Local Motion 2023

LOCAL MOTION

A PROBST

Our guide to living local!

For nearly 118 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, as well. And we have watched in awe as Horizon West has exploded before our very eyes.

So, it is with that legacy that I present our 2023-24 edition of Local Motion: An Insider’s Guide to Living in West Orange County. We begin with pro les of each of the area’s communities — Winter Garden, Horizon West, Ocoee, Gotha, Windermere, Oakland and Dr. Phillips.

New this year is an expanded guide to local schools. In addition to our comprehensive list of public, private and charter schools, we also have information about preschool options, options for families with loved ones with

special needs, and information about the recently expanded Florida voucher program.

We've also selected 10 events you won't want to miss (page 33); a round-up of civic clubs (page 32); and, of course, a menu of dining options (pages 34-35). 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 o er, it's fun to seek adventure elsewhere. That's why we've included three Day Trip options — Celebration (page 76), Clermont (page 77) and Mills 50 (page 78).

We hope you nd 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

LOCAL MOTION 2023

PRESIDENT Emily Walsh

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Michael Eng

EDITORIAL

News Editor Annabelle Sikes

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry

Sta Writer Andrea Mujica

Design Editor Jess Eng

ADVERTISING

Sales Manager

Cyndi Gustafson

Multimedia Advertising Executive

Iggy Collazo

Advertising Coordinator Allison Brunelle

CREATIVE SERVICES

Graphic Designer Andrea Rukstalis

COVER ART: Local photographer Kassondra Gustafson, of Black + Bay Photography, captured this photo of a curious sandhill crane. View more of her work at blackandbay.mypixieset.com.

A Bustling Community Rooted in a 'Juicy Past'

Attracted 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 res 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. In ll development, redevelopment, repurposed buildings, preservation, housing and businesses all converge to create a thriving downtown that draws people from around the world.

A city born from citrus has blossomed into one of Orange County's jewels.

WINTER GARDEN

NOTABLE NAMES SIGNATURE EVENTS

Spring Fever in the Garden. This annual plant and garden show also features the popular Chalkin’ It Up sidewalk chalk art contest, Kids Zone, live music and more.

Rotary Club of Winter Garden's Evening at the Pops. This annual spring concert gives attendees a chance to enjoy live music on the shores of Lake Apopka.

All-American Kids Parade. A family favorite, this patriotic parade allows children to decorate their bikes, scooters and wagons 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 reworks display on Lake Apopka. Families bring chairs and blankets to take in the sparkling spectacle.

Winter Garden Halloween Experience. This multi-day event in downtown Winter Garden includes a hay maze; holidaythemed photo locations, decorations and light displays; as well as an animated Halloween Light Show on City Hall and live entertainment.

City of Winter Garden Christmas Parade. Kick o 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.

Winter Garden Farmers Market. This award-winning market takes place Saturdays.

Henry Bradley Plant was the founder and president of the Plant System of railways, steamship lines and hotels. Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden is named for him.

A.B. Newton published the city’s rst newspaper, The Ricochet, and was the rst mayor, postmaster and storekeeper.

James Lafayette (18581942) and Mattie Agnes Showalter (1854-1922) Dillard came to Winter Garden in 1887. They settled in an area then known as Washington Place, which is now a part of incorporated Winter Garden. J.L. Dillard built the rst house on the street that now bears his name — at the southeast intersection of North Dillard Street and Agnes Street. J.L. Dillard served on the rst City Council (1908) and County Commission and in the 1918-19 session of the Florida Legislature.

Jack Quesinberry is the longest-running mayor in the city’s history, having served for 16-and-one-half years, from 1991 to 2007. He and his commission led the renaissance of the historic downtown district and brought a new shopping experience to residents with the construction of Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves.

Raymond Screws served as the second principal of West Orange High School from 1976 to 1977. The school was less than two years old when tragedy struck the campus. On Dec. 12, 1977, Assistant Principal Roosevelt Holloman Jr. walked into Principal Ray Screws’ o ce, where an exchange of words took place, and Holloman shot and killed Screws. He was found guilty of rst-degree murder the following summer and given life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years. Screws' memory is carried on in the football eld that bears his name.

WINTER GARDEN

LOCAL LEADERS

Mayor John Rees

Rees has served as mayor of Winter Garden for 15 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 in 1967 from Lakeview High School.

District 1 Commissioner/ Mayor Pro-Tem Lisa Bennett

Bennett is a lifelong resident of Winter Garden. She graduated in 1981 from Calvary Baptist School and attended Valencia Community College. She has been a real-estate broker for 26 years and co-owner/broker of Windsor Realty Group Inc., Winter Garden, for 19 years. Bennett has served District 1 for six 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 sta 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 o cer 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 Colin Sharman

Sharman has served the citizens of Winter Garden as commissioner since 2006. He is an account manager for Trane US Inc. and a certi ed mechanical contractor. He was on the city’s Planning & Zoning Board from 2005-06 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 nance director. He also served as both city manager and nance director for Edgewater. Williams is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, from which he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

WELCOME TO WINTER GARDEN

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 awardwinning West Orange Trail winds through the heart of our downtown, and, every Saturday, an awardwinning Farmers Market provides a community hub.

The city is committed to delivering top-notch customer service to our more than 50,000 residents and 2,000 businesses.

Once again, welcome and enjoy Winter Garden, where good things grow.

— Mayor John Rees

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Winter Garden City Hall: 300 W. Plant St., (407) 656-4111

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

Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department, (407) 877-5175

Police: Winter Garden Police Department, (407) 656-3636

Solid waste: City of Winter Garden, (407) 656-2256

Utilities: (water, sewer) Winter Garden Water Department, (407) 656-4100

Lake Apopka Natural Gas: (407) 656-2734

Abuzz with Activity

In its early days, the land that would become Horizon West 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 re ects 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 in uence of Ebenezer Howard’s Garden Cities model led to the preliminary design of independent, self-sustaining villages. At buildout, the

The boom in the master-planned Horizon West shows no signs of slowing down.

LOCAL LEADER

The beautiful weather, schools and amenities have made Horizon West a desirable area to work and live. Most residents can view nightly reworks from Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Villages were designed to have Orange County neighborhood parks within walking distance of all the residential areas. Orange County Parks and Recreation broke ground at two parks in 2023 and revealed the design for the future Horizon West Branch Library.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Horizon West Car Fest. This organization celebrates all things automotive with monthly car shows at Hamlin Town Center.

Horizon West Fest. This springtime celebration of all things Horizon West brings the community together for a day of fun in the sun.

Hamlin Easter Bunny Meet and Greet. Families have a chance to enjoy some pre-Easter fun at this annual event.

Hamlin Hoedown. This farminspired event features pony rides, a barnyard petting zoo, live music, crafts, games and plenty of food vendors.

Flavor Fest Horizon West. This fall festival provides an immersive experience to enjoy a fusion of food, culture and arts along with live music performances.

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. 22 to Dec. 10, 2023.

Santa's Coming to Hamlin. Of course, no community would be complete without a Christmas celebration. This one includes holiday music, food and a chance to meet the Big Guy himself.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Orange County Administration Center, 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando

Cable/internet:

Spectrum, (407) 2912500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 862-9343; EarthLink, (844) 9033107

Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: Orange County

Fire Rescue, (407) 8369000

Police: Orange County Sheri ’s O ce, (407) 254-7000

Trash: Orange County Solid Waste, (407) 836-6601

Utilities (water/ sewer): Orange County Utilities, (407) 836-5515

NOTABLE NAMES

Jerry Chicone Jr., aka Mr. Florida Citrus, was one of West Orange's most prominent citrus growers. But after multiple freezes in the 1980s, Chicone began talking with fellow landowners about development. Those talks birthed the idea of Horizon West.

Scott T. Boyd, not to be confused with former Orange County Commissioner S. Scott Boyd, is the owner and president of Boyd Development Corporation. His company is the Winter Garden-based real estate development company behind the 1,000-plus-acre Hamlin Town Center. In his spare time, Scott iserves as the Orlando chair of National Christian Foundation, sits on the board for Lift Orlando and served as chair at The First Academy for 12 years.

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.

The original Horizon West Inc. board members included Pat Ahrendt, Jack Amon, Kurt Ardaman, Lester Austin, Billy Burch, Randy June, Jim Karr, Tom Lewis and Don Phillips

Linda Chapin was the Orange County mayor who supported of the original development plans for Horizon West.

goal of Horizon 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.

Most recently, most of the exciting development has taken place in Hamlin Town Center. The area is now home to a plethora of unique restaurants and shops, and most recently welcomed Urban Air Adventure Park, an indoor attraction that includes a variety of activities for children and family to enjoy.

Orange County

A Growing City on the Move

Before becoming a city in May 1925, the city of Ocoee originally was a small agricultural settlement supported by bustling local citrus and vegetable industries.

In 1921, the Florida Legislature recognized the town of Ocoee as a municipality prior to it becoming a city four years later.

In the mid-1800s, the township initially only had 820 residents and rst 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 ower in its logo.

It also was during that time the rst 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 rst 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.

As of today, the city of Ocoee has welcomed several major projects within its city limits, which look promising for increasing local and national tourism. To name a few: Healthy West Orange Wellness Park and the new Action Sports Parks, which potentially will attract a huge number of BMXers and skateboarders into the city. Also, the Ocoee Sports Complex, which currently is under construction, will attract a large number of people who are involved in sports given the amount of baseball, softball and little league elds that it will feature.

Currently, the Ocoee City Commission — and the city government in general — now includes more diversity than ever.

Ocoee takes its name from the Cherokee language. It means 'apricot vine.'

WELCOME TO OCOEE

As the mayor of Ocoee, I’m honored to welcome you to our city. Ocoee is a welcoming community with a hometown atmosphere.

Over the past several years, we have been making key investments in our infrastructure. The city is

SIGNATURE EVENTS

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 and more.

Halloween Howl Night. Put on your best costume and enjoy a fun night of games and trunk-or-treat.

Evening with Santa. Families have the chance to pay a visit to Santa Claus and a special guest.

Jolly Jamboree and Tree Lighting. Enjoy the countdown to the tree lighting, a visit to Santa’s Village and welcome the magic of Christmas alongside neighbors, friends and family.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Ocoee City Hall: 1 N. Bluford Ave., (407) 905-3100

Cable/internet:

Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776; CenturyLink, (877) 8629343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107

Power/electric: Duke

Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: City of Ocoee Fire/ Rescue, (407) 905-3140

Police: Ocoee Police Department,(407) 9053160

Solid waste: (407) 905-3170

Utilities (water, sewer): (407) 905-3159

focused on revitalizing our historic downtown. Several new businesses and eateries have opened, with more planned.

We reached a major milestone with the opening of our new City Hall, the centerpiece of our revitalization. Our new building brings city services under one

roof providing an e cient, modern space for people to engage in business with the city.

We’re expanding our green spaces to provide more recreational opportunities for our residents. Our new award-winning Healthy West Orange Wellness Park and Ocoee Action Sports Park gives exercise enthusiasts, skateboarders and BMX bikers a dedicated space to call their

LOCAL LEADERS

Mayor Rusty Johnson

Johnson has been a resident of Ocoee for 60 years. Prior to his election as mayor, he was District 3 Commissioner from 1999 to 2015, he served as District 1 Commissioner for the City from 1986 to 1997. Johnson is currently employed by Gosselin Realty. Johnson served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam veteran. Johnson's term is from 2023-2027.

District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy Kennedy and his wife, Mellita Kennedy, have been residents of Ocoee since 2004. Kennedy is an accomplished and proven business leader who works as a chief nancial o cer. He served previously as the vice chair of Ocoee’s Planning and Zoning Commission. His rst term is from 2023-2027.

Mayor Pro-Tem, District 2 Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen

Wilsen has been a resident of Ocoee since 1997 and served on numerous boards and committees, including the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Spring Fling Committee, the Ocoee Merit Board. Wilsen married Fred Wilsen in 1979, and they have two daughters, Jenny and Anne.

District 3 Commissioner Richard Firstner Firstner retired as re chief for the city of Ocoee in 2009. Firstner’s civic and volunteer background includes the Rotary Club of Ocoee, Read-to-Succeed mentoring program, the "Fully Involved" assistance program in the re department and "Operation Santa."

District 4 Commissioner Ages Hart

A resident of Ocoee since 1993, Ages recently served on the Human Relations Diversity Board. He is a lifelong Floridian and attended Florida A&M University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. Ages is happily married to Lori, his wife of 29 years, and they have three beautiful daughters, Ashley, Brittany and Caitlin.

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 o cer.

own. Unity Park, a 5-acre passive nature park, will be completed soon. The park has a walking path, boardwalk, 100% native plants, naturalized creek and a ltration pond that cleans stormwater before it ows into Starke Lake.

As we move forward with new growth and economic prosperity, I invite you to visit our great city and experience all we have to o er.

— Mayor Rusty Johnson

NOTABLE NAMES

Fred Maguire was the rst president of the Bank of Ocoee, rst mayor of Ocoee and a citrus farmer.

Hoyle Pounds eventually moved his business to Winter Garden, but originally ,the Pounds Motor Company operated in Ocoee from 1914-1920.

Tyranus Judson "T.J." Minor was a merchant and grove owner in the 1870s. The Great Freeze destroyed his businesses, but he stayed to rebuild and eventually became postmaster.

Jane Perkins was the rst teacher in Ocoee.

J.G. Tyson was the rst preacher in Ocoee.

Capt. 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 rst citrus nursery in the United States. He served as contractor for the rst framed court house in Orlando.

R.B.F. Roper created the Town of Ocoee subdivision in 1886.

James D. Starke moved to the Ocoee area around 1850 and established citrus groves between what is now known as Starke Lake and Apopka.

GOTHA

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Owl Prowl —Art & Wine Wander. This Nehrling Gardens event will delight both your eyes and taste buds. Gusts can enjoy sampling selections of beer, wine and food while they wander among local artists painting in the gardens, enjoy live music and take the opportunity to learn about Nehrling's four Owl Ambassadors.

Holiday Amaryllis Festival. Nehrling Gardens' December event features beautiful and rare amaryllis bulbs for sale, as well as nature-themed vendors, food, music and crafts.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Cable/internet:

Old-Florida Living

Gotha is a historic rural settlement located between Windermere and Dr. Phillips — bound by Old Winter Garden Road, Windy Ridge Road, South ApopkaVineland Road and Maguire Road.

The Orange County rural settlement was founded in 1885 by immigrants whose hometown was Gotha, Germany. Gotha was established 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

NOTABLE NAMES

through the community — Hempel Avenue — is named for him, as well. Hempel rst 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 o ce, 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.

If you love Florida ornamental horticulture, including caladiums, palms, bamboos, amaryllis and crinum lilies, you can thank horticulturist and naturalist Henry Nehrling who purchased his property in Gotha to create tropical gardens for research. Today, the site is a historic landmark. Nehrling Gardens welcomes visitors who are interested in botanical gardens, environmental conservation and historic preservation.

Dr. Henry Nehrling was a horticulturalist and naturalist who established the Palm Cottage Gardens, known today as Nehrling Gardens.

Henry A. Hempel was the German native who founded Gotha and named it after his homeland.

Bob Ross was a famous landscape artist, art instructor and television host known for his serene scenes and his “happy little trees.”

Spectrum, (407) 291-2500; DIRECTV, (866) 906-2621; DISH, (844) 306-7067; AT&T, (866) 817-0776;

CenturyLink, (877) 8629343; EarthLink, (844) 903-3107

Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: Orange County Fire Rescue, (407) 836-9000

Police: Orange County Sheri ’s O ce, (407) 254-7000

Trash: Orange County Solid Waste, (407) 836-6601

Utilities (water/sewer): Orange County Utilities, (407) 836-5515

LOCAL LEADER

Gotha is known for its shady oaks and beautiful blooms, but it’s also home to hidden gems such as the pet-friendly sandwich shop Yellow Dog Eats, housed in the historic Fishers Country Store; Gotha Community Park, a gathering spot for active residents looking for outdoor recreation; and historic Nehrling Gardens.

— Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson

A Slice of Heaven

The quaint the town of Windermere proper spans only 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 ve 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 o ce 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 rst mayor was John Jaquith, who served from 1925 to 1927. Cal Palmer served as the second mayor, from 1928 to 1929. Johnson was the fth, and Lyon was the seventh. In fact, Cal Palmer’s o ce building — which was completed in 1911 — still stands today, as does the historic 1887 Schoolhouse, which was the rst 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.

Now, many people, especially in the Horizon West area, have Windermere addresses.

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.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Windermere Wine & Dine. Tickets have been known to sell out in mere hours for this annual celebration of food and wine.

Operation Easter Bunny. The Windermere Police Department and Windermere Mayor Jim O'Brien escort the Easter Bunny through town distributing Easter bags to children along the way.

Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast. Residents are invited to join town sta and volunteers for a patriotic breakfast.

Windermere Run Among the Lakes. Known as one of Florida's most beautiful and unique 5K and 10K routes, this run has participants trekking over the dirt roads of Windermere, under a canopy of century-old oaks and along several lakes.

Light Up Windermere. To kick o the holidays, the town typically combines its Food Truck Friday event with a tree-lighting event and holiday festivities.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

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

Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: Ocoee Fire Department, (407) 905-3129

Police: Windermere Police Department, (407) 876-3757

Trash: Waste Pro, (407) 774-0800

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, (407) 8365515.

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 MetroPlan Advisory Board and the School Advisory Committee.

WELCOME TO WINDERMERE

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

Town Council Member Tony Davit Davit is serving his second term for the town of Windermere. He is the council liaison for the Historic Preservation Board and the Public Works Department. He is also the alternate for MetroPlan and the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Town Council Member Tom Stroup Stroup is serving his rst term for the town of Windermere. He is council liaison for the Long Range Planning Committee, the Windermere Police Department and the Windermere Tree Board.

Town Council Member Molly Rose Rose is serving her rst term for the town of Windermere. She is council liaison for the Butler Chain of Lakes Advisory Committee and the Administration/Budget/Finance Department.

Town Council Member Loren “Andy” Williams Williams is serving his third term for the town of Windermere. He is the mayor pro-tem and the council liaison for the Development Review Board, the Elder A airs Committee and the Holiday Social Committee. He is also the alternate for the School Advisory Committee.

Town Manager Robert Smith Smith has served as Windermere’s town manager since 2011. During his 12-year tenure with Windermere, Smith has been involved with numerous projects, including the construction of the town’s new facilties, which opened in 2022.

As our town prepares to celebrate our centennial anniversary year, we strive to be an active, familyoriented, small town looking to the future with a keen respect of the past. Windermere has fewer than 4,000 residents and is a place where white-sand streets are lined by oak trees and surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes, a 5,000acre chain designated since 1985 as an outstanding Florida waterway. We are a great place to raise your family with abundant parks and recreational opportunities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, an exercise trail, playgrounds, a kayak launch and a private boat ramp on the Butler Chain of Lakes. A vibrant hub of activity with annual festivals, weekly family food trucks and green market, and the popular Run Among the Lakes 5K. Downtown you will nd Main Street is a two-lane road with roundabouts for safety and walkability lined by our town ofces, retail shops, including a wine store, restaurants, co ee shop, ice cream parlor and a craft brewery. This year, we will kick o our Ward Trail System that follows the path of the railroad that once moved citrus from the Chase Groves. Our town of Windermere is a community that prides itself on knowing your neighbor and is one of the safest in Florida due to our newly accredited police department.

— Mayor Jim O’Brien

NOTABLE NAMES

Dr. J.H. Johnson and J. C. Palmer formed the Windermere Improvement Company in 1910.

Until the 1500s, the land now known as Windermere was occupied by the Timucua Indians. That changed when Spanish settlers made their way into the area.

Disney executives, including Disney Legends Don Edgren, Bob Allen and Admiral Joe Fowler, called Windermere home during the early days of construction of Walt Disney World.

A Step Back in Time

The town of Oakland was o cially established in 1887, when a meeting was called to incorporate the town with a list of 31 quali ed voters. It originally housed several Indian trading posts and villages before becoming a thriving town with businesses and an opera house in the 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.

James Gamble Speer is credited for being the rst real settler. He 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 rst 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 5,500 residents living, playing, working and going to school within its 2.4 square miles.

Oakland’s popularity increased when the railroad system was extended in the late 1880s. But a devastating re 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 re, residents — many of them descendants of the rst 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 o cials voted to de-annex more than

800 acres, because it couldn’t a ord to serve the area.

The town seemed to stay at a relative standstill for decades, until Oakland’s mayor, commissioners, manager and town sta 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 20th year as a Tree City USA. It has a new Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center and has been working on its Speer Park Master Plan. A roundabout is under construction at the west end of Oakland Avenue to ease tra c congestion in the booming area.

WELCOME TO OAKLAND

Oakland, established in 1887, is one of the oldest and most charming communities in Orange County. A day spent in the town of Oakland will take you back in time to the old, quaint Florida of yesterday — even as new residents begin to discover what just a few have known for generations. Today, Oakland is a diverse, thriving and growing community with nearly 5,500 residents. Home to the Oakland Nature Preserve, the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center and the West Orange Trail, the town of Oakland has become synonymous with nature and wellness.

The town is also one of only two municipalities in the state to own and operate an elementary school. Oakland Avenue Charter School serves about 600 VPK through fth-grade students with nearly 70 dedicated sta members. The school is dedicated to providing an education built on the foundation of community and collaboration.

Whether you are biking along the West Orange Trail, or driving down our nostalgic tree-lined roads, I invite you to stop, grab an ice cream or smoothie from Oakland’s newest addition, the Oakland General, and stay awhile and experience our many hidden treasures. There’s a park bench just waiting for you!

— 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: Waste Management, (407) 464-0664

Utilities (water, sewer): Oakland Water Department (407) 656-1117, Ext. 2100

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Celebration Among the Oaks. This celebration includes a helicopter egg drop, family activities, live music, and boutique art and craft vendors in VanderLey Park.

Oakland Heritage Day. The festival celebrates Oakland’s small-town charm, history,

LOCAL LEADERS

Mayor Kathy Stark

nature, wellness, and arts with a day of live music, food trucks, ne arts and crafts and more.

Santa’s Lane. In early December, the Oakland Town Center transforms into Santa’s Lane, bringing the North Pole to Oakland.

Stark was rst 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 Satter eld

Satter eld was rst 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 Champions 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 rst 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 nonpro t HAPCO Music Foundation.

Town Manager Andy Stewart

After a nationwide search, Oakland selected Andy Stewart as town manager in June. He most recently served in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. His experience also includes assistant city manager for Satellite Beach, town manager for Dundee and assistant city manager for Auburndale. A native Floridian, Stewart graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administration. He also is certi ed in emergency management.

NOTABLE NAMES

Judge James Gamble Speer settled in Oakland in 1857 and became the largest landowner in Central Florida. In 1886, Speer negotiated the arrival of the Orange Belt Railway by giving 180 acres of land for the town site. His descendants still live in Oakland today, and his legacy lives on with Oakland’s Speer Park.

Peter A. Demens established the Orange Belt Railway Headquarters here in 1886, paving the way for a thriving downtown with a hotel, hospital, opera house, grocery, hardware store and more. He was elected the rst mayor of Oakland in 1887.

Chicago industrialist Charles Frederic and his wife Grace Mather-Smith came to the quiet town of Oakland in 1910. They built the original West Orange Country Club and owned an orange grove. Grace’s amboyance and generosity made her the grande dame of Oakland in the 20s.

In 1946, World War II veteran William V. Nixon came to town to be an educator at Oakland’s black school. After retiring from teaching, he became Oakland’s rst black town commissioner in 1971. “The Professor” served the town of Oakland for 18 years as commissioner and vice mayor.

Grover Cleveland Tubb moved to Oakland in 1921 and was appointed deputy clerk in 1928. He wore many hats in Oakland government: clerk, water department, parks department, sanitation, volunteer re chief, and tax collector. He invested more than 50 years of service to the town and was honored in 1977 with a fountain in the town center.

Helen “Dewey” Vick grew up in the oldest house in Oakland (c.1860). She was a registered nurse and owned Colonial Corners Florist Shop, which operated out of the family garage starting in 1939. She was the rst female mayor of Oakland and served three terms in the 1940s.

As Unique as its Name

WELCOME TO DR. PHILLIPS

The 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 ash 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 rst master-planned community. The idea was to produce a self-contained, self-sustaining, agriculturally oriented township with a small post o ce, re station and grocery — and it would be called Dr. Phillips.

The Dr. Phillips community, renowned for its vibrant restaurants, diverse shops, lively bars and prestigious golf clubs, is proud to showcase its extensive range of o erings beyond its well-known establishments. It's situated along the scenic eastern side of the Florida Outstanding Waterway Butler Chain of Lakes, and Dr. Phillips residents enjoy the picturesque beauty of their surroundings. Additionally, several enchanting neighborhoods encircle the captivating Big and Little Sand Lake. Many residents actively participate in the renowned Lucky’s Lake Swim, a 1-kilometer open water swim organized by local lake legend Doc Lucky Meisenheimer. Outdoor lovers and recreational sports enthusiasts gather at the Dr. Phillips Community Park with its splash pad, playground and multisport courts that cater to the diverse recreational interests of the community. Exciting developments are underway in the Dr. Phillips community. Construction has commenced on the eagerly anticipated Dr. Phillips Baseball Complex. In a groundbreaking partnership, the county, Dr. Phillips Rotary and Dr. Phillips Foundation are collaborating for an innovative tree planting initiative that aims to plant several hundred trees in the community. This initiate showcases the collective commitment of these organizations to foster sustainability and create a greener, more vibrant community. The Dr. Phillips community takes pride in its continuous e orts to cultivate a dynamic and enriching environment for its residents.

— Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson

Eric Joiner & Glenn Joiner

DR. PHILLIPS

SIGNATURE EVENTS SERVICE WITH A SMILE

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.

NOTABLE NAME

LOCAL LEADERS

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@oc .net.

Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips

President Rich Maladecki

Rich Maladecki will serve as president of the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips for the 2023-24 term. Maladecki spent 23 years working in the Central Florida hospitality industry. He retired as president and CEO of the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association in 2021. Maladecki has lived in the Dr. Phillips community for 27 years.

Dr. Philip Phillips: originally from Tennessee, Dr. Phillips arrived to the Central Florida area in 1902 and came up with the idea of “ ash” 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.

Orange County Board of County Commissioners — 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, (407) 836-5918

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

Power/electric: Duke Energy, (800) 700-8744

Fire: Orange County Fire Station 31, (407) 737-2444

Police: Orlando Police Department, (407) 246-2470

Solid waste: (407) 836-6601

Utilities (water, sewer): (407) 836-5515

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.

HOSPITALS

ADVENTHEALTH

WINTER GARDEN

2000 Fowler Grove Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 614-0500

DETAILS: This facility includes an 80-bed hospital and 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

ADVENTHEALTH ER AT FLAMINGO CROSSINGS TOWN CENTER

13323 Hartzog Road, Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 550-0700

DETAILS: AdventHealth celebrated the opening of its new emergency room in May 2023 in Horizon West. The 19,000-square-foot facility is located at the Flamingo Crossings Town Center near the western gateway to Walt Disney World Resort.

SERVICES OFFERED: The ER has 24 private patient rooms; respiratory therapy; diagnostic imaging including CT scans, X-ray and ultrasound; and a full-service laboratory.

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

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

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-square-foot 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 new ER at Flamingo Crossings Town Center in 2023.

Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital

PLUGGED IN

DR. PHILLIPS

Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips

P.O. Box 1381, Windermere

PHONE: (407) 325-5483

WEBSITE: drphillipsrotary.com

PRESIDENT: Rich Maladecki

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: Mary Borgan

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 rst 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 rst 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 Cooko

Rotary Club of Horizon West 16106 Marsh Road, Suite 104, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 451-9738

WEBSITE: horizonwestrotary.org

MEETINGS: Noon on the rst 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.org

MEETINGS: Monthly at the clubhouse

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 rst and third Mondays

SIGNATURE EVENT: Asylum Haunted Hospital

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

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.

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: legion post63.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 co ee, conversation and cards.

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.

Rotary Club of Winter Garden

P.O. Box 770096, Winter Garden

WEBSITE: rotaryclubofwintergarden.org

PRESIDENT: John Riordan

MEETINGS: Noon Tuesdays at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Broadway & 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: Kimberly Young

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: Jason Revelle

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 rst 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

Winter Garden Masonic Lodge 165 F&AM

230 W. Bay St., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 614-7380

WEBSITE:

wintergardenmasoniclodge.org

WORSHIPFUL MASTER: Stephen Dimond

MEETINGS: 7:30 p.m. rst and third Thursdays of each month

SIGNATURE EVENTS: Annual All-American Kids Parade on July 4

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.

10 to attend

1

WINDERMERE WINE & DINE

Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere

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. In its history, this event has raised more than $1 million for a variety of local charities and organizations.

2

OCOEE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee

DETAILS: The springtime Ocoee Music Festival is dedicated to celebrating Ocoee’s small-town traditions with music, community, small businesses and fun. In 2023, the festival featured a rock night followed by a country night.

3

MATTHEW’S HOPE HARVEST OF HOPE GARDEN PARTY

Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee (2022)

DETAILS: This is the signature fundraising event for Matthew's Hope, a West Orange-based ministry that provides a variety of services to the local homeless population.

4

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. The 2023 event is scheduled for Oct. 21.

5

BEST FEST — THE TASTE OF WEST ORANGE

Bill Breeze Park, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee

DETAILS: The West Orange Chamber of Commerce hosts this taste fest. Sample food o erings from local restaurants, bars, caterers and breweries.

6

WOODLAWN MEMORIAL PARK MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha

DETAILS: Complete with guest speakers, musical performances, a 21-gun salute and more, this Memorial Day ceremony is a can't-miss event.

7

HORIZON WEST FEST Hamlin Town Center, 14422 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden

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 more.

8

SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN

Downtown Winter Garden

DETAILS: This spring event is one of Florida’s best plant, ower and garden festivals. It also o ers live entertainment, food, a kids’ zone and a sidewalk chalk art contest.

9

AMERICAN LEGION POST 63 CHALLENGE 22 WALK AND PICNIC

Downtown Winter Garden

DETAILS: American Legion Post 63 hosts its Challenge 22 Walk and Picnic each year to raise money and awareness to help eliminate suicide among veterans with posttraumatic stress.

10

LEGACY EVENTS FOR EDUCATION

CENTRAL FLORIDA

CHILI COOKOFF

Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee (2023)

DETAILS: This event features amateur and professional chili chefs and their best recipes. Guests also enjoy live music, kids zone and a cornhole tournament.

LOCAL FLAVOR

13790

West Orange and Southwest Orange are home to some of the best restaurants in Central Florida. Here, we feature just a tiny sample of the unique culinary options available from locally owned restaurants in our community.

121

15996

DOLLY LLAMA

3279 Daniels Road, Suite 106, Winter Garden Bubble Wa e with ice cream and topping selections

OCOEE TACO COMPANY

40 Taylor St., Ocoee Quesadillas Doradas

PARIS BAGUETTE

New Independence Parkway, Suite 120, Winter Garden Fruit Pastry

WINDERMERE BREWING CO.

111 W. Fifth Ave., Windermere Sand Bottom Golden Ale

LOOP CAFE

Bridgewater Crossings Blvd., Suite 1000, Windermere Açaí Bowl

PAMMIE’S SAMMIES

S. Boyd St., Winter Garden Caprese Salad

MAP KEY

CITY AND TOWN BOUNDRIES

Winter Garden Windermere

Horizon West Doctor Phillips Bay Lake

Oakland Ocoee Gotha Bay Hill

LOCATIONS KEY

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

WINTER GARDEN CITY HALL // 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden

OCOEE CITY HALL // 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee

WINDERMERE TOWN HALL // 520 Main St., Windermere

ORANGE OBSERVER // 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden

ROPER YMCA FAMILY CENTER //100 Windermere Road, Winter Garden

DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA FAMILY CENTER //7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando

LAKE APOPKA NATURAL GAS DIRSTRICT // 1320 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden

WEST ORANGE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT // 10000 W. Colonial Drive, Suite 281, Ocoee

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 13275 W Colonial Dr, Winter Garden

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 2140 N Don Wickham Dr, Clermont

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS // 840 Mercy Dr, Orlando

HAMLIN TOWN CENTER // 14422 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden

MATTHEW’S HOPE CHEST STORE & BOUTIQUE //1027 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden

MATTHEW’S HOPE FIRM FOUNDATION PRESCHOOL // 740 Ninth St., Winter Garden

MATTHEW’S HOPE MINISTIRES // 611 Business Park Blvd., Suite 101, Winter Garden

ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL & LODGE // 9000 Bay Hill Blvd., Orlando

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ORLANDO // 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando

SEAWORLD ORLANDO // 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando

DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM // Lake Buena Vista, Florida

DISNEY SPRINGS // 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista

ORANGE COUNTY NATIONAL GOLF CENTER AND LODGE // 16301 Phil Ritson Way, Winter Garden

MONTVERDE ACADEMY // 17235 7th St., Montverde

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.

Lake Butler

Come Home to Natural Gas… Genius

The many eas we s ve in Orange C nty

Arden Park

Avalon Reserve

Avalon Ridge

Bargrove

Bella Vita Estates

Bellaria

Belmere

Black Lake Preserve

Bradford Creek

Braemar

Bronson Peak

Camden Park

Canopy Oaks

Carriage Pointe Reserve

Casa Del Lago

Casabella

Clarcona Cove

Clarcona Crossings

Clarcona Estates

Courtlea Oaks

Crown Pointe Reserve

Cypress Reserve

Emerson Pointe

Enclave At Hamlin

Estancia At Windermere

Estates At Lake Clarice

Fire Creek at Gotha

Foothills of Mount Dora

Forest Lake Estates

Gardens Of Isleworth

Garden West

Hamilton Gardens

Hamlin Reserve

Hammock Pointe

Harbor Isle

Havencrest

Heritage At Plant Street

Highlands At Summerlake Grove

Hilltop Reserve

Hull Island At Oakland

Independence

Inspiration

Isleworth

Ivy Trails

Johns Lake Point

Keenes Pointe

Kensington Park

Lake Butler Sound

Lake Down Reserve

Lake Olivia Reserve

Lakeshore of Wekiva

Lakeside

Lester Ridge

Matthews Grove

Newbury Park

Oakland Hills

Oakland Park

Oaks At Brandy Lake

Oaks At Kelly Park

Ocoee Landings

Ocoee Pines

Orange Cove

Orchird Estates

Overlook At Hamlin

Oxford Chase

Palms at Windermere

Park Ave Estates

Park Place

Park View Of Wekiva Park

Park View Preserve

Ravenna

Reflections Reserve At Carriage Point

Roper Reserve

San Sebastian Reserve

Sanctuary At Hamlin

Sanctuary At Twin Waters

Sawyer Sound

Siena Gardens

Signature Lakes

Spring Lake Reserve

Stanton Estates

Stonewood Reserve

Summerlake

Summerport

The Cove At The Hamlins

Tuscany Ridge

Vineyards

Vistas At Waters Edge

Waterside At Johns Lake

Waterstone

Weatherstone

Wekiva Riverwalk

West Lake Hancock Estates

Westside Town Homes

Windermere Isle

Windermere Ridge

Winding Meadows

Windsor Hill Reserve

Winter Oaks

Woods Of Windermere

Worthington Park

BACK TO SCHOOL 2023-2024

CHAIR TERESA JACOBS

Teresa Jacobs became Chair of the Orange County School Board in November 2018. She previously served two terms as Orange County mayor (2010-2018) and two terms as an Orange County commissioner (2000-2008).

A native of South Florida, Jacobs graduated cum laude from Florida State University with a degree in economics and enjoyed a nine-year career in banking before entering public o ce. She has served on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Central Florida Expressway Authority, Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, LYNX Board of Directors and MetroPlan Orlando.

DISTRICT 1 ANGIE GALLO, VICE CHAIR

Angie Gallo was elected in 2018 as School Board member for District 1 and currently is vice chair of the board. Gallo has been volunteering in Orange County for more than 20 years. She served as PTA president at the elementary, middle- and high-school levels and also sat on the Orange County Council of PTA/PTSA board of directors. In addition to PTA, Angie has served as School Advisory Committee chair for East Lake Elementary and served on the SAC at Corner Lake Middle and East River High.

DISTRICT 2 MARIA SALAMANCA

Maria Salamanca was elected the District 2 member of OCPS in 2022, the youngest voice in district history after a student-led grassroots campaign. Salamanca was a student of the district for 12 years in six di erent schools. She attended UC Berkeley, where she studied political science and legal studies with a minor in public policy.

DISTRICT 3 ALICIA FARRANT

Alicia Farrant was elected in 2022. She has grown up in a life of public service and helping those in need. At the age of 13, she moved to Guatemala with her family to engage in full-time charity work. After high school, she went into the medical eld, working her way from a CNA to an RN. She is the founder of Wigs of Hope, an outreach that has created more than 300 wigs for underprivileged children.

DISTRICT 4 PAM GOULD

Pam Gould, who has announced her candidacy for the District 1 seat on the Orange County Commission, was rst elected to the School Board in 2012. She has dedicated more than 30 years to focusing on providing a higher quality of life for the young, the homeless, those su ering with mental illness, as well as the more mature among us. After arriving from the professional theater scene of New York City, Pam changed industries and went to work for Orlando Regional Healthcare System.

DISTRICT 5 VICKI-ELAINE FELDER

Vicki-Elaine Felder was elected to the School Board in November 2020. She is known as a wordsmith and orator. She paints the power of words and ideas on the minds and canvas of those who hear her — especially her students. She possesses the versatility to reach for hidden potential found in all of her students. This serves as a testimony of her ability and her commitment as a champion for education.

DISTRICT 6 KAREN CASTOR DENTEL

Dr. Karen Castor Dentel was rst elected to the Orange County School Board in August 2018 and was reelected to a four-year term in 2020. She is an experienced teacher, having worked in both Orange County Public Schools and Alachua County Public Schools. She taught students at Dommerich, Audubon Park, Lake Sybelia and Riverdale elementary schools, among others.

DISTRICT 7 MELISSA BYRD

Melissa Byrd was elected to represent District 7 on the Orange County School Board in 2018 and was reelected in 2020 for a second four-year term. From an early age, Melissa Byrd had a passion for education, deciding she wanted to be a teacher when she was in elementary school while growing up in Altamonte Springs. Her passion led her to the University of Central Florida, where she received her degree in elementary education in 1997 and started her career at Forest City Elementary.

It’s time for Edgewood Children’s Ranch 40th Country Round-Up Dinner & Auction event! Grab your partner by the hand and join us for the Edgewood Children’s Ranch 40th Country Round-Up Dinner & Auction held at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Spend the evening enjoying a lovely reception, peruse

September 23, 2023 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Gaylord Palms & Convention Center 6000 W Osceola Pkwy., Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Not able to attend our event? Please consider giving a gift by scanning this QR Code.

Scan here to purchase tickets and learn about ECR.

Oakland Presbyterian Preschool 218 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland (407) 656-4452, Ext. 104 oaklandpres.org

OCOEE

Amazing Explorers Windermere — Ocoee 1651 Amazing Way, Ocoee (407) 583-6192 aexplorers.com

Glad Tidings Academy 8550 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando (407) 656-4140

gladtidingsacademy.com

Ladybird Academy — Ocoee 2060 West Road, Ocoee (407) 654-6896

PRESCHOOLS

With so many families ocking to West Orange and Southwest Orange, it’s no wonder the communities have such a plethora of preschools for couples with young children.

Whether you’re looking for a program that emphasizes education, the arts or faith, there are myriad preschool choices in our communities — all within a short drive of your home. Here is just a sample of the preschools and programs available.

DR. PHILLIPS/ SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Bright Stars Preschool

7325 Conroy Windermere Road, Orlando (407) 299-2092 brightstarsorlando@gmail.com

Christ the King Lutheran School

4962 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando (407) 876-8155 whavens@ctkpreschool.net

Discovery Prep Academy 5715 Turkey Lake Road, Orlando (407) 351-5500 discoveryprepacademy.com

Ladybird Academy — Dr. Phillips 6809 Daisy St., Orlando (407) 412-6908

Little Fishes Preschool at Presbyterian Church of the Lakes

4700 Lincoln Ave., Orlando (407) 291-3292

pcol.org/little- shes

Rosen JCC’s Early Learning Center 11184 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando (407) 387-5330 info@www.rosenjcc.org

St. Luke’s UMC Preschool 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando (407) 876-1155 social@st.lukes.org

HORIZON WEST

Amazing Explorers Hamlin 5796 Hamlin Groves Trail, Winter Garden (407) 641-3374 aexplorers.com

The Goddard School — Winter Garden 2007 Avalon Road, Winter Garden (407) 777-2791 goddardschool.com

KLA Schools of Horizon West 8185 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden (407) 917-4343 klaschools.com/horizon-west

Ladybird Academy — Wickham Park 12144 Chase Road, Windermere (407) 654-7695

Ladybird Academy — Windermere 7324 Bentonshire Ave., Windermere (407) 654-8267

The Learning Experience — Windermere 6290 Lake Smith Circle, Windermere (407) 614-0338 thelearningexperience.com

StarChild Academy 11815 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere (407) 876-7827

info@StarChildWindermere. com

OAKLAND The Growing Me Learning Center 304 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland (407) 656-2887 thegrowingmelearningcenter.com

Lil’ Lights Preschool 1105 N. Lakeview Ave., Ocoee (407) 347-0503

admin@mylillights.com

Ocoee Oaks Preschool 201 S. Clarke Road, Ocoee (407) 293-6650

ocoeeoaksschool@bellsouth.net

Preschool at the Cross 700 Good Homes Road, Orlando (407) 293-4571

karenabell@cfcaeagles.org

Primrose School of Ocoee 860 Tomyn Blvd., Ocoee (407) 347-8902

primroseschools.com

Treasure Kids Academy 1025 S. Clarke Road, Ocoee (407) 522-5740

treasurekidsacademy.com

West Orlando Baptist Church Child Discovery Center 1006 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee (407) 905-9508

westorlandobaptistchurch.com

WINDERMERE

Child Development Center

Family Church Windermere 300 Main St., Windermere (407) 876-2874

preschoolwindermere.com

First Baptist Church Child Development Center 300 Main St., Windermere (407) 876-2874

preschoolwindermere.com

Montessori Kids Academy of Windermere

1707 Maguire Road, Windermere (407) 217-5566

Montessoriofwindermere.com

My Kids Aademy

113 Roberson Road, Windermere info@mykidsacademy.com mykidsacademy.com

Premier Academy

9380 Gotha Road, Windermere (407) 290-3277

premieracademyschools.com

Windermere Union Church Preschool

10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Road (407) 909-0464 wucpreschool@gmail.com

WINTER GARDEN

All Kidz Preschool

1130 E. Plant St., Winter Garden (407) 554-5388

allKidzPreschool8@gmail.com

Bright Horizons at Winter Garden

1660 Daniels Road, Winter Garden (407) 654-9693 brighthorizons.com

Children of the Messiah Preschool 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden (407) 656-3218

childrenofthemessiah@gmail. com

Children’s Lighthouse 220 Windermere Road, Winter Garden (407) 395-0077 childrenslighthouse.com/ wintergarden

Cranium Academy 4068 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden (407) 391-6643

First United Methodist Church Learning Center 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-9228 learningcenter1@fumcwg.org

Ladybird Academy — Winter Garden

1630 Avalon Road, Winter Garden (407) 395-2181

Little Hands Learning Center

1001 W. Plant St., Winter Garden (407) 656-6999

littlehandslearningcenter.org

Little Orange Academy

1101 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden (407) 654-6474

littleorangeacademy.net

Matthew’s Hope Firm Foundation

740 Ninth St., Winter Garden (800) 435-7352

matthewshopeministries.org

The Nest School at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

16161 Marsh Road, Winter Garden (321) 204-6240 thenestschool.com/locations/ winter-garden

Resurrection Catholic Church Preschool

1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden (407) 656-6425

preschool@resurrectionwg.org

StarChild Academy

1324 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden (407) 877-0345

starchildwintergarden.com

Sunshine-Solnyshki

Educational Child Care

13 E. Cypress St., Winter Garden

solnyshkochildcare.com

UCP West Orange Campus

1441 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden (407) 904-0135

ucpcharter.org/westorange

Winter Garden Academy at First Baptist 72 N. Woodland St., Winter Garden (407) 656-2352

fbcwg.org/wgacademy/

Young Innovators Academy

1297 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Winter Garden (844) 909-0800

younginnovatorsacademy.com/ locations/winter-garden/

SERVING GRADES 1ST THROUGH 11TH FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

In addition to a robust academic curriculum, Continuum methodically teaches practical life skills including time

collaboration from a young age. These skills can often be overlooked in other schools, but are paramount to the education at Continuum. Every classroom is led by Montessori-trained teachers, who are highly-skilled and compassionate. Students in all programs engage in “goings out” (from local activities to international travel) with the purpose of igniting passions for knowledge, culture, human ecology, aesthetics, and global responsibility.

New families should contact us through our website or call 689.600.4444 for a tour and program level information.

13205

689-600-4444 | continuummontessori.com | info@continuummontessori.com

@ContinuumMontessori

Reams Road, Suite 132, Windermere, FL 34786

THERE IS LIMITED AVAILABILITY IN SELECT PROGRAM LEVELS AND WAITING LISTS IN OTHERS.

Matthew's Hope not only provides food, clothing and hygiene items to the homeless men, women and children of our community but offers a wide range of assistance. From mobile outreach to transitional living, Matthew's Hope goes above and beyond to help homeless individuals rebuild their lives. Read more about the services provided;

Every Tuesday and Thursday our mobile teams of dedicated staff and volunteers ensure that those living on the streets and unable to come into our Outreach Center for services such as showers, haircuts and laundry service, will be provided a warm breakfast, fresh clothing, needed hygiene items, nonperishable foods and more.

Matthew's Hope offers transitional homes through the Moving Forward Program to a limited number of guests. Within a mile of the Administrative Offices near downtown Winter Garden, there are thirteen units capable of sheltering up to 40 people. These homes provide a foundation for guests seeking to rebuild their lives.

Our medical home provides basic medical care, and transportation to and from all medical appointments, assures prescription fulfillment and compliance, and offers a place for medical recovery as needed after discharge.

Our preschool and daycare operate using the Montessori method of teaching and learning. We can accommodate up to 30 children and while all children of our community are welcome, priority is given to families in the greatest of need, specifically Matthew's Hope guests. Tuition is at no charge to the homeless families we serve as long as they are working or attending school. For all others, tuition is based on verifiable income.

BAY LAKE

12005 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere

PHONE: (407) 217-7960

WEBSITE: baylakees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Lakeitha Mincey

MASCOT: Lions

ENROLLMENT: 703

FUN FACT: Fifth-grade teachers select a student for the Heart of a Lion award.

BAY MEADOWS

9150 S. Apopka-Vineland Road

PHONE: (407) 876-7500

WEBSITE: baymeadowses.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Joann Dorries

MASCOT: Koalas

ENROLLMENT: 706

FUN FACT: Bay Meadows turns 33 this year.

CASTLEVIEW

9131 Tabor eld Ave., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 612-4205

WEBSITE: castleviewes.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL:

Jonathan Rasmussen

MASCOT: Dragons

MEET THE TEACHER:

Tuesday, Aug. 8: A-M 4 to 5 p.m.; N-Z 5 to 6 p.m.

ENROLLMENT: 657

FUN FACT: Castleview has a house system.

CITRUS

87 N. Clarke Road, Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 445-5475

WEBSITE: citruses.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Robert Walker

MASCOT: Honeybees

ENROLLMENT: 472

FUN FACT: Citrus turns 23 this year.

DILLARD STREET

311 N. Dillard St., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 877-5000

WEBSITE: dillardstreetes.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Ti any Smid

MASCOT: Dragon named Dougie

MEET THE TEACHER: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 532

FUN FACT: Nearly all 650 students live within a two-mile radius from the school.

DR. PHILLIPS

6909 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 354-2600

WEBSITE: drphillipses.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Christine Rogers

MASCOT: Eagles

MEET THE TEACHER: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 708

FUN FACT: Dr. Phillips was rec-

ognized for being the top-recycling school in the Southwest Learning Community.

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.

HAMLIN

16145 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 395-9830

WEBSITE: hamlines.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne

MASCOT: Huskie

MEET THE TEACHER:

Monday, Aug. 7: Pre-K and kindergarten 10 to 11 a.m.; rst through fth grade 1 to 3 p.m.

ENROLLMENT: 515

FUN FACT: The name Hamlin Elementary was suggested for its proximity to the Hamlin development and for the citrus grove area.

INDEPENDENCE

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

WEBSITE: independencees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Je rey Alan Peters

MASCOT: Eagles

ENROLLMENT: 935

FUN FACT: Independence

Elementary has a diverse student population with students from more than 30 countries.

KEENE’S CROSSING

5240 Keenes Pheasant Drive, Windermere

PHONE: (407) 654-1351

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.

LAKE WHITNEY

1351 Windermere Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 877-8888

WEBSITE: lakewhitneyes.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Pamela Crabb

MASCOT: Dolphins

MEET THE TEACHER: Tuesday, Aug. 8: Pre-K 8 to 9 a.m.; other grades A-I 9 to 10 a.m., J-Q 10 to 11 a.m., and R-Z 11 a.m. to noon

ENROLLMENT: 597

FUN FACT: Principal Dr. Pamela Crabb was a teacher at the school when it opened.

WILLIAM S. MAXEY

602 E. Story Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 877-5020

WEBSITE: maxeyes.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Carletta Davis-Wilson

MASCOT: The Mighty Wildcats

ENROLLMENT: 422

FUN FACT: Maxey is a Kids for Peace Kindness Certi ed School.

OCOEE

400 S. Lakewood Ave., Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 877-5027

WEBSITE: ocoeees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Kandace Goshe

MASCOT: Cardinals

ENROLLMENT: 664

FUN FACT: The school has many families who have grandparents and great-grandparents who also attended Ocoee. Parents recognize teachers at the school from when they were students.

PALM LAKE

8000 Pin Oak Drive, Orlando

PHONE: (407) 354-2610

WEBSITE: palmlakees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: James Weis

MASCOT: Bobcats

MEET YOUR TEACHER: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

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: (407) 554-1940

WEBSITE: pantherlakees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Christine Szymanski

MASCOT: Panthers

MEET THE TEACHER: Tuesday, Aug. 8: Kindergarten, rst and second grade 9 to 10:30 a.m.; third, fourth and fth grades

10:30 a.m. to noon

ENROLLMENT: 765

FUN FACT: Each year, the school works 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 di erent 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 o cials came to remove the 4-foot creature.

SPRING LAKE

1105 Sarah Lee Lane, Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 578-2085

WEBSITE: springlakees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Aja Wilkins

MASCOT: Blue Jays

ENROLLMENT: 441

FUN FACT: Spring Lake has a house system, and all students are sorted into one of our four houses. Students and sta enjoy quarterly house competitions.

A Christian Alternative to Unique Abilities Education

For more information contact us at: 407.206.8801 / thefirstacademy.org/academics/first-hope/ 3000 S John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32805

TheBloom and Grow Garden Society has been a force for good in the Winter Garden and West Orange County since the club’s inception in 1997.

With a focus on the importance of plants and beautiful landscapes, our members embrace projects designed to enhance the quality of life in our community. Working with the City of Winter Garden, its residents, businesses and community organizations, we create events that add beauty, help the natural environment and make us all healthier and happier.

It is the mission of the Bloom and Grow Garden Society “to stimulate a knowledge and love of gardening through promotion and sponsorship of community projects and the protection and sustainability of native habitat, to promote and sponsor educational horticultural experiences and civic involvement.”

e Bloom and Grow Garden Society contributes to Winter Garden and West Orange County nancially through grants to local organizations and scholarships to college students studying horticulture. We sponsor plants sales each year that o er quality plants to members and residents while raising funds to encourage monarch butter y and pollinator habitats. In addition to our major projects, we provide support to Health Central Park and our local hospitals, the West Orange Trail, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and the city of Winter Garden. With over 25 schools in West Orange County, the Bloom and Grow Garden Society has extended its programs to include tree planting as well as butter y and pollinator gardens at many of these schools.

Sponsorship opportunities for club projects and Spring Fever in the Garden are available on the Spring Fever website.

SPRING FEVER WEBSITE

BLOOM AND GROW WEBSITE

SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN

SPRING FEVER IN THE GARDEN

PATH OF LIFE

THE MONARCH GARDEN PLANT IT PINK

POLLINATOR POWER

WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE TREE PROJECT

1000 TREES FOR 1000 YEARS

SUMMERLAKE

15450 Porter Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 554-1774

WEBSITE: summerlakees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Delaine Bender

MASCOT: Gators

MEET THE TEACHER: Tuesday, Aug. 8: Kindergarten 10 to 11 a.m.; rst through fth grades 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ENROLLMENT: 720

FUN FACT: The student body comes from more than 21 di erent countries — the farthest being more than 9,000 miles away.

SUNRIDGE

14455 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 656-0809

WEBSITE: sunridgees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Douglas Farley

MASCOT: Sunny the Eagle

MEET THE TEACHER: Tuesday, Aug. 8: VPK through second grade 9 to 10:30 a.m.; third through fth grades 1 to 2:30 p.m.

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: Stacey Price

MASCOT: Eagles

MEET THE TEACHER: Tuesday, Aug. 8: Kindergarten through second grade 3 to 4:30 p.m.; third through fth grades 4:30 to 6 p.m.

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

MEET YOUR TEACHER: Friday, Aug. 4: A-F 3 to 4 p.m.; G-O 4 to 5 p.m.; P-Z 5 to 6 p.m.

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.

WATER SPRING

16000 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 554-1610

WEBSITE: waterspringes.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Matthew Hendricks

MASCOT: Otters

MEET THE TEACHER: 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

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.

WESTBROOKE

500 Tomyn Blvd., Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 656-6228

WEBSITE: westbrookees.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Vidal Reyes

MASCOT: Wildcats

MEET THE TEACHER: 1 to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 507

FUN FACT: Westbrooke awards the Tomyn Award each year to students who show outstanding e ort in all academic areas and possess leadership qualities.

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

MEET THE TEACHER: 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 8

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: Karena Chunoo

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.

Small class size and close faculty-student-parent relations are integral to the Crenshaw Education.

Celebrate with event catering and decorating services from Gertrude’s Kitchen! We create a custom menu for groups of any size, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, backyard BBQ or a big party! Southern foods, desserts and more are what’s on the menu. Let us cater your next event! We are a one stop shop! Be sure to allow plenty of time for booking! Place your order at gertrudeskitchenllc. com, email gertrudeskitchenllc@gmail.com or text GKITCHEN to 33733.

13506 SUMMERPORT VILLAGE PKWY, WINDERMERE 407-758-1896

WWW.GERTRUDESKITCHENLLC.COM

Scan

The Crenshaw Academy 2342 Hempel Avenue, Gotha, Florida 34734 407-757-2241

CREATIVE AND INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION

• Challenging, individualized curriculum that maximizes learning capabilities through critical thinking, creative problem-solving and hands-on education.

• Nurturing educators certified in child development, with more than 50 years of combined education experience.

• Fun, interactive learning environment with low student-to-teacher ratios and modern classrooms.

• Outstanding range of subjects including languages, art, music, science, public speaking and character development.

• Expansive indoor/outdoor play areas featuring a gym and playground equipment.

Preschool | Elementary School | Camps | After School*

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

MIDDLE SCHOOLS BRIDGEWATER

5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 905-3710

WEBSITE: bridgewaterms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Amy Klaber

MASCOT: Bobcats

ENROLLMENT: 1,040

FUN FACT: Bridgewater opened in 2006 as the rst middle school serving the Horizon West area. Now, the area has three more middle schools — Hamlin, Horizon West and Water Spring.

CHAIN

OF LAKES

8700 Conroy-Windermere Road, Orlando

PHONE: (407) 909-5400

WEBSITE: chaino akesms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Bob Walker

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

MEET THE TEACHER: Sixth

Grade Bear Hunt: 10 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 8; Sixth Grade

Meet the Teachers: 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8; Seventh Grade and Eighth

Grade Meet the Teachers: 2:45 to 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 1,098

FUN FACT: Every year, the school creates a LipDub video that includes sta , teachers and students. Earlier this summer, the school celebrated its new signage at the entrance.

HAMLIN

16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 993-7420

WEBSITE: hamlinms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Dr. Suzanne Knight

MASCOT: Coyotes

CAMPUS WALK-THROUGH: Seventh and eighth grade: 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7; sixth grade: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 1,215

FUN FACT: The middle school shares land with the new Hamlin Elementary. New OCPS Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez spoke at the school's dedication ceremony in January 2023.

HORIZON WEST

8200 Tattant Blvd., Windermere

PHONE: (407) 554-1570

WEBSITE: horizonwestms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Michelle Thomas

MASCOT: Hornets

OPEN HOUSE: 4 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 8

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

PRINCIPAL: Antonio Roman

MASCOT: Red Devils

ENROLLMENT: 842

FUN FACT: The school previously served as a high school and a junior high school. Lakeview also o ers a World Language Academy to its students.

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 Middle School was designed as a Demonstration School for the state. It is a one-of-a-kind campus.

SOUTHWEST

6450 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 370-7200

WEBSITE: southwestms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Raymond Yockel

MASCOT: Sea Lions

ORIENTATION: Sixth grade and new student orientation: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

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

WEBSITE: sunridgems.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Amy McHale

MASCOT: Eagles

CAMPUS WELCOME: For sixth-grade and new students: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 1,110

FUN FACT: The 2020 eighthgrade class left a legacy by designing SunRidge Rocks.

WATER SPRING

17000 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 554-1822

WEBSITE: waterspringms.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Brian Sanchez Corona

MASCOT: Wildcats

CAPACITY: 750

FUN FACT: Students and faculty move into their new school campus this fall.

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.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Darren Barnet — actor

Wayne Brady — actor

Matt Lauria — actor

Vinicius Machado — actor

Mekia Cox — actress

Ashley Eckstein — actress

Brit Marling — actress

Valery Ortiz — actress

Amanda Seale — actress

Joey Fatone, singer —

*NSYNC

Luis Fonsi — singer, Grammy award winner

DJ Khaled — singer, producer, DJ

Madison Anderson — model, Miss Universe 2019 runnerup

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix — NFL free safety

Johnny Damon — MLB player

HORIZON

10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 992-0597

WEBSITE: horizonhs.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Andrew Jackson

MASCOT: Hawks

CAPACITY: 2,776

FUN FACT: Horizon High School celebrated its rst graduating class in 2023.

LAKE BUENA VISTA

11305 Daryl Carter Parkway, Orlando

PHONE: (407) 317-3200

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. It also celebrated its rst graduating class in 2023.

OCOEE

1925 Ocoee Crown Point Parkway, Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 905-3000

WEBSITE: ocoeehs.ocps.net

PRINCIPAL: Lisa Karcinski

MASCOT: Knights

ENROLLMENT: 2,442

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Cap Capi — NFL player

David E anayi — player in the Israeli Basketball

Premier League

Grant Riller — basketball player for the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League

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 e ort has consistently produced highly successful, exceedingly academic, well-rounded students.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Sherwood Brown — professional basketball player

Deondre Francois — NCAA quarterback

Nick Gordon — Minnesota Twins shortstop

Chris Johnson — former NFL running back

Rashad Lawrence — former NFL and CFL wide receiver

Leah Lewis — actress

Michael Lockley — former NFL and CFL linebacker

Brad Miller — Major League Baseball in elder

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.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Kane Beatz — music producer

Nolan Fontana — former MLB

OTHER SCHOOLS

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

SENIOR DIRECTOR: Dr. Alma "Betsy" Santana

ENROLLMENT: More than 1,400

in elder for the Los Angeles Angels

Cori Yarckin — actress and singer

Sammie — R&B artist

Austin Gomber — fourth-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals

Dexter Williams — former Green Bay Packers running back

Chris Seise — rst-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers

Adande Thorne — TrinidadianAmerican YouTuber, sWooZie

OCPS 2023-2024

CALENDAR

AUGUST

Thursday, Aug. 10: First day of school

SEPTEMBER

Monday, Sept. 4: Labor Day holiday (schools and district o ces closed)

OCTOBER

Friday, Oct. 13: End of rst marking period

Monday, Oct. 16: Teacher workday/student holiday

Tuesday, Oct. 17: Begin second marking period

Friday, Oct. 27: Teacher professional day/student holiday/teacher non-workday

NOVEMBER

Monday through Friday, Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER

Friday, Dec. 22: End of second marking period

Dec. 25 to Jan. 5, 2024: Winter Break

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.

BAD WEATHER MAKE-UP DATES

JANUARY

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024: Teacher workday/student holiday

Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024: Students return to school. Begin second semester/third marking period

Monday, Jan. 15, 2024: Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (schools and district o ces closed)

FEBRUARY

Monday, Feb. 19, 2024: Presidents Day holiday (schools closed; district o ces open)

MARCH

Thursday, March 14, 2024: End of third marking period

Friday, March 15, 2024: Student holiday/teacher workday

Monday to Friday, March 18 to 22, 2024: Spring Break (schools closed; district o ces open)

Monday, March 25, 2024: Begin fourth marking period

MAY

Friday, May 24, 2024: End of fourth marking period/last day of school for students

Monday, May 27, 2024: Memorial Day holiday (schools and district o ces closed)

Tuesday to Wednesday, May 28 to 29, 2024: Post-planning for teachers

A parent’s guide to Florida’s voucher program

Gov. Ron DeSantis in March signed HB 1, which expands the state’s school choice program.

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing of HB 1 March 27, 2023, Florida now o ers one of the largest school choice programs in the entire country.

The bill eliminated the nancial eligibility restrictions and enrollment cap of the previous program — e ectively opening the program to all families.

“Florida is No. 1 when it comes to education freedom and education choice, and today’s bill signing represents the largest expansion of education choice in the history of these United States,” DeSantis said at the bill signing.

According to DeSantis, Florida had 1.3 million students enrolled in private, charter and district choice options through the previous program, which only was open to families whose household income did not exceed 400% of the federal poverty level. In 2022, that was $110,000 for a family of four.

“HB 1 is de nitely transformational; it’s the expansion of school choice,” Florida District 45 State Rep. Carolina Amesty said. “At the end of the day, it’s the parents’ taxpayer dollars that follow that child, and the parent decides where to take that voucher. It could be private school; it could be homeschool; it could be Florida Virtual School.

“Part of the requirements of school choice is that every institution — private, public, homeschool — does have to grant a state assessment test to the child, so there is a lot of measurement on quality,” she said.

HB 1 took e ect July 1, 2023.

WHAT DOES THE BILL CHANGE?

Under HB 1, any Florida resident — regardless of household income — who is eligible to attend a K-12 public school is now eligible to apply for the school choice funds.

Previously called the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, the bill now converts the scholarship into an education savings account, which gives families more exibility, said Nathan Nadeau, of Step Up for Students, a Florida nonpro t that assists families in school choice.

Although details regarding speci c dollar amounts are not available, the amount awarded for the 2022-23 school year in Orange County was $7,839 for kindergarten through third grade; $7,256 for fourth through eighth grades; and $7,252 for ninth through 12th grades.

The exact funding amount will be the amount the family’s public school district receives in per-student funding. Only students who are not attending a public school are eligible for funding.

The bill also creates a new program called the Personalized Education Program, which allows parents to customize the education of students who are not attending public or private schools full-time, i.e. homeschooling. PEP will allow parents to purchase instructional materials; pay for parttime tuition at public or private schools; and even tuition and fees in home education instructional programs.

HOW CAN FUNDING BE USED?

Families can use the money to pay tuition at a private school, including faith-based schools;

HOW TO CHOOSE A PRIVATE SCHOOL

Not all private schools are the same, so here are some ways parents should investigate their options.

“Any time a family is looking to make a change, the best plan is to gather information regarding space availability, accreditation, curriculum, diploma options, class sizes, school times and extracurricular options, as well as cost,” Foundation Academy President David Buckles said. “After gathering information, a campus visit during the school day or an admission event is a great way to meet the people (who) will be providing the educational experience to your child on a daily basis. It is an excellent way to validate your selection or cross it o the list — much like college.”

Buckles said it is also critical that the school’s culture and values align with your family.

“Understand the mission and vision of the school,” he said. “All schools should be teaching academics at a level that allows a student to graduate and then attend an Ivy League school, if they wish. But if the culture in the school does not meet or exceed the same family values at home, then why send your student there?”

or at an eligible postsecondary institution. Families also can use the funds to pay for testing, including Advanced Placement exams and industry certi cation tests.

The money also can pay for curriculum materials, tutoring and counseling, and even services such as speech language pathology and occupational therapy.

Through the new ESA structure, funds will be dispersed directly to families. However, if the family plans to use the funds for tuition, that must be paid rst. If there is money leftover, that can be used on other expenses.

If families have extra funds, they can bank up to $24,000 until the scholarship expires. That occurs when the student turns 21, graduates high school or enrolls in a public school.

“This legislation is a transformational opportunity to make it clear that the money follows the child, and parents have a right to guide their child’s education as they see t,” Florida Sen. Corey Simon said. “We recognize that parents are a child’s rst and best teachers. A street address or level of income should never replace the vital and irreplaceable role of a parent to decide what academic experience best ts the needs of their child.”

HOW IS FUNDING PRIORITIZED?

Under the new universal funding, there are priority tiers, Nadeau said.

The rst tier is any family at 185% or below the federal poverty level ($51,337.50 for a family of four in 2022). The second is any family between 186% to 400% of the poverty level. The third tier is open to anyone.

However, Nadeau said the Florida of Department of Education will process applications in batches in order of receipt. So, a third tier family who applies early may be funded before a rst tier family who applies later.

Nadeau notes the rst two tiers comprise families who

already were eligible in years past, so most new families seeking scholarships should be in the third tier.

The tax credit cap amount for the 2022-2023 scal year was $1,091,957,093.

Step Up for Students o cials expect high demand for both the ESA and PEP programs. PEP is limited to 20,000 students in the 2023-24 school year and may grow by 40,000 in each subsequent year.

WHAT ARE LOCAL IMPACTS?

It is likely the ESA funding will not cover 100% tuition at any West Orange-area private schools.

For example, The First Academy’s tuition for the 202324 school year ranges from $14,440 to $23,190 through the K-12 years. Foundation Academy’s tuition ranges from $14,000 to $16,590.

However, for families who were not eligible previously, the ESA funding now could make private school a possibility.

Foundation Academy President David Buckles said

his school seen an immediate boost in interest. However, Foundation has been at capacity in recent years. Therefore, Buckles suggests families begin the process early.

In April, Foundation broke ground on a new cafeteria, worship center and 40,000-squarefoot classroom building at its Tilden campus.

Buckles said Foundation will not raise tuition based on HB 1 funding.

“We will review our strategic plan and determine what increase will be needed to accomplish the strategic plan for the year,” he said.

Florida District 42 State Rep. Anna Eskamani — a proud K-12 product of Orange County Public Schools — voted no on HB 1.

“I would not be where I am today or who I am today if it (weren’t) for public education,” she said. “I have a lot of concerns about the lack of accountability of many of our private schools. … We do, unfortunately, have bad apples in the system, and there are for-pro t private schools … that accept this public

money, and they don’t deliver strong results.”

Eskamani said there still are questions regarding what happens to voucher funds if a private school closes. She also is concerned about potential discrimination during the application process and expulsion processes at private schools.

Finally, Eskamani said the PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee worked to earmark $350 million as a shield to protect public school districts from nancial impacts related to the voucher program.

“We were very concerned that if more children and families choose the voucher, it would actually impact the school district budgets,” she said. “That’s why we have money on the back of the bill … so school districts don’t feel that pinch.”

For the 2022-23 year, OCPS’ budget was $2,464,570,651 (General Fund), $285,694,898 (Special Revenue Fund), $238,173,675 (Debt Service Fund), $2,596,615,714 (Capital Projects Fund) and $385,173,621 (Internal Service Fund).

STEPS TO TAKE

If a family decides to take advantage of the school choice program, parents must:

Research and choose an eligible private school or other educational option. School lists can be found on the Florida Department of Education’s Private School Directory, oridaschoolchoice. org/information/ privateschooldirectory.

Apply for a scholarship through Step Up for Students’ Education Market Assistant, stepupforstudents.org/ema.

Students cannot receive or use a voucher while attending a public school, so parents will need to withdraw their child before receiving the funds.

PRESCHOOL REIMAGINED.

Our unique, spacious and inviting learning environments are a source of inspiration for children to freely express their creativity with both indoor and outdoor classroom experiences. Discovery and exploration not only happen in the classroom but also in our modern and innovative spaces such as the Workshop (Atelier), Water Exploration Laboratory (Water Atelier), and Children’s Arboretum.

For Ages 3 Months to Pre-K

NOW ENROLLING

407.917.4343

HWadmissions@KLAschools.com

We are a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool focused on project-based learning. Our innovative curriculum provides children with the opportunity to investigate and research their areas of interest in an environment that encourages collaboration, communication and exploration.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING HANDS-ON DISCOVERY

Children engage in thought-provoking, challenging play everyday. When children connect experiences outside of school to their experiences in the classroom, they develop important skills such as problem solving and critical thinking.

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

FUN FACT: The fully accredited prekindergartenthrough 12th-grade Christian school is located at the Church at the Cross. The purpose of Central Florida Christian Academy as a ministry of the Church at the Cross is to glorify God by partnering with families to educate, inspire, and equip students to know and serve Jesus Christ among all nations by the power of the Holy Spirit.

CONTINUUM MONTESSORI

13205 Reams Road, Suite 132, Windermere

PHONE: (689) 600-4444

WEBSITE: continuummontessori.com

DIRECTOR: Stephanie Yelenosky

FUN FACT: This college and life Montessori prep school will serve rst through 11th grades for the 2023-24 school year. Through an authentic, rigorous, and forward-thinking Montessori curriculum that incorporates project-based learning, arts and technology integration, and recognized curriculum in math, language, science, and social studies, Continuum students develop habits and skills that enable them to reach their full potential.

THE CRENSHAW ACADEMY

2342 Hempel Ave., Gotha

PHONE: (407) 757-2241

WEBSITE:

thecrenshawacademy.com

HEAD OF SCHOOL: Brenda Crenshaw

PRINCIPAL: Tanya Williams

ENROLLMENT: 250

FUN FACT: Brenda Crenshaw is the founder of The Crenshaw School. She developed innovative techniques and an outof-the-box approach to teaching while working as a private instructor to Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass. During this time, she also privately tutored students from Lake Highland, TFA, and other top private and public schools.

THE FIRST ACADEMY

2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 206-8600

WEBSITE: the rstacademy.org

HEAD OF SCHOOL: Dr. Steve Whitaker

MASCOT: Royals

MEET THE TEACHER: Lower School New Students: 1:45 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7; New Families: 2 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7; Returning Families: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7

ENROLLMENT: >1,450

FUN FACT: The Christcentered, college preparatory, private school has served Central Florida students from preschool through high school since 1986. The First Academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating seniors, who have received more than $105 million in scholarship o ers.

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: foundationacademy.net

PRINCIPALS: Sarah Reynolds, Upper School; Jackie Conover, Lower School, Plant Street Campus; Amanda Donaho, Lower School, Lakeside Campus

MASCOT: Lions

MEET THE TEACHER: Plant Street: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Tuesday, Aug. 8; Lakeside: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8; Tilden New Families: 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8; TIlden Returning Families: 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 1,171 across three campuses

FUN FACT: Foundation leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the school’s new cafeteria, worship center and 40,000-square-foot classroom building in April at its Tilden campus.

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

5129 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando

PHONE: (407) 876-9344

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.

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: Light Christian Academy began in 2009 as a ministry of Ocoee Church of God. From an initial enrollment of fewer than 20 students, the school has grown to minister to more than 200 students each day across three campuses in two counties. The academy, which utilizes a combination of ACE and Abeka curricula, has been recognized as a Model Status school by Accelerated Christian Education each year since 2011.

LIGHT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

MONTVERDE ACADEMY

17235 Seventh St., Montverde

PHONE: (407) 469-2561

WEBSITE: montverde.org

HEADMASTER: Jon Hopman

MASCOT: Eagles

ORIENTATION: Lower School Meet and Greet and Orientations for Grades 7 and 8: Monday, Aug. 14; Middle and Upper School New Day Student Registrations: 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Aug. 14; Returning Student Registration: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15

ENROLLMENT: 1,300

FUN FACT: Founded in 1912, Montverde Academy’s journey from a two-room schoolhouse to the globally recognized college preparatory school of today has been extraordinary. The Academy has been privileged to have prepared students from across the United States and around the world for their journey to higher education and beyond. Montverde Academy’s mission is to inspire students to become leaders with a passion for knowledge, global vision, and innovation while developing character in a nurturing and diverse community.

PLURIS ACADEMY

11520 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando

PHONE: (407) 420-0038

WEBSITE: plurisacademy.com

HEAD OF SCHOOL:

Yaniset Fredericksen

FUN FACT: Pluris Academy was born with the purpose of o ering "garages," where our students can become e ective problem-solvers. Its founders believe problem-solving skills are essential and applicable in various areas of life. The school is opening in 2023.

VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

1601 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee PHONE: (407) 656-1295

WEBSITE: vcaocoee.org/theacademy

PRINCIPAL: Jason Davis

ENROLLMENT: 100

FUN FACT: This year marks Victory Christian Academy’s 37th anniversary. ictory Christian Academy exclusively uses A Beka Book curriculum throughout every grade level. This curriculum is presented from a Christian perspective while allowing students not only to master facts but also to develop their reasoning ability.

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. The school's student body represents more than 55 nationalities spanning the Early Years and all of K-12 education, and the school also operates an exchange student program called The Residential Life. Through this, exchange student are able to live in a townhome community in Horizon West while they attend Windermere Prep.

Longboat Key - just a short ive

Named as one of the top ten island destinations in the U.S. in Conde Nast

Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, the twelve-mile island is luxuriously located on the Gulf of Mexico, bordered on the west by azure blue waters and on the east by beautiful Sarasota Bay. Long known as the hideaway of celebrities and reclusive notables, Longboat Key offers visitors a respite from the crowds while still providing the quintessential Florida beach experience. Blue skies, swaying palms, sultry breezes, playful dolphins, sandy beaches and a quiet calm welcomes the evening sunset, and beckons the discerning traveler.

For a limited time, take advantage of fall discounts and off-season rates to this nearby destination. Contact us today for your FREE visitor’s guide.

Live, Work, Play

e Winter Garden way.

We are a family oriented city, known for its charming atmosphere, brick paved streets lined with awe-inspiring trees, flowers, fountains and enchanting character. The City prides itself on customer service excellence and proudly refer to that as the “Winter Garden Way”. We encourage you to visit the city’s website for information about opportunities to join our growing team of dedicated staff. Come visit Winter Garden and experience the friendly and welcoming people who live and work here! We would love to hear from you and welcome you to join us as we live the Winter Garden Way every day!

The City of Winter Garden provides the following benefits to regular full-time employees:

• Retirement pension with 5 year vesting for General Employees and 6 year vesting for Fire and Police

• Optional additional retirement savings with a 457(b) plan

• Medical Insurance - 100% City paid employee-only medical coverage

• Partial City contribution for the cost of dependent care medical coverage

• Health Savings Account - A City contribution of $1,454.24 to the HSA annually

• City paid long term disability and life insurance benefits

• Vacation and sick leave banks with 10 paid holidays

Educational reimbursement and career development program

• Dental, vision, flexible spending, and dependent care accounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Legal Shield

• Clothing allowance and uniforms supplied

• Free gym membership

Area o ers options for students with special needs

The West Orange and Southwest Orange County area

o ers several noteworthy options for those seeking education for their loved ones with special needs.

Did you know Orange County Public Schools alone serves about 37,800 students identi ed as eligible for Exceptional Student Education?

Although ESE services are available at all publicschool sites throughout the district, other unique programs may o er a better t for those exploring alternative options.

For example, the Pathways for Life Academy incorporates core academics with real-life application through a therapy-driven learning approach. The organization believes integrating life and social skills in the curriculum has a positive impact on the students when they leave school. Whether students leave and go to college, to get a job or go to a technical school, the skills help the individual to become a valuable member of their community and help broaden their motivation to be included in all areas of life.

Another popular program, The First Hope, o ers a Christian alternative to unique abilities education.

Run through The First Academy, the school o ers a unique approach to teaching students with various learning needs academically, cognitively and spiritually.

HOUSE OF ACADEMIA

1150 Elboc Way, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 473-3187

WEBSITE: houseofacademia.com

PRINCIPAL: Mariangel Hernandez

FUN FACT: House of Academia follows four pillars of success: Fair Assessment, Individualized Program, Least Restrive Environment and Parental Involvement.

UCP CENTRAL FLORIDA — WEST ORANGE CAMPUS

1297 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Suite 110, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 904-0135

WEBSITE: ucpc .org

PRINCIPAL: Sean Mikels

FUN FACT: The school moved to a new campus in 2021.

PATHWAYS FOR LIFE ACADEMY

148 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha

PHONE: (407) 723-0030

WEBSITE: p academy.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/

PRESIDENT: Patty Myers

FUN FACT: Pathways for Life is a private middle and high school that supports students to excel in all areas of academics, life application and social skills integration in a therapy-driven and positive environment.

THE FIRST HOPE

2667 Bruton Blvd., Orlando

PHONE: (407) 206-8801

WEBSITE: the rstacademy. org/academics/ rst-hope

DIRECTOR: Angel Alexander

FUN FACT: The First Hope o ers a unique approach to teaching students with ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, ASD, dysgraphia, anxiety, intellectual disabilities, speci c learning disabilities and other unique abilities through research-based and personalized instruction.

ABELS ACADEMY

350 Acceptance Way, Clermont

PHONE: (352) 223-1999

WEBSITE: abelsacademy. com

DIRECTOR: Stephanie Hutchinson

FUN FACT: The Florida Department of Education has approved ABELS Academy to accept the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

CHARTER SCHOOLS

HOPE CHARTER/ LEGACY CHARTER HIGH

1550 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 656-4673

WEBSITE: hopecharter.org

PRINCIPAL: Maurio Medley

MASCOT: Eagles

ENROLLMENT: Legacy: 206, Hope: 430

FUN FACT: Hope Charter School was funded in 2000 and started educating students in 2001, making it 22 years old.

INNOVATION

MONTESSORI OCOEE

Main campus: 1644 N. Lakewood Ave.; high school: 1475 Silver Star Road

PHONE: Main campus, (407) 654-2045; high school, (407) 601-3950

WEBSITE: innovationmontessori.com

PRINCIPAL: K-8, Patrice Cherico; high school, Jared Stewart

MASCOT: Owls

MEET YOUR TEACHER: Lower Elementary and Middle School: 6 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 7. Primary: 5 to 5:30 p.m., Kindergarten 6 to

6:30 and Upper Elementary

6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug.

8. High School 6 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 9

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 nd practice opportunities.

OAKLAND AVENUE CHARTER SCHOOL

456 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland PHONE: (407) 877-2039

WEBSITE: oakland .gov

PRINCIPAL: Pamela Dwyer

MASCOT: Eagle

ENROLLMENT: 531

FUN FACT: Students are grouped into “nests” — Trustworthiness, Integrity, Perseverance and Generosity.

RENAISSANCE CHARTER SCHOOL AT CROWN POINT

83 West Road, Ocoee

PHONE: (407) 573-1080

WEBSITE: crownpointcharter.org

PRINCIPAL: Brett E. Taylor

MASCOT: Royals

MEET YOUR TEACHER: K through fourth grade: 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7, fth to eighth grades: 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8

ENROLLMENT: 1,147

FUN FACT: The school is the rst in CSUSA history to have

SIGHTS TO SEE

Lake Rianhard. Situated at the end of Market Street in downtown Celebration, Lake Rianhard is the perfect place to sit and relax after a day full of exploring. Rocking chairs sit along the walking trail that winds the lakeshore. Also, make sure you are there at sunset; the views are spectacular.

Market Street. Quaint shops, cute eateries and interesting architecture all await you in downtown Celebration. This is an excellent place to grab lunch or dinner, and enjoy a day of shopping.

Walking Trails. Celebration is home to 23 miles of walking trails. So, lace up those shoes and enjoy exploring the many routes Celebration has to o er. The trails o er a great chance to spot some wildlife, including deer.

Farmers Market. Celebration's farmers market takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (summer) and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (winter) every Sunday on Market Street.

EVENTS

Independence Day Spectacular. Celebrate the Fourth of July evening strolling downtown Celebration with food trucks, live music and reworks.

Oktoberfest. This familyfriendly event features live music and German traditions for the whole family to enjoy.

Now Snowing. A monthlong event, Now Snowing is Central Florida’s original and premier snowing event. Visitors can enjoy one of the area’s only synthetic ice rinks and di erent performances by local young talent. Enjoy di erent concerts throughout the month, as well as Charles Dickens-style Carolers, photos with Santa, horse carriage and train rides, and more.

DAY TRIP

CELEBRATION

The charming community of Celebration was founded in 1996 by the Walt Disney Company as an experimental community.

During its early days, while still owned by the Walt Disney Company, Celebration was called Disney’s Town of Celebration.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Downtown Diner, 701 Front St., Celebration. Downtown Diner brings a place where friends and families can sit down and enjoy a nice time while delighting their taste buds with traditional breakfast foods that will make them feel right at home. Try the Dutch Baby.

Imperium Food and Wine, 606 Market St., Celebration. Visitors can enjoy live music while savoring their food and select one, two or many di erent types of wine o the resturant's 80-wine list.

Le Macaron, 671 Front St. Suite 110, Celebration. Founders Rosalie Guillem and daughter Audrey Guillem-Saba had a dream of sharing French macarons with the world. They also o er gourmet chocolates, French gelato, pastries and more.

The Walt Disney Company selected the rst residents of Celebration through a lottery, and the rst family moved into the community June 18, 1996. However, the downtown area of Celebration was not completed until Nov. 12, which is now recognized as the community's Founders Day.

The community's master plan was developed by Jacquelin T. Robertson and Robert A. M. Stern, two Driehaus Prize-winning architects. The landscape, parks and trails, however, were designed by the San Francisco rm EDAW.

Celebration o ers visitors a glance of an early 20th-century architectural style with its picturesque buildings and unique infrastructure. Graphic designer Michael Beirut was hired by Disney to design street signs, retail signage, fountains, golf course graphics, park trail markers and more.

Celebration is known for its town center, unique architecture and walkability. The community boasts 23 miles of nature trails that connect the entire neighborhood.

— Andrea Mujica

SIGHTS TO SEE

Waterfront Park. Clermont’s answer to the beach is this sprawling space perfect for everyone, from young families to groups of friends. It includes a playground, sandy beach area, picnic tables and water activities.

Citrus Tower. One of Florida’s rst “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 and hundreds of springfed lakes in the surrounding eight-county area.

Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Situated among the rolling hills of Clermont, this winery o ers tours and wine tasting seven days a week. Lakeridge Winery is the largest winery in Florida.

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.

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.

EVENTS

First Fridays. Grab a chair or blanket and head to Montrose Street from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the rst Friday of every month and check out the live music and variety of food trucks offering food, drinks and snacks.

Downtown Clermont Farmers Market. Open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, this market features dozens vendors selling local produce, meat, honey, eggs, seafood, handmade gifts and home goods.

Red White & Boom. This Fourth of July extravaganza is held July 4 at Waterfront Park. The event is topped o with evening reworks.

DAY TRIP

CLERMONT

Clermont was established in Lake County in the rolling hills between lakes Minneola and Minnehaha, and most of the county was initially developed as orange and other citrus groves, providing the basis of the economy through the mid-20th century.

LOCAL FLAVOR

Suncreek Brewery, 790 W. Minneola Ave., Clermont. This new establishment has beers, IPAs and lagers, as well as a cafe with sandwiches, salads, taco bowls and more. Michael Ali's Coal Fired Pizza and Mac'd Out o er selections, too.

Cheeser's Palace Cafe, 707 W. Montrose St., Clermont. The food served here is just like your grandmother used to make. And in addition to o ering breakfast and lunch, the cafe also has a tempting chocolate shop.

Guru Indian Restaurant

2400 S. U.S. 27, Suite 101, Clermont. This family-owned restaurant features authentic Indian cuisine. Try clay oven breads and an assortment of meat and vegan dishes.

The city was named for the French birthplace of A.F. Wrotnowski, manager of the Clermont Improvement Company, which was formed for land development. It was founded in 1884 and incorporated in 1916. In 1922, developer Edward Denslow organized The Postal Colony Company when he bought 1,000 acres of land and planted citrus groves.

Clermont is known for its picturesque hills and pristine lakes and once was known as the Citrus Capital of Old Florida. It is home to the 1956 Florida Citrus Tower, one of the state'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 rst black couple in Clermont.

Waterfront Park is a popular destination along Lake Minneola. The park includes picnic areas, a swimming area, shing piers and a playground; a place to rent paddleboards, kayaks and bicycles; and a tness trail that is part of a 30-mile system.

— Amy Quesinberry

SIGHTS TO SEE

Dining and Nightlife. The dining options in Mills 50 are only matched by the area's exclusive nightlife. Try homemade beer and wine from Pour Choice Taproom, Ten10 Brewing Company and Quantum Leap Winery. Enjoy a festive night out will live music at Will's Pub or visit its sister clubs, Lil Indies and Dirty Laundry.

Arts and Culture. Mills 50 is known for the myriad hand-painted murals that line its streets. In addition to the public art, visitors can stop by cultural landmarks such as The Centre and Harry P. Leu Gardens.

Shop Till You Drop. Find quirky retailers such as Colonial Photo & Hobby, Dong A Imports, Out of the Closet Thrift Store and Lacastro Store. Mills 50 also o ers a multitude of spas and salons for a relaxing end to the day.

EVENTS

Virginia Drive Live. Vendors such as artists, retailers, eateries and musicians set up along Virgina Drive from Orange Avenue to Mills Avenue. Guests can purchase wristbands which allow access to specials at select locations throughout the event.

Sip & Savor Weeks. These summer celebrations of Orlando's food and drink scene features local favorites such as Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Maxine's on Shine and Nora's Sugar Shack.

St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl. This annual event celebrates St, Patrick's Day in style. Local bars o er great deals on Leprechaun shots, Irish mules, Shamrock drinks, Guinness and more.

Dragon Parade. Locals celebrate the Lunar New year with a Dragon & Lion Dance, as well as a parade from local organizations.

DAY TRIP

MILLS 50

For locals looking to escape the tourist scene, one of the most enticing spots is the Mills 50 district

LOCAL FLAVOR

Tori Tori, 720 N. Mills Ave, Orlando. This trendy Japanese bar o ers nger foods and meat skewers, as well as cocktails, sake and happy hour specials. Try the Wagyu Imperial Gyoza with creamy ponzu, sesame and red amaranth.

Black Rooster Taqueria, 1323 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. Chef John Calloway’s modern take on Mexican cuisine is a culinary celebration of the country’s culture and history. Try the Crispy Fish Tacos.

The Strand Food & Drink, 807 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. The Strand was conceived as a small neighborhood restaurant with the purpose of becoming a tradition in the larger fabric of Orlando. The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients, and all of the dishes are made from scratch.

Located in north downtown Orlando, the area o ers unique dining, nightlife, shopping and culture. Mills 50 boasts a Main Street America accreditation and is known for its vibrant murals. The location features a culturally diverse assortment of businesses; it is known for its large Asian-American and Paci c Islander population.

Mills 50 is home to several MICHELIN Guide restaurants, including Z Asian and The Strand Food & Drink. Other notable eateries include Tori Tori, Black Bean Deli, Bites & Bubbles, Tako Cheena, Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa and Black Rooster Taqueria.

For drinks, visitors have extensive choices such as Will's Pub, The Guesthouse, Ten10 Brewing Company, Quantum Leap Winery and Pour Choice Taphouse.

The Centre, one of the oldest LGBTQ+ service providers in the nation, also hails in Mills 50, and Harry P. Leu Gardens is a few short minutes east. Interesting shops also o er adventure in the area, such as Colonial Photo & Hobby, which has served the community for more than 60 years, and Dong A Imports, o ering Asian groceries.

— Annabelle Sikes

SCHOOL

International Baccalaureate

Diploma & Certificate Program Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF

Eleven National Merit Finalists (Class of '23)

Top Honors at State for WPS

Thespian Troupe

Over 21 Athletics Programs

National Qualifier in Forensics League

(407) 905-7737

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