WINDERMERE
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. FREE
VOLUME 2, NO. 20
YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS FIVE TO COUNCIL Gov. Rick Scott has reappointed two and appointed three to the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council. Kelly Curtis, 47, of Windermere, is the vice president and general manager of Prestige Concrete Products VCNA. He is reappointed for a term that began Jan. 31 and ends June 30, 2019. Dr. Michael Armbruster, 54, of Winter Garden, is an educator for Orange County Public Schools. He fills a vacant seat, and his term is Jan. 31 through June 30, 2017.
CRAZIEST CARD GAME IN TOWN
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Art Affair set to return The Windermere art festival will take place March 4 and 5. SEE PAGE 7.
Congratulations, cadet Foundation Academy senior Evan Fitzgibbon has harbored dreams of attending the selective United States Military Academy at West Point since he was in the third grade. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE
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ince learning of the lives and accomplishments of former Amer-
ican general Robert E. Lee and the 18th U.S. president The Windermere Garden Club is hosting its Annual Crazy Card Party Fundraiser and Luncheon on Thursday, March 9, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. The event begins at 9:45 a.m. and continues until all raffle and silent auction items are won and card games are completed. Lunch is served at noon. Tickets are $25, and reservations can be made by sending a check to Windermere Garden Club, Box 502, Windermere, FL 34786. For more, call (407) 876-4239.
Ulysses S. Grant during a third-grade history lesson, Evan Fitzgibbon decided to embark on what would become a years-long relentless pursuit to study at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
SEE PAGE 4
CHURCH OFFERS LENTEN EVENTS Windermere Union Church — United Church of Christ, 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road, will begin reaching out to the Latin community with Lenten dinners and programs with a Latin flare every Sunday night during Lent, March 5 through April 9. The dinners are potluck and begin at 5:30 p.m. The programs following each Sunday night will explore how the Latino and Hispanic community traditionally celebrate worship through music, song, dance and food.
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Windermere resident Evan Fitzgibbon, a senior at Foundation Academy, was elated to hear of his acceptance to the United States Military Academy at West Point.
OMG acquires Winter Park-Maitland Observer Observer Media Group Inc. is the parent company of the West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer. OBSERVER STAFF ORANGE COUNTY Turnstile Media
Group Inc., the Orlando-based owner of the Winter Park-Maitland Observer, announced Feb. 23 the sale of the 28-year-old community weekly newspaper to Sarasota-based Observer Media Group Inc. Also included in the sale were the Winter Park-Mai-
tland Observer’s affiliated publications and websites, including Central Florida Senior magazine. “We are very pleased that our publication will be presided over by such a dedicated and professional group. We wish them much success in their efforts to take our newspaper to new levels of accomplishment,” said Rance Crain, owner and chairman of
Turnstile Media Group. The Observer Media Group is a 23-year-old private company that publishes 11 other newspapers, three magazines and seven websites in Florida — in Sarasota, Plant City, Winter Garden, Windermere, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast and Jacksonville. Its owners are Matt and Lisa Walsh. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Matt Walsh, the company’s CEO. “With our SEE OBSERVER PAGE 4
HOUSE & HOME
Spring is coming! Be ready with these gardening tips .
SEE PAGE 18.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
THURSDAY, MARCH 2
SEUSSVILLE CELEBRATION 4 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. A Seussville Ball will provide fun and wonderful things, for ages 5 to 8. (407) 835-7323.
WINDERMERE ART AFFAIR 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, in downtown Windermere. The free, two-day event will feature fine art, exhibits, food, wine and entertainment. (407) 876-4028.
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
MONDAY, MARCH 6
CENTER RING SPECTACLE 11 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. It is part show, part instruction and all fun. Begin with a mini-performance followed by training for all in juggling and plate spinning. Presented by Orlando Youth Circus. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323. SUMMERPORT FOOD TRUCKS 5:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Lakefront Farmer’s Market at Summerport Village, 13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Winter Garden. There will be 10 food trucks, live music by Scotty Long, children’s activities and Goose Island pairings at 33 Melt and local vendors. TASTE OF WINDERMERE 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at The Grove, 4756 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Sponsored by the Central Florida Women’s League, this 10th annual evening of food and fine wine features options provided by 30 beverage and dining establishments. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at cfwl.org. Proceeds benefit community grants and scholarships.
GROWING PLANTS FROM SEED 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 6, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn how to grow healthy and productive plants from seed with Master Gardener Dena Wild from UF/ IFAS Extension Orange County Office. She will share and demonstrate techniques for sowing seeds, managing indoor plants and creating proper growing conditions so seedlings can thrive. Pots, dirt and seed provided for all registered participants. Ages 15 and up. Supplies are limited. Registration required at (407) 835-7323.. JCCF ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT 11:30 a.m. check-in and 1 p.m. tee-off Monday, March 6, at West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. A fun day of golf and food to benefit the Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund. A silent auction will end at 7 p.m. Cost is $110 per player and includes a light lunch and pork dinner. Register online at JCCancerFund.org.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
COLLEGE AND CAREER FAIR 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. Sponsored by EduMatics and the From the Heart Charitable Foundation, this forum will have representatives from universities, colleges, technical schools, trade schools and businesses available to talk to students. High school juniors and seniors are invited and are advised to take SAT/ACT scores and school transcripts with them. Event is free. (407) 6560661. RSVP to info@edumaticsprogram.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9
CRAZY CARD PARTY AND LUNCHEON 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Includes card games, raffles and silent auctions. No card-playing experience is needed. The Windermere Garden Club is hosting this annual fundraiser. Tickets are $25, and proceeds are spent in the community. Check can be mailed to Windermere Garden Club, Box 502, Windermere, FL 34786. Peggy, (407) 876-4239. WEST ORANGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Jill Cohen, co-founder of Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force and founder of The Lifeboat Project, and Mary Lindhansen will speak about human trafficking. RSVP to Rebecca Mellen, (407) 230-5968 or rebeccatmellen@gmail.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 13
SHAMROCKS! 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Kids, do you have the luck o’ the Irish? Have a legendary good time with crafts, stories and leprechaun fun. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.
SPANISH BOOK CLUB 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Join this Spanishlanguage book club to discuss literature, art, music and more. All are welcome. (407) 8357323.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
SEEING GREEN 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 13, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Learn and play with everything the color of shamrocks, leprechauns and emeralds. Ages 2 to 4. (407) 835-7323.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
LITTLE PICASSO 4 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Preschoolers can let their imagination and little hands run wild with color, texture and more. Ages 3 to 5. (407) 835-7323.
INVESTIGATING THE WORLD OF INSECTS 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 18, at Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha. Children ages 5 to 13 can explore Nehrling Gardens and the many insects that call Florida home. Practice the skills needed to become a junior entomologist, including how to identify different insects. Learn how to use these skills to investigate insect activity in your own backyard. Cost is $10 per child. Advance registration required at nehrlinggardens/org/event/ investigating-world-insects.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
After his presentation, Jim Plunkett-Cole and Dwight Thomas took photos with Windermere Prep’s second- through fifth-grade students.
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Photos by Gabby Baquero
Learning is like a box of chocolates Windermere Prep students met a real-life Forrest Gump when Jim Plunkett-Cole visited the school last week.
GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER
Jim Plunkett-Cole, a 48-year-old from the city of Bristol in southwest England, visited Windermere Preparatory School Feb. 22 as part of his mission to drop in on select schools during his 20,000mile journey across the United States in three years. Prior to this goal, Plunkett-Cole ran 6.2 miles every day for three years with his running buddy, a Border Collie named Alfredo. The daily runs helped Plunkett-Cole
realize the importance of daily physical activity. His commitment to physical fitness and his ambitious quest was inspired by the 1994 film, “Forrest Gump.” In the movie, Gump began his trek in Mobile, Alabama, so Plunkett-Cole decided to start his own journey there as well on Oct. 1, 2016. Plunkett-Cole, who has Asperger’s syndrome, was inspired by the movie because he noticed similarities between the fictional main character and himself. But unlike Forrest, Plun-
kett-Cole makes a habit of sharing his journey and philosophy on fitness with students in the hope of inspiring them to become more physically active, as well. “Do anything; do any sport,” Plunkett-Cole said during his 30-minute presentation in the school’s gymnasium. “Be active and do something you enjoy every day.” Anyone interested in following Plunkett-Cole’s journey across the U.S. may visit his Facebook page, fb.com/JimGumpUK.
Jim Plunkett-Cole has been running 16 miles a day every day since Oct. 1, 2016. He drops in on schools along his route to explain the importance of health and fitness.
County narrows focus on Sand Lake improvements A meeting was held on Thursday, Feb. 23, to review details of the preferred option to alleviate congestion on the roadway.
DR. PHILLIPS Nearly 50 people attended the final community meeting Feb. 23 for the Sand Lake Road traffic improvement study to hear what proposed improvements the county is considering for the problematic roadway. The meeting focused on the stretch of Sand Lake Road from Turkey Lake Road to South Apopka-Vineland Road. Last October, residents learned of three proposed options to alleviate congestion. The attendees
voted on the different options, and the majority voiced their approval of Alternative 2. During the Feb. 23 meeting, representatives of the Orange County Transportation Planning Division presented more detailed information about Alternative 2. “Obviously, we’re listening as a county to your concerns about Sand Lake Road,” said Orange County District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey. Currently, that 1.3-mile stretch of Sand Lake Road has five-foot sidewalks, no bike facilities or bus transit stops and daily conges-
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Option 1 would install a diamond-shaped directional median at the intersection. Option 2 would install traffic signals and crosswalks at the Plaza Venezia entrance. County representatives will have another three meetings before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners votes on the issue in June. The estimated cost of construction is $8.85 million. Right now, the county only has funding available to see this project through to the design phase. To learn more about the Sand Lake Road traffic improvement study, visit sandlakeroadstudy. com.
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north-east side of the Sand Lake Road and Dr. Phillips Boulevard intersection; n a westbound left-turn lane from Sand Lake Road into Plaza Venezia; n an extended left-turn lane traveling eastbound from Sand Lake Road onto Della Drive; n new curbing all along Sand Lake Road; and n a 10-foot-wide shared-use path along the south side of Sand Lake Road. “It’s about creating a street that is complete and comfortable,” said Anoch Whitfield, representative for the Orange County Transportation Planning Division. Alternative 2 also includes two different options to solve traffic concerns at the entrances of Plaza Venezia and The Fountains.
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tion at the Dr. Phillips Boulevard intersection. The study concluded that nearly one-third of the daily traffic traveling westbound on the roadway turns right onto Dr. Phillips Boulevard. In addition, it revealed there were 859 car accidents on Sand Lake Road between 2012 and 2015. About 200 of those occurred on the westbound side of Sand Lake Road between The Fountains plaza and Dr. Phillips Boulevard. Under Alternative 2, a variety of lane improvements would be implemented between Turkey Lake Road and Dr. Phillips Boulevard: n A continuous right-turn lane traveling westbound on Sand Lake Road to Dr. Phillips Boulevard; n a pedestrian island on the
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Dream come true CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
His dream was an ambitious one, considering the tuition-free West Point, one of the five notoriously selective military academies in the country, has an acceptance rate of only 10.6%. But the then-third-grader had set his heart on that goal because of his realization that the common denominator between his role models was their graduation from West Point, established in 1802 at West Point, New York. “I thought it was so exciting that even as a young child he had that passion and that vision,” said his father, John Fitzgibbon. “But the other side of me was a little scared about it, you know, serving your country in harm’s way and what it meant in the future for us as parents knowing that your son is an officer in the military. So I think it was a bittersweet type of a feeling for us.” That goal became a reality for the now 18-year-old. After returning from a hunting trip in Texas, he found a large, elaborately decorated envelope on his bed from West Point. “We stood in the stairwell, and all of a sudden, we hear this kid just screaming at the top of his lungs,” John Fitzgibbon said. “He just went, ‘No way! NO WAY!’ And then he came running down the stairs with his beautiful certificate appointment, and in that moment we were just so thankful to God. But I knew that he had worked his whole life for this, and I would’ve been completely surprised if it didn’t happen.” To prepare himself for the time when he’d have to start the application process, Evan Fitzgibbon went out of his way to develop his leadership skills, athletic abilities
and academic prowess. He joined the football team and eventually became team captain his senior year. He enrolled in the Civil Air Patrol — an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force — and worked his way up the ranks. He earned the Billy Mitchell Award, given to Civil Air Patrol cadets who complete the second phase of the cadet program, and eventually became a commander. And all of it with the aim of one day being able to become a standout candidate, passing the physical exam and earning a congressional or senatorial nomination. And after an impressive interview with U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, he received the necessary stamp of approval. Now that he’s been accepted, he can’t wait to finish his last semester at Foundation Academy and start school at West Point July 3. He plans to major in defense and strategic studies, with the aim of learning about a variety of battle strategies from military history to become an infantry officer and, eventually, a ranger. The academy requires five years of active duty and three years of reserve service. “It’s just surreal — now that I’ve gotten into the school of my dreams,” Evan Fitzgibbon said. “I know what to expect, but I don’t know what God has planned for me there. But the main thing that I hope to accomplish is to just be developed into the best leader that I can be.” Noting his son’s hard work ethic and accomplishment thus far, his father has no doubt he will become an excellent leader during his training and studies at West Point. “When you come in as a firsttime cadet, you’re basically the lowest of the low, but I think he’s prepared himself for that through
LETTER TO THE EDITOR VOTE “YES” ON NEW TOWN CHARTER On March 14, 2017, residents of the town of Windermere will vote on whether to replace the current town charter with a rewritten version. The current charter was adopted in 1970 and was last revised in 2007. In 2015, the town appointed a charter review committee to examine the current charter and make recommendations for appropriate revisions. I was the chairman of that committee. The 2007 charter contains numerous provisions that are governed by or superseded by Florida law. Also, it is disorganized and contains inconsistent references, typographical errors and many unnecessary provisions. The charter review committee spent more than a year painstakingly reviewing every sentence of every section of the charter, rewriting and reorganizing it, and meeting with the Town Council and town attorneys to finalize a new proposed charter. This new proposed charter contains no substantive changes. Superfluous provisions, archaic language and sections rendered unnecessary or ineffective under Florida law were removed. The neces-
sary sections were rewritten using clearer language and were logically reorganized. The 2007 charter contains 50 pages; the proposed 2017 charter contains just 20. All the important provisions in the current charter remain in the proposed charter (e.g., the supermajority required for changing single-family residential property use; the protection of the 1887 Schoolhouse; the restrictions on municipal borrowing, etc.). Voting “yes” on the question entitled “New Town Charter for the Town of Windermere, Florida” will not change any of these provisions. There are two other ballot questions regarding proposed changes to the town’s borrowing limitations. I take no position regarding those substantive changes, and the proposed new charter does not contain either of them. The proposed new charter is on the town’s website for review. Regardless of whether you support or oppose the ballot questions on borrowing limitations, I urge you to vote “yes” to adopt the new town charter. ERNEST J. MYERS CHAIRMAN, WINDERMERE CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE
“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.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, AmyQ@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@Orange
Courtesy photo
Evan Fitzgibbon, who discovered he earned a spot at his dream school after returning home from a hunting trip, plans to major in defense and strategic studies at West Point.
“I know what to expect, but I don’t know what God has planned for me there. But the main thing that I hope to accomplish is to just be developed into the best leader that I can be.” — Evan Fitzgibbon
seeing his progression through the Civil Air Patrol,” John Fitzgibbon said. “So he’s got that mindset. He knows he’ll have to work hard when he first gets there, and he’ll succeed.” Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com
Observer expands CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
existing West Orange Times & Observer serving the Winter Garden-Ocoee area and the Windermere Observer, the Winter ParkMaitland Observer is a natural fit — not just because of its name, but because we share the same mission and focus: to provide the communities we serve with alllocal content.” Dawn Willis, publisher of the West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer, also will become publisher of the Winter Park-Maitland Observer. West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer Executive Editor Michael Eng also will serve in the same role at the Winter Park-Maitland Observer. The Winter Park Observer began publishing in January 1989 when Gerhard J.W. Munster, a native of Vienna, Austria, distributed the first edition. In 1990, Munster added Maitland to the paper’s name and coverage area. Munster sold the paper to Winter Park entrepreneur Kyle Taylor, who sold it in 2007 to Crain’s Turnstile Media Group. Crain is the son of the founder of Chicago-based Crain Communications Inc., where he also serves as president and editorial director. During Turnstile’s ownership of the Observer, the paper continued to expand, adding Baldwin
Park, College Park and Goldenrod and always emphasizing coverage of local government, the arts, schools, business and sports. Walsh said the Observer will continue that focus, with the goal of making the paper indispensable to the Winter Park and Maitland communities. In the past four years, Walsh said, three of his company’s Observers were named “Newspaper of the Year” five times in their respective circulation categories by the Local Media Association. The company’s newspapers consistently rank among the most awarded weeklies in Florida by the Florida Press Association. Walsh and his wife started their company in 1995, when they purchased the weekly Longboat Observer on Longboat Key. Since then, through startups and acquisitions, they have expanded the company to include 125 employees and a weekly readership of its newspapers and websites of more than 375,000. OMG’s newspapers include: Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Business Observer, all based in Sarasota; Plant City Times & Observer; West Orange Times & Observer, Windermere Observer, based in Winter Garden; Ormond Beach Observer; Palm Coast Observer; and Financial News & Daily Record, Jacksonville.
Observer.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@ OrangeObserver.com Pam Zerblas, pzerblas@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com
CONTACT US
The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.
TO ADVERTISE For display or digital advertising, call Ann Marie Vibbert, Michelle Gentry or Cyndi Gustafson at (407) 656-2121. For classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.
SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.
WINDERMERE OBSERVER The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.
Windermere Observer 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
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Daddy-daughter date night D
ads and daughters at both MetroWest and Keene’s Crossing elementary schools shared special evenings during the schools’ respective father-daughter dances. Bright neon lights and sugary sweets were on the agenda for the evening Friday, Feb. 17, at MetroWest Elementary’s annual Sweetheart Dance. Students were encouraged to dress up and bring their families to enjoy a night filled with dancing, snacking on refreshments, a propfilled photo booth and fun with friends. At Keene’s Crossing, the fun spilled into the school’s front lawn Friday, Feb. 24. More than 550 tickets were sold, making this the biggest dance in school history. The school had a second DJ stationed on the front lawn with additional activities for the children. The evening included dancing, food, and a variety of games from limbo to a toiletpaper wrapping contest.
— BRITTANY GAINES AND DANIELLE HENDRIX
Sophia Calixto loved dancing with her dad, Dimas, at MetroWest’s dance. Left: Keene’s Crossing hosted several activities outside, including a toilet-paper wrapping contest. Ken Jacques was one of the dads who participated.
MetroWest students Bailey Taylor, right, and friend Madison DeLeon had a blast dancing to their favorite music.
ONLINE
MetroWest student Sunoah Breedlove, left, tries to get a selfie with her friends. A bubble machine was set up outside during Keene’s Crossing’s dance, and kindergartner Molly McCulloch tried to catch the bubbles.
See more photos at OrangeObserver.com
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A cut above
V’S BARBERSHOP ORLANDO 7848 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 108, Windermere PHONE: (407) 614-0330 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays WEBSITE: vbarbershop.com/ location/orlando FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ VBarbershopOrlando
V’s Barbershop in Lakeside Village is aiming to bring its clients an authentic, old-school barbershop experience.
DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST Walk through the
doors of V’s Barbershop in Lakeside Village and you’ll notice a shoe-shining station to your left, antique barber chairs straight ahead and the smell of a classic barbershop tonic in the air. It’s all part of the authentic, old-school barbershop experience the company aims to bring back to today’s shops. The Olympic flag is on display in the back of the room, and sports photographs decorate the walls all around it. A large portrait of Muhammad Ali — formerly a regular at another V’s Barbershop location — hangs in the middle of the wall to the right. Televisions are turned to ESPN, and the classic barber pole is on display both outside the shop and inside, against the back wall.
Lawrence Johnson, owner of the Horizon West location, was a customer of V’s in 2008 when he lived in Phoenix. He wanted to find an authentic barbershop, much like the one he and his dad went to when he was a kid, and found it at V’s. “It reminded me of some of the memories and experiences I had with my parents when they would take me to the barbershop,” he said. “I recalled all those memories and I think back to the communities we’ve lived in, knowing I’ve had a different barbershop experience in each one. I wanted to bring something like this — wholesome, family-friendly, clean and professional — to the area.” Lawrence Johnson and his wife, Lauris, moved to the Windermere area four years ago. From summer 2014 to April 2016, Lawrence Johnson talked with V’s founder,
Danielle Hendrix
Lawrence Johnson and his wife, Lauris, opened V’s Barbershop’s Orlando location in December, with a grand opening Feb. 11.
Jim Valenzuela, about the possibility of buying into the V’s brand. And in August 2016, the buildout process for Lawrence Johnson’s own V’s Barbershop location began. “We initially moved to the opposite side of town and were looking for a spot we could settle and buy a home,” Lauris Johnson said. “We found this loca-
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tion on the way to Disney and looked over like, ‘Wow, this is a nice little spot with a lot of nice homes. This could be a good spot for the barbershop,’ because we noticed there wasn’t one anywhere around.” The soft opening was Dec. 22, but the Johnsons hosted a grand-opening celebration Feb. 11. Because the family feels it is important to give back to the community, they donated half the proceeds to Winter Gardenbased organization The Gift of Swimming, which teaches young children to swim. It’s where their own daughter learned to swim. “Doing things like that — getting tied in with little leagues and other nonprofits in the area — that’s big for us,” he said. “We really believe in it. This is more about cutting hair — this is about being part of the community and tying into the community.”
It ties in perfectly with the key to the brand’s vision that a customer should receive more than a haircut. They also should enjoy a unique experience. From the antique chairs to the shoe-shining stand and barbers in black uniforms, V’s is all about having the old-school barbershop experience and interaction. And although barbershops cater to men and boys, the Johnsons want everyone who walks through the door to feel welcome and comfortable. “As a woman, I like the fact that it’s a comfortable environment I can go to,” Lauris Johnson said. “I have a younger brother, and sometimes, my mom and I would take him to the barbershop, and I hated it because the guys were just talking badly. I can sympathize with the mothers and daughters having to be exposed to that environment, (but they can) come here and feel comfortable watching their brother or son get their hair cut.” Lawrence Johnson hopes his shop will fulfill a need in the growing Horizon West area. Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
ARTS + CULTURE
A lovely affair
HEAR THIS
Jazz in the Park 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando. Mayor Teresa Jacobs is hosting the sixth annual Jazz in the Park, which will recognize Orange County’s volunteer and service organizations. The event also includes a variety of jazz performers and food trucks. Anyone attending may also bring their own picnic to enjoy, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. A rain date has been set for March 25.
ENJOY THIS
Courtesy photos
Alana O’Hern is known for her larger-than-life portraits and work with a palette knife.
BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER
S
WINDERMERE
ome were born with brushes in their hand; others are new to this colorful world called art. But whether they were self-taught or professionally trained, the artists participating in the Windermere Art Affair all produce high-quality work. Last year, more than 50 artists attended the inaugural fine art
fair in downtown Windermere, and garnered support from the art community throughout West Orange. “I was in it last year, and it was wonderful successful,” Alana O’Hern said. “They did a great job pulling it all together. It’s something special for Windermere, and it’s needed.” The second annual Windermere Art Affair will be held from 11a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5.
MEET THREE OF THE ARTISTS ON PAGE 8
Sophia Paleotheodoros, a native of Montreal, will showcase her work at this year’s Art Affair.
Garden Encore! 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. This is the theater’s signature fundraising event and includes a special reveal of the upcoming 10th anniversary season. Festivities include a champagne reception, a tribute to the music of America’s Rock Band, Chicago featuring Matt Catingub and Orchestra, and an after-party at Pilars Martini. For tickets, call (407) 877-4736 or go to bit.ly/2m2X3Sh.
SUPPORT THIS
Taste of Windermere
WINDERMERE ART AFFAIR WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5 WHERE: Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere DETAILS: The event will include live entertainment, wine, beer and food When he’s not working as a firefighter with the Brevard County Fire Department, Nick Seyler is at home creating abstract artwork.
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at The Grove, 4750 The Grove Dr., Windermere. The Central Florida Women’s League hosts this event, and all proceeds will go to grants and scholarships supported by the CFWL Foundation. Tickets cost $85 per person and can be purchased at cfwl.org.
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
AFFAIR CELEBRATES CREATIVITY
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NICK SEYLER
He works in layers, painting one layer of color at a time and letting it dry before adding to a piece. But it can take him a while to finish a painting since he works as a firefighter/paramedic with the Brevard County Fire Department. He attended the Windermere Art Affair last year and said he is looking forward to showcasing his art again and meeting fellow artists. “I was invited back to participate again, and I’m pretty excited about it,” Seyler said. “It’s going to be fun. Being around all those (artists) makes me more motivated to do specific kinds of art. It’s cool to be around.”
ALANA O’HERN
low where it takes you,” O’Hern said. “When you stand up close (to one of my paintings), you can’t make any sense out of it, but it comes together when you step away.” Her portraits are larger-thanlife, some reaching a height of 6 feet tall. Lately, she has stepped away from portraits and begun painting classic cars. The beauty of art is all about the artistic process, she said. “You get lost in that; it’s a state you go into,” O’Hern said. “I’m trying to do a jigsaw puzzle — that’s how I think of it. You’re not thinking of anything else but putting a puzzle together. It’s grounding and you get wrapped up in where you are.”
SOPHIA PALEOTHEODOROS
clients feel,” Paleotheodoros said. “They sometimes text me and tell me how wonderful it was to wake up and see my paintings on their wall or they send me photos of where they put it. They are always so exited when I arrive and the way they react when I unravel their paintings, it’s just priceless. How can you not love being an artist? That is where I get my inspiration. That, and a good coffee.” Paleotheodoros, who still lives in Montreal, heard about the Windermere Art Affair from a friend who lives in the Orlando area. “We spoke on the phone recently about possibly doing something in Florida, and he mentioned the Windermere Art Affair,” she said. “I thought it was a perfect idea.”
For as long as Seyler can remember, he’s had a pen or paintbrush in his hand. But it wasn’t until 2012 that he delved deeper into the painting world. “I had a back surgery that kept me out of work for a while, so I had a lot of time to kill,” he said. Working with acrylics, Seyler began experimenting with his art, layering colors on top of each other to create abstract pieces. “The freedom of it to do whatever I want and to put down colors, it’s just having fun with it,” he said. “With abstract stuff, there’s no form or function to it. It’s all just really colorful, and there’s a lot of texture to it.”
O’Hern’s foray into art began on a family vacation. She stopped at an art store to pick up painting supplies so she and her children could paint together on the trip. “I ended up painting this terrible self portrait, but I loved the way it felt - painting with a knife,” she said. “When we came home, I started painting large portraits.” She painted 23 portraits in her first year and quickly became a commissioned artist. “I never felt like an artist until I picked up that palette knife,” O’Hern said. Her medium of choice is oil paints, and she uses a knife instead of brushes. “You can let it be free and fol-
A lifelong resident of Montreal, Canada, Paleotheodoros fell in love with art as a child and eventually went on to study it in college. She eventually started her own business — Sophia Decor — painting faux finish effects on walls that looked like wallpaper, brick or marble. Then requests for paintings started trickling in. “I slowly started incorporating my techniques and colors into making abstract art,” she said. “I was fascinated by the effects of high-gloss resin and lighting in some of the commercial spaces and started to use it for my paintings.” Her work consists of mixed mediums and textures, but she does it for the people, she said. “I love being an artist mainly because of the way I make my
Largest Food Tasting & Business Expo in West Orange! Indulge in all the food and beverage samples you desire from your favorite West Orange spots. That's right, your Best Fest wristband grants you unlimited samples of all your favorite foods and drinks from 60+ vendors, all for one admission price! To purchase tickets and for vendor information, visit wochamber.com
Thursday, March 30th, 2017 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm Rain or Shine 150 N. Lakeshore Dr. Along the shore of Starke Lake in beautiful, historic Ocoee
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
OrangeObserver.com
A Splash of Carnaval
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
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CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
LET US
you in 2017! Kathleen Roat, Bill Martini, Cindy Jackson and Pam Martini chatted with each other after dinner.
B
right colors, soft lighting and great company all helped make the SoBo Art Gallery’s third annual Splash of Carnaval Gala a success. Held at the pavilion in downtown Winter Garden on Friday, Feb. 24, the gala is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the art gallery. This year’s event included live music, a dinner and dessert buffet, live and silent auctions, a cocktail hour, photo opportunities and more.
“The staging is Magnificent, The Concert of the year!” –Music Scene
“The staging is Magnificent, The Concert of the year!” – Music Scene
One Show Only!
Rudy Drapiza works on a painting to be auctioned off.
— DANIELLE HENDRIX
Saturday, March 4, 2017 7:30 PM Songs from 10 of Broadway’s Most Beloved Shows... • Phantom of the Opera • Lion King • Hamilton • West Side Story • Cabaret • Les Miserables • The Sound of Music • Chicago and more! 12 World-Class Vocalists and Instrumentalists – The Musical Event of the year! Songs from 10 of Broadway’s Most Beloved Shows… • PHANTOM OF THE OPERA • LION KING • HAMILTON Karen Jones and Mike Armbruster loved WEST SIDE STORY • CABARET • LES MISERABLES Dawn Proffitt and Jennifer Calabrese roamed catching up and socializing•with friends • THE SOUND OF MUSIC • CHICAGO and more! around the pavilion after dinner. at the gala. 12 World-Class Vocalists and Instrumentalists – The Musical Event of the year!
See more photos at OrangeObserver.com Co Starring
Co Starring
SHELLEY KEELOR Broadway’s favorite Soprano
JONATHAN CUMMINGS Multi talented Vocalist & Instrumentalist
TERRY BARBER One of the world’s greatest counter tenors!
“Barber has Star Quality!” - Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Performances of Great Vitality and Verve”- LA Times “He took our breath away” Prince Alexander Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany
Starring
TERRY BARBER
One Show Only!
One of the world’s greatest counter tenors!
Co Starring SHELLEY KEELOR Broadway’s favorite Soprano
Saturday, March 4, 2017 • 7:30 PM
“Barber has Star Quality!” - Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Performances of Great Vitality and Verve”- LA Times “He took our breath away” Prince Alexander Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany
www.clermontperformingarts.com 352-394-4800 Box Office Hours Tuesday, Thursday, Friday • 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM and 2 hours prior to showtime
CLERMONT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 352.394.4800 I www.ClermontPAC.com Box Office: 1p.m. - 5p.m. Tues, Thurs, Fri
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A Starbrite Musical Productions Concert Event
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Starring
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
|
TOTALLY TUBULAR TIME
WINTER GARDEN LOCATION NOW CLOSED OPENING SOON IN NEW OCOEE LOCATION
• Whole Belly Clams • Lobster Rolls • Homemade Clam Chowder • Charbroiled Steaks and Surf & Turf
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Read our REVIEWS on FB, Yelp and Trip Advisor
New location will be in front of West Oaks Mall at
9467 W. Colonial Dr. in Ocoee We will be able to seat over 250 guests! Outdoor seating will be available and we’ll have full liquor service!
We look forward to serving you again soon!
www.BatesNESS.com • 407-347-9861
David W. Boers DDS PA Honest, Skillful and Experienced Dentistry
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Offering 10 PERCENT OFF on bleaching procedures and oral hygiene products.
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Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 1805 Maguire R., Suite 159, Windermere, FL 34786
407-876-6708
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I
t was all about neon, glow sticks, leg warmers and leggings with outlandish patterns at the Rosen JCC’s ‘80s Decades Party on Saturday, Feb. 18. Partygoers were encouraged to come dressed accordingly as they spent a night reliving the ‘80s. Guests could take crazy pictures in a photo booth, grab some food and drinks and dance to music played by ‘80s tribute band The Molly Ringwalds. — DANIELLE HENDRIX
232533
Accepting New Patients • Most Insurances Accepted
Jessica and Johnny Walker and Vanessa and Jonathan Paul put together their best ‘80s wear.
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For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Melissa Edri and Nicole Yossifon were all about the neon clothes.
ONLINE
Annette Zeide and Samantha DeBello loved jamming out to the ‘80s music.
See more photos at OrangeObserver.com
Your Body in Balance
...your journey to beautification and rejuvenation starts here The following treatments are offered: • ThermiVaTM (Vaginal Rejuvenation) • ThermiSmooth Face • Dysport • Laser Treatments • Chemical Peels • IPL Photofacials • Facials • Hair Removal • Vibradermabrasions • Dermal Fillers • Waxing
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
“We have the largest chapel in West Orange County.” Owned and operated by the Romano family.
407-614-8350
“That’s My Wish”
Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. If you run a shelter or animal rescue and wish to participate, contact Staff Writer Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
Shy and sweet Madison (A370747) is nine months old and came in as a stray. She’ll warm up to you quickly with a few treats! She walks well on a leash, and she enjoys being pet. Madison is very calm and loving! She does have heartworm disease, but it is treatable. Madison’s adoption fee has been waived due to her heartworm disease.
CLUB HUBBUB St., Winter Garden, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays during the weekly open house. Donations can also be left in a plastic bag on the front porch. For information, call (407) 656-6361. WEST ORANGE WOMEN
Courtesy photo
Club President Daryll Parker, right, welcomed former President George W. Bush impersonator John Morgan.
Club President Daryll Parker welcomed former President George W. Bush impersonator John Morgan as the guest speaker for the Rotary Club of Winter Garden weekly lunch meeting. Morgan, a ringer for the former commander in chief, has written a book titled, “War on Fear – What Would You Do If You Were Not Afraid?” For more information about Morgan or his book, visit johncmorgan.com. The Rotary Club meets at noon Tuesdays at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden.
“Because “We will honor any you care” pre-arrangement plans Cremation, Funeral and Burial with other funeral homes including butStarting not limited to:at $795 Forethought, Simplicity Plan, Memorial Guardian, NGL and many other FRANK SCARLATA www.DeGusipeFuneralhome.com West Orange Chapel pre-arrangement plans.” Funeral Director & Manager
(407)695-CARE (2273)
Family owned & operated 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd. “Because you care” Ocoee, FL 34761 Cremation, Funeral and Burial Maitland Sanford Starting at West $795Orange
(407)695-CARE (2273)
www.DeGusipeFuneralhome.com
Family owned & operated 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd. • Ocoee, FL 34761 Maitland | Sanford | West Orange
For more information on the Rotary Club of Winter Garden, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden. org.
Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden
AMERICAN LEGION POST 63
American Legion Post 63 is collecting stuffed animals in good condition to be given out as bingo prizes. Post members have hosted bingo at the Golden Pond Communities senior-living facility on the second Thursday of the month for five years. More than 125 residents, 13 of them veterans, call Golden Pond home. Stuffed animals can be dropped off at the post, 271 Plant
EPISCOPAL
We are Proud to offer: • A Celebration of Life Service • Traditional Burial and Cremation Services • Prearranged Funeral Services
232509
WINTER GARDEN ROTARY CLUB
The West Orange Women organization is looking for women of all ages to join its social group to build friendships while helping others. More than 200 members enjoy an array of fun activities. For information about the group, visit westorangewomen. com.
www.winteroakfuneralhome.com
1132 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 • LIC #F080822
232516
The standard adoption fee for cats is $40 and $55 for dogs. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 p.m. to 5p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For more, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com.
“Home of the area’s first certified therapy dog. Feel free to stop in and say hello to Charley Girl!”
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Meet Donnie. Donnie (A367739) is 3 years old, and he’s been looking for a home for a while now. He was quite shy when he first arrived at the shelter, but he’s really come out of his shell, and he’s as friendly as can be. Donnie is laid-back and likes attention. He enjoys being pet, and he’ll meow for attention. Donnie is ready to go home today.
Direct Cremation for:
795.00 Call for details
$
407-656-2233 • www.baldwinfairchild.com 428 E. Plant Street • Winter Garden, FL 34787
CHURCH DIRECTORY
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 6:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org
LUTHERAN
ZION NEW LIFE CHURCH 16161 Marsh Road Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-5751 Bible Study 8:30AM, Family Service 9:30am, Pastor Roberto E. Rojas, Jr.
Non-Denominational HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510
Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.
This page appears weekly in the Windermere Observer and online at orangeobserver.com.
To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@orangeobserver.com
Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations • Repaired, Refinished and Repurposed Wood Furniture • Pallet Art & Furniture Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/
New Matthew’s Hope Chest Workshop • 407.905.9500 9am-4pm Mon - Sat 930 Carter Rd. Suite #311 • 1/4 Mile north of W. Colonial Drive 1pm-5pm on Sun
Visit our new Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations Booth Gracie’s Amazing Marketplace, 35 N. Dillard Street
232437
CR ITTER CO R NER
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
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MARCH 2, 2017
SPORTS
PLAYING IN THE SAND
Windermere Prep fields beach volleyball team for the first-year SSAC league.
HIGH
Jeremiah Granatstein is a versatile player for the Dr. Phillips Predators travel baseball team. Page 14
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STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
W
Photos by Steven Ryzewski
Windermere Prep beach volleyball players Angeline Bergner, left, Arianna Bergner, Izzy Teixeira and Julia Bernardes are all excited to be part of the program’s first season of competition.
Bridgewater sisters go all-in on beach volleyball STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR
For Cassidy and Amanda Chambers, their interest in beach volleyball was really rooted in the hope of improving at indoor volleyball. Formerly competing for Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy, the girls became aware that some of their peers also were playing beach volleyball as a way to hone their all-around skills. With only two athletes on a team in the sand version of the sport, it is incumbent on each player to be able to do everything. Both sisters already had bright futures in indoor volleyball; each played for highly competitive national teams that regularly brought home the hardware. Cassidy, 14, and Amanda, 12, also
HORIZON WEST
SEE FAMILY PAGE 14
hen Kaylee Bolton arrived on campus at Windermere Prep to interview for the head coaching job for the school’s inaugural girls beach volleyball team, she got a chance to tour the facility the school had built in anticipation of the new program. You might say she was impressed. “My jaw dropped,” said Bolton, who eventually was offered — and accepted — the job. Tucked between the school’s football field and its row of tennis courts is its sand court, complete with a small stadium-seating section and picnic tables. More than anything, it is a sign Windermere Prep is all-in on the potential of girls beach volleyball, a first-year sport being offered by the Sunshine State Athletic Conference this spring — all of which is music to Bolton’s ears. “I would have loved to have had the opportunity to play volleyball for my high school,” Bolton said. The Lakers have fielded an eight-person roster for the inaugural season — four teams of two athletes — and will compete in the startup league’s Central Division. Division rivals this spring will include Montverde Academy, International Community School, The Master’s Academy and St. John Lutheran. Tryouts, the preseason and a jamboree all took place in February, and the inaugural regular season begins this month and continues through April. The season will end with the 2017 Girls Beach Volleyball Championship Tournament at the Hickory Point in Tavares. Matches are largely expected to take places on Mondays and involve three schools for trimeets. The format the SSAC is using is loosely based on that of the collegiate level, where the sport also is growing. For Bolton, who was referred to the Lakers’ opening through friends in the beach volleyball community, coaching in the league — the first in Florida to offer varsity sand volleyball — is a chance to grow the game she is passionate about. Bolton, 24, has played competitively for clubs in and around the Cocoa area, where SEE LAKERS PAGE 14
WANT MORE?
Cassidy Chambers, left, and her sister Amanda have transitioned from indoor volleyball to the beach game, where they hope to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity.
To learn more about the Sunshine State Athletic Conference’s new girls beach volleyball league — the first of its kind in Florida — visit sunshinestateathletics.com/ gbvb.
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Dr. Phillips senior wrestler Dylan Meeks won another regional championship in the 285-pound weight class at the FHSAA Class 3A Region 1 Meet last weekend. Meeks will look to secure a fourth consecutive individual state championship this weekend in Kissimmee.
2
Francis Villaman was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs in the Olympia baseball team’s 5-3 win over Lake Mary Feb. 23.
3
Dr. Phillips softball alumna Caitlyn Jones did not allow a single hit in her complete game victory on the mound for Seminole State Feb. 25 against South Florida State College. Seminole State won 12-0 in five innings.
4
The Windermere Prep boys basketball team’s season ended in controversy in the regional semifinals of the FHSAA Class 5A Playoffs. The Lakers lost 72-70 Feb. 21 to The Villages Charter, when a game-tying basket with roughly two seconds remaining was waived off. For a complete recap, visit ObserverPreps.com.
5
The CFCA boys basketball team’s breakout season ended with a heartbreaking loss to Melbourne’s Florida Prep Feb. 24. The Eagles led early in the defensive-minded contest but ultimately fell 45-40. The loss ended an 18-game winning streak for CFCA, which finished the season with a 24-6 record.
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SPORTS SPOTLIGHT
WINDERMERE OBSERVER
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OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Family affair
SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES
Jeremiah Granatstein The Dr. Phillips Predators travel baseball team (ages 11 and 12) placed second in the Nations of Greater Orlando Presidents Day Challenge Feb. 18 and 19. Helping to lead the way with a versatile performance throughout the event was Jeremiah Granatstein.
How did you enjoy the tournament? The level of competition was actually pretty good. … The tournament was just really fun and really good. The regular season for Little League is starting up. Are you excited? I’m actually pretty excited — I have a bunch of friends on my team, and I’m excited for All-Stars. What position do you like playing the best? Shortstop. It’s the head of the field, and I like it. You pitch, too. What’s your best pitch? My fastball, for sure. How far do you think your coach, former big leaguer James Parr, would hit your fastball? About 30 feet backward.
were teammates on the Bridgewater Middle School team that won the Orange County Public Schools Championship recently without losing a single set. Along the way, though, something clicked — and now the Horizon West sisters are allin on the beach version of the sport. “It really clicked last year, because we went to the Junior Olympics in California, and the competition there was just incredible,” Cassidy said. “You see all these girls, and you see how serious they are. I realized if I really want to get good at this, I have to commit all my time to this.” Now, instead of commuting to the nearby OTVA facility in Orlando, Tim and Laura Chambers take their daughters twice a week to Cocoa, where they train with the Cape Coast Volleyball Club. On the weekends, the family travels around the state for tournaments. Although the mileage does add up, Tim Chambers said it has been fun to see the way his girls have taken to the sport. “Even though they (indoor and beach volleyball) seem similar, they’re quite a bit dif-
THE BASICS
AGE: 12 SCHOOL: Southwest Middle School GRADE: Sixth THROWS/BATS: Right HEIGHT: 5 feet
Which MLB team is your favorite, and who is your favorite professional player? The Toronto Blue Jays and Josh Donaldson. He’s an allaround amazing player and he’s got high-energy. Why do you like the Blue Jays? My dad (Bryan Granatstein) is from Toronto. Do you play any other sports? I wakeboard. We have season passes to Orlando Watersports Complex. What are your favorite subjects in school at Southwest Middle? Math and science, for sure. They’re super interesting, and I’m good at them.
ferent,” Chambers said. “I think the girls like (beach volleyball) because they’re in charge of their own destiny. They finish a tournament knowing, ‘This is what I need to work on.’” Indeed, both girls said they enjoy that — with only one teammate on a beach team — they feel a heightened sense of ownership in each result. They also enjoy the atmosphere that can be found at beach tournaments. “In indoor, there was so much pressure in any game,” Amanda said. “It’s very casual (at beach), and if you make the mistake you tell yourself ‘I’m going to fix it.’” Although the two girls are all-in on beach volleyball and have set their sights on earning scholarship offers as beach players, Cassidy, at least, also plans to play indoor for Windermere High, where she will be a freshman this fall. While that program promises to be competitive from its inception, Cassidy — who is an outside hitter in the indoor game — feels like the skills she has picked up playing beach volleyball may set her apart during tryouts. “It made me so much bet-
ter,” Cassidy said. “You do the defense, you do the hitting, the setting, the passing — you do everything. … When you play one position in indoor, you’re focused on that one job. When you place beach, you become well-rounded.” The girls, who are making a name for themselves, are excited to grow right along with the sport. Hopefully, that growth leads to a college scholarship. If it does, they’ll owe an extra special “thank you” to their parents, who don’t mind doing whatever is necessary to help them chase their dreams. “We try to be pretty appreciative (of our parents),” Amanda said. “It’s pretty difficult to get everything together. Our parents have to wake up way earlier than us to make lunches and pack clothes and a tent.” Not that Tim and Laura mind too much. “It’s fun,” Tim said. “We like to watch our kids play, and once we got out there and they’re playing in the sand — we enjoy it a lot.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.
Lakers excited to grow game CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
she grew up, for many years. The team for Windermere Prep includes Angeline Bergner, Arianna Bergner, Julia Bernardes, Audrey Hewitt, Tori Lahnston, Sabrina Pinto, Delaney Sauer and Izzy Teixeira. Several of the girls play for the
So what do you think you’d like to be when you grow up? A doctor. A plastic surgeon or the one that works with the nervous system. It’s extremely interesting to me, and I think it’d be fun.
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from your coach? Keep your head in the game and do not listen to your parents when you’re pitching.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
Lakers indoor team, with Bolton noting having to play with just one partner will force those athletes to become better allaround volleyball players from a technical standpoint. Only the Bergner sisters come to the program with previous experience playing competitive sand volleyball, thanks largely
in part to the background of their father, Mark Bergner, in the sport. Even the athletes are excited to be a part of something new. “It has a lot of room to grow,” Arianna Bergner said. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.
Olympia girls basketball ends season in state semifinals In the program’s first appearance in a state semifinal, the Olympia Titans girls hoops team came up short against Boca Raton 58-45 Feb. 24. The Titans trailed by 12 at halftime, and despite cutting that deficit to seven points early in the third quarter, the lead for Boca Raton eventually ballooned to 23 points. Not a team to throw in the towel, Olympia battled back late in the fourth quarter and got within striking distance — drawing within 11 points — but ultimately ran out of time on
— STEVEN RYZEWSKI
Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.
an impressive season. Brianna Richardson led the Titans with a team-high 14 points and Anjelie Tirone had snagged 11 rebounds. Senior captain Taylor Hair recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the defeat. Boca Raton went on to win the FHSAA Class 9A State Championship the next day with a 45-42 victory over Miami’s Ferguson High. Olympia finished the season with a 15-7 record.
Ni’Dericka Rainey goes up for two with a defender in pursuit.
— STEVEN RYZEWSKI
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Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR
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David Haynes
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”
Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4
M-F 6-7:30, Sat 6-7, Sun 6-6
YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.
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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.
THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH
What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”
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Long steps down after 15 seasons
LONG-EVITY ON CAMPUS Some highlights from Anthony Long’s time at Dr. Phillips:
The veteran coach resigned after the Panthers’ seasonending loss to Oak Ridge Feb. 21, ending a remarkable run.
DR. PHILLIPS It is the end of an era at Dr. Phillips High. After 15 seasons leading the Panthers boys basketball program, veteran coach Anthony Long announced Feb. 22 his resignation. The move is something the veteran coach said he has been contemplating for a few years now It will enable him to — among other things — spend more time with his 8-year-old son, who has autism. “It’s a good thing — I’m not over here sad or depressed. I’m over here kind of excited,” Long said. “I put in a good run, and I’m excited to spend more time with my son and more time with my family; (to) explore some other interests.” During his run at Dr. Phillips, the team amassed a 332-106 record, good for a .757 winning percentage. Dr. Phillips made 11 playoff appearances with three regional championships and three appearances in the state championship game to the program’s credit during that span. Before coaching at Dr. Phillips, Long also won two state titles at Gainesville High. When reflecting on his decision, Long focused on the toll that the grind of being a coach
at a competitive program like Dr. Phillips can take. In some ways, the effect of the sea change in the Central Florida hoops scene also played a role. During the past decade or so, there has been a migration of the Orlando area’s best players from public schools such as Dr. Phillips and Olympia toward private schools. In the summer of 2015, three elite players that originally played for Dr. Phillips — Chaundee Brown, Malik William and Elijah Jordan — left the program to play at The First Academy. The result was that, overnight, the Panthers were no longer a legitimate statetitle contender. But that didn’t mean Long ceased to put pressure on himself to maintain his high standards for the program that date back to its heyday. “The work to maintain our level of excellence, it’s had an effect on me,” Long admitted. “It’s drained me.” Long said he will continue to teach at Dr. Phillips and that he will definitely not coach somewhere else next season, saying he views this step as a retirement and that it is not out of dissatisfaction with the program, the school or the administration. He did not rule out the possibility of coaching again someday if he can’t shake the itch, though. Long said this season fit well as a final go-round with the team for
n Nine “Sweet 16” appearances (seven consecutive) n Three regional finals (3-0 record) n Three state semifinals (3-0 record) n Three appearances in state title games (0-3 record) Steven Ryzewski
Anthony Long addresses his team during a game in January of 2016. Long won more than 300 games as the Panthers’ head coach.
n Six Metro Conference Championships
a variety of reasons. The Panthers won 19 games despite not having several players on the school’s football team available to them until mid-December, and the team took a trip to Hawaii to play in the Iolani Classic over the winter holiday break. “I wanted to give the kids that experience, and to give myself and my family – and the assistant coaches — that experience,” Long said. Although the Panthers’ season ended with a loss to Oak Ridge in the Class 9A Regional Semifinals Feb. 21, Long still is satisfied his second-to-last game coaching at Dr. Phillips was an upset victory on the road at heavily favored Sarasota Riverview. “That was pretty cool to me,” Long said. “I believe in the ‘basketball gods’ — a lot of coaches do
n Six district titles
— and I just think that, that game, the basketball gods said, ‘Anthony, you’ve been doing this a long time and we’re going to give you one last gift to go out on.’ “For us to go in their gym and beat them, it was a huge win,” he said. “It was a satisfying way to go out.” The job opening Long’s departure creates likely will generate significant interest. Dr. Phillips returns four of five starters, including junior standout Daniel Love, who is one of the more talented scorers in the Metro Conference. “The program is in good shape,” Long said. “Whoever gets the job next year is definitely going to be stepping into a good situation.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.
n Long coached 10 full-scholarship, Division I players: Jason Rich (Florida State), Trey Hopkins (Western Carolina), Mario Sisinni (Coastal Carolina), Chris Warren (Ole Miss), Ray Willis (University of Oklahoma), Shane Larkin (University of Miami/NBA), Roderick Lawrence (Ole Miss), RaShawn Powell (Memphis), Jonathan Laurent (Rutgers) and Justin Tucker (Wofford) n Three appearances in the prestigious Iolani Classic in Hawaii
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n 11 playoff appearances
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STEVEN RYZEWSKI
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I LOVE WEST ORANGE
THURSDAY, MAR. 2 Winter Garden resident Kim Stutsman submitted this photo of the lovely azaleas along Tildenville School Road in Winter Garden. The Windermere Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@ orangeobserver. com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.
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YEAR TO DATE:
FEB. TO DATE:
2017 2.96 in.
2017 0.88 in.
2016 5.93 in.
2016 1.92 in.
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SUNRISE / SUNSET
96 Turns back to 000, e.g. 98 Many moons past the newborn stage 99 Sammy with over 600 home runs 101 Be patient in line 102 Concerning the pope 105 Without punishment 109 Irritate 110 Common Darth Vader misquote 114 Billy ___ Williams 115 Tweaks text 116 Relative of a U.S. dollar 117 Film archive containers 118 ___ Arbor, Mich. 119 Finely chopped spreads 120 Meaty, soupy dish 121 Common Valentine’s Day gift
DOWN
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ACROSS
1 Thailand, once 5 Provo’s state 9 You may break one while exercising 14 Common pet 17 Be a debater 19 Thing on a football jersey 20 City in Taiwan 22 Valuable mined rock 23 What Charlie said 26 Tennis court feature 27 Makes a lasting impression? 28 Down Under city 29 Word with latch or hang 31 Bird of the cuckoo family
32 Commandments number 33 “Married to ___” (Michelle Pfeiffer film) 36 Make imperfect 39 Extremely cold Circle 43 Initial acts 46 Have a brilliant thought 48 Monetary unit of Albania 49 “Psycho” scene of terror 51 One chin-up, e.g. 52 ___ &Gabbana of fashion 53 Beaver’s construction 54 Color over, as hair 55 Type of pickle 56 Help a criminal in wrongdoing 57 Musical Puente
58 Toyota no more 59 Television, radio, newspapers, etc. 60 Caribbean, for one 61 Bus utilizer 62 “For ___ a jolly good ...” 63 Monopoly property 65 ___ Arabia 67 Remote button abbr. 68 Classic column style 69 Sidestepped 71 About half of the adult population 72 Humble home 74 Word with “as directed” 77 Hidden complication 78 Vital layer with a hole
80 Con ___ (lively, in music) 81 Show off one’s muscles 82 Sound reverberation 83 Fourteen pounds, across the pond 84 One’s boy 85 Garlic mayonnaise 86 Have regrets 87 Collusion or secret agreement 88 Baseball score 89 LPs 90 Dessert of nuts and honey 92 It converts sun rays into electricity 95 Had a seat
1 Wise 2 Metal that can rust 3 Obviously excited 4 Ritual hand movement in Indian classical dancing 5 Riotous feeling 6 Turns browner in the sun 7 “What ___ bid?” 8 Nag persistently with trivial complaints 9 Light in the night sky 10 Would like to have 11 Ice skater’s figure 12 Do an impression of 13 ___ Aviv of 41-Down 14 What Balki Bartokomous said 15 Cookie with a white center 16 Exact revenge on 18 Proceed or issue forth 21 Chemically similar compound 24 Sheepish 25 Well-mannered man, in Britain 30 Prefix with smoking or lethal 32 Earthquake’s onset 34 What Joey Tribbiani said 35 Olympic sword event 36 Man with a golden touch 37 Photoshop software producer 38 What Zeus said 40 Off to ___ start (running
behind schedule) 41 Jewish republic 42 You may be checked in it 44 Started again, as a candle 45 Spread out, as fingers 47 Be directed? 50 Lyric poem with complex stanza forms 53 What Steve Urkel said 55 Places to grab a sandwich 57 It may get high on the beach 58 Word with call or booth 59 Soft, deep mud 61 Slugger Babe 64 Heading for a list 66 With a bow, to a cellist 67 Via ___ (expensive street of Rome) 69 Harsh in taste 70 Place where nothing’s the matter? 71 Pre-stereo recordings 72 Asinine 73 Rodeo bucker, for short 75 Historic city in Alabama 76 Remain alive 79 “Do not feed the animals” sign locale 81 Little lie 83 Utilize a bank account, in a way 85 Outstanding, elite player 87 Home for a king 88 Long-distance auto races (var.) 89 Socially distant 91 Hawaiian island giveaway 93 Good gardening soil 94 Account held in reserve 97 Emptied one’s wallet 100 Time-time link 101 “Beau Geste” author or type of bird 103 Paid helper 104 Quarterback’s option 105 “You betcha!” 106 Stat start 107 Seafood items often smoked 108 Language of Scotland 109 “Sweet as apple cider” girl of song 111 Baseball official 112 Mauna ___ (volcano) 113 Call from 111-Down
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.
“W KLJP OMERF AKLA HKP WH LH NWRF LRF DLBWRZ L YPBHMR LH HKP WH KWGLBWMEH. HWUYGX YEA, LUX YMPKGPB WH UX KPBM.” – LCWC LRHLBW “KGFT V RZX BL IZM ZT ‘NDYEA’ ... V WVWT’X XGVTE D IZM XGDX FCJFPPFTX JZOPW FCVAX UZY BF.” _ TVJE ZUUFYBDT Puzzle Two Clue: M equals B
AS THE SAYING GOES by Timothy B. Parker
Puzzle One Clue: D equals C
CROSSWORD
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This week’s Celebrity Cypher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I have found that she is as kind and caring a person as she is hilarious. Simply put, Amy Poehler is my hero.” – Aziz Ansari Puzzle Two Solution: “When I got my job on ‘Parks’ ... I didn’t think a job that excellent could exist for me.” – Nick Offerman
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
HOUSE + HOME “If you have good water-holding soil and you feed (the plants) regularly, you’ll have success.” — David Donn, Knox Nursery
David Donn, a salesman at Knox Nursery in Winter Garden, holds a container of begonias, a popular springtime flower.
Ready, set,
GROW
Danielle Hendrix
Whether you have a green thumb or can’t seem to keep a plant alive, here are some tips for any gardener gearing up for the spring growing season. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER
T
WEST ORANGE
he arrival of spring’s warm days and cool nights means it’s time to pull out the rakes, shovels and watering cans. And whether you have a green thumb or can’t seem to keep a plant alive, successful gardening can be done by anyone who learns how to properly care for the colorful blooms they crave to see. With the proper soil, fertilization and consistent watering, growing and maintaining a beautiful and healthy garden is within reach. SPRING TRENDS
Although garden centers like to switch up their plant offerings each season, wholesale nursery
companies, such as Knox Nursery Inc. in Winter Garden, tend to stick with the demands of the landscapers they primarily serve. For landscapers and wholesale customers, their needs cycle through each season, according to the desires of their clients and rigorous maintenance. Homeowners can typically get a little more time out of their plants. David Donn, a salesman at Knox Nursery, said the edibleplant trend has made a comeback in recent years. Knox grows vegetable plugs — or seedlings — and ships them around the country, but it deals mainly with flowers. Flowers such as marigolds, begonias and zinnias are some of the most popular springtime offerings. Each type grown at SEE SPRING PAGE 19
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Knox will have at least four varieties, with varying leaf types and flower colors. Another trend is what Donn calls the “English garden mix.” This is when landscapers plant all of those types of flowers and more in one bed, creating a fulllooking mix of colorful flowers of all varieties. “We go out and plant all those flowers in the same bed with no real rhyme or reason other than an equal dispersement,” he said. “Then the plants just grow, and you have flowers everywhere. The landscapers are using that a lot — if one plant doesn’t do well, the others take over.” KNOW HOW TO GROW
Donn suggests starting and maintaining a garden with the right tools and organic matter. Soil makes all the difference, he said, but Florida soils are typically sandy. Although it is possible to grow things with them, it takes a few extra steps and more maintenance to keep the plants healthy and growing. Donn suggests mixing whatever soil is being used with organic matter, such as Milorganite fertilizer, potting soil or cow manure. The soil also must be able to retain water. Sandy Florida soils typically allow water to permeate through, rather than retain it. “Most homeowners just go out and dig a hole and plant something; they don’t turn the soil, and over time, that soil is compacted down,” Donn said. “You can take a hoe and rake and aerate the soil and fluff it up a bit. Take a layer of organic matter, put it on top and start working it in. You don’t want
SPRING’S BLOOMING BEST
to just lay it down and plant — you have to mix it up.” From there it’s a matter of whether the gardener is growing flowers or edibles. The fertilization is similar, as the plants don’t know what kind of food they’re getting — they’re just hungry. He suggests using a liquid fertilizer such as Miracle-Gro and keeping the plants watered consistently. And although preparing the soil is important, it’s not necessarily a complete deal-breaker. Donn likens a plant’s needs to those of people — they can survive in many conditions as long as they have food and water. “We can sleep in a nice house or a run-down house — just like a plant can be in good soil or bad soil, and we still survive if we’re given food or water,” he said. “You can put it in good soil, but if you don’t feed or water it, it’s irrelevant.” Newly planted species need watering every day for the first six to 10 days to allow for roots to be established. Then, Donn said, the gardener can ease up to every other day or every third day, depending on the weather. The most important task for gardeners is to keep track of is consistent feeding and watering. If they miss one or two waterings early on in the plant’s life, it affects its performance. “Most of the time, when we have plant failures out in the field, it’s due to lack of water and fertilizer,” he said. “It’s usually not disease, or insects eating everything — you’ll have those issues too — but if you have good water-holding soil and you feed (the plants) regularly, you’ll have success.”
n DUSTY MILLER — not a flower, but known for its silvery gray, frost-like foliage
n BEGONIAS — more than 1,795 species; native to moist subtropical and tropical climates ALSO: n DIANTHUS — about 300 species; also called carnations, pinks and Sweet Williams
Celebration FL 34747 Facebook.com/Century21Celebration
709 Eastlawn Drive
Single Family Home in Windermere 5 Bed/ 6.5 Bath/ 6,035 Sq Ft Offered at $1,729,000 MLS#: S4823448
Single Family Home in Celebration 6 Bed/ 6 Full; 2 Half Bath/7,183 Sq Ft Offered at: $2,499,000 MLS#: S4835244
www.Century21BlueSky.com
ED
C
DU
Offered at: $249,000
ED
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1209 Downey Place Celebration
MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property
MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage
Offered at: $299,900
789 Celebration Ave Celebration
MLS # S4816524 5 bed949 3 bath 3051 sq ft Westpark 3 car garage
MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft 1209 End unit Water St condo
Offered at: $415,000
Offered at: $ 579,000
Offered at: $209,000
MLS # S4815324 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft
Downey Place Townhouse with 2 car garage Celebration
# 207 Celebration
MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property
MLS # S4815468 3 bed 2 bath 1460 sq f Elevator building with 1 car garage Offered at: $296,000
908 Waterside Dr Celebration
Offered at: $409,000
MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage
Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21BlueSkyFL Offered at: $415,000
Offered at: $299,900
789 Cele Cele
MLS # S4816524 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 3 car garage
MLS # 2 bed 2 b End unit W
Offered at: $ 579,000
Offered a
Office
1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration
764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration
206 Norfolk Pl Celebration
754 Siena Palm Dr # 101 Celebration
1109 Ashbee Ln Celebration
MLS # S4810230
MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage
MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage
MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 sq ft Fully furnished plus 1 car garage
MLS # S4810946 3 bed 2.5 Bath 2,522 Sq ft Over $60,000 in upgrades
Offered at: $429,900
Offered at: $429,999
Offered at: $235,000
We’re e for o
Offered at: $499,000
ED Celebration Ave # 406 1400 C DU Celebration
764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration
206 Norfolk Pl Celebration
754 Siena Cele
MLS # S4810230
MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage
MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage
MLS # 2 bed 2 b Fully fur 1 car
2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage
267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration
1211 Stonecutter Dr # 502 Celebration - Artisan Club
MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage
MLS # S4724783 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage
MLS # O5325911 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 4th floor condo with balcony
MLS # S4726678 2 bed 2 bath 1196 sq ft First floor condo. 1 car garage
Offered at: $275,000
Offered at: $329,000
Offered at: $219,900
Offered at: $275,000
604 Mulberry Ave # 1101 1410 Celebration Ave # 407 CelebrationOffered Celebration Offered at: $219,900
1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration
at: $429,900 MLS # S4727247
Offered at: $429,999
4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft Lowest priced SFH in Celebration with a garage apartment Offered at: $529,000
Ca
Offered a
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6001 Caymus Loop
11845 Waterstone Loop Dr Single Family Home in Windermere 4 Bed/ 3.5 Bath/ 3,538 Sq Ft Offered at $879,900 MLS#: S4833077
ED
C
DU
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910 Spring Park St # 202 Celebration
316 Charleston Pl Celebration
908 Waterside Dr Celebration
G
IN
ND
PE
7798 Winter Garden Vineland Road #116 Windermere, Fl 34786
949 Westpark # 207 Celebration
RE
6749 Valhalla Way
MLS # S4814275 2 bed 2.5 bath 1429 sq Town Center Condo
407.566.0555 RE
Offered at: $219,900
Single Family Home in Windermere 4 Bed/ 3.5 Bath/ 4,319 Sq Ft Offered at $720,000 MLS#: S4834657
720 Celebration Ave # 21 Celebration
New Windermere office in the ED UC Lakeside RVillage Shopping Center: D E
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Multi-Lingu Offices in Celebra and Da
Multi-Lingual Offices Offices in Celebration, Windermere and Davenport
407.566.0555
2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage
Single Family Home in Windermere 4 Bed/ 3.5 Bath/ 2,626 Sq Ft Offered at $354,500 MLS#: S4837497
720 Celebration A Celebration Facebook.com/Cen
n ZINNIAS — at least 23 species; a member of the sunflower tribe, within the daisy 720 family Celebration Avenue, Suite 100,
Multi-Lingual Offices
5825 Oxford Moor Blvd
940 Avalon Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 654-1972 WEBSITE: knoxnursery.com DETAILS: Knox Nursery is a second-generation family-run business that originated in Pine Hills in 1962. Salesman David Donn estimates the company produces close to 300 million plugs — or seedlings — and about six million 4-inch flower annuals each year.
n MARIGOLDS — at least 50 species; includes Mexican and African marigolds
Offices in Celebration and Windermere
7567 Tattant Blvd
KNOX NURSERY INC.
n SALVIAS — nearly 1,000 species; member of the mint family, also called sage
Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.
B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P
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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
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Featured Property Single Family Home
Take the
Our highly exp
604 Mulber Ave # 407from finding the p in Windermere 1410 Celebration Celebration andCele ma MLS # O5325911 ContactMLS our#o 4 bed / 4 bath / 3,493 Sq Ft 2 bed 2b staff to lear 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft First floor cond 4th floor condo with balcony Loc Offered $634,000Offered at: $219,900 Offered at: $275,000 Offered a Offered at $721,900 Offered at: at $329,000 Ex MLS#: O5436827
931 Spring Park - Celebration 1211Loop Stonecutter Dr # 502 267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration - Artisan Club Celebration MLS # S4817743
MLS # S4809113 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 under air MLS sq # ftS4724783 26’ 1736 with sq ft 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft Custom Garage, 3 bed 38’x 3 bath 3 separate 9’ garage doors. condo. 2 car garage 5th floor condo. 1 car garage
www.Century21BlueSky.com
Feat
Hello Neighbor, Century 21 Blue Sky Realty Group would like to introduce two new B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P members to our firm! Anna and Nathan Booth have over 23 years of experience in Real Estate. If you’re looking to list your home and live in the Windermere or Winter Garden area, Anna and Nathan would be happy to meet with you to give a complimentary professional Real Estate report about your home. Setting up an appointment is simple! Call, text or email to find out more! Phone: 407-800-1712 Email: Anna.Booth@Century21.com
931 Sprin
4 bed 3. Custom 3 sep
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www.Century21BlueSk
Toll Free 1-877-YOUR C21
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407-566-9382
232378
Get ready for the spring season
OrangeObserver.com
WINDERMERE OBSERVER
|
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
LUXURY THE WAY YOU WANT IT
Toll Brothers features luxury communities in the most sought-after locations in Central Florida. Choose from elegant designs with hundreds of options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your lifestyle. LAKESHORE Quick Delivery Homes Available! New master planned community with on-site amenity center coming soon, walking trails, lakes, and neighborhood parks Townhomes from the upper $200,000s Executive single-family homes from the upper $300,000s Estate single-family homes from the upper $500,000s 407-778-5200 10300 Seidel Road Winter Garden, FL 34787
ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE Personalize Your Dream Home Today! Gated community with outstanding included features, resort-style amenities and low-maintenance living located just minutes from popular area attractions from the low $400,000s 407-217-7777 10312 Royal Island Court Orlando, FL 32836
TOLL BROTHERS AT EAGLE CREEK Brand New Amenity Center Now Open! Exclusive staffed, gated golf course community of single-family luxury homes set in a spacious, natural environment Executive Collection - Single-family homes offering 2,000 to over 4,000 sq. ft. from the upper $300,000s Signature Collection - Single-family homes offering 2,500 to over 4,000 sq. ft. from the upper $400,000s 407-674-7874 13437 Heswall Run Orlando, FL 32832
CASABELLA AT WINDERMERE Act Now For Best Home Site Selection! Luxury, gated community of just 79 estate homes on 1/2-acre home sites from the upper $800,000s 407-656-3200 4326 Isabella Circle Windermere, FL 34786
TollBrothers.com/WO Design trends, tips & more at TollTV.com | Download the Toll Brothers App today Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun 11 am–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. CGC055953.
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
OrangeObserver.com
PUBLIC AUCTION MAR 4 Auction Starts at th
00
th MAR 5 Auction Starts at
21
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
2 TRUCKS TO BE AUCTIONED OFF!
HERE ARE SOME OF THE MANY ITEMS YOU CAN BID ON FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR!
PM
PM
IF NEEDED
MON, MAR 6th at 6:30PM INSPECTION-2 HOURS PRIOR TO EACH AUCTION
3 Howard Miller Grandfather Clocks 660-326 - MSRP $5047 611-202 - MSRP $3743 660-304 - MSRP $3897 No Reserve
•Group of 38 Large Silk Trees •Group of 22 Silk Floral Arrangements No Reserve
Englander Twin Extra Long ADJUSTABLE BED with Mattress •Wireless •Massage No Reserve
Craftmaster 3 Pc Ugly Floral LIVING ROOM Ensemble Sofa, Chair, Ottoman No Reserve
Stearns & Foster Queen 2pc Firm Ultra Premium Mattress Set Online Price $1149 No Reserve
Aspen 6 Piece Oak
Traditional Formal Cherry DINING BUFFET & GLASS HUTCH No Reserve
•Group of Entertainment Centers •Group of Consoles, Wall Units & Media Chests
•Large Group of DESIGNER SOFAS, LOVESEATS, SECTIONALS & OTTOMANS OVER 25
BEDROOM SETS Many Styles & Finishes
•Group of over 50
BUILDINGS FOR LEASE 731 South Dillard St, Winter Garden - 12,000sq ft 1st Street, Orlando (not shown) - 5,000sq ft Contact: Real Estate Collections Call Gina or Peter at 407-656-7814
BEDROOM PIECES
•4&5 Drawer Chests •Mirrors •Dressers •Nightstands •Headboards •Bed Frames
IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE FORMER LOCATION OF
HOME OFFICE WALL SYSTEM No Reserve
POWER RECLINER
MATTRESS SETS •Symbol, Sealy, Serta, Simmons •Twin, Full, Queen, King •Innerspring, Memory Foam, Hybrid, Foam Encased, Euro & Pillow Top
ODDS ‘N’ ENDS
Twin, Full, Queen
Innova Queen Deluxe
Retail $1299 No Reserve
Bunk Beds, Sleeper Mattresses, Area Rugs, Desks
COMPLETE UPHOLSTERED BEDS Hdbd, Ftbd & Rails including Mattress & Foundation Many Colors. Retail $599
Cottage Creek
•Group of over 100
SOLID WOOD KING 6pc BEDROOM King Storage Bed, Dresser, Mirror, Chest, 2 Nightstands Retail $3597 No Reserve
HELMLY FURNITURE & MATTRESS WAREHOUSE 731 South Dillard Street, Winter Garden • 407-877-7632
OVER 100
•Group of Reclaimed Wood Accent Pieces •Group of Tables Cocktail, End & Sofa Tables
Leather Match 360º Swivel
TABLE LAMPS, FLOOR LAMPS, WALL DECOR & MIRRORS
ADJUSTABLE BED
with SERTA Memory Foam 8” Mattress
•Wireless •Dual Massage No Reserve
ODDS ‘N’ ENDS Dining Chairs, Bar Stools, Comforter Sets, Accessories No Reserve
233128
1 SUN 00 1
SAT
|
TERMS: •12% buyers premium in effect for this auction •All purchases must be paid for and picked up immediately after the auction •Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, approved checks accepted •All merchandise sold “As Is-Where Is” •No returns, exchanges or refunds •Reserve in effect on a few selected items. NOTE: All announcements made at time of auction supersede all printed and advertised materials. Auction conducted by Killer Auctions #AB3431 - Rick Duffey Lic #AU3177
West Orange Times - Half Page (10.375 x 8)
Butler Chain of Lakes | $1,395,000
UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY to purchase 1 acre on the Butler Chain in the Town of Windermere. 115’ of sandy shoreline, sunset views and paved road. Open floor plan - ideal for entertaining! Walking distance to town amenities and events.
Amanda Black
REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com
Willow Wood | $625,000
Stunning home located on a high corner lot overlooking pond and park. 3,000 sf of living space with dramatic designer kitchen and quality finishes throughout. Gorgeous screened lanai with heated pool and summer kitchen.
Winter Garden | $329,000
Walk to downtown! Charming 4/3 home is totally updated with open floor plan. Quality finishes throughout include granite counters and bamboo flooring. Large screened porch and private back yard shaded with mature oaks.
Judy Black
Montverde | $819,500
Stunning 6/6 home in gated neighborhood. 5,100 sf includes game rm, theater, designer island kitchen, entertainment bar and luxurious master suite. Unbelievable screened lanai with outdoor fireplace, solar heated pool & spa and gorgeous lake views.
The Manors | $525,000
Beautiful 4/3 home sits on 2/3 acre lot expanded by natural greenbelt. Custom built with quality features throughout. Walking distance to Windermere Elem and Rec Center and access to the Butler Chain of Lakes.
Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com
Keene’s Pointe | $1,080,000
Unique courtyard pool home creates a dramatic first impression. 4,100 sf includes gourmet island kitchen with butler’s pantry, wine room, billiard room, office, bonus room and guest suite w/ private entry. Large private back yard w/ brick patio, fire pit and hot tub.
WIndermere | $748,000
Mediterranean pool home located at the end of a quiet lane just outside of Windermere. 4,500 sf includes grand island kitchen, high ceilings and abundant windows. Guest quarters includes full kitchen, bedroom, living room and separate entry.
THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com
232534
Lake Butler | $2,690,000
Wonderful lake house primely located on one acre of manicured grounds with 113 ft of sandy shoreline. 5,400 sf offers luxurious master suite, office and bonus room. Resort style backyard with stone patio, heated pool and spa, summer kitchen and boat house.
WINDERMERE OBSERVER
|
OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
REAL ESTATE
Get hooked on great Service! Trane Comfort Specialists. Quality Work & Customer Satisfaction is our #1 Priority Call us and catch a great deal!
407-470-7014
SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION • MAINTENANCE
232546
1319 Green Forest Ct, Suite 412 Winter Garden, FL 34787
www.DuncansACOrlando.com
So local, it feels like your garage!
Call Today! IN WINTER GARDEN
407-654-3037 www.stoneybrookweststorage.com stoneybrookwestss@cfl.rr.com
Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $1.215 million MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR
A
home in the Keene’s Pointe community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 10 to 16. The home at 6024 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 13, for $1.215 million. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 6,370 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $190.74. DR. PHILLIPS EMERALD FOREST
IN OCOEE 232270
407-905-7898 www.maguireroadstorage.com maguireroadstorage@cfl.rr.com
Observer Serving Southwest Orange County
INSIDE
Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 1
FREE
•
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015
At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6 ARTS+CULTURE
The secret life of
MAYOR BRUHN
You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.
2016, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,589 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.56. GRAND PINES
The home at 10037 Chatham Oaks Court, Orlando, sold Feb. 15, for $375,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,382 square feet. The price per square foot is $157.43. GOTHA OAKS OF WINDERMERE
WINDERMERE
homes.com
This Keene’s Pointe home, at 6024 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 13, for $1.215 million. This home features a five-hole putting green and views of the 17th hole on the Golden Bear golf course.
The home at 11722 Sheltering Pine Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 13, for $470,500. Built in 2007, it has six bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,268 square feet. The price per square foot is $110.24. INDEPENDENCE
The home at 10361 Oakview Pointe Terrace, Gotha, sold Feb. 13, for $460,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,075 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.59.
The home at 15505 Camp Dubois Crescent, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 13, for $280,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,186 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $128.09.
West Orange High thespians dish up a spoonful of sugar.
PAGE 13
SADDLEBROOK
Welcome to your new hometown newspaper
The home at 3236 Furlong Way, Gotha, sold Feb. 10, for $310,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,485 square feet. The price per square foot is $88.95.
MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR
David Haynes
Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”
Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4
YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81
*****************ECRWSSEDDM****
Postal Customer
THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 10
What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.” SEE NEWSPAPER PAGE 6
ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
HORIZON WEST ASHLIN PARK
Call us at 407-656-2121
Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com
The town house at 7128 Flowing Water Alley, Windermere, sold Feb. 13, for $244,000. Built in
Paul McGarigal Real Estate Coach
The home at 6855 Pasturelands Place, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 10, for $246,500. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $149.39. LAKE BURDEN SOUTH
The home at 7436 Lake Albert Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $450,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 3,146 square
The home at 14385 Breda Center Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 13, for $269,356. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,796 square feet. The price per square foot is $149.98. LAKE SAWYER SOUTH
The home at 13218 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 16, for $320,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,736 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.96. OASIS COVE II
The town house at 14272 Desert Haven St., No. 803, Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $189,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,512 square feet. The price per square foot is $125. OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN
The home at 7536 Lake Hancock Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 12, for $340,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,513 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $135.30.
Text your address to 407-492-1900 For a FREE Home Valuation Your West Orange Real Estate Expert
Specializing in
Shelley Dawson, REALTOR®
Southwest Orlando
Keller Williams, Classic Realty III
cell: 407-493-1900 www.shelleydawson.com
Call Me For a
Under Contract!
COMPLIMENTARY
5 Bed/5 Bath with Den Pool Home in Summerport Conservation Lot with Ponds
Real Estate Coaching Session
$432,000
“Rent Now - Buy Later”
Program
232557
761-1428
Please Visit: RealEstateCoachOrlando.com RentNowBuyLater.com CALL NOW & Ask About Our
LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE
Considering Selling Your Home?
The
(407)
feet. The price per square foot is $143.04.
Sold! $253,000
3 Bed, 3 Bath with Den in Heritage Hills New Construction
Sold! $465,000
5 Bed, 3 Bath in Horizon West New Construction
233130
22
WINDERMERE OBSERVER
OrangeObserver.com
WINDSTONE
SUMMERPORT
SOUTHWEST ORANGE ORANGE CENTER
The home at 13762 Summer Harbor Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 13, for $280,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,259 square feet. The price per square foot is $123.95. WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 9263 Outlook Rock Trail, Windermere, sold Feb. 14, for $488,580. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,057 square feet. The price per square foot is $120.43. The town house at 8655 Coventry Park Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 12, for $267,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,722 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.05.
Suite 200B in the TD Bank Building
The home at 6842 Trellis Vine Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $458,025. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,774 square feet. The price per square foot is $121.36.
The home at 8606 Fourth St., Orlando, sold Feb. 15, for $285,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,719 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.79. THORNHILL
The home at 11644 Brightstone Way, Orlando, sold Feb. 10, for $454,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,791 square feet. The price per square foot is $119.76. WESTOVER CLUB
The home at 1922 Pamlynne Place, Windermere, sold Feb. 15, for $465,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 4,053 square feet. The price per square foot is $114.73. WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY
The home at 12651 Butler Bay Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 13, for $645,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,155 square feet. The price per square foot is $204.44. KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 11319 Camden Commons Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $800,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths, a pool and 3,322 square feet. The price per square foot is $240.82.
12200 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 200B (In the TD Bank Building)
Winter Garden, FL 34787 office 407.654.8811 cell 407.758.4479 joanne@treasuretitle.com
See more real estate transactions at OrangeObserver.com
The home at 14333 Red Cardinal Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 14, for $300,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,618 square feet. The price per square foot is $114.59.
Visit us in our NEW location!
ONLINE
The home at 4349 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 10, for $344,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,670 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.84.
23
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
BUYING A HOME IS AN EXCITING AND EMOTIONAL TIME FOR MANY PEOPLE. TO HELP YOU BUY YOUR HOME WITH MORE CONFIDENCE, MAKE SURE YOU GET OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE. HERE’S WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT FOR YOU:
1. PROTECTS YOUR LARGEST INVESTMENT 2. REDUCES YOUR RISK 3. YOU CAN’T BEAT THE VALUE 4. COVERS YOUR HEIRS 5. NOTHING COMPARES 6. 8 IN 10 HOMEBUYERS AGREE 7. PEACE OF MIND For more information about owner’s title insurance, ask Treasure Title, an ALTA member.
LAST CHANCE IN WINDERMERE TRAILS FROM THE MID $330s
9007 Outlook Rock Trail | Windermere, FL 34786
Only a few opportunities remain. Don’t miss out! Windermere Trails has a great location just off Hwy 535, close to Disney and Dr. Phillips. This community features a pool and recreation areas, and residents can walk to the elementary school right in the neighborhood. Visit today and see why hundreds of buyers have chosen Beazer Homes in Windermere Trails. Ask about Quick Move-in homes available.
230783
The home at 7536 Lake Hancock Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 12, for $340,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,513 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $135.30.
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JoAnne Quarles, C.L.C.
SPECIAL OFFER For a limited time, save up to
$25,000 Off
to-be-built homes*
Visit our models and fall in love today! ©
*Offer valid for new contracts on to-be-built homes written between 3/1/17 and 3/31/17. Savings of up to $20,000 on Design Option selections, not available in any other form or for a price reduction of any kind. Savings on Closing costs up to $5,000 will be applied with the use of a Beazer Preferred Lender. Savings vary per home, plan, and community. Prior sales and other offers excluded. Pricing, features, and availability subject to change without notice. See New Home Counselor for complete details. ©2017 Beazer Homes. © 2017 Beazer Homes 2/17 137701
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GET MORE IN A NEW HOME | BEAZER.COM | 407-442-2713
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WINDERMERE OBSERVER
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OrangeObserver.com
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017
Free gourmet kitchen package WITH YOUR NEW TAYLOR MORRISON HOME.*
Appoint your luxurious new home with a free gourmet kitchen upgrade. The best meals of your life are about to be made. It’s good to be
finally home.
FREE
20,000
$
GOURMET KITCHEN PACKAGE
WHEN YOU PURCHASE A NEW TAYLOR MORRISON HOME NOW THROUGH MARCH 31.
UPGRADE PACKAGE INCLUDES: • French Door Refrigerator
• Designer Hood
• Prep Sink (per plan)
• Designer Inspired Backsplash
• Built-in Oven and Microwave
• Gourmet Pot Filler (per plan)
• Designer Sink
• GE Café™ Series Appliances
• Gourmet Cook Top Explore Orlando Area Homes
*Limited time Gourmet Kitchen Package (up to $20,000 ARV) (“Kitchen Incentive”). Options offered and actual value of the Kitchen Incentive may vary by floor plan and community based upon Taylor Morrison’s current offerings. Valid only at participating Orlando Taylor Morrison communities on select to-be-built cash or financed homes purchased as of 2/6/17 - 3/31/17 (Promotion Period). Offer is not valid at Thornbrooke Towns and The Cove at Hamlin. Potential savings of up to $20,000 to be applied toward Buyer-selected Options only and valid only upon Closing (and satisfaction of all eligibility criteria), as reflected on the Closing Disclosure or settlement statement, as applicable. Any unused portion of this Kitchen Incentive may not be used towards a reduction in the Purchase Price or structural options and will be forfeited by Buyer. Not valid outside of the Promotion Period or in any other Community. Kitchen Incentive may not be combined with any other offer, unless expressly set forth in Buyer’s Purchase Agreement Documents. For financed buyers, all lender restrictions shall apply. No other discounts, incentives, offers, coupons, substitutions, etc. will apply, except as expressly agreed to in the Purchase Agreement. Additional restrictions (including those of lenders for financed buyers) may apply. All community and home information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. As-built plans shall control. All eligibility decisions by Seller are final. All special offers or incentive programs subject to change prior to contract. Pricing shown may not include options, upgrades and lot or elevation premiums. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or your Internet Home Consultant and your purchase agreement for community specific details or visit taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Additional details and restrictions may apply. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. © February, 2017, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc., CBC1257462. All rights reserved. WOT
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407.756.5025 GourmetKitchenPackage.com