06.04.20 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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VOLUME 5, NO. 36

Pomp Under the Circumstance

r ial edition, we hono aduates of the high the West Orange, and re, Dr. Phillips es. t Orange communiti

Windermere connection draws protest. PAGE 3. •

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Now, we’re seeing 2020! We celebrate West Orange-area high school seniors with our special Graduation edition.

akable unbreakable, unsh envisioned, but the they turn their tassels. on season anyone as It isn’t the graduati s of 2020 have shown their might Clas the members of

Winter Garden considers Beard Road facility

Windermere to West Point With his acceptance to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Jacob Goldberg — a graduating senior at Windermere High — became the first Wolverine to be appointed to one of the five U.S. Service Academies. SEE 4.

Ordinances that could bring 114,000 square feet of self-storage space to Winter Garden cleared their first hurdles May 28. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

More than 100,000 square feet of personal self-storage space could be coming to Beard Road in Winter Garden. The associated ordinances’ first readings were on the agenda when Winter Garden commissioners met Thursday, May 28. The subject properties comSEE STORAGE PAGE 2

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Windermere High senior Jacob Goldberg enjoyed his big moment after receiving his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

State approves Disney, SeaWorld reopening plans The two theme park companies will welcome back their first guests this month and next. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved the reopening plans for both Walt Disney World and SeaWorld Orlando after the detailed plans were approved at the county level last week. The parks have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic since mid-March.

SeaWorld Orlando will open to the public June 11, and Walt Disney World will greet guests at its Orlando parks by July 15. Officials for both parks presented their plans Wednesday, May 27, to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. Disney and SeaWorld fans have SEE MAGIC PAGE 4

SPORTS

Two Florida brothers have put together a fundraising campaign for the Edgewood Children’s Ranch. T-shirts in three designs can be purchased at CDA inspirations.com. T-shirts cost $15 apiece, and $3 from each sale going directly to the Edgewood Children’s Ranch. Matt Taylor, president of Corporate Design Associates in Orlando, created a graphic with the message, “Together, we will turn this around.” The Edgewood Children’s Ranch works to rehabilitate at-risk youth and their families.

The COVID-19 quarantine gives a Dr. Phillips family time to improve in the ring. SEE PAGE 11.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Storage facility clears first reading CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

prise about 6.01 acres of land at 1577 and 894 Beard Road. They face Florida’s Turnpike to the north and are located west of Beulah Road. The 3.82 acres at 1577 Beard Road has a two-story wood frame house built in 1941, while the 2.18-acre parcel at 894 Beard Road is undeveloped. The applicant is requesting to change the future land-use designation from low-density residential to commercial and to rezone the property from Residential District to Planned Commercial n In relation to the above Development. ordinances, commissioners This would allow the developalso approved a purchase ment of 114,641 square feet of and sale agreement for personal self-storage. The project a 0.018-acre portion — a would consist of a 45-foot-tall, 50-foot-by-15-foot strip parthree-story main building and cel — of 30 N. Park Ave. The five single-story storage strucapplicant will combine this tures surrounding an internal strip of land with the North vehicle-storage area with canoPark property to develop up pies. The project also includes to nine townhouse units. enhanced landscaping, sidewalks and a stormwater pond. The five n City leaders approved the single-story buildings will act as a site plans for 504 W. Plant buffer, Community Development St. and for 1200 Daniels Director Steve Pash said, and there Road. The former allows for would be one vehicular access construction of a two-story, point off of Beard Road. 9,998-square-foot office “Storage probably has the least building. The latter allows for amount of traffic of any project,” construction of two singlesaid City Manager Mike Bollhoefer. story office/retail buildings “That’s why when we were looking and two two-story commerat this property and we talked … cial buildings, a combined about what would fit there, contotal of 64,680 square feet of sidering it’s facing the turnpike commercial space. and has very few trips, it would put the least amount of burden on the existing infrastructure.” Winter Garden resident Ron Mueller told the commission he ORHE-0204 ER_ObserverMedia_Halfpg_HW_PRESS.pdf 1 5/6/20 and 9:39 AM attended the Planning Zoning Commission meeting where n Commissioners approved unanimously the first reading of two ordinances pertaining to land at South Park Avenue. The first would change the land-use designation for 0.58 acres at South Park Avenue from no future land use to medium-density residential. The second would rezone 0.91 acres of land at 30 N. Park Ave. and South Park Avenue from R-2 Residential to Planned Unit Development.

CMY

— City Manager Mike Bollhoefer

the project was discussed. He told them there was considerable debate surrounding it, although it eventually was approved unanimously. “It’s not consistent with the surrounding land use — around there is a few scattered homes fairly far apart,” Mueller said. “There really aren’t any other viable commercial businesses there, so obviously the residents were concerned. I could see that concern, and it made good sense as to what they were saying. The second part of that was — and somebody brought this up, and I tended to agree — that while we can exercise great control, we don’t really have any businesses in that area, and now we’re essentially setting precedent or opening the door for businesses there, even if we’re putting this piece of property out there as a storage use. “From a city perspective and looking at this as a long-term goal, I don’t think this is a direction we want to go, and it just really doesn’t set well with that whole area,” he said. “From a more observational view there, I don’t really know what we as a city get out of having storage units. They’re not pretty, they don’t create a lot of revenue, they don’t bring in a lot of new people, there’s not really a benefit for them.”

it’s a great distance from most of the houses,” he said. “It’s probably the ideal — if I had to pick a place in Winter Garden to pick a storage unit, this is probably one of the first pieces of property I would pick.” The commission approved the first reading of both ordinances, with a second reading and public hearing to follow at the June 11 City Commission meeting.

Bollhoefer said the reason the city supported the project was because although the surrounding area is residential, staff didn’t believe the property would bring in “high-end residential” because of the proximity to the turnpike. “I would not build a high-end residential right across from a turnpike with noise,” Bollhoefer said. “Any residential there would be on the lower end. That’s why — from the staff’s perspective — we did not believe residential would be the highest and best use. The storage facility, there’s KEEPING WEST ORANGE actually people that use it, RUNNING FOR 83 YEARS! and (those who) need it are all in the community with all their supplies. … There’s a great demand for the storage, which is why Family Owned they want to and Operated build it. “It faces the turnpike, it’s out of the way, and Since 1937 The Joiner family has been proud to provide our community with the best care and quality available. With our fast, friendly, and knowledgeable staff, we are here to help you with all of your automotive needs.

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“It faces the turnpike, it’s out of the way, and it’s a great distance from most of the houses. It’s probably the ideal — if I had to pick a place in Winter Garden to pick a storage unit, this is probably one of the first pieces of property I would pick.”

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IN OTHER NEWS

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Peace on the left, justice on the right Hundreds gathered at Derek Chauvin’s Windermere-area home May 29 to protest the death of George Floyd. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Troy Herring

Aside from the vandalism, the protest at Derek Chauvin’s townhouse was not violent.

Your Voice Be Heard Inc., helped organize the protest and decided to take action. At 9:30 a.m., he said, there were two people outside. By 5 p.m., there were a few hundred. “Honestly, Twitter pretty

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own. … No one here was paid by a group or told to come out here. Everybody saw this, and in their heart they felt they had to come out here, and it grew from a couple people to a lot of people.” Mulrain said he believes pro-

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FOUR ARRESTED IN WEST OAKS MALL BURGLARY Ocoee police have arrested four individuals in the earlymorning burglary and theft Sunday, May 31, at the West Oaks Mall in Ocoee. According to the arrest report, taken into custody were Jamar Gerald Hakeem Toler, 24, of Panama City; Donte Duane Sylvester, 22, of Winter Garden; Sara Katherine Perkins, 18, of Orlando; and Joe Alfonzo Lee Frazier, 18, of Orlando. All four were charged with burglary of an occupied structure, criminal mischief, petit theft and resisting an officer without violence. According to the Orange County Jail booking report, Frazier was released Sunday. In a report filed by Ocoee police officers Joshua Bode and Justin Vorheis, officers responded to a report of a large group of vehicles driving recklessly and circling the parking lot of the mall, at 9401 W. Colonial Drive. Officers discovered broken glass doors on the west entrance to the mall and a large group of people, who tried to run from police. Officers captured the four, who were on foot. A .40-caliber Glock handgun and a magazine with 12 rounds were found on the mall floor, according to the report, and officers discovered multiple businesses inside with broken entrances and missing merchandise. A jewelry kiosk also was damaged and missing merchandise, and items from a cell phone kiosk were found in the parking lot.

testing is important, because many black people often are persecuted by profiling and racism everywhere. “When stuff happens to black people, we don’t see justice,” he said. “We don’t see the justice prevail afterward, so we’re not even going to tell somebody what was in their heart when they did it, even though it seems racially motivated. We know that it’s racial if afterward justice isn’t served. If a black person commits a crime, they’re persecuted. … It’s not unprecedented … so I think they need to go ahead and make sure this cop is convicted.” Looking around the diverse crowed, Mulrain said it was beautiful to see people coming together. However, there is more work to be done. “It’s just the start,” he said. “This is what we need to show that we can get together, we don’t need to be crazy, but we’re ready to stand with each other and have each others’ backs.”

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Just hours after news that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin owned a vacation home near Windermere spread through social media, protestors were at the townhouse Friday, May 29, to demonstrate. The quiet neighborhood quickly gained attention throughout the day, as hundreds of people arrived to protest Chauvin’s actions. Chauvin and three other officers were fired after a video surfaced of Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck as he cried out that he couldn’t breathe. Floyd later died at a hospital. Many protestors donned masks and arrived with signs in hand. Organizers and volunteers provided cases of bottled water and snacks to participants. Together, they gathered outside Chauvin’s home, chanting “Say his name! George Floyd!” “No justice, no peace! No racist police!” The sidewalk was covered in chalk writing: “Justice for George Floyd.” “#BLM.” Two women — Katelin Benoit, 18, and Kimberly Guzman, 20, both of Orlando — threw paint on Chauvin’s home. His front walkway was tagged, too: “Racist.” Benoit and Guzman both were charged with criminal mischief. The protest was one of thousands that took place nationwide and globally. Aside from the graffiti, it exemplified George Floyd’s brother Terrence Floyd’s plea for nonviolence: “Peace on the left, justice on the right.” “Everything’s been peaceful so far, and we’re proud of our community for that,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said in a press conference May 29. “We understand people want to do something; they want to protest. … Our No. 1 priority is always the safety and security of the residents, of the protestors and of our deputies. We certainly understand people’s right to free speech and protest, and we just want everyone to stay safe and protest peacefully.” Miles Mulrain Jr., founder of Orlando-based nonprofit Let

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

A longtime dream fulfilled TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

n the cavernous auditorium on Windermere High School’s campus, a special moment is unfolding for one student, Jacob Goldberg. On this day, Wednesday, May 27, Goldberg is receiving his official appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Normally, the place would be crowded for such an event, but on this day, only a group of about eight people are on hand — most family. As Goldberg sits in his cushioned seat, West Point District Field Officer and retired Army Col. Michael Ulekowski takes to the stage to speak to the small, yet eager group. “Today, we honor a young man who is stepping up to the plate to serve his country,” Ulekowski said. “The mission of West Point is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets, so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character — committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United States Army. “Now I have been given the honor of introducing the latest addition to the Long Gray Line — this young man who we have known for three years will be walking in some very big footsteps,” he said. “On behalf of the President of the United States and the superintendent of the United States Military Academy, it gives me great pleasure to present Jacob Joseph Goldberg with a certificate of appointment to the West Point Class of 2024.” The small round of applause that followed reverberated through the empty auditorium as Goldberg made his way to the stage to accept his appointment. It’s a momentous occasion in Goldberg’s life, and it’s also a moment that will go down in Windermere High history. With his acceptance to West Point, Goldberg became the first Wolverine to be accepted to any of

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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 Troy Herring

Jacob Goldberg, left, accepted his appointment to West Point from retired Army Col. Michael Ulekowski.

the five U.S. Service Academies. “I appreciate it,” Goldberg said. “I think it is just a culmination of all my work over the last five years. I wanted to join the Army, and then I heard about West Point, and I don’t know — I just wanted to aim high, so that’s where I aimed.” Goldberg, 18, is one of 1,137 students who were accepted to West Point out of more than 15,000 applications. His journey began in eighth grade, and it required years of dedication and work. But, that’s what is expected of anyone who wants to attend one of the service academies. “They say you have to have academics, athletics and leadership,” Goldberg said. “I had academics, but I didn’t have athletics, and I had some leadership, but I immediately started working toward it. In eighth grade, I tried out for the track team and didn’t make it. Then I came out in ninth grade — I was the slowest man, but I was still on the team, and I just kept working my way through that. “In band, I’ve always strived for leadership positions,” he said.

Magic to return been waiting to hear the reopening details ever since the theme parks closed their doors in mid-March. The area’s third major theme park, Universal Orlando, was set to open at the beginning of this week to team members and Friday, June 5, to the public. Marc Swanson, interim CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment,

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“We don’t have any magic. We encourage him and try to help him, but he has succeeded because of himself — he has an incredible work ethic.” — Mark Goldberg

“Everything I have done through high school has been aiming toward this.” During his time at Windermere, Goldberg was a member of the football and track team, was named All-State jazz drummer and was a member of the Student Government Association, the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and president of the school’s Veterans Club. Throw in his SAT score of 1350, and all Goldberg had to do was find someone to nominate him. He found that person in U.S. Rep. Val Demings. Although it takes an individual effort to get to this point, it also requires the support of those around him — such as his par-

Troy Herring

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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said the plan is to open Wednesday, June 10, for Employee Appreciation Night and then to the public Thursday, June 11. Jim McPhee, senior vice president of operations for Walt Disney World, said the plan is to open Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Saturday, July 11, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios Wednesday, July 15. Public health officials toured the

parks Tuesday, May 26, to learn of the protocols being put in place. Both companies are adhering to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The employees at each park have gone through extensive training in preparation for the reopening. All guests, as well as SeaWorld employees and Disney cast members, will be required to wear face masks, and temperature checks will be mandatory. Additional hand-washing and -sanitizing stations are set up throughout the parks, and new safety signage

ents, Mark and Ada Goldberg. Although, if you ask Mark Goldberg, the success lies squarely on his son’s shoulders. “I always say he does it himself, honestly — it’s him,” Mark Goldberg said. “We don’t have any magic. We encourage him and try to help him, but he has succeeded because of himself — he has an incredible work ethic.” “It’s something that has to come from within, and he has it,” Ada Goldberg added. The next step for Jacob Goldberg starts in July, when he will begin four weeks of training before going on to become a cadet in the fall. In the meantime, Jacob Goldberg has a routine set into place to keep himself in shape. With school done, the biggest challenge now is being consistent with his running and weight training. “I have a workout plan that I mostly haven’t been sticking to, but this week I’ve been sticking much more to it,” Jacob Goldberg said with a laugh.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES and ground markings have been placed at all attractions. The parks are encouraging cashless transactions; food preparations will be altered. Disney plans to manage overall attendance demand through its new theme park reservation system, which will require guests to make a reservation before attending. It is suspending parades, fireworks, character events and other experiences that draw crowds, McPhee said. “As always, our excellent cast members will engage with guests to make their experience as real and as magical as possible,” McPhee said. “People just want to come out and have a good time at the theme parks, and wearing a mask is just part of that,” Swanson said. During the task force meeting, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said of the SeaWorld and Disney teams: “I do appreciate their thoroughness in preparing to reopen. … (They) made certain … that while bringing commerce back to the parks that they are ensuring the safety of guests.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

STRENGTH in flexibility

Florida Film Academy Students and teachers at Florida Film Academy have gotten creative with their projects and methods of instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Editor’s note: Strength in Flexibility is an ongoing series highlighting changes local businesses are making to adapt to life during the coronavirus pandemic. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

At Florida Film Academy, students always are up for a challenge. After all, creativity is what fuels the future filmmakers, animators, graphic designers and specialeffects makeup artists learning under their instructors’ tutelage. Critical thinking and problem solving also go hand-in-hand with the academy’s creative curriculum. But the challenges COVID-19 has presented to Florida Film Academy students and instructors are unlike anything they have faced before. Like many businesses, Florida Film Academy shut down temporarily in mid-March, right around spring break. Co-owner Stefanie Robinson and her team were able to think quickly on their feet, using that time to create a plan. “That gave us the entire week of spring break to quickly move every single program that we do to online,” Robinson said. “We didn’t cancel our classes; we didn’t stop

our programs. We shifted everything to online so our kids wouldn’t have to skip that. We had a lot of families contact us, because they lost their jobs. … Some parents called us and said this was the last thing they were canceling, because they just couldn’t.” Robinson said she had a responsibility to them to keep the creativity flowing. “They’re the reason why we are fighting to keep our doors open during this time,” she said. “I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said this hasn’t been the biggest struggle of our 10 years of service to the community, because, of course, we’re working probably 10 times hard than we ever have just to keep the lights on, just to keep the rent paid, just to keep the staff paid.” To help students and their families during this time, the staff has been offering free online programs and experiences for children to give them something to do. One day, the staff hosted a virtual gettogether called Pet Day at FFA. Children could hop online for an hour, see their friends and instructors, and show off their pets. And with the academy’s shift of its usual class offerings to online, it also presented the opportunity to do something Robinson and her

Courtesy photo

Florida Film Academy students and instructors have used the platform Zoom to socialize, teach and learn during the last few months.

FLORIDA FILM ACADEMY 1261 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suites 210-250, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 654-8400 WEBSITE: flfilmacademy. com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ floridafilmacademy INSTAGRAM: @floridafilmacademy DETAILS: The academy offers a variety of classes, programs and experiences for every creative mind. These include acting and improv, animation, musical theater dance, cosplay and costume design, special-effects makeup and film. Summer camps and workshops will be offered both online and on campus this year. For more information and to register, visit the academy website.

team have been wanting to do for a while — create a series of new, live online classes. “We’re using Zoom, so they’re able to see each other and connect,” she said. “They’re still collaborating on stories. Sometimes, the projects vary — they may be doing something individual … other times, their challenge is to connect the story and they have to figure out how to problem solve that, if you will. … In a class like acting, we do a lot of improv.” Although the lack of socializing has impacted the academy’s students, Robinson said, this new online experience has forced them to problem solve and be more creative than ever before. In fact, some of their best projects has come from this, she said. Students also have been successful in making their work a family affair. “Because of (being) online, the parents are getting a real glimpse of what the kids are actually doing, and they’re a part of it,” Robinson said. “I had a dad dress up as a

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lizard for his kid’s film and act in his movie, and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness.’ … Those are the priceless bits in all of this, the glimmers of hope and beauty through all of the things that are going on.” Face-to-face summer programs also will continue as usual, with an 8:1 class-size ratio. Instructors will wear personal protective equipment, and children will have the option to do so. Florida Film Academy staff will be cleaning more often and wiping down all equipment after each use. Social distancing and frequent hand-washing will be encouraged, and parents will be treated to private in-home screenings of their children’s films. “With creative people, there’s always something — there’s always a way to make it sparkle,” Robinson said. “You have to find the silver lining. You have to find those moments of beauty in things, because that’s what keeps us human. Storytelling at its core is human nature.”

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When a national story hits too close to home

ida connection broke on Twitter in the wee hours of Friday, May 29, we knew about it two days earlier. Here are excerpts from the text conversation I had with our editorial team Wednesday, May 27: Not 100% sure on this, but I think that cop in Minnesota also has a townhouse in Windermere. … I have METHODIST MICHAEL ENG to dig a little more to be sure, but 2nd Campus: First United Methodist EDITOR AND PUBLISHER this guy is the same age, and the Foundation Worship Church mailing address is Minnesota. … Foundation Academy ears ago, I received a nastyI’m wondering the newsworthiness 125 N. Lakeview Ave., gram from a reader that tickled of it. From what I can tell, they use High School Winter Garden my funny bone. The note came the place in Windermere as a rental 15304 Tilden Rd., (407) 656-1135 after we had covered a conproperty. … So not even sure if they Winter Garden Services: Livestreaming troversial news story, and this ever are here. It teeters on clickbait. (407) 730-1867 Sunday @ 9 AM. Viewable on particular reader didn’t like it. Plus, the mob has their Minnesota Sundays: 9:45 a.m. All Ages Facebook and Youtube Stick to pictures of cute kids, the address all over social. Only a matFoundationWorship.com reader wrote, which you’re good at. ter of time before the Windermere I guess. address is publicized. UNITED CHURCH This reader wasn’t all wrong. We decided not to publish. We Starke Lake Baptist Church OF CHRIST It’s true: As a hyperlocal comdidn’t have 100% proof it was the Pastor Jeff Pritchard munity media outlet, we love good same Chauvin. And furthermore, Windermere Union Church PO Box 520 611 W Ave., news. We love to plaster it all over we couldn’t justify it as newswor10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd., Ocoee our front page. This week’s cover thy. Windermere stories — about Windermere High’s That changed two days later, (407) 656-2351 (407) 876-2112 first West Point appointee (Southwhen, as predicted, the address StarkeLakeBaptist.org Adult Worship: 9 a.m. west Orange Observer) and a West leaked on Twitter. Then, the STARKE LAKE BAPTIST Sunday School: 10 a.m. Advertise your or Events NGLICAN METHODIST NON-DENOMINATIONAL Orange High alum whoServices graduOrange County Sheriff’s Office CHURCH FIRST UNITED METHODIST PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO WindermereUnion.org on this page weekly. GLICAN COMMUNITY ated from the United States Naval released a statement that Chauvin PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee CHURCH OF GOD CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, LLOWSHIP CHURCH Pastor Jeff Pritchard Academy (West Orange Times & was not at the house and had no 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden of God tor The Rev. CanonOcoee Tim TrombitasChurch (407) 656-2351 Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Observer) — warm my heart.weekly And I in plans This page appears the to be there. 6 East Plant St, Winter Garden www.starkelakebaptist.org Pastor Thomas Odom NON-DENOMINATIONAL Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM hope West they warm yours, too. & Observer and Suddenly, we had both confirNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Orange Times Web: fumcwg.org Church Orlando Ave.,Ocoee Purpose d us at: Theacf.net 1105 N. Lakewood So, I get it: When our covermation it was the same Chauvin CHURCH OF GOD online at OrangeObserver.com. (407) 656-8011 13640 CHURCH W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD age turns heavy, it can be jarring. and a reason to publish informaUNITED OF APTIST Pastor Thomas Odom Winter Garden Which isadvertise why, when news broke Directory tion pertinent to our community. CHRIST To in the Church 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee ULAH BAPTIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH about Minnesota police officer (407) 654-9661 Still, we remained vague with the 407-656-8011 or Casey Butner call 407-656-2121 or email 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. and accused killer Derek Chauvin details of the townhouse’s locaBeulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday Service: 10:05 a.m. Windermere, FL 34786 AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com EPISCOPAL -656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org owning a Florida home — inexplition, publishing only that the home 407-876-2112 Worship times: Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 p.m. CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH NDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM 9:00am Adult Sunday School cably — near Windermere (and to was “near Windermere.” We never Saturday Service: 6 p.m. 241 N. Main, Winter Garden NDAY SERVICE 11:00AM 10:00am Worship be clear, not in the town of Windpublished the address. Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm DNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM purposechurchorlando.org www.windermereunion.org www.churchofthemessiah.com ermere), I knew our coverage would Still arguing the information ST BAPTIST CHURCH throw some folks. wasn’t important? Imagine you E Plant St., Winter Garden Here’s a sample of the feedback lived in that same townhome com-656-2352 we received on Facebook: munity, and you opened your front NDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 5 am Bible Study And when his home gets robbed or door to find 200 protestors and 00 am Contemporary vandalized, a resident terrorized or a heavy police presence on your DNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana MIKE YOAKUM worse, the blood will be on the hands street. Wouldn’t you want to know or Tim Grosshans PASTOR of the (West Orange) Times! what is happening? Or maybe w.fbcwg.org Campus: P: 407.656.1520 If riots come (here) and cause you’d like to know so you can take UNDATION WORSHIP C: 407.758.3570 (damage) to the condo and other your family away from the area for NDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM families, this is on you. … I hope a while. Or maybe you’d want to ndation Academy High School you can sleep tonight after putting 04 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden know so you can take proper prew.FoundationWorship.com Windermere in danger. cautions to secure your own home -730-1867 This is going start a riot. Why and property. publish this? Makes no sense! Oh yeah, and that pesky paperFurther still, several folks of-record thing. It’s important 1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. accused us of publishing the West Orange residents a century OCOEE, FL 34761 address, insinuating we wanted from now know there was a local rioting to come to our community. aspect to this story. ORDER YOUR Every Tuesday, Matthew’s Hope offers the following services and more to I cannot let these falsehoods go And to those who head-scratchingly have said we want stuff like CUSTOM Furniture, Farm Tables, without rebuttal. theMADE Structurally Challenged men, women and children• Custom of our community. First: We are decidedly pro-West this to happen: Nope. Not in the Barn Doors, and More CHRISTMAS Orange. We are pro-small business, least. I’m much happier publishing • Repaired, 2019Refinished and GIFTS NOW!Hide in Plain Sight Initiative Statistics pro-good schools, pro-soaring pictures of cute kids any day of the Repurposed Wood Furniture values. We want our com- week. As we made plans to cover PEOPLE HELPED: 2,929 I NEW GUESTS: 243• Gently Used Furniture and New & property Check out theTOTAL custom Used munities to succeed. For goodness’ the protest, we joked about Sports made silent auction items Household Items sake, it’s in our company mission Editor Troy Herring wearing a pink Haircuts: 1,190 Medical Care: 1,040 Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MatthewsHopeChest/ that will be available at statement: “To inspire our comhard hat or Star Wars cosplay as Manicures: 76 the Garden Dental Party onCare: 48 Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Wintermunities Gardenwith extraordinary local protection. But here’s how that FL Drivers Licenses: 23 Meals: November 9!! 7,105 conversation ended: 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday content and to help our partners Birth Certificates: 26 Pantry Visits: 2,633 prosper.” Me: In all seriousness, be careful. And for more than a century, we Peeps be crazy. Hygiene Items Distributed: 11,195 Food Distributed: 23,703 lbs. also have been the paper of record Troy: Shall do my best. I can’t Clothing Items Distributed: 18,069 Showers: 2089 for West Orange. Translation: We imagine it turning violent. Life Skills Class Attendance: 416 Laundry Service: 1,290 are responsible for recording our Me: Me either, but still. One of the Bible Study Attendance: 422 community’s history. Last week, we rules of working here is not dying. published a tribute to Carl “Pete” That rule is a joke I tell every new TEXT Peters, a former Winter Garden hire. But it comes from a real sense fire chief. In doing her research, of responsibility I feel for our folks, Community Editor Amy Quesinand I never am comfortable putting TO DONATE berry utilized archive material from them in potentially dangerous situThis is a secure site for giving our newspaper. This is a regular ations. occurrence. When we plan coverYes, it comes with the territory, Help Us. Help Them. 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 age, our team feels the full weight but it is never easy. (407) 905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org Help Themselves. of that responsibility. We know our I know not everyone will agree successors — 50, 100 and 200 years with every content decision we into the future — will use what we make, but I hope you can underWANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE? publish today to inform their own stand each is made with considercontent. So, it has to be accurate, ation of our mission statement, our reasoned and complete. responsibility as the scribes of West A peek behind the curtain: Orange history and our desire to or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com Although news of Chauvin’s Florinform you, our loyal reader.

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Never a wrong time to do the right thing

DAVID OGDEN, POLICE CHIEF TOWN OF WINDERMERE

o what’s right. It’s that simple. I remember hearing Coach Lou Holtz say, “There is never a right time to do the wrong thing and never a wrong time to do the right thing. All we have to do is what is right.” Yes, sometimes it is that simple! We extend our deepest condolences to the Floyd family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our actions will reflect our vision statement, “The Windermere Police Department will be an exemplary police department that achieves all aspects of our Critical Mission Goals. We shall comply with all laws, adhere to a high level of ethical

standards, and earn the trust of the community that we serve.” It’s OK to support law enforcement and also condemn officers that are wrong at the same time. In fact, that is one simple way we can earn trust. For me, this isn’t a debate or a political statement. I don’t make those kinds of statements on social media and have not commented on use of force cases in the past. It is too toxic of an environment, too often nothing is as portrayed accurately as situations unfold and commenting often is an exercise in futility and not fruitful. Treating everyone with dignity and respect is right, it’s honorable and it’s just. It is simply what is right, and my direction to our officers is clear on this issue. I don’t have all the answers, and I wasn’t called to fix all the world’s problems. I know my Command Philosophy is for each officer to take care of themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. Attention to each of these areas is critical to the overall wellbeing and success of an officer to treat everyone right. There are many great resources here in Central Florida that will address these

issues to give you balance. If you are in law enforcement and uncertain where to seek guidance, I am offering to help and connect you with any of these resources if needed. I’ve also been blessed to have a long career in law enforcement as a leader, a professional trainer, Force Science instructor and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt who has developed scenarios and techniques to teach police how to handle arrest procedures just like this situation that are taught in agencies all over the state. Here at WPD, we train our officers on multiple-officer subject

control and the obligation to use due care for anyone in our custody. Those materials are free to any law enforcement agency who wants them. We are all angry, upset, outraged and disgusted with what we saw being done to George Floyd. It is wrong! It hurts all good law officers willing to risk their lives for strangers and the profession we work hard to make right. It places further fear and tension between everyone. It also puts citizens, officers and their families in danger from those who choose revenge as their own form of justice.

But words do little unless we all are willing to take some positive action. Our residents should know that this will not happen on our watch in the town of Windermere. We have trained and continue to train to treat people with dignity and respect even when force options are necessary. We mourn the senseless loss of George Floyd and pledge to never participate in or standby and watch this happen in our town. Let’s outdo one another with honor by serving well. Just do what’s right. It’s just that simple.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Oakland’s Historic African-American Cemetery was established in 1882 to serve as a final resting place for black residents. Many of the markers indicate the deceased were the victims of the 1918 flu pandemic, and others bear the names of the earliest residents. The nearly three-acre tract of land became inactive in the early 1950s, and the trees, brush and weeds slowly took over the ground. The town has applied for a $25,000 matching grant that would be used to prepare a management plan for the cemetery, which was deeded to the town in 2014. If approved, the town would provide a 50% match: $12,500 in cash and $12,500 in in-kind donations that also would secure a faux wrought-iron metal fence surrounding the property. “We need to make sure we work with the appropriate person to preserve it in the right manner,” Mayor Kathy Stark said at the May 26 Town Commission meeting.

Pat Sharr Realty

n The commission approved the first hearing for a renewed Duke Energy agreement. The current 30-year agreement was granted to Florida Power. The new agreement is for 20 years with two five-year extensions.

BUYING A HOME? SELLING YOUR HOME? PAT SHARR

n Commissioners authorized Mayor Stark to sign a letter of support for the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Heritage Museum, which is applying for grant funding from the state. The foundation is the main community sponsor of the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center under construction.

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n Two clean-up days will take place June 6 and 13. Residents can discard household trash, recycling and yard waste and have it collected curbside with no size or weight limits. Items must be set out before 8 a.m. and cannot include hazardous waste, electronics, paint or batteries.

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4 BD. 4 BA. ***PRIME LOCATION IN WINDERMERE***CUSTOM HOME***THIS IS A BUYER’S DREAM***Step inside and be amazed at the BEAUTY of this home. Professional wall paintings, beautiful tile with inset in the foyer, glowing wood flooring in living/dining/family room and office with French doors and private entrance. Family room features wood burning fireplace and sliding glass doors leading to the covered/ open screened lanai, brick pavers, sparkling HEATED pool/spa with rock fountain. Kitchen features GRANITE countertops, 42” cabinets, island, breakfast bar, built in oven and microwave, side by side refrigerator and walk in pantry! FIRST FLOOR MASTER Bedroom is built on a masterly scale, large custom walk-in his/her closets. On the second floor you have a two way split bedroom plan on one side is a guest bedroom/en suite, on the other side there are two very desirable bedrooms centered around a guest bath. Straight ahead is the BONUS room, this room also features wet bar, snack bar, doors leading to the spectacular balcony with panoramic views! This home has been JUST FRESHLY PAINTED INSIDE!! Conveniently located to 429,408, turnpike, shopping, restaurants and Fowlers Grove.***Pool table, cue rack and matching bar stools stay in Bonus room unless Buyer wants items removed*** GATED COMMUNITY WITH 24-HOUR GUARD... ASKING ONLY $875,000

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n Mayor Stark announced another month’s worth of funds is coming from an anonymous donor to help residents needing assistance with utility bills. The COVID-19 Utility Assistance Program processed close to $4,000 in relief credits in April and May.

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IN OTHER NEWS

If the grant is approved, the town will match the amount and the funds will go toward maintenance and preservation of the historic land.

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Oakland seeks grant to preserve black cemetery

Take a look at this 3 Bdrm. 2 Ba. home before it is GONE...Open the door to the tiled foyer, living room and family room floors have been upgraded with beautiful WOOD LAMINATE. Delightful kitchen with every convenience and tiled flooring... Split bedroom plan, master bedroom is adjoined by REMODELED master bath. On the other side of the house is the remodeled guest bath centered around the other two bedrooms. Just off the family room open the door to the covered and screened large patio complete with ceiling fans. Open the door from your screened patio to a concrete pad that is perfect fit for your grill... the large fenced back yard also features a storage shed. ASKING ONLY $220,000

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MY VIEW

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

ONE FINAL RIDE W

est Orange, Windermere, Ocoee and Olympia high schools all invited their seniors for one final lap around campus during their respective drivethru events Thursday, May 28. West Orange High’s 2020 Warriors didn’t let a little rain stop the celebration. Graduates decorated their cars in blue and orange, donned their caps and gowns and enjoyed their final ride around campus. Families and faculty stood on the sidelines to cheer on their graduates. The graduating seniors at Ocoee High School might not have had a traditional graduation ceremony because of COVID-19, but they still had cause to celebrate. Despite the rain, seniors poked their heads out of the windows and sunroofs of their decorated vehicles and greeted the school administration that lined up along the south side of the school. Police cars flashed their lights, and a firetruck blasted its horn at the graduates as each one exited the campus. The school mascot, Knightmare, was there to bid the seniors goodbye. At Windermere High’s Class of 2020 Victor E. Lap, students in vehicles decked out with balloons and posters rolled through the parking lot blasting music and waving goodbye to their school. Meanwhile, staff and teachers — who were on hand — lined the sidewalks outside, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the rain as they cheered on their former students. At nearby Olympia, the resilient Class of 2020 didn’t let a storm stop them from celebrating their accomplishments. Teachers, staff, friends and family gathered at the school to congratulate the graduates with a special senior drive-thru parade. Hundreds of grads decorated their cars, waved and snapped photos as they were cheered on along the way. Cheerleaders and the drumline also provided some extra celebratory spirit.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX, TROY HERRING AND AMY QUESINBERRY

Yoan Ruiz and her family celebrated Ocoee’s graduation with big smiles.

A little rain didn’t stop the Olympia seniors from enjoying their parade.

Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Members of West Orange High’s Class of 2020 enjoyed their final lap on campus.

Analecia Allen reached for a high-five from Ocoee High Band Director Bernie Hendricks.

Windermere High students waved and gave out fist bumps to teachers as they made their final lap around the school’s parking lot.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Eileen Hannigan, a social studies teacher and head softball coach at Windermere High, got one last hug with a student.

Olympia seniors were all smiles as they waved goodbye to friends and faculty members.

Ocoee graduate Hanna Owens celebrated with family and friends — Adeline Carter, Paige Carter and Ashleigh Owens.

Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

West Orange’s seniors soaked in their final memories of their high school careers.

Members of the Olympia drumline, decked out in ponchos, powered through the rain. Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

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9:41 AM

The West Orange parade was a chance for seniors to say goodbye to the teachers who worked hard to get them to this moment.

DON’T DELAY THE CARE YOU NEED. Make your appointment today.

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As you continue protecting yourself and others, Orlando Health wants to remind you that getting the medical treatment you need is important. And maintaining the safest environment possible at all our facilities continues to be a top priority. So don’t delay your care, and make your appointment today.

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OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Winter Garden resident pens children’s book about COVID-19 Melissa Iris Gonzalez wrote ‘The Magic of 6 Feet Away’ about the view through a child’s eyes of the coronavirus pandemic. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In a time when it’s already difficult enough for adults to process the societal changes brought on by COVID-19, it can be even tougher for children to understand. That’s why Winter Garden resident Melissa Iris Gonzalez decided to use her writing skills to create a book for children that can help them process their own emotions during the pandemic. Gonzalez penned “The Magic of 6 Feet Away” just a couple of months ago, inspired by a conversation with her neighbors who have young children. Her neighbors, she said, were sharing their frustrations with juggling work and homeschooling their children. Perhaps more frustrating, they told her, was that they could see their children also were struggling. They didn’t know what to do. “That night I went to bed and really contemplated — ‘What does it feel like through the eyes of a child to have to go through this pandemic where the entire world is upended?’” Gonzalez said. “I really thought through, ‘What can those frustrations sound like through the eyes of a child, and

THE MAGIC OF 6 FEET AWAY To purchase the book, visit amzn.to/3daNK9R. It is also available on Barnes & Noble’s website at bit.ly/2W0I4cR. Gonzalez also is offering private book readings for families via Zoom. For questions, more information or to inquire about a book reading, email her at themagicof6feetaway@ yahoo.com. You can also follow her on Instagram at @ the_magic_of_6feet_away.

how can I pull that together to really create something formative that children can learn from?’ The next morning, I just braindumped, got it all out of my head and turned it into ‘The Magic of 6 Feet Away’ so that a child gets to have their say, so to speak. “Any time you see the world through the eyes of a child, it’s a very different glean, so I thought it would be appropriate to put it into a children’s book, and it took off from there,” she said. Although Gonzalez loves writing, she has worked in the finance industry for the last 16 years. She

has penned poetry and short stories, and in college, she even studied early childhood development. Her love of writing and background knowledge in the field of child development were useful tools as she wrote her new book. Gonzalez used Blurb, a website that allows authors to selfpublish and provides publishing contacts and resources, as well as illustrations. She was able to reach out to Amazon and pitch her book. Much to her excitement, Amazon picked up “The Magic of 6 Feet Away,” and it’s been available for purchase since April. The story is narrated by a young boy who is going through the coronavirus pandemic, and he takes readers through his adventures and his views. Everything is written through the eyes of a child. “The very first page is, ‘My mom and dad say I have to stay 6 feet away, I can ride my bike all day, but I’ve got to stay 6 feet away,’” Gonzalez said. “That really leads up to the rest of his world. What does it look like? ‘Well, people are wearing funny masks, and I don’t really understand it, I miss my friends, and I want to be with them, I miss my teachers.’ I really thought it was important to add the teachers. These are the folks who spend 80% of their time with our children, and so I really wanted to give an homage to them.” The story speaks of how the boy gets upset when his friend comes

Reading the newspaper has never been so easy.

Courtesy Melissa Iris Gonzalez

“The Magic of 6 Feet Away” is Winter Garden resident Melissa Iris Gonzalez’s first published book.

over but his dad doesn’t allow them to see each other. Toward the end, the magic of 6 feet away kicks in when the boy realizes there are some positives in the pandemic, such as getting to spend time baking with his mom or fixing things with his dad. “It really takes a full circle on his journey,” she said. “I just thought this is a really good way for parents to have a conversation with their child and show them, ‘Hey, look, this little boy is going through the same thing that you are, and here’s how he handled it. Here’s some ideas for you.’” Although Gonzalez is thrilled to be a published author, she is even more excited the book is

available on Amazon. Anyone anywhere in the world with internet access can order the book, and the storyline is applicable to children everywhere. Eventually, she would love to have it translated into different languages for that purpose. “It’s been amazing,” she said. “On Facebook is where I receive the most comments, feedback and, frankly, buys. I kept getting notifications from people saying, ‘Hey, I bought the book, here’s a picture of it, it arrived today and we’re so excited.’ I just thought, ‘My goodness, there are so many people (who) need this kind of information.’”

SHARING what matters to you From the City Hall and the police department to the classroom and the football field,

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Orange

JUNE 4, 2020

SPORTS

West Orange High rising junior Ava Baldauf is transitioning from soccer to the track and cross-country teams. Page 12.

LORDS OF THE RING Derrick Jackson, left, takes in a sparring session with professional boxer Christopher Diaz at Rene’s Dynamic Sports Center.

Dr. Phillips resident Robert Rene and his family have a long history in boxing and martial arts that goes back generations. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

ith the touching of gloves, Derrick “Diesel” Jackson and Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz begin a nine-round dance of tactical violence. Again and again, they circle one another before diving in to deliver blows with padded boxing gloves. Each hit explodes with sound that reverberates off walls lined with championship belts and old photos inside the hallowed halls of Rene’s Dynamic Sports Center just outside of Ocoee. Sitting ringside is Robert Rene — Derrick Jackson’s father, and the man who has trained him his whole life. “Nice, nice — keep working it,” Rene yells out. “Just touch him, because he is showboating now … there you go!” This fight is a simple sparring session meant to help Diaz — a professional boxer — get ready for an upcoming fight in Las Vegas, but it’s also a way for future Olympian Derrick Jackson to keep his edge. From ringside, Rene is looking for a few things as he watches

his son go round-for-round with Diaz, but it’s the killer instinct that he really wants to see. “I’m looking for him to kill a guy,” Rene said. “He’s No. 1 in the country, so I’m looking for him to kill — and I’m wondering, ‘OK, why hasn’t he killed him yet?’” Meanwhile, on the other end of the table, Darrius “Hawk” Jackson — Derrick Jackson’s younger brother — watches and takes notes himself. “I’m trying to think of what’s going to make my brother better, and if I was in the ring, how would I see me doing it?” Darrius Jackson said. A FAMILY OF FIGHTERS

Martial arts isn’t just something the Rene family of Dr. Phillips does for fun — it’s a way of life ingrained into the family for generations. Growing up in the streets of Brooklyn, learning to fight wasn’t a want but rather a need. “We had to fight to survive,” Robert Rene said. “So we were introduced to karate and then to kickboxing. When there was nobody else to beat up, we took SEE FIGHTING PAGE 13

Photos by Troy Herring

Robert Rene, center, and his sons Derrick Jackson, left, and Darrius Jackson, right, continue a fighting legacy that spans generations.

“We had to fight to survive. So we were introduced to karate and then to kickboxing. When there was nobody else to beat up, we took the shoes off and went to straight boxing.” — Robert Rene on growing up in Brooklyn

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

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Ava Baldauf

Coaches adapt to changes

After years of playing soccer, Ava Baldauf — a rising junior at West Orange High — has set her sights on the running course as a member of the school’s cross-country and track teams. Although she just started running last year, Baldauf has continued to best her own record and has become a top runner on the girls team.

With COVID-19 keeping them away from players, new safety guidelines by the NFHS and guiding athletes through tumultuous times, the lives of local football coaches have not been easy.

How and when did you first get into running? I used to play competitive soccer for a really long time, but when I got into high school, we went on a road race 5K with with my brother, and that was when I first started running. After that, I just decided I wanted to do it in high school.

TROY HERRING

THE BASICS

SPORTS EDITOR

SCHOOL: West Orange High GRADE: Rising junior AGE: 15 SPORT: Cross country, track

What are the best words of advice you’ve been given about running? Probably just to push through it, because running is very painful sometimes during races, and to just keep going.

You just started running last year. What has the process been like for you early on? It started off just for fun, but once I got a training plan (from) my coach, it got hard to get started — just running every single day. And I found other people like my friends — whenever I go out on runs with them, it’s just so much easier then when I’m by myself.

Do you have a preference between cross-country and track? I think I like cross-country the best — I like longer distances. Though since I didn’t get to do much track, I can’t say for sure yet, but I’m pretty sure I like cross-country better.

What has been the most challenging part about running? Your favorite part? The most challenging thing is probably just getting up and doing it every single day. Some days, I wake up and I’m just so tired — I just want to keep sleeping — but I know I have to get up and run. My favorite part is whenever I actually go out and run, I feel stress-free — it’s really nice.

The track season was cut short because of the coronavirus. What was like that for you to see it end? It was kind of discouraging, because we would always meet all the time, and then everything stopped and we weren’t allowed to meet as a team anymore. We had to run on our own all the time, and then we ended up taking a break for two weeks off of running. Everything is better now.

What are some tips about running you have learned that have helped you? I’ve learned you need to really feel yourself to be able to run well. You have to always have good meals to give you the energy to actually go out and run, and sleep too. You have to put the right food into you.

What are your goals for next cross-country season? Time-wise, I think I want to try and go under 19:15, because we did a time trial a few weeks ago — before we took a two-week break — and I got 19:45.

Your older brother, Jake, is a member of the team, as well. What’s that like being on the same team as a sibling? I actually love it, because I always know someone. He was there first, so I already knew everyone once I joined the team. It was nice; I liked it.

What are you doing in your spare time now? I love cooking right now — I find so many recipes on Pinterest, and it’s just so much fun making a whole bunch of different meals. — TROY HERRING

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“We need football.” On the surface, those three simple words may not sound like much, but for local football coaches, they mean more than just the desire to get back to the game they love. During times of great distress, sports have always been a consistent presence in the lives of many — it’s a reprieve from the anxiety of the unknown. It’s why sports, right now, is a need and not a want, Olympia football coach Travis Gabriel said. “When you have the coronavirus, and you have the racial tension going on out here in the world, sports brings everybody together,” Gabriel said. “When kids put on those helmets and shoulder pads, all of them are the same color. As I tell my kids, ‘Y’all all the same color when you put on those white jerseys — all of y’all are white — and when you put on those gray jerseys, y’all are all gray. “That is the missing piece,” he said. “That’s why we need to get it back going as soon as possible, but at the same time respecting and understanding that we have this coronavirus (pandemic).” The protests and riots that have broken out across the country since the death of George Floyd hit close to home for the area’s black coaches. In Gabriel’s case, it’s a reminder of the difficulties he faced with police growing up in an underprivileged area of Miami years ago. “I witnessed the police brutality for many years,” Gabriel said. “I’ve been stopped by the police as a 9-, 10-, 11-yearold kid — they (had) us on the wall, flashlights and everything shined in our face and dogcussing us. I’m 9 to 10 years old, and I’m like, ‘What are we doing? We are just walking down the street.’” It’s difficult to find a silver lining with these types of issues, but it can be used to teach lessons to players — some of whom have dealt with racism themselves. First-year Windermere head football coach Derrick Bumpers — one of six black football coaches in the area — said he is going to speak to his players and staff, although he would prefer to do it in person. As someone who has experienced being profiled for his skin color, Bumpers’ lesson will be that the

File photo

Olympia head coach Travis Gabriel misses working with his team.

only thing that truly matters is what’s inside. “I don’t look at any kid as far as color is concerned — I look at their heart, their character and their ability,” Bumpers said. “Me, as a coach, I teach that you have to trust the man next to you — don’t look at his color. He has to be able to play beside you and you guys have to play together.” COVID-19 AND GUIDELINES

As coaches continue to help guide their players through the racial tensions of the day, there is also the seemingly never-ending coronavirus pandemic. For first-year coaches such as Bumpers and West Orange High’s Mike Granato, it’s been tough establishing their culture of football and getting to know their players. During the extended time away from athletes, Granato said he has been trying to have Zoom meetings every day, but it’s just not the same. “The biggest thing is we always talk about setting your brand, setting your culture, so not being able to be around the guys for the better part of five months — it seems — has been challenging,” Granato said. “It’s trying times given the fact that we can’t be together — there’s only so much you feel like you can get across in an online Zoom session.” And being away from players hasn’t just affected growing relationships. With no spring football, it also has been a hindrance to setting up kids for success on the field at both the high school and collegiate levels, Gabriel said. “Losing spring football hurts us as coaches, because we

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weren’t able to evaluate a lot of kids,” Gabriel said. “And it hurts us as coaches trying to help get our kids recruited — we weren’t able to do that. Unless you’re a three-star, four-star or five-star kid, you needed that spring, because that’s the time when college coaches would be able to come out and watch you practice.” Furthermore, the National Federation of State High Schools recently published a 15-page document that details a threephase approach to getting high school sports back and operating. Among the plans for football practices are no tackling, no exchange of the football from one player to another and keeping groups to less than 10 people. No one knows if these precautions will be put into effect — it’s ultimately up to the county on how high school sports return. Teams already have missed out on the beginning of spring workouts — which should have started Monday, June 1 — and the three weeks of preseason football training that is planned starting July 27 are still unclear. Despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead, coaches are going to do whatever they can to keep themselves and their players safe and ready for the new season, Granato said “I know the country, our state, our district, our players and our parents — they’re itching to get their kids out of the house and back to doing what they want to do,” Granato said with a laugh. “We’re just going to hope and pray, and essentially have a plan for every situation that gets thrown at us. That’s all we can do.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Fighting for family and home the shoes off and went to straight boxing.” With a life dedicated to martial arts, Robert Rene opened Rene’s Dynamic Sports Center 25 years ago to share his love of karate, boxing and mixed martial arts with those in the community. It also was during that time when he introduced his sons to karate and boxing at a young age. Derrick Jackson, who just graduated from Dr. Phillips High, participated in his first boxing match at age 5. The main thing he remembers from that exhibition match? The nerves. “I was anxious — really anxious,” Derrick Jackson said. “I was worried, because I could hear them from outside of the room as I was preparing — I was just like, ‘OK, I have to make a show for my mom.’ Stepping into the ring I said, ‘I can do it, I’m ready,’ and once that bell rings, we got to bumping.” Just like his older brother, Darrius Jackson, 16, remembers the nerves of his first fight dubbed “The Rumble in the Hills II” — he, too, was 5 years old. “I have some pictures up on the wall over there,” Darrius Jackson said. “We’ve had about 30 ‘Rumble in the Hills,’ and this was the second one they did. I’ve been fighting in the Rumbles ever since.”

CORONAVIRUS DELAYS OLYMPIC DREAMS

For years, the Jackson brothers awoke at 4 a.m. each day before honing their craft for hours at the gym they call their home away from home. That hard work has not gone without reward. Since age 15, Derrick Jackson has been in more than 60 fights as an amateur boxer, has won 10 belts and has qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as a member of the boxing team representing Haiti — the birth country of both his mother and father. Despite going through the whole process of qualifying, Derrick Jackson — who will box in the 152-pound weight class — now has to wait a little longer to realize his dream of becoming an Olympic boxer; the Olympics were postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, Derrick Jackson won’t have to requalify, but there is still a disappointment of having to wait. “When we first got the news, I was kind of sad, because I wasn’t thinking it was going to be a whole year wait — I was thinking we may go later in the year,” Derrick Jackson said. “It’s kind of sad — I really wanted to represent my country, Haiti, and put them on the map. I was very sad about that, but during the quarantine mess, it means I just get to train more and push that much harder for next year.”

Troy Herring

Derrick Jackson avoids a left-handed shot from Christopher Diaz.

Not to be outdone, Darrius Jackson has racked up quite a list of accomplishments — including nine national championships and two international championships. He also plans on making a push for qualifying for the 2024 Olympics. And although Darrius Jackson has some time to wait for Olympic qualifying, there is still work to be done — even during the time of the coronavirus pandemic, when no real fights are taking place. “There is always something you have to work on,” Darrius Jackson said. “You’re only as strong as your weakest link, so you have to work on whatever you’re not good at and train on it.”

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