SOUTHWEST ORANGE
West Orange High School’s Class of 2026 enjoyed its Senior Sunrise Breakfast. SEE 21A. Windermere Preparatory School will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
P. Phillips Hospital celebrates 40 years
LAKER LEGACY BRAINFOOD
CELEBRATE 120 YEARS WITH US!
The West Orange Times & Observer is turning 120 next week, and we’re inviting you to the celebration! The anniversary bash takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden. Join us in person for a celebration commemorating 120 years of serving our community. Get ready for a trip down memory lane: Examine the past 120 years of history in West Orange County through the pages of the West Orange Times & Observer. Enjoy performances by the drumlines from Horizon, Ocoee, West Orange and Windermere high schools. Food and drink provided. We can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you! RSVP at westorangetimesobserver120th.eventbrite.com.
WOJSL MEMBER SPEARHEADS HYGIENE KIT DRIVE
The West Orange Junior Service League is proud to celebrate the compassion and leadership of one of its own. Alison Madrid recently organized and delivered 100 girls hygiene kits to three local middle schools — Southwest, Ocoee and Lakeview. Her initiative, rooted in kindness and care, aims to support young women in the community with dignity and confidence. Madrid was joined by staff and administrators who helped make the effort possible. From Principal Damian Rosado at Southwest to Principal Cheri Leavitt at Ocoee to the supportive team at Lakeview, including Omelia Dhanraj and others, this was a community
Above: The first staff of Windermere Preparatory School gathered outside for a commemorative photo in 2000.
Top: Windermere Preparatory School children had fun on the playground.
Courtesy photos
Carolyn Cappleman Karraker, the first head of school, welcomed students.
Left: The original designs for Butler, the school’s mascot, were unveiled.
5FAST
1Former Ocoee police chief sues city
Two years after her termination, Saima Plasencia, the former Ocoee police chief, is suing the city over discrimination because of gender and retaliation against her for complaining of discrimination.
A state commission has determined there is enough evidence for Plasencia’s lawsuit to proceed.
The former police chief was terminated in November 2023. She began serving as police chief in May 2021.
The lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit in Orange County.
According to the lawsuit, Plasencia is seeking $50,000 in damages for “common law claims of defamation and violations of the (Florida Civil Rights Act).”
In the lawsuit, Plasencia alleges she was the only person put through an external competitive process for the police chief position during the application process. She was “made to compete against males who were not qualified for the position of police chief and lacked the experi-
sibilities and give them to male subordinates.
Plasencia contends Robert Frank, the city manager at the time, “did not want her to supervise the male deputy chiefs, which is standard policy and within law enforcement’s best practices.”
Frank retired from the position in 2024, after nearly two decades of service.
The city has filed a motion to dismiss part of the lawsuit.
2
DWS Group acquires
Winter Garden Village
DWS Group, an asset management company, recently announced the acquisition of the 629,326-square-foot Winter Garden Village Shopping Center.
According to its announcement, this investment aligns with the company’s retail strategy to invest in well-established properties with affluent trade areas.
The announcement mentions the numerous competitive advantages
3
Orange County employees subpoenaed over DOGE audit
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia last week subpoenaed 16 county employees in connection with an audit of the county’s finances.
Orange County is being accused by Gov. Ron DeSantis of being uncooperative with the Department of Government Efficiency’s audit.
Earlier this year, DeSantis signed an executive order to review 900 state positions, along with state boards and commissions.
At a Wednesday, Aug. 27, press conference, DeSantis said he and his team were not able to get questions “fully answered” during the audit.
related to DEI that the county gave out with missing information. It is said the grants are worth more than $500,000.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said in a statement that the county has fully cooperated with the Florida DOGE audit team in providing all data and documents requested.
“The state has offered no evidence to support its allegation that we were hiding information or acting without integrity,” Demings said in a statement. “We welcome the opportunity for full public transparency on this issue.”
Demings also stated that no employees were instructed to alter, change or delete any docu-
4
Orange County to challenge Senate Bill 180
District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson of announced Wednesday, Aug. 27, the county is gathering local governments, including the town of Windermere, to challenge Senate Bill 180.
“It threatens to undo our rural boundary, wetland protections, stormwater retention updates, Special Protection Areas and so much more — all at the expense of our residents and our environment,” Wilson said of the bill.
Furthermore, Wilson said the bill prohibits certain entities from assessing impact fees for specified replacement structures; revising public hurricane shelter funding prioritization requirements for the Division of Emergency Management; authorizing certain service members to provide medical care in specified circumstances and revising requirements for the state comprehensive emergency management plan, according to the Florida Senate website.
5
Windermere High announces money management course
Windermere High School announced a new mandatory course for all students starting with the 2027 class.
According to the school, students
tion of Algebra
Courtesy photo
Asset management company DWS Group acquired Winter Garden Village.
COLT CLASSIC
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Tony Ulivella, a nature program specialist, had never worked with horses before working at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake.
When he saw Tsaber, an Arabian horse that lives at the children’s farm at the park, for the first time, his first thought was “that’s a big boy.”
“What happened the first time I met him?” he said. “He gave me the biggest head-butt and lifted me off my feet. That’s when I knew, OK, he means business, and he’s very, very social.”
Once Ulivella learned Tsaber’s personality and mannerisms, he said the 1,000-plus-pound horse has been a sweetheart.
“He is a happy, old man,” Ulivella said of Tsaber. “He wants what he wants when he wants it, how he wants it, but he also loves being around people. Whenever he sees people, when he goes for walks, his head will bob like crazy.”
Tsaber will be as happy as can be when he is the center of attention Saturday, Sept. 13, during his birthday party at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. Everyone is welcome to the children’s farm to celebrate Tsaber turning 38 years old.
Ulivella said Tsaber knows the difference between children and adults, and he will be gentle and patient with children. Head-butting or nudging is his way of playing with adults. He’ll even play with Buddy, the donkey that also lives at the park. They’ll nip at each other’s ankles and then run away.
“Even at 38, (Tsaber) will still run away,” Ulivella said. “He’s just a very playful, old man.”
The average lifespan for a horse is 25 to 30 years, so to see Tsaber turning 38 in September is an honor for Ulivella and the other staff members at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest horse ever reliably recorded was a British barge horse named Old Billy, who reached the age of 62 years old.
Ulivella said typically, a horse will succumb to either hoof issues or Cushing’s, a hormonal disorder in horses. In the three years Ulivella has been working with Tsaber, he said the geriatric horse has had medical issues, including Cushing’s, but unlike other older horses, Tsaber bounces back quicker.
“He’s very much a one-in-amillion-type of animal,” Ulivella said. “He is strong as an ox. … Even the vet is surprised by how (well) he’s doing.”
Ulivella said he’s learned many lessons from Tsaber — not only about caring for horses but also caring for geriatric horses. He said it’s a different relationship with a large animal because “if they don’t like you, they’ll let you know.” Tsaber is no different. He’s stubborn and wants to have his way. If he wants to go somewhere, Ulivella said he’s going, whether you want to or not. But he’s patient when he wants to be.
One of the biggest lessons Ulivella has learned while working with Tsaber is the art of negotiations. He’s learned Tsaber is food-motivated. Give him a treat, and he’ll be more willing to do what you want — especially if the treat is an apple or carrot.
“The biggest thing with animal handling is you never want to force an animal to do something they don’t want, regardless of what it is, even if it’s good for them,” he said. “You have to find ways to motivate him, give him positive support. (Tsaber) is very easy and difficult all at the same time. He’s very food-
Southwest Orange’s celebrity horse, Tsaber, will turn 38 this month, and locals can celebrate him at a birthday party Sept. 13.
motivated, which is perfect. When he’s full, you better have something else to sweeten the pot a little.”
Ulivella said sometimes, it’s like playing chicken with Tsaber. Whoever gives in first wins.
Although he’s stubborn, Tsaber also provides moments of laughter. Ulivella recalled a time when the farrier came to trim Tsaber’s hooves, which aren’t typically sensitive but when they are, Ulivella said Tsaber “can be a real bear” and gets antsy.
One time when Tsaber was in the same spot for too long, he started moving around, which is a sign he’s either getting anxious or had to go to the bathroom.
“You don’t know which one until it’s too late,” Ulivella said.
It wasn’t long before Ulivella and the farrier found out how Tsaber was feeling.
As the farrier was working on Tsaber’s back hooves, Tsaber suddenly lifted his tail up.
“It was like in the ‘Matrix’ where the (farrier) is bending backward to dodge the bullets; that’s pretty much how it was but with horse poop,” Ulivella said with a laugh.
“He immediately had to dodge out of the way as it was falling out of (Tsaber). Once he got that out the way, he was comfy so he was more cooperative.”
Ulivella is thrilled to be able to have people meet Tsaber and see his personality firsthand at Tsaber’s birthday party.
Tsaber will be haltered and on a lead rope for an hour so people can interact with him and feed him.
People will have the chance to take pictures with him as well.
Of course everyone will sing “Happy birthday,” and what’s a
party without cake? Tsaber will have a horse-friendly cake to enjoy.
“There’s going to be a lot of saliva, a lot of mess, which really makes it that much more fun to watch,” Ulivella said.
There also will be a big birthday card for everyone to sign, and there will be time for attendees to learn
Oakland leaders talk trash
Waste Pro employees attended last week’s Town Commission meeting to address residents’ concerns.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Waste Pro Manager Regina Caronia and Government Affairs Director Platt Loftis spoke to residents and commissioners during the Oakland Town Commission meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Their appearance came after Mayor Shane Taylor said he has been contacted by residents multiple times stating weekly trash pickup is not enough.
Some residents were concerned with the smell their trash cans produce during the summertime, as well as maggots and bugs.
Caronia and Loftis provided recommendations to help residents with their trash issues.
Caronia said to avoid maggots, ensure the trash is bagged and tightly tied.
She also said to use bleach to wipe the carts; bugs die instantly when they come in contact with the chemical.
As an alternative to bleach, Caronia recommended wasp spray, ammonia and vinegar-water spray.
She also said Waste Pro can replace any carts with faulty lids that don’t close completely to ensure bugs are unable to enter.
“We can come up with a solution for you,” she said. “But before the commission goes and says ‘Let’s just go back to twice a week,’ let’s try a few things (first) and see if it works.” Caronia and Loftis also mentioned that switching from one-day pickups to two days per week would be costly, and the town already has a set contract in place.
Caronia said once the heat is gone, residents won’t see the bugs anymore.
In terms of smell, she said to grab a garden hose and spray the cart down.
“It’s a pain, I know, but it can be worked through,” Caronia said.
Taylor said trash pick-up times will be reevaluated once the new contract rolls around in February. Some residents shared concerns about recycling being done. Some don’t recycle because they don’t believe items actually are recyclable. Loftis said the company itself does not recycle materials. Rather, it brings them to a recycling company that does the sorting themselves. Loftis also wanted everyone to know not to recycle glass at the moment.
Waste Pro officials also said its newest purchased-company has a sorting line, where the company soon will be able to sort recycled materials themselves.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The commission unanimously approved a resolution that established the beginning and ending dates and times to qualify as a candidate for the 2026 town general election. Reach out to town clerk Kathy Heard with questions at kheard@oaklandfl.gov.
about Tsaber’s background as well as the background of Buddy, the donkey at the farm.
Ulivella loves to see people’s reaction to seeing a horse of Tsaber’s age trot and canter throughout the pasture.
“It’s wild to see their faces, they don’t expect that,” he said.
“He’s very much a one-in-a-million-type of animal. He is strong as an ox. … Even the vet is surprised by how (well) he’s doing.”
— Tony Ulivella
n The commission unanimously approved a resolution amending Oakland Hall’s rental rates. Only-full day rentals are available. Residents will pay $800 per day on Saturdays and Sundays while non-residents will pay $1,000. Weekdays will remain the same rate.
n Mayor Shane Taylor recognized the month of September as National Preparedness Month. He also proclaimed Monday, Sept. 1, as Labor Day.
n The town’s budget workshop for the 2026 fiscal year will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8.
Photos by Liz Ramos
Happy birthday, Tsaber! Celebrate this Arabian horse at his birthday party Saturday, Sept. 13, at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake.
Tony Ulivella said Tsaber is a “happy, old man” who “wants what he wants when he wants it, how he wants it, but he also loves being around people.”
Windermere Preparatory School turns 25
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Kirsten Anderson recalled her first year at Windermere Preparatory School 25 years ago.
She was teaching out of a portable because there wasn’t a physical building with classrooms. The school was surrounded by orange groves.
One day, the science teacher looked out at a field and saw potential for her earth science class. Anderson asked school leadership to help her create a fossil dig site for her students, thinking it wouldn’t be approved.
To her surprise, leadership said, “Do it.”
“One of the investors and owners (of the school) went to a phosphate mine, got a dump truck and had them come over and dump it, and we did a whole fossil dig,” Anderson said. “What was cool was once my seventh-graders did it, then they took their learning buddies and did it.”
As Windermere Preparatory School celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, students, teachers and staff are reflecting on how the school has grown from 175 students in pre-K through ninth grade in 2000 to becoming an international pre-K through 12th grade school with at least 1,600 students.
Alex Birchenall, interim head of school, said the celebrations for the school’s 25th anniversary include welcoming back graduates, teachers and staff to the school.
The school has created a 25-year video that interviews people from over the years and shares the school’s history. Anniversary bricks have been sold to families, as well.
Windermere Prep will have Laker Day Friday, Sept. 5, in which there will be activities for students in lower, middle and high school to celebrate the school.
A CLEAN SLATE Anderson said she first learned of Windermere Prep when representatives from the owners, American Schools Corporation and Jack and Diane Manhire, gave a presentation at Windermere Town Hall.
Cappleman
who Anderson and her sister Mary Beth Davies knew well, was set to serve as the first head of school.
She and her sister, who were both teachers in Orange County Public Schools at the time, were blown away by the presentation.
“It was just the place you wanted to be,” Anderson said. “It was basically how my sister and I both taught, which was more project-based learning and community awareness. Basically anything you wanted to do, they would go, ‘Hey, how do we do that? Let’s do it.’
It was just a blank slate, and they were founded on great ideals. Jack Manhire, who was the original owner of it, really sold it as an e-ticket for Disney. It was cool to see the staff all come together with that notion of we’re going to make something really big here.”
On the first day of school in 2000, Anderson recalled all staff being dressed in formal attire, which included blazers and ties — even though it was at least 100 degrees outside.
“We’re all standing out there and waiting and waiting, and they just kept talking and talking and talking,” Anderson said. “The ceremony was going on forever. Well, it turns out they were actually stalling, because they were waiting for our certificate of occupancy. That was the final inspection that had to be done. We were like, ‘Wait, what?’”
Anderson said opening day was magical, and the school owners and leadership always provided teachers and staff with support from the first day to today.
“We knew we were doing something different,” she said.
Jane Hickey, a pre-K through 3 years old teacher at the school since 2001, said there was a feeling that “everybody was just so happy to be” at the school and it was a “great, fun place to be.”
A COMMUNITY EFFORT
The support teachers received from the community allowed them to take trips and try new projects. Anderson recalled the student government raising money for the Florida band Sister Hazel’s charity, Lyrics for Life. One moment, one of the students was talk-
ing to the band’s manager and the next thing Anderson knew, they were borrowing the technology staff member Joseph Palacio’s RV, and she along with eight students were driving to Atlanta for a Lyrics for Life event where the students met the band.
That support was paramount for the school — especially in 2003, when the school was facing bankruptcy and parents were writing $1,000 checks on top of paying tuition to keep the private school running.
“You pulled in, and back then, the gate was an old-fashioned fence, and we didn’t know if it was going to be opened or not,” Anderson said. “But the parents kept us going.”
Local resident and businessmen Jeff Anderson and school parent Ken Furnish agreed with Bank of America to purchase the school as long as parents paid an extra $2,500 per child on top of tuition, which was up to $10,900 per year.
Hickey laughed recalling watching Jeff Anderson riding a lawnmower while smoking a cigar so the school grounds would be maintained.
In 2007, the Meritas Corporation took ownership of the college preparatory school, followed by Nord Anglia Education Inc. in 2016. Nord Anglia has since owned the school.
Regardless of ownership, Windermere Prep stayed true to its origins and its traditions, preserving the history of the school while expanding and looking toward the future.
“People say, ‘Why did you do it? You could have gone anywhere,’” Hickey said. “And I said, ‘Because it was the small group; there weren’t many of us, we knew it was going to work.’ We just had a feeling it was going to work. I’m not giving up until I lost all faith and that never happened.”
TRADITIONS REMAIN
As members of the staff in the first two years, Anderson and Hickey not only were part of creating the traditions of Windermere Prep but also maintaining the traditions throughout the past 25 years.
“(The school) has grown leaps and bounds since (2000), but it’s still based on the same ideals, our same crest, our same traditions,” Anderson said. “We have rites of passage that we created, which is fun to see that are still there. It’s different. There are a zillion more kids, so it has grown, but we still hold very much like in the beginning years the strong community.”
Some traditions include the ceremonies marking the transition from elementary to middle school and from middle school to high school as well as high school graduation.
The transition from elementary to middle school is called “crossing the bridge,” while the transition into high
“If
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school is “turning a page.”
Even small traditions such as the kindergarten teddy bear picnic remain, as well as Anderson’s seventh-grade science class planting and maintaining a garden each year.
Laker Learning Buddies also has been a 25-year tradition in which older students are paired with younger students to read or create something together as they meet throughout the year.
For middle and high school students, Windermere Prep created Laker Adventures. The students have an opportunity to go beyond the classroom. For seventh-graders, it’s Discover Florida, where they go to the Everglades and the Florida Keys. Eighth-graders go on a trip to the Grand Canyon on their Go West trip.
Students not only are able to travel the country for various opportunities, but also as a Nord Anglia School, Windermere Prep has been able to send students to Tanzania, Africa, for a Nord Anglia Education Global Expedition trip consisting of education, community service and exploration. This summer, Birchenall traveled with students to the Swiss Alps, as well.
BRIGHT FUTURE
What started as a local school with 175 students in 2000 has grown into an international school with more than 1,600 students with local and boarding students.
“It’s really exciting to just be a part of something where you can feel the energy,” Birchenall said. “We’re truly a global community. We attract people from all over the world. We have a great boarding program, and our day families are super diverse and come from all over. It’s just amazing to see the new faces and new energy that come to the school every single year.”
The school has been working toward becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate World School. The school is the only one in Central Florida to offer the IB Diploma Program. In 2024, the school became a candidate for the IB Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. Birchenall said the school hopes to be authorized at some point in the 2026-2027 school year.
The IB Diploma Programme and the vision the school had for the program is what drew Birchenall to the school three years ago. He has since helped guide the process, first as an assistant head of school and now as the interim head of school.
“I’d say kind of the IB has ushered in this re-envisioning, re-thinking of how we approach teaching and learning in the school and with that building out systems that ensure we’re really meeting a high standard of excellence in the classroom,” Birchenall said.
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WEST ORANGE TIMES
The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.
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Carolyn
Karraker,
Seventh-graders went on a Laker Adventure, which was a tradition created in the school’s first year.
Mary Beth Davies, a Windermere Preparatory School teacher, helped create the first yearbook for the school with students.
Church DIRECTORY
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus:
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org
125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
PRESBYTERIAN
9:30AM 11:00AM
Millage increase would address $2.2M deficit
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Winter Garden is proposing increasing its millage rate from 4.5 to 4.8565 to address a $2.2 million deficit.
Laura Zielonka, the finance director for Winter Garden, said during the budget workshop portion of the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, Aug. 28, that city staff is proposing the increase to preserve long-term fiscal sustainability, focus on essential services such as public safety, protect the city’s infrastructure and obtain a fund balance of 20%.
If the millage rate increase is approved, the estimated property tax increase for a home with an assessed value of $200,000 and a homestead exemption of $50,000 would be about $53 per year. That property would pay $675 under the current 4.5 millage rate.
The total budget for the upcoming fiscal year is $180 million in expenditures, with $169 million in revenues.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The City Commission unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding and a second amendment to the agreement between the city and St. Johns River Water Management District for the material replacement and dredging of Lake Apopka in front of Newton Park.
n The commission unanimously approved an amendment to the non-exclusive franchise agreement for Plant Street Recycling. The amendment will allow the company to operate outside of the gated neighborhoods and on public streets to expand services.
n Commissioners unanimously authorized City Manager Jon C. Williams to execute and award a construction services contract for Fire Station 21 to Mulligan Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $7,112,902.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH
241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
Using a zero-based budgeting approach, the city decided not to add any new positions in the budget.
Property taxes, which make up the largest portion of the General Fund, represents 18% of the city’s total revenues. Other sources of revenue include charges for services, state shared revenues and grants.
PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM
Ad valorem revenues are used to support city services, including fire and police protections, parks and recreation, planning, administration, public works, and infrastructure maintenance. However, those revenues alone are not sufficient to fund the current levels of service. As a result, the General Fund uses alternative revenues, some of which are unpredictable and unstable, to fund all services.
n The City Commission unanimously awarded the purchase order to USSI LLC for sanitary sewer system inflow and infiltration inspection and repairs in the amount of $137,040.
n The site plan for 244 W. Story Road was approved unanimously.
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
n The Community Redevelopment Agency approved the cost reimbursement of the city’s General Fund by the CRA for design work completed by Murray Design Group at Zanders Park in the amount of $20,020.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
If the city maintains the current millage rate of 4.5, Zielonka said the city will have a fund balance of 17%. The fund balance is used to respond to emergencies such as hurricanes, economic downturns and unexpected costs. The reserves also can be used for one-time expenses, major equipment capital projects and as a short-term bridge for temporary revenue loss as the city looks for long-term solutions.
rently has 398 full-time equivalent employees. The FTE helps gauge how many full-time employees a municipality has for every 1,000 residents.
For Winter Garden, that is 7.6 FTE.
“Winter Garden has the lowest number of FTE employees per 1,000 residents, demonstrating our commitment to lean operations and fiscal responsibility,” Zielonka said.
MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM
1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761 LV14252
The city would need $2.2 million in additional revenue or in expense reductions to obtain the goal of a 20% fund balance.
Zielonka said when looking at cutting expenses, not all dollars are equal. Some expenditures are restricted, which means the funds are legally tied to specific uses from specific revenues. Unrestricted revenues can be allowed where they are needed most.
The General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes $19 million in unrestricted expenditures.
“This low FTE reflects a conservative approach carefully managing taxpayer dollars while minimizing administrative overhead. Even with fewer employees per capita, Winter Garden continues to deliver outstanding service levels across all departments, including fire, police, parks and public works.”
For capital improvements, the proposed budget includes $2.3 million in the General Fund, which includes $995,000 for the fire department, $605,000 for information technology, $366,000 for facilities, $110,000 for the police department, $100,000 for the cemetery, $91,000 for recreation and $50,000 for the fleet department.
Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations
“If we were to cut $2.2 million, it would have to come from the unrestricted expenditures that are not tied to a specific revenue purpose,” Zielonka said. “When we calculate that out, that’s a total of 11.4% coming from personnel, operating capital and other uses.”
• Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, Barn Doors, and More
Zielonka said increasing the millage rate allows the city to fund ongoing services with ongoing revenue.
• Repaired, Refinished and Repurposed Wood Furniture
“It addresses the challenge of operating expenses, outpaying recurring revenues, reserves for emergencies and one-time needs, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability for our community,” she said.
The city has allocated $4.5 million for road resurfacing, intersection upgrades, new turn lanes and safety agreements across the city. Enterprise Fund revenues are legally restricted to services they provide and are self-supporting services like water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste. These fund revenues total $62 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Stormwater, solid waste and trailer city utility rates are scheduled to increase Oct. 1 by 20% in accordance with the approved rate structure for bond covenants.
• Gently Used Furniture and New & Used Household Items Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday
Beginning in 2024, Zielonka said the cost of delivering city services began exceeding the operating revenues available to support them, which “marks a critical shift in financial sustainability.”
She said the increase in expenditures is driven by rising personnel costs, inflationary pressures on goods and services and investments in public safety infrastructure. Although revenues have grown, they’re not keeping pace with the cost of maintaining and enhancing city services.
Personnel costs are the largest driver in department operating costs. The proposed budget includes a 7.5% wage increase for fire personnel per collective-bargaining-unit agreements, a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for non-fire union employees, health insurance increases and pension contributions. The city of Winter Garden cur-
The city is recommending a State of Florida Public Service Commission CPI Index of 2.23% to solid waste funds user feeds to cover the costs of services.
The east Winter Garden 2026 budget totals $8.6 million and includes the east Winter Garden Home Renovation Legacy Program, Zanders Park improvements, the design phase for the east Winter Garden streetscape, property redevelopment, commercial and business redevelopment, and the east Winter Garden drainage improvements.
The Winter Garden City Commission will have budget hearings at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, and Thursday, Sept. 25.
“We’re going to continue to evaluate the budget,” City Manager Jon C. Williams said. “We’re going to continue to look for areas to offer some savings, and then periodically ... we’ll bring them back to the commission ... and say these are areas we can identify where we can see savings.”
Four decades of community care
Diana
Other
and
but none were successful.
Assent gently approached the patient and asked to stand with her. They didn’t need to talk. They didn’t need to do anything. They just stood together.
Well, until Assent realized she was standing on a pile of ants that were biting her feet.
She suggested to the patient they go behind the emergency room to sit down and escape the ants.
After about 45 minutes, the patient began opening up, sharing her thoughts and feelings with Assent until she calmed down and was ready to re-enter the hospital.
That Christmas, the patient sent Assent a vase along with a note that Assent continues to store in the vase as a reminder of why she became a nurse.
“You were a life-saver during my night of fear at the hospital,” the note read. “Thank you for your kindness, your comfort and your love in my time of medical need.”
Assent always wanted the “difficult cases” when it came to patients. Yes, caring for them might come with more challenges, but more often than not, it also came with the greatest satisfaction as the patients grew to love her and requested her as their nurse.
After working at Dr. P. Philips Hospital since its opening 40 years ago, Assent, now the administrative supervisor working the night shift, has seen thousands of patients come and go but she said the standard of care, the support of hospital leadership and her dedication to the job have never wavered.
For Assent, nursing was her calling. The only other career she considered was teaching, but after being raised in the Caribbean and coming to the United States and realizing how students were not obedient in school as
they were in the Caribbean, she said education was not the path for her.
“I changed my mind right away,”
she said. “Nursing is not a glamorous job, but you have those incredible moments that are so satisfying when you are able to put a smile on somebody’s face, just sitting and holding somebody’s hand for a moment when they have gotten bad news or rejoicing in their own happiness. DPH is not just a workplace. It’s a place for healing. It’s a place where you give care and you care.”
Assent’s health care career started 46 years ago, when she graduated from City College in New York and began working in Mount Sinai Hospital. Two years later, she moved to the Sunshine State and started what would become a 44-year career with Orlando Health at Holiday Hospital.
“When I came here and got my interview, I had a feeling this was
going to be the place I wanted to be,” she said. “I never had any doubt that I was going to be going anywhere else.”
Sitting in the cafeteria after a 12-hour night shift, Assent pulled out her original hospital badge for what was then Orlando Regional Medical Center. Her smile in the photo on the badge from 1981 was just as big as the smile she had Friday, Aug. 29.
In those 44 years, Assent’s only change in hospital was when Holiday Hospital closed for a renovation to turn it into Orlando Health — Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
She transferred to the newly built Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, known as Sand Lake Hospital at the time of its opening 40 years ago until 2007. The name change was to recognize Dr. Phillips Charities’ contributions to the hospital, including Dr. P. Phillips who originally provided land for the hospital’s construction.
LONGTIME STAFF
Several employees have been with Dr. P. Phillips Hospital since it opened in 1985.
n Diana Assent, administrative supervisor — 44 years of service with Orlando Health
n Carl Johnson, respiratory care — 53 years of service with Orlando Health
n Thomas Kondracki, facilities management — 44 years of service with Orlando Health
n Jovanni Levine, surgical supplies — 41 years of service with Orlando Health
n Linda Danzy, food and nutrition services — 40 years of service with Orlando Health
n Dr. Charles Heard, orthopedic surgery — 42 years of service with Orlando Health
“We felt very family-oriented,” she said of the hospital. “You knew people by face and names. If anything would go wrong in the hospital, if someone had a tragedy or some mishap, we would go around and collect things and donations, and that’s how it was.”
The hospital has grown in its 40 years, first with a new patient tower that added 330,000 square feet and 140 beds in 2008 and again in 2020 with a 42,000-square-foot expansion that brought the total number of beds to 285.
Assent recalled the days when the pharmacy wasn’t open 24/7 and would close at 11 p.m., forcing the nurses on the night shift to fill medications on their own. The orders were written rather than sent electronically. They used beepers to notify each other because cell phones didn’t exist yet.
If the fire alarm went off, the staff would have to silence it and let the fire department in. If someone died, the staff took the bodies to the morgue rather than the separate team that exists today.
“Sometimes, I don’t even know how we did it, but we did it,” she said.
She’ll never forget going the extra mile for one patient who came into the hospital late at night and wanted something to eat. She went to the cafeteria with a few other nurses on the unit to prepare something for the patient.
Assent went into the walk-in freezer, and the door shut. She pushed on the door. She pulled on the door. It wouldn’t budget.
“I’m thinking, ‘Oh my God, am I going to die in here? This cannot be happening,’” she said. “I said, ‘This is not the way I want to go out.’”
Her fingers were getting colder and stiff. She was peering out the window of the freezer to flag down one of her colleagues, but they were nowhere to be found. Her phone wasn’t working in the freezer. She just kept knocking, hoping someone would find her.
Her colleagues heard the faint knocking and found her with her face pressed against the glass trying to get someone’s attention. She finally was free.
When explaining the situation to her manager the following day, she and the manager returned to the freezer to find a door handle allowing the door to be pushed open. She couldn’t believe it.
Now pre-made boxed meals are available for patients.
“I can laugh now, but I wasn’t laughing then,” she said with a chuckle. “Needless to say, I’ve never gone back there.”
Despite the growth, Assent said she feels accepted and valued at the hospital. The growth has given her as well as other employees opportunities to rise within the health system and have growth in their careers.
Liz Ramos
Diana Assent has spent 40 years at Dr. P. Phillips, being one of the first employees to join the team when the hospital opened in 1985. She plans to retire in the future with Orlando Health.
Recipe for success
Larry and Holt Cappleman, new owners of Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar, plan to maintain the restaurant’s staples while adding to their family’s legacy in Winter Garden.
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Holt Cappleman took a break from his decades-long career in the restaurant industry in the mid 2000s to try working in the insurance industry under his father, Larry Cappleman. He was happy to be at home in Winter Garden with his family, but after two years, he was itching to get back into the restaurant industry and craving the creativity restaurants offer.
In July, Holt Cappleman had the opportunity to combine his passion for restaurants with his desire to be with his family in Winter Garden and work once again with Larry Cappleman. While working for the insurance agency, Holt Cappleman was able to see the business world through his dad’s eyes. Now the roles have
IF YOU GO
URBAN ON PLANT KITCHEN & BAR
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays.
Where: 132 W. Plant St., Winter Garden
Information: (407) 614-2765
reversed as Larry Cappleman, who has no experience in the restaurant industry, has taken ownership of Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar in downtown Winter Garden with Holt Cappleman.
The Capplemans took ownership of Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar July 1.
The Capplemans have served as
the landlord of Urban on Plant since it moved to Winter Garden in 2012.
When David Downs, the previous owner of the restaurant and bar, came to the Capplemans to tell them he was selling the business, the Capplemans felt the need to preserve the restaurant.
“We just thought this restaurant was too much of a staple of the community and too important to let it go to someone else who’s going to change the vision of it and turn it into something else,” Holt Cappleman said.
The Capplemans are planning a gradual change of menu that still will have fan favorites such as the French dip and the black and bleu pizza. Holt Cappleman said they are gathering feedback from staff and clients about their favorites.
“We don’t want to ostracize people and take away things that everyone
Plant Street Market sushi chef rolls with new restaurant in DP
David Tsan is opening Kappo Tsan in O-Town West. The restaurant will serve dishes inspired by Japanese and Taiwanese cultures.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
David Tsan, a Taiwanese native, has worked in the restaurant industry for more than 18 years. But not always as a recognized chef.
When Tsan was 18 years old, he started working at a restaurant as a Chinese food delivery driver. Over the years, Tsan worked his way up in the industry. Now the 36-year-old is a three-time Michelin Bib Gourmands recipient.
And soon, he’ll open a new sushi restaurant, Kappo Tsan, in O-Town West.
Despite spending half his life in food, Tsan said he initially wasn’t interested in the restaurant industry.
“At first, it was more like, ‘I need a job, and restaurants are the best
option,’” he said. “But throughout the years, I slowly found passions in food. Because when you really think about food, it’s about bringing people together to celebrate special events and creating something flavorful for them to actually look back on. It’s become more meaningful to me, as well.”
Tsan currently is the head chef at Norigami, an eight-seat by reservation-only sushi and handroll restaurant at Plant Street Market.
He opened his first business in 2001, doing sushi pop-ups and collaborations with other chefs.
He also has worked at Marimoto Asia, Kabooki Sushi and more.
These experiences have led him to his latest venture. Kappo Tsan will offer Taiwanese flavors mixed with Japanese craftsmanship to honor his origins and how he cultivated his voice in the kitchen.
“Norigami was always a stepping stone,” he said. “Kappo Tsan is going to be a little bit bigger, so I get to have the freedom creating more dishes, more hot dishes, along with sushi, as well.”
Tsan said he is excited to see every-
body being happy in the new space.
With the Southwest Orange area growing quickly, Tsan said this is the perfect time to open Kappo Tsan.
loves, but we would like to put our take on new items,” Holt Cappleman said.
Urban on Plant will be launching a fall food menu in October with some additional items that will feature flavors of that season. From then on, the menu will become seasonal along with its classics that won’t change.
Holt Cappleman said the seasonal menu provides an opportunity to create an environment that allows guests to try something new every time they come into the restaurant.
The drink menu also will be redeveloped.
“In that space, we really want to allow our bartenders when they’re creating drinks to be overly creative and make stuff that people want to come in and take a photo of and put up on their Instagram or TikTok,” Holt Cappleman said.
A focus for the Capplemans not only is preserving the legacy the restaurant has developed on Plant Street but also adding to the legacy of the Cappleman family on Plant Street.
Urban on Plant is the fifth business the Cappleman family has owned on Plant Street since 1912. The family has owned a grocery store, an insurance agency and real estate and rental businesses.
Holt Cappleman said preserving the family’s ability to have businesses and provide for the community is the family’s legacy, and now having the restaurant is a new aspect to add to the legacy.
“Continuing that through giving them great service and providing food they’re happy to come and enjoy and a restaurant they’re proud to have in their community is really important to us,” he said.
Urban on Plant was an opportunity for Holt and Larry Cappleman to go into business together for the first time.
“I thought that was important for us to do, especially with the wonderful restaurant that David (Downs) and Jane (Thomas, the retired general manager) built together,” Holt Cappleman said. “To be able to continue the legacy they’ve created and expand on it is something we’re truly excited about.”
Holt Cappleman has more than 30 years in the restaurant industry and currently serves as the director of culinary operations and purchasing for Buca di Beppo and has been director of culinary operations for Bertucci, a pizza place, in the northeast.
He also has worked with virtual
1912Will Cappleman and Thurlowe Cappleman opened Cappleman Brothers Grocery at 60 W. Plant St.
1946Franklin and Virginia Cappleman opened Cappleman Agency Insurance & Real Estate at 14 W. Plant St.
1967Gene Cappleman and Ed Fischer began Black Building Inc., which is now Cappleman, Inc. Commercial Rentals as 121 W. Plant St.
1981Bill Cappleman and Wayne Efurd opened Cappleman Efurd Real Estate at 121 W. Plant St.
2025
He’ll be joined by a team that will bring their own experiences to create an extension of Norigami at Kappo Tsan. Johnny and Jimmy Tung are James Beard Award-nominated restauranteurs. Benjamin Coutts, the former Soseki and Bar Kada beverage director, earned a sommelier award from Michelin in 2023. Toshi Kishimoto is the former chef-owner of the recently closed Hanamizuki Japanese Restaurant.
The 30-seat restaurant will provide a full view of the kitchen with booths, a 14-seat walk-up bar and a six-seat Kappo bar, for an intimate experience for guests.
“I hope people will come in with curiosity in mind and leave satisfied,” Tsan said. “I feel like Orlando right now, we are a city of foodies, but I think that our palates should be moving forward a little bit. Going to a restaurant, not just expecting things that you want to eat. You should be more open-minded to be able to open up new flavor as well as new ingredients.”
The restaurant will offer an extended sake and wine list, as well as a prix fixe menu and à la carte options, inspired by Florida’s seasons. Tsan said dishes will vary between $30 to $40 for à la carte dishes, while the prix fixe menu will vary from $150 to $180.
Guests can expect dishes such as Taiwanese beef noodle soup, Mapo tofu, shirako with dashi butter, grilled tuna tomahawk, kakuni and more.
Tsan hopes to curate a different type of experience from other restaurants at Kappo Tsan, with its music, ambiance, wine and sake list, as well as its food offerings.
Although an opening date is not set, Tsan hopes to have the restaurant open and running by late October.
Tsan will continue to oversee recipe ordering at Norigami while sous chef
it.
dining brands to create brands such as Mr. Beast Burger and Pardon My Cheesesteak.
“The controlled chaos is fun,” Holt Cappleman said. “I’m a pretty creative person when it comes to food, so I kind of thrive under that, as well.” Holt Cappleman said teaching Larry Cappleman about the industry he’s known for 30 years is “really cool.”
“At my age, you’re not supposed to start something new, but it sure is energizing,” Larry Cappleman said. “We hope we’ll create a gathering spot for Winter Garden, a fun place where they can enjoy themselves.”
Larry Cappleman always enjoyed the interactions with the public in the insurance business, so he’s looking forward to doing the same at the restaurant, especially with regulars.
Holt Cappleman said knowing Urban on Plant already has regulars provides pressure to maintain the legacy set ahead of them.
“We don’t want to deviate too far from it,” he said. “We just want to expand on the experience they have when they come here and give them other opportunities to see things they might have not seen here before.” THE CAPPLEMAN
Ocoee leaders propose no change to millage
At the last budget workshop meeting before being presented to the public, the Ocoee City Commission revealed the millage rate of 4.95 will not change in the proposed budget.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The Ocoee City Commission held a budget workshop Wednesday, Aug. 27, to hear a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Proposed Budget.
Among the biggest items of concern for city residents amid recent increases in municipal taxes — such as those for solid waste and fire protections services — was the proposed millage rate. As of the current iteration of the proposed budget, which has not been approved by the commission, the city’s current millage rate of 4.95 will not change, meaning Ocoee homeowners will not see another increase to their tax bill.
“The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26 is balanced at 4.95 mills, (the) current rate and strategically prioritizes key areas of investment, including public safety, infrastructure modernization, enhancements to parks and recreation, and technology upgrades aimed at improving service delivery,” City Manager Craig Shadrix said in a message to the commission about the proposed budget. “These investments are made with a forward-looking understanding of potential fiscal challenges, such as anticipated declines in ad valorem revenues and rising public safety expenditures driven by significant wage increases and equipment replacement costs. These documents are comprised of the financial, operational, and capital plans of the city and information in support of the same.”
The 323-page proposed budget document, available for review online at ocoee.org, touched on every department and a variety of financial strategies and principles the city uses to determine its budget and provide clarity to tax payers about how the money is being spent.
As part of this proposed budget, Shadrix introduce a new operational principle —Plan, Fund, Execute, Asses — the city plans to adopt.
“This framework reflects our commitment to responsible governance and positions us for thoughtful, sustainable growth,” he said. “First, we plan strategically, aligning our goals with long-term priorities and assess outcomes. We identify what needs to be done, when and why, making sure our goals clearly align with the priorities of the City Commission and community. Next, we fund responsibly, allocating resources where they will have the greatest impact. Every dollar is tied to a clear objective, and funding decisions are made transparently to reflect both current and future needs. Then, we execute with discipline and hold ourselves accountable by tracking progress and assessing results.”
Reactions from commissioners to the proposed budget during the workshop generally were positive.
“I was thinking back about the meeting we had about the non ad valorem fire assessment fee because folks were saying the increase is going to hit them in their pockets, and now I’m here looking at all the cuts that have been made so we can actually have a balanced budget,” Commissioner George Oliver III said. “The things that (are) being sacrificed by staff, by the city, so our citizens can have a better quality of life, and we can maintain our millage rate at 4.95, that’s what I’m hoping our citizens can see … that we’re doing everything we can to cut our budget.”
The city will hold two public hearings regarding the proposed budget at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Wednesday, Sept. 17, at City Hall.
Liz Ramos
It’s all in the family for Debbie Cappleman, Larry Cappleman, Holt Cappleman and Jennifer Cappleman as they work together to maintain the legacy of Urban on Plant Kitchen & Bar while adding to the family’s legacy on Plant Street.
Austin Batista runs
Courtesy photos David Tsan is thrilled to open Kappo Tsan to the community.
Ahome in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 11 to 17.
The home at 5507 Worsham Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 11, for $6,600,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, seven baths, four half-baths and 10,200 square feet. Days on market: 480. The sellers were represented by Rob Rahter, Stockworth Realty Group.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY VISTA ESTATES
The home at 9326 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $620,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,187 square feet. Days on market: 14.
BRISTOL PARK
The home at 8704 Ingleton Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 11, for $890,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,703 square feet. Days on market: 10.
LAKE MARSHA SUBDIVISION
The home at 7307 Grace Road, Orlando, sold Aug. 11, for $500,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,908 square feet. Days on market: 46.
ORANGE BAY
The home at 6341 Edge O Grove Circle, Orlando, sold Aug. 13, for $500,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,659 square feet. Days on market: 100.
PARKVIEW RESERVE
The home at 8099 Fenton St., Orlando, sold Aug. 12, for $1,088.130. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,870 square feet.
SAND LAKE HILLS
The home at 8510 Cedar Cove Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $640,000. Built in 1979, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,773 square feet. Days on market: 68.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 10146 Pointview Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 14, for $658,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,982 square feet. Days on market: 42.
HORIZON WEST
ALEXANDER RIDGE
The home at 2008 Curia Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 13, for $499,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,027 square feet. Days on market: Five.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 5772 Laurel Cherry Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 13, for $530,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,552 square feet. Days on market: 67.
The home at 15229 Evergreen Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $510,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,199 square feet. Days on market: 33.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 6539 Chagford Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 13, for $560,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,265 square feet. Days on market: 19.
The home at 12868 Holdenbury Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $530,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,460 square feet. Days on market: 39.
LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN
The home at 15161 Lake Bessie Loop, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $790,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,502 square feet. Days on market: 69.
SILVERLEAF OAKS
The home at 16353 Bright Leaf Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $1,051,200. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,829 square feet.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 16544 Silver Brook Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 11, for $562,775. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,114 square feet of living area.
The home at 5235 Passion Flower Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $540,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,114 square feet. Days on market: 75.
SUMMERPORT
The home at 13838 Bluebird Park Road sold Aug. 12, for $910,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,897 square feet. Days on market: Five.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 11015 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $880,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,327 square feet. Days on market: 16.
WATERMARK
The home at 14639 Winter Stay Drive sold Aug. 15, for $665,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,468 square feet. Days on market: 61.
WINCEY GROVES
The home at 16238 Misty Hills Ave. sold Aug. 15, for $717,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,853 square feet. Days on market: 78.
WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 9025 Horizon Pointe Trail, Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $730,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,264 square feet.
OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS
The home at 1740 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Aug. 13, for $585,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,995 square feet. Days on market: 50.
OCOEE FORESTBROOKE
The home at 297 Beacon Pointe Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 15, for $600,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,103 square feet. Days on market: 10.
HAMMOCKS
The home at 1018 Featherstone Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 14, for $470,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,076 square feet. Days on market: 80.
LAKE SHORE GARDENS
The home at 509 E. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 15, for $645,000. Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,599 square feet. Days on market: 106.
MAGNOLIA RESERVE
The townhouse at 2453 Magnolia Reserve Road, Ocoee, sold Aug. 11, for $405,999. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,752 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.
MEADOW RIDGE
The home at 390 Anessa Rose Loop, Ocoee, sold Aug. 14, for $793,660. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,880 square feet. Days on market: 17.
NANCY ANN WOODS
The home at 1000 Sal St., Ocoee, sold Aug. 11, for $279,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,008 square feet. Days on market: 39.
VILLAGES OF WESMERE
The home at 1978 Fishtail Fern Way, Ocoee, sold Aug. 15, for $445,800. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,869 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.
WESTYN BAY
The home at 2313 Pesaro Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 12, for $615,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,900 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.
WYNWOOD
The home at 3424 Wynwood Forest Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 15, for $465,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: 30.
WINDERMERE
CHAINE DU LAC
The home at 3428 Chaine Du Lac Blvd., Windermere, sold Aug. 13, for $4,100,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 6,196 square feet. Days on market: 41.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 5507 Worsham Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 11, for $6,600,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, seven baths, four half-baths and 10,200 square feet. Days on market: 480.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 11856 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $1,755,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,680 square feet. Days on market: 108.
The home at 8437 Lake Burden Circle, Windermere, sold Aug. 11, for $1,560,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,797 square feet. Days on market: 105.
The home at 8430 Woburn Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 13, for $1,450,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,319 square feet. Days on market: 64.
The home at 6054 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Aug. 14, for $1,075,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,976 square feet. Days on market: Six.
KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER
The home at 1424 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold Aug. 15, for $1,655,000. Built in 1975, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,104 square feet. Days on market: 70.
WINTER GARDEN
BELLE MEADE
The home at 15300 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 12, for $715,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,843 square feet. Days on market: Two.
BRADFORD CREEK
The home at 14288 Creekbed Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $1,025,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,511 square feet. Days on market: Seven.
COVINGTON CHASE
The home at 724 Grassy Stone Drive sold Aug. 15, for $640,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,756 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 13924 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 14, for $1,039,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,290 square feet. Days on market: 29.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The townhouse at 15241 Sunrise Grove Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $435,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,902 square feet. Days on market: 29.
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 646 Marsh Reed Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 11, for $625,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,096 square feet. Days on market: 59.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 908 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $915,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,683 square feet. Days on market: 94.
WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE
The home at 16675 Otterchase Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 15, for $990,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,255 square feet. Days on market: 99.
Courtesy photo
The home at 5507 Worsham Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 11, for $6,600,000. This mansion is positioned along the 14th fairway of the Isleworth golf course. The sellers were represented by Rob Rahter, Stockworth Realty Group.
LOCAL MOTION
This annual guide provides important information about the West Orange communities of Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Gotha and Horizon West including the history, area maps, hospitals, utility companies and local leaders.
Including:
• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events
• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved
• Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget
A complete guide to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs
and expertly
How to manage pests in storm season
container on an elevated surface, such a high shelf or kitchen counter. Alternatively, you can move it to the crisper drawer in your fridge. Throw out expired items, and wipe off any shelves where food might have spilled. If present, cracks and crevices should be filled to avoid providing shelter to sneaky pests.
However, taking the time to prepare your home in defense against unwanted ants, flies, beetles, moths, mosquitoes and more will serve you well in the long-run. Here are 10 tips for preventing pests before and after a storm event:
1. CLEAN UP YOUR CRUMBS
What might look like just a few crumbs or a dab of oil to us is a feast for pests. Carbohydrates and fats especially are attractive to ants and cockroaches. Take care to tidy up after meals, cleaning counters and washing dishes. Check toasters, microwaves, ovens and other appliances for lingering crumbs. Vacuum floors to remove any crumbs that might have fallen to the floor. If you take the occasional snack or meal to your couch (or other furniture), make sure you check the area and clean up accordingly.
2. PONDER YOUR PANTRY
Open bags of sugar, flour and grains provide the perfect place for beetles and moths to feed and breed in large numbers. Store these products in resealable bags or air-tight containers to keep pests out. The same goes for any pet food. You also can keep these items in the fridge or freezer, but be wary of warmth and humidity in case power is lost during a storm. If you store fruits or vegetables in your pantry, make sure they are not exposed to the elements. Ripe fruits, such as bananas and apples, might attract unwanted rodents to your kitchen. Store produce in a covered
3. ORGANIZE YOUR FRIDGE
Think your fridge is safe from invaders? Think again! Flies, ants and even cockroaches might find their way into your fridge if conditions are right. It’s important to keep it clean on a regular basis, disposing of expired food items and cleaning shelves and drawers. While it’s recommended to clean out your fridge every other month, aim for at least three to four times per year, making sure to wipe up spills immediately. This is especially important for juices from thawing meats and poultry.
Make sure the internal temperature stays within 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If your power went out during a storm, check the temperature using an appliance thermometer. If your fridge “kept its cool,” then your food still is safe to consume. However, if it reached 41 degrees or higher for more than two hours, dispose of any perishable food items. This is when pathogens start to quickly multiply and put your food at risk. Spoiled food items not only are unsafe for you, but they might be attractive to pests. If you know a storm is on its way, consider setting the temperature a few degrees lower than usual. This can help keep your food colder for longer in case of a power outage. Another important part of fridge maintenance is checking its seal. Do the “dollar trick” to see if your fridge’s gasket is well-sealed. Close the fridge door on a dollar bill with
half of it sticking outside the fridge. Pull on it to see how difficult it is to extract. If it is pulled out easily, that indicates a weak seal. Make sure to replace your gasket if this is the case.
4. CRACKS ARE WHACK
Cracks and crevices make it easy for pests to find their way indoors. They can also provide harborage, making it difficult to treat areas with active infestations. Seal cracks with caulk and apply weather-stripping to gaps in entryways like windows and doors. Not only will this prevent a variety of pests from entering your space, but also it makes for a more energy efficient home.
5. COVER YOUR TRASH
Your trash and recycling bins likely are full of tasty morsels — ripe for the picking. It’s important to keep them covered at all times. Beyond covering your bins, regularly rinse them out to avoid build-up of food and drink residue. On that note, rinse your recyclables too before tossing them in the bin. Finally, make sure any trash bins in your home are lined for easy disposal and clean-up.
6. REPAIR DAMAGED SCREENS
Over time, screens are prone to the occasional wear and tear, but they might look much worse after a strong storm. It’s important to repair any rips or tears as soon as possible. Mosquitoes, midges and other flying insects can enter the home through damaged screens and make spending time on your porch or lanai uncomfortable. Not to mention, mosquitoes might transmit disease-causing pathogens. Stay up to date on the latest reports of mosquito-borne disease through the Florida Department of Health, and always stay safe by protecting yourself against bites.
7. LIGHTBULB MOMENTS
If there is an abundance of flying insects outside your home, they might be attracted to your outdoor light fixtures. When it comes to lights, not all bulbs are created equal. Studies show that LEDs are much less attractive to insects when compared with fluorescent or incandescent bulbs. And, a bonus — they also are more energy-efficient! Even when choosing which LED bulbs to buy, there are subtle differences to consider. The most effective ones have a wavelength greater than 550 nanometers, a correlated color temperature of less than 3,600K, and are labeled “warm white” or “ultra warm white.” Another tip is to consider motion-activated lights. That way, they only will turn on when people are present. This ensures you’re not attracting insects when you’re away, and you get to save on your utility bill in the process.
8. IMPROVE DRAINAGE
9. CONSIDER YOUR CONTAINERS
Containers stored outside can collect rainwater after a storm. This standing water provides a place for mosquitoes to breed. In fact, even something as small as a bottle cap can offer enough space for a mosquito to complete its life cycle. Walk around the perimeter of your home, checking for possible containers along the way.
Examples of common containers include buckets, open bins, cans and bottles, bird baths, plant pots and dishes, tree holes, and even waterholding plants like bromeliads. When possible, dump out containers to empty out any standing water. Then, either flip them over or bring them inside to prevent more water from collecting.
10. FIX LEAKS
While leaks might happen yearround, homes that have suffered damage from a storm might be especially prone. Did you know that household leaks account for 12% of a typical home’s water usage? Leaks not only are a waste of water but can also cause damage to the home and make it vulnerable to unwanted guests. For instance, dampwood termites and carpenter ants require moist wood to establish their colonies. Once present in the home, they can further compromise the structure by creating tunnels and galleries. Ants, cockroaches, silverfish and flies also are just some of the many pests that might be attracted to leaking water. Fix leaks as soon as they’re spotted, and be sure to dry out the affected areas using a fan or dehumidifier.
You might have areas in your landscape that collect water and stay wet well after a storm. These areas can provide a breeding habitat for mosquitoes. When possible, add a variety of plants to low-lying areas in your landscape to create a rain garden or bioswale. This will reduce mosquito breeding habitat, help filter stormwater runoff and possibly attract beneficial insects to deal with unwanted pests. Because you can’t always modify the land for better drainage, there are other options to consider. One possible option is to treat smaller areas of standing water with Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, or Bti. Bti is a relatively non-toxic, microbial insecticide that specifically targets the larvae of mosquitoes and a few other kinds of pestiferous flies. Simply sprinkle the product over the affected area, according to label instructions. It will work to manage mosquito larvae without negatively impacting wildlife.
Key foods to keep in stock
sure you have non-perishable food items on hand. These items do not need to be refrigerated and are safe to eat if you lose power. You want to store non-perishable items higher up on your shelf or pantry so if flooding occurs, the food will not get wet and contaminated. Many non-perishable items are canned goods, so be sure to have a hand-operated can opener at home. If you don’t have one, purchase cans with pop-tops for opening.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
During the storm, while power is out
n Be sure to keep refrigerator and freezer doors tightly closed at all times. This will help preserve the cold temperature.
n If you have kept your refrigerator and freezer doors closed and you have lost power:
n A refrigerator will keep its temperature for up to four hours.
n A full freezer will keep its temperature for up to 48 hours. A half-full freezer will keep its temperature for up to 24 hours.
After the storm has passed, and power is restored
n Your refrigerator should be at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
n Your freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
n Discard all perishable food that has been kept at unsafe temperatures. Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!
Are you
Ready for Hurricane Season?
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Prepare for Hurricane Season Now
Florida earned its nickname as the Sunshine State with beautiful, sun-soaked days filling out most of the year, but as hurricane season approaches, it also becomes one of the most storm-vulnerable states in the country. June 1 marks the official start of hurricane season, meaning that now – not later – is the perfect time to make sure you and your family are prepared.
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we’re proud to support our Central Florida neighbors by offering the most reliable energy solution. We know firsthand that one of the smartest ways to prepare for hurricane season is by choosing safe, reliable natural gas.
Unlike electricity, which is vulnerable to downed power lines and service disruptions, natural gas is delivered through underground pipelines, meaning you can depend on it even during the harshest storms. That’s part of the reason why critical service providers like hospitals, fire stations, and emergency management centers depend on natural gas to stay up and running during critical times.
Natural gas customers can also rely on essential appliances like water heaters and oven ranges to remain operational during power outages. When the lights go out, you’ll still be able to cook, clean, and take hot showers. For families, that type of reliability can bring much-needed peace of mind during uncertain times.
to high-efficiency appliances and its lower cost, natural gas homes enjoy annual utility bills that are approximately 49% lower than those of comparable all-electric homes, according to the American Gas Association.
That said, making the switch requires some planning to fulfill your natural gas service installation. That’s why we encourage homeowners to act now, before a storm is on the horizon.
In addition to exploring reliable energy options, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends creating a full preparedness plan that includes keeping an emergency preparedness kit stocked and at the ready, knowing your evacuation routes ahead of time, creating a communication plan with family members and other important steps that you should take to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season. Learn more at https://www.fema.gov/.
Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast. Now is the time to prepare and equip your home with natural gas to make sure you’re storm ready before hurricane season arrives.
For more information about natural gas services, safety tips, and how LANGD can support your energy needs, visit www.langd.org or contact our team at (407) 656-2734 or EnergyChoice@langd.org.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
The First Academy football star offensive lineman Reed Ramsier announced a list of game-day visits to some of the college football programs in the country, including in-state stops to see Billy Napier’s Florida Gators and Mike Norvell’s Florida State Seminoles.
“Dates are set, travel plans are made, excited for the next 13 weeks!” Ramsier wrote on a social media post announcing the eight stops he will make this college football season.
The other six programs include Georgia, Penn State, Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State and Texas. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, the four-star prospect is one of the most sought after players in not just Southwest Orange but in all of Florida — ranked as the No. 29 overall junior in the state by 247Sports.
2
Dr. Phillips boys basketball player Isaiah Gillard has committed to continue his hoops and academic career at Florida Tech.
“Go time,” he wrote in a social media post. “I just want to thank God for blessing me with an amazing family, friends and coaches (who) have all helped me achieve my dream of playing college basketball. I also would like to thank the Florida Tech coaching staff for believing in me and allowing me this great opportunity.”
Before transferring to DP, the 6-foot-4 guard played in 27 games last season for Windermere Prep and averaged eight points, 2.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds per game.
3
407Basketball, formerly Windermere Basketball Academy, has opened registration for its next weekly skills session for boys and girls from 8 to 16 years old. The three-hour sessions, which will feature 90 minutes of structured skills training and 90 minutes of open gym play will be held once per week for eight weeks on Sundays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 26. The cost of registration for the entire session is $199. To register or for more information on the session call (407) 217-6263 or send an email to 407basketballocoee@gmail.com
4
The First Academy and Windermere High’s boys golf teams both competed at the two-day Titan Invitational at Hammock Beach Golf Resort from Aug. 29 to 30. The Royals finished third in the tournament with a team score of 597. TFA were led by junior Brennan Leistner, who finished seventh after shooting a 143 at the event, and sophomore Max Appleby, who slotted in ninth with a score of 146. Windermere junior David Blackburn led the Wolverines with a 17th-place finish, shooting for a score of 150 while sophomore Sebastian Arce finished 24th with a 152.
5
Ocoee football has announced the hiring of a pair of former Knights players and alumni as assistant coaches. Alston Watts will serve as an assistant offensive line coach and Zoren Tobe as an assistant defensive backs coach.
“We’re excited to welcome back Ocoee High School alumni Alston Watts (and Zoren Tobe) to the Knights coaching staff,” Knights head coach Buck Gurley said.
As
GAME OF THE WEEK
Brotherly love
At the core of the Wolverines’ 12-game win streak is the accountability, motivation and culture that comes only from fighting for something bigger than yourself.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The formula for success at the core of the most prolific era of football in Windermere High history isn’t some big secret coach Riki Smith and his team are hiding from their competition.
There’s no secret ingredient that will all of a sudden make it easier to dedicate the time and work it takes to win games. No, in fact, Smith will flatout tell you the difference between teams that are great and those that fall short is something everyone already knows.
“I feel like all the great teams, whether it’s in the NFL, college or those at the high school level — they all have a bond that’s just undeni-
able, unbreakable within their locker room,” he said. “So, when I was trying to develop a theme for this season, I found a Bible verse, Hebrews 13:1 that just essentially says ‘Let brotherly love continue.’ That idea of loving your brother and investing in those relationships really stuck with me and has been at the core of what we’re using to help these young men grow as both people and as football players.”
When examining the great teams he was part of and those throughout the history of the game of football, Smith remembered moments of passion, such as the famous speech former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow made or the one Baltimore Ravens great Ed Reed made to his team and he pondered the moti-
vations for those moments.
“When you see those famous moments in locker rooms or in the huddle like the Tebow speech and Ed Reed’s speech, like, how do you get to that point to where you’re crying out to your team so passionately?” Smith said. “To me the answer was love. The only thing in this world that is able to make someone that passionate about a game is the love they have for the people they’re doing it with and the thing they are doing. For us, that’s what we’re trying to instill here. I want these guys to love to come here, love to practice, love to lift weights, love everything about this program and the relationships and bonds that they’re building
WEEK THREE SCHEDULE
Games kick off at 7 p.m. unless noted
THURSDAY, SEPT. 4
n The First Academy (0-2) at Treasure Coast (0-2)
FRIDAY, SEPT. 5 n Dr. Phillips (1-1) vs. Apopka (0-2) n Foundation Academy (2-1) vs. Santa Fe Catholic (3-0) n Horizon (1-1) vs. Wekiva (0-2) n Lake Buena Vista (1-1) vs. University (0-2) n Legacy Charter (0-3) at Oasis Christian (0-2), 5 p.m. start n Ocoee (2-0) at Lake Nona (2-0) n Olympia (0-2) at Boone (2-0) n West Orange (2-0) vs. Titusville (1-1) n Windermere (2-0) vs. Colonial (1-1)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 n Windermere Prep (1-0) vs. Marco Island Academy (1-1), 1 p.m. start
Area runners shine at Ocoee invitational
High won the girls team event, while Horizon’s Jacob Finch and Abigayle White topped area runners as only top-three finishers in respective events.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Athletes from seven of West Orange and Southwest Orange’s boys and girls high school cross-country teams competed in Ocoee High’s annual invitational meet held Saturday, Aug. 30, at the school. Among the field of predominantly Central Florida programs, the area’s teams had the chance to not only display their talents at one of the few meets held in West Orange County each season but also use this early season competition as a barometer of how each team and runner stacks up against the competition.
In the team competitions, the Windermere Lady Wolverines demonstrated the depth of its stable runners as the only team in the girls varsity competition to see all five of their scoring runners finish in the top 25. This whole-team performance catapulted Windermere to first place of the girls team standings with a total time of 1:52:19 and score of 74. Horizon High was the next-best area girls team at the competition, finishing fifth with a score of 121, followed by ninth-placed Olympia High. Individually, Horizon junior Abigayle White — in her first competition
an eighth-grader, Gavin Pritzkau is playing a crucial role on CFCA’s varsity football team and its early-season success. Page 16A.
Sam Albuquerque
Windermere football’s senior leaders have helped build a standard of excellence for the young program.
Windermere
Sam Albuquerque
varsity boys
Ocoee High Cross Country Invitational,
THE WEEK Gavin Pritzkau
In his first taste of high school football action, Central Florida Christian Academy quarterback Gavin Pritzkau has been able to established himself as one of the area’s brightest young talents and become a vital part of this Eagles team, throwing for 347 yards on 23-of-42 passing with three touchdowns across the first two games of the season.
Beyond his abilities on the gridiron, the eighth-grade homeschool student also is exceptional in the academic realm — maintaining a 4.5 GPA with a schedule full of honors classes — and is dedicated to serving others through local and international volunteer projects. Most notably, Pritzkau and his family currently sponsor 21 children in Uganda, helping to provide funds for shelter, food and education.
As part of a mission trip to the African nation early next year, Pritzkau saw an opportunity to double down on the positive impact he could make. He has been working to collect shoe donations for the country’s impoverished population.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I’m extremely thankful, and I can’t wait for my teammates to get this opportunity, because as a quarterback, I am nothing without them. Thank you for the recognition.
What do you enjoy the most about football?
It’s a team sport, and teams always become family. We compete, and we push one another to achieve greatness — both on and off the field.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from football?
Everything you learn on the football field you can apply to life. Most important: You have to trust in God’s timing.
What is your favorite football memory?
Last season, our youth football team started with just seven athletes practicing next to a big cross. We prayed to God about what we should do, and at the last minute, we were able to merge with another small team that needed players. Since the start, that group faced adversity, but we kept praying and putting our trust
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
One of our team moms makes a very good lasagna that sits just right!
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
The “Waymaker” remix with Tyson James, Bryson Gray and Hannah Barr.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby? Fishing! Fish aren’t always biting, so it teaches me patience.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
My Bible, a football and water. I don’t think I’d need to bring any food, because I love catching fish, so it would give me something to do.
What is your favorite movie?
The movie “Greater” because it teaches a lot of life lessons.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
God because he knows everything about me!
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go back to 1920s. That’s when the NFL started and when the first radio broadcast happened.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
What God has in store for you is way bigger than you can even imagine but this will only happen if you trust the journey he has for you.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? Did I serve others enough to make
Who is your favorite super-
Who is your favorite super-
The Joker. He’s a genius.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and Teleportation because I can be anywhere I want at any time. Does pineapple belong on pizza? No, sweet and salty don’t belong
Ocoee meet offers early-season barometer
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15A
of the year — led all of the area’s girls with a second place finish, clocking a time of 19:53.
“I felt really good about my performance as an individual and as a team,” White said. “For me, I just came off an injury, so this is really my first race back. I’m happy that I got under 20 (minutes) and felt strong. As a team, we had a couple (of) personal records and some great races, (so I) couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Windermere sophomore Annabella Ekebergh was next-best among area runners, finishing fourth with a time of 20:48.1. A pair of Lady Hawks — freshman Alexandra Schwarzmueller (sev-
enth) and senior Mary Whitesell (10th) — were the only other area runners to finish in the top 10.
“Successful meets like today really showcase all that we can do and more,” White said. “It’s still the beginning of the season so it only gets better from here, that is what I think pushes us.”
On the boys side of the team competition, Horizon was the top area team, finishing in fifth with a total time of 1:30:57 and score of 114. The Hawks were led by senior Jacob Finch, who topped all area runners in the competition with a time of 16:40.7.
“I am really proud of my team; everyone is stepping up,” Finch said. “In terms of my performance, I had a good start but need to have
a stronger last mile.”
This time was not only good enough for third place at the Ocoee Invitational but it also marks Finch’s third consecutive top-three finish in Horizon’s three meets to start the 2025 season. The Hawks’ record-holder in the 5K, credits his offseason preparation and support system for the early season success.
“Consistency in training over the summer, hydration and sleep (have helped),” Finch said when asked what’s been the keys to his early season performance. “Having a good team helps to push everyone to be better.”
Elsewhere in the boys competition, Windermere finished sixthbest with a score of 206, while the hosting Knights slotted in eighth place, and the Titans of Olympia High rounded out the top 10. Finch was the only area runner to crack the top 10, but Ocoee’s Devin Matthews finished 12th, with Windermere’s Ethan Tasior following in 13th.
Finch is happy with his team’s overall performance and sees this competition as another opportunity for motivation and development.
“Running the course today helps us with our strategy and builds confidence for later in the season,” he said. “Our team time is dropping, so that is a good thing. This will motivate us to keep pushing for faster times.”
A handful of the area’s teams will again matchup against one another later this month for the area’s second invitational meet of this season, Saturday, Sept. 20, at West Orange High.
TFA girls volleyball off to hot start
After winning just four games all of last season, the Lady Royals have started this season 4-0.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
After finishing the 2024 season with a 4-15 record, in coach Amanda Serpa’s first season, The First Academy girls volleyball has been a surprise team early on in 2025, winning four consecutive games to start the season.
“The team this year is eager to compete,” Serpa said. “The group has put in the work as individuals throughout the past 10 months to improve and grow their skills. Our early successes — in the form of getting to 25 (points) first — as a team have come from 14 months of culture-building. The players on this year’s team are bought into the culture we’re trying to build within the TFA volleyball program, and they have committed to the process of what it takes to build this type of culture. They’ve been laying small bricks in some intangibles that are setting the foundation and helping them to begin to earn success.”
A big part of that success is the amount of time her players have spent in the offseason preparing. Furthermore, having a number of key players return to the program from last year’s team makes establishing that culture and developing their skills easier.
Among the key returners is senior outside hitter Kennedy Connell, a player who Serpa values as much for her production as her leadership.
“Yes, Kennedy holds value in being my strongest and most consistent six-rotation player statis-
tically, but her value to the team extends beyond her physical skill presence,” Serpa said. “She is gritty, hard-working, vocal and she leads by example. She cares about her teammates success as much as her own and she leads the team with poise and grace that extends beyond her years. She’s dependable and doesn’t back down from competing.”
Along with Connell, returning players junior setter Paeton Wheeler, senior middle hitter Olivia Salmon and junior outside hitter Thayna Da Rosa have also played major roles in this exciting start.
“Paeton’s grown immensely in decision-making as a setter,” Serpa said about her first-time setter.
“Olivia has grown so much in the 10 months between junior and senior season. She is the most confident
I’ve seen her, and she has taken on a more physical leadership role. … Thayna is my most humble and genuine player on my roster. She has the highest ceiling (regarding) overall size and athleticism, but she treats her teammates as equals, with no ego.”
Despite this early success, Serpa knows there is much her team still has to do throughout the season to accomplish its goals.
“The main basis for our success is stemming from intangibles; hard work, high level of communication in rallies, not giving up in rallies, trust of teammates and leaning in to one another when it gets tough,” she said. “These intangibles aren’t dictated by how you’re playing statistically and can carry you through inconsistent moments as a team.”
Sam Albuquerque
Seven high school cross country teams across four categories represented West, Southwest Orange at the annual long-distance running event.
Jackson Fleming
Senior Olivia Salmon prepared to send down a spike in TFA’s early season win over Windermere Prep.
Bond fuels Windermere’s success
with each other because ultimately that’s what will last.”
LOVE WINS
The understanding of the game’s real impact on the lives of his players has painted a clear picture for
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS
FRIDAY, AUG. 29
CFCA Eagles (2-0), 44 Marco Island Academy Rays (1-1), 20
Another dominant rushing performance by freshman running back Jahmari Hammonds, who picked up 164 yards on 19 carries with three touchdowns, led the way for the undefeated Eagles’ road win over Marco Island.
“I’m proud of our boys, for their performance and perseverance,” coach Kevin Blackman said. “I can see that they are truly playing for one another, and it’s showing week to week.”
Along with Hammonds ability to establish the run game, CFCA eighth-grader Gavin Pritzkau had the Eagles flying with 233 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while junior Mason Mathis made his presence known in the end zone by whatever means necessary — rushing for 76 yards and two TDs, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass and throwing for another 22 yards on 2-of-4 passing.
Up next: The Eagles will be off in Week 3 before returning home Friday, Sept. 12, against Saint Stephen’s Episcopal.
Dr. Phillips Panthers (1-1), 63 University Cougars (0-2), 0
After a rough opening week — that saw the Panthers get shutout by South Florida power Dillard High, 39-0, away from home — Dr. Phillips seemed to have taken any residual anger from the loss on its Week 2 opponents, the visiting University High Cougars.
Up next: DP will hope to not only repeat its performance at Bill Spoone Stadium in Week 3, but also it hopes to see the visiting Apopka Blue Darters (0-2) continue to struggle on the road — having not scored a point and allowed a total of 82 points in their two games.
The First Academy Royals (0-2), 35 Central Red Devils (AL, 2-0), 38 For the second consecutive week, The First Academy Royals fell in a one-possession game to a nationally ranked out-of-state powerhouse at home. After falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, TFA rattled off four unanswered touchdowns and took
Smith on how he should approach the continuing development of his program.
“We all have things going on in our own world, outside of sports,” he said. “Every single player on the team has issues outside of football, so what I’m trying to build is a program that is like a second home to
a 28-10 lead by the 10:49 mark of the third, however, by the middle of the fourth quarter the Red Devils flipped the script by scoring four unanswered TDs of their own. Down 38-28, the Royals made it a fieldgoal game with 3:19 left to play but weren’t able to complete the comeback.
Junior quarterback Brian Dillard led the Royals attack with 189 total yards and three touchdowns — finding Demetrice McCray and Brian Williams Jr. for two of his TDs and running for the other — while running back Jaelyn Powell ran for 126 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown of his own.
Up next: TFA will hit the road for the first time this season as it travels to Treasure Coast (0-2) for a Thursday, Sept. 4, matchup.
Foundation Academy Lions (2-1), 21 Lake Highland Prep Highlanders (1-1), 28
After a 2-0 start to 2025, the Lions fell for the first time this season due, in large part, to the four big plays by Lake Highland that ended with a Highlander in the end zone.
In the first half, a 33-yard pass and 95-yard run saw LHP take a 14-0 lead into the final three minutes of the third and, after a pair of touchdowns by Foundation athletes Cole Huntley and Noah McMullen ties the score at 14-all in the third, two more big plays by the home team made it to tall of a mountain for the visiting Lions to climb back from.
With a 77-yard pitch-and-catch TD and a 31-yard rushing score by Lake Highland in the fourth, the lead blew up to a two-possession game, 28-14, which rendered the Lions late-game rushing score futile in their pursuit of a third consecutive win.
Up next: Foundation will look to the familiar setting and support of its home, Lions Field, to help the program bounce back from the loss against undefeated Santa Fe Catholic (3-0) in Week 3.
Horizon Hawks (1-1), 9
Lake Nona Lions (2-0), 40
Following a dramatic Week 1 road win over Olympia, Horizon faced an even tougher test before getting to play its first game of 2025 in front of its home crowd, the Lions of Lake Nona High and its mighty rushing attack.
Despite having one of the more talented linebacking groups in the area, Lake Nona managed to take advantage of the Hawks on the ground, rushing for 181 yards on 27 carries with three touchdowns on the evening.
Overall, Horizon senior Kaio Oliveira, an Army West Point commit, was the bright spot for the Hawks during the difficult road test. Oliveira rushed for 109 yards on 31 carries and had the away team’s lone touchdown in the loss. Another quality performance from the Hawks in Week 2 was junior linebacker Abash Smith, who recorded eight total tackles, two for a loss, and a sack. Regardless of the standout
here and apply it to the rest of their lives.”
This type of culture, when done to genuinely put the growth of the person first and the development of the athlete after, come with a side effect of winning and that’s exactly what the Wolverines have been experiencing.
Take the offensive line for example. This position group rarely gets any notoriety and is tasked with physically dominating the defender in front of them to prevent them from getting to your teammate with the ball. This task is tremendously taxing on a body and requires an incredible amount of mental and physical preparation. Simply put, if a team’s culture is focused on loving your brother, then doing what is required for your teammate in preparation becomes easier to prioritize.
of effect a brotherly-love-type culture can have on winning is from that of a lockdown, set-it-and-forget-it player at the cornerback position. This style of player is given a special level of trust by his teammates, essentially when you put a cornerback on an island and give him the responsibility of defending a receiver without any sort of help in the secondary, as a coaching staff and as a team, you’re telling him I trust you to do your job on the field every single time without fail.
Windermere senior C.J. Bronaugh is that type of player for the Wolverines secondary.
them … a place where they can just be part of a group of young men that love (one another) like brothers and build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. I like to think that someday, these guys will be in (one another’s) weddings and, just generally, outside of this game they can take what they did and learned
“When you’re in the trenches, loving the guy next to you just makes it your job, honestly,” Wolverines offensive lineman Deuce Forrester said. “If I know and I can trust the guy next to me to do their job, every time I line up across the opponent, I know I can do my job, because I know they’ll help me when we need to work together on the field and off the field, too. A lot of the reason we’ve been able to be successful on the field is the time we all spend together during the week. That’s really a super important part of our success as a team, and as a line, we love to hang out and just spend time together. … The more we stay connected off the field, the better we work together on the field.”
Another example of the same type
performances by these two Horizon football stars, Lake Nona proved to be too much for the Hawks to handle and handed them their first loss of the season. got on the board first, taking a 3-0 lead, after junior Gavin Avagliano hit a 28-yard field goal in the game’s opening quarter. Lake Nona would proceed to take the lead and never give it back to the Hawks, scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the first half to make it a 21-3 game at the break.
Up next: Horizon will begin a four-game home-stand in Week 3, welcoming a winless Wekiva team to the Hawks’ Nest first.
Lake Buena Vista Vipers (1-1), 14 Colonial Grenadiers (1-1), 24 Despite holding the visiting Grenadiers to just 163 yards of total offense and out-gaining them by nearly double, with a total of 308 allpurpose yards, the Vipers fell in their 2025 home-opener.
Senior receiver Kevin Murillo was the biggest bright spot for Lake Buena Vista’s offense in this game, catching two passes for 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Marley Shaver led the team with 10 total tackles and three TFLs. Sophomore defensive lineman Xavier Zenteno was also a big factor up front for the Vipers defense with two tackles for loss and a sack.
Up next: LBV will look to bounce back as they head on the road to University for its first road game of the season.
Legacy Charter Eagles (0-3), 0 Geneva Classical Academy Knights (1-2), 70
It was another difficult week for the eight-man Eagles football team, being shut out for a second time this season and allowing more than 60 points for a third time in as many games.
Up next: The Eagles will face Oasis Christian, with a 5 p.m. kickoff, for the second of five consecutive road games.
“This is my second year here, and from the moment I stepped foot on this campus, everyone on this team welcomed me with open arms, and we were able to become really good friends,” he said. “Because we’re always around (one another), it was easy to get close. We all pretty much hang out all the time outside of school, go to recovery together, work out together. And I feel like when everyone’s this close and the team is so tight like this, it makes a lot of things smoother on the field. And with my role, knowing those guys trust me like they do, it makes me feel good. I’m happy to know they see me as someone who helps make the team stronger and helps them do their jobs. When each of us can have trust in each other, then we are able to be accountable and hold each other accountable. Being able to do that is important with anything in life because without accountability trust isn’t there in a way.”
10 minutes left to play. However, Ocoee held off the flip in momentum and iced the game on the back of a 13-yard redzone rush by transfer running back Nehemiah Burgess for his first TD of the season.
“Though it was a sluggish game at times, our Knights showed resilience and fought hard all the way to the finish,” Ocoee coach Buck Gurley said. “Proud of the effort and the win.” Up next: The Knights will face their biggest test of the season so far as they travel to fellow undefeated team Lake Nona (2-0) for a Week 3 measuring stick game.
West Orange Warriors (2-0), 38 Wekiva Mustangs (0-2), 14
The Warriors learned from a slow start in their Week 1, 28-18 home win over Evans High by coming out of the gates firing on all cylinders against the home Mustangs in Week 2.
Ocoee Knights (2-0), 30 Olympia Titans (0-2), 16
This matchup between two area teams saw the Knights travel to Southwest Orange and continue their winning ways over the home Titans.
Ocoee opened the game by taking a 16-0 lead on the back of two touchdowns from senior quarterback Tyson Davison — the first, a six-yard run in the first quarter, and the second, a 19-yard pass to sophomore Elijah Thomas in the following quarter — and a pair of two-point conversions by Oryan Hartfield.
Olympia responded with a TD pass of its own when QB Noble Davis found senior receiver Steve Moore for a 28-yard score to end the half. Knights led the Titans, 16-7.
After a third quarter that saw the Knights’ Jayden Safford run for a TD and the Titans add a field goal to their offensive total, Ocoee entered the fourth with a 23-10 lead.
In the early portion of the game’s final period, Olympia almost flipped the game on its head after its special teams blocked a punt and returned it for six, making it a onepossession game, 23-16, with nearly
Led by first-year starting quarterback A.J. Chung, the West Orange offense scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and another in the next — finishing the game with 257 yards on 12-of-22 passing — while its loaded defense held Wekiva scoreless in the first half and even added a TD of its own; after a Namir Coleman strip-sack led to a Michael Onorata scoop-and-score that extended the Warriors led to 38-0 going into halftime.
With a running clock in the second half and a comfortable lead, West Orange rested its starters and Wekiva managed to score twice. Up next: West Orange heads back to the friendly confines of Raymond Screws Field to host the Titusville Terriers (1-1) in Week 3.
Windermere Wolverines (2-0), 55 Cypress Creek Bears (0-2), 0
The Wolverines extended their consecutive wins streak, which dates back to last season, to 12 straight victories on the back of a five-touchdown performance from new starting quarterback Breylon Sanchez, a transfer from Lyman High, a defense that has yet to allow a single touchdown this season and an efficient rushing attack that scored three TDs and gained 183 yards with an average of 9.6 yards per carry.
Up next: Windermere is back home for its third of three home matchups by hosting Colonial (1-1), before it begins a five-game road stint.
Windermere Prep Lakers (1-0), 27 Trinity Prep Saints (1-2), 26
With a 161-total-yard, three-rushingtouchdown performance by do-it-all senior Peyton Hollern, the Lakers opened their 2025 campaign with a one-point road win over the Saints. Senior Trevor Doggett scored one of Windermere Prep’s four TDs in this one, rushing for 39 yards in the game on eight carries.
Up next: Although not quite a college team, the Lakers will hit the gridiron on Saturday afternoon in Week 3 as they host Marco Island Academy for a 1 p.m. kickoff, Sept. 6, at Windermere Prep.
Tammy Forrester
The Windermere offensive line had some fun on the sideline following a win over Cypress Creek.
Sam Albuquerque
West Orange running back Jayden Ammons carried the ball during a game at Wekiva High.
Phillip Pacheco | Central Florida Sports Photography
The First Academy’s Brian Dillard celebrated a touchdown run against Central High (Alabama).
NEENA WILSON PALM LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Neena Wilson is the secretary and bookkeeper at Palm Lake Elementary School. She is responsible for human resources, payroll, managing school cash and internal accounts, coordinating the school’s website and social media accounts, and also helps with school events. She also works closely with the school’s Parent-Teacher Association.
She has been nominated as Support Person of the Year two times for Palm Lake Elementary.
“She is the school secretary/bookkeeper and the unofficial ‘mayor’ of Palm Lake Elementary,” Principal James Weis said. “She is one of those people who has instant rapport with everyone she meets. Ms. Neena handles our social media pages in addition to her other duties and is a huge part of what makes Palm Lake so special.”
Munsch. This is one of my favorites, because it illustrates the unconditional love parents have for their children. It definitely brings a tear to my eye as I think of my son, parents and the generations to come.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What brought you to your school? Family, which is exactly what Palm Lake is all about. Mrs. Mann (our media specialist and also a family member) encouraged me to apply. The rest is history!
What do you love most about your school?
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.
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PLE is affectionately described as Ohana, which means family. The students, teachers, staff and families are what make it so special. They become true family and friends. We also like to have fun! Our school events are the best. From Meet Your Teacher all the way to the Fifth Grade Celebration, we encourage family involvement all year long.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I genuinely love helping people; it’s incredibly rewarding and makes my work both meaningful and enjoyable. Greeting the students every morning and dancing in the car line is the best way to start the day. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I have always loved taking photos of people, places and things. I think I would be a professional photographer. My son is a real-estate photographer, and I get to help out sometimes, which I love.
Who influences you?
My family, aka my personal hype squad! My husband, Steve, and I are high school sweethearts (we’ve been together since I was 15), our son Adam, 24, and his girlfriend Isabel, 24, are the fantastic four! They make me a better person, wife and mom!
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
Mrs. Strong — Spanish teacher at Dr. Phillips High School. Throughout my high school years, she always inspired me to do my best by being the kindhearted person she is. I will always remember how much she cared for her students and her love for teaching.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Love You Forever” by Robert
REPORT CARD
Title: Secretary and bookkeeper
Years with Palm Lake and OCPS: Eleven
Spending time with family and friends is No. 1! I have a wonderful family, two sisters and five beautiful nieces. I have lots of cousins that are like brothers/sisters here in Orlando and across the pond. Fun fact, 65 of us are going on a Thanksgiving cruise together this year. Traveling, concerts with my bestie Michelle, broadway shows, cruises with my girls and … I also love reality TV!
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Princess Diana. I was born in England, and growing up, she was my role model. The “People’s Princess” was known for her genuine compassion and empathy.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Mind-reading, I would love to be able to read minds so that I would always know what my husband is thinking.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
This is a tough one … I love music! ’80s is my jam! Country is my favorite. The three that mean the most: The Beatles, my parents favorite; A-ha, “Take On Me” is my favorite song; George Straight, “I Cross My Heart” is our wedding song.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as a student?
Pizza Day was the best! For a snack, I love chocolate chip cookies, and when I was in high school (Aww DP!) they used to sell warm cookies. We all ran to lunch on those days. (Don’t do that now, kids.)
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. It’s the most special part of the year filled with endless time with family and friends, so many fun activities and get togethers. Lots of wonderful traditions that we hope to pass down for years to come — like matching PJs (if you know, you know), decorating my Jeep for Christmas light drives and so much more.
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
Student spearheads book drive for Ukrainian families
Mia Wojcik, 13, created a book drive in which she then distributed books to Ukrainian families in need.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
With a table full of children’s books, 13-year-old Mia Wojcik from Horizon West Middle distributed them for free at the Ukrainian Cultural Festival Saturday, Aug. 23, in West Palm Beach.
The books were ones she collected in her community to donate to Ukrainian families after she started volunteering for ENGin, a global nonprofit advancing social and economic development in Ukraine.
Through the nonprofit, Mia met 12-year-old Yelyzaveta Rachkova, a Ukrainian girl who resettled in Poland. They meet virtually weekly.
Their connection inspired Mia to curate a book drive to donate to Ukrainian families who have resettled in Florida due to the war so families can learn English while feeling welcomed, included and supported.
“She’s just inspired me to want to help Ukrainian people because of all her stories, how sweet she is and just how bad I feel and how much I want to help the Ukrainian community resettle here in Florida,” Mia said. “So I wanted to take initiative and start this book drive, so I could help thousands of people instead of just one girl.”
Mia distributed close to 300 books during the festival and said it was so exciting to see how happy families were to see her give out free books.
“My favorite (part) was probably being there, because I just loved meeting new people,” Mia said. “I met this really adorable little girl who took a lot of books named Lily, and she was just so sweet, and I think just being at
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that festival, whether I was donating books or not, it was just so much fun — the music, the stage, there was live performances of traditional dances, there was markets selling Ukrainian food, Ukrainian clothing. It was just so much fun to be there, and the fact that we got to be a part of the happiness, too, was a plus.”
Yelyzaveta was erupting with excitement when Mia told her about the book drive.
“I told her the idea, and she was just so happy,” Mia said. “It was so exciting to see how happy she was, and she helped me learn some Ukrainian, too, so when I was at the festival delivering my speech about the book drive, I was able to talk to Ukrainians.”
To collect the books, Mia created a book drive, setting up flyers around her community asking for donations. Her National Junior Honor Society director, Jacquelyn Rifenberg, was her biggest help.
“I reached out to her and she helped. She loved the idea,” Mia said. “She helped by spreading the word to the staff, the community and the students, and we got way more than we expected. We got like 400 books because of how the school donated.”
With some books leftover from the festival, Mia said she’s trying her best to distribute them to Ukrainian families in her community.
After connecting with the Ukrainian Association of Florida, the organization said it will help her connect with families in the area that could benefit from these books.
In the future, Mia hopes to continue working with the Ukrainian Association of Florida to help families in the area.
“I want to major in law when I’m in college,” Mia said. “I would love to be a lawyer helping with international affairs like helping Ukrainians — what I just did with the book drive — but as a career, potentially.”
Courtesy photo
Mia Wojcik happily distributed books at the Ukrainian Cultural Festival.
BRAINFOOD
The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher
Did you know more than 200 species of butterflies call Florida home? And of those, some aren’t found anywhere else in the world!
Orange County Library System will celebrate GreenFest at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. In honor of this special event, this month, we’re taking a look at how you can have a blast creating a butterfly garden in your own backyard! It’s easier than you might think. Read on!
FINDING THE PERFECT SPOT
Like bees, butterflies are pollinators — meaning they travel from flower to flower to eat nectar. In their travels, they spread pollen, which helps even more plants grow.
When starting your butterfly garden, it is important to find the right spot. Butterflies love sunshine, so make sure you choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct light each day.
Butterflies also will need some shelter from wind and rain, so it’s best to find a spot that has some trees or bushes nearby.
Once you choose a spot, it is important to prepare the soil. If this spot hasn’t been used as a garden before, you’ll need to clear it of all grass and other plants. Then, make sure to add organic matter and fertilizer, and mix it in really well. Your parents can help choose these products.
It’s also good to have a water source with a fountain for drinking.
Butterflies love flowering plants with nectar. However, butterflies have plants they like for their eggs, others they like for their caterpillars and still others for adult butterflies. For instance, milkweed is a great larval plant for the Monarch and also a nectar source for other species.
COMMON CENTRAL FLORIDA BUTTERFLIES
n Monarch
n Zebra Longwing
n Gulf Fritillary
n White Peacock
n Giant Swallowtail
n Eastern Black Swallowtail
n Cloudless Sulphur
n Atala
EVENTS
BUTTERFLY-FRIENDLY PLANTS
Here are just a few of the flowers the University of Florida/IFAS Extension recommends for butterfly gardens.
Anise hyssop: These beautiful flowers are very easy to grow and are drought-tolerant once established.
Black-eyed Susan: This sunny wildflower is easy to grow and super tough.
Cannas: These flowers love the heat and can add pink, yellow, orange and red to your garden.
Coral honeysuckle: These tubular flowers bloom in the spring and summer seasons.
Marigolds: These annuals bloom in a range of yellows and oranges.
Passion flower: This perennial flowering vine produces large purple, lavender or white flowers. Sunflowers: These can grow as tall as 8 feet or even more.
After you plant your garden, the plants will need to be watered daily for the first few days then every few days for several weeks. The soil in which seeds are planted should be kept moist until the seedlings have two sets of leaves. It also is a good idea to add fertilizer every two or three months, depending on your particular fertilizer’s directions. It should not take long — maybe even just a few days — before you start seeing activity!
LITTLE
RECOMMENDED READING
n “Be the Change: Rob Greenfield’s Call to Kids” by Rob Greenfield and Antonia Banyard
n “Plant, Cook, Eat! A Children’s Cookbook” by Joe Archer and Caroline Craig
n “The Big Book of LEGO Facts” by Simon Hugo
n “My Delicious Garden” by Anne-Marie Fortin; illustrated by Julien Castani
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6 | 1-5 P.M.
Grow your knowledge at this celebration of sustainability featuring educational workshops and eco-friendly resources and services.
ANISE HYSSOP
West Orange Class of ’26 enjoys Senior Sunrise
Even though OCPS high school students already have the earliest start time, seniors at West Orange High School set their alarms even earlier to enjoy the Class of 2026 Senior Sunrise Breakfast, held at 6:15 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the school.
Seniors enjoyed a morning of fun, food and making memories. PTSO business member Weinstein Legal Team sponsored food from McDonalds, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks and Publix, and a host of parents also volunteered to make the event a success.
ELMER “LEROY” LAHDE
DIED AUG. 28, 2025. Elmer “LeRoy” Lahde, 88, of Ocoee, passed away Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. He is survived by daughter, Sheila Wright, and son-in-law, Robert (Susie) Kari, of Ocoee; grandchildren, Brandon (Lauren) Kari, of Ocoee, Brianna (Jacob) Loucks, of Howey-inthe-Hills, Miranda (Jeffrey) Justice, of Winter Garden, and Meghan Mathis, of Ocoee; as well as 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Barbara Lahde; and beloved daughters, Vickie Kari and Mandy Mathis. LeRoy was born to Victor “Vic” and Lillian “Lil” (Holkko) Lahde, on June 27, 1937, in Virginia, Minnesota, and moved to Florida in 1972, when he began working as an electrician for NASA and, later, Walt Disney World. In 1984, the Lahdes opened the former Brass Rail Saloon in Winter Garden, which they owned until 1999. LeRoy was best known for his sense of humor, immaculate car detailing, grand gestures of affection (such as 2-foot greeting cards), and his love for his family, his Harley, AM radio and his dogs.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Quest Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha.
Arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Marta Barajas de Ochoa, 72, died Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in Orlando. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Teresa M. Dolan, 55, of Winter Garden died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.
Wanda Joan Michael, 78, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.
PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously voted to donate the building site for West Orange Memorial Hospital. The lots took up about two-and-one-half acres, with paved streets and concrete walks, and were occupied by the Army camp near Lake Apopka.
75 years ago
About 300 telephones were out of order by the hurricane weather of this past week, according to the local manager of Florida Telephone Corporation. Much of the damage was to cables, but some of it consisted of aerial wires, which could not be repaired until after the rains ceased. Florida Power Corporation announced about 125 homes in the Winter Garden district were without electrical current during the stormy days.
50 years ago
The city of Ocoee’s Labor Day Celebration at Starke Lake was a success with a morning parade, a gospel music concert by The Lighthouse Quartet, a fish fry by West Orange Kiwanis, boat rides and races on the lake, a dramatic kite-flying exhibition, a flea market and a greased-pole contest. Several prominent officials took their turn in the dunking machine, and for 25 cents, citizens could purchase three balls and try to sink the official.
Classes began at the seven area elementary schools, two junior high schools and the new West Orange High School. WOHS students began the year at the Lakeview Junior High School facility, and Lakeview and Ocoee junior high schools were on double sessions at Ocoee.
Helen Watson, principal of Dillard Street School, and Evelyn Foust, principal of Winter Garden Elementary School, introduced new staff members at the schools: June Lynch, curriculum specialist,
A tradition of school sports has been a part of the West Orange County educational landscape for more than 125 years. This photograph shows the 1913 girls basketball team sitting on the steps of the original wooden Oakland-Winter Garden School that stood on Tildenville School Road — the site of today’s Tildenville Elementary.
Front row, from left: Grace Tilden, Claire Burch, Audrey Briley and teacher Helen Iserman. Back row, from left: Annie Connell (future teacher and principal), teacher Miss Reasoner, Kate Story, Bessie Michael and possibly Frances Briley.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is preparing for its next exhibition at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. Opening Oct. 1 is “Champions of West Orange County: A Legacy of Athletic Excellence,” highlighting local sports and many of the players who achieved professional athletic honors.
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.
Dillard; Jackie DeSha, cafeteria manager, Winter Garden; and Cherie Nickey, curriculum specialist, Winter Garden. The Ocoee City Commission voted to move ahead with plans to construct a new police station.
45 years ago
The annual Labor Day Picnic for Windermere Rotarians and their families was held at the home of
Bob and Ginny Ferdinand. It was a fun afternoon of swimming, boating, games and good food.
30 years ago
At the Cinemark Theatres in the Highland Lakes Center, movie-goers had these choices: “Magic in the Water,” “The Prophecy,” “Lord of Illusions,” “Desperado,” “The Amazing Panda Adventure,” “A Walk in the Clouds,” “Dangerous
Minds,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Kid in King Arthur’s Court,” “Something to Talk About,” “Baby Sitters Club,” Babe,” “The Net,” “Waterworld” and “Apollo 13.”
Two films were playing at the Starlite Drive-in Theatre in Winter Garden: “Nine Months” and “Bad Boys.” Tuesday was $1.50 carload night.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
SEPT. 4, 1975
The new football team — made up of former gridiron athletes at Lakeview and Ocoee high schools before the new West Orange High School opened — were set to play their first jamboree at Walker Field in Winter Garden. Local businesses jumped at the chance to cheer on the new WOHS Warriors and took out advertising boxes in The Winter Garden Times Those wanting to support the players were Winter Garden Mobil, Diamond R Fertilizer, Orange Federal Savings, Cappleman Agency, Times Printing, Fulmer Cleaners, Al Ewing Ford, Rittens Wrecker Service, TelePrompTer Cablevision, Jimmy’s Thriftway, Carse Oil Co., Boogaarts, H.M. Bowness, Bank of West Orange, W.H. Wurst Insurance Agency, Western Auto, First National Bank, Modern Stationery, Harold’s Fine Jewelry, John Lamb Chevrolet, McCrorys, Griffin’s Men’s Wear, George McClellan
MIND YOUR MANORS by Dylan Schiff, edited by Jared Goudsmit By Luis Campos
