10.07.21 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

The West Orange and Southwest Orange market remains hot. SEE PAGE 8.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

The town of Windermere approved its 2021-2022 fiscal year budget, with the general fund balanced at a satisfyingly coincidental $7,777,777. PAGE 7.

Creating the beaten path Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

CRATE CLAIMED West Orange High School celebrated Homecoming with plenty of traditions.

SEE PAGE 3

YOUR TOWN LIBRARY TO CELEBRATE GARDEN

Windermere’s Safe Route to School project is just the beginning of a master plan that eventually will connect the entire town. SEE PAGE 4.

Jim Carchidi

Ruth Marcus helps pedestrians on their way to Windermere Elementary School.

Meet us at the DQ The much-anticipated Winter Garden Dairy Queen is coming.

Find out when inside!

SEE PAGE 2.

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BATTLE FOR THE SHIELD After a delay, West Orange and Ocoee renew their rilvalry.

SEE PAGE 15.

The community is invited to participate in the grand opening of the West Oaks Wildflower Garden with a StoryWalk and takehome crafts at the West Oaks Branch Library & Genealogy Center.

TheStoryWalk features “Planting a Rainbow, by Lois Ehlert, which will be on display during the event, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 9, at 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee.

The wildflower garden has been made possible by a $300 grant awarded

by The Florida Wildflower Foundation. The garden features Florida native plants and flowers. This demonstration garden will showcase the natural beauty of Florida. For more, visit flawildflowers.org.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Attention, Winter Garden: DQ eyes December opening The partners behind the much anticipated DQ Grill and Chill are hoping to celebrate the holidays with Blizzards and dipped cones.

JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Those jonesing for a Blizzard in Winter Garden may get an early holiday gift as a new DQ Grill and Chill nears completion at 14180 W. Colonial Drive.

“We are targeting a mid- to lateDecember opening date,” partner Marawan Raafat said.

Raafat, who has years of restaurant business experience on Florida’s Treasure Coast, is partnering on the project with South Florida-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Check Kam. “We each spend a lot of time in the Orlando area,” Raafat said.

“Winter Garden has a small-town feel. It’s very community-based, and Dr. Kam and I thought it made a great fit for a DQ.” A new business not only means new choices for the community but also means new job opportunities.

“We’re looking at hiring and will be advertising for jobs the closer we get to completing construction,” Raafat said. He estimates the location will bring a total of 30 full-time and part-time jobs to the area, along with creating several opportunities for local suppliers and contractors.

Courtesy of DQ Grill and Chill

“We’re going to be utilizing local services whatever they may be — local accountants, maintenance professionals and other services,” he said. “So, there’s a lot of indirect employment needs, as well.”

Dairy Queen first announced the DQ Grill & Chill concept in 2002.

Today, there are more than 2,000 locations serving hot food and ice cream treats. Features include a modern open-air grill design, booths, warm lighting, separate “grill” and “chill” kitchens, large gathering tables and a modern outdoor patio.

Plans for the 2,612-square-foot location were approved by Winter

5980-469060 Horizon West Hospital Facility Brand_West Orange Times_10.375x8.pdf

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Garden city commissioners in February 2020. The one-story building includes an additional 464-square-foot space to be used for a freezer, cooler and dry storage.

The prospect of cool treats became a hot topic after the approval. Word spread across social media and throughout the community, with many wondering when the lights and the ice cream machines finally would be turned on. But not even the home of the Blizzard is immune to a freeze in the global supply chain.

Labor shortages and increased shipping demand, due to the pandemic, have lead to a shortage

of shipping containers and bottlenecks at ports and railways that have become an ongoing problem for the construction industry and the economy at large.

“One of our biggest challenges at the moment is basically just securing all the equipment,” Raafat said. “The equipment comes from overseas, so the process became very complicated and has impacted all the supply chains for, not just the equipment, but also the construction materials.”

Despite the logistics issues and a brief rain delay in the foundation pour, Raafat remains focused on a December opening and looks forward to making the DQ location stand out.

“We’re definitely going to be a big part of the community and try to be involved in charities, and local events,” he said.

And the possibility of opening more businesses in the Winter Garden area is one he’s happy to leave open.

“You never know where life takes you, so everything’s on the table,” he said.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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WARRIOR MINDSET

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Warrior Nation was loud and proud during the football game Friday, Oct. 1.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Cambrie Riffe and Patrick Golden and were crowned Homecoming queen and king Friday, Oct. 1.

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Jim Carchidi

The West Orange Warriors football team boarded its truck as the parade kicks off.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

est Orange High School celebrated Homecoming week with a plethora of activities.

Warrior Nation took over Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden Thursday, Sept. 30, for its 2021 Homecoming Parade.

Residents lined the street and packed outdoor dining areas to watch school organizations, sports teams, the Homecoming Court and the West Orange Warrior Band march from Dillard Street to Central Avenue.

The following evening, the Warriors celebrated a 45-7 thrashing of Dr. Phillips in the Ol’ Orange Crate rivalry game. The school also crowned Cambrie Riffe and Patrick Golden as its 2021 Homecoming queen and king.

Homecoming week culminated with a dance and party Saturday, Oct. 2, at SeaWorld Orlando.

Homecoming attendees enjoying riding the Manta roller coaster at SeaWorld.

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Jim Carchidi

Anna Masterson, Tyler Caruth and Tyler Bham, of the West Orange Warrior Band, loved performing in the parade.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Above: West Orange High hosted its dance at SeaWorld Orlando.

Left: Members of the West Orange High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard got an inspection before the start of the parade.

— JIM CARCHIDI

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com & tk-photos.com Jim Carchidi

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Jim Carchidi, jcarchidi@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Chris Martucci, cmartucci@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Courtesy of the town of Windermere

Establishing a connection JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

T

he town of Windermere is building multimodal connectivity by correcting an old mistake.

The Safe Route to School project will connect North Avenue to Windermere Elementary School with sidewalk improvements, wider trails and a new pedestrian bridge. Designs include paths measuring 10 feet wide, a 60-foot berm and new landscaping. Plans will be complete by late November, and construction should begin within six months.

“That is the most heavily traveled area for schoolchildren,” Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith said. “Right now, when we get a heavy storm, the dirt roadway washes onto the sidewalk.”

Smith also pointed out the need to replace the aging bridge at South Lake Butler Boulevard and Dirt Main Street.

“The rationale behind the trail is to make sure pedestrians and children have a safe way to get to school,” Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “Right now, there’s some sidewalk, there’s some road … it’s not ideal. The other reason is… we needed a new bridge to allow golf carts to pass. Also wheelchairs and any assistive devices.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Safe Route to School represents the first phase of a master-plan concept based on residents’ requests for wider, more user-friendly paths

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Jim Carchidi

Cyclists cross the pedestrian bridge on South Lake Butler Boulevard. A new bridge will be part of the Safe Route to School project.

connecting neighborhoods, parks and the downtown area. According to Smith, the concept began in early 2014 and grew to include access to The Grove shopping and dining complex on South Apopka Vineland Road.

“We’re still acquiring properties between North and Second avenues, and that will connect (Safe Routes to School) to the downtown area,” said Smith. “Phase Two will be from downtown, east to The Grove, and Phase Three will be

from Sixth Avenue down to 12th Avenue.”

O’Brien said the town has made commitments to preserve existing irrigation, wells and other systems installed by the previous landowners. And the town’s clubs and organizations will be offered opportunities to landscape segments of the overall path to promote ownership of the project.

“In the end, we’ll have one unified piece of land that will be

MISSED OPPORTUNITY The route utilizes a railroad right-of-way, which represents a decades-old sore spot in the town’s history. According to Smith, the right-of-way originally was offered to the town for $16,000. The Town Council decided not to move forward with purchase, and the majority of the land was then acquired by two entities — DP Lynn Trust and Ward Trust —

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

with some parcels purchased by the owners of adjacent properties.

“I always felt the town not purchasing the railroad right-ofway was a missed opportunity,” O’Brien said of the decision, which he estimates was made in the early 1990s.

Smith began negotiations in 2011 to buy the portion of rightof-way owned by Ken and Susan

Ward of the Ward Trust. The 5.592 acres, extending from 12th Avenue to Windermere Road, represents about 60% of the original right-of-way. Talks continued with the Ward family after Ken and Susan died in a 2017 house fire. In 2018, the Town Council approved the purchase of the Ward property for $250,000.

all maintained and landscaped,” he said.

In July, U.S. Rep. Val Demings announced funding for 10 Central Florida community projects were approved by the House Appropriations Committee, including $760,000 for Phase One of Safe Route to School. O’Brien and Smith say plans to discuss additional funding through the West Orange Healthcare District’s Healthy West Orange Trails Initiative are currently in the works.

“Providing safe routes to school for our students to enjoy walking and biking with their friends and families is a wonderful way to support the healthy well-being of all,” Windermere Elementary School Principal Dr. Diana Greer said. “I am looking forward to the increased engagement we will see from our families as a result of this project.”

“It checks every box, it’s positive after positive,” O’Brien said of Windermere Ward Trail. “It’ll be good today, and it’s going to be good 50 years from now.”

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Oakland leaders present Complete Streets project AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Courtesy

GAI also pointed out the lack of streetlights at specific intersections, inadequate pedestrian crosswalks and inconsistent drainage.

Renderings showed portions of Tubb Street and Oakland Avenue with tree canopies, ground plants, small roundabouts, streetlights, sidewalks, parking and, where possible, planted medians. Along Tubb, one side would have a sidewalk and the other would incorporate a trail.

On the east end of Oakland Avenue, Wishart said, where the Winter Garden city limits end and Oakland limits begin, special paving and possibly a wayfinding piece could designate the entrance.

This second step is part of Oakland’s Master Mobility Management Plan.

The next step is for GAI to make a presentation to the Town Commission.

Koontz said this is an incremental project, and the process will begin after the West Oakland Avenue roundabout project is completed.

Work on the project likely would begin on Tubb Street from south to north and then Oakland Avenue from east to west.

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An aerial rendering shows the potential for the intersection of Tubb Street and Oakland Avenue.

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Oakland officials held a public meeting Sept. 30 to give residents a glimpse of what their main thoroughfares could look like through a proposed Complete Streets project.

The information provided in this and a previous meeting will be presented to the Oakland Town Commission in a future work session.

The 2.52-mile study area extends along Oakland Avenue from the scheduled roundabout on the west side at West Colonial Drive to Winter’s Landing/Catherine Ross Road and along Tubb Street from Gulley Avenue to West Colonial.

The Complete Streets approach incorporates multiple modes of travel — motorists, trucks and buses, experienced and novice cyclists, and pedestrians — to create a roadway that performs at peak level.

GAI’s Community Solutions Group held the first meeting Sept. 2 and conducted a walking tour from the town center along Tubb Street and Oakland Avenue. At the Sept. 30 meeting, the firm provided preliminary concepts and renderings based on community input at the first gathering.

Donald G. Wishart, director of landscape architecture, and Sheeba West, landscape architecture manager, shared community comments from the first meeting, including the need to slow down traffic speeds on the main roads and at key intersections; a desire for on-street parking and more sidewalks; a plea for opportunities for public art; the need to protect heritage trees; and the desire to create a new focal point within the town square.

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IN OTHER NEWS

Oakland adopts mask opt-out option for town charter school The change comes after Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo issued new rules giving parents the power to choose.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

A discussion about the latest Orange County Department of Health ruling and students wearing masks at Oakland Avenue Charter School grew intense at the Sept.

28 Oakland Town Commission meeting.

The commission was tasked with making a decision on the mask mandate at the school following the new Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo’s Sept.

22 emergency rule giving parents or legal guardians sole discretion regarding their children wearing masks in school.

Previously, Oakland officials held an emergency meeting Aug. 30 and voted to require masks following a decision made by Orange County Public Schools.

Prior to that decision, the commission had approved a policy July 27 that made masks voluntary at OACS. About 55% of the parents opted out of their children wearing masks.

The school has had nearly 400 quarantines since the beginning of the year, Town Manager Steve Koontz said. However, as of Sept.

24, there was just one active quarantine.

“What I’m seeing is we’ve got a staff that’s done an incredible

job at the school,” he said. “Our numbers are down. … We’re in a very good position to have this discussion tonight. … The CDC does recommend universally for indoor masking in the schools. …

But we do have the state of Florida and surgeon general with an emergency order with a very clear direction on the masking point.”

Commissioner Mike Satterfield chastised OCPS for “picking and choosing what part of the law they obey” and said the commission needs to decide if it is “going to follow the law.”

“Are you saying OCPS is breaking the law?” Commissioner Sal Ramos asked.

“Yes, so we have to decide whether we want to break the law along with them,” Satterfield said.

Assistant Town Attorney Stephanie Velo said if the town maintains its mask mandate at OACS, it is not obeying the law. She added that when the commission held its emergency meeting Aug. 30, the law was being litigated so the town wasn’t in violation at that time.

“In the course of about two-anda-half weeks, we were compliant and then not compliant and then compliant,” Koontz said.

“No matter which side of the rule we’re on, we all want what’s best for the kids,” Satterfield said.

Mayor Kathy Stark opened the meeting to comments, and many parents took their turn at the podium to state their opinions for or against masks.

“Most of the teachers are against the masks,” James Avila said.

“Their biggest challenge is making sure the kids go home with the right masks at the end of the day.

The kids who want to wear a mask — they’re allowed to make their choice. You’re limiting our choice.”

Another parent, Terry Fletcher, gave the commission 47 studies he said proved masks are ineffective.

“If you’re not going to follow the law, then we’re not either,” he said. “We’re going to send our kids to school and say, ‘Screw your laws.’ I don’t understand this whole stance.

“If you go ahead and go through with this, I’m telling you, I’m going to file suit, and I’m going to get 55% of the school to follow me,” Fletcher said. “I’m done playing this game. … We’re fed up with this. We’re tired of this. Unmask our kids. You are abusing our children. You are suffocating them, and we’ve had enough of it.”

However, not all parents advocated for removing the mandate.

“Mayor Stark and the commissioners who voted to protect our kids at the emergency meeting — I am very grateful,”

n The Town Commission passed the final public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget, set at $27,762,534 with a millage rate of 6.40. n The commission passed several resolutions pertaining to eligible funding in the amount of $1,564,166 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to be used for water and wastewater infrastructure; and an amendment to the defined contribution retirement plan for police officers. n Mayor Kathy Stark proclaimed Oct. 15, 2021, as Blind Americans Equality Day and October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. n Town Manager Steve Koontz introduced Naureen O’Neale, the town’s new human resources director.

Heather Beiler said. “It’s a peace you’ve given me as a parent; as a mother, it’s a gift. Protecting my kids is really all I can ask of my government.

“For the first time in history, we’re now looking at parents to be public health experts,” Beiler said.

“Sure, we know our kids best, but if we’re going to teach science at the school, we sure should practice it.

It’s never been easy to stand up for what’s right, and that’s what we’re asking you to … continue to do.”

The Town Commission considered four options: Do nothing, which keeps both the mask and quarantine rules currently in place at the school; accept both the new mask and quarantine orders; keep only the

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mask mandate currently in place at the school; or lift the mask mandate but maintain the school’s current quarantine policy.

“If you want to avoid violating the agency rule at all, then the option would be to adopt their policies,” Velo said. “We would have a parental opt-out for the mask mandate and we would follow the quarantine procedures set forth.”

Satterfield, who voted against the mask mandate during the town’s emergency meeting, made a motion to follow the emergency rule immediately and allow Koontz and OACS Principal Pam Dwyer until the end of the week to make a policy for teachers and staff at the school to follow.

The motion was seconded by Ramos, who said he was saddened by residents’ accusations that the elected officials are politicizing their decision.

“This is not political, this is about the children — and I’m tired of fighting about it,” Mayor Stark said.

“I don’t believe it’s at all political,” Satterfield said. “We’re just on opposite sides of this. … No one’s intentionally doing something that’s going to hurt the kids.”

“As a health care professional for over 28 years, I’m not going to fight people,” Commissioner Joseph McMullen said. “I’m following the law. I’m a pharmacist, and I look at pharmacy data every day, and I see COVID data that affects people every day. It’s not political.

It’s about what I’ve seen as a health care professional. But at the end of the day, it’s about following the law.”

The commission voted unanimously to follow the DOH emergency rule, and opt-out forms were sent home last week.

OCT. 15-17 Waterfront Park Clermont

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Book Drop-off Locations Need ed

Every holiday season for the past 24 years, Reading Reindeer has gifted new books to underserved families in West Orange County.

This is only possible thanks to the continued support of our community.

Carnival • BBQ • Games Live Music • Fireworks Pig Racing • Chili Cookoff • & More

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• NEW JR GRILLMASTERS Competition presented by

• BIG KIDS ZONE presented by

www.PigonthePond.org

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If your business, school or group is interested in hosting a collection site for our 2021 book drive, please contact us at (407) 656-2121 or abrunelle@orangeobserver.com for more information.

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Windermere approves FY 2021-22 budget JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Windermere Town Council members officially approved the plan for Fiscal Year 2021-22 during a Sept. 20 budget hearing.

The General Fund revenues and operating expenditures even out at $7,777,777 while the millage rate of 3.7425, in place since 2019, was adopted for another year.

The largest contributors to the General Fund revenue include $490,000 from the 1/2-cent sales tax, $335,274.95 from the solid waste tax, $200,000 from Windermere Wine & Dine and $745,000 from the American Recovery Act. General Fund operating expenditures include legislative, administrative, clerical, financial, development services, public works, parks and recreation, police department, code enforcement and committees.

The total stormwater fund expenditures total $350,884. That includes $112,558 for stormwater projects and $16,030 for capital equipment.

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH TOWN MANAGER ROBERT SMITH

1

One of the biggest impacts to the town’s 2020-21 Fiscal Year was the construction of new town facilities. When will they be complete, and how will that affect next year’s budget?

The grand opening of the facilities will be in February 2022. We have a loan payment each year of $327,000. However, we had to budget for temporary facilities and Public Works shed for this fiscal year. The money will be recouped in 2022-23 in the amount of $279,100. In addition, the balance of the Main Street Loan will be paid off in 2024 and the town will recoup $216,000.

2

What impact did COVID have on revenue?

The half-cent sales tax will be impacted, but unlike other municipalities, our tax base is mostly residential, with barely any commercial revenue, so the financial impact will be lessened.

3.7425

DEPARTMENT Legislative Administrative Clerk Financial Development Services Public Works Parks and Recreation Police Code Enforcement Committees

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The adopted budget and expenditures even out at $7,777,777. How unusual is that, and what were some challenges in making that happen?

It just worked out that way. It wasn’t intentional, but I may play those numbers in the lotto.

FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 $175,569 $224,374 $228,374 $358,274 $379,844 $425,084 $129,497 $133,383 $137,111 $757,023 $787,776 $829,006 $270,000 $310,000 $310,000 $1,999,124 $2,130,972 $2,945,369 $86,500 $57,000 $36,000 $2,131,869 $2,217,291 $2,335,471 $23,238 $24,035 $25,703 $189,900 $188,900 $154,500

The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning certain property generally located east of the Florida Turnpike on the south side of State Road 50/West Colonial Drive, containing approximately 32.8 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-19 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FROM PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT TO PD, PLANNED DEVELOPMENT WITH A MASTER PLAN, IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR A PARCEL OF LAND APPROXIMATELY 32.8 ACRES IN SIZE, LOCATED AT 15900 WEST COLONIAL DRIVE IN OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF STATE ROAD 50/WEST COLONIAL DR. EAST OF THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Location Map:

Public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

OAKLAND PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD DATE: Tuesday, October 19, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2021, in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed.

Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting.

This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: October 19th Planning and Zoning Meeting Time: October 19, 2021, 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89740435995 Meeting ID: 897 4043 5995 Passcode: 9ZMney

The set millage rate for Fiscal Year 202122 is 3.7425, which has now remained static for four years. The budget is currently balanced at the 3.7425 millage rate.

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF USE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

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What was the most significant challenge in balancing the budget?

Every year, we are looking at ways to provide adequate, affordable health care for employees. Each year, these costs go up, and we are put into a position to amend the existing plans (higher deductible, higher co-pay, etc.) or switch plans. We also need to be competitive with other organizations so we retain the employees we have.

Also, estimating revenues versus the increasing costs for goods and services. This is always a moving target. You want to be conservative enough so you are not looking at making cuts to the budget six months in. However, you use the past to predict the future. But with an anomaly (such as) the pandemic, it throws those numbers off. ... It’s a difficult balancing act.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT

Town Manager Robert Smith

What are some important projects for Fiscal Year 2021-22?

The West Second Avenue stormwater, road and potable water improvements project, along with the Bessie Basin and Butler Basin stormwater and potable water improvements projects. All three are covered under a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program of $3.3 million, which is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Potable water system aspects will be covered through the American Recovery Act.

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BUDGET BREAKDOWN

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8

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 Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org STARKE LAKE BAPTIST

CHURCH OF GOD

Reserve at Lake Butler Sound sells for $3.6M A home in the Reserve

GOTHA

at Lake Butler

The home at 353 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, sold Sept. 30, for $560,000. Built in 1925, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,321 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 23.

Sound community in Windermere topped

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Sept. 24

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

to Oct. 1.

The home at 11025

LAKEVIEW HEIGHTS

WINDERMERE CHASE

The home at 718 Little Hampton Lane, Gotha, sold Sept. 30, for $520,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,232 square feet. Days on market: 66.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

CHURCH DIRECTORY METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL FIRST UNITED METHODIST PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO (407) 656-1135 CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Services: 9 AM Contemporary 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, 11:15 AM Traditional Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM Viewable on YouTube Web: fumcwg.org

CHURCH GLICAN COMMUNITY Starke Lake Baptist Church PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee LLOWSHIP CHURCH Jeff Pritchard Jeff Pastor Pritchard tor The Rev. CanonPastor Tim Trombitas (407) 656-2351 6 East Plant St, Winter POGarden Box 520 611 W Ave., www.starkelakebaptist.org NDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Ocoee d us at: Theacf.net CHURCH OF GOD (407) 656-2351 OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD UNITED CHURCH OF APTIST Pastor Thomas Odom www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org CHRIST Purpose Church Orlando 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, 407-656-8011 or Casey Butner 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Baptist Church Beulah Rd, WinterVictory Garden Winter FLGarden Windermere, 34786 EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org & Christian Academy 407-876-2112 Worship times: (407) 654-9661 CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM 9:00am Adult Sunday School 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 241 N. Main, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICE 11:00AM Sunday 10:00am WorshipService: 10:05 AM (407) 656-3097 Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM www.windermereunion.org Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Sunday: 11www.churchofthemessiah.com AM & 6 PM ST BAPTIST CHURCH Saturday Service: 6 PM 7 PM E Plant St., WinterWednesday: Garden www.purposechurchorlando.org -656-2352 www.VBCOCOEE.com NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study 00 am Contemporary DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana MIKE YOAKUM or Tim Grosshans PASTOR w.fbcwg.org Campus: P: 407.656.1520 UNDATION WORSHIP C: 407.758.3570 NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM ndation Academy High School 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden w.FoundationWorship.com -730-1867

FOOD PANTRY

West Orange Times & Observer and Sept.

27, for $649,900. Built in

at living OrangeObserver.com.

1991, it has four bedrooms, three squareonline feet of area.

baths and 2,375 square feet of liv-

ing area. Days on market: One. These are theinhighestTo advertise the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email

INDEPENDENCE selling homes in each AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

The home at 6128 Sunset Isle Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

30, for $575,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,465 square feet. Days on market: 49.

community in West Orange.

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The home at 9432 Lake Hickory

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The home at 16894 Wingspread Loop, Lot 430, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 30, for $675,000. Built Windermere, sold Sept. in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 27, for $3.6 million. Built 3,901 square feet. Days on market: inAdvertise 2008, it has seven your Services orTwo. Events

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Bridge House Road,

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

The home at 15902 Moonlight Bay St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $510,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

coldwellbankerhomes.com

The home at 11025 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $3.6 million. This home features a private pier and dock on Lake Butler.

The home at 7514 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $715,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,858 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 13255 Roxboro Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $590,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,628 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6624 Duncaster St., Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $470,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,697 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15823 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $810,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,768 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 5637 Tiger Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $610,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,917 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

PRESTON SQUARE

The home at 6537 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 1, for $455,000. Built in 2010, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,591 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 24.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 13802 Ingelnook

Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 1, for $495,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,785 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 15544 Mango Isle St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $637,111. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,224 square feet of living area.

The home at 15532 Mango Isle St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 28, for $660,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet of living area.

The home at 15777 Fountain Springs Road, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $510,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

9

SNAPSHOT Total Sales: 119 High Sale Price: $3.6 million Low Sale Price: $180,000

The home at 8697 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $500,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 75.

The home at 11936 Perspective Drive, Windermere, sold Sept.

27, for $623,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3617 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 8771 Iron Mountain Trail, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $599,900. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,120 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

The home at 14376 Black Tea Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

30, for $620,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,177 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 12952 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $691,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 4,129 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE SOUND

The home at 13034 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $505,500. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,461 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9051 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Sept.

30, for $725,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,930 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 9095 Reflection Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 29, for $540,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,755 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

OCOEE

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 3193 Jamber Drive, Ocoee, sold Sept. 29, for $399,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,573 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 442 Anessa Rose Loop, Ocoee, sold Oct. 1, for $585,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,140 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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The home at 938 Hire Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 30, for $452,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,092 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two. PRAIRIE LAKE VILLAGE

The home at 1955 Aspenridge Court, Ocoee, sold Sept. 28, for $426,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,837 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

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The home at 2698 Migliara Lane, Ocoee, sold Sept. 30, for $400,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,730 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 19.

WEST ORANGE

MAGNOLIA PARK

The home at 4457 Begonia Court, Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $800,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,033 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 19.

18 202 The biggest shopping event of the year is right around the corner.

80% 52%

of consumers will make holiday-related purchases during the Black Friday week.

937

$

estimated holiday spending, per shopper.

WESTOVER RESERVE

WINTER GARDEN

*Source: Verified Audit Circulation ending 3/31/20: Observer; Google Analytics 30-day average. 2021; AudienceScan Study, Sales Fuel, Inc., 2021; AudienceScan, 2021; Business Wire Holiday Survey

The home at 1258 Brandy Lake View Circle, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $475,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,975 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE

COVINGTON PARK

KEENE’S POINTE

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BRANDY CREEK

CANOPY OAKS

The home at 9053 Ron Den Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 29, for $614,000. Built in 1961, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,162 square feet of living area. Days on market: 122.

Reserve your ad today (407) 656-2121 advertise@orangeobserver.com

The home at 11010 Schooner Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $1.6 million. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,944 square feet.

Days on market: Six.

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MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

MARINA BAY ESTATES

The home at 9555 Kingsbury Court, Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $675,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,765 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

of Black Friday shoppers take action after seeing a newspaper ad.

The home at 11443 Claymont Circle, Windermere, sold Sept.

30, for $886,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,955 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Three.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 2009 Westover Reserve Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $750,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,678 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

1

$1,890,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,875 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Eight.

The home at 2605 Stanton Hall Court, Windermere, sold Sept.

30, for $930,000. Built in 1988, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,130 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 9401 Palm Tree Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $405,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 24.

NOV EMB ER

The home at 688 Canopy Estates Drive, Winte the largest transaction in Winter Garden from

The home at 5548 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $1.2 million. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five and 4,617 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

OXFORD MOOR

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The home at 6869 Valhalla Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for

The home at 688 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $1.03 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 4,388 square feet.

Days on market: Four.

The home at 847 Bainbridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

30, for $545,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,217 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.

FOXCREST

The home at 12655 Dallington Terrace, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 27, for $600,000. Built in

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates the Grand Opening for Jeff’s Bagel Run

The home at 627 Hearthglen Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept.

29, for $440,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,029 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

SANCTUARY AT TWIN WATERS

2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,630 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

GLENVIEW ESTATES

The home at 1025 Glenharbor Circle, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $421,000. Built in 1986, it has five bedrooms, two baths and 1,955 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 13.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3320 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 28, for $705,503. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,921 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six. The home at 3278 Hanging Tide St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 27, for $549,620. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,602 square feet.

OAKGLEN ESTATES

The home at 651 Hearthglen Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $482,317. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and

The home at 16732 Toccoa Row, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $675,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,156 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 14.

SHOWALTER PARK

The home at 218 Virginia Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $530,000. Built in 1955, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,990 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

To learn more about Jeff ’s Bagel Run of Ocoee, visit www.jeffsbagelrun.com

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Westerly Apartment Homes in Winter Garden

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15354 Pebble Ridge St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 30, for $561,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,767 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

TIMBERCREEK PINES

The home at 56 Timbercreek Pines Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 30, for $480,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,222 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 16936 Tradewind Point, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

30, for $520,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,983 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

Ocoee, Florida ‘ WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Jeff ’s Bagel Run of Ocoee.

Located at 2787 Old Winter Garden Road, Jeff ’s Bagel Run features handrolled, boiled, and fresh baked bagel shop with sneaky good coffee and cream cheese! Their mission is to bring joy to the community through our love of bagels and be a place to gather and engage with fellow bagel lovers.

Luxury is a guarantee with their manicured grounds. Resort-inspired designs and features are a given, including a sparkling pool with a sunshelf and elevated deck where you can bask in the warm weather. The outdoor recreation area is just as charming, boasting a ping pong table, Bocce, and fun swings. Staying on track with your fitness goals has never been easier thanks to their 24-hour gym and dedicated studio space with an array of workout classes available. With an ideal location and quick access to everywhere you need to be in and around the city, we’re confident you’ll love their luxury community!

The West Orange Chamber Offers 4 Networking Groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register for participation, visit www.wochamber.com or call 407-656-1304

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coldwellbankerhomes.com

er Garden, sold Oct. 1, for $1.03 million. It was m Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.

11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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3,062 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

|

OBSERVER

|

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

OCPS SILENCES COMMENTS ON FACEBOOK Orange County Public Schools officials last week disabled users’ abilities to comment on the district Facebook page.

OCPS officials said the decision comes after an increase in “contentious dialog” that has “devolved during the pandemic.”

The decision to disable comments was not discussed at a public meeting or by the Orange County School Board, said Sara Au, an OCPS spokesperson.

“The social media manager instituted this change with guidance from the OCPS general counsel and chief communications officer,” Au said.

“The School Board is responsible for setting policy — not making operational decisions.”

Despite the change, OCPS officials said civil engagement is crucial to their mission, as is transparency and accountability.

“We are grateful to parents and community members who bring questions and concerns to our attention,” officials said. “However, engagement in comments has largely ceased to be civil. Individuals often encounter belligerence from others.”

Members of the community still are invited to express their views at School Board meetings, as well as by contacting their elected officials directly. However, OCPS also changed its guidelines for attending and speaking at School Board meetings.

For the OCPS Code of Civility, visit bit.ly/3BdDk5Q.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

JENNIFER COWAN, HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL Jennifer Cowan is Horizon High School PTSO Volunteer of the Month. She started volunteering with the Horizon High School spirit store in late July. She is part of the team that designs, buys and sells anything that can carry the school logo, including shirts, hats, umbrellas, hair ties, hoodies, decals and magnets. She and the team help to manage online orders, run the school store and bring a cart to games to help the fans show their support for the team.

What do you love most about volunteering?

I have really loved meeting not only the people I work with but also the parents and kids (while) working at the store. It allows me to use my time and talents to help build a great community for our family.

What is the most rewarding part of your work at the Spirit Store?

It helps me feel connected to the Horizon community. I love knowing that the work we do directly supports the programs that enrich the lives of the kids at our school.

What are your hobbies?

I love doing anything creative. My creativity has led me to new opportunities, from volunteering as a photographer with local animal shelters, to making and donating masks at the beginning of the pandemic, and most recently to building and running an Etsy shop with our daughter.

What motivates you?

I love learning new things, so I always take any opportunity to learn a new craft or skill. I enjoy creating things that connect me to the community, and doing things that

make me feel like I’m contributing and making a difference.

Who is your hero?

I don’t have just one hero, but I’m fortunate to have a group of people I can look up to and go to for help and guidance through different situations I’ve experienced.

What do you do in your spare time?

Our son is on the high school bowling team, so a lot of my spare time right now is spent at the bowling alley. I run my Etsy shop. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. And I’m working on reacclimatizing myself with this area, after being away for the last 12 years.

We lived out in California. We were in Napa Valley for seven years and then out in the Sacramento area for five years.

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

I think I’d like to have the superpower to be able to time travel.

Maybe I just watch too much Doctor Who! But the ability to go anywhere in any period of time and experience different historical events is super intriguing to me.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

I think my kids would disown in me if I said anything other than “Back To The Future,” so I’ll stick with that.

If you could be any cartoon character, which would it be and why?

I would probably be Aang from “Avatar The Last Airbender.” He is on a constant journey of selfdiscovery and trying to learn new skills, spends his time trying to help people, and travels the world with his friends.

If you could only listen to one band for the rest of your life, who would it be and why?

I think I would listen to The Beatles.

They seem to have music for every mood. They have a vast anthology.

And so much of today’s music is inspired by their music.

— JIM CARCHIDI

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

REPORT CARD

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

POSITION: PTSO volunteer TIME AT SCHOOL: Started in July

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12

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OrangeObserver.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Winter Garden homeschool group celebrates Constitution Day Students presented projects about the United States and its history.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The homeschooled students of Classical Conversations in Winter Garden traveled back in time recently to celebrate Constitution Day. Constitution Day “commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by 39 brave men on Sept. 17, 1787, recognizing all who are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens,” according to the Constitution Day website.

The students and the community came together Sept. 17 to celebrate the 234th anniversary of the constitution at Calvary Baptist Church.

Ninth-grade class director Rebecca Garcia, who has been with the Classical Conversations program for nine years now, said the class, also known as the Challenge One program, is spending the semester studying the full context of the original documents that formed the foundation as a nation.

“The constitution points us to

Courtesy photo

Classical Conversations in Winter Garden, a homeschool group, celebrated Constitution Day.

purpose and to an idea of how we can live,” Garcia said. “It’s more than just something confined to the books, museums and behind tempered glasses. It’s an extension of a goal that we can be striving for and remember.”

Garcia said she believes it is important for the students to

understand their own history and legacy, so that one day they, too, can pass it on.

Ten students from the ninthgrade class attended, as well as 11 students from the younger class.

The students invited friends, family, pastors, congressmen, circuit court judges and veterans

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who have served the country, to attend. Attendees included Pam Jones, who represented U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster; Orange County Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Joy Gibson; and Air Force veteran A.J. John.

The students began the celebration by reciting the Pledge

of Allegiance and playing the national anthem. The younger classes then recited the preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the names of every president in the nation’s history in order, from memory.

Garcia and the ninth-grade class also each shared a unique component to what they felt makes the nation so special. Students presented a love letter to the Constitution, stories of immigration, the history behind the Statue of Liberty, poetry about the StarSpangled Banner, the true history behind “Hamilton: An American Musical,” American storytelling through homemade pies, information about the branches of the military and more.

Garcia said the original expository speeches and selected published pieces of poetry were presented with “excellence and reverence for the momentous occasion.”

The event concluded with a testimony of true U.S. citizenship by a family friend of one of the families, Anita Barretto.

Barretto shared about the religious freedom she sought, the home education opportunity she desired and how her family was granted citizenship just recently, as they transitioned to Florida from India.

“In all, this ceremony was an opportunity for our community to open its doors to display our love for learning, our love for our country and our love for our neighbors,” Garcia said.

13

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY OCT. 7, 1971 Are you still enjoying meals with this elegant and graceful china that was offered at the local A&P? In 1971, the grocery store chain offered free pieces with a grocery purchase of $5 or more and the coupon that appeared in The Winter Garden Times. Additional dinner plates were 33 cents apiece, and shoppers could buy four soup bowls for only $2.99, no purchase required.

During the 15-week promotion, in addition to the dinner plates, shoppers could get a set of soup dishes, salad plates, sugar and creamer, round vegetable serve, salt and pepper, gravy boat, platter, oval serving bowl, covered casserole dish, relish tray/gravy boat stand, and coffee server.

85 years ago

South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association sold its first car of oranges in New York. The Fellowship brand containing 186 boxes averaged $4.45; South Lake brand containing 208 boxes averaged $4.13. This car had the honor of being the first Exchange car of oranges sold in New York this season.

80 years ago

Boys from local Board No. 3 of the Selective Service were scheduled to leave for Camp Blanding, where they were to be inducted into the U.S. Army: Edwin Pounds, S.M. Willis and Robert A. Rewis, of Ocoee; George Borysewich, William “Bill” Cody Sansbury and Edward Lee Gibson, of Winter Garden; Irving John Pearson and Byron Belroy Buck, of Apopka; and Franklin Jimmison, of Vineland.

70 years ago

Several scouts from Boy Scouts Troop 209 rendered splendid services at the Lions Club local talent play: Larry Mask, Jimmy Breadwell, Ernest Crawford, Guns Harter, Jimmy Roper and Johnny Rodgers.

Mr. and Mrs. Milton Deariso bought the Dickinson home on North Lakeview and planned to move from their home in Ocoee.

CROSSWORD

FROM THE ARCHIVES Twenty years ago this week, students from Dillard Street Elementary School participated in a field trip community project, “Today for Tomorrow,” at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. Student participants included front row, from left: Erin Lowery, Dorianna Fiore, Johnny Sanchez, Khalil Royal, Keron Prashad, Keri Jamerson, Austin Gomber, Andrew Gooch and Austin Meadows; back row, from left: teacher Linda Rees, Rebecca Jadooram, Kelly Morgan, Jessica Jadooram, Simone Barnes, Brandon Gay, Mason Minor, Sean Holland, Ellen Brown, Andrew Aguilar, Charles Wells and Brittany McKee. Looking for the history of your school? The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has files on just about every center of education located in West Orange County. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment.

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.

50 years ago

After years of expectation, D-Day arrived! The fabulous $400 million Disney World entertainment complex opened its turnstiles to the public Friday, Oct. 1.

DISAPPEARING INK by Dylan Schiff; Edited by David Steinberg

45 years ago

Glenn Joiner and Son Inc., located on West Plant Street in Winter Garden, was starting its 40th year. It had been a member of NAPA for 35 years.

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40 years ago

Bob Hope led the inaugural Tencennial parade as Walt Disney World began its 10th birthday gala.

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DOWN 70 It really speaks to you 1 Potter's coat 71 Show with a Hawaii spinoff 2 Written defamation 72 Generational divide 3 Based on reasoning 73 BMW rival 4 Fix, as fences 74 Flower 5 Drink whose name consists 75 Many-car garage? of two synonyms 76 New ___ (person who may 6 Colorful card game use crystals) 7 Awaits judgment 77 Mary ___ Lincoln 8 Teenage skin affliction 80 Many have brims 9 Some short reads?

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clues T equals P

14

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SUDOKU

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10-07-21

OCTOBER 7, 2021

SPORTS

Olympia’s Emily Knopfle already has captured three first-place finishes for the Titans cross country team. Page 16.

HIGH

BATTLE FOR 5 THE SHIELD 1

Windermere took home the Metro West Conference tournament title Saturday, Oct. 2, after it defeated Olympia in the finals. The Wolverines won all six sets during the three rounds they played. The tournament featured teams from throughout Orange County.

2020

2

Windermere Prep basketball player Jayden Williams on Oct. 2 announced his commitment to Dartmouth University.

Williams led the Lakers last year with 16.3 points per game as a junior and took them to the second round of the playoffs.

Courtesy of Tim Smith

Above: Former West Orange coach Tim Smith, left, and former Ocoee coach Greg Dailer presented “The Shield” before the first game between West Orange and Ocoee.

3

Dr. Phillips’ cheerleading team will be hosting a fundraiser Thursday, Oct. 7, at the California Pizza Kitchen at Mall at Millenia. Mention DPHS cheer when ordering food and drinks, and a portion of the sale will benefit the squad.

4

Central Florida Christian Prep celebrates its homecoming game Friday, Oct. 8, as it hosts Cedar Creek Christian. After an opening-week loss to Mount Dora Christian, the Eagles have won three straight to improve to 3-1.

5

There will be six Thursday games this week, with Dr. Phillips, West Orange, Windermere and Horizon playing at home. Olympia and Lake Buena Vista go on the road. The Panthers will play Cocoa, West Orange takes on Boone, Windermere goes against East River, and Olympia plays Timber Creek. Lake Buena Vista travels to Colonial, and Horizon will host Cypress Creek. Fans can purchase tickets on the GoFan app.

File photo

After a two-week COVID-19 delay, West Orange and Ocoee high schools will meet on the gridiron Monday, Oct. 11.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

F

or 16 years, the West Orange Warriors and Ocoee Knights have battled on the gridiron for “The Shield” — the coveted prize for the victor.

After a two-week delay because of COVID-19, the two teams will meet Monday, Oct. 11, for the 17th time in their quest for bragging rights.

And although some past contests have been lopsided affairs, this year, both the Warriors and the Knights roll in with a winning record.

SETTING THE STAGE

The Warriors have been red hot to open the season, starting 4-1 with Apopka being the only blemish on their record. The key for them SEE TURF PAGE 16

Hawks bowling team rolls with strong start The Hawks bowling team may be small.

But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in passion.

CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Anyone who has seen the classic film “Cool Runnings” remembers the song that the bobsled team had for themselves: The people say, you know they can’t believe

Jamaica, we have a bobsled team.

Well, with this being the first year of Horizon High School’s athletic program, there are many new things coming along with it. The big game at the Chris Martucci

SEE IN PAGE 17

Members of Horizon High bowling team are excited for the future.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

2016

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Emily Knopfle Emily Knopfle is a freshman cross country runner for Olympia High School. But don’t let her underclassman status fool you. She has already made her mark on the Titans so far this season. She has taken first place in three separate meets, the latest coming at the West Orange Invitational Sept. 25. Knopfle went a personalbest time of 18:46 during her win at West Orange.

What expectations did you have coming into your freshman season?

I already knew how fast I was at everything, (because) I’m an elite triathlete. I didn’t expect to be placing this high and doing this well compared to everyone else. I’m proud of myself and surprised at what I have done so far.

2017

THE BASICS

2018

AGE: 14 SCHOOL: Olympia Grade: Freshman Sport: Cross Country

How did you become a triathlete?

I started by doing a small annual one in Gainesville, which is where I lived, and I was winning it every year.

One of my friends was a triathlete, and he got me with the team, and from there, I have just improved. My coach, Sarah McCarty, got me to where I am now, and I got fifth at nationals.

Hobbies outside of running?

I do anything really, but one of my favorite things to do is make house plans, which sounds weird. Two years ago, I was bored and I made a house plan, and I have done that a few more times since.

It’s fun for me to design. I’d ask my parents what they’d want in a house and then make it.

Favorite TV/Netflix show?

“Friends”

Do you plan to do an Iron Man triathlon?

I definitely want to do an Iron Man one day, but I plan on doing more of Olympic distance and going to the Olympics. Either Paris 2024 or Brisbane 2032.

Disney or Universal?

Favorite ride?

Universal — VelociCoaster What is your favorite part of October besides Halloween?

The temperature gets cooler, which makes it easier to run. It’s not so unbearable.

I like the fall energy — the decorations; the orange leaves, even though I know we don’t really get that in Florida; I like it all.

What are your goals for your time at Olympia?

I haven’t thought of that too much, because it’s been surprising at what I have accomplished so far. I think it’d be awesome to get top three in the state championships.

If I could do that this year and win as a senior, that would be cool.

Favorite Halloween candy?

Candy corn.

— CHRIS MARTUCCI

Family.

Family.

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by...

Turf war CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

so far has been all three phases of the ball clicking at the same time. If the Apopka game is taken away — during which the Warriors were shut out 13-0 — West Orange has scored more than 40 points in each of its games while allowing just 10 points total.

Their wins include shutouts of East River (48-0) and Windermere (49-0) and a 49-3 win over Wekiva.

On Oct. 1, West Orange defeated Dr. Phillips 45-7 to reclaim the Ol’ Orange Crate for the first time since 2018.

Meanwhile, Ocoee sports an unblemished 3-0 record. The Knights were supposed to play Apopka Sept. 17, but that game was postponed — also because of COVID-19.

The Knights have relied on their defense to hold teams down and give their offense enough time to make plays happen. Their victories have come against Oak Ridge, Wekiva and Olympia. During the Wekiva game, Ocoee scored a touchdown in the final minute to snatch away the victory 14-13.

It defeated Oak Ridge and Olympia by a combined score of 65-13.

This will be the 17th time these two teams have faced each other in regular-season action, with a playoff game in 2020 to add, as well — West Orange won that game 38-0. So far, West Orange holds the 10-6 edge in the rivalry after winning five of the last seven meetings, including six in a row from 2010-2015.

CIVIC PRIDE

But, what is the significance of The Shield, and why are both teams desperate to win it?

One reason is the trophy serves as a metaphorical extension of the battle between communities. West Orange and Ocoee are separated by exactly seven miles.

“It’s a good battle between the two communities that are close to each other and have a lot of history,” said West Orange Athletic Director Lisa Montgomery.

Former West Orange head football coach Tim Smith said it goes even further than just the high schools.

At the Pop Warner level, the games between the Winter Garden Wildcats and Ocoee Bulldogs were referred to as the “Dog and Cat Bowl” — named more for the action in the stands than on the field.

“There would be fights in the stands,” Smith said. “That rivalry was probably more intense than the high school rivalry.”

Ocoee High School and Lakeview High School were closed back in the 1970s to make way for West Orange, which opened in 1975.

When Ocoee High reopened in 2005, the rivalry resumed, with a familiar face from West Orange taking the reins for the Knights. Former quarterback Greg Dailer was the first head coach for the reborn Ocoee Knights.

The first game between the two teams was an emotional one for Smith.

“It was like being a dad,” Smith said. “I was really proud of him.

He had never been a head coach, and it was really cool, because I was able to give him a lot of head-coaching responsibilities.

Over half of his coaches came from West Orange, because we

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were all still good friends.”

That friendship did not mean Smith and his team would take it easy on their new rivals. The Warriors beat the Knights so bad the defense allowed only negative yardage.

The rivalry has grown more competitive since then, but West Orange has been the more dominant team.

Although the game has only been around for 16 years since Ocoee High School’s varsity football team debuted, teams already are vying to keep it around. Even though they have won five of the last seven games against Ocoee, West Orange wants to retain “The Shield” at all costs.

“We’d love to keep the shield,” Montgomery said. “We won it last year … and we’d love to keep it in our possession.”

“The Shield” was made by Florida Metal Works, based in Winter Garden. The idea for it came from former Ocoee principal Mike Armbruster as a way to hype up the game not just at the schools, but in the community at large.

And now, for the 17th time, both teams will play not only for bragging rights but also a possible playoff position. First, West Orange and Ocoee have to get through their games against Boone and East Ridge before they can look forward to that.

West Orange plays Thursday, Oct. 7 while Ocoee plays Oct. 8. After that, Monday Night Football shines on Ocoee High School in a clash between these two rivals.

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16

OBSERVER

end of the week, new athletes, new teammates, new coaches.

Everything is new and exciting.

Perhaps the most remarkable new program at Horizon — and the least known — is the varsity bowling team.

That’s right: Horizon has a bowling team.

A bowling program is nothing out of the ordinary for this area; all the high schools in West and Southwest Orange have bowling teams. However, the newness of everything makes the program at Horizon noteworthy, especially in how they have performed so far.

First-year head coach Mell Rupp said the only difficult part so far has been recruiting members to join the team. He said not many students — female students in particular — have jumped at the chance to join the team. Even his own daughter, a freshman, didn’t want to join. “She told me, ‘It doesn’t look that cool, Dad. I don’t think if I told my friends I was on the bowling team, I’d be seen as cool,’” Rupp said with a laugh. “It’s a sport that doesn’t get as much attention at the high school level. … But my team is very passionate about it.”

So far, the girls team, comprised of only two athletes, is 4-3. They join Horizon’s six male bowlers.

Because of this small membership — teams are supposed to have five of each gender — the team has had to compete in what is called a baker match.

In a baker match, a team switches bowlers every frame. For Horizon, its female bowlers bowl every other frame, so they can compete along with the males.

@Observerorange

BLAIR M. JOHNSON Attorney at Law

GEORGE PALMER DIED FRIDAY, SEPT. 24, 2021.

Our sweet and smart brother, uncle, cousin and friend, George Palmer, 53, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Friday, Sept.

24, 2021, at Health Central Park from complications of Down syndrome.

George was born Feb. 16, 1968, in Dover, New Jersey, to the late George and Mabel Palmer. He attended the Magnolia School.

George was a Gold Medal Winner in the 50-yard dash at the Special Olympics and a Champion of Bingo at Health Central Park. In addition to Bingo, George was a big fan of bowling and all the activities at Health Central Park.

George was the center of his family. He is survived by his sisters, Carol (Mark) Reaves, of Winter Garden, Peggy (Doug) Howarth, of Daytona, and Evelyn Toye, of Maine; cousins, Sharon Palmer, Carl Dean Jr. and Robin Hiltz; and his nieces and nephews, Reagan Reaves, Rylee Reaves, Ashlyn Reaves, Heather Howarth, Russell Toye, Bobby Toye and Raymond Toye.

A Memorial Celebration of George’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Newton Park, 31 W. Garden Ave., in Winter Garden. The service will be outside, so please bring a chair.

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Rupp is not only the bowling coach at Horizon. He is also the gifted and advanced studies coordinator, as well as a U.S. history teacher.

“It’s a new school, so you have to wear different hats,” Rupp said.

Although membership is still a work in progress, Rupp is amazed at how supportive the administration has been of the team.

“I put out an announcement every time we have wins and put out the information on social media, so information of the team does get out there,” Rupp said. “I do feel the school, administration and our principal are supportive of us.”

The team practices four days a week at AMF Kissimmee Lanes.

After a 15-minute warmup, the team plays three games, focusing on a specific part of its technique with each game. As they play, Rupp hops between bowling lanes to give pointers. A possible blessing in disguise to having a small team is it allows him to work with each member individually.

“I work with them on anything they may need help with — their approach, throwing the ball, how to approach each of the different shots,” Rupp said.

Going forward, the goal is, of course, to recruit new members, but Rupp is looking beyond that.

He wants to build the Horizon bowling into a strong, formidable team.

“We want to have a bigger presence for the bowling program at our school,” Rupp said. “So that not only do I have my players being passionate, but the rest of the school being supportive, as well.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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advertorial

Join Lake Apopka Natural Gas District in Celebrating Public Natural Gas Week

A

ffordable, clean, and versatile. These three words define why over 6 million homes and businesses nationwide rely on natural gas to power their homes, businesses, and vehicles. In Florida alone, according to the Florida Natural Gas Association, there are 31 public natural gas utility systems serving over 269,000 customers.

If you are, or have ever been, interested in learning more about natural gas and all that it has to offer, you are in luck. Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) and the nearly 1,000 other public natural gas utilities across the country will celebrate Public Natural Gas Week Oct. 3-9, 2021.

This nationwide observance – celebrated annually during the first full week in October – showcases public natural gas utilities and generates enthusiasm about the benefits of natural gas service. During Public Natural Gas Week, LANGD aims to educate customers in its service area about the many benefits of using clean, reliable, and affordable natural gas, and natural gas appliances.

As we continue to work together through challenging times, LANGD is committed to providing reliable natural gas service to every home and business it serves.

We hope you join us in supporting natural gas as a premier energy source for our

A public natural gas utility like LANGD is great for local communities for many reasons, including:

local control

Having a public natural gas system gives a community local control over how gas is provided to homes and businesses. Decisions are made through citizen participation instead of being made in a distant city by people who do not understand local issues and who are primarily focused on profits instead of service.

competitive costs

economic benefits

Public natural gas systems play a valuable role in helping communities broaden their tax bases, and in turn, improve the local economy and increase jobs. Public natural gas systems ensure that local dollars stay at home.

customer service

As a not-for-profit entity, LANGD focuses on service, To offer fair and competitive rates, public natural gas sys- rather than profits. Public natural gas systems are an tems operate as not-for-profit entities. Public natural gas integral part of a community and maintain close relasystems do not face pressure to return profits to share- tionships with customers to meet their needs. holders.

More than 26,000 customers trust LANGD to meet their natural gas needs and the team is constantly committed to meeting the highest standard of excellence. In 2020, LANGD was honored with its highest-ever distinction – the American Public Gas Association (APGA) Gold System Overall Achievement Recognition Award – for the first time in company history. For 10 consecutive years, LANGD has also earned APGA’s Safety Award, and, for five consecutive years, LANGD’s gas system has been found in satisfactory compliance with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety rules by the Florida Public Service Commission.

Ready to make the switch to natural gas?

Call the LANGD Marketing Team at (407) 656-2734, ext. 307, to learn more. In celebration of Public Natural Gas Week, LANGD customers are eligible to receive a 2022 calendar by stopping by any of our three offices at 1320 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden, 38 N. Park Ave, Apopka, or 676 W. Montrose Street, Clermont, or by calling our marketing team or emailing marketing@langd.org.

Limit one calendar per account, while supplies last.

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In addition to its wallet-friendly and green benefits, natural gas is always there when you need it, fueling your home or business even when the power goes out.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

Seasonal Decorations & Light Displays

Halloween Light Show on City Hall Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, 7-9 pm Live Music, Shows, & Pop-Up Street Performers Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, 6-9 pm Moonlight Movie – Monsters University (2013, G) Saturday, October 23 Family Activities, 6:30 pm Movie, 7:10 pm Downtown Pavilion Hay Maze at City Hall Spooky Caboose at the History Center Friday, October 29

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Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll Saturday, October 23 - All Day Fall-Themed Merchandise, Food, Drinks Interactive Movies at the Garden Theatre Hocus Pocus (1993, PG), October 10 Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, R), October 30 & 31 (Purchase tickets at gardentheatre.org)

Celebrate Outdoor Dining Month at Expanded Patios Fall-Themed Farmers Market