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In addition to myriad podcast guests, host Jeff Lawrence also hopes to shepherd a dialogue between our community and the podcast. If you have questions or topics you want discussed, you can do so by emailing Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@ orangeobserver.com. Please put “Between Faith and Reason Podcast” in the subject line. You can listen to the podcast at foundationacademy.net/ between-faith-and-reason or by searching for “Between Faith and Reason” in
The Rosen JCC celebrated the Purim holiday with a fun-filled Purim Pop-Up event Friday, March 14. SEE PAGE 7B.
Oakland promotes Hui to town manager
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COMMUNITY EDITOR
The Oakland Town Commission has promoted from within to fill the role of town manager. Elise Hui was named to her new position at the March 11 commission meeting. She had been working as the assistant town manager/town clerk under Andy Stewart and was named interim manager when Stewart was terminated in February.
The town attorney’s office will negotiate an employee contract at the maximum starting salary of $135,000, with a 15% town contribution toward her retirement and a vehicle allowance of $230.77 per biweekly pay period.
“I’m sure I speak for all of us that I have complete faith in you,” Vice Mayor Mike Satterfield said. “I’m proud to call you town manager.”
Oakland now is looking to hire a new assistant town manager.
ASPHALT MILLINGS FOR ROAD PROJECTS
The town has been experimenting since last summer with various products and methods to reduce the amount of dust that gets kicked up on the town’s dirt roads. Officials have
Commissioners Kris Keller, Sal Ramos and Satterfield suggested seeing how these two roads fare during the rainy season and the summer.
Several residents in attendance stressed a sense of urgency to the matter for health reasons.
There was much discussion from both the commission and the audience about this issue. Residents have been complaining about the dust as new development brings an increase in traffic to the roads and as more people have shopping and grocery deliveries made to their homes. Those in attendance said they do not want to wait any longer for relief from the dust.
“We discussed this at the very beginning — the key was to knock down the dust, and that material is definitely (doing) that,” Mayor Shane Taylor said. “I feel that it’s doing what we set out to do, and I’m confident in utilizing that material on another road. … On Petris, just hanging out at the Oakland heritage center, the dust is not nearly as bad as it used to be.”
Residents expressed concern about the damage that could occur to the asphalt millings after a hurricane when the town uses a skid steer for cleanup.
Others urged the commission to
disappointed in no follow-through process. Make this a No. 1 priority. … This is really intolerable. I’m suggesting that there be a group of people that can really analyze this and figure out what we can do. There are other ideas here tonight. … It’s a health issue for the town. … There are times when government has to modify budgets and priorities and accomplish something in a hurry. Tonight, I did not hear about accomplishing (this) in a hurry.”
Taylor said he’s comfortable with the material used in the last test and doesn’t see any reason to wait. He did caution there is only so much money that can be budgeted per cycle. He asked Mike Parker, public works director, to provide a list of roads to be scheduled for maintenance as well as how much is in the budget for the work.
“We can’t do them all in one year, but (we can) start chipping away at the list,” Ramos said.
The more heavily traveled roads with the most dust will be taken care of first.
TUBB STREETSCAPE
The Town Commission approved working with engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., which
Ave.; vision planning along North Tubb to identify ways to enhance the corridor and development opportunities; the development of required comprehensive plan amendments and updates to the land development code to implement the vision; and grant funding support.
The project aims to transform the public corridor into a dynamic, sustainable space that serves the community’s needs while integrating green infrastructure, public amenities and stormwater management features.
The consultant also will prepare the zoning map with the new overlay boundary and future land-use map text amendments required to implement the vision, along with an accompanying traffic analysis to support the amendments.
The fee proposed for the project is $154,000. Kimley-Horn will work with the scope of services provided, moving forward with the Complete Streets program Oakland started several years ago. The goal is to simplify and enact what becomes of the vision plan to create an implementable plan.
“I think this is a step in the right direction to get it going,” Taylor said. “Hopefully this is the spark that gets everything started down
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Oakland Town Commission approved the final plat for Briley Farm Phase 1B, comprising 27 detached single-family lots on about 24.58 acres. This final plat includes a wetland conservation area, landscape buffer, open space and stormwater tracts that will be privately owned and maintained by the homeowners association. The right-of-way and alley will be owned and maintained by the town.
n The elected officials accepted resident Jon Hammerstein’s offer to serve as a commission designee for the Oakland Nature Preserve board of directors. Per ONP, the commission must have two representatives on the board. The other is Town Manager Elise Hui.
n The Town Commission approved the consent agenda. It included a new agreement for the Oakland Police Department to enforce traffic laws within the gated John’s Landing subdivision because the previous agreement expired; a request from the Public Works Department to increase by a not-to-exceed amount of $20,000 a line item in the budget to purchase a replacement vehicle; and the acceptance of two police vehicles donated by the city of Clermont.
n The Public Works and police
Driven to success
Two Winter Garden teenagers prepare for the world robotics competition with their friends.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Three times per week, Winter Garden high-schoolers Zane Parker and Reece Parker are in their garage with their friends. But rather than playing games or joking around, Zane, Reece and Clermont’s Tyson Cartier, Taylor Caldwell and his sister, Emily Caldwell, are hard at work.
Much like Steve Jobs, they were perfecting their craft — building, fixing and improving a robot that would take them the world stage at the VEX Robotics World Championship May 6-14, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Their dedication to traveling to meet after school and around extracurriculars and despite not attending the same high schools, proved fruitful.
The five friends, known as Team Apex, will be taking their robot from that Winter Garden garage to the world championship after winning the Excellence Award, the highest award given at a VEX competition, at the 2025 North/Central Florida High School Event Region Championship Feb. 23.
FRIENDS? MORE LIKE FAMILY
Although the Parkers, Caldwells and Cartier have been working as a team since last summer, some have known one another since elementary school. Reece, Taylor and Tyson knew one another and, at one point, were on robotics teams together in elementary or middle school. The trio remained friends in middle school and even as they became freshmen at different high schools.
It was that friendship and previous knowledge of their robotics abilities that brought them together with high school juniors Zane and Emily to create Team Apex.
Working with siblings isn’t always easy though, and some siblings did not hold back on the frustrating moments. It’s not always easy meeting a sibling’s expectations.
“Working with Zane, sometimes it’s very frustrating, because sometimes there’s things that are generally, objectively, right that he does not agree with,” Reece said. “When he’s coding too, there’s always some things that he can’t do in the code, but the robot can just generally do. If he can’t do it, then it’s obviously him and not on me, and he’s like, ‘Wait, but fix it.’ And I’m like, ‘But, dude, it’s already fixed.’ That’s the worst problem.”
But Reece said knowing he’s working with his brother means he absolutely can be honest when providing feedback. It’s always for the betterment of the robot and the team.
Zane said his little brother puts in a lot of work, which he can respect.
Tyson said one moment Zane and Reece will be at each other’s throats, arguing over something about the robot. The next minute, they’re best
friends again.
The Caldwell siblings can be a little calmer. Emily said the most frustrating time comes when she can’t attend practice but needs to know what happened. Taylor will list what they did, but it’s not always with the amount of detail Emily is expecting.
Although Tyson is without a blood sibling in this quintet, everyone said he’s like a brother to them.
ROAD TO SUCCESS
Balancing school, extracurriculars and robotics, communication has been a key to success for Team Apex. At the beginning of each practice, they sit down as a team to discuss that day’s tasks and purposes. A group chat is filled with figuring out when they can meet and — like any high-school group chat — inside jokes and playful banter.
As the robot designer, Reece was tasked with creating a robot that not only would be able to do the tasks needed to complete the missions in competition but also do them with speed and ease.
Next, it’s up to coder and lead driver Zane to take the reins. He built code that would tell the robot what to do and follow commands.
Then it’s all about testing. Each test focused on one aspect of the robot. Any minor change could impact the robot’s abilities. With that came frustration.
Zane was the first to admit there were arguments among the team.
“There’ll be some times where me, Reece and Tyson will get a little angry that it’s kind of failing consistently, and sometimes, it would take a whole practice just to figure out one thing and how to fix that one thing,” Zane said. “But once we do it, it feels like we’re on top of the world because it took us so long to isolate that one variable and figure out how to fix that one variable. Once we do, it’s like, OK, let’s do that again for the next thing and the next thing.”
“And then we all like each other again,” Tyson added.
At competitions with the help of drivers Taylor and Tyson telling Zane where the opponent was on the board and how much time is left to score
“I think that was me and Reece’s first time, after two years in high school robotics, ever winning a competition.
That first win we’d ever had was just super eye-opening and kind of changing to where you want to get that success again. That just made us work even harder for it.”
— Zane Parker
points, Zane better knew how to drive the robot to a win.
Despite their best efforts, this team was not a resounding success from the gate. The team was disqualified at its second tournament. Tyson said they were disqualified in the first round of finals, because the team was egregiously holding two mobile goals when it only was allowed to hold one. After reviewing the tape of the competition, Tyson said the judges made a mistake but the disqualification stood. It fired the team up.
“I never wanted to be in that position again, where I even need to be able to touch two goals,” Tyson said. “I want to be winning enough where I can have, say, one goal, drop that in, go get the other one real fast. I want to have a good enough robot to be able to do that instead of having to touch two at the same time.”
Team Apex didn’t claim victory until its third tournament last December. From there, Zane said success “snowballed” as the team came up with new ideas, strategies and programming to develop to lead to more victories.
“After you win, you get that feeling where you kind of want to feel that again,” Zane said. “I think that was me and Reece’s first time, after two years in high school robotics, ever winning a competition. That first win we’d ever had was just super eye-opening and kind of changing to where you want to get that success again. That just made us work even harder for it.”
Winning the Design Award at a competition in January was a confidence booster for Emily. It rewarded her for the work she had done as the one in charge of the team’s notebook, which is a diary of the team’s work on the robot.
“Before that (win), I was kind of doubting myself,” Emily said. “I knew I was writing a whole bunch in the notebook, but it wasn’t as up to standards for awards, so as soon as we won that award, I was like, ‘OK, I know how to write. I can do this.’”
HOPING FOR WORLD DOMINATION
The road to worlds was a bumpy one at the 2025 North/Central Florida High School Event Region Championship.
During the skills competitions, the team didn’t do well in its skills competitions, slightly chipping at the team’s confidence.
But that quickly turned around as they won all eight of their qualification matches for finals.
Making it to finals secured their spot at the world competition.
They wanted to go out on a high at the region championship but fell just short, losing in the last round of finals.
Yet, they still left winners, just not
in the way they were expecting. The team won the Excellence Award. Tyson said they were packed up and ready to leave, accepting their finals defeat, when it was announced to their surprise that they won the Excellence Award, meaning the judges thought Team Apex was the best team at the competition.
The win of the award has inspired the team to push forward to worlds.
The goal now is to not only compete against 799 other teams at worlds, but to make it into the dome. The 800 teams will be split into 10 divisions where they will battle it out. The winners of each division will go into the dome to compete for the ultimate victory. Tyson compared the dome to the Super Bowl.
“We don’t have to win in the dome, just making it there, you already won,” Emily said.
Liz Ramos Emily and Taylor Caldwell, Tyson Cartier, and Reece and Zane Parker are headed to the VEX world competition.
Courtesy image
Emily Caldwell, Reece Parker, Taylor Caldwell, Tyson Cartier and Zane Parker won the Excellence Award and were tournament finalists.
WPS students travel to Tanzania
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Aadam Abdullah, a Windermere Preparatory School senior, turned on the light for the first time in a family home in the Nazreti village in northern Tanzania, Africa.
The eight children living in the home were amazed. It was the first time the family had electricity in the home.
Seeing the children’s reactions was the moment Abdullah knew he was making an impact during Windermere Preparatory School’s annual trip to the Arusha region in Tanzania.
Abdullah traveled with 28 other Windermere Prep students for a Nord Anglia Education Global Expedition trip consisting of education, community service and exploration.
After 24 hours of traveling from Orlando to Atlanta, Georgia, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Tanzania and then hopping into a van from Kilimanjaro to the Arusha region, the students finally arrived at the Nord Anglia Education-operated camp, Shamba Kipara. From there, the work began.
LABOR OF SERVICE
Students worked to build new classrooms and desks for Ngongongare Primary School.
For at least six hours for two days straight, students endured physical labor for the betterment of the school and the Nazreti village.
They had to build desks, mix cement, lay bricks, work on wiring for electricity and more. Without cement trucks and other resources, students were left doing the work by hand.
Junior Kamilah Hamdan said it was a full-body workout each day.
“There were so many times where I just wanted to go sit down in the shade and just relax for a little bit, but in the end, I kept telling myself, ‘This is for the greater good. These kids are going to be able to benefit from my partial discomfort for a couple hours. It’s not going to kill me to do it, and I’m going to feel good after doing it. You just have power through it,’” Abdullah said.
Bernardo Baratz said he went into classrooms that were so packed with students there weren’t enough desks for each of them, making him more determined to get the job done.
“Knowing that when we were building desks, we were putting all of our hard effort into giving these kids basic needs just to be able to learn felt really amazing for me,” he said.
Knowing one desk could impact several children in the village for years to come inspired the Windermere Prep students to push through any exhaustion.
And it paid off.
Abdullah said it was rewarding to see the children smiling and laughing as the newly built desks were brought into the classroom.
Students also were able to interact with individual families in the village, helping to bring electricity to their homes and building a shed for the
goats the students were donating to the village.
While working with one family on their home, Baratz and senior Natalia Perocco said a single mother, whose husband died from diabetes, beamed with pride giving them a tour of her two-bedroom home in which at least 11 children lived.
Hearing her story and seeing their lifestyle was an eye-opening experience, they said.
TIME FOR FUN, TOO
After finishing their work on the second day at the school, Windermere Prep students were able to have fun with the Tanzanian children.
Although they didn’t speak the same language, they found common ground over soccer.
“I love soccer, so getting to see how these kids play in the conditions they have and still find joy in these things was impactful on me,” Abdullah said.
“I’ve grown up playing soccer my whole life, and I’m seeing a bunch of little kids that remind me, just like me when I was younger, just running around playing, and they whooped us, but it was still a great experience.”
Windermere Prep lost 6-1 against Ngongongare Primary School.
Hamdan will never forget dozens of Windermere Prep and Ngongongare students coming together for a giant game of Ring Around the Rosie.
After the hours of labor, students were able to return to camp and swim in the pool.
They met other Nord Anglia students from around the world.
Besides the community service projects, students also went on field trips, including a tour of a coffee farm, and they went on a safari.
At the coffee farm, Perocco said they learned about the village’s culture, how their village works, the various plants and what they are used for, and more.
On the safari, students saw dozens of animals, including a jaguar, which Abdullah recalled the tour guide saying he’d only seen one before in the six years he had been working as a tour
PROJECTS COMPLETED
n
guide.
Students also went camping, learning how to be self-sufficient by putting up their own tents and making their own food.
Abdullah’s favorite memory from camping was when he and his friends spent 30 to 40 minutes trying to break a big log in half with a rock. The log served no purpose other than a fun way to pass the time until dinner was ready.
“We just started to make makeshift tools and started hammering at this massive log,” he said. “It eventually snapped. We were all really excited when that happened.”
LIFETIME OF IMPACT
The trip was an opportunity for Windermere Prep students to serve the global community, but it also had an impact on them.
Students said seeing how people in another country are living without easy access to water and electricity have made them more grateful for what they have at home.
“I believe this trip just makes us all start to see everything in a different way and be appreciative of the small things,” Perocco said. “Over there, if you have a simple hair tie on your arm and you give it to the girls over there, they’ll take it as one of the biggest gifts they ever received. So this trip just really taught me how to be more grateful.”
Spending time with students from around the world helped Windermere Prep students learn to communicate with people who don’t speak the same language.
Students learned words and phrases in Swahili, such as “jambo,” which means “hello.”
The community-service projects and camping taught them life skills they can take with them into the future.
Baratz was able to see what his
Design
Senior
lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Community
amyq@OrangeObserver.com
Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com
family does for a living as many family members work in construction, he said. It just took traveling to a different country for him to experience it, he joked. He enjoyed the construction work in Tanzania so much he’s considering applying for a construction job to gain experience.
“For me, this was a very connecting moment to my family’s history,” he said.
Without access to their phones, Baratz, Perocco and Hamdan all said they were able to connect more with others. They became friends with people they said they might not otherwise have spoken to before. By the end of the trip, Baratz said he, along with other students, felt they no longer needed their phones.
“We just kind of learned to live with (one another), and we became comfortable in a way that I feel like we wouldn’t have with our phones,” Baratz said.
While in Tanzania, students also were able to see where the clinic will be constructed in the Nazreti village this summer.
Kelly Freundt, the Nord Anglia Education global partnership lead at Windermere Prep, said during last year’s trip to Tanzania, students saw firsthand how difficult it can be to access health care when they saw someone get injured.
She said students questioned why the injured person couldn’t simply be taken to the hospital. The answer: not everyone has a car to drive the lengthy distance to the hospital. Students started diving into research mortality rates for children and other health care statistics in the region.
This experience inspired them to raise money to build a clinic in the village. It will be a place for those in the village to receive treatment for broken bones, malaria and more. It also will be a place for mothers to give birth.
Windermere Preparatory School is working with Children’s Miracle Network. The school has a goal to raise $100,000, 30% of which will go toward the clinic in Tanzania while the rest will go to Children’s Miracle Network.
So far the school has raised $50,000, of which $18,000 is earmarked for Tanzania. It will cost about $30,000 to build the clinic. If the funds are raised, the clinic could be constructed this summer.
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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: Send
Windermere Preparatory School sent 29 students to Tanzania on a Nord Anglia Education Global Expedition trip. They completed community service projects, explored the region and learned about the culture.
Courtesy photos
were hard at work doing physical labor to help the community.
Natalia Fernandez carried a little boy who came to see the students working on the goat shed they were building in the Nazreti village.
Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial
1945-1955
Lawrence L. Asher, H.M. Daniel, Howard W. Demastus, L.L. Dudley, Delma E. Fields, S.Z. Fields, the Rev. Clarence S. Grauser, William W. Irby, Roy Jernigan, George G. Jerome, E.H. Johnson, J. Bates Johnson Jr., Wilbur Johnson, Harold D. Maguire, Ernest L. Mask, John T. Minor, Robert W. Neff, Albin E.
Bud Owens, Leonard D. Patterson, Edwin H. Pounds, Carl D. Rivers, Dr. Sam R. Scott, James Ralph Seargeant, Carroll B. Terry, Harry Trowbridge, John J. Vandergrift, Gordon M. Watson, William P. Weeks Jr., Milford White and W.H. Wurst.
CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL
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 family-friendly activities at Bill Breeze Park to honor 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.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
World War II ended in 1945, and things were looking up for Ocoee citizens. By the late 1940s, the city of Ocoee boasted a volunteer fire department, a number of clubs and organizations, many citrus packinghouses, and several small airports.
FIGHTING FLAMES
In the early days of fighting fires, a shotgun fired three times alerted citizens help was needed to fight a fire.
In the 1930s, a whistle was installed at John “Foots” Vandergrift’s Shell Station at the corner of Bluford Avenue and McKey Street to let everyone know help was needed.
Folks weren’t called upon to fight the fire but to help the family get their personal property out of the house before it burned to the ground.
Pianos always were the first item removed.
To lower insurance rates, the city established a volunteer fire department in 1948. Harold Maguire was chief; Edwin Pounds was assistant chief; and the firefighters were Tiger Minor, H.W. Wurst, Delma Fields, Frank Holmes, Bud Owens, Cliff Freeman, Lester McKenney and Donald Vandergrift.
Two trucks were purchased from the Orlando Fire Department for $1 each because they were so old; they were started by front-end hand cranks.
Hoyle Pounds helped the city purchase a siren for $75, and it was placed on a pole attached to the post office. To keep birds from building nests inside the siren, the post-
n In partnership with the city of Ocoee, the Observer is publishing a 10-week series examining each decade of the city’s history.
master blew the siren every day at noon — starting the tradition of the noon whistle that lasted into the late 1960s.
When it came time to build a firehouse, the Christian Church donated property for the cause. The city needed to raise an additional $1,500, so a man storing a skating rink in Ocoee allowed the town to set it up and erect a tent where Kissimmee Avenue and McKey and Taylor streets meet and solicit volunteers to man the rink on the weekends. After a year, the money was raised.
In 1952, the city could not afford to purchase a fire truck to replace its 35-year-old trucks. Maguire proposed to the city that if it bought a Chevy chassis and new fire pump, he and Walker Creel, an experienced welder, would build the truck. The city agreed and also bought about $1,000 worth of metal. The two men completed the project in six months. The final cost to the city for this truck was about $3,700.
to create a productive grove. Citrus was, by far, the largest crop in the area, but farmers tried their hand at vegetable farming too.
When the railroad tracks were laid, growers purchased and cleared larger portions of land, knowing their produce could see a wider market.
In the 1930s, Ocoee had 288 households, with 31 families engaged in truck farming, 42 in citrus growing and two in the poultry business. As well, 178 citizens were farm workers or fruit packers.
At one time, citrus packinghouses dotted the landscape of Ocoee, with names such as Sims, Pounds, Minorville, Maguire, Seegar, Pease Fruit Growers, Ocoee Fruit Packers, Chase & Co., Richardson-Marsh and Certi-fine.
By the mid-1940s, Florida surpassed California in the production of citrus. In the mid-1950s, orange groves were found in every direction, mile after mile. Residents were disappointed a few years later when the sweet fragrance of orange blossoms was replaced by the unpleasant odor of orange juice concentrate plants.
A series of winter freezes starting in 1962 signaled the beginning of the end for citrus growers, and devastating freezes in 1981, 1983 and 1989 put many farmers out of business.
SERVING WITH PURPOSE
The Ocoee Lions Club was chartered in 1948 with 31 members under the sponsorship of the Winter Garden Lions Club.
The club provided service to the community and supported many of the major projects of Lions International and Florida Lions, including the Foundation for the Blind and youth programs. For years, the Ocoee club sponsored annual events, such as a turkey shoot and the Ocoee Christmas Parade, and provided the city’s display at the Central Florida Fair.
The Ocoee Lions Club was one of the few in the state to own its own building. W.L. Broadaway donated the land and building — a former old train depot on Taylor Street — to the club, and it was used as a clubhouse beginning in 1979.
Today, the club continues to provide eye examinations and glasses, hearing tests and hearing aids to those in need.
FORTUNE CROPS
Bluford Sims was the first resident to use his land near Lake Apopka to plant his grafted orange trees in rows
FLYING HIGH
Longcoy Airport opened in 1949 north of what is now Silver Star Road and west of Johio Shores Road. It was owned and operated by Olin Longcoy and provided aerial spraying of crops, later concentrating on citrus. Longcoy invented and manufactured spraying equipment that was used all over the world.
In the 1950s, Maguire Airport “opened” in the middle of Harold Maguire’s orange grove. The “airport,” located on Maguire Road, was a way for him to land his personal aircraft on his own property. It was put on air maps for emergency landings but was little more than a plowed field.
The 2,800-foot, north-south runway didn’t have any lights, so when Maguire landed his plane, he lined up with the lights on Bluford Avenue, the light under the hangar he built and the light on his manufacturing plant.
When local airplane owners learned of the Maguire airstrip, they inquired about storing their planes there, so Maguire, concerned about liability, started the process of becoming a licensed field. By 1969, Maguire Airport was official.
SCHOOL DAYS
Beginning in the fall of 1950, Orange County decided to consolidate the high school portion of Ocoee and Lakeview, in Winter Garden, into one school. From the 1950-51 school year through the graduating class of 1961, Orange Senior High students graduated from Lakeview High School. During the years that Ocoee was only an elementary and junior high school, two first-grade wings were added to the elementary area and a new cafeteria was built. The old one was known as “The Dungeon.” It later was converted to an art room.
In the fall of 1959, the consolidation of Ocoee and Lakeview came to an end.
Harold Maguire, left, the city’s first fire chief, proposed to the city that if it bought a Chevy chassis and new fire pump, he and Walker Creel, standing, an experienced welder, would build the truck.
Photos and information courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Nancy Maguire’s book, “A History of Ocoee & its Pioneers.” Charter members of the Ocoee Lions Club were
Newberg,
In the 1950s, Maguire Airport “opened” in the middle of Harold Maguire’s orange grove. The “airport” was a way for him to land his personal aircraft on his own property.
The original charter of the Ocoee Lions Club states the organization was official Nov. 23, 1948.
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
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
City approves bonds for water, wastewater improvements
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved a resolution for the issuance of water and wastewater revenue bonds not exceeding $80 million.
The bonds, approved during the commission meeting Thursday, March 13, will be used to finance and reimburse the costs of various capital improvements to the city’s water and wastewater utility system.
The planned improvements and expansions to the system will meet the current service area needs as well as state and federal mandates.
IN OTHER NEWS
n The Winter Garden City Commission unanimously approved the authorization for Mayor John Rees and Police Chief Steve Graham to execute an amendment to the Orange County Intergovernmental Radio System Encryption Key Memorandum of Understanding.
n The site plan for 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., which is the AdventHealth Medical Office Building 2, was unanimously approved, subject to conditions.
n The commission unanimously approved the Winter Garden Art Association’s Arts in April VIP fundraiser Saturday, April 26.
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH
PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
From Fiscal Year 2025 to Fiscal Year 2029, the city has identified $163.8 million in utility system capital expenditures. The city plans to fund the expenditures by using approximately $12.6 million from rate revenues, $13.1 million from grant proceeds and $138.2 million from debt, including $68.3 million from proceeds of the bonds.
BUILDING PURCHASED
n The Shop, Dine and Stroll was unanimously approved for Saturday, May 3, in downtown Winter Garden.
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The commission unanimously approved the purchase of a modular building at 902 Avalon Road for $62,500.
The 1,440-square-foot building currently is being used as temporary Winter Garden Fire Station 21 quarters and office.
The lease agreement for $1,540 per month has expired, and Creative Modular Buildings agreed to either renew the lease or sell the unit to the city for $62,500.
n Commissioners unanimously approved the Eighth Annual Friends of Lake Apopka 40 Bike Ride for Saturday, Dec. 7.
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If the city renewed the lease, another two-year lease would cost the city about $36,960, with additional costs upon the removal of the unit at lease-end including $7,195 for Creative Modular Buildings’ cost for removal from the site, as well as the cost of cleaning and repairing any damage.
Commissioners unanimously approved and ratified the collective bargaining agreement between the International Association of Firefighters Local 4947 “B” Group, which is battalion chiefs, for Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2027.
Cheryl Jones, the human resources director, said the city proposed enhancing existing leave and wage benefits and aligning Winter Garden more closely with other local municipalities as well as with the “A” group contract for firefighters, engineers and lieutenants.
Additional costs include making improvements such as adding ADA ramps, stairs, equipment, furnishings, vehicle bays and a new lift station to continue to be used as a fire station.
The cost of the lease and subsequent removal could cost up to $54,155.
As a result, Assistant City Manager Frank Gilbert said the building would be more effective if used as a multi-purpose facility for the southern end of the city.
Using the building as a multipurpose facility will allow police patrolling the southern zones to have a place to fill out reports as well as have meal and bathroom breaks. The city also would be able to eliminate rented storage facilities used for records and equipment. The existing vehicle bay also could be converted into additional storage in the future.
Battalion chiefs will receive the same annual wage increases, which includes a 5% cost-of-living adjustment for Fiscal Year 2025. For fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the increase will be the same annual citywide wage increase provided to other city employees, accompanied by a market adjustment for a maximum 7.5% increase. This is subject to budgetary appropriation and the commission’s approval.
The union can reopen the wage article in any year in which the total increase from the city would be less than 3%.
The new paramedic incentive rate, which will increase but no longer compound for future employee wage adjustments, is $11,007.36 for solo certified and $5,503.68 for non-solo certified. The current rate is $9,027.20 for solo certified and $3,513.60 for non-solo certified.
The new contract also includes the addition of two personal days, and all personal days will be forfeited if not used within the fiscal year.
W.Kevin Cox, M.D.
Community offers opinions on new Horizon West park
Orange County held a community meeting March 6 to determine what amenities are desired for the new Silverleaf Park in Horizon West.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
Orange County is in the planning stages of a new park in Horizon West, and officials held the first of two community meetings March 6 to gauge residents’ desires for amenities. The five-acre Silverleaf Park will be built at 16030 Silver Grove Blvd., just south of Hamlin Middle School.
Because this will be a county park and not associated with a homeowners association, it will be open to the public.
Officials with the county’s parks planning division presented details about the park as well as a timeline to residents in attendance.
A second public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. May 21 at Hamlin Middle School. County staff will present the survey results as well as a conceptual plan for the park.
If the county decides a third public meeting is necessary, the date will be scheduled at that time.
Master planning will take place through July, and then design engineering is expected to take about a year. The permitting and bidding phase should start in the summer of 2026 and last about six months.
Construction likely will take place throughout 2027, and a grand opening could be scheduled in spring 2028.
The county has budgeted $300,000 for design engineering and $1.5 million for construction.
Residents asked many questions about the park at the meeting, and Regina Ramos, park planning and development manager for Orange County Government, provided answers.
The neighborhood park will not have space for parking, because it is considered a walk-to park used mainly by area residents. It also will be unmanned by staff.
A resident asked about installing a crosswalk because the park will be on Silver Grove Boulevard, directly across the street from Hamlin elementary and middle schools.
Ramos said a crosswalk was added to the Bentonshire Park off Overstreet Road in Horizon West and one could be considered at Silverleaf Park. She said she would talk to the county’s traffic department.
A resident survey will remain live until March 27. A majority of the park will be determined by the results of the survey. As of March 6, 130 people already had taken the survey.
Residents asked about the cost of certain amenities, as this could influence which options they select. The most expensive item is the playground, because it includes the equipment, shade structures, a rubber safety surface and drainage underneath.
The county hopes to present playground renderings from the manufacturer by the second public meeting. Typical five-acre parks have a playground, pavilion, picnic tables and open space, and then the amenities vary after that depending on resident feedback.
TAKE THE SURVEY
Residents can take a short survey and select which amenities they most would like to see in the new Silverleaf Park. Visit surveymonkey.com/r/SilverleafPark. The survey will be live until March 27.
The park is not large enough for amenities such as swimming pools, splash playgrounds, athletic fields or recreation centers. There also will be no lighting.
Options will include a fitness area with exercise stations, paved walking path/sidewalk, mini disc golf course, playground (ages 2-12), picnic pavilion, picnic tables, community garden, sand volleyball court, mini skate park, half basketball court, tennis court, multi-purpose court for tennis and pickleball, multi-purpose open space, dog park and shade trees.
Another factor is what amenities already are offered at nearby parks.
The closest five-acre community parks to Silverleaf are Taborfield and Summerlake.
Three incidents snarl traffic on State Road 429
It’s been a bad time to be a motorist on State Road 429 in the last few days.
Three separate incidents disrupted the flow of traffic on the highway’s stretch through West Orange.
Southbound drivers were diverted through the cash lanes at the New Independence toll plaza after a ground depression opened Friday, March 14.
Then, one day later, four people were hospitalized following a fiery crash Saturday, March 15.
According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the crash took place just before 9 a.m. Saturday near mile marker 20. A 2007 Chevrolet Impala traveling southbound in the inside lane entered the inside center lane. It struck a 2021 Nissan Armstrong Air and Electric van. That impact caused the van to enter the outside center lane, where it collided with a tractor-trailer.
Upon impact, that tractor-trailer jack-knifed and caught fire, reports stated. It was then hit by a second tractor-trailer, which ran off the roadway and into the outside shoulder.
Winter Garden residents reported hearing the explosion and seeing smoke from their homes.
The crash closed the southbound lanes on S.R. 429 for several hours. They reopened at about 2 p.m. Saturday.
Then, on Monday, March 17,
A 44-year-old male was sent to Advent Health Winter Garden with non-life-threatening injuries after a crash.
According to FHP reports, the crash took place at about 8:24 a.m. on southbound State Road 429 at mile marker 17.
The crash involved a 2020 Kenworth Dump Truck hauling white rocks.
The driver of the dump truck lost control of the vehicle, ran off the roadway and struck the guardrail. The impact caused the truck to overturn onto its side, according to FHP reports.
The driver, from Deltona, was transported to Advent Health Winter Garden.
Both crashes remain under investigation.
Courtesy image
The five-acre park is close to Hamlin elementary and middle schools.
Reserve at Lake Butler Sound estate
Ahome in the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound community in Windermere topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 24 to March 2.
The home at 11030 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $5,200,000. Built in 2006, it has seven bedrooms, six baths, three half-baths and 8,107 square feet. Days on market: Four. The sellers were represented by Nathan Alexander, Keller Williams Classic Realty.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY HILL VILLAGE
The home at 6078 Lexington Park, No. 82, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $865,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,517 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.
CITRUS CHASE
The townhouse at 8133 Citrus Chase Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 25, for $375,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,672 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
ESTATES AT PARKSIDE
The home at 8042 Ludington Circle, Orlando, sold Feb. 25, for $1,920,000. Built in 2018, it has eight bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,471 square feet. Days on market: 106.
GRANADA VILLAS
The home at 8125 N. Ibiza Court, Orlando, sold Feb. 24, for $579,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,823 square feet. Days on market: 17.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8077 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 26, for $900,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,754 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.
SAND LAKE POINT
The home at 7740 Pointview Circle, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $599,900. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,051 square feet. Days on market: Five.
VISTAS AT PHILLIPS COMMONS
The townhouse at 6894 Hochad Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $411,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,668 square feet.
WINDERMERE HEIGHTS
The home at 8000 Oakland Place, Orlando, sold Feb. 25, for $1,600,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 5,615 square feet. Days on market: 93.
HORIZON WEST
ASHLIN PARK
The townhouse at 7236
Shadeview Alley, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $423,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,569 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
DEL WEBB OASIS
The villa at 15951 Gem View St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $517,160. Built in 2025, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet.
HAMILTON GARDENS
The townhouse at 6185 Elfin Herb Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $415,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,560 square feet. Days on market: 51.
HAMLIN POINTE
The home at 16980 Hamlin Oasis Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $529,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,836 square feet. Days on market: 404.
The home at 16914 Hamlin Oasis Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $555,370. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,083 square feet.
The home at 16812 Hamlin Oasis Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $545,000. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,836 square feet of living area.
The home at 16504 Water Whisper Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $561,915. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,836 square feet of living area.
The home at 16465 Hamlin View St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $538,491. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,836 square feet of living area.
HAMLIN RIDGE
The townhouse at 16309 Hamlin Hills Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $434,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,729 square feet.
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16983 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $1,150,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,691 square feet. Days on market: One.
HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES
The home at 15071 Sunstar Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $689,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,553 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
HORIZON ISLE
The home at 13186 Telson St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $753,275. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,285 square feet.
INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES
The home at 14674 Black Cherry Trail, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $563,670. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,527 square feet.
MABEL BRIDGE
The home at 11844 Thatcher Ave., Orlando, sold Feb. 26, for $490,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,985 square feet of living area. Days on market: 108.
ORCHARD HILLS
The home at 5530 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $690,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,695 square feet. Days on market: Six.
SILVERLEAF OAKS
The home at 6457 Breeze Filled Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $555,790. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,896 square feet of living area.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 16445 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $777,015. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,075 square feet.
The home at 5002 Railroad Vine Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $525,295. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,011 square feet of living area.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 15306 Southern Martin St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $805,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,742 square feet. Days on market: 14.
TRIBUTE AT OVATION
The townhouse at 15381 Burgtheater Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $442,990. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,693 square feet of living area. Days on market: 70.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 16261 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $800,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,587 square feet. Days on market: 230.
The home at 9693 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $662,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,117 square feet. Days on market: Six.
The home at 9427 Komika Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $477,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet. Days on market: 22.
The home at 16478 Angel Fish Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $435,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet. Days on market: 46.
The home at 16019 Pebble Bluff Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $460,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet. Days on market: 62.
WATERMARK
The home at 14716 Seton Creek Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $485,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,047 square feet. Days on market: 49.
WINDERMERE TERRACE
The home at 12919 Holdenbury Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $530,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,904 square feet. Days on market: 14.
OAKLAND LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND
The home at 1404 High Springs Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $730,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,059 square feet. Days on market: 92.
OCOEE
ARDEN PARK NORTH
The home at 1735 Black Maple Place, Ocoee, sold Feb. 25, for $455,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,850 square feet. Days on market: 72.
COVENTRY AT OCOEE
The home at 2613 Coventry Lane, Ocoee, sold Feb. 24, for $385,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,923 square feet. Days on market: 25.
FOREST TRAILS
The home at 2460 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 24, for $479,900. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,721 square feet of living area. Days on market: 181.
MCCORMICK RESERVE
The home at 3530 Heart Pine Loop, Ocoee, sold Feb. 28, for $465,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,344 square feet. Days on market: 155.
MCCORMICK WOODS
The home at 3465 McCormick
Woods Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 25, for $510,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,898 square feet. Days on market: 202.
PRAIRIE LAKE VILLAGE
The home at 2729 Tall Maple Loop, Ocoee, sold Feb. 28, for $425,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,902 square feet. Days on market: 37.
REFLECTIONS
The home at 1701 Sparkling Water Circle, Ocoee, sold Feb. 25, for $443,747. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,959 square feet. Days on market: 23.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2419 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 27, for $539,990. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,108 square feet. Days on market: 118.
WINDERMERE
BUTLER BAY
The home at 2934 Marquesas Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $1,700,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths, two half-baths and 4,001 square feet. Days on market: Three.
ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE
The home at 1295 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold Feb. 25, for $1,475,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 4,098 square feet. Days on market: 22.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 5410 Monterrey Club Court sold Feb. 28, for $4,350,000. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-one-half baths and 6,665 square feet. Days on market: 13.
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 6845 Valhalla Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $3,000,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 7,438 square feet. Days on market: 268.
The home at 11357 Preserve View Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $1,185,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,196 square feet. Days on market: 124.
LAKE BUTLER ESTATES
The home at 12025 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold Feb. 25, for $1,200,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,588 square feet. Days on market: 114.
THE LAKES
The home at 10404 Down Lakeview Circle, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $1,000,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,009 square feet. Days on market: 168.
MANORS AT BUTLER BAY
The home at 2523 Tryon Place, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $1,390,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,028 square feet. Days on market: 122.
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
The home at 11030 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold Feb. 24, for $5,200,000. Built in 2006, it has seven bedrooms, six baths, three halfbaths and 8,107 square feet. Days on market: Four.
The home at 6226 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $1,650,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,078 square feet. Days on market: 153.
WINDERMERE DOWNS
The home at 2056 Woody Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 26, for $930,000. Built in 1973, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,831 square feet. Days on market: 31.
WINTER GARDEN
BLACK LAKE PARK
The home at 678 Cascading Creek Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $800,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths, two half-baths and 3,659 square feet. Days on market: Three.
COOPER & SEWELL ADDITION
The home at 112 W. Newell St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $485,000. Built in 1921, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,519 square feet. Days on market: 94.
EMERALD RIDGE
The home at 14638 Tullamore Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 26, for $485,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,960 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.
GOLF CART DISTRICT
The home at 128 Tildenville School Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $385,500. Built in 1957, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,026 square feet. Days on market: Two.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 4588 Gliding Wave St., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Feb. 27, for $735,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,663 square feet. Days on market: 96.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 1102 Eagles Pass Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $869,900. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,260 square feet. Days on market: Four.
OXFORD CHASE
The home at 14867 Ellingsworth Lane, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $735,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,583 square feet. Days on market: 48.
RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE
The home at 15515 Sandfield Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $670,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,788 square feet of living area. Days on market: 192.
STONE CREEK
The home at 15203 Starleigh Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $385,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,672 square feet. Days on market: Six.
STONEYBROOK WEST
The home at 1105 Harbor Hill St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $626,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,383 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
The townhouse at 1053 Priory Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 25, for $404,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,638 square feet. Days on market: 135.
VERDE PARK
The home at 17889 Gourd Neck Loop, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Feb. 25, for $750,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,554 square feet. Days on market: Three.
VILLAS AT TUCKER OAKS
The townhouse at 1468 Scarlet Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $340,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,592 square feet. Days on market: 81.
WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE
The home at 17112 Salty Dog Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 24, for $530,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,494 square feet. Days on market: 85.
The home at 1455 Williams Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $516,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
The All-West Metro Conference boys basketball team selections and awards have been announced.
Windermere High duo of big man T.J. Drain — who received the most overall votes — and guard Sean Owens were the two area players to earn first-team honors, having both played a crucial role in leading the Wolverines to a 26-6 season and state-championship game appearance. Windermere coach Mark Griseck also was named Coach of the Year.
On the second team, the area was represented by two more hoopers: Dr. Phillips High’s London Hatch and Olympia High’s Bishop Wenze, while Horizon High’s Zack Hawk led the area’s ballers in the classroom as he was named the West Metro Conference Academic Athlete of the Year after maintaining a 5.2 GPA.
2
In a 7-2 home win over the Colonial Grenadiers, Ocoee’s Gunnar Patterson struck out 14 of the 25 batters he faced over six innings. He allowed just one earned run and six hits in the win.
3
The All-West Metro Conference boys soccer selections have been made Three Ocoee players received the All-Metro honor: senior goalkeeper Ismael Herrera, senior defender Kenwood Bossous and senior midfielder Jacob Munoz. Windermere senior defender Matias Montenegro and junior attacker Alfredo Adrian and West Orange senior midfielders Zack Gruer and Curtis Pickard also were named to the team; as was Horizon junior Rafael Tomirotte and Olympia senior Guilherme Valente.
Along with receiving AllMetro honors, Munoz, Herrera, Montenegro and Valente — plus Horizon’s Yassine Mossadek, West Orange’s Kelvin Ramirez and Windermere Prep’s Nickolay Urbina — were selected to participate in the Orange County vs. Seminole County Senior All-Star Game. Pickard and Horizon’s Jayden Thorne were selected as the first two alternates for the game if a player is unable to participate. Kickoff for the game is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28, at Oviedo High.
4West Orange football’s Devonte Anderson — a three-star prospect for the Class of 2026 and one of the highest touted college football recruits in the West Orange County area — has announced he’s scheduled five official visits for this summer.
Those include Louisville, UCG, Michigan State, Auburn and Cincinnati.
5
West Orange and Southwest Orange have seen a handful of track-and-field school records broken. At the 2025 Timber Creek Elite Classic March 12, the Ocoee Knights’ 4x800 boys relay team — Devin Matthews, Cameron Gilreath, Cameron Harrington and Rodgy Prosper — set a new school-best time of 8:11.62. A few days later at the Bob Hayes High School Invitational, senior Diego De Pina set a new record throw of 53.98 meters in the discus On the girls side, Windermere Prep’s Joba Oyedeji set a new Lakers-best of 22.2 meters in the javelin throw, while Lake Buena Vista High’s Valeria Faria set the Vipers’ new top time of 27.99 in the 200-meter dash.
HOOP EFFORT
Meet the 2024-25 AllOrange Observer boys, girls basketball teams and players of the year.
ow that the 202425 high school basketball season has come to a close in West Orange and Southwest Orange, it’s time to take a moment and reflect on an incredible season for the area’s boys and girls teams and players on the hardwood.
With two teams reaching their respective state-championship game, four teams winning regional championships, seven advancing to the regional finals and 14 teams in total earning playoff bids, it’s safe to
The charity tournament hosted by Foundation Academy returns for a second year Friday, March 28, to honor Irvin’s legacy and as a fundraiser benefitting his family.
SAM
ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
From the moment Steve Grecco met former Foundation Academy football coach and player Denzel Irvin, who died in December 2024 at 29, he could tell that Irvin was someone he wanted as an influence for his son. “I had yet to meet Denzel when my son Steven started to work out with the team,” Grecco said. “But one day, I went to campus, and Denzel came over to me immediately and started telling me about how he really liked the way my son played. He told me how much he liked how much determination that Steven shows on the field. He liked the
fact that he doesn’t sit back and wait during the reps; he kind of takes them. And Denzel is a football guy, through and through, so he knows what to look for in players. He knows the kind of mental attributes these kids have to have if they’re going to be successful on that field. The way he talked to me about Steven, I could really feel that he saw something in him, and he really took him under his wing and not only made him a better football player but he definitely made him a better person. There’s no question about it to me: Denzel helped develop my son into the man he is today, and I will
Olympia baseball’s Mac Colavecchio, a Florida Southern signee, has been an RBI machine for the Titans this season, driving in 17 runs in 13 games. Page 2B.
Denzel Irvin, left, coached up his
Mac Colavecchio
With 17 runs batted in in just 13 games for the Olympia High baseball team, senior outfielder Mac Colavecchio has shown to be money in the batter’s box for the Titans offense when his teammates get on base ahead of him; those 17 RBIs already are more than double his total from last season with double-digit less at-bats.
Along with leading the team in driving runs in, the Florida Southern signee also is an elite defender in right field for a superb outfield that makes any runner shake in their cleats.
I
accomplishment I’ve wanted to achieve, having seen other people I know be named Athlete of the Week.
What do you enjoy the most about baseball?
I enjoy the game for what it is. I love competing every day and trying to become a better me than I was the day before.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from baseball?
The biggest lesson I learned was to not take this game for granted. I had surgery on my elbow my sophomore year and was out for nine months. It was a tough recovery, but while I was out, I missed baseball and everything felt off. I never wanted to play more in my life while I was hurt.
What is your favorite baseball memory?
My favorite memory was when my team and I were beating a top team, 6-5, in the final inning. They had a runner on second base when a fly ball got hit to me in right field. It was tough to get to it, but I ended up making a diving catch to end the game and seal the win for my team.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Why?
My favorite player is Christian Yelich. I’ve grown up watching him play for pretty much my whole life. He has a great swing and is an amazing outfielder. I try to recreate his swing all the time; it’s a nice smooth lefty swing that can be replicated. That’s an MLB player I look up to and enjoy watching play.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Chipotle bowl with white rice, chicken, sour cream, cheese and lettuce.
What is your favorite subject in school?
I like my math for data and finance class, because it helps me learn how to handle money, how to invest and save for the future.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would like to have dinner with Jared McCain from the Philadelphia 76ers. He seems like a fun guy to hang out with, and he is a pretty good basketball player — hopefully he could teach me a few things.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I’d go back to 2016, because that was when I never really had to worry about homework, and I could just hang out with my friends every day and have as much fun as I wanted.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t overdo yourself and do not add unnecessary stress, because it will wear you out in the future and
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? What will I be doing with my life
Who is your favorite superhero? Spider-Man just because he can
Who is your favorite super-
The Green Goblin because the Spider-Man movie he was in is one of my favorite
three places in the world,
Hawaii. They are big travel destinations that I want to enjoy at
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and I’d be an eagle just to fly around high in the sky and glide and feel
What is your most controversial Ketchup on pizza is sometimes Does pineapple belong on pizza?
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Olympia baseball tops Windermere
The Olympia Titans baseball team went on the road and got a huge Class 7A, District 5 win over rivals Windermere High, 5-4, on the back of a sensational pitching performance from sophomore Jack Riley March 11.
After the Wolverines (13-2) jumped all over the visiting Titans (7-6) in the first inning, scoring three runs to open the game, Riley took over pitching duties and was lights out from the mound for Olympia — holding Windermere to just three hits and one run the rest of the way.
In the fourth inning, the Olympia bats came alive and flipped the game on its head, scoring five runs.
Junior Ethan Rathmann went 1-for-3 from the plate with a run scored and a walk while senior Mac Colavecchio, who despite going 0-for-2, reached base twice (he was walked once and reached base the other time thanks to an error) drove in a run and scored a run.
Windermere junior Randy Ruiz Jr. was the Wolverines’ top weapon on offense going 1-for-2 from the plate with an RBI off a sacrifice fly, a run scored and a walk. Windermere sophomore Joey Waddingham also contributed to the Wolverines’ four runs by scoring one run after reaching base twice; he went 1-for3 from the plate and got hit by a pitch.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Charity
forever be grateful to him for that.”
As a way to honor Irvin’s impact on not only his son’s life but the late Lion’s impact on so many people within the area’s football community, Grecco — with the help of Foundation Academy — will host the second Lit Nights 7-on-7 charity flag football tournament beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the school’s Tilden Campus.
The event founded by Irvin in 2024 was the perfect way to combine Irvins’ two passions: developing young football players and giving back to the community by inspiring others through his heart-transplant story. This tournament also served a secondary purpose, it was a fundraiser that benefited the family from which Irvin’s new heart came.
To continue Irvin’s vision for this event and remember his impact on the people around him through the game of football, Grecco has spearheaded the tournament’s return with one change. This year’s tournament will see all proceeds directly benefit Irvin’s two daughters, Maya
“Seeing what Denzel did for my son — there’s no question in my mind that I want to not only con-
tinue to be involved with this tournament, but I also want to do whatever I can to help support his girls and stay in their lives,” Grecco said.
“That’s how big of an impact he’s had on me and my family. From the second I met Denzel, I knew that he was someone I wanted in my son’s life as a mentor, and he made a tremendous impact on him. … So, if there’s any way that I can pay that back, I’m going to do it, and I figured this tournament’s a good way to start.”
Beyond the impact Irvin had on the Grecco family, one of the biggest motivations for Grecco’s decision to bring the tournament back is the inspiring legacy Irvin left behind from the inaugural event.
“At last year’s tournament, Denzel really set the tone for what this tournament is all about,” Grecco said. “It wasn’t about him or any one person, this is bigger than all of us. We were there to raise funds for the family that gave Denzel his heart, because that was at the core of what the whole tournament was about. It was natural that we would want to keep that at the center of this event, and with this year’s cause hitting much closer to home, it was just a perfect opportunity for everyone from the coaches and players to
be a part of giving back to Denzel’s family. Honestly, the kids want more than anything to be a part of that aspect of the tournament.”
Along with raising funds to support the Irvin family, members of the GS Elite team — the team Grecco runs — also will honor their former coach and mentor on the field by donning Irvin’s No. 25 and “In Memory of Coach Zel” on the backs of their jerseys this season.
“The decision to not only bring back the tournament but to keep this team going was definitely made because we felt that this is exactly what Denzel would have wanted us to do,” Grecco said. “He was really passionate about expanding the 7-on-7 community here and using that to make an impact on kids lives, so in talking with the team, they 100% wanted to move forward and participate this season in Denzel’s honor. … There was zero hesitation from them in those conversations … just seeing their faces in that moment you could see what an impact he had on them.”
For more information on the event email grecco.steven@gmail.com and to provide a contribution to the fundraiser visit bit.ly/3RmpI1D.
Olympia outfielder Ethan Rathmann (No. 6) went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk in the road win.
Sophomore pitcher Jack Riley (No. 14) pitched seven innings for the Titans and held Windermere to just one run.
Photos by David Jester
Over 3.1 innings pitcher Windermere senior Connor Fink (No. 16) threw seven strikeouts in the one run loss.
Observer names basketball all-stars
say the area is a hotbed for high-level basketball and this season proved it once again.
To celebrate the achievements of the area’s top teams and players, it’s time to meet the 2024-25 All-Orange Observer boys and girls teams, players of the year and coaches of the year.
BOYS FIRST TEAM
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
T.J. DRAIN, WINDERMERE, FORWARD
Averaging 18.8 points, 10 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 63% from the field, Drain was the driving force behind Windermere High’s 26-6 season and run to the Class 7A state championship game.
Drain, a 6-foot-9 big man signed to play college ball at Liberty University, did everything that was asked of him on and off the court for the Wolverines. As one of the few returning starters from last season, Drain not only led the team on both sides of the ball — as a focal point on offense and anchor on defense — but also was one the team’s most important leaders.
The Wolverines’ senior also broke the program record for most points in a single game, crossed the 1,000-points-scored mark and was named to the All-Metro First Team.
BRANDON BASS JR., WINDERMERE PREP, WING
One of the top college basketball recruits in the area, Bass Jr. finished the season with 20.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Lakers.
JULIAN DECLOU, CFCA, WING
After transferring from Hagerty High, DeClou quickly adapted to the Eagles and led CFCA with 15.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game while also averaging 3.6 assists. The 6-foot-5 junior helped his team reach the regional title game and was named the district player of the year.
SEAN OWENS, WINDERMERE, GUARD
In his first season as part of the Wolverines backcourt, Owens, a Olympia High transfer, was one of the vital cogs that helped Windermere reach the state-title game for the first time in program history. The senior averaged 12.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game while shooting 39% on a team-high 217 attempts from three-point range.
JAMES NOWELLS, OLYMPIA, GUARD
Under first-year coach Justin Shipp, the 6-foot-2 sophomore combo guard was a legitimate scoring threat from all three levels, leading the new-look and young Olympia Titans in scoring. Nowells averaged 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 39% on 142 three-point attempts.
SECOND TEAM
n Alexander Dipaolo, CFCA
n London Hatch, Dr. Phillips
n Alex Nichols, Foundation
n Max Simmons, The First Academy
n A.J. Smith, Windermere
COACH OF THE YEAR
ALBERT SETTLES, CFCA
In his first season as a head coach, Central Florida Christian Academy’s Albert Settles engineered a massive turnaround for the Eagles program — seeing their record flip from 6-19 in 2023-24 to 21-9 this season.
Under Settles’ leadership CFCA also reached the Class 1A, Region 2 championships game and won the 1A, District 7 title.
What might be most impressive about the former The First Academy player and assistant coach’s first season in charge of Eagles hoops was his ability to not only incorporate key new players, such as Julian DeClou and Alexander Dipaolo, into the program but also earn the trust of returning players from the previous season and retaining them on the roster in this transfer-heavy era of high school sports.
GIRLS FIRST TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
DAKARA MERTHIE, OCOEE, GUARD
In her first season as a member of the Ocoee Lady Knights, junior guard Dakara Merthie led the program to heights it had never seen before after transferring to the West Orange County school from Lake Mary High. Merthie not only led the Lady Knights in points and steals per game, with 23.9 ppg and 3.7 spg — while also adding 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists on average — but also her production helped Ocoee win its first regional title and advance for the first time to the Final Four.
The junior sharpshooter also helped the Lady Knights capture its third consecutive district championship and finish the season with a 25-4 record, the most wins in the program’s history in more than two decades.
BIANCA HALL, THE FIRST ACADEMY, GUARD
Despite being just a sophomore, Hall’s 74 games played is more varsity experience than most seniors, so it’s no wonder why she’s improved even more this season under her coach and father, Kevin Hall.
From the point guard spot, the 5-foot-7 floor general had career high averages at 19.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game, while dishing out 3.5 assists a game.
JOBA OYEDEJI, WINDERMERE PREP, FORWARD
At 6-foot-1, the physically dominant Lakers forward surely doesn’t look like a freshman when she steps on the court, and with a team-high 14.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, Oyedeji definitely doesn’t play like its only her first season competing on the high school varsity basketball level.
KENDALL PERRY, DR. PHILLIPS, GUARD
Despite missing eight games this season, the junior guard continued to cement herself as the area’s top college basketball prospect in her first season leading the Dr. Phillips backcourt.
Perry averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
JAMILA RAY, DR. PHILLIPS, WING
After only playing in eight games as a sophomore, Ray took advantage of her opportunity as a junior and became a crucial part of the Lady Panthers run to the state-title game — averaging 12.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
SECOND TEAM
n Zoe Corjay, Horizon n Arriah Denmark, CFCA n Soraya Jokhan, CFCA n Sofi Miller, The First Academy n Emma Parker, Foundation
COACH OF THE YEAR
ANTHONY JONES,
DR. PHILLIPS
It’s often said that one of the most difficult things to do in sports is win consecutive championships but if you’re looking at Dr. Phillips Lady Panthers coach Anthony Jones’ track record, you might start to think it’s not that difficult considering he’s not only led DP to back-to-back state titles before, he’s led the program to a three-peat of state crowns on two separate occasions (2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13; and 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24).
Although Jones and his Panthers didn’t repeat as champions this season, finishing as Class 7A state runners-up with a 20-10 record might have been the best coaching performance Jones has had in his nearly two decades in charge of the program. What makes this season so impressive is Jones not only had to deal with the loss of two star players from last season’s state-title-
winning team — Trinity Turner, arguably the greatest girls basketball player in school history who led the Georgia Lady Bulldogs in scoring as a freshman, and fellow D-I player Leah Bullard, who played in 22 games for the Oakland Golden Grizzlies — he also had to guide his team through one of the most ludicrous schedules ever assembled.
Dr. Phillips’ schedule included six state-championship-winning teams — Miami Country Day (FHSAA 2A champions), Cardinal Mooney Catholic (FHSAA 3A champions), Palm Bay High (FHSAA 5A champions), Winter Haven High (FHSAA 7A champions), Sacred Heart Academy (Kentucky champions) and River Ridge High (Georgia 5A champions) — 14 opponents ranked within the top 25 of their state’s MaxPreps rankings, nine ranked in the top 10, eight top-five teams, six top-three teams, three No. 1 teams and two of MaxPreps’ top 25 teams in the nation.
Throw in the fact that Jones had to deal with his best player — junior guard Kendall Perry — missing eight games in the middle of the season with a hand injury and the incorporation of a budding star in transfer guard Ciara Hayes into his well-oiled and tested team in the final 13 games of the season, and you realize just how impressive winning a fourth consecutive regional championship, capturing their district and West Metro Conference titles and reaching a fourth-consecutive state championship game really was and why this might have been Jones’ finest season yet.
Dr. Phillips High’s Anthony Jones is the 2024-25 AllOrange Observer girls basketball Coach of the Year.
TFA’s Bianca Hall (No. 3) led the Lady Royals with a career-high scoring average of 19.1 points per game.
Dr. Phillips High junior guard Kendall Perry (No. 1) stepped up her production and leadership to help guide the Lady Panthers to a fourth consecutive state-title game appearance.
File photos
Olympia basketball’s James Nowells (No. 21) led the young Titans in scoring as just a sophomore.
Right: Windermere basketball’s Sean Owens (No. 5) was a crucial part of the Wolverines run to the state title game.
INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK
JENNIFER DOWNS
SUNRIDGE
MIDDLE
SCHOOL
Jennifer Downs is a sixth-grade Comprehensive Science 1 and Life Science teacher at SunRidge Middle School.
“Mrs. Downs goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment,” SunRidge Principal Amy McHale said. “She takes the time to truly understand each student’s needs, offering guidance and encouragement that extends beyond the classroom. Her ability to communicate clearly and compassionately ensures that students feel heard, valued and motivated to succeed.”
Last year, she won the Cure Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers Award, and she was Teacher of the Year at Dr. Phillips High School in 2012.
What brought you to your school? I came to SunRidge Middle School to be closer to home and work in the area that I grew up in. I live in Winter Garden and wanted to make an impact in the area that I live in.
by Sam McBratney.
This book is special to me because it was given to me as an adoption gift from my son’s case manager. It is something that we used to read nightly and came up with our own little saying of “I love you to the Moon and God and back” that we still say today.
What do you love most about your school?
SunRidge has amazing students, staff and parent support that make teaching easier. I love coming to work every day knowing that SunRidge has the best students around.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efficient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.
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The most rewarding part of teaching sixth-grade science is seeing students’ love for science grow; those lightbulb moments when a topic is challenging but they finally understand and can explain it better than I can.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? I wanted to go into the pharmacy field as a child, as I always loved medicine, but it wasn’t for me and teaching was. I would also love to be a therapist for kids who have been through trauma.
Who influences you?
My parents are probably my biggest influencers, supporters and cheerleaders. My mom and dad have worked hard to make sure that my brother and I are taken care of. Their hard work and dedication to their family and their jobs have pushed me to work hard in everything I do.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? That is hard as I have had many and can’t narrow down to one. I grew up in the OCPS school system from Windermere Elementary, Lakeview Middle School and graduating in 1995 from West Orange High School. I had strong teachers from Mrs. O’Brien in middle school to Mrs. Stone, Coach Jackson and Mrs. Doyle in high school. They all had the same outlook on teaching in that if you have high expectations, you will be able to see success from those that don’t think that they will succeed — and that is something that I believe in my classroom.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Guess How Much I Love You”
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Sixth-grade teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
Another tough question as there are so many people that intrigue me. I would say the one person I would like to dine with would be Tony Dungy. He has several adopted children as well as being one of the top coaches in NFL history. Would love to know how he is able to do both and do both well.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to heal people from sickness and trauma. I am a breast cancer survivor of almost six years now and know the pain the disease can cause to a person and their family. I would love to take that away. I was also a foster mom for over seven years prior to that and would love to be able to heal the trauma that kids have gone through and take that away from them.
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas is my favorite holiday for many reasons, but it was my late grandma’s favorite and something that brings back memories of my childhood and family time. Family is so important to me, and this is a time that we all get together and just have a good time.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why?
I have been friends with my best friend, Luke, since I was around 2 years old. We grew up together, and even though he moved away, we still are best friends and get together often. He is considered family at this point, and we have been there for each other through all of our major life events.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I played a lot of basketball and played at West Orange High School from 1991-1995. My senior year we were one of the top teams in the state, winning districts and regionals and making it to the Final 8 in the state, which was the farthest West Orange had gone in girls basketball at the time. I went on to play basketball in college. I was Orlando Magic — Texaco Student Athlete of the Year in 1995.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
as they entered the Hamlin Middle School gym Saturday, March 8, to walk down the red carpet.
The paparazzi was there in full force, giving families multiple photo opportunities.
Girls also could eat and rest in the VIP lounge before or after hitting the dance floor.
The night was a memorable one for many, especially first-time attendees like Joey Jordan and his kindergartner, Parker Jordan.
“It’s a little surreal,” Joey Jordan said. “I always knew this day was coming.”
Second-grader Aria Ferlito had an awesome time with her dad, Joe Ferlito. “It’s always a great time,” Joe Ferlito said.
Left: Leroy Nelson attended his first Girls and a Loved One Dance with kindergartner Leani Nelson. “I love it. It’s a dream come true,” Leroy Nelson said.
Second-grader Isabella Botar brought out her inner Elphaba while singing “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.”
Kindergartner Parker Jordan and her father, Joey Jordan, made funny faces for their final photo. Joey Jordan said it was surreal to be at his first Girls and a Loved One Dance. “I always knew this day was coming,” he said.
Azi Trinidad, eighth-grader Zoe Trinidad, second-grader Aria Trinidad and Rafael Trinidad all dressed in a 1920s theme. “We infused old Hollywood with the old Audrey Hepburn,” Azi Trinidad said.
Irish
est Orange residents had several options to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.
Ocoee residents filled McKey Street in downtown Ocoee and painted the city green for its Centennial St. Patrick’s Day Block Party March 14. This event included plenty of fun for the kids — including face painters, a rockclimbing wall, carnival games and a shamrock painting station — while adults had the chance to enjoy green-colored beer from Toll Road Brewing Company and a variety of vendors selling artisan crafts, snacks and more.
The same day, Crooked Can Brewing Company kicked off its 10th annual Celtic Festival. The three-day celebration of music, food and culture continued from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 15, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at the Plant Street Market. The event lineup included Irish and Scottish Highland dancers, bagpipes, a pipe and drum corps, a magic show, festival food, and an endless supply of beer.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE AND AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
Sharon Bales, left, and Karen Keezel enjoyed a cup of cold beer at the Winter Garden event Friday night.
Left: In the shadow of the McKey Street Centennial Mural, event-goers got to enjoy this carnival ride that was fun for the whole family.
Ericia Stanley, left, Dani Jacobie and Victoria Swanson sold a variety of menu options from The Local Butcher & Market at Crooked Can’s event.
Bill and Kathy Barrett enjoyed the festivities at Crooked Can’s Celtic Festival.
Left: Members of Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders marched down McKey Street performing classic Irish music.
Chris Chan, of Winter Garden Vibes, tried his hand at maneuvering the beer puppet at Crooked Can’s event.
Right: St. Patrick’s Day-themed silt-walkers walked up and down McKey Street taking photos with event-goers.
Purim fun pops up at Rosen JCC
“You
Purim Pop-Up Friday, March 14, Briskman had her family dress as characters from “Alice in Wonderland.”
The Purim Pop-Up featured costumes, inflatables, face painting, crown decorating and mask decorating. — LIZ RAMOS
Polet Ohayon sang several songs.
In honor of his favorite superhero, Kavish Patel had the Captain America logo painted on his face.
Olivia Berman, who is 4, and her 4-month-old sister, Maya Berman, both dressed as Ana. Olivia Berman has several princess dresses and decided to wear the Ana dress to the pop-up.
Above: Aaron Briskman, 8, dressed in the “Alice in Wonderland” theme with his 3-year-old sister, Isabella Briskman, mother, Mollie Briskman, and father, Zev Briskman.
Left: Yarisma Garcia, a teacher at Rosen JCC, said seeing the children so energetic and having a good time gave her goosebumps.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
90 years ago
The Ladies Aid Society of the Ocoee Christian Church sponsored a sock social at the Ocoee Inn. The price of admission depended on the size sock attendees wore.
Miss Kathryn Pipkin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Pipkin of Orlando, became the bride of Albert C. Valdes of Winter Garden in Knowles Memorial Chapel, Rollins College. Several pupils of Mrs. A.C. Bray’s kindergarten class, including Selby Burch, Ellen Corbett and Emily Pruett, appeared on WDBO’s radio birthday program.
80 years ago
The Municipal Swimming Pool was a popular resort in Winter Garden visited by crowds daily. Tourists, as well as the locals, were pleased with the bathing privileges, and the servicemen declared it their favorite recreation.
75 years ago
Opening of Mozelle’s Shop in the Edgewater Hotel was announced by owners Mrs. Finis E. Smith and Mozelle Cox.
Lakeview High’s baseball team opened the season at Montverde and then tangled with Winter Park at home. Lettermen returning from the previous year’s potent squad were Ron Clonts, second base; Billy Peavy, catcher; Eugene Simmons, shortstop; Charles Solomon, third base; Dave Solomon, left field; Ray Spears, pitcher (a previous AllConference selection); Ed Winstead, third base; Harold Woodley, catcher; Tom Sewell, left field, Eugene Charles, pitcher; and Jimmy Crowder, left field.
50 years ago
The West Orange YMCA sponsored a ladies beginning tennis class
From the Benning family file comes this photograph of a group of local residents enjoying an excursion to Clay Springs in March 1901. They most likely traveled by the Tavares & Gulf Railroad to the west side of Lake Apopka where the popular destination was located. Today its name survives at a trailhead on the Lake Apopka Loop.
Some of the revelers have been identified: bottom row, fifth from left; Hoyle Pounds; seventh, Lillie Pounds Clay. Middle row, third from left, Claude Hawthorne; fifth, Clyde Pounds; 10th, Nora Pounds. Top row, third from left, Will Pounds; sixth, Neta Benning; and seventh, Frank Pounds.
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.
and participating were Brenda Lopsonzski, Pam Britt, Andy Davis, Louise King, Sharon Michael, Pat Katutis, Annette Spigener, Connie Holland, Bobbie Freeman, Sandy Dasher and Peg Mayo. Britt and Davis placed second and fifth in the beginners tournament of all the YMCAs in the metro area, with about 25 competitors.
Janet Ward, 3, was the winner in a baby contest sponsored by Easter Star Lodge 108 in Oakland. She was the daughter of Willie and Christine Ward of Oakland.
40 years
ago
Hyde Park, a 350-unit adult luxury manufacturing housing community in Winter Garden, announced its opening.
35 years ago
Betty Burch and Dot Parrish taught beginning bridge lessons at Tanner Auditorium.
First-grade winners in Calvary Baptist’s Arts and Crafts contest were Brandon Ickes, Leah Stewart, Natasha Fraedrich and Robbie Burroughs.
30 years ago
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to establish the Gotha Rural Settlement. It also had required approval by voters on a countywide ballot.
20 years ago
West Orange 5 movie theater in Ocoee advertised these movies: “Robots,” “Miss Congeniality 2,” “The Pacifier,” “Be Cool,” “Ice Princess” and “The Ring 2.”
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
MARCH 20, 1975
The grand opening of the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village was a huge affair in March 1975. The company placed a full-page advertisement in The Winter Garden Times to announce the opening and let citizens know of all the great shopping opportunities that awaited them in the 29 cedar-shingled shops. The stores participating in the opening celebration were Anniversary Room; Apothecary; Bath Parlour; Candy Factory; Cane, Wicker, Rattan & Suns; Cap’n Jack’s Oyster Bar; Carolyn’s Couture; Chalet
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