Winter Garden HorizonWest | Oakland | West Orange
September 2013
New Owners for Winter Garden Village Dr. Douglas E. Gearity on Women’s Health Residential Real Estate Spotlight
The club for people who
are always o n t h e g o .
2 |Open SeptemberAnytime 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
anytimefitness.com
A New Story Begins NOW OPEN a New Practice that Ensures Patients are Seen & Heard.
O
nce upon a time‌ A new story was written about how pediatric care should be delivered. Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine specializes in the physical and mental health issues unique to children. Led by a team of experts who were handpicked to guide the future physicians of pediatric medicine.
15502 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Suite 2-112, Winter Garden, FL 34787 | www.FHPediatrics.com
FHMG-13-14218
Accepting New Patients, Newborn to 21 Same-Day Appointments Available • Most Major Insurance Plans Accepted
WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 3
around the garden Florida Master Naturalist Program Offered A Florida Master Naturalist Program class, studying upland habitats, will be held at Oakland Nature preserve on Thursdays from 9 am to 4 pm beginning October 3 and concluding with graduation on November 7. ONP board members Jackie Rolly and Peggy Lantz, both registered instructors, will be leading the classes. The cost is $225. Visit www.OaklandNaturePreserve. org for information about the preserve. Visit www.MasterNaturalist. org for more information about the program and to register. Deadline for registration is Sept. 19.
Orange County Parks Hosts 5K at Chapin Station A family 5K is planned for September 7 on the West Orange Trail as part of the Orange County Parks 5K Series. Presented by Bright House Networks, Arabian Nights and Magic 107.7 FM radio, it will be held at Chapin Station on the West Orange Trail, 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden. Check in starts at 6:30 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 7:30 a.m. To register online for the race, visit OrangeCountyParks.net and click on the 5K icon. Races are for all ages, and awards are based on age groups. The cost is $20 for participants ages 15 and older, $10 for ages 5-14 and free for children under 4. 4 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
Safe a Life /Give Blood FREE Personalized Bloodmobile Storybook & Sept. Locations Caricature Illustration 09/07: Old Navy Winter Garden Village 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Winter Garden Farmers Market 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
09/08: Resurrection Catholic Church 8:00 am - 1:30 pm
Open House
09/11: Health Central Park 4 411 N. Dillard St 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
15502 Stoneybrook West Pkwy
09/14: 4Rivers Smokehouse Noon - 6:00 pm 09/15: Old Navy Winter Garden Village Noon - 6:00 pm 09/21: Old Navy Winter Garden Village Noon - 6:00 pm 09/21: Winter Garden Farmers Market 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 09/30: Marshall’s Winter Garden Village 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tues. Sept 17, 4 - 7 pm Suite 2-112
Receive a free Personalized Storybook & Caricature Illustration. RSVP or Make Appointment 407 656-0042 www.FHPediatrics.com Accepting New Patients Newborn to 21
West Orange High Class of 1993
Owl Pellet Dissection Discuss Owl adaptations an explore owl-specific food chains. Class recommended for ages 7 & up. $2.00 per person fee for owl pellets. September 28 at Tibet-Butler Preserve. 8777 CR 535, Orlando 32836 Visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net for more information. Class limited to 30 participants.
The West Orange High School Class of 1993 is planning a Royal Caribbean cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and CocoCay from Oct 18-21. For specific cruise information, contact vacation specialist Danielle Johnston at DanielleJohnston@rccl. com or 800 456-3595. The Group ID # is: 99211265.
contents Lakeview Class of 1973 Reunion The class of 1973 invites all Lakeview students, coaches and faculty to its 40th reunion on September 14. The reunion will be held at Pilars Martini bar in Winter Garden from 7:00 p.m. to close. Admission is $10 at the door and includes an LHS ‘73 wristband, which is good for discounted pricing on dinner, drinks and appetizers at Pilars and Al Fresco’s Restaurant. The reunion committee is asking for help in contacting classmates and spreading the word. Send contact information for any past student to Rick Bullington at Rick@CentralFloridaTapping.com RSVP to the Pilars Martini Facebook page with the total number of guests.
06 10 14 16
Florida Hospitals reduce costs & improve care
an end to abnormal female bleeding | by Dr. Gearity
real estate spotlight
new owners for Winter Garden Village
For out-of-town classmates, the Edgewater Hotel across from Pilars will offer discounted rates for the reunion.
4th Annual Fiesta de Colores Saturday, 14 11:30 am - 4:30 pm Bill Breeze Park, Ocoee Enjoy Latin Cuisine, Festive Games and Prizes, Piñatas, Bounce House, Face Painting, Live Music, Magical Train Rides, Puppet Show by the Ocoee Fire Department and much more family fun. Bring your own blanket & lawn chair (No Pets or Coolers). Brought to you by the City of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. For information visit www.Ocoee.org.
You’re Invited! Want to invite your neighbors to your next event? Please send event notices to WinterGardenMag @ gmail.com. Please be sure to include contact information. High-resolution photos or event flyers are also accetped. Events should be open to the public.
Winter Garden magazine is an activity of Stern Media PO Box 1506, Windermere FL 34786
WinterGardenMag.com SternMedia.com Publisher | J. Steven Stern | 407 574-8742 Editor | Elise Carter | 407 574-8742 ECarter@SternMedia.com Copy Editor & Graphic Design Mike Cox | MCox@SternMedia.com Advertising Jon Stern | 407 574-8742 Jon.Stern@Outlook.com Jon@SternMedia.com Winter Garden Magazine/SternMedia does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of SternMedia and while every attempt is made to assure the accuracy and authenticity of information appearing in the magazine, SternMedia accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the magazine. No representation is made or warranty given as to the completeness or accuracy of such information. The content of Winter Garden Magazine is copyrighted by SternMedia. It is strictly prohibited to reproduce or transmit in whole or part, any portion of our print or on-line magazine/content without the express written consent of SternMedia.
WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 5
health & fitness
Florida Hospitals Save $47.5M With Improved Quality & Better Care Good news for employers as lower health care costs lead to lower premiums for employee health insurance. by Elise Carter
For the past five years, Florida’s hospitals have been working together across the state to significantly improve care for patients, increase the value of care in our state and set a national model for improving care. The 107 Florida hospitals that participated in a
five-year program to reduce costs cut $47.5 million during that time, according to a report released in August by the Florida Hospital Association. The lower costs resulting from the program — which included Orlando Health Inc., Florida Hospital and HCA hospitals — is good news for employers. Lower health care costs eventually can lead to lower premiums for health insurance for employers. Here’s a breakdown of what was accomplished for the participating hospitals: • Hospital readmissions: Down 15 percent. The number of patients readmitted within 15 days of discharge declined 15 percent. Patients affected: 1,500. Savings: $25 million. 6 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
• Surgical complications: Down 14.5 percent over a 15-month period at the 67 hospitals participating in the Florida Surgical Care Initiative. Lives saved: 89. Savings: $6.67 million. • Blood stream infections: Down 41 percent at the 35 hospitals participating in this area. Lives saved: 37. Savings: $15 million. • Urinary tract infections: Down 37 percent over 19 months. Through statewide initiatives led by the Florida Hospital Association, hospitals are working to address readmissions, surgical complications, infections such as central line blood stream infections and catheter associated urinary tract infections, and other complications. Today, we’ve seen real results. Complications and readmissions have dropped, lives have been saved, and millions of dollars in costs are avoided each year. ✳
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Heart disease often goes undetected until it’s too late, so we have created a heart risk assessment to help evaluate your risk for the number-one cause of death among Americans. Visit FLHeart.org today and take the heart risk assessment. It’s quick. It’s easy. It could save your life.
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WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 7
City of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board, in Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
4th Annual
Saturday September 14, 2013 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Bill Breeze Park 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, 34761 www.ocoee.org (407) 905-3100
ENJOY THE FUN! Latin Cuisine Festive Games and Prizes Piñatas Bounce House Face Painting Door prizes Salsa Dancing Live Music Magical Train Rides PC Cruiser demonstration by Ocoee Police Department
Thank You to our Sponsors:
Puppet Show by Ocoee Fire Department
Bring Your Own Blanket And Lawn Chair! 8 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
Tibet-Butler Preserve Discover Nature Right In Our Own Backyard by Ryan Gregory |
As the heat
of a Central Florida summer begins to wane, many of us in West Orange County begin to venture into the great outdoors once again. May I suggest you check out Tibet-Butler Preserve. Located on CR 535 in West Orange County, Tibet-Butler Preserve and Vera Carter Educational Center consists of 438 acres and offers numerous educational programs to teach children and adults about our environment. For information on events, programs, and hours of operation visit OrangeCountyParks.com or call 407 867-6696.
ECO Saturdays Events For September September 21st Wool: The Whole Nine Yards: Investigate how wool makes its way from sheep to consumer. Along the way we will discuss other products that come from sheep, and the differences between wild, domestic, and feral animals. Learn how to card wool and take some home! Recommended for ages 7 & up; limited to 20 participants.
September 28th Owl Pellet Dissection: Discuss owl adaptations and explore owl-specific food chains. Uncover the mysteries of the pellets owls produce and piece together the bones of owl prey. $2.00 per person fee for owl pellets; recommended for ages 7& up; limited to 30 participants. www.OrangeCountyParks.net WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 9
Monthly Bleeding Ruling Your Life? Endometrial Ablation Could Be The Solution
by Dr. Douglas E. Gearity, M.D. The Women’s Center of Orlando
N
o woman wants to be ruled by her menstrual cycle, yet millions of American women are each and every month. Heavy monthly bleeding
can impact your career, cause you to miss work, spoil your plans, dictate what activities you can and cannot do, and soil your clothing at the same time. Dr. Douglas Gearity, of the Women’s Center, has been performing a simple in-house procedure known as endometrial ablation successfully for many 10 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
years. Approximately 70% of the women who have endometrial ablation performed never have a period again. The remaining percentage of women experience a considerably reduced flow, often wearing only a liner for a few days. Women regain control of their lives, and avoid being bound by their menstrual flow. Endometrial ablation is not a form of birth control; however it
should only be done after a woman is done having children because the lining of the uterus becomes distorted. If a woman becomes pregnant following this procedure, it will often end in a miscarriage because the lining is compromised and is therefore unable to provide nourishment to the fetus. Prior to having the procedure, the gynecologist will conduct a pregnancy test to ensure that the woman is not currently pregnant.
What Is Abnormal Bleeding? hot water balloon as well as ra-
tion, most women only experience
dio-frequency electric energy. Each
mild discomfort for a few days.
The average menses lasts 3 to 5 days
method has its own forms of risks
After that, a woman can enjoy all of
and the total average blood flow is
and recoveries involved with them.
the benefits of endometrial ablation
approximately 6 tablespoons. Wom-
When a woman makes an appoint-
such as reduced menstrual flow,
en who experience heavy bleeding
ment for the procedure, it’s import-
reduced clotting and generally a
may have significantly more than
ant to speak with the doctor to find
shorter period, if not an eliminated
this amount. When the blood flow
out what procedure is going to be
one altogether. Further, it can lead
is heavier, clotting is occurring or
used and what is to be expected
to less PMS symptoms.
there are other abnormalities. It is
during the hours and days follow-
beneficial to look into endometrial
ing the procedure.
ablation because of how simple the
It is a simple procedure that most insurance companies cover, which
procedure is to have performed, as well as how it can reduce future menses. Changing a tampon several times in a day is not “normal”, and there is a solution.
What Is an Endometrial Ablation? Endometrial ablation is a procedure that is done with local sedation that allows the gynecologist to go into the uterus and distort its lining known as the endometrium. By doing so, it allows the blood to
The Women’s Center uses the
flow into the walls of the uterus as
appropriate method, depending on
opposed to into the vaginal canal.
the situation and the patient, in-
means that there is little to no outof-pocket expense for the patient.
cluding the Thermachoice System. There are several different ways
The Thermachoice System uses
that endometrial ablation can be
heated saline to burn the uterus lin-
performed. Heated saline, micro-
ing. Patients don’t feel the burning,
wave energy, the placement of a
and with the use of pain medica-
continued on Page 12 WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 11
(continued from Page 11)
Endometrial Ablation or Hysterectomy Many patients choose endometrial ablation over a hysterectomy to relieve excessive bleeding because it is the safer option. It does not affect hormones and it does not force a woman into menopause. Further, because it is a local anesthesia over a general anesthesia, it is considered to be a reduced risk procedure. Endometrial ablation is not a painful procedure. There are no overnight hospital stays and it doesn’t even need to be performed in a hospital. There is only mild pain over the next 24 to 48 hours. The gynecologist will provide a local anesthetic for the procedure itself. Following the procedure, pain medication is prescribed to get through the next two days. Most people will be able to resume all of their normal activities within 24 hours of having the procedure. Someone will simply need to be with the patient the day of to provide transportation back home. The Endometrial Ablation is performed in the office. Patients make an appointment with their gynecologist for a pap smear and pelvic examination. Once all required testing have been performed, and the gynecologist has determined that everything is safe to proceed, an appointment is made for the endometrial ablation.
A Woman Does Not Go Through Menopause Immediately After An Endometrial Ablation It is important to understand that a woman does not go through menopause immediately following the endometrial ablation. This procedure is only treating the lining of the uterine cavity and thus does not affect the ovaries. The ovaries will continue to produce estrogen and progesterone. The hormone production will stop around the age of 50, which is when most women begin to experience menopausal symptoms. 12 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
In Summary Overall, there are many benefits to having the endometrial ablation. The name itself can make the procedure sound significantly more involved than it really is. When women are tired of being ruled by their menstrual flow each month, this in-office procedure can be the solution to getting one’s life back. It’s as simple as sitting down with the gynecologist to see if they are a candidate and what they can anticipate after the procedure.
The Women’s Center has seven locations: Hunter’s Creek, Downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Mary, St. Cloud, Clermont, and Ocoee. We have several doctors qualified to perform an endometrial ablation in an office that’s convenient for you. Call us to schedule a consultation at 407-857-2502.
Baldwin Park Living Princess-Heroes_DOI 7/9/2013 12:49 PM Page 1
WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 13
12 Baldwin Park Living
real estate & lifestyle Rising Prices, Interest Rates Drive Orlando Sales up 15%
T
he median price of existing homes sold in the Orlando area during July jumped 25 percent over July of 2012, the greatest year-to-year increase since the tail end of the red-hot market in January 2006, reports the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association.
buyers paid an average interest rate of 3.78. Short sales made up 55.16 percent of pending sales in July 2013. Normal properties accounted for 31.40 percent of pendings, while bank-owned properties accounted for 13.44 percent.
ORRA Chairman Steve Merchant, owner-broker of Global Realty International, explains that climbing prices are spurring buyers into action. “Between rising prices and rising interest rates, many buyers are taking the opportunity to get while the getting is good. The result is that sales went up 15 percent in July.”
Affordability Steady increases in median price have caused the affordability index to drop nearly 72 points since January 2013. Buyers who earn the reported median income of $55,214 can qualify to purchase one of 3,879 homes in Orange and Seminole counties currently listed in the local multiple listing service for $283,446 or less.
The July 2013 median price of $157,000 is precisely 24.60 percent higher when compared to July 2012 and 4.49 percent higher when compared to June 2013. Orlando’s median price has risen 23.62 percent since January of 2013 and 45.37 percent since January 2012. In addition to the overall median increase, each individual sales type experienced a year-to-year median price increase in July, with foreclosures leading the way with a 16.99 percent jump. The median price of short sales increased 13.64 percent; the median price of normal sales increased 10.45 percent. The average interest rate paid by Orlando homebuyers in July was 4.51 percent. Last month, homebuyers paid an average interest rate of 4.25 percent; this month last year, home14 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
compared to July of 2012, while condo inventory is up by 2.53 percent. The inventory of duplexes, townhomes, and villas is up by 17.41 percent. Current inventory combined with the current pace of sales created a 2.86-month supply of homes in Orlando for July. There was a 3.30-month supply in July 2012 and a 2.86-month supply last month.
Inventory Thanks to an 18 percent increase in the influx of new listings, the number of existing homes (all types combined) available for purchase in Orlando is 0.09 percent below that of July 2012 and now rests at 8,099. Inventory increased in number by 483 properties over last month.
This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association and the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. Neither the association nor MFRMLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the association or MFRMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Due to late closings, an adjustment is necessary to record those closings posted after our reporting date. ORRA REALTOR® sales, referred to as the core market, represent all sales by members of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, not necessarily those sales strictly in Orange and Seminole counties. Note that statistics released each month may be revised in the future as new data is received. Orlando MSA numbers reflect sales of homes located in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake counties by members of any REALTOR® association, not just members of ORRA
The inventory of single-family homes is down by 2.15 percent when
Reprinted with permission.Orlando Regional Realtor Assoc. All rights reserved.
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WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 15
Tavistock Group Launches Second Phase of The Grove At Isleworth by Ryan Gregory
Tavistock Development Company announced its expansion plans for The Grove at Isleworth, which will include well-know Orlando favorites Dexter’s and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice along with hot new concepts BurgerFi and Marilyn Monroe Spa at the Windermere shopping center. The construction is scheduled to commence before Fall 2013 and includes more than 82,000 square feet of space.
These new tenants join LA Fitness, Panera Bread, JP Morgan Chase, Walgreen’s, Windermere Village Dentistry, Fifth Third Bank and Publix in one of Orange County’s most affluent trade areas at the south west corner of Conroy-Windermere and Apopka-Vineland Road.
Cali Chick Boutique, Salt Scene and Soul Mates Boutique have also signed leases in The Grove’s new phase, which will include two buildings with retail and restaurant space on the first floor and medical and professional office space on the second floor. The building will line an open-air , tree-lined plaza.
Winter Garden Village Has New Owner
by Elise Carter
West Orange County’s 161-acre signature retail development has a new owner: DDR Corp. DDR Winter Garden LLC, an entity related to the Beachwood, Ohio-based real estate investment trust (NYSE: DDR), spent $196 million to buy the 1.1 million-square-foot Winter Garden Village at Fowler
Groves from Cole MT Winter Garden FL LLC and Spirit MT Winter Garden FL LLC on July 19, Orange County records showed. DDR is marketing the available space for lease on its website. This is the largest retail transaction so far this year and was close to the total of $251 million worth of retail investment sales in Central Florida in this year’s first half, which involved 21 deals, CBRE Inc. reported. That’s an indicator that investors are willing to spend big money on Central Florida real estate. Additionally, the new owner could put more capital towards improving or developing the property. The transaction also comes just five years after the seller, a subsidiary of Phoenix-based Cole Real Estate Investment, bought the open-air lifestyle center for $180.4 million from developer The Sembler Co.
16 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
Keenes Pointe - Windermere Home For Rent $3200 p/month
Winter Garden Home For Rent Bay Isle on Black Lake $2750 p/month
Beautiful 4 Bedrooms/ 3 Baths Brazilian Cherry Wood Floors, cherry cabinets, crown molding, french doors, built-in entertainment center, built-in office, heated pool & spa.
Spacious 4 Bedrooms/ 3.5 Baths Master on main, Lakeview, Stone Fireplace, Open Floorplan, Loft, Many extras. Appointment Only
Call: Linda Stern, Broker 407 376-2434 Email: Linda@FlaOrlando.com The Stern Group Pofessional Real Estate Services www.FlaOrlando.com
Call: Linda Stern, Broker 407 376-2434 Email: Linda@FlaOrlando.com The Stern Group Professional Real Estate Services www.FlaOrlando.com
WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 17
Call Today for your Free No Obligation Value Analysis.
Multi-Million Dollar Producers 8 year Winter Garden Residents Selling Winter Garden since 2004
And you’ll never pay 6% Commission! Who better knows Winter Garden than someone who lives here!
Linda A. Stern Broker | Realtor
The Stern Group
professional real estate services 407 376.2434 Info@FlaOrlando.com www.FlaOrlando.com
18 | September 2013 WinterGardenMag.com
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WinterGardenMag.com September 2013 | 19
Winter Garden Magazine a production of Stern Media PO Box 1506 Windermere, FL 34786 WinterGardenMag.com