WINTER PARK/MAITLAND
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 29, NO. 30
GLIDING
Coyotes spotted in Winter Park
LIGHT Gliding Stars of Central Florida helps children with disabilities find their place on the ice.
Adobe Stock photo
Coyotes can thrive in urban environments, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR
T
A small dog was killed by coyotes last week. TIM FREED ASSOCIATE EDITOR
he faces said it all.
Maile campers get comfy in front of the camera. 8. FREE
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
BLACK
TIE
Center for Independent Living hosts annual gala at Leu Gardens. SEE PAGE 10.
YOUR TOWN HAVE A ‘LATTE’ ON YOUR MIND?
The smiles that stretched from ear to ear as kids skat-
ed their way around the white
Coyotes are on the move in Winter Park — and small pets are the prey. That was the case for Winter Park resident Chris Sullivan’s Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier mix, Walle, who was killed by coyotes near their home on Lander Road last week. This isn’t the first time coyotes have taken the life of a pet in Winter Park. In 2014, Marguerite Dykes lost three cats to wild canines near her home along Palmer Avenue. Although Winter Park may not be a place residents would expect to see coyotes, they can live almost anywhere, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Greg Workman said.
sheet of ice were proof enough of happiness. Some skaters streaked across the ice on their own, while others were in specialized wheelchairs — but regardless of physical ability, no one was disappointed. For that one hour, they were liberated and
SEE COYOTES PAGE 6
could do anything.
SPORTS
SEE STORY PAGE 4
The first CoffeeTalk of the 2017 season, featuring City Manager Randy Knight, will be held at 8 a.m. Friday, July 28, at the Winter Park Welcome Center, 151 W. Lyman Ave. Now in its 12th season, CoffeeTalk has become the place for citizens that have “a latte beans to grind” or who simply want to “espresso their thoughts.” The purpose of CoffeeTalk is to give the community an opportunity to talk to their city leaders in a more casual, informal environment and avoid the stage fright often experienced at large meetings.
Maitland businessman purchases Jacksonville Armada Football Club Robert Palmer, CEO of Maitland-based Robert Palmer Companies, has high hopes for his newest endeavor. TROY HERRING ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Rollins golf standout Barry Babbitt once ruled the hardwood. SEE PAGE 12.
There is no greater desire for a sports fan than running his or her own team. Just imagine walking around with unlimited access to the facilities and team, taking in all the behind-the-scenes moments you want.
During games, you are treated like royalty as you sit in your own suite and enjoy all types of amenities — it is the ultimate job. The only problem with that desire, however, is that it generally takes a lot of money and effort to fulfill. Fortunately for Maitland busiSEE PALMER PAGE 4
Troy Herring
Robert Palmer plans to develop the Armada into a top-notch soccer organization.