08.14.25 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

YOUR TOWN

WGHF, OPERA ORLANDO PARTNER FOR XMAS SHOW

Tickets are on sale now for Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s 2025 spectacular holiday event, “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914,” featuring a stunning performance by Opera Orlando.

This production will take place Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.

This musical commemorates the extraordinary true story of the 1914 Christmas Truce, when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday in peace. “All Is Calm” beautifully captures the spirit of hope and humanity that emerged during one of history’s darkest times, making it the perfect centerpiece for our holiday celebrations.

“We are excited to present this powerful piece during the holiday season,” Winter Garden Heritage Foundation Executive Director Kristi Gomen said. “It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the importance of community. We hope to inspire attendees to reflect on the values of peace and goodwill.”

This festive performance is more than a holiday celebration — it’s also a vital fundraiser for the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. All proceeds will go directly to supporting its mission: preserving and promoting Winter Garden and West Orange County’s rich cultural heritage through our history museums, archives, educational programs and community events.

Tickets for “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” are available for purchase teachtix. com/wghf/all-is-calm-thechristmas-truce-of-1914.

This event is expected to sell out quickly.

For more information, visit wghf.org.

Magic touch An ordinary demi-guy

5FAST

Suspect in Ocoee police shooting dies

The female suspected of stealing a vehicle has died from injuries she sustained in an Aug. 10 shooting.

According to Ocoee Police Department reports, Stacie Lynn Guerrero, 54, was shot by an officer after she struck the officer with the car she was driving.

The incident took place at about 11:30 a.m. in the Publix parking lot at 301 West Road, Ocoee.

Officers located the vehicle in the parking lot. As they approached the vehicle, the driver put the vehicle in motion driving toward two responding officers. Both officers were struck by the vehicle during the incident, reports stated.

In response to the immediate threat, one officer discharged a firearm.

Guerrero was transported to an AdventHealth hospital but later died. Neither officer sustained serious injuries.

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

Florida State Rep. Carolina Amesty.

In an Aug. 7 court filing, Amesty’s attorney, Brad Bondi, wrote: “On July 28, 2025, the government withdrew the grand jury subpoenas it referenced as a basis to support its motion seeking an extension of the time period to seek an indictment. Moreover, we understand that the government has determined there will be no indictment in this matter.”

“The government has dropped its criminal complaint against me,” Amesty, a Windermere resident, wrote on X. “I am grateful to God, my amazing attorney Brad Bondi and his team, and my family for supporting me through this difficult time.”

In the filing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Norway dismissed without prejudice the criminal complaint against Amesty and directed the clerk to terminate “all pending motions and close this matter.”

The ruling ends a nearly sevenmonth legal battle between the DOJ and Amesty.

U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg on Thursday, Jan. 16, filed a criminal

relative in 2020 filed 15 applications for various organizations through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

The complaint alleged Amesty misrepresented information on two applications — for the Carolina Amesty Foundation Inc. and Dinocar Auto Sales LLC. The complaint accused Amesty of stealing $84,500 through the foundation and $37,500 through Dinocar.

Amesty called the allegations “clear religious prosecution and a further personal political attack.”

3

Teens arrested after stolen vehicle incident

Two juveniles were arrested Sunday, Aug. 10, after attempting to break into

The two males were seen by officers while patrolling the area around 4 a.m. As officers approached them, the suspects ran on foot in different directions.

WPD asked for additional units from Ocoee, as well as K-9 officers and an Orange County Sheriff’s Office helicopter to form a perimeter.

One of the suspects who ran away was able to get in a truck that was unlocked and attempted to drive away, only to be met with a dead end.

The driver then rammed into patrol vehicles before becoming trapped and arrested.

The other suspect was later found and taken into custody with no incidents, the statement reported.

Both suspects were transported to the Juvenile Detention

vehicles had minor damage. Ogden said his team also recovered possible stolen property linked to cases in the jurisdiction of Orange County.

Matthew’s Hope launches sleeper bus Matthew’s Hope, a nonprofit based in Winter Garden, soon will have a new sleeper bus running in Brevard County. Launched by founder Scott Billue, the idea for the bus came after Florida passed House Bill 1365, prohibiting public camping and sleeping. The bus, funded through grants and donations, fits 20 people and will be equipped with security features, beds, chargers, air conditioning, bathroom and privacy. A cleaning company will clean and disinfect the bus each day.

Billue said the bus will help the homeless get rest and rejuvenate. Although the bus won’t run in Orange County as of now, Billue hopes it will soon. The next step is to get approval from the city of Winter Garden to operate a bus in West Orange.

Road closures in Ocoee to last until October The city of Ocoee announced the closure of Taylor Street for roadway improvements.

As part of its West Oakland Avenue improvement, Taylor Street will be closed between West Franklin Street be completed by early

Leticia Silva

Matthew’s Hope’s new sleeper bus made an appearance in Winter Garden.

FAMILY FIRST

Makenzie Memolo was born with unbelievable health challenges, but she smiles through and keeps up the sass of a 6 year old. Her family is in need of help.

MEGAN BRUINSMA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

At 1 month old, Makenzie Memolo went in for an MRI.

The ultrasounds were fine during her time in the womb. But after Mackenzie was born, she lost weight in her first five weeks of life and was marked a failure to thrive. Her parents, Kathy and Shawn Memolo, were shocked.

The Memolos thought the appointment would be simple: She would get the MRI done, they would take her home and find out the results a few days later. They were wrong. She needed emergency surgery.

Nobody could have predicted Makenzie had hydrocephalus and would become wheelchair-bound, diagnosed blind, have epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

The Memolos never imagined the amount of community support that blossomed for their family and their now 6-year-old daughter. Friends, community members, organizations and even strangers are raising money to support the Memolo family as they try to find a new vehicle to ensure they can meet Makenzie’s needs.

‘THE SCARIEST COUPLE OF WEEKS OF OUR LIVES’

After Makenzie’s MRI at 1 month old, the doctor wanted to talk to Kathy and Shawn Memolo right away. They were taken into the emergency room, where a neurosurgeon explained that Makenzie had hydrocephalus.

Everyone has fluid around their brain, which normally drains on its own. Hydrocephalus means the fluid around the brain doesn’t drain on its own, and the only treatment is to have a shunt put in.

The diagnosis explained why Makenzie struggled to eat and why her eyes always looked down. Doctors said she needed brain surgery immediately.

“They were admitting us right away,” Kathy Memolo said. “That was really scary. My 5-week-old baby (was having surgery), and we thought we were just going in for a test. Then we had to get my mom to go over to stay with my other daughter while all this was happening. It was the scariest couple of weeks of our lives.”

But Makenzie wasn’t able to have surgery.

As doctors did her blood work, they discovered her sodium levels were extremely high, which would put her in danger during surgery. An endocrinologist informed Kathy and Shawn Memolo that Makenzie also had diabetes insipidus; she doesn’t regulate sodium on her own.

After taking medicine for four days to help the condition, Makenzie was cleared for surgery.

The Memolo family walks every year to raise money for hydrocephalus research. Its slogan is “No More BS,” meaning no more brain surgery.

HOW TO HELP

If you’d like to donate to the Memolo GoFundMe, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/f/a-van-formakenzie-support-the-memolos

“My husband and I both were up the whole night crying, because they couldn’t tell us for sure that everything would be OK,” Kathy Memolo said. “There are babies who die from hydrocephalus, and then adding in the extra complications, there was no way for us to know what her future would look like. … Knowing that she was going to have this device in her head, we just kept looking at her knowing she was never going to look the same again.”

Makenzie’s surgery was successful, and she spent the next few days in the pediatric intensive care unit, because she had challenges coming off anesthesia.

“We would just sit and look at our baby hooked up to all these monitors and things, and our hearts would break for her,” Kathy Memolo said.

Post-surgery, Makenzie continued to struggle to eat and lost more weight, so she got a nasogastric tube at 4 months old. She began feeding therapy, because she lacked the muscle to drink from a bottle.

At 5 months old, Makenzie still wasn’t able to track anything with her eyes, and she began to have seizures. She was diagnosed legally blind and with infantile spasms, which Kathy Memolo put as a “baby version” of epilepsy.

Makenzie still has epilepsy but is now medicated. She had some seizures at the end of last school year, and they adjusted her medication to control it.

At 6 months old, Makenzie started physical therapy. She didn’t have head control and couldn’t sit up, so her neurologist diagnosed her with cerebral palsy.

Fast-forward to today, 6-year-old Makenzie gets her therapy at school through her Individualized Education Program. She attends physical, occupational, speech, vision and behavior therapy.

Through therapy, Makenzie has started to learn to use buttons to communicate her feelings.

She has two buttons attached to her wheelchair. Each button has a different feeling so Makenzie can begin to associate the texture with a meaning. The goal is to increase the number of buttons and give Makenzie a communication board.

“As she gets older, if she doesn’t start talking, that would be a way for her to communicate with us,” Kathy Memolo said.

SUPER SASSY

Despite the conditions Makenzie’s living with, her spirit and sassy personality stays up every day.

“If I put some food on her high chair tray, sometimes she’ll throw it on the floor, and if I say, ‘Makenzie, don’t throw that on the floor,’ she’ll laugh and then do it again,” Kathy Memolo said. “She’s super sassy, and she definitely finds ways to be a defiant child.”

Makenzie loves music, and her family jokes she’ll become a music critic. When a song comes on she doesn’t like, she’ll scream at the top of her lungs. If she likes a song, she’ll start babbling and laughing along with it.

“She loves to eat all sorts of different things, and then she likes physical touch,” Kathy Memolo said. “She likes to be tickled and hugged and smushed.”

She also enjoys having a stuffed animal thrown at her. The family warns Makenzie they’re going to throw it, and she finds the action hilarious. She babbles a lot and makes all sorts of noises — from happy to mad and sad.

Makenzie’s future isn’t clear. The family doesn’t know if she’ll be able to talk. She likely will stay in a wheelchair and always live with her parents.

“We’ve definitely come to a place of accepting and appreciating all the things she can do — that she’s a really happy kid, loves school and she has so much love in her life,” Kathy Memolo said.

The family of four focuses on their quality time together and always makes the most of it because they never know when there will be a medical or financial emergency.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Memolos are living off one income.

Kathy Memolo is a first-grade teacher at Oakland Charter, and Shawn Memolo stays home as Makenzie’s “on-call caretaker.”

Shawn Memolo is there for all of Makenzie’s needs. He takes her to doctor appointments a couple of times per month. She gets sick more

frequently than other kids and he stays at home to care for her.

To make extra cash, Shawn Memolo does resale while the rest of the family is at school, but he always stays within 15 minutes of Makenzie in case of an emergency — like the time she had a seizure at school.

“He had to get to the school quickly so he could go in the ambulance with her to the hospital,” Kathy Memolo said.

Shawn Memolo’s mother moved in four years ago to help with meals and bathing when the craziness of the school year is upon them. She also helps out with paying the mortgage of the home.

Every morning, Shawn Memolo drops the family off at work in their one vehicle. They were given the minivan two-and-a-half years ago from friends, because they needed a vehicle to fit Makenzie’s wheelchair.

At the end of July, the family was thrown a curveball when the van broke down and they were told it needed a new engine — something they couldn’t afford. They looked at what vehicles they could afford.

A sedan would be cheaper, but it wouldn’t fit a wheelchair. A used minivan with 150,000 miles on it had a monthly payment of $500.

“We don’t have that,” Kathy Memolo said.

They dream of having an accessible van, allowing Makenzie to stay in her wheelchair during the transitions in and out of the vehicle. As she’s

become older and heavier, it’s hard on Kathy Memolo to lift Makenzie into and out of the car seat, and it’s difficult for Makenzie to constantly be moved around.

“Just having that accessible van will make our lives easier, and it’ll make her life easier, too,” Kathy Memolo said.

A family friend heard about their situation and asked Kathy and Shawn if she could start a GoFundMe for them. They weren’t sure how the GoFundMe would take off and told the friend to go for it, and a little bit of money would be so helpful.

“The amount of people who have donated and when I look at the names, there’s people I don’t even know,” Kathy Memolo said. “They just know somebody who knows us, they heard our story and felt for us.”

Dozens of people and organizations, including the Windermere Police Foundation, have donated to the GoFundMe, which has raised $8,600 so far to support the family.

“My husband and I talk about it every day that we’re just overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the people that have reached out to support us and the posts that people have put on Facebook, and things that talk about how much I meant to their family as their child’s teacher,” Kathy Memolo said.

Kathy Memolo has received messages from former students and their parents and loves hearing about how they’re doing, no matter how long they’ve been out of her

classroom.

The Memolo family appreciates every day together and has found ways to adapt to meet the needs of Makenzie’s health conditions.

Courtesy photos

Makenzie Memolo’s personality shines daily as she battles through life.

BY THE NUMBERS

/ Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com

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Disney drive benefits local students, teachers Observer

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Hamlin’s Steven Miller, a senior manager with Walt Disney World External Affairs, dug into a cardboard box looking for notebooks.

He brought them to a table for them to be counted and set aside with the hundreds of other notebooks Disney cast members collected during its annual Back-to-School Supply Drive to donate to A Gift for Teaching.

Within 30 minutes of the second group of cast members coming together to sort supplies for distribution Friday, Aug. 8, the cast members reached 100,000 school supplies.

After cheers and applause from the dozens of cast members, Stitch from “Lilo & Stitch” joined the celebration for photo opportunities.

As 206,372 students were welcomed back to school in Orange County alone Monday, Aug. 11, the supply drive came at the perfect time.

THE GIFT OF GIVING

A Gift for Teaching provides thousands of items of school supplies to close to 13,000 teachers throughout Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Polk counties each year. Disney has worked with A Gift for Teaching since 1998, providing close to $190 million worth of school supplies since the nonprofit’s inception, Miller said. In the past five years alone, Disney collected about

360,000 school supplies.

“What this demonstrates is the deep care that our cast members have for the community in Central Florida,” Miller said. “Living here, they see the needs that people have. They want to take care of the community and want to give back.”

Besides the Back-to-School Supply Drive, Miller said Disney has been working with A Gift for Teaching for the past four years to provide a program for new teachers in which supplies are delivered directly to their schools to help them feel more connected and valued.

Miller said the school supplies will give teachers and students a head start on the school year.

“It’s been great, my career here, and it’s moments like this when you see the impact,” he said. “I think about the kid who’s going to be coming into the classroom and he had this list, but he didn’t have supplies. Now, he has a whole backpack full of stuff he doesn’t have to worry about. The parents don’t have to worry about it. That’s a great thing.”

Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching, said seeing the cast members in full force sorting school supplies was overwhelming.

“It’s just such a reminder of what our partnership with Walt Disney World has meant for the past 25 years, seeing all these cast members here sorting the amazing amount of donations that have been generously gifted because they love teachers,” she said. “They want teachers not to have to spend their own money. Ultimately, we all want every student to

be successful in the classroom. This is just a joy.”

Thompson said right now is a tough time to be a teacher and for many families in the community, so providing supplies is imperative. Donating the supplies helps students feel less isolated, sets aside any stigma a child might feel for not having supplies and alleviates stress on parents who are struggling to afford supplies.

“I used to get anything I needed and brand new clothes to go back to school and to think that that is just such a struggle for more than 70% of our families here in Central Florida, it’s pretty shocking,” she said.

Disney’s Back-to-School Supply Drive is the A Gift for Teaching’s largest supply drive. Thompson said the nonprofit will typically generate enough supplies to provide a third of the essential school supplies needed throughout the school year.

Miller watched dozens of cast members in their VoluntEARS shirts dive into the more than 45 boxes filled with school supplies and bring them to tables to be sorted and counted.

Stacey Cree, a cast member for 19 years, went through the boxes to find as many packages of pens she could carry in her arms. Meanwhile, 20-year cast member Keith Drosehn counted boxes of crayons. The Backto-School Supply Drive has been a tradition for several long-standing cast members, including Cree and Drosehn.

“Teachers spend long hours educating kids, and really they care so

OCPS FACES DECLINING ENROLLMENT, BUS DRIVER SHORTAGES AS YEAR BEGINS

The supply drive Friday, Aug. 8, came days before the first day of school for Orange County Public Schools Monday, Aug. 11.

The more than 100,000 supply items will be distributed to help the hundreds of thousands of students flooding the schools.

This school year will feature a few changes.

OCPS is expected to see a reduction in enrollment by about 3,000 students because of lower birth rates and the state’s voucher program. With hopes of recuperating the decrease in enrollment, the district has entered a partnership with Caissa Public Strategy LLC. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez said the efforts to bring students back into the district include direct phone calls, mass communications and other outreach. She said the district already has

recuperated “a couple hundred families” with hopes there will be more throughout the school year. Because of the projected decrease in enrollment, Chief Facilities Officer Rory Salimbene said there will be a pause in new schools until 2031.

“That pause doesn’t mean that we’re not building new schools,” he said. “We are busier than we’ve ever been. We have (more than) $1 billion in projects in construction this summer.”

The district has active projects in place for replacements of a STEAM Academy, Orlando Gifted Academy and Orange County Virtual School.

The district also will continue with the opening of two new elementary schools next school year, including a school in Horizon West.

Teresa Jacobs, chair of the Orange County School Board, said the hold on $18 million of federal funding for

critical programs, including Title I programs, has been lifted.

“I want to thank our community and our elected officials for their support and standing by our school district and districts across the nation during this difficult time, despite the challenges facing public schools, and there are challenges facing public schools,” she said. “We are excited to begin this new year. We have confidence in our teachers, professional support staff, administrations and most importantly, we have confidence in our students, their families and this community.”

Communication changes also will be new to this school year as the district starts to use Parent Square to connect and communicate with families. All messages, including from the classroom, school and district, will be from Parent Square, which will translate

206,327 Projected OCPS enrollment including voluntary pre-K, pre-K, charter, alternative and exceptional education students

“A” traditional schools 96% 2024 graduation rate for traditional schools

199 Countries of origin for students

176 Languages and dialects students speak

23,479 Employees

226,000

Estimated number of meals served daily during the school year

53,000

Students transported to and from school

528

Buses used daily

13 million Miles the district’s fleet of buses travels per year

much about the kids, so to me, it gives me such a feeling of gratitude that our cast members care this deeply to spend time not only collecting supplies and sorting but finding other ways to volunteer throughout the year to give back to others,” Miller said.

the messages into more than 100 languages based on preference.

Another communications tool will be Let’s Talk, which will help families gain access to information more swiftly, Vazquez said. Let’s Talk uses AI to help families find information quickly. Families will be able to ask a question, and Let’s Talk will point them in the correct direction.

The district is searching for more bus drivers as the driver shortage persists. The district would need between 150 and 200 new drivers to be fully staffed.

OCPS will have to continue doing double-back routes, meaning buses will have to make two runs to the high schools, dropping one group of students off at the schools around 6:30 a.m. followed by another group before the start of school. Bill Wen, the senior director of transportation, said as a result of the doublebacks, buses might run at least 30 minutes late.

With the hustle and bustle of a new school year, Vazquez is thrilled to welcome students back.

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Liz Ramos

Dozens of Disney cast members gathered to sort school supplies. Cast members collected more than 100,000 school supply items that will be distributed to close to 13,000 teachers throughout Central Florida to ensure a successful start to a new school year.

Ocoee raises solid waste services fee

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

The Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 5, unanimously approved a resolution to increase the annual rate for its residential solid waste services by $42 to $344.42 per household and a transfer of $1.3 million from the city’s General Fund to the Solid Waste Fund. This resolution is a multi-layered effort to address the fund’s current deficit and maintain its sustainability for the future. First, the increased annual rate not only would help cover the cost of administering the contracted solid waste services the city provides, but also it is essential to pay back the $1.3 million transfer from the General Fund. The one-time transfer of $1.3 million serves to help restore the financial stability of the Solid Waste Fund. The restoration of the financial stability of the Solid Waste Fund is a matter of concern for the city because of its effects on its annual audit. During the city’s required annual financial audit for the last fiscal year, one of the few negative notes Ocoee received from the certified public accounting firm performing the audit, Purvis Gray, was regarding its negative position in this fund. The auditors recommended the city continue to pursue recovering from the negative position.

According to a presentation by Public Works Director Steve Krug, an investigation into the negative position found that the fund was operating from a negative net position prior to 2019 — when the city itself provided solid waste services in-house. When the city contracted out these services to Waste Connections, in an effort to contain costs, the negative balance was not accounted for in the administration fee portion of the solid waste services rate.

However, this might not be the only increase in this service for Ocoee residents. The city’s current contract with Waste Connections is set to expire in April 2027. Krug said during his presentation the solid waste service provider’s cost likely will increase upon the current deal running out. The city plans to explore the market for other vendors and consider other options — such as reducing the amount of trash pick-ups or cutting recycling — to mitigate passing along anymore rate increases to its residents but the expectation is another increase to the service fee in 2027 or shortly thereafter.

LAKE GOLF CLUB

FOREST

During a presentation at the commission meeting by Parks and Leisure Services Director Mark Johnson, Robert Utsey, principal shareholder of consulting firm ZHA, and Nick Dunleavy, the regional operations manager for Forest Lake Golf Club’s temporary operator Down to Earth Golf, provided an update to the commission regarding new developments at the course.

Among the updates, the club’s revenue for July was down, as expected, compared to June but saw an increase of $37,000 compared to last year.

The course was added to popular golf booking platform Golf Now, which was how 174 rounds were booked at Forest Lake over the last two weeks of July. The club’s restaurant new hours have been implemented, now operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the course’s beverage cart operations have improved, as its logistical process for replenishing the carts have been streamlined.

The city’s Parks and Leisure Services crew also performed a variety of maintenance services to improve the course conditions, such as cleaning up the Palmetto trees, edging and cleaning bunkers, applying herbicides to the tee boxes, twice fertilizing the course’s fairways and driving range and evaluating the course’s cart paths for appropriate roping, in an effort to minimize wear and tear on the carts and course.

Another exciting development is First Tee Central Florida, a youth development organization that uses the game of golf to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, now is operating at the club. The eight-week program is open to kids from ages 7 to 18 of all skill levels and offers one class each week at a cost of $95 per student. Scholarships are available.

The final update given to the commission during the presentation was regarding the procurement of a permanent operator for the golf club. As of the Aug. 5 meeting, the city received proposals from six possible operators and has begun the evaluation process for selecting a permanent operator. The Evaluation Committee will meet Thursday, Aug. 28 to score and shortlist the proposals, with a public notice of the shortlisted firms being released the following day.

There will be a special commission meeting on Oct. 8 for the interviewing and selection of the preferred operator, which will then begin lease negotiations with the city until Nov. 21. The commission will finalize the operator decision Dec. 2, and the selected operator will commence operations of the course Jan. 1, 2026.

TRAFFIC SAFETY

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn presented the city’s annual Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Program Administrative Report at the Aug. 5 commission meeting.

Ogburn shared there were 17,995 total violations issued by the city’s traffic infraction detectors, with just 55 being contested — 44 of which were upheld and five still are pending.

Ocoee collected a total of $1.73 million in revenue from these citations, $908,518 of which was distributed to the state and $820,713 was retained by the city.

The total cost of the program for the city was $579,409.14. A majority of that amount went toward paying for camera vendor contractual services ($486,442.5), while the salaries and wages for the reviewer ($41,000) and mailings ($34,165.64) represented the next two biggest costs of the program.

HOW FAR THEY’LL GO: Arts

After 5 presents ‘Moana Jr.’

Ke’Lee Pernell, executive director of Arts

After 5, beamed with pride as she watched the cast of “Moana Jr.” perform Saturday, Aug. 2, after spending the summer directing them to bring the Disney musical to life at Maxey Elementary School.

“I’m overwhelmed with joy and pride,” she said. “They grew so much this summer. The kids that came in the third week of June are not the same kids who are here, and I love that for them. I’m just so proud of them.”

Children auditioned for their roles in June and worked together over the summer to show off their talents at their performance.

—LIZ RAMOS

Ocoee High alumni make fashion statement

Alex Gonzalez and Zale Lugo created the Off The Rack Market to bring affordable fashion to the city they call home.

LETICIA SILVA

STAFF WRITER

Capitalizing on their shared love for fashion and thrifting, two Ocoee High School alumni have partnered to bring a new concept to their beloved city.

Alex Gonzalez and Zale Lugo are the minds behind Off The Rack Market, a clothing and accessories haven created especially for high-schoolers and college-age students.

The monthly market features more than 40 vendors selling everything from jewelry, vintage clothes, streetwear and shoes.

The market launched in July 2024.

“It wasn’t really anything to do with money or anything like that,” Gonzalez said. “It was really just about the community.”

Since then, the market has blos-

somed and now attracts young entrepreneurs from throughout Central Florida.

“Now, we get 60, 70 vendor appli-

cations every time,” Gonzalez said.

“It’s grown so much over time.” But running a business for the first time also comes with challenges.

Gonzalez said the biggest one is learning to adapt on the fly.

“Last market, we actually had a food truck cancel last-minute, and then I used some of my connections, called up a couple (of food trucks) I knew, and we replaced them right away,” he said.

Gonzalez said their market is affordable — with $50 vendor fees. Moreover, Off The Rack differentiates itself from others by being unique.

“It’s an indoor market,” he said.

“That’s not something you come upon a lot in the fashion market.”

Rain or shine, Off The Rack Market is able to operate.

“Most vendors usually have $5 bins, $10 racks, two-for-$10 racks,” Gonzalez said. “You don’t have to come in with a lot of money to come to our market. Sometimes, even if you don’t buy anything, it’s just a cool experience.”

Off The Rack Market has no expiration date. In fact, the duo hopes to expand to nearby cities in the future and host different events, including fashion shows.

“We definitely want to expand,” Gonzalez said. “(But) we always want

to keep the market here in Ocoee, so that way there’s always a platform for all the high-schoolers or all the college kids in the area or anybody that loves vintage, fashion or just wants to be around a cool vibe, always keeps us here for them.”

Outside of their market, Gonzalez and Lugo work for the city of Ocoee as recreation aides.

Gonzalez said he enjoys running the business and loves the process from beginning to end — from promoting the market to consistently being active on social media and setting up the day of and seeing everyone show up.

“Seeing everyone turn to your market and show up, it’s just a really good feeling,” he said.

Leticia Silva Zale Lugo and Alex Gonzalez launched Off The Rack Market about a year ago.

Isabella Rodriguez brought Moana to life.

Left: Alya Rodriguez, as Hei Hei, and Logan Spence, as Pua, brought moments of comedic relief.

Chief Ancestors, played by Milani Spence, Cyah Crawford and Cache’ Arrington, shared their story and wisdom.

Milani Spence, left, played the right claw, while Dakota Hicks, right, who played the left claw, and Tianna Taylor, who played Tamatoa, worked together to perform as the vain and narcissistic crab obsessed with all things shiny.

History center debuts scouting exhibition

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s display gives guests a look at scouting through the decades and the local hot spots for camping.

AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE HISTORIAN

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation debuted its new exhibition, “Trailblazers: A Look Back Over the Decades: Trails, Camping and Scouting in West Orange County,” Thursday, Aug. 7 at a special reception open to the community.

In addition to the history of local scouting, the journey through the great outdoors — located in the Winter Garden Heritage Museum — includes stories of how the area’s lakes and natural parks have shaped generations of nature enthusiasts.

Through the decades, Winter Garden has been home to anglers staying at one of the many fish camps dotting Lake Apopka, as well as winter visitors, called the Tin Can Tourists, who stayed in Trailer City.

The exhibition is sponsored by Giant Recreation World, Stage Stop Campground and Orange County Government. The foundation also hosted a back-to-school drive for local students.

Dr. John Cappleman, a former Boy Scout and scout leader with Troop 210, shared stories of his experiences through the years in a reception at Heller Hall before the crowd walked over to the museum to see the new display.

The troop, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, was established in 1937 as Troop 46 with sponsorship through the Winter Garden Rotary Club. Cappleman’s grandfather, W.F. Cappleman Sr., was a member of the scout committee.

The reorganization of the troop into Troop 210, with sponsorship by the Winter Garden Methodist church, took place in 1951. Cappleman was a boy scout from 1969 to 1973, at a time, he said, when the scoutmaster was more interested in making memories than seeing the boys through the ranks to the pinnacle rank of Eagle scout. He reached the First Class scout rank.

Scout meetings took place in the official Boyd Street scout house, a residence owned by the Methodist church.

“It was a pretty small house; it was in decent shape,” Cappleman said. “I remember we painted that house. It has old cypress siding, and it took gallons and gallons of paint. It was just sucking the paint right up. We must have used 20 gallons on this little old cypress siding house.

“The funniest history about that scout house is that a big supporter of the scouting program was George Bailey of The Winter Garden Times,” Cappleman said. “George knew we always needed money, and he thought it would be a good idea to give us the … overruns … of the newspaper and then we could take them somewhere and get money. … The scout house got so full of newspapers — I don’t remember taking them anywhere to change them into money — but that little rickety house that soaked up so much paint actually began to tilt from all the newspapers that were stacked on one end of the house.”

Interest in the troop waned and

IF YOU GO

“TRAILBLAZERS: A LOOK BACK OVER THE DECADES: TRAILS, CAMPING AND SCOUTING IN WEST ORANGE COUNTY” WHEN: Through Sept. 30

WHERE: Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main St., Winter Garden WEBSITE: wghf.org

it ceased to exist from 1988 to 1993, when Bob Karney, an Eagle scout and member of the Methodist church, resurrected it and became known as the grandfather of Troop 210. Cappleman’s two sons became Eagle scouts through the troop.

“When my oldest son got to be in scouting, I was so excited,” he said. “There’s a good theme that runs through all scouting stories and it’s who’s having more fun, the dads (and the moms) or the scouts, and who’s doing more work, the dads and moms or the scouts.”

Cappleman told of numerous experiences, including camping in south Georgia in the winter and locally at Little Lake Bryan, which is located at the south end of County Road 535. He also helped scouts earn their merit badges.

“Anybody can be a merit badge counselor … for your profession or just anything you’re interested in,” he said.

Cappleman helped boys earn badges in first aid, astronomy, canoeing and home repairs.

“The one that I enjoyed the most was home repairs,” he said. “We would teach these boys how to change a lock or strengthen a door, but the best was to change the insides of the toilet. We had a sub-badge that said, ‘You’re now toilet trained.’”

In addition to achieving the Eagle rank, he said, the pinnacle is to get to go to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico that challenges participants through 11 days of hiking from 40 to 120 miles. He went three times — with his sons, Sam and Matt; another time with just Matt; and a third time as a leader of a contingent of 12 scouts.

The exhibition at the museum includes a camping pack belonging to one of Cappleman’s sons. The display will remain up at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, 1 N. Main St., and available to the public until Sept. 30.

The exhibition has many items from the 1960s on display.

Photos by Amy Quesinberry Price

The “Trailblazers” exhibition includes enlarged photos of boy and girl scouts of yesteryear, as well as many of their uniforms.

Nonprofits join to continue mission

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Sara Meyer, founder and executive director of Eight Waves, was able to see firsthand the joy that can come from giving a bear and a new book to a child.

She was with Tad Schmitz talking about the nonprofit Bears Who Care.

The organization was founded by Tad Schmitz’s wife, Kari Kron Schmitz.

A 2-year-old girl saw the bears and books and her face lit up, Meyer said. Meyer offered the girl to choose a book to take home.

“She was very intentional,” Meyer said of the girl choosing the book.

“The mom was just like, ‘This is the coolest program I’ve ever seen,’ and it showed that. It might sound simple, but sometimes it’s those simple things that make the biggest difference.”

After having that experience and hearing about the legacy of Kron Schmitz, who died in January 2024 after a seven-month cancer battle, Meyer felt confident and overjoyed to have Bears Who Care merge with Eight Waves to continue Kron Schmitz’s mission and legacy.

Bears Who Care now will join Eight Waves, which will start distributing bears and books in October.

Bears Who Care started in 2008 as a way for Kron Schmitz and Tad Schmitz to give back to their community. They decided to raise money to provide books and teddy bears to ill and disadvantaged children. Since then, Schmitz said the nonprofit has donated more than 30,000 bears and books. The nonprofit provided bears and books to hospitals and Title I schools in Central Florida.

After Kron Schmitz’s passing, Schmitz said his family and the nonprofit’s board took time to reflect on how to continue Bears Who Care’s mission in a meaningful way.

“I wanted to ensure Bears Who Care could grow beyond us, reach more children and communities and after talking to Sara (with Eight Waves) and hearing about their mission, it felt like it was just a natural partnership,” Schmitz said. “They share our values, and they have the infrastructure to scale the mission better than I’m set up to do.”

Meyer said having Bears Who Care join Eight Waves will help the nonprofit restart its litearcy program for babies, Books for Babies, in which the nonprofit gave a book to every baby born at Orlando Health. She said the program had to stop because of finances, but with the support of Bears Who Care, Eight Waves will be able to help more children. Bears Who Care supports children between ages 1 and 12 who

GET INVOLVED

Donate: A book costs $8 and a bear costs $12.

Volunteer: To learn about volunteer opportunities and how to support the Bears Who Care mission, reach out to Sara Meyer at sara@eightwaves.org.

More information on Eight Waves and Bears Who Care: eightwaves.org or bearswhocare.org.

have been affected by an illness, injury, disaster or financial hardship.

“When you are a child and have access to your own brand new book, that crisp smell, you don’t have to return it, there’s something very magical about that,” Meyer said.

Meyer recalled when her son was in the hospital when he was younger and the impact having a book or bear could be for children who are scared in the hospital.

“As much as the hospital can love on you and provide opportunities and crafts even, to leave with something that’s yours and to have that soft bear as you’re maybe giving blood or being poked or having your blood pressure checked, it provides a level of comfort that is very soothing,” she said. “They can take it home and remember that that bear was with them in some of those harder moments, and now it’s theirs to be there in the good moments.”

Meyer said although she never met Kron Schmitz, hearing stories about her and hearing from Bears Who Care supporters and partners inspired Meyer to want to honor the nonprofit founder. She said she wants to make Kron Schmitz proud.

“Each decision and each thought would be to mirror what would Kari do, would Kari do this?” Meyer said.

Schmitz said what was most important to him was for his wife’s legacy to continue.

“Our mission was always comfort in connection and hope through the bear and the book,” he said. “Kari believed these kids should have that opportunity to not only have the teddy bear for comfort but the book to encourage literacy and take adventures through reading. It feels really good that that can continue in Kari’s memory.”

Through Eight Waves, Schmitz hopes more children can be reached.

“I know we’re not solving world hunger, but we’re putting a smile on a kid’s face in the local community, and that means something,” he said.

Meyer said she hopes Bears Who Care can help 800 children when distribution starts in October.

Courtesy photo

Gwen Schmitz, left, Eight Waves founder Sara Meyer and Tad Schmitz, the husband of Kari Kron Schmitz who founded Bears Who Care, will be working together to have the Bears Who Care mission and Kron Schmitz’s legacy continue on through Eight Waves.

Challenge 22 plans national expansion

Kurt Gies, a 25-year Navy veteran and creator of the Winter Garden nonprofit, wants to help more veterans and first responders combat suicide.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Challenge 22, a Winter Garden nonprofit organization to end veteran suicide, wants to expand nationally.

Established in 2017, Challenge 22 is a volunteer-led organization committed to helping veterans and first responders fight post-traumatic stress by raising money and partnering with organizations to provide them with care.

“We look at it as a conduit to connect the funds and the clients with veterans to these organizations,” said Kurt Gies, a 25-year Navy veteran and founder of Challenge 22. “We’ve got nonprofits out there that we have partnered with who are doing amazing work and getting amazing results. It’s just that veterans don’t know about them and the communities don’t know about them, so they struggle with clients and they struggle with funding.”

Seeing how successful Challenge 22 has been in the Winter Garden community and raising more than $650,000 since its inception, Gies believes it can expand and help veterans across the nation.

SPREADING AWARENESS

The idea of this nonprofit first came about after Gies learned about a study made in 2012 stating that 22 veterans commit suicide a day.

“I was like, ‘This is ridiculous; this is not happening,’” Gies said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

He then started asking other veterans in Winter Garden if they heard of that statistic; no one knew about it. That’s when he said he realized

HOW TO HELP

For more information about Challenge 22 or to learn how you can help, visit challenge22inc. com.

if veterans themselves don’t know about this statistic, then civilians wouldn’t know, either.

With the help of a Marine he met while in Winter Garden, he created a 2.2-mile walk, which was an opportunity for veterans and first responders in the community to walk together to raise awareness.

The first Challenge 22 walk took place in 2017.

“Since (then), we’ve raised (more than) $650,000 and have basically worked with about 10,000 veterans and first responders, family members,” Gies said. “(We) haven’t had a single reported suicide.”

With this success, Gies thought the organization could grow tremendously — that it could do so much more.

“So we talked as an organization last year about shifting to a more national focus and instead of raising $650,000 over eight years, maybe we can raise $10 million a year and help these organizations in ways that they’ve never seen before,” he said.

CHALLENGES WON’T STOP HIM

But Gies was faced with a hardship before being able to move forward working full-time.

In the summer of 2024, he had a heart attack and had to have open heart surgery.

“I had what they considered a miraculous recovery,” he said. “They did five bypasses on me.”

Gies said the doctors intended for him to be in the intensive care unit for at least two days and a full week in the hospital under observation.

“I was home on my couch in like, three, four days,” he said.

He said the day he had a heart attack was the same date as his father’s death.

“As they were wheeling me into the (operating room), I was praying and I said, ‘Well, you know, if you’re going to take me today, can you wait til after midnight? I don’t want to die the same day my dad did,’” he said.

While he was in the ICU, Gies said he felt a sense of peace overcome him.

“I really have never felt (that) before in my life, and I just didn’t

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

n Camaraderie Foundation

n Deep Blue Dive Therapy

n Family 1st Counseling Center

n Florida for Warriors

n Guardian Angel Medical Service Dogs

n Irreverent Warriors

n McCormick Research Institute

n Michael’s Foundation

n Save A Warrior

n SOF Missions

n Southern Cross Service Dogs

n USA Patriots

n Veterans Counseling Veterans

n Wheelchairs for Warriors

want to let go, I was like ‘I’m done,’” Gies said. “At that point in time, I was actually having an encounter with Jesus. He said, ‘Kurt, I’ve got work for you to do, and you need to take a breath.’” Kurt shut down his real estate and construction companies and has been working on Challenge 22 fulltime since.

EXPANDING THE NONPROFIT

Gies is confident the nonprofit can expand nationally and help more veterans and first responders than ever before.

“This model is very simple, and it works, and we’ve got it in place because all of our providers (nonprofits) have the ability to work with people anywhere,” he said. “Some modalities can be done over the phone, over the internet. Sometimes organizations will fly clients out into their locations to do their events. … We feel it’s a model that can be easily duplicated.”

Gies said communities need this all across the country — including places such as Texas and California.

“We need to do these things everywhere, because this problem persists everywhere,” he said. “A lot of these vets never come home. They’re home physically, but in their mind, they’re still where they were at. We need to break that chain, and the community is the only way we’re going to do it.”

Gies said Challenge 22 already is developing a template for the other towns and cities.

The organization will provide videos for them of how to go about the process, to make it as easy as possible.

“The goal is to raise as much awareness as we possibly can and also to raise funds as much as we can, because it’s very expensive, the modalities we use,” Gies said.

Currently partnering with 14 organizations, Challenge 22 allows veterans and first responders to pick what organization they want to go through and what they think will help them the most. If it didn’t work, they have a chance to pick another program to go through.

“Our mission is to end veteran suicide, but it’s also to fully reintegrate our heroes and our warriors back in society as fully functioning members,” Gies said. “When we have that done, then we solve the problem.”

In the next two years, Gies said he will not be taking a salary. He wants all funds received to go to organizations meant to help veterans and first responders.

“What we’re trying to tap into is that opportunity to say thank you, the opportunity to volunteer and help, the opportunity to donate and get involved in the cause.”

SAVING THE DAY: Superheros spotted at Winter Garden’s newest ER

After a visit with Spider-Man and Wonder Woman, Aubrey Jentel and her sister Emma Jentel became superheroes themselves at HCA Florida’s new West Orange Emergency.

They took their dolls into one of the exam rooms and used stethoscopes to examine their dolls. Later, they did the same exams with the bears the new freestanding emergency room was giving out during its open house Saturday, Aug. 9.

Families were able to meet superheroes and tour the new $16 million, 11,570-square-foot freestanding emergency room and learn about the services provided before West Orange Emergency opens its doors Monday, Aug. 25, at 1320 Daniels Road, Winter Garden. The facility will have staff with

Emma Jentel checked her baby doll’s vitals with a stethoscope. She giggled as she met superheroes and was able to play doctor.

the ability to provide 24/7, boardcertified, expert care in emergency medicine.

Medical Director Dr. Gideon Lopez said as a Winter Garden resident, he is looking forward to caring for his friends and neighbors in the new facility.

“It’ll be great that I can help so close to home and integrate ourselves into the community and become a household name,” Lopez said.

Jonathan Ortiz, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, gave guests a tour around the facility.

“I’ve been hearing that people are excited about the building itself with the layout and design being very patient-centered,” he said. “They’re happy to have another option and access to emergency room care that won’t have long wait times.”

Ortiz said for more minor injuries, such as sprains and injuries needing stitches, the goal is to have patients out the door within an hour. For more serious issues that require testing, he said the goal is to have patients leave within 90 minutes.

File photo

Kurt Gies launched Challenge 22 in 2017. Since then, the organization has raised more than $650,000.

Isla Lancaster loved visiting superheroes such as Wonder Woman during the open house. “We are so happy to have this in the community,” said Kelly Lancaster, Isla’s mother.

Dr. Gideon Logan, the medical director, Deauna Medaris, the nurse manager, and Jonathan Ortiz, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, were thrilled to welcome community members to the new HCA Florida West Orange Emergency.

Scott King and Devika King left West Orange Emergency feeling like superheroes.

An estate in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from July 28 to Aug. 3.

The home at 5174 Vardon Drive, Windermere, sold July 29, for $5,200,000. Built in 2008, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths and 10,701 square feet. Days on market: 228. The sellers were represented by May (Jennie) Ho, May Ho Realty.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY PARK

The home at 8044 Rural Retreat Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 1, for $669,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,551 square feet. Days on market: 12.

BELLA NOTTE AT VIZCAYA

The home at 8162 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold July 30, for $656,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,052 square feet. Days on market: 203.

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9491 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold Aug. 1, for $810,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,406 square feet. Days on market: 12.

PARKVIEW RESERVE

The home at 10215 Park Estates Ave., Orlando, sold July 28, for $744,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,014 square feet. Days on market: 73.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 10337 Pointview Court, Orlando, sold July 31, for $650,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,986 square feet. Days on market: 72.

SOUTH BAY

The home at 8550 Lost Cove Drive sold July 30, for $1,000,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,770 square feet. Days on market: 21.

HORIZON WEST

CREEKS RUN

The home at 13943 Caywood Pond Drive, Windermere, sold July 30, for $670,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,755 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKE STAR AT OVATION

The home at 16863 Muskgrass Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $770,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,066 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.

The home at 16759 Muskgrass Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $689,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,343 square feet. Days on market: 73.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12524 Aldershot Lane, Windermere, sold July 30, for $615,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,460 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15644 Panther Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $1,400,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,453 square feet of living area. Days on market: 117.

MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 11725 Verrazano Drive, Orlando, sold July 28, for $715,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,775 square feet of living area. Days on market: 77.

SILVERLEAF RESERVE

The home at 16448 Silver Brook Way, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $533,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 15088 Night Heron Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 2, for $505,051. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,199 square feet of living area. Days on market: 140.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9068 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $886,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,267 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

WATERMARK

The home at 14513 Winter Stay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 1, for $1,000,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 4,305 square feet. Days on market: 21.

WINDING BAY

The home at 15343 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $830,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,041 square feet. Days on market: 13.

OCOEE

CHESHIRE WOODS

The home at 501 Dunoon St., Ocoee, sold Aug. 1, for $514,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,857 square feet. Days on market: 23.

VILLAGES OF WESMERE

The home at 191 Chickasaw Berry Road, Ocoee, sold July 31, for $506,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,432 square feet. Days on market: 48.

WYNWOOD

The home at 2092 Ashwood Bluff Drive, Ocoee, sold July 30, for $659,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,787 square feet. Days on market: 69.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

CYPRESS SHORES

The home and property at 10433 Trout Road, Orlando, sold July 30, for $2,000,000. Built in 1966, it has one bedroom, one bath and 1,124 square feet on 3.32 acres. Days on market: 137.

WEST ORANGE

WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 13112 Luntz Point Lane, Windermere, sold July 29, for $1,400,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,694 square feet. Days on market: 71.

WINDERMERE

ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE

The home at 1265 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold July 28, for $1,289,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,314 square feet. Days on market: 11.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6037 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold July 29, for $999,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,614 square feet. Days on market: 49.

MARSH SUBDIVISION

The home at 606 Butler St., Windermere, sold July 30, for $2,700,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,469 square feet. Days on market: 12.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 235 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold July 31, for $890,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,562 square feet. Days on market: 157.

TUSCANY RIDGE

The home at 9032 Tavolini Terrace, Windermere, sold July 31, for $1,468,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 5,247 square feet. Days on market: 42.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 9676 Wild Oak Drive, Windermere, sold July 28, for $745,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,856 square feet. Days on market: 82.

WINDERMERE OAKS

The home at 505 Jennifer Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 3, for $1,225,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,259 square feet.

WINTER GARDEN

AVALON RESERVE VILLAGE

The home at 1078 Vinsetta Circle, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $870,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,733 square feet. Days on market: 75.

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 570 Cascading Creek Lane, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $545,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,365 square feet. Days on market: 56.

BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14157 Creekbed Circle, Winter Garden, sold July 29, for $780,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,475 square feet. Days on market: 130.

COOPER AND SEWELL ADDI-

TION

The home at 206 N. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $490,000. Built in 1925, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 1,738 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

ESTATES AT LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3182 Sailing Pier Ave., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Aug. 1, for $810,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,720 square feet. Days on market: 76.

GLENVIEW ESTATES

The home at 1022 Glenharbor Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 1, for $530,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,581 square feet of living area. Days on market: 102.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 960 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 1, for $1,835,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,508 square feet. Days on market: 50.

OXFORD CHASE

The home at 14880 Ellingsworth Lane, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $790,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,583 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 14830 Winkfield Court, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $747,500. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,561 square feet. Days on market: 21.

QUESINBERRY SUBDIVISION

The home at 208 S. Main St., Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $739,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,268 square feet.

The home at 209 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $739,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,518 square feet.

STONE CREEK

The home at 15169 Harrowgate Way, Winter Garden, sold July 28, for $424,900. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,379 square feet. Days on market: 22.

TUSCANY

The home at 1569 Victoria Way, Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $550,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,258 square feet of living area. Days on market: 86.

VALENCIA SHORES

The home at 708 Valencia Court, Winter Garden, sold July 30, for $735,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 3,156 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

WATERSIDE

The home at 16779 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold July 31, for $2,225,000. Built in 2021, it has seven bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 6,289 square feet. Days on market: 56.

SPORTS

With the start of the 202526 school year comes the return of high school sports to West Orange and Southwest Orange. The 2025 fall sports regular season officially kicks off Monday, Aug. 18, but as of Aug. 11, teams across each of the season’s sports closed their training camps and began their preseason competitions.

Along with the fan favorite of football, the fall sports landscape is full of outstanding athletes and championship-caliber teams across five other sports: girls volleyball, swimming and diving, golf, cross country and bowling.

Windermere Prep star boys basketball player

Brandon Bass Jr., the area’s top college hoops recruit and son of former NBA player Brandon Bass Sr., has narrowed his college commitment considerations to five teams.

Among the group of five programs the four-star prospect is considering is a pair of instate teams in UCF and FSU, his father’s alma mater LSU, while Purdue and Cincinnati round out the five.

Bass Jr. is a 6-foot-5 combo guard, who can score from anywhere on the floor. For the past three seasons, he led the Lakers in scoring; averaging 20.7 points per game last season.

West Orange High senior Miguel Acosta announced his commitment to play college baseball down the road in Lakeland for the Florida Southern Moccasins, nine-time NCAA Division II National Champions.

Acosta led the Warriors from the batter’s box in 2025, his first season at West Orange, hitting for a team-high batting average of .353 (30-for-85) with 30 runs scored, 15 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and two home runs.

Arriah Denmark and Eadyn Rivera, two of Central Florida’s top girls basketball players, announced they will transfer to The First Academy for the 2025-26 season.

Denmark, a 6-foot senior, spent the past three seasons playing for Central Florida Christian Academy.

Rivera, a junior guard, was a key member of Lake Highland Prep’s girls hoops team, averaging 7.1 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Lady Highlanders. The two join a Lady Royals team that finished 23-5, won the Class 2A, District 4 title and returns all but one player from its team last season.

Former Windermere Prep star boys basketball player and one of China’s top prospects, Fanbo Zeng, has agreed to a contract with the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA. This comes after the 22-year-old forward had a stellar campaign in the Chinese Basketball Association last season, averaging 14.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game on 41% shooting from three as a member of the Beijing Ducks.

A 6-foot-10 sharpshooter, Zeng played for the Southwest Orange prep school for two seasons, earning All-State honors and being named the FACA 3A Player of the Year in the 2019-20 season. Following his breakout sophomore season, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Class of 2022 hooper returned to China and did not complete his final two seasons with the Lakers.

SENSE OF URGENCY

With eight returning seniors, the defending Metro West champions are ready to lean on their chemistry and experience on the climb back to the top of the girls-volleyball mountain.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Entering its fifth season in existence, the Horizon High girls volleyball program has established itself as one of the top teams in West Orange and Southwest Orange, amassing an overall record of 67-24, never having a losing season and claiming two district titles.

The Lady Hawks also reached the regional playoffs in each of its first three seasons and, despite finishing the 2024 season with a 14-4 record

Windermere Prep announces new boys lacrosse, tennis coaches

Lakers tap Mike Sanderson as its next boys lacrosse coach and Angela Vargas to run both their boys and girls tennis teams.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Windermere Prep have announced the hiring of two new members of its athletic department: Mike Sanderson as the school’s next boys lacrosse coach and Angela Vargas as the Lakers’ new boys and girls tennis coach. Sanderson, who brings nearly a decade of experience in independent school education, most recent-

ly served as a physical education teacher and performance training coach at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. There, he focused on strength and conditioning training; long-term health of student-athletes; and fostering an environment of teamwork, resilience and respect among students. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Sanderson to the Laker family,” Windermere Prep Director of Athletics Patrick Hollern said. “His passion for education, performance and leadership makes him a perfect fit for our lacrosse program and our community.”

Along with his role on the athletic

and claiming the Metro West Conference championship, that streak came to an end last year after losing in the Class 6A, District 4 championship match to Lake Minneola High and not receiving an at-large bid.

“It isn’t anybody’s fault, necessarily, that we didn’t make the regional playoffs last season,” Horizon coach Ernest Rittenhouse said. “We were ranked 13th in a state regional field of 32 and didn’t get in. It’s not intended to be that way, and it was definitely unusual, but to be frank, if you looked

training and physical education side at Pine Crest, Sanderson also was a prominent club lacrosse coach in South Florida, spending time coaching for programs Sweetlax and Leatherbacks Lacrosse. Beyond his time serving as a youth and high school coach, Sanderson also spent time coaching at the college level. Following his playing career, he

staff as an assistant at

He then joined Michigan State’s staff and helped lead the Spartans to two conference championships before joining the Purdue Boilermakers and helping them win two conference titles. Sanderson, along with taking over a young Lakers lacrosse program that should return all but one player from its 2025 team that finished with a 3-12 record, also will serve as a PE teacher for the WPS Lower School.

Foundation girls volleyball junior middle Haley Higgins, a Georgetown commit, is ready to lead the Lady Lions in 2025. Page 2B.

joined the coaching

his alma mater.

Courtesy

Windermere Prep announced the hiring of two new coaches: Mike Sanderson, left, as the boys lacrosse coach and Angela Vargas as the tennis coach.

The Horizon girls volleyball team is ready to make its presence felt in 2025.

Horizon girls volleyball’s Sarah Cintas set the ball during the 2024 Metro West Conference girls volleyball tournament.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

Haley Higgins

At 6-foot-2, Foundation Academy junior middle hitter and Georgetown commit Haley Higgins has been an absolute rock for the Lady Lions girls volleyball team over the past two seasons. She has helped lead the program to a 32-11 overall record with her team-high 85 total blocks while also adding 486 combined kills across her 149 sets played.

Regardless of where Higgins is playing — whether it’s for the Lions or on the club volleyball circuit

— she has been recognized as one of the area’s top players. Recently she was named one of the MVPs at the Under Armor Next Camp Series stop in Orlando, won Foundation’s 2024-25 volleyball Heart of Lion award and she also was selected to USA Volleyball Florida region’s All-Tournament U17 team and the 2024-25 NCSAA All-American Second Team.

Beyond her achievements as an athlete, Higgins also gets the job done in the classroom. She was named to the honor roll in each of her two years in high school and won the American Legion Award.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It is such an honor. It makes me proud of the work I’ve put in and makes me want to push myself to be better in practices and games. It also makes me thankful for my coaches and teammates for pushing me to always be my best.

What do you enjoy the most about volleyball?

My favorite thing about volleyball is that it is a team sport and you have to rely on your teammates during every play. I also love the people that I’ve met through volleyball. Without volleyball, I wouldn’t have met some of my best friends.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from volleyball?

I’ve learned that you don’t have to always be perfect. Bad games are part of the sport, but how you react to those games are what help you grow as a player. Volleyball has taught me to push through those mental challenges and to focus on the next play under pressure.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Harper Murray. She is an outside for Nebraska and, in my opinion, is one of the best college volleyball players right now. She constantly talks about how to improve your mentality when not everyone is rooting for you.

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

I usually have Chick-fil-A nug gets before a game, and I always have an energy drink.

What is your go-to pregame hype song?

“The Prodigal” by Josiah Queen or anything by Olivia Rodrigo.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

I love either painting or drawing and hanging out with my friends.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject has always been math, because I like having a definite answer to every question. I love working through problems and being challenged.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

I would take a fishing net, a tarp and a lighter. I don’t like eating fish, but if it was the only food source, I would have to get used to it.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is “Tangled,” because everyone says I look like Rapunzel.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I like the 2000s, but if I have to choose, I would go back to the ’80s, because the music is so good, and it seems like a lot of fun.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

I would just want to know if there is anything about my life that I would change and if I am happy.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

Paris because I’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower; Hawaii because the views and beaches look amazing; and Greece because it has beautiful islands and buildings.

What is your most controversial food take?

I only eat steak well-done.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

I think it belongs on certain types of pizza. Definitely not my go-to choice though. I’m a pepperoni

Horizon High volleyball ready to make noise in 2025

at the pure math of it, we got left out because we only played 18 games. If we had played the four other matches that were scheduled but got canceled due to a hurricane, we would have been in.”

Regardless, missing the regional playoffs is not something the Hawks want happening again, and they’re going more than 2,000 miles out of their way to make sure their seniorheavy squad has every opportunity to re-claim its place at regionals.

“The regional selection thing was a bit of a disappointment, because it just wasn’t as intended,” Rittenhouse said. “But it’s no hard feelings. I understand how it happened. We needed to have those four matches on our schedule. It’s part of the reason why we’re flying off to Las Vegas this month to play in a tournament and get seven guaranteed matches early in the year.”

SENIOR SQUAD

With all but two graduates returning from last season’s team and the motivation that comes from being left out of the regional playoffs, Horizon has all the ingredients needed to soar to new heights in 2025, and it starts with its group of eight seniors.

“In my 29 years of doing this, one thing I’ve learned is this: Seniors have a different mindset,” Rittenhouse said. “I’ve seen plenty of teams that were great but young, and when you have a group of seniors like we do this year, they just bring a different kind of mentality to the team. (They bring this) there’s no next year, we have to make everything happen this year sense of urgency that’s hard to replicate.

You don’t necessarily get that with younger teams, no matter how competitive they are and how much they want to go out there and win as much as anybody. There’s just something about having this many seniors that adds the ‘We have to get it done this year’ mentality that makes groups like this one special.”

This set of seniors is led by outside hitter Kiera Vazquez, the team’s top returning offensive weapon with 171 kills and 49 aces, middle hitter Evelyn Slattery, Horizon’s leading blocker with 25 total blocks in 2024, and playmakers Maria Rodriguez, Sarah Cintas and Stefany Ortiz, who combined for 558 assists last season.

“I’m excited for this year,” Vazquez said. “We have eight seniors and are returning most of our players from what was a pretty good team last

year. We have developed really good chemistry, and because our success last year and growth in the offseason, I’m expecting us to do even better this year.”

As Vazquez notes, the chemistry this team has from playing together for the past few years is one of the biggest reasons for the Lady Hawks’ optimistic outlook for the season.

“I definitely think the bond we’ve developed has made us grow stronger as a team; we’re like a family in a lot of ways,” Rodriguez said. “A big part of this team is the support that we have with (one another), how much we lean on (one another) and how we always have (one another’s backs). If anyone makes a mistake, we’re always right there to try and build their confidence back up. … I feel like that’s why we’ve all grown together and become so comfortable around one another. That’s also a big reason why we’ve all learned how to play together. Because of that and how much we all really want to win, the way last season ended is fueling us. There’s a fire underneath us that’s pushing into this season.”

DEPTH IS DEADLY

Beyond the senior leadership for the Lady Hawks, according to Rittenhouse, the overall depth of this team will be the catalyst for the success it might have in 2025.

“Looking at last year — not to make any excuses — in a couple of key matches we lost, including our district championship game, we didn’t have our starting setter, the girl who is now our senior captain, out there with us because of a shoulder injury,” Rittenhouse said. “I’m not saying that we lost because of that. I’m saying this to point out how important having a deep roster is. When you have depth, you’re able to handle scenarios that might come up like that, but not every team has that luxury. This team, having only graduated two seniors and having a

lot of good young players on varsity — and there’s players on our JV team (who) would normally be on a varsity team — has a lot of depth. Enough to weather some storms, both real storms or analogy-type storms, that come our way. Obviously, we hope nothing happens, but if something were to happen, we’ll be fine … because the next player up is pretty good.”

Not only does the depth of this team allow it to deal with the rigors that come with a long season, but also it creates a difficult scenario for opposing teams. Along with the development of its senior leaders, opponent also will have to deal with the return of Horizon’s key outside hitter Elena White, a sophomore who recorded 156 kills and 126 digs last season, and the promotion of a few talented youngsters from of its JV team.

“It’s not super obvious to people, because the improvement has been gradual, but this group bit-by-bitby-bit has gotten more consistent, more focused, better, and as it builds up in the end, it’s become a fun and exciting group,” Rittenhouse said. “One of the biggest reasons for that, too, is the fact that we have so many good players and we’re not relying on any one or two superstars. Having a setter like Stefany, who is able to just feel the game and find the hot hand, and if everybody’s doing well, she’ll just keep distributing it all over, makes it really hard to stop. Teams can get ready to slow down one or two good players. But with this team, you have to get ready for the whole team, because you’re not sure who’s going to spark up that night. It’s hard to stop.”

Horizon will begin its 2025 regular season campaign Tuesday, Aug. 19, at home against Eustis High, before making the trip west for the 48-team Vegas Classic tournament from Aug. 22 to 23.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque Horizon girls volleyball coach Ernest Rittenhouse gave a player a few notes.

Horizon celebrated winning the 2024 Metro West Conference girls volleyball tournament.

Global Not Local, Devin Jackson host clinic, backpack giveaway

Winter Garden nonprofit Global Not Local and The First Academy star football player Devin Jackson partnered to host 200 kids at the West Orange Recreation Center for a free youth basketball camp and backpack giveaway Saturday, Aug. 9. Along with providing campgoers with free backpacks and a day full of hoops fun, the all-day youth event came with free lunch, a free camp shirt and high-level basketball skills coaching in a safe, family-friendly environment. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE

West Orange-based

Windermere Preparatory School names new coaches

Similarly to Sanderson, the Lakers new boys and girls tennis coach also brings collegiate coaching and playing experience she can use to build the Southwest Orange program, as a former standout tennis player and assistant coach at St. Mary’s University.

“Angela’s commitment to player growth, both on and off the court, aligns perfectly with our vision for Windermere Prep tennis,” Hollern said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to our team and look forward to the future of our program under her leadership.” As a player, Vargas’ stellar high school career — which saw her win

four consecutive district championships at Del Rio High in Texas — earned her a chance to compete at the college level as a part of the Southern Arkansas women’s tennis team. She shined in her two seasons playing for the Lady Muleriders, finishing with a combined record of 62-31, being named 2019 GAC Freshman of the Year and receiving All-Conference First Team honors. Vargas ended her run at Southern Arkansas tied for second in school history for singles wins and doubles wins, and third in winning percentage, combined victories, singles winning percentage and doubles winning percentage. In 2022, Vargas headed back to Texas to continue her collegiate

playing career, transferring to St. Mary’s. She continued to show out on the court earning All-Conference honors twice, winning the 2022 Lone Star Conference Newcomer of the Year award and being named the Lone Star Conference Tournament MVP in 2022. Vargas was crucial in helping the Rattlers win back-toback conference tournament titles — posting a 61-23 combined record in her two final seasons of collegiate tennis. Following her playing career, Vargas joined the coaching staff at St. Mary’s. She served as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s teams, and focused on supporting program operations, recruitment and player development. Vargas

quickly made an impact as a coach, helping lead the Rattlers to back-toback Lone Star Conference Tournament appearances and a share of the regular season title in 2025. During her two years as an assistant, the Rattlers women’s team had a combined record of 30-12. Vargas’ efforts as a coach were quickly recognized and she was named the 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Assistant Coach of the Year for its south central region.

“I think it’s a well-earned award for Angela,” St. Mary’s Director of Tennis Bill Macom said in a press release about the honor. “She has gained a lot of respect from players and coaches in our division. Being in this position for two years, she has

the maturity of a seasoned coach.

Since I have known her, she has been a tireless and determined worker. … It is not easy to find someone of her integrity to be a part of a coaching team. She always has new ideas to mix in with old ones that make being a part of a coaching staff fun. I look forward to the day when she lands her first head coaching job because I believe she’ll be great at it.” In addition to her time as a collegiate coach, Vargas also spent time as an individual tennis coach at various tennis clubs and camps across Texas and the Northeast, working with players of all skill levels, as well as managing youth summer programs.

Right:

nonprofit Global Not Local hosted a free youth basketball clinic and backpack giveaway.

Amaya Coates was all smiles during the free youth event.

Amari Miller threw up a pair of peace signs during the Global Not Local basketball camp.

Global Not Local founder Wendell Coates Jr. spoke to a group of campers during the free basketball clinic.

Landen Brunson stared down the hoop before taking a shot at the youth basketball camp.

B.J. Anderson drove to the rim during a scrimmage at the Global Not Local camp.

While carrying the free backpack he received at the Global Not Local camp, Juelz Rios, left, dribbled the ball around his back against the defender.

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK FOUNDATION ACADEMY

ROSEMARY FORD

Rosemary Ford has been named the new vice principal of Foundation Academy’s Plant Street campus.

As vice principal, Ford supports the daily operations of the school, including student discipline, teacher support and academic oversight. She works closely with the administrative team to ensure the school maintains high academic standards while nurturing a Christ-centered environment.

Ford helps with curriculum development, family communication, student services as well as the spiritual growth of the campus community.

“It’s a joy and privilege to serve in a role where faith, leadership and education come together every day,” she said.

Ford started with Foundation Academy six years ago on the Lakeside campus teaching kindergarten and second grade. Then she moved to the Plant Street campus to teach fourth and fifth grade before being named vice principal this year.

What brought you to your school?

My children brought me to Foundation Academy. I had a career I truly loved in OCPS, but we were looking for something smaller and more faith-based for our family. Foundation turned out to be a perfect fit for all of us.

What do you love most about your school?

“FA is Family” isn’t just a motto — it’s a reality. The teachers on my team love to learn and collaborate so we can do what’s best for all of our students. I also love that we get to talk about God. In a world filled with uncertainty, helping students build a foundation rooted in Christian principles equips them to face the challenges ahead.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The kids are the most rewarding part of my job! This world can be unkind, and knowing I can give students a safe, loving place to be themselves is such a gift. I want each child to know they are loved, and God has a unique purpose for their life.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a marine biologist, because of my love for animals and the beach. I even started down that path in college, but a job as a YMCA camp counselor changed everything. My boss told me I was great with kids and should consider becoming a teacher — and the rest is history. I switched my major the following semester and never looked back.

Who influences you?

My amazing parents. They are the most selfless, hard-working people I know. I’m one of five girls, and my parents have always gone above and beyond for each of us — and now for our children, too. They’ve given me a strong foundation and a beautiful example of how to lead and love well.

REPORT CARD

Position: Vice principal

Time at School: Six years

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

My fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Lewis, at Bay Meadows Elementary, was my favorite. He was my first male teacher, and I was a little intimidated at first. But he believed in me. He used to say I’d be the first female president. He had high expectations, and made all of us feel truly seen and loved.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. I can’t read it without crying! It’s my go-to book for my own kids and for when I taught younger grades. It beautifully illustrates the depth of a parent’s love and how that love carries on through generations.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have three active boys: William, a junior at FSU; Stephen, who is beginning fire school at Valencia; and Benjamin, who is in 11th grade. Much of my spare time is spent cheering them on at football games, basketball courts or baseball fields. I also volunteer in the nursery at my church; it’s a joy to serve there.

If you could dine with any famous person, who would it be and why?

If I could dine with any famous person, it would be Hope King. Her energy, creativity and passion for education are so inspiring. I love how she brings joy and engagement into the classroom while still keeping things meaningful and rigorous. She’s a great example of how you can be innovative and fun while making a real impact on kids’ lives. I’d love to pick her brain about classroom culture, creativity and how she stays motivated to keep pushing boundaries in education. I was able to learn from her at a conference this summer and it was amazing!

What are your hobbies?

Watching my boys play sports is my favorite hobby. I once coached a sixth-grade flag football team. I wasn’t the best coach, but it gave me a deep respect for what coaches do! I also love reading and spending time with my family.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to be in multiple places at once. As a mom, educator and administrator, there are so many people I want to support and moments I wish I could be fully present for at home, at school and

FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

Being able to show up for everyone, exactly when they need me, would be such a gift.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, who would they be and why? I love all kinds of music, so this is tough! I’d choose classical music for studying and relaxing, praise and worship to keep my heart centered on God, and anything with a good beat to keep me moving throughout the day.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

PB&J was always my favorite! I also loved Little Debbie snack cakes. I’d share them with my friends at lunch.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas! I love the decorations,

the food, the traditions, and especially the gathering of family and friends. It’s also when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, and that’s the best reason to celebrate.

Who was your best friend in school, and are you still in touch?

When I lived in Illinois, my best friend and neighbor was Annie. Thanks to Facebook, we’ve stayed in touch, and I love seeing how she’s grown and impacted the world.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

In high school, I ran cross country and played softball. I didn’t love high school, but once I got to college, I got involved in everything I could. I studied servant leadership in a special program, served as president of my sorority Chi Omega and was the director of Best Buddies, a club I was passionate about.

LIZ RAMOS

Above: Ali Bottari, left, and Rachel Yarano jumped roped while on a seesaw during one of their four performances at Back to School Bash.

Left: Kids attending the free event enjoyed being doused with bubbles by the Florida Foam Factory.

Personal spaces: Foundation seniors paint parking spots

Brayden Badua and his senior brother Gavin Badua were all smiles on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Maya Hancock was focused while painting her spot.

Violet Dorado smiled as she painted her parking spot.

Enzo Larifla chose to paint the character “Spongebob” wearing a durag, with the words “We finally made it!” on it. Some students chose to write inspirational quotes on their spots.

Lillian Nadrowski worked on her spot by painting multiple white flowers on a red background.

est Orange High School seniors arrived at the school early Saturday, Aug. 2, with paint cans, paint brushes and creative ideas for their parking spaces. The seniors brought family and friends to assist in the painting project. When the paint jobs were completed, the spaces carried themes including sports, characters, games, music and memes.

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Out of every dollar earned by the average citizen, 25 cents went to government operating costs and 50 cents to fighting crime. That left only 25 cents per dollar for living expenses, Judge Raymond Ellars told Winter Garden Rotarians at their luncheon.

Ficquette Bros. ad of the week: Steak, 15 cents per pound; beef roast, 12 cents per pound; mixed sausage, 25 cents for two pounds; and hamburger, 25 cents for two pounds.

85 years ago

Teachers were named for Winter Garden Elementary School, with Jessie Brock as principal: Marguerite Neel, Elizabeth Whitner, Rubie Harris, Laura Newton, Ann Tomyn, Margaret Holbrook, Mrs. Clarence Eby and Hazel Elliot.

Congress authorized the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use $50 million in school lunch programs. School PTAs sponsored the serving of hot lunches, and vast improvements had been made in serving children wholesome foods.

55 years ago

Lex Veech was winner of the West Orange Country Club’s men’s golf championship. Jackie McBride won the women’s championship by two strokes over Gertrude Britt.

50 years ago

Jimmy Carter, a former Georgia governor and Democratic presidential contender, met Winter Garden City Commissioner Ralph Fulford on the steps of City Hall. Carter visited the city offices and

Thirty-nine years ago, Winter Garden Mayor Bob Barber, right, and Ocoee Mayor Tom Ison, center, commemorated the successful mutual-aid agreement between the cities’ police departments. All present felt it was “high time!” Can anyone explain the significance of the hourglass or identify the man on the far left?

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves in its archive some items attesting to the “rivalry” between the two cities — and not just in sports arenas. Watch this page for an upcoming item that had citizens in both towns roaring with indignation!

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.

The Winter Garden Times office while in the area. Winter Garden Travel Center unveiled the new Airstream and Aryosy trailer and motorhome lines. Open house activities had a Bicentennial theme with Minutemen proclaiming, “The Airstreams are coming!”

Gov. Reubin Askew appointed Larry A. Grimes, of Winter Garden, to the Board of Trustees of the West Orange Memorial Hospital Tax District.

45 years ago

Lisa Fulmer and Mary Ballant were the deejays at the West Orange Youth Center, and along with spinning records in the deejay booth, they did the West Orange Shuffle. Cheri McIntire and Vicki West said they were teaching some of the kids to play ping-pong, but others said all they did was chase the ball all around the hall. Mike Davis showed up in his sharp-looking cowboy hat.

30 years ago

The Southern Sandwich Shoppe hosted a backyard barbecue in the parking lot next door to lure residents to downtown Winter Garden. One by one, business owners were making the decision to stay open later on Friday evenings to make downtown “the” place to be on the weekend. After the barbecue, a family movie was shown on the wall outside the sandwich shop. Bales of hay were provided as seating for diners and moviewatchers.

THROWBACK

THURSDAY

AUG. 21, 1975

It’s back-to-school week for students in West Orange County, and their parents likely already have checked the teacher lists and have done their shopping for school supplies. Eckerd Drugs advertised in