Kroger Deliver and Get Cooking, an Orlando-based nonprofit, donated meal kits with a Thanks giving turkey Tuesday, Nov. 18, to dozens of Orange County Public Schools families.
On top of receiving a Thanksgiving turkey, families received ingredients and instructions on how to use turkey leftovers to create a nutritious and tasty meal that will be demonstrated during a live Zoom call Get Cook ing will host Saturday, Nov. 22.
“We founded Get Cooking on the principle of teaching families with limited resources how to cook a healthy dinner for $20 or less,” Get Cooking CEO Stacie Archer said. “We’re also teaching families how they can stretch their budgets and maximize their resources. Often, families throw away leftover food and ingredients because they are not sure how to repurpose them, so we are excited to use this holiday to empower families to be creative with their leftovers.”
Get Cooking works with OCPS to identify families facing food insecurity. Four OCPS schools that participate in the Get Cooking program each month are Ocoee Elementary, OCPS ACE Elementary, and Evans and Jones high schools. To date, the program has delivered more than 1,600 meal kits and hosted 26 cooking classes to empower food insecure students and their families.
Kroger Delivery provides fresh, healthy ingredients for each of the 80 meal kits distributed monthly to participating families.
Joy to the ward
5FAST
Ocoee police arrests man for lewd behavior
The Ocoee Police Department arrested a man Tuesday, Nov. 11, after observing him perform obscene acts in the parking lot of Good Homes Plaza at 8937 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee in his white Toyota Corolla.
The man, Ruben Jose Feliciano Nazario, was arrested in connection with multiple reports made to the department.
Feliciano Nazario was booked on one count of indecent exposure.
2
18-year-old arrested for running over man’s head multiple times Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jerrell Noah Jones, 18, Monday, Nov. 10, for a Sept. 16 incident on Silver Star Road near Belco Drive.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, a witness said she saw a silver Dodge Dart hit a man and run over his body multiple times.
The vehicle, driven by Jones, reversed over the man’s head, drove over his head and reversed again before speeding off, deputies said.
Two weeks later, the sheriff’s office was able to identify Jones’ vehicle through traffic cameras and with a search warrant, deputies conducted a traffic stop.
Jones currently is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge and is being held in the Orange County jail with no bond.
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips 1
If you have witnessed similar incidents involving this person or vehicle, contact the OPD at (407) 905-3160 or submit information anonymously by texting 800-423TIPS.
Officers were told by Jones’ girlfriend she believes he intentionally ran over the victim and said he told her he thought the man had a weapon on him.
Another person who was in the car was found to have “ways
When deputies tried to speak with the victim, they were told he appeared to have an “altered mental status” due to multiple brain bleeds and a fractured skull caused by the occurrence.
3
Orlando Health
Horizon West Hospital receives ‘A’ grade
Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital has earned an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group. The Leapfrog Group is an independent nonprofit committed to
Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of hospital errors, infections and injuries. It is peer reviewed, free to the public and fully transparent.
“Our physicians and team members work tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of safety in our hospitals and deliver premier quality healthcare to our patients,” Orlando Health Chief Quality Officer Suzanne Worthington said.
“The ‘A’ grades are an important testament to that commitment and achieving them at all our hospitals continues to be one of our top priorities.”
4
VFW Post 4305 to host annual turkey shoot
VFW Post 4305 is hosting its sixth annual Post 4305 Turkey Shoot.
Beginners and experienced shooters are welcomed to test their skills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1170 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden. A 10-shot round is $5 each, and there are brackets for children and adults.
Winners will receive a packaged turkey, with each participating winning a maximum of two turkeys.
The post will provide BB guns. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m.
Proceeds will go toward the post’s building fund.
5West Orange High FBLA receives $20,000 donation West Orange High School Future Business Leaders of America students participated in the Franchise Brokers Association Conference and came home with a $20,000 donation from the association.
The students attended the conference at the Grand Cypress Hotel in Orlando and actively engaged in sessions with brokers, franchisers and franchisees from across the United States. They gained handsation gave a donation to support
File photo
Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital is an “A”-graded hospital.
Florida enfusion
Windermere residents bring Fusion Core Drum Corps, an all-ages group, to Central Florida. The corps was based previously in New Jersey.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
At 60 years old, Windermere’s Holly Marino and her 63-year-old husband, Ralph Marino, stepped onto the field with instruments in hand ready to play for the first time in years.
The Marinos were prepared to do whatever it took to ensure their drum corps, Fusion Core, was set up for success as they started the group from scratch this year in Florida — even if that meant marching themselves.
“I don’t know what we were think ing, but it was the best,” Holly Marino said.
The couple decided to move their drum corps from New Jersey to Flor ida this year after years of supporting Fusion Core, an all-ages drum corps they started in 2007, from a distance.
After a successful season of rebuild ing the program in Central Florida, becoming a finalist in the All Age Cir cuit at the DCI World Championship Finals, Fusion Core is looking ahead to next season with hopes of growing its corps family and providing more competitive opportunities.
weren’t completely broken, they just wanted to be mended.
“Nobody’s journey is smooth sailing — not in life, not in anything we do,” Holly Marino said. “So the fact we hit some bumps in the road is normal, but the fact we were able to keep it together was beautiful.”
ticipants helped her and her husband learn how to become better at reading music while they taught young participants how to play loud, broaden their techniques and more.
“They get a kick out of the fact that we’re old, but we can march, and then we admire watching them grow,” she said.
Diego Rivera, a 16-year-old snare drummer from East Ridge High School in Clermont, said he wouldn’t be the musician he is today without Fusion Core as the group helped him improve his skills, including better playing and marching technique. He also learned life skills such as time management, how to practice efficiently and how to fully commit to a program.
At only 16 years old, Rivera was the youngest on the snare line. He felt he was marching with experts.
“Having that much experience right in front of you is like an open book,” Rivera said. “It’s literally the best source of information you could ever have, because they know what they’re doing, and all you have to do is just follow them and do exactly what they’re trying to achieve. Slowly but surely, you’ll get to their level soon enough.”
Sean Bilby has his family because of Fusion Core. He met his wife, who is Holly and Ralph Marino’s daughter, through the corps back in New Jersey. He was inspired to join the corps again when he saw how dedicated the Marinos and other staff members were to the corps in Florida as several staff members jumped in to march so they could have the numbers for the season.
INTO THE UNKNOWN Holly and Ralph Marino started Fusion Core in 2007 in New Jersey with a few colleagues.
Marino grew up marching in an allgirls corps and met her husband when boys were added to the corps.
They noticed young kids couldn’t afford to participate in the bigger corps, but they wanted an outlet, so they started their own.
Since its inception, Fusion Core only has been held on the weekends, allowing for adults to work during the week and students to participate in other band programs.
Four of Marino’s six children joined her and her husband in the drum corps as percussionists; she and Ralph Marino both were brass players.
“It was like a true family affair,”
Holly Marino said. “We wanted to make the foundation of everything we do a family environment. It sounds so cliché, but we’re really like a family.”
Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Marinos started to change their tune. Being a huge Disney fan, Ralph Marino began dreaming of a move to Florida. Their kids were older and in college or graduated, and they felt it was time to make the move. Ralph Marino has his own business and could work from anywhere.
They made the leap, and some of the kids even followed suit with their families.
But the drum corps still was in New Jersey, so Holly Marino was traveling back every summer to continue to
serve as a leader in the corps. Ralph Marino would travel back on certain weekends.
As a result, Holly Marino said Fusion Core started having a “little bit of an identity crisis,” because the couple was so passionate about the organization and was able to dedicate a lot of time to it, but after the move, they couldn’t be as invested in person.
“It’s a seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year commitment,” she said. “Toward the middle of the 2024 season, I really felt that it needed to be here with us, that we could really give it that attention that it needed. … We ended up on a wing and a prayer moving it down here.”
A NEW BEGINNING
Rebuilding a drum corps was not easy, especially given drum corps aren’t as popular and well known in Florida as they are up north.
With the help of friends who are drum corps alumni, Holly Marino said they were able to kickstart Fusion Core in Orlando, but it was a slow start.
When they hosted their open house, there only were 12 people who showed up. Of the 12, only two were brass players.
Throughout the season, the corps worked on its recruitment efforts. It is not restricted to any particular part of Florida, so Fusion Core recruited people from throughout the Sunshine State. Students from high schools in Vero Beach, Windermere, Jupiter and The Villages participated last season.
The corps ended the season with 48 members, just big enough to meet the required minimum of 40 to compete.
Fusion Core’s first Florida show was “Mended.” She said the corps sometimes felt a little broken. With different people getting involved and changing the direction, the corps began losing its identity in New Jersey. The move to Florida made the Marinos and other staff realize they
Holly Marino considered that itself was an accomplishment, but to put a cherry on top of it all, the small but mighty group was a finalist in the championships.
After months of grueling work to get the corps up and running in Florida, Holly Marino recalled the first night the group finished running through its show in its entirety. As the sun set, they sang their corps song, “For Good” from the musical “Wicked.” It was a tradition carried down from Fusion Core’s beginning in New Jersey.
They achieved what they thought might be impossible. They created a drum corps in Florida, which Holly Marino said is a place where corps go to die because of the weather and the lack of popularity.
“We sing, ‘I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a season’ instead of for a reason, and then the rest of it is, ‘Bringing something we must learn,’” Holly Marino said. “We’re all sitting there and we’re appreciating so many things. I feel like I’ve been changed for good. I’d say we definitely changed for the better.”
CORPS FAMILY
Holly Marino wants every corps member to come out of a season feeling like they have changed for the better.
So when she heard “For Good” sprinkled into the closing music of their show “Mended,” she cried. She knew everyone understood the mission of the corps, helping those involved to feel accepted and have a place to call home, a family.
Holly Marino is hoping to grow the Fusion Core family and have at least 75 participants for this upcoming season.
The beauty of being an all-ages corps is everyone is learning, no matter the age.
The older participants serve as mentors to the young ones, and the young ones can teach the older participants about the newer generations, bridging the generational gap.
Holly Marino said the younger par-
At 35 years old and not used to the Florida heat, getting back into marching was not an easy task for Bilby, but seeing high school students to the Marinos, who are in their 60s, pressing on made him say he could do it, too.
“It’s very difficult for the older members to keep up with the amount of talent these new kids have, because they’re amazing,” Bilby said. “I mean these kids are in high school, and they’re marching shows 180 beats a minute and memorizing all their drill music in one weekend. I’m like, man, this took me six months last time I did this, holy cow.”
While the high school students played basketball or were singing and joking around during breaks, Bilby said he learned quickly that at his age, he needed to prioritize sleep and food to ensure he could keep up with the long days of practice on the weekends. He walked away from the season having a deeper appreciation for resiliency as he saw older members not giving up but also feeling rejuvenated from the younger members, with a hope for the new generation.
“I’m excited to see what Fusion has in store for the future because this year was really the cornerstone of our starting season, and it was amazing to see what we went through,” Bilby said.
JOIN FUSION CORE
FUSION CORE MEMBER
EXPERIENCE DAY
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29
WHERE: Wekiva High School, 2501 Hiawassee Road, Apopka DETAILS: Learn more about Fusion Core and become a member of the corps or a board member. Lunch is provided. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a binder and pencil. Color guard should bring a prop weapon of choice.
WEBSITE: fusioncore.org
Courtesy photos
People of all ages perform with Fusion Core, learning from their varying experiences.
Nonprofit decks the hospital halls
GET INVOLVED
There are multiple ways to get involved with The Greyson Project.
n Become a volunteer and help with checking bags or delivering bags.
n Donate money so more decorations can be bought.
n Donate decorations.
For more information about volunteering, visit thegreysonproject.com.
PACK A BAG
The Greyson Project delivers bags of holiday decorations and activities to families who will be spending the season in hospitals. Bags should have a minimum value of $20 to $30, and items should have the tags on them.
Here’s what to pack in a bag:
n Artificial tree, 4 feet tall or under
n Battery-operated Christmas lights
n Artificial garland
n Stockings
n Shatter-proof ornaments and decorations for the tree
n Ornament hooks
n Window clings or window markers
n DIY decorations or craft kits
n Tree skirt
n Fun non-skid socks
Do not include:
n Food n Real plants
n Breakable ornaments or figurines
n Stuffed animals
Drop-off locations:
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Winter Garden’s Rene Porter was shocked when she walked into the hospital room of her friends’ son Greyson Heineke in 2010.
Rather than the cold, sterile, medical equipment-filled room she was used to seeing each week, the room was transformed into a Christmas wonderland.
Stockings and garland hung from his hospital bed. There was white fluff meant to look like snow around the room. Lights twinkled on the cabinets. There was a small, blue decorated tree.
It brought a sense of warmth and a comforting joy as the Heineke family was going through trying times with doctors struggling to determine why Greyson, who wasn’t even 1 year old, was having seizures.
Little did Porter know, seeing that room’s transformation and the impact it had on the Heineke family would turn into a moment of healing for her and the Heineke family as well as a nonprofit that would impact more than 15,000 families across 15 states.
Porter, founder of The Greyson Project, is collecting Christmas decorations once again to donate to hospitals to spread holiday cheer to families who won’t be able to be home for the holidays.
HOLIDAY HUMBUG
Tyson Heineke and his wife, Heather, woke up around 5 a.m. Nov. 16, 2010, in their Dr. Phillips home to hear their baby boy, Greyson, screaming. They didn’t know what was wrong.
A neighbor, who was a nurse, determined he was having seizures, so Greyson was rushed to Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. Within two hours, he was transported to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
The Heinekes waited for countless tests and labs to hopefully provide answers.
“We were kind of back and forth between the kind of critical care units at the pediatric hospital not knowing exactly what was going on,” Tyson Heineke said. “We went for about six or seven weeks without a diagnosis.”
Between their family, friends and the hospital’s team, Tyson Heineke said they had an amazing support system and unbelievable medical team.
“We just really felt loved while we were there,” he said.
Weeks went by and friends like the Porters visited each week to check in on the Heinekes and provide them anything they needed.
“It was hard to know what to say to really comfort them, but you just show up and be with them and do the best you can,” Porter said.
Tyson Heineke said one of his cousins living in South Dakota sent them a care package that included Christmas decorations that helped the room feel more warm and cozy with a little bit of color and cheer.
“It was just special during a super hard time for us,” he said. “It’s amazing to feel the love and feel like people are thinking of us.”
Porter said the Heinekes laughed at her and her husband when their jaws dropped at seeing all the Christmas decorations in the room.
“We were young parents at the time; we really had never experienced something as tragic and heavy as this in our lives,” Porter said. “So, even learning how to show up for people was hard. We tried to do the right things, but that moment changed us because we experienced and saw that something as small as Christmas decorations can really change a whole space, and it gave them power, normalcy and joy and all of these beautiful things, even in such a scary time.”
After more than 80 days in the hospital, the Heinekes finally had answers. Greyson suffered from mitochondrial gene deletion, which means he wasn’t able to produce enough energy and his body was shutting down.
On Feb. 1, 2011, 10 days after his first birthday, Greyson died.
MERRY AND BRIGHT
Fast-forward five years to when the Porters were decorating their home for the holidays. After seeing what the Heineke family went through, the Porters still were grieving over Greyson and wanted to do something about it.
Porter said she remembered how the Heineke’s family supported them from afar by sending them Christmas decorations, and it sparked the idea to do the same for another family.
They shopped for Christmas decorations and wrapped them in a bag.
After coordinating with someone at Nemours Children’s Hospital, the family brought the bag of decorations to the hospital.
“The child life department lost their mind over it,” Porter said. “They were like, ‘This is amazing. We love this. How many bags in total will you be bringing?’” It was two weeks before Christmas. But after hearing there would be at least 11 families staying at Nemours Children’s Hospital during the holidays, the Porters were determined to ensure they all would have their rooms decorated.
Through word of mouth, community members throughout Winter Garden had dropped off enough decorations at the Porters’ home to fill 71 bags.
Porter reached out to Tyson and Heather Heineke, who still were living in Orlando, and asked if she could make the donation in honor of Greyson.
“It was such a positive distraction and gift of paying forward something beautiful that came from Greyson’s
That year, Porter founded The Greyson Project, which has since become a nonprofit.
Tyson Heineke said the nonprofit was the perfect way to honor his son. This is The Greyson Project’s 11th year, and since its inception, the nonprofit has delivered more than 15,000 bags to families across the country.
“We never knew or had any vision of this becoming something that served so many other people,” Porter said. “We thought it was just going to be a small thing that privately would help all of us and in turn, our friends. I think what’s been so surprising after 11 years of serving this mission has been seeing how many different people connect to it.”
Throughout the years, Porter has been able to see photos of people donating decorations to hospitals and families decorating their rooms. She’s heard the impact The Greyson Project has had on thousands of people as people contact her to see how they can bring the initiative to their local hospitals.
Porter said the nonprofit is careful on the item selection for decorations.
The volunteers have done research and communicated with hospitals to ensure all decorations will help serve the hospitals rather than break policies or end up being more work for hospital staff.
“We’ve asked the questions so we actually have hospital-approved check lists for all of our bags, which is now a huge service to our child life staff, our nurses and our doctors that want our families to feel normal and that they have power in their own space and continue these family traditions,” she said.
Tyson Heineke hopes to never spend another Christmas in a hospital. He knows firsthand how hard hospital staff work to decorate the hospital and make families staying there feel special. Now with The Greyson Project, the Heinekes can see how the bags of decorations impact other families, with many bringing their decorations home with them once they leave the hospital.
The Heineke family still puts up the blue Christmas tree they decorated in Greyson’s hospital room in their home every year.
“It’s something we will cherish forever,” he said. “It helped us kind of cope with being in the hospital, and it made us feel loved.”
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The Greyson Project is in honor of Greyson Heineke, who died shortly after his first birthday.
Courtesy photos People of
Town still waiting for state, federal reimbursement funds
LIZ
Windermere Town Council unanimously approved securing up to $2 million in funding through the Florida Local Commercial Paper Program.
Town Manager Robert Smith said the financial funding approved during Town Council’s meeting Tuesday, Nov. 11, will help bridge the temporary liquidity gaps between expenditures, payroll and vendor payments versus incoming revenues.
Town staff provided a resolution regarding this matter during a special Town Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18, for council approval.
The town of Windermere receives most of its annual revenue from Orange County ad valorem taxes, which typically are distributed in mid-December each fiscal year.
The town is proceeding with multiple reimbursable infrastructure projects, and those reimbursements typically are received 60 to 120 days after expenditure.
The town has received numerous state appropriations and grants from various agencies, including the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Smith said the town has been waiting for about $800,000 from the state and federal government for more than 90 days.
As a result, there is a need to secure additional temporary funding to ensure the town remains in good standing with vendors.
Smith said typically in a contract with vendors, the town has 30 days to pay the vendor.
“Right now, we’ve pretty much committed all of our reserves, because we’re still waiting for ad valorem to come in, all the ancillary taxes,” he said.
He said the town has about $1.2 million in reserves, most of which is
committed to pay for infrastructure projects.
The Florida Local Commercial Paper Program functions similarly to a line of credit but also offers the advantages of pooled rates, no amortization requirement and full compliance with municipal debt limitations. Funds may be borrowed and repaid within each fiscal year as needed, with no early payoff penalty. There is an option to renew participation annually for up to five fiscal years.
Smith said with an interest rate of about 3.78%, if the town takes out the entire $2 million, the interest would be about $6,800 per month.
“We need the money in order to make sure we stay afloat while we have all these projects coming in at one time,” he said. “We didn’t anticipate this happening. … What typically happens is we pay the vendors, then we have all the canceled checks, we send it to the state for them to approve it, and then they send us the money. It’s just bad timing with everything coming in at one time. … If we would have known that all these projects were coming to fruition at one time and then having to float money more than we actually thought it was going to be not being reimbursed, we would never want to.”
Council member Andy Williams said he was caught off guard by the proposed funding request.
“I understand that it was just the perfect storm; they’ve all collided at once,” he said. “When it came onto the agenda, I was kind of caught off guard on it because I’ve been preaching to everybody that we’re looking around at other municipalities all struggling, and we’re doing well, and then we get hit with this.”
Smith and Mayor Jim O’Brien assured the funding is to cover projects that are all reimbursable and the town is waiting on the state and federal government to reimburse the town.
“It’s no different than we’ve tra-
ditionally done business, but we’ve also never done five large projects,” O’Brien said. “We’ve never had to carry all the grant costs on ourselves. But I still think the time is right. If what I think is going to happen in Tallahassee happens, we’ll never have this opportunity again. … I’d love to avoid it, but I think it’s a necessary tool.”
Smith said the town’s current project list sits at $16.4 million with an outlay of $3.84 million for projects the town never would have been able to afford unless the town applied for grants and state appropriations.
“It’s just all coming in at one time, which was never anticipated,” Smith said. “We’ve already notified all of our directors that any unnecessary spending stops.”
O’Brien said the town needs to proceed “cautiously and conservatively from this point.”
VARIANCE APPROVED
Town Council members approved 3-2 a zoning variance for 904 Main St. allowing for the demolition and reconstruction of portions of an existing non-conforming pool and pool deck at fewer than 50 feet from the normal high-water elevation on Lake Butler.
Council members Mandy David and Brandi Haines dissented.
Town Planner Brad Cornelius said the applicants submitted a revised site plan, as well as an up-to-date survey, which provides an update on where the normal high-water elevation line actually falls. He said the actual elevation stayed the same and is set by Orange County Environmental Protection.
Cornelius said the existing pool sits 31 feet at the closest point and 44 feet at the farthest point away from the normal high-water elevation.
Cornelius said the applicants still need to submit a full engineered signed and sealed plan for the grading and drainage.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Town Council unanimously approved an amendment to the agreement between the town and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Windermere Road and Main Street roundabout design in the amount of $18,940.
n The north phase final design for the Windermere Water Master Plan in the amount of $645,500 was unanimously approved.
Haines said she doesn’t think the applicant is meeting the standards of the Development Review Board and Town Council, specifically the need for the variance to arise out of the physical surroundings, shape, topographical condition or other physical or environmental conditions that are unique to the subject property.
“I don’t feel there’s a topographical or physical condition of the land itself that’s creating this hardship,” Haines said. “When I look even at the aerials of the properties next door, there’s people with pools on both the north and south side of the applicant, and they’re set back. They’re not as nearly as close as this one is now, and it’s still moving it closer.”
Haines made a motion to deny the zoning variance, but council voted 3-2 against the motion, with council members Williams, Tom Stroup and Tony Davit dissenting.
Williams questioned whether council was missing an opportunity to improve the future drainage. He said currently there is zero water retention and all the water is going down the side of the yard and running into the lake.
“I’m seeing that is part of our issue here,” he said. “What is best given the overall design, because he’s not expanding the impervious. It’s not coming any closer than it already is because the pool deck isn’t changing. What we’re getting is the balance of water retention that they’re not providing right now.”
Haines questioned why the deck couldn’t be made smaller so the existing pool could have the infinity edge and better comply with the standards.
“I don’t feel like there’s been any compromise,” she said. “I understand there’s a compromise for the swales, but I don’t think there’s any com-
promise to pushing that pool around.
This isn’t a small deck. … If you want something like an infinity pool, there is room to squish that pool room.”
Stroup said although he doesn’t disagree with Haines, he also believes Williams’ points are valid as the new plans will improve the property.
The zoning variance was approved to include that the stormwater swales in the rear of the property capture at least one inch of stormwater runoff on the property and the stormwater swales to include vegetation.
RESTROOMS NEAR THE LIBRARY
Town Council members unanimously approved the site civil plans for the restrooms in the amount of $8,870. Council members also unanimously approved construction documents with Tom Price Architects for the reduced scale of the family restroom facility with an estimated total range between $15,570 and $17,050.
The new bathroom is envisioned in the standard public-park-style restroom with designed materials and finishes complementing the library and surrounding civic buildings.
The design is not finalized, and 30% and 60% plan sets will go before the council for review and confirmation before any design is finalized.
Price’s preliminary concept includes several optional design enhancements intended to improve maintenance, accessibility and family use.
Haines said she wants a water fountain and water refilling station in the design, and she likes the idea of having more ladies restrooms. She also would like to see touch-free features for the faucets and to dry hands. Haines, Davit and Williams all said they wanted to see the restrooms downsized and space to be used efficiently.
“This needs to be nice, but it needs to be stripped down,” Williams said. “This is never going to replace the need of portalets and everything else during our functions. This is a bathroom for when we have the farmers market. We have kids playing in the basketball courts. We have small events in (Town Hall). It’s not for town events; that is something totally different. If that’s the end, this isn’t it. I’m a big proponent of stripping this down.”
Firm Foundation Preschool in need of new roof
Matthew’s Hope is looking for donations to replace the preschool’s roof to ensure the school can continue to serve the community.
SILVA
LETICIA
STAFF WRITER
Matthew’s Hope Firm Foundation Preschool has a leaky roof, and the nonprofit is asking for help to repair it.
Scott Billue, founder of Matthew’s Hope, said the property on which the preschool sits was purchased 10 years ago, and although the organization renovated the building, it never put a new roof on it. Now, after more than a decade, the preschool, which serves 35 students, has three leaks on the roof causing it to deteriorate.
“We started to get rain, and we started getting water inside,” he said. “We thought we had patched it, but it started developing a little bit of mold. We got rid of the mold, but the water keeps wanting to come in. Basically, it’s deteriorating, so I’ve got to replace it, because if I let it go, it’s not going to be safe for the kids.”
Billue said timing is critical, as he wishes to repair the roof before the weather changes again and heavy rain hits West Orange.
“My concern is that if we let this go and we were to have several large rains like we’ve had this year again, then it can become a problem, because you have students in there and you can’t have water coming down the wall or onto the floor when people are there,” he said. “Fortunately, that has never happened, but we want to make sure that it never does happen. Because if it did, we would literally
Project would add nine buildings on East
Crown Point Road
IN OTHER NEWS
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance rezoning properties on East Crown Point Road.
City Commissioner Lisa Bennett was absent during the meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The ordinance is to rezone properties located at 530, 550, 570, 590, 610 and 630 E. Crown Point Road to a Planned Commercial Development. The properties are located on about 15.99 acres.
The applicant is requesting to rezone the properties from Arterial Commercial to Planned Commercial Development to permit the development of nine commercial office, warehouse and flex space buildings totaling 203,306 square feet. There also would be associated site improvements, including parking and landscaping.
Planning Director Kelly Carson said the five buildings that will front on East Harlem Point Road are intended to be more commercial in nature, with permitted uses to include retail, professional office, restaurant and other commercial operations.
The four buildings in the rear will be more flex office light industrial in nature, which is consistent with the uses on the adjacent properties to the west, Carson said.
During the public hearing on the ordinance, resident Kathryn Zalesky opposed the ordinance, stating there already is plenty of open industrial space currently available or will be available in Winter Garden in the first quarter of 2026.
“I do believe that the commercial part of the zoning is accurate, and I would love to see something developed there, but I just don’t see a need for any more industrial spaces or warehouse spaces,” Zalesky said. “I’m really just hoping to keep Winter Garden, the Winter Garden we all know and love.”
Carson said if approved, the traffic impact probably would be “a little bit greater” due to people going in and out of the businesses on a dayto-day basis, but she thinks traffic would be even greater if all the properties were commercial versus light industrial.
“We tried to make it consistent with the area and keep that frontage all commercial,” she said. “So, you’ll have your restaurants, you’ll have your shops, you’ll have your neighborhood convenience-type stores. But in the rear, where you don’t have the road frontage, it is adjacent to additional industrial facilities to the west. We’re trying to kind of create that transition zone from more commercial along the street to the more industrial in the back.”
Carson said one of the warehouse buildings located in the rear of the property “does not look like your typical warehouse industrial business” because there is a “higher level of architectural detailing” so it looks like a commercial building to her rather than the typical industrial facilities.
have to shut down the school until we figured it out.”
If they were to shut down, it would affect at-risk and homeless children ages 1 to 5 from receiving free Montessori education from qualified teachers, as well as their parents from working or studying, which also is what qualifies their children to be able to attend.
“I want people to understand that if you’re homeless — as long as you’re going to school or working — it doesn’t cost you anything to go to Firm Foundation,” Billue said.
To continue serving the homeless and at-risk children daily, the roof must be repaired.
The plan is to put a pitch on the roof so water can drain off it and avoid the school from shutting down.
The cost to do that is around $30,000 to $32,000.
“It’s critical because the truth is
I don’t have $30,000 just sitting around waiting to be spent,” Billue said.
He said the issue was unexpected, and recently, the organization was spending six times the amount he would per day to feed people who weren’t able to receive SNAP benefits.
If the nonprofit can raise $250,000 by Dec. 31, an anonymous donor is willing to match it.
In one month, Matthew’s Hope has been able to raise $173,000 toward the matching donation, which will go toward the roof and other minor repairs at the school, as well as the addition of a new classroom.
“The hope is that we would be able to do that with this kind of matching grant,” Billue said. “There’s an absolute need (for it). Typically, we have people literally on a waiting list to get into the school at times.”
HOW
TO HELP
Make a donation at matthewshopeministries.org/donate. Drop off items such as hygiene products, clothing and food from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at 611 Business Park Blvd., No. 101, Winter Garden
The earlier the money is raised, the quicker repairs can be made.
“We’re happy if somebody wants to write a check towards the roof,” he said.
Billue said 87% of Matthew’s Hope funds go directly to services, which puts people at ease knowing their money actually is helping those in need, like the students at Firm Foundation Preschool.
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the retirement of Canine Dak, who needed to be medically retired, and awarded custody to Dak’s handler, Officer Joe Thompson.
n The first reading of an ordinance amending the city of Winter Garden Code of Ordinances regarding water and sanitary sewer systems to increase water, wastewater and irrigation impact fees was unanimously approved. The second reading will be Thursday, Dec. 11.
n The first reading of an ordinance adding a section to the City of Winter Garden Code of Ordinances to establish regulations and procedures for certified recovery residences, including a process for requesting reasonable accommodation was unanimously approved. A second reading will be Thursday, Dec. 11.
n The first reading of an ordinance amending the city’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget to carry forward prior year appropriations was unanimously approved. A second reading will take place Thursday, Dec. 11.
n The commission unanimously approved the purchase order with Brightview for landscaping and irrigation along Marsh Road with an additional three months of watering in the amount of $222.785.88.
n A purchase order to T D Thomson Construction Inc. for Roper Drive stormwater improvements in the amount of $241,381.80 was unanimously approved.
n Commissioners unanimously approved hiring Process Control Services LLC to install the new VTScada system for the Palmetto Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $123,515.69.
n The commission unanimously approved the renewal of CrowdStrike Falcon Complete and CrowdStrike SIEM Licensing Agreement in the amount of $109,999.99.
n Small Business Saturday was unanimously approved to take place Saturday, Nov. 29.
n Commissioners unanimously approved the 2026 annual Spring Fever in the Garden by Bloom and Grow Society for Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12. The commission also waived the application fee for the event.
Commissioner Iliana Jones said she believes the rezoning and project will be a “good addition for that area” because of its proximity to State Road 429. She also said the renderings for the commercial buildings are appealing. A second reading of the ordinance will take place at the commission’s next meeting Thursday, Dec. 11.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR WRITER
hannan Shaulis raved about the hot buffalo and sweet barbecue wings she and her family ate from Gator’s Dockside. “They’re so good,” she said multiple times. There was a variety of foods and drinks to sample and enjoy during the annual Horizon West Flavor Fest Saturday, Nov. 8. Francesca Tarantino and The 789s performed live music.
Emerson Shaulis, Shannan Shaulis and Todd Shaulis raved about the wings from Gator’s Dockside.
Left: Carol Ricon brought her furry friend Dino to Flavor Fest.
The 789s brought the sounds of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s to the stage at Flavor Fest.
night!
Perla Delgado and Kevin Rivera enjoyed samples of food and drinks from various vendors.
DJ Bubbles played music between live performances.
Francesca Tarantino performed at Flavor Fest.
Concerns rise over church proposal in Lake Avalon area
Discovery Church seeks to build a 48,000-squarefoot campus in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Residents shared concerns about Discovery Church building a new 48,000-square-foot campus in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement during a community meeting Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Bridgewater Middle School.
Discovery Church was gifted 19.97 acres on the northeast corner of McKinney Road and Rex Drive, west of Avalon Road and east of the Lake County line.
The church is seeking a special exception to allow a religious institution on the property, as well as a variance to allow grass parking in lieu of parking on an improved surface.
The church is proposing a 48,000-square-foot, one-level building with 800 sanctuary seats and a 353-space parking lot with some grass spaces.
Rob Garrett, director of operations at Discovery Church, said church leadership took previous community feedback into consideration when creating this proposal. He said starting in January 2024, leadership started meeting with several community members to gather input.
He said in the previous attempt to build the church on the property, he said people were concerned about the amount of vacant space on the property and questions were brought up about whether the church would expand the building or build a school.
To show everyone the church has no plans to build anything but the church building on the property, Garrett said the church will grow a new orange grove; there will be a native tree nursery with oak trees; existing trees will be reserved; and there will be a butterfly garden with internal unpaved walking paths.
There also will be a wild landscaping buffer. The application team learned about re-wilding, which would help preserve and restore the trees and landscaping to bring in wildlife.
“We’re trying to plan for everything we could do based on this property and stay as it is,” Garrett said. “We look at it and we say, ‘Well, 20 acres to us is just a great way of preserving 20 acres with only one single use.’ There will be no other buildings. There will be nothing else built on this property.”
As for the square footage of the building, which many residents had concerns about, Garrett said the architect purposefully put in indentations, bump outs and more into the floor plan to make the building more esthetically pleasing to the rural settlement.
“The reason (the building) is long like this is to try to stretch it out so we could end up with an elevation that has a front elevation with different roof lines that pop out so you can see different things, so that it would fit more in the architecture of the rural settlement, rather than just having a tilt-up wall panel or something smaller in a box,” Garrett said.
For parking, it is required to have one space for every three seats. With the church planning to have 800 seats, the required number of parking spaces is 267. There also is a requirement for one space per employee, and the church will have 24 employees, adding 24 parking spaces. The
PROVIDE INPUT
If you would like to submit comments about this proposal, you can email comments to Laekin O’Hara, the case planner for this proposal, at Laekin.O’Hara@ ocfl.net.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing for this proposal tentatively is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4. You also can submit feedback online at form.jotform. com/201745288534157.
More information, including the documents and plans, can be found on Orange County FastTrack at fasttrack.ocfl.net/ onlineservices under Development Cases — Board of Zoning Adjustment. The case number is SE-25-11-068.
CRITERIA
No application for a special exception can be approved unless the BZA finds that the following criteria are met:
1The use shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Policy Plan.
2The use shall be similar and compatible with the surrounding area and shall be consistent with the pattern of surrounding development.
3The use shall not act as a detrimental intrusion into a surrounding area.
4The use shall meet the performance standards of the district in which the use is permitted.
5The use shall be similar in noise, vibration, dust, odor, glare, heat producing and other characteristics that are associated with the majority of uses currently permitted in the zoning district.
6
Landscape buffer yards shall be in accordance with section 24-5 of the Orange County Code. Buffer yard types shall track the district in which the use is permitted.
total required parking is 291 spaces.
The church plans to have 343 parking spaces with an additional 10 ADA spaces.
Laekin O’Hara, Orange County Zoning Division chief planner for this project, said staff is reviewing the proposal against six special exception criteria. For staff to make a recommendation for approval, it has to meet all six criteria. Members of other divisions, including the Planning Division and Transportation, also provide input on the proposal.
The recommendation will go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment tentatively Thursday, Dec. 4, and if the board recommends approval, the proposal will go before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners tentatively Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026.
Residents said they did not have an issue with the property being used to build a church. Their primary concerns were regarding the size of the church and impact on traffic.
Residents questioned why the church needed to have so much square footage and have 800 seats when Discovery Church is planning to relocate its Winter Garden campus, which seats 535, to the settlement.
Garrett said the church isn’t expecting to be at capacity for every service. He said more likely, between 250 and 300 are necessary for the church.
Community members’ main concern was in relation to traffic, with the potential for nearly 350 cars congesting their roads three times every Sunday. Services are at 8:30, 10 and 11:45 a.m. There also would be campers checking out of the RV park going in nearby and other churches in the area finishing services at similar times on Sundays.
Residents said McKinney Road can’t handle the traffic already making its way down that road, and Rex Drive is a residential road. They shared concerns for the safety of their children and neighbors as people like to ride horses, four-wheelers, dirt bikes and more.
“At what point is the county going to say if you’re going to get approval for land use, you must pay to widen the road,” resident Mark Fox said.
“McKinney is a county lane; it is not suitable, as it is today, for what’s already been approved.”
Residents questioned who will maintain the dirt roads and who will ensure congregants do not go down the residential roads to escape the traffic.
Garrett said congregants listen well when leadership asks them to do something, so if they tell congregants to avoid certain roads and abide by traffic patterns, they will.
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
Pointe mansion
Amansion in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2.
The home at 9253 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $3,840,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, four baths, three half-baths and 6,265 square feet. Days on market: 99. The sellers were represented by Mike and Teresa Stewart, Southern Realty Group LLC.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY PARK
The home at 8030 Old Town Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 28, for $789,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,585 square feet. Days on market: Three.
DR. PHILLIPS
The home at 9124 Ogilvie Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $701,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,537 square feet. Days on market: 37.
ESTATES AT PARKSIDE
The home at 8085 Ludington Circle, Orlando, sold Oct. 30, for $1,500,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 5,049 square feet. Days on market: 97.
LAKE MARSHA SUBDIVISION
The home at 5608 Kevin Ave., Orlando, sold Oct. 28, for $640,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,125 square feet. Days on market: Three.
ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB
The home at 6969 Edgewood Drive, Orlando, sold Oct. 27, for $960,000. Built in 1987, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,176 square feet. Days on market: 50.
PARKVIEW RESERVE
The home at 8424 Park Cliff Way, Orlando, sold Oct. 28, for $1,730,460. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,272 square feet.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 10161 Culpepper Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 29, for $805,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,064 square feet. Days on market: 339.
The home at 10439 Pointview Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 31, for $795,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,612 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
HORIZON WEST HAMLIN RESERVE
The home at 15312 Sugar Citrus Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 27, for $860,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,364 square feet. Days on market: 18.
HORIZON ISLE
The home at 13128 Faro Court, No. 35, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 27, for $750,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,719 square feet. Days on market: 29.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 5954 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $770,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,997 square feet. Days on market: 67.
The home at 6238 Manuscript St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 27, for $580,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,759 square feet. Days on market: 21.
LAKES OF WINDERMERE
PEACHTREE
The home at 13413 Hopkinton Court, Windermere, sold Oct. 29, for $789,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,642 square feet. Days on market: 166.
NORTHLAKE AT OVATION
The home at 11206 Pixie Mandarin Court, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 29, for $810,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,115 square feet. Days on market: 197.
PALMS AT WINDERMERE
The home at 14404 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold Oct. 27, for $1,165,000. Built in 2024, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,565 square feet.
The home at 14279 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold Oct. 29, for $1,060,990. Built in 2025, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,222 square feet.
SERENADE AT OVATION
The home at 13230 Peaceful Melody Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $655,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,334 square feet of living area. Days on market: 579.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 10219 Atwater Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $1,100,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,911 square feet of living area. Days on market: 213.
The home at 16512 Sea Glass St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $590,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,472 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.
The home at 16484 Angel Fish Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 29, for $570,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,472 square feet of living area. Days on market: 116.
The home at 11188 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $579,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 66.
The home at 11834 Shine View Lane, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $564,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.
The home at 11176 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $546,030. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,027 square feet. Days on market: 131.
WATERMARK
The home at 15071 Guava Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 28, for $672,500. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,072 square feet. Days on market: 80.
WINDERMERE SOUND
The home at 13260 Penshurst Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $619,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,076 square feet. Days on market: Six.
OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS
The home at 2340 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Oct. 30, for $735,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,493 square feet. Days on market: 112.
OCOEE
HARBOUR HIGHLANDS
The home at 809 Burr Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $505,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,102 square feet. Days on market: 18.
SILVER GLEN
The home at 1420 Center St., Ocoee, sold Oct. 31, for $467,500. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,755 square feet. Days on market: 104.
WYNWOOD
The home at 3331 Wynwood Forest Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 28, for $463,490. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,447 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.
The home at 3165 Briarwood Grove, Ocoee, sold Oct. 27, for $479,990. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet. Days on market: Six.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE
LAKE SHEEN ESTATES
The home at 10352 Burris Court, Orlando, sold Oct. 29, for $2,114,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 5,004 square feet. Days on market: 95.
WEST ORANGE
CASABELLA
The home at 4279 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $2,100,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,345 square feet. Days on market: 175.
SUMMERPORT BEACH
The home at 5243 W. Lake Butler Road, Windermere, sold Oct. 27, for $1,700,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,255 square feet. Days on market: 211.
WINDERMERE
BELMERE VILLAGE
The home at 11313 Via Andiamo, Windermere, sold Oct. 28, for $595,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,727 square feet. Days on market: 242.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 5067 Latrobe Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $2,750,000. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, six baths, two halfbaths and 6,219 square feet. Days on market: 123.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 9253 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $3,840,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, four baths, three half-baths and 6,265 square feet. Days on market: 99.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 616 Magnolia St., Windermere, sold Oct. 27, for $830,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,582 square feet. Days on market: 70.
TUSCANY RIDGE
The home at 1438 Belfiore Way, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for $1,130,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,213 square feet. Days on market: 23.
WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE
The home at 1638 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 30, for $830,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,151 square feet. Days on market: 136.
WINTER GARDEN
BRONSON’S LANDING
The home at 2211 Rickover Place, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 28, for $985,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,324 square feet. Days on market: 406.
COVINGTON PARK
The home at 706 Grandhaven Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 31, for $510,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,904 square feet. Days on market: 37.
CYPRESS RESERVE
The home at 13881 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 28, for $960,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,000 square feet. Days on market: 28.
GOLF CART DISTRICT
The home at 1020 Tildenville School Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 28, for $1,875,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 4,274 square feet. Days on market: 36.
GREYSTONE
The home at 313 Courtlea Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 28, for $750,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,152 square feet. Days on market: 31.
WINTERMERE HARBOR
The home at 13044 Lakeshore Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 30, for $800,000. Built in 2000, it has six bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,775 square feet. Days on market: 124.
Courtesy photo
The home at 9253 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 31, for
This JR Watson custom-built Mediterranean-style home is located on more than 224 feet of frontage on Lake Tibet of the Butler Chain of Lakes. The sellers were represented by Mike and Teresa Stewart, Southern Realty Group LLC.
Courtesy photo
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Windermere High swimmer Rylee Erisman defeated the 100 free National High School time during the Florida High School Athletic Association 4A Championships. She swam the 100-yard freestyle in 46.73 seconds to beat the national record. The previous time was 46.98 seconds by Gretchen Walsh, who attended Harpeth Hall School. The Wolverine also defeated the Florida 50-yard freestyle record with her time of 21.67 seconds. She took home four first-place titles during states Friday, Nov. 14. Erisman is a junior at Windermere and already has taken official visits to Texas, Tennessee, Michigan, Cal and Virginia.
2
Lake Buena Vista swimmers Jacob and Jayden Tsai competed in the FHSAA 3A State Championships. Jayden Tsai brought back third- and sixth-place medals. The teammates combined scores placed the Lakers in 17th place of 69 teams.
In the Class 1A FHSAA State Championships, Windermere Prep’s swimmer Willa Fitzpatrick set a new school record in the 200 free with a time of 1:56.75. Her teammate, Addison Bitel, set a new school record in the 200 IM with a time of 2:06.42.
3
The First Academy’s boys golfer Mingbo Jiang took first place in the 2025 Class 1A State Championship. He has been an important member of the team this year and has tallied in multiple top-five placements. As a team, TFA finished second overall in the state tournament.
Windermere High School boys golf team completed the 3A State Championships Saturday, Nov. 15, at El Campeon Mission Resort. The team finished 10th overall in the tournament. Eli Schmutzler shot +1 (73), David Stone Blackburn finished +4 (76), and Nelson Shikicima finished +5 (77).
4Horizon High School boys cross-country team finished in sixth place in the 4A Regional Tournament Saturday, Nov. 15, in Boca Raton. The team recorded an average time of 16:44 and a score of 157. Jacob Finch came in third place overall with his time of 15:33. Horizon’s girls cross-country team also finished in sixth place in the 4A Regionals. The girls had an average time of 20:18 and 132 points. Abigayle White finished in eighth place with her time of 18:56.8. Both of Horizon’s teams advanced to the State Championship.
5Foundation Academy’s junior varsity and varsity cheer teams participated in their first competitions of the season. Each team earned a first-place banner to start the season on a high note. The Lions competed in the Battle at the Beach at Seabreeze High School Saturday, Nov. 15.
West Orange and Dr. Phillips both are still alive in their quests for state glory; Windermere Prep reels in a championship title.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
Apparently, both West Orange and Dr. Phillips aren’t ready to hang up the cleats just yet. With huge victories last week, both the Warriors and Panthers still are alive in their quests for state hardware and will face even tougher tests this week.
In addition, Windermere Prep trounced Bishop McLaughlin Catholic to emerge as SSAA 1A champions.
LAKERS CLAIM CHAMPIONSHIP
Windermere Prep trudged all the way to the SSAA 1A Championship, where the Lakers met Bishop McLaughlin Catholic. The Lakers previously lost to BMLC 21-10 Friday, Sept. 19, and were out for a little bit of revenge. In the championship, Windermere Prep was victorious 25-14 over the Hurricanes. Freshman quarterback Ty Tracy threw for 87 yards during the game and one 65-yard touchdown pass to all-around player Peyton Hollern. Hollern has been Windermere Prep’s leading scorer this season and recorded two touchdowns and 115 rushing yards on 13 carries. On the defensive side, the Lakers played the lights out. Senior Trevor Doggett had 11 solo tackles, and
a
out
Athletes celebrate National Signing Day
West Orange and Southwest Orange schools held ceremonies Wednesday, Nov. 12.
MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER
All seniors in high school are faced with immense pressure to make choices to set up the trajectory of the rest of their lives. They’re battling determining what future career they want, if they want to go to college, and if so, where?
Student-athletes face an added dilemma. Do they want to try to continue their athletic career at a university?
When they ask themselves that question, not all will say yes, but those who do have to dedicate themselves to their craft and go through the challenging process of recruitment.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association estimates only 15% of eight million student-athletes in the United States make it to the Division I, II or III level. Statistics vary based on the sport, such as basketball being 3.6% while baseball is 8.1%.
National Signing Day took place Wednesday, Nov. 12,
Santiago Navarro and Hailey Pellegrini.
Windermere Prep Director of Athletics Patrick Hollern said it was the first time the school celebrated National Signing Day in the gymnasium, and now it isn’t able to go back.
Before recognizing the studentathletes, Hollern recognized the athletes’ shadows who made it all possible: parents.
“Your commitment, your dedication, the long hours, the rides, the encouragement — you are the reason your sons and daughters have made it to this moment,” he said. “As a parent myself, I understand the sacrifices involved in raising an athlete. I hope you truly enjoy today, because you’ve earned it.”
All seven student-athletes thanked their parents for their tremendous support throughout their journeys. They have relied on their parents not only for rides but also for encouragement and that extra push to keep them going during the challenges of playing at a competitive level.
Parents, friends and coaches
Horizon High girls soccer midfielder McKenna McBride is shining in her senior year before she heads to Columbus State. Page 2B.
Windermere Prep’s Isabella Johnson’s family supported her for signing day.
sophomore Koren Williams recorded his career-high 15 total tackles. The pair played an important role in holding Bishop McLaughlin to 14 points.
The team closed
its season on
three-game winning streak and
The Warriors have been near pefect with its 10-1 record as the team heads into the semifinals.
Megan Bruinsma
Megan Bruinsma Dr. Phillips is on its way back to the final four.
WEEK McKenna McBride
Horizon High girls soccer midfielder McKenna McBride is leading her team with seven goals in its first five games, averaging 2.3 goals per game. She is ranked No. 56 in the nation for her
The senior already has announced her commitment to take her talents to Division II school Columbus State. She has played on varsity all four years of high school and is on track to surpass her season high of eight goals, which she recorded both her freshman and junior year. She developed her running skills through TeamPrep USA’s long distance training program in Gunnison, Colorado, and Tampa.
What do you enjoy most about soccer?
Staying competitive and playing with my teammates is what I enjoy most about soccer.
When did you start soccer and why did you join?
I started soccer when I was 5 years old, and I joined because my dad put me on a team.
What is your biggest accomplishment in soccer?
My biggest accomplishment with soccer is getting committed to a very competitive college program at Columbus State.
What has soccer taught you? Soccer has taught me a lot about being patient and focusing on my own timeline.
How would you describe yourself as a teammate?
I would describe myself as a teammate (who) encourages others to do their best so together we can be the best players and people we can be.
What advice would you give someone who just joined soc-
coach, I would give a speech to my team encouraging everyone to try their best and focus on the things they can control.
Wha is your pre-game ritual?
My pre-game ritual is to do my handshake with my friend, Jaylynne, and listen to hype music.
If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why?
If I could pick a different sport, I would choose track, because it helps keep your body in shape.
Who do you look up to the most?
I look up to my dad the most, because he always encourages me to do my best and gives me opportunities that lots of daughters don’t get.
What is something new you would like to learn?
I would like to learn to surf, because I love the beach.
Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?
If I didn’t live in Florida, I would live in Hawaii, because it’s so beautiful, and the food there is amazing.
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?
If I won the lottery, I would move me and my family to Hawaii and live on the beach and retire.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, because there’s a happy
OTHER PLAYOFF ACTION
SSAA 11-MAN STATE
CHAMPIONSHIP
Semifinals: Foundation Academy 18, Mount Dora Christian Academy 50 Foundation Academy’s first season under its new head coach Daniel White came to a close in the semifinals of the SSAA 11-Man playoffs. The Lions’ loss to Mount Dora Christian Academy was its largest point differential since Aug. 16, 2024, when the team fell 42-17 to The Master’s Academy. The loss also marked the end of Foundation’s seven-game winning streak and the end of its season.
Lions senior quarterback Braydon Marks threw for 152 yards, and wide receiver Ben Ford picked up 62 of those yards. Foundation Academy’s running back Sam Wood rushed for 45 yards and earned himself one touchdown.
FHSAA CLASS 7A REGION 2
Regional Quarterfinals: Sumner 44, Ocoee 13 Ocoee’s season has come to an end after its loss to Sumner in the playoff action. The Knights were in a difficult position after going down 29-0 in the first half. Despite the large deficit, the Knights defense pushed themselves, and Dariyon Gordon and Brayden Drayton each picked off a pass from Sumner’s QB.
The game marked Ocoee’s fourth consecutive loss after the Knights had started the season 3-0.
Warriors, Panthers face tough tests this week
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
drastically improved its 2-7 record from last year.
PANTHERS SHOCK JUPITER
As the No. 7 seed in the FHSAA Class 7A Playoffs, Dr. Phillips didn’t care its opponent — the mighty Jupiter High School — was undefeated. The Panthers didn’t care that they were facing a team that had just run roughshod over its opponents on its way to a historic 10-win season.
And that mentality carried the Panthers all the way through to a stunning 24-21 victory against the No. 2 seed Friday, Nov. 14.
Running back Zion Matthews tallied in the Panthers’ first points. He rushed for 5 yards to find the end zone during the first quarter and recorded his second rushing touchdown in the second half to extend DP’s lead to 14-0.
The Panther defense held its ground against the Jupiter team that had averaged 32.3 points per game and kept Jupiter from finding the end zone until the end of the first half.
In the second half, DP kicker and punter Federico MontalvoSalazar was true on a 42-yard field goal, and the Panthers found the end zone one more time. At the end, its offense was able to hold onto the ball and not give Jupiter another chance to score.
The Panthers (8-3) prepare for another challenging road game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at Central (Ft. Pierce) (10-1). Central averaged 36.4 points per game and 285.6 yards per game. The team
scraped by in its Regional Quarterfinal game by one point.
WEST ORANGE OUT-DUELS PLANT CITY
In a high-scoring affair at Friday, Nov. 14, at home, West Orange was able to outpace visiting Plant City, 45-30, to take one step closer to a state title in the FHSAA Class 7A Playoffs.
It was a familiar scene and opponent. Last year, the teams met in the semifinals, where West Orange defeated Plant City by one. Running back Jayden Ammons quickly set the tone of the game by his seven-yard rushing touchdown on the Warriors’ first drive. He tallied in a second in the second quarter. The junior has had his most successful season in his three years as a Warrior. He is leading the team with 12 total touchdowns and averaging 57.9 rushing yards per game. Plant City capitalized on West Orange’s three turnovers and scored a touchdown off each. West Orange’s outside linebacker Nolan Turner earned himself a pick-six, followed by Nolan Herman causing a strip-sack that led to a second defensive touchdown.
The team showcased against Plant City that it knows how to successfully apply defensive pressure and run the ball.
Now, West Orange trudges deeper into the bracket and down to No. 1 seed Venice High School. West Orange has lost to Venice in the playoffs for the last two years, and now is the team’s chance to prove the saying, “Third times the charm,” is true. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
Onto the next big thing
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9A
filled the Lakers’ gymnasium and cheered for each student-athlete as they sat at the tables adorned with their future school’s colors.
SEVEN NAMES, SEVEN STORIES
THE SIGNEES
I want to be a sports nutritionist
If I were famous, it would be for
If I had a spirit animal, it would be a cheetah, -
What is your
My perfect day would then going to the beach with friends
Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables?
I would rather eat fruit
— MEGAN BRUINSMA
Out of the seven Lakers, Urrea’s already had a taste of what competition looks like at the highest level.
Originally from Peru, Urrea has played for the Peruvian National Golf Team since 2021, and it’s what has given her exposure to the recruiting process. She received interest from 50 Division I programs and took four official visits before deciding to call Purdue University home.
“She would never have expected this,” Urrea said of her 8-year-old self. “I’m so happy I’ve been able to achieve it.”
Sitting next to Urrea was a similarly decorated table. Navarro, too, decorated his signing table with golf clubs to commemorate his commitment to Barry University men’s golf team.
The other five athletes all come from different sports.
Bass Jr. has been a Laker since fourth grade. The son of former NBA player Brandon Bass stands tall at 6-foot-4-inches and is a shooting guard for the Windermere Prep boys basketball team.
He ranks second all-time in scoring and holds multiple school records including most points in a game and season, most career three-pointers and most free throws made in a career and season. Bass Jr. signed to Florida State University to play under head coach Luke Loucks.
“I’m excited to play basketball at Florida State and this is just the beginning of the journey, and I can’t wait to see what it holds,” he said.
Bitel’s swimming career is full of
accolades. She is ranked No. 9 in Florida and is a three-time High School All-American and threetime Scholastic All-American. The swimmer is taking her talents to Duke University.
Hollern said it has been a joy to watch her development over his seven years with Windermere Prep. He said Bitel is what people think of when they picture the Lakers’ swim team.
A newer face to the Windermere Prep program was Nawracaj. She has played on the Lakers’ softball team for two years and helped lead the team to the SSAA Tournament Championship. She will head to Lander University to become a nurse.
Johnson only has been a Laker for two years, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t made her mark. The volleyball player has led the team in kills the last two seasons and signed to Florida Atlantic University to continue her athletic career. She and Pellegrini are the only two Lakers who are staying in Florida post graduation.
Pellegrini’s journey as a gymnast began 15 years ago, but she’ll transition to acrobatics and tumbling as she heads to Saint Leo. For her, the size of the university is what sold her to pick it as her future home.
ALWAYS THE CLASS OF 2026
Although each of the athletes have different journeys, sports and schools, one thing they always will have in common is graduating from Windermere Prep’s class of 2026.
“I’m really proud of everything that me and my classmates have achieved,” Urrea said. “(Windermere Prep) has an amazing support system and this year was the biggest signing day ever. It says a lot about our program.”
When Nawracaj transferred to Windermere Prep in her junior year of high school, she instantly felt welcomed by the community there and felt as though she “belonged.”
As each of the seven rose their pens to sign their letters simultaneously, smiles spread across their faces. Claps echoed throughout the gymnasium from parents, coaches and supportive friends. The sense of community was clear and those echoes will forever remain in each student-athletes’ lives. They signed away and made history for the school and themselves. They did it.
THE FIRST ACADEMY
n Emerson Gunkel: Softball, Bryant University
n Luna Taboas: Softball, University of Georgia
n Sulexy Falcon: Softball, Florida International University
n Cannon Koronka: Baseball, University of North Florida
n Isaiah Comas: Baseball, Santa Fe State College
n Mackenzie Butcher: Soccer, Baldwin Wallace University
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
n Lee Peters: Track and field, University of Tennessee
n Riley Winters: Softball, Belmont University
n Kena Terry: Softball, University of Tampa
n Ethan Pate: Baseball, Coker University
n Jose Taveras: Baseball, Tallahassee State
n Luna Dela Cruz: Volleyball, USMMA
n Geiliany Del Valle: Volleyball, Embry Riddle
OCOEE HIGH
n Dakara Merthie: Basketball, Charleston University
WEST ORANGE HIGH
n Delaney Benfatti: Lacrosse, University of New Haven
n Cassidy Flakes: Volleyball, University of North Carolina Charlotte
n Skylar Kessler: Volleyball, Stonehill College
n Katelyn Landis: Volleyball, University of Denver
n Kayla McKinney: Swimming, Monmouth University
n Addison Petch: Lacrosse, Belmont Abbey College
WINDERMERE HIGH
n Hazel Seppi: Softball, Chattanooga State
n Liliana Krstolic: Swimming, University of Georgia
n Brynn Lavigueur: Swimming, University of Texas
n Colin Thacker: Baseball, St. Johns River State College
n Mick Streibig: Baseball, Thomas University
n Brody Johnston: Baseball, Thomas University
Lady Vipers begin new season at Jones
Lake Buena Vista girls basketball team kicked off its 2025-26 season with a 58-26 loss Monday, Nov. 18, at Jones High School.
The Lady Vipers are coming off an 8-7 record from last year and lost six seniors from the roster. The game came
down to rebounds, and Jones fought hard in the paint.
Lake Buena Vista will play in a district tournament that begins Monday, Dec. 1, against West Orange. — MEGAN BRUINSMA
FRANKLIN BENNETT MORRIS
DIED FRIDAY, NOV. 14, 2025. Franklin Bennett Morris, “Frank”, age 68, of Ocoee, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Born in Eufaula, Alabama, Frank moved to Winter Garden at the age of 2. He graduated in 1974 from Lakeview High School, where he played varsity football. After high school, he went to the police academy and was a reserve officer for the city of Winter Garden. Frank went on to work for the Orange County Building Department until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Joan Morris. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Kim Butler Morris; daughters, Lacy Morris and Alison Morris-Neuberger; grandchildren, Kalina Puccio, Carter, and Caroline and Calvin Goff; brothers, Ken Morris, of Winter Garden, and David (Leslie) Morris, of Lafayette, Louisiana; as well as a large extended family and many, many friends. Frank loved golfing, being a grandfather and being involved in his church, where he was a deacon.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Starke Lake Baptist Church, 611 West Ave., Ocoee. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Pritchard officiating. Interment will be at Winter Garden Cemetery.
Randy Cross, 68, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden. Mildred M. Howell, 95, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Baldwin-Fairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home. Merlyn “Jake” Earl Wagoner, 93, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Interment with military honors will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
Razan Shaimi prepared her angle for the free throw.
Left: Lake Buena Vista fought hard against a tough Jones team.
The Lady Vipers are working to play cohesively as a team.
Rebounds were a key factor in Jones’ win.
Right: Zulmarie Vega was an encouraging force for her teammates.
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to
OF THE WEEK
INFLUENCER
KENNETH BOYD WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
Kenneth Boyd is a music teacher and department chair at West Orange High School. He is responsible for marching band, concert bands, jazz band and piano classes.
Boyd has been the West Orange High Teacher of the Year and finalist for Orange County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He has received the Oliver Hobbs award from the Florida Bandmasters Association and the National Band Association Blue Ribbon Band Program of Excellence.
“Mr. Boyd is the epitome of what you want in a band teacher,” West Orange Principal Matt Turner said. “He is positive, has high expectations for students, grows his band through cultivating a family atmosphere where the students take the majority of the leadership roles and is very skilled as a teacher and performer.”
What brought you to your school?
I started at West Orange in 2007. I was encouraged to apply for the band director position by a good friend of mine who was already teaching band at Lakeview.
What do you love most about your school?
There is a lot to like at West Orange. Great students, faculty, administration and a great community to work and live in. I think what makes West Orange even more special is the culture of inclusion. I think it is important for there to be a place for everyone at a school and all those places should be supported. ... What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Teaching music, it is easy to point to concert performances and halftime shows as rewarding, and they definitely are. There are, however, so many more significant but less visible moments that I think have more impact on students. Those moments are usually found when we meet a student where they are, show them what is possible and then witness that achievement. Those are the best moments.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I would love to say a golfer, but I don’t think I would make it! I do play trumpet in addition to teaching — with Brevard Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and for Epcot’s Candlelight Procession — so maybe I would do that on a more permanent basis.
Who influences you?
I am influenced by many in different ways but my colleagues at West Orange. Garth Steger and Colin Urbina, are inspiring educators and fun to teach with. I am, however, probably most influenced by my wife, Jennifer. She is an amazing partner and mother to our three children, plus she is a much better teacher than I am!
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
In high school, it was Bob Schaer. He was my band director and the best
REPORT CARD
Position: Music teacher and department chair
Years with school: 2007
Years with OCPS: 27
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
male role model I had in life at that time. In college, it was my trumpet teacher, John Almeida. Both of these men invested their time and energy into me, and I could never repay them.
What is your favorite band piece to conduct or perform and why?
I like conducting the incomparable West Orange Warrior Band on “Amazing Grace” after every home football game. The band started playing “Amazing Grace” after the passing of Harold Cooper, the first band director at West Orange. It was his favorite song, and I am proud to carry on that tradition.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
What is this spare time of which you speak? I like spending time with my family whenever possible. My oldest son, Garrett, is a student at UCF, and my daughter, Emma, is in her freshman year at FSU. My youngest son, Tyler, is enjoying his senior year at West Orange, so spending time with them ranks high! Beyond that, I do love to golf, I also love to play the trumpet.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to have one meal with Harry Connick Jr. He is my favorite jazz musician.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Harry Connick Jr., the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Beatles. All three offer completely authentic, true-to-themselves musical performances, regardless of the style of music performed.
What is your favorite memory as a band director?
There have been a lot of incredible memories, trips and performances, including Midwest, CBDNA, London, Chicago and New York to name a few. Of course, playing for our amazing football team every Friday would rank right up there, as well. But honestly, there was one year when all three of my children were in the band together at West Orange. That was amazing.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas, hands down. My mom always worked hard to make Christmas special for us growing up. Looking back, I know how difficult that was for her, but she always made that holiday so special for my brother, sister and me.
Photo by TK Photography
Science Night sparks fun at Foundation Academy
Children unlocked their inner scientist at Foundation Academy’s fifth annual Science Night Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The kids were handed a passport to show them along their journey of discovering all science holds. From slime to shooting rockets to robots, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Foundation’s upperclassmen and faculty organized the night. Senior Alexa Garcia said she enjoys volunteering to see the Lions community come together and supporting the teachers. She guided children on their microscope journey as they discovered the 4-day-old brine shrimp.
MEGAN BRUINSMA
Kids were curious as they peeked through microscopes to see 4-day-old shrimp up close.
Right: Eli Prince had to smell flavors through a jar and match it with the correct box. He was spot on with all of them.
Alejandro Diaz taught the kids how to use the circuits to launch flying propellors. One landed right on his shoulder.
Ellie and Emmalynn Elliott worked together to make a bridge out of spaghetti noodles and marshmallows. Danica and Chase Hillner were amazed to see their slime come to life.
Ella Napotnik and Mara Chamberlin worked in the slime lab. They said it was a chaotic station but fun.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
1940: 85 years ago
The movie program for the week at the Winter Garden Theatre: Johnny Mack Brown in “Pony Express,” “Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum” and Edward G. Robinson in “Confessions of a Nazi Spy.”
Among the men selected to report to The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina, was Cadet Gene Cappleman of Winter Garden.
Ira Thornton, a florist, advertised funeral wreaths and sprays for $1.50 and up.
The Economy Store in Winter Garden advertised Whiter Wash Rinse, large size for 21 cents and small size for nine cents; LifeBuoy soap, three for 19 cents; Lux soap, three for 19 cents; Lux flakes, small size, two for 19 cents, and large size for 23 cents; and Spry shortening, 20 cents for a one-pound can and 49 cents for a threepound can.
1945: 80 years ago
Sgt. William J. Moran Jr., of Winter Garden, who was overseas for nine months as an engineer gunner on a B-17 with the 379th Bomb Group, was awarded for participating in 25 missions the Air Medal with Three Clusters and wears the ETO Ribbon with Three Stars.
1950: 75 years ago
Fred Tilden, of Winter Garden, was invited to play in the tennis matches in Leesburg called the Venetian Gardens Invitational Tournament.
1965: 60 years ago
Winter Garden was looking forward to getting a modern 42-unit motel bearing the city’s name on a 500foot site facing State Road 50 near South Dillard Street. It later was named the Winter Garden Inn.
On Nov. 16, 1963 — six days before his assassination — President John F. Kennedy visited the space center at Cape Canaveral. He was present to witness the launch of a missile fired from a Polaris submarine, although the demonstration was unsuccessful due to a technological glitch.
Many local residents were employed by the aerospace industry, notably at the Martin Marietta facility in southwest Orlando. As the country expanded its exploratory and defense initiatives, the Bee Line Expressway was constructed to allow Martin Marietta employees quick access to the burgeoning Space Coast. Exactly a week after his death, the complex was renamed Cape Kennedy.
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
Dillard Street Elementary School recognized its monthly Good Citizenship winners: Kim Mercer, Karen Day, Keli Ledford, Robbie Beyers, Benny Horton, Cathy Moorfield, Mary Ballant, George Spigener, Ricky Faircloth, Michael Tolbert, Dianne Beyers, Sharon Braziel, Larry Walker, Mitchell Daniels, Mike Aubry, Robin Tisdale, Melissa Knoblett, Jackie Simmons, Tammy Nelms, Farrell Cawley, Anthony Williams, Randall Waters,
1995: 30 years ago
In its 20th Homecoming celebration, West Orange High School crowned seniors Felicia Williams and Chris Aber as its queen and king.
After learning of the U.S. Postal Service’s plan to move the Winter Garden Post Office from downtown to a site on West Colonial Drive
and County Road 545, city officials drafted a letter with an offer to modify the existing building to keep a full-service facility on Plant Street. Lee Grimes, a special-effects makeup artist from Winter Garden, worked with actor Peter DeLuise and the cast and crew when they were on location in Windermere to film an episode of “seaQuest 2032.”
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
NOV. 20, 1986
Remember the thrill of going to your local video store and finding a copy of the movie you want is available to rent? In 1986, the newest video rental business opened in Ocoee. Broadway Video offered more than 7,000 titles in both Beta and VHS. For $10.99,
