WEST ORANGE TIMES &
Observer
Embedded in service
Hundreds work to build beds that will be
YOUR TOWN
WINDERMERE CRAFT BEER FEST RETURNS
After a five-year hiatus, the Windermere Craft Beer Fest is back.
The volunteer-organized and not-for-profit event will take place 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, at 520 Main St., Windermere.
Attendees can expect live music by the Down Brothers, food vendors and, of course, craft beers. The festival is a sampling-style event to showcase some of Florida’s local breweries, so expect small pours.
General admission is $35 and VIP admission is $50, both subject to availability.
VIP members get exclusive access to air conditioning, a private restroom and “some solid festival swag.”
To purchase your tickets, visit bit.ly/46FBflj.
HORIZON WEST ROTARY TO TEE OFF WITH GOLF TOURNEY
The Rotary Club of Horizon West Foundation will hit the links for its Golf Tournament.
The tournament takes place at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Stoneybrook West Golf Club, 15501 Towne Commons Blvd., Winter Garden.
Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Golfers also will enjoy a 50/50 raffle, tournament games, complimentary beverages, lunch/ award ceremony and a goodie bag. For more information, visit horizonwestrotary.com.
OCOEE PLANS FRIGHTFULLY GOOD TIME
The city of Ocoee will present a night of fun and frights at its 2025 Halloween Howl Night.
The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, October. 24, at Bill Breeze Park, Ocoee.
Attendees will enjoy a spooky maze, costume parade, escape room challenge, fortune teller, trunk or treat, food trucks, games, rides and more.
The city is presenting this event in partnership with Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital.
Registration is required for the escape room; visit bit. ly/4obMCaE. activities and contests, such as the Best Pets Contest. For more information, visit bit.ly/4pXvtmD.
Garden, Ocoee, Oakland
Oakland Town Commission will have a second reading of an ordinance addressing the charter at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 28. SEE PAGE 3A. YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Booked on creativity
West Oaks Library invites local teens to produce work for the library’s literary magazine, The Pulp Pages, while earning community service hours. SEE PAGE 4A.
Oakland amends town charter
Out in full force
Police departments make positive connections with residents during National Night Out. SEE PAGE 7A.
5FAST
Ocoee pastor accused of life insurance forgery
An Ocoee pastor is facing felony charges after he allegedly used the help of a licensed insurance agent to forge a former congregant’s life insurance policy.
Gary Wheeler, pastor of Changing Your World Church at 101 S. Clarke Road, Ocoee, and insurance agent Katrina Ann Phillips are accused of fraudulently using a woman’s identity to obtain her life insurance policy.
The victim told investigators that Wheeler had served as her pastor at a church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she resides, but she never has lived in Florida.
Investigators say the more than $100,000 policy named Wheeler as the sole beneficiary and was maintained with payments he made over the course of more than a year.
The Florida Department of Financial Services said the policy was created without the victim’s knowledge.
2
Orange County set on new district map
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved map 7B as the new district map, adding two new districts.
County commissioners met Tuesday, Oct. 14 to choose between maps 1A and 7B.
After commissioners reasoned which map they preferred, a motion was made to approve map 1A.
Four out of six commissioners voted to not approve the motion.
Mayor Jerry Demings voted to approve the motion, but the votes weren’t enough to do so.
Commissioner Nicole Wilson then made a motion to approve map 7B. The map then was approved after four commissioners and Demings voted yes to the map.
There will be no changes to District 1 — which includes Winter
3
Body found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
A woman deemed to have killed herself was found near Disney World at the Contemporary Resort after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body around 6:40 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14 at North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista.
The medical examiner’s office identified the woman as Summer Equitz, 31, and said her cause of death was due to “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
Equitz committed suicide 10 months after announcing her preg-
Some people took the death to social media claiming Equitz was hit by the monorail.
The OCSO said that was not true.
“This is an apparent suicide,” a representative from the OCSO told People Magazine. “(The guest) was not struck by the monorail, so that is erroneous information.”
The OSCO said it will not release any additional information in cases of suicide, including this one.
4
Duke Energy Florida launches energy program
Duke Energy Florida
more than 2,200 local customers eligible to participate in the program.
Eligible customers will qualify to receive up to 20 energy-saving improvements at no cost. Those improvements include a digital room thermometer, energy-saving showerhead or shower wand, one-year supply of AC filters, water-saving kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, energy-efficient lightbulbs, water heater wraps/pipe wrap, covers for window AC units as well as caulking, weatherstripping and door sweeps.
To learn more call (855) 227-2918.
5
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital upgrades nearly 300 beds
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital has upgraded nearly 300 of its beds and technology to make patients’ stay more comfortable.
The beds feature pressure-relief gel mattresses, patient controls connected to the nurse call system as well as safety enhancements including a bed sensor that can reduce a fall risk.
Orlando Health is donating the original beds to multiple local charities.
“Upgrading to these advanced beds represents our commitment to maintaining a safe environment
Courtesy photo
Dr. P. Phillips Hospital members brought in the new state-of-the-art beds.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
The Windermere community and others gathered to build 100 beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
LIZ RAMOS
SENIOR EDITOR
Walking past Windermere Town Hall, it sounded like a million bees had taken over, buzzing louder than the traffic passing by on Main Street.
In a way, it was like bees had taken over as more than 170 volunteers flooded the street in front of Town Hall Saturday, Oct. 18, to saw, drill, sand and brand wood to make 100 beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
“It sounds like a swarm of bees, but if we’re busy bees, we’re productive, and instead of honey, we’re making beds,” said Bill Carleton, the founder of the Orlando West chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
After Carleton and Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden made their opening remarks, the volunteers spread like wildfire, instantly taking on the various tasks needed to get the job done.
Within 10 minutes, a roar of buzzing began as dozens of volunteers started sawdusting while others were cutting or drilling wood, staining wood, branding the boards and more.
Windermere’s Keith Carsten, a long-time resident of Windermere who has participated in the Bunk Bed Build for five years, was laser focused as he quickly sawed long boards of wood to pass onto the next phase of the build. It has become tradition for Carsten and his family to volunteer for the Windermere bed bunk build.
He had a huge smile across his face as he looked at the more than 170 volunteers in front of Town Hall working together for the same cause. From children to high school students to moms and dads and retired folks, people of all ages came together to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
“I thought it was a really nice way to help the community in a very material way,” Carsten said. “It gives you a chance to play with power tools. Pretty much the whole com-
munity comes out. All my neighbors are out here.”
Interfaith volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Horizon West Church, the Windermere Seventh-Day Adventist Church and Windermere Union Church participated in the build.
Carleton said the Windermere bunk bed build will make a “large dent” in the demand for beds.
Although the nonprofit is on pace to make approximately 725 beds this year, Carleton said that does not come near meeting the demand as there likely are more than 1,000 children in the greater-Orlando area sleeping without a bed each night.
“It’s awesome we’re making this big of a difference, and it’s a little bit
PERMANENT FACILITY
The Orlando West Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is looking to create a permanent facility to have its bed builds. Currently, the chapter travels to a location twice per month to conduct its builds.
Bill Carleton, the founder of the chapter, said a permanent facility will allow the nonprofit to host builds whenever it wants rather than having to restrict itself to having builds in October through April to avoid the bad weather. It also can provide volunteer opportunities for groups, like high school students, to come in for 90 minutes to build.
“We have to say no way too many times,” Carleton said.
He said a 5,000 square feet basic, steel building with electrical and other systems will cost approximately $150,000.
“We’re looking for a nonprofit or a church that has land that would be willing to partner with a mission like Sleep in Heavenly Peace,” he said.
sad there’s that big of a problem in our first-world, developed country,” he said. In honor of the town of Windermere’s centennial, the Windermere Police Foundation and the town’s centennial committee decided this year there would be 100 beds built, instead of the traditional 40.
“We wanted to celebrate by building 100 beds for kids in our greater community who don’t sleep in a bed,” Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said. “Let’s be honest, if we live right here in this area, we’ve probably never even thought about that. It hasn’t even been a thought in our mind, but I can tell you, being in law enforcement for almost 40 years, we can go from this point to four miles down the road where there’s a kid who doesn’t have a bed to sleep on. You can imagine what domino effect that has when you don’t get a good night’s sleep and you don’t have a bed.”
Carleton said the 100 beds will be delivered to families in the next four to five weeks.
Oakland approves changes to town’s charter
The Oakland Town Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance recommending six revisions to the town charter.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
The Oakland Town Commission approved Tuesday, Oct. 14, the first reading of an ordinance amending recommendations the Charter Revision Committee proposed for the town charter.
“The CRC took its job seriously and undertook the task of the charter review with energy and enthusiam,” Town Attorney Stephanie Velo said.
The committee developed a list of issues worth discussing and amending over the course of six meetings.
The six proposed amendments address town commission vacancies, voting thresholds, requirements for run-off elections, qualifications for town commission, conflicting charter amendments, and errors and omissions.
For town commission vacancies, the Charter Revision Committee recommended increasing the time period in which the commission must fill vacancies in its membership from 30 days to 90 days. The amendment also stated if vacancies are not filled within the time frame, the positions must be filled by a special election rather than appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
A proposed amendment regarding voting thresholds allows commissioners to vote on any matter as long as three commissioners (out of five) are present to do so. Previously, the town required all commissioners to be present for voting unless a commissioner required abstention pursuant to state law.
The CRC also recommended the town does not need to hold run-off elections if candidates don’t receive more than 50% of votes cast. The
candidates who receive the most votes will be duly elected to the position they wish. This includes candidates running for mayor and the town commission.
The committee also proposed the removal of the collection of signature cards from 10% of the town’s registered voters or 100 voters, as an alternate method of qualification for the town commission. The only requirement is filing a written notice of candidacy and paying a $100 fee.
If interested residents demonstrate financial need, they still are able to qualify without paying the fee, as long as they meet all other requirements.
To eliminate confusion, the CRC recommended the removal of provisions to conflicting charter amendments made during the same election and asked to correct
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grammatical and wording errors for accuracy and consistency to sections 2.5, 3.4 and 4.4 of the Town of Oakland Charter.
INCREASING RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTIONS
The town commission passed a resolution increasing Oakland’s retirement contribution to fulltime police officers from 16% to 18%.
According to provided documents, this adjustment is recommended to remain competitive with surrounding local agencies and to strengthen the town’s efforts in recruiting and retaining dedicated officers for the Oakland Police Department. This 2% increase is funded by the General Fund for Fiscal Year 20252026.
IN OTHER NEWS
n Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed October as Stormwater Drain Month, where only rain is supposed to go down drains.
n Taylor proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 15 as Blind Americans Equality Day.
n Florida City Government Week will be from Oct. 20 to Oct. 26 as proclaimed by Taylor.
n The town received a disposal adjustment request from Waste Pro. due to Orange County’s notice of disposal increases. The increase amounts to $0.24 per household per month. This increase equals $2.88 per year.
Windermere’s Chuck Ingram couldn’t contain his excitement over volunteering at the bunk bed build. He only has missed one bunk bed build. “It makes you feel really good,” he said.
Charlee Hagan worked side-by-side with Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden. The Windermere Police Foundation has been hosting a bunk bed build for five years, bringing people of all ages together to support Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
Jack Kingsley sanded down wood.
Liz Ramos
Fusing creativity with community service
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
West Orange High School
junior Autumn Tucker read out loud her three pieces of writing in The Pulp Pages’ October “spooky” issue to the other eight teens sitting in the room.
She read through her music review of the Mezzanine Album by Massive Attack, her photo of a spooky cupcake she encountered at Halloween Horror Nights and a book review of Gris Grimly’s “Frankenstein.”
Tucker has a love for creative and fun writing. It’s a passion she’s carried throughout her life and wants to continue. She views it as a way to express herself, and she enjoys sharing her work with others. In school, she’s had challenges finding a creative outlet.
When she discovered The Pulp Pages, a community service outreach where she had unlimited creative opportunities, it was a no brainer for her to join. Through the magazine, she’s found a creative outlet.
Once per month, students like Tucker gather in West Oaks Library to work on The Pulp Pages, which is the official West Oaks Library’s Teen Literary and Creative Arts Magazine. Teens earn community service hours by participating.
The Pulp Pages officially launched in July 2025 at the West Oaks Library as a part of the Teen Zine program in the Orange County Library System.
The Alafaya Branch Library first started the program in March 2023 with the Orange Slice edition to celebrate 100 years of OCLS, and since then, four more branches have followed suit.
The Pulp Pages captures the essence of a magazine. It has a colorful and graphic cover and inside are elements you would find in a traditional magazine. There’s pictures, stories, a crossword puzzle, information for events and a page highlighting the teens who submitted their work.
CREATIVE OUTLOOK
The Pulp Pages’ magazine editor, Ashley Rosario, said the magazine was created to encourage teen volunteers to express themselves creatively through writing, art and photography. The Orange County Library System wants the teens to share their experiences.
“It gives them a platform to use their voices and talents in meaningful ways,” she said.
Tucker felt proud to physically be able to hold her work. She said it’s like her baby. She’s never done anything like this before.
“It feels really official and professional,” Tucker said.
Although Tucker initially joined simply for the community service hours, The Pulp Pages quickly has turned into something “really fun.” She feels free to express herself and explore different forms of writing with peers in her community.
Tucker enjoys the community experience of sharing their creative ideas. She said even if she exceeds the amount of hours she’s able to log, she plans on continuing to write as a leisurely activity.
Teens have a wide variety of submission categories they can choose from, including short stories, poetry, art and photography, comics, as well as book, entertainment, music and program reviews.
Rosario said it’s special because teens gather community service hours for something they like to do. It’s exciting for her to see what teens submit and the work they’re capable of producing. She’ll share the submissions with other members of the library to show off their work.
Every completed issue is displayed in the public area of the library for visitors to look through or take home with them. Rosario strategically places it in areas teens frequent more, like the children’s reading section and a table by the entrance with local newspapers.
“It’s also inspiring for younger children who get to see what older students are creating and imagine what they might do when they’re older,” Rosario said.
Since the magazine has started, they’ve had anywhere from eight to 12 participants. The meeting Saturday, Oct. 18 was the group’s third one and they’ve started to build a steady group of regular attendees.
During the meeting, the teens started by stapling together the pages of the October issue. They all grabbed a copy before heading back to their seats and Rosario allowed those who had a submission in it to read it.
They set to work brainstorming on a theme for the November issue and decided on “food” in light of Thanksgiving. After settling on the theme, the teens pulled out canvases and paint the West Oaks Library provided them and started working on creating their own masterpiece. They turned in their finished paintings to Rosario to add to the next Pulp Pages issue.
With every paint stroke and word written, teens earn themselves more community service hours.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Aside from giving teens a creative space to publish their work, The Pulp Pages allows them to earn community service hours.
To participate, teens need to register for the Teen Volunteering: The Pulp Pages program at West Oaks. They can do it online, in person or over the phone using their library card.
Rosario said depending on how involved teens are, they can earn anywhere from one to eight community service hours per month. They earn one hour for each meeting they attend and an additional hour if they present their work. Each entry they submit to the magazine earns an hour, too.
The October meeting was Tucker’s second time attending and she plans on returning again. She said it’s an opportunity many different people can enjoy and it’s a lot more fun compared to other volunteering opportunities. Tucker and her sister Grace Tucker, began brainstorming what photography submissions they could do for the November issue. They used Autumn Tucker’s cupcake submission from the October as inspiration for future photo submissions.
After the meeting concludes, teens have a two-week deadline to submit their pieces for the next issue. Sometimes Rosario has new teens reach out after the deadline and in that case she’ll make an exception.
Rosario said everything the teens turn in is submitted to the magazine as long as it adheres to the content restrictions. All creative submissions must be age appropriate. It cannot have mentions of drug use, sexual content, drinking or nudity. Teens can’t use inappropriate language and they have to avoid topics of self-harm and other controversial topics.
OCLS placed these restrictions to make a welcoming magazine to all in the community. Rosario hasn’t had any issues with teens following the rubric.
As the magazine editor, Rosario is responsible for editing and revising all the submissions.
Teens either email her their work or hand it in during the meeting and she helps guide them throughout the creative process when they need inspiration. She accumulates all submissions to lay out the magazine.
Editor
Design
Senior
lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Historian / Amy Quesinberry
amyqhistory@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Megan Bruinsma, mbruinsma@OrangeObserver.com
Staff Writer / Leticia Silva, lsilva@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Madi Solomon, msolomon@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
“The number of submissions we receive varies each month, which keeps every issue unique,” she said. The whole process takes her about a week to put together. Rosario makes all of the graphics behind teens’ submissions but they’re responsible for the bulk of its content.
Rosario has known about the Teen Zine program for a while, ever since Alafaya began it in 2023. When she heard it was coming to West Oaks, she jumped on the opportunity to take on the role and be a part of the teens’ creativity. She saw the success at the Alafaya branch and thought it was important to expand the program to other branches.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22
WHERE: West Oaks Library, 1821 E Silver Star Road, Ocoee.
REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be ages 13 to 18, have an Orange County Library System library card and register for the monthly meeting. You need to bring the required materials to sign off on community service time.
Megan Bruinsma
Trinity Koeff worked on painting a pumpkin for the November issue.
Teens wrote reviews, took photos and more to be put in the “spooky” edition of The Pulp Pages.
Ashley Rosario proudly held up The Pulp Pages October issue. It was “spooky” themed. The magazine’s past editions had sports and nature themes.
Teen volunteers gather in West Oaks Library once per month to work together on creating their own magazine: The Pulp Pages.
New owner, same flavor
West Orange Foundation takes over Windermere Wine & Dine to elevate the event while maintaining its quality and mission.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
In the 11 years of helping to organize the annual Windermere Wine & Dine, CT Allen had not eaten at the event, as she always was running around to make sure everything was operating smoothly.
But at the 2025 Windermere Wine & Dine in January, Allen allowed herself to take the time to sample some of the restaurants at the event. She thought it could be the last year of the Windermere tradition as she and the other six community volunteers who have organized the event since its inception had spent six months looking for the perfect group or organization to take over the event with no luck. They were considering closing up shop. Luckily, Allen connected with Stephen Lewis, the president and CEO of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, and learned of the chamber’s West Orange Foundation. The foundation is the philanthropic arm of the chamber.
“If it wasn’t for Stephen at the helm, we probably wouldn’t have done it only because we wanted to make sure the mission stayed on point with what we had established,” Allen said. “We just didn’t want to give it to any business or any entity that was just in it for the dollars. It was the whole community based esthetics of it; it was built on the community. The community helps with it. We wanted all of that to be part of the package.”
Knowing the West Orange Foundation had a broader community reach and would maintain Windermere Wine & Dine’s mission and quality, the seven leaders of the event agreed to hand over their “baby” to Lewis and the West Orange Foundation.
Windermere Wine & Dine has transcended from a grassroots fundraiser to an event that draws more than 1,000 people with tickets selling out within minutes and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A group of seven parents with children at Windermere Elementary School came together in 2008 when there were budget cuts. The group wanted to raise money to provide technology to the school, so the parents created the Mustang Education Fund. By the third year, the group realized it needed another revenue source. Thus, Windermere Wine & Dine was created.
The first Windermere Wine & Dine had 13 restaurants, which the core seven had to go door-to-door to obtain. The event raised $35,000.
“Obviously, we thought it was one-anddone, and it never came a one-and-done,” Allen said.
The 2025 Windermere Wine & Dine resulted in more than $200,000 being given to local charities.
Allen said the group always knew it could do more, but the members just didn’t have the reach to make it happen in the way they wanted.
Lewis said the foundation has been looking for a sustainable additional revenue source to support the foundation and its mission to give back to the community.
“We batted around some ideas, but nothing that was going to generate that kind of revenue,” he said. “So in hearing this was an opportunity, and then talking to CT and hearing how much it’s generated, how much it’s given back to the community, we saw our models were aligned. … We always try to give back to the community in some way but smaller compared to what wine and dine had been able to do. It was just a perfect fit for us.”
MAINTAIN THE MISSION
Although the West Orange Foundation will be running Windermere Wine & Dine, Lewis
assured the quality of the event will not be diminished under new leadership.
“I live in the community just like CT and all the original seven,” Lewis said. “For me, that’s important. Not only do I live in the community, but with the chamber side of things, I work in the community, too. I want it to be a high-end, elevated event that continues the legacy that’s been created.”
The featured charity for next year’s event is Get Cooking, a nonprofit with award-winning chefs who teach families in need how to cook healthy dinners for under $20. The nonprofit will have an opportunity to showcase what they do at the event.
Tickets for the 2026 Windermere Wine & Dine go on sale Saturday, Oct. 25. Lewis said sponsorships already are sold out and there are 34 restaurants already contracted to participate with a wait list.
“We’re still sticking with the traditions, making sure that the community is the first to know about the event,” Lewis said. “The community supported it for 11 years, and we want to continue that.”
Lewis will go to Allen’s house Saturday, Oct. 25 to watch the approximately 700 tickets available be sold.
“I usually have a bottle of champagne, and we’ll watch it and then he gets to have the joy we have every year that it’s sold out,” Allen said.
Allen said they created the Windermere Legacy Fund two years ago and saved seed money to be able to continue to donate to local charities if the Windermere Wine & Dine no longer would be held. As part of the contract with the West Orange Foundation, it was agreed that 75% of the proceeds from wine and dine will go to the foundation but the other 25% will go to the Windermere Legacy Fund.
She said the Windermere Legacy Fund is going to help residents fund charitable initiatives they have and find important by applying for grants through the fund.
“We wanted to make sure (residents) understood that dollars will still remain in Windermere, and it’s all about engagement with the residents,” Allen said. “It’s to get the residents more involved in charitable endeavors. … We want our residents to start engaging in giving outside of our borders.”
Allen said there are Windermere residents who want to volunteer, donate and support local charities, but they don’t know where to start. The Windermere Legacy Fund can help connect residents to verified and vetted charitable causes.
She said the details of the Windermere Legacy Fund still are in the works, but she can foresee giving out $50,000 each year to support charitable efforts.
TICKET SALES
WINDERMERE WINE & DINE
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25
Cost: $175
Where to buy: wochamber.com/windermere-wine-dine
IF YOU GO
WINDERMERE WINE & DINE
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere
Details: Sample food and wine from 34 restaurants. More info: wochamber.com/windermerewine-dine
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bev Daniels is a 23 year survivor
Survivor on Her Journey Sharing
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary
Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
When she was thrown into a life-altering situation herself, when she found through a self-exam that she had breast cancer, facing a mastectomy, she met the challenge head-on brushing the dark cloud of cancer away. Always full of hope and believing she would persevere, which she has, she is always there for others with encouragement and reassurance and is today helping them by instilling the spirit of hope.
Hundreds
People
Attendees
Steaming up a new way of learning
Bay Meadows Elementary School to showcase its STEAM Center Academy with tours.
LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER
The walls of Bay Meadows Elementary School’s reception area have creative artwork made with bottle caps, showcasing students’ artistic talents.
In one classroom, students visited various stations to work on math, problem-solving and collaborative skills.
Down the hall, other students were learning to fly drones.
Whether it’s science, technology, engineering, art or math, Bay Meadows Elementary students are able to learn collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through the school’s STEAM Career Academy.
“Those are the types of skills that we’ve learned that you really have to teach and help students overcome in elementary school, so they’re more successful in the future,” said Miranda Fillenwarth, the STEAM magnet coordinator.
The school has served as a STEAM magnet school for six years and offers a variety of extracurricular activities related to STEAM, as well as day-to-day lessons.
Families interested in the
STEAM Career Academy can see what the program has to offer when Bay Meadows Elementary hosts tours at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29 as well as Wednesday, Nov. 5, Wednesday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Dec. 5.
The STEAM program is designed to introduce elementary school children to different career paths with hands-on, collaborative and real-world situations to serve an early foundation to 21st century jobs.
“The fact that we have students leaving elementary school having been exposed to so many different careers at such a young age, I really feel like that is instrumental in their future,” Fillenwarth said.
She said elementary schoolaged children are at their most formative years by learning how to interact with others.
“If we don’t instill those lessons very, very young — just like with adults — it’s harder to break habits when you’re older,” she said. “If we instill those really solid skills at a young age, it helps the entire world because we create better workers in the future.”
Children learn dance, how to fly drones, how to create a business and more.
Horizon High School teacher files grievance
The school offers a variety of extracurricular activities that allow students to compete against other schools, like at the Orange County Super STEM Saturday and drone-flying competitions.
Fillenwarth said she is “super proud” of Bay Meadow Elementary students placing first, second and third at competitions.
She hears from former students now in high school and beyond how the STEAM program has inspired them to continue their education in those fields.
“I got a letter last spring from a graduating senior that said she had no interest in science before, but she really got turned on at Bay Meadows to science, and now she’s in college, studying chemistry,” Fillenwarth said. “When you see the light shine in the students’ eyes, when they’re engaged and when they are loving what they’re learning and they’re so excited about, they can’t wait to tell their family and all their friends.”
With around 58% of magnet students on campus, the school is determined to continue provideing the best education surrounding STEAM topics.
Each grade level focuses on a certain theme based on their ages and capabilities.
Fifth-graders focus on engineering and technology and fourth grade focuses on entrepreneurship. Third-graders focus on hospitality from theme parks, restaurants and hotels, to cruise ships and airlines. Second-grade students learn about careers in the medical field, while first-graders focus on the arts and entertainment, and kindergartners learn about community helpers such as firefighters, police officers, teachers and more.
It is free to enter the lottery to any Orange County Public Schools magnet program, and you don’t have to live in the school’s area as long as transportation can be provided to the child.
Parents can go to OCPS’ website and fill out an online application, closing Dec. 19.
The teacher was told to remove the poster from his classroom “to maintain classroom neutrality.”
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
A Horizon High School teacher has filed a grievance with Orange County Public Schools after he was told to remove a Charlie Kirk poster from his classroom after a student filed a complaint.
Social studies teacher William Loggans put a poster of Charlie Kirk with the quote “Never underestimate the power of your voice and the impact you can have on the world when you speak up for what you believe in.”
After a student filed a complaint, Loggans was told to take the poster down, which he complied.
Loggans has retained Anthony Sabatini, a Lake County commissioner and lawyer, as his attorney.
Orange County Public Schools said the submitted complaint is part of an ongoing investigation.
“We understand many are grieving the tragic death of Charlie Kirk,” the district said. “The district asked that the poster be removed to maintain classroom neutrality, consistent with our policy prohibiting political or partisan displays (GBI - Political Activities of Staff). Our goal is a respectful, inclusive learning environment for all students.”
Sabatini said what the district is doing is “totally unlawful.”
“It’s completely illegal,” he said. “The policy, if it means what it says,
obviously it’s not being enforced. It’s only being enforced against (Loggans). So this is a classic case of First Amendment viewpoint discrimination, and they’re going to lose in court if it’s challenged. We don’t want to challenge it, but we’ll do it if we have to.”
Sabatini said there are posters in other classrooms that have political figures, but teachers were not asked to remove those posters.
The district said, “When staff is made aware of any situation that is in violation of state law or policy, it is dealt with accordingly and without political bias.”
“The decision to ask the teacher to remove the poster was in line with board policy and the memo from the Commissioner of Education sent to school superintendents on Sept. 11, 2025,” the district said. “The memo states that, ‘An educator’s personal views that are made public may undermine the trust of the students and families they serve. If an educator’s conduct causes a student or his or her family to feel unwelcome or unwilling to participate in the learning environment, it may be a violation of Rule 6A-10.081, F.A.C.’”
Sabatini said if the district does not mediate the situation and allow Loggans to put the poster up, they will appeal to the Orange County School Board and file a First Amendment lawsuit if necessary.
Community night out
Wearing an “Officer Isaiah” baseball cap, Isaiah Miller had a big smile on his face as he led the conga line around the Winter Garden downtown pavilion.
One by one, more people joined the conga line as they snaked around the pavilion during Winter Garden’s National Night Out Tuesday, Oct. 7.
While the Winter Garden community was gathering downtown, Ocoee residents were at Bill Breeze Park for Ocoee Police Department’s National Night Out.
National Night Out was first established in 1984 and since has become a popular event all across the United States, establishing a fun environment for citizens and
law enforcement to come together under positive circumstances and build camaraderie.
Winter Garden’s event featured performances from Garden Music School, face painting, caricatures, a dunk tank and more.
In Ocoee, attendees enjoyed a live deejay, food trucks, face painting and much more. A rock climbing wall, obstacle course, bounce houses and a human hamster wheel entertained the children and adults during the event. The night ended with a demonstration by one of Ocoee’s K-9 units
— LIZ RAMOS AND LETICIA SILVA
Winter Garden and Ocoee hosted their annual National Night Out, bringing police departments together with the communities.
Isaiah Miller led the conga line that snaked around the downtown pavilion.
Below: Ocoee Police Department Officer Craven Kelly, Sgt. Rich Diaz and Officer Tom Stern spoke to attendees about being recruited to the force.
Leticia Silva
Students in the drone-flying competition learned how to control a drone for the first time and will have the opportunity to create their own.
Sparky, the fire station’s mascot, made an appearance during Ocoee’s event, showing off his charm and the new bus.
Above: Despite being dropped in the dunk tank several times in the first hour of Winter Garden’s National Night Out, Detective Andrew Cisowski had a smile on his face.
Below: Charlene, Sara and Donald Cunningham enjoyed all activities offered throughout Ocoee’s National Night Out.
Left: Payton Jensen and Landon Grothe had the opportunity to sit on a motorcycle for the first time in Winter Garden.
Valentina Bovell-Seda
Second-grader Valentina BovellSeda began playing softball in March of this year with the 6U Batting Butterflies team at the West Orange Girls Club. In just a few months, she moved up to the 8U team and now plays with the Banana Ballers.
Bovell-Seda showcased her softball talent and quick thinking when she recorded a triple-play Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the West Orange Girls Club home game against another Babe Ruth Softball league. She fielded a catch at shortstop, tagged the bag at second base which got the runner that was on second out and followed it up by tagging out the incoming runner on second base. This season she hit her first in-the-park home run.
Outside of softball, BovellSeda is a part of Wesley’s Mile running club and spends her days learning in English and Spanish at Tildenville Elementary School’s Dual Language program. The 7 year old is on her way to becoming trilingual by learning French.
What do you enjoy the most about softball?
I like playing shortstop and making plays for my team.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from softball?
I’ve learned from my coaches that there is always something new to learn.
What is your favorite softball memory?
My triple play and first in-thepark home run.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My dad because he taught me how to play.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Egg wraps and juice.
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Light Em Up” by the band Fall Out Boy. It’s also my walk-up song.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
I love to draw with my sister.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would take an umbrella, a bucket and food.
THE BASICS
Age: 7 Sport: Softball
Grade: Second School: Tildenville Elementary School
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be and why?
My mom because she takes care of me.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go back to the 1940s in New York so I could meet my grandpa, my mom’s dad.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I would say to not be nervous, that I can do it (play softball).
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
Am I still in softball?
Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
My dad because he taught me softball.
Who is your favorite supervillain? Why?
The “Hocus Pocus” witches because they’re really cool.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying because I want to see the whole country and see who is in danger.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to Puerto Rico, Arizona and Paris. I would go to Puerto Rico because I’m Puerto Rican and I speak a lot of Spanish. I would go to Arizona because I want to see my best babysitter, Olga. I would go to Paris because I speak a little bit of French.
What is your most controversial food take?
I like putting my vitamin gummies in my yogurt.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Yes, it’s yummy.
Small squad
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
his first official day coincided with the team’s first week of practice.
“I came in late,” Bristow said. “I didn’t really get a chance to recruit any kids on campus. We started the season with just nine players.”
Nine players wasn’t enough to play traditional football. Over time, the number has grown to 19, but playing a contact sport naturally brings a fair share of injuries and the team has struggled to maintain its health and strength in numbers.
Only having nine players meant an adjustment was needed in order to play on Friday nights.
RELEARNING THE GAME
Legacy Charter’s football program isn’t like most other schools in Florida. In order to play, the team decided to play eight-man football, a modified version of the traditional 11-man game. This type of football is designed for smaller schools with limited rosters. It creates faster-paced games and forces coaches to rethink their playbooks and throw away what they’ve known about football.
“I had never even heard of eightman football before coming here,” Bristow said.
Instantly Bristow had to learn everything. He relearned offensive and defensive schemes, the rules for onside kicks, two-point conversions and field goals. He described this season as “interesting.”
The format changes everything from spacing to player responsibilities. The team even plays on a narrower field, it’s 40 yards wide compared to the 53 yards for 11-man. Bristow said the biggest adjustment is playing with only three offensive lineman.
Instead of having an off-tackle play, it turns into an off-guard play. It’s the little things like that that have changed how Bristow has approached the game.
He said on defense, some teams don’t have a true defensive end or safety. This year has been a learning curve for everyone.
Learning the new rules and playing style with the roster limitations hasn’t been an easy feat this year, but the team has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
“I think they’re having fun with it,” Bristow said. “They’re learning a lot and everyone gets plenty of playing time. We don’t have a deep roster, so everyone contributes. That part’s been really rewarding to see.”
The smaller roster laid the groundwork to building close-knit relationships with his players. In a typical football program, there’s 50 or 60 kids on the roster and it’s hard to connect with all of them. At Legacy, Bristow gets to talk to his players every day at school.
“They’re great kids,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
This season has forced the Legacy coaching staff to be flexible. With so few players available, injuries often mean they have to reshuffle the lineups and make the changes
with little notice.
“Bigger teams have depth charts that go three or four players deep,” he explained. “We have a depth chart that says, ‘You’re playing this position — oh wait, now you’re playing defensive tackle because our guy just got injured.’ It’s been tough, but the kids have handled it really well.”
Among Legacy’s small group of players, one in particular has stood out for his dedication and attitude throughout games and practices: senior Wyatt Gorby. The center has learned the position from scratch this year.
“He’s there every single day and works his butt off,” Bristow said.
“He’s been our saving grace, honestly. Without him, we’d barely be able to snap the ball.”
Gorby got to work over the summer, before Bristow even arrived at Legacy, and has doubled down on his training efforts from Week 1. He captures Legacy’s approach to this season and team motto — Do your job.
The motto applies to everything, Bristow said. It’s applicable to football, school and life. As students ,their job is to go to class, succeed academically and complete every responsibility. As players, their job is to handle their assignment. He’s teaching his players not to worry about what others are doing.
“If your job is to cover the A gap, then cover the A gap. It’s simple, but it matters,” he said. That focus on accountability and consistency has slowly started to take hold. Bristow said the players are starting to take hold of the motto. It’s been difficult because of the low numbers but the players are learning and growing.
LOOKING AHEAD
Legacy has one game left this season and Bristow’s first year nearly is behind him. He’s already begun to look toward the future for the program. He’s confident the team will continue to grow and next year’s roster will be bigger and more motivated.
Bristow said he’s talking to students every day, freshman, sophomores, juniors and he’s even reaching the middle schoolers. He’s trying to recruit them. Now, he has some students telling him they think they’ll play next year and he described it as the best feeling.
His efforts to recruit players for next year align with his ultimate goal of bringing Legacy back to traditional 11-man football.
“The hope is to go back to 11,” he said. “That’s what we’re working toward. But for now, we’re building something special here. It’s been tough, but it’s been worth it.”
WEEK 9 REVIEW
All 12 of West and Southwest Orange high school football teams were back on the field for Week 9.
West Orange claimed the fence for the second year in a row when the team traveled to Olympia to play in the Backyard Bowl. West Orange’s quarterback, Andrew Chung, paved the way for the Warriors shutout over the Titans. Windermere followed in suit and blew out its opponents, McLaughlin. The Wolverines now are 7-0, and with three more games this year, the team is on its way to an undefeated season.
CFCA also extended its undefeated record by lighting up the score board with 71 points. The Eagles have continued to show how well the young squad works together and the team has to push for one more game to go 9-0 this year.
Horizon had its largest scoring game yet, with 59 points and it ended the team’s fourgame losing streak.
After claiming the district title last week, Dr. Phillips met its match at Edgewater, the No. 25 team in Florida. The Panthers were handed the team’s second loss, ending its six-game winning streak. Foundation Academy’s game against Cocoa Beach kept everyone watching on their toes. With three second left and a tied game, Foundation’s kicker made the field goal to seal the deal.
The First Academy returned to its home field for the first time in six weeks and celebrated its graduating seniors. TFA gathered an early 24-0 lead over St. James but the momentum flipped in the second half and St. James claimed the victory.
WEEK 9 SCORES
Central Florida Christian Academy (8-0), 71
Boca Raton Christian (4-4), 42
Dr. Phillips (6-2), 6 Edgewater (9-0), 35 Foundation Academy (7-2), 37 Cocoa Beach (2-7), 34
Horizon (3-5), 59
Lake Minneola (1-7), 8
Lake Buena Vista (3-5), 8 Innovation (8-0), 35
Legacy Charter (0-8), 8 Hernando Christian Academy (7-1), 53
Ocoee (5-3), 28
Winter Park (4-4), 39
The First Academy (4-4), 40 The St. James Performance Academy (7-0), 41
West Orange (7-1), 48 Olympia (2-6), 0
Windermere High (7-0), 55 McLaughlin (2-6), 0
Windermere Prep (5-2), 34 Bronson (0-9), 0
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
Megan Bruinsma
Legacy Charter’s small but mighty team warmed up together for practice.
Karen Iafratto with Warriors on Water, which is based out of Orlando, had a huge smile on her face as she exited her boat.
Teams lined up on both sides of the exit gate, put their oars in the air and cheered as other teams exited their boats during the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival Saturday, Oct. 4, at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake.
Once Iafratto made her way through the oar bridge, she joined the end of the line to cheer for others.
Although the dozens of teams at the festival were competitive in the water, there was nothing but support for each other on land.
In conjunction with the dragon boat festival was the Asian Cultural Expo Program, which features a tai chi demonstration and workshop by Orlando HanQing Taiji, Vietnamese folk dance and workshop by Thuyen May Productions, a K-Pop dance and several other performances.
LIZ RAMOS
New starting point
surface. It’ll help to prevent shin and ankle injuries, the repetitive injuries you get when you’re running on asphalt.
The main force behind all the upgrades has been the
“Everything we do is to serve the needs of our
he said. “A track isn’t just for track and field, it supports cross-country, PE
and training for our entire
When students were first told about the upgrades to come, East said it was a mix of excitement and skepticism. Students told him, “I can’t wait for this to happen, but I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Now that they’re out here running on it, you can see their faces light up,” East said. “It’s building excitement for the future of this school, not just athletically, but in every area.”
The new surface is providing all students a safer and more functional space to run. East said it’s not only for competition, but it’s also a training
East said the new track will allow Foundation to host home meets, which will cut down on the travel costs and gives the school fundraising opportunities through the concession stands and gate fees. The financial bonuses of hosting a home meet will create less financial pressure on the athletes.
“Every athletic program needs funding,” East said. “We’d rather our kids spend their time training or serving the community than selling cookies door-to-door. With this facility, we can host meets, bring the community to campus and generate support in a way that benefits everyone. It’s a triple win.”
For years the school had crowds standing or sitting in camping chairs because there wasn’t enough seating, East said.
“We needed increased capacity for
Paddling to support
Although teams were competitive in the water, they supported each other on land during the Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival.
our growing community and now we finally have it,” he said.
Spectators have much better visibility from the stands to watch football, soccer and track events more clearly. Visitors have their own dedicated seating now, too. East said the new home stands were built from scratch, and they moved the old home stands to the visitor side.
“Now our visitors feel comfortable coming here,” East said. “They have a real place to sit, to relax, to enjoy the game. That sense of hospitality matters.”
REPRESENTING THE FUTURE East coached track for 15 years and he knows what a good facility looks like. He said this one is phenomenal.
“I try really hard as an operations leader to provide what I always dreamed of having as a coach and teacher,” he said.
His unique perspective has shaped every decision along the way. When he works on classrooms, he thinks about what teachers need to succeed. When he focuses on athletics, he thinks about what coaches need to
run an excellent program.
The coach is the most important part of any team’s success, but it’s challenging to do their job without a good facility, East said.
For Foundation Academy, the new track and other upgrades represent more than just an enhancement to
their facilities — it’s a symbol of the future.
“It’s about creating something lasting for our students,” East said. “When they step onto that track they’re not just running laps, they’re running toward the future of this school.”
The Pink Dragon Ladies, based out of Tampa, consists of members who are breast cancer survivors. “Dragon boating is the best part of cancer,” assistant coach Kathy Cabble said.
Left: Coryn Murphy was greeted with high-fives after finishing her race with Mekong Dragon, a team based out of Atlanta.
Below: Yumei Yu with Orlando HanQing Taiji gave a tai chi demonstration.
The Eastport Sun Dragons were in sync with every stroke in the water.
Megan Bruinsma Foundation Academy’s staff gathered with donors to celebrate the ribbon cutting.
INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK
SUSAN SALVATI
Susan Salvati, a Windermere resident, is an Exceptional Student Education District Behavior Coach for Orange County Public Schools.
As a coach, she provides behavioral support to 15 schools by conducting observations and making recommendations for behavioral interventions, while also developing capacity at each school. She meets with site-based teams, providing specialized training and consultations to child study teams and assisting with monitoring students who exhibit behavioral concerns. The collaborative approach allows the team to develop individualized interventions, increase student success and address behavioral concerns throughout the school.
ic. I took time off to raise my children and then changed course. I guess I would still be focused on supporting people through difficult times and situations.
Who influences you?
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.
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What brought you to OCPS?
My three children started their academic career at Lake Whitney Elementary School. I was very active on the PTO and in my children’s classrooms. We fell in love with school and the community as it became an integral part of our family. When my youngest child entered kindergarten, I decided to give substitute teaching a try. Between subbing and volunteering, I lived at the school. A paraprofessional position opened, and it seemed like a natural transition. Ten years later, and the rest is history!
What do you love the most about the district?
What I love most about OCPS is its dedication to serving a richly diverse student population. The district works hard to ensure that students from all cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as those with varying disabilities, feel seen, supported and empowered. Whether it’s through multilingual programs, culturally responsive teaching or community engagement efforts, OCPS prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
As a Behavior Coach, I have the opportunity to serve 15 different schools, which means I can support and hopefully make a positive impact on more staff, teachers and students. I love developing relationships and feeling part of the school family at each and every school I support. Each school functions differently, and I benefit from learning about the unique approaches of each school community.
What would you be if you were not in this profession?
If I were not in this profession, I would be a licensed clinical social worker. I have a master’s degree in social work and have worked with foster children, as well as in a hospital, in both the psychiatric department and the cancer clin-
REPORT CARD
Position: Behavior coach
Years with OCPS: 10 years
When I think about the people who influence me, two sets of people come to mind. My three children have a profound influence on me as I watch them grow, mature, figure things out and become their own people at such an early age, which inspires me. I learn something new about myself from them every day. My last two school-based principals had a significant impact on me and influenced my leadership style. How I approach my coaching position and the successes I have had building trust, rapport and collaboration are a direct reflection of the experiences I had with them!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Well, I love to run, or I did. I wish I still could, I miss it. So, I fill my time with pickleball now—I’m obsessed! I also enjoy spending time with my family and our two dogs. When I have alone time, I binge Netflix.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was my third-grade teacher at Irwin School in East Brunswick, New Jersey. When I think about why she was my favorite teacher, it is because of the way she made me feel. I learned a lot from her, and I worked hard because she knew how to engage us, make learning fun and make us feel loved.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be to read people’s minds. I would choose this professionally so I could better understand the students and staff I support. It would be helpful to work through barriers to achieve better success and progress. I would not want this in my personal life, though, because I think it is none of my business what people think of me. What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book was “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds, a book I read with my middle school son from the Sunshine State Books in 2018. This is remembered as my favorite because I loved reading it with my son and the discussions we had about resilience and overcoming barriers.
LIZ RAMOS
School spirit hits the streets
The streets of downtown Ocoee were shining in black and gold Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The Ocoee High School marching band could be heard down McKey Street as various student clubs and organizations, the football team, the girls basketball team, cheerleaders and others walked in the school’s homecoming parade.
The 2025 Ocoee High homecoming court as well as Mr. and Miss Ocoee 2026 waved to all those who gathered on the sidewalks.
The parade ended witha a spirited performance by the marching band and the Knights Visual Ensemble at Bill Breeze Park, hyping everyone up before the homecoming football game Friday, Oct. 17.
The best part about Windermere Prep is its community—incredibly collaborative, diverse, and kind. The teachers wish nothing but the best for the students, providing resources needed to succeed. The IB experience was completely lifealtering, transforming me into a resilient, openminded, and risk-taking change-maker.
— WPS Class of 2025 Student, via Niche
Left: Members of Ocoee High School’s JROTC
Omari Shaw and Ja’mari Taylor danced to the beat as they played with the band.
Students were excited to represent their clubs and organizations in the homecoming parade.
Miss Ocoee 2026 Anai Demings and Mr. Ocoee 2026 Christopher Cummings waved to those watching the parade.
Above: Arianna Holquin shouted, danced and played her heart out.
program led the parade.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1935: 90 years ago
The beauty of the flower and bulb department at the fair was heightened by the rose exhibits of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Tilden from their beautiful rose gardens at their home in Tildenville.
1940: 85 years ago
Jaycees sponsored a Barnyard Dance with Glenn Brown’s orchestra at the City Auditorium. Proceeds derived were to be used for constructing new bleachers at Walker Field.
The Lakeview-Tildenville Parent Teachers Association announced it was sponsoring a band this year as its major project.
Folks in Winter Garden who handled money were warned by the Treasury Department to be on the lookout for counterfeit $10 Federal Reserve bank notes.
1950: 75 years ago
With the hope of securing sufficient funds to build a wall around Walker Field, the Winter Garden Recreation Department board of directors sponsored a benefit supper at the American Legion Hall.
A jook dance was held at the Winter Garden VFW home located midway between Ocoee and Winter Garden.
1970: 55 years ago
A concerned mother wrote a letter to the editor: “The ordeal called ‘Trick or Treat’ will once again be visited upon us unless a farsighted City Commission sees fit to do something about it. This form of celebrating the ‘Witches Sabbath’ began in a rural America long ago when entertainment was scarce and streets were safe. But
How far we’ve come! This photograph ran in The West Orange Times on Oct. 23, 1986 — 39 years ago. The photographer was standing on the Plant Street railroad tracks facing east. A banner stretching across Plant Street promoted the Lions Club Fall Festival of Oct. 25, as “a full day of arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, games, a raffle, an auction and a flea market.”
This early attempt to revive Winter Garden’s fading downtown was a harbinger of what we experience today after several successful revival attempts: busy shops and restaurants, crowded sidewalks and year-round celebrations.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences.
that age of innocence is gone. We are in the age of Aquarius. It is no longer safe to open your door to masked strangers. It is no longer safe for children to walk at night or to accept handouts from strangers. In this time of drug abuse, it is folly to bite into sweets from an unknown source. … Must we in Winter Garden wait for tragedy to strike before we move to outlaw this dangerous and outmoded custom? Could we not substitute a communal celebration, a masked parade, bands and
prizes, perhaps at our Chamber of Commerce site? Think about it.”
2005: 20 years ago
Ground was broken on the first new building to be erected in many years in downtown Winter Garden at 128 W. Plant St. Known as the D&D Building, it was being built in the vacant space between Downtown Brown’s and Shaw’s Florist to accommodate a finedining restaurant downstairs and offices upstairs. A former building in the space was, at times, The
Ralph Harrell Café, Plant Street Café, a citrus office, Pounds Motor Co., a roller-skating rink and J.C. Chiles Department Store. The West Orange High Warriors won the inaugural Battle for the Shield football game pitting WOHS against the Ocoee Knights. The new rivalry featured many players from the two high schools who once were teammates at WOHS.
CREATIVE THINKING by Jared Goudsmit, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
