Observer staff Hamlin Elementary faculty and staff sported stunning smiles for the first week of Left:school.Media specialist Janet Anderson, left, and Dr. Suzanne Knight, principal, were pleased with the results of the media center at Hamlin Middle School.
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ST. LUKE’S TO SHOW ‘FLORIDA PROJECT’ The community is invited to a showing of “The Florida Project” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, in Building C of Founder’s Hall of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.Thelocal film takes a look at families living in poverty in a Kissimmee motel. The viewing will be followed by a “Talk Back” session with community leaders where attendees can learn more about poverty-alleviation efforts in the Central Florida area. The showing is free, but donations will be accepted and concessions will be sold to raise money for poverty-alleviation efforts in Central Florida. RSVP is requested but not required. For information and to RSVP, visit st.lukes.org/movi enight.Thechurch is at 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando.
ObserverFREETHURSDAY, 2022 COURTS CLOSED FOR RESURFACING A popular sports court in Winter Garden is being closed tempo rarily for renovations. The city of Winter Garden’s public pickleball and tennis courts at Veterans Memorial Park will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, Aug. 22. The closure is due to resurfacing and court layout conversion to add more pickleball courts. The completion date will depend on the weather. The park is at 420 S. Park Ave.
YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
YOUR TOWN
ELECTION 2022: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Voters will decide in November whether a one-cent sales tax referendum will fly. SEE PAGE 8A.
TALK:TRASH Rates inincreasetoW.G.
AUGUST 18,
The school welcomed its first group of Panthers with a colorful banner placed by the school’s entrance. Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Shred the Word Shred-a-Thon event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 20, at Olympia High School, 4301 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando. No registration is needed, and the drive-thru event is free. Acceptable items include all paper, file folders, hanging files, computer paper, notepads and envelopes. Items to be shredded should be placed in the vehicle trunk.Prescription drug disposal is available as well.
SHRED YOUR OLD DOCUMENTS
Horizon West’s school community grew by three with the opening of Hamlin Middle, Hamlin Elementary and Panther Lake Elementary last week. STORY ON PAGE 4A. Will the transportation tax help West Orange?
The City approvedCommissionaresolution to the revised rate schedule for residential and commercial solid-waste services with an increase of 15.57% to begin Oct. 1. SEE PAGE 2.
Laura Loomer and Gavriel Soriano are challenging Daniel Webster for seat. 3A. ASTHRICENICE Get to know our public school teams. SEE 1B.
ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
EXPLAINED Williams explained the solid waste fund is operated as an enterprise fund that accounts for activities similar to those provided by private enterprise. Enterprise funds are intended to be self-supporting, and the accounting helps measure the full cost of providing service. The city of Winter Garden has four enterprise funds: water and sewer, stormwater, solid waste and Trailer City.The collection and removal of res idential/commercial garbage, recy clables and yard waste are the core functions of the city’s solid-waste department.Thecitylast increased rates for solid waste 14 years ago, in May 2008.However, since 2008, residen tial and commercial revenue has increased on average by 2.4% annu ally with growth, and the solidwaste operating expenses have also increased on average 5.3% annually, according to Williams’ presentation. Williams said the current solidwaste expenditures exceed the oper ating revenues collected. Over the past eight years, several factors have contributed to the cost of operating solid-waste manage ment, including increased tipping fees at the landfill sites, increased vehicle maintenance fees, fuel cost and capital, the purchase of new equipment due to increased routes and replacement of aging trucks. The monthly residential rate will go from $19 to $22 per month. In addition, staff recommended to annually adjust the rates using the CPI-U rates from June to be effective Oct. 1 each fiscal year as part of the annual budget process. Commissioner Ron Mueller said although no one ever wants to see rates go up, it has been a significant amount of time since the amounts were“Whileadjusted.wecontinue to thrive as the Winter Garden community, and having one of the lowest millage rates of the surrounding commu nities in West Orange, we do by far have superior trash, recycle and bulk pick-up,” Mueller said. “I can’t say enough good about them, because they do so However,much.”thecommissioner also placed a heavy emphasis on resident awareness being essential when it comes to recycling. “Our recycle costs went from $50 a time to $120 in July,” Mueller said. “I strongly encourage recycling but be responsible in recycling, because we’re charged by the ton. Whether or not what you throw in the recycle bin is recyclable or not, if it ends up in the trash can, then we’re still paying for that. … I would strongly encour age citizens to help us reduce that cost by only putting recyclables in thoseCommissionercontainers.”
Mark A. Maciel inquired whether a resolution to reduce service to every other week — like Apopka — had ever been con sidered.“Wedo have some amazing servic es sometimes, and it is amazing what I see people put out, where another city would charge for that pick-up, we don’t, which I think is perfect, but is there a point where we ever think about curtailing services?”
n City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman mentioned the recently adopted rent control ordinance by the Orange County Commission. Arda man said the city had requested specific language in the ordinance to allow cities to opt out of the provision. The County Commission adopted the language. If approved in November, the city would have the option to opt out if desired.
n Ardaman announced the city is moving forward with its nego tiations and private discussions with the county staff regarding PureCycle. Key staff members also will have a meeting required by statutes as part of the dispute/ resolution process Aug. 23.
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2A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OrangeObserver.com 371910-1 every age. choose well. Every second counts. As a national leader in emergency care and home to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, we know that when emergencies happen, you need expert care. Our team of board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained ER nurses provide care for all types of emergencies — and for all ages. Be relieved. OrlandoHealth.com/ER T X 1 0 0 0 T O R O D I N G O STX - 38STUMP GRINDERTRX- 300 TORO TRENCHER
n James “Jimmy” Dunn was ap pointed as a new member of the Planning and Zoning Board repre senting District 1.
IN OTHER NEWS
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n City commissioners postponed to a date to be determined the first reading of an ordinance to add a new article, titled “Down town Residential Overlay District,” to the city of Winter Garden Code of Ordinances, due to staff wanting to do additional research.
n City commissioners approved the Health & Harvest Festival spe cial event Nov. 12.
MacielWilliamsasked.said while timing is not the best for the increase, the rate is minor compared to the number of years when the city last adjusted the rates.“Our service is superior,” Williams said. “I think that reflects in the way the community looks, and certainly we don’t feel like we want to propose a service reduction to our residents.” The resolution passed unani mously.
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n Commissioners approved the annual Oktoberfest special event at Crooked Can Brewing Company from Oct. 14-16.
n The commission approved the purchase of a new dispatch and record management system from 365 Labs in the amount of $197,008.40.
Residents in the city of Winter Gar den soon will pay more for their trash service.TheWinter Garden City Com mission on Thursday, Aug. 11, approved a recommended resolution that includes an estimated 15.57% increase in solid-waste services. City Manager Jon Williams said when the commission met around the same time last year for the bud get presentation, it was identified that solid-waste rates would need to beWilliamsevaluated.discussed the resolu tion through a presentation during which a recommendation was made to revise the rate schedule for resi dential and commercial solid-waste services with an increase of 15.57% — about a $3 per month charge — to residents beginning Oct. 1.
GAVRIEL SORIANO Age: 27 City/town of res idence: Bushnell, Sumter County Family: Unmar ried Qualifications: Article I, Sec tion, Clause 2 of The Constitu tion states, “No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the age of 25 years and been seven years a citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in which he shall be chosen.”
Qualifications: Small-business owner, currently serving as U.S. Congressman representing the con stituents of Florida’s 11th Congressional district
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 11 representative? I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and my Lord and Savior. I believe in servant leadership and am committed to serving my constituents with humility and integrity. My life and record illustrate my conservative values, and I work every day to protect life, empower families and promote con servative principles. I treat everyone with kindness and respect and have never used political attack ads to win an election. Describe the state of our nation’s economy and what steps need to be taken to improve it. As District 11 representative, describe how you will work across the aisle. I’ve stood up to the Washington Establishment and fought to protect our Constitutional rights. I have a record of getting things done, working with members across the political aisle and keeping my word. I will keep fighting for a principle-based, member-driven process where a bill is considered based on policy-merit, not position, loyalty, rank, or seniority of the sponsor. I have and will continue to support policies that will get our economy back on track and secure our border. Washington must stop the spigot of spending — borrowing gobs of money to spend today is effectively a tax on our children and grandchildren tomorrow. I have and will continue to vote against massive spending bills — those proposed by Republicans and Democrats alike — that irresponsibly spend taxpayer dollars. I do not support adding or increasing taxes on hard-work ing Americans. I was named Audubon Florida’s Champion of the Everglades award for my leader ship in Everglades conservation and “Friend of the Taxpayers” for my work to lower taxes and reduce spending and regulatory burdens on hard-working Americans. Define “recession.”
According to the Department of Commerce’s recent GDP report, the U.S. economy shrank for the second consecutive quarter. These numbers, combined with the historic inflation, confirmed that we are in a recession. Out-of-control govern ment spending and far-left policies pushed by President Biden and Democrat leaders in Congress have exacerbated the issue and contributed to the rising cost of basic goods.
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 3AOrangeObserver.com
I am 27 years old, born in the United States, and I am a son and lifelong resident of the state of Florida and the 11th District. What are the key differences between you and your opponents? On one end of the spectrum, we have oncum bent Daniel Webster, who has failed to stand behind America First principles with the actions that enliven them. Representative Webster states, “At a time when we are experiencing the highest inflation in 40 years and Americans are strug gling to pay for goods, Congress should be focus ing on finding ways to cut federal spending.” And then again, he states, “Washington operates on the principle that if money is appropriated, it should be spent. I have exposed and resisted this flawed principle.” Yet on May 10, 2022, Rep. Webster exposed his own flawed principle when, as gas prices in his district were climbing toward $5 per gallon and a family pack of chicken drum sticks costs around $12, Webster voted to send $40 billion to Ukraine. Moreover, it has become apparent to me that Webster has become a pup peteer to a select few who fund his campaign. On the other end of the spectrum, we have political hackster Laura Loomer and her stuntdriven, racist and radical actions. In 2020, Loomer ran and lost to Democrat Lois Frankel in the general election of U.S. District 21 of South Florida. Then, in the latter half of 2021, it appears that Loomer packed her briefcase, her GPS, her slogan and her campaign purse filled with funds donated to her by the people of U.S. District 21 and began her sporadic 200-mile trips up north to run in the heavily Republican U.S. District 11 of Central Florida. Loomer’s slogan, “The fighter we need in Congress,” proves the slogan an anomaly in her case. Because rather than to remain in her home district of South Florida to fight the good fight in an attempt to flip the district to Red for the sake of the district, the state, and the country, Loomer ditched the fight. So while Loomer touts herself a fighter during her intermittent cam paign trips to the 11th, this carpetbagger’s actions speak not of a fighter but of a coward — one who abandoned District 21 and the financial contribu tors, volunteers, and Republicans who had once supported her. I am a son of the 11th U.S. District, where I have invested my life. I have volunteered here, started a business here and served the public here. I am that brother to my people; my blood, my sweat, my tears are in this soil, alongside theirs. As such I will not abandon the people of my district. I will not turn north, south, east or west in search of greener pastures in another district. Nor will I cower to the bribes or political agendas of the power-hungry. Rather, when the going gets tough … I will run toward the front line; I will dig my heels into the trenches. I will stay the course, braving each challenge toward victory for us, for our homes, for our lands, for our liberties, and for our noble and conservative way of life. What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 11 representative?
The Supreme Court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jack son Women’s Health Organization is not just the culmination of nearly 50 years of hard work by the pro-life movement — it’s also a testament to the American experiment. At a time when trust in our institutions is low and some question whether our system of government itself is broken, this decision reaffirms that the American experiment is a government of the people, by the people, for the people. As an elected official, I have and will continue to work to protect the rights of our most vulnerable: the unborn. Throughout my years of serving Florida and my country, I have introduced and voted for bills that protect unborn children, our most vulnerable, and opposed taxpayers’ funds from being used to support abortions.
Describe the state of our nation’s economy and what steps need to be taken to improve it. The U.S. economy has been shattered, and the current recession we are experiencing here in the U.S. is the result of the stolen 2020 election and Joe Biden’s disastrous, communist, economic polices, including Bidenflation, stagflation and billions of dollars in unchecked foreign aid. We need to restore American manufacturing, American energy independence, we need to reopen the Keystone XL Pipeline, and we need to combat all unconstitu tional and draconian COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates that destroyed our economy and killed millions of jobs and small businesses. As District 11 representative, describe how you will work across the aisle. I am focused on legislating Constitutionally, and I am willing to work with anyone in Congress who wants to legislate constitutionally. I will not work with or enable any of the communists and communist-enabling RINOS in Congress. Instead, I will work to expose them and hold them accountable until they fall in line, or until they are replaced by America First fighters like myself. Define “recession.” Before Joe Biden and his illegitimate administra tion recently changed the definition of “recession,” it was defined as two consecutive quarters of nega tive GDP and negative economic growth. The cur rent recession that we are experiencing here in the U.S. is the result of the stolen 2020 election and Joe Biden’s disastrous, communist, economic polices, including Bidenflation, stagflation and billions of dollars in unchecked foreign aid. What is your evaluation of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. I support the recent Supreme Court decision to Three Republican candidates — incumbent Daniel Webster, and challengers Laura Loomer and Gavriel Soriano — are vying for votes in the race for U.S. House Florida District 11. Answers have been edited for space and grammar. For complete, unedited answers, visit OrangeObserver.com.
CANDIDATES’ ANSWERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
What is your evaluation of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision.
Describe the state of our education system and what steps need to be taken to improve it.
and political science, Barry University, Miami Shores; served as president of the College Republicans at Barry University; gradu ated as class valedictorian Qualifications: Investigative journalism for 10 years. For four of those, served as an undercover investigator for Project Veritas; owner and founder of Illoominate Media, an investigative journalism, conservative media and political research com pany. What are the key differences between you and your opponents? I’m an America First Republican candidate for United States Congress, and I’m primarying RINO incumbent Daniel Webster. Webster is a career politician who has been in office for 40 years. I support term limits; my opponent does not. As the seventh most absent member of Con gress, Webster skipped the vote on the second impeachment of Donald Trump, he skipped the vote on the Jan. 6 Commission, and he does not believe the 2020 election was stolen. I know the election was stolen, and I am working hard to combat voter fraud and restore election integrity. I am anti-war, and I am fiscally conserva tive. My opponent is in favor of funding proxy wars, and he recently voted to send $40 billion of taxpayer money to Ukraine during an economic crisis and record-high inflation. As we watch our country, our freedoms and our Constitution get destroyed by the radical left and spineless RINOS who don’t fight back, we cannot afford to send absentee Congressmen back to Washington. Put simply, my opponent is a do-nothing, obstructionist RINO career politician. In contrast, I’m a fighter, and I will fight to protect and uphold the U.S. Constitution, I will fight for America, and it would be my greatest honor to represent the people of District 11 who deserve a Congresswom an who actually shows up for work and fights.
CANDIDATESTHEMEET2022:ELECTION U.S. House Florida District 11
What are the key differences between you and your opponents? This district has the largest share of seniors in the country, and as a senior myself, I know firsthand the issues and challenges seniors face.
What are the values and morals that have guided your life, and how will you use them as District 11 representative? As an investigative journalist, I am focused on seeking out the truth, and I am justice-oriented. I built my career around holding people account able and exposing people to the truth. As a proud American and Constitutional Conservative America First Republican, I am focused on getting elected to Congress, where I will legislate consti tutionally in the best interest of my constituents, as well as the American people. I am relentless, and I am known for being aggressive in my pursuit of the truth, and I never back down from a fight. I will fight for what is truthful, just and morally right when I am in Congress.
LAURA LOOMER Age: 29 City/town of residence: Lady FloridaLake, Family: Never been married, no children tion:Educa inelor’sBachdegreebroadcastjournalism
DANIEL WEBSTER Age: 73 City/town of resi dence: Clermont Family: Wife, San dy; six children; 21 grandchildren Education: Georgia Institute of neering,electrical“GeorgiaTechnology,Tech,”engi1971
I have a proven record of serving you and mak ing a difference in Washington. Keeping my word to help stop the spigot of spending, I have saved taxpayers more than $3 million out of my budget and annually roll back my congressional salary. I have gotten federal agencies to return more than $12 million to constituents.
The values and morals that have guided my life are summarized in the following quote from Hil lel, a Jewish sage: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?” I must be for myself and about my business, and as a citizen, I found a lack in the incumbent Daniel Webster and therefore, in the interests of myself and my family, I have chosen to run against him to secure representative, transparent, accountable and bold representation. Describe the state of our nation’s economy and what steps need to be taken to improve it. The state of our nation’s economy is plummet ing fast. Inflation is at its highest in 40 years; the supply chain is broken; manufacturers are pulling back the production of some foods and other items; gas prices are astronomical, and minor decreases have occurred at the risk of depleting our Strategic Petroleum Reserve and increasing dependence on foreign oil; the cost of goods and services have increased; small businesses are tak ing greater cuts to maintain their customer base; and the list continues. Congress must put an end to federal spending abroad, lower taxes and
I believe that parental involvement is the foundation of education and education decisions are best made by parents. Florida is a leader in empowering parents to have a voice and choice in their child’s education and providing an array of public, private and home-based options. Many small businesses are struggling to find skilled
ANDREA MUJICA, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES OBSERVER STAFF
PANTHER LAKE ELEMENTARY Panther Lake Elementary, 10151 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Gar den, began its first year by welcom ing its 620 students to campus. “Our first day has been really great so far; we had lots of families com ing to visit,” Principal Christine Szy manski said. “We always, on the first day, let parents walk their children directly to their classroom, so it was fantastic. The traffic seemed to flow very, very nicely, so I’m very happy about that. We had lots of parents in the building, and they were here on time knocking on the door right after 8 o’clock, ready to be here and onThetime.”school’s Parent-Teacher Organization hosted a BooHoo Breakfast to allow kindergarten par ents to spend some more time with their kindergartners and get to meet other families before classes started. Parents will be able to enroll their children in extracurricular activities after Labor Day.
The principal said there have not been any large bumps in the road so far, the only concern being drop-off and dismissal in the car lines, which already has been elementaries.WaterGrovepus.aboutpriorityhere.”isschool“Iofficer.whoasseveralMurphy-Osbornealleviated.alsointroducedstaffmembersinattendance,wellasDeputySteven’sBertrand,willserveastheschoolresource“Yourkidsaresafe,”Bertrandsaid.makesuretowalkaroundtheconstantlyandthestaffheregreatsoyouhaveagreatschoolTheprincipalsaidsafetyisatopattheschool,andthereare59camerascoveringthecamHamlinElementary,16145SilverBlvd.,WinterGarden,relievesSpringandWhisperingOak
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Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine Founding Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles 1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 941-366-346834236 “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica jeng@OrangeObserver.comEng, Community Editor / Amy amyq@OrangeObserver.comQuesinberry, Staff Writer / Andrea amujica@OrangeObserver.comMujica, Staff Writer / Annabelle asikes@OrangeObserver.comSikes, Sales Manager / Cyndi advertising@OrangeObserver.comGustafson, Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy iggy@OrangeObserver.comCollazo, Senior Graphic Designer / Lindsay lcannizzaro@OrangeObserver.comCannizzaro, Advertising Operations Manager / Allison abrunelle@OrangeObserver.comBrunelle, STATEMENT OWNERSHIPOF PUBLIC NOTICES The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to pub lish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals Permit (USPS# 687-120) Panther Lake students had fun learning music from music teacher Sara Story and engaged in some listening exercises with Principal Christine Szymansk. Hamlin Elementary Principal Dr. Ange la Murphy-Osborne has had a passion for children and wanting to help kids in need since she was a young girl. Observer staff Valeria Montes, left, and her mother, Janet Carrasquillo both teach Spanish at the high school and middle school levels at Hamlin Middle.
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HAMLIN MIDDLE Dr. Suzanne Knight was excited to open the doors Wednesday, Aug. 10, and welcome the Hamlin Coyotes to their new school in Horizon West. “The parents have been great,” Knight said of the first day. “It was heartwarming watching the parents with their kids. It made me smile.” Sixth-graders gathered in the cafeteria, and seventh- and eighthgraders waited in the gymnasium until the first bell sounded. Knight was excited to introduce students to the concession stand by the gym, which will sell breakfast eachStudentsmorning.were eager to start class es in their new school, and teachers decorated their rooms with welcom ingAmongtouches.those educators were Vale ria Montes and her mother, Janet Carrasquillo, who both teach Span ish at the high school and middle schoolCarrasquillolevels. taught at Dr. Phillips High School when Knight was prin cipal, and Montes moved up to mid dle school from the elementary level. This is the first time they have taught together, and their rooms are side by side — and decorated with Spanish words and phrases, as well as travel photos and pictures of famous His panics.Between classes, the principal directed dozens of students to the right hallways and classes. Being able to dedicate an entire wing to visual and performing arts is a bonus, she said. “We try to mirror as many electives as possible that were at Bridgewater and SunRidge (middle schools),” Knight said. The new school design includes all classrooms and hallways inside the facility, a safety feature Knight is pleased to see at Hamlin. “To have a campus that’s fully enclosed is exciting,” she said. “(We have) secure perimeters, so once you’re in, you’re in.” On the first day, there were some scheduling mishaps and a few hic cups regarding the elementary school drop-off, but Knight said those were quickly resolved. The biggest issue was with trans portation, Knight said, but this is a countywide problem and not limited to the new school. Hamlin Middle, located at 16025 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, was built to relieve overcrowding at Bridgewater and SunRidge mid dle schools. Because Bridgewater lost about 500 students, some staff members lost their positions, too. Knight said she hired seven teach ers and support staff members from Bridgewater and nine came with her from Dr. Phillips High. Knight said she is grateful for the opportunity to be back at the middle school level after eight years lead ing Dr. Phillips High. She also has 22 years of experience at the middle school level. This is her 35th year with Orange County Public Schools. “I forgot how fun it was being in middle school,” she said.
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4A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OrangeObserver.com
As learners throughout Orange County returned to school last week, students at three new Horizon West schools were the first to enter their respectiveLearningclassrooms.beganatHamlin Middle, Hamlin Elementary and Panther Lake Elementary for the first time Wednesday, Aug. 10.
SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebra tions and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.
“We like to have the first couple of weeks just to get to know the stu dents ourselves, get to know their routines and they get to learn our routines here at school,” Szyman ski said. “Then, once we come back after that Labor Day weekend, we are going to have different activities afterSomeschool.”ofthe options for after -school activities include soccer, the Florida Film Academy, choir, chess, amongThroughoutothers. the school year, the PTO board is looking forward to organizing myriad events for stu dents and their families. “(The PTO Board members are) very well organized, and it’s been a great support for us having them here,” Szymanski said. Ultimately, the Panther Lake Ele mentary staff is looking forward to serving its students and the com munity.“Wefocus on the students; we focus on building partnerships with our community members — with our parents,” Szymanski said. “We focus on the instruction and making sure the students here are learning … and getting the best education possible. … We have a great staff that are very positive, very excited, and they are here for the kids. They just want to go ahead and build those meaningful relationships with their students, as well as with the parents (who) live in theWitharea.”the current student enroll ment each classroom has between 18 and 22 students. Initially, the school had a projected enrollment of about 700 students, and even though enrollment is a little lower than expected, there will potentially be an influx of students registering into the school after Labor Day weekend.
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HAMLIN ELEMENTARY Hamlin Elementary Principal Dr. Angela Murphy-Osborne greeted more than 500 Huskies as they arrived for their first day of school. “Our goal as a school family is to work together to provide our stu dents with a rich learning environ ment,” Murphy-Osborne said. “My vision … is to always put kids first. Student success is attributed to the partnership and the relationships we build within our community. It truly does take a village. Education is a joint venture, and we greatly appre ciate the support you provide for your children at home and at school to help them be successful.” The campus includes an adminis tration office, a multipurpose/caf eteria, kitchen media center, class rooms, art and music labs, computer lab(s), multipurpose lab(s), a covered play area, hard courts, playgrounds, covered walkways, an expanded parking lot, an expanded student drop-off loop, enhanced classroom technology including new comput ers and interactive touch-screen panels.Atthe end of the first week, the school’s Parent Teacher Organiza tion hosted a Kindergarten BooHoo Breakfast for parents Friday, Aug. 12. Marithza Vargas, chairperson for the breakfast, welcomed attendees with warm greetings as they enjoyed doughnuts and coffee. Silvia Goulart de Franca, Hamlin Elementary’s first PTO president, was also in attendance with several otherGoulartvolunteers.deFranca was a member of the PTO at Water Spring Elemen tary and has a son who is attending the new school. “It’s such a huge responsibility — especially when it’s a brand-new school,” she said. “We are starting from scratch, but it’s also a very big honor.”Parents enjoyed conversation and met new faces before hearing a short speech from Murphy-Osborne with a Portuguese translation by Goulart de“EveryoneFranca. has been so kind and the community is amazing,” the principalMurphy-Osbornesaid. shared her goals for the school year include a heavy emphasis on academics. “I want our kids to be the best; I want them to graduate at the top of their class,” she said. “There’s no reason for any child not to do well. At least under my leadership, I will work my hardest to make sure we fill the gaps, and I will do my best to always hire the best staff. I feel like I have the ‘A Team’ in this building.”
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The next morning, the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a prayer before the school day began at the flagpole. Luis Bambino, who had coached Matheus at DP, wrote on Facebook: “Matheus Sessa was an amaz ing soccer player from Dr. Phillips High School. He was an example of a young man, loved by his family and friends. I am honored to have coached him and also be his mentor and friend. It breaks my heart that YOU were taken so unexpectedly. Your memory will never leave us and live long in our hearts. My Boy. My Pupil.”Ourhearts at the Observer are bro ken for the families of these three, as well as for their friends, teammates and school communities. We lost these three far too early — their lives extinguished before they had a chance to fully shine their lights on the world. Perhaps now, it is up to us — all of us — to do that in theirMaybeabsence.thatmeans hugging our children more. Telling them we love them more often. Savoring every moment — even car line. Maybe it’s in kindness — stopping to let a fellow parent merge or loving your neighbor a little more. Maybe it’s in forgive ness.However that looks for you, do it in remembrance of Evan, Jaiden and Matheus.
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U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon graduated in 2017 from Foundation Academy. Jaiden Simmons was a captain for the Winder mere High School flag football Matheusteam. Ses sa graduated in May from Dr. HighPhillipsSchool.
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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 5AOrangeObserver.com
Three tragedies rock community
My wife and I were at a celebra tory dinner with our three kids when I learned the news. This year, we have a child in all three school levels — elementary, middle and high — and had just completed our first day of the new school year. Everyone was delivered to school on time and subsequently retrieved. We had battled car lines, gridlock jams and our own impa tience and frustration — and made it through.Although we were out to eat for celebratory purposes, my mind wouldn’t let me relax: How in the world are we going to do this all year? And better yet, my thoughts drifted arrogantly: The way they do the car lines makes no sense. If I were in charge, I could fix it for them. As we waited for dessert, my phone screen illuminated with a notifica tion. It was an email from the Fox affiliate in Atlanta. “We are working on a story about 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, who was killed in a weather-related incident in the north Georgia mountains on Tuesday,” the email read. “We came across this article and was wondering if you happened to have any informa tion as to if this is the same person.” The Fox journalist had found a story the Observer had published five years ago about a Foundation Academy senior who had realized his lifelong dream — acceptance into the United States Military Academy at West Point. I clicked the link to our story, and the memories rushed back. Evan Fitzgibbon wore a proud smile in our photo as he held his West Point certificate of appointment. Instantly, I remembered him. I remembered his story. It graced our front page, with the headline, “Congratulations, cadet.”Foxwanted to confirm it was the same Evan Fitzgibbon, because the station wanted to use our photo of him. It was the only one they could find.Iwanted desperately to tell them sorry, but you must have the wrong Evan Fitzgibbon. But doing the math, I realized the timing was right. And after a few texts with some folks at Foundation Academy, we confirmed the unthinkable. Evan Fitzgib bon, our Evan Fitzgibbon, had died Tuesday, Aug. 9, in a Ranger School training incident. Soon after we broke the news online, Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien declared flags would be flown at half-mast in honor and out of respect. Now, a black ribbon with Evan’s name stands outside of the town’s administration buildings. Still reeling from this news, our community was gut-punched two days later, when we learned both Windermere High School senior Jaiden Simmons and Matheus de Oliveira Sessa, a soccer standout who just graduated in May from Dr. Phil lips High School, died unexpectedly. Jaiden, 16, was a captain of the women’s flag football team at Wind ermere.“Ourprogram is heartbroken by the loss of one of our seniors and team captain today,” the flag foot ball team posted on Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers go out (to) the Simmons family. An amazing young lady, leader and role model, who impacted the lives of many within our program and countless others across the campus.”
The proposed tentative millage rate established by the elected officials is 5.05, .05 lower than last year’s mill age rate. However, the tentative bud get is balanced at 4.9 mills — which is lower than the tentative millage rate approved by the commissioners. The ad valorem taxes are budgeted for $19.2 million at 4.95 mills and a col lection rate of 95%. Overall, this reflects an increase of 11% over the FY22 budget. Of this, the General Fund will contribute $1,164,857 to the Community Rede velopment Agency. The CRA Fund is tentatively approved for $7,957,353. This includes $6.9 million in a Capital Improve ments fund that come primarily through reserves. The proposed budget includes 39 capital improvement projects totaling nearly $32.5 million for this upcom ing year. The individual requests are: CRA, $6,970,537; Fire Department, ith $5,000,000; General Government Services, $12,900; Parks, $475,000; Police Department, $5,000,000; Recreation, $75,000; Support Servic es Administration, $16,000; Utilities Administration, $12,557,872; Waste water Facilities, $50,000; Wastewater Field Operations, $842,000; Water Facilities, $50,000; and Water Field Operations, $1,390,464. Included in the largest CRA requests are the South Bluford Com plete Street Project, $5,995,537; a new fire station for the fire department, $5,000,000; a new gun range for the police department, $5,000,000; a petition to expand and upgrade the Motor Control Center Room, $2,400,000; a new master lift station for Fullers Cross, Ocoee Apopka and Clinger Cove, $2,200,000; replace ment of failing asbestos cement water system and construction of transmission main at Lakewood and Rewis, $1,300,000; a new reclaimed pumping facility, $1,784,145; a new reclaimed storage tank, $2,282,231; and a new reclaimed water main from Orange County Interconnect south on Lauren Beth Avenue to the new stor age tank at the WWTP, $1,069,496.
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER
Oakland stalls 20-home subdivision application
NEXT MEETING The public hearing for the dis cussion of the 2022-23 tenta tive budget will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 15, at 1 N. Bluford Ave., Ocoee.
The Stormwater Fund is tenta tively budgeted at $4,163,203, a 9.7% increase over the previous year. The Water/Wastewater Fund is tentatively budgeted at $18,484,900 and reflects a 14.5% increase from last year. Out of those, $4.1 million are being allocated from fund bal ance and $5.45 million are allocated to capital projects, equipment, and repairs and replacements. The Solid Waste Fund is tentatively budgeted at $4,720,423, showing an 8.3% increase over the previous year, and it is projected that in 2023, the Sanitation Fund’s operating revenues will exceed the operating expenses. The proposed Impact Fee budget is $2,177,631 and includes planning, acquisition and development of offsite improvements to the road system within the road impact fund, fire pro tection and acquisition of facilities and equipment, law enforcement and acquisition of facilities and equip ment, and parks and recreation. Over the last decade, the city of Ocoee has experienced incred ible population growth. In 2011, the city had close to 36,000 residents. In 2020, the census reflects close to 50,000 residents.
Ocoee commission discusses 2022-23 tentative budget
The Ocoee City Commission dis cussed the tentative budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year at a workshop Tuesday, Aug. 9. The General Fund is tentative ly approved for the fiscal year at $72,880,044, a 7.4% decrease from Fiscal Year 2022. This includes prop erty taxes, franchise taxes, utility tax es, licenses and permits, intergovern mental revenue, charges for services, fines and forfeitures, miscellaneous revenue, and transfers.
The commission will host a public hearing about the FY 22-23 budget Sept. 15.
RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL The commission approved the rezon ing and future land-use map change for the property at 302 E. Oakland Ave. The land was rezoned from R-1A Single-Family Residential to C-1 Commercial, and Ideal Builder 5 LLC will use the former home as an office for a brokerage and property manage mentPastorbusiness.JoeReeves, who lives next to the property expressed concern that it would negatively affect his home value.“All I know is it won’t be consistent with the homes in the area,” he said. “I just want to make sure that if I go to sell my property I won’t be impacted.”
The overall proposed tenta tive budget for the five-year plan includes 59 capital improvement projects totaling nearly $85 million. These are distributed as follows: CRA projects, $3,450,000; major buildings, $10,175,000; Parks and Recreation, $3,875,000; road capac ity, $22,450,000; road operations, $13,831,737; stormwater, $1,280,000; and utilities, $31,021,701. The Ocoee Police Department has a tentative budget of $19,721,150, a 48.35% increase from the previous year, and the Ocoee Fire Department has a tentative budget of $13,346,830, an increase of 63.41%.
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MORATORIUM EXTENDED Commissioners approved a 180-day extension of the temporary moratori um they set on multi-family housing applications. The moratorium, origi nally established in February, was set to expire Aug. 22. “There are a few more steps we would like to go through before we lift the moratorium,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said. “It can be short ened by resolution if we get through this“Whatquicker.”we are doing is extending the moratorium on … apartments until we can get a handle on what’s coming at us and how we respond to it,” Stark said. “That’s another good six months of … not taking any more applications.”
The Oakland Town Commission has postponed a vote on a preliminary site plan for a new subdivision south of West Colonial Drive because of lack of information from the applicant. At the Aug. 9 commission meeting, elected officials were presented with the preliminary plan for Bayview at Johns Lake, a proposed seven-acre, 20-home community at the south end of Remington Road. Applicant Ed Durruthy described Bayview as a boutique residential community with three 80-footwide lakefront lots and the interior lots averaging 70 feet; the three lots would measure 220 to 250 feet in length, and the others would measure 125 feet. Ashton Woods would be the builder and would use the same hous ing plans to be used in the upcoming Briley Farms project. Several residents in attendance at the meeting opposed the neigh borhood, which would abut their community of Johns Landing. They complained of the smaller lot sizes, the increase in traffic the community would bring to Remington Road and the invasion of their privacy. They also said the 80-foot-wide lakefront lots were too small in com parison to others on the lake and the three docks would be too close to one another.Awrought-iron fence currently separates Johns Landing from the proposed neighborhood. A landscape buffer was suggested, but some Johns Landing residents want something more substantial. “I just don’t feel like this is but toned up enough for us to make an informed decision with the too many variables that have been discussed,” Mayor Kathy Stark said. “There are some open issues that need to be addressed. … I don’t think the P&Z should have pushed it to us in this condition.”Iftheproject continues in the future, developer Venue Develop ment LLC would agree to dedicat ing a lift station tract to the town, creating two points of connection to the town’s water system, construct on-site and off-site sewer, construct sidewalks, and reconstruct a portion of Remington Road. No date was set for the project to come back to the commission.
Brad Cornelius, Oakland’s con tracted town planner, said the build ing lies within the town’s Gateway Corridor, which applies stricter guidelines for architecture, landscape and other design characteristics. Stark assured Reeves it will be “a very small residential-looking office with very small parking.”
A vote on a proposed 20-homesite neighborhood on Johns Lake was postponed until more information could be provided.
The Windermere Town Council dis cussed several ongoing topics such as service issues from WastePro for solid waste and recycling collection at its Tuesday, Aug. 9, meeting. WastePro first acknowledged its difficulty servicing the town of Windermere in May, when company representative Platt Loftis delivered an annual update to the council. “We’re having challenges servic ing this municipality,” Loftis said at the May meeting. “The town is hav ing service issues, we acknowledge it; this is something we’re trying to get in front of. This is an absolute industry-wide situation that we are in. I’m not here to give you any excuses. I’m here again to acknowl edge what’s happening; it’s unac ceptable.”Afterthat meeting, Loftis said he would create a detailed action plan for Town Manager Robert Smith. Since then, Smith said town staff has had meetings with Loftis and other route managers on at least two or three occasions to obtain their action“WasteProplans. has been consistent with their message about recruiting, trying to get CDL drivers; it’s not just the solid-waste industry that’s having this issue,” Smith said. “We are very understanding right now of what’s going on. … Communication has been the biggest issue I think … but hopefully, we see an improve ment in that communication.”
Mayor Jim O’Brien said the tim ing for the increase is unfortunate because everyone is feeling the pain of“Oneinflation.ofthe important things that we do as partners in this, because it is a bit of a partnership, is that I want WastePro to be successful in this, I want our residents to have the best service possible,” O’Brien said. “I think it’s smart for us to work together to see if we can start get ting some additional improvements in that performance, because what we are doing now is not sustain able.”Council Member Tony Davit said he understands the dilemma, but the town has an obligation to its residents.“We’vegot citizens, the residents of Windermere, (who) are going without service that they are paying for through their taxes,” Davit said. “There’s a happy medium here. You give us a date where you can improve the service, and it’s reasonable to council, then I think we’ll agree to that. … I think that at that point, if you’re still not making the mark, then contractually, we need to exer cise the provisions within the con tract.”Council Member Bill Martini said he thinks lack of communication is the biggest issue when it comes to services.“Since April 6, WastePro has missed 26 out of 68 collections — that’s 36%,” Martini said. “I’m all for taking a measured approach, and benchmarks and what not, but … you’ve got to do what you say you’re going to do.” The resolution passed unani mously.WastePro agreed to set up a series of benchmarks and plans to be pres ent at the next Town Council meet ing Tuesday, Sept. 13.
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n Mayor Jim O’Brien read a proc lamation declaring Sept. 16, 2022 as Healthy Selfie Day.
RESOLUTION REQUEST
Trash talk dominates town discussion
The topic resurfaced in last week’s meeting in relation to a proposed resolution for the non-ad valorem assessment roll for solid waste and recycling collection. The 4.18% increase is lower than the current CPI, although it was unanticipated that Orange County would increase their tipping fees at landfills the very same day. Town Clerk Dorothy Burkhalter read several public comments into the record from those who were not able to attend the meeting in person. In an email, resident Curtis Cra mer said in the last several months he has received “pitiful service” yet is still paying. “I pay for three days and have been receiving two days, and many weeks, only one pick up,” Cramer said. “My garbage cans sit outside in front of the house for days; now you want to assess me more money. … This is unacceptable.”
Seven other residents submit ted similar emails mentioning lack of service, their opposition to the resolution, damaged cans, lack of communication, scattered trash from weather and more. “I don’t mind paying — but not for poor service,” resident Ruby Cruci ana said. “I have called WastePro several times regarding this situa tion, and I was told that they could not help, and I understand that. However I don’t feel like I should have to pay for their unfortunate problems.”However, not all residents agreed. “I love our trash service,” Tom Stroup said. “The guys come to my house, they honk at all the kids, they come out and put my trash cans back. I mean, I talk to them every day. … Of all the complaints you hear, I think there are more people that are sat isfied with the effort. There’s been days where they haven’t picked it up. But you know what? Life’s not perfect, and I understand it’s going to happen again.” Loftis again addressed the council and said the company has been hav ing issues regarding inflation. He said the supply-chain difficulties and labor shortages also have been challenging. In addition, waste ton nages are increasing. “I hear you loud and clear,” Loftis said. “This is very, very uncomfort able for me. Again, I was here six or so months ago hearing a completely different story. Unfortunately, glob al economics has changed things, not to make any excuses. … It’s not just unique to us. Please understand this is an industry-wide situation — especially in Central Florida.”
n The Town Council approved a series of revised actions relating to Lake Street Parks, as discussed at the July 26, Town Council work shop, with the motion passing 4-1, with Council Member Molly Rose dissenting.
n The Town Council heard the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit vaping or smoking in town parks.
To change the situation, Loftis said WastePro has sent a letter to all the residents explaining what the company is doing and what it expects to happen. Those measures include enhanced recruiting efforts, promoting from within with inhouse training, increasing wages, hosting job fairs, obtaining addi tional trucks and bringing the com pany’s senior operations specialist from the Jacksonville facility to the town of Windermere for a month. “We know there are challenges out there, but we are trying our best to remediate this as much as we can,” Loftis said. “Again, I know this is very challenging to hear — and for me even to ask — but with these three things we are challenged with … asking for a CPI just partially alleviates the challenges we’re up against.”
n Police Chief David Ogden pre sented several Windermere Police Department recognitions, includ ing the promotion of Sgt. Jayson Bonk to deputy chief, officer 2 Jeff Czwornog to sergeant and a ceremonial swearing-in of pfficer Shadwink Barboza.
IN OTHER NEWS
BREAKDOWN n Number of residents ser viced: 1,152 n Current rates: $18 curbside per home per month, $216 an nually; $5.82 recycling service per home per month, $69.84 annually n Increased rates: $18.75 curbside per home per month, $225 annually; $6.06 recycling service per home per month, $72.76 annually n Monthly increase: $0.99 n Annual increase: $11.88
ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER
n The Windermere council ap proved $23,767 for cell-phone amplification in the new town facilities by IVenture/CJS Com munications. n Town Council members ap proved $48,555 for Kimley-Horn for Old Main Street from Ninth to 10th Ave. stormwater improve ments. n The Town Council approved the Ward Trail and Pedestrian Bridge 90% plans.
The Windermere Town Council members revisited ongoing service issues residents have experienced with WastePro.
n Town Council members ap proved the second reading of several ordinances relating to railroad right-of-way swaps at the following properties: 928 Main St., 1036 Main St., 112 W. 8th Ave. and 824 Main St.
n The Town Council approved the second reading of an ordi nance amending the town’s land development code to change the maximum and minimum number of members on the citizen boards.
n The Windermere council ap proved a resolution pertaining to the non-ad valorem assessment roll for lot clean-up.
n Town Council members ap proved a resolution pertaining to the non-ad valorem assessment roll for The Willows at Lake Rhea Phase 1, 2 and 3.
West resident Dennis Mattinson said he also was against the“Thetax. government is grossly neg ligent when it comes to operating transit systems (not just locally but nationwide), and any tax to increase transit services just compounds the need for these entities to rely on local, state and federal subsidies to stay afloat,” Mattinson said. “As for the impact to my section of Orange County, in this day and age where people are working more remotely than ever, no transit system will be able to replace any convenience that someone gives up by ditching their vehicle for a train or bus ride. You simply cannot build a system that will be convenient enough to make it worth the effort.”
— Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson “Comprehensive investment in public transportation and the infrastructure that is required to move people efficiently and effectively from one place to another is one of government’s most important roles. Worldclass cities accomplish this with a mix of transportation modali ties and a commitment to longterm funding. Like high-quality schools, transportation plays a vital role in attracting high-wage businesses, as well as protect ing the environment from the negative effects of congestion and sprawl. The Orange County transportation initiative has been well vetted, and all local leaders and communities have had input into both the over sight and distribution of funding allowing for what we all hope will be an effective piece of the solution to the transportation needs and inequities that cur rently challenge Orange County.”
— Oakland Mayor Kathy Stark “Ultimately, it is up to the voters to decide.”
After years of discussion and about five hours of discussion in April, Orange County commissioners vot ed (4-3) to put the transportation tax proposal on the ballot. The current sales tax rate in Orange County is 6.5%, the lowest of the four counties surrounding the OrlandoDemingsarea.said tourists would be the most affected by this potential sales tax increase, with county estimates showing tourists paid about 51% of taxes in Orange County. The exceptions to this increase would be groceries, prescriptions and medications, medical supplies, and utilities. “West Orange County is the fastest-growing area in our county, and we know new infrastructure, safety and network improvements will be critical to accommodate that growth,” Demings said. “That is why it is so important for voters to sup port the one-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding over $270 million in transportation projects identified by the cities of Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere and Oakland over a 20-year period.” That $270,000,000 is 2.2% of the estimated $12 billion ($600 million per year for 20 years) the sales tax willDemingsraise. explained the plan out lines a variety of improvements geared toward pedestrian and cyclist safety. It also includes the use of smart technology to reduce traffic crashes, accelerating the mainte nance and improvements to road ways and improving access to public transit.
VIEW THE PLAN: To learn more, visit ocfl.net/transportation.
— Winter Garden Mayor John Rees
ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER When voters enter the polling booths next week, they will be asked to mark a bubble to decide whether Orange County should implement a onecent sales tax increase to fund tran spiration needs. The referendum — championed by Orange County Mayor Jerry Dem ings — seeks to raise an estimated $600 million per year to be used for solutions to various transportation issues.“Itwill be an economic driver that will create jobs, opportunities and connectivity,” Demings said at a Orange County Commission trans portation initiative work session earlier this year. “It will be an evo lutionary process that will be some thing going forward for decades. Our residents are frustrated by the cur rent state of affairs in Orange County. It is important they see themselves benefiting from this.” But West Orange and Southwest Orange voters differ on the potential direct benefit this tax will provide to their community.
Wilson said she was disappointed the administration that formulated the plan did not utilize more of the information gathered from resi dents.“Itwas my first red flag that they weren’t listening,” Wilson said. “I found it really disappointing that the actual mayor’s team, when they rolled out their town halls, that there was no opportunity for the public to speak. How do you know what the public is thinking if you don’t open theHorizonmic?”
Based on the meetings, Wilson said residents wanted to see more investment in walkable, bike-able areas and cited safety as a major concern. She said many felt it was not the right time to add to the cost of living in the area and had concerns on whether they are matching the right infrastructure to the develop ment.Horizon West resident Andy Ramos said he does not mind paying local taxes if it will benefit the com munity.“It’sa good thing; mass transit here sucks,” Ramos said. “I under stand that some people in our com munity feel like mass transit isn’t a factor for us here in Horizon West, but I have to commute to Orlando every day, which desperately needs this money. We could also use some bikeConversely,lanes.” some Horizon West residents aren’t as concerned with improvements to the county’s LYNX bus service. Moreover, they question whether SunRail ever will achieve the solutions it seeks. “I live in Independence and work downtown,” Horizon West resident Nick Czerkies said. “I grew up in Chicagoland, traveling a lot on the L train, and have spent some time traveling by rail in the U.K. I’d love to have a rail system that could get me out of my car and into a train for my daily commute, but I don’t see any thing in the plans for this tax money that is going to do that. SunRail has been a failure, because it doesn’t go anywhere that people want to go, and it doesn’t run with enough frequency to be effective. It’s almost like it was designed to fail. Perfect example: I work at Orlando Health, and we have a SunRail station on our cam pus. I need to get to the airport from work on Thursday, and the SunRail doesn’t go to the airport.”
Opinions differ on transportation tax
PATH TO THE BALLOT
LOCAL LEADERS “I worked very hard with our staff and the other mayors of Orange County to ensure a more equitable distribution of these funds, and versus the original language, this comes pretty close to an equitable, popula tion-based distribution that can annually benefit our citizens. … I have not been happy to this point that more attention has been on what the tax will do for SunRail and LYNX. … For Ocoee, where only a small percentage of our citizens utilize the local transit options, the road projects are far more important to our quality of life, and we would easily be able to put the money to use.”
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien “I support both putting it on the ballot and the tax, provided that the municipalities are included in the planning of this expenditure of that tax, which I have been assured will happen.”
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COMMUNITY CONVERSATION District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she held a number of meetings in the community, and the concerns about how the referen dum would impact or improve West Orange County dominated the dis cussions.Wilson said although she believes the referendum should be decided on by the voters, she voted “no” to plac ing the referendum on the ballot. “I couldn’t get behind the timing of it, and I didn’t think there was sufficient information about how it would benefit people in West Orange County,” she said. “People are hurt ing right now economically … and I feel like we weren’t being considered enough for the comprehensive plans that I felt were really necessitated based on population.”
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States, you likely have already lived this heart wrenching conversation1 Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is devastating for the person effected, as well as the family and friends who love and care for them. And the numbers are on the rise. By the year 2050, it is expected that the number of older adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease will rise to 12.7 million2 Scientists have been working feverishly to try to come up with effective treatments. We’ve learned a lot over in the blood or brain linked to the development of Alzheimer’s. So, what do you do if you are concerned you may develop dementia, or you or your loved one is already struggling with memory impairment? My advice is to make sure you are minimizing your risks by living a healthy lifestyle and to look for a clinical trial in your area. While clinical trials are no guarantee of preventing cognitive decline, they provide hope. They also provide the opportunity to get some answers regarding if you have a genetic predisposition and if you have any other biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia as well as the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research. I often tell my patients if you choose to do nothing, there is a 100% chance you will get worse. This disease is progressive and relentless. However, if you choose to participate in a trial, at least there is a chance of benefit and the opportunity to help improve the odds for the next generation.
By the year 2050, it is expected that the number of older adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease will rise to 12.7 million.
Photo courtesy of Officer Natalia Ortiz Teenagers were able to interact with officers and deputies from several agencies. Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia addressed the students with some inspiring remarks about the Ocoee Police Department, its officers and the camp. Ocoee Thecamp.partsinwereNataliaandFabioladetectivesaofficerDepartmentPoliceMarisCummins,TalleyofficerOrtizinvolveddifferentoftheClassof2022 was the largest class in Ocoee camp history.
— ANDREA MUJICA Teens graduate from Ocoee academy
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 9AOrangeObserver.com 386349-1
Source: 1,2 Alzheimer’s Association. 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alzheimers Dement 2022;18
The Ocoee Police Department’s Teen Citizen Police Academy Camp graduated its larg est class — 22 students — at the completion of camp July 29. Students enjoyed a plethora of activities, including a tour of the police department; use-of-force simulation; how a taser works; a dispatch tour; information about traffic, DUIs and radar use; what type of equipment police offi cers wear, including information about firearms and handcuffing; a lesson on how an AirCare ORMC helicopter operates; information about narcotics conducted by the Orange County Narcotics Unit; how the Crime Investigation Division works; how the emergency response team operates; use of the WRAP restraint; K9 demonstration; Metro SWAT showing; some ice break ers; a pizza party; and a graduation ceremony.OfficerNatalia Ortiz, who was in charge of the camp, said her favorite part of hosting it is “being able to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our youth. The teens gain a new perspective on law enforcement and have the ability to interact on more of a personal level.”During the graduation ceremony, Plasencia addressed the students about the most important lesson they should take away from the camp.“Ihope that you guys all see us as your friend, your coach, your men tor, whatever that label is for you,” she said. “But more importantly that we are people first, we have flaws just like everyone of us does, but we try to go out there and do our best job.”
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What is the cause of division in the United States, and how can we improve it? The Fake News media, political censor ship, and corruption in the uni-party political establishment is the cause of division in the U.S. The stolen election of 2020 is also one of the biggest sources of division in the U.S. as millions of Americans now feel like their votes do not count, and that their voices have been silenced. When I am elected to the United States Congress in Florida’s 11th district, I will aggressively fight back against the Fake News media, Big Tech tyranny and the uniparty’s voter fraud machine. What is your position on the United States’ involvement in Ukraine? I do not support fighting a proxy war in Ukraine at the expense of U.S. soldiers and taxpayers. I am 100% opposed to send ing unchecked financial and military aid to Ukraine, and I am 100% opposed to NATO instigating global conflicts and then asking the U.S. government to pick up the tab while they pay for nothing. My RINO opponent Daniel Webster further burdened the U.S. taxpayers and enabled NATO’s recklessness when he selfishly and irresponsibly voted in favor of sending $40 billion to Ukraine in the middle of our own economic crisis, inflation and stagflation. We need to focus on securing and militarizing our own borders, as opposed to sending billions of dollars overseas to Ukraine — one of the most corrupt countries in the world.
What is the cause of division in the United States, and how can we improve it? As per the sonnet, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” the American Experiment brings together people of a multitude of cultures. Because of this conglomeration, the cultural home will always exist amongst us and it will exist to our benefit. But the racial division that is being perpetuated in the United States today has been authored by corrupt politi cians and political opportunists, and enabled by inept politicians, for their political benefit and certainly not for the benefit of We The People or for the benefit of our communities. We the People must refuse to be pawns, victims and weapons of destruction in the hands of politicians and political opportunists. What is your position on the United States’ involvement in Ukraine? With regard to the United States involvement in Ukraine, I personally believe that we cannot be like the cob bler whose children are walking around barefoot. Shall we work to give billions to a country which is not our ally, while severe problems exist and go unat tended in our own country?
workers to fill positions or apprentice ships. We must continue to improve early literacy and ensure students are gaining the knowledge and skills required to successfully enter the highwage, high-tech workforce. What is the cause of division in the United States, and how can we improve it? I treat everyone with dignity and respect. I encourage each of us to seek to serve others, not ourselves. Unkindness and hatred cannot coexist with a focus on serving others.
decrease small-business regulations, amongst other things. As District 11 representative, describe how you will work across the aisle. Working across the aisle means representative, transparent, account able and bold representation. When I walk into the meeting hall, I am not one man, but I am a district of (more than) 400,000 people strong. … Therefore, I will make it my business to know each congressperson and to know the respective districts that each represents. I believe this knowledge is the critical success factor necessary in concerting measures for the common good. Define “recession.” In relation to economics, the histori cal definition of recession used to be, two back-to-back quarters of negative economic growth. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the GDP dropped 1.6% during the first quarter of 2022 and then again 0.9% in the sec ond quarter. According this definition, the U.S. is in a recession. But while the Biden Administration and the National Bureau of Economic Research fiddle with a new definition that they hope will appease the politi cal climate, I ask: Are Americans with drawing from purchases in significant numbers, and has the supply of goods and services decreased in significant numbers? The answer according to the people of the 11th is a resounding yes! What is your evaluation of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organiza tion decision. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion; that Roe and Casey are over ruled; and that the authority to regulate abortion is returned to the people and their elected representatives, is one of the most critically significant and constitutionally aligned decisions of our lifetime.
Early on, I called on President Biden to impose sanctions on critical goods and economic sectors that Russian oligarchs enjoy, and was encouraged by the actions of the White House, NATO and EU countries to restrict the Russian Central Bank and place sanctions on Russian elites and government officials. I believe America must lead with our European allies to keep real and signifi cant diplomatic and economic costs on Russian elites and have co-introduced legislation that condemns and holds Putin accountable. I’ve supported efforts to rearm the Ukrainian people with defensive weapons, continuing the actions started by President Trump when he reversed the Obama-era policy of sending blankets and helmets and instead sent lethal aid. As a result, my name has been added to the Rus sian Foreign Ministry’s blacklist. I will not back down in holding the Russian government and military accountable for committing heinous crimes against humanity and receive this sanction as a badge of honor.
Describe the state of our education system and what steps need to be taken to improve it. The federal Department of Education produces a system that partially engag es in child-sitting; partially engages in the development of social interactions; partially engages in measuring parental fitness; partially engages in teaching inappropriate sexual matters; partially engages in teaching history, language, and science; partially engages in the indoctrination of its students; partially engages in shaping parental ideas on parenting and education; partially engages in diagnosing children; and wholly engages in the conquest of parental rights. The Department of Education requires thorough scrutiny. And from a very cursory view, we ought likely return it to an Office of Educa tion, wherein we develop a repository of information in the form of books respectively related to histories, lan guages and sciences from which school officials in the states can glean and order out-of-print books if needed.
10A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OrangeObserver.com 8-18-22 celebrity cipher sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. ©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate crossword ©2022 Universal Uclick ACROSS 11 Places to work out 5 Absolutely stuffed 10 Pay off, maybe 15 Avant-garde 19 Stir up 20 Construction machine 21 “This hand stinks” 22 Hairless Mexican dog, 23informally“Letme ask my connec tion to ask his connection” 27 Like a vampire’s com 28plexionStarts liking 29 Palindromic French 30pronounEvent that might be hotly anticipated by a band’s fans 34 ___ McDaniel (first African American to win an 37Oscar)Public poster 38 Asexual, for short 41 Bad breath 44 Soft and smooth 45 It might dig up some 47dirtCrude guys? 48 Get ___ of (throw out) 50 ___ Bo 51 Embarrassing public 52displays“OK,it wasn’t true” 53 Entered, like data 55 Clear to see 57 NCAA bracket position 58 Game where you don’t want to be left standing 61 NFL six-pointers 62 “Slow your roll!” 63 Bit of ink from a parlor 66 People at the top of a 67podium“Yeah, me too” 68 Start to fidget 71 Scottish lakes 72 Improvises, in jazz 73 “That’s a thumbs-down from me” 74 Filmmaking device, for 77shortFacilities in Britain 78 Final tallies 79 Strong point 80 Game also called 82knucklebonesNorCalregion home to Oakland 84 Miss piggy? 85 Some public transit aids 87 Film with a sequel sub titled “The Way of Water” 88 “Bye for now!” 90 “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” 91kidRemove in postproduc 94tionCurrently being fixed 100 “This is the least surprising thing ever” 104 Not doing anything 105 Gooey campfire treat 106 Legal scholar Hill 107 Author Moody 108 It falls from an eye 109 “Absolutely,” in modern 110lingoPitched shelters 111 ___ out (deduce) DOWN 1 Crisscross pattern 2 Connector of oxen 3 ESPN’s Kimes 4 Schedule opening 5 Green onion 6 51cubes494645Gabourey434241of4039stopwatch363534333231way2625appetite24181716finals15chief14131211tions10mal’s987socksDiamond-patternedGrayish-browncolorOne-namedCelticsingerFlapofskinonananineckH.S.classwithdissec___Stadium(D.C.venue)ChargedparticlePost-haircutrequest___Enninful(editorinofBritishVogue)Grader’sstackduringweek“BestinShow”animalsSurplusToyonastringStimulated,likean___Kitchen,ManhattanSignofapopularBroadshow(Abbr.)Canofworms,maybe?Bruins’schoolScrewupbadlyCalled,likeacabPeopleonyoursideMeasuredwithaMobilityaidGardenwiththetreelifeLiftup“Andthatprovesit!”“Precious”starFrighteningSuperlativesuffixChoppedintolittleRodsforroasting 53 Provides with money 54 Like “m” and “n” sounds 56 They might be check 58eredVery, in Italian 59 “lmaoooo” 60 Spanish for “boys” 62 “No Man Is an Island” poet John 63 “Private Life” director 64JenkinsMore abundant 65 Thompson of “Sorry to Bother You” 66 Online subculture with many “Drag Race” memes 67 Occupied, like a table 68 Animated image 69 Spanish for “those” 70 Bubble tea flavor 72 Went on a journey 75 Highest point 76 “You got it?” 78 Small Greek cafes 80 “One sec” 81 Teapot part 83 Elizabeth ___ Browning 85 “The ___ Eye” (Toni Mor rison novel) 86 Piece of summer 89headwearHigh-arcing tennis shot 90 Phrase a hitchhiker hopes to hear 91 Exude 92 “Bro ...” 93 Actress Fisher 95 Copenhagen resident 96 “Don’t text and drive” spots, e.g. 97 Indigenous people of 98JapanQuaint stopovers 99 Marbled loaves 101 URL punctuation mark 102 “___ you gonna eat 103that?”Word that establishes consent JUMBO FREESTYLE 3 by Will Nediger. Edited by Amanda Rafkin By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “EN RLTI L XKUR KJ ILJM; EN RLTI L BNNF XKUR KJ VLW. EN RLTI L CIWM BNNF XKUR KJ L RKWLSUI.” – LUIPLGFWN BNGYLUIY KGLWWKEO “ORT CYAPL BGTWV’O LGCT EMGC DPORPV ORT BPMTLOGM’W CPVB, PO LGCTW EMGC DPORPV ORT RTYMOW GE ORT YLOGMW.” – XYCTW LYCTMGV “YLHCW PYL SC Y XWNSKCF, SOM TM ZYJ MWCFCLINOJ XNMCLMTYK, MNN. TM’J ROJM ETHOWTLH NOM VZYM MN IN VTMZ TM.” JCYL XCLL © 2022 NEA, Inc. PuzzleOneClue:RequalsM PuzzleTwoClue:AequalsG PuzzleThreeClue:PequalsC overturn Roe v Wade and return the discussion of abortion back to the state legislatures. I am pro-life, and I support state’s rights on this matter. Describe the state of our education system and what steps need to be taken to improve it. I am in support of defunding the Depart ment of Education. America’s public school system, as well as our institutions of higher education, are broken, and they have been weaponized by the Left for the sake of spreading CRT, historical revisionism and anti-American Marxist indoctrination at the expense of the American taxpayer. We need to restore parental rights and protect children from indoctrination and sexual exploitation in the school system. I support Gov. Ron DeSan tis’ Parental Rights in Education Bill, and I believe it should be a crime for teachers to teach LGBTQ sexual and mental grooming to minors in the public school system.
What is your position on the United States’ involvement in Ukraine? I stand with the people of Ukraine in this unfathomable time and pray for their safety and victory as they protect their nation. President Putin is an evil dictator and must be held accountable for his attack on innocent civilians.
WEBSTERSORIANO
2022
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Tiffany Johnson is a captain of the Windermere High School Wolverettes dance team. Page 2B.
ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER West Orange High School sophomore Shawn Coultoff, 16, participated in the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur golf tour nament between July 25 to 30 at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Oregon. To qualify, Coultoff partici
SEE GOLFER PAGE 2B
4The Ocoee High School girls varsity volleyball team is get ting ready to begin its 202223 season with an away conference game at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, against Apopka High School.
SPORTS AUGUST 18, 2022
Perennial powerhouse Dr. Phillips High School is always an exciting team to watch, and head coach Rodney Wells expects that to continue this year. “Here at Dr. Phillips, we set a stan dard that we are going to be in the hot, every single year,” Wells said. “I think we’ve got a great group of seniors to get us back on track.” With a realigned district, the Pan thers will face a new foe in Ocoee High School. The coaching staff also over came a few changes, including Riki Smith — who left to become the head football coach at Windermere High School.“(He) had been with me for 15 years,” Wells said. “He’s like me; that’s going to be Somehard.”players to watch for during the season are Nathan Burke, Payton Kirk land, Tyrone Sapp Jr., Adam Guzman and Justin Stith.
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Shawn Coultoff played in the 2022 U.S. Junior Amateur golf tournament in Bandon, Oregon.
The Horizon High School football team returns for its second year of play Friday, Aug. 19, against Gateway High“ThisSchool.season, we expect to have a winning team,” head football coach Dennis Thomas said. After only one year in the running, the Hawks are entering the 2022-23 season with an older, more confident team.“Last year, we had no seniors, so this year, we are looking to be really successful,” Thomas said. When it comes to the schedule, the team is looking forward to playing against all the opponents they have yet to face on the field. “We respect everybody; we are just going to work hard every game one at a time,” Thomas said. “We try to take pride in how much we worked (because) we worked really hard dur ing the offseason, we had a good sum mer, and we are ready to go.” 7 p.m. Aug. 19 vs. Gateway 7 p.m. Aug. 26 vs. Freedom 7 p.m. Sept. 2 vs. Lake Howell 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Colonial 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Poinciana 7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs. Lake Buena Vista 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Cypress Creek 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Wekiva 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Edgewater 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Jones 7 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. Windermere
West U.S.returnssophomoreOrangefromtourney
HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL MORE SCHOOLS ON 2B & 3B Andrea
3The West Orange High School girls varsity golf team is getting ready to begin its fall season at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, with a home conference game against Windermere High School.
PREVIEWPIGSKIN
2The Orlando Area Rowing Society will host its open boat house event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at 2457 Maguire Road, Wind ermere.
The Horizon High School boys and girls varsity cross country teams are getting ready to begin their season at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Lake Mary High School.
PANTHERS SCHEDULE 7 p.m. Aug. 19 vs. Lake Minneola 7 p.m. Aug. 26 vs. Lake Mary 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Timber Creek 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Apopka 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Windermere 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Boone 7 p.m. Oct. 6 vs. Lake Nona 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Olympia 7 p.m. Oct. 21 vs. West Orange 7 p.m. Oct. 27 vs. Ocoee 7 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. Jones Mujica ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER
HIGH 5
1West Orange High School alumnus and Winter Garden native Dexter Williams has officially returned to the Green Bay Packers after signing with the team Wednesday, Aug. 10. Prior to returning to the Packers, Williams most recently played in the USFL as a running back for the Philadelphia Stars. He is looking forward to playing with the team that initially drafted him as the No. 194 pick in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
As the football season approaches, local teams are excited to step onto the field and start playing. Here is an outlook of the public school teams, their expectations for the season, schedules and key players to watch.
PANTHERS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO. Stanley Anderson 15 Jalen Anthony 33 Omarii Ards 11 Jayden Ayala 8 Khemani Battle-Williams 20 Josiah Benn 26 Kramar Brown Jr. 36 Isaiah Brutus 30 Nathan Burke 51 Tristan Burkhalter 45 Samuel Clue 40 Timothy Daniels 23 Amir Defoe 34 Cameran Dixon 14 Stephane Dorilas 81 Jaden Dorsett 64 Bryce Durham 5 Chris Edwards 57 Darius Edwards 44 Shadrach Emmanuel 31 Antawon Fields 19 Jayshaun Fox 82 Johnny Fudge III 29 Clarence Gaspard 43 Jamal Graddick 27 Jermaine Graddick 28 Adam Guzman 1 Jimez Hamilton 3 Darrell Harris 52 Taylor Harris 39 Damien Jackson 18 Stanley Jean Louis 72 Brandon Johnson 41 Bjorn Jurgensen 12 Payton Kirkland 74 Orlandy Larosilier 21 Elijah Ledbetter 56 Ryan Lopez 54 Sebastian Louis 32 Sione-Kiti Maile 75 Amani Major 6 Darrian Milhomme 35 Seven Moorehead 7 Avin Mortensen 53 Ali Munassar 78 Dearl Orr 16 Samuel Owens 25 Jashad Presley 2 Lance Remedor 37 Ethan Santiago 62 Tyrone Sapp Jr. 79 Kerwance Simon 55 Daryl Smith 17 Jerard Smith 24 Justin Stith 10 Phynx Taylor 42 Rayshaad Tillman 50 Alfred Thomas 4 Malik Vanderpool 38 Jean Pierre Villavicencio 46 Joshua Warren 13 Kenorris White 22 Maliki Wright 9 HAWKS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO. Izaiah Allen 22 Trentin Allen 3 Vinci Armas 99 Colton Bailey 70 Landen Bradley 72 Jacob Brown 2 Stephen Brown 61 Brandon Cruz 34 Mason Cruz 11 Cullen Cummins 31 Troy Dickinson 52 Michael Dove 7 Drew English 35 Ryan Freeman 64 Cruz Frosch 17 Hamzeh Ghassemi 21 Trei Ginn 33 Nick Grantz 8 Jayden Grimes 54 Aidan Hamel 13 Andrew Harris 16 Zachary Hoffmann 26 Maxwell Hurd 56 Talan Indasorn 15 Bo Kenney 6 Tanner Kramer 58 Matteo Lasorsa 42 Jack Maday 1 Nickolas Masias 80 Jose Massanet 4 Malcolm Maxwell 88 Tyler Mette 20 Caleb Nellans 82 Evan Neville 14 Kaio Oliveira 32 Kyle O’Rourke 12 Pedro Pereira 17 Daniel Porto 19 Teddy Powers 50 Evan Rienhart 77 Samuel Robertson 62 Vitor Silvarolli 18 Colton Sours 71 Devon St. Clair 10 Alex Tarquinio 24 Gavin Thomas 55 Josiah Thomas 44 Joshua Walker 45 Bo Wargel 9 Miles Watson 5 Andrew White 51 DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL HAWKS SCHEDULE
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pated in a qualifying competi tion at The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland earlier this year — which he won by shooting a bogey-free During the U.S. Junior Amateur tournament, he finished 114 out of “I had a stumble on three holes early in the tournament, but I bounced my way back,” he said. “It was very tough competition. It was the best tournament I’ve ever played at.” The tournament featured a lot of talent, as several of the golf ers who participated already are high school graduates and soonto-be college freshmen. Coultoff currently is ranked No. 20 in the United States for the Class of 2025, No. 22 internationally and No. 2 in the state of Florida under the same ranking system. “I’m proud of that,” he said. During the Fourth of July week end, Coultoff participated in the FSGA Junior Amateur champion ship for the fourth time. He won — by seven strokes — after shooting 12 under par for three rounds. “It felt good, because I came in second last year, so I wanted to win this year,” he said. When selecting tournaments, Coultoff’s father, former profes sional golfer Eric Coultoff, helps determine the year’s schedule. “It’s important that people understand, because you play so many tournaments in a year, that as you get older, you play fewer,”
While on the golf course, Shawn Coultoff said some of the hard ships he has faced through his career are the mental aspect of the sport and growing. “If you have a rough day, (you have to turn) it back for the next day,” he said. “Also, when I grow, the weight fluctuates in my body a little bit, and that affects the whole thing.”
Athlete of the
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SUPPORT SYSTEM Shawn Coultoff has been playing golf since he was around 5 years old.“I started because of my dad,” he said. “So, he brought me to the course when I was little, and put (golf) on the TV, so I just played off ofAsthat.”agolfer, Shawn Coultoff has found a way to put together his own training and support team. He has been training golf under Chris Couch, a current PGA golfer and former tour winner, for almost six years. Regarding the physical aspect of the sport, Shawn Coult off trains under Dave Herman. He also works with sports psycholo gist Dr. Robert Winters. As a support system, Shawn Coultoff relies on both his parents, Eric and Lisa Coultoff, and sister, Mackenzie Coultoff. Shawn Coultoff’s training schedule changes depending on the season. During the school year, he practices about four to five hours per week. The remainder of the time he incorporates school work, performing with percussion as part of the West Orange High School marching band and playing on the school’s tennis team. However, during the summer months, Shawn Coultoff is able to practice golf more. He’s on the golf course on Saturdays and spends four to five hours between the golf course and the driving range. “Unless I have something com pletely wrong in my swing that I need to change … mostly it’s maintenance — making sure it’s the right movement,” he said. “If I’m struggling with something on the course that day, I’ll work on that whether it’s distances or assertiveness, patterns and also what my dad notices sometimes.” Shawn Coultoff and his dad are already planning next year’s schedule, which likely will include about 20 tournaments. How long have you been a part of the Wolverettes? I’ve been a part of the dance team (and the Wolverettes) for two years, but I’ve been dancing since I was 2. Have you been practicing any new routines? We’ve been practicing during the summer and every day since we got back to school. How did you find your way into the Wolverettes? My first year here, I came in halfway into my sophomore year, and I was put into Ms. (Patri cia) Barra’s class, so I ended up joining the dance team program, because I knew Ms. Barra. What is your favorite part about being a part of the Wolverettes? I love when we are practicing, and all of the sudden, the entire team understands what we are doing, like it clicks, and everybody is dancing in the exact same way, and it just looks so clean and good. Does the team have a favorite routine? We change them every year. So far this year, my favorite one is ‘Crazy in Love,’ which I believe we’ll perform during the first football game. It’s one of our routines for halftime. How does the team select the songs or routines you are going to do? We go to UDA Camp, and they give us some ideas, and then the other, either Ms. Barra will come up with them, (or the other cap tain and I) will sometimes come up with the routine. How is it being captain of the Wolverettes during your senior year? It’s very exciting. I feel like it’s a lot of responsibility, but I’m so good. I think ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ is my favor ite movie, because I love seeing Hermione in her dress. What is a TV series you are watching right now that you would recommend to others? I’m currently watching ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ and I’m also partially rewatching ‘The 100.’ If you could have a superpower, which one would it be and why? Teleportation, so if I wanted to give my best friend a hug, I could teleport, give her a hug and tele port right back. Three things you would take with you to a deserted island. Music, Chick-fil-A … I mean I don’t want to bring just three. I want to bring my family and my best friend. What are the three top things on your bucket list? I want to go to Italy with my mom (Sheri), I want to take my dad (Steve) to a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium, and then my brother (Cameron) and I have always talked about taking a trip to Europe. What are you most excited about thing upcoming year? I’m really excited for the seniors things I’m going to get to do. I’m also really excited to get closer with the team, because everybody on the team is very close, we have a very good friendship. Same Johnson BY MARK’S FLOORING AND TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER THE BASICS AGE:16 GRADE: Senior SPORT(S): Dance, weight lifting TEAM(S): Wolverettes, color guard and girls weightlifting SCHOOL: Windermere High School
Shannon Till, Agent Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: www.shannontill.com855-742-1591 State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support West Orange county.. Get to a better State® TM Hablamos Español LAKE BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
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2B OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OrangeObserver.com
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Some key players to watch include Mason Henrichsen, Josiah McNair, Brady Ruth and Filionel Vital.Overall, the boys have been working out hard during the spring and summer months, and even pri or to the start of the 2022-23 foot ball season, and the coaches can see the “We’vegrowth.gotgreat kids; we’ve got a really supportive community,” Rienzi said. “You can tell the kids are very respectful, very recep tive and very coachable, and I am very proud of the growth they have showed from the end of last season to now. They’ve done everything that we’ve asked them to do. Now, it’s time to get on the field and compete.”
VIPERS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO Mohammed Abusalem 58 Sean Adekunle 33 JP Alemany 50 Caydon Alexander-Sawyer 37 Jobson Alexandre 92 Brian Allgood 52 Zachariah Boujidi 99 Eternal Burgess 9 Jeremy Carlucci-Harris 27 Jesus Casamayor 43 Braulio Castillo 85 Erik Denico 16 Raiden DeJesus 82 Saint Desir 6 Shadrack Estephene 4 Richard Garcon 5 Sam Gilles 84 Abel Gonzalez 22 Emmanuel Habashy 81 Jordan Hatcher 10 Mason Henrichsen 1 Max Imber 54 Andy Jolette 60 Fabien Joseph 19 Samuel Joseph 56 Jake Lemiuex 7 Ramzi Maali 11 Alejandro Manzano 78 Usain Mitchell 77 Josiah McNair 3 Josh Orelus 15 Gavin Peters 31 Lucas Restrepo 18 Ramon Reyes 25 Jonathan Robinson 66 Andres Romero 20 Brady Ruth 14 Marcus Santiago 12 Adrian Sardana 29 Joao Soares 23 Alex Soto 21 Jacob Suit-Collazo 83 Ty Tehani 64 Tyson Tran 2 Juan Vasquez 34 Filionel Vital 8 Matthew Youssef 47 Mike Youssef 44 VIPERS SCHEDULE 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Gateway 7 p.m. Sept. 2 vs. Cypress Creek 7 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. Freedom 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Oak Ridge 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Windermere 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Horizon 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Lake Howell 7 p.m. Oct. 21 vs. Poinciana 7 p.m. Oct. 27 vs. Bishop Moore 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Colonial Golfer shines in tourney CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
The Windermere High School Wolverettes dance team recently attended the UDA Camp Aug. 1 to 3. Senior Tiffany Johnson is one of the captains for the team. Johnson created a few routines with the help of Patricia Barra and is looking forward to leading the Wolverettes through the 2022-23 academic year. During its time at the UDA Camp, the team received supe riors in the categories of Jazz, Kick, Pom and Hip Hop, as well as a bid to compete at the 2023 Nationals. 301 E. Washington St. Unit F (352) 394-0303 Week 731 S. Dillard St. Unit 101/103 (407) 410-8998
Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till, We’re all in this together. State Farm has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support West Orange county.
Like Horizon, Lake Buena Vista also is excited to begin its second year of play. And, like Horizon, its first game Friday, Aug. 26, will be against Gateway High School. “I really think that our biggest expectation is going to be to show some growth,” head football coach Joseph Rienzi said. “Last year, we had such a young team, and about 45 kids on the roster that had never played football in their lives — let alone at the varsity level. So the expectation is that we show some growth, show some improvement, and hopefully, we’ll get some wins in.”The Vipers are expecting to have good turnout in the crowds for the games against Horizon High School and Freedom High School. “Last year, I said the rivalries would take some time to develop,” Rienzi said. “Naturally with Hori zon, because we both opened at the same time, there’s always going to be that competitive advantage. … And then a lot of our kids came from Freedom, and that seems to be one game that the kids sort of look out for just because many of our students came from there. But it’s good because those games get kids fired up to play and get people excited in the community.”
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Eric Coultoff said. “Last year, he played 31 (tournaments). This year, he played 25, because you start to get into more elite tour naments.”Another tournament Shawn Coultoff participated at earlier this year — and won — was the Men’s Club Championship at the West Orange Country Club. “He walks around the club, and people know he’s the champion,” his dad said. “He has a park ing spot with his name on it and everything, but he doesn’t have a car, so he doesn’t get to use it.”
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The Windermere High School football team is look ing forward to taking the field Friday, Aug. 19, for the first game of the 2022-23 football season.“Our expectation on the field is to play with maximum effort and physicality,” head football coach Riki Smith said. “The district has been realigned, so we have a few new opponents. We will keep our eye on our next oppo nent week in and week out, and stay focused on lessons learned and our growth.”
With a new coaching staff, all coaches identify with the mission of the team. “Our coaching staff and I will choose in all situations to speak words of peace and encouragement, to model courage and humility for the sake of others, and to exercise generosity and sportsman ship to build bridges instead of walls — all while exercis ing our muscular prowess and developing athleticism on the field,” Smith said. Some players to watch this season include Chris topher Maurice, Kyce Amer, Anthony Rosier, Zach ary Friend, Jonathan Porter, Lucas Glassburn and Andres Ochoa.
SCHEDULEWARRIORS 7 p.m. Aug. 19 vs. Winter Park 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Oak Ridge 7 p.m. Sept. 2 vs. Apopka 7 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. 7Edgewaterp.m.Sept. 16 vs. Wekiva 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Jones 7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs. Ocoee 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at 7Windermerep.m.Oct.21 at Dr. Phillips 7 p.m. Oct. 27 vs. Olympia 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Osceola
With this being Smith’s first year as head coach for the Wolverines, there is a new team culture brewing. “Our building blocks for the program are discipline, accountability and love,” Smith said. “As head coach, I intend to choose this path way for cultivating a lov ing approach to our public engagement on and off the field. I believe that focusing on virtue, as well as athleti cism will enable sensitiv ity for difficulties and pri oritization of moral character development of my players through our personal rela tionships and public engage ment of playing football.”
The West Orange High School football team is ready to step onto the field come Friday night. “It’s all about getting bet ter every game,” head foot ball coach Geno Thompson said. “We are going into the season with some young kids playing (the) positions.” This will be Thompson’s first season as head coach of the Warriors, and even though there were a couple of other changes, when it comes to the coaching staff, the team is ready.
The Warriors are look ing forward to facing every opponent on the list. How ever, like every other year, the team is especially excited about playing Apopka. “(That was) the only team we lost to last year, but that’s always been a tradeoff,” Thompson said. “Every year, we trade off. They are a very well-coached team and a very (well) run program. It just comes down to who is going to execute more. When you have two opponents that are very well coached, it’s always going to come down to the team that makes the least amount of mistakes.” Some key players to watch during the season include Jordan Castell, Chris Ficka, Graysen and Brody Riffe, Dominic Madrid and Noah Nixon.“We really loaded up the schedule in terms of com petition, we play all the top schools,” Thompson said. “(There are) no weeks in the schedule where we can kind of play JV kids and then be OK.”
KNIGHTS
The mantra at Olympia High School is simple, yet pro found: Be better than the week“Expectationsbefore. are the same every season: We want to get better every game that we play,” head football coach Travis Gabriel said. The team spent several hours training during the spring and summer months to prepare for the 2022-23 football“Workingseason.hard in the weight room, trying to get big, strong and fast like every other team out there and just improve on the things that we did last year,” Gabriel said of the past two months. This year, the Titans’ schedule includes an inter esting addition: Apopka. “We play a tough sched ule; I want my kids to com pete with some of the best,” Gabriel said. “I think the big gest addition is Apopka. We haven’t played (them) in over 15 years. The boys are pretty excited about that, (because of) the competition.”
KNIGHTS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO Giovanni Adorno TBD Oswald Allwood 63 Devin Andrews 34 Adam Bacchus 89 Jordyn Bratcher TBD Ezekiel Brinson 90 Donovan Brown TBD Tavion Brown 59 Clefton Cadet 65 Keniel Carrasquillo 9 Elijah Charles TBD Tremaine Charles 85 Evens Clerjuste 21 Diego De Pina TBD Karl Dorvil TBD Kymani Edmund 81 Nathaniel Fleming TBD Colin Francisco 44 Tavion Greaves 80 Raymond Green 42 Donell Grimes 28 Joshua Guerrier 13 Jeremiah Hayes TBD Antauin Henderson TBD Allens Henry 39 Dylan Horne 10 Tyler Hunter 84 Yumar Hunter 45 Onix Irizarry 58 Tayshun Johnson 20 Keyondray Jones 6 Singh Joshua 11 Gregory Keaton 62 Jackson Keillor 17 Kendrick Lacroix 24 John-Schneider Lalanne TBD Charley Martinez 30 King Michel 50 Jaquan Morrison 77 Marquell Newson 23 Chandler Pierre 12 Kims Pierre 27 Damianson Pochette 95 Antwon Pouncy TBD Derrick Rentz 2 Austin Roberts 72 Deandre Scott 51 Michael Shackelford TBD Jeremiah Singletary TBD Calvin Smith 7 Patrick Stanley TBD Patrick Stanley II TBD Jayvyn Thomas 15 Trevor Thomas 56 Zachary Tobe 5 Wyclef Virtil 83 Ahlston Ware 1 Aldric Ware 40 Assad Waseem 3 Caleb Webster 52 Darien Wharton 4 Dennis Williams 88 Justin Wilson TBD Jayden Wright 25 Justyn Yancy 14
TITANS SCHEDULE 7 p.m. Aug. 19 vs. Park Vista 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Wekiva 7 p.m. Sept. 2. vs. Park 7Ridgep.m. Sept. 9 at Lake Nona 7 p.m. Sept. 16 at Ocoee 7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs. 7Windermerep.m.Oct.6 at Apopka 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Dr. Phillips 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Freedom 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at West Orange 7 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. South Lake
OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL TITANS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO Jaxon Barnett 77 Williard Beard 80 Julius Benjamin 8 Malachi Brown 75 Jaheim Christian 13 Tyler “TD” Cross 7 Amon Denau 25 Isaiah Deshommes 34 Offsen Dorelus 42 Brandon Dumezil 99 Joey Evans 1 Josh Evans 9 Sam Feliciano 26 Juan Gainous 18 Jacob Gorberg 57 Allen Henry 53 Sincere Irvin 14 Kindre Jackson 88 Kamran James 17 Jonathan Jardim 52 Noah Johnson 16 Nolan McClanahan 15 Dwayne McLendon 78 Matthew Methven 11 Parker Moss 50 Ronnie Ortiz 31 Jordan Posten 23 Darrian Rangel 22 Jaheim Reed 58 Shazaar Roberts 21 Carson Rutledge 12 Bennett Seays 44 Velson Seide 28 Allen Seine 6 Josh Shipp 65 Taye Spencer 32 Jamaar Telusnord 27 Jalon Thompson 4 Xavier Tucker 2 Romelo Walker 3 Xavier Wall 90 Eric Weems Jr. 24 Hershel Williams 20 Khalil Williams 19 Kenneth Womack 51 WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL
WARRIORS ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO Adam Abuquta 17 Jackson Adkins 72 Anthony Alejandro 34 Devonte Anderson 84 Ryder Bondurant 15 Jordyn Bridgewater 2 Ryne Brown 80 Jordan Castell 5 Bryce Czachorowski 63 Chris Ficka 52 Bryson Furrey 44 Mason Gifford 73 Christian Gonzalez 79 Luis Grubb 90 LJ Gunn 95 Thomas Harrington 22 Alden Holley 7 Latorie Hollinger 11 Brandon Hoskins 81 Devin Jackson 27 Trever Jackson 3 Zach Janssen 30 Brett Jenkins 56 Isaac Jones 45 Thomas Jones 33 Donovan Lanier 25 Dominic Madrid 20 Nico Marti 98 Caesar Massacesi 9 Roman Massacessi 18 Elijah Mays 61 Larry Miles 13 Noah Nixon 8 Jake Oman 12 Richard Polite 14 JP Powell-Chestnut 32 TP Powell-Chestnut 6 Brody Riffe 55 Graysen Riffe 51 Artavius Riley 26 Jamarian Robinson 23 Lemuel Robinson 50 Sidney Rogers 10 Colin Russell 48 Chaka Scott 53 Chakai Scott 37 Jacob Scott 42 Sebastian Scott 49 Jessie Shannon 21 Vince Shine 66 Jack Simonetta 1 Ayden Taylor 29 Ivan Taylor 24 Quintin Torrence 60 Jake Underwood 76 Nathaniel Worrell 4 WINDERMERE WOLVERINES ROSTER NAME JERSEY NO. Joao Araujo 58 Brady Allen 20 Kyce Amer 64 Tarleton Banastre 76 *Ethan Bothelo 41 Andrew Brenner 23 Parker Brown 79 Flynn Burgess 5 John Cavaco 66 Alejandro Castellanos 88 *Nathan Dandeneau 35 Shawn Falahpour 81 Enzo Fernandes 55 Theo Fernandes 54 *Duece Forrester 74 Zachary Friend 50 Javier Garcia 16 Lucas Glassburn 9 Samuel Goldberg 85 *Gabriel Greer 38 Gavin Jurek 52 Anthony Klier-enos 44 Aidan Kopman 7 Remi Kopman 56 Michael Machin 57 Tyler Maggio 33 Christopher Maurice 12 Darnell Mcwhorter 19 Aiden Middleton 17 *Eli Middleton 34 Matias Montenegro 24 Keion Moore 36 Andrew Neilson 14 Isaiah Nell 4 Andres Ochoa 8 Jack Parrott 32 Johnathan Porter 15 *Chase Prevett 40 Cayman Roberts 6 *Henry Rodgers 39 Anthony Rosier 11 Kyle Silva 84 *Arthur Smithwick 37 Bryce Speed 3 *RJ Stamm 73 Gabriel Suarez-Solis 30 *Will Trimble 70 Octavio Ulloa 22 Juan Valdes 99 Noah Waldo 29 Micah Winslow 10 Noah Wright 71 * These players are freshmen who will be dressing with the team for two weeks until the JV/Freshman begins.season SCHEDULEWOLVERINES 7 p.m. Aug. 19 vs. St. Cloud 7 p.m. Aug. 26 vs. 7Colonialp.m.Sept. 2 at Freedom 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Cypress 7Creekp.m. Sept. 16 vs. Dr. Phillips 7 p.m. Sept. 23 vs. Lake Buena Vista 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Olym 7piap.m. Oct. 6 vs. Wekiva 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. West Orange 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Ocoee 7 p.m. Nov. 4 at Horizon
The biggest change the team has to overcome for this upcoming season is having a new quarterback in Juan Gainous.“Heis well-equipped; he understands what we want to do,” Gabriel said. In Olympia, the culture of the team is precisely based on the word “team.” “I’m not going to say we have one or two players to watch,” Gabriel said. “We try to do things like a team, so if anybody wants to watch — just watch the team.”
The Ocoee High School football team is excited to step onto the field come Friday night to kick off the 2022-23 football season. “I’m excited about it,” head football coach Aaron Sheppard said. “We have a good team, and we are working really hard.” The schedule this year is different than previ ous years, and it should provide tough competi tion for the Knights week after week. “We are not worried about any games that we have,” Sheppard said. “We definitely have to play; we have a tough schedule, but we’ll be SCHEDULE 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Apopka 7 p.m. Sept. 2 at Wekiva 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Olympia 7 p.m. Sept. 23 vs. Freedom 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at West Orange 7 p.m. Oct. 6 vs. Winter Park 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Edgewater 7 p.m. Oct. 21 vs. Windermere 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Dr. Phillips
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 3BOrangeObserver.com OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I always wanted to be a teacher. I had so many great ones who encouraged me to always do my best. Teachers don’t get enough praise for how hard they work and the difference they make in children’s lives every single day. What is your favorite children’s book and why? My favorite children’s book, hands down, is “Love You Forever.” As a parent, it is a serious tear-jerker, but reading it to children teaches them that a parent’s love for their children lasts forever.
SARAH REYNOLDS, FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Foundation Academy administrators say Sarah Reynolds, Tilden Campus principal, is the epitome of a servant leader. She makes it her mission to get to know all 550 students by name and their personal stories. She wears her heart on her sleeve — she is the first to celebrate a student’s accomplishment, uses humor to reach their hearts and is the first to walk alongside a student in his or her time of need. She has cultivated a culture of balance by working hard but also playing harder. There is no bigger cheerleader for her students than Reynolds.
NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.
What is your motivation? My motivation has to be the stu dents that I get to work with every single day. I am the one who just cannot wait until summer is over, so I get to be around my teenag ers again. They just fill me with joy every single day — even when they do ridiculous things.
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What brought you to your school? I started at FA 24 years ago, after enrolling my two children, because the school had such a great reputa tion as a Christian school. I just wanted to be a part of such an awe some group of people.
REPORT CARD SCHOOL: Foundation Academy POSITION: Tilden Campus Principal TIME AT SCHOOL: Starting 24th year
What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is to watch students grow in knowledge and love for the Lord. My favorite thing about working with this age group is to see them start to realize what they want to do with their lives. I thoroughly enjoy talking with high school students as they go through the college-application process. I think I sometimes stress more than they do as they wait to hear about acceptances. I love cele brating their good times and walking through their hard times with them. Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher had to be Mrs. McNab in second grade. She really was instrumental in my love for reading.
What do you love most about your school? What I love most about FA is the family feel. It doesn’t matter which campus you visit — you feel it. Everyone is friendly and welcom ing and willing to help (one another).
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Amanda Ford created a colorful garden.Left: Tala Assaf, left, Robert El-Rassy, Bernardo Lafee and Sami Assaf worked together on their three parking spaces.
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? Crowder, MercyMe and Casting Crowns — all of their music is positive and just encourages me to keep my eyes focused on the Lord. What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember? PB&J sandwiches are my go-to forever. I still enjoy them! I still love Cheese Doodles, as well. What is your favorite holiday and why? I love Thanksgiving the most. The day is all about food and being thankful for what we have been given. It is always so much fun at our house when all of us are together. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? My best friend was Dawn. We have been through so many ups and downs throughout our school years and even now. We still get together at least twice a year for our birthdays. What were your extracurricular activities as a student? I was a competitive swimmer from elementary through high school. I once held a Florida state record for backstroke. — AMY QUESINBERRY FROM OPPOSITE
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If you could have any super power, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to fly. I think it would be amazing to be able to just take off and go anywhere I want to go and not have to worry about traffic or plane rides. There are so many places I would love to get to super quickly.
Olympia High School seniors brought friends and family to assist them in creating individual masterpieces on their parking spaces for the year. The day of paint ing started early for the Ti tans, who tried to beat the heat while they painted. The students’ individuality was evident in the colorful displays of flowers, cartoon characters, athletics and other themes. — AMY QUESINBERRY Emma Conroy was careful to stay in the lines while painting her pink sunburst.
Titan seniors showcase personality, originality
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Left: Seniors Stella Logue and Owen Deboer, center, had some help on their side-by-side parking spaces: Sam Logue, left, Kelley Logue, Amy Logue and Sammy Logue.
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coee High School seniors brought their paint cans, brushes and creativity to paint their parking spaces Saturday, Aug. 13. Students and some parents carried out themes of flowers, Harry Potter, band and other personal favorites while expressing their indi viduality with paint. — AMY QUESINBERRY
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Right; Sethia Young, left, and junior Savannah Kantor sketched out the details of Sethia’s parking Taylorspot.
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Kathryn Mohney added some bright flowers to her space, which also includes her theater and bowling passions.
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Inklebarger, right, and her mother, Stacey Inklebarger, worked together to create an image of sun and waves. Melanie Smith, president of the Ocoee High, county and district FFA, painted a variety of animals on her parking spot.
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Bryce Lopez had plenty of assistance from his brothers, Gideon Granados, left, and Ezra Granados, who painted a few images of their own.
RONALD CONNER RUSSELL DIED JULY 4, 2022. Ronald Conner Russell passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on the Fourth of July 2022 at the age of 81. He was born to Herbert and Alma Russell on Jan. 31, 1941, in Dun can,HeOklahoma.waspreceded in death by the love of his life, his beautiful and loving wife, Judith Joyce Russell. He is survived by his sister, Carla, and her husband, Jerry Tanner; and their children, Heath and Heather, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Further he is survived by his sister-in-law, Melinda, and her husband, Dick Amio, of Lake Havasu, Arizona. He is also survived by his children, Cindy and her husband, Paul Fabry, of Winter Garden, Florida, Andria Cadman, of Ocoee, Florida, Tom Russell, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Diana and her hus band, Bobby Harmon, of Alpharetta, Georgia; along with his grandchildren, John and his wife, Gessica Pilkinton, Chris and his wife, Mary Jo Pilkinton, Sara Fabry, Anna Fabry, Michelle and her husband, Mark Sullivan, Mitchell Cadman, Maria Cadman, Anthony Russell, Teresa and her husband, Diego Padres, Leslie and her husband, Pete Foster, Alex and his wife, Christy Har mon, and Paige Harmon; followed by 18 Additionally,great-grandchildren.heissurvived by niec es, nephews, relatives, close friends, neighbors and anyone who met him. He is also survived by his fifth child, his precious, cherished, treasured cat, Mojo.After graduating high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he attended college at Northeastern State University, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and The Uni versity of Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He then decided to hitchhike to Cali fornia with friends, where he met the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, who became his wife. He had a successful career as an advertising executive with a variety of companies. He was a lover of books and music. He was adored and known as Pop. His love of ice cream, Mexican food, Diet DP and all things sweet were evi dent by the stashes of sweets found after his passing. He loved children and animals, especially cats. He will be remembered and missed every day by those who knew and loved him. He will be cremated at the DeGusipe Funeral Home. And per his request, Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” will be playing during the process. We love and will miss you always, Pop. Please save the date. We will be hav ing a celebration of life from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3, 2022, at 1705 Sparkling Water Circle, Ocoee, Florida.
LAWRENCE EUGENE SANDERS DIED MONDAY, AUG. 8, 2022. Lawrence Eugene Sanders, 89, went home to be with the Lord Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at Vero Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Sylva, North Carolina. He was a native of Win ter Garden, Florida, with a vacation home in the Beech Creek Community of Robbinsville for the past 12 years. He was born in Orange County, Florida, the eighth child to the late Richard and Henrietta Williams Sanders.Inaddition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Robby Sanders; five brothers; and fourLawrencesisters. was a Veteran of the United States Air Force having served during the Korean War Era. He was a dedicated service man who quickly rose in rank and became the young est Staff Sergeant at the age of 19. He served as an Engine and Instrument Instructor.Hewasalso a Deacon and founding member of Calvary Baptist Church, in Winter Garden, Florida. His faith and love for the Lord was apparent in every aspect of his life. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maxine Clark Sanders; sons and their wives, Michael (Susan) Sanders, of DeLand, Florida, Doug (Angie) Sanders, of Avalon, Florida, Danny (Susan) Sanders, of Anthony, Florida, Alan (Jenny) Sanders, of Kinston, Alabama, Keith Sanders, of Winter Garden, Florida, Jason (Hope) Sanders, of Robbinsville, North Car olina; sister, Lorene Jones, of Cairo, Georgia; 15 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and six great-greatgrandchildren.Funeralservices were held at noon Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at the TownsonSmith Chapel; the Rev. Randy Col lins officiated. The family received friends from 11 a.m. to noon Friday at the chapel prior to the service. Burial will take place later in Winter Garden Cemetery, Winter Garden, Florida. Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sanders family. An online register is at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.available
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 7BOrangeObserver.com Plan for the future. Enjoy the now. Don’t let the unexpected catch you off guard. 407-877-6700 1148 East Plant Street | Winter Garden, FL www.collisoncareyhand.com34787 Start your advanced planning by calling today. 385448-1 LIC #F080822 Winter Garden’s ONLY family owned funeral home. (407) 614-8350 1132 E. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.winteroakfuneralhome.com Direct Cremation for Exceptional - Not Expensive $895 Including the alternative container. Call for details. 385460-1 All inclusive direct cremation only $995 Burial starting at $2,295 (407) 695-CARE (2273) www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com “Because You Care” Family Owned & OperatedFull service funeral provider with onsite crematory. FRANK SCARLATA TODD DEGUSIPE Director/Manager Director/Owner MAITLAND SANFORD OCOEE UNIONTOWN 9001 N. Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32771 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, FL 32771 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd Ocoee, FL 34761 65 N. Gallitan Ave Uniontown, PA 15401 385454-1 Let Us Tell We Proudly Offer Traditional Burial and Cremation Services Prearranged Funeral Services The Story of Your Life Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home Winter Garden 407-656-2233 I www.BaldwinFairchild.com I 428 E Plant St, Winter Garden, FL 34787 385458-1 We’ll take the first step with you 921 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola, FL One block north of Citrus Tower (352) 394-8228 I www.CremationChoicesfl.com Direct Cremation $845 plus container 385464-1 MIKE YOAKUM Pastor P: 407.656.1520 C: MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM407.758.3570 1333 East Crown Point rd oCoEE, FL 34761 “ thE stonE thE buiLdErs rEjECtEd is now thE CornErstonE.” –Psalms 118:22 384599-1 SARA HAWTHORNE GELTZ DIED AUG. 8, 2022 Sara Elizabeth Hawthorne Geltz went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. She was a native resident of Winter Garden and Central Florida. Sara was born April 28, 1956, in Lake land, Florida, the daughter of William “Bill” Henry Hawthorne and Betty Jean Loflin Hawthorne. Sara graduated in 1974, from Lakev iew High School, where she par ticipated as a cheerleader. Sara was on the Homecoming Court in 1973. Also in 1973, she was a West Orange Debutante. She later attended Valen cia Community College, where she earned her associate’s degree. Sara and Ted raised their three sons at Oakland Presbyterian Church. Sara was also an active member at Mosaic Church in Winter Garden, where she enjoyed preparing meals for church gatherings. She worked at U.S. Air ways in Orlando, Florida. Later, she had varying jobs working at tree nurs eries in Lake County, Florida. Sara enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the beach, South ern Traditions, cooking and traveling. She loved dogs and had a sweet spot for boxers, golden retrievers and gold en doodles. Every year, she eagerly looked forward to the Fourth of July Picnic at Monteagle Sunday School Assembly.Sheissurvived by her husband of 44 years, Theodore “Ted” Hess Geltz Jr.; and their sons, Theodore “Tad” Geltz III (Erika), Mitchell Hawthorne Geltz (Ashlee) and Adam Hardison Geltz (Amanda). She is also survived by the grandchildren she adored, Hadlee, Hardison, Pallen, Mattie and Miller.She is predeceased by her father, William “Bill;” mother, Betty; broth er, M. Claude Hawthorne; and her brother-in-law, Andrew Geltz. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 22, at Mosaic Church Winter Garden, 14175 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden. Celebration of Life Service will be live-streamed for friends and family who are not able to attend in person. Graveside will be immediate family only.In lieu of flowers, memorial con tributions may be made to Mosaic Church Winter Garden and or Mon teagle Sunday School Assembly.
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WOPA West OrAnge POliticAl AlliAnce, inc: A non-partisan political committee, the political action arm of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, formed to represent the best interests of West Orange County URGES YOU TO: Vote Early, By Mail or on August 23rd Paid political advertisement by the West Orange Political Alliance, Inc., 12184 W. Colonial Dr., Winter Garden, FL 34787. For more information call 407-656-1304. Our endorsed candidates: 387067-1 Find us on Facebook for the latest news and endorsements! #WOPA #YourVoteCounts To learn more, visit www.wochamber.com/west-orange-political-alliance-wopa/ ORANGE COUNTY Jerry ElizabethAmandaElizabethAndrewRobertaMercedesChristineDemingsMooreFonsecaWaltonJohnsonAsherBainStarrSampaioBovaGibson DistrictMayor 2 District 4 District 6 County Court Judge, Group County2Court Judge, Group County8Court Judge, Group County9Court Judge, Group 17 ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD Teresa Jacobs Angie Gallo Maria Salamanca OCPS Board Chair District 1 District 2 FLORIDA NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT John VincentBeamerChiu Group 14 Group 44 FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Doug Bankson (R) Tiffany Hughes (D) Lavon Bracy Davis (D) Travaris McCurdy (D) Bruno Portigliatti (R) Allie Braswell (D) District 39 District 39 District 40 District 41 District 45 District 45 FLORIDA SENATE Kamia Brown (D) District 15 OCPS AD VALOREM MILLAGE RENEWAL VOTE YES TOURS OFFERED DAILY Orange County's BEST Assisted Living and Memory Care Community 1061 Tomyn Blvd Ocoee, FL 34761 | InspiredLiving care ALF #AL12906 We Take Care of Moms and Dads Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself Inspired Living at Ocoee offers both Short Term and Long Term Living Solutions to seniors needing some recuperation and rejuvenation and to caregivers who may be feeling overwhel med Let our team of compassionate professionals with more than 25 years of experience and knowledge help give you all some peace of mind WE BELIEVE THAT IS WHAT SENIOR LIVING IS ALL ABOUTenjoying life Benefits You Will Love! Spacious studio suites, one and two bedroom apartment homes Personalized life plan designed for your total health and wellness Three delicious meals a day Care Team on site 24 hours a day Emergency response system Housekeeping and Laundering Relaxing lounges and living spaces Social programs and activities Complimentary transportation Concierge services Schedule a private tour and lunch TODAY with Elizabeth (407) 890-0648 385475-1
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Celebrating 50 years of Leadership “Being part of the West Orange Chamber and being involved in their programs allows us to share our expertise, give back, and enhance the community; a strategic business decision. Our interests in the community are integral to our success. No other entity in West Orange offers these types of outlets.” Take the lead today. Join us! (407) 656-1304 12184 West Colonial Dr in Winter Garden www.wochamber.comTheWestOrangeChamberofCommerce NICK ASMA ASMA & ASAMA PA / CHAMBER MEMBER
