Local Motion 2022 by Orange Observer

LOCAL

MOTION AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIVING IN WEST ORANGE COUNTY

LOCAL MOTION 2022

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Live the West Orange life!

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or 116 years, the West Orange Times & Observer has served proudly as the newspaper of record for Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland, Windermere and surrounding communities. Our journalists have documented how this community has grown and changed over time. We saw Dr. Phillips come out of the ground. We were there when Disney did the same. And we have watched in awe as Horizon West has taken shape. So, it is with that legacy that I present our 2022 edition of Local Motion: An Insider’s Guide to Living in West Orange County. We begin with profiles of each of the area’s municipalities and communities — Winter Garden, Horizon West, Ocoee, Gotha, Windermere, Oakland and Dr. Phillips. You’ll find brief histories of each, along with introductions to leaders, signature events, and even the names and contacts of your utility and service providers. We also have a comprehensive guide to the area's schools, as

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well as the names and locations of our four hospitals. What's more, we've selected 10 events you won't want to miss (page 30); a round-up of civic clubs (page 32); and, of course, a menu of dining options to please every palate (pages 48-49). Also, be sure to check out our exclusive map of the area (centerfold). And although you could spend years just enjoying all our community has to offer, it's fun to seek adventure elsewhere. That's why we've included three Day Trip options — Clermont (page 60), Mount Dora (page 64) and Sanford (page 66) — all within a short drive from your home. We hope you find Local Motion informative and helpful. To stay connected, make sure to grab copies of our West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer newspapers; bookmark OrangeObserver. com; and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (search for Orange Observer). — Michael Eng

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LOCAL MOTION 2022-2023 PRESIDENT Emily Walsh

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20-21 WINDERMERE

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Michael Eng

22-23 OAKLAND

EDITORIAL Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Staff Writer Andrea Mujica Staff Writer Annabelle Sikes Design Editor Jess Eng

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COVER ART: Local photographer Kassondra Gustafson, of Forever Box Photography, captured this photo at a private farm in Winter Garden. View more of her work at foreverboxphotography.mypixieset.com.

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WINTER GARDEN 8

Charm Blooms from City’s Citrus History A

The city with a 'juicy past' blends historic heritage and modern living.

ttracted by the fertile muck land that bordered Lake Apopka, settlers began arriving in the Winter Garden area by the 1850s. Newcomers engaged in citrus and vegetable farming, and lived in small settlements situated along the lake’s south shore. By the end of the 19th century, Winter Garden’s business district had grown alongside the two railroad lines that ran through the city. The commercial buildings were rebuilt with brick after two fires destroyed the wooden buildings and packinghouses that stood along Plant and Main streets. Winter Garden was established in 1903 and incorporated as a city in 1908. The population of Winter Garden had grown to more than 1,000 people by 1920, and the city quickly became the center of commerce and agriculture in West Orange County. Lake Apopka’s emergence as “the large-mouth bass capital” attracted tourists, and the Edgewater Hotel opened in 1927 to accommodate these visitors. Early residents either owned or worked in the groves. As the citrus industry grew in importance and acreage, the commercial district continued to expand. Winter Garden’s rapid development slowed considerably in the late 1960s. Lake Apopka had become severely polluted, and the construction of major highways in the area drew businesses away from downtown. Despite the challenges, Winter Garden’s architectural heritage remained intact. The establishment of the West Orange Trail attracted thousands of visitors eager to patronize the new shops and restaurants that moved into the old buildings. Today, Winter Garden’s Historic District serves as a successful example of historic preservation. Infill development, redevelopment, repurposed buildings, preservation, housing and businesses all converge to create a thriving downtown that draws people from around the world.

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WINTER GARDEN

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SUMMER

All-American Kids Parade. A family favorite, this patriotic parade encourages children to decorate their bikes, scooters and wagons in red, white and blue for a spirited stroll through downtown Winter Garden. Winter Garden Fireworks Display. End the Fourth of July holiday with a bang by taking in a fireworks display on Lake Apopka. Families bring chairs and blankets to take in the sparkling spectacle.

FALL

Halloweenfest. The city of Winter Garden’s Halloweenfest offers children a chance to trick or treat down Plant Street, and features live entertainment, local vendors and family activities.

WINTER

Christmas Golf Cart Parade. To celebrate the holidays, residents deck out their golf carts in true Christmas spirit and travel along golf cart-approved streets to spread cheer in downtown Winter Garden. City of Winter Garden Christmas Parade. Kick off the holiday season with a jolly parade through Winter Garden. Local organizations, clubs, bands and businesses come together for some spirited fun. Route may vary. Light Up Winter Garden. One of the hallmark events of the holiday season, thousands head over to Plant Street each year to take in the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree and enjoy the festivities.

NOTABLE NAMES n A.B. Newton published the city’s first newspaper, The Ricochet, and was the first mayor, postmaster and storekeeper. He owned the only imposing brick building in town, and his general store carried most every kind of merchandise. He also operated a packinghouse and sold crate material and fertilizer to growers. n William S. and Juanita Maxey were longtime teachers dedicated to the education of children in east Winter Garden. n Henry Bradley Plant was the founder and president of the Plant System of railways, steamship lines and hotels. He developed and promoted the west coast and central sections of Florida. Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden is named for him. n The Luther Fuller Tilden family and descendants had a great impact on West Orange County. Several streets, an

elementary school and a small community are named for the Tildens. Generations of the family were involved in the lucrative citrus business, and many of them lived in the Tildenville area. n The King family story began in Winter Garden in the 1920s, when Jimmy King’s cousin moved to the area and owned a restaurant and boardinghouse on 10th Street. Charles Alexander King was hired in 1967 as the first black officer with the city’s police department. Jimmy and Eddie Mae King established roots here, and many of their descendants continue to break barriers. n William Lasenby Story Sr. arrived in the 1880s and lived one mile south of Winter Garden. He was publisher of the West Orange News and owned extensive citrus groves. Story Road is named after him.

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WINTER GARDEN

LOCAL LEADERS

WELCOME TO WINTER GARDEN

Mayor John Rees Rees has served as mayor of Winter Garden for 14 years and was a city commissioner for 12 years prior. He also has served on boards of the city’s Planning & Zoning Board, as well as the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Little League, YMCA, Health Central, Lake Apopka Natural Gas and the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. The lifelong resident of Winter Garden graduated from Lakeview High School in 1967.

Welcome to the city of Winter Garden! The city’s unique combination of small-town charm, combined with family-friendly amenities, makes it an ideal location to live and work. Its appeal and desirability is recognized nationally, including being named one of the “Best Places to Live in America” by Money magazine. Winter Garden embodies a wealth of historical, cultural and natural assets that provide a high quality of life. Its brick-lined, walkable downtown provides a mix of restaurants, retail shops, museums, an art gallery, a theater and landmarks, as well as an interactive fountain and recreational parks. The award-winning West Orange Trail winds through the heart of our downtown, and, every Saturday, an award-winning Farmers Market provides a community hub. The city is committed to delivering top-notch customer service to our more than 49,000 residents and 2,000 businesses. In fact, we are a proud recipient of the 2020 National Voice of the People Award given to the top 10 jurisdictions nationwide for achieving excellence. Once again, welcome and enjoy Winter Garden, where good things grow. — Mayor John Rees

District 1 Commissioner Lisa Bennett Bennett is a lifelong resident of Winter Garden. She graduated in 1981 from Calvary High School and attended Valencia Community College. She has been a real-estate broker for 25 years and co-owner/broker of Windsor Realty Group Inc., Winter Garden, for 18 years. Bennett has served District 1 for five years and formerly served on the city’s Architectural Review Board. District 2 Commissioner Ron Mueller Mueller is a graduate of Florida State College in Jacksonville, majoring in business, and served eight years in the U.S. Navy on both Fast Attack and Trident II nuclear submarines. An Indiana native, he served two terms as alderman in the St. Louis area before returning to Florida. He is currently employed at Walt Disney World as chief of staff for corporate, where he oversees architecture and standards across the company. District 3 Commissioner Mark A. Maciel Maciel came to Winter Garden in 1998 from Rhode Island with his wife, Justine, and two children. His third child was born in Winter Garden. In Rhode Island, he served as a law-enforcement officer with the Department of the Air Force and worked in a family business. Having been a paratrooper and then an Air Force Reservist, he served 32 years in the military and was activated multiple times after the events of 9/11. District 4 Commissioner/ Mayor Pro-Tem Colin Sharman Sharman served the citizens of Winter Garden as commissioner since 2006. He is an account manager for Trane US Inc. and a certified mechanical contractor. He was on the city’s Planning & Zoning Board from 200506 and is a past board director of Florida League of Cities, Roper YMCA Indian Guides, Florida Health Care Association and Advent Health Winter Garden Advisory Council. City Manager Jon C. Williams Williams has been with the city of Winter Garden since early 2018. He became city manager in 2021 after serving as assistant city manager of public services. Previously, Williams was the city manager of Longwood and had served as its finance director. He also served as both city manager and finance director for Edgewater. Williams is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, from which he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE n Winter Garden City Hall: 300 W. Plant St., (407) 656-4111 n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department, (407) 877-5175 n Police: Winter Garden Police Department, (407) 656-3636 n Solid waste: City of Winter Garden, (407) 656-4111, Ext. 2009 n Utilities (water, sewer) Winter Garden Water Department, (407) 656-4100

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It's All Happening B

The boom continues in West Orange's bustling planned community.

efore the 28,000-acre Horizon West community was home to thousands of families, the land was home to thousands of acres of robust citrus groves. In the 1980s, a series of freezes devastated the groves, forcing much of the citrus production to relocate to a warmer climate in South Florida. As a result, conversations to develop the area where the former orange groves were located began. However, this enhanced concerns about urban sprawl, because the existing land-use regulations in the rural area only allowed one house to be built per 10 acres. So, landowners met to devise a plan. This led to them working with Orange County leaders to begin developing a master plan for the area in 1993. The owners — Horizon West Inc. — hired VHB MillerSellen to prepare the Horizon West sector plan, which included the project concept, design standards and a planning overlay. The county approved this framework on June 5, 1995. The objective of the plan for Horizon West was to avoid suburban sprawl through the creation of a more sustainable growth management approach. The community reflects the principles of garden cities and new urbanism, ensuring new development will contribute to maintaining a sense of place, environmental protection, excellent architectural design and quality pedestrian environments and community spaces. Early on, the influence of Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities model led to the preliminary design of independent, self-sustaining villages. At buildout, the goal of Horizon

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SIGNATURE EVENTS

LOCAL LEADER Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson Horizon West stands on what was formerly citrus groves. After the devastating freezes of the 1980s destroyed the area’s citrus trees, local leaders created a master plan for the area. Horizon West was conceived as a community that would center self-sustaining, mixed-use villages around elementary schools as the focus of each community. Still growing, the Horizon West community is civically engaged and community-focused.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE n Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 2912500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: Orange County Fire Rescue, (407) 8369000 n Police: Orange County Sheriff’s Office, (407) 254-7000 n Trash: Orange County Solid Waste, (407) 836-6601 n Utilities (water/ sewer): Orange County Utilities, (407) 836-5515

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Horizon West Fest. This celebration of all things Horizon West brings the community together for a day of fun in the sun, complete with kids’ activities, local vendors and businesses, food and live entertainment. Hamlin St. Patrick’s Day Block Party. This community event features live music, performances from Irish dancers and bagpipers, local vendors, food and beverages. Venardos Circus. With the exception of 2020, Horizon West has become an annual stop for the traveling Venardos Circus. Creator Kevin Venardos already has announced it will return to the area from Nov. 14 to Dec. 4, 2022.

Flavor Fest Horizon West. This festival provides an immersive experience to enjoy a fusion of food, culture and arts along with a live music performance. The festival will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Bears Who Care OctoBEARfest 5K Fun Run and Walk. This annual event offers a healthy and family friendly opportunity to either — virtually or in-person — run, walk or jog for Bears Who Care. Proceeds provide teddy bears and books to children in the community who need them. This year, the event will take place Sunday, Oct. 23.

NOTABLE NAMES n Arthur George Hamlin was an attorney who came to Florida in the 1880s, grew citrus and eventually developed the Hamlin orange, for which the Hamlin community is named. His legacy will be cemented into Horizon West through A.G.’s Market — a forthcoming food hall — named in his honor. n Randy June, a land developer, has developed more than 15,000 lots. He was born and raised in West Orange. n Don Phillips and his wife Diane’s “Story” family had been a part of the area's citrus industry since the 1930s. He owned hundreds of acres in Horizon West. n Phil C. Peters Road is named after Phil C. Peters. Peters moved to Winter Garden at age 6. His father, a citrus grower, taught him everything he needed to know about the citrus business. Peters was a member of the Florida Citrus Commission in 1938 and 1939. In 1931, Peters was named manager of the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association. During the next 32 years, led its development, earning a reputation for quality fresh fruit. Peters was one of the founders of the Winter Garden Citrus Products Cooperative in 1943 and later became its vice president. And, for 25 years of his life, Peters was a director of the Florida Citrus Exchange.

West is to create a village development pattern while preserving large quantities of open space, as well as using public/private partnerships to help provide community amenities and public infrastructure. Horizon West’s design sections the community into six villages — Lakeside, Bridgewater, Town Center, Village F (Seidel area), Hickorynut and Ovation. Horizon West villages typically include two to four neighborhoods and are set up around the community schools and parks. Each has a center that provides community shopping and services. Lakeside Village is located in the easternmost portion of Horizon West and surrounds the Reams Road area, right behind Magic Kingdom. Village F, one of the more central portions of Horizon West, also backs up to Magic Kingdom. The Village of Bridgewater is located at the northeast portion of Horizon West, and Ovation Village sits at the southernmost area. Hickorynut Village hugs the western side of State Road 429 and gives way to the Town Center, commonly referred to as Hamlin. The Town Center is designed to be the largest commercial area and is surrounded by dense residential neighborhoods. Horizon West is considered one of the fastest-growing master-planned communities in the nation. In total, the community has been approved for 40,282 units, making the projected population at buildout 100,705. Although it comprises just 4% of Orange County, the area has been responsible for more than half of the building permits pulled countywide in the last couple of years. Not much has changed over the years regarding the original plan for Horizon West; however, the speed at which it has been growing was unprecedented.

OCOEE

A Blossoming ‘Apricot Vine’ O

Ocoee, aka the 'Center of Good Living,' is carving a new identity from its roots.

coee originally was formed as a small agricultural settlement supported by bustling local citrus and vegetable industries. The Florida Legislature recognized the Town of Ocoee as a municipality in 1921 before it became a city in May 1925. In the mid-1800s, the township, which initially only had 820 residents, first was settled adjacent to Starke Lake — southeast of Lake Apopka. Ocoee was the name of a subdivision platted by Dr. H.K. Clarke, Charles J. Chunn and R.B.F. Roper, who created the Town of Ocoee subdivision in 1886, and named it after a river in Tennessee. In the Cherokee language, the word “Ocoee” means “apricot vine,” which is why the city utilizes the passion flower in its logo. It was also during that time the first school was established. In 1880, a three-sided hut was located on Floral Street — which would later be replaced twice — and Mrs. E. D. Perkins was its first teacher. As tracks were completed for the Florida Midland Railroad in the 1880s, the town boomed. It experienced rapid growth as settlers moved in to take advantage of the available farmland, and the area bustled as more lucrative citrus groves replaced other crops. Along with the growth came the success of a strong and vibrant black community, which came to prosper in the area. Unfortunately, that growth — along with the passing of the Reconstruction Amendments — was met with animosity. On Election Day 1920, white mobs murdered an unknown number of black residents — including July Perry — and burned the community to the ground. Since those tragic days, much has changed in Ocoee. The Ocoee City Commission — and the city government in general — now includes more diversity than ever.

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WELCOME TO OCOEE What makes Ocoee, the “Center of Good Living,” a great place to live and work? The answer is easy: the people who live and work in our city. Ocoee is a welcoming community that offers a familyoriented, hometown atmosphere. It is a great place to raise a family. The city offers many recreational,

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SPRING

Ocoee Easter Eggstravaganza. Children in Ocoee enjoy an egg hunt, games, crafts and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Ocoee Music Festival. Formerly known as Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival, this event has taken place for the last 27 years to celebrate Ocoee’s small-town traditions with live music, community engagement and more.

FALL

Haunted House Halloween Event. Each year, the city of Ocoee puts together its own themed haunted house — 951 Ocoee Apopka Road, Ocoee — complete with a haunted walk and activities for children.

WINTER

City of Ocoee Christmas Parade. Kick off the holiday season with a jolly parade through Ocoee.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE n Ocoee City Hall: 50 N. Lakeshore Drive, (407) 905-3109 n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: City of Ocoee Fire/ Rescue, (407) 905-3129 n Police: Ocoee Police Department,(407) 905-3160 n Solid waste: (407) 905-3170 LOCAL MOTION n Utilities (water, 2022 sewer): (407) 905-3159

employment and educational opportunities. Our 14 parks offer many options for boating, sports facilities, playgrounds, picnics and even a dog park. The city also recently built a pickleball facility at Tiger Minor Park, as well as two new tennis courts. A soccer field now

has been added at the Jim Beech Athletic Center, and the city has started Phase 1 of the cemetery beautification project. The city is focusing on revitalizing our historic downtown. Several new businesses and eateries have opened, and more are planned. This has been made possible by the addition of sewer and water lines in the area. The new state-ofthe-art downtown master storm-

water park under construction will serve as a passive nature park and will be named Unity Park. We will be moving into our new City Hall in the next few weeks. It is a building our residents can be proud of. I invite everyone to come to our city and see for yourself what is being accomplished and what makes Ocoee such a popular destination for new residents. — Mayor Rusty Johnson

LOCAL LEADERS Mayor Rusty Johnson Prior to his election as mayor, Johnson was District 3 commissioner from 1999 to 2015 and District 1 commissioner from 1986 to 1997. Johnson is currently employed by Gosselin Realty. He is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, where he served with the Ocoee Post Office for many years. Johnson served in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam veteran. District 1 Commissioner Larry Brinson Sr. A retired/disabled veteran, Brinson served more than 20 years in the U.S. Marines. Currently, Brinson works for the Orlando Police Department. Brinson sees himself as “semi-retired” — with an emphasis on “semi” — because there is always something to do.

Mayor Pro-Tem, District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen Wilsen has served on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Spring Fling Committee and Ocoee Merit Board. She graduated from the Citizens Police Academy, the Ocoee Community Emergency Response Team training and is a former member of the Ocoee Education Committee.

District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner Firstner lives in Wesmere and has been involved in the city of Ocoee for the past 20 years. Firstner retired as fire chief for the city of Ocoee in 2009, after 14 years of service to the community.

District 4 Commissioner George Oliver III Oliver has served in a variety of roles in and around the city. Among the list of accomplishments includes becoming the first black commissioner in the city’s history, partnering with Orange County to bring the Health Community Program to the city of Ocoee and establishing the city’s first youth council.

NOTABLE NAMES n Captain Bluford M. Sims was a native of Tennessee who served in the Confederacy. He purchased a piece of land from Dr. J. D. Starke and was able to establish the first citrus nursery in the United States and served as contractor for the first framed court house in Orlando. n James D. Starke moved to the Ocoee area around 1850 with 23 enslaved black people and established citrus groves between what is now known as Starke Lake and Apopka. n Dr. H.K. Clarke, Charles J. Chunn and R.B.F. Roper created the Town of Ocoee subdivision in 1886. n William Blakely arrived in 1881 in Ocoee. He soon became a principal and teacher. He also served as postmaster and justice of the peace. In 1913, he bought a home on West Oakland Avenue and converted one of the rooms into a library, which he allowed the community to use. Blakely devoted more than 50 years to teaching, running a general store and promoting Ocoee as a desirable place to live.

City Manager Robert Frank Frank graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a master’s degree in public administration. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from the State University of New York. He has a broad range of experience, including as an assistant city manager, deputy county manager, director of public works, paramedic and police officer.

GOTHA

SIGNATURE EVENTS Caladiums, Canvases and Coffee. Guests of this event can take a morning stroll through Nehrling Gardens while enjoying coffee, mimosas, pastries and live music. Plein-air artists showcase their work, and attendees can browse a selection of original art available for purchase. Holiday Amaryllis Festival. As Nehrling Gardens’ signature event, this December event features beautiful and rare amaryllis bulbs for sale, as well as nature-themed vendors, food, music and crafts.

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A Hidden Gem G

otha is a charming and historical hidden gem located between the city of Ocoee and the town of Windermere. The Orange County rural settlement is generally located south of Old Winter Garden Road, north of Windy Ridge Road, east of South Apopka-Vineland Road and west of Maguire Road. Gotha was established in 1885, when Henry A. Hempel, a German native, came to the area and founded the community. He named it after his homeland of Gotha, Germany. The main street

through the community — Hempel Avenue — is named for him, as well. Hempel first came to Central Florida in 1879 and began purchasing land. In a few years, he had amassed 1,000 acres and created a town plat, although the town was never incorporated. Hempel established a sawmill to generate lumber, which was used to construct a general store — today’s Yellow Dog Eats restaurant — a post office, school, community hall and more. The sawmill also provided orange crates for the booming citrus industry.

In its heyday, Gotha was thriving with schools, churches, a railroad, social hall and the sawmill. Six years after Hempel arrived, horticulturalist and naturalist Dr. Henry Nehrling began purchasing land. Nehrling bought more than 65 acres and established the 25-acre Palm Cottage Gardens, a popular tourist destination in the early 20th century. There, he developed an experimental testing facility to help establish Florida’s ornamental horticulture by testing more than 3,000 plants.

NOTABLE NAMES n Henry A. Hempel was the German native who founded Gotha and named it after his homeland. n Dr. Henry Nehrling was a horticulturalist and naturalist who established the Palm Cottage Gardens, known today as Nehrling Gardens. n Bob Ross was a famous landscape artist, art instructor and television host known for his serene scenes and his “happy little trees.”

n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: Orange County Fire Rescue, (407) 836-9000 n Police: Orange County Sheriff’s Office, (407) 254-7000 n Trash: Orange County Solid Waste, (407) 836-6601 n Utilities (water/sewer): Orange County Utilities, (407) 836-5515

LOCAL LEADER Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson Gotha stands as a peaceful community known for its lakes, mossdraped oaks and unique history. Gotha’s historic buildings stand as a reminder of the area’s roots in agriculture. As Central Florida grows, Gotha stands as a protected Rural Settlement, where neighbors help one another and make sure nature and history are preserved.

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lthough many people — especially in the Horizon West area — have Windermere addresses, the town of Windermere proper spans just 2.2 square miles. Centuries before the town of Windermere was incorporated, the Timucua Indians inhabited the land until the 1500s. In 1564, the Spanish began to settle in the area. After Florida became the 27th state of the Union in 1845, the U.S. government gave 160 acres of land to anyone willing to cultivate five acres and build a cabin. That’s when more people began settling in Windermere. The town was founded in 1887 when two Englishmen, the Rev. Joseph Hill Scott and his son, Dr. Stanley Scott, started their settlement. Dr. Scott built his home on the shore of Lake Butler, and most believe he named the town after England’s famous Lake Windermere. Another English native, John Dawe, built the Florida Midland

Railroad through the community in 1889. A post office opened in 1888, closed in 1901 and reopened in 1911. The town was established as a residential development in 1889, but it wasn’t until 1925 that it was incorporated by Cal Palmer, J. Howard Johnson and Howard Lyon. The first mayor was John Jaquith, who served from 1925 to 1927. Cal Palmer served as the second mayor, from 1928 to 1929. Johnson was the fifth, and Lyon was the seventh. In fact, Cal Palmer’s office building — which was completed in 1911 — still stands today, as does the historic 1887 Schoolhouse, which was the first school in town. Johnson and Palmer founded the Windermere Improvement Company in 1910 and together formed the town’s foundation. In 1922, settlers formed a Chamber of Commerce, and the Windermere Improvement Company gave land to the Womans’ Club and Union Church. Over the years, the town began

to take shape. New buildings — including a clubhouse, more school rooms, a library and a renovated town hall — were constructed. Most recently, the town celebrated the opening of its new town facilities buildings, which include new buildings for the police, administrative and public works departments. Along with an abundance of trees, one of the town’s hallmarks is its location along the Butler Chain of Lakes. The Butler Chain has more than 5,000 acres in surface water among the 13 lakes: Down (900 acres), Little Lake Down (23 acres), Wauseon Bay (100 acres), Butler (1,600 acres), Louise (140 acres), Isleworth (86 acres), Blanche (21 acres), Chase (135 acres), Tibet-Butler (1,200 acres), Sheen (656 acres), Pocket (126 acres), Fish (23 acres) and a 14-acre unnamed lake. The system also has a total of 32 navigable canals.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SPRING

Windermere’s Easter EggStravaganza. The town hosts a fun egg hunt for children each year outside Town Hall. Children are divided by age group to hunt for eggs, some of which will win them fun prizes.

SUMMER

Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast. Windermere families look forward to this event each year. Residents are invited to join town staff and volunteers for a patriotic breakfast.

FALL

Windermere Halloween Parade. Although the format changed slightly in 2020, the town of Windermere typically hosts a Halloween hayride and costume parade for children and their families to enjoy.

WINTER

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SERVICE WITH A SMILE n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: Ocoee Fire Department, (407) 905-3129 n Police: Windermere Police Department, (407) 876-3757 n Trash: Waste Pro, (407) 774-0800 n Utilities (water/sewer): Windermere doesn’t provide water or sewage services. Residents either have personal wells/septic tanks or are hooked up to Orange County Utilities, LOCAL MOTION 2022 (407) 836-5515.

LOCAL LEADERS Mayor Jim O’Brien O’Brien is serving his third term for the town and previously served as a Town Council member. O’Brien was elected mayor in 2019, replacing outgoing longtime Mayor Gary Bruhn. He serves as the town liaison for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and MetroPlan Advisory Board.

Town Council Member Mandy David David is serving her second term for the town of Windermere. She is the council liaison for the Farmers Market/Food Truck Selection Committee, the Parks & Recreation Committee and the Windermere Active Youth Committee.

Town Council Member Tony Davit Davit is serving his second term for the town of Windermere. He is the council liaison for the Butler Chain of Lakes Advisory Board (Orange County) and Windermere Public Works. He also serves as an alternate for the West Orange Chamber of Commerce and MetroPlan Advisory Board.

Town Council Member Bill Martini Martini is serving his third term for the town of Windermere. He is council liaison for the Development Review Board, the Windermere Tree Board and the Windermere Police Department.

Town Council Member Molly Rose Rose is serving her first term for the town of Windermere. She is council liaison for the Long Range Planning Committee, the Windermere Budget & Finance and Windermere administration.

Town Council Member Loren “Andy” Williams Williams is serving his third term for the town of Windermere. He is the mayor protem and the council liaison for Elder Affairs, the Holiday Social Committee, School Advisory Committee and Historic Preservation Board.

Town Manager Robert Smith Smith has served as Windermere’s town manager since 2011. During his 11-year tenure with Windermere, Smith has been involved with numerous projects, including the construction of the town’s new facilties, which opened in 2022.

WELCOME TO WINDERMERE Welcome to the town of Windermere, aka “Among the Lakes” — the best of small-town living in the heart of West Orange County. This is a place where white-sand streets are lined by trees and surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes, a 5,000-acre chain designated as an Outstanding Florida Waterway. It is a great place to raise your family, with abundant parks and recreational opportunities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, exercise trails, playgrounds, a kayak launch and a private boat ramp directly on Lake Butler. Although small, our town is a vibrant hub of activity with annual festivals, weekly family food trucks and green market, and the popular Run Among the Lakes. Although there is plenty of activity, at night, you can still see the stars, as well as the Disney fireworks across Lake Butler. Downtown, you will find Main Street is a two-lane road with roundabouts for safety and walkability lined by retail shops, including a wine store, restaurants, ice cream parlor and a craft brewery. The town of Windermere is a community that prides itself on knowing your neighbor and is one of the safest in Florida because of our professional Windermere Police Department. Windermere Elementary School is highly rated and within walking distance. Once you settle in, I know you will be enamored by the special charm and character that make the town of Windermere the place we love to call home. — Mayor Jim O’Brien

NOTABLE NAMES n Carl D. Patterson Jr., a former town mayor, is the author of “Windermere Among the Lakes: The Story of a Small Town.” It is the definitive book on the town’s history. n Cal Palmer served as Windermere’s second mayor. Palmer also incorporated the town in 1925. n Dr. Stanley Scott was one of the first settlers in Windermere who gave the town its name.

OAKLAND Natural Wonder T

he town of Oakland once boasted an opera house and thriving businesses in its bustling downtown area. At one time, the town was the social and industrial hub of West Orange County — with railroad tracks that carried goods to and from other areas. The town — which housed several Indian trading posts and villages around the 1850s — was officially established in 1887, when a meeting was called to incorporate the town with a list of 31 qualified voters. James Gamble Speer is credited for being the first real settler. He bought bought a large piece of land between two lakes — Apopka and Johns — in 1857. Speer Park, at the northwest corner of Tubb Street, and Briley Avenue is named for this pioneer. Peter A. Demens was the first mayor. Back in Speer’s time, Oakland was considered a loosely designated area between the

two lakes and two or three miles east and west. Today, Oakland has close to 4,000 residents living, playing, working and going to school within its 2.4 square miles. Oakland’s popularity increased when the railroad system was extended through the area in the late 1880s. But a devastating fire about a decade later wiped out the business district, and an 1895 freeze destroyed all of the citrus groves. The railroad left because of a decline in business, and the town’s economy took a major downturn. After the town settled back into a rural lifestyle following the freeze and fire, residents — many of them descendants of the first settlers — once again enjoyed the quiet atmosphere and small-town neighborliness that was its humble beginnings. The town limits stretched from Killarney to Tildenville from 1926 to 1959, when Oakland officials voted to de-annex more than

800 acres, because it couldn’t afford to serve the area. The town seemed to stay at a relative standstill for decades, until Oakland’s mayor, commissioners, manager and town staff began working on a steady, viable growth plan. Oakland started the process of bringing sewer to the town in 2013, which will allow for restaurants, hotels and other development along West Colonial Drive. In 2019, construction began on lift stations, sewer lines and other aspects of the massive project with the assistance of grant monies and state funds totaling more than $1.7 million. The town is now in its 19th year as a Tree City USA. It has a new Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center and is working on its Speer Park Master Plan. A roundabout is coming to the west end of Oakland Avenue to ease traffic congestion in the booming area.

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WELCOME TO OAKLAND

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

As the mayor of Oakland, it is my honor to welcome you to our unique town, beautifully situated among the oaks and between Lake Apopka and Johns Lake. Oakland proudly has boasted its serene atmosphere since 1887.Recently, we’ve completed and undertaken new projects that will enhance the quality of life for existing and new residents. We move forward with an eye on the past. For cyclists, walkers and joggers, the town is ideally located along the West Orange Trail. The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, the West Orange Trailhead and the Oakland Nature Preserve are accessible via the trail, with additional trail spurs in the works. Our doors are always open, as we value communication and transparency. I encourage those interested to attend our Town Commission meetings and to get involved in the process by volunteering or joining a board. Connect with us by dropping in at Town Hall, calling (407) 656-1117, visiting oaklandfl.gov and following our Facebook page at facebook. com/OakTownUSA.

Celebration Among the Oaks. This egg-citing springtime celebration includes a helicopter Easter egg drop, bubble machine, petting zoo and lively deejay keeping everyone on their feet.

– Mayor Kathy Stark

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Oakland Town Hall: 230 N. Tubb St., (407) 656-1117 Cable/internet: DIRECTV, (800) 531-5000; DISH Network, (800) 9637868; Spectrum, (407) 2912500; CenturyLink, (888) 273-5968 Power/electric: Duke Energy, (407) 629-1010 Fire: Orange County Fire Rescue Department Station 37, (407) 654-1616 Police: Oakland Police Department, (407) 656-9797 Trash: Advanced Disposal, (407) 464-0664 Utilities (water, sewer): Oakland Water Department LOCAL MOTION (407) 656-1117, Ext.2022 2100

SPRING

WINTER

Light Up Oakland. Gather with Oakland residents and members of the community to start the holiday season the right way with a tree lighting in the heart of the town.

LOCAL LEADERS Mayor Kathy Stark Stark was first elected to serve the town of Oakland in 1994. Stark chaired the Town Square redesign. For 20 years, she has served as a board member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce to represent the town of Oakland. Seat 1 Commissioner Rick Polland Polland has been an Oakland resident since 2000 and has since served the community in many ways, including as a member of the Board of Directors for the Oakland Nature Preserve and Friends of Lake Apopka. He joined the Town Commission in 2013. Seat 2 Commissioner/Vice Mayor Mike Satterfield Satterfield was first elected to the commission in 1998. As chair of the School Advisory Committee for Oakland Avenue Charter School, he has been named a winner of a 2022 Florida Charter Schools Chapions Award. He also serves as a professional Santa Claus and volunteers at schools and with the elderly during the holidays. Seat 3 Commissioner Sal Ramos Ramos first served on the town’s Charter Committee, and in 2015 he was elected as a town commissioner. He is a board member of MetroPlan Orlando’s Municipal Advisory Committee and honorary board member of Central Florida Council Boys Scouts of America. Seat 4 Commissioner Joseph McMullen McMullen has served the town in Seat 4 since 2006. He is the recipient of the Florida League of Cities’ 2022 Home Rule Hero Award. In 2021, he was elected president of the Board of Directors of the Tri-County League of Cities and was appointed as the Florida League of Cities’ vice chair of Land Use & Economic Development. He is the founder and chairman of the nonprofit HAPCO Music Foundation. Town Manager Stephen Koontz Koontz was named town manager in 2018. He has two decades of local government experience, having worked for Orange and Lake counties, where he served as budget director and assistant county manager. Koontz’s service with the town of Oakland has been the most diverse and satisfying of his career, with oversight and management of the Oakland Avenue Charter School, the Oakland Police Department, planning and growth-related activities, town administrative functions, and the water and wastewater utility.

NOTABLE NAMES n Judge James Gamble Speer, from South Carolina, moved to Oakland in 1858 to begin a farm and set up a post office in 1860. He negotiated the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway in 1886. Speer Park is named for him. n Peter A. Demens, of Russian aristocracy, was the town’s first mayor. He brought the Orange Belt Railroad into Oakland. n Charles Frederic and Grace Mather-Smith came to the quiet town of Oakland from Chicago in 1910. They built the original West Orange Country Club — on what is now Tucker Ranch — so she could hold social events. Grace Park is located near the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at Oakland. n Grover Cleveland Tubb moved to Oakland in 1921 and was appointed deputy clerk — and a month later, the clerk — in 1928. He served as superintendent of the water department, the streets and parks department, and sanitation; a volunteer fire chief; and the tax collector. He invested more than 50 years of service to the town. The Grover Cleveland Tubb Fountain was dedicated in the center of town in 1977. n William V. Nixon came to Oakland in 1946 to teach in the black school. He was elected Oakland’s first black commissioner in 1971. n James Hardy Sadler came to Oakland to live with his grandfather, Judge Speer. He is credited with planting the large oaks along Oakland Avenue. n Robert and Jean Pollard were among the first black people to settle in Oakland. They were farmers and owned property on what is now Pollard Street. n Helen “Dewey” Vick grew up in Oakland in the oldest house in Oakland. She was a registered nurse and owned Colonial Corners Florist Shop, which operated out of the family garage starting in 1939. She was the first female mayor of Oakland and served three terms in the 1940s.

DR. PHILLIPS

Dr. Phillips is Central Florida's first masterplanned community.

WELCOME TO DR. PHILLIPS Dr. Phillips contains high-quality residential neighborhoods, retail shopping, health care services, schools and a world-class YMCA — many named after its founder. Today, the Dr. Phillips community enjoys access to worldclass dining and hospitality, theme parks, Bay Hill (home of the Arnold Palmer Invitational) and outdoor recreation. Through the struggles of a pandemic, international conflict and local challenges, the Dr. Phillips community has been resilient and giving in the face of adversity, as well as flexible and supportive in times of community changes. — Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson

One Man’s Lasting Legacy T

he Dr. Phillips area was named for Dr. Philip Phillips, who visited Central Florida in 1902 to become a cattle baron but instead invested in orange groves and ultimately moved his family here. He invented flash pasteurization, which lengthened the shelf life of many products, including orange juice. Phillips was a philanthropist who helped create the Dr. Phillips Memorial Hospital, donated millions of dollars to charities and social services and, in 1953, established the Dr. P. Phillips Foundation to help with the charitable needs of Central Florida. He came up with a plan to create a community centered around his orange groves. He hired a planner, who created a blueprint for the Dr. Phillips area. When he sold his citrus interest in 1954, he kept his undeveloped land in Southwest Orange. Today, neighborhoods make up much of that land. After Phillips’ death in 1959, his son, Howard, carried out his father’s wishes for an ideal community. Howard Phillips developed an 18-square-mile master plan, which became Central Florida’s first master-planned community. The idea was to produce a self-contained, self-sustaining, agriculturally oriented township with a small post office, fire station and grocery — and it would be called Dr. Phillips.

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LOCAL LEADERS

Arnold Palmer Invitational. The PGA Tour’s API is undoubtedly Dr. Phillips’ signature event. Played each March at Bay Hill Club and Lodge, this tournament brings worldwide attention — as well as economic boosts — to the Southwest Orange community. A Taste of Dr. Phillips. This event, held annually in November, is a key event for the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips Foundation. This feast for the palate highlights the restaurants from the community’s famed Restaurant Row.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson Dr. Phillips sits within unincorporated Orange County and is represented at the Orange County Board of County Commissioners by Nicole Wilson. Email her at district1@ocfl.net.

Dr. Phillips Charities Board of Directors Chairman James Ferber James "Jim" Ferber has served as chairman of the Dr. Phillips Charities’ Board of Directors since 2015. He has been involved in the granting of several legendary gifts helping transform the Central Florida community — namely, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Dr. Phillips Hospital, HarborChase of Dr. Phillips, The YMCA of Central Florida, University of Central Florida, Advent Health and more.

NOTABLE NAME n Dr. Philip Phillips: originally from Tennessee, Dr. Phillips arrived to the Central Florida area in 1902 and came up with the idea of “flash” pasteurization, helping increase the shelf life of many products we use in our daily lives. Dr. Phillips also was a great philanthropist, helping with the creation of the Dr. Phillips Memorial Hospital. Also, he donated millions of dollars to charities and social services. The Dr. P. Phillips Foundation was established in 1953.

n Orange County Board of County Commissioners — 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, (407) 836-5918 n Cable/internet: Spectrum, (407) 2912500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107 n Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744 n Fire: Orange County Fire Station 31, (407) 737-2444 n Police: Orlando Police Department, (407) 246-2470 n Solid waste: (407) 836-6601 n Utilities (water, sewer): (407) 836-5515

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EDGEWOOD CHILDREN’S RANCH COUNTRY ROUNDUP Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee DETAILS: Dress up or dress down in Western attire to enjoy this annual event, complete with a dinner and silent auction to benefit the Edgewood Children’s Ranch.

BROADWAY & BEYOND Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden DETAILS: The Rotary Club of Winter Garden hosts this annual event, which typically features local Broadway performances under the stars on the shores of Lake Apopka.

WINDERMERE WINE & DINE Windermere Town Hall DETAILS: One of the most highly anticipated local fundraisers of the year, Windermere Wine & Dine is a night of sampling wines and gourmet foods, along with live music.

MATTHEW’S HOPE HARVEST OF HOPE GARDEN PARTY Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee (2021) DETAILS: For this event, attendees get creative and decorate their dinner table with a theme in pursuit of the Best Dressed Table Award. All proceeds benefit Matthew’s Hope and its work with the homeless in the community.

OCOEE MUSIC FESTIVAL Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee DETAILS: The Ocoee Music Festival (formerly Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival) is dedicated to celebrating Ocoee’s small-town traditions with music, community, small businesses and fun.

BUBBLY ON THE BOARDWALK Oakland Nature Preserve, 747 Machete Trail, Oakland DETAILS: This annual Earth Day event gives attendees a chance to take a 2/3-mile walk along the Healthy West Orange Boardwalk to Lake Apopka. On the way to the Lake Pavilion, guests can enjoy the natural wonders at the preserve and catch a sunset over Lake Apopka.

SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN Downtown Winter Garden DETAILS: This annual spring event is one of Florida’s best plant, flower and garden festivals. It also offers live entertainment, food vendors and a kids’ zone.

WEST ORANGE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY'S ROCK THE HOUSE DETAILS: This annual event for West Orange Habitat for Humanity features live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and Habitat family stories. This year's event is scheduled for Oct. 29.

WINDERMERE RUN AMONG THE LAKES Downtown Windermere DETAILS: This annual 5K and 10K run gives participants a chance to run, jog or walk the town’s unique dirt roads and along its scenic views of the Butler Chain of Lakes.

HORIZON WEST FEST DETAILS: This celebration of all things Horizon West brings the community together for a day of fun in the sun, complete with kids’ activities, local vendors and businesses, food and live entertainment.

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PLUGGED IN The best way to get involved in your community is to join a local civic club. West Orange and Southwest Orange are home to many organizations that work hard to improve the lives of others and the community as a whole.

DR. PHILLIPS

Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips P.O. Box 1381, Windermere PHONE: (407) 325-5483 WEBSITE: drphillipsrotary.com PRESIDENT:

Mary Ellen Elizabeth Kerber CONTACT:

president@drphillipsrotary.org MEETINGS: Arnold Palmer’s Bay

Hill Club & Lodge, 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando SIGNATURE EVENTS:

A Taste of Dr. Phillips; Wine & Dine on Nine; Birdies and BBQ West Orange Women WEBSITE: westorangewomen.com CONTACT: Mary Borgan,

(407) 929-3030 PRESIDENT: Noel Anne McGuigan MEETINGS: WOW monthly luncheons are held in area restaurants, usually at 11 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month, from September through May.

GOTHA

Nehrling Garden Society 2267 Hempel Ave. P.O. Box 884, Gotha PHONE: (407) 445-9977 WEBSITE: nehrlinggardens.org PRESIDENT: Angela Withers MEETINGS: Board meetings are held once a month. Volunteer days are Wednesday mornings and the first two Saturdays of each month. SIGNATURE EVENTS:

Owl Prowl — Art & Wine Wander; Holiday Amaryllis Festival

HORIZON WEST

Kiwanis Club of Horizon West/Windermere PHONE: (407) 744-1205 WEBSITE: kiwanis.org FACEBOOK: Kiwanis Club of Horizon West/Windermere Florida MEETINGS: 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Piesano’s, 7782 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere.

Legacy Events for Education WEBSITE: legacyeventsfored.org EMAIL: davidterry@legacyevents fored.org HISTORY: Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $60,000 toward scholarships and grants for students, teachers and facilities at local high schools. SIGNATURE EVENTS:

Holiday Market at Hamlin; Central Florida Chili Cookoff Rotary Club of Horizon West 16106 Marsh Road, Suite 104, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 451-9738 WEBSITE: horizonwestrotary.org PRESIDENT-ELECT: Andy Ortiz MEETINGS: Noon on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

OCOEE

GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocoee 4 N. Lakewood Drive P.O. Box 953, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-7115 WEBSITE:

womansclubofocoee.com PRESIDENT: Lynne Seigler MEETINGS: Monthly at the club-

house SIGNATURE EVENTS: Birthday

Luncheon and Fashion Show; Corn Beef and Cabbage event Ocoee Lions Club 108 Taylor St. / P.O. Box 538, Ocoee PHONE: (321) 247-7441 WEBSITE: ocoeelionsclub.com PRESIDENT: Melissa Tanner MEETINGS: 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays SIGNATURE EVENT:

WINDERMERE

Windermere Garden Club P.O. Box 502, Windermere PHONE: (407) 876-1127 WEBSITE:

windermeregardenclub.org PRESIDENT: Vicki Hearst MEETINGS: Held at 9:30 a.m.

on the second Thursday of each month at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere. Summer luncheons are held June through August. Windermere Rotary Club WEBSITE: windermererotary.org MEETINGS: 6:54 to 8 a.m.

Tuesdays at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. SIGNATURE EVENTS: The club emphasizes community service and has created several projects, including the Rotary Park, the Town Hall back porch and the Windermere Veterans Memorial.

WINTER GARDEN

American Legion Post 63 271 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-6361 WEBSITE: legionflpost63.org COMMANDER: Kurt R. Gies MEETINGS: A weekly open house is held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Wednesday, and veterans are invited to visit for coffee, conversation and cards.

Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista PHONE: (407) 780-6422 WEBSITE: rotarylbv.org MEETINGS: 7:15 a.m. Thursdays at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort.

& Beyond; Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament. Supports the Rotary Medical Equipment Bank. West Orange Junior Service League P.O. Box 770267, Winter Garden WEBSITE: wojsl.com PRESIDENT: Sonya Adams SIGNATURE EVENTS: Annual Golf Cart Parade in December, as well as two fundraisers: the Oakland Park 5K and the Run for the Roses West Orange VFW Post 4305 1170 E. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-3078 WEBSITE: vfwpost4305.org COMMANDER: Terry Gunthrie MEETINGS: 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. SIGNATURE EVENTS: Sponsors the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contests. Winter Garden Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2165 700 S. Ninth St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-2165 WEBSITE: bit.ly/3I8Fbx5 CONTACTS: Edwin Colon, exalted ruler; Leslie Freeman, secretary MEETINGS: 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Winter Garden Lions Club Winter Garden Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 770757, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 615-6362 WEBSITE: wglionsfoundation. weebly.com CONTACT: Al White, president MEETINGS: Potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Orange Tree Mobile Home Clubhouse, 29 Orange Tree Circle, Winter Garden

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

Challenge 22 Walk and Picnic Bloom & Grow Garden Society 800 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden WEBSITE: bloomandgrow.club SIGNATURE EVENTS: Spring Fever in the Garden festival each April.

Asylum Haunted Hospital

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Broadway

Winter Garden Masonic Lodge 165 F&AM 230 W. Bay St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 614-7380 WEBSITE:

wintergardenmasoniclodge.org WORSHIPFUL MASTER: Luis

Oliveira Rotary Club of Winter Garden P.O. Box 770096, Winter Garden

MEETINGS: 7:30 p.m. first and

WEBSITE:

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

rotaryclubofwintergarden.org

Annual All-American Kids Parade on July 4

PRESIDENT: Eric Roukey MEETINGS: Noon Tuesdays at

third Thursdays of each month

Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden

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A Great Place to Live, Work & Play!

www.Ocoee.org

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407-905-3100

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MAP KEY city and town boundries Winter Garden

Windermere

Ocoee

Oakland

Lake Butler

Horizon West

Doctor Phillips

Bay Hill

Bay Lake

Gotha

locations key

1. OAKLAND TOWN HALL // 230 N. Tubb St., Oakland 12

2. WINTER GARDEN CITY HALL // 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden 3. OCOEE CITY HALL // 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee 4. WINDERMERE TOWN HALL // 520 Main St., Windermere 5. ORANGE OBSERVER // 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden 6. ROPER YMCA FAMILY CENTER // 100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden 7. DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA FAMILY CENTER // 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando 8. LAKE APOPKA NATURAL GAS DIRSTRICT // 1320 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden 9. WEST ORANGE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT // 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 281, Ocoee 10. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 13275 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden 11. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 2140 N. Don Wickham Drive, Clermont

12. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 840 Mercy Drive, Orlando 13. LAKERIDGE WINERY // 19239 U.S. 27, Clermont 14. AZPIRA AT WINDERMERE // 13798 Speer Island Drive, Windermere 15. HAMLIN TOWN CENTER // 14422 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden 16. MATTHEW’S HOPE CHEST STORE & BOUTIQUE // 1027 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden 17. MATTHEW’S HOPE FIRM FOUNDATION PRESCHOOL // 740 Ninth St., Winter Garden MATTHEW’S HOPE MINISTIRES // 611 Business Park Blvd., Suite 101, Winter Garden

18. ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL & LODGE // 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando 19. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO // 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando 20. SEAWORLD ORLANDO // 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando 21. DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM // Lake Buena Vista, Florida 22. DISNEY SPRINGS // 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista 23. ORANGE COUNTY NATIONAL GOLF CENTER AND LODGE // 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden Find local news every Thursday in the Big Red Box! Scan the code to find your closest location for the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer.

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GROW TOGETHER At the Y, we’re more than just a gym – we’re a community. Develop relationships, achieve your goals, and belong to something bigger than yourself. We offer programs and activities for your entire family to become happy and healthy together! Member Program Discounts

Youth Sports

Group Exercise Classes

Swim Lessons

Summer Camp

Personal Training

ymcacf.org LOCAL MOTION 2022

ROPER YMCA 100 Windermere Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-8816 The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.

JOIN TODAY

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DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 407-351-9417

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ORLANDO HEALTH — HEALTH CENTRAL HOSPITAL 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 296-1000 DETAILS: Health Central Hospital has served West Orange County and surrounding communities for more than 60 years. It has nearly 1,500 employees and more than 500 doctors. SERVICES OFFERED: Bariatric surgery; chaplain services; diabetes education; emergency care; Health Central University; heart and vascular care; joint replacement center; laboratory and pathology; neurospine; orthopedics; outpatient pharmacy; radiology and diagnostic imaging; rehabilitation; robotic surgery; stroke and cerebral vascular care; surgery center; wound care

Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital has served West Orange for more than 60 years.

HERE WHEN YOU NEED IT

Access to quality health care is a critical component of any community. Thankfully, with four hospitals servicing the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities, local residents have just that. The most recent addition is AdventHealth Winter Garden’s new five-story, 80-bed inpatient tower, which opened in May. The tower offers a multitude of new services, including advanced gynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, neurology, spine health and urology.

HOSPITALS

ADVENTHEALTH WINTER GARDEN 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 614-0500 DETAILS: Earlier this year, AdventHealth celebrated the opening of its 80-bed AdventHealth Winter Garden Hospital to join its emergency department. SERVICES OFFERED: Cardiovascular care; diabetes care; digestive care; emergency care; imaging services; men’s care; outpatient surgical care; pain medicine; podiatry care; senior care; spine health; urological care; women’s care

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ORLANDO HEALTH — DR. P. PHILLIPS HOSPITAL 9401 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 351-8500 DETAILS: Orlando Health’s Dr. P. Phillips Hospital is a full-service medical/surgical facility serving Southwest Orange. SERVICES OFFERED: Cancer services; emergency care; endocrinology; endoscopy; gastroenterology; heart and vascular care; laboratory and pathology services; nephrology; neurosciences; occupational medicine; orthopedics and sports medicine; outpatient services; radiology services; robotic surgery; surgical services; women’s services

ORLANDO HEALTH — HORIZON WEST HOSPITAL 17000 Porter Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 407-0000 DETAILS: The newest addition to Orlando Health’s family of hospitals, Horizon West Hospital opened in January 2021. The six-story, 214,000-square-foot facility features a 120-patient-bed capacity and integrates the 78,000-squarefoot emergency department and medical pavilion that began serving the community in 2018. SERVICES OFFERED: Cancer care; critical care medicine; digestive health; ER/emergency care; heart and vascular care; laboratory services; medical pavilion; neurosciences care; orthopedics and sports medicine; outpatient care; radiology care; robotic surgery; stroke care; surgical care

AdventHealth opened its Winter Garden Hospital in 2022.

MASCOT: Honeybees ENROLLMENT: 472 FUN FACT: Citrus Elementary

FUN FACT: The new elementary

school will share land with the new Hamlin Middle.

turns 23 this year. DILLARD STREET 311 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-5000

INDEPENDENCE 6255 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 217-7727

WEBSITE:

dillardstreetes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Tiffany Smid

independencees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Jeffrey Alan Peters MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 935 FUN FACT: Independence Elementary has a diverse student population with students from more than 30 countries.

MASCOT:

EDUCATION

Dragon named Dougie ENROLLMENT: 532 FUN FACT: Nearly all 650 students live within a two-mile radius from the school.

For parents, finding a community with competitive schools is a top priority. Those living in West Orange and Southwest Orange have plenty of options for quality education throughout the area. From Orange County Public Schools’ elementary, middle, high and virtual offerings to a number of charter and private options, parents should have no trouble plugging into a school community that meets their needs. — AMY QUESINBERRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BAY LAKE 12005 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere PHONE: (407) 217-7960 WEBSITE: baylakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Lakeitha Mincey MASCOT: Lions ENROLLMENT: 703 FUN FACT: Each year, fifthgrade teachers select one student from their class who consistently goes above and beyond expectations. These students are nominated for the Heart of a Lion award. BAY MEADOWS 9150 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 876-7500 WEBSITE:

baymeadowses.ocps.net PRINCIPAL:

GeRai Johnson Mays

MASCOT: Koalas ENROLLMENT: 706 FUN FACT: Bay Meadows

Elementary celebrates its 32nd anniversary this year.

DR. PHILLIPS 6909 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando PHONE: (407) 354-2600 WEBSITE: drphillipses.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Christine Rogers MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 708 FUN FACT: Dr. Phillips Elementary was recognized for being the top-recycling school in the Southwest Learning Community.

KEENE’S CROSSING 5240 Keenes Pheasant Drive, Windermere PHONE: (407) 654-1351

WILLIAM R. FRANGUS 380 Killington Way, Orlando PHONE: 407) 296-6469 WEBSITE: franguses.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: DeCheryl Britton MASCOT: Jazz ENROLLMENT: 449 FUN FACT: The school community is known as the Frangus Jazz and has taken the saxophone as the mascot to honor Bill Frangus and his love for music.

LAKE WHITNEY 1351 Windermere Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-8888

WEBSITE:

keenescrossinges.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Sherry Donaldson MASCOT: Cougars ENROLLMENT: 943 FUN FACT: The school has received the Five Star School award every year since 2009.

WEBSITE:

lakewhitneyes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Dr. Pamela Crabb MASCOT: Dolphins ENROLLMENT: 597 FUN FACT: Every school year, Lake Whitney chooses a different theme. WILLIAM S. MAXEY 602 E. Story Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-5020 WEBSITE: Maxeyes.ocps.net

CASTLEVIEW 9131 Taborfield Ave., Orlando PHONE: (407) 612-4205

HAMLIN 16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: TBD WEBSITE: hamlines.ocps.net

WEBSITE:

PRINCIPAL:

Carletta Davis-Wilson

castleviewes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Dr. Julie Helton MASCOT: Dragons ENROLLMENT: 657 FUN FACT: Castleview has a house system in which all staff members and students are sorted into one of four different houses.

Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne MASCOT: Huskie ENROLLMENT: 515

MASCOT: The Mighty Wildcats ENROLLMENT: 422 FUN FACT: Maxey is a Kids

CITRUS 87 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 445-5475 WEBSITE: citruses.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Robert Walker

PRINCIPAL:

for Peace Kindness Certified School. OCOEE 400 S. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee PHONE: (407) 877-5027 WEBSITE: ocoeees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Kandace Goshe MASCOT: Cardinals ENROLLMENT: 664 FUN FACT: Ocoee Elementary has many families who have

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PALM LAKE 8000 Pin Oak Drive, Orlando PHONE: (407) 354-2610 WEBSITE: palmlakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: James Weis MASCOT: Bobcats ENROLLMENT: 649 FUN FACT: Palm Lake has a nature trail and outdoor classroom called the Bobcat Nature Trail. PANTHER LAKE 10151 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden PHONE: TBD WEBSITE: pantherlakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Christine Szymanski MASCOT: Panthers ENROLLMENT: 765 FUN FACT: Each year, the school will work to build self-esteem, reach common academic and social goals, nurture and support all students, and ensure all are ready for middle school. PRAIRIE LAKE 8723 Hackney Prairie Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 884-2220 WEBSITE: prairielakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Dr. Robert Strenth MASCOT: Panthers ENROLLMENT: 818 FUN FACT: The school selects a different theme each year. SAND LAKE 8301 Buena Vista Woods Blvd., Orlando PHONE: (407) 903-7400 WEBSITE: sandlakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Kathleen Phillips MASCOT: Stingrays ENROLLMENT: 643 FUN FACT: There was once an alligator found in the bike rack. Wildlife officials came to remove the 4-foot creature. SPRING LAKE 1105 Sarah Lee Lane, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 578-2085 WEBSITE: springlakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Patty Harrelson MASCOT: Blue Jays ENROLLMENT: 441 FUN FACT: Spring Lake has a house system, and all students

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are sorted into one of our four houses. Students and staff enjoy quarterly house competitions. SUMMERLAKE 15450 Porter Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 554-1774 WEBSITE:

summerlakees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Delaine Bender MASCOT: Gators ENROLLMENT: 720 FUN FACT: The student body comes from more than 21 different countries — the farthest being more than 9,000 miles away.

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401 main street suite b windermere, fl 34786

Our Forever Agents have the tools and resources to serve our customers’ forever real estate needs. Office: 4078762090 I Fax: 4078760072

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SUNRIDGE 14455 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-0809 WEBSITE: sunridgees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Douglas Farley MASCOT: Sunny the Eagle ENROLLMENT: 677 FUN FACT: SunRidge Elementary has made it a tradition to bring snow to the school every December. SUNSET PARK 12050 Overstreet Road, Windermere PHONE: (407) 905-3724 WEBSITE: sunsetparkes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Jay Gangwisch MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 821 FUN FACT: Sunset Park Elementary has a house system to help promote community and social emotional learning. THORNEBROOKE 601 Thornebrooke Drive, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 909-1301 WEBSITE: thornebrooke.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Korey Bawden MASCOT: Barracudas ENROLLMENT: 587 FUN FACT: Corin Metz was named the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year. TILDENVILLE 1221 Brick Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-5054 WEBSITE: tildenvillees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Agathe Alvarez MASCOT: Tigers ENROLLMENT: 533 FUN FACT: Tildenville employs a two-way dual-language program; students learn in English and Spanish while receiving 45 minutes of French each week.

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grandparents and great-grandparents who also attended Ocoee Elementary. Parents recognize teachers at the school from when they were students at Ocoee Elementary.

DANA LAING

DanaLaing@gmail.com 4078404621

SABINA GUERRIERO SabinaGuerriero@gmail.com 4074131163

CHAURYCE BROOKS ChauryceBrooks@BHHSFloridaRealty.net 4075066023

VIVIAN KERSTEIN Vivian.Kerstein@gmail.com 4074972553

LAUREL KELLETT LaurelKellett@gmail.com 4077581136

JERRY ASHCRAFT JerryAshcraft@BHHSFloridaRealty.net 4073584743

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2021 BBH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the BerkshireHathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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About Edgewood Children’s Ranch:

The mission of Edgewood Children’s Ranch has been the same since 1966 - to help children struggling with behavior issues created by traumatic experiences in their past nd hope and walk in the fullness of the Gospel of Christ. Our residential program provides children in Central Florida with love, structure, behavior training and a Christian education helping them to live a purposeful and transformed life.

WATER SPRING 16000 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 554-1610 WEBSITE: waterspringes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Matthew Hendricks MASCOT: Otters ENROLLMENT: 1,063 FUN FACT: Water Spring opened in August 2019. Its mascot, Ollie the Otter, was created by a talented member of the community and named by its “Otterly Amazing” community.

We Need Your Help Edgewood Children’s Ranch takes no government funding. Our program is supported by loving donors making a positive impact for children. Please consider helping us to continue our mission in helping children in Central Florida.

WESTBROOKE 500 Tomyn Blvd., Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-6228 WEBSITE: westbrookees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Vidal Reyes MASCOT: Wildcats ENROLLMENT: 507 FUN FACT: Westbrooke awards the Tomyn Award each year to students who show outstanding effort in all academic areas, possess leadership qualities, consider both peers and community, and have continual school spirit.

Ways To Give Mail A Check Please mail checks to Edgewood Children’s Ranch 1451 Edgewood Ranch Rd. Orlando, FL 32835

Text Message Text “Love A Kid” to 855-894-3939 Scan Me or Visit www.loveakid.org As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, all donations to Edgewood Children’s Ranch are tax-deductible.

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407-295-2464

www.edgewoodranch.com

WEST OAKS 905 Dorscher Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 532-3875 WEBSITE: westoakses.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Alfaye Floyd MASCOT: Wildcats ENROLLMENT: 473 FUN FACT: West Oaks opened in August 2004 as a relief school for Citrus Elementary.

WHISPERING OAK 15300 Stoneybrook West Parkway, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-7773 WEBSITE:

whisperingoakes.ocps.net PRINCIPAL:

Lee “Kip” Montgomery MASCOT: Wildcats ENROLLMENT: 806 FUN FACT: WOE is starting its

17th year of excellence. WINDERMERE 11125 Park Ave., Windermere PHONE: (407) 876-7520 WEBSITE: windermerees.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Diana Greer MASCOT: Mustangs ENROLLMENT: 659 FUN FACT: Windermere has served students since 1889. WINDY RIDGE SCHOOL K-8 3900 Beech Tree Drive, Orlando PHONE: (407) 296-5100 WEBSITE: windyridgek8.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Charles Jackson MASCOT: Silverhawks ENROLLMENT: 1,138 FUN FACT: This is a community school with lots of parent involvement, and some current teachers were students here themselves.

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Add Some Spice to Your Life delicious indian food

Your Neighborhood Indian Restaurant Catering to locals & fellow Indian expats, we specialize in northern Indian cuisine and periodically serve southern Indian delicacies. Our dishes are made fresh, from scratch, with spice levels to satisfy all palettes.

Experience the Best in Modern Indian Cuisine Lunch Specials 11am—3pm Ask about our Catering Services! NaanStopp.com

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407-347-5487

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5845 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Suite # 130, Windermere

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MIDDLE SCHOOLS BRIDGEWATER 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 905-3710

Experience a Taste of HarborChase

FUN FACT: Every year, the school

creates a LipDub video that includes staff, teachers and students.

WEBSITE:

bridgewaterms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Amy Klaber MASCOT: Bobcats ENROLLMENT: 1,040 FUN FACT: Bridgewater opened in 2006. CHAIN OF LAKES 8700 Conroy-Windermere Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 909-5400

HAMLIN 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: TBD WEBSITE: hamlinms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Dr. Suzanne Knight MASCOT: Coyotes ENROLLMENT: 1,215 FUN FACT: The new middle school will share land with the new Hamlin Elementary.

WEBSITE:

chainoflakesms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Cheron Anderson MASCOT: Ospreys ENROLLMENT: 996 FUN FACT: Chain of Lakes has one of the best middle school performing-arts departments in the county. GOTHA 9155 Gotha Road, Windermere PHONE: (407) 521-2360 WEBSITE: gothams.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Monica Emery MASCOT: Grizzlies ENROLLMENT: 1,098

HORIZON WEST 8200 Tattant Blvd., Windermere PHONE: (407) 554-1570 WEBSITE:

horizonwestms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Michelle Thomas MASCOT: Hornets ENROLLMENT: 1,194 FUN FACT: More than 42,000,000 pounds of concrete were used to build Horizon West Middle. LAKEVIEW 1200 W. Bay St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 877-5010 WEBSITE: lakeviewms.ocps.net

S P E C I A LT Y C O F F E E S ....... S W E E T S A N D S N AC K S ....... G R A B -A N D - G O A RT I SA N SA N DW I C H ES

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HARBORCHASE OF DR. PHILLIPS 4 0 7. 8 0 9. 1 9 5 0

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PRINCIPAL: Antonio Roman MASCOT: Red Devils ENROLLMENT: 842 FUN FACT: The school previously served as a high school and a junior high school.

OCOEE 300 S. Bluford Ave., Ocoee PHONE: (407) 877-5035 WEBSITE: ocoeems.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Samuel Davis MASCOT: Cardinals ENROLLMENT: 1,197 FUN FACT: Ocoee was built as a demonstration school for the state. SOUTHWEST 6450 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando PHONE: (407) 370-7200 WEBSITE: southwestms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Raymond Yockel MASCOT: Sea Lions ENROLLMENT: 1,367 FUN FACT: The school has the largest student council of any OCPS middle school. SUNRIDGE 14955 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 656-0794

HORIZON 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 992-0597 WEBSITE: horizonhs.ocp.net PRINCIPAL: Andrew Jackson MASCOT: Hawks CAPACITY: 2,776 FUN FACT: It is one of the district’s newest prototype designs.

WEBSITE: sunridgems.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Amy McHale MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 1,110 FUN FACT: The 2020 eighth-grade

class left a legacy by designing SunRidge Rocks. WATER SPRING Temporarily at Horizon High, 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 992-0597

LAKE BUENA VISTA 11305 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando PHONE: (407) 317-3200

WEBSITE:

waterspringms.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Andrew Jackson MASCOT: Wildcats CAPACITY: 720 FUN FACT: It will operate on the Horizon campus until 2023.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

n Darren Barnet — actor n Wayne Brady — actor n Matt Lauria — actor n Vinicius Machado — actor n Mekia Cox — actress n Ashley Eckstein — actress n Brit Marling — actress n Valery Ortiz — actress n Amanda Seale — actress n Joey Fatone, singer — *NSYNC n Luis Fonsi — singer, Grammy award winner n DJ Khaled — singer, producer, DJ n Madison Anderson — model, Miss Universe 2019 runner-up n Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — NFL free safety n Johnny Damon — MLB player

HIGH SCHOOLS DR. PHILLIPS 6500 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 355-3200 WEBSITE: drphillipshs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Jackie Ramsey MASCOT: Panthers ENROLLMENT: 3,164 FUN FACT: Dr. Phillips almost was not named as it is today due to a decision made by the School Board to stop naming schools after individuals.

WEBSITE:

lakebuenavistahs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Dr. Guy Swenson MASCOT: Vipers CAPACITY: 1,631 FUN FACT: This school was built to relieve Dr. Phillips and Freedom. OCOEE 1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 905-3000 WEBSITE: ocoeehs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Lisa Karcinski MASCOT: Knights ENROLLMENT: 2,442

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D E E N T N E URG E! T A N O D E S PLEA

Help us. Help them. Help Themselves. Most have no idea just how close they are to losing EVERYTHING. No one has ever planned to be homeless. An illness, death of a loved one, loss of job, one bad decision, one unforeseen crisis... Folks... we need you. Never in our history, until this Pandemic, followed by a disrupted economy, have we had to use our general operating funds to meet just the basic needs such as food, clothing and hygiene needs of those that no longer have a place to call “Home”. With that, won’t you please prayerfully consider a one-time gift to Matthew’s Hope and/or become a Sustaining Donor or Community Partner with an ongoing monthly or quarterly gift? We really could use a hand up... 50

REACH OUT & START CHANGING SOMEONE’S LIFE TODAY

611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 www.matthewshopeministries.org www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries LOCAL MOTION 2022

• Family friendly and fun for kids! • iTero digital impressions • Accepts and files most insurance

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Diamond

LOCAL MOTION 2022

OLYMPIA 4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 905-6400 WEBSITE: olympiahs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Christy Gorberg MASCOT: Titans ENROLLMENT: 2,919 FUN FACT: Since the school’s opening in 2001, Olympia High School has been the pride of the community, where high expectations and parental involvement support the school’s academic and extracurricular programs. This collaborative effort has consistently produced highly successful, exceedingly academic, well-rounded students.

“As an optometrist, being able to positively impact someone’s life by helping them see better brings me so much joy and fulfillment!” — Dr. Angela L. Washington

NOTABLE ALUMNI

n Sherwood Brown — professional basketball player n Deondre Francois — NCAA quarterback n Nick Gordon — Minnesota Twins shortstop n Chris Johnson — former NFL running back n Rashad Lawrence — former NFL and CFL wide receiver n Leah Lewis — actress n Michael Lockley — former NFL and CFL linebacker n Brad Miller — Major League Baseball infielder n Trevor Siemian — NFL quarterback n Jesse Winker — professional baseball player, Cincinnati Reds

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO BEST SERVE THE WEST ORANGE COMMUNITY

WEST ORANGE HIGH 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 905-2400 WEBSITE: westorangehs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Matthew Turner MASCOT: Warriors ENROLLMENT: 2,826 FUN FACT: West Orange High is a true community school that has a large number of parent volunteers donating more than 20,000 hours of service each year.

Call us for an appointment!

ocoee

11024 W. Colonial Dr. 407.565.9290

winter garden

5736 Hamlin Groves Trail 407.469.7105

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Dr. Angela L. Washington is a member of American Optometric Association, Florida Optometric Association, Central Florida Society of Optometric Physicians, and Black Eyecare Perspective. She is passionate about caring for patients with advanced eye diseases and preventing the progression of myopia in nearsighted children. She is a native Floridian, a Wife, and a Mom of two girls Eye exams see available Independent Doctors Optometry insidelocation! of Pearle Vision. Come Dr. by Washington at ourofNEW Hamlin

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MEET OUR NEW OPTOMETRIST

n Cori Yarckin — actress and singer n Sammie — R&B artist n Austin Gomber — fourth-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals n Dexter Williams — Green Bay Packers running back n Chris Seise — first-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers

WINDERMERE HIGH 5523 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere PHONE: (407) 347-0980 WEBSITE: windermerehs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Andrew Leftakis MASCOT: Wolverines ENROLLMENT: 3,038 FUN FACT: The campus features technology-integrated classrooms, a state-of-the art media center and a performing-arts suite. OTHER ORANGE COUNTY VIRTUAL SCHOOL 1600 Silver Star Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 317-3327 WEBSITE: ocvs.ocps.net PRINCIPAL: Brandi Gurley MASCOT: Chargers FUN FACT: OCVS was recognized as the 2019 Franchise of the Year by the Florida Virtual School system. ORANGE TECHNICAL COLLEGE – WESTSIDE 955 E. Story Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 905-2000 WEBSITE: orangetechcollege.net/ campuses/westside PRINCIPAL: Crystal Davidson ENROLLMENT: More than 1,400 CHARTER SCHOOLS HOPE CHARTER/ LEGACY CHARTER HIGH 1550 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-4673 WEBSITE: hopecharter.org PRINCIPAL: Kristy Castellanos, Legacy; Allen Quain, Hope Charter MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: Legacy: 206, Hope: 430 FUN FACT: Hope was funded in 2000 and welcomed students in 2001.

LOCAL MOTION 2022

THE FUTURE OF MEMORY CARE IS

Pink

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Serenades West Orange

LOCAL MOTION 2022

720 Roper Road

(407) 426-4665

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Winter Garden, FL

34787

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Pink has never served a greater purpose. Introducing Serenades for her, an all-new innovative neighborhood at Serenades West Orange that tailors care to the unique needs of women with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Where women can rediscover a sense of sisterhood, and mutual support along with greater privacy, comfort, and peace of mind. Schedule a visit to learn more about memory care exclusively for women at Serenades.

INNOVATION MONTESSORI OCOEE 1644 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee PHONE: (407) 654-2045

The only Auto Shop

WEBSITE:

that feels Like Family

innovationmontessori.com PRINCIPAL: Patrice Cherico MASCOT: Owls ENROLLMENT: 707 FUN FACT: A determined group of middle-school students asked if they could start a basketball team, undeterred by the fact that there was no court. They worked together with coach Jamie LoFiego to find practice opportunities.

Eric Joiner & Glenn Joiner

OAKLAND AVENUE CHARTER SCHOOL 456 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland PHONE: (407) 877-2039 WEBSITE: Oaklandfl.gov PRINCIPAL: Pamela Dwyer MASCOT: Eagle ENROLLMENT: 531 FUN FACT: Students are grouped into “nests” — Trustworthiness, Integrity, Perseverance and Generosity.

n e i o J r’s

WE CARRY AUTO PARTS & MORE! Off-Road Equipment I Marine Heavy Duty Parts I Custom Hydraulic Hoses Complete Paint & Body Supplies I Lawn & Garden & Much More!

FUN FACT: The fully accredited

prekindergarten-through 12thgrade Christian school is located at the Church at the Cross. THE CRENSHAW SCHOOL 2342 Hempel Ave., Gotha PHONE: (407) 757-2241 WEBSITE: crenshawschool.com HEAD OF SCHOOL: Tanya Williams ENROLLMENT: 250 FUN FACT: The school was founded by Brenda Crenshaw, who was a private instructor to Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass.

RENAISSANCE CHARTER SCHOOL AT CROWN POINT 83 West Road, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 573-1080 WEBSITE: crownpointcharter.org PRINCIPAL: Brett E. Taylor MASCOT: Royals ENROLLMENT: 1,147 FUN FACT: Renaissance Charter at Crown Point is the first school in CSUSA history to have an aquaponic farm on its campus.

THE FIRST ACADEMY 2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando PHONE: (407) 206-8600 WEBSITE: thefirstacademy.org HEAD OF SCHOOL: Dr. Steve Whitaker MASCOT: Royals ENROLLMENT: More than 1,450 FUN FACT: The Christ-centered, college preparatory, private school has served Central Florida students from preschool through high school since 1986.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 700 Good Homes Road, No. 6600, Orlando PHONE: (407) 850-2322 WEBSITE: cfcaeagles.org PRINCIPAL: Pam Theobald MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 227

FOUNDATION ACADEMY Upper School: 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden; Lower School: 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden; Lakeside Campus: 8464 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Orlando PHONE: Upper School: (407) 877-2744; Lower School: (407) 656-3677; Lakeside Campus: (407) 204-9672 WEBSITE:

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS OF NAPA KNOW-HOW

APOPKA

250 E. Third Street 407-889-5222

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WINTER GARDEN

13202 W. Colonial Drive 407-656-4141

foundationacademy.net PRINCIPALS: Sarah Reynolds, Upper School; Angel Whitehead, Lower School, Plant Street Campus; Amanda Donaho, Lower School, Lakeside Campus MASCOT: Lions ENROLLMENT: 905 students across three campuses FUN FACT: Foundation Academy has been offering a Christ-centered education since 1958.

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HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando PHONE: (407) 876-2211 WEBSITE: hfcschool.com PRINCIPAL: Sister Dorothy Sayers MASCOT: Lions ENROLLMENT: 650 FUN FACT: Throughout the year, Holy Family Catholic School’s students participate in numerous charity events, such as food drives and fundraisers, to help those in need through the Catholic Charities organization.

FUN FACT: This year marks Vic-

tory Christian Academy’s 36th anniversary. WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 6189 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Windermere PHONE: (407) 905-7737 WEBSITE: windermereprep.com HEAD OF SCHOOL:

Dr. Mitchell Salerno MASCOT: Lakers ENROLLMENT: 1,500 FUN FACT: This is the 21st anniversary of the school.

LIGHT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Main Campus: 1105 N. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee; South Campus: 2450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha PHONE: (407) 656-6314 WEBSITE: mylcac.com PRINCIPAL:

Bishop Thomas Odom MASCOT: Sharks FUN FACT: The school outgrew its

MONTVERDE ACADEMY 17235 Seventh St., Montverde PHONE: (407) 469-2561 WEBSITE: montverde.org HEADMASTER: Kasey Kesselring MASCOT: Eagles ENROLLMENT: 1,300

VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1601 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-1295 WEBSITE: vcaocoee.org PRINCIPAL: Jason Davis ENROLLMENT: 100

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Main Campus in 2020 and moved part of the student body to a South Campus at Quest Church.

SPECIAL EDUCATION UCP CENTRAL FLORIDA — WEST ORANGE CAMPUS 1297 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 110, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 904-0135 WEBSITE: ucpcfl.org PRINCIPAL: Thomas Brickel MASCOT: The West Orange Wave ENROLLMENT: 231 FUN FACT: The school moved to a new campus for the 2021-22 school year.

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OCOEE TACO COMPANY 40 Taylor St., Ocoee Three QuesoTacos Combo Special

AT SIAM THAI CUISINE 8957 International Drive, Orlando Crispy Duck

LOCAL FLAVOR

GELATERIA LA CARRAIA 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 38, Orlando. Pistachio and Hazelnut Cone

LOOP CAFE

THE FRENCH CAFE

STUFF-A-BAGEL

13790 Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Suite 1000, Windermere Acai Bowl

5855 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 160, Windermere; 16412 New Independence Parkway, Suite 140, Winter Garden Croque Madame

13211 Reams Road, Unit 110, Windermere The Boss on Rainbow with Aly’s special razzle-dazzle sauce and homemade strawberry milk

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LISBON

PAMMIE’S SAMMIES

MANGONI ITALIAN MARKET

7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Suite 12, Orlando Polvo a Lagareiro (Broiled octopus)

121 S. Boyd St., Winter Garden Flower Child Salad

251 Tremaine St., Winter Garden Tuscan Sky Cocktail

West Orange and Southwest Orange are home to some of the best restaurants in Central Florida. Here are just some of our favorite dishes — all unique to our community and well worth your time and money. NAAN STOPP 5845 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 130, Windermere Butter Chicken, Chicken Vindaloo, Garlic Naan, Chana Masala, Spinach and Cheese Palak Paneer and Tandoori Chicken with red and white house wines.

BOSPHORUS 16418 New Independence Parkway, Suite 140, Winter Garden Lavas and Mixed Appetizer

HOME STATE BREWING 16016 New Independence Parkway, Unit 100, Winter Garden Party Goblin and The Selective Eccentric

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Get Back to

making memories Don’t let pain stop you from enjoying time with your loved ones. Let West Orange Orthopaedics help get you back to doing what you love with the people you love, pain free.

We specialize in • General Orthopaedic Surgery • Total Joint Replacement • Sports Related Injuries • Elbow & Elbow Surgery • Sports Medicine • Computer Assisted Surgery

For Appointments: Press 3 Fax Authorizations and Referrals to (407) 654-4956

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596 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy, Ocoee www.WestOrangeOrthopaedics.com

Reach Out Today (407) 654-3505

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Empowering Patients & Restoring Active Lifestyles Since 1966

• Trauma • Hand • Shoulder & Knee • Minimally Invasive Joint Replacements

LOCAL MOTION 2022

121 S. Boyd St 407-730-3212 pammiesammies.com HOURS Mon-Thu 11AM-7PM Fri 11AM-8PM Sat 10AM-7PM Sun CLOSED MENU

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SIGHTS TO SEE n Clermont Historic Village Museum. Clermont’s Historic Village, at the corner of West Avenue and Osceola Street, is a cooperative effort of the South Lake County Historical Society and the city of Clermont.

DAY TRIP

CLERMONT

n Clermont Performing Arts Center. The center has a 1,200-seat performance hall and a 250-seat black-box theater. The center is part of the 69,000-square-foot Clermont Arts and Recreation Center. n Citrus Tower. One of Florida’s first “attractions,” the Citrus Tower was built in 1956 on one of the highest hills in Florida’s ridge section. A glassenclosed observation deck allows visitors to enjoy the panoramic view of the rolling hills of Florida’s ridge section and hundreds of spring-fed lakes in the surrounding eightcounty area. n Clay Loop. One of the jewels of Clermont is its popular 10-mile Clay Loop, where Olympians and residents enjoy the beauty of scenic views combined with rolling hills. The Loop once was a clay road around many citrus groves. n Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Situated among the rolling hills of Clermont, this winery offers tours and wine tasting seven days a week. Lakeridge Winery is the largest winery in Florida. EVENTS n Red White & Boom. This Fourth of July extravaganza is held July 4 at Waterfront Park. The event is topped off with evening fireworks.

LOCAL FLAVOR n Guru Indian Restaurant, 2400 S. U.S. 27, Suite 101, Clermont. This popular restaurant features authentic Indian cuisine. Suggestion: Beef Saag Wala, succulent pieces of choice beef cooked with spinach, sauteed with onion, flavored with fresh coriander. n Clermont Brewing Company, 750 W. Desoto St., Clermont. This establishment features an on-site brewery and thin-crust Neapolitan pizza. Guests also can enjoy live music. n The Southern on 8th, 801 W. Montrose St., Clermont. This kitchen serves a variety of Southern-style dishes. The Southern Shrimp and Grits features Atlantic red shrimp, Nora Mills Granary white grits, cherry tomatoes and white cheddar.

n Clermont Main Street Wine Stroll. Explore historic Downtown Clermont while sampling wine at participating shops. n Downtown Clermont Farmers Market. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, this market features 40 vendors selling local produce, meat, honey, eggs, seafood, handmade gifts and home goods.

Photos by Katie Steed

ounded in 1884 and incorporated in 1916, Clermont was created in the rolling hills between lakes Minneola and Minnehaha. It was named for the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotnowski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, which was formed for land development. Much of the county initially was developed as orange and other citrus groves, which was the basis of the economy through the mid-20th century. In 1922, a developer named Edward Denslow organized The Postal Colony Company when he bought 1,000 acres of land and planted citrus groves. Clermont — known for its picturesque hills and pristine lakes — once was the Citrus Capital of Old Florida. It is home to the 1956 Florida Citrus Tower, one of Florida's early landmarks. Downtown Clermont has restaurants, shops, the local Art League, Clermont City Center and City Hall. The downtown's western area, known as Historic Village, includes sites such as the Townsend House, home to James and Sallie Townsend, the first black couple in Clermont. Waterfront Park is located along Lake Minneola. The park includes picnic areas, a swimming area, fishing piers and a playground; a place to rent paddleboards, kayaks and bicycles; and a fitness trail that is part of a 30-mile system. — Amy Quesinberry

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Bonjour! Welcome to the French Café.

Eat what makes you

Happy

At The French Cafe, we offffeer the best croissants, quiches, pastries, omelets, crepes, & coffffeee in the Orlando area. Delight in an authentic French café experience with creations from our world-renowned chef. Made from scratch daily, j oin us for dine-in, carryout, or delivery!

ORDER ONLINE

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www.TheFrenchCafe.com

Windermere

Near Windermere High School Open Everyday 7am to 5pm 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Rd Suite # 160 (407) 500-0306

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Hamlin

Located in Hamlin Grove Open Everyday 7am to 3pm 16412 New Independence Pkwy Suite #140 (407) 500-4050

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AUTHENTIC & OLD-FASHIONED At V’s, we bring you nostalgia with a modern twist. From the authentic barber chairs, our old-fashioned hot lather and straightedge razor shaves to our relaxing head and neck massages, V’s Barbershop sets a new standard for barber shops. Whether you’re looking for a traditional short hair cut or a more contemporary men’s hairstyle, we invite you to visit one of our barbers and experience for yourself why V’s is simply a cut above the rest!

IT’S A GUY THING

vbarbershop.com

O-TOWN WEST

11830 Glass House Lane, Suite 130 Orlando, FL 32836 LOCAL MOTION 2022 407.674.7569 383870-1

WINDERMERE

7848 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. #108 Windermere, FL 34786 407.614.0330

pen! Now O

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SIGHTS TO SEE n Modernism Museum Mount Dora. This museum opened in 2013 and displays an incredible personal collection — belonging to Ken Mazik — of mid-century modern furniture. The exhibit changes every year.

DAY TRIP

MOUNT DORA

n Grantham Point Park. Also referred to as Lighthouse Park, this touristic destination features one of Mount Dora’s famous landmarks — the red and white lighthouse. n Downtown Mount Dora. Downtown Mount Dora delights the eyes of every visitor with more than 20 restaurants and a wide variety of arts and craft stores with historical buildings dispersed throughout the city. EVENTS n Mount Dora Craft Fair. The town’s largest event attracts more than 250,000 visitors every fourth weekend of the month of October. This year, the fair will take place the weekend of Oct. 22 to 23. n Sailboat Regatta. Since April 1953, the Mount Dora Yacht Club has hosted this regatta, the oldest in the state, every year during the month of April. n Mount Dora Arts Festival. Hosted annually on the first full weekend of the month of February by The Mount Dora Center for the Arts, this festival features oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, clay, sculpture and photography works. The next festival is scheduled for Feb. 4 and 5, 2023.

LOCAL FLAVOR n PizzAmoré, 722 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. More than a decade ago, Leigh Love moved to Mount Dora with the desire to share her passion for great food and wine. Popular dishes include the Palermo Pizza, and Adult Mac and Cheese. n Serendipity Brews, 144 W. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. A quaint coffee shop located in Downtown Mount Dora, Serendipity Brews serves a variety of coffee, beer, wine-based cocktails and light food. A popular choice is the Sweet Cream Cold Brew with Brown Butter Toffee. n Fifth Avenue Streatery, 846 E. Fifth Ave., Mount Dora. This outdoor restaurant offers visitors a unique atmosphere. Popular dishes include Mediterranean Salad and the Southerner Burger with Potato Salad.

he quaint city of Mount Dora, known for its small-town Southern charm, rests next to Lake Dora. In the 1880s, Ms. Dora Ann Drawdy befriended and homesteaded federal surveyors. These surveyors, whom she welcomed into her house, named Lake Dora in her honor in 1846. In 1883, the town that had started to grow around the lake was named after it. Since its early years, Mount Dora has been a popular winter getaway for hunters, fishermen and boaters. The Lakeside Inn, which has had notable visitors throughout its years — President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and President Calvin Coolidge — was initially named “The Alexander House” when it opened in 1883. In 1893, it was renamed for the first time to “The Lake House” for about a decade until 1903, when it received its final and current name. Mount Dora, a historic city to this day, retains its small-town charm. Visitors can enjoy the sight of several historic buildings and larger canopy trees as well as its wide variety of antique shops scattered throughout the downtown area. — Andrea Mujica

n Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. Held by the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce every October, this festival includes a variety of daily rides that range between 8 and 100 miles in length. This year, the festival will be held Oct. 7 to 10. n Scottish Highland Festival. Held the third weekend of February, it features Scottish bands and musicians and an 6 4 of highland games. afternoon

Photos by Andrea Mujica

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REALTOR I JANE DUNKELBERGER

I WANT TO BE YOUR GO TO AGENT!

Insuring your treasure, one closing at a time.

Helping people find their dream homes is my passion. If you are ready to find yours or know someone who is, give me a call. I can’t wait to hear from you!

This milestone is more than a celebration of years, it is a celebration of success despite many adversities and obstacles.

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Short Sale Specialist Contact me anytime: 407.913.6776 www.OrlandoDreamHomePro.com

It took professionalism, tenacity, knowledge and experience to create long lasting success.

Thinking About a Vacation?

The Treasure Title Team, with over 45 years of experience in our community, are the people you want working for you.

Don’t know where to start? I can help!

Carol Panico

407.654.8811 www.treasuretitle.com

Let my passion take the stress out of your planning!

Recipient of the 2021 Danniel J. Petro “The Bright Future of West Orange”Award

Contact me today for concierge style travel planning services that ensures your family’s dream vacation is a streamlined, hassle-free process, at the best available prices!

JoAnne Quarles, President of Treasure Title

LOCAL MOTION 2022

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J.Panico@MagicalVacationPlanners.com

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718-909-2304

SIGHTS TO SEE n Explore the craft beer and cocktail scene. Pick up the Central Florida Ale Trail Map at any participating brewery and start your journey in Historic Downtown Sanford, enjoy several beer gardens and learn the art of craft cocktails.

DAY TRIP

SANFORD

n See a play at a local theater. Experience tributes, symphonies and off-Broadway plays at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center and Theater West End. n Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Only a five-minute car ride from downtown historic Sanford, the attraction is home to more than 350 animals, representing more than 100 different species. Throughout the summer, locals can take the free trolley from the Sanford SunRail Station to the zoo. EVENTS n St. Johns River Festival of the Arts. This outdoor juried fine arts and crafts festival offers educational art demonstrations for visitors of all ages. It features more than 150 artists. n Love Your Shorts Film Festival. This annual showcase of short films features work from filmmakers from all over the world. n Sofas and Suds. This craft beer festival features local businesses and organizations racing their creatively crafted old sofas down the streets of downtown Sanford.

LOCAL FLAVOR n Hollerbach's German Restaurant, 201-205 E. First St., Sanford. This German-themed restaurant opened in 2001. Try the Eisbein with two-liter Das Boot — a skinless, bone-in pork shank served with sauerkraut and Heaven and Earth potatoes. n St. John’s River Steak & Seafood, 550 N. Palmetto Ave., Sanford. This waterside eatery features a light-filled dining room and outdoor tables. Try the Stuffed Grouper and Berries in Paradise, a baked grouper stuffed with crab meat and served with dirty rice, sautéed shrimp and Thai chili sauce. n The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits, 113 S. Palmetto Ave., Sanford. The restaurant’s Pork Belly is served with an apple and parsnip puree, daikon radish salad, fried parsnips and a bourbon gastrique.

n Holiday Tour of Homes. This festive walking tour features Sanford's most beautifully preserved and restored homes — decked out for the holidays. The tour is also the centerpiece of other downtown events, such as the Tour of Drinks and the Light Up Sanford event.

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

anford, one of Central Florida’s oldest incorporated cities, rests on the south shore of Lake Monroe at the head of the navigation of the St. Johns River. During the Seminole wars of the 1830s, the area was the site of a U.S. Army post named Fort Mellon. With the emergence of commercial steamboat service, the town became a distribution point for goods essential to the growth of Central Florida. Henry Shelton Sanford purchased the land west of Mellonville in 1870, planning a new city, “the Gate City of South Florida,” which he believed would become the transportation hub for all of southern Florida. The city of Sanford was incorporated in 1877, and Mellonville was annexed six years later. Now, more than 150 years later, the city is rapidly growing with a population of more than 60,000. It is known for its bricklined streets, towering oaks, elegant storefronts and large, 19th-century Victorian homes. The center of downtown Sanford rests on First Street, where the area is alive with a multitude of unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, a historic theater, and a vast microbrewery and craft cocktail scene. — Annabelle Sikes

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Models Open, Tours Given Daily "My mother enjoys every day at Inspired Living. She is better and healthier than she has been in several years. She participates in the activities and the staff have all been wonderful to her. They are very kind and attentive and I know that she is always well taken care of. "

Complimentary Lunch & Wine with Scheduled Tour ALF #AL12906

407.890.0648

1061 Tomyn Blvd. Ocoee, FL 34761 www.InspiredLiving.care

Professional Chef All-Day Dining Thrive Activities Fitness Center Salon and Spa Pool and Tiki Bar Putting Green Transportation Housekeeping

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Orange County's BEST Assisted Living and Memory Care Community LOCAL MOTION 2022 67

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DINING guide Clermont Brewing Company 750 W. DESOTO ST, CLERMONT I 321-430-BEER (2337) WWW.CLERMONTBREWINGCOMPANY.COM

MONDAY – THURSDAY 3:00pm – 10:00pm FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11:30am – 12:00am

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SUNDAY 11:00am – 10:00pm

The CBC is your go-to place for fun friendly service, craft beer and cocktails, fresh artisanal food and more. Start your week off with Live Entertainment on Mondays. Come see us Tuesdays for our Cash Bingo, Dueling Pianos on Wednesdays and Thursdays for our Vibe Night. Friday and Saturday Nights come dance the night away with Central Florida’s greatest bands located in downtown Clermont. Top off your weekends with our Sunday Killer Brunch starting at 11 am with bottomless mimosas and build your own bloody marys! Check our event calendar online for the latest happenings.

HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 3PM - 6PM Discounted Craft Beer, Well Drinks & Well Wine

The Southern on 8th 801 W MONTROSE ST, CLERMONT I 352-394-7777 Reservations Accepted WWW.THESOUTHERNON8TH.COM 352-394-7777 | www.thesouthernon8th.com Eat, Drink & Southern. 801 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FlBe 34711

Accepted southernon8th.com Accepted lermont, Fl 34711 southernon8th.com lermont, 34711 hu: 4pm -Fl 9pm

Enjoy4pm southern Mon: Closed | Tue - Thu: - 9pmcomfort food with a sophisticated twist. Utilizing the Fri & Sat: 4pm - 10pm | Sun: 4pm -freshest 8pm ingredients prepared to order and served to you...our guests. Please enjoy! Reservations SOUTHLAKE COUNTY’SAccepted BEST HAPPY HOUR Reservations accepted. 352-394-7777 | www.thesouthernon8th.com EVERYDAY 4-6PM

801 W. Montrose St., Clermont, Fl 34711 HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY 4PM–7PM! Mon: Closed | Tue - Thu: 4pm - 9pm

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Fri & Sat: 4pm - 10pm |open Sun: 4pm - 8pmbrunch for Sun: 4pm - 8pm hu: 4pm - 9pm saturday and sunday 11 am– 3 pm Reservations Accepted Sun: 4pm - 8pm SOUTHLAKE COUNTY’S BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST HAPPY HOUR 352-394-7777 | www.thesouthernon8th.com EVERYDAY 4-6PM 4-6PMHAPPY HOUR BEST 801 W. Montrose St., Clermont, Fl 34711 4-6PM LOCAL MOTION 2022 Mon: Closed | Tue - Thu: 4pm - 9pm Fri & Sat: 4pm - 10pm | Sun: 4pm - 8pm SOUTHLAKE COUNTY’S BEST HAPPY HOUR

are you ready to rock? saturday, october 29 - 6 pm

join the party to build a stronger community!

how will you help build? Habitat ReStore: Donate, Shop, Volunteer

Get Started With Habitat Homeownership

Join A Committee

Build With Us

Rock The House & Women Build

Contribute Financially To Our Efforts

visit westorangehabitat.org to find out more

For more information, contact us at (407) 809-4411 info@westorangehabitat.org

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West Orange Habitat for Humanity 13369 West Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, FL, 34787

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be heard.

choose well.

Ten award-winning hospitals. More than 100 medical specialties. 14 ERs. 4200 expert physicians. So many reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com

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Articles inside

SCHOOLS

HEALTH CARE

LOCAL FLAVOR

WINDERMERE

GOTHA

TEN TO ATTEND

HORIZON WEST

WINTER GARDEN

DR. PHILLIPS

OCOEE

OAKLAND