07.09.26 West Orange Times & Observer

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

Star-spangled celebrations

Local residents enjoy America 250 parties throughout West Orange County. SEE 7A.

‘You all made a difference’

by

First United Methodist Church Learning Center staff reunited, bringing together teachers and directors since the school opened in 1992 to reminisce, laugh and cherish their community. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Creative thinker

Horizon West’s Roy Zheng, 9, won IDEASforEARS, a global invention contest for kids. SEE PAGE 3A.

CANDIDATES TO STUMP AT 2026 HOB NOB

If you want to meet candidates whose names will appear on your ballots later this year, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Hob Nob and Straw Poll is the place to be. This event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thuresday, July 9, at Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

The candidates participating in the West Orange Chamber’s Hob Nob & Straw Poll are the ones who will shape the future of this county. Wouldn’t you like to know what their thoughts are on key issues before the August primary?

This is one of your last chances to hear from the candidates. The Hob Nob Straw Poll is not only a litmus test for this fall’s elections but also an opportunity to find the

candidate who will earn your vote. Tickets are $50 at the door. For more information, visit wochamber.com.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

FAIR SET FOR JULY 11

Orange County’s Community and Family Services Department, and Orange County Commission Districts are hosting a back-toschool, offering free health-care services and community resources to students.

The free fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 11, at West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden.

Electrocardiogram and immunizations also will be available, but parents must bring ID, the student’s birth certificate and vaccination records to receive these services.

To register, visit 4cflorida. org/appointments.

SOUNDS OF SILENCE

Friends, family members dance the night away at silent disco night at Tom Ison Center. PAGE 11A Venezuela

Locals struggle with grief, guilt following two earthquakes that devastated Venezuela. 5A.

Photo

Liz Ramos

The First United Methodist Church Learning Center preschool staff reunited, bringing together teachers, staff members and former directors from its opening in 1992 to the present.

5FAST

1

Ravah Culinary

Emporium is coming to Horizon West

A new breakfast, lunch and dinner spot is preparing to open in Horizon West.

Ravah Culinary Emporium is opening a restaurant, bakery and market concept from Juliana Garcia and her husband, Julian Madrona.

The restaurant, located at 8800 Seidel Road, No. 120, Winter Garden, will blend the couple’s Bra zilian, Spanish and Italian back grounds.

feature about 60 indoor seats and 26 patio seats, offering a casual, family-friendly dining experience.

2

Ocoee PD searches for two individuals in jewelry theft

The Ocoee Police Department is asking the public for help in identifying two males who stole jewelry.

At 3:55 p.m. Monday, June 29, two males entered Celebration Jewelry in West Oaks Mall and tried on thousands of dollars worth of jewelry.

They then ran off without paying.

If anyone knows any information regarding the robbery, call Criminal Investigation Division at (407) 905-3161 or email Detective Justin Hutchinson at JHutchinson@ ocoee.org.

3

Orlando International Airport to receive $36 million for upgrades

Orlando International Airport will undergo some upgrades as a result of receiving $36 million.

The $36 million grant is one of multiple Federal Aviation Admin

among $175,071,972 in grants for airports in Florida.

The Orlando airport will use the funds to rehabilitate its taxiway and lighting as well as reconstruct a terminal.

“The FAA is prioritizing improving our nation’s airports and ensuring we issue grants quickly and efficiently,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. “This funding does more than just rebuild runways and taxiways, it modernizes the travel experience for American families, ensuring our airports are safe and ready for the future.”

County teens are competing on “America Ninja Warrior” this season.

Windermere 15-year-old Aaron Deal appeared in Season 18, competing against about 240 competitors. His episode aired at 9 p.m. Monday, July 6, on NBC.

Previously, he competed for ANW Junior at age 9 but lost in the knockout round.

Dr. Phillips’ Grace Gordon and Gotha’s Olivia Lopez are headed to the regional finals of American Ninja Warrior.

Competitors from across the Eastern Region can be seen

competitor in the qualifier and completed the course without falling.

Lopez is competing as a rookie this season. Ninja is the first sport Lopez loved, and she started watching the competition show in 2015 with her grandmother.

5

Third- through fifthgraders now required to learn cursive

Third- through fifthgraders across Florida now are required to learn cursive and demonstrate proficiency by the end of fifth grade starting this August.  Senate Bill 182 was filed in October 2025, introducing the requirement for elementary school students.

Students will learn skills such as letter formation, proper spacing and alignment, and writing complete, legible words and sentences.  At the end of their fifth-grade year, students must demonstrate proficiency, which means showing their ability to write uppercase and lowercase letters in cursive writing, as well as the ability to read and apply cursive writing for literacy development, including writing essays and assignments in cursive.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill April 20, and it took effect Wednesday, July 1.

OCPS School Board Member Alicia Farrant said this is a huge win

“I love seeing our schools get

kindergarten. The brains build

Ravah will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with global influences.

Courtesy photo

Gotha’s Olivia Lopez is competing in her rookie season of ‘American Ninja Warrior.’

Photo by Liz Ramos

HEAR & NOW

Roy Zheng, 9, was the only contestant in the U.S. to win IDEASforEARS, a global invention contest encouraging children to think creatively to improve the lives of those with hearing loss.

MEET THE INVENTOR

ROY ZHENG

RESIDENCE:

AGE:

As a swimmer, Horizon West 9-year-old Roy Zheng found himself having a hard time hearing his instructor’s commands underwater. Zheng depends on his cochlear implant to hear, but the sounds are muffled underwater.

It inspired an idea.

What if there were artificial intelligence-powered swimming goggles that could produce closed-captioning and translation to understand people while he was swimming?

His idea led to him being the only child from the U.S. to win this year’s IDEASforEARS competition, which is MED-EL’s global invention contest for children ages 6 through 12, encouraging children to use creativity to find ways to help those with hearing loss through accessibility, inclusion and awareness in a fun and friendly competition.

Roy first obtained hearing aids at age 2.

Yinxia Wu, Roy’s mother, said

the diagnosis was hard on the family at first. Finding out she and her husband carried the gene that led to Roy’s profound hearing loss was devastating, but they didn’t let that stop them from getting Roy the proper resources from an early age.

Soon, he was in speech therapy, early intervention and often seeing an audiologist.

His parents were optimistic that Roy would be able to live a relatively normal life with these early intervention practices.

Soon after, Roy had his MED-EL cochlear implants, which allowed him to properly pick up pitch and voice tones in his native language, Chinese.

Roy’s implants are a part of him, and most times, he doesn’t even notice they are there, unless he’s in crowded spaces or somebody points them out.

When he’s at the mall or in a noisy environment, Roy’s hearing diminishes. He then can only hear bits and pieces of sentences, which can be quite frustrating. On top of that, if there is any yelling or screaming, that becomes amplified.

As the only deaf child at school, students often come up to him to ask questions.

“At first, I couldn’t get used to it,” Roy said. “But now I’m happy people ask questions because more and more people are learning about the deaf.”

He’s found joy in helping others understand the deaf community and went a step further to create a product that would help deaf athletes underwater.

In 2025, he submitted a simpler version of his idea to IDEASforEARS — he thought as long as AI could tell swimmers what was being said, nothing else was necessary.

But he didn’t win. That’s when he realized it needed more.

He added the closed-captions and translations to his invention and submitted the idea again.

His win came as a surprise, he said, though he strives to be creative in ways that not only benefit him but also others across the world who also live with hearing loss.

His mom wanted to make his win special for him, so she kept it a secret and surprised him at school.

“We had early recess (at school) for some reason, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s strange,’” Roy said. “When we came back from recess, I saw it.’”

MED-EL workers, teachers and Wu all were there to share he was this year’s IDEASforEARS U.S. winner.

“I was surprised and very happy,” Roy said.

His classmates hugged him and cheered for him, jumping up and down, showing excitement for his accomplishment.

The joy didn’t end there. Winners also were gifted a trip to MED-EL’s headquarters in Innsbruck, Austria, so off to Europe they went.

There, Roy and Wu met other participants and their families, learned more about MED-EL and shared educational time together.

“At first, I couldn’t get used to it. But now I’m happy people ask questions because more and more people are learning about the deaf.”

“I never knew there were so many deaf people,” Roy said. “The experience was really cool.” Roy met the makers of his cochlear implants, who showed him how the technology is made and how it works under the skin behind the ear — something about which Roy always was curious. He also visited MED-EL’s interactive museum, Audioversum, where Roy learned more about his cochlear implants in a fun, handson way.

His favorite part was making new friends, not only with other participants but with the makers of his cochlear implant as well.

It was an experience he will never forget.

Roy said this competition taught him to try new things, and he’s excited to create a new invention for next year’s IDEASforEARS.

“This reminds everyone we’re a very wonderful community and we can do great things,” Wu said. “As his mom, I’m always proud of him. Not because he won this competition, but because he can turn his own challenge into an idea, and if this idea becomes reality, it will help a lot of children like him.”

Today, Roy holds the trip close to his heart, alongside the medal he received and a certificate he said is almost as tall as him.

Read it forward: Student launches book bank

Windermere’s Aanvi Mathur founded the Orlando Book Bank to provide students with the resources and supplies they need to succeed in school.

and required reading material to help them thrive.

Windermere’s Aanvi Mathur donated books through her nonprofit, the Orlando Book Bank, to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida.

As floodwaters infringed on a local library, one little girl lost her favorite copy of “Little Red Riding Hood.” Within days, the Orlando Book Bank found another copy among its donations and gave it to her.

For 17-year-old Aanvi Mathur, the founder of the Orlando Book Bank, moments like these are why she dedicated her high school years to igniting a passion for knowledge in Central Florida and providing students with school supplies. The idea for the book bank was formed in 2023, when then 14-yearold Mathur and her 16-year-old sister noticed students in their respective classes lacked the same drive to succeed as they did.  They began to realize that many students who didn’t put in the required effort in their studies often came from homes that imposed additional responsibilities, such as large families with working parents, sibling care and transportation issues. It also became apparent to Mathur that some of her peers didn’t have access to textbooks

“We started Orlando Book Bank to bridge that access gap from students who are able to get the resources they need and students who don’t prioritize education and can’t get the resources we need,” Mathur said.

The Orlando Book Bank was officially up and running in the same year. Mathur and her team started with collecting textbooks, hygiene items and general school supplies. Their services continue to expand to include SAT preparation and mentorship programs in school subjects and extracurriculars.

The organization has started chapters across Orlando and now offers new services such as mentorship. Mathur also has begun to incorporate hygiene product donations into the book bank’s services.

“I know hygiene is a big problem in lower-income areas in our district,” Mathur said. “There’s a lack of hygiene products, and many students are less likely to go to school because they don’t feel ready to do so.”

The Orlando Book Bank’s website makes both donating and requesting

simple. Visitors can submit an online form, email or call to request a specific book title or arrange a donation. Donors only need to provide a photo of their books, and the nonprofit coordinates a convenient pickup location. The book bank aims to fulfill book and

item requests within a week. Mathur is a senior at Orlando Science High School. She is able to explore her passions for research and education by engaging in early disease detection research, leading the education and youth development commit-

tee and organizing community events.

Mathur says her main goal is to give people access to resources they deserve. The motivation to promote education stems from her parents’ dedication to fostering her curiosity.

“I was always surrounded by people who taught me that curiosity was the most important thing in life,” Mathur said. “They told me to always be looking in your surroundings and ask questions.”

As she got older and more involved in the community, Mathur noticed her peers were not introduced to the same values on education.

“I was in this bubble where everyone thought education was important,” Mathur said. “When I saw that other students might not have that same rhetoric in their houses or in their community, I realized how much it has impacted my growth and how much that same thing could impact other students’ growth as well.”

Mathur found inspiration to start the book bank while analyzing her circle at school. Her friends serve on the book bank’s board and help with donation pickup and drop-off. Mathur emphasized how her family and surrounding Orlando community have helped the bank thrive.

Mathur’s hope is that as the book bank expands, she can promote curiosity in communities across Florida, regardless of their financial situation.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Photo by Leticia Silva

Yinxia Wu and Roy Zheng are proud of Roy’s win.

— Roy Zheng

Courtesy photo

Winners from across the world, including Roy Zheng, bottom row, second from left, traveled to Austria as a gift for winning IDEASforEARS.

Courtesy photo

Preschool staff members share sweet memories Observer

LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

Patty Tate, the former director and a member of the founding staff of First United Methodist Learning Center preschool, kept with tradition.

When she was director at the preschool starting in 1992, Tate and the teachers collected books and wrapped them to give to each of the students for Christmas.

After she retired, she still had more than 100 Little Golden Books. And she knew exactly what to do with them.

She wrapped a few dozen and presented them as gifts to the teachers, staff and former directors of The Learning Center who gathered Friday, June 19, for a staff reunion, bringing together people who had worked together since the preschool’s opening in 1992.

A wide smile came across the face of each of the at least 20 people who attended the reunion as they unwrapped their book to see the title they received.

The night at the Church of the Messiah was filled with reminiscing over memories, updating each other on the lives of their children and grandchildren, and feeling the love of a tight-knit commu nity that stayed with the school throughout the years that kept employees at the school. Throughout the reunion, Tate reminded each person, “You all made a difference,” the theme for the reunion.

‘YOU JUST KEEP COMING BACK’

The Learning Center opened in 1992 with Tate, who had been involved in a preschool co-op program through Valen cia College, serving as director. She said she was blessed and honored to be the preschool’s first director.

She recalled the Learning Center only had 20 students who were split into two classes, each with a teacher and an assistant.

Since then, the school has experienced tremendous growth, having classes for voluntary pre-K, children ages 2 to 4 and a Mom’s Morning Out program.

Under Wendy Davis’ tenure as director from 2015 to 2022, she led the school through a playground renovation and classroom renovations. She spent hours computerizing various school records. She saw the school’s enrollment climb to more than 100 students.

A spot at the school was highly coveted, with parents asking well in advance when enrollment would open.  Davis recalled when a father arrived at the church at 2 a.m. and slept outside until the doors opened so he would be the first in line to enroll.

“We never had to advertise because we had word of mouth,” Davis said. “It was just a rewarding experience that we were such a family school.”

Numerous teachers and directors said the FUMC Learning Center simply was a place of love, community and care for families. Even if teachers

left to work at another school or take time off to care for their children, they more often than not returned to the Learning Center. For example, before serving as director, Davis was a teacher. She started with the school in 1997 and took a break to be with her children before returning in 2001.

She stayed until she retired in 2022.

“It was that job that you never worked a day in your life, because it was so much fun and just rewarding,” Davis said. “You just keep coming back. You know the kids that are coming up and you just want to get with them. It was just a rewarding job.”

After enjoying a meal at the reunion catching up with one another, talking about what their children are doing as adults now or how they’re trying to keep up with the fast-paced lives of their grandchildren, Tate reminded everyone they have to indulge in a piece of cake before stepping aside from the podium to allow Davis to say a few words.

“Patty is still ordering me around,” Davis joked, resulting in an eruption of laughter.

“Absolutely,” Tate cracked back.

Davis honored three individuals for their service to the school: Kim Bertsch, Sue Emerson and Lily Frets.

Bertsch served as a teacher for the preschool for 18 years, becoming a “mainstay” at the school, said Davis, who thanked her for being a “great teacher” and for all her “great ideas.”

Emerson was the employee who worked at the school the longest — 27 years.

“She just knew everything about the school and about all of everything that went on,” Davis said.

Finally, Frets was recognized for her time as a kindergarten teacher, assistant to Davis and director of the preschool for four years. Her dedication demonstrated her desire to always go above and beyond all the time as she “carried the torch for us,” Davis said.

The three were given a bouquet of flowers and a gift bag.

Frets, who served as director from 2022 to 2025 and was a teacher at the school for 14 years prior to becoming the director, said the school environment allowed the staff to create lifelong friendships.

With so many teachers remaining at the school for years, they saw their families grow up, and many taught the others’ children. Davis’ daughter was in Tate’s first class in 1992. Frets’ children went through the school and now are graduating college or have started their careers.

“I saw all these other staff members’ children grow up, and I’m going to graduation parties for children that were in my classroom,” Frets said. “It’s just something beautiful, and I was happy to be a part of it, happy with the friendships we’ve created. We all still get together.”

LASTING MEMORIES

At the reunion, stories from throughout the years brought smiles and laughter. People took time looking over the dozens of photos spread on a table, and reminiscing over field trips, times in the classroom, staff outings and the students they taught.

Davis said the academic calendar always was packed with traditions, events, field trips and more.

/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Managing Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com

Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com

Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com

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

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

Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com

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

CONTACT

Tate remembered when Margie Severance, who worked with 4-year-olds from 1999 to 2017, and her husband planted two trees on the playground, and the students used to make compost every year for Earth Day to put around the trees. Then, they would say a prayer for the trees.

One of Severance’s favorite traditions was Dad’s Dessert Night, where the dads would come together with the kids for dessert.

“With moms, they’re always watching the kids to make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to, and with the dads it’s a whole different thing,” she said. “The kids were bouncing off the walls and going up on the stage, running around. The dads are just talking like there’s no problem. That was a lot of fun.”

For the mothers, the school hosted Mother’s Tea, which was an opportunity for the teachers to get to know the mothers at the beginning of the school year and begin developing relationships.

The Christmas pageants were a staff favorite. Frets remembered the chaos leading into them, with rehearsals always being crazy and the looming question of how the performances would go. As soon as the pageant started, all was calm and the students always did a fabulous job, Frets said.

The memories weren’t just from the major school events, either. Little classroom moments often were the sweetest. Frets remembered a little boy asking a little girl on a date, and the little girl said, “I’m sorry, I can’t date until I’m older. My daddy won’t let me.”

From the big moments of celebrating pre-K graduation to the little moments in the classroom, every one meant the world to those who were part of the school.

And none of it would have been possible without the dedication of each staff member who walked through the doors of First United Methodist Church Learning Center, Tate said.

“You all made a difference,” she said.

The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals Permit (USPS# 687-120)

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 210 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times West

The first class at the First United Methodist Church Learning Center preschool consisted of 20 students split into two classes. Patty Tate not only served as director in 1992 but also as a teacher of one of the classes.

Courtesy photos

Pre-K graduation always was an occasion for celebration.

Wendy Davis, left, and Lily Frets, right, who are former directors of the Learning Center, always loved seeing the Christmas pageant with students such as Scarlett Bertsch, center, playing Mary and other roles.

Photo by Liz Ramos

Former directors Lily Frets, Wendy Davis and Patty Tate all led the Learning Center with pride.

Living in ‘extended mourning’

Venezuela was hit with two major earthquakes Friday, June 24, followed by more than 900 aftershocks. Local Venezuelans are struggling to communicate with family and friends.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

While Winter Garden’s Vanessa Vollmer, a native Venezuelan, was watching fireworks Saturday, July 4, celebrating America’s Independence Day, she received one of the worst phone calls imaginable.

Every day since Friday, June 24, when two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela, she had been trying to reach her cousin in Venezuela but had no success.

A night of celebration turned into a night of mourning as the call she received notified her that her cousin, along with her cousin’s husband and five members of her husband’s family, had died in the disaster.

They were among the more than 3,342 people who have died in the earthquakes.

Much like Vollmer, there are many West Orange families who have been worried and waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones in Venezuela, trying desperately to get in contact with them.

Beyond family members, Vollmer lost neighbors, friends and school teachers.

“I can’t even count,” she said. “The last 10 days, it’s just been a bunch of messages popping up and all of them are the same — ‘This person didn’t make it.’ … It’s just deep sadness at this point.”

Venezuelans still are pulling people and animals out of the rubble left from the devastating earthquakes.

While some have received heartbreaking news about their loves ones, others have had calls and texts of relief.

As soon as Vollmer’s husband shared the news of the earthquakes, she called her mother-in-law, who lived in an unstable building in Venezuela.

She learned her mother-in-law was rescued from the rubble of an eightstory building, and although she survived, she must undergo several surgeries and now she is homeless.

WAYS TO HELP

Currently, there are local, state and national organizations setting up donation drives to send to Venezuela.

n Bravo Supermarket, 13375 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 9, Winter Garden. Donation boxes are placed in stores to gather essential items such as hygiene items, personal care products, medical materials and nonperishable foods and water.

n Plant Street Academy, 855 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. From 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the academy will collect hygiene products, baby wipes and diapers, first-aid supplies, bottled water, nonperishable foods and over-the-counter medications.

n Global Empowerment Mission, globalempowermentmission.org/ mission/venezuela-earthquakes/ is accepting money for humanitarian aid and support.

n Casa de Venezuela, cdvorlando. org, is accepting money to be sent to Venezuela for rescue and recovery tools.

Before donating, ensure the person’s/organization’s validity.

On top of all the grief, Vollmer now is suffering from survivor’s guilt.

“It hits so hard from a distance,” she said. “There are guilty feelings for being safe (and) for being away, but also the joy of knowing our homes collapsed and we are safe. (There’s) frustration and desperation from being unable to be there to rescue our families, to help our people. … It feels way different from the distance, it feels (as if) you are trapped in a window display, living it, but safe —living it but unable to be a part of (it).”

This tragedy has impacted Vollmer deeply.

“I stopped working, I stopped sleeping, eating,” she said. “I under-

CITY OF OCOEE

stand life can change or end in 39 seconds and I can’t see it the same way anymore.”

Today, she prays for the souls of her loved ones to be welcomed into heaven, and for her and her relatives who survived to find peace and strength to keep living after this tragedy.

“I just want to ask every reader to pray —there are many bodies that still need to be recovered and reunited with their families, many people that lost everything, and they all need prayers,” she said. “My biggest concern now is that of what’s coming next: mental health, suicides, poverty.”

Winter Garden’s Daniel Giandoni also was impacted by this tragedy.

On the day of the earthquakes, Giandoni was walking into a meeting when he noticed a missed call from his niece.

“She never calls me, so I immediately thought something was wrong,” he said. “Then, she sent me a voice message saying, ‘Uncle Dani, there was an earthquake. It was terrible.’”

He called his niece right back, and though there was no video available, he could hear the voices of his family members.

At that point, hearing them alive, he believed there were strong tremors but no fatalities.

After his meeting, he checked his phone again.

That’s when he noticed news outlets reporting on the earthquakes and the destruction.

“I sat down and called my family again,” he said. “They showed me the damage inside their apartment — things that had fallen everywhere, and there were cracks in the building. Ironically, as they were starting to calm down, that’s when the reality of what had happened really hit me.”

While his immediate family is safe, friends and family-friends lost their homes, some lost family members, and some lost their lives.

The worst part, he said, is that many families still are searching for their loved ones.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will consider the adoption of a text amendment to Article IV of the Ocoee Land Development Code (LDC) to create Section 4-13. The proposed amendment seeks to establish regulations and procedures governing Certified Recovery Residences within the City of Ocoee.

The OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on the proposed Land Development Code Text Amendment on TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026, AT 6:15 P.M., or as soon thereafter as practical. The PUBLIC HEARING will be held at the City of Ocoee Commission Chambers located at 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE IV, OF THE OCOEE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE TO CREATE SECTION 4-13 TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES, INCLUDING A PROCESS FOR REQUESTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION AS REQUIRED BY CHAPTER 2025-182, LAWS OF FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAW; PROVIDING FOR APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, REVIEW PROCEDURES, AND DEADLINES; PROVIDING FOR REVOCATION AND REINSTATEMENT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND 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 for 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 that the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearings and that no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made during 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. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of the proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at (407) 905-3105.

“For many families, there’s still no closure,” he said. “I feel like I’m living through an extended mourning. I’m frustrated, sad, broken. Every time I open social media, I see another family looking for someone. I don’t even know those people personally, but somehow they feel like my own. That’s one of the emotional prices many immigrants pay. Even when you’re far away, your heart never really leaves home.” Giandoni feels helpless.

“So much is completely out of our control,” he said. “Not only because of the natural disaster itself but also because of the regime’s response. … It’s difficult not to talk about the political reality because preparedness and emergency response matter. A natural disaster cannot be prevented, but the consequences can be reduced with planning, coordination and functioning institutions.

“Every collapsed building tells a much bigger story,” Giandoni said. “Of institutions that failed, of a regime that neglected its people and of citizens who had to save each other because they couldn’t count on those in power. But if there’s one thing the world should remember, it’s the Venezuelan people. They didn’t wait for permission. They rescued neighbors, shared food, opened their homes and organized themselves almost immediately. That’s who we are.”

While he’s grateful for those who are safe, he said there is a lot of work that still needs to be done.

Both Vollmer and Giandoni said the earthquakes will affect the country for months, maybe years to come, and it’s vital that people from around the world continue to support those in Venezuela even after the country stops making headlines.

Courtesy photo

La Guardia in Venezuela suffered major destruction after the earthquakes.

Church DIRECTORY

efore the rib-eating contest began at Texas Roadhouse in Ocoee, members of the Ocoee Fire Department asked for silverware.

“Oh, I didn’t know we had bougie firefighters,” Ocoee Police officer Matthew Ramirez said.

Five members of the Ocoee Fire Department and five members from the Ocoee Police Department went head-to-head in a rib-eating contest Tuesday, June 30, at Texas Roadhouse.

Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee

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 METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

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

The contestants had 30 minutes to eat as many ribs as possible, with the winner obtaining bragging rights. Also, 10% of the revenue from the meals of customers who mentioned the contest went to charity.

As time ticked away, the contestants’ drive to eat slowed, with some calling it quits with minutes left in the competition.

After all the bones were counted, the Ocoee Fire Department was victorious, eating 92 ribs compared to the Ocoee Police Department’s 85.

— LIZ RAMOS

CHURCH DIRECTORY

Sgt. Joe Rodriguez made sure each bone was completely clean of meat to ensure they counted.

Firefighter engineer Mike Arrant powered through the competition, eating as many ribs as he could.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1776!

t was a red, white and beautiful occasion Saturday, July 4, as community members gathered in Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

The 22nd annual All-American Kids Parade and Pancake Breakfast sparked the festivities in Winter Garden as Uncle Sam, holding an American flag, stood at the front of dozens of children lined up on Plant Street with their patriotically decorated bikes and

At the sound of his countdown, the children took off as Uncle Sam ran ahead, officially kicking off

Before the parade, children and their families gathered at Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 for the annual Pancake Breakfast where they enjoyed a freshly prepared breakfast along with activities such as face painting and bike

Hundreds of community members came together in their best attire and accessories to celebrate Independence Day.

Over in Windermere, the town’s annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast had its biggest turnout ever, with the line for a stack of freshly made pancakes wrapping around the side of Windermere

Town Hall and going onto the sidewalk at times.

Residents continued to file into

town hall to enjoy stacks of pancakes and gather with community members.

Mayor Andy Williams said the annual tradition is about more than just pancakes. It’s about celebrating community and patriotism and honoring those who serve in the military.

Williams then read a proclamation to U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, thanking him for his years of public service. Webster announced he will retire at the end of his term.  Monday, July 13, was proclaimed to be Daniel Webster Day.

Ocoee capped off the patriotic day with the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

The rain didn’t stop hundreds of residents from showing up dressed in red, white and blue with brightened spirits, ready to enjoy live music, food trucks and carnival games.

Historic figures Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, and Paul Revere made a special appearance at the event.

Jefferson and John Adams signed copies of the Declaration of Independence for residents to take home, and Revere rode down Lakeshore Drive screaming, “The British are coming!”

The

night ended with a bright and colorful firework show over Starke Lake.

—MEGAN BRUINSMA, LIZ RAMOS AND LETICIA SILVA

Windermere Town Council member

Mandy David served up sausage at the Windermere Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.

Right: Thomas Jefferson signed copies of the Declaration of Independence during Ocoee’s Independence Day festivities.

Below: Uncle Sam led the masses of children riding in bikes and scooters down Plant Street in Winter Garden.

Bruna, Arthur and Alice Campos and Regina Silva wore matching patriotic shirts to the Windermere Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.

Alec and Theresa Neichtsheim showed up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in style in Ocoee.

Joy Underwood made a special appearance as Betsy Ross at the Windermere Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.

Left: Justus and Barbara Frazier enjoyed Ocoee’s event.

Stephen and Amanda Lewis brought their kids to the Windermere Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast for a patriotic, communitycentered start to their Fourth of July.

Donna Corbus and her granddaughter Brooke Thompson came decked out in America’s colors for the morning celebration in Winter Garden.

Chief Strosnider protected Ocoee for 50 years

Ronald D. Strosnider Sr. began his career with the Ocoee Fire Department as a volunteer. He rose to the rank of chief and served in that role for 24 years.

Ronald D. Strosnider Sr., a former Ocoee Fire Department chief, gave many firefighters their first jobs, and he mentored several generations in his role prior to his retirement in 2004. Strosnider died June 17, 2026, at his home in Portal, Georgia, at age 87. His wife, Mary Jo Strosnider, is comforted by the memories of 47 years of marriage.

“He was an amazing man,” she said. “He loved his kids, he loved his grandkids. That’s one of the last things he said to me. He said, ‘I love all my grandchildren.’ He loved the community. He loved Ocoee. He loved what he did. … He loved hunting and fishing and the outdoors. That’s why (we) moved to Georgia.”

Ron Strosnider was born June 9, 1939, in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, to Charles M. Strosnider and Velma Strosnider. His family moved to the Central Florida area when he was a child.

The morning after he graduated from Lakeview High School, he boarded a train headed for South Carolina to attend U.S. Army boot camp. He was discharged from the Army in 1965. He continued to serve his community as a reserve deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and as a volunteer firefighter with the Ocoee Fire Department.

During that time, he joined the Southern Bell/ATT phone company, a career that lasted 32 years.

Ron and Mary Jo Strosnider met in 1976 at the Ranch House Restaurant in Orlando, where she was a server and he and his coworkers frequented for lunch.

“We just started talking, and one thing led to another,” she said.

A year later, they were married on his birthday, and she moved to Ocoee, where he was living. By that time, he was serving with the Ocoee Fire Department.

“There was never a day that went by that he (failed to) tell me, even if he went outside to feed the chickens or whatever, he always said, ‘I love you,’” Mary Jo Strosnider said. “I felt that love for so many years. I was very blessed.”

Ron Strosnider, by then a volunteer assistant fire chief, was approached by then-City Manager Ellis Shapiro, who urged him to become a full-time member of the Ocoee Fire Department. He retired from the telephone company and joined the OFD, which was expanding and in need of a chief.

Mary Jo Strosnider remembered the wonderful crew with which her husband worked. That tight-knit team included Wayne Vaughn, Larry Brass, George Ledford, James Coschignano, Kevin Greenhill and Glen Treanor.

Mary Jo Strosnider’s life was further changed after she went with Ron Strosnider on a few of his calls.

“There were a lot of times we were out, and if he got the call and we were together in the vehicle, I’d go with him,” she said. “And I thought, I have two perfectly good hands and here I sit when I could be helping.”

So, she became a paramedic, and they worked alongside each other for years.

Mayor Rusty Johnson credited Strosnider with successfully leading Ocoee’s fire department during the city’s growth. Several fire stations were opened in 1998 to keep pace with the growth in Ocoee, and Strosnider helped break ground on a new $3 million main fire station in 2003, just before his retirement.

“Everything started to boom in the late ’80s, everything started to expand, and he was there during that period of time,” Johnson said.

“He was a good guy and put in a lot of years here, starting out as a volunteer under Chief Jimmy Vandergrift. When Jimmy retired, he took over.”

Strosnider was a longtime member and advocate of the Central Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association. Upon his retirement in 2004, he continued his service to the CFFCA on the board of directors as the retiree representative until 2006. Afterward, he was bestowed a Lifetime Membership in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the Ocoee Fire Department, the CFFCA, the Florida fire service community, and beyond, said Matt McGrew, retired Winter Garden fire chief and secretary/treasurer for the CFFCA.

Strosnider was an outdoorsman

who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an accomplished woodworker who spent many hours working on projects in his workshop, and he and his grandson built quite a few bluebird houses.

Strosnider was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Roger K. Strosnider.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Ronald D. Strosnider Jr. (and wife Lisa), James T. Strosnider (and wife Laurie) and James M. Strosnider (and wife Jennifer); seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory, Statesboro, Ga., was in charge of arrangements. Memorial

contributions can be made to Fixing the Boro, fixingtheboro.com.

Funeral services were held June 22 in Portal, Georgia. Several Central Florida colleagues (McGrew; John Williamson, retired Orlando International Airport and former Winter Garden fire chief; and Tom Berrios, retired Winter Garden deputy fire chief) made the trip to Georgia to pay their final respects.

The Statesboro Fire Department Honor Guard was posted by Strosnider’s flag-draped casket and provided military honors. Statesboro Fire Capt. Jamie Strosnider, one of the Strosniders’ sons, gave the eulogy. The local Masonic Lodge offered a traditional

Masonic memorial tribute. McGrew had a long-standing connection to Strosnider and the Ocoee Fire Department from his early days as an Orlo Vista firefighter and later as an Orange County firefighter. McGrew and Mary Jo Strosnider worked in these same areas for many years as paramedics.

“Chief Strosnider will be remembered as an icon by the Central Florida fire service — not just for his 50-plus years of service, but also for his dedication to the city of Ocoee in transforming what was once a small volunteer department into a modern career fire department,” McGrew said.

Left: Retired Ocoee Fire Chief Ron Strosnider Sr. and his brother, Roger, took a spin on a fire truck years before he was an official firefighter.

Below: Ron and Mary Jo Strosnider were blessed with 47 years of marriage.

Strosnider served the city of Ocoee for five decades before retiring and moving to Georgia for a slower-paced life.

Ocoee Fire Chief Ron Strosnider Sr., back, third from left, stood with his crew in this undated photo.

1

SPORTS

5

Windermere Preparatory School has welcomed Dayamara Nieves as the head coach for competitive and sideline cheer and Jordyn Titcomb as the assistant for the upcoming year.

Nieves led the Lakers middleschool program the past year and brings 12 years of cheer experience and a passion for developing confident and character-driven student-athletes. Titcomb also has experience with high school cheer and a background in education.

“We are excited to announce Dayamara as the leader of our cheer program and to welcome Jordyn to the Windermere Prep family,” Athletic Director Patrick Hollern said.

2

The Winter Garden Squeeze is more than halfway through its summer run, and July brought the Florida Collegiate Summer League All-Star game Tuesday, July 7, at Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium.

Seven players were selected to represent the Squeeze. The two starters are catcher Edwin Melendez and infielder Fabian Antonsanti. On the reserves sits infielders Osjun Rivas and Javier Calzadilla, pitchers Kaden Howell and Brady Montrowl, and outfielder Cael Reish.

The All-Stars were selected through fan vote and ballots by league head coaches and officials, broadcasters and scorekeepers. The game will match players from the East teams — DeLand, Sanford and Orlando — to play against the West teams — Leesburg, Winter Garden and Winter Park.

3

Legacy High School announced it is looking for two assistant coaches for the 2026-2027 season. The Eagles are hiring an assistant football coach, wide receivers and defensive backs, and an assistant coach for the varsity volleyball team. Hope Charter School also is hiring a middle school soccer head coach.

4

West Orange Girls Club opened registration for its Summer Nights Clinic.

The clinic is an opportunity for new softball players and returning WOGC players to expand their skills in three nights filled with skill development, confidence building, teamwork and fun. It is for all ages and players will be split by their age group. Volunteer coaches will run the clinic to prepare players for the fall season. The three-day clinic takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 13, Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15. It is $60 per player. Register at tinyurl. com/22wf2kce.

5West Orange High School’s junior girls volleyball player Jaylyn Burke announced her verbal commitment to the University of Central Florida. The Class of 2028 outside hitter also plays club volleyball for Top Select Volleyball Academy. In her past season as a sophomore Warrior, she led the 12-8 team with 3.1 kills per set, totaling 110 on the season, and also recorded 13 total blocks during the season with 13 serving aces.

“There’s something special about chasing your dream where it all began, being able to play Division I volleyball in my hometown means everything to me,” Burke wrote. “The work doesn’t stop here. It’s only the beginning.”

Squeeze players share love of game

The Winter Garden Squeeze’s Ayden Elixson, Rylee Gibson and Cael Reish helped kick off Sports Month at The Learning Experience with a morning of teaching and activities.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

Before the three Winter Garden Squeeze players took preschoolers at The Learning Experience in Horizon West outside for some summer sports Monday, June 29, they each sat down with the children as special guest readers.

Ayden Elixson, Rylee Gibson and Cael Reish each took on their own room of students and sat in the tiny chairs designed for youth. Gibson read the children “My 1st Book of Sportsmanship” and the others read about community and coming together.

Curiosity took over the children, who were ages 2 to 5, after story time and they raised their hands with

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questions about baseball, how old the players are — one pointing out her dad is older than Elixson — and sharing their favorite sports.

Reish carefully handed them his baseball glove. They all sat in a line and peered down the line to their friends, patiently waiting for their turn to try it on. The glove exceeded the size of the students’ heads as they tried it on for size, curious

Gold diggers

Westside Team Florida unified volleyball team won the Special Olympics USA Games for the second consecutive year. At the core of the team’s talent is the bonds that began 12 years ago at Lakeview Middle.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

When Jacob Craft joined the unified volleyball team from West Orange as a sixth-grader, he had no idea the teammates surrounding him still would be by his side 12 years later.

Craft, now 23, and many of the same players who met in middle school have grown into adults together. They have graduated high school, began careers and even taken on fatherhood.

But every year when the next season began, they have returned to the volleyball court because of their love for the sport and for one another.

When they received the invitation last year to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, they agreed to commit an entire year — rather than the usual three-month commitment — to the sport.

Every Sunday, they gathered in Hamlin Middle School’s gym for practice in preparation for their second Special Olympics appearance.

That dedication paid off when Westside Team Florida captured the gold medal at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota Thursday, June 25 — four years after winning the title at the 2022 games in Orlando.

NERVE-WRACKING FINISH

Being invited to compete in the 2026 Special Olympics turned Westside Team Florida’s head coach Wilma Wright’s eight-year dream of traveling as a team into a reality.

“We did the trips where you go to Disney and you play at ESPN — and all that was awesome,” she said. “But I really wanted them to be able to showcase their talent on a big stage, which I knew they would do well. I just wanted them to be able to fly somewhere and play.”

Her dream came true when the team boarded the plane to Minnesota and Craft boarded his first flight. He was the only one who hadn’t flown before. He said he wasn’t nervous and simply watched a movie to pass the time.

Olympia High boys basketball guard James Nowells is dominating in his summer AAU season as he prepares for his senior year as a Titan. Page 10A.

SEE SQUEEZE PAGE 10A

Courtesy photos

Westside Team Florida unified volleyball team celebrated winning gold at the Special Olympics USA Games for the second consecutive time.

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

The Learning Experience welcomed the Winter Garden Squeeze to its preschool Monday, June 29, for the collegiate players to kick off the school’s Sports Month.

Hudson Adams-Farley attacked at the net during the team’s undefeated run to become gold medalists.

James Nowells

team’s 7A Regional Final appearance in 2026 was guard James Nowells. He was named the 7A District 11 Player of the Year for his average of 18.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 28 games played.

He’s continued the success in summer ball with his AAU team, Florida Rebels EYBL, leading as a top performer in the 2026 Florida Live Periods in June with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. With a 3.9 GPA, Nowells demonstrates the same level of commitment to his academic life as he does to his performance on the court.

Nowells has picked up college attention with offers from seven schools including the University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Boston University. He also has eight schools interested including Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Dartmouth.

What do you enjoy most about basketball?

All the new friends I’ve met throughout the years.

When did you start basketball and why did you join?

I started playing when I was 4 years old. I joined because I knew it was something that I love to do.

What’s your best memory in basketball?

My best memory with basketball is when I used to go to these basketball camps at Lake Brantley for hours and I just remember having so much fun.

What has basketball taught you?

It really has taught me a lot mostly about persevering and being strong and being mentally prepared for things that happen.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I would describe myself as uplifting, someone you can rely on. I’m very understanding.

What advice would you give someone who just joined basketball?

I would tell someone that’s just starting a basketball to just play every day and try to get 1% better every day or more.

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Grade: Rising senior

School: Olympia High Sport: Basketball

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why?

I really don’t think I (could) pick a different sport, but if I really had to, it would be soccer because I used to play when I was younger and it was fun.

Who do you look up to the most?

I look up to my mom and my dad the most because (they are one) of the reasons why I’m in this situation that I am today.

What’s something new you’d like to learn?

I want to learn how to play the piano.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I would say like North Carolina or New York.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?  Half of the money, I’m investing, then I’m gonna give a percentage to my mom, my dad and then I probably would buy a house, a car and then whatever I do with it, I do.

What future career do you want to have?

Future career I just want keep playing basketball until I can’t any more. Then I want to open up a business for athletes like an athletic training place.

If you became famous, what would it be for?  Probably for basketball.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? Black leopard.

What’s your perfect day?

I feel like for me every day really is a perfect day because I wake up and I’m blessed every day.

Why did you pick your jersey number?

There’s really no meaning behind it, but I wanted to wear six but you can’t wear that during

Westside Team Florida wins second gold medal

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

Outside of the travel, this year’s Special Olympics showed the players just how much fight they have within them.

The team first had to get through pool play before they were seeded for the final day of the Special Olympics and encountered its first hurdle there: Team Michigan.

Before playing Team Michigan Wednesday, June 24, Team Florida held a 6-0 record.

They were unstoppable.

Wright said her team’s athletes — the players with intellectual disabilities — have exceptional skill. The partners, the players without intellectual disabilities, compete at a comparable level, perfectly reflecting the intended design of unified sports. The team also had the best hair of the Special Olympics, Team Michigan told them.

But Team Michigan had more talented partners.

The first set was a true nail-biter. Traditional indoor volleyball games are played to 25 points — Team Florida won 36-34 over Team Michigan. Craft said it was the highest scoring game he’d ever played. The team then dropped the second before winning the third and the next game later that day to take the highest seed in pool play.

In the championship game, Team Florida once again met with Team Michigan.

Nerves took over, and Florida dropped the first set. Wright remembered looking at the court and seeing players physically shaking from the nerves. But rather than continuing to panic, they trusted in the bonds they had crafted over 12 years.

“The main thing was just calm down and play your game,” Wright

said. “Our team passes, sets and spikes. They’re really controlled so don’t get nervous. Just play your game.”

Trusting in one another carried them to their second Special Olympics gold medal. When Team Michigan failed to hit the ball over the net and the final point dropped, the celebration erupted instantly.

“They just really lost their minds,” Wright said. “It was so close the entire time and then we finally got the last point. I was like, ‘That just happened.’”

UNIFIED THROUGH LAKEVIEW

The two-time Special Olympics gold medalists’ journey began out of Lakeview Middle School, where Wright taught physical education and coached volleyball. After she learned about Special Olympics unified volleyball, she recruited students from her volleyball team as partners to play alongside Special Olympics athletes.

Craft attended Ocoee Middle School but discovered the team through the Special Olympics community after meeting Wright.

Nine of those original 12 players still are together.

“It’s amazing they stayed together all the way through high school,” Wright said. “We’ve had a lot of different kids over the years, and high school kind of pulls you one way or the other. But those guys have stuck it out. They’re just such good friends and they love the sport of volleyball.”

Over time the bond has strengthened.

Craft said the biggest difference between the Olympic team now compared to in middle school is maturity.

“We’re calmer,” he said. “Maybe we were more rambunctious back in middle school.”

He’s played eight Special Olympics sports, including stand-up paddle-boarding, golf and flag football, but volleyball has had his heart the longest. It’s a sport he never wants to give up because of the players within it, which is why he agreed to the year of volleyball practices on top of working full time and other sports.

The team is so united that setter Joshua Simard, who has a 6-monthold, gave up his first Father’s Day with his family to be with his team family.

“That’s the dedication,” Wright said.

Being able to travel to Minnesota for this year’s Special Olympics united them even more. Some of their best moments were playing Uno, which Timothy Bracht won by far, seeing the Mall of America together, sharing team breakfasts every morning and enjoying one another’s company while they missed their families on the 10-day trip.

For Wright, who retired from teaching six years ago but continues coaching the unified volleyball team, the relationships are what matters the most.

“I’ve known them since they were little,” she said. “I always call them my sons.”  Looking at side-by-side photographs from middle school and the recent Special Olympics USA Games, it’s shocking to see how far everyone has come and there aren’t any plans to let up.

They are looking to compete in USA Volleyball tournaments next year for Memorial Day weekend and continue to play in a tournament each year to eventually earn another bid as Team Florida in the Special Olympics USA Games for 2030.

Squeeze school is in session

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A

about how it fits and should be held.

Once their interest was hooked on baseball, the students were ready to go outside and kick off the preschool’s Sports Month.

The Learning Experience owner Bob Messina said through Sports Month the daycare is trying to bring awareness to children at a young age about the various sports open to them. They are opening children’s minds so when they age, they can play sports such as baseball, football, soccer and basketball.

Squeeze Assistant General Manager Brian Koss saw firsthand how the preschool runs its curriculum as his two children have gone through its classrooms and currently are enrolled in the summer camps. He’s known them since they opened four years ago and always felt like his kids were treated like family members.

Koss knew Messina was a baseball guy — he had played in college at Ohio State University — and discussed having Squeeze players come last summer, but it came to fruition this year.

The Learning Experience sent two groups of classes outside for around 20 minutes of playing time.

In the first group, Reish took the children over to a T-ball stand, bat and ball.

One by one, preschoolers stepped up to bat. But before their bat struck the ball situated on a T-ball post, they peered up at Reish who was there to teach them the technique.

Once each child securely had the bat in hand, they took a swing and ran around the bases with a smile across their faces as the early morning rays of sun shined down.

Across the fence, Elixson and Gibson worked with the children on kickball.

A 3-year-old in her white and colored heart designed dress, kicked the ball but looked around for the bases. Gibson quickly ran to each, pointing down at them and walked her through all three of the rock designed bases.

With a bright smile on his face, Elixson rolled the ball to each of the children and ran ahead of them to each base as their giggles filled the air while they chased him.

Then the daycare sent the second wave of classes.

Gibson, who became an uncle one-and-one-half years ago, took over the T-ball lessons. He said working with and taking care of the younger kids brought out his father’s side, a trait he didn’t always know was present.

When Gibson was younger, he didn’t always understand children but now that he’s a sophomore college player, he’s understood they react the same way any adult would based on cause and effect.

It brought him joy being able to use his knowledge as he worked with The Learning Experience’s children. It also prepared him for continuing to be an uncle for his sister’s child.

“Those (Squeeze players) are really young too, and they’re just starting out their careers and they’re dreaming about becoming

Major League Baseball players,” Messina said. “They need to have a grounding, no matter how good they are, to have a sense of community so that as they grow and go up the ladder, they will always give back to the community and they’ll always be humbled by seeing the kids that they can try to touch to follow them.”

Reish, also a sophomore, never had experience working with the youth so when Squeeze General Manager Adam Bates and Koss asked him, he took up the offer to get out of his comfort zone and into the community.

The children were ecstatic Reish, Gibson and Elixson decided to spend their morning with them.

When the Squeeze players prepared to depart and said their goodbyes and waved, children were sad the eventful morning was ending. They had a blast and loved playing baseball, asking when they could see the players again.

The Learning Experience’s staff also was grateful for the Squeeze attending and kicking off Sports Month. The preschool teaches a curriculum based on the different characters, which are the five animals they use to represent lesson they have, and Flexi Flamingo teaches to be active. By going outside and learning how to hit a baseball, the kids were able to see an action they were learning about in the classroom done right in front of them.

Photo by Megan Bruinsma

Rylee Gibson, a sophomore at The Citadel, taught a child how to hold a bat before he took a swing.

Oakland resident unleashes playtime

Oakland resident Melanie Charles is renting her backyard through Sniffspot for dog owners to allow their furry friends to run freely, sniff and play in a safe environment.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Melanie Charles grew up in Oakland, and her house was surrounded by nature’s beauties: oak trees, orange groves and animals.

“We’ve always had pets,” she said. “We had lots of dogs and cats, and most of them —living out in the country here — were strays. My parents would adopt them in, spade and neuter them, and they lived long, healthy lives.”

Her love for animals stems from her childhood, and it never left her.

Today, Charles is back in her Oakland childhood home enjoying the town’s beauty while welcoming dogs and their owners to her backyard through Sniffspot, a by-the-hour Airbnb experience for dogs.

Now, she watches dogs play around in her backyard like old times, bringing her immense joy and gratefulness.

Six months ago, Charles’ friend clued her in to Sniffspot, something she had never heard of before.

“I thought, ‘Well, everybody has dogs, everybody is walking their dogs on leashes, and they don’t have a big yard for these dogs to run, so it could give them an opportunity,’” she said. “If they want to spend an hour in my backyard playing with their dog and having fun, they can put themselves on the schedule and everybody is happy. … I thought, ‘It might be something fun for me.’”

While she thought it could be a good idea, she made no immediate decisions.

“I’m not in it for the money. I’m in it for the joy of the dogs and the owners.”

—Melanie Charles

MELANIE CHARLES’ SNIFFSPOT

n 2 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays

n 0.25 acres of land

n 4-foot chain-link fence

n Toys, bags, chairs, water provided For more information on Sniffspot, visit sniffspot.com

After six months of debating whether she should do it, she decided she’d go for it.

So she signed up.

“Animals are my hobby,” she said. “Pets and nature, the squirrels.”

Charles recalls the time she moved back to Oakland 11 years ago, when all of her family and friends wanted to bring their dogs to visit her home.

“I said, ‘Sure, bring your dogs over and visit,’ and they’ve had so much fun,” she said.

“My family’s and my friends’ dogs just enjoy being over here in the backyard.”

Those memories were confirmation she should open her backyard to visitors, allowing dogs and their owners to create new memories while being safe on private land.

And she’s the first resident to do so in the town of Oakland.

Charles thought of everything.

Not only does she offer her quarter-acre backyard five days per week, but she also provides toys, a kiddie pool, agility course, sun shade, fans, electric outlets, dog bags and drinking water.

The benefits are far greater than just a good time, though.

Sniffspot allows aggressive, reactive and anxious dogs to run freely without worries.

Moreover, it eliminates the risk

of unprovoked attacks at dog parks and public parks, reduces the risk of canine diseases and provides a safe space for off-leash training. It reduces stress, while providing mental stimulation through sniffing, which can be just as beneficial as physical exercise.

It also is good for the owners, alleviating concerns they normally would have at a dog park or public park, and creating a stronger bond with their dogs through dedicated play time.

Charles already has returning visitors, which puts a smile on her face.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Charles said. “When I see dogs, when I see animals and little children having fun, it brings me joy.”

To her, there’s nothing better than seeing animals and their owners happy.

Her favorite part of it all, she said, is looking out her window to see how much fun the dogs and their owners are having together.

“I’m not in it for the money,” she said. “I’m in it for the joy of the dogs and the owners.”

Because of that, she charges the minimum amount allowed: $10 per hour.

“My Sniffspot here in Oakland is a very comfortable, friendly, fun environment for the dogs and the owners,” she said. “Hopefully it will encourage others that have property — a safe area for dogs to roam — and owners to enjoy their dogs without being in a public park, worrying about if something is going to happen.”

Charles hopes to continue doing this for the foreseeable future, bringing a safe, fun and clean environment to those who don’t have a free, open space of their own.

And through all of this, she’ll stay committed to what matters most to her: providing joy and happiness to those who visit.

Families and friends danced the night away at 4Him Transforma tions’ first silent disco night Sat urday, June 27, at the Tom Ison Center.

4Him Transformations is a faithbased entertainment service offering events such as silent disco, Bible stud ies, women’s worship, fitness events and community gatherings to fill com munities with God’s blessings.

Attendees could choose from three stations: pop, worship and party hits.

Songs such as “Gangnam Style,” “Cupid Shuffle,” “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” were among many, leaving attendees moving their feet and singing out loud.

“Thank you to everyone who sup ported, showed up, prayed with us, danced with us and helped make this first community event so special,”

4Him Transformations found ers said. “We are believing this is only the beginning of what God is building, because sometimes ministry doesn’t look like stand ing on a stage. Sometimes it looks like creating spaces where people can laugh, connect, feel loved and unexpectedly encounter Jesus.”

QUIET RIOT

Photo by Leticia Silva Oakland resident Melanie Charles constructed an agility course in her backyard for dogs to enjoy.

Joseph and Casie Constantine, founders of 4Him Transformations, were proud of the event’s outcome.

Left: Kevin, Yolanda, Monse and Natalia West had fun at the silent disco party.

Right: Laura Cordero had her headphones on, a smile on her face and dance moves like no other.

Brenda and Kelly Owen enjoyed worship music.

Left: Maelys Cleus, Christshael Joseph and Dhana Cunningham were dancing, singing and laughing together.

Gordan and Mariel Cash attended the event with grandchildren Elijah and Liam Estrada.

Mikayla Puckering and Jermaine Conyers switched between radio stations to dance and sing.

At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.

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407-656-2734 ext. 307

GEESE: Home-grown or industry plants?

Cameron Winter, Emily Green, Max Bassin and Dominic Digesu make up the band Geese, an indie-rock, alternative group that has seen massive growth throughout 2025 with the release of “Getting Killed,” their third studio album.

With this newfound success, they were able to perform on “SNL” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as well as at Coachella, with even more performances to come such as at Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees and Minnesota Yacht Club.

Geese also have found new audiences to click with as they have more than 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. New fans have really enjoyed the unique sound that comes with Geese, with some even calling them “Gen Z’s first great American rock band.”

Although there are many highs to Geese’s new profound success, there is one low: the accusations of Geese being deemed “industry plants.”

To understand it more clearly, an industry plant is a music industry term for when an artist is backed by a major record label company, industry connections or just nepotism, yet they present themselves as independent, self-made and home-grown.

The debate has been on a rise for some time now, but no real answer has been given. However, in order to answer that question, Geese’s history needs to be addressed, as that will help determine if they truly are homegrown or if they are industry plants.

Geese formed in 2016 in Brooklyn, New York, with Winter, a vocalist and keyboardist; Green, a guitarist; Bassin, a drummer; Digesu, a bass player; and Hudson, a guitarist.

They all still were in high school and young teens. They released an EP and two albums during this time, yet all three have been completely scrubbed off the internet.

They were planning to split after high school in 2020, as they all had

been accepted to different colleges. Instead, their demos caused a record label bidding war, eventually signing to Partisan Records.

In 2021, they released their “debut” record, “Projector.” This album was met with high praise as critics and fans alike both praised the genre-blending, ambitious-sounding style of music.

In 2023, Geese released “3D Country,” and this album received even higher praise than before, attracting new fans as this album became a classic in Geese’s discography. “3D Country” takes on a different tone than “Projector,” with western and cowboy sounds and style of music. “3D Country” is an amazing listen and, according to some, is one of the best alternative rock records of the 2020s.  Hudson left the band the same year to focus on his education, which caused Winter to switch from keyboardist to guitarist while still performing as a vocalist for the group.

An explosive response to Geese came in 2025 when they released “Getting Killed.” It was met with even higher praise than “3D Country” and launched the band into superstardom, and it is not confusing to see why.

“Getting Killed” has tracks such as “Trinidad,” “Cobra,” “Au Pays Du Cocaine” and “Taxes” as the stars of this album, though that does not mean there aren’t hidden gems on this album. Songs such as “Husbands,” “Getting Killed,” “Half Real,” “Bow Down” and “Long Island Here I Come” are some fan favorites, and while they aren’t as popular as “Au Pays Du Cocaine,” they still are worth a listen or two.

Pitchfork gave “Getting Killed” a 9 out of 10 because “singer-songwriter Cameron Winter, has produced one of the best, strangest and most compelling rock records of the year.” This led to Geese performing on “SNL” with Keke Palmer as host, performing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and selling out the “Getting Killed” tour.  This album is one of the best albums of 2025 and is worth a listen.

With praise, there always is criticism, and Geese is no exception. Many people wondered where Geese came from with, “They’re just making up new people now,” said on an Instagram post. The music also has been criticized with many Reddit users deeming the band’s performance on “SNL” “potentially the

NOAH SETLIFF HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL

Courtesy photo

Geese is an indie-rock, alternative group that has seen massive growth throughout 2025 with the release of “Getting Killed,” its third studio album.

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

Summer camp brings new experiences

Tatum Nguyen learned about leadership and inclusion while improving her social skills through her time as a camp counselor.

TATUM NGUYEN

PREPARATORY SCHOOL

WINDERMERE

When school ends, the first thing the average teenager looks forward to is sleeping in. From my perspective, summer is the best time to take advantage of opportunities for your future and to gain new, proactive experiences. An opportunity for me was to return to help my community as a third-year volunteer at Lake Cypress Summer Camp at Windermere Preparatory School.

My first two summers at Lake Cypress were spent with kindergarten and first-grade campers, helping them stay focused in the camp environment and engaged throughout the day. This year, I was moved up to the fourthgrade group. Although the campers are older and more aware of others, they still are younger individuals who need encouragement, guidance and someone to look up to. This four-day experience has given me a new perspective on leadership and reminded me how much I have grown since my freshman year.

Every day brought a new journey and learning experience. Campers would scramble in the circular gate during gaga ball, collaborate to build forts and chase the balloon rockets we would pump in the courtyard. One of the biggest highlights from my week was when the campers asked me to play gaga ball with them, and when I said yes, they were happy and cheering. It made me feel that I not only was a good volunteer but also a good role model. While these games are fun in all, they created an opportunity for collaboration, communication and problem-solving.

As a volunteer, my responsibilities go beyond just making sure one

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worst musical guest in ‘SNL’ history.”

I would like to make the argument though, that this is how parents of the 1990s were reacting to bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to name a few.

Music always is changing, and peoples’ tastes always are changing, so while some might not enjoy this kind of music, there are many more that do. Another Reddit user says, “It’s amazing how we’re being force-fed this astroturfed band all because the lead singer’s parents are in the business.” They claim Winter is a product of nepotism, which means he comes from a prestigious background and has connections to companies. It just simply isn’t true at all.  Yes, Winter comes from parents

doesn’t break the rules during a game. I ensure all campers feel included and encouraged to go out of their comfort zone and to always be there if there are any problems. Now, some campers are naturally outgoing, while others would need some reassurance before meeting others their own age they don’t know. Learning how to use your voice with different personalities has increased my patience and my social skills. It also has taught me that the most important job during these types of situations is to just calmly listen.

Volunteering at Lake Cypress has taught me to become more proactive with others as well. Instead of staying indoors all summer long, I have something to look forward to for a week: staying active, giving back to my community, and meeting new people and younger campers. Every day is different, which is a new opportunity for me to make experiences exciting and rewarding.

Since Lake Cypress is hosted at Windermere Preparatory School, volunteering here not only has allowed me to connect back with my school community but also to work with other peers of mine as well as teachers and staff members who all aim for the same outcome of the camp, which is creating a fun experience for the campers.

Looking back, I realize I have gained as much from this experience as the campers did. The social skills you learn from the counselors on how to talk to the younger campers and how to deal with certain situations have taught me these past three years how to become a better leader and communicator, not only at this camp but also as I go on in life. I also have learned that making a big impact on volunteering at a camp doesn’t require a big help or gesture; it’s really just inclusion.

As I finished my third year as a volunteer at Lake Cypress Summer Camp, what always stays with me are the lessons and memories I have made. This volunteer opportunity has become one of the most meaningful parts of my summers, allowing me to be in my school community while getting to know other younger campers, creating memories of their own.

who were in the industry, and yes, he attended a private Brooklyn school where Geese formed, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t talented.

Geese is one of the most unique and good bands we have in today’s time.

They had no backing to any major record label as they were signed to Partisan records, an independent record label. They have organically grown their audience with new music time and time again, proving that success takes time.

Many also associate the band’s success with “Getting Killed,” which is false. While it was the album that got them known by multiple audiences, they’ve had a quiet audience brewing during their two first albums. Geese is a very promising band that still has more music to make.

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

1951: 75 years ago

Three Winter Garden boys were winners in the ARM Food Stores Auction at the Vogue Theatre in Orlando. Ward Britt won a bicycle, Butch Powell won a radio, and Tommy DeLoach was lucky bidder for a record player.

1966: 60 years ago

Hugh Grimes left on a six-week evangelistic trip to Nigeria, West Africa. The chairman of the math department at Lakeview High School was an elder in the Dillard Street Congregation of the Church of Christ.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the employees of the Cappleman Agency in Winter Garden had a dinner at the home of Franklin Cappleman. The father-and-sons firm specialized in all forms of insurance and real estate.

1971: 55 years ago

Winter Garden’s shoreline was the scene of much activity as scientists gathered to investigate the dead and dying wildlife in Lake Apopka. A bill to provide funds for a study was introduced in Tallahassee.

Eunice and Parry Parramore returned to Windermere after spending several weeks in Australia, where he represented the Windermere Rotary Club at the international convention.

The five winners of the Boogaart’s shopping spree lined up at the starting gate, and at the sound of the gun they were off.

Georgia Laynes left the store with an order totaling $160.56, Ruth Wood was second with $63.28, Mary Szorcik had $53.33, and Kaye Stinnett and Mary Lamoreaux each totaled about $50.

This 1976 photograph depicts the Tri-City Shopping Center on South Dillard Street. A 1974 Plymouth Fury Custom Suburban Station Wagon sits in the center of the photo, in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Radio Shack and Montgomery Ward are visible in the background. Today, those locations are occupied by Amscot, Subway and an empty suite, respectively.

The shopping center was constructed in 1973 on former farmland. During this period, commercial activity was shifting from downtown Winter Garden to Colonial Drive. By the 1980s, the Tri-City center and similar locations were the primary shopping destinations for locals until the resurgence of downtown.

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.

1976:

50 years ago

More than 2,000 rockets and flares burst over Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon during a four-night celebration of our nation’s bicentennial.

1981: 45 years ago

West Orange High School boasted its first All-American when Paul Raymond of the Warrior swim team qualified as one of the top

200 freestylers nationwide in the class 4A state meet.

2006: 20 years ago

The town of Oakland and city of Winter Garden celebrated the addition of their municipalities to the Green Mountain Scenic Byway.

The two-lane picturesque road was recognized for its preserves, parks, trails, historic districts, and education and recreation centers

surrounding Lake Apopka. It was one of only 13 byways in the state. Gov. Jeb Bush officially signed into state law the Justin McWilliams Act, which would require the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash occurring on public or private property involving death or injury to immediately stop the vehicle and remain at the scene until emergency vehicles arrived. Justin McWilliams was killed at 20 years old in a hit-and-run incident in a privately owned field.

JULY 7, 1950 There once was an A&P Super Markets location on West Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden,

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SCATTERPLOTS by Vu and Jessica Zetzman, edited by Taylor Johnson By Luis Campos