01.12.17 Windermere Observer

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WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

Sam Hilsee helps lead Olympia girls soccer. 17

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VOLUME 2, NO. 14

ARTS & CULTURE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Wawa, 24 Hour Fitness to anchor MetroWest development PAGE 3

Meet the ‘Violin Lady’ PAGE 7

YOUR TOWN DONATE ARTIFICIAL TREES FOR BRIDGEWATER DANCE The PTSO at Bridgewater Middle School is looking for donations of artificial Christmas trees for its Jan. 28 Winter Wonderland eighth-grade formal dance. Trees of all sizes will be accepted and can be dropped off at the school office, 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The trees will be stored and reused each year. For questions, contact Jennifer Benton or Debra Allen at bwmsevents@gmail.com.

WEST ORANGE WELCOMES FIRST BABY OF 2017

Heaven calls home a hero Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, an alumna of Dr. Phillips High and an Ocoee resident, was killed in the line of duty Monday morning. OBSERVER STAFF

The passion Debra Clayton had for the Orlando community — and the Central Florida community, at large — was evident in the work she did as a master sergeant for the Orlando Police Department. She grew up in the community, was educated in the community and chose to work

Antonella AponteFigueroa had the honor of being the first baby born at Health Central Hospital, in Ocoee, on New Year’s Day. She came into this world at 4:15 p.m. weighing 6 pounds, 9.5 ounces and measuring 20.25 inches in length. Her parents are Sharalexis Figueroa and Steven Aponte. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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in service of the community. And, on Jan. 9, Clayton made the ultimate sacrifice for the community she cared so deeply about. Clayton was shot and killed in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect at Walmart in northwest Orlando at the intersection of North John Young Parkway and Princ-

eton Street. Clayton, who lived in Ocoee with her husband, was a 17-year veteran of the department. Before joining the Orlando Police Department in 1999, she graduated from Dr. Phillips High School in 1993 and earned a bachelor’s degree in SEE PAGE 4

Windermere Country Club owner files lawsuit against Orange County GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

The owner of the Windermere Country Club Golf Course has filed a lawsuit against Orange County after its decision to deny him development rights that would have allowed him to build 95 homes.

Unhappy with Orange County commissioners’ unanimous decision to deny him the development rights to a 155-acre plat on his property, the owner of the Windermere Country Club Golf Course is trying – again – to obtain the right to develop the property with 95 homes.

However, this time, he’s taking legal action with a lawsuit against Orange County. But the Windermere Country Club Homeowner’s Association and nearby homeowners who oppose Bryan DeCunha’s desire to redevelop the course fought long and hard for their victory during the Board of County Commissioners meeting Oct. SEE PAGE 4


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THURSDAY, JAN. 12

YOU R CALENDAR

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

WEST ORANGE REPUBLIC WOMEN FEDERATED

11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Guest speaker is Joanie Consolver, past president of the Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Lunch is $20. worw.federated@gmail. com.

PICKETT’S CHARGE

5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Cooper Memorial Library, 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont. Allan Lane, of Winter Garden, will discuss a Gettysburg battlefield clash in which his great-great-grandfather, a soldier, was injured. Pastfinders of South Lake County Genealogical Society is hosting this free event. pastfindersslc.gmail.com.

YOGA FOR ALL

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Yoga for All with Orlando City Yoga provides a community-based, noncompetitive environment to explore, learn and have fun. Flexibility not required. Attendees are encouraged to dress in comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. orlandocityyoga.com.

SATURDAY, JAN. 14

BLUE HIKE: LAKE BEAUCLAIR TOUR

8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Trimble Park Ramp, 5802 Trimble Park Road, Mount Dora. Join Oakland Nature Preserve President Jim Peterson for a two- to three-hour kayak tour on the

lake. Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak and a life jacket. No beginners or inflatable kayaks. Preregistration required at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. Limited space is available. Free for ONP members, $5 for others. (407) 905-0054.

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

’80S ZUMBATHON

9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Rosen JCC Event Center, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Bust out those leg warmers, sweatbands and neon tights to kick it ’80s style. Event is free. (407) 3875330 or craigl@rosenjcc.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 18 I HAVE A DREAM

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr. by making crafts inspired by your own dreams and the importance of peace and togetherness. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.18, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Certified assistants will answer questions regarding the Affordable Care Act and assist with enrolling in the Health Insurance Marketplace. The open enrollment period for 2017 will end Jan. 31. (407) 340-0844 or visit facebook.com/enrollorlando.

BRAIN FIT FOR KIDS

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Windermere Library,

530 Main St. Exercise your mind and strengthen your mental skills with crafts, games and activities. Appropriate for ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Health Central Hospital, 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee. Orlando Health and the hospital are hosting this first West Orange Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours for 2017. Cost for this network-building event is $5 in advance and $10 at the door for Chamber members and $20 for all others. RSVP at wochamber. com.

AN EVENING OF RECOLLECTIONS

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. History comes alive when people who lived it share their stories. Jerry Chicone Jr. and Larry Grimes, both Winter Garden natives and good friends for many decades, have gathered quite a collection of tales and memories and will share their stories. Seating is limited. RSVP to jcrescitelli@ wghf.org or call (407) 6563244.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21 CAMELLIA SALE

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Windermere’s Arbor Day festivities in and around Town Hall, 520 Main St. Members of the Windermere Garden Club are selling the plants. (386) 986-0704.

EDIBLE PLANTS HIKE

10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at

the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail. Join Master Naturalist and author Peggy Lantz for a talk about edible wild plants at ONP. Learn what is growing in your backyard that you can eat. Then take a hike around the preserve to search for edible plants. Lantz will have her book for sale, as well. Free for ONP members, $5 for others. Register at oaklandnaturepreserve.org. FAIRYTALE ADVENTURES

11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Explore the magical and imaginary world of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” “The Three Little Pigs” and “Little Red Riding Hood” through bilingual stories, songs and activities. Appropriate for ages 3 to 5. (407) 835-7323.

ECOSATURDAY: WINTER WONDERLAND

11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and the Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. It’s winter in Florida, but what is winter like in other places around the world. Investigate the environmental changes that happen when the temperature drops and use science to create some Floridaready snow. Ages 7 and older; limited to 30 people. Class is free. (407) 254-1940.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24

SOUTHWEST BOOK CLUB

7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. This month’s selection is “Flight of Dreams,” by Ariel Lawhon. This historical fiction novel takes the reader on the thrilling

three-day transatlantic flight of the doomed Hindenburg through the voices and lives of its passengers. Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to attend. No registration needed. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

CUISINE CORNER JUNIOR

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn and create a winterinspired treat to celebrate the season and enjoy a sweet dessert. Registration recommended. Ages 8 to 18. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28

WINDERMERE WINE & DINE

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in and around Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Thirty top restaurants will present their wines and specialty dishes at this popular event presented by Tim’s Wine Market and Napleton. Tickets are $100 (or $65 for food and non-alcoholic drinks) and are available at windermerewineanddine.com.

SHARE THE LOVE GALA

6:30 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Orlando Science Center, 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando. The gala benefits the Montessori of Winter Garden Charter School and includes food and drink, science-themed fun and entertainment, dancing, live music and an online silent auction. Cathy Tobin, (407) 654-2045 or cathy@mwgcs.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Roper YMCA says goodbye to beloved friend and colleague Long-time YMCA employee Ricki Gordon lost her battle with breast cancer on Dec. 26. STAFF WRITER

Debbie Scraper hardly put her phone down over Christmas weekend. She was expecting bad news — her friend and colleague from the Roper YMCA, RickiLyn Gordon, was dying. “She had a zest for life,” said Scraper, who works as the business assistant at Roper YMCA. “She was very bubbly. She talked to anyone. She was a huge Patriots fan and knew everything about sports. She welcomed anyone into her home at any time. That’s just the kind of person she was.” After a weekend of waiting, the news came through on Facebook. “Heaven received another angel,” one of Gordon’s family members posted on Dec. 26, and that’s when Scraper knew Gordon had finally lost her fight with breast cancer. “I knew she was dying, but it still hit hard,” Scraper said. It was also a huge loss for the Roper YMCA. Gordon worked the front desk and was known for her attentive customer service.

“People loved her,” said Robert McCormick, the facilities coordinator at the Roper YMCA, who had known Gordon for about six years. “She radiated care and love. I don’t think I ever saw her without a smile on her face.” Gordon joined the Roper YMCA about six years ago when Scraper recommended her for the front desk position. She had befriended Gordon after meeting her at the Chili’s in Winter Garden and knew Gordon would be perfect for the open position. “We were looking for someone to hire, and I knew she was the right one,” Scraper said. Gordon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. After chemotherapy, the cancer appeared to be shrinking, but was rediscovered earlier in 2016 when doctors found several tumors in her back. “She had been saying that her back was bothering her a lot,” Scraper recalled. “Then she found out it was in her bones.” After her initial diagnosis two years ago, she stopped working at the YMCA as she underwent treatment. Eventually she returned to her position at the

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE When: 5 p.m. Friday Jan. 13 Where: Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden

front desk. But when the tumors returned earlier this year, she said goodbye to her job. In the months that followed, YMCA members constantly asked about Gordon. “When you make an impact on people like Ricki did, it’s hard to forget her,” McCormick said. To pay tribute to the woman who touched so many lives at the Roper YMCA, the staff placed a book at the front desk for members to sign and record their memories of Gordon. It will be given to her family at her celebration of life service on Jan. 13. “You could always light up a room with your smile” one person wrote. “Be at peace with the Lord.” “We will miss your warmth and beautiful smile (and your coffee),” another said.

The messages go on for pages. “Your warmth and beautiful optimism will be missed.” “I will always remember how kind you were to me.” “You were special to so many.” “I will always remember you.” For the Roper YMCA employees who worked with her for years, it doesn’t seem the same without Gordon around. “When she would open, you

Kirkman Station, set to open late 2017, will feature Wawa, 24 Hour Fitness BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

Plans for a new shopping center have been finalized for the intersection of Raleigh Street and S. Kirkman Road in MetroWest. The development has already been dubbed Kirkman Station. For several months, Equinox Development Properties Inc. has been working to obtain approval from both the City of Orlando and MetroWest to build a retail complex on the corner plot of land. “It was driven by Wawa because it’s a hole in the market for them,” said Ryan Stahl, Chief Executive Officer

of Equinox Development Properties Inc. “We had been looking at it for a while.” The Pennsylvania-based Wawa recently celebrated opening its 100th store in Florida, and has plans to open at least another 10 stores around Florida in 2017. But Wawa wasn’t the only one to show an interest in the development. 24 Hour Fitness also plans to anchor the complex. With more than 400 locations in 13 different states, the California-based 24 Hour Fitness is know for its fitness centers that are open around the clock. The location was also ideal for attracting students from Valencia

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Community College, which backs up to the development. Equinox Development estimated that about 29,744 students and 1,550 faculty and staff will have access to Kirkman Station. “Having that many students next door was a big driver,” Stahl said. “We worked with Valencia, and we’re (creating) a path system of sidewalks that will encourage the student to walk through our development.” In addition to the nearby student population at Valencia Community College, the intersection typically sees 70,000 vehicles pass through on a daily basis, a sizable volume that could further boost the businesses at Kirkman Station.

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Kirkman Station will feature 11,000 square feet of space, which has the potential to include a drive-thru restaurant. Stahl said they have the ability to expand to nearly 20,000 square feet of space, but right now there doesn’t appear to be a need for additional space in the development. Right now, plans are being finalized with both the City of Orlando and MetroWest, but Stahl said they expect to break ground in March 2017. According to documents from the City of Orlando, the development of Kirkman Station “is consistent with the city’s growth management plan.” “MetroWest has been very supportive of this particular development,” Stahl said. “There should be a lot going on down there (next year).” Kirkman Station is expected to open at the end of 2017. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@ orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Master Sgt. Clayton remembered

WINDERMERE

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.”

A CAREER FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY Orlando Police Department Master Sgt. Debra Clayton Years with OPD: 17 Clayton began as an officer with OPD and climbed the ranks to sergeant before being promoted to master sergeant in 2016. She was most recently working dayside patrol in north Orlando. Commendations: At least 14, along with numerous M.E.R.I.T. awards Some of Master Sgt. Clayton’s involvements with OPD over the years include: Crimes Against Children Unit First responder during Pulse Gang Intervention Unit Neighborhood Patrol Unit West Problem Oriented Policing Division Special Enforcement Section Super Kids Unit School Resource Officer at Dr. Phillips High School

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, AmyQ@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers

“The loss of our friend and hero to this community only strengthens our resolve to fight for justice.”

Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@Orange Observer.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@ OrangeObserver.com

– John Mina, Orlando Police Chief

Creative Services Courtesy Photos

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

public administration from the University of Central Florida in 1998. Later, in 2002, she completed a master’s program in criminal justice, again at UCF. The news of her passing came as a shock to Sanita Dhanraj, a neighbor of Clayton’s in northeast Ocoee. “When I first saw the news, I saw the picture but I didn’t recognize her…but then my husband called me on the phone and said, ‘look at the news, it’s our neighbor,’” Dhanraj said. “When I saw the video on the news…my heart sank because I knew it was her. I knew right away, and I cried.” Dhanraj says she had been neighbors with Clayton for 13 years and that the families would invite one another to gatherings at their respective homes.

“She was an excellent human being,” Dhanraj said. “That’s the best way to describe her.” Orlando Police Chief John Mina took it a step further in his comments to the media that afternoon, calling Clayton “a hero.” “She grew up here,” Mina said. “She deeply cared about the community and all our different community engagement efforts. …It’s really tragic anytime a police officer is killed in the line of duty. But she was so deeply involved in the community, and it hurts all the more because I know that she was trying to do her part to make this community safer.” Law-enforcement departments around the area — and, indeed, the nation — joined in echoing Mina’s sentiments. Those sentiments were echoed not just for Clayton, but also for Orange County Deputy First Class Norman Lewis of

the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, who was killed in an accident while on his motorcycle as he attempted to secure a perimeter during a manhunt for the suspect. Local Congresswoman Val Demings, who knew Clayton from her own time with the Orlando Police Department, joined in lamenting her passing in a Facebook post. “I had the honor of working with Sgt. Debra Clayton for many years at the Orlando Police Department,” read the post. “Sgt. Clayton was a fine law enforcement officer, wife and mother who served her community with pride and was a mentor to young women.” At press time, the manhunt for suspect Markeith Loyd was still ongoing. Inspired by their fallen colleague, local law enforcement has promised to persist and bring the accused to justice.

“The loss of our friend and hero to this community only strengthens our resolve to fight for justice,” Mina stated in a social-media post. Gabby Baquero, Brittany Gaines, Danielle Hendrix, Amy Quesinberry and Steven Ryzewski all contributed to this report.

HOW YOU CAN HELP? The official GoFundMe account set up to benefit the family of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton can be found online at gofundme. com/msgt-debra-clayton-opdfallen-ofc. All funds received will go directly to her husband for the family’s expenses. As of 4 p.m. Jan 10, $17,797 had been raised, with the goal set at $20,000.

Developer sues county CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

18, and they’re not backing out now. The reason DeCunha gave for his proposal to redevelop the course was declining membership. When submitting an application for development, however, he ran into a snag because the development rights, per an agreement from 1985 with the original developers, were entrusted to the county to ensure permanent open space. Therefore, the only way for DeCunha to redevelop the property is if the county decided to vacate the rights and amend the 1985 agreement. Such a decision would have had repercussions for the homeowners, as their property values would have plummeted an estimated 20%. During the Oct. 18 meeting, many residents said the contractual guarantee of the

permanent open space served as a major deciding factor in the purchase of their own homes. Kurt Ardaman, an attorney who represents the homeowners association, explained the situation. “The code requirements that were put in place back in the 1980s – and remain in place until today – required that the original developer maintain those 155 acres as open space in perpetuity,” Ardaman said. “So (DeCunha) is attempting to breach that agreement by suing the county to make the county violate what it promised to do on behalf of all the homeowners that purchased homes in there.” Ardaman suspects the case DeCunha is making in his defense will make for a poor argument, particularly as the county’s decision was consistent with contractual law, statutes and codes. DeCunha’s chances of win-

ning the case might also be threatened if the court approves the HOA’s application to present its position on why the court should decide the county’s original decision should be upheld. Leigh Ann Dyal, the president of the Windermere Country Club’s Homeowners Association who has lived in the club for 20 years, knows anything can happen. “I’m very upset about it because we finally paid our house off and now this happens,” she said. As the HOA president, Dyal has been researching investors interested in buying the course from DeCunha to turn it into a beautiful golf course again. She has found several investors, but DeCunha’s lack of interest in selling complicates matters. “It’s unfortunate that this developer wishes to place this burden on the homeowners and the HOA and the county, cost-

ing the taxpayers money and everyone involved a lot of grief and headache when he knew what he was buying,” Ardaman said. George Huxhold, the HOA’s vice president, said he wouldn’t be surprised if DeCunha chooses to take the case as far as it could go, but he said the HOA remains steadfast in its determination to fight him the whole way. “We just can’t see how he would have anything to grab ahold of that would allow a judge or another panel to give him these development rights because when he bought the property he knew darn well that he didn’t have the development rights,” Huxhold said. “He knew darn well that it was designated permanent open space. We just can’t see why he’s continuing to fight this.”

Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com

CONTACT US

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE For display or digital advertising, call Ann Marie Vibbert, Michelle Gentry or Cyndi Gustafson at (407) 656-2121. For classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Thank You! For your support of

Business and Individual Contributors

The Reading Reindeer Program Sponsored by:

Adult Literacy League

Just 1 Book

West Oaks Library

Kurt and Karen Ardaman

Levin Holiday Party

Windermere Library

Axum Coffee

Pammie’s Sammies Staff

Windermere Rotary

Bloom & Grow Garden Society

Rotary Club of Winter Garden

Book Warehouse

Southwest Library

Candlelight Circle

West Orange Chamber of Commerce

The West Orange Times & Windermere Observer and Healthy West Orange

The 20th Year of the Reading Reindeer program. We collected and distributed more than 4,000 new books to children in the West Orange community.

First United Methodist Church, Winter Garden Florida Film Academy House Blend Cafe

Winter Garden Library William & Mary Beth Asma Asma & Asma West Orange Healthcare District

West Orange Page Turners Book Club

Lucy & Harry Bradford

Natalie and Kelly Williams

55+ Group-Jessie Brock Center

Distribution Partners Christian Service Center

St. Jude Catholic Church

Early Learning Coalition

Toys for Tots Winter Garden Police Dept.

Edgewood Children’s Ranch Maxzey Center

Toys for Tots Ocoee Police Department

Head Start at Maxey Elementary Play and Learn Day School Winter Garden 226898

Resurrection Catholic Church

Winter Garden Children’s Health Center

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Dr. Phillips’s Plaza Venezia bought in $92.5 million acquisition

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This Publix Super Market is the anchor for Dr. Phillips’s Plaza Venezia.

Jacksonville-based developer and real estate investor Regency Centers, along with a partner, bought the shopping center in December. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

One of the busiest shopping centers in the Dr. Phillips area — which includes much of Restaurant Row — has sold for $92.5 million. Jacksonville-based developer and real estate investor Regency Centers announced Dec. 21 that it, along with a partner, had acquired the 201,000-square-foot property known as Plaza Venezia. Situated on about 25 acres along Sand Lake Road in the Dr. Phillips community, Plaza Venezia is anchored by Publix Super Markets and is in close proximity to Interstate 4, International Drive and other popular Central Florida attractions. Plaza Venezia boasts more than 55 spaces for retail, including secondstory office space. According to Regency Center’s property brochure, six openings are currently available for lease. Some retailers in Plaza Venezia include Eddie V’s, Rocco’s Tacos, First Watch, Starbucks, Publix, Seasons 52, Roy’s, Panera Bread, Bonefish Grill and Barnes & Noble. Regency Centers stated in its property brochure that the plaza anchors much of Orlando’s strongest restaurant concentration and sees more than 66 million visitors each year.

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REGENCY CENTERS (904) 598-7000 info@RegencyCenters.com www.regencycenters.com For more information about Plaza Venezia, leasing, area demographics and more, visit its Regency profile page at bit.ly/2iaOCyB.

“Plaza Venezia fits perfectly within Regency’s strategy of owning bestin-class grocery-anchored shopping centers in dominant trade areas,” said Barry Argalas, senior vice president of national transactions for Regency Centers, in an official statement on the company’s website. “Plaza Venezia serves the affluent Dr. Phillips and Bay Hill submarkets and further benefits from strong daytime and evening traffic. “The combination of these factors creates a thriving retail environment for tenants at the center and enhances the opportunity for future growth.” Regency Centers has owned, operated and developed groceryanchored retail centers for more than 50 years. It owns 307 centers, 18 regional offices and properties located in most major U.S. markets. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

ARTS + CULTURE Winter Garden’s QUICK HITS FRIDAY, JAN. 13

BETWEEN THE BRUSHES 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. Adults of all ages can complete an acrylic painting on stretched canvas of an egret. Supplies are included in the class. Cost is $35. (407) 909-1869.

Violin Lady

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

ROSEN JCC’S ZUMBATHON 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 15 at Rosen JCC, 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Break out the sweats and neon tights for a morning of calorie-burning , exhilarating, Latin-inspired dance fitness to 80s music with area Zumba instructors. Free. (407) 387-5330.

TUESDAY, JAN. 17

A free-spirited street musician from Ocoee, who makes her living playing her violin in downtown Winter Garden, shares her story.

GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

S

he’s hard not to notice, but you’ll likely hear her before you spot her.

You’ll hear her skillfully playing Bach on her violin and look around in search of the music’s source. Your search will produce a scene of a lone street musician on the corner of Plant and Main streets in downtown Winter Garden, or, if it’s a Saturday, near the farmer’s market. You’ll stop walking and listen to Sasha Alexandra Novkov passionately display her 20 years of expertise with the violin to all the nearby pedestrians. You might even strike up a conversation with her, asking her the questions she hears all the time. “How long have you been playing the violin?” you’ll inquire. “Twenty years,” she’ll answer. “You don’t even look 20 years old,” you might respond. “It’s the same conversation with every single person that

asks me that, and it’s so funny,” Novkov said. “I might as well wear a sign that says, ‘Yes, I know I look very young.’ ” Novkov, a 28-year-old violinist who moved to Florida eight years ago from Ohio, now lives with her daughter, husband and fatherin-law in Ocoee. She makes her living playing her violin in Winter Garden, earning between $80 to $100 for two to three hours of work. Although, how much she makes per day largely depends on the time of year and weather that day, she said. She learned how to play the violin at an early age and doesn’t remember ever struggling to learn the musical instrument during her 10 years of private instruction. “I just always really wanted to. When I was a little kid, my dad and I used to cut cardboard violins out of, like, construction paper and I would pretend to play,” she recalled. “They made me wait until I was 8 to get my first violin, which was probably a good call because I don’t think I would have had the patience for it any earlier.” Novkov, whose family hails from Serbia, chose the life of a street musician after noticing the income she made nearly rivaled the money she made with a nor-

SEE NOVKOV PAGE 8

I HAVE A DREAM 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Southwest Branch Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate the life and dream of Martin Luther King Jr., by making crafts inspired by your own dreams and the importance of peace and togetherness. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

RAVE OF THE WEEK

“We lost our dog, Ben, to liver failure a few days before Christmas. We had only been to Winter Garden Animal Hospital a few times with Ben, but they showed us such care, compassion and sympathy at what was an extremely hard time. From the gentlemen that carried him in, to the assistants who tried to get his IV, right up to the hand-written note we received from Dr. Floyd with a poem and an ink print of Ben’s paws just yesterday. Ben was a member of our family that we will miss terribly. I’d like to thank them for doing their job just a little bit better. It was truly appreciated.” - Dana Dougherty-Conroy


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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

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Sasha Alexandra Novkov is Winter Garden’s local violinist.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

mal job but offered her more freedom. With her carefree outlook on life, easy laughter and tattoos, Novkov looks like the definition of a free spirit. However, she maintains she’s an entrepreneur at heart. She’s started two separate businesses, including a teaching studio in Winter Park that she owned for five years before she gave it up. She’s not sure what she’ll do next if she ever decides to open another business, but she’s not worried. “I owned a teaching studio, and I just got really sick of it, you know? It wasn’t any fun,” Novkov said. “And a lot of times, when you’re teaching kids, it’s not the kid’s idea to take lessons, it’s the parents. So then you end up just babysitting them for a half hour where they’re not practicing and they suck and you don’t want to listen to them and they don’t want to be there.” She ultimately decided to give the life of a street musician a shot. At the beginning, she was dedicated and played gigs all the time. She had even set her sights on

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joining the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and received tutelage, she said. But she changed her mind once she saw the pay difference between independent freelance work and orchestra work. “I would have had to spend all of my time rehearsing for something that didn’t pay me as well as I just made in a half hour today,” Novkov said, pointing to her violin case which held $54 she had made in a half hour. “There was just no point to it, not for me.” Preferring the independence and flexibility of working as a street musician, Novkov has now been playing in the streets of Winter Garden for a little more than a year. She’s made friends with people by talking to strangers, including other artists and homeless folks, and sometimes feels like a local celebrity. “But, you know I like when people stop and talk to me,” Novkov said. “It’s really nice to just get new friends all the time. Basically everyone here in downtown Winter Garden knows who I am. Now I can’t go anywhere without someone going, ‘Look, it’s the violin lady!’”

“Basically everyone here in downtown Winter Garden knows who I am. Now I can’t go anywhere without someone going, ‘Look, it’s the violin lady!’” – Sasha Alexandra Novkov

Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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West Orange County to celebrate MLK day Residents in Winter Garden, Ocoee and Dr. Phillips have a few options for celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

OAKLAND AVENUE CHARTER MLK ESSAY PRESENTATION

WEST ORANGE

The city of Ocoee’s 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration on Jan. 16 is presented by the City of Ocoee’s Human Relations Diversity Board. Festivities begin at Citrus Elementary School with a parade at 10 a.m., where attendees can enjoy an array of dancing groups, marching bands, motorcycles and floats. The parade ends in the West Oaks Mall parking lot. In addition to the parade is a celebration, at which Pastor Bryan Stamper, Ph.D. — a pastor at Quest Church for 43 years — is the keynote speaker. Held in the

The school’s fifth graders have been hard at work since last month composing essays on topics related to Martin Luther King Jr. for a contest. On Monday, Jan. 16, the top three finalists in the school’s MLK essay contest will present their essays to town residents between 5 and 6 p.m. at the town of Oakland’s meeting hall. WINTER GARDEN MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION

The city of Winter Garden is also hosting its eighth annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Jan. 17. Festivities begin with a

community march from East Bay Street to the Orlando Magic Gym at 12:30 p.m. The event lasts until 4 p.m. and includes various activities, guest speakers, kids’ activities, entertainment and vendors. Those interested in participating in the march should meet at 118 E. Bay St. at 12:30 p.m.

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ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM “I HAVE A DREAM” CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

To honor Martin Luther King Jr., two local OCLS branches are putting on a one-hour activity for children ages 6 to 12. Both the Southwest Branch in Dr. Phillips and the West Oaks Branch in Ocoee will be hosting their “I Have A Dream” events to teach children about King and his influence on civil rights. Kids will learn about the life and dream of MLK by making crafts inspired by their own dreams and the importance of peace and togetherness. Those interested in attending must preregister. The Southwest Branch’s event is Jan. 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., while the West Oaks Branch’s is Jan. 17 from 5 to 6 p.m. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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STAFF WRITER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

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On Jan. 15, Civil Rights Movement activist and minister Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have been celebrating his 88th birthday. Millions of Americans will honor his birthday and reflect on his contributions to the civil rights movement on MLK Day Jan. 16, but residents in the West Orange area will celebrate him throughout the week with parades, community events and more.

West Oaks Mall parking lot, the celebration lasts from 11 a.m. to noon and includes performances from the New Life Church of Ocoee choir and dance group and free health screenings from Walgreens. Finally, West Oaks Mall will host Evelyn’s Creations third annual Martin Luther King Jr. Bike Show to benefit children fighting cancer. Parade participants are asked to preregister by printing the form found on the city’s website.In case of rain, events will take place inside West Oaks Mall.

DANIELLE HENDRIX

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

TRAVELIN’ TIMES

10

2017

Orlando Paper & Postcard

Jim Riffle holds up his copy of the”West Orange Times” while taking a tour of Ketchikan, Alaska.

Are you planning a vacation? Be sure to pack a copy of the Windermere Observer or West Orange Times & Observer. All entries will be entered into our ongoing Travelin’ Times contest.

EXPO

Entering is easy! Just snap a high-quality of you and your friends or family members with the paper and email the picture to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry at amyq@orangeobserver.com. You can also mail or drop off the photo: West Orange Times, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 34787. Emailed photos should be at least 200 dpi. Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.

For more info. contact Mary L. Martin, Ltd. 407.939.0999

CRITTER CORNER

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Friday, January 13 10am-4pm Saturday, January 14 10am-4pm Central Florida Fairgrounds 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808

TAKE US WITH YOU!

Are you looking for a new furry friend? Meet Gracie! Gracie (A366712) is 6 years old and is looking for a home. She is a very sweet and loving dog. She knows a few commands, such as how to sit, and she walks pretty well on a leash. She also loves to eat treats! While Gracie is pretty laid back, she does enjoy a good game of fetch. She’s a great dog, and she’ll make a wonderful pet! For the month of January, the adoption fee for pets will be reduced to $17 in honor of 2017. The standard adoption fee for dogs is $55. The adoption fee includes sterilization, vaccinations and a microchip. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call (407) 836-3111 or visit www.ocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. To participate, contact Staff Writer Danille Hendrix, dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

FREDRICK REGIS DUPRE DIED JAN. 4, 2017.

CLARA INES ESCOBAR , 65,

Winter Garden, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. San Juan Funeral Home, Kissimmee. DARRELL R. CAMPBELL , 52,

Ocoee, died Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016. Loomis Family Cremations, Orlando.

very much, especially their dogs, Von Lieban, Goldie and Blackie and his cats, Pumpkin and Whitefoot. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fred’s memory to Ascension Presbyterian Church, care of Christopher Brenyo, 5559 Brookline Drive Orlando, FL 32819; or Ligonier Ministries, P.O. Box 863595, Orlando, FL 32886.

DONALD L. KELLEY DIED FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 2016.

VIRGINIA GENEVA RANDOLPH,

Donald L. Kelley went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 30, 2016. He worked at Lockheed Martin for 40 years and in Winter Garden as a school crossing guard for six years. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ann Kelley, Ocoee; son, Michael (Janelle) Kelley, Bowling Green, Ohio; son, Jim Kelley, Orlando, Florida; grandchildren, Adleigh Grace Kelley, Bowling Green, Ohio, Paxton Timothy Kelley, Bowling Green, Ohio; sister, Dixie Scott, Corry, Pennsylvania. Graveside service was held Jan. 4, 2017, at Winter Garden Cemetery. LOTTIE R. CASON, 66, Winder-

mere, died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Todd DeGusipe

85, Ocoee, died Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka.

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LUIS ANGEL RODRIGUEZ PAGAN, 86, Gotha, died Tuesday,

Dec. 27, 2016. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee.

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DAVID F. COMBS SR., 88, Wind-

ermere, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee.

“That’s My Wish”

“Home of the area’s first certified therapy dog. Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!”

SYLVIA M. DUNCAN, 90, Ocoee, died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016. Postell’s Mortuary, Pine Hills. JAMES DUNCAN FRITZ , 59, Windermere, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2016. A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, Orlando.

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Mary Redman Carpenter passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at her home in Port Orange, Florida. Mary was born in Orlando on Jan. 26, 1934, to S. Preston and Coketine Bray-Carpenter and was raised in Winter Garden at their home on Dillard Street, which was built in 1939. Mary attended Winter Garden Elementary and graduated from Lakeview High School. Upon graduation, she went on to complete her education at Stetson University and, following college, spent most of her life as a teacher with the Volusia County School System. Mary had both an ear and a passion for music, was a lover of all animals and held a special place in her heart for all of her beloved pets. She was predeceased by her parents; her two younger brothers, Samuel P. and William Bray Carpenter; and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Coke Bray of Winter Garden and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin A. Carpenter of Orlando, Florida. Those left behind to keep Mary’s memory alive include her brother, Benjamin A. (Janice) Carpenter; her loving caregivers, Barbara Paytas, Edie Gibbens and Patricia Matlock; many nieces and nephews; and many others who were touched by Mary’s kindness. There was graveside service held for Mary on Friday, Jan. 6, at Daytona Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation in Mary’s name to the Halifax Humane Society. Those who wish may also share their condolences at our website: lohmanfuneralhomes.com.

Fredrick Regis Dupré, 77, of Winter Garden died Jan. 4. He was born in New Hampshire, the only child of George and Evelyn Dupré. He grew up in southern Maine. He received his bachelor’s degree from Nasson College. He taught school before attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Fred loved theology and music, especially classical music, but hymns were his favorite. Fred worked at Eliada Children’s Home in Asheville, where he met and married Margaret Howard Dupré. They moved to Florida in 1976, where he worked for Calvary School teaching math. He also taught at Orangewood School and spent 20 years in the corporate library at Disney. Fred served as an elder and deacon and was currently a member of Ascension. In addition to his many labors, Fred loved his pets

DOROTHY E. KEMP, 95, Winter

Garden, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden

RAMSAWMY LACHMANAYA, 75, Ocoee, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2017. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha.

We are Proud to offer: • A Celebration of Life Service • Traditional Burial and Cremation Services • Prearranged Funeral Services

ANNY LAMAR McMILLAN, 57, Winter Garden, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka. MARIA G. OCASIO BENN, 76,

Winter Garden, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016. San Juan Funeral Home, Kissimmee.

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MARY REDMAN CARPENTER DIED SUNDAY, JAN. 1, 2017

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407-656-2233 • www.baldwinfairchild.com 428 E. Plant Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787

CHURCH DIRECTORY EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

LUTHERAN

ZION NEW LIFE CHURCH 16161 Marsh Road Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-5751 Bible Study 8:30AM, Family Service 9:30am, Pastor Roberto E. Rojas, Jr.

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@orangeobserver.com

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations • Repaired, Refinished and Repurposed Wood Furniture • Pallet Art & Furniture Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/

Visit our New Location at 930 Carter Rd. Suite #311, Winter Garden 1/4 Mile North of W. Colonial Dr. • 407.905.9500

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com


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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

JOHN DALY

ROGER CLEMENS

2017 DIAMOND RESORTS INVITATIONAL

benefiting Florida Hospital for Children

ALL-STAR Celebrities, PGA TOUR Champions and LPGA Players Compete side-by-side!

January 13-15, 2017 · Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando

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12/29/16 3:32 PM


JANUARY 12, 2017

HIGH

SPORTS

5

1

Dr. Phillips girls basketball alumna Hannah Schiable — a senior for the George Washington University women’s basketball team — recorded her 1,000th collegiate point in a win against St. Joseph’s last week.

2

The Windermere Prep boys basketball team scored a 66-52 win over Lakeland High in a televised game played at Clearwater High Jan. 7. David Nickelberry scored 22 points and had seven rebounds along with six assists.

3

The Dr. Phillips boys soccer team earned a pair of wins last week against Apopka and Edgewater. The Panthers defeated Apopka 5-1 Jan. 4, and then defeated Edgewater 3-2 Jan. 6.

Rodrigo Cunha has 10 goals for the Windermere Prep soccer team. Page 12.

Olympia girls soccer senior standout Sam Hilsee has helped lead the Titans to a breakout season this winter.

‘FIRST CLASS’ STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

A LAKE BUTLER

t this time a year ago, the Olympia girls soccer team was limping to a sixthplace finish in its district. It was Deepak Shivraman’s first year as head coach, and the Titans struggled to play well consistently or string wins together. What a difference a year makes. Olympia is 11-3-3 ahead of the Class 5A, District 4 Tournament that will start next week. There are any number of factors to point to for the Titans’ terrific turnaround — from an influx of young talent to the girls becoming more familiar with Shivraman’s system.

SEE PAGE 14

4

The Foundation Academy competitive cheerleading team placed third, overall, at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders Nationals this past weekend, finishing as the best team in the categories of jumps and stunts. Casey Kenoyer, a co-captain for the Lions, was recognized with the 2017 Scholar Athlete Award.

DP guard sets program record STEVEN RYZEWSKI

5

The West Orange girls soccer team made its 8-0 victory over Cypress Creek especially memorable Jan. 5. All five seniors for the Warriors — Emma Honis, Mary Hamm, Bailey Brasse, Caitlin Jablon and Gracie Westerfield — scored a goal during the win. Late in the game, Hamm went into goal so that Westerfield, a goalkeeper, could have her opportunity.

Steven Ryzewski

Tiffany Tolbert scored a career-high 41 points against Apopka Dec. 31 — a record for Dr. Phillips’ girls hoops program.

Tiffany Tolbert, a senior for the Panthers girls hoops team, set a programrecord for points in a single game.

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

Tiffany Tolbert has added her name to the Dr. Phillips High athletic record books. Tolbert, a senior guard for the Panthers girls basketball team (7-8), scored a programrecord 41 points for Dr. Phillips Dec. 31 against Apopka in the championship game of the Florida Prospects Holiday Tournament. The Panthers were ultimately defeated and placed second in the tournament. Tolbert’s mark topped the previous record — Mosetta Williams scored 36 points for Dr. Phillips in 1989 — by five points, per the Panthers’ official Twitter account (@PantherZone). Tolbert signed with the University of North Florida during the early signing period last fall. Dr. Phillips will host Apopka at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12, before traveling to Gainesville for a pair of games this weekend against East Gadsden (7:30 p.m. Jan. 13) and Gainesville High (6 p.m. Jan. 14). Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@ orangeobserver.com.


14

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Hilsee excited for Emory

Rodrigo Cunha Windermere Prep junior forward Rodrigo Cunha has already scored 10 goals this season for the Lakers (6-4-2), coming after he took a year away from the team, and has helped lead the Lakers to a successful season thus far.

What is it like to come back to the team after a year away and have success? I played for the team here every other year, except last year. It’s really good to play here and really good to be back because our coach and our team is just really cool. Because of the boarding houses we have here, we have really cool kids we get to meet from foreign countries. … I missed it a lot last year. Which win are you most proud of? Definitely (against The) Master’s Academy. We were down 1-0 going into the half. We scored, they pulled it back to 2-1. We scored again and then we topped it off in the last five minutes with another goal and it was really nice. What is the best advice coach Jonathan Griffiths has given the team? I think the best one is just being together, working together and just having fun.

Then, of course, there’s the play and “I wanted to make this a good year,” Hilleadership of senior standout Sam Hilsee. see said. “When you have a player like Sam, who Her success on the field pairs well with epitomizes leadership off the field and on a 4.96 GPA off of it and involvement as a the field, it just carries that momentum volunteer with Give Kids the World. That forward much, much more effectively than Hilsee is a standout student managing a coach yelling orders,” Shivraman said. six Advanced Placement courses is only a Hilsee has already scored 17 goals this plus to her contributions on the field, as season, along with four Shivraman sees it. assists. “Our game is much She is committed to more mental at the varplay her college soccer at sity level — I would say Atlanta’s Emory Univerit’s probably 70 percent sity, something that will mental,” Shivraman said. become official when she “All those split-second signs a National Letter of decisions, I think Sammie Intent Feb. 1. is fantastic at (them).” It is a Division III proOlympia enters next gram, but make no misweek’s district tournatake — Hilsee had plenty ment as the No. 2 seed of options. after defeating West “I think Sam, in this Orange for the first time – Sam Hilsee area, is one of the most in several years. Despite underrated players,” the Titans’ regular season Shivraman said. “She success and their 4-1-1 would make the roster of 100-plus teams mark in district play, Shivraman knows he in the country — at a high level.” and his upperclassmen leaders will have to For her part, Hilsee likes to attribute a mentally prepare the girls for the challenge lot of the credit for Olympia’s drastic turn- ahead in order to make the playoffs. around to the influx of talented under“The good thing about having such a classmen the team had before the season. young roster is you can shape them right “I think this year we’ve gotten a lot of before the playoffs and say ‘okay — this is good talent — young players have come in a whole new season. Let’s go!’” Shivraman and really stepped up,” Hilsee said. said. The standout senior’s soccer career goes Whatever may come of the Titans’ postback to age 5, playing in a rec league with season, it is also safe to say that Hilsee — her father coaching. The influence of her who ultimately chose Emory because its father, along with an uncle who played academic offerings are in line with her college soccer at Brown University, helped desire to become a doctor — is excited for steer her toward the beautiful game at a the future, too. time when tennis and basketball were also “The campus is unlike any campus I’ve considerations. ever been to before,” Hilsee said, reflectHilsee, who plays club soccer for Orlan- ing on a visit to the school’s Atlanta camdo City Youth Soccer, says it is the team pus. “It’s a really nice just kind of southern element of the game — and bonding with campus — I really like the vibes there.” teammates — that helped set the sport And although Shivraman hopes there apart. are a few games awaiting his team after Her standout senior season has, in part, the district tournament by way of a playbeen fueled by her being healthy after an off berth, he doesn’t need to see anymore injury-riddled junior year. to help him sum up his experience coachBecause of what she felt was a lost sea- ing Hilsee — something he can do in two son, Hilsee worked extra hard to return to words. form for this final campaign. “First class.”

THE BASICS

GRADE: Junior SCHOOL: Windermere Prep POSITION: Forward HEIGHT: 5-foot-11 HOMETOWN: São Paulo, Brazil

“I think this year we’ve gotten a lot of good talent — young players have come in and really stepped up.”

He’s so fast and whenever something is left for him in the box, everybody expects him to finish. What’s your favorite class? My favorite course is, I’d say, I like economics — I do the I.B. economics course here. I really like it — it’s a really, really fun course. It’s interesting to learn and I’m doing well in it. What’s the most interesting thing you have learned about in that class? Just how big the market is — how there’s an explanation to why prices go down or prices go up; why people are consuming or why people aren’t. It’s just really interesting to me. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Do you have a favorite soccer player who inspires you? My favorite soccer player is Willian from Chelsea (F.C.). He’s a right forward and he’s a really, really talented soccer player.

Titans score big district win The Olympia boys soccer team earned an important district win on the road Jan. 4, besting the host Ocoee Knights 3-1. The Titans (13-2-3) pulled away from the Knights (7-7) after a goal by Ocoee’s Andre Valencia tied the contest at 1-1 early in the second half. Olympia’s Andrew Lizzyness scored the go-ahead goal with 14 minutes left in the game and Nicolas De La Portilla sealed

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the victory with a penalty kick with three minutes remaining. Darren Bell scored the Titans’ first goal in the first half. With the win, Olympia improved to 3-0-2 in Class 5A’s District 4, locking up the top seed for the district tournament later this month at West Orange High. Ocoee fell to 4-2 in district play. — STEVEN RYZEWSKI

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15

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

GAME FILM

Rally in 4th quarter pushes Panthers past Titans

A large crowd was on hand at Olympia High as Dr. Phillips outscored the host Titans 22-7 in the final quarter to steal a 59-51 victory.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR LAKE BUTLER Despite trailing by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, the Dr. Phillips boys basketball team managed to grind out a road win against rival Olympia Friday night, 59-51. After trailing by nine at halftime, the Panthers (10-5) outscored the Titans (6-9) by 17 in the second half — including a definitive 22-7 edge in the game’s final quarter — in front of a large crowd at Olympia High School. “We had an inner pride that we didn’t want to lose this game — unfortunately, we didn’t come out with that sense of urgency in the first half,” Dr. Phillips coach Anthony Long said. “We started to string together some stops. That was the key to the game.” The Panthers were led by a game-high 19 points and eight rebounds from senior forward Nick Smith, along with 18 points from standout junior guard Daniel Love. Just as important as the scoring output, though, was Dr. Phillips’ ability to limit turnovers — the Panthers had just six on the game — while ramping up the effort

Nick Smith led all scorers with 19 points.

on the defensive end of the floor and allowing just 18 second half points for Olympia. “(Our) offensive execution down the stretch — we got a little stagnant,” Titans head coach Matt Wheeler said. “We’ve got to keep the ball moving and keep attacking.” Olympia, which started the second quarter on a 13-0 run that defined the team’s strong first half, was led by A.J. Green’s 13 points. Mykarri Hodges and Markel Hudson each had 12 points. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

Dante Love calls out a play for the Panthers.

See more at ObserverPreps.com

Olympia coach Matt Wheeler shouts instructions to his players.

Dr. Phillips coach Anthony Long shouts instructions to his players.

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE

The secret life of

MAYOR BRUHN

You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.

PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10

What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

Dr. Phillips guard Daniel Love scored 18 points for the Panthers.

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Amajeh Green rises up for a shot.

ONLINE

Markel Hudson rises up for a dunk for the Titans.


WINDERMERE OBSERVER

W EAT HER

16

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, JAN. 12 High: 80 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, JAN. 13 High: 78 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 10%

SATURDAY, JAN. 14 High: 78 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 10% Paul Roman of Winter Garden captured this beautiful bird in flight near Falcon Square in Independence.

The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan. 12

7:20a

5:49p

Friday, Jan. 13

7:20a

5:50p

Saturday, Jan. 14

7:20a

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Sunday, Jan. 15

7:20a

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Monday, Jan. 16

7:20a

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Tuesday, Jan. 17

7:20a

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Wednesday, Jan. 18

7:20a

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MOON PHASES

Jan. 12 Full

Jan. 18 Last

Jan. 5 First

Jan. 27 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Jan. 3

0.00

SUNDAY, JAN. 15

Wednesday, Jan. 4

0.10

Thursday, Jan. 5

0.00

High: 79 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 10%

Friday, Jan. 6

0.21

Saturday, Jan. 7

0.67

Sunday, Jan. 8

0.00

Monday, Jan. 9

0.00

See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. TO DATE:

2017 0.98 in.

2017 0.98 in.

2016 60.81 in.

2016 0.36in.

227009

ONLINE

SUNRISE / SUNSET

CROSSWORD

POINT TAKEN by Jessica C. Crawford 112 Catcher’s need 113 “___ as good a time as any” 116 Owl noises 118 Temporary period 122 Not aboveboard 126 Part of the brain 128 Tire mishap 129 Spine-tinglingly weird 130 Arrival island for many 131 Trouble spot for Indiana Jones 132 Forms an opinion 133 Corn-chip dip

DOWN

©2017 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

35 Story with bite 38 Moisten, as a roast 1 Capo’s group 40 “If ___ told you once ...” 6 Pasta, potatoes and such 43 Bro or 18-Down, e.g. 11 Swimmers’ woes 45 “Long ___ ...” 19 “Dynasty” actress Linda 46 Temporary paper cur20 Garlicky garnish rency 21 Swallow routes 48 Earth, air, fire or water, 22 Common tablet PC e.g. feature 51 Rock with value 24 Waterproof roof joints 52 Bodybuilder’s exercise 25 Architectural band 54 ___ Bell (fast-food 26 ___ Arabia chain) 28 Jack and Jill’s carryall 55 Respect for others’ 29 Island near Java beliefs 30 Make fun of 57 Come up again 32 Examine, as evidence

59 Opposite of apex 62 Grand ___ (vintage) 63 Better suited 64 Refuse receptacle 66 Assessor 68 Like Scrooge McDuck 70 ___ carotene 71 Facial flaw 74 Drive-___ window 75 Producing an effect 78 “___ Man” (Village People hit) 79 Fishing nets 82 Civil War general 83 “Born in the ___” (Springsteen tune)

1 “I never ___ man I didn’t like” 2 The Bard’s river 3 Goat-legged deity 4 Demons that prey upon sleepers 5 Masonry stones 6 Desert growths 7 Balloon’s filling 8 Some reddish deer 9 Sounds from a flock 10 Curve in and out 11 Amazon zapper 12 “... and make it fast!” 13 Santa ___, California 14 Sap-sucking insect genus 15 Hotdog topper, sometimes 16 Harrison in “Star Wars” 17 Breakfast item 18 Sibling, in brief 23 Cull 86 Vacation memento 24 “Jaws” sighting 88 Have a funny feeling 27 Two-person fight 89 Next life 31 Malayan island 91 Unwritten test 33 Ones leading the pack 93 ___ good example 34 Toyota model 94 Cause wonder 35 Pelvic bones 95 Small hairpieces 36 Fevers with chills 98 Tiniest bits 37 Leaders of movements 100 Radiation dosage 38 Antacid, for short 101 Fold, spindle or mutilate 39 Having no feet 102 Air pressure meas. 41 Soft palate 103 Overturn or overthrow 42 Hurricane heading, 105 Gentlemen (Abbr.) sometimes 107 “Answer, please” 44 Distrustful (Abbr.) 47 Bled in the laundry 110 Cook’s covering 49 “... yadda, yadda,

yadda” 50 Bad-mouths 53 Swiss canton or its capital 56 Mimicries 58 Knocking noise 60 Agendum, e.g. 61 Amend, as an atlas section 65 Actress Fabray, for short 67 With money to burn 69 “___ your call” 72 Guaranteed winner 73 Drag race participant 75 Old Irish memorial inscription 76 Period before a conflict 77 Ballerina’s skirts 80 “Steer” anagram 81 Parts of a baseball 84 Old photo tone 85 “___ we having fun yet?” 87 Bran type 90 Affected dandy 92 Thin plate or layer 96 Continental currency 97 Parodied 99 Colonizes 104 Main dish 106 “A Streetcar Named Desire” role 108 Sweater style 109 ___-cochere (carriage entrance) 111 Impressive degree 112 Pesky arachnids 114 Defeat a la Ali 115 Mumbai dress 117 In need of a massage 119 Bagel kin 120 Large wading bird 121 Clifflike, flat-topped elevation 122 ___ and downs 123 Her life is in order? 124 Modern evidence 125 Tennis court divider 127 “Bus” or “rod” starter

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a distinguished author. Using the hints E=A and Q=N, decipher the clues to name the author.

1.J C B E Q F U 2. Q C M U N W 3. W F J U U Q D N E H W 4. S R U X E S F R U J W 5. W E P U R E M U Q This author wrote The Notebook:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

1-12-17


THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

HOUSE + HOME

Woodworking in Windermere DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

O

Courtesy photos

For Windermere-based entrepreneur Jolene Smith, much of the work behind her woodworking business The Rustic Barn is a one-woman show.

BESTSELLERS Rustic farmhouse desk Dining room tables Coffee tables The Rustic Barn For more information or price quotes and to place an order, visit The Rustic Barn’s Facebook page. Facebook: facebook. com/TheRusticBarn407 Instagram: therusticbarn407

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SEE RUSTIC PAGE 18

Smith can custom make pieces for any customer’s home.

AWARDS

n her Instagram account for The Rustic Barn, owner Jolene Smith often adds the hashtag “#girlswhobuild” to each post. It’s the perfect way to describe the Windermere-based entrepreneur. Smith originally became interested in woodworking and building from watching Chip and Joanna Gaines’s HGTV show, “Fixer Upper.” She had always had a passion for building things on her own but never gave much thought to what she could do with it until she saw a headboard she liked that was out of her price range. “I said, ‘I think I can make that!’ So I made it, posted it on social media, and all my friends and family absolutely loved it,” Smith said. “From the feedback from that I said, ‘Let’s see how one would sell.’ The day I posted it for sale on Craigslist it was sold, and I had people inquiring about it so I made additional ones.” From there, customer requests came filtering in, for anything ranging from dining room tables, bedroom furniture and living room furniture to desks, entertainment centers, bookshelves and more. Business really took off in summer 2016, and based on the response, Smith decided to make a small business out of it. She decided to create rusticthemed pieces, each made from high-quality wood and with a touch of Southern charm. Part of the inspiration for this came from none other than Joanna Gaines. “She’s really big on the whole farmhouse theme and I personally absolutely love the farmhouse style as well,” Smith said. “I get to add my own little flair onto something I’m so passionate about.”


WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Rustic Charm

form of the table coming about,” she said. “It’s my personal favorite because people gather around the table, when you host parties you sit around the table, so in general the kitchen table is my favorite piece of furniture.” Smith is taking custom orders for mid-March and later in the spring. All orders are pickup only, and much of that reason stems from the fact that she is a “onewoman show.” “I have help here and there, but 90% of it is done by me. A lot of my correspondence is usually via email, so when someone comes and picks up a piece of furniture they’re almost shocked,” she said. “It’s considered a man’s job, and to know a woman can use these tools and put things together, for them it’s more shocking that a woman did it more than anything. I do get the shock like, ‘Where’s the guy in the shop?’ or ‘Where’s your husband?’” Her biggest tip for other young entrepreneurs and women who have a passion for being creative is to follow their heart and do what they love. “I had a background in medicine and I loved it, but it wasn’t my ultimate passion,” she said. “If people tell you that you can’t do something because it’s a man’s job, prove them wrong. If it makes 720 Celebration A you happy, do it.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

The Rustic Barn specializes in handmade and solid-wood furniture, and most pieces are made to order. For this reason prices range greatly, depending on type of furniture, dimensions, finishes and other special touches the customer requests. Originally learning the tools of the trade came from her own interest in building and from watching others create their own pieces. “I flipped a house and watching the handyman do degrees and use a saw, I learned from that,” she said. “From there I bought all the tools and watched YouTube videos. If there’s something I don’t know how to do, I just use Google.” She uses various types of wood depending on customer preference, whether it be exotic woods or something as simple as cedar. Typically she will have three to four custom orders going at once, since each one requires multiple steps — while she waits for paint to dry on one order, she will move on to the next piece so no time is wasted. Average turnaround time is about a week from the time building begins. “My favorite thing was definitely the dining room tables, and it’s honestly because I can Celebration start with wood that day and byCelebration ContactAvenue, DanielleSuite Hendrix dhen720 100, atFacebook.com/Cen FL 34747 the end of the day it’s rewarding, Celebration drix@orangeobserver.com. Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Multi-Lingu because I can actually see the

Smith can custom make pieces for any customer’s home.

Coffee and sofa tables are some of Smith’s bestsellers.

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Single Family Home in Windermere 4 bed/ 3.5 bath/ 4,319 Sq Ft Offered at $720,000 MLS#: S4834657

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

19

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

What can you buy for

New Year’s Resolution:

Clean out the Garage

WINTER GARDEN 607 Courtlea Cove Ave., Winter Garden ASKING PRICE: $405,000 BEDROOMS: Five BATHROOMS: Four SQUARE FEET: 3,319 NEIGHBORHOOD: Courtlea Park SCHOOLS: Dillard Street Elementary, Lakeview Middle, West Orange High

Then donate your gently used -or never used- furniture, appliances, household treasures to the West Orange Habitat for Humanity ReStore 13369 West Colonial Drive

(between 9th and Dillard Street, behind Taco Bell in Winter Garden)

For FREE pick-up call: (407)905-0406

227323

www.westorangehabitat.org Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

DESCRIPTION: This two-story home in a quiet neighborhood features a spacious living and dining room; walk-in closets in the master bedroom and adjoining master bath with garden tub, separate shower and separate vanities; kitchen with all appliances, granite countertops, 42-inch cabinets and breakfast bar; back porch; three-car garage; and great access to the West Orange Trail. LISTING AGENT: Pat Sharr, Pat Sharr Realty

HORIZON WEST

15217 Southern Martin St., Winter Garden ASKING PRICE: $406,990 BEDROOMS: Four BATHROOMS: Two and one half SQUARE FEET: 3,030 NEIGHBORHOOD: Summerlake SCHOOLS: Independence Elementary, Bridgewater Middle, West Orange High

3985 Hwy 19A Mount Dora, FL 32757 (352) 385-0303

Minneola Location 301 E. Washington St. Unit F

Minneola, FL 34715 (352) 394-0303 Follow us on

Have our Mobile Showroom come to you!

www.marksfloorsonline.com

Lake Butler | $2,690,000

Wonderful lake house primely located on one acre of manicured grounds with 113 ft of sandy shoreline. 5,400 sf offers luxurious master suite, office and bonus room. Resort style backyard with stone patio, heated pool and spa, summer kitchen and boat house.

Butler Chain of Lakes | $1,550,000

UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY to purchase 1 acre on the Butler Chain in the Town of Windermere. 115’ of sandy shoreline, sunset views and paved road. Open floor plan - ideal for entertaining! Walking distance to town amenities and events.

Amanda Black

REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com

227273

Mount Dora Location

DESCRIPTION: This brand-new open-concept home features formal dining space; kitchen/living room combo; destination laundry room; first-floor master bedroom; second-floor loft with balcony overlooking green space; white cabinets throughout; granite kitchen and master bath counters; under-mount farmhouse kitchen sink; and is 100% Energy Star 3.1 certified. LISTING AGENT: Stacie Brown Kelly, Keller Williams Advantage Realty

Willow Wood | $625,000

Stunning home located on a high corner lot overlooking pond and park. 3,000 sf of living space with dramatic designer kitchen and quality finishes throughout. Gorgeous screened lanai with heated pool and summer kitchen.

Winter Garden | $369,000

Walk to downtown! Charming 4/3 home is totally updated with open floor plan. Quality finishes throughout include granite counters and bamboo flooring. Large screened porch and private back yard shaded with mature oaks.

Judy Black

Montverde | $819,500

Stunning 6/6 home in gated neighborhood. 5,100 sf includes game rm, theater, designer island kitchen, entertainment bar and luxurious master suite. Unbelievable screened lanai with outdoor fireplace, solar heated pool & spa and gorgeous lake views.

The Manors | $545,000

Beautiful 4/3 home sits on 2/3 acre lot expanded by natural greenbelt. Custom built with quality features throughout. Walking distance to Windermere Elem and Rec Center and access to the Butler Chain of Lakes.

Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com

Keene’s Pointe | $1,080,000

Unique courtyard pool home creates a dramatic first impression. 4,100 sf includes gourmet island kitchen with butler’s pantry, wine room, billiard room, office, bonus room and guest suite w/ private entry. Large private back yard w/ brick patio, fire pit and hot tub.

WIndermere | $749,500

Mediterranean pool home located at the end of a quiet lane just outside of Windermere. 4,500 sf includes grand island kitchen, high ceilings and abundant windows. Guest quarters includes full kitchen, bedroom, living room and separate entry.

THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com

226311

* Carpet * Tile * Hardwood * Vinyl * Laminate


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$400K to $410K?

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21

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

So local, it feels like your garage!

OAKLAND

IN WINTER GARDEN

407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com

IN OCOEE

407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com

227217

DESCRIPTION: This lake-access community is part of the John’s Chain of Lakes, and the home features an open floor plan; oversized kitchen with space for entertaining plus granite countertops, a large island and walk-in pantry; oversized den off the foyer; bonus room on the second floor; decorative light fixtures; prewired speakers; a gas fireplace; three-car garage; and a community boat ramp. LISTING AGENT: Olga Jakubowski, ERA Grizzard Real Estate

Call Today!

maguireroadstorage@cfl.rr.com

6141 Donegal Drive, Orlando ASKING PRICE: $405,000 BEDROOMS: Three BATHROOMS: Two SQUARE FEET: 2,312 NEIGHBORHOOD: Bay Hill SCHOOLS: Dr. Phillips Elementary, Southwest Middle, Dr. Phillips High DESCRIPTION: One of the first custom homes built in this country club community, this home has had numerous upgrades and capital improvements. Features include a large foyer with polished “field stone” floors; large living room with wood-like laminate throughout; wood-burning fireplace with custom mantel and brick hearth; open kitchen with pickled oak cabinetry and modern tile; new fixtures; security system; covered porch; and open pool. LISTING AGENT: George Stringer, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate

Considering Selling Your Home? Text your address to 407-492-1900 For a FREE Home Valuation Your West Orange Real Estate Expert

227304

DR. PHILLIPS

Shelley Dawson, REALTOR® Keller Williams, Classic Realty III

cell: 407-493-1900 www.shelleydawson.com

225161

1505 Johns Cove Lane, Oakland ASKING PRICE: $410,000 BEDROOMS: Four BATHROOMS: Three SQUARE FEET: 3,305 NEIGHBORHOOD: Johns Cove SCHOOLS: Tildenville Elementary, Lakeview Middle, West Orange High


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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

Windermere home sells for $1.7 million

A

home in the town of Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential realestate transactions from Dec. 16 to 22.

The home at 904 Main St., Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $1.7 million. Built in 1946, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,066 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $335.57. Located on Lake Butler with a private boat house, the two-story home also has French doors, a heated spa, breakfast bar, crown molding and solid wood cabinets. SNAPSHOT

Orlando, sold Dec. 19, for $640,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,627 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.32.

Total Sales: High Sale Price: $1.7 million Low Sale Price: $65,000 Auction/REO/Bank Owned: Five Short Sales: Three

HORIZON WEST ASHLIN PARK

DR. PHILLIPS

BELLA NOTTE AT VIZCAYA

The town house at 8721 Via Bella Notte, Orlando, sold Dec. 18, for $325,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,010 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $161.69. The home at 8357 Via Verona, Orlando, sold Dec. 19, for $470,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,751 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $170.85.

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 9449 Wickham Way, Orlando, sold Dec. 21, for $414,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,810 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.33.

CYPRESS SHORES

The home at 10017 Lone Tree Lane, Orlando, sold Dec. 17, for $1.5 million. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,429 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $338.68.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8509 Pippen Drive,

The home at 11761 Sprawling Oak Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $489,990. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,540 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $138.42.

ENCLAVE AT WINDERMERE LANDING

The home at 11769 Hampstead St. Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $660,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,994 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $132.16.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The town house at 11417 Brownstone St., Windermere, sold Dec. 18, for $258,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,920 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $134.38.

LAKESIDE VILLAGE TOWNHOMES

The town house at 10655 Village Lake Road, Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $260,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 1,938 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $134.16.

Paul McGarigal Real Estate Coach

OASIS COVE AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE

TRADEWINDS AT METROWEST

The condo at 14004 Luminous Lane #801, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $217,500. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,657 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $131.26.

The condo at 1063 S. Hiawassee Road #1622, Orlando, sold Dec. 21, for $88,000 (short sale). Built in 1989, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 836 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $105.26.

WESTMOOR

The home at 1431 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $380,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,551 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $148.96.

The home at 352 Ashbourne Drive, Orlando, sold Dec. 22, for $179,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,359 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $131.71.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

WINDERMERE

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 9626 Hollyglen Place, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $490,000. Built in 1974, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,069 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $159.66.

METROWEST AVONDALE

The home at 410 N. Normandale Ave., Orlando, sold Dec. 21, for $68,200 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,230 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $55.45.

AZUR AT METROWEST

The condo at 6408 Raleigh St., Orlando, sold Dec. 16, for $94,000. Built in 1997, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,051 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $89.44.

THE LAKES

The home at 1704 Down Lake Drive, Windermere, sold Dec. 16, for $642,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,610 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.84.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 323 Main St., Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $580,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,106 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $275.40. The home at 904 Main St., Windermere, sold Dec. 19, for $1,700,000. Built in 1946, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 5,066 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $335.57.

Real Estate

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UPCOMING ISSUES Publish date: March 30, 2017 October 19 , 2017

227270

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Deadline date: March 9, 2017 September 28, 2017


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AUTO SERVICE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

VOICE AND PIANO LESSONS -In Windermere-

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Thursday, January 12, 2017

This week’s Sudoku answers

Autos Wanted

Announcements

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! Sell Your Used or Damaged 2000-2016 Vehicle Fast! Running or Not. Nationwide Free Towing. Same Day Pick-Up and Pay Available. Call 888-689-8647 1/12fcan

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225832

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This week’s Crossword answers

Help Wanted

First Time Home Buyers Seminar

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13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd. Windermere, FL 34786 Realtors, Lawyers, Title Companies and Mortgage Brokers available to answer questions. Call Kristine for reservations at 352-256-9940

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This week’s Crossword answers


WINDERMERE OBSERVER

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

THE COVE at HAMLIN

HAVENCREST

THE ESTATES at PEARL LAKE

7518 Blue Quail Lane Orlando, FL 32835

5717 Hamlin GrovesTrail Winter Garden, FL 34787

5850 Pearl Estates Lane Sanford, FL 32771

ESTANCIA at WINDERMERE

CYPRESS RESERVE

1106 Estancia Woods Loop Windermere, FL 34786

THE RESERVE at PHILLIPS COVE

6975 Phillips Reserve Court Orlando, FL 32819

THORNBROOKE atTOWNE CENTER TOWNHOMES 592 Merry Brooke Circle Sanford, FL 32771

THE PRESERVE at LAUREATE PARK

13245 Lower Harden Ave Orlando, FL 32827

OVERLOOK at HAMLIN

7719 Minutemen Loop Winter Garden, FL 34787

THORNBROOKE atTOWNE CENTER

14193 Jomatt Loop Winter Garden, FL 34787

149 Big SpringTerrace Sanford, FL 32771

WALDENCOVE

WOODLAND PARK

428BlueBirchCourt Sanford, FL 32771

12048 Alder Branch Loop Orlando, FL 32824

THE CANYONS at HIGHLAND RANCH

RETREAT at LAKE CHARM

516 BellflowerWay Clermont, FL 34711

Coming soon! Oviedo, FL 32765

ESPLANADE at HIGHLAND RANCH 983 RidgeglenWay Clermont, FL 34711

SOUTHERN OAKS

120 Ethan Hammock Court Oviedo, FL 32765

STEEPLE CHASE

3757 Farm Bell Place Lake Mary, FL 32746

taylormorrison.com I 407-756-5025 � !II_ Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor l:J (JI plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists' renderings and •=:: community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2017, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

taylor mornson .... Homes Inspired by You .. 227026

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