05.06.21 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 88, NO. 18

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THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

Parents: Keep LaunchEd Local parents are lobbying to keep the distance-learning option next year. 2.

BEST

OF THE

WEST Several local baseball and softball teams secured home district championships last week. SEE PAGE 15.

YOUR TOWN

SERVICE ABOVE SELF

AUTISM GYM TO HOST 5K Walkers and runners are needed for the Autism & Related Disabilities Gym’s first virtual 5K and fun run. Participants can walk or run at any location at their own pace. All will receive a bib and medal. President Jo-Anne Houwers is encouraging everyone to post their group photos on the website, autismgym. org; they also will be shared at the organization’s Star Wars Prom. To register for the 5K, visit bit. ly/3ukDgh0.

Ocoee’s new police chief, Saima Plasencia, is the first female to step into the role and lead the organization. SEE PAGE 4.

Derby delight!

Danielle Hendrix

Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia: “I just felt that my service to the community wasn’t done. I felt I still had a lot to offer to citizens, I had a lot to offer to the community, and I had a lot to offer to our employees.”

Ocoee family files suit in man’s death PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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The family of Jean Samuel Celestin is suing the Ocoee and Windermere police departments, along with five police officers. SEE PAGE 6.

REAL ESTATE

The West Orange Junior Service League hosted its Run for the Roses event last week. SEE 3.

FEELING HOT, HOT, HOT! The West Orange real-estate market continues to rock in 2021. SEE PAGE 9.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

Parents advocate for LaunchED to remain ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When Orange County Public Schools’ LaunchED@Home platform was first introduced last summer, it was met with mixed feelings from teachers and families. One year later, some parents already are vying for the district’s digital learning platform to remain an option for the 2021-22 school year. Although many students have returned to face-to-face instruction, there is still a good portion learning from LaunchED. In a March 10 community update video, Super-

FINANCING AVAILABLE

intendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins said OCPS currently serves 60% of its 206,000 students in the face-toface setting, while 40% remain on LaunchED. Horizon West resident Althea Williams’ daughters attended via LaunchED until the last quarter of school. For her family, remaining with LaunchED for the majority of the pandemic was a safety concern. However, it turned out to be something that worked for her children. “We had that as the alternative, so I applaud OCPS for doing that and giving us parents an option,” Williams said. “I like the flexibility of (LaunchED), the fact that they can still get the same quality of learning while being remote, and it’s not just self-taught.” Windermere resident Zeyna Shaikh has four chil-

can do with this technology that we have and utilize it for students it works for.’ … It will take negotiating with the state as part of an innovative plan in order to make it beyond this. “And how do we get paid for it? That’s a big question,” Gould said. “These are all the questions that still need to be answered, and there’s no answers yet. That’s what the superintendent and staff are reviewing and trying to figure out.” Horizon West resident Arshina Kidwai’s eighth-grade daughter also embraced the LaunchED option. “At home, she has her own space with her computer, and she’s working on her assignments with no distractions,” Kidwai said. “She’s loving it, and she’s doing (well). At least with LaunchED, they’re given a nice option where you are interacting with the teacher and your peers — but you’re online at the same time. We really like that the platform itself.” Shaikh said she wants LaunchED to continue as an option for the

next school year, adding that although there is no right answer regarding learning platforms, it’s nice to have another choice. “Not that it’s perfect, but we have perfected LaunchED so well at this point,” Shaikh said. “It’s so smooth, and it would be a shame to take it away at this point.” For those who hope to see platforms such as LaunchED continue, Gould recommended contacting the Florida Department of Education and Gov. Ron DeSantis to let them know they want their district to be able to make choices on how it delivers education. “My hope would be that it is left to the staff and the school districts at the local level to find and utilize all the tools that we have available for our students to help them succeed, because every child learns differently,” Gould said. “That includes LaunchED, (Orange County Virtual School) and traditional school. The more ways we can deliver school, the more kids will be successful because then we can meet them where they are.”

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DANIELLE HENDRIX

dren. Three of them are schoolage and in first, fifth and seventh grades. The stay-at-home mom has cherished the extra time she’s been able to spend with her children while also keeping them safe at home. “As with most families, in the very beginning, it was a challenge because we weren’t used to it,” Shaikh said. “I realized as all parents do that kids are resilient, and they pick up so, so fast. They were picking up better than I was — and I’m a computer science major. To be completely honest … I have loved it. I’ve genuinely loved it.” But whether LaunchED returns next year is undecided. District 4 School Board Member Pam Gould said the superintendent and the district are working through many of the details, and ultimately, they don’t know what the state will allow. “We’re not at a point where we can define it yet,” Gould said. “All that is under review right now. We haven’t gotten a proposal back. All we have said to the superintendent is, ‘Let’s look at what we

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For some families, Orange County Public Schools’ LaunchED@Home platform has been so beneficial they hope it will continue next year.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

State to offer scholarships to Ocoee Massacre descendants State Sen. Randolph Bracy has put into place a scholarship program for descendants of the Ocoee Massacre, as well as other black students in the city.

Right: Heidy McWhorter and Paul Mongeon

Return to the roses

fter COVID-19 canceled the majority of events last year, the West Orange Junior Service League and guests were thrilled to be able to enjoy a day at the derby Saturday, May 1, for the league’s annual Run for the Roses fundraiser. Held at Ocoee’s Lakeshore Center, the event featured food, drinks, music, games, a photo booth and a live showing of the Kentucky Derby. Attendees arrived in their best derby hats and snazziest outfits to celebrate the occasion.

These ladies came dressed in their Kentucky Derby best, hats and all.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Jennifer Talbot, Daryll Parker, Jeff Sedloff and Dennis Robinson Left: Mark Weinstein and Matt Erickson

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TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

It has been just more than 100 years since white mobs violently murdered members of the black community in Ocoee and set it ablaze. That moment in history — known now as the Ocoee Massacre — took place on Election Day Nov. 2, 1920, and has long been a topic of discussion in the community. The city itself put on special programming the week of the 100-year anniversary and installed a historical marker close to City Hall. Now, descendants — as well as current black residents of Ocoee — will be receiving scholarship money following the work of Florida State Sen. Randolph Bracy, of Ocoee. “It’s historic,” Bracy said. “If you look at it from the perspective that it’s only been done once in the history of this country where a massacre like this (and) payments have been made to the descendants — the only other time was Rosewood. “It’s historic, and it creates the path to provide healing for those families, but also just reconciliation amongst communities,” he said. “It’s hard to move forward as a community without talking about these tragedies that have really happened and addressing them appropriately. That’s why I thought it was important.” The Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program will utilize just more than $300,000 in recurring funds from the General Revenue Fund. Fifty qualified applicants will be awarded $6,100 each year in scholarships from the state. Descendants of the Ocoee Massacre will get priority, while the other scholarships will be handed out to other black students based on need. Finding a way to give back to the black community in Ocoee has been a priority during Bracy’s time in Tallahassee, although it did not start off well.

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Last year, his full-reparations measure failed during the 2020 legislative session. During that time, Bracy tried to figure out how to remember the massacre, and he received some help during a lecture to students at the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University — College of Law. “When I talked to them about the Ocoee Massacre and having it taught in schools, they had some ideas about memorializing the Ocoee Massacre — to make sure buildings were named after them and other ideas I hadn’t thought about,” Bracy said. “Originally, I thought payments to descendants would be the way, but they kind of expanded my thought process on different ways — creative ways — that would be appropriate.” The word “reparation” is often a jarring and unsettling term, so Bracy decided scholarships could be a possibility — especially because of the Rosewood scholarship established years ago. “It’s difficult to get any bill through (the Legislature) — especially something like this would prove to be difficult — so I thought scholarships would be the right thing to do,” Bracy said. “It was more palatable for legislators to get behind than the payments to descendants.” After the 2020 legislative session ended, Bracy visited the home of Republican Senate President Wilton Simpson to discuss the proposal. He then put his proposal through the budget process instead of the bill process, where it would have to go through each committee. Simpson helped Bracy negotiate with the House to keep it in the budget, Bracy said. The next step will be its signing by Gov. Ron DeSantis, and once that is done, the scholarships will go into effect July 1. Seniors who graduate this spring could apply for it and possibly receive the funds by the fall, Bracy said. Although Bracy said he has more plans for the future regarding the Ocoee Massacre, he is pleased to be able to help those students in Ocoee with the new scholarships. “I’m just glad that I’m able to bring some light to what happened — and hopefully facilitate restoration for the families and this Ocoee community,” Bracy said.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executives / Ann Carpenter, acarpenter@OrangeObserver.com Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Creative Services / Lindsay Cannizzaro, lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Danielle Hendrix

Plasencia to lead Ocoee PD DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

here’s a new chief in town, and she’s making history as the first female police chief in the city of Ocoee. Chief Saima Plasencia was promoted Friday, April 30. She had been the acting chief since the retirement of longtime Ocoee Police Chief Charles Brown in February. Plasencia was among three internal candidates interviewed by the Florida Police Chief’s Association, and City Manager Robert Frank said she was the unanimous consensus of the seven-member interview panel.

THROUGH THE RANKS

With a father and stepfather in the military, Plasencia spent much of her childhood traveling. She graduated from Homestead High School in 1981. Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree from Lynn University and a master’s degree in leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Plasencia also spent six years working in retail, climbing through the ranks in that industry. One day, though, Plasencia got the opportunity to be part of a ride-along with a Homestead sergeant — now the department’s chief of police. “I would love to figure out how that all transpired and how I got to do that ride-along, but the one thing he taught me is that no two days or shifts in law enforcement are ever alike,” she said. “What you get from law enforcement is what you put into law enforcement. If you put your all into it, you’re going to get your all back. Those things have kind of stuck with me over time.” From there, she was hooked on law enforcement. That launched a 30-year career serving with the Miami-Dade Police Department. “In that community, I was able to grow in position as far as ranking,” she said. “My last command

was as district commander. I had really similar experiences in nature in Miami-Dade, and when I came here originally as a deputy chief, I just felt that my service to the community wasn’t done. I felt I still had a lot to offer to citizens, I had a lot to offer to the community, and I had a lot to offer to our employees.” Plasencia arrived at the Ocoee Police Department in 2016 as deputy chief and last year was promoted to assistant chief. To this day — even sitting now at the helm of the police department — she takes advantage of every training opportunity she can. She also advocates for her officers to do the same and to keep learning in an ever-evolving field. “I’m always working for opportunities to improve how we do our service and engage with the community, and also self improvement so my knowledge is always growing as opposed to remaining stagnant,” she said. “I firmly believe law enforcement has to always be evolving. It’s an opportunity for us to look within. Over my career, I think … it’s been every three to five years that I see something changing, whether it’s a new concept, new software or new policies.” A NEW ERA

Things have changed in just the four-and-one-half years Plasencia has been with the depart-

“I’m humbled by myself as the selection as the chief, but I know I have the skill set, I have the strengths, and I have the leadership to move Ocoee into the next generation of police.” — Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia

ment. As both a growing city and department, she said, the department is taking steps to prepare itself for the future. “Since I’ve been here, we’ve been able to add body-worn cameras, and we’ve been able to up our community-engagement game,” she said. “I think preCOVID, we were at a much higher level than we were when I started. Approachable and responsive are our hallmarks, and we have to be approachable and responsive to the citizens we serve. We only do that by having conversations and by getting to know each other to have opportunities to look at things from different perspectives.” There have been new programs, too — some of which were Plasencia’s ideas, and others that come from officers and lieutenants. She enjoys being able to facilitate their ideas and support programs brought up through them. One of her newest initiatives is called Chief’s Night Out, during which she and Ocoee officers will go out into the community, chat with citizens and get to know them. They pass out little prizes to the children and safety tips to homeowners and renters. This allows for positive interactions between officers and residents. As a leader, Plasencia also hopes have three generations of leadership within the department, so there always will be someone stepping up to the next role when it becomes available. It’s why she was interested in the role of chief of police when it became vacant. “I’ve always wanted that next step,” she said. “I think it’s the pinnacle of a law-enforcement career — particularly when you’ve been in leadership — to want that next position. “Chief Brown taught me a whole lot during his tenure, and I was able to watch him and see things that impact me positively,” Plasencia said. “It made me really kind of want that next position up to do greater things for the community and employees, as well.”

READY TO LEAD

The interview process was a long and challenging one that allowed each candidate to show his or her strengths, she said. However, it was all worth it. Plasencia wrote in her cover letter that the hallmarks of her administration will include community policing, expanding both internal and external technology, developing professional leadership at all levels of the organization, investing in employee development and serving with integrity. Service above self is her motto. “I am thrilled and humbled,” she said. “It’s such a mixed-emotion kind of thing to have that happen. It’s a great achievement, and I love the fact that I have been promoted to the rank, but at the same time, I know I have great responsibility. I’m humbled by myself as the selection as the chief, but I know I have the skill set, I have the strengths, and I have the leadership to move Ocoee into the next generation of police.” Moving forward, Plasencia hopes to begin reengaging as a community — something the department has missed in the COVID-19 era. She added that the organization will be increasing employee training, especially in response to some of the issues seen around the nation regarding policy and procedures. Most of all, though, she is excited to serve the citizens of Ocoee and provide transparent, open, approachable and responsive service. “It’s our goal to continue to serve our citizens at the same great level that we’ve always provided — to be approachable and be responsive, but to grow our department for the future,” she said. “We serve in a community where we have great support, and we know that support is only earned through us continuing to be engaged with our citizens. I know it’s a privilege to serve as chief, and I will always work to grow their trust and grow their confidence.”

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OBSERVER

Oakland approves Christian school Family Christian School has been given approval to move its education program into the former Mosaic church property in west Oakland. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

In a rare move at its April 27 meeting, the Oakland Town Commission rescinded a motion to deny and replaced it with a motion for approval to allow Family Christian School to move its education program to property off West Oakland Avenue and Machete Trail. The school was granted a specialexception permit to move into the former Mosaic church facility. The main issue for commissioners was traffic at the busy Oakland Avenue intersection. The school would let out on Machete Trail, which then would cross the West Orange Trail just before coming to a stop at Oakland Avenue. The school provides a curriculum for fewer than 150 students in K5 through eighth grade and currently meets at Beulah Baptist Church in Winter Garden. When the subject was presented to the commission April 13, commissioners said the school would need a traffic supervision plan for the mornings and afternoons. In Town Planner Jay Marder’s April 27 presentation, he said school offi-

cials created a revised traffic circulation plan and agreed to place traffic cones at the trail and have a member of the school staff monitoring traffic at the crucial intersections. “You have to go out and cross the trail and then immediately at Oakland Avenue,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said. “How are you going to make that work? ... It’s a recipe for a nightmare.” David Wright, representing Family Christian School, said the school plans to use faculty members and parent volunteers as crossing guards and will post signs on the trail to “warn” cyclists and runners before they reach the intersection. “I love the additional opportunities for our children,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. “I’m just worried about that portion of the road.” Jennifer Hunt, director of the Oakland Nature Preserve, had expressed concern about how the higher volume of traffic on Machete could affect the gopher tortoises in the area. When Police Chief John Peek was asked about the possibility of a police officer being posted there, he said he doesn’t have the manpower. This would require someone to be there twice each day. The daily cost to the school would be about $260. The first motion and second were to not approve the school, but before a vote was held, several members of the audience spoke on the school’s behalf. Flor Putigna, whose children attended FCS, said he wants to see positive growth in Oakland. “There is a need for opportunities for education in Oakland,” he said. After a discussion, Commissioner Mike Satterfield said, “I’m going to do something I haven’t done in my 25 years on the commission, and that’s to withdraw the motion.” A new motion was made to approve the special exception on the condition its safety protocols are evaluated every six months.

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

Ocoee family filing lawsuit after man’s death The family of Jean Samuel Celestin is filing a civil rights lawsuit against Ocoee and Windermere, as well as the four officers they feel are responsible for his death. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Jean Samuel Celestin’s family called 911 on the night of April 11, 2019, hoping to have a police officer remove him from their home on Calliope Street in Ocoee and have him involuntarily held at a mental health facility. The disturbance call turned fatal when multiple responding officers shocked the 33-yearold mentally ill man with their Tasers, sending him into cardiac arrest and killing him. A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation absolved the officers of any wrongdoing. Celestin’s survivors now are filing a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Ocoee, the town of Windermere, three Ocoee officers and one Windermere officer. They are calling on the OrangeOsceola State Attorney’s Office to revisit its decision to not pursue criminal charges in this case. According to the FDLE investigative report, the Ocoee and Windermere police departments requested FDLE conduct an investigation into the use of force by three Ocoee officers and one Windermere officer against Celestin. FDLE did not release

the officers’ names in the report. “During the (response to the domestic disturbance call), Ocoee officers attempted to take Jean Samuel Celestin into custody and deployed their Tasers due to Celestin’s resistance and fleeing,” the report states. “Once Celestin was in custody, officers observed Celestin to be unresponsive and began to render aid.” Celestin was pronounced dead at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital. Details in the report state Celestin had been diagnosed with bipolar with schizophrenia and anxiety; he was not taking medication. He reportedly struck his mother and sister in their faces, and they called the police. According to the report, when

“It’s been a long fight, but we’re going to continue to fight for (Sam) because he deserves that.”

police arrived, Celestin answered the door holding a remote control and kitchen knife and questioning the legitimacy of the officers. When he tried to get away, several officers chased him and took him down with their Tasers when he didn’t follow verbal demands. After a struggle to restrain him, officers noticed Sam Celestin was unresponsive and unsuccessfully tried to revive him. Police body cameras captured the entire incident. At the conclusion of the FDLE investigation, Assistant State Attorney Linda Drane Burdick sent a letter to Ocoee’s thenchief of police, Charles J. Brown, in November 2020 stating the use of force by the officers did not warrant the filing of criminal charges. Celestin’s mother, Rose Marie Celestin, and sister, Joanne Celestin, were part of a press conference held Friday, April 30, in Orlando, with attorney Jeremy Markman, of King & Markman, P.A. The civil suit alleges that Ocoee, Windermere, the OPD and WPD deprived Sam Celestin “of his constitutional rights when they physically restrained him to the point that he lost consciousness and died. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages.” According to a statement issued by the law firm: “The road-patrol officers dispatched to assist Mr. Celestin violated standard practices for interacting with people in distress, choosing instead to treat Mr.

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Celestin — who was expressing delusional thoughts — like a dangerous criminal suspect. The responding officers failed to engage a Crisis Intervention Team (‘CIT’) to help Mr. Celestin, even though such teams have existed in Ocoee for 20 years. “In addition, as the complaint alleges, Ocoee and Windermere permitted officers to engage in tactics likely to provoke a violent confrontation with Mr. Celestin, including: failing to adequately announce their presence and the purpose of their visit; treating Mr. Celestin as a criminal suspect instead of a mental health patient; responding to Mr. Celestin’s delusions and paranoia with confusing sarcasm; and failing to retreat and consider other tactics when it was clear that Mr. Celestin was mentally ill,” the complaint states. “This is a death that should never have occurred,” said Andrew G. Celli Jr., who also is working with the Celestin family. “Samuel Celestin is no longer with us for one reason and one reason only: because police officers treated a sick person in need of help like a dangerous criminal who had just committed a violent felony. This case reflects policing at its worst. The failings that killed Samuel are systemic; they reflect inadequate training and the misuse of equipment; extremely poor tactical conduct by the officers — including intentional escalation of a conflict when de-escalation was called for; and an utter failure to assist a person in distress.

This case will expose all of that and more.” “The Celestin family continues to mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother, Sam,” Markman said. “Although this lawsuit cannot bring Sam back, they are committed to seeking justice on his behalf and bringing a halt to the dangerous tactics employed by the OPD and WPD,” Markman said, speaking for the family of Sam Celestin. “I just didn’t even imagine that this situation was going to lead to that,” Joanne Celestin said of her brother’s death. “It never crossed my mind.” “That’s all the Celestins wanted to do that night was ask the law-enforcement (agency) for help for their son, for their brother,” Markman said. “What they got was … dehumanizing him, shooting him with Tasers multiple times, hog-tying him. From the get-go, they escalated the situation and ultimately caused his death.” Joanne Celestin said the family has felt trauma “at so much level that you can’t even imagine.” The Ocoee Police Department did not respond to a call for comment; the Windermere Police Department does not comment on ongoing lawsuits. “It’s been a long fight, but we’re going to continue to fight for (Sam) because he deserves that,” Joanne Celestin said.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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akland residents and passersby on the West Orange Trail were treated to some live jazz music Friday, April 30, as the town celebrated International Jazz Day. In partnership with the HAPCO Music Foundation, saxophonist Jordan Bolds serenaded visitors on the front porch of the town’s Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center. Guests could peruse the gallery and artifacts or take a seat on the porch and listen to the music.

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ANNEXATION OF 6.56 ACRES THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing and proposes to adopt an ordinance to annex property located south of West Colonial Drive, Oakland, Florida, containing approximately 6.56 acres, as follows:

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ORDINANCE NO. 2021-07 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY CRA-MAR GROVES, INC. BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 29-22-27-0000-00-002, SOUTH OF WEST COLONIAL DRIVE, OAKLAND, FLORIDA), AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. General Site Description: Approximately 6.56 acres, generally located on the south side of State Road 50, near West Colonial Drive, in Orange County, Florida between the Florida Turnpike/State Road 50 Interchange and 4th Street. A public hearing by the Oakland Planning and Zoning Board is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/developer at the following time, date and place:

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DATE: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St., Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually: Topic: Planning and Zoning Board Hybrid Meeting (In-person and Zoom) Time: May 18, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87137061348 Meeting ID: 871 3706 1348 Passcode: 4eGLLB One tap mobile +19292056099,,87137061348#,,,,*283532# US (New York)

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

Windermere Brewing Company breaks ground Members of the community gathered to celebrate the new Windermere business. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Craft beer enthusiasts, rejoice: Windermere Brewing Company’s taproom and microbrewery in downtown Windermere is officially underway. Town staff, council members, friends and family gathered at the site — 111 W. Fifth Ave. — for a small groundbreaking ceremony and beer toast Friday, April 30. Co-founders Dr. Joe Ata and Andy McGhee have worked since 2017 to bring their vision to life. For the past few years, they have been brewing their beer at McGhee’s house. Windermere Town Council members approved plans for the taproom and microbrewery last fall. A house that previously sat on the site was demolished, and dirt is turning now to bring the 2,519-square-foot commercial building to life. Last fall, McGhee said the building’s design is meant to pay homage to the town and what it would have looked like in the 1920s. It will also feel much like a lake house — a tribute to the town among the lakes. “There hasn’t been a redevelopment in the town of Windermere — especially within the down-

town area — for over 20 years, so they were pretty much the guinea pig,” Town Manager Robert Smith said. “They were very patient with not only staff, but also they wanted to make sure the community was involved in the look, the feel, the design. When you talk about developers and development, they did it right.” Speaking also as president of the Windermere Police Department Foundation, Smith thanked Ata and McGhee for their support of the foundation from the beginning. “The only way that we’re able to do a lot of charity events, to put on programs … we need the help of not only residents but also the support of community and businesses,” Smith said. “When Windermere Brewing actually came to fruition, they were the first ones to jump on board with helping us raise funds and raise awareness for the Windermere Police Department Foundation.” Mayor Jim O’Brien added that it takes great people, businesses and institutions to create a great community like the one in the town of Windermere. “The measured growth that you see in our town is partly due to a lot of the things we’ve done to be careful with that, and it’s hard and

Town staff and leaders joined Dr. Joe Ata and Andy McGhee in marking the official groundbreaking for Windermere Brewing Company.

WINDERMERE BREWING COMPANY 111 W. Fifth Ave., Windermere TARGETED OPENING: End of 2021 WEBSITE: windermerebrewing.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ windermerebrewing INSTAGRAM: @windermerebrewingco

scary to start a business in good times and in tough times,” he said. “The measured growth that you see in our town today — with the new, state of-the-art town facilities, talk of new and improved downtown businesses on the 500 block, and a great new example with the Windermere Brewing

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Andy McGhee and Dr. Joe Ata are the co-founders of Windermere Brewing Company.

Company where we stand today — is proof that looking forward with a small but smart approach works really, really well for us and our neighbors.” Ata said his and McGhee’s dream for Windermere Brewing Company was born out of a passion and love for the town of Windermere. They hope to be able to

open their new facility by the end of the year. “My hope is that this brewery will be the manifestation of that community — a place where we can all come together, a place where we can grow together,” Ata said. “That was made possible by the love and support of all of our citizens and our council.”

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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The home at 6319 Swanson St., Windermere, sold April 30, for $765,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,934 square feet. The price per square foot is $194.46. Days on market: Two.

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The home at 15237 Honeybell Drive sold April 30, for $560,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths, a pool and 2,845 square feet. The price per square foot is $196.84. Days on market: One.

lion. Built in 2008, it has

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living area. The price per

The home at 16430 Olive Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $544,900. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,093 square feet. The price per square foot is $176.17. Days on market: 28.

square foot is $552.05. Days

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The home at 14192 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Windermere, sold April 30, for $697,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,622 square feet. The price per square foot is $265.83. Days on market: 16.

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF USE ZONING MAP DESIGNATION PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING The Town of Oakland will hold a public hearing to consider rezoning certain property generally located east of the Florida Turnpike, south of State Road 50/West Colonial Drive and west of 4th Street, containing approximately 6.56 acres.

ORDINANCE NO. 2021-09

The home at 16084 Black Hickory Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 30, for $540,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,750 square feet. The price per square foot is $196.36. Days on market: Eight.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE TOWN’S OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FROM A-1, AGRICULTURE (ORANGE COUNTY) TO I-1, INDUSTRIAL GENERAL IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FOR A PARCEL OF LAND OWNED BY CRA-MAR GROVES, INC. BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 29-22-27-0000-00-002, SOUTH OF WEST COLONIAL DRIVE, OAKLAND, FLORIDA), WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 6.56 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION, CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 15135 Driftwood Bend St. sold April 30, for $560,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,152 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.66. Days on market: 18.

Public hearing will be held on the request as follows: OAKLAND PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD DATE: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

BUYING or SELLING?

All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be limited to accommodate social distancing. Any interested party is invited to offer comments about this request at the public hearing or in advance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17, 2021 in writing to the Town of Oakland, PO Box 98, Oakland FL 34760, or by e-mail to ehui@oaklandfl.gov. A copy of the request can be inspected at the Town Hall. Any party appealing a land use decision made at a public hearing must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal. The time and/or location of public hearings are subject to change. Changes are announced at the initial scheduled hearing. Notice of any changes will not be published or mailed. Any person needing special accommodations to attend a public hearing must contact Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at 407-656-1117 x 2110, at least 24 hours before the meeting. This meeting will be held as an in-person meeting and attendees may also attend virtually through the Zoom Platform. Instructions below will allow you to join the meeting virtually:

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The home at 11055 Bridge House Road, Windermere, sold April 29, for $5.77 million. This privately gated Rial Jones estate features more than 10,000 square feet of living space.

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THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

REAL ESTATE

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

CHURCH OF GOD

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

The home at 11495 Brickyard Pond Road, Windermere, sold April 26, for $920,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,486 square feet. The price per square foot is $263.91. Days on market: Eight. SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

The home at 7609 Tangerine Knoll Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 26, for $573,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,138 square feet. The price per square foot is $182.76. Days on market: Four. SUMMERLAKE

The home at 15413 Southern Martin St., Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $640,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,782 square feet. The price per square foot is $169.22. Days on market: 19.

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The home at 9909 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $636,321. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,911 square feet. The price per square foot is $162.70. Days on market: Zero.

baths and 2,795 square feet. The price per square foot is $141.39. Days on market: Three. WESMERE AT OCOEE

The home at 406 Crofton Drive, Ocoee, sold April 26, for $395,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,775 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.34. Days on market: Three.

WEST ORANGE CASA DEL LAGO

The home at 12193 Montalcino Circle, Windermere, sold April 30, for $949,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths, a pool and 4,050 square feet. The price per square foot is $234.32. Days on market: 49. WINDERMERE POINTE

The home at 13049 Lake Roper Court, Windermere, sold April 30, for $817,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,204 square feet. The price per square foot is $254.99. Days on market: Five.

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The home at 6474 Deacon Circle, Windermere, sold April 28, for $3.7 The home at 10693 Petrillo Way, million. Built in 1989, it has six No. 135, Winter Garden, sold April bedrooms, five baths, two half27, for $608,990. Built in 2021, it baths, a pool and 5,859 square feet. Advertise your Services or Events has four bedrooms, three-andThe price per square foot is $631.51. on this page weekly.Days on market: Zero. one-half baths and 3,244 square feet. The price per square foot is appears the POINTE $187.73.This Dayspage on market: 38. weekly in KEENE’S West Orange Times & Observer and The home at 6113 Grosvenor Shore OCOEEonline at OrangeObserver.com. Drive, Windermere, sold April 30, PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT for $3.5 million. Built in 2011, it has The home at 2208 Farnham Drive, seven bedrooms, six baths, two To advertise in the Church Directory Lot 293, Ocoee, sold April 29, for call 407-656-2121 or emailhalf-baths, a pool and 8,677 square $395,174. Built in 2021, it has four feet. The price per square foot is AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com bedrooms, three-and-one-half $403.37. Days on market: Seven. WINDING BAY

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ST BAPTIST CHURCH E Plant St., Winter Garden -656-2352 NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study 00 am Contemporary DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana or Tim Grosshans w.fbcwg.org Campus: UNDATION WORSHIP NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages ndation Academy High School 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden w.FoundationWorship.com -730-1867

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Starke Lake Baptist Church Pritchard LAKE BAPTIST NGLICAN Pastor Jeff STARKE CHURCH PO Box 520 611 W Ave., GLICAN COMMUNITY PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee LLOWSHIP CHURCH Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard tor The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas (407) 656-2351 (407) 656-2351 6 East Plant St, Winter Garden www.starkelakebaptist.org www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org NDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary METHODIST 11:15 AMMETHODIST Traditional NON-DENOMINATIONAL FIRST UNITED PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO CHURCH Viewable on YouTube13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110,

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The home at 11001 Schooner Way, Windermere, sold April 30, for $1.5 million. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,203 square feet. The price per square foot is $468.31. Days on market: 170.

The home at 9904 Brentford Court, Windermere, sold April 30, for $1,090,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,504 square feet. The price per square foot is $242.01. Days on market: 28. The home at 11214 Macaw Court, Windermere, sold April 30, for $870,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths, a pool and 3,668 square feet. The price per square foot is $237.19. Days on market: 90. LAKE DOWN SHORES

The home at 2608 Midsummer Drive, Windermere, sold April 30, for $2.1 million. Built in 1977, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 5,536 square feet. The price per square foot is $379.34. Days on market: 170. MANORS AT BUTLER BAY

The home at 2556 Carter Grove Circle, Windermere, sold April 30, for $850,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,711 square feet. The price per square foot is $229.05. Days on market: 53.

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The home at 11009 Hawkshead Court, Windermere, sold April 26, for $755,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,890 square feet. The price per square foot is $194.09. Days on market: 30. TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 735 Oakdale St. sold April 30, for $600,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,475 square feet. The price per square foot is $242.42. Days on market: 24. WATERSTONE

The home at 11448 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold April 28, for $1,350,000. Built in 2011, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 4,199 square feet. The price per square foot is $321.51. Days on market: 153.

The home at 17597 Deer Isle Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 28, for $1.57 million. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 5,484 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $286.29. Days on market: Four. LAKE AVALON GROVES

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3386 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $598,452. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,959 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $151.16. Days on market: 16. TWINWATERS

The home at 1716 Amsel Falls Park Terrace, Winter Garden, sold April 27, for $710,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,685 square feet of living area of living area. The price per square foot is $151.55. Days on market: 43.

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ORDINANCE NO. 2021-08 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, CHANGING THE TOWN’S FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FROM “RURAL” (ORANGE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN) TO “INDUSTRIAL” IN THE TOWN OF OAKLAND’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY CRA-MAR GROVES, INC. BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 29-22-27-0000-00-002, LOCATED SOUTH OF WEST COLONIAL DRIVE, OAKLAND, FLORIDA), WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 6.56 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public hearing will be held on the request as follows:

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DATE: Tuesday, May 18, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 6:30 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting Instructions below

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The Oakland Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing to change the Town’s Future Land Use Plan Map Designation of its Comprehensive Plan of the following property generally located east of the Florida Turnpike, south of State Road 50/West Colonial Drive and west of 4th Street, containing approximately 6.56 acres.

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The home at 11330 Winston Willow Court sold April 28, for $752,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,554 square feet. The price per square foot is $211.59. Days on market: 248.

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The home at 17743 Phil C. Peters Road, Winter Garden, sold April 29, for $779,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths, a pool and 3,578 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $217.72. Days on market: 39.

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The home at 6138 S. Hampshire Court, Windermere, sold April 26, for $1,225,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,889 square feet. The price per square foot is $250.56. Days on market: 19.

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The home at 2509 Carter Grove Circle sold April 30, for $572,500. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,447 square feet. The price per square foot is $233.96. Days on market: 10.

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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The home at 6409 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold April 26, for $2,850,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, five baths, three half-baths, a pool and 8,078 square feet. The price per square foot is $352.81. Days on market: 309.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

Parents of seniors: Senior Shoutouts now available! Hard work deserves to be recognized. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section each year. In it, we celebrate seniors at all of our area’s public, private and charter high schools. Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their accomplishments with a personalized Senior Shoutout. Ordering is easy! Just visit OrangeObserver.com/class-of-2021.

Board releases statement on Bright Futures program Orange County School Board members on April 27 released the district’s official statement regarding the Bright Futures program and any potential legislative changes. “The Bright Futures program has become an important part of many students’ post-secondary planning, and the key to their success beyond high school,” the statement reads. “We are deeply concerned that the recent proposed legislative changes to the Bright Futures program will jeopardize the hard work and planning of our students and will disproportionately impact children experiencing poverty and middle-class families.”

OCPS School Board OKs ECG screenings School Board members approved high schools to require electrocardiogram screenings for students wishing to participate in athletic programs. ECG screenings help identify athletes who are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, which is the leading cause of death in athletics. ECGs will be required of all high school student-athletes prior to the start of their 2021-22 FHSAA season.

ROSEMARIE REDMAN

WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL Rosemarie Redman inspires Windermere Prep students on a daily basis by teaching them how to tap into their creativity. She is a Laker teacher, parent and connects with her students inside and outside of the classroom. She just finished directing the all-school musical experience, “A Night of Cameron Mackintosh.” Redman is a born performer and loves teaching Lower School students about theater and the arts, sharing her passion with them.

What brought you to your school? I first came to Windermere Preparatory School to start the drama program in 2002 and then left in 2005 to start a family. I returned to the school and drama department in 2017, when my children started at Windermere Prep. The family environment and commitment to excellence is what brought me to the school. What do you love most about your school? I love that we are able to take the time to nurture and enrich each child’s special interests and talents. What is your motivation? My motivation is the love that I have for the performing arts and sharing it with my students. Watching them get excited about the arts and the positive impact arts education has on them means everything. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is watching the students’ growth and development. I enjoy being a part of their school experience and

REPORT CARD ROLE: Lower School drama teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Seven years total

helping push them to reach their true potential. What do you do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my family, as well as listening to and watching musicals. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher was my choral teacher in high school, Dr. Sal Fiore. He was an incredible educator that motivated me to want to be the best I could be and taught me that settling for mediocrity was never an option. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I have always wanted to be a performer and work in the entertainment industry. I started performing at the age of 3. What is your favorite children’s book and why? My favorite children’s book is “Journey” by Aaron Becker. It is an incredible picture book that tells a story of possibilities, imagination and adventure to anyone who reads it, no matter the age.

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration and why? My biggest inspiration in life would be my parents. My mother inspired me to live every day to the fullest and be in every moment, and my father taught me how to develop a strong work ethic and keep a level of professionalism throughout my life. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be to have the ones you love live forever. If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? This is so difficult to narrow down as a musical theater performer! Barbra Streisand for her incredible vocal abilities and phrasing; Jeremy Jordan because of his powerful voice and vibrato; and Train. The lead singer, Pat Monahan, is such a talented vocalist who does not get the praise he deserves. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

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

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INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

What’s in a dream? Three students from Olympia High School had their artwork selected for this year’s 2021 Dalí Student Surrealist Art Exhibit at the Salvador Dalí Museum. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

In the world of renowned surrealist painter Salvador Dalí, the imagination and subconscious of a person were places worth exploring in the name of art. On the topic of surrealism, Dalí once said it is “destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision.” If that’s the case, then recent work by Olympia High School students Sophia Adams, Natalia Manna and Levi Franke put that notion into action with works of surrealist expression that has each of them sharing space with the famous Dalí. The high-schoolers recently had work chosen to be shown during this year’s 2021 Dalí Student Surrealist Art Exhibit at the Salvador Dalí Museum in Saint Petersburg, which runs from May 8 to Aug. 23. The theme for this year’s juried art show is “Delusions, Desires and Delicacies,” which, according to The Dalí’s website, “encourages students to create dream-like visions and look to their dreams for inspiration.” “I was so surprised when I got the email, because I honestly

didn’t think it was going to happen,” Adams, a junior, said. “My art teacher, she was like, ‘You have to submit something,’ and I had submitted something last year and didn’t get selected. I didn’t give up on it, but testing is coming up, so I was like, ‘I’m not going to worry too much about it; if I get something done, I’ll submit it.’ “When she told me I had gotten picked, I was blown away,” she said. Adams’ work — titled “Amblyopia,” done in acrylic paint — features a close-up portrait of a face painted in a gradient of pinks and reds, while black and yellow butterflies cover the eyes of the mystery person. The subject in the piece was purposefully left with no identity, and the androgynous persona was done to add to the anonymity — it could be anyone, she said. She settled on butterflies over the eyes, which helped build on the message she was trying to get across with her painting. “It was inspired by selfishness — in a way — because people today are very wrapped up in themselves and blind to the world around them, so my piece … represents that blindness,”

Courtesy images

“Amblyopia” by Sophia Adams.

Adams said. “Covering the eyes, I considered doing maybe fabric or even tape maybe … but I settled on the butterflies, because I thought that they could show that it’s possible to see through the blindness in a way — they could just move their head, and the butterflies would just leave.” Like Adams’ piece, Franke’s clay sculpture “Box of Things” and Manna’s painting “Fish Kicks” both explored a specific idea taken from the real world through the surrealism lens. For Manna, her acrylic painting was inspired by a photo of shoes she had found. She loved the blue in the sky and had been wanting to do something with both a cool and warm color palette. After days of collecting her

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Left: “Box of Things” by Levi Franke.

“Fish Kicks” by Natalia Manna.

thoughts and sketching out her ideas, she got to work on her painting. After about three weeks of work, Manna had her finished product. Placed upon a sky-blue backdrop, three orange-and-white koi fish encircle the lower legs of a person wearing pair of white Nikes. “It’s about the angelical notion of dreams, and in a way the shoes represent freedom and the fish — as I see it — they represent pressure that society kind of puts on you, and so the shoes are trying

to break through in a way,” said Manna, a sophomore. Like Adams, Manna was shocked to find out her piece had been selected, despite the fact that both have been creating art for as long as they can remember. Both Adams’ and Manna’s fathers create art, so it makes sense they’d follow suit. While the show will be turned into a virtual exhibit that interested viewers can check out online, the students selected — and their families — will be going to check out the exhibit in person for an exclusive showing. “Me and my mom and my sister are all going to go there, and we’re really excited about it, too,” Manna said. “It’s literally a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.”

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES

The American Legion sponsored a big event, “Friday All Day.” The entire day was spent with events honoring and benefiting the boys Drum and Bugle Corps and the Lakeview High School baseball team. There was a political rally, barbecue, a baseball game between Lakeview and Cocoa, a diaper-pinning contest with prominent men contending and a gayety ball. Ocoee High School held its annual Junior-Senior Banquet at the Perrydell in Orlando. The dining hall was decorated with pink and orchid ropes with silver bells attached. This illustrated the class motto: “Let the ropes of the past ring the bells of the future.”

80 years ago

70 years ago

Cub Scouts held a pack meeting at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden. Awarded

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Mammals that spelunkers see 5 Exercises in a park, say 9 “So cute!” 12 Very, very 16 “We’re in trouble” 17 Word before “deck” or “hand” 19 Be sore 20 Sparrow sound 21 Is impatient during the kitchen remodel? 24 Preindustrial transport 25 Radio, television, etc. 26 Rip apart 27 Mortgage deal, briefly

MAY 2, 1974 Jimmy Pitchford owned Jimmy’s Thriftway in downtown Winter Garden for decades, and this was the grocery store of choice for many local residents. Pitchford ran a weekly advertising column in The Winter Garden Times, offering sage advice on all things related to food. He said, “History will call this ‘the age of the supermarket,’ where today’s mother can find the best food for her family’s table” at his Plant Street establishment.

Ed and Beulah Reeves are seen outside the Reeves Brothers barbershop on Plant Street — with two rattlesnakes. The story behind this c. 1958 photo is woven into Winter Garden’s folklore. At the time, the family lived in Gotha. When their little dog, Prissy, gave the “snake warning,” they and their daughter, Glenda, went outside to the carport to see about the commotion. After spotting the rattlers that Prissy had warned them about, Beulah shot them with a rifle. This marvelous photograph was supplied by Nancy Acton, Glenda Reeves Acton’s daughter and Rod Reeves’ first cousin once removed. The “Your Wate and Fate” machine standing at the left side was eventually relocated to Jowers Batteries on State Road 50. Over the years, many residents stepped aboard the machine for an indication of their present weight and future fortune.

85 years ago

Withers Memorial Christian Church at Ocoee celebrated its 50th anniversary. The church was built by the children of W.T. Withers as a memorial to their father. It was erected on land donated by Capt. B.M. Sims. After the morning service, there was a basket dinner at the women’s clubhouse.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history. their Bobcat pins were Gloyce Fulmer, Art Ficquette, David Barley, David Haler, Wayne Collier and Malone Traywick. Art Dees received a Silver Star, and Jimmy Kerr earned the Bear badge.

RE-TURN AND RE-PLACE by David Alfred Bywaters; Edited by David Steinberg

50 years ago

Robert Williams was hired as the new Ocoee High School principal. He previously had taught mathematics at Ocoee High for eight years before taking an assistant principal position at another school. 107 Have a snack 109 “This ___ a test” 112 Still with us 114 Escapade after this year’s games? 119 Unspoken 120 Woolly mamas 121 Golf shoe feature, perhaps 122 Numbers game 123 “Understood” 124 Thyroid-examining doc 125 Sleeve designs, informally 126 Whirling current

40 years ago

To add a little variety to the Winter Garden dining scene, the newly opened Jud’s Restaurant on South Dillard Street offered fine Italian fare each evening.

50 Proceed with the parade 51 Enterprising person 53 Sailor’s assent 54 Drug that some microdose 56 “All bets ___ off” 58 Air component 61 Possible sweepstakes winner 62 Ride similar to a dune buggy, briefly 63 Weekend show since ‘75 65 Comedian Margaret 66 Frustration source 67 Mornings (Abbr.) 68 Corn core DOWN 69 Tint 1 Future flower 70 Gelato alternative 2 “Excuse me” 73 “Red and yellow kill a fellow” serpent 3 Big book 74 Wonderland visitor 4 Summertime refuges 75 Disorderly conflict 5 David’s kingdom 76 Maker of Brownie Brick 6 Photo ___ (PR events) Road ice cream 7 Stat for a student 78 Put clothes on 8 Hide, or give off 79 Sock tip 9 Do something 81 Hockey great Bobby 10 Lost person’s question 84 Secures with string 11 Used to be 85 Memo heading 12 “Well, lookee here!” 13 Borrowed shell occupant 86 Slob’s handiwork 88 Plunged in 14 Kind of oil in Chinese 91 Paving stuff cuisine 15 Corkscrew or church key 92 “___ know what?” 93 Sheetlike clouds 18 Fish eggs 19 Nickname related to Drew 94 Marsupials that enjoy eucalyptus leaves 20 Casual pants 95 Bread or whiskey grain 22 Veto 29 “A wise ___ once said ...” 57 Sultry summer stretch flag 96 Experts 23 “Do ___ others ...” 30 Breathe out 59 Massage sites 83 Austria and Australia 100 They may head for the 28 Fashionable fellow 33 Variety 60 Closer at hand 86 In a jolly fashion hills 31 Bass drinks 35 Punctual 63 Story that takes hours 87 Trousers part 102 Clues 32 Like a deep voice 37 Bit of butter to tell 89 Perfect square after four 34 What may follow A, B, C or 103 Corner keyboard key 39 Numbers game 64 It’s covered with covers 90 Parts of wedding cake 106 Fencing sword D on a test? 41 Person who carries 65 Basketball coaches’ eating contests? 108 Brief interval, briefly 36 Root-third-fifth chord certain retrievers? position swaps, perhaps? 93 Low-level Breckenridge 37 Confine, as sheep 110 Pundit’s newspaper piece 43 House of Lords tourist? 68 ___-Town (Windy City) employee? 111 Be inclined (to) 38 Insurance company 71 Sharp set in a den 96 Mexican money 46 Arizona city in the 113 Compete named for a volcano Sonoran Desert 72 “To be, or not to be” play 97 Middle name for John 115 Matched group 40 Stock exchange figure 73 Arrived Hooker or Kathie Gifford 47 (Not my mistake) 116 Where to sail 42 Strip in a first-aid kit 48 Weeping 77 Like some cats and 98 Pleasantly warm 117 Feedbag bit 43 Orchestra areas 99 Char 49 Not dull at all concerts 118 Rob ___ (Scotch cocktail) 44 Big tub 52 Vanishing Asian sea 79 Gentle throw 101 Urges to work hard 45 Attached, like a certain 104 Fled 55 Select, as a radio station 80 Drove (around) patch 56 Seth’s father 82 Animal on California’s 105 Unwanted plant 46 “Delicious!”

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“Y SB ISZZN KCLSOVC Y’B DTSRCXOM. Y LIHHVC RH KC DTSRCXOM. RISR DTSRYROPC SMMHAV BC RH KC ISZZN.” – AYMM STWCRR “SB SP UWOBVCI; CUP’O FUMMR SDUWO YSVAWMI, DIJSWBI YSVAWMI FVAA OSXI JSMI UY VOBIAY. YUJWB UP BWJJIBB.”

– KIPMR JSNVAA Puzzle Two Clue: X equals K

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue I equals H

SUDOKU

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

05-06-21

MAY 6, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

West Orange senior Lola Foley will continue her swimming career at the University of West Florida. Page 16.

Dr. Phillips’ Tyler Blanchard threw a gem during the Panthers’ 2-1 win over Olympia High School in the district-title game.

West Orange High alum and recent University of Florida Gator left tackle Stone Forsythe was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks on Day 3 of the NFL Draft Saturday, May 1. The Winter Garden native was selected by the Seahawks with the No. 208th pick overall.

Olympia tennis doubles duo Alexey Timokhine and Luis Leon capped off a successful season on the court with a state runner-up finish at the Class 4A Boys Doubles championship match at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs Friday, April 30. Timokhine and Leon were bested by Dr. Krop’s Jonathan Irwanto and Sebastian Rondon in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat.

The West Orange boys volleyball team got a big outing from multiple players in a 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-20) sweep of Olympia to win the District 2 championship Thursday, April 29. In the win, senior Michael Housman led the team with 33 assists, four solo blocks and four digs, while senior Miles Manwaring picked up a team-high 13 kills and two solo blocks.

In The First Academy softball’s 6-1 win over Trinity Prep in the Class 3A, District 7 semifinals Wednesday, April 28, pitcher Hannah Harper had a field day as she pitched a complete game that included 16 strikeouts and only one hit given up. At the plate, Camille Mackedon and Mollie Duling each went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

The Legacy Charter softball team had a strong showing at the plate in the Eagles’ 9-5 win over Foundation Academy in the Class 2A, District 5 semifinals Tuesday, April 27. In the win, Madison Velazquez went 1-for-3 in four plate appearances and recorded two RBIs and two runs scored. Meanwhile, teammates Rylee Sims (1-for-3, two RBIs, one run scored), Amaya Marrero (1-for-4, two RBIs, one run scored), Taylor Catrett (1-for-3, two RBIs, one run scored) and Chloe Wood (1-for-4, one RBI, two runs scored) accounted for a majority of the offense.

TITLE WAVE Local baseball and softball teams won a bevy of district championships last week. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

t’s been a busy week in the world of prep baseball and softball, as several Observerarea teams walked away as district winners and runner-up finishers. The First Academy rolled in both its baseball and softball matchups — against Trinity Prep and Cornerstone, respectively — in dominant showings, while Windermere Prep softball moved to 21-1 with a 3-0 win over Montverde in a dream season. SEE TEAMS PAGE 16

Photos by Troy Herring

West Orange’s Lexi Scalzo dives for a ball hit her way during the Warriors’ district title game loss to East Ridge.

Horizon High cheer readies for first season FOR THOSE INTERESTED n A virtual interest meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6.

Hawks cheerleading coach Kiana Kowalewski is working to put together a program at the new school — starting with tryouts in June. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

n Tryouts will take place Tuesday, June 1; Wednesday, June 2; and Thursday, June 3, at Bridgewater Middle School, 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden. Times are to be decided. WEB: horizonathletics.net

The new Horizon High School may not be completely finished yet, but its spirit is already growing. First-year cheerleading head coach Kiana Kowalewski — a former Florida State University cheer co-captain — is wasting no time in getting things going. The program is hosting virtual interest meet-

ings this week before tryouts June 1 through 3 at Bridgewater Middle School. “It’s a brand-new high school … but their spring sports are starting — I know they started up their spring football — so we’re having our cheer tryouts, because over the summer we usually go to cheer camp and get lots of stuff done in the summer,” Kowalewski said. “The school is going to start out

with 9th-, 10th- and 11th-graders, so we’ll hold tryouts for all athletes who are registered for the school.” Kowalewski said she is hoping to keep the tryout process simple. Anyone interested just needs to bring a signed tryout packet with them. Otherwise, she suggested athletes get in some conditioning and practice to help prepare. Kowalewski hopes to field three different teams, including a varsity, junior varsity and freshman team — each of which could have about 30 athletes. The numbers depend on the interest level, and SEE HAWKS PAGE 16

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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

Lola Foley

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Despite coming on late as a senior for the West Orange swim team, Lola Foley made the most out of her year with the program — helping the Warriors to a runner-up spot in districts before qualifying for states. Foley recently signed to swim collegiately at the University of West Florida in Pensacola.

When did you first get into swimming? I started swimming competitively when I was about 7 years old. My mom was a swimmer, so she introduced me to the sport. What has kept you in the sport for so long? I just love it. I enjoy going to practice every day, and I love seeing when I improve. You’re a bit of a journeyman when it comes to swimming. What has that been like for you? It’s different. Actually, I moved to Oklahoma when I was a junior — from New York — and then my senior year, I moved from Oklahoma to Florida. So being in all those high schools across the country was pretty cool, because I’ve been able to swim in a couple of different places. Is there a highlight moment for you when it comes to swimming? This wasn’t at West Orange — it was after high school season — but I swam the 1,000-meter freestyle for the second time, and I dropped 20 seconds, which was very exciting because that’s really when I started to get recruited by a few schools. You just signed your letter of intent to swim at the University of West Florida. What was that process like?

Teams ready for playoffs

THE BASICS SCHOOL: West Orange High GRADE: Senior AGE: 17 SPORT: Swimming CLUB: Southwest Stars Swim Club EVENTS: Free, fly

Given that I moved right before my senior year, I was a little late on the whole recruiting process. I emailed a few colleges, and they got back to me and gave me time standards, which I had to meet in order to receive a scholarship for their school or to be a walk-on. During that process, I visited a few schools, and I came to the decision that West Florida was the best spot for me to be at. What was it about West Florida that you liked? I loved the family atmosphere of the team, and I really like Coach Phil (Kraus) and his coaching philosophy. What are you most excited about with swimming collegiately? A dream of mine is make the NCAAs, so I really would like to work toward that. Getting to be a part of the team is very exciting to me, because I feel like it’s an instant family. What is your favorite part about swimming? Swimming is a great sport because when you set your mind to a goal, you really want to push your boundaries to achieve that. I really wanted to become a college athlete, and I worked really hard this year to get my times down and stuff, so it’s satisfying seeing results. What is the most challenging part about being a swimmer? The training would be the most challenging. The most challenging would be distance sets, which I think have helped me a lot this year in getting my times down. — TROY HERRING

DR. PHILLIPS PITCHES PAST OLYMPIA IN 2-1 WIN

As the celebration erupted on the field, Tyler Blanchard found himself in the middle of everything. The junior lefty had just pitched a gem over seven complete innings on the mound for Dr. Phillips. He gave up only one run and three hits, and struck out seven to lead the Panthers (17-8) to a 2-1 win over Olympia (15-13) in the Class 7A, District 5 title game Friday, April 30. “It was definitely a team effort — I couldn’t have done it without the people behind me — but overall just a great team win,” Blanchard said. Olympia matched the Panthers almost stride for stride, and on the mound, the combo of Robert Hurlock, Jayson Kowalski and Max Cutts largely shut out the Panthers. They gave up a combined two hits and two runs (one earned). In the top of the first inning, the Titans scored their only run of the game, when Nico Banez scored from third on an error by Panthers left fielder Jeremiah Granatstein. The Panthers answered back in the following inning, when — after a pair of walks — Derek Lopez scored on a passed ball, before Granatstein hit an RBI

OTHER BASEBALL RESULTS Class 7A, District 4 Lake Brantley 13, West Orange 3 Class 3A, District 7 Lakeland Christian 5, Windermere Prep 1 Class 3A, District 6 TFA 15, Trinity Prep 0

double to center to score Gian Mejias and give Dr. Phillips the 2-1 lead. Despite both teams going without runs the rest of the game, things got dicey for both during the third and fourth innings. In the top of the third, the Titans found themselves with a bases-loaded advantage with no outs following two hits and a Blanchard error on a ball bunted his way by Banez. What happened next was the moment that proved to be the ultimate game-changer. “After I made that error, I kind of got down on myself, but I flushed it after the first pitch to the next batter,” Blanchard said. “I just went pitch by pitch, and I was like, ‘You need to get out of this inning,’ so I just dug deep and threw through it.” A comebacker rolled toward Blanchard, who threw to Lopez at home for the force out before sending a ball hurtling toward Logan Wirt at first to complete the clutch 1-2-3 double play. A strikeout of Justin Lewis by Blanchard ended the stressful inning. Dr. Phillips had its own bases-loaded opportunity in the bottom the fourth but left runners stranded on base thanks in part to strong pitching from the Titans. With both teams making it to the championship game, both Olympia and Dr. Phillips automatically advance to regional play of the state playoffs. The Panthers will host Osceola, while the Titans will travel to Lake Nona. Both games are slated for a 7 p.m. start time Friday, May 7. WINDERMERE PREP STAYS HOT

No team has had better results this season than Windermere

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

so far, signs have been good on that front, she said. A big part of that is because the school is relieving Windermere High School — where Kowalewski served as the JV cheer coach last year before making the move to Horizon High. “We’re really close with the AD (Russell Williams) there, and he has been great about helping us advertise for the students who are switching over to the new school, so we have gotten lots of emails,” Kowalewski said. “And we’ve gotten a ton of emails from people actually coming from out

of state making sure they can try out in the spring.” Kowalewski’s own background in cheer is long and extensive. She started cheering for Pop Warner when she was in elementary school. Since those early days, Kowalewski worked her way through every level and helped the program at Lakewood Ranch get to Nationals for the first time in school history. She also coached Chiles High School to a first-place finish at The American Championships. Although she has been a head coach before at the high school level, she’s never actually started a program. It’s something that

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OTHER SOFTBALL RESULTS Class 7A, District 9 East Ridge 9, West Orange 4 Class 3A, District 7 TFA 11, Cornerstone 1 Class 2A, District 5 Mount Dora Christian 6, Legacy Charter 2

Hawks cheer to hold tryouts

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Prep, which moved to 21-1 this season with a 3-0 shutout over Montverde in the Class 3A, District 6 championship Friday, April 30. A big part of that success has come thanks to the pitching prowess of Gracie Wallace, who has been absolutely dominant this season. Through 22 games, she has pitched 139 innings — which accounts for all but one inning this year — for the Lakers. In that time, she has given up five earned runs while striking out a whopping 288 batters. Wallace started off the game by striking out the Eagles’ first six batters. She went on to record 16 strikeouts on the night through seven innings of shutout work. The junior gave up just one hit. At the plate, the Lakers started their scoring in the second inning, when Madison Workman hit a sac fly to bring in Zoe Pistel, before Workman scored on a groundout to give Windermere Prep the 2-0 lead. The Lakers scored one last time in the bottom of the sixth inning on a groundout by Pistel to score Ariana Lara to make it 3-0 — a score that held until the end. Windermere Prep hopes to push its winning streak to 19 as the Lakers host Trinity Catholic (Ocala) in the opening round of the state playoffs Thursday, May 6. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.

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will present unique challenges, but there also is a lot of excitement that comes from shaping an entire program, she said. “I’m actually very excited for that, because I think this is where my experience coaching at different high schools comes in,” Kowalewski said. “I’ve kind seen what works well and what doesn’t work well. There were pros and cons at each program, so I’ve seen and experienced the good and the bad. … I think it’ll be fun to build from the ground up.” Once tryouts are done and out of the way, Kowalewski said the next step will be to jump into skills practices. Then — during the summer — the program will host a UCA camp in its own gym. When the school year starts, the teams will begin practicing a few times a week — alongside the sideline cheer season. Then, in October, the program will transition into its competitive season. “There is so much to be excited about,” Kowalewski said. “I am actually very, very excited to start this program and build traditions. We get to make our own fight song, we get to pick all of our football cheers, and we just picked out our uniforms. It’s something I’ve never gotten to experience before, so I’m definitely excited.”

OBSERVER

Thomas I. Carlile, age 77, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 25, in Clermont, with his family by his side. Tom was born in Miami, Florida, on July 29, 1943, to George and Mary Carlile, and was the youngest of three children (George and Ray). Tom was a self-taught musician from the age of 14, and at age 17 began a career as a professional singer and songwriter that would last his entire life. Tom’s career started in Miami, which quickly led to headlining at the popular Miami Beach Newport room for several years. His popularity led to appearances all around the Miami club scene, from the Fountainbleau, The Deauville, Marco Polo and others throughout the area. Tom took his stage show on the road, touring all across the country for many years, from concerts and shows to appearances in Las Vegas. All this led to releasing sev-

eral albums with all original songs that played on radio stations from the West Coast to the East Coast. Tom wrote and performed more than 200 original songs in genres from Pop, Rock, Blues, Holiday, Christian and Country music that are all streaming today across the world. Tom’s career accomplishments were numerous, and his talent and passion for music showed in his performance and songwriting. But it was family that he cherished the most, and everything he did in life he would always say he did for them. Tom married Laraine on Nov 20, 1960, and together they raised six

DIED APRIL 29, 2021.

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heart. She genuinely believed in the good in all people and was always looking for the brighter side of things. She was an amazing Mother, Wife, Marine and Woman. Shanna is survived by Paul Milton, husband; Jessica Milton, daughter; Andrew Milton, son; and Abigail Milton, daughter; as well as parents and siblings in South Carolina and Texas. Visit Shanna’s online obituary at brewerfuneral.com for service information.

@Observerorange

Kathryn Monroe Bennett, 65, of Winter Garden, died April 29, 2021. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

SHANNA MARIE MILTON

Shanna Marie Milton, 37, passed away April 29, 2021, at home, with her husband at her side. Shanna was born Feb. 16, 1984, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Raised in Harleyville, South Carolina, Shanna joined the Marine Corps in 2004. While in service, she did a tour in Iraq and met her husband, Paul Milton, while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They began a family in California while still in the service and, after leaving the Marine Corps in 2012, moved to the Clermont area and had another child. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2015, Shanna remained strong and refused to let her illness define her life. She continued to fight cancer while raising three wonderful children, shaping them into beautiful souls that reflected her own kindness and

children. Tom’s amazing life and legacy will continue through his family: Tim (son) and Suzanne, Debbie (daughter); Tommy (son) and Judy; DeAnna (daughter)and Peter; Kim (daughter) and Brian; and Chris (son) and Nikki. Tom adored his “amazing” grandchildren, as he often said — Timothy, Michael, Ashton, Summer, Meghann, Ryan, Olivia, Kylee, Logan, Ashley, Emily, Dylan, AnaLuna, Rece, Laney, Hayden, Malley, Macayle, and Mackenzie; and, most recently, his bonus grandchildren, Kaylen and Jaidynn. Tom passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, April 25, at 2:25 a.m. with his family by his side, finishing his “last show” for the evening, which he had done his entire career. The funeral service was Friday, April 30, with interment at Winter Garden Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. Visit bit.ly/3aL4DJl.

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021

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LET’S CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2021 Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors at all of our area’s public, private and charter high schools. Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their accomplishments with a personalized congratulatory card in our 2021 Graduation section. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, MAY 10 DATE OF PUBLICATION: THURSDAY, MAY 20

Order Your Senior Shoutout Now » www.OrangeObserver.com/class-of-2021