09.19.19 West Orange Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Solemn ceremonies Windermere and Dr. Phillips host 9/11 remembrance events. SEE 3.

Meet the cheer teams for the Horizon West Wolverines. PAGE 19.

A night at the opera

Town approves tentative budget

Windermere Preparatory School will stage “The Medium” this week at its Cypress Center for the Performing Arts. SEE PAGE 4.

If approved, the millage rate will remain the same for town of Windermere residents. TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

The town of Windermere has taken another step toward finalizing its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Windermere Town Council members approved unanimously a tentative budget and millage rate for Fiscal Year 2019-20 during a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 11. SEE TALKING PAGE 2

YOUR TOWN LOOKING FOR A REEL GOOD TIME?

Eric Gutierrez

Windermere paves way for business downtown The Town Council removed two properties from the downtown development district overlay, including a spot for a potential new business. TIM FREED MANAGING EDITOR

Windermere has a new commercial property in its downtown. Town Council members voted to remove two properties — 111 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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and 119 W. Fifth Ave. — from the Downtown Development District overlay and rezone 111 W. Fifth Ave. from residential to commercial. The rezoning opens the door for a potential new business at 111 W. Fifth Ave. behind the Dixie Cream Cafe, next to the parking lot at 119 SEE COUNCIL PAGE 5

REAL ESTATE

Hannah Nagle stars as Baba — a con artist who uses fake seances to scam people — in Windermere Preparatory’s upcoming opera production, “The Medium.”

HOME SWEET HOME

A home in the Keene’s Pointe community topped all area real-estate sales. SEE PAGE 15.

The Windermere Police Department is inviting children 3 through 17 to participate in its Cops N Bobbers fishing event this Saturday, Sept. 21. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. Participants will meet at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., and the event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon at a Windermere lake. The first 100 children ages 6 through 17 who sign up could be eligible to fish from a boat. The event is being hosted by the WPD Foundation Inc. in partnership with Get Hooked Bait & Tackle. To register, call (407) 876-3757 or email Lsipek@town.windermere.fl.us.

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YOUR CALENDAR

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19

LATIN FUN FIESTA 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Children are invited for a fun “Maya & Miguel” celebration. Activities, crafts and culture await them at this program that will prove to be “muy fabuloso.” (407) 835-7323. “THE MEDIUM, AN OPERA” 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20, at Windermere Preparatory School’s Cypress Center, 6189 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere. The show is open to the community. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at teachtix.com/ wps/the-medium. WEST ORANGE WOMEN CHARITY SELECTION LUNCHEON Luncheon Thursday, Sept. 19, at Bonefish Grill, 7830 Sand Lake Road, Orlando. Enjoy fun, friendship and philanthropy with other local women. Cost is $26. Reservations are required by Sept. 12 by calling Dottie Ansel, (407) 554-1460.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

DECORATE A SWEET TREAT WITH A VETERAN 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Decorate a treat with a local veteran. Learn more about their time serving our country while sharing this treat together. Recommended for elementary students. Registration required at (407) 835-7323. “SESAME STREET” STORYTIME 10:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Southwest Library, 7255ROBOTICS ORHW-0101 WINDERMERE OBSERVER Della Drive, Orlando. Sing,

dance and learn your way through the alphabet and numbers with interactive stories and activities inspired by the children’s show. Recommended for toddlers and preschoolers. (407) 835-7323.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

COPS N BOBBERS 7:30 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. to noon event Saturday, Sept. 21, at a Windermere lake; meetup is at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Children ages 3 through 17 are invited to go shoreline fishing with a Windermere police officer. The first 100 children ages 6 through 17 who sign up could be eligible to fish from a boat. Hosted by the WPD Foundation Inc. in partnership with Get Hooked Bait & Tackle. To register, call (407) 876-3757 or email Lsipek@ town.windermere.fl.us. CRUZ ’N CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, along downtown Plant Street in Winter Garden. The event includes about 275 classic cars of all makes and models with WJBJ Cruisin’ with the Classics providing entertainment. The show is held rain or shine and is free and open to the public. Those interested in showcasing their classic vehicle can register the day of the event by arriving between 2 and 3 p.m. in the public parking lot at Plant and Dillard streets. To register, call (863) 207-2497. MINIATURE GOLF DAY 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, during the Winter Garden Farmers Market, at the downtown pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview The city Winter AD.pdf 1 Ave. 9/3/19 2:30ofPM Garden will celebrate national

Miniature Golf Day. Mini golf and life-size yard games will be available to play for free. (407) 656-4111 or cwgdn.com. OUTER SPACE SCIENCE WITH DODAD’S LAB 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Windermere Library, 530 Main St. Travel to space with Professor DoDad and discover the solar system, space travel, gravity, stars and more with experiments, original music and learning. (407) 835-7323. SOUTHWEST ART CLUB: PORTRAIT OF FRIDA DRAWING WORKSHOP 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Southwest Library, 7255 Della Drive, Orlando. Use soft pastels to create portrait of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo based on a rendering by Xiomara Aleksic. Materials provided. No art experience needed. Ages 18 and up. Suggested donation $20. (407) 835-7323. SERIES: THE ART WORLD & SOCIAL MEDIA Noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the SoBo Gallery, 127 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden. How is the art world changing in the 21st century? This series is presented by local art historian, artist and writer Adrienne H. Lee as part lecture, part discussion group. Blockbuster museum exhibitions, recent art historical discoveries, new art books, top art auctions and local shows and exhibitions are on the agenda. Tickets are $10 per session for Winter Garden Art Association members, $15 for others. To register, visit wgart.org/events/discussionseries-art-world-today.

Talking taxes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Town Manager Robert Smith said the most signifiant difference between last fiscal year’s budget and the one approved last week is a portion of tax revenue going toward the $5.2 million cost for the town’s new police department and administration building. That money would come from ancillary taxes, such as the communication service tax and the half-cent sales tax, and would pay for temporary facilities and the loan the town is taking out for the cost of the project, he said. “We’re looking at about $300,000 a year for debt service for the next 20 years to pay that off,” Smith said. “This is in lieu of doing a 30-year loan.” The referendum for the new police department and administration building was approved in March, with construction set to start in June 2020, Smith said. “(The current buildings) were not meant for public facilities — they were meant as a schoolhouse,” Smith said. “I think the issues that we’ve had are welldocumented. They’re just not functional as far as space-wise, and they’re not functional as far as operation-wise — especially with the police department. We’ve been talking about this for about five years now. “It’s the only police department probably in Central Florida or the state of Florida, No. 1: that’s a glorified doublewide, and No. 2: somebody could crawl underneath,” he said. “Whenever we have any types of drug busts, you can smell the drugs all

throughout the entire building. It’s about time, and I’m glad the community voted to improve the facilities and invest in their town and invest in the services.” Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien said the new facilities will be an important part of the community for the next 50 years. “We need to have a safe, secure location where we can have those officers do their job in town — it’s part of us working toward our accreditation for the police department,” O’Brien said. Windermere’s tentative millage rate was set at 3.7425 mills — the same rate approved for the last fiscal year. That rate would bring in $2,591,469 in ad valorem tax revenue. “We increased (the rate) last fiscal year, and the reason for that was we had a lot of things that we wanted to fund: a water master plan, a multi-modal path, we wanted to fix the sidewalks and put money toward Parks and Recreation,” Smith said. “(This year) we maintained our millage rate, but it’s seen as a tax increase because we didn’t change it to the rolled-back rate.” O’Brien said maintaining the rate allows the town to continue working on capital projects. “With the increase in the values of properties ... that allows us to have more general revenue and allows us to take care of those CIP projects much quicker,” O’Brien said. “We felt that staying right where we were was going to allow us to do everything we wanted to do within the budget.” A final budget hearing is set for 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23.

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Orange County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Menachem Green was the keynote speaker at Dr. Phillips High’s event.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Children participated in Windermere’s ceremony.

WE REMEMBER Dr. Phillips High ROTC Cadet Alex De Borja played taps at the end of the school’s ceremony.

Each Windermere attendee placed a colored rose around the 9/11 memorial.

he Windermere and Dr. Phillips communities recognized the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with solemn ceremonies last week. Dr. Phillips High Air Force Junior ROTC cadets and other students gathered at the school’s flagpole Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the sixth annual Memorial Tribute. The school’s ROTC instructor, Lt. Col. Rick Proctor — who is retired from the U.S. Air Force — led the ceremony, and introduced the keynote speaker, Sgt. Menachem Green of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Green provided search and rescue services at Ground Zero in the days that followed the Sept. 11 attacks. Later that evening, town of Windermere staff and residents gathered outside Town Hall for a remembrance ceremony. Mayor Jim O’Brien addressed attendees, stating that the town never will forget 9/11, and First Baptist Church Windermere’s choir members performed three songs. The ceremony ended with each attendee placing a colored rose near the memorial wreath, located next to the town’s 9/11 memorial. — ERIC GUTIERREZ AND DANIELLE HENDRIX

Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien thanked attendees for coming to remember Sept. 11.

DPHS Air Force ROTC cadets stood at attention as the school’s Memorial Tribute began.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 President and CEO / Matt Walsh, mwalsh@yourobserver.com Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Managing Editor / Tim Freed, tfreed@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Hannah Swayze, hswayze@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor /Troy Herring, therring@OrangeObserver.com Associate Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Eric Gutierrez, egutierrez@OrangeObserver.com

Photos by Eric Gutierrez

Sophia Bresciani, left, is cast as Monica, and Cole Jackson plays Toby in “The Medium.” The two joined on stage to sing “Monica’s Waltz.”

Be careful, Baba’s coming!

The West Orange Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides subscription home delivery. The West Orange Observer also can be found in commercial locations and at our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 If you wish to subscribe to, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

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hen Hannah Nagle heard Windermere Preparatory School was going to be producing its first opera this school year, she knew immediately she wanted to be in the show. “I love opera singing, especially — I have more of a classical voice,” Nagle said. “Being able to have this opportunity to do the first opera at Windermere Prep has been really special; especially to have such a pivotal role.” Nagle stars as Baba, who also goes by Madame Flora, in Windermere Prep’s upcoming opera production, “The Medium,” which runs Sept. 19 and 20 at the school’s Cypress Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at teachtix.com/wps/ the-medium. The production is rated PG-13. Emily Tousek, high-school director of choirs and international baccalaureate music at Windermere Prep, is directing the production. “The Medium” is a short, two-act dramatic opera with words and music by ItalianAmerican composer Gian Carlo Menotti. The opera features a cast of six students and follows the story of Baba and her daughter, Monica, and how Baba — a con artist — uses her fake psychic abilities to scam people out of money. “(Baba) is a fake medium,” Tousek said. “Her job is she cons people into thinking that they’ve contacted their loved ones through these fake seances.” Tousek described the production as “a con that turns into its own mystery along the way.” Part of the opera also follows a romance that develops between Monica and hers and Baba’s servant boy, Toby. “Toby is their mute servant,” Tousek said. “He has been adopted by Baba, but she does not treat him well. She treats him very terribly, but Monica loves and cares for him.”

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WEST ORANGE OBSERVER Although “The Medium” is Windermere Prep’s first opera production, it isn’t the first time the school has featured opera music at the Cypress Center for the Performing Arts, and it also isn’t the first time Tousek’s students have performed the style, she said. “It is the first time we have done an opera, (but) we have previously had students perform arias or opera choruses,” Tousek said. “We have had, for about the last three to four years, an event called ‘An Evening of Concert Music and Opera’ that we would do in the wintertime, and one of the things in my job as the director of choirs is I would have my students learn a couple of different opera choruses. So, this was an opportunity for them to experience a different type of choral singing and a different type of, really, stage singing.” Nagle, a Windermere Prep senior, is no stranger to the stage. She’s been a theater student since her freshman year, but this current production is her first opera. Nagle said she has an affinity for portraying dark characters, and although

the role of Baba fits that bill, some aspects of the character proved to be a challenge. “Baba is next-level,” Nagle said. “I like being able to set myself in the mindset of someone I know nothing about. She’s drunk, she’s very old, she has abusive demeanors, and I wanted to be able to find how I could connect myself to that (type of character), which is very challenging. … I just really like (playing a role) that’s not my normal demeanor. I like to think of myself as a very positive and nice person. “Having to act like Baba (challenged me), because I don’t know a lot about how being drunk can affect a person,” Nagle said. “I did research behind it. I talked to people, and I looked more into the history of the opera itself to give myself a better understanding of how to portray this character. And I watched prior performances from schools that have done this (opera), and it gave me a better comprehensive understanding of the character itself.”

Windermere Prep’s opera production, “The Medium,” features a cast of six characters. Rear, from left: Harry Sandbrook plays Mr. Gobineau, Hannah Nagle plays Baba, and Cole Jackson plays Toby. Front, from left: Maria Gullesserian plays Mrs. Nolan, Sophia Bresciani plays Monica, and Alex Sheffield plays Mrs. Gobineau.

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IF YOU GO

“THE MEDIUM” WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, and Friday, Sept. 20 WHERE: Cypress Center for the Performing Arts at Windermere Prep, 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere COST: $5 TICKETS: teachtix.com/ wps/the-medium

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Council approves rezone Developer proposes W. Fifth Ave. owned by Windermere Ministries. Town Council Member Andy Williams recused himself from the vote, because his family is behind the LLC that owns 111 W. Fifth Ave. Town Manager Robert Smith said the Williams family was looking to get the maximum use of the property, and that removing the overlay restriction, which limited the property to only be developed into a parking lot, was the best and easiest option. A single-family home currently sits on the property at 111 W. Fifth Ave. The adjacent property at 119 W. Fifth Ave. also was removed from the overlay to make the two properties contiguous, Smith said. The property likely will remain a parking lot in perpetuity, because of needs of the church nearby, he said. Restrictions placed on the properties keep the intent of the overlay intact, as well, Smith said. Resident Genevieve Potthast spoke against removing the overlay from the two properties. “I just want to ask you to really carefully consider that the Windermere Master Plan was developed by professional town

planners to create a plan for our future with the good of all the residents in mind,” Potthast said. “In summary, 111 and 119 need to continue to have the restrictions of the Master Plan on them. … If 111 is to go commercial, I ask that you consider making it restricted commercial.” Resident Chuck Ingram, meanwhile, supported the changes. “Progress isn’t necessarily bad,” he said. “We don’t want to turn into the city of Winter Garden. We don’t want to turn into downtown Orlando, but there’s nothing wrong with moving forward.” Smith said nothing has been determined yet about what kind of commercial operation could go on the property, even though Windermere Brewing Company has been eyeing the property as potential location, he said. “(The brewery) has expressed interest in that piece of property, but that is a separate issue from the Williamses, because there are no contracts, no leases to enter into,” Smith said. “If they do want to locate there, they’re still going to have to go through other processes in order to get that approval. … I’m not going to say that that’s not what it’s going to be there or be there in the future, that’s just not what this whole

IN OTHER NEWS n Windermere police officer William “Chip” Irwin was recognized by Chief David Ogden with a Five Year Service Award.

Avalon Road apartments The Registry on Grass Lake development could add up to 360 multi-family units off Avalon Road. DANIELLE HENDRIX ASSOCIATE EDITOR

n The council approved the second public hearing for the first amendment to the Sunset Bay Developers Agreement.

process was about.” Smith said the council’s vote wouldn’t be setting a precedent, because these kinds of decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. “What happens on one property is not necessarily going to happen to another,” Smith said. “Each situation is very unique. With this situation and with the types of uses that it’s surrounded by with church, commercial and civic, there’s no other property that we can determine that has the same circumstances right now.” The council voted to remove the two properties from the overlay and rezone 111 W. Fifth Ave. by a count of 3-1, with Town Council Member Bob McKinley dissenting. “It is council’s sole job to bal“We don’t want to turn into the city of Winter Garance the needs of the entire comden. We don’t want to turn into downtown Orlando, munity and to balance that small but smart feeling that we strive to but there’s nothing wrong with moving forward.” have — it is the toughest part of the job by far,” Mayor Jim O’Brien — Chuck Ingram, Windermere resident said.

Orange County officials are considering future land-use map amendment and rezoning requests that could bring up to 360 apartments to Avalon Road. Orange County staff held a community meeting Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Bridgewater Middle School regarding these requests for a 1.33-acre parcel of land located at 14506 Avalon Road. The land is located adjacent to the 18.33-acre Registry on Grass Lake planned development on the west side of Avalon Road, east of the Orange and Lake County line and south of Grove Blossom Way. The applicant, Robert Reese, is requesting the 1.33-acre parcel’s FLUM designation be changed from growth center commercial to growth center-planned development-medium-high density residential. Reese also is requesting to rezone the piece of land from A-1 (Citrus Rural District) to PD (Planned Development District), which would allow it to be incorporated into the Registry at Grass Lake PD. Case Planner Steven Thorp said only two people attended the meeting, with both being the property owner for the parcel being added into the Registry at Grass Lake PD.

“With that said, no comments were received on this project,” Thorp said. County documents show the Registry on Grass Lake PD plans for 360 multi-family dwelling units on about 12.39 developable acres. In July, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners granted four waivers from Orange County Code relating to multi-family-use separation and building height. Development standards, according to the documents, require a 35-foot building setback from Avalon Road and a 50-foot setback from Grass Lake. The plan states the buildings will be five stories, or about 70 feet tall, and the minimum floor area offered for the units is 600 square feet. Officials estimate the 360 units will generate 102 students, and the estimated traffic is about 1,800 daily trips. Additionally, the developer will be required to construct a 6-foottall masonry, brick or block wall along the portion of the property that is adjacent to single-family properties. Thorp added that as of press time, he has not seen any elevations or renderings of the proposed development. The Local Planning Agency adoption meeting is set for Oct. 17, and the Board of County Commissioners adoption hearing will take place Nov. 12.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Man seeking legal action after arrest in Windermere Orlando resident Jeremy Dewitte said he was falsely arrested for impersonating an officer while escorting a funeral procession. TIM FREED

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An Orlando man is planning to pursue litigation against the Windermere Police Department after he claims he was falsely arrested for impersonating a law-enforcement officer Saturday, Sept. 7. According to an arrest report, a Windermere officer witnessed Jeremy Dewitte, 39, heading westbound on Park Avenue on a motorcycle with a funeral procession near the traffic circle at Maguire Road and Park Avenue. The officer reportedly saw Dewitte pass over double, solidyellow center lines with oncoming traffic approaching, causing a vehicle to travel outside of its lane. The officer conducted a traffic stop at McKinnon Road and Lake Butler Boulevard, and Dewitte was told to move to the side of the roadway. According to the report, Dewitte’s motorcycle was flagged for being stolen while the plate was being scanned. Dewitte was placed in handcuffs. The arrest report states Dewitte became uncooperative and tried to pull away while an investigation took place. Dewitte was wearing a uniform, a badge, a bulletproof vest, a helmet that read “motor officer” and a duty belt that had a holstered, unloaded BB gun, among other items. Dewitte called for backup from his peers using the radio device attached to his helmet before being placed in the back of a patrol car. He faces charges of resisting an officer without violence, falsely impersonating an officer and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to the arrest report. According to the Orange County Clerk of Court, Dewitte has an existing criminal record. And according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Dewitte is a registered sex offender. In 2005, he was found guilty of lewd or lascivious sexual battery with a victim between 12 and 15 years old. But Dewitte said he did nothing wrong when he was arrested Sept. 7, claiming he was targeted by the officer because of a past history between the two. “I had four other officers — they passed all four of them, dressed the exact same way, using the exact same equipment, looking the exact same way,” Dewitte said. “They passed all four of them and came directly to me. The sergeant got out of the truck, said my name

“I feel like he was holding a vendetta against me — that’s why he passed my four other officers to come harass me. I feel like I was harassed. I was wrongfully arrested.” — Jeremy Dewitte

directly, because me and him have a long, heated history back when he was with Orange County.” Dewitte said he had the motorcycle registered two months ago and that it belongs to him. “There was no talking or any kind of looking into anything — they immediately put me in handcuffs and started stripping me of all of my gear in the intersection, in front of my funeral, in front of my client,” Dewitte said. “They stripped me, shoved me into the back of a car, and then next thing I know, they’re telling me that, ‘Oh, you’re right, it’s not stolen. We’re charging you with just resisting an officer.’ I never resisted at any time.” Dewitte also said he has been doing funeral processions through Windermere with his business, Metro-State Special Service, for years and has never had an issue. “I’m feeling like that sergeant, who had a personal vendetta against me back when he was with (Orange County) … I feel like because he’s now with Windermere, he had that opportunity and he saw me,” Dewitte said. “I feel like he was holding a vendetta against me, that’s why he passed my four other officers to come harass me. I feel like I was harassed. I was wrongfully arrested.” As of Tuesday, Sept. 11, Dewitte said he plans to meet with the Windermere Police Department. Windermere Police Chief David Ogden said he was unable to comment on the matter, because it is considered an open investigation under Florida statute.

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n Superintendent Barbara Jenkins said more than 147,000 devices were distributed in August through OCPS’ digital learning initiative. All middle- and high-school students have their own device, and OCPS is on track to be fully one-to-one by 2021.

Orange County Superintendent Barbara Jenkins and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs updated the community on OCPS’ accomplishments and challenges. school district. But with growth, she said, comes growing pains.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Orange County Public Schools is the eighth-largest school district in the nation. As such, funding and quality of education are perpetual hot topics. It’s part of the reason that OCPS hosts an annual State of the Schools address, inviting stakeholders and the community at large to converge and hear about OCPS’ accomplishments and goals. The 2019 State of the Schools took place Friday, Sept. 13, at DoubleTree by Hilton next to Universal Orlando Resort. Superintendent Barbara Jenkins and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs updated hundreds of attendees on the district’s status, what is new and what the future holds for students, staff and the community. OCPS serves nearly 212,000 students in 199 schools, and Jenkins said this year, the district is expecting to add 3,700 more students — growth that could make OCPS the nation’s seventh-largest

GROWTH MANAGEMENT

“With growth comes challenges, the most obvious being the challenge of keeping up with the demand for new schools,” Jenkins said. Orange County is one of the consistently fastest-growing counties in the state, Jacobs said, and that poses funding challenges. The local property tax is one of the primary resources of revenue the district relies on for capital projects such as building new schools and renovating or replacing older ones. “Prior to 2008, the millage rate for that tax was set at 2 mills,” Jacobs said. “However, during the 2008 and 2009 legislative sessions, school districts were forced to reduce the rate to 1.5. That halfmill reduction equates to a loss of half a billion dollars for school construction and renovation in Orange County, alone.” Jacobs added that OCPS has seen an enrollment increase equal to nearly three times more students

“While we have faced funding challenges at a state level, at a local level we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of the voters.” — Superintendent Barbara Jenkins

in the last nine years than any other urban district in the state. To keep up with this growth, Jenkins said, OCPS has been working with the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. “In 2004, when Chair Jacobs was a county commissioner for the highest-growth district, she proposed a charter amendment that was overwhelmingly approved by the voters,” Jenkins said. “That charter amendment requires greater coordination between the county, cities and OCPS and also requires developers in areas where schools are overcrowded to pay a mitigation fee in addition to impact fees.” Jenkins also addressed students and parents concerned about portable classrooms who are asking why the district can’t do better. She said the district could do better but needs more resources like the half-mill lost a decade ago. However, she credited the community for its continued support with the half-penny sales tax and the special millage. “However, in spite of that loss, and in spite of an increase in enrollment of 22,000, we’ve still reduced portables by 50%,” Jenkins said. “While we have faced funding challenges at a state level, at a local level we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of the voters.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

HIGHLIGHTS

Growth, safety top list of challenges for OCPS DANIELLE HENDRIX

n For the 2017-18 school year, OCPS’ overall graduation rate — including charters and alternative schools — was 88.9%, a 4.2% increase. Among the 20 traditional high schools, OCPS reached a record-high graduation rate of 96.1%, a 2.3% increase. n OCPS regained its “A” rating, making it one of only three “A” districts among the state’s seven large urban districts. n OCPS officially turns 150 years old this year, and an anniversary commemoration has been launched at 150. ocps.net.

Jacobs expanded on another problem. For the last four years, the state has required OCPS and other districts to reduce the required local effort millage rate. These property taxes fund salaries and operations, and OCPS cites that reduction as one of the reasons why it cannot pay its teachers and staff more. “We’re not where we want to be — yet — but we are clearly heading in the right direction,” Jacobs said. “But the single greatest challenge we face is insufficient funding to pay our teachers and classified employees a wage which honors the value they provide to our students.”

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Although OCPS cannot talk publicly about many of the safety measures in place for security reasons, Jenkins said the district has made significant strides in making its facilities more secure. “We’ve also met all the requirements set forth by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act of 2018, including having a school resource officer at each school,” Jenkins said. “And we’ve partnered with the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation to implement a program that positively engages students in identifying threats of violence while proactively supporting students who may be in crisis.” Additionally, the district has implemented more direct counseling services for students to assist with social, mental and emotional issues. All middle and high schools have a full-time SAFE coordinator, the district’s 20 traditional high schools now have a full-time social worker, and every elementary school has been allocated a full-time certified school counselor position. All OCPS employees throughout the district are receiving training to assist with identifying students who may need mental-health counseling. “While our core business is educating young people, our highest priority is keeping them safe,” Jacobs said. “Just as we are highly focused on creating the safest physical environment, we are also working hard to create a safe emotional environment for all students, especially those facing a mental crisis or experiencing trauma.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Windermere Preparatory School is proud to support one of its high-school juniors, Emma Lawrence, as she produces her first play. Lawrence has been a Windermere Prep student since eighth grade, with passions in theater and writing. With the start of the new year, she has decided to take on the IB diploma program, which will include IB Theater Arts at the higher level. In her theater experience with Windermere Prep she has had multiple roles, with the most recent being Truvy in “Steel Magnolias.” Now, Lawrence has taken her talents to a new level by writing, casting and directing her own play, titled “Young Women.” The play depicts the struggles that young girls in the 21st century have to face, from high school to social media. The play will be shown at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Tickets are $15 for regular seating and $20 for VIP seating. All proceeds will be donated to Harbor House. For tickets, email elawrence2021@ windermereprep.com.

Foundation PAWS revs up for fun night Foundation Academy’s parent/teacher association, aka PAWS, is hosting a night of fun for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students and their parents. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Andretti Indoor Karting & Gaming, 9299 Universal Blvd., Orlando. Tickets purchased by Wednesday, Sept. 25, are $15 for students and $5 for parents. Ticket prices increase to $20 per student and $10 per adult after Sept. 25. Register at FoundationAcademy.net.

MONICA EMERY

GOTHA MIDDLE SCHOOL Monica Emery has been the principal at Gotha Middle School for less than two years, but she’s taken great strides at creating a positive school culture among the students. One of the ways she’s accomplished this is through the school’s lip-sync videos on social media, and a portion of one of those videos even made it on the “Today” show. Although the school did the first of those videos in 2014, they stopped for a few years until Emery got them going again when she became the school’s principal.

What do you love most about your school? I love the diversity of our school. We have five feeder schools, and all of those schools are vastly different from each other. I love that the kids are introduced to a whole new community of people when they get to our school. What’s your favorite part of your job? I love watching students learn and watching teachers teach. I love watching middle school kids make the transition from elementary to high school. They’re learning how to be young adults. What made you want to take on this job? I love Gotha. I know the potential Gotha has. I was an assistant principal here six years ago. I feel like the Gotha staff (is) part of my family.

REPORT CARD ROLE: Principal SCHOOL: Gotha Middle School TIME AT THE SCHOOL: One-andone-half years

What motivates you and pushes you to do your best? This school and this community deserves a middle school that they can trust. I know how important a positive environment is to not only the students, but their families. Middle school is a difficult time. Kids are going through a lot. Making sure that I don’t let them down, that the students know that I will never stop trying for them, I’ll never stop pushing — that motivates me. What’s the nicest thing a student or faculty member has done for you? When I got to the school, I started using the catch phrase “It’s a Great Day to be a Grizzly.” I say it every day — morning announcements, afternoon announcements, randomly during the day. Our kids even say it on our daily GTV (news). I know it’s corny and the kids weren’t afraid to tell me it was corny. On the last day of school last year, I was talking to my eighth-grade students. At the end of my little pep talk, I said, “It’s a great day,” and before I could finish, the entire cafeteria of students yelled, “to be a Grizzly!” It still makes me tear up!

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to be outside. Most of the time, that takes place at Disney. If you were trapped on a deserted island and can only take three items with you, what would you bring and why? Can I bring my husband and my two kids? Can they be my three things? If not, three books! What was your favorite book? I read “To Kill a Mockingbird” in high school, but I don’t think I appreciated it until I started using it as a teacher with my students. What is your favorite sports team? I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! — ERIC GUTIERREZ

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Windermere senior to perform in National FFA Band Jonathan Stephens has been selected to play the bass drum in the band during the National FFA Convention in October. ERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

Jonathan Stephens has two seemingly disparate passions — agriculture and music. But the Windermere High School senior will have the opportunity to combine those two passions for the first time this fall. “I don’t think agriculture and music are very, traditionally, mixable,” Stephens said. “It’s a blessing to have the National FFA organization be able to sponsor such a great opportunity for … musicians who want to be able to express themselves and show it to their FFA friends and agriculture buddies.” Stephens has been selected to play the bass drum in the National FFA Band during the 92nd annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2. He’s the local FFA district secretary and vice president of the Windermere High FFA chapter. He has been involved with FFA since

before he started high school. “I’ve been in the FFA for about six years, and this will be my seventh year,” Stephens said. “I’ve been doing it since middle school, and I think what really excited me about (FFA) in middle school was when I met my first adviser. She was very energetic and inspiring (for me) to get to know about (FFA).” Initially, Stephens wasn’t sure about how much he would like agriculture, but he grew to love it over time. Once he reached high school he was able to get more involved with FFA, which helped grow his love of agriculture. “I didn’t realize how much I really (would) love agriculture,” Stephens said. “I always wanted to be a detective or a chef, and I was able to really mix a lot of those different industries together and kind of find my niche within agriculture, so it just kept growing and growing. And when I got to high school, I was able to get more active (with FFA) and now I’m here today.” One aspect of FFA that kept Stephens involved was the sense of community among program members.

Eric Gutierrez

Jonathan Stephens is the FFA district secretary and vice president of the Windermere High FFA. He also plays percussion in the WHS band.

“It’s so cliché for everyone to say, ‘Oh, this is like a family,’ or something like, ‘Oh, this is really where I belong,’” he said. “But you really do feel that way (in FFA). From being able to compete next to friends … to being able to meet (political) representatives — that’s the stuff that’s really inspiring and really pushes a lot for me to keep on going in this organization. It’s that sense of unity and growth.” Stephens enjoys that same sense of community in the school

band program, for which he plays percussion. Although he took piano lessons early on, he only has been involved with the band program since his freshman year. “Freshman year, I accidentally got put into band class with a whole bunch of these freshmen — as my band director would call (them) — goofballs,” Stephens said. “I was able to really enjoy being around those people and being able to … express myself through a different medium than just talking or being able to write

something. I can do it through music, which is so universal.” Although his senior year has just begun, Stephens plans to continue pursuing his passion for agriculture and music in college. He’s still debating which college to attend but mentioned the University of Florida and University of Central Florida as being on his radar. “I want to be a music composer on the side,” Stephens said. “I know music is not the most secure (job) industry in the world, but I want to be able to at least have my hand in being able to compose for marching band music, or even … concert music and be able to go out into some contemporary (music). “With agriculture, I’m stuck between agricultural communications — which is being able to effectively communicate agriculture (and) be more of like a representative … (for) agricultural industries in need of those kinds of communicators,” he said. “Either that, or I’d go into food science, which would be an industry that deals with the different aspects of food, the chemistry of it and stuff that I’m really passionate about — the mathematics (and) the science. That really bridges everything together.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Foundation crowns Homecoming royalty Anna Binkley and Bailey Trinder are Foundation Academy’s 2019 Homecoming queen and king.

he Foundation Academy Lions celebrated alumni and students during the school’s Homecoming game against Northside Christian Friday, Sept. 13. At halftime, members of the Homecoming court took to the field in a parade of cars and walked the red carpet before the Homecoming queen and king were announced. Seniors Anna Binkley and Bailey Trinder were crowned queen and king. Other members of the court were Kaitlyn Clark, Owen Crabtree, Jaime Pelak, Reggie Jean, Paige Ferrell, Danny Stutsman, Sydney Ragsdale, Henry Austad, Maddy Seip, Michael Lemieux-Bott, Maya Prakash and Chai Colon.

The junior class representatives were Paige Ferrell and Danny Stutsman.

— DANIELLE HENDRIX

Among the senior class representatives were Maddy Seip and Michael Lemieux-Bott. Left: Among the senior class representatives were Sydney Ragsdale and Henry Austad.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Castleview lowers drawbridge for first Grandparents Night

fun evening of painting, pizza, popcorn and pictures awaited Castleview Elementary students and their grandparents during Grandparents Night Friday, Sept. 13. Kids Create Art took paints, brushes and canvases to the school, and families were able to work together on a painting that included grass, a tree and colorful leaves. Pizza and popcorn was served to the guests, and a photo booth gave grandparents and children a chance to take silly photographs together. — AMY QUESINBERRY

Charlotte Conover, 6, took her grandparents, Pete and Joyce Conover, with her to Grandparents Night at Castleview Elementary.

Gingi Melanson, left, and Arabella Diosomito, 8, grabbed props for their photo booth picture.

Maria Prisce and her grandson, Rafael Tasso, 10, had fun together during Grandparents Night at Castleview Elementary. Right: Jamie Ebinger, 11, and his grandmother, Samantha Ebinger, snacked on pizza and popcorn.

Grandparents Larita and Adrien Luckey helped Shemar Smith, 5, with his painting.

ONLINE

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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Windermere teen spearheads new volunteer committee

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Grace Foglia is working with Windermere officials to establish a group of volunteers who will focus on service projects in the town. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

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Grace Foglia has volunteered at town of Windermere events many times in her youth — elders luncheons, the annual Treebute and the St. Patrick’s Day festival — and now she hopes to coordinate her own town committee for students. Foglia, a high-school senior with Florida Virtual School, has presented her idea to the Windermere Parks & Recreation Committee, as well as Town Manager Robert Frank. The Windermere Town Council is expected to vote on the matter at the Oct. 8 meeting. The Windermere’s Active Youth Committee, if approved, would mainly focus on volunteerism. As part of its mission statement, WAY committee members would “work together to set and accomplishment service projects, as well as bridge the generational gap between residents.” Each member will present his or her own project and collaborate with the town to see it through to completion. “We will work to help protect the local environment by encouraging residents to take more efforts in helping the community become more environmentally friendly,” reads the mission statement. “Our committee will show other residents that the youth of the town also care about our community and want to help protect what we have.” So far, Foglia, who most likely will serve as committee chair, has received 10 applications from residents wanting to serve with her. Although the group will put an emphasis on environmental issues, she said she wants to see what the new members are passionate about and how those passions can be turned into service projects in the town. If the committee plan is approved, Foglia will begin forming a group of teenagers to serve.

“One thing I’m trying to do is bridge the generational gap, get the youth involved in the Town Council meetings and see how we can get them to feel like they have a voice in the community and to show the other generations that the youth can be interested and involved.” — Grace Foglia

In addition to Smith, she has been working with Bill Martini, C.T. Allen and Hannah Ammar to iron out the details and create a design for the committee logo. Foglia’s interest in the Town Council began when she noticed the council members and town staff were using plastic cups at the council meetings — so she designed Yeti cups for all of them. After graduation, she intends to attend a small college and study philanthropy, philosophy or social work. “One thing I’m trying to do is bridge the generational gap, get the youth involved in the Town Council meetings and see how we can get them to feel like they have a voice in the community and to show the other generations that the youth can be interested and involved,” she said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

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The finalists have been chosen and it’s time for YOU to decide who’s selfie game is strong! Vote NOW for your favorite Healthy Selfie on our social media channels, website, AND Carrot app through tonight at 11:59 pm! Show your support by casting a vote on every page! We’ve got some sweet grand prizes up for grabs: two YMCA family memberships! BONUS prize for most creative selfie from all entries: $50 Visa gift card. Check out healthywestorange.org for more info.

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Puzzle One Solution: – John Carpenter “LIVE LOCAL,toSTORE “It’s an act of courage make aLOCAL” film. ... It is very Puzzle Two Solution: hard andRoad veryStorage destructive. But we do it because we This week’s Sudoku answers Maguire Stoneybrook West Storage If you embrace that the things that you IN OCOEE IN WINTER GARDENCarpenter love it.” – John can do are limitless 407-654-3037 ... you can change 407-905-7898 WWW. MAGUIREROADSTORAGE .COM WWW.STONEYBROOKWESTSTORAGE .COM Puzzle Two Solution: the world. – Tim Cook STONEYBROOKWESTSS@GMAIL.COM IfMAGUIREROADSTORAGE@CFL.RR.COM you embrace that the things that you can do are limitless ... you can change the world. – Tim Cook This week’s Sudoku answers

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2019

Carl Romain has been a private caterer for about 30 years and has been operating his roadside eatery, Soupa Plates, for about 3 years.

Serving smiles Carl Romain’s roadside eatery, Soupa Plates, attracts barbecue aficionados throughout Central Florida. the kitchen as she prepared meals for family, friends and neighbors. The meals they prepared Carl Romain’s lifelong passion for were so popular among those in food is something that drove him their community that their home to quit a job he had as a trucker became a gathering point in their a few years back. He traded his neighborhood. His mother, father, tractor-trailer for a food trailer to son and other family members still pursue that passion full time. assist him with the business from Most recently, he set up shop time to time today, he said. along the intersection of Old Win“When we grew up in Pine ter Garden Road and Hempel Ave- Hills, my momma was like a cook nue next to a shuttered gas station. for everybody,” Romain said. “She From this outdoor eatery — called would kind of coach me how to do Soupa Plates — Romain serves up stuff (in the kitchen).” traditional barbecue and Southern When he was 14, Romain got his cuisine — but with a bit of twist first job in the food business workinfluenced his Haitian This week’s by Celebrity Cipherroots. answersing at a McDonald’s that sponHe has been at that spot for about sored his football team at the time. Puzzle One Solution: three years, but his career in the “They were sponsoring (us) “It’s an act of courage to make a film. ... culinary arts dates back much fur- — buying us cleats and stuff like It is very hard andCipher very destructive. But This week’s Celebrity answers ther. Today, his brand of barbecue that,” Romain said. “They asked we do it because we love it.” and other eats attracts customers Puzzle One Solution: me to come and work part time. – John Carpenter “It’s an act of courage to make aCentral film. ...Florida. It is very That’s where I got the hang of from throughout Two Solution: hard and very Puzzle destructive. But we do it because “We’ve been doing this for we(working in restaurants).” If you embrace that the thingsCarpenter that you love it.” – John about three years, but we used to After finishing high school, can do are limitless ... you can change do a little catering that was just a he Puzzle Two Solution: the world. – Tim Cook studied culinary in college hustle, ” Romain If you embracelittle that (side) the things that you cansaid. do are and went on to open a Ponderoresponse the catering) limitless ... you“The can change the(to world. – Tim Cooksa Steakhouse on International week’s Sudoku answers wasThis awesome. Everybody kept Drive. The Ponderosa Romain This referring us to different parties, helped open is now closed, but week’s so I decided I’d invest in a food that’s just one chapter in Romain’s Sudoku truck and start participating in culinary career. After Ponderosa, answers the food truck scene and see how he worked at the Hard Rock Cafe far it goes.” at Universal Studios City Walk and Romain, 41, grew up in Pine Hills even spent about four years cookand he currently lives in Metro- ing at Bethune-Cookman UniverWest. His passion for food began in sity. the same place where many other After cooking at Bethunechefs are first exposed to the world Cookman, Romain decided on a of cooking: his mom’s kitchen. As career change that lasted about a child, he helped his mom around three years. He purchased a semiERIC GUTIERREZ STAFF WRITER

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trailer and worked as a contractor for CSX transporting cargo containers. At first, he still was able to balance catering private events with his trucking job, because the cargo pick-up location was in downtown Orlando, which was close to his home. But after a change in his contract regarding the pick-up location, balancing the two jobs became difficult. It’s no secret that running a restaurant is one of the toughest businesses an individual can enter, and running Soupa Plates hasn’t come without its challenges. Because Soupa Plates is an outdoor eatery, weather can play a significant role in customer turnout. On top of that, Romain has had his business broken into on several occasions. But despite those challenges, Romain keeps on cooking. “The challenges have been thieves,” Romain said. “It never stopped anything. We always improvise and keep it going. … It’s just a little setback. I don’t have anything valuable for them (to steal). It just might mess up part of a day.” In addition to running Soupa Plates, Romain still offers catering services for private events. Aside from his passion for food, he said one of the biggest reasons behind what he does is to be a positive influence for his son. “My son (is) grown, and I’m always explaining to him the need for independence,” he said. “I had a lawn-care service, too, that I used to do. My whole life, I worked for people, but I wasn’t always happy working for other people. … I like to be independent and working for myself.” To Romain, Soupa Plates is not only a place for him to show off his culinary ability; it’s also a place where he serves smiles. In fact, one of his favorite aspects of his job is seeing his customers’ reactions when they eat his food, and he loves it more when he sees his customers coming back. “My favorite thing is seeing people smiling (when) they come hungry … and get something to eat, and then after they eat it, they feel like they ate something (satisfying),” Romain said. “The satisfaction I see in (customers) — to me – that’s the best. … When you cook out of love, that’s what makes a big difference in your food.”

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WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Keene’s Pointe estate sells for $1.2 million A

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The home at 6239 Manuscript St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $337,500. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,218 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $152.16.

residential real-estate transactions from Sept. 6 to 12. The home at 11659 Vinci

The home at 14549 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $343,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,793 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $122.81.

Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 11, for $1.2 million. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, six baths, a pool and 4,869 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $246.46. These are the highest-

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This Keene’s Pointe home, at 11659 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 11, for $1.2 million. It was the largest Windermere-area transaction from Sept. 6 to 12.

community in West

for $1,182,500. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,421 square feet of living area on Lake Sheen. The price per square foot is $345.66.

Orange.

ESTATES AT PARKSIDE

selling homes in each

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8206 Granada Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 11, for $376,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,844 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $203.90. BAY VISTA ESTATES

The home at 8640 Vista Harbor Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 11, for $475,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,770 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $171.48. The home at 9762 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., No. 4, Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $420,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,960 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $141.89. CYPRESS SHORES

The home at 9900 Lone Tree Lane, Orlando, sold Sept. 10,

The home at 8408 Ludington Circle, Orlando, sold Sept. 9, for $1.1 million. Built in 2018, it has six bedrooms, five baths, a pool and 5,263 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $209.01. HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5861 Pitch Pine Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $380,000. Built in 1985, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 3,544 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $107.22. The home at 5043 Caspian Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $339,500. Built in 1981, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,106 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $161.21. SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8341 Sandberry Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 10, for $273,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,948 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $140.14.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 10041 Brandon Circle, Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $395,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,225 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $177.53. SHADOW BAY SPRINGS

The home at 4948 Spring Run Ave., Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $313,000. Built in 1983, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,176 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $143.84. TANGELO PARK

The home at 7800 Pomelo Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 9, for $163,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 840 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $194.05. TOSCANA

The home at 7637 Toscana Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $1,115,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 4,278 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $260.64. VISTAS AT PHILLIPS COMMONS

The townhouse at 6892 Spreone St., Orlando, sold Sept. 6,

for $290,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,668 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $173.86. WINDHOVER

The townhouse at 6208 Peregrine Court, Orlando, sold Sept. 6, for $186,000. Built in 1986, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,212 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $153.47.

GOTHA

BLACKWOOD ACRES

The home at 1638 Twin Lake Drive, Gotha, sold Sept. 6, for $730,000. Built in 1954, it has six bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 3,895 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $187.42. OAKS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 10355 Oakview Pointe Terrace, Gotha, sold Sept. 6, for $499,900. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 3,315 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $150.80.

HORIZON WEST EMERALD RIDGE

The home at 1850 Delafield Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $332,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms,

The home at 14446 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $258,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $156.36. LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The townhouse at 11251 Grander Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $290,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,881 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.17. The townhouse at 7660 Ripplepointe Way, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $265,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,936 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $136.88. LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7445 Derexa Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 12, for $425,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths, a pool and 2,469 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $172.13. The home at 7961 Jailene Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $375,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,585 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $145.07. SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 16

$30 SportS/School phySicalS*

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REAL ESTATE

OrangeObserver.com

*Effective date August 31, 2019

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

The home at 7442 Tattant Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 12, for $350,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,175 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $160.92. LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6538 Chagford Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $350,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,925 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $119.66. LAKES OF WINDERMERE — PEACHTREE

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15733 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 11, for $725,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths, a pool and 3,810 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $190.29. The home at 15637 Sylvester Palm Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $590,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,820 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.45.

The home at 13518 Bicton Lane, Windermere, sold Sept. 11, for $308,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,726 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $178.45.

The townhouse at 8889 Lakeshore Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $335,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,072 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $161.68.

LAKESIDE VILLAGE

LATHAM PARK NORTH

The condo at 14242 Oasis Cove Blvd., No. 3205, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $275,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,046 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $134.41.

The home at 8937 Doddington Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $375,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $153.56.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14367 Orchard Hills Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 10, for $336,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $164.54. ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING

The home at 2993 Irish Peach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 7, for $360,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,127 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $169.25. SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7931 Winter Wren St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $375,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,774 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $135.18. The townhouse at 8160 Wood Sage Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $315,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,853 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $169.99.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15528 Murcott Harvest Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $440,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,849 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $154.44. TENNYSON PARK AT SUMMERPORT

The townhouse at 5555 Somersby Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 9, for $249,900. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,628 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $153.50. VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 13731 Calera Alley, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $330,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,113 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $156.18. WATERLEIGH

The home at 8759 Eden Cove Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $390,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms,

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The home at 6310 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $320,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,139 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $149.60. WINDERMERE SOUND

The townhouse at 7624 Fairgrove Ave., Windermere, sold Sept. 12, for $270,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,617 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $166.98.

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WEST ORANGE

WESTOVER RESERVE

CYPRESS CHASE

The home at 9342 Pecky Cypress Way, Orlando, sold Sept. 10, for $322,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,784 square feet. The price per square foot is $180.49. MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 11603 Chateaubriand Ave., Orlando, sold Sept. 12, for $330,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,303 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $143.29.

WINDERMERE

LAKE BUYNAK ESTATES

The home at 3702 Lake Buynak Road, Windermere, sold Sept. 10, for $455,000. Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,035 square feet. The price per square foot is $223.59.

The home at 9155 Royal Gate Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $705,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,781 square feet. The price per square foot is $147.46. WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 9615 Hollyglen Place, Windermere, sold Sept. 6, for $542,000. Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,088 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $175.52.

WINTER GARDEN AMBERLEIGH

The home at 452 Lake Amberleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 10, for $330,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,183 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $151.17.

AVALON

The home at 9518 Black Bear Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $570,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,871 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $304.65. BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 708 Reflections Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $425,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,605 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $117.89. The home at 513 Setting Sun Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $290,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,929 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $150.34.

DANIELS LANDING

STONEYBROOK WEST

GLYNWOOD

The home at 13851 Glynshel Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $440,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 3,057 square feet. The price per square foot is $143.93.

The home at 2806 Balforn Tower Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $352,500. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,814 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $125.27.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

VERDE PARK

The townhouse at 13754 Daniels Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $204,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,234 square feet. The price per square foot is $165.32.

This Blackwood Estates home, at 1638 Twin Lake Drive, Gotha, sold Sept. 6, for $730,000. This custom-built, gated home is situated on 4.5 acres on two natural bass-filled lakes.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

The home at 141 Lakeview Reserve Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $310,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths, a pool and 2,185 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $141.88. REGENCY OAKS

The home at 609 Groves End Lane, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 11, for $270,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $158.36. SOUTHERN PINES

The condo at 430 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 208, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 7, for $162,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,276 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $126.96. The condo at 130 Southern Pecan Circle, No. 102, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $157,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,152 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $136.28.

The home at 1327 Selbydon Way, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $466,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,954 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $117.86.

The home at 16001 Ollivett St., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 10, for $530,000. Built in 2015, it has eight bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 5,111 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $103.70. WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 17308 Bal Harbour Drive, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 9, for $459,990. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,178 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $211.20. WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 955 Butterfly Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 6, for $147,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,216 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $120.89. WINTER OAKS

The home at 717 Climbing Oaks Court, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 12, for $325,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,940 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $167.53.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

OBITUARIES

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JAMES ALAN MEEKS DIED SATURDAY, AUG. 24, 2019.

James Alan Meeks, 63, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 in Americus, Georgia, while on a trip preparing for deer-hunting season. He was interred on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, at Greenwood Cemetery in Eustis, Florida. Alan was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Winter Park, Florida. He is survived by his mother, Ouida Caraway Meeks, and father, James Ray Meeks; three brothers, Monte Ray Meeks (Annie), Eddie Keith Meeks and Darryl Mark Meeks (Donna); as well as his wife, Audrey Poe Meeks.

Let us tell the story of your life.

He has three sons, Benjamin Alan Meeks (Carla), Mathew Troy Meeks (Maria) and Adam Lee Meeks (Laura); and four grandchildren, Abigail, Alyssa, Kyla and Maverick. Alan and his brothers grew up in the Ocoee, Florida, community, part of Ocoee Boy Scout

Troop 217 in their youth, and he graduated from Ocoee High in 1974. During high school, he was active in sports, such as football, and participated in marching band, playing trumpet. Alan enjoyed serving the area with his work as an airconditioning technician working at his own company, Common Cents Heating and Air, for many years. He enjoyed outdoor activities including hunting, gardening and fishing. He will be remembered and sincerely missed by both family and friends.

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Ann Marie Cook, a student at Foundation Academy, took this shot at her school’s football game. During a play in the second quarter, the captain was on the sidelines for a split second of rest, but instead of sitting down or going straight to get water, he stood on the sidelines encouraging his teammates and cheering them on even when he was not on the field. His enthusiasm and love for his team shows the strength in the bond of this football team and demonstrates that these high-schoolers are not just playing a game with strangers, but in fact running through life with their brothers beside them.

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The West Orange Times and Observer is hosting this weekly contest, and winners will have their photograph featured and receive a $20 prize. To enter, email your photo, along with your name, city and a caption, to amyq@orangeobserver.com; put “I Love West Orange” in the subject line. Please include your mailing address to receive your prize.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY ANGLICAN COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden Sunday Service 10:00AM Find us at: Theacf.net

Check out the custom made silent auction items that will be available at the Garden Party on November 9!!

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

HIGH

SPORTS

In just her first year as a Laker, Brooke Larweth already has set a Windermere Prep record in the 100-meter backstroke. Page 20.

The Windermere boys cross country team once again dominated on the course. The Wolverines took home first place in the St. Cloud Invitational held at St. Cloud High School Saturday, Sept. 14. The Wolverines were led by a second-place finish by Onix Ortiz (16:33.38), who was followed by teammate Carter Rowe (fifth place, 16:57.22). Noah Siegel (eighth place, 17:05.39) and Haile Buck (14th place, 17:25.34) rounded out the Wolverines in the top 15.

Despite TFA’s 141-149 loss at the hands of Lake Nona in boys golf action at MetroWest Golf Club Thursday, Sept. 12, the Royals saw impressive outings on the links from Bruce Huang — who led the Royals by shooting a 34 — and Leo Xu (36).

The Windermere boys golf team dominated on the links in a fourway match against Dr. Phillips, Olympia and West Orange at The Legends at Orange Lake (par 37) Wednesday, Sept. 11. The Wolverines finished five strokes ahead of Dr. Phillips (113) to finish in first place, while Olympia (117) and West Orange (139) followed suit. Logan Jerrells and Cooper Tate both shot 4-underpar to lead the Wolverines to the big win. The match was a four-ball event, where each team had three pairs and totaled their scores.

In Windermere Prep girls golfs’ 161-217 loss to Lake Highland Prep Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Lakers were led by Megan Ikeda, who shot an impressive 39 in the match. The Lakers followed up their loss with a match against Circle Christian Monday, Sept. 16.

Nylah Walker goes through a cheer during the Wolverines’ first home game of the season.

Pompom pride TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

tanding on the sideline in matching blue and limegreen uniforms, members of the Horizon West Wolverines cheer team stand with their hands grasping pompoms. On the field, the Wolverines are playing in their first tackle football games, and for the girls, it’s their first chance at cheering on the new team. Some of the girls on this squad — which is the older of the two fielded by the organization — have previous cheer experience, while others don’t. Among those with experience are Addison Trimm, 11,

and teammate Nylah Walker, 11 — both of whom joined the program for simple reasons. “We get to cheer, and we get to associate with friends and have fun,” Addison said. “We get to do it, even though we’re not in high school or college,” Nylah said. “We still get to do what the high school and college people get to do.” Offering these young ladies the chance to live out their cheer dreams are head coaches Theresa Hayes and AmayLee Ulloa, alongside assistants JM Bail and Amorina Hayes (Theresa’s daughter). Theresa, who coaches the older

Photos by Troy Herring

Amelia Lack stands in formation as she and the others take in the game.

SEE CHEERING PAGE 20

Metro Wrestling Federation brings sport to local youth The club hopes to help children and teens improve their skills and build a foundation for the Windermere High program. TROY HERRING SPORTS EDITOR

It was an electric night of volleyball Tuesday, Sept. 10 between Dr. Phillips and Windermere, during which the Panthers took the 3-1 (19-25, 25-19, 21-25, 23-25) win over the Wolverines. The Panthers were led by junior Alicia Virthe, who racked up 17 kills, two assists and six digs, while junior Alexis Distasio snagged 15 kills and eight digs. Senior Marika Virthe and junior Kaley Landis added 10 kills apiece. The Panthers followed that win with another victory over Evans to move to 5-0 on the season.

While the Horizon West Wolverines football team takes to the field, the program’s two cheer squads are seen — and heard — as they show off their talents on the sidelines.

Troy Herring

Tyler Drone, back, works with Antonio Lewis on his wrestling technique.

When James Baker moved to Florida more than a decade ago, he brought his love for wrestling with him. Baker — a native Michigander — had grown up and competed in the sport for a good portion of his life, so needless to say, there was a bit of a culture shock when he arrived to the Sunshine State. In Michigan, wrestlers start their sport early on as children, building a culture where a wrestling community can grow. In Florida, things are different. And that’s precisely why the head wrestling coach at Windermere High decided to keep the Metro Wrestling Federation going for its third session — although

METRO WRESTLING FEDERATION WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays WHERE: Windermere High School wrestling room, 5523 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere COST: $100

this time, he wanted to do something a bit different by adding a children’s club to the mix to build the sport. “We’re trying to build the west side of the metro, to be competitive with the east,” said Baker, SEE GROWING PAGE 20

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

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Brooke Larweth Brooke Larweth may be in her first year at Windermere Prep after transferring from The First Academy, but the eighth-grader already is making a name for herself in the pool for the Lakers swim team. So far she has done big things for her team, including setting a school record in the 100-meter backstroke.

When did you first start swimming, and how did you get into the sport? I started swimming when I was 5, and I just liked it because it was different, I guess. I wasn’t very good at soccer, so I quit that, and I just don’t know — I just love being in the water.

THE BASICS SCHOOL: Windermere Prep GRADE: Eighth AGE: 14 SPORT: Swimming and diving

What has been the biggest change? It’s a lot more of a positive atmosphere — the coaches are a lot more engaged, and everyone is more of a family. You can motivate each other during practice — you become stronger and better. And of course we have weights now, so we get to use the weight room, which is great.

after school and doing doubles isn’t always easy. But if you really love it, it’s great. What motivates you to keep going? I don’t know, it’s just kind of a feeling. You wouldn’t be the same person you were without swimming. I’ve been doing it for almost eight years. … After a while you start liking the grind — if you will — and there is a sense of pride when you’re a part of the team. (It’s) a reason to be motivated. And then when you do go through things that are hard at school or even home, you think about how much harder practice is and that gets you through most of the things.

What is your favorite part about swimming? I guess it’s the people — we have some really good coaches and good friends. But also being in the water and racing — I like to be competitive. What’s the most difficult thing about your sport? Probably the practice schedule — getting up super early in the mornings before school, on Saturdays and then coming back

The swim season started recently. How has it gone for you? It’s my first year doing swimming for a school, and I like it a lot — it’s different than club. It’s a little more easy-going, so it’s more fun to just relax a little bit. But (you) also get everyone from different grades hyped up, just because you’re not all separated — you have highschoolers and sixth-graders, and you get to know people from around the school. We broke a relay record on Wednesday night, and then I also broke another record on Friday night for individual. — TROY HERRING

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

State Farm, Bloomington, State Farm, Bloomington, IL IL State Farm, Bloomington, IL

Cheering on the Wolverines CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

squad, has been around cheer her entire life — from being a cheerleader, teaching her daughter the sport and even leading her own All-Star team in New York. After moving to Florida, Amorina still wanted to cheer — a desire that led the two to the organization. “It was their first year, and they needed a cheerleading coach, so I ended up coming on as a coach a couple of years back,” Theresa said. “The coach they had, I believe he had to move out of state for some family things, so they were in jeopardy of not having a program. It was a long, thought-out decision, but I didn’t want there not to be a program, and I just felt like it was something I should be — and could be — doing.” While Theresa has made herself comfortable leading the older girls, Ulloa has been leading the way for the younger girls’ team — helping them get adjusted to the cheerleading world. A dancer for a large portion of her life, Ulloa brings a different approach to a sport that fell into her lap — thanks in part to her husband, Jose. “I would have never thought I would be a cheer coach,” Ulloa said. “But seeing Jose so active in the league and being so involved

and loving it so much — he loves football — when he asked me to volunteer with head coach Theresa… (I said) I’m in. “I’m dedicated to the girls — I love it and I love cheer, and I love the whole program period,” she said. Between Ulloa’s focus on dance and the football side, and Theresa’s competitive understanding of cheer, the two coaches balance one another and offer the girls a chance to round themselves out as cheerleaders. Before the start of the regular season — which kicked off Saturday, Aug. 31 — Ulloa and Theresa had four weeks to work with the girls. For the older team, it was a time to introduce more complicated and advanced techniques. “We’ve been learning chants and cheers to do with crowds, and we’ve been learning jumps and to do stuff for our competitions,” Addison said. “We (also worked on) formations, how to hold pompoms and stuff like that,” Nylah said. “Getting everybody to stand in formation and try to do jumps (was difficult).” If the older girls were having to conquer the challenges of cheerleading, the younger girls were having an even tougher time starting out.

For most of them, these were the first cheerleading practices they had ever had, and the overall serious nature of the routines even took Ulloa by surprise. “It was very eye-opening, because when you think of a league, you think of an afterschool program where they come after school and it’s OK, but this is like, real,” Ulloa said. “They practice Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and they have games every Saturday. “They have uniforms, and they have to be in practice gear every day, and we have speciality bows and shoes — it’s not like we’re going to the park to do a little cheer,” she said. “They’re learning stunts, they’re learning different cheers. … They’re learning how to be great teammates.” Like leaders of any youth organization, Theresa and Ulloa hope to build something that will outlast the girls’ actual time in cheerleading. “I want them to feel a connection to the other girls,” Theresa said of her students. “I want them to have memories that they’re going to remember for the rest of their life. Really the whole idea in my head with building this, is that it is more of a family and not just an organization.”

Troy Herring

Growing the sport CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

who also teaches 11th-grade AP U.S. history at the school. “The east right now is just loaded with clubs — there’s not a lot of middle-school wrestling down here, if any at all. Most of our kids’ first experience is in high school. … But we’ll take kids who are going to go to West Orange, we’ll take kids who go to Olympia — it doesn’t matter.” Since it’s founding in 2017, the wrestling team at Windermere has offered an after-school wrestling club for its wrestlers — teams are required to operate as a club in the offseason. But as far as the newest addition of the youth club for children and teens from 5 to 14, participants will take in sessions over the next nine weeks in the school’s wrestling room. Everything from proper grappling techniques and footwork is taught at length to prepare

students for a possible future in the sport. So far, things have gone well for Baker, coach Aaron Drone and the high-school wrestlers who help during the club’s sessions. The children are having fun, and the coaching staff is impressed with their talents — some of which can be attributed to some of the children taking mixed martial arts classes. “They pick up things so fast, and they just bounce up so quickly,” Baker said. “They have just so much energy. They absorb the information so fast, and these kids have no fears.” Being fearless on the mat during club sessions is one thing, but fearlessness in competition can be much harder. Getting the children properly trained and ready for real matches is just one of the many aspects of the sport that the club sessions address. “You can’t replicate the match experience in the room in any

way,” Baker said. “Even if you’re brand new and advancing at a fast pace, once you go up against another team — against a guy who has been doing it since he was 6 — it’s a shell-shock.” Along with preparing the new wrestlers on the mat, Baker hopes to do something even bigger for the program by building relationships and having a family-type atmosphere. A winning program requires talented athletes, but being able to foster love for the sport — while having support around you — is the best way of developing a lasting foundation. “It’s really rewarding, because I don’t know if there is a coach out there doing it for the money — especially with kids club, because we’re not getting paid for this,” Baker said. “And that’s where the family atmosphere comes from, because you see who wants to be a part of the program. The high-school kids that stay to work with the little kids — that tells me a lot about the character of our kids right now.”

WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

Olympia dismantles Windermere WEEK PREVIEW 42-3 in first win of 2019 season

n APOPKA (2-0) AT DR. PHILLIPS (3-1) Last week, Dr. Phillips (3-1) was faced with the tough task of playing two games in the span of just five days. They escaped unscathed — beating both rival West Orange in a defensive slugfest and narrowly escaped Boone — but now, they face the next daunting challenge on their schedule. This Friday, the Panthers will take on Apopka (2-0), which is coming off a dominant win over Ocoee — knocking the Knights from the pedestal of the undefeated. With their old-school single-wing offense, the Blue Darters have a number of players, such as Jadon Harrington and Jaquan Lowman, who can score with their feet. The Panthers’ defense — which has given up more than 21 points only once this season — will have to continue its strong showing to contain Apopka.

CHRIS MAYER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

OTHER WEEK FOUR SCORES n Windermere Prep 13, Central Florida Christian 19 n St. Petersburg Northside 7, Foundation Academy 47 n The Master’s Academy 40, The First Academy 7

n THE FIRST ACADEMY (1-2) AT CALVARY CHRISTIAN (2-1) The First Academy (1-2) had extra time to prepare for The Master’s Academy thanks to a hurricaneinduced bye week Friday, Sept. 6, but that still didn’t help, because the Royals took a hard 40-7 pounding. Unfortunately, things don’t get easier this week. The Royals travel to Clearwater to take on Calvary Christian (2-1). The Warriors have utilized a solid offense throughout the first three games of the season, thanks to the play of senior quarterback Harold Cook, junior running back Kai Martin and junior receiver Richie Ilarraza. Although the defensive side of the ball hasn’t been as strong, guys such as seniors Jett Smith and Shelton Quarrels Jr. have had impressive showings for the Warriors.

Donrick Means hauled in a touchdown against the Windermere defense.

Photos by Chris Mayer

Windermere’s Stone Rivers ran hard against the Titans.

back across the field to Bryant Casteel for a 34-yard touchdown with 9:28 left in the third quarter. About four minutes later, Velin’s 15-yard TD pass to Isaiah Davis capped a drive that featured Kye Rivers’ 25-yard run. Velin added a short touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to start a running clock. “To be a successful team, you’ve got to take care of the smaller things and I think we did that fairly well tonight,” Gabriel said. “We took care of the smaller things and the results happened, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.” Gabriel Bertolazzo kicked a 22-yard field goal for Windermere, which finished Friday’s game without its top two running backs, including injured junior Jordan Dozier. Stone Rivers exited early in the second quarter against Olympia after taking a hard hit along the sideline. The Wolverines host Timber Creek Friday, Sept. 20, while Olympia has a bye week to prepare for district foe Oak Ridge Friday, Sept. 27.

DR. PHILLIPS HOLDS ON FOR 21-20 WIN OVER BOONE

It took a dramatic stop on Boone’s final possession, but Dr. Phillips managed to just pull off the 21-20 win over the Braves Friday, Sept. 13. After Boone (0-3) scored on a 12-yard pass from Casey St. John to Jacorey Thomas to cut the Panthers’ lead to 21-20, the Braves decided to go for the win, but the two-point conversion came up short — sealing the win for the home team. Until that point, the Panthers and Braves traded scores for three full quarters, before Nivon Holland scampered for a 5-yard touchdown run. The PAT by Riley Stephens gave the Panthers enough of a lead to hold. In the game, running back Brandon Fields led the way for the Panthers; he picked up 104 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries. Quarterback Isaiah Givens went 9-of-17 for 115 yards, one touchdown (to Jackson Hodor) and one interception. The win moves the Panthers to 3-1, and 1-0 in Class 8A, District 5. Next for Dr. Phillips is a home matchup against Apopka (2-0) Friday, Sept. 20. — TROY HERRING

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

lympia High’s football team took its lumps during the opening three games, but the Titans felt considerably better about their situation after their 39-point home victory Friday, Sept. 13. Olympia successfully kicked off its Class 8A, District 5 schedule with a 42-3 win over Windermere High. The Titans enjoyed a breakout performance on offense as senior quarterback Garrett Velin threw five touchdown passes — including a pair to Victor Jones Jr. during a pivotal second quarter — and ran for another score. The Titans (1-3) outscored Windermere 35-0 over the final two-and-a-half quarters after they managed a combined 13 points against West Orange, Ocoee and state-ranked Wekiva to begin the season. The performance was even more impressive considering Olympia was on the field for the second time in five days. Because of Hurricane Dorian, the Titans played Wekiva Monday, Sept. 9. Defense and special teams also played key roles in Olympia’s first win. The Titans tackled well throughout in keeping Windermere (1-2, 0-1) out of the end zone, while Colby Kintner converted all seven extra points. “When I made the schedule, I scheduled those tough three games at the start, and we played those teams tough,” Olympia head coach Travis Gabriel said. “We just didn’t play them tough for four quarters. But it was all about preparation and building character for what’s about to happen. Our goal has always been about the district and we just want to continue to get better as a group, and I think these boys are staying together and sticking with (one another).” Olympia opened the scoring late in the first quarter on Donrick Means’ leaping catch in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown. Velin’s long completion down the sideline to Jones helped set up the play. The Titans led Windermere 7-3 nearing the midpoint of the second quarter. Olympia’s offense was pinned inside its 20-yard line, but Jones turned a short reception into an 83-yard catchand-run touchdown at the 6:21 mark that put momentum in the Titans’ favor. O.J. Havens intercepted a Wolverines pass shortly thereafter, and that led to Velin’s 34-yard touchdown to Jones with 4:58 remaining before halftime. Leading 21-3 at intermission, Olympia enjoyed great field position in the second half. Velin scrambled to his right on a 2nd-and-17 play and threw

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PREP FOOTBALL RECAP

OrangeObserver.com

n TIMBER CREEK (3-1) AT WINDERMERE (1-2) Last week was a tough one for Windermere (1-2), which started out its season with an opening-week win over Cypress Creek. In the span of five days, the Wolverines dropped a close loss at the hands of University before being trampled on by Olympia in a lopsided loss. Now the Wolverines hope to bounce back against Timber Creek (3-1). Outside of a 10-point loss to Dr. Phillips, the Wolves have really hit on something in their wins over Boone, East River and most recently against Hagerty. The Wolves’ offense — the team’s most potent weapon — has seen a couple of guys play behind center, but the main goto has been Jake Johnson. The main attraction, however, is junior running back Adrian Florez, who through four games has picked up an impressive 445 yards and five touchdowns on 69 touches. Meanwhile, on defense senior linebacker Aiden Lewin has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses — recording 46 total tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. n WINDERMERE PREP (1-3) AT ORLANDO CHRISTIAN PREP (2-0) It’s been a rough go for Windermere Prep (1-3) — the Lakers currently are in the midst of a two-game losing streak following a surprise 19-13 loss to CFCA last Friday. The streak is the first of its kind for Windermere Prep since the 2015 season, but the Lakers hope to end it this Friday — although they face a tough task in doing so. The Lakers will battle it out with perennial a SSAC heavyweight in Orlando Christian Prep (2-0) — a team the Lakers know all too well. The Warriors’ offense is led by freshman quarterback De’kwan Bradley and senior running back Alonzo Scott.

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

THROWBACK THURSDAY The Winter Garden Times SEPT. 2, 1971 When the 1971 school year started at Ocoee High School, the Cardinals had a list of rules to follow when dressing for class. The Winter Garden Times printed the list so students knew what to expect “in order to maintain decorum and to keep good order.”

85 years ago

Through the courtesy of theater manager C.M. Biggers, the school milk fund matinees will return to the Winter Garden Theater. Biggers hopes to secure pictures that will be interesting to the children. Initiated several years ago by the Parent Teachers Association, the matinees raise money for milk for undernourished school children. Winter Garden Elementary School started its activities with an enrollment of 289, against 258 the year before.

60 years ago

According to the Rev. Fay DeSha, the kindergarten of the First Baptist Church School has been expanded to three 5-year-old classes and one 4-year-old class.

45 years ago

The Star-Lite Drive-In Church marked its 21st anniversary at a well-attended 8:30 a.m. service. Dr. Roy Ben Ridley of the Winter Garden Methodist Church preached the message. Presently, Marvin Osborne is serving as pastor. Duck Teal, Larry Grimes, George VanDemark and Bob Boney have given much of their time and efforts to ensure the continuation of the drive-in church service.

FROM THE ARCHIVES A century ago, construction began on the second Oakland Presbyterian Church building. The beautiful, ivy-covered structure, graced with stained-glass windows, stood on Oakland Avenue, replacing the congregation’s wooden church that was built in 1888 on Tubb Street. It was in use until 1971, when the present church building rose in its place. Oakland Presbyterian Church is one of many religious structures featured in the current exhibit at the Winter Garden Heritage Museum, titled “Praise! From Tents to Temples: West Orange County Houses of Worship.”

ACROSS

1 Island east of Java 5 Test, as gold’s purity 10 Run off to the chapel 15 “___ cares?” 18 Meme-loving CEO Musk 19 Brownish-gray 20 Chatty bird 21 Not just skim 22 Good name for a gardener? 24 Good name for a Diamondbacks owner? 26 Parsed 27 Rears of boats 29 Sobs

30 ___ Lama 31 Downfall 33 For some time 35 Sci-fi spinoff before “DS9” 37 Bothers 38 “And how!” 39 Afternoon affairs 42 Good name for a color consultant? 47 Good name for a discount store manager? 49 Ages 50 At work 54 “Gloria in excelsis ___” 55 Long, long time

GIRLS — Apparel in good taste are allowed provided they include the following qualities: neat, trim, a length that would not be embarrassing to you or to those who view you; tight enough to be attractive but not tight enough to be revealing; should not be discolored, fringed or decorated to the point of informality with pictures, slogans, etc. Slacks must have hem on bottom of slack leg; no hip-huggers. Culottes, pant dresses, jump suits, maxis and scooter skirts are allowed. Shorts and hot pants are not allowed.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

40 years ago

Warrior football fans could pick up their season tickets for $15 for five home games at West Orange High School vs. Oak Ridge, Titusville, Edgewater, Evans and Apopka high schools.

YOU MIGHT KNOW by PAUL COULTER; CROSSWORD PEOPLE Edited by David Steinberg

BOYS — Maximum hair length is midway between earlobe and shoulder. Hair should be combed out of eyes and off ears at all times. Sideburns can reach a maximum length even with a line parallel with the mouth. Mustaches must be trimmed. Beards or goatees are not permitted. Bermuda shorts in good taste are allowed. “Dress” T-shirts with sleeves and collar are allowed. Socks will be worn at the discretion of the student. Hot pants are not permitted. Looptailed dress shirts must be tucked in the trousers.

30 years ago

Fourteen-year-old Mary Ellen Steplight, of Oakland, scored three gold, two silver and one bronze medals at the Junior National Wheelchairs Games in San Francisco.

100 Singer Yoko 101 Dear, as a signorina 104 Sault ___ Marie 105 Lie next to 107 Big concert venues 110 Baquero of “Pan’s Labyrinth” 114 No fun 116 Senator Kamala 118 Accumulated 120 Good name for a construction worker? 122 Good name for a Greek restaurant server? 124 Burn balm 125 Thandie’s “Westworld” role 126 Gave five stars, perhaps 127 Name that’s a sour fruit backward 128 Cancels, with “out” 129 Photographer Adams 130 Contemptible sorts 131 Tabula ___

10 years ago

Ocoee began live-streaming on its website so residents could keep up with the city’s current events while watching Ocoee TV Live from the comfort of their home or office computers.

40 Soon, to a bard 41 IRS IDs 42 Precious stone 43 Cropped up 44 Winter formal, for one 45 100% complete 46 UFO crew 47 Many a CEO’s deg. 48 Threshold 51 Bridge tactic 52 Good name for a car thief? 53 Electra’s brother 57 Passionate refrain in rock songs 59 Bro, for one 61 Verbal shrug 66 Drive (to do) 67 Chasms 69 Convened, like Congress 70 “... ___ he drove out of sight ...” 73 “Famous potatoes” is on its license plates 74 Golf gimme 75 Looking at DOWN 80 Daddy 1 “Go ahead, sulk!” 2 ___ Thompson (Honey Boo 81 “Beg pardon ...” 82 Cal State campus near Boo) San Diego 3 Devoted 4 Prepares a bounce house 84 Letter before double-u 85 Sch. in the smallest state 5 100% complete 89 Often 6 Used a toothy tool 90 Surprised utterance 7 Soft leather 92 Its capital is Muscat 8 First 30-day mo. 93 More witty 9 Private line? 95 Like some cheesecakes 10 Hosts 96 Unfamous people 11 Cowardly Lion portrayer 98 Defend a hive Bert 56 Took the cake at a bake- 77 On, as a lamp 101 Library cubicle 12 “The True North strong off, say 78 “Case of the Ex” singer 102 Singer Grande, familiarly and free!” anthem 57 Ins’ counterparts 79 Calendar square 103 Vacation destination 13 12345 is a weak one 58 Writers Roberts and 80 Ziti, e.g. 14 Palindromic farm female 106 “Bleah!” Ephron 83 Circumvent 108 Stomach problem 15 Little piggy syllables 60 Forebodings 85 “___-daisy!” 16 Room at the top of a Clue 109 Preserved, as changes 62 Bailout key 86 Bee-related prefix 111 Coffee shop smell board 63 Nail polish brand 87 “Eureka!” 112 Partner of St. Kitts 17 Bookie’s quote 64 Colorful food additive 88 “Kapow!” 113 “A Passage to India” 21 Venice’s marketplace 65 Comforting comment 91 Total dumps woman 23 Stretching the truth 68 Good name for a sailor? 93 It’s stroked in thought 25 Counterintelligence org. 114 Powdered cleanser maker 71 7, on an old phone 94 Good name for a Beatles 115 Broad valley 28 “For shame!” 72 Good name for a birdfan? 117 Dream, in Dijon 32 Ho Chi ___ City watcher? 97 Good name for a road 119 Merlot and malbec 34 Go backpacking 76 “Li’l” character in classic builder? 36 “Deals of the Day” website 121 Doc bloc comics 99 Water balloons, e.g. 123 Certain South Asian

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407-496-4900

norb@HomeRebateRealty.com

407-656-3495

NOW PURCHASING

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Merchandise Wanted

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

656-2121 to reserve your space

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

Lost & Found

WORKS FOR YOU

CALL

Merchandise Wanted

Abbott – 12 years old, Chihuahua mix, curious looking (he has no teeth and no jaw, so his tongue hangs out all the time). He has a crooked walk due to bad arthritis. Our family is devastated and miss him very much! Missing since Dec. 30 and was seen near Aldi in WG that evening. Please call 407-731-4182 if you have any info. $1,000 REWARD! 6/20-lr

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

INFO & RATES: 407-656-2121 • Fax: 407-656-6075 • EMAIL: classifieds@wotimes.com • ONLINE: www.wotimes.com HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-4:30pm • DEADLINES: Classifieds - Tuesday at 10:OOAM • Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

www.budgetupullit.com

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

Includes up to Service includes: Front or Rear Pads, Parts and Labor. 7 quarts of Full Synthetic Oil. Tax and recycling fees are extra. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 9/30/19.

VIRUS & SPYWARE WinterREMOVAL Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 WIRELESS & WIREDWestOrangeRoofing.com NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

CLASSIFIEDS

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Thursday, June 27, 2019

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179.95 Mercedes E-Class $199.95

179.95 BMW 5 Series $199.95

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Full Synthetic Oil Service

BMW 3 Series Mercedes C-Class $

• All Engines $200.00 each • All Transmissions $100.00 each • Tires $15.00 and up • Batteries $25.00 • Warranties on all parts sold!

LV11097

BRAKE PAD SALE

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8AM - 5PM

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WEST ORANGE OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

TRUSTED PHYSICIAN CARE IN

YOUR COMMUNITY. We know it’s important to have a trusted provider who’s close, available and familiar. That’s why Orlando Health Physician Associates has neighborhood locations in many West Orange County communities, and why we’re excited to be growing! FAMILY MEDICINE • INTERNAL MEDICINE • PEDIATRICS • OB-GYN Same- and Next-day Appointments / Extended Summer Hours

NOW WELCOMING PATIENTS Apopka • Clermont • Horizon West • Ocoee • Summerport • Windermere • Winter Garden

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OrlandoHealth.com/WestOrange (321) 841-3724

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