03.07.24 Southwest Orange Observer

Windermere police offers tips to protect homes, vehicles

The

Detective Mark Wilson said the incidents do have one thing in common: Preventable actions can be taken to limit the instances.

“We are continuing to try and help to educate the public about the importance of security,” he said. “We live in Windermere, and in what people call the ‘Windermere bubble,’ where some associate it as always being safe and maybe not taking the same precautions as they would in other areas. But, crime happens when there’s opportunity. When we don’t do our due diligence to limit those opportunities, you can expect something to happen, regardless of where you live.”

HOME BURGLARIES

On Feb. 4, officers from the WPD received reports of a suspect, who was driving a white Honda Civic, entering homes through garages and committing burglaries.

The suspect was reported by several witnesses and caught on multiple cameras.

Wilson was able to obtain a plate number for the vehicle from one of the videos. He ran the plate number, registered from New Hampshire, and discovered the owner to be 27-yearold Thomas Hixon. He also found an expired Florida driver’s license.

“It turned out that one of our officers had passed him on the road,” Wilson said. “When they saw him, they continued to where the burglary was. When they got there, the witness said the suspect had just left. That’s when they realized they had seen him and passed him. They thought the person was still at the house. I sent the officer a picture of the suspect, and he was able to identify him. We were also able to check the identification on the videos.”

Wilson then received word Hixon had traveled to another part of town and committed an additional burglary. Another report followed, with a witness stating they did not see the suspect, but they had left their garage open and their golf clubs were missing.

Wilson called dispatch and issued a BOLO. At 9:30 p.m., dispatch called Wilson to tell him

the Orlando Police Department was behind Hixon’s vehicle. Wilson told the OPD to pull him over, and Hixon was pulled over in downtown Orlando. Wilson arrested him and took him to jail, where he currently resides.

After obtaining a search warrant for Hixon’s vehicle, the WPD identified additional victims in Windermere, as well as in OPD and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office jurisdictions.

Stolen wallets and credit cards were found in the vehicle. Wilson was able to help recover the missing golf clubs from an additional location where Hixon had attempted to pawn them off.

Hixon is facing six burglary charges dealing with seven victims from the one arrest. As of Wednesday, Feb. 28, his total bonds exceed $20,000.

Wilson said the person committing the crime is always responsible for their own actions. Although the fault is never of the victim, he said there are many preventative measures residents can take to help protect against burglars.

“Again, all of this was checking door handles, going into dwellings that had

garages that were open,” he said. “We have to do our due diligence to lock up our things and close our garages so that we can limit that. … One thing that people often overlook is garagedoor openers. If you leave that in the car, they can go in the vehicle and see that and then also gain entry to your home. It makes it very easy. … There are some simple things that we can do to protect ourselves and limit these occurrences. They’re going to keep trying, but we want to limit these opportunities that some may fall victim to.”

VEHICLE THEFTS

The WPD also is working an open case pertaining to a series of highend vehicle thefts in multiple locations.

Wilson said the department had received a call for the thefts that took place on Feb. 18 and 19. He said the incidents appear to be a trend.

“We collaborate with other local departments, as well,” he said. “It seems to be that on the same night there also were some high-end vehicle thefts in surrounding jurisdictions. We are all working together to share information to see if these are connected in some way. … The instances appear to be people going from car to car just lifting door handles and seeing what they can find. … A lot of the vehicles are left unlocked, sometimes with keys in the car and sometimes with items of value in plain sight.”

The WPD is continuing to evaluate possible suspects in the case.

Wilson said residents should review their car manuals, as many of the newer vehicles have technology that can be utilized for safety. For example, when some keys leave the vehicle, they can automatically lock the car.

He also said valuables should always be taken out of vehicles, including garage-door openers.

Wilson suggests residents use garage-door openers that are accessible on their phone, so the openers do not need to be stored in the vehicle.

“It’s a lot better and safer with using an opener that can be controlled on your phone than having a button up on your visor, which people can just take and then make their way to your home,” he said. “It’s also important to keep in mind when valeting your car where all of your personal effects are stored. You trust these valet people, but you never know. You have your insurance cards with your home address on there and your garagedoor opener right there, for example. You’re down the block eating, and these people can get right into your home. We have to limit these opportunities to the best of our abilities. We just have to stay aware and vigilant.”

Two candidates — Sal Ramos and Shane Taylor — are vying to be the next mayor for the town of Oakland. The election will be held Tuesday, March 19, with early voting taking place March 4 to 17. Meet the candidates in our exclusive Q&A. Some responses have been edited because of space constraints. The entire, unedited responses are available at OrangeObserver.com.

Experience: More than two years

Review Board,

years as a commissioner for the town of Oakland, board member of Metro Plan Orlando and 30 years as a successful business owner

Residency: Proud resident of Oakland for 23 years

Why are you running to serve as Oakland’s next mayor?

I care, and I am deeply invested in our town and its residents. I want to ensure that Oakland remains a place where families thrive, work and enjoy life.

How do you differ from your opponent?

My extensive experience as a commissioner and involvement with Metro Plan Orlando provide me with unique insights into the needs of our town. As a seasoned business owner and CEO, I bring invaluable managerial and people skills to the table. Oakland needs a mayor with a proven track record of service and a deep understanding of our community’s needs.

Each municipality in West Orange champions its own distinct character. What is Oakland’s?

Oakland is characterized by its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and strong sense of community with a diversity of racial and cultural backgrounds. Our town’s charm lies in its historic oak trees and inviting front porches that maintain the “Old Florida” atmosphere of laid-back living among the oaks.

The West Orange Trail, EcoTourism Oakland Nature Preserve and The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center that celebrate our heritage and natural beauty. You would be succeeding a mayor who has served Oakland in that capacity since 2004. What are your top three priorities as you continue the work as one of Oakland’s leaders?

I’II give you four: Complete the sewer system in Oakland. Maintain our OACS an “A”-rated school.

Improve stabilization on our dirt roads. Lower taxes by diversifying our tax base.

Often, Oakland issues stem from the notion of development versus preservation. How do you balance the two?

Having experience in the construction industry, I understand the importance of responsible development while preserving Oakland’s unique character. I will ensure that any development aligns with the best interests of our town and its residents.

What changes would you like to see in Oakland in your first term?

I aim to foster greater community unity and involvement, enhance our parks and recreation facilities, and diversify our tax base to lower taxes responsibly.

In recent months, Oakland has seen some division, particularly evident on social media. What is your opinion on this matter?

It breaks my heart.

I am deeply saddened by recent divisions in our town. As mayor, I will work tirelessly to promote unity and collaboration, ensuring that Oakland remains a welcoming and harmonious community for all. I don’t want long friendships to break up in our town because of this election.

Fast-forward to the end of your first term as mayor. Looking back, what would you need to accomplish to consider it a successful first term?

Having our first “mom & pop” boutique-style shop/restaurant. By the end of my first term, I envision a more unified Oakland with a diversified tax base and lower taxes. I am committed to leveraging my experience and dedication to public service to make Oakland an even better place for all its residents.

Together we can build a better Oakland. Let’s get to work!

SHANE TAYLOR

Age: 53

Family: Married nearly 26 years to Kelly. We have three daughters, Samantha, 22; Hannah, 18; and Kate, 15

Education: West Orange High School graduate; University of South Florida, B.A. in History

Employment: Dr. Phillips Inc.

Experience: Town of Oakland Planning & Zoning Board (2010 to present); currently serving as chair Residency: 26 years

Why are you running to serve as Oakland’s next mayor?

As a longtime resident of Oakland, with generational ties to the town since the 1930s, I love the town of Oakland and want to continue being a champion for it.

How do you differ from your opponent?

Leadership style is where I see the biggest difference. Proactive, effective, smart leadership, as well as open communication, is something I demonstrate daily. Early in my campaign, I launched my vision, mission, as well as my priorities for the town of Oakland.

My opponent has publicly said he opposes term limits. I am in favor of term limits and believe instituting term limits will allow for new ideas and innovation to be weaved in while building a sustainable leadership pipeline for years to come.

Commercial growth (is) another area in which my opponent and I differ. I was the first candidate to share ... my ideas for an activity district to include retail, restaurants and residential mix along Tubb Street.

Each municipality in West Orange champions its own distinct character. What is Oakland’s?

Oakland’s character is made of its charm, appeal and enchantment that captivates residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re passing through on the West Orange Trail, visiting the Oakland Nature Preserve or simply driving through our small town, Oakland is a place where you’ll be met with our beautiful tree-lined streets, small-town sense of community and kind neighbors. It’s where you’ll hear birds humming and the breeze running through.

envy for those who pass through, and I want to ensure we promote our town in a way that highlights our assets and charming way of life.

3. Key investments in infrastructure and continuous improvement of town operations.

Often, Oakland issues stem from the notion of development versus preservation. How do you balance the two?

Development can actually contribute to preservation. If you think back to Oakland 20-plus years ago, we had the historic part of Oakland filled with large oak trees, the West Orange Trail and the historic Town Hall. What was added to that scene was a new Town Hall, town center with a roundabout and fountain, and most recently the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center, all while retaining its charm and preservation.

What are some changes you’d like to see in the town of Oakland in your first term?

I want to set the groundwork to continue enhancing the quality of life for all Oakland residents. We need to find ways to broaden our communication. I am a strong believer in open communication.

In recent months, Oakland has seen some division, particularly evident on social media. What is your opinion on this matter?

While there are lines that should never be crossed, I firmly believe in fostering an environment where respectful questions, answers and opinions can coexist to sustain our democratic process. With this being a monumental election, many people are paying close attention to how our town is being run for the first time.

You would be succeeding a mayor who has served Oakland in that capacity since 2004. What are your top three priorities as you continue the work as one of Oakland’s leaders?

1. Lead Oakland’s effort to blossom. Oakland finds itself strategically positioned between two cities. I am committed to thinking strategically about our town’s financial prosperity, laying the groundwork for the success of future generations.

2. Protecting, enhancing and expanding Oakland’s identity. Oakland has always been a source of

Fast-forward to the end of your first term as mayor. Looking back, what would you need to accomplish to consider it a successful first term?

MEET THE CANDIDATES Town of Oakland Mayor

Initiate the development of a sustainable commercial base along Highway 50 to help alleviate tax burdens. Expand and enhance the Tubb Street activity center, building upon the charm that Oakland has to offer. Implement improvements along the Oakland Avenue corridor, creating gateways into the town on the east and west. Introduce streetscape programs that involve landscaping to establish green corridors, provide sidewalk connectivity for residents and further develop our local intertown trail system.

WINDERMERE FINE ART SHOW

The same weekend, the ninth annual Windermere Fine Art Show will feature more than 85 artists from across the country, as well as their masterpieces.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere.

The free, pet-friendly event will additionally showcase live entertainment, such as dance performances and a magician, sidewalk chalk artists under age 18, and a multitude of food and drink options.

The art show is hosted by Anne Scharer, Tranquiliti Healing Arts & Wellness and Windermere Arts Chair. Scharer has an enthusiastic passion for the arts and started the show in 2016 as the Windermere Art Affair.

She said although the show is hard work to put together, the artists are what inspire her to keep putting on the event.

“When I find raw talent that doesn’t recognize the talent they have or that they have an ability, that inspires me,” Scharer said. “When you look back years later at the impact this has … I have artists reach out to me and thank me for helping to build them up and saying that I’ve inspired them, when really they’ve inspired me. I want them to know what they’re capable of.”

Sponsors for the event include the EVO team at The Real Estate Collection, The First Academy, Edward Jones, K2 Medical Research, Quality Craftsmen and Southern Epoxy Solutions.

For more information on the event, contact Scharer at AnneWindermereArts@ gmail.com or at (407) 448-0244.

TLinda Ziglar, founder of The Art Room, said the show is all about the adult students and the work they have done throughout the year.

“We want the students to be the main focus so their friends, family and the community can see all the hard work they’ve been putting in and the amazing creations they’ve come up with,” she said. “I just want people to enjoy the art works the students created and really celebrate them. Every year, after we get everything set up and displayed, I get choked up looking at their work. It’s just incredible. For me, as a teacher, and for all of our teachers, the students are our No. 1 priority and focus. Helping them nurture and grow.”

‘BY AND FOR THE STUDENTS’

Ziglar received her bachelor’s degree in art from Mercer University and studied watercolor under Ernie Stofko in Georgia. Before founding The Art Room, where she teaches oils and watercolors as well as children’s classes, she taught art in both public and private schools and was the visual arts director at The First Academy.

Ziglar said the adult art show started at Windermere Town Hall before the event outgrew the space and moved to Camp Ithiel in Gotha. However, she said it was a lot of work taking all the materials and pieces out to the camp.

Now, every year, The Art Room is completely emptied and transformed into a museum showcasing the adult artists’ pieces for the show.

“Everything is by and for the students,” Ziglar said.

IS MY ME TIME’

‘PAINTING

Nancy McEvoy, a Christmas resident, has been with The Art Room for eight years and has participated in the show every year.

“My husband gave me a gift certificate for an art class eight years ago, and I’ve never left,” she said. “My job is very math- and science- related, so this is very freeing. It gives me a mental break, and the atmosphere

THE ART ROOM’S 21ST ANNUAL ADULT ART SHOW

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9; artist

reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere

INFO: Call (407) 909-1869

here is very warm, welcoming and low stress. Nobody cares whether your lines are perfect. They really do a great job of bringing you along at your own pace and not comparing you to the person sitting next to you.”

McEvoy said the amount of growth she has seen and experienced in eight years has been exponential.

“Every step of the way, I’ve always felt like they think my art is the greatest art ever,” she said. “They have an amazing way of making every student feel that way, I think. I enjoy the artistic side of it, of course, but being here in this atmosphere is just really lovely and peaceful.”

At the show, McEvoy will be showcasing seven or eight oil and mosaic pieces. Her specialty? Portraiture and painting horses.

“I own horses, and I’ve always been fascinated by portraiture,” she said. “Every time I go to a museum, I just naturally gravitate toward the portraits. I think it’s because I really like people’s faces and how different they are. With painting, you can really get the emotion across that you can’t really get with a picture. When I’m painting somebody that I know and I love, I can capture what I see, not necessarily what’s really there.”

Christy Wooten, a Clermont resident, has been with The Art Room for 11 years. This will be her fourth year participating in the art show.

“Watercolor is my favorite medium, but I enjoy oil and acrylic as well,” she said. “I see the beauty in people and nature and love to recreate this beauty I see in God’s creation.”

Horizon West resident PJ Reynolds has been with The Art Room for seven years and will be participating in the show for the first time.

“Oil is my favorite medium,” he said. “I like to paint because of the challenge and to relax.”

Winter Garden resident Bree Chapman also enjoys creations with oil.

“I have been painting with The Art Room for three years now and this will be my third year in the show,” she said. “Painting is my ‘me’ time.”

Annabelle Sikes

Linda Ziglar is the proud founder of The Art Room in downtown Windermere.

Courtesy photo

This piece by Nancy McEvoy is titled “Lady Lovelace.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

FORMER CITY EMPLOYEE WARNS OF MUELLER’S BEHAVIOR

Editor’s note: The Observer verified through city records the validity of the claims in this letter.

Dear Editor:

You may have read in the The Observer that current District 2 Commissioner Ron Mueller was set to go through a forfeiture hearing due to repeated actions directly opposed to the City Charter.

That hearing was stalled, however, with the commission ultimately deciding that it be dropped due to the closeness of the March election.

What they couldn’t say, but can be reasonably assumed, is that Ron should have been removed from the commission; he admitted to multiple and repeated violations of City Charter. However, he could have then continued his current election campaign, and if re-elected, he would be able to regain his vacated seat beginning with the last commission meeting in March. There is no telling the ramifications of such a scenario.

Depending on what you’ve read or your interactions with Ron himself, he might have come across as a genuine person and a “nice” guy. But in my professional dealings with Ron, his true character couldn’t be further from that notion.

I’ve decided to share one such story because it sheds light on Ron’s dishonesty and disregard for City Charter and rules, among other things. This story is 100% factual with no embellishments.

Until recently, I had the honor and pleasure of working for the city of Winter Garden, making the difficult decision to resign for a better opportunity in November 2022. My position was equally rewarding as it was challenging, as I was able to serve employees (city, police and fire), board chairpersons and members, as well as citizens directly for my seven-plus-year tenure.

That said, one of the most difficult people I had to serve during my time was current District 2 Commissioner Ron Mueller.

I say difficult, because, as you may have read in previous articles published in this newspaper, Ron Mueller has an uncanny knack for muddying the “city employee/ city commissioner” relationship. I assure you this assessment is true; I witnessed it first-hand, multiple times. Typically, this was in the form of contacting me directly without city manager knowledge or approval, which was against City Charter, but other such instances certainly exist, including on at least one occasion threatening the city manager that I receive “counseling or termination” for a response contrary to his desired outcome

during one of his muddied requests.

I assure you, I was just one of many city employees who received threats like this from Ron.

Rewind to September 2022, when Florida was hit by Hurricane Ian. The storm crossed the state and caused significant damage, including here in Winter Garden, with many local neighborhoods losing power for days. During that time, Ron Mueller contacted me directly.

Ron’s “ask” was that I assign his access badge permission to enter the Public Works compound so that he could take a hot shower, because his home was without power. He claimed to have contacted the city manager, and that he had already gained approval. I reminded Ron that he shouldn’t have contacted me directly, and told him I’d be contacting the city manager to verify the request and approval. The city manager told me that Ron had not contacted him regarding this particular request and asked that I loop the assistant city manager into our conversation.

In the end, it was decided to grant Ron’s request. I configured Ron’s badge with appropriate access levels for entry into the complex, contacted him to let him know, and then watched the access system for Ron’s entry and exit logs from those buildings.

A few hours later, Ron messaged me to say, “Thank you,” for the access and the shower. I was watching the logs for his entry and exits, but no logs were ever created. This means that Ron must have followed someone into the complex or coerced someone else to let him in, thus taking matters into his own hands and fulfilling his own request.

The point of this story is not the shower. It is the means and methods by which Ron Mueller uses to get his way: dishonesty, abuse of privilege, disregard for his own constituents who are in the same situation as he, unauthorized access to city buildings, and his inability to follow certain direction, in this case, bypassing the city manager and contacting city employees directly in attempts to make them do his bidding.

Again, while you were without power, suffering with downed trees, flooding, or other damage to your homes, Ron Mueller was wasting a city employee’s time, lying to gain access to a city building, worried about taking his own hot shower, while we city employees were trying to help all of 46,000 Winter Garden residents recover from Hurricane Ian.

Thank you for reading my story, and I encourage all of you to vote wisely this election season.

CHAD MORRILL FORMER DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, CITY OF WINTER GARDEN

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Ocoee City Commission District 4

Two candidates — George Oliver III and Nate Robertson — will face one another in a special election for the Ocoee City Commission District 4 seat. The victor will serve for one year — the remainder of the current term. The seat is open because Oliver stepped down to run for Ocoee mayor in 2023. Ages Hart had been serving as interim city commissioner.

The election will be held Tuesday, March 19, with early voting taking place March 4 to 17. Meet the candidates in our exclusive Q&A. Some responses have been edited because of space constraints. The entire, unedited responses are available at OrangeObserver.com.

GEORGE OLIVER III

Age: 56

Family: Father of six: Kerrick, Karte, George, Kameron, Christian and Isaac; husband to my lovely wife, Deborah; we have six grandchildren

Education: Two associate’s degrees in paralegal studies, litigation and transactional; bachelor’s degree in business management; MBA, University of Phoenix

Employment: U.S. Department of The Treasury

Experience: Ocoee District 4 Commissioner from 2018 to 2023; Florida Supreme Court-certified mediator; member of the Washington Shores Community Development Board; LBS Foundation Board of Directors; and served as chairman of the Board of TRELS Home for Children, a nonprofit organization near Houston, Texas; board member of United Sports Complex, a non-profit organization that supports youth initiatives in and around Orange County Residency in District 4: 22 years

Why are you running for District 4 commissioner?

I have a vision for the city that will allow us to plan for the next 40 years. A vision that will address issues such as sit-down restaurants, retail economic development, infrastructure and a better quality of life for all citizens of Ocoee.

How do you differ from your opponent?

I served in the seat from 2018-2023, and I bring experience that my opponent just does not have. I will be able to walk into office from Day 1 and pick up where I left off. I have developed relationships with federal, state and

county officials that have proven to be valuable to the growth of our city. This election is for the one year left of the current commissioner term. What are your plans for beyond this term?

I plan to continue the work I have started. I plan to continue to push for the city to fund a real operational audit to promote transparency. Once we have achieved that goal, I will work to revise our Master Development Plan so it lines up with responsible spending. I will continue to work with my fellow elected officials, as well as the citizens, to establish a city-wide Mission and Vision that’s built on Strategic Planning.

This special election has spurred quite a bit of discussion within Ocoee’s government and even some proposed changes to its city charter. What is your opinion on these changes and how the City Commission can move forward?

The Ocoee City Charter states the city shall conduct a charter review every 10 years. The city conducted a charter review in 2017 to bring recommended charter amendments to the voters in 2018. According to our charter, the next charter review board should be commissioned in 2027.

NATE ROBERTSON

Age: 41

Family: Married to wife, Kristin, for 17 years; two boys, Rylan, 15, and Rhys, 3

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Union University, Jackson, Tennessee, 2004

Employment: Vice president for Sidewalk Advocates for Life since 2022; senior strategic account lead and other roles for RxCrossroads by McKesson (2011-22)

Experience: Fiona Jackson Center for Pregnancy board member; licensed minister; member, Kids Ministry team at Kingdom Culture Church; student body vice president at Union University in 2003. Residency in District 4: Since January 2020

Why are you running for District 4 commissioner?

I am running for District 4 commissioner because of a desire to be a servant leader and a voice for the residents of my district. I want to make sure that Ocoee continues to be a great city to live and (in which to) raise a family. I am running because of my wife and two boys and because I want to see Ocoee remain a great city for generations to come.

How do you differ from your opponent?

This race is not about my opponent. I am not running because of him. I do, however, believe I have a unique ability to bring people together to ensure that the concerns of the residents of District 4 are heard and acted upon.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

THE TASTE o f WEST ORANGE

This election is for the one year left of the current commissioner term. What are your plans for beyond this term?

Right now, I am fully focused on winning the District 4 seat and serving the district and city well for this 11-month term. I desire to continue to be a servant leader in whatever capacity I can. I do not currently know what my plans are beyond this term, but I will continue to serve my community wherever I can.

This special election has spurred quite a bit of discussion within Ocoee’s government and even some proposed changes to its city charter. What is your opinion on these changes and how the City Commission can move forward?

It’s apparent that there has been room for multiple interpretations of certain aspects of the city charter. Efforts to make the city charter clearly understood by the plain reading are important, and I support that. In my work with contracts and SOWs, it is critical that language is clear and plain to guarantee that all parties understand their expectations and obligations. During this election, Ocoee voters

However, certain elected officials believe we needed an emergency charter review … to fix something in the charter they did not like.

It is my opinion that we as elected officials should always stay true to our city charter and never deviate from its guidance — even when we feel that change is necessary.

Discuss your ability to work in concert with your fellow commissioners for the betterment of the city of Ocoee.

From 2018-2023, I worked with the commission to move our city forward in many ways, such as passing citywide budgets that lowered our milage rate and saved citizens’ tax dollars. I also played a role in voting on and promoting the building of our new city hall. I have been in support of many of our new city-wide projects that we are currently seeing (e.g. our first wellness park, Unity Park, the expansion and widening of Clarke Road, new traffic lights, infrastructure projects and many more projects

will vote on 13 charter amendments, and from the last commission meeting in February, there is a proposal to place more on the November ballot. I believe all of these efforts help to bring clarity to the charter and ensure that the voters are involved in these possible changes.

Discuss your ability to work in concert with your fellow commissioners for the betterment of the city of Ocoee.

I believe I will work very well with my fellow commissioners, if elected, for the betterment of the city by understanding the issues before us, listening to everyone’s perspective and weighing out my own opinion related to the needs of the city before making a decision on how I will act. It is vitally important that everyone understands that each commissioner and the mayor have one vote and it takes three votes to pass anything.

that would take too much time to mention).

What are the three most critical issues the city of Ocoee faces in 2024, and what are your solutions to those problems?

Some of the top challenges we face as a city are:

1. The redevelopment of the West Oaks Mall.

2. More sit-down restaurants

3. Balance between development and infrastructure

4. Financial accountability

5. Building a new school, preferably a K-8 in the northern area of the city

As for the West Oaks Mall, they are a privately held entity with no debt. The entire City Commission has to come together along with staff to form a united front and visit the headquarters to propose a collaborative plan regarding redevelopment. So far, all we’ve gotten is the mayor taking an annual trip to Vegas to visit their headquarters and returning empty-handed.

The city could possibly have more sit-down restaurants if we would get

What are the three most critical issues the city of Ocoee faces in 2024, and what are your solutions to those problems?

1. Traffic and roads. Ocoee needs to continue to work on traffic and roads throughout the city and continue to strengthen the city/ county partnership regarding traffic, roads and traffic signals.

I want to be a part of making sure that the concerns of residents are heard and that I assist in working on solutions. The Clarke Road expansion being completed is key to assisting with traffic concerns. I would like to advocate for an analysis regarding speed on city roads and what traffic calming solutions might be available to us at a reasonable expense.

2. Development. Ocoee is continuing to develop both residentially and commercially. This is a critical issue, though not necessarily a problem. I want to make sure that concerns are listened to and answers are provided back to residents regarding continued

out of the box and visit other cities with similar footprints and ask them how were they able to transform a dead or dying area into a bustling array of sit-down restaurants and retail shops. In early 2019, I took a trip (I paid for the trip out of my own pocket) to a city in Pinellas County with similar issues, and I met with the mayor and city manager to ask them how did they do it. They replied, “Getting out of the box,” by going to other cities out of the state and, in one case, out of the country. They were able to attract very nice independently owned sit-down restaurants and retail shops to their city. Upon my return, I mentioned the idea to staff and in a commission meeting, and it fell on deaf ears.

The balance between development and infrastructure has to start while we’re negotiating a potential development contract. Infrastructure improvement plans (road improvements, extensions, traffic lights, sidewalks, street lights, 5G, etc.) should be on the forefront of all development discussions.

In 2016, the City Commission at

development. I will work with the city staff to understand the current and proposed developments and assist where I can on development concerns.

3. Property taxes. Ocoee has reduced property taxes for the last several years and I believe it is critical that we continue to see a reduction for our residents. I look forward to reviewing the next budget and working with the city staff to understand our needs and how property taxes can continue to be reduced.

What is the one unique and critical quality you would bring to the Ocoee City Commission, and why is that important for citizens in District 4?

I bring an extensive background in strategic business development which includes process management with an eye to increasing efficiencies and reducing cost. I believe my critical thinking skills will greatly assist me in helping District 4 have the representation that it deserves.

that time, which included the former District 4 Commissioner Joel Keller, approved an operational audit of the city’s finances. However, they never funded the audit. I can only speculate as to why. I will continue to push for the funding of a true operational audit. For every home that’s built in the city of Ocoee, we pay a little (more than) $8,000 (per home) to the School Board. If I did the math for a period of, let’s say 10 years of development, I believe we could have had two schools built by now. Unfortunately, our past leadership team didn’t see fit to put any pressure on the School Board.

What is the one unique and critical quality you would bring to the Ocoee City Commission, and why is that important for citizens in District 4?

I am the commissioner who will hold the entire leadership team accountable. I am willing to work hard for the citizens of Ocoee, and I think we deserve better than what we have previously experienced in

As Americans, we live in an increasingly polarized society. What is the solution to finding common ground — and is that something that can be fostered from a position on the City Commission?

The City Commission does not focus on the larger discussions of societal polarization but it can work to move the issues of the city forward and build a strong community for everyone. The truth is our polarized society comes from an unwillingness to discuss hard issues without name-calling and anger. We will never agree on everything, but I believe that there is a long list of things that we can all agree on and we should work together on to move our communities forward instead of focusing on the things that divide us. The reality is that the City Commission is a very focused government body that must remain steadfastly focused on the issues of the city (roads, safety, parks, water, development and property taxes) and not the greater issues of county, state and national government.

past leadership. Ocoee is a great city, and I would like to help make it even greater. I believe in fighting for what’s right and holding leadership accountable, including myself. As Americans, we live in an increasingly polarized society. What is the solution to finding common ground — and is that something that can be fostered from a position on the City Commission?

I am currently working to foster positive relationships through community partners (such as) churches, small businesses and the community at-large, who have shown interest in helping to find that common ground. In December 2020, I was able to convince the commission to have a workshop on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The goal was to have a structured conversation among the commission and city department heads to understand each other a little more. From there, the plan was to move that structured conversation to the community at large. This is where the mantra of #ONEOCOEE can be used to unite all.

NATE ROBERTSON CONT.

GEORGE OLIVER III CONT.

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

Trombitas Garden AM Garden BeulahBaptistWG.org

9:30AM 11:00AM 6:00PM

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

Pastor Graham Chancey 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM,

Residents to see rate hike in Oakland

The average cost for wastewater in the town is $6.04. The new rate will see a 50-cent increase.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The town of Oakland has not raised its water and wastewater rates since 2014 when officials contracted with the city of Clermont to handle the processing of Oakland’s wastewater.

Public Works Director Mike Parker gave a financial forecast report on water and wastewater, which was accepted by the commission at its Feb. 27 meeting. A public hearing will be held March 12 for a resolution to implement a rate increase.

Expenditures include operation expenses, capital improvement projects, regulatory expenses, capital replacements and emergencies.

n

n

n

Only residents and businesses on the sewer system pay for wastewater services.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

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

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

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

METHODIST

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

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH

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

“These utility dollars are going toward a lot of different expenses that most users don’t even think about,” Parker wrote in his report. “However, sometimes, in addition to the annual consumer price index driven increases, the town sometimes finds it necessary to make other adjustments.

“While some may have negative feelings about population growth, as the number of customers grows, it provides an opportunity to spread these fixed costs over a larger base,” he said. “That is a good thing.”

CANAL CORRECTIONS

The commission voted 3-2 (with Mayor Kathy Stark and Commissioner Joseph McMullen dissenting) to move forward with the $120,000 contract with Sea Level Development LLC to perform services to the Johns Lake Outfall Canal.

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This report takes all of this into consideration and makes realistic and educated projections, he said.

Parker said the town expects to add 50 residential connections this year, 107 in 2025 and 87 in 2026. Cost escalations include 5% increase in labor costs per year and 2.5% annually in general inflation.

“You’re actually losing money every time a resident uses the wastewater system,” said Joe Williams, of consulting firm Raftelis.

“We want to focus on equity between water and wastewater,” Williams said.

“Not everyone has wastewater, but we want everyone to pay their way for the wastewater system.”

He recommended a mid-year wastewater rate adjustment from $6 to $7.25 per thousand gallons to reflect a pass-through of Clermont’s treatment cost increase.

The town had contracted with another company in March 2023 to restore the historical northerly flow of water from the canal into the lake, reinforce the banks of the newly relocated canal with native vegetation and remove sediment directly in front of two boat dock structures west of the canal. This provided little relief in the area, Town Manager Andy Stewart said.

In November, the Town Commission voted to hire Sea Level Development LLC to broaden the project area and remove a larger quantity of sand utilizing hydraulic dredging equipment. The Town Commission also requested an engineer provide oversight of the project and work.

At the Feb. 27 meeting, Stark said she is happy to see an engineer will be present but still expressed concerns about the scope of the project and the money being spent on a small section of the canal.

Williams shared a local rate comparison of Oakland to other area municipalities at 5,000 gallons of consumption. Winter Garden was the lowest at $40.16 per 5,000 gallons, and Mascotte is the highest at $118.88. Oakland’s existing rate is $75.52, and the proposed rate, to begin in April, would be $81.77.

“I don’t think we’re taking a comprehensive look at the canal, and I’m still not in favor of it,” she said. “The commission has already voted to approve it, so I’ll leave it at that. … I’m still not comfortable with it. … We have a fiduciary responsibility to this town.”

Commissioner Mike Satterfield said he is happy with the new contract. Commissioner Rick Polland called the original contract pathetic.

PHMSA Environmental Review Notice of Availability

In cooperation with the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, Orange County, Florida, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), has prepared a Tier 2 Environmental Assessment (EA), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, for the proposed replacement of approximately 13.13 miles of vintage steel and vintage plastic polyethylene (PE) pipe in multiple areas of the system with modern polyethylene pipe. PHMSA published a Tier 1 Nationwide EA for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization Grant Program (NGDISM) on November 9, 2022. The stated purpose of NGDISM is for municipality or community owned utilities to repair, rehabilitate, or replace its natural gas distribution pipeline system or portions thereof or to acquire equipment to (1) reduce incidents and fatalities and (2) avoid economic losses by providing grant opportunities to municipality or community owned utilities.

The Tier 1 EA is available at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa. dot.gov/files/2023-07/Tier-1-PHMSA-2022-0123-0001.pdf. The Tier 2 EA is available for review and comment on the web at https://www.phmsa. dot.gov/about-phmsa/working-phmsa/grants/pipeline/tier-2-site-specificenvironmental-documents and a copy is available at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, 1320 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

Please submit all comments to: PHMSABILGrantNEPAComments@ dot.gov and reference NGDISM-FY22-EA-2023-20 in your response. Pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act, PHMSA has issued a No Historic Properties Affected finding which is available for review in the Tier 2 EA. Comments on the Tier 2 EA are due by March 11, 2024.

Town of Windermere workshop gives guidance

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

The town of Windermere hosted a virtual Town Council workshop to discuss the Florida Sunshine Law, the public records law and the code of ethics Tuesday, Feb. 27.

The presentation was led by Town Attorney Heather Ramos.

SUNSHINE LAW

Ramos said the Sunshine Law governs the town’s meetings, and a meeting with purposes for the town is when two or more members of the same board or committee meet together to discuss town business.

She said there are three basic requirements of the law for meetings: They must be open and accessible to the public, they must be noticed, and written minutes must be taken.

The law is applicable to not only the Town Council but also committees of the Town Council, when such committees have been delegated “decision-making authority” as opposed to mere “information gathering or fact-finding authority.”

Other topics included not discussing town business outside of a meeting, and that members of the public must be provided an opportunity to address the council during the decision-making process and before a decision is made.

Although council members may attend and participate in committee meetings without prior notice of attendance, Ramos said if it is known that two or more council members are planning to do so, it should be noted in the meeting notice.

PUBLIC RECORDS LAW

Every record made or received in connection with town business is a public record.

All Town Council and committee members, as well as town employees, must permit inspection and copying of public records.

Public records are not limited to traditional written documents and also include texts or emails made or received in connection with official business, as well as YouTube videos and social media posts.

Ramos said public records must be retained for a certain period of time and only can be destroyed in accordance with a specific process under state law.

The law applies to communications with residents, members of the public, employees, consultants, contractors, legal counsel and others involved with town business, even if it is on a private email account and on a private device.

CODE OF ETHICS

The code of ethics applies to council and committee members, as well as certain employees, such as the town manager and town clerk.

A person’s position with the town cannot be used to secure something special for themselves, family, friends or anyone else.

Ramos said members and their families cannot do business with the town, take a job position with a company doing business with the town or use information learned from a town position to gain a special advantage.

In addition, members cannot accept a payment to write or speak for an organization, or hire, promote and advocate for a relative to get a job with the town.

Penalties for violating the code of ethics can include impeachment, removal from office or employment, suspension, public censure, demotion and civil penalties.

Ramos also discussed financial disclosure requirements and gifts, which can include money, real estate, transportation, plants and flowers, membership dues, food or beverage, and admission tickets.

She said a member taking anything for themselves or a family member valued at more than $100 can be an ethics violation.

COUNTY LEVEL

Proposed fire station in Horizon West leads Orange County Commission action

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Editor’s note: County Level is the Observer’s new feature, in which we will highlight the most impactful actions taken by the Orange County Commission.

Although February was a slower month in District 1 for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, several decisions were made that impacted West Orange and Southwest Orange.

FIRE STATION 32

At the Feb. 6 meeting, the County Commission approved awarding a bid to Mulligan Construction Inc. in the amount of $6,957,777 for the construction of Orange County Fire Station 32 located in the Horizon West area.

The new station will be located at 14100 Hartzog Road, Winter Garden. Station 32 currently operates out of a temporary space in Kissimmee.

The planned 11,532-square-foot, single-story structure would sit on 1.62 acres.

The building would accommodate three apparatus bays and apparatus bay support areas, along with general facility functions such as a kitchen, dining, dormitory, restrooms and showers, with equipment/utility/ support spaces also included.

There would be a site wall around the perimeter of the property, as well as traffic signalization.

The building structure would include reinforced masonry with structural steel framing and metal deck with insulation and metal roofing system.

The station would significantly improve response times in the Four Corners area.

OAKLAND ROUNDABOUT

At the Feb. 6 meeting, the County Commission approved a change order for a roundabout in the town of Oakland. This project involves the reconstruction of the existing offset intersection of Oakland Avenue and J.W. Jones Road with Old Highway 50.

The reconstruction includes realignments of all three roadways to create a roundabout intersection. It also includes the realignment of the West Orange Trail and modifications to the existing signal at the intersection of State Road 50 and Oakland Avenue.

The change increases the original contract amount from $2,972,740 to $3,141,644, an increase of 5.68%.

HORIZON WEST REGIONAL PARK TINY ROAD CONNECTION

At the Feb. 6 meeting, commissioners approved a Recreational Trail Easement by the Orange County School Board to Orange County and authorized the county to perform all actions necessary for the Horizon West Regional Park Tiny Road Connection.

The agreement provides for access, construction, installation and maintenance for a recreational trail that connects Tiny Road to the Horizon West Regional Park.

The park, located on 215.25 acres at Hamlin Groves Trail and Mann Road, broke ground Thursday, Feb. 15. See the Orange Observer’s full photo gallery at bit.ly/49EHmoZ.

HAMLIN DEVELOPMENTS

At the Feb. 20 meeting, commissioners approved the Hamlin Southwest Planned Development — Unified Neighborhood Plan Review/Hamlin Southwest Overall Infrastructure Planned Subdivision Plan/Hamlin

SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2024

8 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL

1625 BEULAH ROAD, WINTER GARDEN

• Label the material. If you do not know what the material is, label it “unknown.”

• Do not mix different or unknown materials together.

• If containers are leaking, pack them in a larger container with absorbent materials, such as cat litter, to soak up leaks.

• Use boxes with dividers for easy packing and transport.

• If the material is still usable, use it up!

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Orange County Commission at the Feb. 6 meeting approved an agreement between Orange County and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to utilize the Maxey Community Center in Winter Garden.

The food bank will assist with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for low-income families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

n Commissioners at the Feb. 6 meeting approved decreasing the speed limit on several roads, including on Tattant Boulevard between Venetta Way and Village Lake Road. The change is from 35 mph to 25 mph.

n County commissioners at the Feb. 20 meeting approved a Contract for Provision of Community Services and Facility Use with Chance 2 Dance Inc. for $200,000 for a two-year term. The contract will provide funds for innovation programming for youth in District 1. Services will be provided at United Cerebral Palsy — West Orange, located at 1441 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden.

Southwest Medical Offices Master Development Plan.

The request is to construct three buildings totaling 41,617 square feet within a partially constructed shopping plaza. The subject property currently is entitled for 304,817 square feet of nonresidential uses.

The subject property is located south of New Independence Parkway and west of State Road 429 within the Horizon West Town Center Village.

At the same meeting, commissioners approved a substantial change to the Hamlin West PD — UNP/Hamlin West Preliminary Subdivision Plan/ Lot 3 — Northshore of Lake Hamlin PSP.

The project is located south of New Independence Parkway and east of Avalon Road within the Horizon West Town Center Village.

The applicant was seeking approval to satisfy its on-site recreation area requirement utilizing the highlighted “neighborhood square” park, including a series of pocket parks.

Batteries

Presented By:

SPORTS

HIGH 5

1

For the second consecutive season, the Windermere Prep boys basketball team fell to Riviera Prep (25-8) in the 2023-24 FHSAA Class 3A state championship game March 1 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.

Despite good showings from its top players: Brandon Bass Jr. scoring 18 points, Sinan Huan grabbing seven rebounds, blocking four shots, to go along with 14 points and Samuel Shoptaw dishing out five assists, gathering four boards and adding 13 points, the Lakers still fell to the Bulldogs, 67-57.

The Lakers finished the campaign with a 24-8 record, District 6 championship and Region 2 championship to go along with their state runner-up medals.

2

Two of the area’s top soccer programs — Windermere High boys soccer and Horizon High girls soccer — won their respective regional championships this season. Both titles were historic for the young athletic programs and marked a significant moment in their respective development.

The Wolverines topped Cypress Creek in the FHSAA Class 7A, Region 2 championship game Feb. 22, 3-1, but in the next round, Windermere fell to eventual state champions Boca Raton High (24-0-2) in penalty kicks.

On the girls side, the Lady Hawks won their historic Class 5A, Region 2 title after a 1-0 road win over Seabreeze High. Like Windermere, though, Horizon fell in the following round to the eventual state champion, American Heritage High in PKs.

3

At the FHSAA individual boys and girls wrestling state championship meets, several athletes from West Orange and Southwest Orange County qualified and had their shot at claiming a state championship crown. Ultimately three wrestlers from the area stood above the rest at the meets held in Kissimmee’s Silver Spurs Arena.

West Orange High’s Raymond Cavey, in the 126-pound weight class for Class 3A, took the bronze medal after an ultimate tie-breaker win over Lake Brantley High’s Dario Duany.

In Class 1A at 150, The First Academy’s Nicholas Bittner finished in eighth place after a 6-3 decision for McKeel Academy’s Jean Benavidez.

On the girls side, Horizon’s Jade Noble fell to Fort Myers High’s Daphney Pierre in the fifth-place match. Noble finished the meet in sixth place and finished the season with a 19-8 record.

4

The PGA Tour has made its way back to Southwest Orange for one of the most popular and famous stops on its calendar, the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Having kicked off on Monday, March 4 with its Pro-Am tournament, the festivities will continue the entire week — with the actual invitational competition starting at 6:45 a.m. Thursday, March 7, and finishing Sunday, March 10. 5

The

Kat Johnson is the heart of Foundation Academy’s softball team, filling in wherever she is needed. Page 2B.

DINK TANK

The city of Winter Garden will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its pickleball

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Tboom with a three-day event this month.

o the unknowing public cruising down West Story Road or South Park Avenue in Winter Garden, an easy mistake could be made regarding the constant in-and-out shuffle of cars at Veterans Memorial Park — especially around the tennis court and weird mini-tennis courts toward the back of the park.

Some may think there is a sort of special event happening at the park. Others may wonder if Little League teams are playing this early in the day.

But those in the know — who can range from Winter Garden residents to folks who live in various surrounding and non-surrounding communities — understand two simple truths. First, those “weird” smaller tennis-like courts aren’t for tennis at all. Second, the continuous flow of people into that portion of the park isn’t for a special event or a randomly early mid-week Little League game.

On any given morning, afternoon or evening when you cross the threshold of that blue fence door, sectioned out of a nearly 15-foot-tall wall of blue fencing that surrounds blue-painted

asphalt courts with crisp white lines, isn’t just an obscure sport’s court. No, it’s where a community that revolves around a common interest holds court. What you’ll find is pickleball.

HUMBLE ORIGIN TO VIRAL SENSATION

Pickleball is a tennis-like game played by four people in teams of two on a court about one-fourth the size of a tennis court with paddles and a plastic, whiffle-style ball. The concept of the game is similar to tennis

SEE WINTER PAGE 2B

IF YOU GO

ST. PADDLE’S DAY WINTER GARDEN

COMMUNITY PICKLEBALL FEST

WHEN: March 14 to 16

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden

DETAILS: The event will feature a three-day recreational roundrobin-format pickleball tournament open to beginners, intermediate and advanced players ages 8 and older. The event also will feature free clinics that will be taught by local instructors and a special event from noon to 3 p.m. March 16. Spectators welcome.

SCHEDULE: Thursday, March 14: Youth, men’s and women’s doubles matches; Friday, March 15: Mixed doubles matches; Saturday, March 16: Mixed doubles matches WANT TO PLAY: Players interested in participating in the tournament must register online at bit.ly/3wEew9Rby by Friday, March 8. Tournament participants will receive a free event bag, shirt and other surprises.

INFORMATION: (407) 656-4155 or recinfo@ cwgdn.com.

West Orange boys soccer falls short in state title comeback

West Orange pushed for nearly 60 minutes of game time to complete a comeback. However, the Warriors fell 2-1 to the Bobcats in the Class 7A state-title game.

A common reference in soccer is being up 2-0 — especially early in the first half — is the most dangerous lead in the sport.

On Saturday, March 2, at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand, the West Orange High boys soccer team took that saying to heart.

After falling behind 2-0 in the first half of their Class 7A state championship game against Boca Raton High (24-0-2), the Warriors (14-5-1) pushed the Bobcats for 60-plus minutes of game time and nearly clawed their way back. The disadvantages of a 2-0 lead, although preferential to being on the

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Sam Albuquerque

Dave Vander Weide has sewed himself into the very fabric of pickleball in Winter Garden.

Sam Albuquerque

Senior defender Jacob Bignon (No. 6) boxed out the Boca Raton High attacker.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kat Johnson

Predominantly a catcher and corner infielder for Foundation Academy, the reigning FHSAA softball Class 2A, Region 2 champions, Kat Johnson was a key figure in the Lions’ run to the Final Four.

The junior was awarded the “Heart of a Lion” trophy last season, which goes to the player who is willing to do anything for the team. Johnson exemplified this by being willing and ready to play any position on the field when asked. That versatility helped the Lions win regionals and will be crucial to their state title hopes this season.

Beyond her success with Foundation softball in 2023, Johnson is used to winning.

Two seasons ago as a freshman, Johnson was part of the Lions team that won the district championship. As a youth softball player she was part of the Windermere Little League teams that won two Little League state championships and a Little League Southeastern Regional Championship.

Off the softball field, she currently holds a 4.0 GPA and managed also to find the time to compete on the Foundation girls weightlifting team this season — finishing third at the 2023-24 district championships.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be named Athlete of the Week. I have been playing softball since I was 6, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without the amazing coaches and teammates I’ve had.

What do you like the most about softball?

My favorite thing about softball is the competitive atmosphere and the lifelong friendships I’ve made.

What is your goal for this season, for yourself and the team?

My goal for myself and the team is to win states.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from softball?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from softball is to be a goldfish. Mistakes happen, so don’t dwell on them and focus on the next play.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Why?

My favorite athlete is Rafael Devers, because I grew up watching him and the Red Sox.

What is your favorite softball memory?

My favorite softball memory was making it to the final four for states with (Foundation last season).

What is your go-to pre-game meal?

Starbucks strawberry açaí refresher and egg bites.

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is history, because I think it’s very interesting.

What is your favorite movie?

My favorite movie is “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” I think the movie is perfect.

Winter Garden to host pickleball tournament

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

and resembles a quicker, smaller version of doubles tennis. The objective is the same: Hit the ball over the net and inside the opponent’s courtlines. Points are scored when the ball bounces twice on the floor.

What are your favorite nonsports hobbies?

Reading and snowboarding.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? Why?

I would go back to the ‘80s in high school, because I love ‘80s movies, and I think the music is amazing.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

The advice I would give to my younger self would be to enjoy every moment and to never give up on your dream.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

What was your favorite memory from high school?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Thor is my favorite superhero, because I think he has the best movies from Marvel, and he’s the funniest character.

Who is your favorite supervillain? Loki is my favorite supervillain. I think that he was just misguided and could actually have been a superhero.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

The first place I would travel to is Italy, because my great-grandma was from there, and they have really good food. The second is Spain, because I think it is a beautiful country, and there is so much culture. The third place is Sweden to see the Northern Lights.

If you could be an animal for a day, which would you be?

I would be a dolphin, because they’re smiley and bubbly, and I think I’m like that.

What is your most controversial food take?

That ketchup is never allowed on macaroni and cheese.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Pickleball’s slow and steady growth spread from its origins in Seattle and eventually reached the Southeast in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, it’s exponential rise in popularity didn’t begin in Winter Garden until about a decade ago.

And, like most great American stories, it started with one person’s curiosity leading to a question being asked.

“A little over 10 years ago, I became aware that the city of Winter Garden had gone out and drawn some pickleball lines onto the tennis courts,” said Dave Vander Weide, USA Pickleball’s Florida Central District ambassador. “So, I walked into the Parks and Rec Department and asked a few people some questions to find out what their intentions were for the lines. They told me they just wanted to see what would happen.”

Vander Weide heard that response and knew instantly that approach wasn’t good enough to introduce the sport to the city.

“Internally, I’m going, ‘I don’t think this is going to lead to anything,’” he said. “So, I offered to volunteer and teach a pickleball class and organize some games on Monday mornings. The city publicized through their different avenues that we’d be out there then, and you know what? All of a sudden, we had four, five, six, seven people coming out. And then it just kept growing.”

Today, those lines painted over a few tennis courts have transformed into 10 pickleball-specific courts at Veterans Memorial Park, and those five, six, seven people who came out to Vander Weide’s Monday morning pickleball sessions nigh on a decade ago have turned into consistently packed courts with sidelines full of people in the queue waiting for their turn at Winter Garden’s pickleball heaven.

“No one seemed to know what the sport was 10 years ago,” Vander

Weide said. “But I would say during and after the COVID period, that’s when it really took off to the beginning stages of what we’re seeing today.”

THRIVING COMMUNITY

But, why? Why has pickleball become a local sensation in Winter Garden and really the entire Central Florida area?

To the pickleball layman, the sport doesn’t seem to have many novel qualities. It’s like elevated ping pong or mini-tennis, which neither draws crowds of 200-plus daily at a park near you.

So what is it about this version of racquet-based games we know and kind of like? The answer is threefold: competition, exercise and a quick learning curve.

Because the sport is easily played by the whole family, it is accessible to people of all ages, athleticism and coordination.

“I only started playing two-anda-half years ago, and I thought it was growing quickly then,” said Steve Miller, a Winter Garden resident and former school teacher.

“These days, it seems to be growing even more than when I started. But, I think what’s most exciting about the sport is that young, old, big, tall, heavy or skinny, anyone can play pickleball. And from Day 1, anyone can have fun playing. To me, that’s why there’s been so much growth.”

If you take that easy learning curve and add in a dash of competitiveness with enough movement to get your heart pumping, pickleball comes out of the oven making everyone from toddlers to grandparents alike salivate.

“I started playing about six months ago, and I did it because I had an injury from playing softball, so I needed something to be able to get back into shape and help me lose some weight,” said Chris Seymour, a regular player at Veterans Memorial Park. “I got up to 297 pounds after my injury, and now, from only really playing pickleball, I’m down to 282, because this is the most consistent cardio I’ve ever gotten. … I come out here regularly from like, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to play, shoot; a couple of days ago, I played four-and-a-half hours straight, and I didn’t even realize it.”

The game has created a community of people who love

coming together and just playing ball.

“Dave (Vander Weide) has done an amazing job putting together a great community environment here,” Seymour said. “To have that many people show up seven days a week, both in the morning and evening, with the afternoons being more for open play, is a testament to that. I have a blast coming out every time.”

Miller, who frequents also the Veterans Memorial Park courts, agrees.

“The competition is fun, but it’s the social aspect that makes it special,” he said. “I love the ability to just come down to the courts, not have to call anybody, but just come on down and put your paddle on the queue and wait until they say, ‘Next,’ and it’s your turn to get on the court.”

10-YEAR CELEBRATION

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the sport’s introduction to Winter Garden’s public facilities, the city will host the St. Paddle’s Day Winter Garden Community Pickleball Fest from March 14 to 16 at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will be a free three-day recreational roundrobin format pickleball tournament open to beginners, intermediate and advanced players ages 8 and older. The event also will feature free clinics which will be taught by local instructors, including Vander Weide, and a special event from noon to 3 p.m. March 16. Spectators are welcome.

“It’s been an amazing 10 years, and this celebration is huge because Winter Garden was the first public pickleball venue in the Greater Orlando area,” Vander Weide said.

“I still remember the early days, prior to this growth, (we) played in hockey rinks, tennis courts, we’d use portable equipment. … That’s where this started. But now it’s grown so much, and we’ve become a leader in the sport in this area, and we’ve influenced a lot of how the entire area has developed the sport.

“Others have modeled their facilities or activities after what we’ve done in Winter Garden,” he said. “If pickleball in Central Florida was a crime scene, you’d probably find our fingerprints somewhere.”

Warriors nearly complete state-title comeback

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

losing side, are significant. Winning teams in this scenario tend to become more passive as opposed to continuing to do what got them the lead: Playing on the front foot and being the aggressor in the match. This transition in play style and mentality usually allows the losing team to take the mantle of aggressor and have more opportunity to push the envelope to get the goals needed to flip the script and along with it the momentum.

West Orange knew it had what it took to make this a game.

“We’ve done comebacks similar to the situation we were in before — the last 17 minutes against Mandarin in the regional finals being one of them,” West Orange coach Scott Fisher said following the game. “We knew we could do it. We knew, too, that we were going to wear them down, and as you could tell, they pretty much were done in the second

The Warriors dominated possession in the second half and beyond just having the ball, they created chance after chance, slowly but surely chipping away at the Bobcats’ stamina and resolve to defend.

“We knew in the second half we’d dominate, because of how much they pushed early in the game,” Fisher said. “We knew they couldn’t keep it up, especially as long as we kept moving the ball like we did in the second half.”

Eventually, the dam broke, and the Warriors were able to score their first goal of the gam. Finlay Prain’s team-leading 18th goal of the season was a header that floated in the top right corner of the goal, well beyond the reach of the Bobcats’ goalie.

Unfortunately, that goal came a little too late in the 74th minute of the 80-minute contest. Despite a six-minute fire show of chances, antics and full-throttle soccer, there wasn’t enough time on the clock for the Warriors to push the game to extra time.

“Ultimately, we can’t give up two goals and then wait for that point in the game to turn it up and expect to get the win,” Fisher said. “There were a few things that we got away from that we should have been doing early on, that we started doing in the second half, but you know what? They’re teenagers. All you can ask is that they leave their hearts on the field and play as hard as they can, and that’s what they did.

“I can’t fault them for anything,” he said. “They played hard and we left everything on the field. We probably should have come out a little bit stronger at the beginning; those couple of mistakes cost us. But honestly, you have to score goals to win games, and you can’t always wait until the last second to do it. I can’t fault them for anything, though, because we’re the same team that beat the No. 1 team in 7A. We beat the No. 2 team in 7A on the road to this game. And really, I thought we were the better team tonight.”

RAISING THE ROOF

Thanks to efforts from the West Orange High baseball team booster club, both the Warriors baseball and softball teams will have a new $70,000 roof addition to their batting cage and bullpen.

SPORTS EDITOR

a game-changer for the Warriors’ baseball and softball programs.

On Friday, March 1, at the Warriors’ baseball field, school representatives, politicians, stakeholders and current members of the West Orange varsity baseball team celebrated the unveiling of the new facility.

“It has a huge influence on the program, because it allows us to guarantee that we get the work that we need to get in each week,” West Orange baseball coach Mike Scudero said. “This new roof will help the kids improve, because instead of going somewhere else to get in our work or us canceling a practice, it helps ensure that the kids are improving each day. And as a team, it puts us on equal footing with those good teams in the area that have similar facilities That in turn helps us out in the long run, which is great.”

Essentially, the new roof gives the team a weather-resistant place to practice regardless of the inconsistent Florida climate, which isn’t cheap — the roof cost more than $70,000 — and the group that spearheaded the initiative was the West

Orange High Baseball Booster Club

— a group of parents dedicated to supporting Warriors baseball.

“We’re the people who kind of birthed the whole situation,” said Matt Eidelman, club president. “It

was about two-and-a-half years in the making, and approximately 25 booster club board members were part of a partnership with the school and parents to raise enough money … to put up the structure itself to

help support the West Orange High baseball and softball programs. We raised (more than) $70,000 toward this project, and we’re very excited about what it’s going to do here.” Beyond leading the charge to add the roof, the booster club is critical to the Warriors’ success in myriad ways.

“Since my first day here, I think it’s been an absolutely wonderful thing to have the booster club here,” Scudero said. “They’ve done nothing but support the program, the boys and myself. I think it’s a great thing for West Orange in general, and it’s just good to wake up every day knowing that there’s constant support for those boys.”

That’s all the club wants to do: Support the team. Why, though?

“The booster club is here to support the coaches, the players and the sports of baseball and softball themselves, so everything we do is in that function,” Eidelman said. “All of the members of the booster club have children that currently play on the teams or have played here. So, our mission and this project are not just necessarily built for today but with an eye looking forward to the many, many years that are coming. That’s really what we’re all about.”

Both the program, school and booster club see this new addition to its baseball and softball facilities as a big step forward for their programs. Now, the hope is this monumental upgrade becomes just the starting point of helping establish West Orange as a power in both programs.

“My goal since I walked in on Day 1 was to improve these facilities every year as best as I can, and I think this roof is a big step up in achieving that goal,” Scudero said. “I want this field to become a well-known facility and attraction, where everyone can come down, watch a baseball game and enjoy themselves, and really understand what West Orange baseball is all about. … I think it’s a big thing for us.”

Eidelman agrees and shares that same perspective on this moment.

“If you ask the principal or other contingent from the school, they view this as a very big deal for everybody involved, so we’re all pretty excited about it,” he said.

Sam Albuquerque

The new $70,000 facility was donated from funds raised by the West Orange baseball booster club.

DIANA HAMMOND INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Diana Hammond is the media specialist for Independence Elementary School, and she manages book circulations among the staff and students; purchases new materials; oversees digital devices; runs the daily news show “Eagle News,” produced by fifth-grade students; and designs the school yearbook.

“My goal is to help every student find joy in reading and help them to become lifelong readers,” Hammond said.

“Mrs. Hammond does so much for our students,” Principal Jeff Peters said. “She is an excellent role model. She exposes our students to the wonderful worlds that are found within our books. She supports our students with anything they need. She encourages them and truly cares.”

What brought you to your school?

I was previously at another school in the community teaching second grade and was interested in becoming a library media specialist. I love this area and knew that I could not venture far, but with a new school opening, the position opened up here at IES, and I took a chance and applied!

What do you love most about your school?

It’s the families! I have had such a beautiful welcome to this school community and know that IES families LOVE their school. The students are an extra bonus and always make me smile.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The fact that I am able to make connections with all of the stu-

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Media specialist

TIME AT SCHOOL: Two years at Independence Elementary School, 15 years with Orange County Public Schools

dents is extremely rewarding. I love to learn about their interests and help nurture them to learn more about new topics or stories that might interest them. The best moments are when they find what they are looking for and come back to tell me what they read or learned!

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

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, but if I wasn’t, I would want to be a detective. I love to research and find out information (maybe that’s why I wanted to be a librarian!). I am very resourceful!

Who influences you?

I can’t say that I am influenced by just one person, but I can say that those who influence me usually are honest, hardworking and positive people like my parents and husband.

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

Mrs. Lee, my high school English teacher. She showed me that connections are extremely important in the education field and helped me foster a love for English literature (which I went on to study in college) and Broadway!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is the Fourth of July because I love fireworks, barbecues, time with family and the U.S.A.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“A Perfectly Messed Up Story,” by Patrick McDonnell. I love to read this to my students, because I can use my dramatic side when reading this aloud and it teaches them that even though things may not be how they planned, everything is just fine.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my family. You can often find us out on the boat or at the beach. I am an avid reader, a football fan (go Philadelphia Eagles and Auburn Tigers), a certified scuba diver, and I love to sing.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? The superpower I would love to have would be to be able to instantly transport to another place. My family lives in New Jersey, so I would love to be able to see them more.

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

I always had school lunch, and my favorite day was pizza Friday! For snacks, I loved Dunkaroos, string cheese and honeybuns!

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

My best friend is my college roommate, Alicia. She and I met the first day of college orientation. It could be ... months without us speaking, but when we do, we pick right back up like no time has gone by.

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

I was involved with all of the performing arts. I sang Soprano 1 in our school choir and a capella group; I was an all-South Jersey choir member; I played clarinet; and I participated in all of the musicals.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Sand Lake boogies Sweetheart Dance

Sand Lake Elementary School students and their families enjoyed a night full of dancing, activities, food and fun at the school’s Sweetheart Dance. The annual event was put on by the school’s Parent Teacher Association, led by President Beth Hibbs. With the help of volunteers, the dance was a rousing success for all of those in attendance and undoubtedly a night the kids and parents won’t forget.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Left: Miranda Yuncosa, left, and Nixmar Sanchez enjoyed spending the night at the school’s annual dance.

Below: Sand Lake Elementary student Elijah King was one of many who enjoyed leaning all the way back to squeeze under the limbo stick.

Arthur Jones Jr., left, and his father, Arthur Jones Sr., had a great time dancing the night away at the event.

Sand Lake Elementary student Arthur Jones Jr. danced the night away in his Michael Jackson-inspired outfit.

Sophia Serrano and her dad Angel enjoyed the night full of music, dancing and a ton of fun activities at Sand Lake Elementary’s Sweetheart Dance.

BRAINFOOD

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Girl power! I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher

It started in 1911 as International Women’s Day. Then, in February 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation,” Carter said in his proclamation. “Too often, the women were unsung, and sometimes, their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

Seven years later, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to designate March 1987 as Women’s History Month, and since then, March has come to be known as Women’s History Month.

Of course, there are countless achievements and contributions women have made to our world, starting with our own moms!

And so, with this edition of Brain

Food, we’d like to shine our spotlight on three women who have done amazing things in arts and entertainment. Keep reading!

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE

Even if you don’t know her name, you probably have seen some of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art work. The painter, often called the “Mother of American modernism,” is particularly known for her beautiful paintings of flowers, landmarks and New York skyscrapers.

According to a biography published on okeeffemuseum.org, Georgia was born on Nov. 15, 1887, on a farm in Wisconsin. She studied art at both the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York.

Five years later, she became the first woman to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature — for “Brave,” which came out in 2012. And in fact, the character Merida in that movie was modeled after Brenda!

By the time she was in her 30s, she was recognized as one of the country’s most important artists.

In 1929, she began traveling to New Mexico, and the desert landscape and Native American and Hispanic cultures of the area inspired new types of work. She moved to the state in 1949.

Georgia died on March 6, 1986. She was 98.

Today, you can see nearly 150 paintings and many more drawings at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which opened in 1997 in Santa Fe.

BRENDA

CHAPMAN

If you’ve ever seen the ani mated movies “Brave,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “The Lion King” or “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” then you’ve enjoyed the work of animator, film direc tor and writer Brenda Chapman. With the release of “The Prince of Egypt” in 1998, Brenda became the first American woman to direct an ani mated feature film for a major movie studio.

Originally from Illinois, Brenda began taking art classes at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois. She later moved to California to enroll at the California Institute of the Arts — the only school that had a character animation program at the time.

From there, she got a job at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios and worked on films such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

“The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Later, she served as head of story for “The

Eventually, she left Disney to help launch a new company, DreamWorks Animation Studios, where she co-directed “The Prince of Egypt.” And after that, she joined Pixar Animation Studios.

MAJA MOLDENHAUER

If you like video games, you might be familiar with a super hard (and super excellent) game called Cuphead.

But did you know this game was made by two brothers, Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, who had never made a game before in their lives? And furthermore, did you know it probably never would have been as good as it was without

love of 1930s vin- tage cartoons. And unlike most video games, which use computer animation and modeling software and technology to achieve their graphics, Cuphead’s art was created just like the old days — by hand. In fact, the game famously contains 50,000 frames of artwork — all drawn and inked by hand.

Amazingly, all of this work was done by five artists! And as the inking artist, Maja touched every single frame in the entire game!

Cuphead went on to become one of the best games of 2017. It won many awards for its artwork, including “Best Art Direction” at IGN’s Best of 2017 Awards, “Best Looking Game” and “Best Style” at Giant Bomb’s Game of the Year 2017 Awards; and awards for “Animation, Artistic,” and “Art Direction, Period Influence” at the 17th annual NAVGTR Awards. The game also inspired an animated show, “The Cuphead Show!” It is available for streaming on Netflix.

RECOMMENDED READING

NON-FICTION

Unlike the other artists in this edition of Brain Food, Maja’s background has nothing to do with art. She actually has a degree in biomedical sciences and before launching the independent video game studio StudioMDHR with the Moldenhauer brothers, she worked in development services in the banking industry!

These days, Maja serves as chief operating officer of Studio MDHR. She and her husband have three children and live in Ontario, Canada.

n Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World by Tiera Fletcher and Ginger Rue; illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

n 25 Women Who Dared to Create by Rebecca Stanborough

n Hooray for Women! by Marcia Williams

FICTION

n Girl with Brush and Canvas: Georgia O’Keeffe, American Artist:

A Novel by Carolyn Meyer

n Standing on Her Shoulders: A Celebration of Women by Monica Clark-Robinson; art by Laura Freeman

n Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage by Nancy Ohlin; illustrated by Josefina Preumayr

Women are pow-HER-ful! Learn about the women who make history at a branch near you. We’ll meet you there!

From the live music and entertainment to the food, games and fun, this year’s Horizon West Fest was the place to be last weekend.

Held Saturday, March 2, in Hamlin, the annual festival featured live music, games, food, carnival-style rides and booths from nearly 100 local businesses.

Attendees moseyed through the festival to check out all the booths, palate-pleasers and fun.

The festival is one of Horizon West Happenings’ signature events.

— MICHAEL ENG

Celebrity

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© 2023 NEA, Inc.

The Orlando Health drumline brought some funky beats to this year’s Horizon West Fest.

DJ Bubbles, aka Stephen Herron, of Florida Foam Factory, kept the energy up all day from the main stage.

Right: David Terry, of Legacy Events for Education, shared information about the upcoming Hamlin Craft Beer Festival.

Emmanuel Montauti, 9, braved this menacing gator as he played the Holes to Go Orlando miniature golf course.

West Orange’s most famous macaw, Blue, loved all the attention as she and her handler made their way through the crowd.

Journey DeFranco, 4, had an absolute blast playing with the toys at the Orange County Library Services booth.

WITTY REMARKS by Howard Neuthaler, edited by Jeff Chen