06.12.25 Southwest Orange Observer

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

No

Agave Bandido adds some sizzle, spice to Horizon West. PAGE 3A.

Grads turn tassels

Getting into treble

The Lone Sailor Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, based in Windermere, has been awarded the 2024 John J. Bergen Award, ofcially naming it the No. 1 Sea Cadet unit in the United States.

The award is the highest honor given annually by the USNSCC, recognizing a single unit that exempli es outstanding performance in training, leadership, inspections and community involvement. The Lone Sailor Division earned this distinction based on its exceptional 2024 annual inspection score and its ongoing commitment to developing strong, disciplined and service-minded youth leaders.

“This award re ects the hard work, dedication and integrity of our cadets and volunteers,” said Commanding O cer Je rey Hawk, who has led the unit since 2023. “We’re incredibly proud to be recognized at the national level and deeply grateful for the families, supporters and community partners who help make this program thrive.” Lone Sailor Board Member, Mark Wilson, of the Windermere Police Department said: “I could not be more proud of the outstanding young men and women of the Lone Sailor Division. Being named the No. 1 Sea Cadet unit in the nation is a tremendous honor and a testament to their unwavering dedication, discipline and teamwork.

For more information about the Lone Sailor Division or to learn how to sup-

Courtesy photo

Rising second-grader Desmond Lynch has loved learning new instruments and making new friends.

5FAST

1Patient reunites with care team at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital

Indiana’s Dawn Klatt

reunited with her hospital care team at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital with hopes of highlighting Hernia Awareness Month in June.

Klatt, 75, was in severe abdominal pain when she left for her road trip to Orlando in January.

She didn’t want to cancel her family’s trip to sunny Central Florida, so they continued on their journey.

But when Klatt was in Orlando, she went to Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital and learned she needed emergency surgery to repair an umbilical hernia with an obstructed bowel.

Klatt stayed at the hospital for eight days.

“I feel like the people at Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital saved my life,” Klatt said.

Klatt reunited with Dr. Emily Helmick, who specializes in surgical critical care. Together, they want to highlight Hernia Awareness Month, which is in June.

hernia screening event 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center, 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando.

Horizon West woman charged with grand theft, theft from a senior citizen

Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Monday, June 2, arrested a Horizon West woman for stealing $187,000 from her uncle’s retirement account.

According to Sheriff’s Office reports, Heather Allen, 32, faces two felony charges: grand theft from a person older than 65 and first-degree grand theft of more than $100,000.

Deputies said Heather Allen stole $187,000 from her uncle, Robert Allen, by accessing his Disney 401(k) retirement account through Fidelity Investments and rerouting a check to their shared home on Hopkinton Court in The Preserve at Lakes of Windermere community. The check was issued Sept. 26, 2023, and deposited shortly thereafter. However, Robert Allen told investigators he was not aware of the transaction until he received a notification from Fidelity Nov. 5,

taking the funds. She told him she used the money to pay bills and was working on returning it. She said her Chase account had been closed, so she needed to open a TD Bank account. In subsequent text messages and phone calls, she promised Robert Allen a replacement check would be sent via FedEx, but it never arrived.

According to supporting documents, Robert Allen said Heather Allen told him a judge had ruled in her favor in a separate case involving her ex-husband, and she would be able to repay him with that.

Robert Allen told investigators Heather Allen had lived with him for two years and had access to his mail and computer. He believed she used his laptop to log into his Fidelity account, impersonate him and request the check. He reported the theft after Heather Allen failed to repay him and began giving conflicting stories about when and how she would return it.

Since the theft, Heather Allen moved to a different address in Hamlin.

Deputies booked Heather Allen, 32, into the Orange County Jail. According to court records, the bond in the current case has been set at $10,000 for the charge of theft from a person 65 years or older and $25,000 for the charge of first-degree grand theft, totaling $35,000.

3

West Orange Cinema offers $2 summer movie series

Families looking for affordable summer entertainment can head to West Orange Cinema, which is bringing back its Summer Kids Shows series.

The series will feature a lineup of recent animated movies with a ticket price of $2 per person.

The series runs at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at West Orange Cinema, located at 1575 Maguire Road in Ocoee.

This summer’s film lineup features a variety of family-friendly favorites, including: “Kung Fu Panda 4” on June 18, “PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie” on June 25, “Trolls Band Together” on July 2 and “Migration” on July 9.

For more information, visit westorange5.com.

4

Ocoee resident appointed as judge on Orange County Court Ocoee’s Steven Miller has been appointed as a judge on the Orange County Court. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Miller on Monday, June 2, to

Miller

from the

5

ed

tary

a

created by Judge Evellen Jewett’s retirement. He has served as an assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit since 2021. This will not be the first time he has served at the Ninth Judicial Circuit. He previously served as an assistant state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

received

bachelors degree

University of Central Florida and his juris doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law.

Speed cameras activat-

near Citrus Elemen-

The Ocoee Police

Taco-bout a new restaurant

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Mathew Baum, president of Wolverine Management, has devised a plethora of business plans while majoring in business at the University of Kentucky and throughout his career.

Not many came to fruition.

But 17 years ago, he created a business plan for a Mexican restaurant. He rediscovered the business plan about 10 years ago while moving files off an old computer and decided it was time to start conceptualizing it.

Baum was proud to see this business plan worked out not only once but four times as he stood inside the newest Agave Bandido, which opened Monday, June 9, in Hamlin.

Agave Bandido is a Mexicaninspired restaurant and tequila bar with a high-energy atmosphere and over-the-top décor to match.

The Hamlin restaurant is the company’s largest location to date, with 11,000 square feet between the restaurant and patio space.

The artistic flair of the restaurant can be seen from the streets as Baum recruited Miami artist Ruben Ubiera to spray-paint murals throughout the inside and outside the restaurant and bar.

Baum said Wolverine Management purposefully chooses suburban areas such as Horizon West to construct its restaurants. He said often there are big, corporate restaurant chains found in the area, and his goal is to have Wolverine Management res -

taurants be the “one-off type place you’re going to find in a downtown area without having to travel downtown.”

“Our goal as well is to go to those suburb areas and provide the population that I think really wants that one-off, downtown vibe, that type of restaurant,” he said.

Baum said Horizon West is a booming area along State Road 429 with easy access to surrounding areas such as Windermere, Kissimmee and Clermont making it a good centralized location.

What surprised Baum and Matthew Faul, chief operating officer of Wolverine Management, was the quantity of qualified and talented hospitality individuals who attended their job fair.

“The quality of people (who) came out was exceptional and by far, the best we’ve had in any job market,” Baum said.

AT THE BAR OR TABLE

Baum said more importantly, the quality food and drinks available at the restaurant matches the talent of the people serving it.

Baum said he and his team pride

themselves on the Mexican food offered, but where they “overly stand out” is in the bar program and cocktails because of the sheer number of tequilas and mezcals as well as different types of spirits and more.

Hidden away is the Maya, a speaktiki bar that requires separate reservations. The speak-tiki is named after Mayahuel, the goddess of the agave plant, from which tequila is made. The bar also features a separate drink menu consisting of more tiki-based drinks, Baum said.

Unique to the Hamlin location is a private dining room that is a more intimate space for a business meeting or small event or to watch a sporting game. There is a TV that can be hidden by a panel on the rose-filled wall that is decorated to look like an ofrenda, a traditional altar built to honor and remember deceased loved ones.

With the Hamlin location having a larger footprint than the other Agave Bandido locations, Baum said the private dining room was an opportunity to make the Hamlin location unique. Wolverine Management works to have a unique aspect of every restaurant so people can find something different at each Agave Bandido location, Baum said.

Also unique to the Hamlin location are additions to the food and drink menus. Baum said if they are enjoyed as much as expected, they will be added to the menus at the other Agave Bandido locations.

A new addition to the menu is the Mexican Smash Burger, which is two smash burger patties with guacamole, fried jalapeño slices and pico

de gallo with the option of adding chipotle queso. It comes with a side of tajin fries.

The menu also includes new certified Angus Beef steak options, including a bone-in ribeye and a New York strip served with tajin butter, yuca fries and mixed vegetables.

“We noticed a lot of suburban areas don’t have steakhouses,” Baum said. “If you want a really good steak, there’s great options at some of these other restaurants but nothing more premium in terms of proteins like that. So we thought with us being an elevated brand, an elevated look, then that would be a cool offering that we could bring as well.”

New to the drink menu is the Skinny Señorita, which is made through a partnership with Clase Azul tequila.

MISSING PIECE

Baum founded Wolverine Management and started the Brass Tap franchise at 27 years old. He went on to open three more Brass Tap restaurants, taking in all he could about the restaurant industry.

Throughout the past 14 years, Baum has become a husband and father. As consumers looking for entertainment and dining in the suburbs, his family and friends always have been thinking about what’s missing.

“What can we start to create in restaurants that could be in these areas that are underserved, just as a consumer,” he said. “That’s when we started seeing concepts (such as) Rocco’s Tacos and El Camino in South Florida and other high-energy restaurants. We thought, ‘Man, those are pretty cool. If we could take a few things from one and a few things from another in terms of how they serve food but still have high energy and over-the-top décor and quality service and bring that to the suburbs, that would be cool.’”

Agave Bandido was designed to be over the top with skull chandeliers and a Day of the Dead theme.

Almost all of the specialty light fixtures were imported from Mexico.

Wolverine Management worked with Ubiera as well as interior designer Pam Manhas and Sabal Design owner Ben Carey, who crafted all the wooden bar tops by hand.

Liz Ramos

Mathew Baum, the president of Wolverine Management, and Matthew Faul, the chief operating o cer, started welcoming guests to their newest Agave Bandido in

Hamlin on Monday, June 9.

Madi Solomon

Michael Eng

Agave Bandido is a high-energy, Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar with overthe-top decor.

Horizon music camp hits right notes

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Eric Misura, a rising eighthgrader at Hamlin Middle School, joined his fellow clarinet players in the auditorium of Horizon High School.

In unison, they started playing a portion of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Although the clarinet players only had been playing together for four days during Horizon High School’s summer music camp, they were progressing in the song and as individual musicians.

Rather than spending their first two weeks of summer break sleeping in or doing activities they might not have had time for during the school year, these dedicated musicians returned to school to become better with their instrument and as an ensemble.

They will join dozens of other middle school students as part of the camp’s intermediate and advanced bands to perform in a concert at the end of music camp Thursday, June 12.

The concert also will feature endof-camp performances from elementary students as well as fourththrough sixth-grade students in the camp’s beginner band.

Throughout the four years Horizon High has offered the eight-day camp, students’ passion for music and their instruments only has grown.

The camp itself also has grown since its inception. This year’s camp had 180 campers, 90 volunteers and nine instructors. The camp also now includes afternoon electives such as jazz band, flute choir, clarinet choir, low brass choir and french horn choir.

FROM START TO FINISH Music camp participants such as Misura and Jacob Cygul decided to join the summer camp to get a head start on learning their desired instruments. For Misura, it was the clarinet, while Cygul picked up the saxophone and never turned back.

Misura wanted to play the clarinet because one night when he was 10 years old, he was with his grandfather who owned a few different instruments. He gravitated toward the clarinet. He recalled being able to get a decent sound out of the instrument on his first try.

Attending the music camp three years ago and every summer since has helped him grow his skillset and learn new techniques and songs.

“Over the years, I have developed better tone, maybe even some physical upgrades to my instrument, and I’ve been able to play more complex rhythms and things like that,” Misura said.

Misura said attending the camp each year since he was in sixth grade has been preparing him to join the band at Horizon High in the future. It gives him an advantage over students who will be in the band who did not attend the camp, he said. He returns to camp because of his drive to learn and play more.

“I like the creative process behind music and the act of learning music,” Misura said. “It’s a pretty fun experience, and it’s very much an experience that you can look behind and see all your progress.”

music camp every summer to now serving as a volunteer passing down

Cygul once was a sixth-grader at the camp’s inception and had never touched an instrument before the first day of camp. The charm of the saxophone piqued Cygul’s interest, and he knew the fastest way to learn to play it was to be in the camp. Although he struggled a bit at first, like many students picking up a new instrument, he said the guidance from the volunteers gave him the confidence to be persistent.

He was hooked and eager to learn more.

Four years later, Cygul served as a high school volunteer at the camp, helping students who are in the same shoes he was in as a sixth-grader.

“I really like exploring new things with my saxophone and also now being able to be a volunteer and pass on what I’ve learned to the new people wanting to do saxophone,” he said.

“It’s surreal (to be a volunteer). I am remembering things that I did before.

It’s interesting hearing all of their process, which I definitely remember doing like the first sound and learning the three notes to back then it was called ‘Warm English Pastries.’”

He said the fast-paced learning progression of the camp affords students a chance to learn skills that might take

Rising eighth-grader Eric Misura said he’s seen his skills progress throughout the four years of participating in Horizon High School’s summer music camp.

them two months to learn in school, in only a few days.

As a rising freshman who’s been through the camp for years, Cygul encouraged beginners to stick with it and never give up, even if it might seem hard at the beginning.

A NEW BEGINNING

For many fourth- through sixthgraders, including rising Holy Family Catholic School fourth-grader Isabela Restrepo Medina, the music camp is their first opportunity to be introduced to the various instruments available.

They might have come in with an idea of an instrument they would like to try, and they are able to see what might be the best fit for them.

Restrepo Medina thought she’d try her hand at the trumpet and fell in love with it. From the buzzing sound the mouthpiece makes when she blows into it to learning the different fingerings on the trumpet’s valves to make certain notes, she has enjoyed every aspect of her new instrument.

By the end of the first four-hour day, the camp staff and high school volunteers have taught students how not only to put their selected instru-

Editor and

/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com

Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com

Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com

Sta Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com

Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com

Madi Solomon, msolomon@OrangeObserver.com

Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Campers like Juliette Bogusz, a rising seventhgrader at Bridgewater Middle School, were able to learn hands-on with Horizon High students like rising junior

ment together but also make a sound with it. Then the students go home with their instrument in hand to practice and play.

By the end of the second day of camp, students are rocking “Hot Cross Buns.”

Restrepo Medina said it’s cool to learn to play the notes and different songs. She might try learning to play the saxophone at next year’s music camp.

After only eight days of camp, the students come together in their respective bands to perform a concert for the community.

The rising first- through thirdgraders also will rock the stage with their own performance, for which Desmond Lynch, a rising secondgrader can’t wait.

He spent his days at camp learning all about various instruments, including the xylophone and triangle.

The triangle has become his favorite because he liked the “ding” sound it makes.

“I learn something new every day,” Lynch said. “I like it because we sing songs and use instruments to learn how to play new notes. We also play kickball (during recess).”

He said he wants to dive into learning more about other instruments, like the piano.

FORMING FRIENDSHIPS

Lynch said on the first day of camp, he was a little scared because he was with a bunch of students he didn’t know, but much like other students in the camp, the shyness went away as he saw familiar faces and developed new friendships with other students.

On pajama day Thursday, June 5, Lynch sported his Spider-Man pajamas and robe and brought his stuffed bear with him to share his newfound passion for music. Even his bear had a chance to play xylophone.

Spirit days gave students a chance to break the ice as they learned about why they chose particular pajamas, including a Stitch or Elmo onesie or Pokémon pajamas.

Middle school students have the opportunity to meet others who could be their future fellow band mates as many of them will attend Horizon High. The camp allows them to make those connections years in advance.

Gustavo Ostler.

Jacob Cygul, a rising Horizon High freshman, went from participating in the school’s

his knowledge to campers.

Photos by Liz Ramos

The beginner band practiced together before breaking into sectionals.

No place like home

Four single mothers stepped onto the porches of their new homes in Winter Garden Thursday, June 5, to cut ribbons and receive keys to a new chapter.

West Orange Habitat for Humanity dedicated four completed houses to the mothers and their families and broke ground on three more during Shovels to Keys on Edgeway Drive, marking the nonprofit’s 35th anniversary.

Local leaders, volunteers and future homeowners gathered to celebrate new homes and new beginnings.

Michele’le Parker, Vanessa Cuascut, Aixa Vargas and Tyesha Welch all were thrilled to move into their new homes with their families.

The new homeowners received welcome Bibles, pink tool kits and lawn chairs, along with their keys. Each family contributed about 200 sweat-equity hours and saved for a down payment as part of the Habitat program.

“Habitat does not give away homes,” said Austin Arther, West Orange Habitat’s incoming board president. “That’s not the philosophy of Habitat for Humanity. People work hard for these homes. It’s not a gift. It’s a partnership.”

Parker, who has a 13-year-old daughter, 10-year-old son and 9-year-old son, works full time as a certified nursing assistant. She and her family have lived in a crowded apartment with rising rent prices, making it difficult to afford necessities. She said she feels grateful and humbled to reach this milestone.

“I feel very excited,” she said. “I feel grateful to God and to everybody that contributed. It was definitely a lot of trial and error, a lot of research and searching, and I just happened to get it at the right time.”

Parker said she’s excited to cook in her new kitchen — a big space where she can make her kids’ favorite meals.

Cuascut has two sons, a 23-yearold and a 16-year-old who is on the autism spectrum. She also is a CNA and struggles with rising rent. After becoming a Habitat homeowner, she will be able to afford their home with

ANGLICAN COMMUNITY

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas

1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM

a no-interest mortgage, never paying more than 30% of her monthly income on rent.

Find us at: Theacf.net

BAPTIST

“I am so very excited for this new home, new beginnings,” Cuascut said.

BEULAH BAPTIST

“ I feel so blessed.”

Vargas works at State Farm, has two daughters, ages 23 and 25, and one 7-year-old son. For a couple of months, Vargas and her son shared an office room at her mother’s house, which felt crowded. Vargas completed sweat-equity hours, financial literacy classes and saved for an affordable down payment in preparation for becoming a Habitat homeowner. Now she is excited for the stability that comes from owning a home.

Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM

SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM

WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

125 E Plant St., Winter Garden

407-656-2352

“It hasn’t felt real for a long time,” she said. “It’s like winning the lottery.”

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary

WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana

Welch has three children and works full-time at a home-care company. She applied to Habitat after her home became overcrowded and had bug and mold problems. She is looking forward to the stability her family can receive from owning a home.

Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP

SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

Dozens gathered for the two-part ceremony, which included remarks from Arthur and Marilyn Hattaway, the West Orange Habitat for Humanity executive director.

“Seeing the joy in the faces of people who live in these homes, and you will get to meet them tonight, has made the hard work to get to this point so worthwhile,” Hattaway said. “When you can build a house and that house becomes a home to a family, — to a family of children, a family of parents — it’s a total game-changer in how their day begins every day and how their day ends every day.”

As the four families celebrated the completion of their homes, three others joined them to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the houses they will call home once construction is complete. The future homeowners broke ground with ceremonial shovels, marking the beginning of their journeys.

This project marks a continued investment in the east Winter Garden community, an area on which West Orange Habitat has focused as part of its broader effort to address local affordable-housing needs.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans

125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

CHURCH

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST

CHURCH

PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee

Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

DEBRA GARCIA STAFF WRITER

Tyesha Welch said her new home o ers stability for her family.

Courtesy photos

Aixa Vargas said receiving her home felt like “winning the lottery.”

Vanessa Cuascut said her new home is a lifechanging event for her family.

Michele’le Parker and her three children cut the ribbon on their new home.

NAILED IT

DEBRA GARCIA AND LIZ RAMOS

OBSERVER STAFF

Windermere’s Walter Toole smiled big as he watched Neil Asma, president and CEO of Toole’s Ace Hardware, use giant scissors to cut a ribbon outside the newest Toole’s Ace Hardware.

Toole had been waiting about seven years for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Toole’s Ace Hardware of Windermere, signifying the opening of the 14th Ace Hardware location for Toole and his wife, Patricia.

Finally, the day had come Monday, June 9.

Walter and Patricia Toole were thrilled to be able to add their familyowned Ace Hardware to the community they’ve called home for the past 31 years.

“If we were going to do it, we were going to make it special and make sure it blends in with the community, and we were going to be involved in the community,” Toole said. “We care deeply about this community. My kids grew up here. … It means a lot (to open a store in Windermere). I’ve always wanted to represent this community.”

The store officially opened Saturday, May 24, at 517 Main St. in the heart of the town of Windermere.

Asma said celebrating the store’s opening with members of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Windermere Town Council members and others was terrific.

“With any new store, you have to wait and plan and look at drawings and designs on paper, and when you finally see it put together in fruition, it’s a pretty special moment,” he said. “There’s a lot of team members (who) go into creating a new store — from the merchandisers who put up all the products to the store management team to our leadership team who helps kind of make decisions about what

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce o cially cut the ribbon on Toole’s Ace Hardware of Windermere Monday, June 9.

Toole said his philosophy of doing business in a community means a store is more than just a store. He gives his managers the autonomy to do what is needed to care for the employees and, in turn, the employees treat the customers with care.

Store Manager Clayson Richmond, a 10-year company veteran, said he’s excited about the new location. He started with Toole’s Ace Hardware as a clerk on the floor and has worked his way up to manager. Toole’s Ace Hardware of Windermere is the sixth store in which he’s worked for the Tooles.

“We want this to be a fun, lighthearted place for both customers and staff,” Richmond said. “If someone breaks a sprinkler or needs to unclog their A/C line, we’re here to help.”

As a company, the leadership team and employees are involved in community service, supporting organizations such as the Scouts BSA and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Walter Toole, a former Eagle Scout and Golden Eagle Award recipient,

and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and a Windermere resident, the store has been the place for his children to pick up ice cream from the cooler in the store while he purchases live bait to go fishing as a family.

“It’s going to be a great community asset,” Lewis said. “You can already see all the residents here in town are loving being able to come up here and get their live bait and all their other household needs.”

Lewis said shopping at the store also means supporting a local business.

“You’re supporting somebody who cares about our community,” he said. “Walter Toole obviously lives here, works here and is a huge supporter of all the other businesses in the community. It’s nice to be able to come right down the street and support a homegrown business right in our backyard.”

Local customers already are impressed.

First-time customer John Dister-

Ocoee finances receive clean bill of health

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

At its June 3 meeting, the Ocoee City Commission heard a presentation by a representative from certified public accounting firm Purvis Gray on the results of an audit performed on the city’s financials for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.

Timothy Westgate, an audit partner at the accounting firm, commended the city’s management and leadership for the results of the audit that examined the city’s financial statements, internal control, investment fund management, general financial management and compliance with grant requirements, while also providing recommendations to implement or consider.

“Our responsibility is to provide an opinion on (the city’s) financial statements based on our audit (and we are) pleased to say we are issuing and have issued a clean opinion, an unmodified opinion,” Westgate said. “That is the highest level of assurance that you can have on audited financial statements. So, (we commend) your leadership and management in attaining that clean opinion as part of our audit.”

As part of the audit, the city’s internal control related to financial reporting also was examined to aid the auditors in crafting the ultimate unmodified opinion that was given on the financial statements.

“We look at internal control related to financial reporting in the process of designing our audit for that ultimate opinion on the financial statements, but we do not provide an opinion on internal control,” Westgate said. “However, if, during the audit process, we encounter things we think would be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies or matters that you need to be made aware of, we would report those to you. Pleased to say that under the standards, nothing rose to that level of material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, anything like that. It is standard language reports in that regard, very boring reading, which is a good thing when you have an audit.”

The city also received a clean report on its compliance with Florida Statute 218.415 — which outlines the requirements for local governments to develop and implement written investment policies for surplus funds, prioritizing safety and liquidity over investment returns — and was commended for its work in the general management of the city’s finances in a required Florida Auditor General report that focuses on meeting requirements to avoid general deteriorating financial conditions, financial emergencies such as not being able to make payroll.

The last group of required reports for the audit was related to the city’s federal single audit, a condition for receiving any government grant.

“Of course, the city receives federal and state grants, and this year, it met the criteria for having a federal single audit,” Westgate said.

“When you receive grant money, it’s not freely given. It always comes

with additional strings, compliance requirements attached to it, and included in that is an audit requirement that, based on a risk assessment, identifies major programs, and through that, we identified the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund program as your major program, and we’re required to look at the compliance requirements that come along with that program. Pleased to say the city did comply. We also issued an unmodified opinion, that’s a clean opinion, related to that compliance.”

Along with the required reports, the audit also provided a few financial highlights it found in the city’s statements, specifically its ability to not only maintain sufficient fund balance positions, which met the recommendations of the Government Finance Officers Association, but it also saw an increase in all but one of its major funds.

“A few financial highlights … about the governmental funds, primarily your major funds (such as) your general fund, road impact fee, your ARPA funds and your capital projects fund, all of them had increases in fund balance, except the capital project fund,” Westgate said. “However, that was as budgeted, so no surprises in that decrease in fund balance. All of them still did maintain sufficient fund balance positions that met the recommendations of the Government Finance Officers Association — (which is) what they see as the minimum fund balance requirements, as well as funding in there for future pandemics, hurricanes that may come down the line, or projects that the city wants to get into, based on our analysis.”

On the proprietary fund side, all of the city’s funds saw an increase in net position, meaning they had a positive net income. However, the city’s solid waste fund, which has been a topic of discussion for several years in these audits, had a deficit position of $843,000.

“We (would) still like to continue that discussion, because while rates have increased, we recognize and encourage your continued effort in identifying the systemic process behind it,” Westgate said. “It takes time to recover from (a negative position) as well as to replenish the fund back to the positive position you’d like it to be in.”

The final fund the audit examined was the city’s employee retirement funds, which saw an increase of $22 million, primarily driven by investment performance. The audit found the overall general employees fund had roughly a 94% funding position, which is a very strong position, and the police and fire fund is just shy of 96% funded.

To close the audit results presentation, Westgate gave the city three recommendations to consider: The continued pursuit of recovering from a negative position in the solid waste fund, a budget monitoring process review regarding the amending of the budget throughout the year and a general encouragement to continue its efforts and investment into protecting the city’s technological assets and update some policies.

Liz Ramos

Walter Toole, the owner of Toole’s Ace Hardware, shared his business philosophy of caring for his employees and customers.

Debra Garcia

The new Ace Hardware store in Windermere welcomed customers with a fresh, inviting storefront on Main Street.

Maria Uhl has loved seeing Winter Garden have more activities like the Birthday Party on the Lawn for families so she can enjoy them with her 4-year-old daughter, Domino Uhl.

Xander Mackey, 4, showed o his medal for winning the step competition. He was able to reach 434 steps in one minute.

Joseph Herron, 2, will be a master hula-hooper in no time.

Christian Diaz, Beatriz Carrion and 7-year-old Elizabeth Diaz celebrated 5-year-old Christian Diaz Jr., center, winning the hiphip-hooray competition.

Bentley Park estate

Ahome in the Bentley Park community in Dr. Phillips topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 19 to 25.

The home at 9224 Bentley Park Circle, Orlando, sold May 22, for $3,150,000. Built in 2013, it has ve bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 5,172 square feet. Days on market: 57. The sellers were represented by Jenny Dunn, Stockworth Realty Group.

These are the highest-selling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY HILL

The home at 5640 Brookline Drive, Orlando, sold May 22, for $2,300,000. Built in 2009, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,648 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 9035 Easterling Drive, Orlando, sold May 19, for $1,075,000. Built in 1978, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,693 square feet. Days on market: 267. The home at 8922 Bay Cove Court, Orlando, sold May 23, for $975,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,106 square feet. Days on market: 73.

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8128 Hook Circle, Orlando, sold May 22, for $500,000. Built in 1981, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,896 square feet. Days on market: 41.

BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 9524 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold May 22, for $585,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,704 square feet. Days on market: 208.

BAYSHORE AT VISTA CAY

The townhouse at 8001 Cool Breeze Drive, No. 118, Orlando, sold May 19, for $515,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 1,741 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

BENTLEY PARK

The home at 9224 Bentley Park Circle sold May 22, for $3,150,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 5,172 square feet. Days on market: 57.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 10121 Brandon Circle, Orlando, sold May 21, for $668,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,256 square feet. Days on market: 141.

TOSCANA

The townhouse at 7189 Regina Way, Orlando, sold May 23, for $485,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,104 square feet. Days on market: 66.

HORIZON WEST

HAMILTON GARDENS

The townhouse at 6237 Aralia Ivy Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $423,500. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,714 square feet. Days on market: 27.

HAMLIN POINTE

The home at 16447 Hamlin View Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $550,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,078 square feet.

HARVEST AT OVATION

The townhouse at 13552 Autumn Harvest Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $499,230. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,955 square feet. Days on market: 32.

HAWKSMOOR

The townhouse at 15926 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $470,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,052 square feet. Days on market: 32.

The townhouse at 14030 Avenue of the Groves, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $350,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,365 square feet. Days on market: 21.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6963 Northwich Drive, Windermere, sold May 21, for $599,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,068 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKESIDE VILLAGE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 10765 Village Lake Road, Windermere, sold May 20, for $560,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,317 square feet. Days on market: 39.

LAKEVIEW POINTE

The townhouse at 7387 Duxbury Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $420,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,780 square feet. Days on market: 59.

OASIS COVE I

The condo at 14042 Sparkling Cove Lane, Windermere, sold May 21, for $390,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,647 square feet. Days on market: 112.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 5657 Mangrove Cove Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $799,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,881 square feet. Days on market: 175.

ORCHARD PARK

The home at 2993 Irish Peach Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $580,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,115 square feet. Days on market: 60.

PALMS AT WINDERMERE

The home at 14422 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold May 22, for $1,057,395. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,100 square feet.

PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN

The townhouse at 15088 Grove Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 22, for $459,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,846 square feet. Days on market: 61.

SILVERLEAF

RESERVE BUNGALOWS

The home at 5112 Railroad Vine Alley, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $569,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet. Days on market: 11.

The townhouse at 8066 Glenlloyd Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $405,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,626 square feet. Days on market: 87.

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The townhouse at 15322 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $430,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,875 square feet of living area. Days on market: 83.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 15129 Driftwood Bend St., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $550,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,571 square feet. Days on market: 53.

The home at 15636 Expedition St., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $535,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,148 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10151 Salt Point Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $560,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,139 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 11090 Silver Surfer Alley, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $510,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. Days on market: 37.

The townhouse at 15031 Book Club Road, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $435,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,599 square feet. Days on market: 159.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8010 Soldierwood St., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $880,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,013 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The home at 14502 Bahama Swallow Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $620,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,766 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.

The home at 7809 Purple Finch St., Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $570,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,455 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WATERLEIGH The home at 9675 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $840,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 9729 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $815,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,227 square feet. Days on market: 53.

The home at 9687 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $751,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,840 square feet. Days on market: 12.

The home at 15657 Pelican Cay Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $522,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet. Days on market: Five.

The townhouse at 16926 Reseda Way, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $420,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,568 square feet. Days on market: 63.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 14172 Hutchinson St., Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $985,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,985 square feet. Days on market: 29.

The home at 14500 Black Quill Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 20, for $530,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,952 square feet. Days on market: 40.

WINCEY GROVES

The home at 5499 Orange Orchard Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $805,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,862 square feet. Days on market: 41.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11930 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold May 23, for $835,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,067 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 9107 Reflection Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold May 23, for $680,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,390 square feet. Days on market: 120.

The home at 8624 Powder Ridge Trail, Windermere, sold May 20, for $498,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,092 square feet. Days on market: Two.

The home at 11822 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere, sold May 23, for $460,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,829 square feet of living area.

The

OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 1763 White Feather Loop, Oakland, sold May 21, for $555,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,152 square feet. Days on market: 51.

OCOEE

FENWICK COVE

The home at 341 Kirkhill St., Ocoee, sold May 19, for $482,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,004 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

PRIMA VISTA

The home at 610 Palomas Ave., Ocoee, sold May 23, for $400,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,849 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

WYNWOOD

The home at 3547 Sandalwood Isle Way, Ocoee, sold May 19, for $482,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: 67.

The home at 3522 Sandalwood Isle Way, Ocoee, sold May 20, for $462,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: 100.

WEST ORANGE

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 11440 Willow Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold May 22, for $1,360,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,690 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY

The home at 2115 Lake Crescent Court, Windermere, sold May 23, for $1,575,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 3,597 square feet. Days on market: 91.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8336 Boyla Court, Windermere, sold May 23, for $2,900,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,905 square feet. Days on market: 25.

The home at 6203 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold May 23, for $1,800,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,350 square feet. Days on market: 260.

TUSCANY RIDGE

The home at 9178 Panzani Place, Windermere, sold May 20, for $1,320,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,080 square feet.

WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

The home at 1712 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold May 22, for $690,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,344 square feet. Days on market: 99.

WINTER GARDEN CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1946 Bay Clover Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 23, for $609,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,813 square feet. Days on market: 215.

COBBLESTONE OF WINTER GARDEN

The home at 350 Black Springs Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $545,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,924 square feet. Days on market: Two.

GARDEN HEIGHTS

The home at 560 Garden Heights Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $489,900. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,385 square feet. Days on market: Two.

HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET

The townhouse at 696 Orange Belt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $515,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,850 square feet. Days on market: 64.

LAKE JOHNS SHORES

The home at 16247 Lake Johns Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 22, for $475,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,071 square feet. Days on market: 100.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

The home at 38 Lakeview Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $540,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,038 square feet. Days on market: 43.

ORCHARD

The townhouse at 339 Winter Nellis Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $345,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,624 square feet. Days on market: 56.

SANCTUARY AT TWIN WATERS

The home at 16750 Toccoa Row, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $1,075,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,861 square feet. Days on market: 66.

VALLEY VIEW

The home at 9313 Quiet Lane, Winter Garden, Lake County sold May 22, for $1,199,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,854 square feet. Days on market: 241.

DeVore Design The home at 11440 Willow Gardens Drive, Windermere, sold May 22, for $1,360,000. It was the largest transaction in the Horizon West area from May 19 to 25. The sellers were represented by The Funk Collection, brokered by eXp Realty.

Every month, more than 160,000 a uent readers turn to the West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer and OrangeObserver.com as their trusted local news

W.Kevin Cox, M.D. Jose A. Torres, M.D. Jacob L. Cox, M.D. Andrew W. Geers, P.A.-C

SPORTS

1

In a letter by Windermere

High Principal Andrew Leftakis, he announced the school’s athletic booster association will be dissolved and booster operations will be internalized by the school “Over the years, athletic boosters operated as a 501(c) (3) in an e ort to support all athletic programs at Windermere,” Leftakis wrote. “The board also organized events, sought out corporate sponsors and sold the annual booster passes. We are forever grateful for the work done by current and past board members to support Windermere athletics. … I understand this change may be confusing for some, however, this brings us in line with OCPS Board Policy and allows the school to have oversight of funds.”

The school is establishing a volunteer committee to continue important work such as obtaining corporate sponsorships, organizing booster passes and planning schoolwide events.

If you would like to be involved with the new booster volunteer committee, contact Wolverines Athletic Director Jillian Sutton at jillian.sutton@ ocps.net.

2

Longtime Central Florida youth and high school baseball coach Bobby Brewer — who spent the last six seasons as the coach of his alma mater, Apopka High — is set to return to West Orange as Ocoee High’s next baseball coach. Brewer replaces Trent Hopper, who took over the program in 2023. Brewer, who spent ve seasons as the Knights coach, returns to Ocoee as its winningest baseball coach in the past 20 seasons with a total record of 67-60-1 from 2014-18 with three winning seasons and one regional playo appearance.

3Foundation Academy’s record-breaking girls volleyball player, Geiliany Del Valle, has announced she will continue her academic and athletic career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The junior setter is not only a four-year starter for the Lady Lions but also has been one of Foundation’s top players and one of the biggest reasons the team nished 17-5 last season. In 2024, Del Valle racked up 783 assists, 234 digs and 40 aces. Across her four seasons, she has 2,328 total assists and 795 total digs.

4

The First Academy and boys basketball coach Tarrik Mabon are set to host a Nike boys basketball camp for players ages 8 to 16 from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27, at Cramer Family Field House. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday. To register for the camp or nd more information, visit bit. ly/3SEzM79.

5Lake Buena Vista High baseball’s Logan Ekthuvapranee, a pitcher, has been named the Class 5A, District 7 Player of the Year. The lefty saw limited action on the mound this season but still managed to be lights out in his six appearances. Across his 19 innings of action from the mound, Ekthuvapranee maintained an ERA of 1.47, struck out 30 batters and held the opposition to a .219 batting average.

To close his Windermere High track career, Jozef Miesak added a state title to his 13 other first-place finishes in 2025 before hitting the track for the Yale Bulldogs. Page 2B.

The Young Lion

When Zion Grant joined Ocoee wrestling, all he wanted was to grow as a grappler. What he got was a community full of guidance and support.

Dream Center hosts self-defense class

The class, led by Windermere Police Chief David Ogden, taught situational awareness and other techniques to keep women safe.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

Windermere Police Chief David Ogden has learned a thing or two about surviving dangerous situations during his nearly four-decade long law enforcement career, which included stints as an undercover narcotics agent and 14 years on the Orange County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, so it’s more than fair to call him an expert on the matter. In Ogden’s opinion, the most

important thing a person needs to learn to survive a life-threatening situation is to be aware of your environment. That’s why, during the women’s self-defense class he led at the West Orange Dream Center June 7, his primary focus was on situational awareness. “I’ve been teaching women’s selfdefense classes since the

be honest

interested

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

Since Zion Grant was a kid, he’s been a fighter — beginning his education of the fight game at 7 years old with the sweet science of boxing before graduating to the school of mixed martial arts at 14. It was during his MMA education Grant realized what he wanted to do with his life: Become a professional mixed martial arts fighter. However, to achieve that goal, his professor of punch and a master of mixed martial arts himself, Julien Williams — owner and head MMA coach of Ocoee-based gym Fusion X-Cel and a professional MMA fighter — suggested Grant procure himself a history tutor of sorts to educate the “Young Lion” in the ancient craft of wrestling.

Enter Pernell Croskey.

After meeting with Croskey, on the recommendation of former pupils of the professor of pins, Grant knew he had found his guru of Grecco-Roman,

and

and

Sam Albuquerque

Zion “The Young Lion” Grant, representing Ocoee-based gym Fusion X-Cel, won his amateur MMA debut by rst-round TKO.

Courtesy of Ocoee High Wrestling

Members of the Ocoee High wrestling program celebrated former Knights wrestler Zion Grant’s amateur MMA debut win.

Sam Albuquerque

Ogden

THE WEEK

Jozef Miesak

After taking a year away from running track on the high school circuit, recent Windermere High graduate Jozef Miesak made sure to leave a mark on the 2025 high school track-and- eld season before continuing his athletic and academic career as a member of the Yale Bulldogs track team while pursuing a degree in physics. When his senior season was all said and done, Miesak captured a total of 13 individual and relay gold medals — including winning the 400-meter dash championships at states, regionals, districts and metros. Along with nishing in the top-three a total of 18 times this season, he also broke the Windermere record in the 400 with a time of 46.68.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It’s pretty nice, I’m glad to see that I was noticed for my sport. I thought that track and field was more of a niche thing, since I never got recognized outside of track meets, so it’s really nice to see that it extends beyond that.

What do you enjoy the most about track and field?

I like racing, because it allows me to compete against other athletes that train in the same event. Holding pace behind other runners and watching them start to break down toward the backstretch drives me to push harder.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from track and field?

You can’t (judge) a person from looks alone, 100%. Athletes (who) truly are fast never look how you’d expect, so humility and knowing your place is important. It teaches you that you need to be confident running by yourself to do well.

What is your favorite trackand-field memory?

Winning the state championship in the 400-meter dash. Although I have gone to much bigger meets, the state meet felt like a goal that was always truly in the back of my mind since the beginning. (Since) starting track, I really never thought that it would happen, but as I progressed onward, the idea became more realistic, and I know that telling my freshman self I actually did it would be astonishing.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Wayde van Niekerk

because he runs the same event as me, but he’s literally the world champion. Aside from him running the 400, we’re also about the same height and have a simi lar build, so seeing him run gives me hope that I could be just as great.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

Coding and app develop ment.

Being able to have an idea and then create it, make its parts and Frankenstein

THE BASICS

Age: 17 Sport: Track and eld Grade: Recent graduate School: Windermere High

it to life allows me to express my creativity.

What is your favorite subject in school?

I like science-related subjects —

I’m actually majoring in physics at Yale at the moment — but I’ve always had good experiences in science classrooms, met really cool people and got along with the teachers.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A lot of Saran Wrap, a big cutting tool like a machete or something and a lighter. The Saran Wrap is to waterproof things, the knife is to get wood to make things and the lighter is because I can’t start a fire and would probably die without it.

What is your favorite movie?

“10 Things I Hate About You,” no contest. I saw it during an official visit to Brown … and I really liked the story and the ending, and then the follow-up after the movie walking through campus really made the moment complete.

If you could have dinner with one person, who would it be?

My grandpa from my mom’s side.

I wish I could show him the things I’ve done because he left too soon.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself that you have a steady pace and learn how to keep the pace or at least not fully stop when it gets hard. That’s what separates people from the rest.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

I would ask what my regrets are and I would make sure to fix them.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Probably super speed, so I could win track meets easily but not have to train for them anymore.

Winter Garden Squeeze pick up

win of season

Lplaces in the world, where

any ethnic gaps I miss within culture from these places are super to me, and I have friends these places so that just adds to the pineapple belong on lutely; it’s actually my favorite. I always get a Hawaiian pizza every time I order.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

ed by a one-run, two-hit performance by starting pitcher Isaac Sewell, the Winter Garden Squeeze picked up its first win of the 2025 season, topping the two-time defending champions Leesburg Lightning, 8-6, June 3, at home and to stopping a four-game losing streak.

After giving up a solo home run in the first inning, Sewell, a 6-foot-2 left-hander from Arkansas State, was lights out for the rest of his outing, only allowing one more hit and striking out six during his five innings of work.

On offense, Winter Garden’s bats backed up its starting pitchers performance with three runs in the second inning and four in the fourth, sending Sewell off the mound with a 7-1 lead. But with the Squeeze’s stud lefty on ice, Leesburg began its comeback attempt by bringing in five runs in the sixth and seventh innings to cut the lead down to 7-6.

That’s when right-handed relief pitcher Blayke Rabens was called on to stop the bleeding and help deliver the Squeeze their first win of the season. In two innings on the mound for Winter Garden, Rabens allowed just one hit and shut down the Lightning offense to close the game — and thanks to a Jordan Marlo RBI single in the bottom in of the seventh — and give the Squeeze the 8-6 win.

Starting pitcher Isaac Sewell (No. 32) struck out six batters and allowed just one run in his ve innings pitched.

Center elder Zacharias Walker (No. 36) awaited the pitch from the batter’s box.

Courtesy of Calzadilla Media

Blayke Rabens (No. 4) closed out the win for Winter Garden by allowing just one hit in the nal two innings.

Gabriel Rodriguez (No. 2) and Zacharias Walker (No. 36) were all smiles after the Squeeze picked up their rst win of the season.

How Zion Grant went from not graduating to college-bond wrestler

his master of the mat, educator of escapes and teacher of takedowns. But there was just one problem: Grant’s pursuit of education of the fight game was put in jeopardy by his lackluster pursuit of his academics.

Croskey also is the dean of discipline and head wrestling coach at Ocoee High School. And Grant, who was entering his junior year, was not a student at Ocoee. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, he attended school online and was enrolled at Florida Virtual School. However, according to Croskey, Grant’s situation required him to transfer to Orange County Virtual School to be able to join the Knights program while continuing his education as an online student.

“It was an interesting situation when we tried to bring Zion into the program,” Croskey said. “The way the virtual school world is set up when it comes to sports. … Because he had his classes on Florida Virtual, he was not allowed to wrestle at Ocoee. … He needed to transfer to Orange County Virtual. … So I reached out to the principal of Orange County Virtual … and said, ‘Hey, I need you to look at transferring this kid over from Florida Virtual … so we can get him onto the team.’ So she pulled up his information and tells me he might not be a good fit because of how far behind in his coursework he was. He had a good GPA at the time, but he was so behind that we didn’t know if he would graduate at all — let alone graduate on time.”

Grant’s singular focus on an education in mixed martial arts meant his classwork was put on the back burner, but after learning this approach was an obstacle in pursuing his goal of becoming a pro MMA fighter, he took on the challenge with full force.

“I know the type of person I am, and once I set my mind on achieving a goal, I make sure I achieve it,” Grant said. “That’s just who I am: I’m going to put in the extra work. I knew I was going to put in overtime work to make sure I got the classes done.” Croskey believed in him and went to bat for him.

“I told the principal, ‘Listen, I’ve met the kid, know a bit about his story, and he’s a really good kid. I think if we just have a conversation with him and lay this out, he could turn this around,’” Croskey said. “She asked me if I thought it was worth a shot, and I said, ‘Absolutely.’ So we talked to him and told him that he needed to buckle down on the coursework.”

SETBACK

Croskey was right about Grant — not only to fight to give him a chance but also that wrestling would be something he’d love so much he would prioritize his schoolwork. Grant quickly fell in love with the sport and showed a heap of promise in the early portion of his junior season, but just as fast as the love for the mat came for Grant so did a season-ending injury.

“It started off great,” Croskey said. “Zion joined the team, he was doing

his classwork. But then, unfortunately, not even halfway into the season … he blew out his knee at a Christmas tournament. It was pretty tragic, and he was down for the rest of the season.”

Knowing Grant joined the team as a way of developing his wrestling skills, the injury cast doubt on if he would return next season or even ever walk through the doors of Ocoee High again. Grant, however, took time to reflect on his short time as a Knights wrestler and, life in general, and came to a path-altering realization.

“I remember just sitting back and realizing that the way I was going

Police chief hosts self-defense class

ATTEND A CLASS

For more information about future classes, visit wodreamcenter.org or email kim@wodreamcenter.org.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

exits and entrances are when you’re out at a restaurant … or thinking ahead of time about what you would do if, say, a robbery occurred? What that does is it buys you a few extra seconds ahead of time if something does happen, because you’ve already thought of a plan to exit out this door or take your kids and secure them in that room.”

The concept is called the OODA loop principle — Observe, Orient, Decide and Act — that aims to give people a quicker reaction time during a critical encounter. Ogden said although this principle only saves you a few seconds, in life-or-death situations, those few seconds can make the difference.

This sort of practical approach is what makes the self-defense classes Ogden leads so effective. The goal

isn’t to teach complex martial arts techniques to people who have never done anything of the sort. The goal of these classes is to teach various techniques that help people survive common dangerous situations.

“One of our biggest focuses is to try and get our students to understand that self-defense is just as much mental, emotional than it is physical,” he said. “That’s why we focus on building some good tactical principles, (such as) combat breathing exercises, looking around, not getting tunnel vision, not getting auditory exclusions, which are things we understand as law enforcement and SWAT team members that can help them get through a challenging or a crisis situation.”

Ogden, a fourth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, also brings a practical approach to the physical aspect of self-defense by applying simpler BJJ principles that lean on the martial art’s focus on leverage to overcome deficits of size and strength.

“The students get to see in class how leverage and understanding body dynamics and position, when you used correctly, is efficient, fluid and can be effective with little effort,” he said. “We all get scared when we try to use

about things was wrong and I needed to basically refocus my life in a lot of ways,” he said. “I feel like that injury was God’s way of sitting me down and helping me gain back my focus. Once I realized what I wanted in life and what wrestling really meant to me and how much my team and everybody around me means to me, I decided to take it seriously and not just as something to help me develop as a fighter.

“I made sure to not only do all my rehab work but put in extra training over the summer — I literally trained morning, afternoon and night, just to get back in wrestling shape,” he said. “When I started wrestling again I

wanted to make sure the team got the best version of me. Despite the fact that we’re going out there on the mat by ourselves, this is a team sport at the end of the day, and I realized that the people around me in wrestling and MMA are my team and I need that support, so I locked in and made sure I did what I needed to do to get back.”

Having the singular focus Grant did when he joined the Knights wrestling program made him somewhat blind to the point that he felt alone in his pursuit, but when the ability to continue his pursuit was ripped away, he saw the community of people around him was what really mattered.

“He stuck around the room after the injury,” Croskey said. “He showed up to practice almost every day, even though he couldn’t do much. He did all of his rehab, and once he bounced back, he just started working. He came back for his senior season with a new energy, and when I followed up with his guidance counselor and his principal, he was making up the school work, too. He was still a little bit behind, I think they were projecting him to graduate in December of 2025, which compared to where he was when we first met, was amazing.”

THE LONG GAME

That new energy Grant entered his senior year with propelled him to succeed on the wrestling mat, finishing his first and only full wrestling season with a 27-10 record and an individual West Metro Conference and District championship. It was clear he was developing his wrestling skills and becoming a more well-rounded mixed martial artist. College wrestling programs began to take notice. For Grant, the idea of continuing his wrestling education at the college level was the perfect way to make up for lost time.

“I only started wrestling two years

ago,” he said. “There’s guys who’ve been wrestling since elementary school, so I feel like I have a lot to make up for, and I feel like college is the best bet for me to continue my wrestling career. When I got injured, it made me realize how much love I have for the sport. Because it got taken away from me momentarily … it was really difficult and made me kind of depressed for a little while. But I used that feeling as fuel to help me get back and get better. So when the opportunity of wrestling in college became a real option for me, it was the perfect way to make up for lost time. I fell in love with the sport, and I just want to keep doing it.”

In the same way Croskey saw an opportunity to help Grant prioritize his school work in high school because of wrestling, when Grant told his coach about his desire to wrestle in college, Croskey once again saw an opportunity to preach the importance of education.

“At some point during the season, Zion came to me and said, ‘Hey, Coach, what if I wanted to go to college?’” Croskey said. “I just paused, and I was kind of shocked to be honest, because he hadn’t really ever mentioned it before. … when he asked me what I thought, I told him I thought it was amazing. I said to him, ‘Here’s the deal, though: I truly believe you can do well for yourself in this sport. You could be one of those few to actually make it, but let’s think realistically for a minute. If you hit all of your most outlandish goals, you become a UFC champion, how long does that career last? If you go beyond most, you retire in your 30s, possibly 40s. What’s the average lifespan? At least 80 years, probably more. That means you still have another 40 years of life to live. What else are you going to do?’” Croskey was right.

“He gave me some advice that opened up my eyes,” Grant said. “He showed me a whole different perspective, because I was thinking strictly wrestling. I wasn’t thinking about anything beyond that, kind of like what I was doing in high school. … After that conversation and just remembering my experience with my injury, I realized wrestling is temporary, and at any moment, it can be taken away from me. Then what do I do? He helped me realize I need to prepare myself for life after wrestling.”

Grant received more than a dozen collegiate wrestling offers and has chosen to continue his athletic and academic journey at Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio. With just three courses left to complete, he’s set to graduate high school at the end of June. Along with his academic and wrestling success, Grant also made his amateur MMA debut, and with the support of the Knights wrestling team present, he won by TKO in the first round.

“I look up to those men, they are father figures to me, so it meant a lot to me to have them there,” Grant said. “It meant a lot to be able to show them that everything they taught me, I’m applying to my life, inside and outside of fighting. I’m really thankful for them and know that they have played a big role in my life.”

our strength and our muscle to get out of certain situations and we’re not able to. As martial artists, though, we know that the most important thing you can learn is proper technique, and the nice thing about this class — and Brazilian jiu-jitsu overall — is in a short time period, like a few hours — our students learn not only the proper technique but also gain the understanding that if they execute that technique even just 75% correctly, it’s enough to create distance, help you get away, get somebody off of you long enough to find an

avenue to escape, which, ultimately is what we’re trying to accomplish here in this class.” These lessons and Ogden’s approach to self-defense really hits home for his students in a variety of ways.

“Going into the class, I was really nervous, because I was just scared that everyone else was going to know what they’re doing, and I’d feel lost but they did a really good job of making it not feel high stakes at all,” said Tiana Brooks, one of the students at the June 7 class. “I feel like I usually

train my body to be physically strong, but I never focused on how to use that strength for self-defense. I learned more of how to do that from this class and mentally one of the biggest take aways I had was to be a bit slower and more present. Not necessarily hyper vigilant … but to put more emphasis on paying attention to certain things.” Although there is not a formal class schedule as of press time, Ogden and the Dream Center are aiming to host another women’s self-defense class before the fall.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden led a women’s self-defense class at the West Orange Dream Center.

Sam Albuquerque Zion Grant practiced his kicks on a heavy-bag at Ocoee MMA gym Fusion X-Cel.

Courtesy of Ocoee High Wrestling

In his lone full season as a member of the Ocoee Knights wrestling team, Zion Grant won the individual West Metro Conference and district titles.

OCPS earns national recognition for excellence in theater education

This is the first time a district in Florida has earned the Premier Community for Theatre Education designation.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

For the first time, the Educational Theatre Association recognized Orange County Public Schools as a Premier Community for Theatre Education.

The award is given to schools that make positive and high-quality theater education a priority for all students.

“We’re all just really proud to be a part of the magic,” said Ashley Fisher, the Horizon High School theater director.

This year marks the first time OCPS applied for the designation, which will last for three years.

According to EdTA, schools need to meet or exceed standards set by the National Core Arts Standards.

Programs are evaluated on curriculum, schedule, performance, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion, resources and equipment, and more.

“Theater is more than just a math or a science class,” Fisher said. “The kids learn so much from being in our class about how to be a good human, in general, and honoring teamwork and commitment, and having passion and having drive and ambition.”

OCPS’ designation also marks the first time an entire district has been recognized in Florida.

For Nicole Freeman, the Castleview Elementary School drama director, the recognition means pride and hope that theater departments within elementary schools will grow and become more than just an extracurricular activity.

“I’m over-the-moon grateful for the opportunity and over the moon that we have been recognized as a school district,” Freeman said. “Sometimes, I stand back as the director and I see the organized chaos happen, and I feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get to be a part of some thing so impact ful. The kids bring us to life.”

She said theater not only is about danc ing and singing; it can teach foundational life-skills neces sary for all kids’ personal growth and confidence.

Freeman’s hope is that one day, OCPS will have theater teachers in all elementary schools.

“I wish theater could become one of the special areas that elementary schools were offered,” she said. “I think there would be a lot of success with it for young students.”

The award is

the result of years of hard work from OCPS theater educators, as well as the students, parents and communities that support the programs at each school.

“OCPS is blessed to have a lot of really hard-working theater educators; we put in a lot, a lot of hours,” Fisher said. “We do it because, first of all, we love what we do but also because we want to give the kids the most professional experience possible, and I think the educators who have that drive within them is evident in our district.

“It’s an honor to be able to be a part of a community that gets to put on these amazing productions,” she said.

“And (it’s an honor) to work so closely with these kids and develop them and get to see them grow for four years.”

Tara Whitman is the theater director for West Orange High School and has worked there for 10 years.

“Arts in the schools is very important, and it’s not always acknowledged or recognized,” Whitman said.

“It just feels really good as an educator to know that that mentality is supported by our school board and those on the administration side who are submitting for this are recognizing the work that’s being done in so many of our Orange County Public Schools.”

Whitman said it is nice to see OCPS connecting with an association such as EdTA that supports theater education all over the nation.

“It’s definitely a huge sense of pride for our school and our school county,” Whitman said.

According to EdTA’s website, each Premier Community recipient will receive a toolkit of materials, including signage for display and badges for websites and social-media accounts, tips on how to promote a theater department and facts about theater Teachers hope this will have a positive impact on the com-

“My hope is that with getting more recognition for our theater programs, we can boost enrollment in the arts,” Fisher said. “I really do feel like it’s such an important thing to have in schools, so that these kids have this creative outlet and an instant family overnight.”

district.

Castleview Elementary has one of the best elementary theater programs in the

Lake Buena Vista High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with an inspired commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, at Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida.

Principal Maricarmen Aponte wished the best for all the graduates as she and the rest of the Lake Buena Vista High community celebrated the milestone.

This year’s valedictorian is Leticia Dos Santos Amaral, and salutatorian is Alexandru Bejan. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE

We

Cause for celebration

Graduate Anna Gabrielle Pierre was all smiles while speaking with Orange County Public Schools teacher Keyana Terry.

Left: Hunter Schulze, left, Ryan Cruz, Youssef Ascham, Ravi Haas Vemulapalli and Mohammad Samer Dewaik, spent some time together before the start of the graduation ceremony.

Jose Sanchez Subero headed to his seat after picking up his name card prior to the start of the commencement ceremony.

Members of the Lake Buena Vista High top ten, Kristen Kocarek, left, Leticia Dos Santos Amaral and Alexa Feucht, were excited to begin the commencement ceremony.

Left: Wadee Chowdhury, left, and Hannah Chouikhi lined up to enter Addition Financial Arena and begin the commencement ceremony.

Right: Diana Al Adam was all smiles as she prepared to enter Addition Financial Arena for the commencement ceremony.

TAKING FLIGHT

Horizon High School’s Class of 2025 celebrated its commencement in style at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida.

As the rst ninth-graders to walk the halls of Horizon, the Class of 2025 are true pioneers as Hawks.

“After four years of growth and perseverance, you step into the world ready to inspire and unite,” Principal Andrew Jackson wrote to the Class of 2025.

“You will have opportunities on the Horizon: Embrace them, chase them, and shape the future with purpose and kindness.”

For more photos, visit tk-photos.com.

MICHAEL ENG

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

KNIGHT FEVER

Ocoee High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with a spirited graduation ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida.

Graduates — decked out in black and gold — showed plenty of love to their friends, family members and Ocoee faculty as they celebrated the milestone. This year’s valedictorian is Karishma Khusial, and salutatorian is Bruno RodriguezMendez.

The Knights were all smiles as they listened to inspiring speeches and, ultimately, received their diplomas.

For more photos, visit tkphotos.com.

MICHAEL ENG

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

100 years ago

In the personals: “Baby Lillie Keene of Beulah has been real sick but is much better now.”

75 years ago

The Winter Garden Recreational Association dedicated its new softball eld in the Shadowland subdivision. The rst game was played between Gri n’s Grocery and Bray Hardware. The second game was between the Rotary Club and Bray Hardware.

Den 3 of Cub Scouts met with den mothers Mrs. Ward Britt and Mrs. Tommy DeLoach. The cubs spent the afternoon working on model airplanes to enter in the county fair. Participants were Tommy DeLoach, Ward Britt, Richard McCord, Don Dickerson, David Turner, Ed Blaine, Jody Gu ord and Bill Cappleman.

Ad of the Week: West Orange Department Store, men’s dress pants, $1.75 and up; men’s gabardine suits, $19; ladies’ shoes, 75 cents; table oil cloth, 25 cents per yard; and No. 2 and No. 3 wash tubs, $1.45.

35 years ago

A “Real People” column featured Charles “Chuck” Bates, store manager of the Ready Market in Windermere. His rst job was laying water line in the high desert of California; his best days were the day he got married and the days his daughter and son were born; his likes were computers, photography, shing and camping; and his dislikes were opinionated people.

30 years ago

Dr. Phillips High School announced educator Phyllis Robitaille won a fellowship and was establishing a genetic institute at DPHS for students throughout Orange County.

West Orange County and the citrus community mourned the death of Dan McKinnon, 78, a prominent citrus grower and member of one of the area’s pioneering families. The World War II veteran was born in Tildenville.

At the West Orange High School baseball banquet, varsity players receiving awards were Judd Rich, Chris Grubbs, Ben Meeks, Brad Tinch, Jeremy Stewart and Heath Wise. Award-winning junior varsity players were David Klebonis,

Lee Bagley, Alan Crouch, Danny Kasper and Eric Rosenbaum. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church announced major building plans. The Fellowship Center project called for a gymnasium, a kitchen and fellowship hall with a stage and room for seating 500 for meals or 1,000 for meetings, and a building for additional administrative o ces and youth education facilities.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Dr. Albert Gleason, of Winter Garden (19122015), known as one of West Orange County’s most beloved physicians, also largely was responsible for having a Catholic church established in the area. A mission was created in 1959, and the rst Masses were celebrated in his o ce until a growing congregation necessitated the use of Tanner Hall.

The mission formally was named Resurrection Parish in 1967, and a church building rose on Highway 50.

Construction of the present sanctuary was initiated in 1990. For their devotion, Dr. and Mrs. Albert Gleason received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II, dated June 12, 1979 — 46 years ago.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

20 years ago

Lakeview Middle School sixthgraders Mikaela Renchler, Felicity Forness, Taylor Roper, Kathryn Keating and Emma Wilkinson were honored for their top-notch projects depicting Winter Garden. Third-grade teacher Betty Spears retired after 26 years in the classroom at Dillard Street Elementary School.

THROWBACK

THURSDAY

JUNE 2, 1966

Lake Apopka Natural Gas has been in Winter Garden for decades to ll the gas needs of residents in West Orange County. LANG advertised in The Winter Garden Times its once-a-year sale on Caloric gas ranges, which were available in a choice of colors: popular avocado, coppertone, yellow, turquoise and white. The black or brushed chrome ranges cost slightly more. The Caloric featured a cook and keep-warm oven, UltraRay radiant broiler, divided cooking top and easy-to-see control knobs on top of the range, electric clock, and timer.

PIDN LNWFOTK ZWTGFZV ETBFKN – T RXKKEFSVLID, TG TOLDIZZ, T EKTBIGOY CTGOID TGC ZFGSID!” WTU PIST

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AD ABSURDUM by Jeff Chen & Paul Coulter, edited by Taylor Johnson

By Luis Campos

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CHARLIE MAE WILDER PARK