Total eclipse of the art
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
HALL OF FAME RETURNS TO WOHS
Do you know someone who has made a lasting impact on West Orange High School or its community? WOHS is bringing back its Hall of Fame! Candidates will be judged on their significant and/or long-term contributions to West Orange High School and/or its community.
Nominees must meet the criteria in one of the following categories: Community Champion, Distinguished Alumni or Distinguished Educator. A nomination for induction into the OCPS Hall of Fame can be submitted by anyone and
oth the Windermere High boys and Dr. Phillips girls basketball teams made it all the way to their respective state-title games last week in Lakeland. Celebrate their achievements with our exclusive feature. SEE PAGE 1B.
JUMPING
JOY! Foundation Academy dads, daughters enjoy unforgettable evening at dance. SEE PAGE 5B.
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
The Wolverines celebrated their semifinal win over Sarasota High by placing their name in the state-title game bracket line.
Panthers senior guard Anilys Rolon (No. 20) went up for a shot in DP’s semifinal win over Doral. She contributed 11 points in the win.
Local residents find inspiration at the Windermere Fine Arts Show. PAGE 4A.
Windermere, Ocoee incumbents win reelection
Mandy David, Tony Davit and Tom Stroup all won reelection to the Windermere Town Council, while Ocoee residents selected George Oliver III to retain his seat on the City Commission.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
AND LIZ RAMOS
STAFF
OBSERVER
Town of Windermere voters returned three incumbents to their Town Council, while Ocoee voters selected a familiar face to their City Commission and passed three charter amendments Tuesday, March 11, during the 2025 municipal elections.
In Windermere, incumbents
Mandy David, Tony Davit and Tom Stroup all won reelection over challengers Frank Krens and Jessica Lee.
In Ocoee, incumbent George Oliver III defeated challenger Ages Hart for the District 4 City Commission seat. Voters also approved three changes to the City Charter.
WINDERMERE
Incumbents David and Davit said they were glad the residents of Windermere elected them to serve
22.52% of the vote, or 334 votes.
“I’m so excited to be able to continue keeping the town’s charm and working on the traffic and the safety of our residents as we’re going about through town,” David said. “I’m really excited about the projects we have going on.”
Both Davit and David already have served two two-year terms on Town Council.
With the start of their third terms, Davit and David have a similar goal of working on the preservation of historic buildings in Windermere, including the renovations to Town Hall.
“(Town Hall renovations) are going to help keep the quaintness of the town and the charm, making sure that we’re keeping it historic,” David said. “We’re also keeping true to the town.”
Davit said he also wants to work on solving traffic issues by partnering with Orange County and
with the Observer in January, he said he would continue prioritizing residents’ quality of life.
“With a town as vibrant and exciting as Windermere, we will always be improving and moving forward,” he said. “Whether it is the increasingly high volume of traffic or the future development of Windermere’s downtown businesses, the quality of life for the residents ... will always be my highest priority.”
OCOEE
By a margin of just 51 votes — 401 (53.4%) to 350 (46.6%) — incumbent George Oliver III defeated challenger Ages Hart to reclaim the District 4 seat on the Ocoee City Commission.
This win marks the fourth time Oliver has won an election for the seat. He became the city’s first black commissioner in 2018.
“I feel elated, I feel energized, and I feel vindicated,” Oliver said about his reelection. “I am beyond happy, and I’m ready to get back to work continuing to represent the citizens of Ocoee and of District 4 tomorrow. We’ll celebrate tonight, but we’re going to keep moving forward starting first thing tomorrow.”
Oliver has a full docket he plans
out into the community and letting folks know up and down the Clarke Road corridor that this is my grassroots, and I’m going back to my grassroots. I’m going back to what has made me successful during my time in office — and that is by serving the folks who ride up and down Clarke Road every morning, thanking those people for their support. When I get back to City Hall, the work will continue on the remaining part of the Clarke Road project, getting some lights on the west side of the sidewalks and road as well as speaking with the police chief about ways to get folks to slow down on the newly constructed road.”
As for those 350 District 4 residents who did not vote for Oliver, he asks they give him a chance to earn their vote over this term.
“A lot of folks were deceived by certain news outlets with false accusations and things used to try to smear my name,” he said. “Some folks kind of fell into that. … But in the end, my work stood up on its own. My message to those who voted for my opponent is to get to know the real George Oliver. Do your research. Understand the things that I have done in my time in office — objectively — and
had a message to his supporters following his election loss.
“I appreciate the support I received during this election,” he said. “I want to let folks know that even though I didn’t win this election, I’m going to still be at the City Commission meetings, speaking up for their concerns, their needs, and I will always be active in our community. I’m still available for them, and this isn’t the last they’ve heard from Ages Hart. I’ll be around, and I’ll be looking forward to other opportunities to serve the community.”
Voters also passed three amendments to the City Charter. Those include giving the City Commission authority to interpret and enforce the City Charter subject to review of such decisions by a court of competent jurisdiction; giving the commission the authority to judge the qualifications and eligibility of candidates for the commission, establishing procedural rules, including ensuring notice and due process is given to affected persons and providing for review of such decisions by a court of competent jurisdiction; and amending the charter to state a member of the City Commission who resigns cannot thereafter seek election to any part of the same term of office from which
Exhibition showcases history of hospital
Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital in Ocoee started as West Orange Memorial Hospital in Winter Garden.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Before Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital opened in 1993, local residents were treated for illness or gave birth at West Orange Memorial Hospital, in Winter Garden. Before this hospital was built in 1952, folks relied on a handful of doctors who saw patients in their offices or made house calls.
The nearest hospital was more than 13 miles away on narrow, local roads.
From small-town doctors to cutting-edge hospitals, healthcare has evolved over the years. While methods for treating patients have changed, the healers’ goals haven’t.
The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation has a new exhibition, sponsored by Orlando Health, called “From House Calls to Hospitals that takes museum guests on a
Observer, Foundation partner for podcast
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Whenever someone asks me what I consider to be our company’s main competitor, they’re expecting me to cite another newspaper, magazine or website. They’re thinking in terms of Coke vs. Pepsi, McDonalds vs. Burger King, PC vs. Mac.
However, I’ve long considered our main competitor to be anything that is vying for our readers’ free time. And most often, it’s that small, battery-powered rectangle in your pocket or purse.
So, with everything we do — be it our weekly newspapers (one of which turns 120 years old in September!), magazines, website, social media, email newsletters, etc., we aim to make the time you spend with us worthwhile. Perhaps you learned
something new, or a story tugged at your heartstrings. Perhaps we helped you make plans for the weekend or connected you with your new favorite restaurant. Regardless of the outcome, we want you to come away from any interaction with our offerings feeling like it was time well spent.
It’s in that spirit that I am thrilled to announce a new podcast, presented in partnership with our friends at Foundation Academy.
Called “Between Faith and Reason,” this podcast is a platform designed to enhance, challenge and inspire your journey as individuals, with your families and in your community.
This podcast is the result of nearly a year of mulling, planning and collaboration. We’ve long desired to return to the audio space — in a format that would give our listeners
walk through medical history.
Howard Brown, CFO of Orlando Health South Florida Region and WGHF board member, spoke at the reception and shared a brief history.
“Health care in West Orange County has deep roots dating back to 1949 when the Florida Legislature established the West Orange Healthcare District,” Brown said. “In 1952, WOMC opened its doors here in Winter Garden, serving the rural community’s surgical, maternity and general health care needs. As our community grew, so did the need for more advanced health care servic-
LISTEN
WEBSITE: foundationacademy. net/between-faith-and-reason
SUBSCRIBE: To subscribe, paste this URL into your podcast app of choice: feeds.captivate.fm/between-faith-reason
content that would enrich their lives in new ways.
Then, after mentioning our desire to Foundation Marketing Director Joe Cioffi and Director of Spiritual Development Jeff Lawrence, it was clear: We found our perfect partners. Lawrence will serve as podcast host. A Central Florida native, he holds degrees in pharmacology and music from Mississippi College; and a master’s degree of divinity in
Left: Members of the
es. In 1993, West Orange Memorial Hospital evolved into Health Central Hospital. Health Central joined the Orlando Health family in 2012.”
In introducing the exhibition, WGHF curator Will McCoy said:
“Everyone in town would go see one doctor, usually that was Dr. Gleason in the early 1940s to 2004, very long career. … It’s about one individual
Old Testament and Hebrew from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He currently is pursuing a doctoral degree in apologetics and theology from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.
Lawrence has performed at Walt Disney World and hosted Disney’s Super Star Television Show. He also has served in churches across Atlanta, Orlando and Tennessee. Notably, he directed Orlando’s renowned Singing Christmas Trees for 11 years, gaining national attention from ABC’s “Good Morning America,” The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
Perhaps even more important than those incredible credentials, Lawrence shares our desire to make our community a better place. And through this podcast, he’ll tackle topics such as grief, anger, loneliness and depression. And through myriad podcast guests, listeners will enjoy thoughtful dialogue with leaders, educators and community members dedicated to integrating faith and logic in today’s world.
This podcast seeks to encourage critical thinking, provide fresh
— it’s changed over time to one very large multifaceted facility.”
“These exhibits that we do are all about the people of West (Orange) County,” said Jim Crescitelli, director of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. “We don’t just talk about history dates. … We like to involve the people who created history in West Orange County.”
perspectives and highlight the compelling case for faith in an age of skepticism. And to be clear: This podcast isn’t intended only for regular church-goers. We will strive to provide a platform to deepen your understanding of how faith and reason complement each other. Here, you will discover stories of resilience, learn strategies for fostering strong family bonds, and gain fresh perspectives on how these guiding pillars can influence education, leadership and community development.
And even more exciting: Through the Observer, we hope to shepherd a dialogue between our community and the podcast. We’ll be able to respond, in real time, to news and events that might upend our local community. What’s more, if you have questions or topics you would like to submit, you can do so by emailing me at meng@orangeobserver.com. Please put “Between Faith and Reason Podcast” in the subject line.
Thanks for your time, and we certainly hope you give “Between Faith and Reason” a listen.
Issued by the United States Navy, this otoscope was used by Dr. Albert Gleason during World War II to examine the ears of service personnel.
Orlando Health administration were present at the reception to debut the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s exhibition honoring health care in West Orange County.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Wayne Goldbold, left, Dr. William Mitchell and Dr. Charles Carter held the first set of triplets born at West Orange Memorial Hospital. The parents were Charles and Betty Thompson.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Amy Quesinberry Price
Fine Arts Show creates inspiring space in Windermere
Local artists and vendors filled downtown Windermere and Town Hall with stunning works of art, musical performances, interactive experiences and live exhibitions for the 10th anniversary of the Windermere Fine Arts Show March 1-2.
The two-day celebration of all forms of art welcomed art lovers and community members alike to take a stroll around Town Square to not only enjoy the cool spring weather but also to admire the one-of-a-kind pieces on display, which included oil paintings, chairs made of water skis and handmade jewelry. Along with giving artists the opportunity to display their work to the community, the event also awarded artists with the show’s top pieces with 1st, 2nd, 3rd and best-in-show ribbons.
JIanlei Wang’s portrait painting was awarded the best-inshow ribbon, Cristiam Ramos won the first-place ribbon, Lisa TeviaClark second, and Jeremy Wubker third.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Waterford Pointe laces up for Eight Waves
Each year, the community hosts a 5K to raise money and awareness for various non-profit organizations.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Every Tuesday, Waterford Pointe’s Cathy Novokowsky goes to West Orange High School to work with 70 students as a volunteer for Eight Waves. After working with these students week after week, Novokowsky said she and the other volunteers are seeing improvements in the students.
“This (past) summer, I drove several students back and forth every day so they could attend summer school,” Novokowsky said. “The year prior, none of the students in the program attended summer school. This year, we got 12 students through, and they started school on grade level again. The success has been phenomenal.” Knowing first-hand the impact Eight Waves makes on youth in the community, Novokowsky was thrilled to hear the Waterford Pointe’s social committee chose the West Orange non-profit organization as the beneficiary of the community’s annual 5K, held Saturday, March 8. For the past four years, the Waterford Pointe community has come together for a fun 5K walk/run as a form of community service, raising money for someone in the community or a community organization.
“The response (from the neighborhood) has been incredible,” Novokowsky said. “I’m so grateful. A lot of times more affluent neighborhoods kind of get a sense of entitlement, but the fact that our neighbors are so generous in their giving and really care about being connected to each other and the community and are so incredibly generous and helpful just warms my heart. I’m just really grateful to be part of it.”
At the walk/run, Novokowsky said not only brought their families but their furry friends as well, whether they walked beside them or rode along in a wagon.
“I’m a firm believer that when people are vested in their commu-
nity, they treat it and the people in it better, and it’s more important now than ever because with social media and everything, especially for the young people, there’s a lot of trends in our country where people just aren’t participating in social activities and organizations as much,” Novokowsky said. “This is a great way to get people interfacing in person and building relationships. It makes a really big difference. I see it all the time in our neighborhood.”
There’s friendly competition among the participants, Novokowsky said. Medals were given to adults and children who won, and
there were participation medals as well.
But the moment of pride for Novokowsky doesn’t come when awards are given but actually at the start of the race.
“When they first take off running, you just see the collective group, and how these people continue to turn up and give generously every time and their dedication is inspiring,” Novokowsky said. “It makes me continue to want to do more of these type events because they do care, and it’s beautiful.”
After the walk/run, a mobile blood bank was available for anyone
“If
Design
jeng@OrangeObserver.com
Senior
lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyq@OrangeObserver.com
Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com
Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com
Graphic Designer / Sarah Santiago, ssantiago@OrangeObserver.com
Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com
who wished to donate blood, which Novokowsky said was another way for neighbors to give back to the community.
Novokowsky said supporting local organizations is “important” as people don’t always know the needs of children in the community. Volunteering for Eight Waves, she said she knows students who are “living in vehicles covered head-to-toe with bed bug bites.”
Besides raising money for Eight Waves, Novokowsky said neighbors are helping in other ways. One neighbor interviewed one of the Eight Waves students for a job. Others are donating sweatshirts, blankets and food.
“More than anything, people love knowing that we’re genuinely helping specific individuals right here in the community that have a need, and they’re just grateful for the connection because a lot of people want to help but they’re not exactly sure how,” Novokowsky said.
The walk/run benefited not only Eight Waves but also students who need volunteer hours.
“It brings our community together,” Novokowsky said. Novokowksy said the annual walk/ run only is going to get bigger. Next year, the Waterford Pointe community is extending an invitation to surrounding neighborhoods to participate in the walk/run. She said the more people who participate, the more impact the neighborhoods will be able to make on the community at large.
Seeing how much the Waterfront Pointe annual 5K has grown over the four years gives Novokowsky “so much to look forward to, be grateful for and just a little bit of pride and a lot of humility,” she said.
“It just blows me away to see how much people really do care, and they’re ready to step up for great causes,” she said. “It’s also nice too because we’re contributing to fitness. It’s a healthy way to do it.”
The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals Permit (USPS# 687-120)
WEST ORANGE TIMES
The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida.
POSTMASTER:
Courtesy photo
Keith Fosen, Brenda Fosen, Connor Fitzpatrick, Chris Keeling, Tina Vu and Huang Mach celebrated placing in the top three of their divisions at the 5K walk/run.
Lisa TeviaClark’s wooden barrel mug sculpture took home the second-place ribbon in the show’s competition. Local artist Stephen Withers took the time between interacting with event-goers to sketch at his tent.
Courtesy image
The first-place, second-place, third-place and best-in-show ribbon winners displayed their works on the steps of Windermere Town Hall.
Cristiam Ramos proudly displayed his blue, first-place ribbon on his tent.
Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial
1935-1945
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
In its first decade, the city of Ocoee was seeing change and growth in both the residential and business areas.
And then the Great Depression cast a dark shadow across the country, causing businesses to fold and many citizens to lose their jobs and their savings.
In 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established several government programs to help recover from the Great Depression, one of which was the Works Progress Administration. The trustees of Ocoee requested and received funding from this program, allowing the city to embark on multiple beneficial projects. Several allowed for employment for women, including the planting of beds of flowers, a housekeeping aid project and a sewing room.
Two of Ocoee’s largest projects at the time were built with WPA funds.
One was the construction of one of the first gymnasiums in Orange County at Ocoee High School. It was attached to the old dressing rooms, and housed underneath the bleachers was the band room. All of the activity in the gymnasium created an interesting percussion section in the band room throughout the day. The band room area was later known as Red Bird Alley.
Along the east side of the gym was the Agriculture Department.
The other WPA project was the building of the Woman’s Club of Ocoee clubhouse.
The Woman’s Club of Ocoee was incorporated 12 years prior, in 1924, by a group of 36 women who desired to create a society of fellowship and improving the social, civic, educational and moral welfare of the community.
The club’s earliest service projects were beautifying the grounds, donating library books, providing clothing and lunches for needy children at the local school, and planting palm trees and hibiscuses along the city’s roadways. During wartime, members sold $2,650 worth of war bonds and $81.75 in the special “Avenge Pearl Harbor” stamps. Club members spent hours gathered at the local school’s lunchroom to can vegetables and fruit to give to families in need. During World War II, they folded bandages for the
American Red Cross and other causes to help with the war effort. They sewed garments for Orange General Hospital.
The one-story clubhouse, built at 4 N. Lakewood Ave. with WPA funds, was completed and dedicated in February 1938. It originally was deeded — for the purposes of the WPA grant — to the city of Ocoee until its completion but was turned over to the woman’s club that year. Through the years, members have held fundraisers, such as a musical tea, barn dance and bazaar.
They have planned benefit brunches and card parties, election luncheons, yearly May Day teas and the annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner tradition of serving corned beef and cabbage.
In 2010, the club added General Federation to its name after many years of being an active club member.
A year later, the clubhouse was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Members meet regularly still today, and their clubhouse on Lakewood Street has been in continuous use since its dedication in 1938. Members always have placed a special value on upholding the club’s mission of service to the community.
During the decade of 1935-45, the City Council continued keeping its eye on the municipality and making decisions to improve the city.
In 1936, Jimmy Milligan was allowed to sell cold drinks at the political rally
and Mr. Allen had permission to operate a slot machine for one year for a $5 fee. In 1937, a letter was sent to all residents who had not installed flush toilets, requiring them to meet with the State Board of Health at the school auditorium.
After the Bank of Ocoee failed, the city voted in 1937 to turn the downtown bank building into the new City Hall. It remained in that capacity until 1976 when a new one was built along the shores of Starke Lake.
In 1938, all restaurants and lunch stands were required to have hot and cold running water and sani tary toilets and had to keep their place of business sanitary at all times. That same year, Dr. Sam Scott was appointed the city physician to “care for cases where otherwise the city would be looked upon to pay.” In 1939, the city approved a franchise for Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph for 30 years.
CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL
In 1939, a trade school opened at Ocoee High School — built near the Ocoee High Ag Department with WPA funds — after the Orange County School Board determined less than 10% of the graduating students were enrolling in college although 95% of the school budget was used to equip students for college.
Day and night classes were offered — they were free for day students and $2 for night students. The school grew to teach trades such as auto mechanics, welding, airplane mechanics, carpentry, painting and the machinist trade.
Three months after the school opened, 92 students had enrolled, verifying the need for the program. By 1940, the school was training more than 140 students and was being used by defense agencies. The first of many holiday traditions was started at Christmas 1939 when a community Christmas tree was placed on the vacant lot on the northeast corner of Bluford Avenue and McKey Street. Each year, Santa arrived to give gifts to underprivileged children. When the city obtained a fire truck, the children climbed aboard for their present and a visit with Santa.
Florida Public Service Company was granted a franchise in 1939 to construct and operate an electric light and power plant and generating system in the city.
The City Council voted in 1942 to impose a $10 fine on all persons not complying with the trial blackouts in case of emergency. In March of that year, all liquor, beer and wine dealers were to close at midnight Saturdays and not open until Monday morning.
Three months later, the City Council voted that no wine, beer or liquor could be sold in Ocoee for the duration of the war.
2025 marks a major milestone for the city of Ocoee as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation, which took place May 13, 1925. Over the past century, Ocoee has grown from a small agricultural town into a vibrant community. The city is hosting several centennial events this year, including two key events:
n Centennial Celebration 5 to 10 p.m. May 9 — Join city officials for a day of live entertainment, food, vendors and familyfriendly activities on Bluford Avenue in downtown Ocoee, honoring Ocoee’s past and celebrating its future.
n Time Capsule Ceremony 6:30 p.m. May 13 —
On the 100th anniversary of Ocoee’s incorporation, city officials will hold a special ceremony at the Withers-Maguire House to preserve a snapshot of the city for future generations. For more information about the centennial, visit 100yearsocoee. com/historical-timeline. Residents taking photos during the centennial events are being encouraged to use the hashtag #100YearsOcoee when posting on social media.
n In partnership with the city of Ocoee, the Observer is publishing a 10-week series examining each decade of the city’s history.
Ocoee High School cheerleaders, in 1945, practiced near the WPA-built gymnasium: Joan Conway, Jean Grafton, Doris Sharp, Bobbie Jernigan and Kathy Hamm.
Photos are courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, city of Ocoee and Nancy Maguire’s book, “A History of Ocoee & its Pioneers.”
The earliest members of the Woman’s Club of Ocoee held a club tea and open house of their new facility in 1938: Lucy Eckles, Mrs. Thomas Camp, Grace Pounds, Ida West, Dorothy Minor, Elizabeth Shaffer, Bess Scott, Mrs. Allen, Lucy Hawthorne, Emma Pounds, Stella Flewelling, Edna Ingold, Washie Hudson and Annie Clark.
This is what the city of Ocoee looked like in its early years.
COUNTY LEVEL
Could a development moratorium be coming for Reams Road?
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 11 approved 6-1 a change of the Lake Bryan Square Planned Development from 280 hotels to 298 multifamily units. The county also approved a waiver to allow a maximum building height of 125 feet (11 stories). The development is located on 5.52 acres east of State Road 535, west of Lake Bryan and north of World Center Drive.
n The county on Feb. 11 approved text and map amendments for the establishment of the Kilgore Road Rural Residential Enclave. This change sets the minimum lot size of 2 acres within the enclave. This prevents owners from subdividing parcels into smaller lots. The enclave sits on 113.06 acres and encompasses about 100 parcels. The property is located west of South Apopka-Vineland Road and east of Pocket Lake and Lake Sheen.
n Commissioners on Feb. 25 approved decreasing the speed limit on Avalon Road from Hartzog Road to U.S. 192 from 55 mph to 45 mph.
n The commission on Feb. 22 approved a permit to construct a new semi-private boat ramp in Sand Lake Sound. The ramp will be located at 7565 Alpine Butterfly Lane, Orlando, on the southern shoreline of Little Sand Lake. WIND_CENT
County commissioners last month deliberated options to bring flooding and traffic relief to the area.
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
Editor’s note: County Level is the Observer’s new feature, in which we will highlight the most impactful actions taken by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
After more than two hours of spirited deliberation, the Orange County Commission has directed county staff to continue drafting a temporary moratorium on development that impacts Horizon West’s most beleaguered intersections.
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the commission considered several solutions to ongoing flooding and traffic problems during a work session on the intersection of Reams Road, Ficquette Road and Summerlake Boulevard. The solutions would bring quicker relief to the area because the permanent road improvements still are years away from completion (see sidebar).
The session followed an Oct. 29, 2024, County Commission request to consider four options for temporary solutions. Those include adding pre-storm preparation and enhancing maintenance activities; adding additional asphalt overlay to raise a portion of Reams Road; implementing more stringent development stormwater management standards; and two options for a moratorium on development.
While the commission unanimously supported the first three options, commissioners were divided on the implementation of a moratorium.
REAMS ROAD CONSTRUCTION PLANS
Currently, there are two projects scheduled to improve the roadway.
The first includes widening the stretch of Ficquette Road from south of Inglenook Drive to south of Summerlake Park Boulevard from two to four lanes. The project also will include a 10-foot multi-use trail and 5-foot sidewalk; two additional ponds; intersection improvements at Ficquette Road, Summerlake Park Boulevard and Reams Road; and constructing the roadway above the 100-year flood elevation.
The total construction cost is $28.6 million, and the project is funded. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and last through the third quarter of 2028.
The second project will widen Reams Road from Summerlake Park Boulevard to Taborfield Avenue from two to four lanes. The project also includes a 14-foot multi-use trail and 5-foot sidewalk; seven additional ponds; a bridge design south of Greenbank Boulevard; and constructing the roadway
Susan Van Ussach, the Orange County Public Works Department deputy director, presented two scenarios for the moratorium. The first stipulated there can be no wetland and floodplain impacts in the Reedy Creek Sub-Basin until the construction of Reams Road is completed (mid-2029) or until more stringent stormwater code modifications are adopted (late 2026). The second and more severe option stipulates there can be no development approvals or permits in the Reedy Creek Sub-Basin until the construction of Reams Road is completed (mid-
above the 100-year flood elevation. The total cost for this project is about $80.2 million, and the project is funded. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2026 and last through the second quarter of 2029.
2029) or until more stringent stormwater code modifications are adopted (late 2026).
While the second option did not receive support, ultimately, District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson earned support of District 4 Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, District 5 Commissioner Kelly Semrad, District 6 Commissioner Michael Scott and Mayor Jerry Demings to direct staff to pursue the first moratorium option.
“In order for me to be able to go back to the community and say, ‘No, we’re not just sitting on our hands until hurricane season rolls around
again,’ I am begging that we move forward and allow them to work on the language for the (wetland and floodplain moratorium),” Wilson said. “I believe that because it’s a very distinct geographical area with a very distinct finish line that it isn’t as risky as … a full moratorium might be in some other situations. … There have been some very severe consequences to not having the infrastructure caught up.”
District 2 Commissioner Christine Moore and District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe both dissented. Moore said she could not support the measure because of the potential legal ramifications it could cause.
“I think the legal exposure is too great considering our staff came up with a lot of good solutions,” she said. If the moratorium is approved, it could affect the development of 19 remaining parcels within the Reedy Creek Sub-Basin potentially available for development.
According to Van Ussach, the area had suffered from flooding issues prior to development beginning in 2000. In more recent years, flooding has continued to plague the area. Following Hurricane Ian in 2022, 9.4 inches of rain fell on West Orange and forced the county to close Reams Road for 16 days. The flooding cost $180,000 in repairs. Two years later, Hurricane Milton dumped 10.9 inches of rain in the area. This impacted the right-turn lane from Ficquette Road to Summerlake Park Boulevard. However, Reams Road remained open, and no repairs were needed.
“I love that we had all of this articulated history, but none of it was a surprise,” Wilson said. “We knew that was wet. When you look at the aerials from 50 years ago, it was a river. And someone thought, ‘Well, that’s OK. I’ll just pile some dirt up there … and make a neighborhood. … And that was a failed plan, and it’s happened all over the region, and that’s what we’re paying for now.”
No date has been set for the commission to vote on the moratorium.
File photo
Reams Road was closed for 16 days in 2022 following Hurricane Ian.
Keeping the Gas Flowing: Celebrating Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day
Behind every warm home, every expertly prepared meal, and every smooth-running business powered by natural gas, there’s a team of dedicated professionals ensuring that gas flows to its destination safely and efficiently. Whether they’re in the field maintaining pipelines, in the office assisting customers, or in the community helping neighbors find energy solutions, our team at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) works tirelessly to keep the gas flowing. On Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day—March 18—we proudly celebrate them all, recognizing their teamwork, expertise, and passion.
This annual observance is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a tribute to the dedication, expertise, and customer-first mindset of utility workers who ensure that approximately 180 million Americans have access to this safe, affordable, reliable, and efficient energy source.
Significance of Recognition
The significance of March 18 dates to 1937, when a natural gas incident in Texas led to one of our industry's most pivotal safety advancements: the widespread odorization of natural gas. Today, this is accomplished by adding mercaptan— an organic compound that enhances leak detection and gives natural gas its distinct “rotten egg” smell.
Fast-forward nearly 100 years, and safety remains our top priority at the District. With ongoing training, rigorous inspections, and proactive community outreach, we make sure that every customer enjoys the benefits of natural gas with confidence and peace of mind.
A Legacy of Safety and Excellence
At the District, we believe that “Safety is Non-Negotiable,” which is exactly why that’s our theme for this year’s Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day.
This National Day of Recognition isn’t just about celebration—it’s a reminder of our industry’s unwavering commitment
to safety and excellence. This mindset is reinforced at LANGD, where our dedicated natural gas utility workers have helped us secure numerous safety accolades in recent years, including the American Public Gas Association’s (APGA) Gold System Operational Achievement Recognition Award, which highlights outstanding employee safety, workforce development, system integrity, and operational improvements. LANGD has also received the APGA Safety Award for over a decade, reflecting our steadfast dedication to maintaining the highest industry standards.
The Heart of Our Operations: Our People
Natural gas plays a vital role in powering everyday life, but it’s our people who make it possible. Whether helping customers enroll in services, educating the community about energy efficiency, or something in between, every LANGD employee contributes to the success and safety of our operations.
As we recognize Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day, we invite our customers and community members to join us in showing appreciation for the people who work behind the scenes to keep our energy infrastructure running safely and constantly. If you’ve had a great experience with one of our natural gas utility workers, we’d love to hear about it! Share your story on Facebook (@LANGDFL) or LinkedIn (Lake Apopka Natural Gas District).
Thank you to our entire LANGD team for keeping our communities warm, safe, and running strong 24/7, 365.
To learn more about how natural gas can benefit your home, business, or vehicle, visit www.LANGD.org or call (407) 656-2734.
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden
Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church
Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com
Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135
Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube
Ocoee braces for higher water costs
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
During the staff report section of the March 5 Ocoee City Commission meeting, City Manager Craig Shadrix informed the commission of Orange County’s decision to increase the cost of reclaimed water, which could increase residents’ water bills.
“Back in November, our utility department was informed that Orange County was going to be making some changes to the wholesale reclaim program,” Shadrix said. “Currently, we’re purchasing wholesale reclaimed from Orange County in a volume of about 2.1 million gallons per day, and we’re purchasing it for 61 cents a gallon. We then sell the water to our residents at a slight markup. The proceeds help pay for the operations and maintenance of the reclaim program.
“Orange County’s new terms, in order to keep our rate at 80 cents a gallon — that’s an increase of almost 20 cents a gallon — we have to have one-day storage and a 2.1 million gallon tank of a backup supply to supplement 90 days of max flow at a 6.3 billion gallons per day, on peak,” he said. “Without these structures, by Oct. 1, the city’s rate would increase to $1.57 per gallon, which is a significant increase and would require a significant rate increase in order to continue our operations and maintenance. The (startup) cost on the infrastructure needed to meet their backup demands is between $4.5 and $5 million.”
The city currently charges residents $1.22 per gallon, about double what Orange County charges Ocoee. The difference results in $474,770 annually for the city that, according to Shadrix, is used to maintain and operate the facilities.
Beyond the cost increase, Shadrix also raised concerns about the environmental impact of Orange County’s new required facilities.
“The sad, cruel irony of this is reclaimed water is supposed to be our alternative supply, in the name of conservation and protection of the Florida aquifer,” Shadrix said. “In order for us to meet the county’s demand for a backup supply, we will be required to construct and permit a well that will be taking water from the Florida aquifer.”
Shadrix and city staff are going to continue to explore alternatives to Orange County’s reclaimed water program, but they understand this is going to be an important issue that will come up on the commission’s agenda in the next few months.
IN OTHER NEWS
n During the March 5 Ocoee City Commission meeting, Mayor Rusty Johnson read a proclamation declaring March 9-15, 2025, MS Awareness Week in Ocoee and heard a short presentation about National MS Awareness Week. This proclamation is part of the National MS Society’s effort to drive awareness of multiple sclerosis and to connect those affected by the disorder.
n The commission recognized the winners of Ocoee’s annual Black History Month Essay Contest. The essay contest was open to fifth-grade students at all Ocoee schools. This year, students from six schools — Hope Charter; Innovation Montessori; Lake Whitney, Ocoee, Westbrooke and Thornebrooke elementary schools participated. Contest winners won a plethora of prizes, including Best Buy gift cards and gift bags filled with different goodies. The contest’s overall winner was Westbrooke’s Joshua Metellus, who had the chance to read his essay during the meeting.
n During the public comment section of the meeting, the Ocoee High girls basketball team presented to the commission a request for a $2,000 donation to help fund their trip to Lakeland to participate in the state Final Four.
“My teammates and I have worked tirelessly, showing incredible dedication, teamwork and resilience to get to this point, and now we have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the state of Florida,” team captain Dakara Merthie said. “Thank you for your unwavering support of our athletes, our school and our community. Together, we can … reach our goals and continue to make Ocoee proud.”
The commission unanimously approved the request from its contingency fund.
“We have reached out to Orange County staff, and we will continue to try and get them to give us more time, because the Oct. 1 deadline — we can’t even get the facilities we would need designed by Oct. 1, let alone funded and installed,” Shadrix said. “We’ll be bringing back some options based on our continued discussions about this matter. It is a very significant issue that we’re going to be faced with.”
The front porch features pecky cypress wood ceilings. Courtesy photo
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
The First Academy girls basketball’s father-daughter duo of Kevin and Bianca Hall — who led the Lady Royals to the most wins in a season in nearly two decades — were named Class 2A, District 11 Coach and Player of the Year. These honors come after TFA finished the season with a 23-5 record, a district championship and an appearance in the regional semifinals.
On the court, the sophomore guard led the Lady Royals in scoring with 19.1 points per game while adding 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 steals a game.
2
The Olympia High boys basketball program is set to host its first youth basketball camp from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the school’s gym
Led by the Titans coaching staff, this camp for fifth- to eighth-graders is a great opportunity for young athletes to develop fundamental basketball skills, improve game awareness and build confidence on and off the court. Experienced coaches and players will guide campers through drills, scrimmages and training sessions that can help take their game to the next level. Those interested in attending should note there are a limited number of spots available and the cost to attend is $99; with all proceeds directly supporting the Olympia basketball program. To register, visit bit. ly/3QZOIM5.
3
After leading Windermere Prep girls basketball to a 21-8 record, a district championship and an appearance in the regional championship game, Lakers coach Darren Evans has been named the Class 3A, District 11 Coach of the Year. This honor comes in Evans’ second season in charge of the program, which saw the Lakers repeat as district title winners and improve in overall record and in how far they advanced in the regional tournament.
4Central Florida Christian Academy senior girls basketball player Soraya Jokhan has been named the Class 1A, District 11 Player of the Year.
Jokhan, a four-year starter for the Lady Eagles who’s played in 91 career games, averaged 10.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season while helping lead CFCA to a 21-9 record, district and regional titles, and the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
5
The First Academy football’s Chancellor Barclay, a four-star offensive lineman and the 2024 All-Orange Observer Football Player of the Year, has announced his commitment to play college ball in Death Valley for the Clemson Tigers.
In a video posted to X, Barclay and his mother, Chris Anne Barclay, broke the news to Tigers coach Dabo Swinney.
“I got some bad news,” Chancellor Barclay said, trying to jokingly deceive Swinney. “You’re going to have to deal with me for the next three to four years because I’m committing to Clemson.”
Barclay chose to head to Upstate South Carolina over seemingly endless options that included Alabama, UCF, Penn State, Miami and FSU as well.
LEFT IT ALL IN LAKELAND
The Windermere boys, Dr. Phillips girls and Ocoee girls basketball teams represented the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities in the 2025 hoops state championships.
Henley claims 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational crown
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
In the final week of the Florida high school basketball season, three teams from the West Orange and Southwest Orange area advanced to the FHSAA Class 7A Final Four March 7-8 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, the Dr. Phillips High and Ocoee High girls teams, and the Windermere High boys.
Each of the three squads entered the two-day, single-elimination Final Four with a chance to either make or build on the history already made this season while competing for a state championship.
DAY ONE
DR. PHILLIPS VS. DORAL ACADEMY
Despite the familiarity, the Panthers’ goal of winning a fourth-consecutive state title was anything but ordinary; coach Anthony Jones called the feat nearly impossible.
“In the highest classification in the state, it’s almost impossible to fourpeat, because it’s all the largest schools in the state, so the talent is pretty balanced, and it’s very competitive,” he said. “That’s why it’s never been done before.”
Dr. Phillips opened the slate of 7A semifinal games against South Florida school Doral Academy. After a
Of the three area teams that competed in the 7A Final Four, the Dr. Phillips Lady Panthers by far knew their way around the bowels of the RP Funding Center the best. This was the fourth consecutive year DP reached the state semifinals; the Panthers won the three previous state championships.
West Orange boys volleyball’s Leonardo Pereira is a key part of the senior class that has led the Warriors to a hot 2025 start. Page 2B.
The Lady Panthers topped Doral Academy, 72-54, to clinch an appearance in the state title game for the fourth consecutive season.
Russell Henley donned Arnold Palmer’s famous red cardigan following
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
Junior guard Dakra Merthie (No. 3) attacked the basket in Ocoee’s 65-41 loss in the state semifinals.
Windermere big man T.J. Drain (No. 23) scored 17 points in the Wolverines’ semifinal win over Sarasota.
Leonardo Pereira
West Orange High boys volleyball defensive specialist Leonardo Pereira is one of the key players leading a talented and veteran Warriors squad this season on the hardwood. Along with Pereira, West Orange returns vital pieces at outside hitter and setter that should help carry the senior-heavy Warriors to a successful 2025.
In 57 sets played last season, Pereira returned 180 serves, had 115 digs, 22 aces and added 13 kills. So far in the early season, the senior’s stellar play on the defensive side of the ball and in service has continued and he’s helped West Orange rattle off three consecutive wins — as of press time Tuesday, March 11 — after dropping its season opener. THE
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the
I feel honored and excited to be chosen as the Athlete of the
What do you enjoy the most about volleyball?
What I enjoy most about volleyball is the bond I have developed with my teammates; and winning is fun, too.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from volleyball?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from playing volleyball is that the input determines the output; how much work you put in plays a major role in how good you become.
What is your favorite volleyball memory?
My favorite volleyball memory is going to California for a tournament.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is T.J. Defalco from the U.S. National Volleyball Team because of his physical
BASICS
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“The Prodigal” by Josiah Queen.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school is U.S. government, because I enjoy learning and understanding how our government works.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A volleyball, someone to play volleyball with and food — because I only need those three things.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is the first “Maze Runner” because of the thrill.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Jesus Christ so I could ask him questions personally.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
When Jesus was on Earth so I could meet him.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
To take my walk with Christ more seriously.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would ask myself if I’m rich in the future.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Three local teams make deep playoff runs
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
tight first quarter — which saw the Panthers trail by three points — DP put its foot on the gas in the second, outscoring Doral 26-10 in the quarter and taking a 38-25 lead into half. The veteran-heavy Panthers led the rest of the game, topping the Firebirds 72-54 and taking one more step toward a state title.
Transfer guard Ciara Hayes led the way for the Panthers, scoring 24 points, while backcourt mate Kendall Perry filled up the stat sheet with nine points, nine rebounds, three steals, three assists and three steals.
“It feels good reaching this point only coming in halfway through the season,” Hayes said. “The points didn’t come from just me; everybody contributes to it. If we didn’t rebound and pass the ball, then the points wouldn’t have come. We played together as a team, moved the ball well, and we came out with the win.”
Dr. Phillips then was scheduled to face the winner of the other girls 7A semifinal matchup: Ocoee vs. Winter Haven.
OCOEE VS. WINTER HAVEN
Following the completion of the first boys 7A semifinal matchup of the day — during which Columbus High topped Seminole High, 78-48 — the Ocoee Lady Knights were ready to fight for their place in the state title game against the overall No. 1 seed, the Winter Haven Blue Devils.
Before even stepping on the court in Lakeland, Ocoee had already made history by winning its first regional championship and achieving the goal the team had set before the season began.
early portion of the third quarter — cutting the lead to as little as three points. However, the Blue Devils lived up to their No. 1 seed and managed to wrangle back the momentum in the third and never look back, ultimately winning 65-41.
“Winter Haven is an awesome team that’s been here before,” Spencer said. “In the third quarter, we were able to cut the deficit down from seven at half to three, but then they forced a couple of turnovers, hit a couple of big shots, got the momentum and went on a little run. When you get into a doubledigit deficit against a team like that, it’s hard to come back. Hats off to them for playing hard but we’re just incredibly proud of our girls because they showed up today and fought.”
Despite the loss, Spencer and his coaching staff — who played an integral role in this season’s success, stepping in for Spencer on multiple occasions due to medical issues — are confident they’ll be back next season.
verines facing off against the Sarasota Sailors for a chance to battle Columbus High in the boys 7A state finals. This was the second appearance in the Final Four for Windermere and, with a win, it would be the first title-game appearance in the young program’s history. Windermere came out firing in the game’s opening quarter, outscoring Sarasota 20-5 after hitting four three-pointers. The Sailors fought back in the following two quarters to make it a single-digit game. Unfortunately for Sarasota, just as the first quarter set the tone for Windermere, so did the fourth. The Wolverines again held the Sailors to single digits in the quarter, outscoring them 20-7 and stamping their ticket to the program’s first state title game with a 59-39 semifinal win.
The Flash because he’s the most overpowered superhero there is.
I would say Bane because of how
If you could have any superpow-
I would have to pick super speed, -
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go
because those are three of the most beautiful plac-
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and I would be an eagle so I could feel what it’s like
“These girls have bought in since the first day,” coach Marcus Spencer said. “At the start of the season, when we talked about our goals, making it to Lakeland was at the top of that list, and that’s what we did. I gave them a vision; we even got shirts that say ‘Lakeland’ on it, and for the first time in school history, we’re here.”
Getting to Lakeland might have been the goal going into the season, but after the Lady Knights made it there, chasing a state title was all the focus.
After a slow start to its semifinal matchup, trailing Winter Haven by seven points going into the half, 27-20, Ocoee went on a run in the
“I want to give a tip of my cap to my assistant coaches because without them holding the ship together, we wouldn’t be in this position,” he said. “With this staff and everything the girls have done, it’s easy to say we’ll be back next year, but with a different result.”
“We knew we had to make some shots to win this one, and we did early on,” coach Mark Griseck said. “I thought our defense throughout the game was pretty solid, so that helped us stay in it when we weren’t making shots.”
Dr. Pepper is the best
Does pineapple belong
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
and that’s what’s so cool about this game, is to go play where all the legends have played. … It’s still surreal wearing this thing up here. I’ve tried to just work really hard at all aspects of my game and to try to put myself in a position to win tournaments and compete at the highest possible level on the biggest and best courses. It’s just crazy that it happened like that and just hard to take in; I can’t explain it.”
After 54 holes of play, Henley entered Sunday, March 9 one shot behind Morikawa, but after a tough front nine for Henley, the deficit extended to three, however that wasn’t enough to keep him down.
“My attitude,” Henley said when asked what he was most proud of from his victory. “When I bogeyed both par fives on the front — (which were) real momentum killers — I didn’t really feel like I had a great chance at that point, and Collin was just playing so steady like he always does. So, just to hang in there enough to give myself some looks was what I’ll take from this day.”
Ocoee finished the season with a 25-4 record.
WINDERMERE VS. SARASOTA
To finish the area hoops tripleheader was the Windermere Wol-
Windermere was led in the win by senior guard Korvantae Hatter, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Senior big man T.J. Drain added 17 points and six rebounds. “I really didn’t want this to be my last high school basketball game,” Hatter said. “I had to sit out my whole junior year, so I really wanted to keep playing. I want to win.”
He did just that. By the 14th hole — on which Henley birdied and Morikawa bogeyed, the breaks started to go Henley’s way, and he was just one stroke behind the leader. After both made par on 15, Henley flipped the script again on 16 and knocked Morikawa from the leader’s perch for the first time on championship Sunday. After hitting his second shot over the green on the par-five hole, Henley slung himself ahead of Morikawa with a ridiculous chip that hit the flag pole and fell in the hole for an eagle.
“It was probably going to be 5, 6 feet by (the hole), but I don’t know that you can stop it,” Henley said.
“I think Collin hit his a couple of feet by, and that’s just kind of golf. Sometimes you get a good break like that, and it hits the pin and goes in.”
Despite taking a one-stroke lead with two holes to play, Henley knew he couldn’t relax if he wanted to take home “Arnie’s” red cardigan.
“The pressure of knowing that Collin was going to play so steady and knowing that I had to play steady — it almost kind of made me realize it was just so far from over,” he said. “I knew he was going to hit great shots coming down the last two holes, as well. … I didn’t feel like there was much to smile about at that point just because I go to the next hole and hit it in the water and then hit it in the water again on 18, then I’m not sitting here. (I knew) there was just a lot of really tough golf ahead of me, so I didn’t really feel like it was a time to smile. I felt like (after the 16th) it was time to get really focused on what I needed to do on my next shot.”
Henley matched Morikawa, making par on the final two holes and sealing the one-stroke win. Henley finished with a total score of 277 (-11), followed by Morikawa (-10) and Corey Conners (-9) in third. Not only is this Henley’s first victory since his 2022 win at the World Wide Technology Championship — the fifth win of his career — but also he was a +5000 underdog to win the API. Translation: If you bet $100 on Henley to win, you would have received $5,000. This win also snaps Henley’s streak of 10 finishes in the top 10 without a victory, the most on the tour.
Sam Albuquerque
Windermere’s Lucas Boyd (No. 10) drove past the Sarasota defender in the Wolverines 59-39 semifinal win.
Hatter and the Wolverines earned a chance to play for that state title. All they would have to do was beat three-time defending state champions Columbus on Day 2.
DAY TWO
WINDERMERE VS. COLUMBUS
In the opening game of Day 2, the Wolverines came into the 7A boys finals as the David to Columbus’ Goliath. Entering the game, the Explorers were ranked by MaxPreps as the top basketball team in the nation, thanks in large part to their two Duke commits — twin brothers Cameron and Cayden Boozer, sons of former NBA player Carlos Boozer — and four-star junior guard Jaxon Richardson — son of former NBA player Jason Richardson.
In the first quarter of the state finals, Columbus showed why it was such a highly ranked team by holding the Wolverines to just seven points. The Explorers’ stifling defense led the way throughout and was the determining factor in this matchup.
“Their size and their length and their strength, and their coaching was
the difference,” Griseck said. “They took away the stuff we were trying to do, and we tried to run some counters but couldn’t get them going. That’s a great team over there, so hats off to them. For us, the only thing I was disappointed in was I just didn’t feel like we competed very hard at times in the first half.”
Despite the 68-36 loss, this group of Windermere players left its mark on the program and always will have a special place in Griseck’s heart.
“They put in a lot of hard work; they bought into the idea of playing for each other,” he said. “It’s a great group; I’m sad to see the seniors go. … Ultimately, I’m just proud of the character of our guys, they’ve great kids.”
DR. PHILLIPS VS. WINTER HAVEN
The Lady Panthers faced Winter Haven in the state finals with a chance to win a fourth-consecutive title.
The Panthers opened the game by taking a three-point lead. But thanks to the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the second (17), Winter Haven took control with a 26-20 lead.
In the second half, the Panthers
clawed back to bring the Winter Haven lead down to one possession but never got over the hump, losing 45-42.
“We fought very hard, and there was a lot of balls that we couldn’t get to and
a lot of things didn’t go our way,” Jones said. “We fought so hard that some of the plays I thought could have gone the other way. ...
Despite all of that, my girls fought, and I’m very proud
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
Ocoee’s Kyle Holden (No. 13) had eight points and 10 rebounds in the semifinal loss.
DP junior Jamila Ray (No. 11) was a breakthrough player this season for the Lady Panthers — leading the team in scoring in its title game loss with 18 points.
DIANNA NEILSON BRIDGEWATER MIDDLE SCHOOL
DiAnna Neilson is the Peer Counseling
1 and 2 instructor for social emotional learning and the Research Literacy instructor with a focus on intensive reading skills at Bridgewater Middle School. Under the direction of Principal Amy Klaber, she oversees a Peer Pal program where selected students push into various classes to assist peers with disabilities. She was named Teacher of the Year for 2022-23.
Neilson has spearheaded a new program called Peer Pals, where students support their peers socially and academically in the classroom setting.
“The program has shown a huge impact on those students who needed a confidence boost or a friend to lean on to help get the work accomplished or clarification during a lesson,” Klaber said. “Ms. Neilson is helping others show what it means to live a Bobcat Life and to help make a positive difference in our community.”
What brought you to your school?
Bridgewater Middle School is actually situated close to my home, and my own kids were zoned for BMS. I genuinely wanted to give back to my community and be close to my own children.
What do you love most about your school?
I love the kids! They are loaded with so much life and positivity. I enjoy being around them and feeding off their positive energy.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
I love to see students reaching out to other students who might need a friend or some extra support. I feel like when students realize how different we all are but how much we truly need (one another), magic happens. It’s really rewarding to witness.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
All I really care about in life is lifting others. If I weren’t a teacher, I would probably want to help somehow in the prison system with individuals who may have made mistakes to find a way forward.
Who influences you?
I respect all religions and people’s beliefs, but for me, the person who influences me the most is Jesus Christ. He has taught me to be kind, compassionate, patient, loving and forgiving. I try to pattern my life after His.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher was my elementary music teacher, Pam McLendon. She put her whole heart and soul into everything she did and consequently, had a huge impact on me.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” has always been my favorite children’s book. I love the imaginative, fun poems and crazy cool ink drawings. To this day, it still reels me in.
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Peer Counseling 1 and 2 instructor and Research Literacy instructor TIME AT SCHOOL: Nine years
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy baking and card making. I also enjoy watching fun movies with my family, going out to dinner, getting caramel coated apples at Disney Springs and swimming in my community pool in the summers!
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to have a conversation with Neil Armstrong. I would want to know what it was like to walk on the moon.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would choose Super Stamina! Then, I would never get tired and be able to attend all of the band concerts, orchestra concerts, guitar concerts, choir concerts, musicals and games that the Bridgewater kids invite me to.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
Sinatra, Sinatra, Sinatra. From the time that I was a child, I’ve always loved Frank. I enjoy all of his music and especially love his Christmas album.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
I’ve always been a peanut butter person! My lunch was always peanutbutter-and-jelly sandwiches and snacks were usually peanut butter on celery sticks.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas and Easter have always been my favorite holidays. I’m also a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, because it’s all about spreading love to others. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
One of my best friends that I met in kindergarten was named Elizabeth Beifuss. We always got along, laughed a lot, and one year, my dad took us on an epic trip to Disneyland for my birthday where we rode Thunder Mountain multiple times. We are still in touch to this day.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? From the time that I was very young, I always loved to sing. I loved to perform in little school productions and eventually enjoyed singing in the Varsity Choir at Chaparral High School in Las Vegas.
— AMY QUESINBERRY
The dancing was contagious at Foundation Academy’s daddy-daughter event.
Left: Adrian Ogeerally and Avery had a blast at the Father-Daughter Dance at Foundation Academy.
Dad put all his concentration into helping his daughter make a bracelet.
Right: Christian Vozza’s boutonniere matched daughter Micaley’s dress for the dance.
Courtesy photos
Little Dorothy and her dad enjoyed the activity stations.
Healthy West Orange parties at Ocoee shindig
Above: Julian Barajas made his way through the Fun Bus, his sister, Victoria, waited for her turn.
Left: The Ocoee High School Marching Knights paraded through the center of the block party.
Above: Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson donned his Observer gear at the block party.
Left: West Orange Walkers members Magaly Alamo, left, and Carmen Fortis enjoyed being outside and perusing the row of vendors.
The Ocoee Police Department Explorers took turns manning the department’s booth at the block party.
Saniya Singh watched to see what she won on the prize wheel.
DOROTHY JUNE LYNCH
DIED FEB. 22, 2025.
Dorothy June Lynch, our beloved wife, mom, grandmother and sister, went to be with Jesus on Feb. 22, 2025.
She is survived by her husband, James Edward; son, Alan Lynch (Silvia); daughter, Alison Kelly (Ben); sister, Debbi Wilker (John); grandsons, Sebastian, Jacob, Ethan and Matthew; granddaughters, Sarah, Charlotte and Reagan; and many dear family members.
She was born Nov. 12, 1943, in Smithfield, North Carolina. She grew up loving and serving Jesus. She married the love of her life, James Edward Lynch, in 1966 and moved to Florida to begin their lives together.
She dedicated her life to teaching and education. She retired from Orange County Public Schools after 32 years. She served as a teacher, principal and associate superintendent. After her retirement from OCPS, she went on to be a consultant for 17 years with Literacy First.
Above her joy for teaching children reading, writing and arithmetic was the joy she experienced teaching others about Jesus. June loved to serve her church community by teaching Sunday school and organizing VBS. The desire of June’s heart was for everyone to know Jesus. There was something different about June. The difference was Christ. God worked in her and through her in every area of her life. In 2015, she experienced a rare autoimmune disease that only had a 1% chance of survival. She used her healing to reach those around her, living out Psalm 118:17, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.” When asked if she had one thing she would want, she replied, “for my family to live the Christian life.” June is with her Lord and Savior. We will miss her deeply.
A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.
1947-2025: Longtime Winter Garden educator dies
Freddie Anderson was the eighth of eight children, and she and her five sisters all became teachers and mentors to youth.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
Freddie Deloris Anderson was known as Big Mama to all who knew her and loved her — and that was the entire community of east Winter Garden, where she was born and raised.
Anderson was the youngest of eight children, two boys and six girls, and she and her sisters all were destined to became longtime teachers, educating local children for decades.
Anderson died Feb. 19, 2025, at the age of 78.
She was born Jan. 9, 1947, to the late Carolyn Toney Anderson and Leroy Anderson. Her mother was a firm believer in education, and all eight of her children were college graduates. She often told them, “Once you get (an education) in your head, no one can take it away from you.”
Anderson took that to heart, graduating in 1965 from Charles R. Drew High School and continuing her education with a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in education. Professionally, Anderson served her community as an educator and taught for 31 years with Orange County Public Schools. Her career allowed her to impact thousands of students at West Orange High School. She also taught at Maxey Elementary and Carver Middle schools.
She not only was a teacher to many but also was a mentor to the younger generations.
“She was the community’s Big Mama,” said Chloe Johnson Brunson, a Winter Garden city commissioner who grew up in east Winter Garden and was influenced by Anderson. “She cooked, she put her heart in meals, she fed the hungry. She was everyone’s Big Mama, she was everyone’s person. … She was a big part of my village growing up.”
Following Anderson’s death, friends and family wrote personal messages on social media.
“This amazing lady wore many hats of life — a mother, grandmother, auntie, caregiver, friend, dedicated church member, educator, baker, cook, ministry of inspiration via calls and texts sent out daily, so much more and most of all having a relationship with … God almighty,” Marvelous Bing Rodgers said.
Tracey J. Brunson remembered her aunt: “My mother was one of eight, and my Aunt Freddie was the last one surviving. Since my siblings, my cousins and I have all lost our moms, my Aunt Freddie stood in the gap as mama, grandma, greatgrandma to us, our children and grandchildren.”
Chloe Johnson Brunson called her “a true woman of God, a true woman of community, a true woman of leadership, a true woman of togetherness. … She was definitely a part of my family village.”
She took care of her nephew, Cory Kendrick, after his mother died, just as she did her other family members.
During her memorial service, held Saturday, March 8, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Winter Garden, Kendrick was one of the speakers.
“As we all lost our mothers, she would take all her nieces, nephews; we always stayed with her, she made sure we ate,” he said. “When she cooked, she would call us. When we were sick, we called her and she was the first one there.”
When she detected he was getting a cold, she made him “one of those old-time remedies.”
“There’s just this void,” Kendrick said. “It’s extremely hard to feel. … We all depended on her.”
Anderson’s service was as full of life as she was, with her bright yellow casket covered with a large bouquet of yellow flowers. Many of the attendees were dressed in yellow and royal blue for her. The church was filled with love and praise for Anderson’s life, with uplifting music and interpretive dance.
Dr. Robert L. Bing III also spoke at the service.
“My cousin was the very essence of love,” he said. “She was genuinely a caring person filled with empathy and compassion for others, for family and so many others.
“I am a better person because of the conversation and interactions with Freddie,” he said. “Freddie was full of life and adventure. We all know she was a great cook, funny and a good listener. … She was a firm believer in the Lord and the power of prayer. … Freddie understood her role as the matriarch of the Anderson family.”
Dexter Johnson, another resident influenced by Anderson, called her a blessing to Winter Garden.
“God had gifted her with an education, and she brought that education back to Winter Garden,” he said.
“Ms. Freddie took care of us from childhood to adulthood.”
She tutored children in their homes, and she helped teenagers and young adults find jobs. Her granddaughter, Carolyn Morris, recalled her as a sweet, loving, caring person who always made people feel welcomed and loved.
“She always helped anyone that she could, and she loved to cook and feed people,” Morris said. “Her favorite thing to make for a crowd was turkey wings or porkchops, ham, turkey, collard greens, mustard greens, lima beans, potato salad — all the good stuff.”
She was a mentor to Morris, too.
“She took whoever under her wing,” she said. “If my friends or my sister’s friends or someone in the community came to her for advice, she said, ‘Call anytime,’ and she would be there for them.”
Anderson experienced grief firsthand when four of her sisters died in a five-year span, and she became a trained grief counselor. She reached out to many people with her text ministry, sending inspirational Biblical scriptures every morning.
Anderson was an active and faithful member of St. Paul AME Church, Winter Garden, serving willingly in several capacities over the years.
Aside from her church involvement, she served as a manager with both Orange County Classrooms Teachers Association and the National Education Association, she worked with the Orange County Head Start program, and she was a member of the city of Winter Garden Planning and Zoning Board.
Anderson participated in many organizations, including Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Order of Eastern Stars, Daughters of Sphinx and Heroines of Jericho Lodge #98B. She was preceded in death by her parents and her seven siblings, Johnnie Mae, William “Billy,” Reid, Sarah, Shirley, Betty Jo and Ruby.
Anderson is survived by her daughter, Letitia Morris-Brown; two granddaughters, Carolyn Morris and Mikaya Brown; four greatgrandchildren, Kylan Williams, Kyran Williams, Kyler Williams and Kylee Williams; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Anderson was interred at Oakland Community Cemetery, Oakland.
File photo
Freddie Anderson addressed the crowd at an east Winter Garden event.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
Members of the Oakland Scout Troop 47, with H.K. Winter as scoutmaster, enjoyed an overnight hike to Lake Saddle Pocket. The boys held court, and two were found guilty of scout law violations. Present were Sherrell Winter, Dave Stanford, Joe Waldrop, Hugh Connell, Robert Hussey, Lowell Teal, Billy Hawthorne, Robert Hull, Bruce Briley, Byron Crowley, Edwin Brock, Ronald Clonts, Bobby Walker and Herman Bekemeyer.
Louis A. and Mildred B. Hornstein, of Winter Garden, purchased the residence of Mabel Pauline McKinnon in Tildenville, according to papers filed in the office of Clarence Gay, clerk of circuit court.
55 years ago
Bill People and his son, Stewart, headed for Clermont on what was supposed to be a day of fishing. Instead, Bill killed 24 rattlesnakes, which abruptly ended the day of fishing. One of the rattlers was 14 feet, 10 inches long.
50 years ago
From Editor’s Notebook: One of our readers sent us a clipping that said: “Most anyone can be an editor. All an editor has to do is sit at a desk six days a week, four weeks a month, 12 months a year and edit such stuff as ‘Mrs. Jones of Winter Garden let a can opener slip last week and cut herself in the pantry.’”
A unique shopping village with an old-world flavor was set to open at Lake Buena Vista, with boutiques, craft shops and intimate restaurants along a charming marina waterfront. The Village was to provide a European-style shopping experience rather than a modernistic mall concept.
45 years ago
“Oliver,” directed by Kathy Shields, was a smash hit at Lakeview Junior
For Oakland residents, here’s something very special from the vast archive. This postcard, dated March 13, 1900, was mailed 125 years ago to Mr. Tom Beaty, of Seffner. Part of the message is missing due to the torn corner, but we can read, “Hello Tom. How are you getting along? Here is the picture of some of the stores of Oakland. But it’s not all…Write to me soon, Box 27.”
The Great Freeze of 1894-95 wiped out citrus farming in the region, and the industry took about a decade to recover. Although many growers left West orange County, a few remained and made their fortune planting and shipping vegetables.
The image captures a slumbering Oakland, drowsing through the very end of the 19th century. These wooden shops stood along the south side of Oakland’s “square,” formed by Tubb and Daniels streets, Petris Avenue, and the railroad tracks. They apparently burned in a 1912 fire, soon to be replaced by a two-story building attached to a hardware store.
Newer Oakland residents are encouraged to explore the history of their adopted town by visiting the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archive at 21 E. Plant St., available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
High School. Among the students in the cast were Philip Kufeldt in the title role, Michael Lynch as the Artful Dodger, Kelly Smith as Fagin, David Fleming as Bill Sykes, Kimmie Bohart, Judy Deeb, Kathryn Garrison, Kristin Garrison, Robert Matheison, Melissa Messeguer, Jerry Price and James Savoie.
40 years ago
First-place winners in Ocoee Junior High School’s annual Science Fair were Philip Campbell, Tim Eastham, Claire Conry, Bobby Foley, Matthew Vail, Brian Hey, Laura Harper, Anne-Marie Conry, Donald Crawford, Roy Pettis, Bobby Barton, Lisa Swinson and Jennifer Auer.
Lakeview Middle School’s Quiz Bowl team held its third match and brought home its third victory by defeating Lockhart 200-70. Players for Lakeview in the match were captain Bobby Vecchi, co-captain Ben Lagow, Mark Floer, Tim Schuwerk, Dale McDowell and alternates Jocelynn Watson and Alex Korovin.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
MARCH 12, 1970
The advertisements in the 1970s had a certain flair about them, with their swirls and flowers and funky fonts. Graphics weren’t readily available as they are today either, so some product ads tended to use the same images.
Florida Power was a regular advertiser in The Times, including one in the March 12, 1970, edition that urged homeowners to switch to electric comfort conditioning.
“You’ll find there’s nothing quite like the satisfying, overall warmth of electric heat or the refreshing coolness of electric air-conditioning,” the ad read.
“And what could be more convenient. There’s no worry or bother. No pilot lights to be cleaned. No burners to be adjusted. There are no fuel tanks. No sooty dirt.”
FELLOW TRAVELERS by Rebecca Goldstein, edited by Jared Goudsmit By Luis Campos
Colon Cancer is the #2 cause of cancer-related death However, when detected early, it’s more than 90% curable AdventHealth is making it easier than ever to get screened with expedited colonoscopy appointments near you. Non-invasive screening options, like stool testing, may be available. If you’re 45 or older, it’s time to get screened.
Orlando is recognized as the #1 hospital in Greater Orlando by U S News & World Report