“I always have her to motivate me,” Kate Salerno said of her twin. “If I’m having a bad day or an off day, she’s always there. She’s my built-in buddy.”
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
can flags were placed on every veterans’ grave, as well as an extra flag for unknown soldiers buried there.
And in Gotha, Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home hosted its 76th annual Memorial Day Service.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Woodland Funeral Director Qwanza Sanders, featured six keynote speakers, performances by the Orlando Concert Band and the Family Church of Windermere choir, a 21-gun salute
Imagine being surrounded by this beauty... From boardrooms and breakout areas to outdoor charm and scenic venues. Westgate Resorts o ers choice, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. We take the stress out of planning so you can focus on facilitating a memorable event for your attendees.
• 16,500 sqft of Versatile Event Space
• Customized Group Activities
• From Lodge Rooms to Luxe Teepees
Whatever you’re planning - retreats, meetings, team building, reunions, celebrations - We’ve got the space for it.
by the American Legion Chapter 331 and much more. As always, Woodlawn honored attending Gold Star families.
Several local organizations participated in this year’s service, including Scouts USA troops 210 and 922. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and the Windermere High School JROTC presented the colors.
Keynote speakers were World War II veteran Mel Jenner, Purple Heart recipient Alexzander Teschner, retired
U.S. Army
The ceremony culminated with a dove release.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Advanced Behavioral Health Center Winter Garden
e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Advanced Behavioral Health Center Winter Garden. Located at 12200 W Colonial Dr Ste 305 in Winter Garden, Advanced Behavioral Health Center is a comprehensive psychiatric practice serving children, adolescents and adults. ey specialize in diagnostic clarity, medication management, psychotherapy and care of complex or treatment-resistant conditions. To learn more, visit https://www.advancedbehavioralhealthcenter.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of CORA Physical erapy Stoneybrook
e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of CORA Physical erapy Stoneybrook. Located at 12321 Stoneybrook West Pkwy Ste B in Winter Garden, CORA Physical erapy is a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation group specializing in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pediatric therapy, worker’s comp and personal injury. CORA is committed to fostering an inclusive, valuesdriven culture. ey communicate. ey identify and achieve outcomes. ey respect costs. No one is more cutting edge and results driven. No one is more thorough. No one is more geographically desirable. And no one gets patients back to life as quickly and healthfully as we do. To learn more, visit https://coraphysicaltherapy.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere
e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere. Located at 8981 Conroy Windermere Rd in Orlando, AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere is a new, upgraded facility serving the Windermere community. e practice features 32 exam rooms and currently has four providers, with plans to grow to 10 by year’s end. Services include sick visits, annual physicals, on-site labs, and comprehensive primary care designed for convenient, high-quality patient care. To learn more, visit https://www.adventhealth.com/locations/practices/adventhealthmedical-group/primary-care-windermere.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Dawn Gilmore Productions
e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Dawn Gilmore Productions. Operating out of Windermere, Dawn Gilmore Productions is a full-service event production company specializing in creating elevated, immersive experiences with a re ned and personalized touch. With over 15 years experience, they bring passion and precision to every event. To learn more, visit https://dawngilmoreproductions.com/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
15
5
1Foundation Academy’s baseball head coach Dakoda Grove stepped down Thursday, May 21, after three years with the program. In those years, he lead the team to 59 wins — going above .500 every season — and helped 15 players earn their college commitments. Grove will be relocating to Jacksonville to be closer to family and accepted a head coaching position there.
Foundation now is searching for its next head baseball coach and is looking forward to the future of the program.
2
A duo of Windermere High School head coaches were named Metro Male and Female Coach of the Year. The Wolverines’ boys soccer head coach Lou Romao and girls swim and dive head coach Kyle Casias earned the honors. Romao led his team to a Final Four appearance to close the season with a 19-2-5 overall record. Casias’ swim team also had success at states and nished the year as the Class 4A State Runners-up.
“Congratulations and well deserved,” Windermere High ofcials said. “Two of the very best coaches in the country.
3
The Ocoee High School Special Olympics basketball team won the 2026 state championship. The tournament took place from Friday, May 15, to Saturday, May 16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Knights won states back-toback in 2023 and 2024.
The state champion team included Trevor Harvey, Antonio Harrison, Khanye Fulford, Brenton Haynes, Jahzaviah Desir and Myles Staples.
4
The Winter Garden Squeeze, a collegiate summer baseball team playing in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, is back for its 2026 season. This season is the Squeeze’s 13th in existence, and the team nished the 2025 FCSL regular season with a 1320 record.
The team’s home base will be at Horizon High School, located at 10393 Seidel Road. Other eld locations this year include Leesburg Lightnight’s Pat Thomas Stadium, Sanford River Rats’ Sanford Memorial Stadium, DeLand Suns’ Conrad Park/Melching Field, Orlando Snappers’ The First Academy and Winter Park Diamond Dawgs’ Rollins College Alfond Stadium.
The Squeeze will kick o the season with a home game in DeLand at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29. The team will play 12 home games in June and ve in July before playo s begin Monday, July 20. The championship games are schedule for Saturday, July 25, to Monday, July 27 (if needed).
5
The First Academy boys lacrosse player Jackson Jones was named 2026 Academic All-American for his academic and athletic success during the season. The award is given to an athlete who maintains above a 3.5 GPA and maintained a starting position on the team’s roster. Jones, a senior defenseman, helped the team achieve its 14-6 record, while also competing on the boys weightlifting team. TFA also awarded him the Daniel Award, which is an award recognizing students chosen for a life designed by faith, servant leadership, wisdom and the ability to lead others with purpose.
The West Orange High Unified Cheer team won states for the fourth consecutive season and now prepares to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
After West Orange High School’s Unified Cheer team won the state championship last season, head coach Karen Smith received a call that changed the trajectory of the program.
The Warriors team — comprising athletes with and without intellectual or physical disabilities — was invited
to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
At first, Smith emailed the parents to inform them the team had a cool opportunity, but she didn’t know much about it. She had just begun coaching the last time the Special Olympics was happening in 2022, which was in Florida that year, so she thought it was state games. She didn’t put two and two together, so when they called she instantly said, “We’ll do it.”
Southwest Stars swimmer Collin Magnus joined Florida Swimming’s committee as a sophomore and in two years created traditions that will carry beyond him.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
When Southwest Stars swimmer and Lake Minneola High recent graduate Collin Magnus was asked what he would do with $2,500 as a question on his application for the Junior Athlete Representative for Florida Swimming, he knew he wanted to do something to make a change. He knew how he answered the question would be a determining factor of his character, which would decide if he earned the role. Magnus wrote he would use the funds to place signs inside of host sites’ locker rooms reading “see something, say something.” In the 10 years he swam, he watched locker rooms be destroyed by users, to the
point where hosts no longer wanted to be one.
Encouraging others to speak up if they saw people destroying a locker room would help create a more positive swimming environment and continue to encourage venues to host large-scale meets.
He knew signage and advocating for a change would help the swimming community as a whole.
After he submitted his application, he waited, unsure of the result.
Magnus was shocked and overjoyed when he successfully earned the Junior Athlete Representative role, and the one-year role changed his life for the better. He fell in love with leadership, and without it, Magnus
SEE SWIMMER PAGE 3B
She didn’t realize how big of a deal the invitation was until the team arrived at a training camp in June 2025 and realized they were the only cheer team in Florida competing.
“I was excited, but to be quite honest, I was stressed because I was like, ‘How are we going to pull this off?’” Smith said. “Are the kids going to want to do this?”
The USA Games will take place from Saturday, June 20, to Friday, June 26, in Twin Cities, Minnesota. It will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete across 19 sports.
Smith’s mind went into panic mode, but it was the kids who changed her emotions.
“The kids were all like, ‘This is the best thing ever,’” she said. “They
At the USRowing Southeast Youth Regional Championship Saturday, May 10, Orlando Area Rowing Society’s Emery Halliburton motivated his Men’s Under 17 8+ boat as the coxswain. The boat made the A Final but was behind all the boats. Through the second half, the team closed a 10-second gap by sprinting in the nal leg and placing second to qualify for nationals Thursday, June 11, to Sunday, June 14.
“His instincts and ability to believe in his boat to execute the moves he called was amazing,” OARS Director Kirsten Anderson said.
The West Orange High sophomore will begin two-per-day practices once the school year ends in preparation for nationals, where he will lead the MU178+ and Men’s Youth 2V 8+ boat, which placed fth in regionals.
What do you enjoy most about rowing?
What I enjoy most about rowing is being able to motivate my crew and seeing how they respond to it. As a coxswain, I’m the person steering the boat, making race calls, and leading the crew through practices and races, so a huge part of my job is communication and leadership. There’s nothing like making a call during a race, hearing the rowers respond instantly and feeling the boat surge forward because everyone is locked in together. Seeing how hard the crew is willing to push for each other is one of the most rewarding parts of the sport for me.
When did you start rowing, and why did you join?
I started rowing about four years ago as a seventh-grader on the middle school team. I had just moved here from Michigan and was trying to find a sport that really fit me. … Every day, I would drive past the OARS boathouse, and eventually I thought, “Why not give it a try?” I started as a rower my first year, but halfway through, I transitioned into cox-
THE BASICS
Age: 16
Grade: Sophomore
School/Club: West Orange
High/OARS
Sport: Rowing
rowing team means practicing six days a week, pushing yourself physically and mentally, and making sacrifices, but doing all of it with your teammates makes it special. I honestly believe that once you spend enough time in the sport, you never want to go back to anything else. There’s something really unique about being in a boat with eight other people all working together toward one goal.
If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?
If I were a coach, I would remind the team that even though everyone is competing for top spots and fast boats, we are all still fighting for the same goal together. Rowing is impossible without teamwork. You can’t row an 8+ with seven rowers or six rowers. It takes all eight athletes and the coxswain working together perfectly or the boat simply does not move the way it should.
What is something new you would like to learn?
I would honestly like to learn how to whistle because it’s something I’ve never been able to do. As a coxswain, getting people’s attention quickly is important, so maybe it would finally come in handy.
If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?
I would definitely help my family and take my team on a vacation, but I would also want to donate a lot of it back to OARS. OARS has given me so much more than just a sport. It gave me my closest friends, my confidence and a place where I truly feel at home, so I would want to give back to the program that changed my life.
actually were the ones that were like, ‘We got this, we can do it.’ … They really don’t feel pressure, they are beyond happy and excited to just be cheering with their friends.”
After all, the team had won states four consecutive years, so in the athletes’ minds, it made sense they would be competing on the biggest stage in the country.
PRESEASON PREPARATION
The USA Games take place every four years, and West Orange’s Unified Cheer was created in the 20222023 season, just missing the cutoff for the games in 2022. But this year, the team was eligible, and its impressive performances at states caught the attention of the Olympic committee. Smith said they look at record, team size and athlete ability, and the Warriors, who are the youngest of the teams representing Florida, were selected.
Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till, We’re all in this together.
State Farm has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support West Orange county.
When the team went to the training camp in June 2025, the coaches and athletes traveled together for a three-day overnight trip in Lake Nona. There, the Olympics’ staff observed the athletes to make sure they could handle being away from home.
The Warriors met their noncheerleading Team Florida teammates and began to form friendships. When the team heads to Minnesota, the athletes can’t wait to rekindle their friendships from a year ago.
It was a special trip for bonding. The girls enjoyed face masks in the hotel, while the boys ran around and did different activities the hotel had to offer. They did a giant Team Florida dinner banquet, Drive Shack outing and a goodbye breakfast.
After the staycation was complete, it was go-time.
Smith and the team had to prepare a choreographed cheer that represented the Sunshine State.
The Warriors wanted a routine that showcased everything Florida had to offer. They chose “Rocket Man” for the Space Coast, Pitbull, “Walking on Sunshine,” and Orlando’s biggest selling point: Disney. All of it, especially Disney, was not in their normal routine, so it posed the biggest preparation change, but it was exciting.
Every year, the team creates a new routine, so it built the Florida one since last summer. Smith said they spent six weeks editing music, finding the right songs, what they wanted it to sound like. Then they looked at where they wanted to do stunts, how many eight counts were
needed for the sequence or for the whole dance. They also tested their DJ skills by mixing and matching songs and transitions.
After the mixtape was set, the team spent another four to five weeks choreographing the dance.
“It was just a lot more extensive, because in years past I’ll typically buy a mix, like a pre-made licensed cheer mix and then tweak the routine to fit the music,” Smith said.
“This year, I made the music and then made the routine.”
Although it was stressful at first, Smith said it was fun having the creative freedom to pick out everything and allow the athletes to be involved. Kelsie Mattson, one of the cheerleaders, helped, especially with making the music, and she was excited to have the hands-on experience.
QUADRUPLE STATE CHAMPIONS
When the Unified Cheer team was established four years ago, Smith never would have imagined it would have grown into this.
Her first team only had nine cheerleaders, and now it has grown to 17. Not only has cheer grown but so has West Orange as a whole. The school now has expanded and offers unified cornhole, basketball, flag football and e-sports.
“We have more and more athletes from all different walks of life who were interested in cheer who are now doing basketball, and so the program has blown up, which has been super exciting,” Smith said.
“It’s kind of surreal in a way. … Parents are just so happy that they have opportunities to compete at school and feel like every other athlete at the school. They get recognized in the same way, we’re in pep rallies and they get their varsity letters.”
The team’s cheer season began in August, and they are on the sidelines for all of the JV football and basketball games to cheer on their fellow Warriors. They train together once per week for two hours. Sometimes, Smith comes in with a great plan laid out, but they aren’t able to complete it because they have to address other matters first, or they have days where everyone is extremely focused.
But every practice ends with duck, duck, goose, which helps build the team’s spirit and the safe environment.
Tyler Boyd, who is in his first year with the team, has quickly picked up the sport. Smith described him as a natural performer. He also does band and loves the spotlight. Boyd especially loves doing jumps during their performances and trains
The pair has practiced together throughout the season and use the natural height the trampoline provides as a way to sharpen their jumping ability on stage.
During the state competition Saturday, May 15, and Sunday, May 16, at ESPN Wideworld of Sports, Boyd felt confident leaving the stage after the performance.
The team gathered together and heard the bronze and silver medals called, then they erupted in cheers when West Orange was called as the gold medal winner at states for the fourth year in a row.
“We had a lot of changes this season leading up to state games, we had some roster changes, we had some big adjustments within our team itself,” Smith said. “For the coaches especially, it was a big relief that all of the stress from the last couple of months really paid off and the kids were just so excited.” With their gold medals, they all ran on stage together and took team photos.
Two weeks ago, everything became real when Team Florida’s cheer uniforms arrived in the mail.
“I’ve been waiting,” Mattson said. “I was waiting very impatiently, and then they were so pretty. I expected good uniforms. I didn’t expect ones that I would fall in love with.”
Smith was able to have creative freedom with designing the uniforms. She worked for a varsity cheer team in college so she knew a lot about sizing and made sure to choose appropriate ones. She then placed it into an editing software. The bedazzled Florida lettering for the girls and big pink text for the boys’ uniforms with a bedazzled state logo on the back was complete. The Warriors are ready to catch their flight to Minnesota Friday, June 19. Every day, they ask Smith what day it is, when the flight is and what time they’ll take off. Before they fly out, they will reconnect with all of Team Florida and on the trip do meet and greets with the Timberwolves and see the Mall of America. Herbie Loomis-Culberson is especially excited for sushi.
The USA Games will commence with opening ceremonies and a performance by Demi Lovato and John Batiste, but the team won’t compete until Sunday, June 21.
“It’s a big responsibility representing the entire state,” Smith said to the team. “You’re the state cheerleaders.”
But they aren’t focused on the weight of the responsibility, rather they’re looking at the experience as another tool to exercise their talents on a larger scale and as a 10-day vacation with their closest friends.
“Cheer is the best because of my friends,” Danielle Morson said.
‘We
The First Academy faculty and staff lined up to say their goodbyes to the graduating Class of 2026 at the schools graduation ceremony Friday, May 15.
As students walked in, the crowd cheered.
Head of School Steve Whitaker, Principal Joyce Kwak, Valedictorian Eli Harrison and Salutatorian Amie Newell were among those who gave speeches.
Seniors also sang worship songs and participated in the Candlelight Ceremony, passing the fire from their candles to juniors’ candles. This ceremony commissions the juniors as the new campus leaders. Diplomas then were handed out, and seniors officially became alumni.
— LETICIA SILVA
The early-morning start time couldn’t squash the excitement inside Kia Center as Windermere High School celebrated its Class of 2026.
The 800-plus-member class enjoyed an inspirational and energetic ceremony, complete with a bagpiper, performances from both the school’s band and chorus, and
For more
Ahome in the Golden Oak community in Southwest Orange topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 4 to 10.
The home at 10173 Mattraw Place, Golden Oak, sold May 7, for $9,250,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-one-half baths and 6,491 square feet. Days on market: 22. The sellers were represented by Anna Mckee, Golden Oak Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
NORTH BAY
The home at 9107 Ivey Hill Court, Orlando, sold May 4, for $845,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,055 square feet. Days on market: 108.
SOUTH BAY
The home at 9036 Shawn Park Place, Orlando, sold May 5, for $1,275,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,254 square feet. Days on market: Two.
VENEZIA
The home at 7415 Pointe Venezia Drive, Orlando, sold May 4, for $950,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,276 square feet. Days on market: 167.
The home at 7414 Pointe Venezia Drive, Orlando, sold May 7, for $945,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,817 square feet. Days on market: 50.
VISTA CAY
The condo at 4114 Breakview Drive, No. 406, sold May 4, for $480,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,247 square feet. Days on market: 618.
HORIZON WEST
ENCLAVE
The home at 17521 Black Rail St., Windermere, sold May 7, for $1,400,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 5,316 square feet. Days on market: 96.
HAMILTON GARDENS
The home at 5685 Surprise Lily Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 4, for $660,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,902 square feet.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 15707 Signature Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $560,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,714 square feet. Days on market: 340.
The home at 6108 Lewis and Clark Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 4, for $445,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,690 square feet. Days on market: 149.
LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE
The home at 14342 Breda Center Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $465,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,796 square feet. Days on market: 146.
LAKE SAWYER SOUTH
The home at 7208 Tattant Blvd., Windermere, sold May 4, for $605,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,215 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
MABEL BRIDGE
The home at 11943 Verrazano Drive, Orlando, sold May 7, for $610,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,648 square feet. Days on market: 59.
ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING
The home at 3242 Irish Peach Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 4, for $490,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,120 square feet. Days on market: 363.
OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN
The home at 5401 Bowman Drive, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,250,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,044 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN
The townhouse at 5672 Westview Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $477,890. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,846 square feet. Days on market: 20.
The townhouse at 15232 Groveside Road, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $487,790. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,846 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
AT HAMLIN
The home at 5210 Citrus Leaf Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $720,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,477 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 7680 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $646,800. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,385 square feet. Days on market: Three.
The home at 15006 Pigeon Plum Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $505,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,046 square feet. Days on market: One.
SUMMERPORT
The home at 13858 Caywood Pond Drive, Windermere, sold May 4, for $890,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,070 square feet of living area. Days on market: 35.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 16125 Azure Key St., Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $475,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 124.
WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 8737 Iron Mountain Trail, Windermere, sold May 8, for $725,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,260 square feet. Days on market: Seven.
OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING
The home at 847 Cura Court, Oakland, sold May 5, for $633,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 104.
The home at 2340 Bay St., Ocoee, sold May 4, for $447,470. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,665 square feet. Days on market: Six.
WINDERMERE
BELMERE VILLAGE
The home at 11531 Vicolo Loop, Windermere, sold May 5, for $575,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,280 square feet. Days on market: 35.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 6133 S. Hampshire Court, Windermere, sold May 8, for $3,000,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 6,335 square feet. Days on market: Two.
The home at 8402 Lake Burden Circle, Windermere, sold May 5, for $2,400,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 6,248 square feet. Days on market: 155.
The home at 11608 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,100,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,614 square feet. Days on market: 33.
ROSSER RESERVE
The home at 1002 Down Reserve Court, Windermere, sold May 6, for $6,000,000. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 6,706 square feet. Days on market: 42.
WINTER GARDEN
BELLE MEADE
The home at 15183 Serenade Drive sold May 6, for $780,000. Built in 2010, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 4,438 square feet. Days on market: Six.
CARRIAGE POINTE
The home at 2018 Bay Clover Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $565,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,526 square feet. Days on market: Four.
CHAPIN STATION
The home at 1419 Hunterman Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $479,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,840 square feet. Days on market: Seven.
DEERFIELD PLACE
The home at 173 Donner Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 4, for $600,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,439 square feet. Days on market: 158.
LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND
The home at 2660 Bobcat Chase Blvd., Oakland, sold May 5, for $500,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,811 square feet. Days on market: 23.
OCOEE
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 2862 American Elm Cove, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $550,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,359 square feet. Days on market: 164.
GREENS AT FOREST LAKE
The townhouse at 968 Robin Holly, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $325,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,570 square feet. Days on market: 14.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2049 Ashwood Bluff Drive, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $594,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,108 square feet. Days on market: 163.
The home at 3270 Spineywood Drive, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $489,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 15226 Sunset Overlook Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $950,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,556 square feet. Days on market: 35.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3439 Current Ave., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold May 5, for $725,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 2,920 square feet. Days on market: 18.
ORCHARD HILLS
The home at 5561 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $565,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,470 square feet. Days on market: 46.
The home at 14717 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $515,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,770 square feet.
TWINWATERS
The home at 16554 Raven Rock Place sold May 6, for $875,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,032 square feet. Days on market: 16.
redpages@orangeobserver.com
Observer
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
of Victoria Jewelers Windermere
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Victoria Jewelers Windermere. Located at 527 Main St Ste 102 in downtown Windermere, Victoria Jewelers is a trusted local jeweler specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, custom jewelry, and ne gi s. !ey provide a personalized, no-pressure experience focused on education, transparency, and helping clients make con dent decisions for life’s most meaningful moments. What sets them apart is their commitment to accuracy and trust — they are the only store in Central Florida with a GIA-accredited certi ed appraiser in-house and a proud member of the American Gem Society (AGS), upholding the highest standards in ethics and consumer protection. Whether you’re selecting a diamond, redesigning a family heirloom, or looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, they’re here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more, visit https://www.victoriajewelers.co/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 50-year anniversary of Pine Hills Community Council
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Pine Hills Community Council. Meeting monthly at 7149 W Colonial Dr in Orlando, the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) is a nonpro t civic organization dedicated to preserving a clean, safe, and prosperous community. Since 1972, PHCC has united residents, businesses, and partners to advance community-driven solutions, promote civic engagement, and enhance quality of life throughout Pine Hills and the surrounding areas.
To learn more, visit https://www.pinehills.info.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Mission Grove at Stoneybrook
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Mission Grove at Stoneybrook. Located at 12911 Stoneybrook West Pkwy in Winter Garden, Mission Grove at Stoneybrook o ers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, all focused on fostering relationships in a comfortable, supportive senior community. !is brand-new, state-of-the-art community provides residents with compassionate care and exciting amenities, including a relaxing pool, a dog park, a putting green, and pickleball courts! To learn more, visit https://www.missiongroveatstoneybrook.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Polished by Omairis and the grand opening of Polished Artistry Co.
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Polished by Omairis and the grand opening of Polished Artistry Co. Located at 301 N Tubb St Ste 113 in downtown Oakland, Omairis Santiago, owner of Polished by Omairis and Polished Artistry Co, is building more than a nail salon - she’s building a movement. A place where luxury gel services, natural nail transformations, creativity, con dence, and community all collide. From clients walking in for self-care to rising nail artists building their own brands, every corner of this space was created to feel fun, empowering, welcoming, and full of life. !is is the home where beauty grows, con dence rises, and everyone leaves feeling polished by her touch. To learn more and to book an appointment, visit https://Www.styleseat.com/omairis.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
15
HAPCO