04.20.17 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

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VOLUME 2, NO. 26

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Four-legged phenomena The Menestrelli Circus Dogs — led by Yanina Yazlovskaya and her husband, Sergey — will provide their tail-wagging entertainment at Groove at the Grove on Friday, April 21. SEE STORY ON PAGE 7.

Eggs roll in Windermere

YOUR TOWN LEND A HAND, CLEAN THE LAND The town of Windermere and Orange County are seeking volunteers to assist with the Windermere Mayor’s Earth Day Cleanup from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22. This year’s project sites include a park and Egret (Bird) Island. Anyone who wishes to participate should RSVP to evip@ocfl.net.

Easter is always a special time in Windermere, and this year was no different. Children and families celebrated with egg hunts hosted by both the town of Windermere and First Baptist Church Windermere.

PHYSICAL NIGHT AT WOHS

SEE PAGES 10-11

West Orange High School is holding a Physical Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 24, at a cost of $15. In addition to the physical, students will receive a free EKG, which usually costs several hundred dollars at the doctor’s office. For more information about the physicals, call (407) 905-2400.

Brittany Gaines

After the town of Windermere’s Easter egg hunt, Isabella Cabrera, 9, and her brother Gabriel, 1, found a quiet place to examine their bounty.

Father urges town to reconsider roundabouts

JUSTUS JUSTIFIED

Town to make Sixth Avenue more pedestrian, bike friendly Despite the $1.4 million price tag, Windermere officials have prioritized their goal of constructing a multimodal path. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Olympia High School student Sydney Witherington, 16, was riding her bike to practice at about 4 p.m. Monday, April 10, when she was hit by a car at the pedestrian crosswalk at Maguire Road and Park Avenue.

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SEE SAFETY PAGE 6 Courtesy photo PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Postal Customer

Dr. Phillips alum and UCF wrestler Justus Griffith: “After I got my hand raised, it was euphoric. I feel like that match was bigger than myself.” PAGE 15.

Town leaders have committed resources to an ambitious initiative that would make Windermere a more pedestrian-, bike- and golf cart-friendly town in coming years. After spending $19,971 on a study to acquire a professional opinion regarding the creation of a sidewalk that turns into a shared use path stretching from downtown to The Grove, the Town Council heard a preSEE FUTURE PAGE 6

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

YOU R CALENDAR

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

CHARITY FUNDRAISER LUNCHEON 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, at the West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. The West Orange Women’s fundraiser will include a fashion show presented by Chico’s in the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. Contact Dot Ansel for information and reservations: (407) 258-8155 or dotansel@aol.com. HORIZON WEST FOOD TRUCKS 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at three Winter Garden/Horizon West neighborhoods, Orchard Hills, 14441 Orchard Hills Blvd.; Summer Lake, 8016 Pond Apple Drive; and Independence, 14213 Pleach St. Rain or shine. For a list of food trucks at each location, go to thedailycity.com. WATER! WATER! WATER! 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Learn about the water cycle and properties of water with fun science experiments and demonstrations. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

NIGHT AT THE PRESERVE 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, at the Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland. Funds generated from the elegant evening of fine food and drinks will assist ONP in its mission to help children understand the fragile balance between mankind and the environment. The evening also includes live music, a sunset toast and silent art auction. Tickets are $50. To reserve a spot, go to oaklandnaturepreserve.org. Questions: (407) 905-0054.

Choose Care Close to Home. Choose Orlando Health. NOW OPEN: ORLANDO HEALTH MEDICAL PAVILION — SPRING LAKE

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

DIY EGG TERRARIUM 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Celebrate the Earth by making miniature terrariums with flowers, moss and other items found in nature. Ages 6 to 12. (407) 835-7323.

The new Orlando Health Medical Pavilion — Spring Lake offers residents of Dr. Phillips, Windermere and Bay Hill a convenient, one-stop location for comprehensive healthcare close to home.

HOPS FOR HOPE 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at World of Beer Dr. Phillips, 7800 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. This is a fundraiser for the Covenant House in Orlando, a not-for-profit agency providing residential and walk-in services for runaway,

Services include: • Cardiology • Diagnostic Imaging • Family Medicine • General Surgery • Infectious Diseases • Laboratory Services • Maternal Fetal Medicine • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine • Pediatric Gastroenterology • Pediatric Medicine • Pediatric Orthopedics • Podiatry • Pulmonary • Urology • Women’s Imaging Center

WINDERMERE MARCH 20

East Sixth Avenue. At about 3 a.m., an officer conducting speed enforcement on Conroy Windermere Road witnessed a vehicle traveling westbound on Conroy Windermere Road speeding at 54 mph. After pulling over the car, the officer recognized the odor of marijuana emanating from the car’s interior upon approaching the open driver’s window. The driver stated he did not have his license on him because it was suspended. A search in the police database system confirmed the driver’s license had since expired July 2014. The officer told the driver he could smell cannabis, and the driver informed the officer there was cannabis in the center console and retrieved it, which was inside two clear plastic wrappers within a Sprite can. The driver was placed under arrest.

7243 Della Dr., Orlando, FL 32819

To learn more, visit OrlandoHealth.com/SpringLake

homeless and at-risk youth under 21. The family-friendly event includes a silent auction, raffles, Plinko and $6 beer specials. go@ goyourownwaytravel.com. UNDER THE SEA 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Tibet-Butler Preserve and the Vera Carter Environmental Center, 8777 County Road 535, Orlando. Celebrate with Actors Reaching Out as they present an original program of songs and stories about nature underwater. Make a recycled craft to take home. All ages welcome; limit 50. The one-hour program is free. (407) 254-1940. VOLUNTEER AT INDEPENDENCE ELEMENTARY 11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at Independence Elementary School, 6255 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden. Volunteers are needed to assist with enhancing landscaping and beautifying the school’s entry. All ages can sign up at tim.gesing@fsresidential.com. SEVENTH ANNUAL WINE WOMEN & SHOES 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando. Hosted by the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Attendees can enjoy food, Napa Valley wine, shopping, a fashion show from local designer Diana Simaan’s spring line and a raffle. Tickets are $125, and all proceeds benefit Second Harvest. Visit winewomenandshoes.com/orlando.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

TINY HOUSE: GARDEN 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 24, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Little explorers can learn, grow and play with garden-inspired activities! Ages 2 to 4. Seating is limited. Registration recommended at (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

SOCIAL SECURITY MAXIMIZATION 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 27, at Stoneybrook West Golf Club, 15501 Towne Commons Blvd., Winter Garden. Space is limited. Free. To make a reservation, call (407) 593-2386 or email admin@personalassetadvisors.com.

CO PS COR NER

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MARCH 22

Chase Road. At about 12:40 a.m., a law-enforcement officer observed a red car driving suspiciously, drifting back and forth between the fog line and double yellow line from Conroy Windermere Road and Jennifer Lane to Sixth Avenue and Main Street. Based on this driving pattern, the officer conducted a traffic stop on Chase Road, believing the driver might be impaired. Upon making contact with the driver, the officer discovered the driver did not have his license on him because it was suspended because of unpaid fines. The driver also possessed a “roach” – a slang term for a hand-rolled cigarette filled with burnt cannabis. The officer placed the evidence atop the driver’s vehicle, but as the officer turned toward his police car, the driver put his car in gear and sped off. A BOLO was placed for the vehicle and the driver, who had two prior convictions for driving with a suspended license and was charged with fleeing and eluding.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Florida sheriffs to ICE: What you’re asking us to do is illegal Sheriffs from Orange, Alachua and Pinellas counties say federal authorities’ commands to detain immigrants are unlawful and singling them out in ‘uncooperative’ lists for refusing to comply is not productive. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Sheriffs from Orange, Alachua and Pinellas counties vented their frustration recently regarding weekly reports issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that list lawenforcement agencies across the country deemed as uncooperative. The lists, titled as “detainer outcome reports,” are a point of controversy for several lawenforcement agencies and organizations, such as the Florida Sheriffs Association, of which Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings is the president. The organizations liken the lists to pointing fingers rather than consider them a genuine attempt at resolving the issue at hand. Demings summarized the issue stems from a lack of jurisdiction in immigration matters. The problem, the sheriff explained, is that DHS demands local law-enforcement agencies to detain illegal immigrants with charges for an extra 48 hours — which they say is a violation of their Fourth Amendment rights — to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents time to come retrieve individuals they suspect might be in the country illegally. The request creates a legal dilemma for law-enforcement agencies. They say their legal counsel consider such an action unconstitutional and can result in hefty fines because local lawenforcement agencies don’t have the legal authority to enforce immigration law. “We have to cooperate with ICE within the confines of the law and what the courts have said we can or cannot do,” said Pinellas County sheriff Bob Gualtieri, pointing out that nine federal courts have ruled against sheriff’s offices who complied with ICE’s detainer requests and given six-figure fines. The courts’ rulings further solidified the sheriffs’ concerns and their decision not to fulfill detainer requests until a solution eliminates the risk of violating the constitutional rights

ORANGE COUNTY

Photos by Gabby Baquero

After a year and three months of searching for an occupation that allowed her to have more time with her son, Romp n’Roll owner Marie Simmons opened up her own business located in Winter Garden.

The Happy Place West Orange parents now can spend time with their kids in a colorful, indoor children’s gym that hosts fun and educational art, gym and music classes. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN As its name sug-

gests, Romp n’ Roll is an indoor children’s playground set up as a fun gym — complete with art and music classes — for younglings to enjoy. With the opening of its first location in Florida in Winter Garden and a second location opening soon in St. Petersburg, families in West Orange now have the chance to learn why the Virginia-based franchise has been able to expand to 80 locations in three countries with such success. The gym, which finished construction March 26 and opened a day later, is located in the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center on West Colonial Drive under the ownership of Marie Simmons. With 100 parents signing up as founding members, the interest has exceeded Simmons’ expectations. “We have been extremely busy from the minute that door opened,” Simmons said. “It’s been great. The community has had a really good response to it and every person that has come in seems to love it, so we’re really happy at how things are going.”

Simmons thought the idea of an indoor children’s gym was a perfect fit in a state famous for its typical hot climate and rainy periods. After visiting the corporate office in Virginia and a few conversations with the company executives, Simmons began searching for a centrally located property in West Orange with ample parking space. “We love this area (Winter Garden), and we’re just a couple of minutes from Windermere, Ocoee and Clermont, but there’s nothing here for kids,” Simmons said. “There’s a gymnastics studio and a skating rink, but other than that, there’s nothing here for kids.” For Simmons, the initial incentive to open her own business came after she lost her husband in a motorcycle accident five years ago while she was six months pregnant. The tragedy resulted in a difficult emotional time for her, and she encountered many challenges as a single mom trying to balance parenthood and work. “And then I went back to work after two years, and corporate America was not conducive to being a single mom — at all,” Simmons said. “There were nights when I would pick my son up from daycare and he would be the last one there, and I would just be

ROMP N’ ROLL 14131 W. Colonial Drive EMAIL: Wintergarden@ rompnroll.com PHONE: (407) 656-7655 MEMBERSHIPS: Membership rates range from $80 to $120. Classic membership, which includes one class per week every five weeks is $80, and Rompy’s Club membership, which includes two classes per week every five weeks, is $120. Both options include unlimited open gym visits, which allows kids to have free, independent play. Parents also have the pay-as-you-go option, which is $25 per class, or a 10-class pass priced at $199 that can be shared among siblings.

heartbroken. Getting there at 5:59 — the minute before they close because you (have) to work and earn some money.” The experience inspired her to come up with the idea of running her own indoor playground, where she could both work and spend time with her son. That’s when she stumbled upon the concept of Romp n’ Roll. The classes, divided by age groups, are for children ages 3 months to 5 years old and feature gym, art and music activities. “The kids don’t know that there’s a curriculum behind these classes; they just know that they are having a great time,” Simmons said. “We want it to be a carefree place for the moms and the children. We just want everybody to be happy — this is the happy place.” Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

of the individuals ICE asks the sheriffs to detain. Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell emphasized such concerns are legitimate and that the sheriffs who neglect to comply with the detainer requests must have good legal counsel. “What has been put out is absolutely misleading,” Darnell said. “We are very frustrated. ... We are standing strong from the standpoint of knowing the law and adhering to their constitutional rights. We’re not going to seize someone — a human being — unless we have probable cause to do so under criminal law or civil law.” Demings, Gualtieri and Darnell all suggested that both the weekly reports and the practice of having ICE agents knock on sheriff’s office doors to dole out verbal reprimands were ineffective and counterproductive. They repeatedly stated their desire to work with ICE but instead suggested the issue of jurisdiction first be resolved via discussion and coordination. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

WHAT ARE DETAINER REPORTS? The Declined Detainer Outcome Reports issued by the Department of Homeland Security on a weekly basis are required by President Donald Trump’s executive order, Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States, which was signed on Jan. 25. The reports, according to a DHS press release, are meant to “highlight jurisdictions that choose not to cooperate with ICE detainers or requests for notification, therefore potentially endangering Americans.” ICE requests the detainers to take custody of an individual when they are released from local custody.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

A LIFE SAVED Zac Kennedy, 64 and homeless, is now cancer-free thanks to a partnership between Matthew’s Hope and Florida Hospital.

WINDERMERE

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 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski,

AMY QUESINBERRY

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COMMUNITY EDITOR

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry

WINTER GARDEN

he growth was the size of a small brain, and Zac Kennedy was taking care of it the best way he knew how. Inside his home — a backyard lean-to covered with a tarp and a faded patio umbrella — he was careful to clean it with water and cover it with toilet paper. But it seemed to get larger the more he scratched it. Kennedy is one of about 60 individuals served weekly by Matthew’s Hope, a 7-year-old homeless ministry in West Orange County. For nearly a year, he endured severe pain, and no one even knew the extent of his suffering because he always wore a jacket to hide the growth. When it became unbearable, Kennedy sought medical help at a local hospital but said he was turned away for inability to pay for treatment. Nancy Pfaff, a registered nurse in charge of health care and guest advocacy with Matthew’s Hope, met Kennedy in April 2016, when he showed up at the mobile medical unit from Orange Blossom Community Health Center. Pfaff sprayed it with a sterile cleansing solution and began peeling away the layers of toilet paper. But she knew he needed professional help beyond the services Matthew’s Hope could provide, and she contacted a colleague at Florida Hospital Winter Garden. A partnership was developed, and Kennedy received the treatment he needed. A year later, the tumor is gone. He is in remission. ‘IN AFRICA, THEY WOULD JUST THROW ME AWAY’

Kennedy, a native of Liberia, has been homeless since he lost his immigration documents in 2001. He survives by cashing in aluminum cans and scraps of copper. The tumor showed up about a year ago as a small black spot but kept growing and becoming more unsightly and painful. He found it hard to sleep on his pallets at night. “I always wore a jacket to cover it,” he said. “Now I can wear T-shirts. I didn’t take it seriously. … I didn’t know what it was. And with no medical doctor, I just let it go. … I couldn’t just walk into the hospital and say, ‘Cut this thing off.’” Pfaff was with Kennedy for every step of his yearlong medical journey. She was there during his initial assessment at Florida Hospital Winter Garden and subsequent visits to Florida Hospital

“. … I didn’t know what it was. And with no medical doctor, I just let it go. … I couldn’t just walk into the hospital and say, ‘Cut this thing off.’” — Zac Kennedy

amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Brittany Gaines, bgaines@Orange Observer.com Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@Orange Observer.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Ann Marie Vibbert, avibbert@Orange Amy Quesinberry

Nurse Nancy Pfaff has been walking alongside Zac Kennedy in his journey to overcome cancer. Today, Kennedy is cancer-free.

Orlando. She supported him during scans and labs and surgery and chemotherapy. Wendi Coheley, senior manager for care management at the Winter Garden campus, was instrumental in Kennedy’s treatment, working with him periodically during his year of treatment. “Their attitude was accepting and loving and, ‘What can we do? This man is not going back to his camp like this,’” Pfaff said. “And they never let us down.” Chemotherapy made Kennedy dehydrated, so he was admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring. On June 30, the tumor was removed from Kennedy’s arm at Florida Hospital Orlando, and he started negative-pressure wound therapy. A month later, he moved to an assisted-living facility until this treatment phase was completed to reduce the chances of infection. The wound vac was removed Sept. 6. “Part of our mission at Florida Hospital is to extend the healing ministry of Christ, and what better way to do that than by reaching out to someone in need.” Coheley said. “Not only the clinical care, but probably what made the biggest impact on Zac was we loved him and treated him like a human being.” A skin graft covers the area of Kennedy’s upper arm that once supported the tumor. He is able to use his arm, and although he can’t do any heavy lifting, he can fix his bicycle and play his guitar. He wrote African short stories for children to occupy his time while in the hospital, and now he wants to get them published. “I’m not materialistic; I’m a rich man,” Kennedy said. “In Africa, they would just throw me away. In a rich country, here I am.” ‘WHAT TOOK PLACE THAT MADE THIS OK?’

Matthew’s Hope was founded seven years ago and is named for the Bible passage Matthew 25: 35-40, which concludes: “The Lord will reply…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Scott Billue founded the ministry in March 2010. “What we were able to do with Zac is more of where we hope to go

IF YOU GO

All that remains of Zac Kennedy’s tumor is a scar.

in the future,” said Billue, who also is CEO and president. “We’ve been able to build relationships with doctors, nurses, dentists, people in the medical field, even counselors. We’ve been able to facilitate for people to get the care they would otherwise not be able to get. And, it’s certainly something no government agency has been able to accomplish. Zac would be dead.” Billue said nearly 80% of the individuals served in the last seven years either grew up or had a home in West Orange County before they were homeless, and many still have family in the community, but something took place to change that. “Matthew’s Hope is the only organization that I’ve been exposed to that is taking a holistic approach in caring for people as individuals and not just as a ‘homeless person,’” he said. “We want to find the cause so that we can treat the symptoms. We identify issues of individuals and get to the core of what made them who they are, in other words … we look at each person and say what happened, what took place in their life that made living like that, whatever that is, OK? Whether that means living in a tent, or going from food bank to food bank — what took place that made that OK?” Ask Billue, and he will tell you that the programs developed at Matthew’s Hope do work and can change lives. “As I look at the successes and failures over the years, people always want us to give a matrix of what we consider success,” Billue said. “And all I can say is that every person who walked through those doors left better than when they came in.” Contact Amy Quesinberry at AmyQ@orangeobserver.com.

Observer.com Pam Zerblas, pzerblas@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Kathleen Carreiro, kcarreiro@OrangeObserver.com

HARVEST OF HOPE GARDEN PARTY WHEN: 5:45 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22 WHERE: Ort Law Firm (the former Britt Mansion), 1305 E. Plant St., Winter Garden DETAILS: The 7-year-old homeless ministry Matthew’s Hope is holding its third annual party to raise money and awareness for its continuing programs. Comedian Kay Francis will provide entertainment. Table hosts select their own theme and provide the meal; hors d’oeuvres and dessert are included. The best-dressed table will receive a trophy. The silent auction will have items created and built in the Matthew’s Hope Chest. TICKETS: $75 for individuals, $600 for tables of 10 CONTACT: (407) 905-9500 or matthewshopeministries. org

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BY THE NUMBERS

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In the past 12 months, Matthew’s Hope has logged the following: 51,300 volunteer hours 6,993 nights of shelter 3,331 loads of laundry 780 haircuts 5,450 meals 6,793 hygiene items 1,800 showers 630 medical issues addressed 0 government funding

Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@Orange Observer.com

The Windermere Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The Windermere Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden. If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver. com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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The Windermere Observer (USPS 687-120) is published weekly for $29 per year ($40 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER send address changes to the Windermere Observer, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.

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Rafael Almeida, originally from Brazil, started playing chess when he was 7.

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Having played chess since he was 7, Rafael Almeida is regularly besting his peers at his school’s chess club.

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morning to compete against each other. “We really just took it on here and made it cool,” Czarnecki said. “And they’re learning techniques and problem-solving skills that (translate) to their school work.” But few students in the club can match Almeida’s skill at the game. “He teaches everyone else,” Czarnecki said. “He gives them insight about what they’re doing to help them become better.” To give Almeida a challenge, Czarnecki makes time to play against him. So far, the two are tied with three wins each. But Czarnecki acknowledged Almeida’s talents even surpass his own. “He’s taught me,” Czarnecki said. “Even I’m not as good as him.” In May, Almeida will compete in another tournament. To prepare for tougher competition, he regularly competes online. “I play on my phone online against other people who are good,” he said. Having Almeida in the chess club is a huge asset, said Czarnecki. “He’s a really good kid,” Czarnecki said. “He represents Bridgewater very well. And it’s fun to have a kid here who gets it.”

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— Matthew Czarnecki, adviser to the chess club

TIMING RISK

BRITTANY GAINES

“He’s brilliant. He can see five moves ahead. He has a knack for understanding next moves.”

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

Are You Planning For The Three Big Risks in Retirement?

Bridgewater student crowned chess champ

On a chess board, Rafael Almeida is swift and deadly. Within 15 minutes, the Bridgewater Middle School sixth-grader can corner his opponent into checkmate. Recently, Almeida competed in a chess competition against other middle-schoolers in Orange County and came out on top, beating out his sixth-, seventhand eighth-grade competition. “I was happy, but I expected to win,” Almeida said about the competition. Originally from Brazil, Almeida began playing chess as a 7-yearold, playing the game at least once a week. After moving to Central Florida nine months ago, Almeida joined the chess club at Bridgewater Middle School and has since been besting his peers. “He’s brilliant,” said Matthew Czarnecki, a sixth-grade math teacher and adviser to the school’s chess club. “He can see five moves ahead. He has a knack for understanding next moves.” While chess is all about strategy, Almeida said he has one particular strategy involving his bishops and queen that almost always end in checkmate. And when a match isn’t going the direction he wants, he can easily manipulate his opponent’s moves to change the outcome in his favor, he said. “I like that it’s a strategy game,” Almeida said. Although the chess club at Bridgewater Middle School is fairly new, it’s gained a regular following, with nearly 50 students meeting every Thursday

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THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

PROJECTED COSTS

Future plans CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

sentation offering design recommendations by engineering consultant firm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc., during its April 11 meeting. The feasibility study’s results inspired a cautious optimism as it established that the first prioritized phase of the town’s larger vision would be achievable but costly in both time and money. According to the engineering firm, the estimated cost of the project is $1.4 million, which presents a significant challenge for town staff to accomplish its vision quickly given its borrowing restrictions. “If we had been able to get that charter amendment passed, which would have increased

“It’s just a first step in trying to get the town more walkable, more pedestrian-friendly and safe, and I think once the entire project is done … it’s going to enhance the look of the town and just be a great addition.” — Town Manager Robert Smith

our ability to take loans out, it wouldn’t have really been that much of an issue,” Windermere Town Manager Robert Smith said. “But because we have that handcuff that really no other municipality has, it’s going to be hard to fund not only this project, but all the projects. So a lot of the projects that we want to get done — and done now — will require us to put money away or borrow up to $600,000 and then come up with the reserves or find another way to fund it.” Because of these financial restraints and other capital projects on the priority list, the first phase of the Sixth Avenue corridor — constructing a five-foot sidewalk on Sixth Avenue from Main Street to Lake Street — would be able to begin next year, but the entirety of the project, including all the phases, could take about five to 10 years to complete. “The first focus would be from Sixth (Avenue) to The Grove area, and then the next one will be from downtown all the way to Windermere Elementary School and then from Windermere Elementary School over to the Windermere Recreation Center,” Smith said. “And that would basically connect all the parks to the school, the civic area, and hopefully, in the future, we would be able to connect with some of the Ocoee systems or some Winter Garden systems, too.” Because of insufficient rightof-way space, the segment from Main Street to Lake Street would have five-foot concrete

Construction: $941,729 Design: $344,180 15% Contingency: $192,900 Total: $1,478,809 Note: These figures were obtained from the feasibility study conducted by Kimley-Horn Associates and only represent the engineer’s opinion of the project’s probable costs. Actual costs may vary.

sidewalks on both sides of Sixth Avenue, and golf carts would continue using the street. However, for the portion that stretches from Lake Street to the crosswalk east of Ridgewood Drive, asphalt paths of varying widths would be used to avoid impacting tree roots. The study then suggested a 12-foot-wide asphalt path be constructed from the crosswalk on Ridgewood Drive to the town’s eastern limits on Horizon Circle — but only on the south side. Smith, emphasizing the project was just one piece of a longrange multimodal network plan, said it would take years to save up enough money to complete. But once the town begins analyzing the logistics of the multi-use path from Lake Street to Horizon Circle, he hopes to gather public input in community meetings and workshops. “It’s just a first step in trying to get the town more walkable, more pedestrian-friendly and safe, and I think once the entire project is done — depending on how long it’s going to take — it’s going to enhance the look of the town and just be a great addition,” Smith said. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

Safety concerns CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Dazed and in pain, Sydney survived the ordeal and let the driver continue on his way, but shortly after the accident, Sydney’s coach called her mom to inform her of what had transpired. The resulting diagnosis? A concussion. One that has plagued Sydney with persistent headaches since that day and has her banned from classes and practice, per her doctor’s orders, until she can go 48 hours without a headache. The situation urged Sydney’s father, John Witherington, to voice his concerns at a Windermere Town Council meeting on Tuesday, April 11, about the idea that roundabouts are safer than traditional stop signs or signalcontrolled intersections. Although studies purport the use of roundabouts reduce the number of car crashes resulting in injuries or death and improve traffic flow, Witherington insists it does not enhance pedestrian safety, specifically, exhibited by his daughter’s recent accident courtesy of a driver he assumes was not paying attention. “Most pedestrians go up to a crosswalk where there’s either a traffic light or a stop sign, and you know that if the light is red and the walk sign is on, most cars will stop, and you’re going to be able to cross the street,” Witherington said, building up to his point. “Same thing with a stop sign. But with a roundabout, it’s a constant flow of traffic. The cars don’t come to a complete stop to let anybody across. So the roundabouts have helped to alleviate traffic and get it through the town faster, but

I think it’s made a more unsafe environment for people walking.” According to the Windermere Police Department, the town has not seen any pedestrian accidents in the past five years. However, according to a 2016 report from Smart Growth America, Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians, with 5,142 pedestrian deaths ranging from 2005 to 2014. Despite the town’s relatively good track record, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden decided to take some extra precautions and sent out a memo to his officers detailing Sydney’s accident and possible countermeasures to ensure pedestrian safety. As a result, the town installed a temporary pedestrian crossing sign at the crosswalk and the department plans to have volunteer officers and school crossing guards to increase safety awareness through education and enforcement action with a Pedestrian Crosswalk Detail — the first of which is scheduled to begin before the end of April. The hope is that education will help reduce the risk of pedestrian injuries and death, particularly in a town that has 20,000 cars transit through daily, according to Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn. The high number of cars in a town that “was not built for this kind of traffic” and the routine rush-hour traffic that follows creates another obstacle to ensuring pedestrian safety, Witherington said, because it makes it difficult for cars to yield to pedestrians. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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ARTS + CULTURE

Dancing Dogs

SEE THIS An Evening of Art 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at The Art Room, 709 Main St., Windermere. The Art Room is celebrating its artists by holding a showcase event. The event will feature a walk-through gallery showcasing art from nearly 50 different artists who are all students from The Art Room. For more information, call (407) 9091869.

WATCH THIS

Disney’s High School Musical Jr. 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, at the Foundation Academy South Campus Gym, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden. The Upper School Theater Department is presenting this musical based on the Disney movie “High School Musical.” Tickets can be purchased at the door and cost $12 for adults, $6 for children and $20 for VIP seating. For more information, call (407) 877-2744.

The Menestrelli Circus Dogs will be featured at Groove at the Grove on Friday, April 21. BRITTANY GAINES

LISTEN TO THIS

STAFF WRITER

anina Yazlovskaya was born into the circus life. Growing up in Russia, she was surrounded by acrobats, clowns and the colorful life under the big top as her parents trained circus dogs for a living. It was her family’s legacy and had been passed down from generations, she said. “All my family worked with dogs,” Yanina said. “We are thirdgeneration dog trainers. First, I helped my parents, and later, I started to work by myself. Now, I work with my husband.” This long-held tradition of training circus dogs is one that she and her husband, Sergey, brought to Orlando in 2014. Now, the founders of Menestrelli Circus Dog Show, the duo performs with their nine dogs throughout Central Florida, sometimes even traveling to other states to join other circus acts. On Friday, April 21, the Menestrelli Circus Dog Show will be featured at Groove at the Grove at The Grove Orlando. The dogs will perform at 6:30 p.m., and a screening of the film “The Secret SEE MENESTRELLI PAGE 12

Jazz Jam Weekend

Courtesy photo

Yanina Yazlovskaya founded the Menestrelli Circus Dog Show in 2000 with her husband. The show features nine different circus dogs.

“My brother lived in Orlando for more than 15 years. So we chose Orlando for our new life. We love this city very much.” — Yanina Yazlovskaya

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, and 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at Pilars Martini, 146 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Pilars Martini is hosting a weekend of Jazz featuring the Jeff Rupert Quartet. The weekend will end with a jam session on Sunday. Anyone interested in playing with the band must sign up before 5:30 p.m. to take a turn jamming with the band, which lasts until 8 p.m. For more information, call (407) 369-8900.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

WINTER GARDEN LOCATION NOW CLOSED

Brazilian-inspired pizzeria takes slice out of Winter Garden scene

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Pinotti’s Pizza features 40 different pies at its new location.

BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

New location will be in front of West Oaks Mall at

WINTER GARDEN It’s all-Brazilian,

all-day at Pinotti’s Pizza in Winter Garden. The circular-shaped menu lists 40 different pizza options with many featuring unusual toppings, such as hearts of palm, zucchini, corn and something called catupiry. Nearly everyone orders a green can of Guaraná Antarctica — a fruity soda native to Brazil — to go with their meal. And the chatter in the restaurant is mostly Portuguese because about 70% of the patrons who dine there are Brazilian. But no matter who comes through the doors, the staff treats everyone like family. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy their food and drinks,” said Andre Melo, general manager of the restaurant. Pinotti’s Pizza officially opened Feb. 17, filling the space that Bates New England Seafood & Steakhouse vacated late last year on Winter Garden-Vineland Road. So far, the business has been a success, Melo said, and he attributes that to Pinotti’s fresh ingredients. The tomato sauce is made in-house from tomatoes, new batches of dough are rolled out daily, and ingredients are shipped in multiple times a week. What makes a pizza Brazilian is the combination of a thinner crust, the homemade tomato sauce and the wide variety of ingredients familiar to Brazil. While the menu does have the

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Andre Melo is the general manager at Pinotti’s Pizza. The restaurant opened Feb. 1 7 and features 40 different pizzas.

typical pizza variety — such as cheese and pepperoni — it also features a large selection of meat, seafood, vegetable and even dessert pizzas. One of the most popular pizzas on the menu is frango com catupiry, or chicken with catupiry, which features a thick layer of shredded chicken and a drizzling of catupiry — a Brazilian version of cream cheese. Among the Brazilians who frequent the restaurant, it’s a wellloved favorite. For the diners who are new to the Brazilian pizza scene, the chicken catupiry pizza often sounds like a strange — but enticing — combination, Melo said. “When they try it, they all say it’s one of the better pizzas they’ve ever had before,” Melo said. So far, Pinotti’s Pizza’s growth has all been through word-ofmouth, Melo said, and it’s drawn a large following of Brazilians. For them, Pinotti’s is a slice of home. When Matheus Freitas arrived in Florida five years ago, he had no friends and spoke no English. And food was one of the things he missed most, he said. “We didn’t have a place to go that was close to home where we could eat (Brazilian) food,” said Freitas, a waiter at the Pinotti’s

IF YOU GO PINOTTI’S PIZZA 1201 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 6A, Winter Garden HOURS: 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; 4 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays WEBSITE: pinottispizza.com PHONE: (407) 347-3505

and a sophomore at West Orange High School. Today, he speaks English with hardly any trace of an accent, but that doesn’t mean he’s abandoned his roots. “It’s my country, and you have to love your country,” Freitas said about Brazil. While at work, he often chats in Portuguese with customers, which he said is a nice relief from speaking and hearing English all the time, he said. “If you want to sit back and eat good food with friends, this is a good place to do it,” he said. Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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IF YOU GO

Nehrling Gardens will host its annual Corks, Caladiums and Canvases on April 30. BRITTANY GAINES STAFF WRITER

Raising money is critical to keep Nehrling Gardens running smoothly, but this year, the nonprofit organization has a new goal in mind. Its leaders want to restore the historic Nehrling house that sits on the property. So for this year’s annual Corks, Caladiums and Canvases fundraising event, the organization is earmarking the money it raises from the event to go toward its restoration project. “It’s really critical we get the money to help with that,” said Angela Withers, president of the Nehrling Gardens. The organization is planning to apply for a matching grant, which requires it to raise $25,000 to fund the restoration of the house. It has been saving for several months now but is still shy of that $25,000 mark. The house is in desperate need of a facelift, Withers said, including new paint, a new roof and the replacement of several decaying siding boards. But because it’s a historic landmark, the restoration process must be done carefully. “It’s a Florida Heritage Landmark, which means we have to do things the right way,” Withers said. This year’s Corks, Caladiums and Canvases will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, at the gardens — one of the best times of day to visit the gardens, Withers said. “It’s always so pretty here in the

GOTHA

CORKS, CALADIUMS AND CANVASES WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 30 WHERE: Nehrling Gardens, 2267 Hempel Ave., Gotha DETAILS: Attendees can stroll the gardens, sample foods and wine, watch artists at work and listen to live music by Keith Eaton. There will also be a silent auction. TICKETS: Cost is $55 in advance, $65 at the door and can be purchased at nehrlinggardens.org. CONTACT: (407) 445-9977

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late afternoon,” Withers said. “It’s so special.” Attendees will be able to walk through the gardens while sampling wines and themed foods from various parts of the world. Each themed section will correlate to various plant life in the gardens. For example, Asian food will be featured by the bamboo. In addition to the food and drink, art also will be featured at the event. Several artists will be at work throughout the gardens, and several original art pieces will be available for purchase. One of the featured artists is Helen Avalon, who won second place for her artwork at the Windermere Art Affair earlier this year. Attendees also will be able to see a new art installment in the gardens. In the middle of the gardens behind the Nehrling house sits a tree limb carved with a variety of animals, including an alligator, turtle and several birds by chainsaw artist Sam Knowles. The piece was completed just in time for the annual event, Withers said. But everything at Nehrling Gardens revolves around maintaining the legacy of Henry Nehrling. “A lot of what we grow here is because of him,” Withers said.

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Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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undreds of children “hoppily” hunted for eggs filled with candy at two different Easter events in the Windermere area. At First Baptist Windermere’s event Friday, April 14, the hunters made short work of the 20,000 eggs spread across its Lakeside campus. Families also enjoyed a variety of other activities, including cuisine from food trucks, inflatables and more. The next morning, Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn, Police Chief Dave Ogden and the Easter Bunny led the parade to begin the town’s annual Easter event near Windermere Town Hall. Following the hunt, children enjoyed snapping photos with the Easter Bunny.

Hundreds of children participated in the egg hunt held at First Baptist Church Windermere.

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Right: When the town of Windermere’s hunt began Ava Rabemaker, 6, quickly filled her basket with eggs.

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Caroline Pieterse, 3, found a yo-yo in one of the eggs at the town of Windermere’s event.

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Courtesy photo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

The Menestrelli Circus Dog Show features the talents of nine different dogs that are trained to do a variety of tricks, including flips and stair climbs.

Life of Pets” will follow at 7:45 p.m. Each show that Yanina and Sergey produce is all about showcasing the talents of their dogs, and every dog has a unique set of skills. “Our Jack Russell — he jumps somersaults,” Yanina said. “Poodles are smart and friendly. They climb stairs and do other uniquely designed family tricks. Our Pomeranian Spitz loves to play with kids, and they love him, too.” Keeping the dogs show-ready is a daily task, requiring hours of constant training and exercise. “We need to rehearse with the dogs every day,” Yanina said. But they are mindful of their treatment of their dogs. All training is conducted in a humane manner without any violence or creating distress for the dogs. The couple created the Menestrelli Circus Dog Show in 2000 and has taken their show all over the world.

“We’ve showed this performance in France, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Poland and many other countries,” Yanina said. After her husband received his green card in 2014, the couple decided to make Orlando their home. “My brother lived in Orlando for more than 15 years,” Yanina said. “So we chose Orlando for our new life. We love this city very much.” Since moving to the United States, the dogs have been featured in the Royal Hanneford Circus, performed at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and even had a chance to audition for America’s Got Talent. When they’re not performing with a circus, they usually perform small shows at festivals, schools, churches and senior centers. And Yanina is already passing down the tricks-of-thetrade to her own two children — a

GROOVE AT THE GROVE WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: The Grove Orlando, 4744 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando DETAILS: The Menestrelli Circus Dog Show will begin their performance at 6:30 p.m. “The Secret Life of Pets” movie will begin at 7:45 p.m. INFORMATION: menestrelli.com or email menestrelli.dogs@gmail.com.

9-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter — to continue her family’s dog-training legacy. “We’re continuing our family business, and our two kids are helping us,” she said. But when talking about her family, Yanina always includes their nine circus dogs. “We love our dogs,” she said. “They are our kids.” Contact Brittany Gaines at bgaines@orangeobserver.com.

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NEVA BRICE ALLIGOOD, 104, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, April 2, 2017. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. GENE LAMAR ANDERSON, 57, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, April 2, 2017. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee. MARIE LAYTON AUSTIN, 96, of Ocoee, died Saturday, April 1, 2017. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. JOHN WESS BALDRIDGE, 85, of Oakland, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. COLLEEN A. BRANGAN, 53, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden. DAWN FREDERICKSON BROWN, 88, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, March 30, 2017. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. RANDALL ROWLAND CAMPBELL, 54, of Ocoee, died Sunday, March 19, 2017. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Winter Garden. SEBASTIAN ANTHONY CAMPIONE, 89, of Winter Garden, died Friday, March 31, 2017. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee. ANNE J. CARGILL, 85, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Gotha.

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SHARON KAY DEARDORFF, 60, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Gotha. MARGARET IRENE ESTRELLA, 73, of Ocoee, died Saturday, April 1, 2017. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. JOAN MYRA FURNEAUX, 82, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, March 26, 2017. Baldwin Fairchild Pine Castle Chapel, Orlando. GLORIA ANN HARRIS, 85, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, March 25, 2017. A Community Funeral Home, Orlando. RENEE E. LEVERAGE, 48, of Oakland, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Cremation Choices, Minneola.

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HERSHEL LEE SCOTT, 80, of Gotha, died Thursday, April 13, 2017. Orlando Direct Cremation Service, Altamonte Springs.

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VAN C. SMITH, 67, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, March 5, 2017. Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo. POORANDAI SOOKDEO, 64, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, March 28, 2017. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

FREDDIE MONROE, 91, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, March 30, 2017. Baldwin Brothers, Orlando. JOHN FRANCIS MOSHER, 76, of Windermere, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee.

HYUNG BOK PARK, 94, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Gotha.

Corinne “Sweet Pea” Tucker, age 90, of Del Rio, went to be with her Lord and savior on the evening of Wednesday, April 12, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Tucker, and a son, Fred William Tucker. She is survived by her son, Chuck (and wife, Stella) Tucker, of Del Rio; son, Richard (and wife Lynn) Tucker, of Del Rio; and daughter, Mary (and husband Jim) Burroughs, of Winter Garden, Florida; as well as many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family requests that memorial donations be made to your favorite church or charity. Brown Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tucker family.

SEBASTIANO POMA, 88, of Windermere, died Saturday, April 1, 2017. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Maitland.

MATEO IZAK “RODRIQUEZ” CORDERO, 1, of Ocoee, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, Ocoee.

NANCY MARION MATTINGLY OWENS, 73, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Becker Funeral Home, Clermont.

CORINNE “SWEET PEA” TUCKER JUNE 2, 1926, TO APRIL 12, 2017

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Burt passed away unexpectedly on March 13, 2017, at the age of 73. Burt was born in Winter Garden on May 26, 1943, and lived there until he began college. He moved to Indiana to attend college, and after receiving his master’s degree from Purdue, he taught at Southern Indiana University for several years before returning to school for his Ph.D. with a focus in 19th-century literature. Burt spent 25 years living in Chicago and working in retail, specifically Marshall Field’s. After 25 years, he moved to Kentucky, where he lived in Louisville for the last 15 years. He did occasionally return to Florida and Winter Garden, including in 2006, when he attended his class reunion for Lakeview High School.

Although he had no children, Burt had many nieces and nephews. He was a role model for one niece specifically, Bobbie Jo (Richards) Gowland, who pursued a degree in English, as well. The two became pen pals shortly after she learned to write and continued the tradition until his death. Burt was preceded in death by his parents, Lorraine and Joe Richards, and one brother, Billy Richards. He is survived by his oldest brother, Bobby Richards, of Fort McCoy; nephews, Lloyd (Tammie) Richards and Mike (Mel) Richards, of Orlando, Jimmy Richards, of Keaton Beach; and nieces, Sandra Gunn (Danny Bell), of Tavares, Tina Anderson, of Winter Garden and Bobbie Jo Gowland (Jason), of Williston. Arrangements were under the care of Woodlawn Cremations in Seymour, Indiana. A celebration of his life will be held by family at a later date.

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WILLIAM SAMUEL STEPLIGHT, 54, of Oakland, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home, Apopka.

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THELMA LOUISE THOMAS, 88, of Winter Garden, died Friday, March 31, 2017. Marvin C. Zanders Funeral Home Inc., Apopka.

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INSIDE

Meet Olympia setter Lorissa King PAGE 17

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 1

FREE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2015

At last! Work begins on relief school Officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Orange County high school Sept. 24. STORY ON 6

PAGE 13

MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

David Haynes

Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn strikes the only suitable pose when holding a glass from “The Godfather.”

Since the 1980s — far longer than he has been mayor of Windermere — Gary Bruhn has collected and sold movie memorabilia. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN SCOTT APPOINTS AREA RESIDENT Gov. Rick Scott announced Sept. 18 two appointments and one reappointment to the Florida Virtual School Board of Trustees. Robert Gidel Sr., of Windermere, is the managing partner at Liberty Capital. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term that began Sept. 18 and ends Sept. 10, 2017. He joins Iris Gonzalez, of Tierra Verde, on the board.

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What you’re holding in your hands is the product of more than a year of planning. It’s the product of our wildest dreams — a bold step for a company that last month celebrated our 110th anniversary. Welcome, readers, to the first edition of the Windermere Observer, a sister paper of the West Orange Times & Observer, which has roots that date back to the Winter Garden Ricochet in 1905. For more than a century, our newspaper — through all its previous owners and iterations — covered the entire West Orange region with just one edition. Today, that changes. Put simply: West Orange has grown too large for one hyperlocal community newspaper. For longtime readers: this new Windermere Observer will cover Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips, Bay Hill, Gotha and MetroWest, while the West Orange Times & Observer will renew its focus on Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland. As the 10th newspaper owned by the Sarasota-based Observer Media Group, the Windermere Observer will strive to deliver on OMG’s slogan: “You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.”

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APRIL 20, 2017

HIGH

SPORTS

Dr. Phillips High wins 11 of last 12 in home stretch of regular season The Dr. Phillips softball team is hoping to ride momentum from a strong finish to the regular season into the district tournament next week. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR DR. PHILLIPS The Dr. Phillips softball team entered the final week of the regular season riding high on a stretch in which the Panthers won 11 of the last 12 games. The team will host West Orange at 6 p.m. April 20 in its regular-

The Dr. Phillips flag football team scored a huge win April 14, knocking off Miami Edison — ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 1A by FloridaHSFootball.com. The 16-6 victory improved the Panthers to 8-0 on the season.The DP defense sealed the win with two safeties.

Congratulations to Olympia track and field athletes Ukeyvia Beckwith (high jump) and Kenya Dillon (110 hurdles) for winning individual district championships at the FHSAA Class 4A, District 3 Meet April 13.

The Dr. Phillips baseball team has won six of its last seven games, most recently defeating Edgewater April 13 by a score of 6-3. Mitchell Stockwell got the start and the victory on the mound for the Panthers (13-6).

The Olympia Titans softball team celebrated Senior Night April 14 with a 17-1 victory over Evans.

Windermere Prep senior pitcher Matt Coles worked hard to earn a spot in the Lakers’ rotation. Page 16.

season finale before competing in the FHSAA Class 9A, District 4 Tournament next week at Boone High. There, Dr. Phillips (18-5) will have to first defeat Oak Ridge before likely facing off against Lake Nona in the district semifinals — with a trip to the playoffs on the line. For now, the Panthers are

focused on prolonging the positive momentum of the regular season into the postseason. “The kids get along well with each other — they’re friends,” head coach Mike Gale said. “Everyone has a job to do, and they just go out, have fun and do their job.” During the stretch, the Panthers have scored an average of 10.3 runs per game while allowing 1.9 runs per game. Over the course of the season, SEE DR. PHILLIPS PAGE 16

Steven Ryzewski

Deija Benn and the Panthers will host West Orange at 6 p.m. April 20 in their regular season finale.

KING OF THE RING

Dr. Phillips alum Justus Griffith won a national championship last month as a member of the UCF club wrestling team.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Steven Ryzewski

Justus Griffith, a 2013 graduate of Dr. Phillips High, is making a name for himself wrestling for the club wrestling team at UCF.

SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

ustus Griffith wanted another shot at Darius Bunch. Griffith, a Dr. Phillips alum

and a wrestler for the club

team at UCF, had been defeated by Bunch by decision in back in February at the NCWA Southeast

West Orange junior pitcher Doug Nikhazy pitched consecutive no-hitters for the Warriors baseball team and was recognized as last week’s Observer Preps Athlete of the Week. For more, visit ObserverPreps.com.

Conference Championships. It was a match Griffith, 21, thought he had won, and he wanted a second go at it.

SEE PAGE 17

Courtesy photo

Justus Griffith beat a rival to whom he had lost in the finals of the NCWA National Championships in March.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

SIDELINE SCENE

SPONSORED BY SHANNON TILL STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Rylan Thomas making himself at home as freshman for UCF

Matt Coles Throughout his career at Windermere Prep, senior pitcher/ first baseman Matt Coles has been diligent in putting in the work and finally has worked his way into the Lakers’ starting rotation. In a recent start, Coles tossed a complete game shutout April 6 against Umatilla, allowing just four hits while striking out 11 batters.

How hard did you work ahead of this season? I was at the baseball field every day for an hour or two hours. I was working on hitting, just to get my power right and to work on using my hips and using my lower half (of my body). I was long-tossing almost every day — pretty much every day I wasn’t pitching, depending on how my arm felt. And I was in the weight room probably six to seven times a week. Specifically, what did you need to improve on the mound? I needed to improve my velocity, because I was only sitting in the mid-to-high 70s (miles per hour). To get into college, I’ve been told by college scouts I need to hit the low 80s. I just needed to focus on working on my velocity while keeping my control. Speaking of college scouts, do you have a school you are thinking about attending? Most likely, I have a walk-on opportunity a Florida Institute of Technology.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere Prep POSITION: Pitcher, first base HEIGHT: 6 feet GO-TO PITCH: Curveball HOMETOWN: Bathurst, Australia TRAVEL TEAM: Florida Burn

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

ylan Thomas sure knows how to make a good impression. Thomas, a true freshman for the UCF baseball team, already is leading the Knights in home runs (eight) and RBIs (34), while weighing in at third on the team in hits and batting average among regular starters. The Windermere Prep alum and Winter Garden native isn’t playing for a rebuilding team or in a sub-par conference, either. Thomas’ Knights are 26-11 and appear to be trending toward an appearance a few of college baseball’s top-25 polls. Baseball America has projected UCF to make the 64-team field for the NCAA Tournament. For perspective — and some irony — Thomas’ senior season with the Lakers saw Windermere Prep fail to advance out of its district into the state playoffs. As a freshman playing Division I College Baseball, he is now looking likely to participate in a NCAA Regional. Thomas also has had some big moments so far in his rookie campaign with the Knights. Most recently, Thomas had what may be remembered as one of the biggest hits of the season. After the Knights had been swept by rival USF and defeated FAU, UCF’s hopes of making the NCAA Tournament were in jeopardy entering a three-game set with East

What stands out about Coach Keith Walsh’s style? He’s worked a lot on the little things — he talks a lot about small ball. Who is a professional player with whom you really identify? I really like Madison Bumgarner, because I like the heart that he shows — especially when it comes to the postseason. Same with (Clayton) Kershaw. What’s the biggest difference between living in America and Australia? The culture — the lifestyle and the way people are. The food is a lot different, and I’m from a small town where everybody knows everyone. That’s a lot different from being in a town like Orlando. What are you thinking you would like to do for a job? I’m not sure yet, but right now I am wanting to major in physics in college. So I’m looking forward to that.

The team had a handful of seniors last year who are now playing Division I baseball. Did you learn or take away anything from the experience of playing with those guys? Probably Austin Bergner — just picking up how much his work ethic was and how much he worked for what he got. Have you kept up with any of those guys as they have started their college careers? I’ve been watching, every now and then, to see how Rylan (Thomas) has been pitching and playing at UCF and how Austin has been pitching at North Carolina.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

Courtesy UCF Athletics

Former Windermere Prep star Rylan Thomas is leading UCF baseball in several statistical categories.

Carolina. The first game saw the Knights fall behind early, trailing 7-5 entering the ninth. With two outs and the Knights staring down a fifth consecutive loss, Thomas stepped to the plate with the tying run on base. Thomas knocked a single to right field that tied the game and forced extra innings, during which UCF pulled out the 8-7 win — the first of what became a sweep of the host Pirates. Thomas, who usually plays first base, also has allowed just three hits in eight innings of relief work on the mound. What’s remarkable is that the former Laker is not alone so far as being a local athlete doing well in the college ranks. Former Windermere Prep teammate Austin Bergner recently made his first start for North Carolina, and he and former West Orange Warrior Tyler Baum each have tossed roughly 30 innings for the Tar Heels — a ballclub ranked No. 3 in the nation by Baseball America. In a recent game between instate powerhouses Florida and

FSU, a whopping four pitchers from the Winter Garden/ Windermere area took the mound for either the Gators or the Seminoles — Andrew Karp (West Orange), Chase Haney (Windermere Prep), Michael Byrne (Olympia) and Garrett Milchin (The First Academy). The success isn’t limited to baseball, either. After redshirting in 2016, Olympia alum Tate McClellan is tied for the most hits on the East Carolina Pirates softball team and has the second-most RBIs on the team. West Orange alum Jade Caraway has one of the best hitters for North Carolina State as a true freshman, leading the team in batting average and triples. There are others doing well, also — probably too many to track. So, next time you are flipping through the channels and come across a college baseball or softball game, don’t change the channel quite so quickly — there may be a local alumnus who is about do something impressive.

Dr. Phillips eyes playoff berth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Dr. Phillips is allowing just 2.5 runs per game this season. A big part of the reason for that has been sophomore pitcher Raychel Trocki. Trocki has 16 wins on this spring and an ERA of just 1.52 to pair with 118 strikeouts. Trocki is part of a core of sophomores that dominates the Panthers’ roster and has

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the future looking bright for the program’s next two seasons. Although there is just one senior and one junior on the team, Nini Underwood and Hannah Eden, respectively, their leadership has been key for Dr. Phillips’ success at the plate. Underwood, a LakeSumter State College signee, leads the team in batting average (.468), home runs (three) and runs scored (33) while Eden

has a team-high 25 RBIs. To have success in the postseason, Gale said everything is going to have to come together in the next few weeks. “Our fortunes are going to depend on whether we can play some good solid defense and hit the ball,” Gale said. “It’s going to be a challenge.” Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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