Faith, feast and festivities
Lookin’ good for 120
The West Orange Times & Observer, West Orange’s only hyperlocal community newspaper, threw a birthday party to celebrate its 120th anniversary and the whole community was invited. SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 6A.
Winter Garden leaders jockey to take back control
City commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance to bring development control back to Winter Garden after Senate Bill 180 was signed into law. SEE PAGE 8A.
Observer staff
Landra Wormack took a selfie with Observer Sales Manager Cyndi Gustafson, Austin Arthur and Observer Editor and Publisher Michael Eng.
Kassie Gustafson | Black + Bay Photography Ocoee High School’s drumline performed at the party.
Right: Paige Winkler, Joe Berry and Lynn Wright looked over old editions of the newspaper throughout its history. “It’s amazing,” Wright said. “I grew up in Winter Garden. My grandfather was one of the founders. It takes me back.”
The Episcopal Church of the Messiah is celebrating its 75th anniversary with multiple events. PAGE 3A.
5FAST
1Pinstripes closes Southwest Orange location
Southwest Orange lost one of its newest businesses last week.
In a move that surprised even employees, Pinstripes Holdings Inc. closed 10 of its 18 locations, including the one at 11643 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando, in the Vineland Pointe plaza.
“Pinstripes Holdings Inc. has taken an important step to secure our future by voluntarily filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closing some locations, with the support of our lenders,” the company announced in a social media post.
The Southwest Orange location opened in April 2024 in a 34,000-square-foot space. It featured a full-service bistro, 16 bowling lanes, four indoor and outdoor bocce courts, two outdoor patios, and four private event spaces for groups of up to 1,000.
“Pinstripes is excited to open at Vineland Pointe, offering Orlando residents and visitors a new hotspot to revel in dining, entertainment and memories,” founder and CEO of
Southeast. On Pinstripes’ website, the listed locations include Washington, D.C.; San Mateo, California; Bethesda, Maryland; Northbrook, Illinois; Oak Brook, Illinois; South Barrington, Illinois; Edina, Minnesota; and Cleveland, Ohio.
2Bridgewater Middle principal finalist for Principal of the Year
Amy Klaber, principal of Bridgewater Middle School, has been named a finalist for Orange County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year.
Other finalists include Cicely Marks, from Eccleston Elementary School, and Johndrell Jones, from Liberty Middle School. Klaber has been at Bridgewater Middle as principal since 2022. Klaber has spearheaded academic and cultural turnarounds in three schools.
She has enhanced student performance for students with disabilities at Bridgewater Middle by optimizing scheduling to increase instructional
Her “people-first” approach and commitment to team-led improvements sets her apart, according to a news release from OCPS.
“Amy leads with heart,” Atwater Bay Elementary Principal Matt Hendricks said in a news release. “She knows every child by name and every staff member by strength.”
The winner of Principal of the Year, as well as Assistant Principal of the Year and District Administrator of the Year, will be announced at the Stellar Awards Jan. 30, 2026, at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort.
3
Disney pianist honored with The Walt Disney Legacy Award Casey’s Corner pianist Grayson Smith has been honored
lively ragtime melodies in front of Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom.
The Walt Disney Legacy Award honors Disney’s legacy by recognizing outstanding cast, crew, and Imagineers worldwide who are inspired by his personal example and legacy. It is a cast-member-nominated award given to rare individuals who embody Disney’s legacy qualities to dream, create and inspire.
“Grayson has a gift for making every guest feel special,” Magic Kingdom Vice President Sarah Riles said. “This Legacy Award is just a reflection of the magic he shares with all of us every single day. Because at Disney, it’s not just about the attractions, the fireworks or even the churros. ... It’s about people like Grayson, whose passion
Fewer than 1% of cast members across Disney Experiences are chosen.
“I’m so grateful and so thrilled; it’s an amazing feeling,” Smith said. “To be recognized in front of my friends and leaders, right here in Magic Kingdom, is something I’ll never forget.”
4
New market opens at Dellagio Town Center Dellagio Town Center is getting an all-new Food Trucks & Artisan Market.
The market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Sunday starting Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7924-8075 Via Dellagio Way, Orlando.
Attendees will have the opportunity to browse and shop handmade goods from more than 30 artisan vendors.
Confirmed food trucks include Stuffed Surfer, Gran Arepa, Chicken Waffle Grill, Stef’s Bodega and Taste of the Islands: Authentic Filipino Street Food. The event also will offer $20 bottomless mimosas.
5Health Central Hospital to host community wellness event Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee will host a free, after-hours event to talk about weight management and healthy living.
The event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at
Courtesy photo
Magic Kingdom pianist Grayson Smith received The Walt Disney Legacy Award.
75 years of faithful service
Windermere maintains millage rate
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Windermere Town Council unanimously approved a millage rate of 3.7425, which is the current rate, during a final budget hearing Monday, Sept. 15.
The Town Council also unanimously approved a resolution adopting a total budget of $17,254,615.13. Town Manager Robert Smith said the town of Windermere has maintained the same millage rate since 2018.
Although the rate will remain the same, he said the ad valorem revenue increased by about $600,000 due to the annexation of Chaine du Lac, which voters approved in February.
The town is facing a 2.9% increase in operating expenditures compared to last year, with the total expenditures expected to be $16,888,297.95.
FIRST READINGS APPROVED
The Episcopal church is celebrating its anniversary with the Sunday evening service of supper and a one-minute message.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
HISTORIAN
In its 75 years, the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in downtown Winter Garden has offered multiple ways to offering God’s message, including Sunday morning worship, sermons in Spanish and French, an online version during the pandemic, and the latest addition: Sunday Suppers.
“The Messiah family has been serving the West Orange community for these 75 years,” said the Rev. Tom Rutherford, church rector. “Sunday Suppers is designed to take that up a notch. … Food for your body and soul.”
The idea behind the project is to offer a meal to folks in the community to feed them physically and spiritually. The church has held Simple Suppers to its members for years, but it’s time to open it up to the community, he said.
The evening will provide the church a chance to reach even more people in West Orange County and allow opportunities for friendship.
“We understand there are some folks that are hungry and need a meal, but there are a lot of people who need relationships,” Rutherford said. “Not everyone has friends or family around here. We want to give people the chance to interact with
real human beings, not just virtual, not just online, not just social media.”
Guests are welcome to eat and leave, but they also are invited to stay for a Messiah Minute, which will be a 60-second reflection of the Bible verses from that day, and a moment for prayer requests.
Sunday Suppers will begin Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent. Rutherford said there is no need to RSVP.
The church will fund the program for the first year and then collect donations to keep it self-funded.
TIME TO CELEBRATE
Messiah members hold a parish birthday party every year, but this one will be different. The church is celebrating its milestone anniversary with two weekend events.
Rutherford invites the community to an open house Saturday, Sept. 20, to tour the facility and learn about the church’s history in a presentation and at stations set up around the campus.
Musical minister Ricky Jackson will entertain guests with a saxophone concert in the hallway.
The Daughters of the King women’s organization will be in the prayer chapel praying for people and showing participants how to make Anglican prayer beads.
A bounce house and snacks round out the activities.
On Sunday Sept. 21, a shrimp boil is
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH
241 N. Main St., Winter Garden
OPEN HOUSE: 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
PHONE: (407) 656-3218
WEB: Churchofthemessiah.com
open to public and will include a slide show of the church’s history as well as cake and ice cream. Bishop Justin Holcomb will be in attendance.
“It’s just as important to play together as it is to pray together,” Rutherford said.
Longtime member Craig K. Brown put together a timeline for the church’s first 50 years and a history team has been working to update it to include the last quarter century.
RICH HISTORY
Seventy-five years ago, there was no Episcopal church in the area, so a group of worshippers began gathering in Winter Garden to bring the denomination to West Orange County. They first met in 1950 at the American Legion Hall in Winter Garden.
Later services were held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Gem Theatre, the dining room of the Edgewater Hotel, Little Hall, Tanner Hall and, since 1954, the current church campus.
The first service in Messiah’s first official building was Nov. 14, 1954.
The first vicar was the Rev. Roy Frye. Expansions took place every decade, with a three-phase plan initiated in 1998 to remodel classrooms; build a parish hall, kitchen offices and restrooms; and double the size of the preschool, Children of the Messiah.
In 1980, Messiah sent 16 families to start the Church of the Ascension in Bay Hill.
Rutherford became rector in 1996.
A school for special-needs children, Messiah Academy opened in 2015. When it closed in 2019, the church opened Messiah School for the Arts.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily ended face-to-face interactions in 2020, and the church made arrangements to worship online. Drive-Thru Communion was offered six days per week until in-person worship resumed.
All Souls’ Episcopal Church, a new church plant in Horizon West, lost its Sunday space in 2021, so Church of the Messiah welcomed parishioners to downtown Winter Garden.
In recent years, a group of 21 people went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and Rutherford and deacon Tim Wetherington served on a mission trip to Jerusalem.
The church also raised up seven people to be priests and another seven to be deacons.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The church hits another milestone next spring.
“We’re paying off our mortgage in March, so we will be studying between now and then what we will be doing with the $12,000 we won’t have to pay each month,” Rutherford said. “We’re looking forward to having this over with and saying, ‘Lord, what do you want us to do with this now?’ We are in listening mode.”
Rutherford said the church’s wish list includes building out the parking lot and building an outdoor chapel with a fountain deep enough to do immersion baptisms.
The church owns the house next door, and plans are to demolish it and construct a two-story classroom building to double the size of the preschool.
“We love this community,” Rutherford said. “We’ve been serving for 75 years, and we want to go 75 more.”
During Windermere Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Town Council unanimously approved several first readings of ordinances and resolutions. Second readings and public hearings on these ordinances and resolutions will take place 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Town Hall. Town Council members unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding the town’s comprehensive plan. The Town Council held a public hearing and approved the transmittal of the draft of its updated comprehensive plan to the state and other review agencies on May 13. The plan was submitted to the Florida Department of Commerce, as well as other state agencies and Orange County, on May 28. Then on July 25, the town received a letter of no objections and no comments from the Florida Department of Commerce, which directed the town to adopt the comprehensive plan within 180 days. Council members also had a first reading on an ordinance pertaining to development and clarifying and revising procedures and requirements for review and approval of proposed plats and replats of land. Another ordinance with a first reading pertained to certified recovery residences. The Florida Legislature amended Florida statutes to require municipalities to establish procedures for the review and approval of certified recovery residents. The purpose of the town’s ordinance is to establish a mechanism for processing requests for reasonable accommodation to town ordinances, rules, policies and procedures for certified recovery residents.
The Town Council also heard the first reading on an ordinance pertaining to fire safety. The ordinance would enact a simplified permitting and inspection process for fire alarm system and fire sprinkler system projects. Finally, the council heard the first reading on an ordinance regarding condos and coop building repairs and inspections. The ordinance would require milestone inspections of condominiums and cooperative buildings, require inspection reports, specify timeframes for repairs to be scheduled and commenced and require the building official to submit repair and inspection information to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
IN OTHER NEWS
n During Windermere Town Council’s regular meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Town Council unanimously approved a resolution pertaining to the non-ad valorem assessment roll for streetlights for The Willows at Lake Rhea Phase one, two and three. Residents were paying $114.12 per year to cover the cost of street lights. Duke Energy has increased the costs for each household to pay $127.47.
n
Amy Quesinberry Price
The Rev. Tom Rutherford is excited about the church’s 75th anniversary and its new Sunday Suppers program.
Right: The Episcopal Church of the Messiah broke ground on its campus in 1954 with the assistance of the Right Rev. Martin J. Bram, left, acolyte David Barley, the Rev. Roye M. Frye and junior warden Jim Bock.
Courtesy photos
Early church members met in various rented halls before the Episcopal Church of the Messiah was built on Tilden and Main streets in downtown Winter Garden.
How then shall we live?
JEFF LAWRENCE
Editor’s note: The following My View is a version of the script for the Sept. 12 episode of Between Faith & Reason in response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Aman who called a generation to think clearly and live truthfully is gone. Charlie Kirk was a husband, a father, a leader and truly a titan of critical thinking and logical pursuit.
When microphones went live and lights came up, he fought for coherence. When confusion felt easier, he insisted that truth is not a toy you bend to fit your tribe. It’s a reality you submit to even when it costs you. That conviction shaped thousands of young minds and continues to shape hundreds of thousands, if not millions of minds, and has become a movement, one I believe in time we’ll grow exponentially.
But today we grieve. We grieve his loss. The Bible tells us that evil is real, and Scripture doesn’t hide from that. The prophet Isaiah said, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.”
Our generation has become fluent in the art of rebranding darkness. We baptize rage as righteousness. Slap virtue words on vice and mistake viral for true.
The Bible says a contest is raging but not the one your timeline tries to sell you. The apostle Paul said, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.”
That means our neighbors are not our enemy. Sin is the enemy. Darkness is the enemy. Evil is the enemy. Despair is the enemy.
Yet, lean into this. John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
This is a moment to name the darkness without bowing to it, to name with moral clarity: This was wickedness. But we must not let the wickedness set the agenda for our souls.
In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
So why does this hurt so deeply? Because every human life bears the image of God. Because death seems to be an enemy. Because in an age of slogans, Charlie lifted the bar for ideas. He didn’t just tell students what to think. He dared them to learn how to think, to follow the evidence, to test assumptions, to love reality more than reputation. And folks, that call didn’t die with him. It now lands squarely on us.
Let’s discuss causes for a moment. Not the forensic ones but the formational ones. We’ve cultivated a culture that no longer recognizes evil. Not because we lack vocabulary but because we lack a reference point. When truth is reduced to preference, morality becomes a matter of mood. When God is sidelined, the compass just spins.
Proverbs 9 reminds us of this:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and that has been traded for the fear of being on the wrong side of a trending narrative. And once you lose the fear of the Lord, you’ll fear everything else. Your peers, your platform, your paycheck.
That fear drives us to pretend, perform and eventually to justify what we know to be wrong. Inherently wrong. And here’s the apologetic heart of it. The fact that we call some acts evil is not a mere outburst of feeling. It’s a truth statement. Objective evil implies objective good.
Good implies a moral law. A moral law implies a lawgiver. Our outrage is a signpost to God. The ache you feel right now is not an accident of simple chemistry. It’s the echo of eternity in the human conscience.
But Christian hope is not just
an argument; it’s an event. At the cross, humanity did its worst, and in the resurrection, God unveiled his best.
Jesus did not say we would be spared from trouble. In fact, he said quite the opposite. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulations, but take heart, I’ve overcome the world.” Now, that’s not a sentimental notion. That’s resurrection, realism. Evil is parasitic but not ultimate. It can vandalize a moment, but it cannot write the final chapter. Christ already has. So what now? What does faithful, non-anxious courage look like in a moment like this? I believe it starts with the church, and she must move from events to formation. We cannot entertain our way out of a crisis of meaning. So church, preach the whole council of God, Christ, crucified and risen, the gravity of sin, the beauty of holiness. The call to love even our enemies. Engage minds and imaginations, teach people how to recognize untruth and how to test those claims. And how to speak truth with grace. Model civil courage, being firm in conviction, gentle in tone, quick to repent, eager to reconcile.
We don’t need a louder outrage. We need a deeper holiness!
Christian schools: This is your hour. You exist to help students love God with heart, soul, mind and strength. Build classrooms around truth, goodness and beauty, not as decorations, but as attributes of a personal God. Form intellectual virtues. Humility to learn, courage to stand, charity to listen, perseverance to keep on going, and teach digital wisdom, restraint, accuracy, and charity online so that devices don’t disciple souls more than the gospel does.
Parents, pastors, teachers: This is not a spectator moment. We must become the kind of people who can recognize evil, resist it without becoming it, and replace it with what is true and good and beautiful. Micah 6:8, one of my favorite verses, says, “He has told you, oh man, what is good: to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
You see justice without mercy becomes cruelty. Mercy without justice becomes compromise. Humility without either becomes
apathy. But grace and truth together look more like Jesus.
To the next generation, the students who listened to Charlie and felt something awaken inside them: Your assignment is clear. Take up the cause of truth with courage, tempered by grace. Refuse the cheap dopamine of contempt. Don’t measure your impact by decibels. Measure it by faithfulness. Become the same person online as you are offline, and do your research. Read the primary sources, not just what you see on TikTok. Ask honest questions, learn logic and critical thinking. Love evidence. And remember this, clarity is not cruelty, and kindness is not compromise.
So, what can I actually do today? Start small, start near and start now. Speak to others, especially those with whom you disagree, as image bearers, not just avatars. Edit your words until they’re true, necessary and gracious.
And follow what the Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as good for building up.”
Be kind. Mentor one student. Encourage a discouraged teacher. Write one note of thanks to a pastor who told you the truth, even when it was hard to hear. And then stand when it counts. Be watchful. Stand firm, be strong and let all you do be done in love.
To the weary and to the numb: Grief can make us either hardhearted or holy. Let it make you holy. Lament honestly. Don’t rush past the ache, but don’t live there either. Lift up your eyes. The same Jesus who wept at a tomb walked out of his own! He’s not wringing his hands. He is Lord. And His church? Well, for 2,000 years, the church has buried her martyrs and then kept on building hospitals, schools, charities, families, and communities that outlast empires. And you know what? We will do it again and again. And again and again until Jesus returns or he takes us home.
C. S. Lewis once said: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
So let that be our resolve. Christianity isn’t our hobby. It is the light by which we see reality. And by that
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light, we will live. We will tell the truth. We will love our neighbors. We will form minds and hearts. We will be ambassadors of reconciliation, not arsonists of division. We will honor Charlie’s legacy, not by shouting louder but by living truer.
Just know: This is not a moment for shrinking back. It’s a moment for sturdy hope and holy resolve. Let’s answer this hour with lives that can’t be explained without Jesus. And remember, courage isn’t about volume; it’s about presence. Take the next faithful step and keep going, because the world is aching for people who shine … not shout. Jesus told us: “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to the Father.”
Turn down the outrage. Turn up the obedience. Build the things evil cannot. Like marriages that last, classrooms of wisdom, churches of grace and truth, friendships that forgive, work that serves, and words that heal.
And when cynicism whispers that hope is naive, answer it with the deeper truth. Our hope isn’t fragile. It’s fueled. We do not carry the light. The light carries us. Step into this next day, this next week, this next month, like messengers of another kingdom. Shine by telling the truth with a steady voice, by loving the person in front of you, by building what lasts longer than headlines. Charlie Kirk called a generation to think clearly and live truthfully. Let’s honor that calling by doing what he asked. By becoming men and women whose minds are anchored, whose hearts are alive, and whose hands are busy with good, the good of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We will not curse the dark, we’ll light more lamps. We will not be ruled by fear. We will walk by faith. We will not merely admire the good. We will become the good centered on Jesus, empowered through His spirit, and we will be that again and again until the city looks a little bit more like the kingdom of God.
Jeff Lawrence is the host of Between Faith & Reason, a podcast produced by Foundation Academy. The podcast is available on all platforms and at orangeobserver.com/podcast/ between-faith-and-reason.
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Walk for Lives comes to Orlando
Local brings Walk for Lives to Lake Eola Park to spread awareness and fight against the fentanyl epidemic.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Gretchin Murray awoke Sept. 24, 2022, to a living nightmare.
She received a call notifying her that her only child, Gage Taylor, was taken to Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee after he was poisoned with a substance that was laced with illicit fentanyl without his knowledge.
Taylor was a 29-year-old who, within a six-week period, lost his job at Universal Studios, went through a tumultuous break-up and “had a moment of weakness,” Murray said.
“I know he was struggling with finding another job, and I just think he was in a weakened state and decided to do something he normally wouldn’t do,” Murray said.
His decision cost him his life. He died Sept. 26, 2022.
Since then, Murray said learning about how many people are impacted by fentanyl was “such an eyeopener.” She only had heard of the drug a few months before her son’s death, when his father asked her to talk to Taylor to warn him of fentanyl-laced drugs. She met numerous families who also lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses.
Now she’s made it her mission to spread awareness of the dangers of fentanyl while advocating for legislation that requires hospitals to test for fentanyl in emergency situations.
She is bringing the national Walk for Lives to Lake Eola Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
The nationwide, grassroots campaign unites grieving families and friends whose lives have been impacted by fentanyl poisoning. Participants will walk in honor of the loved ones they’ve lost as well as to educate communities and demand action to end the fentanyl epidemic.
“It’s kind of my calling to educate as many people because I had no idea (about fentanyl),” Murray said. “To bring Walk for Lives here is very personal, and I’m just hoping we’ll be able to impact so many people and open people’s eyes and just bring everyone together.”
The free walk in Orlando will feature personal testimonies from local families, remarks from Florida lawmakers, insights from law enforcement leaders and more.
IF YOU GO
WALK FOR LIVES
WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept.
20 WHERE: Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St., Orlando
COST: Free
WEBSITE: walkforlives.org
After her son’s death, Murray wanted answers.
She said the police weren’t able to pursue charges despite the evidence already collected against the people who gave Taylor the drugs. There wasn’t a direct connection between those people and Taylor having fentanyl in his system.
She started investigating the matter, collecting records from police, the hospital and medical examiner. That’s when she discovered the hospital never gave Taylor fentanyl, which can be used to conduct a bedside shivering assessment for someone who has had a cardiac arrest and has gone without oxygen to the brain. The assessment uses fentanyl to lower a person’s body temperature to see if the person reacts to prove whether that person is brain dead.
The hospital not giving Taylor fentanyl proved the direct connection between those who gave him the drugs that were in his system. The police were able to move forward with charges.
Murray’s investigation also led her to working with nonprofits and others to create Gage’s Law, which requires hospitals to conduct mandatory fentanyl testing in cases of suspected drug overdose or poisoning, ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate care.
Murray said although Gage’s Law passed, another bill was passed that actually gives hospitals the option to conduct fentanyl testing, undoing the work of Gage’s Law. Now she is working on a new language for a bill to ensure testing is mandatory.
“If we’re going to start getting more prosecutions of these drug dealers that are out there peddling this poison, law enforcement needs to be given that initial proof, but it’s also going to save hospitals from potentially committing medical misfeasance,” she said.
Courtesy photo
Walk for Lives is a personal cause for Gretchin Murray. Her son, Gage Taylor, died after a fentanyl poisoning in 2022.
West Orange Times & Observer celebrates 120th anniversary
Hundreds of community leaders and residents enjoyed a birthday party to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the West Orange Times & Observer, one of the oldest newspapers in the state.
The party took place Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Observer Media Group’s Winter Garden office. West Orange Chamber of Commerce staff, including President and CEO Stephen Lewis, Carrie Acosta, Lynn Ramsey, Amy Cervantes and Amy Pryor; as well as ambassadors, including Sonya Alvarez, Jo Barsh, Pam Birdsong, Pat Brown, Monika Buyze, Loreta Delgado, Pat Gleason, Heather Easterling, Adam Markowitz, Kathleen Roat, Fr. Tom Rutherford, Chris Sapp, Laura Senzamici, Buss Woodley and Jim Zeitschel, all attended to mark the occasion.
Community leader Austin Arthur delivered a welcoming invocation.
Guests enjoyed refreshments courtesy of Pammie’s Sammies, with catering by Gertrude’s Kitchen. Observer historian Amy Quesinberry Price turned the office into a journalism museum, with a plethora of items used to report the news throughout the years. Guests also enjoyed perusing a variety of postersized front pages from throughout the paper’s history and taking a peek at selected archives of the newspaper.
After a welcome by Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, the drumlines from Horizon, Ocoee, West Orange and Windermere high schools all performed — much to the delight of attendees.
The first edition of the newspaper, then known as the Winter Garden Ricochet, published on Sept. 13, 1905.
— OBSERVER STAFF
Members of Windermere High School’s drumline rocked Observer sunglasses. The drumline went on to perform alongside drumlines from Ocoee, Horizon and West Orange high schools.
Kassie Gustafson | Black + Bay Photography Jamilia and Ted Modeste enjoyed the party. Ted is the distribution manager for the Observer
Amy Quesinberry Price, the historian for the West Orange Times & Observer, reunited with Andrew Bailey, the former publisher and co-owner of The West Orange Times
Emily Walsh, president of Observer Media Group, helped celebrate the West Orange Times & Observer’s 120th anniversary. Observer Media Group purchased The West Orange Times in 2014.
Randy Rolfe, Shelly Rolfe, Whitney Laws and Brent Oravits with The Villages Daily Sun, which prints the West Orange Times & Observer, joined the celebration.
Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and Oakland Mayor Shane Taylor helped celebrate. They both enjoy reading the Ways We Were feature each week in the newspaper.
Right: Guests enjoyed perusing old front covers that adorn the walls at the Observer office.
Kassie Gustafson | Black + Bay Photography
The West Orange High School drumline impressed attendees.
Members of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, including President and CEO Stephen Lewis, member Sonya Alvarez and Events and Sponsorship Manager Amy Pryor, came out in full force.
Kassie Gustafson | Black + Bay Photography The Sound of Horizon drumline was the first of four groups to perform at the anniversary party.
Kassie Gustafson | Black + Bay Photography
Orange County district estimates
6,700
fewer students this year
At the same time, the number of Orange County students taking advantage of the voucher program is estimated to increase by 5,154.
MICHAEL ENG
EDTIOR AND PUBLISHER
Before the new school year started, Orange County Public Schools expected to lose about 3,100 students for the 2025-26 school year. Now, it appears the district underestimated the drop in enrollment.
Early counts show the district is down by about 6,700 students.
Despite that student loss, the Orange County School Board last week approved a 2025-26 budget that is $231.2 million higher than last year’s budget.
The OCPS budget includes five major components. Three of those — the General Fund, Debt Service Fund and Internal Service Fund — all were cut this year.
The General Fund — the district’s operating budget — totals
$2,819,641,038, down $13,897,226 from last year.
The Debt Service Fund totals $223,810,903 — down $24,547,123 from last year.
The Internal Service Fund pays for printing services, property casualty loss and employee health insurance. It totals $413,080,418, down $4,054,713 from last year.
However, the final two components — the Capital Projects Fund and Special Revenue Fund — show increases.
The Capital Projects Fund — which funds construction of new schools, renovations and upgrades — totals $3,735,929,315, up $270,611,861 from last year. These funds build 13 relief schools — nine elementary, two middle and two high schools. This includes the new elementary school planned to open in August 2026 in Horizon West.
The Special Revenue Fund, which funds the district’s food service program, extended day and school internal accounts programs, totals $340,234,735, up $3,107,645 from last year.
The district also has established a new Academic Acceleration fund to support programs such as AP, IB, ACE, CAPE and dual enrollment. Funding for this comes from the base student allocation already in the budget.
MILLAGE RATE
The School Board approved a .015 reduction in the 2025-26 millage rate — from 6.464 to 6.449. However, with a 2.95% consumer price index increase of assessed property values, homeowners will see an increase in their taxes. OCPS Chief Financial Officer Doreen Concolino said a homeowner with a value at $346,321 last year paid $2,077 in school taxes. This year, that same home is valued at $355,800, and the school tax will be $2,133.
INSIDE ENROLLMENT
Although the total number of students in Orange County is anticipated to increase by 3,354 to 230,961 students this year, OCPS officials said enrollment in its traditional schools is down.
During this year’s budget hearing, district officials said enrollment in its traditional schools has dropped to 180,649. In that same time, families opting for state vouchers, aka the Family Empowerment Scholarship, are forecasted to increase by 5,154 to 50,717 this school year, district officials said. Charter schools also are expected to grow by 837 students to 19,696 this year.
OCPS BUDGET COMPARISON
That decline in enrollment will translate to fewer state dollars for OCPS, although the exact amount is unknown, Concolino said.
“This year is a bit uncertain … because we have to wait for the October survey to truly see the students that we have here,” she said. “We’ve just done the 10-day enrollment, which has given us a snapshot. It’s not encouraging, and it definitely reflects less revenue coming in.”
District 5 School Board Member Vicki-Elaine Felder said the public needs to understand the gravity of the situation.
“The public needs to understand the dire straits that we’re in and deal with their representatives and go to Tallahassee. We’re fighting, but we need more fight from the people, because if you (board members) challenge them, your seat is going to be taken. … You’re going to get out of this position, because you’re not doing what’s benefiting the whole of the people in the state of Florida. … That would be a big help to us, because we are seriously robbing Peter to pay Paul, and Peter is running out of money.”
decline in public education funding.
“If they went to the public and said, ‘Look, we’re decreasing public education every year,’ people would be outraged,” she said. “But because they throw in the Family Empowerment Scholarship in our budget, then they can go to the public and say, ‘Hey, look, we’re the greatest administration for education ever to be in Florida. Look at all the money we’ve put into education in the past four years.’ That’s exactly why they’re doing it.”
“That money can make so much difference in our schools — $211 million,” District 4 School Board Member Anne Douglas said. “To me, it’s outrageous. Absolutely outrageous. Like member Byrd said: It looks good. Oh, we are spending so much money on people in Florida, but that’s not public school. … These are not our kids. This is outrageous. … I just don’t understand.”
Source: Orange County Public Schools
FLORIDA EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP
OCPS’ budget shows $211 million for Family Empowerment Scholarships, about $4,160.34 per student in the voucher program. By comparison, the total per-student funding at OCPS schools has increased to $10,229 this year, up from $10,019 last year.
However, School Board members argued that number shouldn’t be included in OCPS’ budget.
District 3 School Board Member
Alicia Farrant advocated for the state treating the Family Empowerment Scholarship as its own entity — as it does with Florida Virtual School — so the allocation for public schools is clearer.
“We never say that we’re losing money in our budget because students are going to FLVS or that FLVS is stealing from the public schools,” she said. “So in the same way … we need to just advocate for (the Family Empowerment Scholarship) to be its own separate entity.”
District 7 School Board Member Melissa Byrd said the state does not report the funding that way because it does not want the public to see a
Earlier this year, OCPS hired Caissa K-12 to recruit students to return to OCPS. For every student who re-enrolls and stays in class for 30 days, the district received about $8,950 in state funding. Caissa K-12 receives $935 per student.
TEACHER PAY AND BENEFITS
At the beginning of the budget hearing, Orange County Classroom Teachers Association Board President Clinton McCracken urged the School Board to support OCPS educators.
“A budget is not just a spreadsheet,” he said. “A budget is a statement of priorities, a reflection of what is valued most. … Does this budget reflect that? Will it invest in educators or layers of administration? Will it deepen trust in teachers or grow more resentment?”
The new budget includes $7.5 million for teacher salary increases and a 1.39% increase in funding for school resource officers.
In the Internal Service Fund, the School Board also approved $327,902,012 for the Employee Benefits Trust Fund, which provides health insurance for employees and their dependents. OCPS employees can choose between four plans, including a no-cost option.
LOCAL MOTION
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to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs
City of Winter Garden drafts ordinance to combat S.B. 180
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amending a section of the city’s planning and development code to add a new section that would address relief concerning declared emergency restrictions.
During the commission meeting Thursday, Sept. 11, Kelly Carson, the planning director for Winter Garden, said the ordinance is to address the declared emergency restrictions in the newly adopted Senate Bill 180. If approved, the ordinance would provide a new process where an applicant can apply to revert to an earlier version of the city’s land development code and/or comprehensive plan if the applicant provides a good-faith argument as to why a new city-initiated amendment is “more restrictive or burdensome” to the proposed development application.
The ordinance would allow an authorized applicant for a development order file an application with
the city to have the version of land development regulations and/or the comprehensive plan existing as of Aug. 1, 2024, apply to and govern the development order application.
“The ordinance is intended to comply with the new state provisions while allowing the city to initiate changes to our own regulations,” Carson said.
Kurt Ardaman, the city attorney, said the ordinance is “a pretty great ordinance.”
“I’m not aware of any other local government taking such a proactive approach,” he said. “Basically, what the Legislature did was undo, or attempt to undo, a lot of things that have happened since 2024 from what local governments have done and what has been adopted. What this ordinance really does is it puts the city in a position to deal with anybody that believes they have been overly burdened by the ordinance the city has adopted. … It’s a great protective mechanism.”
Ardaman thinks other local governments are going to look to Winter Garden for guidance on similar ordi-
nances if the commission approves the ordinance during a second reading and public hearing Thursday, Sept. 25, at City Hall.
BUDGET ORDINANCES APPROVED
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance setting the millage rate for ad valorem taxation of real and tangible personal property for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, 2026, at the rate of 4.8565 mills. This rate is an increase over the current rate of 4.5 mills.
Laura Zielonka, finance director for Winter Garden, said the increased millage would address a $2.2 million deficit. The proposed increase is 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%.
A first reading of another budget ordinance that shows the total revenues available for expenditures at $70,303,710 was unanimously approved.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance allowing the annexation of about .66 acres located at 15359 E. Oakland Ave., east of Tilden Oaks Trail, west of Gayle Mill Drive, south of Landrum Drive and north of East Oakland Avenue into the city of Winter Garden.
The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance amending the future land use map of the city’s comprehensive plan by changing the land use designation of the property from Orange County Low Density Residential to City Low Density Residential.
n The commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance allowing the annexation of about 5.59 acres located at 15373 State Road 438, east of Tilden Oaks Trail, west of Gayle Mill Drive, south of Landrum Drive and north of State Road 438 into Winter Garden. The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance amending
The commission also unanimously approved a first reading for an ordinance appropriating and allocating all revenue and funds of the Community Redevelopment Agency totaling $3,406,348. Lastly, the first reading of a budget ordinance authorizing the appro-
the future land use map of the city’s comprehensive plan by changing the land use designation of the property from Orange County Low Density Residential to City Low Density Residential.
n The City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance that would add a new provision under Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles to allow Homeowners’ Associations to apply for a maximum of two special event permits per year that include mobile food dispensing vehicles. Currently, HOAs only are permitted to apply for one event per year that includes mobile food dispensing vehicles.
n A resolution amending the downtown core parking fee from $5,000 per required parking space to $10,000 was unanimously approved.
n A special event for West Orange High School’s Homecoming parade was unanimously approved for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18.
priations of city funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 was unanimously approved.
A second reading and public hearing on each of these ordinances will take place during the commission’s regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at City Hall.
Fire fee increase keeps Ocoee millage rate steady
The Ocoee City Commission unanimously approved a tentative budget that keeps its current millage rate of 4.95 for Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026.
“The commission put the fire assessment increase in place, which allowed us to stay where we’re at,” said City Manager Craig Shadrix during a tentative budget public hearing Wednesday, Sept. 10.
During the commission’s July 15 meeting, it unanimously agreed to increase its fire-protection fee by
$2 million, doubling its current rate. Shadrix explained to the public that instilling the increase is the only reason the millage rate is remaining the same.
Employee benefit costs and cell phone expenses now are assigned to individual departments and software subscription expenses are assigned to the Information Services and Technology. These expenditures previously were budgeted to the General Government department.
“We believe that all changes were important (for) transparency and also can give us a true operating cost versus previously (when) all those
expenses (were in) one department,” said Vanna Lawitzke, acting financial director. “We believe that these new changes will provide a clear picture of what each department action cost would be.”
The commission’s priorities are to invest in public safety infrastructure, improve roads and sidewalk resurfacing, upgrade key infrastructure, provide safer streets, and invest in its citizens quality of life.
In the approved tentative budget, the commission will provide the police department with the largest budget. Of the $24.5 million budget, $19.3 million is for personnel
costs, as well as $931,000 reserved for vehicle replacements and radio equipment.
The fire department is the second largest budget at $14.8 million. The commission is adding three fulltime-equivalent positions. Operating expenses are allocated toward a new EMS equipment Stryker Lease, the purchase of 60 radios and a new fire engine, which is the most costly at $950,000.
A total of $11.6 million is budgeted for public works, going towards street division, road repaving, sidewalk repairs and two additional street positions. Of that, $709,000
is budgeted for mowing equipment and vehicle replacements.
District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy said residents could expect an increase in taxes for the next fiscal year because the median home sales price in Florida has decreased by 2.7%. The decrease in property values will be calculated in next year’s budget and a lower property value means more exemptions, Kennedy said.
“We have a pending financial crisis that is coming that we need to be ready for,” he said.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
WINDERMERE ISLE
The home at 8249 Procida Isle Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 22, for $680,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,219 square feet. Days on market: 247.
WINDERMERE TRAILS
Ahome in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 18 to 25.
The home at 9301 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Aug. 22, for $6,212,500. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 7,405 square feet. Days on market: 225. The sellers were represented by Angela Durruthy, Keene’s Pointe Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY LAKES AT GRANADA
The home at 8465 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 22, for $1,172,500. Built in 1985, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,060 square feet. Days on market: Four.
BAYVIEW
The home at 6226 Winfield Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 19, for $767,500. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,643 square feet. Days on market: Two.
ESTATES AT PARKSIDE
The home at 8390 Ludington Circle, Orlando, sold Aug. 22, for $1,475,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 5,049 square feet. Days on market: 154.
NORTH BAY
The home at 5416 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 22, for $1,850,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,884 square feet. Days on market: 39.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8426 Morehouse Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 22, for $910,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,641 square feet. Days on market: 243. SANCTUARY AT BAY HILL
The condo at 7865 Sugar View Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $258,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,169 square feet. Days on market: 62.
SAND LAKE COVE
The home at 10080 Cove Lake Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 20, for $735,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,694 square feet. Days on market: 46.
VENEZIA
The home at 7624 Point Venezia Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $2,160,750. Built in 2012, it has six bedrooms, six baths and 4,654 square feet. Days on market: 94.
VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE
The condo at 5024 Shoreway Loop, No. 10106, Orlando, sold Aug. 20, for $550,000. Built in 2007, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,823 square feet. Days on market: 54.
HORIZON WEST
DEL WEBB OASIS
The home at 15515 Orchid Rose, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $774,500. Built in 2025, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,282 square feet.
HAMILTON GARDENS
The home at 16564 Silversaw Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $735,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,564 square feet. Days on market: 14.
ORCHARD HILLS
The home at 14460 Orchard Hills Blvd. sold Aug. 22, for $595,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,614 square feet. Days on market: 41.
OSPREY RANCH
The home at 15114 Field Daisy Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 20, for $585,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,142 square feet.
PANTHER VIEW
The home at 7530 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $585,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,638 square feet. Days on market: 31.
ROYAL ESTATES
The townhouse at 9006 Via Di Canti Drive sold Aug. 18, for $580,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,393 square feet.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 16354 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 20, for $815,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,300 square feet. Days on market: 102.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 11009 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $858,126. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: 41.
The home at 11045 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 19, for $725,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet. Days on market: 52.
The home at 11003 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $709,201. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet. Days on market: 59.
WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES
The home at 7388 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 20, for $1,999,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,056 square feet.
The home at 7518 Loon Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $600,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,965 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
The home at 8359 Lookout Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 19, for $585,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,604 square feet. Days on market: Three.
OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS
The home at 2390 Standing Rock Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 20, for $625,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,060 square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.
OCOEE
EAGLES LANDING
The home at 2795 Westyn Cove Lane, Ocoee, sold Aug. 21, for $500,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,492 square feet. Days on market: 103.
VILLAGES OF WESMERE
The home at 2059 Leather Fern Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 18, for $495,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,319 square feet. Days on market: Three.
WYNWOOD
The home at 3338 Wynwood Forest Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 20, for $534,990. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
SOUTHEWEST ORANGE
CYPRESS SHORES
The home at 10018 Lone Tree Lane, Orlando, sold Aug. 20, for $2,250,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,244 square feet. Days on market: 168.
ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES
The home at 9520 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 18, for $950,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,503 square feet. Days on market: 105.
WINDERMERE
CHAINE DU LAC
The home at 3412 Lilas Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 20, for $2,400,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,712 square feet. Days on market: 96.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 9301 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Aug. 22, for $6,212,500. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths and 7,405 square feet. Days on market: 225.
The home at 11213 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 18, for $1,480,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,902 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
The home at 11402 Camden Loop Way, Windermere, sold Aug. 18, for $1,450,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,880 square feet. Days on market: 60.
LAKE DOWN VILLAGE
The home at 9538 Lavill Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 22, for $799,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,748 square feet. Days on market: 102.
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
The home at 6143 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 21, for $2,050,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,582 square feet. Days on market: 100.
WINTER GARDEN
DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN
The home at 112 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $505,000. Built in 1921, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,342 square feet. Days on market: Three. The home at 85 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 18, for $450,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,067 square feet.
HICKORY HAMMOCK
The home at 15779 Tangerine Dream Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 19, for $2,532,500. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,474 square feet. Days on market: 47.
The home at 15900 Citrus Knoll Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $1,000,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,844 square feet. Days on market: 48.
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 319 Morning View Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 19, for $848,000. Built in 2011, it has seven bedrooms, five baths and 4,900 square feet. Days on market: 62.
RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE
The home at 2051 Sandy Garden Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $650,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,860 square feet.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 14936 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $675,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,826 square feet.
VALENCIA SHORES
The home at 704 Tangerine Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $585,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,966 square feet. Days on market: 37.
WINTER GARDEN SHORES
The home at 375 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $500,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,324 square feet.
Courtesy photo
The home at 9301 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Aug.
This lakefront estate built by Stonebridge Homes features a game room, wet bar, card room, a screened-in pool with a fireplace and a pedestrian bridge over the pool. The sellers were represented by Angela Durruthy, Keene’s Pointe Realty.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Dr. Phillips boy’s basketball player London Hatch has committed to continue his career at Florida Tech. Hatch stands tall at 6-foot-5 and averaged 10 points per game as a forward for the Panthers. The news comes just after his teammate, Isaiah Gillard, committed to Florida Tech, as well. The pair will continue together, and Dr. Phillips boys basketball head coach Ben Witherspoon expressed how proud he is of the pair via X. “They worked, bought in to their roles over the summer and produced when we put them on stage,” he wrote.
2
Windermere Preparatory School basketball star Brandon Bass Jr. has announced his commitment to Florida State University. After receiving many offers from schools such as LSU, Purdue, Cincinnati and Florida Atlantic, the four-star recruit is taking his talents to the Noles. He’s the No. 20 overall prospect in Florida and son of former NBA player, Brandon Bass. Bass Jr. averaged 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals in his junior year of high school.
3 Early registration for youth sports at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center now is open. Sports include basketball, volleyball, soccer and esports. The Y also offers a Rising Stars program for children in pre-K. The cost is $93.60 for YMCA members and $169.20 for non-members. The season will start Oct. 27 and last until Dec. 20, with one practice and one game a week. Early registration closes Oct. 5. To register you can visit ymcacf.org/programs/ youthsports.
4
The First Academy boys basketball team invited coach Scott Bracco from Stetson University and coach Serge Clement from LeMoyne College to the school on Monday, Sept. 15. The scouting came days after TFA’s Kyle Blair received his first Division 1 offer from North Florida. Dr. Phillips’ also invited Stetson University and North Florida to its gymnasium for scouting.
5
West Orange’s baseball team already is preparing for its upcoming season. Booster parents of West Orange donated their time Sunday, Sept. 14, to hang up banners to decorate the field. The booster club is a nonprofit organization that raises funds specifically to help the team.
GAME OF THE WEEK
One game at a time
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
At the core of Windermere Prep’s success this season is restarting their mentality after each game and offseason growth. WEEK FIVE SCHEDULE Games kick off at 7 p.m.
Football is a long season. Over the course of 11 weeks, high school teams compete on Friday under the rays of Florida’s sun. As night falls, games are highlighted by the bright lights of the stadium, illuminating the players for fans.
Each game is unique. Yes, the team knows the root of its playing style, but it has to prepare in different ways depending on the opponent. This is why Windermere Preparatory School’s head coach, James Hamilton, emphasizes mentally restarting for each game.
Windermere Prep Lakers finished last season 2-7. They already eclipsed that win total and are sitting at 3-0 with five more games to go. At the root of the change is this year’s mentality and growing in the offseason.
PRIORITIZING GROWTH
During the summer, Windermere Prep’s football team might have had a break from school, but that didn’t mean a break from football.
CFCA (3-0) at Bronson (0-5)
Dr. Phillips (3-1) at Wekiva (1-3)
Foundation Academy (32) vs. Eustis (1-3)
Horizon (2-2) vs. Evans (3-1)
Lake Buena Vista (3-1) at West Orange (3-1)
Ocoee (3-1) vs. Boone (4-0)
Olympia (1-3) vs. Lake Nona (2-2)
The First Academy (2-2) at Venice (2-1), 7:30 p.m. kickoff
West Orange vs. Lake Buena Vista n Windermere (4-0) at East River (1-3)* n Windermere Prep (3-0) vs. Bishop McLaughlin Catholic (2-3), 4 p.m.
New writer ready to celebrate your wins
As the Observer’s new staff writer, I look forward
West Orange and Southwest Orange
In June, I began an eight-week summer internship with the Observer. My first three stories were a preview on Stoneybrook West’s Open Championship Tournament, Charlotte Ozim becoming Athlete of the Week and the new ownership of Scoops. I had never heard of Scoops before. I didn’t know the history, its legacy and its importance to the Winter Garden community, but I learned.
Those first three articles were an important step in my journey to learning about the stories intertwined in West Orange and Southwest Orange, and they
diving
sparked my love of the area. The community is what makes it so special; it’s the people, traditions, schools and clubs. You’re the people who allow us
to do our jobs of reporting on your lives, and your continued support is the heartbeat of the Observer. That’s why I want to introduce myself so the next time an email, text or phone call is made, you know a bit about the person behind the message.
Hi! I’m Megan Bruinsma, the new staff writer and sports reporter at the Observer Orlando always has been my home. It took time, but I’ve realized how lucky I was to grow up in the area with my younger sister.
I’m the daughter who enjoyed watching football with my dad. He developed me into a Lions fan, and I picked up the weekend routine. Yes, watching games is entertaining, but every time, I was in awe of the reporters.
They were blessed to have a job where they reported on sports. They covered the big games, learned about the players and kept the public informed. Their job looked fun and thrilling, but it wasn’t until years later I discovered that’s a career I wanted for myself.
Sports became an important part of my life at an early age. I started out with soccer, then basketball and finally found my love in volleyball. I played at the club level from sixth through 11th grade, so I understand the challenge and grind it takes to balance sports and schooling. To anyone doing that now: I respect you.
I went to Timber Creek High School before traveling down south
Windermere High girls golf team member Natalya Palazzolo, won the Orange Lake Legend tournament and helped push the team to first place. Page 2B.
Courtesy photo
Windermere Prep celebrated against Marco Island Academy in its first home game this season.
Windermere Prep’s senior Peyton Hollern is leading the team in rushing yards.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Courtesy photo
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Natalya Palazzolo
As a sophomore, Windermere High’s Natalya Palazzolo, is making her presence known on the girls golf team this season. Windermere won first place in its recent Orange Lake Legend tournament Thursday, Sept. 11. The team defeated Olympia and West Orange in the nine holes played. Palazzolo led the team by shooting 37 on a par 30, and by doing so, she won the tournament overall. Palazzolo surpassed her season average of 42.3 during the tournament.
Windermere is the defending Metro West Conference champions and placed second in the Metro Orlando Conference championship last fall.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I’m very honored to be named this. It definitely shows just how far I’ve grown over the years.
What do you enjoy the most about golf?
I enjoy putting a lot; it’s a very mental part of the game, and you have to be deadly accurate for the ball to go in. It’s probably the hardest part about golf, so it’s very rewarding when you make a long putt.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from golf?
I’ve learned to stay in the moment. I’ve gotten worked up over past shots before, but when I forget about blow-ups, I can recover quite well.
What is your favorite golf memory?
My favorite memory is my hole-in-one. I was playing with a bunch of friends, and the guy that hit before me made a holein-one. I hit right after him and didn’t realize I made my shot, so we were all congratulating him, and when we walked up, he found two golf balls in the hole. We were all super excited that two people made back-to-back hole-in-ones on the same hole.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Tommy Fleetwood is my favorite athlete. I try to emulate how he swings.
What is your go-to pre-round meal?
My go-to pre-round meal is a lunch-meat sandwich about 10 minutes before the round.
What is your go-to pre-round hype song?
“Lemonade” by Forrest Frank is my favorite pre-round song.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
My favorite hobby is crocheting.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject is math.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would bring flint and steel, a water filter, and a hunting knife. Although, I could bring a boat, but that defeats the purpose.
What is your favorite movie?
“KPop Demon Hunters” is my favorite movie.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive
— who would it be?
I would have dinner with Arnold Palmer. He’s a really cool guy,
and I would love to have the chance to have a chat with him.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would travel to the Paleolithic era, because we don’t know much about them. I would like to learn their beliefs and customs of hunter/gatherer humans.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to let go of the little things and not care as much.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would ask my future self what the world is like and if I still enjoy what I do today.
Who is your favorite superhero?
My favorite superhero is Black Widow. Considering her backstory, she totally should be a villain but was able to come back. She’s also an inspiration for me to become as strong as her.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
My favorite supervillain is Joker. He’s a really funny guy and always pulls off the most insane and funny stuff.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would have the power of morphing. I could change my appearance at will, and I think that’s an amazing concept.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Pineapple does not belong on pizza; it’s supposed to be savory.
— MEGAN
Monday night fútbol
Right: The players had to look up in the sky when the ball was skyrocketed multiple times during the game.
Water Springs Middle School’s boys soccer team hosted Hamlin Monday, Sept. 15.
It was Water Springs’ first home game of the season, and its players showed off to fans, defeating Hamlin 2-0.
Eighth-grader Mathias Quevedo scored the first goal, and seventh-grader Nickolas Portes brought in the second. Both goals came in the first half. Hamlin stepped up its defense in the second half.
Fans enjoyed food provided by Rock Paper Scissors Eats, a food truck that Water Springs brought out for the game.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
A dream position came true
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
to attend Florida Atlantic University. Here’s two fun facts. We had burrowing owls, our mascot, on campus, and they’re the cutest owl species. (No, you cannot change my mind.) Iguanas do freeze when they’re cold, so I watched my head in Florida’s “winter.”
I graduated from FAU in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism and a minor in sports studies. That school truly changed my life; I discovered my passion.
If you told me when I was in high school that my job in the future would be speaking to people I didn’t know for a living, I would’ve thought it was a joke. The arts, English and writing always have been my passions. I used to write my own books (that were never published or finished) and read daily, but my social skills lacked.
Going to FAU meant a new environment with people I didn’t know, so naturally I came out of my shell. Don’t get me wrong: I’m still someone who enjoys listening more than speaking, but I’m no longer too shy to talk. I grew as a person and to any high-schoolers who might be reading this, if you choose to continue your education, you’ll grow in wonderful ways, too.
I joined the school’s paper and found my joy. Every single game I covered was a thrill. I attended press conferences, met those who were the heartbeat of the athletics department and told the stories of the athletes within.
It was special to strictly cover FAU. We didn’t report on anything that didn’t pertain to the university, which I loved. I forged relationships with those within it and deeply learned about each team.
That’s why it’s a blessing to write for the Observer Now, I’m able to develop relationships with the commu-
nity members and learn about each school. Telling the stories of young athletes with dreams to continue their careers at a higher level, photographing special moments and finding out the “why” is what will get me up in the mornings. Each and every individual is so unique. Whether you’re the quiet kid, someone who always talks, a star athlete or someone who just started out, everyone has their own story, and every story deserves to be told. I will do my best to tell each story, and I can ensure they will be told with care and accuracy. Thank you for reading. I look forward to developing relationships within this community and discovering the hidden gems within. If you have any questions or would like anything covered, I’m just an email away. Please email me at mbruinsma@orangeobserver.com.
Looking forward to seeing you on the sidelines soon!
Nickolas Portes leapt for the ball and scored Water Springs’ second goal.
Gustavo Santos stretched out to kick the soccer ball as far as he could.
Lakers rush out to 3-0 earlyseason record
a real testament to what our coaches and I believe in.”
“Coach Ham completely just switched up how we were going to operate around here,” senior Peyton Hollern said. “It was mandatory to be here in the summer. He wanted us all in the weight room a lot.”
Hollern said the team spent time running seven-on-seven work — especially with the incoming freshmen to get them involved and experienced with the team’s offensive style. It paid off, and Hollern has seen improvements in the amount of weight his teammates can push.
This offseason felt different in Hollern’s eyes compared to the summers of his freshman and sophomore seasons.
“With coach Ham here in our junior and senior season, we’re more of a team and connected in the offseason,” Hollern said. “We were waking up at 7 a.m., getting to the school, getting working and making sure that we could be ready for this season.”
It’s Hamilton’s second season as Windermere Prep’s head coach. He started at the school in 2021 as the offensive and defensive line assistant coach. Hamilton said he’s seen their struggles with success, but this year’s flip started during the summer.
“For us to start off like this shows that the hard work that you put in and the extra work that you put in, shows up on the field, and I think they’re starting to believe in it and see it,” Hamilton said. “To be able to see these guys (who have) been here all four years, being able to see that is
WEEK FOUR REVIEW
West Orange and Southwest Orange teams entered Week Four with high stakes, and the results lived up to the expectations.
Olympia traveled to Timber Creek and came away with its first win of the season. Dr. Phillips and Ocoee fought hard, battling throughout the entire game. With 33 seconds left, the Panthers threw a deep touchdown pass and brought in their fourth consecutive win over the Knights. They also handed Ocoee its first loss this season.
Windermere continued its domination over opponents and put up its largest score yet of 70. Boone and West Orange, both known for producing quality teams, each hoped to remain undefeated. Boone gave its home fans something to cheer about and stripped West Orange of its undefeated season.
Despite losing to Jupiter Christian, Foundation Academy had a few key moments of success. The Lions recovered a fumble, gained an interception and recovered an onside kick, but in the end Jupiter Christian’s offensive powerhouse was too strong.
WEEK FOUR SCORES
Foundation Academy (3-2), 28
Jupiter Christian (4-1), 47
Central Florida Christian Academy (3-0), 33
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal (1-4), 7
Olympia (1-3), 14
Timber Creek (2-2), 7
The First Academy (2-2), 12
Eau Gallie (2-2), 8
Dr. Phillips (3-1), 29
Ocoee (3-1), 22
Horizon (2-2), 25 Forest (2-1), 34
Lake Buena Vista (3-1), 26 Oak Ridge (1-3), 25
West Orange (3-1), 21 Boone (4-0), 27
Windermere (4-0), 70 University (0-4), 3
Windermere Prep (3-0), 22
Faith Christian (1-3), 8
After using the summer as a time of growth, the team focused its mindset back to each game and improving after each.
The Lakers won its last game against Faith Christian 22-8 Friday, Sept. 12. But they didn’t rejoice in the moment for too long. Hamilton said they took the night to celebrate, and the next day, they began focusing on their next competition: Bishop McLaughlin Catholic.
“It starts on Mondays,” Hamilton said. “It’s just executing on offense and defense and just limiting the penalties. We control what we (can) control.”
During Monday practices, the team talks about winning the week 1-0. Hamilton said the mentality this year is “start fast and finish strong,” which is what they strive on doing each game.
“These last few games, we haven’t started off as fast as we want to,” he said. “But we definitely have finished strong, and it all starts with a mentality. … No matter what’s thrown at us, we can overcome it.”
Windermere Prep has a young team still trying to learn the ropes and culture. The Lakers have been in close games or losing at halftime but have finished strong, Hamilton said. He credited the upperclassmen for setting the tone and developing the younger guys to produce.
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
ANGLICAN
ANGLICAN COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Find us at: Theacf.net
Hollern is one of eight seniors on Windermere Prep’s team. He has played all four years and is playing his best season, leading the team with four touchdowns and 298 rushing yards. Hamilton described him as the team’s “bell cow” because of his ability to play in any position.
BAPTIST
BEULAH BAPTIST
Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org
During his freshman and sophomore years, Hollern said he was “really nervous.” As an underclassman, he went into each game strictly to play, but this year it’s shifted.
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM
SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM
“My previous years have made me better,” Hollern said. “It’s just fun; I just enjoy being out there. There’s not really any nerves.”
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352
He credited his experience and the type of team Windermere Prep is to the shift. Hollern said the team this year truly enjoys playing together rather than as individuals as they did years back. They don’t worry about self achievements; it’s more about the final score.
SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana
“As long as we win, we win as a team,” Hollern said.
Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP
That’s the message Hamilton and the coaching staff share with the team. They push the players throughout the week to build up for the game-day moment. The team enters the field to play “Windermere Prep football.”
SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867
“We tell our guys to just stick to it and hold (one another) accountable — and everybody just do their job,” Hamilton said. “If we take care of our job and do what we’re supposed to do, it’ll come to us.”
As a senior, Hollern can use his previous experience to help the younger players.
“I don’t like to be on their backs and tell them exactly what to do, but if they come to me for help and anything, I’m glad to help any guy that asked for help on certain things, whatever they need,” he said.
All eight seniors agree they want to shape and set the standard for Windermere Prep’s future. Hollern said they have seen when the program wasn’t successful compared to where it is now, and they are striving to continue it.
“We don’t want Windermere Prep to fall back to what it used to be like,” he said. “We want to make sure these ninth-graders and these upcoming seniors know that this is what we need to be in the future years of just a winning program, nothing below that.”
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
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
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
Winning is contagious, but so is losing, and it’s challenging to get out of a losing streak. Hollern said the team won its spring game and since then the wins have piled up, which has brought them more supporters.
“We have at least four kids last week (who) just joined the team,” Hollern said. “It was just nice to see some of those guys want to play now, actually want to join the team.”
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OF THE WEEK
CLAUDETTE MONROE EAGLE’S
NEST
ELEMENTARY
Claudette Monroe is a curriculum resource teacher, primary dean and ESOL compliance teacher at Eagle’s Nest Elementary School. As the curriculum resource teacher, she ensures all students and teachers have their academic resources, materials and plans, and she coordinates field trips. As the primary dean, she works with younger students and helps to teach them to follow the Code of Conduct and school rules. As the ESOL compliance teacher, she ensures students who speak another language are provided resources to assist them with learning in the classroom.
“She is a staple in this school and has worked in education for 20 years and nine years at Eagle’s Nest,” Principal Faythia BrownCarpenter said. “Ms. Monroe knows all of our students by name, and the parents and teachers know and trust her. She is a valued member of our staff and a jack of all trades. She is always on the go and works hard to support our students in her role and will volunteer to help in any way to further support our students. There are many days Ms. Monroe is working at the school beyond 5 p.m. to ensure her responsibilities are complete. Our staff appreciates her and all she does for our students.”
What brought you to your school?
What brought me to this school was I wanted to learn more. … There was more to learn about intermediate curriculum, so I wanted to take on a classroom position in a Title I school teaching all subjects. I figured if I humbled myself to go back to the classroom to learn strategies (and) resources, (it would) help me gain a better understanding of teaching reading, writing, math, science and social studies.
What do you love most about your school?
What I love most about our school are the traditions and coworkers. We’ve had several generations of families come through here over the years. They love our traditional turkey parades, families and friends joining us for Field Day. It is hard work but there are times we have fun.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Learning from teachers and students by assisting them to create a better life for themselves professionally, personally and educationally is rewarding. When people feel confident within themselves, they are willing to strive to meet their goals.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
Well, that is hard because ever since I was little, I have always wanted to be a teacher.
Who influences you?
My family is a strong influence for me. They are strong, hard workers who came from the islands to make a life to give us more opportunities. Their strength and faith have made me the person I am today.
REPORT CARD
Years at Eagles Nest: 10
Years with OCPS: 21
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was my thirdgrade teacher, Mrs. Jacobs, when I attended Orlo Vista Elementary School. She was kind and encouraged all of us to learn and be creative.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
When I was an instructional coach, I loved giving the book “First Day Jitters” to new teachers. When you read it, you thought it was about a kid scared of the first day of school, but it turned out to be the teacher.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to travel with family or friends and do some scrapbooking.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to dine with Michelle Obama. She has gone through so much in her life and accomplished so much professionally and personally. As the former first lady, she spoke and implemented several initiatives that impacted several aspects of our society with women, children and health.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Three words come to mind when I think of these artists: peace, spiritual and melodious. The artists are CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams and India Arie.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
Well, I am a product of OCPS, and we had the best rectangle pizzas years ago that everyone loved. My favorite snack would be the Little Debbie snacks. Who did not love those treats?
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas is my favorite, because we have traditional American dishes, Jamaican dishes, (and) invite family, friends and others. We all come together to celebrate the reason for the season, family, joy, music and fellowship. It is the one time of year where everyone around the world comes together.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
In high school, one of my closest friends and I were on the track team together. She and I still talk and stay in touch with each and our families lives’. Ironically, we both became educators in OCPS.
LIZ RAMOS
unset Park Elementary students gathered with their families to celebrate Grandparents Night Friday, Sept. 12. Participants were greeted by the school mascot, which is an eagle, and they had the opportunity to take photos with it before heading into the cafeteria for Bingo. Smiles spread throughout the school as children made stuffed eagles and decorated cookies while waiting for the event hosted by the Parent-Teacher Organization to commence.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
Children were excited to make their own colored sand jars.
Kimberly Chin decorated a cookie with third-grader Vivian Chin.
Fifth-grader Mary Ruoff volunteered at the prize station for Bingo winners. Left: Monster boxes were made to put in candy donations.
The bare necessities: Mural transforms Westbrooke Elementary media center
Artist Jordan Emmitt created a colorful space for kids at the school, further enhancing the media center’s renovations.
LETICIA SILVA
Westbrooke Elementary School
students were in for a treat on the first day of school Monday, Aug. 11.
The media center had been completely renovated with a new mural and furniture.
The school’s media specialist, Ann Mansier, attended a meeting at Pershing Elementary School and saw a beautiful mural, in which she took interest.
After asking about the mural, she contacted the artist, Jordan Emmitt, through emails to see if she’d like to paint the walls of Westbrooke Elementary’s media center.
And of course, Emmitt said yes.
“I had twins in 2017 and realized I couldn’t travel like I used to when
I was a wedding photographer, so I kind of started painting, and it grew and grew from there,” Emmitt said. “I never imagined that I would be doing murals full time.”
After meetings with Mansier and the faculty, Emmitt got to work.
The school wanted the library to be themed after “The Jungle Book” movie, as well as colorful and bright, she said.
“Orange County Public Schools, they hire what I’m thinking are very straightforward, middle-aged guys to pick their paint colors, so I was like, ‘Let’s make this a space that kids are going to love and remember,’ so we ended up adding colored paintings to all the walls,” Emmitt said.
The mural took around three
weeks to complete. Emmitt said it wasn’t an easy process.
“I was very accommodating as far as like, one person not liking something as much,” she said.
But accommodating everyone’s wishes called for multiple revision to her first draft.
Emmitt moved characters, ani -
mals and plants around to make sure the school was happy with the results.
“I told them to tell me 10 animals they wanted to see in the mural, what elements, what colors, what theming and stuff,” she said. “I felt like I was there for a million hours, but it was just three weeks total.”
Emmitt worked six hours per day, four days out of the week to complete the project before school started.
“It was super fun and a lot of work, but it ended up working out really sweet,” she said. “I’m so proud of it.”
Emmitt said she was there to see the school staff’s reaction to the mural and it was a great experience.
Some educators who have been at the school for years thanked her for the mural.
“It’s so bright, so colorful; we needed this,” they told her. “That was really sweet.”
Her biggest goal is to create a safe space in which memories can be made.
“Anytime I go into a space and I’m
doing a complete mural like this, I want kids to be like, ‘Mom, come look at this,’ ‘Mom, come check this out,’” she said. “I want parents to have a place where they’re like, ‘OK, this is where my kid makes memories.’ I just like creating a space where these kids are going to look back and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, that was a fun place.’’’
To make the mural even more immersive, Emmitt added paw prints throughout acting as a scavenger hunt for the kids.
“I’m so proud of it,” she said. “I look back at my last mockup and (the mural) side-by-side, and it looks exactly what I envisioned.”
Courtesy photos
Jordan Emmitt created a “Jungle Book” like mural with colorful drawings, enhancing the space.
Westbrooke Elementary’s media center had wooden tables and chairs and plain walls before the transformation.
Windermere honors 9/11 victims with memorial service
Dozens of residents gathered in Windermere to honor the men, women and first responders who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien presented a 9/11 Sunset Memorial Service Thursday, Sept. 11.
The service included the Liberty Academy Singers performing “God Bless America,” the national anthem and “Amazing Grace.”
An honor guard presented the flags and Chaplain Andy Jones gave an invocation.
Guest speaker Norman Rein shared words with the audience before the laying of a wreath and flowers.
The service ended with the playing of Taps by Chris Stressman, the orchestra director for Family Church. — LIZ RAMOS
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
85 years ago
For the first time in months, no store building was available for lease in the business section of downtown Winter Garden. It was maintained by Winter Garden boosters that such a record could hardly be equaled in any other town of the same size in this state or, perhaps, in many states.
Four Winter Garden youths completed their Civilian Pilots Training at Orlando Municipal Airport. Russell Pounds, Ralph Sessions, Emmet Clonts and Edwin Pounds were awarded their private pilot licenses.
80 years ago
Honoring members of the college set, Barbara Borgard and Mildred Strickland entertained with an informal party in the lounge of the Florida Power Corporation. In the group were Pat Guy, Patti Dickerson, Jean Reddick, Glynn Johnston, Betty Jo Dyar, Jean Howard, Louise Smith, Neil Austin, Selby Burch, Bobby Jo Griffith, Albert Walker, Jack Taylor, Hilton Teal, Thurmond Tucker, Jack Ross and Morris Dann.
A health committee was formed in Oakland to organize the community for the mass X-ray survey planned for the fall. The committee was made up of Mayor Dewey Vick, Mrs. John Hancock, the Rev. T.G. Tate, Mrs. R.T. Sith and F.W. Ross.
75 years ago
Windermere Town Councilman John Luff became one of the first public officials in Orange County to resign his position to return to the Armed Forces since the outbreak of the Korean War. His resignation was accepted with keen regret.
City Clerk E.M. Tanner was instructed by members of the Winter Garden City Commission to require Fred Gregory and Roy Roper to
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The staff at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation easily could spend hours on Google Earth’s “Wayback” mode. Clicking on the little clock icon allows you to examine an area on the map at certain times in the 1980s through 2000s. Depending on the aerial photos uploaded into the program, many images are available, although many are not. You just have to search.
Here is an image from Jan. 22, 1990. State Road 429 has not yet carved its way through the many orange groves still standing, although badly affected by 1980s killer freezes. The Britt mansion appears at center, just a street away from the Star-Lite Drive-In Theatre standing at the northwest corner of West Crown Point Road and Plant Street. The Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood is at lower left. At upper right is Ocoee’s Pioneer Key Village. The lower half shows the Tavares & Gulf/Florida Central railroad tracks winding their way into downtown Ocoee.
The image gives credence to a phrase the staff at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation employs when giving walking tours: “We were all about oranges, oranges, oranges and two railroad lines to ship it all out of here!”
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.
purchase city licenses for the operation of parking. Roper’s lot was in the rear of Cappleman’s Grocery, and Gregory’s lot was in the rear of The Winter Garden Times
55 years ago
The West Orange Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was proud of its latest project: 29 attractive new pairs of draperies being installed in patient rooms. Drapery Committee
members were Pat Smith, Dorothy Wurst and Miriam Reid.
Maj. Theodore H. Van Deventer Jr., judge advocate General Department, U.S. Army Reserves, was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. His wife, Mary, gave a party to celebrate the occasion.
Helen Cappleman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Cappleman, gave an extremely interesting report to the Winter Garden Rotary Club on her summer visit to Russia.
35 years ago Winter Garden Lanes, the area’s longest-established bowling alley, was under new ownership and new management. The new owner was Georgia Corporation, which made changes to the appearance and quality of the establishment. Patsy Wedding was the new general manager.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
SEPT. 18, 1975 In the fall of 1975, cool weather was on the horizon, and TG&Y family centers in Winter Garden was putting out its warmer clothing for ladies. An advertisement in The Winter Garden Times announced charming twin sets for $8.88, long-sleeved blouses priced at $5.88 each, and button-front blouses (white only) for $6.88 apiece. The summer styles were on sale starting at $3.44. The store was located in the TriCity Shopping Center.
By Luis Campos
HIGH DRAMA by Michael Schlossberg, edited by Jared Goudsmit
