08.25.16 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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VOLUME 83, NO. 34

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Officers file discrimination suit against Ocoee PD Stephanie Roberts and Carlos Anglero allege their supervisors displayed racist and sexist behavior. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Two police officers are suing the Ocoee Police Department for discrimination. The Hispanic officers, Stephanie Roberts and Carlos Anglero, allege their supervisors displayed racist and sexist behavior on numerous occasions toward them and other female and/or Hispanic officers. Roberts worked for the Ocoee Police Department for eight years, and Anglero worked there for nine. Both officers claim the discrimination shown by thenLt. Bill Wagner, then-Sgt. Steve McCosker and Sgt. Mireya Ianuzzi OCOEE

Learn more about the four candidates for District 1 Orange County Commissioner.

PAGES 4-5

YOUR TOWN

SEE OFFICERS PAGE 6

ARTS & CULTURE

47 YEARS TOGETHER

Larry and Patricia Cauley, of Winter Garden, are celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary this month. They were married Aug. 22, 1968, at Beulah Baptist Church. Their children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren are honoring them with a trip to the beach.

SMITH FINISHES BASIC TRAINING U.S. Air Force Airman Jacob B. Smith graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program and earned four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Smith is the son of Kimberly S. Smith, of Orlando, and grandson of Kenneth E. and Phyllis L. Smith, of Windermere. He is a 2010 graduate of West Orange High School.

Jennifer Nesslar

Reg Lyle and his fellow bagpipers brought a little Celtic fanfare to West Orange during the eighth annual Orlando New World Celts Summer event.

The Orlando New World Celts came together for the Bagpipes, Bangers and Tartan Bash Saturday, Aug. 20, in Winter Garden. The eighth annual event celebrated Celtic culture with a parade, dinner, entertainment and much more. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 15

CENFLO will celebrate independent filmmakers.

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YOU R CALENDAR

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THURSDAY, AUG. 25

ART 101 GREEK POTTERY 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Check out the program series Art 101, where attendees will learn about all things art. Each Art 101 program will feature a hands-on activity. This month’s topic is Greek pottery, and guests will paint a Greek-inspired terracotta pot to take home. (407) 835-7323. RIBBON CUTTING: VINTAGE ESTATE HOMES 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at 1224 Union Club Drive, Winter Garden. For more, visit wochamber.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 26

FIRST ANNIVERSARY: VOM FASS Noon Friday, Aug. 26, at 3017 Daniels Road, Suite 106. For more, visit wochamber. com.

OUR TOUGHNESS IS YOUR STRENGTH.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave. Sponsored by the United Methodist Women. Mary Linda “M.L.” Morlock will be the guest speaker and singer, and her goal is to bring women of all ages together into a place of total trust and surrender to God. Free nursery care is available by reservation. A love offering will be taken Friday night, and the cost on Saturday is $12 and includes lunch. To register, call the church at (407) 656-1135. MY HERO, THE BUS DRIVER 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2:30 P.M. at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St.Heroes are everywhere. Celebrate the superstars of the community with stories, songs and crafts. Ages 3-5. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, AUG. 27

BBQ 4 THE BLUE 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 N Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. To donate or volunteer, contact Chad, (407) 647-5557 or challmark@jvcbroadcasting.com. HONORING FALLEN OFFICERS 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden. Join the Windermere Police Department and the Roper Y, in sponsorship with Be the 1 Foundation, to honor fallen heroes Officer Robert German and Deputy Scott Pine. The keynote speaker is Bob Wieland, a Vietnam War veteran who lost both legs to a mortar mine. (541) 390-3070. PAINTING DOTS WITH SEURAT 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St.Learn about famous artist Georges Seurat and create a work of art using his method of separating color into individual dots. Ages 6-12. Registration required by calling (407) 835-7323.

MONDAY AUG. 29

ART OF PINTEREST 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Join other attendees to try out some popular craft ideas from Pinterest. Ages 18 and up. (407) 835-7323.

TUESDAY, AUG. 30

COMIC & GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, 6 at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Comic, graphic novel and anime enthusiasts come together for an hour of discussion about a featured author or illustrator. Ages 13 and up welcome. SUMMER LEFTOVERS 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Serve yourself a great heaping plate of summer leftovers. It will be better than mom’s meatloaf. Ages 6-12. (407) 835-7323.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31

CHAMBER BEFORE HOURS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the Bella Room, 12100 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Join the West Orange Chamber of Commerce for its monthly Business Before Hours. Cost is $15 for Chamber members, $25 for others, and includes a hot breakfast, networking and

a guest speaker. For more, call (407) 656-1304. CREATIVE COLORING FOR ADULTS 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Adults can get together and color with supplies that are provided or take their own colored pencils or markers. Ages 18 and up. (407) 835-7323. GENEALOGY RESEARCH QUESTION WORKSHOP 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at the West Oaks Library, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Genealogy researchers, whether beginning or advanced, are invited to submit one specific research question. Participate in a group discussion workshop to start finding answers. Library staff will lead the discussion and can help direct participants to resources, types of records, databases, websites and more. Email questions in advance to genealogy@ocls.info.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1

ARTSY TODDLER 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St. Paint, paste, glue, stamp and create. Young children will enjoy stories, songs and exploring art. Ages 1-3. (407) 835-7323.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

“I lost both legs, but I didn’t lose my heart”

Courtesy photo

Bob Wieland participated in the 2011 Dream Ride with his hand cycle.

IF YOU GO BOB WIELAND WHEN: 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 WHERE: Roper Family YMCA, 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden HOSTS: Wounded Officers Initiative, Be The 1 Foundation and the Roper YMCA DETAILS: The event will be held in honor of Windermere Police Officer Robert German and Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Pine. German and Pine will be honored both through Wieland’s inspirational message and by unveiling a fitnessequipment piece that will be inscribed with their names. WEBSITE: bobwieland.net

Motivational speaker Bob Wieland, who lost both legs in 1969 while serving in the Vietnam War, will be speaking in Winter Garden this weekend. MAKING THE MOST OF LIFE

DANIELLE HENDRIX STAFF WRITER

n 1969, he lost both legs to an anti-tank mine in the Vietnam War. He has since spoken at events worldwide, and next week, he’ll be speaking here in Winter Garden. Bob Wieland, a worldrenowned motivational speaker, has been asked by various sports teams, conference and meeting planners and churches for more than 45 years to share his message of hope and perseverance. On Saturday, Aug. 27, he will be at the Roper YMCA to speak at an event honoring Windermere Police Officer Robert German and Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Scott Pine, who both died in the line of duty. Known as “Mr. Inspiration,” Wieland draws from his personal experiences to inspire others to think and act like a champion.

Wieland, a current California resident, was a high-school sports star at Greenfield Wisconsin High School and was set to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies after his college career. But the U.S. Army had other plans, and Wieland was sent to fight in the Vietnam War, where he lost both of his legs trying to save one of his friends. Near death and zipped up in a body bag, Wieland had originally been pronounced dead by doctors. This time, it was God who had other plans to use Wieland. “Yeah, I lost my legs, but I didn’t lose my heart,” Wieland said. “A lot of people have legs, but an awful lot of people have given up, and that’s where I come in and encourage them to keep going for it.” From there, Wieland was adjusting to his new life. His career as a motivational speaker indirectly began with the bench press. A former four-time world record-holder in the bench press, he had a best lift of 507 pounds. “When I broke the world record

in the 1977 bench press and got disqualified for not wearing shoes, the L.A. Times did a huge story and many people read the story,” he said. “The next day I went to my mailbox, and there must have been 100 messages that were asking me to come speak. It lead into a career of speaking anywhere, up to 50,000 people at a time.” He has since spoken to audiences worldwide as a sports speaker, team builder, inspirational Christian speaker and more at events ranging from camps and churches to conferences and fundraising events. And his story gets even better. Between 1982 and 1986, Wieland walked across America on his arms over three years, eight months and six days. After he was banned from bench-press competition, Wieland had prayed about what to do next. In 1981 and 1982, when Los Angeles was gearing up to host the 1984 Olympic Games, one of his friends invited him to come to a facility in Pasadena that had one of the first artificial tracks in the country. “I jumped out of the wheelchair and decided to take a lap around the track on my arms, and long story short, one lap became two and that became four, and I started training for 18 months,” he said. In 1982, to raise money for Vietnam War veterans, he began his walk across the country on his hands, beginning in L.A. and ending in Washington, D.C., with a visit to President Ronald Reagan. His top speed was 11 miles covered per day.

“This is what God called me to do and I’ve been doing it for a long, long time. Doors open up all over the world for me. God’s put it all together, I’m just the vessel. Everybody needs inspiration.”

TOO SOON TO QUIT

Despite the challenges he has faced, he is making the most out of the hand he’s been dealt. His motto serves as the backbone of his motivational speeches: “It’s too soon to quit.” In fact, his determination and zest for life earned him the honor of being one of People Magazine’s “Six Most Amazing Americans” in 1994. He also was named the Most Courageous Man in America and presented with the National Award for Courage in 1995 by the National Football League Player Association in conjunction with the Jim Thorpe Foundation, among other accolades. “Thousands of people just said, ‘That’s the most overwhelming speech we’ve ever heard in our entire life,’” he said of people’s reactions to his story. “It’s real — I don’t have to make up anything. In today’s society, most everything is make-believe, but my story is all true, and people are overwhelmed. Usually when people listen, they start crying, so you know you’re making an impact. And I’m not (just) talking about the women crying, I’m talking about the men. You can hear a pin drop.” On Saturday, he will be speaking about striving for success and unleashing the champion within. He noted that everyone has great potential, but if they don’t do anything with that potential nothing happens. “(I’m most looking forward to) honoring these fallen heroes of the police department, recognizing their families and the fact that the community is recognizing the sacrifice they’ve made,” he said. “That’s why I usually share the Gospel of John 15:13 — ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ “This is what God called me to do, and I’ve been doing it for a long, long time,” he said. “Doors open up all over the world for me. God’s put it all together, I’m just the vessel. Everybody needs inspiration.” Contact Danielle Hendrix at dhendrix@orangeobserver.com.

— Bob Wieland

W.O.P.A. WEST ORANGE POLITICAL ALLIANCE , I NC:

A non-partisan political committee, the political action arm of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, formed to represent the best interests of West Orange County REMINDS YOU TO:

Vote on Tuesday, August 30th Our endorsed candidates ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD Pam Gould – District 4 Christine Moore – District 7

FLORIDA NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT Jeff Ashton – State Attorney Luis Calderon – Group 4 Dan Traver – Group 14

FLORIDA SENATE

Randolph Bracy – District 11

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kamia Brown - District 45 Bruce Antone – District 46

Paid political advertisement by the West Orange Political Alliance, Inc. For information call 407-656-1304

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ORANGE COUNTY

Betsy VanderLey - District 1 Pete Clarke - District 3 Ted Edwards – District 5 Phil Diamond – Comptroller Eric DuBois - Judge Group 1 Tom Young – Judge Group 4 Mark Anthony Arias – Judge Group 5

2016 ELECTION PRIMER

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

NUREN HAIDER

AGE: 31 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Dr. Phillips FAMILY: Husband, Dr. Saif Haque; three children EXPERIENCE: Attorney; daughter of immigrants who became small-business owners

DR. USHA JAIN AGE: 65 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Orlando FAMILY: Husband, Manohar; two daughters EXPERIENCE: Trauma physician at Orlando Regional Medical Center from 1979 to 1985; 31 years as a physician in West Orange

ROBERT “BOBBY” OLSZEWSKI

AGE: 38 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Winter Garden FAMILY: Wife, Allison (West); expecting baby daughter, Reagan Lynne EXPERIENCE: Winter Garden City Commissioner; chair, Orange County Community Action Board; vicechair, MetroPlan Orlando Municipal Advisory Committee

BETSY VANDERLEY

AGE: 57 CITY OF RESIDENCE: Oakland FAMILY: Husband, Todd; three grown children; two grandchildren EXPERIENCE: President, The Continuum Collaborative LLC; background in construction, development and government; chairman of Orange County Planning and Zoning; Affordable Housing Board

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Orange County Commission District 1 ON BALANCING GROWTH: HAIDER: Smart growth is growth that supports the local businesses we have here already in our community and growth that supports the residents who are already living in our community. As a community, we need to put an end to the concept of growth for growth’s sake and the myth that this boosts our economy. Development is inevitable, people are moving here every day, but I believe we should be using our current local builders and skilled laborers in our development. JAIN: Smart growth is where you balance the growth, which helps the growth and economy — but not at the expense of the in convenience to the community by having traffic jams. OLSZEWSKI: We have an outstanding record in Winter Garden where our city has become the envy of the state — and even throughout the country — because of our community development efforts with a sense of place and purpose for our citizens. Winter Garden residents have enjoyed the highest property value growth increase in Orange County over the past two years and that is achieved with planned, smart and balanced growth. As an Orange County Commissioner, I will ensure that development works proactively with residents in the community, much like we have done in Winter Garden where as a commission, 99% of our votes have been unanimous because of the effort that goes into ensuring the projects will be beneficial to residents prior to voting on them. … Additionally, part of balanced growth is making sure that we have parks and green space with interconnected trails, giving us a more walkable, connected and inclusive community. VANDERLEY: To grow responsibly, we have to anticipate capacity on the roads, schools, parks and infrastructure. That may sound easy, but it takes coordination with Orange County Public Schools, the county staff and the state, as well as water management districts and local municipalities. It will take a person with experience and good working relationships with all of those entities to help us navigate our way forward. Smart growth is taking into consideration the essential elements that give Orange County its unique character. That means we need to protect our rural areas, our lakes and our green spaces, and we need to make sure we develop in a way that enhances our property values and our way of life.

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

n the weeks before the 2016 primary and general elections, the West Orange Times & Observer will examine the candidates for several

races. This week, we feature candidates for Orange County Commission District 1, the seat being vacated by outgoing Commissioner S. Scott Boyd. Candidates include Nuren Haider, Dr. Usha Jain, Robert “Bobby” Olszewski and Betsy VanderLey. Voters will make their selections at the primary election, Aug. 30.

Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Rhode, aqrhode@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writers Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@Orange Observer.com Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com

ON OUTGOING COMMISSIONER S. SCOTT BOYD’S PERFORMANCE. ASSIGN A LETTER GRADE (A-F): HAIDER: D+. Commissioner Boyd has done a good job of working with leaders and organizations to create community improvements such as the Magic Gym in Winter Garden. However, the commissioner has done a lot to stand in the way of the will of the people. The commissioner was found guilty of destruction of public records during his administration. He has advocated for measures that would make it more difficult for the people to petition the government. JAIN: C or D. Scott Boyd did not support the small businesses and also did not do anything for the disadvantaged people. OLSZEWSKI: C. In his first term, Commissioner Boyd performed admirably. Unfortunately, (during) the vast majority of his second term, he was too focused on anointing his successor as well as setting himself up to become Orange County property appraiser before he dropped out to now run for Orange County mayor. Additionally, too many municipalities and unincorporated areas did not get the attention they deserved because of his emphasis on an area of our district with all of the well-funded development interests. VANDERLEY: A-. I believe Commissioner Boyd has done a great job under challenging circumstances. When he was first elected, our economy was in a recession. Homes were being taken back by financial institutions and then sitting empty. They were not always secured and were not being maintained. Commissioner Boyd worked to turn that around and help neighborhoods and HOAs respond to those issues. Since that time, we have seen a development boom. He has worked tirelessly to hold far more public meetings than the law requires so that as we grow, we have a voice in what that growth looks like. He has also assembled thousands of email addresses so he can push out all of the information about what is happening in District 1 to interested citizens, giving everyone a chance to have a voice in the process.

ON WHAT WOULD STAY THE SAME UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP: HAIDER: Orange County has a signature aesthetic that makes it one of the most beautiful places of earth to visit and live. … We must preserve the environment that makes our home unique. While there are still issues, SunRail is putting us on the right track to making our transportation system efficient and effective. Most importantly, the best thing about Orange County is the diversity of our fellow residents who make up a melting pot of races, genders, religions, orientations and abilities. … This seat in Orange County is not just mine, it is meaningful to all of us. JAIN: None.

OLSZEWSKI: The Orange County District 1 boundaries are not changing, as it will be the same geographic district that we have seen for the last eight years. I look forward to putting residents and community first as we keep our community safe and maintain the unique charm and feel of our neighborhoods. VANDERLEY: I would continue the practice of multiple public meetings to ensure that the community has a voice in our growth. I would continue to make sure we use email to regularly communicate with citizens. I would continue to help with providing backpacks for school kids. I would also continue to push for traffic solutions, particularly on Sand Lake Road.

ONLINE For complete, unedited responses from the candidates to these and other questions, visit OrangeObserver.com

Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Ryan Cater, rcater@OrangeObserver.com Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver. com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Andrés Tam, atam@OrangeObserver.com Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@Orange Observer.com Sarah Felt, sfelt@OrangeObserver.com

The West Orange Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The West Orange Times & Observer can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange County and at our office. If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 720 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden.

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Almost 25 years ago, I owned a small construction company that provided pollution clean-up services on contaminated sites. When the DEP pulled the funding on the program to revamp it, we were unable to react quickly enough to keep our doors open. As we worked through paying off all of our vendors, the State Department of Revenue placed liens on my property for sales tax. One of those liens, one was based on just $0.01 of principal with more than $1,000 in penalties and fees. Another was for $30 with more than $5,000 in penalties and fees. I fought those for two years. Ultimately, I paid the tax owed, but the penalties and fees were waived. This experience taught me a few valuable lessons, not the least of which was that government does not create jobs, but it sure can kill them. OLSZEWSKI ON ABSENCES FROM THE METROPLAN MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

The MetroPlan Municipal Advisory Committee is just that — an advisory committee that does not have any actionable voting authority or power. In fact, the last MAC meeting that I attended, I served as the MAC’s vice chair. When I learned that an elected official and fellow MAC member was using their vote on this committee to benefit their personal paycheck and benefit their clients, I was appalled. I brought this to the attention of MetroPlan employee and MAC staff liaison Virginia Whittington, and next, I had a discussion with MetroPlan Executive Director Harry Barley. I can only assume that Mr. Barley discussed this directly with MetroPlan board chair and Orange County District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd. (Because) the ethical voting concerns I had with the MAC fell on deaf ears, I contacted Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and City Manager Mike Bollhoefer and informed them that I could no longer attend MAC because of this breaching the public’s trust, and they agreed. When I am elected, we will stop the cronyism and corruption ... in Orange County.

ON JOB CREATION:

HAIDER: Focus on infrastructure. We need to build new bike paths and sidewalks. The county’s plan to become ADA compliant for streets, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc., is going to take 20 years to manifest. This is unacceptable. Focusing on infrastructure will make our community safer, more inclusive and will create jobs for skilled labor. These improvements also increase property values and boost the economy for small-business owners. JAIN: Small businesses should have support, and politicians need to stop (doing) favors for their contributors. The big companies who contribute for their campaigns will get the favors sooner or later. Small businesses can employ people if they receive the equitable treatment from the government, such as zoning, code enforcement, etc. OLSZEWSKI: It is imperative that we focus on creating a community that can attract businesses and jobs to West Orange County. … By working proactively with large employers, we expand our opportunities for increased jobs and new small businesses. Also … I will work proactively with the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and Orange County Public Schools to ensure educational opportunities are available right here in our community so our residents have access to highlyskilled training and increased opportunities for our skilled workforce. VANDERLEY: District 1 is fortunate to have a several major economic drivers in our area for tourism. I am grateful for that, but we must also diversify our economy so we can better withstand future economic storms. As a business development consultant, I am tasked with identifying growth opportunities for my clients. I often work with economic developers to look for trends, companies that may be looking at relocating and more. I would work with the local EDC to help identify opportunities and use my experience and skills to meet with potential businesses we can recruit, encouraging them to relocate to District 1.

ON COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY COMMISSION AND THE ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD: HAIDER: As a mother of school-age children, serving families is a top priority for me. The main overlap in responsibility between the Board of County Commissioners and the Orange County School Board is new school placement. Both boards and the community need to come together for a series of conversations on the topic. I will work to schedule and promote those meetings. JAIN: Working with the School Board would be important. The funding should be distributed fairly according to the growth.

ON PUBLIC SAFETY: HAIDER: We need to reevaluate pay and benefits for our first-responders. The brave men and women who put their lives on the line in our Sheriff’s Office and our Fire Rescue should be receiving the top training and top pay for what they do. JAIN: Police need to be supported in their work, and the criminals should be taken to the jail rather than worrying about the civil-rights suit. Safety has been a major issue lately. There are break-ins in Bay Hill, Isleworth etc. Three cars were broken in one night, including mine in Isleworth. OLSZEWSKI: The most fundamental role for a local government is to protect the security of the communities it serves. Having a sound and effective Sheriff’s Office and fire departments benefit all communities to provide opportunities that can lead to success for our Orange County residents, guests and businesses. VANDERLEY: We need to ensure that our firstresponders are compensated with a competitive salary/ benefits package. We must ensure they have the tools that they need to do their jobs well. ... We need to look not only at our historical crime stats when making personnel allocation decisions, but we must also look forward, using residential permits pulled as well so we can make a quality decision as to staffing requirements.

OLSZEWSKI: I hear daily the issues that face our children as we need to ensure that we are working together proactively doing what is best for our children. I had a front-row seat when my constituents at West Orange High had their children eat lunch at 10:30 a.m. because of an overcrowded school because elected officials were playing both sides of the issue regarding the relief high school. I will work proactively with OCPS and Orange County staff to ensure that we get schools out of the ground faster while maintaining new schools that share the unique charm and feel of our neighborhoods.

VANDERLEY: I will work with our School Board to make sure they get the tools they need to get the necessary schools built. Right now, the school-siting ordinances don’t necessarily allow schools to locate at the best locations; I will work with them to make the changes needed. As evidence that I plan to work closely with our School Board, I will share with you that while on the campaign trail I have already worked with School Board Member Pam Gould to get a bus stop moved to a safer location for one community. I am not waiting to be elected to office to begin making a difference in our community; I have been doing that for years.

ON WHAT WOULD CHANGE UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP: HAIDER: We would focus on transparency, efficiency and inclusion. Our No. 1 priority always needs to be the will of the constituency. We were elected by the people. We do this by creating a more inclusive and accessible government that hears the voice of and represents the voice of every resident. If I am elected, that sends a clear message that the will of the people is the need to have smart growth and not growth for growth’s sake. JAIN: I would ... support the small businesses and will make sure they get fair and equitable treatment. ... I know of businesses that were closed because of unfairness of the government. OLSZEWSKI: I will work proactively with communities and homeowners associations to ensure we are working through issues before they are problems. I would not transmit projects just because a developer has asked me to and then have multiple community meetings pretending to get community input when the deal is already done. VANDERLEY: I want to make sure we address school-siting issues to allow OCPS to have more options for school locations.

ON THE GREATEST PROBLEM IN WEST ORANGE COUNTY: HAIDER: Orange County residents need to feel safe. This means we need to pay our first-responders what they deserve, guaranteeing we attract and keep the best and brightest police and fire rescue. To afford this without excessively raising taxes, we need to make our public transportation system effective and efficient. JAIN: Congestion and traffic jams. OLSZEWSKI: Crime, congestion and cronyism. Orange County must ensure that we will continue to work together with our sheriff and fire departments and all municipalities ... to ensure the safety of our family and property. … Safety also means keeping our commutes to and from our homes safe by being proactive rather than reactive. … I will do everything in my power to stop the cronyism and corruption by ... providing a more transparent local government. VANDERLEY: Ensuring that as we grow we don’t lose our strong sense of community and belonging. When you ask people from other parts of the county where they are from, they often say “Orlando,” whether they are in the city limits proper or in surrounding communities. When you ask residents in District 1, they are frequently more specific, saying “Winter Garden” or “Windermere” or “Oakland” or “Ocoee.” That strong sense of belonging translates into better schools, higher property values and lower crime.

Vote August 30 Elect:

Vice Chairman Orange County Republican REC

WENDY WEST STATE COMMITTEEWOMAN Endorsed by Congressman Dan Webster • State Representative Eric Eisnaugle • O.C. Commissioner Scott Boyd Paid Political Advertisement Paid and Approved by Wendy West, Republican for State Committeewoman

Linda O’Keefe, Wendy West, Founders of West Orange Republican Women Federated or use (WORWF) and Commissioner Scott Boyd

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VANDERLEY ON HER TAX HISTORY:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

2016 ELECTION PRIMER

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Officers file lawsuit Do you need a job? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

contributed to the creation of a hostile work environment. As a result of her discomfort, Roberts filed an official complaint to the Ocoee Police Department’s Human Resources division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. That complaint sparked an internal investigation that included “nearly 10 hours” of interrogation that Roberts said meant to intimidate her rather than seek information. Recordings of those interrogations are in the possession of the Ocoee Police Department. While Anglero is still employed by the Police Department, McCosker said, Roberts is not. Roberts and her attorney, Jerry Girley, suspect the coincidental timing of her termination was deliberate, as it occurred the day after she filed the lawsuit. However, McCosker said this is not the case. He said his department did not learn about the lawsuit until they received a call from media. “I actually received the call, and I thought they were asking about the EEOC complaint that was under investigation, so they had to clarify that there was a lawsuit,” McCosker said. “This was on Monday (Aug. 15).” Because of confidentiality policies, McCosker declined to speak regarding details written in the court records. “I think there’s a lot of things in (the complaint) that are just not true,” McCosker said. “I’m not going to be able to talk about

specifics, because, again, this is an ongoing investigation. However, there’s a lot of creative licensing in her wording and everything else that she did.” Roberts said the details she included in her complaints were not exaggerated and said other people were present during some of the statements. According to court records, Roberts maintains she was “wrongfully disciplined for allegedly using excessive force, allegedly taking an excessive lunch break, conducting an unauthorized investigation and being dishonest.” She said the subtle discrimination had been going on for a long while but grew more intense during her last three to four years of employment. She applied for a promotion after passing an interview with the highest score, but she did not receive the promotion. She also applied for an open position during a day shift but was instead given a night shift, which is typically the lessdesirable shift. “If you ever want to move up or be moved into a specialty unit, you can’t cause waves or you’ll be blacklisted and won’t go to training,” Roberts said. “So a lot of people experience the discrimination but are afraid to speak up.” Roberts also mentioned that after she began to complain, she was placed under internal investigation repeatedly. Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

Xerox currently is hiring for its new call center, which opens next week at West Oaks Mall. JENNIFER NESSLAR STAFF WRITER OCOEE The Xerox

call center in the West Oaks Mall opens Sept. 1. The facility will be home to a call center, which will take calls for the SunPass program. SunPass is a Florida program that allows people traveling on toll roads to prepay tolls. When the car drives through a toll plaza with a SunPass transponder, the money is automatically deducted from the user’s prepaid account. When the facility becomes fully operational in 2017, employees there will manage five million SunPass customer accounts across the state. Additionally, employees will process one billion toll transactions each year. “It will bring several hundred jobs to the local community while providing incremental business to the retail outlets,” said Carl Langsenkamp, director of public relations for the Xerox Corporation. Safety and space were key reasons why Xerox chose the West Oaks Mall. “Our goal is to ensure we provide employment opportunities in a safe environment,” Rich Bastan, group president for Xerox Transportation, who is working on the Ocoee Xerox. “The West Oaks Mall is an ideal location because it offers ample parking in a safe environment. The space

WANT A JOB? Xerox’s new location at the West Oaks Mall currently has job listings posted on Xerox’s website. Currently, the company is seeking a service delivery manager and assistant operations manager and client services analyst. The West Oaks Mall also will provide a couple hundred call-center jobs. To browse the job listings on Xerox’s website, visit bit. ly/1UPkcR5.

also provides for future expansion.” Nikki Fosnaugh, merchandise supervisor at JC Penney at West Oaks Mall, said the addition should help neighboring businesses. “I think it’s going to bring more stores into the mall, especially the food court,” Fosnaugh said. “I think it’s going to bring more restaurants into the mall, because these people are going to be there for at least eight hours a day. They’re going to have to have their hour lunch, have somewhere to eat if they don’t bring their

Jennifer Nesslar

The Xerox will open in the location of the former Sears.

food — they’re going to want to shop at the stores.” Fosnaugh is an outspoken advocate of West Oaks Mall and also an administrator on the Winter Garden Rants, Raves and Reviews group. “At least two or three times a week, I’ll have customers come into the store and say, ‘Aren’t you the admin for the Rants, Raves and Reviews group?’ and I always have to say, Yes,’” she said. “Having things like that helps bring people into the mall, too, because they’re curious, especially with me because I’m always like hardcore, ‘Don’t bash West Oaks.’ I think they’re intrigued of why I want to be there so badly.” Contact Jennifer Nesslar at jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

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Ocoee Commission to pay attorney fees for Milton West A complaint filed by an Ocoee resident has led to a legal battle, and city commissioners have approved $15,000 to support Planning and Zoning Commissioner Milton West. GABBY BAQUERO STAFF WRITER

Controversy arose after the Ocoee Planning and Zoning Committee held a meeting Feb. 9 pertaining to the sale of 10 acres to school developers to build Renaissance Charter School at Crown Point. The charter school board was interested originally in developing at another location near A.D. Mims Road. However, because of voiced opposition citing concerns of traffic congestions, the city decided not to place it there. The school then reached out to Planning and Zoning Commissioner Milton West, displaying interest in the property he owned by West Road. Ocoee resident Michelle Greco filed an official complaint with Florida’s Commission on Ethics against West. Her complaint held four allegations, three of which the ethics commission dismissed as not being legally sufficient, and one of which was determined to have probable cause. The allegation deemed as having probable cause concerned a potential conflict of interest because West owned four of the 10 acres. As is standard procedure in OCOEE

such situations, West publicly declared his personal interest in the property and abstained from voting on any motions pertaining to the property. “All our board can do is make a recommendation to the City Commission; we have no power to make it happen,” West said. “And when it came up in discussion, I discussed it as well. The lady that filed the grievance thing doesn’t know Florida law, obviously.” Greco also charged West of being overly forceful in how he spoke to her and addressed other commissioners. “During the meeting, he was all but bullying the members of the commission along with getting hostile with citizens of Ocoee who opposed the sale of this property,” Greco wrote in the formal complaint. “Member West called to myself (Michelle Greco) across the chamber and said, ‘You are out of order,’ in regards to a comment that was made aloud.” West maintains he did not bully anyone and was simply concerned there might not be enough time to build the school if the recommendation was not given to the City Commission soon. “I wouldn’t dare bully my fellow commissioners,” West said. “The only thing I said is, you

know, if you don’t have a problem with the school, you need to make a decision soon because they’re trying to get the kids in there. This was like March. February or March, and they need to get the kids in there by August, which means they’re really going to have to make the building fast.” The Planning and Zoning Committee did not make any recommendations for the property to the City Commission. However, Ocoee City Commissioners approved the sale eventually. City Commissioners also approved up to $15,000 to support West with his legal fees. A blueberry farmer by day, West has volunteered on the Planning and Zoning commission for 16 years, but neither he nor other members of the committee are financially compensated for their service. West firmly believes if he had violated any standard procedures, the city would not be spending money to defend him, and that if he had indeed done anything illegal, the city attorney present at the meeting would have told him and stopped him. “I’m just a little upset with the lady because there was no need for it,” West said. “There was a big demand for the school. ... The public schools are crowded, and they’re behind in their building program and everything, and the charter school helps out.”

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

CR IT T ER CO R NER

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

Are you looking to adopt an affectionate dog? Meet Thor! Thor (ID No. A356683) is a 2-year-old dog who was surrendered because his owner could no longer care for him. He is a very good boy, and he loves attention and being petted. His favorite thing to do is to hang out with you! He is mellow and loving. The Summer Splash adoption promotion returns for August. After selecting the perfect pet, adopters will be able to draw an adoption fee for $5, $10 or $15. The adoption fee includes sterilization, vaccinations and a microchip. Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando Florida near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (407) 836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com. Critter Corner showcases local animals available for adoption. To participate, contact Staff Writer Jennifer Nesslar, jnesslar@orangeobserver.com.

Contact Gabby Baquero at gbaquero@orangeobserver.com.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

This photograph depicts the Oakland-Winter Garden School, built circa 1905 in Tildenville. The property was donated by the Willis Family. It was the first consolidated school in Orange County with instruction for all grades. School terms were six months long, and Angie Phillips was the first teacher.

A community not forgotten:

TILDENVILLE W est Orange County has a number of communities that started off

with a bang more than a century ago but never reached the status of

series of stories on such places in West Orange.

WHERE IS TILDENVILLE?

AMY QUESINBERRY RHODE

The community of Tildenville lies within and directly adjacent to the city of Winter Garden and town of Oakland. It is located in northwest Orange County and is bounded by West Colonial Drive to the north, Winter Garden Vineland Road to the east, Ellerbee Street to the south and Avalon Road to the west. The Tildenville community is about .41 square miles.

Wedged in between Winter Garden and Oakland is a community initially called South Apopka and later renamed Tildenville that dates back to the 1870s. The area has a rich history that had its beginnings in farming and citrus. Many of the homes built by early settler Luther Fuller Tilden and his offspring still stand today.

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THE TILDEN FAMILY

Luther F. Tilden came to Orange County from the north in 1875. He bought 160 acres of land in Apopka the following year and farmed that for two years. After traveling to the south side of Lake Apopka to purchase some corn and surveying the luscious farmlands there, he purchased 561 acres in an area in unincorporated Orange County later named Tildenville. He became a leading citrus grower, was instrumental in establishing the area’s first schools and

donated land for the construction of Beulah Church, the Presbyterian Church in Oakland and Lakeview High School (now Lakeview Middle School). The citrusman learned early that quality matters, and while fruit packaging was crude in those days, Tilden made sure merchants knew that when they received a crate with “L.F.T.” or “C.H.T.” on it. This meant it was packaged either by Tilden or his son, Charles H., and the contents were top quality. Luther F. was among the first to build packinghouses for properly packing citrus and vegetables, and his sons, Charles H. and Luther W., joined him in this venture. The Tildens became early growers of vegetables in the state. Before the railroad came through, products were hauled by ox, horse or mule team and shipped from Sanford to Jacksonville via the St. Johns River. One of Luther F.’s sons, Charles Herbert Tilden, became one of

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the largest land owners and citrus growers in Orange County. He served as president of the South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association and, with James H. Sadler, formed the Bank of Oakland in 1912. His first home, at 15400 Oakland Ave., was a one-story Colonial Revival-style house built in 1883. Today, it serves as the offices for the McKinnon Corporation. The second Charles H. home was built in 1910 at 15373 S.R. 438 (Oakland Avenue) and was later owned by his granddaughter, Margaret McKinnon. The youngest son, Luther W. Tilden, developed groves and vegetable farms numbering around 300. He was associated with the formation of the Florida Citrus Exchange, the state’s oldest and largest cooperative fruit packing and marketing association. SOUTH LAKE APOPKA CITRUS GROWERS ASSOCIATION

The South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association was established in Oakland in 1909, and a packinghouse was built the following year at 1061 Tildenville School Road. The organization, one of the largest in Orange County, was formed by James H. Sadler,

L.W. Tilden, G.R. Croft, D.L. Pierson, S.B. Hull and A.W. Hurley. Citrus processed by the South Lake Apopka Exchange was marketed through the “Fellowship,” “South Lake” and “Good Will” brands. Several outbuildings and a water tower and tank were added during the next decade. About 150 growers affiliated with the association shared the costs of grove care-taking and harvesting services, equipment ownership, joint marketing and the packing and shipping of citrus. The large main building, the cooling rooms and the adjacent office building still stand at the site and are now rented by various small businesses. THE ADVENT OF ELECTRICITY

In 1910, the power plant at SLACGA began providing electricity to homes in Tildenville and Oakland. Every day at 11 p.m. the power was turned off for the night. Residents knew when the lights began flickering at 10:55 p.m. that they had five minutes before service was interrupted. The company was sold to Florida Public Service Co. in 1925. The Tildenville Power Company was formed in 1919 by Oakland pioneers Charles H. Tilden, James

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

H. Sadler, Luther W. Tilden, H.A. Connell, A.J. Willis, Arthur W. Hurley, Charles F. Mather-Smith and Gus S. Hall. It started providing power to Winter Garden in April 1920. TILDENVILLE ELEMENTARY

A two-story frame schoolhouse was erected in 1905 in Tildenville on land donated by the J.A. Willis family. A larger brick building was later built on the same site to serve Winter Garden and Oakland, and in 1918, it was expanded. A new facility was constructed in 1964. The school was replaced in 2006. BRICK ROAD

It spans little more than a halfmile from Plant Street to Tildenville School Road, but it is a significant piece of history. Brick Road is exactly that — a .6-mile historic remnant of a brick-laid road, Highway 22, that once took travelers from the Orange-Lake county line all the way to Orlando’s Washington Street. An Orange County historic marker will be placed at the intersection of Brick and Tildenville School roads. HOMES

Tildenville School Road was a popular place for Tilden family homes. Luther F. built his first home there in about 1878. The second home he built, in around 1905, was just south of his original house. His son, Luther W. and his wife, May Wise, were married May 4, 1893. Nine children were born to the couple in the palatial home he built at 940 Tildenville School Road on 14 acres surrounded by azaleas, oaks, palms and a formal rose garden. The house was later given the name “Meadow Marsh.” It recently served as a Victorian bed and breakfast. In 1999, HGTV filmed a segment, called “If Walls Could Talk,” at Meadow Marsh. The historic home, currently set on 2.31 acres, was sold in November 2015 for $725,000. J.S. “SHORTY” REDDICK’S MARKET

Everyone in the area was familiar with Jacob S. “Shorty” Reddick and his market, which stood on the northeast corner of Oakland Avenue and Tildenville School Road. It now houses Page’s Pastiques antiques shop. Reddick’s supplied the Tildenville neighborhood with meats, groceries and notions for many years and also cashed the checks of workers who labored in the area’s citrus groves. Reddick lived

across the road on the northwest corner in the large brick house that replaced the Victorian Clarence G. Tilden home that once stood on the spot. Reddick, 70, was killed during a possible armed-robbery attempt at his store in February 1970. He had been shot in the chest. He was still clutching an empty .38-caliber revolver when police found his body; his six bullets were later found inside his store. TILDENVILLE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church, 233 Massey Ave., Winter Garden, was established in 1939. The church organized the Tildenville Child Care Center in 1971 to give working parents a safe place to take their preschool-age children. Members of the church purchased the 9.5-acre Avalon School property. Alice Siplin started a thrift shop to raise money to get the daycare started. Amanda Booker became the director later that year. She said in the first four months of her job, there were no funds for food so she bought it with her own money. Financial strains ultimately led to its closing in 2004. POSSUM HOLLOW

The small neighborhood of Possum Hollow is nearly indistinguishable to drivers traveling Avalon Road just south of West Colonial Drive. It was originally

part of south Tildenville but was separated from that neighborhood by Florida’s Turnpike when it was built in the early 1960s. The neighborhood suffered extensive damage during the February 1998 tornado that tore through the area. Many of Possum Hollow’s older wooden dwellings were destroyed. SOUTH TILDENVILLE/ HARLEM HEIGHTS

Mabel McKinnon opened the Black Lake subdivision along the east shore of Johns Lake in 1937. A black settlement emerged there during the 1930s and 1940s. Nearly 20 dwellings, typical of labor housing built for citrus grove laborers, remain near the intersection of Avalon Road and the turnpike. Through the years, the Silver Moon grocery and J’s Heritage Community Store have offered residents a place to buy food and hang out. In the 1980s, the city of Winter Garden and the town of Oakland both wanted Tildenville for their reserve growth zone for future expansion, but the results of a questionnaire mailed out to Tildenville residents from the Orange County Planning Department revealed most responders wanted to be excluded from both municipalities. In 2012, a plumber installing pool piping in a newer subdivision on Avalon found mummified fragments of two skulls and news-

paper scraps dating to 1978. The former migrant-worker housing camp was located on this land, once known as Harlem Heights. For more than 30 years, Ralston O’Connor managed this village of wooden barracks occupied by generations of orange pickers. Freezing temperatures in the mid-1980s wiped out the citrus industry and ended the migrants’ work here. In the last decade, Orange County started a landmark neighborhood revitalization program to assist residents living in older transitioning neighborhoods. Nine Safe Neighborhood communities, including Tildenville, were designated. The Tildenville Safe Neighborhood Action Plan calls for partnering citizens with community stakeholders to preserve and stabilize neighborhoods. The idea is to identify the community’s core issues and then recommends projects and programs to address them. Tildenville Park opened on Shongi Avenue in 2003. The neighborhood park was funded by Orange County’s ReNEW Initiative. County projects also have included road improvements, the demolition of several unsafe vacant buildings and, currently, the addition of new LED lights.

Clockwise from top left: This house, built at 1284 Brick Road, around 1893, still stands across from Tildenville Elementary. The man by the horse is Edward Hobart Willis, who married Carrie Wise in 1893. The house is also known as Miss Annie’s House. Annie Connell was a principal and teacher at the OaklandWinter Garden School and later at Tildenville Elementary. Betty and Katherine Wade were baptized at Black Lake in Tildenville. This is an aerial view of the South Lake Apopka Citrus Growers Association packinghouse property. Six members of the Tildenville basketball team were photographed, presumably in 1925 because of the “THS -25-” written on ball. The home of the school’s principal, Annie Connell, is in the background.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2016

Marissa Herring, owner of Garage Mama Fitness — which hosted Chamber After Hours — talked to members about upcoming fitness events.

Going

long

The Ocoee High School varsity cheerleading squad performed along with the band.

Denise Calderon, left, Lisa Pownall, Sandra Hollis and Andrew Gooch showed their team spirit and enjoyed some refreshments.

The drumline and percussion section led the band into the gym. Left; Members of the West Orange High football team attended the event. Top row, from left: Andrew Chilton, Julian Pittman Jr., Jerrick Richardson and Miles Richardson. Bottom row, from left: Andrew Clancy, Chandler Price and Seth Torres.

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