5FAST
Man arrested for murder six years later
Nearly six years after the murder of Winter Garden’s 61-year-old Michael Kotait, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest.
Darrell Devon Bogle, 26, was arrested Monday, Sept. 15, for the first-degree murder.
Detectives said Kotait’s body was found in a yard in Wildwood Nov. 9, 2019.
According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office from 2019, deputies received a call at about 7:36 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, regarding a body found in a yard at 9915 County Road 231 in Wildwood. Earlier, the Wildwood Police Depart
for answers as they believe others were involved in the murder.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information given to authorities that lead to an arrest.
Contact Detective John Knight or Sgt. Larry Thompson, of Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, at (352) 793-2621 or contact 1-800-423TIPS.
2
Ocoee to host Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
The city of Ocoee wants to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with you at its Community Market, which will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.
Attendees will have the opportunity to decorate a pennant to honor someone, share a story or reflect on Hispanic Heritage until 6:30 p.m. The pennants then will be hung to create a display for the remainder of the event.
Attendees also will be able to enjoy live music from the Ultimate
3
Candlelight Processional returns to Disney’s EPCOT
The annual holiday tradition of the Candlelight Processional is returning to the stage at the America Gardens Theatre during the 2025 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story, which is brought to life by a 50-piece orchestra, massed choirs featuring Disney cast members and local community singers, the Voices of Liberty, and a rotating lineup of celebrity narrators.
The holiday tradition will light up the stage from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30.
Showtimes are 5 p.m., 6:45 p.m.
4
Athletic exhibit to debut at Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is hosting the grand opening of its newest exhibit, “Champions of West Orange County: A Legacy of Athletic Excellence.”
The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Heller Hall, at 21 E. Plant St., to celebrate the city’s athletic history and kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Attendees can expect to connect with community members and share their own sports stories.
Brad Miller, professional baseball player and a West Orange native, will participate in a Q&A ses
of his stories and insights from his time in Major League Baseball.
Guests also will be able to enjoy some light refreshments and appetizers as they explore the exhibit.
The event is free to attend, but WGHF asks visitors to RSVP to help the team plan for the evening.
The WGHF also encourages attendees to wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those who do wear pink will be entered into a special raffle.
5
Disney Springs restaurant robbed by man in scuba suit Paddlefish, a Disney Springs restaurant was robbed of more than $10,000 in cash in the early morning of Monday, Sept. 15, as employees counted the money for the day before putting it in the safe.
Authorities believe the male suspect used scuba gear to swim through the lake to make entry into the restaurant.
In less than two minutes, he found the manager’s office, told employees to close their eyes and tied them up before fleeing the scene.
According to authorities, an immediate search was made but was unsuccessful.
Employees described the man as slim, around 5 feet, 10 inches tall, wearing tight clothing and a blue beanie.
Courtesy photos
The Candlelight Processional will return Nov. 28 and run through Dec. 30.
Revival.
Thousands of West Orange residents honored the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk at a vigil held Saturday, Sept. 20, on the steps of Winter Garden City Hall.
Chris Mikkelson Ministries and a host of West Orange-area leaders and churches partnered to organize the event in just three days.
Attendees packed the area in front of City Hall to participate in worship led by musicians from Glad Tidings Church. Speakers included Pastor Tyler Howell, of Glad Tidings; Scottie Cahill, of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando; Erin Huntley, chair of the Orange County Republican Party; Archie Simon, of Northwest Church; social media influencer Janae Kinne, of The Patriot Sisters; Jocelyn Sorchy, who is starting a Turning Point USA chapter at Liberty Academy; international minister Steven Halford; Tamryn Foley, of City-
Serve International; and Dr. Charles Cooper, of IronMen of God.
Chris Mikkelson also delivered a sermon before leading a prayer and a candlelight vigil.
The evening ended with “Amazing Grace” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
— MICHAEL ENG
Chris Mikkelson preached a message before leading an altar call.
Erin Huntley, chair of the Orange County Republican Party, delivered an uplifting message.
Many parents brought their children to the vigil.
Archie Simon, of Northwest Church, shared his testimony of coming to the Christian faith.
Maria Marlow proclaimed her Christian faith proudly at the vigil.
Dr. Charles Cooper, a leader with IronMen of God, began preaching at age 15.
Right: Casey and Shelby Crisp were proud to show their support for Charlie Kirk.
Dr. Scott Bush worshipped alongside thousands of other West Orange Christians.
Chrissy Arthur, 11, and her dad, Austin, led a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk.
The event concluded with a candlelight ceremony.
SOBO’s Young Creatives Showcase opens Oct. 2
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Victoria Pestrichello, a UCF student, covered her hand in red paint and went over to the collaborative artwork she and other members of the Young Creatives Showcase were working on at SOBO Art Gallery.
She took her hand and placed it on the face of the Dalmatian already painted on the canvas. Then she placed another handprint on the Dalmatian’s chest.
It was her contribution to the collaborative work, which could look vastly different by the time it is presented at SOBO Art Gallery’s Young Creatives Showcase at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 at the gallery.
Pestrichello, along with Fritz-Lee Saint Paul and Branton Urbieta, cofounded the Young Creatives Showcase, which gives high school and college students an opportunity to submit and showcase their artwork in a community gallery.
For the first time, the showcase will take place in the front gallery at SOBO.
SOBO Art Gallery Executive Director Anna Zucker said because high school students are able to participate in the showcase, people are able to see their growth as artists as they showcase their work throughout the years.
This year’s show will feature a variety of media from photography to pencil to acrylic across various styles including abstract and realism.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
For Pestrichello and Saint Paul, a student at Valencia College, art is a way to express themselves and their emotions.
The collaborative piece has given artists at SOBO a chance to work together to create their own masterpiece reflecting their views and perspectives. The piece constantly has been changing as each of the four artists involved keep adding their own touches.
As Pestrichello and Saint Paul looked at the canvas, which featured a Dalmatian with “DADA” painted on it. The painting as it was Thursday, Sept. 18, was meant to represent dogs fighting.
“I’m kind of hopeful to see how this piece will transform,” Saint Paul said. “We see a Dalmatian now, but I don’t really know what it will be like in the
next week or two.”
Saint Paul said the artists involved are scared to step on one another’s toes in the creative process to be respectful, but he would like to see more conflict, because that is part of contributing to a collaborative piece.
“I want people to be more assertive in themselves and command their space,” he said. “Then eventually, it just turns out into something crazy.”
Pestrichello said the collaborative work will be “one big story coming together, if not multiple stories being told at once.”
On top of contributing to the collaborative piece, Pestrichello also submitted her own work to the showcase. Her piece, “Conosci il nemico?
Do you know your enemy?” is an abstract work. Pestrichello said she took inspiration from the negative news she was hearing on the television as she started creating her piece.
“I smeared some paint on the canvas,” she said. “When I create something, I don’t go in with a specific thing in mind. I start laying things down, and I see where it takes me.”
SOBO: A SECOND HOME
Growing up in Orlando, Saint Paul said there isn’t a “true community” when it comes to art for children and young adults, so being able to provide an art community through the Young Creatives Showcase is crucial.
“To get the privilege to do something here and realizing that it’s not just about our legacy but it’s the fact that we can create a space for people
to come, and not only that, but we’re actually looking for them,” he said. “We’re very much eager to say, ‘Hey, please come here, and we can help you.’”
Pestrichello, who has been volunteering at SOBO since she was a high school student, found her own community at the art gallery. She feels comfortable to go to the gallery not just to work and volunteer but hang out and spend time with gallery volunteers and employees.
“The community we have here is one of the best feelings in the world,” Pestrichello said.
Students also have an opportunity to showcase their work in a professional community gallery rather than their school art shows.
There also is a tangible recognition that comes with having their work in a gallery, Saint Paul said.
“With the rise of the Internet in general, it’s evolved into you can make a living just based on putting your work online and things like that,” he said. “In school, you’re going to be around people your age, maybe teachers and others. They might bring their extended relatives here and there. But to have it in an open gallery like this, it gives your work eligibility. You can say I can thrive online, but I can also thrive in a gallery space, in a formal setting.”
Showcase participants can have a sense of pride that their work is standing in a gallery. Not only that, but their work could be sold.
“It adds legitimacy and reputa-
Broken down, broken trust
Winter Garden family purchased a vehicle for a struggling college student from an Ocoee car lot. Days later, its transmission failed.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
A kind gesture from one Winter Garden family to a struggling college student has erupted into two potential lawsuits.
Winter Garden resident and Boys
2 Men Mentoring volunteer Jeremy Waller and his wife, Angela, assisted Gaboreius Baldwin in buying a car to get him to and from his college campus in Tallahassee. They purchased a 2015 Nissan Sentra from A1 Motors in Ocoee.
But as soon as Baldwin drove off the lot, problems began to surface. And on his way back to school, it broke down on Interstate 75.
The transmission had failed.
The Wallers reached out to A1 Motors owner Ahmid Rahman, but because the vehicle was purchased as-is and without a warranty, he would not allow them to return it for a refund.
Jeremy Waller met Baldwin through Boys 2 Men — a nonprofit organization that helps boys ages 10 to 18 on their journey to manhood. Baldwin, now 19, is no longer in the program, but the Wallers consider him to be family.
That’s why, when he asked for the Wallers’ assistance, they were happy to help.
“I was walking,” he said. “I was able to make the walk to work because it was so close to my house, but the walk to school was 2.5 miles,
YOUNG CREATIVE SHOWCASE
PARTICIPANTS
n Alejandro Luis Andrade, UCF
n Alicia Reynolds, UCF
n Anagh Mishra, Orlando Science
School
n Anna Webb, UCF
n Anya Bollineni, Orlando Science
School
n April Surac, West Orange High
n Ashanti Pope, UCF
n Ashley Nelson, UCF
n Belle Pierrelouis, Valencia College
n Bradley Louis, Valencia College
n Branton Urbieta
n Catherine Vega, Valencia College
n Donald Orol, Valencia College
n Emma Clarke, UCF
n Jada Sejour, Orlando School of Science
n James Morley, Valencia College
n Jasmine Tookes, UCF
n Jeff Stinfil, Cisco Certifications
n Jessica Taylor, Valencia College
n Lilianna Hua, Orlando Science High School
n Lillyanne Kierstead, UCF
n Lucy Noegel, USF
n Madison McFarland, West Orange
High School
n Madison Wood, West Orange High School
n Madison McFarland, West Orange High School
n Mason Cottle, West Orange High
School
n May Surac, West Orange High School
n Melanie Weber Maldonado, Orlando Science School
n Molly Culhane, Winter Park High
School
n Olivia-Mai Rodgers, Valencia College
n Pablo Villamizar, Windermere Prep
n Ryan Parker
n Sanjana Nagarur, Orlando Science School
n Serina Goncalves, Innovation Montessori High School
n Soleil Franceschi, Osceola County School for the Arts
n Sophia Alarcon, UCF
n Sophia Alarcon, UCF
n Sophia Hosein, Orlando Science School
n Taylor Kurtz, Lake Mary Prep
n Victoria Pestrichello, UCF
n Yashmita Chowdhury, Orlando Science School
n Yuxin Cai, West Orange High School
bility to your name,” Pestrichello said.
Seeing how her high school art teacher had to pay for art supplies out of pocket, Pestrichello said she realized the importance and has a deep appreciation for giving artistic opportunities to young people.
“Being able to give younger students a space to create and kind of extending our love to be a second home as this place is to me and to be a safe space for people to come and express themselves is incredible,” she said. “It’s like young blood coming in and showing how they see the world.”
purchasing the car that it had no warranty, and he did not accept returns.
HOW TO HELP
The Wallers have set up a GoFundMe to assist Gaboreius Baldwin. For more information, visit bit.ly/46xAbOZ.
so you know, making that walk everyday is good for exercise, but it gets exhausting at some point.”
After searching for cars, Jeremy Waller found A1 Motors and decided to look at a 2015 Nissan Sentra listed for $5,550. The car had about 80,000 miles on it and looked clean. Baldwin took the bus from Tallahassee to take a look at the car with the Wallers Wednesday, Sept. 10.
“It didn’t look like it had been ragged out or anything,” Jeremy Waller said. “So, they let us drive it around, but it’s just this circle, so you only drive about 15 to 20 mph.”
After no apparent issues, they decided to purchase the car.
“But the thing is, not even five hours after purchasing the car, it was having problems,” Baldwin said. “A light came on (the dashboard), so I immediately called (Jeremy Waller) and he told me to send a picture of the odometer and the light, to show the dealership like, ‘Hey, the car we haven’t driven that much — within five hours of us purchasing it — has the Check Engine light on.”
The same night, Baldwin took the car to an AutoZone store. An employee ran a diagnostic and showed the issue to be the mass air flow intake sensor.
Jeremy Waller contacted Rahman about the issue.
“He’s immediately like, ‘Nope, when you leave the lot, it’s on you, things happen, I can’t control what happens to the car,’” Jeremy Waller said.
Rahman said the trio knew when
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“If the car broke down on you, it’s your fault,” he said. “The car had no Check Engine lights on when they purchased the car.”
Rahman pointed the Wallers to a YouTube video on how to fix the faulty sensor, and Waller did the following day.
Once that code was clear, Baldwin said he thought it was safe to take the trip back to Tallahassee to attend school the next day.
“I took the trip back, and the car ended up breaking down on me halfway through, when I got to Gainesville,” Baldwin said. “It dropped from 70 mph all the way down to 15 mph.”
Baldwin then called a tow truck, which was not available to come to him.
He was stranded.
Baldwin was stuck on the highway until his brother came.
Rahman said that doesn’t make sense.
“Why would you drive it to Tallahassee?” he questioned.
Baldwin had a Nissan dealership look at the car Sept. 15. The diagnosis: Transmission is shot; $7,000 repair.
“I immediately hit the dealer up and said, ‘Hey, look, I just took it to Nissan and Nissan themselves said the transmission is shot, and it has to be completely replaced at $7,000, so here’s the quote,’” Jeremy Waller said.
“I just want to return the car.’”
Rahman said things will happen to used cars and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the transmission.
“It’s a 10-year-old car; anything is possible,” he said.
Now, Baldwin continues with good faith by continuing to work and study.
“Hopefully, I do have a car one day soon,” he said. “I’m just shocked that they would sell me a car like that. It was a real dangerous situation. Why would they put someone in that situation?”
Both parties are seeking legal action.
WEST ORANGE TIMES
The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787.
Courtesy photo
Jeremy and Angela Waller helped Gaboreius Baldwin, left, purchase a vehicle.
Photo by Liz Ramos
Victoria Pestrichello covered her hand in red paint to make her mark on the collaborative piece that will be unveiled at the Young Creatives Showcase.
Winter Garden Cracker Barrel to convert back to old design
soccer team. They often stopped there on road trips, and he said it’s always been “iconic.”
Sometimes, things are better left the way they are, and that’s the lesson Cracker Barrel recently learned.
The restaurant was founded in 1969 and has remained popular for its Southern comfort food and nostalgic atmosphere. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the company announced its rebranding and “All the More” campaign, which removed the classic man leaning against a barrel and “Old Country Store” slogan.
Instantly, Cracker Barrel received backlash for the change. The restaurant had plans to remodel 25 to 30 locations, but changes have been halted because of the public’s outcry for it to remain the same.
“We heard clearly that the modern remodel design does not reflect what you love about Cracker Barrel,” company officials wrote in an official statement. “We had tested this design in only four out of 660 locations and won’t continue with it.”
Winter Garden’s Cracker Barrel was one of the locations across the country that underwent renovations to the refreshed look, but it won’t remain that way.
“As we recently shared, we will not proceed with these modern stores and have also begun reverting to our ‘Old Timer’ signage,” a company spokesperson told the Observer via email. “Some of this will take time due to permitting and other constraints, but it’s happening.”
Residents of the Winter Garden area are glad to hear their local Cracker Barrel will be returning to its roots, but the change wasn’t entirely disliked.
“If I had never been there before and I went, I’d think, ‘This is amazing,’” said Patrick Bottinelli, who is a 2005 West Orange High graduate.
Bottinelli said he likes how beautiful and organized the retail portion of Winter Garden’s Cracker Barrel is now. It also feels more open, but he still preferred the authentic style of the restaurant he and many others grew up with.
Eating at the restaurant is a fond memory he has with his family and
He thinks Cracker Barrel simply was following trends of other food chains and companies that have been updating their logos and restaurants to become more modern.
“You walk in, and it’s supposed to be this nice, warm feeling, and it almost seems like a retail store now,” he said. “It’s not a bad thing … the changes look great and it’s a nice feel. But it’s not that old-time, warm feeling as it was before.”
Brian Hendrix, a lifetime Ocoee resident, said everything changes, and it’s up to people if they want to accept it.
He and his wife, Sandy, have visited Cracker Barrel locations across the country and always enjoyed the family-oriented feel the chain restaurant brings.
They sat outside Winter Garden’s Cracker Barrel, enjoying its rocking chairs and checkerboard with their granddaughter. They agreed the changes are cleaner and look nice. However, the refresh takes away from the authentic “Old Country Store” feeling.
Bottinelli compared the change to Chip and Joanna Gaines’ signature farmhouse look. The Gaineses owns Magnolia and are known for their home makeovers for the show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV.
“If they were to do a makeover of Cracker Barrel, it’s exactly what it would be like,” he said. “It’s nice, upbeat. It’s modernized while still keeping the old décor.”
Brian Hendrix expressed he was concerned initially when he heard about the change, because Cracker Barrel discussed removing the signature rocking chairs outside the restaurant. He said he was glad to see they remained as he sat in one, enjoying the outdoors.
One element Bottinelli truly enjoyed about the change was the menu redesign.
“I’m glad their menu has more pictures on it,” he said. “The new menu has more images, and I’m an image guy, rather than reading the title and reading everything about it.”
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Megan Bruinsma
The Winter Garden Cracker Barrel was one of only four locations nationwide to receive the renovations.
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary
Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus:
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520
611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097
www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
PRESBYTERIAN
7AM to 9AM.
Demings, Wilson refute claims of wasteful spending
Florida Chief Financial Officer
Blaise Ingoglia said Orange County is spending nearly $200 million more than it should.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
After the recent Department of Government Efficiency assessment in Orange County, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia concluded the county is spending nearly $200 million more than it should.
During a press conference Monday, Sept. 15, Ingoglia said the people of Florida are “sick and tired” of the wasteful spending of tax dollars.
“Orange County is wastefully and excessively spending nearly $200 million in taxpayer funds, and it is high time that the taxpayers are armed with the information that they need to hold their locally elected officials accountable,” he said.
According to Ingoglia, Orange County’s General Fund has increased by $559,151,494, or 53.62%, since 2020.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings disputed those claims and said Ingoglia is using “fuzzy math.”
“Regarding the budget, our General Fund increased by $474 million, not $559 million, as claimed by the CFO,” Demings said.
Furthermore, Demings said the county’s next budget — $8.2 billion — is not enough for its citizens and for the tourists the county welcomes annually.
During the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County event Sept. 17, Demings said the county has to provide services, on average, to an extra 206,000 tourists every day. No other community in Florida had that kind of pressure on them, he said.
Demings said the county gets audited every year, and it would be difficult for it to misspend funds with an elected auditor.
“As the state has been endeavoring to lower its budget, they increased mandates on local government,” he said. “For example, every local government municipality and county has to have a plan of action on how they’re going to deal with homelessness. … The state has not allocated one dime for us to address homelessness. … We have to find that money from where we have discretionary funds, because our budgets, we have some restricted revenue sources.”
Demings said the county is spending taxpayer money on the people.
District 1 County Commissioner Nicole Wilson agreed.
“We’re not doing the kinds of things that you see at the state level, where the governor flies all over the country campaigning; it’s much less glamorous,” Wilson said. “We put it into water treatment, sidewalk con-
nections, we put it into putting stop signs at the end of streets, but all those things require maintenance.”
Besides that, about 25% of the General Fund goes directly to public safety such as the Sheriff’s Office, fire departments and the Orange County Jail — all essential components of government, Wilson said.
“We’re going to do really everything we can, but not risk anyone’s safety, not at the risk of public safety,” she said. “And that’s the kind of cuts they’re looking at. They’re not coming for the multicultural center. They’re not coming for the diversity program. They are talking about big slashing cuts to things like our corrections division. And then what? Do we want to go to a volunteer fire station? I don’t.”
Both Demings and Wilson said the county is not misspending taxpayer money and are servants to the community.
“To have somebody like Blaise Ingoglia out of Spring Hill, Florida, come in and say that we are somehow not benefiting the county’s population is very disappointing,” Wilson said. “He’s not well informed.” Orange County has an independently elected comptroller, a senior financial manager responsible for overseeing the budget, financial accountability within the government and financial reporting.
“Ingoglia and the governor, I believe, wanted to swoop in and make a press conference instead of actually having a conversation about efficiency,” Wilson said. “And it’s unfortunate, because we’ve taken efficiency very seriously here for way longer than DOGE was a thing.”
Wilson said the county is transparent in its spending and hopes people hold the state government accountable and ask them to be transparent and efficient, as well.
“I want people to get involved and understand we work for them,” she said. “It’s not the other way around. We don’t work against them, we were hired by them to work for them.”
“We’re not doing the kinds of things that you see at the state level, where the governor flies all over the country campaigning; it’s much less glamorous. We put it into water treatment, sidewalk connections, we put it into putting stop signs at the end of streets, but all those things require maintenance.”
— District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson
Courtesy photo
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia reported the state’s findings at a Sept. 15 press conference.
Mayors talk State of the County
LIZ RAMOS
SENIOR EDITOR
It’s not often all the mayors from Orange County, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere and Winter Garden are in the same room.
But each of the mayors gathered together on the stage Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Ocoee Lakeshore Center to participate in the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County Q&A.
The mayors address property taxes, major projects in their respective cities and towns, the seats being added to the Orange County Board of County Commission and more.
PROPERTY TAX REFORM
A concern of all the mayors is the potential impact of property tax reform from the state.
In Oakland, which Mayor Shane Taylor said has a population of about 5,600 within 2 square miles, a majority of the town’s revenue comes from property taxes because there aren’t many commercial properties in town.
“If something like (property tax reform) were to happen, it would hit us very negatively,” Taylor said. Oakland brings in about $11 million in revenue. Taylor said if the state were to discontinue homestead exemption, the town would lose more than $2 million in revenue.
“To put that into perspective for us, the $2 million can either be used for fire, which our fire is a little over $2.5 (million) or so right now, or our police and our police is about that same ballpark,” Taylor said. “It would force us at some point to have to sit and choose, ‘Residents, what do you want? Do you want fire or do you want police?’”
In Windermere, Mayor Jim O’Brien said the town has engaged with economists to “help get a better picture of what this would really look like.” His concern is regarding the proposal for replacement revenue if something were to happen to property tax revenue as the replacement revenue might not be predictable or stable and how it could be impacted by economic changes.
“We value local control in our town,” he said. “We value local control in our
county. People elect us to do what we do, because they feel we understand what makes them tick, because we live right next door to them. Those are the things you look at, and who do we want to have put their signature on that for our particular towns and municipalities and counties.”
O’Brien said the town of Windermere has accelerated its schedule of projects to be able to do everything the town can now in case changes are made.
Winter Garden Mayor John Rees echoed O’Brien’s concerns of a replacement revenue source, as well as Taylor’s concerns of funding essential community services. He said 43% of the city’s revenue is from ad valorem taxes, yet the city’s public safety budget is 57% of the city’s overall budget. While the city is spending $9 million on public safety in the coming fiscal year, the city spent only $4 million on public safety a few years ago, but escalating costs have increased expenditures for the same services.
“We are different today than we were 10 years ago, in the fact that your
residents look for more and more services from your government,” he said.
“If we go forward, we have to make sure that No. 1, we don’t cut public safety because that is a top priority to us. But other things are going to have to get cut, so you’re going to go back to your citizens and they have to understand that.”
Rees said Winter Garden is looking at potentially adjusting fees the city charges and implementing new fees on services.
Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson shared the same concerns as the other mayors. He said although everyone wants their taxes to be lower, the city has a responsibility to its citizens to provide services and maintain the city.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said although he believes “there’s probably an opportunity” to review taxes, “it has to be something reasonable and balanced.”
Demings said not only does the county provide services for its residents, but also on average, the city services 206,000 additional people who are visiting the area because
it is a top tourist destination in the country.
He said no matter the type of property tax reform passed, the demand for services will remain and continue to increase as the population continues to grow.
MAJOR PROJECTS
Each of the cities and towns are working on major projects to maintain and improve their municipalities.
Oakland and Windermere are focused on septic programs.
Taylor said with Oakland sitting on a hill, all the septic runs down the hill into Lake Apopka.
“The quicker we can solve our problem, the quicker Lake Apopka can be cleaned up,” he said.
In Windermere, O’Brien said not only is the town working on its potable water and sanitary sewer projects, but also there is a focus on easing traffic flow through the town.
Rees said in Winter Garden, the top priority is the city’s water, wastewater and reclaimed water project, which the city has received more than $23
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• From Lodge Rooms to Luxe Teepees
million from the state for the project. Johnson said Ocoee is focused on the utilities related to the expansion of the sewer facility.
In Orange County, Demings said the city is exploring whether the city will advance “some type of sales tax initiative to the ballot in 2026,” such as an infrastructure tax that could help to pay for the expansion of the Sun Rail to go east to west. This would help have fewer cars on the road as people would use public transportation instead. Also planned are improvements in bicycle pathways, pedestrian safety and lighting.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The mayors also are hoping to improve other aspects of their municipalities. Johnson said Ocoee is working to ease traffic flow through the city. In Winter Garden, the city is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan. Tucker Ranch also is under construction and should be completed late summer of 2026, Rees said. The city also started the Legacy Fund in which the city is working with qualified homeowners to have major renovations on the exterior and interior of their homes. Zanders Park and Dillard Street also are seeing improvements. Windermere is focused on protecting the town’s trees. The town also has a legacy fund from its Wine and Dine event that now will be a part of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. Taylor said Oakland is working to expand the town’s trail network to reach other residential communities within the town to connect them to downtown Oakland.
Demings said the county is committed over a 10-year period to invest $100 million in buying green spaces and environmentally sensitive lands.
REDISTRICTING
The Orange County Commission has been developing maps in order to redistrict the county to add two seats to the board.
Taylor, O’Brien, Johnson and Rees all said they wished the maps would have kept their communities together under a single representative.
The maps under review had Ocoee with Apopka, while Winter Garden, Oakland and Windermere all would be under different representation.
Despite the cities and towns being in different districts, all the mayors said they will continue to work together.
Outdoor Venue Space
Luxe Conestoga Wagon
River Country Water Park
Longhorn Center
Photo by Liz Ramos
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Oakland Mayor Shane Taylor, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and Winter Garden Mayor John Rees shared their thoughts at the State of the County.
Vasant Sports scores with pickleball approval
MEGAN
BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
It took some back and forth, but Ocoee city commissioners unanimously approved plans for a new pickleball complex.
The City Commission approved the preliminary site plan for Vasant Sports LLC’s 6.08-acre complex, Tuesday, Sept. 16, to be located at 1100, 1050 and 1000 Jacob Nathan Blvd. The plan features 25 indoor courts, one outdoor court and three main buildings.
One building will be two stories and will house indoor courts, a restaurant and a pro shop. A second building will include more indoor courts, while the final building will be a two-story banquet hall. The facility also will have an outdoor championship court.
IN OTHER NEWS
n Testing of the Christmas lights is almost complete and they are set to go up well before Thanksgiving, City Manager Craig Shadrix said. The city is building in time for Duke Energy to test the lights for any problems, as well. The heights of the lights will be made uniform and not zig-zag, like they have been in the past.
n Community members expressed concerns with the noise levels the pickleball courts have caused Tiger Park. The commission discussed changing the hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Mayor Pro Tem Rosemary Wilsen advocated for adding something to close the gates of the park after hours.
“We want to make this facility the best facility in the country, providing the best experience for athletes to play pickleball,” said Sravan Tummala, a Vasant Sports representative.
The approved site plan is a revised version of the complex’s original proposal from May 7, 2024. That plan included 44 courts — 24 outdoors. Ocoee’s Development Review Committee raised concerns about parking spaces and other issues, and ultimately, the commission denied the project.
The new plan reduces the number of courts by 18, addresses the parking ratio problem and creates two access points for emergency response.
Vasant Sports plans on hosting large-scale tournaments, which will increase the revenue brought into Ocoee, Tummala said. Building the project is estimated to take 15 to 18 months, and the noise levels have been tested so they won’t be a disturbance to residents.
District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy said he hopes the project is successful and believes it will help to reduce the demand for the outdoor pickleball courts in Tiger Park, which have caused noise complaints by residents.
FOREST LAKE GOLF CLUB
Commissioners also unanimously approved moving forward with the short list of interviews for candidates for the lease and operation of Forest Lake Golf Club.
“As I read the six proposals, I didn’t really like any of them,” Kennedy said.
He said he saw good aspects and flaws in all but noticed fatal flaws in some.
Pains continue at Avalon/Schofield intersection
LETICIA
SILVA STAFF WRITER
It’s going to take several weeks, but Orange County officials hope the madness at the intersection of Avalon and Schofield roads will be coming to an end soon.
The county currently is in the process of installing permanent traffic lights to replace the temporary signal trailers that have been at the intersection.
However, that installation is causing back-ups and a confusing traffic pattern.
The county expects the installation to be complete next month.
Until then, locals have been plagued with heavier-than-usual traffic, and multiple residents have reported being late to work, school and other activities because of the slowdown.
Others are concerned about safety — especially in cases of emergencies.
“If you’re in a medical emergency, call 911,” District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said.
“The reality of it is, with emergency services, they don’t wait in traffic. They can go around, they can go over, they can go through, so call 911. Don’t hit the road yourself.”
The new signal is being installed to accommodate the future widening of Avalon Road from the four-lane section south of Schofield Road, all the way north to the four-lane section near Porter Road.
get a permanent structure in place, to get some more permanency. That’s what you’re seeing now, is the movement forward of some of that work.”
While the traffic is frustrating, Wilson reminds residents that the work is being done, the plan is there, and the county is working as hard as possible to complete the work to achieve its goals.
In the meantime, Wilson suggests a few solutions.
“I try to set myself a standard of traveling at an off-time, so either I leave for work really, really early, or I try to shoot for those non-peak hours when we know the school buses are not on the road,” she said.
Wilson also said the county will go through growth pains.
“There have been times where I tried really hard to actually deny some of those development permits coming through, but your governor, your state Legislature, preempted us from being able to do that,” she said. “The frustrating part for residents and for us is that we can’t stop the growth in time to catch up, and we don’t have an immediate overnight fix. My hope is that if they recently moved the area, that they understand that the area is part of a sector plan that have plans in place, that we will see completed and develop safe transportation once it’s done. But between now and then, I ask for them to stay patient and to stay informed and get the newsletter so they can see when there’s going to be work done.”
The commission is giving each of the three companies 30 days to prepare for the interviews, and Mayor Rusty Johnson said the city will restart the process if they’re unhappy with responses.
Other commissioners shared Kennedy’s assessment. However, they elected to move forward with interviews under five conditions: a one-page revenue share analysis; bank letter with proof of funds; five-year capital improvement plan; golf business growth plan; and a food and beverage plan.
“The Schofield Road intersection has been a safety issue for some time, and that was concerning enough for me to go over it a year ago,” Wilson said. “When Central Florida Expressway Authority came to the (Board of County Commissioners) to ask for permission to utilize that area for 429 extension, (we said) they would need to help us
Wilson recommends residents to reach out to state legislators and ask them to allow county governments to control growth.
“I’m not sure how we can get to the problem if they don’t allow us to say, ‘Hey, we need to stop the growth long enough to get caught up.’ The state won’t let us do that,” she said.
Courtesy rendering
The pickleball facility will feature 25 indoor courts and one outdoor championship court.
WINDERMERE TERRACE
The home at 12973 Holdenbury Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 26, for $735,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,464 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
WINDING BAY
Amansion in the Golden Oak community at Walt Disney World topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 25 to 31.
The home at 10138 Enchanted Oak Drive, Golden Oak, sold Aug. 27, for $11,250,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 7,001 square feet. Days on market: 118. The sellers were represented by Anna Mckee, Golden Oak Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY HILL
The home at 8908 Turnberry Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $790,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,837 square feet. Days on market: 32.
BAY VISTA ESTATES
The home at 9342 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 26, for $860,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,707 square feet. Days on market: 19.
GRANADA VILLAS
The villa at 8133 Terragona Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 28, for $685,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,823 square feet. Days on market: Four.
HERITAGE BAY AT PHILLIPS LANDING
The home at 9062 Dancy Tree Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $1,195,000. Built in 1999, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,111 square feet. Days on market: 50.
HIDDEN SPRINGS
The home at 5724 Pitch Pine Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $599,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,046 square feet. Days on market: 66. The home at 7703 Pine Vista Court, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $540,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,573 square feet. Days on market: 64.
SANDY SPRINGS
The home at 7846 Snowberry Circle sold Aug. 25, for $590,000. Built in 1988, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,748 square feet. Days on market: 40.
HORIZON WEST
ALEXANDER RIDGE
The home at 2210 Romanum Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $532,500. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,957 square feet. Days on market: 36.
GLENMUIR
The home at 6321 Clearmeadow Court sold Aug. 27, for $850,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,560 square feet. Days on market: 23.
HORIZON WEST
The home at 14415 Lake Huckleberry Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 26, for $900,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,269 square feet. Days on market: 141.
LAKE CAWOOD ESTATES
The home at 13710 Lake Cawood Drive sold Aug. 26, for $1,400,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 4,075 square feet. Days on market: Four.
PALMS AT WINDERMERE
The home at 14378 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $1,122,346. Built in 2025, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,222 square feet.
The home at 14366 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $889,288. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,687 square feet. Days on market: 25.
SAWYER SHORES
The home at 6720 Winter GardenVineland Road, Windermere, sold Aug. 25, for $1,194,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,554 square feet. Days on market: 32.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 5342 Citrus Leaf sold Aug. 28, for $837,705. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,300 square feet. Days on market: 55.
SUMMERPORT
The home at 4445 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $680,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,620 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 11069 Hollow Bay Drive sold Aug. 28, for $775,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet. Days on market: Three.
The home at 11021 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $815,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet.
The home at 8729 Eden Cove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $760,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,910 square feet. Days on market: 128.
The home at 11182 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $633,915. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,494 square feet. Days on market: 75.
The home at 18046 Cider Mill Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 27, for $579,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,216 square feet. Days on market: 127.
The home at 15315 Gilligan Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $925,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS
The home at 1877 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Aug. 29, for $520,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,008 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
WINTERS LANDING
The home at 413 Macchi Ave., Oakland, sold Aug. 29, for $840,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,290 square feet. Days on market: 66.
OCOEE ADMIRAL POINTE
The home at 1161 Coastal Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 25, for $700,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,142 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 2003 American Beech Parkway, Ocoee, sold Aug. 25, for $500,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,555 square feet of living area. Days on market: 217.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2068 Ashwood Bluff Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 28, for $554,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE GOLDEN OAK
The home at 10075 Symphony Grove Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 26, for $5,150,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 2,836 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.
LAKE SHEEN SOUND
The home at 9156 Sheen Sound St., Orlando, sold Aug. 27, for $2,195,000. Built in 2025, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,232 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.
WINDERMERE
KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER
The home at 1455 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold Aug. 29, for $5,150,000. Built in 1989, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,448 square feet. Days on market: 65.
WINTER GARDEN
CAMBRIDGE CROSSING
The home at 12411 Scarlett Sage Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 27, for $680,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,571 square feet. Days on market: 82.
CROWN POINT SPRINGS
The home at 1534 E. Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 26, for $441,500. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,785 square feet. Days on market: Five.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 13851 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $700,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,809 square feet. Days on market: 26.
DEER ISLAND
The home at 260 Deer Isle Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $1,850,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,714 square feet. Days on market: 702.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3446 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $629,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,741 square feet. Days on market: Three.
PARK PLACE AT WINTER GARDEN
The townhouse at 141 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $950,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,432 square feet. Days on market: 78.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 13716 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 26, for $712,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,410 square feet. Days on market: 92. The home at 1142 Maidenmoor Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $640,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,241 square feet. Days on market: Two.
UNINCORPORATED ORANGE COUNTY
The home and property at 9201 Tower Pine Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $2,625,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,886 square feet. Days on market: 10.
WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE
The home at 1378 Roxy Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $485,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.
WINTER GROVE
The home at 411 Winter Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 25, for $852,780. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,681 square feet of living area. Days on market: 47.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Pammie’s Sammies
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Pammie’s Sammies. Located at 121 S Boyd St in Winter Garden, Pammie’s Sammies is a quirky little café serving up big flavors made to order. Selections include hot and cold sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, wraps, salads and soups, as well as daily specials. Their philosophy is simple: “We create adventurous menus featuring a broad range of thoughtfully sourced products.” To learn more, visit https://www.pammiessammies.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Lindora Windermere
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Lindora Windermere. Located at 368 Moore Rd in Ocoee, Lindora Windermere is a Wellness & Weight Loss Studio specializing in personalized weight loss programs with or without GLP-1s, hormone replacement therapy for men and women, IV hydration, and the Zerona VZ8 cold laser for targeted fat loss — helping you look, feel, and live your best. To learn more, visit https://www.lindora.com/location/windermere.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Restoration House Pilates
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Restoration House Pilates. Located at 12639 W Colonial Dr Ste A in Winter Garden, Restoration House Pilates operates with the mission of loving and serving people — body, mind and spirit. They’ve created a space where hope is renewed, strength is restored and every person truly matters. To learn more, visit http://resthouse.club/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 40-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Dr. P. Phillips Hospital
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Located at 9400 Turkey Lake Rd in Orlando, Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital serves the health care needs of southwest Orange County residents and visitors worldwide. The 285-bed facility, which was known as Sand Lake Hospital until 2007, provides a variety of medical services using advanced technology and expertise in diagnostic imaging, cardiovascular and stroke care, comprehensive surgical services, and rehabilitation. “Since 1985, we’ve had the privilege of caring for our community and visitors from around the world,” said Philip Koovakada, president of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. “This anniversary is a celebration of the trust from our patients and the dedication of our team members, who provide every patient with highquality, compassionate care.” Amid continuous growth to better serve patients, the hospital expanded its robotic surgery program this summer with the addition of a third robot, increasing access to minimally invasive procedures that often enable smoother recovery. Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has been recognized for numerous quality and safety achievements, including its recertification this year as the only hospital in Central Florida to earn the Joint Commission’s Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement designation. To learn more, visit https://www.OrlandoHealth.com/DrPhillipsHospital.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
SPORTS
GAME OF THE WEEK
Dr. Phillips (4-1) vs. Olympia (1-4)
Off-field friendships, on-field opponents
1Legacy Charter announced its search for a middle school boys basketball head coach for this season. The school had a last-minute opening and is looking for someone who is passionate about basketball and leading young players to success. If you’re interested, email athletics@ hopecharter.org.
2
Olympia’s volleyball team won first place in the Metro West Tournament Thursday, Sept. 18 to Saturday, Sept. 20. The team started off the tournament by defeating Apopka and Windermere in two sets, which advanced the Lady Titans to the finals. In the finals, the girls defeated Horizon in three sets, winning the first 25-16, losing the second 25-23 and pulled away in the third set with a score of 15-10. It was Horizon’s third loss this season. In last year’s tournament, Horizon defeated Olympia in the semifinals, and the Titans came back this year with a sense of revenge. Olympia won districts the last three years and have a goal of extending the streak to four; the Lady Titans are currently 16-2 this season. Horizon is 14-3 and 2-1 in its district.
3
Horizon is changing its start date for girls soccer tryouts. The new dates are 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, and Wednesday, Oct. 15. Players are required to have completed and uploaded a FHSAA physical and ECG to attend. Those with questions should contact the head coach thomas.brown@ocps.net. The Hawks’ first game will be a road match against Evans Tuesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30 p.m. The team finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 7-10 and placed second in is district. Horizon was district champions in the 2022 and 2023 season.
4
Cross-country teams from both Foundation Academy and Windermere High enjoyed success at recent meets.
Foundation’s varsity crosscountry teams competed in the West Orange Invitational Saturday, Sept. 20, against West Orange High School. The team’s hard work during practices reflected in their performance. Out of the seven boys, five earned personal records and two of the four girls also earned their best time. Foundation’s next meet is Friday, Oct. 3, at Holloway Park in Lakeland. Windermere’s cross-country team had success in its meet at the Austin Tindall Sports Complex last weekend, too. The Wolverine’s girls placed first in the meet and had three top-15 finishes. The next meet is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, at Ocoee High.
5
Commitment letters continue to roll in across the county, and Windermere High School has announced its fall signing day. It will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in the auditorium. The school is inviting guests to celebrate. Email jermey.campbell@ocps. net with any questions. Many athletes are receiving offers, including Windermere’s boys basketball guard, Bryce Hoffert, and The First Academy mens basketball player Kyle Blair, who both received letters from North Florida. Ocoee high school’s football player Damar’eon Cawthon received his first Division 1 offer from Florida A&M University.
Dr. Phillips and Olympia face each other Friday in their first district game with friends across the sidelines.
District games means crunch time in high school football. They are critical for determining if a team will make it to playoffs, as well as their rankings. And if you want to be set up for success, you need to win them. Winning a district championship is even more critical, because that can allow a school to achieve an auto-
SIX
Games kick off at 7 p.m. unless noted n CFCA (4-0) vs. Windermere Prep (3-1) n Dr. Phillips (4-1) vs. Olympia (1-4)* n Horizon (2-3) vs. Winter Springs (4-1) n Lake Buena Vista (3-2) vs. Windermere (5-0)*
matic spot in the playoffs, but that comes later in the season.
Dr. Phillips and Olympia High Schools are two teams that compete every year in a district game, and they will meet again on Friday, Sept. 26. The contest is the first district game of the season for both schools and their coaches — who are off-field friends.
head coach Travis Gabri-
was hired in 2018 and regarded Dr. Phillips head coach Rodney Wells as a friend and a mentor. Wells played for Dr. Phillips when he was in high school and has coached the Panthers since 2011. He was inducted into the Dr. Phillips Athletic Hall of Fame in May 2019.
SPIKE FORCE!
During Wells’ time as a Panther student-athlete, he played with Gabriel’s brother, Doug. Gabriel went back to South Florida to finish playing there but has been back in the Orlando area for more than 20 years, Wells said.
Lakers’ sound minds lead to success in the pool
Windermere Prep swim and dive head coach Larry Jukes is coaching the team to states using his professional experiences.
MEGAN
STAFF WRITER Swimming is a technical sport. Athletes
each
with
and accuracy as they dart their way through the water. The winner of a meet can be determined by a matter of milliseconds. But, it’s not just the athletes who need to be precise; it’s the coaches, too.
High school swim coaches only can take the four fastest to each event in districts; Google Sheets are a coach’s friend.
At Windermere Preparatory School, swim head coach Larry Jukes and assistant coach, Anne Pegues, have a method figured out for the madness. Jukes is in his third season as head coach. The Lakers have sent swimmers to states the past two years, and they intend to do so again. He came to Windermere Prep with more than a decade of professional coaching on his resume and has taken that knowledge to produce success for the Lakers. But, it wasn’t the path he envisioned 20 years ago.
ROAD BACK TO THE WATER Jukes calls himself a lifelong swimmer. He earned a top 16 ranking in the 100-yard freestyle at 14 and went on to swim in college at the University of Evansville. There, he was named team captain and pursued his law degree. He continued to study law and
Lake Buena Vista High freshman swimmer Jayden Tsai already has broken seven school records. Page 2B.
Megan Bruinsma
West Orange High’s Alexa Valentine was a critical component in the Warriors’ offensive attack.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Olympia coach Travis Gabriel expects a tough opponent in DP.
Dr. Phillips coach Rodney Wells is looking forward to facing Olympia Friday.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Jayden Tsai
As
now holds records in the 200 medley relay, 200 IM, 100 butterfly and 50, 500, 200 and 100 free, and 100 butterfly. His
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
Being Athlete of the Week is amazing for me, (because) I am a freshman and never got to experience something like this.
What do you enjoy the most about swimming?
I loved swimming ever since I was a kid, and I enjoy making new friends throughout my career, which is what I love the most.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from swimming?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far is to be humble and kind to everyone, (because) people can be brought down by even one small comment.
What is your favorite swimming memory?
My favorite swimming memory is when I knew my dad was watching and was wanting me to get a time, which would get me first in the country for my age group.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete currently is Leon Marchand, (because) he does similar events to mine, and he inspires me to push harder.
What is your go-to pre-meet meal?
My go-to premeet meal is usually some thing small like nuts and M&Ms.
What is your go-to pre-meet hype song?
It is basic, but it gets me hyped, (because) it has been one of my favor ite songs since it came out and I can go bar for bar with it, “Super UrusLucki.”
What is your favorite non-sports hobby? Going fishing or going to the beach with friends.
THE BASICS Age: 14
Grade: Freshman
School: Lake Buena Vista Sport: Swim
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school is culinary for sure. I am having a ton of fun in it.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Three things I would take would be a private chef, a specialized survivalist; and my phone with infinite data battery and Wi-Fi.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie that I can remember on the spot is probably “The Gorge,” because it was very entertaining to me.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Jay Z.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? 2016, (because) it was one of the best years with every topic — games, clothes, and just the general vibe of the year.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t slack off and skip.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
“Will I make it?”
Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman
Who is your favorite
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
To understand any topic so I can create whatever I want that can allow me to do whatever I want to do.
Does pineapple belong on pizza? No.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
Lady
Warriors
top The Villages, 24-22
It was match point for the West Orange girls volleyball team Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a score of 24-22.
Lady Warriors outside hitter Kettie Maroth leapt up to hit the ball and nailed down a kill. She finished the match and handed West Orange the win over The Villages Charter in four sets.
The theme of the game was “Warriors in the Wild West,” and fans showed, making their voices heard.
The Lady Warriors are 5-6
DP, Olympia ready to renew rivalry
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
“When he was coaching at Boone, we were close, and (that continued) when he got the head coaching job (at Olympia),” Wells said. “We always talk once or twice a week about life, football. We’re good friends.”
Wells said a lot of the head coaches in the area are close friends because nobody else truly understands the weight they have on their backs on a weekly basis.
“As a head coach, everything falls on you — every single football player in the program, along with the community, along with raising money,” he said. “It’s a tough job. So we all lean on each other and talk to each other about — not just football, but off-the-field issues.”
Heading into a game with a friend across the sidelines doesn’t make the game any different.
Each team is going to play their hearts out, especially with a district win on the line. But no matter who wins, the coaches will hug afterward and talk about the game.
“Maybe we’ll go get some wings,” Wells said.
Tracking back to their last three
seasons, Olympia won in 2022. Dr. Phillips returned the favor in 2023 during regular season and in a playoff matchup. Last year, the Panthers blew out Olympia, 42-0.
Wells described Friday’s tilt as a playoff game because of the point system.
“We have two goals every year, and one goal is to win the district, and the other goal is go 5-0 in the playoffs,” Wells said. “This being the first district game, it’s a big game and regardless of the records, Olympia is always a good game.
Olympia is currently sitting at 1-4 this season, while Dr. Phillips is 4-1.
PANTHERS WITH HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE
Dr. Phillips has the home-field advantage this time around.
The Panthers have played five out of its 10 games this season and Wells has seen an abundance of positives.
“The biggest thing is the leadership of the team, which is usually difficult at the beginning of the season because we lost 30 seniors last year,” he said. “A lot of these guys are new starters. … The guys we got, the team I chose to be captains have been doing a great job.”
This season the team has been prioritizing working on its chemistry. During the game against Ocoee Friday, Sept. 12, Dr. Phillips was down but the team stayed believing in each other, which made Wells proud.
“They kept playing, “ he said.
“They had to fight through adversity because our starting quarterback went down with an ankle sprain, so our backup quarterback ended up going in and wanted the game for us. I just saw the belief and the team spirit the whole time.”
The Panthers’ starting quarterback, Camren West, was injured during the third quarter against Ocoee. Wells said he has had improvements in his ankle and has returned to practice since then. But he hasn’t been cleared yet to play against Olympia. Because of the tenderness of ankles, the staff wants to make sure West is 100%, so he doesn’t have a repeat injury.
The injury has given sophomore backup, Tien Williams, the opportunity to showcase his talents and future. Developing the younger players is one of the things Wells loves about his job.
so far this season; they travel to Osceola Monday, Sept. 29.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
WEEK FIVE REVIEW
Windermere Prep had its first loss this season against Bishop McLaughlin Catholic. Despite turnovers and self-made errors, the score remained within reach. Now, the Lakers will head into practices with a lesson and room to grow.
Ocoee is in a similar boat. The Knights lost to Boone last week, marking Ocoee’s second consecutive loss.
Dr. Phillips continued with its momentum from last week, scoring 21 points in the first quarter to extend them to 4-1 this season. West Orange bounced back from its loss against Boone last week. The Warriors highlighted its offensive and defensive powers for its homecoming game by shutting out Lake Buena Vista, 49-0.
WEEK FIVE SCORES
CFCAA (4-0), 42
Bronson (0-6), 12
Dr. Phillips (4-1), 35
Wekiva (1-4), 6 Foundation Academy (4-2), 26
Eustis (1-4), 7
Evans (4-1), 44
Horizon (2-3), 0
West Orange (4-1), 49
Lake Buena Vista (3-2), 0
Boone (5-0), 24
Ocoee (3-2), 21
Lake Nona (3-2), 31
Olympia (1-4), 27
The First Academy (3-2), 21 Venice (2-2), 14
Windermere (5-0), 45
East River (1-4), 6
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic (3-3) , 21
Windermere Prep (3-1), 10
“That’s the fun part, seeing guys grow, develop and get offers and go off to school,” he said. “The family part of it is big. We preach faith and family as we teach football.” He asks his players for three things: a 3.0 GPA, never get in trouble and participate in every activity they have in season and off season. Wells sees tremendous growth from the players who follow that and listen to the coaches who are “some of the best in the state of Florida.”
The team cheered after Cassidy Flakes, No. 1, had a kill.
Skylar Kessler served it up for her team.
The Warriors had high energy throughout the game and celebrated together after each point.
Focus, fundamentals fuel swim team
became an attorney, but medical complications threatened his future. In 2000, Jukes started to have seizures for six years and went into surgery to correct the issue. Now he’s seizurefree.
That moment changed his life.
“I had to basically (have) a career redo at the time, and while I was in my hometown, they were looking for a coach in Illinois,” Jukes said. “So I, for 10 years, became a head coach in Centralia, Illinois, and that was my first reintroduction to swimming.”
With the CRCY Barracudas Swim Team in Illinois, Jukes rekindled his love for swimming and found a love for coaching.
“Once I started doing it and actually learning to be better at it, I found out that, ‘I’m actually kind of good at this,’” Jukes said. “Then from there, it just grew and grew. I always had a love for the sport, competing in it, but my love for coaching grew. … I feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. I’m very happy doing it.”
His talent for coaching grew, as well. Jukes had led swimmers to many events, including the USA Senior National, USA Junior National and even overseas to the 2012 World Swimming Championships in Istanbul, Turkey.
The club team in Illinois introduced Jukes to swim camps and Nick Baker, a Canadian Olympic coach who took a swimmer to the Olympics in 1992 in Barcelona. Later, he took his talents to the United States and ran camps in Fort Lauderdale, which is where Jukes met Baker.
“His philosophies on swimming and his attention to detail and all of that — I just latched onto,” Jukes said. “I use many of those things as my philosophies now, too.”
Jukes has coached camps all over the U.S. and the world, traveling to China, Vietnam and Canada. He’s now been coaching for 18 years.
“Coaching camps is where my attention to detail (grew) and attention to the stroke and how to correct strokes, how to teach the stroke,” Jukes said.
Baker wrote a book called “The Swimming Triangle: A Holistic Approach to Competitive Swimming.”
The book described swimming as having three sides: physical, technical and mental.
The physical encompasses all the practices, both in the water and on dry land, and strength. Technical focuses on how a swimmer does the strokes, how they start and turn. The third side, which Jukes believes is the most important, is mental.
“That focus on what happens when you get behind the blocks and you start freaking out because the race is here and all those negative thoughts come in your mind,” he said. “(You need to learn) how to combat that and train the mind.”
TRAINING
TACKLING
Jukes characterized swimming as the “best combination” of an individual and team sport. Each swimmer is the only one in his or her lane, aside from relays.
“It’s you against your lane, your water,” he said.
The spotlight is entirely on the swimmer representing the school. Each athlete wants to do well for themselves, to earn a spot in districts or states, but they also wants to do well for the school.
“It comes with a lot of pressure that you have to be able to manage and say, ‘OK, I’ve trained all these hours and I’m ready to go,’” Jukes said. “Every-
thing else is out of your mind and let’s swim.”
Combating the mental side during meets all starts during practice.
“When they get to practice, they want to just not think,” he said. “They want to just (listen) to instructions, but let the music play in their head while swimming.”
Jukes and Pegues teach Windermere Prep’s swimmers to think during practice and focus on the “how.” How are they putting their arm in the water? How are they kicking? How are they diving in? Following this allows the swimmers to not think during meets.
“Race with an empty mind,” he said.
Before meets and during practices, the Lakers practice visualization and relaxation techniques to help calm those nerves. The coaches have them hook their feet on the lane lines and float to clear their mind, close their eyes and relieve all of the stress from the week or school day.
They make sure to prioritize the physical training, too.
Four days per week, Windermere Prep practices from 5:30 to 7 a.m., which is primarily the high school level swimmers who are competing at higher levels. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, they spend an hour focusing on the developmental aspects of their strokes.
They also do dry land training with a conditioning coach for 30 minutes on Tuesdays and Thurs -
days. Saturday they have an all team practices.
It’s a rigorous schedule, but that’s exactly what is needed for competition.
GO TIME To swim in states, a school swimmer must compete in five meets. This is where the calculation from coaches comes into play.
The coaches try to take the four fastest in each event to districts, but each swimmer they bring can compete in only four events.
“Someone may be fast in four events, but they can only swim in two individual events and two relays,”
Jukes said. “So even if they’re fast in four events, I have to put them in two, and that opens up different possibilities on where you might want somebody opposed to another person.”
Jukes and Pegues often stay up late going over their possible combinations with swimmers, who to enter in races, who should go in relays. Pegues organized a Google sheet to list the swimmers rankings within the team. They lay out events and check mark boxes to place swimmers in different events.
Once they make it to a meet, the time flies by.
“It’s exciting to see the races happen
— especially if you have a close race or a close relay race and they’re battling,” Jukes said.
Last year Windermere Prep placed fourth in districts for women and men, at regionals women came in seventh and men sixth. In states, women came in 20th, men 13th and Addison Bitel, who has committed to Duke, finished runner-up in the 100-meter breaststroke.
This year, Jukes already is planning to send one male and one female to states and assumes he will send relay teams, too.
And although it is quite the accomplishment to make it to states, that’s not an expectation Jukes has set for the team.
“We want to make sure we’re developing the team to compete, to get there as a team and to take as many as we possibly can,” he said. “If there’s a year we take one person, OK, that’s great. And if there’s a year we don’t take anyone, well OK, that’s fine too.”
Windermere Prep’s main focus is centered around the team and building a fun environment for its swimmers. Jukes said is fortunate to have talented swimmers who have consistently made it to the highest level of competition, but he wants everyone on the team to be a priority.
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Courtesy photos
Swimming requires a lot of practice to improve strokes, breathing and mindset.
The suits swimmers wear are regulated and are required to allow some water in.
INFLUENCER
MICHELLE KRAUSE
Michelle Krause is the secondary guide in English/language arts and art history at Ocoee Innovation Montessori High School. She guides students through stories, ideas and images and helps them think critically, question deeply and create boldly. She recently completed her Secondary Montessori certification, which is a milestone that grounds her practice more fully in the teaching philosophy she loves.
What brought you to your school?
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
When I first toured Innovation Montessori for my daughter, I fell in love with the place. Half-joking, I asked if they might ever open a high school. To my surprise, the principal replied they were adding a ninth grade the next year. The rest unfolded like a story waiting to be written. I feel deeply honored to have helped shape and nurture the secondary program from its very beginning.
What do you love most about your school?
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Possibility. Here, education stretches beyond the bounds of traditional academics. We cultivate inquiry and project-based learning but also nourish the whole adolescent. I love how we prioritize community through daily circles, quarterly community day celebrations and even quiet, tech and work-free moments of solo time. There’s a sense that learning here isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about becoming.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The privilege of exploring literature and art alongside teenagers every single day. To walk with them over multiple years, watching their intellectual, emotional and social selves unfold, is extraordinary. Literature becomes more than words on a page. It becomes a mirror, a window and a doorway. Guiding students to step through those thresholds is the most rewarding work I could imagine.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I wouldn’t. Teaching is my calling.
But if I allowed myself a flight of imagination, I might be a symbologist unraveling mysteries of the past through art and literature, solving history’s hidden crimes.
Who influences you?
While I could name great thinkers, my truest influences are works of art — novels that probe human nature, films that stir empathy, paintings that challenge perception. In pages, galleries and screens I find reflections that make me pause, reconsider and reimagine who I am, who we are and what society might become.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My English and drama teachers mostly. A few social studies teachers, too. They understood the magic of deep questioning, the necessity of thinking critically and the joy of creating. They were humanists, passing on the secrets of how to be fully alive. We need more of them in the world.
REPORT CARD
Position: Secondary guide in English/language arts and art history
“The Little Prince.” Though written as a children’s story, I think it offers adults some of the keenest reminders. Too often, we are taught to measure value in terms of wealth or utility rather than in the simple beauties that give life meaning. I love the moment when the narrator notices a rose blooming in the window of a house. It captures the idea that something small, fleeting and delicate can hold infinite worth. The story calls us back to wonder and to the truth that what is essential is often invisible to the eye. It’s beautiful.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I must confess that I love lesson planning. But more than that, I cherish time with my daughters or evenings curled up with a good British period drama or mystery. Simplicity is a kind of luxury these days.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
John Keats. Perhaps I’ve romanticized him too much, but I imagine us enjoying books, French wine, fine weather and a little music played out of doors. Oscar Wilde would be another dazzling dinner guest, and Neil deGrasse Tyson would remind me to keep my eyes lifted to the stars.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? The ability to fly, to time travel or to speak every language. Each one, in its own way, offers a sense of freedom — to transcend barriers of space, time and understanding.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Patrick Wolf, The Cure and Indigo Girls. Their music has been a soundtrack to different seasons of my life: melancholic, reflective and defiantly hopeful.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as a student? Pepperoni slices, provolone, olives and fruit.
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas for the wonder of Christmas morning.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? Susannah. We were drama scene partners and best friends who wore matching hand-painted shoes our senior year. We’re still in touch, though not as often as I’d like.
— LIZ RAMOS
Sweet way to start the day
Cantrell Rogers colored alongside his son Cantrell Rogers Jr., a fourth-grader at Westbrooke Elementary School, after enjoying a few donuts.
Cantrell Rogers was thrilled to attend the school’s first Doughnuts with Dad Thursday, Sept. 18.
“It’s great to see the school show some love for the dads,” he said. “They have something for dads and their daughters, but I have a son, so this is great.”
The tables were full of dads and father figures munching on donuts and coloring before students headed off to class.
Dr. Vidal Reyes, the principal, said any time the school can have parent involvement is beneficial to the students.
“Families really collaborating with us and having moments of happiness will bring a lot more memories for all of us,” he said.
— LIZ RAMOS
Cantrell Rogers was thrilled to have a school event for him and his son Cantrell Rogers Jr.
Second-grader Eviana Vazquez and Kenneth Vazquez spent the morning coloring and enjoying donuts. “It’s good because usually I’m at work already,” Kenneth Vazquez said.
Wes Williamson and Lawren Williamson, a second-grader, loved seeing all the dads and father figures coming out to support the school and its students.
Right: Third-grader Piper Gomez, kindergartner Sadie Gomez and their dad, Eric Gomez, settled in for donuts. “I take them to school every day so it was nice to have a donut, too,” Eric Gomez said.
Diego Cruz hugged his second-grader Luiza Cruz before sending her off to class.
Kenith Robinson was having a great time with his firstgrader Khaleesi Robinson.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business
The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to 10 YEARS
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Sandler by Florida Growth Advisors
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Sandler by Florida Growth Advisors. Based in Windermere, Sandler & Sales Development Series introduces professionals to a powerful combination of behaviors, techniques, and tools — readily applicable across all industries. As technology transforms old ways of selling and creates new ones, Sandler helps salespeople who need to upskill and expand their range of possibilities. To learn more, visit http://go.sandler.com/fga.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the the 120-year anniversary of Observer Media Group
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 120-year anniversary of Observer Media Group. Located at 661 Garden Commerce Pkwy Ste 180 in Winter Garden, Observer Media Group publishes the West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer and OrangeObserver.com. This year, they are celebrating 120 years of the West Orange Times & Observer. They are West Orange’s only hyperlocal community news source. To learn more, visit https://www.orangeobserver.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of CC’s Kitchen
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of CC’s Kitchen. Located at 13391 W Colonial Dr in Winter Garden, CC’s Kitchen offers delectable homemade meals, catering to individual cravings and special events. They specialize in fresh, flavorful dishes. Their passion is to bring comfort and joy to your tables through their diverse menu, including daily specials and custom catering options. To learn more, visit https://www.ccskitchenfl.com/.
West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 25-year anniversary of Nehrling Gardens
The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 25-year anniversary of Nehrling Gardens. Located at 2267 Hempel Ave in Gotha, Nehrling Gardens is a Florida Heritage Landmark, owned & operated by The Henry Nehrling Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. The gardens are also on the National Register of Historic Places. The volunteer organization is continuing to rehab the home & gardens as a community resource & education center. To learn more, visit https://nehrlinggardens.org/.
THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST
To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304
West Orange Homecoming Parade marches on Plant
Garden as
Orange High School celebrated its 2025 Homecoming Parade Thursday, Sept. 18.
The parade kicked off at 6 p.m. and featured student organizations and clubs, sports teams, the marching band, cheerleaders and, of course, members of the 2025 Homecoming Court.
The Warriors continued the festivities Friday, Sept. 19, with a 49-0 win over Lake Buena Vista High School. Then on Saturday, Sept. 10, students enjoyed the packed Homecoming Dance: Carnaval The Rhythm of Rio, held at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando. For more photos, visit tkphotos.com.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1935: 90 years ago
After only seven hours and 45 minutes worth of instruction in the air, Fred Tilden took a plane aloft at the Orlando Municipal Airport, made his first solo flight and brought it down in a perfect threepoint landing. He had visions of having his own plane and flying field in Tildenville.
The fighting Red Devils of Lakeview High School met Titusville High to mark the dedication of Walker Field, Winter Garden’s new $10,000 athletic field. It was named in honor of Mayor George Walker, a former baseball player, through whose efforts the field became a reality.
1945: 80 years ago
There were innumerable beauty spots in Florida, but one of the most beautiful was Trailer City on Lake Apopka, according to Mr. and Mrs. C.O. Bacon, who had been residents there since 1939. They appreciated the comforts of home life and the charm of their surroundings.
1970: 55 years ago
Nearly 500 local officials, educators, interested citizens and distinguished guests gathered to witness the official groundbreaking of Valencia Junior College’s permanent campus.
The Winter Garden Lions Club defeated the Winter Garden Rotary Club 3-2 in a hard-fought donkey softball game for the benefit of the West Orange Youth Club.
Dick Lindsey was promoted to varsity basketball coach at Lakeview High School, as announced by Vel Heckman, head football coach and athletic director.
Lions Club President Charles
The staff at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is fond of this building at 990 E. Plant St., which, presumably, always has been an automobile repair business. Constructed in 1946, its distinctive step-front architectural face greets travelers arriving in Winter Garden from the east. This photograph from 2013 shows the structure when it featured a creamy yellow design. It is currently an eye-catching brick red. The red piping affixed to the facade only adds to its uniqueness.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation collects and preserves in its archive information and photographs of virtually every business located in West Orange County, both past and present. Is yours part of the collection? Email museum@wghf.org.
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.
Hawthorne presented Past President C.H. Johnson with the International Key Advancement Award for his outstanding work in obtaining new members and his most valuable assistance in retaining existing members in the Winter Garden Lions.
1975: 50 years ago
For $5, residents could rent a space at the Winter Garden Bicentennial Birthday Celebration Flea Market at the City Auditorium park grounds.
City Manager Dick Baxter received four sealed bids for a new car. He said the car would be used by himself and the commissioners for travel to and from conferences.
Linnie Smith, Beverly Parker and Nancy Barber discussed plans for the plant booth, which was one of the many attractions at the Dillard Street/Winter Garden Elementary Carnival. The popular event also included a bake sale, country store, dunk tank, fire truck rides and raffle.
1980: 45 years ago
Mark Miller, a rising star in the country music field, performed at Ocoee Junior High School, where his mother, Irene Miller, taught mathematics.
1990: 35 years ago
“Sesame Street” host Bob McGrath visited Disney-MGM Studios to visit his pal Kermit at the Here Come the Muppets stage show.
THROWBACK
SEPT. 25, 1975
West Orange County in the 1970s didn’t offer a plethora of restaurant choices, but those that were available likely ran ads in The Winter Garden Times The
“ZXP SYNFKMDFCCO CYNRYI UBXP XCH. ZXP DFCC XD CMUZK NWH VXCXB NBY KZYMB CNIK HNOI.” AXZW SFBBXFUZI
“GTITL LTELTY MGVYKXGE VBP KMIT FBGT JXYK M ZXGSTLT MNNTSYXBG; GBYKXGE XZ HBZY YKMY XZ ABLG BN YKT KTMLY.” AMZXH LMYKABGT
© 2025 NEA, Inc.
“END OF DISCUSSION” by Sala Wanetick, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
