Issuu

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Ale in a day’s work

Caught in the web

Foundation Academy will bring ‘The Internet is Distract — Oh Look, a Kitten!’ to the stage Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

LOUD & PROUD BRAINFOOD

Windermere marching band returns to the national stage at Bands of America Regionals contest. PAGE 5B. Learn all about the

Native Americans

Photos by Leticia Silva

Foundation Academy’s one-act play has students performing as apps

Right: The play portrays different website distractions and games.

5FAST

Orange County mayor to run for governor

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is making a run to be Florida’s next governor.

Demings filed to run for governor Friday, Oct. 31.

Demings, an Orlando native and graduate of Jones High School, was sworn in as the fifth-elected mayor of Orange County Dec. 4, 2018 and was reelected in 2022. He is a West Orange resident. He is the first African American to serve as mayor.

Twenty-nine candidates, including Demings, have filed with the Florida Division of Elections to run for governor, according to the division’s website.

joint operation Wednesday, Oct. 29, to target illegal vape sales.

The department participated in a joint-agency operation with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The operation involved compliance checks at nine smoke shops throughout Ocoee, identifying the possession and sale of products listed on the Nicotine Dispensing Device Directory. The Florida Attorney General’s Office maintains the directory of nicotinecontaining products that are illegal to sell in Florida because they are designed to appeal to minors.

Three store clerks also were cited during the operation.

There were three sales of “hemp” products, two sales of vape/nicotine products and one sale of a tobacco product to persons under 21 years old, according to a news release from the Ocoee Police Department.

and Consumer Services inspected the shops.

“Our city of Ocoee community values safety, integrity and the well-being of our residents — especially our kids,” Ocoee Police Chief Vincent Ogburn said. “Illegal vape products have no place here. These operations help protect our community from unregulated products that can pose serious risks to public health and safety.

“This operation reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the community from these dangers,” he said. “We are grateful for the assistance and partnership of the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, and the

Heavy rain damages Ocoee road Heavy rain Sunday, Oct. 26, destroyed a portion of East Crown Point Road just north of East Fullers Cross Road. The road is closed until repairs can be made.

Traffic is being detoured to East Fullers Cross Road and to OcoeeApopka Road.

Drive carefully in the area as Public Works crews work to stabilize and repair the road.

Horizon West park moves forward Horizon West Regional Park is one step closer to being complete.

County Commissioners selected a contractor to work on the next phase of the project, which will consist of site improvements.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson shared the approval of construction Phase 1B, which consists of site improvements to 17.46 acres of the 215-acre green space. Wilson shared on Facebook the work will include a splash pad area, additional parking, a floating dock on Lake Hartley, open lawn and a gathering area for events with a new walkway.

The park will share the space with the new state-of-the-art library that’s also under construction at 4715 Hamlin Groves Trail.

For more information on the park, email parks@ocfl.net.

Level 99 coming to Disney Springs

One building sat empty for years at Disney Springs, directly adjacent to the House of Blues after NBA Experience decided to not reopen after COVID-19. Now, that space will be occupied by its new tenant, Level 99 — an interactive gaming venue offering more than 60 challenge rooms, duels and art hunts.

The two-story, 45,000-squarefoot venue also will feature a bar serving handcrafted cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch bites.

The company now is in the

Courtesy photos Level 99 will take the spot formerly occupied by NBA Experience.

Best of both worlds

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine held a fall festival on campus and students were able to trunkor-treat and wear costumes.

Athena Reich, a second-year student at OCOM, wore a Lady Gaga costume and did face painting for $2 to raise funds for the school.

But that Lady Gaga costume was more than a costume.

For Reich, it’s also a career.

During the day, Reich is a studious medical student pursuing a career in reproductive endocrinology. On some nights, she takes that costume and becomes Lady Gaga, performing as an impersonator.

‘BORN THIS WAY’

For as long as she can remember, Reich has had an affinity for the performing arts.

Throughout her childhood in Canada, she learned how to play piano, sing, act and play guitar. She performed original songs in coffee shops. She had some small roles in commercials and TV and went on to attend an arts high school.

“Basically, my whole life was the arts, which I love and have a natural knack for; it really suits me well,” she said.

She studied music in college, and soon after receiving her degree, she moved to New York to start auditioning for plays, musicals, shows and more.

With continuous dedication to her crafts, Reich released five albums and toured all over North America. Her growing stardom resulted in her having a manager and publicist.

One day in 2009, her publicist instructed her to create at least one YouTube video per week, singing a new hit to build a larger audience online.

When Lady Gaga released “Bad Romance,” Reich took the opportunity to create a video of her covering the song.

It changed her life forever.

“What happened was (the video) blew up, and it (went) viral, pretty much,” she said. “And so then basically people just started contacting me, emailing me.”

Her natural resemblance to the

THE GREAT IMPERSONATOR

In addition to Lady Gaga, Athena Reich has performed as several other celebrities:

n Alanis Morrisette

n Celine Dion

n Cher

n Madonna

n Marilyn Monroe

Athena Reich has been a professional Lady Gaga impersonator for years, but now, she is studying to become a doctor at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine in Horizon West.

At times, people would confuse her with Lady Gaga.

Her first gig was a New Year’s Eve event, where she was asked to perform as Lady Gaga.

Reich said the thought of being an impersonator sounded “cheesy,” and she wasn’t a Gaga fan.

After much thought, she decided to do it by negotiating a rate of $2,000. At that time, it was about the money.

“I had to learn all of her stuff and bought costumes,” she said. “So I did it and I learned what I had to do, but it was crazy. More and more gigs came to me and I enjoyed getting paid well and I enjoyed the feeling of getting up on stage, when the music starts and everyone starts screaming.”

She would study Lady Gaga’s performances and mannerisms and practice them.

Reich said the key to her success is taking Lady Gaga’s performances one step further to make it “hysterical.”

One of Reich’s most popular performances is her own “LADY GAGA: #ARTBIRTH” show, a comedic performance in which she acts as a pregnant Lady Gaga.

She would throw glitter and unicorns on stage, had her water break and even gave birth.

The idea came once Reich became pregnant.

She thought of ways to incorporate the pregnancy into her performances as being an impersonator was her main source of income.

The routine became so popular even the pop star herself tweeted the hashtag.

“That was super exciting,” she said.

“We were endorsed by Gaga herself.”

‘DO WHAT U WANT’

After years performing as Lady Gaga,

Reich eventually decided to move back home to Toronto, Canada, and raise her children there with her mother, who was battling cancer.

Because of her mom’s caregivers and nurses and their compassion, she realized she wanted to work in a hospital and become part of a team and care for people, which is something she had once dreamed of when she was a teen.

But her mother talked her out of it.

Reich’s mother held doctoral degrees in psychology and said she felt quite limited in her career.

She didn’t want Reich to feel that way and suggested she continue with her musical and acting career.

“So I listened to her,” she said.

But after years in the performing arts, she came to the realization her dream was to become a doctor after all.

“I think being a doctor is more based on hard work than talent,” she said. “I was like, ‘I’m smart, and I feel like I’m not using my brain enough.’

When COVID hit, I just wished to go volunteer. I wanted to be in the ER and I thought everyone felt that way, and then I realized people were like, ‘I don’t want to be there.’”

That’s when she fully realized that medical school was her calling.

“I totally wanted to be there in the front lines with all the gear and be the hero on the floor with the people,” she said.

Ironically, her mother then asked why she didn’t become something more “traditional” like a doctor.

“I was like, ‘What? You talked me out of it,’” she said. “And she goes, ‘I did? Well, why’d you listen to me? It’s not like you listened to me with anything else in your life.’”

Reich laughed at the memory.

After that conversation, Reich began taking science-related online

courses while also taking care of her mom and children.

“Each one was like hell until the next hell,” she said. “It was so hard. And I kept getting 80s, 90s — doing really well but basically killing myself doing it. But I just kept going one step at a time.”

Her hard work and dedication motivated her to apply to medical school.

Because the acceptance rate for medical schools in Canada is 1%, Reich said she applied to OCOM and was accepted.

‘THE CURE’ Now, Reich lives in Winter Garden and is a full-time second-year student at OCOM in Horizon West, hoping to study reproductive endocrinology to help people going through infertility like her.

Reich always dreamed of having two children, but at age 36, after breaking up with her girlfriend at the time, she decided she had to take the leap and

do it rather than just wishing.

After visiting the doctor, she was told she had early perimenopause and poor-quality eggs.

“It was like the end of the world,”

Reich said. “It was so crushing.” She then started attending conferences and seminars and learned the best way for her to have children as a single woman was to go through in vitro fertilization.

After a miscarriage, she was able to become pregnant with her first child, but the journey wasn’t easy.

As she focuses on medical school and raising her two children as a single mother, she has not booked many Lady Gaga gigs.

“I’m excited to start clinical rotations because I get to be with people,” Reich said. “So to meet patients and hear what illnesses they’re tackling, that’s going to be the real fun for me.

If I was going to give inspiration to anybody, I would say just to do whatever you want in life and know you’re capable of more than you think.”

SATURDAY | November 8th | 5pm to 9pm | Hamlin

musical artist and her voice made Reich stand out from others.

Now a medical student at OCOM, Athena Reich also capitalizes on her resemblance to Lady Gaga as an impersonator.

Courtesy photo

Photo by Leticia Silva

AN APP FOR THAT: Foundation ready to upload next performance

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Foundation Academy’s highschoolers researched and analyzed different apps and websites for its upcoming play, “The Internet is Distract — Oh Look, a Kitten!” by Ian McWethy at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at its Tilden Campus.

The play is a comedy about a 16-year-old named Micah who only has 20 minutes to finish her paper on “The Great Gatsby.”

To do so, she needs to check a few facts on the internet, which leads her down a rabbit hole of distractions.

Students portray certain social media apps and websites and its impact on internet users.

To do that, they went through extensive research and analyzed each one to come up with what they might act like, what their personalities might be like.

“We go through time working on those type of things for each one so that a student can bring what’s two dimensional in black and white on a page into life on the stage,” said Greg Csefko, Foundation Academy’s theater director. “If you want to be entertained and educated at the same time, I think this is the type of production that can do that.”

DIRECTOR’S TAKE

Csefko said it took about three months to choose a play for the one act.

This one act was chosen due to its simplicity yet its enjoyable energy.

“(It gives a) very poignant message through comedy of our situation with the media and how it affects us on a regular basis,” he said. Through comedy, the play gives the message that the internet can be a helpful tool or it can be a harmful one.

“You have to decide how you use it,” he said. “If you use it properly, you can find a lot of success. If you don’t, it will control you.”

On average, the cast has been rehearsing since September four days per week for about two-and-onehalf hours, which is a commitment Csefko is glad students are taking on.

“It’s a challenge,” he said. “When you’re a student, you have so many things to do. To put in that kind of commitment and have that asked of

is Micah’s

IF YOU GO FOUNDATION ACADEMY PRESENTS ‘THE INTERNET IS DISTRACT — OH LOOK, A KITTEN!’ WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8

WHERE: Foundation Academy Tilden Campus gymnasium, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden TICKETS: $10 for students, Foundation Academy employees and children under 12; $15 for general admission; $25 for VIP seating. Available online at foundationacademy.net/box-office.

you says a lot about their character when they’re able to pull it off.”

As the performance approaches, Csefko said he is proud of the actors’ hard work and dedication to the play.

“There’s a really fun, enjoyable interplay between two of the main characters that I really enjoy, the actors bring a real natural feel to it, that I really enjoy,” he said. “So as I watch it, they genuinely feel like friends as they’re performing, and then all the other websites and apps that different actors play, they bring more character and life to it. … I really enjoy the way the students are depicting people.”

Through the rehearsals and soon the performance, Csefko hopes students learn something and are proud of what they did.

“My biggest hope, when we do this type of stuff, is that at the end, each student involved is able to walk away feeling like they accomplish something individually and collectively,” he said. “I’m always hoping that they get a sense of accomplishment and that they did it together as a team, and it brought them closer together relationally.”

CAST AND CREW

All students who auditioned for the play got a part.

For some, this is their first performance as high schoolers. For others, this is their last performance.

Jaslyn Quintana is a senior and plays Micah, the 16-year-old girl who is trying to finish her “Great Gatsby” paper.

“Performing has always been my life,” she said. “I did our first one act we did, (which) was sophomore year, and that was a lot of fun and it was so special. I was hoping we’d do a one act again before I graduated. Now that I’m a senior, I wanted to give it one more go and hope that it’ll be just as special.”

Being the main character comes

Design

Senior

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

with its challenges, though.

“One thing that’s challenging about this script specifically is Micah’s repetitiveness,” she said. “She tends to say, ‘Wi-Fi on, Wi-Fi off, close window, open window, maximize windows, open Facebook, close Wikipedia,’ all that stuff and it all sounds the same. I think that’s the biggest challenge for me. … I’ve never had anything like that as a role before so that’s my biggest learning curve as of for this show.”

Micah deals with a variety of apps and websites like Google that impede her from finishing her schoolwork.

Google is the main antagonist of the play and is played by freshman Ember Davidson.

“I feel like because I’ve been surrounded by (the internet) my whole life, I can portray it a little bit better in acting,” Davidson said. “I read through the script and we did our first few run throughs with all the lines and they came so easily to me. I was really surprised, but also really relieved. I’m really proud of myself since this is my first time doing Thespians.”

She said she went back and forth on auditioning for the play for a long time. As a freshman, she was scared she was going to be “massively” stressed out with assignments and homework.

After texting with Quintana about her concerns, she decided to audition and got the part.

“I knew deep down, I can do this,” she said. “And even if I’m pushing myself, that’s a learning experience, so I’m glad I did it.”

She is excited to see people’s reactions to the jokes and is looking forward to making people laugh.

“I always enjoy seeing them together, working on it because of the laughter that they have while they’re working on it,” Csefko said. “You can see that they enjoy doing it together. You can see that they’re getting the jokes and that they’re having fun telling the jokes.”

The production will be sent to Florida Thespians for its district competition Nov. 20.

“What I like about it is it’s both entertaining and educational, but it’s also very topical,” Csefko said. “It deals with stuff (happening) today, so it’s so relatable.”

The cast ran a technical rehearsal Monday, Nov. 3, to make sure lights and sound were good to go for performance day.

The Great Catbsy is a character in the play.

Students were passionate during rehearsals.

Photos by Leticia Silva

Taylor

best friend in the play.

A

EWe are part of the HCA Florida Healthcare family, Florida’s largest ER network. Our board-certified physicians and highly trained nurses specialize in emergency medicine, diagnosing and treating all emergency conditions for adults and pediatric patients including:

• Injuries, such as fractures and lacerations

• Stroke

ight Waves invited hundreds of its closest friends and supporters for an inspiring afternoon at the 2025 Wavemaker Luncheon, held Friday, Oct. 24, at Bella Collina in Montverde. Attendees enjoyed learning

Team

MICHAEL ENG

West Orange High School Principal Matt Turner shared how Eight Waves has helped students at his school.

The Eight Waves Dance Team performed at this year’s luncheon.

From left: Krista Carter, Jo Barsh, Dorcas Dillard, Pam Gould and Stina D’uva were excited to support Eight Waves.

Eight Waves founder Sara Meyer spoke from her heart. State Farm agent Shannon Till and Jay Heckendorn-Telenda.

Eight Waves board member Austin Arthur welcomed guests to this year’s Wavemaker Luncheon.

Left: Former Eight Waves student KK Charles spoke about how the organization helped her.

Oakland commission considers amendments

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

The Oakland Town Commission unanimously approved Tuesday, Oct. 28 the first reading of amendments made to developments coming to town in the near future.

The commission reviewed and approved the first reading of an amendment revising Briley Farm’s Phase 2 development agreement and its preliminary subdivision plan.

The town first approved Phase 2 of this housing development in 2022, but since then, the project plan has been revised.

The amendment would reduce the lot count, revise the lot layout and approve the design guidelines and architectural standards.

Initially, the commission approved 111 single-family lots. That is reduced to 87 lots with the revised layout.

“It’s going to be a great project, especially reducing it,” Mayor Shane Taylor said. “The amount of lots and the lot sizes ... fits more within what’s in the historic part of town. The lots are roughly 80-by-125 (feet), so they fit more within the character of the town.”

The developer will be required to plant two trees per lot and pay mitigation fees when applicable.

It also will pay utility impact fees and $193,000 for the regional wastewater lift station and force main.

The developer will pay the town $85,000 as a transportation mitigation fee.

“We know that with those projects with Briley Phases 1 and 2, there’s going to be traffic in there,” Taylor said. “Being able to get those funds to use as we need to improve (the roads), that’s good for us.”

About 11 acres of the project will go toward the Oakland Nature Preserve.

“(Another win is) the donation of the nature preserve land, which allows them to build some things that they’re not allowed to build inside the property, such as classrooms, education facilities,” Taylor said. “I know that one of the things they want to do is an archery range and stuff like that.”

The second reading of the amendment will take place at the commission’s Nov. 10 meeting.

FOURTH STREET VILLAGE

Located at the southeast corner of Tubb Street and State Road 50, Fourth Street Village is 21.25 acres that will offer 190 multi-family units and a total of 73,500 square feet of commercial and office spaces.

The commission approved the first reading of an ordinance that amends the layout of the village and the proposed project’s square footages.

Initially, the developer proposed 150 square feet of office and retail spaces, 110 hotel rooms and 190 multifamily units.

The proposed amendment reduces the number of trips being generated by the development by 42% and the intensity of the project.

The amendment also relocates the public gathering and entertainment area and makes changes to the commercial landscape to face S.R. 50.

“I appreciate that change,” Commissioner Kris Keller said. “It’s better to have the residential (section) pushed back. The people (who) live there will be appreciating that, as well.”

The second and final reading will take place at the Town Commission meeting Monday, Nov. 10.

IN OTHER NEWS

n Mayor Shane Taylor proclaimed Nov. 1 to Nov. 8 as Week of the Family.

n Darron Esan, chief of the Oakland Police Department said the department is getting a rebrand.

“We’re going to go away from the current design and get something new to go along with a totally new philosophy,” he said. “(We’re) completely rebuilding the team.”

n The second and final reading to amend the town charter was unanimously approved.

West Orange Dream Center plans biggest fundraiser of the year

The center is hosting its annual Dream Big fundraiser to continue its work in the community.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

The West Orange Dream Center is hosting its Dream Big annual fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 8 to raise $150,000 in one night to support its programs.

Administrative Manager Kim Wright said this is the center’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it is critical in keeping its doors open because the center is a 100% donorsupported organization.

Opened in 2021 as a hub for nonprofits and ministries, the West Orange Dream Center connects community members with resources to empower them and break the cycle of poverty to build brighter futures.

“We love being able to partner with different groups to do that,”

Wright said. “That’s really why it’s important for us to keep this place right here in Winter Garden.”

The fundraiser will fund programs including employment coaching,

IF YOU GO

WEST ORANGE DREAM

CENTER’S DREAM

BIG FUNDRAISER

WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8

WHERE: The Crossings Church, 13105 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden TICKETS: $250 per person

DETAILS: Expect a live auction, live entertainment, dinner and testimonials. INFORMATION: wodreamcenter.org or email kim@wodreamcenter.org

GED and high school diploma tutoring, free educational classes, grief shares and narcotics anonymous groups.

Chloe Johnson, a Winter Garden commissioner and founder of the I AM HER W.E.M. ministry that meets at the center, said the nonprofit is important to her and the community.

“I started my ministry at home in my living room in 2019, and it started with 11 women,” she said. “When my ministry grew — (more than) 60-plus women — it outgrew my home every month. I was introduced to the Dream Center, and they believed in my mission to serve women walking in their true destiny, and it was (within) walking distance.”

More than that, Johnson said the Dream Center gives under-resourced communities hope and makes them feel included.

“We offer the practical help but we also provide the gospel,” Wright said. “We show people that they’re valued and they’re loved.”

As a spiritual woman and a believer of helping neighbors, Johnson said she always will support the Dream Center and its mission.

The fundraiser will feature speakers, live entertainment, live music and dinner from Carrera’s Fresh Italian.

Wright said she is most excited about a poem written specifically for the event by the Be Still Institute, a nonprofit created to create and cultivate the Kingdom of God.

The center also will hold online and live auctions featuring services, products and experiences.

“If people can’t attend, we have a Rooted campaign where we’re asking

100 people to give $1,000 each, and that would cover all of our written utilities for all of 2026,” Wright said.

“That would be a huge blessing, and it would enable us to focus on programs and community needs.”

In 2026, the center plans to bring the Iron Men of God nonprofit to the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood to mentor teen boys.

It also will be bringing faith-based life skills for high schoolers and computer coding.

“I started here as a volunteer a couple of years ago, and God has given me a heart for this community,” Wright said. “What I love is that we offer a variety of programs to a vari-

ety of ages.”

That’s a feeling shared by Johnson, as well.

“I had an event called Hats Off To You, and it was for me to just acknowledge and appreciate women, young and old, who made impactful moments in the community,” she said. “No matter the generation, we were all in the room inspiring one another, getting advice from one another. To me, it just makes me know that no matter your age or no matter where the walk you have walked in life, we are all here and we can all learn from one another. That happened right at the Dream Center.”

Windermere’s brew’d awakening

Kent Waugh worked as Crooked Can Brewing Company’s event planner when the Windermere Craft Beer Festival took place in 2019.

The festival returned to the community for the first time in six years Saturday, Oct. 25, and so did Waugh, this time as the head brewer of Celebration Brewing Co.

“It’s special for me to be back,” he said.

Guests sampled drafts from local breweries that lined Main Street in downtown Windermere, talked with friends, enjoyed live music from the Down Brothers and grabbed food from vendors.

— MEGAN BRUINSMA

Courtesy photo

Guests can expect a fun event complete with live entertainment and auctions.

Mary Gomez and Edwin Nieves went to the first Windermere Beer Fest nine years ago.

Left: People smiled as they enjoyed each other’s company and tasty beers.

Celebration Brewing Co.’s team stood together. The brewery’s Oktoberfest brew recently won a silver medal in the Best Florida Beer competition.

Jesse Dilemma, Javier Candelaria and Sam Murad liked trying the local breweries and discovering what their favorite was.

Shauna Gates smiled with her two sons. Tucker Gates dressed up as a race car driver and Jackson Gates went as a surgeon. Right: Nazifa Mohamed attended the fest decked in her Halloween gear.

North Bay mansion

Ahome in the North Bay community in Dr. Phillips topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from Oct. 20 to 26.

The home at 9213 Foxhall Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $3,250,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,700 square feet of living area. Days on market: 200. The sellers were represented by Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 9324 Carolview Way, Orlando, sold Oct. 24, for $659,900. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,777 square feet of living area. Days on market: 104.

BELLA NOTTE AT VIZCAYA

The home at 8418 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold Oct. 24, for $780,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,499 square feet of living area. Days on market: 101.

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9509 Baycliff Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $841,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,846 square feet of living area. Days on market: 154.

ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 9137 Southern Breeze Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 23, for $1,550,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,608 square feet of living area. Days on market: 130.

GRANADA VILLAS

The home at 7902 S. Marbella Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 21, for $565,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,619 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

LAKE CANE ESTATES

The home at 7022 Talbot Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $420,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,488 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.

NORTH BAY

The home at 9213 Foxhall Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $3,250,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,700 square feet of living area. Days on market: 200.

POINT ORLANDO RESORT

The condo at 7383 Universal Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $275,000. Built in 2008, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,056 square feet of living area. Days on market: 220.

RUBY LAKE

The home at 10854 Lemon Lake Blvd., Orlando, sold Oct. 23, for $1,300,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,461 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.

SANCTUARY AT BAY HILL

The condo at 7449 Sugar Bend Drive, No. 7449, Orlando, sold Oct. 23, for $276,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: 158.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8548 Shady Glen Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 21, for $655,000. Built in 1983, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,711 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 7800 Pointview Circle, Orlando, sold Oct. 24, for $632,500. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,403 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.

VISTAS AT PHILLIPS COMMONS

The townhouse at 6803 Sperone St., Orlando, sold Oct. 24, for $415,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,668 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.

GOTHA PARK RIDGE

The home at 3664 Market St., Gotha, sold Oct. 21, for $340,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,327 square feet of living area. Days on market: 73.

WINDERMERE CHASE

The home at 804 Huntsville Road, Gotha, sold Oct. 23, for $649,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,182 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 700 Little Hampton Lane, Gotha, sold Oct. 20, for $639,750. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,486 square feet of living area. Days on market: 45.

HORIZON WEST

DEL WEBB OASIS

The villa at 13526 Pearl Beach St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $415,000. Built in 2025, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

The home at 13563 Pearl Beach St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $394,990. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet of living area. Days on market: 180.

HARVEST AT OVATION

The home at 16041 Honey Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $751,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,837 square feet of living area. Days on market: 132.

The home at 16144 Honey Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 21, for $616,676. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,406 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

The home at 16198 Honey Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $629,745. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,904 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

SOUTHBRIDGE VILLAGE

The townhouse at 13707 Lensdale Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 23, for $315,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,490 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10038 Verse Alley, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $530,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 11093 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $892,556. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,327 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

The home at 9432 Komika Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $515,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: 160.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14955 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $620,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,722 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

The townhouse at 5755 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 21, for $410,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,061 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 14548 Black Cherry Trail, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $468,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,950 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71.

The condo at 11565 Mizzon Drive, No. 208, Windermere, sold Oct. 22, for $330,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 14208 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $531,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,197 square feet of living area. Days on market: 54.

OSPREY RANCH

The home at 12615 Clear Sapphire Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 21, for $479,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,536 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

PARKVIEW AT HAMLIN

The townhouse at 15064 Grove Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $465,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,846 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.

SERENADE AT OVATION

The townhouse at 13241 Calming Breeze Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 21, for $443,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,715 square feet of living area.

SILVERLEAF RESERVE BUNGALOWS

The home at 16520 Silver Brook Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $545,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 56.

WATERMARK

The home at 9863 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $695,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,072 square feet of living area. Days on market: 103.

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 12821 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold Oct. 23, for $735,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

The home at 12755 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $718,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,064 square feet of living area. Days on market: 136.

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8420 Vivaro Isle Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $1,140,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,061 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 9197 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Oct. 22, for $1,040,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,056 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

OAKLAND

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 233 Largovista Drive, Oakland, sold Oct. 22, for $525,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,176 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.

OCOEE

ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 986 Chauncey Court, Ocoee, sold Oct. 20, for $799,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 4,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

FOREST OAKS

The home at 1425 Prairie Lake Blvd., Ocoee, sold Oct. 23, for $340,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,278 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16. The home at 605 Sherwood Oaks Circle, Ocoee, sold Oct. 20, for $300,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,226 square feet of living area. Days on market: 76.

The home at 9213 Foxhall Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 20, for $3,250,000. This home features 115 feet of frontage on the Butler Chain of Lakes. The sellers were represented by Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.

Design

The home at 986 Chauncey Court, Ocoee, sold Oct. 20, for $799,000. The sellers were represented by Ryan A. Green, Epic Florida Realty LLC.

LAKE OLYMPIA CLUB

The home at 1512 Adriatic Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 21, for $454,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,931 square feet of living area. Days on market: 97.

LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE

The home at 1319 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold Oct. 23, for $500,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,726 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

MAGNOLIA RESERVE

The townhouse at 1126 Desert Candle Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 22, for $379,999. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,935 square feet of living area. Days on market: 130.

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 2767 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold Oct. 24, for $700,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,515 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

NORTH OCOEE ADDITION

The home at 120 10th Ave., Ocoee, sold Oct. 21, for $325,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,262 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

WYNWOOD

The home at 3413 Wynwood Forest Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 21, for $522,990. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: 75.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

CYPRESS CHASE

The home at 9716 Pecky Cypress Way, Orlando, sold Oct. 24, for $525,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,071 square feet of living area. Days on market: 66.

CYPRESS SHORES

The home at 10121 Lone Tree Lane, Orlando, sold Oct. 21, for $2,350,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,348 square feet of living area.

WEST ORANGE UNINCORPORATED

ORANGE COUNTY

The home at 1984 Windermere Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $1,950,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: 180.

WINDERMERE

LAKE DAVIS RESERVE

The home at 5502 Marleon Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $2,050,000. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 6,355 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

MARSH SUBDIVISION

The home at 635 Butler St., Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $975,000. Built in 1924, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,353 square feet of living area.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 9375 Woodbreeze Blvd., Windermere, sold Oct. 23, for $475,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,492 square feet of living area. Days on market: 90.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 720 Main St., Windermere, sold Oct. 21, for $850,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,778 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 9439 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 24, for $1,099,995. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,445 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WINTER GARDEN

GOLF CART DISTRICT

The home at 958 Tildenville School Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $1,780,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,088 square feet of living area. Days on market: 57.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 600 Egret Place Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $609,500. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,348 square feet of living area. Days on market: 102.

LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 17838 Hither Hills Circle, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Oct. 23, for $1 million. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,935 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3330 Hanging Tide St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 20, for $600,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,741 square feet of living area. Days on market: 161.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 102 Hammock Preserve Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $1,660,000. Built in 2024, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 3,911 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

The home at 1212 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $785,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,260 square feet of living area. Days on market: 128.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15132 Spinnaker Cove Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $530,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,153 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

TILDEN PLACE

The home at 14429 Wabasso Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $940,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,637 square feet of living area. Days on market: 244.

TWINWATERS

The home at 16653 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 23, for $1,650,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 4,046 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

GATHER IN STYLE

Westgate Resorts offers resort hotels perfect for hosting events both small and large with a variety of flexible meeting rooms, spacious accommodations and abundant onsite amenities. We take the stress out of planning so you can focus on facilitating a memorable event for your attendees.

• 16,500 sqft of Versatile Event Space

• Customized Group Activities

• From Lodge Rooms to Luxe Teepees

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 17047 Harbor Oak Parkway, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 22, for $449,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,692 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

WINDTREE GARDENS

The condo at 12 Windtree Lane, No. 202, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 21, for $200,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: 106.

WINTER GARDEN

The home at 502 Winter GardenVineland Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 24, for $1,795,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,425 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

Luxe Conestoga Wagon

Watusi Cattle at the River Ranch Resort

Firepit at Takoda Village

Outdoor Venue Space

Courtesy photo

The home at 5502 Marleon Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 20, for $2,050,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Oct. 20 to 26. The sellers were represented by Ron Ziolkowski, RE/MAX Prime Properties.

SPORTS

HIGH 5

Foundation Academy

seventh-grader Connor Lucas etched himself in the school’s history books by becoming the first Lion to compete in the FLYRA Middle School State Cross-Country Championships.

At states, Lucas ran a personal best of 10:53 in the 3K and finished No. 26 out of 201 runners in the private school division. All of Foundation’s varsity cross-country team came to support Lucas and showcased team spirit surging through the Lions’ programs. He had strong performances earlier in the season to get himself to that point. Lucas finished the 12th Annual Florida Horse Park in 11:03 and came in 15th overall Saturday, Sept. 6. At the 25th Florida Runners Invitational Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4, he came in 34th with a time of 11:16.

Dr. Phillips graduate Taylor Harris has been named Conference Carolinas Special Teams Player of the Week three times at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Harris played one game in 2024 before electing to redshirt and preserve four more years of eligibility. This year, he’s made seven of nine field goal attempts, recorded a 47-yard field goal and averaged 61.3 yard punts. He’s made a big difference in the Braves’ 7-2 record, which is the team’s best start since 2016. The dual-sport athlete has thrown 44 pitches for UNCP’s baseball team. He led the Dr. Phillips baseball team in strikeouts during his senior high school year and earned himself a No. 2 ranking in 7A District 5.

3Lake Buena Vista girls and boys swimming teams finished in third place in districts. The girls team is sending six swimmers to regionals, and the boys team is sending five swimmers. Jayden Tsai came in first place in the 500 free for boys with his time of 4:33. He surpassed the second-place finisher by one and a half minutes. Tsai also finished first in the 100 fly. In the FHSAA 4A District 4 Championship, the Windermere High girls swim team came in first, West Orange in second, Olympia in fourth and Horizon in fifth. On the boys side, Windermere finished second, Dr. Phillips in third, West Orange in fourth and Horizon in fifth.

Winter Garden resident and West Orange alumni

Natalia Coelho won Ms. Olympia for the second time. She dethroned her competitor Sarah Villegas for the second time. Coelho finished as the runner-up to Villegas in 2020 and 2021 before she broke through and won the title for the first time in 2022. Coelho became a professional bodybuilder when she was 19 years old, and in 10 years, she’s worked up to becoming one of the top competitors.

West Orange High School is opening its gym to host the Warriors dance team’s Dance Workshop Fundraiser from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12. The workshop is open to all Orange County Public School students and costs $10 per participant. It’s an opportunity to meet the team and join the experience full of dance.

THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER

After winning the Class 7A Region 1 District 3 Championship last year, the Ocoee boys soccer team is back and ready to tackle the road ahead through two senior leaders.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

When the Ocoee boys soccer team gears up to take on the field this season, one thing will be clear — it is more than just a team. It’s a family.

The team’s unity is reflected everywhere. It’s in the laughter and smiles at practices. It’s especially shown by the way senior Juan Perez and senior captain Amari Brown lead their teammates with respect and confidence.

As the defending Class 7A Region 1 District 3 champions prepare to

embark on the team’s upcoming journey, Brown and Perez’s leadership and the team’s family atmosphere will be at the helm of its success.

SETTING THE TONE

As leaders, both of the seniors take their roles seriously, although their approaches differ. Brown sees himself as a role model. As team captain who has played varsity all four years of high school, he knows many of his teammates look up to him. He knew most of them when they were younger, and he wants to set the tone for the team while also growing loving relationships.

“I’m not like a strict military person,” he said. “I’m more like a dad.”

Perez smiled and agreed with Brown’s assessment. He described himself as the “uncle.” Perez is the one who is joking around and keeping his teammates relaxed, but he never allows for it to get out of control.

“If coach wants to lock in and focus, I’ll get them right back on their feet and focused,” he said. “If someone makes a mistake, I’ll tell them to shake it off. We’ve got one more play.”

Disappointment is a natural part of any sport. Everyone always wants to do the best they can and limit mistakes, but mistakes are bound to

happen, and Perez knows it. He tries to keep his teammates’ heads up by encouraging them to build up their confidence for the rest of the game.

Head coach Peter Moore agreed those family nicknames fit perfectly.

He said Brown and Perez are two of the most mature players on his team. Even last season, they were more mature than some of the senior players. Brown has stepped up into a leadership role this year by keeping the team organized and helping Moore make sure the players are where they need to be.

It’s that kind of reliability that has earned Brown respect from his coaches and teammates.

“If Amari sends out a message in their group chat saying, ‘Coach wants us there at six,’ the guys listen,” Moore said.

Brown and Perez’s influence

Seven local teams earn playoff spots

Take a look at how each West Orange and Southwest Orange high school football team performed during the

The sun finally has set on the regular season of high school football. Across the West Orange and Southwest Orange area, teams battled hard and naturally had some bumps along the way. The playoff picture has yet to be released for public schools. As we wait to see what contentions the future holds, let’s go over the highs and lows of the season.

Editor’s note: All records are for the regular season and do not include playoffs.

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (9-0)

The Eagles finished the 2025 regular season with remarkable improvement on last year’s record of 3-6. Offensively, the team was explosive and consistently posted double-digit games. Its highestscoring game came Friday, Oct. 17, in the team’s 71-42 win over Boca Raton Christian School. At the center of the team’s production were two key young

TFA junior golfer Joshua Castellanos won districts by shooting five under par and led his team to a first-place finish. Page 2B.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

stars — freshman running back Jahmari Hammonds and eighthgrader Gavin Pritzkau. Both will be important players to watch as they continue their high school journey. Hammonds concluded his first year ranked No. 6 out of Florida’s 200 running backs and No. 1 for freshman RB. He posted 1,555

rushing yards, averaging 9.15 yards per carry, 24 touchdowns and no fumbles. Although Pritzkau only is in the eighth grade, one thing is

Photos by Megan Bruinsma

CFCA’s eighth-grade quarterback Gavin Pritzkau has made his young talent known.

Dr. Phillips running back Zion Matthews recorded six touchdowns in the Panthers’ 42-6 win over Olympia.

Seniors Juan Perez and Amari Brown will be in the next group of Ocoee alumni who set the standard for future leaders.

Megan Bruinsma

THE WEEK

Joshua Castellanos

THE BASICS Age: 17 Sport: Golf Grade: Junior School: The First Academy

ment. Not only did TFA win the tournament with a score of 276, but also Castellanos won the district tournament individually with his score of 67, five under par. The tournament was held Monday, Oct. 27, at Providence Golf Club, and three of TFA’s players finished in the top four. Castellanos has increased his performance in golf throughout his career to earn his current success. He qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur Tournament in 2024 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Michigan by shooting an even par at Heathrow Country Club. He also tied for second in the tournament.

In 2025, he qualified for the 71st Boys’ Junior Championship at Streaming Resort, where he was cut after shooting four over in the first two rounds.

What do you enjoy the most about golf? You never get the same shot twice.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from golf?

Every day, you get a new fresh start.

and I love how elegant and passionate his game was.

Your go-to pre-round meal? A Chick-fil-A meal.

What is your go-to pre-round hype song?

I don’t like listening to music before I play a round.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

I enjoy reading certain books.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

I would take a phone with internet, golf clubs and cheesecake.

What is your favorite movie? “Cars 2.”

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be and why? Jesus. I would ask him about my life and the future.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history,

Local teams find success in 2025

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

in Florida. He had 2,087 yards and averaged 231.9 per game. He threw 26 touchdown passes and only three interceptions. With all of the momentum from the regular season, it appeared CFCA would make it deep into the playoff picture of the Sunshine State Freelance District. However, the offense was stopped by Aucilla Christian Friday, Oct. 31. CFCA put up its lowest scoring game at 13 and fell in the first round, ending its 2025 campaign.

DR. PHILLIPS (7-3)

The Panthers posted a perfect 3-0 record in Class 7A District 9 and earned the team back-toback district champion titles. Dr. Phillips’ offense found success throughout the season, and the defense pitched three shutouts. The Panthers’ most dominant game was its second of the season, when DP defeated University 63-0. The team went on to snap Ocoee’s undefeated season with a late TD.

Senior RB Zion Matthews has played an important role in the team’s offense. His best game was against Olympia, where he had six touchdowns against the district rivals. He finished the season with more than 1,103 rushing yards on 111 carries and 17 touchdowns.

The season shows Dr. Phillips is one of the top programs in the region. The team is capable of high offensive production and strong defense. Going into playoffs, it will be crucial for the Panthers to convert close games into wins and hold strong against higher-leveled opponents.

FOUNDATION ACADEMY (8-2)

The Lions were under the leadership of first-year head coach Daniel White, and they improved dramatically. Slowly but surely, Foundation has been growing as a team this season. It began the season with some close games; the Lions defeated Santa Fe Catholic by one point Friday, Sept. 5. Foundation’s two losses came in its first five games, since then, the team has been on a six-game winning streak.

Foundation played in the first round of the playoffs Friday, Oct. 31, and pulled out with a 14-point win. The team appears to be building its momentum at the perfect time as it heads into the win-or-go-home games. Its challenge will be closing the gap in games in which big plays will swing the outcome and main-

taining consistency in all four quarters.

HORIZON (4-6)

The Hawks were another team who improved from 1-9 last season. Although the team didn’t reach .500, Horizon began the season strong by opening with a 20-17 win over Olympia and took a step forward for the program’s future, but the tradjectory didn’t continue that way.

A bright star for the Hawks was senior RB Kaio Oliveira, who has proven to be a consistent offensive weapon for the team. He is ranked No. 10 in Florida with 1,445 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.

Junior outside linebacker Trace Kulczar played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive front. He is ranked No. 31 in Florida with 110 tackles and averaged 11 per game.

LAKE BUENA VISTA (4-6)

The Vipers began the season strong and won three of its first four games. After being losing 49-0 to West Orange, the team’s momentum flipped, and it proceeded to get shut out three games in a row. The team capped off its season on a high note by defeating Liberty at home 42-20 to get its fourth district win.

One of the biggest struggles for Lake Buena Vista was the loss of head coach Brant Peddy, who took a step back for personal reasons.

LEGACY CHARTER (0-9)

The 2025 season presented Legacy with a unique challenge — a lack of players. The team began with only nine players and has steadily tried to grow the number, but it’s been difficult. Legacy’s coaches and players had to re-learn football under the eight-man style of play.

OCOEE (5-5)

The Knights looked promising in the team’s season opener against Apopka and tallied in two more wins before it fell to Dr. Phillips. Ocoee bounced back and blew out two opponents on the road before it was met again with tougher contests.

In four of Ocoee’s five losses, the Knights closely competed with the opponents and showcased the team’s strength. Heading into playoffs, the team will need to prioritize finishing out games on a high note and following through with the same level of intensity. In its district, Ocoee finished second overall, sitting just behind West Orange.

OLYMPIA (3-7)

Olympia improved toward the end of its season. The Titans have gone 2-2 in the last four games. One of its most impressive performances came against East Ridge. Olympia defeated the No. 2 team in its district to take control of the spot. Olympia also shut out Celebration, another team in the district, to gather its second win of the season. In the playoffs, it will be important for Olympia to harp on its defense against offensive powerhouses.

SSAA PLAYOFFS

FRIDAY, NOV. 7 Foundation Academy (9-2) vs. Lake Highland Prep (7-2), 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 8

Windermere Prep (6-3) at Marco Island Academy (4-5), 1 p.m.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

(5-5)

The playoff picture is out of the window for TFA because of the sanctions the team is dealing with from violations last season.

The coaching staff knew that was the case and designed a challenging schedule for the Royals.

The team played multiple toplevel teams and contended well. TFA used this year as preparation for next season when competing in the playoffs will be a reality.

WEST ORANGE

(9-1)

The Warriors had one of the best regular seasons in program history. The team won the Crate, the Shield and the Fence rivalry trophies for the third time in school history. It closed out the season by shining in its contention against Dr. Phillips and extended the team’s home winning streak to two years.

West Orange finished the season as the district champions. Its only loss came Friday, Sept. 12, to Boone. The Warriors closely contested against the 9-1 Braves, only falling by six in that game. The team’s consistency has paid off this year, which is what has allowed it to come back from deficits and return victorious.

QB AJ Chung broke the school record with 36 touchdown passes.

The sophomore is ranked No. 25 out of Florida’s quarterbacks. He has thrown 2,114 yards, averaged 234.9 per game and only had two interceptions.

WINDERMERE (10-0)

Windermere capped off its season with perfection and first place in the Freelance district. The 10-0 team finished back-to-back seasons with the record. The Wolverines are the newest program in the area and didn’t gain a home stadium until 2024. The key for Windermere’s domination has been consistency, resilience and well-rounded players.

The team didn’t just scrape by in its wins either, the Wolverines shut out its opponents in five games. Windermere’s highest scoring game was 70-3 Friday, Sept. 12 against University. In its last home game, Windermere defeated its cross-town rivals Horizon in the Battle of the Smudge Pot and showcased the team’s power. The Wolverines were down 15-14 at the half and returned to produce the final score of 48-15.

WINDERMERE PREP (6-3)

The Lakers finished last year 2-7 and the players knew they didn’t want to repeat the past. Windermere Prep began the year 3-0 and recorded its first loss Friday, Sept. 19.

Windermere Prep continued to push its way toward a successful season and blew out Bronson. It’s a story of off-season preparation that’s translated to a difference. The Lakers played the their first game of playoffs against Faith

Christian Friday, Oct. 31, and pulled away with a dominating 41-8 win.

Megan Bruinsma

Horizon and Windermere renewed its rivalry in the annual Battle of the Groves game. The Wolverines won.

Divers prep for regionals

Three West Orange divers finished in the top four at districts; each has a similar tie to the sport.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

For three of West Orange High School’s divers, their past is what shaped their present.

Isabella Eggebrecht, Olivia Turner and Caitlyn Love were gymnasts before they made the transition to diving.

In gymnastics, they had to twist, turn and contort their bodies. It taught them body awareness, discipline and an appreciation for precision that allowed them to transition into diving. Turner said they had to learn how to go from landing on their feet to landing on their head.

Although all three divers share similar backgrounds, their individual journeys set them apart.

Eggebrecht suffered a back injury that stopped her from being able to compete as a gymnast. Love’s dad, Kenny Love, is a diving coach at Orlando Diving Academy and encouraged her to give diving a try. Turner dealt with burnout, so she quit gymnastics and went to diving for a free trial ODA was offering. Their individual pathways led them to become teammates for the West Orange diving team. As teammates, they thrived in districts Wednesday, Oct. 29, and all earned a placement at regionals.

“I was super proud of them, because I know for a fact they both worked really, really hard to get their dives done, to get their dives off the board,” Love said of her teammates.

Turner placed second — a feat that will bode well for her dream of diving in college. Eggebrecht finished

first, and Love fourth. What made the moment more special was sharing the success with her teammates and celebrating it together, knowing they all qualified.

“I was incredibly proud of myself, and I couldn’t take the smile off my face,” Eggebrecht said.

Eggebrecht’s journey into diving is what made her accomplishment so special. She broke her back in March 2024 and now meets with her spine surgeon every six months to talk about the possibility of surgery. Because of the injury, she has to limit herself to the one- and threemeter dives.

The girls all practice five days per week at Rosen Aquatic and Fitness Center; it is the only dive well in Central Florida with a diving tower.

SUPPORT SYSTEM

Eggebrecht’s coach at ODA, Terry Horner, has been crucial in her journey. He understands some days she can do more, while others she needs to do less and listen to her body.

“He’s incredible at understanding that there’s a time and a place for you to push and that sometimes you have to push through the pain and other times you don’t,” she said.

Turner agreed.

“Coming from gymnastics where they were really toxic and not the most motivating to Terry was a night-and-day difference,” Turner said. “He sees more potential in us than we see in ourselves.”

Diving brings a unique fear that tops its physical demands.

“It’s very scary sometimes, but you just have to push through the fear and just do the dive,” Love said. Divers must trust their bodies and go with the momentum.

“(You’re) having to fight with the fact that your body inherently tells you that it’s not safe and having to get up on 10-meter (diving board) and tell yourself to jump off and do these flips and hope that you’ll land properly is not something your brain wants you to do,” Eggebrecht said.

Ocoee soccer relies on strong bonds

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

extends further than being messengers. Moore relies on the pair to keep the team focused, especially in intense game-time moments. During Ocoee’s preseason game against East Ridge Thursday, Oct. 30, Moore said the team was getting too loose defensively, so he went to Brown.

“I told Amari, ‘Get it straightened out,’ and he did,” Moore said. “He gets the guys locked back in.”

Ocoee alumni still come to see Friday night games, Perez said. They also meet at the West Orange fields and play pick-up games. It’s a reflection of the connections they had as teammates.

TEAM FAMILY

It’s not all drills and intense moments among Ocoee’s soccer players. The bond between the players is what keeps practices light when they need to be through assistant coach Rodger Williams joking around with his players and helping them teach Moore Spanish.

“We all have that friendship,” Perez said. “The first day might feel a little weird, but after that, it’s like a family.”

The family atmosphere runs deep in the team’s veins. It all starts with the coaching staff.

Moore has been the head coach of the Ocoee soccer team since the school opened in 2005. He has met a lot of different players and personalities. He’s seen the team win regionals and even coached Perez’s dad when he was a player.

When Perez walked onto the junior varsity team as a freshman, his dad immediately recognized Moore’s name and knew that was his former coach. Instantly, there was an added connection.

To grow the team’s family bonds, the players do activities together such as family dinners. Every year Moore’s wife cooks a meal for the team. Last year, she made spaghetti and cookies when the team started districts. Their favorite team-bonding mem-

ory was when everyone did an ice bath together. Brown and Perez laughed as they recalled the memory. They both went all the way under the ice, while others were too scared to get in and sat on the edge.

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The foundation of Ocoee’s success is its defense.

“Defending wins championships,” Moore said. “That’s something I’ve always preached.”

It’s not possible to outscore everyone, he said. There are nights where players take 20 shots, and none of them scores. That’s why each player must be able to keep the ball out of the back of Ocoee’s net.

That mentality has carried the Knights to a district championship last year and a regional semifinal appearance. Both Brown and Perez remember the surge of joy that moment brought the whole team. It showed them all the hard work truly paid off.

Perez watched Ocoee’s district run from the sidelines. His patellar tendon slipped out in the third game of the season last year, and he underwent surgery. Despite the season-ending injury, Perez still went to every game to support his teammates, and this year he’s back on the starting lineup.

Brown said the experience last year has given the team momentum as they head into this season.

“It felt good,” he said. “We started strong last year, and by the time districts came around, we were clicking. This year, we’re aiming higher. We want to make states.”

Moore wants it to happen for his players, not for himself. He has been to the state final four with a club team. He also has been to regional and national championships.

The road ahead won’t be easy. Ocoee’s district includes powerhouses Lake Mary, Lake Brantley, West Orange and Apopka. As Ocoee chases a repeat district championship, that family bond between players and coaches may be the trait that leads them back to the top.

Megan Bruinsma

West Orange divers Olivia Turner, Isabella Eggebrecht and Caitlyn Love qualified for regionals after top finishes in districts.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

STEPHANIE VARGAS LAKEVIEW

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Stephanie Vargas is the school custodial crew leader at Lakeview Middle School. She supervises and coordinates the school’s cleaning team, ensuring all areas of the school are clean, secure and organized. She said she has received great feedback for her responsibilities and positive attitude.

“Ms. Vargas is deeply committed to our school,” said Jackie Ihnenfeld, the assistant principal of instruction at Lakeview Middle School. “She leads our team of custodians with heart, compassion and genuine kindness. The team adores her, and as a result, she has helped us through the biggest comprehensive remodel project the school has seen. No matter the task or project, she takes it on with efficiency and a happy heart — we could not ask for more. We are a better school because she is a part of the Lightning family.”

What brought you to your school? I was drawn by the chance to have a stable job close to home and the ability to really contribute to making the school a better place for everyone.

What do you like most about your school?

What I love most is the atmosphere. Everyone is genuinely kind, and it truly feels like a family here.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

It’s knowing that my work helps make sure everyone else has a clean, organized and pleasant place to be. That makes it all worthwhile.

What would you be if you were not in this profession?

I would have absolutely loved to be a veterinarian.

Who influences you?

My mother. She has always been such a great example for me and is the one who constantly motivated me to get ahead in life.

REPORT CARD

Position: Custodial crew leader

Years at school: Almost four years

Years at OCPS: Almost four years

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My teacher, Victoria. She was the one who always believed in me and motivated me. She always had kind words (to say) and a really fun way of teaching.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“The Little Prince.” It’s such a beautiful book that teaches you essential lessons about friendship, love and seeing life with your heart.

If you could have dinner with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

Anthony “Romeo” Santos, no question. I love bachata and his lyrics, plus I really admire his talent.

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

The power to heal. I would want to help people with physical and emotional pain, giving them hope when it feels like they have none.

What was your favorite lunch and your favorite snack when you were an elementary student?

I loved eating cheese empanadas for lunch, and my favorite snacks were apple juice and popcorn.

What was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in contact?

Wanda was my best friend then, and she still is. She is special because she is always there when I need her. She listens, supports me and can make me laugh even during the hardest times.

LIZ RAMOS

and

Windermere High School’s Fightin’ Wolverine Band and Guard returned to the national stage as it competed in the 2025 Bands of America Orlando Regional Championship.

The competition, held Saturday, Oct. 18, at Camping World Stadium, featured 22 of the best bands in the country. Organizations from as far away as South Carolina, Ohio and Indiana traveled to Central Florida for the competition.

Windermere’s band performed its 2025 show, “Rhapsody in Madness,” which featured music from Queen, Muse and more. The band earned a score of 70.1, earning 15th place.

Tarpon Springs High School’s Outdoor Performance Ensemble won the competition with a score of 91.35.

ENG

MICHAEL

—

Windermere High competes at BOA Regional Championship

BRAINFOOD

In honor of National Native American Heritage Month, in this edition of Brain Food, we’re taking a look at some of the indigenous people who inhabited the land now known as Florida.

Of course, most of us are familiar with the Seminole Tribe, but Native American history goes back even further. Read on to learn more!

THE TIMUCUA

The Timucua were a group of Native Americans who occupied about 19,000 square miles in what is now Northern and Central Florida and southern Georgia. Although they weren’t one united tribe politically, they spoke various forms of the Timucua language. However, they did not see themselves as one people.

According to the National Park Service, the Timucua grew most of their food but also hunted and gathered. When the Europeans arrived in Florida in the 1500s, there probably were about 200,000 Timucua. They likely were the first Native Americans to see Juan Ponce de León when he arrived. Disease, war and slavery led to the end of the Timucua as they were known. Some were taken to Cuba, and others became part of other tribes.

THE TOCOBAGA

The Tocobaga were people who occupied the land surrounding Tampa Bay, specifically Safety Harbor.

The Tocobaga weren’t a unified tribe; the name refers to all the Native Americans living in the Tampa Bay area during the 1500s to 1700s. These included several small chiefdoms, including the Ucita, Pohoy and Mococo.

Being close to water, the Tocobaga fished as a major source of food. They also hunted but did not farm on a large scale.

Like the Timucua, the Tocobaga declined because of disease and war.

THE SEMINOLE

In the 18th century, smaller chiefdoms in Florida, Georgia and Alabama combined to form the Seminole Tribe. Today, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida are three federally recognized Seminole entities. There are six Seminole reservations in Florida.

After the Seminole Wars in the 1800s, many Seminole people were forced to leave Florida. However, a small group refused and retreated into the Everglades. The modern Florida tribe are descendants from these people.

Today, people are able to learn more about the Seminole, their culture and heritage at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. Located in the Everglades, Big Cypress includes the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and Big Cypress RV Resort & Campground, and it attracts more than one million visitors every year.

OCOM connects with community at Fall Festival

The Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine held its second Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 18. The event was created to support students and their clubs by fundraising money through the festival.

Participants enjoyed trunk-or-treating, free caricature drawings, deejays, food trucks and more. Attendees were dressed in costumes and had trunks full of goodies and decorations.

Some OCOM students offered face painting, dirty sodas and more to raise funds.

— LETICIA SILVA

Krishn Patel, Carolina Rodriguez and Kenneth Quezada dressed as vampires.

Vann and Allison Scott went all out with their decorations and costumes.

Anu Dhanashekar and Taj Haque sold dirty sodas to attendees.

Braden Woo was all smiles with his dog, Goose.

Angela Hamidi chose a Candyland theme.

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

1950: 75 years ago

Marine PFC Thomas R. Sewell, 18, was promoted when he graduated from boot camp. He climaxed his recruit training by winning the marksmanship medal on the rifle range when he fired a score of 200 out of a possible 250 during his weapons training.

The Winter Garden Police Force had a full-page article in an issue of the Florida Peace Officer, a 54page monthly magazine published in Orlando. Half of the page was given over to a wonderful likeness of Mayor Oscar Roper, Chief Maynard Mann and patrolmen Willie H. Welch, Charles T. Kennedy and T. Mark Mack.

1970: 55 years ago

Editorial: Would you choose an eating place that was not air conditioned? Probably not during the warmer months. Imagine the students at Lakeview High using their un-air-conditioned cafeteria during May, June, September and even October. Not very comfortable. The problem goes way beyond the noon meal. The cafeteria is presently being used all day long throughout the school year. … It also is the only suitable facility for many special events, dances and parties. The cafeteria is not a very pleasant place during the hot-weather months. The students can survive it, but they will hardly enjoy it. The usefulness of the cafeteria can be materially increased by installing air conditioning. The Lakeview PTA has recognized this need and is seeking a way to make the improvements.

Crisp autumn air signals the debut of homecoming parades across the country. The West Orange High School Homecoming parade cruised down Winter Garden’s Plant Street in this 2007 view. In a nod to Walt Disney World, we see Snow White, a prince, the Magic Mirror and presumably a wicked stepsister, all relating to Ms. White’s traumatic tale. Can you help the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation identify them? West Orange High’s parade continues as a popular annual event in Winter Garden’s downtown historic district, drawing thousands of celebrants to the neighborhood. The WGHF is actively seeking WOHS yearbooks to complete the collection in its archive. Call (407) 656-3244 if you have one to donate, and staff will check to see if yours is needed!

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.

1975: 50 years ago

Neel Tyree said the purchase of his electric car was the smartest buy he ever made. CitiCar, the name of the vehicle, plugged into a standard household outlet overnight. In the morning, Tyree could drive up to 50 miles before recharging, which costs about one penny per mile. This was the first licensable electric passenger vehicle in America. It was simple to operate because it had no gears to shift. It had three controls: an

accelerator pedal to go, a brake pedal to stop and a switch that flipped to put the car in reverse. With proper care and under normal use, CitiCar’s batteries were expected to last from 12,000 to 18,000 miles. The car sold for about $2,700, and replacement batteries cost about $320.

1995: 30 years ago

The congregation of the First United Methodist Church of

Winter Garden named Tammy Starling its Disciple of the Year. Jim Campbell, co-chairman of the church’s Evangelism Committee, likened her to the Sea of Galilee and said she lets her light shine instead of hiding it under a bushel.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

NOV. 2, 1972

Restaurants in Winter Garden were few and far between in the 1970s, and those that were in operations typically advertised in The Winter Garden Times. In 1972, eatery options included pizza, burgers and a Blue Plate Special. Check out the deals! At Pizza Hut, on South Dillard Street, football fans indulging in a large pizza could spend $2 more and get

in the cipher stands for another. “AXTAEX TILXP NWM LFWL OTLVSWLVTP RTXNP’L EWNL. YXEE, PXVLFXG RTXN HWLFVPU – LFWL’N YFM YX GXJTOOXPR VL RWVEM.” CVU CVUEWG

“AFCV CV D LOCIFAZXCXI VADACVACT. HJOZ GZJGWZ YJAZ CX ‘DHZOCTDX CNJW’ AFDX CX DXB S.V. ZWZTACJX.” OSVF WCHRDSIF