SOUTHWEST ORANGE
BRAINFOOD
1Fire destroys Keene’s Pointe home
A Windermere home caught fire the night of Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Orange County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire in Keene’s Pointe, a gated neighborhood in Windermere.
With more than 50 firefighters on scene, the fire eventually was extinguished. According to Orange County Fire Rescue, no one was in the home at the time.
An investigation is ongoing.
2Two local residents involved in fatal crashes
Florida Highway Patrol troopers were on-scene of a fatal crash that occurred around 2:17 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26.
Two vehicles were traveling eastbound in the center outside lane on State Road 528 in the area of Orangewood Boulevard. A Lamborghini Huracan failed to stop for a Ford F-550 in front of it and struck the rear of the truck.
rghini was a 41-year-old male from Windermere, and the driver was a 41-year-old male from Kissim mee. They were transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Cen ter, where they were pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Ford was a 58-year-old male from Altamonte Springs; he didn’t suffer injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
A second Windermere man was involved in a fatal head-on crash Sunday, Sept. 21.
Witnesses said a 22-year-old Windermere man driving a 2019 Audi Q5 was traveling at a high rate of speed and driving the wrong way on U.S. 27 around 1:54 a.m.
The Windermere man struck a 28-year-old Orlando man traveling northbound on U.S. 27 in a 2021 Toyota Camry.
The driver of the Camry succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Windermere man was transported to the Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
JAM
Hot Chicken
The brand is expanding to open a second location this fall in the former Hunger Street Tacos space in Plant Street Market inside Crooked Can Brewing.
“We can’t wait to share our love for hot chicken with Winter Garden and continue bringing people together over great food,” owner Andrew Scala said.
The new space will feature crowd favorites, including The Sando, The Box and crispy tenders.
Scala said the Plant Street Market location could feature exclusive menu items, as well.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome JAM Hot Chicken to Plant
AdventHealth Winter Garden recognized as top performer AdventHealth Winter Garden recently was recognized as a top performer in the 2025 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Ranking.
Vinzient Inc., which recognized AdventHealth Winter Garden, recognizes health care organizations and their suppliers for excellence in clinical quality, efficiency,
performance in delivering highquality patient care,” the hospital posted on Facebook. “This recognition is all about our commitment to great care and teamwork.”
Opened in 2009, AdventHealth Winter Garden has cared for millions of patients throughout the years and now is planning an expansion for 2026 that will include labor and delivery services, new operating rooms and more patient beds.
5
Open carry officially in effect in Florida
Florida’s First District Court of Appeal has claimed prohibiting open carry in the state unconstitutional.
For 38 years, openly carrying a firearm was deemed as a seconddegree misdemeanor in Florida. The court’s ruling changed the law Thursday, Sept. 25, allowing Floridians to open carry in public.
If you choose to carry a firearm with you, here’s what you need to know:
n Courthouses, police stations, bars, school properties, airports and commission meetings prohibit open and concealed carry.
n At the discretion of the owners, you may or may not be allowed to open carry at grocery stores, retail stores and dining areas of a restaurant.
n If you’re asked to leave an
New Marketplace changes could mean big changes to your monthly cost for your health plan. You don’t have to face it alone.
Let our dedicated agents help keep you and your family covered:
• Review what these changes could mean for you
• Learn the additional steps for enrollment in a 2026 health plan
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Courtesy photo
Orange County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire in Keene’s Pointe.
Oakland OKs budget, millage rate
The town commission unanimously approved the budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
The Oakland Town Commission unanimously approved the budget and millage rate for Fiscal Year 20252026, which begins Oct. 1.
Oakland Finance Director Gabrielle Leon gave a presentation Tuesday, Sept. 23, about the final budget and the changes that occurred since the town’s last meeting Sept. 8. Leon said revenue will remain unchanged for the town’s General Fund, while expenditures were adjusted to reflect a 38% savings the town and Oakland Avenue Charter School received from Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust. These savings increased the General Fund reserves from $135,741 to $302,591.
“That’s not the only money the town has,” Leon said. “That’s just what’s left over. … Any money that’s left over gets put into a contingency GL code for any unexpected expenses that come up throughout the year.
… We don’t just have $302,000 left over in our reserves to operate the town; that’s not what those numbers mean.”
Leon said OACS’ reserves also increased from $25,456 to $80,456.04.
The town also made changes to its General Liability and Workers Compensation codes: finance/administrative, public works and police department compensation lines were revised to move budgeted overtime into the compensation code.
Leon said impact fees, the Enterprise Fund and OACS’ revenue have not changed. The millage rate of 6.70 remains the same.
The total final budget amounts to $29,990,321, with $11,020,949 going toward the General Fund, $7,552,550 going toward the Utility Fund, $5,095,392 going toward Special Revenue and $6,321,430 going toward OACS’ operations.
IN OTHER NEWS
n Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
n The Oakland Police Department now is enforcing speed zone camera citations after 30 days of giving out warnings. Police Chief Darron Esan said the department has seen more than 100 speed violations in the past 30 days.
n Public Works Director Mike Parker said Oakland’s new roundabout is almost finished. “It’s a matter of days,” he said.
IN STYLE
n Taylor said Orlando Health is talking to its real-estate department about bringing doctors offices to the town. He said a similar meeting with AdventHealth took place Thursday, Sept. 25.
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Matthew’s Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless, held a speakeasy-styled fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 27.
The event was held to help the growing homeless community with around 100 people in attendance.
The Mobsters & Money fundraiser provided attendees with live music from The Groove Slayers and DJ Bubbles, as well as casino games, raffles, silent auction and food.
According to board member Lori Gibson, 87% of Matthew’s Hope’s funding goes directly toward the homeless community, meaning the organization operates at just 13%.
Scott Billue, founder and CEO of Matthew’s Hope, said this is huge.
Matthew’s Hope is able to provide more funding directly to the homeless community
while being able to operate with an overhead that is 14.5% less than the average benchmark. According to Florida Nonprofit Alliance, in the nonprofit world, 20% to 35% is the benchmark for overhead operations.
Matthew’s Hope provides different types of services to the homeless — from basic needs to spiritual and emotional support.
“Lead with love and watch miracles happen,” Gibson said.
—LETICIA SILVA
Scott Billue, founder and CEO of Matthew’s Hope, smiled next to friends, David and Eileen Buckles.
Julie Bilinksi, Maggie Polsen and Nicole Olwald attended the fundraiser in style.
Members of the Rotary Club of Winter Garden were all smiles during the fundraiser.
Lori Gibson, a board member of Matthew’s Hope, gave a speech during the event, thanking all volunteers and attendees for the help they’ve provided so far, while citing statistics from the nonprofit.
Linda Oppegard was one of the dealers at the event. She asked attendees trivia questions, who could answer to win poker chips.
MWindermere seniors enjoy Senior Sunrise
ore than 600 Windermere High School seniors arrived at school extra-early Wednesday, Sept. 16, for their Senior Sunrise.
Seniors — many dressed in pajamas — received special T-shirts and Chick-fil-A biscuits before settling in on the field for a special morning.
FOR MORE PHOTOS, VISIT TK-PHOTOS.COM.
OTitans take over downtown Windermere
lympia High School continued its Windermere tradition with its third annual Homecoming Parade Wednesday, Sept. 17, in downtown.
Olympia family members and friends lined the streets to catch a glimpse of all the Titan groups and organizations in the parade.
Participating organizations included the school’s football team, cheerleaders, marching band, Homecoming court members and much more.
— MICHAEL ENG
meng@OrangeObserver.com
Design
jeng@OrangeObserver.com
lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Historian / Amy Quesinberry
amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Madi Solomon, msolomon@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
Courtesy of Family Church
The parade featured myriad student organizations, including Olympia’s JROTC program.
Left: The Olympia Titans football team had a blast representing their school.
Olympia’s cheerleaders brought plenty of school spirit to the parade.
The Olympia marching band provided the perfect soundtrack for the parade.
‘The Disney World of Asia’
Asian grocer H Mart opened its largest location Thursday, Sept. 25, in Orlando — much to the delight of the area’s Asian-American population.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Asian market H Mart has opened its first Florida location in Orlando, and it’s the biggest one yet.
During its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 25, hundreds of people stood outside in line, some waiting hours to get in.
A lion dance, a traditional Chinese dance to bring good luck and fortune, was performed outside the store with a lively and cheerful crowd.
Stacey Kwon, president of H Mart, said because of its demographics, tourism and exposure, Orlando was
the perfect location to open a new store. The area also brings a family connection.
“My father is the founder and owner of H Mart,” Kwon said. “He actually honeymooned with my mom in Disney World, so Orlando has definitely been a big part of our family for a long time. I come here all the time with my kids now.”
The 100,074-square-foot property — previously a Super Target — was acquired in February 2021 and has been in the works since. The market offers more than groceries. It carries household items, garden supplies, lifestyle products and more.
Shoppers also can enjoy services like a specialized hair and head spa, a photo studio and claw machines.
“I feel like when you come into the space, it’s not only a supermarket,” Kwon said. “It’s almost like the Disney World of Asia.”
Kwon said the process from designing to opening has been lengthy, but H Mart’s team has been patient.
“We wanted to make sure we got it right,” she said. “Even when we were planning out the configuration of the store, we must have gone through over, it feels like, 100 edits on the layouts to get it just to be this and also in order to open while having areas under construction just so we can get it going.”
The grocery store offers a variety of Asian and Western groceries, being an inclusive market with affordable pricing and fresh produce.
“We import a lot of live fish, so half of the seafood section is alive,” Kwon said. “Our meat cuts are, I think, some of the best, if not the best, you’ll see in a grocery store setting. You want a barbecue? This is a place to check out, for sure.”
Orlando’s Wendy Burk waited fourand-one-half years for H Mart to finally open. She praised the seafood section for its freshness and selection.
“I went on opening day and spent several hours there and a ton of money,” she said.
H Mart also offers a large food hall with 11 vendors, including U Chun, Paiks Noodle, Jaws Topokki and more, that previously were not available in Florida.
As H Mart continues construction, Kwon said the food hall will expand.
“Once we open the additional food halls, people are going to, whenever they think of something hot or something spicy, I think hopefully they’re going to think of us,” she said.
H Mart started in 1982 in Queens, New York, in a 500-square-foot space.
Over the years, H mart has become the largest U.S.-based grocery story chain specializing in Asian-style
products and focused on the AsianAmerican demographic.
“I’m really excited to see how Orlando responds to this mega H Mart,” Kwon said. “I hope everyone likes it.”
Kwon said H Mart will host a variety of events and music as the expansion continues.
If the store’s size is intimidating, Kwon suggests visiting H Mart’s food court first.
“See what you like,” she said. “You can either take your meal home and cook it or you can just enjoy what you got here.”
Burk said she waited in line around 15 to 20 minutes for food vendors and was able to try a few of them.
“(It) wasn’t bad considering the amount of people (there),” she said.
She said the staff was great at managing the crowd, restocking shelves and facing the products for better customer experience.
Dar Kailani visited the store for the first time Monday, Sept. 29.
“While it may not rival Lotte for dedicated shoppers, it’s well worth a visit — just maybe not a two-hour wait,” she said.
Kailani said while the store is spacious, the crowd makes it feel difficult to browse, especially shopping for refrigerated items. However, she said H Mart offers budget-friendly items with excellent quality.
“I was most excited about the dining options, but by the time I finished shopping, the food court was already packed,” Kailani said.
Instead, she enjoyed a cheese and ham croissant, along with a coffee donut and a Korean iced coffee from Paris Baguette.
Canine Companions celebrates 25th anniversary
The organization has trained more than 8,300 service dogs since 1975.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
More than one in four people have disabilities in the United States.
In 1975, Canine Companions created the concept of modern, professionally trained service dogs to help people with disabilities achieve greater independence.
Canine Companions in Pine Hills at 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, has been around for 25 years providing free-of-charge, trained service dogs to children, adults and veterans in need.
Opened on July 4, 2000, the Southeast region campus has serviced people varying in more than 65 disabilities.
The nonprofit celebrated National Service Dog Month in September and brought in graduates from the organization to speak about all services it has to offer.
Orange County also proclaimed September as National Service Dog Month on Sept. 19, 2025.
Cristina Saint-Blancard has been a member of Canine Companions since
2011 and has had two service dogs through the organization.
Her dog, Yani, now serves as a service dog and a hearing dog for Blancard.
“She’s the light of my life,” she said.
“She picks up dropped items, she opens and closes doors, she brings me my pill bottles. … She also alerts a bit of sounds that I can’t hear on my own.”
Blancard is appreciative of the free services the organization provides, as well as team members following up with her after she receives a dog.
“I’m very grateful to the raisers, to donors, to the trainers — to every single person who makes it possible for me to have my angel,” she said. “When I go out with her, people see her. …
They don’t see the chair; they don’t see my prosthetic leg. She breaks barriers because people (will) be like, ‘Oh, she’s so cute,’ and they’ll want to ask me questions about her, versus asking me ‘What happened to you? Why are you in a chair?’”
Her feelings are shared by many other graduates from the program.
Jeremy Widbin’s son, Jack, has a disability that prevents him from doing certain tasks, so they applied for a service animal with Canine Companions about three years ago. In November 2024, they received Charlie, a golden retriever.
“It’s a great organization,” Jeremy Widbin said. “They’ve enabled my child’s freedom — independence — which is the best gift a parent can give to a son.”
Jeremy Widbin said receiving free services to enable Jack’s independence has changed their lives.
“Anything we can do to foster that
independence is an unbelievable gift,” Jeremy Widen said. “For (Jack), especially once he gets older, it’ll be a game-changer for him. Right now, he’s limited in what he’s able to command and what he’s able to do, but he’s young.”
For veteran Angie Guilbe, having service dogs has been a blessing.
Because of her injuries, she is unable to pick up certain things and perform certain tasks. That’s when her service dog, Hansen, comes in.
“We did not like each other at first,” Guilbe said.
But, while staying on campus for two weeks to get adjusted to her new companion, Guilbe fell in love with him.
“All of us were watching a movie in the common area, and he just jumped in my lap and fell asleep, and I was like, ‘OK, we are a match,’” she said.
Hansen not only has helped Guilbe but also a family member of hers.
“Recently, he did something new that I don’t think he was trained for,” she said. “I was visiting family, and I have an uncle (who is) diabetic, and Hansen started nudging him to alert him.”
In the seven months she has been with Hansen, she recalled multiple memories with him.
“One of his funniest moments is where I’m like, ‘Let’s put on shoes,’ and he just darts away,” she said. “He knows we’re getting shoes put on, and he is not having it.”
Canine Companions has trained more than 8,300 service dogs since its opening and hopes to continue its growth to help many more people grow their independence.
Photos by Leticia Silva
H Mart officially opened its doors Thursday, Sept. 25, in Orlando. It’s the first location in Florida.
Photo by Leticia Silva
Jeremy Widbin and his son, Jack, said their lives have been changed by Canine Companions.
A lion dance was performed for good luck and fortune.
Church DIRECTORY
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus:
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
PRESBYTERIAN
9:30AM
Ordinance would limit cemetery eligibility
IN OTHER NEWS
CHURCH DIRECTORY
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH
241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
METHODIST FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a first reading for an ordinance only allowing Winter Garden residents to be buried in Winter Garden Cemetery.
NON-DENOMINATIONAL PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM
During the commission’s meeting Thursday, Sept. 25, Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said now that the construction of the cemetery is coming to an end, the city wanted to update the ordinance to clarify residency eligibility for the purchase of lots and niches, refine ownership rights, and update the fee structure.
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an increase of the loan under the State Revolving Fund Loan program to fund the city’s construction, equipment, materials, demolition and related procurement of the city’s Crest Avenue Wastewater Treatment Facility capacity expansion and process optimization project.
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.
Pash said for the second reading of the ordinance, which will take place at the commission’s Oct. 9 meeting, the ordinance will change the residency requirement to limit the sale of new burial plots to current residents of the city at the time of the purchaser’s death, former residents or maybe an immediate family member of current residents. The burden of providing residency falls on the purchaser.
He said the fees were removed from the ordinance and will be put in a resolution that will be brought forward to the commission Thursday, Oct. 9.
MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM 1333 EAST CROWN POINT
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com
Another change to the ordinance before the second reading will define “immediate family” to the lot owner’s spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, mother-in-law and fatherin-law.
BUDGET APPROVED
The City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of several budget ordinances finalizing the city’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget.
n The commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance allowing the annexation of about .66 acres located at 15359 E. Oakland Ave., east of Tilden Oaks Trail, west of Gayle Mill Drive, south of Landrum Drive and north of East Oakland Avenue into the city of Winter Garden. The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance amending the future land use map of the city’s comprehensive plan by changing the land use designation of the property from Orange County Low Density Residential to City Low Density Residential.
n The commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance allowing the annexation of about 5.59 acres located at 15373 State Road 438, east of Tilden Oaks Trail, west of Gayle Mill Drive, south of Landrum Drive and north of State Road 438 into Winter Garden. The commission also unanimously approved an ordinance amending the future land use map of the city’s comprehensive plan by changing the land use designation of the property from Orange County Low Density Residential to City Low Density Residential.
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance setting the millage rate for ad valorem taxation of real and tangible personal property for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 and ending Sept. 30, at the rate of 4.8565 mills. The rate is an increase over the current rate of 4.5 mills.
Another ordinance was unanimously approved to show the total revenues available for expenditures at $70,303,710.
An ordinance allocating all revenue and funds of the Community Redevelopment Agency totaling $3,406,348 was unanimously approved.
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the appropriations of city funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
TAKING BACK CONTROL
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance amending a section of the city’s planning and development code to add a new section to combat Senate Bill 180.
The ordinance addresses relief concerning declared emergency restrictions. It provides a new process when an applicant can apply to revert to an earlier version of the city’s land development code and/ or comprehensive plan existing as of Aug. 1, 2024, if the applicant provides a good-faith argument as to why a new city-initiated amendment is “more restrictive or burdensome” to the proposed development application.
n The City Commission unanimously approved the second reading of an ordinance that would add a new provision under Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicles to allow Homeowners’ Associations to apply for a maximum of two special event permits per year that include mobile food dispensing vehicles. Currently, HOAs only are permitted to apply for one event per year that includes mobile food dispensing vehicles.
n Commissioners unanimously approved waiving the formal procurement process and hire Process Control Services LLC for purchase, replacement and installation equipment on 44 lift stations in the amount of $113,734.45.
n The commission unanimously approved the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection funding agreement for Fiscal Year 2026 with Bike/Walk Central Florida in the amount of $20,500.
n The site plan for Seasons 52, which will be at 3143 Daniels Road, was unanimously approved.
n The site plan for 140001 W. Colonial Drive was unanimously approved.
n Mayor John Rees read a proclamation for Fire Prevention Week, which is Sunday, Oct. 5 through Saturday, Oct. 11.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Photo by Liz Ramos
If approved, an ordinance would allow only Winter Garden residents to be buried at Winter Garden Cemetery.
Fright nights continue at Williams house
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Williams Holiday House is back to happily haunting West Orange. Annie Williams and her husband, Joe Williams, are thrilled to see people returning to their home to see the elaborate Halloween decorations and walk through the temporary tents turned haunted houses after Orange County Code Enforcement almost shut down their operations after receiving a resident complaint about the house Aug. 6.
“We want everybody to come and show up, walk through and see all the new displays we put up this year — especially our new Haunted Mansion display,” Joe Williams said. “We probably would not have done it. That’s how upset we were about the whole thing. … We really weren’t going to do it until people started asking us to do it. … They really wanted us to continue.”
Because the house resides in unincorporated Orange County, it fell upon the county to send code enforcement officers out to the property to investigate.
The violations were for three vehicles on the property, as well as three large tents, two carports and a water feature on the property that were erected without zoning approval and building permits.
Since code enforcement visited the property in early August, Annie and Joe Williams had been hard at work to swiftly become code compliant before code enforcement returned to the home Aug. 23.
The couple removed the fire truck as well as a Chrysler New Yorker from the property.
Annie Williams said during a follow-up visit to the house Aug. 23,
code enforcement told her the couple could have kept the fire truck if they removed two of the wheels off the back so it no longer would be a dualwheeled vehicle. Williams said they were upset to hear this; they previously were told under no circumstances could they have the fire truck on property, and she cried as it was towed away.
“That was quite a hard day to be quite honest, because there’s no way of getting that back,” she said. “It went to be crushed.”
But the Halloween decorations, and in the future, the Christmas decorations, can remain. Annie Williams said code enforcement is not allowed to tell anyone to take down any Halloween decorations.
The Williamses came to a compromise with code enforcement, allowing the couple to keep the temporary tent that houses all the Christmas decorations until January.
Once January comes, the couple will need to remove the tent and have a permanent and county-approved structure in place to serve as storage.
There now is another temporary tent serving as a miniature haunted house in the front yard that has all the clown animatronics. Annie Williams said they are able to have the tents because they are considered part of the Halloween display and will later house a Christmas display.
Annie Williams said they also are able to continue to have the gazebo in the front of the home, because it could be used as part of the display. The gazebo houses the Lemax Spooky Town Halloween Village and will house a Christmas village during the holidays. In January, the gazebo will have to be moved to the backyard, and the Williamses will obtain the necessary permits and variances for the gazebo as well as the fountain.
A canopy at the front of the property still is intact as it’s used to cover a few animatronics for the Halloween display, but Annie Williams said it likely will be dismantled after the holidays.
Joe Williams said code enforcement will not return to the Williams Holiday House until after Jan. 1, 2026.
Annie and Joe Williams opened the Williams Holiday House Saturday, Sept. 20. With the city of Winter Garden not having its Halloween Fest this year, Annie Williams said people are looking for a free Halloween activity.
“They were quite vocal toward us, saying how upset they were about the situation,” Annie Williams said. “They were so thankful we’d open back up because they said people don’t have the money to go to Disney or Halloween Horror Nights (at Universal Studios), so this was their one-time-of-year tradition to come somewhere and it’s all free of charge.”
The couple has had someone reach out and offer to play Halloween music for free, and others are offering to donate animatronics to the couple.
Annie Williams said the couple will do what they need to so they can con-
tinue to have their holiday displays available for the community, even if they need to hire off-duty police officers to help with crowd control.
Joe Williams said although he’s getting older and the displays take a tremendous amount of effort to create, hearing how much people adore the displays keeps him going.
“I’m a sucker for the kids,” he said.
“This is all about the children — especially the big children — because the grown-ups get out here (and) have just as much fun. They love to take pictures in the cemetery at night. It brings joy to us to see them have so much enjoyment about what we provide.”
New to the display this year is the Haunted Mansion portion, which features animatronics of the hitchhiking ghosts and more. There also are new clowns in the clown tent.
“There’s still more stuff,” Annie Williams said. “Every day probably something else will go out there.”
The actors will be out on the weekends adding to the scare factor. There also will be a Michael Jackson impersonator and live music on some nights.
IF YOU GO
WILLIAMS HOLIDAY HOUSE WHEN: Noon to 9 p.m. daily
WHERE: 15304 E. Oakland Ave.
COST: Free
DETAILS: Refrain from driving onto property and avoid blocking driveways. Park in public parking areas only, and supervise children at all times.
FACEBOOK:
Williams Holiday House
The clown tent serves as a miniature haunted house. The tent is a temporary structure that will come down after the holidays to be code compliant.
Photos by Liz Ramos
The Halloween spirit is strong at the Williams Holiday House after owners Annie and Joe Williams worked to become compliant with Orange County Code Enforcement.
Family fun takes root at Oakland Nature Preserve
For several years, Snigdha Beesabathuni, 17, has volunteered at Oakland Nature Preserve.
And just like last year, she brought bracelets she made in India with her grandmother to this year’s ONP Nature Fest to help raise money for the organization.
Beesabathuni will use all the money raised at her booth to purchase items on ONP’s Amazon Wish List.
Right: Oakland Nature Preserve educator Jenifer Odom taught attendees about different species of snakes — and what to do should you encounter one.
Beesabathuni’s bracelet booth was just one of many at this year’s event, held Saturday, Sept. 20, at ONP.
Attendees were able to meet members of the environmental community; participate in animal interactions and guided hikes; enjoy boat tours on Lake Apopka; and learn about many of the animals at ONP.
For more information about Oakland Nature Preserve, visit oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org. — MICHAEL ENG
Town of Windermere Notice of Public Hearings Adoption of Update to the Town’s Comprehensive
Plan
ORDINANCE 2025-06
AN ORDINANCE BY THE TOWN OF WINDERMERE, FLORIDA, PERTAINING TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING; AMENDING THE ADOPTED TOWN OF WINDERMERE COMPREHENISVE PLAN, PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163, FLORIDA STATUTES, BASED ON THE EVALUATION AND APPRAISAL OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 163.3191, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY, SEVERAABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
The Town of Windermere, Florida, proposes to approve Ordinance 2025-06 to adopt the update to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan as required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
The public hearing for approval of the updated comprehensive plan will be held by the Town Council on the following date and time and at the following location:
October 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Town Hall located at 520 Main Street, Windermere, FL 34786;
After the Town Council adopts the update to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan, then it will be submitted to the Florida Department of Commerce for a final finding of compliance. All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered. If you have any questions regarding the Town’s update to its Comprehensive Plan, please contact Brad Cornelius, AICP, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or at bcornelius@wadetrim.com.
If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Council, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).
The Town of Windermere does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services with a 48 hour notice to the Town (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407-876-2563 or email dburkhalter@town.windermere.fl.us.
Jace Lyman, 3, rode in style atop dad Austin’s shoulders.
Left: Guests had a chance to explore all the beautiful sights at Oakland Nature Preserve.
Below: Tyler Fontenot, of Scouts USA Troop 145, used his own body to create his frozen treat at this human-powered shaved ice machine.
Snigdha Beesabathuni, 17, sold bracelets she made with her grandmother in India as a fundraiser for the preserve.
Isleworth mansion
Ahome in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Sept. 1 to 7.
The home at 5271 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $8,500,000. Built in 2013, it has seven bedrooms, 10 baths, three half-baths and 11,403 square feet. Days on market: 194. The sellers were represented by Monica Lochmandy Isleworth Realty LLC.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY HILL VILLAGE
The home at 6025 Lexington Park, No. 99, Orlando, sold Sept. 3, for $820,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet. Days on market: 10.
HIDDEN SPRINGS
The home at 5760 Tamarack Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 4, for $615,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,242 square feet. Days on market: 11.
LAKE CANE ESTATES
The home at 7058 Archwood Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 4, for $545,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,934 square feet. Days on market: 46.
SANDPOINTE TOWNHOMES
The townhouse at 7741 Sundial Lane, Orlando, sold Sept. 2, for $505,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,850 square feet. Days on market: Six.
TOSCANA
The townhouse at 6941 Piazza St., Orlando, sold Sept. 5, for $510,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,104 square feet. Days on market: 73.
VISTA CAY
The townhouse at 8024 Cool Breeze Drive, No. 132, Orlando, sold Sept. 2, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 1,771 square feet. Days on market: 62.
GOTHA FALCON POINTE
The home at 4065 Shadowing Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 4, for $700,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,948 square feet. Days on market: 30.
HORIZON WEST
HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 15366 Sugar Citrus Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 5, for $563,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,066 square feet. Days on market: 11.
HARVEST AT OVATION
The home at 13075 Sunrise Harvest Drive sold Sept. 2, for $802,800. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,670 square feet. Days on market: 51.
HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES
The home at 15050 Sunstar Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 3, for $1,350,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,781 square feet. Days on market: Three.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 15612 Camp Dubois Crescent, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 5, for $685,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,436 square feet. Days on market: Two.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
The home at 6830 Mapperton Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 4, for $535,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,230 square feet. Days on market: 25.
PALMS AT WINDERMERE
The home at 14255 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $1,175,000. Built in 2024, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,443 square feet. Days on market: 239.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 10180 Merrymeeting Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 2, for $1,250,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,910 square feet. Days on market: 37.
WATERSIDE
The home at 16821 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 5, for $2,670,000. Built in 2021, it has seven bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and 6,250 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.
WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES
The home at 14357 United Colonies Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 3, for $1,050,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and 4,840 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.
OCOEE ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 1850 Lake Sims Parkway, Ocoee, sold Sept. 5, for $525,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,543 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.
The home at 1521 Sourwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 2, for $533,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,874 square feet. Days on market: 72.
FORESTBROOKE
The home at 3334 Fawnwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 4, for $505,000. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 2,824 square feet. Days on market: 90.
OCOEE COMMONS
The home at 809 Kazaros Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 2, for $485,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,820 square feet. Days on market: 48.
PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT
The home at 2232 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 5, for $460,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 156.
SAWMILL
The home at 6906 Sawmill Blvd., Ocoee, sold Sept. 2, for $425,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,109 square feet. Days on market: 40.
WESMERE
The home at 2284 Blackjack Oak St., Ocoee, sold Sept. 2, for $647,500. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,581 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
WEST ORANGE
CASABELLA
The home at 4065 Isabella Circle, Orlando, sold Sept. 5, for $3,275,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-onehalf baths and 8,064 square feet. Days on market: 68.
TILDENS GROVE
The home at 5137 Tildens Grove Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 4, for $1,750,000. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 5,284 square feet. Days on market: Two.
WINDERMERE
ALADAR ON LAKE BUTLER
The home at 805 W. Second Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $4,125,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,783 square feet. Days on market: 103.
BELMERE VILLAGE
The home at 1009 Algare Loop, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $910,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,608 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 5271 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $8,500,000. Built in 2013, it has seven bedrooms, 10 baths, three half-baths and 11,403 square feet of living area. Days on market: 194.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 6149 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 2, for $1,870,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,351 square feet. Days on market: 20.
The home at 6125 Foxfield Court, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $900,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,868 square feet. Days on market: 105.
The home at 6084 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold Sept. 2, for $975,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,455 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.
LAKE DOWN SHORES
The home at 2624 Midsummer Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $2,500,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 4,667 square feet.
METCALF PARK
The home at 11018 Lake Butler Blvd., Orlando, sold Aug. 2, for $3,100,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,923 square feet. Days on market: 58.
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
The home at 6126 Kirkstone Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $6,800,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 8,691 square feet. Days on market: 141.
WINDERMERE CLUB
The home at 2937 Butler Way Drive N., Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $3,040,000. Built in 1990, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,874 square feet. Days on market: 50.
WINDERMERE DOWNS
The home at 1947 Broadleaf Court, Windermere, sold Sept. 3, for $1,000,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,646 square feet. Days on market: 64.
WINTER GARDEN
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3317 Current Ave., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Sept. 5, for $810,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,737 square feet. Days on market: 11.
STANTON ESTATES
The home at 108 Stanton Estates Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 5, for $1,375,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,212 square feet. Days on market: 63.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 13852 Eylewood Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 5, for $565,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,335 square feet. Days on market: 42. The home at 2315 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 2, for $547,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,161 square feet. Days on market: 24.
WINTER GROVE
The home at 264 Summer Pine St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 3, for $847,400. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,631 square feet of living area.
Courtesy photo
The home at 5271 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 5, for $8,500,000. This home sits on a 1.17-acre lot originally hand-selected by golf legend Arnold Palmer. It features views of both the first and 10th holes. The sellers were represented by Monica Lochmandy Isleworth Realty LLC.
Michael Cairns The home at 6025 Lexington Park, No. 99, Orlando, sold Sept. 3, for $820,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Sept. 1-7. The sellers were represented by Deedee Sherman, Upside Real Estate.
Public Natural Gas Week is an opportunity to recognize the value and impact of public natural gas utilities. Lake Apopka Natural Gas District a growing utility, and we pride ourselves on providing safe, efficient, and affordable natural gas to the communities we serve.
Public natural gas utilities ensure that our community needs come first. Since public utilities aren’t driven by profit, our rates remain stable and competitive, even when energy costs rise. And because we’re local, we support our local economy by working with area businesses and striving to improve the quality of life throughout our communities.
As we celebrate Public Natural Gas Week, the District invites you to stop by any of our three offices from Monday, October 6th to Friday, October 10th for light refreshments and to learn more about the benefits of public natural gas and the importance of Energy Choice.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our office locations:
• 1320 Winter GardenVineland Rd, Winter Garden
• 38 N. Park Ave, Apopka
• 676 W. Montrose St, Clermont
To learn more about LANGD and how natural gas can power your home or business, visit www.langd.org or call (407) 656-2734. Be sure to like, follow, and share with LANGD on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X to stay connected.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
and
PUBLISHING
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
DEADLINE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
· advertise@orangeobserver.com
LOCAL MOTION
This annual guide provides important information about the West Orange communities of Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Gotha and Horizon West including the history, area maps, hospitals, utility companies and local leaders. Including:
• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events
• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved
• Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget
SPORTS
1
Local YMCAs are gearing up for another season of flag football. This safe and fun sport is designed for children ages 7 to 11, and the YMCA’s program is designed to build teamwork, communication, confidence and friendships to extend further than the playing field. The next season begins Monday, Oct. 27. West Orange and Southwest Orange residents can choose programs at the Roper YMCA Family Center, Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center or the Horizon West YMCA Family Center at Crossline Park. Early registration is open. For more information, call (407) 896-9220.
2
Windermere High golf hosted the ninth annual Wolverines vs. The World Invitational last weekend. The tournament took place at Orange Lake Gold and had 26 high schools from Florida and Arizona competing. Play began Friday, Sept. 26 at The Reserve Course. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the teams played The Legends Course.
Ponte Vedra High (Nocatee) won first place in the tournament, while The First Academy came in second. Windermere played two starting lineups, and its first team finished 10th overall in the tournament.
3
Calling all future Eagles: Legacy Charter is hosting a fall cheer camp. The camp will take place from Monday, Oct. 20, to Thursday, Oct. 23, and is open to kindergartners through fifth-graders. Registration for the camp closes Friday, Oct. 10. The camp will culminate with a performance Friday, Oct. 24, where participants will cheer with the Legacy cheerleaders at the Homecoming game.
4
The First Academy men’s basketball head coach Tarrik Mabon traveled to Atlanta last weekend to work for one of the top high school exposure camps in the Southeast, the Relentless Hoop’s “Select 80” camp.
“What I’ve learned here is that if you showcase the fake stuff, if you are being selfish, if you’re not playing defense, if you are not diving on the floor for loose balls, you will look bad here,” Mabon said to attendees. “Because it’s not celebrated here.” He taught attendees the importance of being loud on defense, putting in extra effort every step of the way. He emphasized the positive aspects recruits will look for in a player that can get them attention on social media. The camp prioritizes teaching athletes about the type of player they must become if they want to continue after high school.
5
It’s time to get the school clearances completed and filled out for any students interested in playing for the upcoming season. As the season for winter sports comes closer, schools have begun to list their tryout dates.
Olympia’s girls soccer tryouts will take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, through Friday, Oct. 17, at the West Orange Soccer Complex. The school is having a pre-tryout practice the day before it starts. Windermere High’s boys and girls soccer tryouts are Monday, Oct. 13, girls and boys basketball are Monday, Oct. 27. Girls wrestling is Monday, Nov. 3, while boys wrestling is Monday, Nov. 10.
Foundation Academy cross-country runner Liam Olinger is striving for states for the third consecutive year. Page 2B.
Attack mode
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Football doesn’t have team in its name, but it probably should. With 11 players on the field at once, it’s a team sport first and individual accomplishments second. All the pieces need to work together like a puzzle; they need to fuze together to accomplish success.
At Central Florida Christian Academy, the puzzle is glued together and new pieces this season have expanded the picture.
CFCA’s offensive coach and assistant head coach, Ben Owens, has been with the program for 11 years.
Owens said he’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly of the Eagles’ program. He remembered when the team used to score 60-plus points and when it hoped to just get a first down. This year feels different.
“They genuinely care for (one
SEE NO ONE PAGE 2B
THURSDAY, OCT. 2 n Windermere Prep (3-2) vs. Geneva (0-6)
FRIDAY, OCT. 3 n Foundation Academy (4-2) at Bronson (0-6)
n Legacy Charter (0-5) at Merritt Island Christian (5-1)
n The First Academy (4-2) at St. Frances Academy (3-1)
n Ocoee (4-2) at Hudson (1-5), 7:30 p.m. kickoff
* District game
At a perfect 5-0, CFCA has relied on its potent rushing attack to post double-digit scores in every game this season.
EA Sports CFB 26 goes local
EA Sports College Football 26 has added high school logos to its game, and one senior from Horizon had the privilege of designing the Hawks’ jersey.
Horizon High School senior Bryce Frazer found himself sitting in Horizon’s design studio class when his teacher asked if someone would like to work on a project for EA Sports.
Frazer’s hand shot up, even though as the captain of the cross-country team, drum major for band and a member of many other organizations on campus, he already has a hectic schedule. He didn’t know what he would be working on, but he knew he love to volunteer and doing something for EA would be “awesome.”
The teacher told Frazer he would be designing Horizon’s football uniform for EA Sports College Football 26. He had five days to get it done.
After spending late nights and many hours with his computer, Frazer finished the jersey. Now his design is in the EA College Football 26 video game, and he etched himself and the school in the game forever.
ENTER THE DIGITAL FIELD
Emotions rose in 2024 when EA finally released EA Sports College Football 25 after an 11-year absence. College football fans rejoiced and embraced the new title, but the game wasn’t without criticism. Among those: There was no high school feature.
Enter this year’s iteration, which includes a Road to Glory path. It allows players to start their career as a high-schooler under Friday night lights. Their performance in high school catapults them down the road of recruitment and scholarship offers.
That feature opened the doors for a local tie — Orange County Public Schools were added to the game. EA Sports also added high school logos from around the United States for players to utilize.
Horizon’s outside linebacker, Trace Kulczar, said it was an accomplishment for the school to be added to the game and reflects the hard work the team puts in. Players of the game now are able to custom-make uniforms using high schools’ logos and colors. High schools don’t have a premade jersey; game players have to design it themselves or the school has to provide its own design that EA Sports would add to the game. That’s where Frazer came into play.
“They put a software where you can make whatever team you
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Courtesy photo
CFCA’s offense works as a unit each and every game.
CFCA’s success starts on the practice field first and translates to games.
Courtsey photo Horizon High senior Bryce Frazer is an active member of the school.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Liam Olinger
Liam Olinger’s journey in crosscountry began in seventh grade. Years later, he finds himself as a senior on Foundation Academy’s team. During his sophomore and junior seasons, Olinger qualified with the team to states, and he will play a vital role in Foundation Academy’s placement in states this year. His best time in the 5K was 19:52, which he recorded last year during the Lake Buena Vista invitational.
Aside from being a hard worker and great athlete, Olinger is a phenomenal teammate. He encourages those around him and never complains.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It is an honor to be chosen. It makes me proud of all the hard work that I have put in.
What do you enjoy the most about cross-country?
What I enjoy most about crosscountry is the races, competition and my team. I also love knowing that after each race when my team finishes, all of our hard work paid off.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from crosscountry?
That you have to keep working hard toward your goals — even if they seem impossible and out of reach.
What is your favorite crosscountry memory?
When we learned last year that we were going to states right after we had just ran our regional race.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Joe Burrow, because he is a great example of what it looks like to be humble.
What is your go-to pre-meet meal?
I love eating pasta and garlic bread the night before a race.
What is your go-to pre-meet hype song? I don’t really have a favorite.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
My favorite hobby is building and collect
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school is English, because I enjoy reading.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
The three things that I would take with me on a deserted island would be water, lots of food and a sleeping bag.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is “Avengers: Endgame.” I really enjoy any Marvel movie, but this one was my favorite because of all the action and different characters.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would have dinner with Jesus, so I could ask him questions about life and thank Him for everything He has done for me.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go to the Jurassic period. I would want to see what dinosaurs really looked like and how the earth looked before civilization.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that all of your hard work is worth it in the end. I would also say the more work you put in now the greater the reward later.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would ask what part of the world we end up living in and what our job is.
Who is your favorite superhero?
My favorite superhero is Spider-Man, because I feel that I can relate to him, sometimes, because his character is a teen. I also loved watching Spider-Man growing up, and he inspired me to do what’s right no matter how hard it is. I learned from his character the power of sacrifice, kindness and responsibility.
Who is your favorite supervil-
My favorite supervillain is Venom, because I really like his design and how he has the same powers as Spider-Man, but he’s bigger and stronger. Venom is a character who struggles to become something better than what he was before.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would have Spider-Man’s superpowers, because if I get bored and can’t sleep, I could go and swing around my neighborhood and go climb tall buildings.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
I think it definitely does. One of my favorite toppings on pizza is pineapple with ham or bacon.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
‘No one knows how much work we put in’
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
another),” he said. “They’re teammates first. Their leadership. It’s just all about the team. … We’re trying to build a family and let them know that this is a Christian school first, so it’s God first.”
CFCA’s freshman center Junior Dwight reflected his coach’s sentiments.
“I feel like we all believe that we put in the work, and we know that we deserve to make it to the playoffs and go to the … championship,” Dwight said.
CFCA already has surpassed its 3-6 record from last season. The team holds a 5-0 record this year and doesn’t intend to stop. Owens said he hasn’t seen the full capabilities of the team yet, but there are moments he’s seen the picture of what they can be.
“I haven’t seen the whole potential, but this offense is something special,” he said.
Owens is working on teaching his players that when they score 33 points in one quarter, that’s something they can strive to achieve each quarter. The team is capable of it and needs to realize it’s a realistic goal.
Owens said it’s a blessing to have an abundance of players who are interchangeable and they can step up to fill any role. The curse is because of their talents, it means they want to stay on the field to have the ball and the spotlight. But the players are learning they have to share the field with the new group of talented teammates.
IT ALL STARTS UP FRONT
The Eagles’ 5-0 season starts with the O-line, which creates the groundwork that allows freshman running back Jahmari Hammonds to produce.
“They are blocking down the field,” Owens said. “We didn’t have that last year. Last year, we had the point where they would just stand still and let the running back come to them. But now they’re actually like, ‘Hey come follow me.’ They are one of the best O-lines I have ever coached.”
Hammonds noticed how the O-line has improved from the summer. He said they weren’t moving as much at first, but during the summer, head coach Kevin Blackman prioritized their growth and “got them right.” He trained every day too, starting at 5 a.m. and utilizing a sand pit to help with his speed.
“I feel like no one knows how much work we put in,” Dwight said. “We have to do a lot to keep our running back safe and our quarterback, because we do a hurry-up offense. You have to be very well nourished and always be ready.”
Owens asks his O-line to give him
4 yards of blocking to give the running back 5 yards. He wants them to give him three seconds of blocking for the quarterback so the receivers can get open.
“They do it every week,” he said.
“Every week and they’re tremendous.”
It’s much easier from a coaching standpoint to have players who are “moving” on the O-line and can rotate with one another so they don’t tire out. Owens makes a deal with Dwight, aka Junior.
“I say (to him), ‘Junior, look: If you don’t get my quarterback sacked, I’ll get you some wings,’” Owens said, smiling at the fact his incentive pays off.
Dwight said he loves the role he plays on the team, and the most challenging aspect is snapping a perfect ball to his quarterback.
“I feel great; I love helping my teammates,” Dwight said. He isn’t only helping teammates. He’s also helping family.
Dwight and Hammonds are second cousins. They’ve been playing together for years, and he’s used to having a blood tie on the field.
“I love blocking for him,”Dwight said. “I love seeing him get all these yards and him get college interest and stuff.”
YOUNG STAR
Hammonds is making his mark as a freshman.
“We’ve had a couple of good running backs since I’ve been here, but he’s by far probably the best,” Owens said. “The reason I’m saying that is because he’s a freshman.
… He understands how to wait and find those holes, but he’s just as smart in the classroom. Everybody respects him.”
On the field, Owens appreciates Hammonds’ character. In CFCA’s game against Bronson, Owens told Hammonds after his third touchdown the coaches were going to pull him out of the game, and he accepted it.
“He said, ‘OK, cool,’” Owens said. “He’s not one of those guys (who) goes, ‘No, no, no.’”
After Owens saw Hammonds make a cut in a scrimmage during practice for the first time, he immediately pulled over Blackman and said he’s going rush for more than 1,000 yards and do it in six or seven games.
In CFCA’s first four games this season, Hammonds has recorded 641 yards, averaging 160 per game and eight rushing touchdowns.
Hammonds said he has one goal each game: dominate.
“That’s all I think about,” he said.
His favorite part of being a running back is how physical the position is. Each touchdown motives him to continue working hard to achieve another one and to contin-
WEEK SIX REVIEW
It was an eventful week across the board for West Orange and Southwest Orange high school football teams.
Windermere High continued to show up and shut out Lake Buena Vista to push the Wolverines to 6-0 this season. CFCA extended its undefeated record by handing Windermere Prep its second consecutive loss.
West Orange and Dr. Phillips both grabbed their first district wins this year. Ocoee snapped its two-game losing streak by shutting out West Port to remain undefeated in district play. The Knights quarterback Tyson Davison played a phenomenal game, throwing four touchdown passes, completing 12 of 13 passes for 233 yards.
Tragedy struck when Olympia suffered a defeat and injuries during its game against Dr. Phillips. Colton Showely went down, and head coach Travis Gabriel said he is likely out for the season with a torn ACL. The team will focus on resting and coming together in its bye-week.
WEEK SIX SCORES
CFCA (5-0), 46
Windermere Prep (3-2), 21
Dr. Phillips (5-1), 42 Olympia (1-5), 6
Horizon (2-4), 14
Winter Springs (5-1), 20
Windermere (6-0), 36
Lake Buena Vista (3-3), 0
Legacy Charter (0-5), 6 City of Life Christian Academy (3-3), 61
Ocoee (4-2), 42
West Port (1-5), 0
West Orange (5-1), 51 Apopka (1-5), 0
The First Academy (4-2), 42 Gadsden County (0-4), 14
ue playing the sport he loves. The running back is producing well, but he knows there’s been moments where he’s struggled and he needs to grow from that.
“There’s been a lot of plays I was supposed to score on that I didn’t score on and I can’t blame anyone but myself,” Hammonds said. “I’ll just find a way to get better.”
Owens said Hammonds will call the coaches on weekends for some advice.
“I tell him,‘Hey, look, sometimes when you go for a pass, look for your quarterback’s blind side,’” Owens said. “But other than that, he’s been unstoppable. Last week (against Bronson), he ran 15 plays and he scored on the first three and it was 70 yards, it was 35 and it was four. He’s going to be something.”
Courtesy photo
The Eagles have rushed out to a 5-0
record thanks to their unity and team-first mentality.
HIT PARADE: Olympia sets up for state title run
Olympia’s volleyball team checked off one of its boxes by winning the Metro West Tournament and is hunting to go further than ever before.
MEGAN
BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Olympia’s girls volleyball team won the Metro West Tournament, and it doesn’t intend to stop there.
The girls’ eyes are set on states.
Head coach Semei Tello said the players have a checklist: Win the district tournament, win regionals and make it to the Final Four. They are working toward those goals one day at a time, with a core group of seniors leading the way.
The Titans are sitting pretty with a 17-2 record and No. 1 in district this season. The team has won its district the last three years but came up short in the regional semi-finals.
Olympia checked off one of its boxes during the Metro West Tournament, held Thursday, Sept. 18, to Saturday, Sept. 20. In 2023, the team won the tournament but last season fell short to Horizon in the semifinal. The Titans claimed its revenge over Horizon this year, defeating the Hawks in three sets.
“I saw a team that was hungry, a team that was determined and a team that wasn’t going to give up again,” Tello said. “I would remind them, ‘You guys remember what happened last year?’ They were playing with a chip on their shoulder, and you could tell there was a lot of senior leadership going into that match, and they were excited.”
Olympia senior setter Madison Wehr said tournaments feel more important than regular games because it is against teams in conference. Winning them allows the team to make history at the school as she gestured toward the freshly added banner.
Each win begins in serve receive.
STARTS WITH THE FIRST PASS
One of the most undervalued positions is the libero. It is the player in a different color jersey who only plays in the back row.
The libero doesn’t attack the ball,
so the player doesn’t grab the spotlight on the court. However, the libero is the foundation of a volleyball team, and without the initial dime of a first pass, the whole team would crumble.
“If your pass is not there, it doesn’t matter how good your setter is or how good your offense and hitters are,” Tello said. “But our libero, Eliza Perdue, has actually stepped up big time. … You can see her confidence on the court. She’s commanding and pretty much directing traffic in the back row in serve receive.”
Perdue, a senior, said before games she will make sure everyone is on the same page, committed to working hard and head into each match with a 100% effort mentality. Wehr said Perdue is the most encouraging person on the team when players get in their head.
“On the court, I just help people throughout (the game) and let people know that if you’re not at your own 100% then there’s other people who can help make up for that,” Perdue said.
The team emphasizes building the offensive connections during each practice, and Perdue credited Tello’s focus on the first contact to the success this season. Her club coaches focus on that element, too, but Tello dedicates at least half an hour of each practice to working on the passes out of serve receive.
“I feel like that’s what really wins the game too, especially since we’re middle-driven,” she said. “If we have good serve receive, it’s going to help us.”
Olympia runs a middle-heavy offense, a rarity in volleyball.
To set her middles, Wehr needs a perfect pass, because sets to a middle are short and close to the net, which gives the hitter little time to attack the ball. Wehr’s role is the next important step in creating a dominating offense.
“You can have the best hitters in the world, but if you don’t have the
setter to get them the ball, it really doesn’t matter,” Tello said. “The setter is like the quarterback of a football team.”
In Wehr’s senior year, her court knowledge has grown remarkably as well as the connection with her hitters. She’s aiming to record 2,000 assists before the end of the season because she recorded 1,000 assists in her first two seasons.
The Middle Tennessee commit was terrified her freshman year. Wehr constantly was pushed by her coaches and teammates to improve and it scared her. Now that she’s a senior, she understands the drive and the importance of helping out the younger players.
GROWTH TO LEADERSHIP
“The seniors taught me how to be a leader and just take care of the younger girls and make everyone feel welcome, to make sure we’re doing things together as a team,” Perdue said.
THEY’RE IN THE GAME: New EA game features local high schools
want, like you can make a McDonald’s team or SpongeBob team if you want,” he said. “They asked me to do it with my school colors and my school branding so they could actually put it in the game.”
EA Sports made the entire design process simple. The game provides players and Frazer with part of its software to create their own uniforms. Frazer had to fuse the elements into a product that looked good. He finished the basic product in a few hours.
“I wanted to push myself to make it look cooler and make it harder on myself, give myself more of a challenge,” Frazer said. “So I added the
scratches and messed with some of the logos just to make it more interesting.”
THE IMPACT
Designing the jersey wasn’t just an opportunity for Frazer to challenge himself in the world of design, but it also was a chance for him to represent Horizon.
“A few people had bought it after they realized that Horizon was in the game,” Frazer said. “One of my friends told me that if you click on the jersey or you click on something else, it says,
‘B.Frazer’ under the design.”
He asked for input from classmates, band members and football players. His peers provided Frazer with
minor feedback on how they thought the jersey could be improved, but the overall, Hawk Nation was happy with his vision.
Frazer wanted to do it for the school, not just for himself, and he didn’t expect to have students react in the way they did.
“I was trying to introduce myself to the football players and they were like, ‘Oh wait you’re Bryce? You made the jersey,’” he said.
It was special for the football players encompassing Horizon’s football team.
“It was definitely a big deal because we all have the game and we all play,” Kulczar said.
EA Sports broke the barrier between
Perdue played with her older sister on varsity the first two years and looked up to her. She’s close with many of the underclassmen on the team and her younger sister and wants to be a person upon whom they can rely. It took time and growth to achieve that role.
Tello has loved being able to see the core group of four seniors on the team grow over the four years. As freshmen, they were talented but needed fine-tuning to help them stand out and excel on varsity.
“Freshman year … I was really shy and scared, and I wanted to quit,” she said. “I just thought everything was so hard, and the seniors and coaches were hard on me. But looking back on it, they were just pushing me to do better.”
As a senior, Wehr now understands they were trying to help her grow. She said it means a lot to play as a senior because it is her last year and the team is pushing for more success.
In game settings, she pushed for urgency and effort from her teammates because she has a hunger to win.
Wehr and Perdue feel respected and looked up to by the underclassmen.
“They understand it now,” Tello said. “I gave them the same speech I give every year: ’This is your senior year. You have to give it all you got. There’s no more next year; this is it.’” Tello said although he gives seniors the same talk every year, it doesn’t hit home to players until it’s actually their last year and they’re standing on the court realizing it’s the last regular-season game and could be their last high school game.
He emphasizes not walking off the court with any regrets.
“That’s been a huge part of our success,” he said. “Back when we were getting our bumps and bruises, we’d get beat up by all the other teams around us (who were) more experienced. Now, we’re that team.”
a game and the physical world by having a student design the school’s own uniform, Frazer said. It was an honor for him to be able to represent Horizon’s whole school in a video game.
“It got a lot more recognition than I thought,” Frazer said. “I thought it was just going to slip under the blanket and not going to be a super big deal.”
Courtesy photo
EA Sports College Football 2026 players now can use Horizon’s custom jersey to play against any school.
Megan Bruinsma
Olympia’s girls volleyball team is striving to reach the state finals this season.
INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK
JACQUELYN
RIFENBERG
HORIZON WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Jacquelyn Rifenberg is a sixth-grade life science teacher at Horizon West Middle School.
She also serves as the Green School Ambassador, leading the school to a first-place victory in the Green School competition. She also organizes the school’s annual fun run. As the National Junior Honor Society adviser, Rifenberg mentors students to become active community members and guide them on an annual trip to Washington, D.C. Rifenberg also oversees the school’s garden, where she teaches students about sustainable practices and the importance of living healthy. New this year, she is serving as the softball coach for Horizon High School.
one. Mrs. Chacon was one of my favorite middle school teachers. She would make everything relatable to the current trends that were going on and even brought in her pet snake.
Rifenberg has been named Horizon West Middle’s Teacher of the Year. She also has been recognized as a Sustainability Champion and Orange County Public Schools Hero Teacher.
“She is one of our best teachers as well as our (National) Honor Society sponsor, Green School Initiative leader and helps with school spirit with the annual spirit run,” Principal Andrew Agudo said. “She is always willing to help wherever around the school.”
What brought you to your school?
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
My favorite book series was “Dork Diaries” and “Junie B. Jones.” I thought that they were funny and relatable. In elementary school, I even dressed up as “Junie B. Jones” one day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.
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407-656-2734
My path to teaching began after graduating in 2020, a time when finding a job was difficult. It was my brother, who was working as a COVID health assistant at the school, who told me about an opening as he was leaving the position. I took over his role and handled all of the student COVID cases. My journey took a new direction when my principal (at the time), Michelle Thomas, noticed my passion for science and encouraged me to pursue a career as a science teacher.
What do you love most about your school?
I love my students and colleagues. They make it such a joy to come to work every day. One of my favorite moments was watching our school community unite for the fun run last year, truly demonstrating our collective spirit.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
For me, the greatest reward in teaching is seeing a student’s eyes light up when (he or she) finally understands a difficult topic. Knowing that I played a part in that moment of discovery is what makes me love my job. It’s especially rewarding when I hear from former students who say my class inspired their love for science.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I would either be in medical sales or orthodontics.
Who influences you?
My students influence me to be a better person every day.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Throughout my time as an OCPS student, I had so many amazing teachers that it was hard to pick just
REPORT CARD
Position: Sixth-grade life science
teacher Years with OCPS: Five
I like to call myself a hobbyist. I am always looking for another hobby to pick up. Some of my current hobbies are pickleball, needlepointing, Orangetheory, golf or half-marathon training. I also love going to football games and being with my dog, Louis.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to dine with Adam Sandler. I think he would make me laugh the entire time.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would choose teleportation. I’m always trying to be involved in as many activities and events as possible, and being able to instantly be in multiple places would help me make it to everything.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Miley Cyrus, Morgan Wallen and Chappell Roan. I listen to pretty much all styles of music and love their voices.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
My go-to lunch in elementary school was the nacho Lunchables. My favorite snack was Fruit Roll-ups or Gushers.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love getting into the holiday spirit and all the festivities. I also love seeing everyone’s faces when they open the presents you got them.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
My best friend growing up was my next-door neighbor Emily Beard. We are still in touch. She also became a teacher for OCPS.
LIZ RAMOS
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
Innovation Montessori seeks for more students
For the first time since the Ocoee school opened, there are seats available in the pre-K through 12th-grade school.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
When Cathy Tobin, principal of Innovation Montessori Ocoee’s primary and elementary school, walked into a classroom, she was swarmed by students.
They gave her hugs and told her what they were working on in class at the time.
There were at least 30 students in each large classroom, taking ownership of their academics while working on various projects and assignments.
Tobin recalled the days when Innovation Montessori Ocoee opened in a little strip mall on Plant Street in Winter Garden with 108 students in kindergarten through second grade.
“The whole staff could sit around in a circle on a rug, but that’s not the case anymore,” she said.
This year, the school, which educates children from 3 years old through seniors in high school, has at least 1,100 students learning on two campuses: one for the primary and elementary school and another for the secondary school.
Tobin said Innovation Montessori now is one of the biggest public Montessori schools in the country.
For the first time since the school opened, Tobin said there are open seats at most grade levels in the school. She said most of the seats are open in fourth grade and up.
“This is highly unusual for us, because we usually have a wait list with hundreds and hundreds of people on it,” Tobin said. “This school year, we added two new upper elementary classrooms and another primary classroom. So we created more spaces, which was sadly timed when people are taking the Family Empowerment Scholarship, and so we have lost a bunch (of students) to homeschool and private school, which is a challenge.”
Tobin said the school was started by a group of parents in 2011 who believed in the Montessori style of education and were supportive of the school on a day-to-day logistical basis. Parents were running to Costco for supplies, serving as a custodian when needed, answering the phone and more.
“One of my concerns as we were scaling up was the ability to maintain that close, community connection, but I think with the help of our PTO and our board of directors, which is all parents as well, we’ve managed to keep that feel for the most part, which is lovely,” she said. “Everyone feels they are part of an intentional community.”
When the school relocated to its
primary building on Lakewood Avenue in Ocoee in 2017, Tobin said parent power once again helped with the transition. Parents helped to install the playgrounds with the help of the Ocoee Fire Department.
As the children of the founding families continued in their education, there became a need for a high school.
That’s when the school planned to construct a high school, but escalating construction costs during the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold.
In the meantime, the school had high school students learning in empty classrooms upstairs in the elementary building.
“The population for high school had grown sufficiently that we couldn’t accommodate them all there,” Tobin said.
Instead of constructing a new high school, the school moved into a former community college on Silver Star Road to create its secondary school four years ago. Seventh and eighth grades joined the high school students on the Silver Star campus two years ago.
Innovation Montessori High School celebrated its first graduation class in 2022, and the Class of 2026 will have 46 graduates.
Regardless of the school’s growth since its inception, Tobin said the goals and mission have remained constant.
“One of our great goals here is certainly to give the children access to a rich and broad education and help them be constantly curious and regard learning as a joyful enterprise,” she said. “I think that’s what Montessori does. It creates lifelong learners, and it prepares our students for performing tasks that won’t necessarily be replicated by machines. It’s not the factory model of education. It’s way more than memorization and regurgitation of data for test scores. It’s true learning.”
ABOUT INNOVATION MONTESSORI
To learn more about the free, public pre-K through 12th grade school, visit innovationmontessori.com.
OPEN HOUSE
Photo by Liz Ramos
Kindergartner Margot Lopez created a sentence and worked on her writing skills.
BRAINFOOD
The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.
AWESOMELY AUTUMN I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher
Of course, as the calendar turns to October, most kids’ brains start to fill with dreams of bucketfuls of candy come Oct. 31. Yes, trick-or-treating is probably every child’s favorite Halloween activity. But, there are many more traditional games and fun to be had at this time of year. In this edition of Brain Food, we’re taking a look at just a few of them!
BOBBING FOR APPLES
If you’ve never tried bobbing for apples, it’s a little trickier than you might think. Really, what’s so hard about grabbing an apple floating in water with your teeth?
Well, for one, the apples float, and that makes it hard to actually grab one. Add in the fruit’s waxy and slippery skin — and the fact that you have to hold your breath and put your face in water — and it turns into quite the task.
Bobbing for apples didn’t start as a Halloween activity but rather one for romance. Hundreds of years ago in Europe, the apples represented someone a girl might want to marry. Then, she would try to bite one, and if she was able to get an apple on the first try, people believed that was a sign of good luck and they would have a great future together.
Bobbing for apples became a Halloween tradition as the Christian church and the Romans began adapting the Celtic holiday of Samhain and its traditions to their own holidays and traditions.
CORN MAZE
Luckily for West Orange residents, we have an amazing corn maze just minutes away at Southern Hill Farms. These fun, mind-bending mazes are a great way to enjoy the cooler weather and the beautiful Florida sunshine.
But did you know corn mazes actually date back thousands of years? And the word labyrinth comes from the Greek word “labrys,” which means “double-headed axe.”
Ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as medieval monks, built mazes as brain teasers — think of them as the first video games!
However, corn mazes didn’t become a fall tradition until 1993, when Earl Beal created the first full-size corn maze in Annville, Pennsylvania. The maze was inspired by his dad, who designed mazes for the Knoebels Amusement Resort. These days, corn mazes are a popular activity for children of all ages.
ROASTING PUMPKIN SEEDS
Of course, anyone who has ever made a Jack-olantern knows there are a ton of pumpkin guts and seeds scraped out. And the best way to use the seeds is to roast them to make a salty snack! This is a super easy recipe you can do with just a little help!
INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin Seeds
Oil Seasonings of your choice
METHOD
1. Place your pumpkin seeds into a bowl of cold water to clean. Move them around and then remove as they float to the top.
2. Place the seeds into a pot of boiling salted water and simmer for five minutes. This cleans and pre-seasons the seeds. Drain and rinse the seeds and then dry them with a paper towel.
3. Toss the seeds with oil and sprinkle in your seasonings.
4. Spread the oiled and seasoned seeds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a 350-degree oven until the seeds are crisp and
EVENTS
FAMILY FIBER ARTS: PUMPKINS
10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Let’s do some seasonal crafting together! Be ready to thread a needle and do some sewing. Registration required.
SOLAR OBSERVING
2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Celebrate Solar Maximum with this four-day event. Stop by to observe the sun, safely, with a solar telescope!
TEEN ART JAM
3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Winter Garden Branch Library, 805 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Compete to create the best themed crafts with provided supplies in an hour. Winning crafts will receive a prize and be displayed at the Winter Garden Branch. Recommended for ages 13-18. Registration required.
CROCHET AMIGURUMI PUMPKIN
10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Windermere Branch Library, 530 Main St., Windermere. Practice in-the-round crochet with this adorable amigurumi pumpkin to keep or gift to a friend. All materials will be provided. Recommended for ages 13-18; confident beginner level. Registration required.
RECOMMENDED READING
n “A Great Fall: Three-and-a-Half Stories” by Ame Dyckman; illustrated by Mark Teague n “What We Found in the Corn Maze and How it Saved a Dragon” by Henry Clark n “Fall Parade” by Camelia Kay; art by Allyn Howard
Cops & Bobbers event fosters ‘reel’ respect
Children and Windermere police officers enjoyed a sunny day out at Lake Butler for the Windermere Police Foundation’s fifth annual Cops & Bobbers event, held Saturday, Sept. 20.
This annual event allows the youth community of Windermere to fish with police officers to become more involved
with the city and its police department, while also having fun and relaxing.
Attendees were able to enjoy a boat ride to fish with officers, as well as shoreline fishing for younger children.
Some residents fished for the first time during the event. — LETICIA SILVA
VICKI LORETTA SUMMERS DIED SEPT. 16, 2025.
Vicki Loretta Summers, 81, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee with her family by her side.
Vicki was born on Aug. 28, 1944, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orlando. She was the daughter of the late Edgar and Loretta Brooklyn.
Vicki was a longtime employee of Martin Marietta and finished her career at Bright House Networks in Ocoee. She also played a big role in bringing Pop Warner Football to Winter Garden. Any kid who played football in Winter Garden in the late 1970s through the mid-1990s knew who Mrs. Summers was. She spent countless hours down at Walker Field on the weekends. Football remained
MICHAEL EUGENE WILLIAMS DIED AUG. 31, 2025.
Michael Eugene Williams, 74, of Orlando, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at AdventHealth Hospital.
Michael was born on June 6, 1951, in the small town of Hartford City, Indiana. He is the son of the late William Richard Williams and Josephine Marie Sullivan. Michael was the loving husband of 56 years to Constance Elaine (Holtzleiter) Williams.
Michael worked for Fisher Body, Overhead Door and an ambulance service in Indiana. But Kentucky Fried Chicken was the restaurant that he dedicated most of his time to. Michael and his family moved to Lakeland, Florida, to continue his career with Kentucky Fried Chicken, which eventually led to other jobs in the restaurant industry in Sanford and Orlando. These include: Popeyes, Quincy’s, Kobe’s Japanese Steakhouse, Barnhills, Busy Bees, Denny’s, TooJay’s, Ponderosa, Bojangles and The Whistlestop Restaurant in Zellwood Station to name a few. Michael dedicated his life to helping people at work — teaching them strong work ethics and honesty. We have no idea how many people he reached by working with them daily.
He enjoyed playing tennis and golf in his spare time. Everyone who knew Michael would tell you he was a kind and helpful person with a funny sense of humor. He loved to joke around with people in his weird kind of way. He loved cartoon
one of her passions throughout her life.
Vicki is survived by three children, Bret Summers, Scott Summers and Ashley Wendell. She had nine grandsons and 13 greatgrandchildren. She also had one loving sister, Jan Thurmond; one niece, Dana Thurmond; and one grandniece.
A service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Health Central Park, 411 N. Dillard St., in Winter Garden.
characters like Looney Tunes, Tasmanian Devil, Road Runner, Chip N Dale, and absolutely loved ridiculous movies such as “CaddyShack,” “Home Alone” and “Scrooged.” Michael was an avid Florida Gator and Orlando Magic fan.
Besides his loving wife, Connie, he is survived by his only child, Sharon Randall, and her husband, Matheu Randall, of Orlando; his grandchildren, Brandon Randall, and his wife, Madison, of Dade City, and Blake Randall and his girlfriend, Aubrey, of Orlando; and his only surviving sibling, his sister, Barbara Holiday, and her husband, Bob, of Redkey, Indiana. The Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at West Orlando Baptist Church, 1006 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee, Florida 34761. Michael’s arrangements are in the care and guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home, 1132 E. Plant St. Winter Garden, Florida 34787. In lieu of flowers, donations to Matthew’s Hope Ministries at matthewshopeministries.harnessgiving.org would be greatly appreciated.
Miller Militzer fished patiently with his dad during this year’s Cops and Bobbers event.
Daniel Shaw showed excitement as fish bit his lure. This was his first time fishing.
Right: Danyel Hylton, police clerk and administrative assistant, and officer Carissa Ramirez attended the event with WPD and fished from the dock.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1935: 90 years ago
Blackmon’s Five and Ten Cent Store moved from the former location in the Edgewater Hotel building to its new storeroom in the Roper Building, formerly occupied by Bumby Hardware Store.
Cappleman’s Cash and Carry advertised 24 pounds of plain flour for 97 cents, a one-pound can of Maxwell House Coffee for 27 cents; two pounds of compound for 25 cents, a one-halfpound bar of chocolate for 15 cents, one pound of Country Roll butter for 29 cents, one package of Premium Flake crackers for 17 cents, Super Suds for 9 cents, Octagon Cleanser Palmolive Soap for 5 cents, 10 pounds of potatoes for 13 cents, two pounds of Thompson’s seedless grapes for 15 cents, four pounds of apples for 15 cents, two pounds of tomatoes for 15 cents, one pound of green beans for 10 cents and two pounds of cabbage for 5 cents.
1945: 80 years ago
Flight Officer Harold Maguire arrived by plane from St. Joseph, Missouri, to spend several days in Ocoee with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Maguire. He had been instructing in celestial flying at Missouri for several months.
1950: 75 years ago
Commander Albert C. Valdes, of the Hugh T. Gregory Post 63, American Legion, was named to the Music and Contests Committee.
Six-foot-10 coach Robert Cluggish succeeded coach James A. Mobley, of Lakeview, who was called back into the U.S. Navy.
The photo shows the Charles R. Drew High School girls basketball squad around 1962. A new exhibition by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation debuts in Winter Garden City Hall this week and runs through January. This dynamic showcase celebrates the remarkable athletes who have emerged from our community, highlighting their incredible achievements across various sports — from baseball and basketball to soccer and swimming. Discover their inspiring stories, groundbreaking records and the impact they’ve made both locally and nationally. The grand opening is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 2 at City Hall.
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.
1970: 55 years ago
The Lakeview High Red Devils announced its football team: Johnny Collier, Butch Smith, Daniel Cummings, Joe Barfield, Mark Tygart, Johnny Alexander, Dickie Hall, Greg Rogers, Ray Brown, Mike Wilson, David Paxton, Robert Bagley, captain Chip Naramore, Rusty Jenkins, Ron Moore, Steve Hartsfield, Tommy Elrod, manager Mark Sterns, Stan Underwood, David Waters, Gordon Markham, Kenny Hale, David Asendorf, Mike Dion, Clyde Hicks, Jerry Tyson and
Harold Bouler. On the coaching staff: Joe Clenney, Dick Lindsey, Pat Moran, Ron Lopsonzski Vel Heckman and Ogie Keneipp. Cheering for the Red Devils were Beth McCollough, Chris Warden, Mary Russ, Sharon Sargeant, Jill Pitchford, Kris Bekemeyer, Sallie Youngblood and Leslie Stanford.
Dixon Hays of Winter Garden, a Florida Power serviceman, received his 20-year service emblem from Mervin Lee, district manager.
1975: 50 years ago
Curtis Massey, a resident of the Tildenville-Oakland area for 44 years, was elected mayor in an unusually high voter turnout. The seat had been vacant for 11 months and temporarily filled by Oakland Council President Horace S. “Buck” Hull Jr.
THROWBACK
SEPT. 25, 1942 America was in the midst of World War II, and officials in Washington, D.C., issued monthly quota reports on the war bonds sold. The September quotas for the 3,070 counties in the nation totaled $775 million. The state of Florida reached $7.2 million; Orange County recorded $291,100. In war years, the United States government sold war bonds to the public as a debt security to finance military operations and other wartime expenditures. By selling bonds to citizens, the government was able to quickly raise large amounts of money without raising taxes too high. Three new series of bond notes, Series E, F and G, were introduced, of which Series E was targeted at individuals as “defense bonds.” They were sold for as little as $18.75 and matured in 10 years, at which time the U.S. government paid the bondholder $25.
and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
“FKI SKXWVCKMO ZL ‘OHMSFK’ JHI ICAMMKMO -- XKVFHXS HCCWMNZXZAOF JHI ZMW ZL CFW OXWHCI ZL VKMWTH.” SHUKS VHTWXZM
“D UMUGWWP VJWDJYJ DT ZGLDE ... ZGLDEGW UODTLR OGYJ EMZJ UNBJ AMN ZJ UDZJ GAUJN UDZJ GAUJN UDZJ.” RUJYDJ TDEIR
“SXKYWC VR YVZX RXKSKWXM; WCX INMX SX PMVBZ, WCX WCVMRWVXM SX JXGNIX; KBP WCX RKIX VR WMEX NH HKIX.” KMWCEM RGCNUXBCKEXM
“STOP THE PRESSES!” by Michael Schlossberg, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
Join bike riders of all levels on October 2, 2025, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at Home State Brewing Co. in Horizon West Registration required. Scan the QR code, call Amy Pryor at 407.656.1304 ext. 102 or email apryor@wochamber.com Winter Garden Wheel Works Bike Rentals Available Complimentary drop-off and pick-up
Individual Rider: $25
Child Rider (12 and under): FREE with a paid rider Team Rates: $100 for 5 riders
