WEST ORANGE TIMES &
Day of tail-wagging fun for all
Horizon West Pet Fest brought animals of all shapes and sizes
Future of law enforcement
Ocoee has broken ground on the new City of Ocoee Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility. STORY ON PAGE 4A.
Ocoee changes park hours after complaints
Tiger Minor Park hours are changing to address concerns of noise from the pickleball courts. SEE PAGE 7A.
Warriors glimpse into college play
5FAST
1
Winter Garden named a top performer Winter Garden has been named a top performer in the 2025 Best in Governance Awards for Community Connection.
The Best in Governance Awards honors communities for both resident experience and measurable outcomes. Winners are determined using data from the National Community Survey, which hundreds of residents answered earlier this year, as well as Polco’s Government Performance Action and Learning performance measures.
Top performers were chosen out of more than 300 communities nationwide.
Only five top performers were chosen in each category. Winter Garden is a top performer alongside the city of Coronado in California, town of Davidson in North Carolina, town of Flower Mound in Texas and the city of Lewes in Delaware.
The Community Connection Award recognizes a strong sense of civic pride and welcome, opportunities for neighbors to connect and
2
Ocoee band director a semifinalist for 2026 Grammy He’s done it again!
Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr., the band director at Ocoee High School, once again is in the running for a Grammy Music Educator Award.
Hendricks was a finalist for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. For 2026, he has been announced as one of 25 semifinalists in the country.
This national award is presented annually from the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum and honors “educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and demonstrate a deep commitment to maintaining music education in schools.”
Hendricks has served as Ocoee High’s first and only band director since the school opened in 2005.
3
Electric bicyclist killed
four-vehicle crash Monday, Oct. 6, near Disney. The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Epcot Center Drive and Interstate 4. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, a 40-yearold Orlando man driving an electric bicycle, a 57-year-old Orlando woman driving a 2016 Honda Civic, a 63-year-old St. Cloud man driving a 2018 Ford Fusion and a 30-year-old Orlando man driving a 2021 Toyota Camry all were traveling westbound on Epcot Center Drive west of I-4. The bicyclist traveled in front of the 2016 Honda Civic, which struck the bicycle.
dead. The driver of the Civic also was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. The other drivers and the passenger in the Toyota Camry all remained on-scene. This crash currently is under investigation.
4
Hamlin’s Abbott’s Frozen Custard asks for help
Franchise owner Jennifer Puchol Pelcher posted on Horizon West’s Abbott’s Frozen Custard page to ask residents for their support.
Pelcher said business has slowed down and it’s struggling to
families come together, kids smile over their first cones and neighbors share a sweet treat after a long day…”
The shop is located at 16406 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“I believe in power of community and I know with your help we can keep Abbott’s Frozen Custard serving smiles for years to come,” Pelcher said.
5
Disney mariachi director receives award
Esteban Carrillo, the co-founder and director of the world-renowned Mariachi Cobre, has received the Walt Disney Legacy Award.
The award recognizes cast members who embody Disney’s values of dream, create and inspire. Carrillo has spent more than five decades sharing mariachi music and Mexican-American culture.
He started performing at Disneyland in 1968 and recalled flying in Disney’s personal plane, traveling from his former hometown of Tucson, Arizona to Disneyland.
“His influence spans generations, inspiring fellow musicians like Rene Aguirre Garcia, who grew up admiring Esteban and now performs alongside him at EPCOT,” with Mariachi Cobre, which has
cultural significance.
Courtesy photo
Esteban Carrillo, the co-founder and director of the world-renowned Mariachi Cobre, has received the Walt Disney Legacy Award.
Pet-acular festival
Horizon West Pet Fest was a blast for people and their furry friends.
Furry friends arrived in their best attire for the second annual Horizon West Pet Fest Saturday, Oct. 11. Pets and their owners competed in multiple contests, including best dressed, fabulous feline, most unique pet and more. Their spectacular costumes drew in the crowd and people watched in curiosity.
Dogs licked away in the peanut butter eating contest before strutting around the grassy area in the pet parade. Tents scattered throughout the lawn with pet supplies, information and local shelters.
Smiles shined through the venue as people connected through a shared love of pets
For those who stopped by the Observer’s photo booth, check out PHOTOS: Horizon West Pet Fest Observer Photo booth at orangeobserver.com.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Fees finalized for Winter Garden Cemetery
The Winter Garden City Commission approved a resolution and ordinance as the cemetery’s expansion nears completion.
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance only allowing Winter Garden residents to be buried in Winter Garden Cemetery.
The commission also unanimously approved Thursday, Oct. 9, a resolution addressing the cemetery’s fee structure.
Commissioner Lisa Bennett was absent.
The city updated the ordinance to clarify residency eligibility for the purchase of lots and niches, refine ownership rights and update the fee structure.
The ordinance changed 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. An immediate family
member is defined as the owner’s parents, spouse, children, step-children, siblings, grandparents and in-laws.
Assistant City Manager Steve Pash said the resolution regarding cemetery fees allows the city manager to increase and change fees as the companies hired to do work for the cemetery changes their pricing.
“As everybody knows, we have a very limited amount of space remaining at the cemetery, and the costs associated with the expansion and maintenance continue to rise, so we are recommending the fees go up,” Pash said. “We’re changing them to be more consistent with surrounding cemeteries.”
Pash said the average price of cemetery plots in the Orlando area is around $2,500 for a basic plot in a public cemetery and more than $5,000 in a private plot, with prices reaching up to $25,000 for premium locations.
Pash said the city also is encouraging families to purchase one lot and use it for multiple burials due to the cemetery’s limited space.
The resolution has fees for an interment in the ground in a single location be $3,000. People can purchase a headstone that could have six niches in it for another $6,000 or $1,000 per niche.
“You could also put in a six-niche headstone and six more niches in the ground, so you could put up to 12 bodies in one location and that would be
$12,000 or $1,000 per burial location,” Pash said.
Other expenses that can be factored in are for opening and closing services, — which vary in pricing from $630 to $1,344 — set-up services, rental of a chapel or pavilion, extra chairs or tent, services on Saturdays or holidays and more.
“If you just did it separately and did 12 separate niches, it would cost a family $31,560 or if you did 12 separate grave spaces, it would cost $48,960,” Pash said.
For cremation spaces, which need a minimum of six in a headstone, it will cost $6,000.
PIGGYBACKING ON CONTRACTS
The commission unanimously approved several piggyback contracts with various companies.
“The city uses lots of vendors to purchase our supplies,” Pash said. “In order to do this, we often search for contracts with other municipalities that we use as piggyback contracts.”
He said the city is confident that piggyback contracts offer “good prices.” When Mayor John Rees asked if Pash was confident it would be a greater cost for the city to retrieve separate bids for a contract than if the city used piggyback contracts, Pash said yes.
The commission unanimously approved a city of Boynton Beach piggyback contract with Core & Main, LP
for equipment supplies.
A Clay County piggyback contract with Sensus USA Inc. to update water and irrigation meters was unanimously approved.
A city of Clermont piggyback continuing services agreement with Willdan Engineering, Inc. for building inspection and plan review was unanimously approved.
Commissioners unanimously approved a Lake County piggyback contract with DWC Outdoors & Haul-
IN OTHER NEWS
n New officers were sworn into the Winter Garden Police Department.
n A proclamation was declared making Monday, Oct. 13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a non-exclusive franchise agreement between the city of Winter Garden and Lake Apopka Natural Gas for natural gas distribution.
n Commissioners unanimously approved authorizing the city manager to sign an amendment to extend services with Aspire Health Partners, Inc. for crisis support.
ing, LLC for right-of-way trimming and related services.
A Marion County piggyback contract with Odyssey Manufacturing Co. to provide sodium hypochlorite to be used at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Water Plant was approved. The city commission approved a Port Orange piggyback contract with Shelly’s Environmental Systems for hauling and disposing of sewage waste/sludge.
n The city commission unanimously approved $94,336.20 in funding for SmartCop Records Management System annual maintenance.
n The Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s Rotary Club Poker Tournament was granted a special event from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at Tanner Hall.
n The Winter Garden Art Association’s annual approval fundraiser was unanimously approved for 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 6.
n The commission approved the appointment of Lee Douglas to the General Employees’ Pension Board.
Above: Joe Yannaccone enjoyed the fest with his dogs, Boli and Bandit.
Attendees brought all kinds of pets. The tortoises participated in the most unique pet contest.
Leia is a fluffy French Bulldog and only 5 months old.
Willow loved being outdoors.
Siblings brought their guinea pigs, Casserole and Sweet Potato. They’ve had the guinea pigs for more than a year.
Amber Downs and Ruby attended the Pet Fest both years. Ruby has her own cards with her different costumes.
Aisha Gonzalez and Tamalee competed in the most unique pet contest. They didn’t win, but they enjoyed participating.
Poe rocked a dinosaur costume over his fluffy fur. He’s the mascot for Poe’s Pupcakes and Treats.
New training facility to serve Central Florida police
The City of Ocoee Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility will meet police departments’ growing need for a 24/7 training facility.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Representatives from law enforcement agencies in Ocoee, Winter Garden, Apopka, Edgewood, University and Orange County Public Schools stood on a large lot of leveled dirt imagining the possibilities of the future.
What simply is a field of dirt on East Crown Point Road in Ocoee will become the City of Ocoee Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility, which has been 10 years in the making.
The training facility will serve law enforcement agencies across Central Florida, meeting a constant and growing need among police departments throughout the region for indoor space for training.
With the turning of the dirt, Ocoee City Commissioners Scott Kennedy, Richard Firstner, George Oliver III and Mayor Rusty Johnson as well as Ocoee Police Department Chief Vincent Ogburn and City Manager Craig Shadrix celebrated the groundbreaking of the 15,000-square-foot facility Thursday, Oct. 9.
They were joined by dozens of law enforcement officers, city of Ocoee staff members, government officials and others.
“This facility represents more than bricks, steel and concrete,” Johnson said. “It represents safety, preparation and our community’s commitment to support the men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day.” Ogburn said the start of construction signifies a start of a new chapter in how the department prepares and trains officers and serves the community.
“This facility will represent a commitment by our city, state and law enforcement community to invest in excellence, professionalism and the future of public safety,” he said. “The men and women who come to train here will receive the finest training, ensuring they’re prepared for the challenges of tomorrow, while upholding the values of dignity, honor and integrity. The training facility will be a place where collaboration and innovation meet the noble mission of protecting our citizens. It will not only strengthen our officers, but it will reinforce the trust between the community and law enforcement.”
FIRST OF ITS KIND IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
The City of Ocoee Regional Law Enforcement Training Facility will be a facility for law enforcement agencies across Central Florida to use.
“For the first time, law enforcement agencies across Central Florida will have a shared space where they can train, strengthen their skills and prepare for the challenges of modern policing,” Johnson said. “This will be a place for around-the-clock, 24-hour opportunities for training, ensuring our officers are ready to respond to any situation at any time. That means safer neighborhoods, stronger part-
nerships and greater peace of mind for all of us.”
The facility has a budget of approximately $12 million, of which $2 million came from a grant from the state. It is estimated to be complete in 18 to 20 months.
The regional facility will feature two multi-use community classrooms as well as 15 indoor and soundproof shooting lanes, and the building will provide law enforcement 24-hour access. Some of the training police departments can conduct include being able to practice shooting rifles, bringing in a vehicle into the facility so officers can simulate getting out of the vehicles and practice defensive tactics in the classrooms.
“It’s going to be a fully functioning training facility,” Ogburn said. Johnson said the training facility also reflects the growth in Ocoee.
“Our city is one of the fastest growing in the region, and with that growth comes the responsibility to build wisely, to invest in our future and to ensure that public safety remains at the heart of everything we do,” he said.
Shadrix said making the center a reality has been “the greatest team effort” the city has undertaken in the past 20 years.
“This project is almost 10 years old,” he said. “It’s been on the drawing board that long, and in an era where we talk about government efficiency and trying to do things better and make our money go further, projects like that that are going to be interjurisdictional with multiple law enforcement agencies working together are part of that because there’s not enough training space in Central Florida.”
MEETING A NEED
When the city of Ocoee was work-
ing with the state legislature on the appropriation of the $2 million grant, Shadrix said the city had 19 letters of support from other law enforcement agencies.
“I was really shocked and surprised by that but that highlighted a glaring need in the space for training, a space that people could get their training quicker resulting in well-trained law enforcement being on the street more instead of having to wait in line to get crucial training,” he said.
Police departments need a facility to be able to receive the most up-to-date training to ensure officers are using the most relevant tactics to protect the community and deescalate situations.
Winter Garden Police Chief Steve Graham said not all training can be done with a simulator, so having a space to conduct hands-on training is instrumental to preparing officers.
He said the state also requires officers to qualify with firearm training at least annually with their duty firearms. Winter Garden officers qualify at least once per month, Graham said. Access to a shooting range is critical to ensuring officers are qualified. Police departments from all over Central Florida will be able to schedule trainings at the facility, and several departments already are eager for the facility to be built and open.
Miguel Garcia, the deputy chief of the Edgewood Police Department, said the opening of this facility is critical because his department solely relies on other agencies that have training facilities to allow his department to use them for training. The Edgewood Police Department uses Ocoee Police Department’s and Winter Park Police Department’s outdoor shooting ranges for training.
Garcia said although Orange County
and Orlando Police Department have their own training facilities, those departments have thousands of officers needing to use those facilities for training so availability is limited.
Some departments are traveling a minimum of 30 minutes to training facilities, which means officers are spending at least an hour traveling instead of policing the streets. Less travel time means training doesn’t take officers off the streets for as long.
Ogburn, Graham and Garcia all said the benefit of the facility being open 24/7 will be that officers will not need to come in for training on their days off.
Garcia said officers on the midnight shift can train at night during their shifts rather than coming during the day shift to then work their shift or coming in on their days off.
“It’s a lot to ask someone to put on a vest and put their lives on the line,” he said. “We don’t want to disturb their home lives too.”
BY THE NUMBERS
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POSTMASTER:
LOCAL MOTION
Church DIRECTORY
Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West
PRESBYTERIAN
Ocoee celebrates Hispanic heritage
The community market welcomed Hispanic vendors and Ocoee High’s Spanish National Honor Society to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
coee held a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at its community market, Thursday, Oct. 2. Ocoee High School’s Spanish National Honor Society, led by Alejandro Fierro, showcased students’ heritage and brought students to talk about the club.
The city of Ocoee handed out free bracelets, keychains and mini maracas.
Attendees were able to eat authentic Hispanic food and enjoy local vendors
They also had the opportunity to decorate a pennant to honor someone, share a story or reflect on Hispanic heritage.
Those pennants were hung on the city of Ocoee’s tent until the end of the event.
The Ultimate Santana Tribute Band performed at the market, bringing the audience a closeto-authentic performance as the rock band Santana.
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
The community comes together on the first Thursday of each month to host the market, with the next one happening from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. LETICIA SILVA
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
CHURCH DIRECTORY
YOAKUM PASTOR P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570
Markie Blaze, vocalist of the Ultimate Santana Tribute Band, poured his heart out while singing.
Ocoee High’s table displayed its Spanish National Honor Society events, while students handed out flyers and candy.
Left: Zuleidy Maldonado and Alisson Batz from Ocoee High School attended the event to participate in the celebration.
Liz Feliciano, Allysha Arellano and Edison Arellano were visiting from Bartow and decided to attend the Community Block Party. “It was the perfect event for us to come to,” Edison Arellano said.
Dan Raniero with Pita Street Food was swift at making samples for people.
The Avocado Lab, a food vendor run by Douglas Rivero, is all about avocados, serving avocado toast, avocado salad, chips and guac, and much more.
Oktoberfest is brewing
Crooked Can Brewing Co. is bringing back the biggest Oktoberfest in Central Florida for three days full of beer, food and entertainment as well as a new VIP area.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
Winter Garden’s Crooked Can Brewing Company is returning its Oktoberfest for yet another year with three days of celebration from Friday, Oct. 17 to Sunday, Oct. 19.
The brewing company at 426 W. Plant St. will expand its limits to the street adjacent to it, allowing for extra space.
“Being able to kind of get that extra space allows us to bring in additional entertainment, a bigger stage, more bars, get more beer in more people’s hands,” said Alan Delahunt, Crooked Can’s chief operating officer. “The city has been great at helping us facilitate that.”
Attendees can expect a large variety of entertainment like The Brussel Sprouts German Polka Band, a stein-holding competition, a choreographed lineup, the fan-favorite Wiener Dog Race and more.
“A lot of people think Oktoberfest is more just about the beer, but for us, it’s about families and bringing people together,” Delahunt said. “So doing something where there’s something for
everybody has been a really awesome part of helping it grow over the last decade.”
This year, Crooked Can is starting Oktoberfest with a keg being paraded down the street, where a brewer taps it to get the beer flowing and the event started.
The brewery also is introducing a VIP area this year after the founders visited Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest and were inspired by it having dedicated areas for customers to book, guaranteeing seating and beers right away.
“We wanted to test that as a concept to see if that was something that people would be interested in, and it certainly was,”
Delahunt said. “We’ve definitely had (people) interested and it’s 21 and up, but it includes your first fill of your stein —32 ounces, and then you get the stein included with that as well. So it’s just a way of kind of creating a party atmosphere in a dedicated section of (the) brewery, and it’s very traditional in that you might not know the people you’re sitting beside because it’s going to be group seating very much the same as they are traditionally in Munich.”
Attendees also will have the
Pickleball making a racket in Ocoee
opportunity to try exclusive Oktoberfest-themed foods inside Plant Street Market.
“We’re not bringing in any additional vendors,” Delahunt said. “We’re focusing on our Plant Street Market vendors and they all do something a little different for this festival. So I advise people to get into the market, check out some of the local vendors and see some of the special festival items that they’re offering because it’s about beer, it’s about food, it’s about entertainment, and it’s just about having a great time.”
IF YOU GO
CROOKED CAN BREWING COMPANY
Dates: Friday, Oct. 17, Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19
Friday: 4 to 10 p.m.
- Keg parade and tapping (4 p.m.)
- Roaming juggler and stilt walker (5 to 7 p.m.)
- The Brussel Sprouts German Polka Band (6 to 9 p.m.)
- Stein-holding competition (7 p.m.)
- Face painting (All day)
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
-Stammtischler & Orlando
Trachtenverein Gruppe Dancers (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
-Stilt walkers (1 to 3 p.m.)
-Jimmy Horzen Duo ( 3 to 5 p.m.)
-The Brussel Sprouts German Polka Band (6 to 9 p.m.)
-Stein-holding competition (7 p.m.)
-Face painting (All day)
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
-Roaming fairy (1 to 3 p.m.)
-Stilt walkers (1 to 3 p.m.)
-Stein-hoisting competition (2:15 p.m.)
-The Sunshine State Express (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
-Wiener dog race (4 to 6 p.m.)
-Face painting (All day)
The hours at Tiger Minor Park are changing, and Ocoee now is a Purple Heart City.
forces,” Johnson said.
Ocoee City Commission approved changing the hours of Tiger Minor Park during its Oct. 7 meeting after residents came forward at a meeting in September with concerns over the noise levels at the park.
Parks and Leisure Services Director Mark Johnson suggested changes to Tiger Minor Park including adding gates that open and close, changing the pickleball hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with park hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and adding boards and bushes to block the noise levels.
Ocoee resident Andrea Jones thanked the commissioners for keeping up with citizens’ interests but advocated against changing the current hours of the courts because it would limit players who work full-time jobs. She also said the courts bring in revenue for Ocoee from players who travel from other towns.
“I personally feel as though we have a responsibility to maintain a healthy issue for our residents that live in the community,” Mayor Pro Temp Rosemary Wilsen said. “It’s not healthy to have folks till 10 p.m. banging balls around.”
Wilsen and the rest of the commissioners, aside from District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy, agreed to move forward with the changes Johnson suggested to Tiger Minor Park.
OCOEE BECOMES PURPLE
HEART CITY
Johnson announced a proclamation that Ocoee has become a Purple Heart City, which signifies the city’s commitment to supporting and remembering veterans who were wounded in the line of duty.
“The city of Ocoee has great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country in this community in the armed
He explained the Purple Heart was the first American Service Award of decoration, which was given to the common soldier and specifically members of the U.S. Armed Forces who had been wounded or killed in the line of duty.
Louis Barnes, the commander for the Purple Heart Department of Florida, served 26-and-one-half years in the U.S. Army and went to the first Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan. When he and the troops returned, they weren’t all recognized for their efforts. He thanked the city of Ocoee for what it does to recognize veterans and Purple Heart recipients.
“We truly appreciate the Purple Heart designation for our city,” Johnson said, who served in the U.S. army. “We’re going to try to put some (hearts) on parking spaces and other places.”
HEADED TO D.C.
The commission unanimously agreed to send Wilsen and Mayor Rusty Johnson to Washington, D.C. Tuesday, Nov. 4 to Thursday, Nov. 6 to lobby for House Resolution 672. If passed, the bill would consolidate the five ZIP codes of Ocoee into one.
“We have never gotten this far to be one of 50 cities, I think, mentioned on that bill and we are one of them,” Wilsen said. “I think it’s very important that we represent ourselves in Washington.”
When Rose Hill was added to Ocoee 17 years ago, the community wasn’t able to change its ZIP code, which has caused it to have increased insurance rates and other costs, Wilsen said. The commission has been working for years to make the change to unify Ocoee and assist its residents who are suffering additional financial costs.
Geared up for a ride
On your mark — get set – ride!
The participants of the fourth annual Stina D’Uva Tour de Chamber Community Bike Ride were weaving through the neighborhoods of Horizon West Thursday, Oct. 2. At the end of the 7.7 mile loop, they were met with medals and an after party. Home State Brewing Co. opened its backyard to the riders and they enjoyed one beer voucher, sandwiches and ice cream from Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
The fourth annual Stina D’Uva Tour de Chamber Community Bike Ride was a hit.
Everyone was excited to start the fourth annual ride.
Below: Megan Sutherland adorned the riders with medals .
Courtesy photo Crooken Can Brewing Co.’s Oktoberfest will feature a VIP area this year.
People attended in their best attire. Maria and Gary Weinberger rode for the first time and traveled there from Ocoee.
Above: Jennifer Patxot posed with her medal. It was her first year riding.
Left: Riders of all age groups participated in the community bike ride.
The 6-month-old puppy was a popular guest at the after party.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
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 28th, 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.
Thank
thank
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Dr. Phillips’ football team has clinched its 7A District 9 divisional title with three games left in the regular season. The title comes after Dr. Phillips defeated East Ridge, 42-0. The teams were tied for the title going into the matchup. It marks the second year in a row the Panthers have claimed divisional champions.
2
Open registration is here for 407 Basketball. Youth leagues are open to ages 7 to 17. The leagues have two sessions: one runs from Jan. 6 to March 5 and the other is March 23 through May 21. 407 Basketball has men’s and women’s leagues for ages 18 and up. The adult leagues have two sessions, with the same dates as the youth leagues.
Aside from leagues, 407 Basketball offers holiday and school-break camps, summer camps, preseason clinics and Sunday skill sessions. Registration will close once the spots fill and participants can register for as many camps as they would like. The organization is dedicated to advancing everyone’s basketball skills. It looks for athletes who are serious about growing their skills and learning at a highlevel. For more information visit: info@407basketball.com.
3
USA Ninja Challenge is offering a trial class for any homeschoolers who would like to participate in a PE class. The hour-long Ninja class is designed for children ages 5 to 12 in its safe and family-friendly gym. Class circuits rotate weekly to keep the event engaging for participants. Coaches are active during the class to keep kids engaged and it’s a socialization opportunity as much as it is an athletic one. The building is located in Ocoee and you can find out more at ninjaocoee.com.
4
Windermere High’s boys basketball coach watched his former players, Sean Owens and Andreas Smith, compete in The JUCO Jamboree Friday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 12. The tournament featured 100 of the top junior college and prep programs in the country. Owens is a 6-foot-2-inch point guard who played 32 games and averaged 12.7 points per game, 2.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds in his 2025 season with Windermere. Smith is a 6-foot-4-inch shooting guard, who averaged 10.6 points per game, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists during his final year with Windermere High. Both are phenomenal basketball players who went on to college ball after graduating in 2025. Owens is committed to Pensacola State and Smith is committed to Chipola.
5
A softball and baseball player announced their commitments. The First Academy’s outfielder Kinon Bastian announced his commitment to the University of Florida’s baseball team. Bastian is in the graduating class of 2027. The junior is described as a right handed hitter, who has fast hands and creates a big bat speed. Lila Hernandez, Horizon’s softball player, announced her commitment to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. The senior plays both center field and outfield, she’s stolen 91 bases in her career and averaged .397 hitting percentage. She thanked her parents for allowing her to commit her life to softball.
Calculating every move
WEEK 8 SCHEDULE
All games start at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted
n Windermere Prep (4-2) vs. Bronson (0-8), 6 p.m. kickoff
n CFCA (7-0) vs. Boca Raton Christian (4-3)
n Dr. Phillips (6-1) at Edgewater (8-0)
n Foundation Academy (6-2) vs. Cocoa Beach (2-6)
n Horizon (2-5) vs. Lake Minneola (1-6)*
n Lake Buena Vista (3-4) at Innovation (7-0)*
n Legacy Charter (0-7) at Hernando Christian Academy (6-1)
n Ocoee (5-2) vs. Winter Park (3-4)
n Olympia (2-5) vs. West Orange (6-1)
n Windermere High (6-0) at McLaughlin (2-5)
*Indicates a district game
The First Academy is back to its home field with lessons learned after traveling to Baltimore to play the No. 2 team in the country.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
There are 13,959 high school football teams in the country.
Out of those, 563 teams are in Florida. In Florida, only one team in each of the eight divisions will win the state championship.
It’s not easy to win the state title, it takes grit and determination. The First Academy is using this season as a lesson on how to get there. The First Academy is ranked No. 10 in Florida and No. 82 in the nation.
Due to sanctions last season from FHSAA for recruiting violations, the Royals are ineligible to participate in the post season and won’t compete for a title this year — but that hasn’t
stopped the coaching staff from trying to replicate the experience and atmosphere of playoff football.
TFA’s coaches took the lack of a post season into account when designing the team’s competitive schedule this year. The Royals kicked off its preseason by hosting IMG Academy and didn’t let up. The team has gone on to play six nationally ranked teams.
“We have enjoyed testing the national waters,” TFA’s head coach Jeff Conaway said.
Conaway said the coaching staff wanted to see what foundation they have developed with their football program — and saw no better way to do that than play top-tier competitors.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: COLLEGE EDITION
BRUINSMA
process starts with college coaches recognizing their faces and connecting game footage to it.
Ocoee’s outside hitter, Maya Henderson, leads the team with kills and shines bright in the classroom. Page 10A.
Photos by Megan Bruinsma
TFA’s head coach, Jeff Conaway, is working toward growing the team.
The First Academy took a moment to reflect on the highlights from practice. Coaches went around the circle to emphasize a player whose character stood out.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Maya Henderson
Ocoee’s senior outside hitter, Maya Henderson, has played a pivotal role on the team in its regular-season record of 11-4 and will continue to as the team heads into playoffs. She leads the team in kills per set, averaging seven kills per game and averages six aces and five digs. Henderson reached a personal goal by recording 107 total kills this season.
Aside from being a phenomenal player on the court, Henderson is an all-star in the classroom, too. She has achieved a 5.036 weighted GPA, the Cambridge AICE Diploma and a full-ride Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
What do you enjoy the most about volleyball?
What I enjoy most about volleyball is the rush you get after making a big kill or a stuff block and the excitement of celebrating those moments with my teammates.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from volleyball?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from volleyball is that mistakes will happen. You just have to shake it off, focus on the next point and keep your head up.
What is your favorite volleyball memory?
My favorite volleyball memory is placing third out of more than 150 teams in our division at AAU Nationals this past summer with my club team and being named an All-American.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Maya Duckworth from Iowa State because, like me, she’s an undersized hitter who proves that height doesn’t define your impact on the court.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
When I’m near one, I will always go for a chicken Chipotle bowl with chips and guac on the side or a whole-grain sandwich or wrap with protein and vegetables, plus fruit and water to stay hydrated.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
My current go-to hype song is “LA MuDANZA” by Bad Bunny.
THE BASICS
Age: 17 Sport: Volleyball
Grade: 12th School: Ocoee
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
My favorite non-sports hobby is doing my own nails. It’s a fun way to relax and express myself.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A cruise ship with everything I need in it, a water purifier or filter for clean water and a cell phone with unlimited battery.
What is your favorite movie? It’s a tie between “Hercules” and “The Princess and the Frog.”
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with Maya Angelou, the poet, author and civil-rights activist, I was named after. Her strength and wisdom inspire me.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would ask my future self if the trip to Japan with my friends ever made it out of the group chat.
Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
My favorite superhero is Spider-Man, specifically Miles Morales. I love his journey of building confidence and growing into himself, and I admire his strong moral compass that drives him to stand up for what he believes in.
Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?
I don’t really have a favorite supervillain, but my favorite villain in general is Cruella. I love her outfits and her confidence.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could travel to three places in the world, I would choose Japan, Hawaii and Colombia.
I’m drawn to Japan and Hawaii because I really admire the culture and the aesthetics of both places. I’d also love to visit learn more about my
Playing higher-ranked teams to grow stronger
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
“It’s been a season of getting our feet wet on a national scale, knowing that because of the performances we’ve had, we can play at that level and we will only continue to get better,” he said.
Two of the three losses TFA had this year were close. The team fell to No. 39 Milton by seven and No. 43 Central by three. Conaway said of course it would’ve been ideal to win those games, but competing well enough where the Royals had a chance to win was pleasing.
It brings a lot of pressure, but pressure makes diamonds.
“Our players have had to be sharp every week because there’s not a cupcake on the schedule,” Conaway said. “You have to prepare and you have to perform well, or you’ll get embarrassed.”
That’s exactly what the team’s most recent trip to Baltimore, Maryland taught them.
A BUSINESS TRIP
TFA flew out of Orlando International Airport Thursday, Oct. 2 to meet the No. 2 team in the country: St. Frances Academy.
It was the Royals’ one loss this season that wasn’t close; St. Frances Academy shut out TFA 37-0.
“The takeaway was we’re not quite ready to play and beat the No. 2 team in the country,” Conaway said.
Playing top-tier teams — like Milton, Central and St. Frances Academy — are learning opportunities.
“When you play great teams, they expose your weaknesses and when your weaknesses are exposed, it changes your processes on how you prepare,” Conaway said.
After the shut out at St. Frances Academy, TFA’s coaches went back to the drawing board. They looked back on what weaknesses exposed themselves during the game and realized they need to develop depth.
In order to compete with and play like top-tier level teams, TFA’s roster needs to replicate that of an elite program. Conaway said that comes through attraction or development, and he wants TFA to do both.
“Finding ways to take our guys from where they are and turn them into bigger, faster and stronger
(players), over the off-season is going to be a huge objective of ours,” he said. “But we can do it. We know we can.”
He used Reed Ramsier as an example of what the Royals’ offseason program does. Ramsier came in freshman year and has put on 50 pounds in two years from TFA’s strength training and nutrition. The junior now has gathered attraction from college coaches across the country.
The loss to St. Frances Academy looked bad from a score standpoint, but it exposed TFA’s holes and the strengths, especially the strength of the players.
Conaway loved to see his players recognizing they were outmatched quickly, but they never stopped fighting.
“We got down early and then tried to get ourselves out of a hole,” he said. “We never really got out, but we kept fighting and that’s the sign of a champion, in my opinion.”
It’s difficult to maintain your composure when something isn’t going your way. Conaway said it’s hard for the adults to stay positive on the sideline so to see that character in his players was phenomenal.
TFA’s game against St. Frances Academy was Conaway’s first time back on the sideline after being suspended six games because of the FHSAA violations. He said it was even better than he could’ve imagined being able to stand back on the sidelines amongst the players and coaches again.
“It was life giving,” he said. “I had been in a deep, dark depression because this is what I do. I don’t hunt, golf or fish. I coach football. When I wasn’t able to do that, I didn’t feel like myself.”
The time away has made him extremely thankful for the opportunity to be back and just in time to honor the 20 seniors on the team for senior night against The St. James Performance Academy. He hopes the Friday game atmosphere will be great.
“We want everybody to come out and make this a home field advantage because the previous home games haven’t necessarily felt like we had the advantage,” he said.
WEEK 8 REVIEW
The schools across West and Southwest Orange showed up for Week 8 of high school football.
After returning to play from a bye week, West Orange, Olympia and Dr. Phillips all shut out their opponents in Week 8.
The Warriors have been a top program all season, and the team tallied in its highest scoring night yet. West Orange’s win also marked its third win in a row where it shutout its opponent.
Dr. Phillips shined during its road matchup at East Ridge. The Panthers ended East Ridge’s undefeated season in monumental fashion and put the team at No. 1 in its division. Olympia brought in its second win of the season against district opponents Celebration. The Titans started out with a defensive touchdown in the first quarter and continued to draw off that momentum into the next 36 minutes of play.
CFCA continued its undefeated streak in the team’s close win over Cornerstone Charter Academy. The Eagles began and ended the game on a high note, scoring 14 points in the first quarter and 12 points in the fourth. Cornerstone Charter Academy began to trudge back by scoring 17 points in the third, but the Eagles persevered and continue to showcase the team’s strength.
Horizon and Lake Buena Vista’s fates weren’t as joyful as their fellow West and Southwest Orange programs. Lake Buena Vista was shut out by Lake Weir, but on a positive note, the Lakers only allowed six points. In Week 8, Horizon was up for a tough matchup against the top team in its district, South Lake. The Hawks now sit at 0-2 in district play and haven’t tasted victory in four games.
Windermere High’s game against Oak Ridge originally was scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 but it has been rescheduled to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 due to a tragedy that occurred near Oak Ridge.
WEEK 8 SCORES
CFCA (7-0), 32
Cornerstone Charter Academy (5-3), 24
Foundation Academy (6-2), 35 Master’s Academy (1-7), 7
Horizon (2-5), 14 South Lake (6-1), 54
Olympia (2-5), 38 Celebration (1-6), 0
West Orange (6-1), 57 West Port (1-7), 0
Dr. Phillips (6-1), 42 East Ridge (6-1), 0
Legacy Charter (0-7), 14
Eastland Christian (3-3), 42
Lake Buena Vista (3-4), 0 Lake Weir (4-4), 6
TFA’s team had a moment of prayer after it finished practice. Megan Bruinsma
MEGAN BRUINSMA
On his weekend off from a cross-country meet, Windermere High School sophomore Ethan Tasior decided to still run a race.
He participated in Windermere Run Among the Lakes 5K Saturday, Oct. 11 and finished with a personal best of 17:31, dropping his time by 15 seconds.
The 5K and 10K races brought
personal bests for several people as well as cherished memories for others.
Stephen Ting was thrilled to have his son Branden Ting watch his run in a race for the first time.
“It’s the best,” Stephen Ting said. “He’s the fastest runner I know so to have him cheer me on is awesome.
LIZ RAMOS
Race to community
Runners finished the Windermere Among the Lakes races with personal bests and cherished memories.
Warriors travel to Bulls country
“While they were getting food (I went) and said, ‘Listen, when is this opportunity going to come again? You can sit and talk to your friends and teammates all day long, get up and go introduce yourself to the coaches,’” Thompson said. Thompson and West Orange’s coaching staff focused on teaching the players how to take initiative.
Those brief conversations the players had with coaches can be remarkably helpful later, even for freshman or sophomores. Thompson said players’ names might come up when they’re a senior and the college coach will recognize it. Coaches remember how polite and respectful aspiring athletes are, so making a positive impression is the first step in recruitment.
West Orange running back Jayden Ammons and Turner said the team fully took in the experience. The seniors’ goal is to continue their football career in college and they were
able to meet USF’s recruitment coordinators, who will pass along film to USF’s coaches.
Aside from meeting coaches, the Warriors were able to see a college game.
During the game, Ammons studied the playing style of USF’s running backs and took notes on their performance.
Thompson said it was important for his players to see a college game and realize it’s not an “untouchable” goal. They can watch games on the television on Saturdays, but being there brought out a new level of emotions.
It’s easy to be distracted by the size and glam of an NFL stadium and the excitement of a college football game of a nationally ranked team. When West Orange’s players focused in on the field, they realized it’s the same exact game they’re playing, Thompson said.
“It’s football,” he said.
HOW IT BEGAN
Every season, West Orange prioritizes doing a team-building activity during the bye week, and this year, they went to Tampa.
The opportunity began when Thompson was reaching out to USF’s coaches because some of the Warriors’ players had requested to go on a tour of the school. As he was contacting USF’s coaches, he noticed the Bulls’ schedule and saw its Friday night game against Charlotte coincided with West Orange’s bye week.
A light bulb went off in his head.
“I just reached out to the (USF) coaches and said, ‘Is this even a possibility?’” Thompson said. “And they said, ‘Absolutely. We’d love to have your whole varsity team come out.’”
Thompson and West Orange Athletic Director Todd LaNeave began to work out the logistics of the trip and got a charter bus for the varsity team.
They packed up the bus and embarked on the journey.
Ammons and Turner said they
enjoyed being able to spend the time with their teammates on the bus. They said those connections and relationships will continue to help on the field.
Once the Warriors arrived to the stadium, USF welcomed them on the field to watch the college players warm up. Ammons said he enjoyed being able to watch something he’s always seen on television.
Thompson loved seeing his players’ reactions to stepping on the field, standing on the sidelines and watching the Bulls run warm ups. They were able to witness what a collegiate game looks like and stand in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium; it was a moment that’ll never be replicated.
“That for me was the most exciting part, seeing the elation on their eyes,” he said. “(The) excitement, interest and just embracing the whole experience.”
The moment was special for Thompson, too — it was his first time in an NFL stadium. The Warriors’
program has done many bus tours with its players, especially during the summer, to visit college campuses, and every trip has been unique. The “wow” factor of an NFL stadium is what makes this trip stand out to him and West Orange’s team. Thompson said after seeing the players’ reactions during this particular trip, it’s made him and the coaching staff want to continue trips like it in the future. Down the line, he wants to look into going to another USF or UCF or FSU game and bringing the whole team along for the ride. The experience was fun and served the aspiring college athletes with a prime opportunity to make a great first impression.
Cibele Antoniolli celebrated finishing her race with Stella Bueno and Gui Bueno. Stella Bueno then participated in the kids races.
Below: Windermere High School’s Ethan Tasior rang the bell to celebrate his personal record. He dropped his time by 15 seconds.
Branden Ting watched his father, Stephen Ting, run in a race for the first time. “It’s the best,” Stephen Ting said. “He’s the fastest runner I know so to have him cheer me on is awesome.”
Guilherme Motta, Fredison Costa and Wesley King were the overall male winners of the 10K.
INFLUENCER
SUSAN MATHEWS
Susan Mathews is a middle school coordinator and Bible teacher at Central Florida Christian Academy.
She teaches five classes daily and serves as administrative support for middle school teachers and administrators. She spearheaded the introduction of Ron Clark Academy’s Middle School House system in which all students in sixth through eighth grades belong to a smaller “house” community. She helps plan and oversees all events and activities related to the house system.
pelling, godly influences throughout my life.
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“Mrs. Susan Mathews has been teaching at CFCA for almost a decade,” Upper School Principal Kristi Laviolette said. “She is always willing to fill in wherever needed and has taught Bible, life skills, musical theater, vocal ensemble and even Spanish. She is dedicated to the truth of God’s word and desires above everything that her students learn about the Bible and grow in their faith. She is also one of the amazing leaders of our Middle School Houses, impacting every student in our middle school on a personal level. We are so thankful to have Susan at CFCA!”
What brought you to your school?
My husband and I are both Brevard County natives but moved to Texas in 2009 for his job. In 2015, we were praying for an opportunity to move “back home,” and the Lord answered our prayers with job offers for both of us at Central Florida Christian Academy.
What do you love most about your school?
I love that all staff members at our school are encouraged to actively pursue fulfillment of the school’s mission which is to educate, inspire and equip students to know and serve Jesus Christ.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I teach a Biblical Worldview class to sixth- and seventh-graders, so the most rewarding part of my job is the daily opportunity to teach eternal truths and to challenge students to view all of life through the lens of scripture.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
If I were teaching something different, I’d be teaching music (choir) because my degree is in music education. If I weren’t teaching at all, I think I’d have gone into advertising because I love creativity and word-play.
Who influences you?
My husband of almost 32 years constantly challenges me in a great way to think more deeply and love more selflessly. Also, my mom and dad are both still living and have been wonderful, com-
REPORT CARD
Years at school: 10 years in December
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite and most memorable teacher was probably my high school choir director. He has passed away, but he always recognized and sought to develop my natural abilities in music, and he encouraged me to pursue teaching.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
I absolutely love Shel Silverstein’s book of poetry, “Where the Sidewalk Ends.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a teacher…I’m not familiar with this “spare time” you speak of. Seriously though, I love to bake, travel, read, and listen to music and podcasts. Oh, and shopping at TJMaxx or HomeGoods.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I thought about this question for quite some time, and I think I would have to say Moses. What an amazing life he led!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation, no contest. Pop over to Florence, Italy for dinner, take a stroll through the city, watch the sunset and then sleep in my own bed!
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
I really love music, so this is a hard one. I am a film score fanatic, so I’d probably choose John Williams as one. I also love choral music and traditional church hymns, so I’d maybe choose the Mormon Tabernacle Choir because of how many albums of those types of music they have recorded. For my third, I think I have to go with Harry Connick Jr. because his musicianship is incredible, and he represents a completely different style than my other two choices.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student?
I was heavily involved in choir, vocal ensemble, musical theater and won multiple honors in those areas including All-State Choir. I was also senior class president.
LIZ RAMOS
Fall fun for everyone
Lakeview Middle’s Fall Festival will feature live music, a golf cart parade, a petting zoo, local vendors, games and more.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Amy Paterson’s goals for the Lakeview Middle School FFA program is more expansive than simply teaching students about agriculture and animals. Paterson wants her students to learn and honor the history of Lakeview Middle and the era of the Red Devils, the school’s former mascot.
“Our goal for this school is to be Winter Garden’s community school,” Paterson said. “It’s important that Lakeview is brought back to its glory. It’s important for our students to know the history of where they came from.”
To help in this effort, the FFA program is honoring the schools’ history by collecting memorabilia from the Red Devil era to borrow and showcase at its Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 18.
The Fall Festival is a tradition Paterson brought from her days teaching at Windermere High School. The festival not only will serve as a fundraiser for Lakeview’s FFA program but also as an opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate the school’s legacy. Paterson said she’s hoping to have alumni of the school when the mascot was the Red Devil, which changed in 2023 to the Lightning, at the festival to share stories of their time at the school.
“We’re hoping maybe we could get yearbooks, jerseys or jackets to borrow,” she said. “It would be great if it’s not just students, but parents of students, because there’s the Red Devil alumni but then we have a whole group of parents that came through it as a middle school and didn’t come through it as a high school.” FFA students will sell Lakeview Red Devil as well as Lakeview alumni and Lakeview Light-
The festival also will feature a golf cart parade with prizes for first, second and third place and People’s Choice. Golf carts can be decorated in any theme.
FFA programs from various schools will be in attendance.
The Fall Festival also will be an opportunity for people to learn about various community organizations and businesses that will be at the festival, but most importantly, a chance for people to learn about agriculture.
Paterson brought FFA back to Lakeview Middle School last year, and the program was an immediate success, securing its spot as the No. 10 program in the country. She said it since has grown by leaps and bounds, with seven full class periods, one of which is an advanced agriculture class for students to receive highschool credit.
“It’s important to take care of our land and our area,” she said. “That’s why bringing (agriculture) back to downtown Winter Garden is important. Ag is not dead here, even though it seems like it. It is not. I tell my students all the time, if you eat food, you’re connected to agriculture. Now more than ever, it’s important to know where it comes from and how we get it and how we create more.”
In the future, Paterson wants to incorporate gardening, sustainable farming, aquaculture and more.
IF YOU GO
LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL
FESTIVAL WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18
WHERE: Lakeview Middle School, 1200
W. Bay St., Winter Garden
COST: Free
DETAILS: Enjoy live music, a petting zoo and animals, games and kids’ activities, arts and crafts, food trucks, local vendors and a golf cart parade.
MORE INFORMATION: Lakeview Middle School — OCPS Facebook page
Lakeview Middle School Principal John Linehan, left, FFA students and FFA advisor Amy Paterson, right, are looking forward to hosting the second annual Fall Festival.
Liz Ramos
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1940: 85 years ago
Work on the new Winter Garden Methodist Church, being built by Charles F. Gregory, was four weeks in, and it was expected that the building would be completed in the spring.
1950: 75 years ago
Football fans from West Orange County attending the Florida-Auburn football game in Gainesville were Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Stanford, Mrs. Frank Ross, Frances Stulck, Mr. and Mrs. D. Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Cappleman, Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs Ashley, Mrs. W.B. Burch, Mr. and Mrs. O.J. Taylor, Barbara Taylor, Mrs. Hal Crowley, Dick Crowley, Fred Roper, Fred Gregory, Mr. and Mrs. Ward Britt, Jerry Chicone and Jerry Chicone Jr.
1975: 50 years ago
Lakeview High School graduate Paul Teal spent the summer as a camp counselor in Diamond Point, New York. His job was to take boys ages 6 to 16 into the woods for a week at a time to teach them survival skills.
On the editorial page: That 55 mph speed limit on Florida’s highways still is in effect, and it’s slowing motorists down even though some people still drive 65 and 70 mph. Recent speed trend studies show cars on the state’s interstate system averaged 54.6 mph last year, while trucks went 55.8 mph. On rural primary highways, cars averaged 50 mph and trucks 51.5 mph.
Winter Garden City Commissioner Julian Revels was congratulated for receiving his nine-gallon plaque as a blood donor.
Lakeview Jr. High School was
Go Red Devils! Autumn is in the air — kind of — which stirs up school-day memories, outdoor sports and homecoming parades. This photograph of Lakeview High School parade spectators was taken in October 1968 — 57 years ago. The three Lakeview students posing on the car’s trunk are Bea Deariso, left, and Marian and Sam Wagster. Deariso was an early supporter and long-time volunteer at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Sam Wagster taught at Lakeview High for more than 40 years, and Marian Wagster’s community involvement reaches throughout the area. Her experience with stained glass led to First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden involving the long-time parishioner in the restoration of the church’s beautiful figural windows. Accomplished musicians, the Wagsters performed in local theater, notably in a 1970s production of “Carmen” in Orlando. Don’t miss the exhibit of all things sports at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through January.
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.
planning its first dance of the school year with door prizes and a dance contest. Tracy Dent of WDBO radio was the scheduled emcee, and member of the Lakeview faculty and PTA were to provide chaperonage. Police Chief and Mrs. Don Ficke planned to attend, as did Scott Bowman, dean of students; Otto Dickman, principal; and Robert Ford, assistant principal. In the classifieds, automobiles for sale: 1950 Olds Club Coupe,
$675; 1968 Fiat, 49,000 miles, $688; 1972 Datsun wagon, light green, $1,688; 1972 Nova, airconditioned, $2,195; 1974 Dodge pickup truck, $3,400; 1974 Toyota Coupe 1600, AM-FM radio, orange color, $2,995; and 1975 Honda 360 street bike, electric start, $895.
Ready for a busy year were four Girl Scout patrol leaders of Scout Jr. Troop 729 in Winter Garden: Tracy Veler, White Lightning; Lissa Munroe, Dolphins; Angela Vander-
jagt, Love Bugs; and Zoie Waters, Pepperonies.
2005: 20 years ago
Two Winter Garden children — 18-month-old Calvin Sanders and 8-month-old Brevin Walker — and their families joined others for a mile-long Buddy Walk at Lake Eola to promote acceptance of people with Down syndrome, including Calvin and Brevin.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
OCT. 16, 1942
During World War II, many articles, advertisements and editorial cartoons were geared toward the war effort.
The Florida Public Service Company promised to “keep things humming down here while you’re fighting up there.” The ad read: “We’ll see that there’s plenty (of) electricity available at camps and airfields and for the production of plane and tanks and guns.”
An editorial cartoon courtesy of the Los Angeles Examiner touted the benefits of buying war bonds. The more bonds purchased by United States citizens, the more money the U.S. military had to fight the war.
“E IXNMK HZRH VZPM E HRFW HX HZP FEHHFP IFXVPL XL HX HZP FEHHFP YPRMNH HZPD VEFF UEJP NY HZPEL APOLPHA.”
MIXED DRINKS by Kareem Ayas, edited by Taylor Johnson By Luis Campos
Most Trusted ER For Your Whole Family
From