Windermere High School names new athletic director. SEE PAGE 13A.
Local seeks Jr. Ranger status
Oakland resident Finn O’Brien is competing in the national Jr. Ranger competition. SEE PAGE 7A.
CHAMBER REVS UP FOR NEXT LEAD AND FEED
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is getting behind the wheel — literally — for its next Lead and Feed.
The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, 9299 Universal Blvd., Orlando.
This is a great chance to network with chamber leaders, make connections and build relationships. During the informal luncheon, attendees will have 60 seconds to introduce themselves and their business, as well as share leads and expand their referral network. For more information or to register, visit wochamber. com.
WINDERMERE BREWING TURNS 3
Windermere Brewing Company will celebrate its birthday with 3 Years of Beer July 11 to 13 at the brewery, 111 W. Fifth Ave., Windermere.
This special three-day event will feature new beer, fresh merch, live music and food. On Friday, July 11, Francesca Tarantino will perform from 6 to 9 p.m., and the Eat Sleep Tacos food truck will be on-site.
The next day, the Mug Club Party will take place from noon to 2 p.m. This includes an exclusive bottle share, free merch and behind-the-scenes brewery chat with the team. The day also will feature a Beer Pong Tournament and food truck Tagliolino Fresh Pasta. For more information, visit windermerebrewing.com.
Students at Rosen JCC’s art camp engage in a summertime color war. SEE PAGE 15A.
Flapjacks on the Fourth Training bolsters PD relations
Windermere Police Department officers are training in CORE Recon to strengthen relationships. SEE PAGE 5A.
Windermere rings in Fourth of July celebrations with the help of Sea Cadets from the Lone Sailor Division during the annual pancake breakfast at Town Hall. PHOTOS ON PAGE 4A.
With Ben Witherspoon back, Dr. Phillips hoops sets sights on greatness. SEE PAGE 13A.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Top row, Amelia Sherlock, Palmer Trien, bottom row, Kenny Trien, JP Sherlock and Luke Sherlock posed for their annual Fourth of July photo. The friends have taken a photo to mark Independence Day for four years.
Left: Karen Fay donned her most patriotic gear for the pancake breakfast.
5FAST
1
AdventHealth Winter Garden receives spine surgery designation
AdventHealth Winter Garden was awarded the 2025 Blue Cross Blue Shield Spine Surgery designation.
According to AdventHealth’s Facebook, this designation highlights its commitment to providing excellent spine surgery care by meeting the nationally established criteria for quality spine surgery.
The Facebook post added “Thank you, Dr. Fassett and team, for your dedication and commitment to providing exceptional care.”
Daniel Fassett is a board-certified orthopaedic neurosurgeon that specializes in the treatment of spinal disorders.
2
Bentonshire Park to celebrate grand opening
Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson joined Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings for the grand opening of Bentonshire Park in Horizon West.
power of collaboration, creativity and community spirit, Wilson said during the groundbreaking ceremony April 1, 2024.
The grand opening, which was free and open to the public, was at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at 7327 Bentonshire Ave., Windermere.
3
New sushi restaurant now open Dr. Phillips welcomed Izuki, a new sushi restaurant, to its restaurant scene.
The area’s newest omakase experience (chef’s choice) opened Tuesday, July 1, at 8685 Fenton St, Suite 150, in Orlando.
The restaurant offers a unique experience with 17 courses for $150 per person: 11 pieces of nigiri, four seasonal appetizers, one hand roll and one dessert.
According to the restaurant’s announcement on Instagram, there is a smaller, 12-course experience available in the private dining
4
OCPS earns “A” grade for the second year in a row
On Monday, July 7, OCPS received school and district grades for the 2024-2025 school year. According to a press release, the Florida Department of Education awarded OCPS with an “A” grade for the second consecutive year. From 88 traditional schools earning “A”
Of the traditional schools, 76% received an “A” or “B,” an increase from 69% in the previous year.
No traditional schools in OCPS received a grade of “D” or “F.”
“I’m incredibly proud of our students, staff and families,” Superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a news release. “Our commitment to the science of reading and
rates.
These gains reflect the collective dedication of our OCPS team— well done!”
Tropical Smoothie coming to Horizon West Consturction of Horizon West’s first Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now underway. Located at the corner of Ham-
447392-1
Michael Eng
The Bentonshire Park grand opening was Thursday, July 10, at 7327 Bentonshire Ave., Windermere.
DREAM COME TRUE: Children’s museum to open in Winter Garden
Eight Waves is constructing a first-of-its-kind children’s museum to serve the community.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Sara Meyer, the founder of Eight Waves, can envision children playing in an adventure series dreaming of being pilots or painting a manatee structure together as a communal art project or creating their own characters out of recyclables.
She can see children learning through playing in a children’s museum that will be the first of its kind in the area.
Meyer’s vision of building this museum for Winter Garden children is one step closer to coming to fruition after the Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a 30-year ground lease with Eight Waves Corporation to allow the nonprofit to improve, develop and operate on the city-owned property at 971 E. Plant St.
The commission also unanimously approved the relocation of the home at 996 E. Plant St. to 971 E. Plant St. Eight Waves will use the 2,707-square-foot home that was built in 1926 as its launching point for the children’s museum.
The home will be the first phase of making I AM Children’s Museum a reality.
“This has been literally a dream come true,” Meyer said. “It’s taken about two-and-a-half years to get here, and we’re just really excited.”
THE VISION Meyer said the idea for the museum, which will be for children ages 2 to 12, stemmed from wanting to be a resource not only to the underresourced communities in Winter Garden but to all children.
“A lot of kids are struggling with reading and confidence and having a safe space to learn and thrive in,” she said.
As a result, Meyer had staff members along with two Eight Waves students conduct research into 35 children’s museums around the country. The research showed that children’s
museum programs with literacy components “are changing communities as a whole.”
The research also showed there was not a similar museum in Central Florida in which children can learn through play with a focus on literacy.
“Literacy is the core of this museum from the website that will be built to the guests leaving (the museum), every exhibit will have something to do with literacy, making reading fun,” Meyer said.
The three-story museum will include 17 different zones. Each zone will build upon literacy and teach children real-world skills. Each exhibit will have seven to nine jobs associated with them that will help children explore various career opportunities.
One zone will be a travel area where children can pretend they’re a pilot or they’re exploring a surf shack.
Another zone will be the wonder and wacky art workshop with a communal art project.
A character celebration zone, which will be a social-emotional exhibit, will allow children to go through a three-step process to develop book characters out of recycled materials that can help them define and connect to their emotions. Then the characters can be scanned into a digital platform to make their characters come alive and interact with each other.
Meyer said the museum is called I AM Children’s Museum as a way for children to think of all the things they can be in their futures.
“It’s a very affirming name that mattered to our core team,” she said. “I think the biggest question is, ‘Why is it not being named Eight Waves?’ It’s because this will fall underneath Eight Waves, but it is a separate entity that is such a big entity that it needed its own name.”
The museum also will be an “extremely low-tech facility,” Meyer said, as children spend an enormous amount of time looking at screens. The idea is cardboard boxes are better than iPads, giving children the opportunity to imagine and dream while playing, she said.
“We are developing all these exhibits ourselves right now,” Meyer said. “There’s not a third party. This has been within our core team, so it’s saving lots of money from that regard. However, what we are about to do is open up the opportunity for families, teachers and educators to speak into the exhibits.”
Obtaining input from families and educators within the community is crucial to Eight Waves as the development of the museum moves forward, Meyer said. The nonprofit will work with Orange County Public Schools to gather input and create partnerships so the museum can be a place for students to go on field trips. Input will be needed on everything from the colors of the museum to its mascot to what the exhibits will entail.
“This is built for the local commu-
nity; it needs to be built by the local community,” she said. “I cannot take the weight of this on myself. This is an absolute community-wide project. We’re gearing up operationally to start focus groups with grandparents, teachers and young parents.”
There will be focus groups scheduled in September and November.
STEP BY STEP
The first phase of the museum will be the rehabilitating the 2,707-squarefoot home on Plant Street. Meyer said the first phase will cost about $1 million and will take about six months.
During the first phase, Eight Waves will be offering free enrichment opportunities within the community to build up the children’s museum, its team and support for the museum. It can be used to host special trips for schools.
The $22 million second phase of the museum will be the construction of a 23,000-square-foot building expected to open in 2030. The phase will include parking and exhibit builds.
It will be followed by an additional 20,000 square feet in the third phase, and Eight Waves will begin the capital campaign for this phase in 2032.
For phase four, there is a trail system planned to provide outdoor classrooms through green space. The fifth phase, which Meyer said is 10 years from now, is to build 5,000-square-
ABOUT EIGHT WAVES
Eight Waves invests in the lives of children, youth and families who live in underresourced communities by working together, building the healthy support systems they need to thrive and empowering them to create lasting change in their own lives and communities. For more, visit eightwaves.org.
I AM CHILDREN’S MUSEUM BY THE NUMBERS
1 MILLION
The cost in dollars of the first planned phase
17
Zones planned for the children’s museum
30 Years for the ground lease
35
Museums researched to develop the plan
foot community partnership hubs in Parramore and Clermont.
Once the museum is open, admission will be $14 and reservations will be required.
Meyer expects the I AM Children’s Museum will have at least 30,000 visitors per year. Eight Waves currently serves 1,500 students.
Courtesy photos Literacy is being integrated into every aspect of the I AM Children’s Museum.
Eight Waves serves 1,500 students. I AM Children’s Museum is expected to see 30,000 visitors per year.
Eight Waves volunteers and staff have worked with children on developing their reading skills.
Windermere serves up July 4 breakfast
Jerry Fay has spent at least the past 30 years cooking sausages for Windermere’s Fourth of July pancake breakfast, and this year was no different.
He manned the grill, turning over sausages until they were cooked and nicely browned on each side.
Once the sausages were done, Mandy David, a
member of Windermere Town Council, brought them to the Sea Cadets from the Lone Sailor Division of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps to hand out to community members along with pancakes.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Fay said of the Fourth of July pancake breakfast, which the town of Windermere held July 4,
at Town Hall. “I like helping out the town. I’ve lived here since 1957.”
Dozens of community members flooded to Windermere Town Hall to enjoy pancakes, sausage and coffee and tea from Paloma’s and mimosas from Tim’s Wine Market.
Residents dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate the occasion.
Evelyn Kendrick, who is 4, and her 3-year-old brother Wesley Kendrick couldn’t wait to dive into their pancakes.
Right: Ready to celebrate Independence Day, Scott Hartog was eager to enjoy his pancakes.
Remy joined his owners, Cathy and Mark Novokowsky, at the Fourth of July pancake breakfast. “We really love it,” Mark Novokowsky said.
Jerry Fay has volunteered for Windermere’s Fourth of July pancake breakfast for the past 30 years.
Molly Rose, CT Allen, Andy Williams and Chris Andert worked hard to make sure there was no shortage of pancakes for all to enjoy.
Right: Tim’s Wine’s Chuck Ingram made sure there were plenty of pancakes ready to serve.
Duo brings recycling back to Winter Garden
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
While Cortlea Oaks’ Cory Sims was driving the truck, Stoneybrook West’s Robert Montgomery was in the trailer until they stopped in front of a Stoneybrook West home.
Montgomery quickly went to the two Plant Street Recycling bins on the house’s curb and within a minute, sorted through the various plastics, metals, paper and glass. Then, they were on to the next house.
Sims and Montgomery, founders of the new Plant Street Recycling, went to about 40 houses in Stoneybrook West during the recycling company’s first pick-up run Wednesday, July 2.
Starting with just the one neighborhood in Winter Garden, Sims and Montogomery plan to provide recycling services to anyone who wants it in the city within the next two-and-one-half years.
RECYCLING IS BACK
The idea for Plant Street Recycling came after the city of Winter Garden stopped its recycling program.
The city was losing $1 million annually in its curbside recycling program, which ended in January after the city established its recycling ordinance in September 1990.
Contamination and recycling the wrong materials contributed to the low percentage of items residents put in the city’s blue bins actually being recycled. Montgomery said his family and the Sims family felt the need for a recycling program in Winter Garden.
“We had an opportunity to, kind of like a super team, put our powers together,” Montgomery said.
“Corey is incredibly well connected in the community, has great opportunities and resources. I have been working in the recycling space for the last three years, so we were able to put our two brains together and figure out a way to solve a problem the city was asking for. … We’re both faith-based and mindful of where we live.”
Montgomery has worked in the recycling business, mostly with plastic products, and said it’s been an incredible experience. He has
learned about the different types of plastic, how different plastics are recycled and what happens to the polymers in plastics.
Montgomery said various studies will show different numbers of collected and actually recycled materials in the U.S., but generally, only 20% is recycled and the rest of it goes to a landfill.
Sims and Montgomery approached city staff in April to discuss what could be done to bring recycling back to the city.
“We’ve been without recycling for six months now, so trying to quickly fill that hole and fill that gap is what’s been most important,” Montgomery said. “We don’t want it to go a year where all of a sudden, it’s normal to not recycle. There’s other areas in the U.S., there’s other areas in Florida where they just stopped recycling, and I think those areas will be a little tougher to get reengaged, but we’re a small community. We just had it paused. Everyone’s very aware of it, so I think there’s definitely some reaction and emotion in getting it started right back up again.”
Sims said having kids, he thinks about ensuring they have a “great
life” and they do everything they can “to ensure they can continue to thrive.”
JUST THE BEGINNING
Plant Street Recycling is starting in Stoneybrook West, providing services to anyone who signs up on the company’s website.
Residents will be charged $25 per month and receive two recycling bins for collections every Wednesday. Residents can receive additional bins at a cost. The service is voluntary.
The average family of four produces about 20 gallons of volume in recyclable waste per week. With each of Plant Street Recycling bins being able to hold 14 gallons per bin, Montgomery said the bins should be more than enough for the average family of four.
Sims added more bins are available upon request for a special occasion such as if a resident is hosting a party.
Montgomery said Stoneybrook West’s HOA has been supportive of their efforts, and they will conduct pickups for a few more weeks to “work out the kinks” and refine their process before expanding to other neighborhoods.
The next neighborhoods will depend on demand. Plant Street Recycling has a waitlist of about 70 homes in Winter Garden wanting recycling services. As they expand, they will choose the best day of the week to pick up in each neighborhood so as not to disrupt the city’s trash pickup.
Sims and Montgomery are working to educate residents on how to properly recycle to ensure everything put in the bins actually is recycled. One piece of trash can contaminate everything in the bin.
Montgomery and Sims hand sort the recyclables in front of each home to ensure 100% of the recyclables actually will be recycled.
After they have 1,000 pounds of each material, they will work with their partners in glass, metal, paper and plastic so everything is purposely recycled to get back into the community.
One partnership they’ve established is with Oakland Nature Preserve, which is participating in the NexTrex recycling program. The preserve’s goal is to collect 1,000 pounds of soft plastics so they can be recycled into a plastic bench for the preserve.
The city of Winter Garden is continuing to collect cardboard, so Montgomery and Sims advise residents to continue following the city’s guidelines on recycling cardboard.
On their first route, Sims said they collected at least two times
Windermere PD focuses on relationshipbuilding
The department was one of the first non-military agencies to undergo training in CORE Recon.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Developing relationships among those in the Windermere Police Department and the community is crucial to ensuring officers can protect and serve the community.
Police Chief Dave Ogden always is looking for opportunities to provide training for his officers that will help them be successful in their mission of serving others.
WHAT CAN BE
RECYCLED?
n Aluminum cans
n Paper n Paperboard
(example: cereal boxes)
n Glass (examples: bottles and jars)
n Plastic containers
n Soft plastic (examples: produce bags, bread bags, Ziploc bags, newspaper sleeves, bubble wrap)
*Make sure to wash everything out before throwing it in the bin, and crush aluminum cans when possible.
WHAT CAN’T BE RECYCLED?
n Pizza boxes
n Aerosol cans
n Makeup bottles
So when he was conducting research on new training tools “focused on coaching and equipping the next generation of law enforcement” and discovered CORE Recon, he jumped at the chance to be involved.
“Police departments are exceptional at preparing officers for critical, high-liability confrontations — the kind of situations where lives are at stake and decisions are made in seconds,” Ogden said. “However, what often goes under-trained and underappreciated are the day-to-day conversations that shape team dynamics, leadership trust and culture. These are the interactions that, over time, can erode trust, avoid constructive conflict and result in a lack of commitment and accountability, all of which compromise mission effectiveness.”
Windermere Police Department is among one of the first non-military agencies in the country to undergo training in CORE Recon, a digital tool and assessment that is temperamenttheory based.
more than they initially thought they would, which is exciting to them. Across 40 houses, they collected between 150 and 200 pounds of recyclables.
“It’s one aluminum can at a time,” Montgomery said.
They learned different ways they could be more efficient from the very first route, such as a different way to set the trailer up to provide for more storage so they can collect more than one trailer load.
Driving through the neighborhood, they said they ran into people wanting to learn more about Plant Street Recycling and wanting to sign up.
“It was very exciting to see the response,” Sims said. “We all kind of had the same sentiment when we first started. You start telling people and you feel very vulnerable to open up and tell them this project that we’re working on, this company that we’re starting. It was kind of a relief to see (a positive response). … I am extremely proud, and we’re just scratching the surface.”
Montgomery said the positive response is proving the concept as well.
“It makes us feel like we’re not crazy and people actually really want to do this,” he said.
Sims and Montgomery plan to open a brick-and-mortar facility for people to drop off recyclables and serve as storage space for Plant Street Recycling until there are enough materials to turn into their partners.
Montgomery said a goal also is to be a resource for the city by helping underserved people who are unemployed find employment with Plant Street Recycling.
Sims said it’s about having a lasting impact on the community.
“You feel good when you give back, so I think for both of us, we share the same sentiment that we want to be able to give back and have a lasting impact and leave a legacy for our families that help people,” Sims said.
“It aims to help you understand other people so that you can connect with them better,” said Jesse Stanley, a CORE Recon facilitator who worked with the Windermere PD.
Stanley said law enforcement is a “relationship-based profession” that succeeds or fails based on its ability to have effective relationships.
CORE Recon is a tool that has enabled Windermere PD to “apply emotional intelligence, build trust, resolve conflicts effectively and gain a deeper understanding” of how each person in the police department operates, Ogden said.
Each leader and officer in the police department took the assessment in minutes to see how they prioritize four temperaments: caring, organized, rational and energetic. For example, Stanley said those who are rational always are questioning the “why” behind an action while those who are energetic want to know what are the actions.
CORE Recon helps people have more self awareness of how they handle situations as well as be aware of how others will approach a situation to allow for better communication to problem solve.
“By understanding you, what is a priority to you, what’s important to you, I can actually meet you where you’re at and strengthen our relationship,” Stanley said.
Ogden said data shows newer generations of officers struggle with nuanced interpersonal challenges, but training and encouragement can assist in officers resolving lower-level yet complex team dynamics. Being able to address minor tensions, miscommunications and personality clashes produces stronger, more resilient and more effective officers, he said.
“In high-functioning teams, these issues are handled at the peer-to-peer level, where trust and accountability are shared,” he said. “There’s no need for the boss to step in and mediate, and frankly, if the supervisor has to address these kinds of interpersonal breakdowns, the team is already failing at a foundational level.”
The training also can help officers when interacting with the community. They can identify signs based on someone’s behavior of what their temperament is and therefore, how to best handle an interaction.
Ogden said officers understanding their own strengths and weaknesses, communication style and behavior under stress will make them better equipped to serve effectively and build trust in the communities they protect.
Courtesy photos
Winter Garden’s Robert Montgomery and Cory Sims started Plant Street Recycling to fill a gap in recycling services in Winter Garden.
recyclables.
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
Fire-protection fees could increase in Ocoee
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The Ocoee City Commission will listen to public comments and bring to a vote at its July 15 meeting a proposed increase to the city’s fire-protection fee for its residents.
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
If approved by the commission in its current form, Ocoee residents would see the fire fee more than double from its current rate of $69.50 per fire protection unit to $139.23 per unit. The current rate hasn’t changed since 2014.
of Amendment 5 in the November 2024 election as an example. The amendment provides for an annual adjustment to the second $25,000 homestead exemption that is tied to the Consumer Price Index, meaning if inflation rises the exemption will increase and the city’s tax revenue will decrease.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.
This fee is non-ad valorem tax — meaning it is not based on the property’s value but on a per-unit basis — that can be levied by the city according to Section 197.3632 of Florida Statutes. It serves to help fund fire protection services for Ocoee residents. At its current rate, the fire fee only funds 17.97% of the city’s cost to provide these services, while the proposed increase would see the fee represent about 36% of the required funding.
Ultimately, the proposed resolution serves as a more stable and equitable funding mechanism to provide the city with a predictable and reliable revenue source to cover the costs associated with providing fire protection services to its residents.
This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
Although the vote to adopt the resolution isn’t until the commission’s next meeting, each member of the commission — minus District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy, who was absent — voiced support for the increase, with former Ocoee Fire Chief and current District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner speaking strongly in favor of the resolution.
During the May 20 commission meeting, Assistant City Manager Mike Rumer, along with representatives from Anser Advisory — an advisory firm contracted by the city to assist in updating the Fire Assessment Memorandum — and Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson — the consulting law firm that prepared the amended and restated initial assessment resolution for fire assessments — presented the proposed fire assessment resolution for the 2025-26 fiscal year and answered questions from the commission about it.
A few of the main points addressed by Rumer during his presentation of the resolution focused on why the city needed to increase the fee.
“The purpose of this fire assessment fee is to help pay for the services that we’re providing to the citizens of Ocoee, it’s nothing extra,” Firstner said. “This is what it costs to run the fire department — (that’s not) to mention all the equipment, the protective clothing, the hose, you name it — that all needs to be replaced on a regular basis, and it all comes due year after year after year. We have to find a revenue source to at least fray that expense somewhat.
“The only thing I can see, in lieu of increasing this fee — which will only pay about 36% of the cost — is to raise the millage rate,” he said. “No one wants to talk about that, but that’s the facts of life. Somebody has to pay the bill, and it’s getting to the point now where our ad valorem revenue is being eroded by the state.
According to the city’s projections, the cost of providing fire protection services is expected to rise to about $16 million per year. This is because of the continued increase in personnel-related costs, scheduled vehicle replacements, station construction and upgrades, and inflationary effects on costs of operational items.
Along with the expected increases in expenditures, city staff believes relying on ad valorem taxes to cover the remaining costs is becoming increasingly unpredictable with changes to traditional state funding sources, pointing to the approval
“This is going to help to fray that cost a little bit, at least for fire services, and it’s something that we can’t (live) without,” Firstner said. “It’s something that you don’t have the option to (not) pay for, because when the telephone rings, we go, and it doesn’t matter how big the house is, how small the house is, who’s living there, we provide the same level of professional service. … This is a necessary evil. We have to do it and still (there’s) no guarantee that the millage (rate) won’t go up but it’ll help keep it down as low as we possibly can.”
Courtesy photo
Little ranger, big dreams
Finn O’Brien wants to be an animal caretaker with aspirations of winning the national Jr. Ranger competition.
FUN FACTS
n Finn’s favorite color is cyan.
n His favorite animal is a Pika because it is a small, cute, furry creature.
n His all-time favorite animal at Oakland Nature Preserve is Pepper the Virginia Opossum.
n He has a pet hedgehog named Sonic.
n His favorite video game is Fortnite.
n If he could be a fictional character, he’d be Klombo, the dinosaurlike creature from Lego Fortnite.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Oakland’s Finn O’Brien was around 4 years old when his family visited the Oakland Nature Preserve museum for the first time.
They quickly noticed Annabelle, a snake who came out of hiding to do something they’d never seen before: drink water.
Fascinated by the snake’s curious movements and behavior, Finn stood in front of the cage for minutes on end just watching in awe. It was like a light bulb went off in his brain and he immediately became interested in animals, said Nicole O’Brien, Finn’s mom.
That moment shaped Finn’s future, sparking an interest that now has led him to being a quarterfinalist in the Jr. Ranger competition.
This competition is a nationwide adventure for kids ages 4 to 12 who love the great outdoors. If Finn wins, he will receive $20,000 and have a chance to meet and learn from Emmy-winning TV host and conservationist Jeff Corwin and appear in a Ranger Rick Jr. Magazine.
To Finn, the competition offers a chance for new experiences and the opportunity to appear in one of his all-time-favorite magazines.
“I think it would be cool (to be in the magazine)” Finn said. “They relate to nature and it’s fun to read.”
According to Nicole O’Brien, he reads the entire Ranger Rick Jr. Magazine as soon as it arrives in the mail.
His love for nature and animals is a part of his identity.
When Finn was just 18 months old, he went through some difficulties which impeded him from eating. From the age of 18 months to 8 years
old, Finn had to eat through a feeding tube.
Because of his complications, Finn turned to nature for comfort. It was like therapy for him, his mom said.
“It gave him something to really focus in on,” Nicole O’Brien said.
Nicole O’Brien became the managing director at the Oakland Nature Preserve around eight years ago and began bringing Finn around more often. He adored it.
“This past school year, he would bike here (ONP) after school every day,” Nicole O’Brien said.
Finn’s biggest inspiration in life is his mom and he wants to follow in her footsteps, becoming an animal caretaker when he is older.
“I like to experience what Mommy does, and of course, the animals,” Finn said.
At ONP, his presence doesn’t go unnoticed; he has a real impact in his community.
When Finn is there, he enjoys giving tours to visitors of the museum, which includes sharing information about snakes, grasshoppers, frogs and all other animals in there.
From snakes to opossums, Finn knows it all.
“ He’s been a staple out here, in the museum,” said Denise Byrne, Grants and Fundraising Coordinator at ONP. “He can talk to everyone, anyone who walks in, and he’s so knowl-
PUBLIC NOTICE COMMUNITY MEETINGS
community meetings will take place on TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 and TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm at City Hall Commission Chambers 300 W. Plant Street Winter Garden, Florida 34787
These meetings will provide details on the proposed assessment, including how it would help maintain current fire and rescue service levels in response to rising costs for equipment, staffing, and materials.
A mailer with more information—including an estimated assessment amount specific to each property (based on square footage)—will be delivered to property owners around July 10, 2025. The official Resolution will be presented to the City Commission for a vote on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
If approved, the Fire Protection and Rescue Services Non-Ad Valorem Assessment would begin with the 2025–2026 fiscal year and appear on annual property tax bills, to be collected by the Orange County Tax Collector.
edgeable as well.”
He constantly is learning from his mom and her colleagues by asking questions, reading signs, magazines and being attentive to his environment.
“His eagerness and his curiosity really, really stuck with me,” Byrne said. “He’s just got such good characteristics with regard to nature and environmentalism and stuff like that.
I think it’s really, really important that we raise generations of children that are eco-conscious — there’s a lot of important issues in the world.”
Byrne said the younger that parents can get kids out to ONP, the better, so they can become young environmental advocates.
“ I imagine a generation of people that really, really, really want to save the environment,” Byrne said. “I think (the world) would be a lot better, and overall for our health and our benefits, it’s going to be a lot better, too. We want to live in a healthy world.”
Byrne hopes children are able to spread enthusiasm, like Finn has toward nature, to other people.
“I’m absolutely rooting for him in this competition,” Byrne said. “I guess I might be biased, but he has a very, very strong place in my heart.”
Now, Finn is doing what he can to stay in the competition, while maintaining his core values of helping and
preserving nature and wildlife in his every-day life.
The Jr. Ranger competition will end on Thursday, July 24, with the grand-prize winner announcement happening by Friday, Aug. 8. To win the competition, votes are necessary. You can vote for Finn by going to jr-ranger.org/2025/finn-d997.
Finn O’Brien sat outside with his favorite animal at ONP, Pepper the opossum.
Leticia Silva Finn held a Box Turtle, explaining that it’s the only species of turtle that can fully close its shell.
BIGGER slice of Orange
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FRIDAY SIGHTS NIGHT
Reach more than 37,000 readers in this annual special section from The Observer.
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2025 HURRICANE SEASON
How to understand forecast information
Reading and understanding storm watches and warnings is critical as you navigate the upcoming hurricane season.
National Weather Service forecast products can tell you a lot about what is expected to happen with a storm, including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds and more. There is a lot of information available days ahead of a storm, and it is important to understand what it means.
HAVE TRUSTED SOURCES FOR STORM INFORMATION
Rely on official forecasts and wellestablished media partners. Be cautious of sensational headlines and instead look for reliable sources to determine a storm’s potential impacts.
Use the official National Hurricane Center Forecast — its hurricane specialists access a variety of data (models, aircraft, satellite) to make the most accurate forecasts possible. Meteorologists at local NWS offices understand which locations in your area are most vulnerable to storm surge, flooding and wind.
Always check to make sure you have the latest forecast information. Make sure to have Wireless Emergency Alerts enabled on your phone to receive warnings.
WATCH VS. WARNING
In general, a Watch means impacts are possible; a Warning means impacts are expected or happening. Different hazards and alerts require different responses:
n A Hurricane Watch means hurricane conditions are possible somewhere within the watch
area, with tropical-storm-force winds beginning within the next 48 hours. Prepare by boarding up windows, moving loose items indoors and ensuring your emergency kit is ready. A Hurricane Warning means hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area, with tropical-storm-force winds beginning within 36 hours. Seek shelter in a sturdy structure or evacuate if ordered.
n A Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Tropical Storm Warning means they are expected somewhere within the warning area. Remember, a tropical system does not have to reach hurricane strength to be deadly.
n A Storm Surge Watch means the possibility of life-threatening inundation generally within 48 hours, and a Storm Surge Warning means the danger of life-threatening inundation generally within 36 hours. In either case, please promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.
n An Extreme Wind Warning means extreme hurricane winds (115 mph and higher) are imminent or happening. Take immediate shelter in an interior portion of a well-built structure.
n A Flash Flood Warning means dangerous flash flooding is expected. Move to higher ground, and never walk or drive through floodwater. A Flash Flood Emergency is issued for exceedingly rare situations when a severe threat to human
life and catastrophic damage is happening or about to happen — do not attempt to travel unless you are under an evacuation order or your life is imminently at risk.
n A Flood Watch means flooding is possible. Stay tuned to trusted news sources and be ready to seek higher ground. A Flood Warning means flooding is happening or about to happen: move to higher ground immediately.
n A Tornado Watch means a tornado is possible. Know your safe place and be ready to act quickly if a Warning is issued. A Tornado Warning means a tornado is happening or about to happen. Seek shelter in your safe place immediately.
FOCUS ON POTENTIAL IMPACTS REGARDLESS OF STORM SIZE OR CATEGORY
Do not focus on a specific storm category; all hurricanes and tropical storms can bring life-threatening storm surge, inland flooding and damaging winds. The storm’s scale only tells you about the strongest winds near the center of the storm and does not tell you about potentially life-threatening flooding from storm surge or rain. Remain vigilant even if the winds have weakened and the storm becomes a lower category or tropical storm — rainfall and storm surge impacts often continue.
DEADLY HAZARDS OCCUR WELL OUTSIDE OF THE CONE Impacts can be felt far from the storm’s center, even well inland and outside the Forecast Cone. Remember: the storm itself can stretch well beyond the Forecast Cone and so can the impacts. The National Hurricane Center Forecast Cone shows the probable forecast track of the center of the storm. This means the storm’s center probably will travel somewhere within the cone’s boundaries. (Historically, the storm’s center has remained within the forecasted cone roughly two-thirds of the time.) The cone does not represent the size of the storm in any way.
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Hurricane Season?
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Prepare for Hurricane Season Now
Florida earned its nickname as the Sunshine State with beautiful, sun-soaked days filling out most of the year, but as hurricane season approaches, it also becomes one of the most storm-vulnerable states in the country. June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season, meaning that now – not later – is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared.
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we’re proud to support our Central Florida neighbors by offering the most reliable energy solution. We know firsthand that one of the smartest ways to prepare for hurricane season is by choosing safe, reliable natural gas.
Unlike electricity, which is vulnerable to downed power lines and service disruptions, natural gas is delivered through underground pipelines, meaning you can depend on it even during the harshest storms. That’s part of the reason why critical service providers like hospitals, fire stations, and emergency management centers depend on natural gas to stay up and running during critical times.
Natural gas customers can also rely on essential appliances like water heaters and oven ranges to remain operational during power outages. When the lights go out, you’ll still be able to cook, clean, and take hot showers. For families, that type of reliability can bring much-needed peace of mind during uncertain times.
to high-efficiency appliances and its lower cost, natural gas homes enjoy annual utility bills that are approximately 49% lower than those of comparable all-electric homes, according to the American Gas Association.
That said, making the switch requires some planning to fulfill your natural gas service installation. That’s why we encourage homeowners to act now, before a storm is on the horizon.
In addition to exploring reliable energy options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating a full preparedness plan that includes keeping an emergency preparedness kit stocked and at the ready, knowing your evacuation routes ahead of time, creating a communication plan with family members and other important steps that you should take to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season. Learn more at https://www.fema.gov/.
Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast. Now is the time to prepare and equip your home with natural gas to make sure you’re storm ready before hurricane season arrives.
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SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
PUSH Basketball Academy, founded by Dr. Phillips High’s state-championshipwinning boys basketball coach Ben Witherspoon, is hosting a five-day youth camp at the high school’s gym from Monday, July 28, to Friday, Aug. 1.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. across the five days, campers will be taught key skills and fundamentals by Witherspoon, a former Division I coach and player, and Daryl Majic Dorsey, who has played professional basketball for 20 years.
The camp is open to players from 6-17 years old; the registration fee is $200. To register, visit Tinyurl.com/PUSHCAMP.
2
Apopka High quarterback Tyson Davison announced on his X account that he will transfer to Ocoee High to finish his high school football career as a member of the Knights football program. Davison, a 6-foot-1 and 190-pound dual-threat QB, played in 10 games last season, gaining 1,954 total yards while scoring 12 total touchdowns. The Ocoee Knights and their new transfer quarterback will host Davison’s former team in the 2025 season opener at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.
3
Central Florida Christian Academy has announced the launch of Eagle Training Academy, an athletic development program open to all student-athletes interested in receiving high-level athletic skills training.
“ETA’s mission is to build the premier, Christ-centered athletic skills training academy in Central Florida,” said Rebekah Day, the lead for the Academy’s launch team. “We strive to achieve this through excellent facilities, outstanding coaches and trainers and a safe, professional environment where athletes can grow not only in their sport but also in character and faith.”
For more information, follow its Instagram account @eagletrainingacademyfl or reach out directly via email at eagletraining@cfcaeagles.org.
4Registration for the city of Ocoee’s girls youth volleyball league is open for the fall 2025 season and remains open until Friday, Aug. 15. Registration costs for the league are $70 for Ocoee residents and $80 for non-residents. For more information on the league and how to register, call Ocoee Parks & Leisure Services at (407) 905-3180. The league is also in need of volunteer coaches, if interested contact Alex Gonzalez via email at agonzalez@ocoee.org.
5
With a total of nine selections, the Winter Garden Squeeze had the most players named to the West AllStars roster for the 2025 Florida Collegiate Summer League All-Star game played after press time Tuesday, July 8 at Sanford Memorial Stadium. Leading the way for the Squeeze were their three AllStar Game starters: Pitcher Andrew Furey, catcher Drew Pynes and extra hitter Sean Stafford. Five more members of the Winter Garden pitching staff were named to the West All-Stars reserves: Carter Daniel, Liam Furey, Isaac Sewell, Jacob Iverson and Blayke Rabens. Squeeze outfielder Zach Walker was the only Winter Garden field player named to the West reserves.
TAKING IT BACK
With the return of state-championshipwinning coach Ben Witherspoon, Dr. Phillips boys basketball is ready to take back its place among the state’s title contenders.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
As a kid, London Hatch watched from the stands as his older brother, Ledger, was part of not one but two state-championship-winning teams at Dr. Phillips High, as a freshman on the 2017 Panthers football team and as a senior as a member of the 2020-21 boys basketball team.
It’s safe to say after seeing this type of success from the sidelines, the younger Hatch brother dreamed of having a similar experience when it was his turn to join the Panthers hoop squad as a freshman in 2022.
Like his older brother, Hatch has developed into a vital piece of the Panthers program. Standing at 6-foot-4, DP’s sharpshooting wing is coming off a junior season in which he averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game. However, unlike the experience the older Hatch brother had of playing for championshiplevel programs at DP, the past three seasons for little brother London has seen a combined 33-44 record and zero regional playoffs appearances. But as London Hatch enters his final season of high school hoops, he has one big reason to think he’ll be
SEE DR. PHILLIPS PAGE 14A
Windermere High taps Jeremy Campbell as next athletic director
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
Windermere High has named Dean of Students Jeremy Campbell as its next athletic director. He replaces Jillian Sutton — who recently left the school after eight years to become the head athletic trainer at East River High. Campbell joined the Windermere leadership team in 2023-24 as dean while also serving as the football program’s defensive coordinator under head coach Riki Smith.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named Windermere High’s athletic director,” Campbell said. “Being promoted from within makes it all the more meaningful. It shows that the work I have put in has made a real impact. I have always been deeply committed to this school and to now
have the opportunity to lead our athletic program is both humbling and exciting. I know the culture, I know
the kids, and I know what this community stands for (and) I am proud to build on the foundation we have laid and push our programs to even greater heights.”
As a student-athlete, Campbell was a standout in three sports at Spruce Creek High, lettering as a track-and-field athlete, basketball player and football star. In the classroom, he was an honor roll student in every semester of his time in high school. He also was a member of the National Honor Society and was named the Rotary Club of Port Orange’s Scholastic Athlete of the Year as a senior in 2005.
Campbell, a highly ranked outside linebacker prospect, chose to continue his academic and athletic careers as a member of the Clemson football team. He chose the Tigers over Geor-
gia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisville and Purdue. In four seasons playing in Death Valley (200609), Campbell appeared in 46 games for Clemson and recorded a total of 82 tackles, three for a loss, two sacks and one fumble recovery. Upon graduating from Clemson in 2010, Campbell served in a variety of administrative and coaching roles, most recently as the dean of students, assistant athletic director and head football coach at Central Florida Christian Academy. Prior to joining CFCA in 2017, Campbell spent five years serving as the associate head coach and defensive coordinator for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers fullback Mike Alstott at Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg. There, he helped the program win its first district and regional championships in three decades. In 2010, he
Since joining Foundation Academy cheer as a sixthgrader, rising senior captain Abbey Langhoff has been fundamental to building the Lions dynasty. Page 14A.
Dr. Phillips High boys basketball coach Ben Witherspoon gave his players directions during a timeout at the UCF men’s basketball team camp showcase.
Windermere’s former dean of students, Campbell, replaces Jillian Sutton.
Courtesy of Tammy Forrester Windermere High names Dean of Students Jeremy Campbell its next athletic director.
Photos courtesy of Matt Richards
Dr. Phillips sophomore guard Josiah Gillard attacked the basket during the team camp showcase at UCF.
Abbey Langhoff
With six consecutive regional championships, four consecutive state championships, back-toback world championships and a national title in 2024, there isn’t an athletic program in West Orange and Southwest Orange that can measure up to the success experienced by the Foundation Academy cheerleading team. Throughout this dynastic run, the program has leaned on the experience and leadership of its veteran cheerleaders, such as Abbey Langhoff — who started the sport as a sixth grader.
Now a rising senior and captain for the Lady Lions, Langhoff will be vital to Foundations continued dominance this upcoming season.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It’s such an honor. I honestly didn’t know a cheerleader could earn this title, so I am so grateful to be able to be considered.
What do you enjoy the most about cheer?
The thing I enjoy most about cheer is the bond you create with your teammates and coaches. Cheer is unlike any other sport, and the level of trust needed in each of your teammates forces you to become very tight-knit.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from cheer?
Trust the process. Each season starts and ends so differently, and you truly cannot tell at the beginning of the season how it will go.
What is your favorite cheer memory?
Winning UCA Nationals in 2024. That feeling is indescribable to
What is your favorite subject?
My favorite subject in school is math, which is kind of a hot take. I really enjoy routine, and I feel like math is just that. When you understand what is going on, it’s actually so fun.
What is your favorite movie?
“Pitch Perfect.” It’s just the best combination of comedy, music and girlhood. I could definitely watch it over and over.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would probably go back to the 1980s. Since my parents grew up in the 80s, they always talk about how fun it was, and I think it would be really fun to experience all the trends that took place.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
A piece of advice I would give my younger self would be to not take everything so seriously. I am a very type-A person, but over the years I would say I have definitely learned to loosen up a bit.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would just ask if I’m happy. I don’t think I would want to know too much about what happens, because then I would probably stress about it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would 100% choose teleportation. I love to travel, and to be able to just blink and be in a new place would
to three places in the world, where would you
I would go to Greece, Japan and Australia. My mom and I’s dream place to visit is Greece, so I definitely would want to go there with Japan is just a cool country, and I love the beach so Australia would be so cool to go to, especially (because) it’s on the other
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be
I would be a sea turtle. I love the ocean so
Does pineapple belong on I do think pineapple belongs on pizza. However, it doesn’t
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Dr. Phillips begins climb back to the top
able to help lead the Panthers back to prominence: the return of Ben Witherspoon as the program’s head coach.
“After Coach Ben left … we haven’t been a winning team,” London Hatch said. “But since Coach Ben has been back, he has instilled in us this desire to go out there and take everything back. … We want everyone that’s said DP isn’t what they used to be to eat their words. We want to make a statement that we’re back and we’re here to compete.”
CHAMPIONSHIP FORMULA
Before leaving Dr. Phillips in 2022 to coach Division I college basketball, Witherspoon led the program to unprecedented heights in his three seasons as Panthers coach — combining for a 70-17 record, winning two district championships, two regional championships and winning the program’s first and only state championship, as well as reaching another state championship game.
Despite appearing in the state championship game in both of his final two seasons at Dr. Phillips, Witherspoon’s most impressive coaching performance came in his first year at the helm, taking the 12-15 team he inherited and turning the Panthers into a district-championship-winning team the very next season with a 20-8 record.
“To be a championship-level team, it begins with the level of players you have,” Witherspoon said. “In the state of Florida, it’s really hard to win without college-level players, because there’s so much talent here. … After that, for me, it’s about how you run a program; it’s about the standards that are set.”
The championship formula seems to be simple, high-level talent plus championship effort equals wins, and during the June live period — Witherspoon’s first chance to bring together and work with his 202526 team — he begin implementing those standards into this group of players.
“From the moment I started back at Dr. Phillips this year, the focus
has been on player development,” Witherspoon said. “The guys have been in the gym, competing at a high level, learning the game and getting better at understanding what it takes to win.”
The transfers of brothers Isaiah and Josiah Gillard to Dr. Phillips High also have added an injection of high-level talent to the Panthers.
“The guys have really taken to everything we’ve been prioritizing from Day One,” Witherspoon said.
“A lot of that has to do with having that championship banner hanging in our gym for them to see every day. It helps with getting everyone to buy in. … One of the first pillars of our program we want them to buy into is that everyone is expected to be the ultimate teammate. They’ve done a really good job at that, of being unselfish and playing together — it’s made it really enjoyable to coach.”
Becoming a championship-level team requires players to adjust to championship standards. Part of that adjustment is understanding just how much effort it will take.
Transfer guard Isaiah Gillard thinks his team has a clear picture of what that will look like.
“I know how much work it’s going to take to go into practice every day and treat each rep like it’s a championship,” he said. “It’s going to take so much energy and focus, but I’ve seen that level of dedication from all of our guys. ... I’m really excited to be on this journey.”
DP’s top returning player, London Hatch, agrees.
“I’ve been at DP for three years now, and just since the spring, I’ve seen my teammates — guys I’ve played with since my freshman and sophomore years — start to grow in a real way,” he said.
SMART AND SCRAPPY
Witherspoon’s formula for building a championship program is focused on effort and talent, and less so beholden to a specific style of play on either end of the floor; which allows each team to develop its own identity. This specific group can be described as scrappy and physical on the defensive end of the floor.
“We’re going to be really fun to watch this season,” Witherspoon
said. “A lot of that has to do with how hard they play on the defensive side of the ball. These guys have all bought into treating every possession as a championship, so they’re playing super hard from an effort standpoint and they have been extremely tough and physical. It’s a fun style to watch because of how scrappy and how hard we play.”
A key point that Witherspoon has harped on when it comes to how this group defends is communication.
“We really focused on defense in practice every day,” Gillard said. “I’ve definitely learned some new things with the defensive style coach has us playing. … We’re a lot more focused on staying in front of guys and on communication. I feel like we’ve picked up the communication side of defense and it’s helped us to beat some good teams during the June period. It’s crazy, because we’ve only been together as a team for a little while, but it feel like we’re a family already.”
On the other side of the court, DP’s offense isn’t centralized on its physicality or toughness — even though they can be while on the attack — the Panthers instead are much more cerebral in their approach.
“Offensively, we’re going to be fun to watch because of how much we share the ball,” Witherspoon said. “We have multiple guys (who) are really good decision-makers. Josiah Gillard, who I think is one of the best point guards in the state in his class, is an incredible passer. His brother, Isaiah, is extremely unselfish and has a great feel for the game. He’s smart, too, and a great passer. London Hatch, everyone knows is a great shooter, but what he hasn’t really had the chance to show is how incredible of a passer he is and how smart of a player he is. He’s been in a position where he had to take a lot of shots in the past but now he has some teammates around him that can score as well, so he’ll be able to show his passing ability.”
Based on the small sample size this group has been able to put together since Witherspoon returned to Southwest Orange, there’s more than enough evidence to suggest that the 2025-26 Panthers hoops program will take a step forward in its journey to take back its spot among the state’s elite teams.
“Our long-term goal is to build our program back to being one of the very best public high school programs in the country,” Witherspoon said. “As far as our expectations for this year, we expect to be competitive in the state. I’m not focused on getting to specific number of wins, but our goal every year is to compete for state championship. The main thing for me, though, is to maximize our improvement on a daily basis. We’re focused on how much better can we get every day and not leaving anything on the table.”
This mindset is something his players not only have bought into but also are aware of how it will help them improve their play once the season comes around.
“We’re going to surprise everyone,” Hatch said. “We’re even going to surprise ourselves a little bit by how much we’re going to grow this season and how much confidence we’re going to have as we continue to buy in to what coach is pushing us to do.”
Meet Windermere’s new AD
spent one season as the defensive coordinator at Northside Christian under Aaron Dobson. Between his first season at Northside Christian in 2010 and his five-year stint from 2012-16, Campbell left the school in 2011 to serve as an assistant coach at Robinson High in Tampa. Thanks to his combined experience as a multi-sport athlete in high school, high-level college recruit, highly successful high school and college student, Division I college athlete, assistant and head coach at
the high school level, dean of students and assistant athletic director, Campbell knows what he needs to focus on to help develop Wolverines Athletics into a powerhouse across each one of its programs.
“My goal is to build on the strong athletic foundation we already have and help take our programs to the next level,” Campbell said. “I want to support our coaches and student-athletes in every way possible — on the field, in the classroom and in the community.”
Despite never serving as the leader of an entire athletic program, the
young school’s fifth athletic director not only knows what a successful athletic department looks like but he also knows exactly what he wants Windermere Athletics to look like under his leadership.
“My vision for Windermere High athletics is to build a championship culture grounded in integrity, hard work and unity,” Campbell said. “We will prioritize the development of student-athletes both on and off the field, fostering excellence in competition, the classroom and the community.”
Matt Richards
Dr. Phillips senior guard Isaiah Gillard faced up against a defender at UCF men’s basketball team camp showcase.
Rosen JCC art campers declare color war
Six teams and one mission: Be the best color.
One boy and one girl were picked to represent each color, and they faced off against two other teams in a relay race.
A countdown started, “three, two, one, GO,” and off they went.
Cheers echoed throughout Rosen JCC’s gymnasium Thursday, July 3, rooting for the competitors during the last day of art camp.
Eliysen Ciaglia, dressed in a yellow tank top with yellow dots across her face, had her eyes set on the yellow cone at the end of the court. “It was fun because you don’t know who will win,” she said.
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
JAMES WELLS HAYES
DIED JUNE 25, 2025.
James Wells Hayes: Oct. 19, 1924, to June 25, 2025. Jim was born in Rocky Point, North Carolina, the son of Nora Wells Hayes and James Brown Hayes. Jim married Mary Martin Hayes, of Fort Lauderdale, in 1955. Jim and Mary were married for 69 years and blessed to raise Thomas, William, Julia and Daniel at their home on Wauseon Bay in Windermere.
He graduated from Wake Forest University with a BS in Chemistry in 1948, MS in Organic Chemistry from Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1949. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi.
His sophomore year of college was interrupted to serve in World War II with the U.S. Army in Europe, where he earned a Bronze Star. Jim served in the campaigns of Rhineland and Central Europe in the 415th Infantry Regiment, 104 Division (Timberwolves) as a scout Intelligence and Reconnaissance platoon. Jim grew up in a farming area that easily led him to the food industry. His first job was as an inspector for the USDA and then Brogdon Laboratories Orlando. He also worked for Safeway Stores Eastern Frozen Food Procurement Division. He retired in 1996 as CEO/General Manager of Winter Garden Citrus Cooperative. He served as President of Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association. In Orange County, he was civically involved. He served as Chairman of the Orange County Planning and Zoning Board and served on the Butler Chain Navigation Board. He was instrumental in establishing Conserv II. He served on the Drowning Prevention Committee, Citizen Commission for Children (Citizen
Lance Dustin Burguriere, 41, of Orlando, died Saturday, June 28, 2025. Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park Gotha.
Donna Jeanne (Peavey) Chancey 79, died Monday, June 16, 2025. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.
Mary Elizabeth Douglas, 100, of Orlando, died Thursday, July 3, 2025. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
Must Count Award), SafeKids Coalition and Orlando “Shining Star Award.”
In the West Orange area, he served on the Windermere Town Council and as a Boy Scout leader. He was instrumental in the completion of the West Orange/ Roper YMCA. He arranged inpool swimming, water safety to first-grade students with six West Orange schools with Safe Kids and Every Child a Swimmer and Winter Garden Parks and Recreation.
In retirement, Jim enjoyed home gardening, reading and his lakeside view from his back porch.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; sister, Mary Jane Lane; children, Tom, Julie (Alain), Dan (Catherine) and Lois; grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson (Craig), Angelica Hayes, Tom Riotto, Dan Riotto, Jessica Hayes, Camille Evans, Eric Evans, Bryce Hayes and Marlie Hayes; and greatgrandchildren, Jude Novak and Sage Novak.
He is predeceased by his sons William and Bruce.
Jim was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church Orlando.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to programs that provide swim lessons and scholarships to children in need: Every Child a Swimmer, online at everychildaswimmer.org or by mail to 1 Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316; or The Gift of Swimming, 205 Windermere Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
Kristin Sue Gusewelle, 25, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.
Anne Janette Roehrs Gunderson 57, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, June 19, 2025. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
Abbie Jay Mathis Jr., 70, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Ethan and Jordan Custodio, Mercedes Montero, Eliysen Ciaglia, Rainiero Vallim and Santiago Bustamante celebrated after the relay races finished.
Caroline Scott and Shan Coleman on the blue team climbed on the playground at Rosen JCC before they competed in color wars.
Ryan Nathoo and Shai Amoyal practiced their climbing skills before they entered the races that tested their speed.
Peyton Stoun, Elise Quiceno and Elyse Fernandez on the orange team sat on the side and watched the races that happened on both sides of the gymnasium.
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
Three books to make your month
We don’t judge a situation based on reality. We judge based on what we know. When we don’t fully understand the evidence, we make mistakes. It can be helpful to learn from the mistakes of other people, even if the ‘people’ are fictional characters. Here are three of my favorite books on truth, lies and difficult choices.
1“THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO” BY ALEXANDRE DUMAS
Edmond Dantes is dangerously naive. He has money, a beautiful partner and a loving family. Then, on the night of his betrothal, he is framed as a political conspirator by his rivals. Only 18 years old, Dantes is thrown in prison for over a decade and completely forgotten. Entombed with his thoughts, Dantes comes to terms with the lies of his socalled friends and spins his own false truth. He believes he has been reborn as the person fated to impart justice on the people responsible for his ruin—even if it means destroying himself to do so.
“The Count Of Monte Cristo” is a psychological tale of imprisonment and redemption. With a twisted storyline that spans decades, Alexandre Dumas guides you through his world of social hierarchy, gossip, theft and sometimes murder. Fans of mysteries, historical fiction and secret plots will love this book. It has been my favorite since I ‘borrowed’ it from my mother several years ago, and I don’t think she’ll be getting it back anytime soon.
Personally, I love that the story shows Dantes as flawed. Of course, his rivals were greedy and manipulative but Dantes was obsessed. He never stopped to consider he might be worth more than the jealous men who threw him in jail. I always thought of him as a great force of nature but a very sad person.
2“EDUCATED” BY TARA WESTOVER
Tara Westover believed her life belonged to her family. She was born to a survivalist Mormon family living deep in the Idaho mountains. As a child, she was obedient and quiet even when in pain.
Growing up starved for information, she believed what her father told her: they were the chosen ones, and everyone else was blind to the truth. But as she evolved, Westover began to wake up and wonder who the blind people really were.
Even though it’s a memoir, “Educated” feels like fiction. It’s hard to fully understand what Westover went through. Starting with her childhood in the mountains of Idaho, she fought to attend high school, keep a job and attend college despite her father’s anger. Eventually she is left with a foot in each world, struggling to be loyal to her family and the real world. It’s a story I love because of its pain. Westover doesn’t just grow up — she outgrows the people who raised her and breaks free. Her ability to fight for her success against all odds is inspiring and beautiful. Westover was never encouraged to learn or to form her own opinions. To think clearly, speak and be heard — I can’t imagine any greater privilege or power.
3“A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN” BY BETTY
SMITH
Francie is a girl who grows up being told poverty is a crime. Her mother is the daughter of Austrian immigrants, her father the son of Irish immigrants, and her family often goes days without food. As a child, Francie dreams of being a writer. When her father dies, Francie’s world crumbles from its already precarious stability. She is plunged into the chaos of Brooklyn, trying to earn money and keep her family afloat.
“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” is a novel about living, through the good years and the bad. Betty Smith is descriptive and almost romantic, like she is writing a love letter to her earlier self. It originally was published in 1943, but you would never guess by the relatable writing. My favorite scene is when Francie, then finishing middle school, meets with her language arts teacher to talk about her writing. Her teacher is aggravated by Francie’s recent compositions. “Drunkenness belongs in jail, not in stories,” Francie’s teacher tells her. “People are poor because they’re too lazy to work. There is nothing beautiful about that.” She tells Francie to go home, burn her compositions and write stories with more imagination and truth. Francie does burn her papers: she burns her compositions about fairies, perfect October days and distilled sunsets, keeping only the stories about her life. I love Francie’s silent assertiveness — and it’s ironic she is patronized for writing realistically, when a gritty perspective is what makes this classic stand out.
KASEY BILODEAU HOMESCHOOLED
SHARKS: The real danger
Sharks are integral to the ocean’s ecosystem despite how they’re portrayed in movies and TV.
OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL
People around the world have confessed to a fear of the creatures that lurk underwater. According to Psychology Today, 51% of Americans are afraid of sharks. This phobia might be even more intense for those living near the water, including many Florida residents. Sharks have frightened adults and children for decades, but are these fears warranted? While their sharp teeth produce a sinister facade, sharks are vulnerable just like any other animal. They play an important part in the ocean’s ecosystem, despite their portrayal as vicious beasts.
VARYING ROLE OF SHARKS
Sharks are fish — they have scales and are cold-blooded. They use their fins and tail to move from the surface of the water to depths of thousands of feet. Some are mere inches long, while others are the size of a school bus.
In movies and on TV, sharks often are villainous. The “Jaws” movies, directed by Steven Spielberg, follow the story of shark attacks on a peaceful, seaside town. Since the 1975 debut of “Jaws,” sharks have terrorized horror movie characters for decades.
While they’re notorious for hunting humans, sharks’ skills usually are reserved for other fish. Their predatory instincts have placed them toward the top of the food chain. What might seem alarming to humans actually prevents overpopulation and keeps marine ecosystems healthy.
BREAKING SHARK MYTHS
One of the most popular rumors about sharks is they can smell blood. Many assume if they bleed in the water, they immediately make themselves prey for a shark.
While sharks are able to smell human blood, their ability is not so simple. Sharks have a remarkable sense of smell and are able to detect different amino acids in the water. Many of those amino acids are found in the blood of fish as well as that of humans. People are not, however, natural prey for sharks. They usually use the scent of blood to detect bleeding fish that would be easy to hunt.
Another myth is that sharks, as a top predator, are invulnerable and cannot be stopped by humans or other marine species. This especially is promoted by the media’s portrayal of sharks as large and powerful.
To the contrary, sharks do have a natural predator. Orcas, or killer whales, are apex predators like sharks and have been known to prey upon them. Orcas hunt in pods and easily rival sharks, who travel alone. Even the infamous great white sharks are vulnerable to killer whales.
Furthermore, not all sharks are near the length of great whites. Most people assume they are about 15 feet long because of the notoriety
of sharks that size. However, there is a wide range of shapes and sizes of sharks. Dwarf lantern sharks only are about as big as a human hand. Whale sharks are quite the opposite, being able to reach sizes of up to 60 feet.
Shark sizes actually are related to how different species hunt. Whale sharks conserve their energy, simply swimming with their mouths open to consume food. Because they use so little energy, whale sharks are able to become quite large. Average-sized species use strategic hunting techniques that use up more energy.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SHARK ATTACKS
Sharks do not target humans. Shark attacks are infrequent and can occur for a variety of reasons. Often, humans and the senses sharks use to hunt clash and result in the several dozen incidents that occur each year. Sharks help preserve ecosystems by preying on dying or sick fish. While humans cannot detect ill fish from 100 meters away; many sharks can. Fish utilize lateral lines, a form of motion detection, which are part of their nervous system. Lateral lines can be used to detect prey
and avoid obstacles while swimming. The lateral lines produced by a healthy fish are different from a sick one, because dying fish usually are struggling to swim. Sharks pick up on those lateral lines and gravitate toward the dying fish because they are easier to catch. Humans unknowingly produce lateral lines sharks are able to detect. Splashing and moving in the water resembles the lateral lines of dying fish. As a result, sharks might mistake people for their usual prey. Shark attacks also can be the result of misidentification. Many sharks naturally prey upon seals and sea turtles and use hunting techniques to surprise them from below. Looking up, a person on a surfboard can look similar to other marine animals — especially from a distance. A shark might assume a person is a seal or turtle and attack.
CAUTION AND CONSERVATION
Learning about the science behind shark attacks can help stop them in the future. Before going to the beach, people should know whether lifeguards will be present and whether sharks have been known to travel near that coastline. Simple research like this can save a number of lives.
Sharks are amazing creatures that have survived for centuries before humans existed. So, with humans being the dominant species, it is important for us to learn about and care for the ocean. Recycling, participating in beach cleanups and conserving energy usage all are little things that have a big impact. More than anything, learning respect is essential for the survival of marine life and humans. Sharks are not how they are portrayed in movies. They still are wild animals, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has determined about one-third of sharks are endangered. This threat of endangerment and humans’ fear of these magnificent creatures will not change unless we actively help to save the environment.
Courtesy photo
Sharks are essential to the ocean’s ecosystem.
Paws-itive impact
Off the heart of downtown Winter Garden sits a one-stop shop for people and their furry friends.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
EDITORIAL INTERN
Winter Garden’s John Halstead always loved cats and animals.
Two years ago he found a cat, Blackie, who had been returned to the shelter twice. Halstead brought him home and gave Blackie constant attention to get over his fear of people. It paid off. Halstead also always has loved community and the outdoors.
Every day he checks on the two items in his yard that fuse his loves together. A month ago Halstead created a dog lending library with help from friends and neighbors, adding toys, leashes and a water bowl.
The bin made from painted grey wood is carefully decorated with a bed of flowers and a sign that reads, “dog lending library = take, borrow, share.”
NEWEST ADDITION
With the help of his neighbor, Max Croft, Halstead created the dog lending library as a piece of community engagment in his front yard.
“We figured the more people we can get involved, then the more people feel like they take ownership of it too,” Croft said.
In came Allison Otero.
Otero owns Alleycat’s Pet Service, a business that offers dog walking and pet sitting for cats, reptiles and any small animals. She said many of her clients give her extra food or toys.
“I was just stockpiling it in my car
and then when Max called me (for help with the dog library), I was like, ‘Yes! Oh my gosh,’” she said. “Now it’s being put to better use instead of just sitting in my trunk.”
She hopes it can help those who might need new pet supplies but aren’t able to spend the money on it right now.
The library allows Halstead to help out the community and ensure animals get the life they deserve.
Thanks to Otero, Halstead has his own stockpile of pet supplies in his garage. He adds them to the dog library when it’s low and changes the water daily.
Croft and Halstead sat together after they first set up the dog lending library and enjoyed seeing people’s excitement when they saw it.
“We also put a little trail cam up for the first week to see when we weren’t around how many people came by,” Croft said. “That was really fun because you see people’s smile on their faces and the dog would smell (the library) and that the dogs would have something to drink.”
Through word of mouth, people in the neighborhood have begun to spread the message of the new dog lending library. But it’s still in the beginning stages of gaining attraction.
“They drink the water more than anything…but they don’t take much,”
Halstead said.
Halstead enjoys sitting in a red reclining chair at the edge of his garage
with a book in hand. He reads with the sound of wind rustling through nature and squirrels playing under the grand oak trees.
“I want John to be able to sit at the porch and feel neighborly and be able to give back,” Croft said.
Regular walkers of the block come up to Halstead occasionally and he enjoys the conversations they bring to the table. Some stop and say a quick “hello,” while others chat for longer, sharing their name, details about their life and asking Halstead for his input.
“It makes you feel good of course,” Halstead said. “You speak to them and
say, ‘hey what’s happening?’”
Now with his dog lending library, more people are stopping by and he enjoys the company, but it wasn’t the beginning.
COMMUNITY SPARKED
THE BEGINNING
Halstead has lived in Winter Garden for more than 40 years and he developed a friendship with Croft who moved into the neighborhood in 1992.
Croft has paid attention to Halstead’s daily habits.
“I’ve watched him keep his physical, his body up, his muscles up,” Croft
said. “He works out all the time and for an 87-year-old man, it’s really fun to watch that.”
Halstead used to ride his bike five days per week and set out to go anywhere between 25 to 70 miles. The Ironman athlete has been biking for 60 years and said he’s a “lifelong runner.”
On his bike rides, Halstead began to notice multiple book lending libraries popping up all over the community in Winter Garden.
Before the dog lending library was a thought, Croft built Halstead a book lending library. The vessel is tucked in his front lawn and serves as a symbol of community and giving.
Halstead was quick to donate his own books to jump-start the library in his yard. He’s an avid reader, sitting down with a book rather than planting himself in front of a TV.
“I don’t know how many books in this room I never used,” Halstead said as he looked around his dining room table and living room at the stacks of books. “In the back of the house, tons of books, but that (library) does pretty good.”
With the library in his yard, Halstead looks forward to checking it daily to see what new books were donated. He carefully looks through it to see if there’s anything he’d be interested in reading, picking out each new one, scanning the cover and the contents. If he notices the stock is low, he doesn’t hesitate to add more from his own collection.
Halstead enjoys that it’s a way to not waste books by throwing them away.
“Books are expensive now,” he said.
Croft said there’s regulars who come by every week to check on the book lending library to see how it’s doing. He noticed Halstead’s increased joy from the company of neighbors. Now his joy is compounded by the dog lending library, as well.
Children unite to support Eight Waves and AdventHealth
More than 100 children from the Winter Garden Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a recent service project.
TIFFANY BRATT
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
More than 100 children from the Winter Garden Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together May 31 to serve local children through a service event for Eight Waves and AdventHealth.
The project was led and organized by a group of children ages 8 to 11. A planning committee of children created posters to promote the event, organized a donation drive, and mobilized their peers to serve. The event brought together children from multiple local congregations in a unified effort to make a difference in their community.
Eight Waves is a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and their families through literacy programs, mentoring and hygiene assistance. Its programs have helped more than 1,500 local children.
“Hope grows where kids are seen, heard and supported,” said Chloe
Johnson, Winter Garden city commissioner and director of community relations at Eight Waves. “That’s what we do at Eight Waves. Knowing we are within kids’ reach, we serve them every way we can, giving them an opportunity to be successful in all they do.”
Windermere resident Cannon Coons, 11, one of the children on the planning committee, had a very meaningful experience in planning
the donation drive and service event.
“I was happy I got to help plan a service project with other kids from my church,” he said. “It feels really good to be able to do nice things for others.”
The children came together to make snack packs for children who participate in the Eight Waves program. Many of the program’s participants face food insecurity during the summer months when they no longer have access to the school lunch pro-
gram. The children also assembled fun packs and made cards for children in the hospital through AdventHealth.
“We are very grateful for all the kids who gracefully wanted to serve and give back to local kids,” Johnson said. “They are really the hands and feet of Jesus.”
Stake President Gary Hansen, who oversees the nine congregations of the Winter Garden Stake of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area in and around Horizon West, expressed admiration for the children’s initiative.
“The example of service demonstrated by the children of the Church was truly inspiring,” he said.
For more information about Eight Waves, visit eightwaves.org.
For more information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.
Megan Bruinsma
John Halstead enjoys seeing neighbors come by to visit the dog lending library and provide food, water, leashes, toys and more to their furry friends.
Shari Hanson Photography
Children came together to serve local children at a service event at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Winter Garden.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
100 years ago
Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Joiner and Dorothy, Lena and George Reaves of Beulah motored to Taft Sunday, going by Conway.
90 years ago
The local store of the Bumby Hardware Company was discontinued, as announced by H.E. Bumby, manager. The stock was moved to the main store on Church Street in Orlando. The Winter Garden store opened in 1917, the Bumby Company buying the hardware business of M.Y. McMillan.
80 years ago
A health committee was formed in Oakland to organize the community for the upcoming mass X-ray survey. The committee was made up of Mayor Dewey Vick, Mrs. John Hancock, the Rev. T.G. Tate, Mrs. R.T. Sith and F.W. Ross.
75 years ago
Prospects seemed brighter for Lake Apopka since the terrific damage inflicted to the lake’s fish over the weekend, killing probably two million fish, or half a million pounds. The entirety of West Orange County was greatly upset since first hearing of this damage, created by heavy winds that caused the fish to die from being strangled with muck in their gills due to the low water level in the lake.
55 years ago
Patricia Owens became Winter Garden’s first policewoman. Chief Royce Nelson gave Owens her oath of office, and she immediately assumed her new duties in the downtown area.
50 year ago
Harald Eichhold, of Wolfsburg, Germany, a teacher of history, geog-
Fifty years ago today, Tanner Hall Auditorium at Winter Garden’s lakefront park (later re-named Newton Park) was dedicated. The events facility was named for Elwood Mitchell “Doc” Tanner. He served as the city’s clerk and coordinator beginning in November 1930 and was named city manager in 1963, serving two years before retiring. Tanner also sold turkeys every Thanksgiving at his Avalon farm. He died June 25, 1975.
Tanner Hall was constructed in 1938 with funds from President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration program, which provided employment and a sense of municipal maturity to the little city of Winter Garden. It was refurbished in 1975 and remodeled in 1999.
Older residents who attended Lakeview High School recall basketball games were played in the facility at some point in the 1950s. Can any readers verify? Call (407) 656-3244.
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.
raphy and the German language, spent a month with Ruth and Ernie Hawk, of Winter Garden.
45 years ago
More than 1,000 people participated in the two-day activities of Wingard Land Company’s first Big Bass Tournament. Top honors were captured by West Orange native Jimmy Breadwell. New Dillard Street Elementary School PTA officers were Jan Bradford, president; Linda Griffith, first vice president; Principal Jake
Voss, second vice president; Pat Wright, treasurer; Cindy North, corresponding secretary; and Robbie Reaves, Ways and Means chairman.
30 years ago
A certificate of occupancy, truckloads of merchandise and a lot of work stocking the shelves was all that was needed to prepare the new Ocoee Winn-Dixie for its grand opening. The Marketplace store opened at the corner of Clarke and Silver Star roads in Ocoee.
The Woman’s Club of Ocoee installed its officers for the new year: Millie Cobb, president; Ruth Grafton, first vice president; Marilyn Ruhle, second vice president; Betty Ervine, recording secretary; Mary Lynn Jocoy, corresponding secretary; Elizabeth Maguire, treasurer; and Cathleen Mark, Ruth Minor and Winnifred Griffin, members of the executive board.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
JULY 14, 1983
If you drove a two-door 1983 Thunderbird, Ranger pick-up truck or Escort, you probably paid less than $200 per month for a brand-new vehicle. Golden Triangle Ford AMC Jeep, near Eustis, which touted itself as the dealership with the “biggest buys” in Central Florida advertised in The Times the latest models of cars and trucks. The Times ran ads for dealerships in West Orange County and across Central Florida, enticing residents with the best auto deals around. Among them were Norman Brothers Datsun and West Orange Auto Sales, in Winter Garden; Sonny King’s Orange Buick in Orlando; Bob Wade Ford in Clermont; and Kissimmee Toyota.
