06.11.20 West Orange Times & Observer

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VOLUME 87, NO. 24

Buckeye-bound!

Windermere track star Amaya Ugarte is ready for her next step. 19.

Dr. Jeffery Redding says goodbye to WOHS. 3.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

YOUR TOWN GRADUATION SECTION AVAILABLE Thanks to Sakowitz Smiles Orthodontics Hamlin, we have enough copies of our Graduation 2020: Pomp Under the Circumstance edition for every Class of 2020 graduate in West Orange County to have one.

Veteran presence Two new deputy chiefs bring a wealth of experience to their roles at the Ocoee Police Department.

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The sections are available at the following locations: n Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden n Sakowitz Smiles Orthodontics Hamlin, 14416 Shoreside Way Suite 130, Winter Garden (call for hours)

Curfew stymies Phase 2 reopenings Amy Quesinberry

Vincent Ogburn Sr. and Chris McKinstry both have served in agencies throughout the state and country prior to taking positions with the city of Ocoee’s police department.

Neighborhoods grapple with amenities reopening ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Florida has been in Phase 2 of reopening for nearly a week, but the consensus on how and when PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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TROY HERRING AND AMY QUESINBERRY

to reopen amenities such as community pools and amenities still is mixed.

For some West Orange-area neighborhoods — such as Summerport, Waterleigh, Watermark, Orchard Hills and Orchard Park — community amenities reopened

After the first weekend of Florida’s Phase 2 reopening was hampered by an Orange County curfew implemented because of protests related to the death of George Floyd, local bar and pub owners are excited to welcome guests back at regular business hours.

The county announced Monday, June 8, it was lifting its curfew.

“Anytime we can get back to normal is a good thing,” Crooked Can Brewing Company co-founder Jared Czachorowski said. “We’ll check with this city (of Winter Garden) to make sure everything is good and …

SEE COMMUNITIES PAGE 4

SEE BARS 4

Some West Orange-area communities have been juggling the reopening of amenities with concerns for resident safety and curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

DANIELLE HENDRIX

MOVING PICTURE

Florida’s Phase 2 began June 5, which allows bars and pubs to open at 50% capacity.

West Orange couple debuts documentary on Kurdistan refugees.

SEE 15.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Ocoee PD welcomes two new deputy chiefs The two new deputy chiefs hired by the Ocoee Police Department bring 72 combined years of police experience to the agency.

Vincent Ogburn Sr. has worked with the Florida Highway Patrol and Orlando Police Department, and he served six years with the U.S. Navy.

Chris McKinstry has experience with police departments in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as several sheriff’s offices in Florida.

The deputy chief’s roles have been divided between the two men — McKinstry is in charge of criminal investigations and community events, and Ogburn handles the department’s patrol operations.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

VINCENT OGBURN SR.

Ogburn retired from the deputy chief position at Orlando Police Department to accept the role in Ocoee. One of his duties is to oversee the officers who patrol the city streets.

The Brooklyn, New York, native comes from a military family, although one brother did become a law-enforcement officer. After high school, Ogburn joined the U.S. Navy, where he spent six years as a hospital corpsman.

“I didn’t even think of being a law-enforcement officer,” Ogburn said. “I was working in a hospital and was looking to go the medical route. One day, I just thought about being a state trooper. I pushed (the idea) off, it came back, so I became a state trooper.”

He spent the first five years of his law-enforcement career with the Florida Highway Patrol, assigned to Orange and Osceola counties.

In 1996, Ogburn began a 24-year-career with the Orlando Police Department, working in

several divisions and in a variety of capacities, including as an officer for mounted patrol, motorcycle and marine patrol. He rose steadily through the department ranks, and in 2015, he was selected as the staff director for former Chief John Mina. He performed many administrative duties for Mina in times of crisis, including the Pulse nightclub tragedy.

His primary duties were to make sure the chief had everything he needed throughout the day.

In 2019, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer appointed Ogburn to the rank of deputy chief. He retired earlier this year and accepted the position in Ocoee.

Ogburn said he strives to be a positive role model in the community and is eager to make a difference in the lives of the residents and business men and women he protects.

“I think the citizens and the police department work well together as part of their model — Chief (Charles) Brown’s model of being engaged with the community and being responsive,” he said.

Ogburn and his wife, Francina, live in Winter Garden and have two sons and one daughter.

CHRIS MCKINSTRY

McKinstry’s interest in law enforcement began when he was 13.

“My mother bought me a police hat, as a gift, and that kind of sparked an interest in police work, and that’s all I’ve ever done,” he said.

The New York City native started his 43-year law-enforcement career with the New York City Police Department. His experience led him to positions with the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., and the Key West Police Department.

McKinstry served for 23 years in various capacities within the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, including command, supervisory, patrol, community affairs and narcotics. In his last assignment with the BSO, he served as chief of police for two municipalities — the town of Pembroke Park and the city of West Park. After retiring from the sheriff’s office, he was

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appointed as an assistant to Pembroke Park’s town manager.

McKinstry was police chief of Lady Lake for seven years before taking a position with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. His desire to relocate to Central Florida and to have a job with fewer pressures led him to the position with Ocoee.

“They have a pretty good machine here,” McKinstry said of the way Ocoee’s department operates.

He also was familiar with some of the Ocoee officers, having worked with them in South Florida; and he knew Chief Charles Brown. His work with other agencies has given him access to other equipment and successful programs that he may present to the Ocoee chief at some point for consideration.

“One of the things I like to bring with me as a boss (is) I want (employees) to enjoy coming to work,” McKinstry said. “We all have our tough times, but, in general, it shouldn’t be adversarial.”

McKinstry and his wife live in Sumter County, and they have a 16-year-old son.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

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FORMER STUDENTS SHARE THE LOVE A number of students featured in the “Unity” video shared their thoughts on Dr. Redding.

For more tributes, visit Orange Observer.com.

CHAD MCCLELLAN CLASS OF 2001

“I first met Dr. Redding in 1997; his first year teaching at West Orange was my freshman year of high school. I joined choir that year … and it honestly ended up changing my life.

“That’s what Dr. Redding does, he changes lives. Here I am 23 years later still working with Dr. Redding in the Orlando Choral Society, singing with him, conducting the choir at times and leading sectionals for him.”

Finale

JAMIN LEONARES CLASS OF 2004

Dr. Jeffery Redding was asked on several occasions to conduct at Epcot’s Candle Processional at Christmastime.

Dr. Jeffery Redding, the Grammy Award-winning choral director at West Orange High, spent 23 years shaping the lives of students and creating a culture of unity among them. He has accepted a new position at the University of Central Florida.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

“He changes lives.” “He was a mentor and instilled in me a passion for music and singing with feeling.” “What a blessing to have been his student at West Orange High 20 years ago.” “I learned how to feel the music, and understand the meaning behind it, because of how he directs.” “Dr. Redding has taught me to sing from the heart.”

“He is the reason why I continue to sing.”

Dr. Jeffery Redding has made an indelible impact on choral students at West Orange High School, but after 23 years, he has decided it is time for a change. He has accepted a position as director of choral activities at the University of Central Florida.

What he leaves in Winter Garden is a legacy more than two decades in the making. Hired as the choral director at West Orange when he was 27, Redding sought to unite the many cultures and races that were represented by the student body.

“I tried to create change by focusing on creating a culture that was inclusive, that accepted every-

PERFORMING “UNITY”

To watch the compilation video of dozens of Dr. Redding’s former students singing “Unity” in harmony, visit youtu.be/LMuRx3Df2DA.

one, regardless of race, regardless of social-economic status, regardless of background or talent,” he said. “I wanted to always just inspire students to be the very best versions of themselves with music and then apply that to their everyday life.”

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Unity was a recurring theme in Redding’s career at WOHS as he sought to defeat racism and prejudice. At the annual spring choir concert, his students always ended the show with a performance of the song “Unity,” first learned by Redding as a college student at Florida A&M University in memory of Augustus Pearson Jr., a professor who was like a father to him.

“We mix up, we try not to stand next to someone of the same race,” he said of the final song. “We hold hands, and we sing. That has been the theme song of West Orange for 23 years. … I took it to West Orange because of the racism and different prejudices that were going on. My thing was, uplift people, inspire people.”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close campuses in March, so Redding was unable to perform his final “Unity.” He said this has destroyed him.

So he dwells on the positive.

There are so many wonderful memories from his time at West Orange, he said: “Singing in the hallways, rehearsing, singing Christmas concerts, our choir trips, the times we laughed,

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moments of laughter and hanging out, and the talks. Absolutely great moments. The lifelong friendships (we’ve) created because of it.”

Students who have experienced a class with Redding tend to say one thing — he changed their lives.

“I attribute it to being real,” he said. “Letting them know I’m perfectly imperfect (but) I’m going to always love you and give you the best version of who I am. I was relatable.”

BUILDING A POWERHOUSE

When the students in Redding’s choirs sang, the result was something powerful, something magical. By expecting the best from his students, he produced one of the top choral programs in the country.

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“The biggest accomplishment that we have made is that we literally made a strong effort to transform people’s belief that color matters. It doesn’t. It’s about unity.”

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“When I think about the greatest thing he taught me, it has nothing to do with music. He taught me how to understand that I’ll never understand what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. He taught me unity.”

PRAY FOR UNITY

Because there was no final fanfare to celebrate Redding’s career at West Orange, his students got together virtually to create a lasting gift for their teacher. More than 50 people representing his 23 years of teaching individually recorded themselves singing “Unity” and submitted their videos to Chad McClellan and Tariq Roozitaleb.

The pair spent a month compiling video submissions and editing video and sound, and then the finished product premiered on Zoom for Redding and some of his students and their parents.

“As we concluded, Dr. Redding said, ‘Thank you for reminding me of who I am,’” McClellan said.

“Thank you for helping us discover who we were in the first place.

“Our world is literally on fire right now, and 23 years after Dr. Redding first taught us this song, we still pray for unity,” McClellan said.

Redding said he remains committed to the Garden Choir and will keep it in Winter Garden.

“I’m thankful to the West Orange community for giving the love and giving the support and believing in the dream and realizing we aren’t perfect but we believe in the process,” he said.

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AMY QUESINBERRY

His singers performed more than 30 times at state, regional and national levels of national conventions. They were invited to sing at nearly every major concert hall in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. They won international competitions in Italy in 2006 and 2018 over the top choirs around the world.

“What made it so special was it was ordinary kids doing extraordinary things,” Redding said. “We were middle class to poor kids, and that’s what makes it so special, but it goes to show that you can do anything you want if you focus on the process and not so much your situation.

“The biggest accomplishment that we have made is that we literally made a strong effort to transform people’s belief that color matters,” he said. “It doesn’t. It’s about unity. It’s about everyone has a seat at the table.”

Redding said he is so grateful to the six principals and their administrations for believing in him and supporting his program.

The accolades he has received are a testament to his talents.

He was named Orange County’s Walmart Teacher of the Year and West Orange High’s Teacher of the Year several times. Last year, he received the Grammy Music Educator Award, which is given to one teacher for his or her role in shaping students’ lives through music.

He is quick to recognize the people who were with him on this journey: Gail Mininger and Ladean Williams, who were his accompanists; and Daryl Yasay, an associate director who also conducted some of the choirs. He credited his students and their families for supporting his vision, too.

“Dr. Redding was an integral part of my high school career and experience.

“Dr. Redding has a way of making you feel accomplished when you strive for excellence.

Even today, I carry that confidence when I sing in the praise team at Church at the Cross.”

Dr. Bao Huynh

Dr. Said Malas

Dr. Usman Lone

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Observer

Communities differ on reopening CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

last month for the first time since they were closed in early March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, others, including some apartment complexes, have been erring on the side of caution as it relates to reopening and resident safety.

In the Independence community, residents took to the community Facebook page toward the end of May asking when the amenities would reopen. At the time, Independence staff said the pool area and recreational facilities would remain closed until further notice to curtail social gatherings and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Property Manager Diana Washburn told residents via Facebook the community’s board of directors would be reopening some amenities June 8, with certain restrictions. Hours for the time being are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

“All amenities will be available at a reduced capacity during business hours only — first-come, first-serve basis,” Washburn wrote. “The association will continue to monitor recommendations from federal, state and local officials as well as the legal counsel and insurance providers for the community. Future updates will be provided as these recommendations change.”

Those restrictions include a single point of entry to the pool area, reduced capacity on the pool deck, face masks required upon entry but not in the water, social-distancing signage, hand-sanitizing stations, daily disinfection cleanings and periodic monitoring for social distancing and gatherings by a pool attendant.

Additionally, residents must present a photo ID and complete a waiver each visit. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them throughout their visit.

The main fitness center, business center and arcade also will share many of the same restrictions.

In Lakes of Windermere, Homeowners Association President Jon Johnston said the board is in a tough position regarding reopening. It also has another wrench to consider: The community pool currently has a leak.

“We’ve had a tough time getting quotes on fixing the leak, so what we don’t want to do is open the pool and then close the pool,” Johnston said. “We’re in this Catch-22 here. … Our concern with the pool is to be able to comply with Orange County; it’s tough to do. It’s expensive to do — we can’t sanitize our furniture; you can’t lock it up. To hire someone (to monitor social distancing), it’d be seven days a week from sun up to sundown. It’s one of those tough things. I think the board is split on what to do.”

Another issue is that although some residents have been requesting credits on their dues, the budget remains static despite the pandemic.

“Our budget’s based on 606 homes times the quarterly dues

times four times a year,” he said.

“That’s what our budget is, and it’s dollar in, dollar out. We’re not saving any money on cleaning the pool or cutting the grass. We’re still paying all those things.”

The board never shut down the community parks or playgrounds, Johnston said, but they did remove the basketball rim and volleyball net. However, he said, people have been putting up their own volleyball nets and playing anyway. The push to reopen amenities and the pull of concern for resident safety puts the board in a tough spot, he said.

“There’s no self-policing going on, or there wouldn’t be enough without us putting someone there (at the pool), and you just can’t afford to do that,” he said. “It’s expensive. … We could afford to do it and then raise the dues next year to cover that, but that’s a lose-lose situation. It’s a position that’s not fun to be in. It’s not like we have our heads in the sand, it’s just what do you do? What is right to do? …

You just try to do what’s best.”

Bars, pubs reopen under Phase 2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

we’ll be back to normal hours, pre-COVID.” Phase 2, which began Friday, June 5, allowed bars and pubs to open at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside. However, the county curfew was the latest in a series of restrictions, said Becky Roper, who owns Pilars Martini in downtown Winter Garden.

“Friday night, a week ago — not this past weekend — the city took (the COVID-19) curfew off,” Roper said. “So Saturday, I had staff, and we were going to stay open late — we stayed open until midnight. You kind of have to groove into these things. You can’t just go back to what you used to do, unfortunately.

“So I said, ‘OK, let’s go to 12 this weekend, and then the next weekend we’ll go to 1,’” she said.

“Then on Sunday (May 31) the 10 o’clock curfew came back on and the city of Winter Garden wanted all the restaurants closed at 9 again. We literally had one night of almost late night.”

Luckily for Roper, Pilars operates as a restaurant with a bar, so she still could keep her business open, but it significantly cut

hours of operation. Last week, Pilars was open for around 20 hours, instead of the 60 hours per week pre-COVID-19. Overall, business was down about 97% in April, with the numbers in May being about the same, Roper said.

Just down the road at Crooked Can — which has been offering new ways for customers to buy its products — Czachorowski said business was somewhat slow last weekend, but it is beginning to pick up.

“Our numbers are obviously down, but they’re starting to do better,” Czachorowski said. “But first and foremost, people are really understanding of socialdistancing aspect and how important that is. We’ve got all the tables, and the whole market and brewery spread out, and people are doing a good job recognizing that.”

Although bars and restaurants continued to work around the curfew and adapt to the new changes, both Czachorowski and Roper share the same excitement about the future of getting back to full capacity.

“People are working from home and stuff, and they’re just ready to get out of the house,” Czachorowski said. “People are really

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happy that things are starting to go into recovery mode and (offer) some sense of normalcy.”

On June 3, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference to detail Florida’s Phase 2 plan.

The plan allowed restaurants to have bar-top seating, as well as permitting the bars and pubs to operate at 50% capacity inside and full capacity outside, with patrons only allowed to receive service if they are seated. All of these also require responsible social-distancing and sanitization protocols.

In addition, retail establishments and gyms were allowed to begin operating at full capacity, and personal-service businesses, such as tattoo parlors, acupuncture and massage establishments, and tanning salons, were allowed to begin operating while adhering to guidance from the Florida Department of Health. Entertainment businesses, including auditoriums, concert halls, movie theaters, bowling alleys and arcades, now can operate at 50% capacity. Parimutuel facilities, including casinos and dog tracks, must submit a request to reopen to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Such requests must include an

endorsement from the respective county mayor.

DeSantis stressed the importance of people ages 65 and older or those with underlying conditions continuing to avoid exposure to COVID-19 as much as possible.

“If you give me 1,000 infections with people under 30, the clinical consequences of that is much less likely to be severe than if we had 100 infections age 75 and above,” he said. “And so, it’s really, really important to avoid crowds and to limit exposure.”

The governor still recommends avoiding groups of 50 or more people.

A task force has been developed to create a framework to reopen Florida’s state university campuses in the fall. The plans will be presented to the governor June 23.

“Having our universities operating again is very, very important, and so we want to stress that we have confidence in their ability to come up with a good plan and move forward,” DeSantis said.

Three of Florida’s 67 counties have moved forward to Phase 2; Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties remain in Phase 1.

“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 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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O-Town Boardwalk developer seeks project change The amendment would allow Marriott to bring its vacation properties headquarters to the site.

Part of the project included a commercial space (as seen here).

But after a developer change, the space now will be used for offices.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

MEETING INFORMATION

WHEN: 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 WATCH: youtube.com/user/orangetvfl FEEDBACK: bit.ly/2MF9EH9 File photo

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The Orange County Board of County Commissioners will consider an amendment regarding the O-Town Boardwalk development in its upcoming meeting Tuesday, June 23.

The request by applicant Jim Hall, of Hall Development Services Inc., is to amend the future land-use map from Planned Development — Commercial/ Medium-High Density Residential/ Activity Center Mixed Use to Planned Development — Commercial/Office/ Medium-High Density Residential/ Activity Center Mixed Use. The applicant also requested for a waiver from Section 38-1393 of the Orange County Code to allow for a maximum height of 200 feet for non-residential development for Tract 4, in lieu of the proximity-based requirements.

“The primary change for this proposal is the addition of office,” said county planner Alyssa Henriquez in a video presentation. “The applicant is proposing a development program of 165 hotel rooms, 314,000 square feet of office uses and 50,000 square feet of commercial uses on the 7.09-acre property.”

Changing the land use to incorporate office was triggered after a developer dropped out. The space now will become the corporate headquarters for the division of Marriott that oversees its vacation properties, said Orange County Chief Planner Greg Golgowski.

“What they had before for this particular parcel was a commercial complex that was centered around a lake with fountains — kind of an attraction/commercial center,” Golgowski said. “As I understand the developer for that bailed out last fall, so they’ve been able to find Marriott to come in as a replacement, so it’ll be office.

Which is significant for the county — it’s a big employer.”

Furthermore, the applicant also asked to include a single timeshare unit, although Henriquez noted it was included as a placeholder to allow for that use to be considered on the property in the future.

No timeshare unit has been proposed for development, she said.

The property itself sits adjacent to Interstate 4 — in the southwestern portion of Orange County — and on the east side of Palm Parkway at the intersection with Darryl Carter Parkway.

The O-Town Boardwalk is a part of the 86.64-acre Hannah Smith Property Planned Development that — when completed — will have 100 hotel rooms, 120 timeshare units, 1,300 multi-family residential units and 415,142 square feet of commercial uses.

Along with the changes looking to be made, the county will consider projectrelated impacts and concerns regarding traffic, public schools, environment and development compatibility.

“When a project causes adverse transportation impacts, an applicant may have to mitigate those impacts through a negotiated agreement with the county before any permits for construction can be issued,” Henriquez said. “In this case there are several roadway segments that are failing within the project’s impact area.

“Turkey Lake Road has multiple failing segments, which include the area from Central Florida Parkway to Sand Lake Road, Vineland Avenue from State Road 535 to Little Lake Bryan, as well as Winter Garden Vineland Road — from Interstate 4 to Buena Vista,” she said. “There will be no change to the number of p.m. peak trips generated by the change in land use.”

Regarding public schools, Henriquez said because the applicant is not seeking any additional residential units, there will be no impact on schools.

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Ocoee leaders discuss when to reinstate utility late fees BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: Foundation Worship Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden (407) 730-1867 Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FoundationWorship.com Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

The City Commission also decided when it will reopen its meetings to the public.

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m.

ChurchoftheMessiah.com

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Windermere Union Church 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Windermere (407) 876-2112 Adult Worship: 9 a.m.

Sunday School: 10 a.m.

WindermereUnion.org

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As has been the trend among many local municipalities, the Ocoee City Commission spent time during its Tuesday, June 2, meeting discussing COVID-19 and its effects on the city.

To start off the meeting, Rebecca Roberts, the city’s finance director, went over utility billing fees with the commission.

Before COVID-19 arrived, the city charged $10 late fees per month, suspended accounts that were two months in arrears and terminated accounts that were three months in arrears.

However, after the effects of the pandemic, the city began to waive late fees, which has cost the city, Roberts said.

“In May, we waived about $18,000 in late fees, so that’s revenue we did not collect,” Roberts said. “No accounts have been suspended or terminated since March, so we have about 16,000 total accounts — 515 accounts are in arrears, 94 of those are irrigation-only accounts. The amount in arrears is about $116,452, and $25,000 of the arrears is irrigation only.”

Along with the money lost for late fees, the city also has been absorbing the small convenience fees usually paid by residents when paying their utility fee with credit card. Altogether, the convenience fees have built up to $24,000.

During the meeting, commissioners began discussing a timeframe for reinstating late fees, convenience fees and account suspensions and terminations.

The original recommendation to the commission was to reinstate the late fees in the June bills, while beginning suspensions in July for accounts that were two months or more in arrears.

“For those people who are behind … if the payment plan is met and they remain current, those fees can be credited back, but we would like to start reinstating them,” Roberts said. “The objective of the fee is to encourage people to pay timely and to not let their utility bills go behind.”

If residents establish a plan and follow it, there would be no suspensions or terminations made, Roberts said. Staff also suggested extending repayment timelines.

“So (don’t) worry if you’re behind in your bill and you’ve just gotten back to work — just come talk with us and we’ll put you on a payment plan,” Roberts said. “The payment plan generally would include making your

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission approved the preliminary/final subdivision plan and development agreement for the Prairie Lake Planned Unit Development townhome project.

The proposed subdivision — which is located on both sides of Clarke Road between Hackney Prairie Road and A.D. Mims Road — would contain a total of 78 townhome residential lots and consist of a mix of six-unit buildings and four-unit buildings.

monthly payment that is due, plus a portion of your amount that is in arrears. We currently offer six months to repay your amounts that are in arrears — we would like to extend that to nine months.”

Finally, staff suggested reinstating convenience fees immediately.

The immediate reaction to the requests was positive, with Commissioner George Oliver standing behind the recommendation and Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen supporting a three-month extension. Though Wilsen also raised concerns about June being a month too early.

“All we’re doing is adding misery on top of misery, because it’s a $10 fee,” Wilsen said. “I personally would like to see it all start in July.

I know we are going to lose some money, but I think we have to be considerate to our residents.”

By the time the discussion ended, Wilsen motioned the plan be moved forward with the two changes — starting late fees in July and extending payment plans to nine months. The motion carried unanimously.

COMMISSION TO OPEN MEETINGS TO PUBLIC

The commission also made a decision on when it would reopen its in-person meetings to the public.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order 20-69 — which relaxed in-person quorum requirements and allowed for teleconferencing for local government meetings — expires July 7.

Although some local governments are electing to continue with the teleconferences, others are opening to a limited audience, Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix said.

“We would be able to contain 20 members of the public in here — that’s based on the fire marshal’s recommendations if we were to open it back up,” Shadrix said.

The commission decided in a 3-2 vote to open meetings to the public beginning July 21, with commissioners George Oliver and Brinson dissenting.

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Waterleigh residents lobby for traffic signal A temporary signal is coming soon to the intersection of Avalon Road and Flamingo Crossings Boulevard following a history of accidents.

Changes are coming to a Horizon West intersection many local residents and drivers consider dangerous.

The intersection of Flamingo Crossings Boulevard and Avalon Road — right across from the Waterleigh community — has sparked concern from residents due to the nature of a number of factors playing into its overall safety.

It’s where the two-lane Avalon Road meets with Flamingo Crossings Boulevard to the east and Waterway Passage Drive — the only entrance to Waterleigh — to the west. However, the intersection currently does not have a signal and thru-traffic on Avalon Road doesn’t stop, making it difficult to cross over or turn left onto the main road.

And with both Waterleigh getting closer to full buildout and an apartment complex being built nearby, there are more cars on the road than ever before. Valerie Mihalek, a Waterleigh resident, and her neighbors all shared the same concern for safety at the intersection.

“It became very clear to me, along with other residents, that we were in trouble here,” Mihalek said. “To make a left out of our community, there’s a hill on

Avalon Road, and it’s like a blind spot. If you try and make a left or go straight to Flamingo Crossings, which takes you into Disney … it’s like taking your life in your hands. You’re stopped at a stop sign and … you have people coming down Avalon over the hill. All of the sudden they hit an intersection, and there’s a car there. Years ago, it was never an issue because there wasn’t development there.”

As the third fastest-growing master-planned community in the nation, Horizon West and its residents have experienced many growing pains. Its population more than doubled in just five years, and there is still a long road ahead to achieving full buildout.

One of those growing pains is the necessary infrastructure, which has had a tough time keeping up with the rate of growth.

Although Orange County is working on widening Avalon Road from two to four lanes in the Waterleigh area, a traffic signal for the Flamingo Crossings Boulevard intersection still is underway.

Mihalek and her neighbors estimate there have been at least three accidents at the intersection within the past few weeks, including one in which a dump truck plowed into the community’s waterfall entrance.

In the past, calming measures such as rumble strips and traffic signs warning of the blind hill

Courtesy of Valerie Mihalek

Valerie Mihalek and fellow Waterleigh residents estimate there have been at least three accidents lately at the intersection leading into their neighborhood.

have been installed. However, Mihalek said, a signal — even a temporary one — is needed now more than ever.

“It was bad from the moment they started building because of the situation of the blind hill and the speed on Avalon Road,” she said.

“Our intersection is not an isolated incident. There are many throughout the county that are in really dangerous situations because of the rapid growth, and the county not being proactive in anticipating the growth and having the infrastructure in place first before the development takes place. … To me, that’s a big part of the problem. It seems as if the developers come first and the residents come second, and that’s wrong.”

Following the dump truck accident, District 1 Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey held an emergency meeting with staff and the developer/contractor team regarding the intersection. As the project progresses toward final completion, new measures are being implemented.

This includes flashing beacons prior to the intersection warning drivers to watch for entering vehicles. Traffic will be switched to the new northbound roadway by the end of July as the widening project continues. And design of a temporary signal is in the works for implementation by the end of July.

“With all traffic switched to the new northbound roadway,

TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA PROVIDES NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING TO CHANGE AND REVISE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE/ZONING CODE The Town Commission of Oakland, Florida will hold a first public hearing to consider revisions to the Town’s Land Development Code/Zoning Code:

ORDINANCE NO. 2020-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA; REVISING, REORGANIZING AND CHANGING THE ZONING CODE/LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A first reading and public hearing by the Town of Oakland Commission will be heard on the ordinance at the following time, date, and place:

DATE: June 23, 2020 WHERE: Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

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ASSOCIATE EDITOR

336400-1

DANIELLE HENDRIX

temporary signal heads will be installed at this time to provide full signalization to the intersection,” VanderLey said. “The temporary signal is required to be put in flashing mode for two weeks before normal operation can begin.”

In an email VanderLey sent prior to Memorial Day weekend, she said the projected completion date for signalization of the intersection is Sept. 3. Following the emergency meeting, though, VanderLey said normal operation of the temporary signal is expected to begin by mid-August. Full signalization of the intersection will continue throughout the rest of the project construction phases until the end of October, she said.

VanderLey added the intersection has remained a priority for the county, and its original installation timeline already has been moved up. However, she said, there are a number of factors out of the county’s control. One such factor is backlog in manufacturing of signal equipment because of a shortage of national vendors.

“I wholly understand and agree with the frustration we’re all feeling in this, and I am truly saddened by the report of accidents here,” she wrote. “With that, the fact that this is under construction should serve as encouragement that we are actively addressing this pressing need. I want you to be assured that the promise of installing a signal in as timely a manner as possible has remained on the fast track, and we will continue to see it through to fruition.”

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THIS HOME HAS JUST BEEN FRESHLY PAINTED AND READY FOR A NEW BUYER. ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A HOME THAT HAS IT ALL INCLUDING CHARM, LOCATION AND CONVENIENCE? THEN THIS IS FOR YOU! Enjoy the whole pool scene from the open living room with plenty of room for big comfortable chairs and sofa. Look through a picture window when you dine, spacious but intimate. The eat-in kitchen with durable beauty and practical convenience plus sliding glass doors overlook the pool, making meal preparation a visual treat. Family room is highlighted by wood burning fireplace, tiled flooring makes this room “party proof”. This split bedroom plan is perfect with 2 bedrooms centered around the guest bath in the hallway. On the other side of the house is the Luxurious Master Bedroom adjoined by Master Bathroom that has his/her closets, garden tub and separate shower. The Master bedroom also has access to the patio/pool area Large privacy fenced back yard. ASKING ONLY $305,000

The home at 5402 Gemgold Court, Windermere, sold June 1, for $525,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,981 square feet. The price per square foot is $176.12. Days on market: 17.

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The townhouse at 15943 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $312,943. Built in

2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,804 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.47. Days on market: 17.

The townhouse at 15934 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $305,565. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,599 square feet. The price per square foot is $191.10. Days on market: Zero.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15159 Lake Claire Overlook Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 3, for $494,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,957 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.06. Days on market: 91.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14835 Old Thicket Terrace, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $360,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,646 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.05. Days on market: Zero.

The home at 15169 Avenue of the Arbors, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $305,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,941 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.14. Days on market: 34.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 11460 Center Lake Drive, Windermere, sold May 28, for $311,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,901 square feet. The price per square foot is $163.60. Days on market: 70.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6984 Smithshire Lane, Windermere, sold May 29, for $334,500. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,926 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.68. Days on market: 25.

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The home at 7472 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $1.16 million. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,394 square

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one-half baths and 4,502 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.17. Days on market: 158.

WINDING BAY

The home at 15351 Gilligan Court, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $348,542. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,156 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.66. Days on market: Zero.

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This Cypress Point home, at 9275 Point Cypress Drive, Orlando, sold June 1, for $3.6 million. Situated on a peninsula property, this estate features dueling lake frontage and views of the Disney fireworks.

feet. The price per square foot is $215.05. Days on market: 193.

The home at 7532 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $858,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,817 square feet. The price per square foot is $178.12. Days on market: 344.

The home at 14288 Colonial Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $660,000. Built in 2016, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,794 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.67. Days on market: 110.

ROYAL ESTATES

The townhouse at 9014 Via Di Canti Drive, Windermere, sold June 3, for $320,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and

1,888 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.49. Days on market: Five.

one-half baths and 2,216 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.77. Days on market: One.

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The home at 15601 Dahoon Holly Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $399,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,635 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.42. Days on market: 63.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9994 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $577,765. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.73. Days on market: 19.

The home at 9510 Nautique Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $358,490. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-

The home at 14746 Scott Key Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $455,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,935 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.03. Days on market: 37.

The home at 9355 Tyrella Pine Trail, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $309,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,838 square feet. The price per square foot is $168.12. Days on market: 101.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9055 Arbors Edge Trail, Windermere, sold June 1, for $550,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-

The home at 1010 Johns Point Drive, Oakland, sold June 3, for $1.175 million. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths, a pool and 5,806 square feet. The price per square foot is $202.38. Days on market: 257.

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 432 Orionvista Way, Oakland, sold May 29, for $380,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,820 square feet. The price per square foot is $134.75. Days on market: 58.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1769 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold May 29, for $363,820. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,216 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.18. Days on market: 166.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1733 Southern Red Oak Court, Ocoee, sold May 29, for $414,107. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.26. Days on market: 62.

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9

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 89 High Sale Price: $3.6 million Low Sale Price: $135,000 BROOKESTONE

The home at 1795 Slough Court, Ocoee, sold May 28, for $370,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,477 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.37.

Days on market: 39.

CROWN POINT

The home at 2259 Farnham Drive, Ocoee, sold May 29, for $344,380. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,037 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.06. Days on market: Five.

FOREST TRAILS

The home at 2291 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, sold June 1, for $300,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,372 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.48. Days on market: 33.

HAMMOCKS

The home at 859 Hammocks Drive, Ocoee, sold June 1, for $345,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,162 square feet. The price per square foot is $159.57.

Days on market: Three.

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 2806 Valeria Rose Way, Ocoee, sold June 1, for $490,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths, a pool and 3,420 SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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The home at 2100 Leather Fern Drive, Ocoee, sold May 29, for $365,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,644 square feet. The price per square foot is $138.05. Days on market: 100.

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 11551 Via Lucerna Circle, Windermere, sold May 29, for $342,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,206 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.26. Days on market: Five.

The home at 8232 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold June 2, for $2 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths, a pool and 5,417 square feet. The price per square foot is $369.21. Days on market: 11.

TILDENS GROVE

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square feet. The price per square foot is $143.27. Days on market: 22.

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The home at 12744 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold June 1, for $1,314,350. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 7,130 square feet. The price per square foot is $184.34. Days on market: 348.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 11335 Winston Willow Court, Windermere, sold May 29, for $635,000. Built in 1990, it has five bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,825 square feet. The price per square foot is $224.78. Days on market: Eight.

R E M M SUN GUIDE @Observerorange

FU

s r camp e m m su e. uide to West Orang g e v i s n i prehen vities A com family acti and

WINDERMERE CLUB

The home at 1928 Lake Roberts Court, Winter Garden, sold May 28, for $1.6 million. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, six-andone-half baths, a pool and 5,440 square feet. The price per square foot is $294.12. Days on market: 174.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 10352 Birch Tree Lane, Windermere, sold June 4, for $750,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,246 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $231.05. Days on market: Four.

WINDSOR HILL

The home at 2728 Windsor Hill Drive, Windermere, sold May 29, for $539,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,789 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $193.26. Days on market: One.

WINTER GARDEN BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14139 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 3, for $530,450. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,069 square feet. The price per square foot is $130.36. Days on market: 53.

FOXCREST

The home at 12649 Dallington Terrace, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $532,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,563 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $149.31. Days on market: Seven.

LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 420 Lone Heron Way

sold May 29, for $575,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,586 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.35.

Days on market: 58.

MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 755 Brooks Field Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $510,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,192 square feet. The price per square foot is $121.66. Days on market: 163.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1236 Union Club Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $865,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,492 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $247.71. Days on market: Three.

OXFORD CHASE

The home at 692 Oxford Chase Drive sold June 4, for $648,800.

Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,271 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $151.91. Days on market: Five.

TWINWATERS

The home at 16569 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $650,000. Built in 2016, it has seven bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,497 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.54. Days on market: 74.

WATERSIDE

The home at 16887 Broadwater Ave. sold May 30, for $1.6 million.

Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 8,289 square feet. The price per square foot is $193.03. Days on market: 104.

Remember When Playing The Money Game Was Fun? ARE YOU FRUSTRATED

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2020 HURRICANE GUIDE PREPARDNESS: The calm before, during and after the storm.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

STAY INFORMED, BE SAFE. Hurricane season has arrived and is predicted to be above-normal* acitivity this year.

Stay up to date on the latest hurricane activity affecting West Orange County by following the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer on the following digital channels.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

This Hurricane Season, Weather the Storm in Comfort with Natural Gas by Your Side

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1, and now is the time to make sure you are ready to weather the storm. Preparation is particularly important this year, as forecast predictions point to an above-average season, with 16 named storms and eight hurricanes, four of which are expected to be categorized as “major.”

Regardless of size, thunderstorms, tropical storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can cause electric power outages that last anywhere from a few minutes, hours to weeks, even when a community isn’t in the eye of the storm. However, LANGD customers can rest easy, knowing that they’ll be covered in the case of a power outage with the direct use of a reliable, resilient and convenient energy source.

With an underground distribution system, natural gas is an energy resource you can rely on 24/7, even during the most severe weather conditions. This is just one reason why so many essential services – such as hospitals, nursing homes and police and fire stations – rely on natural gas to keep their water hot, cook meals and emergency generators running. Natural gas is also cost-friendly, with homeowners saving up to 30% on utility bills each month after converting from electric to natural gas appliances.

This year, we encourage you to considering moving “making the switch to natural gas” to the top of that checklist. Major storms are no match for natural gas appliances, and here are just a few of the reasons why it’s the right choice to help you safely ride out any storm.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

15

A movement for the vulnerable A West Orange County couple’s film on Kurdistan refugees debuted at the Orlando International Christian Film and Music Festival last week.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

K

im Polo put the finishing touches on her new documentary — “Don’t Forget Them” — in January and was applying to film festivals when the coronavirus pandemic locked down communities around the world.

The West Orange County writer and producer was disappointed, because there were two other people deeply involved in the project meant to raise awareness of the refugees in the overflowing United Nations camps in Kurdistan. But she took the news in stride, and it ended up being just what she needed to get more eyes on her film and more awareness for the refugees.

“This festival … has decided to go virtual,” Kim Polo said of the Orlando International Christian Film and Music Festival, where the film debuted last week. “We went from showing in one theater, (and) now we have a four-day worldwide opportunity. It’s incredible, it’s amazing.”

‘DON’T FORGET THEM’ “Don’t Forget Them” premiered at the virtual Orlando International Christian Film and Music Festival June 3 through 6. The film, produced by a West Orange County company, features a local doctor who travels as a volunteer on a medical mission with the nonprofit organization Love for the Least to help with the ongoing refugee crisis in Kurdistan.

The film was one of 54 documentaries selected for this year’s festival.

For information on the film, visit Facebook (Documentary: Don’t Forget Them), Instagram (dontforgetthemfilm) or Twitter (DocumentaryDFT).

FROM DOCTOR’S VISIT TO DOCUMENTARY

Kim Polo supports Love for the Least, a nonprofit organization that shares Christianity with people who are “unreached,” according to its website.

She said she was seeing photos and hearing the stories of the dozens of refugee camps in Kurdistan, a semiautonomous region of Iraq.

“The stories are heartbreaking, the images are shocking, the people are so kind, and I just thought, ‘This story needs to be told,’” Kim Polo said. “More people need to see it. I felt many people didn’t know what was still happening.”

When her husband, Dr. Jose Polo, learned doctors were needed for a mission, he expressed an interest in sharing his medical knowledge at the camps.

“I thought, ‘Let’s film it, and we’ll put together a documentary,’” she said.

“I said I would love to go and see what (this is) about,” Jose Polo said. “We hear a lot of things, and, when I went there, I was very welcome; the Kurdistan people love Americans.”

Jose Polo, a Colombian doctor who practices medicine in Orlando, spent nine days in Kurdistan in April 2019. He and another doctor went to two of 30 refugee camps, each with about 30,000 people living in close quarters. The number of refugees seeking shelter is staggering, Kim Polo said.

Kim Polo said the camps are filled mainly with women and children, because many of the men were killed. As the stories unfolded in the region, news coverage was plenty, she said. But when the story died down, she said, these people still were stuck in the crowded camps waiting for asylum.

“If they don’t have papers, if they ran from ISIS, they don’t have their documents, or they were kidnapped or released, they don’t have a safe place to live,” Kim Polo said. “They don’t have money because it was stolen from them, or they don’t have a way of creating a living for themselves.

The organization we were working with — they focused on trau-

Love for the Least members sit down for an Iraqi meal.

Courtesy photos

Above: This is a view of one of the many refugee camps in Kurdistan.

Left: Mark Sweeney, right, is chairman of the board for the Middle East division of Love for the Least.

ma care, mental health counseling, English classes, trying to work on education, normal life, as well as basics, food, water, jackets (and) winter shoes.”

Mark Sweeney, also a West Orange County resident, is chairman of the board for Love for the Least — Middle East Division and has been to Kurdistan three times.

His nonprofit goes to regions in conflict after the United Nations sets up the camps following a catastrophic event. He also played a role in Kim Polo’s documentary.

The producer said she hired a Kurd living in the United Kingdom to meet her husband there to do the filming.

Afterward, she said, “I got the footage and put together the images, the story, got it all edited and the music added, and then we

finally completed it about January 2020.

“We started applying to film fests, it was a small budget, and then coronavirus hit,” she said.

Kim Polo called the film process “a social media movement just to help the vulnerable.”

“A lot of what my film is about is activism and support for the people who are on the ground working,” she said.

Jose Polo hopes to see the film create awareness of what’s going on, “not only what’s going on with the Syrian refugees in Kurdistan … but the refugees around the world,” he said. “We have to turn our sight to them, we have to look for them. … All these Kurds, they don’t have enough doctors and nurses to help.

Even though some governments are willing to help, they don’t have enough people for it. The money is there, the food is there, but there aren’t enough people to help. We

need more people in the medical field.”

As soon as he is able to travel again, he plans to return to the area to continue giving medical service to the camp residents.

“The trips are fascinating,” Sweeney said. “Just going over there, when you’re working in another culture, when you’re giving relief to another culture, you have to be on the ground to make relationships locally, (and you) have to get approval to get into these U.N. camps to meet people, to make sure they understand you’re there to help.”

He said Kim Polo did an incredible job of sharing his organization’s message in the film.

“We’re thrilled,” Kim Polo said of the nomination for Best Documentary. “It’s a small budget, it’s a small group of people, and we’re just trying to make the biggest impact that we can.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

Ruhle retires after 37 years with OCPS

Cherie Ruhle and her students participated in an undated Pajama Day. The students in the photo are now Class of 2020 high school graduates.

The veteran teacher spent nearly all of her career at Windermere Elementary School.

When the 2019-20 school year came to a close in May, so did Cherie Ruhle’s illustrious teaching career with Orange County Public Schools. And although her last day at Windermere Elementary School wasn’t exactly how she envisioned it, her coworkers made sure she received a proper goodbye.

They created a video, dubbed a “virtual hug,” for Ruhle that

served as a blast from the past — video clips submitted by colleagues, family members, former students and former parents.

“It was their way of saying goodbye,” Ruhle said. “There were kids on there I hadn’t seen (in years). … One girl was a teacher and had herself and her child in her video. I’m a big Gator fan, and I have some there (at the University of Florida).

“I laughed my way through it; I cried my way through it,” she said.

“They had my uncle on there; he’s 89. It was so touching that they took the time to do that. They had my two best friends from Mollie Ray (Elementary), and we’ve been friends for 50-something years.

Stacey Beavin reached out on Facebook to some of my friends, and it went from there. … I had former students who are in California who are on the video.

“It was pretty incredible,” she said. “I’ve watched it twice, and it’s something I can keep forever.”

A FULFILLING CAREER

During Windermere Elementary’s quarantine caravan to greet students, Cherie Ruhle’s shared her theme: Kids Ruhle.

Ruhle had completed one year of college when she got married but then put her education on hold.

She returned to school after her children were born, and because she had always enjoyed being

Courtesy

around little ones, she pursued a degree in teaching.

Her son started second grade and her daughter was in kindergarten in 1983 — the year Ruhle began teaching with OCPS. Her first job was at Spring Lake Elementary, where she was hired by Principal Frank Watson, who had been her principal when she was a student at Mollie Ray. In her first three years of leading a classroom, Ruhle taught fourth grade and then first at Spring Lake. In 1986, she was one of 12 teachers hired at Windermere Elementary. She began on the first-grade level before moving to kindergarten and then teaching several multi-age classes.

She was switched to second grade, and that’s where she stayed for the remainder of her career.

“I liked that grade a lot,” Ruhle said. “They were still excited to go to school. They liked the teacher and were still friendly and wanted

WITH EASE by Chase Dittrich and Jeff Chen; CROSSWORD DONE Edited by David Steinberg

©2020 Universal Uclick

1 “Might regret knowing the answer, but ...”

9 Employee’s security card 16 Crush, as an avocado 20 Forever and a day 21 Eerily close to home 22 Court great Arthur 23 Hollywood pharaoh?

25 Monumental 26 Supermodel Sastre 27 Lean (on) 28 Actor Stephen 29 Vex 30 Anemone’s home 31 Marshy area 33 Goldie Hawn, to Kate

Hudson 36 Lacking ethics 39 Pens for tablets 41 Aerial attraction for circus visitors?

43 Alice’s cake directive 45 Approx.

46 Socially aware, slangily 47 Where one can find heavenly horns?

52 Homemade jam container, perhaps 56 Outlaw 57 Pandemonium 58 Digit on no Scrabble tile 59 Columbus or Park (Abbr.)

60 Playwright Eve 62 Giving a name to 65 Trojan War tale 67 Speedy 68 Collaborative sites that focus on toilets?

70 Nurse Barton 71 Clickable images 72 Pizza seasoning 73 Like moon phases 74 Acrobat’s safety device 75 Asian PC giant 76 Glue brand 79 Play a character 80 They’re filled at stations 83 Like an officer who con-

stantly has to write tickets for certain turns?

86 Back in the day 87 Actress Gadot 88 Former U.N. chief Kofi 89 “Be sure your Instagram doesn’t contain anything embarrassing”?

95 Church symbol 98 Asian island split between three countries 99 No longer sailing 100 ___ Hague 101 One may hold a tool 103 15%, often 104 Floored feeling

105 Blacken on the stove 107 Home to most alpacas 108 Workplace watcher, for short 110 “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Dude, Where’s My Car?” in giant letters?

115 Pro votes 116 Rookie’s opposite 117 “This is too generous!”

118 Invoice figs.

119 End of a house sale 120 Junctions between neurons

to make friends. They were really awesome, the second-graders.”

Among her favorite memories are the times she spent writing several plays with fellow multiage teachers Carol Clinton and Linda Gold. They taught students American history in “Sea to Shining Sea.” They put on “Around the World Jeopardy,” where students sang Disney songs and discovered landmarks around the globe. And they performed “A-Z Florida,” which shared information about spring baseball, Daytona auto racing, Walt Disney World and other state points of interest.

Through the years, Ruhle experienced many changes in technology, education and the way students were taught. She experienced the growth of the school, which resulted in portables stretching across the school property and, ultimately, the construction of a larger school building. The last three months of

48 Cure-all 49 Popular places 50 Quite 51 Contacting via WhatsApp 52 Small candy size 53 Handball relative 54 Extreme greed 55 Prepares to declassify 58 Scientist Tesla 61 “Star Trek Beyond” director Justin 63 Airline until 2001 64 Like some jackets and paper 65 Hostile look DOWN 66 Business name letters 1 Sliced-meat sellers 68 Rider in a horse race 2 Makes up (for) 69 Assayed materials 3 Do an usher’s job 73 Situp relative 4 Some are named after 75 Dried chili pepper presidents 77 Degrees for many CEOs 5 Roadside stopover 78 Forever and a day 6 2008 bailout recipient 81 ___ crier 7 Severe 82 Pay to play 8 “South Park” boy 83 Place to visit Santa 9 Compliment in a fitting 84 Italian sports car, for short room 85 Game with Skip cards 10 Palme ___ (Cannes award) 87 Origins 11 Feathery neckwear 89 Former playthings chain 12 Subject of an in-flight 90 Cacophony parts dispute 91 Jane Eyre or Oliver Twist 13 Sonoran, e.g.

92 Historic Johannesburg 14 Mother Earth, to Greeks township 15 Chi-Town trains 93 How to break out on 16 Astronaut Jemison Broadway?

17 Strive 94 Perfect garden 18 Red wine from Australia 96 Tempos 19 Disturb, as a comedian 97 Tranquil 24 Red Muppet 100 Morgan of “30 Rock” 31 Some trailers 102 Breezes’ stronger rela32 One or the other tives 34 Holder of a nest egg?

104 “The Clan of the Cave 35 Greet a villain, say Bear” author Jean 36 Came about 106 Pals, in Paris 37 Powerful shark 107 Option for orange juice 38 Make the first bid, in 109 Braying animal bridge 110 HSN alternative 40 Japanese currency 111 Prefix for “angular” 41 Blue-green 112 Actor Somerhalder 42 Nasal accents 113 Friend of Harry and 44 ___ school Hermione 47 Traveling in a certain hired 114 Sine ___ non car

this school year were a challenge, she said, as she navigated through distance learning.

But she wouldn’t trade any of her experiences at Windermere Elementary.

“I met a lot of fabulous people, and I had a lot of great principals, great kids, great parents,” she said.

Ruhle’s decision to retire is tied to family. She started teaching the same day her daughter started kindergarten, and her plan was to retire when her granddaughter, Emma Davis, finished fifth grade at Windermere. The two left the campus together.

Ruhle’s husband, Bobby, is retiring from Disney, and their plans include traveling as soon as it’s deemed safe to do so.

“We are beach people, so I’ll be at the beach a lot,” she said. “I’m a reader. I have a lot of projects, so now I have the time to do that. I plan to not work.”

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.

“MW NPLEL’C TJVNPMJH UBEL UBENMWVMJH NPTJ SLMJH WTUBKC TN 14, MN’C SLMJH FTCPLR KD EMHPN TWNLE.” – UBBJ KJMN XTDDT “D TUF’C CBDFY RP UFVCBDFE D’H WUCBNW HR JNAA CBUF BUIN CR TRFCDFSRSAJV ABUWN HNCUDJA RP XV NINWVHUV JDPN.”

– ATUWJNCC ORBUFAARF Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals K

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Puzzle One Clue: X equals Z

AMY QUESINBERRY

© 2020 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

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

©2020 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

06-11-20

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

17

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Some Windermere students showed up to the event already wearing their caps and gowns.

Courtesy photo

Tildenville teachers Susan VelaRamirez and Anaiz Rosario waved to their second-grade students.

For some Windermere students, it was hard to hold back the tears as they said goodbye to teachers.

Movin’ on up S

tudents at both Tildenville and Windermere elementary schools said goodbye to their respective campuses for the final time before summer break.

The Tigers of Tildenville participated in a car parade Wednesday, May 27, to celebrate the end of the school year in a colorful and exciting way. Teachers and staff held up posters, and the students waved out of windows and sunroofs as their parents drove through the school parking lot.

At nearby Windermere, the fifth-grade class celebrated with its own Fifth Grade Farewell Drive-Thru. From 10 to 11 a.m., graduating fifthgrade students celebrated their last official day of elementary school by riding around the school’s bus loop waving posters and saying their goodbyes to the school’s teachers and staff — who also brought their own posters and pompoms.

Courtesy photo

Nikolette Robinson and Nasiah Harris poked their heads out of the sunroof for the Tildenville car parade.

Courtesy photo

The Weisbecker family gave thanks for the teachers and staff at Tildenville.

Left: Windermere students came equipped with signs and cheer as they enjoyed the morning’s event.

— TROY HERRING AND AMY QUESINBERRY

YEARS OF PREPARING FUTURE LEADERS

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THESE OLD TIMES

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY MAY 12, 1950 The owner of Winter Garden Hardware wanted to draw a crowd to the store in 1950 in hopes of selling the new Hotpoint automatic dishwasher. To do that, he brought in “eight leading Hollywood stars” from the film “The Philadelphia Story” and advertised their visit in the Winter Garden Times.

95 years ago

Baby Lillie Keene, of Beulah, has been real sick but is much better now.

70 years ago

Nine-year-old Reginald Tisdale, riding home from the Baptist Sunday School class, was thrown against a telephone pole when his bicycle struck the curbing. He was completely “knocked out” for 18 minutes, his mother, Mrs. T.B. Tisdale, disclosed yesterday. He was given first aid treatment and rushed to Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando; X-rays revealed a brain concussion.

He returned to school exhibiting two black eyes and a badly cut lip.

City Clerk E.M. Tanner leased from the city of Winter Garden four acres west of Howard’s Grill (Lakeview and Division) and west of the old city docks road on Lake Apopka for the sum of $1 per year for five years. Mr. Tanner thinks the rich soil underneath the swampy weeds will yield abundant harvest as a farm.

Ad of the week: West Orange Department Store, men’s gabardine suits, $19.99; ladies’ shoes, 75 cents; table oil cloth, 25 cents a yard; and No. 2 and No. 3 wash tubs, $1.45.

Accepting New Patients

FROM THE ARCHIVES Six extended family descendants of Oakland pioneer James Gamble Speer — Marian Eskridge Sexton, left; Martha Speer Eskridge; Hillis Eskridge; Jack Ross; Jack’s daughter, Brenda; and Brenda’s daughter — visited the Citrus History room at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum in January 2003. Speer arrived in the Oakland area around 1860 and is credited with the naming of Orlando, Florida, by some historians; a reader of Shakespeare, Speer was particularly fond of Orlando, the protagonist of “As You Like It.”

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.

50 years ago

Patricia M. Owens became Winter Garden’s first female police officer. Chief Nelson gave Owens her oath of office, and she immediately assumed duties in the downtown area.

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Oak Level Baptist Church in Ocoee held a “dinner on the ground” and a sing welcoming its new pastor, Walt Fowler, and his family and bidding farewell to the interim pastor, the Rev. John Wetmore.

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JUNE 11, 2020

SPORTS

Recent Olympia graduate Alex Britton is ready to take his game to the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University baseball team. Page 20.

Clearing Hurdles TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

H

op. Step. Jump.

That’s all Amaya Ugarte had to do as she made her approach down the runway during the triple jump finals event at the 2019 FHSAA Class 4A State Championship last May. It seems like a simple act, but the timing and precision had to be perfect — this was not a time to make a mistake. There, in front of the state’s best track-and-field athletes, Ugarte hopped, stepped and then soared through the air before landing in the soft sand.

When she was done, Ugarte had traveled 38 feet, 11 inches — a mark that would stand and result in her becoming the first state-title winner in Windermere High School history. Looking back on that titlewinning performance a little more than a year later, the result still throws her.

“I was actually surprised,” said Ugarte, who will be running track at The Ohio State University. “I worked hard in that event, but it was something that I just got into that year — it was brand-new to me, and I wasn’t really expecting to do anything in that event. So it was a shocker, but it was very exciting.”

Ugarte also recalled she didn’t have much time to celebrate her victory, because she still had events immediately after.

But that was then, and this is now. If you see Ugarte around, chances are she will be wearing the ring she received for winning the state title, and she’ll be glad to tell you all about it.

“I’m very proud,” Ugarte said.

“I wear my ring everywhere — it doesn’t matter if I’m going to the store only. I’ll have it on like, ‘Hey guys, see this? Florida state champion.’ I brag on it a little bit.”

Track star Amaya Ugarte just graduated from Windermere High as one of the school’s most decorated athletes, but her journey will continue on at The Ohio State University.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

LOOKING BACK

Despite that state title coming as a surprise for Ugarte, when you look at the work she puts into her sport, it makes sense that she would be where she is today.

But getting to that point requires a starting place, and like many, Ugarte got into her sport because of family — specifically her dad, who enjoys running.

“I would start running with him and then I’d try to race him, and he was like, ‘The day you can race me, you’ll get a prize,’” Ugarte said. “So I started training with him and I got faster.”

Ugarte joined the track team at Lakeview Middle School, where she was introduced to a new world.

There still was running, but there was also learning to use weights and how to train properly.

It took time to get used to being an athlete, but Ugarte toughed it out.

By the time she started her freshman year at West Orange High, she hit the ground running. And after one year of track at WOHS, Ugarte transferred to Windermere High.

Bigger than the game

Troy Herring

For the Wolverines, Ugarte developed her strength in the 300-meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay, long jump, triple jump and the high jump — the last being her favorite event. During that sophomore year, she began to find her form. She earned top-10 finishes in the 300-meter hurdles, 4x100 meter relay and the high jump.

SEE UGARTE PAGE 20

“I’m very proud. I wear my (state title) ring everywhere — it doesn’t matter if I’m going to the store only. I’ll have it on like, ‘Hey guys, see this? Florida state champion.’ I brag on it a little bit.”

— Amaya Ugarte

Sports often are seen as a simple escape from the everyday stressful and unsettling world.

For me, sports have always been an emotional outlet.

What better way for me to get my anger out than by yelling at my television for three hours while NC State figures out new and unique ways to pull defeat from the jaws of victory?

And it’s often because of that idea that some turn their noses when the struggles of the outside world seep into their sports realm. A prime example of this is when former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem in protest of police violence and general discrimination against the black community.

Kaepernick, like many other athletes who have participated in some form of protest, was told to “stick to sports.”

Following a month of massive protests and riots that erupted around the country after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, the sporting community is not just sticking to sports, because doing so would be ignoring significant issues that affect everyone.

That’s why Saturday, June 7, dozens of high school coaches from Orange County high schools came together in the name of unity and equality as they participated in the Coaches for Community march — a non-political, peaceful gathering organized

by Trinity Prep Athletic Director Dave Langdon.

“I thought it was a great idea,” Dr. Phillips head football coach Rodney Wells said. “And the whole thing was to show unison and solidarity with the coaches. Our mindset is we treat people like we do in the locker room. In the locker room, skin color, or race or ethnicities or socioeconomics — those things don’t matter.

We treat everybody the same, and it’s kind of like everybody gets what they deserve for what they earn.”

Wells was one of a handful of local coaches who participated in the 9 a.m. march.

He was joined by The First Academy football coach Leroy SEE COACHES PAGE 20

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THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Alex Britton Despite having his senior baseball season cut short at Olympia High School, outfielder Alex Britton looks to the future as he prepares himself to play at the next level for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University baseball team.

How did you first get into baseball?

I first got into the sport when I was about 8 years old. I had always watched it on TV with my grandma, and then one day I was like, “Well, let me try this out,” so I went over to the Y, and I decided that I wanted to play.

SCHOOL: Olympia (2020 graduate) FUTURE SCHOOL: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University AGE: 18 SPORT: Baseball POSITION: Outfield

What has been your favorite thing about playing at Olympia?

It’s really competitive in our area — the teams are really good. Over the years, you get with a group of guys — obviously, the seniors leave — but you start getting closer to guys. It’s fun to be able to just work everyday to compete toward one goal and knowing that these are your friends — you’re in classes with them, but you also get to be on the field and play the game that we love every day.

instincts aren’t correct or if you second-guess yourself, that’s the difference between you catching the ball and them getting a double or triple.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about baseball?

Baseball is a game of failure — a lot of people say that, but it’s true. When you’re younger, you’re obviously a little bit immature, so when you get out, you think it’s the end of the world and you get upset.

Playing baseball just teaches you that it’s OK to mess up sometimes, but it’s about how you bounce back. It’s honestly more of a mental game than it is a physical game, because you just learn how to persevere through struggles and slumps.

Is there a highlight moment that stands out for you during your time at Olympia?

Definitely last year’s regional semifinal at Lake Brantley. We went there, and that was the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of. The game was just upbeat and really close, and obviously they had beaten us the time before, so there was a little bit of revenge that we wanted to have on them.

Everything was tense, but we were having fun.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself over the last four years of high school baseball?

Definitely my confidence.

When I was younger, it was intimidating seeing all these big guys and you’re like, “Compared to them, I’m just a little kid.” Once you grow older, in order to play at the next level — and this level — you have to have confidence in your own abilities rather than just thinking about how scared or how intimidating those older guys are.

What’s your favorite part about playing outfield? The hardest part?

My favorite part of playing outfield is I think it is the most athletic position on the field. When someone hits the ball, you have to trust your instincts and just go after it … you just have to cover a lot of room.

And, honestly, that’s probably the most challenging part about it, too — if your

— TROY HERRING

are some days I wanted to quit so bad … but they take me to the side and they’re like, ‘I promise you, you’re going to feel like this sometimes, but you just have to keep your head on.’”

FUTURE BUCKEYE

Although her senior season — during which she finished with six first-place finishes in seven events — was cut short because of the coronavirus, Ugarte’s journey is only beginning.

The success Ugarte achieved drew the attention of several schools, including The Ohio State University. Originally, she wasn’t thinking about the Buckeyes, but after visiting just before Christmas break last year, Ugarte decided that was where she wanted to be — it felt like family,

she said. Her actual family was excited, including several members — her dad included — who are Ohio State alumni.

“Of course it was like, ‘Yeah Amaya! Yeah!,’” Ugarte said with a laugh. “And the whole family was calling me … and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, wow — this is a big deal.’”

Ugarte is currently doing what she can to stay in shape to prepare herself for the challenge that lies ahead. It’s a whole new world for her, and she couldn’t be more ready to go, she said.

“I’m excited for the experience, because I have family who told me their experiences there were really fun,” Ugarte said.

“The team is great — I’ve heard a lot of good things about them.

I’m just really excited.”

Coaches unite against racism CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Kinard, Ocoee basketball coach John “Sarge” Siers, Olympia football coach Travis Gabriel and West Orange High football coach Mike Granato.

Last week, before this march was planned, I spoke with Gabriel for a solid 90 minutes for a story on football coaches dealing with issues regarding COVID-19 and racial tensions.

During that time, I learned a lot.

Gabriel — who, along with Kinard and Wells, are among the area’s black head coaches — told me about growing up on the streets of Miami and witnessing police violence against the black community.

I’ve seen acts of discrimination against the black community, but as a white man who grew up in a middle-class family, I have never experienced anything like that.

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The following year as a junior, Ugarte exploded. Following a solid 2019 season, Ugarte dominated at the 2019 state meet — taking home that first-place finish in the triple jump while finishing fourth in the long jump and sixth and seventh in the high jump and 300-meter hurdles, respectively.

Although there were challenges along the way, Ugarte attributes her success to two important factors — hard work as an individual and the support of her team.

“The team — the way they always keep your mind focused sometimes — and the coaches, they’ll see you’re off one day and be like, ‘Stay focused, keep at it,” Ugarte said. “I know there

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

“In the locker room, skin color, or race or ethnicities or socioeconomics — those things don’t matter. We treat everybody the same, and it’s kind of like everybody gets what they deserve for what they earn.”

— Rodney Wells, football coach, Dr. Phillips

What Gabriel did for me during that interview was teach about discrimination based on his own experiences. It’s exactly why he wanted to attend Saturday’s march — to educate, he said.

“I was there to make sure it is understood that you can’t understand what we go through

— what we feel — but you can open your eyes, you can open your mind, and you can educate yourself to say, ‘Now I see,’” Gabriel said. “The problem is it’s not for America to try and understand us — because they can’t — we want America to be knowledgable about what we are going through.”

What the black community has gone through during this country’s history is more than I can fit into this column, but the simple truth is it is centuries past due that something be done to help the United States live up to the liberty it promises its people.

“It’s time,” Kinard said. “This is the greatest country in the world, and we have an opportunity in the greatest country in the world to live up to that Declaration of Independence, and hopefully we do it for every American and not just a segment of the country.”

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OBSERVER

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OBSERVER

ANNE TEAL RUDDELL DIED WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020.

Anne Teal Ruddell, 71, of Weeki Wachee, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

She was born Evelyn Anne Teal to W. M. “Duck” Teal and Evelyn Teal on April 1, 1949, in Orlando, Florida, and grew up in Winter Garden. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1967.

Anne had a master’s degree in

Music Education, but her main interest was as a coordinator for foreign exchange student programs.

Anne is survived by her brother, Dr. J. Steven Teal, of Winter Garden, and his children, Steven Scott Teal and Leah Lynn Lockhart; her dear friends, Alexis Hoover, of Weeki Wachee, and Sara Harold, of Orlando; and foreign exchange students all around the world.

Anne’s other love was her pets — especially her German shepherds.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the coming months to allow time for her exchange students to make travel plans. All her loving family and friends are encouraged to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Anne’s name to the ASPCA.

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Rosie Davis, 80, died June 5, 2020. Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

Ryan Thompson, 28, of Ocoee, died June 1, 2020. Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

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JERRY MARVIN DEAL DIED THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020.

Jerry Marvin Deal, of Winter Garden, Florida, died Thursday, June 4, 2020.

Jerry was born in 1950 in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Bruce and Jo Deal. A graduate of Savannah High School and Georgia Southern College, Jerry was an artist and designer.

Jerry’s life was altered forever following the tragic aftermath of an auto accident 36 years ago. Jerry was loved and cared for by his family at his home in Winter Garden, where he died.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his brotherin-law, Roland B. Jones.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Sherry Deal Jones, and her children, Gary Jones (Debbie), Pamela Stewart (John) and Glenn Jones

21

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

(Sandy); brother, C.B. Deal (June Daughtry), and their children, Connie Selter (Jeff), Debbie Bowers and Becki Burke. Also surviving are several great-nieces and -nephews.

Special thanks to Jerry’s devoted caregivers, Mrs. Isola Lopez and Ms. Katrina Griffey. Arrangements in care of Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden, Florida.

There will be a private celebration of Jerry’s life at later date. Remembrances to charity of choice.

Anthony Tony Robert “Tony” LaVornia, 79, of Ocoee, died June 2, 2020. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

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TRISHA LYNN FLEMING DIED MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2020.

Heaven gained a beautiful angel on Monday, June 1, 2020. Trisha Lynn Fleming, 32, of Winter Garden, passed away surrounded by her loving family.

Trisha was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Marvin and Charles.

Trisha is survived by her companion, Johnathon; mother and stepfather, Julie and Joe; father and stepmother, Spike and Lorna; sisters, Tara, Taylor and Amy; grandmothers, Betty and June; brother-in-law, Brandon; nephew and niece, Brian and Addylynn; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life is pending.

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Moon Unit Zappa Scarlett Johansson Puzzle Two Solution:Scarlett Johansson ©2020 NEA, Inc. This week’s Sudoku answers “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do This answers This week’s Crossword answers less thanweek’s have toSudoku continuously share details of my everyday life.”

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Willie’s Bar-B-Que Beef

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Tires

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l Puppy Dreams Pet Hoe te

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day • 11 am until 7 pm Open Friday and Satur

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301014

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

22

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2019

Color included on all ads!

Publishes every Thursday, and deadlines Friday the week prior.

OBSERVER

|

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

OrangeObserver.com

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