07.26.18 Windermere Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer

Fantasies come true for DP thespians. PAGE 9.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

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VOLUME 3, NO. 41

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Four candidates are vying for the open Orange County School Board chair seat. Read more in our exclusive Q&A. SEE PAGE 3.

County Commission transmits two DP proposals

C+C giving factory

Both the Kerina Parkside and O-Town West projects earned approval at their transmittal hearings.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Orange County commissioners voted to transmit two large development projects near the Dr. Phillips area.

Both the Kerina Parkside Planned Development project and O-Town West project moved forward during their SEE PROJECTS PAGE 6

YOUR TOWN SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE AT THE GROVE

SEE YOUR TOWN PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

Two Windermere students are raising funds and collecting supplies so they can help as many homeless families as possible. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4.

Developer proposes assistedliving facility on Seidel Road ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

An assisted-living facility could be coming to Horizon West.

Orange County leaders hosted a community meeting regarding a change determination request pertaining a 6.55 acre parcel at

8498 Seidel Road.

The property is located in a “townhome district” of the existing Horizon West Village F. The requested change would allow for the development of a 75-bed assisted-living facility instead of SEE DEVELOPER PAGE 4

BALANCING ACT

As you buy back-to-school supplies, consider donating some items to The Grove during the shopping plaza’s collection campaign. Items will be collected through Aug. 5, and participating stores have in-store offers.

The following stores are collecting these supplies: Sweet Sassy & Southern, backpacks; BurgerFi, No. 2 pencils and colored pencils; Dexter’s, highlighters and

Looking for a new workout routine? Check out the new ninja-skills gym in Dr. Phillips. SEE 5.

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THURSDAY, JULY 26

YOUR CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

METROWEST FOOD TRUCK CONNECTION 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Veranda Park, 2295 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Take a night off from cooking, grab the family and some friends, and enjoy a wide variety of culinary delights ranging from barbecue, burgers, lobster and ice cream. (407) 601-5995.

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: ‘THE LION IN WINTER’ 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Enjoy a summer tradition with classic favorites. Tickets are $8. Gardentheatre.org/movies.

FRIDAY, JULY 27

‘ANNIE JR.’ 7 p.m. Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, at the Maxey Com-

munity Center, 830 Klondike St., Winter Garden. Organized

by St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, the production is put on by the East Winter Garden Community Alliance. Arts After 5 is a community partner.

The program allows youth to participate in a production that stimulates and cultivates their minds during the summer. Admission is $2, and tickets can be purchased from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at 1000 Lincoln Terrace, Winter Garden, or at eventbrite.com/o/ st-lukes-united-methodistchurch-9567745659.

WINDERMERE FOOD TRUCK NIGHT 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Hosted by the Town of Windermere Downtown Business Committee, the event offers a variety of food trucks serving meals, drinks and snacks. Attendees should bring a blanket or chair for comfort. (407) 8762563.

SATURDAY, JULY 28

BELAC CHILDHOOD CANCER 5K FUN RUN/WALK 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. The event raises funds for the Belac Childhood Foundation. The mission, in Caleb Solomon Williams’ name, is to find a cure for T-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. For information, visit calebsolomonwilliamsfoundation.org/ our-founder.

FFA CAR WASH 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Fifth Third Bank, 3004 Daniels Road, in the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.

The West Orange High School FFA chapter is accepting donations at this car wash to benefit the program. (407) 905-2400.

OAKES ANIMAL HOSPITAL GRAND OPENING 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oakes Animal Hospital, 11101 Roberson Road, Winter Garden. Polka Dogz pet rescue will be doing pet adoptions onsite. The public is invited to take a first look at Oakes Animal Hospital. Burg-

ers and hotdogs will be served.

(407) 347-8514.

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: ‘THE KING AND I’ 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Enjoy a summer tradition with classic favorites. Tickets are $8. Gardentheatre.org/movies.

MONDAY, JULY 30

SING & DANCE WITH ALINA CELESTE 3 p.m. Monday, July 30, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Internationally touring family musician and teaching artist Alina Celeste combines classic folk songs with simple and melodic original tunes for an infectious good time. Ages 3 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1

FIRST WEDNESDAY NETWORKING 7:45 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., No. 1080, Windermere. Join the Horizon West Professionals for networking with like-minded business men and women. (407) 574-2477.

‘SELLING SUNSHINE’ 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday,

Board Certified Pediatricians

• Erika Diogene, D.O. • Janelle Barfield, M.D.

Phone: 407-770-1414 1583 E. Silver Star Rd. Ocoee, FL 34761

Open: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Choose advanced joint replacement .

On the corner of Clarke Rd. and Silver Star Rd. in the Lake Olympia Square Plaza.

Aug. 1, at Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is offering residents a glimpse into the world of agriculture and farming in West Orange County.

Join a panel of local agriculture experts representing organic farms/retailers, the citrus industry and new innovations in farming techniques. Gain insight into what is offered in our own backyard and the progression of agriculture in West Orange County. Seating is limited. For reservations, call (407) 656-3244 or email lthornton@ wghf.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 2

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES: ‘SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS’ 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Enjoy a summer tradition with classic favorites. Tickets are $8. Gardentheatre.org/movies.

SATURDAY, AUG. 4

LAKEVIEW HIGH CLASS OF 1963 REUNION 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge, 700 Ninth St., Winter Garden.

Reservations are required for this 55-year class reunion. For information, call Johnnie Horsley at (407) 464-1954 or (407) 925-6266.

Same day Appointments available for new and established patients.

www.GrowingTogetherPeds.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

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ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR R

unning for Orange County School Board chair are four candidates: outgoing Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County School Board member Nancy Robbinson, Orange County teacher Robert Prater and

MATTHEW FITZPATRICK AGE: 50 EDUCATION: Master’s degree, educational leadership; bachelor’s degree, social science education OCCUPATION: Assistant director, Orange Technical College FAMILY: Wife: Sandy; children, Jacquelyn, 21; Steven, 18; and John, 16 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Apopka

What is the single biggest challenge facing OCPS? The greatest challenge facing OCPS is (to ensure) all of our students feel loved and feel safe. I believe students need hope, they need a positive attitude, they need to know that people care, and they need to know they can become whatever they desire to be as long as they are willing to work. We need great teachers ... to accomplish these goals. This need is a major concern of mine because we are facing teacher shortages in many of the high-needs areas of math, science, special education and elementary education.

What is the best way for the district to address school safety?

We need to continue to secure the perimeter of our schools. We also need to move toward single points of entry. We need to make sure there are SROs at all schools, and we need to explore putting Class D security guards at the entrances of all schools. We also need to free up our teachers to be able to truly connect with and care about our students.

Teachers are the counselors kids see every day. A teacher showing they care can save a hopeless child’s life.

Our evaluation system must become teacher-friendly to foster this classroom environment.

How should OCPS handle the issue of school overcrowding?

We need to work more closely with the county and local developers to address areas of high growth.

We should not have a middle school opening with 90 portables. We need to invest in the trades to supply construction workers to help build

Orange County Public Schools administrator Matthew Fitzpatrick.

The winner will succeed outgoing Board Chairman Bill Sublette, who was elected to the position in 2010. The four candidates will face off in the Aug. 28

primary election. If no one receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held Nov. 6.

For complete, unedited answers, visit OrangeObserver.com.

TERESA JACOBS

ROBERT PRATER

What is the single biggest challenge facing OCPS? Lack of adequate state funding.

Money doesn’t solve everything but, in this case, every challenge OCPS faces is made worse (because of) inadequate funding — from school safety, to school overcrowding, to recruiting and retaining teachers.

What is the single biggest challenge facing OCPS? Paying our employees and teachers the national average would be a great challenge to overcome.

Teachers are becoming increasingly discouraged because of the current state of education. Many, like myself, are now attempting to make changes from within the system.

Teachers all over this county, state and nation are now running for political office. As a school system, we’re not giving students the opportunities to be who they are — or to become who/what they want to be.

What we are doing is developing another generation of test-takers.

AGE: 61 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Florida State University, cum laude OCCUPATION: Public service (mayor, Orange County) FAMILY: Husband of 37 years, Bruce; sons, Josh, Max, Chase; daughter, Lisa CITY OF RESIDENCE: Unincorporated Orange County

What is the best way for the district to address school safety?

No one single approach is sufficient. In 2012, immediately after the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School, I offered to fund deputies in all unincorporated elementary schools. I also convened a Youth Mental Health Commission. Today, Orange County funds two mentalhealth programs available to all schools. A law-enforcement officer should be at the entrance of every school. Additional efforts must be undertaken to harden all schools, and to utilize technology and cameras to keep weapons out.

How should OCPS handle the issue of school overcrowding?

We need more state funding to keep pace with growth. As a commissioner, I championed a charter amendment requiring the Orange County Board of County Commissioners to seek a determination from OCPS of whether there will be adequate school capacity, before approving residential land uses. In 2004, as a county commissioner, I voted to place OCPS’s half-cent sales tax on the ballot to help pay for new school construction. I supported that effort as mayor in 2014. The public supported all three of these efforts. We need the state to honor its obligation to provide funding.

AGE: 55 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education OCCUPATION: Resource teacher/ dean of students FAMILY: Wife, Donna Linares CITY OF RESIDENCE: Orlando

What is the best way for the district to address school safety?

As a school district we have put some safety measures in place, but we can do more. This is why I feel it is essential to place a safety committee that can bring to the board the entire district’s concerns. I want a to put a call center in place that can be used for multipurpose situations — safety being one of them. We have installed millions of dollars of surveillance cameras, and we need to make sure we have enough personnel watching all our schools and who is coming onto the property.

How should OCPS handle the issue of school overcrowding?

The same way hospitals handle growth — add permanent wings to schools, not unsafe portables. Each school only needs one principal, just like we have one superintendent.

For example: Existing elementary schools are on 15 acres of land, the maximum student count is 830. I recommend moving that up to 1,250 and adding one assistant principal.

This is much more cost-effective than building a whole new school at the cost of about $20 million.

—GABBY BAQUERO

NANCY ROBBINSON

AGE: 54 EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Auburn University OCCUPATION: Orange County School Board member FAMILY: Husband of 30 years, Bill Robbinson; grown children, Emma, Anna and William CITY OF RESIDENCE: Orlando native

What is the single biggest challenge facing OCPS? School safety. The School Board has spent $20 million in recent years to fortify its facilities and will be approving an additional $11 million this budget cycle to continue to do more. The School Board is also spending nearly $5 million on 51 new mental-health professionals that will provide more programs and support for our students’ mental-health needs. Also, the OCPS police continues to work with the nine local law-enforcement jurisdictions in Orange County to ensure our campuses are secure.

What is the best way for the district to address school safety?

The district should continue to receive suggestions of safety and security measures from students, parents, teachers and community members and have them vetted by OCPS police. The district should also distribute as much information as quickly as possible to all stakeholders regarding school-safety information, utilizing every means of communication available (social media, OCPS App, email, Connect Orange, print news, TV/radio, town hall meetings) to ensure stakeholders know what is taking place on our school campuses.

How should OCPS handle the issue of school overcrowding?

OCPS is building new relief schools as fast as possible through the funding from the half-cent sales tax and impact fees. … Growth in Orange County has been overwhelming and is projected to stay steady. ... In severe cases, I believe temporary rezoning may be necessary to handle overcrowding until relief schools can be built.

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MEET THE CANDIDATES

OrangeObserver.com

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

YOUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

pens; Great Clips, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer; Jeremiah’s, Post-it Notes and index cards; Kelly & Kayden Children’s Boutique, crayons and markers; Orlando Eye Institute, three-ring binders and file folders with fasteners; Salt Scene, blunt-tip scissors and ruled filler paper; Smoothie King, spiral notebooks and composition books; Spoleto, glue sticks and glue bottles; Stretch Zone, rulers and protractors; The Joint, pencil boxes and pouches; and Windermere Shoes, dry-erase markers.

The Grove is located at 4750 The Grove Drive, Orlando.

NEW POLLING LOCATIONS

A number of Orange County voters will have new polling places for the 2018 elections.

All voters affected by the below polling place changes will receive a new voter information card and official sample ballot reflecting this new information. Voters can also find their sample ballot at orangcountyvotes.com.

Polling place changes affect the following precincts: n Precinct 130 will move to Lake Whitney Elementary School at 1351 Windermere Road from Windermere Seventh-day Adventist Church. n Precinct 138 will move to Stoneybrook West Golf Club at 15501 Towne Commons Blvd. from Oasis Community Church. n Precinct 140 will move to Water Conserv II Distribution Center at 17498 McKinney Road from Orange County National Golf Center. n Precinct 219 will move to West Oaks Mall at 9401 W. Colonial Drive from New Life Church. n Precinct 220 will move to Woman’s Club of Ocoee at 4 N. Lakewood Ave. from Ocoee Lakeshore Center.

Girls start homeless charity AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A

fter hearing stories about local families who were hungry and cold and living without life’s bare necessities, two Windermere friends, Carmella Duell and Claire O’Malley, have set out to make a difference in the homeless community.

The girls, who are 9 and 10, respectively, went out to play one cool day a few years ago when Carmella’s mother told them to put on their jackets. When they protested, Kelley Duell responded, “You know, some people don’t have coats to wear in the cold.”

The words hit home, and the two began thinking of ways to help those less fortunate.

“We really started to notice all the homeless people when we drove around town, and we both felt inspired to do something to help them,” the girls said. “It was amazing how the direction of our charity really just fell into place.”

Claire and Carmella dreamed up their own charity, CC Charities, after their first initials. They created a logo, which they use on all their fliers, and set up lemonade stands. They collected donations of cash, toiletries and other essentials, such as socks and sunscreen, for the homeless.

GAINING GROUND

After Hurricane Harvey struck the United States last fall, Carmella and Claire heard about a caravan with supplies going to Texas and immediately packed up all the donations they had received so they could add to what would be distributed.

The charity’s direction was further defined when the girls volunteered at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, in Orlando, and learned about a ministry called Family Promise of Greater Orlando.

Four times a year, St. Luke’s hosts homeless families in a makeshift shelter on the church campus for one week. In other shelters, males and females are separated, including the children, but in the St. Luke’s shelter, families are kept together.

Carmella and Claire set up the bedrooms for the four families being hosted, and when they were putting the sheets on the beds, they realized there weren’t enough pillows for everyone. They spent

our opinion, this provides a needed amenity for a community. There’s certainly … a demand in the market for these types of services for a certain demographic that lives in Central Florida, and we’re hoping to be able to provide them a comfortable, safe place to live.”

Many residents that attended the meeting voiced concerns of traffic that this project would bring. Tedrow said the traffic impact of building an assistedliving facility would be no different than building townhomes.

“We had our team run the numbers and look at what would residential (traffic) generate as opposed to an assisted living facility, and there’s no difference,” Tedrow said. “What we’re asking for does not generate any more traffic based on the numbers our engineers ran versus what would

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix,

Courtesy photo

Claire O’Malley, left, and Carmella Duell worked on ideas for their logo.

some of their lemonade-stand money at Target and returned with two shopping carts’ worth of pillows.

“Claire and Carmella are two young, vibrant girls who have a heart for homeless families,” said Carin Anderson, development manager of Family Promise of Greater Orlando. “After volunteering through their local church, they realized they wanted to do more.

They decided to create their own charity and raise money by selling lemonade in their neighborhood.

Family Promise was the fortunate beneficiary of their $1,000 donation. We are grateful for their heart and dedication.”

The girls plan to continue volunteering with Family Promise whenever the homeless families are scheduled to stay at St. Luke’s.

“At this point, we have only helped with setting up the rooms and living spaces for the families,” they said. “However, our hope is that the next time we will get to volunteer as dinner hosts so we can eat and play with the children and the families during their weeklong stay. We think it is inspiring to meet the people that we are hoping to make a difference for.”

KEEPING THEIR PROMISE

Each year, Family Promise helps more than 100 homeless families with children find a path home.

In 2017, the organization helped 546 individuals, or 107 families, through its Congregational Shelter Program and Rapid Rehousing Program.

“The need for our services has never been greater,” Anderson said.

Developer plans new facility townhomes. The property is currently entitled to the development of up to 19 townhomes, Orange County Planner Jason Sorensen said.

“They’re amending the PD (planned development) to change that (current entitlement for townhomes) to allow for ALF — the assisted-living facility,” Sorenson said. “Our code allows it, because it considers it a special exception.”

Tara Tedrow, of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster Kantor & Reed, P.A., spoke on behalf of the applicant for the project. She said only 2.8 acres of the property’s 6.55 acres are developable and that the 75-bed assisted living facility would be housed in one building.

“We are seeking to have our development standards in line with what would be permitted in Horizon West,” Tedrow said. “In

WINDERMERE

be allowed — by right — today on the property.”

She said some residents at assisted-living facilities don’t own a car on-site and added the project would have no impact on schools.

“If we had townhomes or singlefamily residential, that certainly has an impact on schools,” Tedrow said. “In terms of the use we’re requesting, there is zero impact on any of our public-school facilities.”

John and Ginny Rivielle live in Lakeview Pointe, near the subject property. They said they were opposed to the facility and cited traffic and effects to their property values as their biggest concerns.

“What is this going to do to our property values?” Ginny said. “It just doesn’t belong there. … I didn’t pay the price I did for my house to live next to a nursing home.”

dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com

HOW TO HELP

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to CC Charity can call (407) 580-8864 or (407) 929-0740 or email Kelleyduell@me.com.

Advertising Executives Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Business Development Kim Kowske, kkowske@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com

“Our case management services coupled with the compassionate assistance provided by committed volunteers make our program a unique, cost-effective solution to family homelessness.

On July 12, Claire and Carmella delivered a check to Family Promise for $1,000. They have raised about $1,250 from their lemonade stands and through out-of-state family and friends. An additional $1,400 in supplies was collected, too. CC Charities is planning another lemonade stand after the school year begins .

“It is easy to take everyday things like a safe home, a bed and a warm shower for granted,” they said.

“Since we started noticing how many children do not have homes, we really appreciate these things so much more. These thoughts really put us in action to try and make a difference for these children, as it is not fair that they don’t have a home.”

Both girls attend Windermere Elementary. Claire will be in fifth grade, and Carmella will be a fourth-grader in the fall.

“We hope (the girls’ story) will inspire everyone, no matter their age, to tap into their passion and start making a difference out there in our community,” Dena O’Malley, Claire’s mother, said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“Summerlake Parkway can be backed up north of Seidel (Road) a quarter of a mile without any exaggeration to get down the parkway,” John said. “It’s not going to help (with traffic).”

Brian Johnson is the lead pastor of Citrus Church, which meets at Bridgewater Middle School.

“In my mind, there is a need in this area for care for the older generation — those invested in us to get us where we are,” Johnson said.

“We can’t just be a young community; we need all ages.”

District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey reminded residents that just because a developer makes a request does not mean the County Commission will approve what is requested. She added that even if the change request is denied, the developer still has current entitlements.

Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

CONTACT US

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 6562121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.

POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman / David Beliles Publishers of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Plant City Times & Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Windermere Observer, Winter Park/Maitland Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Financial News & Daily Record, Jacksonville Realty-Builder Connection, LWR Life, Season Magazine and Baldwin Park Living

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

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Eric Gutierrez

RJ Roman is the master ninja of the Obstacle Ninja Academy.

Want to be the next Ninja Warrior? Here’s your chance!

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Working out at the Obstacle Ninja Academy looks more like playtime than a traditional workout — but that’s the point.

The Obstacle Ninja Academy — located at 5970 Lakehurst Drive, Orlando — is hosting its grand opening Aug. 4.

Ninja Master RJ Roman described the academy as an “American Ninja Warrior-like training facility.”

Roman is one of the coaches at the academy.

“When you’re doing it, it doesn’t even seem like you’re working out, but you’re getting a lot stronger,” Roman said. “The variety of obstacles we have caters to every skill set.”

Co-owner Robin Lopez said the academy is open to both children and adults of all skill levels.

“You don’t have to have prior knowledge or prior training,” Lopez said. “You can come in as a novice not knowing anything about a hand hold or a grip or any foot position.”

Obstacle Ninja Academy offers introductory classes two days a week and advanced classes two days a week. To determine skill levels, the academy uses a ranking system comparable to the karate belt system but with wristbands.

“The more classes you do, the

You. Your Neighbors.

Your Neighborhood.

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

MAYOR BRUHN West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept.

18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017.

He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

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THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary.

Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905.

For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition.

Today, that changes.

Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper.

For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland.

As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6

IF YOU GO OBSTACLE NINJA ACADEMY 5970 Lakehurst Drive, Orlando PHONE: (407) 608-5662 WEBSITE: obstacleninjaacademy.com EMAIL: info@obstacleninjaacademy.com HOURS: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday MEMBERSHIP & PRICING n Open Gym Walk-in: $20 n Class Walk-in: $25 n Single monthly: $100 n Family monthly: $250 n Single annual: $1,000 n Family annual: $2,500

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The Obstacle Ninja Academy will host its grand opening Aug. 4 at its Dr. Phillips location.

Summer’s calling.

harder it’ll get,” he said. “The people who really show that they’re starting to understand the different types of techniques and that are doing better on the harder courses will move up. It goes by everyone’s individual skill set.”

The academy also offers open gym hours for those who want to work out on their own.

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Lopez said the academy is not only a place to work out but also a place to just play. The academy can be rented for private parties and events.

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Projects progress CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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The Kerina project is situated on a 215.67-acre parcel generally located east and west of South Apopka-Vineland Road, south of Buena Vista Woods Boulevard and north of Lake Street.

The applicant representing the property owners, Miranda Fitzgerald, of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster Kantor & Reed P.A., is requesting to change the future land-use map designation of the property from low density residential, low-medium density residential, and rural/agricultural to planned development-commercial/office/ medium density residential/low density residential/senior living/ conservation.

The change would allow for the development of up to 450 singlefamily dwelling units featuring a mix of housing types; 350 multifamily dwelling units; 200 seniorliving units; 100,000 square feet of commercial/retail; 50,000 square feet of office; a three-acre park; and 93 acres set aside for conservation.

“We’re asking for a mix of uses,” Fitzgerald said. “We’ve asked for different densities … (and) for single-family and multi-family, and we’d like the ability to be creative about that. We’d like to have some townhomes. We’d like to have some smaller lots.”

The O-Town West project is proposed for an 84.32-acre property located north of Interstate 4, south of Fenton St. and east of Lake Ruby. The applicant is proposing to amend the future land-use map designation of the property from activity center mixed use, activity center residential, and low-medium density residential to Planned Development-Commercial/Medium-High Density Residential.

Approving the request would allow up to 1,800 dwelling units and up to 415,142 square feet of commercial space.

“We’ve striven very hard on compatibility to keep any of this density away from the neighbors that are to the northwest,” said Jim Hall, who spoke on behalf of the project. “We have everything down near interchange where it always historically has been ACMU

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(activity center mixed use).”

Although both projects would impact the Dr. Phillips community if approved, it was the Kerina Project that faced opposition. Eleven residents voiced grievances over impacts on traffic, property values and other concerns.

Robert Strong is a member of the Parkside Homeowners Association’s Board of Directors. He said the area in which the Kerina subject property is located is part of a transitional area between the tourist side of town and residential side. He argued that approving the project could disrupt that transitional area.

“Currently, as you travel up the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs-area, you can see a transition take place into the singlefamily-home areas,” Strong said.

“That transition helps as far as noting where the tourist side and where the … resident side is.”

Roy Messinger has been a resident of Buena Vista Woods for 21 years. He also was concerned over the Kerina project’s potential impacts to the transition.

“The plan on the books now with the future land use the way it is now has transitions that should be kept, and we shouldn’t be changing it because anything they’re asking for belongs on Palm Parkway, which has the designation of ACMU (Activity Center Mixed Use),” he said, referring to the project’s current entitlements and the current land-use designations of the area.

District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey motioned to transmit the Kerina project “with a lot of reservations,” she said.

“In its current state, there’s way too many things that we don’t know,” VanderLey said. “I’m going to buy a little bit of time for us to get to the point where we all understand it completely and we understand what they’re proposing.”

Fitzgerald said she is pleased with the outcome.

“We understand we need to show where the specific uses are, and we will,” she said. “I’m very pleased we got it transmitted. We always had a challenge with the homeowners there. … We think the project has merit, and we’ll work with commissioners and neighbors moving forward.”

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ARTS + CULTURE

THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

ORANGEOBSERVER.COM

The cast of “Annie Jr.” comprises children of the Arts After 5 program in East Winter Garden.

‘Good things can still happen here’ The East Winter Garden Neighborhood Alliance is presenting its third annual summer musical production July 27 and 28.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

W

hen Taylor Mezime participated in last year’s Arts After 5 summer musical, she was nervous, shy and quiet. This year, she feels more confident.

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Mezime said. “I’m not really that nervous this time. I think I’m going to do great.”

Mezime is just one of dozens of children participating in the Arts After 5 program’s performance of “Annie Jr.” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28, at the Maxey Community Center, 830 Klondike St., Winter Garden. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased at bit. ly/2vSSDyV. The production was organized

by St. Luke’s United Method-

ist Church as part of the church’s community outreach efforts and presented by the East Winter Garden Neighborhood Alliance in partnership with the Arts After 5 program in East Winter Garden.

St. Luke’s Associate Director of Neighborhood Ministries Ruth Berlus described how Mezime’s confidence is reflected by her demeanor and work ethic.

“In the beginning of the auditions for this year, she came in ready (and) ready to go,” Berlus said. “She’s one of our hardest workers, one of our hardest actors, and she’s not one of the main actors — but she works so hard. She comes in every day (and) she helps encourage the kids.”

Mezime will be playing the role of Pepper. She said she chose that SEE ANNIE JR. PAGE 8

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Taylor Mezime, left, and My’Khia Key rehearsed a scene.

IF YOU GO ANNIE JR. WHEN: 7 p.m.

Friday, July 27, and Saturday, July 28 WHERE: Maxey Community Center, 830 Klondike St., Winter Garden COST: $2

Aby Heemskerk worked on a set piece for the play.

8

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Taylor Mezime will be playing the role of Pepper in “Annie Jr.”

‘Annie Jr.’ set to take Winter Garden stage

279750

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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role because she relates to the character and added her favorite part of the the role is “being the boss of everybody.”

“I like being the boss sometimes,” She said.

Berlus said the children only had about six weeks to prepare the production.

“We have to pack in as much as we can,” Berlus said. “It’s a long process, and there’s not much time to do it.”

She added some of the children were new to theater. Although the production came with its challenges, ultimately, the goal is to enrich children’s lives, Berlus said.

“The most important part is making sure that they come and they have fun and that they’re exposed to everything that we do,” she said. “It’s about them.

It’s about making sure that they have this opportunity …(and) that they’re happy and having fun.”

The drama production also helps the children avoid the “summer slide,” defined by The Brookings Institution as a tendency for some students to lose a level of a academic gains they made during the school year while on summer vacation.

Berlus said the program helps continue the children’s education during the summer by having fun.

“Reading in the summer (is something) kids don’t really like to do, but when they come to the production … we make them read,”

Berlus said, adding children also are exposed to math and science techniques.

“They actually (make) the production pieces,” Berlus said. “They get to paint, they get to measure the dimensions, so there’s mathematics involved. There’s science involved. Like, how much weight can go on this (piece)?”

St. Luke’s Director of Neighborhood Ministries Adam Hartnett said “Annie Jr.” is just one way that the Arts After 5 program benefits the East Winter Garden community. He added the program is “more than just a summer musical.”

“We provide arts- and techbased classes throughout the school year, as well,” he said. “It’s specifically called ‘Arts after 5’ because we wanted to expand the hours that kids were receiving positive, edifying activities outside of the school day. And we noticed — in this neighborhood especially — all of the community centers and opportunities for kids to engage in activities, they end at 5 p.m.”

Hartnett said in addition to giving the children fun things to do outside of the school day, the program also gives them a positive, safe and supervised place to be.

“The effect it has on the community has been incredible to see,” he said. “This is a community that has — historically — been characterized by disenfranchisement, oppression (and) exclusion. …

Good things can still happen here, and good things are going to continue to happen here.”

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HIGH

SPORTS

5

Olympia High junior Troy O’Toole won the 4 on the Fourth 5K July 4 in Oakland. Page 12.

Tenured Titan Kevin McElveen has been coaching at Olympia High since 2002 and has been present for some of the school’s biggest moments in athletics.

1

Luis Ortiz, a 2018 graduate of Dr. Phillips High, has been selected to USA Triathlon’s Project Podium — an Olympic development training program. Ortiz was a standout for DP’s swim and cross-country teams.

2

Andrew Lizyness, a standout senior soccer player for Olympia High, has committed to UCF.

3

Fall registration is underway for Firestorm FC, a co-ed, not-for-profit recreation soccer league based out of Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Garden that serves surrounding areas, including Horizon West.

For more information visit facebook.com/FirestormFCSoccer or email Joe Gitto at joe.gitto@ brightstarcare.com.

4

Jaylyn Whitehead, an Ocoee native and Olympia High grad, is having a strong summer ball season for the Cincinnati Steam, a team in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League. Whitehead, who plays college baseball for UCF, has posted a 2.39 ERA and has four wins to his credit so far this summer.

FOND MEMORIES Steven Ryzewski

Longtime Olympia golf coach Kevin McElveen has been promoted to athletic director for the Titans.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

B

eing on campus at Olympia High since the school’s second year of operation, Kevin McElveen has become a sort of historian for the Titans athletic programs by default.

He can recall most of the school’s signature moments on the playing field and rattle off names of Olympia alumni who have gone on to careers in big-time college athletics and the pros.

There’s a certain passion McElveen has for the Titans, and it’s something he plans to lean on in his new role as Olympia’s athletic director. Olympia Principal Guy Swenson announced McElveen as the new athletic director July 11, replacing Aaron Crawford, whose

contract was not renewed.

“I’m highly invested in this school — I know what this school can do, I know the community pretty well and I’m very prideful for our kids,” McElveen said.

“We’ve got such a good reputation as an academic school, and I think sometimes people don’t understand what a great athletic program we’ve had here at Olympia.”

After working at the school for 16 years as a teacher and coach of several sports — most recently leading the boys golf team since 2006 — McElveen now has his fingers in every sport on campus.

He came to campus from Apopka High in 2002 to help coach the Titans upstart football program and also coached boys and girls basketball and girls flag football in

On campus at Olympia since 2002, Kevin McElveen has seen some terrific Titan achievements. Here are a select few recollections that the school’s new athletic director says were particularly memorable.

2004 Beating Apopka in football “That was the first year we made the playoffs. … It was awesome — I get goosebumps talking about it. It was the first really big win at Olympia.”

2009 Boys basketball beating Winter Park in state semifinal “That was a fantastic game. We drove over to Lakeland, and that was a lot of fun. That team —

home games were events.

And then, here’s (NBA guard) Austin Rivers (playing for Winter Park) — to be able to beat them was fantastic.”

2012 Baseball ranked in top five in nation “I’ll never forget going out there for a game against Lake Brantley in the playoffs and here’s (former New York Mets general manager) Omar Minaya standing over here and (baseball analyst and former executive) Steve Phillips standing over there — the crowds that would come to those games to watch Jesse Winker, Connor Lien, Walker Weichel and Nick Gordon. Those games were fun.”

SEE NEW PAGE 12

Rebranded league will extend to serve SW Orange Ocoee Little League transitioned to Babe Ruth Baseball. The new league, West Orange Babe Ruth, will accommodate a larger area, including would-be players in Horizon West, Windermere, Dr. Phillips and MetroWest.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI

5

Olympia High grad Jazmyne Gelfand has signed to continue her basketball career with Trinity College in Connecticut. The Bantams went 15-10 in 2017-18.

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Facing a dramatic decline in participation, Ocoee Little League’s Board of Directors and parents gather July 9 for an important meeting. There, the league’s leadership laid out a plan to transition the league — which has existed since 1962 — to Babe Ruth Baseball.

By a 53-1 margin, those present voted in favor of that proposal, and Ocoee Little League has since been rebranded as West Orange Babe Ruth and is navigating the transition process between the two umbrella organizations.

One of the main selling points that evening was that, under Babe Ruth, the new organization will be able to take youth players from as

far away as Dr. Phillips, MetroWest, Windermere and Horizon West — meaning youth players in Southwest Orange who have friends in the Ocoee or Winter Garden area could now play baseball together.

“There’s a tremendous amount of kids we have the ability to reach out to in this area to play baseball,” Tom Hardy, the new league’s president, said.

Ocoee Little League board members also said travel ball had become an obstacle to participation. The COBRA program offered

by Babe Ruth, which operates as version of travel ball within Central Florida Babe Ruth leagues, was cited as a possible aid to increasing participation.

SEE LEAGUE PAGE 12

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

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SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILLSTATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

New AD settles in

Troy O’Toole

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

those early years. He is a regular attendee at all of the Titans home games, and his daughter, Emma, is a standout setter for the Olympia volleyball team — which made it to the state semifinals in 2017.

McElveen’s familiarity with so many of Olympia’s programs across the board has set him apart from the candidates who sought the position.

“Kevin is an experienced coach and longtime teacher at Olympia,” Swenson said in a statement.

“He knows our community well and will bring a wealth of experience to the role. I am excited to move in a new direction.”

Moving into his new role means relinquishing previous roles as the coach of the Titans’ talented boys golf program and as an American government teacher — a bit of a bittersweet element to this new opportunity.

Troy O’Toole is a busy guy at Olympia High. A cross-country runner who made it to state as a freshman, he also plays lacrosse and runs track for the Titans. This summer, he’s kept busy, too. O’Toole participated in the 4 on the Fourth 5K in Oakland July 4 and was the top overall finisher across all age groups with a time of 23:44.

Were you surprised to win the 4 on the Fourth 5K? I was a little bit surprised. I’ve run a couple other ones that I’ve won — I ran the SeaWorld 5K and won. I really enjoyed those two. … I like the community races a lot.

How do cross-country runners work to improve during the offseason?

We get lots of mileage on our legs — lots of hills to get yourself stronger. Lots of weight room and lots of core.

How was the team camp you attended in North Carolina?

The camp was a lot of fun, a lot of team bonding. At camp, you run the mountains and the little trails. We do a lot of timed runs.

What are some goals you have for this fall?

I would love to break 16:15.

Some other personal goals would be passing some of my tests. As for the team, we have a lot of new runners. I want to build some of these kids up.

How did you get started in your chosen sports?

I came out of seventh grade not knowing what to do when I came into high school. … I came here, and I asked one of my friends, ‘What kind of sports do you play?’

He said,

THE BASICS AGE: 17 HEIGHT: 6 feet SCHOOL: Olympia High YEAR: Junior HOMETOWN: Windermere SPORTS: Cross-country, lacrosse, track

‘Cross-country and lacrosse.’

I’m pretty sure he hates me, because I got better at both sports than him.

How do you mentally approach running?

I really try not to think about what’s around me. I will look ahead and say, “Hey, I need to get ahead of that person.” ... Other than that, I sing a song to myself and have a little quote that I use.

What’s your favorite subject?

History — and, other than that, lunch. I definitely like United States history … I like to learn about the U.S. because I live in it. One of my favorite things was learning about all the presidents.

How have you been spending your summer outside of training?

Other than training, I cut grass to make some money — I want to buy a new car — and I have a couple side jobs that I work to see what I want to do out of college. I’m working with a guy who does fabrication just to see if that’s something I want to do down the road. I also hang out with friends and like to go mudding with some of them.

Courtesy photo

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn and the Windermere Little League Softball 10-Year-Old All-Stars are all smiles as the girls prepare for their July 20 drive to Tennessee for the Tournament of State Champions.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

“With Babe Ruth, we now have that travel ball option, under the Babe Ruth-umbrella, locally,” Hardy said.

The process for this change is just beginning. Hardy acknowledged much of the heavy lifting for the transition — and starting a new entity — is still to come. West Orange Babe Ruth will join other local leagues under the Babe Ruth umbrella in Altamonte Springs, College Park

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

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Ahead of their trip to Tennessee last weekend for the Little League Tournament of State Champions, the girls of the Windermere Little League Softball 10-Year-Old All-Star team got a sendoff as Florida champions.

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn and others bid the girls farewell as they set out for Clarkesville, where they faced off against champions from nearby states in the Southeast.

There, Windermere went 1-2, though that record does not tell the entire story. After a grueling, extra-inning thriller did not go their way in the opener July 21, the girls had to turn around and play again, dropping another close contest. Windermere closed the event on a high note, winning its final game 11-3.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

League will operate out of Ocoee

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far from the football program’s new head coach.

“Travis is the guy to get us back to where we used to be (in football),” McElveen said. “A football program kind of sways the school year. If we can get success out there on that field, I think it really helps with school spirit and everything else.”

McElveen brings some ideas to his new role, too, envisioning facility upgrades in the coming years and building upon the school’s sponsor relationships.

Most of all, though, the longtime Titan envisions having a hall of fame in place in time for the school’s 20th anniversary in 2021 — one that can celebrate the outstanding individuals that have come through the halls and an athletics program that has four state championships to its credit in its young history.

“There’s a lot to really toot our horn about,” McElveen said.

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“I’m going to miss (teaching) — I really am,” he said. “I enjoy talking, and I enjoy the relationships with the kids. When you’re teaching something like government, I’ve learned as much from the kids over the years as they’ve hopefully learned from me.”

In addition to hiring his replacement for the boys golf program, McElveen also will be seeking a girls soccer coach as one of his first orders of business. He has been touching base with all of his coaches on campus and said he is excited about the returning staff.

“We’ve got good people in these positions,” McElveen said.

Of course, one sport that is about to be top-of-mind is varsity football. Travis Gabriel took over the program this spring, after serving as the defensive coordinator at Boone High, and the Titans new athletic director said he likes what he has seen so

and Winter Park, among others.

The new league will be in Florida Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball’s Southern Florida District 12.

Despite the name change, Hardy said the new league will still have the support of the city of Ocoee and be able to use its fields as it had as Ocoee Little League.

Representatives from Florida Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball championed an increased degree of flexibility for individual leagues to make decisions and

also what they said is a simpler registration process as compared to Little League. Hardy said the new league will try to keep its costs low but said costs for the fall season and beyond are still to be decided.

“We want to try and keep it competitive,” Hardy said. “We also want to be very transparent about our costs.”

There is no rest for the transition team, either, because the league hopes to have transition fully in time for the fall season.

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SIDLEINE SCENE

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THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2018

13

Standout running back lends a hand to rival athletic director in time of need

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

W

hen West Orange and Dr. Phillips square off in football Sept. 7, Steve McHale and Nemea Hall will be on different sides of the field at Bill Spoone Stadium.

McHale, athletic director for the Panthers, will be on the home sideline in his trademark Dr. Phillips polo and hat.

Hall, a rising junior running back for the Warriors, will be suited up in orange and blue.

He’ll be doing his best to pick up first downs and touchdowns for West Orange, while McHale will be cheering on the Dr. Phillips defense to slow him down.

It will be, in short, as any high-school sports rivalry ought to be.

Of course, none of that changes the fact that, when one was in a time of need, the other was there to help.

First, some background.

Before McHale was a coach and later an athletic director, he served in the U.S. Marines Corps. On June 22, he was in El Paso, Texas, for a national conference for combat veterans.

Along with several other of his fellow veterans, McHale is a motorcycle enthusiast, and so that day, he and a group went for a ride to the base of the nearby mountains, where there is a scenic overlook of the city.

Thanks to a freak accident, McHale ended up in the emergency room instead of taking in the splendor of the overlook he and his friends had sought out.

As a result of the accident, his bike had slid from under him, leaving him with a fractured vertebrae in his back, a broken hand and road rash up and down both sides of his body.

After spending two days in the hospital, the Panthers’ athletic director was cleared to travel home to Orlando, but there was an additional problem. McHale and his family, who reside in Winter Garden, were supposed to be moving to a different neighborhood in Winter Garden at the beginning of July.

Eric Schwalbach, a neighbor of McHale’s and an active member in the local sports community, decided to help by bringing a trio of teens whom he had known through youth football to help with the move.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Phillips Athletic Director Steve McHale and West Orange running back Nemea Hall take a break from helping McHale move to smile for a photo op.

Hall was among them.

McHale has known Hall since the standout running back was in elementary school; he was in the same class as McHale’s daughter. A few days of Hall and company helping to move furniture and boxes provided an opportunity for McHale to catch up with the young man he had known since

he was scoring touchdowns in Pop Warner football.

“We talked about being so talented (at football) and making the right decisions,” McHale said. “We talked about his GPA and stuff he can do within the community.”

Part of the reason college football coaches from around the country are taking an

interest in Hall is he stands 6 feet tall and weights a solid 210-pounds. He boasts an athletic frame that helps him break through tackles as he accelerates down the field. As a sophomore, he was dominant running the ball, culminating in bowl-game appearance where he rushed for five touchdowns and more than 300 yards against Lyman High.

He can be soft-spoken and shy outside of the game, though, and McHale wanted the community to know that there is more to the Winter Garden native than football.

“He’s got a big heart, and he’s a great kid,” McHale said.

“He’s helping out the athletic director of a rival high school — which is unheard of in other parts.”

As much as anything, it was also a reminder of what the “rivalry love” that Orange County Public School’s Metro Conference likes to talk up actually looks like.

“I’m really good friends with (West Orange football coach) Bob Head, and my daughter is a senior at West Orange,” McHale said. “I support West Orange 100% every day that they’re not playing Dr. Phillips — there’s a lot of friendship and camaraderie.”

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