The city of Winter Garden invites residents and visitors to its annual Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Charlie Mae Wilder Park, 1203 E. Plant St.
The free, family-friendly event will feature live musical performances, a kids zone with arts and crafts, community resource booths, and guest speakers. Free shuttle service will be provided from the parking lot across from the Winter Garden Library at 848 E. Plant St.
This year’s celebration holds special signi cance as it will take place at the newly named Charlie Mae Wilder Park, dedicated last year in honor of Charlie Mae Wilder.
Attendees will have the opportunity to celebrate alongside Wilder in the park.
HEALTHY WEST ORANGE PRESENTS
FAMILY CLASS
To kick o Westly’s Splash Challenge, Healthy West Orange and the Roper Family YMCA are teaming up to o er a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy some family fun — all at the same time.
The Family Aqua Fitness Class will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the Roper Family YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden.
Stay cool and get your workout in at the same time at the Roper YMCA pool.
Aqua tness, like water aerobics, is a low-impact workout o ering a gentle way to improve cardiovascular tness, strength and exibility. It’s a great option for all tness levels, especially those with joint pain or recovering from injuries.
This class is designed for ages 10 and older, and participants should be able to stand in a 4-foot, 6-inch pool. After the one-hour class, participants are welcome to stay for two hours of open swim. Folks can swim laps, tread water, or simply oat around and relax.
All participants will be registered for Westly’s Splash Challenge and receive a goodie bag. Registration is required, and spots are limited. Sign up at bit.ly/4l77KgF.
Recycling returns to Winter Garden
New lease on life
After undergoing a second liver transplant, Horizon West resident Andrew Wagner has a new outlook on life. PAGE 4A.
New Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream owners work to preserve the shop’s 17-year legacy. SEE PAGE 7A.
1Orange County teachers vote to keep union
The Orange County Classroom Teachers Association on Monday, June 9, joined the Florida Education Association in celebrating the 100th education union to be re-certified in the state.
In Orange County, educators voted to keep their union as bargaining agents and preserve their collective bargaining agreements. Of the ballots cast, 98% voted to keep the union.
“Today marks a powerful moment for educators across Florida,” OCCTA President Clinton McCracken said. “With the recertification of the 100th education union, it’s clear that teachers are standing strong together. Here in Orange County, 98% of our members voted to keep their union — a resounding message that we believe in our collective power, our voice at the table, and our right to advocate for our students and our profession.”
The OCCTA’s victories in recent negotiations include paid maternity leave, restored planning time, paid
of the contract and its members’ rights, including protections for nursing mothers and an agreement on Open House requirements.
2Bird center to host event on bald eagles in Oakland
The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey is hosting Saving Oakland’s Eaglets Thursday, June 26, in Oakland to raise awareness on efforts made to save eagles.
At the event, members of the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and the center’s EagleWatch program will tell stories about recent rescues made in Oakland.
According to the bird center’s website, the center was opened in 1979. Since then, it has become the main site for Audubon education programs and offices nationally, in addition to releasing over 700 rehabilitated raptors back to the wild.
Eagles are in danger because of habitat loss, which leads to territory fights, competition for resources and more interaction with the human world.
In 1992, the Audubon EagleWatch
grams, with volunteers ready to monitor and protect bald eagle nests in Florida.
The statewide program works to protect around 40% of the state’s nesting pairs. Volunteers collect information on bald eagle nesting used to help conservation efforts.
In April, EagleWatch volunteers noticed five eaglets hatching between two nests in Oakland. Out of the five, three died due to improper waste disposal, which in turn, tangled them to death. Two eaglets now are at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey going through rehabilitation.
Wei-Shen Chin, a renowned wildlife photographer and a volunteer watcher will give a presentation explain explaining what the rescues were like.
Ms. Bee’s mourns loss of founder
Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn & Candy Shoppe is mourning the loss of its founder.
Belinda Wilson, aka the store’s Queen Bee, will be remembered for her kindness and commitment to the West Orange community.
“She created a place for families to make memories that will live on forever,” the store posted on Facebook. “We will continue her legacy and make her proud.”
Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn & Candy Shoppe was established in 2011 in downtown Winter Garden but has since relocated to the Publix Plaza on the corner of County Road 455 and Highway 50 in Clermont.
Ms. Bee’s is under new
4
Seasons 52 coming to Winter Garden
Seasons 52 is expected to take over the site formerly occupied by Romano’s Macaroni Grill in the Winter Garden Village.
The plans for the Darden-owned restaurant call for demolishing the existing 6,800-square-foot building and building it from scratch.
According to the Seasons 52’s website, the menu features the most popular fruits and vegetables of the season, micro-seasonal foods that might only be available for a few weeks, as well as a variety of wines to choose from.
No opening date or construction plans have been set yet.
5 New businesses coming to Hamlin
Carve Pilates opened its doors on Wednesday, June 11 in Hamlin.
The business is located at 5513 Sunquat Drive, Winter Garden. Carve Pilates has an application in the Apple and Google app stores that includes class schedules, booking information and more.
Classes vary from low-intensity to high-intensity, welcoming all skill levels.
On top of that, Hamlin is getting a new TJ Maxx.
The off-price retailer will be located next to Urban Air, south of Publix on Hamlin Groves Trail. TJ Maxx will take over the No opening date has been set,
Courtesy photo
THE CANDIDATES
Florida Senate District 15 Candidates
Four candidates will be going head-to-head in District 15’s primary election on Tuesday, June 24. These candidates— Alan Grayson, Coretta Anthony-Smith, Randolph Bracy and LaVon Bracy Davis— are running for the vacant position as the district’s senator, succeeding Geraldine Thompson. The candidates’ entire, unedited responses are available at OrangeObserver.com.
CORETTA ANTHONY-SMITH
Age: 54
Residence: Gotha
Family: Husband, one biological son and two step-daughters
Education: B.S. in Marketing at Georgetown University, J.D. at the University of Florida
Profession: Attorney
Quali cations: Over 25 years of schooling and legal experience as a lawyer. Member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners as a grader of Bar exams, and as a question drafter. President of the Central Florida Trial Lawyers Association and member of the Florida Justice Association. Member of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration. Former Member of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure Committee and Small Claims Rules Committee.
Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?
As an experienced trial attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how issues like rising insurance costs, claim denials, unaffordable housing, underfunded schools and limited health care access hurt working families across our district. I’m stepping up to bring real solutions to the table — ones that prioritize community issues and that focus on accountability, transparency and expand economic opportunities. We deserve a government that serves all of us. I’m running to be a voice for those who feel unheard and to make sure every family in District 15 has a fair shot at success. Our district deserves a leader who will fight for them—not just talk about change, but deliver it.
Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position. I’m a fighter. When I was 7 years old my mother was hit and killed by a drunk driver. At the age of 16, my father was taken from me due to cancer. With the odds against me, I was determined to become the fighter they taught me to be. I fought for myself to succeed against the odds, and I fight for others who often cannot fight for themselves. After working for insurance companies early in my career, I’ve taken those skills and put them to use for my clients, and when I am elected, I will put my skills to use to fight for my constituents. Moreover, I have to advocate for my clients every day. I am skilled in the art of persuasion and advocacy. I will use the same tools to make sure that legislation, for the good of District 15, is heard and is passed.
LAVON BRACY DAVIS
Age: 45
Residence: Ocoee
Family: Daughter of the late Rev. Randolph Bracy and LaVon Wright Bracy.
Married to the Rev. Adrian R. Davis.
Profession: Attorney/Lawmaker/ Arts
Executive Education: BFA - Theater - Howard University. JD - FAMU Law - inaugural class
Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?
I’m running to serve the people of Senate District 15, because their needs, voices and concerns deserve to be heard at the highest levels. Just as I’ve done in House District 40, I lead with empathy, legislate with purpose and fight for real results. The people of this district deserve a senator who is present, accessible and accountable. I’m ready to continue doing the work, because our communities can’t afford anything less. Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position. As the daughter and granddaughter of ministers, service is in my DNA. I grew up watching my parents organize and advocate right here in this community. Lessons that shaped the core of who I am. With a background in theater arts, a career as a licensed attorney and years of spearheading community-based arts programming, I bring a unique blend of creativity, legal knowledge and grassroots experience to my public service. But most importantly, I’m already doing the work. As the State Representative for House District 40, I have fought for resources, passed legislation and remained deeply accessible to my constituents. I legislate with compassion and intentionality, always through the lens of the people I serve. I’m not running to learn how to serve. I’m running to continue serving. Senate District 15 deserves someone who knows the community, understands the system and isn’t afraid to fight for what’s right. I am that person, and I’m ready to deliver.
Discuss Geraldine Thompson’s legacy as a public servant in Central Florida. Sen. Geraldine Thompson left an indelible legacy, a legacy rooted in the preservation of Black history, the pursuit of justice and the relentless fight for opportunity and equity in Central Florida. She didn’t just celebrate history; she made it. From founding the Wells’ Built Museum to championing legislation that opened doors for the underserved, Sen. Thompson was a trailblazer who led with conviction and compassion.
RANDOLPH BRACY
Age: 48
Residence: Oakland
Family: Wife is Kietta Mayweather Bracy; three children Taylor, London, Brooklyn Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The College of William & Mary, MBA from UCF Profession: Entrepreneur
Quali cations: State legislator for 10 years
Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15?
District 15 needs great leadership now more than ever. With our politics as divisive as it’s ever been, with our economic future uncertain, this district needs an effective leader with a proven track record. I am the only proven legislator to be able to get historic legislation accomplished in this political climate. I’m running for reasons bigger than politics. I’m running to start a movement where I can lead this community to be the best version of ourselves. As a senator, who has the best legislative record of any Central Floridian Democrat, I realized that passing laws and bringing money home isn’t enough. Our country is breaking down right before our eyes, and we need a movement that starts within each one of us, so that we change our individual lives for the better, then our community, then our government — But it starts with us.
Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position. I have been deemed by others as the most successful Democrat in Central Florida under this Republican administration. I am not all about talk, I am the people’s champion. My proven track record speaks for itself. It’s easy for my opponents to talk about what they want to do, but the truth is, I’m the only one who has done what I’ve said I can do.
Discuss Geraldine Thompson’s legacy as a public servant in Central Florida. Since we both have represented this district in the Senate, I think it’s fair to say we both have differing legacies. But I plan to continue passing effective and meaningful legislation that positively impacts all communities within District 15.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 15 senator?
I’m inspired by God, my integrity and my love for people. It is why I have been so effective as a senator. When you are led by God, you work from a deeper motivation.
ALAN GRAYSON
Age: 67
Residence: Orlando
Family: Wife, Dr. Dena Grayson. Children Skye, Star, Sage, Storm and Stone
Education: B.A. Harvard College (high honors) 1975; J.D. Harvard Law School (honors) 1983; M.P.P. Harvard School of Government 1983; passed coursework and general exams (but no dissertation) toward Ph.D. Harvard School of Arts and Sciences (Government) 1983
Profession: Attorney
Quali cations: Named Attorney of the Year by Taxpayers Against Fraud. Testied four times to Congress regarding contractor fraud in Iraq. Served in Congress, representing Orlando, 2009-2011 and 2013-2017. First Democrat elected to represent downtown Orlando since 1974.
Why are you running for Florida State Senate District 15? To make life better for everyone in the district.
Discuss your past experiences and explain how they make you the most qualified candidate for this position. To give some specific examples, the Grayson Mandatory Mediation Program cut foreclosures in Orlando in half and was so successful that the Florida Supreme Court adopted it statewide. Grayson legislation prevented the expiration of the federal income tax deduction for Florida sales taxes. In my first year in office, I brought home an additional $100+ million in federal competitive grants, the kind that you have to fight for. I also brought home $1+ billion in federal funds for our roads, approximately $800 million for our VA hospital (funded, built and opened), approximately $600 million for building and operating Sunrail Phase II, an extra $150 million for school construction and special needs education, a 50% increase in bilingual housing counseling, $30+ million for local healthcare and health research, bridges and water/sewer construction, etc.
Discuss Geraldine Thompson’s legacy as a public servant in Central Florida. Geraldine Thompson’s primary legacy is to keep alive and expand on the spirit and tradition of the Civil Rights Movement, and the justice and equality that it embodies. I worked closely with her during my Congressional service. Some tangible examples of this are our making zero-interest and zero-down-payment mortgages available in the AfricanAmerican community, my teaching in her Civil Rights course, my contributing art to her African-American Heritage museum, our arranging for a federal grant to her museum, and so on.
New liver brings new perspective
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Horizon West’s Andrew Wagner spent Father’s Day in Syracuse, New York, surrounded by family for a wedding.
If you had asked him seven months ago if he thought he would be able to reconnect with family members he hadn’t seen in awhile, he would have been doubtful.
He was barely functioning as he was waiting for a call from Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center in Chicago saying there was a liver ready for him for the second liver transplant in his life.
As he patiently waited day after day, he found his mindset becoming more negative as he thought of all he could miss out on in life if he didn’t receive a new liver.
He would miss the birth of his first grandchild in April. He would miss his 16-year-old daughter, Estella Wagner’s, high school graduation. He would be leaving his wife, Nicole Wagner, without a husband and his four daughters without a father. But he was blessed to finally receive the call and had his liver transplant on Dec. 16, giving him the rest of his life to look forward to with family and friends.
FIRST TRANSPLANT
Andrew Wagner’s transplant journey started in 2010 when he was living in the Virgin Islands working for the Marriott Corporation and wasn’t able to receive the medications he needed to properly care for himself and his ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is a relatively common autoimmune disease that damaged his bile ducts in his liver.
He generally was a healthy man at only 45 years old, but his liver was failing.
As his condition worsened, the doctors at Tampa General Hospital, where he was waiting for a liver, put Andrew Wagner in a medically induced coma for six weeks.
Finally, the day had come, and in October 2010, he received what Andrew Wagner said was a liver “dubbed as not being the best liver.”
“However, it was a liver,” he said. “It was a match, and I was transplanted.”
But a new liver didn’t solve everything.
Andrew Wagner underwent three other surgeries due to complications.
After his transplant, he was beginning life all over again.
He had to learn how to talk, walk, eat and do other motor skills again. But he did it.
He put in the work to return to normal.
He later had surgery to remove his colon, large intestine and two feet of his small intestine and have an internal colostomy pouch inserted all with the hopes of avoiding colon cancer. His chances of being diagnosed were higher after the transplant.
Andrew Wagner said he had the surgery to ensure he’d be around to raise his daughters.
Everything was OK.
At least for the time being.
HERE WE GO AGAIN
When Andrew Wagner went in for a routine abdominal scan in September 2022, his life changed once again. The scan showed he had a mass in his right lung. Doctors didn’t know if it was a fungus or cancer.
Andrew Wagner said he was at his dining table eating dinner with his family when he received the heartbreaking call.
The mass wasn’t a fungus.
It was stage one mucinous adenocarcinoma of the right middle lobe. Lung cancer.
“I was blown away,” Andrew Wagner said. “I could not believe this guy was telling me I had cancer because I had never smoked, ever in my life.”
Due to it being in an early stage and a slow-growing cancer, a surgery on Dec. 2, 2022, with follow-up CT scans showed the pathology was clean.
He was cancer free.
But it was just the beginning.
“We kind of walked out of that feeling relieved after feeling really scared,” Nicole Wagner said. “Little did we know at that time that that diagnosis was going to be the biggest roadblock, the biggest hindrance for what was coming down the pike in our future.”
In spring 2024, Andrew Wagner started exhibiting symptoms. He had pleural effusion, which is fluid
around the base of the lungs and can indicate cancer.
Then came more labs and tests.
The family yet again was awaiting to see why Andrew Wagner’s health wasn’t at his best despite a liver transplant and being cancer-free. He was hospitalized due to liver complications.
His liver was failing. Again. He needed another liver transplant.
Nicole and Andrew Wagner thought finding a hospital that would evaluate him, consider him a great candidate for transplant and put him on the list for a liver transplant wouldn’t be difficult, but the hospitals proved them wrong.
Every hospital in Florida denied him. Then the vicious hunt for a hospital up the east coast led to being unfruitful.
Andrew Wagner’s cancer diagnosis kept hospitals from giving them the “yes” they so desperately were looking for because the standard is patients need to be cancer-free for three to five years before they can receive a transplant. Andrew Wagner only was cancer-free for two years.
“In September, we had a followup visit with a hepatologist, and he essentially told us we needed to transfer our energy away from transplant and focus on just doing all the right things and trying to eat well, exercise and stay out of the hospital,”
Nicole Wagner said. “Andrew had a 30% survival rate for 90 days.”
Feeling defeated, Nicole Wagner was watching “60 Minutes” on CBS when she heard the story of Dr. Gary Gibbon, who was a pulmonologist in California dying of stage three lung cancer and was on life support. But Gibbon received a double lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Transplant Center.
Nicole Wagner called Northwestern immediately and asked, “If Gibbon could receive a transplant, why couldn’t her husband?”
The team at Northwestern reviewed Andrew Wagner’s case and called him.
In October, the Wagner family finally received the “yes” they had been searching for far and wide.
On Nov. 6, Andrew Wagner was put on the transplant list.
Since Andrew Wagner had to be
close to Northwestern in order to be available on short notice in case a liver became available, he and his wife had to rush moving their lives temporarily to Chicago. A one-bedroom apartment two blocks from the hospital became their home.
The couple was told it only would be two weeks before Andrew Wagner would receive a liver.
Time kept passing though, and as each week went by, Andrew Wagner was getting worse.
Six weeks passed as they waited for the perfect liver.
When the couple received the call that there was a liver available for him, it was bittersweet. Andrew Wagner’s life would be saved, but in order for that to happen, someone had died.
“You’re kind of mourning at the same time as you’re happy,” Andrew Wagner said. “When I was done with that phone call, I immediately said, ‘We need to pray for that family.’ You want to call your family and friends and say, ‘We got the call. We got a liver,’ but it was hard to jump up and down. I just did not react that way. … It had to come from somebody so you are sad a little bit too.”
On Dec. 16, the wait was over. After a grueling 10-hour surgery that included three transplant surgeons and a thoracic surgeon working together to combat several challenges due to scarring from his first transplant, Andrew Wagner had a new liver.
He was walking out of the hospital back to his apartment 12 days later.
For at least two months posttransplant, Andrew Wagner had to remain close to the hospital to do follow-up testing.
On March 1, he finally returned home to Horizon West, but not before making stops in Michigan, West Virginia, Georgia and other parts of Florida for his victory lap, where he met with family and celebrated the success of the transplant.
“It was the best week ever,” Andrew Wagner said. “I didn’t want it to end.”
NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Andrew Wagner said he spent a lot of time in silent prayer going through the process of finding a liver and going through the second transplant.
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
“We have our kids and I don’t want my kids to be without a father,” he said. “I’m sitting there thinking, ‘God, do I have to go through this again?’ You question a lot of things, and we did, but we have a lot of family support and prayer.”
He had his family, friends, church community and even random strangers supporting him, helping him to feel mentally and emotionally stronger in the toughest moments.
Now he is even more grateful for every moment he has and doesn’t sweat the small things. The times when he used to get upset his daughters left a dirty dish on the table or in the sink don’t bother him anymore. He’s thankful for every conversation he has with his family, even if it’s a quick two-minute conversation as his daughters are running off to school or work.
He was able to hold his granddaughter, Isla Castillo, and help his daughter Taylor Castillo adjust to life now as a parent.
Andrew Wagner now is focused on improving his strength and mobility.
“Everybody’s now saying, ‘You’re like a cat with nine lives, but I think you’ve run out of lives so you need to slow down,’” he said.
He is working on his new testimony so when he returns to work with OneBlood, he can share his story with high school students and others to encourage them to donate blood and become organ donors. OneBlood is a nonprofit providing blood and stem cell products to more than 200 hospitals in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
He started working for OneBlood after his first liver transplant where he received more than 100 blood transfusions. He learned first-hand the importance of the work OneBlood does on a daily basis.
The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.
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Courtesy photos
Andrew Wagner is thrilled to have every moment with his wife, Nicole Wagner, and their four daughters.
Right: Andrew Wagner held his granddaughter, Isla Castillo, who was born in April.
County mayor focused on e ciency
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gave the State of the County address, stressing the importance of working together e ciently.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings stood before dozens of people Friday, June 6, at the Orange County Convention Center speaking with conviction on the progress the county has made over the past year during his State of the County address. Demings emphasized the importance of the county working together efficiently to succeed and help the county’s more than 1.5 million residents.
“We’ve celebrated a year of remarkable achievements, recordbreaking numbers in tourism and strong economic growth,” he said. “It has also been a year filled with opportunities, challenges and a renewed focus on efficiency in government.”
Orange County has the lowest tax rate in Florida for counties with more than one million residents and the 11th lowest county tax rate out of Florida’s 67 counties.
He said the county makes “careful decisions” to ensure it has a balanced budget.
“This year, budgets are tighter, and resources are stretched even as growth continues and expectations from our community are high,” Demings said. “This is a pivotal moment in our nation when the need for smart governance has never been greater.”
Demings said Orange County is
the first local government in Florida to launch a Financial Empowerment Center, which offers free financial counseling to anyone living or working in the county. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the county opened six Financial Empowerment Centers and conducted more than 380 financial counseling sessions. The county also has been committed to addressing the need for affordable housing. Although Demings said more public-private partnerships are needed to progress on making affordable housing available, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved $32 million last year for the construction of seven affordable housing developments. In 2025, the county has
opened and broken ground on more than 900 affordable and workforce housing units.
“Homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing communities across the nation, and Orange County is not alone,” Demings said. “Our goal is to work closely with our regional partners to reduce the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and provide support to those most at risk.”
After the Point in Time Count on homelessness, which is conducted each year in January, Demings said there had been a “slight decrease” in the homeless population within the county.
The county has made progress on the transportation front, providing
financial support that has allowed the LYNX transportation system to increase the frequency of buses and reduce wait times. Brightline connected 2.6 million passengers from Orlando to South Florida in its first year, taking 1.9 million cars off the road. The Board of County Commissioners in 2024 allocated $100 million over five years to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and to enhance transit.
Demings said business development has been a large contributing factor to the county’s economic growth and prosperity. He highlighted the theme parks including Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea Word for their multi-billion-dollar investments.
He mentioned how the county worked closely with Universal Orlando to make the theme park’s newest addition, Epic Universe, a reality. He said Orange County issued 1,500 permits and conducted nearly 34,000 inspections at Epic Universe.
“By having staff nearby, Orange County saved 300 workdays for these onsite inspections, reviews and customer service,” Demings said.
Demings also boasted accomplishments in the sports realm with Orlando Pride being the champions of the National Women’s Soccer League for the 2024 season; the Orlando Magic competing in the Eastern Conference playoffs; and Orlando Pride having several team members representing the U.S., Brazil and Zambia in the 2024 Olympics.
In public safety, Demings shared Orange County Fire Rescue Department now has a $52 million stateof-the-art training facility, which opened Wednesday, June 18, on 38 acres that will include a burn building where firefighters can train in live fire environments.
BY
THE NUMBERS
1.5M
Residents in Orange County 5th
Most populous county in Florida 11th
Lowest county tax rate out of 67 counties
$795M
Goods and services purchased in Orange County in 2024
800
People moving to Orange County each week
$32M
Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved in 2024 for the construction of seven affordable housing developments
$56M
Dedicated to supporting the needs of the homeless population including housing, mental health and health care services
$100M
Money allocated over ve years to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and to enhance transit
60
Transportation safety projects completed
264 Installation of new
Town of Windermere’s conservative budget pays o
Town Manager Robert Smith shares the town is in a solid financial state halfway through the fiscal year.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith presented a budget analysis report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to Windermere Town Council Tuesday, June 10, stating the town is in good financial shape.
Smith said the report showed the status of the town’s budget through April. “We take a look at the overall cost and then we see if there’s any anomalies,” Smith said. “We go pretty much line by line to see exactly what we’re looking at, where we missed as far as the budget and where we need to maybe add some dollars for next year and how we can actually save some money. But overall, everything looks great.”
One anomaly is from code enforcement, which had $5,000 budgeted for an assessment that did not take place. Smith said another showed the His-
torical Preservation Board Committee was down $10,000 because the committee receives its money from food trucks.
For the Parks & Recreation Committee, Smith said it had a higherthan-expected revenue by $85,000 because of the proceeds from Run on the Lakes as well as the revenue from the memorial benches that were sold as part of the town’s centennial celebrations.
Smith took a moment to focus on the half-cent sales tax, which is budgeted at $600,000 but has an estimated revenue of $575,000.
“This is something we’re going to be talking about with other municipalities because there’s currently legislation in the state that is trying to reduce the sales tax that we all collect from so that might have a huge impact on our next year’s budget,” he said. “I’ll keep an eye on that and keep an eye on if that actually passes. They’re also looking to eliminate some of the property taxes, and I’ll keep an eye on that as well.”
In regards to other funds in the budget, Smith said the revenues are increasing. For example, the tree mitigation fund is up by $50,100, and the communication services tax is
IN OTHER
NEWS
n Windermere Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of playground equipment for Palmer Park in the amount of $45,339.52.
n Council members unanimously approved the installation of landscaping in the medians of the 500 block of Main Street in the amount of $10,130.
n Town council unanimously approved tra c safety enhancements for Chase Road in the amount of $21,510.
increasing by $100,000.
Overall, Smith said the budget is expected to be approximately $143,849 more than the originally anticipated nearly $16.4 million.
“This is good news,” Smith said.
“We don’t have to make any cuts or anything drastic throughout the year.
I don’t think we’re going to spend all the money that we have anticipated for this year.
As for expenditures, Smith said the
town’s centennial celebrations came in approximately $59,700 over budget.
“But remember, we budgeted about $40,000 last fiscal year, and they did see a revenue of about $54,000 this year, so they pretty much broke even,” he said.
Smith said legal fees are down by approximately $75,000 from the budgeted expenditure of $225,000 because the trial regarding the boathouses isn’t until September. He anticipated the town will see the impacts of that in October.
Overall, the administration budget is approximately $72,565 less than the budgeted $819,333.
The budget for the clerk is over the $143,790 budget due to the town acquiring new public records software that will be able to be linked to the town’s new website. There also was an increase in expenditures for elections due to both of the municipal and annexation ballots.
The finance department is under budget by $7,570, and the development services budget is under budget by about $128,000 due to the comprehensive plan and building inspection fees being less than anticipated.
With public works coming in nearly
$44,000 under budget, Smith said the town will be hiring an additional public works employee. He expects $20,000 in unanticipated tree mitigation costs by the end of the fiscal year, and the cost of signs and banners is expected to be $20,000 more than the budgeted $20,000 due to the crosswalks on Ninth and 10th streets and the radar sign equipment maintenance.
For the Windermere Police Department, two vehicles were purchased totaling about $120,000.
Overall, Smith said the town should be in a good financial position for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as the town has been conservative with its estimates of revenues and has controlled expenditures.
With the annexation of Chaine du Lac approved by voters after a special mail-in ballot election in February as well as an increase in property values, the town of Windermere will realize an increase of about 19% in ad valorem revenues.
“I’m pleased we’re in good shape, we’re keeping tabs on these things and we run very responsibly ,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said.
Courtesy photo
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings gave the annual State of the County on Friday, June 6.
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
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
PRESBYTERIAN
St. John’s PCA
Meets at West Orange HS 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 321-343-7741 Sundays: 10:30AM www.stjohnspca.com
Private company to bring back recycling
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved and authorized City Manager Jon C. Williams to sign an agreement with Plant Street Recycling.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement, Non-Exclusive Franchise Indemnity and Hold Harmless Letter of Credit Draw Agreement was approved during the commission meeting Thursday, June 12. Commissioners Colin Sharman and Lisa Bennett were absent.
Plant Street Recycling LLC, a private company, approached the city to start collecting recycling material in the city.
The company will be collecting and recycling aluminum cans, paper, paper board, glass and plastic.
It has been in discussions with Stoneybrook West to begin operations in the gated neighborhood.
Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said Plant Street Recycling expects to have approximately 200 customers upon its start. He said the company plans to use 14-gallon tubs that will be distributed to each customer. Pick-up dates will not interfere with any of the city’s garbage dates.
Plant Street Recycling will use a pickup truck with an open trailer to put enclosed bins on to haul it.
“They’ll do all the sorting in front of the house, much the same as it used to be, and then they’ll haul it to their facility,” Pash said. Pash said fees are planned to be $25 per household.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Indemnity and Hold Harmless Letter of Credit Draw Agreement holds the city harmless in case of accidents, and it requires Plant Street Recycling to have a $50,000 letter of credit once the company starts operating outside the gated neighborhood.
The Non-Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Recyclable Materials Collection allows the recycling company to operate for city residents.
The agreement is effective until Sept. 30, 2027, unless terminated earlier. The agreement might be renewed in one city-fiscal year increments for up to three additional years.
Besides conditions the city put on the agreement, Plant Street Recycling also will need to follow the requirements for the Department of Transportation and Department of Environmental Protection for the recycled materials, Pash said.
“We’re looking forward to a big success in this one so we can bring it across the city,” Mayor John Rees said.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved waiving permit fees and the approval of the city to cover permit fees associated with construction of the new Boys and Girls Club located at 459 Ninth St. in the amount of $83,180.25.
nThe city commission unanimously approved an ordinance amending a city code ordinance regarding the expedited process for issuing building permits to allow building permits for residential properties to be submitted before the nal plat is recorded if the applicant meets certain conditions. Planning Director Kelly Carson said the ordinance is required in order to align the city’s code with Florida statutes. A second reading and public hearing will take place Thursday, June 26.
n Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning a .2-acre property located at 522 S. Woodland St. from Residential District to Residential Neighborhood Commercial District to allow for the establishment of a small, professional law o ce. A second reading and public hearing will take place Thursday, June 26.
n An ordinance vacating certain drainage and utility easements that exist over property located at 620 Garden Commerce Parkway and 630 Garden Commerce Parkway was unanimously approved. A second reading and public hearing will take place Thursday, June 26.
n The commission unanimously approved a downtown parking fee agreement. The applicant is redeveloping the property at 160 E. Plant St. with plans to open a donut shop called Parlor Donuts. The proposed project doesn’t meet the minimum parking requirements by a few spaces, so the applicant requested to enter into an agreement with the city to o set the parking de ciency. The agreement requires the applicant to pay $15,000 into the city’s downtown parking fund and requires employees of the establishment to park in underutilized city lots on busy days like weekends.
n Commissioners unanimously approved a code compliance and settlement agreement with Allister Rodgers to resolve code enforcement nes, liens and other charges associated with code enforcement actions against his property at 114 North Street.
Robert Montgomery, the owner of Plant Street Recycling, said the company is starting off in local neighborhoods. As the company is able to grow, Montgomery said the company will expand to more areas and get more involved in the city.
“I’m expecting within the first 24 to 30 months that we would be able to involve about 40% of the city based on the surveys we’ve taken and the public demand for something along these lines,” he said.
LEGACY HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM AND AGREEMENT
The Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously approved the Legacy Home Rehabilitation Program and agreement.
The city will work with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida to benefit homes in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood. Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is a nonprofit with a “mission to philanthropically provide repairs to homes of the under-resources, revitalize communities and rebuild lives.”
The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a budget of $1 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to support the Legacy Fund Home Rehabilitation Program. Home improvement work includes interior and exterior repairs of roof systems, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing, mechanical HVAC, environmental, ADA improvements, and other health and safety concerns.
The agreement with Rebuilding Together Greater Florida is a oneyear pilot to complete four full-repair projects to learn, assess and move forward assuming “everything works out positively towards the ultimate goal, which is to address 15 to 20 homes annually based on the set-aside budget for the Legacy Home Rehabilitation Program,” said Marc Hutchinson, the economic development director. There will be a maximum grant
amount of $50,000 to the approved homeowner, and the grant will be in the form of a zero interest, 10-year forgivable loan that will reduce by a factor of 10% over 10 years. There will not be monthly repayments for the grant.
Resident eligibility requirements include meeting Orange County’s income guidelines; the home must be owner-occupied with homestead exemption; single-family detached dwellings only; current on all taxes and liens; possess homeowner’s insurance but it might be waived; the property must have been built in 1979 or earlier; and the home must be located within CRA District and/ or the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood.
“Staff believes there’s mutual alignment in this partnership with shared goals among the parties for improving the quality of life for residents with well-needed home repairs and honoring the East Winter Garden Plan,” Hutchinson said.
Jose Garcia, the CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida, said his team is ready and prepared to start working with the city.
“As we know, this is hurricane season, so we want to make sure we make these homes resilient and we prevent any more damage in the house,” he said. “We were very honored for the city staff for inviting us to talk about this and to consider us.”
Larry Cappleman, a member of the Community Redevelopment Agency, said the partnership is a “great opportunity to demonstrate some tangible results the community may see and fall behind.”
He said if the four homes in the pilot program are completed in less than a year, the agency does not want to wait to move forward with more homes in the program.
Scoops under new ownership with the same vision
Introducing the new owners of Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream: Jake and Taylor Brighman and Alex and Jessie Douglas.
MEGAN
Nestled in the lobby of the Edgewater Hotel in the heart of downtown Winter Garden is a place to step back in time and out of the heat.
For 17 years, Michael Stoppel owned Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream. The business is more than a quick stop for ice cream but an integral part of the community’s close-knit nature and weekly family outings.
“It impacts so many generations,” said Jake Brigham, one of the new owners of Scoops. “A grandparent can bring their young grandchild, a mom and daughter, a father and a son. Some of our close friends that we go to church with, their first date was here 17 years ago.”
The history, legacy and family community were the ingredients that went into Jake and Taylor Brigham and Alex and Jessie Douglas’ decision to purchase Scoops when Stoppel chose to retire.
The couples officially took ownership on Monday, June 9.
“We came in here … all four of us and we tried to convey our passion for wanting to keep on (Stoppel’s) legacy of what this means to the town and not just totally rip it down, rebrand it and call it something else,” Jake Brigham said. “We wanted it to stay Scoops.”
The Brighams both grew up in the surrounding area and settled down in Winter Garden 10 years ago. While Jake Brigham travelled overseas, Taylor Brigham made it a tradition to take their oldest daughter of four, Stella, every Friday for a date night to Scoops to play checkers.
“It means everything; we feel like we’ve purchased the ‘OG’ of Winter Garden for our family because it has been such a staple in our life,” Taylor Brigham said.
Alex Douglas is local to Winter Gar-
den; he attended Foundation Academy before moving away just prior to middle school. He loved the “smallness” of the town when growing up and said it was the only place for which he would ever leave Tallahassee.
The Douglases moved to Winter Garden two years ago with their three kids. Jessie Douglas travelled all over the world because her dad served in the Air Force. When they made the move, she wasn’t familiar with the area but quickly discovered its appeal.
“We came downtown almost every afternoon, me and my girls while Alex was at work,” Jessie Douglas said. “We just fell in love with the sweet, little downtown, the splash pad, the parks and walking around, and Scoops was a big part of that first summer.”
When the Douglases joined Mosaic Church they began to feel more integrated into the community and found a new friendship with the Brighams.
Taylor Brigham said they immediately hit it off with the Douglases because of their like-minded thinking and parenting style. Jessie Douglas was expecting their fourth child and Taylor Brigham just had their fourth, another way that the couples were able to relate.
“They are some of our dearest friends, and we’re just very thankful to get to (own Scoops) with somebody else who loves Winter Garden and appreciates it just as much as us,”
Taylor Brigham said.
In their first week of ownership, the couples have been met with an outpour of excitement and support from friends and family. Their own kids have been ecstatic about the purchase, and once they’re inside of Scoops, it’s difficult to get them to leave.
Alex Douglas said he understands when a place sells, there’s always concern it won’t stay authentic or a franchise would swoop in to take over.
“So the fact that it’s local families
that own it and are continuing it for other locals and families in the community,” Alex Douglas said. “I think it’s just been kind of a really cool celebration by the whole town last week of, ‘All right, this is the next era of scoops, and it’s staying and is here in Winter Garden.’”
While the transition to ownership has been fun along the way, there’ve been a few challenges with learning all the technicalities that go into that title.
Out of the four, Alex Douglas is the only one with experience owning a business. He managed a hot dog place when they lived in Tallahassee. It taught him how to run a small, local business and make it his own without changing its true essence. He also gained knowledge on the food indus-
*Please
try in general.
The new owners’ biggest help with the learning process has come from Stoppel himself.
“He’s offered to be with us every minute the store has been open,” Jessie Douglas said. “He gave us the whole month of his help. ... He’s just overly ready and gracious to share and teach us.”
As they work with Stoppel to adjust to running an ice cream parlor, the owners have begun to add their own touches.
During COVID-19, a piece of plexiglass was put up by the ordering window, and Jake Brigham said they took it out to better see and connect with guests. They want to give people a “sneak peak” on the inside. Right now, the interior of the shop
remains closed, and they are unsure of when exactly it’ll open.
“Our dream is to open it back up to the public, but there’s a lot of things that need to take place in order for us to do that…(we have to get) a lot of things up to code,” Taylor Brigham said.
Taylor Brigham’s background is in interior design so she plans to use her experience to draw a plan to make renovations that will enhance the guests’ experience.
For now, Scoops will remain open as a walk-up ice cream stop for members of the community.
Courtesy photo
The new owners of Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream, Jake and Taylor Brigham and Jessie and Alex Douglas, are thrilled to be able to keep the ice cream shop’s legacy going.
Then & Now
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
HISTORIAN
The same but different — that seemed to be the consensus of the residents viewing the photographs at the opening of the new exhibition in Winter Garden City Hall Thursday, June 12.
“Winter Garden’s Renaissance:
A Historic Timeline” debuted this month, and the photographs chronicling downtown’s resurgence, with now-and-then photos, will remain on display through the end of July.
The images and descriptions tell about the people who helped with Winter Garden’s rebirth following a period of citrus freezes, a polluted Lake Apopka, abandoned railroad tracks and the decay of the downtown commercial district.
After years of existing with just a few businesses, the historic downtown district slowly made its resurgence with funding and dedicated elected officials and businessmen and women. Today, it is a thriving and charming destination with dozens of restaurants and shopping experiences.
In 2008, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation collaborated with Peter Schreyer, a documentary photographer and the former CEO and executive director of Crealdé School of Art, on a photographic exhibition of Winter Garden then and now. The original exhibition was underwritten
by Dr. John Cappleman and displayed in the Edgewater Hotel lobby. The 20 framed prints later were hung in the physician’s office.
Ten of those frames were temporarily hung this month at City Hall, and they tell the city’s renaissance story through 2008. Will McCoy, Winter Garden Heritage Foundation writer and curator, updated the exhibition to reflect downtown today.
“Having personally witnessed the incredible renaissance of Winter Garden over the last three decades, I am filled with pride as we unveil the Winter Garden Renaissance exhibition,” said Kristi Karst Gomen, executive director of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, at the opening reception. “This exhibit is a heartfelt tribute to our community’s journey and clearly highlights the vital role our foundation plays in preserving history for future generations.”
Jim Crescitelli, director of operations and programming for the WGHF, also spoke at the opening.
“People in this town are immersed in a century’s worth of architecture
and are always attracted to take pictures of the buildings, to draw the buildings, to paint the buildings,” he said. “I have to thank Peter Schreyer for the exhibit he did with the WGHF with Kay Cappleman back in 2008. ... And now we have a retrospective of the way the town looked like in 2008. The exhibit Will McCoy wrote (shows) what the buildings look like today … and the history of those buildings today provides quite a retrospective.”
Prior to the opening of the Winter Garden Renaissance exhibition at City Hall, interested folks embarked on a “Stroll Through Time” walking tour of downtown Winter Garden hosted by the WGHF. Crescitelli and McCoy took two groups through downtown, remarking on some of the city’s oldest buildings that still stand today. The walk ended at Winter Garden City Hall in time for the exhibition opening reception.
“We are very excited to display this exhibition highlighting the transformation that Winter Garden has undergone over the decades,” McCoy said. “Winter Garden residents know well that this city is a special place. Not only because we still enjoy these historic structures, but (also) because Winter Garden’s people have unwaveringly dedicated themselves to preserving the character of the town. This project makes clear how that effort has restored the places citizens visit every day.”
Photos courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
The Tavares & Gulf Railroad depot was built in 1913 to replace an earlier 1899 station. The railroad had only 38 miles of track but was active and productive. The T&G later became part of the Seaboard Air Line System, and its last run was in 1969. The depot was purchased in 1979 by the Central Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and opened as a railroad museum in 1983. The Winter Garden Light and Water Company plant to the south began operation in 1913; it was demolished in 1929. A re station was built in 1938 on
Right: The Tremaine & Boyd apartment complex and several shops and restaurants are located at the former site of the Winter Garden Light and Water Company plant.
This 2008 photograph shows an empty lot between the railroad museum and the former re station.
Before Winter Garden was established in 1903, this area often was called South Apopka. The South Apopka Supply Company, at 24-26 S. Main St., was constructed in
The old South Apopka Supply Company, the Dillard and Boyd Building and the former Shelby Hotel
In 2008, the businesses along this strip included Shirley’s Trailside Antiques, Mooncricket Café, Winter Garden Pizza Company and Southern Comfort.
Amy Quesinberry Price Today, this section of downtown includes Three Birds Café, Polka Dotz Boutique, Mooncricket Café, Attic Door and AJ’s Pizza.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Ahome in the Signature Lakes community in Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 26 to June 1.
The home at 14700 Avenue of the Rushes, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $2,700,000. Built in 2007, it has ve bedrooms, sixand-one-half baths and 5,637 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. The sellers were represented by Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY LAKES AT GRANADA
The home at 8129 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold May 27, for $600,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,718 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
The home at 9143 San Ambrosio, Orlando, sold May 30, for $590,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,703 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
BAY VIEW RESERVE
The condo at 7550 Hinson St., No. 11C, Orlando, sold May 30, for $625,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: 57.
CYPRESS POINT
The home at 9076 Great Heron Circle, Orlando, sold May 26, for $1,100,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,133 square feet of living area.
FLORIDA CENTER WINDHOVER RESIDENCE AREA
The townhouse at 6205 Peregrine Court, Orlando, sold May 26, for $355,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,507 square feet of living area.
HIDDEN ESTATES
The home at 5525 Meadow Pine Court, Orlando, sold May 30, for $620,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,369 square feet of living area.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8703 Brixford St., Orlando, sold May 28, for $1,175,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,652 square feet of living area.
POINT CYPRESS
The townhouse at 8950 Della Scala Circle, Orlando, sold May 30, for $675,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,596 square feet of living area.
GOTHA AZALEA RIDGE
The home at 9420 Azalea Ridge Way, Gotha, sold May 30, for $365,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,409 square feet of living area. Days on market: 150.
CITRUS OAKS
The home at 9263 Lake Lotta Circle, Gotha, sold May 30, for $325,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,566 square feet of living area. Days on market: 74.
SADDLEBROOK
The home at 1700 Bridlewalk Court, Gotha, sold May 27, for $645,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,003 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.
HORIZON WEST
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 15542 Sunquat Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 27, for $495,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet of living area. Days on market: 148.
HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES
The home at 15772 Murcott Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $900,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet of living area. Days on market: 64.
INDEPENDENCE/
SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 14700 Avenue of the Rushes, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $2,700,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,637 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.
LEGADO
The home at 9224 Legado Drive, Windermere, sold May 29, for $1 million. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,407 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.
NORTHLAKE AT OVATION
The home at 11218 Pixie Mandarin Court, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $865,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,087 square feet of living area. Days on market: 138.
ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING
The home at 3125 Winesap Way, Winter Garden, sold May 28, for $585,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,505 square feet of living area. Days on market: 275.
The home at 2951 Irish Peach Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $560,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,115 square feet of living area. Days on market: 45.
SERENADE AT OVATION
The home at 13224 Peaceful Melody Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $749,900. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,856 square feet of living area. Days on market: 445.
SILVERLEAF OAKS
The home at 16354 Grey Pine Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 28, for $535,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
STOREY GROVE
The townhouse at 14143 Title Way, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $450,500. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,992 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING
The home at 308 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold May 30, for $443,500. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,898 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 625 Cheekwood Alley, Oakland, sold May 27, for $1,835,000. Built in 2022, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,796 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.
OCOEE AMBER RIDGE
The home at 1848 Jimson Ave., Ocoee, sold May 27, for $360,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,238 square feet of living area.
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 2837 Darlington Oak Lane, Ocoee, sold May 28, for $505,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,061 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
BORDEAUX
The condo at 2015 Erving Circle, No. 106, Ocoee, sold May 29, for $205,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,109 square feet of living area. Days on market: 64.
FORESTBROOKE
The home at 3415 Starbird Drive, Ocoee, sold May 29, for $610,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,720 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
SAWMILL
The home at 5216 Mill Stream Road, Ocoee, sold May 27, for $420,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,730 square feet of living area.
WEST ORANGE
BUTLER BAY
The home at 1825 Lake Roberts Court, Windermere, sold May 29, for $1,258,250. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,754 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.
GLENMUIR
The home at 10986 Ledgement Lane, Windermere, sold May 30, for $960,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,080 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.
WINDERMERE
CHAINE DU LAC
The home at 3414 Cocard Court, Windermere, sold May 31, for $1,600,000. Built in 1998, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 6,098 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.
ESTATES AT WINDERMERE
The home at 2515 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold May 28, for $1,299,999. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,400 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 8440 Woburn Court, Windermere, sold May 29, for $1,225,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,913 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
RESERVE AT BELMERE
The home at 11733 Delwick Drive, Windermere, sold May 28, for $875,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,963 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 98 E. 10th St., Windermere, sold May 30, for $1,850,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: 175.
WINTER GARDEN
BAY STREET PARK
The home at 1130 E. Bay St., Winter Garden, sold May 28, for $210,000. Built in 1961, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 814 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.
BRANDY CREEK
The home at 1222 Brandy Lake View Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $465,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,733 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 14001 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $749,900. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,952 square feet of living area.
LAKE APOPKA SOUND
The home at 14421 Shaman Way, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold May 30, for $650,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,314 square feet of living area.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 907 Celadon St., Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $2,199,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,247 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
SCHOOL BRIEFS
WINDERMERE HIGH WELCOMES NEW BASKETBALL COACH
Windermere High welcomed a new basketball coach.
Angelique Fayson, now head coach for the girls’ basketball team, previously coached the sport at Evans High School.
Fayson now will join the Wolverines for the 2025-2026 school year.
THREE SCHOOLS UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP
Hamlin Middle School and Spring Lake and Bay Lake elementary schools will have new principals starting in the 2025-2026 school year.
Bridget Bresk will be the new principal for Hamlin Middle, taking over for Dr. Suzanne Knight who retired after 37 years with Orange County Public Schools.
Previously, Bresk was an assistant principal at Lake Buena Vista and Windermere high schools.
According to OCPS, she has served as an administrator for more than 20 years, ensuring students have all the tools necessary to succeed.
Cristina Mrozek will be the new principal of Bay Lake Elementary School.
Mrozek has served as an assistant principal with OCPS since 2016. She
was a 2024-2025 Assistant Principal of the Year honoree as the assistant principal at Lakeville Elementary. She also has served as an elementary teacher, math and science coach, district resource teacher for elementary mathematics, and a Teacher Incentive Fund Science, Technology, Engineering and Math master coach. She began her time with OCPS in 2006. Spring Lake Elementary School is welcoming Gina Warkentien as the school’s new leader.
Warkentien has served as a senior administrator for the division of learning for elementary schools with OCPS as well as an assistant principal for more than three years. She also was an instructional and literacy coach, a reading resource teacher, and an elementary teacher. She began her time with OCPS in 2010.
WOLVERINES ANNOUNCE NEW GIRLS VOLLEYBALL COACH
Windermere High welcomed a new girls’ volleyball head coach.
Jadyn Russ, a native of Florida, accepted the role as head coach beginning this summer.
Windermere High held a meetand-greet event from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 16, in the gym of the high school.
The meet-and-greet included information about summer workouts, tryouts and athletic clearance. The meeting was for students only, though a parent meeting also will be scheduled once tryouts are complete.
SUMMER BREAKSPOT OFFERS KIDS FREE MEALS
Children can receive free meals this summer through the Summer BreakSpot program.
Available to all individuals 18 years old and under, the program offers breakfast, lunch and snacks at no cost.
Summer BreakSpot operates more than 3,000 locations across Florida, including schools in West Orange County.
No application is required to participate, but children must be present to receive meals.
Some schools in West Orange County that serve as distribution sites include:
n Panther Lake Elementary, 10151
Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden n SummerLake Elementary, 15450 Porter Road, Winter Garden n Windermere High School, 5523 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere n Sunset Park Elementary School, 12050 Overstreet Road, Windermere n West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden n Ocoee Middle School, 300 S. Bluford Ave., Ocoee
The program aims to provide consistent access to nutritious meals, especially during summer break.
Courtesy photo
Summer School Zone is in session
Summer break is here, and with it comes our annual feature, Summer School Zone, where local students take over our Observer School Zone section and write about topics of importance and interest to them and their peers.
The three writers joining our reporting team this year are Avery Bangsund, Ava Petroski and Kasey Bilodeau. Each student has a passion for writing and telling local stories about those in our community.
AVERY BANGSUND
Avery Bangsund, 18, is celebrating her graduation from Foundation Academy.
“It feels so accomplishing,” she said. “I’m ready for the next step in life. It’s amazing to see all my hard work finally pay off. It’s a breath of fresh air.”
In August, she heads off to college at West Virginia Wesleyan University to major in communications and play soccer.
Sports are a passion for Bangsund, who earned 22 varsity letters in high school participating in varsity cross country, soccer, track and weightlifting.
Knowing she thrives in smaller academic environments and the demands of playing D1 sports would limit her abilities to be involved in other activities, Bangsund decided a D2 university would be the best fit for her.
Bangsund plans to major in communications with the hopes of getting an internship at a local newspaper or broadcast station her freshman year to jumpstart her experience in journalism.
“Getting an internship out there, even for any of the sports teams, would be ideal for me in college,” she said. Her dream job is working in
sports broadcasting, covering any sport and being able to interview players and coaches.
But before August, Bangsund is looking to make the most of her last summer before she goes off to college.
She said she wants to spend as much time as possible with friends and family and is looking forward to her annual family trip to Minnesota.
She also is focused on recovering from when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and both meniscus during a soccer match.
KASEY BILODEAU
Kaey Bilodeau, 18, was homeschooled and has graduated from high school.
She’s looking to the future, deciding what her next steps will be with thoughts of studying cosmetology in college so she can have the flexibility to study but also travel.
Although she said she’s good at cosmetology, her real passions lie in writing and science.
In school, she always loved psychology as well as language arts and literature.
“I love the challenge, working hard and solving problems,” Bilodeau said.
When it comes to writing, Bilodeau likes to break topics down and think of a logical argument to explain an opinion or point of view. She even started to review books online in Febru-
AVA PETROSKI
Ava Petroski, 15 and a rising sophomore at Olympia High School, has a deep passion for marine science.
Her love for marine science has inspired her to take two science classes rather than just one her sophomore year. One is a marine science class, and the other is Chemistry Honors.
“I love being in the water,” Petroski said. “The water is kind of like a happy place almost, but I also really love working with marine animals and learning about the ocean.”
This drive to learn more about the great, big blue has led her to another year of participating in a marine science camp at Sea World where she will have the opportunity to work with the animals, including a shark diving experience and cleaning out
ary. She also loves writing about people and places.
“I just wanted a way to talk about how I really enjoyed these
tanks. Other than science, Petroski spends her days diving into the world of writing, whether it’s an
books but more publicly, and that was something I could do that was free and easy and on my own timeline,” Bilodeau said of writing book reviews.
Bilodeau would like to be a published author by the time she’s 20 years old as well as, at some point in her life, hike the Appalachian Trail and live abroad somewhere like the United Kingdom. She already has written a couple chapters of her book, which is centered on a little town like Winter Garden with a focus on the small-town relationships and the psychological quirks that make the place so special.
In her free time, Bilodeau has fallen in love with cycling, and she tries to compete when she has the opportunity. This year, she did a mini triathlon and a 10K. She hopes to be able to do a 100-mile bike race with her mother.
article for the Observer Summer School Zone or a screenplay to be brought to life on stage.
Petroski won an award for playwriting in a state competition for theater in eighth grade, and she also has submitted plays to Valencia College. The college’s theater students then acted out her submitted plays.
“It was so surreal,” she said of seeing her plays on the stage. “It was only my second time, but I was like, ‘Oh, would it feel different seeing it the second time rather than the first time seeing it on stage?’ It’s still amazing every time something I write is being performed.”
She will be participating in the summer production of “Mean Girls” with Breakthrough Theatre Company this summer.
the stingray
YMCA hosts Summer Safety Splash
In partnership with the Orange County Sheri ’s O ce, the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center hosted families from the Southwest Orange community for its Summer Safety Splash event Saturday, June 7.
The YMCA event was all about helping keep kids safe this summer.
The community pool party — which featured a live deejay, a variety of local vendors, free snacks and activities — is a fun summer event put on in an e ort to help keep kids safe. Along with the family fun, event-goers learned from experts tips focused on swimming and overall safety during the summer.
Another summer safety feature of this event was the chance to participate in free swimming assessments, provided by YMCA sta to help make sure families are con dent and safe around water this summer.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
2025, at Lake Bennett Solaris Healthcare in Ocoee. She was born Aug. 9, 1930, in Jacksonville, Florida, and lovingly adopted by Sarah (Sadie) and Carl Henderson. She was a homemaker and enjoyed time with family and friends. She was known for her fun-loving personality, not above a bit of mischief, and always brought laughter everywhere she went. She was an active member of the Ocoee Woman’s Club for 25 years and a member of Starke Lake Baptist Church. She is preceded in death by her mother, Sarah (Sadie) Henderson; father, Carl Henderson; sister, Lilla Henderson; brother, Bud Henderson; husband, Wilber J. (Josh) Merritt, son, C. Randall (Randy) Freeman; and stepson, Charlie Merritt. She is survived by her son, C. Roger (Kelly) Freeman; granddaughters, Heather (Chris) Bender, Holly (Dennis) Briesacher and Shari Freeman; and grandsons. Zach Freeman, Joshua Kelley and Tim Ayers; along with four great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two nieces, two nephews and their families, who loved her dearly. There will be a celebration of life Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Starke Lake Baptist Church, Ocoee, Florida. Visitation at 10 a.m.; Memorial Service at 11 a.m.; interment following service at Woodlawn Cemetery, Gotha, Florida. Reception following interment in the Fellowship Hall, Starke Lake Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Starke Lake Baptist Church, 611 West Ave., Ocoee, FL 34761, or Cure Duchenne, 100 Bayview Circle, Suite 5600, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
Above: Gabi and Joseph DiFrancesco met Justice, a member of the Orange County Sheri ’s O ce Mounted Patrol Unit.
Right: Event-goers had the chance to interact with di erent animals such as Pio, a Belgian d’Uccle rooster, at the petting zoo organized by the Colonial High School FFA.
Stephen Ting, left, Bobby Vereb, Keith Wolling and Morgan Earp were all smiles as they welcomed folks to the Summer Safety Splash event.
Elvie Aramd, left, and Monishia Rodriguez handed out popcorn at the Summer Safety Splash event.
TEE UP: Stoneybrook to host championship
On June 21 and June 22, Stoneybrook West Golf Club will open its doors to the community for its annual Open Championship.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
EDITORIAL INTERN
The annual Open Championship Tournament returns to Stoneybrook West Golf Club on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22.
The Open Championship is available to all handicaps, ages and the general public. Prices are set at $100 for juniors (18 and under), $150 for members of the club and $200 for non-members.
“The challenge that I’ve had here at our club is making sure everybody understands that it’s open to the general public,” said Rocky Hodge, owner and general manager of Stoneybrook West Golf Club.
Hodge loves that the club is in the Stoneybrook West community and available to the residents who live there, but he’s struggled in the past with the misconception that it’s only for that select community.
Stoneybrook West Golf Club’s 7,101 yards and 72-par course, underwent construction in June of 2022, and reopened in September 2023. Six months after construction, the club hosted its largest event, the annual Stoneybrook West Golf Club Open Championship Tournament, and drew out 75 golfers.
As of now, the 2025 tournament has 65 golfers who’ve signed up, and Hodge is hoping to push that number to 100 through enhanced prizes and better golf course conditions.
“Last year we were open for about six months and our golf course was starting to come along condition wise,” Hodge said. “Our conditions are much better than it was last year, so I think that will certainly help get more people out here.”
For Hodge, the inclusion of the tournament brings him a new level of excitement. He’s always had a passion for courses that include everyone — the public, different levels and ages.
“When I had the opportunity to run my own (tournament), this was something that I really got excited about and getting the people that we had last year and having the event and the awards after and dinner, it was a great achievement,” Hodge said.
nament that participants can enjoy while awards are given.
“I think the event itself, a lot of the people that played in last year raved about it,” Hodge said. “Once we advertised about it, it was something that people (would say), ‘Hey I heard that was good last year so hey let’s go.’”
To prepare for the tournament, Stoneybrook West follows what it does on a weekly basis. The club hosts multiple smaller events every week including junior and ladies group lessons, weekend scrambles and one-day tournaments.
But in anticipation for its largest event, the club is focusing on the details of the conditioning of the golf course itself, from the fairways to the greens. Hodge is emphasizing a focus on that because in an event golf course, conditions play a big role in how people react to it.
“When you have the golf course condition where you want it to be, and we are really pleased where we are now, the golfers obviously give you that feedback, and it’s obviously a very rewarding situation,” Hodge said.
It’s a special reward to Hodge when people talk to him directly or through text, email and social media, to express they haven’t played at the course in a while and are glad they came out to play because they had a lot of fun.
Hodge said the extra aspects he adds during an event can help to boost the feedback he receives as well. It’s important to provide dinners and have a place for players to sit down and talk about their rounds, watch TV and simply hang out.
Another factor Hodge is taking into account for this year’s Open Championship is the weather conditions.
OF THE WEEK Charlotte Ozim
ATHLETE
Charlotte Ozim is a part of the 11U Windermere Girls Little League All-Star Team. Windermere defeated Dr. Phillips Friday, June 13, in three games (13-5, 8-16, 13-1). Ozim played a key role in the win by hitting .400, bringing in four runs and scoring a total of three times in the series. With the win, Windermere advanced to the Sectionals of the Little League Softball District Tournament on Friday, July 11.
What do you enjoy the most about softball?
I like hitting and hanging out with friends.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from softball? Don’t give up when things are hard, and always try your hardest even when things are hard.
What is your favorite softball memory?
Winning the State Championship last year in All-Stars 10U Division.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My older sister Lizzie because she never gave up and is now going to college (to play) softball at Belmont University.
What is your go-to pre-
IF YOU GO STONEYBROOK WEST GOLF CLUB’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
When: Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22
Where: Stoneybrook West Golf Club, 15501 Towne Commons Blvd., Winter Garden Cost: $100 for juniors (18 and under), $150 for club members, $200 for non-members. Details: The tournament is open to the public and will include a grab-and-go breakfast and a bu et-style dinner with awards. More information: stoneybrookwestgolfclub.com/event/sbwopen-championship/
“We were here last year in April, this year, we’re more into June,” Hodge said. “Being in Florida, the afternoon, potential showers can sometimes hinder and also make it different than what someone had this morning on their golf day. So this gives the same conditions to every single golfer.”
This year they are working on creating a grab-and-go breakfast style, but Hodge said the final decision on that still is to come. He intends to provide a more elaborate buffetstyle dinner than last year’s tour-
“The challenge that I’ve had here at our club is making sure everybody understands that it’s open to the general public.”
— Rocky Hodge, owner and general manager of Stoneybrook West Golf Club
To accommodate the larger turnout that’s expected for this year’s tournament and higher chances for afternoon showers, Hodge is implementing a shotgun format playing style.
In the shotgun format, each group of golfers will start on a different hole and continue until they play all 18. Also each golfer has the same conditions because they will all start and end at the same time.
“It certainly gives us a more consistent game for everybody,” Hodge said.
Hodge aims to make it as consistent as possible for everyone, and with the two-day tournament, it’s easier to regulate if everyone has the same conditions. He said it’s more challenging to regulate changing weather in a four-day tournament.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? I would want to see dinosaurs and maybe ride on one!
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self? Sports are supposed to be fun, so always make it fun.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Will I still be playing softball when I’m in college?
Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
Spider-Man because he can climb up walls and shoot webs.
Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?
The Green Goblin because he rides on a really cool hoverboard.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Liz Ramos
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
90 years ago
Work on the new Winter Garden Theatre was progressing rapidly under the direction of owner C.M. Biggers, who had hoped to open the new building within a month.
Scouts Gene Cappleman, Robert Dyar, Raymond Shepherd, Edwin and Billy Bourland, Paul Smith, James Caudle, William Kennedy, Frances Borgard and James Denham met early one weekday morning to clean up the American Legion Hall and trim shrubbery. After completing the work, the boys devoured homemade ice cream.
Several hundred women were expected at Legion Hall for the free cooking service given by the Florida Catholic Service Company.
85 years ago
Ad of the Week: 1931 Chevrolet Sedan, a lot of service in this little car for only $98. Williams Chevrolet Co., Winter Garden.
80 years ago
Joiner Auto Parts store !nished its move into its new location on Plant Street. Joiner sta reconditioned the storeroom and installed new furnishings and !xtures adopted to his line of merchandise.
50 years ago
Ernest E. Hawk announced his retirement after 10 years of teaching German at Lakeview High School.
The Winter Garden Lions installed new o cers: Dr. Leland L. Giddens, district governor elect; Don Ford, past president; Bob Ainsworth, president; Ray Creech, assistant secretary-treasurer; Byron Baird, director; Phil Cross, Lion Tamer; Ernest Hawk, treasurer; Mervin Lee, director; Joe Valdes, director; Cecil Dees, director; and Jerry Allen, secretary.
Celebrating Juneteenth — Margaret Dyson is photographed with three young family members: her daughter, D. Dyson, is seated on the taxi, and nephews Michael and Cecil Wheeler stand in front. Dyson’s Taxi, owned and operated by George Dyson and Annie Bell Dyson (who also operated an icehouse and other businesses and properties), ferried east Winter Garden residents to jobs and appointments located beyond the traditionally black neighborhood.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation asks the families of the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood to share family histories, photographs and recollections. Residents are invited to the Healthy West Orange o ces at 1200 E. Plant St. from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20.
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.
The West Orange Indians were the Minor League champions. Teammates were Chris Crawford, Robbie Herrington, Steve Baird, Bruce Hayes, Kelli Ledford, Beaver McMillan, Timmy Richardson, Woody Lambert, Coach Judy Tuttle, Scott Ledford, Greg Strickland, Robert Townsend, Ernest Crawford, Gary Warr, Bruce Hubble, Becky Richardson, Teresa Matthews, Lewie Tuttle and Coach Cli ord Ledford. George Bekemeyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bekemeyer of Winter
Garden, and Joan Ritten, daughter of T.F. Ritten of Ocoee, were chosen by the Winter Garden and Ocoee Lions clubs and prepared to spend six weeks in Tokyo.
Among those commissioned in the Air Force upon graduation from Florida Technical University was Richard H. Decker II, son of retired Lt. Col. and Mrs. Richard H. Decker, of Winter Garden. The new second lieutenant, who majored in education at FTU, was to report for pilot training in the near future.
35 years ago
The First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden welcomed its new pastor, Dr. E. Dale Harward, who came from the Methodist church in Clermont after serving 11 years there. Bill and Ruth Denmark, of Winter Garden, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with family and friends.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
JUNE 19, 1975
The TG&Y store was known for its fabric shop and large selection of fabrics, threads and other notions. The store, once located in the Tri-City Shopping Center in Winter Garden, advertised in The Winter Garden Times its array of 1970s materials, including 100% Polyester Doubleknit, a fashionable fabric “for good looks, easy sewing, versatility and carefree maintenance … never needs ironing!” Also available were Palencia Broadcloth, Caboose sportswear and playwear prints, Chambray for work shirts, Bandana print for fun shirts and dresses.
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