11.27.25 West Orange Times & Observer

5FAST

1Orange County approves project to widen Ficquette Road

Orange County officials approved a $63 million project to widen Ficquette Road.

The north-south route is a major thoroughfare in Horizon West. Drivers face daily back-ups on the road where the four lanes narrows to two.

The plans to expand the road have been in discussion since 2016, but they have been delayed by the factors in a public-private partnership.

Now that officials have approved the project, construction will begin in January, and it is expected to take about two years to complete.

Ficquette Road will widen from a two-lane undivided facility to a four-lane divided roadway from south of Inglenook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard.

Officials approved the project to enhance traffic operations and improve safety on the corridor.

A final newsletter will be sent to residents before construction begins.

2

Windermere Country Club owner files for bankruptcy

The real-estate and development firm that purchased the Windermere Country Club has filed for bankruptcy.

NYA Capital Inc., which purchased the shuttered club from previous owner Bryan DeCunha in August 2024, filed for Chapter 11 protection Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.

According to the filing, NYA Capital has $10 million to $50 million in assets and liabilities. The petition was signed by NYA President Brice Culbreth, a 2008 graduate of Olympia High School. NYA never released any details of plans for Windermere Country Club. According to its website, NYA’s development portfolio includes projects such as The Dolphin Mall in Miami, a Jaguar dealership in Tampa and various residential communities. 3

Ocoee PD warns of fake bail bondsmen The Ocoee Police Department is warning residents to look out for scammers pretending to be bail bondsmen targeting residents.

The department has received several reports of scammers messaging residents claiming a loved one is in jail and asking for money through Chime, Zelle or Apple Pay.

“Once you take the bait, they’re then calling back to establish some kind of electronic monitoring so for you to pay again and the scam keeps going on and on,” said Sgt. David Ogletree with the Ocoee Police Department’s Criminal Investiga-

The department is encouraging residents to always verify directly with your loved one, check that any bail bondsman is legitimate and when in doubt, call the Ocoee Police Department.

4

Horizon West schools mourn loss of beloved crossing guard

Horizon West schools are mourning the sudden passing of school crossing guard Lynn Toenges. Toenges was hired as an Orange County Sheriff’s Office crossing guard in 2024 after he retired from Disney. Sheriff’s Office officials said he was missing the

Since then, he had spent his mornings and afternoons talking to Bay Lake Elementary and Horizon West Middle students and their families while keeping them safe as they crossed the roads.

“Wishing nothing but strength and comfort to all who knew Lynn Toenges, who spent the last year serving our community as a crossing guard at Bay Lake Elementary and Horizon West Middle School,” District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson posted on Facebook. “He will be deeply missed.”

5

Couple recognized as Citizens of the Year Two West Orange residents were recognized as Citizens of the Year by District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson.

“It’s my absolute privilege to honor two remarkable District 1 residents, Anne and Shaun Fulton,” Wilson said. “For years, they’ve poured energy into supporting the West Orange marching band.”

Beyond supporting the West Orange High School marching band, the Fultons provide services to many vulnerable members of the community.

“We think it’s a great idea to boost what we stand for,” Anne Fulton said. “It’s to support those most vulnerable in our community in a dignified and beautiful way.”

The couple is developing comfort

“They’re more than volunteers; they’re catalysts,” Wilson said of

for

We 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:

42 9

File photo

NYA Capital Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Christmas salute

Horizon West American Legion Post 419 works to honor veterans during Wreaths Across America with help of Horizon West teen.

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to sponsor a wreath, visit bit.ly/3K5Kpz6.

Wreaths are $17 each. You can sponsor a wreath in honor of a veteran you know, a friend or family member who served, a stranger who gave their all, or as a way to say thank you to those who served.

The deadline to donate wreaths is Monday, Dec. 1.

IF YOU GO

NATIONAL WREATHS

ACROSS AMERICA DAY

WHO: Horizon West American Legion Post 419

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13

WHERE: Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha

DETAILS: Participate in placing a wreath on a veteran’s headstone to honor veterans. At 11 a.m. there will be a ceremony.

INFORMATION: facebook. com/HWAL419

LIZ

RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Horizon West 15-year-old

Ethan Tasior spent hours in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha looking for veterans’ gravestones.

He came across a gravestone with the name Bob Ross on it.

His initial reaction was surprise. Could this really be the gravestone of famous painter and teacher Bob Ross?

But what surprised Tasior more was learning Ross was a veteran. Indeed, the artist was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and reached the rank of master sergeant. His time in the military influenced his scenic artwork.

Tasior added Ross to the growing database of veterans resting at Woodlawn he created as part of his Eagle Scout project last year. The project also supports Horizon West American Legion Post 419’s National Wreath Across America efforts.

The legion will use the database Tasior created to coordinate efforts for this year’s Wreaths Across America Saturday, Dec. 13, at Woodlawn.

NEVER FORGET

Tasior has several family members who served in the military in various branches, including the Navy, Army,

Marines and Air Force. His greatgrandfathers served during World War II, and some aunts and uncles served in active combat in Vietnam. His father, Terry Tasior, was named in honor of Lt. Terrence C. Graves, who received the Medal of Honor and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam War.

“This is a great way for me to learn more about my family histories,” Ethan Tasior said. “I never knew that some of my family members served. Hearing their stories and getting to see a different side of them is such a great thing for me, because I love learning history.”

The time and care Ethan Tasior took in learning his own family history is the same he did with each gravestone he encountered at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Ethan Tasior has been laying wreaths on veteran gravestones since he was in second grade. He had known for years he wanted to do something related to remembering and honoring veterans for his Eagle Scout project.

When he learned Woodlawn didn’t have a database to track the location of the more than 2,500 veterans buried at the cemetery, he thought it was the perfect project.

Based on the veterans’ gravestones, Ethan Tasior’s database has veterans’ names, ranks, branch in which they served, war(s) they fought in and any honors they received. When searching through the database people can filter based on information they have available to find the right veteran.

Ethan Tasior found 30 veterans

who received Purple Hearts, three prisoners of war, 16 Bronze Star Medal recipients and a Pearl Harbor survivor while creating the database.

“It kind of filled me with a sense of sadness to know there are this many young men that had to give their life for our freedoms,” he said. “But it also filled me with a sense of joy knowing there’s this many young men willing to fight for our freedom and pride in thinking there’s this many men who were committed to all their family and friends and country back then.”

He brought together about 25 other Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts to help with clearing gravesites of veterans so he could record their information in the database. Sometimes the gravestones would be covered in dirt or sand.

While cleaning the graves, Ethan Tasior came across family members who already had spent an hour trying to find the grave of their loved one who was a veteran. Ethan Tasior was able to look up their loved one and, within 15 minutes, guided them to the correct headstone.

“It filled me up with a sense of joy and pride that I was able to help people,” he said. “It felt really nice to see they were able to find their person, because some of them weren’t in the best shape to go walking the whole cemetery. It was nice I was able to give them the accurate information and say, ‘Here he is or she is.’”

Terry Tasior said it’s impressive to see how his son’s project started as a simple idea and has become an effort that has “touched so many people without that being the intent.”

“It was a selflessness that Ethan displayed of wanting to help the community without looking for recognition in any form, and that to us, is what really makes us proud of

what he’s done,” Terry Tasior said. “It’s great that he’s able to bring back attention to those who have helped serve and protect our country.”

To date, Ethan Tasior has recorded 2,069 veteran headstones at Woodlawn. He hopes to include the more than 2,500 veterans at the cemetery and continue to keep the database up to date.

WREATH OF HONOR

Once Ethan Tasior learned the cemetery didn’t have as much support for Wreaths Across America, he added supporting the event to his efforts.   Horizon West American Legion Post 419 had taken over Wreaths Across America efforts at Woodlawn after another post asked if they would get involved. In the legion’s first year at Woodlawn in 2023, the legion had taken over only two weeks before the event. Jess Makin, the Horizon West legion’s second vice commander, said the post only had 250 wreaths.

With a year to work toward Wreaths Across America Day in 2024, the legion increased its efforts to spread awareness and was able to raise enough money and receive donations for 850 wreaths.

Ethan Tasior raised enough money to purchase 150 wreaths himself. Makin said Ethan Tasior’s work was “probably the biggest part” of the post reaching 850 wreaths last year.  Makin said the post would like to eventually have enough wreaths for all of the more than 2,500 veteran gravestones at Woodlawn.

Makin said participating in Wreaths Across America Day is “one of the most humbling” activities someone can do each year. She once worked at a national cemetery, which is how she initially was introduced to the effort. She helped the families coordinate services for their loved one.

“It was so touching to see and hear all the other stories of what military families went through, and it became, to me, just a personal thing of I may not have known every veteran that comes through the cemetery or that’s placed at different cemeteries, but it’s a way to give back to veterans who have served,” she said.

On National Wreaths Across America Day, which is Saturday, Dec. 13, this year, the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 members and volunteers will gather at Woodlawn Cemetery. From 9 to 11 a.m., people will place wreaths on veterans’ graves. At 11 a.m., there will be a short ceremony to talk about the wreaths and their importance as well as an honor ceremony to honor each military branch.

“It’s a time to sit back and remember why we all get to do the things we do,” Makin said. “This year and a lot of years prior to this have been very tough on everybody in the country, and it’s just something to stop and give back and think, ‘There are people that have got us to where we are and have supported and sacrificed for this country so we can still have the privileges we do have.’”

At each gravesite, someone will personally place a wreath on each headstone and say the name and the branch in which the veteran served and salute the veteran.

“It’s an out loud calling of something to say, ‘Hey, we still remember you. You’re not forgotten,’” Makin said. “That’s just something that’s always stuck with me.”

Courtesy image

Ethan Tasior placed a wreath honoring each military branch during the National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony in 2024. Tasior has spent hours cataloging the veteran gravesites at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Holiday cheer for all to hear

Winter Garden’s Santa Run and Ocoee’s Operation Santa bring joy to the community.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

‘Twas the night of Winter Gar-

den Fire Rescue’s Santa Run when all through the station, firefighters were stirring, even the chief.

They almost were finished with preparations with much relief.

The lights were glistening, and the sleigh was ready to fly.

Children anxiously waited in their driveways with hopes of seeing Santa come by.

As the clock struck 6, Santa and his helpers were on the way.

Winter Garden’s Amelia Mackey and her 2- and 5-year-old sons had been waiting for the special day.

In matching pajamas, they jumped for joy as they saw Santa in his sleigh make his way down the street during another Santa Run tradition.

Santa and the fire department, once again, had accomplished their mission.

Children and their families were filled with holiday cheer.

Winter Garden Fire Rescue is bringing back the annual Santa Run Monday, Dec. 8, with hopes of another successful year.

HOLIDAY TRADITION

For decades, Winter Garden Fire Rescue and the Ocoee Fire Department have been bringing joy to their communities by inviting Santa to ride in his sleigh while Christmas music is blasting and his helpers are tossing candy to children.

Participating in Operation Santa has been a tradition for Ocoee Deputy Chief Shawn Sorenson since his rookie year as a firefighter in 1999. He recalled a citizen coming to the station asking for help getting Santa to visit a home in Cross Creek of Ocoee.

Sorenson and his fellow firefighters, ready to serve their community in any way they could, was able to get St. Nick to visit the family and neighbors.

It sparked an idea.

What if Mr. Claus could bring merriment and joy to all Ocoee residents in the weeks leading up to Christmas, directly to their neighborhoods?

Thus, Operation Santa began.

Now the department escorts Santa through dozens of neighborhoods in Ocoee across six nights. The Ocoee Police Department also participates by having a toy drive during the parade. As the parade goes through the neighborhoods, Santa’s helpers collect new, unwrapped toys from residents to support the department’s Holiday Toys for Kids in Need program.

“Anything we can do to promote joy in God’s world, that’s what we should do,” Sorenson said. “Some kids aren’t fortunate to have a Christmas that some of us were able to get, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to get toys from the citizens, to give back to the citizens. That’s awesome. That’s God’s love.”

Sorenson recalled a few years ago, when the police department collected a surplus of toys, so the department took the extra toys to distribute in areas of Ocoee. He said a little girl was unsure she could accept the toy he was offering her.

“She was reluctant to grab it, like, ‘What am I supposed to do?’” he said. “I was able to hand it to her, and she just looked at her parents and started crying — just so excited that we didn’t want anything from her. I will never forget what she looked like.”

Winter Garden Fire Rescue also has been parading through its neighborhoods for six nights each year, bringing the magic of Christmas with them. The tradition started at least 22 years ago.

When Matt McGrew joined Winter Garden Fire Rescue in 2006 as a deputy chief, he was handed a binder and given control of the Santa Run. He has been involved ever since, even after he retired five years ago after serving as deputy chief for eight years and then as fire chief for six.

“I come here as deputy chief in Winter Garden thinking I’m going to be taking care of all this fire business and EMS business, and the first thing I get handed is a folder on the Santa Run,” McGrew said with a laugh.  He had heard the parade from a distance at his home but had never

experienced it himself. The first time he did, it blew him away. He became so invested, he became one of Santa’s right-hand men.

“When Santa reaches out and asks you to help, that’s a new level of responsibility,” McGrew said. “Everybody (who) does the Santa’s helper role takes it to heart. We want to make sure we’re doing our very best to basically spread the magic of Christmas.”

Both departments have people from the city government, firefighters and police officers volunteer to be Santa’s helpers. The cities also provide funding to help support sleigh repairs and other needs to make the parades happen each year.

Much like elves with special talents, firefighters are able to use their respective skills to make the event go off without a hitch. Winter Garden

Fire Chief Jose Gainza said he has firefighters who specialize in lighting and make sure all the lights on the sleigh are shining bright. He has firefighters who have carpentry skills and ensure every detail of the sleigh is just right, working and up to Santa’s standards.

He recalled one year when the sleigh broke down at the end of the Santa Run. The elves were called in and in no time, the sleigh was up and running again so more holiday cheer could be spread the next night.

Gainza said some employees make the Santa Run a tradition for them to kick off their holiday season, just like some residents.

“I’ve heard stories from residents who used to come out and see it when they were kids, and now that they live here as adults and have their own kids, it’s an event they get to do with their kids, so there’s some good history in it,” Gainza said.

While many firefighters’ interaction with the community often will be on the worst day of residents’ lives, Gainza said the Santa Run is an opportunity for them to give residents’ some of their best days.

“You get to see people, bring happiness to people, and it’s just a great feeling,” Gainza said.

JOY TO THE WORLD For everyone involved, it’s all about the children.

McGrew and Ocoee Parks and Recreation leader Brian Hendrix, who both have served as Kris Kringle’s right-hand men for several years, said seeing families come together brings them joy.

“You see the community come together, and you see four or five families meet in a driveway and have a barbecue,” McGrew said. “You only go by them for 30 seconds, but it was just that evening where they all got together and they came out for one particular thing — to forget about everything else that’s going on and just be a community.”

Hendrix recalled an adult following

the sleigh all the day down the sidewalk screaming for Santa because she was so excited.

More wonderful than seeing the community together is seeing children’s faces light up. They hear the children chanting for Santa and their eyes widen as St. Nick rides by in the sleigh.

“I’ve always been a kid at heart,” Hendrix said. “I’ve always liked being in the parade. This just gives me joy. It makes me feel good inside just to see everybody happy and having a good time.”

Mackey said her family looks forward to the Santa Run every year, marking the night on their calendar as soon as the dates are posted to ensure they don’t miss it.

“I feel like it really sort of helps kick off the holiday season right after the tree lighting that happens the weekend before, it really is such a cool tradition that Winter Garden has,” she said. “It’s such a special moment for my husband and the boys and (me) to be together as a family. It’ll bring excitement and joy and laughter, and it’s just a special time to really get the family into the holiday spirit. I’m just so grateful the city of Winter Garden puts this on for the community.”

For three years, the Mackeys have traveled to the neighborhood next to theirs to ensure they see Santa since the Santa run doesn’t come through their neighborhood.

They dress decked out in Christmas gear and patiently wait for Santa’s arrival. She already has their Grinch pajamas ready to go for this year’s Santa Run.

At first, they see the Winter Garden Police Department with their sirens and lights guiding the way. Then comes the firetruck with more sirens and lights, letting everyone know Santa almost is there.

Finally, the moment has come. Attached to a brush fire truck is a 24-foot trailer turned Santa’s sleigh shining bright with Santa shouting, “Ho, ho ho,” and waving to the dozens of families standing in their driveways.

Mackey said the look on her children’s faces is pure joy.

“There’s no other way to describe it,” she said. “They’re grinning ear to ear, jumping up and down. Of course, the older one is chasing trying to get the candy that’s being thrown off the truck, too.”

In Ocoee, the last night of Operation Santa ends at Marge Johnstone’s house, which is turned into a winter wonderland each year. She decks the halls inside and out, instantly putting people in the Christmas spirit. She also feeds everyone who comes to visit and tour the home.

“It’s a special night,” she said. “To watch people’s faces is incredible. I can’t even explain it. When it’s finished, I’m full at heart.”

“If

Editor and

/ Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

Senior Editor / Liz Ramos, lramos@OrangeObserver.com

Historian / Amy Quesinberry Price, 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

IF YOU GO

WINTER GARDEN SANTA RUN

The Santa Run will start between 5:45 and 6 p.m. and go until 9 p.m.

For map routes, an estimated schedule of Santa’s arrival and nearby viewing locations, visit cwgdn.com/865/Winter-GardenFire-Rescue-Annual-Santa-R.

n Monday, Dec. 8: Northwest Winter Garden

n Tuesday, Dec. 9: Northeast Winter Garden

n Wednesday, Dec. 10: South Winter Garden - west side of County Road 545 corridor

n Thursday, Dec. 11: South Winter Garden - east side of County Road 545 corridor

n Friday, Dec. 12: South Winter Garden - Country Road 535 and Daniel’s Road corridor

n Saturday, Dec. 13: South Winter Garden - Beulah and Windermere roads corridor

An alternate date is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 15, if weather interrupts one of Santa’s visit.

OCOEE OPERATION SANTA

Operation Santa will start at 5:30 p.m. and go until 9 p.m. Track Santa’s location at ocoee. org/OperationSantaTracker.

n Tuesday, Dec. 2: Lake Olympia Club, Lake Olympia, Lakeview, Brentwood Heights, Silver Glen, Willows on the Lake, Waterside, Reserve, Reflections, Hidden Glen, Weston Park, Johio Boy, Richfield, Coventry, Temple Grove Estates and Silver Bend

n Thursday, Dec. 4: Windsor Landing, Meadow Ridge, Cross Creek, Villages of Wesmere, Brookstone, Wesmere, Windermere Groves and Advenir at the Oaks

n Tuesday, Dec. 9: Meadow Lake, Prairie Lake Reserve, Wentworth, Westchester, Remington Oaks, Prairie Lake Village, Arden Park I & II, Oak Trail Reserve, Orchard Park, Windstone, Forest Trails, Sawmill, Forest Oaks and Wellington Place

n Thursday, Dec. 11: Prima Vista, Sleepy Harbour Drive, Shoal Creek, Highlands, Ashton Park, Crestwood Heights, Hammocks, Rose Hill, Whitehill, Wedgewood Commons, Lake Olympia Townhomes, Veronica Place, Admiral Pointe and Sleepy Harbour

n Tuesday, Dec. 16: Mobile Lane/ Security Circle, Forest Ridge, Lakewood Manor, Springdale, The Meadows, Amber Ridge, Peach Lake Manor, Foxfire, Spring Lake Reserve, Spring Lake Hills, Towns of Westyn Bay, Westyn Bay and Preserve at Crown Point

n Thursday, Dec. 18: Pioneer Key I & II, Forest Lake Estates, Ingram Trails, McCormick Woods, Brynmar, McCormick Reserve, Kensington Manor, Forestbrooke, Forestbrooke Estates, Eagles Landing and The Vineyards

Alternate dates are Friday, Dec. 5, Friday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 19.

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Courtesy photos Santa brings joy to thousands of Ocoee residents each year with the help of the Ocoee Fire Department.

Santa has plenty of helpers in Winter Garden and Ocoee.

City of Ocoee will take over operations of Forest Lake Golf Club

BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

The Ocoee City Commission unanimously voted to reject all three firms’ proposals for Forest Lake Golf Club and develop a plan for full city operation of the club during the meeting Tuesday, Nov. 18.

The commission had interviewed Hampton Golf, Tamarack Golf Management and Ocoee Golf Holdings to run the club during the city’s special session Tuesday, Oct. 21. Commissioners expressed their concerns with the proposed ideas, saying they didn’t suit what was needed for Ocoee residents.

During the transitional period and planning stages, Ocoee will extend current operator Down to Earth’s lease for 90 days.

Ocoee city staff will work on a process to meet with the commissioners to build a plan to achieve the citizens’ and commissioners’ goals.

District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III was absent for the special session meeting. He was prepared to vote for Tamarack Golf Management, but he came to a realization while picking up trash with his neighbor.

He and his neighbor reflected on when Ocoee owned its own trash company and how smoothly everything flowed. The moment made Oliver realize taking control of Forest Lake might be the way to go and he made a pros and cons list.

Taking control of Forest Lake means Ocoee will have full control over the pricing, programming, customer service standards, public benefit focus and operational decisions for the residents and youth programs, Oliver said.

In his eyes, the cons were the financial risks with learning operational and capital demands of a golf course, irrigation, cart fleets and green equipment.

“This is not a profit-making thing for us,” Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said of the commission’s decision.

“It’s a thing for the citizens of the city that we give them back the golf course and make it a place you want to go play.”

Johnson highlighted the significant course improvements needed, including replacing or demolishing old facilities, repairing several greens

IN OTHER NEWS

n The second reading of an ordinance amending section 1248 through section 124-11 of the code of ordinances for smoking and vaping prohibited in portions of recreational property was unanimously approved.

n The ordinance amending the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 year-end budget was unanimously approved. It will increase appropriations in revenue and expenditures totaling $3,134,000 in the Health Insurance Fund; a $1.3 million increase in the Sanitation Fund; a $2,598 increase in the Police Community Programs Fund; reallocation of $2,255,988 in the Water/Wastewater Fund; an increase of $350 in the Debt Service Fund; and various increases and reallocations of $878,182 in the General Fund.

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

ANGLICAN

ANGLICAN COMMUNITY

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Find us at: Theacf.net

BAPTIST

BEULAH BAPTIST

Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org

as well as upgrading the driving range and resturant operations. The city has spent 25 years with the previous operations to make those improvements that never happened. He said now is the time for the commission to take control of the operation, rather than “dragging it out.”

SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM

SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352

“It can be a treasure in our city, what we got there,” he said.

FUTURE DOWNTOWN GROWTH

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana

The City Commission unanimously approved formalizing collaboration with G3 Development for its master development plan for downtown Ocoee.

Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org

2nd Campus:

The plan includes adding familystyle apartments, businesses with apartments, business offices, highend family-style homes, a high-end restaurant overlooking Starke Lake and a parking garage.

FOUNDATION WORSHIP

SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

Jake Gunther, of G3 Development, said the plan is “fluid” and nothing is fully set; the developer wanted to plant the vision in the commissioners’ minds. It will take more than 10 years to complete.

Mayor Pro Tem Rosemary Wilsen recalled 25 years ago when Ocoee was presented with a master plan for a bandshell by the lake and it didn’t pass. She said Ocoee now is in a position to make these enhancements.

CHURCH

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee

Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

File photo

City leaders rejected proposals from three private companies to operate the club.

Orange County Commission approves new phase of Horizon West Regional Park

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

The next phase of Horizon West Regional Park is one step closer to becoming a reality.

The Orange County Board of County Commission approved the construction contract to continue onto Phase 1B of Horizon West Regional Park, the county’s 114th park.

The park sits on 215.25 acres at Hamlin Groves Trail and Mann Road in Winter Garden.

Phase 1B will cost $5 million and bring more amenities to the park.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said construction on Phase 1B should begin soon; the contract was approved in late October.

This phase will add a large splash pad, additional sidewalks, parking areas, a third picnic shelter and a pavilion with a paved parking area on the west side of the playground, as well as a floating dock and a kayak launch on Lake Hartley.

“I know everyone is very eager for outdoor public events, so we wanted to make sure that if we had the possibility of doing that, that we were creating that space,” Wilson said.

And the possibility arrived. Phase 1B will include a green space where farmers markets and community events can take place.

“I get really excited about that passive, open green space,” Wilson said. “People need to be able to play. Whether it’s going out with friends and throwing a frisbee, or you know, anyone that has toddlers in their house knows they need to get their zoomies out.

“It’s good for people who maybe weren’t following this back a few years ago, but the investments were really chosen based on what the community put in their survey, so it was all community driven,” she said.

Although an opening date has not yet been set, the park should be ready for public use before the year ends and

will remain open through other construction phases.

Phase 1A will offer an inclusive playground, restrooms and pavilions for picnics and birthdays. Park visitors also will have the opportunity to horseback ride or hike on the about 6 miles of unpaved hiking trails.

“Any day now, we’re going to hear about an opening for the first phase,”

Wilson said. “We’ll try to do something ceremonial, just so everyone will know about it.”

Orange County’s Parks and Recreation team worked closely with the county’s environmental protection team to ensure construction was being done conscientiously due to residents’ concerns over the area’s wildlife.

MASTER PLAN PHASING

Local park enthusiast Jerry Blank has taken it upon himself to work with Parks and Recreation to come up with creative solutions for how to make sure gopher tortoises staying on site are being protected.

Phase 1B is slated to be complete in 2027 or 2028. Plans for Phase 2 already are in the works.

Wilson said this phase will include an art stage adjacent to an open air green space; a dedicated dog park; baseball and softball fields; pickleball, tennis and basketball courts; and a disc golf course.

She also said Phase 2 will entail bringing outdoor fitness and exercise stations to the park, a botanical garden and other landscape projects.

“I hope it fulfills that need that we

hear from people about so many different things,” Wilson said of the park.

“I’m hoping that it satisfies many things for people and that everyone sort of finds their thing at the park.”

To her, this is a quality-of-life investment and hopes others also see it that way, as funding for these parks come from property taxes through the county’s General Fund.

“I do think it’s important people know that things like parks come from their property taxes and this is something that it’s an investment everybody wants,” Wilson said. “(It adds) value to their property and their neighborhoods are more desirable if there’s a nearby community park like this, so I hope people can draw those connections.”

PHASES

PHASE 1A n

PHASE 1B

PHASE 2 n Art stage n Dedicated dog park

n Baseball and softball fields n Pickleball, tennis and basketball courts

n Disc golf course

n Outdoor fitness and exercise stations n Botanical garden

Challenge 22 hosted its ninth annual ruck walk to support veterans.

LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR

Eric Martinez first participated in the annual Challenge 22 Ruck Walk

He served in the Navy from 1991 to 2002, and he needed help as a civilian.

He said he learned about SOF Missions, a nonprofit that provides resources and assistance for veterans struggling with PTSD and chal-

lenges from their military service, while participating in the ruck walk.

“That started my journey of recovery,” Martinez said. “I always thought there was no help for people like me because I was on a Navy ship, but I was able to get that help here.”

At the ninth annual Challenge 22 Ruck Walk Saturday, Nov. 15, Martinez brought a friend, who is a fellow veteran, so he could receive the same resources that helped him.

That’s the mission of the Challenge 22 Ruck Walk. Provide resources to veterans with the goal of ending veteran suicides.

At this year’s walk, Kurt Gies, founder of the Winter Garden nonprofit, as well as board member Austin Arthur, thanked everyone for

Happy Thanksgiving Sharing the load

attending. Amelia Hanks continued the tradition of singing the national anthem, which she started doing at the ruck walk nine years ago at 14 years old.

United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, was honored with a presentation of an American flag and the crowd sang “Happy Birthday” as he celebrated his 103rd birthday this year.

presented a

Eric Martinez, a Navy veteran, found resources that helped him when he attended last year’s Challenge 22 Ruck Walk. He wanted to pay it forward by bringing a friend to this

Left: United States Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mel Jenner, a World War II, Korea and Vietnam veteran, was

flag in honor of his friend Oscar McClure, who died while serving.

Kurt Gies, founder of Challenge 22, left, led the walk.

Members of West Orange High School’s JROTC program were all smiles before the walk.

Joe Nunes and Polly Nunes were proud to represent the Navy. Joe Nunes served in the Navy for 20 years.

year’s event.

HAMMER TIME! U

.S. Air Force veterans Tony and Cocoa Morgan stood tall on the stage as they shared their story.

The couple has been married for 39 years and has three children and 10 grandchildren. They currently live in a home that needs to be completely renovated.

After years of service and raising a family, Tony Morgan and his wife will be moving into a new home just one block away from where Tony Morgan was raised in Winter Garden — thanks to the efforts of West Orange Habitat for Humanity.

He thanked everyone at West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s annual Rock the House Saturday, Nov. 15, for the continued support as it helped people like him and his wife.

“This is an opportunity that

means so much so we can re-establish ourselves and re-establish our roots,” Tony Morgan said. “As our neighbor said, it gives us a place to call home.”

Dozens of organizations and businesses attended Rock the House and donated thousands of dollars to support the nonprofit’s efforts. At the end of the night, West Orange Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Marilyn Hattaway was announced the chief executive officer of the nonprofit.

— LIZ RAMOS

Austin Arthur, president of West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors, loved seeing so many supporters.

It became the Wild West Orange with the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange.

New West Orange Habitat homeowners Adrianne Corrigan, Ashley Ward and Star Reeves can’t wait to be in their new homes. All three women are single moms ready to move into the homes to build futures with their children.

Austin Arthur, president of West Orange Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Directors, right, thanked full home sponsors Charles Perry, of Charles Perry Partners; Heather Easterling, of Boyd Development; Becky and Charlie Roper, of Pilars; and Iliana Jones and Sal Ramos, of Empire Finish Systems.

New West Orange Habitat for Humanity homeowners Sherry Easley, and Cocoa and Tony Morgan shared their stories.

Left: The Winter Garden Bloom and Grow Society was all abuzz at Rock the House with its bee-themed table.

West Orange Habitat for Humanity board member Jo Barsh congratulated the newly named CEO Marilyn Hattaway.

Right: West Orange Habitat for Humanity staff Gale Fleming and Blake Hattaway smiled as crayons.

Photos by Megan Bruinsma, Liz Ramos and Leticia Silva

Susan Kniebbe, Shazy Kassim and Diane Schulze from Valley Bank enjoyed the night as cowgirls.

The home at 9406 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $795,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,299 square feet. Days on market: Three.

Amansion in the Bay Hill community in Dr. Phillips topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from Nov. 3 to 9.

The home at 8988 Houston Place, No. 303, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $1,620,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,394 square feet. Days on market: 160. The sellers were represented by Leslie Heimer, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY HILL

The home at 8988 Houston Place, No. 303, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $1,620,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,394 square feet. Days on market: 160.

BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 9774 Bohart Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 5, for $679,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,482 square feet. Days on market: 110.

HIDDEN ESTATES

The home at 5442 Split Pine Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 3, for $545,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,142 square feet. Days on market: 11.

HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5050 Hidden Springs Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $440,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,935 square feet of living area. Days on market: 139.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 6316 Marlberry Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $500,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,843 square feet. Days on market: 106.

The home at 8118 Golden Sands Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $500,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,824 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

SAND LAKE SOUND

The townhouse at 6078 Bimini Twist Loop, Orlando, sold Nov. 5, for $515,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,970 square feet. Days on market: 204.

TOSCANA

The home at 6919 Brescia Way, Orlando, sold Nov. 3, for $695,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,936 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

HORIZON WEST

HORIZON ISLE

The home at 13187 Telsen St., No. 38, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $830,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,719 square feet. Days on market: 79.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The townhouse at 77752 Moser Ave., Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $388,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet. Days on market: 69.

MERRICK LANDING

The townhouse at 13550 Caraway St., Windermere, sold Nov. 6, for $370,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,471 square feet. Days on market: 26.

OSPREY RANCH

The home at 12536 Westhaven Oak Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $574,500. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,500 square feet. Days on market: 48.

PRESTON SQUARE

The home at 6864 Helmsley Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 3, for $470,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,609 square feet. Days on market: 18.

RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 15402 Sandfield Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $735,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,176 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

SOUTHBRIDGE VILLAGE

The townhouse at 6327 Southbridge St., Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for $389,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,490 square feet of living area. Days on market: 169.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 11029 Robert Frost Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $600,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,683 square feet. Days on market: 13.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7930 Summerlake Pointe Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $836,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,182 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

The home at 14928 Porter Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $559,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,328 square feet. Days on market: 25.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The townhouse at 13742 Beckman Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $415,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,912 square feet. Days on market: 26.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 11027 Hollow Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $813,390. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet. Days on market: 120.

The home at 18058 Cider Mill Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $549,990. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,027 square feet. Days on market: 35.

WATERMARK

The home at 9574 Meadow Hunt Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $1,250,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three baths, three half-baths and 4,340 square feet. Days on market: 143.

The home at 14507 Winter Stay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $1,150,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,950 square feet. Days on market: 82.

The home at 9389 Meadow Hunt Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $460,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,829 square feet. Days on market: 148.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 10600 Reams Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $480,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,845 square feet. Days on market: 25.

OAKLAND

JOHNS COVE

The home at 1301 Johns Cove Lane, Oakland, sold Nov. 4, for $710,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,495 square feet. Days on market: 106.

OCOEE

BORDEAUX

The condo at 1101 Vintage Village Lane, No. 106, Ocoee, sold Nov. 8, for $135,000. Built in 2001, it has one bedroom, one-and-one-half baths and 702 square feet. Days on market: 34.

CHESHIRE WOODS

The home at 570 Finsbay Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 3, for $429,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,852 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

INGRAM TRAILS

The home at 2748 Pythagoras Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 5, for $500,000. Built in 2009, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,514 square feet of living area. Days on market: 68.

REFLECTIONS

The home at 1687 Sparkling Water Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 3, for $443,500. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,884 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

WESMERE

The home at 239 Longhirst Loop, Ocoee, sold Nov. 6, for $580,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,104 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

WYNWOOD

The home at 3417 Briarwood Grove Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 3, for $483,990. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,447 square feet. Days on market: 21.

WEST ORANGE

WATERSTONE

The home at 11706 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $1,370,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,586 square feet. Days on market: 150.

WINDERMERE

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11612 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for $1,275,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,617 square feet. Days on market: 38.

WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

The home at 1656 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $630,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,433 square feet. Days on market: 63.

WINTER GARDEN

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15344 Johns Lake Pointe, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $1,085,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,121 square feet. Days on market: 101.

LAKE COVE POINTE

The home at 420 Lone Heron Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $825,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,922 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 836 Gayle Mill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $770,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,022 square feet. Days on market: 75. The home at 1034 Huntspoint St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $770,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,219 square feet. Days on market: 81.

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 615 Groves End Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $539,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,523 square feet. Days on market: 63.

ROPER RESERVE

The home at 414 Wrangler Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 3, for $675,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,995 square feet. Days on market: Two.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 16712 Rusty Anchor Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $893,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,934 square feet. Days on market: 70.

Courtesy photo

The home at 8988 Houston Place, No. 303, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $1,620,000. This waterfront penthouse features 180-degree vistas and two separate balconies that connect the interiors for an exceptional indoor-outdoor experience. The sellers were represented by Leslie Heimer, Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Santin

Longhirst Loop, Ocoee,

TREBLE IN PARADISE

Bob and Kathy Rosenau said they have been attending Ocoee Music Festival since it started 31 years ago. They have watched it grow — from a few hundred people in the early years to thousands of people today.

This year’s event, held Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, was extra special, because it coincided with the city’s centennial.

The free, two-day festival welcomed thousands of attendees to enjoy classic rock bands and country music artists.

Besides the music, the event offered a variety of food vendors and carnival rides.

The city also hosted Dsh of the Century 5K, a classic car parade and welcomed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to host a fishing event. Plant vendors also hosted a garden market.

LETICIA SILVA

David McCannon brought his dog Finn to enjoy the concert. Right: Claudia Diaz and Noel Beauchamp were happy to be at Ocoee Music Festival this year.

The “Back to the Future” car was seen at the event. Right: Gaby, Lina, Derek, Hector and Robert Sindeler fished as a family.

The Romantics played Friday, Nov. 15, and performed some of their most popular songs.

Teens enjoyed the faster rides during the event.

The festival offered a variety of carnival games for attendees to play.

Courtesy of the city of Ocoee

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson met the members of MiniKISS.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

BRIAN SANCHEZ CORONA

WATER SPRING MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Brian Sanchez Corona is the principal at Water Spring Middle School but will be taking the helm at Horizon High School as of Monday, Dec. 1. Sanchez Corona holds a bachelor’s degree in exceptional student education; a master’s degree in reading education; and a doctoral degree in educational leadership. He also is a specialist in curriculum and instruction (reading) and a specialist in educational leadership. All his degrees are from the University of Central Florida.

What made you want to be an educator?

Being born into a household with two blind parents presented some educational complexities. It was my compassionate public school teachers who recognized this and provided the necessary assistance and wrap-around services. Because of their support throughout the years, I thrived and wanted to dedicate my career to giving back through education.

What are you looking forward to most about being the principal at Horizon High?

At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.

www.langd.org

First and foremost, I am excited to support some of my former Wildcats, who are now Hawks, for many more years! I am also genuinely looking forward to being a part of students finding their career trajectory in our fast-paced society. Finally, I truly love all the school events that add to the whole public high school experience: football games, Homecoming, prom, signing days, e-sports, chess and culinary competitions, which fill my cup every day!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is supporting students to reach their highest potential possible. It makes my day when a family understands that we are here to support their Hawk in development and future endeavors. The icing on the cake is when we are able to convince students that not only can they graduate, but they can also have purpose and an amazing career with the right tools and a little perspective.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

If I were not a principal, I think I would have joined the armed services. I love travel and would have loved to live on bases around the world, experiencing other cultures and customs. I also would have most likely specialized in information technology or coding.

Who influences you?

I stand on the shoulders of giants. My fellow teachers and administrators influence me daily to push harder, adapt and reach new heights. I do not like being stagnant, and the school system is perfect for those who thrive in environments of growth and change.

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

REPORT CARD

Position: Principal Years at school: Four Years with OCPS: 18

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

was Ms. Wilson. She challenged me academically and personally, seeing the potential in me and refusing to allow me to turn in assignments that reached the bare minimum. Ms. Wilson stressed that I must use my full potential with any task at hand, often handing whole papers back and saying, “No, it’s good but it is not great. Revise or do over. You are better than that.” She pushed me to become a true lifelong learner.

What is your favorite subject in school and why?

I truly love math and science. They make sense to me, because they are logical and follow a defined progression; there is a certain beauty in that. I also think it is amazing that new discoveries in science recently are even having us rewrite portions of science textbooks. What a time to be alive!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love riding my motorcycle around Lake Apopka and lifting weights at the gym, as both give me time to think about my day, pause, reflect and adjust for the next time. I am also a foodie and love restaurants — you can find me anywhere there are great buffalo wings.

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

I would love to dine with Horace Mann, the founding father of the free public school. What a radical thought at the time: every person receiving a free education! I would love to discuss how he saw this vision taking shape in our current future and how he would adjust based on advances in technology and changes in society. Horace Mann could offer such an interesting perspective on our current version of public schools.

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

I would love to be able to control the weather. Storm from “X-Men” is one of my favorite comic book characters from my youth (Marvel over DC always)! Not only is she disciplined — because she has to be — she is patient and wise, and many seek her counsel. With great power comes great responsibility — someone else in comics said that, as well.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

The Animals, Shakira and Enrique Iglesias. Who doesn’t like to lift weights or ride to “House of the Rising Sun,” “Waka Waka” or “Bailando”?

— LIZ RAMOS

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

School Board to consider middle school rezones

The targeted proposals for Ocoee and Chain of Lakes middle schools will be up for a vote at the Orange County School Board’s Dec. 9 meeting.

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

A targeted rezoning will take place for Chain of Lakes and Ocoee middle schools for the 2026-2027 school year.

A targeted rezoning affects a small area and includes a limited number of students.

Before any rezoning takes place, the Orange County School Board must meet with the superintendent; develop a timeline; meet with principals, leaders and board members; collect data from researches; have community meetings, a development workshop and finally, a public hearing.

All these steps must be completed while meeting certain criteria.

The rezoning must ensure continuity from elementary to middle to high schools, and keep communities intact. It must promote a demographic balance and prioritize proximity to reduce travel time and costs for buses, while also maximizing safety.

Two options were provided to community members and the school board regarding the Chain of Lakes Middle rezoning in conjunction with Carver Middle. The first option would rezone nine students from Chain of Lakes to Carver.

According to Director of Student Enrollment Staci Neal, the primary benefit of this is a significant reduction in travel distance.

If this rezoning takes place, Carver Middle is projected to have 946 students, while Chain of Lakes Middle is projected to have 1,616 students, Neal said.

The second option would rezone an extra 23 students.

The goal is to align the feeder pattern so all students from Eccleston Elementary are zoned to attend Carver Middle.

Two families have filled out a survey sent out by OCPS voting against option one, while option two had one vote for it and one vote against it.

The superintendent’s staff recommends option two as the better rezoning plan.

At the time of the School Board’s Nov. 6 meeting to discuss the rezoning, no board members had any concerns with the recommended plan.

Ocoee Middle and Robinswood Middle were up next on the discussion for rezoning, with the goal of realigning feeder patterns to create a more consistent education path to students at Citrus Elementary.

The targeted area currently affects 48 students and would allow all Citrus Elementary students to feed

into Ocoee Middle and Ocoee High School, rather than having some Citrus Elementary students zoned for Robinswood Middle.

Melissa Byrd is the School Board member whose district includes Ocoee Middle.

“Ocoee Middle School still remains under capacity — even with this small adjustment,” she said.

“(And while) 48 students reside in the targeted area, not all students who reside in an area attend our schools. The actual projection is zero to 20 OCPS students.”

As a reminder, Byrd said grandfathered transfers are available for a student who has been rezoned. Students have the option to stay at their current school, though transportation would no longer be provided.

At the time of the meeting, no board members had any concerns with this rezoning plan.

Families are encouraged to review the proposed options and share their feedback through surveys provided by OCPS. The survey will close Monday, Dec. 1, and the School Board will have a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9.

NEXT PUBLIC

MEETING

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9

WHERE: Ronald Blocker Educational Leadership Center at 445 W. Amelia St., Orlando INFORMATION: Submit survey responses at ocps.net/schoolrezonings by Monday, Dec. 1.

The Orange County School Board is proposing a rezoning for Ocoee and Robinswood middle schools.

OCPS staff recommends this rezoning map for Carver and Chain of Lakes middle schools.

Doing the robot!

Windermere’s

he Windermere High School Robotics Club had its final VEX5 competition Saturday, Nov. 15, at Apopka High School. In May 2025, the game “pushback” was announced, and the club has been preparing since then for the competition. The goal of the game was to collect foam blocks and push them into the four goals. Windermere placed 28th out of 35 teams in its second year of competition. The club designed its robot using VEX5 parts that range from $2,000 to $5,000. Windermere’s entering the fundraising period to prepare for next year’s competition. Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/whs-roboticsdonation.

MEGAN BRUINSMA

Left: Windermere High Robotics Club has grown in the last year from 12 members to 25.

Only so many hands can squeeze to work on the robot at once. The club is hoping to raise enough funds for two robots next year.

Eli Cervantes drove the robot, while Francisco Avendano and Zachary Szydlo coached him.

French Family Foundation hits the road for annual 5K

The French Family Foundation laced up for its third annual Run for Inclusion Saturday, Nov. 15, in Hamlin.

The timed/chipped 5K began outside Home State Brewing Company, and runners of all ages enjoyed perfect weather as they completed the course through Hamlin. Each participant received a Tshirt and a medal.

The French Family Foundation provides support and assistance to people with disabilities and their families. For more, visit frenchfamilyfoundation.com.

— MICHAEL ENG

town Winter Garden.

“I feel so energized and alive,” she said. “I used to only train online, so it’s a night and day difference to be in the community and training in person. I feel exhilarated. I feel full. I love the social connection.”

The festival, held in conjunction with the Winter Garden Farmers Market, included children’s fitness activities, games, giveaways, cooking demonstrations, health screenings and more.

Orlando Health’s Jodi Bennett, Jennifer Beery and Debbie Gustafson were happy to be at the Health and Harvest Festival.

Angie Freedman and Rory Hardy visited the Observer booth.

Ethan Watford with the Orange County Library System read “Where, Oh Where, Is Baby Bear?”

Left: Fit ‘N Fierce owner Maddy Owens conducted a high-intensity interval training.

This was the third 5K hosted by the French Family Foundation.

Left: Joshua Feliciano was recording his run the entire time. He uses the footage to make shorts.

Friends had an absolute blast running this year’s French Family Foundation Run for Inclusion.

The race took runners on a course through Hamlin.

HIGH 5

1

Ocoee High School swimmer Olivia Ray set a new school record in the 100 breaststroke with her time of 1:07:70. The sophomore beat her time from last year by two seconds. Her accomplishment qualified her to the finals of FHSAA Class 4A State Championship, where she finished in fourth place.

2

Horizon High School volleyball team’s head coach Ernest Rittenhouse won the Class 6A State Coach of the Year. It was his fifth year as the head coach of Horizon’s team; he came to the team with 17 years of experience at a high school in California. Stefany Ortiz won the 2025 Division 6A State Player of the Year. The senior setter led the team in serving aces with 74 and averaged 0.9 per set. She recorded 948 assists in 82 sets played. The team finished the season with an overall record of 23-6 and 3-1 in district play. The Hawks won the district championship for the third time in four years and set a single season record for Horizon by reaching 22 wins.

3Olympia High School girls soccer teams swept Freedom and Lake Buena Vista. The junior varsity team defeated Freedom on the road 8-0 Tuesday, Nov. 18, and the varsity team pulled away with a 3-0 win. Olympia’s junior varsity team continued on the road to beat Lake Buena Vista 4-0, and the varsity team won 2-0 Thursday, Nov. 20. The Titans’ varsity team is the returning 7A district champion after defeating East Ridge in a shootout Thursday, Jan. 30. Currently, the varsity team holds a 3-2 record; its next game is at Olympia Wednesday, Dec. 3, against Apopka.

4Foundation Academy’s baseball player Drew Calhoun announced Tuesday, Nov. 18 his commitment to continue his academic and baseball career at Rollins College. Calhoun is a lefthanded pitcher, and his fastest recorded throw was 83 mph. His senior season will be his first year as a Lion; he formerly played for The First Academy. He plays for the Elite Squad 18U National club team outside of the high school season.

5The First Academy’s center back Danny Odem has been named a fivestar recruit by 247 Sports. He becomes the first TFA player to be given the honor. Odem already has announced his commitment to the University of Nebraska, a Division I program in the Big 10.

… So she did

Windermere High swimmer Rylee Erisman broke the National High School 100-meter free record and is reaching for LA 2028.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

When Windermere High swimmer Rylee Erisman lies down at night, she sees the quote, “She believed she could, so she did.”

She keeps it by her bedside as a constant reminder to always believe in herself. It’s a phrase she lives by, and it has taught her to always ask for help when she needs it and to understand she can’t take on her swimming journey alone.

Erisman knows her capabilities.

She’s aware of her talents as a swimmer, and every time she steps onto the block at a meet, her main goal and motto is simply to have fun.

“I love racing and competing, so I think that’s just helped keep me going,” she said. “I love the sport of swimming. It’s so much fun to me. I love going to practice every day and getting better and coming out of practice and feeling like I got better.”

This love for swimming began when Erisman was 7 years old. And this same love led her to breaking Olympic swimmer Gretchen Walsh’s five-year-old National High School record of 46.98 seconds. Erisman swam the 100 meter free in 46.73 seconds Saturday, Nov. 15, at Florida’s 4A State Championship.

Once she emerged from the water after her 46.73 second swim, she was met with pure excitement. She broke the record of an Olympic swimmer who she looks up to and has crossed paths with on a few occasions.

Erisman doesn’t intend to stop at breaking a record. She wants to follow in Walsh’s footsteps.

“The huge end goal is LA 2028,” she said.

STATE ENERGY

At states, when she etched herself into the national record books, the pool surged with energy. When Erisman touched the wall and recorded the record-breaking time, she could feel her team’s reaction through the water.

“I was like, ‘Wow, it’s really loud in here,’” Erisman said.

Most of her teammates from Windermere High also are on Erisman’s club swim team, and a lot of them are her best friends. She said they’ve been so supportive throughout the journey and their presence at states meant the world to her.

As she prepared to take off from the block, Erisman reminded herself to stay calm. She tried to limit the thoughts racing through her head and took deep breaths while remembering what’s most important: Have fun.

Erisman said the moment she

splashes into the water, she blacks out. Her mind clears and her body goes on autopilot, it naturally knows to swim as fast as possible for the seconds she’s in the water.

“I feel like that’s with every swimmer though; we never know really what we were thinking about during our race,” she said.

Once her head emerged from the water, she saw the time: 46.73. She did it, and she knows it would not have been possible if her parents didn’t make a move when Erisman was 9.

BORN A SWIMMER

Erisman grew up in Daytona Beach. The close proximity to the beach meant she was bound to find the water. As a child, she and her older brother, Ryan, learned to “survival

swim” in the rolling waves of Florida’s East Coast.

At 7 years old, Erisman began her competitive swimming journey at Daytona Beach Speed, which is where she found her love for the sport.

Two years later, Daytona Beach Speed’s team fell apart, and her parents decided to move the family to Orlando — specifically to grow Rylee and Ryan Erismans’ swimming skills. They knew the kids loved swimming and saw early potential in the 9- and 11 year olds. The siblings enrolled in the Windermere Lakers Aquatics Swim Club.

“They just wanted us to grow up and be successful and put us in a good environment to give us that opportunity,” Erisman said. “They knew we were going to be hard working so they just took the risk.”

Erisman’s recent accomplishment shows the risk paid off. Even her brother, Ryan, has had remarkable success as a swimmer. He’s currently a freshman at the University of California at Berkeley. Although he’s miles away from home on the West Coast, their support for each other never wavers.

“We both really liked having each other in the same sport, because if you ever needed anything, you have a person (who) relates on a deeper level than anyone else could,” Erisman said. Erisman said she and her brother always kept each other on track. They wanted what was best for each other, and their parents played a huge role in allowing each swimmer to reach their goals.

Although Erisman’s junior swim season has come to an end, she will continue competing until the next time she adorns herself in the Wolverines’ colors. She already has qualified to compete in the Pan Pacific Games 2026 to swim on her first senior-level international team. The roster is composed of top swimmers from around the United States, including Katie Ledecky, Simone Mauel, Regan Smith and Michael Andrew. It won’t be the first time Erisman is swimming on a national level. Erisman’s talents have taken her far beyond Florida. Over the past two summers, she has represented Team USA at major international competitions. She competed in the Junior Pan Pacific Championships in Australia and most recently World Juniors in Romania, where she took home five gold medals and three silver.

“Every time I think about it, I miss it,” she said. “You’re literally just traveling and swimming with some of your best friends; it’s awesome. And just being able to represent Team USA is a real honor.”

Traveling internationally comes with a bundle of emotions. Erisman said she goes through feelings of excitement and tiredness during the weeklong voyage. It’s tiring on both her physical body and mental state, because she has to “be there” mentally at all times.

When she comes back from the big trips, Erisman sleeps for a long time. She said she goes through a wave of post-meet depression after coming off such a high for a week.

Team USA comes from different clubs and programs across the country. The swimmers register, and they all go to one qualifying meet. Whoever qualifies travels internationally as a team to represent the country together.

Erisman compared it to the Olympics, where they have Olympic trials to qualify for the actual Olympics.

“It’s such an honor to be able to represent them,” Erisman said. “Being able to swim with the flag on your cap just means something more.”

Courtesy photos

Rylee Erisman’s swimming specialty is the freestyle.

Rylee Erisman brought home four gold medals from 4A State Championship.

OF THE WEEK

Taha Abdi

In his senior season, Windermere Prep’s Taha Abdi set a personal best of 16:42 in the Class 2A District 4 Championship and led the team with a sixth-place finish. He qualified for states and finished No. 30, running the 5K in 16:54. Cross-country head coach Jason Greer said Abdi’s been growing each week, and his focused approach at practice sets the tone for others around him. He plays with a winner’s mentality and strives to become the best version of himself.

What do you enjoy most about cross-country?

I enjoy how inviting the sport is. Everyone competes, but everyone also cheers for (one another). At the end of the day, we’re all racing the same thing, the clock. You can measure your own improvement and work toward your goals, which makes it motivating.

When did you start cross-country, and why did you join?

I joined cross-country my 11th-grade year after qualifying for states my first year running distance in track as a sophomore. I wanted to take it seriously and try to take it to the next level. I knew doing cross-country and track my 11th-grade year would get me there.

What is your biggest accomplishment in cross-country?

My biggest accomplishment is pushing through injuries (such as) my stress fractures in both legs in the middle of the season and still being able to compete and run at the state championship final in Tallahassee.

What has cross-country taught you?

It’s taught me that progress isn’t always linear. Some days are tough, but if you stay patient, committed and disciplined, the results will come.

How would you describe yourself

THE BASICS Age: 17

Grade: Senior Sport: Cross-country School: Windermere Prep

Give everything you have, and you won’t regret it.

What is your pre-race ritual?

I listen to music, stretch a little and do a few strides to get locked in. And, of course, pasta the night before!

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be and why?

Probably basketball, because I like the pace and intensity. I also played it my freshman and sophomore year before I started running track and cross-country.

Whom do you look up to the most?

My parents. Their work ethic and support are the reason I can chase my goals.

What is something new you would like to learn?

I’d like to learn how to cook more healthy meals for myself. I also would love to learn how to do a backflip.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

Somewhere with hills and cooler weather for training, like Colorado.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I would give back to my family, invest most of it and buy a good amount of shoes and clothes.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Eid, because it’s about family, food and being grateful.

What future career do you want to have?

Something in medicine or sports

Panthers advance to regionals

Dr. Phillips is the last local team standing in the FHSAA football playoffs.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

Dr. Phillips High School’s football team didn’t intend to spend its Thanksgiving break only enjoying turkey, a good meal and time spent with loved ones.

The team wanted to play football.

Dr. Phillips defeated Fort Pierce Central 22-21 Friday, Nov. 21, with a game-winning field goal at Lawnwood Stadium. For back-to-back seasons, the Panthers are headed to the regional finals on its quest to become the Class 7A FHSAA Football State Champions.

With 41 seconds left on the clock, Dr. Phillips’ quarterback Tien Williams found receiver Zhytrez Ervin from 26 yards away to the end zone and put the Panthers within two.

The Panthers’ kicker Federico Montalvo-Salazar. He nailed a 25-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth to complete the team’s fourth-quarter comeback.

“It was one of the most emotional games I’ve ever been a part of,” DP head coach Rodney Wells said.

The fourth quarter truly was a rejuvenation period for the Panthers. Fort Pierce Central led 21-6 with only 4:10 left in the game, but Dr. Phillips returned back to score the final 16 points of the game.

“The third quarter was finding our identity, looking for what works and then we spread it out,” Wells

said about losing running back Zion Matthews in the first half. He refered to Matthews as DP’s “engine.” Matthews is expected to be back on the field for regional finals.

Wells said the team finding its identity against FPC will “absolutely” help prepare for its regional final game at Vero Beach Friday, Nov. 28. The team knows it has a variety of players who excel in their respective position.

The Fighting Indians and the Panthers are no strangers to each other. Last season, Dr. Phillips defeated Vero Beach 21-14 in the regional finals.

Any playoff game is no easy task, especially this one against Vero Beach, which is 12-0 and has been dominant in the playoffs. Dr. Phillips prepares to make the journey over to Vero Beach with hopes of returning to the state semifinals.

“We call ourselves road warriors,” Wells said.

The Panthers recieved the seventh seed and knew all of its games would be road games.

“The guys are locked in and focus, and they are ready for the next challenge Vero Beach is,” he said. “We played them last year. It was a tough game...but they’re a different team and we’re a different team, so we have to play.”

WARRIORS FALL IN VENICE By record, West Orange was the most dominating team in the West and Southwest Orange football scene. The Warriors held a 9-1 record and were crowned Class 7A District 5 regular season champions.

It thrived on its home field in the opening game of the playoffs against Plant City before voyaging down to Venice for the regional semifinals.

The last two seasons, Venice defeated the Warriors in the playoffs and the team knew its road would have to go through the defending state champions, Venice, once again.

Quarterback AJ Chung throwing 241.2 yards, finding receiver Edison Delgado for 64.9 yards, running back Jayden Ammons’ 61.7 rushing yards and outside linebacker Nolan Turner’s 9.8 tackles wasn’t enough for victory.

The Warriors fell for the third consecutive year to Venice 70-35 Friday, Nov. 21.

Chung threw five interceptions, while the Indians never returned the favor to West Orange. Despite the turnovers, Chung threw three touchdown passes to finish his sophomore career with 40 TDs. The Warriors will have the No. 9 QB in Florida back after this year, and as Chung enters his junior season, he’ll continue to grow his talents.

West Orange closed out its 2025 season 10-2 and will begin the preparation period for when football season rolls around next year.

Resilience has been key for Dr. Phillips’ success this year.

Photos by Megan Bruinsma

The Panthers hope to become back-to-back regional champions.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

West Orange quarterback AJ Chung finished his sophomore stint with 40 touchdown passes.

THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

1935: 90 years ago

Pupils of Winter Garden Elementary entertained other children and their elders in a Mother Goose play at the Lakeview High School auditorium. Children from each grade participated. Money raised was used to purchase new song books for the school.

The rise in prices was a concern. The following was a breakdown of the dollar: food, 33.9 cents; housing, 18.1 cents; clothing, personal care, 12.8 cents; miscellaneous, 8.1 cents; transportation, 7.9 cents; recreation, 5 cents; household equipment, 4.2 cents; medical care, 3.7 cents; fuel, 2.5 cents; electricity, 1.6 cents; gas, 1.5 cents; and telephone, .7 cents.

Bert Edward Roper was entertained on his birthday at the B.H. Roper home. Guests included Lela Henderson, Bonnie Martin, Margaret Cappleman, Dottie Low Hall, Clair Burch, Lydia Tilden, Harriett Rutledge, Jean Smith, Humpy Campbell, Frank Hall, Norman Sullivan, Harold Maguire, George Eby, George Bray and Horace Smith.

1945: 80 years ago

Advertised by L.A. Grimes, Real

Estate: New modern house and garage, two bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, bath, large screened porch, five acres: $6,500.

1950: 75 years ago

According to Bob Kerr, specks and bass were biting in Lake Apopka.

A total of 198 bass and 19 specks were caught in one day out of the Orange Lodge.

1965: 60 years ago

Forty-five West Orange civic leaders launched a campaign to enroll 250 families as members of the West Orange Country Club to be located on Tilden Road.

1970: 55 years ago

The Winter Garden Laundromat and the Winter Garden Wash House made contributions to the needs of the community’s youth. The wash house donated a penny from each operation to the Maxey Recreation Fund, and the laundromat made a similar donation to the West Orange Youth Center.

Editorial: “Write Hanoi Write Now” — “The response by Central Floridians to the Write Hanoi effort

has been tremendous, but we have been advised by the post office that some of the letters are coming in with just six-cent postage. These letters with six-cent stamps will not go to Hanoi. They have to have 25-cent postage. If you haven’t written your letter yet, do it ‘write now!’”

Pop Warner trophy winners were Tommy Orie, best all-around; Dan Davis, most improved; Jim Karr, most valuable; Dale Smith,

There are no Hallmarkstyle turkeys roaming about West Orange County, and you can’t count our ubiquitous turkey vultures as fowl that would ever be baked and served on Thanksgiving Day; there’s nothing “turkey” about those feathered friends.

But at one time, live turkeys were to be had!

Many older residents will recall the building that once stood on John Meyer’s turkey farm on Avalon Road decades ago. They say the noise of thousands of unfettered gobblers could be heard over in Clermont.

Longtime City Clerk

E.M. “Doc” Tanner also farmed the holiday fowl. On the reverse of this original sign preserved in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archive is written “Mr. Tanner raised turkeys in the 1950s out at Avalon. He gave away as many as he sold probably!”

rich history.

outstanding defensive player and Gary Johnson, sportsmanship. Their coaches were Don Bennett and Bob Barber.

Boy Scout Troop 210 was selling fresh-cut Christmas trees for $2 to $5.

THROWBACK

THURSDAY

NOV. 30, 1995

Perhaps nothing compares to the aroma of a juicy, fresh Florida orange when the rind is peeled back. Conoley Citrus Packers, located on West Colonial Drive in Winter Garden, was known for its gift box shipments every year during the Christmas holidays. “Florida’s finest all-citrus pack” included “the most delicious fresh citrus carefully packed in a

carton,

ripened and ready for shipment to your family, friends or business associates.” Conoley promised

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

PLAYING WITH MATCHES by Kevin Christian, edited by Jared Goudsmit

By Luis Campos

redpages@orangeobserver.com

Observer

Shashi Yoganand, MD

Flip

But

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