04.07.22 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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VOLUME 7, NO. 27

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Ocoee’s back with a brand new invention Vanilla Ice is one of nine performers set for the revamped Ocoee Music Festival. SEE PAGE 6.

IN THIS ISSUE: SUMMER FUN 2022

SUMMER 2022 FUN GUIDE

Observer

YOUR TOWN CHICK-FIL-A: RUN MOR MILES The 10th annual Chick-fil-A 5K and Kids Fun Run, a signature event of this year’s Ocoee Music Festival, returns Saturday, April 9, and it’s not too late to sign up. Register online at bit.ly/OCFA5K. The race begins at 7:30 a.m., and the children’s event for 10 and under is at 8:40 a.m. The cost is $35 in advance; $40 on race day; and $30 for students, military and police. It benefits Southeastern Food Bank.

HOME SWEET HOME

EASTER ON THE FARM Lake Meadow Naturals is hosting its annual Easter on the Farm for children from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9. The farm is located at 10000 Mark Adam Road, Ocoee. There will be pony rides, meetand-greet with baby animals, Ginger’s Baking Co. pop-up, eggprocessing tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and more.

The town of Windermere is hosting its official grand opening of the new administration, police department and public works facilities at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7. SEE PAGE 4.

OAKLAND PLANS EGG HUNT, PETTING ZOO

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State lawmakers consider revoking Disney district

SPORTS

The town of Oakland is hosting an all-new springtime festival with Celebration Among the Oaks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9. The event will span from VanderLey Park to the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center. The fun includes an egg hunt with 10,000 eggs dropped from a helicopter onto VanderLey Park, a visit with the Easter Bunny in the gazebo, petting zoo, children’s activities and crafts, a Bubble Bus interactive booth, live music on the heritage center porch, a library StoryWalk, and lessons in pruning and pollinators at Westly’s Herb Garden.

DISPLAY OF POWER Windermere Prep’s boys weightlifting team earned the Distrct 11 crown for the first time. SEE PAGE 17.

BRAINFOOD

The Reed Creek Improvement Act gives the entertainment company self-governing power. SEE PAGE 2.

This month, learn about friendly flyers! Page 16.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Florida lawmakers discuss repealing Disney’s self-governing power Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach said he and other state legislators have held two meetings regarding a potential repeal of the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act. MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach said he and other state legislators have held two meetings regarding a potential repeal of the 1967 Reedy Creek Improvement Act. That act created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which in effect allows Disney to operate under its own government rather than that of Orange and Osceola counties. Roach announced the meetings on Twitter March 30 — two days after Walt Disney Company issued a company statement regarding HB 1557, the Parental Rights in Education bill. “Florida’s HB 1557 … should never have passed and should never have been signed into law,” Disney’s statement read. “Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by

the Legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.” In his announcement of discussions to repeal RCIA, Roach said, “If Disney wants to embrace woke ideology, it seems fitting that they should be regulated by Orange County.” Roach also said the RCIA gives Disney a decisive advantage over companies such as SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Orlando, which do not operate their own governing bodies. “This is simply an issue of free markets,” Roach tweeted. “Government should not be using the power of the state to pick winners and losers in the marketplace, which is exactly what is happening here. It’s wrong.”

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Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke about the idea of repealing the RCIA during a press conference Thursday, March 31. “I would not say that would be retaliatory,” he said. “There are certain entities that have exerted a lot of influence through corporate means

to generate special privileges in the law. I don’t think we should have special privileges in the law at all. Some of these things have developed over the years. I actually had to deal with this last year, when we passed a bill to protect Floridians from bigtech censorship. The idea was to be

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able to let them sue under the ‘Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act,’ protect political candidates from being de-platformed — stuff that was good. And it’s being litigated in the courts, which we knew it would. But at the 11th hour, the Legislature slips in a provision in that law that said, ‘If you operate a theme park, it doesn’t apply to you.’ And that was meant solely to protect Disney. “I don’t think it is retaliatory,” DeSantis said. “I just think that Disney’s posturing alienated a lot of people now, and so the political influence they’re used to wielding, I think has dissipated. And so the question is why would you want to have special privileges in the law at all? And I don’t think that we should.” The Reedy Creek Improvement District, created by a special act of the Florida Legislature and signed into law by former Gov. Claude Kirk Jr., gives Disney power to oversee decisions related to land-use regulation and planning, building codes, surface water control, drainage, waste treatment, utilities, roads, bridges, fire protection, emergency medical services, and environmental services. The district includes about 25,000 acres in both Orange and Osceola counties, and services 19 landowners, including Walt Disney Company. A five-member Board of Supervisors, elected by landowners, governs the district.

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NEWS BRIEFS Winter Garden woman dies in S.R. 429 collision A 27-year-old Winter Garden woman died following a multiple-vehicle crash Monday, April 4, on State Road 429 at the Winter Garden Vineland Road exit. According to Florida Highway Patrol, the woman was traveling northbound in a sedan when she lost control of her vehicle, crossed the median and hit head-on a southbound van pulling a small trailer. The van overturned on its right side. The sedan went toward the median, and the woman was ejected from the car. She later died at a nearby hospital. A third vehicle, an SUV, was unable to avoid colliding with debris from the initial crash. Both drivers of the van and the SUV were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening conditions. The crash is still under investigation. Victims’ names were not released by press time Tuesday.

Windermere High mourns loss of coach Attendees loved perusing the various booths at this year’s Spring Fever in the Garden.

RAIN & SHINE! S

Rylan Guillen was happy with his balloon animal.

ome rain on Saturday, April 2, could not drown out the fun and festivities of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s 20th Spring Fever in the Garden. Held April 2 and 3 in downtown Winter Garden, this year’s festival featured a plethora of booths showcasing plants, flowers, garden décor and much more. A Kid Zone provided arts-and-crafts activities, families could participate in Healthy West Orange’s scavenger hunt, musicians entertained from the steps of City Hall, food vendors served up yummy meals and snacks, and artists created masterpieces in chalk in the Chalkin’ it Up sidewalk art contest. This year’s event marked the first Spring Fever following COVID-19. — OBSERVER STAFF

Paris McNamara, left, Julie Teal, Debbie Shaver and Donna Tapp were ready to answer questions at the Bloom & Grow information booth.

The Windermere High boys lacrosse team learned last week one of its assistant coaches, Colin Lawless, died unexpectedly. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 16, at a location to be determined. Family and friends of Lawless are invited to pay their respects. Those who would like to honor Lawless are welcome to donate to kidslacrossetheworld.org, a nonprofit organization that works with local communities in Malaysia and Kenya to promote leadership and empowerment through lacrosse on a youth level. The Wolverines will dedicate the rest of their season to Lawless. Lawless is survived by his wife, Caitlyn; their two dogs, Oscar and Eddie; his father, John; brother, Jack; aunt, Beth; and grandmother, Yvonne. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 year-round. The number is (800) 273-8255.

Former DP coach charged with molestation

Payton and Jack Cottle worked together to create this chalk masterpiece.

A former Dr. Phillips cheerleading coach was arrested Sunday, March 27, at his home in Clermont on charges of molestation. Orange County Public Schools hired 39-year-old Vigiland D’Haiti in 2015. OCPS officials said he was placed on leave in January, pending the outcome of an internal investigation. D’Haiti is the owner of the Rush Allstars cheerleading gym in Clermont. He currently is facing lewd and lascivious molestation charges of victims ages 12 to 15. Currently, there is one 14-year-old victim and two 15-year old victims. Investigators are encouraging any other victims to come forward.

Persimmon Hollow Brewery joins Horizon West

Matthew Stephens and his daughter Ehlii spent time together in the Kid Zone. Right: The Orlando Gentlemen of Jazz & Dixieland performed a variety of jazz, patriotic and Dixieland tunes — much to the delight of attendees. The Healthy West Orange team organized the event’s scavenger hunt.

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A new brewery recently joined Flamingo Crossings. Persimmon Hollow Brewery is a craft brewery with a variety of beer and food options for every taste palate. The brewery is located in the Flamingo Crossings Village plaza, 140 Sugar Belle Drive, Suite A, Winter Garden. It is open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily. The menu includes craft favorites such as the Beach Hippie IPA, Three Wise Guys porter and Cranberry Ginger Sour, as well as bites such as burgers, tacos, flatbreads and even brunch. The first location opened in 2014, and the company’s beer can now be found in taps and on store shelves throughout Florida. The Horizon West brewery is its third location. For more information, visit persimmonhollowbrewing.com.

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Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com

The main lobby of the new facility combines innovative materials with old-town charm.

Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Town ready to celebrate new digs

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway,

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

he town of Windermere is welcoming the community to its official grand opening of the new administration, police department and public works facilities at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7. HJ High Construction broke ground on the new, state-of-theart, 11,000-square-foot facilities, designed by Architects Design Group in January 2021. Now, the facilities are set to open and will aid town staff in safety, security and efficiency, as well as allow the Windermere Police Department to obtain national law enforcement accreditation — all with an ecological focus. “It’s very exciting,” Town Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “I am really happy we have a facility that allows us to make sure we take care of our No. 1 attribute in our town, and that’s our town staff, our police and our public works staff. We want to take care of those individuals because they take good care of us. The better people that you can have working with you, the better off your town is overall.” FACILITY FIRSTS

The new buildings have an emphasis on community space with multipurpose community rooms for public meetings, volunteer committees and staff and police training. “It’s wonderful to get to the point now where residents are going to get to see what is beneficial about these facilities to them and how they can utilize them, and how it’s their town facilities, and it’s much easier to access us,” Public Works Director Tonya Elliott-Moore said. On the public works side of the facilities, the staff now has a locker room for the first time, fully equipped with showers and safe enough to protect against a natural disaster such as a hurricane. Other aspects include offices, a conference room, kitchen, protective yard space for the equipment and even a smoker and grills. The new establishment additionally includes facilities for the police department, with secure parking, bulletproof glass at the entrance, an armory, patrol room with desks, a secure evidence locker complete with a built-in metal cage in the drywall, a lobby, interview rooms, break room and kitchen, and a secure locker room with showers. The administration portion includes a kitchen and break room, offices, event storage, a conference room and secured record storage. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

Although the completed timeline and budgetary success for the project was impressive enough with the continued challenges brought on by the pandemic, the facility goes the extra step by helping to ensure the success of not only the town’s present needs but also its future.

Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com

Suite 180, Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE Town staff now will be able to utilize a new kitchen and break room.

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com. Photos by Annabelle Sikes

Secure interview rooms are part of the police department’s new facilities.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP

GRAND OPENING When: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Where: 614 Main St. Information: bit.ly/3iQEw7y or email Diane Edwards at dedwards@town.windermere.fl.us

O’Brien said the facilities’ aesthetics were based on input from town residents and municipal building professionals. Long life-span, efficiency and safety were some of the main topics discussed when it came to semantics. According to the town, the new facilities are constructed with materials sturdy enough to provide hurricane wind resistance for up to 150 mph and feature backup power sources needed to operate at 100% capacity after a storm or natural disaster. Town Manager Robert Smith said the town is currently working on a sustainability plan. “We are an oasis in Central Florida, and we want to make sure that we maintain our tree canopy, the water bodies that are surrounding us; so we do what we can to make sure we are making a difference and hopefully become an example for others to do the same,” he said. O’Brien said the facilities were designed to save as many large existing live oak trees as possible. The trees provide partial shade and help to lower the direct solar heat gain. The roof of the administration building was actually adjusted to have a hip to preserve one of the heritage oak trees. In addition, the facilities utilize highly reflective roof systems to prevent heat transfer, motion-sensor LED lighting, high-performance laminated and insulated clear glazing on windows to help better defend the building’s interior from solar radiation, and an emergency generator fueled by natural gas. The natural gas generator burns cleaner than diesel and avoids the maintenance issues and hazards associated with the storage and use of diesel. The public restrooms utilize bat-

PUBLIC NOTICES Police officers will have the opportunity to work in a rooom equipped with desks and computers.

tery-powered electronic sensors on all plumbing fixtures to conserve water and reduce pathogen transfer. COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS

Despite the high technology and security of the new facilities, the town also worked hard to keep the small-town aesthetic and architectural charm of the 2.2-square-mile town of Windermere community. The mayor said he wanted to ensure the buildings were user friendly and easily accessible for the residents’ needs and purposes. “We wanted to build something that blended into the community,” he said. “We wanted it to be a very friendly facility that kind of bridged the divide of the past and the future of our town.” The Windermere Garden Club provided flowering plants surrounding the front of the building and completed the landscaping. The town even incorporated some of the wood from the old facility in the new facility with the help of residents George Poelker and Tom Stroup. The transformed wood pieces can be seen in the administration’s conference table and in the tables and portion of the wall in the main entrance hall. Stephen Withers, who assisted in the facilities, is an architect by trade and helped to research and purchase track systems for the walls, hanging town art accumulated throughout the years in the new buildings. “It’s been quite a journey to get here, and we’ve learned a lot through the process as far as educating the public on the needs,” Smith said. “If you want that expectation of high quality and care then you have to make an investment, so we did.”

THROUGH THE DECADES

The new facilities come after residents voted through referendum to approve the funding of up to $5.2 million for the new facilities in 2019. The new facilities are built over the site of the old school complex, open from 1916 to 1968, which also served as a miscellaneous office space. The space then served as the town’s administrative, police and public works offices since 2000. The new facilities come as a relief, as many staff members said the previous building had thin walls, was outdated, unsafe and even had small rodents or insects that would make their way into the building. Smith said the previous community room will be demolished within the next two months and will be replaced by the town of Windermere, Healthy West Orange and Rotary pavilion. The entertainment pavilion is currently in the works and will contain an open stage, concession stand and restroom facilities. Smith said the pavilion is aiming to open in the fall or early next year. Now, the town will welcome the town’s residents to the grand opening featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours and catering from Dixie Cream Café and Tim’s Wine. The official program will kick off at 6 p.m. with comments from O’Brien, Smith and Police Chief David Ogden. “The secret to a small town these days is for it to be small, and we like to be small, but we want to be small and smart, so we need to make good decisions and plan for the future,” O’Brien said. “The facilities that we have utilized for many years, they lasted 50 years or more, and we wanted to ensure that what is built here will serve the town for 50 years or more, as well.”

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OPEN FOR THE 2022

Ocoee fest to feature hip-hop, country stars

U-PICK SEASON

2 Large Washing Stations

Plenty of Room for Social Distancing

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AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Stop, collaborate and listen! If you’re fancy like Applebee’s, you’ll want to make plans to be in Ocoee this weekend for the Ocoee Music Festival. The festival is back after two years, and nine performers in the hip-hop and country genres will entertain guests Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, at an event that also will include carnival rides, marketplace and food vendors, and a 5K. The festival (formerly Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival) continues its dedication to celebrating Ocoee’s small-town traditions with music, community, small businesses and fun. Guests can enjoy a variety of festival food, children’s carnival rides, a marketplace, beer garden and multiple hip-hop and country musical performances. Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson is thrilled to see the annual festival return and thinks attendees will like what is being offered this year. The response has been overwhelming, he said — all of the marketplace and food vendor spaces are filled, and the city has sold out the preferredseating option for Saturday night. In the past 26 years, the city has seen the festival grow from a few hundred attendees to 20,000. Johnson loves how the event has expanded through the years, and he said he has heard from many people who are planning to travel to Ocoee for the weekend. “We have people from Key West who two months ago made reservations for Friday night,” he said. The festival always has been presented with a focus on country music, but, this year, the Friday night lineup is full of hiphop acts. On Friday, headliner and early-1990s icon Vanilla Ice will take the stage. Joining him will be hip-hop artists Rob Base, Tag Team, Tone Loc and Freedom Williams of C&C Music Factory. On Saturday, country music stars Russell Dickerson and Walker Hayes will perform their hits along with Matt Stell and Will Banister. “We changed around the music for variety,” Johnson said. “Maybe next year, we’ll have classic rock (on Friday night).

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CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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IF YOU GO OCOEE MUSIC FESTIVAL WHEN: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 9 WHERE: Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee INFORMATION: Pets, coolers, backpacks or large bags are not permitted. Chairs and blankets are allowed. Visit ocoeemusicfestival.com or call the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Department at (407) 877-5803. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY 5:30 p.m.: Freedom Williams of C&C Music Factory 6:30 p.m.: Tag Team 7:30 p.m.: Tone Loc 8:30 p.m.: Rob Base 9:30 p.m.: Vanilla Ice SATURDAY 7:30 a.m.: Chick-fil-A 5K & Kids Fun Run at McKey Street and Bluford Avenue 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Tours of historic Ocoee Christian Church 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Marketplace arts and crafts vendors 10 a.m. to noon: Children’s fishing tournament at Starke Lake 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Tours of Withers Maguire House & Museum 4:30 p.m.: Will Banister 5:30 p.m.: Matt Stell 7 p.m.: Walker Hayes 8:30 p.m.: Russell Dickerson 9:50 p.m.: Fireworks show

We’re going to try to change it every year. We just want it to be where people can enjoy themselves.” To ready himself for the music on the first night, Johnson and his wife, Marilyn — who typically listen to classic rock and the rock-and-country band the Mavericks — played some Tone Loc. “It’s going to be interesting,” he said. Johnson hopes to see a full crowd both days. “It’s for the benefit of everyone, not just

Bloom & Grow Garden Society would like to thank the 2022 Spring Fever Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR Healthy West Orange PRESENTING MEDIA SPONSOR Minion Media Group

PINE LEVEL Orlando Health/Health Central (KID ZONE Sponsor)

Advent Health CEMEX (CHALKIN IT UP SPONSORS) Crooked Can Brewing Company Empire Finish Systems LLC

CYPRESS LEVEL Licensing Solutions INC. (T-SHIRT SPONSOR) OAK LEVEL

Empire Foam LLC Massey Services Toole's Ace Hardware Winter Garden Plantation Jewelers Dillard's Florida Mall

PALM LEVEL Oakland Park/Landeavor (City Hall Entertainment Sponsor) Crabtree Ink Creative Keller Williams Elite Partners - Tennille Biggers Duke Energy

West Orange Times & Observer Giant Recreation World Creative Zing Promotion Group Dixie Pools

MAPLE LEVEL LiveTrends ( Ask The Experts Sponsor) First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden Urban on Plant Jackie & Arlen Colberg McKinnon Corporation Asma & Asma Cappleman Inc. Costa Farms Sines Blakeslee Madyda RC Stevens

Lake Apopka Natural Gas Company Fishback-Dominick Main Street Mowers Bright Future Electric Valencia Foundation Merrill Lynch Wealth Management-Steve Stanford Chef's Table & The Tasting Room The Attic Door Pilars Martini Seacoast Bank

And special thanks to the Spouses and Family members of Bloom & Grow Garden Society Members

springfeverinthegarden.org

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

ARTIST

SUSAN GROGAN

Walker Hayes Robert Chavers

Ocoee,” he said. “As long as we can get sponsors, we’ll keep doing this.”

THE PERFORMERS FRIDAY, APRIL 8 VANILLA ICE

Robert Van Winkle, better known as Vanilla Ice, hit the radio in 1990, selling 10 million albums in four months and hitting No. 1 on the Billboard charts with “Ice Ice Baby.” His worldwide album sales are more than 15 million and individual songs total more than 160 million. Vanilla Ice won two MTV Awards and a People’s Choice Award and was nominated for a Grammy Award. He has had great success in real estate and has launched Vanilla Ice Real Estate.com. His current TV show, “The Vanilla Ice Project,” on DIY won The Factual Award for the Best Home TV Show.

FREEDOM WILLIAMS C&C MUSIC FACTORY

As the front man and co-founder of the international multi-platinum selling group C&C Music Factory, Freedom Williams has traveled and performed around the world. He wasn’t just a watcher of hip-hop culture; he was one of the innovators and early hands-on creators.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9

RUSSELL DICKERSON

Russell Dickerson is a multiplatinum Nashville-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who sings about the small pleasures — familiar pleasantries exchanged between neighbors, the taste of freshly brewed sweet tea, the brush of a fall breeze and the buzz of a bug zapper after dark — on his second full-length album, “Southern Symphony.” WALKER HAYES

Rob Base first began performing with various groups before forming Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock with his childhood friend. Their second album produced three Top 10 hits: “It Takes Two,” “Joy and Pain” and “Get On The Dance Floor,” which reached No. 1.

Singer-songwriter artist Walker Hayes’ recent EP “Country Stuff” includes the platinum smash hit “Fancy Like,” which has topped every country streaming and sales chart since its release and has spent eight weeks and counting at the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

TONE LOC

MATT STELL

ROB BASE

Rapper Anthony Terrell Smith, who goes by the stage name Tone Loc, is known for his hit songs “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina,” for which he was nominated for a Grammy Award. Tone Loc’s debut album, “Loc-ed After Dark,” was released in 1989. The video for the first single, “Wild Thing,” became a staple on MTV and rose to No. 2 on the U.S. Hot 100. The second single, “Funky Cold Medina,” reached the Top 5 in the U.S. TAG TEAM

Tag Team introduced their debut single “Whoomp! There It Is” in 1993. Not long afterward, DC Glenn (DC the Brain Supreme) and Steve Gibson (Steve Rolln) were No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and at the top of the Billboard sales chart.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Matt Stell played as the lead singer of the band The Crashers. During this time, he released three albums independently: “The Sound & the Story,” “Vestibule Blues” and “A River Through It.” Stell is a platinum-certified singer who reached country music success with the love song “Prayed for You,” which spent two weeks at the No. 1 spot.

MONTH-LONG COMMUNITY EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

WILL BANISTER

Will Banister grew up with the sounds of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, George Strait and Brooks and Dunn, which made a huge impact in shaping the sound of his songs. His latest single, “Ain’t That The Truth,” reached No. 38 on the Texas Country Music Chart.

Projection Art Show on City Hall Kids Art Sessions at Farmers Market Art Exhibitions of All Ages

Work in Your Own Backyard!

En Plein Air Competition Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

CITY OF

Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt

WINTER GARDEN

Fridays on the Plaza Live Music

IS HIRING!

Tired of commuting? Looking for more time to do the things you love? Work where you live and add to your quality of life. As our community continues to grow and thrive, the City of Winter Garden is seeking qualified individuals that exemplify the “Winter Garden Way” of providing top-notch service that residents expect, deserve, and appreciate. Candidates should possess a motivated mindset and a can-do attitude to find creative solutions, while always putting the citizens first.

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Winter Garden is a great place to both live and work. Explore the job opportunities and the impressive benefit package at www.cwgdn.com and click on Jobs at bottom of home page.

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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 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

CHURCH OF GOD

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

Moms of the basketball team players gathered to watch the games.

Global Not Local hosts first For The Culture Community Day

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Also viewable on YouTube METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL

CHURCH DIRECTORY

www.starkelakebaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church CHURCH OF GOD OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD & Christian Academy BAPTIST Pastor Thomas Odom 1601 A.D. Mims Rd,Ocoee 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 407-656-8011 astor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 71 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 EPISCOPAL AM & 6 PM 07-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH UNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM Wednesday: 7 PM 241 N. Main, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM www.VBCOCOEE.com Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

IRST BAPTIST CHURCH 25 E Plant St., Winter Garden 07-656-2352 UNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional :45 am Bible Study 1:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana astor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org nd Campus: OUNDATION WORSHIP UNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages oundation Academy High School 5304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 07-730-1867

www.churchofthemessiah.com

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly.

PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Officers from the Winter Garden Police Department came Winter Garden out to celebrate the community day. 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, This page appears weekly in the Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden UNITED CHURCH OF (407) 654-9661 CHRIST SundayUNION Service: WINDERMERE CHURCH 10:05 AM 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 WorshipService: times: Saturday 6 PM 9:00am Adult Sunday School www.purposechurchorlando.org 10:00am Worship

West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com.

To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

www.windermereunion.org

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Basketball players played in several AAU games organized by Global Not Local.

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

LV14252

146 East Plant St, Winter Garden UNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM nd us at: Theacf.net

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

316889-1

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., STARKE LAKE BAPTIST ANGLICANOcoee CHURCH ANGLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee ELLOWSHIP (407) CHURCH 656-2351 Pastor Jeff Pritchard ector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org (407) 656-2351

lobal Not Local hosted its first For The Culture Community Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at Zanders Park in Winter Garden. Global Not Local is a brand manifesting success and representing positivity for its Winter Garden community. The day’s main event included some of the city’s favorite Amateur Athletic Union teams engaging in multiple officiated basketball tournaments. The event also featured food and drinks from vendors, guest speakers, music and games, and more. The organization’s mission is to inspire the youth globally to dream big without limitations and to look beyond their environment by motivating them to continuously reflect on elevation. Wendell Coates Jr., the group’s organizer, hosts several events throughout the year to encourage the neighborhood kids to look outside the four walls of the neighborhood community.

Jamari Gordon enjoyed some shaved ice to cool off in the warm weather.

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

ORDER YOUR CUSTOM MADE • Custom Furniture, Farm Tables, For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Barn Program, Doors, and More CHRISTMAS the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program. • Repaired, Refinished and GIFTS NOW! Repurposed Wood Furniture Check out the custom • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used Moving Forward made silent auction items Household Items Program Offerings Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at

378954-1

the Garden Party onTransitional Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden Housing November 9!! 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance TEXT Credit Counseling SFB Elite AAU basketball players were ready to play. “MHM” TEXT TO 4 1 4 4 4 & Debt Reduction

XNSP18213

Left: Global Not Local organizers Wendell Coates Jr. and Justin Tucker hosted the first For The Culture event.

TO DONATE “MHM” TO 4 1 4 4 4 This isTO a secure site for giving DONATE

This is a secure site for giving Garden, FL 34787 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves. Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer General Dermatology & General TEXT Skin Examinations

“MHM” TO 4 1 at 444 Now located TO DONATE

1067This S. Clarke Road, Ocoee FL 34761 is a secure site for giving

CALL (407) 656-2121 407-521-3550 Winter Garden, FL 34787 Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

Help Themselves.

Office hours M-F by appointment (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Accepting new patients

378382-1

REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Isleworth estate sells for $4.85 million A home in the Isleworth

SNAPSHOT

community in Win-

Total Sales: 111 High Sale Price: $4.85 million Low Sale Price: $259,900

dermere topped all West Orange-area residential

for $1,144,541. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,432 square feet.

real-estate transactions from March 26 to April 4.

EDEN ISLE

The home at 5103 Isle-

The home at 14012 Florigold Drive, Windermere, sold March 28, for $1,040,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,402 square feet. Days on market: 53.

worth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold April 4, for $4.85 million. Built in

ENCORE AT OVATION

1996, it has six bedrooms,

corcoran.com

five baths, four half-baths

The home at 5103 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold April 4, for $4.85 million. This custom home sits on the fourth fairway at Isleworth.

and 8,397 square feet of liv-

DR. PHILLIPS

ing area.

The home at 9034 Crichton Wood Drive, Orlando, sold March 31, for $1,061,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,224 square feet. Days on market: Six.

munity in West Orange.

CYPRESS POINT

The home at 9188 Point Cypress Drive, Orlando, sold March 31, for

NORTH BAY

The home at 5410 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold March 31, for $2.1 million. Built in 2000, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,569 square feet. Days on market: Two.

VIZCAYA

The home at 8200 Firenze Blvd., Orlando, sold April 1, for $2.53 million. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,562 square feet. Days on market: 104.

HORIZON WEST AVALON COVE

The home at 9097 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, sold March 29,

Here’s the deal, home + auto = savings.

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The home at 15602 Sunquat Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $635,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,690 square feet. Days on market: Four. SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 11

BLAIR M. JOHNSON Attorney at Law

407-656-5521 blairjohnsonlaw.com

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HAMLIN RESERVE

378991-1

selling homes in each com-

$4.25 million. Built in 1994, it has six bedrooms, seven-and-onehalf baths and 9,529 square feet. Days on market: 19.

State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL

371878-1

These are the highest-

BAY POINT

The home at 12025 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold March 28, for $965,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,611 square feet. Days on market: 364.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Your Winter Garden Hospital EXPANDING SOON

Whole-Person Care in Your Community AdventHealth will open the doors to your Winter Garden hospital in May 2022. The new facility will bring 80 new inpatient beds to form a full-service hospital with the current emergency services and medical office building. We are thrilled to serve the residents of West Orange County, and look forward to the expanded care that focuses on whole-person health for your body, mind and spirit.

Visit

YourWinterGardenHospital.com

372010-1

to learn more.

celebrity cipher 53 Affectedly creative 54 What duvets cover 56 “Dear ___ Hansen” 57 Nice dinnerware 58 Summer treat on a stick 62 Hunter-gatherer diet 63 “I’m ___, and I like warm hugs” (“Frozen”) DOWN 64 Whirlpool tubs 1 Hostess snack cakes 65 Goad into action 2 Glazer of “Broad City” 66 Feel sorry for 3 Jumps headfirst 68 Steerable toy vehicle, 4 Anticipatory night familiarly 5 Something to save for a 69 Hertz competitor friend 70 Black Sabbath super6 “___ Q” (musical inspired fans, e.g. by “Sesame Street”) 72 De Armas of “Knives 7 “Om,” for one Out” 8 Fitting 73 It’s big in jazz 9 Bound upward 74 Tehran’s home 10 Sausage such as sop75 Writes pressata 77 Bread or cabbage 11 Poke 78 Fail like a movie 12 “You can’t deny this” 79 “This is no longer for 13 Disapproving sound me” 14 Slippery item in comedy 80 Whom a host hosts 15 Cracker brand 82 Roasting skewer 16 Source of a soothing gel 83 Honeybunch 19 Winding ski race 87 Boo-boo 21 Muggy 88 Voices below altos 23 Does a dairy farm task 89 Moretz of “Kick-Ass” 24 German sausage, 91 Goes over well, as a joke familiarly 92 Detroit team with a 29 Primates Jane Goodall striped mascot studied 93 ___ Mae Lee of “Pitch 31 False ___ (racing Perfect” blunder) 94 Maker of Nerds and 33 Nail polish brand Goobers 36 “Heavens!” 95 Secret stores 38 Pic under a sock, maybe 100 Diva’s realm 39 Berets, e.g. 101 Wayne ___ (Batman’s 40 “Great” detective of home) kid lit 102 Give divine favor to 41 Peter Parker portrayer 103 Revered person Carney 104 Second try 42 High-flying toys 106 Stats on college apps 43 Wordless “Hey!” 107 Post-punk subculture 44 Olympic sword 109 Bygone Russian 45 Pigeon’s place autocrat 50 Time on a job 112 Low key? 51 Anaheim Ducks’ org. 113 Big Apple sch. 52 “High” time 114 $$$ exec 118 Hairstyles for Diana Ross and Pam Grier, sometimes 119 ___ Angeles 120 Model Holliday 121 Magenta and others 122 Crowd sounds

ACROSS

32 Draw in 1 Goes behind a curtain, say 34 On the ___ (fleeing) 35 Drop by 6 Human rights lawyer 37 (Don’t) Film without Clooney lighting? 10 Tiff 43 Praline ingredients 14 Playtex undergarment 46 American uncle 17 It may be pimiento47 Goals stuffed 48 Louvre Pyramid archi18 Smokes minus the tect I.M. smoke 49 Hybrid utensil 20 Pop flies’ paths 50 Sour mood 21 Hard rain 22 (Do) Visualize the actor’s 52 ___ Light (beer brand, movements before filming? informally) 54 Veggie in homemade red 25 “Do ___ Otters: A Book hair dye, say About Manners” 55 (Do) Decide on a 26 Binary digit soundtrack? 27 Window shade 58 It gets under your skin 28 Event with floats 59 Simple top 29 Dazzle 60 Like a bad “twin” 30 Cheek or lip

61 Word before “chocolate” or “sauce” 62 Dogs with many hybrid breeds 64 Huge fan 65 Porcupine descriptor 67 The Matterhorn’s range 68 Spreading unchecked 71 ATM digits 72 Word after a sigh 73 Potential lead for a detective 76 Point in soccer? 77 (Don’t) Edit out the good-looking extra? 81 Lions are big ones 82 Like a haunted house 84 “U r 2 funny!” 85 From Havana, say 86 Doctor’s org. 87 Musical work

88 Also 89 Wipes up or wipes down 90 (Do) Keep filming during fight scenes? 96 Port-au-Prince’s Caribbean country 97 Actor McKellen 98 Blue-green 99 Burial place 103 “Me, Myself & ___” (Jim Carrey film) 105 Christmas beverage 108 Edinburgh native 110 Bestie, e.g. 111 At no charge? 112 (Don’t) Get in front of your camera? 115 Likelihood 116 One might be compulsive 117 Use mousse on, maybe

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “C YZFHK DZT ZCW WRRM DCA YCMMTE XR YTVICARK DFEZ C YZFHK DZT KTRWM’E UMTD DZCE DCA FW RJYRIE OATV ERHRPFWFTM.”

– WTIZFC HTARM

“RJ DGJ DFF VUGL MU PAJ -- MKJ PAXXJGJLYJ AN MKJ ALMJLNAMB RAMK RKAYK RJ YKUUNJ MU FAHJ.” – EALD FUFFUVGAEAPD “M DTIB CWLDMCY MC GJ XMKB UBVMPBV GJ OWEA. M TG WUVBVVBP OMLD ML. M XBTIB GJ DWZVB WCXJ ODBC M’G KWENBP LW.” – TVMT TEYBCLW © 2022 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle Three Clue: N equals C

DOS AND DON’TS OF FILMMAKING by Taylor Johnson and Christina Iverson. Edited by David Steinberg

Puzzle Two Clue: B equals Y

crossword

Puzzle One Clue: O equals F

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

4-7-22

it’s Time to $ave

OrangeObserver.com

HAWKSMOOR

WATERLEIGH

The home at 16995 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $1,027,500. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,722 square feet.

The home at 8948 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $940,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,911 square feet.

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE DEALS! WERS O H S $100 OFF APRIL Fall is coming Glass Any Full Leaded

The home at 6827 Thornhill Circle, Windermere, sold March 30, for $1,375,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,378 square feet. Days on market: 90.

RETRACTABLE SCREEN DOORS

The townhouse at 9043 Legado Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $440,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,585 square feet. Days on market: Three.

Any 1/2 Leaded Glass

$50 OFF

Any 1/2 Leaded Glass RETRAC *

TABLE NotSC good REwith discount glass, closeout or prior sales. EN DOORS

Any 1/2 Leaded Glass NOW AVAILABLE!!

have a large selection of slabs: UNIT GWe OUT or PRE-HUNMI The home at 8960 Sonoma Coast S OR RR Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, ANY DB L DO Winter Garden, sold March 30, OR Mirror Wrap INTERIOR DOOR SLAB SPECIAL , SWAP AfterDrive, OUT or PR E-H for $830,000. Built in 2021, it has five Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry G UNIT We have a large selection of UN slabs: bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,911 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 8990 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $793,730. Built in 2021, it has four OR bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths E on market: and 3,416 squareFRE feet. Days In-Home 34.

10% OFF 15% OFF

The home at 4926 Indian Deer Road, Windermere, sold March 31, for $800,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,849 square feet. Days on market: 27. MORE 2 OR

...

Estimates

The home at 8900 Sonoma Coast TE MIRROR MA Drive, Winter Garden, sold March

The home at 13444 Sunkiss Loop, Windermere, sold March 31, for $687,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,649 square feet. Days on market: Six.

Any Full Leaded Glass

INTERIOR DOOR SLAB SPECIAL SWAP

MIRRORS

The home at 5042 River Gem Ave., Windermere, sold March 31, for $780,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,106 square feet. Days on market: Four.

Any Full Leaded Glass*

The home at 10066 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold March NOW 28, for AVAILABLE!! $835,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,348 square feet. Days on market: Three. ANY DBL DOOR,

LEGADO

SUMMERPORT

THESE DEALS! $Any Full Leaded Glass

Any 1/2 Leaded Glass

The home at 8888 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $798,846. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,416 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 15231 Lake Lamonia St., Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $635,356. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,843 square feet.

The home at 7740 Tangerine Knoll Before Mirror Wrap Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $660,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,872 square feet. Days on market: 17.

100 OFF 100 OFF $ OFF $100 550 0 OFFOFF

$50 OFF TAKE ADVANTAGE OF

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

SAVINGS!

S OFit’sSTA$imVeItoNG $ave

The home at 8894 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $860,010. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,911 square feet. Days on market: Two.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

After Mirror Wrap

Assorted Styles, 25-40% OFFPantry, ANYHomegrown, IN STOCK DOORS Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry * $ S R O 10 RR OFF OR MI% 100 Before Mirror Wrap

25-40% OFF OF F

15% EO FR EE STOCK DOORS AfterANY Mirror Wrap IN FInR E F...F OFF In-Home Esti mat D es O s te ORDOOR, a MIRRO ANY DBL SWAP OUT S Estim R MATE

2 OR MO e Before Mirror Wrap RE -Hom

DOORS

30, for $733,446. Built in 2021, it has $ two-and-one-half three bedrooms, baths and 2,350 square feet. Days on ng Shower Door market: 80. Any Slidi

NOT GOOD WITH DISCOUNT GLASS, CLOSEOUT OR PRIOR SALES

50 OFF Any Sliding Shower Doo r SHOW $ ERS 50 OFF Any Clear Swi $

or PRE-HUNG UNIT

$50 OFF 50 OFF 10% OFF OR $50FROFF E E Any Swinging Shower Any Sliding Shower Door 1 0Clear 0 In-HO 15% OFF omeFF ERS SHOW E Door up toa25 sq ft stim $ Admirals Cove tes The home at 16295 F 2 OR MORE... OF 50 *FR EE Lane, WinterAny Garden, sold March 31, Ca DOOR n of Gla ss Cleaner w/Any Shower Purch Clear Swinging S ase MIRROR MATE for $590,000. Built in 2020, it has $100 OFF er Door up to 25 s/f Show four bedrooms, three-and-one-half Perry’s Any Clear Swinging Can of Glass baths and 2,472 $ or Dec $ square feet. Days on at ivOFF eShower G la ss 50 Door over 26 sq ft market: Four. 100 OFF Cleaner with Any 1122 Bichara Blvd, Ne nging Shower Door up to 25 s/f

Any Clear Swinging Shower Door over 26 s/f

FREE

Any Sliding Door xt to PuShower blix Shower Purchase Carved Design on Routewith 441/27 VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST Winter Garden, sold March 30, for (over 20 sq ft), Slide or Swing www.EntryPointby Perrys.com • 751-0883 The home at 6775 Merrick Landing hase $502,740. Built in 2021, it has three Purc *Not good er Show ny with w/A sales ner , prior Clea order s s, promos or closeouts Glastwo-and-one-half baths $already marked down EE Can ofbedrooms, *FR . Lic. #SCC131151683 Blvd., Windermere, sold April 1, for 1122 Bichara Blvd, Lady Lake, FL $585,000. Built in 2014, it has three and 2,027 square feet. Swing Over 20 sq ft) (352)(over 751-0833 bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths $ www.entrypointbyperrys.com SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 11 and 2,459 square feet. Days on marWERS ket: Four.

O s Perry’s Decorative GlSHas

100 OFF 50 OFF

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683

Any Chip Top Shower Door

1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix Perry’s Decorative Glass on Route 441/27 08831122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 7511151683

*Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already

marked down. Lic. #SCC13

378974-1

Any Clear Swinging SHOWERS The home at 9588 Jacques Alley, over 26 s/f er Door Show

on Route 441/27

You are cordially invited www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 to our 66th Annual *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683

Easter Sunrise Service

April 17, 2022 at 6:30am

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

· Easter message with prayers and music. · Sermon by Jeff Pritchard of

Starke Lake Baptist Church.

· Continental breakfast to follow Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, FL 34734 For additional information, please call 407-293-1361

378945-1

REAL ESTATE

r a e Y New

Fall is coming

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Serving the Community Since 1966

REAL ESTATE

WATERMARK

Now Offering PRP Injections Empowering Patients and Restoring Active Lifestyles.

The home at 10402 Austrina Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $501,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,063 square feet. Days on market: Three. WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6266 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold March 31, for $520,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,984 square feet. Days on market: Five.

Open Monday - Friday Call us at (407) 654-3505 For Appointments: Press 3 Authorizations and Referrals can be faxed to (407) 654-4956

www.westorangeorthopaedics.com

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The home at 1412 High Springs Lane, Oakland, sold March 31, for $520,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,975 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OCOEE

COVENTRY AT OCOEE

The home at 2630 Wimbledon Court, Ocoee, sold April 1, for $451,000. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,204 square feet. Days on market: Five.

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12 By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761 Wellington Esquea, PA-C Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani

MEADOW RIDGE

Se Habla Español

379005-1

The home at 10335 Royal Island Court, Orlando, sold March 31, for $1,066,558. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,834 square feet. Days on market: 76. BELMERE VILLAGE

ISLEWORTH

The home at 5103 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold April 4, for $4.85 million. Built in 1996, it has six bedrooms, five baths, four halfbaths and 8,397 square feet. The home at 5243 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold April 1, for $3.5 million. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,424 square feet. Days on market: 11. KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6318 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1.2 million. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,497 square feet. Days on market: 19. The home at 6041 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1,025,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,876 square feet.

The home at 2814 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold March 29, for $670,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,141 square feet. Days on market: Two.

The home at 5909 Caymus Loop, Windermere, sold March 31, for $910,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,600 square feet.

OCOEE LANDINGS

LAKE DOWN COVE

The home at 1823 Ibis Bay Court, Ocoee, sold April 2, for $425,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,969 square feet. Days on market: Three.

Call 407-395-2037 • www.OcoeeKidsDocs.com

ROYAL CYPRESS RESERVE

OAKLAND

The home at 1322 Southern Sun Drive, Oakland, sold March 30, for $580,520. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,281 square feet.

Office Hours:

WEST ORANGE

The home at 11809 Via Lucerna Circle, Windermere, sold March 30, for $520,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,161 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 1216 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, sold April 1, for $1.31 million. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,277 square feet. Days on market: 15.

Personalized care with compassion and excellence.

The home at 2112 Cunard Court, Ocoee, sold March 30, for $420,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,838 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE

HULL ISLAND

379014-1

596 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761-4219

REMINGTON OAKS

WINDERMERE SOUND

The home at 7230 Penkridge Lane, Windermere, sold March 29, for $500,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 2540 Hempel Cove Court, Windermere, sold March 30, for $793,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT TO AMEND TABLE 5-1 PERMITTED USE REGULATIONS AS ESTABLISHED BY SECTION 5-8A OF ARTICLE V RELATING TO SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES 379021-1

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Subsection 166.041(3)(c)2., Florida Statues, that on TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022, and on TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022, at 6:15 P.M. or as soon thereafter as practical, the CITY OF OCOEE CITY COMMISSION will hold PUBLIC HEARINGS at the City of Ocoee Commission Chambers, 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida, to consider the following Ordinance:

Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed action. The complete case file, including a complete legal description by metes and bounds, may be inspected at the Ocoee Planning Department located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The Ocoee City Commission may continue the public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation or an interpreter to participate in this proceeding should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at (407) 905-3105.

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AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE V, LAND USE AND DENSITY REGULATIONS (ZONING) TABLE 5-1 PERMITTED USE REGULATIONS; AMENDING SECTION 5-8 USE REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES AS AN ACCESSORY USE, PROVIDING FOR VISUAL LIMITATIONS FOR SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES, PROVIDING FOR ARTERIAL FRONTAGE LIMITATIONS FOR SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES, PROVIDING PURPOSE AND INTENT, PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND EFFECTIVE DATE.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

EXPERIENCE

EASTER WITH ST. LUKE'S Sunday, April 17 The home at 10570 Down Lakeview Circle, Windermere, sold March 28, for $1,190,000. Built in 1988, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,375 square feet. Days on market: Three.

GLYNWOOD

The home at 13718 Glynshel Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $890,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,917 square feet. Days on market: One. OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1645 Lake Rhea Drive, Windermere, sold March 30, for $1,305,000. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 5,100 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 854 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, sold March 29, for $1.2 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,991 square feet. Days on market: 332.

The home at 1540 Glenwick Drive, Windermere, sold March 30, for $1 million. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,178 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 1434 Union Club Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $923,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,777 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

STONEYBROOK WEST

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11015 Hawkshead Court, Windermere, sold March 31, for $1,250,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,868 square feet. Days on market: 12.

WINTER GARDEN

The home at 1737 Fullers Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 1, for $711,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,036 square feet. Days on market: Four.

Contemporary at 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. in Founder's Hall Worship on campus or live on Facebook @StLukesOrlando

WESTFIELD LAKES

The home at 12439 Westfield Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 30, for $655,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,777 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

FULLERS OAK

Traditional at 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

The home at 1910 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold March 28, for $505,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,479 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 13072 Water Point Blvd., Windermere, sold March 30, for $1.5 million. Built in 1997, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,920 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WATERFORD POINTE

realtor.com

The home at 2814 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold March 29, for $670,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from March 26 to April 1.

The home at 9543 Avalon Woods Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 31, for $875,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,736 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

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THE LAKES

Show us your Moves for Westly’s Dance Challenge! Get ready to bust a move! Westly’s Dance Challenge is April 22 – May 1, so put on your dancing shoes, learn the official choreography, get your free dance swag bag, and enter to win an awesome grand

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prize!

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

MELISSA CORDERO,

DR. PHILLIPS ELEMENTARY & SOUTHWEST MIDDLE Melissa Cordero is the food service manager at Dr. Phillips Elementary and Southwest Middle schools and is called the “cafeteria manager extraordinaire.” She not only runs an outstanding cafeteria but also makes sure students have breakfast in the morning and dinner if they are in the after-school program.

What brought you to your school? I was introduced to my school a few years before I actually became the manager. I was working out of the district office for food service, and I was sent there to fill in for the day, because the school was shortstaffed. I remembered just how much I loved being there and how welcoming everyone was toward me. When my day was over, I said to myself that I was going to be the manager of that kitchen one day — and here I am.

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What do you love most about your school? The relationships that I have built will forever be everlasting from my administration to my employees. What is your motivation? Leading my team to be the best, learning new things, challenging myself to always be the best version of me. What is the most rewarding part of your job? To know that you are making a difference in a child’s life. With the impact of COVID, we saw and know many families were and are impacted, and the fact that I can participate in giving the students breakfast, lunch, supper and snack is a blessing. You know that you are doing all that you can so that child doesn’t have to go hungry.

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Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Mrs. White was my second-grade teacher. She was so caring and compassionate and showed me so much love and understanding. She was doing her best to help me deal with and distract me a little, because my younger brother was diagnosed with cancer. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a teacher, because of the great educators I had in my life. I wanted to be one of those educators who made a difference in me. I did not become a teacher, but I believe that I am making a difference each and every day with the students that I feed daily. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. There is just something to say about the scent of Christmas. I love the scent of pine and Christmas music. I love the spirit of Christmas, the giving, the decorations. What is your favorite children’s book and why? “Green Eggs and Ham,” by Dr. Seuss. The adventure that Sam -I- Am went on to try and convince Guy-Am-I to try and eat green eggs and ham was great; I looked at it as it was such an adventure that he was teaching us to

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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DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 407-351-9417

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

rhyme while trying to convince someone to eat green eggs and ham. As we all know, he succeeded, and he made me want to try it. If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? I love music. I would have to say 1. Jagged Edge 2. Nicky Jam and 3. Adele. All three are so very different types of music. Jagged Edge, because I grew up listening to R&B and can listen to them all day long with the slow melodies. Nicky Jam, because who doesn’t like listening to him and to his beats? And Adele — some of her songs hit home as she talks about things that she is or has gone through. What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Pizza. Funny how years later, that doesn’t change much because fast-forward — now the elementary students still love pizza. You can’t go wrong with pizza. Special treats I remember getting are the chocolate chip cookies; there was something about having a nice warm cookie. What do you like to do in your spare time? Spending time with my children. Life moves by us so fast that our children grow up, and by the time you know it, they have graduated school and have left home to go to college and you are trying to figure out how they got to be 18 so fast. That happened to me this year, when my oldest left to go to college. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? Bonnie, and, yes, we are still in touch to this day. We just clicked and connected. She is that friend that has become family as we grew up together. We are sisters.

Orange County continues superintendent search The Florida School Boards Association gathered the community’s thoughts on the ongoing superintendent search through a discussion Tuesday, March 29, at West Orange High School. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Florida School Boards Association held a community forum to hear West Orange residents’ thoughts on the superintendent search Tuesday, March 29, at West Orange High School. FSBA consultants Bill Vogel and John Reichert led the discussion by breaking attendees up into focus groups to answer three main questions. Based on the answers, the locals were asked to place orange stickers next to the qualities they felt were most important. Participants were asked to answer what strengths and areas of Orange County Public Schools they thought the next superintendent would need to understand and support; the most critical needs and challenges of OCPS; and what personal qualities, professional experience and other skills the board should consider in the next superintendent. West Orange teachers and parents placed emphasis on several traits, including being visible on the ground, non-political and open-minded to all issues; a business expert but with school-based experience; the willingness to make kids and teachers a priority; and having a vision for the future that matches the values of those they are serving. Years of teaching experience and a Ph.D. requirement were notably not as important for those who

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Annabelle Sikes

The Florida School Boards Association is continuing its search for Orange County Public Schools’ next superintendent, who will be selected June 28.

chose to respond in the discussion. As far as strengths of OCPS, focus groups mentioned teacher excellence, art programs, career and technical education, AP and AICE programs, technology, high graduation rates, diverse student body, equity and inclusion, magnet schools, and parent academy. Many also expressed they were glad to have a voice at the meeting. In response to the critical needs and challenges of OCPS, attendees felt parents should have parental rights in the classroom, teach-

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ers and staff should be paid competitively, there should be a focus on teacher retention, an opt-in as opposed to an opt-out for socialand emotional-learning initiatives, and transparency. The FSBA had hosted three forums before the one at West Orange. However, Vogel said District 4’s turnout was the largest so far. The association planned to host three more. The next step in the process will be for the board to determine charCommunity survey: bit.ly/3DpL32t Search timeline: bit.ly/3LuytSA

acteristics, qualities, salary range and length of contract for the next superintendent based on the community’s opinions and the findings of the superintendent search advisory committee in April. The board then will post an advertisement for the search, and the application period will begin in May. The search comes after current Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins announced her retirement in February. The Orange County School Board has engaged the FSBA in the search for the next highly qualified individual to lead the district. The board hopes to select a superintendent June 28.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

BRAINFOOD Friendly flyers I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher DRAGONFLIES

Sure, some of the insect world’s members can give us the heebiejeebies. None of us likes to discover a cockroach or palmetto bug lurking in a closet or in a drawer. But did you know lots of insects perform many important jobs in our world? It’s true! And spring is the perfect time to make some outdoor discoveries. Let’s take a look at a few of the flying insects you’re likely to find as you venture outside.

With their large, see-through wings, large eyes and striking coloring, dragonflies certainly are among the insect world’s most beautiful members. And although it is fun just to watch them, dragonflies actually perform a very important task that helps you enjoy the outdoors. According to researchers at Harvard University, dragonflies are the world’s most effective hunters among all insects. Their large eyes help them see nearly all the way around their bodies, and they even can catch their prey in mid-air. And what do they hunt? Mosquitos! That’s right: One dragonfly can gobble up more than 100 mosquitos every day, which definitely helps to keep you from getting bitten by those pesky rascals.

DID YOU KNOW?

The milkweed plant is the only food source for monarch caterpillars. Milkweed plants contain toxins the monarch caterpillar stores in their bodies, and those toxins are what makes them poisonous to predators. If you want to increase your chances of seeing a monarch butterfly in your backyard, grow native milkweed plants!

MONARCH BUTTERFLIES

Who doesn’t love the monarch butterfly? With their large, brightly colored wings and whimsical behavior, monarch butterflies can be fun to watch as they flutter about. And although we love their bright colors because they’re pretty, those colors also serve a purpose: to protect them from predators. In the insect world, bright colors say, “I’m poisonous!” Probably the coolest thing about monarch butterflies is the amount of miles those beautiful wings travel. Every fall when the temperatures drop, monarch butterflies migrate south — some making it all the way to Mexico! It’s an incredible journey — especially because monarch butterflies only live for a few months. And according to National Geographic, scientists don’t even know how the monarch butterflies know which way to go!

HONEYBEES

The next time you’re out admiring a blooming, colorful flower or enjoying a piece of fruit, make sure you thank the honeybees! Honeybees work to pollinate plants, which then helps create more plants by spreading pollen while they search for food. Honeybees are the most common bee found in the United States, and without them, our grocery store shelves would be quite bare. Honeybees live together as members of a hive. They are divided into three roles. The queen bee is the boss — and actually controls all the other bees with chemicals called pheromones. Worker bees find food (pollen and nectar), and build and protect the hive. Finally, drones — the male bees — have one purpose: to mate with the queen. What about the sting? Yes, bees have stingers, and they will use them if they think you’re a threat. And sometimes (especially if you’re wearing a brightly colored shirt or are wearing perfume), they may fly close to you — because they think you’re a flower! Once they learn you aren’t food, they’ll most likely fly away. One word of warning: Bees will attack if you disturb their hive. So if you find one, leave it alone! Aphids

LADYBUGS

With their colorful and round bodies and their tiny spots, ladybugs definitely are among the cutest of all insects (plus, it’s fun to have them crawl up your arm). But, in addition to their pleasing appearance, ladybugs actually do quite a bit of good, too. According to National Geographic, there are about 5,000 different species of ladybugs. The most common one in North America is the sevenspotted ladybug, known for its red-and-black body and, you guessed it, seven spots. Farmers absolutely love ladybugs, because they feast on aphids and other pests that eat plants. And despite their size, ladybugs have quite the appetite; they’ve been known to eat 5,000 insects during their two-to-three-year lifespan!

LACEWINGS

So named for the elegant patterns on their wings, lacewings are on the list of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ best bugs. Like ladybugs, lacewings love to eat aphids and other garden pests. According to UF researchers, there are 22 species of green lacewings in Florida. Lacewings also have ears at the base of their wings, and they can produce a nasty smell through glands to defend themselves against predators.

RECOMMENDED READING

Of course, insects aren’t the only awesome things you can find in your backyard. Our friends at Orange County Library System recommend these books to help guide your research. NON-FICTION n The Cycle of Photosynthesis by Arnold Ringstad (Audience: Juvenile) n Earth Day and the Global Environmental Movement: Standing Up for Earth by Christy Peterson (Audience: Ages 13-18) n Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm; illustrated by Molly Bang (Audience: Juvenile) FICTION n Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants!: (Gilbert Goes Green) by Diane deGroat (Audience: Juvenile) n My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan; illustrated by Francesca Sanna (Audience: Juvenile)

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Illustration by Lindsay Cannizzaro // Senior Graphic Designer

APRIL 7, 2022

HIGH

SPORTS

Windermere senior weightlifter Elijah Blackmon set a personal record in the clean and jerk — twice. Page 18.

Geno Thompson: “With it being my alma mater, I am humbled. … It’s truly an honor. I grew up here. I played here, all those things process. The community is really tight-knit.”

With a current overall record of 14-1 so far this season, The First Academy baseball team is currently ranked fourth nationwide on MaxPreps. The 2022 seniors hold one state championship, one regional championship, two district championships and a 71-11 record over the past four years. This week, the Royals are participating in the National High School Invitational through April 9. Their next home game is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, against Trinity Catholic.

The Windermere boys track team has a new 4x400 school record. Jozef Miesak, Myles Todd, Rosario Noto and Luke Noto broke their old school record with a time of 3:19.98. The boys qualified to compete at Pepsi Florida Relays at the University of Florida, which took place April 2-3.

The Foundation Academy softball team took home three wins out of four games during the week of March 28 in two games against Olympia High and one against Mount Dora High. The scores were 8-3, 18-1 and 16-0, respectively. The Lions’ baseball team also scored two wins on games against Leesburg High and Trinity Prep with scores of 10-0 and 5-0, respectively.

The Dr. Phillips boys water polo team completed an undefeated season with a 26-0 record. The Panthers snagged the district crown after defeating Olympia High 20-17 March 31. They were scheduled to face Jupiter Tuesday, April 5, in the first game of the 2022 FHSAA Boys Water Polo State Tournament after press time.

The Lake Buena Vista boys tennis team defeated Apopka High March 30 by a score of 7-0. The team has an overall season record of 4-3-1. The Vipers will compete in the Class 2A, Region 4, District 7 conference match Monday, April 11.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Andrea Mujica

Coach Thompson and his wife, Larnna, are both West Orange High graduates. Thompson played safety for the football team during his high school years.

WARRIOR MENTALITY Although Geno Thompson is replacing Mike Granato as WO’s head football coach, the Warrior culture remains the same: Sacrifice me for we.

eno Thompson, a native of the Ocoee area and former Warrior, has accepted the position of head coach of the football team for West Orange High School. “With it being my alma mater, I am humbled,” Thompson said. “It’s truly an honor. I grew up here. I played here, all those things process. The community is really tight-knit.” Thompson, former defensive coordinator for the team, worked closely with Mike Granato, who recently stepped down as the Warriors head coach and accepted the position of defensive coordinator for Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia. “It’s been the honor of my life,” Granato said about coaching at West Orange. “I am completely thankful for the parents, the players, the supporters, the administration, the teachers that I got to work with. I am very grateful to be a first-time football coach at a place as prestigious as West Orange.” Every year, the football coaches sit down with the team’s seniors and talk through the things they would like to SEE FAMILIAR PAGE 18

Windermere Prep boys crowned district champs Members of the boys weightlifting team joined their female counterparts as district champions. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Windermere Prep’s boys weightlifting team was crowned District 11 champions for the first time.

Andrea Mujica

Windermere Prep now has two district champion weightlifting teams. The Laker boys won their first District 11 crown Wednesday, March 30, to join the girls, who earned their spot during the winter season. With 63 points total, the Laker boys dominated the district meet. Foundation Academy, last year’s district champions, earned second place with 36 points, while Trinity Prep secured third with 31 points. The other teams that competed in the district meet

were Montverde Academy, The First Academy, Orangewood Christian and Lake Highland Prep. “Those guys have been training since their last season ended last year,” Windermere Prep coach Micah Kurtz said. “They trusted our training, they trusted our program, and when they trust in us, and believe in us and the hard work pays off, it’s awesome.” This was the first district meet for senior Zane Fullmer, who placed first in the 238-pound weight class, adding seven points to the team’s total score. “I feel pretty proud (of the team),” Fullmer said. “I was nervous at first, but once I saw that I could do more weight than other people, I felt confident that we were going to win.” Senior Jack Durst also earned SEE HARD PAGE 18

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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

Elijah Blackmon Elijah Blackmon, a senior at Windermere High School, recently achieved a personal record of 260 pounds in the clean and jerk. The record came during the last meet of the regular season for the Wolverines, which ended with a score of 9-0. Blackmon reached another personal record Monday, March 28, hitting 270 pounds on the clean and jerk category. On April 1, at the district meet held at West Orange High, Blackmon was crowned district champion in the snatch category and earned second place for the clean and jerk.

What got you into weightlifting? I’ve been lifting weights since I was in seventh grade — that’s when I got my first weight set. It’s easy to compete when you already know how to weigh lift so I kind of just stuck with it. Coach (Eric) Olson is the best weightlifting coach I’ve ever had, and it shows. When did you join the team? I joined my freshman year after football season. What’s your favorite weightlifting category? Clean and jerk. What do you love about the sport? Any time I am feeling bad emotions, like pain or anger, I can take it out when I’m weightlifting, and I feel like that helps me get the weight off. It releases a lot of stress for me. What’s the best thing about your team this year? We’re like a big family. When it comes to competing in each weightlifting group, we are very strong competitors and that’s part of our success to be honest. What’s a fun thing about being on the weightlifting team? The energy. We all just compete, we have the same drive for weightlifting so it’s fun to be around (the team).

THE BASICS AGE: 18 GRADE: 12 TEAM: Varsity SPORT: Weightlifting BEST CATEGORY: Clean and Jerk SCHOOL: Windermere High School

Star Wars or Lord of the Rings? I’m going to have to go with Lord of the Rings. When they did The Hobbit, I was a huge fan. What’s your favorite hobby? I like to play piano. I’ve been playing piano since I was in sixth grade. Favorite composer? Chopin. What Netflix series are you watching now? I don’t really watch Netflix. Best vacation place so far? It’s probably when I went to South Carolina like the islands. That’s probably the best vacation place I’ve been. If you could have a superpower, which one would it be? Teleportation. Favorite ice cream flavor? Banana pudding.

What’s your favorite singer? I don’t think I have one.

What do you want to study in college? Computer science.

Favorite super hero? Deadpool — he’s very funny.

Where are you going to college? Kentucky Christian University.

What’s your favorite Marvel movie? It’s going to be Deadpool, as well.

Any rituals you guys do as a team before a meet? We go out and share a meal together. That’s how we bond.

Familiar face CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

work on during their last season. This year’s meeting happened the same day Granato announced his resignation. “When Granato mentioned he was going to leave, it was very emotional,” Thompson said. “We sat down, and the first thing we did was talk about what kind of emotions we were going through and then explained to the kids that as of right now, that’s the only change occurring.” For Granato, leaving for another state is bittersweet. As a native of the Windermere and Winter Garden area, he has mixed emotions about moving to another state and leaving the team he coached for two years. “I want the people to know that I love this team and I love this town,” he said with a shaky voice filled with emotion. “They will always be my kids; it was an honor to be their coach.” Fortunately for him and his family, both Granato’s and his wife Katie’s parents still live in the Dr. Phillips and Apopka areas. “We’ve still got plenty of friends and family we’ve made in this life we call coaching,” he said. “So I won’t be far.” One of the things Granato will miss the most about being football head coach at West Orange is the feeling in the locker room on a Friday. “Right before we go out, when the kids are dialed in and excited and everybody is chirping and you can feel the rumbling on the wait room of the fans that are outside,” he said. Granato emphasized his love

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

first place in his weight class, 169 pounds, and added another seven points to the team’s total score. “I am very excited to go on to regionals with the whole team,” — ANDREA MUJICA he said. “Last year, we didn’t have nearly as many guys, so it’s really nice to have your whole team support you this year.” For seventh-grader Jack Peagram, being able to compete at districts this year was exciting. Last year, he was quarantined with COVID-19 at the time of the meet, so he was not able to go. Peagram placed fourth in his weight class, 119 pounds, and added three points to the team’s overall score. “I was very surprised at first,” he said about winning districts. “It really felt great when we grabbed the trophy and everything.” After the pandemic, the team’s numbers suffered for a while, because once the team was allowed to go back into the weight room, they had to figure out how to train in ways that adhered to safety guidelines. And last season, the Lakers had a young team. “Those young guys stayed committed throughout after the season, the summer, the fall and the winter,” Kurtz said. “They were really good competitors for us this year at districts.” After seeing the girls team win districts this year, a lot of the guys who had been part of the school’s strength program for the past few We’re all in this together. years decided to join the team as State Farm has a long traditionwell. of being there. That’s one reason “They were saying success breeds why I’m proud to support Westsuccess,” Kurtz said. “Jackson Orange county.. Bennett, Oliver Cowin and Zane Get to a better State . Fullmer were some of the guys who ®

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“They know that their opportunity to go to higher education is through football. So (I want to) give them the opportunity to earn scholarships and allow them to be good leaders in the community.” In the past nine years, 89 West Orange student-athletes signed to different colleges to play football at the collegiate level while pursuing their degrees. Moving forward, the Warriors are excited to have Thompson as their head coach; he is someone they already know and trust. This year, one of the things the seniors want to work on alongside their new head coach is the mindset of the word “we” within the term “team.” “They came up with the motto ‘sacrifice me for we,’” he said. The Warriors have a tough schedule next year, as they seek another deep run into districts and beyond. Still, although the overall goal is long, the way there is to take it one game at a time. “We always say that one individual, myself included, does not make this team,” Thompson said. “It’s about everyone putting in the effort and energy together to reach the common goal.” Thompson will serve as both head coach and defensive coordinator until he is able to find a coordinator the kids trust and rally behind.

DISTRICTS TEAM Jackson Bennett Gustavo Campos Gonzalo Cepeda Alexander Choi Oliver Cowin Jack Durst Quentin Eckert Dominic Edwards Aly Elsonbaty Colby Ferrell Zane Fullmer Nicholas Geller Stephen Horn Nicholas Jakubowski Gregory Jules Isaac Kidd Emiliano Laguardia Carson Marosi Jaxon McCormick Kemka Ogburia Carter Papa Jack Peagram Carter Pickles Treven Postell Armani Rahbarian Samuel Schools Dean Shuffield Sameer Siddique Tyler Simmons Austen Tremonti Pearson Tremonti Jack Tsiokos REGIONAL QUALIFIERS Jackson Bennett Gonzalo Cepeda Alexander Choi Oliver Cowin Jack Durst Quentin Eckert Dominic Edwards Zane Fullmer Gregory Jules Isaac Kidd Carson Marosi Jaxon McCormick Jack Peagram Treven Postell Dean Shuffield Sameer Siddique

— Micah Kurtz, weightlifting coach

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joined after they saw the success of the girls program. Some of them were top lifters for this season.” When it comes to the team culture, the guys said being on the team feels like having a second family. “We are really good in (having a) supportive team culture,” Durst said. “Even if you are not getting first in your weight class, everyone is still supporting you and pushing you to do better.” Kurtz wants the kids to see weightlifting as more than a sport. He wants them to see the weight room as a place they enjoy walking into and always feel better about themselves when they leave after practice. “Weightlifting is more than just getting bigger and stronger,” he said. “Perseverance, overcoming obstacles, overcoming the fear of failure and being dedicated to trying to become better every single day — those are things they can carry over into every area of life.”

“One of his goals to forming a strong football program is to recognize the importance of creating continuity within the program with his players,” the school posted on Facebook. The post also mentions Smith “motivates his students by encouraging academics and life skills first, which plants seeds for life after football and high school.” Smith’s first day as the new football head coach for the Windermere Wolverines was Monday, April 4.

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for the players, for the team, for his assistant coaches and for West Orange. “At the end of the day, I’m going to miss being able to talk to those kids, look them in the eyes after a win or after a loss, and tell them how much I love them,” he said. Part of the team culture Granato built during his time at West Orange, along with his assistant coaches, was that of paving the way for the players to not only graduate on time but also get them into college football. During his time at West Orange, working with Thompson, Granato led the team to be district champions twice, and the Warriors also were regional finalists. Granato leaves with a record of 18-6. The football team’s Class of 2022 has 12 college signees so far. Two more athletes are already engaged in conversations with different universities that have reached out to them. Thompson intends to continue the sense of pride instilled in the team in the past two years and will continue pushing his players to move on toward higher education. He attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, after receiving a full academic scholarship through his football career at West Orange. “A lot of the kids in the team are in the same situation,” he said.

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Windermere High School announced Riki Smith as its new football head coach. Coach Smith, a former Dr. Phillips Panther, coached as an assistant coach at DP for 16 years before accepting his position with the Wolverines. He holds a college degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. Coach Smith hopes to “instill in our young people moral character traits that will serve them well in their lives beyond high school.”

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Miracle Johnson, Jarvia Garr, Lourdes Safford and Alyia Green will compete again at the Metro West Conference Championship. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

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The Ocoee High girls broke the school’s record with a time of 3:52.42.

“I feel like being first leg is really nerve-racking, because that’s making or breaking the race,” she said. Johnson is strong at being second, as she is one of the fastest runners for the 400 meters. “I’m just thinking I have to get out,” she said. “Once I get out I need to maintain the pace and if someone’s in front of me, I need to catch them. … That’s why the last 100 (meters) can be so tiring.” Like Johson, Garr is able to maintain the pace, making her the perfect third runner. “When I got the baton, my main focus was to maintain what we had,” she said. “For me, it was just executing all the techniques and everything we were taught — like keeping our knees up, pumping our arms and just getting around the track for a good split time.” For this relay, Green was the

strongest leg. She was able to catch one of the team’s strongest opponents, St. Thomas Aquinas, and push hard even in first place, allowing her team to score a personal record. “I love fourth leg; I just love to hawk them down,” she said. “I was like, ‘OK keep maintaining it.’ As I heard the people cheering in the background, that pushed it up for me, and at the end of the race, I just sprinted in.” Johnson is the only member of the team who has run track for Ocoee since her freshman year. Safford and Garr transferred from Dr. Phillips one and two years ago, respectively. Green transferred from Olympia High at the end of last season. All four started running in middle school. “I wanted to do every sport, because in sixth grade, I couldn’t

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When Ocoee High seniors Miracle Johnson, Jarvia Garr, Lourdes Safford and Alyia Green posted a time of 3:52.42 in the 4x400 Feb. 26, at the Windermere Meet of Champions, they broke not one, not two, but three records in the process. “They set the school’s record (Ocoee High), the stadium record (Deputy Scott Pine Community Park) and the meet record,” coach David Peaco said. The school announced the girls’ achievement over the intercom the Monday after the meet. Given this is their last year on the team before graduation, Peaco allowed them to choose the relay’s order. “I trusted in them, and I told them, ‘If we don’t win, you will never pick the order again,’” he said. “But in doing that and letting go of some of the reins, they opened up and trusted me with how they felt.” The girls said they chose their order based on their known strengths and weaknesses. Safford ran the first leg, followed by Johnson, Garr and Green. Safford’s strength is getting out, maintaining the stager and being able to maintain a good spot before passing the baton to the second leg.

do any sports,” Garr said. “So I tried out for all sports. Then I found out I was good at track. I didn’t make any other sports except for track.” When Peaco saw Johnson and Garr run for the first time, he was certain they would be great additions to the team. During her freshman year, Johnson made it to states. “The man above has a way of doing things,” he said. “(Johnson) stayed on the team and a few years later, these three joined in. You don’t come across these type of girls that often.” The girls have a great connection on and off the track, and they are confident that helps them with their performance on the track. “We are always checking on each other, making sure we eat well and take care of ourselves before every meet,” Garr said. “We love watching each other grow on a day-today basis.” All four girls have several offers from different universities around the country to run track at the collegiate level. Johnson already is signed to Tennessee State University. “I am very nervous to run at college,” she said. “There’s going to be high expectations.” The girls will have another chance to set a personal record at the Metro West Conference Championship April 9.

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