12.28.17 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange

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VOLUME 84, NO. 52

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR! YOUR TOWN TRAINING COMPLETE

Pfc. Michael Schaefer, of Winter Garden, has completed basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. He will begin additional training at Camp Pendleton, California. He is the son of Dawn Schaefer, of Winter Garden.

TREES OF HOPE In conjunction with the Challenge 22 5K walk for PTSD and veteran suicideawareness that took place in November in downtown Winter Garden, the American Legion Post 63 and Santa’s Old Fashioned Christmas Trees have partnered to share hope with veterans (or anyone) who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts. A 10-foot tall tree is set up on the legion porch and is being decorated by the community through the end of December. For more information call, (407) 656-6361.

Floating like a butterfly S. Scott Vandergrift, Ocoee’s longest-serving mayor, died Dec. 21, 2017. He was 77. AMY QUESINBERRY | COMMUNITY EDITOR

f you wanted something in the city of Ocoee, S. Scott Vandergrift was the person you wanted fighting on your side. The former longtime mayor championed many causes dear to his heart in his hometown of Ocoee — whether it was hav-

ing a light installed on a dark street or getting the new high school emblazoned with the city’s name. The Ocoee native died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at age 77. The former mayor’s family described him as cantankerous, witty, eccentric and a beloved icon and said he died just as he lived — as a fighter and a legend.

TRIBUTE CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Giving a holiday tradition for Ocoee couple The Eckbreths have served families in need through Southeastern Food Bank for 15 years. GABBY BAQUERO NEWS EDITOR

Dawn and Ted Eckbreth, who reside in Ocoee, are the type of people who cry when watching TV commercials about world poverty and malnutrition. But they are also the type to do something about it. Aside from founding their own homeless ministry — Christians who Care, Caring For People — for 15 years, the duo has volunteered with Southeastern Food Bank in Ocoee, which collaborates with a SEE HOLIDAY PAGE 2

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Holiday tradition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

network of nonprofits to deliver food to families in need in communities throughout the state. The couple has made it their tradition to volunteer for three holidays a year: Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas. Last year, the Southeastern helped 175,940 families, giving away about 1.8 million pounds of food and supplies. VETERAN VOLUNTEERS

On Christmas, the couple joined the queue of 70 to 100 cars at Ocoee High School at about 7:30 a.m., where the boxes were packed the prior day with food and toiletries by more than 100 volunteers. Each volunteer was given a list of addresses, but the Eckbreths have been volunteering so long they simply received their 80 boxes and headed off to deliver them to about 40 families. “We’ve been serving the same location — Deneef

Village in Ocoee — for at least 10 years,” Ted Eckbreth said. “There are probably six or seven families with kids there, mostly single parents.” Deneef Village is a trailer park located on Clarcona-Ocoee Road surrounded by single-family home communities under construction. The stark contrast between the surrounding development and trailer park is something that astounds the Eckbreths. One of the families — a Mexican family of five — has resided in the trailer park for 18 years. The mother, Ana Jimenez, who works as a dishwasher at a restaurant, said she is grateful when the Eckbreths bring socks and blankets, because clothes and shoes are considered luxury items for the family. Despite being in need herself, Jimenez sometimes tries to distribute some of the food

throughout the years. Speaking of the memory still brings tears to his eyes. “Right across the trailhead of the West Orange Trail near downtown Winter Garden, there’s a lowincome community we’ve been to several times,” he said. “One of the times we visited, Dawn knocked on the door and someone yelled, ‘Who is it?’ We replied, and said, ‘We have food for you.’ So he opened the door and said, ‘I was just asking God for food.’ And he was just in tears and kept hugging us.” Gabby Baquero

Ted Eckbreth, Dawn Eckbreth and Mark Anthony, president and founder of Southeastern Food Bank, have developed a friendship after more than a decade of working together. “I really think doing this for so many years has made us better people and changed the way we think about things,” Dawn Eckbreth said.

they receive from Southeastern Food Bank to others. “I’m really grateful to them,” Jimenez said. “And the people that they get the food from. I don’t know who they are, but I’m sincerely grateful.” More than a decade of delivering boxes to families all over West Orange has made the Eckbreths well-acquainted with the struggles people similar to the Jimenez family endure. Dawn Eckbreth recounted one of their early experiences at a home in Tildenville. “It was small

little house, but when the mom turned on the light, there were nine faces looking back at me,” she said. “I remember one of the little girls came up to me, and asked, ‘Would you like to see my little book?’ I said, ‘Of course.’ So we sat in a chair and she started flipping through her little book that she had drawn, but in the drawings, it was Thanksgiving time and there was no food on the table. And I thought, ‘How bad must it be if a child drawing pictures of her family at Thanksgiving time does not even think about food on the table?’” Ted Eckbreth also recollected an experience that has stuck with him

MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

The myriad of experiences have permanently altered the Eckbreths’ perception — and that keeps them coming back to do the same thing year after year, they said. They feel they’ve both changed drastically since the day they first knocked on a stranger’s door. “I think the other thing that we learned is that there is a huge need,” Dawn Eckbreth said. “Here in our own backyard — as well as the entire world. We all need, as compassionate human beings, we need to take a look at those next to us or that maybe live in a neighborhood that doesn’t look as nice as yours, and ask, ‘What can I do to make your world better today?’ You don’t have to resolves all their issues, but ask, ‘How can I make your life a little better today?’”

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Ocoee’s favorite son V

andergrift cherished the city he called home and was proud of his lifelong commitment to public service. His first stint in politics was as an Ocoee city commissioner from 1967 to 1969. He was elected mayor in 1973 and served two years. In 1992, he ran for the mayor’s seat again and won, serving until his retirement in 2015. He devoted his life to making the city of Ocoee a better place to live. He was spotted frequently around the city driving his white Prius (his “mayor mobile”) and wearing his shirts, hats and ties that promoted his beloved city. Vandergrift had several schticks, including handing out butterfly pins and “get-out-of-jail-free” cards. Often, he could be found on the side of the road or in the mall sitting in a lawn chair with a sign that read, “Stop and chat with your friendly mayor.” “He radiated, light, warmth, wit, tackiness, fun and service,” daughter Donna Deitrick said of her father. “He really cared about others and lived a very impactful life. (He was) always volunteering, he never met a stranger, he always made you feel important, loved and heard.” His many campaigns were run as grassroots surrounded with volunteers from all over Orange County helping him win his campaigns. “You knew it was election year when you entered the city limits of Ocoee and saw the tackiest homemade signs made from old construction wood and painted with leftover paint,” Deitrick said. “He believed strongly in recycling, and his campaigns reflected that belief.” His favorite passions were fishing, butterflies and performing as Santa Claus. During his tenure, the city’s population more than doubled — from 15,000 residents to more than 40,000. But he always made time for his constituents. “One of the things I loved about my dad was he made you feel special,” Deitrick said. “It didn’t matter where you were from.” His motto was this: It’s not what you give people, it’s not what you do for people, it’s how you make them feel. “That was a very big thing he did — getting on the citizens’ level,” Deitrick said. He had a genuine concern for his residents, and one of his favorite activities as mayor was marrying couples at the Ocoee Gazebo on Valentine’s Day. Cathy Sills, customer service utility billing supervisor, has been at Ocoee City Hall for 24 years and interacted often with the former mayor. “To me he was … a public-relations person for the city,” Sills said. “You couldn’t find anyone to help the city any more than he did. He always saw the good in everybody. He was kind, quirky, he gave 150% of himself to the city and to the citizens. Everybody didn’t always agree with him, but nobody can … say he didn’t love the city and everything it stood for.” She recalled his fight to have the new school named Ocoee High and how he won that battle because of his perseverance. “I’ll never forget walking into my office at Ocoee High School before we had even opened and seeing the mayor in my chair,” former Ocoee

WEST ORANGE TIMES &

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / Dawn Willis, dwillis@OrangeObserver.com Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Senior Sports Editor / Steven Ryzewski, sryzewski@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Gabby Baquero, gbaquero@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Black Tie Editor / Danielle Hendrix, dhendrix@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Brittany Gaines, bgaines@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Executives Michelle Gentry, mgentry@OrangeObserver.com Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@Orange Observer.com Creative Services Tony Trotti, ttrotti@OrangeObserver.com Customer Service Representatives Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com Katie Rehm, krehm@orangeobserver.com

“He was everywhere. He flitted around like a butterfly. He might not stay anywhere 10 minutes, and then he was on to the next thing. I think that’s why he loved butterflies so much because he f litted around like one.” — Cathy Sills

High Principal Mike Armbruster said. “He said, ‘Remember, you may be the principal, but I am the mayor!’ I laughed and told him to get out of my chair. “From that moment on, we worked together to make OHS something pretty special,” Armbruster said. “He even donated a 10-foot helium balloon with OHS on the side that we would fly 100 feet above the football games with the U.S. flag waving proudly below. He never missed a game or a play or a band performance in those early years. He truly was the mayor of Ocoee High School and a good friend to me.” Sills, too, remembers his presence at nearly every athletic event the school held. “He was everywhere,” she said. “He flitted around like a butterfly. He might not stay anywhere 10 minutes, and then he was on to the next thing. I think that’s why

he loved butterflies so much — because he flitted around like one.” While mayor, Vandergrift worked hard to get the southwest side of Starke Lake cleaned and beautified. There is a mayor’s butterfly garden there, the result of his good environmental stewardship. “He was just a kind soul,” Sills said. “I was absolutely heartbroken to learn of former Ocoee Mayor Scott Vandergrift’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to his family and many friends,” Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. “Not only was Scott a transformative mayor for Ocoee — a real ‘handson’ leader who was devoted to improving the lives of Ocoee’s families, children and senior citizens — he was a good friend and counselor to me. “It goes without saying that there will never be another Mayor Scott Vandergrift,” she said. “He was a beloved Central Florida leader and icon — a true son of Ocoee. I’m going to miss him, and I know that our entire Central Florida region will feel this loss — especially the people of West Orange County, which he loved so deeply.” “The city offers its sincere condolences to Mayor Vandergrift’s family, friends and loved ones and to the residents of the city of Ocoee,” Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said. “May he rest in peace, and may his memory live on with all who knew him.” Born to Eleanor and John “Foots” Vandergrift, in Ocoee, Florida, on March 22, 1940, Sam Scott Vandergrift was the youngest of five boys. He graduated from Jones Business College with a bachelor’s

degree in management and marketing and served on the USS Waller in the U.S. Navy for three years. He worked for Bellsouth Telephone Company for 25 years and was a real-estate broker for more than 40 years. Vandergrift’s memberships ran the gamut, from Ocoee Lions Club and Rotary Club of Ocoee to Friends of Lake Apopka and the Florida League of Cities. He was a charter member and past president of the Ocoee Jaycees, the Ocoee Little League and the TriCounty League of Cities. He was a board member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, president of the Ocoee Volunteer Fire Department and chairman of Save Our Star-Lite Inc., an organization created solely to try to prohibit the demolition of the iconic Star-Lite drive-in movie theater in neighboring Winter Garden. Vandergrift is survived by George Henry “Frog” Vandergrift (Ruby Jean), the last of the Vandergrift boys; his three children, Donna (and Greg) Deitrick, Lee Vandergrift and Marsha Vandergrift; ex-wife, Linda Marlene Vandergrift; grandchildren, Brent Deitrick (Alana) and Chelsea Vandergrift (Jason Antrup); greatgranddaughter, Dawson Deitrick; caregivers, Maria Vargas and Stephanie Coan; and the citizens of the city of Ocoee. He was predeceased by his wife, Beth Vandergrift. A celebration of life will take place at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, at the Ocoee Community Center. To honor Vandergrift, citizens can plant butterfly-attracting plants or make a contribution to Wounded Warriors or Cornerstone Hospice. Jean Grafton, who served as the city clerk during Vandergrift’s terms as mayor, has known him his entire life and knows firsthand his love for the city of Ocoee. “I watched him want to do things for the city because he loved the city so much,” she said. “There was no one who loved the city of Ocoee more than Mayor Vandergrift. … He took his job seriously. He was absolutely everywhere. “He was as dedicated to his job as mayor as anyone could ever hope to be,” Grafton said. “I respected him a lot for his desire to do what needed to be done for the city.”

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

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Orlando Police Master Sgt. Debra Clayton, an Ocoee resident and alumna of Dr. Phillips High, was killed in the line of duty Jan. 9. Published Jan. 12.

For the ninth year, residents of east Winter Garden celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day during the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual unity celebration. Published Jan. 19.

Sasha Alexandra Novkov is a free-spirited street musician from Ocoee, who makes her living playing her violin in downtown Winter Garden. Published Jan. 12. Left: The Central Florida Watercolor Society hosted its annual juried exhibition at SoBo Gallery. Published Jan. 26.

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The landmark Edgewater Hotel in downtown Winter Garden celebrated its 90th anniversary. Published Jan. 26.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

FEBRUARY

Jason Faucheux danced with his daughter, Olivia, during Winter Garden’s sixth annual Blues and BBQ Festival. Published Feb. 16. Below: Oakland town staff members joked around at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 Big Orange Awards. From left: Town Manager Dennis Foltz and commissioners Sal Ramos and Rick Polland. Published Feb. 9.

Jon VanderLey is considered by many in West Orange to be the impetus for positive change and structure in the town of Oakland. It was under his leadership as mayor from 1998 to 2004 that the budget was stabilized and a charter school was built. VanderLey, 78, of Winter Garden, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017. Published Feb. 9.

Independence husband Jonathan Proto took Valentine’s Day to new heights by renting a helicopter for his wife, Natasha. Published Feb. 23.

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More than 350 area students representing more than 10 high-school bands participated in the HAPCO Music Foundation’s Sunshine Jazz Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Ocoee High School. Published Feb. 9.

Right: The West Orange High School Theater Department’s staged “Shrek: The Musical.” Published Feb. 16.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

After nearly two decades, Ken Rush announced his retirement from the West Orange High School Theater Department. Published March 16.

West Orange High freshman Brandon Paulikas is staying positive after a leukemia diagnosis. Classmates started a #BrandonPStrong campaign to raise funds for medical expenses. Published March 9.

Shakur Wright and Rahjanique Locklear were crowned Mr. and Miss Ocoee at the school’s 2017 pageant. Published March 2. Blue skies and beautiful weather helped make for a fun-filled day at the city of Ocoee’s Spring Fling festival. Published March 16.

Dean Whiteside served as the conductor at the Rotary Club of Winter Garden’s annual Evening at the Pops concert. Published March 30.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

APRIL

Ocoee residents flocked to the Jim Beech Recreation Center for the city’s annual Easter Eggstravaganza. There, children collected thousands of eggs before having their photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Published April 20.

Alyce Carothers, 102, was a regular at Frank’s Place. Her order always included a martini. Published April 20.

Nurse Nancy Pfaff has been walking alongside Zac Kennedy in his journey to overcome cancer. Today, Kennedy is cancer-free. Published April 20.

Octavious Altemus King, 26, died Feb. 24 at the Armor CrossFit of Ocoee. He was just 26 years old. Published April 6.

Left: Six-year-old Valentina Lopez gently played with butterflies found in the Butafrog Butterfly Exhibit at The Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s annual Spring Fever in the Garden. Published April 13.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

MAY

Olivia De Gracia received a medal for finishing Bridgewater Middle School’s first Flash Dash 5K. Published May 11.

‘Shark Tank’ star Daymond John visited the Ocoee Hardee’s. Published May 25.

Mindy Hungerford, left, and Wendy Cooper organized a Second Chance Prom fundraiser to support a mission trip to Uganda. Published May 4.

Jillian Arney stopped by the make-your-own-sno-cone station for a refreshing snack at Whispering Oak Elementary School’s annual carnival. Published May 4.

Ocoee resident Christopher Cramer received food, clothing and assistance from friends and neighbors after his home was destroyed in a fire earlier. Published May 25.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

JUNE

Community support was overwhelming for Gunnar Bradshaw, a former West Orange High baseball standout facing bone cancer. Bradshaw, seated, is surrounded by his friends, all of whom shaved their heads for their buddy. From left: Cody DeNoyelles, Lane Cross, William Wrigley, Alan Archer and Devon McCormick. Published June 22.

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Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, right, presented Theo Graham with an eagle trophy for his 25 years of dedication to the city’s Memorial Day program. Published June 1.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

JULY

After playing in a soap-filled bounce house, Anabelle Silipino, left, and Mary Neilson were covered in bubbles at the Independence community’s July 4 celebration. Published July 6.

Jeremy Blockson and his son, Jeremy Michael Blockson, served up some delicious barbecue at Cranium Academy Winter Garden’s Summer Carnival. Published July 27.

Lifelong comic fan Scott Schlazer opened West Orange Comics and Video Games in Ocoee. Published July 13.

Caleb Brewer couldn’t believe his eyes when Gatorland wrangler Justin White placed this bearded dragon, named John Cena, into his hands at the Winter Garden Branch Library. Published July 20.

Gabby Swart and her parents, Bryan and Erika, traveled to Washington, D.C., for JDRF’s Children’s Congress. Published July 27.

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Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey selected Haki T. Nkrumah as Citizen of the Year for District 1 for his mentoring work with young fathers. Published July 27.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

AUGUST Winter Garden resident and Dr. Phillips High alumna Ashley Collins auditioned for “American Idol” in Orlando. Published Aug. 17.

Emilia Langdon, 5, carefully placed a layer of paint on her Harry Potter wand during Creative U’s summer camp. Published Aug. 10.

The West Orange High faithful cheered on the Warriors as they took on their new rivals, the Windermere Wolverines. Published Aug. 24. James Capeletti displayed a healthy sense of humor following a decision to amputate part of his left leg. The Winter Garden police sergeant had been in pain ever since a 2006 crash. Published Aug. 24.

At long last, Windermere High School welcomed its first students for the 2017-18 school year. Published Aug. 10.

One of Victory Martial Arts’ smallest students showed off his talents during a martial-arts demonstration at Independence’s National Night Out. Published Aug. 10.

Right: Members of Ocoee High’s marching band prepared for their new season at their band camp. Published Aug. 10.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

The Minnick family of six sold all its belongings and moved to Costa Rica to serve as directors of seven pregnancy centers and share their Christian faith. Published Sept. 7.

Juan Gonzalez danced into the middle of the dance floor for West Orange High School’s Homecoming coronation ceremony. Published Sept. 28. Right: Parker Luisi gave a high-five to Plato the Publix dinosaur at the grand opening of the Publix location at Hamlin Cove. Published Sept. 7.

A late turn in its path pushed the eye of Hurricane Irma closer to West Orange County Sept. 10 and 11. Published Sept. 14.

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Samantha Knowlden and Rusty Rice showed up to the Headdress Ball in their best steampunk attire. Published Sept. 28.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OCTOBER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Father and son Andrew and Brian Workman, of Ocoee, spent 177 days hiking the Appalachian Trail — the world’s longest continuously marked footpath that extends from Georgia to Maine. Published Oct. 5. Winter Garden resident Scott Metts is a national facial-hair champion. Published Oct. 5.

Molly Fitzsimons, 5, spent several minutes climbing through the inflatables at Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center’s annual Fall Festival. Published Oct. 26.

“Katniss Everdeen,” designed by John Hamstra and modeled by Alyssa, was one of many eye-catching outfits on the runway during the Sugar Art Fashion Show at The Americas Cake Fair. Published Oct. 19.

Ashley Trickett was among the Thornebrooke Elementary students who planted nearly 800 pinwheels on the front lawn as part of the school’s “Pinwheels for Peace.” Published Oct. 5.

CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS ELEMENT (CIE) UPDATE

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT

Notice is hereby given that the City of Winter Garden, Florida, is scheduling a MUNICIPAL ELECTION - TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 2018 - 7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M. at which time the following officials are to be elected to serve a 3-year term:

CPA-2017-003 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the City of Ocoee Planning & Zoning Commission, acting as the LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY, will consider a proposed amendment to the City of Ocoee Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of updating the Capital Improvements Element.

City Commissioner District 2, 3 and 4 Candidates for the City Commission shall have been a resident of the City and district in which they run for one (1) year by the end of qualifying and shall have been a registered voter in the district for which they run for one (1) year prior to the end of the qualifying period. Those elected to office shall maintain their district residency and voter registration while in office. Individuals may announce their candidacy and open a campaign account by completing forms provided by the City Clerk at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street, Winter Garden, anytime prior to the qualifying period.

CANDIDATE QUALIFYING PERIOD BEGINS – 12:00 Noon - Tuesday - January 16, 2018 ENDS – 12:00 Noon - Tuesday - January 23, 2018

Additional qualifying forms and fees required during this timeframe Do you have questions or require additional information? Contact: City Clerk - 407-656-4111, Extension 2254 Kathy Golden, CMC City Clerk/Supervisor of Municipal Elections

Interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard with respect to the proposed actions above. The complete case file may be inspected at the Ocoee Development Services Department/Planning Division located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. The Local Planning Agency may continue this public hearing to other dates and times, as it deems necessary. Any interested party shall be advised of the dates, times, and places of any continuation of these or continued public hearings shall be announced during the hearing and no further notices regarding these matters will be published. You are advised that any person who desires to appeal any decision made at the public hearings will need a record of the proceedings and for this purpose may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office 48 hours in advance of the meeting at 407-905-3105.

260445

The LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment on TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018, AT 7:00 PM or as soon thereafter as practical. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

261369

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

NOVEMBER

Leah Dolin was fascinated with petting the horses at this year’s Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival. Published Nov. 9. Johnny Wild and the Delights played the gazebo to kick off this year’s MusicFest. Published Nov. 16.

Representatives from the Avian Reconditioning Center brought several birds to share with attendees of the 20th annual Oakland Heritage Festival. Published Nov. 9.

Jack L. Quesinberry, 86, of Winter Garden, Florida, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017. He served 16-andone-half years as mayor of Winter Garden (1991-2008), the longestserving mayor in the city’s history. Published Nov. 2.

Right: Ernie Windhauser was one of 120 veterans nationwide invited to showcase his talents at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in Buffalo, New York. Published Nov. 9.

The Ocoee Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the start of the city’s Veterans Day ceremony. Published Nov. 16.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING

All eligible citizens are urged to take part in this election process. If you are 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of the City of Ocoee and of the specific District of any office being sought, have not been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state, have not been convicted of a felony without your civil rights having been restored pursuant to law, and do not claim the right to vote in another municipality, please be aware that you have a right to be registered to vote in this election and the books will close for such registration on February 12, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for more information at 407-905-3105.

260446

260627

Pursuant to Florida Elections Laws, Chapter 100, Section 100.021 and Ocoee Code of Ordinances, Section 5-13, notice is hereby given by the City of Ocoee, Florida that an election will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in the City of Ocoee for the purpose of electing two City Commissioners for three year terms, one (1) Commissioner from District Two and one (1) Commissioner from District Four and for voting on referendum ballot questions regarding changes to the City Charter. Candidates for these offices must Qualify by filing qualifying papers and fees with the City Clerk during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) beginning at noon on January 19, 2018, and ending at noon, January 26, 2018, at City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee, Florida. The fee for qualifying for the office of Commissioner is $90.00. There will be two polling locations in the City of Ocoee, at Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A. D. Mims Road and the GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocoee, 4 North Lakewood Avenue. Polling places will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. Those electors who opt to cast a vote-by-mail ballot for this election must contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at http:// www.ocfelections.com or by calling (407) 836-2070 and requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. City of Ocoee residents who currently are registered to vote in general elections are registered for this city election. However, those citizens who have recently moved into the City of Ocoee (or who have moved within the City) should check with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections to be sure their registration shows a current address.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

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SPORTS

Anthony Mirzaian let it fly during the softball toss at the annual Big Orange Games at Ocoee High April 29. West Orange baseball’s Bobby Head slid safely into third base in a game against Dr. Phillips May 10.

Demond Harp waved the West Orange flag ahead of the Warriors’ football game Aug. 25 against Olympia High.

The Ocoee Bulldogs Unlimited Pop Warner team finished as co-national champion after winning both games it played at the Pop Warner Super Bowl.

Baylor Bumford shouted her approval during the West Orange volleyball team’s regional championship victory Nov. 7 against Oviedo.

Despite being undersized his entire career, Garrett Duffina — a senior receiver for the Ocoee High football team — was a standout for the Knights last season.

Above: Former West Orange High teammates Chris Seise, left, and Kole Enright were reunited as professional players for the Spokane Indians, an affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Left: The Winter Garden Little League 12-Year-Old All-Star team finished as District 14 Runner-Up.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

VICTORIA JEFFERSON, GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

he calendar year for 2017 was good to sports teams in the coverage areas for our West Orange Times & Observer and Windermere Observer newspapers — especially for girls teams and athletes. The following is a celebration of the six teams and one individual state champion that reigned in 2017, in chronological order.

Ocoee High senior Victoria Jefferson won her second individual state championship in girls weightlifting Feb. 2. Her bench press of 305 pounds set an FHSAA and national record, and her combined lift of 510 pounds tied a state record.

— STEVEN RYZEWSKI

DR. PHILLIPS GIRLS WRESTLING

CLOSE CALLS

Two individual state champions, two runnersup and five additional placers helped propel the Panthers to the top of the mountain Feb. 11, besting 80 teams from around the state. Individual champions were sophomore Shania Gowan at 182 pounds and sophomore Shedeline Ulysse at 195 pounds.

Six local teams brought home the ultimate prize in high-school sports this year, but several others came close — making it to a state championship or state semifinal. n Olympia girls basketball — advanced to state semifinals of FHSAA Class 9A Playoffs n Windermere Prep girls tennis — advanced to state semifinals of FHSAA Class 1A Team Bracket n Dr. Phillips flag football — advanced to state semifinals of the FHSAA Class 2A Playoffs n Windermere Prep football — advanced to the SSAC Florida Bowl n Olympia volleyball — advanced to the state semifinals of the FHSAA Class 9A Playoffs

AWESOME ALUMNI

WEST ORANGE WARRIORS SOFTBALL

The championship bug was caught by more than just current varsity athletes — there also were a few instances of local alumni winning at the collegiate level. Dr. Phillips' Ryan Larson, Olympia's Michael Byrne and TFA's Garrett Milchin were part of the Florida Gators' baseball team that won the College World Series June 27. Earlier in the year, Justus Griffith, who graduated from DPHS in 2013, took the top spot in the nation at 133-pounds at NCWA Nationals in Texas during March.

OLYMPIA TITANS GIRLS WATER POLO

The Olympia Titans girls water polo team won its first state championship April 8. The Titans completed a perfect 31-0 season with a 7-4 victory over Gulliver Prep in the FHSAA State Championship Match at Ransom Everglades High in Miami. The match had been tied 3-3 at the half, but Olympia outscored Gulliver 4-1 the rest of the way. A day earlier, Olympia defeated South Broward in the state quarterfinals,

BY THE NUMBERS Record: 31-0 Points for: 431 (13.9 points per game) Points against: 125 (4.03 points per game)

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The West Orange softball completed back-to-back championship seasons with a

1-0 victory over Palm Harbor May 20 in the FHSAA Class 9A State Championship Game. The Warriors finished the season with a 28-3 record.

GAMES WE WON’T FORGET The result was the same, but the way the Warriors won the 2017 FHSAA Class 9A State Championship could not have been more different from how it won in 2016, when the Warriors won 6-0. In 2017, West Orange led 1-0 when Palm Harbor came up for its final at-bat in the bottom of the seventh. With one out, the Hurricanes got a baserunner aboard — and then another. And then another. Suddenly, the tying run was on third base and the winning run was on second. From there, it was up to senior ace Lauren Mathis. First, Mathis got a strikeout. Then, with two outs and two strikes, a line drive landed in the glove of shortstop Amanda Fleming — and the Warriors were champs again.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

THE FIRST ACADEMY GIRLS GOLF

The girls golf team from The First Academy won the FHSAA Class 1A Team State Championship Nov. 8 at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills. The Royals’ team score of 565 over the two-day event bested the Class 1A Runners-up, Lake Mary Prep, by 24 strokes (589). Additionally, sophomore Ariel Yu placed first as an individual at nine-under-par, and junior Sophie Guo placed second at sixunder-par. Senior Emma Zhao tied for sixth at two-under-par, junior Meiyi Yan tied for 19th at six-over-par, and sophomore Taylor Zeng finished tied for 24th place at nine-over-par.

BY THE NUMBERS

The West Orange girls volleyball team won its first FHSAA State Championship in fitting fashion Nov. 18 — the Warriors won by a sweep. West Orange, which had lost only four sets all season and swept its opponents in 25 of its 28 wins ahead of the state final, added one more sweep to close its undefeated championship run. A block by senior Baylor Bumford completed the Warriors' (29-0) sweep of Palm Beach Gardens in the FHSAA Class 9A State Final: 25-23, 25-20 and 27-25.

Record: 29-0 Sets won: 82 Sets lost: 4 Consecutive sets won: 45 (Aug. 19-Nov. 1) MaxPreps National rank: 7 Division I signees: 3 Division I commits: 3 Leaders — kills: Taylor Head, 353; Makala Heidelberg, 244 Leader — digs: Torey Baum, 293 Leaders — blocks: Blake Hollis, 82; Cindy Edward, 53 Leader — assists: Baylor Bumford, 776

WEST ORANGE VOLLEYBALL

DR. PHILLIPS FOOTBALL

The banner was hung in January. It said “Finish the Mission” and included the date “12.9.17” — the date of the 2017 FHSAA Class 8A State Championship at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando. It was a bold proclamation for a program that had just lost the 2016 state championship game and had graduated 31 seniors — several of whom were Division I college prospects. And, yet, that vision statement that hung in the Panthers’ locker room was a constant reminder of what the team was after. The Panthers delivered on that promise — they finished the mission with a 17-7 victory Dec. 9 against Atlantic High — giving the program its first title in its 30th year of existence.

GAME WE WON’T FORGET With 15 seconds remaining in the regional semifinals of the Class 8A Playoffs, BeSean McCray found Devodney Alford in the end zone for the deciding touchdown in the Panthers' 17-13 win over Osceola. The thrilling finish was set up by a big kickoff return by Tanner Ingle following Osceola's go-ahead field goal, giving the Panthers the ball at the Kowboys' 31-yard line. Davarius Bargnare also had a pair of pivotal catches. One play might not define a season, but it will be a long time before anyone forgets McCray’s miraculous pass.

CITY OF OCOEE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 10-YEAR WATER SUPPLY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY given that the City of Ocoee Planning & Zoning Commission, acting as the LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY, will consider a proposed Text Amendment to the City of Ocoee Comprehensive Plan establishing and amending elements for the purpose of incorporating the 10-Year Water Supply Plan into the Comprehensive Plan according to Subsection 163.3177(6) (c) Florida Statutes.

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The LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY will hold a public hearing on the proposed Text Amendment on TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2018 AT 7:00 PM or as soon thereafter as practical. The public hearing will be held in the City Hall Commission Chambers located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

Bridgewater Middle volleyball makes it a four-peat The Bobcats won their fourth consecutive county championship Dec. 13, once again going undefeated without losing a set.

MEET THE BOBCATS Ana Bleeker Samantha Bowron Reese Burry Amanda Chambers Savannah Cicernia Dielle D’Lima Hailey Feazell Ashley Lunt Alicia Marti Madison Mitchell Hannah Pridgeon Caylan Russ Ashtyn Sims Mina Stephens Rebecca Vosilla Coaches: Lydida Cason and Katiane Bleeker

STEVEN RYZEWSKI SENIOR SPORTS EDITOR

It’s more than a repeat and better than a three-peat. Yes, the Bridgewater Middle School volleyball team has won a remarkable four consecutive county championships following its sweep of SunRidge Middle in the OCPS Championship Dec. 13. Once again, the victory completed another 10-0 season (the Bobcats went 6-0 in the regular season and 4-0 in the playoffs) without losing a single set. According to assistant coach Katiane Bleeker, whose own playing experience includes playing and coaching at the University of South Florida, the team’s success in recent years has been a combination of talent and tenacity. “I think we get a very good pool of club players,” Bleeker said. “They’re committed to winning in middle school and the club coaches even know that.” This season was Bleeker’s second season as an assistant coach with the team. Her daughter, Ana, is one of the top youth volleyball players in Central Florida and one of seven eighth-graders on the Bridgewater team, most or all of whom likely will move on to play

Courtesy photo

The Bridgewater Middle School volleyball team is all smiles after winning its fourth consecutive county championship Dec. 13.

“They knew that SunRidge (Bridgewater’s opponent in the championship) had a very talented team as well — we knew that was going to be a hard game. They are all friends from playing club, so the girls understand the level of volleyball and that they can’t take anything for granted.” — Katiane Bleeker

at Windermere High. The Wolverines made the FHSAA Class 8A Playoffs in their first season this fall, despite not having any seniors, and lost in the first round. The Bobcats not only have gone undefeated for four consecutive

seasons, but also they have not lost a set since the 2015 championship match, which they won in three sets. And although that type of success could lead to a lapse in focus, Bleeker said the girls did a good

job throughout the playoffs of respecting their opponents and taking each team seriously. “They knew that SunRidge (Bridgewater’s opponent in the championship) had a very talented team as well — we knew

that was going to be a hard game,” Bleeker said. “They are all friends from playing club, so the girls understand the level of volleyball and that they can’t take anything for granted.”

CHURCH DIRECTORY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352 Sundays 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary Awana - Wednesdays - 6pm Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: “FOUNDATION WORSHIP” Sundays 9:45 am - All Ages at Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Road - Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407.730.1867 STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH PO Box 521, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION 4950 S. Apopka-Vineland Rd. Orlando Sun.Serv 8:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm. 407-876-3480 www.ascension-orlando.org

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at wotimes.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email sfelt@wotimes.com

NON-DENOMINATIONAL PURPOSE CHURCH ORLANDO 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden 407-654-9661 • Prayer 9:30AM, Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05AM HAVEN OF GRACE BIBLE CHURCH 13520 Foxcrest Blvd. Winter Garden, FL 34787 Services 9:30 and 10:30AM 407-952-0510

Words to Live By... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (niv)

“Everytime we think of you, we give thanks!”

“It is not too late for year end donations”

Help us help them help themselves. Like us on facebook at www.Facebook.com/MatthewsHopeMinistries

GIVE NOW! “YOUR DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE!”

523 S. Woodland, Winter Garden 34787 • MatthewsHopeMinistries.org • 407.905.9500

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WEST ORANGE TIMES & OBSERVER

W EAT HER

OrangeObserver.com

I LOVE WEST ORANGE

FORECAST THURSDAY, DEC. 28 High: 73 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 20%

FRIDAY, DEC. 29 High: 72 Low: 50 Chance of rain: 10%

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2017

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 28

7:18a

5:38p

Friday, Dec. 29

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Saturday, Dec. 30

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Sunday, Dec. 31

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SATURDAY, DEC. 30 High: 69 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 10%

Winter Garden resident Tony Ramiz calls this photo, “Open Roads and Open Skies.” “I love the light traffic and the unobstructed views of West Orange County,” he says. 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.

ONLINE

Jan. 24 First

Jan. 1 Full

Jan. 8 Last

Jan. 16 New

RAINFALL Tuesday, Dec. 19

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See other winning photos at OrangeObserver.com

YEAR TO DATE:

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2017 52.23 in.

2017

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2016 48.40 in.

2016

.42 in.

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