06.15.23 Southwest Orange Observer

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YOUR TOWN

HELP RECOGNIZE JUNETEENTH IN OCOEE

Take us out to the ballgame Storyteller

Several individuals and organizations are coming together for the rst Juneteenth Resource and Cultural Arts Festival in Ocoee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at Bill Breeze Park, 125 Lakeshore Drive. Annette Priceless Brown and Ti any L. Kelly, of The Morning After Center for Hope and Healing Inc., are partnering and sponsoring the event in conjunction with Sen. Geraldine Thompson and Rep. Lavon Bracy-Davis. The city of Ocoee also is cosponsoring the event.

The celebration will include music by deejay Sir Knight Train and performances by Lydea Strickland, Edgez Dance, Shawn Welcome, CFC Arts and Derek Harris. Community resources such as Central Florida Diaper Bank, Legal Aid Society, Boys & Girls Clubs, Valencia College and the Supervisor of Elections will participate as well. Register by emailing Brien. Michael@FLSenate.gov.

CITY OF OCOEE OPENING ACTION SPORTS PARK

The city of Ocoee is celebrating the grand opening of its new Ocoee Action Sports Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 21. Attendees can show up with their skateboards and BMX bikes to try out the new facility.

There will be a ra e drawing for a skateboard and BMX bike, and refreshments will be served. For information, call (407) 905-3180.

Horizon West resident, author and ghostwriter

ONP SEEKS HELP FOR NATURE FEST

Oakland Nature Preserve is making plans for its second Nature Fest, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 — but for it to be a success, sponsors and vendors are needed. Folks who connect people with nature, tell the history of local environmental challenges, create nature-inspired art or o er sustainable living ideas — as well as ONP community partners and other nature-inspired vendors — are welcome to register or sign up as an event sponsor.

Registration and information are available at oaklandnaturepreserve.wildapricot.org/ naturefest.

Winter Garden approves Tilden Road proposal

City commissioners said the proposed project is better than anything that would come to the area through Orange County. SEE PAGE 6A.

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

Laura Schaefer released recently her newest title, ‘A Long Way From Home.’

STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Meet the 2023 student writers for Summer School Zone. PAGE 5B.

Courtesy photos

Laura Schaefer has had a love of reading and writing for her whole life.

Jolly Jamboree to become Ocoee’s signature Christmas experience

The city of Ocoee will move forward with only one signature Christmas event this year.

The Ocoee City Commission at its Tuesday, June 6, meeting voted to cancel its Christmas Parade, an annual tradition that stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead, the city will offer its Jolly Jamboree as the main holiday event.

Commissioner Richard Firstner was absent from the meeting.

“Last year we held it; we had a great turnout, great response from the community and a lot of people came out on a Saturday night and participated in it,” Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen said of the jamboree. “We had participation from the local schools; the kids came out, it was a great community event. I’d like to see us stay with the Jolly Jamboree and not do the parade because if you can do two mediocre events or you can do one good event. …

To me, it was a classy event. We had

carolers (who) roamed the street. We had students who came and did their activities. … It was just a fun event for everyone, and I’d like to stay with it.”

Prior to 2020, the Ocoee Christmas Parade was hosted annually and organized by the Ocoee Lions Club on the first Saturday of the month of December. However, since COVID-19, the Lions Club has seen a decline in membership — according to the agenda — and that has caused the club to not be able to organize the parade.

“If we do the Jolly Jamboree, maybe we up it more and do it a little bit better,” Mayor Rusty Johnson said.

The commission approved the measure unanimously, with Firstner absent, to focus solely on the planning of the Jolly Jamboree and not host the Ocoee Christmas Parade again.

THE REGENCY

More apartments and shops are coming to Ocoee.

The City Commission approved with conditions the large scale final plan and first amendment to The Regency Mixed-Use Development. The development sits within the Community Redevelopment

IN OTHER NEWS

Area Special Overlay District, which is titled CRA Target Area 1.

The Regency Mixed-Use Development will include 300 luxury multi-family units in seven buildings. Building 1 will consist of 12 units and about 7,000 square feet of retail space. Building 2 will consist of 32 units consisting of studios and one- and three-bedroom apartments. These two buildings will be located on 16.68 acres on the north side of the extension of Old Winter Garden Road and have two access points.

Buildings 3 and 4 will have a total of 88 units between the two consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Buildings 5, 6 and 7 will total 168 unites also consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. These buildings and the development’s clubhouse will be located on the south side of the extension of Old Winter Garden Road and also will have two access points. The dog park and a storm -

The Ocoee City commission proclaimed June 2023 as Small Cities Month, encouraging President Joe Biden, Congress, state governments and di erent organizations and business as well as all citizens to “recognize this event, and to work together this month and throughout the year to invest in small cities and towns to better the lives of all citizens.”

The commission unanimously approved, with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent, all items of the consent agenda. These included the approval of new appointments to the Citizen Advisory Council for Ocoee Fire Department, the approval of the one-year extension of the contracts with two emergency-disaster debris removal companies and the approval of the demolition of the structure of the property located at 182 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.

water pond also will be located on this side of the development.

“This has been a pretty long process,” said Daniel O’Keefe, partner at the Shutts & Bowen LLP law firm, in representation of the developer.

“This process has changed the project dramatically from what was originally presented to match up with the city’s vision of this area. … We are very excited about this project. We think it’s going to be

The commission performed the rst reading of an ordinance for an LDC update for Articles II and VI, as well as Table 5-1 regarding surface materials, pet care services and correction of scrivener’s errors. This item will be brought back for further discussion Tuesday, June 20.

The commission approved unanimously, with Firstner absent, the ordinance ratifying a resolution that rescinds the call for a special election to elect a District 4 commissioner that would have taken place Friday, June 23, and is now set to take place March 19, 2024, coinciding with the Orange County Municipal Election day and the Presidential Preference Primary date.

The commission approved unanimously, with Firstner absent, the distribution of funds of the Ocoee Neighborhood Matching Grant to the 11 HOA applicants for a total of $21,500.

great to start the development and extend Winter Garden Road and this whole area.”

The conditions for approval included that all final staff comments were revised to staff’s satisfaction and the approval of the accompanying first amendment to the Development Agreement.

LEVELING UP

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings delivered his fifth State of the County address Friday, June 9, at the Orange County Convention Center.

The mayor highlighted last year’s accomplishments and discussed the future of the county through this year’s theme — “Taking It To The Next Level.”

Demings touched on an array of topics, including tourism and hospitality; economic development and business; education; affordable housing; environment; community; public safety; and arts and entertainment.

“This has been a year of significant achievements, record-breaking tourism numbers and strong economic growth,” Demings said. “It has also been a year of triumphs, hardships and challenges that only Mother Nature could deliver.”

GROWING ECONOMY

More than 50% of the state’s population lives in only seven counties; one of them being Orange County.

Orange County is the fifth mostpopulated county in Florida and now exceeds 1.5 million residents. Demings said the economy has come back strong and the county is thriving.

“The county boasts healthy reserves and outstanding bond ratings,” he said. “We continue to receive Fitch’s highest triple-A rating across the board, and this has not changed for many years. Economists predict a mild recession is anticipated sometime in the next 12 months, but our healthy financial reserves will help us navigate the turbulent times and weather the storms ahead.”

STORM STRIKE

One of the first topics Demings addressed was the impact of Hurricane Ian — one of the most powerful storms to hit Florida in decades.

“It was recorded as a 500-year flood, which struck our community and left thousands without power or livable homes,” he said. “Many residents were affected by the floods, and some remain in alternative housing eight months later.”

Demings said the county truly came together in a time of need, with the Orange County Fire Rescue teams visiting vulnerable communities such as 80 mobile homes and more than 100 nursing homes, and public works crews checking stormwater infrastructure and ponds. In addition, about 1,600 evacuees housed in a safe place at local schools converted into shelters and emergency personnel and equipment were staged at the convention center.

During the storm, OCFR teams rescued 1,700 residents and their pets.

Centers opened to provide refuge to those whose homes were damaged, Federal Emergency Management Agency teams assessed affected areas to assist with disaster claims, the county worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families to set up food-assistance programs, the public works department coordinated with the South Florida Water Management District to discharge flood waters, and debris removal teams collected almost 8,000 truckloads of debris.

The county’s response also included community outreach, communications and a strong partnership with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Orange County was provided with $243 million in federal funding to help

meet the needs of the community from HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and FEMA.

HOUSING HELP

Demings said a portion of the awarded funding will be used to help fill a gap for people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness.

Almost 60% of renters in Florida are cost-burdened — meaning they spend more than 30% of their household income on rent — and 71% of the state’s low-income renters also are cost-burdened.

“We have aggressively addressed individuals and families at risk of being evicted through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding,” Demings said. “To date, $40 million has kept more than 15,000 individuals in their homes through Orange County’s Emergency Rental Assistance program.”

The county developed the Housing for All Action Plan and created the first Housing Trust Fund with a $160 million commitment in 2019.

Since 2019, more than 2,000 affordable housing units have been built or are under development.

This year, the county also opened the Office of Tenant Services and has already assisted 1,200 tenants and landlords.

TOURISM TAKEOVER

Over the last couple of years, Demings said the county has seen the tourism and hospitality industry make a strong comeback.

He said the theme parks have even been doing their part to increase workforce housing.

Universal Orlando Resort is building 1,000 high-quality, affordable and mixed-income housing units on 20 acres of land in the heart of the tourist

corridor, and Walt Disney World has brought on a developer to build more than 1,300 high-quality, workforce housing units on 80 acres of designated land.

“Thanks to the attractions, hotels, restaurants, sporting venues, arts and other amenities, we are the No. 1 tourist destination in the world,” Demings said. “We are thrilled that 74 million visitors came to Orange County in 2022. …Our spectacular theme parks and numerous attractions in Orange County are committed to creating transformational experiences for our visitors and residents.”

Demings noted Disney’s new roller coaster, the TRON Lightcycle Run Roller Coaster, already is one of the most popular rides at the theme park. EPIC Universe, the newest park planned for Universal Orlando, is set to open in 2025 as the largest park to be built by Universal Orlando. SeaWorld also just launched its new standing roller coaster — Pipeline.

The convention center has hosted more than 80 events including three — the PGA Show, Open Championship Cheer and Dance, and MegaCon — which alone netted $364 million in economic impact.

The center is on track to reach 159 events and generate $2.8 billion in economic impact.

TRANSPORTATION & TECHNOLOGY

The Transportation Sales Tax Referendum on the November ballot did not pass, so Demings said the county is continuing to explore funding options to improve the transportation system.

“We will soon announce an interim plan to incrementally move us forward toward improving our transportation system and making our roadways safer,” he said. “In the meantime, Vision Zero is part of our long-range efforts to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.”

The County Commission voted to adopt Vision Zero in August, a strategy to design safer roads to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

In 2022, the county invested $7.3 million in ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps and pedestrian-related safety improvements. Terminal C, which will accommodate an additional 10 million to 12 million passengers annually, opened at the Orlando International Airport, and Brightline’s Passenger Rail Station was unveiled.

“Improved transportation options allow Orange County to move the needle and expand the number of technology companies and related jobs,” Demings said.

Orange County is set to soon launch its Center for Innovation, Design and Inclusion focused on tackling community issues and the new Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine — a $200 million investment in West Orange County — will open come 2024.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS

The county created the Green PLACE program to preserve, enhance and restore environmentally sensitive lands nearly three decades ago.

“Every day, we make a choice that can impact our environment and God’s green Earth,” Demings said.

“We remain committed to this program and plan to preserve an additional 23,000 acres by 2030. … The need to preserve green space and provide residents with areas to enjoy nature is fundamental to a growing and sustainable community.”

The county opened the Hamlin Water Reclamation Facility — the first to open in 30 years — which will serve 40,000 residents and expand the use of reclaimed-water infrastructure.

This year has also brought on a record number of park openings for the county, including the Magnolia Park Eco Education Building and the skate park at Barnett Park, as well as groundbreakings for Summerlake Park, Tabor Field Park and the Dr. Phillips Little League Complex.

PUBLIC SAFETY/COMMUNITY

Demings said he is proud of the men and women who risk their lives to ensure the safety of the community.

A new 30,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art training facility will break ground this summer and open late 2024. The facility is equipped with classrooms, apparatus bays, a simulation lab, a three-story burn building and two five-story drill towers.

To serve the rapidly growing Horizon West community, the county also opened Fire Station 44.

The county reconvened the Citizens Safety Task Force and has committed $2 million for prevention and intervention initiatives with most of it awarded to small, grassroots nonprofit organizations.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings highlighted the county’s achievements and plans for the future during his State of the County address Friday, June 9.

Courtesy photo

This year’s State of the County address included live performances from several organizations.

Imagination, passion fuels local wordsmith

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Horizon West resident Laura Schaefer, 43, said she realized her passion for reading and writing at a young age.

“I was one of those kids (who) could walk and read at the same time,” she said. “It’s pretty obvious what my thing was, but I didn’t really realize it until college or after. I didn’t really know any authors, so it didn’t really seem possible. But then in college … I actually got the chance to meet some writers, and it started to feel more real.”

Now, Schaefer’s dreams are coming to life, most recently with the release of her new book, published less than a year ago: “A Long Way From Home.”

ADOLESCENT AUTHOR

Schaefer, who was born and raised in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin, was always involved in books and writing.

She was the editor of the school newspaper and had an internship at the University of Wisconsin Press.

She always knew she wanted to do something with books, so when she graduated, she started freelance writing and took any assignment she could get.

When she wasn’t writing, she worked jobs in restaurants to support herself financially.

In addition to freelance writing, Schaefer has always had an interest in writing novels for middle-grade readers in the tween age group.

“I was such a huge reader at that age myself,” she said. “I was obsessed with ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ books. … It’s such an important and impressionable age … I really like that age group. I think kids at that time are really open to the world and figuring out who they are. The other more practical reason for it is as I was becoming an author it was a very rapidly growing market.”

Although the first book she ever wrote was a nonfiction book about the history of personal advertisements in 2005, before moving to Florida in 2015, Schaefer had already published two books for the age level: “The Teashop Girls,” in 2008 and its sequel, “The Secret Ingredient.”

ORLANDO INSPIRATION

Schaefer said her family — husband, Brad, and daughter, Ellie, 9 — moved to Florida in pursuit of a warmer and more outdoor lifestyle. The three also had the benefit of other family members living in the area.

The family bought their house in Summerport in 2016 and have been there ever since.

Schaefer released her next novel, “Littler Women,” in 2017; a retelling of the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott with a modern twist.

That same year, Schaefer began her work as a full-time nonfiction ghostwriter. She is now a member of the Association of Ghostwriters and works nationally.

“That means people come to me who want to write a book but have never written a book before, so they hire me to do it for them,” she said. “It’s really interesting and satisfying work. It gives me insight into a lot of different humans and their expertise.”

Schaefer said she tries to do about two of the nonfiction works a year, when she is not working on her fiction novels.

In 2018, Schaefer began to work on her most recent novel, “A Long Way From Home.”

“A Long Way From Home” takes place on the space coast, where main character Abby meets two boys — Adam and Bix — who tell her they are “a long way from home” and need her help.

“Abby discovers they’re from the future, from a time when all the problems of the 21st century have been solved,” the book’s description reads. “Thrilled, Abby strikes a deal with them: She’ll help them — if they let her come to the future with them. But soon, Abby is forced to question her attachment to a perfect future and her complicated feelings about the present.”

Schaefer said a combination of switching publishers and the pandemic pushed back the release of the new book.

“Part of the story is that my main character has moved to Florida from out-of-state — and that was an experience I had that I wanted to write about — and how she sort of grapples with that and kind of comes to really appreciate Florida in the end, just like how I have,” Schaefer said. “That was a component of it; I wanted to write a moving story. The other thing I remember being really aware of is that even though it was before COVID, there was a lot of just churn in the news and in everybody’s attitude about things being wrong in the world, and I thought (about) how would a younger person think about that. I really wanted to create a hopeful story where we could think about things getting better in the future instead of worse. I wanted to write an optimistic book and I think honestly being in the sunshine made me optimistic and made me feel good and I wanted to put that on the page.”

Schaefer said she thinks Walt Disney World does an outstanding job of portraying future optimism, and the Epcot vibe specifically inspired her to want to capture that in her novel as well, which is why the story

LEARN MORE

WEBSITE: lauraschaeferwriter.com

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/lauraschaeferwriter EMAIL LAURA: ljsch22@gmail.com BUY THE BOOK: lernerbooks. com/shop/show/21800

She is in a book club in Summerport, and all the members of the group have read the book and have been promoting it.

Schaefer will engage in free Zoom calls with classrooms where the students have read the book to discuss it and answer questions. She said this has been an amazing experience.

Nancy Chybowski, a fifth-grade teacher at Langlade Elementary School in Wisconsin, said she read the book out loud to her class, and they loved it.

“We had wonderful conversations around character development, growing up and changing parental relationships, and dealing with changes and anxiety,” she said.

“Laura does a great job explaining how Abby experiences anxiety and life changes that so many of our children experience. This is a great book for fifth-grade through adults, especially for parents who are experiencing a changing relationship with their preteen child.”

“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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involves time travel.

In composing the book, Schaefer said the most exciting part for her to write was when the main character has the opportunity to see the future using technology from the boys.

“Writing those scenes felt so freeing, cool and just imaginative,” she said.

However, getting the plot and the pacing right were the most difficult parts of creating the story.

Although Schaefer said writing a book can be lonely at times, the reality is many people have to help, and she is a fan of making the final product a team effort.

“It feels great; I’m so happy with how it turned out,” she said. “I love the overall look; I’m just really pleased with the whole package of it. Because I know that this is years of a journey; it’s just so amazing to finally see it all come together. It’s a huge effort on my part and everyone else’s involved.”

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Since the new book’s release, Schaefer has received a lot of positive reviews.

Because her most recent book is her most sophisticated book and her adult characters are fully realized, Schaefer said some people have told her she should write a novel for adults. Although she said she is currently undecided on the idea, she said she is a bit scared of the prospect.

However, Schaefer believes she has overcome the hardest obstacles and looks forward to the future of her writing.

“I just know this is who I am and what I do, which is very freeing,” she said.

Currently, Schaefer is not working on any fiction pieces and is waiting to see what idea grabs her next.

She is finishing up a ghost-written book and plans to take on another project in August.

She said her daughter has been encouraging her to write a graphic novel.

When she is not writing, Schaefer enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the Disney parks, adventuring outside, and running and walking in the mornings.

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File photo

The rst book Laura Schaefer published in Florida was “Littler Women.”

Courtesy photo

Laura Schaefer lives in Horizon West with her husband, Brad, and daughter, Ellie.

efficient and update the processes. … to the point where customers sometimes look for something that’s changed and they can’t figure it out. They just notice that maybe there is quicker service, better drinks, better beer choices and they convince themselves they’ve seen something that’s changed, and (truly) it didn’t change.”

Two fundamental activities at Tony’s Liquors however did change after Anderson and Dudek acquired the place: There is no smoking allowed inside the bar anymore, and karaoke nights were reduced from Tuesdays and Fridays — twice a week — to only Tuesdays.

“That was a little bit of a miscommunication,” Anderson said.

“It was the Cinco de Mayo that Friday, and we were trying to say, ‘Let’s not do the karaoke. Give us a couple of weeks to figure out if that’s what’s working. …’ And (the people) took it as we don’t want it on Fridays at all anymore, and it got posted immediately. … We wanted to learn the place, and all of the sudden, (that) got posted, and it just went out into the atmosphere. Well I guess we didn’t want to back-pedal and make a big deal out of it so we said, ‘OK, let’s just have it one night a week.’”

TIMELINE

1914

Tony’s Liquors was built by the late James Lafayette Dillard —on the parcel that was previously occupied by the Dillard packing house — under the name The Shelby Hotel.

1926

The Shelby Hotel was damaged by re and then occupied by Grifn Chevrolet.

1927

The Edgewater Hotel became the new tourist destination, so The Shelby Hotel became home of an auto repair shop named Garden City Garage.

Right place, right time

liquor store and lounge. … It’s kind of a new thing for us, but it’s interesting because it’s the same industry — just a little different spin on it.”

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Anderson and Dudek met back in 2003.

that just happen to be the right place at the right time.”

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Tony’s Liquors is now under new ownership and management.

Winter Garden resident Jason Anderson, 51, and Ocoee resident Aaron Dudek, 49, purchased the bar and the adjacent liquor store Friday, April 28.

“We had our eye on the place for quite a long time,” Dudek said. “We actually toured the building about 10 years ago. Obviously, (we) didn’t pull the trigger then, but we liked it then. We liked the combination of the

They became business partners when they, and three other men who later branched out, decided to purchase The Lodge, a former bar in downtown Orlando.

“We just work well together,” Anderson said. “I think we complement each other as far as our styles whether it’s business style or dealing with employees.”

“We don’t argue, and if we disagree, we just kind of go ‘OK, we’ll talk in a few minutes,’” Dudek said.

“And I think, luckily, we have similar values and vision. … Ironically, we’ve acquired a few places, but not because we are overly ambitious. It’s places

Besides The Lodge, which the duo sold in 2022, Anderson and Dudek also owned The Woods — another boutique bar — which also was sold mid-2022. However, they currently own Burton’s Thornton Park, located in downtown Orlando.

“We are not trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to the bar,” Dudek said. “It’s a simple idea: good service, good drinks, be nice, smile.”

Looking forward, Anderson and Dudek are not making drastic changes to the Winter Garden bar — and the adjacent liquor store — except some casual improvements to give the place a cozier feel.

“We keep the names, we keep the employees — knock on wood — we’ve never lost an employee when we’ve acquired an older place,” Dudek said. “I think we just make it a little bit more

The no-smoking rule will provide customers with cleaner air and will help improve the employees’ health.

“When you have a bar that’s allowed smoking for decades, it’s caked,” Anderson said. “We are trying to methodically go through it and clean all the surfaces, clean the ductwork, change the flow a little bit. … We are not taking anything away, we are raising prices and we are just offering more stuff and maybe a smoother flow through the place.”

“We’ve already seen a lot of positive feedback,” Dudek said. “People (who) had never come in here because of the smoking are now coming in. They like the place — it’s a cool little neighborhood corner.”

All the new owners of the quaint neighborhood bar want after purchasing Tony’s Liquors is to welcome anyone in the city of Winter Garden who wishes to stop by and have a good time.

“We are really big with inclusivity; anyone can come in and enjoy themselves,” Dudek said. “We want every walk of life (to enjoy the bar).”

1941 to 1944

The two-story building served as a United Service Organization as four units of servicemen were stationed in the Winter Garden area.

1945

Roy Fulmer purchased the building for $13,000.

1996

Antonio and Alda Goncalves changed the name of the business from Bernie’s Liquors to Tony’s Liquors after purchasing the property.

Jason Anderson and Aaron Dudek are the new owners of Tony’s Liquors in downtown Winter Garden.

Andrea Mujica

City moves forward with Tilden project

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

After months of deliberation, the Winter Garden City Commission on Thursday, June 8, approved a series of ordinances pertaining to a property next to Crown Pointe Equestrian.

The ordinances have drawn opposition from horse farm owners Anne and Paul Bingler and nearby residents since the commission first discussed the proposed plans in March.

The approved measures allow for the annexation of the 30.24-acre parcel located on Tilden Road into the city, as well as an amendment of the Future Land Use and a rezoning of the property to Planned Unit Development. The approval means the development of a neighborhood with 24 homes.

As one of the few remaining horse farms in West Orange County, Crown Pointe has owned the narrow plot of land along Tilden Road for almost 25 years and has been training Olympiclevel horses there since 1998.

The Binglers said a new development to the west, Tilden Place, forced the business to move to the east side of their property, which is where the new developer now plans to build.

The Binglers said the horses need a quiet environment to train, and the impact of the development will affect the horses, causing the farm to have to close.

CONTINUED DELIBERATION

The series of ordinances underwent a first reading at the commission meeting Thursday, May 25.

At that meeting, Planning Director Kelly Carson; Logan Opsahl, the lawyer representing the applicant; and S. Brent Spain, the lawyer representing the Binglers; all gave presentations supporting their case.

The first reading of the annexation ordinance was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Colin Sharman dissenting. The first reading of the ordinance amending the Future Land-Use Map was approved 3-2, with Sharman and Commissioner Ron Mueller dissenting, and the first reading of the ordinance to rezone the property was approved 3-2, with Sharman and Mueller dissenting.

At the most recent meeting, City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman clarified the annexation and comprehensive plan ordinances are legislative in nature, while the zoning ordinance is a quasi-judicial proceeding.

“The legislative actions are sub-

ject to the fairly debatable standard, which is the rule of reasonableness based on the evidence presented,” he said. “Quasi-judicial actions … are reviewed under the comprehensive substantial evidence standard, which is where evidence that a reasonable mind would accept as adequate to support the conclusion. Cross examination related to the annexation and comprehensive plan ordinances is not appropriate.”

Mueller said he has had conversations with both parties in an attempt to have a dialogue to find a path forward, but those conversations did not result in a desired outcome.

Mayor John Rees said he had been contacted by both sides but chose not to respond to either one to remain fair.

Carson, Opsahl and Spain all countered previous arguments and presented evidence to further support their analysis at the June meeting.

“Tilden Club is a much different proposal than Tilden Place,” Carson said. “This project was designed based on Mrs. Bingler’s testimony about Tilden Place. We wanted to make sure that this development would address the concerns that arose for her after Tilden Place was built.”

In addition, Ed Williams, planning consultant; Myra Monreal, from traffic consulting firm Myra Planning and Design; and Daniel W. Langley, assistant city attorney; provided additional insight.

Williams said he noticed multiple inaccuracies in Spain’s presentation, including the idea that an enclave would be created and the idea the

right-of-way was municipal property.

“If the city does not annex the property, it will be developed in the county, and it will be developed at a much greater density than we think is appropriate for that area,” Williams said.

Monreal, who was present on behalf of the applicant, said when the project started it was proposed at 27 homes — now down to 24 — so the estimated trips are actually less than what is shown in the original traffic study.

“In addition, the existing site is not vacant land,” she said. “When you factor in those existing trips, the actual trips are going to be less than the 29, or the 27, that I think people are focusing on that was in the report based on the 27 homes. …”

Langley said from a legal interpretation perspective, it appears to him the proposals meet the annexation statute.

THE DECISION

Commissioner Mark A. Maciel said he has received multiple communications from residents asking what the city’s motivation is in annexing the property, which he clarified is not the case.

“As I mentioned before in an earlier comment, I think we would like to see this project go away,” he said. “It would be nice if we didn’t have to deal with it, but it’s 25 lots. Nobody in the city cares about the tax revenue for 25 lots, so I just want everybody to know: The idea that there’s some greed on the city in bringing in more development; we don’t care about 25 lots.”

Rees said he believes if the city were

to control the property, the gross density on the space would be less than with the county.

“The property is better developed in Winter Garden than in Orange County,” he said. “Running through Horizon West, looking at the densities and what they’ve created out there has created more and more traffic and issues for, I think, Winter Garden. I don’t know what they would do there, but to think that they would stick to one to 10 acres, at least in my opinion, I’m not sure that would happen when you look at the surrounding areas.”

Maciel said he also needed to address comments toward some of the experts on staff.

“These folks work for you,” he said. “They work for the commission. They are here in the best interest of the residents of the city. ... They are talking to you, and they are talking to the commission in our best interest, and they get paid by us; and by the way, they don’t get a bonus if they annex this property.”

The first and second ordinances pertaining to the annexation and FLUM were approved 3-2, with Sharman and Mueller opposing.

The third ordinance regarding rezoning the property was approved 4-1, with Mueller dissenting. The ordinance was revised to include an 8-foot sound wall on the three lots boarding the horse farm, after suggestion by Maciel.

Mueller proposed the idea of a possible agricultural zoning in the future.

The Winter Garden City Commission approved the regular meeting minutes from May 25, with Commissioner Ron Mueller asking for a change in regards to a comment he made. The motion was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Lisa Bennett dissenting.

Mayor John Rees read a proclamation proclaiming June 19-25 as Pollinator Week.

Commissioners approved unanimously the rst reading of an ordinance relating to water and wastewater utilities; amending the city’s fee schedule to adopt a revised water, sewer, reclaimed water and irrigation utility rates and fees.

The commission approved unanimously the rst reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article 5, Section 2-151 of the city’s Code of Ordinances to account for a chapter amendment providing for four year terms for city commissioners.

The City Commission approved unanimously the rst reading of an ordinance modifying the city’s general municipal election dates to coincide with the presidential preference primary date in 2024.

Commissioners approved unanimously a renewal term for Emergency Debris Management Service with CrowderGulf.

Thecommission approved unanimously a renewal term for Emergency Debris Monitoring Service with Thompson Consulting Services LLC.

The commission approved unanimously the site plan for 1200 Daniels Road Phase 2.

Chloe Johnson was selected as a new member of the Planning and Zoning board, and Greg Liskey was selected as a new member of the Code Enforcement board.

All members of the Election Canvassing board were reappointed unanimously: Dawn Antonis, regular member; Myron Brown, regular member; James “Jim” Weisbecker, rst alternate; Mary Rebekah Fritz-Gonzalez, second alternate.

Waterleigh residents rally against self-storage unit proposal

More than 130 residents attended a meeting in Horizon West to voice their opposition to the project.

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

More than 130 Horizon West residents packed a community meeting Thursday, June 8, to tell Orange County Government they don’t want a selfstorage facility in their backyard.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson requested the applicant hold the meeting to get feedback on proposed changes to the plan for the Waterleigh Village Shopping Center, located north of Water Spring Boulevard and west of Avalon Road. Waterleigh is the village center for Horizon West’s Village H.

The applicant, Erika Hughes, of VHB Inc., initially proposed two new permitted uses in the Waterleigh Planned Development in Horizon

West at the May 2 Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting — one to allow Publix to have a liquor store component and the other to allow for a self-storage facility. Wilson made a motion, which passed, to continue the discussion to give VHB time to hold the community meeting.

The June 8 meeting, held at Water Spring Elementary School, gave

residents an opportunity to provide feedback to the applicant. Wilson said Waterleigh residents have stayed engaged in conversations pertaining to their neighborhood.

“That area, Waterleigh, is building out very fast, and those people are really engaged in what’s going on out there,” she said.

They have made it clear they don’t

want to see a storage building near their homes, she said.

Wilson said she received numerous emails from District 1 residents, including one woman who shared her frustration at the county commission and its “constant ignoring of the planned development and zoning of the Horizon West area.”

The resident said she bought her home based on the knowledge that future development would include desirable dwellings and businesses that would increase her property values, not decrease it.

“Instead, I now live in a sea of apartment buildings,” she wrote. “I invested my life into my home and this area, and I’m not thrilled about the trashy neighbors the zoning will allow in with poorly maintained apartments (already existing) and a self-storage place. … I bought in one of the nicest areas in town … or so I thought.”

“It was pretty obvious early on that (the self-storage facility) wasn’t going to be a fit for that intended area,” Wilson said. “My biggest concern in any

application coming forward is safety. … The second is compatibility. The village centers, the areas such as this one in the Horizon West plan, were intended to be walkable, bikeable services for residents surrounding that area.”

Wilson said another self-storage unit was approved in Horizon West a few months ago, but it is in an area surrounded by medical services and a hospital.

At the May 2 BCC meeting, three Waterleigh residents spoke to the commission. They said the area already has a liquor store and multiple self-storage facilities and adding more incompatible business types would decrease property values and increase light pollution. They asked for retail stores, a gym, restaurants and cafes.

Hughes explained the proposal would put the self-storage facility behind the Publix supermarket; Wilson said this would put it even closer to residents.

The discussion will be continued at the June 20 BCC meeting.

Annabelle Sikes

The approved measures could mean the closure of the historic horse farm.

Courtesy photo

The applicant is proposing changes to the Waterleigh Village Shopping Center.

Windermere Union dedicating spiritual arbor

The church has built a Timucua Honor Arbor on land between two houses of worship to bring together di erent faith traditions.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Throughout his life, retired pastor and history buff David Houseal has developed and cultivated a passionate connection with the spirituality of the Native American culture. He has created at Windermere Union Church a special focus on the traditions and history through his Windsong group.

To further his lifelong passion — and to pay tribute to the principal tribe that lived in Central Florida — Houseal spearheaded a project to build a Timucua Honor Arbor on the church campus. Last weekend, construction was completed on the space, intended to be a gathering place for groups in the church and in the community. The dedication is Sunday, June 18, and people of all faiths are invited to attend.

The dedicated area can be used by the church’s groups, scout troops, musical groups and the Windermere Union Church Preschool.

“The preschool is really excited to use it for storytelling and lessons,” Houseal said. “We have more than 250 children.”

When Houseal was a young Boy Scout, he became interested in Native American traditions. Since his retirement, he said, he’s been able to dedicate more time to the culture he fell in love with. It was during this time that Houseal began to imagine a space to honor the indigenous people, he said. He and other Windsong members developed a modest arbor concept similar to one the Timucuans would have used, he said.

Todd Bednarek designed the arbor and served as construction foreman.

Houseal explained the space:

“Many times … the native arbors are basically unfinished timbers. We were not able to find those, so we have basically 12 posts and it’s an (uncovered) semi-circle opening in front of this tree which we are honoring. The tree is important in the creation story.”

The area includes two grounding seats that will specifically be used for spiritual healing, and folks can visit and spend time in individual meditation, Houseal said.

He is excited about the arbor and its connecting properties.

“I think we have enough separation in our world,” he said. “Finding things which we can share together — what unites us, what gives us a common sense of hope and direction — that

inspires me, and I believe it draws other people as well. We know there are many people who are indigenous in the Greater Orlando area. The total in Central Florida is 4,338.” Houseal’s plan is for the arbor to be shared with more than just the people of Windermere Union Church. On the connecting property, at 10900 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere, is Santoshi Mata Mandir, a Hindu temple built in 1996 by Pran and Neera Kar in honor of Neera’s mother.

It is Houseal’s desire for the two houses of worship to meet on the common ground and hold conversations and share their faiths. He intends to remove a portion of a hedge that separates the two properties to give the temple access to the arbor.

Garden Theatre launches program to assist sight disabled

The theater has partnered recently with the Central Florida Audio Description Initiative to bring audio description to local audiences who are blind or have low vision.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Brian Fallon said the Garden Theatre recognizes him for his abilities — not his disability.

Fallon, who currently serves as the theater operations manager and has been with the venue since it opened, is sight disabled and was diagnosed with Stargardt disease when he was a teenager.

Now, Fallon is helping to bring audio description to other local audience members who are blind or have low vision.

“Theater is an amazing place, and it can bring so much to our lives,” he said. “To be able to share that with a group of people that have been left out I think is important. … It’s the right thing to do. We all should be doing it; blind people are people, too.”

INCLUSIVE FOR ALL

The theater has partnered recently with the Central Florida Audio Description Initiative to bring audio description to local audiences who are blind or have low vision.

To achieve its mission, the initiative’s leaders are “working to develop a community-wide system of theaters, audio description professionals, and local arts organizations — with accessible across-the-board technology — combined with local public and private support, to provide consistent, predictable access to live arts and culture events, and performances.”

The Garden Theatre is serving as the flagship venue for a new accessibility measure from the initiative. The technology starts with a describer who watches the show

several times alone and takes notes.

Then, during a live performance the patrons who are low vision or blind have an earpiece with a receiver, and the describer is up in the booth with a microphone and a transmitter. The describer explains the action taking place on stage that is not easily understood by just hearing. The voice helps to fill in the gaps.

The technology is a relatively new concept for Central Florida, although it is a common practice in large theater communities such as New York. It’s similar to the technology used for assisted listening devices for people with low hearing.

Fallon said when Stasha Boyd, founder of the initiative, came to him with the idea, there was no doubt in his mind the Garden Theatre wanted to be involved.

“I am very hopeful, along with Stasha, that we are leading the way in Central Florida for audio description at all the other theaters in town,” he said.

Boyd said the Garden Theatre embraced the effort from a leadership perspective to remove the barriers that prevent or make it difficult for people who are blind to access the theater.

“Providing audio description is a critically important part, but before the person ever gets to their seat, they need to be able to find out what’s playing, when it’s playing and how much it costs,” Boyd said. “They often must navigate inaccessible websites, physically get to the theater, get inside and get to their seats.

While at the theater, they will need to access restrooms and concessions, just like everyone else. Accessibility is all of those things, and Garden Theatre gets that. They aren’t check-

ing a box; they are working to remove barriers, reaching out and welcoming the blind community to a Winter Garden jewel.”

Boyd said Victory Productions also has been committed to the efforts.

“Their staff and leadership have not only worked with the theater to ensure blind patrons could access their shows, they have literally embraced these patrons, providing touch tours of sets and props, cast meet and greets, and taking cast photos,” she said.

Fallon said there is a large number of blind and low-vision individuals in Central Florida who are eager to come see shows.

The theater tested the new accessibility option during the production of “Rock of Ages.” Nine guests, all of whom were completely blind, attended. For the most recent show, “Something Rotten,” six guests attended the first offering. Fallon said there were two more for those in need because of the demand.

The theater also hosted a Breakthrough Leadership Training event in May in collaboration with Boyd and Sheila Young, president of the Florida Council of the Blind.

The event provided training for arts leadership, staff, volunteers and anyone who believes art should be accessible to all.

“Accessibility is so important in everything, but especially the arts, theater, museums, parks, etc.,” Young said. “I enjoy these things, as much as sighted individuals do, and it fills my heart to know what is involved in the description of scenes, activity and action during these different events.”

About 30 guests, including representatives from local venues, several advocacy agencies for the blind, the theater’s producing partner Victory Productions and a representative from Orange County, all were present. Attendees learned how to wel -

“We will have joint activities so we will share each other’s faith and share each other’s stories and discuss issues that are of important to all of us,” Houseal said. “The environment, racism, things that are important to talk about as neighbors.”

Neera Kar said she and her husband liked the idea of an arbor bringing the church, the temple and the community together. The Kars have agreed to make a financial contribution to the project. The temple built a pergola last year and has extended an invitation to Windermere Union to use it as needed.

“We are willing to support,” Neera Kar said. “For us, it doesn’t matter who they are, what they want to do, as long as they are doing it for good …

ARBOR DEDICATION

WHEN: 10 a.m. Sunday, June 18

WHERE: Windermere Union Church, 10710 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere DETAILS: The church service will begin in the church and then proceed outside to the arbor, where youth will plant donated climbing plants. The dedication ceremony will include Native American ute and drum music, a Lakota hymn, sage spreading, a reading of the Timucua Story of Creation and a litany of dedication. The community is invited to attend.

because that’s what we want people to do — get together and do as many good things as you can.

“That’s the purpose of our group as well,” she said. “And even though we have different cultural backgrounds, at the end of the day, we are all trying to do good things for humanity.”

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Brian Fallon has an inherited retinal disease called Stargardt.

According to the National Institute of Health, Stargardt is “a rare genetic eye disease that happens when fatty material builds up on the macula — the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision.”

Fallon said the disease has caused him to lose all of his central vision, although his peripheral vision is intact. He cannot read things or drive, and he is not able to do a lot of work physically, but that has never stopped him.

When he was diagnosed, Fallon knew he had a conscious decision to make.

“I was either going to let my blindness be my world … and just exist, or I could spin the other way and get out there and live my life the way I want to live it,” he said.

“I’m hoping to reach people on

come the historically underserved community to local theaters and art spaces. As the flagship venue, the theater will be used to host more training

both sides of that spectrum.”

Fallon grew up in Orange County and obtained a degree in political science from the University of Central Florida. UCF is also where he discovered his love for the theater.

“The theater world in general, the arts, are very accepting of people with di erent abilities and of people with all sorts of di erences,” he said. “The theater world has embraced me because of my abilities — not because of my disability. It’s a very positive place to work.”

Fallon’s daughter is an actress in college, and when she performs on stage, he could hear her but never see her.

He said he has attended several shows all over where there are huge gap plots he does not understand. If you miss the plot of the show, you lose interest.

Fallon’s hope is to have audio description at the theater for anybody who wants it at any time.

events. The theater also has been working with the initiative to make sure the theater’s new website, which launched recently, is accessible to blind and low-vision residents.

Annabelle Sikes

Amy Quesinberry

Todd Bednarek designed the arbor and served as construction foreman on the project.

Cypress Point estate sells for $7,150,000

Ahome in the Cypress Point community near Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from June 4 to 11.

The home at 9275 Point Cypress Drive, Windermere, sold June 7, for $7,150,000. Built in 2000, it has seven bedrooms, ve baths, two half-baths and 9,307 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS

ARLINGTON BAY

The home at 10206 Banington Court, Orlando, sold June 5, for $535,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,430 square feet of living area. Days on market: 72.

The home at 9024 Edenshire Circle, Orlando, sold June 5, for $540,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,824 square feet of living area. Days on market: 90.

BAY LAKES AT GRANADA

The home at 8701 Alegre Circle, Orlando, sold June 7, for $649,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,033 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

CARRIAGE HOMES AT SOUTHAMPTON

The condo at 6954 Della Drive, No. 37, Orlando, sold June 9, for $350,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,312 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6633 Doubletrace Lane, Orlando, sold June 6, for $635,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,961 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

The home at 7667 Persian Court, Orlando, sold June 5, for $570,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,746 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

PALM LAKE

The home at 8666 Crestgate Circle, Orlando, sold June 8, for $1,150,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,794 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8173 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold June 9, for $940,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,148 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.

SAND LAKE

PRIVATE RESIDENCES

The condo at 7606 Southeast Pissarro Drive, No. 14202, Orlando, sold June 5, for $240,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,193 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

SHADOW BAY SPRINGS

The home at 5511 Baybrook Ave., Orlando, sold June 7, for $458,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,142 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.

TOSCANA

The home at 6882 Dolce St., Orlando, sold June 7, for $675,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,015 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 6842 Dolce St., Orlando, sold June 9, for $655,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,822 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

VIZCAYA

The home at 8202 Palazzo Court, Orlando, sold June 7, for $800,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,578 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

HORIZON WEST

ASHLIN PARK

The home at 7129 Calm Cove Court, Windermere, sold June 6, for $800,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,797 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 63.

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 16053 Tollington Alley, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $545,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,341 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

HAWKSMOOR

The townhouse at 15975 Marina Bay Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $500,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,070 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 25838 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $1,150,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,505 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 15787 Citrus Grove Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $550,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,672 square feet of living area. Days on market: 51.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 12103 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $489,885. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,011 square feet of living area.

INDEPENDENCE/

SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 6167 Waterside Island Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 8, for $645,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,476 square feet of living area. Days on market: 154.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The townhouse at 12832 Salomon Cove Drive, Windermere, sold June 7, for $422,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,656 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12577 Foynes Ave., Windermere, sold June 9, for $605,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,000 square feet of living area. Days on market: 132.

LAKESIDE AT LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The condo at 8179 Maritime Flag St., No. 203, Windermere, sold June 9, for $370,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,332 square feet of living area. Days on market: 91.

NEWBURY PARK

The home at 8814 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold June 6, for $507,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,085 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

ORCHARD PARK AT STILLWATER CROSSING

The home at 4058 Green Orchard Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $659,900. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,431 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 15061 Valverse Alley, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $680,000. Built in 2017, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,934 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

STILLWATER CROSSING AT SUMMERPORT

The home at 14545 Yellow Butterfly Road, Windermere, sold June 6, for $609,500. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,178 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7778 Purple Finch St., Winter Garden, sold June 8, for $681,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,727 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 8030 Navel Orange Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $534,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SUMMERPORT

The townhouse at 5333 Keene’s Pheasant Drive, Windermere, sold June 9, for $390,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,461 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9326 Bolero Road, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $1,065,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,334 square feet of living area. Days on market: 73.

The home at 17090 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $606,740. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.

The home at 17094 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 8, for $557,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,216 square feet of living area. Days on market: 115.

The home at 17102 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $543,740. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63.

The home at 17086 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $541,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 108.

The townhouse at 11062 Great Rock St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $435,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,888 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

WATERMARK

The home at 9282 Woodcrane Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $775,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,650 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

Design

home at

Crestgate Circle, Orlando, sold June 8, for $1,150,000. It was the largest transaction in Dr. Phillips

to

The selling agent was Kelly Brinker, Coldwell Banker Orlando.

Courtesy photo

The home at 9275 Point Cypress Drive, Orlando, sold June 7, for $7,150,000. It was the largest transaction in the Horizon West area from June 4 to 11. The selling agent was Bo Julian, Julian Properties Inc.

Photo by Scott Penyak

The home at 810 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold June 7, for $650,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from June 4 to 11. The selling agent was David Dorman, Century 21 Professional Group.

The home at 7853 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $515,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,868 square feet of living area. Days on market: 84.

The townhouse at 9725 Amber Chestnut Way, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $510,500. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,303 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

WINCEY GROVES

The home at 5089 Breezy Acres St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $775,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,104 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11947 Otterbrooke Trail, Windermere, sold June 6, for $900,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,407 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.

The home at 11906 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere, sold June 5, for $500,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,066 square feet of living area. Days on market: 270.

OCOEE CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS

The townhouse at 1016 Crestwood Commons Ave., Ocoee, sold June 9, for $365,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,951 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 629 Darkwood Ave., Ocoee, sold June 6, for $532,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,298 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

JOHIO GLEN

The home at 2526 Dovetail Drive, Ocoee, sold June 5, for $330,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,525 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

PLANTATION GROVE WEST

The home at 810 Grovesmere Loop, Ocoee, sold June 7, for $650,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,891 square feet of living area.

REFLECTIONS

The home at 1797 Sparkling Water Circle, Ocoee, sold June 8, for $415,500. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,992 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 2647 Palastro Way, Ocoee, sold June 7, for $500,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,387 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE CYPRESS POINT

The home at 9275 Point Cypress Drive, Windermere, sold June 7, for $7,150,000. Built in 2000, it has seven bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths and 9,307 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.

WEST ORANGE CASABELLA

The home at 4302 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold June 5, for $3,100,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, six baths, one half-bath and 5,362 square feet of living area. Days on market: 174.

OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5639 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold June 9, for $1,880,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,046 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

WINDERMERE BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 11410 Rapallo Lane, Windermere, sold June 7, for $720,000. Built in 2003, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 3,337 square feet of living area. Days on market: 87.

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 11155 Coniston Way, Windermere, sold June 5, for $2,125,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,130 square feet of living area. Days on market: 235.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 906 Oakdale St., Windermere, sold June 7, for $2,149,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,563 square feet of living area. Days on market: 173.

The home at 324 E. Fourth Ave., Windermere, sold June 8, for $2,500,000. Built in 1917, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,383 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 218 E. Eighth Ave., Windermere, sold June 9, for $480,000. Built in 1952, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,438 square feet of living area. Days on market: 1438.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 2024 Stillwood Place, Windermere, sold June 6, for $660,000. Built in 1973, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,088 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.

WINTER GARDEN BLACK LAKE PRESERVE

The home at 14452 Breakwater Way, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $709,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,638 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

CHAPIN STATION

The home at 1124 Dunbrooke St., Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $490,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,102 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

COURTLEA PARK

The home at 503 Courtlea Cove Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $630,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,131 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 13911 Jomatt Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $895,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,858 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

DANIELS CROSSING

The home at 453 Daniels Pointe Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $355,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,180 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

FULLERS LANDING

The home at 814 Westcliffe Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $715,000. Built in 2006, it has seven bedrooms, five baths and 3,920 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15362 Heron Hideaway Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 9, for $805,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,247 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 835 Rhett St., Winter Garden, sold June 8, for $859,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, four baths and 2,131 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.

ROPER RESERVE

The home at 1721 Highbanks Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $569,900. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,276 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

STONE CREEK

The home at 15249 Harrowgate Way, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $420,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,857 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 13442 Fox Glove St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $827,500. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,836 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

Courtesy photo

The home at 4302 Isabella Circle, Windermere, sold June 5, for $3,100,000. It was the largest transaction in the Windermere area from June 4 to 11. The selling agent was Lucas De Souza, Deluca Real Estate Group.

SPORTS

BATTERS UP!

Windermere High School

1

has a new athletic director. Since 2017, Jillian Sutton has served the Wolverines as one of their athletic trainers. She recently was named the new athletic director at the school and is ready to step into her new roll to lead the Wolverines come the 2023-24 season.

2

Foundation Academy

weightlifting and varsity sports conditioning coach, and physical education teacher Christie WalkerThompson recently achieved the Strength and Conditioning Program of Excellence Award. The award strives to recognize coaches who “conduct strength and conditioning programs with the highest level of professionalism in programming, coaching, educational organization and instructional strategy.”

3

Horizon High School will host its Future Hawk Football Camp from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24. The camp makes an emphasis on teaching the basics and fundamentals of the game in a non-contact setting. Athletes will work on footwork, catching skills, throwing skills, blocking and demonstration of proper tackling techniques. Horizon High head football coach Dennis Thomas and athletes will provide individual instruction in a competitive environment. Competitions will include passing, punting, kicking, catching and team competitions. Campers are required to dress in workout clothes and bring a pair of sneakers and cleats if they have them. Price is $80. The camp is for fourth- to eightgraders only. To register or for more information about the camp, visit bit.ly/3WXu6GA.

School is out, the temperatures have risen, and the sun is shining. That can only mean one thing: All-Star season. For many aspiring baseball players throughout the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities, summer is the season to chase immortality on the field. It’s where legends are created, memories are made and the unbreakable bonds between teammates are born.

The Dr. Phillips Little League is playing its final season at its current complex — and what has been its home since 1998 — before moving to its

4

Foundation Academy graduate and baseball player Braden Holcomb recently was named to the Prep Baseball Report Florida 2023 High School First Team All-State. Holcomb nished his last season as a Lion with a .493 batting average, a .636 OBP, 11 homers and stolen bases, 35 runs, 34 hits, 24 RBIs, 1.057 slugging percentage and six doubles.

West Orange basketball coach to start church team

JOIN THE TKC BASKETBALL TEAM

COST: Free.

AGES: 18 years and older

INFORMATION: Email Wendell Coates Jr. at dell@tkci.com.

5

The American Dragon Martial Arts Academy in Ocoee is o ering a full-day summer camp, where children can learn basic martial arts skills while focusing on improving health and con dence. The camp is available from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Registration is ongoing through the summer. For information and prices contact (321) 443-8077.

Wendell Coates Jr. wants to be a positive influence on young men through The Kingdom Church of Orlando’s new team.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Kingdom Church of Orlando has formed a new men’s basketball team as well as a basketball league that will involve many churches in the Orlando area. Behind this project is Wendell Coates Jr. — who currently serves as a youth community director for TKC and the nonprofit organization Eight Waves located in Winter Garden. “I just woke up with that idea,” he said. “Basketball is what I like to do, so

I always try to incorporate basketball. I see that we have a lot of men here, and it’s a lot of guys that I used to play ball with that go to this church, and I didn’t know. So I was like, ‘If we start a league, we can play against other churches, and we can attract people who normally wouldn’t go to church. We can start a fellowship on the court that you wouldn’t know where that would lead to.”

The team will welcome any men ages 18 and up who want to participate and — potentially — will practice once a week and compete on Sundays.

Through participating in the team and the league, Coates hopes to cultivate a few life traits in all athletes.

“Discipline, patience, teamwork and respect,” he said. “Those are the things that sports teach you, so those are the things that I hope they will be able to grasp through what we want to do.”

THE KINGDOM CHURCH Coates landed his current position at TKC last year, after his longtime friend and TKC Pastor David Jacques mentioned it to him.

“I was a promoter for (The Beacham in downtown) Orlando,” Coates said. “I would attract crowds — that’s how I got paid. I was very successful at

it, but everything comes to an end. (Jacques) presented an opportunity for me to leave the club and work for the church full time, but I couldn’t do any more clubs. That was hard for me. Eventually, I just prayed about it, and I’m done with the clubs. It’s over. Once I got a job here, I got another job and another one … it started to happen like a chain effect. That’s what made me think I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

Coates, 34, was born and raised in Winter Garden, and even though he

West Orange’s Valentino Rudolph recently won the 400-meter event at the state championship for the first time with a time of 47.40. Page 2B.

The Dr. Phillips, Windermere and Winter Garden Little Leagues have selected their All-Star teams. Now, players from throughout the area have their sights set on baseball glory.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

DR. PHILLIPS LITTLE LEAGUE

Photos by Andrea Mujica

Valentino Rudolph

West Orange High School graduate Valentino Rudolph recently won the 400-meter event at the state championship for the rst time with a time of 47.40. Last year, Rudolph won the 100-meter event with a time of 10:40. He received a full-ride scholarship to attend Florida A&M University, where he will major in business and compete on the track team.

How do you feel about becoming state champion for the 400-meter event?

My coach told me I was going to win it. I believed it, but I don’t really run that event, so I wanted to see how far I could go. So, when I won it, it was really shocking. Tell us about your years as a track athlete.

I just started my freshman year. I played football and my coach told me I was fast so I should try track.

When I tried it, I was very good at it and I stayed with it. Then, that became my main sport.

What do you love most about track as a sport?

I like my teammates and my friends. You get to meet new people who get to cheer you on. I love winning, too, but my teammates pushed me to keep being here.

What do you believe track has taught you not only on the track but also off it?

It’s taught me that if you don’t work hard for something, you are not really going to get it. There was a time I tried to only use my talent. But I would run races, and I would lose, so I had to work hard to win races, because talent eventually runs out.

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?

I love doing “Repeat 100s.” That’s when you get fast. I love doing those; I love getting faster.

THE BASICS

Age: 18

Sport: Track and eld

Events: 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters

Grade: Graduating senior School: West Orange

What are you going to miss most about running with the Warriors?

Running at West Orange feels like home to me. I’m going to miss my coach a lot, and I’m going to miss my teammates.

What is your favorite hobbies?

I like to play video games — Madden or Fortnite — and relax, or spend time with family.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

A book, a ball to play with and a board game.

What is your favorite movie?

Any one of the Fast and Furious movies, or any Marvel movie — I could watch Marvel movies all day.

Favorite type of music?

If I’m chilling, I listen to R&B. But if I’m working out, I just listen to rap music to get me pumped.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Why?

The old ballgame

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

new home, located near the corner of Buenavista Woods Boulevard and Bissell Street.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to compete with other little leagues in our districts,” DPLL President Nomi Ansari said. “I’m confident the teams will represent our community well and hopefully, along the road, get some wins.”

With more than 550 children enrolled in the league this year, and about 49 teams, the league had the

SEE OPPOSITE PAGE

Faith fuels basketball team

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

moved to Clermont during his teenage years, he still considers Winter Garden his home and serves the city through community outreach and his nonprofit, Global Not Local.

“Just working in the community and doing that community work for probably the past eight years,” he said. “I always stay consistent doing something for my community.”

While serving through TKC and through GNL, Coates hopes to share his love of the sport of basketball while also guiding all who come to the team to a better life.

“Basketball is my life,” he said. “I kind of look at it that for every

all in this together.

hour I keep them (the youth and young adults) on the court, that’s an hour I keep them off the streets, doing something that keeps them occupied and something to look forward.”

Coates believes nowadays it is not common for children to be brought up to go to church on a regular basis, so through this new basketball team and his position at the church aspires to help many to find God and a life of fellowship.

“A lot of kids were really not grown to come to church in this new era, so my job is to come out and meet them wherever they are and be there for them first and foremost, in whatever need they may have,” he

said. “Then, influence them to me and give the church a try … more of myself giving my testimony to these kids.”

The teams names will be their respective churches names. Even though there is no name for the league yet — it is still in the brainstorm process — shirts are already being ordered, and Coates wants his players to take away one thing from playing in at the league and on the new TKC team.

“Fellowship,” he said. “There is so much going on around us that it is very exciting that you will see a lot of men getting along in one space.”

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Andrea Mujica

Wendell Coates Jr. is excited to see how the men’s church basketball team will change the players’ lives for the better.

highest number of athletes involved in both — baseball and softball — it had had in years.

From those 49 teams, the league chose 10 All-Star teams, which have begun their 2023 seasons. Through the months, the selection of the AllStar teams and tournaments, the DPLL has seen the community come together to host games and make all efforts to provide the children with a great place to play.

“Along with the history of being at this location, we were not in a county-operated facility so we need the assistance of all our families to operate the league,” Ansari said. “It’s a real community field. Everybody has to pitch in — not only coaching and mentoring kids but (also) picking up the trash, flipping burgers and running concession stands. It’s a lot of hard work, but it is what makes this place really special.”

Tournaments for the DPLL already have started. The 8-9 All-Star team defeated Windermere Little League 13-3 during the championship game Wednesday, June 7, and the intermediate category defeated WLL 12-7 Monday, June 12, during the championship game.

WINDERMERE LITTLE LEAGUE

The Windermere Little League, as well as the DPLL and the WGLL, recently selected its All-Stars teams, and the tournaments are currently underway.

This year, the WLL implemented a new category, the 50/70 or intermediate category, which provides a higher distance for pitchers and infielders when it comes to throwing the ball during games.

“The intermediate or 50/70 category is still smaller than our juniors and seniors, but it has a much farther back pitching mound (than Little League),” WLL Vice President of Operations Krista Kirk said. “The distance is 50 feet instead of 46, and your base pass is 70 feet instead of 60.”

With previous successes in their 2022 season — the 9U division team claimed a championship, the 10U division won districts and sectionals, and the 11U team won district and sectionals — WLL hopes to fare well through the tournaments this year and is looking forward to future tournaments.

Currently, the 8-9 category lost the championship game against DPLL 13-3 Wednesday, June 7, and the intermediate category lost 12-7 against DPLL Monday, June 12.

WINTER GARDEN

LITTLE LEAGUE

The Winter Garden Little League has experience a big growth in enrollment and currently has 540 players.

“We seem to really be coming together as a league,” WGLL Player Agent Erica Bucciferro said. “We have built a good relationship with the city. We’ve had a good relationship (in the past), but we’ve made it stronger.”

Along with the high enrollment, the league is working on improving its current fields to provide its players with the best fields possible for them to create everlasting memories.

“We are getting all our fields turfed, we are improving the looks of our fields, and we’ve come up with a new logo,” Bucciferro said. “All of our coaches are giving their time for free just because they want to help and they love the kids.”

The league chose its All-Stars teams mid-May this year, and tournaments are currently underway.

WINDERMERE LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAMS

BASEBALL 8-9 CATEGORY

James Ausley

Mark D’Italia

Oliver Reese

Moises Farias

Alexander Mannella

Nathaniel Newsum

Jax Ochoa

Hudson Ottenwess

Keegan Sullivan

Benjamin Thom

Reece Wetherell

Wade Woodall

* Lost 13-3 against DPLL in the Championship Game

Wednesday, June 7.

8-10 CATEGORY

Fisher Capehart

Grafton Connolly

Wyatt Grau

Cash Iqbal

Jonathan Leitzinger

Graham McMullan

Noel Narvaez

Anthony Palmere

Daniel Perkins

Owen Shamitko

Maddox Utzman

Keegan Sullivan

* Championship game took place June 16 to 19 at South Lake Little League, after press time.

9-11 CATEGORY

Colin Boyd

Jackson Butcher

Mathias Farias

Theodore Kaniamos

Reid Lovejoy

Will MacLean

Maximus Mangan

Ian Neely

Jake Wyatt Phillips

Austin Reese

Weston Ribley

Roman Schultz

* Championship game took place June 16 to 19 at South Lake Little League after press time.

10-12 CATEGORY

Xavier Barinas

Mason Cardy

Ruyar DeLeon

David Hey

Tyson Hilliard

Makhi James

Luke Parker

Noah Pommells

Cole Webster

Preston Wetherell

* Championship game will take place June 23 to 28 at Winter Garden Little League

INTERMEDIATE

CATEGORY

Luke Barnes

Andrew Debellis

Brady Forster

Thomas Kaniamos

Matthew Kirk

Noah Lang

John Matej

Nicholas Murillo

Nathan Purdue

Nate Ryan

Sebastian Sanchez

Kyler Utzman

* Lost against DPLL 12-7 in the Championship Game

Monday, June 12.

JUNIORS CATEGORY

Cristian Alemany

Henry Crupi

John Elzeer

Juan Andres Ferrer

Aidan Mazzilli

Evan Pulsifer

Jason Ramtahal

Joseph Stone

Finn Trimble

Jared Visser

David Ayden Yetter

*Championship game will take place June 23 to 27 at Winter Garden Little League

SENIORS

Sebastian Alemany

Brady Allen

Charlie Capozzoli

Jake DesRuisseau

Wesley Do

Juan Sebastian Ferrer

Andres Gonzalez

Jack Grau

Trey Haynes

Brody Knight

Ben Kretchman

Lucas Straka

Dominic Vosilla

Jacob Wainwright

Braedyn White

*Championship game took place June 16 to 19 at South Lake Little League, after press time.

SOFTBALL

8-10 CATEGORY

Isabella Arce

Aliana Barinas

Presley Duroseau

Ella Goldberg

Elin Gunkel

Ellie Kate Leneis

Ava Linsenmayer

Adriana Smith

Ava Smith

Skylar Sullivan

Alexis Visser

Emily Visser

* Championship game took place June 16 to 19 at South Lake Little League, after press time.

10-12 CATEGORY

Ryan Caulkins

Adriana Cepero

Saisha Chopra

Ava Garcia Knorp

Sarah Grande

Kylee Hurlebaus

Camryn Konieczny

Laila Montalbano

Samantha Ozim

Lucelia Syljebeck

Leah Thigpen

MaryViolet Weathers

* Championship game to take place June 22 to 25 at Windermere Little League, after press time.

JUNIORS CATEGORY

Regan Beck

Madison Choquette

Morgan Flournoy

Isabelle Grau

Lauren Harper

Kylie Konstand

Ryann Lange

Sophia Margelos

So a Pizzi

Adeline Spears

Devon Stone

* Championship game to

DR. PHILLIPS LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAMS

BASEBALL 8-9 CATEGORY

Cameron Anderson

Benjamin Blanco

Charles Byrd III

Eli Daubach

Colton Fleming

Cormanc Gotschall

Gunnar Gri ths

Weston Liszewski

Alessandro Nuno

Beckett Smith

Bowen Sowell

Greyson Woodyard

* Defeated WLL 13-3 in the Championship Game

Wednesday, June 7.

8-10 CATEGORY

Miles Bourst

Kaiden Costin

Palmer Doyle

Owen Gra

Kyle Hilgendorf

Hunter Hudnett

Mauro Jusef

Joey Kromash

Jeremy Lanot

Aaiden Perez

Mateo Serrano

9-11 CATEGORY

Kareem Ansari

Gio Aponte-O’Neill

Sawyer Brooks

Lukas Gough

Joshua Hetz

Koki Kamimoto

Ryland Liszewski

Tedy Messinger

Santiago Montilla

Keaton Polley

Braxton Smith

Ty Thibodeau

LITTLE LEAGUE

CATEGORY

Rayyan Ansari

Eduardo Blanco

Mason Broderick

Connor Gutchin

Engerberth Finol Medina

Jackson Fleming

Braden Grosch

Peter Isaac

Charlie Morrison

Max Rivera

Noah Rodriguez

Nick Rodriguez Jr.

INTERMEDIATE

CATEGORY

Jacob Celis

Daniel Diaz

Charles Estrella-Roa

Andres Gonzalez

Xylon Liriano-Jimenez

Dillion Lynch

Jamil Maali

Thomas Marcakis

Leandro Rios

Jonathan Skandamis

Jue Stoetzer

Jackson Wimberly

* Defeated WLL 12-7 in the Championship Game Mon-

day, June 12.

JUNIORS

Miguel Aguilar

Tao Amone

Vai Amone

Elijah Brown

Justin Carlucci-Harris

Sebastian Davis

Jaiden Kirkley

Riyan Maali

Lucas Pena

Alex Rodriguez

Ramon Alejandro Rodriguez

Jameson Sharp

SENIORS

Joseph Benamati

Kyle Carman

Javier Centeno

Brody Cone

Ramses De Maio

Diego Diaz

Aaron Domingue

Kingston Ebanks

Marshall Guin

Austin Haley

Ahmed Khan

SOFTBALL

8-10 CATEGORY

Emily Bell

Harper Brooks

Emma Edwards

Lauren Frohardt

Avery Gra

Amirah Hassan

Kileigh Kirkley

Isabella Malpica

Eliana Parkinson

Gabrielle Rios

Cecilia Roy

Alice Sowell

MAJORS CATEGORY

Jessica Benamati

Greer Brown

Charlotte Carman

Olivia Coppola

Allison Curtis

Abigail Edwards

Avery Jewell

Aria Kumaran

Isabella Roy

Rebecca South

Olivia Trytek

Devaeh Williams

JUNIORS CATEGORY

Keira Bullion

Olivia Church

Aliyah Custodio

Camilla Delgado

Liana Grosch

Aiza Khan

Cheyenne Kopko

Samantha Rome

Aanshi Shah

Hannah Vartti

Reagan Wimberly

WINTER GARDEN LITTLE LEAGUE ALL-STAR TEAMS

BASEBALL

8-9 CATEGORY

Joe Butkus

Derek Delarm

Adrian Delgado

James Feaster

Hudson Hembrooke

Luke Ledford

Felix Lopez

Mario Marcano

Tyler Nemiro

Blakely Olszewski

Brody Smith

Austin Swickard

Marcellus Vines

8-10 CATEGORY

Cameron Dehnel

Adrian Delgado

Chace Folger

James Helms

Riggs Kirkland

Enrico Madrigal

Joseph Ngom

Jude Olita

Jamison O’Neill

Zach Raimonde

Ryan Stock

Jasper Ward

* Championship game to take place at 6:30 p.m.

June 19 at South Lake Little League, after press time.

9-11 CATEGORY

Jazdyn Burke

Justin Cozzocrea

Liam Devito

Sammy Faylo

Parker Flanigan

Cayden Herman

Collin Hodge

Landon Prince

Gabriel Rivas

Ben Sabat

Jase Torres

Liam Walker

10-12 CATEGORY

Isaiah Acevedo

Mason Burden

Jackson Hawk

Grant Leonard

Aston Mooney

Kadan Ocasio

Peyton Rider

Xavier Rivera

Jason Thorndill

Victor Valencia

Cassius Vines

Ethan Ward

JUNIORS CATEGORY

Jackson Ellison

Noah Fruge

John Grafton

Nolan Hodge

Cade Johnson

Connor Leonard

Maximiliano Medina

Cole Petraitis

Javier Rivera

Eduardo Reina

Josiah Steele

Kaden Westbrook

“Along with the history of being at this location, we were not in a county-operated facility so we need the assistance of all our families to operate the leagu. It’s a real community field. Everybody has to pitch in — not only coaching and mentoring kids but (also) picking up the trash, flipping burgers and running concession stands. It’s a lot of hard work, but it is what makes this place really special.”

— DPLL President Nomi Ansar

KIMBERLY MCNALLY CASTLEVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kimberly McNally is a third-grade teacher at Castleview Elementary School. She has been at the school since it opened and previously served at Sand Lake Elementary School for 12 years. In addition to her work at Castleview, McNally is the track coach at Horizon West Middle School. McNally is also a nalist in this year’s Dish Network’s Hometown Heroes contest.

What brought you to your school?

I taught at Sand Lake Elementary for 12 years, and there was an opportunity to be part of the opening staff of Castleview Elementary in 2019. As a result, I was the first staff member hired by Dr. Julie Helton.

What do you love most about your school?

My favorite thing about my school is the sense of community and belonging. This is established through our house system. There are four houses: Wisdom, Chivalry, Loyalty and Valor. With the opening of the school, each student was given a dragon egg that held their house color inside — you don’t choose your house, your house chooses you. Only new students to Castleview are sorted into a house when they arrive each year.

What is your motivation?

My motivation is my students and giving them a sense of security and stability. I take pride in showing up every day for them and building their confidence in that they can do anything they set their mind to.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part, and my why, is when my students have a moment they are so proud of themselves for accomplishing something that seemed so difficult in the beginning.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy cheering for my children at

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Third-grade teacher

TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years

their sporting events. I am a busy mom and enjoy spending time with my family.

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

I don’t have a favorite teacher, but I do remember all of my elementary teachers. Each of them made an impact in my life and inspired me to be the teacher I am today.

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

Why?

When I was younger, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You.” This book is meaningful to me and my own children.

What does it mean to you to be a finalist in Dish Network’s Hometown Heroes contest?

I am extremely flattered and honored to be nominated for The Dish Network’s Hometown Heroes contest. I never would have imagined being a finalist.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

If I could have any superhero power, it would be the ability to read people’s minds. This would give me the ability to understand and meet their needs better.

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

When I am out for a run, my playlist includes Carrie Underwood. She has many songs that are motivating and are inspiring.

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

My go-to lunch was a peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich with a Capri Sun. A real treat was when the cafeteria was serving Gold Bars (if you are from Albuquerque, you know).

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas because we share traditions with my family. But my favorite part is spending time with my family and seeing my children’s pure joy and excitement on their faces.

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

My best friend was Rani Waterman. We used to do gymnastics together and entered the talent show at school multiple times. Sadly, we are not still in contact.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I was a competitive gymnast through elementary and middle school. In high school, I was a cheerleader. We were back-toback state champions, top 10 at nationals; I was a UCA all star and voted for senior superlatives for my senior class.

Meet the Summer School Zone 2023 writers

Welcome to Summer School Zone 2023, where the Orange Observer writers take a break and allow select students to share their thoughts, ideas and opinions. This year, we have three high school students — Lily Parker, Daniel Gonzalez and Gabriel Gonzalez — and a college journalism student, Emily Rhodes, writing for us.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

LILY PARKER

DANIEL GONZALEZ

Daniel Gonzalez, 16, will be a senior at Ocoee High School. He participates in yearbook, Student Government, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, cross country, track and field, and sports broadcasting.

His favorite subjects are journalism and history; his hobbies include running, photography and graphic design. His bucket list includes attending a Steve Lacy concert.

Daniel said he is interested in writing about residents’ opinions on certain laws, particularly as they pertain to the LGBTQ+ community, and how it affects people.

He is excited to write for the newspaper this summer.

“I really want to develop my journalistic skills to the best (they) can be,” he said. “It will help me write better in yearbook club and, overall, for life.”

Daniel’s career goal is to become a journalist.

GABRIEL GONZALEZ

Gabriel Gonzalez is returning to the Observer for a second summer of writing. He is 16 and entering his senior year at Ocoee High School. He is active in several school organizations, including the yearbook club, and he serves as the student body president.

Gabriel’s favorite subjects in school are chemistry, student government and journalism. He enjoys discovering new places to eat and explore, and he likes to draw. On his bucket list is traveling back to Puerto Rico and New York.

This summer, Gabriel hopes to write stories that highlight the greatness of the West Orange County community.

“I want to show the community what the students of the area like me are experiencing and to tell my story,” he said.

He wants to pursue either chemistry or journalism in college.

Lily Parker, 13, returns to the Observer as a Summer School Zone writer for a third year. She is going into her freshman year at Windermere Preparatory School, and her favorite subject is English.

Lily participates in her school’s Newspaper Club, National Honor Society of Dance Arts and National Junior Honor Society. Her hobbies are reading, traveling and baking, and her bucket list includes a tour of Europe.

She is happy to again participate in the Summer School Zone program.

“I have been writing for it since I was in the sixth grade and have really enjoyed the experience of writing an article to be put in a newspaper,” she said.

This year, she wants to write about her adventures as a summer camp counselor at Sanibel Sea School.

After college, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism.

RHODES

EMILY

Emily, 20, of Winter Garden, is a second-year journalism student at the University of Florida. She is on UF’s yearbook staff and is heavily involved with the CRU campus ministry. She played volleyball for many years prior to college, so she plays on an intramural team whenever she can. Her hobbies include photography and reading; C.S. Lewis and Louisa May Alcott are two of her favorite authors. One of her bucket list items is to visit all 50 states at least once. So far, she has been to 20.

Emily’s favorite subject in school always has been English, so journalism was a natural course for her.

“I am eager to write about anything, but I’m most interested in writing about local events,” she said. “I love stories where people are at the center, and I find that for event stories, this is usually the case.”

She said she is excited to write for the Orange Observer so she can gain experience as a journalist and get feedback on her writing.

Emily wants to pursue a career in journalism.

“I am still not sure exactly which type of journalism I’d like to pursue, but as long as I’m writing, I’ll be fulfilled,” she said.

ANNABELLE SIKES

ROBERT L. ROGERS

JUNE 6, 2023

DIED

Robert Leonard “R.L.” Rogers went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 6, 2023. He was born in Winter Garden, Florida, on Nov. 9, 1932, and watched it change and grow dramatically over the 90 years of his life. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1951 and attended Murray State University in Kentucky. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. He returned home in 1955 and began his career working with the state of Florida Department of Agriculture as a Fruit Inspector. His career spanned 43 years until his retirement in 1998.

He met his wife Virginia (Slack) while working in Pennsylvania one summer, and they were married in November 1958. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for more than 60 years and could often be seen on campus volunteering his time and talents.

R.L. also loved to fish. He enjoyed fishing the many lakes around Winter Garden, especially with his father, family and friends. He also loved surf-fishing on the Atlantic Coast and had many cherished memories as well as great stories of those days with family and lifelong friends.

R.L. is survived by his son,

Water Spring Middle welcomes new principal

Brian Sanchez Corona was named principal during the Orange County School Board meeting Tuesday, May 23.

David L. (Dana) Rogers; and his daughter, Dianne (Scott) Richardson; five grandchildren, Sean (Melissa) Richardson, Katelyn (Mike) Moore, Michele

(Chris) Wenger, Amanda Dickson and Dylan Rogers; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb Moore, Joshua Moore, William Richardson, Ella Richardson, Kellen Wenger and Wyatt Wenger. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Lillie (Schmitt) Rogers; his wife, Virginia (Slack) Rogers; and his brothers Curtis

A. “Pete” Rogers and Jim Rogers.

Any donations in R.L.’s memory can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 631 S. Dillard St., Winter Garden, FL 34787.

A memorial service was held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church in Winter Garden, Florida. The viewing began at 9 a.m. For those who were unable to travel, the service was also livestreamed on the Calvary Baptist Church of Winter Garden’s YouTube page.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Water Spring Middle School is welcoming a new face to its school community.

Brian Sanchez Corona will serve as principal of the school.

Because Horizon High School and Water Spring were located on the same campus, Andrew Jackson served as the principal for both schools for the last two years.

Starting in the fall, Water Spring will move to its new campus at 17000 Water Spring Blvd., Horizon West.

“As we get ready to transition to our new school building, we no longer feel like we are a new school,” Sanchez Corona wrote on the middle school’s website. “We have solidified the foundation of who we are and are now moving that foundation to a new home. As we begin to leave our temporary den, we are reminded of our trials, tribulations and numerous victories. We are no longer a new school; Water Spring is an established community school. …”

TRANSFORMATIONAL TEACHERS

Sanchez Corona is a true Floridian — born and raised in Daytona Beach. He attended Florida State University in 1999 before transferring to the University of Central Florida in 2000.

Sanchez Corona realized his passion for education when he was a senior in high school.

“I had numerous teachers, a Boy Scout master and a social worker (Scoutmaster’s wife) support me as I was getting ready to transition to my next phase in life,” he said. “They took me under their wings, made sure I took the SAT and applied to college, and even helped me with moving plans.”

Sanchez Corona said without the pair, he might have stayed in Dayto-

na Beach and worked in the service industry.

“They saw the raw potential in me, and it was their mission to make me realize it, as well,” he said. “They were warm with me but very demanding with their expectations for the quality of my work. They pushed me to make sure I was ready to be successful in college on my own. I owe those teachers and my Boy Scout master and his wife everything. It really did take a village to get me here.”

At the time, Sanchez Corona had been living on his own since age 16.

“Both my mother and stepfather are blind,” he said. “This detail is why the influence of and support I received from my teachers was so powerful in helping me craft my future. They had access to resources and funds of knowledge that I was unaware of at the time.”

While in college at UCF, Sanchez Corona worked as a corporate trainer and curriculum designer for Convergys Corporation in Heathrow.

As an intern at the college, he served at Lake Silver Elementary School and then College Park Middle School.

He was hired by College Park in 2004 as an Exceptional Student Education teacher. In 2006, he served at Dr. Phillips High School as an intensive reading teacher before being awarded a research fellowship by the University of Florida in 2008, where he taught graduate-level reading education classes.

Sanchez Corona returned to OCPS in the fall of 2011 as a reading teacher at Freedom High School. He was appointed assistant principal in 2017.

In 2018, he served Oak Ridge High School and became the school’s assistant principal of instruction in 2019.

“There, I learned how to fine-tune systems that support students on their journey towards graduation,”

he said. “I was able to support the students, school and community through a 98% graduation rate while there. I also learned the importance of really getting to know each staff, faculty member and student on an individual basis at Oak Ridge. It was at this time that I learned how to pivot 2,500 students and more than 175 staff and faculty members to virtual and then hybrid instruction. That was a very interesting time, and I counted on a Popeye’s spicy chicken sandwich (with buffalo sauce) and a Diet Coke to get me through each day. I learned so much and am grateful for my time at Oak Ridge.”

Now, Sanchez Corona is using his lessons to teach others.

“It is my role to remove barriers and secure resources for our teachers,” he said. “With a new school, I am honored that I have been able to create and add to a school culture that (ensures) positive interactions and experiences with all stakeholders.”

Outside of school, Sanchez Corona can be found at the gym, reading, biking, playing baseball and softball, or spending time with and making memories with his family and friends. He lives in Ocoee with his husband, Juan Diego Sanchez Corona.

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Florida’s citrus crop was going to market in crates made almost entirely of Florida-grown woods. It was estimated the 1932-33 crop would total 18.5 million crates shipped by freight, boat and express. In addition to crates, Florida timber was used by the citrus industry for fence posts, picking ladders, field boxes, truck bodies, packing houses, and grove owners’ and caretakers’ homes.

The Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association closed its season and entertained about 100 employees and guests with a swimming party and barbecue at Rock Springs.

A bill was introduced in the Florida House and Senate to create a state agency called the Florida Agricultural and Industrial Relief Board. The purpose of this board was to represent the state or any of its political subdivisions in all transactions and negotiations with any federal agency or department requiring the cooperation of the state or state agencies, to effect their purpose.

85 years ago

Winter Garden Mayor George Walker warned owners of dogs their canines needed to be inoculated against rabies before June 1.

50 years ago

Members of the Winter Garden Citrus Growers Association authorized bylaws that changed the association from a straight cooperative to a stock cooperative. Directors elected at the meeting

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Twenty-one years ago, Tremaine Street in Winter Garden hadn’t yet experienced the dramatic change that came with the revitalization of Winter Garden’s downtown historic district. This view to the southwest, taken from the vicinity of the Central Florida Railroad Museum, depicts a portion of the drive-in teller stations once operated by the First Union Bank that stood at the southwest corner of Tremaine and Boyd streets. The sheds at right were owned by Pounds Motor Company to store and repair agricultural equipment. None of these structures stands today; they have been replaced with a two-story garage.

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.

were J.M. Sullivan, F.H. McGuire, A.C. Palmer of Windermere, R.C. Kellogg, W.H. Wilkerman, G.T. Smith and B.D. Bennett. Phil C. Peters continued as secretarymanager, and Mrs. W.C. Gardner remained assistant secretary.

Principal Sam Singhaus announced the incoming PTA officers for Lakeview High School: Mary Engstrom, president; Barbara Jones, first vice president; Barbara Fulmer, treasurer; and Harriette Grimes, secretary.

The West Orange Steering Committee on School Facilities met with interested parents to review preliminary conclusions.

Attendees included Bill Breeze, Mr. and Mrs. Waldo Bruns, Dr. Louis Chatham, Ernest Crawford, Spencer Edwards, Dean Engstrom, Larry Guess, Phyllis Hickman, John W. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lummus, Robert Lyle, Roosevelt Martin, Tom and Alice Orie, Sally Roberson, Jackie Teal, Thelma Triplett, and Jerry Van Dyke.

40 years ago

Winter Garden city officials voted to hire Roy LaBossiere Sr., of Casselberry, as the city’s new fire chief.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

MAY 24, 1979

Walt Disney World issued an invitation to join the cast at its Lake Buena Vista theme park in an advertisement in The Winter Garden Times in 1979. Donald Duck urged citizens to join him at the vacation kingdom and “bring home more than a paycheck.” Disney was hiring for many positions, including operations host or hostess, merchandise host or hostess, resort hotels, food and beverage host and hostess, food and beverage stewards, culinary assistant, custodial host or hostess, housekeeping host or hostess, and lifeguards.

Mrs. Frances Reaves was awarded a 9,000-hour bar for her work as a hospital volunteer.

30 years ago

The Winter Garden Players brought the music of the 1930s and ’40s to Tanner Auditorium during the “It’s All About Music” dinner show. Hepcats ready for the big event were Aubrey Connelly, Diane Scott, Jim McDonald, Gloria Beck, Jimm Conn and Tina Michael.

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional

9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana

Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org

2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST

CHURCH

PO Box

But Wait ... THERE’S MORE!

Visit

Farmers Market Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 1 • 8 am–1 pm

• Kids Cra s • Live Music • Lawn Games Patriotic Decorated Booths • Summer Produce & BBQ Essentials

• Downtown Pavilion – 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

All AMerican Kids Parade & Breakfast

Tuesday, July 4 • Parade at 10 am (Line up 9:45 am)

• Kids Pancake Breakfast (Free) – 8 am

• Entertainment, Activities, and Fun!

• Winter Garden Masonic Lodge – 230 W. Bay St.

PARTY IN THE PARK | FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Tuesday, July 4 • 6–10 pm

• Fireworks Display on Lake Apopka – 9:15 pm

• Festivities begin at 6 pm – Live Music, Games, Cra s, Vendors, & More

• Pack a picnic, chairs/blankets

(No alcohol or personal reworks permi ed.)

• Newton Park – 29 W. Garden Ave.