of Just like that we are getting ready to ring in the new year and kiss 2021 goodbye. After an incredibly tough year fighting a pandemic, things shifted to a re-imagined reality. Let’s look at some of our most inspiring and favorite moments of the year for our Central Florida community. By Kendall Beebe February 7, 2021
Tampa Bay Buccaneers become Superbowl LV champions. This win made history because it is the first time a team won the Superbowl in their home stadium. The Bucs defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. This was the second time the Bucs won the title, and Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar became the first women coaches to hold this title. Sarah Thomas also was the first female to referee the big game.
March 6, 2021
In Oviedo, a monument was unveiled to mark the site of a Navy plane crash site from 1962. On January 15, 1962, Lieutenant Charles Hodgate, Delton Wilson, John Bush and Horace Marks took off in their aircraft from Sanford Naval Air Station when the plane began to fail. Wilson was able to parachute out of the falling aircraft and survive. Lieutenant Hodgate and Petty Officers Bush and Marks stayed in their aircraft and directed it away from it’s path toward the Oviedo School. The bravery of these men saved many children and educators. The children of Lieutenant Hodgate unveiled the monument at the intersection of Clark Street and South Lake Jessup Avenue in Oviedo.
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Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2021
April 28, 2021
The Garden Theatre in Winter Garden announced the William Daniel Mills Apprenticeship Program. Harold and Rosy Mills selected the Garden to launch this new apprenticeship program for young artists ages 13 through 22. This generous gift and program was created by Harold and Rosy Mills to honor the memory of their beloved son Daniel Mills, a passionate student of theatre who tragically passed away in 2020. June 12, 2021 A remembrance ceremony was held to commemorate the five years of healing after the tragic Pulse Shooting. OnePulse CEO Barbara Poma, survivors, first responders and community members gathered together to share their thoughts and stories. President Joe Biden made a statement that he would sign legislation, that was passed by congress, to make the site a national memorial. The “49 Bells” tradition, which was started in 2016, continued on the five-year remembrance. A bell rang as each of the victim’s names were read. June 30, 2021
2021 was a big year of firsts for women across Central Florida including Janet Petro. She is the first female
