05.05.16 Windermere Observer by Orange Observer

WINDERMERE

Observer Serving Southwest Orange County

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 31

FREE

Olympia’s Macon Rodier seeks second title. 13A •

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Guilt-free fast food? Yep! Tampa-based Fitlife Foods opened its first Central Florida location last week in Dr. Phillips. See page 11A

YOUR TOWN GI film fest selects local flick

STRENGTH IN THE STRUGGLE

In 2012, Windermere resident Scott Holmgren and Col. James (Jim) Wilhite had a story to tell, but they were still looking for the best way to tell it. After attending the GI Film Festival, Holmgren and Wilhite decided to create a documentary. Now, the GI Film Festival has selected their documentary, “We Answered the Call,” to be shown at this year’s GIFF, held from May 21-29 in Washington, D.C. The film also will be shown at the Central Florida Film Festival, which takes place Sept. 2 to 7 at West Orange Cinemas.

Residents take to social media to roast pushy meat marketers

Photos by Michael Eng

Ethan and Lizzy Allen’s two living children, Phoenix and Scarlett, have never been in the care of a babysitter. The Allens do nearly everything together, and both children have a teddy bear made from clothes intended for their big sister, Janell, who died before birth.

ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN Local residents

have been contacting the Winter Garden Police Department regarding meat sales from a van soliciting their neighborhoods for a company called Food King. Although representatives said Food King has been making deliveries in the area for years, residents have maintained concerns with a salesman’s methods. “He said ... he had just deliv-

She’s only 33, but Lizzy Allen has experienced more than most mothers do in a lifetime. She and her husband, Ethan, have only one photo of their first daughter, Janell Victory, who lost her life before she was born. But now, almost 12 years later and with a son and second daughter, their family is complete.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 6A

SEE FOOD KING PAGE 4A PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Postal Customer

Janell Victory Allen is still a big part of the Allen family’s lives, with photos and other keepsakes displayed prominently in the home.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 5

YOU R CALENDAR

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE Noon Thursday, May 5, at the flagpole at Florida Hospital Winter Garden, 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd. Event will include prayer service with the Foundation Academy Choir, a short message and a few group prayers for the community. Afterward, guests can enjoy free food, blood pressure checks and a peek in a fire engine. (407) 6140500. MAKE IT & TAKE IT 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Spring into the library and show off your creativity while exploring painting, patterns and papier mâché. Ages 6-12. (407) 835-7323.

FRIDAY, MAY 6

CRAZY CATERPILLAR 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Join the crazy caterpillar for an afternoon of games and crawly fun. Ages 3-5. (407) 835-7323. THE DOWN BROTHERS 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Visit windermere.dexwine.com. DPHS FILM FESTIVAL 5 p.m. Friday, May 6, in the Dr. Phillips High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. Dr. Phillips’ TV & Film Production Magnet Program is hosting its annual Film Festival. This year’s festival is IMPACT, and it highlights the work students have done this year in the magnet program. Food trucks, jazz music by the DP Jazz Band and a silent auction begin at 5 p.m.; doors open at 6, and the festival begins at 6:30. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For information, contact co-chairperson Julie Frank at pastorjuliefrank@ hotmail.com. SPRING FLING 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Independence Elementary, 6255 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden. The event will be a night of fun, food and games, including a dunk tank. (407) 217-7727.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

CENTRAL FLORIDA RAT PACK WITH MARILYN MONROE 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Dexter’s of Windermere, 4757 The Grove Drive, Windermere. Visit windermere.dexwine.com. RUN FOR THE ROSES 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at The Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere. The Kentucky Derby Night is presented by the West Orange Junior Service League. Tickets are $60 and include cuisine, two drink tickets, casino-style gaming, dancing and a live showing of the 142nd Kentucky Derby. To purchase tickets, go to wojsl.com or email wojslcorrespondence@gmail.com. WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP 1 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. At this Southwest Art Club workshop, students will learn watercolor techniques while creating depth in a rendering inspired by Monet’s famous paintings of water lilies. Level: Beginner to Intermediate. Instructor: Regine Dossche, Women in the Arts Inc. Suggested donation amount (for materials and supplies) is $15. For men and women 18 years and older. Registration required.

Limited space. To learn more about Women in the Arts Inc., go to womenintheartsinc.org (407) 835-7323.

MONDAY, MAY 9

WGHF NINTH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Check in at noon, Monday, May 9, at West Orange Country Club, 3300 West Orange Country Club Drive, Winter Garden. Enjoy a day of golf while supporting the programs of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. (407) 656-3244.

TUESDAY, MAY 10

JOURNEY THROUGH GRIEF 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, May 10, 17 and 24, at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Spiritual Care Department, 9400 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando. The support group is for those who have lost a loved one. For information, call the Spiritual Care office at (321) 842-8008 or email julie. frank@orlandohealth.com.

RIBBON-CUTTING: MAMA LOUISE 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando. For more information, visit wochamber.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

WEST ORANGE CHAMBER DEBATE LUNCHEON 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. The event sponsors for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce debate luncheon are Hamlin and Observer Media Group. Cost is $41 for Chamber members, $51 for others. (407) 656-1304.

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Let us pray

IF YOU GO AFTERNOON SERVICE WHERE: Around the flagpole at Florida Hospital Winter Garden, 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden. WHEN: Noon Thursday, May 5 DETAILS: The service begins with music from the Foundation Academy Choir, followed by a short message and a few group prayers for our community. Attendees are then invited to enjoy free food, blood pressure checks and a fire engine.

oin local community members and churches in prayer on Thursday, May 5. The nationally recognized National Day of Prayer is held the first Thursday of May each year. Across the country, groups gather to pray on behalf of America’s leaders and families. In 1952, Congress created a resolution to recognize the day, and President Harry Truman signed it into law. Two events will be held in the West Orange area. Visit one or both to join in the prayer. To learn more about the National Day of Prayer, visit nationaldayofprayer.org.

POWER OF PRAYER

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?

“If prayer is our conversation with the Lord — if we’re God-fearing and God-realizing people — it’s our opportunity to communicate, to get to know, to experience God’ s love. I think that prayer is extremely important for us to keep in touch with God and what God wants to be a part of. Without prayer, we could say that we’re connected with God, but without it we aren’t.” — The Rev. John Giel, Holy Family Catholic Church

HOW DO WE PRAY?

“One of the big misconceptions about prayer is there’s some sort of secret language or code, this fancy language that you need to use to talk to the Creator of the universe, and it’s really just a simple conversation that’s reverent to our Creator.” — Family Pastor Will Blaine, First Baptist Church of Winter Garden

WHY IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IMPORTANT?

“I think that prayer is very important; critical. I hope that we never do anything without bathing it in prayer. Specifically, this event has to do with national events and things like that and just seeking God’s will for those things. But I think from the big to the very little, from the really broad-reaching things that affect the whole world to the very personal things that are just between me and God, I think that we hope that we bathe everything in prayer. What we don’t we need to repent of that.”

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY TOGETHER?

“It’s hard to hate somebody that you pray with or eat with. The more we pray together as people, especially across denominational lines, the more likely we are to love each other and get along and work together to make a difference in our community, than we are to snipe at each other and criticize each other.” — The Rev. Tom Rutherford, Church of the Messiah

— Pastor Frank Foreman, New Horizons Christian Church

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Olszewski, VanderLey prepare for Round 2 The West Orange Chamber of Commerce will host a debate luncheon featuring candidates for District 1 county commissioner. ZAK KERR STAFF WRITER WINTER GARDEN

“The Orange County Commission District 1 race is shaping up to be one of hottest campaigns this year. Join us for a fact-finding, platformdefining debate and make sure you know the facts prior to the primary election.” This message in the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s invitation to its debate luncheon May 11 at Tanner Hall promises another potentially heated debate between the frontrunners, Winter Garden District 3 Commissioner Bobby Olszewski and Oakland businesswoman Betsy VanderLey, a former Orange County Planning & Zoning Commission chairwoman. Each candidate had a different approach in the first debate, which BusinessForce hosted April 8 in the Orlando Museum of Art. Olszewski cited his record as Winter Garden commissioner and attacked the records of VanderLey and current District 1 Orange County Commissioner S. Scott Boyd, whereas VanderLey defended her record and spoke to issues such as school overcrowding, green spaces and bringing high-tech jobs to the district. Both candidates said they were pleased with that debate. Based on 30-second, rapid-fire answers within that half-hour debate, rarely could either expound on specific policy ideas for West Orange County. For the chamber to deliver on its description, candidates will need ample time to define their platforms and present ideas. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

“The National Day of Prayer is important because it spans across cities and communities and churches, offering for all people to come together to pray for the needs of our communities, our cities and our nation. …There’s synergy and power in prayer when we come together. Jesus said, ‘Where two or more are gathered together, I am in the midst of them.’”

IF YOU GO WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 WHERE: Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden COST: $41 for WOCC members, $51 for others; $328 and $408 for a table of eight, respectively INFO: cwilson@WOchamber. com, (407) 656-1304 RSVP: By Friday, May 6

— The Rev. Russell T. Belcher, First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden

Friday, May 6th

Brie

8:00 - 11:00 pm

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— JENNIFER NESSLAR

EVENING SERVICE WHERE: New Horizons Christian Church, 1330 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden. WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5 DETAILS: This program includes music, Scripture readings and prayer led by local ministers. The program intends to focus on prayer as applied to Bible topics, covering a variety of needs in the United States.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Junior Service League saddles up for 2016 Run for the Roses The West Orange Junior Service League’s event allows the community to watch the Derby live while raising money for local charities. DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER WINDERMERE

Ladies, don your hats, and gentlemen, whip out your best seersucker suits: The West Orange Junior Service League is set to host its seventh annual Run for the Roses event on Saturday, May 7. The Kentucky Derby-themed party, held at The Pines of Windermere, will allow the West Orange community to gather for a night of casino games and drinks while watching the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby.

“Guests are encouraged to dress the part of the Kentucky Derby, which means some very elaborate hats,” said Dawn Gilmore, a league member. “We’ve seen elegant and sophisticated to over-the-top hand-crafted creations with giant feathers, flowers and even a horse or two.” The hat contest has participants craft headpieces of their wildest dreams, and men are encouraged to participate in dressing the part, as well. Gilmore said men have showed up in the past dressed as jockeys or in suits with roses

all over them. At the end of the night, the best-dressed man and the best-dressed woman also will be decided. Guests also can enjoy the silent auction items, food from Table Top Catering, a full bar with themed specialty drinks, raffles and casino games. To get guests into the Derby spirit, the league is also offering video horse races. Tickets to the event are $60, and the deadline to register is Friday, May 6. Each ticket includes dinner, two drink tickets, dancing, Derby fun and access to the casino-style gaming. All proceeds will go back into local West Orange charities that the league supports. Although the event had record-breaking attendance last year, Gilmore said they are hop-

IF YOU GO RUN FOR THE ROSES WHEN: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 7 WHERE: Pines of Windermere, 3409 Maguire Road, Windermere TICKETS: $60; deadline to register is May 6 INFORMATION: Visit wojsl. com or email wojslcorrespondence@gmail.com.

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,

ing for an even bigger turnout this time. “Our goal is to raise at least $50,000 from this one event (because) we have so many local charities who have reached out to us asking for assistance,” Gilmore said. “Last year we gave out close to $50,000 to local charities in the West Orange community.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Zak Kerr, zkerr@OrangeObserver.com Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives

Food King CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

ered steaks to one of my neighbors and that he had some left over that he would sell me ... at a discount,” resident Jeff Tomasi said. “I told him that I wasn’t interested, but he was incredibly pushy. He wanted to come in, and I told him no. Then he repeatedly insisted on me coming outside to his van to check out the merchandise. I repeatedly told him no, to which he kept fighting and insisting.” Tomasi and others believe this might indicate scoping behavior to pick out homes to rob, but others have said the sales are legitimate, albeit not always terrific. “The meat is awful, but the company is legit,” Brynn Briggs said. “I called and complained. The man zoned for our area is extremely pushy. ... He scoped out our garage before he came to my door. When I told him I wasn’t interested, he told me that we had room because he saw the freezer in our garage.” Food King, which also might go by Family Friendly Foods Inc., is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, which states the company is based in Tampa. BBB lists 31 complaints against Food King in the last three years. “This business has a history of violating BBB name and logo policy and has falsely stated BBB accreditation,” Food King’s BBB profile says. Several complainants have said they would ask police to trespass Food King from their neighborhoods. But Sherry Podany Snider said she had purchased meat from Food King that tasted bad, but the meat she received as a replacement was much better. “The food and meat is actually pretty good,” Clermont resident Shawna Genua said. “My guy wasn’t pushy at all.” Winter Garden Police Lt. Scott Allen said one incident involved an employee attempting to give a resident free food. “There was no aggressiveness, only a subject who was trying to get rid of some food,” Allen said. Oakland Police Department officials had no reports of Food King but encouraged residents to call the non-emergency line if approached by solicitors.

Sharlene Dewitz, sdewitz@Orange

MY VIEW

Observer.com

Regional cooperation helps us all

com

GARY BRUHN WINDERMERE MAYOR

lthough there are only 3,000 people who live in Windermere and pay taxes to Windermere, the reality is that the other 30,000 people with a Windermere address not only shape our community, they share the same concerns and issues of everyone in West Orange County. From traffic problems, concerns for safety and a commitment to making West Orange County better, we all need to work together if we are to continue to make this the best place to live and raise our children. And how do we do that? Regional cooperation. I am often asked, “Why should Windermere care about this … or that? That doesn’t affect us.” But the bottom line is it is sometimes difficult to know what will affect us. And the more we stay engaged and involved in everything we can, the more we have a say in what affects us. If you are not sitting at the table, they will not deal you a hand.

GOVERNMENT

We have had a great relationship with the city of Ocoee for many years. They have provided us with our fire service for years and have always supported us. This is what intergovernmental cooperation is all about. Why should Windermere have a fire service when we can team with Ocoee and eliminate duplication and redundancy? They have a station on our border, and we offset their costs. They provide us with fire service that is at a higher ISO insurance rating level than Orange County. That’s a win for Ocoee taxpayers and Windermere taxpayers. We also have a great relationship with all of the other cities in Orange County. We are teaming

Kim Edwards, kedwards@OrangeObserver.

with Winter Garden and Ocoee to have our own police-dispatch service that will provide us with the latest technology and cost savings of about $16,000 a year. We have worked with Belle Isle to help it establish its own police department. As chairman of the Orange County Council of Mayors, Windermere stays active with our fellow cities sharing information and best practices. Through the OCCOM, which comprises every Orange County mayor including Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, we have partnered with our fellow cities and Orange County on issues that affect us all, such as medical marijuana ordinances, ebola education, rapid response to active shooters, redistricting and school safety. Most people don’t realize mayors and police chiefs are always meeting and working together to provide public safety and sharing lessons learned and best practices. ORGANIZATIONS

Windermere has stayed active with many government entities and organizations. One important one is MetroPlan Orlando, the traffic planning organization for Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. This organization creates the transportation improvement projects and 25-year plans and prioritizes the roadway, trail and bike path projects. It determines what will be built and where and when. Windermere has a seat on the Municipal Advisory Committee that comprises mayors or their designate. In June, I will chair this committee and serve on the MetroPlan board. It is important for us to stay engaged — it was through this organization that Windermere received the funding for the Sixth Avenue repaving almost seven years ago. And it is through this organization that I am trying to have Old Winter Garden Road extended past Maguire, which could provide an alternative for traffic around our town. And once again, in the spirit of intergovernmental cooperation, we are partnering with Orange County Commissioner Scott Boyd, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and the city of Ocoee to

try to make this happen. Windermere also has a seat on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council. This council addresses five regional topics, including affordable housing, economic development, emergency preparedness, natural resources of regional significance and regional transportation. We also have a seat on the West Orange South Lake Economic Development Task Force, which comprises business leaders, land owners and elected officials from West Orange County and South Lake County. Initiated by Boyd almost four years ago to work with Lake County neighbors, this is a great forum where we can communicate with Lake County officials and work cooperatively adhering to our state’s Sunshine Laws. STATE LEGISLATURE

In addition to working with all of our Central Florida legislators while they are home, I typically try to visit them in Tallahassee at least twice during session. Every year, there are dozens of bills that come around that would impose unfunded mandates upon our town or pre-empt us from being able to control issues that affect us. This session, there were more than 20 pre-emption bills being considered. They vary from forcing all Florida municipalities to have their elections on the same day to taking away cities’ rights to control fracking within their boundaries. This is where relationships with all Central Florida legislators are imperative. As a mayor, I have the ability to call them and explain the ramifications and unintended consequences of their decisions. And that is true, and that is what I do. But you can, too! Take the time to learn who your state legislators are and let them know your opinion. I am a firm believer in home rule, a simple concept that recognizes that the government closest to the people governs best. And I believe Windermere knows what is best for Windermere — not Tallahassee and not Washington. And by us staying engaged and supporting our fellow municipalities, we are stronger together.

Cyndi Gustafson, cgustafson@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.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.

TO ADVERTISE For display or digital advertising, call Cyndi Gustafson, (321) 239-3252, Kim Edwards, (407) 656-2121 or Sharlene Dewitz at (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, send your information via email to Michael Eng, meng@ OrangeObserver.com.

WINDERMERE OBSERVER 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. Opinions in the Windermere Observer are those of the individual writer and are not necessarily those of the Windermere Observer, its publisher or editors. Mailed letters must by typed and include the author’s signature and phone number. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for space and grammar and become the property of the newspaper.

Windermere Observer 720 S. Dillard St. Winter Garden, FL 34787

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Victorious MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

HORIZON WEST

t’s a spring Saturday, and the Florida sun is nearly at its height. Light spills through the front windows and into the Allen home — bathing the only photo that exists of Janell Victory Allen. A Mickey Mouse blanket wraps around her body. Her eyes are closed, and a tiny tuft of hair peeks out from beneath a baby hat striped in pink and blue. She looks perfect. A perfect angel who never drew her first breath. A tiny golden urn sits on the same shelf as the photo. A poem written by Janell’s mother, Lizzy, hangs nearby. I know you’re always with us, always watching what we do. But this is not how it’s supposed to be, we were supposed to watch over you. Lizzy and her husband, Ethan, were young newlyweds — just 21 and 24 years old — when they

were dealt a blow that could have torn any marriage apart. Some thought it would. But it only strengthened the bond that ultimately led them on a journey that includes the births of two more children — son Phoenix and daughter Scarlett — and a cross-country move from Seattle to Florida. And through it all, family came first. “I truly believe I was put on this earth to be a mother,” Lizzy says. “It’s my purpose in life.” THE FIRST

When you know, you know. And it didn’t take long for Lizzy and Ethan to know. Both Seattle natives, the two met online in 2003 — long before eHarmony had mainstreamed Internet courtship. They fell hard and fast, and in nine months, they were pregnant. Some family members and friends thought the wedding that followed was because of the pregnancy, but the truth was Ethan already had planned the proposal. Lizzy was about 27 weeks preg-

“… There were moments when I swore I heard (Janell) crying. We didn’t want to live like that. We wanted to try again. We wanted to be parents.” — Lizzy Allen

nant on their wedding day, June 19, 2004. It was a perfect day, filled with family members and friends. Everything was falling into place. Then, one week later, doctors placed Lizzy on bedrest and diagnosed her with pre-eclampsia, a dangerous condition characterized by extremely high blood pressure. “I was 21, and I didn’t know anything,” Lizzy says. “I just took the doctor’s word and did what they said. We thought she might be premature; we never thought we’d lose her.” At 31 weeks, Lizzy’s blood pressure spiked to 180/120, and the baby stopped moving. At the hospital, doctors administered magnesium sulfate to bring Lizzy’s blood pressure down. They were afraid of her having a seizure, which could have killed her. “That was their primary concern — get my blood pressure down,” Lizzy says. “And because Janell stopped moving, I went to the hospital. So in a way, she saved my life.” Nurses tried for 20 minutes but could not find Janell’s heartbeat. An ultrasound later confirmed Janell had died. Janell Victory Allen was born at 6:43 p.m. July 25, 2004. She was 3 pounds, 1.7 ounces, and 16-andone-half inches long. The nurses placed Janell in Lizzy’s arms. “She was absolutely perfect,” Lizzy says.

She and Ethan struggled for words. There are no words. After a short time, nurses took Janell to the morgue. Later, when their parents made it to the hospital, the nurses brought Janell back for one final goodbye. After their guests held Janell and told her how much she was loved, they left Lizzy and Ethan alone with their daughter. They cried and kissed her forehead. They said goodbye. And then, they had to let her go. A SMALL VICTORY

In the months that followed, Ethan struggled to balance the grief over the loss of their daughter, a new marriage and a budding career at a startup software company. Eventually, they started A Small Victory, a nonprofit organization that created kits for parents who lost their children to stillbirth or miscarriages. The kits helped parents collect memories and other information about their child. Woozy from a cocktail of medications to control her blood pressure and pain, Lizzy doesn’t remember much about the day Janell was born. And that’s why that one photo, of Janell wrapped perfectly in a Mickey Mouse blanket, is so treasured. “When they asked me if I wanted a photo, I thought, ‘How morbid. Why would you want a photo like that?’” Lizzy says. “But, I thank God every day for that photo. I don’t remember much — just bits and pieces. I wouldn’t have remembered her face without it. “I can’t describe what it feels like to have lost that baby,” she says. “It’s always going to be like a piece of me is gone.” The silence at home was nearly unbearable. Everything had

been prepared for Janell’s arrival. Instead, there were boxes upon boxes of unused baby clothes, toys and supplies. “Coming home was the worst experience,” Lizzy remembers. “Just feeling that empty house. … There were moments when I swore I heard (Janell) crying. We didn’t want to live like that. We wanted to try again. We wanted to be parents.” THE HOPE

Thirteen-and-one-half months after they said goodbye to Janell, they said hello to their son. Ethan Phoenix Allen was born at 8:03 a.m. Sept. 9, 2005. He weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces and was 17-and-one-quarter inches long. These days, Phoenix is a sweet and sensitive 10-year-old who, like any other fourth-grader, loves Minecraft. Lizzy says he’s her hope, her proof that something does rise from the ashes. But Lizzy’s pregnancy with Phoenix was fraught with as much uncertainty as with Janell. At 20 weeks, she began having contractions, and doctors put her on bedrest. “People think bedrest is great, but it really isn’t,” Lizzy says. “You can’t do anything. So, I started playing ‘World of Warcraft,’ and I made this huge paper chain.” Throughout the pregnancy, Phoenix struggled to keep his heart rate up. At 32 weeks, Lizzy went to the hospital for observation. Doctors kept her there for two days and then sent her home. But one day later, she returned. Phoenix was breech, and the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. “I was terrified of losing the baby at any moment,” Lizzy remembers.

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At 36 weeks, doctors performed a C-section and brought Phoenix into the world. Finally, the Allens had their baby boy. “When they brought him into the room, everyone just fell silent,” Lizzy remembers of when her family members met Phoenix for the first time. Oh my God. He looks exactly like Janell. Identical to his big sister. Phoenix spent his first few days in the NICU; he had trouble eating, breathing and regulating his temperature. Soon after coming home, he became jaundiced. He was a quiet baby and didn’t say his first word until 19 months. “He was super compassionate and super emotional,” Lizzy says. “I could sing a song, and he would start crying.” The Allens taught Phoenix sign language, which helped them communicate early on. Later, they enlisted the help of a speech therapist and also had Phoenix tested for autism. Doctors first diagnosed him with sensory-processing disorder and later with high-functioning autism at 3. Since then, he has lost the autism diagnosis but still has the SPD designation as well as anxiety. Phoenix currently is going through another round of neuropsychological testing. But, just like Janell, these trials have strengthened the bond between Lizzy and Ethan. “These experiences that we go through — it just brings us closer together,” Lizzy says. Originally, doctors considered the complications with Janell a fluke. But after the difficulties Lizzy experienced with Phoenix, they suspected other pregnancies likely would have complications. Their advice: If the Allens wanted more children, it should be sooner rather than later.

THE JOY

Scarlett Evangeline Allen, born at 12:41 p.m. Sept, 25, 2007, weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and was 18-and-one-half inches long. She was bald. She was pink. And she was screaming. “I think nature or God or whoever did that on purpose,” Lizzy says. “She was not a replacement for Janell. She was her own, separate child.” Scarlett was strong, even in the face of similar complications that her big sister experienced. Once again, Lizzy’s blood pressure spiked during pregnancy. “Here we go again — my third pregnancy with garbage,” she says.

But Scarlett was a fighter, and medication helped keep Lizzy’s blood pressure under control. At 24 weeks, doctors discovered Lizzy’s placenta had already aged to appear close to term. Because of this, it could die or stop functioning. Doctors advised the Allens to bring a packed bag to every appointment throughout the rest of the pregnancy. Lizzy again was placed on bedrest. During the three pregnancies, she estimates she spent nine months confined to a horizontal position. At 37 weeks and two days, Lizzy and Ethan packed the car for the hospital. At about 1 p.m., “Brahms’ Lullaby” began to play over the hospital’s intercom system. Scarlett, the Allens’ joy, was here.

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

they both were there to keep the family on track. They drove 14 states in eight days, finally settling in West Orange. They’re now building a house here, planting their roots so their family can continue to grow. Both Lizzy and Ethan say everyone in their family plays an important role. They wouldn’t be the same people without each other, and both wouldn’t be the same without their children. And, of course, Ethan believes his wife is worthy of a Mother-of-theYear trophy. “She’s as motherly as you can get,” he says. “Room mom, PTO, active in Scarlett’s ballet, crafts, she manages the chores. … She does everything a Mother of the Year would do.” And even though Janell is not here, her presence continues to influence the Allens, too. “She shaped who we are, who I am as a mother,” Lizzy says. “I’m more protective and attached because I know what it’s like to lose a child. Phoenix slept in our bed; we did attachment parenting. Why would I ever sit my baby down when one was taken away from me? Why would I ever want to let them go? I want to be there for everything.” Phoenix and Scarlett both have special teddy bears made from their big sister’s clothes. “(They) know they have an older sister looking down on them,” she says. “I’m incredibly thankful for her. We wouldn’t be who we are without losing her. She brought us closer, and she allowed us to have our other children. Going through that loss gave us strength we didn’t know we had.”

The Allens say their family was finally complete after the birth of their second daughter, Scarlett.

Almost exactly two years after Phoenix was born, the Allens welcomed their third baby.

“She added completeness to our family,” Lizzy says. “She brought the light and the happiness back. And she and Phoenix were best friends since Day 1.” In fact, the first time Phoenix said, “I love you,” it wasn’t to his mother or even his father. I love you, Baby Carlett. “It was the best thing a mom could ever hear,” Lizzy says. “I cried like a baby when I heard it.” MOTHER OF THE YEAR

Three years ago, after living their entire lives in Washington, the Allens — huge Disney fans — stuffed their minivan with their belongings, their children, a parrot, a fish and a house plant and headed toward the sunshine. Sure, Lizzy and Ethan had their homesick panic moments, but

Contact Michael Eng at meng@orangeobserver.com.

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Taylor Morrison officials received an invitation from the Windermere Town Council to its May 10 meeting. In the meantime, town residents — particularly in The Willows — have continued to express displeasure with happenings on the eastern edges of their property, which abut the Estancia — formerly Windsong — development site. Resident Jane Guida said she already was displeased with tree burns on the property resulting in losses of habitat and smoke fanning into neighboring properties. In recent weeks, trees marked with ribbons — meaning they were to be saved — ended up being removed from the Estancia site, mere feet from the backyards of The Willows, she said. As a result, town administrators issued a stop work order. Mayor Gary Bruhn said parties working on Estancia would be planting 20- to 24-foot trees with trunks of 8- to 10-inch diameters every 50 feet along the west side of a retention pond. That should result in a nearly immediate buffer and tree canopy, he said. “The only change that I am aware of is the need for a bigger retention pond, which required additional tree removal, and I know this was a big priority for The Willows residents, as they wanted insurance that this development would hold their own water,” Bruhn said. “The council cannot dictate to SFWMD (South

Florida Water Management District). Under state statute, they are the ultimate water authority.” Bruhn said town officials had received information from SFWMD and Taylor Morrison, in which Taylor Morrison officials said they had tried to make the pond smaller to save trees and mitigation costs. “Upon inspection, they were told that it had to be built as permitted, which required the trees to be removed,” Bruhn said. “Per the certified arborist, these trees will not survive with their roots that close to the pond. The pond is being built to the original specifications required. The town did do its due diligence in stopping work until the facts could be gathered. The pond will be built to specification as required by SFWMD to ensure The Willows will not be susceptible to flooding.” Bruhn said town officials have made clear to Taylor Morrison and its subcontractors that they must immediately and directly inform the Town of Windermere of any changes or issues. “We reiterated to them multiple times that their failure to notify the town in a timely manner has not only made the town look bad but has contributed to misinformation and distrust — neither which is acceptable,” Bruhn said. “On a positive note, they do have a mitigation plan … and the replacement trees will be of higher quality than the laurel oaks.” With reports continuing to come from The Willows residents that contractors such as Provi-

dence Construction have been working outside the appointed hours, Bruhn said Taylor Morrison officials would be sure to have supervisors on site at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., to ensure work is beginning and ending at appropriate hours. Moreover, officials have ordered the installation of four cameras to constantly capture video of the site, with no heavy equipment started before 7:30 a.m. or running past 6 p.m. “This property was strategic for the town, and if we did not control it, Orange County would,” Bruhn said. “I have no doubt that if a proposal had come to zone this commercial under Orange County, it would have been done. ... Instead, we took control and it is residential with homes starting at $700,000.” In recent weeks, tree burns also have occurred around a property Taylor Morrison oversees off Avalon Road in Winter Garden. Contact Zak Kerr at zkerr@orangeobserver.com.

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“INTO THE WOODS” 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at West Orange High School auditorium, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden. This weekend is your final opportunity to see West Orange High School’s production of Into the Woods. Performances run 7 p.m. May 5 to 7, with a Mother’s Day matinee at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 8. Tickets are $10 for children and students, $12 for general admission and $15 for reserved seating. (407) 905-2462.

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WOMAN’S CLUB OF OCOEE TEA 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Woman’s Club of Ocoee, 4 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee. Wear your spring hat and gloves and take a friend. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by calling Teresa at (407) 579-7977.

RAVE OF THE WEEK

NICOLE MONTELEONE COMMER WITH KELLY PRICE Rave to Kelly Price! She does so much for this community. She is an active member of the West Orange Quarterback Club and has done so much to support our football players. She has worked closely with many of our local restaurants and helped get their name out there. Now in an incredible selfless act, she will be riding in the Best Buddies bike event this summer to help (children with autism or mental disabilities) gain the tools they need to work, have normal lives and feel like contributing members of society. She is having an event Wednesday, May 18, at The Big Easy to raise money to meet the minimum to participate in the event that benefits people like her nephew. She has worked so hard and trained to get there. Would be awesome if we could come out and support a woman who gives so much of herself to her community.

JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER

or two Holy Family Catholic School ballet dancers, it’s never too early to have high hopes. Madison Taberham, a 10-year-old dancer at Orlando Ballet School, dreams she will move to New York, perform in the Nutcracker and dance professionally. But if her Big Apple dreams don’t pan out, that’s OK. She has plenty of opportunities to dance professionally through Orlando Ballet. Her classmate, 11-year-old Jaslyn Peralta, dreams of New York also, but she hopes her dancing abilities will land her on Broadway. Ultimately, she sees herself helping kids — like she is now — succeed at dancing and competitions. These aren’t just girls with ambitious dreams. They’re already putting in the hours to improve their dancing abilities. “It’s important to know that these kids are incredibly dedicated,” said Marion Tonner, principal of Orlando Ballet’s south school, where Madison and Jaslyn train, often five or six days per week.

SEE PAGE 10

ON POINTE Although Jaslyn Peralta and Madison Taberham are young, the Holy Family Catholic School students are on their way to becoming successful at ballet.

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STARTING YOUNG

Madison was swimming competitively for several years, but she knew that one day she would have to choose between swimming and ballet. When that day came, though she enjoyed swimming, her choice came easily: Ballet was her passion. She always looks forward to going to the dance studio. “If I’m in a bad mood or had a rough day, I come to ballet and forget all about it,” Madison said. Her dedication has paid off, with the opening of several new opportunities. Madison is getting ready to go on pointe shoes for the first time. Recently, she submitted video auditions for summer intensive programs around the country and was accepted into all three: the American Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Gelsey Kirkland. She decided to attend American Ballet Theatre in New York this summer, where she will take classes under some of the best of the field. Jaslyn, who has been on pointe shoes for almost two years, was approached by her dance instructors in 2015, whom told her she would be attending the American Dance Competition in Daytona Beach. This is a prestigious competition, and the Orlando Ballet School selects only a handful of students from across the three campuses of nearly 800 students. Jaslyn was surprised to be

Courtesy photo

Holy Family Catholic School Principal Sister Dorothy Sayers says Madison Taberham and Jaslyn Peralta have bright futures.

selected. But for the past two years, she has fared well in competition, earning a gold score and finishing in 12th place this year. “When they called my score the first year, I was so excited,” Jaslyn said. “It was my first year dancing solo with just me on stage, and I was really proud of myself.” SCHOOL AND DANCE COLLIDE

Both girls attend Holy Family Catholic School, where the faculty and staff have expressed support for their dancing endeavors. Because of Madison’s high grades and dedication to dance, the

“When they called my score the first year, I was so excited. It was my first year dancing solo with just me on stage, and I was really proud of myself.” — Jaslyn Peralta

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school allows her to leave early a couple days a week to attend the Orlando Ballet School Academy, where she receives more one-onone training. When longtime pastor Monsignor William Ennis retired from Holy Family Catholic, Madison danced before the school at his retirement celebration. Jaslyn and Madison both had the opportunity to dance at a school talent show. “Madison and Jaslyn are exceptional children,” said Sister Dorothy Sayers, principal of Holy Family Catholic School. “Their dedication and commitment to dance is extraordinary at such a tender age. I know they will go far in their dance careers and in their lives as young women.” Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

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STAFF WRITER DR. PHILLIPS Within

the fitness subculture, many seek efficiency: How can I increase strength but maintain flexibility? What can I do in 15 minutes when I don’t have time for the gym? How can I eat as much protein as possible, right when I finish my workout? Fitlife Foods, a Tampa-based company that sells freshly prepared healthy meals, takes a more scientific approach to food. “You walk into Fitlife, and you’re going to find breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks, all in small, medium or large sizes,” founder David Osterweil said. “Everything’s going to be perfectly portioned in terms of its protein, carbohydrates, fats, sugar, sodium — we weigh everything out.” Fitlife Foods opened its 10th location — and its first in Central Florida — April 28 at 7341 W. Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips. “We’re excited about the Dr. Phillips area,” he said. “There’s a number of other great businesses that have been successful in that area, and the neighborhood is absolutely dynamic. We also are always looking for great brands around us in fitness, and when

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you have brands like Pure Barre, Orange Theory, LA Fitness and the YMCA — great fitness brands — around, well, there’s lots of fitness-minded and successminded people that are looking for great, healthy, flavorful and flexible prepared meals.” Examples of entrées are pork, steak, salmon miso, shrimp, chicken and roasted sausage with kale. Each package typically includes various vegetables or grains to balance the meal, and buyers can pick from small meals starting around $5 to large meals in the $10 range. The idea is to give people a onestop shop to load up on great meals for the week, allowing them to save time by just heating and eating, Osterweil said. “There’s so many times people walk into the grocery store, and then they leave and say, ‘Well, what am I having for dinner tonight?’” he said. “When you can

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

MetroWest Elementary throws springtime fun day

Palm Lake welcomes spring season with school carnival

Damani Casielles, 6, conquered the rock wall.

tudents and their families gathered for a day of fun in the sun at MetroWest Elementary April 30 for the school’s Family Fun Day. Students enjoyed going from booth to booth and playing fun games, from relay races to throwing pies in their teachers’ faces. They also danced to fun music, climbed rock walls, met firefighters and grabbed a bite to eat at one of the numerous food trucks.

alm Lake Elementary students enjoyed a night of old-fashioned family fun at the school’s Spring Carnival. The night featured a variety

of inflatable bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, carnivalstyle games, food trucks and more. — MICHAEL ENG

ONLINE

Fourth-grader Erin Brown showed true strength at this carnival game.

Jada Marie Mays, 6, gave Yana Babakulieva a hug after throwing a pie in her face at one of the booths.

ONLINE See more photos at

Fitth-grader Amelia Kirkland aimed carefully at this baseball-throwing game.

OrangeObserver.com

Second-grader Camden Morris climbed all over this bounce house.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

CHAMPIONED BY:

Health & Wellness Expo ATTENTION STUDENTS (K - 12 GRADE)

WIN... FOR YOUR SCHOOL!

Walk at West Orange High School Come out and show support for your favorite charity. Donate $1.00, name your charity of choice and walk a mile to show your support. The charity with the most people walking for their cause will be the recipient of the donations raised. So lace up those walking shoes and donate that dollar. Our goal is to have 1,000 walking to equal a $1000 donation.

Attention Little League Teams!!!

Writing Contest - 500 Word Limit

How Does Your School Inspire Students to be Healthy? Submit Online to contest@orangeobserver.com 1st Place School Win $300 2nd Place School Win $200

Video Contest - 90 second Maximum

A 90 Second Video Commercial on how your school is helping West Orange become the Healthiest Community in the Nation! Submit Online to contest@orangeobserver.com 1st Place School Win $1000, 2nd Place School Win $500 For questions contact 407-656-2121. Deadline to submit Thursday, May 12th by 5 pm to contest@orangeobserver.com Winners will be announced at the Healthy West Orange Expo on May 21st at West Orange High School.

For more information: www.HealthyWestOrange.org

Stop by West Orange High School Saturday, May 21st and VOTE for YOUR Little League. The league with the most votes can win $500.00 to be used for equipment, field improvement etc. Visit Winter Garden Squeeze booth vote, take a practice swing in the batting cage, talk with some of the Squeeze team, and win prizes!

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MAY 5, 2016

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SPORTS

Blake Inlow amassed 702 assists and 146 digs this season for the Dr. Phillips boys’ volleyball team. Page 14A

Olympia’s Macon Rodier has dedicated his high-school career to shot put — and the results show the defending state champion’s hard work has paid off.

Dr. Phillips High’s Kaylee Messina passed for one touchdown and threw for another as the Panthers flag football team topped Boone in the district championship April 27, 13-6.

STAFF WRITER SOUTHWEST ORANGE

acon Rodier already was riding the bus

home from school when his brother called him. It was the first day of tryouts for the track team, he said, asking if Rodier wanted to try out. Rodier said yes, so his brother drove to the bus stop to bring Rodier back to Olympia High School, where Rodier was a freshman at the time. Although Rodier had competed in the shot put in middle school, he wasn’t sure if

Ukeyvia Beckwith placed second in the girls high jump at the Class 4A, Region 1 Track and Field Meet April 26 with a height of 5 feet, 2 inches.

Robbie Knight had 35 assists and three digs for the Olympia volleyball team in its 3-1 victory over Dr. Phillips in the district semifinals April 27.

Ethan Jones had two RBIs for the West Orange baseball team April 27 in a 3-2 victory over Freedom in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 9A State Tournament.

GO ONLINE For coverage of Tuesday’s regional semifinal showdown on the baseball diamond between West Orange and Apopka, visit OrangeObserver.com.

he wanted to continue in high school. Jennifer Nesslar

SEE STORY PAGE 14A

DP flag football upsets Boone to take district FHSAA FLAG FOOTBALL REGIONAL SEMIFINALS Martin County at Dr. Phillips WHEN: 7 p.m. May 6 WHERE: Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando ADMISSION: $7

Olympia High’s Damani Dacosta Moore won the boys 400 meters at the Class 4A, Region 1 Track and Field Meet April 26.

JENNIFER NESSLAR

Macon Rodier hopes to defend his state title in the shot put.

IF YOU GO

The Panthers knocked off the previously undefeated Braves April 27 in the District 3 Championship. Dr. Phillips will host Martin County May 6 in the regional semifinals. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR DR. PHILLIPS The Dr. Phillips Pan-

thers got a chance to avenge a loss — and they took advantage of it. The Panthers hosted Boone April 27 in the District 3 Championship, the teams’ first meeting since the Braves topped Dr. Phil-

lips 20-19 in the opener for both teams. And, although Boone had entered the district final with an undefeated mark, the Panthers (11-3) ensured that the Braves left with their first — and last — loss of their season, scoring the 13-6 victory.

As district champion, Dr. Phillips advances to the FHSAA Regional Semifinals and will host Martin County at 7 p.m. May 6. “(We) just turned it on,” head coach Anthony Jones said of his team, which came into the seaSEE PANTHERS PAGE 15A

Olympia boys volleyball wraps up 2016 season The Olympia boys volleyball team concluded its season May 3 with a 3-1 defeat against Lake Nona in the First Round Play-In Game of the FHSAA State Playoffs. Last week, the Titans had defeated rival Dr. Phillips 3-1 and Bishop Moore 3-0 to win the District 4 Championship. Olympia concludes the season with a final record of 18-5.

14A

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

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Titans’ terrific trio of seasons deserves praise

Blake Inlow Blake Inlow is a go-to setter for the Dr. Phillips boys’ volleyball team, with 702 assists and 146 digs this season. The Panthers lost 3-1 to Olympia April 28 in their district semifinal, where Inlow had 32 assists to continue a string of 30-assist games. The defeat ended a successful season for Dr. Phillips, which finished with an 18-8 record.

When did you start playing volleyball, and what do you like about it? I started playing in seventh grade. I really got it from my dad, mainly. It’s definitely a fun sport — good atmosphere, always. When I’m on the court, I’m always happy and loving the players around me. How did you become a setter? My dad was a really good setter, and he taught me his ways. Then I went to play club at OVA (Orlando Volleyball Academy), and they always taught me how to set, so I’ve been a setter since the start, really. What excites you about your position? It definitely makes me feel good, because I’m the guy (who) gives others the opportunity to slam it down. That feeling that I’m the one that pushes the ball, and then they just pound it — it just gets me excited. If anyone gets a point, it always gets me excited.

THE BASICS

HEIGHT: 5-foot-10 BIRTHDAY: Dec. 20, 1999 BIRTHPLACE: Orlando YEAR: Sophomore HANDEDNESS: Right

What goes into a good setup for you? You’ve got to have a good back row. Everyone’s got to keep their minds straight. The confidence really is the main factor, like you know you’re going to succeed in what you’re going to do, whether it’s pass it or hit the ball. That’s really the only thing you need — the passion to want to get the play.

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SIDELINE SCENE

Three years, three coaches, three appearances in the state semifinals. All of this by a public school from Central Florida. Obviously, the ladies of the Olympia Titans girls lacrosse team really would like to have a state championship ring to show for their remarkable three-year run, but the lack of one doesn’t take away from what they’ve accomplished. Olympia fell to Bartram Trail 11-10 in the state semifinals April 29, with Bartram going

What is your favorite class? I really like biology. It interests me, really. But math has always been my strong suit. Are you thinking about the next step yet? I’m thinking of trying to go to college for volleyball, of course, but for a career, I’m not quite sure yet. I’m thinking along the boundary of coaching or physical education.

on to win the state championship in overtime against powerhouse Vero Beach, 8-7. Of the three state semifinal losses, this was probably the hardest for the Titans because it was the closest margin of defeat. They were really close to playing for a state championship for the first time. Still, it doesn’t offset the significance of what the program has done the past three years. Consider that only Vero Beach also has been to the Final Four in each of the past three years, like Olympia. That’s impressive. Girls lacrosse in this state has a top tier of regular contenders and, along with the likes of Vero Beach, Ponte Vedra and Barron Collier, the Titans are right up there. And although there has been some recognition in lacrosse publications for standouts such as senior Ashley Matthews and Finley Cassidy, this run largely has been fueled by

a strong team dynamic and a willingness by the team to reinvent itself each season to suit its roster. That the Titans have remained a well-oiled machine while cycling through three coaches (Chip Carbiener, Elyse DeLisle and Brooke Tobin) in three seasons is as much a testament to the girls’ maturity and leadership as it is to their talent. That sort of success in the face of instability doesn’t happen that often. Most powerhouse programs are defined by coaches who have been on campus for years. Olympia will graduate a talented class of seniors who will be missed, so perhaps next year will snap the Titans’ streak of regional championships. Then again, I wouldn’t bet against them. After all, for juniors on the team, why not try and make it four-for-four in making it to state?

Shot putter seeks title No. 2 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

Things certainly have changed since then. Rodier, now a senior at Olympia, is preparing to defend his state shot put title. He trains with Coach Andy Vince at the National Training Center in Clermont three days a week, even in the off-season. In the fall, he’s headed to Nova Southeastern University to continue competing in the shot put. “Macon is probably one of the hardest workers on the team,” Olympia track coach Jason Greer said. “I’ve seen him progress from a guy that didn’t have much talent as a freshman, to being a state champion as a junior, and that’s all because of his dedication to his craft.” Rodier decided freshman year that he would focus solely on his track events, rather than playing other sports as well. As a junior at states, he took first with a put of 55 feet, 2 inches — his personal record is

What is your favorite team to watch on campus? I think football, definitely. There’s a lot of excitement; you get pumped up at the games; and it’s just a good atmosphere, because I always like football after volleyball. So it just appeals to me. What is your favorite room in your house? Definitely the kitchen. Always eating, all the time. What are some of your favorite foods? Pasta, cereal, every type of meat possible — all that. Where is your favorite place to get away? It’s not really a place, but I definitely like to ride my bike around, so just being outside on my bike, outside of school and home, is definitely my forte.

Family. Family. Friends. Friends. Community. Community.

55 feet, 4 inches. But puts of that length have come from much effort. During his freshman year, he was putting in the 30-foot range, but he improved by nearly 8 feet every year until his junior year. Then he qualified for state for the first time — and won. “I’m extremely pleased with my career over track and field,” Rodier said. On April 26, Rodier won the regional shot put event, and the Olympia boys track team placed first overall. Rodier hopes to keep the streak going for states. The last time Olympia won states, Rodier was a freshman. He didn’t qualify for states individually that year, so the possibility of winning states as a team is even more compelling to him now, as he will be an active contributor this year. There’s also another appeal to winning back-to-back state titles. The last Olympia student to get back-to-back state titles

TITANS REIGN AT REGIONALS At regionals, the Olympia boys team won first place, with nine boys from Olympia advancing to state. On the girls side, Ukeyvia Beckwith advanced.

was Chris Johnson, now an NFL player. Johnson finished first in the 4x100 two years in a row. Rodier looks forward to heading to Nova Southeastern in the fall and feels confident in his technique, but he hopes to work more on strength training. In college competition, the shot put weighs 16 pounds, compared to 12 pounds in high school. He hopes to put 67 feet by his senior year of college. Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

— ZAK KERR

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15A

Warriors headed to Area football teams DODGERTOWN put spring in their steps With thrilling wins over Spruce Creek, Lake Brantley and Freedom to win the Class 9A, Region 1 Championship, the West Orange softball team has a date with the state semifinals Friday in Vero Beach’s Historic Dodgertown. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR PORT ORANGE The West

Orange Warriors are going to state. Lauren Mathis pitched a complete-game shutout in the Class 9A, Region 1 Final April 29, a performance that paired with a tworun single by Lexie Blair to give the Warriors (28-1) a 2-0 win over host Spruce Creek. With the win, West Orange advanced to the Class 9A State Semifinals May 6 at Historic Dodgertown in Vero Beach. The Warriors will face Western High (21-4) at 6:35 p.m. May 6. Mathis, the ace of the Warriors’ pitching staff, allowed just one hit in the regional final and struck out six of the last seven batters she faced — including the final out. “What you saw tonight is basically how she’s been rolling all year,” head coach Todd LaNeave said. “She throws well and, as the game goes on, she throws even better.” Although Mathis was nearperfect on the mound, it was Blair’s big hit that helped break up an otherwise near-perfect outing from Spruce Creek pitcher Ashley Appell. After a pair of errors and a hit resulted in bases loaded with one out in the sixth, the sophomore standout came through with a clean single for one of the biggest hits of her young career. “I’m not going to lie: I was

really nervous,” Blair said afterward with a smile. “There were a lot of things going through my head but I pulled through when I needed to.” The late-game heroics were a bit of a theme for West Orange last week, with the Warriors having defeated district rival Lake Brantley in the regional semifinals April 26 by way of a walk-off single by Maggie Wheless. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Warriors’ catcher came to the plate with her team knotted up at 1-1 with the Patriots. Teammate Kalie Romig stood 60 feet away at third base. Wheless sent a grounder toward the hole between the Patriots’ shortstop. When the shortstop made an impressive, backhanded stab and set her feet to throw to first, Wheless sprinted with all her might for the bag — arriving just ahead of the throw. The next thing she knew, her teammates were sprinting full speed at her to celebrate the Warriors’ 2-1 victory. West Orange returns to the state semifinals for the first time since 2013. From that 2013 season, only Jade Caraway and Romig remain. As seniors now, the return trip is even sweeter. “I just know how hard the process is to get there,” Caraway said. “Our team this year, it just feels like it’s never felt before. ... I love how close we are.”

Spring football season will culminate with games between May 13 and 27. STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR WEST ORANGE It may only be “the

spring” — the culmination of which results in just one game — but football nevertheless is back. Spring football practice began April 25 and the spring season will run through the end of May. Each team is afforded 20 practice sessions, including its spring game, with area teams playing games between May 13 and May 27. For programs around the coverage area, the spring is a chance to get a good look at how rosters are shaping up for the fall season after the departure of each program’s respective senior class. Here is a look at each local program’s spring outlook, including date, time and opponent for the spring game.

DR. PHILLIPS PANTHERS SPRING GAME: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, vs. Bishop Moore 2015 RECORD: 9-4 OUTLOOK: Even with a few unexpected departures due to transfer, the Panthers still are returning one of the strongest rosters in the state — particularly their rising senior class. Expect Dr. Phillips’ spring practices to be a place for college coaches to see and be seen as scouts from around the nation flock to take in the Panthers’ talented skill players. Consistency in offense will be something to look for in Dr. Phillips’ spring game against Bishop Moore. It is one of the most anticipated spring contests in Central Florida — the Hornets are fresh off winning the Class 5A state title last fall.

OTHER GAMES Listed below are spring games for other programs covered by our sister publication, the West Orange Times & Observer. Both games take place on Friday, May 20. 7 p.m.: Ocoee at University (Orlando) 7:30 p.m.: Legacy Charter at Bradenton Christian OLYMPIA TITANS SPRING GAME: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, vs. Wekiva 2015 RECORD: 7-4 OUTLOOK: In coach Kyle Hayes’ first season leading the Titans, the program experienced a remarkable turnaround from one win in 2014 to seven in 2015. Although there was a large senior class that played a role in this success, key players such as rising junior quarterback Joe Milton and rising senior wide receiver Bradley Dos Santos will be back, along with a number of other speedy skill players. Olympia’s offense was often stagnant in 2015, offsetting a formidable defense, so look for the Titans to improve on that side of the ball this spring. WEST ORANGE WARRIORS SPRING GAME: 7 p.m. Friday, May 27, vs. Gainesville 2015 RECORD: 12-2 OUTLOOK: Graduating a huge — and talented — senior class would figure to set the Warriors back after a historic season that ended in the state semifinal. Except, maybe it won’t. Wekiva transfer Trey McGee will compete for the starting job at

quarterback to replace Woody Barrett, and the Warriors have a deceptive number of talented underclassmen who were waiting in the wings from 2015 — some of whom were on a junior varsity squad that played well and finished with a 5-2-1 record. One can only expect that new playmakers will emerge by spring’s end. FOUNDATION ACADEMY LIONS SPRING GAME: 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, vs. Seffner Christian 2015 RECORD: 8-4 OUTLOOK: Foundation had its best season ever in 2015 and, like West Orange, seniors were a big part of that. But then again, so were several talented underclassmen, including Lester Axson and Luis Rodriguez. Foundation needs someone to emerge as a capable quarterback this spring to help facilitate getting the ball to its talented playmakers. CFCA SPRING GAME: Jamboree vs. TFA-Leesburg and Florida School for the Deaf 2015 RECORD: 7-3 OUTLOOK: The young men on the Eagles’ roster will, for a fourth time in as many years, be acclimating to a new head coach. Much of CFCA’s success will depend on how many returners it has from a very talented, very young roster that made a strong impression in 2015. If the eventual new hire for the Eagles can make a good impression and keep some of those talented underclassmen on campus, it could go a long way toward retaining the momentum created last season.

Panthers primed for playoffs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13A

Steven Ryzewski

son with several inexperienced players. “They started believing in themselves and started concentrating and the quarterback (Kaylee Messina) had confidence — the rest is history.” Messina, a junior, got the scoring started late in the first half with a rushing touchdown on a

scramble. Later, in the fourth quarter, Messina converted a short pass to Jordin Ferguson, who eluded a pack of Boone defenders to break free for a 25-yard touchdown. The Braves (11-1) scored a late touchdown to make things interesting, but a big first down run by Gianna Fischetti on the ensuing Dr. Phillips possession allowed

the Panthers to run out the clock. The district championship is the 10th for the program and its sixth title in the past seven years. The winner of Friday’s game will advance to the regional championship, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. Contact Steven Ryzewski at sryzewski@orangeobserver.com.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

16A

ICYE BELL DEMPS died April 29, 2016.

Icye Bell Demps, 61, of Winter Garden, Florida, departed this life on Friday, April 29, 2016. Icye Bell attended Orange County Public Schools and later retired from the School Board as a secretary. Icye Bell leaves to cherish her memories: her daughters, Kim E. Miller, Sonya (Michael) Walls; son, Tarik Haskell; mother, Wil-

lie Neal Miller; brother, Sylvester Demps; and 10 grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5, at New Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church, 617 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. A service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at the church, with Pastor David Harp Sr. officiating. Interment will be at Winter Garden Cemetery. Postell’s Mortuary is providing service for the Demps family. PEARL K. LACEY, 79, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, April 26, 2016. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee.

ALICE WATERS died April 24, 2016.

Alice Waters, 68, of Gainesville, passed away April 24, 2016, from cancer at her sister’s home in Windermere, Florida. Alice was the daughter of Haven and Susanna Waters. She was preceded in death by her sister, Suzette Connard. Alice is survived by her brother, Trevor, and wife, Janis; her brother, Ray, and wife, Candice; and her sister, Antoinette, and husband, James. Alice had nine nieces and nephews and was a caregiver to her mother.

VIRGINIA LINGG, 88, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, April 24, 2016 WILLIAM F. MOORE, 66, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, April 10, 2016. Waldon Professional Funeral & Cremation Services, Sanford.

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PAGE 13

Welcome to your new hometown newspaper MICHAEL ENG EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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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

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Dr. Brian J. Pearson was the guest speaker at the latest Bloom & Grow Garden Society meeting. He is an assistant professor of landscape, ornamental and protected crop management at the University of Florida MidFlorida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Kelly Greer, a UF/IFAS Extension agent, accompanied Pearson.

ner was Lynn Ramsey, and Best Table Topics winner was Sabrina Mellay. Amato and Mellay were visitors from Clermont Toastmasters. Ramsey won with a humorous speech about his performing a song with a Catholic cardinal at a church conference. Amato won with her evaluation of Ramsey’s speech. Mellay won Table Topics by telling the group how she was the most enthusiastic pet owner. Windermere Toastmasters meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Windermere Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 4100 McKinnon Road. For more information, contact club president Stephanie Swyers at stephanie.swyers@gmail.com.

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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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THE GROVE ORLANDO BOOGIES AT BIRTHDAY BASH

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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FORECAST

17A

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

SUNRISE / SUNSET

THURSDAY, MAY 5 High: 82 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 0%

FRIDAY, MAY 6 High: 80 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 0%

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, May 5

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Friday, May 6

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 7 May 21 Full

High: 86 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 0% Windermere resident Debbie Adatia submitted this breathtaking photo, which she calls “OrangeRise.” The West Orange Times & Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to aqrhode@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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SUNDAY, MAY 8

Tuesday, April 26

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See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

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May 13 First

May 6 New

205316

ONLINE

May 29 Last

33 Do smithy work 35 Shyly modest 1 Model wood 39 Dinner fork quartet 6 Hardly emotional 40 Having the lead 11 Easily split mineral 44 Bring forth 15 Belgian composer 45 Gadget on a selfie stick Jacques 47 Whisper sweet noth19 Green card carrier ings 20 Name in toy trucks 48 Mudville team comple21 Gem from Australia ment 22 Political strategist Karl 49 Mischievous Norse god 23 Wizard with a broom51 Read, but not post stick 52 Prefix with carpal or 25 One with a nightstick tarsal 27 Nautical distance unit 53 Addams cousin 28 Yawning, perhaps 54 Unit controlled by a 30 Serengeti “laugher” joystick 31 Soccer stadium cry 58 Added a kick to 32 Cob and buck

59 Turn to speak 60 Just ___ (not much) 61 Led Zeppelin’s “Whole ___ Love” 62 Smith Brothers features 63 First anniversary gift 65 Just sits 66 “I wanna try!” 67 Those not of the cloth 69 Baker who sang “Sweet Love” 70 Pasta sauce brand 71 Nile slitherer 74 Butler’s invitation 75 Early purveyor of lipstick 77 The bossy Stooge

78 Mineral hardness scale 79 Goose liver delicacy 80 Shopper’s aid 81 Having the know-how 82 Hubbub 83 Job that might employ a dynamite stick 87 French filmmaker Rene 88 Not as tough 90 Jolly Roger features 91 Hockey rink walls 92 Industrious bugs 93 Breads served with hummus 94 ___-I-Am (Seuss character) 95 Clothing designer Perry

1 Dickensian outburst 2 “___, poor Yorick!” 3 Euros supplanted them 4 Blood fluids 5 Ever again 6 Furrier’s item 7 Pari-mutuel machine 8 Hamilton’s prov. 9 Japanese art of flower arranging 10 Holiday singer 11 Puts on a puss 12 Apple music player 13 Berkeley school, informally 14 Baron Cohen character ___ G 15 Stephen of the Supreme Court 16 Hadrian’s domain 17 Hunter who wrote “The Blackboard Jungle” 18 River of Siberia 24 Huge amount 26 Job jar item 29 Take five 32 Mockingbird, e.g. 33 Chain unit 34 Greenberg in Cooperstown 35 Leary of Ford ads 36 Role for Madonna 37 British troupe known for slapstick 38 Tiny Tim’s instrument 39 Tut-tutted 40 NFL coaching legend

Don 41 Treat on a popsicle stick 42 Took down 43 Prods 46 Takes part in a scheme 49 Grow dark 50 Epps of “House M.D.” 52 “Just the facts, ___” 54 Slack-jawed one 55 Doo-wop song, say 56 Nick of “Lorenzo’s Oil” 57 Make off with 58 Ring-tailed primate 62 Father, biblically 64 Iowa State city 65 Chip giant 66 Little shavers 67 Paul of “American Graffiti” 68 Battery terminal 69 Notable Titanic casualty 70 Athens attractions 72 Like some pool balls 73 Members of the jury 75 Chair designer Charles 76 Bitter ___ (purgative) 79 Fresh-mouthed 81 ___ broche (skewered) 83 Slow on the uptake 84 Footnote’s “the same” 85 Of a tribal emblem 86 Pressed for time 87 Laugh-a-minute 89 Places for roasters 91 Minstrel poet 93 Not worth the bother 94 Proposal details, briefly 95 Cartesian adverb 96 Bird on a Canadian dollar 97 Handed-down tales 98 Eluded the tag 99 Assault from 77-Across 100 Pit stop item 101 Paradise lost 102 Texter’s button 104 Go for the gold 105 The last word 107 Mekong Valley native 108 ___ Tafari (Haile Selassie)

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a beloved TV mom. Using the hints X=A and P=R, decipher the clues to name the character.

1. G X P B 2. V I P W O 3. F Q X P Z A L 4. D X P B 5. J O X P T W She is a wife and mother of three residing in Hilldale:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 May 5 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44) through 9 in each row, column and box.

2 5

4 9

1 6

3 9

8 4

4 8

3 7

6 5

2 05-05-16

May 5 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44)

8 6 4 2

8 4 6 3

9 5

6 7

4 8

6 4 9 3

8 2

9 1

5 18A

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

4 |

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

OrangeObserver.com

1 6 3 8 CLASSIFIEDS Thursday, Thursday,DATE, MAY2015 5, 2016

Windermere Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in Windermere Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with town codes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

GENERAL EMPLOYMENT

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MISCELLANEOUS

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

May 5 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44) This week’s Sudoku answers

8 6 4 2

8 4 6 3

9 5

6 7

4 8

6 4 9 3

8 2

8 3

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9 1

4 9 6

6 3 5

9 2

6 4 8 7

9 1

8 6 4

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19A

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20A

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Journey with us as we go

INTO THE WOODS now through May 8

“The theatrical productions at West Orange High School are as good, if not better, than anything I have seen on tour at the Bob Carr OR the new Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center....and at a much better price. Why pay $75 or $100 a ticket when you can see a show that is constantly as good if not better than the “professional” ones AND you are supporting local talent and the education system at the same time. Don’t miss INTO THE WOODS!” - Janice Weatherly

“The consistently best professional theatre I’ve seen in Florida is happening at a high school, West Orange high school to be exact. This time it’s INTO THE WOODS with unbelievable tech and performances, accompanied by a full orchestra of students. The amount of work these “kids” (demonstratrably harder working than most adults I know) put in on top of studies and other pastimes is staggering. Support theatre arts in education - you’ll be amazed at the quality you see at a high school level. Please check out this show - you have through May 8.” - Alyson Johnson

Presented through special arrangement with

Music Theatre International

Presented at the Auditorium, West Orange High School

1625 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden, FL 34787

For tickets and more information please call 407-905-2462

www.WOHSTHEATRE.com West Orange Theatre

If you loved MARY POPPINS in the fall you will be spellbound by the beauty of INTO THE WOODS.

wohstheatre

204956

May 5, 6 & 7 at 7:00 pm May 8 at 2:30 pm

Professional Quality Theatre On A High School Stage!

Stage Scene from NOISES OFF

THURSDAY, MAY 5 2016

HOUSE + HOME

BUSINESS BRIEFS Quarles celebrates 40 years of service JoAnne Quarles , owner of Treasure Title, celebrates four decades of service in West Orange this month. Quarles will be holding an open house on Wednesday, May 25, at Treasure Title office, 12184 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 102, Winter Garden. For more information, call (407) 654-8811.

Fine workwomanship

Frankie Orozco makes solid-wood pieces of furniture from her garage in Horizon West.

Hiawassee Plaza gets new tenants

Lynx buses to feature area agencies

Organizations that support animal welfare, deployed service members and substance abuse are among 15 nonprofit agencies to be featured on the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority 2016-17 public service bus. Two Winter Garden organizations will be featured. Do Good Farm provides sustainable farming to feed people in need locally and teaches people to do it around the world. Second Chance Resource Center provides single parents with diapers, baby food, children’s clothing and other basic baby essentials at no cost. All organizations will receive free exposure by having their logos placed on a bus traveling Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties for the next 12 months.

COMMUNITY DOCK on LAKE MINNEOLA. MOTIVATED SELLER. 4/2.5 + den. Custom built, ceramic tile, wood/gas fireplace, electric 72 inch movie screen above fireplace. Call Now! Colleen Donlevy-Burns at 407-325-2873.

DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER HORIZON WEST

ost women collect handbags, shoes or makeup, but handywoman Frankie Orozco

collects drills and tools.

Photos by Danielle Hendrix

Frankie Orozco uses natural, clean, untreated wood to build tables, benches and more out of her garage in Horizon West.

It all started with making changes to her house, such as knocking out a wall in the kitchen and transforming it into an open breakfast-bar area. A year ago, when she was looking for a rolling cart for her daughters’ bathroom and couldn’t find a reasonably priced one anywhere, she took it upon herself to make one.

A miniature Adirondack chair Orozco made.

SEE PAGE 2B

204857

Hold-Thyssen Inc. completed leases for two current and one new tenant at Hiawassee Plaza, 6801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando. The leases include: a new lease of 1,264 square feet to Scholars Prep Academy Inc., a charter school; and a lease renewal agreement with Gabriel Health Institute, where certified nurse assistants train for licensing, for 956 square feet of existing space as well as an expansion lease for an additional 963 square feet; The Forster team also completed a lease extension agreement with Dr. Theyyar Rangarajan, a dental practitioner, for the 1,133 square feet he currently leases, plus an expansion agreement for a further 318 adjacent square feet.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Woodshop woman CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

“I’ve always done stuff around the house — my brother’s a contractor, so I think it runs in the blood,” she said. “I had friends wanting (carts), and my daughter said, ‘Why don’t you post this in one of the Facebook pages?’ Within the first day, I had nine orders for that cart.” Orozco takes pure wood — usually pine — and can transform it into just about anything. She can make just about any style of table — dining tables, egg tables and sofa tables among them — as well as various benches, wall trimmings, deck chairs and wood cutouts. After her craftsmanship took off, her oldest daughter made her a Facebook page to display her projects and feature things she’d made around the house. They titled the page “That Woodshop Gal.” Little by little, Orozco would take orders based on what she is capable of doing — now, she’s working on pieces she never planned to make. From there, word of mouth spread of Orozco’s work, and what started as a hobby

is now also a workout and a way to help support her oldest daughter through college. “I’ve always had a knack for looking at something and knowing how it’s put together,” she said. “YouTube is your friend. I followed other ladies who did stuff like that and was always a huge fan of these sites. I started following plans and then started doing my own. Most cases I can look at a piece and just know that this is how it’s put together.” On average, Orozco works on two to three pieces at a time. Most projects take about two to three weeks from start to finish. Clients message her asking about a particular piece, and she gives them an estimate based on measurements and finish. Orozco then discusses the piece further with clients, from details ranging to where in the house the piece will go to what colors are in that room, so she can ensure they will end up with a piece that works for them. Once details are finalized, Orozco provides clients with a work order, collects a deposit and schedules the start and finish dates for the piece. Then, she

“I’ve always had a knack for looking at something and knowing how it’s put together. YouTube is your friend.… I started following plans and then started doing my own.” — Frankie Orozco

Butler Chain of Lakes | $2,199,000

Stunning Country Manor on the Butler Chain. 5,000 sf includes luxurious master retreat, custom theater, office and unique collectibles such as antique door and phone booth. Laundry rooms on each floor, 3 car garage and boat dock with electric cover. No HOA!

Butler Chain of Lakes | $1,495,000

PRICE SLASHED $300,000 so home is virtually FREE! $100,000 less than nearby vacant lots. One acre premium lot, 115’ of sandy shoreline and spectacular sunsets.

Amanda Black

REALTOR®, Interior Designer amandablackfl@gmail.com

Danielle Hendrix

gathers the materials she’ll need — the wood, hardware and stains or finishes — and gets to work. For materials, she goes to Lowe’s and carefully pick out each piece of wood. She goes in and sorts through the wood slab by slab, sliding pieces on the floor to inspect them for warps. By now, the employees at Lowe’s know her well. “I started with a little 10-inch saw, and it’s amazing how every week I‘ve found the need for a new tool,” she said. “I go into Lowe’s and the guys go, ‘Come here, let me show you this, we just got it in!’ I used to just go raid my brother’s van or his garage.” The process itself is lengthy, especially when it comes to sanding, which is done in phases. The wood is cut, shaped, sanded,

Lake Whitney | $1,745,000

Fabulous Lake Whitney residence with gated front courtyard and separate guest house. 7,000 sf of luxurious living area includes game room, theater, wine cellar and office. Resort style backyard with boat house, infinity edge pool, fire pit, 5 hole putting green and more!

Windermere Downs | $549,000

2,500 sf of living area extends to private back yard with pool, patios and cabanas. Quality finishes throughout including wood and travertine floors. Amenities include beach, boat ramp and dock on the Butler Chain.

Judy Black

assembled and sanded again before the final stain is applied. Although it takes a while to get the piece ready to go, Orozco said the best part is pushing herself and seeing the final project come together. “I’m a bit of a perfectionist, and working with wood, sometimes it’s not perfect so I can get a bit frustrated when the pieces don’t turn out exactly how I want,” she said. “It’s not just about taking an order — it’s about getting it right. It’s fun, I love doing it. My husband gets a big kick out of it, and he’s my biggest fan. I love when people send me something of what they want, and seeing people get so excited over their piece.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

Courtleigh Park | $509,000

Large greenbelt lot offers space and privacy for this lovely 4 bedroom home. Quality finishes throughout include wood floors, granite countertops, plantation shutters and built-ins. Screened patio with oasis style pool, spa and waterfall.

Butler Chain of Lakes | $1,100,000

Wake up to magnificent sunrises over Lake Down. Lovely 2/2 cottage offers vaulted wood beamed ceilings, travertine floors and stunning designer kitchen. Boat house with 2 jetski and boat lifts along with upper sun deck.

Broker Associate 407.810.1803 judyblackfla@gmail.com

THAT WOODSHOP GAL Facebook: facebook. com/ThatWoodshopGal/ Phone: (407) 3418832 TOOLS OF THE TRADE Heavy-duty bevel Miter saw Sander Drills Jigsaw Router MOST POPULAR ORDERS Large dining-room tables Console (sofa) tables Adirondack chairs

Willow Wood | $649,000

Re-designed home is located on a high corner lot overlooking pond. 4,000 sf offers dramatic designer kitchen, 3 car garage and heated pool and summer kitchen. Quality finishes throughout include travertine and wood floors, plantation shutters, LED lighting and custom built-ins. Move-in ready!

Westminster Landing | $629,000

Spacious 5/4 home in desirable gated neighborhood convenient to everything. 3,900 sf of living space includes theater, game room, study and island kitchen. Screened lanai, solar heated pool and lovely pond views.

THE JUDY BLACK TEAM www.judyblacklakefront.com

204810

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Property Management Line 407-566-9382

407.566.0555

821 Spring Park Loop

Single Family Home in Winter Garden 3 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,067 sq ft Offered at $259,990

Single Family Home in Celebration 5 bed / 5 bath / 4,094 sq ft Offered at $899,000

D RE

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1209 Downey Place Celebration

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MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage

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6530 Pasturelands Place

D RE

789 Celebration Ave Celebration

MLS # S4816524 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 3 car garage

MLS # S4812883 2 bed 2 bath 1211 sq ft End unit Water St condo

MLS # S4815324 3 bed 3.5 bath 3100 sq ft Townhouse with 2 car garage

Offered at: $ 579,000

Offered at: $209,000

Offered at: $409,000

949 Westpark # 207 Celebration

1209 Downey Place Celebration

MLS # G4812461 3 bed, 2 bath, 1897 sq ft Fannie Mae Homepath Property

MLS # S4815137 3 bed 2.5 bath 1684 sq ft 2 car garage Offered at: 754$415,000 Siena Palm Dr # 101

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

MLS # S4810230

MLS # S4810845 3 bed 2 bath 1943 sq ft 1 car detached garage

MLS # S4814151 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft With 2 Car Garage

Offered at: $299,900

Offered at: $219,900

MLS # S4812780 2 bed 2 bath 1281 sq ft Fully furnished plus 1 car garage

267 Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 Celebration MLS # S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft condo. 2 car garage Offered at: $275,000

MLS #

1410 Celebration Ave # 407 Celebration MLS S4810230

Offered at: Offered at: $219,900

MLS # 2 bed 2 ba End unit W

1109 Ashbee Ln

Offered a

Offered at: $235,000

604 Mulberry Ave # 1101 Celebration S4810845

$219,900 Offered

206 Norfolk Pl Celebration

754 Siena P Cele

MLS# # S4727247 MLS S4814151 4 bed 3.5 bath, 3028 sq ft 3 bed 2.5 bath 2077 sq ft Lowest priced SFH in Celebration with Garage a garage With 2 Car apartment

MLS # 2 bed 2 ba Fully furn 1 car

Offered at: $529,000 $429,999 Offered at:

Offered a

1102 Wilde Dr – Celebration

3 bed 2 bath MLS 1943 sq ft MLS # S4724783 # S4726678 MLS # O5325911 bed 2 bath, sqbed ft 2 bath 1435 sq 2 bed 2garage bath 1196 sq ft 3 bed 32bath 1736 sq ft 1345 2 1 car detached ft First floor condo. 1 car garage 5th floor condo. 1 car garage 1 car detached garage 4th floor condo with balcony Offered at: $329,000

MLS # S4816524 5 bed 3 bath 3051 sq ft 3 car garage

MLS # S4810946 3 bed 2.5 Bath 2,522 Sq ft Over $60,000 in upgrades

764 Celebration Ave, #2202 Celebration

1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

789 Cele Cele

Offered at: $499,000 Single Family Home in Orlando 4 bed / 4 bath / 2,869 sq ft Offered at $499,900

Offered at: $429,999

1211 Stonecutter Dr # 502 Celebration - Artisan Club

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

10462 Lavande Drive

Single Family Home in Davenport ED C DU ft 5 bed / 3 bath / 2,935 sq E R Offered at $469,900 Offered at: $429,900

Offered at: $ 579,000 Celebration

Celebration

1403 Deuce Circle

C DU

316 Charleston Pl Celebration

908 Waterside Dr Celebration

1400 Celebration Ave # 406 Celebration

2 bed 2 bath, 1345 sq ft 1 car detached garage

Offices in Celebra and Dav

407.566.0555

Multi-Lingual Offices

Toll Free 1-877-YOUR C21

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

New Windermere office in the Lakeside Village Shopping Center: 720 Celebration Avenue, Suite 100, 720 Celebration A 7798 Winter Garden Vineland #116 FLRoad Celebration 34747 Celebration Windermere, Fl 34786 Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Facebook.com/Cen Facebook.com/Century21Celebration Multi-Lingual Offices Twitter: https://twitter.com/C21BlueSkyFL Offices in Celebration, Windermere Multi-Lingu and Davenport

Offices in Celebration, Windermere & Davenport B L U E S K Y R E A LT Y G R O U P

at: $275,000 at:Offered $429,900

Featured Property C DU

931 Spring Park Loop - Celebration

10549 Belfry Circle Townhome in Orlando. 4 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,053 Sq Ft Offered at $295,000

6735 Conroy Windermere Rd., #230 Commercial Office In Orlando Subdivided offices plus reception / 788 Sq Ft Offered at $215,000

Goldenrain Dr, #30-267 4150267Blue Major Celebration

Single Family in MLS #Home S4809113 3 bed 2.5 bath 2091 sq ft Windermere condo. 2 car garage Offered/ at: $275,000 4 bed / 3.5 bath 2,986 Sq Ft Offered at $425,000

MLS # S4817743 4 bed 3.5 bath 2817 sq ft under air Custom Garage, 38’x 26’ with 1211 Stonecutter Dr # 5029’ garage 3 separate doors. 1410 Celebration Ave # 407

10753 Village Lake Rd

604 Mulberr Cele

Celebration - Artisan Club

Celebration Townhome in MLS # S4724783 MLS # O5325911 3 bed 3 bath 1736 sq ftWindermere 2 bed 2 bath 1435 sq ft 5th floor condo. 1 car garage 4th /floor condo 4 bed / 3.5 bath 1,825 sqwith ft.balcony Offered at: $329,000 Offered at: $219,900 Offered at $289,000 Offered at $721,900

MLS # 2 bed 2 ba First floor cond

www.Century21BlueSky.com

Offered a

Feat

931 Sprin

4 bed 3.5 Custom 3 sepa

Single Family Home in Dr. Phillips 5 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,834 sq ft Offered at $485,000

6749 Valhalla Way Golf Course View in Keene’s Point Single Family Home in Windermere 5 bed / 6.5 bath / 6,035 sq ft Offered at $1,859,990

FEATURED RENTALS

13238 Zori Lane

8216 Tranquility Way

Single Family Home in Windermere 4 bed / 3 bath / 2,984 sq ft Rental $2,495 per month

Townhome in Windermere 3 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,046 sq ft Rental $1,800 per month

11946 Waterstone Loop

803 Spring Park Loop

www.Century21BlueSk

Single Family Home in Windermere 4 bed / 4.5 bath / 3,442 sq ft 3 car garage Offered at $899,000

Single Family Home in Celebration 7 bed / 6.5 bath / 4,692 Sq Ft Offered at $1,169,000

FEATURED REAL ESTATE LISTING

10655 Village Lake Rd Townhome in Windermere 4 bed / 2.5 bath / 1,938 Sq Ft. Offered at $325,000

www.Century21BlueSky.com

204811

9557 Wickham Way

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

he Greater Orlando Builders Association announced last week the winners of its spring Parade of Homes. Forty-seven Orlando homebuilders, developers and remodelers — totaling 97 entries — participated in this year’s parade. All of the Parade of Homes entries were categorized by type — Remodel, Community, Production Single Family, Production Multi-family, Custom and Design Specialty Showcase — and then by price. Each entry is then judged by more than 40 building professionals from throughout the Southeast on quality of craftsmanship, products used, architectural design and much more. West Orange homes fared well, with awards going to multiple builders throughout the area. This year’s showcase home was the Lucerne II, a waterfront estate at Waterside in Winter Garden constructed by CalAtlantic Homes. Furthermore, Winter Garden’s Oakland Park community won the top community award in this year’s parade.

WEST ORANGE WINNERS

CUSTOM HOMES $701K TO $800K

GRAND AWARDS

DESIGN SHOWCASE — KITCHEN OVER $100K Central Kitchen & Bath: Ehrhard Construction Group, 11431 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere (Waterstone)

First Place: J&J Building LLC, Cheshire, 848 Kingstree Lane, Winter Garden (Oakland Park)

COMMUNITY Crescent Communities, Oakland Park PRODUCTION MULTI-FAMILY Toll Brothers, Cicero Spanish Colonial, 8841 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden (Lakeshore) PRODUCTION SINGLEFAMILY UNDER $600K Meritage Homes, 16554 Raven Rock Place, Winter Garden (Twinwaters) PRODUCTION SINGLEFAMILY OVER $600K Toll Brothers, Maranello Spanish Colonial, 15555 Panther Lake Drive, Winter Garden (Lakeshore)

DESIGN AND REMODEL

DESIGN SPECIALTY — KITCHEN OVER $100K First Place: Central Kitchen & Bath, Ehrhard Construction Group, 11431 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere (Waterstone)

$900K TO $1.1M Merit Award: Element Home Builders, Casa Madera, 12217 Montalcino Circle, Windermere (Casa Del Lago) $2.5M TO $3.5M Merit Award: Vogel Building Group, Palazzo Del Lago, 16631 Arezo Court, Montverde (Bella Collina) $4M TO $5M Merit Award: Ehrhard Construction Group, Chateau de L’amour, 11431 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere (Waterstone)

COMMUNITY AND MULTI-FAMILY

COMMUNITY First Place: Crescent Communities, Oakland Park Merit Award: ABD Development, Providence

$360K TO $400K First Place: David Weekley Homes LLC, Ryliewood, 16738 Abbey Hill Court, Clermont (Johns Lake Landing)

$770K TO $810K Merit Award: A.R. Bailey Homes LLC, Sanibel, 606 Canopy Estates Drive, Winter Garden (Canopy Oaks)

$440K TO 475K First Place: Beazer Homes, Harrison, 14001 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden (Orchard Hills) Merit Award: M/I Homes, Brighton II, 8073 Pond Apple Drive, Winter Garden (Summerlake)

$845K TO $885K

$550K TO 600K First Place: Meritage Homes, 16554 Raven Rock Place, Winter Garden (Twinwaters)

First Place: Toll Brothers Inc., Madeira Palm Beach, 8824 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden (Lakeshore) Merit Award: Toll Brothers Inc., Gardenia Spanish Colonial, 8830 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden (Lakeshore)

$625K TO $675K

First Place: Royal Oak Homes, William, 14413 Black Lake Preserve St., Winter Garden (Black Lake Preserve) Merit Award: Beazer Homes, Ranier, 11824 Gray Rock Trail, Windermere (Windermere Trails)

$970K TO $1.05M Merit Award: Park Square Homes, Carmelo, 8131 Via Vittoria Way, Orlando (The Residences at Dellagio) $1.1M TO $1.3M Merit Award: K. Hovnanian Homes, Bremore IV, 7741 Green Mountain Way, Winter Garden (Summerlake) OVER $2M

$700K TO $740K

PRODUCTION MULTI-FAMILY

$270K TO $300K Merit Award: Beazer Homes, Providence 15413 Blackbead St., Winter Garden (Summerlake) $450K TO $500K First Place: Toll Brothers Inc., Cicero Spanish Colonial, 8841 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden (Lakeshore)

First Place: CalAtlantic Homes, Bedford II, 12524 Climbing Vine Court, Windermere (Windstone)

First Place: CalAtlantic Homes, Lucerne II, 16887 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden (Waterside)

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WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

LUXURY THE WAY YOU WANT IT

Toll Brothers features luxury communities in the most sought-after locations in Central Florida. Choose from elegant designs with hundreds of options that allow you to personalize your home to fit your lifestyle. LAKESHORE Act Now For Best Home Site Selection! New master planned community with on-site amenity center coming soon, walking trails, lakes, and neighborhood parks. Townhomes from the upper $200,000s Executive single-family homes from the upper $300,000s Estate single-family homes from the upper $500,000s (407) 778-5200 8818 Lakeshore Pointe Drive Winter Garden, FL 34787

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE Water and Preserve Home Sites Just Released! Gated community with outstanding included features, resort-style amenities and low-maintenance living located just minutes from popular area attractions from the mid-$400,000s (407) 217-7777 10312 Royal Island Court Orlando, FL 32836

TOLL BROTHERS AT EAGLE CREEK Quick Delivery Homes Available! Exclusive staffed, gated golf course community of single-family luxury homes set in a spacious, natural environment Executive Collection - Single-family homes offering 2,000 to over 4,000 sq. ft. from the upper $300,000s Signature Collection - Single-family homes offering 2,500 to over 4,000 sq. ft. from the upper $400,000s (407) 674-7874 13437 Heswall Run Orlando, FL 32832

CASABELLA AT WINDERMERE Personalize Your Dream Home Today! Luxury, gated community of just 79 estate homes on 1/2-acre home sites from the low $800,000s (407) 656-3200 4326 Isabella Circle Windermere, FL 34786

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Mon–Sat 10 am–6 pm; Sun 11 am–6 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc. CGC055953.

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TollBrothers.com/WO

REAL ESTATE

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $1.7 million DR. PHILLIPS

MICHAEL ENG

BRENTWOOD CLUB

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

home in the Keene’s Pointe community topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from April 15 to 21. The home at 6453 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold April 15, for $1.7 million. Built in 2008, it has six bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 4,936 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $344.41.

The home at 9781 Camberley Circle, Orlando, sold April 18, for $622,000. Built in 1995, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,724 square feet. The price per square foot is $167.02. POINT CYPRESS

The town house at 8922 Della Scala Circle, Orlando, sold April 21, for $375,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,654 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.30. VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The town house at 8766 The Esplanade, No. 25, Orlando, sold April 15, for $343,777. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,166 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.58.

GOTHA

OAKS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 10526 Oakview Pointe Terrace, Gotha, sold

This Keene’s Pointe home, at 6453 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold April 15, for $1.7 million. It features views of the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course at Golden Bear and beautiful over Lake Burden.

April 20, for $450,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,988 square feet. The price per square foot is $150.60.

COMMERCIAL

EDENS HAMMOCK

The town house at 14089 Ancilla Blvd., Windermere, sold April 15, for $189,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,490 square feet. The price per square foot is $126.85.

Orlando - $485,000 REDUCED Bring your Horses and enjoy your own 15 beautiful lush acres nestled below a canopy of majestic oaks. Pole barn with water and electric, utilities and deep-deep well with new pump and tank are already in place so start planning your dream home! Enjoy the beauty, splendor and privacy of this rural, horse friendly, country setting while still being near great shopping and restaurants. “The Villages” are only minutes away!

205077

Lady Lake - $215,000

INGRAM REALTY SERVICES

The home at 1485 Dingens Ave., Windermere, sold April 15, for $315,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,632 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $193.01.

HORIZON WEST

This is a great opportunity to own 3 Partials of Commercial property with two Steel Warehouses on them. 140 ft of road frontage and completely fenced with a total land of .95 Acres. Zoned Industrial 2 / Industrial 3 with many uses. Conveniently located near Lee Road, John Young & 441.

John Kelty Realtor®

TOWN OF GOTHA

8600 Commodity Circle Suite 119 • Orlando FL 32819 Office: 407-370-3071 Direct: 321-229-2671

John@IngramRealtyServices.com “For All Your Real Estate Needs”

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 13628 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold April 15, for $278,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,970 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.12. ENCLAVE AT WINDERMERE LANDING

The home at 6391 Swanson St., Windermere, sold April 20, for $492,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,420 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.86.

Blair M. Johnson

Attorney At Law • 407-656-5521 425 South Dillard St. • Winter Garden, FL 34787

• Wills/Advance Directives • Estates • Corporation/LLC • Commercial transactions • Landlord/Tenant

• Real estate: Contracts, Closings, Short Sales, Deed in Lieu • And other matters 204850

Proudly serving West Orange County for over 36 years.

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Proudly Offering For Sale

104 E. 3rd Avenue, Windermere, FL • In The Heart of Windermere Town! 4 Bedroom/5 Bath Oversized Garage Stunning Architectural Elements 3,246 Sq. Ft. Gourmet Kitchen Indoor/Outdoor Entertainment Spaces Salt Water Pebble Tech Pool with Waterfall Wood Burning Fireplace Pergola Covered Piazza Butler Chain of Lakes Access RV/Boat Parking SHOWINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – CALL TODAY!

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Email us at AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com or Subscribe@OrangeObserver.com

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

The home at 7567 Tattant Blvd., Windermere, sold April 18, for $329,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 2,626 square feet. The price per square foot is $125.29. LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 8277 Maritime Flag St., No. 104, Windermere, sold April 18, for $158,000 (short sale). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,332 square feet. The price per square foot is $118.62. OASIS COVE I AT LAKESIDE VILLAGE

The condo at 8071 Enchantment Drive, No. 206, Windermere, sold April 15, for $227,500. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,826 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.59. SUMMERPORT

The home at 13738 Bluebird Pond Road, Windermere, sold April 15, for $309,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,306 square feet. The price per square foot is $134. WINDERMERE LANDINGS

The home at 6008 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8781 Crescendo Ave., Windermere, sold April 15, for $401,294. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $137.85.

FOR SALE

WINDERMERE

ESTATES AT WINDERMERE

The home at 2521 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold April 18, for $395,000 (short sale). Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 2,992 square feet. The price per square foot is $132.02. KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6210 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold April 15, for $1,095,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,958 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $220.86. RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11526 Delwick Drive, Windermere, sold April 15, for $435,100. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,663 square feet. The price per square foot is $163.39. WATERFORD POINTE

The home at 2210 Fountain Key Circle, Windermere, sold April 20, for $825,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 5,683 square feet. The price per square foot is $145.17.

13279 Penshurst Lane • Windermere 34786

Sought after 4/3 split floor plan w/ 2 car garage. Upgraded wood & tile flooring, granite, stainless appliances, fenced yard. Built 2015. Move-in ready! $319,900

13628 Riggs Way Berkshire Park at Windermere 34786 SOLD

$278,000

Selling OR Buying a home? Call/Text! 407-341-6328 Sara Sutherland, Realtor GRI

Multi Million Dollar Producer 2015 Windermere resident

204923

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

April 15, for $500,000. Built in 2012, it has eight bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,751 square feet. The price per square foot is $105.24.

See more real estate transactions at OrangeObserver.com

The town house at 8678 Brookvale Drive, Windermere, sold April 15, for $197,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,530 square feet. The price per square foot is $128.76.

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(407)

WINDERMERE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

WEST ORANGE COUNTY IS NOW 6 TIMES BETTER WITH TAYLOR MORRISON! Discover Taylor Morrison’s six luxury communities in the West Orlando area. Each community offers a variety of home styles and price ranges to choose from. Find the exclusive neighborhood and classic lifestyle you’ve been searching for with Taylor Morrison.

CYPRESS RESERVE 2,274 - 4,290 Sq. Ft. 3 - 4 Beds • 2 - 3.5 Baths •

•

2 - 3 Car Garage From the $300s

14193 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-439-0011

THE COVE AT HAMLIN 1,938 - 2,444 Sq. Ft. 2 - 3 Bedrooms • 2.5 Baths •

•

2 Car Garage From the $260s

5717 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-905-4651

OVERLOOK AT HAMLIN 1,716 - 5,173 Sq. Ft. • 3 - 6 Bedrooms w/ Den • 2 - 6 Baths

2 - 3 Car Garages From the high $270s • Waterfront Homesites

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7719 Minutemen Loop, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-905-4651

HAVENCREST • 3,314 - 4,882 Sq. Ft.

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• 3.5 - 4.5 Baths

• From the $600s

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7518 Blue Quail Lane, Orlando, FL 32835 407-628-3602

THE RESERVE AT PHILLIPS COVE NOW SELLING!

2,681 - 4,121 Sq. Ft. • 4 - 5 Bedrooms • 2 - 3 Baths •

1 - 2 Story Homes • 2 - 3 Car Garage • From the $400s •

6975 Phillips Reserve Court Orlando, FL 32819 407-439-0013

ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE COMING SOON!

Located in Windermere 407.756.5025

taylormorrison.com | 407.756.5025 Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floorplans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. © January 2016, Taylor Morrison of Florida, Inc. All rights reserved.

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