10.26.23 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

VOLUME 9, NO. 3

Lions, Royals renew rivalry The Foundation Academy and The First Academy battle for a playoff spot this Friday. 6-7B.

Jessica Makin is the second vice commander of the Horizon West American Legion.

YOUR TOWN GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN FUN Several municipalities are planning fun events for the Halloween season.

In Ocoee, Halloween Howl Night is from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road. The festivities include an inflatable corn maze, trunkor-treating, a scare zone, glow hunt, pumpkin derby and axe throwing.

The city of Winter Garden continues its 12-day Halloween experience with a hay maze at City Hall, and Halloween and fall-themed photo stations throughout downtown; light shows from 7 to 9 p.m. most nights through Oct. 31; Halloween fun from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28, at the farmers market, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.; and the Spooky Caboose from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the heritage museum, 1 N. Main St. In Windermere, the costume parade and hayride begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Town Hall, 520 Main St.

Tom Heffern has been tapped as the chaplain of Horizon West American Legion Post 419.

Manny Gonzalez is serving as the first vice commander.

VETERAN

PRESENCE Bethany Eller has been selected as the American Legion post adjutant.

Eric Cooper is serving as the post’s finance officer.

TEACHERS DRESS TO IMPRESS Sunset Park Elementary teachers donned costumes for this year’s Trunk or Treat.

SEE PAGE 4B.

Veterans in Horizon West have come together to form American Legion Post 419. The post exists to encourage camaraderie among local veterans and also to serve the community.

SEE PAGE 4A.

Festival features fall fun Courtesy photos

Casey Brown, retired U.S. Army sergeant, and Andrew Brown, retired Navy hospital corpsman 2, met in the military.

Windermere welcomes cooler weather and a new season with festival.

SEE PAGE 7A.

Hamlin residents: Liquor store/bar not appropriate The Stoneybrook Liquors project would bring a 15,829-square-foot liquor store/bar to the area.

SEE PAGE 6A.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

Windermere talks Chaine du Lac annexation NEWS EDITOR

The town of Windermere on Monday, Oct. 16, and Thursday, Oct. 19, hosted two virtual public information workshops to discuss the possible annexation of Chaine du Lac. Chaine du Lac is located on 103 acres south of Lake Butler Boulevard and abuts the town limits to the west.

The annexation would include not only the community’s homeowners association but also the entire area.

The current Orange County Future Land Use of the area is Rural-Country Estate-Cluster, and the community contains 74 parcels and 51 singlefamily dwelling units. About 115 residents live in the community.

The Windermere proper town limit is 2.2 square miles, and Chaine du Lac would add about a third of a square mile.

“I believe that this is a compact, natural progression for the town of Windermere; for us to expand a little bit, gain some more residents and gain some more tax revenues which would offset any cost that would have to possibly be impacted by the greater town,” Town Manager Robert Smith said.

Town Planner Brad Cornelius said there are two primary ways annexation can occur: voluntarily or involuntarily.

Voluntary annexation pertains to when a property owner with land adjacent to the town requests to become a part of the town. If the town agrees, the town passes an ordinance for the voluntary annexation, and the property is annexed.

Involuntary annexation is when the town identifies land next to the town limits for potential annexation and enters a process where the land is studied and a plan is developed. The town then notifies Orange County of the potential annexation and holds public hearings. Finally, the Town Council votes on an ordinance.

Cornelius said the annexation process will be involuntary and requires the approval of a referendum by the registered voters within the Chaine du Lac area proposed for annexation.

If the community were to be annexed into the town, Orange County’s Land Development Code regulations would remain in effect until the town’s comprehensive plan is amended to include the Chaine du Lac area.

Once the town’s comprehensive plan is amended, the town’s land development code regulations would take effect.

The town then would assign Planned Unit Development FLU and zoning with development standards as part of the PUD. As far as a potential timeline, after receipt of the peti-

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tion, it would take about 30 days to complete the annexation analysis, 60 days for the required public hearings for approval of the ordinance for annexation and 30 days for the referendum after it is scheduled.

If the referendum is approved, it would take about 60 to 90 days to process the required comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to assign town designations.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Smith spoke about concerns the community may have, such as town responsibilities versus HOA responsibilities, solid waste/recycling, fire service protection and EMS, the politics of the annexation, additional benefits, and financial impacts.

As is already the case with its agreement with Orange County, the HOA would continue to be responsible for the roads, common areas, stormwater and lighting.

Once annexation is complete, the town would take over solid waste and recycling for the development.

Although the town does not have a fire department, Windermere has a continuing services contract with the Ocoee Fire Department. The Ocoee FD would continue to provide fire and Emergency Management Services.

Ocoee and Orange County also have an agreement through which Ocoee covers the calls for Orange County in the northern area where Ocoee has more stations, while Orange County covers the calls for Ocoee in the southern area.

Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden also discussed the benefits of Chaine du Lac coming under the town’s jurisdiction.

“We are a small police department, but what that means — or what I’ve learned to know that means — is that we have a level of service that is beyond what I ever could have imagined even at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office,” he said.

Once annexed into the town, the residents of Chaine du Lac would be able to vote in the town elections. And after a year of residency, the residents also would be eligible to run in the town of Windermere’s elections.

Smith said the annexation would allow the Chaine du Lac community more access to local leaders and staff.

“You’re gaining an additional level of politics to have more of a local say in what happens locally,” he said.

Once annexed, Chaine du Lac residents also would have access to the town’s boat ramps and tennis courts, as well as be able to attend town resident-only events, obtain discounts on Town Hall rentals, be part of the town’s committees, and benefit from the town’s disaster recovery.

“When you decide to serve as an elected official in our town, in our community, we serve the entire town and

the entire community,” Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “And whether you live in an HOA or whether you don’t live in an HOA, we’re charged with making sure we do what benefits the community to the fullest degree no matter what. When we’ve had several individuals from HOA communities on the council, they serve the exact same way. Together, we’re better.”

With the millage rate, solid waste, fire rescue and stormwater assessment, Chaine du Lac residents would see a cost difference of an additional $375 per year.

Smith said this does not include the first fiscal year because there is a lag time between when annexed in and when residents would pay taxes to the town. However, if the Town Council reduces the cost of the fire assessment for the next fiscal year, which is what’s being considered, the cost difference would range between $150 to $275 per year.

He said the town would not have to add another staff person for the annexation and the town would receive the added benefit of tax revenues of about $400,000 each fiscal year.

The Town Council was scheduled to host another workshop Tuesday, Oct. 24, after press time, followed by another discussion at a Town Council meeting in November. An election date would be set shortly after.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

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1931-2023

City of Ocoee remembers Jean Grafton

Jean Grafton made friends everywhere she went and built solid friendships based on mutual love and respect.

The former city clerk served her hometown of Ocoee for 30 years and was known for her love of laughter, family, fierce friendships and traveling the world.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

J

ean Grafton’s life was enriched by surrounding herself with friends who loved a good laugh — and she enriched those around her with her caring nature, generosity and passion for solid friendships. She modeled love and acceptance, and she frequently told people she loved them and they were beautiful because “we all need to see the beauty everywhere,” she once said.

Mattie Jean Grafton, a former longtime Ocoee city clerk and lifelong Ocoee resident, died Sept. 24, 2023, in the same home on Seventh Street she was born in 92 years ago.

She was the sixth child of Joseph Michael and Mabel Flowers Arnett Grafton. She was an active student, performing as a cheerleader and on the Ocoee High School girls basketball team. She was named Miss Ocoee High School.

At age 10, Grafton was recruited to sing in her church choir — a gift from God, she always was told — and she continued to develop her singing skills and majored in music at Barry College. She would spend her entire life singing in choirs.

The inscription on her headstone reads, “There are other worlds to sing in.”

She loved to travel in any capacity, whether it was with a choir, for recreation or for her job.

Grafton served the city of Ocoee as the city clerk and Supervisor of Elections and as a certified public pension trustee for 30 years. Her sense of humor was an integral part of her personality. When she retired in 2004, her calling card read, “Certified public pension trustee, retired city clerk, experienced and fully qualified to listen to your complaints with a straight face — no laughing, yawning or smirking. Will also listen to your health problems, but I will look bored.”

After retiring, she could have lived comfortably on the beach or in the mountains, but she chose to go back home. Literally.

She eventually moved back into the childhood home her father built in 1926 and spent years renovating the house full of history and memories.

REMEMBERING A LIFE WELL LIVED

Memorial services for Grafton were held Sunday, Oct. 8, in the church in which Grafton grew up: Ocoee Christian Church, in downtown Ocoee.

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson gave the eulogy.

“A wise person once said that everyone can point to a few extraordinary people who impacted their lives in some way,” he said. “When I look back on my life I see many faces, but a few stand out to me.

This wonderful lady … Mattie Jean Grafton, is one of those people. I have no doubt as I stand here today, this same lady had the same effect on a lot of you.”

Johnson shared several stories and said she is the one who suggested he run for office after he visited City Hall to make a complaint.

“It was amazing to be around Jean,” he said. “All of us were really Jean’s kids. She loved us and took care of us like we were her family.”

The Rev. Gail Davidson conducted the service. She and Grafton spent many hours playing Scrabble on the front porch. They never kept score, and the game was full of laughter, said Mary Branche, one of Grafton’s daughters.

“Gail had a real distinct, real big laugh, and I noticed the women Mom surrounded herself with, they all had a real big laugh,” Mary Branche said.

“I can’t help but imagine that today she’s sitting on God’s porch, laughing and talking,” Davidson said. “Jean was a saint who walked among us. … She treated people with the same dignity and respect, no matter who they were. … She made such an impact on her hometown; her heart beat to the rhythm of the city of Ocoee.”

“Everything she did she comes from love,” said her daughter, Susan Branche Poteet.

Several of Grafton’s family members spoke at the service, as well.

Many of them expressed how loved she made them feel.

“Grace, beauty, love and kindness — that’s what I think of when I think of my grandmother,” one grandson said.

“I will be eternally grateful for not only having the privilege of know her but being related to her,” another

Courtesy photos

Above: Jean Grafton raised her five children in Ocoee.

Above, right: Jean Grafton grew up in Ocoee and was named Miss Ocoee High.

Right: Jean Grafton, right, and Mary Anne Swickerath enjoyed a long friendship full of laughter.

relative said. “And the world’s a better place for the legacy she left it.”

“We feel so good about her legacy carrying on,” Mary Branche said.

At the service, seven of Grafton’s great-grandchildren rang the church bell — the same one Grafton rang as a child and her children rang when we were young.

GROWING UP WITH MOM

Mary Branche looks back on her childhood in amazement.

“She raised five kids by herself on a very limited child support as she got back on her feet,” she said.

“I used to think that all moms sang good and cooked good and were loving.”

The household was always full of love, she said. As the family gathered to remember Grafton, so many stories were shared.

“We would be in our little twin bed, and she would take the sheet and snap it, and it would billow down like a cloud over us,” Mary Branche said. “We were all avid readers in storybooks. Now that I’ve had my kids and grandkids, I do not know how she did it — but she honored life and expressed love, and when you were in front of her you had her undivided attention. … Her gift was she was a strong listener.

“My siblings and I were talking about growing up and friends coming over, and they came over before

dinner so they could eat with us,” she said. “Mom always had a set table with a protein and two vegetables and a bread and a salad. She was just a home for kids who didn’t have that home experience.”

Grafton was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; and two of her sons, Michael Thomas Branche and Walter Patrick Branche.

In addition to her daughters, Grafton is survived by her son, Robert (Robb) Malcolm Branche (Val); sonin-law, Neal Poteet; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

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AMY QUESINBERRY

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

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Executive members have been installed in the newly formed Horizon West American Legion Post 419.

Courtesy

American Legion post forms in Horizon West AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

V

eterans living in Horizon West now have an organization closer to home with the establishment of Horizon West American Legion Post 419. Officers have been selected and installed, and the veterans are eager to have an official place of their own to seek camaraderie and veteran resources.

“This post has been something that friends of the community in Horizon West have been trying to get going in the past few years,” said Jessica Makin, second vice commander of Post 419. “We’ve had a local veteran group going with local meetings. But in the last year … people have stepped up to say, ‘What do we have to do to make it happen?’

It’s taken a lot of grit to get it going.”

The temporary charter was granted in July, and the official full charter will be completed soon, Makin said.

Other American Legion posts, as well as district staff members, have walked alongside Post 419 Commander Alan Adams and the other executive members to ensure the new organization’s proper installment and success.

“We’re excited about getting everything running and the passion for what people have for the community — to help the veterans, to get more veterans involved,” Makin said. “There are a lot more veterans than you think in the area. … Trying to help each other out, trying to build a better community — not just to veterans and military families but (also) the community as a whole.”

Adams has been an American Legion member for eight years and is excited to serve as commander of the new post.

“My main role is to help guide the Executive Committee in accomplishing the items on our annual plan from my experiences at previous posts,” he said.

Seven people on the 12-person executive committee are new legionnaires.

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent time with this group, and can say I enjoy their passion for developing an American Legion post that represents the local community,” Adams said. “They all have shared that they want to be active in the local community, take care of local veterans and work with the youth in the community in programs such as the JROTC, Scouts and various youth groups. I most look forward to building a sense of community that some have been looking for over the past couple of years.”

CHANGING THE IMAGE

“We have people who have been in American Legion for many years at a different legion … and we’re having a lot of younger people (interested),” Makin said. “I think we’re changing the image of what the American Legion is — not a bunch of veterans sitting around a bar drinking. There are younger generations and veterans coming in. … Our mission is to help these veterans.”

The new post has yet to find a permanent home. For now, meetings are virtual on the third Wednesday of each month. However, the members continue to find ways to get out into the community and give back.

One upcoming event is Post 419’s inaugural ruck march and Veterans Day ceremony Saturday, Nov. 11, at Home State Brewing Co. The program begins at 10:15 a.m.; participants will step off at 11:11 a.m., walk to Bass Park and return to the

JOIN UP Communication currently is through the Horizon West American Legion Post 419 Facebook page; Jessica Makin, second vice commander, said a website is coming soon. The meetings are open to anyone, and different types of memberships are available. For information, email horizonwestamericanlegion@gmail.com.

brewery. A raffle will help the organization raise funds.

Post members are planning a few more activities in conjunction with local businesses and hope to make this a monthly event.

About 30 people hold membership in the Horizon West post, and that number is growing.

“We have to decide what the American Legion is moving forward,” Makin said. “We don’t want it to die.”

The new post has been working with Casey Brown, who started the Horizon West Veterans Facebook page a few years ago when she and her husband were looking for fellow veterans with whom to hang out and “talk shop,” she said. There currently are more than 225 members — and many of them have joined the new post.

“It’s great how the community is responding to it,” said Brown, who is the service officer for the post. “It’s beautiful.”

The Facebook group will continue as a social group.

“No matter how long you’ve been out, you feel that camaraderie,” said Makin, who served in the U.S. Navy in 2006-2010 and in the reserves after that.

“I grew up in a military family,” she said. “When I meet a fellow veteran, I feel connected — even though we’ve just met. There is just a sense of belonging that comes from serving your country. Since I separated from the Navy, I have worked with veteran organizations in the areas of benefits, career counseling and military burials. I want to continue to transform the military/veteran community through acts of service and empowerment that will enhance the way of our future legionnaires.”

One of the mission statements that came out of one of the last meetings is “Proud to be Legion.”

“When we’re going there, we’re proud to be out there and be part of the American Legion,” Makin said.

“We all have our story.”

Tom Heffern, the post chaplain, joined the American Legion for several reasons.

“As a retired Marine Corps veteran, I feel compelled to con-

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Commander: Alan Adams Adjutant: Bethany Eller 1st vice commander: Manny Gonzalez 2nd vice commander: Jessica Makin Finance officer: Eric Cooper Chaplain: Tom Heffern Sergeant-at-arms: Raul Perez Service officer: Casey Brown Judge advocate: Melanie Caputo Executive Committee members at large: Laurie Hackett, Dave Puig and Matt Bartlett

tinue serving this great nation,” he said. “(Because) the American Legion is one of the oldest and most venerated veterans groups in the country, it seemed like the right choice.

“Additionally, there is a great legacy of service in the Legion spanning from World War I veterans, some of whom I knew as a young man, through World War II veterans, to the Korean War and Vietnam War,” Heffern said. “These were truly great generations before us, and now it is time for this next generation of veterans from the last 20-plus years of constant operations in the Middle East and across the globe to stand up and fill the ranks. Here I am. … I’m really interested in lifting other veterans up, those who may be struggling for whatever reason, as well as offering mentorship for the next generation of youth.”

Dave Puig, an Executive Committee member at large, said he was happy to put his name on the founding charter after talking to Adams and seeing the inclusive nature he wanted to establish with the new post.

“Looking at the diversity of our officers, I can see I made the right choice,” Puig said. “Times are changing for the Legion, and I’m glad we are going to help lead the charge for a new generation.”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

Oakland mayor presents State of the Town Kathy Stark provided her annual update on the town of Oakland and shared accomplishments and future plans.

Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark presented her State of the Town to residents Monday, Oct. 16, at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.

“This occasion provides us with a moment to reflect upon past accomplishments, challenges and the vision for the future of the town of Oakland,” Stark said. “Our vision for the town is to serve the citizens of Oakland with a government that provides a high level of service while keeping our identity as ‘Oakland’ — where we maintain and preserve natural beauty and history while being friendly and respectful of each other and keeping a careful and pragmatic growth that fits into the fabric of our town and a prudent fiscal approach.”

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

During her presentation, Stark highlighted many of the town’s accomplishments. n Oakland is designated for its 20th year as a Tree City USA and is committed to urban forest management.

Last year, Public Works staff oversaw the planting of nearly 500 new trees of various species. In a further commitment to the environment, the town is working to obtain Dark Sky certification. n The town adopted new branding, refreshed the town logo and implemented a new style guide with distinct features. The acorn graphic signifies Oakland’s connection to its roots and commitment to continued conservation. n Oakland hired a new police chief, Darron Esan, in November, and a new town manager, Andy Stewart, in June. n The town has more than 260 registered commercial and home-based businesses, an increase of 60 in the last two years. n Since the last State of the Town in 2019, the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center opened, constructed from a $1 million donation from Healthy West Orange, a $225,000 grant from United Arts and Orange County Cultural Arts and Affairs, and contributions from several other donors. The center has welcomed more than 13,000 visitors and held more than 15 curated exhibition openings. n The town’s first farmers market opened this fall. n Since the last State of the Town, the Public Works Department oversaw the construction of about five miles of new streets and nine miles of new sidewalks, made improvements to parks, added a pavilion to Speer Park, built a pavilion and

n In just a few years, the town went from one lift station to seven, allowing for wastewater to be pumped from homes and businesses to the treatment facility in Clermont. More than 650 homes and businesses have been converted from septic to sewer, including Oakland Avenue Charter School and the Oakland Police Department facility. The crew also oversaw the construction of about six miles of new water mains and 48 new fire hydrants.

October 20 t h ro u g h

October 31 Downtown Winter Garden

n At the Oakland Nature Preserve, the boardwalk was completely refurbished, a new porch and rest rooms were built at the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center, and murals were added to outhousestyle rest rooms by three local artists.

Hay Maze at City Hall

n The ONP Youth Climate Project is a partnership between the Amon Family Foundation and ONP. Since 2021, the project has funded $40,000 in college scholarships for local high school seniors and will offer another $20,000 for the 202324 school year.

Halloween & Fall Decorations, Light Displays, & Photo Locations

Halloween Light Show on City Hall & Street Performances October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 31 • 7-9 pm

n At OACS, students tested in the top four schools in Orange County on the fifth-grade FCAT Science Sunshine State Standards test. Stark attributes that success to OACS’ science teachers and weekly visits to ONP. For the first time, all thirdgraders tested at or above grade level on standardized tests. The school also has received more than $1.5 million in grants and the PTO raised $70,000 last year.

Farmers Market Halloween Celebration

Spooky Caboose at the Heritage Museum

Saturday, October 28 • 8 am - 1 pm

Tuesday, October 31 • 3 pm - 8 pm

www.cwgdn.com

www.downtownwg.com

— INTRODUCING THE — ORANGE OBSERVER E-NEWSPAPER APP:

n The police department practices community policing, and Chief Esan hosts Chat with the Chief on a quarterly basis to connect with residents and businesses. A change in command structure, with the addition of Deputy Chief Mike Bryant and the promotion of Lt. Rene Castro, has allowed for better communication and accountability and efficient day-to-day operations.

It's all about YOU. YOUR Neighbors.

YOUR Neighborhood.

“As you can tell, I have a lot of love and pride for this small town I’ve called home for more than 33 years,” Stark said. “In 2024, I will have served the town of Oakland for 30 years. I did not set out to do this, and it certainly wasn’t for the pay. I just had a vision of where we could go, and that is what I set out to do.

“I will always say it is the residents here who make this town what it is by volunteering their time and talents,” she said. “By compassionately working together, we can continue to build a community that we all are proud to call home. Let’s keep moving forward.”

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boardwalk at the new Hull Island Park, added parking and ADA improvements to the fishing pier, and began construction of the new Sadler Park and trail.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

NIMBY: Residents speak against liquor store ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

A plan to add a liquor store/bar in Horizon West met resistance during an Orange County community meeting Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Hamlin Middle School.

A developer is seeking to construct Stoneybrook Liquors on 4.2 acres north of Porter Road and west of Hamlin Groves Trail. According to planning documents, the project will measure 15,829 square feet and include two levels, an outdoor balcony and patio.

Stoneybrook Liquors is the first phase of a larger project. Phase two is set to include a dental office, which is still under review. There also are future phases to be determined.

PROJECT DETAILS

Orange County Planner Tiffany Chen said the county received the project in May. The retail building is located on the north side of the parcel, with surface parking to the south. Although there will be multiple entrances, the main entrance is on the south elevation facing the parking lot, which will have 53 parking spaces.

The west façade faces a residential area, the east faces Hamlin Groves Trail, and the north faces Calamondin Drive. The patios would face to the east and south.

The height of the building is a little more than 34 feet, and the project sports white brick décor with metal accents and windows on all sides.

Applicant representative Curt Gashlin, of Kelly, Collins & Gentry, said the hours of operation have not yet been determined, nor has the possibility of live music or events.

Scott Gentry, civil engineer on the project from KCG, said the building is mixed-use.

“There will be a restaurant in the building,” he said. “There will also be a wine and spirits store inside of the building; it’s not going to be a nightclub. There is a bar up there that’s going to be like a high-end facility for the restaurant; to buy nice wines and spirits, and a place where you can sit out and smoke a cigar or drink a glass of wine, but it’s more of a professional atmosphere.”

The county requires liquor stores to be separated from other liquor stores by a minimum distance of 5,000 feet.

Alcohol and beverage sales must be a minimum of 1,000 feet from schools and churches. However, there are no regulations on how close any place that sells alcohol can be to a residential area.

“This is Horizon West, and the whole vision of Horizon West is to have mixed-use,” Gentry said. “It’s to have theaters, multi-family and single-family townhomes, restaurants, offices, everything intermixed. In the Town Center, which is the coolest part and it’s getting cooler every day … it’s the heart … the commercial center of Horizon West. That’s the nature of this.”

THE CONCERNS

Resident Rebecca Wolfe said the proposed location is not only near the neighborhood but rather actually in it. She said this distinction is key, because the project’s approval would put a liquor store directly next to homes with access using the neighborhood roads.

“We residents like the idea of the proposed new business; we are simply and vehemently against the pro-

“My family moved here in 2018, drawn by our family-friendly environment. The potential establishment of a liquor store and cigar bar, particularly near our children’s park and homes, raises concerns in my view. I believe there are compelling reasons to reconsider these adult-themed businesses.”

— Henry Butts, resident

Courtesy

The project pertains to a 0.89-acre retail site, with 4.20 acres total, located north of Porter Road and west of Hamlin Groves Trail.

posed placement,” she said. “It would be inappropriate, incorrect and wrong for this business to be placed directly in the Hamlin Reserve neighborhood.

It would negatively impact the quality of life for our residents. Noise, traffic, light, cigar smoke and people driving through our neighborhood — many of whom will have consumed alcohol.

“Although the long-ago zoning for this section of land includes the option of a liquor and tobacco selling business, that does not mean placing such a business at this location is appropriate,” Wolfe said. “Rather, any one of a number of other, appropriate within-a-neighborhood businesses could and should be built at this location.”

Wolfe said she was concerned by the lack of answers the applicant provided to many of residents’ questions.

Resident Henry Butts agreed with Wolfe and said he and many other residents left the meeting feeling misled — especially when essential questions were left unanswered.

“My family moved here in 2018, drawn by our family-friendly environment,” he said. “The potential establishment of a liquor store and cigar bar, particularly near our children’s park and homes, raises concerns in my view. I believe there are compelling reasons to reconsider these adult-themed businesses.”

Butts cited concerns such as increased crime and violence, alcohol- and substance-related issues and the impact on quality of life.

“It’s important to note that the area was zoned for ‘mixed use’ a decade ago, when there were no homes here,” he said. “Given the significant changes in our community over the past decade, I believe it’s essential to revisit and update our zoning regulations. It’s crucial to emphasize that no child should have to walk past a liquor store every day to go to the park.”

Residents Brad and Ann Morris said they were shocked the business would want to be located where it is proposed.

“Hamlin Reserve is one of several housing developments in the Hamlin master community,” Brad Morris said.

“What makes it a little different than some others is the lower cost of entry compared to the other communities and the combination of single-family homes, townhouses and condos. As such, our development has a greater percentage of young families, for many of which this is their first family home. We welcome these businesses to our master community. We would probably frequent the liquor store as we do their location on Marsh Road.

However, with many, many open sites available for building, this location seemed the very worst possible location. It is a long way from where the other retail and restaurants are in the Town Center, completely surrounded by single-family homes and a park.”

Brad Morris said he believes the public meeting held was “insulting and pointless.”

“As residents, it became readily apparent that we have no control of what businesses go into the community once the zoning was approved before we even arrived,” he said. “We thought we were being asked for our opinion. The county was just checking the box that said a meeting was held. ... What added insult to injury was the fact that the representative from Stoneybrook Liquors DP took the opportunity to ... lie to us when questions were asked. He knew the answers, some of which were even available in the documents that were shared. Instead, he just kept repeating, ‘That hasn’t been determined yet.’”

Not all residents oppose the project.

“I feel like what it’s doing is exactly what I was told when I first moved here, which is that this is going to be a mixed-use area, like Baldwin Park,” a resident said. “There are schools, there are homes, there’s bars, there’s all these things all next to each other, and they work.”

The project will go next to the Development Review Committee, although a meeting date has not yet been scheduled.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of LivSmooth Laser Hair Removal

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of LivSmooth Laser Hair Removal.

Located at 1995 Daniels Road Ste 120 in Winter Garden, LivSmooth Laser Hair Removal offers a completely pain-free, lifelong solution to unwanted hair with their top-of-the-line machine. Laser Hair Removal is their specialty and the service is delivered by professional and expert nurse practitioners. Plus, they’ve got your back (or legs, or underarms and more) with complimentary touch-ups and maintenance, guaranteeing a silky skin feel for life!

To learn more, visit http://www.livsmooth.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Bayada Home Health Care’s new location

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of the new location of Bayada Home Health Care. Now located at 7680 Universal Blvd Ste 110 in Orlando, Bayada Home Health Care provides nonmedical assistance with activities of daily living for adults and seniors continue living independently at home - where they want to be. These services are provided primarily on an ongoing basis and are available 24/7.

To learn more, visit https://www.bayada.com/offices/fl/ orlando/7680-universal-boulevard/ assistive-care.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Hash House a Go Go - Flamingo Crossings

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Hash House a Go Go - Flamingo Crossings. Located at 13272 Hartzog Road in the Flamingo Crossings part of Winter Garden, Hash House a Go Go serves twisted farm food and crafted cocktails. They’ve been bringing you Midwest-inspired food for over two decades. Visit them for the full Hash House A Go Go experience. It’s a Midwest thing. And there’s nothing else like it.

To learn more, visit http://www. hashhouseagogo.com.

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

15 YEARS The Whiddon Group, LLC

10 YEARS AdventHealth Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine AGMCi, LLC LA Fitness - Winter Garden

5 YEARS Atlas Injury to Health Pro-Tech Air Conditioning & Plumbing Service, Inc. Winter Garden Special Hearts Farm, Inc.

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

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THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

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Deanna Damon, 8, brought her dogs, Luna and Kai.

Windermere falls into seasonal fun at festival

Saylor Vanwagner, 7, entertained herself trying to shape enormous bubbles.

Left: Nolan Benish, 6, was excited about touring the fire truck.

T

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own of Windermere residents and families welcomed cooler weather and a new season Saturday, Oct. 7, at the 2023 Annual Officer Robert German Memorial Event — the Windermere Fall Festival. The event was hosted by the Windermere Police Department Foundation and The Heinz Group and featured Windermere Brewing Co., Tim’s Wine and a number of food truck options. Adult attendees were delighted by the tunes of The Down Brothers while sipping craft beer and wine. Children roamed the grounds — bouncing on the inflatable obstacle courses and slides, catching bubbles from the Orlando Bubble Bus and playing basketball, among other activities.

— ANDREA MUJICA

JOHN BRADLEY Student Director First Baptist Church

Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church is proud to announce the addition of John Bradley as our new Student Director.

West Orange High School volunteers and members of the Windermere Police Foundation Deliana Windom, 15, and Isabella Colli, 15, with Windermere police officer Brian Miller and town of Windermere Administrative Assistant Lilian Colli.

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John and his family come to Winter Garden from Virginia where he served faithfully as a Student and Worship Pastor for 7 years.

John has a degree in Psychology from Liberty University and a background in counseling. He is focused on using his education and training to aid youth facing the challenges of today. Most importantly, John and his family lead a life following God, waiting on His will and timing to direct their lives. John and his wife Savannah, have two beautiful children in grade school, who are now attending Foundation Academy. Savannah is also passionate about ministry and cares deeply about community; she is aiding in the management of the Hope Center in Winter Garden. The Bradley family is a wonderful addition to our community. Please join us in welcoming them.

REAL ESTATE

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

Golden Oak estate sells for $6.3 million A

home in the Golden

SNAPSHOT

Oak community near

Total Sales: 68 High Sale Price: $6.3 million Low Sale Price: $200,000

Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residen-

WESTYN BAY

tial real-estate transactions

The home at 639 Cimarosa Court, Ocoee, sold Sept. 29, for $495,000.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,641 square feet.

Days on market: 132.

from Sept. 24 to 30.

The home at 10277 Symphony Grove Drive, Golden

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Oak, sold Sept. 29, for $6.3

The home at 10277 Symphony Grove Drive, Golden Oak, sold Sept. 29, for $6.3 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and 4,852 square feet.

GOLDEN OAK

million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 4,852

WINDERMERE

square feet. The selling

BELLARIA

agent was Karen Balcerak, Golden Oak Realty.

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

redfin.com

The home at 10277 Symphony Grove Drive, Golden Oak, sold Sept. 29, for $6.3 million. Golden Oak at Walt Disney World Resort is a residential resort community that offers luxury, privacy and the magic of Disney. The selling agent was Karen Balcerak, Golden Oak Realty.

The home at 11048 Jackson Cove, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 25, for $767,471. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: Three.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The home at 9120 Lytham Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 29, for $1,800,000. Built in 1981, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,530 square feet. Days on market: 27.

The home at 18381 Oliver Twist Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 28, for $700,511. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,931 square feet. Days on market: 24.

The home at 8984 Gladin Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 29, for $825,000. Built in 1974, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,645 square feet. Days on market: Five.

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

Courtesy photo

The home at 8005 Gillette Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 29, for $580,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,740 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

The home at 9242 Cypress Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 26, for $2,250,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips from Sept. 24 to 30.

The agents were Bo Julian, Julian Properties, and Matt Allen, Matt Allen Team (Realty International).

CYPRESS POINT

The home at 1527 Dingens Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $725,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,000 square feet. Days on market: 19.

The home at 9045 Great Heron Circle, Orlando, sold Sept. 29, for $1,280,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,956 square feet.

Days on market: 137.

LAKE MARSHA

The home at 7422 Lake Marsha Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 26, for $1,299,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,721 square feet. Days on market: Five.

LAKESIDE TOSCANA

The home at 7659 Toscana Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 26, for $885,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,481 square feet. Days on market: 12.

SOUTH BAY

The home at 9242 Cypress Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 26, for $2,250,000. Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 5,063 square feet. Days on market: 73.

VIZCAYA

The home at 8133 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold Sept. 28, for $822,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,717 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

GOTHA

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

TOWN OF GOTHA

HORIZON WEST

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 13804 Werrington Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

29, for $642,735. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,781 square feet of living area. Days on market: 120.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 16028 Citrus Knoll Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

28, for $1,250,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,898 square feet of living area. Days on market: One. HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 58 Frasier St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 27, for $510,585.

Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The home at 11539 Brickyard Pond Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 29, for $1,200,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,659 square feet. Days on market: One.

The home at 15518 Panther Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

27, for $875,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,304 square feet. Days on market: 31.

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

The home at 15110 Lake Bessie Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

28, for $644,100. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,718 square feet. Days on market: Six. NORTHLAKE AT OVATION

The home at 11225 Pixie Mandarin Court, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

25, for $870,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,696 square feet.

Days on market: 11.

The home at 11218 Pixie Mandarin Court, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

29, for $870,031. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,074 square feet.

PANTHER VIEW

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8757 Lookout Pointe Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 26, for $700,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,452 square feet.

Days on market: One.

OAKLAND

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2120 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Sept. 25, for $595,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,060 square feet. Days on market: 31.

TRAILSIDE STATION

The home at 1271 Stationside Drive, Oakland, sold Sept. 29, for $489,900. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,627 square feet. Days on market: 59.

OCOEE

The home at 1537 Lake Rhea Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $1,090,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,587 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

The home at 1375 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 29, for $625,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,606 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

WAUSEON RIDGE

The home at 11129 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 30, for $785,000. Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,098 square feet. Days on market: 168.

WINDERMERE

The home at 12202 McKinnon Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 27, for $1,200,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,217 square feet. Days on market: 65.

WINDSOR HILL

The home at 9524 Crown Prince Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $850,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,018 square feet. Days on market: Five.

WINTER GARDEN CANOPY OAKS

The home at 770 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

29, for $1,425,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 4,309 square feet.

Days on market: 51.

DEER ISLAND

The home at 17712 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $850,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,000 square feet. Days on market: 32.

DILLARD POINTE

The home at 5181 Citrus Leaf Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 28, for $820,780. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,899 square feet.

The home at 2886 American Elm Cove, Ocoee, sold Sept. 28, for $500,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,110 square feet. Days on market: 18.

FULLERS CROSSING

SUMMERLAKE

BRYNMAR

SILVERLEAF RESERVE

The home at 2805 Red Alder Blvd., Ocoee, sold Sept. 29, for $560,000.

Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,874 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

The home at 941 Brynmar Estates Blvd., Ocoee, sold Sept. 27, for $440,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,046 square feet. Days on market: 53.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The home at 13856 Amelia Pond Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 29, for $605,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,882 square feet. Days on market: 72.

The townhouse at 1862 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold Sept. 27, for $445,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,841 square feet of living area. Days on market: 142.

WATERLEIGH

LAKE OLYMPIA NORTH VILLAGE

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13503 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $2,450,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere from Sept. 24 to 30. The selling agent was Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.

The home at 16602 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

26, for $612,740. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,489 square feet. Days on market: 39.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 9124 Cut Shot Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 25, for $550,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,461 square feet. Days on market: 18.

The home at 8145 Gray Kingbird Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

29, for $775,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,561 square feet. Days on market: Four.

Uneek Image

The home at 16521 Sea Glass St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 27, for $670,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,840 square feet. Days on market: 10.

The home at 13503 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Sept. 28, for $2,450,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-one-half baths and 6,929 square feet. Days on market: 78.

The home at 16249 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept.

26, for $794,301. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,225 square feet.

Days on market: Three.

The home at 1353 Olympia Park Circle, Ocoee, sold Sept. 28, for $650,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,336 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

The home at 226 Surprise Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 28, for $784,990. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,914 square feet. Days on market: 81.

The home at 906 Burland Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 26, for $537,500. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,570 square feet. Days on market: Two. MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 1552 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 27, for $835,000. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,225 square feet. Days on market: 38.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1061 Sadler Oaks Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $789,900. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,254 square feet. Days on market: 58.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1218 Selbydon Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 29, for $690,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,701 square feet. Days on market: Four.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of PuroClean of Winter Garden

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of PuroClean of Winter Garden. Located at 711 Business Park Blvd Ste 104 in Winter Garden, PuroClean of Winter Garden and their staff are the Paramedics of Property Damage serving the West Orange community, treating water damage, fire, mold and biohazard cleanup. PuroClean of Winter Garden is committed to providing premier customer services to local business and residents.

To learn more, visit https://www.puroclean.com/winter-garden-fl-purocleanwinter-garden/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Horizon West Emergency Department & Medical Office Building

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Orlando Health - Horizon West Emergency Department & Medical Office Building.

Located at 17000 Porter Road in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, Orlando Health began serving the Horizon West community in September 2018 with the opening of its 24-bed free-standing emergency department and medical pavilion. Poised to grow along with the community, the campus later expanded with the opening of the beautiful six-story Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital in January 2021. In the hospital, patients have access to multiple specialists, including heart and stroke care, emergency care, and minimally invasive robotic surgery. With primary and specialty care and outpatient services provided in the adjacent medical pavilion, patients can see their providers and get imaging, laboratory or diagnostic tests on one campus.

To learn more, visit https://www.OrlandoHealth.com/HorizonWest.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of BIZCENTER USA

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of BIZCENTER USA. Located at 6000 Metrowest Blvd Ste 200 in Orlando, BIZCENTER USA has committed to providing innovative workspaces and fostering a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business.

Over the past five years, they have witnessed remarkable growth and have become a trusted hub for professionals seeking a dynamic environment to thrive.

To learn more, visit https://bizcenterusa.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of The Overlook Apartments

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of The Overlook Apartments. Located at 15055 Lake Britt Circle in the Flamingo Crossings part of Winter Garden, The Overlook is a brand-new community offering apartments near Flamingo Crossings. Our brand-new, spacious, and carefully crafted floor plans are designed with exquisite modern touches. Enjoy the perfect escape with The Overlook’s modern and convenient amenities that give you the freedom to embark on all the perks of resort living right outside your door.

To learn more, visit http://livetheoverlook.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Kiddie Academy of Oakland

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Kiddie Academy of Oakland. Located at 15708 W Colonial Dr in Oakland, Kiddie Academy of Oakland is ready to foster creativity and curiosity, and prepare your child for school and for life - from Day 1. Their mission is Awakening Possibilities through Life Essentials.

To learn more, visit http://kiddieacademy.com/oakland.

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to

35 YEARS

Hyde Park 55+ Community

25 YEARS

Hillcrest Insurance Agency, Inc.

20 YEARS

Alliance Title Services, LTD. Crystal Springs Orange County Clerk of the Courts Patricia L. Gleason

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

43 rd

ANNUAL

Montverde Day Fa l l M u s i c F e s t i v a l

October 27 th - 28 th FRI 7:30-10:30PM

Friday: 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday: 9:30am-11:00pm KIRK PARK: 17436 Division St. • Montverde, FL 34756

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

SAT 12:30-3:15PM

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

SAT 4:15-6:45pm

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

BMX TrickStars • Acrobats • Contortionist Fire Performers • Unicycle LED Jugglers LED Robots • Live Music • Midway Car Show • Food • Vendors

Raffle prizes given away all day Saturday.

SAT 8:15-11PM

Tickets: $1 per ticket, 6 for $5 or 25 for $20.

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

FREE

PARKING & ADMISSION

D EVENT SCHEDULE d October 27th, 2023 – Friday 6:30pm-7:30pm 7:30pm-10:30pm

HELP US CELEBRATE

9:30am-9:45am 9:45am-10:15am 10:30am-11:00am

by pledging $13 for 13 months

years!

11:15am-11:45am 11:45am-12:15pm 12:15pm-12:30pm 12:30pm-1:30pm

Let your spare change make a change.

611 Business Park Blvd, #101 Winter Garden FL 34787 (407) 905-9500

1:30pm-2:00pm 2:00pm-3:15pm

RAFFLE #2 Fleetwood Max Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band)

3:15pm-3:45pm 3:45pm-4:15pm 4:15pm-5:15pm 5:15pm-5:45pm 5:45pm-6:45pm 6:45pm-7:15pm 7:15pm-7:45pm 7:45pm-8:15pm 8:15pm-9:15pm 9:15pm-9:45pm 9:45pm-11:00pm 11:00pm

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

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CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

RAFFLE #3 BMX TrickStars Jamie Davis Band (Country Music) RAFFLE #4 Jamie Davis Band (Country Music) RAFFLE #5 Fire Performers BMX TrickStars STEREO FM (Top 40) RAFFLE #6 STEREO FM (Top 40) GRAND FINALE RAFFLE #7 BIG PRIZE GIVEAWAY

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http://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ https://www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

Opening Ceremonies Not Just Dance Performance Montverde Academy Children’s Choir Full Force Dance Studio Performance RAFFLE #1 BMX TrickStars Fleetwood Max Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band)

XNSP21470

SCAN HERE TO PLEDGE

Montverde Day Opens (DJ Music and FREE RAFFLE Giveaway) Classic Airwaves (Classic 70s – 80s)

October 28th, 2023 – Saturday

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OBSERVER

SCHOOL ZONE OCTOBER 26, 2023

ULTIMATE WARRIORS The West Orange High School Air Force Junior ROTC marched in this year’s parade.

The Warriors came ready to play — and enjoyed a 64-3 win over Windermere on Homecoming.

T

he West Orange High School community showcased school spirit during a week full of activities for Homecoming 2023.

Plant Street was awash in blue and orange Tuesday, Oct. 10, for the school’s 2023 Homecoming Parade. The parade featured student organizations and clubs, sports teams, cheerleaders and, of course, members of the 2023 Homecoming Court.

A few days later, on Friday, Oct. 13, students and faculty enjoyed a spirited pep rally before the Warriors’ Homecoming game. The rally included performances from the cheerleaders, dance team and marching band.

That night, Warrior Nation enjoyed a convincing 64-3 win over visiting Windermere High. West Orange also crowned its 2023 Homecoming royalty — queen Gina Berkman and king Daniel Burton.

West Orange’s Unified Homecoming king is Ricky Martinez, and its queen is Danielle Morson.

West Orange’s 2023 Homecoming royalty are queen Gina Berkman and king Daniel Burton.

Members of the Homecoming Court performed a variety of dances at the Homecoming Pep Rally.

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

The West Orange marching band brought its big sound to Plant Street for the parade.

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

West Orange cheerleaders kept the crowd energized throughout the Homecoming game.

OrangeObserver.com

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

ROPER YMCA 100 Windermere Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-8816

A NEW WAY TO YMCA

The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.

What do you love most about your school?

Our school feels like a big family, and I have been able to build so many special relationships over the years. We also became a STEAM magnet school a few years ago, and that has brought lots of new and exciting opportunities for me as a teacher.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and 5-year-old son, trying new restaurants, and reading.

LEARN MORE!

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PICKLEBALL

What brought you to your school?

I was lucky enough to be hired at Bay Meadows right after I graduated from the University of Florida.

I grew up in Southwest Orlando, so I really wanted to teach at a school in the area.

REPORT CARD POSITION: Second-grade STEAM teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: 16 years

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

I’ve always enjoyed creative writing and would love to write a children’s book one day with my husband as the illustrator.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My second-grade teacher, Ms. MacNeil, is the reason I became a second-grade teacher! She went above and beyond to make each of us feel special, and she planned the most creative and hands-on learning experiences. I still remember many of the activities we did and actually do some of them with my own second-grade classes each year.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My students laugh at me because I frequently say that a book is my “favorite,” but “Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon” stands out, because I love the theme of believing in yourself no matter what anyone else thinks of you.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

I was a pretty picky eater, so I ate a lot of boring, plain turkey and cheese subs.

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AQUATICS

Sarah McBride is a second-grade STEAM teacher at Bay Meadows Elementary School. During her 16-year career, she has been on several leadership committees, including the team that helped launch Bay Meadows’ STEAM Career Academy magnet program. She also plans and presents professional development, serves as team leader, is a member of SAC, and is co-chair for the 21st Century Learners Club — a STEAM club for kindergarten through second-grade students. Joann Dorries, principal at the school, said McBride has a significant impact in her classroom, with her team and across the school.

Who influences you?

My mom is the most empathetic, thoughtful and generous person. I have always aspired to be like her in all aspects of my life — but especially now that I’m a mom.

Elevate your wellness journey with us at the YMCA! Immerse yourself in a thriving community that not only supports your fitness goals but also provides opportunities for meaningful connections. Join today to embrace a life of physical and mental wellness!

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BAY MEADOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding parts of my job are connecting with my students, igniting their love of learning and highlighting their individual strengths. Every year, I get to form a new little class family, and that bond is very unique and special.

I also love the creative outlet that teaching provides.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

3B

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

I am a big “Hamilton” fan, so I would love to have dinner with Lin-Manuel Miranda. He is such a genius, and I bet he has lots of interesting stories about the inspirations for all his masterpieces.

Foundation Academy celebrates grandparents

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

I would want to be able to teleport so I could quickly travel without the hassle of driving or flying.

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

All-American Rejects and Something Corporate for nostalgia reasons, and Taylor Swift because her songs are so fun to sing along to.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Halloween is my favorite holiday.

Picking out the perfect Halloween costume, visiting the pumpkin patch, carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating are some of my favorite memories from childhood, and it is even more magical doing those traditions with my son.

Cathy Cabrera and Elavi Grace Haynes decorated Elavi’s photo project together.

Cousins Chandler Sams, front left, and Hannah McInturff, enjoyed Grandparents Day with Mary Lou Sams, Samantha Miller, and Cathy and Kenny Belcher.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend in high school was named Brooke. We went to the University of Florida together and both became teachers. She teaches kindergarten here in Orlando, and now we get to have playdates with our kids.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I did dance for several years, played the piano and flute, and was on a jump rope team in middle school.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

F

oundation Academy held Grandparents Day at its three campuses, Oct. 18 through 20. The three days of celebration included chapel time, school tours, lunch and other activities. At the elementary school level, students and their grandparents worked on several crafts.

Frank and Terri Chiumento enjoyed Grandparents Day with C.J. McGuigan.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Left: Dallas Cohen had multiple grandparents participate in the day: Teresa and Dan Simmons and Ann Cohen.

Ethan Stanley Morris showed his grandparents, Pat and David Morris, how to play several games.

YOUR SMILE,

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OUR PASSION

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

No tricks, all treats at Sunset Park Trunk or Treat

S

unset Park Elementary School returned with its annual Trunk or Treat event Friday, Oct. 20.

The event, organized by the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization, attracted hundreds of students, friends and family members. Attendees snacked on pizza, drinks and cotton candy, as well as enjoyed bites from several local food trucks. A book fair and photo opportunities also were available.

The highlight of the event was the uniquely decorated car trunks filled with candy that students dressed in creative costumes enjoyed.

Trunks were decorated creatively for the school’s Trunk or Treat event.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Ellie Sipe was all smiles in her scarecrow costume.

Clockwise from above: Miles Reeves was adorable in his minion costume from “Despicable Me.” Ivey Little and Gracie Hart collected candy together.

Breno Maion and Denis Rotari ran around the school’s field.

Patricia Hernaiz, Kimberly Jerome and Houda Aitballa decked out the fifth-grade committee table in Dia de los Muertos-themed decor.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

Superintendent hosts Town Hall at DPHS

BY THE NUMBERS 24,294 Employees

Dr. Maria Vasquez gave a presentation, discussed recent changes and answered questions through a ThoughtExchange survey as part of the meeting.

14,349 Teachers

211,595

Student enrollment (projected)

209

ANNABELLE SIKES

Countries

NEWS EDITOR

10

K-8 schools

131

elementary schools

40

middle schools

Courtesy of Orange County Public Schools

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez spoke at the Town Hall community meeting Thursday, Oct. 5, at Dr. Phillips High School.

is that schools needed more support.

In the learning community, we could have up to 38 schools with an area superintendent, so the support that was available to our schools was not what was needed. Now, with our new organization, we have ratios of one to 12. The principal leader has no more than 12 schools.”

TEACHER RETENTION

“In Florida, we tend to see a little bit more (issues with retention) because of some of the political implications of some of the new laws,” Vasquez said. “Teachers are feeling more stress that the laws are jeopardizing some of their certificates. So … it’s become a little bit harder to recruit and retain teachers. We do have a very aggressive recruitment campaign. We have teams that go out and recruit at different colleges. We have great partnerships with Rollins, UCF and now with Valencia. … We are also in the middle of signing agreements with

some of the colleges and universities on programs that would allow a teacher that has an AA degree to be able to take courses and teach under the supervision of another, like a master, teacher.”

OCPS currently is in negotiations with the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association on a new agreement. OCPS has offered a package that includes a 9% pay increase, but the district is at an impasse with CTA. VAPING

Regarding drugs in schools, Vasquez said OCPS is installing vaping detectors in the secondary bathrooms.

However, the installation process will take more than a year.

“We do have a drug problem, and specifically, we have a vaping problem,” she said. “That’s where we have seen the greatest increase in drug use, and they have gotten so clever at what the vaping pens look like that your child might have it sitting right next

to you and you don’t see it.

“What I can say to you as a parent is that you need to educate yourself on what your child is doing,” Vasquez said. “Who are they hanging out with? You need to read up or look on the internet about vaping. They have become very clever with how they market it, the flavors, the high that they get.”

SAFETY IN SCHOOLS

“People ask me what keeps me up at night, and that’s what keeps me up at night,” she said. “Ensuring that we don’t have a fatality or an incident at our school. I can tell you that no system is full proof. None. What I can tell you is that I believe our schools are among the safest, if not the safest, in the country. … Every year, we have more conversations to see what else we can do. What I can say is that if you, your child hears something, they see something, I need for them to say something.

crossword 117 Minute 118 “___ a pity” 119 Cultivated

©2023 Universal Uclick

33 PRIZE FLOWER SUC-

high schools

7

other schools

95.9%

Graduation rate for traditional high schools 2021-2022

35 million Meals served last year

195,000

Meals served per day

524 Buses

13 million

Bus miles traveled per year

203,500 Digital devices

celebrity cipher

HEADLINE PERFORMERS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

CUMBS TO HEAT! (Donna, 1 Japan’s continent Doris, Bill, Axl) 5 It’s a relief!

43 Speech fillers 8 Milan luxury label 13 “I’m just a soul ___ inten- 44 Actress Mendes 45 Actress Merman tions are good” 46 Round number?

18 Loot 19 Hemsworth of “The Duel” 47 It lifts the sole 49 “The Addams Family” 21 George Eliot’s “___ cousin Marner” 51 Dethrones 22 Lofty lodge 23 BESTSELLING MEMOIR 53 Stretched-out yarn?

ROILED BY CONTROVERSY! 54 VIRAL RUMOR PLUM(Patti, Tina, Jordin, Roberta) METS IPHONE SALES! (Keith, John, Bruno, Fiona) 27 Bete ___ 58 Grammy-winning 28 Ancestry.com offering Outkast hit 29 Poker giveaways 30 Australian airport code 59 “Victory is yours” 60 Word on a rap sheet 31 PC key 61 Provides personnel 32 Promethean gift

22

PILFERS SALVATION ARMY 64 Impassioned BUCKET! (Sheryl, Stevie, 66 Furry marsupial Billie, Johnny) 67 Show the ropes 70 “Stanley ___: Searching 96 Purina rival 97 Singer DiFranco for Italy” 98 Karaoke need 74 TEEN CRAFTS BREAD MASTERPIECE! (Neil, Anita, 99 Protein-building acid 101 Faux glow Harry, Meat) 105 Literally, “for this” 79 Reporter for “a great metropolitan newspaper” 108 GALLOPING GALAHAD GORES GRAIL! (Taylor, 80 Land south of Georgia 81 One-named “Chandelier” Gladys, Britney, Billy) 112 Start of a kid’s rhyme singer 113 “Be less curious about 82 The “A” in “MMA” people and more curious 83 Current kick 84 Network that was once about ___” (Marie Curie quote) PAX 114 Give out one’s address?

85 TV spot for good 115 Star’s closing act?

87 Green opening 116 Doctors, in a way 88 WINGED PIRATE

55 Soviet refusenik Sharansky 56 Ballet center?

57 Stout servings DOWN 62 Bit of marine life 1 Viper’s relative 63 Corduroy and duck 2 Wild trumpeter 64 Be in a cast 3 “I follow him to serve my 65 Matthew of “The Ameriturn upon him” speaker cans” 4 Boomer’s workplace 66 Decluttering guru Marie concern 67 Tithe portion, often 5 Duke’s colorful character 68 Cynthia of “Harriet” 6 Word before “space” or 69 Solid ___ rock “ball” 71 Empire and Fuji centers 7 Smoothed (down) 72 Corral 8 Secretive “Hey!” 73 “In that case ...”

9 Ready to drop, perhaps 74 Time for a revolution?

10 “Sorry to say ...”

75 Run ___ (rampage) 11 Pub projectile 76 Gets 12 Pose 77 Pop’s Dua 13 Mass consumption?

78 Pigeons 14 “Catch-22” author 79 Popeyes rival 15 Word of mouth?

86 They’re far from basic 16 Sets (on) 89 Nintendo “exergaming” 17 Comical squeal product 20 Gifted group 90 French site of a 1598 24 “I might be able to edict answer that” 91 “Didn’t hurt too bad” 25 Leaving a lot uncovered? 92 Pullup targets, briefly 26 Flap 93 Out of place 32 Was in a blue state 94 Patronize, as a cafe 33 Kipling’s ___ Khan 95 More than sore 34 Expiration date words 99 Amazed 35 Take on a starring role? 100 Car in “The Italian Job” 36 Takes an indirect route 101 Bona ___ 37 Rapper’s line?

102 James who wrote “Let 38 Ellington’s “Take ___ Us Now Praise Famous Train” Men” 39 Get an earful 103 Sal who started an 40 Iridescent gems academy 41 Rosemary relative 104 Artsy online site 42 Bold competitor?

106 Axe target 43 “Fuhgeddaboudit!”

107 Pirate’s hideout, 48 Details, as a scheme perhaps 50 Welcome letters for a 108 “Told you!” nine-to-fiver 109 Peeve 51 Card game call 110 Wong of “Beef” 52 Prime Day offering 111 Saul Goodman’s 53 Instrument useful for bailiwick flippers

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“N’TT IXLXU JMNB ATGVNIF RSMIBUV ZMONR, SU GB TXGOB GREISPTXWFNIF NB, GTPGVO, GO BYX RSUIXUOBSIX SD PYGB N GZ.”

WPNFYB VSGEGZ

“E’Z TBIEJI FNN XFTIMDOBU DK GEUU DMOEB ZKDMOBU. ... LKT’BO JOCOB DKK IBKHJ-TV DK ZEUU FJX MTI MOB.” XBFGO

“VHCG XC M FNTVMCNCI KMUMIHXC, IPN XUNMC HR IPN XCJB VNGHUMIHXC. YHRPHCW VB UXCGHIHXC MHC’I NKNT WXCCM WX MYMB.”

SHVVB ELOONII

Puzzle Three Clue: E equals B

Based on the feedback the district received from last year’s Town Halls, OCPS reorganized how the schools are supported.

“It used to be that the schools were in a learning community, and we had the East Learning Community, the Southwest Learning Community — all of our K-8s were divided that way,” Vasquez said. “Because we only had 22 high schools, they were put together in one division. It allowed them to collaborate more, to learn best practices and to really have discussions about how to best educate our high school students. What we found out

Languages and dialects

Puzzle Two Clue: H equals W

SUPPORT SYSTEM

168

Puzzle One Clue: L equals V

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vasquez hosted a Town Hall meeting to answer the community’s questions Thursday, Oct. 5, at Dr. Phillips High School.

District 5 School Board Member Vicki Felder, who used to be a teacher at DPHS, also spoke. Several other OCPS officials, including Jackie Ramsey, principal of DPHS; Michael Armbruster, deputy superintendent; and Doreen Concolino, chief financial officer, also attended.

Vasquez gave a presentation that included history about Orange County, changes that have taken place as a result of the feedback the school district gathered last year and answered questions through a ThoughtExchange survey.

“Last year, the purpose of our Town Hall really was for me to gather a lot of information around three areas, and we used that information to make changes for this school year,” she said. “Tonight is really more about answering your questions.”

ACROSS

5B

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

10-26-23

6B

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

GAME OF THE WEEK

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

FOUNDATION ACADEMY (5-3) VS THE FIRST ACADEMY (5-3)

Daniel Raz West Orange High School senior water polo player Daniel Raz has volunteered with Special Olympics as a unified partner. Alongside his special athlete, he won a silver medal at the 2022 Special Olympics.

More recently, Raz was named to the 2023 NISCA National School All-American list, the 2023 USAWP Junior Olympics first team AllAmerican and the 2023 USAWP Academic All-American.

What does being named to the NISCA All-American list mean to you?

It was a huge honor. It’s something that I always thought I’d love to (get) when I first started, I didn’t know if I actually could.

And to actually get here … feels really great.

How did you get into water polo?

I used to play baseball (and) tennis, but I just never liked them.

I needed to play a sport, and my mom saw an ad for water polo at a club (YCF). I tried it out, and it was the first sport I fell in love with from the jump.

What do you love most about water polo as a sport?

I love being able to compete and playing with my team — and just trying to win. It’s something that I’ve been able to have a lot of fun with and be able to do a lot. … I love traveling — that’s something I’ve been able to do a lot — going to different places (such as) California, Texas, North Carolina and South Florida.

What do you believe water polo has taught you in and out the pool?

Working with a team and also being a leader. I was never a leader for people to look toward in other sports, and this is an opportunity for me to learn how to lead and be able to work with people.

What is your favorite thing about your team?

I know it’s a very basic answer, but I’ll definitely say the people.

What are you going to miss most?

Coach (Jennifer) Dailer, of course. That’s a hard question, just because I’m going to miss so much. There’s so much to love about being a water polo payer at West Orange; there’s so many reasons to love it.

THE BASICS

Age: 17 Sport: Water polo, swimming Style: Freestyle Position: Left side attacker Grade: 12 School: West Orange

What is your favorite hobby?

Music, I love listening to music.

Who is your favorite celebrity?

Why? LeBron James. I was never really a sports guy, but during COVID-19, my brother was (watching) the 2020 (NBA Finals). I saw Lebron James, and I’ve loved basketball since.

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

I’d have to bring a speaker with a bunch of music on it, Asian food — I’d love sushi — or burgers, and a water polo ball to throw it against the rocks.

If you could choose one person you admire to have dinner with, who would it be?

I’d probably pick LeBron James.

I would love to ask him a few things from an athlete’s perspective.

Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self?

I would tell him to enjoy it more instead of keep stressing over little things, and I’d also tell him to start water polo sooner. I’d tell him a lot.

If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say?

I’d ask, “What school did we end up committing to? How was it?

What did I end up deciding to study? How was college? Was it something I should look forward to? What did we do after water polo? Which road did we take?”

Who is your favorite childhood character? Why? Kung Fu Panda. He’s just funny and he can fight, which it’s cool, and he’s definitely got the best movie series. I love his movies.

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

Super speed. I could do anything if I had super speed.

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?

Probably the Roman Empire, when they were fighting in the big arenas.

I’d like to go see those fights.

What color would you say represents your personality? Why? I would say probably red; it’s just my favorite color.

Andrea Mujica

The Lions are excited to face their crosstown rival to battle for a ticket to the postseason.

Evenly matched Both Foundation Academy and The First Academy enter their 2023 rivalry game with identical records (5-3). The victor of Friday’s game will punch a ticket into postseason play.

ANDREA MUJICA

GAME OF THE WEEK

STAFF WRITER

I

t’s one of the biggest rivalries in all of West Orange.

Every year, both Foundation Academy and The First Academy have this game circled on their respective schedules. And this year, with both teams sitting at 5-3, this district tilt comes with some extra incentive — a spot in the playoffs.

The Lions and the Royals will meet for the final district game of the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, at Foundation.

LION’S SHARE

“Every year, that game is a huge game,” Foundation Academy head football coach Andre Walker said.

“That’s like the biggest rival of all schools toward us. It doesn’t matter the sport, it doesn’t matter the time of year. We always try to beat them, and they always try to beat us.

For the most part of my better years of being here, we’ve shared a lot of those losses as a football team and most recently, the games have been very tight.

“But, we are definitely looking to play them; we are excited about it,” he said. “And like last year, this year is a district game, so it’s more on the line — more that’s at stake.

We know that’s the game that if either of us win, that’s our ticket into the playoffs. All of the games though, we take equally as serious, (but) we know at that moment, that that’s going to be the most important game of the year for us. Being

Family.

Friends. “But, we are definitely looking to Community. play them; we are excited about If you could be an ani-

mal for a day, which one it. And like last year, this year is would you be and why? a district game, so it’s more on An eagle; I think the feelthe line — more that’s at stake. ing of flying through the Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. airRd has got to be incredFowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels We know that’s the game that if State Farm Winter Garden, FL 34787 ible so I would like has to a long tradition either of us win, that’s our ticket Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of what being there.

That’s one reason experience it’s like www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support West to fly. into the playoffs. …” ®

Family.

Family .

Orange county..

— Foundation Academy Friends.

Friends.

Get to a better State .

— ANDREA MUJICA Coach Andre Walker Community.

Community . ®

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FRIDAY, OCT. 27 n 6 p.m. Windermere Prep (15) at Neumann (Naples) (4-4) n 7 p.m. Lake Buena Vista (43) at Bishop Moore (5-3) n 7 p.m. Legacy Charter (2-5) at St. Joseph Academy (St. Augustine) (2-6)

that both teams have shared losses with another district opponent in Orlando Christian Prep, we know that that’s vital. So we definitely want to take advantage of the home field advantage.”

The way the Lions have taken onto the football field every week falls under their current motto: “Together.”

“We’ve done that very well,” Walker said. “The first two games — we thought we were the best thing since sliced bread — and then we go through a three-game slump.

We could have easily folded, but I think the motto of staying together, togetherness, held strong and it kept our team afloat. We stayed together through it all, knowing that all three of those losses could have been flipped and we just did what we were capable of doing.”

“We’ve learned that if one person on the field, or all players on the field, don’t do their job, then something is going to go wrong,” defensive tackle and offensive guard Drew Fluornoy said. “But if we do it together, then we are going to be fine.”

Currently, Foundation has a 5-3

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ROYAL VISITORS

The First Academy hosted Foundation Academy last year, and the Royals made the most of the home-field advantage to get a 20-7 win against the Lions. This year however, Foundation will host TFA. And like the Lions, the Royals also are 5-3 overall and 0-1 Class 1M, District 2.

“We’re going to treat it just like every other game,” TFA head football coach Jeff Conaway said. “But anytime we put on our Royals’ gear, the expectation is that we are going to go play fast, physical-focused football to the best of our ability.

This game is no different.”

Conaway arrived at TFA from Arkansas right before the beginning of the 2023-24 prep football season. He brought with him a new playbook and a different mentality.

“We have been quick learners,” he said. “I know when we talked in the summer, we were implementing a new offense, and here we are, Week 8, and we have shown that we can execute a new offense. We are executing a lot of new schemes and features on defense, and so, it’s very new. But, for the most part, I’ve been very proud of how they’ve received the information, how

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FRIDAY, OCT. 27 n 7 p.m. Foundation Academy (5-3) vs. The First Academy (5-3)

overall season record and is 0-1 in Class 1M, District 2. This year, the team has relied a lot on senior leadership — which has proven successful on the gridiron.

“We are very youthful, but they are at the top,” Walker said. “We have some solid leaders, so the strength at the top with our leaders helps that we are young, because the younger guys get to look up to those guys and they are moving as they move.”

Communication also has been critical to Foundation’s success.

“We harp on it all day in practice,” Walker said. “At our lowest points, we lacked communication. But, we got better and better throughout.

In the three-game losing stretch, we learned a lot about ourselves. … And we learned that if we don’t communicate, we usually don’t perform well.”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023

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The First Academy has found success under new head coach Jeff Conaway.

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS GAME OF THE WEEK Foundation Academy (5-3), 59 Windermere Prep (1-5), 22 HIGHLIGHTS: The Lions piled up 52 points in the first half to put this game away early. Junior quarterback Michael Dove tossed three touchdowns, while running back JT Bronaugh rumbled for 144 yards and two touchdowns. The Lakers played hard throughout the game and were able to put up 16 points in the fourth quarter.

UP NEXT: The Lions will welcome The First Academy Friday, Oct. 27.

The Lakers will travel to Neumann (Naples) Friday, Oct. 27.

OTHER RESULTS West Orange (3-5), 3 Dr. Phillips (5-3), 10 HIGHLIGHTS: The Panthers held the Warriors to just three points en route to reclaiming the Ol’ Orange Crate trophy.

UP NEXT: The Warriors will travel to Olympia for a district game Thursday, Oct. 26. Dr. Phillips travels to Ocoee for a district game Thursday, Oct. 26.

Ocoee (4-5), 52 Windermere (3-6), 21 HIGHLIGHTS: After a three-game losing streak, the Knights got back into the win column with a 52-21 victory at Windermere. Quarterbacks Joshua Guerrier and Ja’Cari Jackson combined went 9-for-10 passing for 211 yards. Jackson also tossed two touchdowns. Ocoee wide receiver Tavion Greaves hauled in six catches for a whopping 172 yards and both Jackson touchdowns. Wolverines quarterback Bryce Speed went 18-for-23 for 200 yards and also led the team in rushing with 126 yards on nine carries.

UP NEXT: The Knights will host the Dr. Phillips Thursday, Oct. 26, while

Windermere hosts Horizon Friday, Nov. 3.

Olympia (6-2), 48 Freedom (1-7), 8 HIGHLIGHTS: Olympia torched Freedom, 48-8, to improve to 6-2 for the year. The Titans used a balanced attack — 216 yards and four touchdowns through the air, and 134 yards and three touchdowns on the ground — to keep Freedom off-balance throughout the game. Receiver Xavier Tucker led Olympia with five receptions, 92 yards and one touchdown. Running back Romelo Ware piled up 94 yards — including a 63yard rumble — on just six carries.

UP NEXT: Olympia hosts West Orange for a district game Thursday, Oct. 26.

Horizon (4-4), 0 Edgewater (9-0), 45 HIGHLIGHTS: The Hawks couldn’t keep up with juggernaut Edgewater,

they’ve acknowledged their responsibilities.”

In addition to a new offense, the Royals also have implemented Conaway’s organization and standard.

“I feel like we practice a lot harder now,” sophomore safety Jackson Jones said. “Last year, nobody had an end goal, and I feel like we were just playing to play football. But now, I feel we have a standard that we are trying to reach, and we are trying to excel to be the best. … We are much more organized this year. We wake up every morning at 4:30 a.m., every week (Conaway) sends out the exact schedule by the minute, and if we are not on that schedule, there is some sort of discipline. We are trying to be exact in everything that we do, and the details are more important here.”

Despite coming into Florida football for the first time, Conaway already has learned new policies, protocols and procedures, and he is excited to continue teaching the Royals the game they all love. “(Football) is about who can get their players to play as fast and as physical and as focused as possible,” he said. “There have been games

“We’re going to treat it just like every other game. But anytime we put on our Royals’ gear, the expectation is that we are going to go play fast, physical-focused football to the best of our ability. This game is no different.”

— The First Academy Coach Jeff Conaway

where we’ve done that well; there have been games where we’ve really struggled with that. But it is a process of learning, and I think every day, every week, month, season, year — we are going to get better at it.”

The Royals are grateful for a season that has brought them many learning opportunities that have helped them grow.

“I would summarize this season as a challenge — a learning season for everybody involved,” Conaway said.

“A season of great progress and a future season of great rewards. That would be awesome if it came this year, but it may not. But, the rewards are coming.”

which had amassed a 31-0 lead by halftime.

UP NEXT: Horizon will host Jones for a district contest Thursday, Oct. 26.

team in total yards — 35 on the ground and 65 receiving.

UP NEXT: The Eagles will travel to St. Joseph Academy (St. Augustine) for a playoff game Friday, Oct. 27.

Lake Buena Vista (4-3), 14 Poinciana (3-5), 37 HIGHLIGHTS: The Vipers were competitive in the first half of the game and went into the locker room down by only one touchdown, 14-7. However, Poinciana found the end zone twice in the third to pull away.

UP NEXT: The Vipers will travel to Bishop Moore for a district contest Friday, Oct. 27.

TFA (5-3), 28 Eustis (5-3), 34 HIGHLIGHTS: The Royals relied on a potent passing attack in its tough battle with Eustis. Quarterback Jack McKissock went 20-for-38 for 220 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Receiver Julian Anderson led the team with five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, the Royals totaled 65 yards on our 26 carries.

UP NEXT: The Royals will travel to Foundation Friday, Oct. 27.

Legacy Charter (2-5), 7 Orangewood Christian (4-4), 37 HIGHLIGHTS: Legacy Charter’s Jake Threadgill led the Eagles defense in tackles with 17, followed closely by Shazarr Roberts with 14.

On offense, Roberts also led the

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City Commissioner Districts 2, 3 and 4 Candidates for the City Commission shall have been a resident of the City and district in which they run for one (1) year by the end of qualifying, and shall have been a registered voter in the district for which they run for one (1) year prior to the end of the qualifying period. Those elected to office shall maintain their district residency and voter registration while in office.

Individuals may announce their candidacy and open a campaign account by completing forms provided by the City Clerk at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, any time prior to the qualifying period.

CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PERIOD

BEGINS – 12:00 Noon - Tuesday – November 7, 2023 ENDS – 12:00 Noon - Tuesday – November 14, 2023 Additional qualifying forms and fees required during this timeframe

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