03.18.21 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

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VOLUME 88, NO. 11

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Mission unblockable

Injuries and a car crash couldn’t sideline West Orange’s Sara Reinbolt and Lucy Noegel. 15.

Custom kicks

YOUR TOWN ONP SELLING NATIVE PLANTS The Oakland Nature Preserve is holding a native plant sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20, in the ONP parking lot, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. In addition to the Florida native plant sale, author Peggy Lantz will sign copies of “Florida’s Edible Wild Plants: A Guide to Collecting and Cooking”; ONP sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited will set up a booth; the Florida Native Plant Society will offer planting suggestions and answer questions; and Paradise Treats will be selling sweets. For information, visit OaklandNaturePreserve.org.

Ocoee High School senior Maia Slowinski won the Customade by Vans Family art contest, and her designs are now available to customize the skate shoes. STORY ON PAGE 4.

Danielle Hendrix

Stars aligned

Meet the performers that will perform at Rotary’s Broadway & Beyond. PAGE 8.

Leaders table truck ban decision Winter Garden city commissioners delayed the ordinance’s second reading to March 25. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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Grant Norman

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Winter Garden leaders postponed the second reading of an ordinance banning certain classifications of trucks on Marsh Road in favor of having more time to meet with stakeholders as they search for solutions. At the March 11 City Commission meeting, city staff told residents they had met with representatives from Titan SEE TRUCK BAN PAGE 2

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

IN OTHER NEWS

Truck ban talks continue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

America, Clermont, Lake County, Orange County and the Florida Department of Transportation to hear their ideas. They also met separately with many of the residents who live along Marsh Road to discuss the options. City Manager Mike Bollhoefer said staff recommended tabling the second reading of Ordinance 21-11 for two weeks to provide more time for discussions. “They are very motivated to find some sort of compromise or solution that works for everyone, because the last thing they want to see is this road closed down,” Bollhoefer said. “They’ve already offered up many options. … If indeed we do vote and we do close down this road, there is no doubt that immediately the trucking company or the sand mine company, they will

FINANCING AVAILABLE

“We thought it made sense to try to negotiate for two more weeks to see if there’s a compromise that both the residents and these companies can all live with.” — City Manager Mike Bollhoefer

go to the courts and try to get an injunction. … We believe the law is on our side, and we believe the facts are on our side, but whenever you go in front of a judge, you never know what happens.” Bollhoefer said if the matter goes before a judge, that judge could file either a temporary or permanent injunction, and the decision would no longer belong to Winter Garden. “We thought it made sense to try to negotiate for two more weeks to see if

there’s a compromise that both the residents and these companies can all live with,” he said. Ordinance 21-11 would prohibit Class 6 through 13 vehicles from using the road and adopts certain vehicle-weight limitations on a certain portion of Marsh Road. Although the ordinance hasn’t been approved yet, a resolution passed at the Feb. 11 commission meeting remains in place. Bollhoefer said if no solution or compromise can be reached by the March 25 City Commission meeting, staff’s recommendation would be to pass the ordinance and move forward with the truck ban. In the meantime, he said, the city has added cameras out on Marsh Road and is working toward finding a way to install decibel meters. “If we were to find some type of solution that somehow both the neighbors and trucking company are happy with, it would have to include all sorts of systems and devices and methods to measure it and ensure that everybody following the rules,” he said. “In case they didn’t follow the rules after

n Commissioners approved the site plan for the Winter Garden hotel at 8 N. Highland Ave. n Commissioners also approved awarding the Orange County piggyback contract with Middlesex Corporation for this year’s street-resurfacing projects for $2,052,702. n City leaders approved a purchase order to ZControls for a programmable logic controller upgrade at Fullers and Palmetto water-treatment plants for $51,050.

that negotiated agreement, we can always go back to this ordinance again.” Carl Davis, a trucking company owner, said residents along Marsh Road “should’ve done their homework” before they bought their homes. “They should have realized the route is a heavily commercial route,” Davis said. “I’m an owner/ operator, and I’ve been driving on Marsh Road every day. … Let me tell you something: If you’re going to say to the residents that you’ll

do whatever they want, we should not have this meeting, because my opinion is not going to matter to anyone. I’d like to invite you commissioners to take a ride with me one day in the truck, and you will see what we have to go through every day to make a living. If you ban us from Marsh Road, you’re taking food off my table. You’re stopping me from providing for my family.” District 4 Commissioner Colin Sharman said the city will support its residents but staff is trying to make the situation as amicable as possible for everyone. “Essentially, we’re going to maintain control of how this moves forward,” he said. “We’re negotiating, because negotiating is better than getting in front of a judge — and we have the option in the future of doing whatever we want to do while we still have control.” Tim Bates, mayor pro tem for the city of Clermont, thanked the commission for working with all parties and being open to ideas. “It’s been very humbling to have all these different entities come together and work toward a common goal rather than come and fight each other,” Bates said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Oakland to make crossing enhancements

Can’t pinch this!

The pedestrian crossing is part of a plan to connect more neighborhoods to the town’s future trail systems and the West Orange Trail. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Brynn Bradley, Meghan Barron, Sarah Costello, Aisling Kane and Caroline Closs were happy to catch up at the event.

Stephanie Lang, center, and daughter Mallory; pup Luke; and James Armstrong manned the Horizon West Happenings booth.

embers of the Horizon West community and beyond, decked out in green, showed up to enjoy the sunshine and festivities at Hamlin’s St. Patrick’s Day block party Sunday, March 14. Attendees enjoyed meeting local vendors, grabbed some grub and their favorite beverages, and pulled out the lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the weather and celebrate Irish culture. Performers included Central Florida Irish Dance, the Down Brothers, Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders Pipes and Drums, and Dublin Beats.

IN OTHER NEWS

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Above: Dancers from Central Florida Irish Dance showed off their moves. Left: Ryan Burke gave a thumbs up to serving some beverages.

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n The commission approved a lien release and satisfaction and release of abatement fees so Youdali International Investments LLC can clear up a lien and purchase property at 1070 Chase Drive, Winter Garden. The land was previously owned by Rifaat and Violet Zakhary, who also previously owned the property at 1 N. Nixon St., which had an outstanding code enforcement lien on it. A lien on one of the Zakharys’ properties is attached to every property they own in Florida, and the town is allowing Youdali to pay $350 to clear up the lien on the Winter Garden land. n The commission authorized the termination of an outdated town of Oakland retirement plan and allowed the town’s finance director to transfer the balance of Town Manager Steve Koontz’s assets into a different account.

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With the population and traffic increasing in Oakland, the Town Commission wanted to go the extra step in creating a safe pedestrian crosswalk across Oakland Avenue at the entrance to the Longleaf at Oakland subdivision. Commissioners at the March 9 meeting passed the first reading of an ordinance that would allow the town to install not only mid-block crosswalk markings but also rectangular rapid-flashing beacons and additional signage at Oakland Avenue and Sansparilla Road. The static signs are to be installed this week but the flashing beacons won’t go in until April, staff said. Because the crossing will connect to the West Orange Trail, the state of Florida must grant final approval because the connection crosses through the right-of-way. The town plans to begin a safety campaign on social media for pedestrians and bicyclists following the second reading. The vote came after a work session last month to discuss direction on the crossing enhancement project.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Off the wall, out of the box DANIELLE HENDRIX

hat started out as a piece for an Ocoee High student’s Advanced Placement art class portfolio has made its way onto thousands of Vans skate shoes. Maia Slowinski, 17, recently won first place in the shoe company’s “Customade by Vans Family” art contest. Now, anyone who has access to Vans Family’s custom shoe-designing website can put her designs on their kicks. Vans Family is the Vans experiential loyalty program, and members receive insider information and exclusive designs. It was through the Vans Family app that Maia first heard about the contest and decided to enter. “I just felt like, ‘Why not enter?’” she said. “I figured, ‘What do I have to lose on it?’ I decided to enter in some of my AP art submissions I had for my last year’s portfolio. … I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do. I spent so much time thinking about what I wanted to do for it, but I just figured, ‘Why not just turn in something I’ve already done?’ … I just thought that it would be really fun.” That was almost a year ago, Maia said. She frequently enters contests on the Vans Family app but never expected anything to come of them. Then, toward the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, she got a call from Vans. “They were like, ‘Hey, so we just wanted to talk to you about your submission; you actually won,’” Maia said. “I went completely speechless. I got so embarrassed, because I didn’t know what to say to them. I didn’t believe it for a second. It didn’t process. The fact that I had won didn’t click in until I’d already hung up, and then I went ballistic.” Maia’s abstract, black-andwhite floral designs are inspired by nature — and although they were part of her AP art portfolio, they looked great on the shoes. “When I told my AP art teacher, she was ecstatic because she knew exactly what pieces they were because she had to grade them,” Maia said with a laugh. After finding out she had won, Maia was asked to create five different shoes featuring her designs on the Vans customdesign website. As someone who already owns multiple pairs of Vans and had previously designed another pair of custom kicks, it was a breeze.

“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

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Danielle Hendrix

“The fact that they chose mine out of thousands of people, it really gave me more confidence about my work, and now I’m not as scared to put out what I make.” — Maia Slowinski

“I think I actually went through them pretty quickly,” she said. “I knew what I wanted, I knew the color scheme I was going for, I knew the palette I wanted to work with — more cool tones, with the blues and purples. … A lot of people don’t know they can customize shoes so easily on their website. It was super easy. I think I had them done within a day or two.” Maia said Vans representatives then set up a photo shoot in Winter Garden featuring her and her shoes. They asked her about some locations she would consider shooting in beforehand or places where she spent a lot of time, such as Winter Garden Fencing Academy, where she has trained in fencing for years. “Every single place that I gave

WANT MAIA’S DESIGNS? Want your own custom Vans featuring Maia’s designs? Visit the Vans Customade website to see her art and create your own shoes at vans.com/customade.

them was all within walking distance, because it was all in downtown Winter Garden — I think some of the most popular places,” she said. “The photos they took from were mostly from Pammie’s Sammies. Outside of (Winter Garden Fencing Academy), there’s a big pink wall, and (the photographer) actually had me (lie) down on my back and put my shoes up on the wall for a cool shot. (We also went) on top of the parking garage where you can see the Winter Garden water tower.” The shoot also included her bedroom, where the high-school senior gets her homework done — and where her collection of Vans is housed. “I didn’t realize how obsessed I was until during the shoot: They had me hold all of my shoes in my lap, and it was a mound almost as tall as I was,” she said with a laugh. “That moment was when I realized my obsession.” SCREEN TIME

Maia knew she would be featured on the Vans website, in the Vans Family app and on the company’s social media. However, seeing her face, her design and her story on the site when it went live earlier this month still was a huge shock. “They told me the date that it was supposed to come out — I

didn’t know what time, though, so I was checking every 15 or 20 minutes,” she said. “I finally saw that I got tagged on a post on Instagram from somebody else who had seen it before me … and I found out during school that it was already posted. Everybody in my class was pulling it up on their computers and on their phones. It was really awesome.” Maia’s family and friends were thrilled for her and very excited to share the news. For days, she was getting messages of congratulations and tagged on social media. Even friends from a long time ago would pop up with a congratulatory message. Her parents, though, are her biggest fans. “My parents are obsessed with it,” Maia said. “I think most oft the people who have gotten the Vans so far have all been because my parents are putting it out there, bragging about it.” Along with being featured by Vans and having her designs available for people to customize their own shoes with, she also received a $1,000 prize. She even got surprised last week when she and her mom walked into the Vans store at Mall at Millenia to try on some shoes. “They had a big poster of my story with my designs on it — a big one — and a small one inside of the actual store,” Maia said. “It made me unexplainably happy. I can’t even express how crazy it was. All the store employees thought it was awesome, and they were all taking photos. It was really amazing.” It isn’t about the prize money or the exposure, though — although both of those things are nice. Maia said she is just ecstatic that people see value in her creations. “The most fulfilling part about this is the fact that it’s reassuring that I have some sort of talent,” Maia said. “The fact that they chose mine out of thousands of people, it really gave me more confidence about my work, and now I’m not as scared to put out what I make.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Commissioner fighting for change after deadly crash George Oliver said he won’t rest until speed controls and traffic lights are added to Clarcona-Ocoee Road. Part of that stretch lies within the city limits of Ocoee. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

“What does it take to put in a light? What does it take for speed control? What does it take to slow folks down on these roads here? What is it going to take for the county to do something about this major stretch of highway?” — Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver

Although the fatal March 11 traffic crash occurred just outside the city limits of Ocoee, City Commissioner George Oliver III said it hit too close to home, and he doesn’t want there to be a “next time.” Five people died — sisters, Antoinette Oliver, 30, and Liza Jackson, 25; and their three young children, Chloe Brent, 5, Olivia Lundy, 3, and Antonio Brent, 5 months — when the vehicle in which they were riding was struck as it made a left turn off Clarcona-Ocoee Road onto Gaymar Drive. The drivers of both vehicles were treated at nearby hospitals for minor injuries. More than 100 people flocked to the site – marked by balloons, stuffed animals and other memorial items – Sunday for a candlelight vigil. At the vigil, George Oliver, who is not related to the victims, said he has been trying to get traffic lights and speed-control devices installed on that stretch of road between State Road 429 and U.S. 441. “The reason that I got involved is because I have been on a crusade with Orange County, and they’ve helped me along the way — but just not as quickly or as urgently as I would care to,” he said. “I mentioned about how it is so dangerous. Our small part of that role is from the 429 up to the city limits, just at Apopka-Vineland Road. (The latest crash) happened about a half-mile outside our city limits.” The crash site also was the scene of a fatal accident Jan. 26. Thirty-fiveyear-old Adriana Patricia Sopena was killed when the vehicle in which she was a passenger attempted to make the same left turn onto Gaymar from Clarcona-Ocoee. According to reports, the crash happened in front of Sopena’s house; her family witnessed the Oliver crash. Both fatal crashes remain under

investigation, and charges are pending, FHP spokesperson Lt. Kim Montes said. George Oliver intends to invite Anthony Oliver — the father and grandfather of the victims — to speak at an Ocoee commission meeting. “I want Pastor Oliver to come to our City Commission meeting so we as the city of Ocoee can pressure the county to move faster at getting a light at Ingram Road and ClarconaOcoee Road,” the commissioner said. “Because it’s just a matter of time.” He said the light has been approved and funded but no installation date has been set. “I have a sign on the corner of Ingram Road and Clarcona-Ocoe Road that says, “Traffic light com-

ing soon,” and it’s been about four months now,” George Oliver said. “And we want to know when the light is coming there. When it comes to the saving of human lives, I don’t believe we should have to get in line.” He hopes to lower the speed limit along that stretch, as well. In some places, it is 55 mph, he said. Meanwhile, Pastor Oliver is grieving the loss of five family members and the thought of never having daddy-daughter opportunities with his girls. He spoke at Sunday’s vigil. “Just imagining that final impact and what my kids were going through and my grandkids (were) saying, and I couldn’t be there to protect them,” he said. “Anytime anything happened, they (were) always calling for me,

‘Papa, Papa.’ I can imagine them saying, calling my name. … That’s what hurts. That I wasn’t there.” His wife, Shawn Oliver, who is battling terminal cancer, was driving the Hyundai when it crashed. She learned the details of the crash days later. She is devastated by the deaths and is pleading with the county to add traffic lights and speed bumps outside the neighborhood. A GoFundMe account has been set up for Anthony Oliver, and donations can be made by visiting bit. ly/3tnG0t9. “We have five lives we can never get back,” George Oliver said. “I will not rest until the county does something on this road about speed control (and) traffic lights.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Habitat celebrates newest homeowner Community stakeholders gathered to welcome Antoinette Edwards and her sons, Josiah and Jylohn, to their new home on East Bay Street. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As Antoinette Edwards and her sons accepted the keys to their new home, reality began to set in that she was officially a first-time homeowner. Edwards and her sons, Josiah and Jylohn, stood on the front porch of their little green home on East Bay Street in Winter Garden, throwing their hands in the air out of excitement as they received applause from those in attendance. It marked a major milestone for the single mother. West Orange Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors, fellow homeowners and other community stakeholders gathered Thursday, March 4, to celebrate Edwards’ homecoming and tour her new house.

“I always tell my boys, however, that things will get better and that God will bless us with what we need in due time. And I have to say that our blessing has come through Habitat.” — Antoinette Edwards

Key donors recognized at the ceremony included the city of Winter Garden, Hope Church, Miller’s Ale House, Treasure Title, AdventHealth, Pilars, Wells Fargo, Publix Super Market Charities, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and home sponsor The Bond Foundation. Edwards said before partnering with West Orange Habitat for Humanity, the goal of having her own home for her family seemed unreachable. She, Josiah and Jylohn have shared a bedroom in her mother’s house for years to ease some of the stress and hardships they have faced. Now that the boys are getting older, that room has become increasingly overcrowded. “Sharing the same space has become quite difficult for us,” Edwards said. “I always tell my boys, however, that things will get better and that God will bless us with what we need in due time. And I have to say that our blessing has come through Habitat.” Edwards had heard of West Orange Habitat for Humanity and how the organization has helped families in her situation in the past. She even completed an orientation a few years ago and has been consistent in updating her application and following up.

Danielle Hendrix

Antoinette Edwards and her sons, Josiah and Jylohn, accepted the keys to their new home from The Bond Foundation’s Don Wingate.

Last year, though, her intuition led her to the Habitat ReStore to show interest and leave her contact information. She was soon notified to come in for another orientation. A month later, after all her documents were submitted, she received a call saying she was selected as the next Habitat homeowner. “After I was selected, I was excited of what was to come,” Edwards said. “I agreed to be a partner by committing to completing sweat equity hours with an opportunity to help build not only what would possibly be my home, but I also had the opportunity to help others with their homes, which was very rewarding.” With any Habitat for Humanity home, the new homeowner is required to put in 300 hours of sweat equity and attend home-

ownership and financial literacy classes, put a down payment on his or her home, and pay back an interest-free mortgage. West Orange Habitat for Humanity has been working with the city of Winter Garden to address the need for affordable housing in the community with the newest group of three single-family homes located in east Winter Garden. This partnership, Habitat staff said, provides the opportunity for low-income families to purchase their first home. Winter Garden District 3 Commissioner Mark Maciel said Central Florida has one of the lowest rates of affordable housing per capita in the country, and thousands of families are caught in the crisis. “Home ownership is a key indicator in determining the financial

success of a generation,” Maciel said at the ceremony. “These are the things that transform a community — building generational wealth through home ownership. West Orange Habitat has been a keystone in these efforts for the city.” Edwards said the path to homeownership has been tough — it took hard work, commitment and patience — but it’s also been rewarding. “My boys and I feel like we have gained an extended family, to say the least,” she said. “My mentors, the partners, volunteers and everyone in between have genuinely shown much-needed support and care to my boys and I, whether it was by way of a kind word, an inspirational message or just checking in to push me through the day. … We are forever grateful for you.”

You are cordially invited to our 65th Annual

Easter Sunrise Service April 4, 2021 at 6:45am

· Outside in front of the Mosaic at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

SELF-A-STEAM: GRACE HOPPER 3 p.m. Thursday, March. If you use a computer, you can thank Grace Hopper. Find out how her contributions in the field of computer programming affect the way we use computers today. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/4852839.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

MEN OF HOLY FAMILY 25TH ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays, March 19 and 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. This drive-thru event features three dinner choices. For more, call the church, (407) 876-2211. ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION WILSON FACEBOOK LIVE 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays on Facebook, facebook.com/NicoleWilsonD1. The purpose of these live office hours is to pull back the curtain of local government and help residents learn about what goes on behind the scenes once an elected official is sworn into office. SELF-A-STEAM: IMOGEN CUNNINGHAM 3 p.m. Friday, March 19. Imogen Cunningham was a famous photographer. Discover how she helped advance science, technology, engineering, art & math. Challenge some of these skills of your own. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/ event/4848576. WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue. Masks and social distancing are required; leashed pets are always welcome. For more, visit town.windermere.fl.us.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

LAKE SPEER SIDEWALK MARKET 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Summerport Village, 1344 Tortona Lane, Windermere. Horizon West vendors are bringing the community together with an in-person, open-air community event. For more, visitfacebook.com/groups/ lakespeerlanding. MEET THE AUTHORS: WOMEN OF MYSTERY 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20. Enjoy a conversation with women crime writers moderated by awardwinning author Kellye Garrett. Featuring Amy Gentry, Susan Elia MacNeal, Elizabeth Little and Tori Eldridge. To attend, visit attend. ocls.info/event/4861141. NATIVE PLANT SALE 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. In addition to the Florida native plant sale; author Peggy Lantz will sign copies of “Florida’s Edible Wild Plants: A Guide to Collecting and Cooking”; ONP sponsor Wild Birds Unlimited will set up a booth; the Florida Native Plant Society will offer planting suggestions and answer questions; and Paradise Treats will be selling sweets. (407) 905-0054

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. For more, visit downtownwg.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 22

HOMESCHOOL MEETUPS: POCAHONTAS 1 p.m. Monday, March 22. Travel back in time to colonial America and hear the life and impact of the legendary Pocahontas. Recommended for ages 6 to 12. to attend, visit attend.ocls.info/ event/4860971. POSITIVE THINKING: WHEN LIFE GIVES US LEMONS 11 a.m. Monday, March 22. Positive thinking is powerful. Learn how to look on the bright side and bring more happiness, connection and gratitude to your life. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/4838965. ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE GOLF FOR GOOD 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 22, at TopGolf Orlando, 9295 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Enjoy an evening at TopGolf while supporting Rotary and its service projects. Tickets are $100 and include three hours of golf, dinner, beverages and more. There also will be a silent auction and 50/50 drawing. For more, visit WindermereRotary.org/GolfForGood.

TUESDAY, MARCH 23

EVERY CHILD READY TO READ CAREGIVER WORKSHOP 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 23. Learn about five early literacy practices, as well as tips, tricks and resources to help your child strengthen important pre-reading skills. Recommended for adults who care for children ages 0 to 5. To attend, visit attend.ocls.info/event/4841394.

THURSDAY, MARCH 25

WHEN WINTER GARDEN WAS OAKLAND 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25, on Facebook Live. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation will host author and historian Richard Cronin, who will tell the story of the founding of the Oakland-Winter Garden region, a tale predating even the founding of Orlando. For more, visit wghf.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27

ROTARY CLUB OF WINTER GARDEN BROADWAY & BEYOND 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Newton Park, 31 West Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Broadway & Beyond will be hosted by Billy Flanigan and feature the Carol Stein Quartet and performers from Broadway, OffBroadway, Disney & more. Special seating arrangements have been approved by the city of Winter Garden to comply with city and CDC safety protocols. A limited number of pre-purchased in-person seats are available. To comply with social distancing requirements, in-person seats in the first two sections closest to the stage performance are group-only seating. A “ticket” actually purchases a blanket that seats one to four guests. For more information, visit rotaryclubofwintergarden.org.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Rotary goes beyond Broadway for upcoming concert, fundraiser Grant Norman of “Phantom” is providing some “Broadway” for the Broadway & Beyond event. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

If you enjoy listening to live music under the stars, then the Rotary Club of Winter Garden has an event you won’t want to miss. A roster of local entertainers — many with ties to Broadway — will hit the stage in “Broadway and Beyond,” an outdoor concert event taking place Saturday, March 27, on the lawn of Newton Park at Lake Apopka. Billy Flanigan, the host of openmic nights at Pilars Martini, is hosting the Rotary’s live show, which also includes performances by mostly Winter Garden residents who have made their careers on the Broadway and Off-Broadway stages, on cruise ships, at Walt Disney World, and by traveling the world. The program includes Grant Norman, best known for his lead role in Broadway’s “The Phantom of the Opera”; The Carol Stein Quartet; Broadway performer Christina Sivrich; Disney-MGM Studios Cast Members Andrea Canney and Trudie Petersen, both of whom portrayed the original Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” and Kevin Brassard, the original Indiana Jones for more than 25 years; Cheryl Ann Sanders, of Cirque de Soleil’s “La Nouba”; and Flanigan, a 39-year performer at Disney.

“The show is basically going to take you on a musical journey through some Broadway and then beyond with some jazz standards and some familiar music,” Flanigan said. “It will be very different than the show in the past with the Orlando Philharmonic. This way, you get some music, some humor, some familiar songs you can sing along with, and you get to witness the man who played the Phantom on Broadway, which is incredible. “These are all people I have worked with through the years — and because they live locally and many of them are out-of-work entertainers and what happened because of COVID-19, they were happy to help,” Flanigan said. “I know how much the city of Winter Garden has enjoyed the Rotary Club of Winter Garden‘s Evening at the Pops,” Rotary President Eric Roukey said. “I thought about updating the event and taking it from amazing classical music to a Broadway show, with all of the elements of experiencing a Broadway performance or a show you might experience at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.” The event — which featured the Orlando Philharmonic in past years — is typically the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser of the year; the money goes toward scholarships for area students and also is given to local charities.

GRANT NORMAN

Grant Norman and his family have lived in Winter Garden for more than a decade. Now a real estate agent, Norman gained fame as the Phantom in “The Phantom of the Opera,” performing on Broadway and at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. He also has performed the role of Chris in “Miss Saigon” and Gaston in the 10th anniversary celebration of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” both on Broadway. He portrayed Phantom and Beast in the U.S. National Touring Company productions, as well. He has appeared on numerous televisions shows, including “Law & Order” and “All My Children.” “I’m happy to do this benefit with the Rotary,” Norman said. “With this group of people, you have a lot of good, positive energy going. It’s going to be a fun event.” Attendees will be treated to three songs by Norman: “Music of the Night,” from “Phantom,” and “If I Can’t Love Her” and “Me,” both from “Beauty and the Beast.” After spending 18 years in New York, Norman moved with his wife and infant to Horizon West. “We love the quaint, smalltown feel to the downtown area and … it continues to grow up and down Avalon (Road), so you get kind of both worlds,” he said. “It’s growing like crazy, but you also get that quaint, small-town feel. That’s what we love about Winter Garden. We love our little house, and we don’t think we’ll ever leave.”

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IF YOU GO ROTARY CLUB OF WINTER GARDEN BROADWAY & BEYOND WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 27; pre-show starts at 5 p.m. WHERE: Newton Park, behind Tanner Hall, 21 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden TICKETS: A limited number of pre-purchased in-person seats are available. To comply with social-distancing requirements, in-person seats in the first two sections closest to the stage performance are group-only seating, and one ticket purchases a blanket that seats one to four guests. The Orchestra section includes VIP seating, a complimentary food and drink basket and a blanket; tickets are $150. The Mezzanine section includes preferred seating and a complimentary blanket; tickets are $80. A third section (Balcony) is for individual ticket holders at $10 apiece. Children under 10 are free. Those ticket-holders should bring their own seating, food and drink. Folks also can enjoy the show via livestream and can purchase a passcode for $10. They will get an email with details on how to access the show from their device. To purchase tickets, visit bit. ly/3tjzSlR. INFORMATION: Masks are required. For information, visit RotaryClubofWinterGarden. org. BILLY FLANIGAN

Billy Flanigan started his career at Disney close to four decades ago and is still singing, dancing and hosting. He has performed in more

than 650 different Disney shows over his years of service, including Broadway at the Top, the Hoop Dee Doo Revue, the Diamond Horseshoe and the Magical World of Barbie. The Winter Garden resident sings each year in the Philadelphia 6ABC/Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day parade and has hosted the Miss America Outstanding Teen pageant since its inception. He started delivering socially distanced singing telegrams on his bicycle last year and has logged 7,000 miles, visiting 500 people in 16 states. Flanigan, his Disney career and his “Flanigrams” are the subject of a feature documentary called “The Happiest Man on Earth.” CAROL STEIN

Carol Stein began classical piano studies when she was 4. She has performed in places such as New York, Switzerland and Hong Kong. She lives in Winter Garden and has performed at Disney for more than 29 years. She was the house musician with the improv troupe at the Comedy Warehouse at Pleasure Island and is now the resident musician at Epcot. Stein and her quartet have been playing together for more than 25 years. She has experience as a studio musician and has recorded several albums. CHRISTINA SIVRICH

Kissimmee resident Christina Sivrich has performed on Broadway in the original casts of “The Wedding Singer” and “Grease, You’re The One That I Want.” She also toured the country in the National Tour of “Grease.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Keene’s Pointe home sells for $1,325,000 A home in the Keene’s

HORIZON WEST

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The home at 15847 Turkey Island Circle, Windermere, sold March 5, for $1.35 million. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,467 square feet. The price per square foot is $302.22. Days on market: 24.

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from March 5 to 11. The home at 6276 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold March 10, for $1,325,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths, a pool and 4,904 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $270.19. Days on market: Three. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

HICKORY LAKE ESTATES

The home at 9115 Lake Hickory Nut Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 9, for $640,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,268 square feet. The price per square foot is $282.19. Days on market: 123. LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7809 Brofield Ave., Windermere, sold March 8, for $550,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,219 square feet. The price per square foot is $170.86. Days on market: 12. LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The townhouse at 8796 European Fan Palm Alley, Winter Garden, sold March 8, for $549,800. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,103 square feet. The price per square foot is $177.18. Days on market: 333. LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 8906 Frodsham

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The home at 6276 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold March 10, for $1,325,000. Indoor and outdoor living are elevated by wraparound porches and a walk-in custom pool with cabana.

Way, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $650,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,800 square feet. The price per square foot is $171.05. Days on market: Four. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 5537 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $540,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,818 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.44. Days on market: Five. SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

The home at 7584 Tangerine Knoll Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $605,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,818 square feet. The price per square foot is $214.69. Days on market: One. WATERLEIGH

The home at 9164 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden,

WINDSTONE

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 90 High Sale Price: $1,325,000 Low Sale Price: $99,900

sold March 5, for $545,990. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,327 square feet. The price per square foot is $164.11. Days on market: 49. WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 13578 Gorgona Isle Drive sold March 9, for $525,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,465 square feet. The price per square foot is $151.52. Days on market: 42. WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 12003 Otterbrooke Trail sold March 5, for $650,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,917 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.94. Days on market: Five.

The home at 6854 Trellis Vine Loop, Windermere, sold March 6, for $520,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,393 square feet. The price per square foot is $153.26. Days on market: 15.

OAKLAND

JOHNS COVE

The home at 901 Johns Point Drive sold March 9, for $985,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,357 square feet. The price per square foot is $293.42. Days on market: Four.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1720 Southern Red Oak Court, Ocoee, sold March 11, for $429,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,650 square feet. The price per square foot is $161.89. Days on market: 64. SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

REAL ESTATE

CROWN POINTE COVE

BAPTIST

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

CHURCH OF GOD

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

The home at 1632 Regal River Circle, Ocoee, sold March 5, for $355,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,786 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $127.42. Days on market: 21.

WEST ORANGE

ISLES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12742 Windermere Isles Place, Windermere, sold March 11, for $534,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,479 square feet. The price per square foot is $215.41. Days on market: One. RESERVE AT WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 2030 Roberts Point Drive, Windermere, sold March 5, for $762,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,737 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $203.91. Days on market: 57.

EPISCOPAL

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

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 1130 Lascala Drive, Windermere, sold March 10, for $415,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,545 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $163.06. Days on market: 23.

METHODIST

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

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 8508 Bowden Way, Windermere, sold March 11, for $899,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,924 square feet. The price per square foot is $229.10. Days on market: Two.

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

The home at 84561 Eagles Loop Circle, Windermere, sold March 5, for $899,000. Built in 2002, it has

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five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,988 square feet. The price per square foot is $225.43. Days on market: Zero. The home at 11401 Camden Loop Way, Windermere, sold March 8, for $650,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,014 square feet. The price per square foot is $215.66. Days on market: Two. LAKE BUTLER ESTATES

The home at 3326 Just A Mere Court, Windermere, sold March 6, for $875,000. Built in 1987, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 4,447 square feet. The price per square foot is $196.76. Days on market: 63. MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 2545 Carter Drove Circle, Windermere, sold March 10, for $900,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 4,034 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $223.10. Days on market: Three. RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 6239 Rydal Court, Windermere, sold March 5, for $899,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,238 square feet. The price per square foot is $212.13. Days on market: Two. WESTOVER CLUB

The home at 1917 Pamlynne Place, Windermere, sold March 8, for $610,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,534 square feet. The price per square foot is $240.73. Days on market: One.

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WINTER GARDEN

STANTON ESTATES

The home at 15053 Sawgrass Bluff Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 11, for $515,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,467 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.54. Days on market: Three.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 168 Stanton Estates Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 11, for $1.025 million. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 5,042 square feet. The price per square foot is $203.29. Days on market: Two.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15111 Dragon Fly Court, Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $460,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,104 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.20. Days on market: Five.

The home at 15525 Pebble Ridge St., Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $525,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,299 square feet. The price per square foot is $159.14. Days on market: Six.

LAKE JOHNS SHORES

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 16253 Lake Johns Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $420,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,199 square feet. The price per square foot is $191. Days on market: Two. OAKLAND PARK

The home at 936 Dewinsberry Drive N., Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $533,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,990 square feet. The price per square foot is $267.84. Days on market: Six. The home at 1243 Union Club Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $440,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,246 square feet. The price per square foot is $195.90. Days on market: 89. OXFORD CHASE

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

RESORT STYLE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

The home at 13555 Sunset Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 9, for $690,000. Built in 1999, it has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,600 square feet. The price per square foot is $191.67. Days on market: 193.

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The home at 9435 Trinana Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $545,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,806 square feet. The price per square foot is $194.23. Days on market: 27.

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The home at 14561 Winter Stay Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 10, for $490,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,415 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.48. Days on market: 22.

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The home at 631 Oxford Chase Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $482,500. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,554 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $188.92. Days on market: 11.

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The home at 16996 Tradewind Point, Winter Garden, sold March 5, for $426,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,690 square feet. The price per square foot is $158.36. Days on market: 79.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Locals named finalists in OCPS’ Top Talent The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools announced recently the finalists for its 2021 Top Talent competition. Those finalists include several students from West Orange-area schools. In the performing arts competition, local finalists include West Orange High’s Alexandra DiCastro (modern dance) and Rebecca Alves (singer); and Windermere High dancers Emma Rison, Olivia Alberti, Gabriela Perdomo, Hanna Roig, Raphaela Fernandes and Anna Schmidt. This year, the foundation also is reserving a final slot for a Wild Card performer. West Orange-area Wild Card candidates include Dr. Phillips High’s Shina Mitchell (singer) and Nicholas Shikano (pianist/singer) and Windermere High’s Gabriana Caleo (singer). To view the submissions and vote, visit bit.ly/3eGLZVX. In visual arts, Bay Lake Elementary’s Lais Silverio De Lima Pugliese, Gotha Middle’s Ashley Trickett, Olympia High’s Hana Checketts, Dr. Phillips High’s Beatriz Fonseca and West Orange High’s Shannon Song all were named finalists. The foundation will host a virtual live event from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 7. For more, visit foundationforocps.org.

State provides COVID vaccines Ocoee High School was one of five Orange County Public Schools high schools selected as a host of a pop-up vaccination site last weekend The Florida Department of Emergency Management operated the sites from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 13, and Sunday, March 14. Any OCPS employee, charter school employee or private school employee who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was eligible.

ROBERT RESTIVO

WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL Robert Restivo started working at West Orange High School in 1982 as a math teacher. He truly focuses on listen to others and hearing what they are actually saying. Every day when he walks onto campus, he is dressed professionally and always wearing a tie. He works long hours, tutoring students before and after school. He wants each student to be successful; and he is an excellent role model for new teachers.

What brought you to your school? In 1982, after graduating from Auburn University, I was hired to teach seventh-grade math at Lakeview Junior High. Five years later, I had the opportunity to move to West Orange High School. I looked forward to teaching higher-level math classes. What do you love most about your school? I love working in the same community in which I live. There is definitely a family atmosphere at WOHS. What is your motivation? I am motivated every day to work with some of the most amazing and talented students and faculty. I am very lucky to have a job in which I am able to look forward to every day. I can say most days are full of new challenges, especially this year. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing from former students, whether by phone, e-mail, text or in person, is very rewarding. I am happy to hear of their success in

REPORT CARD POSITION: Mathematics teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: 34 at WOHS, 39 with OCPS

college and in their careers. I have been able to mentor younger teachers, some of which have been my former students. What do you like to do in your spare time? Spending time with my family, especially our grandkids, is a top priority. My wife, Cathy, and I have two children, Tony and Rachel; and three grandchildren, Eli, Brinley and Cason. I also enjoy watching sports. I am a huge Auburn fan, and my favorite pro teams are the New York Yankees and the Miami Dolphins. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I would have to say Mr. Urquhart, my high school trigonometry and calculus teacher. He is the educator who really piqued my interest in mathematics. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? As with most boys, I wanted to be a police (officer) or professional athlete. The last thing on my mind was to be a teacher.

What is your favorite children’s book and why? I devoured reading everything by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Tarzan series and the science fiction series about Mars were my favorites. What are your hobbies? One of my hobbies is collecting college pennants. I have them displayed in my room at school. Many of them have been signed by former students and given to me after they have been accepted for college admission. One of my other hobbies is playing fantasy football. I have been in a league with my son for almost 10 years. I also enjoy exercising, especially walking on the West Orange Trail. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Instead of a superpower, I would like to have the ability to sing or play a musical instrument. I enjoy music and greatly appreciate people who have this unique ability. — AMY QUESINBERRY

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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

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OBSERVER

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Ocoee biomed students take first in challenge Teams were tasked with developing a crisisresponse plan for an infectious pandemic. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The biomedical students at Ocoee High School are owners of a big trophy after taking first place at Orange County Public Schools’ inaugural Biomedical Science Challenge. The competition, held Feb. 19 among five local high schools, featured Project Lead-the-Way’s biomedical science module: the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m proud of my whole biomedical science team,” said Ocoee teacher Paige McLemore, who took her face-to-face medical interventions and biomedical innovations classes.” This challenge “serves to demonstrate and model the importance of PLW’s Biomedical Science program to our community and showcase the talents of OCPS students and teachers,” according to the OCPS website. “This challenge provided students the opportunity to develop the indemand, transportable skills of problem-solving and critical thinking essential to working in today’s healthcare field.” Students were challenged to

examine the impact of potential solutions to real-world problems and discuss topics that required them to consider ethical choices. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings provided a virtual keynote to the competing students, who represented Ocoee, Olympia, Windermere, Apopka and Cypress Creek high schools. “They had to develop and present a program to for the community, as members of the community, to deal with the COVID pandemic and to prepare the community for a future pandemic — kind of like having a hurricane plan but specifically for an infectious pandemic,” McLemore said. “They had to research what COVID is, how it affects people, how the vaccine works, how you distribute it. They pretended to be contact tracers for a couple days — and how does that work? And they took community roles — one was a healthcare worker, and one was the board member for the city council and several different roles (such as) superintendent — and they acted as if they were that community council to come up with this plan and present it.” McLemore said this was a whole unit that fit into the classroom curriculum, which they have worked on since January. She took three teams to the challenge, but all the students worked together to perfect their

Courtesy phoro

Paige McLemore, left, and her winning biomedical students, Ashley Babulal, Ny’Asia Slaughter, Lani Clough, Delaney Hatch, Kaitlyn Stevenson, Donald Tarpley, Brandon Imes, Chelsey Lumer, Kayla Tran, Katelin Grudzinski and Bailey Kearns.

presentations, practicing in front of each other and offering suggestions for improvement. “And they all did a great job,” McLemore said. “I’m just so proud of them.” She said her students knew they deserved to win but still were surprised to hear their team declared the winner. “It was a great day,” she said. “And it was probably one of the best days of the year. They have really missed having to do any activities. This particular course has a lot of field trips and hands-

on activities. … The event was very well organized. It was a really a good day — probably my best day teaching this year.” The students were invited to share their presentation with Orange County officials. The biomedical sciences classes are geared for students who are going into any aspect of the healthcare industry, ranging from doctors and nurses to biomedical engineers, physical therapists and genetic counselors. Although this is not a magnet program, it is supported by Career & Technical

Education and Orange Technical College. “It’s a project-based learning experience for them,” McLemore said. “They research, (and) we do a lot of hands-on experiments usually; some of this stuff is state-of-the-art stuff, (such as studying) the PCR test for COVID. They’re learning a lot of current, relevant stuff that a lot of the high schools don’t get to do.” McLemore is in her second year of teaching at Ocoee and 22nd year in education.

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES

85 years ago

The local Red Cross made pleas for donations to help flood victims in the North. Meteorologists had records dating back as far as 1693 and said there had never been a flood as bad as the one in 1936. Businessmen entertained members of the Albany and Harrisburg baseball teams at a barbecue dinner and outing party at George S. Merchant’s Johns Lake fishing camp: W.L. Story, president of the Winter Garden Chamber of Commerce; Bob Davis; Dr. F.L. Arnold; A.D. Mims, J.J. Chicone, Fred Gregory, H.E. Hall, Preston Carpenter; Bob Gadeburg; E.H. Ellis; Joe Kirkland; Neil Dale; W.P. Booth; J.S. Reddick; H.E. Fain; and Merchant. Until April 6, when the registration books were returned to the Court House in Orlando, citizens could register to vote and pay poll tax at the office of City Clerk E.M. Tanner.

80 years ago

The seniors of Lakeview High launched a drive for the school’s greatest need: a gymnasium. The class asked the alumni for contribution and designated the proceeds from the play they were preparing.

70 years ago

Local school principals were renamed: James Garland was reassigned to Lakeview High, Roger A. Williams to Apopka

CROSSWORD

THROWBACK THURSDAY

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, Jessie N. Brock at Winter Garden Elementary, Annie Connell at Tildenville Elementary, Carroll B. Terry at Ocoee Elementary, Miriam B. Thomas at Gotha Elementary, Rubie Harris at Fairvilla and L.C. Clements at Pine Castle.

AD CREEP by Steve Mossberg; Edited by David Steinberg

45 years ago

Because of the viral epidemic in the area, West Orange Memorial Hospital restricted visiting hours for patients.

102 Tiny, cutesily 103 Traveler’s stopover 104 Finally decide on a home? 109 Taylor-Joy of “The Queen’s Gambit” 110 “Think again!” 111 Assortment 112 Moving wheels? 116 TikTok’s has a music note 117 Word after “end” or “time” 118 Took without asking 119 Finish lathering 120 ___ ex machina 121 CPR pros 122 Write an email, maybe 123 Haircuts that taper

MARCH 14, 1947 Florida Power was a frequent advertiser in The West Orange News and its subsequent newspapers. The ads typically promoted the latest products, but they also were indicative of the culture. The ad in the March 14, 1947, issue of the paper reads: “I hope my wife sees this advertisement! Yes sir, I hope my wife reads this … and does something about it. I’m a little tired of trying to read by inadequate light. “Maybe she’ll take heart and get rid of the dark lamp shades and put in larger bulbs. She knows eyesight is priceless and good light is cheap … here’s hoping she does something about it before I have to order a ‘seeing eye’ dog.”

Twenty-six years ago, on March 18, Winter Garden artist Dorothy Kannon (1931-2007) created this sketch for a friend’s birthday. The pointillist ink rendering is labeled in typically exuberant Kannon fashion: “Ms. Is-a-Lily Z. doing her shake-it Spring Swing Hula-Bee.” The artist masterfully combined mind with art to create hundreds of works in various media presenting her vision of the world in which she lived. In its archive, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves the artistic legacy of Dorothy Kannon, which is available for study. Call (407) 656-3244 for an appointment.

30 years ago

The Dr. Phillips High Lady Panthers reached their seasonlong goal of returning to the state basketball tournament when they defeated Vero Beach in the sectional championship.

46 Seeing the sights 47 “Don’t sweat it,” in a text 49 Part of WPM 50 Ignite, with “to” 52 “... available ___ request” 53 Blend 54 5:4 or 3:2 57 On or about 58 Kind of acid that kills ants 60 Vishnu, for one 61 “The Matrix” role 62 Joke 63 Shark part that sticks up 64 “Ich bin ___ Berliner” 65 In that case 66 Grp. with a phonetic alphabet 67 Read, as an e-ticket DOWN 1 Staple root in Nigerian food 68 Neighbors of Argentinians 72 You wouldn’t need this 2 World Cup shout clue if you had it (Abbr.) 3 Allow 73 Clawfoot ___ 4 “Gangnam Style” genre 77 Word often confused with 5 Banish from the kitchen, “fewer” perhaps 78 LaBelle of disco stardom 6 Overly elaborate 79 Sour apple candy’s color 7 Cannabis brownies, for 80 Deck out instance 83 Show embarrassment 8 Mega- times 1,000,000 84 Sesame or canola 9 Polluted Asian sea 85 Make things happen 10 Where going downhill 87 Ride a wave with minimal isn’t bad or no gear 11 Contain, as laughter 89 Raison d’___ 12 Printer choice 90 Grim Reaper costume 13 “Que ___?” props 14 Service for a stressed 91 One may dilate a pupil partner 15 Major tennis tournament 93 Golfer’s posture ©2021 Universal Uclick ACROSS contest with music like 77 Links org. for Stacy Lewis 16 Like a smell you can’t miss 94 “Psst!” briefly 95 Fully grasp 17 Bit of help 1 “Sunny” egg parts “Don’t Stop Believin’”? 81 Chaplin of “The Comey 51 Japanese wrestling 96 Add up (to) 19 Mani-pedi board material 6 Greek cheese 30 Texting format initials Rule” 55 “___ we forget” 97 Irish beer named for its 27 State by Ky. 10 Send, like a package 33 Singer Lavigne 82 Zoom or Disney+ 56 “Closing Bell” network color 28 Resulted in 14 Part of a hedge 83 Drag show accessory 34 Great Lakes tribe 58 Borscht ingredient 98 How a Reuben is served 29 Price 18 A, in Hebrew school 35 Dark cloud, perhaps 86 Buzzing “facial hair” 59 Imitated 99 Enzyme suffix 19 Venerable villager 36 Like a somewhat rich 60 Trying to be a champion 88 H.S. diploma alternative 30 Sandbank 104 Uttered 31 Tree with a Japanese 20 Hawaiian coffee region dessert? 90 You may fold one while at provoking? 105 Finance expert Orman variety 21 Italian wine region 40 Did karaoke eating it 65 Just for laughs 106 Manitoba-to-Quebec 32 Lots and lots 22 Movement Tarana Burke 41 Soap ___ (TV drama) 92 Orthopedic prefix 69 Run on TV again 37 Building in a campus row direction started on MySpace 93 Closed 42 December visitor 70 Quakers 107 Pretentiously creative 38 Vehicle with a meter 23 “Schitt’s Creek” matri43 “Life Goes On” boy band 71 Ability to see past super- 95 Teaching staff’s swank 39 De Armas of “Knives Out” 108 Branch of Islam arch ficiality? 44 Checking one’s work ride? 43 Garment usually made of 113 “Your point being?” 24 Varieties 74 Telescope sight 100 Shred email 24/7, say 114 Put into play 25 Dad jokes and such 75 Leaning Tower’s city 48 Dim sum bun 101 ___ Kitchen (frozen food terry cloth 115 “___ Miserables” 45 Where to keep track of 26 Top prize at a karaoke 49 Anti-smoking spot, e.g., 76 Street’s edging brand) points

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.

“OJTLJTP C ONU CE N UKXFW MP ITTKCES RNBKG MP JNYCES LPMXRKT MII LJT ICTKB, LJT MEKG LJCES LM BM ONU HTTW UOCESCES.”

– JNEH NNPME

“SFMN (SFD MWMNF) MN GTD WJED GV RDGRYD VGW BFGH RNOEFGJTJYONMN MN GV TG ZND BFJSNGDADW.” – NMLHZTU VWDZU Puzzle Two Clue: A equals V

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue F equals M

SUDOKU

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

03-18-21

MARCH 18, 2021

SPORTS

HIGH

Windermere senior Jack Bellah has been dominating on the mound for the Wolverines. Page 16.

The West Orange High School boys baseball team went off on Evans High Wednesday, March 10, and cruised to a 14-0 win. Eight different Warriors batters notched at lease one hit against the Trojans. Junior Max McClusky was particularly effective, with two runs and 3 RBI. Senior Ricky Reeth, junior A.J. Cullen, and sophomores Michael DeGeorge and A.J. Goytia also all had multi-run days.

The Windermere girls softball team earned a 4-3 win over East Ridge in extra innings Thursday, March 11. Following Spring Break, the Wolverines will host Wekiva at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, followed by a road game at Apopka at 7 p.m. Friday, March 26.

Despite a huge fifth inning, the Windermere Prep boys baseball team couldn’t complete the comeback in a 8-10 loss to Orangewood Christian Friday, March 12. The Lakers were scheduled to take on Windermere High at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, after press time. They then will face The First Academy at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.

The Olympia High girls water polo team maintained its winning ways with a 15-11 win over Lake Brantley Saturday, March 13. With the win, the Titans improved to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in the district. Olympia will take on Boone at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.

Troy Herring

After injuries and a car accident sidelined them, West Orange’s Sara Reinbolt and Lucy Noegel both are excited to return to the sport they love.

Back on the beach West Orange High’s Lucy Noegel and Sara Reinbolt have dealt with significant challenges in the past year, but both have found a refuge in the game of volleyball.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

s Lucy Noegel and Sara Reinbolt go through the motions during West Orange High’s sand volleyball practice, there is a sense of comfort in the smallest of moments. The warm sand underneath their feet, the cool breeze blowing about and the sound of volleyballs being knocked around rings out at Veteran’s Park in Winter Garden. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s nothing but practice — for Noegel and Reinbolt, it’s an act of perseverance in the face of great adversity. Last year, both girls suffered significant injuries. In Noegel’s case, she is lucky to be alive after

a car accident put her in the hospital with multiple fractures and breaks in her pelvis, hip, backbone, femur, knee cap, ribs and face. That’s why getting back into the swing of things has been a challenge — one she welcomes despite the difficulties. “I’m closer to where I was before now, but I don’t know if I’m quite going to be there — which is fine,” Noegel said. “(Because) I hadn’t played in so long and (because) so much had happened to my body, my timing was off — when I would go up to hit the ball, I’d just be way early or way late.” TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

Lucy Noegel and her mother, Christina Noegel, were driving in

Georgia during a vacation in June 2020. The two were in a turn lane when they were hit from behind, which pushed them into oncoming traffic where another car struck the passenger side of the vehicle — Lucy’s side. Although Christina Noegel was knocked unconscious briefly and suffered minor injuries, paramedics were forced to use the Jaws of Life to get Lucy Noegel out the car before airlifting her to a trauma hospital. The now-17-year old West Orange junior spent two months in a wheelchair before undertaking three months of physical therapy. The therapy wasn’t bad, but not being able to play the 2020 indoorvolleyball season was tough, she said. “It kind of sucked,” Lucy Noegel said. “I didn’t really do much — I didn’t stay home by myself, because I really couldn’t get around. … But I mean, it got better, and it got easier.” SEE WARRIORS PAGE 16

Observer All-Area teams: Boys and girls basketball

The First Academy baseball team’s undefeated record fell as it lost a hard-fought game against Bishop Moore, 5-4, Saturday, March 13. Juniors Riley Parker and Tyler Rondon, and sophomores Trent Kelly and Jayden Bastian all scored runs for the Royals. The First Academy was scheduled to face Montgomery Bell Academy (Nashville) Wednesday, March 17, after press time.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Troy Herring

Dr. Phillips won the first state basketball title in school history.

With stellar performances, championship-winning teams and challenges off the court brought on by COVID-19, the 2020-21 boys and girls basketball season was full of wild ups and downs. The area had several strong teams show up throughout the regular season and make deep runs into the playoffs — which includes a first-time state cham-

pion in the Dr. Phillips boys basketball team. The following is the 2020-21 Observer All-Area team for both boys and girls basketball.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Player of the Year: Denzel Aberdeen, Dr. Phillips Coach of the Year: Ben Witherspoon, Dr. Phillips Most improved team: Olympia SEE ALL-AREA PAGE 16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Jack Bellah The Windermere High baseball team is halfway through its 2021 season, and senior Jack Bellah has dominated on the mound for the Wolverines. The University of West Florida commit picked up his first win a few weeks back — throwing a complete-game shutout — and continues to be a go-guy for head coach Eric Lassiter on the mound.

When did you first get into baseball? Actually, I got into baseball super early — I started playing baseball when I was 3 years old. My dad played college baseball at Kennesaw State University, so pretty much as soon as I could swing a bat and throw a ball, he put me into T-ball when I was 3 or 4, and from there, started playing travel ball when I was 6.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere High GRADE: Senior AGE: 18 SPORT: Baseball POSITION: Pitcher

putting it together on game day. Also, there is the mind game like, “What does the hitter think is coming? Where am I going to throw this pitch?” The hardest part is having a short memory, because if you have a rough start or bad start, you have an entire week to dwell on it. You have to have pretty strong memory to just brush that.

What has kept you motivated to stay in the sport? What’s always kept me motivated is that there is no endgame in this sport — until you’re a Cy Young winner or you’re the highest-paid player in the Major Leagues. So I feel like I’m always trying to reach the next level. So right now, I’m trying to dominate high school to get to college baseball, dominate there and then go pro after that. I just feel like there is a next level for everything in baseball.

You’re big on baseball analytics when it comes to your pitching. Why is that? I absolutely love the scientific side of it, because you can go on a Rapsodo unit and see your spin rate, see your true spin and your spin efficiency and all of these different stats that can help with pitch design like a slider. I’m constantly messing with my grips — just tweaking tiny things to try and get more spin and horizontal movement and stuff like that.

What is your favorite part about pitching? The most challenging part? My favorite part about pitching is the mind game … I love the mental side of everything. That comes in many forms — a thing I take great pride in is being prepared for starts, because in my opinion, if you have a start, 90% of it is going to be about how you prepare for it, and the 10% is just

Do you have a highlight moment during your time at Windermere? Definitely the district titles in the first couple of years were awesome, and then my sophomore year when we went to the regional final. I remember in the regional quarterfinal, we walked it off to win versus Lake Howell — I think it was. But honestly, I would probably have to say yesterday (Wednesday, March 3) was the best moment for me — getting the complete-game shutout and finishing that game off with the double play to end the game. — TROY HERRING

Family. Family. Athlete of the Week Sponsored by...

Warriors return to court CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

A few months before the accident, Reinbolt was dealing with her own struggles. In February 2020, Reinbolt was doing sand volleyball, weightlifting and indoor club volleyball. The wear on her body was taking a toll that — at the time — she didn’t know. At first, Reinbolt, now a senior at West Orange, said she felt incredibly sore — with pain in her left hip. She was confused and could barely walk, but her doctor told her it was simply her overexerting herself. Then, a trip to an orthopedic doctor revealed the truth: She had a torn labrum and stress fracture in her left hip. “They told me what happened, and they said that it usually should heal itself over time, but the way that my stress fracture impacted my tear was really bad, and it kept irritating it — causing me to be in so much pain,” Reinbolt said. “It was really heartbreaking, because I was like, ‘I can’t play the one sport I’m truly passionate about and truly love,’ because I wanted to go to college for it, and

I was talking to a few schools, as well,” she said. “When the time came and I was in so much pain, I was like, ‘I don’t think I can play in college, because I don’t know how the surgery is going to be after this — if I’m going to be the player I was before.” Originally, Reinbolt was going to have the surgical procedure done in November, but the pain was so bad it got bumped up to September. It took three months of recovery and physical training post-surgery to begin to get back on the mend. RETURN TO FORM

With both girls stuck on the sidelines during the indoor season, both found refuge in coaching and helping where they could. In Lucy Noegel’s case, it was serving as the Warriors’ JV team manager — helping the girls learn the game — while also helping coach Five Stars Volleyball Club’s 12U team. Meanwhile, Reinbolt was helping coach the 11U team at Oviedo Volleyball Academy. For Reinbolt, despite sitting out the indoor season, coaching

All-Area teams announced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

FIRST TEAM

Denzel Aberdeen, Dr. Phillips, junior Season stats: 19 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 40% 3FG Quick hit: The floor general for the best team in Class 7A, Denzel Aberdeen led the Panthers in scoring, and flashed brilliance all season. Kanye Jones, Windermere, senior Season stats: 20.1 ppg, 1.6 spg Quick hit: As the leading scorer for the Wolverines, Kanye Jones was deadly from just about every spot on the court. Trey Moss, Windermere, senior Season stats: 17.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5 apg, 1.4 spg Quick hit: Trey Moss was the key piece for the Wolverines and had a hand in just about everything. Mike McCalister, West Orange, senior Season stats: 15.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.3 spg Quick hit: Senior Mike McCalister led an 18-6 Warriors team in both points and rebounds per game. Ernest Udeh, Dr. Phillips, junior Season stats: 9 ppg, 10 rpg, 2 bpg

Quick hit: At 6-foot-10, Udeh recorded numerous dunks and swatted away just about every ball shot within five feet.

SECOND TEAM

Tyeree Bryan, Olympia, senior (15.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg) Jizzle James, Olympia, sophomore (14.4 ppg, 3.4 apg, 2 spg) Noah Velasquez, Legacy Charter, senior (18.6 ppg, 13.8 rpg) Zavien Williams, Windermere Prep, senior (13.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.2 spg) Elijah Hulsewe, Windermere Prep, senior (11.6 ppg, 11.3 rpg)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Player of the Year: Abigail Crain, Windermere Coach of the Year: Brian Rizo, West Orange Most improved team: CFCA

FIRST TEAM

Talia Kemp, CFCA, freshman Season stats: 16.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.9 apg, 6.3 spg Quick hit: Talia Kemp led CFCA team in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. Zoe Sedo, Foundation, freshman Season stats: 15.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.0 apg, 5.6 spg Quick hit: The spark plug for the Lions, Zoe Sedo had no fear in pulling up for a shot anywhere.

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Chelsey Bryant, Foundation, freshman Season stats: 13.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.3 spg Quick hit: Chelsey Bryant scored buckets and cleaned the boards for the Lions in another solid season for the freshman. Morgan LaBord, Olympia, sophomore Season stats: 15.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 3.6 spg Quick hit: Morgan LaBord led the Titans in points and steals per game.

SECOND TEAM

Amanda McClendon, Olympia, junior (10 ppg, 7 rpg, 2 spg, 3 bpg) Ajalon Gibson, West Orange, junior (12.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 3 spg) Lauren Olgee, Olympia, sophomore (10.3 ppg, 2.1 spg) Jasmynne Gibson, West Orange, freshman (9.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg) Sofia Miller, Windermere Prep, eighth grade (10.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg)

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Abigail Crain, Windermere High, senior Season stats: 17 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg Quick hit: Senior Abigail Crain led the Wolverines in multiple categories.

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actually helped her gain confidence and picked her up off the floor. Since being cleared to get back to the sport, Lucy Noegel got to play some for the 17U team at her club, but both now are members of a West Orange sand volleyball team put together at the last minute before the start of the season. Having things work out for the team, and for Lucy Noegel and Reinbolt, is incredible, head coach Rachel Johnson said. “Lucy is such a strong player, and she has the best attitude — it’s so crazy that something like that happened to her not even a year ago,” she said. “And the same can be said for Sara, too,” she said. “I saw video of Sara serving on her senior night — that was the one rotation she got in all season — and she served an ace, and she couldn’t even walk onto the court from the service line. To see where she is at now — jumping, running and able to dive again — it’s really great to see them both back on the court.”

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OBSERVER

H. GERALD JOWERS DIED SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021.

William Roger Dale Duffey II, 49, of Winter Garden, died Friday, March 12, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

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HARVEY LAMAR SPELL DIED SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021.

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District, West Orange Political Association, was a lifelong member of the Winter Garden Lions Club, coached Winter Garden Little League baseball and West Orange Girls Club softball, just to name a few. Gerald had a love for hunting. As an avid outdoorsman and turkey hunter, he reached his goal for the Grand Slam of turkey hunting and traveled the U.S. and Mexico to do so. Yet, his biggest passion was his family. Gerald was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. A true family man, Gerald loved to be around his children and grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren. Teaching and mentoring his children as they grew up, there was always a lesson to be learned (even if it was learning the hard way). He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains, cruising the blue waters and having scheduled family dinners with everyone included. Furthermore, Gerald was a generous, reliable, fun-loving and charismatic man who easily attracted friends throughout his life. Gerald was known to be larger than life, in the best way possible. His contagious smile and infectious laughter can still be heard around town today. Gerald will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Life service will be announced at a later date.

Harvey Lamar Spell, 80, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, was born Nov. 3, 1940, in Gainesville, Florida, and passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021, in Rockledge, Florida. He was a retired Orthotist and Prosthetist, Navy Veteran and Promise Keepers member. Harvey is preceded in death by his wife, Janet; and survived by his wife, Ivodean; son, Jeffery Spell; daughter, Lori (Kevin) Saxton; grandchildren, Jonathan and Kaylee; brothers, Jim (Glenda) and Kenneth (Judy) Spell; stepchildren, Debra (Jeffery) Kilian, Raymond (Geertje) Moulton, Patsy (Herman) Stoll; step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Megan, Vincent and Brian. Memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Chapel by the Sea, 8240 S. Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. brownliemaxwell.com.

921 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola, FL One block north of Citrus Tower (352) 394-8228 I www.CremationChoicesfl.com

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H. Gerald Jowers, 73, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed from this life on Saturday, March 6, 2021, with his family by his side. A native of Winter Garden, Florida, he was born on Oct. 29, 1947, the son of Hilliary Jowers and Dorothy Mae Gaubert Jowers. Gerald is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sandi (Murphy) Jowers; daughter, Hilarie (Dan) Bessetti, daughter, Jenny (Brian) Martin; a son, Jeremy (Amy); a sister, Jan (Keith) Stephens; and six grandchildren, Kate (13) and Jack (11) Martin, Jaylyn (10) and Jase (8) Jowers, and Morgan (9) and Taylor (6) Bessetti. Gerald was a 1965 graduate of Lakeview High School in Winter Garden. Following high school, Gerald attended Georgia Southern University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. After college, Gerald was employed as a teacher and administrator for Orange County Public Schools. In 1977, he joined his father in the family’s battery business, Jowers Batteries. An entrepreneur at heart, Gerald also created numerous business ventures along the years, including Professional Staff Management, U.S. Lead, Powerhouse Batteries and many more. Gerald was a pillar of his community and served as Winter Garden’s District 1 City Commissioner for multiple terms beginning in 1981. He had a vision for community and business. He helped revive the Winter Garden that is known today. Gerald was respected and honored to stand up for residents and fight for what was right. He also served on the Winter Garden Planning and Zoning Board, West Orange Health Alliance, West Orange Healthcare

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Lynnette Ferguson, 65, of Ocoee, died Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Health Central Hospital. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

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In Celebration of National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day Sidewalk Sale • Spacious Outdoor Dining Patios Unique Shops & Restaurants

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