YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously voted to move the annexation and development discussion pertaining to a property next to Crown Pointe Equestrian to April after passionate input from residents and the applicant. PAGE 3A.
The Summit of Winter Garden celebrated the 105th birthday of one of its residents Tuesday, March 7. Lee Harvey was treated to cheesecake and enjoyed a party that included his daughter, Barbara (above), who also is a resident, as well as several Summit ambassadors, residents and staff. Harvey said his secret to a long life is “to not stress about things.”
He is an Army veteran and was a resident of the St. Petersburg area before moving to Winter Garden. He also has a son, Raymond, who lives in Texas.
Parents are voicing concern over the high demand for Voluntary Prekindergarten programs in the area. SEE PAGE 4A.
After seeking the opinion of different doctors at two different hospitals, Rayne City and her family are still waiting on an explanation for her symptoms. PAGE 3A.
This year’s music festival gave fans two nights to remember. PAGE 8A.
During the municipal elections Tuesday, March 14, Ocoee residents also elected newcomer Scott Kennedy as District 1 commissioner and returned incumbent Richard Firstner to his District 3 seat. SEE PAGE 2A.
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER
The city of Ocoee voters made their choice, re-electing Rusty Johnson for another four years as mayor.
“I’m feeling super good, I’m telling you,” he said.
In a three-way race — according to the unofficial results on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website — incumbent mayor Johnson collected 2,596 votes for 60.65%, former District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III tallied 1,169 votes for 27.31% and challenger Chris Adkins received 515 votes for 12.03%.
In his years as mayor, Johnson has slowly — but continuously — decreased the city’s millage rate in order to reduce the dependence on residential taxation when it comes to paying for public services, he said.
Johnson is looking forward to improving the sidewalks and streets within the city limits and has been working on opening three recreational amenities: Unity Park, Wellness Park and a new skate park at Central Park.
Johnson said he loves his community and wants to emphasize
the importance behind community engagement and the importance of the improvement of the downtown area of the city — so it can be a place where people can enjoy local restaurants, shops and activities.
“My promises — I’m going to keep doing what I was supposed to do this whole time, which is represent them and make this city a better place for us all to live in,” Johnson said.
DISTRICT 1
District 1 residents voted Scott Kennedy as their new commissioner. He fills the seat most recently held by former District 1 Commissioner Larry Brinson, decided not to run for
another term. In a two-man race — according to the unofficial results on the elections website — Kennedy received 617 votes for 63.02% while Hope Bellamy got 362 votes for 36.98%.
A 54-year-old native Floridian, Kennedy has been a resident of Ocoee for 18 years and is looking forward to working on traffic issues and road work, as well as improving public safety.
DISTRICT 3
Voters who reside in District 3 cast their votes, and incumbent Richard Firstner will serve another four years as their commissioner.
“It feels great; I’m finally going to get to finish a lot of the projects that we had already started that are
almost complete, but I want to see them to completion,” he said.
After the polls had closed and the votes were tallied, the unofficial results on the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website showed Firstner had 540 votes with 76.38%. His opponent, Shante Munns, received 167 votes with 23.62%.
Having been serving the city for the past 28 years, Firstner — a former assistant fire chief — has been leading District 3 since 2016 when he ran for the seat for the first time. In his years as commissioner, Firstner has accomplished many goals that have helped moved the city forward and is excited to continue projects that are already underway.
“I want to work on the traffic out on Maguire Road; that seems to be the biggest concern for most people (who) live in District 3,” he said. “And I don’t know what the answers are, but I’m certainly going to look into it and order some traffic studies.”
Thanks to a huge support from his firefighter community and his wife, Doris Firstner, Commissioner Firstner is ready for another four years on the District 3 seat.
“Thank you so much for your support and standing behind me and coming out to vote today,” he said. “I had a big support from the fire department. They came out and helped me out at the polls and were out on the streets, and biggest thank you to my wife (Doris Firstner) who is my campaign manager. She made this happen for me.”
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER
The Ocoee City Commission appointed a new member to the Planning and Zoning Commission during its Tuesday, March 7, meeting.
According to the agenda, “Members of the Planning and Zoning Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the City Commission. Any vacancy occurring during the unexpired terms of office of any member shall be filled by the City Commission for the remainder of the term … within (30) days after the vacancy occurs.”
The commission appointed Joe Andrew Crocker as the new member who will serve on the P&Z Commission until the term ends in June 2024.
The Windermere Police Department officially became an Accredited Police Agency by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February. Accreditation has been a long-term goal of the department since Chief Dave Ogden joined in 2013.
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
Last year was the biggest year the Windermere Police Department has had in quite some time.
The WPD moved into a new facility, had two major retirements, promoted from within the organization and even started succession planning.
It’s only March, but the agency already has accomplished one of its largest long-term goals: accreditation.
The WPD officially became an Accredited Police Agency by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation in February. Accreditation has been a goal of the department since Chief Dave Ogden joined the organization in 2013.
Ogden said it was a surreal moment standing in front of the accreditation board in St. Augustine.
“Blood, sweat and tears went into this,” he said. “Ten years flashed before my eyes. How hard we worked, everything we had to do, the challenges and tributes we faced and had to overcome. It was an extremely emotional and reflective time.”
WHY ACCREDITATION?
Despite what many may think, not a lot of agencies are accredited, and it is a tough and arduous process.
Locally, the Ocoee Police Department is accredited, although the Winter Garden and Oakland departments are not.
Accreditation is known as the highest standard of professionalism a department can receive as a law-
enforcement agency.
Although there are a multitude of benefits of accreditation to the community, the chief and the officers, Ogden said his goal has always been to work with excellence and to try to maintain high standards.
“When you leave the bar set to your own personal threshold, it’s easy to lower it, but when you have an audit process where someone from the outside comes in and holds you accountable, it’s different,” he explained. “It’s accountability, but it’s also a great resource for us to utilize to get the best practices and understand what those best practices are. It also verifies and validates that we do the training in each of these standards. They ask you to not only say you can complete these tasks, but show them.”
To receive accreditation, departments must meet more than 230 standards in topics such as vehicle pursuits, traffic stops and handcuffs.
Ogden said accreditation was first thought about by the department in 1993, before he joined, although he knows the agency could never have been accredited before.
Ogden said he always knew accreditation was a goal he wanted to reach, but the department started embarking on the process more seriously about five years ago.
The first step was getting a couple of people completely certified in the accreditation process, such as Accreditation Manager Jennifer Treadwell and Sgt. Jeff Czwornog. Ogden said one of the biggest obstacles in the process was the
agency’s facility. The department needed a new facility that was acceptable and updated, which it finally received in April 2022.
Within two months of the facilities being completed, Ogden signed a memorandum of understanding and applied for accreditation.
Although departments have three years to get accredited after they apply, Ogden said the time was not acceptable to him after waiting and working so hard and long for the accreditation.
The agency’s analysis started with a mock audit to see if the department was ready in September 2022.
The final assessment was done after the agency made a public announcement and the commission chose its assessors. The review lasted for several days.
“Our audit in December revealed that we didn’t need a single waiver, no exceptions had to be made and we were 100% in compliance,” Ogden said in an email to residents.
“The CFA Board of Commissioners gave us the highest comments for a new agency. Most notably, the commissioner praised the outstanding support of our community. This, by far, has been our most significant accomplishment in fulfilling an essential part of our written vision, to earn the trust of the community that we serve.”
Ogden said the process took everybody from the ground up and was about every officer.
He said clarity of vision is something that’s important for him as chief and helped in the process.
“I want to make sure that my officers know exactly what is expected
they will live. The home at 1301 Sand Pine Ave. was gutted in the fire. The Kennedys have called this place home for more than 40 years.
Their niece, Kelly Moye, has been the Kennedys’ spokesperson while the family deals with the devastation and loss. She said the fire marshal told them the fire was electrical but officials haven’t pinpointed the origin of the fire.
“They said it just spread very fast and it seems like it was in the attic … and had been burning for a little bit,” Moye said. “It was a fire; someone mentioned explosion, but what we think was the front windows of the house blowing out. … It seems like it was a complete loss because the ceiling collapsed.” She said her aunt and uncle have been waiting for the insurance company to complete its investigation so they can go inside their home and see what — if anything — can be salvaged.
of them, what they should expect of me and what they’re expected to know,” he said. “You only get clarity of vision by over communicating.”
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Ogden said his measure of success is how successful his officers are. He said he was left speechless in front of the accreditation board.
“One of our most proud and humble moments was when we stood in front of that accreditation board and they rattled everything off about our agency and our process,” he said.
“The fact of the matter is you can miss like three standards, and if you do, you can get your accreditation and they’ll give you a by or they’ll give you a piece of paper requiring you to fix things within a certain period of time, and most of the agencies up there that I heard had to do that. We had zero. We were 100%, and that was my goal. I told the team I didn’t want just anything, I wanted it to be done right. The commissioner even said, ‘This is how it’s done, people.’”
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said it was an honor to receive accreditation.
“The accreditation of our Windermere Police Department is the culmination of a decade of hard work and commitment,” he said. “I am proud of our police department and its officers and support staff. I know that they share one vision — to serve our community with honor, integrity and service. While accreditation is a tremendous honor and achievement, it is important to note that accreditation is really a commitment to professional policing day in and day out. For our town of Windermere residents, that is the true value of the accreditation process.”
Cecil Robinson, a former Town Council member and long-term resident of the town, has watched the department transform and blossom throughout the years since Ogden joined.
“I was very proud that the town
church. Carol Kennedy is retired.
Their friends and community have rushed in to help.
“It’s been amazing seeing everyone come together for them,” Moye said. “It’s devastating. They’re devastated; just lots of tears. It’s been overwhelming, too, with all the support they’ve gotten. So many people coming by and bringing them clothes. And the GoFundMe — every time a donation comes in, they just cry. It’s been an absolute blessing everyone who’s jumping in to help them right now.”
The Kennedys are loyal University of Georgia fans, and their wardrobe consists mostly of Bulldog outfits.
“They have Bulldog everything, and that’s all they wear,” Moye said. “You can’t find anything Georgia Bulldog in Florida; we’ve asked family and friends to send them shirts.”
Any donations are helpful, Moye said, because their insurance policy doesn’t include provisions for living arrangements or the replacement of household items.
decided to provide the facilities needed to lead the department through its final steps of earning accreditation,” Robinson said. “Chief Ogden has changed the department by example. His example is faith and professionalism. There’s no one (who) demonstrates more of that than he does. I am proud to live in Windermere now.”
Ogden shared that the community’s support has meant a lot throughout the process.
“I feel like we’ve done things right here,” he said. “We’re a value-based police department and that’s different from anywhere else you go. People may say it, and I get that, but
I do believe we lead with our values here. One of our values in our vision statement is to earn the trust of our community. That is an extremely difficult thing to do these days. Each policing agency has to understand their community and the level of service they want to provide in that community. … For the residents to be so involved, to sit in on the accreditation and to even write in in support of us, it was amazing.”
After accomplishing all three priorities Ogden had set for the department last year — accreditation, hiring new personnel and getting them trained — he is already working to develop a new 10-year strategic plan.
With an all-new command staff, he plans on teaching about succession planning, long-term strategic planning and how to rewrite vision and value statements.
The reaccreditation process has already started, and in composing the 10-year goals, Ogden said he hopes the department can strive to become an excelsior program. The program recognizes nine years of accreditation in a row, with the accreditation process being completed every three years. After three times of straight accreditation, the department could earn the title.
Jerry and Carol Kennedy are lucky to be alive after a fire swept through their
home late afternoon
Monday, March 6. They and their two children, Scott Kennedy and Michelle Clark, were home when the blaze started but got out safely. Now they must figure out what’s next for them — including where
After looking through the windows, the Kennedys determined they won’t be able to save much of their belongings — but they did see three of Jerry Kennedy’s possessions: his Bible, guitar and Georgia Bulldog boots.
He is the assistant pastor at West Orange Park Community Church, as well as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, and he plays his guitar at his
“They are the kind of people (who) would give the shirt off their backs to help others, and it has been truly amazing seeing our community, friends and family step up to help them,” Moye said.
“We can’t thank you enough for rallying around our family their time of need,” Moye wrote in an update on the GoFundMe page. “It is appreciated more than you know. It will be a long road to recovery, and all your donations are already helping them
get the essentials they need to put one foot in front of the other and move forward from this horrific tragedy. Thank you so much!” The Kennedys are hopeful they can rebuild on their property. “There are so many memories through the years,” Moye said. “It’s their home.”
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The West Orange Times West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
The Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program, also known as VPK, is not a new concept.
In fact, the VPK legislation was signed into law by former Gov. Jeb Bush on Jan. 2, 2005.
Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since the program began, more than 2.6 million children have benefited from VPK.
However, many educators are saying there has been a steady increase in demand for the programs over the past few years, and parents are voicing their concerns over the lack of space in the local classrooms.
VPK prepares early learners for success in kindergarten and beyond. The program helps build a strong foundation for school using educational material corresponding to various stages in a child’s development, according to the Florida Office of Early Learning.
To be eligible, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year. Parents whose children are born between Feb. 2 and Sept. 1 can postpone enrolling their 4-yearold until the following year when their child is 5.
Data collected by the Department of Education shows that children who participate in VPK are much more ready for kindergarten than children who do not participate in VPK.
Private child care centers, public schools and specialized instructional services providers offer VPK.
According to Michael Ollendorff, Orange County Public Schools media relations manager, the district has roughly 3,000 students enrolled in VPK programs provided at district schools. Tentatively, there are 63 full-day and 22 halfday programs planned for the 202223 school year.
Public schools in West Orange County offering VPK include Maxey, Ocoee, Dillard Street, Keene’s Crossing, SunRidge, Thornbrooke, Tildenville and Whispering Oak.
“There has always been a high demand for VPK programs,” he said. “OCPS is dedicated and committed to providing support, resources and advocacy for the protection and continuance of developmentally appropriate and child-centered practices in the early childhood classroom environment.”
Registration for zoned students began Feb. 24, while open registration began March 6.
On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the VPK registration opened at Water Spring Elementary School in Horizon West. Water Spring Principal Matthew
Hendricks said VPK is a program that principals opt in to host at their schools. Currently, Water Spring is the only school in Horizon West that hosts VPK.
“This creates a very high demand because we only have 40 half-day seats available, 20 a.m. and 20 p.m.,” he said. “Registration is done in three phases. The first phase is for those who have siblings that currently attend Water Spring. The second phase is for those who live in the Water Spring school zone but do not currently have any siblings that attend. Then the last phase is open to anyone. During our first phase we filled all 40 seats and had a waiting list for both the a.m. and p.m. sessions.”
Hendricks said the wait list continues to grow each week.
Parent Holly Stogsdill said she was the third-to-last parent to get a spot in the school’s program after waiting nearly 11 hours in line.
According to parents, registration at the school was supposed to happen at 4 p.m., but a few parents decided to sleep overnight in order to wait in line for a highly coveted morning VPK class spot.
“What happened last week at Water Spring was an absolute disaster,” Stogsdill shared. “Every parent there made major sacrifices to be in line that day. When parents started dropping students off in the morning and saw the tents, pandemonium ensued. Frantic phone calls were made, people had to call into work, I personally had to call a friend and ask if she could watch my two boys, who are ages 4 and 1, right then so I could go wait in line.”
Stogsdill said she arrived at the school at 9:30 a.m. and sat next to a neighbor who had to call into work at the last minute so she could wait in line.
“Shortly after, a sweet momma with her 3-year-old and 4-monthold baby set up next to me,” she said. “She had brought a scooter, baby bouncer, stroller, snacks, bottles, lawn chairs and any other essentials she could grab as she ran out the door to try and get a spot.
After counting and seeing there were clearly already enough parents there to fill all 40 available spots, Stogsdill said she went into the school to talk to Hendricks.
“I asked what the plan was, and he said to wait until 4 p.m.,” she said. “I was honestly stunned. There was going to be no change of plan to the procedure given these unexpected and new circumstances? When I went back out, one parent had set up a chair for a friend in the middle of the line. There were rude and disrespectful words exchanged, and the school police officer was brought out who suggested we start an unofficial list, which we did. Nobody was prepared to sit in the sun for as long as we did. People hadn’t brought enough food or water, and we had to use the school bathroom. We were sunburned,
thirsty, hungry and frustrated. And what we didn’t expect was we’d be there long enough to need bug spray too.”
Stogsdill said the school allowed the parents to wait inside around 7:45-8 p.m. after several had asked. She said she did not sit down with the registrar until 8:30 p.m.
“It was painfully long,” she said.
“Not once during the entire day did anyone from the school come out and communicate anything to us. The lack of communication by school administration was stunning. They seemed completely apathetic. I was the third to last parent to get a spot. There were other people behind me who waited nearly just as long as me who got
than 25 people already in it. He said he called his wife and told her to come home from work immediately as he didn’t think they would get a spot in the top 40.
“She broke down because there was no communication by school of how and what to do,” Bennett said. “She ended up in line for the 36th spot at 9:30 a.m. She waited 11 hours until she was able to leave. The school did a terrible job all around in our eyes. The people who camped came around 9:30 the night before and took up a bunch of spots and really started the problem/panic. Forty spots total and a lot of tears late, we got our son in. I’m glad I don’t have another kid for VPK next year and feel sorry for
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turned away at 8 p.m. I felt terrible for them.”
Parent Carla Andrews said she had a similar experience. She said she got there at 9:45 a.m. and was the 33rd person in line.
As a stay-at-home mom, Andrews said her eligible child hasn’t been able to participate in school because there are no preschools less than 30 minutes away.
“There are daycares in the area she potentially could have attended, but it would have cost a mortgage payment to send her if we could even get a spot,” she said.
“It’s important to us that she can socialize well with other children and is better prepared to start kindergarten instead of transitioning straight from home 100% of the day to school six hours a day, five days a week. We chose the Water Spring VPK program as we already have a child at the school. It’s very close to home, and it will help our daughter become familiar with the expectations of the school that she will attend the following year.”
Jesse Bennett said his wife planned to get to the school around 2 p.m. to get in line for the registration which was to happen at 4 p.m.
As he took his son to school at 8:20 a.m., he noticed a line where she was told to stand with more
anyone who waited and didn’t make the cut.”
Kelly Malmberg, who works at the office at Windermere Union Church Preschool, said the school had to turn one of its 3-year-old classes into another VPK class.
“We were short over 40 3-yearolds this next year, which has never happened before,” she said. “We had an overflow of 2-year-olds and 4-year-olds.”
Malmberg said some of the local elementary schools are losing the programs and the school, which is only a small part-time preschool, does not have the resources to combat the rising demand.
Parent Karen Collazo said the problems with VPK have been going on in West Orange County for years.
Collazo said she slept outside the school from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. in freezing cold weather on a lounge chair in order to get her daughter into the school 20 years ago.
“Things were bad then, and nothing has changed,” she said. “There were over 50 people that night with me. You have to do whatever it takes to secure a spot in a reputable program.”
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The art event of the year for West Orange and Southwest Orange County returned last weekend to the town of Windermere.
The town of Windermere was packed with a multitude of talented artists and community members as the Windermere Fine Art Show made its return on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12. The weekend of events kicked off with an opening ceremony that included words from Windermere Arts Chair Anne Scharer, a performance of the national anthem by Abby Pierce and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Windermere resident Bob McKinley. This year’s show featured more than 70 artists — more than 20 under age 18— and their creations in clay, pottery, painting, sculpting, woodworking and more. The event also included a variety of local vendors, food trucks and live performances.
- ANNABELLE SIKES
The Winter Garden City Commission heard passionate input from residents and the applicant.
NEWS EDITOR
A passionate discussion from residents and the applicant spurred the Winter Garden City Commission to unanimously approve moving the annexation and development conversation pertaining to a property next to Crown Pointe Equestrian to April.
The applicant is requesting to annex the 30.24-acre parcel located on Tilden Road into the city, as well as amend the future land use and rezone the property to Planned Unit Development. The approval would mean the development of a neighborhood with 24 homes.
The discussion was first tabled at the Oct. 13, 2022, City Commission meeting, and since then, new conditions of approval were added. These include the installation of a 6-foot opaque privacy fence for lots adjacent to the project’s western boundary, as well as the declaration of restrictive covenants to be recorded with the final plat must contain a disclosure to all lot owners and potential buyers that there are active agricultural uses in the area.
Several new conditions were also added after the item was tabled at the Feb. 9 City Commission meeting to address additional concerns raised by area property owners. These conditions include an 8-foot privacy fence added to the western side of the property abutting common area tracts and the three residential properties, the removal of the tot lot and the walking trail, and security fencing on the eastern property line.
City staff unanimously recommended approval of the series of three ordinances.
“Contrary to some negative comments that we have heard, the city has absolutely no desire to see the horse farm shut down their operations because of this development,” Planning Director Kelly Carson said. “Very much the opposite. The proposed development has a very
low residential density, significant buffering along the property line with very few adjacent residential lots. Any potential impacts would be minor. The property is within the city’s JPA annexation boundaries, and we see no value basis on which to deny this request.”
Tara Tedrow, with Lowndes Law, made a presentation and spoke on behalf of the applicant.
Tedrow said the proposed PUD features a density of 1.83 dwelling units per net developable acres, 0.79 gross density, which is less than half of the maximum density of four dwelling units per acre permitted within the suburban residential future land use designation.
“Property located within the JPA, even under your comprehensive plan, requires that the city annex JPA properties,” Tedrow stated. “So, when it comes to annexation, the question is pretty cut and dry. Your comprehensive plan says JPA properties must be annexed into the city for services. We are a JPA property, we are already within a JPA under an eighth amendment from two years ago; there is no option for this property but to annex into the city. In addition, we have to have the future land use and the zoning we presented tonight.”
Tedrow also mentioned the proposed minimum under PUD standards of 85-foot lots, as opposed to the surrounding areas with 50- and 30-foot lots.
“We are above what all of those minimums are surrounding us, so in terms of compatibility, we are certainly far more compatible than some of the other existing developments that have been built out,” she said. “We have 4.73 acres of open space contained in that 13.13 acres of developable land, 2.63 which are required of the space, so we have greatly exceeded those open-space requirements.”
Tedrow brought up the importance of the eighth amendment of the JPA.
“In April of 2020 … this was a city of Winter Garden agenda item … and the issue and discussion was annexation of specific properties into the city,” she said. “They are within the city service area. At that
ONLY $75 PER CARD
time, they were outside of the JPA. The city worked with Orange County to amend the JPA to include these properties so owners can begin the process to annex.”
In addition, the applicant added additional conditions at the meeting.
“The builder shall state in their HOA documents or sales contract that we are next to the West Orange Country Club and therefore that pre-exists our development,” Tedrow said. “If anybody has a bad shot and balls come over, they knock out one of our windows, we understand; we won’t hold the country club liable for anything that happens there. Similarly, we’ve agreed that we would have screen enclosures for our pools. … In addition, we are going to put in a prohibition for trampolines in the backyards of lots 22 through 24. … We have really done everything we could short of scrapping the project entirely and just not having any property rights utilized in this case.”
COMMUNITY CONTROVERSY
Paul and Anne Bingler, owners of the horse farm, have set up a petition to fight the development and have gained more than 2,000 signatures.
As one of the few remaining horse farms in West Orange County, Crown Pointe has owned the narrow plot of land along Tilden Road for almost 25 years and has been training Olympic-level horses on the land since 1998.
The Binglers said a new development to the west, Tilden Place, forced the horse farm to move to the east side of their property, which is where the new developer now plans to build.
They said the horses need a quiet environment in which to train, and the noise and distractions of the development will affect the horses, causing the farm to have to close.
Anne Bingler spoke at the meeting and said they strongly object to the proposal.
“Anyone can say they’re going to build an 8-foot privacy fence next to a horse farm,” she said. “Does that prohibit a child from kicking a ball up against the fence and spooking a horse and having that horse run into me and launch me 20 feet through the air landing on my head
which I now suffer a concussion from? That happened very recently. While everyone can sit and look at a site plan and look at a development and say, ‘Oh, that looks really pretty and that might work,’ until you live it every single day, you don’t appreciate the impact that houses have next to horses.”
Anne Bingler said she thinks approving the development would add to the constant struggles that farming has.
“That used to be a basis for our entire West Orange County,” she said. “We were a farming community. Orange groves, horse farms, that’s what we were about, and it’s all gone away. It’s all been eaten up by development. … If you want to just see the last horse farm go away, that’s what’s basically going to happen. … I look at it like what do you want Winter Garden to become? If you want it to become all houses, no green space, you want to push us out, so be it. But if you want it to be a village with some character, with some green space, with people that actually believe in the community and have been here since the late ’90s, that’s what I ask all of you to think about.”
Anne Bingler’s niece, Emily Banister, also spoke.
“You can draw up plans, you can think of different scenarios and you can think of different solutions to different problems, but until you are behind the battle lines, you do not quite understand exactly what is going to work...” she said. “I came from an Army family. I lived 13 different places my whole life, and do you know what the one constant in my life was? … It was the horse farm.
I have watched it shape and evolve over the past 24 years, and it is now something that is not recognizable. … A business is suffering, the (students training) are suffering, those horses are suffering.”
COUNCIL CONVERSATION
City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman weighed in on the development with his legal input.
“Based on the fact that you’ve got a JPA, joint planning area, so you’ve got an agreement from the city and the county to deal with this particular piece of property, and the adjacent property as well, you’re in solid
legal ground for approving this if you see fit,” Ardaman explained.
Commissioner Mark A. Maciel said the issue is an extremely difficult decision for the commission to make.
“I love the horse farm,” he said. “I remember it when I moved here over 20 years ago and would love to see the groves and the horse farm stay. The elephant in the room is that people have property rights and we could be opening up … the city to a lawsuit.
… Although our decisions are not popular sometimes, we have to make those legal decisions.”
Mayor John Rees said he understands all sides of the discussion.
“We have a lot of discussion about maintaining and protecting green space here in Winter Garden,” he said. “I have been since Day 1 … a low-density person. … They could have come back with a lot larger development and asked us for it. So, I think we need to just stop and take all that into account as we go through this.”
Commissioner Lisa Bennett said she has been strongly advocating for maintaining the charm of the city, but she does understand that property owners have private property rights and the same rights have to be given to those owners as the neighbors.
“I do have concerns about traffic overall, we all do, but I do see, too, that this small amount of homes could be a lot less of a burden than what could come if this were to get turned down,” she said. “It’s not an easy answer.”
Although the first ordinance relating to the annexation was passed 4-1, with Commissioner Colin Sharman dissenting, after a motion from Maciel, the commission later went back to rescind the motion.
Maciel inquired if the applicant wished to table the items to a later date in order to continue discussion with the adjacent property owners, as the motions for the two other ordinances could die without a second.
The applicant agreed to table all three ordinances for discussion April 13 after a motion by Sharman. The commission approved the request unanimously.
• Challenging, individualized curriculum that maximizes learning capabilities through critical thinking, creative problem-solving and hands-on education.
• Nurturing educators certified in child development, with more than 50 years of combined education experience.
• Fun, interactive learning environment with low student-to-teacher ratios and modern classrooms.
Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors at all of our area’s public, private and charter high schools.
Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their accomplishments with a personalized congratulatory card in our 2023 Graduation section.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, MAY 1
DATE OF PUBLICATION: THURSDAY, MAY 25
• Outstanding range of subjects including languages, art, music, science, public speaking and character development.
• Expansive indoor/outdoor play areas featuring a gym and playground equipment.
The Orange Technical College division of Orange County Public Schools broke ground for the new OTC – West Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Orange Technical College is celebrating a new facility in the city of Ocoee.
The OTC division of Orange County Public Schools broke ground for the new OTC – West Campus on Tuesday, Feb. 28. The 115,604-square-foot facility will be the home of students focusing on career training programs. The programs include building construction technology, HVAC, electricity and cosmetology.
The campus also will help students with learning English, becoming an apprentice, earning a GED or expanding industry-based skills.
The new campus is located at 2010 OcoeeApopka Road and is set to open fall 2024.
BREAKING GROUND
The groundbreaking event kicked off with an introduction from Scott Howat, OCPS chief communications officer.
Howat thanked elected officials in attendance, including Melissa Byrd, OCPS School Board member from District 7; Doug Bankson, Florida House of Representatives member; Ocoee commissioners Rosemary Wilsen and Richard Firstner; and Apopka Commissioner Alexander Smith.
He also thanked OCPS representatives, business partners, students and staff who attended.
“As part of Orange Technical College’s comprehensive rebuilding and renovation plan and thanks to the investment from Orange County Public Schools and our local taxpayers, Orange County Technical College … will be undergoing a significant transformation,” Howat said. “The goal of this transformation is to further align our career and adult training programs with industry needs, enhanced collaboration across our college and modernization of our learning environment for our students.”
Howat said following a new institutional model for OTC, with each campus focused on a specialty, the new campus will feature building construction technology training programs like electricity, welding and various apprenticeship programs, all leading to high-skill and high-wage careers.
“The school will also house brand-new human services training facilities that will expand on popular regional training programs like cosmetology,” he said. “It will include flexible space that will allow us to create short-term programs based on industry needs.”
Byrd spoke about how the new campus will impact the local area.
“By building this campus from scratch, we are going to be able to provide a customdesigned, industry-based environment that will give our students an even more seamless transition into the workplace,” she said.
“Our high school students already see the value in career and technical education with nearly 10,000 industry certifications earned last school year alone,” Byrd said. “Hundreds of high school students complete OTC dual-enrollment programs every year, and that momentum should only grow as we build on our efforts to lead every student to their own successful futures.”
Byrd then introduced Marcos Romero, a civil engineer from Venezuela, who is a graduate building construction technology student of OTC. He spoke about his positive
experiences with the school’s teachers and students.
“The staff at Orange Technical College was always kind, friendly and professional with me and the other students, even when they didn’t understand my English, they would always try to find a way to help me,” he said. “They (teachers) worked very hard to prepare the students for the real world. They make that work look easy, but it’s not easy. I completed all my goals because I was there with them.”
MOVING LOCATIONS
OCPS’ first meeting regarding the OTCWest campus project was held in August 2019.
The West Campus will be leaving Story Road, the Winter Garden location, where it has been since 1974. It originally opened as Westside Technical Vocation Center and is making its new home in the city of Ocoee across from Ocoee High School.
David Ocasio, assistant director of media relations at OCPS, said there was an opportunity for OCPS to modernize its current West Campus in Winter Garden.
“This property’s proximity and closerange to Ocoee High School is practical,” he explained. “With this in mind, the continuity of operations would make for an easy transition.”
Dr. Michael Armbruster, OCPS deputy superintendent, discussed the benefits of moving the campus from Winter Garden to the city of Ocoee at the groundbreaking.
Armbruster said he believes there’s more than one way to a great career.
“I’m a Winter Garden boy, and it was hard for me to say we’re going to move Westside from Winter Garden to somewhere else, but honestly it was the best spot, the best plan and the best place to put it,” he said. “It gives access to people from three of our local communities.
“This is a huge thing for our community, it’s a huge thing for not only our past students but our future students,” Armbruster said. “There are a lot of staff members here today who have put blood, sweat and tears into planning and trying to develop this so it will best serve our students, and I’ve got to tell you, it’s an exciting day for me to stand here knowing that what was once a dream is becoming a reality.”
BACKGROUND
Ocasio said the future of the current OTCWest Campus in Winter Garden has not yet been determined. He said there are a few options being considered, which could include a property exchange with the city.
Last year, residents put up a passionate fight when OCPS considered putting a bus depot in the campus’ place last year.
The community learned of the technical center’s move when former Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer shared the information with residents in June 2020.
The Westside campus was once the facility for Drew High, a school for the area’s black students. It opened in 1956 as Charles R. Drew Junior High School and became a high school when more grades were added. Drew High became accredited in 1959 and held its last graduation exercises in 1969.
Representatives from OCPS hosted a community meeting Feb. 16, 2022, at OTCWest Campus to share their proposal to locate the bus compound on the property. Residents who spoke, as well as Winter Garden officials, shared their opposition to the proposed project, which would have included a bus compound with hundreds of buses, a 10-bay repair facility and a fuel island on the 18.8-acre site on East Story Road.
Byrd said OCPS had two other locations it could consider.
The Town of Oakland Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM, and the Town Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held in Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL 34760, to consider an application initiated by James Whebell and Mary Lee, to consider the adoption of the following Ordinance to voluntary annex their property located at 1016 Hull Island Drive into the Town of Oakland. The subject property contains a total of 1.29 acres and is an enclave within the Hull Island Estates subdivision. The legal description of the property is:
Lots 3 and 4, of HULL ISLAND ESTATES, according to the Plat there of, as recorded in Plat Book W, at Page114, of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida.
ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 19-22-27-3776-00-030 (1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE), AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered.
The full ordinance with legal description may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office at 230 N Tubb Street Oakland, FL 34760 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Town designated holidays.
If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission or any other Board of the Town, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).
The Town of Oakland does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on 48 hours’ notice (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407-656-1117 ext. 2110 or email ehui@oaklandfl.gov. Contact Brad Cornelius, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or email @ OKL@wadetrim.com for more information.
The 2023 Ocoee Music Festival welcomed rock ’n’ roll classics during its first day Friday, March 10, and an evening of country artists Saturday, March 11. After 27 years, the festival continues growing and providing Ocoee residents and out-of-town attendees with great music performances. Despite a little rain, people in the audience didn’t leave their seats as they were excited to hear all the music bands that were set to perform for the night. This year, on the first night of the festival, the audience got to enjoy songs by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Night Ranger, The Mavericks and Rocktown. On Saturday, local artist Mark Houghton and John Hembree kicked off the day, followed by Walker Montgomery, Chapel Hart, Niko Moon and Chris Janson. Besides the music, the event provided entertainment opportunities for families with children such as carnival rides and fair games, as well as myriad food options for the hungry.
— ANDREA MUJICA, AMY QUESINBERRY, ANNABELLE SIKES
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
CHURCH OF GOD
Ocoee Church of God
Pastor Thomas Odom
1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011
EPISCOPAL
Church of the Messiah
241 N. Main St., Winter Garden
Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org
125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661
Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org
The Town of Oakland Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM, and the Town Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held in Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL 34760, to consider an application initiated by James Whebell and Mary Lee, to consider the adoption of the following Ordinance to voluntary annex their property located at 1016 Hull Island Drive into the Town of Oakland. The subject property contains a total of 1.29 acres and is an enclave within the Hull Island Estates subdivision. The legal description of the property is: Lots 3 and 4, of HULL ISLAND ESTATES, according to the Plat there of, as recorded in Plat Book W, at Page114, of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida.
SMALL SCALE FUTURE LAND USE AMENDMENT
ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TOWN FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE, LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE, AS MORE PARTICULARILY DESCRIBED HERE IN, WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 1.29 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
REZONING
ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-03
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TOWN OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION OF R-1A, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE, LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE, AS MORE PARTICULARILY DESCRIBED HERE IN, WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 1.29 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered.
West Orange Country Club
MONDAY, APRIL 3 |12:00 PM
TEAMSANDSPONSORSNEEDED
www.matthewshopeministries.org/givingonthegreen www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries
The full ordinance with legal description may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office at 230 N Tubb Street Oakland, FL 34760 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through
If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission or any other Board of the Town, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to
The Town of Oakland does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on 48 hours’ notice (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407656-1117 ext. 2110 or email ehui@oaklandfl.gov. Contact Brad Cornelius, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or email @
WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?
CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com
1
The Windermere Prep varsity softball team defeated Orangewood Christian 6-4 Monday, March 6, during a non-district game. This was the second time during the 2022-23 season the Lady Lakers and the Lady Rams have faced each other on opposite sides of the diamond. Both times, Windermere Prep returned home with the “W.” Adyson Liddick drove in the two runs that marked the difference toward the end of the game. Carsha Campbell also contributed with 2 RBIs while Piper Hofmann connected twice at the plate for two hits, reaching home twice. Currently, the girls hold a 3-3 overall season record after losing to Trinity Prep 11-0 Thursday, March 9.
2
The Ocoee High School varsity girls flag football team started its season with a win. The Lady Knights defeated the Lady Lions 18-0 Tuesday, March 7. Ocoee defeated West Orange 18-6 Wednesday, March 8, during a nondistrict game.
3
The Windermere High School varsity softball team defeated Lakewood Ranch 5-4 during an 8-inning game Wednesday, March 8. Junior pitcher Lexi King pitched the entire eight innings, allowing six hits and four runs, walking two and striking out six for an ERA of 1.75. Runs were scored by Kaitlyn Defranco, Tessa Olofson, Sophie Shaik, Hazel Seppi and Elizabeth Wise.
During the 2021-22 season, the Lady Mustangs were the last opponent the Lady Wolverines played against, as they bested them during the regional semifinals 8-2 to later become state champions. This year, however, Windermere and Lakewood Ranch have faced each other twice on the softball field and the Lady Wolverines came home with a “W” both times.
4
living room.
“I feel a little better,” she said. “I’ve passed out twice since last week, and I’m just tired and in a lot of pain. It’s just weird, because I am used to being up and running and doing all these things, so not being able to walk much because I get tired, it’s strange. I just feel sore, like I’ve been running a lot.”
THE BEGINNING
her anxiety was a little elevated,” Deidra City said. “But Monday, she had numb hands, a numb face and numb legs. She went to school, she did all her activities, she called me from school telling me she didn’t feel good and that she had a bad headache, so I told her to drink a Gatorade — maybe her electrolytes were off. She came home and went straight to bed.”
Olympia High School
senior and boys basketball team forward David Dupuis won recently the All-Metro Academic Award by having a GPA of 5.071. 5
The Dr. Phillips High School varsity baseball team defeated Apopka 5-1 during a non-district game Thursday, March 9. The Panthers pulled ahead during the third inning by scoring one run, and were able to reach the home plate four times during the bottom of the sixth inning. With a 3-5 overall season record, the boys lost to The First Academy 6-2 Saturday, March 11, during a non-district game.
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITERFor Ocoee High School junior and girls varsity lacrosse defense player Rayne City, 17, life abruptly took an 180-degree turn one day last month.
She was an active member of the community — a lacrosse player, treasurer of the Student Government Association, a member of the Knights marching band and a parttime employee at DG Doughnuts.
Rayne now struggles to walk from her room to the sofa located in her
On Saturday, Feb. 18, Rayne began having symptoms she had never experienced before. The first one of these was numbness in her hands.
“She came to me saying she had numb hands,” her mom, Deidra City, said. “I thought she was overtired, so I told her to go lay down and go to sleep.”
However, rest didn’t seem to help Rayne at all. The next day, she woke up with numb hands and numbness in her face.
“She has anxiety, so I thought
Things didn’t improve Tuesday — in fact, they got worse — as Rayne was not able to feel the floor underneath her, began stumbling while walking at school and was even having a hard time holding her pencil. When she came home, her mom got in touch with her pediatrician — who told her to call 911.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Rayne City was admitted to AdventHealth for Children in Orlando, where she spent a total of eight days — and in all those days, after several different tests, the doctors were not able to
provide the family with a diagnosis. While at the hospital, Rayne lost her speech and her vision became blurry.
“The said they didn’t know what was wrong with her, so I took her to the pediatrician … who asked us to go get a second opinion at (UF Health Shands Hospital) in Gainesville,” Deidra City said. “We stayed there for three days (and) they still don’t know what’s wrong with her, but they kind of narrowed it down a little bit.”
POTENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
After 11 days between the two hospitals; three MRIs of the brain; two MRIs of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines; two lumbar punctures; necessary bloodwork; a CT scan; chest X-rays; an electromyography; and a nerve conduction velocity test, the Citys came home
SEE KNIGHT PAGE 2B
WOBR will host its 2023 opening-day parade Saturday, March 25, and all teams will have the opportunity to create their own float, each with its own theme.
ANDREA
MUJICA STAFF WRITERFor more than 50 years, the West Orange Babe Ruth League has been offering a place for boys in the community to learn how to play the sport of baseball.
Previously known as Ocoee Little League, the WOBR adopted its current name six years ago.
“(We) provide recreational activity for the youth of the community that demonstrates good sportsmanship and teamwork to the youth,” WOBR President Reann Fitzpatrick said.
With 145 players ranging between the ages of 4 and 15 and 14 teams, the league offers play opportunities for the youth from communi-
ties such as Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere, Dr. Phillips MetroWest, Oakland and Apopka.
“I love working with kids and watching them grow doing something they love,” Fitzpatrick said.
In order to provide a second home for the children, the WOBR organizes fundraisers during each season — spring and fall — and is the current beneficiary of the Chickfill-A 5K so players have well-kept fields to practice, and play, on.
According to Fitzpatrick, children playing under the WOBR League learn the meaning behind the words teamwork, leadership and organization.
SEE BABE RUTH PAGE 2B
Between doctor visits and tests, the Citys are hopeful to get a diagnosis soon.
SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES
Foundation Academy senior pitcher
Nate Seeber pitched recently the entire game against the Apopka Blue Darters, allowing only three hits, walking two, striking out 10 and allowing no runs for an ERA of 0.00.
“He’s a bulldog; I tell everybody on our staff to watch him and watch how he approaches the game and watch how he attacks the game,” Foundation Academy head baseball coach Jay Welsh said. “He pitches with such tremendous confidence at all times; everything he does he does confidently. He just has this extreme confidence about him, and he’s just one of those players (who) is amazing.”
Tell us about your years as a baseball player.
I started playing when I was 6 years old, in Little League, with my dad as a coach.
Why baseball?
My dad always liked it. He put all three of (his sons) in it so we kind of all played it, but I was the one who stuck with it. It’s fun, I like it. I’ve been a pitcher all my life.
What’s your favorite pitch to throw?
Probably a slider; it’s hard to hit.
What do you believe baseball has taught you not only on the field but also outside of it?
I think just working through the difficulties of winning or losing and then just having a good attitude on the field. Because, I think if you have a good attitude on the field, your team will see it and everybody will feed off of the energy of the leader. And off the field, I think if you have a good attitude, it makes your life better and it helps you as a person.
Do you have a favorite drill to do at practice?
I like to hit a lot, but maybe the PFPs, which it’s like pitching and fielding practice.
What do you think makes you a unique pitcher on the mound?
I think my attitude. I like to control the game, it’s fun to have all eyes on me. So I can really make it a show. I don’t like the power or anything, but I like to have a good attitude. If we are losing, I like to fight for the win.
How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
I think just having a good attitude.
… Winning or losing, I think if you fight through the pain and through adversity, you show your team that even if you are losing, you can still come back and win, because it’s baseball and it’s seven innings.
Do you have a favorite MLB player Bryce Harper. I think growing up I always liked him because he hit a bunch of home runs.
But my favorite team … I kind of go where he goes. It’s the Phillies now but I liked him a lot.
What’s your favorite part about being a part of the Lions’ base ball team?
THE BASICS
Age: 18
Sport: Baseball
Position: Pitcher
Grade: 12
School: Foundation Academy
I think coming in as a senior, it’s probably my favorite part because I can lead the team. Everyone is kind of young … and I think it’s pretty cool that I can be (part) of the energy and lift everybody up.
What’s your favorite hobby?
I like playing pickleball, it’s kind of small tennis, or I go golfing.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Probably my best friend Kyle (Disabatino), a pocket knife and maybe a lighter.
What’s your favorite movie?
I like “The Maze Runner” series a lot; those were good movies.
What TV series are you watching right now?
I just finished “Outerbanks.” I like adventure shows; it’s a good action-packed series.
What do you listen to before a game to get you in the zone?
Honestly, Justin Bieber. (I listen to) this song called “Anyone.”
Who’s your favorite superhero?
Why?
I’m going to go with Spiderman; he’s cool and he’s a teenager. I like the Tom Holland movies too.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Probably time travel, so you can go back and change anything if you messed up something in the past.
What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
I definitely want to go to England, just because I’ve heard it’s pretty cool. New York City, I’ve never been there. And, maybe Hollywood, because it’s a big city and it’d be cool.
Which one would you choose: Instagram, BeReal or TikTok?
Probably Instagram, I don’t have TikTok or BeReal.
If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, what would it be and why?
Maybe back to the beginning of high school and kind of relive (it) and see what would happen — if it’d be different and how it
What color would you say represents your perMaybe baby blue, just because it’s a cool color.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
from Gainesville with a narrowed down number of potential causes for Rayne’s condition.
The first possible cause may be that Rayne could have caught some sort of cold virus that attacked her body cells.
“(The doctors) said sometimes viruses can do this, (but) I’ve never heard of this,” Deidra City said. “I don’t remember her being sick. … They said she could’ve had (cold) symptoms and not realize it.”
In 2019, Rayne was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation of the brain, a condition where the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.
“Her tonsil plate and her brain sit in the base of her neck, lower than it should be,” Deidra City said. “So her brain actually sits on her spinal cord. She’s had it probably since birth. … So, (the doctors) said that because hers is past five millimeters, that could be causing some of the neurological changes in the legs: the walking, the weakness, the numbness. So, we have a follow up outpatient (visit scheduled) with a neurosurgeon to go over some studies and exams.”
The mother and daughter are scheduled to pay another visit to the pediatrician on Tuesday, March 21, and will be back to Shands on Friday, April 7.
“I’ve been trying to double up the appointments,” Deidra City said. “If she has to see two doctors, we can make one trip.”
Despite not having a diagnosis, Rayne and her mother feel hopeful that she will soon go back to normal. In fact, she is scheduled to start physical therapy soon at AdventHealth Sports Med & Rehab in Apopka.
“It’s really heartbreaking to see her go from an outgoing person always playing sports and just always doing stuff to (a point where she) can’t even walk, it’s heartbreaking,” said Jennifer Stein, Deidra City’s best friend and Rayne’s second mother.
The Citys have always been residents of Ocoee. Deidra City — a single mother — has lived her entire life there, and her two children, Rayne and Anthony, have too.
“Our world and our community have been so supportive,” Deidra City said. “Our inner community in Ocoee in general, her friends.
… We’ve had her school teachers come to the house and bring her balloons and flowers.”
Despite this being her first year as a lacrosse player at Ocoee High School, Rayne’s lacrosse teammates have been playing their 2022-23 season in honor of No. 22 — her jersey number.
“I played the first game and that following Monday was my last normal day on the team,” she said. “I probably won’t be back to
lacrosse this year.”
As a single mother, Deidra City usually works three jobs — and 80 hours a week — to be able to provide for her two children and four cats. However, with Rayne needing round-the-clock care, she was only able to keep one job: the one that allows her to work from home.
“I’m only working 40 hours a week,” she said. “So, that’s a whole paycheck missing, and without Rayne’s, that’s another paycheck.”
Despite not being worried about medical expenses because of a good insurance coverage, the family is worried about the daily expenses such as mortgage, food and anything house related. However, after getting home from the hospital, the Citys already received the medical bill: $132,000.
“I don’t know what my portion will be, but that was the medical bill (so far),” Deidra City said.
Rayne’s boyfriend, Jackson Nielson, has been a huge help to the family as he has contributed to her care since she was admitted at the hospital.
“He’s been really helpful,” Rayne said. “He stayed a few nights at the hospital with us. … He’s helped me a lot and my mom a lot.”
“I was able to take some breaks because he wanted to learn how to get her up and take care of her,” Deidra City said.
Even Oliver, one of the family cats, has been of support to Rayne during these hard days.
“He’s an emotional support ani-
mal,” Deidra City said. “When she’s sick, he sits outside her bedroom door and meows. He follows her from room to room and when she lets him in the room … he sleeps on her bed.”
Rayne was preparing to take her SAT and was an active organizer of the Mr. and Miss Ocoee Pageant.
“I missed the SAT, I missed the pageant, I missed probably six lacrosse games by now,” she said. “I am a very committed person … and it’s very disappointing because I go to every practice, I make sure I am having a good attitude while I’m there just trying to make the most our of it, and, now, I’ve missed all of it.”
Hundreds of people Rayne and her family have encountered in their life have contributed to helping making this situation a little easier.
“I don’t want her to get depressed over it,” Deidra City said. “She’s going back to normal; it’s just going to take time.”
GOFUNDME HELP RAYNE AND HER FAMILY gofundme.com/f/ugvvmwraynes-recovery
OPENING DAY PARADE
The WOBR League will celebrate the opening of its 2023 spring season with an opening-day parade of 10 to 20 floats that will start at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? I’d be a dog, just because they are spoiled.
— ANDREA MUJICAAccording to Fitzpatrick, the parade will start at the old Ocoee City Hall on Bluford Avenue and will head north, crossing over to Silver Star Road to later head toward Rewis Street, then Flewelling Avenue and reach the park right after the baseball fields.
“We will then have the teams lined up so we can announce each one as they enter the field,” Fitzpatrick said.
“The parade brings a sense of community,” Fitzpatrick said. “We push that we are one big family (and one) big community.”
TEAM INFORMATION:
FACEBOOK: West Orange Babe Ruth League EMAIL: westorangebabaruth@gmail.com
This was the first time since the opening of Windermere High School that the Lady Wolverines and the Lady Lions faced each other on opposite sides of the diamond.
The Windermere High School varsity softball team defeated Foundation Academy 15-1 Thursday, March 9. The Lady Wolverines (5-2) took the lead early in the game, scoring their first two runs during the first inning. A combined effort on the mound by Julia Paulsen and Miranda Murch allowed the Lady Lions to connect
six hits and reach home once during the game.
Windermere is set to travel to Winter Park at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21, for a non-district game, while Foundation is set to host Horizon at 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 23, for a non-district game.
— ANDREA MUJICADIED MARCH 2, 2023. Gloria Anne Fife, 87, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, entered the gates of Heaven on March 2, 2023.
Gloria was born to the late George W. and Valley Bradford Jones on April 19, 1935.
She met the love of her life, the late Walker B. Fife Jr., in 1951, and they married on June 5, 1953. Together, they welcomed three children and later four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brother, G. W. Jones; and son, Gregory Fife.
Survivors include her daughters, Cheryl Simmons and Kim (Johnny) Tilley; grandchildren, Ashley (David) Henderson, Stephanie Simmons, Drew (Katie) Simmons and Josh (Savannah) Fife; in addition to five precious great-grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends.
Memorial Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Calvary Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Florida.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, SoddyDaisy, TN; (423) 843-2525. Share your memories, stories and photos at legacyfuneralhome.com.
BRITTANY CARLSON
DIED MARCH 2, 2023.
Brittany Carlson, 30, of Ocoee/Orlando, Florida, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Brittany was born on Dec. 30, 1992, in Orlando, Florida. She was the daughter of Dana Carlson and Kim (Mathis) Carlson.
She was a loving daughter, sibling, aunt and friend. She enjoyed camping, boating, the beach, the Florida Gators and New York Yankees. Everyone who knew Brittany would tell you she had a vibrant personality and was always the life of the party. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Besides her loving parents, Dana and Kim, she is survived by brothers, Andrew Carlson of Jupiter, Florida, Jeff Carlson of Orlando, Florida; sister, Shannon (Carlson) Kline of Orlando,
Florida and husband (Jason); nephews, Blake Carlson and Camden Kline; and niece Kennedy Kline. She is also survived by grandmother, Willena Mathis; aunts, Jerilyn Frazier and husband Steve, Jacqueline Trudeau and Gayle Carr; uncles, Duane Mathis and wife Wendy, Neil Carlson and wife Virginia and Matt Carlson. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Jerry Mathis, Roy Carlson and Priscilla Carlson; uncles, Tharyl Mathis and Rene Trudeau; and aunts, Ellen Carlson and Tracy Carlson. The family has yet to set a date for a Celebration of Life and will announce details at a later date on the funeral home website. Funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Darlene Brown is the AICE English language instructor at Horizon High School. Assistant Principal Wessal Kenaio said of Brown: “Not only an outstanding classroom teacher but (she) also runs our school’s social/ emotional acceptance group; she is our department/PLC lead, in which she mentors new teachers and provides guidance and support to the entire English department. She forms meaningful and lasting connections with students both within the academic context and outside of the classroom. Darlene is concerned about students’ well-being and brings issues or concerns to the attention of appropriate personnel when needed while seeking a deeper knowledge and understanding of school policy and decisions. She can be relied upon to perform her assigned duties and responsibilities in a professional manner. She attends nearly all home football games and also attends all school SAC meetings.”
Brown was chosen for an OCPS Hero Teacher award for Horizon and said she is grateful to work with a great administrative team and faculty.
What brought you to your school?
I live in the West Orange area. The community was abuzz with the excitement of a new high school opening. When it was announced that Laura Beusse was going to be the principal opening Horizon High, I kept hearing what a great person and principal she was. My current principal was retiring. I figured, “Why not seek a little change?”
What do you love most about your school?
I love the students! Horizon has great students. I love that the administrative team is on the same page and is helpful. At any point, I can go see or email Principal Andrew Jackson, an assistant principal, dean or guidance counselor and have questions or concerns addressed.
What is your motivation?
The success of my students is my motivation. Feeling and seeing that I’m making a difference with my students is priceless.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing the students succeed is very rewarding. Watching students work hard, put forth the effort and then seeing the results in scores and improved writing skills. Watching many of them find their voice is also rewarding.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, there’s nothing like a good book or binge-watching a good series.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher in middle school was Susan Brown, my performing arts teacher. She allowed me to become comfortable with performing and being in front of people. I enjoyed the many field trips which exposed me to new experiences and places. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?
Growing up I wanted to be a television news anchor. Back then, while I loved the camera and performing, I was elated at the idea of being behind a news desk, reading a script and informing people.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“King Midas” was one of my favorite children’s books as a child. I remember being enthralled with someone being able to turn everything into gold. However, the moral was always a reminder not to be too greedy.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading good books and doing anything that makes me laugh. I love to laugh.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
I’d rock out to Aerosmith, get my groove on with the Jacksons/ Jackson 5, (and) roll with Pentatonix because they cover just about anything and make it sound good.
What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?
Toasted peanut butter and honey sandwiches were the best growing up as a kid. Tang and Kool-Aid were real treats to drink too!
What is your favorite holiday and why?
The lights, music, smells, seasonal foods and family make Christmas my favorite holiday. There’s so much to enjoy about Christmas — the colors, memories, and movies.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
I’m a “military brat.” We moved around the world about every three years growing up. I’ve had numerous BFFs, but unfortunately, we have not stayed in touch. I will say, I was reunited with my best friend from when we lived in Italy together. Our fathers were later stationed together again near Cocoa Beach.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?
I won a performing arts award in middle school. Middle school activities also included track and field for all three years and soccer for one year. High school activities included track and field, dance corps, news crew, French Club and National Honor Society.
— ANDREA MUJICA
The National Beta Club at Horizon High School is proving itself in just its first year of existence.
Amanda Cohen is the sponsor of the club and its 15 members, who returned from a state competition in Orlando with a handful of wins.
Twelve students attended the contest — the first for the Horizon students — and six were declared winners, two of them first place.
Sydney Jackson and Thy Thy Nuygen took first place in math and hand-drawn anime Division 1, respectively. Second-place winners were Rashmitha Bathina and Meagan Rose in an instrumental duo and Rylie Eaton in on-site drawing Division 1. Connor Wilson came in third in social studies.
“We’re a brand-new school, and we went to states, and we pretty much took home first and second place in every category we entered,” Cohen said. “They crushed it; I was so proud of them.”
The winners now advance to the national competition in June in Kentucky.
National Beta Club is a nonprofit educational youth organization in America that prepares today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders and promotes the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.
Students at Horizon High with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average are eligible to join the Beta Cub honor society. Cohen said the club focuses on service within the school and in the community.
Recent activities include making stockings for homeless and foster children and making sandwiches for homeless folks.
The Beta Club officers meet after school on Thursdays and club members meet biweekly to discuss fundraisers and practice for competitions. For the contests, students select categories in which they can succeed.
“I find out what the kids do within the school,” Cohen said. “Those kids who are in orchestra and can
improve, they can absolutely play an instrument. You can prove you actually have acting experience behind you if you want to be in the acting category. They express the interest, and then I assign it.”
There are dozens of categories in which to compete, Cohen said, including performing arts, academics, robotics, living literature, music, singing, dancing, acting and candidate speaking.
Cohen is hoping more students will become interested in the club and join in the meetings. Students
who want to get involved can show up at a Thursday meeting immediately after school in Room 6102. The club offers scholarship opportunities, Cohen said. Beta Club is holding a spirit night from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Huey Magoos, 9250 Miley Drive, Winter Garden. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will be donated to the club.
Several Horizon High students will move on to the national competition in June in Kentucky.
OF 2023
Show your support of the area’s public, private and charter high school graduates in the Class of 2023 Special Section!
Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors from our area’s public, private and charter high schools.
Be a part of saying “Congratulations” and “Good Luck” to our graduates.
Publishing: Thursday, May 25
Ad Deadline: Monday, May 8
CALL YOUR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE TODAY!
407-656-2121 advertise@orangeobserver.com
Sponsor a high school Congratulate a special senior with a graduation card
Advertise your services to parents of graduates
Giessuebel said the story resembles events that took place in her own life. Mrs. Daniels is even named after a teacher who personally inspired her.
“She was caring, she was kind, she used to stay after contract hours to tutor me and give me the assistance that I needed because I struggled in school,” Giessuebel shared. “I felt like she believed in me and saw me not just as a student, but as a person. When I saw her selflessness and her sacrifices, it just made me want to do the same for other kids.”
When working to become a teacher, Giessuebel shared she also experienced a lot of challenges because of struggles with test taking.
“Ever since finally passing it, I’ve always been an advocate for the belief that I don’t think a test defines someone, because I was a straight ‘A’ student but couldn’t pass a test,” she said. “Being a teacher now, I see some of my kids get so defeated when they don’t pass a test. It just breaks my heart. I want to change that.”
Giessuebel said she would not have been able to get to this point without her family, her church community and all the people that believed in her.
There are even hidden tributes in the book to her family. The main character, Thomas, is named after her older brother, an illustrated calendar in the book shows her brother’s birthday month and her family’s names reside on the chalkboard.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Winter Garden resident and educator Peyton Giessuebel is using her failures to inspire the community to overcome their own.
The elementary school teacher released recently her first children’s book, “If You Only Knew What Failure Could Do.” The 32-page children’s book serves as her testimony.
She said failure is inevitable, and she wants children to have a healthy relationship with it. She hopes children learn the strength they obtain from failure is something they can only get from those failed experiences.
“The story is all based on a student who is experiencing failure and learning to overcome it while also learning to try and shift the mindset of what failure actually is,” Giessuebel said. “It’s not something we should look at and hang our heads … but something we should be proud of because those failures that we go through actually get us to where we want to be. If we just succeeded at everything, then we wouldn’t build the character, perseverance and the strength that we need to go through life.”
BOOK BEGINNING
Giessuebel said she always had aspirations to write a book about her life, although not necessarily a children’s book.
Giessuebel found Diana McDermott, a Christian illustrator, who she said was a phenomenal person to work with.
The book’s formation began less than a year ago, and Giessuebel said it was actually a pretty smooth process, which she credits to McDermott, who she said worked endlessly on the vision she had.
In the story, Thomas, an elementary student, fears reading aloud to his class because he is too afraid to fail. Once the time comes for him to read aloud, he begins with confidence and realizes it’s easier than he thought, until he stumbles across a word he doesn’t know.
Immediately, thoughts of doubt and failure flood his head. However, all that changes through a conversation with his teacher, Mrs. Daniels. Through her, he realizes his failure isn’t really a failure after all.
Giessuebel is a true product of the Winter Garden community, as she attended Thornebrooke Elementary and Lakeview Middle and graduated from West Orange High.
She went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Central Florida where, she also earned her master’s degree in educational leadership.
At only 26 years old, Giessuebel holds two degrees and three educational certifications. She currently is working towards her doctorate’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
She has been teaching at Maxey Elementary School for five years, where she has taught first-, second- and now third-grade students.
Giessuebel knew she wanted to be a teacher when she was in first grade. She said she was inspired to teach elementary age students because of her love for children. She serves also at her church, Hope Church, in the children’s department.
“Any chance that I get to be around the youth, I’m going to take it,” she said. “Seeing their personalities and kind of helping them develop into who they’re meant to be – and I think at a younger age that’s so detrimental – playing a role in that is what made me want to stick with this age group.”
Giessuebel said she has always been a dreamer and motivated to make something of herself. Although she wants to remain a teacher, she said her audience may change in the future as she has considered teaching at the college level or teaching future teachers.
“I feel like there’s also a negative connotation associated with people who decide they want to be teachers,” she said. “A lot of people stop those people because they say all of these things that are not good about education, so I would like to inspire those people and show them that sure there are things that are not that great, but there are also so many benefits that you can get in this job that you just don’t get in other jobs. If it’s on your heart to be a teacher, I feel like you should explore it. I’d like to be a positive light in that reality.”
Certificates of deposit available through Schwab CD OneSource® typically offer a fixed rate of return, although some offer variable rates. They are FDIC-insured and offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
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Peyton Giessuebel, who holds two degrees with three educational certifications, has written a book about failure.Annabelle Sikes “If You Only Knew What Failure Could Do” is available at bit.ly/3YOd7pw.
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Every year on March 18th, we at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) show appreciation for the hard work and dedication our natural gas utility workers exemplify. We celebrate our commitment to providing accessible and reliable natural gas as we honor our industry’s pledge to prioritize safety. This month, join us and other natural gas utilities nationwide as we observe Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day and recognize the indispensable field workers who keep gas flowing safely in nearly 177 million American homes, businesses, and vehicles daily.
This national day is annually recognized to build awareness about natural gas utility workers’ efforts and to share best practices for keeping our communities safe. The March 18 date is symbolic; on that date in 1937, a natural gas incident in New London, Texas, prompted a turning point for the industry’s emphasis on safety regulations and the widespread odorization of natural gas with mercaptan was implemented (the “rotten egg” smell). In remembrance of that tragedy, National Gas Utility Workers’ Day was founded.
Safety is a vital aspect to natural gas distribution and LANGD utility workers provide essential technical support for safely maintaining our communities’ gas systems. You might have noticed them in your neighborhood performing leak surveys, responding to service calls, or installing and repairing all types of gas mains, pipes and service lines.
As your local natural gas utility, we take the responsibility of safely delivering natural gas very seriously. Our employees and utility workers are trained extensively to supply energy to your homes, businesses and vehicles. In 2022, the District even partnered with local fire departments in Clermont and Apopka to donate smoke and CO2 detectors to help keep our communities alert and safe.
These commitments to supporting our customers are nationally recognized as LANGD remains an active recipient of the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) highest honor – the Gold System Operational Achievement Recognition
(SOAR) Award – for excellence in employee safety, workforce development, system integrity and improvements. We were also awarded the APGA Safety Award for the 11th straight year in 2022 and we intend to maintain these honors!
Our team also prides itself on fully complying with state and federal natural gas pipeline safety rules regulated by the Florida Public Service Commission (FPSC) and receiving another excellent inspection report without incident this year.
Since the date of recognition falls on a Saturday this year, we’re celebrating our field workers a day early with a companywide barbecue lunch on March 17. Nothing changes in a day, especially not for an entire industry, but the hard work and dedication that our natural gas utility workers put in every day, 365 days a year, make these safety goals a reality. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating our essential natural gas utility workers on March 18th and every day!
If you would like to highlight a positive experience you’ve had with one of our natural gas utility workers, we encourage you to do so by commenting on our Facebook (Facebook. com/LANGDFL) and LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/ company/Lake-Apopka-Natural-Gas-District), or by reaching out to us directly at custsvc@langd.org.
Think that natural gas is the right energy mix for your home, business or vehicle? Get connected with the District marketing team at (407) 656-2737 x307, marketing@ langd.org, or visit www.langd.org for more information.
