11.17.22 Southwest Orange Observer

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

YOUR TOWN

LIGHT UP WINDERMERE IS FRIDAY

Join the town of Windermere from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, for its annual Light Up Win dermere event in Town Square Park, 520 Main St.

Light Up Windermere is the town’s biggest food truck event of the year; 2021’s event saw more than 2,500 people at tend. Mayor Jim O’Brien leads the countdown to lighting more than 200,000 lights across Town Square Park, at 7 p.m., officially kicking off the holiday season in Windermere.

Guests will enjoy delicious food from 18 trucks, live music from DJ Russ and the DJ Truck, holiday choirs from Family Church, and a special performance from White Swan Academy.

LOCAL MINISTRY COLLECTING TOYS

The Finding the Lost Sheep street ministry is holding its 13th annual Christmas Outreach program and is ask ing the community to bring new toys for children in West Orange County.

Toys can be dropped off at Impact Center, 784 Klondike St., Winter Garden; Kelly’s Foods, 650 Carter Road, Winter Garden; First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden, 125 N. Lakeview Ave., No. 2710; and House Blend Cafe, 10730 W. Colonial Drive, Ocoee.

If taking toys to the Impact Center, donors are asked to call (321) 354-8885 for a drop-off time. Toys will be accepted until Dec. 15. For

After

much discussion, the Windermere Town Council voted 3-2 to deny an ordinance revising the pool setback requirement for canal-front lots from 50 to 35 feet. SEE 6A.

Trust exercise Pool problems

Windermere police officers picked up paintbrushes to interact with local children in the town’s first Paint with the Police event. SEE PAGE 4A.

American Legion Post 63 hosted its 2022 Challenge 22 Walk and Picnic Nov. 12 in Winter Garden. PAGE 3A.

Friday, Nov.

18. PAGE 1B.

Annabelle Sikes

IN THIS ISSUE: UNDER THE SEA!

Playoff wins set up rematch between West Orange, Ocoee

SOUTHWEST ORANGE VOLUME 8, NO. 6 PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81 *****************ECRWSSEDDM**** Postal Customer WHAT’S INSIDE GIFT IDEAS / Page 8 / Holiday essentials to find the perfect something for everyone Page 16 / Plan your holiday season SEASON OF GIVING / Page 29 Check out these great ways to give back DECEMBER 2022

East Winter Garden site for new project

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Amy Calandrino, of Beyond Com mercial, a commercial real estate firm headquartered in Maitland, is representing the landlord, Winter Garden Salon Development LLC, with a new development called The Point on Plant Street in Winter Gar den.

The development, located at 996 E. Plant St., features more than 30,000 square feet of retail and office space with a planned opening of early 2024, if approved.

The proposal will go for a final vote in front of the planning and zon ing board in early December before heading to the City Commission meetings in January and early Feb ruary 2023.

“As someone who lived a long time in Winter Garden and graduated from West Orange High School, I’ve seen tremendous growth in Winter Garden over the years,” Calandrino said. “I’m beyond excited to see this as The Point for further expansion and opportunity for … small busi nesses … to flourish. I just know the vibe of this development is going to be incredible.”

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The proposed development includes suites of multiple sizes, ranging from 2,100 square feet to 10,200 square feet. The structure is located near the heart of downtown Winter Gar den in close proximity to the West Orange Trail and State Road 429.

Among the first confirmed ten ants is Mosaic Hair Studio, owned by husband and wife Mike Van den Abbeel and Kiri Wollheim, chief investors in the project.

Van den Abbeel said his

original plan was to construct another location for Mosaic Hair in Ivanhoe Village and the Milk District but said he saw the real potential of the expansion after the property was acquired and Winter Garden expanded the CRA. The two current locations sit at 537 Virginia Drive and 116 N. Bumby Ave.

“Mosaic Hair Studio has a track record for finding early areas that are family-friendly and are a walk able business community,” Van den Abbeel said. “Our current locations

of salons have weaved together the community.”

Calandrino said she has been working on the tenant side of devel opment, while Van den Abbeel has been working with the developer with his vision. The two said they plan to fill the space with tenants that are hyper-local brands and thriving local businesses.

“We are coming in with a tenant perspective, which helps, because they understand the importance of branding,” she explained. “The property will be unique, because it’s going to have a public outdoor area and courtyard area. We are going to intentionally curate the tenants, so there’s a synergetic drive. We are working with a world-class design er, which will help create the vibe we are envisioning as modern with a nod to the roots of Winter Garden.”

In addition, the development will include a 3,125-square-foot space to feature a restaurant concept.

TALKING TRANSFORMATION

Calandrino and Beyond Commercial have worked with small businesses since the company’s inception in 2010 and already have received sig nificant interest for tenant occu pancy.

The organization is currently preleasing for suitable tenants with retail, office and restaurant oppor

MORE INFORMATION

WEBSITE: thepointonplantst.com MOSAIC: mosaichairstudio.com INFORMATION: (407) 641-2221 or email Amy@beyondcommer cial.com.

tunities, as well as health, lifestyle, fitness and other retail businesses.

Calandrino said she believes east Winter Garden is in the midst of a transformation and the project will seek to bridge the space from Dil lard Street to “The Point on Plant Street.”

“This will not be the first time that this group is a forerunner in site selection,” she said. “In 2004, they (Mosaic) established their first location on Virginia Drive and later expanded in 2012. Today, the area is known as Ivanhoe Row, housing The Yard and a plethora of retail oppor tunities. In 2018, (Mosaic) acquired property within the Milk District to build their stunning second loca tion. At the time, the Milk District did not quite have the coolness factor it has today. Mike and Kiri certainly have the vision to see the potential in a site, and we expect that to be no different here in Win ter Garden.”

Courtesy

The Point on Plant Street, located at 996 E. Plant St. in Winter Garden, will com bine retail and office space with an outdoor public area and courtyard area, and anchor restaurant.

WORTH THE WEIGHT

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

American Legion Post 63 hosted its sixth Challenge 22 Walk and Picnic Satur day, Nov. 12, to raise money and awareness to help eliminate suicide among veterans with post-traumat ic stress.

The event kicked off at Crooked Can in downtown Winter Garden with a traditional military ceremony and musical tributes to the U.S. armed forces. Peter O’Rourke, for mer U.S. secretary of the Veterans Administration and VA chief of staff, spoke, and the Patriot Guard Riders brought the scaled-down Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Global War on Terror Memorial Wall.

Organizer Kurt Gies presented a memorial flag to Anna Fabry, fiancee of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, the West Point graduate and Foundation Academy alum who died in an Aug. 9 training incident.

World War II veteran Gilbert Wagan heim was recognized on his 101st birthday.

The 2.2-mile walk took par

ticipants along Plant Street, and a 41.09-mile ride route went through Oakland and around Lake Minneola.

After the walk and ride, guests enjoyed live entertainment, a ninja course, silent auction, service pro vider booths and vendor booths.

The money raised will be given to veterans organizations such as Project: VetRelief and SOF Mis sions. More than $60,000 has been raised so far, and fundraising continues through Dec. 31.

Traffic remains primary concern

… from here to the next light.”

Orange County Public Works Proj ect Manager Francisco Villar said the traffic study looks at peak-hour trips and not the sheer number of vehicles.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Representatives from the Develop ment Engineering Division of Orange County’s Public Works Department were present to answer questions at a community meeting held Wednes day, Nov. 2, regarding a new subdi vision on Winter Garden-Vineland Road/County Road 535.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who was unable to attend, held the meeting at Independence Elementary School to get additional resident feedback on a 14-acre sub division at 5504 Winter GardenVineland Road, currently called Selnik PSP. It will be located across from Windermere High School on Lake Cawood and include 17 singlefamily units along the lake, as well as 93 townhomes on the north side of the development.

A fourth leg to the traffic signal already in place will be installed at the entrance of the neighborhood. A northbound left turn lane will be added, as well.

Most of the concerns at the meet ing were related to traffic. Area residents argued the neighborhood will bring additional vehicles to an already-busy stretch of C.R. 535, parents will congest the neighbor hood entrance by using it as a dropoff and pick-up spot for Windermere High students, drivers will use the new development as a cut-thru to get to the Summerport community to the northwest.

“If you have 110 units, you proba bly have 200 cars,” one resident said.

“Two hundred cars added to what they already have out there, in my mind, is a bit crazy, unless you add some lanes to 535 to accommodate the extra traffic. Traffic is backed up

Jack Brown, who represented applicant Adam Smith of VHB Inc., said the traffic study yielded 71 PM peak-hour trips. Erika Hughes also represented Smith at the meeting.

Villar said the design and timing of the new signal, in addition to the proposed turn lane, all will help with keeping traffic moving.

The project already has gone before the county’s Development Review Board for review, and a revised plan will be submitted following feedback from the community meeting.

“This has only been through one review cycle,” Villar said. “PSPs usu ally go through several cycles before they get approval.”

It will be at least January or Febru ary before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners sees the project.

The developer plans to build buf fers on the west, north and east sides. Several buildings will be situ

ated near the large tree in the center of the community that was saved, and while there are no plans for a clubhouse, a pool and outdoor space could be included. The townhomes will be rear loaded with alleyways to access the garages in back. The homes on the north end of the sub division will face south so their backyards face the backyards of the neighboring development.

One meeting attendee asked how the developer plans to prevent Nec

tarine Drive from becoming a run way to Summerport.

“Everyone in Summerport is going to take that back route,” the resident said.

Hannah Gutner, senior aide to Wilson, said the county has request ed multiple stop signs and added Wilson would support a roundabout, as well.

Villar said he planned to talk to the traffic division to see what measures can be taken to slow traffic.

Courtesy of Orange County

The proposed neighborhood would add homes and townhomes to C.R. 535.

Representatives from American Legion Post 347 in Lady Lake performed a flag-folding ceremony. Behind them is Anna Fabry, fiancée of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, who died Aug. 9 in a training incident at U.S. Army Ranger School.

American Legion Post 63 Commander Kurt Gies presented a memorial flag to Anna Fabry, fiancee of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon.

Entertainer Billy Flanigan shared the reasons behind each fold of the American flag.

Patriot Guard Riders brought the scaled-down Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Global War on Terror Memorial Wall to the event.

Amy Quesinberry

Leading the walk were members of Windermere High School’s JROTC unit and U.S. Naval Sea Cadets.

photos at OrangeObserver.com

Paint with the Police builds relationships

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Art Room and the Windermere Police Department came together to host the inaugural Paint with the Police event on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The event aimed to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement through a morning of painting a special K-9 dog by local children and police officers.

The class, led by instructor Maggie Ziglar, filled up so quickly that The Art Room opted to hold an additional ses sion in the afternoon.

“The event is a great opportunity, because it helps the children to know who their police officers are and to feel comfortable with them … I think that’s really important, and not just to the children but their parents and the officers as well,” Linda Ziglar, founder of The Art Room, said. “Plus, we just love our Windermere Police here, and we’re thrilled at the opportunity to have them here.”

BRIDGING THE GAP

Children ages kindergarten and older painted alongside eight WPD officers and family members, including Wind ermere Police Chief David Ogden, Sgt. Jeff Czwornog, Reserve Officer Jeff Bacigalupi, Reserve Officer CJ Burrell,

UP NEXT

The Windermere Police Depart ment Foundation is participating in No Shave November through Movember, the leading charity or ganization working to change the face of men’s health. The founda tion is working to help promote men’s health and raise awareness about mental health, prostate and testicular cancer. The WPDF is working to raise $2,500. Those who wish to donate can do so here: bit.ly/3hGZfgU.

“I’m brand new, and my main goal is to be part of the community, get involved and start meeting people,” Sarah Hoffmann said. “I want to be part of something bigger.”

Faith Gabler, 14 years old, was one of the nearly 30 students to participate in the event.

“The police officers … they’re taking care of the area, and it’s good for the younger kids to meet them and know what they do,” she said. “I know a lot of kids also look up to them for inspi ration and maybe want to be a police officer when they grow up.”

David Grier, 11, not only liked the K-9 picture but also was interested in getting to know some of the police officers. He believes it is a good idea to know them — especially when he gets older.

“Contrary to what people see on the news or on social media, we are good people, and we care and can be fun and can be trusted,” Hoffmann said. “We want the community members, espe cially the kids, to know they can trust us in their environment and also in an unfamiliar environment.”

PAINTING PROPOSAL

Linda Ziglar said the idea for the event came to fruition when she was approached by Wilson.

Wilson, who joined the WPD in March 2021, became involved in com munity events and outreach before the end of his 22-year career as an officer in New York City.

In New York, Wilson had the oppor tunity to work closely with actor Tony Danza on the Police Athletic League’s Cops and Kids Chorus.

The program started after the PAL approached Danza, a professional boxer at one time, and asked him if he would get involved with starting a

boxing class for the children. Wilson said Danza had asked, ‘What about the kids who are not athletic?’ With his acting background, Danza helped to pioneer the PAL’s Teen Acting Pro gram.

After witnessing its success, Wilson said he knew he wanted to implement something similar in Windermere.

“We have kids that do sports, that play baseball, but what about the kids who are involved with art?” Wilson asked. “Where is their outlet to inter act with the police? Because it’s all about bridging that gap throughout the nation. These bridges have been torn down with this ‘defund the police’ attitude that’s been going on around the country, and it’s not so much here because it’s a very supportive commu nity, but it’s always about interaction

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“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

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and it’s always about kids knowing that cops are your friends. We’re just normal people, and you can interact with us, you can have fun with us. We want kids to know we’re a safe haven for them.”

Wilson said the neighborhood policing model in NYC drove him to approach Ogden about creating a com munity liaison officer position. From there, Wilson began to focus on ways for the department to become active in the community, and events became a major part of working toward the goal.

Paint with the Police will turn into an annual event in addition to other notable WPD community engage ment events such as Cops & Bobbers and Shop With A Cop.

In the future, Wilson said he hopes to put together a Coffee With A Cop event for adults.

“Keeping that line of communi cation open wherever we can is very important,” Wilson said. “Through personal interaction or through social media we want to hear from our com munity because we work for them. The children are the future of the commu nity, so I think this is the perfect start.”

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Volunteer Coordinator Mark DeSte fano, new hire Sarah Hoffmann and her husband, Chris, and Community Liaison Officer Mark Wilson.

Local children showed off their K-9 paintings at The Art Room.

Annabelle Sikes

Children from kindergarten and older painted in Windermere.

Right: Maggie and Linda Ziglar hosted the class together.

Above: Officer Mark DeStefano worked on his K-9 painting.

Left: WPD Chief David Ogden was one of the eight officers at the event.

Officials approve Bayview project

Oakland commissioners did not like the lot sizes but had to approve the site plan because the applicant met all the requirements of the Town Code.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Town Commission was required to accept a proposed subdi vision south of West Colonial Drive because the applicant had met all the requirements of the Town Code.

But commissioners expressed dis appointment at the Nov. 8 meeting that the applicant ignored citizen complaints about the lakefront lot sizes.

Venue Development LLC wants to develop a 20-lot single-family sub division, Bayview at Johns Lake, off Remington Road. The preliminary subdivision plans were brought to the commission’s Aug. 9 meeting, but the vote was tabled because of three issues, including lot sizes and density.

The vote was again tabled at the Oct. 25 commission meeting to give the developer more time to address the concerns.

Neighbors in the adjacent Johns Landing community have complained about the three 80-foot-wide lake front sites and have asked the devel oper to consider two 120-foot lots. The developer refused to make the changes based on the Town Code, which requires a minimum lot width of 70 feet.

In his presentation, Town Planner Brad Cornelius stressed Johns Land ing was built with different standards. It was developed before the town cre ated its design district with minimum lot widths, and the lots had to be larger because that neighborhood was built on septic and not sewer.

“The code is different today than it was, and your code today does allow the smaller lot sizes,” Cornelius said.

“I’m not happy that the lots are smaller than the typical on Johns Lake, but I am very concerned about the law, and you met all the require ments,” Commissioner Sal Ramos said. “I wish they were larger; that’s how I feel. … I don’t want to get into a lawsuit and waste taxpayer money. … I just wanted to make that clear.”

Mayor Kathy Stark agreed with the

IN OTHER BUSINESS

n Commissioners passed the first public hearing of an ordinance that would govern how the town manages and permits third-party events by defining what consti tutes a special event, determining when such events would require commission approval and creat ing a standardized method for levying fees to cover the real costs associated with such events.

The main goal of this process is to ensure proper planning, organi zation and safety procedures are in place for all approved third-par ty events held in the town limits.

n The commission approved the second public hearing of an ordi nance that makes amendments to the town’s agreement with the Oakland Park subdivision.

commissioner.

“I understand where we are legally, and we are prepared to deal with that,” she said. “This is a legality, and we are prepared to live with that legal ity. That’s the best we can do at this point. If someone else comes in and we change our code, then great. But this one got through the gate. I’m sure it will be a very nice development. It does really fit in with the other two developments for the most part.”

Stark opened the meeting for public comment, and several residents took the opportunity to voice their opin ions. None was in favor of the project.

“Legally he can do exactly what they proposed — but just because something is legal doesn’t make it right,” said John Dolezar. “I’m a lake front homeowner, and I think what they’re doing is degrading to those of us who live on the lake. I oppose these three lots. … If they would make it two lots, it would go a long way in public perception. I don’t appreciate the fact of what he’s doing, and the fact that he can do it doesn’t make it right.”

Others questioned the percentage of trees being removed and the qual ity of the buffer between the project and the existing Johns Landing com munity.

Commissioners were given a chance to express their opinions as well.

“I’m going to be voting based on legality, based on the current code, that’s what I’m going to be voting on,” Ramos said.

“I don’t agree with them when they say the lot sizes are equal,” Commis sioner Rick Polland said. “All they’re talking about is lot width, and they aren’t equal. You need to talk about the whole lot size.”

Commissioner Joseph McMullen agreed.

“I share the sentiment,” he said. “It is what it is.”

Before asking for the vote, Stark stated, “(At the) first meeting, the applicant was woefully unprepared; second meeting, we were pushing back; third meeting, we’re here now.”

The motion passed. The applicant must go through two more approvals.

Hurricane Nicole spares West Orange County

Just seven weeks after Hurricane Ian, West Orange and Southwest Orange experienced impacts from another storm — Hurricane Nicole — Wednesday, Nov. 9, and Thurs day, Nov. 10. Luckily, the areas escaped without major damage; however, residents experienced power outages, high winds, stand ing water, and downed trees and power lines.

Before the storm’s arrival, Gov. Ron DeSantis requested that the Florida Division of Emergency Management declare a state of emergency for Orange County. Most municipal offices closed for the storm, and the Winter Garden City Commission canceled its meeting scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 10.

Orange County Public Schools closed Thursday, Nov. 10, and Fri day, Nov. 11. Playoff football games scheduled for Nov. 11 were moved to Saturday, Nov. 12.

— OBSERVER STAFF

Photos by Amy Quesinberry and Annabelle Sikes

Debris still was piled up after the storm at East Second Avenue and Main Street in Windermere Saturday.

Oakland’s Historic Af rica American Cemetery experienced minimal flood ing.

Right: Flood ing was pres ent in Winder mere after the storm.

Matthew’s Hope Garden Party blossoms at Ocoee Lakeshore

Guests dressed as mermaids, sailors, military person nel, movie characters and more at the Matthew’s Hope Harvest of Hope Gar den Party fundraiser, held Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. The annual event, which includes themed tables, a silent auction, dinner and entertainment, brings in much-needed funds to the keep the homeless orga nization in operation in West Orange County. Two hundred homeless men, women and children are served every Tuesday and Thursday from the Winter Garden location.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Windermere leaders deny pool setback ordinance

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

After months of discussion, the town of Windermere voted 3-2 to deny an ordinance revising the pool setback requirement for canal front lots from 50 feet to 35 feet, at the Town Council meeting Monday, Nov. 14.

The proposed ordinance outlines seven requirements to qualify for the setback including the lot being iden tified as a canal front lot, the lot must have a seawall and no encroachment into the 100-year floodplain or wet lands is permitted.

Town Planner Brad Cornelius said whether the ordinance was approved or not, residents could still come through the variance process and council members still could condition variances with specific requirements.

RESIDENT DISCUSSION

A handful of residents spoke during public comment on both sides of the issue.

Lori Bradford, Brandi Haines and Stephen Withers all spoke against the ordinance, stating the preservation of the lakes is paramount.

Bradford said the Butler Chain of Lakes is an Outstanding Florida Waterway and is worthy of all the special protections including the setbacks.

“These 50-foot setbacks help to keep the lakes clean … the key point that I’ve learned in all of my years in advocacy is if there’s not a net envi ronmental benefit then you don’t do it,” she said. “The answer is no … unless they can prove to you guys that there is some kind of net environ mental benefit. So I just ask you guys tonight to please rule against that and protect our lakes.”

Withers does not believe the con cept of swimming pools exploding or catastrophically failing, where they have a potential to leak harmful

contaminants into the lakes, has any thing to do with the current 50-foot setback.

“I do think a seawall is a great addi tion, but I think when you take away that natural filter system, that 50-foot … you’re taking away 40% of that filter, which I don’t think is good,” he said. “I think we have an ordinance in place that is fine, and I wouldn’t see why we would change it.”

On the other side of the ordinance, Ashley Walker, Mark Ausley, Ben Mase, Mary Oakes and Dale Walker spoke in support of the new proposed setback.

Ausley, an environmental consul tant and current chairman of Orange County’s Environmental Protection Commission, said he believed the town should approve the ordinance.

Walker said the town of Winder mere makes up less than 1% of the Butler Chain of Lakes and that if she was just in Orange County and not under the town, based on the size of her lot, she would qualify for a reduced setback for a pool. She said 14 of the 31 homes on the canal already have pools.

In addition, she has collected more than 80 signatures from residents who approve the ordinance change and also think it will better protect the Butler Chain of Lakes.

“Fifty feet versus 30 feet — there is no market difference in impact on the Chain of Lakes as a whole,” Mase said. “Several of us along the canal who would like to build in the future … what would prevent us if this variance gets voted no on, what would prevent us from requesting 36 feet, 34 feet, 30 feet, what is that cut off? How many times do we need to do this? I fully support my neighbor in this effort.”

Town Council Member Tony Davit believed the ordinance should be supported.

“Going back to the comment earlier of if it doesn’t better the environment

don’t pass it, I would argue that the engineering solutions provided in this ordinance … is why we should support this,” Davit said. “Retain ing the water behind the seawall in a retaining swale, I would argue, as I have in the past, is a better engineer ing solution than a 50-foot setback.”

However, Town Council member Bill Martini disagreed.

“There’s great arguments on both sides, and I can see how having fur ther restrictions would certainly help with water retention and that type of thing but until our experts, the people we rely on, agree or there’s any proof that that’s the case then I’m opposed to changing the setback,” he said.

The Town Council voted in denial of the ordinance 3-2, with coun cil members Davit and Molly Rose requesting approval.

BACKGROUND

The pool setback discussion caught the attention of the town in February after Walker, who lives at 11 Main St., met with the Development Review Board, which recommended a 5-1 denial of a variance to allow a reduced setback from the Normal High-Water Line for a swimming pool

Unlike the surrounding areas of Ocoee, Winter Garden and Clermont, which have a setback of 25 feet, the town has a 50-foot setback for water front lots, although its standard lot setback remains at 25 feet.

According to the town, all struc tures must be at least 50 feet from the Normal High-Water Line elevation.

The variance was tabled to March, with the agreement of bringing in the town’s lake consultant to review.

Cornelius gave a detailed presenta tion on other cities’ requirements and the DRB’s unanimous recommenda tion to keep the setback at the May Town Council meeting.

Lakes consultant Amy L. Giannotti recommended keeping the setback.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Town Council approved unanimously a variance to allow a screen enclosure with a 5-foot setback to cover a proposed new swimming pool and deck at 525 Lake Street.

n Windermere Town Council members unanimously approved a resolution pertaining to amend ing the town’s personnel policies and procedures revising and clarifying a section relating to the longevity administrative leave policy.

n The council heard the first read ing of an ordinance to revise the town’s golf cart ordinance to align with the current state laws.

n Windermere Town Council members unanimously approved a contract relating to emergency debris hauling with Horizon Land Management in an amount not to exceed $40,000.

n The council unanimously ap proved the repair of pavement damaged by Waste Pro in an amount up to $66,000.

n The Town Council tabled a discussion pertaining to the paving of West Fifth Avenue from Main Street to Forest Street in an amount up to $60,000 to a date to be determined. Council mem bers opted to plan for several public comment opportunities and worksop meetings before discussion continues.

n Windermere Town Council members approved unanimously Michael Galura Engineering as the engineering consultants for the Stormwater Master Plan in a total not to exceed $150,000. The town will be responsible for $75,000.

n The council approved unani mously a contract with Rostan Solutions for FEMA reimburse ment services in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

Giannotti said the setback is important to keep any pool water from being discharged into local surface waters. She said swimming pools are a known source of pollution to lakes and wetlands because of the chlorine and other pool chemicals that are harmful to aquatic plants and wildlife — even at low levels.

David Hansen, senior environmen tal specialist at the Orange County Environmental Protection Division, agreed.

“Pool water is not lake water, and the greater (50-foot) distance should be there to allow for infiltration of pool water into the ground rather than run to the lake in case of an acciden tal discharge,” Hansen said in a letter to Cornelius. “There may be options like a berm and swale, but these would have to be maintained for the life of the pool.”

Hansen explained the Butler Chain also is subject to several feet of rise and fall in water levels, particularly post tropical events, and the great er distance may help prevent pool flooding and introduction of treated water into the lake.

He said his concern with a reduc tion would be that there is nothing to prevent further reductions.

Cornelius said he looked at how many lots in town were impacted by the regulation. His analysis found there are 398 waterfront lots impact ed, measuring to about 10% of all the lots in the town. Of the 398 lots, 52 are one acre or greater of size from the Normal-High-Water line. The aver age lot size of the local waterfront lots is 22,780 square feet.

Cornelius said over a seven- to eight-year period, the town has only processed five variances related to the setback, and of the five, only three were for pools. Of the three, two pools were denied and one was approved for a pool deck.

After several discussions by the DRB and Town Council, the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance to amend the town’s waterfront pool setback requirements for canal-front lots from 50 feet to 35 feet with con ditions to protect the waterway and other potential impacts.

Local artist Greg Johnson donates a painting each year to the Garden Party event.

Liana Parra, left, and Senovia Morales-Bozeman were beautiful mermaids at Advent Health’s “Little Mermaid”-themed table.

Representing the ’70s were Bob and Carol Krohn, left, and Lisa and Chuck Coffman.

Dawn Gilmore Productions won the Best Table Decoration Award with its Steampunk theme and human table.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021.

It’s a day Winter Garden resident Patty Myers will never forget.

It’s the day Myers lost her husband of more than 31 years, Tony, at 8:06 a.m.

It’s a day she will play over and over in her head forever.

“I always tell people I’m fine, but literally if I did not have God … my faith gives me such hope that I will be with him again someday,” Myers said. “I still feel like he is with me and God is helping me through this. It stinks. It is hard. My life has changed, all of it has changed. When your partner dies, it’s like losing your arm, your leg. … Your daily routines, it’s all different. My faith is the only thing that keeps me getting up to fight every day and not just lying in that bed.”

Now, Myers is using her love for her husband and others to fuel the fire to continue on.

Her documentary, “Making a Kill ing,” is unmasking the truth behind deadly hospital protocols, illustrating not only her personal experience with her late husband but also the stories of hundreds of others across the country.

“I feel like what I know today and what we’re saying in the documenta ry…I think he would be alive today if I knew what I know today. …He was trying to stand up, and now I have to as well, so that no one goes through what we’re going through,” Myers said.

TONY’S STORY

Patty and Tony Myers met in college at King University in Tennessee.

Tony Myers was the assistant bas ketball coach, and the two met in math class, where he asked Patty Myers to help him study.

“He got an ‘A’ and I got a ‘C,’ which is something we always joked about,” Patty Myers said.

One Sunday, Tony Myers pulled up in his old powder blue Camaro and offered Patty a ride.

“He was just always full of life,” she said. “He was always joking, funny and talking, and he invited me to his mom’s for a meal. I barely knew the guy, and I would never normally do something like this … but it was just Tony … I don’t know how to explain it. I said yes, and that day, we spent together until 10 or 11 at night, and then that was it. We got married three years after we first met.”

Tony Myers was his wife’s biggest supporter.

He talked to every stranger, had a serving heart and was always cracking a joke. He loved people and even cre ated a garden at the family’s Winder mere home where he put a hook over the neighbors’ fence with a basket to put fruit and vegetables over when they had extra.

The couple owned a therapy com pany in South Florida and had a condo in Kissimmee for a few years. When ever they visited Disney, it seemed like they always passed through the

Windermere and Winter Garden area, and Patty Myers said they ultimately decided they wanted to raise their family in the area.

The coupled moved in 2004 to Win dermere with their daughter, Chelsea, now 27, and son, Charlie, now 21.

Around the same time, Charlie Myers was diagnosed with autism, a diagnosis that inspired Patty Myers to become a behavioral analyst.

Along the way, Patty and Tony Myers started the Pathways Foun dation, a nonprofit that helps teens and adults with disabilities learn life, social and job skills. The organization has social skills classes, day programs, summer programs, a female support ive living home and a male supportive living home.

As part of developing the men’s supportive living home, the couple decided to construct their house in Windermere to turn it into a housing location and move to a smaller place in Winter Garden while they figured out what comes next.

It was supposed to be the week when the couple started their empty nesting together. Patty Myers called their new home “The Cottage” and decorated it with a beach theme.

The two would never get a chance to enjoy their new home.

FOLLOWING THE PROTOCOLS

Tony Myers was admitted into Orlan do Health — Health Central Hospital Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021 — one day before the couple was set to move to their Winter Garden home.

He was diagnosed with COVID-19 the previous weekend and was expe riencing aches, fevers and coughing. A few days in, he started to have short ness of breath and called the doctor, who prescribed steroids. Patty Myers said she had COVID-19 at the time, too, but only felt sick for one day.

On that Sunday, Patty Myers told her husband they should call the doc tor again and see what they could do to help. She said the only knowledge she had that day was a gut feeling telling her not to go to the hospital and to try treat it at home.

“That’s when I drove him to the ‘death chamber,’” she said. “He didn’t want to go, and I didn’t want him to go either, but he felt desperate.”

At the time, Patty Myers said the doctors told her husband everything looked normal.

The next day at 5 a.m. the hospital prescribed remdesivir, and within a 24- to 48-hour span, Patty Myers said it was a steady downfall.

According to the National Institute of Health, “Intravenous, remdesi vir is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients aged ≥28 days and weighing ≥3 kg. In high-risk, non-hospitalized patients with mild to moderate COV ID-19, remdesivir should be started within seven days of symptom onset and administered for three days. Hos pitalized patients should receive rem desivir for five days or until hospital

discharge, whichever comes first.”

In a study published by the NIH in May 2022, the department discussed the drug, which was “initially devel oped for the treatment of the Ebola virus. Although remdesivir performed well in preclinical studies, it did not meet efficacy endpoints in a random ized trial conducted during an Ebola outbreak.”

Patty Myers said she was desperate and began to research alternatives. According to hospital records, Tony Myers’ kidneys started to fail around day five to seven — although it was never mentioned to her — and there was a strong push for him to be placed on a ventilator.

According to the American Hos pital Association, guidelines in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act include provisions such as a Medicare add-on payment of 20% for both rural and urban inpatient hospital COVID-19 patients.

That same day, she learned of iver mectin.

According to the NIH: “Ivermec tin is a FDA-approved anti-parasitic drug used to treat several neglected tropical diseases, including onchocer ciasis, helminthiases and scabies. For these indications, ivermectin has been widely used and is generally well-tol erated. Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any viral infection.”

Multiple nurses and doctors told her there was no use in asking for the medicine; it would not be approved.

“I looked at the nurse, and I was very calm, not rude, but I said, ‘Listen, he will be getting that today. I’m not sure how or who’s going to do it, but he will be getting that today,’” she said. “Then she said, ‘You need to calm down, or you’re going to be asked to leave, and you’re never going to see your hus band again.’”

It was Day 10 in the hospital when Patty Myers said she finally had a doc tor agree to ivermectin. That day, she said her husband could not sit up, talk or eat.

Only three days later, Tony Myers

was down to six liters of oxygen and set to go home in a few days. He had shaved, was sitting up and even asked his wife for Chipotle.

Just as things were beginning to look up, Tony Myers took a drastic turn in the morning.

“He always had shortness of breath, but he was trying to get the nurse in the morning, and no one was there, and he kept doing the button, kept doing the button, and then finally, he had to just start screaming for somebody,” Patty Myers said. “He said if no one would have come, he would have died.”

The hospital immediately moved her husband to the Intensive Care Unit and revoked the ivermectin, saying it had made things worse. She said the hospital began to push about the ven tilator.

Ten days later, Tony Myers was gone.

“It all happened so fast,” Patty Myers said. “It was a life-sucking death place. It felt hopeless. The nurses would tell us horror stories about other patients. They were so negative; they even told him that he wasn’t going to make it. I know they were tired too and understaffed … but they broke him down. They broke him down to nothing.”

Patty Myers said her husband even emailed Gov. Ron DeSantis in an attempt to fight for his own life.

“I have been at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee with COVID-19 for almost three weeks now,” that email read. “This hospital works in a protocol box and basically says that they have used everything to treat my COVID. Is there any way that you can help me get the antibody treatment? There is no reason to just stop treat ment. Steroids aren’t doing the trick. I feel like I’m lying here getting weaker and weaker, and I’ve seen too many body bags bass by my room for com fort. Please help me!”

Patty Myers was with her husband in his last moments.

“I am grateful for that, because patients across the country have been on their own, by themselves, with no

family,” she said. “We never talked about dying, because we were always like, ‘We’re gonna do this,’ but he always said to me, ‘Please don’t ever leave me.’”

Although Orlando Health offi cials said they cannot comment on this patient, the organization said its evidence-based treatment resulted in the highest survival rate for COV ID-19 patients among peer hospitals in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.

“Orlando Health’s dedicated team of health care professionals saved many lives during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic,” hospital offi cials said in a prepared statement. “Our patients were provided effective clinical care, including respiratory management and approved medical therapies. COVID-19 has caused more than one million deaths in the United States. Orlando Health mourns with the families, friends and communities impacted by the deadly virus.”

FIGHTING FOR CHANGE

Patty Myers started working on her documentary in July, with the help of friend and owner of Inspired Films, Derek Sanchez. The film premiered Friday, Nov. 4, at Family Church Lake side Campus.

The movie shares the stories of three patients and includes interviews with a doctor and two senators.

Patty Myers tells her husband’s story through their text messages and phone calls, the only form of commu nication she was allowed outside of her short visits.

Patty Myers wanted to make the documentary not only to educate and raise awareness but also to use her experience and story to help others.

“I hate that he suffered,” she said. “This is the United States of America. This is Florida, one of the freest states, and they didn’t care for Tony, gener ally speaking. I dropped him off to get support and help, and they basically gave him things to kill him.”

Patty Myers said the documentary seemed like the right thing to do — and what her husband would have wanted her to do.

She said her faith in God has kept her strong, even in the hardest moments.

“I’m mad and I want to see change,” Patty Myers said. “I know I’m just a wife in Winter Garden making a doc umentary, which I had no idea how to do, but I’m trying to figure it out. If I feel like I’m supposed to do some thing, then I’ll find a way. I’ll make it happen.”

Patty Myers will live stream the documentary Thursday, Nov. 17.

Courtesy photo

ANNABELLE SIKES

Nati Whitley held Bailey while Ale Elias held Bree in match ing dog carriers.

Lauren Nadeau and her furry friend from Orlando Health walked the field greeting parents and children.

West for an evening of fun under the stars.

Left: Riley Callahan from Crisp & Green blended homemade smoothies for tasting. Stilt walkers dressed in light up costumes wan dered the grounds thrilling attendees.

Performers played live music to keep guests entertained throughout the night.

Golden Oak estate sells

Ahome in the Golden Oak community near Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residen tial real-estate transactions from Nov. 5 to 11.

The home at 9726 Loun sberry Circle, Winder mere, sold Nov. 10, for $3,600,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, fiveand-one-half baths and 3,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

These are the highestselling homes in each com munity in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10950 Woodchase Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 8, for $599,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,260 square feet of living area. Days on market: 111.

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8139 Jozee Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 9, for $570,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,922 square feet of living area. Days on market: 41.

CARRIAGE HOMES

SOUTHAMPTON

AT

The condo at 7725 Carriage Homes Drive, No. 14, Orlando, sold Nov. 11, for $325,000. Built in 1990, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,298 square feet of living area. Days on market: 88.

LAKE SHEEN RESERVE

The home at 10431 Wiscane Ave., Orlando, sold Nov. 9, for $750,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,295 square feet of living area.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8191 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $1,380,000. Built in 2015, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,316 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.

PHILLIPS GROVE

The home at 7060 Spring Drop Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 9, for $1,250,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 4,205 square feet of living area. Days on market: 106.

SAND LAKE POINT

The home at 8119 Lake Crowell Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for

$570,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,811 square feet of living area. Days on market: 89.

TOSCANA CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 7516 Toscana Blvd., No. 243, Orlando, sold Nov. 9, for $480,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 87.

GOLDEN OAK

The home at 9726 Lounsberry Circle, Windermere, sold Nov. 10, for $3,600,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 3,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

HORIZON WEST AVALON COVE

The home at 15985 Gliton St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $980,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,881 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE

GROVES

The townhouse at 15522 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $460,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,207 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

INDEPENDENCE/SIGNATURE

LAKES

The home at 14513 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 8, for $605,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,487 square feet of living area. Days on market: 102.

The home at 6423 Point Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $480,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,714 square feet of living area. Days on market: 37.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 7490 Tattant Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 11, for $650,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,872 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The home at 8170 Jailene Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 8, for $631,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,580 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The condo at 8156 Boat Hook Loop, No. 306, Windermere, sold Nov. 9, for $335,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,455 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 15025 Purple Martin St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $505,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 18102 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 8, for $774,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,924 square feet of living area. Days on market: 119.

The home at 15657 Pelican Cay Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $497,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

OCOEE FENWICK COVE

The home at 2689 Glenbuck Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 9, for $469,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,885 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 292 Wallrock Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 8, for $589,000. Built in 2010, it has six bedrooms,

four baths and 4,163 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.

MCCORMICK RESERVE

The home at 1227 Garrett Gil liam Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $470,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,689 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

PEACH LAKE MANOR

The home at 1707 Doreen Ave., Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $223,000. Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 851 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 15.

TWIN LAKES MANOR

The home at 1111 Caballero Road, Ocoee, sold Nov. 9, for $280,500. Built in 1980, it has three bed rooms, two baths and 1,597 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

WINDERMERE

RESERVE AT WINDERMERE

The home at 2510 Reserve Win dermere Court, Windermere, sold Nov. 8, for $2,990,000. To be built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,502 square feet of living area.

WINTER GARDEN

The home at 9726 Lounsberry Circle, Wind ermere, sold Nov. 10, for $3,600,000. Casa di Lusso, by ISSA Homes, features generous indoor liv ing space. Almost all rooms have a view of the pond.

LAKE AVALON GROVES

The home at 17077 Old Country Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $670,000. Built in 1961, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,760 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: 111.

MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 1811 Juniper Ham mock St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $700,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 85.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1207 Saddleback Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $809,660. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet of liv ing area. Days on market: Seven.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15412 Amberbeam Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $445,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,484 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

TUCKER OAKS

The townhouse at 1564 W. Scarlet Oak Loop, Unit B, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $329,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,544 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

TWINWATERS

The home at 16754 Gullfloss Ter race, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $925,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,670 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WALKERS GROVE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 764 Walker Grove Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $445,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,851 square feet of living area.

realtor.com

The home at 16754 Gullfloss Terrace, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $925,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Nov. 5 to 11.

The French Cafe

5855 Winter Garden-Vineland Rd Ste 160

Town of Windemere

Administration Bldg 614 Main Street

Sunset Park Elementary

WINTER GARDEN

Axum Coffee 146 W. Plant St.

Bridgewater Middle School

Foundation Academy

Lower School

Gymnastics USA 13175 W Colonial Dr

Pammie’s Sammies 121 S Boyd St

Roper YMCA 100 Windermere Rd

Winter Garden City Hall 300 W. Plant St

Winter Garden Farmer’s Market 104 S. Lakeview Ave. (SATURDAY ONLY)

Writer’s Block 32 W Plant St

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

2nd Campus: First Baptists Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110,

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Schwab Money Funds’ sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Funds, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Funds at any time. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For the most recent 7-day yields, see schwab.com. The 7-Day Yield is the average income paid out over the previous seven days assuming interest income is not reinvested and it reflects the effect of all applicable waivers. Absent such waivers, the fund’s yield would have been lower.

HIGH 5 STILL ALIVE

1The First Academy girls golf team won its fourth state cham pionship title with a total team score of 286 points Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Mission Inn Resort and Club. This was the second state title in three years for the Royals and the fourth title since 2017.

2The Windermere High School boys golf team placed third at the state championship meet that was supposed to take place Tuesday, Nov. 8, and Wednesday, Nov. 9. Be cause of Hurricane Nicole, the event was cut short a day. The Wolverines placed third, with a total of 303 points. The Jupiter War riors ended first with 297 points, and the Columbus Explorers second with a total of 301 points.

3Foundation Academy baseball players Braden Holcomb and Nate Seebs recently signed on their NIL deals with the Vanderbilt Commodores and the Maine Black Bears, respectively.

4The Ocoee High School girls varsity basketball team will host Evans High School at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; the girls varsity soc cer team will host Apopka High School at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; and the boys varsity soccer team will host Dr. Phillips High School at 7:35 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

And then, there were three. Following the first week of playoffs of the 2022-23 football season, two of the five local teams are out.

However, West Orange High School, Ocoee High School and The First Academy continue standing on the football field, their dreams of a state title still alive.

WEST ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL

The Warriors had a statement win against Steinbrenner High School in the first round of the playoffs — a 35-0 thrashing Saturday, Nov. 12, at home.

“I’m proud of the way the team played,” head football coach Geno Thompson said. “We’ve got to fix some penalties on offense. We had a lot of drive stall due to penalties.

5

The Horizon High School girls soc cer team won its season-opener against Lake Howell 6-1 Tuesday, Nov. 8. Junior Hannah Hidle scored a couple of penaltykick goals, while freshman Claudia Rodriguez Medina scored twice during the game. Janessa Crespo and Mackenzie Berly each contributed with one goal apiece.

Defense played lights out. When you hold a team that’s averaging 36 points a game to 0, that’s phenom enal.”

The Warriors’ offense took advan tage of the numerous opportunities to reach the end zone and scored its first touchdown late in the first quarter. By halftime, the Warriors had put two more touchdowns on the scoreboard.

“It’s really been a team effort; I don’t want to put all of it on me,” said wide receiver Jordyn Bridgewa ter, who hauled in four catches for a whopping 93 yards and a touch down. “It’s really a team effort,

Foundation Academy integrates Pursue 633 into athletic program

The new program further integrates Christian principles in all aspects of sports for the Lions.

Foundation Academy has imple mented a new program into its ath letic department — Pursue 633.

The program is based on Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Athletic Director Lisa Eaves said the idea came to her one day while on her way to school.

“I was praying one day … just about how to get our athletes, our coaches and our program moving in a way that reflects the mission and vision of the school and the mission and vision of the athletics — that what we do here is for the Kingdom of God and is not for our own gain,” she said.

Meetings for Pursue 633 take place at the beginning of the month and consist of three parts: 10 minutes of

Trey Newsome currently leads The First Academy football team in tackles and interceptions. Page 2B.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Wins by both West Orange and Ocoee have set up a local rematch of epic proportions. The Warriors and Knights clash this Friday.

Andrea Mujica

Courtesy photo

Trey Newsome

Tell us a little bit about your last season.

This past season, it’s been my first full season in football. My first three years, I had an injury at some point in the season. … So, this is my first full season, and I was lucky enough to be named a captain on the team.

How long have you been playing football?

I’ve played football since I can remember. My dad (Bob) was my coach. I think I’ve played since I was probably in kindergarten, so 5 or 6 years old.

Why football?

Originally, it was something I could do with my dad. Now, it’s a good combination for me with skill but also physicality and stamina. It’s a sport that has a lot of different factors. … You can be physical and technical, and it’s also a team sport, so you have to rely on other people.

Have you played any other sports?

Mainly, (my three sports have been) tennis, football and bas ketball. Football is definitely my favorite. It’s my passion and what I want to do in college.

What do you believe football has taught you not only on the field but also off of it?

Although you have to be physical, you have to be composed and keep your cool — it’s a nice balance. It’s also taught me the value of teamwork. … Football doesn’t end when the season ends. It’s hon estly just starting when the season ends. You have to constantly work at it after, and that’s what you have to do if you want to be good at anything in life — whether that’s football, your job or school.

What

For me, when I get on the field, I kind of flip a switch. I am not afraid to hit anybody, I’m not afraid to come down and make a tackle in the box even though I’m a little bit smaller. I’m not afraid to do any

THE BASICS

AGE: 17

GRADE: Senior SCHOOL: The First Academy TEAM: Football, tennis POSITION: Strong safety

is that I don’t have fear when I play. … It comes down to, ‘Are you able to commit 100% to what you are doing?’ And I feel like for me, it’s 100% commitment every play I make.

What are you going to miss most about playing high school foot ball with the Royals?

Well, it’s all I’ve known on the football field. It’s the only pro gram I’ve ever been a part of, so that’s something that’s going to be a change for me wherever I go.

I’m unsure of where I’m going to be playing next year in college, but it’s going to be different than what I’m used to. I’ll miss … the relationship that I have with my teammates (and) the coaches.

Coach (Leroy) Kinard has been my head coach through all my high school (years) and even was influential to me in middle school. So not having him there — it’s going to be something I’ll miss. … Even though the next stage of life is necessary and it’s going to be good, that’s definitely what I’m going to miss.

What would you like to study in college? Why?

I want to either major in biology or maybe sports medicine on a premed track. I want to be a surgeon for either orthopedic or trauma, so I want to go to med school.

What’s your favorite hobby? Probably fishing. I live near a lake, so I get to fish often. It’s some thing that me and my grandfather always used to do together. He kind of instilled that in me.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Probably to breathe underwater. I love the water. I love fishing, but I also love getting behind the boat and wakeboarding.

because without the O-Line, Trev er (Jackson) couldn’t get the ball to me. And without Trever, I can’t get the ball. I think I have contributed a lot to the success of this team, but I can’t take all the credit.”

Steinbrenner struggled to move the ball out of its side of the field throughout the game, and West Orange’s speed and accuracy allowed for long completions cou pled with a potent run game (137 yards total).

The win sets up a rematch with crosstown rivals Ocoee Friday, Nov. 18. In their first meeting Nov. 1, West Orange cruised to a 41-17 victory over the Knights. But, the Warriors know another win won’t be easy.

“We’ve got to continue to improve, fix the penalties, to help us be able to be successful on those drives — and just continue to love on each other,” Thompson said.

“This is my third consecutive year going to the playoffs,” Bridge water said. “I want to get further than what we got last year and the year before — (which was) third round — and win the state cham pionship.”

OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

After dropping two consecutive losses to Dr. Phillips (28-25) and West Orange (41-17) to close the regular season, the Ocoee Knights showed up when it mattered most — the playoffs.

The Knights traveled to Plant City Saturday, Nov. 12, to face a tough Durant Cougars team (8-3). Thanks to a monster game from running back Keyondray Jones (25 carries for 146 yards and one touchdown), the Knights took a 21-7 lead into halftime.

The Cougars started to stage a comeback in the third quarter with 12 unanswered points to push the score to 21-19. However, Ocoee weathered that storm and scored 21 points in the final frame and held the Cougars to eight.

The defense put up some Mad den-like numbers — 12 sacks — to keep Durant off balance.

The final score: 42-27.

Now, Ocoee is seeking revenge

as it faces West Orange in the sec ond round. The Knights lost to the Warriors 41-17 on Nov. 1.

OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

After a strong regular-season cam paign, Olympia faced East Lake in the first round of the Class 4A, Dis trict 5 playoffs.

However, the Titans were unable to get past the vaunted Eagles (101) and fell 31-20 Saturday, Nov. 12.

“It was a tough loss,” head foot ball coach Travis Gabriel said. “You hate to see your season end like that, but I’m very proud of what the kids did this year. Hopefully, this is something to look forward to in the future.”

In what was a battle of offensive lines, the Titans’ mistakes on the field cost them the game and, ulti mately, their season.

“We just made too many mis takes, too many costly mistakes, and you can’t make that many mis takes when you are playing against a team that’s as good as them,” Gabriel said. “They just capitalized on our mistakes and that’s what it came down to, the team that made the most mistakes was the team

that lost and unfortunately, we lost that game.”

LEGACY CHARTER

The Legacy Charter Eagles came up one game short as they fell 47-7 to Saint Stephen’s Episcopal in SSAC 5A State Championship Saturday, Nov. 12.

After what it was an incredible regular season with an overall 6-4 record, the Eagles made school history when it rumbled its way into the state championship game.

“It was a tough game; it was a tough loss,” head football coach Ryan Locuson said. “But, all in all, looking at it from our season per spective, we had a great season. Definitely went the furthest that any team has gone here at Legacy. Our guys fought hard all year — left everything out on the field — so I can’t be upset at them. All in all, it was a great year, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

THE FIRST ACADEMY

The Royals are waiting patiently for their first game of the playoffs against University Christian Fri day, Nov. 18.

W.O. BASEBALL BOOSTER CLUB TO HOST THANKSGIVING BASEBALL CAMP

ticipants must attend the camp in baseball gear and bring a bat, a glove and some water with them.

For more information about the camp and how to register, email wobaseballbooster@gmail. com or visit warriorupbaseball. com.

do you believe makes you unique on the football field?

The First Academy senior and strong safety Trey Newsome was named captain during his last season with the Royals and currently leads his team in tackles (77) and is tied for team-best in interceptions (four).

Andrea Mujica

The Warriors’ offense found the end zone often during the game against Steinbrenner.

A principaled approach

PURSUE 633 PRINCIPLES

n Lions Travel in Prides: To teach teams to stand together as teammates as leaders and followers.

n Lions are Protec tors: To teach teams to protect one another and stand up for team mates as well as look out for the weak.

n Lions Pursue: To teach athletes to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteous ness, then all other things will be added.

“the challenge;” 10 minutes of talk time — where individual coaches sit down and talk to their athletes; and 10 minutes of prayer time.

“Imagine 11 or 12 teams ranging from seventh to 12th grade sitting in the gym, and you can hear a pin drop,” Eaves said.

The first challenge of the program discussed during the first meeting was learning that if there is no know ing of Christ, there can be no pursuit of Christ.

“We really just shared the gos pel with the kids, and the questions that we posed was, ‘If you were to die today, where would you spend eter nity?’” Eaves said.

The school then tackled the second challenge — the meaning of worship.

“It’s defined as reverence and ado ration to a deity, and what I talked to the student athletes was that we are always going to worship something or someone,” Eaves said. “In athlet ics, it’s very easy to worship the god of self, the god of statistics, the god of the scoreboard, the god of your win and loss record. So, the challenge was, ‘How do you take your sport and your love of (your sport) and use it as a source of worship for Christ?’”

To respond the question, the Lions considered Colossians 3:23: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Pursue 633 allows coaches and athletic leaders to integrate faithbased teachable moments during practices.

“It’s a process,” Eaves said. “(But)

the feedback is positive. One of my athletes asked me — and this encour aged me, ‘Are you still going to do Pursue 633 for the winter (season)?’ And I said, ‘Yes,’ (and to that) he said, ‘Good.’ That’s good because it was just a little thing that told me that they are listening and that it may be something that they look forward to.”

The word “team” has been dis cussed heavily since the Lions installed Pursue 633.

“What I have seen probably in the last 10 years or longer, is that there’s been such a shift to individual train ing,” Eaves said. “Kids are going to a weight training coach, speed and agility, because it’s all about getting better. They say it’s for the team, but really is about ‘myself’ and what ‘I’ want and what ‘I’ want to achieve — which is not a bad thing. But as Christians, they can become (like) God and idols (in their minds), and so, I really felt like, ‘Hey we are a Christian school, so we should look different. We should sound differ ent.”

This program is allowing coaches at Foundation Academy to become comfortable with the process of dis cipleship and obtain the tools they need to do so.

“I was really trying to change the culture of athletics here, and I just really felt that God was saying, ‘OK, here’s a start. Here’s a way to begin to challenge your athletes and your coaches — and give your coaches some tools to discipleship as they coach, they practice and they inter act with the kids,’” Eaves said.

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

ANN SUGHRUE SPEARS

DIED NOV. 6, 2022.

Ann Sughrue Spears, of Windermere, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022.

Ann was born on July 14, 1933, in Charleston, South Carolina, the fourth of five children, to the late Dr. John Sughrue and Barbara (Grice) Sughrue. Ann achieved her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from College of Charleston in 1955.

She met and married her late hus band, Gene Spears, while he was in the U.S. Navy stationed in Charleston that same year. Ann lived most of her life in Windermere, where she was a longtime parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, Florida, and member of the Winder mere Garden Club. Ann enjoyed read ing, boating, traveling, and attending and watching FSU football games.

She is survived by her son, Charles Spears Jr.; her son, John, and wife, Nancy (Dougherty); her son, Paul, and wife, Alicia (Ulibarri); her daughter, Barbara (Spears) and David Hamre; five grandchildren, Alexander, Aus tin, Hunter, Paige with husband,

Austin Beltz, and Savannah; and one great-grandchild, William.

She was predeceased by her broth er, John Jr.; and sisters, Mary, Barbara and Jean.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Resurrection Catholic Church, Winter Garden. She will be laid to rest in Winter Garden Cem etery immediately following the Mass. Memorial donations in Ann’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, alzheimersre searchfoundation.com, or Alzheim er’s Foundation of America, alzfdn. org/donate. For service times or to share a message of sympathy with her family, visit dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/11005669.

Courtesy of Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

KIMBERLY ALSHAKUR, CITRUS ELEMENTARY

Kimberly Alshakur is the food service manager at Citrus Elementary School. “Her exceptional leadership qualities in this capacity have led to a positive work ing environment; highly efficient opera tions; and a focus on student health, nutrition and wellbeing,” Principal Robert L. Walker said. “She is a great asset for our school and just a wonderful person.”

What brought you to your school?

I applied for the food service manager position at Citrus Elementary.

What do you love most about your school?

What I love most about my school is the administration, my team and my parents. I especially thank my parents, because they entrust me on a daily basis to ensure their loved ones have a nutritional balanced meal every day.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is getting up every morning, putting a smile on the stu dents’ faces and understanding this may be their only meal for the day. However, giving them a heathy meal with a smile is satisfaction guaranteed for me.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing children come for breakfast and lunch — and giving me their feedback on how the food was presented.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to journal about my day and how I can make it a better tomorrow.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

My favorite teacher in school was my science teacher, who was such a loving and caring person.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why?

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Food service manager

TIME AT SCHOOL: Three years at Citrus, nine with OCPS

Growing up, I wanted to be a lawyer and be a voice for the underdogs — the widows and orphans.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

I loved “Sleeping Beauty.” I always wanted to be a princess.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I love smooth jazz, Christmas clas sics and instrumental worship music. These are great for relaxing after a long day and great to accompany me on a long drive home.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remem ber?

I always loved Pizza Day in school.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love this time of the year for giving.

I love the joy that it brings and the excitement to families’ lives. Also, December is my birthday month!

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

Stacey was my best friend growing up, but we are not in touch now.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

I ran track and field when I was a student.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Foundation Academy artists spread Christmas cheer in Windermere

Ten art students from the school painted the wall outside Vintage Realty in the town of Windermere with a vibrant holiday theme on Saturday, Nov. 12.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Foundation Academy students met in the town of Windermere to spread some early Christmas joy Saturday, Nov. 12.

Ten students from the school’s AP Art and Portfolio class worked to paint a colorful holiday theme on the wall outside of local Windermere business Vintage Realty.

Each year, Vintage Realty rotates between schools to paint its mural. The business typically requests Foun dation Academy and The First Acad emy.

Although this is only the school’s second time participating in the proj ect, Upper School art teacher Janelle Bell said it is an opportunity the stu dents have looked forward to each year.

As part of the art classes, students are members of the National Art Honor Society, an organization that requests its members to participate in an outreach project for the com munity.

“This is a way for them to come out and do something together and par ticipate in a local outreach,” Bell said.

The students met at 6:45 a.m. and worked a majority of the day to paint vibrant ornaments with a holiday message on the side of the building. Bell said the image is selected by Vin tage Realty every year and the students work to replicate the graphic.

Junior Erika Kime, 16, said she worked mostly on the rendering of certain ornaments and painting where it was needed.

“I love that art doesn’t have a spe cific language — it’s universal,” she said. “Everyone can connect to it, and it has so many different versions of meaning and beauty.”

Kime said the project was a great opportunity because it allowed the students to learn outside of the class room environment.

“It doesn’t feel like a school assign ment,” she said. “It feels like a fun project that we can do in the commu nity and spread some Christmas joy.”

Ruby Berthole, 17, and a senior at Foundation Academy, said she mostly

worked on the shading and highlight ing of the ornaments to make them come to life.

Berthold said art helps her express herself and show others what goes on in her mind through a physical image rather than words.

“It’s cool being able to take what we learned in the classroom and apply it to real life,” she said. “We also get to give back to our community in a way.”

VIEW THE MURAL: Vintage Realty, 501 Main St., Windermere

Annabelle Sikes

Ruby Berthole, Chase Lyman, Tran Nguyen, Delaney Crockett and Erika Kime.

Right: Senior Ruby Berthole shaded the side of a Christmas ornament.

Foundation Academy’s AP Art and Portfolio class painted the mural outside Vintage Realty.

READING REINDEER RECIPIENT: Eight Waves

BIN LOCATIONS

WINTER GARDEN

n Winter Garden Farmer’s Market, 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Eight Waves is making a splash in West Orange with its commitment to underserved communities. The Winter Garden nonprofit organi zation offers healthy support sys tems to children and families — and this includes reading intervention, reading buddies, one-on-one tutor ing and getting more books into the hands of babies.

“It is essential to get books into kids’ hands, because reading can help a child develop their language and commu nication skills as well as social skills,” said Kelly Carr, director of operations and programs for Eight Waves. “Tru ly, reading is a basic building block of learning, and studies have shown that having books in the home can increase a student’s language development and academic success.”

This year, Eight Waves is partnering with Observer Media Group’s Reading Reindeer literacy campaign, which has provided new books to underserved children enrolled in local programs for 25 years.

“We love the Reading Reindeer program, because it brings books to children who might not have books in their homes,” Carr said. “Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn, so it is very important for children of all ages to have access to books at home.”

Fifty-six children are enrolled in Eight Waves’ free after-school pro gram, which focuses on reading inter vention and mentorship.

“We build relationships by estab lishing trust through our eight ini tiatives to empower them to create lasting change in their own lives and communities,” Carr said.

Eight Waves was founded by Sara Meyer after she saw a need for support and resources for young people living in poverty in Central Florida.

During her time with the children, Meyer said, she noticed the students

struggling with reading, lacking con fidence and looking for direction.

After a few months of research, dedication and building trust with in under-resourced communities, Meyer developed eight initiatives to break generational poverty: reading intervention; mentorship; birthday parties; single mom program; life experiences; family stability; books for babies; and hygiene help.

She connected with the West Orange Dream Center, on East Plant Street in Winter Garden, and now provides support.

In 2021, the Eight Waves curricu lum focused on reading skills, helping children from ages 2 to 18 stay on track developmentally and increase their world through reliance and an ability to confidently read.

Meyer said reading is the most popular initiative and the most needed. The partnership with Read ing Reindeer will further boost Eight Waves’ literacy campaign.

“This program helps support the community and Eight Waves by pro viding books to children and families

READING READY FOR 25 YEARS

The Reading Reindeer is collect ing children’s books for its 25th year. Observer Media Group is counting on the West Orange community to help in collect ing and delivering new books to children at Christmastime.

The deadline to donate books for children from birth to age 17 is Dec. 1. Checks payable to Reading Reindeer can be sent to the West Orange Times & Ob server, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, FL 34787.

This year’s book distribution list includes children served by the West Orange Christian Service Center; Winter Garden, Ocoee and Oakland police de partments; Community Health Centers; and Edgewood Chil dren’s Ranch.

that may not be able to afford them, and it also encourages children to read,” Carr said. “Children who strug gle with reading can also have feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. By providing these books, it helps to sup port healthy childhood development.”

TAKE A HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Eight Waves is hosting a Holiday Tour of Homes Dec. 17, presented by Meritage Homes and The Keewin Real Property Company. This new holiday experience will take place in Oakland and Winter Garden, where participants will experience a unique evening of touring four estate homes, all decked out in holiday finery. The event includes live music, a food tour that begins with appetizers and ends with decadent desserts.

All monies raised from this event will be donated to the Eight Waves mission of building relationships and trust for children and families through eight initiatives to empower lasting change in their lives.

Tickets include a progressive din ner, drinks, desserts and transporta tion from home to home. Participants can also upgrade their tickets with a VIP horse-drawn carriage ride to see the holiday lights. Tickets are limited and are available for four different times: 5, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.

Food and beverage sponsors include Crooked Can, Market to Table, Mill er’s Ale House, The Southern on 8th, Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, Cheers Liquor Store, Worthy Cakes and Nosh Popcorn. Other sponsors are Orlando Health, Seacoast Bank, Carr’s Floor ing America, HomeRun Pest Control, Schmid Construction, Foshee Con struction, Clancy & Theys Construc tion, We Are Winter Garden, City of Winter Garden, One Winter Garden, Farm Nine, The Bacha Family, J & J Building, Hope Church and Imagine that Promo.

For more, visit eightwaves.org/ holiday-tour-of-homes.

n Axum Coffee, 146 W. Plant St.

n City of Winter Garden, 300 W. Plant St.

n Roper YMCA, 100 Windermere Road

n Writer’s Block, 32 W. Plant St.

n Pammie’s Sammies, 121 S. Boyd St.

n Gymnastics USA, 13175 W. Colonial Drive

n Winter Garden Library, 805 E. Plant St.

n Foundation Academy, 125 E. Plant St.

OCOEE

n House Blend Café, 17030 W. Colonial Drive

n Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lake shore Drive

n Ocoee Police Department, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway

WINDERMERE

n Windermere Administrative Building, 614 Main St.

OAKLAND

n Oakland Town Hall, 220 N. Tubb St.

DR. PHILLIPS

n Dr Phillips YMCA, 7000 Dr. Phil lips Blvd., Orlando

n St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando

HORIZON WEST

n Bridgewater Middle, 5600 Tiny Road, Winter Garden

n Sunset Park Elementary, 12050

Overstreet Road, Windermere

n The French Café, 16412 New Independence Parkway, Suite 140, Winter Garden

n The French Café, 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite 160

ORLANDO

n The First Academy, 2667 Bruton Blvd.

The Observer is collecting new books for children from birth to age 17 to be delivered to those in need just before the holidays.

Courtesy

Volunteers at Eight Waves help children improve their reading skills.

OLD TIMES

80 years ago

Mattie H. Farmer, of Ocoee, was sworn in as judge of the Orange County Juvenile Court.

Maj. George McMillan paid a visit to the Army Air Forces Basic Flying School near Walnut Ridge to see his kid brother, Aviation Cadet Malcolm McMillan, who was training there — and he found himself lecturing the cadets about his exploits in China with the Flying Tigers.

Leaving Winter Garden for Camp Blanding were Robert L. Smith Jr., Michael Roper, George Bray, Jim Sadler, Charles McMillan and Em mette Brantley.

70 years ago

The junior class at Lakeview High School presented the annual class play in the auditorium. The threeact comedy was “Eighteen Carat Boob,” by Lillian Mortimer.

50 years ago

Vera Carter and Joan Chase held a coffee at the Carter home for Windermere residents to meet Kathy Matheison, a candidate for Windermere Town Council.

40 years ago

The 1982 West Orange Debutantes were honored with a brunch at the Lake Buena Vista Club. Hostesses were Annette Spigener, Merilyn Field, Elise Bradford and Nancy Barber.

It was a 10-year dry spell on the football fields for Mount Dora High School until Hal Cuddy, of Winter Garden, took over as head coach and took the MDHS Hurricanes to the 2A District 10 championship game.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Walter Moore, a longtime citrus industry employee, drove a brilliant red Farmall tractor along Plant Street in the Winter Garden Centennial Parade. It was held in December 2002 as one of several events held to mark the city’s upcoming 100th birthday. The Winter Garden Heritage Museum and its iconic caboose are seen in the background. Though Winter Garden was officially incorporated in 2008, paperwork was filed in 2003 attesting to the desire of local citizens to have their growing city recognized and made viable. The little farming village on the south shore of Lake Apopka — originally smaller than Oakland, Ocoee and even Crown Point — would in a few decades be the largest citrus shipping point on the planet.

The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archives and maintains a wealth of information on the region’s his tory. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

30 years ago

The Rails to Trails was still in the works. Discussions were being held by the city of Winter Garden for the proposed program that would go through the downtown area.

The Winter Garden Players held their first awards banquet, and “Carnival!” came out on top. Best Show, “Carnival!” directed by Aubrey Connelly; Best Male Lead, Adrian Ahern as Jacquot in “Carnival!”; Best Female Lead,

tie between Tina Michael as Lucy in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and Diane Scott in “Broad way Medley”; Best Supporting Male, Arnold Passcucci as Marco in “Carnival!”; Best Supporting Female, Mary Biddle as Rosalee in “Carnival!”; Best Small Group, Adrian Ahern, R.C. Loveland, Bill Larkin and Tina Michael in “The Book Report” from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”; and Best Large Group, “Cirque de Paris,” “Carnival!” choreographed by

Kathryn Snelson.

Annette Welsh received special recognition for her work on the costumes, and Ruth Sowers for her technical direction.

20 years ago

Diamond R Fertilizer recognized Arthur Smith for 42 years of faithful service. He never missed a single day of his nearly 11,000 days of work.

NOV. 17, 1977

Most of us rely on one phone now — and it goes nearly everywhere with us. In 1977, Florida Telephone was introduc ing a deal for customers with one landline and one phone who wanted to add a telephone extension. In an advertisement in The Winter Garden Times, the phone company said extension phones save steps and time, decorator phones add elegance to your home, and extensions cost only pennies a day.

“Think of how many steps and how much time you can save with an extension phone in the kitchen, at bedside, on the patio or other areas of your home,” the ad read. It listed other places where an exten sion could save steps, too: Garage, workshop, darkroom, utility room, family room and poolside.

JUMBO FREESTYLE 5 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Ross Trudeau

By Luis Campos

Celebrating 50 years of Community

“The West Orange Chamber provides us with an opportunity to do our part as business leaders in the community. No matter our level of commitment, we know we are helping by being connected through this collective knowledge and voice that the Chamber has impressively assembled over the last 50 years.”