05.27.21 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 31

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Evaluating the future Spring football is a time for high school coaches to plan for success in the fall. SEE 15.

GRAD TO THE BONE

Author, fighter pilot to speak at Memorial Day program

Scott Gration, retired U.S. Air Force major general, served 32 years in the military and has written a book about his life experiences. PAGE 2.

YOUR TOWN OCLS EARNS STATE HONOR

Friends Sara Kelley and Kayla Heady celebrated post-graduation at the Amyway Center. Top: Victor Gonzalez and Anthony Ham took time after graduation to enjoy the moment.

indermere High School’s Class of 2021 celebrated the end of their high school careers with a graduation ceremony held Monday, May 17, at the Amway Center in downtown Orlando. The 8:30 a.m. ceremony was split into two parts to better allow for social distancing inside the arena, but that did not dampen spirits as students received their diplomas before making their way outside for photos.

Diana Hernandez celebrated following Windermere High School’s graduation. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

— TROY HERRING Windermere High seniors took to the Amway Center for the school’s graduation May 17.

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ALSO INSIDE:

THE FIRST ACADEMY GRADUATION...............................PAGE 12 FOUNDATION ACADEMY GRADUATION..........................PAGE 13

The Orange County Library System received four awards at the Florida Library Association Annual Conference, including 2021 Library of the Year. The honor recognizes OCLS for maintaining outstanding services during the pandemic. Accepting the award were Youth Services Manager Natalie Houston, Library Director/CEO Mary Anne Hodel and ESL Specialist Jelitza Rivera. Hodel was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award. OCLS also received the Maria Chavez Hernandez “Libraries Change Peoples’ Lives” award and the Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award — Children.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

City event to honor local heroes WOODLAWN, OCOEE PROGRAMS CELEBRATION AT WOODLAWN Woodlawn Memorial Park is holding its 71st Annual Memorial Day Celebration at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, in front of the Christ Mosaic. The public is invited to attend. Woodlawn is at 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. OCOEE REMEMBERS The city of Ocoee is not holding a Memorial Day ceremony this year because of COVID-19, but there are ways residents can honor

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Ocoee’s war dead. The city will continue its years-long tradition of placing “Ocoee Remembers” wreaths at the city’s Memorial Wall in front of the Withers Maguire House and at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Ocoee’s Parks and Recreation Department and City Clerk’s Office staff will assist American Legion Post 109 in placing American flags on the veterans’ graves at Ocoee Cemetery at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 26. Photos of previous ceremonies will be posted online, as well.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden is remembering its war dead Monday, May 31, during its annual Memorial Day service, presented by the city and American Legion Post 63. It takes place at 8:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave. Kurt Gies, commander of American Legion Post 63, will serve as master of ceremonies. The guest speaker will be Scott Gration, a retired U.S. Air Force major general. Participants include Mayor John Rees, the color guard from the Winter Garden police and fire rescue departments, singer Geoff Bashioum and legion chaplain Rodney Walls. Wreaths will be placed at the memorial wall following the roll call of those who lost their lives in World Wars I and II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. Steve Heisner will play taps at the close of the program. Gration grew up in Africa and is the son of American missionaries. He became a decorated fighter pilot with 274 combat sorties over Iraq.

His leadership skills put him in a position to help lead the hunt for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, and his diplomatic assignments have included serving as the United States ambassador to Kenya, as U.S. special envoy to Sudan and as special assistant to President Barack Obama. Gration retired as a major general from the U.S. Air Force after serving for 32 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Having spent nearly half his life in Africa and the Middle East, he has a deep and profound understanding of Kenya and East Africa, including the language and culture of each region. He remained in Kenya following his diplomatic assignment and served as a businessman and humanitarian for another five years. He now serves as a business consultant and public speaker. Gration recently published his unique and interesting experiences in a memoir, “Flight Path: Son of Africa to WarriorDiplomat.” He and his wife Judy live in Winter Garden. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

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IN HONOR The program is held in memory of Winter Garden residents who made the supreme sacrifice. n World War I — 1st Lt. Hugh T. Gregory and Pvt. George R. Tamsitt n World War II — Pvt. William C. Bray, PFC Rodney Connell, 2nd Lt. Roy Cosgrove, Sgt. W.H. Crawford, 2nd Lt. Jack Gray, PFC James B. Hennis, Pvt. Provia Ison, Capt. Walter L. Jordan, Lt. Col. George B. McMillan, Staff Sgt. Paul Parker, Cpl. David W. Tubb, Tech 4 John Vick n Korean War — Staff Sgt. Buford L. Burns, PFC Arthur P. Nolan, Cpl. Elton E. Smoak n Vietnam War — SP4 Charles Fields, SP5 Buford G. Johnson, Staff Sgt. Charles W. Love Jr., SP4 Gary Maloy, Lance Cpl. Cecil R. Moorman, Staff Sgt. Nathan E. Peacock Jr., Sgt. Charlie Rainey, Maj. Marion E. Reed, SP4 Herbert L. Thompson

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Concert will focus on unity, inspiration Gospel singer CeCe Winans will headline Ocoee’s Inspire, Uplift & Unite community concert. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Amy Quesinberry

Pastor Rusty Belcher has announced his retirement from the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, and he and his wife are moving to the St. Petersburg area to be closer to family.

Ready for retirement Pastor Rusty Belcher has led the congregation at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden since his appointment in 2005. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

he First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden has seen tremendous growth in the 16 years Rusty Belcher has led from the pulpit and in the community. He arrived in 2005 to what would be his final church appointment before retirement. Belcher retires next month, and he and his wife, Kathi, are moving to the St. Petersburg area to live near a daughter, Lauren, and two of their 10 grandchildren. AN ANSWERED PRAYER

A number of accomplishments were achieved during Belcher’s time at FUMCWG, including several small groups that were born out of the traditional Sunday school model. “We developed small groups — we called them Wesley Fellowship groups and home groups,” he said. “That gave people more of an opportunity to have more time in small group, more time in Bible study than just traditional Sunday mornings. To do that and for it to flow out of the Wednesday night program, where we added more classes for adults, students and youth — that’s been big.” Belcher said it was important to him for the church to be part of the community and to form partnerships with local churches and the city of Winter Garden. One example, he said, is the annual Light Up Winter Garden, a program hosted by the West Orange Ministerial Association that brings the community together each December.

“The connection and the network with the other churches has been important to me,” he said. “My prayer (in 2005) was that I would be sent to a community church, and that prayer was answered through the United Methodist Church.” The church has been part of the Winter Garden community since 1895, and Belcher was there for the big 120th anniversary celebration in 2015. He said he is proud of the growth of the church’s various youth programs, including the cub scouts, boy scouts, youth group, Vacation Bible School, and The Learning Center preschool and VPK. “It was a wild moment to grow VBS from 35 to 350 participants,” Belcher said. “That’s what you can do over 10 years. And to grow the preschool from 30 children to over 100 — VPK was part of that growth.” The church expanded its worship opportunities, too, offering services on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, and during the pandemic, Belcher held outdoor worship services on Friday nights. The Easter sunrise service always has been special to him, as well. OUTSIDE THE CHURCH WALLS

Methodists are known for their ability to gather with food. Two years ago, FUMC started the Caring Table Dinner Church, which created another way to reach people. A Thanksgiving-style meal accompanies Belcher’s message each month. “What’s remarkable about that is it’s held at the Elks Lodge on Ninth Street,” he said. “They

really are the BPOE — the Best People On Earth.” FUMCWG shares food twice a month from its food pantry, it supports a monthly meal at the Coalition for the Homeless in Orlando, and it sells pulledpork sandwiches each year at the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s Spring Fever in the Garden festival. Missions have long been a part of the Winter Garden church — locally, nationally and internationally — and Belcher has led teams to Mississippi, Kentucky and Cuba. “We’ve taken teenagers and adults to Cuba,” he said. “And while we’re on mission in Cuba, we’re also receiving training from (the citizens). They have shared their lives with us, and we’re richer for it.” The pandemic presented a challenge as the church worked to stay connected with its members, but everyone worked together to keep the church moving forward. “During COVID, we went to virtual services, and that had a huge learning curve with it,” Belcher said. “We started with a cell phone held up to a monitor. And then we moved the cell phone up front. And then we used the camera at the back of the church to broadcast, and that was initially only meant for in-house.” Belcher put together a COVID-19 team of church leaders who met monthly to discuss the pandemic, social distancing and virtual communication. He said every decision was made with keeping people safe as the No. 1 priority.

A NEW ADVENTURE

The Belchers’ time in Winter Garden is coming to a close, but it doesn’t mean the end to the close friendships they have cultivated. They intend to keep in touch with friends here, just as they have done in other communities. Prior to arriving in Winter Garden, Belcher pastored in areas such as Tallahassee and Orange City. His wife is a retired school guidance counselor. In a goodbye letter to his congregation, Belcher wrote: “I am eternally thankful for my years serving as your pastor.” One of the first things the Belchers plan to do upon arrival at their new home is to find a new church home, one in which the couple finally can sit together in the sanctuary pew. “We’re looking for a church through the eyes of a family instead of the eyes of a pastor,” he said. He wants to teach his 6-yearold grandson about baseball and basketball, and he plans to spend his retirement watching more football and baseball, especially the Tampa Bay Rays. As the Belchers move out of the parsonage, the newly appointed pastor and her family are preparing to move in. “We’re excited about the Rev. Melissa Stump coming to Winter Garden; we’re moving on with the next generation,” Belcher said. “She comes to us from the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland. She has 18 years of experience and also served as a pastor at First United Methodist Church of Melbourne and … of Cocoa Beach.”

It’s been a while since concerts were the norm, but Ocoee is setting the stage for its first community music event since the pandemic began. The city will host Inspire, Uplift & Unite — a spiritual and inspiring concert for members of the community — Saturday, May 29, at Bill Breeze Park. Presented by the organizers of the Ocoee Music Festival, the event was born out of a desire to bring people together once again. There is some star power set to hit the stage, too. Gospel singer and 12-time Grammy award-winner CeCe Winans will headline the show. Winans has also won 23 GMA Dove awards, earned more than three million certified record sales and even has her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Joining her in the lineup are Brotherly Love, The Isaacs and some local acts. Michelle Bergstein, an Ocoee resident and marketing specialist for the event, said the team is planning on holding the Ocoee Music Festival in 2022. In the meantime, Mayor Rusty Johnson proposed the Inspire, Uplift & Unite event to commissioners, she said. “His intention was really kind of a kickoff after everything that’s kind of gone on with the pandemic — an event to unite our community,” Bergstein said. “We really wanted to do that type of event to inspire, uplift and unite the community. It’s really exciting … and we’re doing this all with the help of sponsors.” The concert is free for all attendees, and the city will be following CDC guidelines with socially distanced seating. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets. “Our community is so diverse, and music is that underlining unifying factor,” Bergstein said. “I think it’s a good time — especially now as we round the corner of the pandemic — that we come out and look toward being optimistic about the future and having music bring us together again.” “I believe everybody’s going to enjoy it,” Johnson said. “I just wanted something that we could kind of kick off the summer … and have an enjoyable weekend, enjoy the music and enjoy the view of the lake.”

IF YOU GO WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29 WHERE: Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee COST: Free DETAILS: Enjoy performances from CeCe Winans, The Isaacs, Brotherly Love and a variety of local acts. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets and arrive early to claim a spot among socially distanced seating. Food trucks will be on site.

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 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

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Oakland arts center highlights Imagineers Two local artists and former Disney cast members have more than a dozen oil paintings on display at the Arts and Heritage Center this month. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oakland is hosting an exhibit of more than a dozen oil paintings by two former Walt Disney Imagineers. Dave Minichiello and Joe Warren are featured in “Small Town Charm,” on display this month at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. All of their paintings are specific to Oakland, and many of their pieces express two different takes on the same subject. Their paintings originate in the field — usually working side by side — and are finished in the studio. “One of the fun things to see in this exhibition is how two artists interpret in their own style in the same location in their paintings,” Minichiello said. The two share a passion for plein air painting, a type of landscape painting that is created outdoors — both having mastered the style while working at Walt Disney Imagineering. Warren retired in 2013, and Minichiello recently retired, giving them more opportunities to paint together. “Our reunion was a positive result of the COVID virus, oddly enough,” Warren said. They chose to paint in the plein air style in Oakland because of the town’s traditional old-Florida character in the historical buildings and the large oak trees. “And because of how wonderful and inviting the people who live and work in the town of Oakland were to us,” Minichiello added. “The people … we met were all very proud of their town, shared the history that they knew about the buildings we were painting with us, and told us they were very happy to see us painting there.” Painting on location allows the artists to “capture the true color, light and overall spirit of each subject,” Minichiello said. “Painting on location compared to from photos allows us to see and react to and capture the light, colors and feel of the location,” he said. “This is what we strive for in our plein air paintings — to truly capture the feel of the subject and location at the time and on the day we painted it.” The artists said they are thrilled to have their paintings on display at the new arts center, which is a well-lit, attractive gallery space that provides a positive presentation of the paintings, Warren said. “Because the Arts and Heritage Center is located in the town center of this beautiful community, it really is the ideal place for the community to enjoy experiences like our exhibition,” Minichiello said. “And the surround windows on two sides of the exhibition space from inside of the Arts & Heritage Center surrounds you and connects you with the beautiful environment of the town center.” Minichiello is an alumnus of the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. During his 41 years at Disney,

Courtesy photo

Dave Minichiello and Joe Warren worked side by side on most of the paintings on display at Oakland’s arts and heritage center.

he worked with teams as the executive creative director to design, art direct and build themed experiences and attractions around the world. While traveling around the world both personally and professionally, he documented his journeys by creating plein air paintings on location and in travel sketchbooks. Warren was the creative lead, producing art and illustration and managing a team of artists and designers at Disney for 23 years. He also assisted with an artist development program that included plein air painting locally and in Montana. Before working at Disney, he taught painting and was the head of the Art Department at Kenyatta University. He taught drawing at Wayne State University. He holds master art degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the town of Oakland and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation have partnered to bring a fun art scavenger hunt to West Orange County this week. Families can learn more about the history of Oakland and Winter Garden while discovering artwork in an adventurous way. The Winter Garden History Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 27, and Friday, May 28. The Oakland center is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 28.

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Starting with the City Commission’s next meeting, multiple changes will be enacted — including a 10-minute post-meeting period during which commissioners can address residents on camera.

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n The commission held first readings for a number of items that will be included in the public hearing portion of the next commission meeting held Tuesday, June 15.

SPORTS EDITOR

In a move to make meetings more productive and the local government more transparent, the Ocoee City Commission made changes to how it conducts business during its meeting Tuesday, May 18. During its May 4 meeting, the commission discussed the removal of the commissioner announcements portion of the agenda — which took place at the beginning of the meetings. The change happened following a meeting between Mayor Rusty Johnson and the city clerk’s staff that noticed announcements were being deferred to the comments from commissioners portion later in the meetings. The move was a way to streamline the process during meetings, and it was one of several steps approved. “For the past several months, I’ve felt that our meetings have grown more and more distant for the purpose for which we are here — to handle city business,” said Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen, who spearheaded the meeting. “I’ve reviewed the agenda outlines of other cities our size in our area and compared them to ours; I’m amazed when I see how much more efficient the meetings of other jurisdictions operate.” Along with the change regarding the commissioners’ comments, Wilsen suggested cutting down the public comments from two sections to one. Before, the commission offered two opportunities for public comments

n The commission approved appointments to the Human Relations Diversity Board, including returning member Jay Carr and newcomers Annette Brown and Ages Hart.

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— one during which the public was allowed to comment on any items on the agenda but not part of a public hearing, as well as a second general comments portion. The public still will be allowed the chance to comment, but the changes will simplify the process. Wilsen also called for more decorum during this period. “It’s ridiculous that we have multiple citizen comment periods — we should have one period with a threeminute time limit per speaker,” Wilsen said. “There should also be a rule of decorum that no one is allowed to speak from the audience. This is not a question-answer session — we should allow the citizens to make the comments … if we want to make comments as a commissioner, we can do that during our comment time.” Wilsen also suggested condensing City Manager Robert Frank’s staff report into one portion at the start of the meeting and adding a post-meeting town hall for commissioners to address citizens via video. Finally, regarding the consent agenda, Wilsen said too many items were being pulled off, despite that commissioners are given plenty of time to go over them before the meetings. Commissioner George Oliver — who often pulls multiple items to discuss — said the process of pulling items to ask questions is done more for residents than for himself, he said. The changes will go into effect beginning with the commission’s next meeting Tuesday, June 15.

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 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 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. A public hearing by the Oakland Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/ developer at the following time, date, and place:

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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, June 7, 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.

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WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

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THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

THROWBACK THURSDAY MAY 30, 1974 Griffins Men’s Wear and the Hers Store for Gals offered the latest in fashion to men and women in their advertisements in the May 30, 1974, issue of The Winter Garden Times. For men, the store in the Tri-City Shopping Center sold Haggar cuff pants starting at $14, shirts starting at $9, ties for $5 and belts starting at $5. A half-price sale at the shop in the West Orange Shopping Center gave women and girls a selection of plaids, poufs and stretchy materials.

55 years ago

The seniors from Lakeview High School who were employed by the Winn-Dixie store in Winter Garden were entertained with an Italian dinner at the home of Larry Joe and Dottie Walker. Guests were Roger Scroggins, David Clawson, John Lashley, James Shelton, Ken Smith and Larry Pulliam and their dates.

45 years ago

William E. “Uncle Billy” Paquin, of Winter Garden, celebrated his 100th birthday by flying to Chicago to attend a reunion dinner. He was given royal treatment on the Eastern Airlines flight, and complimentary champagne was served to all the passengers.

40 years ago

New officers of the West Orange Junior Service League were installed at a luncheon meeting at the Quality Inn: Mrs. Ed Street was elected president; Mrs. Eugene Heidt, first vice president; Mrs. Paul Wampner, second vice president; Mrs. Wayne Godbold, treasurer; Mrs. Ben Hargrove, recording secretary; Mrs. James Thomas, corresponding secretary; Mrs. James Crooker; and Mrs. Robert Davis. New members were Mrs. Waymon Jones, Mrs. Richard Evans, Mrs. Larry Cappleman and Mrs. Ben Sampson.

FROM THE ARCHIVES Winter Garden City Commissioner and World War II veteran Theo Graham (1926-2019) is seen standing at the granite monument dedicated to the Winter Garden military members who died in service to their country. Graham was instrumental in securing the funding for and establishing the memorial at Veterans Memorial Park on South Park Avenue. Pay a visit to Veterans Memorial Park this weekend to honor our service members.

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.

30 years ago

The soda fountain returned to Davis Pharmacy in downtown Winter Garden after an absence of 15 years. Billie Davis enjoyed the first Coke served. The Ocoee City Commission approved a rezoning of Arvida’s

20 years ago

Wesmere project on Maguire Road from single-family houses to a planned development. The plan, which was divided into 13 distinct “villages,” would allow more than 250 units on the 213-acre property.

June McBride, a West Orange High School counselor and resource teacher for migrant students, published a scholarship guide, “Path to Scholarships,” and was at Borders bookstore to autograph copies.

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WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK CEREMONY

Monday, May 31 10AM

In front of the Christ Mosaic at Woodlawn 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha

ONCE A YEAR

but our gratitude is endless.

but our gratitude is endless

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MEMORIAL Memorial Day Is OnlyDAY OnceISA ONLY Year

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

THURSDAY, MAY 27

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:

ORDINANCE 2021-07 AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY CRAMAR 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 NONCODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

RIBBON CUTTING: ALESSANDRA QUINTELA PHOTOGRAPHY 5 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at 301 S. Tubb Street, Suite 62, Oakland. For more, call (407) 656-1304.

FRIDAY, MAY 28

ART SCAVENGER HUNT 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 28, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the town of Oakland, 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland. Visitors to the center will enjoy a scavenger hunt along with live music by Mud Rooster, a HAPCO live band. Throughout May, the center will feature more than 10 eye-catching oil paintings by two former Walt Disney Imagineers — Dave Minichiello and Joe Warren — in an exhibition called “Small Town Charm.” The center is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. (407) 656-1117. WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays at Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue. Leashed pets welcome. Visit town. windermere.fl.us.

PATRIOTIC PUPS MEMORIAL DAY VIRTUAL WALK Friday, May 28, to Monday, May 31. This fundraiser, organized by the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips Citrus, will benefit K9 Partners for Patriots, a program that provides PTSD service dogs to veterans. Cost to participate is $20 and includes one event bandana. For more information or to register for the walk, visit bit. ly/3fIdRb5.

SATURDAY, MAY 29

CITY OF OCOEE’S INSPIRE, UPLIFT & UNITE CONCERT 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Enjoy performances from CeCe Winans, The Isaacs, Brotherly Love and a variety of local acts. Attendees should bring chairs and blankets and arrive early to claim a spot among socially distanced seating. Food trucks will be on site. Admission is free. For more, see story on page 3.

MONDAY, MAY 31

71ST ANNUAL WOODLAWN MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. CITY OF WINTER GARDEN MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 31, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden. This event is presented by the city and American Legion Post 63. For more, see story on page 1.

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 Town Commission is scheduled to be held at the request of the property owner/ developer at the following time, date, and place:

ROTARY CLUB OF WINDERMERE Meets at 6 p.m. Monday, May 31, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. For more, visit windermererotary. org.

DATE: Tuesday, June 8, 2021 WHERE: Town Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL WHEN: 7:00 P.M. or VIRTUALLY: See Join Zoom Meeting

Personalized care with compassion and excellence.

Office Hours:

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.

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM Saturday Mornings 8-12 By Appointment Only 1551 Boren Drive, Suite A Ocoee, FL 34761

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: June 8th TC Regular Meeting Time:: June 8, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85994104845

Wellington Esquea, PA-C • Dr. Bindu Kakkanatt Dr. Shaista Usmani • Dr. Shahid Usmani

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OBSERVER

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $3.2 million

home in the Keene’s

HORIZON WEST

Pointe community

The home at 14629 Avenue of the Rushes, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $586,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,640 square feet. The price per square foot is $160.99. Days on market: Eight.

in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 15 to 21.

mere, sold May 20, for $3.2 million. Built in 2003, it

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

Pointe Circle, Winder-

has six bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths, a pool and 8,393 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $381.27. Days on market: 167. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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The home at 14636 Old Thicket Terrace, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $505,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,553 square feet. The price per square foot is $142.13. Days on market: 12.

The home at 9313 Tibet

To Ruth, real estate is about building relationships, and ensuring your needs are met every step of the way. Her attention to detail and ability to put your goals, interests and dreams above all else, is why your neighbors are saying Ruth is a cut above the rest.

The home at 7838 Brofield Ave., Windermere, sold May 18, for $569,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,653 square feet. The price per square foot is $155.76. Days on market: Two.

Contact Ruth and begin the conversation. You will be glad you did.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 8830 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $1,299,995. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths, a pool and 4,047 square feet. The price per square foot is $321.22. Days on market: 255. ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 4891 Palmetto Park Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $528,000. Built in 2016, it SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 10

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REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

REAL ESTATE

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Law Offices of Ginger R. Lore PA’s Anniversary

To learn more visit www.gingerlore.com.

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the 10th+ anniversary of the Law Offices of Ginger R. Lore, P.A. Ginger Lore and her team focus on helping clients in the areas of estate planning, probate/estate administration, trust administration, and guardianship/guardian advocacy. The firm is located in the heart of historic downtown Winter Garden.

The home at 9313 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold May 20, for $3.2 million. This waterfront living on Lake Tibet Butler.

has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,011 square feet. The price per square foot is $175.36. Days on market: Two.

West Orange Chamber Celebrates Blue Lotus Wellness & CBD Boutique

RESERVE AT CARRIAGE POINTE

WOCC Ambassadors celebrated the ribbon cutting of Blue Lotus Wellness, located at 368 Moore Road, in Ocoee. Specializing in Physical Therapy, Hemp CBD Extracts, Aromatherapy with Essential Oils, and Wellness Spa Services, Blue Lotus Wellness will create a custom wellness solution using essential oils that suit your needs and preferences.

The home at 15408 Sandfield Loop sold May 19, for $602,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,728 square feet. The price per square foot is $220.67. Days on market: Four. WATERLEIGH

The home at 9741 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $654,416. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,327 square feet. The price per square foot is $196.70. Days on market: 16.

To learn more visit, www.bluelotuswellnessandcbd.com The West Orange Chamber Offers 4 Networking Groups: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Horizon West To learn more and to register participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

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The home at 9560 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $593,057. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,408 square feet. The price per square foot is $174.02. Days on market: Zero.

WATERMARK

The home at 14633 Seton Creek Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 19, for $869,900. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 4,294 square feet. The price per square foot is $202.59. Days on market: Seven.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK SOUTH

The home at 2508 Red Berry Way, Ocoee, sold May 21, for $490,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,299 square feet. The price per square foot is $148.53. Days on market: Two. REMINGTON OAKS

The home at 1978 Applegate Drive, Ocoee, sold May 21, for $475,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,812 square feet. The price per square foot is $124.61. Days on market: Five.

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

WATERSTONE

The home at 11628 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold May 21, for $1.7 million. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths, a pool and 5,161 square feet. The price per square foot is $329.39. Days on market: Three.

redfin.com

s home sits on three acres and features

WINDERMERE

The home at 12866 Lake Sawyer Lane, Windermere, sold May 17, for $800,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,458 square feet. The price per square foot is $231.35. Days on market: 709.

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 340 Calliope St., Ocoee, sold May 17, for $586,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,791 square feet. The price per square foot is $154.58. Days on market: Four.

OXFORD CHASE

The home at 1638 Highbanks Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $575,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,463 square feet. The price per square foot is $166.04. Days on market: Four.

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The home at 8288 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold May 17, for $2,425,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 6,745 square feet. The price per square foot is $359.53. Days on market: 215.

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ROPER RESERVE

The home at 9701 Wild Oak Drive, Windermere, sold May 18, for $800,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 3,397 square feet. The price per square foot is $235.50. Days on market: Three.

KEENE’S POINTE

NEED SPACE?

The home at 637 Oxford Chase Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 18, for $563,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,105 square feet. The price per square foot is $181.32. Days on market: Two.

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has six bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,050 square feet. The price per square foot is $116.83. Days on market: 29.

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The home at 6137 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold May 17, for $1.5 million. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 4,869 square feet. The price per square foot is $308.07. Days on market: 28.

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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WINTER GARDEN AVALON RESERVE

The home at 1105 Vinsetta Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $615,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,261 square feet. The price per square foot is $188.59. Days on market: Four.

The home at 6114 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold May 20, for $1,822,500. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths, a pool and 5,721 square feet. The price per square foot is $318.56. Days on market: 13.

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TOWN OF OAKLAND NOTICE OF CHANGE OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC HEARING THIS WILL BE A HYBRID IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING

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The home at 15404 Firelight Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 21, for $590,000. Built in 2010, it

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The Oakland Town Commission 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.

FInR-HEomEe

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.

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All hearings are open to the public however attendance inside the Oakland Meeting Hall may be RETRACsocial TABL E Any interested party is invited to offer comments about limited to accommodate distancing. SC EN hearing DOOR this request atRE the public or inSadvance by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 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 thatILA a verbatim NO W AVA BLE!! record of the proceedings is made, which includes the evidence and testimony that is the basis of the appeal.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

The First Academy honors Class of 2021

Left: Carlos Alemany let out a smile as he received his diploma from Upper School Principal Shayne Grove.

TFA seniors made their way through hallways and out into the worship center during the start of graduation.

Salutatorian Katie Bonnett spoke to her fellow seniors during her speech.

Mikayla Guidice bowed her head during a prayer by TFA Head of School Steve Whitaker.

t was all pomp and circumstance during The First Academy’s 28th graduation ceremony, held Friday, May 21, at the worship center at First Baptist Church Orlando. The event began with a welcome message from School Board Chairman Clark Keator, before David Uth — senior pastor of First Baptist Orlando — offered an invocation. What followed were a short number of speeches, which included salutatorian Katie Bonnett and valedictorian Lauren Spalding. By the end of the night’s ceremony, 98 seniors walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. — TROY HERRING

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Valedictorian Lauren Spalding delivered a funny, poignant speech to her class.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

James George, a Legacy Lion award winner, took to the stage with his parents and other Legacy Lions. Left: Valedictorian Chandler Sutherin and Foundation Academy President David Buckles

Vivian Longino was all smiles before the ceremony.

Lions leave their legacy F

riends and family gathered at Foundation Academy’s Tilden campus to celebrate the 60 members of the school’s Class of 2021 Monday, May 24. Valedictorian Chandler Sutherin and salutatorian Lauren Elzeer addressed their classmates, and attendees also heard from School Board Chairman Ronny Edwards and Krystal Thomas-Smith. Additionally, nine graduates received Legacy Lion awards for having attended Foundation Academy for 13 years or longer. — DANIELLE HENDRIX

Paige Ferrell cracked a smile as the Foundation Academy graduates filed into the gymnasium.

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Danny Stutsman and Foundation Academy President David Buckles

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

CROSSWORD

F IN FILM CLASS by Matthew Stock; Edited by David Steinberg

114 + 115 “Pinocchio” quote? 120 Originally unflavored chips brand 121 “In that case ...” 122 South Carolina tribe 123 Porsche model with an arachnid-inspired name 124 Showered affection (on) 125 Comes to a end?

54 Fruity dessert 55 Altar words 56 Stray cat’s home, perhaps 57 Vegetables related to radicchio 58 Cause to change course 63 Eagle’s nest 64 Edges of the fashion world? 66 Muslim greeting 67 Tugboat’s task 68 Facing trouble DOWN 70 Chopping tool 1 Table-wiping cloth 73 Former quarterback Tim 2 Bygone anesthetics 3 What you may catch or hold 75 Sandwich not found at a kosher deli 4 Four of clubs, e.g. 76 Touch with a stylus 5 Suffix with “lemon” 77 Bygone airline 6 Goofs 79 Ancient harplike instru7 Kangaroo motion 8 Lang. in which “I” is a raised ments 80 Olympic speed skater pinkie Davis 9 Person with no seat 81 Washed (down) 10 ___ de gallo 82 Walked back and forth 11 Sunflower support 87 Flash drive initials 12 Quarterback Prescott 88 Politician’s chance for 13 Forbidden fruit’s garden 14 When doubled, a fish taco a pic 89 The “heart of Black culture option in Boston” 15 Atomic variant 91 “Two thumbs up from me!” 16 “The usual” 17 Word after “eagle” or “evil” 93 General principle 95 Slows from a canter 19 ___ scheme 96 Corned beef dish 20 “Hey, pops!” 97 Irish poet W.B. 22 ___ Perce 99 ___ to (hint at) 23 Volcano flow 100 Not masculine or 29 Fleeting feminine 30 It’s never a bad thing ©2021 Universal Uclick 101 Shares, as gossip 31 Attempt again ACROSS 29 Hawklike bird of prey 61 Rest atop 85 Sincerely wish 105 “How interesting!” 33 Like hot wings 1 Zoom date need 32 Former soldiers’ hosps. 62 Whitlock Jr. of “Your 86 Poker pot starter 108 It has a low pH 35 Consultation price 7 Hinged fasteners 34 “That punch hurt!” Honor” 87 Hullabaloo 109 Words per minute, for 37 Church chorus? 12 Downfall 36 Piano key next to A 65 “Go team!” 90 Swanky functions one 39 “Aargh!” 18 Online brokerage 38 “Coco” quote? 66 Sailor’s plea 92 Pet adoption org. 111 “___ no one ever” 40 Skips, as syllables 19 Sticky note 43 “Other” category (Abbr.) 67 Leans 94 “The Wolf of Wall Street” 112 Welcome desk offering 41 Australian bird’s liquid 20 Got one’s voice heard 45 Swipe 69 South Asian lentil dish quote? 114 Study, as for the ACT 21 “Field of Dreams” quote? 46 Get in the way of 71 Shape of flying geese 98 Return to a lower court product 115 RB’s distance units 42 Uncorks, perhaps 24 Enjoy a book 47 You, biblically 72 Greek letter hidden in 102 Cereal container 116 Negative conjunction 44 Game with melds 25 Rep. such as Mazie 49 Assert “talk the talk” 103 Mrs., in Spanish 117 Letters next to cellphone 47 Bat mitzvah’s text Hirono 51 Olympics city where 74 Cut smaller than a 104 Caught on tape bars 48 Japanese fruit candy 26 Person with a mobile Simone Biles won five med- porterhouse 106 Garland traditionally 118 “___ Mubarak” (Muslim brand home? als, briefly 76 Concert passes, for short returned to the earth greeting) 50 Exclusive pass holder, 27 “Day ‘n’ ___” (Kid Cudi 53 Actor’s prompt 77 Long-lasting ‘do 107 Skier’s lift 119 Oolong, e.g. briefly hit) 54 “Interstellar” quote? 78 “Moulin Rouge!” quote? 110 “Do the Right Thing” 52 “... but the price is flexible” 28 The Earth without it is 59 Curved trajectories 83 Chesapeake or Hudson actor Davis (Abbr.) just “Eh” 60 Fist bump 84 ___ Mahal 113 Rep. from the Bronx

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.

“NR EUU WEFR WDKITUEYY MSTKIRY; ADKI YEHP XKYG YRGGURY SH PSMMRIRHG OUEZRY.” DZGEFSE YORHZRI

“B TYUI FJ AYM, DGTT B CBCS’I TYUG BI, B ESYD DXGVG BI BU, IXGVG’U AWUI UYFG YIXGV LWJ CYBSL BI SYD.” MYMRZI LYTCIXDZBI Puzzle Two Clue: E equals K

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue F equals V

SUDOKU

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

05-27-21

MAY 27, 2021

SPORTS

HIGH

Ocoee graduate Tramari Smith will take his football and track experience to Central State University. Page 16.

The Foundation Academy baseball and football teams recently won the 2A FHSAA Academic Team Championship. At the end of each sports season — fall, winter and spring — schools submit the GPAs for their varsity teams and the top 10 receive points, which are totaled over the span of the three seasons.

Winter Garden native and West Orange High alumna Lexie Blair — a junior outfielder for the University of Michigan softball team — was named the Big Ten’s Player of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten Wednesday, May 19. The All-Big Ten honor was the second of her career, while Blair became the 14th Michigan player to earn the title of POY. So far this year, she ranks in the top five of the Big Ten in a half-dozen categories, including batting average, hits, runs scored, doubles, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Matthew McDoom looks to make a play against Jones during the Warriors’ spring game last Friday.

Football springs eternal Although spring football games don’t count in the win-loss column, the conditioning and reps put in before do during a pivotal time of the high school football calendar.

The First Academy baseball continued its dominant run Monday, May 24, as the Royals defeated Bolles 2-1 in the Class 3A semifinals. In the win, pitcher Isaac Sewell tossed a gem as he went a full seven innings — holding Bolles to just one run on seven hits while striking out seven. At the plate, the Royals were led by Greg Pettay, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs. The Royals advanced to the state title game Tuesday, May 25, after press time.

The Windermere Prep softball team defeated Jacksonville Episcopal 4-0 Wednesday, May 19, on its way to a state-title appearance. In the win, Meredith Workman went 1-for-3 with three RBIs, while Gracie Wallace pitched a complete-game shutout and tossed 13 strikeouts for the Lakers in the circle.

Foundation Academy alumnus Cory Rahman received some great news earlier this month. The Southeastern University senior was named to the NAIA Football All-America First Team as a defensive back. In a six-game shortened 2020 season, Rahman recorded 34 total tackles and three interceptions.

TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Photos courtesy of Thomas Lightbody/TK Photography

Quarterback Tyler Huff drops back for a pass against Jones.

y the end of Olympia’s spring football game against Evans, the scoreboard read 35-31 in favor of the Trojans. But looks can be deceiving. After three quarters of playing his varsity players, head coach Travis Gabriel told his JV members to put their helmets on and head out onto the field. They were going to learn the harsh difference between the two levels of football.

The JV were outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter. “The JV football players are JV football players for a reason, so they have a lot of work to do,” Gabriel said. “But varsity played well — we saw a lot of things from them that we can build on, but got a lot of work to do.” In that game — which took place Friday, May 21 — star wideout and Nebraska commit Victor Jones Jr. caught two touchdowns and SEE SPRING PAGE 16

Lakers fall in heartbreaking 4-3 loss in championship TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

Losing in the big game is always a tough pill to swallow, but it’s always tougher when you fail to take advantage in pivotal moments of the game. Those kind of moments — base-running errors and lack of quality situational hitting — plagued Windermere Prep during the Lakers’ 4-3 loss at the hands of Academy of the Holy Names (19-5), which walked it off in the bottom of

the seventh inning to claim the FHSAA Class 3A state title game Thursday, May 20, in Clermont. Despite out-hitting the Jaguars 14 to 7, Windermere Prep (25-2) struggled with missed opportunities — even though the Lakers came out of the gate by scoring two runs in the top of the first inning thanks to a fielder’s choice that saw Mia Williams score, before Madison Workman brought in MerSEE ONE PAGE 16

Troy Herring

Zoie Pistel, right, gives Gracie Wallace a good-luck high five during the game against Academy of the Holy Names.

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

Spring offers opportunity

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

Tramari Smith

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

Recent Ocoee High graduate Tramari Smith’s talent on the football field and on the track for the Knights has him readying and preparing for life as a collegiate athlete at Central State University — where he’ll play both sports for the Marauders.

When did you first get into track? Probably like around 7 or 8 — I started football at 5, and I did track because it was just something to keep me conditioned, and I like competition. I took a break — I did it for a few years, and I came back in middle school. I didn’t run my freshman year, but then I came back my sophomore year. I’ve been doing it ever since.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Ocoee High GRADE: Recently graduated AGE: 18 SPORT: Track, football EVENTS (TRACK): 100m, 200m, 400m and relays

— Monday practices are terrible. I only say that because you run on Saturdays, and then you get a whole day off where you get to eat whatever you want and relax, and then you have to come back Monday and the coaches push you hard so they can get you back and it’s terrible — you’re dying.

What it is about track that has kept you in it? Probably the love of my coaches and family telling me, “Oh, you can really do this — you can make it really far in this.” I started training more going forward and seeing what I could do in it, and this is where I am now.

You just signed with Central State to play both football and track. How are you feeling about that? It was a really hard process — all of it was hard. But you know, when Central State hit me up, they said I could do track and football … and then my mom looked in and said it would be a good fit for me, and my coaches said it. I also talked with some of my teammates, and they also said it would be a good fit for me. I feel good about it — I think it could be a really good fit for me, and I can really do a lot and get a lot out of it.

Do you have a highlight moment from your time on the Ocoee track team? From last year, my favorite moment was probably the last meet — the team was way more packed — and then this year, we had a meet at Windermere that I did really good at. What is your favorite part about running track? The most challenging part? My favorite part about running track is probably what it does to my body (physically) — the workouts, the meets and all. The most challenging part? Everything is challenging. My most challenging part is Monday practice

What are your plans between now and the start of your first collegiate season? Ever since we got out, I’ve just been with different folks training — making sure I keep my body in shape and also trying to improve at the same time and try to gain weight for football. It’s really just a lot of keeping up. — TROY HERRING

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SCORES AROUND THE AREA

45 yards on five catches, while quarterback C.J. Brooks went 12-of-23 passing for 195 yards and four touchdowns. Jalen Coutain picked up two catches for 82 yards, which included a 51-yard touchdown grab. But here’s the thing about spring games: The scoreboard doesn’t matter, and it’s far from a concern for coaches. THE ART OF EVALUATION

Arguably one of the most important times of the year for football is the spring, this is when coaches can look at the talent on the team without worrying about the win-loss column. For Gabriel’s Titans, the bigtime guys are set and have their seat at the table. Spring is more about looking for the proverbial diamonds in the rough and finding those players who fit into the system and can provide on different levels. That process involves blunt honesty and truth-telling. “Spring is used for the next group of kids,” he said. “Who steps up? Who do we plug into positions? Who is it that played JV or freshman … who played that year who can now step in and play varsity right now? You know — for us — from last year’s team, all those younger kids we kept on varsity have barely played. Are they ready to

Jones 41, West Orange 33 Wildwood 12, Foundation Academy 0 Apopka 21, Dr. Phillips 8 (Game was one half) Ocoee 35, Harmony High 3 Evans 35, Olympia 31 CFCA 26, Lake Highland Prep 14

take the next step to play varsity football?” Those questions ring louder than they have in the past because of the tremendous setback that COVID-19 had on the spring season in 2020. MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

Last year, there was no spring ball, and even when summer workouts finally were allowed to happen, teams were under strict guidelines. The issues hit every team but especially had an effect on smaller schools such as Central Florida Christian Academy. Regardless of the struggles, the adversity gives coaches a chance to see how their players — especially their younger players — react to those difficult moments. “The feeling up until last Thursday — the spring game — was very difficult, because we only dressed 17,” CFCA head coach Jeremy Campbell said.

One win short CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

edith Workman to make it 2-0. “We jumped on them early and got a couple of runs, which is what we wanted to do because they’re used to jumping on other teams, and I think getting on them early was key in momentum,” said Lakers head coach Wes Pollock. “But we had other opportunities during the course of the middle innings where we don’t get bunts down. And if we get those bunts down, we probably score one or two more runs. That didn’t happen.” Throughout the game, the Lakers left nine runners on base, which included a basesloaded situation in the top of the third inning and multiple innings in which the Lakers had at least two runners on. That struggle, along with getting their biggest hits with two outs and barely missing on pop flies, made things difficult. After keeping AHN off the board for four innings — thanks

to Gracie Wallace’s pitching prowess — the Jaguars got their offense going with backto-back RBI singles with two outs to tie the game at 2-2. From then on, it was a backand-forth affair before Piper Hofmann drilled a hard ground ball to center field to score Zoie Pistel to give the Lakers a 4-3 lead. “We’ve dodged bullets … and I thought when Piper got that key hit in the top of the seventh that we were going to somehow figure out a way to dodge another bullet, but (AHN) had made some adjustments — I think — on Gracie the last couple of innings,” Pollock said. The Jaguars had figured things out, and it ultimately showed in the bottom of the seventh. Following a single and a walk with no outs, AHN’s Annabelle Sardja doubled on a line drive to center to score two in walk-off fashion to end the game. “It’s heartbreaking, it’s disappointing, and it’ll sting for

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Piper Hofmann: 3-for-4, one RBI Zoie Pistel: 2-for-2, two walks, one run scored Gracie Wallace: Six innings pitched, seven strikeouts, four runs given up Mia Williams: 2-for-4, one run scored

a while, but again, our kids fought all year-round,” Pollock said. Despite the loss, the Lakers’ season was filled with many firsts — including going from having an empty trophy cabinet to filling it with district, regional and state runner-up trophies. The team will return some big pieces next year. “We’ve never won a district championship and never won a regional championship, so to win both this year and go to the state championship game is monumental for our school,” Pollock said. “Now that they’ve tasted success and what it takes to win, hopefully that’ll make them better players and just as hungry next year.”

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“If you watched us play, we’re an up-tempo, very high-pace offense, and defensively, we’re going to fly and blitz around. So with only 17 guys, kids were like, ‘How the heck are we going to do this for a full game without killing ourselves?’” The Eagles handled business just fine, as they beat Lake Highland Prep 24-16, thanks to an offense that picked up 576 total yards of offense despite not having a true quarterback on the team. Instead, the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver — Bryson James — threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-15 passing. He also rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown. In addition to the same struggles CFCA faced, firstyear Foundation Academy head coach Andre Walker dealt with injuries. Of the 30-man roster for the Lions, only 19 dressed for their loss against Wildwood last Friday. However, the game — and the spring season as a whole — was as much about getting his guys adapted and ready for what lies ahead during summer workouts and on into the regular season, he said. “(It’s) an understanding of what it takes to prepare and get themselves ready for a game,” Walker said. “The understanding of where they can get better and what we need to do as a team going forward to get better and get better results.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

CONSTANCE “CONNIE” JOINER DIED MAY 19, 2021.

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ished part of their lives. Connie is survived by her son, Charlie Joiner, and his wife Theresa; along with her grandchildren, Matthew, Nick and April; as well as her great-grandchildren, Isla, Elizabeth, Elba and Hazel. A viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 28, at BaldwinFairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, in the Oakland Cemetery, West Sadler Avenue and South Walker Street. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

LOICE LEANTHA JONES OWENS MAY 14, 1942 — MAY 4, 2021

VIRGINIA ROBINSON DIED TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021.

Virginia Robinson, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at the age of 77. Virginia was born in Newnan, Georgia, on May 31, 1943. She graduated from Auburn University in 1965 with a degree in elementary education. Virginia and her husband, Cecil, were married later that year. They moved to Orlando in 1968. Virginia was a decades-long member of First Baptist Church of Windermere and enjoyed teaching kindergartners in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. For many years, she tutored children at the West Orange Christian Service Center. Virginia loved playing bridge and riding bicycles in the morning with a longtime group of friends. She was a founding member of Bloom & Grow Garden Society. Virginia found great joy in being a wife, mother and grandmother and delighted in spending time with family. Virginia is preceded in death by her mother, Estelle M. Griffith, and stepfather, Charles E. Griffith.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Cecil W. Robinson (Windermere, Florida); daughter, Celia Robinson Anderson and husband Doug (Jacksonville, Florida); and grandsons, Aaron and Benjamin Anderson. A service was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at First Baptist Church of Windermere, 300 Main St., Windermere. The family received friends from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Worship Center. Entombment at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse (samaritanspurse.org or P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607) or The Preschool Ministry at First Baptist Church of Windermere (ourfamily.church or 300 Main St., Windermere, FL 34786).

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Loice Leantha “LeeAnn” Jones Owens passed away May 4, 2021, with family by her side. Her family and numerous friends will miss her dearly. She had been enjoying retirement, gathering with high school classmates, the company of neighborhood friends, chatting about family achievements, health and wellbeing and attending downtown Winter Garden community events. I would love to name everyone, but I cannot … too numerous … and I would not want to leave anyone out. I know she was happy and loved each and every one of us. She is survived by her daughter, Loice Allison Owens; daughter-inlaw, Carrie Lynn Black Owens; six grandchildren (in the order of their births), Alexander Dean Owens, Jason Kyle Owens, Sarah Lynn Owens, Seth Lee Owens, Holly Ann Owens and Jessica Marjorie Owens. Her son, Wallace Dean Owens, left this life before her and was waiting for her arrival. Eleven days later, her sister, Sue Jones Norton, joined her. She will be forever loved. Thank you to Lakeview High School Class of ’60 for the bouquet of flowers.

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Constance “Connie” Joiner went home to be with the Lord May 19, 2021. Connie was born Sept. 23, 1939, in Oakland, Florida, to Ruby and Grover Tubb, who predecease her. Being one of seven children, Connie grew up in Oakland and attended Lakeview High School in Winter Garden, Florida. She met the love of her life, Gene Joiner (deceased), while working for Florida Power in Winter Garden. They were married in Oakland in July 1958, and after living in the Ocoee and Winter Garden area, they built their home in Oakland in 1964. Connie worked for Florida Power and Duke Energy her entire career, retiring to take care of Gene. Connie was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, treasuring her family. Her grandchildren grew up living next to her and Gene while growing up, and she was a cher-

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1603 S. Clarke Rd, Ocoee, FL 34761 (just north of Hwy 50)

Call to reserve your ad space: 407-656-2121 OrangeObserver.com/RedPages

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021

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 Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

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

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist Church 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Contemporary 11:15 AM Traditional Viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661 Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program.

Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction

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Moving Forward Program Offerings

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Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves.

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You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood.

Working Together Towards a Healthier West Orange

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CALL (407) 656-2121

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BIRTHDAY CE LEBRATION Saturday, June 5 • 8:00 AM-1:00 PM

Food Demonstrations • Kids Games • Live Music Locally Grown Summer Produce • All Vendors are Back Celebrate Our Community’s National Award Winning Farmers Market By Supporting its Farmers & Market Vendors Now Accepting SNAP & Fresh Access Bucks

Winter Garden Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Avenue www.downtownwg.com