06.07.18 Windermere Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer

Vitality Bowls opens new eatery in Dr. Phillips. 3.

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VOLUME 3, NO. 35

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Good times as rappers bust rhymes FREE DAPS, a rap crew, brought its brand of family-friendly hip-hop to Windermere. PAGE 8.

A day for Reese Domond

Evidence against Singh determined insufficient

Courtesy photo

GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

An investigative review of allegations accusing Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh of corrupt practices found insufficient evidence to confirm Singh committed any wrongdoings.

The complaints were made by top-level OCPA employees Laverne McGee and Aisha SEE SINGH PAGE 4 Courtesy photo

Reese Domond’s graduation walk took place through the halls of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, in St. Petersburg. His family surprised him with his cap and gown, and the hospital staff played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The Olympia High senior couldn’t attend his graduation ceremony, so his family brought graduation to his hospital room in St. Petersburg. SEE PAGE 4.

WHAT A RIDE! Relive Dr. Phillips High’s incredible baseball season.

SEE PAGE 11.

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First Watch, Starbucks coming to Lakeside Village The eateries join new businesses, including Toasted, Tijuana Flats, Flippers Pizzeria and Gator’s Dockside.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Coffee behemoth Starbucks and Florida-based breakfast/lunch eatery First Watch join the growing list of businesses at Lakeside Village Center and Westside Shoppes in Horizon West.

Both new businesses will be setting up shop in a 9,000-square-

foot multi-tenant retail building currently under construction at Lakeside Village Center.

“We’ve got a couple of restaurants going in there,” said Michael Boyd, a sales and leasing representative for Boyd Development.

“We’ve got a First Watch that is going in, and they’re taking SEE WHAT’S PAGE 4

WE LOVE THE ’80s Dexter’s of Windermere celebrated its fourth anniversary with style. 7.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

YOUR CALENDAR

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

“LEGENDS” 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 8, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at ShowcaseWG, 12100 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden.

Cirque e Musica presents “Legends,” a tribute to pop’s most-recognized performers, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers and The Beatles. Performers from Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Broadway will keep guests entertained with their vocals, dance and acrobatic performances, accompanied by the Solid State Band. Tickets are $49.95 and include a buffet, one drink, the two-hour show and dancing. (407) 3479914.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

BOOK CLUB FOR ART LOVERS Noon Saturday, June 9, at the SoBo Art Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. Hosted by the Winter Garden Art Association, this month’s book discussion is “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” by Tracy Chevalier. Participants will discuss the work of Johannes Vermeer and explore life during the Dutch Baroque period. Tickets are $10 for WGAA members, $15 for others. Call (407) 3477996 or email info@wgart.org.

KNIT IN PUBLIC DAY 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 9, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Meet with other Central Florida knitters and have a great time knitting and mingling. Be sure to bring your work in progress, yarn and needles. All levels are welcome.

(407) 835-7323.

LITTLE CHEF: A FULL SCOOP 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Mix and sprinkle fun toppings to make a delicious treat to keep cool. This is a “Mommy or Daddy and Me” event.

Ages 3 to 5. (407) 835-7323.

ONP GOPHER TORTOISE RUN 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland.

Take part in a three-miler through the preserve or a threemile virtual race — all to support ONP. Each registered onsite racer will receive a T-shirt, Gopher Tortoise Run carved wooden medallion and a clip-on Hydro Pouch. Virtual participants will receive a medallion.

There is no race-day registration. Oaklandnaturepreserve. org/gopher-tortoise-run/.

WINDERMERE ROTARY CLUB CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. All proceeds go to the USO and other local veterans projects.

Single-player entry fee is $125; foursomes are $450. Information and registration at windermererotary.org or (407) 421-0548.

MONDAY, JUNE 11

CAMP OCLS 3 p.m. Monday, June 11, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor-inspired

games, interactive stories and camp songs. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

CENTRAL FLORIDA RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING 7 p.m. Monday, June 11, at the Central Florida Railroad Museum, 101 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. Warren Jennison will present “Sanford Rail Services in the Day.” Free. (407) 6560559.

TUESDAY, JUNE 12

SPANISH BOOK CLUB 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Join this Spanishlanguage book club to discuss literature, art, music and more.

All are welcome. (407) 8357323.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13

MR. TIM THE COMEDY MAGICIAN 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Mr. Tim is a bumbling magician whose magic never seems to go as planned. Can you help him make the day magical? Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

TAI CHI 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in the Building A Dance Room at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Al Aki will teach the class. Cost is $2 per class; drop-ins are welcome.

First class is free. Visit st.lukes. org/sports, email sports@ st.lukes.org or call (407) 8764991, Ext. 290, for details.

THURSDAY, JUNE 14

AMERICAN LEGION MEMBERSHIP MEETING 7 p.m. Thursday, June 14, at the American Legion Post 63, 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Scott Gration, retired U.S Air Force major general, recently joined the post and will speak on Flag Day. Gration has an incredible background and experience in worldwide leadership. He was appointed

by President Barack Obama as a special envoy to the Sudan in 2009 and then as ambassador to Kenya in 2011. He served 32 years as a fighter pilot and senior leader in the Air Force.

(407) 656-6361.

Everything we serve is thoughtfully sourced, earth friendly, and tastefully adventurous. We provide everything from sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, soups, and salads that are made with love.

7000 Dr. P Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 407-730-3212 | www.pammiessammies.com |

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New Location Inside Dr. P Phillips YMCA

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For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call 321.843.2001 or visit OrlandoHealth.com/Mako.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

‘Superfood cafe’ opens in Dr. Phillips Vitality Bowls, a superfood café, serves paninis, soups, salads and smoothies.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Kerri Farrell, left, and Holy Family Catholic seventh-graders Ava Durruthy, Emily Wood, Maggie Farrell, Teresa Tomasone, Carly Goode and Mairin Sakata celebrate a win.

Mind games Seventh-graders from Holy Family Catholic School put their problem-solving skills to good use recently during the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Iowa.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

After besting 820 teams in Florida, a group of seventh-graders at Holy Family Catholic School headed west recently to participate in some serious mind games.

The 39th Odyssey of the Mind 2018 World Finals competition was held at Iowa State University May 23 through 26, and about 850 teams showed off their creative problem-solving skills.

HFCS participants included Ava Durruthy, Maggie Farrell, Carly Goode, Mairin Sakata, Teresa Tomasone and Emily Wood. They participated in opening ceremonies Wednesday before tackling the competitions and attending creativity and international festivals, NASA-sponsored events and pin-trading sessions. They also were paired with a buddy team from Hong Kong.

As part of the competition, the HFCS team performed an eightminute piece based on a famous work of classic literature selected

by Odyssey of the Mind: “Peter Pan, the Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.” They created a mockumentary with an alternate ending called “Never Again Land,” where old trends — such as the disco ball, flip phone and Billy Ray Cyrus’ mullet — go to die.

RAISING FUNDS Although the team is back from its trip, donations still can be made to offset the costs of the competition, including airfare and dorm fees.

The cost to attend the competition was about $10,000.

The school held four Spirit Night events at area eateries, held dress-down days at the school and set up a fundraising page. To donate, visit gofundme.com/hfcsodyssey-of-the-mind.

In the spontaneous portion of the competition, the girls were given a problem minutes before they needed to solve it.

“OM teaches us how to think out of the box,” said team member Maggie Farrell. “We get to be creative, funny and have a blast.”

The local team did not place in the top three, but it was a great experience and will help the team build stronger problem-solving skills.

“They ... had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and learned skills that will help them throughout school and into their careers,” said Tana Little, Holy Family’s marketing manager.

Connecting through

WHAT IS ODYSSEY OF THE MIND? The Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program whose mission is to provide creative problemsolving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Through solving open-ended problems, students develop creative-thinking skills that can be applied to real-life situations. Teams from the United States and more than 20 other countries participate.

Schools form teams of up to seven students and choose one of five competitive problems to solve. Under the guidance of an adult coach, teams work on their solutions during the school year and present them in organized competitions in the spring.

Regional winners are invited to compete at the state level. These championship teams are then invited to participate in the annual Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, where they compete with teams from other countries.

Teams are scored for their long-term problem solution, how well they solve a “spontaneous” problem on the spot and “style” — the elaboration of their longterm problem solution.

Nonprofit organizations administer the Odyssey of the Mind program. Creative Competitions Inc. provides all of the problems and materials.

Caring

If you’re craving a light lunch, a fresh smoothie or a nutrientrich post-workout meal, Vitality Bowls in Dr. Phillips might be the place to go.

Vitality Bowls opened its newest location May 17 at 8014 Conroy-Windermere Road, Suite 101.

Harold and Jackie Gattereau are the owners of Vitality Bowls, and Jackie acts as an owner/operator.

“We have a large menu,” Jackie Gattereau said. “There’s something on it for everyone.”

With a wide array of healthy options on the menu, Vitality Bowls boasts itself as a superfood café. The menu features a vibrant assortment of fresh smoothies and juices, as well as a variety of paninis, soups and salads for those craving a bite to eat.

The menu also offers a wide selection of nutrient-packed superfood bowls. Many of the bowls feature organic açaí berries as a base ingredient. Superfruits pitaya, graviola and acerola also are used as base ingredients.

The base ingredients are then blended with juices, fruits, and other ingredients. Customers then can choose from a variety of toppings such as organic granola, bananas, honey, strawberries, goji berries and chia seeds.

Additionally, bowls are made fresh to order. Bowls and smoothies served at Vitality Bowls contain no ice, frozen yogurt, added sugar, artificial preservatives, trans fats or any other fillers.

“We chose Vitality Bowls because Vitality Bowls fits our lifestyle for healthy eating, and there weren’t many healthy (and) tasty food concepts in our area,” Gattereau said. “We wanted to be the first to introduce, or launch, a brand like Vitality Bowls to our community. Since opening, we’ve had overwhelming enthusiasm from the community. Everyone is happy that we’re here.”

Roy and Tara Gilad founded Vitality Bowls in 2011 in San Ramon, California. The husbandand-wife duo started the cafe together after discovering their daughter had severe food allergies.

“Jackie and Harold are the per-

IF YOU GO VITALITY BOWLS 8014 Conroy-Windermere Road, Suite 101 PHONE: (407) 730-6358 WEBSITE: vitalitybowls.com HOURS: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

THREE TO TRY n Tropical Bowl — Base blend of organic açaí berries, coconut milk, apple juice, bananas, mango, pineapple and flax seed. Topped with organic granola, bananas, strawberries, coconut shavings and honey.

n Dragon Bowl — Base blend of pitaya, mango juice, coconut milk, bananas, pineapple, raspberries and immune boost.

Topped with strawberries, kiwi, almonds, goji berries, bee pollen and honey. n Vitality Bowl — Base blend of organic açaí, “VB Blend,” bananas, Strawberries and flax seed. Topped with organic granola, honey, bananas, strawberries and goji berries.

fect entrepreneurial duo to grow the brand in Orlando,” said Tara Gilad, co-founder of Vitality Bowls. “Their combined business intellect is outstanding. We are eager to see them fill the demand for a healthy fast casual café in Orlando.”

Today, Vitality Bowls has 48 locations throughout the United States with more than 70 franchises under development.

Although Dr. Phillips location is the only Vitality Bowls in Orange County, the Gattereaus plan to open another location in Ocoee next year.

We understand the importance of compassion and responsiveness in memory care.

We take pride in our 5-star rating because we know it represents our dedication to providing Care you can TRUST. We’d love to meet you!

407.614.8680

Call to schedule a visit!

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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Singh cleared CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Hassan. Hassan and McGee accused Singh of mistreating female employees, altering financial audit and travel documents, authorizing improper expenditures and awarding contracts in return for campaign contributions, according to the review.

McGee, who was hired in January 2015 and served as Singh’s communications director, and Hassan, who was hired in October 2014 as Singh’s finance director, together sent a confidential email to Singh June 22, 2017, detailing their complaints, the report stated.

According to an official statement by the OCPA office, both employees were placed on paid leave on June 26, 2017, and then put on unpaid leave May 11.

The review, performed by retired Judge Belvin Perry, took 10 months to complete because of the scope of allegations, coordination of witness interviews, document examinations and scheduling demands.

“A thorough, external investigation into the allegations was performed by an independent, third party,” OCPA officials said in an official statement relayed by public relations firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies, which is working for OCPA on a temporary basis. “Perry carefully reviewed the facts, examined the evidence and interviewed OCPA’s Rick Singh, numerous OCPA employees and vendors under oath. He also interviewed the two complainants who requested their statements not be under oath.”

In addition to interviewing McGee and Hassan, Perry interviewed 11 others, nine of which were OCPS staff, according to the report. Perry emphasized that complainants McGee and Hassan did not make their statements under oath — a decision which played a role in determining his conclusions, he said in the report.

According to Perry’s report, five types of allegations were made against Singh, and the allegations regarding document falsification and the creation of a hostile work environment were found to be unsubstantiated by the testimonies provided by Singh’s other employees and by the findings of audits conducted by the Office of the County Comptroller.

As for other allegations made

by McGee and Hassan, Perry asserts they could not be substantiated.

“It is this writer’s opinion that a number of the allegations were based upon the fact that Ms. McGee and Ms. Hassan had a very different view of what the best practices, policies and procedures of the OCPA should have been,” Perry wrote. “While the policies, practices and procedures of any governmental office, including the OCPA office, are governed by state and county laws and rules, a number of practices are left up to the discretion of the elected official.”

Multiple attempts to reach Jill Schwartz, a Winter Park lawyer representing McGee and Hassan, were unsuccessful.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Congrats, graduate!

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

R

eese Domond donned his black cap and gown May 24, like all the other classmates ready to graduate from Olympia High School. But the graduating senior had to settle for watching the Amway Center ceremony via live feed from his room at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, in St. Petersburg.

Domond currently is undergoing chemotherapy treatments and was forced to skip his graduation.

But his mother, aunt, uncle and grandparents made sure he didn’t miss everything. They surprised the 19-year-old with his cap and gown, a copy of his graduation program, balloons and a sign that read “Proud home of an Olympia High graduate.”

The hospital staff provided signs and “Pomp and Circumstance.”

“I was shocked and surprised when I saw my family walk in,” Domond said. “Then I became very emotional knowing they all came out to be with me on my graduation night.”

Along with his cap and gown, Domond wore bright yellow hospital socks and slides, and with a big smile on his face, he proudly carried one of the signs and walked through the hospital hallways in his own private ceremony.

Nancy Bardoe, Olympia’s media specialist, sent Domond a link so he could live stream the ceremony.

“She also made sure that my picture would be displayed and that my name would be called out just like all the other graduates,” he said.

Were there lots of cheers from the audience?

“I am not sure, because when my name was called out, my family in the hospital room shouted out loud,” he said. “Theirs was all I heard.”

He admits he was sad knowing he couldn’t enjoy graduation with his friends and classmates, but he understands his health must come first.

Domond was born with cardiomyopathy and had a heart transplant when he was 5 months old.

His older sister, Bianca, was diagnosed with the same disease in 1997, four months after she was born, and she died that same year.

Last December, Domond started feeling pain in his stomach and neck. By January, one side of his neck was so swollen that he sought medical attention. Doctors sent him for blood work and an ultra-

about 3,500 square feet. … Starbucks will take the northerly end cap. They’ve got a drive-thru, and they are about 2,300 square feet.”

Between the Starbucks and First Watch will be a 3,000-squarefoot nail salon and spa, Boyd said.

In addition to the eateries, a Sweetwater Car Wash opened recently, and another car-care business is slated to open soon.

“There’s an outparcel that’s just south of the Sweetwater Car Wash that is under construction, and that will be an Action Gator Tire location,” said Kevin Meredith, sales and leasing representative for Boyd Development.

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Kim Kowske, kkowske@OrangeObserver.com Rich Osterhaudt, rosterhaudt@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

Courtesy photo

“I was shocked and surprised when I saw my family walk in. Then I became very emotional knowing they all came out to be with me on my graduation night.”

— Reese Domond

sound at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, in Orlando, followed by a consultation with his cardiologist in St. Petersburg.

Tests determined he had nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, and the cancer was in his neck, lungs and intestinal wall. He said doctors told him his antirejection medications caused the Post Transplant Lymphoma Disorder.

The graduate has been undergoing treatments since late January.

The last few months have not been easy, because the treatments have not been successful in his intestines, he said.

“During the last two months of school, I had been experiencing unbearable pain where I could not eat and sleep,” Domond said. “A CT scan on May 17 revealed that I had a perforated bowel. I underwent surgery on May 18 to fix that and also remove about eight inches of my small intestine to analyze the lymphoma that was not reacting to the treatments I had been undergoing for the past five months.”

It has been tough juggling serious health issues and his school.

He learned most of the material in Honors Statistics and AP Macroeconomics on his own, he said.

His aunt visited once a week and helped him with his work for six to eight hours at a time.

Several of his teachers created a plan for the spring semester, and others helped emotionally.

Domond started a new treatment the day after graduation.

His summer plans are to rest and continue his cancer battle before attending Santa Fe College and then transferring to the University of Florida, both in Gainesville, to study business.

Domond and his mother, Robin Morin, live in Gotha.

What’s coming to Lakeside?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

WINDERMERE

“The permits have all been filed and all that, so they’re well along the way.”

Adjacent to the Lakeside Village Center sits the Westside Shoppes, which is being developed by Unicorp National Development Inc. Restaurants coming soon to the Westside Shoppes include Little Greek Grill, Adena Farms Grill & Market and Keke’s Breakfast Cafe. A number of other restaurants — including Flippers Pizzeria, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Tijuana Flats and Gator’s Dockside — are open.

Among the restaurants that have recently opened at the Westside Shoppes is Toasted: Crafted Grilled Cheese & Burgers, which

opened in late April.

Toasted is a fast-casual restaurant that focuses reimagining an iconic staple of American cuisine: the grilled-cheese sandwich.

Although Toasted’s simple menu focuses on two entree categories — grilled cheese and burgers — the options within those categories offer a wide arrangement of flavors that would please any palette. Toasted also offers French fries and roasted tomato soup.

Toasted was founded by Jeffrey Yarmuth and his daughter in 2013. The first location is in Winter Park and others are located in Lake Nona and near the University of Central Florida.

CONTACT US

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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SEND US YOUR NEWS

Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.

POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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ARTS + CULTURE

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

Jason Swaby creates iconic characters out of perler beads. He doesn’t use any stencils when he creates his perler pieces.

OUTSIDE THE ‘BLACK BOX’ Jason Swaby has suffered through homelessness, racial discrimination and even injury. But he never gave up on his art.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

B

etween homelessness, racial discrimination and an injury that permanently damaged his right hand, saying Jason

Swaby has suffered for his art would be an understatement.

Through the hardships Swaby has faced, he’s always kept a positive attitude and his faith in God.

SEE PAGE 6

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Jason Swaby painted this piece while living in The Bronx. During his brush with homelessness, he stored this piece at a friend’s home. The friend tried to steal it, but Swaby stole it back.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Our newest Schwab branch, now open in Clermont. of our new Independent Branch in Clermont.

Financial guidance you can trust is now just around the corner. Drop by our local branch and see how we can support you.

Come in and pull up a chair.

Or call (352) 404-5238.

50

50

Holl

yB

erry

Hancock Road

1600 Hancock Road Ho oks Str eet

Michael S. Wytiaz, CFP ® Independent Branch Leader and Financial Consultant Clermont Independent Branch 1600 Hancock Road, Suite C Clermont, FL 34711 (352) 404-5238 schwab.com/clermont Windermere Independent Branch 4848 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. Suite 204 Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 909-0485 schwab.com/windermere

Circ

le

Bond Street

©2018 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) All rights reserved.

Member SIPC. MWD101534-14 (1211-8090) (6/18)

Publish date:

June 28, 2018 Ad Deadline date: June 13, 2018 Size (Tab Size) Cover Pages 10.25”w x 11.125”d................... $800.00 Full Page 10.25”w x 11.125” d ........................ $700.00 Half Page Horizontal 10.25”w x 5.5”d ........ $400.00 Half Page Vertical 5” wx 11.125”d................ $400.00 1/4 Page 5”w x 5.5”d .......................................... $300.00 1/8 Page 5”w x 2.15”d ....................................... $200.00 (Full Color Included)

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Holly Berry Circle

This year’s Spirit of America will honor our local heroes — including those who have served or currently are serving in the U.S. military, as well as their families. Their stories and their willingness to fight for our freedom, embodies the true Spirit of America.

Phone: (321) 695-1283 Email: ziggymon2015@ yahoo.com Instagram: the_gatekeeper_ sway Commissions: Call, email or find Swaby at Lucky Straws Boba Tea of Winter Garden at 13750 W. Colonial Drive, Unit 260.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Swaby, 35, grew up in The Bronx in New York City and moved to Winter Garden about six years ago.

He specializes in painting, drawing and freehand creating iconic characters of out perler beads. One of the biggest inspirations behind his artwork is his love for Japanese anime and manga, which are Japanese comic books.

“My goal is to have my own manga,” Swaby said, adding that he already has two mangas in the works. “I love anime. I love to draw.

If I had a choice, I’d do it 24/7.”

EARLY HARDSHIPS

Swaby has been drawing since he was a child. By age 10, he picked up a paintbrush and became a student of Bob Ross thanks to the magic of television. He discovered anime when he was 12 and has loved it ever since.

He has lived his whole life breaking down the walls of what he calls “the black box.” He describes that box as the racial stereotypes commonly associated with young black men. Throughout his life, that box has isolated him from the credit that he’s deserved for his art — with one experience occurring at an early age.

“My mother tried to get me into art schools, but the art teachers told her … no,” Swaby said. “They thought that I didn’t paint (my work). They thought my mother painted them.”

Although he wasn’t accepted into an art school, Swaby kept creating art.

“I ain’t black enough for the black artist, and I ain’t white enough for the white artist, but I’m cool enough for my anime crowd,” he said. “They don’t care about color.

They just want to see cool art, and that’s all that matters for me.”

Despite the discrimination, Swaby smiles and laughs as he looks back at it because he sees it all as part of God’s plan for him.

“It’s so funny,” Swaby said. “It happens a lot, you know, but I think that’s the beauty of it. That’s why God designed me as an artist, because it shows people you never know who’s an artist.”

Swaby hit a major setback in his

early 20s when he injured his right hand. The damage was permanent.

“I can’t close my right hand,” Swaby said. “I got my hand smashed in a door.”

But not even that injury stopped him from making art. If anything, it made him a stronger artist as he trained himself to use his left hand while simultaneously rehabilitating his right.

“I had to sneak my hand out of the cast and rehabilitate my hand to draw,” Swaby said. “I started drawing with my left (hand) … because I couldn’t make a fist (with my right) for a little while.”

He now uses both of his hands to create his art.

BRUSH WITH HOMELESSNESS

In addition to art and anime, Swaby is a passionate inline skater. At age 27, he was a sponsored skater who also managed a skate shop in The Bronx. The shop did not get a lot of business, but his passion for skating kept him there.

“The skate shop was failing,” Swaby said. “It wasn’t making money. … But I kept working there to the point where they weren’t even paying me, and I lost my apartment. I was homeless for two years.”

He hid the fact that he was homeless. He was too embarrassed to tell anyone — including his boss and mother. He used to sleep under a stairway of a building he grew up in, or he would stay with friends.

Eventually, his mother found out about his living conditions and stepped in to help. That’s when Swaby moved to Florida.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Swaby came to Winter Garden after he got accepted into Full Sail University. However, he did not attend because he could not afford the $80,000 tuition. Instead, he got a job at the 7-Eleven at the corner of West Colonial and Winter GardenVineland Road. While working at the 7-Eleven, he started creating his perler bead pieces.

He took about 150 perler bead pieces to his first Megacon Convention in Orlando in 2015, and they sold out. That convention made him fall in love with the area, and he decided to stay in town.

Since then, he has worked as a scenic and commercial painter at Walt Disney World for more than two years. Today, he can be found at Lucky Straws Boba Tea of Winter Garden working on his art. On Saturdays, he teaches a paint class at Paint Sip and Swirl.

“I’m sitting here as living proof of (you should) never quit,” Swaby said.

This section will also have a comprehensive calendar of July 4 celebrations in Central Florida.

Reaching 285,000 in print and online throughout Orange County and on www.OrangeObserver.com

You. Your Neighbors.

Your Neighbohood.

ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call us at 407-656-2121 or Email us at advertisenow@wotimes.com or subscribe@wotimes.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

All night long!

D exter’s of Windermere took its patrons back in time on Saturday, June 2, by throwing an 80sthemed party.

Dexter’s hosted the party in honor of the restaurant’s fourth anniversary. Restaurant staff put on their best ‘80s costumes, as did some customers.

Partygoers enjoyed an evening of live ‘80s music, dining, drinking and dancing.

Brooke and Dean DiRoma had a blast on the dance floor.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

Right: Micky Kurup, left, and Chetna Borsadia wore some of their brightest colors.

Rose Lawson, left, and Farah Martinez looked great in their costumes.

Dexter’s General Manager Ryan Ferro and hostess Ambika Labban struck a pose.

Samantha Robinson, left, and Melanie Winslow wore matching colors.

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Couples boogie at 2nd Chance Prom

D

Mindy and Daniel Hungerford posed for photos in the photo booth.

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Erin Parrish and Nick Healy had a blast on the dance floor.

ozens of individuals got to relive a high-school tradition with the second annual 2nd Chance Prom Saturday, June 2, at The Breakroom coffee shop in Winter Garden.

The theme of the prom was “A Night in Paris.” Prom-goers enjoyed an evening dining, drinking, dancing and making memories.

Mindy Hungerford started the event last year as a fundraiser to raise money for a mission trip to Uganda with Watoto Ministries. The ministry provides aid to abandoned women and children in Uganda.

“I knew I had to go,” Hungerford said. “I just felt called to go and work in their orphanage.”

Hungerford added that Watoto Ministries has hired her to handle its social media accounts and now funds her mission trip. Funding from this year’s prom — and future ones — will go toward paying for life-saving supplies.

“People in the community who came (to the prom) last year had such a great time,” Hungerford said.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

• • • SHOW DATES, TIMES & PRICES • • • FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH BUFFET 6:00 SHOWTIME 7:30

SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH BUFFET 12:30 SHOWTIME 2:00

SUNDAY, JUNE 10TH BUFFET 5:30 SHOWTIME 7:00

Isaac Folch helped warm up the FREE DAPS crew.

Rap crew freestyles at Windermere library

A tribute to Pops most legendary performers, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers and The Beatles. Just Us Orlando Productions presents Cirque e Musica – “Legends” featuring performers from Disney, Universal, Sea World and Broadway to keep you entertained with their great Vocals, Dance, and Acrobatic performances accompanied by the “Award Winning” Solid State Band. The second half of our show is a live tribute to The Beatles performed by one of the most amazing Beatles tribute bands in the business, The Jukebox, from Puerto Rico. This band has thrilled audiences all over the world with their note-perfect renditions of Beatles’ songs. Now See Them Live! Cirque e Musica – Legends is an amazing one of a kind show that will keep your feet tapping and your mind reminiscing.

Groups of 8 or more and children under 12 yrs $44.95 + tax Use discount code: Observer for an additional online discount of $3.

At the door Single ticket $52.00 + tax

Groups of 8 or more and children under 12 yrs $47.00 + tax

Our Delicious Menu: • Garden Salad • Prime Rib with Au Jus • Herbed Baked Chicken • Eggplant Parmesan • Seasoned Vegetables, Herbed Rice • Macaroni & Cheese • Bread & Butter, Dessert

Get your tickets on line at www.ShowcaseWG.com Showcase Winter Garden, 12100 W Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL For more information all 407-347-9914 or email showcaseWG@gmail.com

A Starbucks card inspired a verse of Hugo Hunte’s rap.

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You. Your Neighbors.

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We will publish this glossy magazine on Thursday, July 25th. The Guide will reach over 300,000 readers through West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer and online at www.OrangeObserver.com.

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ood fights, name rhyming and rap improvisation were just a few of the things the FREE DAPS rap crew brought to the Windermere Public Library Saturday, June 2.

The group of six battle rappers, musicians and hip-hop improvisers puts on inclusive, high-energy, audience-driven shows at almost any location.

Three of the members — Isaac Folch, Hugo Hunte and Ian “S.B. The Anomoly” Hwang — brought their talents to the library to impress their audience with fun rap battles, rhyming games and more.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES DAPHNE R. MILLER DIED FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018.

Daphne R. Miller, 50, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away on June 1, 2018. She was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Nov. 16, 1967.

Daphne was an accomplished pianist and a music teacher. She had served as the Contemporary Service worship leader for Oakland Presbyterian Church at one time. She is a member of Discovery Church in Winter Garden.

Daphne enjoyed the outdoors,

boating and road trips but especially loved being with her friends and family.

Daphne is survived by her loving husband, Walton Miller; her children, Addyson Miller and Dustin

“Cremation Choices offers an affordable alternative to expensive funeral homes and cremation services in the Central Florida area.”

Miller; her father, Buddy Puckett; and her brother, Jeff Puckett.

Services were held at Discovery Church, Southwest Campus, 4064 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden. The family received friends from 3 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 3. Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Monday, June 4, at the church with interment to follow at the Winter Garden Cemetery, Winter Garden, Florida.

Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden, baldwinfairchildwintergarden.com.

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Jo and Phil Denmark, Karin and Jim Beckwith, Evelyn and Tom Strunk and Debby and Don Schmaltz traveled with the Windermere Observer on their Scandinavian cruise in the Baltic. In this photo, they stand with a Tivoli security guard in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark. The Denmarks said people found it fascinating to see the Denmarks in Denmark.

three lOcatiOns FOr M a iyOur t l a n d cOmFOrt

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Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!”

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1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • LIC #F080822

CHURCH DIRECTORY

HORIZON WEST COMMUNITY CHURCH 6121 Avalon Rd., Winter Garden Sunday 11:00 AM Contemporary Service Bilingual: Spanish and English www.horizonwestcc.com

EPISCOPAL

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CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm.

407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd.

Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

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NOW ENROLLING! PRE-SCHOOL AGES 3-6

Interested in a Montessori Education, with a Christian Worldview, for your preschool child?

Learn more now by emailing Preschool Director Ginger Allen at ginger@MatthewsHopeMinistries.org

Please come out and meet our staff and take a tour of the facility.

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740 9th St., Winter Garden, FL 34787 MatthewsHopeMinistries.org www.facebook.com/MatthewsHopeFirmFoundation/

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

SPONSORED BY

FORECAST THURSDAY, JUNE 7

High: 87 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 50%

Windermere resident Devan Mathura submitted this beautiful photo, which was taken from Mathura’s front yard.

FRIDAY, JUNE 8 High: 87 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 40%

The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@ orangeobserver. com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line.

Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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SUNRISE / SUNSET Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, June 7

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JUNE 9 High: 87 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 50%

June 20 First

June 27 Full

June 13 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, May 29

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SUNDAY, JUNE 10

Wednesday, May 30

0.86

High: 85 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 30%

Thursday, May 31

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Friday, June 1

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Saturday, June 2

0.42

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YEAR TO DATE:

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2018

.42 in.

2017 9.26 in.

2017

2.7 in.

The Big Easy Southern Brunch Buffet $3 Mimosas $5 Bloody Marys $10 Unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys

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ACROSS

32 Some deer ones 34 Scottish families 1 Like a locked gate 7 State of utter confusion 36 Absolutely amaze 39 Muddy waters 13 Address for a gentle41 Date or course words man 43 Elemental particles 16 “Ginger” soda 47 Swamplands 19 Do to do 49 NHL venue 20 Chameleon relative 21 Stereotypical grandma 52 Plan in detail 23 “Reader beware” quip 55 .001 of an inch 56 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 1) (Pt. 2) 26 Stitched together 60 Deep hatred 27 Parts of banjos 61 Chocolate morsel 28 Old Russian ruler 62 Hand over, as land 29 Recess with a dome 63 With a fresh beginning 30 Type of control

64 Go back, as to a shrink 65 Be a happy bird 66 “Here come the cops” sound 68 Banned bug killer 69 Feds’ document producer 71 Stage-dives 74 Altoids holder 75 Major U.S. network 78 Abraham’s wife 80 Best way to clear a debt 82 Princess indicator 84 Big part of an atlas 87 “Thins” cookie brand

89 Some historical periods 90 Brilliance of performance 91 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 3) 96 Lo-___ (diet type) 97 Looked searchingly 98 Oozes 99 Courtroom hopeful 100 Nerd Urkel 102 Caustics in pantries 104 Hammered on a slant 106 Eminent leader?

107 Show opening 110 Disrespectful talk

113 Bad thing to worship 115 Lie form 118 Be destructive in the streets 120 Assayer’s container 122 Overly vicious dog 126 “Reader beware” quip (Pt. 4) 130 Be in cahoots 131 Blue-pencil again 132 Acid variety 133 Attachment to sit or shoo 134 Ancient “always” 135 Groups of eight 136 Beginning stages

51 Eager and excited 53 Bit of weirdness 54 Embryos’ places 57 Alpha’s other end 58 Subject of a dress code 59 Darken under heat?

65 Like the surface of some files 67 Get off the street?

70 With face in the dirt 72 Beautiful and graceful girls 73 Sudden gush 75 Summon to the majors 76 Noisy donkey 77 Lampooning genre 78 Syrup, before becoming DOWN syrup 1 “___ that possible?”

79 Great-grandma’s neck2 Bit of soreness lace, e.g.

3 Meaty, juicy dish 81 Heretofore 4 Window rectangles 83 Sweet cold treats 5 Dodger, but not the pro 84 Fragments of circles 6 Benicio ___ Toro 85 Bucket in a car?

7 Ethiopian monetary unit 86 Destination reached by 8 Ham-and-___ (average boat Joe) 88 Completely follow a 9 On account of command 10 Backslides 92 Accepting customers 11 Hangman selection?

93 Menacing time of March 12 Distiller’s grain 94 Like way-old milk, in 13 “Bottoms up!”

Britain 14 Prefix with red 95 Previously owned 15 Spare bone?

101 78’s material 16 Resting upon 103 Aromatic pouch 17 Money in Tirana 105 Quiet work horse 18 Language in “converse” 108 Give this for that 22 See 13-Down 109 Bus token utilizer 24 Declare true 111 Shoe material of a hit 45 25 Cons on the lam 112 Bowler’s toughie 31 Homebuyer’s need, often 114 Simple, lively songs 33 Big rig 115 Scenes of action 35 ‘49 alliance 116 Unknown one of many 36 Have the financial means quotations, briefly 37 Plucked dandelions 117 Problems, as of society 38 Join the Marines 119 Rookie or newbie 40 Bloodsucking worm 121 Some amphibians 42 Soapstone, e.g.

123 Weight not counted 44 Arab League country 124 Send forth, as fumes 45 Lapel-based broadcaster 125 45s and 78s, briefly 46 Offed, as a dragon 127 Color or shade 48 Twist around an axis 128 “Hold on a ___!”

50 It meant nothing in Old 129 Lennon’s wife Rome

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“L SILDXK FPX ZLO MIOTX. L FIIG FI LF LCCXKLZFXYN... L KLK FPOXX NXZOU, XLJPF CIDFPU ZDK FXD KZNU LD ZYY.” – CIOJZD MOXXCZD “OEG KIGG YGP DK OEG ADIXR VIG YVIHEFPN ODNGOEGI OD JFHODIB.” – NGPGIVX RAFNEO R. GFCGPEDAGI, R-RVB, UWPG 6, 1944 Puzzle Two Clue: W equals U

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CROSSWORD

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Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

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6-7-18

JUNE 7, 2018

SPORTS

HIGH

Dr. Phillips Little League’s Robert Hurlock making a name for himself on the diamond. Page 12.

1

Adding to

TRADITION

5

Lexie Blair, a West Orange High School graduate and University of Michigan softball signee, was named to the roster for the East team in the Premiere Girls Fastpitch High School AllAmerican Game.

2

Eric Canavan, a rising junior forward for the Windermere High basketball team, has received his first scholarship offer. Canavan, who stands 6-foot-6, was offered by the Rollins Tars.

Photos by Steven Ryzewski

Players and coaches for the Dr. Phillips baseball team look on from the third-base dugout at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers June 2.

The Dr. Phillips baseball team’s first trip to the Final Four in 22 years is another chapter in the program’s storied history — and reflective of a proud culture.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Y

ou already know some of the names.

Johnny Damon. A.J. Pierzynski. Brian Barber.

Danny Miceli.

But there’s more to the culture and the tradition of the Dr. Phillips baseball program than its alumni who have made it to “The Show.”

In fact, if you really want to understand why head coach Mike

Bradley believes there is something special about his program, you don’t need to look any further than his staff. Starting with Bradley, the Panthers’ coaching staff is reflective of a culture that players and coaches want to stay around.

Bradley played for the Panthers from 1994-1998 before returning as a coach after his college career at Saint Leo University. Ryan Larson, a new addition to the staff this season and a part of the University of Florida’s national championship squad last summer, played for Dr. Phillips from 2009-2013. Walker Haymaker coaches catchers and hitters, has a brother — Austin — in the program, and played for the Panthers from 2008-2012. Vinnie Perrotti played in the program from 20042008 and is the junior varsity head coach.

In addition to former players SEE TRADITION PAGE 12

“For those guys to be back on the staff after playing in the program and wanting to be around it, I just think it speaks volumes about what we do and what our program is about. It’s about putting players first.”

— Mike Bradley, Head coach

The Dr. Phillips Panthers took a moment to reflect together ahead of the FHSAA Class 9A State Semifinal June 2 in Fort Myers.

Panthers end season in state semifinal STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The magic finally ran out on Dr. Phillips’ postseason run in the state semifinals.

The Panthers took on Timber Creek, a peer from Orange County’s Metro Conference, the morning of June 2 in the FHSAA Class 9A State Semifinals at Hammond Stadium, and fell 5-1 to the defending champions in 9A. Dr. Phillips (18-14) scored first but could not hold that lead.

The Wolves (22-7) scored five unanswered runs to advance to the state final, where they were defeated by the Jupiter High Warriors later that day.

“We’ve got a gritty group, and the ball just didn’t bounce our way,” head coach Mike Bradley said. “We competed all game, at the mound and at the plate. ... It’s been a great run.”

The Panthers got on the board in the bottom of the fourth after Brandon Fields and August Haymaker earned walks to lead off the at-bat. When a passed ball advanced the runners to second and third with no outs, Dr. Phillips seemed primed for a big inning.

Then, Will Sullivan grounded out to the first baseman, who stepped on the bag for the force out and then fired over to second base where Haymaker — who had been caught between bases — was tagged out. Fields scored during the exchange, but Bradley said SEE PANTHERS PAGE 12

File photo

3

Olympia High boys water polo standout Luke Carey has been named the Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Water Polo Player of the Year for 2018. Carey helped lead the Titans to the program’s first state championship.

4

The Stetson University baseball team won the DeLand Regional it hosted this past weekend to open the NCAA Baseball Tournament. As a result, the Hatters will face North Carolina in a Super Regional at Chapel Hill. The matchup features rosters with a handful of local players.

Stetson includes Kirk Sidwell (Olympia) and Dee Shelton (West Orange) and UNC includes Austin Bergner (Windermere Prep) and Tyler Baum (West Orange).

5

West Orange alum Austin Gomber did not see any action the first time he was recalled by the St. Louis Cardinals from Triple-A Memphis — but he did the second time he was summoned to “The Show.” Gomber, a left-handed pitcher, made his Major League Baseball debut June 2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Gomber was called into a close ballgame as a relief pitcher and recorded three shutout innings, striking out two batters.

12

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Panthers

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILLSTATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Robert Hurlock Robert Hurlock moved to Florida within the past few years, but already he is making a strong impression at Dr. Phillips Little League and for his travel team, Pro4mer. Pro4mer coach James Parr said that, in addition to having a good arm on the mound, Robert has displayed fantastic character and a go-getter determination.

“Perhaps my favorite thing about (Hurlock) is he is determined and he works on his own, at home, without being told to do so by his parents,” Parr said.

How did you get started in baseball?

I’ve been playing baseball since I was 3. I got started because my mom said, “You have to play a sport.” I started out with baseball, basketball — I tried soccer.

Baseball just stuck out to me, and I started to enjoy pitching, mainly.

Tell us about the pitches you have available and what you’re working on.

I got a fastball, a change-up and a curveball. The curveball is pretty nice. I’m working on improving the curveball.

What is some good baseball advice you have received?

Rick Asadoorian is always like, “Stay calm and stay relaxed.”

He says that as long as you know what you’re supposed to do, you’ll do it right.

What is your favorite baseball memory so far?

When I won a (10-and-under) state championship in Indiana — that was huge. … Everyone was so happy.

MEET THE TEAM The 2018 Dr. Phillips High School Baseball team includes:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

afterward trading two outs for one run was less than ideal.

“We were happy to get on the board but knew it wasn’t going to be enough,” Bradley said.

It was only a half-inning later, in the top of the fifth, when the Wolves’ bats came alive. Timber Creek pushed across two runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth, creating a hole that was too deep for the Panthers.

Starting pitcher Cort Roedig was pulled after allowing two runs, three hits and striking out four in 4 2/3 innings of work.

Logan Bryan pitched the final out of the fifth inning and the entire sixth, surrendering three runs on three hits and an error, and Mitchell Stockwell pitched the seventh inning.

“Cort was battling his tail off all game — he threw a heck of a game,” Bradley said.

At the plate, the frustration mounted for Dr. Phillips over the innings, as Panther hitters could not find the holes while trying to solve Timber Creek starting pitcher Bret Neilan.

Neilan, who pitched a complete game for the win, struck out just six Panthers, but got ground balls and pop outs seemingly every time he needed one.

The game originally was scheduled to have taken place a day earlier, at 4 p.m. June 1. At

THE BASICS Age: 13 School: Windy Ridge Hometown: Flora, Indiana Position(s): P, 3B, 1B Throws/hits: Right Height: 6 feet Travel team: Pro4mer

Coming to Florida from Indiana, what are the differences in the level of play?

It wasn’t as competitive over there. Over there, it was more of the coach’s son and their friends that got to play. Over here, they don’t care — they want everyone to get their chance.

What are your goals that you’re working to achieve in baseball?

I’m hoping by next year, I’ll be throwing in the low 80s. And then just to get better in fielding and hitting.

What is your favorite class at Windy Ridge?

Technology, probably, taught by Mr. (Michael) Cohen. You get to mess around with technology and see all the cool things you can do with code. We use Google Drive a lot to mess around with the aspects of it. It helps me a lot with projects and other classes.

Tradition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Do you have any other hobbies besides baseball?

Basketball, and I play a little bit of other sports on the side, but nothing major.

who have returned, there are additional staffers who have been around for years.

Infield coach Mike Barefoot — a former head coach and, at one point, Bradley’s middle-school P.E. teacher — was part of the program’s original staff. So was Dino Lanatti, the program’s pitching coach. John Perrotti, Vinnie’s father, watched his son in the stands before becoming the program’s announcer. He currently is a coach who helps with the junior varsity team and works with the outfielders on the varsity team.

Last — but certainly not least, when you consider he is the namesake for the field the program plays on — is John Barbati.

A snowbird who has been a staple within the program as a volunteer coach since the early 1990s, Barbati had the field

What else do you do with your free time?

I watch YouTube. I like comedy.

Who do you think will win the NBA Finals?

I had wanted the Rockets to win, but they got out, so probably Cleveland.

What is your dream car?

Lamborghini. An Aventador. It would be one of the pearlescent colors they do.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would probably want to go somewhere in the tropics and just chillax — Hawaii or something.

Family.

Family.

Friends.

Friends.

Community.

Community.

Raymond Negron, August Haymaker*, Mitchell Stockwell, Jorden Peace*, Joshua Arent*, Jacob Hartman, James Hurst, Stephen Luttrell*, Derek Arroyo, Sebastian Oetterer*, Christopher Bryan, Cort Roedig*, Casey Carns, Hamzah Nobles*, Colin Cantwell, Jesus Garcia Chirinos*, Brandon Fields, Tyler Hartman*, Diego Garcia Chirinos, Will Sullivan, Eric Leon Gil*, Alexander Warren*

Steven Ryzewski

August Haymaker, left, and junior varsity head coach Vinnie Perrotti chat before the state semifinal.

about 3 p.m. that day, the preceding game — a Class 8A State Semifinal between St. Thomas Aquinas and George Jenkins — entered a weather delay that lasted about five hours.

As a result, the game between the Panthers and Wolves was rescheduled to 9 a.m. June 2.

“It took a toll, but at the same time, these guys are conditioned for that,” Bradley said of waiting. “The guys all play travel baseball, so they’ve gotten up and played at eight in the morning.”

The defeat ends a season of ups — and downs — for Dr. Phillips. After starting the campaign with five consecutive wins, the Panthers lost 10 of 14 games. The team seemed to gel just in time for the district tournament, which it entered as the No. 5 seed.

Wins in the play-in round and

the district semifinal that week set the stage for a run through the regional playoffs.

“We went into the playoffs, and people doubted us — but we didn’t doubt each other,” senior August Haymaker said.

“We were ready to go.”

Although the Panthers will lament some missed opportunities during their trip to the Final Four, the team and its coaches have the distinction of returning the program to a state semifinal for the first time since 1996.

“I’m just extremely proud of all of my guys,” Bradley said.

“They competed to the very end.”

dedicated in his honor in 2006.

He helps with the catchers and baseball operations.

Taken as a whole, it’s a staff whose makeup has few peers in Central Florida or the state.

“For those guys to be back on the staff after playing in the program and wanting to be around it, I just think it speaks volumes about what we do and what our program is about,” Bradley said. “It’s about putting players first.”

Before this season, the program had made it to a state semifinal twice before — in 1991, when the program was just a few years old, and in 1996, when it won its state championship.

Despite a long list of graduates who have gone on to play in college — including every alumnus on the coaching staff mentioned above — the Final Four drought of more than two decades made the Panthers’ regional-championship win a momentous occasion.

Praise and compliments from

former players and others associated with the program poured in during the days that followed, and many made the trip to Fort Myers June 1 and waited in the rain for a state semifinal game that eventually was rescheduled for the next morning.

“There are several alumni who were in the stands yesterday and waited it out until they called the game — they were here for six hours,” Bradley said.

None of this is lost on the players, either.

August Haymaker, the Panthers’ starting shortstop and a graduating senior bound to play college ball at North Carolina State, said one of the most disappointing aspects of the team’s state semifinal loss to Timber Creek June 2 is wanting to win for those who came before.

He added he is thankful to have been part of the program’s story.

“I’m proud to say the least — DP is all about tradition,” Haymaker said. “I’m honored to be part of this program.”

*— graduating seniors

You. Your Neighbors.

Your Neighborhood.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

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YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept.

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Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905.

For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition.

Today, that changes.

Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper.

For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

13

Feeling-out process underway as Squeeze begin 2018 campaign Five college players with local ties will take the field for the Florida League’s Winter Garden franchise this summer.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES June 8 vs. DeLand June 11 and 13 vs. Sanford June 15 vs. Winter Park

STEVEN RYZEWSKI

LOCAL TIES ON ROSTER

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

The season has just begun for the Winter Garden Squeeze — the team has played two games, splitting a series with the Seminole County Scorpions — and, already, Jay Welsh has seen plenty from his roster.

“I’ve seen good, bad and ugly,” Welsh joked after Winter Garden’s home-opener June 2.

Welsh’s ballclub started the season June 1 with a 5-1 win on the road against Seminole County before turning around and being soundly defeated at home by the Scorpions June 2, 9-4.

It is Welsh’s third year at the helm for Winter Garden, and this season already has a different feel. As opposed to his first two seasons, when the roster featured a heavy concentration of players with roots in Winter Garden, Windermere and other areas in West Orange, there is less of that connection now. The Squeeze have welcomed in more players who do not have local ties and will be staying with host families.

“This is the first year where I don’t know a lot of the kids,” Welsh said. “The first two weeks is a feeling-out process, seeing

n Ryan Ashworth, P (Flagler College) — West Orange High n Jordan Morrow, P/3B (College of Central Florida) — Olympia High n Ryan Welsh, P (Undecided) — West Orange High n Drenis Ozuna, 2B/OF (Connors State) — Olympia High n Matt Morgan, OF/IF (Manhattan College) — Windermere native

what they can and can’t do.”

Accordingly, Welsh — a pitching coach during the collegiate regular season at Lake-Sumter — has rolled out a new “platoon” format for his position players to make sure each position player sees playing time in each game.

“I’ve got 13 position players and 15 pitchers,” Welsh said. “The 13 position players, I’ll do a five (inning) and four (inning split), and I’ll rotate that through. I like when a kid knows that he’s going

Steven Ryzewski

Olympia High alum Jordan Morrow rounded second base during a home game for the Squeeze June 2.

to come to the ballpark and, at some point, he’s going to be in the game.”

In addition to getting each player some action and keeping with the spirit of the Florida Collegiate Summer League — helping players improve for their college programs and get them exposure in front of scouts — the format has allowed Welsh to evaluate nearly

every player in a short amount of time.

“These first two games — everybody has played,” Welsh said. “I’ve seen every arm except for the kids (who) aren’t here.”

This is the fifth season for the Squeeze in the FCSL, and Welsh and General Manager Adam Bates are hopeful that in addition to providing a good experience for

the players they have brought to Winter Garden, the ballclub can make a little noise in the postseason — and perhaps make it to the championship game for the first time.

“Overall, we have enough pieces to have another solid year and hopefully make a run at the end,” Welsh said.

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Inside Shaq’s shack Former basketball star Shaquille O’Neal is selling his 31,000-square-foot home for $28 million.

Asking price

12

Bedrooms

15

BLACK TIE EDITOR

I

t’s only fitting that Shaquille O’Neal’s supersized house would be

retrofitted with Super-

Bathrooms

man’s touch here and there.

31,000

After all, the former bas-

Square feet of living space

ketball star borrowed one

3

of his nicknames from the

Linear acres of property

95 feet

superhero.

What’s more, Shaq’s

Length of pool and spa

31,000-square-foot home,

15 feet

located on three linear

Depth of pool

1,170

Square footage of great room

6,000

Square footage of basketball court

The master retreat is located in its own wing and includes the 900-square-foot master bedroom, walk-in closet and a fireplace.

acres along Lake Butler in Windermere’s Isleworth community, could be yours — for $28 million.

SEE PAGE 22

The home includes a 6,000-square-foot indoor basketball court.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

Metropolis mansion The house was built in 1990, but property records show that O’Neal bought the home in 1993 for $3.5 million.

And in his 24 years of ownership, he certainly made it his own.

Listed for sale only three weeks ago, Shaq’s home — located at 9927 Giffin Court — has 12 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and four partial bathrooms. The custom estate is situated in such a way that nearly every room in the house has a view of the Butler Chain of Lakes.

In the foyer, a double-curved staircase leads to the second floor and guides guests to the great room or living room.

“The living room is over 1,100 square feet, and it’s two stories, so it’s massive,” said Danial Natoli, the representing agent with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

“You can have events in there and almost do anything, but it’s still comfortable. There’s only a few houses I know in Orlando that have a grand room like that.”

The great room also has built-in sofas, a two-story marble fireplace, wood beams with large corbels and a glass wall that provides a view of Lake Butler.

Large, open doorways, warm color tones and hand-crafted wood paneling and moldings throughout add detail to the house. There are also three fireplaces, two-story ceilings, a media room, a walk-in humidor, wine-and-cigar cellar, custom chef’s kitchen, ancient Egypt-themed room with a saltwater fish tank and more.

The 17-car garage boasts showroom details, perfect for the avid car

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collector. And it wouldn’t be Shaq’s house without a 6,000-squarefoot indoor basketball court, adorned with the Superman logo.

Outside, there is a 95-foot-wide, 15-foot-deep pool with a rock-wall waterfall, summer kitchen, covered cabana and 10-foot privacy wall.

“The pool, the outside (in general) is tremendous,” Natoli said.

“You feel like you’re at a resort, and the pool and spa together is about 95 feet long. (Shaq) has a beautiful, large, rock-waterfall feature that you can walk up and jump off of, and it really feels like a private resort back there.”

Other highlights include gated entry, full-house Crestron technology and a second garage that contains a dance studio, recording studio and more car space.

Shaq’s home also comes with a private boat dock, although the Superman statue might not be included.

AMENITIES n Balcony n Built-in vacuum n Dock n Fireplace in master bedroom n Gated community n Indoor basketball court n Live water n Media room/home theater n Outdoor pool n Pool n Sprinkler system n Three fireplaces n Walk-in closets n Wet bar

SUPERMAN’S TOUCH

Although not all of Shaq’s Superman features will remain after the home is sold, there are some details engrained with the basketball star’s affinity for the superhero.

Natoli said there are some Superman details inside the iron railings and steel appliances, as well as logos etched into some mirrors and glass doors. Other things, such as Superman-themed light fixtures and removable logos and accents, will move along with Shaq.

In 2003, Shaq’s mansion was featured on the show “MTV Cribs,” where he showed off his master retreat. This is the wing dedicated entirely to the master suite, which includes a large walk-in closet, 900-square-foot bedroom and an oversized, Superman-themed bed.

Additionally, a full-size Superman

There are two garages on the property, and one is a 17-car showroom garage.

statue keeps watch on the horizon from the private dock.

“This is the only location in Isleworth that’s on the most private street in a linear three acres,” Natoli said. “The majority of the house is nice and long. Just about every room has beautiful views of the lake and sunsets. You just can’t buy that in Orlando anymore.”

Natoli added there has been

interest from potential buyers spanning from Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to Miami and even China.

“I think (this house) is going to be really for some type of retired athlete or CEO/business owner who could live there but also use it as a retreat,” Natoli said. “I could go on and on, there’s so many features to this (house).”

OWN SHAQ’S HOME The basketball star’s massive estate carries a $28 million price tag. For more information and photos, see the listing at bit.ly/2HiPfCN or contact agent Danial Natoli at (407) 595-8395.

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Offered at: Looking for$24a The builder G to hire Be sure IN ND keep YO will E P

316 Charleston Pl Celebration

789 Celebration Ave Celebration

MLS # S4815324 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft Townhouse with 2 car garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

MLS # S4814 2 bed 2.5 bath 1 Town Center C

Offered at: $1,325,000

MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft End unit Water St condo

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

7534 Pointe Venezia Dr Orlando MLS #: S4816009 6 bed 5 bath 4354 sq ft Pool & Spa, Private Dock & boat lift on Sand Lake

MLS # S4816524 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 3 car garage

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage

Single Family Home in Davenport 5 Bed/4.5 Bath/2,820 Sq Ft Offered at $349,000 MLS# O5561627

908Offered Waterside Dr at: $409,000 Celebration

MLS # S4810230

Lake Buena Vista Resort 1400 Celebration Ave # 406 2 Bed/2 Bath/1,060 Sq Ft Celebration ED C MLS # S4810230 DU RE Offered at $210,000 2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage MLS# S4854310 Offered at: $219,900

U

DS4815468 MLS # REbath 1460 sq ft 3 bed 2 Elevator building with 1 car garage Offered at: $296,000

D RE

MLS # S4815324 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft Townhouse with 2 car garage

1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration

1009 Orange Cosmos Blvd.

316 Charleston Pl Celebration

1209 Downey Place Offered at: $209,000 Celebration

949 Westpark # 207 Offered at: $415,000 Offered at: $ 579,000 Celebration MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property

2019 Dixie Belle Drive Unit #2019

910 Spring ParkDSt # 202 E Celebration C

ED

ED

UC

D RE

720 Celebration A Celebratio

Offered at: $149,900

IN

C

DU

RE

MLS # S4818193 1 bed 1 bath 882 sq ft Lowest priced condo in downtown Celebration

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MLS #the S4727247 Take stress out of managing your 4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft property. investment MLS # S4726678 Lowest priced SFH in 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft with a garagestaff will handle everything First floor condo. 1 car garage Our Celebration highly experienced apartment Offered at: $275,000 from finding the perfect tenant to monthly rent collection and maintenance on your property.

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S Lake Sawyer Ln. Featured12636 Property Pool Home in Windermere Locally Owned and Operated Excellent Customer Service Highly Experienced Staff

931 Spring Park Loop - Celebration

5 Bed/5 Bath/4,237 Sq Ft MLS # S4817743 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 sqOffered ft under air at $1,030,000 Custom Garage, 38’x 26’ with MLS# O5703204 3 separate 9’ garage doors.

Ta

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

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LUXURY THE WAY YOU WANT IT

Toll Brothers features luxury communities in the most sought-after locations in Central Florida. Choose from elegant designs with hundreds of options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your lifestyle.

LAKESHORE Quick Delivery Homes Available!

Lakeshore is a master planned community in Horizon West featuring luxury townhomes and single-family homes, and The Lakehouse, a state-of-the-art recreation center with resort-style amenities.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

REAL ESTATE

Get hooked on great Service!

Trane Comfort Specialists. Quality Work & Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Priority Call us and catch a great deal!

407-470-7014

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE

www.DuncansACOrlando.com

276541

1319 Green Forest Ct, Suite 412 Winter Garden, FL 34787

Blair M. Johnson

realtor.com

This Isleworth home, at 9832 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold May 21, for $5.25 million. This 11,100-squarefoot estate features views of Lake Butler and direct golf course frontage on Isleworth’s 15th hole.

Attorney At Law • 407-656-5521 425 S. Dillard St. • Winter Garden, FL 34787

Isleworth estate sells for $5.23M MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

A

home in the Isleworth community in Wind-

276465

• Wills/Advance Directives • Estates • Corporation/LLC • Commercial transactions • Landlord/Tenant • Real estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu • And other matters

www.blairjohnsonlaw.com

real-estate transactions from May 21 to 31.

HORIZON WEST

ermere topped all West

The home at 9832 Laurel

Moving and can’t take it all with you?

Valley Drive, Windermere, sold May 21, for $5.25 mil-

If some pieces won’t fit in the new place, donate them to the West Orange Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

lion. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, seven baths,

We’ll pick up your gently used furniture, appliances, lamps and even the unused building materials you’ve been storing in your garage for FREE.

three half-baths, a pool

Donation Hotline: (407) 905-0406

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13369 West Colonial Drive

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

$473.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. Closed Sunday

These are the highestselling homes in each com-

Donations are tax deductible

munity in West Orange.

276091

www.westorangehabitat.org

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HARBOUR

The home at 8316 Lake Serene Drive, Orlando, sold May 25, for $539,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,998 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $180.

So local, it feels like your garage!

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9197 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold May 24, for $430,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,668 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $161.

Call Today!

ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

IN WINTER GARDEN

The home at 9102 Southern Breeze Drive, Orlando, sold May 30, for $995,000. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,276 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $233.

407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com

IN OCOEE

maguireroadstorage@cfl.rr.com

SAND LAKE POINT 276491

407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8761 The Esplanade, No. 25, Orlando, sold May 31, for $710,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,475 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $204.

Orange-area residential

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 36 years.

has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,078 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $149.

The home at 10205 Lundy Court, Orlando, sold May 25, for $460,000. Built in 1995, it

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 11428 Rapallo Lane, Windermere, sold May 21, for $465,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,036 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $153.

ENCLAVE AT WINDERMERE LANDING

The home at 6412 Swanson St., Windermere, sold May 21, for $717,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,492 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $160.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15900 Citrus Knoll Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $605,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,844 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $157.

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15767 Sweet Limetta Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 22, for $435,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,652 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $119.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 15163 Evergreen Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $420,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,711 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $113.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 7563 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold May 30, for $720,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, six-andone-half baths, a pool and 5,149 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.

MILLION-PLUS TRANSACTIONS

n The Keene’s Pointe home at 9721 Carillon Park Drive, Windermere, sold May 24, for $3.015 million. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, eight baths, two half-baths, a pool and 8,305 square feet. The price per square foot is $363. n The Isleworth home at 5165 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold May 21, for $2.675 million. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, six-andone-half baths, a pool and 6,477 square feet. The price per square foot is $413. n The Golden Oak home at 10225 Mattraw Place, Orlando, sold May 22, for $2.389 million. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 3,879 square feet. The price per square foot is $616. n The Casabella at Windermere home at 4029 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold May 24, for $2,079,261. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, a pool and 7,196 square feet. The price per square foot is $289. n The town of Windermere home at 34 Pine St., Windermere, sold May 31, for $1.92 million. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 5,413 square feet. The price per square foot is $355. n The Keene’s Pointe home at 6827 Valhalla Way, Windermere, sold May 22, for $1.3 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,257 square feet. The price per square foot is $247. n The Weatherstone on Lake Olivia home at 9600 Weatherstone Court, Windermere, sold May 30, for $1.2 million. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,111 square feet. The price per square foot is $235. n The Oxford Moor home at 5830 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold May 31, for $1 million. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 7,059 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

The home at 7599 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold May 30, for $545,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,230 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $169.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8235 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $760,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,057 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $249.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14524 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $465,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,615 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.

PROVIDENCE

The home at 13427 Fossick Road, Windermere, sold May 21, for $385,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,813 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $137.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11715 Deltic Drive, Windermere, sold May 30, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,144 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $169.

The home at 5421 Nagami Drive, Windermere, sold May 25, for $411,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,883 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $143.

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 190 High Sale Price: $5.23 million Low Sale Price: $65,000 REO/Bank Owned: Three WATERLEIGH

The home at 10303 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $594,320. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,910 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.

The home at 10327 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $522,561. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,407 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $217.

The home at 9663 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 22, for $405,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,400 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $119.

The home at 13531 Gorgona Isle Drive, Windermere, sold May 24, for $454,385. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,690 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $169.

The home at 13518 Gorgona Isle Drive, Windermere, sold May 24, for $402,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,213 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $182.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11924 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold May 31, for $430,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,922 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.

WEST ORANGE CASA DEL LAGO

The home at 7225 Sangalla Drive, Windermere, sold May 25, for $655,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,797 square

feet of living area. The price per square foot is $173.

COURTLEIGH PARK

The home at 8009 Courtleigh Drive, Orlando, sold May 25, for $528,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,055 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $173.

GLENMUIR

The home at 10957 Ledgement Lane, Windermere, sold May 25, for $439,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,788 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $157.

HAVENCREST

The home at 7684 Blue Quail Lane, Orlando, sold May 30, for $912,021. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,072 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $224.

SANDY SHORES

The home at 12036 Sandy Shores Drive, Windermere, sold May 22, for $650,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,120 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $580.

WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 2113 Grove Point Lane, Windermere, sold May 29, for $490,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,830 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $173.

WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 9489 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold May 29, for $549,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,319 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $165.

WINDERMERE CLUB

The home at 2936 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold May 24, for $550,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,137 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.

WATERMARK

The home at 9387 Trinana Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 25, for $630,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,831 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $164.

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8337 Torcello Isle Drive, Windermere, sold May 24, for $460,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,987 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.

Register to win

$2000.00

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business Celebrating Ribbon Cutting of Hawkers Asian Street Fare

T

heWest Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadorsheld a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hawkers Asian Street Fare, located at 9100 Conroy Windermere Rd, Ste 110 in Windermere. In 2011, the Hawkers founders took a chance. What they knew was that there was nothing else like it. What they didn’t know was if today’s restaurant-goer was ready for it. Inspired by their travels to Asia and memories of growing up, they craved the unapologetic flavors of true Asian food—dumplings with bounce, spicy curries, crisp pork belly, and the list goes on. To learn more, visit eathawkers.com Photo courtesy of WOCC.

For more information about joining the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, call 407-656-1304 or visit wochamber.com

of Air.o Unified Soft Carpet Hypoallergenic Soft Flooring

Tell us why you need Air.o Hypoallergenic Carpet Register to win: Email or Log on to our facebook page and tell us! email: contest@orangeobserver.com or www.facebook.com/wotimes

Contest runs from May 10 - June 28.

276745

SUMMERPORT

evistaresources.com

This Casabella at Windermere home, at 4029 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold May 24, for $2,079,261. The Villa Lago features six bedrooms, six full baths and two half-baths.

WINTER GARDEN 731 S Dillard St., Unit 101/103 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-410-8998

MINNEOLA 301 E Washington St. Unit F Minneola FL 34715 352-394-0303

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*Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be a resident of Lake County or Orange County. Observer Media Group will Choose the winner.

S Premi Pu

274380

The home at 9276 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 22, for $505,408. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,074 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $164.

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The home at 6228 Lecco Way, Windermere, sold May 31, for $705,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,755 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $256.

The home at 13314 Roskin Lane, Windermere, sold May 24, for $410,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,793 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.

LATHAM PARK SOUTH

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

WATERSTONE

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The townhouse at 8742 European Fan Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 25, for $437,495. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,581 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $170.

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2018

WHEN YOU BUY

NEW

WE PAY YOUR

CLOSING COSTS! *

NO CLOSING COSTS ON INVENTORY HOMES*

Closing Cost Checklist Processing Underwriting

Purchase an eligible Taylor Morrison Home in the

Appraisal w/Final Inspection

Orlando-area between June 2nd – July 31st and Taylor

Tax Service

Morrison will pay your closing costs.* Don’t miss the

Flood Certificate Title Settlement Fee

opportunity to find the home of your dreams in 2018.

Lender Title Policy

Visit any Orlando-area Taylor Morrison sales center today.

Tax Certificate /State Guarantee Survey Owner’s Title Policy HOA Capital Contribution & Transfer/Disclosure Fee

TAYLOR MORRISON IS PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED AS AMERICA’S MOST TRUSTED HOME BUILDER

Recording Fees

®

THREE YEARS IN A ROW!**

State Tax Stamps

taylormorrison.com/orlando | 407.756.5025 *Limited time All Closing Cost Incentive Special Offer begins on new home contracts written as of 06/02/18 - 07/31/18 (“Promotion Period”) and is valid on the purchase of eligible select inventory homes that can close on or before 09/30/18 in all Taylor Morrison Orlando area communities except Thornbrooke (“Closing Cost Incentive”). Buyer must pre-apply with Approved Lender before submitting offer to qualify for the promotion. Seller will pay all applicable Closing Costs at Closing listed above, excluding discount points or pre-paid items other than the HOA Initiation Fees listed above that is included, which contributions will vary depending on the eligible home selected and other restrictions described below, if qualified buyer utilizes Seller’s affiliated lender Taylor Morrison Home Funding, LLC, NMLS #149227 (“Affiliated Lender”) and the Title Company was selected only through Seller (“Preferred Title Company”). Closing Cost Incentive not applicable outside of the Promotion Period, Orlandoarea or in the above excluded Taylor Morrison Orlando-area community. Closing Cost Incentive may not be combined with any other offer, unless expressly set forth in Buyer’s Purchase Agreement Documents. Total closing cost contribution credited at closing and subject to Seller’s contribution limitations based on mortgage program and loan to value guidelines that are outside of Seller’s control. All loans are subject to underwriting and loan qualification of the lender. Services not available in all states.

Rates, terms and conditions offered are subject to change without notice. Buyer is not required to finance through Affiliated Lender or to use such Title Company selected by Seller to purchase a home; however, buyer must use both such settlement services to receive the above or certain other Closing Cost incentives. In the event Buyer applies for financing with any lender other than the Affiliated Lender, or Buyer selects in its election a company other than the Title Company selected by Seller, Seller shall not be obligated to pay any portion of Buyer’s closing costs notwithstanding that such financing is provided by the Affiliated Lender or that title insurance or closing services that are provided by the Title Company selected by Seller. For more information about Affiliated Lender, its licensing and other financing information, please visit taylormorrison.com/tmhf-aba. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All incentives, pricing, availability and plans subject to change or delay without notice, and pricing may not include options, upgrades, lot or elevation premiums. Included and upgraded features will vary by home. Square footage and dimensions are estimated and may vary in actual construction. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Community Manager for additional details © May, 2018, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. CBC1257462. All rights reserved.

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