SOUTHWEST ORANGE
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Good times, grad times!
INSIDE: We celebrate the seniors at Dr. Phillips, West Orange and Olympia high schools.
CHURCHILL ROOM POCKETS TWO-DAY POOL MASTERCLASS
Two of the best pool players in the world will be in Winter Garden this weekend.
Scott “The Freezer” Frost, the world’s best one-pocket player, and Tony “The Silent Assassin” Robles, a two-time Mosconi Cup team champion player, will face one another in an exhibition match as part of a two-day masterclass Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at The Churchill Room, 12200 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Limited to 15 guests, this intimate gathering takes place in The Churchill Room, a special single-table room with a captivating World War II-themed ambiance.
Attendees will witness a thrilling match between Frost and Robles, compete in a one-on-one guest match, and receive expert instruction from both legends during exclusive clinics.
Guests also can enjoy a VIP cocktail party with free food, cocktails and the opportunity to mingle with the pros.
The Winter Garden City Commission approved new ordinances that allow residents flexibility in creating housing options. SEE PAGE 6A.
TROT
TOP OF THEIR GAME
TFA’S Royals claimed the Class 2A state championship, their second in school history. PAGE 20A.
Horizon West residents saddled up for some sunshine and cowboy-themed fun at the 2025 Hamlin Hoedown, held Saturday, May 24, at the Hamlin Green Space. SEE PAGE 4A.
Jiya Bhukhan, 6, had a blast on the pony ride at this year’s Hamlin Hoedown.
Leena El Harouchy, 6, was a fierce competitor in the hula-hoop contest.
Photos by Michael Eng
5FAST
1Winter Garden man arrested in knife threat incident, faces felony assault charge
A 49-year-old man was arrested Sunday, May 18, in connection with a landlord-tenant dispute that escalated into an alleged knife threat at a residence on Bethune Avenue.
Cedric Duval, was taken into custody by the Winter Garden Police Department and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a third-degree felony. Officers responded to the scene at 788 Bethune Ave. shortly before noon after receiving reports of a disturbance involving multiple individuals.
According to the arrest report, officer Jacob Lester arrived around 11:30 a.m. and spoke with landlord Winfred Duval, who said he was called to the property by tenant Eddie Windom. Windom claimed Cedric Duval had entered his room without permission earlier that morning and later confronted him outside while allegedly holding a knife wrapped in a shirt. down at the time, told police he feared for his life as Cedric Duval stood over him and made a threat ening remark. Windom retreated
inside, changed clothes and contacted his landlord. When he returned outside, he found Cedric Duval and Winfred Duval in a verbal confrontation. Both Windom and Winfred Duval gave sworn written statements to officers at the scene.
Lester attempted to question Cedric Duval, who refused to cooperate and ultimately was arrested. A criminal background check revealed Cedric Duval had a prior conviction for simple assault dating back to 1995.
The incident was captured on Lester’s body-worn camera.
Cedric Duval was booked into the Orange County Jail at 12:14 p.m. May 18. His bond initially was set at $5,000 but later reduced to $2,500.
As a condition of release, Cedric Duval must have no contact with the victim, co-defendants or witnesses; must not possess or consume alcohol or illegal substances; and is prohibited from possessing any weapons or ammunition.
Judge Steve Jewett has been assigned to the case. Cedric Duval
2
Hamlin Middle School principal retires
After 37 years of being part of the Orange County Public Schools team, Dr. Suzanne Knight is retiring as principal of Hamlin Middle School. In a video tribute, students of Hamlin Middle expressed messages to their educator.
Knight, longtime Dr. Phillips
High principal left Panther Nation in 2022 to open Hamlin Middle.
“It has always been a career goal of mine to open a new school,” Knight said at the time. “When the position came available in Orange County, I took the opportunity
honored to have been your principal. I am proud to have served as your principal, and I will always be a Panther.”
3
Atos Winter Garden officially open Two-time Black Belt World Champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu Lucas Pinheiro will be the head instructor of Atos Winter Garden. The jiu-jitsu academy will host both kids and adult programs at 14183 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. To celebrate the gym’s opening, Atos Winter Garden is offering a free trial class, which can be
4
Two new dining spots set to open West Orange and Southwest Orange residents can look forward to two more places to dine.
Deeply Coffee, an Orlando-based coffee hub and bottle shop, will open its second location in the summer at 12639 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. In Dr. Phillips, Agave Azul will open its sixth location at the Town Center at O-Town West in June, around the same time as the restaurant’s 20th anniversary. The Dr. Phillips location will be at 8685 Fenton St., Orlando. Agave Azul also has a location in Horizon West, at 5855 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 100, Windermere.
5Woman dies in earlymorning crash on State Road 429 A Tavares woman died after she lost control of her vehicle early Sunday morning on State Road 429 near Western Way. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the single-vehicle crash occurred at about 4:27 a.m. Sunday, May 25, at Mile Marker 8. The woman, 33, who has not been identified as of press time Tuesday, was driving a 2016 Volkswagen Passat in the inside lane on southbound S.R. 429 near Western Way. For unknown reasons, the woman
Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography
Hamlin Middle Principal Dr. Suzanne Knight retired after 37 years at OCPS.
MEMORY LANE
Local high school graduates return to Ocoee Elementary in first Senior Walk.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Noriah Cobbs, an Ocoee High School graduate, was in awe seeing her fingerprint looking like a leaf on a painted tree.
She recalled being in fifth grade at Ocoee Elementary School putting her fingerprint in green paint on the wall.
The tree was to commemorate Cobbs and her classmates being the first graduating class from the new Ocoee Elementary building in 2014.
Now 11 years later, Cobbs looked up at the tree in her high school graduation cap and gown and reflected on the years since she walked the halls of Ocoee Elementary.
Cobbs held back tears as she and 27 other high school graduates participated in Ocoee Elementary School’s first Senior Walk.
Graduates from Ocoee, West Orange, Olympia and Jones high schools, as well as Orange County Virtual School and Lincoln Park Education Center, were represented at the Senior Walk.
The graduates held the hands of Ocoee Elementary’s pre-K students as they paraded through the hallways, which were lined with the other elementary students cheering for them.
The walk signified the beginning of the pre-K students’ educational journey as the high school students celebrated the end of their K-12 education.
As the graduates and their little buddies walked the upstairs halls of the elementary school, students chanted, “Let’s go seniors!” Several elementary students held handmade signs congratulating the seniors on their accomplishments.
Graduates high-fived elementary students, but when they saw the
PARTING WORDS
Here is some of the advice graduates gave to elementary students.
n Save money
n Stay positive
n School is hard but worth it
n Keep smiling
n Don’t give up
familiar face of a former teacher, it was like time hadn’t passed.
When West Orange High graduate Charity Winchester saw Karen Castle, a third-grade teacher, she immediately pulled to the side of the parade to give her a hug.
TEARFUL REUNION
As soon as Kim Baer, a reading intervention teacher, saw the graduates entering the lobby of the school, she was fighting back tears.
She couldn’t believe how much some of her former students had grown, especially as a few of the seniors towered over her.
“It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown physically, mentally and emotionally,” Baer said. “The sense of pride that I taught them to read and now they’re graduating is huge.”
Coordinating the Senior Walk was self-serving for Baer as it was an opportunity for her daughter and Ocoee High graduate, Lyla Baer, to see her former teachers and classmates.
“She wouldn’t model the cap and gown for me, so (the Senior Walk) was the first time I saw her in it,” Baer said as her eyes filled with tears again. “It was very emotional, as you can tell. …
It’s like my babies are grown up.”
Dorothy Gonzalez, a physical education aide, was in tears seeing her
former students walking down the halls. As graduates approached her after the parade asking if she remembered them, she knew each of them and gave them a hug.
After the parade, a group of nine graduates went to Keri Zemaitis’ classroom. She was their fifth-grade teacher when they attended the school. Zemaitis was all smiles and took a few minutes to reconnect with each graduate, asking them about their accomplishments, goals and plans for the future.
“I was so impressed with their goals,” Zemaitis said. “It was neat to know that something that we worked on together hopefully paid off, and I had a small, little impact on them.”
As Cobbs walked up to some of her former teachers, she asked if they remembered her. After a minute, the teachers’ smiled from ear to ear and gave her a hug.
“I didn’t know that I changed a lot in my face for them not to remember me (right away) until I said my name,” Cobbs said.
Some of the graduates attended other high schools besides Ocoee High, making the Senior Walk an opportunity for them to reunite with their former classmates.
Winchester said she went through her fourth-grade yearbook to familiarize herself with her former classmates. She then went on social media to see if she could find them now. Winchester said it was fun to reconnect with old friends.
CHERISHED MEMORIES
Ocoee High graduate Bruno Rodriguez-Mendez said he had to return to his elementary school. He wanted to see the halls, playground, the main entrance, everything.
As he walked up to the front entrance of the school, he remembered being a little kid sitting down on the side of the walls waiting for him to be picked up from school.
“I just really wanted to be here to
Other graduates laughed at memories of shopping at the holiday shop the school puts together every year or the book fair.
They remembered the Smencils, the pencils with different scents, they purchased.
Rodriguez-Mendez remembered being in kindergarten and wearing a pirate costume to school for Halloween. He wanted to impress his classmates, but the costume started ripping from the back. He was in tears while his classmates comforted him and complimented his costume. He recalled feeling the happiness of being surrounded by and comforted by his classmates.
LASTING IMPACT
Before the parade, graduates had the opportunity to talk to the pre-K students.
Rodriguez-Mendez showed his preK students his salutatorian and AICE medals, hoping to serve as a role model for what they can accomplish in their futures.
relive the moments,” he said. “As a bonus, I did see my fingerprint and my name on the wall.”
The graduates picked up on the differences and similarities in the school compared to when they walked the halls.
Riley Jones, an Ocoee High graduate, said it was “extremely unreal” to be back at his elementary school.
“(Elementary school) feels like it was ages ago and now I’m back,” he said. “It feels the same but different. There’s tiny, little differences. There used to be a pillar in the media center with books around it. Surprisingly, we saw the same janitor (Carl Persaud) after all these years.”
Walking down the halls of the elementary school, Cobbs said everything felt smaller than she remembered. She said the wall colors were the same, but she noticed small differences —such as the classroom doors having doorbells.
Ocoee High graduate Kevin Martinez showed off his tattoos to his preK students. They were amazed at the “drawings” on his arm.
Rising Ocoee High seniors Christopher Cummings, who is Mr. Ocoee 2026, and Anai Demings, who is Miss Ocoee 2026, showed their pre-K buddies their crowns.
The graduates said they hoped to be role models for the pre-K students as they begin their K-12 education.
Talking to the pre-K students also gave graduates time to reflect on their own accomplishments.
“I used to think in first or second grade that by the time I graduate, I’m going to be skin and bones,” Rodriguez-Mendez said. “Now, I’m a senior graduate. I just feel so old, but I also feel so proud of myself. I’m proud of myself and hopeful for them because I saw so much potential in them. they’re so bright, and they’re so young.”
Graduates from Ocoee, West Orange, Olympia and Jones high schools as well as Orange County Virtual School and Lincoln Park Education Center visited their elementary school, Ocoee Elementary, for the school’s first Senior Walk.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Ocoee Elementary pre-K students Elias Miranda and Alan Zaragoza jumped as high as they could to reach Lincoln Park Education Center graduate Aiden Chipungu’s hand.
Rootin’ tootin’ good time!
rom pony rides and petting zoos to cotton candy and larger-than-life cowboys, the 2025 Hamlin Hoedown featured a plethora of country fun.
The event was held Saturday, May 24, at the Hamlin Green Space.
Attendees also enjoyed a variety of games, crafts, DJ Renee and a plethora of good eats from a variety of vendors.
ENG
Editor and
/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com
Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com
Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com
Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Debra Garcia, dgarcia@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Madi Solomon, msolomon@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
MICHAEL
Noah’s Landing brought many animals to the petting zoo. Right: Of course, no hoedown would be complete without a pony ride.
Matheus Bernardi was determined to pop every bubble he could find.
The cotton candy booth was a popular destination this year.
Phoenix Marin loved spending time in the petting zoo.
Rohan Pairmore, 4, worked hard to get make some giant bubbles.
Ernie Carr, 2, enjoyed his time in the barnyard petting zoo.
West Orange Ch amber of C ommerce Ce lebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Dental Care at Lake Ingram
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Dental Care at Lake Ingram. Located at 17075 Porter Rd Ste 130 in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, Dental Care at Lake Ingram creates a welcoming environment for all ages, offering comprehensive care including cleanings, fillings, crowns & bridges, dentures, extractions, root-canal treatments, whitening, and clear aligner therapy. Using the most up to date technology, they ensure comfort and quality at every appointment. Their vision is to promote lifelong oral health through compassionate, personalized service, helping their patients achieve a confident, healthy smile. To learn more, visit https://dentalcareatlakeingram.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of C Solutions IT
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of C Solutions IT. C Solutions IT offers secure and efficient IT solutions for small businesses. Their mission is to help secure small businesses and utilize tech to reach big business goals. To learn more, visit https://www.csolutionsit.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Dash Sports - Winter Garden
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Dash Sports – Winter Garden. Located at 12357 Stoneybrook West Pkwy Unit 2 in Winter Garden, Dash Sports is a woman-owned specialty running and walking shoe store that offers high-quality running, walking and recovery shoes, as well as expert custom fittings to help customers find the perfect pair for their needs. To learn more, visit https://godashsports.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of My Favorite Tutor
Located in Clermont, My Favorite Tutor, LLC has assisted Florida students with SAT prep and college coaching. They meet with students in Central Florida and in virtual classrooms. Teresa Raphael, MS Ed. leads SAT test prep and brings teaching experience to help students achieve their goals. To learn more, visit http://www.myfavoritetutorllc.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Central Florida Hope Center
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Central Florida Hope Center. Located at 1010 S Dillard St in Winter Garden, the Central Florida Hope Center has helped thousands of individuals and families find hope through one of their many services. Their Winter Garden location opened in 2022 and allowed the Hope Center to offer a Thrift Store and a full array of services to help those in need. To learn more, visit https://www.cfl-hope.org.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Legacy Events for Education
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Legacy Events for Education. Located in Windermere but serving the West Orange community, Legacy Events for Education operates with a mission to inspire students, teachers and communities to leave their legacy on the world. Since their inception, Legacy has delivered over $120,000 in scholarships and grants to local graduates and their schools. They fund those efforts through community fundraising events such as the Central Florida Chili Cookoff and Hamlin Craft Beer Festival, generous sponsorships from local businesses and individual donations from the local community. Their Legacy Academy includes classes for students and parents to help prepare graduates for colleges and interviews. To learn more, visit https://www.legacyeventsfored.org/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call
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
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
Ordinances pave way for future east Winter Garden development
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance adding two new future land-use categories to the comprehensive plan as well as two ordinances applying those categories to two areas of the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
Planning Director Kelly Carson said the ordinances are a result of the city working closely with residents of the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood to bring the community’s vision to life.
These efforts initially began in 2018, when the East Winter Garden Plan was adopted, and then updated in 2022.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an amendment that would add a new property rights element to the city’s comprehensive plan. The state requires local municipalities to adopt the amendment.
n The commission unanimously approved and authorized Mayor John Rees to execute a Traffic Enforcement Agreement with Bradford Creek Owners Association.
n Commissioners unanimously approved a State Revolving Fund Loan Amendment to a loan agreement for the Waste Water Treatment Plant.
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH
PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH
241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
“This serves as a road map for development,” Carson said. “One of its five big ideas is to increase homeownership and housing options while preserving the neighborhood’s character. The current future land use and zoning regulations limit the city’s ability to fully support this goal to increase affordable housing options for existing residents. More flexibility is needed.”
The ordinances were unanimously approved during a second reading at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, May 22.
The comprehensive plan amendment added two policies regarding new future land designations that establish a Neighborhood Residential designation and a Neighborhood Mixed-Use designation.
n Winter Garden Community Choir/Orlando Choral Society’s annual wine walk through downtown Winter Garden was unanimously approved for Thursday, June 5.
n Commissioners also unanimously approved giving City Manager Jon C. Williams authorization to complete any remaining business with the Garden Theatre.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
n The commission unanimously approved a five-year contract with Kuducom to serve as the city’s primary internet service provider.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
The commission’s approval of the amendment allowed the commission to unanimously approve ordinances applying those new future land designations to two properties.
One ordinance changes about 100.5 acres located south of East Plant Street, east of 11th Street, west of State Road 429 and north of East Maple Street from Low Density Residential and Residential Neighborhood Commercial to Neighborhood Residential.
Street from Residential Neighborhood Commercial and Institutional to Neighborhood Mixed-Use.
According to the policy on Neighborhood Residential, “properties designated with Neighborhood Residential land-use category are required to be developed at a gross residential density between two (and) six dwelling units per gross acre and up to 10 dwelling units per gross acre if awarded a development bonus for creating affordable/workforce housing and/or neighborhood-oriented architecture and site design.”
According to the proposed policy regarding Neighborhood MixedUse, properties with this designation are “required to be developed at a floor area ratio not greater than .75 and up to a floor area ratio of three by development bonus. Gross residential density shall not be greater than 10 dwelling units per acre and up to 20 dwelling units per acre by development bonuses. Development bonuses may be awarded for creating affordable/workforce housing, locally owned commercial spaces and/or neighborhood-oriented architecture and site design.”
Carson said the policy supports walkable mixed-use development and affordable housing.
“Allowing accessory dwelling units can provide housing for family members or generate rental income,” Carson said. “These units help homeowners adapt to changing needs, build wealth and introduce more affordable housing options without altering the neighborhood’s character.”
The second ordinance changes about 22.8 acres south of North Street, east of Ninth Street, west of 11th Street and north of East Maple
“To clarify, the three ordinances being discussed tonight do not change any land development regulations,” Carson said. “They only amend the city’s comp plan to allow for a future zoning overlay, which is still under review and development and will be brought forward to this board at a later time. The zoning overlay will include safeguards to help existing east Winter Garden residents build wealth and access to affordable housing options while preserving the character of the community and limiting gentrification driven by outside developers.”
Florida League of Cities recognizes Ocoee Youth Council
During the Tuesday, May 20 meeting of the Ocoee City Commission, the Ocoee Youth Council was recognized by the Florida League of Cities as one of three winners of its Youth Council Excellence Award, which celebrates exemplary initiatives or projects that have demonstrated innovation, leadership and excellence while making significant contributions to their municipalities.
“Tonight, I am honored to recognize the Ocoee Youth Council … as a winner in the Florida League of Cities’ 2025 Youth Council Excellence Award,” FLC Member Services Administrator Eryn Russell said.
“Through this program, the league invited youth councils to showcase initiatives that made a meaningful impact in their community. This is a statewide competition that’s open to all Florida municipal youth councils, and only three projects are selected as winners … The project that was selected as a winner was the Ocoee Youth Council’s initiative to clean up their local cemetery. This project aimed to improve the cemetery’s appearance, help the younger generation connect with the area’s history and to honor an underserved segment of the community through innovative planning, collaboration and hard work.”
Prior to the recognition by the FLC for this project, the Ocoee Youth Council — a group of high schoolage students from Ocoee sponsored by the city with the chance to participate in various development opportunities such as job-shadowing, developing and executing service projects and attending special events that enrich their growth as people, citizens and future leaders — shared its year-in-review presentation to the commission; including its work on the cemetery beautification project.
“We decided to visit the Ocoee Cemetery and clean headstones with soap and water,” OYC member Demetrius Molina said during the year-in-review presentation. “We were scrubbing until our sponges fell apart. We chose to refresh the cemetery, because we wanted to serve those no longer with us and create a peaceful place for all that visit the cemetery. We also planted new flowers in front of the sign at the cemetery entrance. I enjoyed this part of the project because I liked serving our community and making it just a little bit more beautiful.”
During its recognition by the FLC, Russell spoke about what stood out the most about OYC’s project submission.
“One of the lines that (OYC included) in (its) submission that really stood out to me said this: ‘Although cemetery clean-ups may not be as noticeable or desirable, they are just as valuable. As a youth council, we wanted to demonstrate that even work that goes unseen by many still matters,’” Russell said. “Their efforts
brought new life to a place of deep significance to this community, and it showed respect and care for the legacy of those who came before us, and it’s a project that reflects both civic pride and compassion.”
OYC’s decision to honor and revitalize the Ocoee Cemetery had a sense of reverence to the city’s past that seemed appropriate given the centennial anniversary of the West Orange County municipality.
YEAR IN REVIEW
OYC
As a way to conclude its yearlong curriculum, eight members of the Ocoee Youth Council presented its 2024-25 year-in-review to commission during the May 20 meeting. Each student presenter chose an event or city department in which to highlight, share their experience and summarize some of the valuable lessons they learned through said experience. One of the events highlighted was the Descendants’ Dinner.
“The Descendants’ Dinner is an annual event hosted by HighPoint Church and the city to remember the victims of the Ocoee massacre,” OYC member Zaneta Arthoro said. “It honors those who lost their lives and helps raise awareness about racial equality and social justice. At the dinner, community members, activists and historians came together to share stories, educate others about the past and talk about how we can make things better today. This year’s event was especially meaningful because it included the unveiling of the memorial wall at Unity Park. The Ocoee Youth Council was proud and honored to be a part of both events. We learned a lot about the struggles that descendants faced and how they stayed strong through it all.”
Along with the Descendants’ Dinner, OYC members spoke about their experiences serving at the Ocoee Police Department’s annual Christmas toy drive and the city’s Spring into Conservation event, as well as participating in job shadowing of various city departments and attending special events such as FLC’s Youth Council Legislative Action Days — which saw the group travel to Tallahassee for unique insight into the government’s processes.
After the presentation, OYC’s seven senior members were recognized for their work not only as part of the 420 combined volunteer hours the council contributed to the Ocoee community during the 202425 school year but also for all of their accomplishments as they graduate. To congratulate these seniors, the city awarded each of them $250 scholarships per year of participation in the youth council: Four-year member Allison Belemjian, Keystone Academy; two-year members Alonzo Ramessar from Ocoee High and Jayden Sibbitt from Legacy Charter; and one-year members — all from Ocoee High — Gunnar Patterson, Isabella Carreno, Mariska Vyskocilova and Zaneta Arthoro.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die
Cities and towns throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange honored our fallen heroes at five different Memorial Day ceremonies.
There was nary a dry eye after retired U.S. Army Col. Shay TalleyBradley delivered her speech at the city of Ocoee’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony Thursday, May 22, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Talley-Bradley retired from the United States Army with a decade of active-duty service and 19 years in reserve duty. The Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, and Ocoee resident Sherrí Gladney sang the national anthem. The ceremony concluded with Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and city commissioners Rosemary Wilsen and Richard Firstner reciting the names of fallen soldiers from Ocoee.
Then on Monday, May 26, the city of Winter Garden and American Legion Post 63 hosted their annual Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony began with a formal presentation of the colors by the Winter Garden Police and Fire Rescue departments. U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, opened the ceremony with remarks after Winter Garden Mayor John Rees welcomed guests.
“Their selfless sacrifice is why we are here today,” Webster said.
David Kassander, commander of American Legion Post 63, introduced guest speaker Cassandra Guzman, Ms. Veteran America 2024-2025. Guzman delivered a speech encouraging the audience to never forget those who served and those currently serving. Kassander presented her with a $1,000 donation for her nonprofit, Final Salute Inc., which supports homeless female veterans.
Jason Revelle of VFW Post 4305 led the roll call and delivered a prayer.
Just a few miles away in Oakland, Andrea Huneycutt put an American flag by the grave of Julian Cravens Boyd, who died Jan. 20, 1935.
vice. Woodlawn also honored attending Gold Star families during a Roses of Remembrance ceremony.
Several organizations participated in this year’s service, including Scouts USA troops 210, 225 and 922. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and the Windermere High School JROTC presented the colors.
As a Texas native, Huneycutt took a moment to pay her respects to the Cravens Boyd, a veteran buried at Oakland Cemetery who also was from Texas.
“I love this town,” Huneycutt said.
“I love that our community is able to come together like this to honor our local veterans.”
Huneycutt joined dozens of other Oakland residents and at least seven Scouts BSA troops and packs from Oakland, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere, Horizon West and Orlando during a Memorial Day service.
John Ward, an Oakland native, organized the service to honor local veterans buried in the cemetery.
“I’m always excited we can have a chance to make a difference and bring awareness to the all the men and women who are serving in the military,”
Ward said. “We understand the impact of their service and the effects war can have on the men and women serving as well as their families and children.”
The group walked together through the cemetery to put an American flag at the graves of each of the more than 70 veterans buried in Oakland Cemetery.
Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home celebrated the unveiling of its Gold Star Family Monument at its 75th annual Memorial Day Ser-
Keynote speakers included Gold Star mother Laurie Houck, whose son, David Houck, 22, died Jan. 2, 2025, while serving proudly in the U.S. Army; and Orange County Sheriff John Mina. Following a benediction by Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard, Gold Star families joined Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Mina at the monument for a dove release.
In Windermere, retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen stood tall and saluted the American flag as Donnella Vasara, an auxiliary officer with the Lone Sailor Division, played taps.
“Today we must come face-to-face with the cost of our freedom,” Stephen said to the dozens of people who attended the Windermere Memorial Day Observance.
In his tribute to the fallen heroes, Stephen shared the story of Lori Ann Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the military and the first woman killed in the Iraq War.
Besides Stephen’s tribute, the Memorial Day Observance included performances by the Citrus Grove Girl Scouts Choir, presentation of colors by cadets in the Lone Sailor Division and speeches from Webster, Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien and Gregg Anderson, the president of the Rotary Club of Windermere. Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones gave the invocation.
MICHAEL ENG, DEBRA GARCIA AND LIZ RAMOS
Owen Weinbaum with Pack 978 in Oakland took a moment to honor local veterans by placing a flag at the graves of veterans in Oakland Cemetery.
Left: Gold Star families, along with Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orange County Sheriff John Mina, concluded Woodlawn’s Memorial Day Service with a dove release.
The Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club had a strong presence at Ocoee’s 2025 Memorial Day Ceremony.
A color guard performance with the American and Florida flags was carried out by Winter Garden’s Police and Fire Rescue departments.
Members of the Oakland Town Commission, Sal Ramos, Joseph McMullen, Michael Satterfield, Mayor Shane Taylor and Kris Keller were honored to participate in the service.
Buffalo Soldiers motorcycle club member Ken Wilson served in both the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army.
Retired Air Force Col. Mark Stephen saluted the flag while taps played at Windermere’s ceremony.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings dedicated Woodlawn’s new Gold Star Family Monument.
Alaina Schroepfer, of the Citrus Singers Girl Scouts Chorus, gave it her all while singing “God Bless America” at Windermere’s ceremony.
OCOEE ADMIRAL POINTE
The home at 600 Statenville Court, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $689,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,103 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
AMBER RIDGE
The home at 2098 Hedgerow Circle, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $355,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,382 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
The home at 733 Licaria Drive, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $305,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,188 square feet. Days on market: One.
BRYNMAR
The home at 3440 Meadow Breeze Loop, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $475,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,424 square feet. Days on market: Seven.
CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS
Ahome in the Reserve at Belmere community near Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 5 to 11.
The home at 11954 Provincial Way, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,999,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,800 square feet. Days on market: 20. The sellers were represented by Brigitte Thyssen Elzarki, Coldwell Banker Realty. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY HILL
The home at 5447 Brookline Drive, Orlando, sold May 6, for $1,650,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,702 square feet of living area. Days on market: 73.
BAY HILL VILLAGE SOUTH
The home at 6058 Jamestown Park, Orlando, sold May 7, for $775,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,475 square feet. Days on market: 33.
GRANADA VILLAS
The home at 8212 Borgia Court, Orlando, sold May 6, for $635,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,318 square feet. Days on market: Five.
ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB
The home at 6019 Crystal View Drive, Orlando, sold May 6, for $515,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,449 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
WINGROVE ESTATES
The home at 4807 Wingrove Blvd., Orlando, sold May 6, for $635,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,685 square feet. Days on market: 48.
HORIZON WEST
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 6414 Flat Lemon Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $500,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet. Days on market: 115.
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16089 Parkwyn St., Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $715,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,466 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.
HIGHLAND RIDGE
The home at 11977 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $510,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,985 square feet. Days on market: 72.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 15154 Driftwood Bend St., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $700,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,220 square feet. Days on market: Four.
LAKESHORE PRESERVE
The home at 8349 Topsail Place, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $889,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,815 square feet. Days on market: 194.
LAKEVIEW POINTE
The home at 14278 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $545,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,110 square feet. Days on market: 293.
SANCTUARY AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 13106 Orange Isle Drive, Windermere, sold May 8, for $700,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,312 square feet. Days on market: 35
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 16426 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $756,290. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,476 square feet. Days on market: Five.
STOREY GROVE
The home at 10124 Storey Grove Way sold May 6, for $605,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,089 square feet. Days on market: Two.
The home at 15210 Chapter Way, Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $520,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,502 square feet.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 8125 Atlantic Puffin St., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $670,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,172 square feet. Days on market: Six.
The home at 7606 Loon Ave. sold May 6, for $590,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,520 square feet. Days on market: Six.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 16685 Oakboro St. sold May 6, for $780,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,227 square feet. Days on market: 28.
The home at 12805 Charmed Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $787,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,327 square feet.
The home at 10248 Sand Cay Drive sold May 8, for $475,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet. Days on market: 74.
WEST POINT COMMONS
The home at 6344 Earthgold Drive, Windermere, sold May 7, for $625,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,854 square feet. Days on market: 60.
WICKHAM PARK
The townhouse at 7776 Rigby St., Windermere, sold May 7, for $409,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,545 square feet. Days on market: 26.
WINCEY GROVES
The home at 16259 Misty Hills Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $790,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,724 square feet. Days on market: 41.
OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS
The home at 1763 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold May 8, for $545,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,082 square feet. Days on market: 33.
The townhouse at 940 Davenwood Court, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $385,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,247 square feet. Days on market: Four.
HIGHLANDS OCOEE
The home at 1054 Windswept Court, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $365,625. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,596 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
KENSINGTON MANOR
The home at 1485 Whitefriar Drive, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $540,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,063 square feet. Days on market: 58.
MCCORMICK RESERVE
The home at 3632 Gretchen Drive, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $507,500. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,034 square feet.
PLANTATION GROVE WEST
The home at 807 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold May 9, for $700,000. Built in 1992, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,027 square feet. Days on market: Two.
The home at 11007 Groveshire Court, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $625,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,456 square feet. Days on market: Six.
REFLECTIONS
The home at 1051 Shimmering Sand Drive, Ocoee, sold May 7, for $471,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,387 square feet. Days on market: Five.
RESERVE AT MEADOW LAKE
The home at 1311 Plumgrass Circle, Ocoee, sold May 5, for $434,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,973 square feet. Days on market: 23.
WYNWOOD
The home at 3529 Sandalwood Isle Way, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $452,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet. Days on market: 90.
WINDERMERE
BUTLER BAY
The home at 12820 Butler Bay Court, Windermere, sold May 8, for $831,200. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,127 square feet. Days on market: 24.
RESERVE AT BELMERE
The home at 11954 Provincial Way, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,999,900. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,800 square feet. Days on market: 20.
SILVER WOODS
The home at 4801 Breezy Palms Court, Windermere, sold May 5, for $650,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,996 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
UNINCORPORATED
ORANGE COUNTY
The home at 9332 Windy Ridge Road, Windermere, sold May 7, for $960,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,892 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.
WINTER GARDEN
BLACK LAKE PRESERVE
The home at 14401 Black Lake Preserve St., Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $590,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,511 square feet. Days on market: 159.
CROWN POINT SPRINGS
The home at 1019 Spring Landing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $545,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,550 square feet. Days on market: 15.
DILLARD POINTE
The home at 501 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $1,000,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,352 square feet of living area. Days on market: 155.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The home at 16033 Citrus Knoll Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $1,200,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,904 square feet. Days on market: 34.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 4544 Gliding Wave St., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $750,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,976 square feet. Days on market: 95.
OXFORD CHASE
The home at 14895 Winkfield Court, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $690,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,554 square feet. Days on market: 170.
The home at 14841 Winkfield Court, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $625,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,235 square feet. Days on market: 14.
SHOWALTER PARK
The home at 213 James Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $510,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,500 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.
TWINWATERS
The home at 16659 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 5, for $1,980,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,081 square feet. Days on market: 133.
WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE
The home at 17039 Quicksilver Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $515,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,030 square feet. Days on market: 170.
WINTER GARDEN
The home at 14343 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $999,000. Built in 1984, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,464 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
WINTER OAKS
The home at 336 Sunset Oaks Road, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $511,875. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,766 square feet. Days on market: Two.
WOODBRIDGE ON GREEN The home at 4104
2025 HURRICANE
NOAA expects above-normal Atlantic season
Above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures set the stage.
COURTESY OF NOAA
NOAA’s outlook for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 30% chance of a nearnormal season, a 60% chance of an above-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season.
The agency is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, six to 10 are forecast to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including three to five major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.
“NOAA and the National Weather Service are using the most advanced weather models and cutting-edge hurricane tracking systems to provide Americans with real-time storm forecasts and warnings,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said. “With these models and forecasting tools, we have never been more prepared for hurricane season.”
“As we witnessed last year with significant inland flooding from hurricanes Helene and Debby, the impacts of hurricanes can reach far beyond coastal communities,”
Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm said. “NOAA is critical for the delivery of early and accurate forecasts and warnings and provides the scientific expertise needed to save lives and property.”
INFLUENCING FACTORS
The season is expected to be above normal because of a confluence of factors, including continued
ENSO-neutral conditions, warmer than average ocean temperatures, forecasts for weak wind shear and the potential for higher activity from the West African Monsoon — a primary starting point for Atlantic hurricanes.
The high-activity era continues in the Atlantic Basin, featuring high-heat content in the ocean and reduced trade winds. The highheat content provides more energy to fuel storm development, while weaker winds allow the storms to develop without disruption.
This hurricane season also features the potential for a northward shift of the West African Monsoon, producing tropical waves that seed some of the strongest and most long-lived Atlantic storms.
“In my 30 years at the National Weather Service, we’ve never had more advanced models and warning systems in place to monitor the weather,” NOAA’s National Weather Service Director Ken Graham said. “This outlook is a call to action: Be prepared. Take proactive steps now to make a plan and gather supplies to ensure you’re ready before a storm threatens.”
IMPROVED ANALYSIS
NOAA will improve its forecast communications, decision support and storm recovery efforts this season. These include: n NOAA’s model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, will undergo an upgrade that is expected to result in another 5% improvement of tracking and intensity forecasts that will help forecasters provide more accurate watches and warnings.
n NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center will be able to issue tropical cyclone advisory products up to 72 hours before the arrival of storm surge or tropical-stormforce winds on land, giving communities more time to prepare.
n NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropical Hazards Outlook, which provides advance notice of potential tropical cyclone risks, has been extended from two weeks to three weeks to provide additional time for preparation and response.
ENHANCED COMMUNICATION
n NHC will offer Spanish language text products to include the Tropical Weather Outlook, Public Advisories, the Tropical Cyclone Discussion, the Tropical Cyclone Update and Key Messages.
n NHC will again issue an experimental version of the forecast cone graphic that includes a depiction of inland tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings in effect for the continental U.S. New for this year, the graphic will highlight areas where a hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are simultaneously in effect.
n NHC will provide a rip current risk map when at least one active tropical system is present. The map uses data provided by local National Weather Service forecast offices. Swells from distant hurricanes cause dangerous surf and rip current conditions along the coastline.
6-10
3-5 MAJOR HURRICANES
before
Be Ready, Not Reactive: Prepare for Hurricane Season Now
Florida earned its nickname as the Sunshine State with beautiful, sun-soaked days filling out most of the year, but as hurricane season approaches, it also becomes one of the most storm-vulnerable states in the country. June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season, meaning that now – not later – is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared.
than those of comparable all-electric homes, according to the American Gas Association.
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we’re proud to support our Central Florida neighbors by offering the most reliable energy solution. We know firsthand that one of the smartest ways to prepare for hurricane season is by choosing safe, reliable natural gas.
Unlike electricity, which is vulnerable to downed power lines and service disruptions, natural gas is delivered through underground pipelines, meaning you can depend on it even during the harshest storms.
That’s part of the reason why critical service providers like hospitals, fire stations, and emergency management centers depend on natural gas to stay up and running during critical times.
Natural gas customers can also rely on essential appliances like water heaters and oven ranges to remain operational during power outages. When the lights go out, you’ll still be able to cook, clean, and take hot showers. For families, that type of reliability can bring much-needed peace of mind during uncertain times.
It’s not just about dependability either. Natural gas is also the smarter economic choice. Thanks to high-efficiency appliances and its lower cost, natural gas homes enjoy annual utility bills that
That said, making the switch requires some planning to fulfill your natural gas service installation. That’s why we encourage homeowners to act now, before a storm is on the horizon.
In addition to exploring reliable energy options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating a full preparedness plan that includes keeping an emergency preparedness kit stocked and at the ready, knowing your evacuation routes ahead of time, creating a communication plan with family members and other important steps that you should take to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season. Learn more at https://www.fema.gov/.
Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast. Now is the time to prepare and equip your home with natural gas to make sure you’re storm ready before hurricane season arrives.
For more information about natural gas services, safety tips, and how LANGD can support your energy needs, visit www.langd.org or contact our team at (407) 656-2734 or EnergyChoice@langd.org.
SCHOOL ZONE OBSERVER
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home. Increase the value of your
www.langd.org
407-656-2734 ext. 307
SONIA HAYNES WESTBROOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Sonia Haynes is a curriculum resource teacher and ESOL compliance specialist at Westbrooke Elementary School.
As a curriculum resource teacher, Haynes finds resources teachers need to help students learn, and she supports teachers with small groups in classrooms. She also reviews data with teachers and discusses strategies to improve. She provides resources to teachers and bilingual paraprofessionals to assist with ESOL students. In 2021, Haynes started the Rising Stars Mentoring/Tutoring program, which helps youth work on goal setting, critical thinking, self confidence, decision making and establishing positive relationships with law enforcement. Students also are tutored by West Orange and Ocoee high school students. In 2023, Haynes received the Orange County Public Schools Hero Teacher award, and in 2024, she won Teacher of the Year.
What brought you to your school?
I came to Westbrooke Elementary because we have a diverse student body. The students come from different backgrounds, which allows me to educate and learn from students with diverse backgrounds while making a positive impact.
What do you love most about your school?
I love how the parents, teachers, administrators and community work together to ensure the students’ success.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Interacting with so many students.
I’m able to build relationships with them. I have breakfast duty, so I see many of them in the morning, and I speak positively and encourage them to have a great day. I have bus duty, so I can listen to students as they recap their day. During that time, I assisted students with their homework and talked to them about listening to the bus driver and being respectful.
What would I be if you weren’t in this profession?
If I weren’t an educator, I would be an event planner. I love organizing, hosting, brainstorming and ensuring that events come together. I love when people gather.
Who influences you?
My mom was my most significant influencer. She was a hard worker. She spent 35 years at her job. I saw her manage working, being a wife, a mother and donating time to the community.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was Mrs. Burns at Jones High School. She realized I struggled in math and encouraged me to come to tutoring with her before and after school. I was a little hesitant at first, but I began tutoring, and the confidence and love that she showed towards me inspired me to become an educator.
REPORT CARD
TITLE: Curriculum resource teacher and ESOL compliance specialist
TIME WITH SCHOOL: Eight years
TIME WITH OCPS: Thirty years
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
My favorite children’s book is “Love You Forever.” It reminds me of singing lullabies to my children when they were babies. The book also focuses on the relationship between a mother and child and the importance of cherishing time with your children because time is precious.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly. I’m impatient when stuck in traffic and have other things to do besides sitting in and wasting time in traffic.
If I could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
One of my favorite bands is Earth, Wind and Fire, because it reminds me of my childhood, and I love a band that can speak to many generations. Another artist that I enjoy is Beyoncé, because she is a fantastic entertainer. She’s passionate about singing and dancing, a risk-taker and able to sing different genres of music. Last but not least, I love Tye Tribett. He’s a gospel singer who is creative and energetic.
What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student, and what was your favorite snack as an elementary student?
My favorite lunch was school pizza, salad and fruit. I always looked forward to having this meal on Fridays. Also, my favorite snack was cheese and crackers.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I spend time with my family and friends. We eat, have pajama parties and sometimes sing Christmas songs.
Who was your best friend in school and why? Are you still in touch?
One of my best friends is Lajuana Raines. We’ve been best friends since we met at Robert E. Lee Junior High School. We went to Jones High School and attended Bethune-Cookman College. She was my roommate in college. We usually have weekly conversations to catch up on what’s happening and encourage each other. Yes, we are still in contact. She’s one of my partners for my mentoring program, Rising Stars.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I was involved in many clubs in high school, including the French Club and Pep Club. The Pep Club was fun because we would travel, cheer and support my high school. I’ve always been an honor roll student.
— LIZ RAMOS
We
Un- BEE -lievable evening
itrus Elementary School’s Ludma Pierre waved a Haitian flag alongside Elena Spaulding, who waved a German flag, as they sang “We are the World” with dozens of other students.
In the audience, families waved small flags of various countries and sang along.
Singing “We are the World” was the last performance that brought everyone together at Citrus Elementary School’s annual Heritage of the Hive Thursday, May 15.
The event included the Dance Club performing various dances to songs from different cultures and the Music Club playing drums, singing and dancing to songs from Ghana, Ireland, America and China.
Students and their families also dressed in clothing representing their heritage as they walked down a runway.
— LIZ RAMOS
—
Ludma Pierre and Elena Spaulding waved the flags of the countries their families represent while singing “We are the World” as the closing performance of Heritage of the Hive.
With the Germany flag behind her, Elena Spaulding sported lederhosen during the fashion show.
Left: Aubrey Joseph made her way down the stage to the red carpet representing Haiti.
Music Club students performed a Chinese ribbon dance as their performances included songs from around the world.
Destinee Rose Harris and her mom, Chyna Harris, proudly represented Puerto Rico in the fashion show.
Windermere High SGA earns national recognition
The group recently was named a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence.
DEBRA
The Windermere High School Student Government Association has been named a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence.
The award recognizes outstanding student leadership, service and community involvement.
The National Gold Council of Excellence Award, presented by the National Association of Student Councils and supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, highlights the best of what student governments can accomplish when they are empowered to lead. According to the NASC, the award celebrates student councils that meet high standards and show evidence of student service, leadership, voice and engagement.
The recognition reflects a year of hard work and dedication by the stu-
dents and their adviser, Evan Brengel.
The SGA not only met the national criteria — which includes having a written constitution, holding regular meetings, running democratic elections and leading service activities — but also exceeded expectations through impactful projects. Windermere’s SGA operates under three guiding principles: school spirit, student service and student voice.
“Simply put, pride,” Brengel said. “I am a believer in the limitless potential of our children, and they prove me right every time, year after year. This is a culmination of their hard work and efforts.”
Barbara Frota, a senior and SGA president, has played a pivotal role in leading the organization to national recognition. Known for her dedication, resilience and ability to unite a large and diverse group of students, Frota guided the SGA through a year marked by major accomplishments — from the opening of the oncampus stadium to record-breaking fund-raising efforts.
“Personally, it meant a lot to me,” Frota said of the award. “Much of
what we do happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed or unrecognized. Being president of an organization this large comes with a lot of pressure, so seeing all our hard work and effort acknowledged was incredibly rewarding.”
Earning the award is a yearlong process that requires documentation in categories such as civic engagement, fundraising, school improvement and democratic structure. Historian Nathan Dandeneau, a junior, was responsible for compiling the portfolio with help from the officer team. A formal letter of support from Principal Andrew Leftakis also accompanied the application.
Hailey Rujak, a four-year SGA member and current committee head, has seen how student leadership can shape a campus.
“Under Mr. Brengel’s leadership, we worked in small groups and really looked into the details of how to document everything,” Rujak said.
“My job as a committee head was to not only supervise all four of our projects but (also) to make sure they were being documented accurately
ABOUT THE AWARD
The National Gold Council of Excellence Award honors student councils nationwide for outstanding leadership, service and commitment to student voice.
to be submitted for the national application.”
This school year featured several initiatives the SGA spearheaded, including raising more than $90,000 through its annual dance marathon to support Children’s Miracle Network and organizing community events such as Truck or Treat, Windermere Wonderland and a new Spring Egg Hunt.
This year also marked a milestone victory for the SGA’s longterm advocacy: the school’s stadium finally was moved to the Windermere campus. Brengel said the relocation was the result of years of students speaking at local meetings and working with school administrators.
Smaller SGA committees also made an impact. The Outreach and Leadership Development group created “Campus Echo,” a TV segment that shares student-submitted concerns and SGA-led follow-ups with the administration.
“Some (events are) big and some small but each as impactful and important as the others,” Brengel said. “Our Outreach and Leadership Development team in particular soared.”
“Windermere SGA has a wide variety of projects and events we do here that is unlike any other school,” Rujak said. “From our committee projects to our community events like Truck or Treat, it’s truly a special group of hardworking students that make Windermere stand out. I got to know so many new people and see a wide variety of art at Dance Marathon that my peers created. It was amazing to see so many people supporting Dance Marathon’s cause.”
NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe praised the Windermere SGA for its accomplishment.
“The student council at Windermere High just pulled off something extraordinary ... proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into realworld impact,” he said.
Brengel credits Leftakis and Orange County Public Schools for their support.
“Mr. Leftakis routinely seeks student input on school initiatives and treats them like equal partners,” he said. “Even when something doesn’t go their way, he explains his reasoning and respects their perspectives.”
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
BERTHA ANN (LUTES) COMBS
DIED SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2025. Our beloved mother, Bertha Ann (Lutes) Combs, passed away peacefully from natural causes, Sunday, May 19, 2025, at Serenades Assisted Living Facility in Winter Garden, Florida. She was 94 years old. Bertha Ann was born in Neon, Kentucky, and grew up in the small town of Hazard, the daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Lutes and Marguerite (Knox) Lutes. She married her teenage love, Roderick Raymond Combs Jr., on Aug. 20, 1949, and remained by his side for 70 years until he passed away in 2020. Together, they birthed and raised five children.
From a young age, Bertha Ann excelled in both academic achievement (especially math) and musical talent. She went to college at 16 years old, was accepted into the sorority Alpha Xi Delta at University of Kentucky, and in 1949, was named queen of the UK Pershing Rifles. In college she majored in home economics, but her true passion was music, and she trained her voice and studied piano throughout college and into adulthood. Her beautiful soprano voice delighted and moved congregations on many Sundays at the First Baptist Church of Windermere. A devout Christian, she gained great comfort and strength from her faith, attending services, teaching Sunday school, and studying the history and scripture of the Bible. For 40 years, Bertha Ann devoted her energies and care to raising her children, shepherding them through childhood and into college. In 1981, she went to work at Sun Bank in Orlando, beginning as a teller and working her way up to vice president, before retiring in 1995. Her colleagues, friends and family knew her to be gifted, an insightful presence, with a lovely smile and kind word for every person she met. Her loving warmth and generous spirit will be deeply missed.
Bertha Ann leaves her five children, Barbara Ann Combs Alward, of Seattle, Margaret Ray Combs, of Seattle, Roderick Raymond Combs III, of Orlando, Cami Combs Wass, of Windermere, and James Owens Combs, of Orlando, to cherish her memory; along with her two sonsin-law, Bruce Alward, of Seattle, and Mike Wass, of Windermere; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and her two dear sisters-in-law, Audrea Spicer, of Los Angeles, and Barbara Faye Combs, of Louisville, Kentucky. The family received friends at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Family Church — Windermere Campus (First Baptist Church of Windermere), Florida, followed by an 11 a.m. service, with Family Church Music Director Ray Lloyd officiating. Interment followed at Dr. Phillips Cemetery, Orlando, where she was laid to rest beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations go to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Courtesy photos
The 2025 SGA officers enjoyed an annual retreat. Front row: Treasurer Chase Prevett, President Barbara Frota and Vice President Donnie Cary. Middle rows: Secretary Nirelle Asare, Junior Grade Ambassador Nanda Sacchi, Parliamentarian Brady Allen, Junior Grade Ambassador Luke Miller, Programming Director Sophia Caprise, Senior Grade Ambassador Gabriel Oliveira, Historian Nathan Dandeneau, Senior Grade Ambassador Jacqueline Siegel and Marketing Director Sophia Schwaeble. Back row: Freshmen ambassadors Kelsey Rose and Corey Edouard, sophomore ambassadors Matheus Sacchi and Karissa Schenk.
‘This class is different’
It was a morning of celebration for the 729 Dr. Phillips High School Class of 2025 graduates who walked across the stage Thursday, May 22, at the Kia Center to receive their diplomas.
Principal Jackie Ramsey opened the ceremony by recognizing the academic, athletic and artistic achievements of the graduating class.
This year’s graduating class collectively earned more than $9 million in scholarships.
Vicki-Elaine Felder, an Orange County School Board Member and Dr. Phillips alumna, then addressed the class.
“This class is different,” she said in a nod to the energy of this year’s graduates.
Valedictorian Abedrahman Hafez and salutatorian Lovensky Dezon delivered pre-recorded speeches. Hafez thanked his family, teachers and friends for their support while Dezon offered a message on perseverance and growth.
The vocal ensemble performed a soulful rendition of “Lean on Me,” arranged by Mac Huff.
Graduates were all smiles after receiving their diplomas and going on to celebrate with family and friends.
— DEBRA GARCIA
Remembering the Titans
Geriana Pacheco Hernandez, an Olympia High School graduate, looked down at her four medals, 10 cords and National Honor Society stole.
She smiled reflecting on her accomplishments over not only her past four years of high school but also 12 years of education.
Pacheco Hernandez walked across the stage Wednesday, May 16, at the University of Central Florida to receive her diploma and be the first in her family to
graduate from high school.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “After 12 years of being at school, we are finally graduating. We can see how much we’ve grown and all that we’ve accomplished.”
It was a bittersweet graduation ceremony for many Olympia High graduates as many were somber to say goodbye to their friends, classmates and teachers but eager to see what lies ahead in their futures.
LIZ RAMOS
Valedictorian Abedrahman Hafez, Salutatorian Lovensky Dezon, and the rest of the top 10 ranked students stood proudly during the ceremony.
Right: Senior Coordinator Lisa Gulub stood with Saud Kham, who plans to attend UCF for aerospace engineering
Oliver Plumb, who will study finance at Florida State University, Locca Benuccelli Loureiro, who will study political science at Brown University, Aleksandra Khudidkova, who will study finance at Florida International University, and Charles Plumb, who will study business management at FSU, gathered together proudly before receiving their diplomas.
Leah Mercier, who plans to study nursing at Valencia College, stood with Mortume Tommy, who plans to get a trucking license and move to Atlanta.
Azhyon Lewis and Jasmine Lewis shared a laugh together before walking the stage. “I’m really scared because I feel great. Good nervous,” Azhyon Lewis said.
Graduates Krish Mendpara and Nathan Useche were feeling nostalgic reflecting on their time in high school. “I’ve been thinking about everything finishing, but it’s also a new beginning,” Useche said.
Graduates Trace Furniss, Ivan Ivanov, Eduardo Gonzalez, Socrates Martinez and Robert Leitzinger have been waiting four years for this moment. “It’s like I’m finally free,” Martinez said.
Left: Graduate Veda Srikantan chatted with science teacher Jacy Costello and social studies teacher Danielle Hecht. “It’s always exciting to see what they do after they leave,” Hecht said of the graduates. “We’re rooting for them.”
Jonah Castillo Wilford had to say goodbye to Akai Milson, a coach and language arts teacher. “Best teacher out there,” Castillo Wilford said of Milson.
SPORTS
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The Orlando QB Shootout + Battle in the Pit camp competitions is set to return to West Orange County for its fifth annual “campetition” from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Central Florida Christian Academy in Ocoee.
The combined camps — the Orlando QB Shootout led by Nease High coach Collin Drafts and the Battle in the Pit led by Lo Woods and Aaron Jones Sr. — create a mega-camp that brings together some of the most talented and highlyrecruited football players in not just Southwest Orange and West Orange but from all of Central Florida.
Registration for the camp is open to all youth athletes from rising fourth-graders to rising seniors. For those who would like to participate in the QB camp, registration is $100, for all other positions the cost is $50. Quarterbacks are required to bring a football, and linemen must bring their own helmets.
To register, visit quarterbacknation.com/orlandoqbshootout.
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Foundation Academy has announced the hiring of James Grosshans as its new girls soccer coach. Grosshans replaces Bruce Strine as head coach; Strine led the Lady Lions to a 11-4-1 record in the 2024-25 season.
Grosshans, a Central Florida native and University of Central Florida graduate, has been an English teacher at Foundation’s Tilden campus and is the son of Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church Senior Pastor Tim Grosshans.
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After entering the transfer portal in April, former Olympia High football star Joshua Evans has announced he will leave Middle Tennessee State and return to the Sunshine State as a member of the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
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Several West Orange and Southwest Orange football programs have released their 2025 schedules — including The First Academy, West Orange High, Ocoee High and Windermere High. Some of the top games to watch from these programs are both the Knights and Warriors season-openers Friday, Aug. 22. Ocoee hosts Apopka High while West Orange hosts Evans High. Windermere will close the 2025 regular season hosting rivals Horizon High on Halloween.
The Royals, who have not yet released their full schedule, have lined up some big-time opponents for 2025. TFA will host IMG Academy in its Kickoff Classic Aug. 15, travel to defending Class 7A state champions Venice High Sept. 19 and to 5A state runners-up Lakeland High Oct. 31.
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Two high school athletic directors from West Orange and Southwest Orange were recognized by the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association for their outstanding work in their respective departments.
Ocoee’s Billy Alderman was named FIAAA’s 2024-25 Athletic Director of the Year, while Windermere’s Jillian Sutton was named the Chris Hixon Exemplary Sportsmanship Award winner — given to an AD who exemplifies selflessness and dedication to student development while recognizing those who continue the legacy of the award’s namesake.
WIRE-TO-WIRE:
How The First Academy baseball’s focus carried it to a state title
TFA baseball topped Trinity Christian Academy, 7-2, to win the second state championship in program history.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The First Academy Royals baseball team entered the 2025 high school baseball season as the favorite to win the Class 2A, Region 2 championship, advance to the state Final Four and compete to bring home their second state championship trophy.
In a season where the Royals had a bull’s-eye plastered on their back all season, they went from wire-towire as one of the top programs in the country and captured a sixthconsecutive district championship and a second-consecutive regional championship. Then, after a 7-2 win over Trinity Christian Academy Wednesday, May 21, at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, TFA brought home the second state championship in program history.
The question is, however, how did the Royals manage to maintain its focus throughout its 34-game season and not let the target on their backs weigh them down? According to first-year coach Alan Kunkel, to be the team that’s dog-piling on the mound at the end of the season his players needed to on the process.
“This is going to sound cliché, but people who know me know my focus has always been process over outcome,” he said. “I take great pride in working hard in practice and learning how to be fundamentally sound. I want our kids to be able to compete with confidence knowing they are fully prepared. So, how does it feel to have the year end in a dog pile? Rewarding because God has blessed the work, the sweat (and) the consistent approach of playing for His glory.”
Thomas Achey, the winning pitcher in the championship game, reiterated his coach’s mindset this season and how it helped the Royals maintain their focus throughout a season filled with expectation and pressure; Achey led TFA from the mound with a sixinning, seven-strikeout performance.
“It feels amazing (to win); I’ve dreamed of this moment for so long, and to finally achieve (it) is incredible,” he said. “Day in and day out as a team, we had a routine and we stuck to it and that’s what helped us stay focused and locked in.”
A DREAM COMPLETE
Kunkel’s insistence of process over outcome comes from a place of experience. He won four state championships at his previous high school coaching stop. The only question at TFA: Would his senior-heavy team buy into a new mindset — especially after getting so close to winning it all last season?
“We set the expectations and the standards of the program, (and) we wanted to focus on the ability to improve daily not only physically but mentally and emotionally, as well,” he said. “Winning is hard. Being able to compete for 21 outs, managing any and all adversity, shifts in momentum, controlling damage
and responding well is hard, but it’s what we worked really hard to do. The guys were in the Final Four last year and got a taste of being there. I knew it was on their mind, so we consistently curbed the focus to executing and out-competing our opponents and seeing what happens when the last of the 21 outs are made.”
That buy-in, considering a majority of TFA’s top players from 2024 were back for their final run in high school, was one of the most important factors that drove this title-winning season.
“It feels great putting in all the hard work in the offseason and during the season (through) the ups and the (downs), to be able to lift up that tro-
phy at the end of the year, it’s amazing,” senior Blake Fields said. “We all had one goal this year, and that was to win it (all) this year. But we had to play it one game at a time. We all wanted the same thing — and that was to dogpile at the end of the year.”
SENIOR SENDOFF
With a group of eight seniors serving as Kunkel’s top players — and a handful of underclassmen making key contributions— getting their buy-in to shift to a focus on what’sin-front-of-you type mentality was crucial to this success, because these eight not only were the ones who led the team on the field, they also were the ones that would develop a foundation for this program in the coming years.
That’s why it means so much to Kunkel to send this group off the right way.
“It means a great deal to me,” he said. “This senior class is a tight-knit group, and they have played together for a long time. (This championship) is really a culmination of the years of preparing the field so God could bring the rain. They fought hard for one another, always stayed positive and never backed down from any opponent.”
The attitudes Kunkel described — staying positive, fighting for one another and never backing down — is the reason it meant so much to these players. Having fought together for such a long time and having come so close to the mountaintop last season, ending their journey as not only a nationally ranked team with a 30-4 record, a district and regional title but also as the top dog in the state is a priceless feeling for this class of seniors.
“I wouldn’t want to go out any other way,” Achey said. “This senior class has known, played against or played with (one another) for most our lives, so it’s come full circle to win a state championship with them.”
… So, how does it feel to have the year end in a dog pile? Rewarding because God has blessed the work, the sweat (and) the consistent approach of playing for His glory.”
With a 7-2 win over Trinity Christian Academy, The First Academy captured its second state championship.
Photos courtesy of The First Academy
The First Academy baseball celebrated its state title win with its traveling fans.
— Coach Alan Kunkel
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Thomas Achey
The First Academy baseball’s Thomas Achey, a pitcher committed to play college ball at Stetson, has been one of the shining stars from the Royals pitching rotation.
The senior has led TFA’s starters with a 1.32 ERA and 70 strikeouts across the 42.1 innings he’s pitched this season in his 11 pitching appearances, while holding opposition batters to .164 average.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
I’m not a huge music person, but I enjoy just some country.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby? I love to fish.
What is your favorite subject in school?
History because I just enjoy learning about the past and seeing how much it’s changed compared to now.
Beyond the season-long numbers, Achey also stepped up when the lights were the brightest. In Game 2 of the best-of-three Class 2A, Region 2 championship series, the Royals’ left-hander threw a no-hitter in a five-inning, complete game to clinch the Royals’ second consecutive regional championship and punch their ticket back to the Final Four. THE BASICS Age: 18 Sport: Baseball Grade: Senior School: The First Academy
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the
It’s really cool. I’ve never had this honor before, so it’s nice having the spotlight on me for my athletic accomplishments.
What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
Being in control of the game. As a pitcher, I control the game. I can go slower or faster, and it affects everyone. I enjoy that.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball?
No matter how many times you fail, you have to get back up and keep going, because there’s going to be another play, another pitch, another game that you need to be focused on.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
Throwing a no hitter in the regional final.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal because he’s a big lefty who just dominates, and it’s fun to watch him.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
A smoothie from Planet Smoothie.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A shotgun, knife and water.
What is your favorite movie? “Sandlot.” I’m a baseball person, so I just love it.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Nolan Ryan. I would love to pick his brain about pitching.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1980s because my parents claim it’s the best period of time ever.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Just keep going. Don’t let the little struggles affect an outing, a year or even a career.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? Are you happy?
Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman because he lives in the shadows and protects the city from crime.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and
Teleportation because it would be so easy to travel from place to
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Germany to take in all the history, Bora Bora for the unreal beaches and water, and Iceland because the hiking is insane, and I want to visit the Blue Lagoon.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I would be a tiger, because I just think they are the coolest animals around, and it would be a fun day being one.
What is your most controversial food take? I like pineapple on pizza. Does pineapple belong on Absolutely!
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
Flight Officer Harold Maguire arrived by plane from Rosecrans Field, St. Joseph, Missouri, to spend several days in Ocoee with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Maguire. He was instructing in celestial flying at Missouri for the past few months.
50 years ago
Charlene Payne Kammerer, a 1966 graduate of Lakeview High School, was ordained a deacon and appointed assistant pastor of Arlington United Methodist Church in Jacksonville.
New officers of the West Orange Junior Service League were Del Heidt, president; Lois Godbold, first vice president; Barbara Jones, second vice president; Susan Sampson, corresponding secretary; Mary Ann Clements, recording secretary; Jimmie Hargrove, social chair; and Tracy Daley, ways and means.
Lakeview High School presented its final senior class play, “Up the Down Staircase.” Among the cast members were Caron Deane, Carol Fleming, Rod Reynolds, Derek Blakeslee, Steve Cox, Cathy Patton, Rachel Mashburn and Terry Bailey.
Officers of Lakeview High School’s last graduating class were Rachel Mashburn, president; Jimmy Jones, Denise Morris, secretary; and Lisa Godfrey, treasurer. Special recognition was given to Mashburn and Stan Lummus, Most Likely to Success; Jeanne Pitchford and Rick Miller, Best Looking; Tim Hutchinson and Godfrey, Friendliest; Jamela Dangler and Chris Macchi, Wittiest; and
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Twenty-three women met in May 1997 to form a garden club for the West Orange County region. Marjo-
rie Masson, president of the Windermere Garden Club, was the guest speaker. The group soon became known as the Bloom & Grow Garden Society. Attending the first meeting were: front row, Vicky Mobley, left, Gretchen Boyd,
Fran
Jessie
Jeanette
Mary
Pat
Mary
and
Delia
Virginia Robinson and Sue Crabtree; and back row, Amy Kienzle, Judy Britt, Phyllis Hickman, Mary Keating, Mary Van Deventer, Joan Peterson and Terri Collins. Camera shy: Jennifer Hunt. The photograph appeared in The West Orange Times May 29, 1997 — exactly 28 years ago.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Morris and Jimmy Spears, Most Popular.
Officers of Ocoee High School’s last graduation class were Ricky Anderson, president; Gerald Watson, vice president; Judy Birdyshaw, recording secretary; Sue Cyr, corresponding secretary; and Tami Whitlow, treasurer. Special recognition was given to Kurt Ardaman and Tanya Miller, Most Likely to Succeed; Debbie Steinly and Phil Bracewell, Most Talented; Skeeter Hurd and Jody Estes, Wittiest; and Rick Anderson and Gaila Hopper, Most Popular.
40 years ago
The new pastor of First Baptist Church Windermere was Dr. Mark Matheson, who moved here from Dallas, where he was associate pastor of Cliff Temple Baptist Church. Accompanying him were his wife, Carla; daughter, Emily; and newborn son, Drew. Agatha Christie’s “The Unexpected Guest” was presented at West Orange High School, the final production of Lynn Melton. Cast members included Robbie West, Kristin Garrison, Vince Runci, Jon Heath, Wade Griffith, Scott Morris, Julie Crawford and Colleen Parker.
20 years ago
Developers significantly reduced the size of the controversial Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves after nearby residents protested the enormity of the project. It was decreased from more than 1.5 million square feet to 1.1 million by removing the planned 24-screen movie theater and one of three “big box” stores.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
MAY 29, 1975
There were not many options for apartment living in West Orange County in 1975. In Winter Garden, the few possibilities, as advertised in The Winter Garden Times, were Garden Villas and Inland Seas Apartments. At Garden Villas, located near Plant Street on Park Avenue, a one-bedroom apartment started at $120, and the ad included amenities such as a pool, clubhouse, barbecue grills and an ice maker. Back then, there wasn’t much traffic, and it took only about 15 minutes to get to Walt Disney World. Fewer than two miles away, at Inland Seas on West Bay Street, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments were available and included a swimming pool, clubhouse and tennis courts. The Haystack West, on West Colonial Drive at Hiawassee Road, boasted clubhouses, wall-to-wall plush shag carpet, color-coordinated electric range and two Perma-Press laundries.
UNDER PRESSURE by Zhouqin Burnikel, edited by Jared Goudsmit
Luis Campos
Mary Bess Girvin, Cheryl Medley, Zane Doshna,
Borysiewicz
Terry Lore; middle row,
Holden,
Root,
Stanford,
Talbot,
Black,
Schley,
West Orange Ch amber of C ommerce Ce lebrates Business
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to 10 YEARS
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the City of Ocoeer
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the City of Ocoee. The City of Ocoee began as a small town with just 600 residents in 1925, has blossomed into a vibrant city with over 50,000 residents—rich in diversity and community spirit. Ideally situated at the heart of all of Central Florida’s major highways and expressways, Ocoee is home to a thriving residential and business community making it an ideal place to live, raise a family and grow a business. Ocoee is the third largest city in Orange County known for its exceptional quality of life, parks, boat launches, fishing docks and sports facilities. To learn more, visit https://100yearsocoee.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Shannon Till State Farm
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15th anniversary of Shannon Till State Farm. Located at 1620 Daniels Rd Ste 110 in Winter Garden, Shannon Till State Farm proudly offers a diverse range of insurance options, including Home, Auto, Life, and Business, all tailored to your personal budget. Central to their agency’s commitment to customer satisfaction is their dedication to providing impeccable and friendly service; their team welcomes residents across Florida. To discover more, please visit: www.shannontill.com
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 90-year anniversary of Fishback Dominick
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 90-year anniversary of Fishback Dominick. Located at 1947 Lee Rd in Winter Park, Fishback Dominick has represented and strongly supported its clients since Ben Fishback founded the firm in 1935. They’ve done so through countless market, regulatory and generational changes. They continue to stay close to their communities, serving some of Central Florida’s oldest and newest businesses and residents — a world-class firm with top-rated attorneys that always fights diligently for its clients while maintaining a culture of personal relationships that has sustained the firm for 90 years. To learn more, visit https://fishbacklaw.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida. Located at 310 S Dillard St Ste 190 in Winter Garden, Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida (CPSCFL) provides high-quality therapeutic services to members of the community. Located near downtown Winter Garden, they aim to make counseling an effective and comfortable experience. The relationship between the client and therapist is one of the most essential factors in successful therapy; therefore, they work with the individual to establish a client-centered approach that places the individual’s goals and needs at the forefront of treatment. They aim to treat every person with dignity and respect. To learn more, visit https://www.counselingcfl.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Matthew’s Hope Ministries
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Matthew’s Hope Ministries. Located at 611 Business Park Blvd Ste 101 in Winter Garden, Matthew’s Hope is a dedicated homeless ministry offering vital services on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their outreach extends into the community via buses, bringing individuals to a safe haven for hot showers, warm meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies. On Tuesdays, they also provide laundry services. They have an exceptional Healthcare Team and mental health counseling readily available. Additionally, their mobile outreach team actively engages with the community on Mondays and Wednesdays. For those ready to embark on a journey of transformation, their Moving Forward transitional housing program offers crucial support. To learn more, visit https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
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To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304