11.16.23 West Orange Times & Observer

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VOLUME 90, NO. 46

See your local ‘Wish Book’ The Observer’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is here! Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. INSIDE

WHAT’S INSIDE GIFT IDEAS / Page 8 / Holiday essentials to find the perfect something for everyone HOLIDAY HOOPLA / Page 16 / Don’t miss these local holiday events SHIPPING DEADLINES / Page 25 / Make sure your gift arrives on time SHARE THE LOVE / Page 29 / Check out these great ways to give back

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SAFETY TIPS / Page 32 / Ways to stay healthy and happy on the road

‘We just want to see better lives’

Oliver can’t run for seat Ocoee leaders cited the City Charter as it decided the former commissioner can’t run in the 2024 special election. SEE 2A.

YOUR TOWN WINDERMERE LIGHTING UP TOWN FRIDAY

The Hope Center, located in Winter Garden, offers an array of services for people struggling with finances, employment, mental health and immigration issues. PAGE 4A. Amy Quesinberry

Volunteers Debi Morrin, Amparo Suero, Connie Golembeski and Fausto Aristy sort through donations and help families coming into the pantry for food.

RESPECT, HONOR & GRATITUDE Communities celebrate our military heroes at four local Veterans Day events.

PAGES 6-7A

The town of Windermere will hold its annual Light Up Windermere celebration at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at Town Square Park, 520 Main St., with more than 200,000 lights across the park.

Providing entertainment are DJ Greg and the DJ Truck, several choirs from Family Church Windermere Campus and dancers from White Swan Academy. The Bubble Bus will have backlit bubbles from 7 to 9 p.m. Event sponsors are Suzi Karr Realty: Windermere Real Estate, Windermere Farmer’s Market and Windermere Police Department Foundation Inc. Food trucks will be set up at the park from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and offer meals, sweets and other snacks.

Music in motion Local marching bands take the spotlight at Florida Bandmasters Association MPA. PAGES 6-7B

Did commissioner violate Sunshine law?

Winter Garden City Commissioner Ron Mueller will have to defend his actions at a public forfeiture hearing, which will take place in January. SEE PAGE 8A.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Ocoee City Commission bars Oliver from running for former seat in 2024

n The commission approved an annexation and rezoning that paves the way for a proposed new indoor/outdoor restaurant called The Backyard at 2214 West Road.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

The word “successor” dominated discussion at the the Ocoee City Commission’s Tuesday, Nov. 7, meeting.

More specifically: What does the word “successor” mean? And even more deeply: Does the definition of the word “successor” indicate inherently another person?

In late 2022, former District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III announced he would be giving up his position to run for mayor against incumbent Rusty Johnson.

Johnson won the March election, and the commission appointed Ages Hart as the interim until a special election could be held to replace Oliver for the remainder of his original term, which ends in 2025.

According to article three section C-17 of the Ocoee City Charter, when a commissioner’s seat becomes vacant outside the normal election cycle and after an interim is named, a new commissioner “shall be elected at the next general city election if such election

Ventrac 4520

is to be held within 12 months of the vacancy. … The successor shall serve for the unexpired term of the member who created the vacancy.”

But just who can be a successor?

And in Oliver’s case, specifically, can he be his own successor?

“The definition of successor in Black’s Law Dictionary is a person who succeeds to the office rights, responsibilities or place of another one who replaces or follows another,” City Attorney Richard Geller said.

“Looking again at the language (in the charter), the successor shall serve for the unexpired term of the member who created the vacancy. That would lead me to the conclusion that that is referring to two different people, that the successor would not be the one who created the vacancy.”

However, some residents said that interpretation does not allow them to have input.

“I am really against this whole interpretation by the dictionary of successor,”

Ocoee resident Vivian Johnson said.

“A successor is who we the citizens vote. Anybody should be able to run for office, and we’ll make that decision if they don’t qualify. We are intelligence citizens.”

Oliver agreed.

“If this was a court of law, you (would have) heard one interpretation from one side, and (you would have) heard another interpretation from another side,” Oliver said. “And it would have been left to a judge to determine which interpretation was correct. In this case … we’re making our commission the judge, the jury and executioner.”

However, Johnson and most of the commission agreed with Geller and ultimately decided to approve amendments to the charter to clarify language and establish that the member who created the vacancy cannot be his or her own successor in the special election to fill his or her former seat.

This means Oliver cannot run for the seat he opened in the 2024 special election, with the caveat of possible legal action.

File photo

George Oliver III won’t be able to run for his former seat until 2025.

“I would also point out that decisions made ... by the City Commission under this section shall be subject to review by the courts,” Geller said. “If someone disagrees with your interpretation, there could be some legal action that comes out of that.”

Regardless, Oliver will be able to run for that seat in 2025.

“The citizens will get the vote in March 2025, when that seat comes up again,” Johnson said. “This charter is what we’re supposed to go by whether it be Commissioner Oliver, or Commissioner Kennedy or anybody. The charter says what it says, and that’s exactly what you’re supposed to go by.

And that has nothing to do with who votes and who (doesn’t) vote. It has to do with what the law says, and it is in the charter.”

SHOP OR RENT AT 403535-1

n The Ocoee City Commission approved the preliminary site plan for a proposed 52,800-squarefoot sports training facility at 606 Ocoee-Apopka Road. The planned one-story building will be utilized as an athletic training facility with an adjacent turf field area that will provide the opportunity for multiplesport training at one location. The facility also will provide 192 parking spaces and a stormwater retention pond.

After relinquishing his seat on the Ocoee City Commission to run for mayor in 2023, George Oliver III had hoped to return to the commission next year.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Lack of project details sparks residents’ concern An applicant is requesting to rezone 1.51 acres from Citrus Rural District to Planned Development to add to the Hamlin West Planned Development.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Family pleads for information after veteran killed in Ocoee Gregory C. Reed, 60, was shot multiple times Thursday, Nov. 9, at a gas station in Ocoee.

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

While fighting back tears, family members of U.S. Army veteran Gregory C. Reed, 60, of Apopka, along with members of the Ocoee Police Department, pleaded for anyone with information about Reed’s homicide to come forward.

Reed’s oldest daughter, Deidre Anderson, 38, and cousin, Tyrone Scott, 59, spoke at a press conference Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Ocoee Police Department.

“We felt it was important for the public to get to know who Mr. Reed was in our community, who he was with his service in the military (especially on Veterans Day) and how impactful this is for this family,” Ocoee Investigations Lt. Mireya Iannuzzi said. “We need the public’s help to bring justice for this veteran.”

Anderson said her family had just celebrated Reed’s mother’s birthday Sunday, Nov. 5.

“He was not doing anything to anybody,” Anderson said. “This is devastating, because we just celebrated a birthday. He was a family man. He loved his family. He loved his kids. He sacrificed a lot for the people in his family.

“If anybody has any information — anything helps — please, please call the tip line,” Anderson said.

According to Ocoee police reports, at about 8:20 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 9, officers responded to a shooting on the northeast corner of Clarke and Silver Star roads. Upon arrival, they discovered Reed with multiple gunshot wounds. Fire Rescue EMTs rendered aid on the scene. Reed was transported to Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

Ocoee detectives have begun piecing together the events of that night using video footage.

Gregory C. Reed, 60, had just celebrated his mother’s birthday.

“Mr. Reed was seen driving his vehicle through the BP gas station (1650 E. Silver Star Road) just prior to being shot,” detective Jaswantie Devine said. “You will see (Reed’s) vehicle was approached by another vehicle, which we believe is a silver or white Mercedes SUV, a GLA or GLC model between 2001 to 2023.”

Ocoee detectives believe Reed was shot near pump one of the BP gas station.

Devine said the suspect vehicle is seen leaving the BP, and Reed drove his vehicle to the Publix at 1720 E. Silver Star Road, behind the BP gas station.

Reed crashed his vehicle into another vehicle, where he was discovered by the EMTs. Ocoee investigators currently are combing through other video footage from the vicinity.

“This is a very active and ongoing investigation,” Iannuzzi said. “Leads are developing by the hour. We have our detectives … working this case around the clock.

“We do have some witnesses who have come forward (who) either saw something or heard something that pointed us in the direction of this vehicle,” Iannuzzi said.

Detectives said there were at least two people in the suspect vehicle.

Iannuzzi said there is no evidence that this was an attempted robbery.

Detectives do not believe the suspects and Reed knew one another.

“Right now, it would seem like there is no explanation, and it may have been … just a random act,” she said.

“We don’t have anything that would

lead us to believe that it was a robbery or that it was intentional or that they were seeking him out.”

However, Iannuzzi said video footage suggests there may have been a verbal exchange between Reed and the suspects before he was shot.

“It could have been something as simple as someone cut someone off,” she said. “There was a reason there was a very brief exchange prior to the witnesses hearing the gunshots.”

At this time, no arrest has been made.

“Weneedthepublic’shelp,”Iannuzzi said. “We know that someone out there has seen something, has heard something, and that is going to have that missing piece of information that we need to resolve this case.

We desperately want to bring justice to this family. This is just a violent encounter and seemingly have no explanation, no reason why.”

Scott said Reed was active in the community and coached youth football in Apopka.

“You’ll never find a better guy than Greg Reed,” Scott said. “He was an awesome man. … He’s like a brother. … For someone to hurt this man like they did, it is wrong. He didn’t deserve that. He deserved to be here today. … I even talked to God to ask him, ‘Could He please bring him back?’

“I’m just hurt so much on the inside that we had to lose him so soon,” he said. “I know he is in heaven right now; that’s my belief.”

Anyone with information about this homicide should call detective Michelle Grogan, (407) 905-3160, or Crimeline, 800-423-8477.

Police believe the suspect(s) were driving a silver or white Mercedes SUV.

THE PROJECT Doug McDowell, Orange County planner, led the presentation on the project.

McDowell said the Hamlin West PD currently allows for 864 multifamily residential units, 225 townhome residential units and 630,763 square feet of non-residential uses.

If approved by the Orange County Commission, the proposed rezoning would add the additional 1.51 acres to the existing PD but would not add any new entitlements.

The additional land would be included in the Horizon West Retail/ Wholesale planning district.

McDowell said the Retail/Wholesale District is intended to accommodate regional retail business, personal services, office, warehouse and warehouse showroom uses for Horizon West.

To address traffic concerns, a supplement to the existing Hamlin West Road Network Agreements would need to go to the BCC simultaneously with the rezoning request. The agreement provides for fair-share payment for future improvements to Avalon Road and New Independence Parkway.

McDowell said the long-range plan calls for improvements to Avalon Road and New Independence Parkway (currently in design).

A change determination request to the Silverleaf PD has also been filed to transfer 0.30 acres of Adequate Public Facilities credits to the Hamlin West PD to accommodate the additional acreage added. The ADF agreement for Hamlin West will be updated to reflect this change. These proposed changes will be heard simultaneously with the rezoning.

McDowell said a waiver was approved previously for the Hamlin West PD to allow decorative screen fencing as an alternative to the masonry knee wall along framework streets in lieu of providing a decorative masonry knee wall.

Such screen fencing shall be designed and constructed in a durable manner which minimizes the

Courtesy

The subject property is located on 1.51 acres on the west side of Avalon Road, north of New Independence Parkway.

need for fence repairs. Decorative screen fencing would be between 40 and 60 inches tall and feature at least 50% opacity.

McDowell said the waiver matches other developments in the area and allows for a consistent landscape theme that has been established throughout the Hamlin projects.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS One resident referenced the community’s unease pertaining to the changes because of the recently discussed planned development of a Wawa gas station and a Sweetwater car wash located in close proximity to the Wincey Groves neighborhood.

“The community has a great deal of hesitation because … we as the public got something that has water-safety issues, traffic-safety issues, pedestrian issues, and essentially, we were told it was a done deal,” he said. “This is even closer to homes, and I think we want to have some assurance in a public setting where we have an opportunity to be heard in a public setting what the actual property is going to be used (for), so we can help weigh in before it’s a done deal and our voice has no meaning.”

Boyd Development is the owner of the property.

“They had always anticipated including this property within their development, but they didn’t own it until recently,” the applicant, representing Boyd, said. “So, they purchased it now and they’re bringing it into their development.”

“We’re just concerned as residents there, because we were all under the impression from the builder that … that was going to be an area like Shoreside Way, where you had small shops and ice cream restaurants and things that we could actually walk to,” another resident said. “We’re just concerned if we let that extra piece go or not fight about it, that we’re going to have a Dollar General, or another gas station, or something right there, right up against us.”

The project will next go to the Planning and Zoning Commission and then the BCC.

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Michael Eng

Gregory C. Reed’s family members, oldest daughter Deidre Anderson, and cousin, Tyrone Scott, are asking for public help.

Orange County’s planning division hosted a community meeting Monday, Oct. 30, to inform residents of an applicant’s request to rezone 1.51 acres from Citrus Rural District to Planned Development to add to the Hamlin West Planned Development.

The applicant also wants to apply a previously approved waiver to the additional property to allow decorative screen fencing as an alternative to the masonry knee wall along framework streets.

Applicant Kendell Keith, Oak Hill Planning Studio, is proposing the use for the property as commercial/ non-residential.

The subject site is located on the west side of Avalon Road, north of New Independence Parkway.

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Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

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CONTACT US Justin Burger, site director; Savannah Bradley, thrift store manager; Pastor Tim Grosshans, board chairman; and Jerry Rojas, immigration services director.

Hope Center focuses on help, healing AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

T

he thrift store on South Dillard Street provides gently used items at a discounted price — everything from household knickknacks to furniture to clothing. But the Hope Center, which has been open since March, is so much more than that.

People in need can find programs and services such as a food pantry, job placement, counseling, immigration services and life solutions.

“We do a lot of life-changing services,” said Pastor Tim Grosshans, chairman of the board of directors for the center. “If we the Hope Center don’t do it immediately there, then we know who does.”

The center is open to anyone who needs assistance. It is operated by a network of churches: First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, Resurrection Catholic Church, Church of the Messiah, Oakland Presbyterian Church, Found Life Church, Mosaic Church, West Orange Church of Christ, Emmaus Church, The Lakeside Church, Kingdom Culture, Real Life and People of Faith Lutheran Church.

Grosshans hopes more churches will join the list so even more help can be provided to folks in need.

If a family comes in hungry, they are directed to the food pantry.

The Hope Center partners with Southeast Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank to stock the pantry.

Community partners, individuals and organizations also hold donation drives that bring in more food.

Since March, volunteers in the food bank have given away $143,118 worth of food to 3,700 people in 1,428 households. That totals 55,755 meals.

“The way we calculate that is every family that comes in gets an imaginary budget based on family size,” Site Director Justin Burger said.

“They get a shopping cart, pick out their own food.”

Every item on the shelves has a “price,” and volunteers assist the clients in learning how to budget.

Before any food is given to clients, they must undergo an interview process so Hope Center workers know individuals’ needs.

“We sit down and interview the folks and get to know them and help, so it’s not feast to famine,” Grosshans said of the growing food pantry.

The pantry previously was located at First Baptist of Winter Garden, but it will close down now that the Hope Center is in operation.

“We hang onto folks,” Grosshans said. “We don’t just hang them a bag of groceries and say, ‘Have a nice life.’ (Recently) a Venezuelan refugee family came in. They had no food, no income — they were just stuck. They got all the groceries they needed, and we got started on their green card so they can work.”

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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP PUBLIC NOTICES The front half of the building houses the thrift store, and the back serves as offices.

That’s where the 323 job placement service comes in. The faith-based organization serves as a resource for people who are looking for employment or who need help with their resume or other guidance.

Since March, staff has located 199 jobs for clients.

Another partner, Humana, offers health services.

While all of these services are taking place in the back of the center, volunteers are operating the thrift store up front.

“The thrift store is just how we pay for it,” Grosshans said. “We’re not quite there yet, but our goal is for the thrift store to pay all our overhead costs.”

Savannah Bradley recently was hired as thrift store manager, and she oversees the operations, including donations, which are accepted around the back of the building.

“Let the community know — you can bring in your gently used items and turn that into services,” Grosshans said.

In addition to dropping off donations, the community also can sign up to volunteer for specific hours or days. They will be trained in the various operations.

“There’s a place for anybody,” Burger said. “Stock shelves, prayer warrior — there’s a spot for you.”

With volunteers in place, the Hope Center can continue its goal of bettering the community.

“We have a big Spanish population here, and so we’re starting to see more people from Venezuela,” Burger said.

“We had a family that just moved here and walked here from up the street.

She came here with their kids and … as they came in, they got groceries, our team just loved on them, we prayed on them.”

The immigration services have been a Godsend for several families.

HOPE CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pastor Tim Grosshans, chairman Cindy Boatner, vice chair Colleen Earl, secretary John Hearn, treasurer Steve Bush Bill Gavin Marcio Nuciaroni Dave Ogden John Rees Chris Yandel

HOPE CENTER 1010 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 347-3842 WEBSITE: Cfl-hope.org

Many don’t think it’s possible for them to become United States citizens because the legal fees can cost as much as $10,000. The only fees the families have to pay at the Hope Center is a $300 processing fee.

“We make sure there are no barriers,” Burger said. “We saw our third person get sworn in as a U.S citizen, which was amazing because that sometimes takes years.”

The Hope Center has saved 55 clients about $157,000 in legal fees, he said.

GETTING THE FACILITY READY

When the Hope Center obtained the building, it took months to get the facility ready for employees, services and the thrift store. Rodents had taken over the space, so the damage was severe, Grosshans said. Construction work included a new roof, sheetrock, trim work, paint, plumbing and electrical repairs. The office received a new floor, and the security cameras were replaced. Someone volunteered

Photos by Amy Quesinberry

to fill in the holes in the parking lot.

There still are doors that need to be replaced, and the plan is to build three soundproof counseling rooms across the back of the warehouse.

To make this happen, Hope Center officials are turning to the community for help through donations and volunteerism.

“We’re in need of some more volunteers to come in and do admintype work – one thing is to thank the volunteers, follow up with them, schedule volunteers, make phone calls to various volunteers and agencies and make sure they know we’re here,” Burger said.

“There’s so many good services in this town, so many good things, but folks don’t know what’s here,” Grosshans said. “I want this to be a place where all the various groups will rally around and say this can be our marketing department. … I like to call it the one-stop shop — no matter what you need. Whether we can address it directly or not, you will find solutions here. You won’t walk out without solutions.”

The key to a successful outcome for clients is building relationships with them.

“They can come back and know that the people here are interested in their lives and not just (offering) something handed down,” Grosshans said.

“Our best volunteers are people who have used our services,” Burger said. “It’s hard to get past your pride to come to a place like this. I say, ‘You will be uniquely qualified to help others.’ … Our whole vision statement is we just want to see better lives. That’s what we aim for in all our services.”

“Jesus promised us that the poor will always be among you, and then He says take care of them,” Grosshans said. “That’s why we’re here.”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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motorist safety improvements, as well as transit enhancements, still existed.

In the interim, the county is seeking opportunities to address needs with available resources. The projects selected for the program are from the original transportation report and encompass the county’s Vision Zero strategy.

PLANNED PROJECTS

Courtesy photo

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson gathered residents, Orange County staff and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for the meeting.

Restructuring separates Pine Hills from Horizon West patrol sector Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson hosted a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting in Horizon West last week.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson hosted a Public Safety Town Hall Meeting to discuss challenges and advancements in the Horizon West area Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Independence Town Square Residents Club.

Those in attendance included community leaders such as Linda Sibley, Kevin Adams and Jerry Higgins; Orange County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Chris Dillon; and staff from the county’s public works and traffic engineering departments.

The Town Hall included an update from the OCSO, a presentation from county staff, and a question-andanswer session with the community.

“I’m excited tonight to be able to bring in some experts from the county who have really made safety part of their mission, understanding that it is a process,” Wilson said. “We have to find what places need the immediate work and get the immediate work done, and then look for the long-term solutions when we can find those.”

SHERIFF’S UPDATE

Dillon said the OCSO just restructured its sectors to better serve the community. Before, Sector Three included Pine Hills, which often required more police presence and caused longer response times in Horizon West and Dr. Phillips.

However, with the restructuring, that is no longer the case.

“The good thing about that is it allows us to have more deputies in the Dr. Phillips, Sand Lake Road, Horizon West, all the way out to (U.S.) 192,” Dillon said. “Some of the roundabouts

and stuff Commissioner Wilson has fought for and is implementing are going to be instrumental to the success of slowing the traffic down and making sure the runners, the joggers, the bicyclists out there and, most importantly, our children are safe.”

Dillon said one of the biggest complaints Sector Three receives is about people speeding and running stop signs on Seidel Road near the Summerlake community and on the side streets “To combat some of those complaints, in the last six weeks … my team has made (more than) 250 traffic stops … plus 190 courtesy warnings … and about 15 or 20 actual citations,” he said. “People are slowly starting to see us out there doing the radar and the traffic detail in the community and the people are thanking us. …

Our goal isn’t to go out there and cite people. … We’re trying to educate the community and ask people to please slow down.”

Sibley asked if there is anything the OCSO has planned to combat the excessive speed racing in the area.

“We hear it overnight,” she said.

“You can see the residue of the tires when they do their doughnuts all over the area. We can hear it all night long.

There’s periods of time where it seems to just kind of stop, but then it picks back up again.”

Dillon said every other Thursday and every Saturday, the OCSO has a racing team comprising about 25 individuals that goes out in the community.

However, he said the majority of the speed-racing complaints come from other sectors.

“We don’t get as many complaints over here, so call it in if you hear it,” he said. “If all of a sudden the racers

spike up over here, that team … we have to go and address it. It’s actually working. What we’re doing is we have our specialized units going onto the racer websites, and we’re beating them to it. We’re seizing the cars. …

We call their insurance companies and let them know the car was impounded for racing. … Most of these young kids are racing their cars with their parents’ name on it. … The racing thing has always been an issue, but up until the last year and a half is when the governor has helped us with some legislation allowing us to seize the car and stuff like that. Before, I’ll be honest with you: We couldn’t do much. But now we can, and it’s starting to work.”

Dillon said all calls should be directed to the traffic unit at the OCSO and as much information as possible should be provided. Once a pattern is created, the OCSO can address it.

“The biggest thing is the reputation of the community matters,” Adams said. “When you go through downtown Windermere, the reputation in Orlando, in Central Florida is you don’t speed in downtown Windermere. …

These communities out in Horizon West are very different …because we are all connected. This isn’t a community. It’s more like a town the way that it’s developed. It’s got mixeduse, commercial, schools, all of this stuff intertwined, and they’re using it as cut-throughs. … At some point, there’s got to be zero tolerance.”

VISION ZERO

Orange County staff members gave a presentation covering Vision Zero, community outreach, the accelerated transportation safety program, safety countermeasures and District 1 projects.

Serving the Community Since 1966

The traffic engineering team said its members are dedicated to providing safety and operational solutions to the residents’ transportation needs to enhance the quality of life in the community.

Vision Zero sets the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040, as well as prioritizes vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian roadway safety, ADA accessibility, and resilience through technology retrofits. The vision also promotes safety programs and projects focused on infrastructure, human behavior and emergency response.

As far as community outreach, the team is focusing on four categories: engineering, enforcement, education and emergency response.

“This is not a new concept, but it is so important to remember it takes a village to develop a safe transportation system,” Roberto Ng, Orange County staff member, said. “It’s all of us. It cannot just be you or (me), but the community involved. … Join us to be part of the solution. … We all need your help.”

Although the proposed Orange County sales tax referendum did not pass in 2022, staff recognized the need for critical pedestrian, bicycle and

“We have to find what places need the immediate work and get the immediate work done, and then look for the long-term solutions when we can find those.”

— District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson

Regarding roadway lighting, there are 112 total projects identified across Orange County, which will be coordinated and designed by Duke Energy or OUC. For sidewalks, there are 108 proposed projects across the county with $25 million in spending expected to take place in the next five years.

There are nine safety projects in total with five in District 1: Seidel Road, from Avalon Road to Summerlake Park Boulevard (3.4 miles); Town Center, from Raintree Ridge Road to Courtney Chase Circle (3.3 miles); Village Lake Road, PHB at Village Lake Road south of Publix (mid-block); Turkey Lake Road, Walmart and Sand Lake Vista signals; Horizon West area at Tattant Boulevard and Overstreet Road (2.7 miles).

The goal for safety countermeasures is to integrate safety principles during the implementation of transportation programs county wide with human scale, system enhancements and forward planning.

There are seven traffic-calming projects completed or in the works in District 1: the Horizon West Bicycle/ Pedestrian and Traffic Calming Study, New Independence, Thornhill/Royal Legacy Estates, Overlook, West Orange Country Club Drive, Hempel Avenue and Windy Ridge Road.

As far as ADA improvements, since December 2022, there have been 107 ramps installed in District 1, totaling $241,401. There are 140 ramps planned to be installed, totaling $281,792.

For traffic signals, over the past year the projects at Seidel Road at Summerlake Groves Street and Panther Lake Elementary and at Avalon Road at Silver Groves Boulevard have been completed. There are three currently under construction on Avalon Road at Porter Road, Water Springs Boulevard and Phil Ritson Way, all expected to be completed by the end of summer 2024.

There have been four speedfeedback signs installed at Tilden Road, McKinnon Road, Dr. Phillips Boulevard and Hamlin Groves Trail, with one at Hunter’s Creek Boulevard still in progress.

The school zone at Water Spring Middle School has been finished, and the school zone for the new elementary school planned to open August 2024 on Atwater Bay Drive is in the works.

Speed reductions at Lake Butler Boulevard from Clarice Court to county limits, John Young Parkway from Equity Row to Central Florida Greenway, Town Loop Boulevard from John Young Parkway to East Town Center Boulevard and Turkey Lake Road from Central Florida Parkway to Vineland Avenue have been completed. Ongoing speed reductions are taking place at Ficquette Road from south of Inglenook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard, Reams Road from Summerlake Park Boulevard to Taborfield Avenue and Hunters Creek Boulevard from Town Center Boulevard to OBT. Staff said the best way to reach any county department, including the Traffic Engineering Division, is to use the county’s 311 system. Operators with 311 have direct access numbers for all county divisions, and all 311 requests are logged. The progress of each request can be checked.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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TFA’s celebration culminated with four military personnel rappelling from the rafters.

A GRATEFUL NATION patriotic selections and an Ocoee High School trumpeter playing taps. The keynote speaker was retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Castillo, who felt the call to service after witnessing the 9/11 terrorist attacks while working at a sandwich shop in New York City.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, the town of Windermere and the Rotary Club of Windermere hosted a Veterans Day Observance in front of Town Hall.

The event was held in conjunction with Mayor Jim O’Brien, the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Lone Sailor Division and Family Church. The ceremony included a flag presentation, a moment of silence and a musical selection.

And finally, the seventh annual Challenge 22 event took place on that same day in downtown Winter Garden, kicking off at American Legion Post 63. Challenge 22 raises money and awareness to help eliminate suicide among veterans with post-traumatic stress.

The event began with opening ceremonies led by organizer Kurt Gies. Several speakers shared words, including Peter Gregory, District 6 commander for Florida American Legion; Austin Arthur, chairman of the Challenge 22 board; Pam Jones, representing congressman Daniel Webster; Zander Arthur, keynote speaker and co-founder of Gymnastics USA and Stars and Stripes Marketing Services; Heidi Hansing, co-founder of Wheelchairs for Warriors; and Dustin Sixkiller, featured U.S. Navy veteran and suicide survivor.

In addition, Gymnastics USA provided entertainment, Amelia Hanks sang the national anthem, the Lady Lake honor guard from American

The Challenge 22 event featured several speakers from the community.

Legion Post 347 completed the presentation of colors and Sixkiller was surprised with a custom-built wheelchair from Wheelchairs for Warriors.

Attendees participated in a 2.2-mile walk before meeting local organizations supporting veterans, as well as enjoying live music, food, beer and raffles.

— MICHAEL ENG, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES An Ocoee High School band member played taps to conclude the Veterans Day program in Ocoee.

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ommunities and organizations in West Orange and Southwest Orange County hosted several events to honor our country’s heroes in recognition of Veterans Day. The First Academy hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration, held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church of Orlando. The celebration featured a plethora of moving moments, including a solemn presentation of colors; performances by TFA’s 75-voice Lower School Choir, and Middle and Upper School Chorus; moments of recognition for each military branch and veterans of every conflict since World War I; a surprise appearance from U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Gregory Summers II — of the TFA Class of 2017; and even military personnel rappelling from the rafters as Nashville recording artist Michael Boggs sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” This year’s celebration also included a special salute to Vietnam veterans and keynote speaker Rocky Bleier — a decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion.

On that same day, the city of Ocoee celebrated military personnel in its Veterans Day ceremony at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center.

Mayor Rusty Johnson, a former U.S. Army sergeant in the Vietnam War, welcomed the audience to the program. The Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, and Commissioner Richard Firstner, retired U.S. Navy radioman second class petty officer, led the pledge of allegiance. Music was provided by Sherri Gladney singing the national anthem, the Ocoee Middle School wind ensemble playing several

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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Mel Jenner, of Ocoee, was the only World War II veteran in attendance at TFA’s event. He received a long standing ovation.

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An Ocoee police officer paid tribute to the city’s fallen military personnel.

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Tina Pun and Tian Rickets prepared to walk in this year’s Challenge 22.

NOTICE OF DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER GENERAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING Pursuant to Florida Elections Laws and Ocoee Code of Ordinances, Section 5-13, notice is hereby given by the City of Ocoee, Florida that a general election will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the City of Ocoee for the purpose of voting on referendum ballot questions regarding changes to the City Charter, and electing a resident of District 4 to serve as District 4 Commissioner of the City of Ocoee for the remainder of the term which was vacated on March 21, 2023. Such term shall end on March 11, 2025.

Council Member and veteran Tony Davit was a keynote speaker for Windermere’s event.

Kurt Gies, organizer of Challenge 22, led the opening ceremonies in Winter Garden.

Candidates for this office must Qualify by filing qualifying papers and fees with the City Clerk during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) beginning at noon on Friday, December 1, 2023, and ending at noon, Friday, December 8, 2023, at City Hall, 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida. The fee for qualifying for the office of Commissioner is $90.00.

TFA Keynote speaker Rocky Bleier is a decorated Vietnam veteran and four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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As this General Election is being held with the Presidential Preference Primary Election, to find your polling location please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/find-my-polling-place or by calling (407) 836-2070. All polling locations will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Those electors who opt to cast a vote-by-mail ballot for this election must contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/vote-by-mail or by calling (407) 836-8683 and requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. Book closing date to register to vote in this election is February 20, 2024.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Winter Garden Commissioner Mueller will have to defend actions ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Winter Garden City Commissioner Ron Mueller will need to defend his actions, after the City Commission voted 4-1 to hold a public forfeiture hearing in January 2024.

Commissioner Lisa Bennett voiced concerns about Mueller violating Sunshine law and also said he has spoken to residents in her district rather than directing them to her.

“We’ve received the information that we requested from (the) city manager about a possible forfeiture hearing, and I believe it rises to the level to warrant a hearing,” Bennett said of the hearing.

Mueller said the hearing is politically motivated and an abuse of her office.

“I’m certainly disappointed in Commissioner Bennett and her political stunt here to push something at the election time that is unwarranted and unfounded from the information,” he said. “I find it an abuse of her office and what her people elected her for. I also find the motion rather tinges on the absurdity of the fact that she makes the accusation that we somehow interfered with city employees and city business. But the very fact that she makes this motion kind of usurps the city manager, who is responsible for such people and would have had the responsibility to bring this to our attention should it have risen to the point that it was a problem.

“Her interference actually

(compounds) the problem, and she becomes part of the very issue itself,” Mueller said. “I think it’s abusive.

It overrides the city manager’s role and duty, who we have the utmost faith and trust in. If it was an issue, he would have brought it to us and asked us for some review, but since that has not happened, there’s no complaint by him, I find her motion to be nothing more than just political rhetoric.”

The election qualifying period, which began Tuesday, Nov. 7, ran through noon Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Two others have filed to run in Mueller’s District 2 area: Danny “DJ” Culberson Jr. and Iliana R. Jones.

PUBLIC HEARING

Bennett first brought up her concerns with Mueller at the Thursday, Aug. 10, meeting.

Bennett said it started when she received an email from a resident in Tuscany who is against having golf carts come to the neighborhood, and the resident was upset that another commissioner came and took a meeting in her neighborhood.

“She thought it was inappropriate, her words,” Bennett said. “I’ve spoken to Ron on multiple occasions about matters in my district being referred to me so that I can do my job effectively.

I can’t do it if I don’t know. I did get an email from you afterwards saying you took a meeting and you didn’t realize it was my district.

But it’s on the opposite edge of my district, so very much so not yours.

I’ve gotten people calling me about social media posts, car show, the fountains in downtown, promises that were being made, merchants have complained. … I’d like to have a workshop … I feel like things like this have to be said in Sunshine or on the dais. … I know we’ve said (this) before, and you’ve always been kind, especially in public, but your actions don’t match your words, and that’s happened with staff as well, and they’re hesitant to say anything when you’ve threatened to fire them.”

Former City Commissioner Bob Buchanan alluded to the Sunshine law not being followed by a commissioner at the Thursday, June 8, meeting.

“The individual commissioners, if they have a problem or if they have a concern, they should go to you (City Manager Jon C. Williams), right?” he asked. “They should not text the other commissioners.

Is that going through Ethics Commission? When I was on the board, I had to go to a meeting every year that told me what I was supposed to do and what I wasn’t supposed to do. It seems to me like we’ve got a commissioner on this board (who) doesn’t seem like he has to do that.

He texts directly to the other commissioners and even wants them to give him a call. That’s totally against the Sunshine law, and I want some direction as a citizen. I don’t want to see my board up here messed with, because if anybody answers him, they’re in violation of the Sunshine law, and they could be removed, as

well as him.”

“Over time, I’ve had staff come to me when they have been contacted and expressed concern with the fact that they were contacted,” Williams said at the November meeting.

“I guess from my point of view, I’m disappointed and frustrated about the fact that I feel like we got put in this position,” Mayor John Rees said. “I’ve been here a long time and never dealt with this. So, you know, I’m not happy we’ve been put in this position, but after looking at everything, I think that we have to go to a hearing. I don’t know if it’s about being politically motivated, no more than I’ve got a stack of stuff here.”

Commissioner Mark A. Maciel agreed with Rees and said staff has put a lot of work into this.

“There’s been a lot of research, a lot of hours spent putting data together, so I think it rises to that occasion,” he said. “Let Ron speak at the hearing.”

City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman said the city’s charter provides a process in respect to the forfeiture hearing, but it is not detailed.

“If the commission does move forward with that, what I would suggest is that you allow us to recommend back to the commission some rules, processes and procedures, so there would be some suggested guidance,” he said. “You all are the judge of the qualifications of the commissioners, each individual commissioner, and this process is your process, but you certainly must afford due process to all involved.”

Bennett amended her motion to reflect Ardaman’s suggestions.

The city has provided no additional comments at this time.

No date has been officially set for the hearing.

Because of the holidays, the next Winter Garden City Commission meeting will not take place until Thursday, Dec. 14.

“If the commission does move forward with that, what I would suggest is that you allow us to recommend back to the commission some rules, processes and procedures, so there would be some suggested guidance.You all are the judge of the qualifications of the commissioners, each individual commissioner, and this process is your process, but you certainly must afford due process to all involved.”

— City of Winter Garden Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Winter Garden City Commission approved two series of three ordinances pertaining to the annexation of 0.11 acres located at 540 Oak St. and 546 Oak St., respectively. The approval amends the Future Land Use Plan of the city’s comprehensive plan to designate the properties as Low Density Residential and rezones the properties to Residential District. n Commissioners approved the hiring of Cribb Philbeck Weaver Group for Construction Management Services of Tucker Ranch Wellness Park in the amount of $2,650,470.94. n The commission approved the city manager signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Winter Garden Little League for the installation of artificial turf located at 415 S. Park Ave. in the amount of $268,662. n The commission approved a change order for the Crest Ave Wastewater Treatment Facility expansion amendment two for design services with Atkins in the amount of $637,856.61. n Commissioners approved a purchase order for continued use of Thioguard Solutions for odor control and corrosivity of wastewater at Lift Station 23 and 47 in an estimated amount of $400,000. n The city approved an agreement for acquisition for property located between State Road 429 and Ocoee-Apopka Road from ICN Homes and authorized the city manager to execute all documents.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

RICHARD TILDEN FARNSWORTH DIED OCT. 11, 2023.

ROBERT LOWELL TEAL DIED NOV. 7, 2023.

Richard Tilden Farnsworth, 75, of Winter Garden, passed away peacefully in his home, on Oct. 11, 2023.

Richard was the middle child of Everett Leslie Farnsworth II and Mary Tilden Farnsworth, born on July 7, 1948, in Orlando, Florida.

Richard graduated from Lakeview High School in 1967 and joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after, serving in Vietnam.

After returning from service, Richard was hired by Florida Power and retired from there after more than 35 years of service. Richard married his loving wife, Susan Graham Farnsworth, in 1974.

Richard immensely loved his family and friends, traveling to the southern states and being outdoors. He was a very charitable man who often significantly donated to local and national charities.

Richard is predeceased by his older

(Robert) Lowell Teal, born Jan. 5, 1933, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023.

Born on Dillard Street, he was one of the remaining Winter Garden natives and was known as a pillar of our community. His childhood was spent herding cattle as a part of his family’s business and eventually became involved in the booming citrus industry.

He was a graduate of the University of Florida College of Agriculture and remained a loyal Gator throughout his life.

His career began by representing citrus growers and other producers via an agricultural marketing organization. He later established a consulting firm with his associate and close friend, Lester Austin. This venture evolved into a real estate sales group, now known as Austin Teal Corporation.

Lowell marked his momentous career by participating in several organizations, including Southern Industrial Relations, Orange County Farm Bureau and the National Speak-

brother, Lee Farnsworth; his sister, Carol Mathews; and brother-in-law, Lawrence Graham; as well as David Mathews.

Richard leaves behind his loving wife, Susan; his trusty dog, Jake; and many relatives and friends, who will miss him dearly in their own special ways.

Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden at 2 p.m. Dec. 7. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans and/or Hound Haven, two of his favorite charities.

CAROLYN BELL GREER DIED NOV. 9, 2023.

ROBERT “BOB” WILLIAM COLBURN JR. DIED OCT. 30, 2023.

Robert “Bob” William Colburn Jr., age 79, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. He was born in Albany, New York, on Oct. 7, 1944, to Robert W. Colburn Sr. and Doris Cole Colburn.

He was raised in Rochester, New York. He attended Washington Irving Elementary School and Gates-Chili Central High School, where he graduated in 1962 and was an All-County soccer player. He is a graduate of Valencia Community College, in Orlando, Florida, with an AA and an AS degree in Hotel Restaurant Management. He also has an AOS from the Culinary Institute of America.

He was a Vietnam Veteran (19661971) and a lifetime VFW Post 4305 member.

He moved to Florida in 1971 and started a 37-year career with the Walt Disney World Resort. He retired in 2008.

She taught and encouraged countless kids and adults to swim, ski, sew, golf, exercise more, find healthy foods and find their faith. She and Don have been faithful members and stewards of the Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden for almost 55 years.

Carolyn was predeceased by her parents, Donald Hullinger Bell and Margaret Haley Bell.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Donald Ramsey Greer, their daughters, June Greer Rhyne (Al) and Kathleen Greer; their son, Scott Greer (Holly); and eight grandchildren, Bo (Whitney), Ben (Meredith), Haley and Anna Rhyne; Ramsey and Carmen Rossmann; Mason and Molly Greer. She also leaves behind her two devoted canine companions.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Episcopal Church of the Messiah, 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden, FL 34787.

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liam “Bill” Colburn; daughter, Amy “Kook” (Toni Gott) Colburn; daughter-in-law, Laura; grandchildren, Brittany, Hunter, Chloe, Logan, Ace and Axl; one great-granddaughter; his beloved dog and cats; sister, Sherry (Lee) Wigfield; nephew, Jeff (Nicole) Wigfield and their three daughters, Madison, Mckenna and Macey.

A visitation for Bob will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at Quest Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha, FL 34734. A committal service will occur from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.

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Bob loved to collect vintage paper items, Disneyana and other vintage collectibles. He was president of the Ocoee Little League for six years, served on the Second Harvest Food Bank Board of Directors for 11 years and the City of Ocoee Board of Adjustment for 32 years.

Bob was a deacon and elder at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church (renamed Quest Church).

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Marjorie (Margie); son, Bobby (Robert W. Colburn III); his mother, Doris Colburn; and his father, Robert W. Colburn Sr. He is survived by his son, Wil-

his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Throughout his illustrious life, Lowell’s greatest treasure and proudest achievement remains his family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Robbye; and his brother, Hilton.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Jackie; his beloved children, Robyne Hunnicutt and husband, Jim, and Martha Ficquette and husband, John; and his grandchildren, Ali Veech and Rob Hunnicutt and wife, Taylor. His abundant love for his family extended to his nieces and nephews, all bearing the Teal family name: Julia, Janet, Billy and wife, Barbara, Paul and wife, Laura, Jackson and wife, Lauren, Hunter, Robbye, Hilton, Walker and Vivi.

His final “Bath Pond” installment is titled “Going Home: A life fulfilled helping others”; Lowell Teal has done just that, and is what his family and friends will remember as his lasting legacy.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, FL 34787. All are welcome.

213 S Dillard St., Suite 140 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Office Hours: Mon: 8-4 Tues-Thurs: 8-12 & 1-5 Fri: 7-1 Call Today for Your Appointment!

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Carolyn Bell Greer, age 86, of Windermere, Florida, died peacefully on Nov. 9, 2023, at home.

A true Florida native, Carolyn graduated from Lake Worth High School and Florida State University. She thrived at FSU earning Mortar Board, Garnet Key, Hall of Fame and Tarpon Club awards.

Carolyn also established herself in sports, exercise and nutrition, which would be lifelong pursuits.

Carolyn and Don married in 1960, moved to Tampa, and then Winter Park before settling in Windermere in 1970. Carolyn never lacked energy or enthusiasm for endeavors that needed willing hands. These would include political campaigns, the Windermere Town Council, a new sidewalk running through town, youth group suppers, girl scout leadership, tennis and golf teams, accredited golf course rating all over Florida, Bloom and Grow Garden Club, bridge lessons, weeding specialist, and later her own yard care business.

Carolyn also never turned away a friend, or stranger for that matter. She could entertain at a minute’s notice.

She hosted volleyball parties, family reunions, overnight friends (and friends of friends), church groups, family members needing a landing spot and so many more.

ers Association, just to name a few; the latter of these acted as a stepping stone to his most cherished passion — writing. Beginning with “how-to” books about balancing career and family (“A Happy Heart is a Good Medicine” and “Company Stewardship”), Lowell dedicated his later years to depicting “a heartwarming story of an early Florida family” through his five-part historical fiction series, “Bath Pond.”

The first installment of the series was awarded 2006 Best Florida Fiction by the Florida Publishers Association.

A member since birth (and therefore its longest serving congregant), Lowell was a dedicated steward of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden and cared deeply for

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

E! W NE LEAS SP K O

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BAPTIST

CHURCH OF GOD

Giving the Gift of Reading Since 1997

First Baptist Church Ocoee Church of God Pastor Tim Grosshans Pastor Thomas Odom 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-2352 (407) 656-8011 Book Drop Off Locations | Now - Dec 1 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional EPISCOPAL 9:45 AM Bible Study Church of the Messiah 11 AM Contemporary OAKLAND WINTER GARDEN 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana Season of Trees - Observer Tree Observer Media Group Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, Healthy West Orange 661 Garden Commerce Pkwy, Ste 180 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM 2nd Campus: Arts & Heritage Center 9am-5pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com First Baptist Church Thursday) OCOEE @ Horizon West Bridgewater Middle School METHODIST Chews A Puppy 15304 Tilden Road, First United Methodist 11167 W. Colonial Dr. Foundation Academy Winter Garden Lower School www.fumcwg.org Houseblend Cafe Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages Upper School & Lakeside 125 N. Lakeview Ave., 17030 W Colonial Dr www.FBCWG.org Winter Garden Gymnastics USA Ocoee City Hall STARKE LAKE BAPTIST Advertise your Services or Events METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL 13175 W Colonial Dr 150 N. Lakeshore Dr. 656-1135 CHURCH Starke Lake Baptist Church (407) FIRST UNITED Services: 9 METHODIST AM Traditional PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO on thisRoper page weekly.

Y Ocoee Police Dept YMCA PO Box 520,Pritchard 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, 646 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy 10:45 AM Contemporary 100 Windermere Rd Pritchard POPastor BoxJeff 520 611 W Ave., 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden Trombitas Also viewable on YouTube Winter Garden City Hall (407) 656-2351 Ocoee Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, This page appears weekly in the arden WINDERMERE 300 W. Plant St www.starkelakebaptist.org Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM (407) 656-2351 AM West OrangeWriter’s Times & Observer and Dr. Phillips YMCA Block Web: fumcwg.org www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd CHURCH OF GOD 32 W Plant St online at OrangeObserver.com.

OCOEE CHURCHChurch OF GOD Victory Baptist UNITED CHURCH OF West Orange Town of Windemere Pastor ThomasAcademy Odom & Christian Administration Bldg Chamber of Commerce CHRIST To advertise12184 in the Church Directory 1105 N. Lakewood Ocoee 614 Main Street W Colonial Dr 1601 A.D. Mims Avenue, Rd,Ocoee WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 407-656-8011 call 407-656-2121 (407) 656-3097 Sunset Park Elementary 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Winter Garden or email en Sunday: 11 AM & 6 PM Windermere, FL 34786 Heritage Foundation AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com EPISCOPAL stWG.org Wednesday: 7 PM 407-876-2112 Worship times: 21 E. Plant St CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 9:30AM www.VBCOCOEE.com 9:00am Adult Sunday School Book drop off 11am-3pm Tues - Sat

H en

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

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artist. He is a four-time Dove Award winner, and his awards include New Artist of the Year and Inspirational Song of the Year, “I Will Follow Christ”. He also has nine #1 songs, including “I Surrender All”, “We Walked a Mile”, “I Will Follow Christ”, and “Saving The World”. Clay and his wife, Renee have four grown children, two of whom were adopted from China. They also have one beautiful grandchild. Clay and Renee have organized and hosted numerous community engagement events, connecting the church and the community. They have lead worship at global conferences, ministry events, and marriage enrichment events, with an emphasis on spreading the Good News through preaching, teaching, and music. Clay already has strong ties to our church and our Winter Garden and Horizon West communities with friendships with people like musician Charles Billingsley, Jeff Lawrence, who is the new Spiritual Formation Director at our Foundation Academy, and Tim DeTellis of New Missions, amongst many others. Clay is a wonderful addition to our staff! We invite you to visit our church and experience the tremendous talent Clay brings to our worship service.

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NOVEMBER 16, 2023

SPORTS

LAST LAUGH

HIGH

1

In his senior season, Hawks two-way star player Bo Kenney ended his high school career as one of the program’s best. Page 2B.

5

The 2023 All-Metro West Conference Football First Team selections have been made and West Orange and Southwest Orange County teams are well represented.

Selections included five players from Olympia (seniors TE Tyler Cross, WR Josh Evans, DB Romelo Walker and RB Romelo Ware, and junior OL Parker Moss); three from Dr. Phillips (seniors WR Mykel Calixte, DB Jashad Presley and LB Alfred Thomas); two each from Horizon (senior LB Bo Kenney and junior RB Jamarie Pierre) and Ocoee (senior DL Ezekiel Brinson and junior LB Michael McClenton); and one each from Lake Buena Vista (senior OL Andy Jolette) and Windermere (senior OL Noah Wright).

The full list of players was not released as of press time Tuesday, Nov. 14.

After falling to Olympia in the district title-deciding game in Week 7, Dr. Phillips outlasted the Titans, 17-15, in the first round of the FHSAA football playoffs.

2

After beating district rival Olympia 17-15 in the first round of the FHSAA Class 4M football playoffs, Dr. Phillips is the last West Orange and Southwest Orange County football team left in the FHSAA playoffs. The Panthers will try to advance another round on Friday as they travel west to face Plant High.

Photos by Phillip Pacheco | Central Florida Event Photography

Dr. Phillips football’s running back Amari Major and the rest of the Panthers offense limited mistakes in their win over Olympia.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Courtesy

The First Academy senior Brooke Dennis will compete as part of the University of Alabama gymnastics team.

3

The November National Signing Day period has seen a lot of the area’s senior athletes from many different sports commit their academic and athletic futures to colleges all over the country.

4

Both the Horizon boys and girls cross country teams have qualified for the FHSAA Class 3A state championships, after both finished in fourth place at the regional meet. Three runners made the All-Region team — which indicated they placed in the top 15 individual times. For the boys, Girmay Buck finished in 10th place (17:23.89) and Jacob Finch in 14th place (17:38.47). Maryn Whitesell was the Hawks’ best female finisher in 14th (21:21.60). This is the second consecutive year the young program’s boys team qualified for states; it will be the girls team’s first trip. The state championship meet will take place Nov. 17 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.

5

The winter sports season has officially kicked off this past week, with preseason events taking place until Nov. 25 in boys wrestling and regular season events starting Nov. 20 for boys basketball and in both girls basketball and wrestling.

The regular season for soccer began Nov. 6.

I

n 2011, Dr. Phillips High School promoted alumnus and defensive coordinator Rodney Wells to head coach of the Panthers’ football program.

Thirteen seasons later, he’s established DP as the top program in Southwest Orange County.

See all of the district championships and the 2017 state championship DP has won for proof.

Over his decade-plus in charge of the program, Wells has made the Panthers synonymous with winning football games — especially district games. Up until the 2021 season, Wells’ DP teams had never lost a

district game, let alone a district title.

That’s why losing the district title in 2022 to West Orange High and this season to Olympia High — after falling to the Titans 31-21 at home in Week 7 — has been shocking.

It’s also why this 17-15 win over Olympia (8-3) in the first round of the FHSAA Class 4M playoffs meant so much to this (7-4) Panthers team.

It’s their first playoff win since 2019 and it metaphorically represents the Panthers’ climb back to the top of the area’s football throne.

“It means a lot to me — especially because of my seniors,” Wells said.

“They’ve suffered some horrible losses, I mean, one- and two-, threepoint losses over the last two seasons that cost us a berth in the playoffs.

So I’m just so happy that these guys stayed here and worked hard. They were committed to the process, and we got to these guys back to winning playoff games because of it.”

That hard work and commitment Wells mentions has paid dividends in the win column this season.

“Last year, we weren’t finishing those close games; this year, we’ve finished most of them,” he said. “We could have won seven, eight games last year.”

Those 2022 games include a 19-17 loss to West Orange on a Hail Mary, a 24-22 loss to Timber Creek High after a last-second field goal and a 7-6 loss to Apopka High after a late-drive gave

“Last year, we weren’t finishing those close games; this year, we’ve finished most of them. …”

— Panthers Coach Rodney Wells

SEE WINNING ON PAGE 2B

How Windermere High swimming’s camaraderie led to 2023 championships The Wolverines brought home six individual and relay state titles, both boys and girls teams finish in top three.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

On Nov. 11, a post went out on the Windermere High School Facebook page that started by stating this: “A historic day for Windermere Athletics.”

That post referenced the performance of the school’s swimming and diving team at the FHSAA Class 4A state championship meet the day before.

For the first time in school hisCourtesy photo

SEE STRONG ON PAGE 2B

Windermere High School’s boys and girls swim teams end the 2023 season with top-three finishes at states.

2B

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Winning ways

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

Bo Kenney Horizon football senior Bo Kenney — a 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker and fullback — finished his final season for the Hawks with a phenomenal statistical showing that earned him a spot on the AllMetro West Conference first team. He made 103 total tackles — 20 of which were for a loss — sacked the quarterback five times, forced three fumbles, recovered two fumbles and blocked two field goals.

Kenney recorded all these stats while also serving as the lead blocker on offense for star running back Jamarie Pierre, who finished the season with 1,468 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns.

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

I am honored to be named the Athlete of the Week. I have worked hard through the season, and it feels great to be recognized.

What do you like the most about football?

My favorite part about playing football is the team nature.

Getting to play with teammates that have common goals and having that familial bond.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from playing football?

No matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s about how you get back up and overcome adversity.

What is your favorite nonfootball hobby?

One of my main hobbies besides football is cooking. I like eating, so I like being able to cook good food myself.

What is your favorite subject in school?

English. I enjoy writing, and I have had good teachers throughout my high school years.

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

Three things I would take on a deserted island are my phone, food and/or water, and a solar panel to charge my phone.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

the Blue Darters their first TD of the night.

“The same thing could have happened this year,” Wells said. “We had close games … that could have gone either way this year. All in all, it’s just about the discipline and the leadership of the seniors and the team’s refusal to lose those close games.”

THE BASICS Sport: Football Grade: Senior School: Horizon Positions: Linebacker and fullback

BEAT ME TWICE, SHAME ON ME

football player and I am a Steelers fan.

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

I would want to go back and be in high school in the 1980s.

It seems like an iconic and memorable era. I like the music and the different things you could do back then.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

I would tell my 10-year-old self to keep working hard and not give up. Don’t be discouraged, and if you work hard enough you can get there.

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

I would ask my future self what career path we chose and how it is going.

Who is your favorite superhero?

My favorite superhero is Batman, because I like the way he does things, and the movies are very good.

“Just mistakes,” Wells responded when asked about the difference between their Week 7 loss to the Titans and the team’s playoff win.

“When you play a playoff-caliber team, and you play playoff football, you cannot make mistakes,” he said.

“In the first game we made some big mistakes. We pretty much spotted them 14-17 points.

“We threw two interceptions, a pick-six and another that led to a score,” Wells said. “We also had a punt blocked and another punt that only went like 10-15 yards. So, when you make four major mistakes like that against an explosive team like Olympia, they’re going to make you pay, and they did that game.”

This game though, Wells’ team limited the mistakes and the game went the Panthers’ way.

“This game, we didn’t have as

Strong showing CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

tory, the Wolverines’ boys and girls swimming teams brought home multiple gold medals from the state championship meet.

More specifically, the two teams Who is your favorite super combined to win six total individual What is your favorite movie? villain? and relay state championships.

My favorite movie would have My favorite super villain is the The girls team finished as the to be “Remember the Titans.” It Joker. He is a very good villain state runners-up in the overall team is a great inspirational football and has very good quotes competition with a score of 302 movie. coming from his character. I also points, and the boys finished third admire his determination and with 231 points.

If you could have dinner with how he will stop at nothing to Coach Kyle Goller said the team’s one person — dead or alive — get what he wants. ability to come together — despite who would it be? being competitors on the club cirI would like to If you could have any cuit — was crucial to its 2023 suchave dinner superpower, what would it be? cess. with T.J. Watt, If I could have any superpower, “What makes our team pretty because he is I would want to fly. It is a basic unique is that a lot of them swim an amazing one, but I think it would be cool on different club teams around to be able to fly wherever I want. the Orlando area, and for them to all mesh as one high school team What are three places — to swim this well and swim this you would like to visit? fast — made it easy to be successI would like to visit ful,” Goller said. “A lot of them have Hawaii, Fiji and swum with or against (one another) Italy. They seem very for the past like seven, eight years. pretty and are iconic … So having them race (one anothlandmarks in the er) and feed off (one another) on the world. pool deck all year-round just makes it better once they come swim for If you could be an the high school. It just makes it animal for a day, easier for them to bond and have which would you be? that camaraderie.”

Why? Goller said each swimmer’s indiI would like to be vidual character also helped them a bird. I think it bond as teammates. would be cool “We have a lot of great kids (who) to see the world are very supportive of one another from a different and positive toward one another,” perspective and be he said. “It’s not just one person, able to fly around either. It’s a collective whole. Our for a day. team captains for this year really helped the morale of the team. …

Does pineapple So, it was just the group as a whole belong on pizza?

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BOYS n Team finished in third place (231 points) in the FHSAA Class 4A overall competition. n Ryan Erisman, Walter Kueffer, Lawson Seward and Roberto Zarate won the 200-yard freestyle relay state championship. n Ian Cazella, Adrian Garcia, Walter Kueffer and Lawson Seward finished in second place in the 200-yard medley relay. n Rory Connelly, Ryan Erisman, Walter Kueffer and Roberto Zarate finished in second place in the 400-yard freestyle relay. n Ryan Erisman, junior, won both the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle state championships. n Walter Kueffer, junior, won the 50-yard freestyle state championship. n Roberto Zarate, junior, finished in second place in the 100-yard butterfly.

GIRLS n Team finished in second place (302 points) in the 4A overall competition. n Brooke Larweth, Addison Reese, Aidyn Reese and Hollace Stokes won the 200 freestyle relay state championship. n Carolina Daher, Lilliana Krstolic, Lucy Megginson and Maddie Reynolds finished in second place in the 400 freestyle relay state championship. n Brooke Larweth, Addison Reese, Aidyn Reese and Maddie Reynolds finished in second place in the 200 medley relay state championship.

only do we bring back our juniors, (but also) we have some young upand-coming kids that can turn some heads next year.”

For the boys, that includes juniors Ryan Erisman, Walter Kueffer and Roberto Zarate — who all played

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ON TO PLANT

Next week in the Class 4M region semifinals, No. 6 seed Dr. Phillips will travel west to Tampa to face Plant (9-2).

Wells said his team will get the win by following the same plan.

“The blueprint we’ll follow is the same one we’ve been using for years that got us a state championship and so many playoff wins: Run the ball, control the clock, stop the run, and limit turning the ball over,”Wells said.

“Plant is going to be well coached, they’re going to be disciplined. It’s going to be a hostile environment … and they’re playing some really good football. So, we have to be mature and we have to travel well … and minimize the mistakes on the road.”

n Addison Reese, senior and Florida signee, won the 100 butterfly individual state championship and finished in second place in the 100-yard breaststroke by a little more than two-tenths of a second.

AREA’S TOP PERFORMERS BOYS n Lake Buena Vista junior Nathan Frette won the Class 2A one-meter diving state championship with a score of 520.45. n Olympia junior Tristan BonnetEymard finished third in the 4A 100-yard freestyle. n Windermere Prep’s Lucas Cornell, Christian Magruder, Alejandro Varon and Walter Zeman finished third in the Class 1A 200 freestyle relay. n Windermere Prep’s Christian Magruder, Kaua Pimental, Alejandro Varon and Walter Zeman finished fourth in the 400 freestyle relay.

GIRLS n Foundation’s Emma Sundermeyer, an Alabama signee, finished second in the 200-yard individual medley and fourth in the 500 freestyle at the 1A state championships. n West Orange’s Ella Klyce, Hannah Le, Kayla McKinney and Veronica Shulman finished third in the 4A 400 freestyle relay. n West Orange’s Ella Klyce, Hannah Le, Kaya Robertson and Veronica Shulman finished fourth in the 4A 200 freestyle relay.

significant roles in the boys team’s third-place finish. For the girls, juniors Carolina Daher and Maddie Reynolds and sophomore Lucy Megginson will return, as will freshmen Lilliana Krstolic and Aidyn Reese.

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many of those big mistakes,” Wells said. “We had that one mistake on a kickoff return, where we fumbled the ball. But other than that, we played pretty clean. … It’s all about just cleaning up the mistakes from Day One.” The Panthers’ playmakers also stepped up in this one. Junior Cameron Dixon gave Dr. Phillips a 10-9 lead on a 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, after an interception by senior Orlendy Larosiliere. And at the tail-end of the third, junior Amari Major scored the game’s last TD to again give the Panthers the lead, 17-15.

In the fourth, it was all about the Panthers’ defense getting stops and senior QB Stanley Anderson bringing the offense stability.

“Last year, Stanley was rotating back and forth, but he kind of took the job toward the end of the season,” Wells said. “Now you can just see his maturation; he’s getting better and better each week.

He’s taking care of the ball, running the ball well, making the open

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Dr. Phillips football coach Rodney Wells said the Panthers will need to use its same game plan against Plant this week.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

NOV. 15, 1973 The Scotty’s home improvement store in Ocoee rolled out the red carpet, so to speak, with its advertisement on carpeting.

The Scotty’s Royal Scot unveiled a new modern look in lowprofile shag carpeting with the hi-lo cut-and-loop shag, which came in “12 beautiful colors.”

Other choices were the “luxurious deep nylon shag carpet for beauty and comfort” in 19 “lively decorator colors.”

For folks with a pool area or playroom, the Ozite indooroutdoor carpeting came in seven pleasing colors.

Another option was the Royal Scot Anti-Stat, a sturdy loop carpet ideal for “data processing offices, churches, business officers or any room in the home” available in eight harmonizing colors.

If carpeting wasn’t your thing, you could opt for the Mannington cushioned vinyl flooring, which had a no-wax finish for easy care and millions of tiny air bubbles to cushion your steps.

90 years ago

“When a bugler blows the rally call at 8 o’clock tomorrow evening, white robed Klansmen will loom out of the dusk in all sections of Winter Garden. They will walk slowly toward the diamond ball park and gather around a platform, where a Ku Klux Klan speaker from national headquarters will be ready to address the crowd.”

85 years ago

Two or more robbers broke into the J.M. Russ service station east of Winter Garden and stole a cigarette machine and a few pennies from the cash register and escaped.

A group of Winter Garden people enjoyed a fox hunt near Avalon groves Wednesday night.

A total of 152 residents in 66 trailers made Winter Garden’s Trailer City a real “small city.”

The Drive-In Church, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, celebrated its 11th anniversary with the Rev. O. Victor Hitchcock, minister of the First Methodist Church of Melbourne, presenting the main address.

Local boys interested in Cub Scouts were requested to pick up an application at Tom Cox Men’s Wear.

50 years ago

Archie Campbell made a critical analysis of George Bailey’s haircut.

The publisher of “The Winter Garden Times” met the barber of TV’s “Hee Haw” at a press luncheon connected with the Rec Vee Show at Outdoor Resorts Campground.

A major fund drive launched this week to provide furnishings and equipment for the new wing of the West Orange Memorial Hospital.

The campaign chairman seeks

FROM THE ARCHIVES King Orange reigned in 1978 when this photograph ran in The Winter Garden Times’ annual Citrus Edition 45 years ago. Tilden Groves’ Production manager James Moran is seen at left, accompanied by Dave Mathews. The newspaper stated: “David recently began a career in the citrus industry, purposefully starting at the ground level to learn the industry. He plans to study agriculture at Florida Southern College, in Lakeland, Florida, after which he will continue his career.”

The Tilden Groves office was located on Tildenville School Road; in the background is the South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association complex.

Newcomers are invited to explore the history of West Orange County by visiting the Winter Garden Heritage Museum — look for the yellow caboose. Want to research deeper? Call the office at (407) 656-3244.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

to raise $150,000 in the next 60 days. In 1945, a group of citizens formed the West Orange Memorial Association. The group ran out of money before the hospital could be completed, but with community support and help from the former Hill-Burton Act, the hospital opened in 1952. Because of the area’s growing medical needs, a new wing was added in 1957, en-

larging the hospital from 40 beds to 78.

Only 200 turkeys remained at Avalon Turkey Farm. The favorite Thanksgiving school field trip destination was closing after 26 years of operation.

A new State Farm Insurance Agency opened its doors next to Jean’s Florist on Dillard Street in Winter Garden. The manager was

Joe McClellan. He and his wife, Dorene, have two sons, Randy, 7, and Steve, 5.

20 years ago

The city of Winter Garden wrapped up its Centennial Celebration with an all-day party. The festivities began with an elaborate parade that included giant helium balloons handled by local residents.

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W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

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heavens

116 Frequently, in poetry

47 Role played by George

118 Spray down

Takei and John Cho (Abbr.) ©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

11-16-23

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

The Orange County School Board on Thursday, Nov. 9 announced the approval of the collectively bargained Orange Education Support Professionals Association contract for the 2023-24 school year.

The new agreement includes wage increases, health insurance plan design and premium changes, and contract language changes.

The wage increases will raise the minimum hourly rate for all education support employees to $15.40 per hour — the agreement will result in all qualified active education support personnel to receive a minimum 9% per hour increase.

Also, there will be an increase in the retention bonus for 2023-24 and an extension of the bonus through 2024-25.

WINDERMERE GROUPS PERFORM AT NBA GAME Three groups from Windermere High School performed at the Orlando Magic/ Milwaukee Bucks game Saturday, Nov. 11, at Amway Center.

The Windermere jazz band performed a variety of swing, pop, rock and holiday music in the concourse as basketball fans entered the arena. The Wolverettes dance team performed its routine on the court during pregame. And finally, the Windermere chorus performed the national anthem prior to the start of the game.

The Magic won, 112-97.

LOCAL TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD Jake Petroski, of Windermere, announced his candidacy for the Orange County School Board District 4 seat.

Petroksi worked as a Central Florida public school teacher and has two children enrolled in OCPS. “Strong readership is critical,” he said.

“We are facing unique challenges as a community, and we all have a vested interest in students’ success. I want to help forge and cultivate pathways of success for every student.”

Carrie Sikes, fifth-grade science teacher at Oakland Avenue Charter School, is a member of the school’s Curriculum Team and School Leadership Team. Sikes committed three days a week after school the entire school year in 2022-23 to provide after-school learning clinics to her students.

“Carrie is an outstanding teacher,” Principal Pam Dwyer said. “She was pivotal in OACS achieving the fourth-highest student performance rating in Orange County Public Schools for fifth-grade science last year. Ninety-one percent of our fifth-graders from the 2022-23 school year earned proficiency level on the Science FCAT.”

What brought you to your school?

My family and I moved to Winter Garden during the pandemic (because of) my husband’s job transfer. I met an OACS teacher at a cheer competition, and she told me about the amazing staff and family atmosphere. Toward the end of the 2020-21 school year, I was a fill-in teacher for fourth- and fifth-grade science. Those two months, I created amazing memories with the students and teachers. Upon the end of that school year, I was asked to become a full-time faculty member.

What do you love most about your school?

The family-like atmosphere. “Family” is our motto, and we are centered around the word. Everyone is family to me, whether it’s a student and their families or a fellow teacher. I too am very family oriented, so I immediately fell in love with (the) OACS atmosphere. This school embodies the word “family,” and I am very blessed to teach at such an amazing school.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love teaching. I am living my dream each day by teaching children for 26 years. This profession is tough, but it is also the most rewarding. Seeing the growth my students make from the beginning of the school year to the end is what makes this career so special. I truly enjoy being a part of each student’s journey through education, and hope that I made a difference.

REPORT CARD POSITION: Fifth-grade science teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: 26 years teaching; at OACS since 2021

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

If I were not a teacher, I would be a flight attendant. I have always loved traveling the world and seeing new places. I have made numerous memories with my family throughout the different trips we have made.

Who influences you?

My family is my biggest influence. I have two daughters and one son, and they push me to be the best version of myself every day. Life is not always easy, but seeing them become successful in their lives is what keeps me going.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

Robert Munsch’s “Stephanie’s Ponytail.” When my daughters were growing up, I had one daughter (who) loved to wear ponytails and one (who) did not. The whole ponytail situation would be relatable to the girls. They began to love this book, so every night this was our go-to book for nightly reads.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have three children who are involved in extracurricular sports.

My oldest daughter plays collegiate soccer, my middle daughter is a cheerleader, and my son is in jiu-jitsu and baseball. I am a proud mother, so I spend my spare time getting to be their biggest cheerleader and their most adoring fan.

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

I wish I could go back in time.

Getting the chance to go back in time to talk and hug my family members that I have lost throughout the years would be very special.

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

I am a total Swiftie, so I would listen to Taylor Swift. During our family road trips, or driving around town with my children, we sing her songs, which creates so much laughter and joy. Growing up in Georgia, country music was all I listened to. George Strait is my go-to country music artist. I have never been lucky enough to see him in concert, so this would be on my bucket list. Casting Crowns originates from McDonough, Georgia, which is our hometown. The leader of Casting Crowns (Mark Hall) was our children’s youth pastor at our church. Therefore, this group is near and dear to our hearts.

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

My go-to lunch was a ham sandwich with light mayo and a side of Cheetos. To this day, this is still my favorite go-to lunch.

What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because this is when I am able to spend the most time with my children. I have two older daughters who are both in college, so I hardly get to see them unless it’s a holiday.

During Christmas time, my girls are able to come home and spend time with their brother. All three of my children bake cookies, watch Christmas movies and spend time together.

This holiday is all about family, and I cherish every minute of the Christmas season.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

5B

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

TFA families take Fall Carnival for a spin

T

he First Academy returned with its annual Fall Carnival Friday, Nov. 3, at the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex. The carnival festivities included face painting, balloon creations, carnival rides, food trucks, obstacle courses and a live deejay.

In addition, the night’s events featured a fall sports senior night and a varsity football game against Windermere Preparatory School. At halftime of the football game, the school hosted the complex’s reopening and dedication ceremony for eager attendees.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Noah, Elliot and Hollis Larson showed off their face paints and balloons.

Royal families kicked off the weekend together at the carnival.

Gracyn Jones slid down one of the slides on her tan mat.

Ellie Blair and Ella Wollitz walked around the carnival with a frozen treat.

Right: Families and friends brought creative signs to show support for their senior athletes.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Lake Buena Vista High School performed a show filled with music from artists such as A-ha and Pat Metheny.

Surround sound Horizon High’s show, ‘YOUNG,’ featured serveral popular songs.

Windermere High’s drumline took center stage for a percussion feature.

F

rom A-ha to Radiohead and Nirvana to The Legend of Zelda, marching bands showcased plenty of pop culture favorites in their 2023 shows at the 2023 Florida Bandmasters Association District 8 MPA, held Saturday, Nov. 4, at Boone High School, Orlando.

All public school marching bands from West Orange and Southwest Orange County showcased their 2023 field shows at the event. Those include Dr. Phillips High School, Horizon High School, Lake Buena Vista High School, Ocoee High School, Olympia High School, West Orange High School and Windermere High School.

Lake Buena Vista delivered a stellar performance.

— MICHAEL ENG

West Orange High performed a variety of Beatles hits.

Windermere’s show, ‘Mad Love in a Mad World,’ featured a Radiohead tune.

Olympia presented its mind-bending 2023 show, ‘Door 13.’

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

West Orange honored The Beatles with its 2023 show.

7B

Windermere’s color guard costumes were inspired by Harley Quinn.

Ocoee High performed a video game-themed show.

Dr. Phillips’ show was titled, ‘The Boy Who Lived: A Magical Tale.’

Lake Buena Vista’s color guard added visual interest to the show.

Horizon’s show featured interesting music and choreography.

Dr. Phillips performed a Harry Potter-themed show.

Olympia had a strong performance at this year’s MPA.

Olympia’s band impressed both the audience and the judges.

Left: Ocoee’s 2023 show was one of the most fun performances of the day.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

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