09.19.19 West Orange Times & Observer

W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 86, NO. 37

Winter Garden leaders discuss ’19-’20 millage The proposed rate would stay at 4.50.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After hosting the first of its budget meetings during the Sept. 12 City Commission meeting, Winter Garden leaders are nearly ready to adopt the proposed budgets and millage rate for the upcoming year.

FREE

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

E komo mai, seniors West Orange seniors enjoyed a Hawaiian-themed luau Sept. 13. PAGE 9.

Full circle

SEE BUDGET PAGE 5

PASSION FOR

SPLASHIN’ Anthony Marinelli, 8, is ready for the pool.

PAGE 19.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

M

arilee Griffin Ivy — or Terry Ivy, depending on

how far back your relationship with her goes — is sitting on a cream settee, a beige crocheted blanket draped over one arm of the furniture. The afternoon rain is near, sending a breeze through the screen door; the pages of an old cookbook on a Amy Quesinberry

side table flutter in the slight SEE HOME PAGE 4

Marilee Ivy has returned to the home in which she was born 92 years ago, but she’s hardly slowing down.

Ocoee commission adopts tentative millage rate, budget City leaders adopted a tentative millage of 5.5 but are expected to lower it later in the budget process.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

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Ocoee citizens are just a few more steps away from seeing lower property taxes for the next fiscal year.

Ocoee commissioners voted unanimously during the first bud-

get public hearing Sept. 11 to adopt a tentative millage rate of 5.50 — the current millage rate — for the 2019-20 fiscal year. The commission also voted unanimously to adopt the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The adopted SEE CITY PAGE 4

IN FOCUS

wind.

Grace Church Winter Garden throws bash to welcome fall season. PAGE 12.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

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COFFEE WITH THE TOWN MANAGER 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Historic Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St. The town of Oakland is hosting a coffee time with Town Manager Steve Koontz so residents can learn more about town services and programs, ask questions and share their thoughts and ideas. Groups, churches or businesses interested in hosting a Coffee with the Town Manager event can contact Elise Hui at (407) 6561117, Ext. 2110, ehui@oaklandfl. gov.

“THE MEDIUM, AN OPERA” 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20, at Windermere Preparatory School’s Cypress Center, 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

The show is open to the community. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at teachtix.com/ wps/the-medium.

ROCK THE ROOFTOP 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at The Whole Enchilada Fresh Mexican Grill & Bar, 129 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Enjoy live music, giveaways, raffles, games and more. (407) 347-9699.

WEST ORANGE WOMEN CHARITY SELECTION LUNCHEON Luncheon Thursday, Sept. 19, at Bonefish Grill, 7830 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Enjoy fun, friendship and philanthropy with other local women. Cost is $26.

Reservations are required by Sept. 12 by calling Dottie Ansel, (407) 554-1460.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

OPEN KITCHEN 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at The Bulk Pantry, 105 S. Main St., Winter Garden. Instead of an open house, this is an open kitchen, and guests can sample the new fall lineup that includes pumpkin spice and maple. Confectionary Madness

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will debut fall sugar treats, too.

There will be outside entertainment for the children.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

CRUZ ’N CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, along downtown Plant Street in Winter Garden. The event includes about 275 classic cars of all makes and models with WJBJ Cruisin’ with the Classics providing entertainment. The show is held rain or shine and is free and open to the public.

Those interested in showcasing their classic vehicle can register the day of the event by arriving between 2 and 3 p.m. in the public parking lot at Plant and Dillard streets. To register, call (863) 207-2497.

CUISINE CORNER: HEALTHY HISPANIC DISHES 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Yamira Lee Johnson, head chef of Breaking Bread with Mira, will demonstrate how to create healthy Hispanic dishes. Space is limited. Registration required by calling (407) 835-7323.

series is presented by local art historian, artist and writer Adrienne H. Lee as part lecture, part discussion group. Blockbuster museum exhibitions, recent art historical discoveries, new art books, top art auctions and local shows and exhibitions are on the agenda. Tickets are $10 per session for association members, $15 for others. To register, visit wgart.org/events/discussionseries-art-world-today.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY FUNDRAISER 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

21, at the American Legion, 271 Plant St., Winter Garden. Hosted by the legion’s Auxiliary Unit 63, the breakfast will raise funds to help provide necessities to local veterans. The public is invited.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24

CRYSTAL ENERGY: A HISTORY OF CRYSTALS AND GEMSTONES 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the West Oaks Branch Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

Join author and crystal expert Nicholas Pearson for a journey through the history of crystals.

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MINIATURE GOLF DAY 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, during the Winter Garden Farmers Market, at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. Winter Garden will celebrate the national Miniature Golf Day. Mini golf and life-size yard games will be available.

(407) 656-4111 or cwgdn.com.

OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 REUNION 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. The 45-year reunion will be a ’70s-style party and will include dinner, dancing and fun traveling back in time to the ’70s with music, memorabilia and attire. For more, contact committee members Andrew Jenkins, (407) 456-4997 or Andrew.jenkins@ocps.net; Jeff Griffin, (407) 694-0320 or Jeffwgriffin@yahoo.com; or Vicky Whitehurst-Walker, (407) 4622441 or elegantV@cfl.rr.com.

SERIES: THE ART WORLD & SOCIAL MEDIA Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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Oakland passes tentative millage rate, town budget The Town Commission will hold the final budget public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 24.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Joe Snyder, Possum Jernigan, Mike Jernigan, Roy LaBossiere and Byrd Severance help put events at the lodge together.

Boot scootin’ boogie A

smoked chicken dinner and live country music were on the menu for dozens who headed to the Winter Garden Elks Lodge Saturday, Sept. 7, for an evening out. Country band Giddy Up Go kept the party going with old favorites and songs perfect for dancing. Attendees could enjoy dinner with all the fixings and grab a drink at the bar while socializing with friends, and a few even hit the dance floor to line dance.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX Carol and Phil Prado donned some Western wear for the occasion.

Arlene Kulakowski, Mark Jordan, Ed Kulakowski and Debbie Jordan enjoyed chatting over drinks.

Giddy Up Go played some country classics for the crowd.

The Oakland Town Commission approved its first round of tentative budget hearings for Fiscal Year 2020 Monday, Sept. 9.

The total budget impact for the upcoming year is $17,317,840.

This amount includes the proposed millage rate of 6.50; proposed budgets of $5,504,356 for the General Fund, $3,306,951 for the Utility Fund and $3,170,27 for impact fees; and the proposed $5,336,262 budget for Oakland Avenue Charter School.

OACS runs on the state fiscal year that runs July 1 through June 30, and the Town Commission approved the proposed budget earlier this summer. The final budget, once approved, will replace the proposed budget, Town Manager Steve Koontz said in his budget presentation to the commission.

During the budget process, the town’s main goals were to reduce the millage rate, set aside adequate reserves and plan for future infrastructure projects.

The millage rate was reduced from 6.65 to 6.50.

The General Fund has budgeted reserves of $248,392, and property values in the town increased by 24%, with new construction contributing to much of that.

The General Fund had several significant changes, including an increase of $120,508 in the amount budgeted for fire service because of the increased property values; funding to lease three police cars; moving two part-time positions to full time; increased funding to the Oakland Nature Preserve; a 3% raise for staff based on performance appraisals; and funding to cover increased costs for medical insurance.

Oliver hosts second Town Hall meeting for District 4 residents Citizens raised concerns over traffic and got the latest info on ongoing development in Ocoee.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Residents of Ocoee’s District 4 received an update of city happenings Thursday, Sept. 12, in a Town Hall meeting hosted by Commissioner George Oliver.

At the meeting, Oliver discussed the need for a citywide risk assessment along with a financial and operational audit; the need for strategic planning in the city in terms of coming up with core values, a mission and a vision for the city of Ocoee; and creating a way to disseminate information among residents via social media and/or informational fliers. All topics have been matters Oliver has introduced in previous City Commission meetings — including during the Sept. 11 budget public hearing.

“One of the things that I’m fighting for is a small budget to be able to get information to you,” Oliver said. “We can’t have Town Hall meetings every quarter. I try to have them once (or) maybe twice a year, but the most important thing for me is to get information to you about infrastructure (projects). …

If you don’t come to these meetings, you just don’t know. ... So, I’m fighting for some type of budget (funds) to be able to get fliers, using social media and different things like that to get information out to you so you’ll know in advance what’s happening (in the city).”

Oliver also has been advocating for the possible establishment of a commissioner discretionary budget for the instances in which local organizations come to a city commission meeting and ask the com-

mission for financial assistance.

“Other things I’m looking at (are) discretionary funds for commissioners — discretionary budget funds,” Oliver said. “There’s a lot of organizations and individuals that come to this dais, and they look for help in doing different things … and they need money (for) funding. They come to us and we’re able to fund some of those things, but then some things we just can’t fund.”

Oliver also discussed putting a traffic light at the intersection of Ingram and Clarcona Ocoee roads.

However, accomplishing the task has been a challenge, because Clarcona Ocoee Road is an Orange County road.

“We are definitely looking to put a light there, so I’m fighting with the county (for that traffic light),” Oliver said. “The county has agreed to allow us to put a light there, but they don’t want to put any money into it yet. So, the city, right now, we have ear-

Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver

marked some funds for it — about $250,000. It’s going to probably cost about $400,000 to do it, but I will be going down to the county at one of their commission meetings and I will be petitioning them, again, about that light and putting funds out for that.”

Traffic was the main concern brought forth by residents. Much of the concerns raised were about the traffic issues on Clarke Road.

City leaders addressed these concerns by discussing improvements underway and planned.

“There (are) plans in place to extend Clarke Road from two lanes to four lanes at A.D. Mims (Road) heading north toward … Clarcona Ocoee,” Oliver said, later adding that Clarke Road also will be

The Utility Fund has budgeted reserves of $817,321. Koontz said the utility adds 10 to 15 new customers each month, and the growth of revenues has been projected at 5%. Included are a state appropriation of $946,890 for the next phase of the wastewater project along Sadler Avenue and an extension to the Oakland Avenue industrial park; funding for a pump replacement and a replacement utility vehicle; plus the raise and increased insurance costs.

Impact fees collected by the town from builders and developers can be used for capacity improvements for projects, including the water system, roads and parks, Koontz said. These funds are divided among administrative facilities, fire protection, law enforcement, parks and recreation, transportation and the water and wastewater systems. Main projects for FY 2020 include water system improvements at East Gulley Avenue and at Oakland Avenue near Hull Island Road, the roundabout project at Oakland Avenue and Old Highway 50, and initial funding to begin planning the Speer Park improvements.

The school, funded through the state education allocation and the Orange County Public Schools millage, has budgeted reserves of $398,646. A dedicated finance position, a facility supervisor position and continued funding for a school resource officer are included, as are the funding for raises and insurance increases and funding for the new-teacher salary schedule.

The air-handling unit and condenser in the school cafeteria must be replaced, as well, and will cost about $163,000.

The final public hearing is set for Tuesday, Sept. 24.

extended from Clarcona Ocoee Road to West McCormick Road.

“That plan was set up by Arden Park. … They agreed to extend (Clarke Road) all the way through (to West McCormick Road).”

“We have all the land in place to widen (Clarke Road) all the way up to Clarcona Ocoee Road,” City Planner Mike Rumer said. “Now we need a design, an engineer plan and the funds to widen it, and that’s going to be a goal that’s going to be in the capital improvement plan, and we’re going to have to work to try and find a way to pay to do it (either) incrementally or do it all at once.”

Public Works Director Steve Krug added the city has been working toward improving the timing of the traffic signals along Clarke Road.

“We were able to hire a consultant to do a traffic study (of) all of the existing signals on Clarke Road and all the additional traffic,” Krug said. “They have put together a traffic study retiming everything … with the idea of making sure traffic is flowing better at all the traffic signals. It’s not going to help much with volume, but (it’ll help) to get people to not be stacked up as much (in traffic).”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

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Home again

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Ivy’s home on Lakewood Avenue, in Ocoee, was built in 1888 and was a wedding present from her grandfather to her parents, Mary and Lee Griffin. Ivy, 92, was born in a small bedroom, just off the living room at the front of the house. It is now a home office with close to 500 books lining the shelves.

And it is here, in her childhood home, where she is living once again.

THE LADY WITH THE PLANS

“I never thought I’d come back here, because I have a home in New York,” Ivy said. “But as I got older I needed warmer weather.”

It was either live there or in an assisted-living facility, she said. She decided the money she would spend living in a senior center would be better spent on fixing up her house to pass on to her children.

She’s full of plans, too.

“If you see me out there … sitting in front of the house, I’m envisioning what I want to do with the house,” Ivy said. “But I think that keeps you young. …

Every day I try to do one project. I want to add a room onto my dining room. I had the money to do it, and then I thought, ‘Well, that’s selfish. I’ll just go ahead and build a porch.’ So I had my guy building a porch on the side. … I’m taking out the windows in my dining room, and I’m going to make it either a porch or a sunroom.

And then I have my next project already. I want to put up a threecar shed. I want to build a butterfly garden — as a memorial to my son who just died.”

Ivy lives across the street from Ocoee Elementary School; in the mornings, she sits on her screened-in porch, sipping her coffee and watching the buses

Amy Quesinberry

Marilee Griffin Ivy’s morning routine includes sitting on her screened-in porch and watching the activity at Ocoee Elementary School.

drive by and the students walk to and from school.

FAMILIAR FACE

There was a time when she went

by Terry Ivy and was modeling in New York. She was 16, her father had died two years prior, and she knew there was life outside of Ocoee. She moved north, lived with a dentist and his family — and, later, at the all-female Barbizon Hotel — and attended the Barbizon School for modeling.

“To be a kid from Ocoee and go to New York and live with them in Forest Hills was a terrific thing, because they were so wonderful and helped me in so many ways,” she said. “They didn’t have to do that, but they wanted to help a young girl who wanted to get in that game.”

Ivy appeared in numerous advertisements, including a LIFE magazine ad for Chesterfield cigarettes and a catalog ad promoting Berkley dress suits.

Between modeling gigs, she was a receptionist at a law firm. For 10 years, she was a New York schoolteacher in Chinatown, Harlem and Washington Heights. She is a lifetime member of the Junior League of New York.

City talks taxes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tentative rate reflects the maximum number at which the commission can set the millage rate, and it is expected the commission will lower the millage later in the budget process. The final budget public hearing is set for 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Millage rates are used to calculate property taxes, and it represents the amount of every $1,000 of the assessed value of a property.

The total taxable value of a property is multiplied by the millage rate to calculate the property taxes.

Finance Director Rebecca Roberts said the city’s total budget is $82,723,857. The general fund budget is $52,402,264 and is balanced at 5.25 mills,0.25 lower than the tentative millage rate the commission approved. The city is able to lower the millage rate due to increasing ad valorem revenues brought in by economic development in recent years.

“The tentative rate of 5.50 is 0.3562 mills higher than the rollback rate (of 5.1438), or $1,033,055,” Roberts said. “The difference between the 5.25 mills and the roll-

back rate is 0.1062, or $308,004.

“Ad valorem taxes are used to finance city operations, including providing quality services, maintaining city infrastructure through capital projects and funding salaries for city employees as required to provide those services,” Roberts said.

Although the city is nearing the end of the budget process, Commissioner George Oliver discussed several different items for consideration that would require funding in the budget in the upcoming fiscal year. The most discussed item involved conducting a risk assessment along with a financial and operational audit of the city with the exception of the police and fire departments as those departments already undergo intensive audits by other agencies. Conducting a citywide audit is a matter former City Commissioner John Grogan has broached in the past.

“I’m still advocating for some funds to be able to bring in a thirdparty company to look at our city from a different set of lenses as it pertains to our finances and as it pertains to our operational effectiveness,” Oliver said. “I believe

Ivy said she is grateful for her big-city experience, because she met so many different people — including her future husband, recently back from war, at a party after being stood up by her date.

Ivy modeled for about a year after their marriage before quitting to raise a family of five children.

Her husband, Edwin R. Ivy, died about six years ago at age 92. They had invested in real estate, and today, Marilee Ivy has five homes in New York plus several homes and acreage locally.

‘THIS OLD BARNEY PLACE’

The land in Ocoee has been in the family since Ivy’s grandfather, B.L. Griffin, moved here during the Civil War at the request of Confederate Capt. Bluford Sims.

Her family’s ties to the area go back many generations, as her mother was related to the Bronson cattling family, of Kissimmee, and her great-grandfather was a doctor in Windermere.

Ivy’s house has interesting features from another era. The home was built off the ground, and its kitchen was about 30 feet away for the back of the house.

“During one of the hurricanes, it

IN OTHER NEWS n In a special session held during a recess of the first budget public hearing, city leaders voted unanimously to approve a resolution that raises the residential solid waste service fees. The fees will increase from $252 a year — which is $21 per month — to $264 per year — $22 per month. This reflects a 4.8% increase from the current service fee rate, and the resolution also includes an annual increase of 1.4% per customer. n Also during the special session, commissioners voted unanimously to approve an “as-is” purchase of a property located at 33 Lakeview St. in an amount not to exceed $165,000. City staff deemed the property as a desirable parcel in the city’s efforts to redevelop the downtown area.

that we may find that there’s missed opportunities that we just could have missed through attrition to whatever means that happened. I believe that (we’ll be) able to find some opportunities that

jammed that kitchen, and when it hit the house, it bounced back about two feet,” she said. “So we just added on between the kitchen and dining room.”

When her mother wanted to sell the house at age 94 so she could go on cruise vacations, Ivy couldn’t bear the thought of it belonging to another family, so she bought it herself.

“I’m not here to start my life over,” she said. “I’m a satisfied person. … I’m very proud that I’m me. I’m proud of the people I came from. I know people who aren’t happy with who they are.

“I get a kick out of this old barney place,” she said. “It keeps me alive. It really does. … I want to put a little touch here and there, (and) I’ll get to it. … I’m happy here. I’m really happy here. I’ve had some good times in this place.”

Ivy figures she has a few more years before she will need assistance with mobility.

“My plan is to pick up a cane at age 95,” she said.

In the meantime, there is plenty to do: Continue her nightly exercises, take piano lessons, learn how to play bridge and think up new projects for her childhood home.

we have not (considered and) even find out ways that we’re doing things very well.”

Other commissioners agreed the city could benefit from the suggested risk assessment and audit. However, the cost of moving forward with them was a cause for concern because funding them could have an impact on the millage. Roberts, who has a background as an auditor, said the risk assessment could cost the city tens of thousands, and Assistant City Manager Craig Shadrix warned that — depending on the scope — the audit could cost even more than the risk assessment.

“Before we begin any audit, we first need to conduct … a risk assessment,” Roberts said. “You have to identify where is your greatest risk. Where should we be allocating the funds … to get the greatest gain. We haven’t done a risk assessment yet, so before … (an audit) we need to talk about how we go about having the risks that the city is facing addressed first and evaluated. … That is going to cost tens of thousands of dollars, because that would take many hours to be conducted correctly.”

The commission agreed to have staff look into the costs involved before taking any action on how to move forward.

Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Hannah Swayze, hswayze@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Terri Hope, thope@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Office Coordinator / Accounting Ashley McWilliams, amcwilliams@OrangeObserver.com

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IN OTHER NEWS

Budget discussion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Commissioners unanimously passed four ordinances that allow for levying taxes and appropriating funds to the city accordingly. A second reading and public hearing will take place at the Sept. 26 commission meeting.

The proposed millage rate remains flat at 4.50, the same as fiscal year 2018-19. Previously, the city’s millage rate had remained static for eight years at 4.25. The 0.25 increase was introduced to make up for an anticipated loss in revenues attributed to a homestead exemption amendment on the ballot last November that was expected to pass. However, the amendment failed.

Commissioner Colin Sharman asked how the budget would be impacted if the millage rate was rolled back closer to what it had been, because the amendment was turned down.

“I know when we voted this in, we raised it, because we were expecting the state amendment to pass, and we all kind of said, ‘Hey we’re doing it, if it doesn’t pass we’ll look about going back,’” he said. “I’d be interested what that impact would be on our budget, how much we’d have to pull from general fund, maybe split the difference.”

City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said much of those extra funds were and continue to be used for investing in public safety.

“When we had our meeting — if you remember during our discussion on the unions we had our closed-door meeting — one of our goals that we discussed was we were increasing significantly our

spending on police, fire and safety, so we adjusted our budget to ensure that we’re paying our firefighters and police,” Bollhoefer said. “It actually took up over two-thirds of that funding, and going forward, it’ll eat it up. We said based on that, going forward with these contracts, we felt it was important to agree to all that … (and) also provide the funding to do so.

“At the time, you remember, we were having issues hiring police officers because of our salaries and our benefits,” Bollhoefer said.

“So it was our (discussion) at that point if it was advantageous in this situation to use those funds for fire and safety.”

Sharman added he wouldn’t want to take the millage rate back to 4.25, because some of the increased funds need to go to salaries for public safety. However, he said he’d like to see about rolling it back a few tenths of a point.

Winter Garden resident Troy Knight asked the commission to consider Sharman’s request.

“If there’s any chance you could roll back even a portion of that, it would be appreciated,” he said.

Bollhoefer told commissioners keeping the same millage rate also would help fund transportation, parking and parks and recreation.

“It’s not just the fire and police,” he said. “When you look at it, you look at one year what the cost is, but you look at year after year, the long-term costs, and we feel comfortable with that amount. It still puts us in the lowest end of millage rates but it gives us that funding.

Even with this addition, we will still have to do some cutbacks on parks and recreation.

n Commissioners approved the first reading of Ordinance 19-38, which allows for the rezoning of about 28.32 acres at 14908 and 14950 Tilden Road from Orange County Citrus Rural District (A-1) to city Planned Unit Development (PUD). This would designate the project as the Tilden Road PUD, which includes plans for 56 single-family homes.

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Developer proposes Avalon Road apartments The Registry on Grass Lake development could add up to 360 multi-family units off Avalon Road.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

n Commissioners also approved the first reading of ordinances 19-41 and 19-42, which would allow the city to annex about 0.45 acres at 902 Avalon Road and change the future land-use map designation from Orange County rural to city institutional. n The first readings of three ordinances regarding 1.21 acres of land at 945 and 951 Carter Road were approved.

The ordinances would annex the land into the city of Winter Garden; change the land-use designation from Orange County Low-Density Residential to city Multi-Office Industrial; and rezone it from Orange County A-1 Citrus Rural District to city I-2 general industrial district. n After unanimous approval on Ordinance 19-43 from commissioners, the city’s general municipal election dates will be modified to coincide with the presidential preference primary date in 2020.

“Even at the 4.50, we’re going to have to make decisions on what things we’re going to have to not be able to provide for the residents,” he said.

YOUR APARTMENT IS WAITING

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Orange County officials are considering future land-use map amendment and rezoning requests that could bring up to 360 apartments to Avalon Road.

Orange County staff held a community meeting Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Bridgewater Middle School regarding these requests for a 1.33-acre parcel of land located at 14506 Avalon Road.

The land is located adjacent to the 18.33-acre The Registry on Grass Lake planned development on the west side of Avalon Road, east of the Orange and Lake County line and south of Grove Blossom Way. The applicant, Robert Reese, is requesting the 1.33-acre parcel’s FLUM designation be changed from growth center commercial to growth center-planned development-medium-high density residential.

Reese also is requesting to rezone the piece of land from A-1 (Citrus Rural District) to PD (Planned Development District), which would allow it to be incorporated into the Registry at Grass Lake PD. Case Planner Steven Thorp said only two people attended the meeting, with both being the property owner for the parcel being added into the Registry at Grass Lake PD.

“With that said, no comments were received on this project,” Thorp said.

County documents show the Registry on Grass Lake PD plans for 360 multi-family dwelling units on about 12.39 developable acres. In July, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners granted four waivers from Orange County Code relating to multi-family-use separation and building height. Development standards, according to the documents, require a 35-foot building setback from Avalon Road and a 50-foot setback from Grass Lake.

The plan states the buildings will be five stories, or about 70 feet tall, and the minimum floor area offered for the units is 600 square feet. Officials estimate the 360 units will generate 102 students, and the estimated traffic is about 1,800 daily trips.

Additionally, the developer will be required to construct a 6-foot-tall masonry, brick or block wall along the portion of the property that is adjacent to single-family properties.

Thorp added that as of press time, he has not seen any elevations or renderings of the proposed development.

The Local Planning Agency adoption meeting is set for Oct. 17, and the Board of County Commissioners adoption hearing will take place Nov. 12.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

#Healthy Selfie Voting is Here!

Last chance to vote!

The finalists have been chosen and it’s time for YOU to decide who’s selfie game is strong! Vote NOW for your favorite Healthy Selfie on our social media channels, website, AND Carrot app through tonight at 11:59 pm! Show your support by casting a vote on every page! We’ve got some sweet grand prizes up for grabs: two YMCA family memberships! BONUS prize for most creative selfie from all entries: $50 Visa gift card. Check out healthywestorange.org for more info.

Winners announced tomorrow on Healthy Selfie Day!

Voting finishes TODAY! Winners announced on September 20 Vote for your favorite until 9/19 on social media, Carrot app, or our wesbsite at HealthyWestOrange.org/healthy-selfie-2019-voting.

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Growth, safety top list of challenges for OCPS Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs updated the community on OCPS’ accomplishments and challenges.

DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Orange County Public Schools is the eighth-largest school district in the nation. As such, funding and quality of education are perpetual hot topics.

It’s part of the reason that OCPS hosts an annual State of the Schools address, inviting stakeholders and the community at large to converge and hear about OCPS’ accomplishments and goals.

The 2019 State of the Schools took place Friday, Sept. 13, at DoubleTree by Hilton next to Universal Orlando Resort. Superintendent Barbara Jenkins and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs updated hundreds of attendees on the district’s status, what is new and what the future holds for students, staff and the community.

OCPS serves nearly 212,000 students in 199 schools, and Jenkins said this year, the district is expecting to add 3,700 more students — growth that could make OCPS the nation’s seventh-largest

school district. But with growth, she said, comes growing pains.

GROWTH MANAGEMENT

“With growth comes challenges, the most obvious being the challenge of keeping up with the demand for new schools,” Jenkins said.

Orange County is one of the consistently fastest-growing counties in the state, Jacobs said, and that poses funding challenges. The local property tax is one of the primary resources of revenue the district relies on for capital projects such as building new schools and renovating or replacing older ones.

“Prior to 2008, the millage rate for that tax was set at 2 mills,” Jacobs said. “However, during the 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions, school districts were forced to reduce the rate to 1.5. That halfmill reduction equates to a loss of half a billion dollars for school construction and renovation in Orange County, alone.”

Jacobs added that OCPS has seen an enrollment increase equal to nearly three times more students

“While we have faced funding challenges at a state level, at a local level we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of the voters.”

— Superintendent Barbara Jenkins

in the last nine years than any other urban district in the state.

To keep up with this growth, Jenkins said, OCPS has been working with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.

“In 2004, when Chair Jacobs was a county commissioner for the highest-growth district, she proposed a charter amendment that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters,” Jenkins said. “That charter amendment requires greater coordination between the county, cities and OCPS and also requires developers in areas where schools are overcrowded to pay a mitigation fee in addition to impact fees.”

Jenkins also addressed students and parents concerned about portable classrooms who are asking why the district can’t do better.

She said the district could do better but needs more resources like the half-mill lost a decade ago. However, she credited the community for its continued support with the half-penny sales tax and the special millage.

“However, in spite of that loss, and in spite of an increase in enrollment of 22,000, we’ve still reduced portables by 50%,” Jenkins said. “While we have faced funding challenges at a state level, at a local level we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of the voters.”

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HIGHLIGHTS n Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said more than 147,000 devices were distributed in August through OCPS’ digital learning initiative. All middle- and high-school students have their own device, and OCPS is on track to be fully one-to-one by 2021. n For the 2017-18 school year, OCPS’ overall graduation rate — including charters and alternative schools — was 88.9%, a 4.2% increase. Among the 20 traditional high schools, OCPS reached a record-high graduation rate of 96.1%, a 2.3% increase. n OCPS regained its “A” rating, making it one of only three “A” districts among the state’s seven large urban districts. n OCPS officially turns 150 years old this year, and an anniversary commemoration has been launched at 150. ocps.net.

Jacobs expanded on another problem. For the last four years, the state has required OCPS and other districts to reduce the required local effort millage rate. These property taxes fund salaries and operations, and OCPS cites that reduction as one of the reasons why it cannot pay its teachers and staff more.

“We’re not where we want to be — yet — but we are clearly heading in the right direction,” Jacobs said.

“But the single greatest challenge we face is insufficient funding to pay our teachers and classified employees a wage which honors the value they provide to our students.”

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Although OCPS cannot talk publicly about many of the safety measures in place for security reasons, Jenkins said the district has made significant strides in making its facilities more secure.

“We’ve also met all the requirements set forth by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act of 2018, including having a school resource officer at each school,” Jenkins said.

“And we’ve partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation to implement a program that positively engages students in identifying threats of violence while proactively supporting students who may be in crisis.”

Additionally, the district has implemented more direct counseling services for students to assist with social, mental and emotional issues. All middle and high schools have a full-time SAFE coordinator, the district’s 20 traditional high schools now have a full-time social worker, and every elementary school has been allocated a full-time certified school counselor position.

All OCPS employees throughout the district are receiving training to assist with identifying students who may need mental-health counseling.

“While our core business is educating young people, our highest priority is keeping them safe,” Jacobs said. “Just as we are highly focused on creating the safest physical environment, we are also working hard to create a safe emotional environment for all students, especially those facing a mental crisis or experiencing trauma.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

In observance of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, West Orange High School is encouraging Warriors to “Go Gold.”

The PTSO will be selling shirts this week at lunch, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Cannonball Kids Cancer Research. Magnets also are for sale. The PTSO will have a table set up in the cafeteria during lunch Friday, Sept. 20, with the shirts for sale.

Email spiritwear@wohsptso.org with any questions.

Ocoee High giving the gift of sight Ocoee High School is joining the Lion’s Club, Windermere High School and West Orange High School with a “2020 for 20/20” project.

Students are encouraged to bring gently used eyeglasses, readers, sunglasses, soft cases and eyeglass parts for donation. Through the start of 2020, donation boxes will be located in the front office of Ocoee High School.

For more, call the school at (407) 9053000.

Foundation PAWS revs up for fun night Foundation Academy’s parent/teacher association, aka PAWS, is hosting a night of fun for sixth-, seventh- and eighthgrade students and their parents. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Andretti Indoor Karting & Gaming, 9299 Universal Blvd., Orlando.

Tickets purchased by Wednesday, Sept. 25, are $15 for students and $5 for parents. Ticket prices increase to $20 per student and $10 per adult after Sept. 25.

Register at FoundationAcademy.net.

GUILLERMINA WALKER

TILDENVILLE ELEMENTARY Guillermina Walker is the dual-language teacher for first-graders at Tildenville Elementary School. Families must apply to participate in this Orange County Public Schools magnet program. She has been a teacher at Tildenville for four years. Walker also has the distinction of being named this year’s Teacher of the Year at the elementary school, located on Brick Road in Winter Garden.

What do you love most about your school?

What I love the most is the duallanguage program that has supported my daughter, Isabel, to love, embrace and feel proud of her Hispanic heritage and language.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of the job is to develop relationships with my students.

Why does this job appeal to you?

This job appeals to me because I feel that I have an opportunity to influence our community one child at a time.

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best?

What motivates and pushes me to my best is my faith in a loving and merciful God, my family, colleagues and students.

What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you?

REPORT CARD

ROLE: First-grade teacher SCHOOL: Tildenville Elementary TIME AT THE SCHOOL: Four years

There are too many nice things that students, students’ parents and faculty members have done for me — but the nicest thing is when a group of students that I had in first grade stop by to say hi and give me a huge hug.

What’s your favorite restaurant and favorite meal?

My favorite restaurant is Cheesecake Factory, and my favorite meal is my mother’s homemade enchiladas.

Do you have any pets?

We have two Siberian cats, Echo and Tango.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

One of my favorite movies is “Hidden Figures,” because it illustrates the accomplishment of a society that was wasting the potential of a group of people because they could not see past their gender and the color of their skin. I also like it because it inspires women to see themselves in the math, science and engineering fields.

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

If I could have a superpower it would be to be able to reverse the damage that we, as society, have done to our planet. But wait: I am a teacher. I

have that superpower through each child that becomes more aware and conscientious in the responsibility of taking care of the amazing world that was created for us.

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

Any mountain is a perfect spot to vacation, because it gives me the opportunity to reconnect with my family, my creator and His gorgeous creation.

Tell us about your family.

My immediate family consists of my husband, Robert; son, Josh; daughter, Isabel; niece, Aurelia; and cats, Echo and Tango. We, as many families, work on supporting each other in becoming the best version of the human being we were created to be.

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

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OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Aloha! West Orange seniors enjoy fall luau

M

embers of West Orange High’s Class of 2020 enjoyed pizza, games and making memories at the school’s Senior Luau Tailgate party Friday, Sept. 13.

Seniors donned their most colorful Hawaiian shirts and enjoyed an evening of corn hole, music and hanging out before the football game against Evans High School.

— ERIC GUTIERREZ

Members of West Orange High’s Class of 2020 were excited to celebrate their first senior event of the year.

From left: TJ Nikhazy, Aidan Hanson, Wyatt Moore and Juan Sanchez donned their most colorful shirts for the luau.

Erin Morrissey and Darius Palmer had fun at the tailgate.

Megan Hardy, left, and Sam Soto made sure to wear their best Hawaiian shirts.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Foundation crowns Homecoming royalty Anna Binkley and Bailey Trinder are Foundation Academy’s 2019 Homecoming queen and king.

T

he Foundation Academy Lions celebrated alumni and students during the school’s Homecoming game against Northside Christian Friday, Sept. 13. At halftime, members of the Homecoming court took to the field in a parade of cars and walked the red carpet before the Homecoming queen and king were announced.

Seniors Anna Binkley and Bailey Trinder were crowned queen and king. Other members of the court were Kaitlyn Clark, Owen Crabtree, Jaime Pelak, Reggie Jean, Paige Ferrell, Danny Stutsman, Sydney Ragsdale, Henry Austad, Maddy Seip, Michael Lemieux-Bott, Maya Prakash and Chai Colon.

The junior class representatives were Paige Ferrell and Danny Stutsman.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Among the senior class representatives were Maddy Seip and Michael Lemieux-Bott.

Left: Among the senior class representatives were Sydney Ragsdale and Henry Austad.

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Agnes Powell Smith and Barbara Love Watson traveled with the West Orange Seniors to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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Alex Fackler manned the grill with finesse.

Grace Church Winter Garden welcomes fall

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.Founda tionWorship.com 407-730-1867 STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email advertisenow@orangeobserver.com

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unday, Sept. 15, marked the kickoff of the fall season at Grace Church Winter Garden, which meets at Whispering Oak Elementary School. In addition to introducing the new sermon series about setting spiritual priorities, the ministerial team provided lunch on the grounds, as well as games and inflatables for the children. Members enjoyed a fun afternoon of fellowship.

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Carl Romain’s roadside eatery, Soupa Plates, attracts barbecue aficionados throughout Central Florida.

ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Carl Romain’s lifelong passion for food is something that drove him to quit a job he had as a trucker a few years back. He traded his tractor-trailer for a food trailer to pursue that passion full time.

Most recently, he set up shop along the intersection of Old Winter Garden Road and Hempel Avenue next to a shuttered gas station.

From this outdoor eatery — called Soupa Plates — Romain serves up traditional barbecue and Southern cuisine — but with a bit of twist influenced by his Haitian roots.

He has been at that spot for about three years, but his career in the culinary arts dates back much further. Today, his brand of barbecue and other eats attracts customers from throughout Central Florida.

“We’ve been doing this for about three years, but we used to do a little catering that was just a little (side) hustle,” Romain said.

“The response (to the catering) was awesome. Everybody kept referring us to different parties, so I decided I’d invest in a food truck and start participating in the food truck scene and see how far it goes.”

Romain, 41, grew up in Pine Hills and he currently lives in MetroWest. His passion for food began in the same place where many other chefs are first exposed to the world of cooking: his mom’s kitchen. As a child, he helped his mom around

the kitchen as she prepared meals for family, friends and neighbors. The meals they prepared were so popular among those in their community that their home became a gathering point in their neighborhood. His mother, father, son and other family members still assist him with the business from time to time today, he said.

“When we grew up in Pine Hills, my momma was like a cook for everybody,” Romain said. “She would kind of coach me how to do stuff (in the kitchen).”

When he was 14, Romain got his first job in the food business working at a McDonald’s that sponsored his football team at the time.

“They were sponsoring (us) — buying us cleats and stuff like that,” Romain said. “They asked me to come and work part time.

That’s where I got the hang of (working in restaurants).”

After finishing high school, he studied culinary in college and went on to open a Ponderosa Steakhouse on International Drive. The Ponderosa Romain helped open is now closed, but that’s just one chapter in Romain’s culinary career. After Ponderosa, he worked at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios City Walk and even spent about four years cooking at Bethune-Cookman University.

After cooking at BethuneCookman, Romain decided on a career change that lasted about three years. He purchased a semi-

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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Eric Gutierrez

Carl Romain has been a private caterer for about 30 years and has been operating his roadside eatery, Soupa Plates, for about 3 years.

trailer and worked as a contractor for CSX transporting cargo containers. At first, he still was able to balance catering private events with his trucking job, because the cargo pick-up location was in downtown Orlando, which was close to his home. But after a change in his contract regarding the pick-up location, balancing the two jobs became difficult.

It’s no secret that running a restaurant is one of the toughest businesses an individual can enter, and running Soupa Plates hasn’t come without its challenges. Because Soupa Plates is an outdoor eatery, weather can play a significant role in customer turnout. On top of that, Romain has had his business broken into on several occasions.

But despite those challenges, Romain keeps on cooking.

“The challenges have been thieves,” Romain said. “It never stopped anything. We always improvise and keep it going. … It’s just a little setback. I don’t have anything valuable for them (to steal). It just might mess up part of a day.”

In addition to running Soupa Plates, Romain still offers catering services for private events. Aside from his passion for food, he said one of the biggest reasons behind what he does is to be a positive influence for his son.

“My son (is) grown, and I’m always explaining to him the need for independence,” he said. “I had a lawn-care service, too, that I used to do. My whole life, I worked for people, but I wasn’t always happy working for other people. … I like to be independent and working for myself.”

To Romain, Soupa Plates is not only a place for him to show off his culinary ability; it’s also a place where he serves smiles. In fact, one of his favorite aspects of his job is seeing his customers’ reactions when they eat his food, and he loves it more when he sees his customers coming back.

“My favorite thing is seeing people smiling (when) they come hungry … and get something to eat, and then after they eat it, they feel like they ate something (satisfying),” Romain said. “The satisfaction I see in (customers) — to me – that’s the best. … When you cook out of love, that’s what makes a big difference in your food.”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO FIGHT OVER YOUR PROPERTY RIGHTS If you buy a home without getting owner’s title insurance, you’re taking major legal and financial risks.

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Lakeshore Preserve estate tops weekly transactions A

home in the Lakeshore Preserve community

topped all Winter Gardenarea residential real-estate transactions from Sept. 6 to 12. The home at 15733

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Let Tracy fight for your property rights.

Suite 200B in the TD Bank Building

REAL ESTATE

Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 11, for $725,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,810 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $190.29.

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

HORIZON WEST

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EMERALD RIDGE

The home at 1850 Delafield Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $332,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,582 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $128.58.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 6239 Manuscript St., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $337,500. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,218 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.16.

The home at 14549 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

9, for $343,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,793 square feet. The price per square foot is $122.81.

The home at 14446 Whittrdige Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

9, for $258,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet. The price per square foot is $156.36.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15733 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

11, for $725,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,810 square feet. The price per square foot is $190.29.

The home at 15637 Sylvester Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $590,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,820 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.45.

The townhouse at 8889 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $335,000.

Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,072 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.68.

LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 8937 Doddington Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $375,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,442 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.56.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14367 Orchard Hills Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

10, for $336,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.54.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

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$322,900. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,859 square feet. The price per square foot is $173.70.

MEADOWS

The home at 477 Fort Collins Court, Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $189,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,300 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.38.

OAK TRAIL RESERVE

The home at 3202 Timber Hawk Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $275,990. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,649 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.37. vimeo.com

This Lakeshore Preserve, home at 15733 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 11, for $725,000. It was the largest Winter Garden-area transaction from Sept. 6 to 12.

The home at 2993 Irish Peach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

7, for $360,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,127 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.25.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7931 Winter Wren St., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

12, for $375,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,774 square feet. The price per square foot is $135.18.

The townhouse at 8160 Wood Sage Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $315,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,853 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.99.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15528 Murcott Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $440,000. Built in

2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,849 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.44.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8759 Eden Cove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

9, for $390,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,924 square feet. The price per square foot is $133.38.

WATERMARK

The home at 7835 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $339,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,908 square feet. The price per square foot is $177.67.

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 892 Lancer Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 12, for $405,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,729 square feet. The price per square foot is $108.61.

The condo at 1990 Erving Circle, No. 206, Ocoee, sold Sept. 10, for $112,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,031 square feet. The price per square foot is $108.63.

The condo at 2015 Erving Circle, No. 104, Ocoee, sold Sept. 6, for $111,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 921 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.52.

BURCHARD PARK

The home at 9953 White Road, Ocoee, sold Sept. 6, for $397,500. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,116 square feet. The price per square foot is $187.85.

CHESHIRE WOODS

The home at 402 Dunoon St., Ocoee, sold Sept. 11, for

The home at 1113 Eagle Run Way, Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $287,580.

Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,109 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.36.

The home at 452 Lake Amberleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 10, for $330,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,183 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.17.

AVALON

The home at 9518 Black Bear Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $570,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,871 square feet. The price per square foot is $304.65.

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 708 Reflections Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

9, for $425,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,605 square feet. The price per square foot is $117.89.

The home at 513 Setting Sun Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $290,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,929 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.34.

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 16

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The home at 1982 Ancient Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $257,500. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,825 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.10.

WINTER GARDEN

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Dillard St. Daniels Rd.

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REMINGTON OAKS

The home at 2371 Copperhill Loop, Ocoee, sold Sept. 6, for $367,500. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 1,958 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.26.

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The home at 892 Cool Springs Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 12, for $277,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,913 square feet. The price per square foot is $144.80.

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The home at 2472 Auld Scot Blvd., Ocoee, sold Sept. 9, for $280,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,799 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.64.

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The home at 804 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold Sept. 11, for $367,100. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,500 square feet. The price per square foot is $146.84.

TEMPLE GROVE ESTATES

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ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING

PLANTATION GROVE WEST

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

DANIELS LANDING

REAL ESTATE

BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME?

CALL ME TODAY! 407-656-7947

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***2016 NEW A/C WAS INSTALLED***2017 NEW ROOF INSTALLED***2017 NEW GARAGE DOOR AND OPENER INSTALLED***2018 PRIVACY FENCE WAS REPLACED!!! NOTHING TO DO HERE BUT BRING YOUR FURNITURE!!! THIS HOME IS PRICED TO SELL AND THE LOWEST PRICE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!!

LAMINATE FLOORING IN FOYER, DINING AND KITCHEN!!! LIVING ROOM IS HIGHLIGHTED BY A GAS FIREPLACE!!! SPLIT BEDROOM PLAN HAS 2 GUEST BEDROOMS ON ONE SIDE OF THE HOME WITH ACCESS TO GUEST BATH, ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HOME IS THE MASTER BEDROOM ADJOINED BY MASTER BATH. JUST OFF THE KITCHEN IS SLIDING GLASS DOOR TO PATIO FEATURES VINYL WINDOWS, /A/C AND CONCRETE FLOORING WITH INDOOR/OUTDOOR CARPET/WET BAR WITH REFRIGERATION. THE LARGE PRIVACY FENCED BACK YARD PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING!!! THIS HOME WAS FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE AND WAITING FOR A NEW OWNER, THIS IS A GREAT BUY AND A MUST SEE!!! ASKING ONLY $205,000

G IN ND PE

GLYNWOOD

The home at 13851 Glynshel Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $440,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,057 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.93.

The home at 141 Lakeview Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $310,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,185 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.88.

W NE

A SHOWPLACE YOU’LL BE PROUD TO OWN!!!

The townhouse at 13754 Daniels Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $204,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,234 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $165.32.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

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WOW WHAT A DREAM!!! TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY THAT FEATURES 5 BDRMS/4 BA. BRICK HOME ***over 3300 sq.ft. of living***NO HOA*** MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN W.G*** If you have been looking for a great home in IMMUCLATE condition this is it!!! This is a picturesque setting with stately trees and landscaped yard, a fitting introduction to a superb interior.Open the door to the foyer that seems to say “Welcome Home”. The living room is large enough for a piano and still has plenty of room for sofa and chairs, you can entertain in Uncrowded comfort in the spacious dining room. The family room is Highlighted by the corner brick fireplace and sliding door leading the the large 21x35 covered screened and brick patio. Completely modernized kitchen with GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES, wood cabinets w/ lighting underneath, plus breakfast bar and breakfast nook. Split bedroom plan has a SPACIOUS Master Bedroom adjoined by Large Master Bath, plus another bedroom, guest bath and laundry rm. On the other side of the house features 2 bedrooms, guest bath and another bedroom you could consider as a 2nd master adjoined by a full bath. The home also features a 3-car garage, plenty of room for parking a boat or motor home. MOTIVATED SELLER!!! Asking Only $475,000

GET THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY!!!

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 609 Groves End Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

11, for $270,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.36.

W NE

UNBELIEVABLE WATERFRONT ON THE WEST COAST!!! Immaculate condition 4 Bdrm. 3 Ba. minutes from the INTRACOASTAL WATERWAYS AND OCEAN. Open the front door, step inside the foyer and be amazed at the beauty of the open floor plan and view of the screened lanai, pool and the water. Large living room designed to show your furnishings to the best advantage. Look through a picture window as you dine in the formal dining room, The Kitchen is a decorators dream that features 42” cabinets, granite counter tops, breakfast bar and all appliances stay!!!

Informal dining and patio dining for enjoyable entertainment. Family room is a favorite spot for family fun & informal entertaining. This home is a split floor plan and features 2 MASTER SUITES, the main master has walk in shower, jetted tub, his/her walk-in closets. Inside laundry complete w/ washer & dryer, 3 car garage.UPGRADES INCLUDE CUSTOM BUILT HOME, CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS, NEW A/C (18 SEER) HIGH EFFICIENT, PRIVATE BOAT DOCK W/ 2 LIFTS, WATER, ELECTRIC AND FISH CLEANING TABLE. SOLAR HEAT AND ELECTRIC HEATED SALT POOL. HUGE SCREENED LANAI AND OPEN PATIO. ASKING ONLY $799,900

PR

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SOUTHERN PINES

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The condo at 430 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 208, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 7, for $162,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,276 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.96.

The condo at 130 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 102, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $157,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,152 square feet. The price per square foot is $136.28.

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LABOR DAY SALE!!!

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3 BEDROOM/2 BATH, DON’T PASS THIS BUY!!! ***NO HOA***NEW AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WAS INSTALLED 2/20/19***ROOF IS 12 YEARS OLD*** APPLIANCES APPROX. 6 YEARS OLD...Step inside to this home, WOOD flooring throughout the home except for kitchen and master bath are tile. Guest bath has been remodeled with laminate, wainscoting and new sink with cabinet. The kitchen features GRANITE countertops, wood cabinets, walk-in pantry. Go through the sliding glass doors to the covered, screened and tile flooring patio (11x18) with ceiling fans, privacy fenced back yard, complete with storage shed, above ground pool. The back yard also features a deck that is covered, plus the yard is large enough for a boat!!! Back into the house this home features the guest bath centered around the 2 guest bedrooms. The master bedroom is adjoined by master bath that features tub and separate shower.Landscaped yard, 2 car garage, this beauty is located in Winter Garden minutes from downtown!!! Asking Only $250,000

NG

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STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1327 Selbydon Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for

$466,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,954 square feet. The price per square foot is $117.86.

The home at 2806 Balforn Tower Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $352,500. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,814 square feet. The price per square foot is $125.27.

VERDE PARK

The home at 16001 Ollivett St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 10, for $530,000. Built in 2015, it has eight bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,111 square feet. The price per square foot is $103.70.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 17308 Bal Harbour Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

9, for $459,990. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,178 square feet. The price per square foot is $211.20.

WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 955 Butterfly Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

6, for $147,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,216 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.89.

The townhouse at 1202 Westside Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

12, for $137,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 846 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.94.

WINTER OAKS

The home at 717 Climbing Oaks Court, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

12, for $325,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,940 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.53.

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16

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

James Alan Meeks, 63, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 in Americus, Georgia, while on a trip preparing for deerhunting season. He was interred on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery in Eustis, Florida.

Alan was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Winter Park, Florida. He is survived by his mother, Ouida Caraway Meeks, and father, James Ray Meeks; three brothers, Monte Ray Meeks (Annie), Eddie Keith Meeks and Darryl Mark Meeks (Donna); as well as

his wife, Audrey Poe Meeks. He has three sons, Benjamin Alan Meeks (Carla), Mathew Troy Meeks (Maria) and Adam Lee Meeks (Laura); and four grandchildren, Abigail, Alyssa, Kyla and Maverick.

Alan and his brothers grew

Turning 65 or new to Medicare?

up in the Ocoee, Florida, community, part of Ocoee Boy Scout Troop 217 in their youth, and he graduated from Ocoee High in 1974. During high school, he was active in sports, such as football, and participated in marching band, playing trumpet.

Alan enjoyed serving the area with his work as an air-conditioning technician working at his own company, Common Cents Heating and Air, for many years.

He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, gardening and fishing.

He will be remembered and sincerely missed by both family and friends.

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

The West Orange Times and Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

17

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Susan Story

Licensed Sales Representative

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THESE OLD TIMES

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY The Winter Garden Times SEPT. 2, 1971 When the 1971 school year started at Ocoee High School, the Cardinals had a list of rules to follow when dressing for class. The Winter Garden Times printed the list so students knew what to expect “in order to maintain decorum and to keep good order.”

85 years ago

Through the courtesy of theater manager C.M. Biggers, the school milk fund matinees will return to the Winter Garden Theater. Biggers hopes to secure pictures that will be interesting to the children. Initiated several years ago by the Parent Teachers Association, the matinees raise money for milk for undernourished school children.

Winter Garden Elementary School started its activities with an enrollment of 289, against 258 the year before.

60 years ago

According to the Rev. Fay DeSha, the kindergarten of the First Baptist Church School has been expanded to three 5-year-old classes and one 4-year-old class.

45 years ago

The Star-Lite Drive-In Church marked its 21st anniversary at a well-attended 8:30 a.m. service. Dr. Roy Ben Ridley of the Winter Garden Methodist Church preached the message.

Presently, Marvin Osborne is serving as pastor. Duck Teal, Larry Grimes, George VanDemark and Bob Boney have given much of their time and efforts to ensure the continuation of the drive-in church service.

FROM THE ARCHIVES A century ago, construction began on the second Oakland Presbyterian Church building. The beautiful, ivy-covered structure, graced with stained-glass windows, stood on Oakland Avenue, replacing the congregation’s wooden church that was built in 1888 on Tubb Street. It was in use until 1971, when the present church building rose in its place.

Oakland Presbyterian Church is one of many religious structures featured in the current exhibit at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, titled “Praise! From Tents to Temples: West Orange County Houses of Worship.”

ACROSS

1 Island east of Java 5 Test, as gold’s purity 10 Run off to the chapel 15 “___ cares?”

18 Meme-loving CEO Musk 19 Brownish-gray 20 Chatty bird 21 Not just skim 22 Good name for a gardener?

24 Good name for a Diamondbacks owner?

26 Parsed 27 Rears of boats 29 Sobs

30 ___ Lama 31 Downfall 33 For some time 35 Sci-fi spinoff before “DS9” 37 Bothers 38 “And how!”

39 Afternoon affairs 42 Good name for a color consultant?

47 Good name for a discount store manager?

49 Ages 50 At work 54 “Gloria in excelsis ___” 55 Long, long time

GIRLS — Apparel in good taste are allowed provided they include the following qualities: neat, trim, a length that would not be embarrassing to you or to those who view you; tight enough to be attractive but not tight enough to be revealing; should not be discolored, fringed or decorated to the point of informality with pictures, slogans, etc. Slacks must have hem on bottom of slack leg; no hip-huggers.

Culottes, pant dresses, jump suits, maxis and scooter skirts are allowed. Shorts and hot pants are not allowed.

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.

40 years ago

Warrior football fans could pick up their season tickets for $15 for five home games at West Orange High School vs. Oak Ridge, Titusville, Edgewater, Evans and Apopka high schools.

YOU MIGHT KNOW by PAUL COULTER; CROSSWORD PEOPLE Edited by David Steinberg

©2019 Universal Uclick

BOYS — Maximum hair length is midway between earlobe and shoulder. Hair should be combed out of eyes and off ears at all times. Sideburns can reach a maximum length even with a line parallel with the mouth. Mustaches must be trimmed. Beards or goatees are not permitted. Bermuda shorts in good taste are allowed. “Dress” T-shirts with sleeves and collar are allowed.

Socks will be worn at the discretion of the student. Hot pants are not permitted. Looptailed dress shirts must be tucked in the trousers.

30 years ago

Fourteen-year-old Mary Ellen Steplight, of Oakland, scored three gold, two silver and one bronze medals at the Junior National Wheelchairs Games in San Francisco.

100 Singer Yoko 101 Dear, as a signorina 104 Sault ___ Marie 105 Lie next to 107 Big concert venues 110 Baquero of “Pan’s Labyrinth” 114 No fun 116 Senator Kamala 118 Accumulated 120 Good name for a construction worker?

122 Good name for a Greek restaurant server?

124 Burn balm 125 Thandie’s “Westworld” role 126 Gave five stars, perhaps 127 Name that’s a sour fruit backward 128 Cancels, with “out” 129 Photographer Adams 130 Contemptible sorts 131 Tabula ___

10 years ago

Ocoee began live-streaming on its website so residents could keep up with the city’s current events while watching Ocoee TV Live from the comfort of their home or office computers.

40 Soon, to a bard 41 IRS IDs 42 Precious stone 43 Cropped up 44 Winter formal, for one 45 100% complete 46 UFO crew 47 Many a CEO’s deg.

48 Threshold 51 Bridge tactic 52 Good name for a car thief?

53 Electra’s brother 57 Passionate refrain in rock songs 59 Bro, for one 61 Verbal shrug 66 Drive (to do) 67 Chasms 69 Convened, like Congress 70 “... ___ he drove out of sight ...”

73 “Famous potatoes” is on its license plates 74 Golf gimme 75 Looking at DOWN 80 Daddy 1 “Go ahead, sulk!”

2 ___ Thompson (Honey Boo 81 “Beg pardon ...”

82 Cal State campus near Boo) San Diego 3 Devoted 4 Prepares a bounce house 84 Letter before double-u 85 Sch. in the smallest state 5 100% complete 89 Often 6 Used a toothy tool 90 Surprised utterance 7 Soft leather 92 Its capital is Muscat 8 First 30-day mo.

93 More witty 9 Private line?

95 Like some cheesecakes 10 Hosts 96 Unfamous people 11 Cowardly Lion portrayer 98 Defend a hive Bert 56 Took the cake at a bake- 77 On, as a lamp 101 Library cubicle 12 “The True North strong off, say 78 “Case of the Ex” singer 102 Singer Grande, familiarly and free!” anthem 57 Ins’ counterparts 79 Calendar square 103 Vacation destination 13 12345 is a weak one 58 Writers Roberts and 80 Ziti, e.g.

14 Palindromic farm female 106 “Bleah!”

Ephron 83 Circumvent 108 Stomach problem 15 Little piggy syllables 60 Forebodings 85 “___-daisy!”

16 Room at the top of a Clue 109 Preserved, as changes 62 Bailout key 86 Bee-related prefix 111 Coffee shop smell board 63 Nail polish brand 87 “Eureka!”

112 Partner of St. Kitts 17 Bookie’s quote 64 Colorful food additive 88 “Kapow!”

113 “A Passage to India” 21 Venice’s marketplace 65 Comforting comment 91 Total dumps woman 23 Stretching the truth 68 Good name for a sailor? 93 It’s stroked in thought 25 Counterintelligence org. 114 Powdered cleanser maker 71 7, on an old phone 94 Good name for a Beatles 115 Broad valley 28 “For shame!”

72 Good name for a birdfan?

117 Dream, in Dijon 32 Ho Chi ___ City watcher?

97 Good name for a road 119 Merlot and malbec 34 Go backpacking 76 “Li’l” character in classic builder?

36 “Deals of the Day” website 121 Doc bloc comics 99 Water balloons, e.g.

123 Certain South Asian

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“LW’U DM DHW CI HCTBDXY WC ZDRY D ILAZ. ... LW LU SYBV ODBK DMK SYBV KYUWBTHWLSY. PTW GY KC LW PYHDTUY GY ACSY LW.” – FCOM HDBJYMWYB “GM BSW PCTJXIP RUXR RUP RUGKNF RUXR BSW IXK VS XJP HGCGRHPFF ... BSW IXK IUXKNP RUP ZSJHV.”

– RGC ISSL

Puzzle Two Clue: Z equals W

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: X equals G

18

©2019 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2019 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

9-19-19

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

HIGH

SPORTS

Michael Lemieux-Bott plays on both sides of the ball for Foundation Academy. Page 20.

1

5

In Legacy Charter’s 3-0 sweep of CFCA in girls volleyball Thursday, Sept. 12, junior Kaitlyn Ramsdale led the Eagles with 15 kills, four aces and four digs. Senior Christina Boyce picked up 18 assists, four digs, five aces and four kills, while fellow senior Ava Tewson added 11 digs herself. The win moved the Eagles to a perfect 8-0 on the season.

2

Despite Ocoee falling 2233-2128 to Trinity Prep in its first bowling match of the year Wednesday, Sept. 11, Ryan Pedigo had a strong showing. The senior bowled a game-high 200 for the Knights in the loss. The Knights’ original opening-season match was canceled with the arrival of Hurricane Dorian. The Knights followed the loss with a match against Lake Wales Wednesday, Sept.

18, after press time.

3

In the West Orange girls bowling team’s 1653-1593 loss to Olympia Wednesday, Sept.

11, Kim Hamilton bowled for a game-high 180 for the Warriors in the loss.

4

The West Orange boys swim team dominated in its 11951 win over Timber Creek Wednesday, Sept. 11.

James Oakes took home first place in both the 100 backstroke and 100 freestyle, while freshman Cooper Carrasco finished with a time of 6:32.00 in the 500 freestyle to set a personal record. The win moved the Warriors to 4-1 on the season.

Diving in Troy Herring

Anthony Marinelli has dealt with his fair share of setbacks, but the 8-year-old has found a passion for swimming.

Anthony Marinelli, 8, has dealt with challenges all of his life but recently made strides in the pool as he made the USA competitive swim team at SouthWest Aquatics.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

C

hristina Marinelli never tires of watching her 8-year-old son, Anthony Marinelli, as he swims in the pool.

At SouthWest Aquatics in Winter Garden, he is just like any other kid — splashing about in the water and learning proper swimming technique.

Although if you ask him, swimming is more than just perfecting a freestyle stroke in hopes of becoming the next Michael Phelps. “(It’s) the enjoyment of moving around and making brand-

new friends that I didn’t know,” Anthony said.

While making friends and swimming may be simple to other kids, for Anthony — diagnosed with autism, Tourette syndrome, ADHD and anxiety — it had been a struggle since he was young, Christina said.

Regardless, Anthony never gave up. And now, two years into the SouthWest swim program, he tested out in the last few weeks to join the competitive swim team.

“It really means the world to me,” Christina said. “I’ve been there every step of the way — (through) different therapies and

5

Foundation Academy participated in its first swim meet in a tri-meet against Mt. Dora and Tavares Tuesday, Sept.

10. For the boys side, the Lions finished in third and were led by Gabriel Carr, who finished in third place in the 50 and 100 free, while Quin Sundermeyer placed third in the 100 breaststroke. In the girls’ third-place finish, Katie Hoenstine won the 100 fly, while Emma Sundermeyer won the 500 freestyle. The Lions also took second in six other events — 200 medley relay, 200 IM (Emma Sundermeyer), 50 free (Hannah Herbert), 100 free (Abbey Cooper), 100 backstroke (Katie Hoenstine) and 400 free relay.

working through different skill sets that come so easily to other kids. Seeing him be able to push through… I’m beyond excited that he has overcome those things.”

A LIFE OF OBSTACLES

To understand how remarkable Anthony’s journey has been, one has to go back a few years.

At just 5 months old, Anthony was placed into physical therapy for torticollis — a rare condition in which the neck muscles contract, causing the head to twist to one side (in Anthony’s case, his head twists to the right slightly).

The condition led to weakness

on the right side of his body — including his arms, legs and core.

His torticollis was a physical tic caused by Tourette syndrome.

At age 4, Anthony was diagnosed with autism. The news was tough to hear — but not a total surprise to Christina.

“I realized that he was a little bit different when he was 2 years old and could carry on full-blown conversations with an adult about adult-type things,” Christina said.

“He stayed home with my mom until he was two-and-a-half, and at that point, we decided he needSEE SWIMMING PAGE 20

Stone Forsythe cements his spot with UF Gators The Winter Garden native and West Orange alum has become a familiar face on the Florida Gators’ offensive line.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Photo by Thomas Lightbody/TK Photography

The redshirt junior has established himself on the offensive line for the Gators.

Some games feel bigger than others, and for University of Florida tackle Stone Forsythe, the seasonopener against Miami at Camping World Stadium was that kind of a game.

That night — Saturday, Aug. 24 — the Gators and Canes were the only college football game on TV, meaning that the eyes of

every football fan were glued to the screen.

But for Forsythe, the game also provided an opportunity to play just 13 miles from his old stomping grounds at West Orange High School. It was a homecoming for the Winter Garden native, but that didn’t deter him from the goal of playing winning football.

“I don’t like to look at all the SEE BATTLING PAGE 20

20

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Swimming with purpose

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORS

Michael Lemieux-Bott

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

A senior captain on the Foundation Academy football team, Michael Lemieux-Bott plays on both sides of the ball for the Lions — although he prefers defense. Moving around at the linebacker position, LemieuxBott is the “quarterback” on defense, for which he makes calls and adjustments — all while racking up double digits in tackles each game.

When did you first start playing football?

I got into football when I was around the sixth grade. I was watching the Florida Gators play when I was younger, and I just wanted to be like them.

You’ve been on the team since ninth grade. What would you say are the biggest changes you’ve seen in yourself since then?

My understanding of the game. It’s a simple game, but (there is a) complexity to it — and my maturity as a player.

Just growing as a player and making plays — it’s interesting to see how you grow up in a program.

What’s been your favorite thing about playing football at Foundation?

My favorite thing is the team and being with the team.

Even though there are times like when we are running or doing... but that’s where you become the closest.

What’s been the most challenging part of playing football?

The time constraints — sacrificing a lot. But you think about it, you give up time, but then everyone else is jealous of you on Friday nights. It’s all worth it.

Do you have a favorite position you like to play?

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Foundation Academy YEAR: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Football POSITION: Linebacker, wide receiver

Right now, I prefer linebacker.

I like to be in control of things.

I like to have the defense move, and I like to be able to think and make calls.

You’re a captain on this team, and head coach Brad Lord puts a lot of faith in you to play that role. Does that add pressure on you?

I don’t find it added — I enjoy the responsibility of making sure everybody else knows what to do. I like it.

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about playing football?

Best words, from all of my coaches, is just enjoy it right now. Have fun in high school, because it’s a different game when you get up to college.

ed to be socialized a little bit.

“We thought that because he had spent so much time around adults that he was just a little adult because of his environment,” she said. “But even when he started daycare at two-anda-half — trying to communicate and learn and play with other kids — he still really never caught on to those things.”

What followed was a childhood filled with many therapies to help Anthony — including seeing physical, occupational, speech, vision and behavioral specialists — and it never seemed to bother him, Christina said.

For Anthony, it was time to have one-on-one conversations with adults whose focus was completely on him.

“He started to notice he was different from other kids and he was asking questions, and he kind of wanted to know why he was different,” Christina said.

“He’s known very early on — right after his diagnosis — that he has this thing called autism, and it kind of gives you super powers.”

TIME IN THE POOL

Two years ago, Christina decided to enroll Anthony into swim classes at SouthWest Aquatics and hoped it would help him both physically and socially.

She wanted him to participate in something in which he didn’t have to worry about others relying on him — while working on his own techniques.

“Being ADHD and on the autism spectrum disorder, we know that swimming is typically a good activity for individuals with those diagnoses, because they only have to depend on themselves and their skill sets,” Christina said.

The lessons proved to be a challenge for Anthony, whose physical tics and cross-body weakness can inhibit progress.

Things that would normally take younger swimmers only a short time to figure out — such as the breaststroke — took even longer for Anthony.

“You’re supposed to have two flat feet, but whenever I do the breaststroke kick, one of my feet goes straight and my other goes flat,” Anthony said. “It’s hard for me to correct them, and when I correct them, it hurts.”

The torticollis also affects the young swimmer both in and out

of the pool.

Because of the tilt of his head, growing up, Anthony’s eyes began to work independently of one another, which threw off balance and depth perception.

Despite the physical and mental setbacks, Anthony has continuously moved through each level at SouthWest. He started with 15-minute sessions two times a week and now completes hourlong sessions three times a week as a member of the competitive swim team. “(I’m excited for) all the meets and actually winning medals — not participation medals,” Anthony said.

Although Anthony is more than ready to take to the pool and swim away with some new hardware, Christina is just happy he has found something of his own that has helped him grow and develop.

“I’m excited for him to work on developing relationships with the other swimmers, because they do spend quite a bit of time together,” Christina said. “I’m hoping he kind of learns how good of a swimmer he is — I’m hoping he gets that extra boost of confidence as he sees his times and scores getting better with the more work he puts in.”

Battling in the trenches CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

What happens after you graduate?

I already have two offers from Jacksonville University and Valparaiso University. Looking to play college football, and looking for more offers. It’s going to be fun, and a free education.

When you get free time from football and school, what do you like doing?

I like to play video games, and I like to work with my mom and grandpa — they’re really into contracting. I’m looking to do that after college — working with my hands.

— TROY HERRING

outside things and put unnecessary pressure on myself, so I was just kind of taking it how coach (John) Hevesy taught us how to do everything,” Forsythe said.

“My parents were texting me, and I had a bunch of people at the game, but I just like to keep that aside and just do it by myself. But it was everything.”

The Gators secured a scrappy 24-20 win over Miami before dismantling UT-Martin 45-0 the following week. After a come-from-behind 29-21 win over Kentucky last weekend, the Gators found themselves at 3-0, but things still felt off.

“As a whole offense,we weren’t really satisfied in the Miami win, because it was sloppy football,” Forsythe said. “Then, we weren’t satisfied against UT, because we knew we should have put more points up.”

Forsythe’s drive for absolute perfection dates back to his playing days at West Orange High from 2012 to 2016 as a member of the Warriors football team. During that time, Forsythe grew into the physical beast he is now — standing at 6-foot-7, 329 pounds — and dominated in the trenches at the offensive

tackle position. With his help, the Warriors saw unprecedented success — especially in 2015, when West Orange went 12-2 with an appearance in the Class 8A semifinals.

His play on the offensive line — for which he earned Third Team All-State honors as a senior and an All-State Second Team selection as a junior — drew the attention of teams like Kentucky, Duke and Florida State. But Forsythe grew up a Gators fan, so when UF came calling, his mind was made up.

Forsythe decided to redshirt for his first year in Gainesville.

During that time, he started getting a feel for what he was in for going from high school to SEC. “I expected that the game was going to be totally different, but throughout that developmental year, it helped me get used to the speed and everything,” Forsythe said. “Even just in practice, you’re going against some of the top D-linemen every year. … That helped out a lot.”

After taking the year to get used to a new level of play, Forsythe finally got his first start for the Gators toward the end of the 2017 season in a game against the University of Alabama — Birmingham before taking on rival

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Florida State.

“I was kind of glad that I started the UAB game, because I would have probably been real nervous going into the FSU game without playing a snap in twoand-a-half years since my senior year in high school,” Forsythe said. “Just the speed of the game was totally different — even for a smaller school like UAB compared to SEC.” Things got better for Forsythe — and the team in general — when in 2018 head coach Dan Mullen came from Mississippi State to take over. That season, Florida went 10-3, and Forsythe played in every game.

Now in his redshirt junior season, Forsythe has continued to be a fixture on the offensive line, serving alongside his teammates deep in the trenches. For Forsythe, those guys next to him are the reason he battles every day on the field.

“It’s for my brothers around me … because I know if I let them down, that takes a big toll on me,” Forsythe said. “All of those guys on the line are my friends — I talk with them every day. Throughout the summer, we did a lot of stuff on our own… it’s just creating bonds and spending time together.”

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Ocoee drops first game of season in 41-12 loss to Apopka TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

I

f there was one word to describe Ocoee’s 41-12 defeat at the hands of Apopka Friday, Sept. 13, it’s “blitzkrieg.”

After five minutes of play, the Knights (3-1) already were down 20-0, as a stunned crowd watched.

It was such a crazy start that Ocoee head coach Aaron Sheppard couldn’t comprehend what exactly had happened.

“It was fast-moving — the pace caught us, I guess; I don’t even know,” Sheppard said. “I can’t even really tell you — I have to go review film, (because) it happened so fast.”

Apopka (2-0) returned the opening kickoff all the way to the other side of the field — setting the Blue Darters up inside the Ocoee 20-yard line.

Two plays later, the Blue Darters scored on a 12-yard run by Anthony Joseph.

Although the Blue Darters had the big opening possession, the Knights didn’t have the same luck and went threeand-out on their first possession. From there, the Blue Darters continued to dominate the start of the game — scoring on 52- and 65-yard runs in the first four minutes and 37 seconds.

The second quarter featured more explosive play from Apopka. The Blue Darters’ defense forced Knights quarterback Nick Wright fumble, which was picked up by defensive end Kaven Call and returned 55 yards for the touchdown. The extra point made it 27-0.

The Blue Darters didn’t stop there and scored once again on a long play — this time a 46-yard pass — to make it 34-0 after the extra point.

Going into the game, Sheppard and his coaches knew what to expect from the Blue Darters’ old-school singlewing offense. But coming off of Monday’s game against Lake Nona, there wasn’t enough time to get ready.

“It’s tough to prepare for that offense in two days,” Sheppard said. “On top of that, we are a little beat up now — we have some injuries. We have two players out on defense.”

The Knights finally got something positive toward the end of the first half. Lovie Jenkins snagged a pick in the end zone and returned it 102 yards for an emphatic pick-six. The extra-point try failed, leaving the score at 34-6.

The scoring slowed down in the second half for Apopka — which by then had started putting in backup players — but the Blue Darters got their last touchdown of the game on a 28-yard run just three minutes

OTHER WEEK FOUR SCORES n Windermere Prep 13, Central Florida Christian 19 n St. Petersburg Northside 7, Foundation Academy 47 n Ocala Christian 0, Legacy Charter 40

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

21

5

WEEK PREVIEW n LAFAYETTE (4-0) AT CFCA (1-3) The Eagles (1-3) are coming off one of their biggest wins — a 1913 victory over Windermere Prep — in recent history, but they don’t have much time to celebrate. A talented Lafayette (4-0) team comes to Ocoee Friday. All season, the Hornets have shown an explosive offense that has averaged 45.5 points per game.

Led by dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Beach — who already has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and has racked up 21 total touchdowns — the Hornets will prove to be a tough challenge for the Eagles’ defense. n TRINITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (1-2) AT FOUNDATION ACADEMY (3-1) In last week’s game, Northside Christian came to Winter Garden with an undefeated 3-0 record. By the time they left, they were unbeaten no more; Foundation (3-1) dismantled the Mustangs 47-7. This week, the Lions will once again look to push their win streak — this time to four games — as they take on Trinity Christian Academy from Deltona. The Eagles have struggled a bit through their season, but they do have a playmaker in receiver Jalen Wilson — who leads the team in all-purpose yards (381) and touchdowns (four). The weakness for the Eagles lies in their defense, so look for the Lions’ explosive offense to take advantage of that matchup.

Photos by Troy Herring

Quarterback Nick Wright sneaks a pass by an Apopka defender.

WEST ORANGE OVERCOMES OBSTACLES, BEATS EVANS 16-14

Dexter Rentz Jr. runs past defenders as he looks to make a play.

into the half.

For Ocoee, the Knights eventually got one last score with 9:35 left in the game, as Wright scampered down the right side of the field for the 15-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion failed, making it 41-12.

It was a tough loss for the

previously undefeated Knights, but it’s one on which they can’t linger — especially when their next opponent is Wekiva (4-0) on Homecoming night Friday, Sept. 20.

“We have some work to do,” Sheppard said. “We just have work to do — I don’t even know what to say, really.”

When adversity hit, the Warriors struck right back as they slipped past Evans (2-1, 0-1) in a 16-14 win to open district play.

Just two days after hearing the news of head coach Dee Brown being placed on administrative leave, the Warriors (2-2, 1-0) took to the field under interim coach Mike McGlynn in a big game.

Although high-school games are often noted as high-scoring affairs, this West Orange/Evans matchup was the opposite, and neither team managed to put a single point on the board by halftime.

By the time the third quarter had ended, the Warriors and Trojans were tied at 2-2 thanks to safeties by both teams, before a 60-yard touchdown run by Matthew McDoom finally got the game rolling.

Later in the third, quarterback Tyler Huff hit Jaylon Carlies for a 43-yard bomb, giving the Warriors a lead that wouldn’t be touched despite a late rally from Evans.

The win was a big one for West Orange; it ended a twogame skid for the Warriors.

The Warriors travel to Boone High School (0-3) Friday, Sept.

20, for its second away game of the season.

n LEGACY CHARTER (4-0) AT CORNERSTONE CHARTER ACADEMY (2-1) The only undefeated school in our coverage area, Legacy Charter (4-0) continues its rampage through the regular season. Following a 40-0 thrashing of Ocala Christian last week, the Eagles take on a plucky Cornerstone Charter Academy (2-1) team that has found marginal success for the first time in a few years.

The 2-1 record is a bit deceiving, however, because one of the Ducks’ wins came by way of forfeiture by Four Corners. Junior quarterback Nicolas Stutchman has shown he is capable of making plays (throwing for 225 yards in two games while picking up two touchdowns). n WEKIVA (4-0) AT OCOEE (3-1) Last week Ocoee (3-1) was faced with the difficult task of playing two playoff-worthy teams in Lake Nona and Apopka in the span of just five days — going 1-1 in the process. The matchup with the Blue Darters is one the Knights hope to forget as they set their sights on the 4-0 Wekiva Mustangs. The Mustangs have weapons all over the field offensively, including former West Orange quarterback Brenden Cyr (who has tossed for 734 yards, while amassing nine touchdowns) and a stable at the running back position that has racked up nine rushing touchdowns. Defensively, the Mustangs have guys who can make play after play — such as Jamel Lynch and Luther Johnson. It will take a big effort all around for the Knights if they want to keep their strong season alive.

CLASSIFIEDS

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– John Carpenter Puzzle Two Solution: If you embrace that the things that you can do are limitless ... you can change the world.

– Tim Cook

This week’s Sudoku answers

Thursday, September 19, 2019

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