02.18.21 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

SO U T H W EST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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VOLUME 6, NO. 20

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Baseball is back!

YOUR TOWN 99 CANDLES

After COVID-19 canceled the spring sports season last year, local teams finally have taken the fields once again. SEE 15.

REAL ESTATE

WOHS band director wins award. PAGE 13.

… and Peggy

Bernice Hays, of Winter Garden, celebrated her 99th birthday Feb. 12 at one of her favorite local restaurants. Joining her at the table were about 18 members of her family, including children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. In addition to the evening festivities, Hays received nearly 100 cards, floral arrangements, balloons, calls and special treats and visits from friends.

Waterstone estate tops weekly real-estate transactions. PAGE 10.

Windermere awards improvement contracts

DISTRICT

CHAMPS

Kimley-Horn will begin the design process for stormwater-maintenance improvements in the Butler and Bessie basins. SEE PAGE 2.

Time to celebrate! Ocoee community unites to give one resident a birthday he’ll never forget. PAGE 8. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Dr. Phillips High outlasted Olympia, 51-50, in an overtime thriller. SEE 15.

Courtesy of Ashley De La Rosa

Professional actress Ashley De La Rosa is a 2012 graduate of Windermere Preparatory School.

Windermere Prep alumna Ashley De La Rosa can’t wait to resume her role in the San Francisco Company’s production of ‘Hamilton.’ SEE PAGE 4.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Town of Windermere awards stormwater-improvement contracts DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

With stormwater-maintenance concepts for Windermere’s Butler and Bessie basins complete, Town Council gave staff the green light to award Kimley-Horn and Associates the design contracts. Council members voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 9, to approve the AIA design contracts between the town and Kimley-Horn. The town was awarded grants under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program following Hurricane Irma. The grants allow the town to move forward with stormwatermaintenance improvement projects to help alleviate flooding issues in certain areas around town — including in the Butler and Bessie basins. The grants fund much of the projects, but the town will be responsible for a portion of the costs. The council already has approved the do-not-exceed amounts for the two projects. For the 118 Butler St. and Seventh Avenue project, that totals $163,647; for the 119 Bessie St. and Ninth Avenue project, the cap is $216,264. According to town documents, staff submitted requests for quotations for both projects to vari-

ous firms, but only Kimley-Horn responded. In the concept stage of these projects, Kimley-Horn also gave the town an option for a longterm maintenance plan. Town Council decided to leave that option off the current contracts. “We approved the do-notexceed amounts, and it’s a la carte, so if and when you want to do that maintenance plan at a future date, we still have pricing and options to do that,” Town Manager Robert Smith said. “The only thing we had to work out was the formal RFQ processes specific to these two projects, which we did. We actually reached out to three additional firms, as well, to make sure we crosse all our Ts and dotted our Is.” “I believe it was council’s intent to not have those maintenance plans put on this RFQ — that we’d either look at that globally in an RFQ process, or do that in house based upon direction of council and consultation of staff,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. Council Member Bill Martini asked if there were any updates from Kimley-Horn on when staff and council members could be seeing the designs. “One of my concerns, obviously, since there’s been so much public input on this, I want to make sure that we have plenty

of time to review all those for the residents,” Martini said. “Plus, we’re going to have some new council members most likely by that time, so it’s going to be a lot of getting up to speed on their part, as well.” Smith said because KimleyHorn has been assisting the town in drafting concepts and working on design, it should be a relatively smooth process. “There will be no issues as far as any transition of information or lack of communication as far as what was said before and what’s being put in place now,” Smith said. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Town Council members also unanimously approved the concept design for a new pedestrian bridge set to replace the existing one at South Lake Butler Boulevard and Dirt Main Street. Staff hosted a workshop Jan. 26 to discuss the options, and Town Council consensus was favorable to a curved design called Bridge Brothers Bowstring, along with a black-paint finish. Other paint finishes — such as brown or bronze — are available, but council members agreed to stick with black paint, because it fits in more with the town’s current color scheme. “I brought up concerns about, depending on size of it, how obtrusive black would be, but

IN OTHER NEWS n The Windermere Police Department presented numerous awards and recognitions. Among those were Sgt. Mark DeStefano’s promotion to lieutenant; Officer Chip Irwin’s promotion to sergeant; and Officer Griffin Hebel received the Officer of the Year award. n The town also recognized Orlando Health as the new annual sponsor for Windermere’s Run Among the Lakes.

being that it’s only 6 feet tall, I would be OK with black,” Council Member Chris Sapp said. “It’s in keeping with the rest of the town’s signs and posts,” Martini added. Although not included in the concept-design approval, the breadth of the bridge’s vertical pickets is another factor council members wanted to take into consideration moving forward into design. According to town documents, including thicker pickets would cost an extra $6,000, but they also would be less likely to bend should they be hit by something. “Just for future reference, I think we’re definitely interested in looking at the stronger side members,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “That will probably pay off down the road in maintenance and aesthetic.”

“We approved the do-not-exceed amounts, and it’s a la carte, so if and when you want to do that maintenance plan at a future date, we still have pricing and options to do that.” — Town Manager Robert Smith

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

OCOEE CITY COMMISSION T

he city of Ocoee’s municipal election

takes place Tuesday, March 9, and there are six candidates on the ballot vying for two seats. In District 2, Knox Anderson is challenging incumbent Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen. In District 4, incumbent Commissioner George Oliver III is facing off against Lori Hart, Keith Richardson and Joel Keller. Richardson did not respond by the deadline for this Q&A. The GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocoee will host its political forum at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in the Ocoee Commission Chambers. The event is closed to the public will be televised on Spectrum — Channel 493. Candidates’ responses have been edited for space and grammar. Read the full, unedited responses online at OrangeObserver.com. — TROY HERRING

DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES ON PAGES 6-7

DISTRICT 2 KNOX ANDERSON

ROSEMARY WILSEN

Why do you want to serve as District 2 commissioner? Upon moving to Ocoee, I immediately felt at home. My neighbors and neighborhood are fantastic, our city services are amazing and I love being on the ground floor of something special. But I feel that there are areas in which we can improve on as a city.

Why do you want to serve as District 2 commissioner? I have a genuine interest for the safety and well-being of the residents who live and work in Ocoee. Maintaining city taxes at the lowest millage rate and city services at the highest level are paramount to me.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I want to find new ways to have residents to become involved in Ocoee. … We have to engage in dialogue with our residents at all levels and not be passive about the way we communicate with them. Why should District 2 residents vote for you? I would like to see the city be more transparent. ... Currently, there is not a searchable option to find votes by commissioner or ... specific topics. What are the top challenges the city of Ocoee faces? What are some potential ways to address them? The top challenge ... is our rapid growth. Per the U.S. Census, Ocoee gained a little (more than) 13,000 residents from 2010 to 2019. … We’re certainly building new residential developments to accommodate those individuals, but at what cost? We can’t stop growth, but we can make sure the growth we are having is sustainable. Ocoee’s residents are feeling left in the dark regarding issues, and that’s a big issue to solve. There’s a lot of change … and not a lot of this information is being presented to the public outside of passive methods. Another issue … is our firefighter retention. This is something we do need to look at and figure out how to solve. ... We need to have a true salary survey conducted that directly compares the Ocoee Fire Department to similar agencies. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Ocoee would you change immediately? 1. Connect the West Orange Trail to downtown Ocoee. This has been an ongoing point since the downtown project was finalized in 2016, and five

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years later, we still don’t have a connection. 2. Fix the intersection at Plant/Maguire. Turn Bowness Avenue into a bypass … to provide a straight shot onto Silver Star. 3. Increase the funding to our fire department. We have such a world-class department … but we’re currently losing people at a high rate. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? Ocoee is lucky that we are bordered by major roadways that handle a lot of the daily traffic. But we still need to examine where developments are occurring and (make) sure those areas have the proper infrastructure in place. Last November, the city held events in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre. How does the city continue to foster positive relationships throughout the community? All journeys start with a single step, and Ocoee has started the journey to learn and heal from (those) events. But this isn’t something that can simply be fixed by holding one event. … This takes active work, dialogue in the community and then following through on those ideas or commitments.

If re-elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I want to see the downtown project completed. This was what our residents asked for, and while this is moving along, it needs to be completed. I want to maintain the charm of our city (to) not be disturbed by zoning decisions that would place industrial projects near residential homes. Why should District 2 residents vote for you? I have the passion and commitment to serve the needs and wants of Ocoee residents. I have a strong record of being frugal while getting projects started and completed within budget. I listen, gather facts, and I am responsive to our residents (by) addressing their questions and concerns, big and small alike. What are the top challenges the city of Ocoee faces? What are some potential ways to address them? We need to continue to plan for the future without losing sight of what makes Ocoee a wonderful place to live. ... Government projects can be labor-intensive and take longer than a snap of the finger. Longrange planning and projecting costs and setting funds aside to complete projects is a complex budgeting process. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Ocoee would you change immediately? 1. End the pandemic and make vaccines available for those who want them. 2. Roads repaved and sidewalks repaired or replaced, as needed. 3. (Because) water is a nonrenewable resource and essential to life, I wish every home has reclaimed water access. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? As residential and commer-

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Age: 65 years young Family: Married 41 years to husband, Fred; two adult children Education: UCF graduate with a bachelor’s degree from School of Social Work Related experience: Incumbent; social worker for 28 years with the Christian Service Center in Ocoee; Ocoee Lions Club and the Woman’s Club of Ocoee; Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Merit Board, Redistricting Committee, Education Board, Child Protection and Recommendation Committee, Tri County League of Cities, Florida League of Cities

cial projects are approved by the City Commission, a traffic study is included, which gives us a look forward as to how the new project will affect traffic on our streets. Some existing roads were not built to handle the tremendous growth. These roads were built long before many of us arrived in Ocoee and need to be addressed. An example is Clarke Road from A.D. Mims Road to Clarcona Road, which is presently two lanes and will be expanded to four lanes. Last November, the city held events in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre. How does the city continue to foster positive relationships throughout the community? Last November, the Human Relations and Diversity Board held a weeklong remembrance of the horrific 1920 event. The city celebrates Black History Month by the HRDV board holding an essay contest in local elementary schools, and the city celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. The HRDV board has held the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade with a presentation of speakers following the parade. I am proud to say Ocoee is a diverse community and every person is respected and treated as a valued member of our community.

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ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

OrangeObserver.com

Dr. Bao Huynh

Dr. Said Malas

Dr. Usman Lone

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Star of the shows

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.”

DANIELLE HENDRIX

Friedrich Hayek

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

f you asked Gotha native Ashley De La Rosa in her high-school years where she saw herself in 10 years, she probably would not have mentioned Broadway. In fact, it wasn’t until her senior year at Windermere Preparatory School — during which she competed on NBC’s “The Voice” — that she even saw any sign of a future in performing. Now 26, De La Rosa has shown her 18-year-old self that hard work prevails. She made it to Broadway as a standby for Regina George and Gretchen Weiners in “Mean Girls” in 2018, and as Janelle Woods/ Shirelle in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Most recently, in November 2019, she assumed the role of Peggy/Maria in the San Francisco Company’s production of “Hamilton.” The COVID-19 pandemic has put that on hold for now, but in the meantime, De La Rosa also has found another passion in being an activist for social justice.

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Left: In late 2019, Ashley De La Rosa began preparing for her role as Peggy in the San Francisco Company’s “Hamilton.”

BORN TO PERFORM

Singing and acting was more of a hobby for De La Rosa until her senior year at Windermere Prep, when she auditioned for, competed in and made it to the Top 12 of “The Voice.” “I auditioned for it sort of on a whim,” she said. “Then I actually got on ‘The Voice.’ I didn’t really expect much was going to come of it. Once we decided I was going to be on the show and what came next … it was my senior year, and that was where Windermere Prep kicked in with helping to facilitate the balance of being in California while completing the IB program.” It was tough work, but De La Rosa said her teachers and tutor helped ensure she stayed on course academically while also pursuing a newfound dream. “The school made a big banner for me and encouraged the students to vote, and just seeing the response from my classmates but also my teachers who really wanted to help me continue on (was great),” she said. Upon graduation, De La Rosa attended Wellesley College for two years and studied international relations and chemistry. After those two years, she decided to shift gears to pursue her acting and singing career. De La Rosa moved to New York City and studied at a conservatory for two years before completing the program and starting her professional career. She’s had some highlight moments on Broadway and on national tours, but there was always one in the back of her mind: “Hamilton.” In fact, she auditioned for it

“I also think the arts has a strong power to transform people’s lives and people’s mindsets and what they think. Having these conversations is important.” — Ashley De La Rosa

Below:In 2018, Ashley De La Rosa made her Broadway debut as Regina George in “Mean Girls.”

three times before landing the role of Peggy/Maria with the San Francisco Company. De La Rosa started with that show in November 2019 and debuted in January 2020. Just a couple of months later, though, the arts came to a halt under COVID-19. “Being in the show is everything and more that I imagined it would be,” she said. “The people are really great, and the message is extremely important. I’m really looking forward to getting back to doing that. It was something I worked so hard and so long for. It fills me with a lot of joy and pride to accomplish that.”

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ACTIVISM AT WORK

Although she has her role to return to when it’s safe to do so, De La Rosa also has had more time in the past year to strengthen her connection with her passion for social justice. She said “Hamilton” is wonderful because it fosters a culture in which social justice is at the forefront of the conversation. “Art and life reflect each other, and especially with the show ‘Hamilton,’ it’s like a mirror to society, because it’s something that did actually happen — but a lot of the roles are played by people of color,” she said. “We’re talking about people in the past, but the people on stage who are playing these characters are reflective of the make-up of our country right now. It’s a total melting pot of people on the stage, and I think that’s really inspiring. ‘Hamilton’ is one of the first — and one of the only — shows that does that, which is why I think they’re a great leader in the front of social justice, because they really do practice what they preach.” Although De La Rosa has always felt a pull toward advocacy work and activism, she said it wasn’t

Photos courtesy of Ashley De La Rosa

KEEP UP WITH ASHLEY WEBSITE: ashleydelarosa.com EMAIL: ashleydelarosabooking@gmail.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ AshleyDeLaRosaMusic INSTAGRAM: @ashdelarosa TWITTER: @ashleydelarosa

until the death of George Floyd and resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement last summer — coupled with the pandemic and being out of work — that she was really able to dedicate time to it. “I started working with an organization my friend created called Swing from Home,” she said. “All local candidates were going virtual, because they couldn’t knock on doors … and meet up and have rallies, so everything was on Zoom. I did phone banking for local progressive candidates all across the

country from Montana to Maryland.” De La Rosa said she is actively working with a couple of organizations at the moment. One is called Claim Our Space, which curates and supports events that aim to foster deeper community relationships and attain social justice. Another is Broadway for Racial Justice. “With those organizations, I’ve really found that until the world can reflect a place that is equitable for everyone, then theater and even educational institutions, they’re not going to reflect that, either,” she said. “It’s less on the individual (level) and more systemic, and I think that’s what a lot of people have come to realize, too. “I also think the arts has a strong power to transform people’s lives and people’s mindsets and what they think,” she said. “Having these conversations is important. I think it really kind of opens people up to change.”

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Town of Oakland leaders discuss pedestrian crossing on busy road Both issues will be brought before the Town Commission at a later date. POLICE PRESENTATIONS

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Town Commission has met for several work sessions to get in front of the issues that are coming to the town, Mayor Kathy Stark said, and another one was held Tuesday, Feb. 9, before the regular Town Commission meeting. Town Manager Steve Koontz asked for direction on two projects. Commissioners discussed a pedestrian crossing concept plan for Oakland Avenue at the entrance to Longleaf at Oakland. Orange County directed Pulte Homes to put in a basic crossing, but now that the town owns and maintains Oakland Avenue, commissioners want to add a substantial crossing zone. The best crossing point is at Amon Pavilion on the West Orange Trail and Sansparilla Road, which leads in and out of Longleaf, according to Public Works Director Mike Parker. As more residents move into the neighborhood as it is developed, the upgraded crosswalk will be even more necessary, because Oakland Avenue is so heavily traveled. Parker and Koontz looked at the crosswalks on Valencia College’s West Campus and liked the design, which includes attention-grabbing strobe lights. Any improvements would be solaroperated. “We definitely need the lights,” Stark said. Commissioner Rick Pollard agreed the typical blinking yellow lights are not enough. Commissioner Sal Ramos called it an extra layer of safety. “I foresee more of these crossings along Oakland Avenue in the future,” Parker said. The commission will vote on the issue when it is presented at an upcoming meeting. The second concept plan discussion was on the proposed Sadler Avenue Park. The linear property was obtained several years ago to be used as a corridor for water and sewer improvements; the trail component was an added benefit. There is a small space for parking, up to eight fitness stations and a playground. This area will be used as a link between the Longleaf neighborhood and Tubb Street.

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During the regular commission meeting that followed, Oakland Police Chief John Peek announced the promotion of Curt Crews from detective to corporal. He has been with Oakland since 2017, when he joined as a patrol officer. He has worked in the Criminal Investigations Unit for more than a year. Peek said he did a fantastic job.

2/5/21

Peek also recognized the retirement of K9 Chase following “many years of devoted and faithful service” and gave Sgt. Anthony Vitale a plaque to hang on Chase’s doghouse wall. “We really appreciation you allowing us to come up here and present our promotions and our officers to you,” Peek said to the commission. “It’s important to our agency and our officers, and they appreciate your support.”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

IN OTHER NEWS n The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the following: granting an alcohol exception to the Feb. 13 fundraiser at Oakland Nature Preserve; increasing Town Manager Steve Koontz’s annual salary $15,913.51, for a total of $116,699, and providing an additional 5% contribution to his retirement; and authorizing Koontz to sign a grant agreement that will provide $550,000 for the Hull Avenue septic-to-sewer project. n Commissioners approved the second hearing of an ordinance that accepts a dedication of right- of-way to continue Broad Street to the Lake County border. n The town is planning a small, socially distanced event in lieu of the annual Celebration Among the Oaks. It will be held at the new Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center and include photos with the Easter Bunny.

4:31 PM

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The commission will vote on additional safety features on Oakland Avenue.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 a.m. Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11:00 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 p.m.- Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @Horizon West Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM and 6PM Wednesday: 7PM

ELECTION: MEET THE CANDIDATES

OCOEE COMMISSION DISTRICT 4

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m., 7 p.m. ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: Livestreaming Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on Facebook and Youtube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m. Saturday Service: 6 p.m. purposechurchorlando.org

Why do you want to serve as District 4 commissioner? I have dedicated the majority of my life serving communities as a critical care registered nurse and as an educator. Ocoee is a great city and has the potential to be a beacon of light to other cities. To be able to move this city forward, it is essential that leadership work together. I am dedicated and committed to ensuring the city of Ocoee lives up to its motto — The Center of Good Living — for all its citizens! If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? 1. Balanced growth. Ensure the city has the essential resources and services for the community. Promote unity and diversity in the community. Ensure that incoming businesses will benefit the citizens of this community. Ensure our roadways accommodate the growth and developers contribute their shared cost. Keep industrial businesses out of our residential areas. 2. Education. (Offer) community vocational-technical fairs for anyone (who) desires to start or advance their careers. Implement “Getting to Know your City” seminars focusing on department operations and community services. Offer free tutoring to students leading up to FSA testing. 3. Environment. Protect and maintain our waterways and lakes. Hold business accountable for improper disposal of hazard materials. Maintain air and water quality testing. Why should District 4 residents vote for you? I come with a fresh perspective as a mother (who) raised her children in Ocoee and as a citizen for 27 years. ... To move this city forward, we need leaders (who) are present and engaged with the citizens year-round — and not just near election.

For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

Age: 54 Family: Daughters Ashley, Brittany and Caitlin Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Florida A&M University; bachelor’s degree in biology, University of South Florida; master’s degree in education, University of Central Florida Related experience: Critical care registered nurse

ber of the Human Relations Diversity Board, we have been working toward bringing the citizens of the community together. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Ocoee would you change immediately? 1. Clarke Road 2. West Oaks Mall 3. More family dining What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? I will work with the Planning and Zoning director to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to accommodate the growth. Last November, the city held events in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre. How does the city continue to foster positive relationships throughout the community? The city has many advisory boards. Therefore, it is essential the city invite and encourage citizens of various cultures to participate and share their ideas. In addition, continue to support the Human Relations Diversity Board in events that acknowledge cultural diversity and unity. How does Ocoee balance residential and commercial development with preserving the city’s heritage and culture? To preserve the “old town” feel of Ocoee, it is imperative industrial businesses are kept within the industrial areas. Single-family homes should be kept in residential areas. Some have raised concerns regarding the city’s ability to retain firefighters. What steps should the city take to ensure quality first responders and other civil servants stay in Ocoee? 1. Offer competitive compensation packages. 2. Job-related tuition reimbursement if employee agrees to stay and work for a specific time period.

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Moving Forward Program Offerings Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

LORI HART

What are the top challenges the city of Ocoee faces? What are some potential ways to address them? One challenge is infrastructure. A major issue related to District 4 is infrastructure, specifically Clarke Road. Although it is nice that Clarke Road has been extended to McCormick Road, the congestion is between Clarcona-Ocoee and A.D. Mims roads. During rush hour, the northbound traffic on Clarke Road is backed up from Clarcona-Ocoee Road to Hackney Prairie Road at times. The Clarke Road “project” has been in the making for a long time. The residents have heard many timelines. It is important that updated information is communicated in a timely manner. The city is still working toward improving racial diversity. As a mem-

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OBSERVER

JOEL KELLER

GEORGE OLIVER III

Why do you want to serve as District 4 commissioner? To complete the work that we started on the downtown improvements; bringing more jobs and small businesses to the city; the widening of Clarke Road, which will ease congestion during rush hours; and getting one ZIP code, which will help some of our citizens with improved auto and homeowner insurance rates.

Why do you want to serve as District 4 commissioner? I have a vision for the city that will propel us into a “great” city. A vision that will address issues such as sitdown restaurants, retail economic development, infrastructure and a better quality of life for all citizens.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? Finishing our downtown plan, bringing small businesses and jobs to the city; widening Clarke Road; getting the city one ZIP code; working with Orange County to widen McCormick Road; and working with OCPS to get another middle school in Ocoee. Why should District 4 residents vote for you? I am a proven fighter for our city. When FEMA changed the flood plain zones in Ocoee, I fought it and got the changes reversed, saving the homeowners hundreds of dollars on their insurance. When the county wanted to put a garbage transfer station off McCormick Road, I fought it, stopping the project. When the city was looking at getting rid of the fire department and going to the county fire department, I fought and won, keeping the Ocoee Fire Department. From fighting and beating cancer, to fighting for the citizens of Ocoee, I am a proven survivor, fighter and Ocoee leader. What are the top challenges the city of Ocoee faces? What are some potential ways to address them? Small business growth, which we are addressing through the downtown revitalization plan, and road congestion, working with the state and county on needed improvements as well as working on our city roads (such as) Clarke Road. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Ocoee would you change immediately? Finish the downtown revitalization, widen Clarke Road and have Ocoee all one ZIP code. What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? A number of our roads are state and county roads, so we need to work with them to improve these roads within our city. McCormick Road will need

Age: 66 Family: Wife of 36 years, Laura; son, Christopher; daughter, Danielle Education: Associate’s degree in computer science Related experience: Former commissioner; served on both the Planning and Zoning Board and the Police Advisory Council; served on the Metroplan Advisory Council

to be widened, and we will need to work with the county to get this done. Clarke Road is a city road, and we need to budget finishing the widening of that road. Last November, the city held events in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre. How does the city continue to foster positive relationships throughout the community? Through the Human Relations Diversity Board and things (such as) Black History Month and the MLK Parade, we strive to include everyone in the community. How does Ocoee balance residential and commercial development with preserving the city’s heritage and culture? By keeping up-to-date our planning and zoning guidelines and working within them to get a good balance of homes and businesses throughout the city. At the same time, making sure we have parks and green space for the citizens to enjoy. Some have raised concerns regarding the city’s ability to retain firefighters. What steps should the city take to ensure quality first responders and other civil servants stay in Ocoee? We will always lose workers to Orange County and Orlando — just because of their size. But by treating our employees with respect and working together with our unions when it comes to bargaining, we can get and keep quality employees throughout the city.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a commissioner? I plan to continue to push for the city to fund the operational audit … to promote transparency. Once we have achieved that goal, I will work to revise our Master Development Plan so it lines up with responsible spending. Why should District 4 residents vote for you? I am the commissioner (who) will hold the entire leadership team accountable, including the mayor. I am willing to work hard for the citizens of Ocoee, and ... we deserve better than what we have previously experienced in past leadership. What are the top challenges the city of Ocoee faces? What are some potential ways to address them? 1. The redevelopment of the West Oaks Mall. The entire City Commission has to come together along with staff to form a united front and visit the (owner’s) headquarters to propose a collaborative plan regarding (redevelopment). So far, all we’ve gotten is the mayor taking an annual trip to Vegas to visit their headquarters and returning empty-handed. 2. More sit-down restaurants. The city could possibly have more sitdown restaurants if we would get out of the box and visit other cities with similar footprints and ask them how they were able to transform a dead or dying area. 3. Balance between development and infrastructure. Infrastructure improvement plans ... should be on the forefront of all development deals. 4. Financial accountability. In 2016, the City Commission, which included the former Commissioner Joel Keller, approved an operational audit of the city’s finances. However, they never funded the audit. ... I will continue to push for funding that audit. 5. Building a new school. For every home built in the city of Ocoee, we pay a little (more than) $8,000 (per home) to the School Board. ... We have to do what (Apopka) ... did. They came together and went to the School Board and demanded a new school. And they got it. If you had a magic wand, what three issues for Ocoee would you change immediately? 1. The West Oaks Mall

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Age: 53 Family: Wife, Deborah; children, Kerrick, Karte, George, Kameron, Isaac and Christian Occupation: Former pharmaceutical compliance manager; currently an OCPS teacher Education: MBA, The University of Phoenix; bachelor’s degreee in business management, The University of Phoenix; associate’s degree in paralegal studies (litigation and transactional), Valencia College Related experience: Incumbent

2. More sit-down restaurants in our downtown area 3. Better use of the State Road 429 corridor (hotels, gas stations, large retailers and luxury homes) What are some potential solutions for managing traffic conditions in conjunction with the city’s growth? It has to start while we’re negotiating potential development contracts. Infrastructure improvement plans … should be on the forefront of all development deals. Last November, the city held events in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Ocoee Massacre. How does the city continue to foster positive relationships throughout the community? In December 2020, I was able to convince the commission to have a workshop on race, diversity and inclusion. The goal was to have a structured conversation among the commission and city department heads. … From there, the plan was to move that structured conversation to the community at large. How does Ocoee balance residential and commercial development with preserving the city’s heritage and culture? We’re doing a great job with our Community Redevelopment Agency along with our light industrial areas as we maintain balance between the two different types of developments. Some have raised concerns regarding the city’s ability to retain firefighters. What steps should the city take to ensure quality first responders and other civil servants stay in Ocoee? The commission has the ability to increase the fire department’s budget to raise salaries. The problem is we have just been made aware of this issue.

* Ocoee City Commission District 4 candidate Keith Richardson did not return repeated requests for participation in this Q&A.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Neighborhood shows up for birthday parade Bruce Brown had the celebration of a lifetime when dozens of people drove by his house to honor him for his 59th birthday. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The joy on Bruce Brown’s face Sunday, Feb. 7, also was a gift to his sister, Annette Brown. The Ocoee resident turned 59 last week, and a community birthday parade was just what was needed to lift his spirits. Bruce Brown has autism and is deaf. Having never learned sign language, he relies solely on reading people’s lips to communicate. However, since the pandemic started and people began wearing face masks, it has been rough for Bruce Brown — and it has been an even further-isolating experience, his sister said. “The last 10 months have been really hard for Bruce with the face mask due to COVID,” Annette Brown said. “But Bruce didn’t understand because of the autism. Bruce loves to greet and shake hands, and me saying, ‘No, stay back’ — it started depressing him, and I wasn’t allowing him to be the person he was.” Annette Brown is her brother’s caregiver, and as transplants from Fort Pierce two years ago, the pair has no family and few friends in the area. She posted a message on the NextDoor social media site asking for folks to drive by their home Sunday afternoon to help her brother celebrate his big day. She said she didn’t know what to expect, but then Ocoee’s police and fire departments signed on to participate. On any given day, Bruce Brown

SNAIL MAIL FOR BRUCE Bruce Brown would love to receive cards in the mail. They can be mailed to him at 1303 Ridgefield Ave., Ocoee, FL 34761.

is sitting in a lawn chair in his driveway, watching for the occasional walker or vehicle to pass by so he could greet them. On Sunday afternoon, however, Ridgefield Avenue was bustling with activity, and there was plenty of opportunity to wave. He said he had a good birthday and enjoyed the parade. His favorite part? “When they gave me the birthday cards,” he said. About 50 people showed up with birthday wishes for Bruce Brown, including Ocoee City Commissioner George Oliver. Participants met at one location to decorate their vehicles and then started parading in front of the house. Some passed by a second time. Many came with balloons and posters on their vehicles, as well as birthday cards in their hands. Bruce Brown also received restaurant gift cards and chocolate. “The mail lady brought me a gift, too,” he said. Friends donned Mickey Mouse, Daffy Duck and Spider-man costumes; people poked their heads out of car windows and waved from the back of pickup trucks; family drove over from Fort Pierce; and police cars and a fire truck came with their lights flashing. “The parade was phenomenal,” Annette Brown said. “He was super happy, too. I’ve never seen Bruce shed tears, but he really connected to that parade.” LIFE WITH BRUCE

Bruce Brown, the third of six children, was always quiet and content sitting outside watching other children play. “Nothing ruffles his feathers,” Annette Brown said. “He’s just cool, calm and collected. He’s got the patience of Job. He doesn’t need the spotlight.” Her brother never was taught sign language because no one realized he was deaf, she said; the family thought he chose to ignore everyone. Years later, when

Courtesy photos

A parade with characters, cards and balloons was just what was needed to brighten Bruce Brown’s birthday celebration.

Amy Quesinberry

Annette Brown took him to a hearing specialist, the doctor told them his hearing was impaired because the umbilical cord likely had been wrapped around his neck before birth. Annette Brown remembered her mother talking about the pregnancy mishap. The brother and sister have lived together for about 22 years, and their recent move to Ocoee was to afford him more opportunities with other families living with autism.

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They became involved in Circles Winter Garden, a group that partners community leaders with individuals and families who face barriers. Before each Tuesday dinner meeting, Bruce Brown was in charge of setting up the dining hall. “That’s pride for Bruce to know he set up the hall for people to sit down,” Annette Brown said. “That’s important to me to make sure Bruce feels accepted and a part of something.”

Then everything came to a halt during the pandemic shutdown; she said it was painful watching him sit in his room for months on end, feeling like he lost all communication with the world. “I started seeing Bruce shut down,” she said. “I said, ‘I have to do something to resuscitate Bruce.’ I extended to Circles and said, ‘Let’s all do a parade for Bruce’s birthday,’ and they said yes.”

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Proudly serving West Orange for over 40 years.

FRIDAY, FEB. 19

COUNTY COMMISSIONER WILSON FACEBOOK LIVE 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays on Facebook, facebook.com/NicoleWilsonD1. The purpose of these live office hours is to pull back the curtain of local government and help residents learn about what goes on behind the scenes once an elected official is sworn into office. WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue. Masks and social distancing are required; leashed pets are always welcome. For more, visit town.windermere.fl.us.

SATURDAY, FEB. 20

WINE TOUR 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at The Grove Orlando, 4750-4575 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Sample 15 of 50 featured wines. Tasting passports are $25 and include souvenir glass and tasting tickets. For more, visit GroveWineTour2021@ eventbrite.com. WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. For more, visit downtownwg.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 22

GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB OF OCOEE POLITICAL FORM 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in the Ocoee Commission Chambers, 150 Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. The event is an opportunity for Ocoee residents to meet the candidates for city commission districts 2 and 4 via livestream. Only candidates may attend the event, and COVID-19 restrictions will be applied and observed. The forum will be televised on Spectrum – Channel 493, at which times the candidates will field questions formulated from residents who call during the broadcast to (407) 554-7118 or (407) 656-7115 or email to citizens@ocoee.org .

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

HORIZON WEST FEST 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. A day of family fun awaits you as residents, businesses and organizations join together to showcase all things Horizon West. Enjoy music, stage performances, food, kids games and activities, a scavenger hunt, and vendors. General admission is $5; children 3 and younger are free. Guests will be divided into three time slots — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., and 3 to 5 p.m. Wristbands must be purchased in advance at bit.ly/2ZcXFGY. For more information, email info@horizonwesthappenings.com or call (407) 574-2477.

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WINDERMERE TREE BOARD MEETING 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. (407) 876-2563.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 11

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Mark’s Floors, 731 S. Dillard St., Suite 101-103, Winter Garden. For more, visit wochamber.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

GYMNASTICS USA! PARENT’S NIGHT OUT 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 12, at Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Parents can enjoy a night out while children enjoy pizza and activities in a safe and controlled environment. Coaches are on site to ensure safety and fun, as well as organize group games and activities. For ages 3 to 12. For more, call (407) 504-0911 or visit gymnasticsusa.us.

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CREATING AN ARTFUL PLANTER 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 13, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. Learn how to make an outdoor plant sculpture with “thrillers, spillers and fillers.” Bring your own outdoor flower pot (about 15 to 24 inches wide by 20 to 28 inches deep), a tall grass or plant (thriller), a plant that drapes over the edge (spiller) (three to six plants) and the in-between (filler). Soil, rooting hormones, gravel, and other necessities for potting provided by instructor Joy Wolff. Cost is $25; register at nehrlinggardens.org/news or call (407) 445-9977.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 18

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MONDAY, MARCH 22

ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE GOLF FOR GOOD 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 22, at TopGolf Orlando, 9295 Universal WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 Blvd., Orlando. Enjoy an evening at ‘A RAISIN IN THE SUN’ TopGolf while supporting Rotary Through March 14 at the Garden and its service projects. Tickets are Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter $100 and include three hours of Garden. Filled with passion, hugolf, dinner, beverages and more. mor and humanity, “A Raisin in the There also will be a silent auction Sun” is an iconic piece of American and 50/50 drawing. For more, visit dramatic literature that will move audiences of all ages. For tickets, a Pub WindermereRotary.org/GolfForn lic visit gardentheatre.org or call (407) th d t Good. n e New w se heir otic 877-4736. he c e

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REAL ESTATE

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Waterstone estate sells for $2.075M A

home in the Waterstone community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 5 to 11. The home at 11550 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 11, for $2,075,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths, a pool and 7,198 square feet. The price per square foot is $288.27. Days on market: Seven. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange. GOTHA

FALCON POINTE

The home at 1601 Shonnora Drive, Gotha, sold Feb. 8, for $432,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,458 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.75. Days on market: Three. LAKE FISCHER ESTATES

The home at 9204 Lake Fischer Blvd., Gotha, sold Feb. 5, for $359,900. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet. The price per square foot is $162.41. Days on market: Four.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16426 Taliesin St., Lot 432, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $508,756. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,038 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.46. Days on market: 10. The home at 16590 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $380,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,355 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.36. Days on market: 48.

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The home at 11550 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 11, for $2,075,000. This contemporary-style estate features more than 7,000 square feet of living space.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

SNAPSHOT

The home at 15610 Avenue of the Arbors, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $1,689,925. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths, a pool and 5,098 square feet. The price per square foot is $331.49. Days on market: 46. The home at 5521 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $363,900. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,240 square feet. The price per square foot is $162.46. Days on market: Six. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12969 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $357,500. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,461 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.27. Days on market: 57. LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 8778 European Fan Palm Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $380,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,006 square feet. The price per square foot is $189.43. Days on market: Three. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 4207 Oak Lodge Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $630,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 4,056 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.33. Days on market: Four. STOREY GROVE

The home at 10211 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 11,

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Total Sales: 56 High Sale Price: $2.075M Low Sale Price: $126,000

The home at 8299 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $385,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet. The price per square foot is $181.86. Days on market: 90. WINDERMERE TRAILS realtor.com

The home at 13476 Sunset Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $800,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Feb. 5 to 11.

for $345,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. The price per square foot is $168.95. Days on market: Five. SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7803 Purple Finch St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 11, for $374,750. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,195 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.73. Days on market: Three. The home at 7012 Brown Pelican Court sold Feb. 8, for $344,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,280 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.88. Days on market: 154. The townhouse at 8128 Wood Sage Drive sold Feb. 8, for $327,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,946 square feet. The price per square foot is $168.04. Days on market: Nine.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13233 Sunkiss Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 5, for $422,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,282 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.58. Days on market: 60. VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 6864 Merrick Landing Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 5, for $495,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,081 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.66. Days on market: 11. WATERLEIGH

The home at 16017 Hampton Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $450,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,884 square feet. The price per square foot is $156.03. Days on market: 95.

MIKE YOAKUM Pastor P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

The home at 9025 Arbors Edge Trail, Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $540,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a poo and 3,279 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.68. Days on market: Eight.

OCOEE

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 2788 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold Feb. 10, for $445,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,388 square feet. The price per square foot is $186.35. Days on market: Four. MILL CREEK VILLAGE

The home at 40 Heather Green Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 8, for $339,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,742 square feet. The price per square foot is $194.60. Days on market: Six. ORCHARD PARK

The home at 2670 Grapevine Crest, Ocoee, sold Feb. 11, for $375,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,977 square feet. The price per square foot is $94.29. Days on market: 14.

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OrangeObserver.com

PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

DILLARD POINTE

The home at 2163 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 11, for $395,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,502 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.87. Days on market: 35.

The home at 501 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $691,810. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,352 square feet. The price per square foot is $206.39. Days on market: 118.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 335 Sterling Lake Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 9, for $306,150. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,677 square feet. The price per square foot is $182.56. Days on market: Three.

GROVE PARK AT STONE CREST

The home at 13127 Moro Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $352,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,139 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.56. Days on market: Two.

WEDGEWOOD COMMONS

The home at 1955 Rachels Ridge Loop, Ocoee, sold Feb. 10, for $360,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,184 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.84. Days on market: Seven.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE The home at 15610 Avenue of the Arbors, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $1,689,925. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Feb. 5 to 11.

4,949 square feet. The price per square foot is $308.14. Days on market: 182. The home at 6126 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 5, for $1.2 million. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,594 square feet. The price per square foot is $261.21. Days on market: 46.

OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5746 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 9, for $785,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,793 square feet. The price per square foot is $206.96. Days on market: 197. BAYSHORE ESTATES

The home at 10809 Bayshore Drive sold Feb. 5, for $1.6 million. Built in 1983, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,688 square feet. The price per square foot is $341.30. Days on market: 148. KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11824 Vinci Drive sold Feb. 5, for $1,525,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths, a pool and

The home at 3471 Current Ave., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 11, for $385,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,144 square feet. The price per square foot is $179.57. Days on market: Three.

zillow.com

WEST ORANGE

WINDERMERE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The home at 8101 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $800,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,705 square feet. The price per square foot is $295.75. Days on market: Zero.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 522 W. Second Ave., Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $1.9 million. Built in 1969, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,399 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $351.92. Days on market: 184.

The home at 9543 Westover Club Circle, Windermere, sold Feb. 8, for $650,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,535 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $183.88. Days on market: 21.

MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 747 Caterpillar Run, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 5, for $476,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,017 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.77. Days on market: 128.

WINTER GARDEN

WATERSTONE

BLACK LAKE PRESERVE

The home at 12018 Waterstone Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 9, for $1,190,000. Built in 2014, it has six bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 6,693 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.80. Days on market: 26.

The home at 14337 Black Lake Preserve St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $545,000. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,724 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $115.37. Days on market: 12.

The home at 728 Caterpillar Run sold Feb. 5, for $471,346. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,077 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.18. Days on market: Zero.

r a e Y w e N it’s Time to $ave MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 11719 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 4, for $1.11 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,491 square feet. The price per square foot is $247.16. Days on market: 74.

Fall is coming

The home at 11225 Cedar Grove Court sold Feb. 9, for $629,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,887 square feet. The price per square foot is $217.87. Days on market: Zero.

BRADFORD CREEK

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 14420 Sunbridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 8, for $765,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,436 square feet. The price per square foot is $172.45. Days on market: 22.

The home at 13476 Sunset Lakes Circle sold Feb. 5, for $800,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,427 square feet. The price per square foot is $180.71. Days on market: Five.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

PRIVATE SCHOOLS OFFER PREVIEW EVENTS Three private schools in West Orange will host preview events this weekend for prospective students and families. The First Academy will host is Open House Saturday, Feb. 20. In addition, families can schedule personal tours either on-campus or visually. The school is located at 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando. For information visit thefirstacademy. org/rsvp, call (407) 206-8602, or email to admissions@thefirstacademy.org. Foundation Academy, which has three campuses — Plant Street Campus, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden; Tilden Campus, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden; and Lakeside Campus, 8464 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Orlando — begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Pre-registration is required, and no more than four people per family may attend. To register, visit foundationacademy. net/rsvp. Windermere Preparatory School also will host its Prospective Family Open House at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, and Saturday, Feb. 20, at the school, 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere. Attendees will have the chance to visit with current students, parents and members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team; attend Q&A sessions; and receive a tour. Masks are required. For information or to register, visit windermereprep.com.

HORIZON HIGH TO HOST ADVANCED STUDIES NIGHT

Horizon High School, which opens this fall, will host a Virtual Dual Enrollment, AICE and AP Night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. The school’s Guidance Department will discuss advanced studies options that will be offered through the new school. For details, visit bit.ly/HHSDualEnrollmentNight.

TRISHA PABON,

SUMMERLAKE ELEMENTARY Trisha Pabon not only teaches second grade at Summerlake Elementary but also is the grade-level team leader and serves on the school’s Best Practices Committee. She feels blessed to be teaching face-to-face despite the pandemic and is grateful this year to have been given permission from Orange County Public Schools and her students’ parents to share their daily learning experiences on her Instagram page, @pabonsparadise.

What brought you to your school? A few things brought me to Summerlake Elementary. First, I had the pleasure to open my previous school. Although it’s a lot of work, I enjoyed the challenge and excitement it brings. Therefore, having the opportunity to open another school was appealing to me. Second, it’s within walking distance of my home, and it’s exciting to know that I’m helping to mold the school that my own children will attend someday. What do you love most about your school? What I love most about Summerlake is the school community. Everyone is so welcoming and enjoys being there. Also, the principal, (Delaine) Bender, goes above and beyond to make her staff and students feel recognized and appreciated. What is your motivation? My motivation is my students. I believe all students deserve the best education possible. For that

REPORT CARD

to happen, I have to give them the best of me. They motivate me to keep learning myself, keeping up with the best practices, and creating exciting and engaging learning experiences for them. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I’m making an impact on our future. It’s also very rewarding when you have a student who may have been struggling, but with continued encouragement and support, they have their “aha” moment — there truly is no greater feeling as a teacher. What do you like to do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 2-year-old daughter. We enjoy going to Disney and hanging out at the pool. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was Mrs. Jan Peter. She has had the biggest impact on my life. In first grade,

I was a struggling reader and was placed in a remedial reading program. Mrs. Peter was my reading teacher. She was kind, patient and caring. She believed in me, and because of her, I learned to become a successful reader and began to love school and learning. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? Since age 6, when I was placed in Mrs. Peter’s reading class, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher and help struggling readers and make the same impact on my students that Mrs. Peter made on me. At the time, I was already a Disney lover and told my parents that I would be an elementary teacher and live close to Disney. I have been living my dream life for the last 13 years. — AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

POSITION: Second-grade teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Since school opened in August

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

350300-1 350304-1

OBSERVER

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

WOHS band director earns Hobbs Award Kenneth Boyd has received the prestigious honor by the Florida Bandmaster’s Association for excellence in band education. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Kenneth Boyd, of West Orange High School, has been recognized by the Florida Bandmaster’s Association for his commitment to the performing-arts program and his students’ successes. He earned the Oliver Hobbs Award for his excellence in leadership as a band director. “It certainly is a huge honor,” Boyd said. “Oliver Hobbs is one of the heroes of music education in Florida, and this award is quite prestigious. It means even more because I was nominated for this award by my peers in Orange County, whom I respect deeply. Lastly, I think it is a testament to the hard work and achievements of all my students through the years.” Boyd is no stranger to awards. In 2017, the WOHS band program earned the Blue Ribbon Program of Excellence Award from the

National Band Association. Boyd was the 2018 WOHS Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Orange County Teacher of the Year. He has received the National Band Association’s Outstanding Jazz Educator Award and is a two-time recipient of the Kessler Grand Bohemian Scholarship Award. In 2019, he started the West Orange Summer Music Camp for local elementary and middle school students. In addition to leading the bands and orchestras at West Orange, Boyd performs on trumpet with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and directs an ensemble for the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. Boyd’s career spans 23 years as a music educator. A WINNING WARRIOR

Boyd began his WOHS career in 2007, when he was given the opportunity to work with an administrative team he respected and colleagues he admired. “In addition, I really admired the work of the Lakeview (Middle School) band directors, Lisa Bujnicki and Melissa Ellis Westerman, who is the current band

Courtesy

Kenneth Boyd received a plaque for his role as West Orange High School’s director of bands and orchestras.

director at SunRidge Middle,” Boyd said. “I felt like we could do something special.” What does Boyd love most about West Orange? “Definitely the students and community,” he said. “Winter Garden is a special place that still maintains its small-town feel. The community takes pride in the school and all the programs. The students are a reflection of the community. You can see it in their work ethic, their pride in their school and their music programs, and their willingness to accept others. These wonderful students give me hope for all of our futures.”

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He said he is motivated by the idea of growing his students’ world in life-changing opportunities — whether it is through taking trips to other countries, exposing them to music they haven’t before experienced or helping them see the world from a different perspective. “Watching students find their passion is truly rewarding,” he said. “Now, I also have the opportunity to teach my own children. My oldest, Garrett, is currently a sophomore at West Orange, and my daughter Emma will be a freshman in the fall. Having them in the band program is rewarding on an entirely different level and

an opportunity I am grateful for.” Boyd said he owes is love of music to his high school band director, Bob Schaer. “Mr. Schaer influenced my life in so many ways throughout my years,” he said. “He was a great mentor but also helped my family during some very difficult times. He definitely went above and beyond to care for me and so many others. He still inspires me to this day.” Boyd likened himself to the “Green Eggs and Ham” character Sam-I-Am, who incessantly tries to get his friend to try green eggs and ham. “This is exactly what it feels like to teach music, because music is something we all consume and, therefore, have opinions,” he said. “Getting students to be open minded and try and learn new and different things can be difficult in the beginning — but extremely rewarding when they discover how large the world of music is.” The Oliver Hobbs Award recognizes FBA members who have consistently done an exceptional job year after year in the position of band director. Candidates must have been an FBA member for at least 15 years and currently serve as band director in Florida, must regularly attend district and state meetings, and must earn Superior ratings at least 75% of the time at MPA’s. The award is named for a former director at Leon High School in Tallahassee who produced exceptional bands year after year.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY FEB. 16, 1951 In the 1940s and ’50s, there were many advertisements related to the military and war efforts. In the Feb. 16, 1951, edition of the Winter Garden Times, readers were asked to volunteer with the U.S. Army or U.S. Air Force. Temporary recruiting officers were opened at the Winter Garden Post Office. Members of the Army and Air Force were guaranteed good pay, excellent training, an opportunity for advancement, and the privilege of serving their country. “Your country needs you now,” the ad exclaimed.

75 years ago

Brenau College freshman Jean Reddick won a place on that school’s Dean’s List.

55 years ago

Windermere Town Council discussed the dangerous intersection of Maguire Road and State Road 50. They took action to have a traffic light installed there, which has been the scene of many accidents. Charlotte Day and Dicky Hall were Smile Contest winners from Dillard Street Elementary, and Jeanne Pitchford and Jack Boyles from Winter Garden Elementary, marking National Children’s Dental Health Week. Dawn Princeton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvard Yale Princeton, of Orlando, and bride-elect of Thomas DeLoach, of Winter Garden, was being honored with many showers and parties.

45 years ago

These West Orange High soloists were chosen to compete in the District Music Festival: Randy Anderson, Jamey Baker, Dinah Tompkins, Melvin Birdsong, Mysti Smith, Billy McRoy, Charles Mears, Carl Bond and Donna Hise. Mike Hurley, of Windermere, was scheduled to appear in a special bicentennial “Mike Douglas Show.” The Winter Garden Rotary Club celebrated its 50th anni-

CROSSWORD

FROM THE ARCHIVES Sixteen family members attended the dedication of the Quercus Quesinberry Oak, designated to honor Winter Garden Mayor Jack Quesinberry, who has served the longest mayoral term in the city’s history. The monument notes that he served the city from 1981 through 2008 as a member of the Planning & Zoning Board and then as mayor. The heritage tree stands alongside Lake Brim in the Tildenville community of Oakland Park in west Winter Garden. At the dedication: Rusty Jenkins, Adler Cristello, Sharon Jenkins, Sayler Cristello, Kathy Taylor, Adam Couch, Gloria and Jack Quesinberry, Allison Couch, Amy Quesinberry, Jeni McNeill, Jackson McNeill, Andrew McNeill, Steve McNeill, Benjamin McNeill and Harrison McNeill.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history. versary with all members sporting mustaches and straw hats. Special events included a Past Presidents Day luncheon and a dinner party with the Rotary-Anns. Gene Cappleman, who took his shaver to the dinner, had the shortest-lived mustache.

ACROSS 1 Male forest ranger? 5 Indian music 9 Crocodile’s habitat 14 Throat-clearing sounds 19 Nude 21 Kosher, to a Muslim 22 Like some liberties 23 Where cold cases are opened? (see letter 13 in this answer) 25 Gut concern 26 Hits the tab key 27 Dashes 28 Two peas ___ pod 30 Many a flat-screen set 31 Marsh grasses

32 Operating again (letter 10) 35 Places to hear “Stat!” (Abbr.) 36 Dolphins Hall of Famer Larry 38 Bad-mouths 39 Mimicking 40 Letter before sigma 42 Put down roots 45 Have a frank discussion (letter 3) 50 Getting little rain 53 One catching slippery fish 54 Strong point 55 Suffix with “Tao” 57 Long of “Boyz n the Hood”

59 “Auld Lang ___” 60 Wonder Woman’s “real” first name 61 Kate Middleton’s sister 64 Last non-A.D. year 66 To the rear, to a rear admiral 67 Funny money maker (letter 9) 70 Strings for Kamakawiwo’ole, briefly 73 Injures 74 They help around the House 75 Viscounts’ superiors 77 Apple assistant 81 Tie-dyed top

Frank Watson, principal of Spring Lake Elementary, had a momentous Valentine’s Day when he hit a hole-in-one at Cypress Creek Golf Course. Winners of the American Heart Association Poster Contest at Dillard Street Elementary: Karen Fewell, Matthew Wheat, 112 Singer Grande, familiarly 113 Ring out 114 Dream up 116 Piles 118 Album with “I Am a Rock” ... and a hint to the Down, but not Across, pronunciations of the indicated letters (letter 15) 121 “The king,” in Spain 122 Suzhou Museum architect 123 Successful hitchhiker 124 Mushers’ vehicles 125 Thai or Lao 126 Maine, e.g., to Macron 127 Giga- times 1,000

Lee Ann Dault, Tina Willis, Carl Peters and Bradley Baker.

30 years ago

The Orange County Commission approved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to build a regional temple east of Lake Down.

49 “Oh, my!” 51 Concave navel 52 Slimming plans 56 Clingy wrap brand 58 Prez born in a log cabin 61 Prepare, like baby food 62 Processor maker 63 Six for a TD 64 Hefty ref. 65 Belief systems 68 Inside ___ 69 Buddy’s buddy, perhaps 70 Pakistani language 71 Heidi of “America’s Got Talent” 72 “NFL Matchup” channel 76 Be sick DOWN 77 Religious offense 1 “On Language” writer 78 Olympic skater Midori 2 Lana or Tina 79 One of 32 on a checker3 Battery terminals board 4 Stared at the stars, say 80 “You got me!” 5 Puny puppy 82 Rockies animal 6 Kennel noises 85 Delhi garment 7 Nat ___ Wild 87 “___ She Sweet” (Beatles 8 See 24-Down song) 9 Ravi of 5-Across 89 Faithful “Odyssey” 10 Jeans measure 11 Lou Gehrig’s disease, briefly character 90 Former spouses 12 Beach city near L.A. 91 Org. concerned with can13 Full assembly nabis 14 Acronym for Obama’s 92 Loops in on an email signature health law 94 Actress Reid 15 Range tops? 96 Entered gradually 16 In an obvious way 99 Iran, in the past 17 Oven gloves 100 “Hit the ceiling” and “hit 18 Croats and Poles the sack” 20 Change for a 20 24 With 8-Down, tangy French 102 Greek H’s 103 Recoil in fear 82 Word before “product” or poultry dish 104 Teammate of Dasher “quote” 29 Egyptian vipers 105 Noted women’s rights 83 Embellished, informally 32 Knock on the head measure, informally 84 Agenda units 33 Terrible smell 106 Campfire remnants 86 Airline to Haifa 34 “Ah, gotcha” 107 Flashlight battery, 88 It always has a view 36 PC’s “brain” perhaps (letter 10) 37 Dame’s counterpart 108 Sleep disorder 93 Signals nonverbally 39 Fasten on 109 One may be storewide 95 “I Like ___” 41 Cuban sandwich meat 110 Representative 97 Corporate VIPs 43 Goodman known for his 114 “Little” star Rae 98 Secure, as with a seat belt moves 115 Spray in a sauna 101 Virgil protagonist 44 “... ___ he drove out of 117 The “S” in CBS, originally 103 Windy City summer hrs. sight” (Abbr.) 106 Coffee and liquor, to 45 Cry of success 119 News agcy. some (letter 2) 46 “Yeah, right!” 120 Excess spending 109 Jazz legend Vaughan 47 Aspiring D.A.’s hurdle 111 Filmy buildup 48 Barbie’s partner

NOW YOU HEAR ME, NOW YOU DON’T by Ed Sessa; Edited by David Steinberg

40 years ago

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“FXPEL EY DMS YZRS YLESHLS HZD XLLSNDSI AU YLESHDEYDY, ASLXOYS DMSU LXH’D OHISVYDXHI ED.”

– MXVVU MZOIEHE

“V DUVRG VA LMZ NMZTX UHSJ KZD UMZXVRV NVDU H GRVAJ, FTMMX NMZTXR’D KMPJ MZD, YB NMZTX.”

– KBVOO HRIJT

Puzzle Two Clue: Y equals P

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue F equals M

SUDOKU

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

02-18-21

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

Dr. Phillips’ Zamora St. Cyr made history for her school during the Class 3A girls weightlifting state championship meet at St. Cloud High School Saturday, Feb. 13, as she won the Panthers’ first state title in the sport by winning in the 139-pound weight class. St. Cyr, who is a three-time state qualifier, benched 175 pounds and pulled off an 180-pound lift in the clean and jerk to give her a total of 335 pounds — five better than second-place finisher Ariel Michel, of Navarre. The stellar afternoon for St. Cyr helped the Panthers finish in fifth place overall.

The Windermere High girls basketball team started the state playoffs with a 52-22 thumping of Lake Nona in the Class 7A, Region 2 quarterfinals Thursday, Feb. 11. In the win, senior Abigail Crain continued her stellar season by scoring a team-high 19 points and leading the Wolverines to .500 (7-7). In the win, teammate Delaney Loos also tacked on 13 points herself.

DP wins overtime thriller to capture district title A four-point play with 22 seconds left in overtime gave the Panthers a big win over Olympia in the Class 7A, District 3 championship. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Dr. Phillips was down 50-47 after Olympia’s Tyeree Bryan hit a shot from deep to put the Titans up with only 31 seconds left in overtime during the Feb. 12 Class 7A, District 3 championship game. What followed was an ending fitting for a rivalry between two schools — which sit fewer than

four miles apart — that now has produced two of the best games of the year. As precious seconds ticked away, Panthers’ junior guard Denzel Aberdeen pulled up from deep — firing off a shot with 22 seconds as he was fouled on a collision with Olympia’s Jacari White. The ball fell through the bottom of the net as the whistle blew — igniting the Panthers’ bench area into pandemonium. Aberdeen hit the following free throw for the four-point play to give the Panthers the 51-50 edge. “I just had confidence in him; he’s the best point guard here,” Troy Herring

SEE WINNING PAGE 16

In girls water polo action, Windermere High’s Elysia Rogers had a mammoth showing in her team’s 22-7 win over Edgewater Thursday, Feb. 11. In the win, Rogers picked up a whopping 13 goals for the Wolverines.

Despite the West Orange boys basketball team seeing its season come to an end in a 70-54 defeat at the hands of Olympia in the Class 7A, District 3 semifinals Wednesday, Feb. 10, the Warriors had three players score double digits in the loss and were led by senior Marcus Allen, who ended his high school playing career on a high note by scoring 19 points.

Dr. Phillips celebrates following its big win over rival Olympia.

Hope springs eternal It’s been almost a year since the spring sports season was decimated by COVID-19, but coaches and players are just happy to get back to their sports. The Tuesday, Feb. 9 game was the first for the Knights program since March 11, 2020.

In Foundation Academy girls basketball team’s 55-38 win over Trinity Christian Academy in the Class 2A, Region 3 quarterfinals Thursday, Feb. 11, freshman Chelsey Bryant racked up stats as she scored a team-high 15 points while picking up five assists. Sixth-grader Avery Michels contributed 14 points.

Eighth-grader Sofiah Miller led the Windermere Prep varsity girls basketball team in scoring and rebounding this year. Page 16.

Programs around the area, including Ocoee High baseball, are returning after a long offseason caused by COVID-19.

“To be able to get around the game you love again and the friends that you love, it makes them happy.” — Chad Hall, Ocoee baseball head coach

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

freshly manicured field, clean white bases and a newly installed lighting system greeted the Ocoee High baseball team when it took to the diamond in its preseason opener Tuesday, Feb. 9. The score itself didn’t really matter given its scrimmage-like nature, but the game served as a first in a few ways. It was the first night game in program history, and it was the first time the team had taken the field since March 11, 2020 — two days before Orange County Public Schools shut campuses down because of COVID-19. That’s why the arrival of the new spring season has coaches and players alike thankful to get back to the places they’re supposed to be, SEE SPRING PAGE 16

The Ocoee Knights baseball team started off its new spring season with its first-ever night game last week.

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Sofiah Miller Windermere Prep eighth-grader Sofiah Miller has been around the game of basketball her entire life, and her passion for the sport can be seen on the court. In her first year on the Windermere Prep varsity team, Miller led the team in both scoring and rebounding.

When did you first get into basketball? I basically grew up in the gym. Having my mom as my coach — ever since I could walk, pretty much — I’ve always had a basketball in my hand. Around second grade, I was on a little travel team, and we went to a few little tournaments around my small town where I grew up in Tennessee, and I automatically fell in love. From then on, I couldn’t do anything except play basketball.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Eighth grade AGE: 14 SPORT: Basketball POSITION: Shooting guard, power forward

What was your first varsity season like at Windermere Prep? Being on varsity, it was something different. It meant something to me to start on varsity and be around the girls, and the girls welcomed me in right away. I knew that once my mom started getting us rolling and trying to get us right where we needed to be that it was going to be a good season, and we were going to make it far like we did. I was very proud of my teammates and how we did that.

Your mom also happens to be your coach at Windermere Prep. What’s that like? A lot of people think I have the easy way out, but it’s actually the complete opposite. My mom is always there to push me the extra mile. When we’re not doing anything, I’m always in the gym, and she is always there with me. I’m so grateful to have my mom as my coach, because she knows

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Ocoee baseball head coach Chad Hall said. “I’m sure it’s the same around the league, but they really missed it last year, and you could see their faces when they came out for tryouts to actually put on gloves, have a ball in their hand and be out there together — they were excited,” Hall said. “To be able to get around the game you love again and the friends that you love, it makes them happy.” COPING AND PREPARING

what good things I can do, and when I’m not showing my full potential, she’ll always be there to push me.

What is it specifically about basketball that you love so much? I would say being a part of a team — that environment of having other people around you supporting you while you play, it really just makes it feel different. When I make a good pass or a good shot, my teammates are always there to hype me up. … That kind of just makes me love the game even more.

Spring sports return to play

You led the team in scoring and came close to averaging a double-double (points, rebounds). How did you manage that in just your first season? Coming into my first season at Windermere Prep, during my offseason, I really worked on my ball-handling and my upper-body strength to strive better in the post. And during the season, I really worked hard on my three-point shot. I say all of that together helped me. I joined the weightlifting team at Windermere Prep, and that really helped my rebounding skills … and I feel like averaging the doubledouble is really like having all of the other activities I was doing help me strive for that goal. — TROY HERRING

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When Stephanie Johnson-Possell thinks back on how last year ended for her boys and girls water polo teams at Olympia, it’s bittersweet. On the same day she picked up her 500th and 501st win with the program, the Titans’ season came to an abrupt halt alongside everyone else. Fast forward to today, and like everyone else, Johnson-Possell is trying to play catchup as the new season kicks off with new challenges brought forth by the pandemic. The biggest issue for Olympia has been caused by inadequate time to train in the pool. The YMCA Aquatic Center on I-Drive was shut down due to COVID and won’t open until March, while the National Training Center in Clermont had to drain its pool due to a maintenance issue. Going into the season with such little chance to get physically ready has been difficult, Johnson-Possell said. “Getting ourselves back to the fitness level is a challenge

because you don’t have as much time, and there are things we can’t do compared to what we have been able to do in the past to get our fitness levels up high,” Johnson-Possell said. “But we are super excited to be playing, and that is the No. 1 thing — that we are playing, and that we are healthy.” Currently, the Titans have to use an Orlando city pool and also drive to Winter Park High School for practice time and games. And those practices — which previously took place before school — now happen later at night. Other programs also are facing changes. In Winter Garden, West Orange High softball coach Todd LaNeave spent most of his fall doing virtual teaching while tending to the softball field on campus. It kept him sane, as if it were therapy, he said. In the case of baseball and softball, the normal fall ball season — a time when coaches can evaluate talent and build relationships — didn’t happen. LaNeave was given an option to start a travel ball organization with his girls but declined because many of them already had teams. Going into the season with new faces, he knew not having fall ball would affect how things normally would start. “It changes it a lot,” LaNeave said. “For … our team, where we graduated six seniors last year, and with the exception of a handful of returners … we have all of these young players coming in that I don’t know anything about, that I would have known something about if we had played a fall season.”

Winning districts CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Panthers head coach Ben Witherspoon said. “He made a mistake the play before, but I’m keeping the ball in his hand — I trust him, and he came through.” Despite Olympia’s (20-6) three different shots on goal — two from inside the paint — in the dying seconds of the game, Aberdeen’s clutch shot proved to be the difference-maker, handing the Panthers (19-3) their second consecutive district title, and their ninth-straight win over the Titans. Aberdeen finished the night with 13 points. The win was also the second consecutive game the Titans and Panthers have needed overtime to decide a victor. Dr. Phillips beat Olympia 51-43 Friday, Jan. 29 — a win that helped push them into first place in the district. Going into Friday night’s game, Dr. Phillips was coming

off a win over Apopka — which was preceded by a bye — while Olympia dispatched Ocoee and West Orange to get to the title game. In the so-called “District of Death,” Witherspoon said he expected a brawl from the rival Titans going into the game. “It’s a tough game whenever we play them — it’s a rivalry game — especially in this environment, the district championship,” Witherspoon said. “This is what we expected.” Unlike their last matchup, Dr. Phillips never broke out to a double-digit lead, as the two teams largely exchanged blows throughout the entire first half — with the biggest lead being nine points for the Panthers. A big part of the offense for the Panthers came from Riley Kugel, who scored 10 of his 16 points in the second quarter alone. For the Titans, White offered the biggest offensive output,

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On top of the delay in getting to know their players, other issues from COVID-19 have popped up for many programs, including having fewer players return and the preparation for schedule shifts that come with game cancellations. There also are challenges with how practices are run, especially for athletes — such as Edward Byrd — playing in a sport for the first time. Byrd, who wreaks havoc on the line for the Foundation Academy football team, is playing in his first season on the school’s lacrosse team. “The biggest challenge would most definitely be having the team practice,” Byrd said. “We have to split the team up half and half, so it’ll be defense practicing defense and offense practicing offense — so you can’t get any real game experience. It’s just hard to learn with players being so separated.” But there’s one thing that isn’t an issue: Athletes knowing a big part of their seasons hinge on them doing the right things when it comes to following COVID guidelines. After having last season taken from them and seeing the seniors lose out on their final year, players have approached this year differently than previous seasons. Nothing is being taken for granted, Hall said. “They know that this is not guaranteed for them,” Hall said. “I see a little bit different work ethic from them, like, ‘Hey, I’m a sophomore and I only have two more years — I better get on it.’”

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES BETTY JEAN QUINN GAMBILL DIED FRIDAY, FEB. 5, 2021.

Samuel James “Jim” Close passed away Feb. 7, 2021. He was born in Fulton, New York, on April 17, 1937, the son of the late Samuel John Close and Katherine Kavanaugh Close. He was a graduate from both Fulton High School and SUNY Delhi. Following his college graduation, Jim became a brother in Maryknoll Catholic Missions, where he built dormitories for the religious order in San Francisco, Chicago and Brookline, Massachusetts. He came to Central Florida in the winter of 1963 for a vacation and loved it so much that he never left. He was a builder and general contractor for 45 years and built condominiums, custom homes and commercial buildings across the state. Later in his life, he worked in Watercraft at Walt Disney World, enjoying the water and driving the boats to the Magic Kingdom. Jim built a wonderful life in Orlando with his wife, Janice, and their two daughters, Jennifer and Kristin. He was a devout Catholic who attended mass weekly over the years at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine and Resurrection Catholic Church. Jim enjoyed traveling, golf, history, jigsaw puzzles and gardening. He also enjoyed aviation and held a private pilot’s license for many years. He loved nature and animals and was often seen walking the family pet. Jim was a peaceful, gentle and selfless man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. We will miss him dearly and are all better

Betty Jean Quinn Gambill, of Ocoee, Florida, has a new residence in heaven as of Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. A private interment will be held in Betty’s hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. On a future date, a celebration of Betty’s life will be held in Ocoee, Florida, to allow her friends and family in the greater Orlando area to say goodbye. A full obituary may be viewed by visiting woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com.

people for having known him. He is survived by his wife, Janice Close, of Winter Garden; daughters, Jennifer Close, of Winter Garden, and Kristin (Stephen) Vamossy, of Valhalla, New York; grandsons, Andrew and James Vamossy, of Valhalla, New York; sisters, Mary Close, of Leesburg, and Monica Colaneri, of Troy, New York; brother, Patrick Close, of Black Mountain, North Carolina; and countless other family members and friends who loved him for his kindness. Jim was a parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden. A funeral mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. Interment will follow at Winter Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, Florida, to support the refurbishment of the church. The direct website to the online giving page is osvonlinegiving.com/586/Home/ NewQuickGive. Please choose “Funded Depreciation Reserve” as the fund type to support the building fund. Checks can also be mailed to Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

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helped put the Titans up 45-41, a dunk from Ernest Udeh Jr. — his sixth of the night — and a twopointer from Jordan Tillery with 47 seconds left tied the game at 45-45. That sent the game into overtime. Udeh finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Winning the district title was big, Witherspoon said, but how it potentially sets the Panthers up in the state playoffs is even bigger. “It’s more so about getting three home games in regionals, possibly,” Witherspoon said. “This obviously

isn’t our big goal for the season — this is something that had to happen on the way to that. We really wanted to have those games in our gym.” With districts out of the way, the Panthers and Titans will now enter the Class 7A playoffs, as this year’s playoff format allows only district winners and runner-ups to compete. Dr. Phillips will host Class 7A, District 4 runner-up Oviedo (1410) Thursday, Feb. 18. Olympia will travel to Class 7A, District 4 champion University (16-7) Friday, Feb. 19.

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