Camp on the
Parking
measures escalate
Photo by Liz Ramos
5FAST
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One man is dead after a fatal crash Thursday, June 19, on State Road 428 and Sand Lake Pointe Loop.
According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the fatal crash occurred at about 12:30 a.m. A 43-year-old man was driving a 2024 Ram 3500 hauling a trailer eastbound on Sand Lake Road in the left turn lane, west of Sand Lake Pointe Loop.
A 26-year-old motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Sand Lake Road in the center lane, east of Sand Lake Pointe Loop. The 43-year-old man failed to yield to the motorcyclist and made a U-turn to travel west on Sand Lake Road in the direct path of the motorcyclist. As a result, the front of the motorcycle collided with the right side of the pickup truck’s trailer.
The 43-year-old man was not transported to the hospital and remained on the scene without injuries. The 26-year-old man was pronounced dead on scene. The
The business was located on 15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway in Winter Garden. According to a post on Beth’s Burgers’ Instagram account, the location will be taken over by a Koren BBQ restaurant.
The company believes closing this location is the right step to take as they focus on other locations and future opportunities, according to the restaurant’s post.
The restaurant’s three other locations in Edgewood, Lake Mary and Lake Cay still are open.
3
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital to have Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream available Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital is the first hospital to provide Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream in its café.
Patients, visitors and team members can order ice cream daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the scoop counter in the café.
A variety of Kelly’s original and signature flavors will be available as
make a big difference during a hospital stay for our patients and visitors,” said Richie Binet, director of food and nutrition for Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, in a news release. “It offers a moment of happiness and connection, which is an important part of the healing environment we strive to create. Access to a sweet treat also supports our team members during their shifts as they provide high-quality, compassionate care.”
Hospital for Children, making this partnership all the more special to the ice cream shop and Orlando Health.
“We’re so excited to be part of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital — our very first hospital location,” Seidl said in a news release. “We’ve always believed ice cream can brighten someone’s day, and we love the idea of bringing a little sweetness and comfort to patients, visitors and hospital
4
Windermere resident sentenced to 33 months in prison
Windermere resident Shawn Ray Murnan was sentenced to 33 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of bank fraud.
According to U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson, Murnan admitted to falsifying several applications for CARES Act funds between April 2020 and October 2021. The CARES Act funding was established in 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to help businesses that were disrupted by COVID-19.
These applications falsely claimed several employees and payroll expenses.
Murnan requested more than $2 million through these fraudulent applications and successfully obtained around $1.6 million.
Murnan’s 33 months of sentencing will be followed by five years of supervised release.
5
New sushi restaurant coming to Horizon West A new sushi restaurant is making its way to Horizon West.
Sushi Kandhi will open its doors in the new Shoppes at Lakeview at the corner of Seidel Road and Murcott Blossom.
The owners of the new restaurant also are responsible for Ma Lu Bian Bian Hot Pot, Walala Hand Pulled Noodles and WeiTziRealty in Win
Courtesy photo
Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream now is available at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.
Popping back up in Winter Garden
The new owner of Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn wants to continue the founder’s legacy back on Plant Street.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Preya Shivdat recalled taking her two sons into Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn in downtown Winter Garden when they were boys.
She said they asked at least once per week if they could go to the oldtime popcorn and candy store.
It was a store that provided the perfect combination of snacks for families: popcorn for the adults and candy for the kids.
Walking into Ms. Bee’s in Clermont always brought back the nostalgia of those days in Winter Garden, Shivdat said.
So when the founder and thenowner of the beloved popcorn shop, Belinda Wilson, approached Shivdat about taking over ownership, Shivdat knew it was an opportunity she could not pass up.
In October of 2024, Shivdat took ownership of Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn as Wilson retired to focus on her health.
But becoming owner meant Shivdat had big shoes to fill and a legacy to uphold.
“When (Wilson) approached me about buying the store, the feeling of continuing that legacy for the community and for everyone that was touched by the old store, the memories of the old store, I knew it was the right thing to do,” Shivdat said. “I feel very honored that she trusted me to carry it on. This is her baby,
and so she knew that I would keep the integrity of the customers and the customer service that everyone was so used to having.”
Although that was an intimidating feat at first, Shivdat is taking ownership in stride with her first goal for the future of Ms. Bee’s being bringing the popcorn shop back to its roots in Winter Garden.
Ms. Bee’s will be expanding with a second location on Plant Street by the end of July.
Shivdat said the shop will be sharing space with the boutique, Ruby and Rust, at 31 S. Main St. It will have classic popcorn flavors as well as the unique flavors people have come to be surprised by, such as seafood boil, banana pudding, wasabi and more. There also will be a small selection
of nostalgic candy.
“In my heart, I knew we had to bring it back to Plant Street where it all started,” she said. “We’re just excited to be able to bring back those memories and create new memories for a lot of the new residents that maybe didn’t experience it, but on a much smaller scale.”
Ms. Bee’s was forced to relocate after heavy rains in 2019 caused the roof to cave in at the old shop in downtown Winter Garden. Wilson found a new home in Clermont and rebuilt her business, which she started in 2011.
The Clermont location, which served as the production hub, will remain open but with a different look as Shivdat said there are plans to modernize the look of the store
with a bee theme.
The expansion to Winter Garden will serve as an opportunity for her to reconnect with the town she loves. Shivdat and her husband, Ravi Shivdat, lived in Winter Garden for 23 years. “We remember it well before it was the Plant Street we see today,” Shivdat said. “We’ve seen the growth, and we’ve seen the changes that Winter Garden has gone through, and we have that connection with the city. I think it’s important that people understand we know Winter Garden. We’re not just coming in and changing things up.”
Having locally owned, small shops like Ms. Bee’s and Scoops Old Fashioned Ice Cream in downtown Winter Garden is what makes the city special, Shivdat said.
A self-described “serial entrepreneur,” Shivdat said she’s ready to use her experience as an entrepreneur, which includes owning Kona Ice for 11 years, as well as her experience in marketing has prepared her to serve as the owner of Ms. Bee’s, which she purchased with her husband.
She said she transitioned out of Kona Ice to be able to put her full attention on Ms. Bee’s.
“Being an entrepreneur is just natural for me,” Shivdat said. “It’s just who I am. It’s in my genes. I think my grandmother was an entrepreneur. My grandfather was an entrepreneur. It’s something I’m drawn to. I love the excitement of the unknown and the adrenaline rush of taking something from A to B and then B to C, just watching it grow.”
With that entrepreneurial eye, Shivdat said she sees nothing but increased potential in the gourmet popcorn shop. But she also intends to stay true to the legacy of Wilson, who died June 10 at 69 years old, and the shop she created.
“I assured (Wilson) we weren’t
going to make big changes,” Shivdat said. “Don’t fix what’s not broken. She knew I was going to really take what she’s built and just build upon it. … Her passing and the comments from the community are a true testament of who she was as a person — not as a businesswoman, but as a person who really invested her time and love into the community. We want to continue that.”
Besides expanding to Winter Garden, Shivdat said the shop has been conducting wholesale business, working with several local hotels in the area to sell Ms. Bee’s to guests. Although Shivdat wants to expand the business throughout Central Florida in the future, she said there are no plans to franchise at this time because the “true essence of Ms. Bee’s is maintaining quality control and that feeling of it being locally owned.” But she does want to build brand recognition so Ms. Bee’s is known across the country and becomes a must-have product for visitors to the area.
“I want someone in another state to be excited about getting their Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn,” she said.
Preya Shivdat, the new owner of Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn, is bringing the shop back to downtown Winter Garden.
Ocoee plans to crack down on parking violations
Police Chief Vincent Ogburn and the city commission discussed new enforcement measures such as escalating citation fines to deter parking violations.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
At the June 17 Ocoee City Commission meeting, Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn and Assistant City Manager Michael Rumer presented their review and recommendations to the commission regarding the strengthening of existing traffic enforcement measures to deter motorists from parking illegally within the city.
“In response to concerns raised at the May 6 commission meeting, during which the commission highlighted the need to strengthen deterrence against motors who disregarded no parking signage and failed to comply with the existing traffic management measures,” Ogburn said. “Since that time, in collaboration with other staff members, we’ve conducted a review of
best management practices and developed a comprehensive set of policy and enforcement recommendations. These recommendations are designed to enhance parking compliance and improve the overall effectiveness of code enforcement efforts.”
The first recommendation made was the implementation of escalating penalties for repeat parking offenders. The first citation will remain at its current amount of $40 but the second will rise to $75, the third $100 and the fourth $250 with the towing or immobilization of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. Ogburn also recommended the city authorize the immobilization or towing of a vehicle that remains in violation for 48 hours after receiving a citation.
“I want the highest level of enforcement and the most punitive level of fining,” Ocoee Commissioner Scott Kennedy said. “I got a red light camera ticket the other day and it was $158. … I think that’s completely different than intentionally and deliberately parking in a no parking zone and so the fine should be at least that much. I like the 48 hour notice with the fine, and I like the immobilization and the towing.”
Currently under city ordinance, the chief of police is authorized to report violators with three or more unpaid citations to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which would block violators from renewing vehicle registrations until they come into compliance with their parking violations.
Other recommendations presented to the commission were seeking authorization for the research and procurement of tools to improve the police department’s capabilities to track parking violations, increasing the visibility of signage in problem areas and the streamlining of enforcement procedures to ensure consistent application of penalties and notices.
“(Our) code enforcement recommendation (is) a new snipe sign strategy of multiple daily scans of corridors with weekend support from the patrol officers,” Ogburn said. “(We) recommend the commission authorize the staff to conduct sweeps of all areas, beginning with the downtown redevelopment area and thirdly, (we) recommend the commission authorize code officers to seek maximum fines for all violations.”
IN OTHER NEWS
n During the June 17 Ocoee Commission, Mayor Rusty Johnson read a proclamation declaring June 19 as Juneteenth Independence Day in Ocoee. “The city of Ocoee does hereby proclaim June the 19th, 2025, as Juneteenth Independence Day for all Americans as a time to learn more about our common past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped our nation,” Johnson said.
n The commission unanimously approved — with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent — without discussion the annexation and rezoning from Orange County R-1 (single-family dwelling district) to Ocoee R-1A (single-family dwelling district) of three properties: 508, 518 and 524 Woodson Ave.
n With their terms set to expire this month, Code Enforcement Board members Joe Bandur, who currently serves as chair, and Laini Schultz were reappointed
for another three-year term by the commission. William Mann, another member of the board who’s term is set to expire, has not yet responded to the city about his interest in being reappointed. His seat will be considered vacant at the end of the month. The purpose of this board is to review residential property infractions of the city’s technical codes, negotiate compliance and impose nes for failure to comply.
n Doug Gaines, Ocoee Parks and Leisure Services deputy director, presented plans for the city’s annual Ocoee Remembers memorial event, which honors and pays tribute to the descendants of the African Americans who were victims of the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre. This year, the event is planned for Saturday, Nov. 1 and will include a public ceremony from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Unity Park, followed by an invite-only reception from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center.
Preya Shivdat, the new owner of Ms. Bee’s Gourmet Popcorn, said the Clermont location will remain open.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Winter Garden author finds new dream
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Jaylene Rodriguez-Garau had
achieved the American dream.
She was 27 years old living in Miami working as a television reporter for the local NBC station, married to her high school sweetheart and they owned a home. She checked all the boxes that made her a success.
Yet, she didn’t feel fulfilled in life and wasn’t sure what was missing.
“Nothing is scarier than when you achieve everything you’re supposed to achieve, and then you feel empty,” Rodriguez-Garau said. “At the same time, I didn’t know what I was missing.”
Rodriguez-Garau said she always had believed in God but never had a personal relationship with God.
At 40 years old when she and her family moved to Winter Garden eight years ago, that all changed. She became hungry for learning more about God, and it changed her life. Her faith journey inspired her to write “Creating Our Eden,” a Christian novelette that she self-published.
INSPIRATION STRIKES
Rodriguez-Garau used her lived experiences to draw inspiration for plots, settings and more in her novelette.
Although being a reporter was not as fulfilling as she hoped, she’s grateful for the experiences she had, mostly reporting on crime and fires. She sees her journalism career as preparation for her becoming an author. She even used her experiences covering house fires to write in detail the crucial turning point in “Creating Our Eden” that forces her main character to reflect on her life.
“I do love storytelling, but I was always covering heartbreaking stories, and so now, as an author, I decided I’m going to write heartfelt stories with happy endings,” she said. Rodriguez-Garau grew up in Hialeah, a suburb of Miami, and is a daughter of Cuban immigrants. She was a part of the first-generation of children in her family to attend college.
“There is pressure sometimes with that, because you want to make their sacrifice worthwhile, and so you
chase after all those things: the college education, you buy your house and all that kind of stuff,” RodriguezGarau said. “But on the flip side, they teach you about hard work.”
Inspired by her upbringing, Rodriguez-Garau incorporated her background into the background of her character, Becky Ruiz.
She said it was important to her to share her Hispanic heritage in the novel as Hispanic characters are not always the main characters in stories.
Like Rodriguez-Garau, Ruiz is a child of Cuban immigrants and a lawyer living in Winter Garden having achieved her American dream. But a house fire causes Ruiz to lose everything, revealing that her life actually was broken as her marriage was in shambles and she wasn’t truly happy. She had to decide to either rebuild her life by restoring all the material items or take another approach by going on a journey in faith.
The city of Winter Garden became an inspiration as well, to the point Rodriguez-Garau said the small town almost becomes a character itself in “Creating Our Eden.” In the book, Ruiz spends time in Winter Garden in December, which is RodriguezGarau’s favorite time of year, seeing all the holiday lights shining on Plant Street.
“It is so quiet and just charming and comforting,” she said of Winter Garden. “It’s almost like a character in the book, in a sense, because she’s meeting her best friend but the surroundings are also soothing to her and just comforting because it’s their favorite place.”
Rodriguez-Garau decided to include Winter Garden in her novelette because of the memories she has created with her friends and family in the city she said could be in a Hall-
HOW TO GET THE CHRISTIAN BOOK
You can nd Jaylene RodriguezGarau’s Christian novelette
“Creating Our Eden” on Amazon. All proceeds go to Winter Garden nonpro t Love Made Visible, which equips churches, agencies, individuals and families to care for children who are in foster care.
mark movie.
“When I first came to look for a house in Winter Garden, I actually stayed in downtown Winter Garden at the little bed and breakfast, so that was my first introduction,” she said. “My best friend from college lived here, and she was like, ‘Stay in downtown Winter Garden.’ There’s a special place in my heart for it.”
She said it was the perfect place for Ruiz to begin re-discovering herself and determining how to approach the rest of her life after tragedy.
ROAD TO BEING A WRITER
Rodriguez-Garau never saw herself being a fiction writer.
She was used to reporting the facts as a journalist. She later became a first-grade teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mother when her daughter, Sarah Garau, was born.
She always wanted to write but never had the time while her daughter was growing up. Now that Sarah Garau is 15, Rodriguez-Garau said she had more time on her hands to focus on writing.
In 2020, Rodriguez-Garau said she had “a little stirring” in her heart, and in prayer, she felt God was telling her to write a fiction book, and she could start envisioning some of her characters but she didn’t take it seriously. Then in 2023, her aunt called her to say while praying for Rodriguez-Garau, she could see her niece writing. It was another sign from God to write a book, and RodriguezGarau listened.
She started taking online classes and talking to friends who had written fiction.
“Honestly, eventually I just surrendered (to God) and I would approach the computer in prayer because I was way in over my head,” she said. “I could see the characters. I could see the scene. It was wild. At that point when I surrendered, within six months, the book was already done and available on Amazon.”
Holding her published work in her hands, she beamed with pride.
“I could have never imagined I would be writing Christian novelettes and be a Christian author,” she said. “I didn’t dream that by myself. I dreamt the first dream (of being a journalist). That was my dream, and I had never thought of this, but I do feel this is my God-given purpose. I get emotional when I think about it
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because His plan was so much better than my own. When you follow His purpose, it’s different. It’s way different and you feel that sense of contentment, joy and peace I had never felt before.”
IMPACT ON OTHERS
Rodriguez-Garau hopes her novelette can inspire others to begin their faith journey. Religion sometimes can be overwhelming at first. She said she didn’t receive her first adult Bible until 40 years old and felt intimidated.
“I wish there was a book at that time that would have introduced what a relationship with God looks like in a way that would have been easy for me to digest,” she said. “That is a huge reason why I wrote the book.”
She included reflection questions in the back of the book to help people reflect on their own faith journey.
“I want them to be able to read a book that is engaging and hopefully entertaining, but also, I hope it will be life changing so they can reflect on their own. It’s almost like a fiction book that meets non-fiction as well.”
Rodriguez-Garau also wants her book to have a tangible impact on others so she has 100% of the proceeds from the sales of “Creating Our Eden” go to Love Made Visible, a Winter Garden nonprofit equipping churches, agencies, individuals and families to care for children who are in foster care. She learned of the nonprofit while attending services at Mosaic Church. When she saw the videos of the impact the nonprofit has on children in Central Florida as well as Guatemala and Ethiopia, she knew she wanted to contribute.
Rodriguez-Garau is putting her faith once again in God to see what happens in the future.
“I believe that whoever God wants to read this book, they will, and I did the same with the donation,” she said. “I just trust that it will be put to good use.”
WEST ORANGE TIMES
Winter Garden’s Jaylene Rodriguez-Garau used her personal experiences as inspiration for her novelette, “Creating Our Eden.”
Photo by Liz Ramos
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West
Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Hampton Inn Ocoee
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Hampton Inn Ocoee. Located at 11405 W Colonial Dr in Ocoee, the Hampton Inn Ocoee is your home away from home! !ey o er a comfortable and convenient stay with modern amenities, complimentary breakfast, and a friendly sta . Book your stay today and experience the Hamptonality! To learn more, visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ mcoeehx-hampton-ocoee-orlando/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the groundbreaking of Horizon
Vue Apartments
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the groundbreaking of Horizon Vue Apartments. Located at 7550 Avalon Rd in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, Horizon Vue is jointly managed by Atrium Management and Kimaya Real Estate. Horizon Vue is the newest multifamily development to break ground in one of Central Florida’s most dynamic and in-demand regions. With near double-digit annual population growth and a six- gure median household income, Horizon West is positioned to attract a wave of young professionals and families seeking lifestyle, convenience, and opportunity. !is fast-growing community of over 62,000 residents — with a median age of just 36 — is fueled by careers in management, business, nance, and sales. Horizon Vue is designed to meet the evolving needs of this vibrant population, o ering modern apartment living in an area where demand continues to outpace supply.
To learn more, visit https://kimayarealestate.com/portfolio/horizon-vue-at-horizon-west/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Renala
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Renala. Based in Oakland, Renala helps families connect and solve problems leveraging the power of play (LEGO, art, games, and more) so they can more deeply understand one another, build stronger support systems, and co-create a purpose, vision, and values for their family. To learn more, visit https://www.renalacoaching.com.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 35-year anniversary of West Orange Habitat for Humanity
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 35-year anniversary of West Orange Habitat for Humanity. Located at 11369 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden, West Orange Habitat for Humanity empowers through shelter. !eir shared vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. West Orange Habitat celebrates 35 years of building new homes and providing no interest mortgages, revitalizing homes of neighbors and providing a community construction apprentice program — all while working with volunteers and donors. !eir ReStore provides a revenue stream for their ministry with new and used home building and home decor for every budget. To learn more, visit https://www.westorangehabitat.org.
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
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
LET FREEDOM RING
From fireworks to block parties to pancakes and parades, West Orange and Southwest Orange County are going all out to celebrate America this Fourth of July.
West Orange and Southwest Orange communities are set to host a variety of Fourth of July events. Whether you’re looking for spectacular reworks lighting up the night sky, amazing food or great live music, check out all of the events happening all around the area. Visit OrangeObserver.com for a full list of events.
OCOEE
FRIDAY, JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY BLOCK PARTY & FIREWORKS SHOW
The city of Ocoee and its Parks and Leisure Services department will host an Independence Day Block Party from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on McKey Street, followed by a reworks show over Starke Lake at 9:15 p.m. This free Fourth of July community celebration will feature live music, a car show, di erent carnival-style rides, vendors and food trucks.
under are invited to enjoy a free pancake breakfast, while parents and others can purchase breakfast. Following breakfast, head outside for a variety of family-friendly activities. Thanks to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, complimentary patriotic decorations are available to decorate for the parade. At 9:45 a.m., children and their parents are invited to line up and join the parade of red, white and blue through historic downtown Winter Garden.
PARTY IN THE PARK & FIREWORKS DISPLAY
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
WINDERMERE
FRIDAY, JULY 4
FOURTH OF JULY PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The town of Windermere, with the help of Sea Cadets from the Lone Sailor Division, will host its annual Independence Day pancake breakfast event from 9 to 11 a.m. at Town Hall, 520 Main St. The town will provide pancakes, sausage, butter and syrup, with Paloma Cafe brewing up hot co ee and tea and Tim’s Wine Market selling mimosas.
WINTER GARDEN
FRIDAY, JULY 4
21ST ANNUAL ALL-AMERICAN KIDS PARADE & BREAKFAST
The Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 — in partnership with the city of Winter Garden — will host its annual pancake breakfast and kids parade from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the masonic lodge, 230 W. Bay St. From 8 to 10 a.m., children 12 and
The City of Winter Garden is hosting its annual Party in the Park, a free Independence Day community celebration event from 6 to 10 p.m. at Newton Park on Lake Apopka, 31 W. Garden Ave. Along with one of the best reworks displays in all of Central Florida, which will begin at 9:15 p.m. overlooking picturesque Lake Apopka, the event also will feature family-friendly activities, crafts for the kids, food and merchandise vendors, and live music — headlined by classical rock revival band Relic.
SATURDAY, JULY 5
WINTER GARDEN FAMERS
MARKET & INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
CHURCH DIRECTORY
your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
To close out the trio of Independence Day events in Winter Garden, the city’s weekly farmers market is turning up the patriotic spirit to celebrate the red, white and blue. Along with the usual market hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 104 S. Lakeview Ave., the Fourth of July celebration event will run from 9 a.m. to noon and will feature free red, white and blue snow cones, stilt walkers dressed up as Uncle Sam, free patriotic-themed crafts for children and $1 Nathan’s hot dogs, while supplies last.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
The Backyard party has started
The Backyard opened Tuesday, June 10, in Ocoee, bringing guests options for food trucks, drinks and outdoor party activities.
MEGAN BRUINSMA EDITORIAL INTERN
From the outside, The Backyard appears as a home with a fence around it, but as guests walk past the wood fence, they enter a haven of food trucks, drinks and outdoor party activities.
After having two kids, Josh and Andrea Halperin, the owners of The Backyard, grew a passion for throwing backyard parties to bring together friends and their children.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and life slowed down, Josh and Andrea Halperin came to the realization they loved hosting parties and questioned why they weren’t doing that for a larger community.
“Those parties, along with our experiences that we’ve had across the country, around the world, at different dining experiences, different drinking, bar experiences…bringing all of those ideas together to create what we believe is the ideal experience for our location,” Josh Halperin said.
The Halperins envisioned a place the community could come for food, drinks and a sense of backyard fun. Their four-year dream turned into a reality on Tuesday, June 10, when they officially opened The Backyard.
Prior to officially opening, the Halperins did a three-week “soft opening,” to give the community a sense of the property while they were in the final stages of preparation. During those weeks, Andrea Halperin said the turnout was much larger than expected and they were in a “constant game of catch up.” They ordered more
chairs and picnic tables to accommodate their guests.
For opening day, the Halperins cut the ribbon at 5:05 p.m. and brought out live music and face painting. With Florida’s unpredictable weather, opening day didn’t go completely to plan. They had a large turnout but two hours into the celebration, the skies let loose with sideways rain and lighting.
“Everyone’s huddled on the patio,”
Andrea Halperin said. “Our musician, who was out under a tent, came under the patio and most people stayed and hung out and just kept drinking.”
Since then, she feels they have begun to settle into their grove after catching up to the large number of guests coming out.
“I was very happy with the community coming out; it was super, super busy,” said Adam Lopez, the owner of Pizza Culture, one of the food trucks at The Backyard. “As you know, rain hurts things, but if it’s not raining, as soon as the rain clears, there’s so many people, it’s just packed.”
On the property are six permanent food trucks: Cluckers Chicken, Pizza Culture, Smash Dunk, Taito Sushi, TBGBBQ and A Lo Cubano Kitchen.
Andrea Halperin said each food truck was hand selected because of the diverse food selections they offer. Also, each truck’s uniqueness allows them to stand out and not be in competition with the others.
Four of the six food trucks never have had a permanent location before The Backyard.
“I wasn’t sure if we were going to do a permanent spot or not, but the theme fit really well with us,” Lopez
CITY OF OCOEE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
said. “Both of our main focus is making people happy, bringing people together and that’s what it’s like, communal dining.”
To find the food trucks the Halperins put an all-points bulletin out and information into different Facebook groups. Once truck owners began to reach out, they did interviews and tasted the food to ensure the quality was how they wanted it.
“We had a call, then (the Halperins) came up to the truck and they liked the pizza and the rest was history,” Lopez said.
They won’t be adding any additional food trucks because the property backs up to a retention pond but Josh Halperin said most importantly, they want the food trucks to succeed.
“If we were to add more food trucks, we would lose the business for each of them,” Josh Halperin said. “It’s a very collaborative environment where we want to make sure that all ships arrive.”
The owner of A Lo Cubano Kitchen, Yojan Gonzalez, knew the Halperins years before becoming a part of The Backyard. When the pandemic hit, they disconnected but Gonzalez saw the Halperins were breaking ground so he reached out.
ENVISION 2045 OCOEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN – A LARGESCALE UPDATE TO REPEAL AND REPLACE OCOEE’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ITS ENTIRETY CASE NUMBER: CPA-2025-001
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Article I, Sections 1-8 and 1-10, and Article V, Section 5-9, of the City of Ocoee Land Development Code, that on TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025, at 6:15 P.M. or as soon thereafter as practical, the OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will hold the SECOND PUBLIC HEARING at the City of Ocoee Commission Chambers, located at 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida, to consider the adoption of the City’s new Comprehensive Plan, entitled Envision 2045 Ocoee Comprehensive Plan, which repeals and replaces the 2002 Comprehensive Plan in its entirety, in accordance with the requirements of Part II, Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY OF OCOEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS ADOPTED IN 1991, AS AMENDED, TO REPEAL THE 2002 OCOEE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN ITS ENTIRETY AND REPLACE SUCH PLAN WITH A NEW, UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ENTITLED ENVISION 2045; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO REVIEWING AGENCIES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed action. The complete case file may be inspected at the Ocoee Development Services Department located at 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The City Commission may continue the public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing. No further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and, for this purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing special accommodations or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the City Clerk’s O ice 48 hours in advance of the meeting at (407) 905-3105.
IF YOU GO THE BACKYARD
2214 West Rd, Ocoee
Phone: (407) 614-0055
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; closed Mondays
“I think it’s a really good vibe, like really laid back so you’re on your own,” Gonzalez said. “You don’t have to stand in line to make an order.”
To enhance the casualness of The Backyard and the environment of a backyard party, the Halperins decided on a QR code ordering process. They placed codes all over the property and at the front of all food trucks. Guests can order from as many places as they’d like and everything stays on one tab.
“The system is really cool because from the guest’s perspective, you scan a QR code, you find a seat and you do everything,” Gonzalez said. “You send your orders on the phone and then you just wait for the food to be ready.”
For families, the Halperins wanted
FRIDAY
to solve the problem of having to constantly get up to run back and forth to different food options to make everyone happy. The text notification that’s sent when food is ready takes away that step.
They chose that ordering system because it also enhances the experience of the self-serve 24 drink tap wall. Once guests connect their phone to the wall, it automatically tracks how much they pour and adds it to the tab. The wall options rotate seasonally and are made up of hyper-local, local and national beers, as well as cider, wine and alcoholic teas.
The Halperins were on a family trip to California and an outdoor venue they visited as well as other places they’ve tried in the world inspired the tap wall.
“We were like kids in a candy story, we’re like, ‘This is so fun,’” Andrea Halperin said. “I would taste a couple different things and I loved that. When you’re outside, if it’s warmer, you can pour half a glass of beer and it’s not going to get warm. There’s all kinds of advantages to it.”
It takes a minute to set up the machine because it has to connect to the phone and check IDs to make sure they can drink. The Halperins said they haven’t had many issues with guests figuring out the system and said they’ve received wonderful feedback.
“It maintains the experience because if you were at someone’s house and you wanted another drink, you would go up to wherever they set out the drinks and grab yourself another drink, and you go back and relax,” Josh Halperin said.
When people are ready to head home, they can pay in three different ways: stop at the checkout window, pay on their phones or forget to pay the tab and the system will automatically close it out at the end of the day.
The Halperins said they carefully researched companies for the ordering system and other dining venues to bring together The Backyard. They considered all of their experiences and questioned how each could be improved for the guests.
Scattered across the lawn are outdoor activities and a station with games. The Halperins have been overjoyed seeing their business bring the community together.
SIGHTS NIGHT
Reach more than 37,000 readers in this annual special section from The Observer.
Publication Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Ad Space Deadline: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Includes information from all 12 public, private and charter schools in West Orange and Southwest Orange including:
• In-depth analysis of each team, including rosters, schedules and players to watch
• Features on the marching bands, cheerleading squads, JROTC programs, cheering sections and more
• Behind-the-scenes looks into all the support groups that make Friday football games happen each week
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk
Publish Date: June 26, 2025
Courtesy photo
Josh and Andrea Halperin smiled in front of their 24 drink tap wall.
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 source. We’ll help you turn this highly desirable market segment into customers.
Discover the power of our comprehensive print and digital marketing solutions. Contact us today for your share of one of the choicest segments in all of Orange.
Winter Garden celebrates Juneteenth
Winter Garden held a celebration with booths, food, music and more to honor Juneteenth.
p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at Charlie
Juneteenth celebrates freedom, justice and equality, while remembering black history and culture. On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, Union soldiers arrived in Texas to announce that all enslaved individuals were free.
This federal holiday, also known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is celebrated throughout the country every year, though it only was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021.
In Winter Garden, the celebration was lled with community resource booths, food, merchandise for sale and more.
Bobby Blackmon and the B3 Band also performed for the community with contemporary soul blues music.
—LETICIA SILVA
Call 407-656-2121 or email advertise@orangeobserver.com today.
Mary Morss attended the event with traditional African attire.
Landon Brunson was shooing some hoops on the eld.
Activist Charlie Mae Wilder, whom the park was named after, prayed during the opening of the Juneteenth celebration.
FAMILIAR FACES
EDITOR’S
NOTE:
Familiar
Faces is an ongoing feature in which we spotlight people you have seen but whose stories you might not know. If you want to nominate someone for a future edition, please email Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@ orangeobserver.com.
Marilyn Mack
The longtime Oakland resident finds comfort in helping others, enjoying a colorful garden and strengthening her relationship with Jesus.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE HISTORIAN
Oakland resident Marilyn Mack talks about her childhood with great detail like it happened last week. The fourth of eight children born in 1938 to Robert and Sallie Bell Dobson, Mack was called the peculiar child, the tomboy who frequently climbed trees with the boys but preferred the solitude that came with spending time alone in her outdoor playhouse.
The family struggled to get by, and she and her siblings didn’t have toys, she said. They busied themselves rolling discarded tires in their Umatilla neighborhood, sharing an old one-pedal boys bike and creating makeshift dolls.
“I didn’t have dolls like they have now,” Mack said. “We had to pull grass up and shake the dirt out and make grass dolls. … We had that big, old, round pot, and they boil the water and put clothes in it — and I would put an old fork in it and get it hot and brush my grassdoll hair.”
As a child, she also had an affinity for sweeping — inside and outside.
“We had an old brush broom, and I would sweep the yard,” Mack said. “I didn’t want (anybody) to walk on the yard while I was working. And when I was done, you couldn’t see a track anywhere. I would sweep my footprints out and go inside.
“I would put on my mama’s high-heeled shoes and made up all the beds, there were about four beds, and then I would sweep up all the rooms and then I would take the broom and scrub the kitchen floor,” she said.
Mack now is 87 and has called Oakland home since 1984, when she married a local man named Hersey. Mack is a familiar face at the many community events taking place in and around the town square, usually riding the few blocks from her home on her golf cart. For years, residents attending the Oakland Town Commission
meetings felt the impact of her carefully selected words as she prayed before each meeting. She and her late husband, a deacon, trustee and custodian at the former St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, spent much of their time in faithful service to the church and congregation.
IN SERVICE TO OTHERS
Mack has spent her entire life in service to the people close to her. Her desire to help others started at a young age when she enjoyed visiting the elderly folks in her community to sweep their floors, braid or curl their hair and read the Bible together.
Always an old soul, Mack found comfort in the company of senior women as they sat in a circle around a quilt propped up on sawhorses.
“Those ladies would be sitting with their buttercup snuff in their mouth and their little cup,” she said. “I was so happy to have a needle and learn how to quilt.”
Mack’s life was changed at the age of 12 when her daddy was shot and killed. After that, she and her siblings did what they could to keep the household together. She had to quit school in the 10th grade and earned money working for others: planting watermelons, cutting celery, picking oranges and cotton, and cleaning houses.
As an adult, she continued the outdoor seasonal work — picking apples, grapes and strawberries — in Germantown, New York, for years.
Another “job” she picked up in childhood and carried with her through adulthood — and which led her to meet her husband — was cooking dinners and selling them to people.
“We didn’t have money, and we would sell dinners and things: chitlin dinners and chicken dinners and fish sandwiches, potato pies and coconut pies and … those lemon pies with the merengue so pretty,” Mack said. “My mama did that when we were children, taking dinners to people, and we did that when we were grown.”
MEETING BIG MACK
A mutual friend introduced Mack to her future husband, whom everyone referred to as Big Mack because of his size. The friend, Bea Kiner, was a missionary who traveled to various Lake County churches.
“She wasn’t getting much money, so she would fix dinners and sell them to people — A whole heap of food for $10,” Mack said. “She was selling dinners on Saturdays so she had money for transportation to go to these churches.”
On one particular Saturday, Kiner called Mack and told her to come pick up a dinner. Mack did so, against her will, but just for kicks put on her best dress and stockings and high heels to pick it up. Kiner convinced Mack to drive her to the homes of two elderly residents to drop off some dinners. Along the way, they passed Big Mack and Kiner talked him into stopping by later to get his own meal. There was no introduction. When he did, Mack piled high his plate of food, wrapped it up and gave it to him. Still, no introduction.
When Mack went home, she passed him on the road and honked her horn at him. He was intrigued and asked Kiner for Mack’s number.
The two were married six months later in April 1984, and began their life together in Oakland. They had no children together; he had one adult son and she had four grown children from previous relationships. They rented a tiny apartment from Mr. and Mrs. William Nixon before moving into a house with a family member after his wife died, and they remained there for decades.
Big Mack died two days after their 32nd wedding anniversary, and Mack still calls the house her home and keeps on display memories of their life together.
Besides photos of the Macks, the house is filled with family photos and reminders of her lifelong faith.
A DAY IN THE LIFE Mack fills her days doing for others — after thanking God first
thing every morning for giving her another day. She shares scriptures, music and prayers through a morning Holy Connection telephone chain. She walks around her neighborhood, visiting infirmed and homebound friends to read the Bible, share stories and clean their homes. She dog sits.
If she gets a spam telephone call, which she routinely does throughout the day, she answers the phone with, “Talk to Jesus,” and then disconnects the call.
On Thursdays, she plays games with the senior citizens at the West Orange Dream Center. She’s working on getting her high school equivalency diploma.
“I go to a class to get my (General Educational Development),” Mack
said. “I’m hoping and praying one day I can get it. I just take one day at a time.”
She likes working in her yard and checking on her flowers and fruit trees, but she said she’s never out there long before a neighbor reminds her she’s not supposed to be doing that.
Mack’s favorite place in Oakland is the Jake Voss Pier on Lake Apopka.
“I love to get on the golf cart and go to the dock,” she said. “I like to go and look at the water and talk to the Lord and talk about how the spirit moved on the water first, and I like to pray, and I like to stand there and let the Lord have his way with me for a few minutes.”
Marilyn Mack spends her days praying for others, volunteering at the West Orange Dream Center and enjoying her neighborhood.
Hersey and Marilyn Mack became husband and wife in 1984 and spent their entire 32-year marriage in Oakland before his death in 2016.
Photo by Amy Quesinberry Price
Courtesy photo
Ahome in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from June 2 to 8.
The home at 6324 Deacon Circle, Windermere, sold June 2, for $6,750,000. Built in 1991, it has ve bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths and 8,377 square feet of living area. Days on market: 97. The sellers were represented by Amanda Black, Upside Real Estate. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
ARLINGTON BAY
The home at 9469 Edenshire Circle, Orlando, sold June 6, for $505,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,472 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.
BAY HILL VILLAGE WEST
The condo at 8929 Charleston Park, No. 12, Orlando, sold June 6, for $1,125,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.
BAY LAKES
The home at 8830 Ladrido Lane, Orlando, sold June 3, for $540,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,822 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
BELLA NOTTE AT VIZCAYA
The townhouse at 8443 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold June 6, for $648,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,369 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.
CYPRESS CHASE
The home at 10621 Golden Cypress Court, Orlando, sold June 2, for $515,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,092 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
HIDDEN ESTATE
GOTHA LAKE FISCHER ESTATES
The home at 9126 Lake Coventry Court, Gotha, sold June 4, for $1,300,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 4,711 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
HORIZON WEST
ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK
The home at 13609 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold June 3, for $598,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,147 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
ENCLAVE AT HAMLIN
The home at 4233 Mistwood St., Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $525,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,342 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
HAMILTON GARDENS
The townhouse at 6067 Blue Lily Way, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $430,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,560 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 6317 Hamlin Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $490,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,990 square feet of living area. Days on market: 175.
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16694 Olive Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 3, for $807,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,862 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.
HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES
one-half baths and 3,719 square feet of living area. Days on market: 54.
INDEPENDENCE/
SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 14661 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $645,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,717 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
The home at 15174 Evergreen Oak, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $535,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 94.
The home at 6821 Cultivation Way, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $465,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.
LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The condo at 8276 Maritime Flag St., No. 110, Windermere, sold June 2007, for $305,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. Days on market: 62.
LAKEVIEW POINTE
The home at 14242 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $535,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,088 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
LATHAM PARK SOUTH
The home at 9192 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $885,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,543 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
LEGADO
ORCHARD HILLS
The townhouse at 5838 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $408,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,717 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING
The home at 3136 Winesap Way, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $649,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,540 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.
PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN
The townhouse at 15143 Grove Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $464,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,881 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.
OAKLAND THE GROVE
The home at 1112 Sarah Mathews Drive, Oakland, sold June 4, for $2,098,500. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 3,956 square feet of living area.
HULL ISLAND
The home at 2214 Bay Line Road, Winter Garden, sold June 3, for $648,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,278 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
OCOEE
BROOKESTONE
The home at 698 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Ocoee, sold June 6, for $787,500. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,850 square feet of living area. Days on market: 110.
LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE
The home at 1311 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold June 5, for $520,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,365 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.
OCOEE HILLS
The home at 1006 Center St., Ocoee, sold June 3, for $325,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,107 square feet of living area. Days on market: 92.
TEMPLE GROVE ESTATES
The home at 2617 Greywall Ave., Ocoee, sold June 2, for $395,900. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,749 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE
CYPRESS SHORES
WINDERMERE BELMERE VILLAGE
The home at 1027 Algare Loop, Windermere, sold June 2, for $710,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,575 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
BUTLER BAY AT WINDERMERE CLUB
The home at 2230 Lake Crescent Court, Windermere, sold June 6, for $915,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,761 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
CASABELLA
The home at 4011 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold June 5, for $2,470,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 5,418 square feet of living area. Days on market: 153.
ESTATES AT WINDERMERE
The home at 2218 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold June 5, for $900,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,634 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 6324 Deacon Circle, Windermere, sold June 2, for $6,750,000. Built in 1991, it has five bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths and 8,377 square feet of living area. Days on market: 97.
KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER
The home at 1126 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold June 5, for $985,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,184 square feet of living area. Days on market: 334.
RESERVE AT WINDERMERE
The home at 2505 Windermere Reserve Court, Windermere, sold June 3, for $3,200,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 5,218 square feet of living area.
WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA
The home at 2138 Kane Park Way, Windermere, sold June 2, for $1,085,000. Built in 1993, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,210 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.
WINTER GARDEN
BAY ISLE
The home at 14315 Hampshire Bay Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $795,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,332 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
DANIELS LANDING
The townhouse at 13515 Daniels Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $321,600. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,341 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The home at 15863 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $670,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,086 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.
OVERSTREET CRATE
The home at 608 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $260,000. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,566 square feet of living area. Days on market: 66.
SOUTHERN PINES
The condo at 130 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 205, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $278,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,453 square feet of living area. Days on market: 74.
TUSCANY
The home at 16959 Tradewind Point, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $620,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14. Isleworth
The home at 7801 Pine Haven Court, Orlando, sold June 2, for $635,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,341 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.
The home at 15008 Sunstar Way, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $1,339,888. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,435 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
HORIZON ISLE
The home at 13171 Faro Court, No. 31, Winter Garden, sold June 2, for $833,172. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-
The townhouse at 13330 Abuela Alley, Windermere, sold June 6, for $435,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,663 square feet of living area. Days on market: 174.
MABEL BRIDGE
The home at 11579 Acosta Ave., Orlando, sold June 5, for $685,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,999 square feet of living area.
The home at 8907 Trout Road, Orlando, sold June 2, for $4,300,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,234 square feet of living area.
WEST ORANGE
GLENMUIR
The home at 6550 Crestmont Glen Lane, Windermere, sold June 5, for $837,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,282 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
The home at 1624 Malcolm Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $580,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,035 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.
WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE
Courtesy photo
The home at 6324 Deacon Circle, Windermere, sold June 2, for $6,750,000. Situated on the shores of Lake Butler, Puesta del Sol is a short walk from the renowned Isleworth Golf & Country Club. The sellers were represented by Amanda Black, Upside Real Estate.
Courtesy photo
The home at 8907 Trout Road, Orlando, sold June 2, for $4,300,000. It was the largest transaction in Southwest Orange from June 2 to 8. The sellers were represented by Chris Christensen, Compass Florida LLC.
Photo by Fred Lopez | Em Agency
Considering a home upgrade?
Ask yourself these questions
Whether you’re considering a new build or an upgrade to your home, there are several things to consider as you move forward in that process.
Fortunately for West Orange residents, Winter Garden-based Viewpoint Design and Installation offers its Concierge Complete service that can assist you from inspiration to installation.
Led by John and Melissa Ried, Viewpoint provides clients whiteglove customer service, offers custom designs for every project imaginable and only uses the highest-quality products. So, whether you’re looking to upgrade that outdated kitchen or bath, turn that spare bedroom into an office or finally redo that laundry room to be perfect for your needs, Viewpoint’s team of experts can walk you through the entire process. Not sure where or how to start? Read on.
HOW WOULD YOU EVALUATE YOUR CURRENT SPACE?
If you’re looking to gut and redo that builder-grade kitchen, you need to consider a few things. What do you like about your current kitchen? What do you dislike? Do you hate the location of your appliances relative to your cabinets? Does your refrigerator stick out in an annoying way? Is that barstool-height countertop ever used?
“We want to know what you like and don’t like,” Melissa Ried said. “That will help us know what to change completely and what to transfer over (to the new design).”
HOW WILL YOU USE THE SPACE?
What do you hope to accomplish with this upgrade? How do you use your kitchen? Are you a MasterChef in training? Or is it the de-facto gathering place when you have parties?
“We want to know if the person bakes, cooks, entertains,” John Ried said. “These are all code words that can help us determine what the needs will be.”
For instance, the entertainer might need a wet bar and a wine cooler.
The baker will need a larger countertop. The chef might need specific cabinetry or storage near the stove. If you have children, perhaps you want a comfortable area for homework.
“We’re big believers in ‘form follows func- tion,’” John Ried said.
“When we’re gone and you’re using it, it needs to be functional, and it needs to meet your vision for that space. There will be lots of laughs, lots of memories made there.”
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
With any project, the materials used will play an important role in the final cost. However, making wise choices for cabinets, countertops and appliances is not as simple as choosing what you like the best.
Instead, consider your timing and, more specifically, how long you plan to be in the home, John Ried said.
Those who plan to stay two to three years should be more budgetconscious. Consider the upgrade an investment. Furthermore, consider the current trends when making color and material choices
If you’re planning to be in the home five to seven years, don’t worry about the trends; after all, they’re likely to change. Instead, get what you love and what you’ll enjoy.
And if this your longtime home you’re planning to stay there for more than seven years — do whatever the budget allows. You will not want to come to the end of the project and regret not splurging for those upgraded countertops or additional accessories you may want.
ABOUT VIEWPOINT DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
John and Melissa Ried opened Viewpoint Design and Installation in 2021, bringing decades of experience in the Interior Furnishings industry to Winter Garden.
Viewpoint seeks to offer homeowners a better option between the chaos of a big-box DIY store or paying a premium to hire a high-end custom design firm. Instead, Viewpoint focuses on value — combining the benefits of a custom design and installation experience for each and every client — no matter their budget.
Through Viewpoint’s Concierge Complete service, customers can expect stellar customer service and expertise throughout their entire project. Furthermore, every customer has access to his or her project via Viewpoint’s project management software, including scheduling, daily logs from each days worth of work, photos and intra-messaging — all at your fingertips 24/7. And no project is too big or too small for Viewpoint. For a free in-home consultation, visit chooseviewpoint. com.
WEBSITE: chooseviewpoint.com
ADDRESS: 1200 E. Plant St. Suite 160, Winter Garden
PHONE: (407) 917-1594
EMAIL: info@chooseviewpoint.com
Think about when you decided to move to Florida. You probably did so from some colder climate location such as Michigan or New York. And the proverbial straw likely had something to do with snow and ice.
So you began daydreaming of the Sunshine State — of lazy evenings watching the sunset while sipping an Arnold Palmer on your lanai.
And then you moved here. And you hadn’t considered the mosquitos, the humidity and Central Florida’s thick, heavy, suppressive heat. So in the summer, you peek out into your backyard from time to time — from the comfort of your AC. It’s just too hot, you tell yourself.
It’s a shame, really. Because no one moves to Florida to sit inside.
And that’s precisely why Brad and Debra Flora started A1 Aluminum in 2016. Specializing in aluminum and screens, A1 offers custom-built pool cages, screened enclosures and, yes, roofed pergolas that, quite literally, can beat the heat.
“We want to build an exclusive, private, elegant resort in your backyard,” Debra Flora said.
By using unique, over-engineered products, partnering with key companies and drawing from Brad Flora’s 25-plus years in construction, A1 creates outdoor spaces that add dramatic value and livability to clients’ homes.
In particular, A1’s custom insulated panel roofs can transform not only the aesthetics of your backyard but also its functionality in the summertime.
“It’s amazing; it feels like a 10- to 15-degree difference when you step under the roof,” Debra Flora said.
For many, that difference in temperature instantly can make lounging on the lanai a comfortable possibility — even in the summer months. And suddenly, instead of daydreaming from the AC, you and your family can take the party outside.
Furthermore, the insulated roofs can offer several other benefits, Debra Flora said. Having a roof protects your patio from weather and makes it usable even during daily downpours. And, because they offer shade adjacent to the house, the insulated roofs also can lower the energy cost of cooling your home.
“Think about it: The sun isn’t beating on the back of the house,” she said.
PHONE: (352) 272-9665
Customers also can increase the comfort and ambiance even more with ceiling fans, motorized shades, decorative beams and sconces, which can offer a more elegant look than stringed lights dangling from the rafters. And if you’re seeking a screened-in structure, A1 can offer designs that eliminate the need for center posts that would disrupt your view.
The Floras enjoy staying current with the latest technologies and advancements in the aluminum and screen industries ensuring the products they create are the strongest, most energy efficient available.
“Some other companies have been doing it the same way for 30 years,” Debra Flora said. “But we like seeking out new ways and different technology.”
And for proof, you need to look no further than The View at Clermont National Golf Course. Two weeks before Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, A1 had completed a 4,000-square-foot covered structure for the venue. In the aftermath, there were plenty of pool enclosures and aluminum structures that had collapsed in the storm. But at The View, A1’s structure stood proudly, unfazed.
Above all, the Floras said they’re excited to serve the Central Florida community they love. They’re active in the South Lake Chamber of Commerce and have earned multiple Best of South Lake Awards. The Floras also are dedicated to supporting other locally owned business and keeping local dollars in the community.
To schedule a free consultation and discover what is possible for your backyard oasis, visit A1 Aluminum’s website, A1screens.com, or call (352) 272-9665.
SPORTS
Winter Garden Squeeze’s Drew Pynes has been explosive from the batter’s box this season, hitting for an average of .378 with 14 RBI’s and a league-leading three home runs. Page 16A.
Community club
Proposed USL team works to balance community focus and global ambitions.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The concept of maintaining balance in the sport of soccer is crucial to the onfield success of any team. Commit too many players to the attack and the opposition can take advantage of a weakened backline. Don’t push enough into the attacking half and the opposition can control possession of the ball and dictate the way the match unfolds. However, when a team finds that perfect balance, it can create something worthy of the beautiful game moniker.
Federal Sports Alliance, the investment firm behind a proposed $350 million mixed-use soccer stadium development and
professional soccer franchise in Winter Garden, is looking to strike that magical formula off the field by balancing its local, community focus and the global opportunities that come from its recently announced multi-club model.
In a June 25 press release, the organization announced plans for a multi-continental club acquisition strategy that would see the creation of a multi-club model of professional soccer teams across six international leagues.
“Balancing local community focus with global opportunity is something I’ve always believed isn’t just possible, it’s essential,” said Siddharth Shankar, Central Florida Pro Soccer partner and board member. “A successful multi-club mod-
el doesn’t work unless each club is deeply rooted in the community it represents. Places like Winter Garden aren’t just ‘locations’ on a map, they’re ecosystems of people, pride and potential. The role of a club there isn’t just to win games, it’s to inspire the next generation, to bring people together and to create a sense of shared ownership that extends beyond the pitch. But when you combine that community-first philosophy with global strategy and capital, the result can be extraordinary. My experience in scaling brands and operations across more than 50 countries has shown me that local authenticity is the most valuable currency in the global game. What we build in Winter Garden can’t be a replica, it must be something meaningful
to Central Florida, something the community feels belongs to them. And when that happens, it becomes a launchpad.”
COMMUNITY-CENTRIC PHILOSOPHY
To achieve the goals Shankar laid out, Federal Sports Alliance plans to implement an investment philosophy that focuses on the individual communities and helps maintain the independence of each club, which is in contrast with the more homogenized models multi-club ownership groups traditionally employ. This strategy, which prioritizes the unique features of each community, will be put into action first with the firm’s flagship project in
SEE FEDERAL PAGE 17A
Twins place seventh in nationals for OARS
Anna and Maija Andert brought back an A Final seventh place at the USRowing’s Youth National Championship.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
EDITORIAL INTERN
For most, the summer between sophomore and junior year of high school is a time to kick back, relax and enjoy a break but for twins, Anna and Maija Andert, June brought competition.
The sophomore pair competed in the USRowing’s Youth National Championship from Wednesday, June 11, to Sunday, June 15. They represented the Orlando Area Rowing Society, which sent nine boats, and the Anderts finished with an A Final for seventh place.
“It meant that all of our hard work, extra meters and extra private lessons in the pair (Anna and Maija Andert) had paid off,” Anna Andert said. “It meant the world.”
The women’s head coach, JonMichael Francis, said the OARS club has a large sense of family within it. They strive to build an open community for anyone, of any level and knowledge of rowing, to try it out and “give it your best.” He described OARS bringing nine boats to Nationals as an “incredible”
moment because typically clubs only are able to take about four, but they were able to take nine boats as the club has been growing over the years.
Out of the nine OARS teams that competed, three finished with top 10 placement. The men’s youth 4+ team placed fifth overall, the Anderts on the women’s youth 2 team ended seventh overall and the women’s U17 8+ finished ninth overall.
“We were the only girls boat to make it to A Finals from our club, so holding that responsibility going into the race and then coming out and seeing all of my friends, coaches and family cheering us on was just amazing,”
Anna Andert said. “I’m so glad I have them.”
The Anderts have been members of OARS for three years, joining the summer before eighth grade after being inspired by seeing the OARS rowers walk by their elementary school every day.
“Everyone is so nice and dedicated that it is really easy to push yourself because everyone around you is gunning for the same goals and supporting you throughout,” Maija Andert said.
She said on Thursday, June 12, they competed in a time trial where they raced 2,000 meters in hopes of advancing to the AB semifinals in the top 16 boats. In the AB semifinals, they needed a top four spot to advance to the A Finals and did so by placing third.
“I honestly wasn’t really sure how nationals was going to go and how my twin and I would stack up against the
HIGH 5
1
West Orange High girls volleyball coach Matt Jackson has left his position to become an assistant coach for the Michigan State Women’s Volleyball team.
“I am thrilled to be joining Michigan State at such an exciting time with the return of head coach Kristen Kelsay to the program and such an amazing sta!,” Jackson said. “I am looking forward to joining MSU at a time where things are on the up and can’t wait to see where we can take this program. I would like to thank Coach Kristen for giving me an opportunity to join this sta!.” Jackson, a former Ocoee High and UCF club player, led the Lady Warriors to the Class 7A, District 5 title, the West Metro Conference Championship and a 16-5 record in 2025.
2
Windermere High football star defensive back C.J. Bronaugh has announced he will play college ball closer to home as a Florida Gator, ipping his college commitment from the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Bronaugh — a 6-foot-1, 170-pound four-star cornerback prospect — originally announced his intentions to play for Nebraska in December. After recruiting visits to various programs this month, including the Cornhuskers, the rising senior announced he would be decommitting.
The Wolverines’ shutdown defensive back and three-time individual state championshipwinning sprinter, received more than 30 o!ers but ultimately chose to continue his academic and athletic careers at Florida for coach Billy Napier.
3
Michael McClenton Jr., the 2024 Orange Observer football defensive player of the year and 2023 football player of the year, con rmed to The Observer that he will transfer from Ocoee High and nish his high school football career at Edgewater High. McClenton Jr., a three-star linebacker and Appalachian State commit, led the Knights defense for the past three seasons with a total of 517 tackles, 99 TFLs and 55 sacks.
4
The Winter Garden Squeeze has announced kids 12 and under will receive free admission to all remaining 2025 home games. The team announced the new initiative as part of a partnership with The Learning Experience, a preschool in Horizon West.
“We are proud to announce a new partnership with The Learning Experience - Horizon West,” the team said on its social media pages regarding the partnership. “Thanks to their generous support for our community baseball team, admission for all kids 12 and under to Squeeze home games the remainder of the 2025 season will be free of charge! Be sure to bring the kids out for a fun, family outing at the ballpark.”
other clubs,” Maija Andert said. “It felt so great to make it to A Finals and get some open water between us and the next boat as sophomores in a varsity event.”
Competing in a four-day tournament took a large physical and mental toll on the pair. Anna Andert said she struggled with the “go-go-go” men-
SEE ROWING PAGE 17A
5The First Academy has announced the hiring of Elicia D’Orazio as its next softball coach. She joins the Royals after spending the last two seasons as an assistant at Montverde Academy, helping lead the Lady Eagles to a state championship in 2024. She’ll take over a Royals team that nished the 2025 season with a 10-14 record and a rstround regional playo! loss to D’Orazio’s Montverde team
Maija Andert, left, and her twin sister, Anna Andert, were thrilled to be competing in the USRowing’s Youth National Championship together.
Courtesy Photo
Central Florida Pro Soccer and the United Soccer League announced plans to bring a professional team to Winter Garden.
Drew Pynes
Winter Garden Squeeze’s Drew Pynes has been explosive from the batter’s box this season, hitting for an average of .378 with 14 RBIs and a league-leading three home runs.
In his second season in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, Winter Garden Squeeze’s Drew Pynes has been lights out from the batter’s box this season. Through 17 games, the sophomore catcher from St. Petersburg College leads Winter Garden with .378 batting average (14-for-37), 14 runs batted in and leads the entire league with three home runs.
It’s a privilege and shows the success I’ve had this past week and all the work that’s been put in behind the scenes is shining in the game.
What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
I enjoy meeting new people and being able to go new places because of this sport.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball? Failure is going to happen, the biggest part is how you come back from it.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite baseball memory is hitting three home runs in one day during a double header.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Either Barry Bonds or now it would be Ronald Acuña Jr.
What’s your go-to pregame meal?
Pregame always has to be something I’m grilling at the house.
What’s your go-to pregame hype song?
Best pregame song has to be a good country one by Morgan Wallen or Chris Stapleton.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
I love playing video games, that’s where my free time goes when I’m
BASICS Age: 20 Sport: Baseball Grade: Sophmore College: St. Petersburg College
What is your favorite movie? “Interstellar” is my favorite mainly because I enjoy the turn-around at the end of the movie changing the whole plot.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Bo Jackson mainly because I’m a huge Auburn fan and he’s a legend.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go back to high school ball and play one more game with all my old teammates that I’ll never get to play with again.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
If I could talk to my younger self I would tell him not to stress about the future but stay in the present as life goes on much better if you live in the moment.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I love to know where we end up after junior college as it’s been on my mind for quite some time now.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman mainly because I just watched all the movies again, so I have a little recency bias.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Darth Vader, he is overpowered and the only thing that could defeat him was his own son.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would pick the ability to teleport mainly because I hate driving.
If you could travel to three
Legendary DP girls hoops coach leaves for Montverde
Dr.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Legendary Dr. Phillips High girls’ basketball coach Anthony Jones has been named the next coach of the nationally ranked Montverde Academy program.
“I’m looking forward to joining the team at Montverde Academy,” Jones said in a news release. “I played against (Montverde) during my time at Dr. Phillips and I have seen the program progress a lot through the years. … I am excited to keep the Eagle tradition going.”
Since taking charge of the Lady Panthers program in 2008, after originally joining the DP coaching staff in 2001 as an assistant, Jones has built the Southwest Orange County program into a perennial national power, winning six state championships and two high school national championships. This past season, Jones led the Panthers to a fourth consecutive state championship game appearance and a 20-10 record.
Across his 17 seasons as DP’s head
state
coach, Jones has a total record of 310-132 and also was named Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year five times and National Federation of High Schools Florida Coach of the Year twice.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to our school community,” said Director of Athletic Operations Khrystal Phiri. “His passion for the game, commitment to developing student-athletes, and focus on building a strong, connected program makes him the ideal leader for our girls’ basketball program. Coach Jones not only brings a wealth of basketball knowledge and experience, but also a deep understanding of how sports can shape character, build confidence, and strengthen community. We’re excited for the growth ahead — both on and off the court — under his leadership.”
Along with leading the Lady Panthers’ girls basketball program, Jones also served as the girls flag football coach, leading DP to a 9-5 record this past season. Beyond his coaching credentials, the University of Florida alumnus maintains
girls
certifications in athletic coaching, CPR/First Aid and event management — utilizing his event management expertise to serve as the event manager for the Orlando Sports Foundation, where he helped launch the Central Florida Cure 4 Cancer Senior All-Star Games for basketball and flag football. Jones will take over a Montverde program that’s won three of the last four Chipotle High School National Championships (2022-24) and appeared in the title game this past season, falling to IMG Academy by two points. Last season, the Eagles finished with a 26-2 record and had three All-Americans. Although Montverde’s schedule for the 2025-26 season is far from finalized, Jones confirmed to The Observer that he and Ocoee High coach Marcus Spencer have agreed to play each other next season at the West Orange County school. This will be Jones’ first game as Montverde coach back in the West, Southwest Orange County area.
Photos courtesy of Brennan Koller, Stream Team Media
Anthony Jones led Dr. Phillips girls basketball to unprecedented success in his more than two decades in charge of the program.
In his nal season at Dr. Phillips High, girls basketball coach Anthony Jones led the Lady Panthers to a fourth consecutive state championship game appearance.
Photo by Sam Albuquerque
During his time at Dr. Phillips High Anthony Jones led the Panthers to six state championships and two national championships.
Phillips High’s six-time
championship-winning
basketball coach Anthony Jones takes over Montverde Academy program.
Federal Sports Alliance plans pro soccer in Winter Garden
Winter Garden, with its proposed multi-use stadium development project leading the charge.
“Winter Garden is one of the most family-friendly cities in the country with a passionate soccer fanbase, making it a perfect place to build one of our community-centric clubs,” said Justin Papadakis, deputy CEO and chief real estate officer of the United Soccer League. “Central Florida Pro Soccer’s project is an ambitious mixed-use development that will serve as a true community asset and local gathering place. As the centerpiece of the project, the soccer stadium will unite residents, drive economic growth and inspire youth athletes for generations to come.”
Anchored by a 5,000-seat soccer stadium, the proposed development also will feature more than 150,000 square feet of commercial space, multi-family residential units, a 160room hotel, nearly 100,000 square feet of retail space and 14 acres of recreational fields, all to create a livework-play ecosystem focused on adding value to the community. Beyond the physical development, to truly be a community asset, the organization needs to be rooted in and accessible to the community, which is why the club is focused on affordability and providing opportunities for underserved communities to engage with the organization.
Despite the recent announcements and the organization’s thoroughly planned approach, the approval process with the city of Winter Garden for the 72-acre development still is in its early stages, having recently received approval for a non-binding letter of intent that allows conversations between the city and developers to continue. Currently, there is no set timeline for the club to begin playing games, but reports indicate the club is aiming to get on the field in 2027.
Another key element of the organization’s community-centric philosophy is tapping into the rich youth soccer culture in Central Florida to not only develop fans from a young age but also to support and nurture young talent in the hope they become the team’s future stars. The organization plans on developing a youth academy and education facilities to support the growth of youth soccer players.
“Central Florida has a strong youth soccer culture,” said Tan Bahia, Central Florida Pro Soccer founder and CEO. “We’re excited to join the USL ecosystem and provide a pathway for homegrown players to move up to the professional ranks.”
This community-centric approach, along with the organization’s Wall Street financial expertise, cuttingedge data analytics platforms, — aimed at enhancing on-field per-
formance and boosting community engagement — sustainable development principles and strategic international partnerships, are just a few of the key elements the future USL League One franchise will use to accomplish its goal and change the global soccer landscape.
“We’re bringing American innovation and financial engineering to change the way soccer clubs function as community assets,” said Austin Root, Central Florida Pro Soccer cofounder and COO. “Our strategy is all about creating lasting value for fans, boosting local economies and nurturing player development pathways.”
To accomplish that strategy, however, it can’t be a copy-and-paste approach. To build something iconic, their approach needs to reflect the unique values of the community it’s in, starting right here in West Orange.
“The U.S. is ready for a new football narrative and I believe Florida, especially communities like Winter Garden, is perfectly positioned to lead it,” Shankar said. “With the right mix of grassroots investment, youth development, international best practices
ROWING TO SUCCESS
tality and trying to balance hanging out with friends outside of the competition and taking time for rest. Maija Andert said it was difficult to stay motivated while battling her nerves.
With OARS, the pair has trained hard since early fall to prepare for nationals and other competitions throughout the season. They began with around practices five days a week and switched to six days to prepare for the First Coast Head Race that took place in October.
Francis said they begin practices with dynamic stretches before heading into groups to either lift weights or erg (a rowing machine), ending with rowing on the water for a minimum of an hour.
To prepare for nationals, Maija Andert said they had two-a-day practices with Sundays off and only one-day practices on Saturday. Both their morning and afternoon practices were two hours long.
“They came in with a mission, ready to work, ready to make our top boat as fast as it can be,” Francis said. “Through that process they were also having fun of like, ‘Oh let’s try growing the pair.’”
Outside of practice, Anna Andert weight lifts, ergs and runs as much as possible. She strives to arrive at least half an hour before practices on weekdays or “as early as Maija deals with it” to get a pre-workout in before it begins.
Maija Andert has a different
game-plan for training outside of practices. She tries to rest and focus on school work. When she’s out of exam season, she goes to the gym on Sundays and any off days that they have.
“Besides coming to practice 30 minutes early to erg and warmup, I am mostly maximizing my time at practice rather than outside of practice,” Maija Andert said.
The twins began rowing together in early October, and it was their first time being paired up. Francis said he did a few private lessons with them to help grow their strength for their fall race.
“It’s awesome,” Anna Andert said about rowing with her twin sister. “I get to row with my best friend and as my mom loves to emphasize, (I) never have to worry about if our full lineup will be there because I leave with my pair partner.”
Francis has noticed their sisterhood has helped them to be “very in tune with what’s going on.” He said they’ve learned a lot, like how to be better communicators between themselves and truly understand each other’s goals.
“We have a lot of trust together, so I knew Anna would show up everyday and work hard, so I could be vulnerable with her, but also pull some crazy watts out on the water with her,” Maija Andert said.
The twins are entering their junior year of high school, continuing to train with OARS to try and complete their goal of rowing at a Division I college.
and smart commercial structure, we can create something world-class, right here. Not by importing a model but by co-creating one that reflects local values and global ambition. I don’t just see potential in this market, I see the chance to help build something iconic, and I believe Winter Garden is the perfect place to start.”
FANS FIRST FOCUS
However important this mixed-use facility is to the organization’s goals of being a community asset, a large part of its success will be based on developing fans. Although winning cures most sports teams’ wounds, it is often out of the control of organizations, which is why Central Florida Pro Soccer is focused on understanding how to engage with its fan base beyond game days.
“American fans are building their own relationship with the sport from the ground up, rather than inheriting loyalties from family or local tradition,” Shankar said. “That creates a more open, dynamic fan culture — one that’s driven by storytelling, digital engagement and cultural alignment
as much as on-field success. American soccer fans, especially Gen Z and younger millennials, are digitally native, globally aware and community-oriented. They engage with clubs not just through match days but through memes, social causes, creator collaborations and lifestyle content. That gives investors like me a much broader canvas to work with. We’re not just investing in performance, we’re investing in content ecosystems, influencer integration and brand affinity.”
A perfect example of this fan-first approach is the name of the future Winter Garden-based club. Currently, the Central Florida Pro Soccer franchise does not have a name but because of its community-centric focus, the organization intends to involve local community members to help shape the identity of the team to truly represent them. This type of two-way relationship, between team and fans, will be at the core of how the organization plans to operate.
“Fans want to participate, not just observe,” Shankar said. “Whether it’s fan tokens, behind-the-scenes
access or democratized ownership models, this generation expects to be part of the journey. That’s where I see huge upside for clubs and leagues that are willing to break from tradition and build two-way relationships with their communities. This behavior directly informs my investment strategy: I look for properties and platforms that treat fans as stakeholders and build brand equity beyond the stadium.”
Courtesy of Federal Sports Alliance
The twins, Maija, left, and Anna Andert, right, row hard for OARS against another team during the nationals competition.
Maija Andert, front, and her sister Anna Andert smiled after competing in the USRowing’s Youth National Championship.
Bittersweet summer
Avery Bangsund is making the most of her last summer before going to college.
Most people love to look back and tell you how much fun they had their senior year and all the memories they made with their friends.
However, no one prepares you for the hard reality of what comes after you graduate.
Seniors have gone through all the work to apply for colleges and then pick the college or career they want to pursue, but no one talks about how much work it takes to be ready for this next step in life.
Even TV shows and movies don’t do at least one scene that shows how to prepare for college or what the summer before college is like.
It’s like no one wants to talk about the next step in life: preparing to move into a new place and leaving the home in which you grew up. This experience is different for everyone, but for me it’s a hard one.
When deciding where I wanted to go to college, I knew I wanted to play collegiate soccer. Where I was going to spend the next four years of my life needed to feel like home. It needed to be a place where I felt safe and where I could see myself living for the next part of my life, while also allowing me to play soccer and pursue the career I want.
The college I chose, and where I feel like God has led me, is in West Virginia. I made this decision because it’s in a place where my family and I felt I would thrive in and feel the most at home.
While I am excited, it isn’t the closest place to where I grew up.
Trying to find things that make this next adventure feel like home isn’t easy.
An easy way to do this is by packing things that you love. For example, I love getting all wrapped up in blankets with a good snack and watching a TV series on a rainy day. When that time comes in my new home in West Virginia, picking out the right blankets and buy ing the right snacks will be a big help to make me feel more at home even when I am so far away. Something else I find helpful is having a list of things I can check off to know I am fully prepared for my next adventure. This also gives me time to shop with my friends and family to help make memories with them before I leave.
The hardest part about preparing for the next step in life, espe cially for me, is mentally preparing to start your next journey without the people who have been there for you the longest.
Your family, whether you want to admit it or not, are the only people
there for you through thick or thin.
Going into the next part of your life means starting to make your own path and learning from your mistakes without your family helping and guiding you.
Going away from home means having my own freedom. This freedom allows me to take the next step at my own risk and in my own timing. This is the hardest part for me because my family is who I turn to when I need advice or comfort.
To help me transition from having them all the time, whenever I want, to only being able to see them a few times during my time at college, this summer I am soaking up all the time with my family and making last-minute memories I can take with me to college. Same with friends because even though I will be far away, it doesn’t mean every relationship I have made I am just going to throw away since I am leaving.
It’s not easy to move away, and I know there is FaceTime and messages, which are helpful, but they are not the same. The people who are close to me in my life have helped shape the person I am today.
This summer is about celebrating all I have accomplished and making memories I can cherish while I am on a new path in life with the people that have helped me get to where I am today. The summer before college is a fun one, but it’s also a time to prepare for the journey ahead. While the adventure is fun, the preparation is the most important part.
Foundation Academy theater camp produces Disney show
Students performed “Finding Nemo KIDS” at the end of a five-day camp.
Foundation Academy introduced “Finding Nemo KIDS” as its summer musical. Since then, children learned the ins and outs of acting in a show and working together. Through only five days of rehearsals, the actors and creative team were able to build a production that supported and encouraged the students.
Out of the many shows that could have been performed over the summer, “Finding Nemo KIDS” stood out to the school. Christina Haak, one of the co-directors, said the large ensemble in “Finding Nemo KIDS” influenced the creative team’s decision.
“We have so many talented kids, and we knew this would show them well,” she said.
Children in third through sixth grades were eligible to send in video auditions. Countless kids did so, and the directors and creative team were tasked with selecting who would receive leading roles.
After reviewing the videos, the students were given their roles and were expected to learn their lines in advance of camp.
On Monday, June 16, rehearsals began for “Finding Nemo KIDS.” The actors choreographed musical numbers and blocked scenes.
Additionally, the school included
religious lessons in their rehearsals. Every morning, the students would do daily devotionals and prayers. Christianity is a significant part of Foundation Academy’s curriculum, so it was important to the creative team to keep the connection to faith alive in their art.
Haak said their worship “isn’t just a part of how we do it, it’s why we do it”.
The camp ended with a performance of “Finding Nemo KIDS” on Friday, June 20.
The show’s cast and creative team embraced the challenge of perfecting a show in five days.
Haak said the crew set a schedule for when to block and choreograph each scene, but they also were ready to pivot when necessary.
“We stress the importance of focus and flexibility,” Haak said.
“Our team is made up of very creative people and we work well together to think on our feet.”
Theatrical performances take the cooperation and skill of countless individuals. During “Finding Nemo KIDS,” the responsibility to keep everything running smoothly fell upon directors, students and numerous volunteers.
Haak and her husband, Kyle, codirected the show. Both are experienced in education and entertainment, having performed for major theme parks such as Universal, Sea World, and The Walt Disney Company. They have directed multiple children’s shows in Florida, Georgia and New York. Their assistant director, Ashley Nadeau, is a member of the Foundation Academy Fine Arts Alumni. She currently is a musical theater student at Florida Southern University.
Working alongside these theater veterans were many students. Kids from Foundation Academy’s tech-
nology and theater classes were able to participate and volunteer backstage. They made an impact by cleaning choreography, running through music and scenes with the actors, and being the stage crew during the performance. They also had the opportunity to use their talents in a familiar environment, encouraging confidence when working in theater elsewhere.
Putting on “Finding Nemo KIDS” took meticulous work and patience, and the creative team had to rely on each other to pull everything together.
“Live theater is as exciting as it is onstage as it is behind the scenes,” said Haak, who is grateful for the crew and actors of the show.
“Finding Nemo KIDS,” based on the Disney’s “Finding Nemo,” is a show with themes of family and perseverance. A heart-warming piece, the creative team hoped it reached audiences and their actors.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the students at Foundation Academy” said Haak, who is proud of the production and the actors. “Being a part of the students’ artistic development is an honor.”
Foundation Academy theater camp participants performed “Finding Nemo KIDS” at the end of the ve-day camp.
Cubby Troast and Lila Hash were thrilled to perform in “Finding Nemo KIDS.”
Right: Students prepared for weeks before participating in rehearsals to ensure they were ready to perform on Friday, June 20.
Campers dare to dream big
St. Luke’s Youth Theatre Camp participants bring Disney’s “Dare to Dream Jr.” to life on stage.
Participants of St. Luke’s Youth Theatre Camp were given a dare.
The dare was to dream.
Director Steve MacKinnon led the students in a two-week theater camp where the cast of sixth-graders through high school seniors learned how to bring “Dare to Dream Jr.” to life for three performances Friday, June 13 to Sunday, June 15.
The campers explored the dreams and journeys of Disney characters and iconic musical scores.
“We’ve talked about dreamers who dared to trust their hearts and change their stories,” MacKinnon said. “Along the way, our campers have done the same. They’ve stretched themselves, learned new skills, taken brave leaps and discovered just how powerful their voices and dreams really are.”
More magical for MacKinnon were the moments o stage seeing students encourage each other, problem-solve together and be themselves.
LIZ RAMOS
All
Family Church’s vacation Bible school grows
Family Church — Windermere welcomed children to vacation Bible school from Monday, June 9, to Friday, June 13.
According to the church’s website, kids “set o on an exciting journey to explore the life of Jesus, experience his love and discover how he can transform their lives in amazing ways.”
This year, Family Church’s VBS hosted 523 kids, breaking previous years’ records.
The number of volunteers also was record-breaking, with more than 200 people making VBS possible.
This year’s Bible school included both indoor and outdoor games, worships, crafts, and memory verses.
Through various activities, kids were able to grow their faith; one of many objectives of this program.
Director Steve MacKinnon said the campers have “stretched themselves, learned new skills, taken brave leaps and discovered just how powerful their voices and dreams really are” while preparing and performing “Dare to Dream Jr.”
Mosi Arthur’s energy helped make “Dare to Dream Jr.” come to life on stage.
eyes were on Braeden Estep.
Isabella de Paula Marques sang her heart out during the Disney musical revue.
Zachary Altpeter was one of dozens of sixth-graders through high school seniors to perform in St. Luke’s Youth Theatre Camp.
Juliette Naranjo and Ava Kaplan gave it their all during the performance.
— LETICIA SILVA
Children attending vacation Bible school at Family Church — Windermere enjoyed outdoor sports. On Friday, June 13, the kids enjoyed an in atable obstacle course in the gymnasium.
Children needed to ll out a booklet each day of camp. They sat and enjoyed snacks while checking their work.
Kids gathered around the stage and cheered for slime.
Olivia (left),and Charlie enjoyed their time outside during VBS.
Photos by Howard Clifton
Natyatharu celebrates 13 years at Dance Recital
Students from Natyatharu Performing Arts’ Dance Studio performed a variety of classical Indian dances at the studio’s 2025 Dance Recital Sunday, May 4, at Windermere High School’s Performing Arts Center, 5523 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere.
Dancers of all ages performed in Indian classical ancient dance forms, dance dramas and contemporary, as well.
Natyatharu was founded by the sisters Daveena Langton and Christina Prakanthan to teach Bharathanatyam, the Indian classical dance in Pandanullur (Kalakshestra) style.
For more information, visit Natyatharu’s website, natyatharu.com.
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
DORIS RAKES ARRINGTON DIED WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Doris Rakes Arrington, on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the age of 77. Doris was described as the leader of her friend group, beloved by her friends and neighbors, known for hosting weekly game nights. Doris was also a cherished member of the Florence Lauderdale Public Library book club, where her thoughtful contributions sparked many lively discussions. Her love of books and reading was a constant throughout her life, always exploring new stories and learning from every page.
Doris is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Lenna Rakes of Lakeland, Florida, and her husband of 50 years, William Sidney “Billy” Arrington III of Winter Haven, Florida. She is survived by her son, William Sidney “Sid” Arrington IV (Teresa); grandchildren, Amanda Michele Arrington of Sheffield, Alabama, and Caleb Anthony Arrington of Florence, Alabama; and her brother, Maurice Rakes (Andrea) of Tampa, Florida.
A reception in memory of Doris will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Heller Hall in Winter Garden, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Florence Lauderdale Animal Shelter (3240 Roberson Rd., Florence, AL 35630) or the Helen Keller Public Library (511 N. Main St., Tuscumbia, AL 35674), where her granddaughter serves as Assistant Director—two causes dear to Doris’s heart.
Left: Natyatharu was founded by the sisters Daveena Langton and Christina Prakanthan to teach Bharathanatyam, the Indian classical dance in Pandanullur (Kalakshestra) style.
The students performed performed classical, fusion and dance dramas.
Natyatharu choreographer, instructor and founder Daveena Langton trains students from ages 6 to 18.
Natyatharu choreographer, instructor and founder Daveena Langton said the recital was a great evening for art and culture lovers.
80 years ago
Winter Garden Elementary School students won a trip to Camp Wewa from the Home Mission Bible Study Board: Theresa Wheatly, Janice Dickerson, Bobby Walker and Peggy Burnette.
To help housewives and others in budgeting their remaining shoe stamps to t the family needs, another shoe stamp was to be valid Aug. 1 for one pair of shoes per ration book holder.
P.H. Britt, pioneer Winter Garden vegetable packer and shipper, stated emphatically that even with irrigation, not enough crops would be salvaged for satisfactory yield. The situation in Winter Garden was almost tragic. Citrus was in bad shape, but disaster conditions existed in the vegetable business.
75 years ago
Mr. and Mrs. George M. Barley, of Winter Park, purchased the Chalfant residence at 124 N. Highland Ave., and planned to move there with their family, Kim, George Jr., Anne and David.
55 years ago
O cers for the Ocoee Elementary School PTO were installed by Elizabeth Maguire: Marty Moore, president; Willard Maddox, vice president; Nancy Dabbs, secretary; Robbie Coleman, treasurer; and Betty Minor, historian.
50 years ago
Elwood M. “Doc” Tanner, a former longtime employee of the city of Winter Garden, died at the age of 79. Born in Winter Garden, Tanner served as city clerk and city coordinator for 33 years and became city manager two years before his retirement.
Popular Lakeview High School teacher and coach Ron Lopsonzski was making a great recovery from
FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation continues its fascination with the palatial Charles Herbert Tilden home standing proudly on Oakland Avenue. Embraced by towering oaks planted by pioneer families at the turn of the 20th century, the property includes a stone above-ground cistern that served as a swimming pool for generations of Tilden children and their cousins and friends. This undated photo shows a group of them enjoying a dip in the cold water, no doubt a welcome respite from the hot West Orange County sun.
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.
heart bypass surgery at Florida Hospital. Lopsonzski was gaining strength every day and hoped to be able to go home within a week or so. The new head football coach was hoping to return to duty by mid-August.
Lakeview High track star Greg Kannon was selected by American Legion Post 63 to be its delegate to Boys State, convening at Florida State University. The city of Winter Garden cut the ribbon to debut the renovated
Garden Street Swimming Pool. As soon as the formalities were completed, several dozen youngsters jumped in the pool.
35 years ago
Winter Garden’s annual celebration of America’s birthday included concerts by 1960s musical star Joey Dee and the Starliters, performances by Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Johnson, magic by Mr. Ballooney, carnival booths and a spectacular reworks show.
A familiar name and well-known pharmacy became just a memory in downtown Winter Garden with the closing of Tibbals Rexall Drug Store. Jimmy Hendrix announced the closure after 28 years at the corner of Plant and Main streets.
THROWBACK THURSDAY
JULY 5, 1973 Before the advent of the internet, local folks relied on The Winter Garden Times to nd out all the important social news of the community — who got engaged or married, who had a baby, and who held the most recent wedding and baby showers. The marriage announcements usually were quite lengthy, with elaborate details of the
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DON’T TAKE IT THE WRONG WAY by Jared Goudsmit, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
Observer
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West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of ACE Hardware Windermere
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of ACE Hardware Windermere. Located at 517 Main St in Windermere, ACE Hardware Windermere is the 14th location for Toole’s ACE Hardware, founded in 1983 in Winter Garden. !ey provide quality products, expert advice, and exceptional service, helping our community tackle projects of all sizes. To learn more, visit https://toolesacehardware.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of e Backyard
!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of !e Backyard. Located at 2214 West Rd in Ocoee, !e Backyard is a local, familyowned outdoor dining experience that recreates the warmth and hospitality of a backyard gathering. Come on over to enjoy a diverse menu from their six food trucks and help yourself to cra beer, wine, and more from their self-pour tap wall — all on one tab! Whether you join them for lunch in the shade, dinner under the stars, drinks with friends, or yard games with the family, they just want you to kick back, relax, and make yourself at home. To learn more, visit http://www.thebkyd.com.
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Fourth of July Community Celebrations
Winter Garden Masonic Lodge All American Kids Parade & Breakfast Friday, July 4
Pancake Breakfast (Kids 12 & under eat FREE) / Family-Friendly Activities
8:00 am – 10:00 am (while supplies last)
Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay Street
Parade: 10:00 am (Lineup: 9:45 am)
Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street
City of Winter Garden Party in the Park & Fireworks Friday, July 4
Preshow Festivities: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Live Music, Games, Crafts, Vendors, & More
Fireworks Display: 9:15 pm
Pack a Picnic, Chairs, Blankets
No Alcohol, No Grilling, No Personal Fireworks Permitted Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Avenue
Visit Historic Downtown for Patriotic Small-Town Charm