WINDERMERE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 14
Parkway extension continuing soon Developers will lengthen the road as they continue building near Avalon and McKinney roads. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST The Boyd Devel-
opment Corporation plans to continue its development of Horizon West with a parcel at the southwest corner of the intersection of McKinney and Avalon roads, based on an Orange County community meeting Dec. 10 at Bridgwater Middle School. Attorney Jim Willard, the applicant who presented on behalf of the Boyd Development Corporation, said the planned extension of New Independence Parkway crosses this parcel. Officials will continue to study the parkway, which ultimately will connect to U.S. 27 in Lake County, he said. That would mean at least four more miles for New Independence Parkway to extend, with construction about a year away, he said. “It’s not long until commercial activity moves west of (State Road) 429 and Avalon (Road),” he said. District 1 Orange County SEE REZONE PAGE 4
WHAT’S NEXT Following the Dec. 10 community meeting, this proposal now will move forward with a series of hearings at the Orange County Commission. All hearings will be held in the County Commission Chambers, 201 S. Rosalind Ave. Hearing dates are tentative and subject to change.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015
DP preschool gets new digs After 35 years, The Learning Center in Dr. Phillips will move in January to its new home, a state-of-the-art facility on Banyan Boulevard. PAGE 4. YOUR TOWN CRITTER CORNER
The new
UNIVERSAL
language
With a focus on preparing children for the technological future, Ashley Moore has taught many students computer coding from her Windermere home — some for free. ZAK KERR
CODERS’ CODE
STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE
F
rom cyber-security to job security, the reasons to pursue computer coding are increas-
ing with the number of students taking computer science courses. For Ashley Moore, a Windermere resident who has taught coding from her home, the primary factor was her child’s confidence.
See page 4
n Local Planning Agency Transmittal Hearing: Jan. 21, 2016 n Board of County Commissioners Transmittal Hearing: Feb. 16, 2016 n Local Planning Agency Adoption Hearing: May 19, 2016 n Board of County Commissioners Adoption Hearing: June 21, 2016
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YEAR IN PICTURES
Courtesy photo
Ashley Moore’s students learn and sometimes teach computer coding at ScribbleSpace in Summerport.
“Our mission is to empower other kids and adults and to bring families together,” Ashley Moore said. “We’re willing to donate time and volunteer whenever asked or needed. We provide classes for free to anyone in need — no questions asked.” She listed these examples of how her group follows this credo: n Volunteering for an hour of code for three years at Keene’s Crossing Elementary School, Bridgewater Middle School and for other local groups. n Raising money for charity and donating turkeys and gift cards to dozens of families. n Volunteering for the minimaker fair and Crooked Can Oktoberfest. n Expanding in 2016, including more workshops and spring break and summer camps. n Offering a code club for families starting in January at ScribbleSpace. n Offering free Internetsafety classes. n Participating with MAGIC and providing a talk/help session to teens at the local juvenile detention center in January.
A mellow kitty named Shadow is in need of a loving new home. Shadow, ID A335241, is a 19-month-old black cat with a splash of white on his chest. He really enjoys being petted, especially under his chin and behind his ears. Shadow is a friendly cat who gets along well with other pets. He also is litter-box trained. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. If you run a shelter or animal rescue and wish to participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver. com.
SPORTS
Year in Sports
PAGES 21-23