09.30.21 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

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Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

SHOWDOWN! West Orange, Dr. Phillips will renew their rivalry. 15.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 88, NO. 39

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

THE BATTLE BEGINS The Gotha Rural Settlement Association is working to prevent plans to widen Florida’s Turnpike in the area. 5-8.

YOUR TOWN GOTHA TO HOST FUNDRAISER The Gotha Rural Settlement Association will host a benefit sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2, At the Gotha Community Center, 9561 Gotha Road, Windermere. The event will include a plant sale outside and many sale items inside, including furniture, artwork, records and a full set of Limoges dishes. Proceeds of the sale will go toward a new roof and other repairs on the historic clubhouse. For donation information, call Amber Hewett, (863) 272-2324.

IN MEMORIAM: 1934-2021

Lasting legacy

Pet-store decision delayed Ocoee city leaders once again elected not to render a decision on its proposed ordinance prohibiting pet sales. SEE PAGE 2.

Jim Thomas advocated for the restoration of Lake Apopka for 30 years and was the founder of Friends of Lake Apopka and the Oakland Nature Preserve. SEE PAGE 4.

GREASE IS THE WORD PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Dr. Phillips High School’s theater program returns to the stage with the classic musical, ‘Grease.’ SEE PAGE 13.

NOW OPEN: UCP cuts ribbon on its new Winter Garden facility. PAGE 3.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Ocoee commission delays decision on pet-store ordinance City leaders directed staff to meet with the owners of Chews A Puppy to discuss potential regulatory oversight measures. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

What was anticipated to be a night of fireworks proved to be a dud as the Ocoee City Commission once again did not render a decision on a proposed ordinance regarding animal sales at city pet stores. If approved, the ordinance would prevent stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits. Orange County approved in June a similar measure banning such sales. Currently, only one store — Chews A Puppy — sells puppies within

Ocoee city limits. The commission discussed grandfathering the store an exemption while applying the ordinance to all other stores. In the event Chews A Puppy was sold to new owners or passed down, it would fall under the ordinance and no longer be allowed to sell pets. The commission’s decision not to act came after more than an hour of public comment. Supporters of Chews A Puppy — including current and former employees — wore sea green shirts emblazoned with “I HEART Chews A Puppy.” The store opened in 2018 and, according to owners Nick and Crystal Grastara, has sold more than 6,300 puppies for adoption. Employees recounted how

their experience has changed them for the better and the joy they experience when families received a puppy. Conversely, representatives from Orange County Animal Services, Pet Alliance and Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the ordinance should be implemented with the same language as the one Orange County passed. They said the ordinance eliminated the potential for “puppy mills,” which they say have low standards of cleanliness and are hotbeds for disease. “There is very clear data that the pet retailers in Orange County, including the pet retailer here in Ocoee, import from the major puppy mills in the Midwest,” Wilson said. “This is data that is substantive, it’s been researched, and it’s traceable.” The Grastaras assured the

SELF-STORAGE MORATORIUM The City Commission passed unanimously a temporary moratorium on any future self-storage facilities. Because 11 self-storage facilities are either in business or planned in the city of Ocoee, the commission placed a temporary moratorium on these facilities to measure whether the plots of land on which many of these facilities are being built can be used for commercial space.

commission they have the highest standards when working with breeders and the puppies’ health after receiving them from those breeders. However, documents obtained from the Humane Society of the United States showed four breeders with whom Chews A Puppy has conducted business have been cited by the USDA for animal welfare violations. Attempts to reach the Grastaras for comment on these allegations were unsuccessful. When confronted about their “F” rating on the Better Business

Bureau’s website, the Grastaras said it is because they don’t use the site to settle disputes and encourage customers to contact them directly. Chews A Puppy was sued twice in 2020 for selling sick puppies that died shortly after purchase, according to lawsuits filed with the Orange County Clerk of Court. One case, which involved a 10-week old Maltese that died days after purchase, was settled for an undisclosed amount in February. The other, involving a puppy that died of congenital kidney disease three months after purchase, has a hearing set for Oct. 6. The commission voted 4-1 to direct city staff to meet with the Grastaras to discuss what regulatory oversight measures can be implemented into a potential ordinance before bringing it back to the commission for a vote. The store would be allowed to continue pet sales for 24 months with these measures. Commissioner Richard Firstner was the lone dissenter. He believed the city’s ordinance should follow be the Orange County ordinance word-for-word.

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Long time coming

DEMINGS: EMPLOYEES WHO DON’T COMPLY WON’T BE FIRED

Photos by Jim Carchidi

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida cut the ribbon last week on its new campus at 1441 Winter Garden-Vineland Road on Sept. 21. JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

n the surface, West Orange’s newest charter school is what you would expect; handmade posters and backpack racks line the walls while craft projects and educational games cover the tables. But a closer look reveals a unique environment where challenges are met with innovation and inclusivity. United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida cut the ribbon on its new campus at 1441 Winter GardenVineland Road on Sept. 21. The UCP Healthy West Orange Campus follows the model of its former West Orange location but offers twice the capacity, accommodating a total of 500 students. “We broke ground in October of

last year, just seeing the need and we were outgrowing our space,” UCP of Central Florida Senior Director of Development Nancy Mireles said. “It opened in time for this school year and gives us the opportunity to have charter school education, starting with pre-K and moving through fifth grade.” In addition to classrooms, the eight-acre campus offers therapy and counseling services that are not limited to members. “Charter students can receive therapy, but it also works as outpatient therapy,” Mireles said. “So you don’t have to be a charter school student to receive therapy here.” The campus was funded through a long list of community donors, including ABC Fine Wine and

Spirits. Company Vice President Charles Bailes is also a member of the Foundation Board of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida. “We started talking about this project about three years ago,” he said. “We had a waiting list at the West Orange campus. We weren’t supplying the need, so we started dreaming.” A $1.5 million grant from the West Orange Healthcare District was a big step toward making the dream a reality. “We felt their educational and health programing was excellent,” West Orange Healthcare District Board Chair Rod Talbot said. “We also saw where it was going to double the capacity of the number of students and families they were serving, so it was just a perfect fit for us.”

BRIEFS

Speech Language Pathologist Lisette Diaz high-fives Elias Rodriguez as he makes progress during an outpatient session.

The UCP Healthy West Orange Campus follows the model of its former West Orange location but offers twice the capacity, accommodating a total of 500 students.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

UCP’s education model creates an environment where students with any disability can learn alongside children without disabilities. The experience provides opportunities for social and emotional growth, and prepares for integration into a mainstream class environment. Each classroom is led by one teacher and two paraprofessionals, who assist with teaching, class management and administrative needs. Class size ranges from nine to 18 students and is customized, depending on age range and needs of the children. “There’s about 70 to 80 staff members,” UCP Central Florida CEO Dr. Ilene Wilkins said. “It’s a combination of teachers, therapists, social workers and administration staff. And one of the things we’re really proud of is this campus is 81% fully vaccinated.” According to Dr. Wilkins, plans are already in the works for an expansion, just behind the new building, with infrastructure already complete. The shell of the new facility is expected to be complete within six months, and progress will be made as additional funds are received. “We set out to raise money, and we have a $9 million building,” Bailes said. “We’re opening debtfree, and it’s just a miracle. Now, kids can get therapy, education and interaction with other kids. That’s why we exist.”

In Orange County’s COVID-19 update Thursday, Sept. 23, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said county employees who do not comply with the county’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate will not be fired. As of Thursday, Demings said 84% of all Orange County employees have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine or have had accommodations granted. Of those, 94% of nonunion employees have received at least one shot and 69% of union employees. Demings said those employees who refuse will be given a “written reprimand.” He also added the decision came after conversations with the firefighters’ union. “I believe the decisions we’ve made have been in the best interest of everyone, including our firefighters,” Demings said in the update. “This is the right balance, I think, going forward.”

FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS The Ocoee Fire Department is asking for the community’s help in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The department currently is selling its pink-themed T-shirts in support of breast cancer awareness. All proceeds from the Ocoee Local 3623 Fighting For The Cure T-shirt sales will benefit a local cancer foundation. T-shirts are $20 and can be purchased through Venmo at OcoeeProfessionalFirefighters or through CashApp at $OcoeeLocal3623.

NURTURE PLACE RECEIVES $150K GRANT

Special education student Kaiden Douglas works with teacher’s assistant Morgan Tindall as paraprofessional Jennifer Schampier instructs another group.

The Nurture Place recently was awarded $150,000 from West Orange Healthcare District, and it plans to use the gift to establish a permanent home in West Orange. The Nurture Place was first founded in 2019 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with the mission to expand access to care for children, families and the community.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Jim Thomas: Crusader for the environment AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

im Thomas has done more for the environment and conservation in West Orange County than probably any other individual in this area. He created Biosphere Consulting Inc. — a native plant nursery and environmental consulting firm — and founded both the Friends of Lake Apopka and the Oakland Nature Preserve, two organizations dedicated to local environmental restoration and conservation. Thomas, 86, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. James Milton Thomas, a fifthgeneration Florida native, was born Nov. 10, 1934, and was drawn to nature at an early age. When he was a child, his father took him and his brothers to fish in Lake Apopka. His love of nature continued into adulthood, and he studied biology and environmental studies at Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He obtained a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and continued his graduate studies at Yale University, University of Florida, North Carolina State University, University of Puerto Rico and Rutgers University. He served briefly in the U.S. Army in the 1950s. Thomas met his future wife, Peg, while both were students at FSU. They were married June 2, 1963, at Clearwater Methodist Church in Largo. They raised their three children in Winter Garden, where they have lived for nearly 50 years. NO BATTLE WAS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

Throughout his life he immersed himself into many battles on behalf of the environment, always promoting science to lead the way for sound growth and ecological restoration. When Lake Apopka was named one of Florida’s most polluted lakes, Thomas’ fond memories of fishing and swimming there inspired him to work on improving the health of the lake. He created the citizen advo-

cacy group FOLA in 1991, and it was dedicated to the restoration and long-term management of the lake. He spearheaded policy actions and funding efforts to bring the lake back to its past glory. Perhaps Thomas’ biggest accomplishment was when he and then-Florida Sen. Buddy Dyer approached the state legislature with a plea to help restore Lake Apopka. This resulted in the Lake Apopka Restoration Act of 1996, which provided millions of dollars to acquire northern shore farmland and turn it into natural wetlands. That was the pivotal point in the recovery of Lake Apopka, and it began to heal. In 1999, Thomas obtained grant money and, with the help of FOLA and Oakland residents, worked to get 128 acres set aside to create the educational nature preserve in Oakland. “The first thing he said was, ‘Let’s restore it to its natural habitat down to the lake, but in the meantime, let’s educate the public,’” FOLA President Joe Dunn said. The two missions would complement each other: FOLA would be the advocate for the lake, and ONP would provide the education. “It seemed no battle or cause was too big or small,” said Mona Phipps, a longtime friend who worked alongside him at Biosphere and in several environmental advocacy groups. “Whether it was standing up for a homeowner who wanted a native plant landscape and their HOA was against it or founding Friends of Lake Apopka to lead the battle for the restoration of the lake. And, although he received several awards, he never did it for the glory; he didn’t care about who got the credit. He only cared about getting it done. He was gifted at establishing advocacy groups. Always follow the science, create long- and short-term goals, and educate your ‘soldiers’ (members of the group) so everyone knows what they are talking about. “At the very heart of who Jim Thomas was, (he) was a teacher,” Phipps said. “First, last and always. I used to follow him

around with a notepad, and I wasn’t the only one. So much to learn and knowledge you could trust, and he always voiced things so they could be understood.” Dunn met Thomas when Dunn and his wife bought property on the lake in 2014. Thomas taught the Dunns about the conservation area and about protecting the lake, and then he talked Dunn into joining FOLA. “He was always about the mission, about the cause; it was never about him,” Dunn said. “He was so selfless. He deflected praise and glory, and he was always about what can we do to make sure this lake is restored to its former glory. And that’s what I really admired about him.” LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS

Thomas received numerous awards and recognition for his work on behalf of the environment, but it was not important to him to receive credit for taking a stand — it was more important to take the stand and make a difference. In 2017, Thomas was named to the Florida Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Hall of Fame for his tireless work with Lake Apopka and lifelong dedication to environmental protection. FOLA created in 2019 an annual award called the Jim Thomas Environmental Hero Award to honor Thomas and those he inspired to follow in his footsteps. The first recipient was Jim Peterson, an environmental scientist, FOLA science adviser and current ONP president who had worked with Thomas for more than 20 years to restore Lake Apopka. That same year, ONP officially named its headquarters the Jim Thomas Environmental Education Center, and Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark proclaimed Feb. 16, 2019, Jim Thomas Day in the town. Thomas was known for keeping notes, articles, letters and other papers, and this would result in 22 binders full of important information on the history of Lake Apopka. They have been donated to the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. “I reached out to UCF, and the history department and English

department are going to collaborate in writing the history of Lake Apopka restoration,” Phipps said. “That’s something Jim always wanted, so we’re going to make that happen. It will concentrate on 1940, when they built the levy, and moving forward when it got polluted.” “He was certainly one of a kind and a crusader for the environment in Central Florida,” Peterson said. “He was my hero, mentor and teacher for many years. His visions of Lake Apopka, the Lake Apopka North Shore and the Oakland Nature Preserve are all being realized today. I hope that we continue to remember Jim’s environmental advocacy as an example of how to bring about change and raise people’s awareness using science and teaching.” “Jim’s contributions to West Orange County and to environmental concerns overall were immense,” Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark said. “The town of Oakland will always be grateful for his influence and accomplishments. We will miss him greatly.” “I’ll remember Jim as a quiet, substantive, effective leader for the environment at the place and time where attention and effort needed to be focused,” Jay Exum said about his longtime friend and mentor in environmental activism. “He was the singular reason so much effort has been placed on restoring Lake Apopka, including inviting ecotourism, collaboration with landowners and allocation of major sources of funding. You couldn’t get a Lake Apopka project approved without first going to meet with Jim Thomas to get his perspective. “I can only imagine how many other people’s paths were influenced or directed by Jim, and that is surely a part of his legacy,” Exum said, adding that he has served on many environmental boards because of Thomas. “He, by example, showed the rest of us what we should be doing to make a difference, even if we might not do it as well as Jim would have.” Earlier this year, FOLA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission launched a fish tag challenge, and a $5,000 prize was offered for the angler who caught the fish named for Thomas. “Because of Jim’s courage and determination, Lake Apopka’s water quality has dramatically improved,” FOLA officials wrote on the group’s Facebook page. “Birders flock to the restored wetlands of the north shore, hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, cyclists travel to ride our lakeside trails, and anglers are discovering rejuvenated bass fishing. Jim Thomas’ efforts and legacy will live for many generations to come.” Besides FOLA and ONP, Thomas founded the Friends of the Wekiva River and spent years on the board of directors for the Florida Wildlife Federation and the pollution control advisory board for the Reedy Creek Improvement District. In addition, he shared his environmental and ecological knowledge with Orange Audubon Society, the Henry Nehrling Society Inc. and multiple Orange County task forces. In addition to his wife, Thomas is survived by a daughter, Ellen McNeil (and husband James Armstrong), of St. Marys, Georgia; son, Jay (and wife Angie), of Clermont; brother, Don, Castle Rock, Colorado; grandchildren, Amadeus Cochran and Jimmy Caldwell. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later date. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

Gotha rallies to protect history The Gotha Rural Settlement Association is hoping to persuade Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise not to widen the turnpike from eight to 12 lanes. Members say it will destroy wildlife, lakes, history and homes. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

otha is one of the oldest settlements in West Orange County, and its rich history is evident with its 136-yearold botanical wonderland and numerous old cemeteries that date as far back as the 1800s. But the Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is threatening all this history, said Theresa Schretzmann-Myers, a longtime advocate of Gotha and Nehrling Gardens. FTE is proposing to widen a 10-mile stretch of the turnpike — from south of State Road 408 at mile post 263 to State Road 50 at mile post 273 and along S.R. 408 from the turnpike interchange to east of the overpass at Old Winter Garden Road — from eight lanes to 12, which would encroach on several historic properties, she said. Furthermore, FTE is proposing to lengthen a bridge on Hempel Avenue, which would call for moving the sound barrier farther to the east and west, she said. This creates more runoff and more light and noise pollution. “Stormwater impacts are our greatest issue,” Schretzmann-Myers said. “There are no trees planted on these bridges to suck up the water. Trees are great if they would plant them as a buffer, but where are you going to put them on bridges?” Furthermore, Orange County has made some mistakes, Schretzmann-Myers said, causing major stormwater runoff issues. The turnpike expansion will create even more, she said. She is concerned about the many lakes that dot Gotha, the abundance of wildlife that flourishes there and the unique history of the small, two-square-mile rural settlement.

The study limits extend along Florida’s Turnpike from south of State Road 408 at mile post 263 to State Road 50 at mile post 273, and along S.R. 408 from the Turnpike interchange to east of the overpass at Old Winter Garden Road.

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SEE GOTHA PAGE 6

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

125 N. Lakeview Ave. Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

CHURCH OF GOD

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

GOTHA FROM PAGE 5

RICH IN HISTORY

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

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

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

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4th Monday of the month at Elks Lodge from 5-7pm

FAMILY 1st Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm MOVIE Family Movie in Fellowship Hall NIGHT Kids Movie - Education Bldg refreshments available for purchase sponsored by the united methodist men

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Gotha is a Historic Rural Settlement in Southwest Orange County with a long history. It is the resting place of famous painter Bob Ross and Dr. Henry Nehrling, scientist, ornithologist and botanist, whose historic Palm Cottage Gardens still exists in Gotha. German immigrant H.A. Hempel founded Gotha in 1885; the main thoroughfare is named for him. Hempel acquired 1,000 acres and invited fellow Germans to live in his new colony, which he named after his hometown in Germany. “Gotha in the 1890s was a very lively community,” said Kathleen Klare, director of the Gotha Rural Association Inc. “Because of the background and the intellect of these German people, they were rebuilding the character of their old German culture, and they were building it in the woods of Florida.” Gotha became a desirable location for cemeteries after locals held their first burials in the Turnverein and Zion Lutheran Cemetery at the quiet northeast corner of Hempel and Morton Jones. This is just 150 feet from the turnpike, SchretzmannMyers said. The Turnverein Germans placed the first gravestones, which now are buried in an overgrown area just east of Hempel. On the other side of the cemetery are the Lutheran gravestones. Henry Nehrling, who founded Nehrling Gardens, and his wife and two daughters were buried here; he was later moved to Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home. To the east on Morton Jones are three Jewish cemeteries: Temple Israel Garden of Eternal Rest, Beth Israel Memorial Park and Congregation Bet Chaim. Woodlawn is nearby on Woodlawn Cemetery Road. Schretzmann-Myers said folks from the Jewish cemeteries are forming a coalition to try to keep FTE from taking their land through eminent domain. Along Morton Jones Road is the last

10-acre green space north of Nehrling Gardens. A weathered for-sale sign is posted on the property. Several gopher tortoise burrows are nestled on this land — on one of the few remaining green spaces in Gotha — surrounded by Nehring Gardens to the north, development and graveyards to the east, Morton Jones Road to the south and more cemetery plots to the west. “There needs to be no more development around Lake Nally,” Schretzmann-Myers said. “Make it a Florida Forever Land.” New Life Worship Church and Crenshaw School have gopher tortoises along the berm behind their property near the turnpike, as well. The gopher tortoise is a keystone species of longleaf pine forests. It digs deep burrows for shelter and shares the space with more than 350 other species; its presence means survival for animals such as snakes, frogs, skunks and rabbits. These animals live in high and dry places, which includes the area of Hempel Avenue in Gotha. The turnpike runs along the highest ridge, and all water runs off the roadway and into Gotha’s basin of lakes. A HUGE CONCERN

Richard Nehrling, the great-grandson of Henry Nehrling, has several historical documents from 1956, when Gotha citizens wrote letters to the Florida State Turnpike Authority expressing their concerns about the original turnpike. Its original path would have cut Nehrling Gardens in half, but the turnpike authority’s then-chairman made the decision to reroute the turnpike to the south and spare the gardens. Richard Nehrling wrote a letter to FDOT earlier this month expressing his concerns about the current proposed project. As of press time Tuesday, he has not received a reply. “This is, of course, a huge concern for me and the decades of work by local citizens to bring back to life the historic home and gardens in Gotha,” Richard Nehrling said.

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David Boers, who grew up in the Gotha area and has lived on Morton Jones Road since the early 2000s, said flooding wasn’t a problem when the turnpike was first built. The flooding from stormwater runoff started in the late 1990s, when the turnpikeS.R. 408 interchange was built. He fears it will get worse if the widening project is approved. “The turnpike (authority) did (its) own studies,” he said. “Then there was another study to show what they could do to fix it. Because it was a multiphase project, they kept pushing it to the next phase and the next phase, and nothing ever got done.” The lakes in Gotha are closedbasin lakes, meaning water does not flow out. “They stay here because there’s nowhere for them to flow out,” Boers said. “You can build in a floodplain if there’s somewhere for it to go.” But, in Gotha, the water has nowhere to go. When the turnpike was built, Mill Lake was split into two smaller lakes, Mill and Gotha. Boers’ property is on Gotha Lake and abuts the turnpike bridge. The runoff from the turnpike has affected his property and his neighbors. He built a big levy to hold back all the water coming from the turnpike, and it worked. “We’ve seen the impacts (at) Nehrling Gardens,” SchretzmannMyers said of the rising water levels in Lake Nally. “We’ve lost all of our lakefront plantings — bald cypress, pond cypress, pickerall, duck potato, all the aquatic plants we planted to restore the lakefront have drowned because there was so much water. And these are aquatic plants. And we’ve had this invasive Cuban bullrush that has

taken over the entire perimeter of Lake Nally. “The lake is very unhealthy right now,” she said. “Nehrling planted bamboo above the 100year floodplain, but many died and had to be cut out when Lake Nally rose and covered them with water.” Farther offshore on the Nehrling property is a dying Florida longleaf pine, standing more than 100 feet tall and thought to be between 200 and 300 years old. “The turnpike expansion right now is going to impact more areas around here that we haven’t seen impacted,” Boers said. “They are building on a flawed system, which is very dangerous. Like, if you’re going to build a condominium, and you get two floors up and you think, ‘You know, I don’t think this concrete is right. But we’ll just strengthen later on.’ Now, you’re at 10 floors and someone says, ‘Let’s build five more.’ “FDOT has a certain stormwater regulation,” Boers said. “The state of Florida law — you have to use a 100-year floodplain, and all your design is based on that elevation. … Somewhere along the line, FDOT was able to use the 25-year floodplain as their basis. So, they dump all their runoff off their right of way. Who’s responsible? Orange County. “I feel bad for Orange County; they inherited it,” he said. “They tried real hard, but someone at Orange County approved something at Lake Nally that they shouldn’t have. … Zoning, in particular, was the enemy on this one. “The problem is all these things have taken place, and the worst about it is this is rural development,” Boers said. Boers has lost two-and-onehalf acres in property because of

Amy Quesinberry

Nehrling Gardens is trying to save a dying Florida longleaf pine, which stands more than 100 feet tall and is thought to be between 200 and 300 years old.

a change in floodplain. “This was classified by the original planners in Orange County as a rural district, and if you followed the law, the rural code, you can’t put more than one home per acre — and if they had followed that, there wouldn’t be flooding on Lake Nally. And because we’re rural, the turnpike said, ‘How

many people will we actually impact over here?’ “I’m a believer that if the turnpike would just talk to Orange County, they could find a compromise,” he said. “Nicole Wilson is great.” The Braemar community — on Hempel between Fischer Lake and Lake Nally — has 53 homes

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

on its 50 acres, and this is part of the problem, Boers said, because a rural settlement can only have one house per acre. It also was built with underground drainage that empties into Lake Nally, Boers and Schretzmann-Myers said. This lake has nowhere to drain, so when fill dirt was added near the lake to fit in more homes, Boers said, the water levels rose. “We’re seeing the observation deck (at Nehrling Gardens) for the first time in two years,” Schretzmann-Myers said. “We think Lake Nally has gone down because they turned off the pipe during this lawsuit.” Several families who live on Lake Nally and whose homes are either under water or are close to it filed a lawsuit in 2019. Two have had to abandon their homes because of severe interior water damage. Also affected is the nearby Camp Ithiel, which has been operating along the shore of Fischer Lake since 1948. The land was reduced in size in the late 1980s when S.R. 408 was extended west. Mike Neff, camp director, said the lakes of Gotha, Fischer and Nally, have all experienced flooding in the last two years. “What we’ve experienced in Lake Fischer is flooding, which is unusual, and is probably related to a number of things,” Neff said. “Our flooding issues are related to, in part, to another retention pond that’s on the north side of the 408 between Hempel Avenue and Old Winter Garden Road. I say, ‘in part,’ because the other part of our flooding is due to rainfall and some due to development.” At nearby Lake Pearl, a green buffer separates the lake from the turnpike. SEE GOTHA PAGE 8

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

GOTHA FROM PAGE 7

“These trees probably will have to come out with the bridge expansion,” Schretzmann-Myers said. Removing the trees increases the runoff into the lake, which, in turn, floods the habitat. “There’s no buffers on the bridges, no buffers for sound, no buffers for lights,” she said. “They’re already getting impacted from the extreme noise, the LED light, the sound, and all that nonpermeable surface is going to pour more water into Lake Pearl “Lake Pearl is healthy now — but I don’t know what will happen once the bridge is lengthened,” Schretzmann-Myers said. “FDOT announced the public meetings only one to two weeks in advance,” she said. “A lot of people have no idea this is coming down the pipeline because there was no notice. All we can hope to do is educate the turnpike (officials).”

“They are building on a flawed system, which is very dangerous. Like, if you’re going to build a condominium, and you get two floors up and you think, ‘You know, I don’t think this concrete is right. But we’ll just strengthen later on.’ Now, you’re at 10 floors and someone says, ‘Let’s build five more.’” — David Boers, Gotha resident

TURNPIKE STUDY

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, part of the Florida Department of Transportation, is conducting a Project Development & Environment Study for widening the turnpike in West Orange County. The project is in the second step of a five-step process, according to Maria Parada, community outreach specialist with FDOT and FTE. Nothing has been approved, and no funding currently is available for the project or its design. This second step, the PD&E Study, includes looking at existing conditions, future traffic needs and alternatives; making environmental and engineering evaluations; garnering public and agency involvement; and making study recommendations. During the PD&E study, the public is encouraged to comment. When this phase has ended, officials determine if the project should move forward. A public hearing is planned for late spring or early summer 2022. As part of the study, all interchanges in this area and the need for new interchanges will be evaluated. The turnpike currently has eight to 12 lanes (four through lanes and one to two auxiliary lanes in each direction), within the study limits. The PD&E Study will evaluate widening the turnpike with and without managed lanes, plus auxiliary lanes, according to the turnpike website. The project also will include bridge construction, and improvements and modifications to the existing interchanges. A public information meeting video presented by the FTE in a virtual meeting Aug. 10 and again during an in-person meeting in Ocoee Aug. 12 said an evaluation is

Amy Quesinberry

There are few green spaces left in Gotha, one of which is south of Woodlawn Memorial Park.

being done on the potential effects to the social, cultural, natural and physical environment. This includes aesthetic effects and relocation potential; wetlands and other surface waters, water resources, floodplains and protected species and habitat; highway traffic noise, air quality and contamination; and historical and archaeological sites. In the video, Nathan Silva, a PD&E consultant with engineering consultant RS&H Inc., and several officials, answered a number of questions posed by residents. The panel included specialists in noise, right of way, drainage and traffic, as well as a roadway engineer. When asked about a construction timeline, they said although there is no funding or official schedule, “this project is a high priority for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, and funding may come available in future funding cycles.” One resident asked if the

FOR MORE INFORMATION For information and updates, visit Turnpike408to50.com.

proposed improvements would impact the historic cemetery on Hempel Avenue. “No, this project will not impact this cemetery,” officials said. “It’s far enough away that it will not be impacted.” Another asked for an explanation of the Hempel improvements. “This project crosses Hempel Avenue at two locations,” officials said. “The turnpike bridges over Hempel, and all we’ll be doing is widening the bridge over Hempel right there. Where Hempel crosses over the State Road 408, the widening of S.R. 408 will not fit under the existing Hempel Avenue bridge, so we will have to replace

that Hempel bridge with a longer, wider bridge.” Officials said they have had numerous meetings with Orange County and all municipalities affected by the proposed project. One citizen asked for details on a proposed bridge at Lake Pearl “If that’s one of the water bodies that’s directly adjacent to the turnpike — we will be looking at ways to minimize any impacts to any of the adjacent water bodies either through retaining walls or bridging,” officials said. “We’re looking at a variety of alternatives, but as we progress ... we’ll have more answers in the future.” Schretzmann-Myers said there is only one answer — don’t widen the turnpike or lengthen the bridges in Gotha. “It’s a massive project, and the impacts are going to be felt through the Gotha Rural Settlement and every other settlement that this goes through,” she said.

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OrangeObserver.com

‘Devious Licks’ TikTok trend makes its rounds in OCPS As of press time Tuesday, 10 schools within the school district have reported incidents of vandalism and theft related to this social media trend. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Schools are speaking out about the “Devious Licks” TikTok trend that began earlier this month. “Devious Licks” is a challenge started on the social media app that showcases students stealing school items, including paper towels, soap, lab equipment and more. In a typical video, a student will unzip his or her backpack and reveal allegedly stolen goods. The bigger the item, the more popular the video. Students have gone so far as to steal parking signs, school laptops and desk chairs. The trend started Sept. 1 by a user who posted a video boasting about a box of disposable surgical masks that allegedly had been stolen from a school. “A month into school ... absolutely devious lick,” the user captioned the clip. The video garnered 345,800 views before it was removed by the app’s developers. Another u se r ’s video accumulated more than 13 million views when he posted a video unzipping his backpack to show off a wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispenser. TikTok officials say the videos violate community guidelines. The company has since removed the videos from the platform.

Orange County Public Schools spokesman Michael Ollendorff said 10 schools have reported “Devious Licks” incidents as of Wednesday, Sept. 22. Those include Conway Middle, Innovation Middle, Roberto Clemente Middle, Odyssey Middle, Boone High, Cypress Creek High, Lake Nona High, Dr. Phillips High, Meadow Woods Middle and Lake Nona Middle. OCPS said the number of incidents is not currently available. The trend has left schools remaining cautious. Andrew Leftakis, principal of Windermere High School, sent a message to the school’s families. “Students who participate in this type of behavior will be subject to discipline according to the code of student conduct up to and including suspension and possible arrest,” Leftakis said. The current Code of Student Conduct includes four levels of offenses, with Level One being the least severe and Level Four being the most severe. Vandalism lies under levels two, three and four, depending on the cost of damage. The consequences for level four offenses may include a 10-day suspension, expulsion from the school district, referrals and more. Leftakis encouraged parents to discuss the issue with their students and to report any information immediately.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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Town of Windermere Executive Assistant Diane Edwards brought her dog, Spike, to the event.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

WINDERMERE MOURNS DEATH OF STUDENT The Windermere High School community is mourning the death of one of its students. Madison “Maddy” Trover, 17, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 25. Maddy’s aunt, Kelly Trover DiGiovanni, has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover funeral and memorial expenses. It is available at bit.ly/3zItW8I. “Maddy was such a sweet and compassionate girl who loved race cars (just like her Daddy!), her dogs, crazy family and friends,” DiGiovanni wrote. “We are truly devastated and will forever feel her absence but have faith that she is at peace in heaven with our Lord and Savior.” School officials acknowledged Maddy on the school’s Facebook page. “The entire Windermere Community mourns the sudden loss of Maddy Trover,” officials wrote. “For now, we need to respect the family’s privacy as they go through this difficult time. … WHS will have grief counselors on campus … to support any student in need. If you feel as if you need additional assistance, please contact the school. Thank you for the love and support you give our students every day.” DiGiovanni wrote: “We ask that prayers be lifted for our family as we begin this new journey without our beautiful Madison Raven and are sincerely finding it impossible to let her go. Hug them tight, parents.”

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

VALERIE HUNT, SPRING LAKE ELEMENTARY Valerie Hunt is a second-grade teacher, and her job includes creating fun and interactive lesson plans for her students in reading, math, social studies, science and health. This role also includes consistently looking at data for each student to see where he or she needs help. She asks, “What needs to be retaught, and where can I improve as a teacher?”

What brought you to your school? I lived in Winter Garden for many years, and I wanted to impact learning in the area. What do you love most about your school? My school is a community school. Many of the students walk to school. We only have one OCPS bus. So, we have very strong ties to our community. What is your motivation? My motivation comes from seeing students grow and start to succeed in the classroom. I love watching their scores go up and feeling like they now have a foundation to go on and be successful in school and eventually life. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Student success is very rewarding. However, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is running into former students and finding out what they are doing now. I have three former students who are teachers. What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to be creative. I am really into building birdbaths out of unusual shapes and colors. I love looking at

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What is your favorite children’s book and why? Right now, one of my favorite books that I read to my class every year is “The Magic Half.” It’s about the adventures of a little girl who finds herself in the past and she has to help another little girl with a big problem. The story includes some hilarious interaction with her twin brothers and some nail-biting interaction with a mean teenage boy in the past. It is sprinkled with fairy magic, and I love to stop reading and leave my students at the best parts. They are always excited for me to pick up where we left off. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? My superpower would be to read the minds of my students so I would know exactly what they are thinking and how to help them in the classroom. I feel like I have pretty great intuition with kids, but being able to read their minds would help! — AMY QUESINBERRY

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

POSITION: Second-grade teacher TIME AT SCHOOL: Ninth year

PREVIEW EVENTS

the finished products. A friend of mine has one that I made, and her son was accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design; he told his mom that my birdbath looked like sculpture art. That felt amazing. I also love to travel. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher in school was Miss Anthony. She loved reading great books. In my reading group, we read “The Hobbit.” Our principal didn’t believe we could understand what we were reading, so he came by to observe our group and was amazed at the reading and discussion we had. She also told funny stories, which is why I tell my students stories to reward them for hard work. If you child was ever in my class, they probably came home and told you about “Blob the Frog!”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Hopelessly devoted Dr Phillips returns to in-person performance with a classic musical. JIM CARCHIDI ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The T-Birds and the Pink Ladies will escort Dr. Phillips High School’s theater magnet program back to normalcy with a production that was last presented with a famous alum. “Dr Phillips did ‘Grease’ back in 1992 with Mr. Joey Fatone as Danny,” Program Director Jason Whitehead said. The rock ’n’ roll high school musical seemed like the perfect choice for a return to live audiences, after a tech-inspired pivot allowed for viewing at home. “Last year, we were able to do productions, but we had to do them virtually, so the kids did perform but we filmed them and we broadcast online,” said Whitehead. “This year, we wanted to pick something that we knew would celebrate theater and welcome people back. We didn’t want to hit them over the head too hard with any deep, symbolic messages, so we thought, ‘What’s a fun show?

What’s a good time for everyone involved?’” Audiences will need to mask up in compliance with the Orange County Public Schools mandate, but masks are optional for performers. Students and their families have been given the choice, so there may be a mix of masked and unmasked cast members. Cloth masks had to be used in last year’s virtual production, so the performers are used to wearing them. And the art of compensating for the sound-dampening accessory will remain useful when masks are no longer necessary. “We are retraining our students to project more than they think they need to,” Whitehead said. “The face is the most expressive part of the body so, when half of it is covered, how are you using your physicality? How are you using your whole body to tell this story?” Aside from being a fun production, “Grease” features an age group students can portray with authenticity. “It’s mostly juniors and seniors (in the cast), but we do have a couple freshman and a couple sophomores,” Whitehead said. “But it’s primarily our 16- and 17-year-olds, which are primar-

Angelo Zizza plays Danny, and Larissa Polakiewicz portrays Sandy.

ily the ages of these characters.” The magnet program will continue its season with the one-act play “The Illusion” Nov. 5 and 6. The student orchestra will participate in a production of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” Feb. 17 and 20, 2022, and the season will end with the play “Intimate Apparel” April 21 to 24, 2022. Whitehead believes the success of Dr. Phillips’ performances lies in the program’s curriculum. “We pride ourselves on the fact that all of our students have a comprehensive education,”

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“GREASE” WHEN: Sept. 30 and through Oct. 3 WHERE: Dr. Phillips High School, 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando SAFETY PROTOCOL: Audience members are required to wear masks. TICKETS: Tickets are available online at teachtix.com/dphs.

Jim Carchidi

he said. “We are not just teaching them on-stage or backstage techniques; they’re required to learn on- and off-stage positions. I’m staring at cast members right now who are helping with lights, even though they’re not on the lights crew. They know it contributes to their production. “They understand the finishing touches and the fine details required,” Whitehead said.

WEST ORANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES

The sophomore class of Ocoee High School has added seven new students to its rolls, bringing the total to 23. President is Sarah McFadden; vice president, Marie Grafton; and secretary, Ruth Grafton. Madge Peters’ home was the scene of a party with five tables of bridge. Honored guests were Eula Britt Grant, who was visiting from New York; Jane Hall Britt; and Tena Pounds Britt.

75 years ago

“Shorty” Mask announced the opening of his service station at Ninth and East Plant streets specializing in greasing, washing and steam cleaning. George Merchant, one of Winter Garden’s outstanding businessmen for 25 years, sold his menswear store to O.I. Cox and Tom Cox.

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.

70 years ago

Mrs. Edwin Pounds entertained with a party in honor of her daughter, Linda on her first birthday. A bridal luncheon was given at the Imperial House in Winter Park in honor of Miss Jeanne Lease, bride-elect of Mr. Alan Hays. Hostesses for the occasion were Mrs. Franklin Cappleman and Mrs. Charles Hawthorne.

CROSSWORD

50 years ago

Editor’s notebook: Anyone living on Main Street in Windermere can tell you that when the train come through the town it is a shaky experience. More affected than most is the Windermere Art Gallery. According to Lydia

Quick, every picture in the gallery ends up crooked. If she’s lucky, she added, they straighten back up when the train returns.

20 years ago

Mikel and Elizabeth Miller, owners of Photograph-X,

LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN by Rebecca Goldstein; Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 "Nomadland" director Chloe 5 Spanish for "bull" 9 Sharpen 13 Receded 18 Mothers' helper? 19 Elaborate ruse 20 Songwriter Tori 21 The Bell Centre, for one 22 Surgery requirement (Theme hint: In this clue's answer, unscramble letters 7 to 12) 25 Climbs without help 26 Nimble 27 Like some threats

28 Munch Museum's European capital 29 Ashkenazic or Sephardic 30 Number of musketeers 32 Speck in the sea 33 "It ___ me!" ("I'm innocent!") 34 Word before "cream" or "ale" 35 Starbucks' Skittles Frappuccino, e.g. (... letters 6 to 11) 40 "There was no other choice!" 42 Aunt, in Argentina 43 Observe 44 Hits with snowballs

SEPT. 29, 1977 It was a momentous occasion when Golden Corral announced it was bringing its family steakhouse to Winter Garden. It was established on East State Road 50 at Ninth Street. The restaurant listed some of its menu favorites in an advertisement in The Winter Garden Times, and this included a specialty steak for $2.49; the Hefty Hamburger for 79 cents; a rib-eye starting at $3.49 and a filet mignon for $3.89.

Rosita and Nina Martinez appear in this photograph. The mother and daughter were Cuban refugees who were sponsored by Winter Garden’s First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Martinez taught Spanish on television’s local Channel 24, and Nina became a doctor. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is gathering and preserving documents, letters, business information and family histories from Hispanic residents. Call (407) 656-3244 if you have something to share.

85 years ago

55 years ago

THROWBACK THURSDAY

45 "Cheers!" (... letters 4 to 7) 49 They may pop up 51 Statistical average 52 Job connections 53 Supporter of the LGBTQ+ community 54 "___ Mubarak!" 56 They're far from basic 58 Soundtrack part 60 "Thx" counterpart 61 Beyonce's "___... Sasha Fierce" 62 Fort worth a fortune 63 Comply without resistance (... letters 14 to 16) 70 Adept

71 Bother big-time 72 Airbnb opening in '20? 73 Slimy pest 75 Wonder Woman's rope 77 ___ choy 78 Regarding 80 Tiny projectile in a food fight 81 Doesn't lose in musical chairs 82 "Work in Progress" network, briefly 84 Certain dumbbells (... letters 4 to 7) 89 Author Jong 91 Wong of "Tuca & Bertie" 93 Diamondbacks, on a

scoreboard 94 Move convulsively 95 Where to see a room with a view (... letters 9 to 13) 99 Digs up dirt? 100 Showed on TV 101 Japanese honorific 102 Hexagon, for one 104 Act that restricts free speech 106 Uninspiring 107 School near the 97-Down 108 Hazel or Violet 112 Speedy Bolt 113 Opportunity to make firstround picks? (... letters 5 to 8) 116 Scorpion's defense 117 Painter Magritte 118 Born's partner 119 Like washed-out jeans 120 Gate joint 121 Must pay the piper 122 Treasures 123 Strong animals

on Wurst Road in Ocoee, designed and silk-screened a patriotic-themed T-shirt to sell to raise funds for the American Red Cross. The Millers wanted to make a difference after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

37 Knight's drink 38 Incoming flight stats 39 AOL rival 40 "Indeed!" 41 Oscar nomination, e.g. 46 Cut in two 47 If not 48 ___, shoulders, knees and toes 50 Japanese TV brand 55 Small demon 57 Fish in tacos 59 Barrier that may be "shattered" 60 Tennis shirts, often 61 Sign, as a contract 62 Punch sound 64 Sixteen-oz. units 65 Where Katie Ledecky won four golds 66 Torah holders 67 Low-calorie, on a beer can 68 Pack leaders 69 Tunes for two 74 Deep cut DOWN 75 Italy's former currency 1 Region 76 Up to one's old tricks 2 Blow forcefully 77 Neckwear with Native roots 3 Huge pile of work 78 Brother of Moses 4 Rowing stick 79 Fat-free milk variety 5 "A Black Lady Sketch Show" 81 Stitch creator Robin 83 Like boozy seltzer 6 Tons and tons 85 "Very funny" 7 "RuPaul's Drag ___" 86 Gas whose formula is C2H6 8 Kitchen gizmo brand 87 Waffle House alternative 9 Major inconvenience 88 Cost associated with 10 Eggy dishes pollution 11 Something prohibited 90 Organize, as flowers 12 Superlative suffix 92 Treadmill setting 13 Relaxes 96 Not many 14 Amateur bakers' packaged 97 River through London purchases 98 Respect highly 15 Caused to feel small 103 Clutches 16 Actress Mireille 104 Spew 17 Bit of seasoning 105 Spumante source 18 "___ I do that?" 106 Cold ___ coffee 23 Reflect 107 Bronte heroine Jane 24 "Salt Fat Acid Heat" author 109 Assistant Samin 110 Faucet brand 29 MLK Day's month 111 Eternity's lack 31 Rwandan people 113 Expert 32 Without warmth 114 Longtime "notorious" 33 Dandelion, for one justice, for short 34 Declines an invitation 115 Money-minded exec 36 And other authors (Abbr.)

CELEBRITY CIPHER

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

"UCN'H DAN GN NKGH VPZ: G OXT'N KPFC P RXXO VXSJ CNKGL. G KPFC P SCPU LPHAPU SCUPNGXTHKGD VGNK KXASH." BPTCPTC RPSXIPUX

"Y'U P CGUPZ, PZN Y'U UGWEYNYUTZIYKZPW. YL Y API ECT JTFLTHE LKFU KL PZDECYZM, Y'N XT XKFYZM."

CPWITD

Puzzle Two Clue H equals C

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clues F equals V

SUDOKU

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

9-30-21

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

HIGH

SPORTS

Foundation Academy’s Ian Garcia is a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for the Lions. Page 16.

West Orange- and Southwest Orangearea schools competed at the West Orange Invitational Sept. 25. Foundation Academy’s Mehari Van der Riet took second in the boys competition, while Dr. Phillips’ Henson Lis and Joel McConnell took sixth and seventh, respectively. On the girls side, Olympia’s Emily Knopfle took the top spot in a time of 18:46.57. The Titans took second in the girls competition and third in the boys.

File photos

WORTH THE

SQUEEZE

After having their schedule wrecked by COVID the last two weeks, the Ocoee Knights return to action Oct. 1 against East Ridge. The Knights are 3-0, but had games against Apopka and West Orange postponed. Their game with the Warriors is now set for Oct. 11.

The Ol’ Orange Crate rivalry between West Orange and Dr. Phillips dates back to 1987. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

The Metro West Conference volleyball tournament begins Oct. 1 at Olympia High School, with the first and second round of games. The tournament features teams from across the Orange County.

In addition to the Ol’ Orange Crate game between West Orange and Dr. Phillips, other noteworthy matchups take place Oct. 1 include Windermere vs. Osceola, Foundation Academy vs. Ponciana, Olympia vs. Celebration, and Windermere Prep vs. IMG Academy Blue. Fans can purchase tickets on the GoFan app.

West Orange County, West Orange and Dr. Phillips will meet for the 30th

time Friday, Oct. 1, to determine who will hoist the Ol’ Orange Crate at the end

West Orange and Southwest Orange welcomed the return of fall Little League play Sunday, Sept. 26. Dr. Phillips Little League and Windermere Little League celebrated their Opening Days after a summer of uncertainty with resumed restrictions. Because Little Leagues are private organizations, they are exempt from Orange County’s ban on youth sports passed back during the late summer.

n one of the oldest rivalry games in

of the game.

SEE HISTORIC PAGE 16

Titans set up for success with new coach, strong start Junior Abigayle Dickinson recently participated in the fall National Team Development Program volleyball camp. CHRIS MARTUCCI SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s note: Stats are as of Tuesday, Sept. 28. Over the summer, Olympia High School junior Abigayle Dickinson was hoping to receive an invitation to the 2021 National Team Development Program Summer Training Series volleyball camp. The camp, hosted by USA Volleyball, is where some of the best high school volleyball players are invited to train with the national volleyball team coaches

and former players. Many of the players invited are considered for positions in national age group teams the following year so the camp could mean an opportunity to compete on the national and international stage. While one of her teammates was invited, she was not. And just like Michael Jordan, she took that personally. Dickinson currently is ranked seventh in Florida and first in Central Florida in kills during the 2021 season (230). She holds the

Chris Martucci

First-year coach Semei Tello, left, and Abigayle Dickinson are ready to win.

team lead by more than 70 kills so far. With that early performance, she was not passed over this time for the elite camp’s fall session. “I was really excited (when I found out),” Dickinson said. “I was ecstatic to be offered the opportunity to play with them.” The training camp took place

during the weekend of Sept. 11 and featured many familiar faces among the campers for Dickinson. “A lot of the girls were in my same age group that I play against in club national tournaments,” Dickinson said. “It was nice to SEE TITANS PAGE 16

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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

OL’ ORANGE CRATE

But how did the two teams come to play for an orange crate? The tradition started in 1988, when then-West Orange assistant coach Tim Smith got the idea of the orange crate after hearing about it from two students — one from West Orange and another from Dr. Phillips. “They’re the ones that got the idea started that when the school opened, (the schools) should play for an orange crate, because both schools have such a long history in the citrus industry,” Smith said. Smith later got together with West Orange High School agriculture teacher Rick Stotler, who had connections with some of the citrus company owners in the area, and asked him to acquire and design a crate that could be used for the trophy. “Even in the 80s, the citrus companies were not using the wooden orange crates,” Smith said. “One of the Winter Garden companies, they found one of the old crates and had it donated. … Rick’s connections to the industry is how he tracked down what became the original orange crate.” Dr. Phillips won the first Orange Crate game 36-0.

Ian Garcia Ian Garcia is a senior on the Foundation Academy football team. He is a so-called “Swiss Army Knife” player, because he plays multiple roles, including kicker, punter, slot receiver, linebacker and safety. Garcia was named the Orlando Touchdown Club’s player of the week for Sept. 8 after hitting three field goals, including one for 45 yards, during the Lions’ 38-6 win over Orangewood Christian Sept. 3.

What mindset does it take to be a utility player? It has to do from the trust of the coaches. … (Against Lakeland Christian), I had a good game, because they threw me in at slot receiver and had some plays for me to run. They put me in at linebacker, had some blitzes for me to do. … It’s about the coaches putting me in the best positions to make plays. I work hard every week to do them, and they come out during the game. What part of the field do you enjoy playing the most? To play at the next level, I have been talking with a lot of coaches to play punter and kicker. I’m still very focused on that part of my game. … I went to a lot of kicking camps, so that’s my main position. The most fun position to play on the field, for me, is safety. I love being able to see the field and come down and get a hit on someone who is not looking … getting those picks. Are there any schools you are talking to in particular? There are a couple schools I went to over the summer that I’m still in contact with. Davidson College in North Carolina, Cornell, Brown and SMU. Georgia Tech and South Carolina are up

THE BASICS Age: 17 School: Foundation Academy Grade: Senior Sport: Football Position: Athlete

there, too. Hopefully by the end of this year, I’ll have a couple of offers. Favorite TV/Netflix show? “Manifest” and “The Office.” Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint chocolate chip. If you weren’t playing football, what sport would you play? Soccer. I recently stopped playing club soccer to play football, but I still play for the school here. Favorite MLS team? Orlando City SC. Disney or Universal? Favorite ride? Universal — The Hulk. What’s an interesting thing about you no one would expect to know? I know four languages — English, Portuguese, Spanish, and I know a little bit of French. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Paris. I would like to see the Eiffel Tower, the French history and many other things. In the U.S., I’d like to go to Hawaii. — CHRIS MARTUCCI

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DP and West Orange did not play each other in 2020. Before DP opened in 1987, West Orange High School was the only high school that served the West Orange area. Because of that, many of the students had gone to elementary and middle school together, breeding familiarity with each other. When DP opened, that split the two sides and led to an intense rivalry early on. In 2010, the rivalry took a brief intermission when the two teams moved into different divisions. Because of that, no game was played between them until the rivalry resumed in 2015, when the schools moved into Class 8A, District 9. Coming into the game, the two teams are trending in opposite directions. West Orange is 3-1 and coming off an unexpected week off — their rivalry game against Ocoee was rescheduled to Oct. 11, because of the Knights’ bout with COVID. Dr. Phillips is coming off a loss to Lake Mary, plunging

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their record to 2-3. Outside of a 13-0 loss to Apopka, the Warriors have steamrolled every team they have played so far, allowing only three points and scoring 146. They have a balanced attack on the ground and through the air. On the other side, Dr. Phillips has struggled to find offensive consistency early on — ranging from dominant performances against Celebration and Timber Creek to struggling against toptier opponents Jones, Apopka and, most recently, Lake Mary. Despite their records coming into the game, fans know they can expect a tough battle for one of the premiere trophies in the area.

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Since it started in 1987, DP leads the series 18-11 and has won three of the five games played since the rivalry resumed in 2015 after a four-year hiatus. The Panthers won the last meeting in 2019 by a score of 14-7.

Like many high school rivalries, West Orange and Dr. Phillips have had crazy shenanigans happen during the years. That was especially true in the 1990s, which included infamous incidents such as donuts on the football field and spraypainting the rival school with the opposing team’s logo, Smith said. One time, West Orange students burned their school’s initials on the DP football field. “Back in the 90s, high school students did a lot more crazy stuff,” Smith said. “You’d get arrested for stuff like that now.” Since then, the rivalry has cooled down considerably. “The kids didn’t know each other as much as they did anymore since the early 90s,” Smith said. “Due to it being the longest-running trophy game … it’s become bragging rights now.” One controversy that has seemingly never been answered is the time the crate disappeared while in DP’s possession. No one is sure what happened or how it disappeared. Smith said he found out about what happened after DP asked Stotler for another crate. As the head coach of the Warriors, he used it to fire the team up. “The day of the game, I told the team that (DP) lost the crate,” Smith said. “(DP) was not happy that I had shared that information with the team. I used it as a pre-game motivation thing, and the administration was not happy about that.”

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Ernest Bernard “Erndog” Crawford Jr., 57, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Sept. 10, 2021. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden. Trinidad “Trining” Durohom, 91, of Windermere, died Monday, Sept. 6, 2021. DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory, West Orange Chapel, Ocoee.

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successful business that it is today. Ron married Carrie in 2007, and they built a beautiful life together. They enjoyed traveling, horseback riding, sailing, martial arts and being involved with their local church. Ron was passionate about men’s ministry, scuba diving, and sharing his knowledge with others. Ron always encouraged others to strive to be their best. During his “Celebration of Life” his pastor said he always felt safe when Ron was on duty with the Safety Team. He was also honored by several people who shared what an impact he had on their lives. He and his father were members of the local “Iron Men of God.” Their relationship was observed by many men. Ron’s walk matched his talk. Ron is in heaven enjoying the presence of The Lord. For that we are very happy. He is deeply missed by all of us still on earth: his family, friends and all who knew him. To view Ron’s Celebration of Life, visit youtu.be/hFPdUjoea1g.

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Ronald Allen Cole, a Certified Public Accountant of Cole and Associates in Winter Garden, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 9, 2021. Ron is survived by his parents, Robert and Lynne Cole; his wife, Carrie Cole; his daughters, Lauren Barnick and Makaela Cole; his sisters, Donna Robinson and Deanna Key; and his eight beautiful grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents. Ron was born in Richmond, Kentucky, Dec. 17, 1965. Ron graduated from Edgewater High School in 1983. He was a member of the Marine Corps JROTC and was Cadet Commander for two years. Ron was determined to be a Marine and, with his parents’ permission, joined the corps when he was 17. He served with pride in all he did. While serving in Desert Storm, a superior encouraged him to become an officer. Ron then went through Officer Candidate School and graduated in 1993. After serving for 12 years, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps as a 1st Lieutenant. Ron went on to graduate from UCF with his bachelor’s degree in accounting. He opened his own practice and grew Cole and Associates into the very trusted and

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have other coaches other than my coaches here at (Olympia), though my coaches here are great.” Before the season, Dickinson had to adjust to a new position and a new coach. After being the libero — the back row defensive specialist — for her first two years at Olympia, she was moved to outside hitter by first year volleyball coach Semei Tello. Having to adjust from one position to another was a challenge, but Dickinson took it in stride. “He’s helped me with (figuring out) when I do have a big block in front of me where to put the ball and how to create points for my team,” Dickinson said. However, she did say there was one down side to the adjustment. “I’m small for an outside hitter,” Dickinson said. Tello is Dickinson’s third coach in three years, but so far, she feels she has a good chemistry with him. She said the difference between Tello and her other two coaches is the passion he has for the job. “He’s definitely more invested (in the team) and wants to win,” Dickinson said. “Our other coaches — it just felt like they did it because they felt like they had to do it or were invited to do it. … All the girls have adapted to (Ponce’s) coaching style, and all of them seem to respect and listen to him.” Tello has taking a liking to Dickinson, as well. “Abigayle is a very special player,” Tello said. “We have a good core to work with here, and she’s the perfect leader for our team.” Before coming to Olympia, Tello served as volleyball coach at Lyman. He had known Olympia Athletic Director Kevin McElveen for 13 years and coached his son’s travel volleyball team. As of press time, Olympia’s volleyball team is 11-7 Dickinson said the big goals for the team this season are to win districts, which they have not won since 2017, and to make a deep run in the state playoffs.

RONALD ALLEN COLE DIED SEPT. 9, 2021.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

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DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

Seasonal Decorations & Light Displays

Halloween Light Show on City Hall Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, 7-9 pm Live Music, Shows, & Pop-Up Street Performers Fridays/Saturdays/Sundays, 6-9 pm Moonlight Movie – Monsters University (2013, G) Saturday, October 23 Family Activities, 6:30 pm Movie, 7:10 pm Downtown Pavilion Hay Maze at City Hall Spooky Caboose at the History Center Friday, October 29

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Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll Saturday, October 23 - All Day Fall-Themed Merchandise, Food, Drinks Interactive Movies at the Garden Theatre Hocus Pocus (1993, PG), October 10 Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975, R), October 30 & 31 (Purchase tickets at gardentheatre.org)

Celebrate Outdoor Dining Month at Expanded Patios Fall-Themed Farmers Market