06.29.23 Southwest Orange Observer

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

City of Ocoee adds AED to park Dream on

Martha Lopez-Anderson, a former Ocoee city commissioner, lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest in 2004 and continues to educate and advocate today through Parent Heart Watch. SEE PAGE 6.

WE LOVE THIS LAND

Check out all these ways to celebrate the Fourth of July this year! PAGE 3.

YOUR TOWN

OAKLAND TO UNVEIL EXHIBIT

The Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland is hosting a special exhibition June 29 through Sept. 1, and the opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at the center, 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland. Attendees can meet the artists whose works are included in the exhibition and enjoy banjo music from Oakland resident Anthony Dixon.

The local art and history exhibition will feature Oakland’s origins in the citrus industry and the great vegetable region. Learn about Oakland’s original citrus and vegetable farms, the major players in the industry, and contributions to Florida’s agricultural history.

NATIONAL CHAMPS!

ENJOY A MEAL, SUPPORT MATT’S MISSION

Bella Italia Ristorante is helping a local nonprofit by donating a percentage of the sales from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 29. Matt’s Mission is the beneficiary.

Matt’s Mission is dedicated to increasing the survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest victims by placing automated external defibrillators throughout the community and through education and training.

The restaurant is at 13848 Tilden Road, Suite 192, Winter Garden. For information on Matt’s Mission, visit matthewsheart.org.

The First Academy alum John DuBois won recently the 2023 NCAA Championship with the University of Florida golf team. SEE PAGE 15.

Francesca Tarantino isn’t your typical 14-year-old. Born into a musical family and raised on classic rock, the Horizon West musician hopes to make it big. SEE PAGE 4.

County revisits Reams Road traffic concerns

District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson led a community meeting to discuss traffic concerns and an updated timeline on the two associated projects in the area. SEE PAGE 2.

Courtesy

Francesca Tarantino, a rising sophomore at Windermere Preparatory School, has released her first two singles.

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

County hosts second Reams Road meeting

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Horizon West residents once again had a chance to share concerns about Reams Road during an Orange County community meeting Monday, June 26.

The meeting, hosted by District 1 Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson, featured several Orange County staff members involved with the projects, as well as emergency management personnel, including Raymond Williams, manager of the engineering division; Joe Kunkel, director of public works; Renzo Nastasi, transportation planning manager; Roberto Ng, project manager; Abdul Azim, senior engineer; and Dennis Ela, Orange County Sheriff’s Office captain in Sector 3. Wilson said her engagement with residents in the area has revealed many different types of concerns.

“This area has been … a source of great anxiety and trouble for so many of us who love our area and our community and want to make sure that as it changes and improves in the future that we’re taking everything into consideration along the way,” she said.

IMPROVEMENTS

The purpose of the Reams Road project is to widen Reams Road from south of Summerlake Park Boulevard to Taborfield Avenue.

The proposed design includes two 11-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a raised median. In addition, a 5-foot-wide sidewalk is located on the south side of the roadway and a 14-foot-wide multi-use trail is planned along the north side of the roadway.

The project also plans to incorporate drainage improvements, lighting, landscaping and a wildlife crossing. Right-of-way acquisition is needed for the roadway and stormwater improvements.

For interim improvements, the county has installed a flashing wildlife crossing, trimmed down vegetation to maximize wildlife visibility, cut back vegetation over sidewalks, installed a speed feedback sign, and milled and resurfaced the roadway between Center and Newmarket drives.

Currently, the project is in the design phase. Right-of-way acquisition also is taking place and is expected to run through the end of 2026. Construction is estimated to begin near the end of 2026. Williams said the Reams Road project is estimated to cost about $55 million.

FICQUETTE ROAD

Ficquette Road is being widened to improve the level of service, enhance traffic operations and improve safety along the corridor.

The project runs from south of the Reams Road/Summerlake Park Boulevard intersection to south of the Ingelnook Drive intersection.

The proposed design includes two 11-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction separated by a raised grassed median. A shared-use trail will be provided on the west side, and a five-foot concrete sidewalk will be provided along the east side.

The project will include realigning the existing S-curves at the Ficquette Road/Reams Road/Summerlake Park Boulevard intersection. Intersection improvement also will be provided at Old Thicket Trace, New Independence Parkway and the Deputy Scott Pine Community Park entrance.

New stormwater retention ponds will be required and additional right-of-way is needed for the roadway and stormwater improvements. Lighting and landscaping also will be provided along the roadway corridor.

The project is expected to finish final design halfway through this year. Right-of-way acquisition is ongoing and is expected to continue halfway through 2025. Construction will begin shortly after.

Williams said the cost of the Ficquette Road project is estimated to be about $35 million.

CRASH COURSE

Ng presented a map with the traffic engineering improvements in the area. Since 2018, there have been about 125 crashes along the corridor. Of those, there were two fatalities, nine severe crashes and 23 non-incapacitating crashes; the rest were minor.

Ng said the crashes did not take place in one specific area but rather throughout the corridor.

“All of Southwest Orange County is experiencing a lot of growth — and a lot of pains and aches as a result of that,” Ela said. “We actively work with all of the county partners and the School Board as well to try to come up cooperatively with a plan to keep everything cohesive, peaceful and keep traffic flowing and keep kids safe.”

Ng cited improvements added including signs, raised lane separators and span wire signals.

Horizon West resident David Terry said although he appreciates the safety concerns being addressed, he believes the timing of the projects is off.

“This is because the county is late at getting this job done,” he said. “This is not about people’s behavior or anything else. This road should be done already. Twenty-one thousand cars should not be driving down these roads every day. This was irresponsible. … We shouldn’t be in this situation. We should be done already.”

Don Kendzior, naturalist and president of Noah’s Notes, a nonprofit environmental organization, said although he is happy with the long-term solutions presented for the wildlife in the area, his main concerns are the short-term solutions.

“If we don’t do something now, there’s going to be no wildlife to use a crossing in four years or so when the road is done,” he said. “There is literally no enforcement.”

Ela said he is limited in his resources and if he has to choose between a human life and a wild animal, it’s going to be a human life.

“I’m happy to interact with you and figure out the best times of day that we can selectively take care of some of your problems, but that requires a discussion,” he said. “Keep in mind that I am charged with human safety as a priority. That will not change.”

Happy B thday Am ica!

OUR HOME SWEET HOME

As always, West Orange and Southwest Orange are the perfect communities in which to celebrate the Fourth of July. If you’re looking for old-fashioned family fun, live music, barbecue and a fireworks display or two, check out these events — all happening in our community!

CLERMONT

TUESDAY, JULY 4

RED, WHITE & BOOM!

7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Waterfront Park, 100 Third St., Clermont. This celebration will be filled with traditional American-type activities for all ages and will end with a firework show over Lake Minneola.

HORIZON WEST

SATURDAY, JULY 1

INDEPENDENCE

FIREWORK SPECTACULAR

Open to Indepen dence residents and their guests, this event is from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Hosted at the Tower Green, this event will feature an INDY KidZone, food trucks, entertainment and ven dors. This year’s celebra tion includes a bike parade that kicks off at 7 p.m. Guests can bring their bikes decorated in red, white and blue to parade around the Tower Green. Guests will be treated to a fireworks display over Lake Hancock at 9:15 p.m. This event started in 2016 and has steadily grown to attract more than 5,000 attendees. Parking will be available at Independence Elementary School.

METROWEST

SUNDAY, JULY 2

METROWEST MUSICWORKS

The third annual MetroWest MusicWORKS is from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at MetroWest Golf Club, 2100 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando. Organized by MetroWest Public Safety, this free community event will feature food, music, fireworks and fun.

WINDERMERE

TUESDAY, JULY 4

FOURTH OF JULY

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

The town of Windermere will host its annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Town Hall, 520 Main St. The town will provide pancakes, butter and syrup. Bring your own special toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips and berries. The town will have sausage, juice, milk and coffee while supplies last. Be sure to swing by the 1887 School House for a tour by the Historic Preservation Board when you’re done eating. This event is free and open to the public.

Development discussion dominates city meeting

Winter Garden city commissioners voiced differing opinions relating to continued development in the community at the meeting Thursday, June 22.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Winter Garden commissioners offered differing views regarding development in the city during their Thursday, June 22, meeting.

WINTER GARDEN

SATURDAY, JULY 1

WINTER GARDEN FARMERS

MARKET INDEPENDENCE

DAY CELEBRATION

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at the Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. Visit the patriotic-decorated market for some good old-fashioned fun, including free holiday kids crafts from 9 a.m. to noon at the parking garage plaza; family games on the lawn adjacent to the pavilion; live music; and one-stop shopping for your holiday barbecue. The market will be decorated for the vendor booth patriotic contest.

TUESDAY, JULY 4 19TH ANNUAL

ALL-AMERICAN KIDS

PARADE & BREAKFAST

This annual pancake and parade event is great for the entire family. The event begins at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge, 230 W. Bay St. Children and their families are invited to enjoy a pancake breakfast made by the members of the lodge. Children eat free; breakfast is available for adults to purchase. There will be entertainment and activities for the children. Children are invited to participate in a parade; a variety of complimentary patriotic decorations will be available to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and even walking shoes, courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Everyone is welcome to join the parade of red, white and blue. Line-up will be at the Masonic Lodge at 9:45 a.m. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and loops around Plant Street. Spectators can line the street to cheer on the parade participants. Winter Garden Masonic Lodge No. 165 hosts the event in collaboration with the city of Winter Garden.

PARTY IN THE PARK Winter Garden’s annual Party in the Park will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Newton Park, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Take a chair, blanket or have a seat in the grass for this annual Winter Garden tradition. Live music, family activities, food and more keep the evening fun for all ages. The event will culminate with a fireworks display at 9:15. Parking is available at several locations on North Dillard Street. No personal fireworks or alcohol is permitted.

The commission first performed a second reading and public hearing of an ordinance to rezone 0.73 acres at 11 W. Smith St. and 186 S. Main St. from City Central Commercial District and Residential District to Planned Commercial Development.

The approval would permit the development of a new two-story, 12,000-square-foot commercial building.

The site also would include the development of a parking area with 38 spaces — with both onsite and street parking — as well as streetscape amenities and a green open area to preserve the existing large live oak tree.

The building would feature a second-floor restaurant patio oriented toward Smith Street.

Since the first reading of the ordinance, Planning Director Kelly Carson said language was added to address concerns regarding noise in the outdoor dining areas.

The language clarifies no outdoor bars are permitted and sit-down service is the only dining type permitted outdoors; last seating for the outdoor areas shall occur no later than 9 p.m.; the decibel levels at the boundaries of the property adjacent to a property zoned for residential use shall not exceed the maximum permissible sound level limits for residential properties as required by city code; no live amplified entertainment is permitted, and only atmospheric music may be played at levels that meet the noise regulations.

Commissioner Ron Mueller asked why city staff recommended the approval of the plan if the area is all residential surrounding the property.

However, Carson said the property is not completely surrounded by residential.

“There actually is a commercial office to the north of this property… there is multi-family to the east of it… and to the west there is going to be an office building,” she said. “So, there is a lot of residential to the south. … But given this type of use we felt like these additions kind of mitigated the noise concerns and we think that it’s compatible in the downtown district where there’s a lot of mix of uses that are located close to each other.”

Mueller inquired whether the recommendations made are in the best interest of the city.

“It concerns me,” he said. “I’m not in favor of it going forward, but if it was going to go forward, I would remove the restrictions you put in there and let it operate like every other business that runs up and down Plant Street and the other ones that are on Main Street just immediately north of there.”

Carson said the majority of the

property already is zoned C-1, so it has commercial zoning and is permitted to be developed with a commercial use.

“That property to the west is zoned R-2 where they’re putting their parking area,” she said. “So, that is currently zoned residential, but the majority— that corner piece — they can currently do commercial there by right. The reason why we requested that they zone it PCD is because of their proximity to the residential (area). We wanted the ability to on a case-by-case basis; and that’s what the PCD process is intended to do is consider special cases and then mitigate for them with additional regulations as needed.”

City Manager Jon C. Williams said there is no other commercially zoned or PCD zoned property this close in proximity to the residential neighborhood, which is why the city staff felt it was important to come back and add the additional restrictions.

“To allow them to operate and have the outdoor dining area, but also to minimize the impact that it would have to those residential homes,” he said.

Commissioner Mark A. Maciel also provided his input.

“The way it was explained to me was Plant Street was going to be the more intense commercial,” he said. “We talked about Plant Street being the heavy commercial — the restaurants, the intense entertainment… And then Smith Street was kind of that transition, so we were going to do Smith Street with some light commercial, some office, transitioning into the residential neighborhood.”

Mueller asked what happened between the first reading to the current meeting that caused staff to reevaluate how the business should operate when the project already made its way through analysis before the first reading.

Mayor John Rees said he met with Williams before the last meeting regarding his concerns about the upstairs and outside dining area.

“I brought that up because I said, ‘Something has to be restricted if we’re going to allow them to sit upstairs and drink,’” Rees said. “If you’re going to have a meal, OK, and if you’re going to limit the hours, OK. But not until 11 or 12 o’clock at night. That’s not fair to the people on the south side.”

The ordinance was passed 3-1, with Mueller dissenting.

RESOLUTION REVIEW

The commission also discussed an ordinance establishing PCD zoning on certain real property that sits on 1.25 acres located at 304, 310 and 314 West Bay Street; and 419, 429, 439 and 455 W. Plant Street on the north side of West Plant Street; west of North Central Avenue and south of West Bay Street.

The resolution would approve a minor amendment to extend the

IN OTHER NEWS

n The city of Winter Garde commission approved unanimously the second 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.

n The commission approved unanimously the site plan for a 0.326-acre property located at 553 W. Plant St. The property currently is a 4,260-squarefoot building constructed in 1947 and was used as an auto repair shop.

n Commissioners approved unanimously the special event of the first pickleball tournament at Veterans Memorial Park. The event will be held Thursday, March 14, through Saturday, March 16, 2024.

PCD for three additional years and clarify the character and setback requirements for Bay Street oriented properties, as well as add a certain hours of operation requirement for Plant Street oriented properties.

Carson presented the resolution that would affect a total of seven properties.

Carson said the properties were rezoned from C-1 and R-2 to PCD through Ordinance 17-22 in 2017.

“After approval, a few of the projects started to make their way through the approval channels and then COVID hit and a lot of them were kind of put on hold for a while,” she said. “The PCD required the projects break ground within three years of PCD adoption, and that deadline has since passed. The property owners requested a PCD extension.”

The city has included some additional provisions, which include noise restrictions, as well as clarifications about character and setback requirements, and added certain hours of operation.

Mueller asked what the developer has the intention of building in the area.

Carson said currently there are two proposed projects, although they are not yet ready to be presented to the commission.

“The first project is proposed to be a live-work, where you would have one residential unit on a top floor of a two-story building and some professional office on the first floor,” she said. “The second proposed project is a commercial mixed-use on the corner there, and then two townhome buildings that wrap around Bay Street and Central.”

Carson said the PCD establishes two different sets of regulations, depending on the properties orientations.

“The intention was to provide a nice, soft transition from the more commercial uses on Plant Street to those more single-family, you know, residential neighborhoods to the north,” she said.

Commissioner Lisa Bennett, representing the downtown district, said none of the adjacent neighbors did not support the project. She said the concerns voiced were with traffic, but a lot of it was addressed with parking in the rear, although the project has not yet been presented to the commission.

The resolution was approved 3-1.

“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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Horizon West teen seeks rock stardom

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Horizon West resident Francesca Tarantino, 14, fell in love with music when she was only in second grade.

Tarantino, who was obsessed with Scooby-Doo when she was a young child, said her mother gifted her a movie called “Scooby-Doo! And KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery.”

Although she had no idea who KISS was at the time, Tarantino was captivated instantly.

For her second-grade school talent show, Tarantino closed out the night with a performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite” — a moment she said she will never forget.

“I love the guitar in classic rock and how all the instruments mesh together,” Tarantino said. “In pop music, it’s all about the beat or the lyrics or the rap. But in rock, you get this masterpiece of music with cool chords and riffs. My parents always played classic rock around the house when I was growing up. It’s really just beautiful.”

SHOUT IT OUT LOUD

From that moment on, Tarantino said she knew she wanted to dive deeper into music.

She started in musical theater when the family moved in 2016 to Horizon West from Pennsylvania.

When she was involved in theater, Tarantino participated in local community theater with organizations such as Young Star Musical Theatre. One of the shows she auditioned for was “Grease.”

The theater typically has separate middle- and a high-school casts, but Tarantino was selected as the understudy for Sandy for the high school cast when she was just 11 years old.

When the person who played the lead backed out of the show, she took on the role.

Although she had a natural knack for the theater, Tarantino missed working with classic rock. She performed her last musical theater show when she was in eighth grade.

Soon after, her father, Franklin, — an avid guitarist who owns more than 20 classic guitars — bought his daughter her first guitar and began to teach her simple riffs on the instrument.

Tarantino began voice lessons in fourth grade but only started guitar lessons about three years ago, with about one year of lead-guitar experience.

In a short time, Danielle Tarantino watched her daughter blossom thanks to the help of Dreamwalker Music Evolution in Gotha, a music artist development and production company led by Mike and Caroline Walker.

Francesca Tarantino has been with DME almost three years and attends weekly sessions during which she

works on her vocal and guitar abilities, as well as stage presence.

As a mother, Danielle Tarantino said it is mind-blowing to see what her daughter is doing. She said her daughter has overcome her fear of singing in front of people and has not fallen into the peer pressure and what people think of her.

“When you’re a parent and you hear that your daughter or your son wants to do something like this; I know there are a lot of people my age who didn’t have as supportive parents,” she said. “My husband and I had always said that if our kids come to us with something, we will be as supportive as we can be, but we want to see them doing the work. I don’t believe in doing the work for them. My advice to Francesca has always been do the work, and it will pay off. There are no shortcuts; there are sacrifices, and it’s hard work. … She has succeeded in the definition I have of what hard work looks like.”

WHOLE LOTTA LOVE

Francesca Tarantino, a rising sophomore at Windermere Preparatory School, has released her first two singles.

Her debut single, “My Runaway,” came out in January.

Francesca Tarantino said the song is about being somewhere you know you shouldn’t be and trying to escape — but being worried about what others are going to think of you.

“I went in one day for lessons with my producer, who is also my cowriter, Mike Walker, and one day he just randomly said we should write a song,” she said. “He started playing some chords, and I really liked the music. He sent me home and told me to come up with some lyrics and a melody. I went home, and I was really stuck and didn’t know what to write other than the hook. I asked my brother, who is also a co-writer on the song, to help me, so it was really the music and then the lyrics.”

She said she loves writing about real-life scenarios.

“I know it’s weird because I’m only 14, and I haven’t lived for that long, but I think what makes music better is when people can connect to the song and can feel the emotion or relate to the scenario,” she said.

Her second single, “Tragedy,” also is about a real-life scenario but went through a different writing process than “My Runaway.” “Tragedy” came out about a month ago and is about losing someone you love. She said she had the lyrics and the melody written before the music.

“I was really sad when I lost my dog, and I just wrote this song about losing someone,” she said. “It’s different from ‘My Runaway,’ because it’s still rock, but it’s slower and not as in your face. I’m really proud of them, and they’re both really special to me.”

Francesca Tarantino currently is

getting play time on Music Mafia Radio, a licensed 24/7 internet radio station promoting independent music of all genres.

“Tragedy” currently is No. 3 on the top rock chart and No. 15 on the top 30 list.

“My Runaway” hit No. 1 on both charts, and Francesca Tarantino broke a record with the radio station for being the youngest ever to hit No. 1 and the youngest ever to then hit No. 1 on both charts.

Francesca Tarantino also has been featured on aBreak Music, a new music internet radio channel through iHeart Radio geared toward independent artists. Every two weeks the station compiles the top 58 songs.

Although she debuted at No. 58, she has worked her way up and “My Runaway” is now No. 4.

Francesca Tarantino said when she first released “My Runaway,” her goal for streams on Spotify was 500, with no time limit. In four months, the song has hit 5,000 streams. In only one month, “Tragedy” has been streamed more than 1,400 times.

“It’s crazy to me that people are listening to my songs and my voice and something I wrote,” she said. “People are connecting with it, and I just think it’s so cool. I never thought I would have two songs out and be working on more. It makes me very proud.”

Francesca Tarantino is inspired by artists, including Evanescence and Paramore with Hayley Williams.

She enjoys music from artists such as Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, KISS, Deep Purple, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Heart, although she confesses her playlist includes a wide mix of music.

Recently, she has learned songs from Post Malone, The Weeknd and Miley Cyrus, but also will sing songs from classic artists such as the Eagles.

“What I like to do is play the chords of a pop song, and then I’ll use a looper on my pedal board to loop those chords,” she said. “Then I’ll play like a solo in whatever key the song is in, and then I make it really rock.”

GOOD TIMES NEVER

SEEMED SO GOOD

Although she only started gigging as a paid artist in October, Francesca Tarantino said she loves it.

Her first gig was at The Veranda at Thornton Park.

Danielle Tarantino said one of the biggest challenges with gigs has been her daughter’s young age, and finding places that are the right fit and accept her.

Because she is not signed to a label, Francesca Tarantino does her own marketing and publicity, with the

help of her whole family, who doubles as her music crew. Her brother, Dominic, 16, took the pictures and designed the cover art for both songs. Her mother helps to manage her schedule and post on her social media, while her father helps to pack, transport and set up equipment for gigs.

Francesca Tarantino said she is grateful to her family and friends who have been so supportive.

“My friends will learn the songs I put out, and then they’ll come to my gigs and sing along with the songs, and it’s always so much fun,” she said. “I’m getting really good feedback on the songs I’m putting out and they’re getting radio play.”

Francesca Tarantino also volunteers at The Blake at Hamlin, an assistedliving and memory-care facility. She visits the center about once a month and performs for two hours — one hour in the memory care unit and one hour in the general residency unit.

“I was trying to think of songs to do that they would know and like, and I asked them for requests the first time I went over there,” she said. “One request was ‘Sweet Caroline,’ by Neil Diamond. That was an easy one, and I knew they would like it. I went over there and did it, and now they ask for it every single time I go there. They’re obsessed with singing it, and it’s like a little concert for them.”

Danielle Tarantino said her daughter always ends with her favorite KISS song, even at the facility.

“They clap along and it’s so incredibly special to see this 14-year-old who wasn’t even alive when KISS was famous, singing it to 80- and 90-year-olds who are singing along with her,” she said. “I want to send it to the band and be like, ‘Look, look what music does.’”

Last year, Francesca Tarantino was invited to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of thousands at a Miami Marlins game. She has been invited to come back and perform in July.

Francesca Tarantino is actively writing and recently just finished a new song. By the end of 2023, she hopes to release one, possibly two more, and wants to continue gigging as much as possible.

In the next three years, she hopes to be on tour in the United States.

“My dream is to have as many people as possible hear my music and one day be at a show where people are actually singing back my lyrics to one of my songs,” she said. “It really would be a dream come true.”

What inspires Francesca Tarantino the most about music is how happy it makes her and other people.

“Music is just always there for you — no matter what type of day you’re having,” she said. “It can always cheer you up and put you in the right mood. It’s always something you can do when you’re bored. I just loved performing and seeing the looks on people’s faces when I play things that people may look at me and not expect me to play. … It’s just so much fun.”

FOLLOW FRANCESCA TARANTINO

Instagram: instagram.com/francescatmusic Linktree: linktr.ee/francescatmusic

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In the next three years, Francesca Tarantino hopes to be on tour in the United States.

Gotha residents oppose proposed temple

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir wants to relocate its Hindu temple to West Orange.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

An 800-seat, 45,000-square-foot religious institution is being proposed in the Gotha Rural Settlement, and area residents turned out at a community meeting to hear information about the project. All who spoke were against such a large facility being built in their neighborhood.

Orange County case planner Nick Balevich led the meeting June 12 at Gotha Middle School. Nathan Milch is the applicant representing BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the temple that wants to relocate from its current home on Oak Ridge Road after 50 years to 2198 Hempel Ave.

Milch is requesting a special exception in the A-1 Citrus Rural zoning district to allow for the construction of the religious institution on about 8.37 acres of agricultural land on the west side of Hempel, east of State Road 408 and north of Florida’s Turnpike. Access would be from Hempel.

Before residents participated in a Q&A, Balevich shared Orange County staff findings and attorney Jim Wil-

lard, representing the applicant, also presented information.

County staff issued the following findings and requirements: An assembly place with 800 fixed seats with 15 employees equates to one parking space per three fixed seats, plus one space per employee, so 282 spaces are required. The applicant is requesting 312 spaces, including 12 handicap spaces.

The hours of operation would be 4 to 8 p.m. daily for religious worship with no school activities or planned outdoor events.

The Orange County Planning Division found the proposed temple is consistent with the county’s Future Land-Use policy. The county’s Transportation Planning Division reported a trip generation analysis was conducted, and based on the weekday operations of the temple, 22 trips are anticipated. There would be few visitors during the weekday, staff reported; on Saturdays, most visitors would arrive in the evening.

According to Willard, most of the congregation lives in West Orange.

“This would be a modern and welldesigned interior to accommodate their activities and more convenient to the congregation,” he said.

The proposed project includes a two-story building with meeting space, classrooms and a gymnasium set back more than 500 feet from Hempel. The building would be 30 feet in height with a 12-foot steeple. Willard said the temple would mostly be hidden from the road and added extensive landscaping is proposed.

Willard said the 312-space parking lot would be full only during the temple’s five major festivals each year.

The proposal does not include a school or daycare on the property; the classrooms would be used strictly by the temple. The applicant said the facility would not be rented out.

Theresa Schretzmann-Myers, who serves on the board of the Gotha Rural Settlement Association, said stormwater mitigation is her biggest concern. She reminded officials of Orange County’s studies in 2009 and 2018.

“We are in a percolation closed basin,” she said. “We are already flooding on Lake Fischer, Lake Nally, Lake Mills, Lake Gotha; all the graveyards along Morton Jones (Road) are being flooded by water coming off (Florida’s) Turnpike. Three of our neighbors’ houses are under water.

Ocoee Commission approves land development code updates

The Ocoee Commission approved unanimously, with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent, updates to the Land Development Code during its Tuesday, June 20, meeting.

According to the agenda, the city has experienced an increase in codecompliance issues that refer to the application of impervious surface

materials on residential lots, which has created an impact on open space, drainage on the property and any surrounding area. Impervious materials include synthetic mulch, turf, gravel, rocks, pavers, roofed pergolas, sheds, and tents or canopies.

The approval includes a clarification of the definition of impervious surface materials, an update to Section 6-4H to state that impervious materials are not permitted within

two feet of side and rear property lines and a modification of Sections 5-4K and 6-4H to clarify that natural mulch — such as pine straws, needles and pine bark — will be considered impervious material when it comes to two-foot side and rear setbacks and open spaces when used for parking.

The commission also approved the amendment to the definition of pet care services, which now defines the words “Kennel” and “Pet” as follows,

“This will add more water,” Schretzmann-Myers said. “It is totally out of scale for the historic Gotha Rural Settlement. We’ve got 45,000 square feet plus about 300 parking spaces. That water has to go down, it percolates, and it rises up into the basin.”

If built, this temple would be the

IN OTHER NEWS

n The city of Ocoee approved unanimously, with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent, all items of the consent agenda. These included the approval of the development agreement and the road transportation impact fee credit agreement for the Ocoee Crown Point MixedUse Development, and the approval for the resealing of the roof at Fire Station 25.

“A place where dogs and other house pets are kept, sheltered or boarded for compensation and facilities for protection training,” according to the

largest building in Gotha. “This is not something any of us (is) going to embrace,” one attendee said.

The public hearing before the Orange County Board of Zoning Adjustment is scheduled for July 6, and if approved, it will go before the Orange County Commission July 25.

agenda. Furthermore, a new definition of “Pet Care Services” was approved.

The last amendment to the LDC approved was a correction. According to the agenda, “Over the years, the ‘Agriculture’ (less intensive uses) and ‘Agriculture Processing’ (more intensive uses) use categories changed their order of appearance in the Uses Regulations Table 5-1 multiple times, and the majority of the time, the determination of use (P, S or prohibited) went with their respective use categories.”

In 2014, the “Agriculture Processing” use category became authorized in every zoning district, while the “Agriculture” use category was prohibited in every zoning district. Hence, the ordinance will reverse the “P” and “-” to correct the error.

Ocoee adds AED to Bill Breeze Park

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Sean Anderson would be 29 this year, and his mother, Martha LopezAnderson, often wonders what he would be like as an adult.

Ten-year-old Sean was inline skating outside his Ocoee home when he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest in 2004. No one knew he had a heart condition, Lopez-Anderson said. In fact, he was declared healthy and fit at his well-child checkup one month earlier.

Since Sean’s death, Lopez-Anderson and her husband, Andy Anderson, now living in Winter Garden, have been on a crusade to create awareness of the condition and educate people on how to help save the life of someone who goes into sudden cardiac arrest.

The couple started a foundation, Saving Young Hearts, in memory of Sean, and ran it for 15 years before becoming involved with the national organization Parent Heart Watch.

Lopez-Anderson is continuing her local involvement with the donation of an automated external defibrilla-

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST

Sudden cardiac arrest is a lifethreatening emergency that occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States and can strike seemingly healthy people at any age. More than 356,000 Americans die each year, including 23,000 youth under age 18. More than 975 are affected daily; 90% do not survive. Many of these deaths are preventable; survival depends on people nearby calling 911, starting CPR and using an automated external defibrillator as soon as possible.

Source: parentheartwatch.org

tor at the city of Ocoee’s Bill Breeze Park. Provided through the sponsorship of PHW, the AED is housed inside a SaveStation outdoor tower and was installed earlier this week.

“Ocoee was our home for 25 years, and it’s a place where we had our first home, our son was born,” said, LopezAnderson, a former Ocoee city commissioner. “I contacted the fire chief, and he was like, ‘Hell, yeah.’”

The city of Ocoee has multiple AEDs inside city facilities, including City Hall and the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, but this one is different because it’s accessible to the public at all times and not just during business hours.

“That tower is illuminated, it’s ventilated, and it’s monitored; the AED is always going to be ready for someone to use in the event of a cardiac emergency,” Lopez-Anderson said. “The idea is to have AEDs available to the public 24/7.”

The tower has a QR code that takes people to a short video called “Call Push Shock.” It shows people how to use the AED, and everyone featured in the video is either an SCA survivor or advocate or someone who lost a child. The AED walks users step by step through the process.

“We want to empower: You can do this, anyone can do this,” LopezAnderson said. “Our goal is to empower people to know they can save a life, that they can make a difference. … The idea is to buy time until EMS arrives, thus giving sudden cardiac victims a higher chance of survival.”

AEDs were not readily available when Sean died. It took about 10 minutes before an AED got to him, but it was too late.

“For every minute that goes by, your chance of survival goes down by 10%,” Lopez-Anderson said.

For years, Saving Young Hearts partnered with the city of Ocoee and Ocoee Rotary Club to place AEDs in the local schools. Lopez-Anderson also encouraged then-police chief Charlie Brown to use forfeiture funds to put AEDs in patrol cars.

“Guess who was the first person on the scene when our son died?” she said. “A police officer who didn’t have an AED.”

PARENT HEART WATCH

Parent Heart Watch is a national organization dedicated to protecting youth from sudden cardiac arrest and preventable sudden cardiac death. Participants in 40 states educate and raise awareness on the local level, lead CPR and AED training, and advocate for heart screenings for youth.

“It’s comprised of people like myself who lost a child and parents whose child survived — as well as other nonprofits and individuals who realize we can do better,” Lopez-Anderson said. She has been involved with the organization since 2006. She served as board chair from 2007 to 2017 and executive director from 2017 to 2023. Locally, PHW has benefited Shepherd’s Hope and has worked with Orange County Public Schools to require students to have EKG screenings to participate in sports. LopezAnderson’s goal is to get AEDs in as many public locations as she can — where children play, learn and live, she said.

STEADFAST COMMITMENT

“One of the things we have to do is change the standard of care that is fail-

ing our kids,” she said. “Those wellchild checkups and free sports physicals, they aren’t enough. … They put a stethoscope on their chest, and that is just not enough. … You can maybe hear a murmur, but you’re not going to hear underlying heart conditions, electrical conditions or even other heart conditions. This is why you need to add an EKG as a baseline test.

“They look seemingly healthy, the picture of health, and a lot of times parents and people who work with youth don’t know there’s an underlying condition,” she said.

Lopez-Anderson said she applauds OCPS for adopting policies requiring EKG screenings for student-athletes, band members and JROTC. “You wonder, who would he have become, what would he be doing today?” Lopez-Anderson said of Sean. “I always tell people, obviously losing Sean changed our lives forever but learning his death was preventable, that was like losing him all over again. It’s like someone punching you I the stomach. I ask parents to ask questions, and if your provider doesn’t listen, move on.”

Martha Lopez-Anderson, from left, Ocoee Fire Chief Tom Smothers and deputy fire chiefs Jerome Byrd and C.J. Van Camp installed the donated AED this week at Bill Breeze Park. Smothers said applying early chest compressions and having access to an AED greatly increases a person’s chances of survival.

Amy Quesinberry

Courtesy photos

Andy Anderson and Martha Lopez-Anderson have continued to bring awareness to sudden cardiac arrest since their son, Sean, died in 2004.

Metcalf Park estate sells for $5,540,000

Ahome in the Metcalf Park community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from June 19 to 25.

The home at 11536 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold June 23, for $5,540,000. Built in 1996, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 8,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 95. The selling agent was Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.

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

DR. PHILLIPS AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10536 Woodchase Circle, Orlando, sold June 23, for $725,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,467 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

BAY HILL

The home at 9111 Mid Pines Court, Orlando, sold June 21, for $2,100,000. Built in 1989, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 5,315 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 8901 Southern Breeze Drive, Orlando, sold June 20, for $2,310,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,333 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

GRANADA VILLAS

The home at 8083 N. Cadiz Court, Orlando, sold June 20, for $515,000. Built in 1985, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,473 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8472 Karwick St., Orlando, sold June 21, for $1,630,000. Built in 2015, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,304 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.

SANCTUARY AT BAY HILL

The condo at 7444 Sugar Bend Drive, No. 7444, Orlando, sold June 21, for $300,000. Built in 1996, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

TOSCANA

The townhouse at 7380 Regina Way, Orlando, sold June 22, for $569,900. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,244 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

GOTHA GOTHA

The home at 10230 Park Ridge Gotha Road, Windermere, sold June 23, for $3,556,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 7,085 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

WINDERMERE CHASE

The home at 706 Gentry Court, Gotha, sold June 23, for $950,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,180 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

HORIZON WEST

AVALON COVE

The home at 9014 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, sold June 20, for $1,875,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,432 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 13615 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold June 19, for $505,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,970 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15534 Lake Burnett Shore Court, Winter Garden, sold June 20, for $1,050,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,100 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

The townhouse at 1175 Orange Season Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $425,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,844 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14820 Speer Lake Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $1,265,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,523 square feet of living area. Days on market: 174.

The townhouse at 14461 Pleach St., Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $415,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,508 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 13304 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold June 21, for $725,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,745 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 8814 Arrabida Lane, Orlando, sold June 22, for $540,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,475 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

OASIS COVE I The condo at 14225 Oasis Cove Blvd., No. 1808, Windermere, sold June 23, for $421,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,840 square feet of living area. Days on market: 38.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10196 Storey Grove Way, Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $525,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15243 Murcott Blossom Blvd., Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $660,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,441 square feet of living area. Days on market: 179.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 4654 River Gem Ave., Windermere, sold June 20, for $770,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,995 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

The home at 5475 Gemgold Court, Windermere, sold June 23, for $518,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,283 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 6704 Bridgewater Village Road, Windermere, sold June 23, for $730,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,009 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 17810 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold June 20, for $800,626. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,113 square feet of living area. Days on market: 79.

The home at 16447 Point Rock Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $629,515. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,489 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.

The townhouse at 13358 Pontoon Road, Winter Garden, sold June 19, for $427,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,567 square feet of living area. Days on market: 109.

WATERMARK

The home at 10019 Austrina Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $870,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,849 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

Photo by Uneek Image

The home at 11536 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold June 23, for $5,540,000. The Akers custom-built estate is situated on more than two acres of elevated land and features 550 feet of frontage on the Butler Chain of Lakes. The selling agent was Matt Tomaszewski, Corcoran Premier Realty.

Photo by Ian Roth

The home at 2783 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold June 20, for $675,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from June 19 to 25, 2023. The selling agent was Irhelma Pieterse, Stockworth Realty Group.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans

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

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study

11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

EPISCOPAL Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM,

4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 11519 Charnock Drive, Windermere, sold June 23, for $510,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,212 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

WICKHAM PARK

The townhouse at 12872 Calderdale Ave., Windermere, sold June 23, for $421,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,505 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

The home at 9222 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold June 22, for $2,050,000. Built in 2009, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 5,310 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

LAKE DOWN VILLAGE

The home at 9502 Lavill Court, Windermere, sold June 23, for $3,600,000. Built in 1985, it has seven bedrooms, seven baths, two half-baths and 10,104 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH

PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee

Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom

1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

METHODIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM Phone – 407-656-1135 Web: fumcwg.org

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times:

9:00am Adult Sunday School

10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE? CALL (407) 656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8460 Elba Isle Court, Windermere, sold June 23, for $880,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,690 square feet of living area. Days on market: 27.

WINDING BAY

METCALF PARK

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The home at 15445 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $710,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,853 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

OAKLAND HULL ISLAND

The home at 770 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, sold June 22, for $790,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,846 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The townhouse at 1412 Planted Pine St., Oakland, sold June 23, for $403,412. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,620 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2181 White Feather Loop, Oakland, sold June 20, for $495,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,056 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.

OCOEE BORDEAUX

The condo at 2045 Erving Circle, No. 109, Ocoee, sold June 23, for $214,900. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,127 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

CROWN POINT WOODS

The home at 1738 Crown Point Woods Circle, Ocoee, sold June 20, for $610,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,848 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

MEADOW RIDGE

The home at 2783 Maria Isabel Ave., Ocoee, sold June 20, for $675,000. Built in 2010, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,884 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

OCOEE

The home at 202 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee, sold June 23, for $575,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,009 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SPRING LAKE HILLS

The home at 609 Spring Lake Circle, Ocoee, sold June 19, for $295,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 976 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6024 Greatwater Drive, Windermere, sold June 20, for $2,700,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 6,370 square feet of living area. Days on market: 76.

The home at 11536 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold June 23, for $5,540,000. Built in 1996, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 8,204 square feet of living area. Days on market: 95.

WINTER GARDEN FULLERS LANDING

The home at 606 Westcliffe Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 20, for $531,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,255 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 12097 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold June 22, for $460,175. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,770 square feet of living area.

LAKE COUNTY

The home at 9739 Tower Pine Drive, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold June 20, for $985,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,124 square feet of living area. Days on market: 98.

MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 1463 Juniper Hammock St., Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $720,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 4,194 square feet of living area. Days on market: 186.

PARK PLACE

The townhouse at 471 W. Smith St., Winter Garden, sold June 22, for $800,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,794 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

REGENCY OAKS

The home at 739 Home Grove Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $437,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,829 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

ROPER RESERVE

The home at 1620 Highbanks Circle, Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $700,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,775 square feet of living area. Days on market: 69.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15433 Pebble Ridge St., Winter Garden, sold June 23, for $665,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,948 square feet of living area. Days on market: 77.

The home at 2124 Oakington St., Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $515,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,817 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

TUSCANY

The home at 1207 Thornbury Court, Winter Garden, sold June 22, for $499,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,647 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 1442 Roxy Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 21, for $496,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,023 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

Courtesy photo

The home at 9014 Morgana Court, Winter Garden, sold June 20, for $1,875,000. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from June 19 to 25, 2023. The selling agent was Kevin Kendrick, EXP Realty LLC.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 65-year anniversary of Foundation Academy - Plant Street

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 65year anniversary of Foundation Academy -Plant Street. Located at 125 E Plant St. in Winter Garden, Foundation Academy is a private Christian school established in 1958 to provide a Christ-centered education for the families of Central Florida. Foundation Academy has four campuses Plant Street, Tilden, Lakeside, and Foundation Academy Virtual Learning. Foundation Academy’s mission is to partner with families and the church to build a foundation for life through Christ-centered education.

To learn more, visit https://www.foundationacademy.net/about/campuses/ plant-street-campus/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Athletic Motion Golf Club

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the pregrand opening of Athletic Motion Golf Club. Located at 1230 Winter Garden Vineland Ste 108 in Winter Garden, Athletic Motion Golf Club is Central Florida’s premier indoor golf center. Come in and play/practice golf in one of nine top-of-the-line Trackman Simulator bays. You can also take a golf lesson, get custom fit for golf clubs, or play in one of their leagues! In addition, AMGC can host your special events! It’s a perfect spot for parties, corporate events and business meetings.

To learn more, visit https://www.athleticmotiongolfclub.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Paris Baguette

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Paris Baguette, a Community Trustee. Located at 15996 New Independence Pkwy in the Horizon West portion of Winter Garden, this is Paris Baguette’s first franchise in Florida. They invite you to indulge in exceptional baked goods and beverages, from signature baguettes to exquisite pastries. Their commitment to traditional techniques ensures an artful blend of flavors, complemented by meticulously brewed coffees and aromatic teas. Immerse yourself in French-inspired culinary delight.

To learn more, visit http://www.parisbaguette.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates celebrates the grand opening of Commonsense Childbirth

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Commonsense Childbirth. Located at 213 S Dillard St Ste 340 in Winter Garden, Commonsense Childbirth is a family-centered midwifery featuring team care and prenatal care. Natural birth and water birth, childbirth and breastfeeding and doula support are available for birth center or hospital birth. Holistic, personalized care with their midwifery team keeps you safe and supported, with all questions answered, on your journey to meet your miracle. They also support a safe, nurturing postpartum recovery and breastfeeding period with their midwifery team. They accept insurance and Medicaid, and self-pay payment plans.

To learn more, visit http://www.commonsensechildbirth.org.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Esporta Fitness-Ocoee

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Esporta Fitness-Ocoee. Located at 1560 E Silver Star Rd in Ocoee, Esporta Fitness’ premium fitness club features: state-of-the-art equipment, free weights, functional training and more!

To learn more, visit http://www.esportafitness.com

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership.

2023 HURRICANE SEASON

NOAA expects near-normal Atlantic season

El Niño, above-average Atlantic Ocean temperatures set the stage.

COURTESY OF NOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an abovenormal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, five to nine could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including one to four major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges.

“Thanks to the Commerce Department and NOAA’s critical investments this year in scientific and technological advancements in hurricane modeling, NOAA will be able to deliver even more accurate forecasts, helping ensure communities have the information they need to prepare for and respond to the destructive economic and ecological impacts of Atlantic hurricanes,” Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said.

The upcoming Atlantic hurricane

season is expected to be less active than recent years, due to competing factors — some that suppress storm development and some that fuel it — driving this year’s overall forecast for a near-normal season.

After three hurricane seasons with La Niña present, NOAA scientists predict a high potential for El Niño to develop this summer, which can suppress Atlantic hurricane activity. El Niño’s potential influence on storm development could be offset by favorable conditions local to the tropical Atlantic Basin. Those conditions include the potential for an above-normal west African monsoon, which produces African easterly waves and seeds some of the stronger and longerlived Atlantic storms, and warmerthan-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea which creates more energy to fuel storm development. These factors are part of the longer term variability in Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic conditions that are conducive to hurricane development — known as the high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes — which have been producing more active Atlantic hurricane seasons since 1995.

“With a changing climate, the data and expertise NOAA provides to emergency managers and partners to support decision-making before, during and after a hurricane has never been more crucial,” NOAA administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad said.

“To that end, this year, we are operationalizing a new hurricane forecast model and extending the tropical

cyclone outlook graphic from five to seven days, which will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for storms.” This summer, NOAA is implementing a series of upgrades and improvements. NOAA will expand the capacity of its operational supercomputing system by 20%. This increase in computing capability will enable NOAA to improve and run more complex forecast models, including significant model upgrades this hurricane season:

n In late June, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System will become operational. HAFS will run this season in tandem with the currently operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecast Model System and Hurricanes in a Multi-scale Ocean-coupled Non-hydrostatic model, but eventually will become NOAA’s primary hurricane model. Retrospective analysis of tropical storms and hurricanes from the 2020-2022 seasons show this model has a 10-15% improvement in track forecasts over existing models.

n The Probabilistic Storm Surge model upgrade on May 2, advances storm surge forecasting for the contiguous U.S. and new forecasts for surge, tide and waves for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Forecasters now have the ability to run the model for two storms simultaneously. This model provides forecasters with the likelihood, or probability, of various flooding scenarios including a near worst-case scenario to help communities prepare for all potential outcomes.

probability

12-17 NAMED STORMS

5-9 HURRICANES

1-4 MAJOR HURRICANES

2023 HURRICANE SEASON

Can flooding promote mosquito

population growth?

Yes. Flooding can cause mosquito eggs laid in the soil by floodwater mosquitoes during previous floods to hatch. This can result in very large populations of floodwater mosquitoes. Most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes because they are primarily annoying biters that do not transmit any viruses to humans. Additionally, if floodwaters do not recede, standing water mosquitoes may start laying eggs on the standing waters.

Do some of these mosquitoes carry viruses such as Zika and West Nile?

In general, floodwater mosquitoes are just considered nuisance mosquitoes, except for Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito. This species can transmit chikungunya, Zika and dengue virus.

In Florida, this species can be found in some suburban and urban areas in the peninsular portion of the state. In areas with Aedes aegypti, increased rainfall may result in increased hatching of Aedes aegypti eggs from waterholding containers.

Floods, warm temperatures promote mosquito production

LOURDES MEDEROS

UF/IFAS

Extensive rains, flooding and scattered debris that hold water can lead to mosquito development.

“An increase in mosquito numbers can potentially be expected in the weeks following the extensive rain events that took place in South Florida last week,” said Eva Buckner, an

assistant professor and medical entomologist at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Buckner, a specialist at UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, remains in close contact with many of Florida’s more than 65 mosquito control programs providing training, solutions and information on topics such as mos-

quito insecticide resistance, mosquito-borne diseases, integrated mosquito management and more. She also educates the public on how to prevent mosquito bites.

Buckner offers the following facts and tips to help keep residents from getting bitten, eliminate mosquito production sites during flood recovery, and dispel myths about mosquito-borne diseases.

We’ve had no travel-related cases of chikungunya or Zika this year, so no transmission of these viruses is expected. However, the risk of getting infected with dengue virus from Aedes aegypti may be slightly increased in areas where this mosquito species and travel-related dengue cases occur (such as) Miami-Dade County. Sixty travel-related dengue cases have been documented in Miami-Dade County so far this year.

Also, some species of standing water mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus, so steps should be taken to protect from mosquito bites.

What steps can residents take to protect themselves from mosquito bites?

The most important tip to remember is to use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535,

oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Wearing loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants can also help protect from mosquito bites.

What steps can residents take to control mosquitoes around their homes?

Dumping water from water-holding containers commonly found surrounding homes, such as pet dishes, vases, buckets, toys, flowerpot saucers and cans is recommended for reducing mosquito production. You can help reduce your risk of diseases just by dumping or treating waterholding containers. Use granules, pellets or dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) bacteria to kill immature mosquitoes in water-holding containers that cannot be drained easily like birdbaths or bromeliads. Bti-treated water is safe for animals to drink. Bti products can be purchased at hardware or box stores. For vast water sources, it is best to leave the source reduction and treatment to the mosquito control agencies. Contact your local mosquito control program to ask for treatment request. For more information, please see Mosquitoes and Their Control: Integrated Pest Management for Mosquito Reduction around Homes and Neighborhoods.

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/ IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

An expert from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences explains what to expect and how to protect you and your family.

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Hurricane Season… Be Prepared with Natural Gas

In anticipation of Hurricane Season –starting June 1 and closing November 30 – the Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) team is encouraging our Florida communities to get ahead of potential storms. With the impact felt by hurricanes in recent years, it is essential to establish a plan now so that when the time comes, we can focus on staying safe with our families.

Choosing the right energy mix for your home should be included in those preparations, along with consideration for safe energy practices during tough times. One of the best parts about natural gas is that it is delivered underground directly to your home, making it extremely dependable –especially during a storm. It’s why so many essential services like hospitals, nursing homes and fire stations rely on natural gas to keep their power on, cooking for the kitchen, and water heating.

The security of having a plan can also help you navigate the unpredictability of storm season when emotions are running high. Don’t wait until a hurricane strikes to formulate a plan; explore the potential for natural gas at your home now, as piping and service installation can take time. Not only will you thank yourself as you rest easier during hurricane season, but your wallet will thank you as well, as the average homeowner saves up to 30% on their utility bills each month after converting from all electric to an energy mix that includes natural gas appliances.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consumers in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm should have an evacuation plan and secure their homes from all loose items that could cause damage. LANGD customers are advised to leave their service on during a severe storm or hurricane. That way, even if you lose electric service, you can still cook a warm meal and have hot water. Our distribution system is designed to withstand extreme weather so that your service can remain uninterrupted, and your family stays safe, even during the harshest of storms.

when the power goes out, and some even have safety valves that shut off the gas flow automatically if the pilot light extinguishes. Still, the LANGD team wants to emphasize that only authorized utility or emergency personnel should turn your meter valve on or off. We also warn against attempting to operate any natural gas appliances that may have been damaged or flooded.

Even if you’re not expected to be hit by the eye of a storm, high winds and long stretches of rain may impact your neighborhood’s utilities or cause damage to your home. Remember, call 811 before digging around your home, repairing fences, or removing fallen trees to avoid further damage or injury.

Be sure to also have plenty of flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, water, vital medications and a first aid kit handy. Hopefully, our communities and customers will have some peace of mind as they prepare for hurricane season, knowing they have made a reliable energy choice no matter what Mother Nature may throw their way.

Are you ready to make the safe choice and switch to reliable natural gas before hurricane season? We’re ready to have you as a customer. For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please get in touch with the District marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org.

5

1Olympia High School

recent graduate and former boys volleyball team captain William McElveen recently was named to the 2023 American Volleyball Coaches Association First Team All-American as a result of his senior season. He led the Titans with 4.9 kills per set, 69 total blocks, 74 serving aces, 1 ace per set and 366 kills. McElveen was the only athlete from Florida to be named to the list. 2

The Dr. Phillips Little League Intermediate 50/70 team recently became Section 5 champions after defeating Haines City 2-1 in a three-game series. The DPLL Intermediate 50/70 team will now compete for the state title at the state tournament that will start Friday, June 30, in Martin County. 3

My City Allstars Hamlin is offering a summer camp that allows children the opportunity to learn the basics of a variety of sports such as track and field, football, soccer, hiphop dance and yoga, among others. Through learning different sports, children will have the opportunity to have fun while practicing new sports all summer long. The camp offers weekly sessions until Wednesday, July 28. For more information about the camp, contact Preya Shivdat at (321) 209-1864 or preya@ mycityallstars.com.

4Orlando Area Rowing Society rower Tyler

Murphy currently is training with the United States Junior National Team at the Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Murphy was selected among the Top 31 athletes in the United States to compete at the 2023 World Rowing Under 19 Championships that will take place from Aug. 2 to 6 in Paris, France.

Winter Garden Squeeze shortstop Todd Clay is putting up some big numbers this season. Page 2B.

SWINGING SENSATION

The First Academy alum John DuBois was part of the University of Florida golf team that won the 2023 NCAA Championship last month.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The First Academy alum and recent University of Florida graduate John DuBois achieved a milestone he never expected: winning the 2023 NCAA Championship title with the Gators men’s golf team.

The team brought home the fifth national championship title in the program’s history — and its first since 2001 — Wednesday, May 31, at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“There’s a lot to be thankful for, but that’s definitely one of the highlights of my golf career,” he said.

DuBois, 22, represented the University of Florida for three consecutive years. He spent his sophomore year as the sixth man before earning a spot on the starting lineup in both his junior and senior years.

“I got to watch a lot of golf; I got to learn a lot,” he said of his time as the sixth man. “So, it was a good learning experience for me. Not that I was just on the sidelines; I would have loved to play. But to watch — sometimes — can help even more.”

DOING HIS OWN THING

DuBois was born in 2001 in Palm Beach Gardens. His family moved in 2005 to the Orlando area, which he considers home.

DuBois’ parents shared their love of the game with their son almost immediately. His earliest memory on the golf course comes from when he and his parents used to go to the Windermere Country Club.

“I was probably 5 or 6 (years old) and had a little bucket hat on,” DuBois said. “(I was just there) whacking at balls. My mom (Amy DuBois) played professionally, so she would go out there. My dad loves golf, and he would take me (to the golf course) every day. They would both take me out there and they were giving me tips. … I remember just being out there and working on my short game

SEE GATORS ON PAGE 2B

5

Ocoee High School graduate Hylan Hall, who currently attends Bethune-Cookman University, participated at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine June 19 to 24 at the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

Next Elite Camp returns to Winter Garden

More than 100 student-athletes ages 6 to 14 years old were able to enjoy three hours of free football training Saturday, June 24, at the seventh annual Next Level Elite Camp.

skills under the guidance of 10 to 15 coaches and WOHS student-athletes who are part of the football team.

“That’s what I look forward when I come out here, and seeing fresh faces (while) trying to give them the knowledge I have for the game and why I love it.”

From the first year the camp started back in 2015, the number of children who have attended the camp has doubled — from 75 to almost 150 athletes.

The seventh annual Next Level Elite Camp returned this year to the community with the same goal — to teach football skills to student-athletes in the area — Saturday, June 24, at the Walker Field in Winter Garden.

“The camp is not only about me; it’s bigger than football,” West Orange High School outside linebacker coach Brandon Griffin said. “It’s never been about me. … It’s about bringing positivity to the kids.”

Between 100 and 150 children ages 6 to 14 participated in the camp, where they learned position-related

Some of the drills athletes were able to practice during the camp included changing direction, lateral movement and working on false queues.

WOHS rising junior Ivan Taylor, 16, and rising senior Jordan Bridgewater, 17, have volunteered at the camp to help spread the love for the game for a couple of years now, and they are happy to continue being a part of it.

“It’s cool to see kids (who) have been here before and see their improvement,” Bridgewater said.

“I just (wanted) to do something I didn’t have the opportunity to do growing up,” Griffin said. “Every camp that I always attended as a kid, even in high school, we had to pay for it, so I thought this would be a great way to give back to the community.”

For three hours, all campers are able to learn how to become a better football player and an ever better person through the knowledge coaches and volunteers pass along to them in each

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo by UAA Communications

Todd Clay

Winter Garden Squeeze shortstop Todd Clay currently has a .380 batting average, seven stolen bases, 13 runs, seven RBIs, 19 hits, four doubles and three homers.

Is this your first year playing for the Squeeze?

Yes. One of my best friends from college (Andreas Lewis) played for the Squeeze last summer, and one of our assistant coaches (Drew Frederic) played for the Squeeze, as well, so he sent a bunch of us over.

What are you hoping to get out of this experience?

Just playing, really. I didn’t have a great spring with my college team, so I’m hoping to get back in the groove of things again — get more at bats and stuff.

Tell us about your years as a baseball player.

I was young, probably 8 or 9 years old. I started playing travel ball. ... My uncle was Joe Beckwith, he played for the (Los Angeles) Dodgers and the (Kansas City) Royals.

Why baseball?

I played O-line for the football team at my school, but I wasn’t any good. So I quit football and then (I played) basketball, but I wasn’t good at it, either. Baseball was just the most natural sport to me.

What do you love most about baseball as a sport?

I kind of like the guys, just being in a team aspect of it and meeting 20 new dudes every year. That’s one of my favorite parts (of baseball).

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

I think dealing with failure a lot of the times. Baseball is kind of a failure game, you can’t be great at it every day. … When I was younger, I used to get really mad, now I don’t do that anymore.

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?

I’m a big T guy, I hit off the T almost every day. I like the cross-over drill, I do that one a

THE BASICS

Age: 19 Sport: Baseball

Position: Shortstop, third

Grade: Rising sophomore School: Pensacola State

or player?

I was born in Seattle, Washington, so I’m a Mariners fan. Favorite player is Joc Pederson. I grew up going to a lot of Braves games.

What is your favorite hobby?

I’m a big gamer, I play a lot of “NBA 2K” and “MLB The Show.”

What do you like to do on the weekends? When I’m home (Auburn, Alabama), I try to go to the lake as much as possible, and then when I’ve been in Pensacola, we’ve been bowling a lot.

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

I’d take maybe a Percy Jackson book … a sword and a baseball. That might be cool.

What’s your favorite movie?

I’m a big Marvel guy. I like the “Captain America” movies a lot. “Winter Soldier” is probably my favorite one.

What TV series are you watching right now?

I just started “Suits” the other day; it’s pretty good so far.

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

I like Batman.

Do you have a favorite Disney character? Who and why?

I like “Cars” a lot, so I’ll say Lightning McQueen.

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why? A

Somewhere in Europe … go back

Gators earn NCAA title

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

and chipping and putting.”

And even though he had a professional golfer to teach him the sport in his mother and a golf enthusiast in his father (George DuBois), both his parents allowed him to explore his own passion for the game and develop his own golfing personality during his learning years.

“They never really gave me a whole lot of instruction — maybe a few simple things — but they wanted to have me do my own thing,” he said. “And then, once I had a little bit of a foundation, then they’d come in and give me a few tips here or there. They were never like, ‘You are doing this wrong or doing that wrong.’ They kind of wanted me to develop my own style and pick it up naturally.”

EVERY DAY IS SOMETHING NEW

Through his years at TFA and his college years at UF, DuBois attempted to excel the maturity of his teams by stepping into a role of leadership, and brewing inspira-

tion for the rest of his teammates by doing just that. Now, with an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19, he is excited to continue pushing himself and being a leader to others.

“I definitely (want) to prepare for (playing) professional golf,” he said. “And, try to lead the freshmen and sophomore (players) — and even the older guys on the team, to be good young men and learn how Gators do things. (I want) to try to do things properly and be a good role model as much as possible, Whether things go (well) or (badly), you (have) to keep your chin up and you (have) to keep going along. College golf doesn’t last a whole lot longer for me, so I’m going to make the most of it, and I can’t wait for it.”

As he ventures into the road of professional golf, DuBois is excited to play in famous tournaments that will help him move up in the PGA Tour University rankings.

“I would love to play in the PGA Tour and in the Ryder Cup,” he said.

“And I even have mentioned that I

want to be a Ryder Cup captain, that would probably be the pinnacle of everything — just to get there. It takes a lot of really good playing and a long career, so it’s not just a short-term thing, but (instead) a long-term one. If that doesn’t happen, that’s OK, but that would be my ultimate goal.”

It’s the game’s challenge that has captivated DuBois, and he plans to continue chasing that dream long after he’s left UF with his degree in economics.

“Max Home — he (once talked) about how he doesn’t necessarily love golf itself but the challenges that it brings,” he said. “Every day is something new, and you have something new to tinker with or work on. You (have) different conditions (to play under) every single game. The challenge of trying to figure out how to play your best golf on a different course or different week and different conditions — I think that’s one of my favorite parts (of the sport). … It’s like a puzzle, you are trying to solve this puzzle.”

Pigskin prowess

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

of the position-related stations.

“Just because you are a good athlete doesn’t mean you get to do what you want,” Griffin said. “The importance to me of this camp (is that) even though we are teaching and talking football, I want all the kids to know that even though you can be a great athlete, you also have to be an even better person.”

Recent WOHS and University of Florida rising freshman Jordan

Castell, 19, already was at Gainesville training with the Gators football team, when he decided to return home for a couple of days to help with the camp.

“This event brings the community together,” he said. “It’s good to come back to the community and help with this camp. A lot of kids here look up to me and want to be in the place that I’m today. So, coming back and being around Winter Garden and (getting to know) these kids and them (getting to know)

me, it feels special. I love building (their) confidence and just show them that there are different ways of getting our of here.”

And, what is the most special part about this camp? Everyone who is part of it does it because of their love for the sport.

“Everybody (volunteers) from the heart, because they care,” Griffin said.

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

Courtesy photo by UAA Communications

The Gators enjoyed the moment they were crowned national golf champions for the first time since 2001.

Photos by Andrea Mujica WOHS coach Narlin Clancy showed campers proper hand-placement.

Vincent Guerrieri, 9, worked on improving quarterback-related skills.

Family Church serves up volleyball camp

The Family Church girls volleyball camp took place Monday, June 19, to Friday, June 23, at the Windermere campus, 300 Main St., Windermere. Girls entering fourth through ninth grades enjoyed instruction from coach Christal Lung. For more information about Family Church summer camps, visit summertime.ourfamily.church.

— ANDREA MUJICA

Compare our CD Rates

Publication Date: Thursday, August 24,

from all 12 public, private and charter schools in West Orange and Southwest Orange including: In-depth analysis of each team, including rosters, schedules and players to watch

Includes

• Features on the marching bands, cheerleading squads, JROTC programs, cheering sections and more

• Behind-the-scenes looks into all the support groups that make Friday football games happen each week

Above: The girls rotated positions, practicing attack and defense skills.

Left: Ava Centlivre, 15, Brooklyn Miceli, 9, and Liv Shevlin, 9, rested by the popcorn machine during the camp.

How will AI affect education in the present — and future?

and praise this website because it puts them at an advantage with their assignments, but AI has developed so much that it could help education with much more than that.

GABRIEL GONZALEZ OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence consuming the media, questions arise for students and how it can affect their learning and assignments. People question whether AI is putting students and teachers at a disadvantage, an advantage or even both.

ADVANTAGES OF AI

IN EDUCATION

For some, the first thought that comes to mind about AI is “ChatGPT.” Most students tend to favor

Personalized learning. With the help of AI, learning has never been easier. AI can align goals and needs with the students, and learn exactly how they behave as well as the growth in which they learn. Instead of teachers teaching the same way for every student when most have different learning styles, AI can come into play to have personalized learning. Having personalized learning will help students better understand the content and help teachers work with students who are at a different level than other students.

Tutoring. Tutoring can help students improve their skills in school, but tutoring may not be available all the time. Tutoring could also cost money not everyone can afford. With the help of AI, tutoring can be free, and with the help of personalized learning, it can learn the students’ learning patterns. AI also can be used at any time, which makes it convenient for students who want to use it past school hours.

Chatbots. Chatbots are computer-designed chats that are intended to simulate conversations with humans. This can help in education by allowing students to ask any question when teachers aren’t around.

Whether it’s a simple multiplication problem or a complicated chemistry equation, AI can help when students are doubtful of their work. Interfaces such as “the twins” at the Boston Museum of

SEE NEXT PAGE

Science even add a social aspect to the system. Using chatbots, students are engaged both inside and outside the classroom.

DISADVANTAGES OF AI IN EDUCATION

With the many AI resources available, it’s easy to get caught up in using it for help. Some forget the hidden disadvantages of using AI and why it may not benefit students in the long run.

Loss of jobs for teachers.

With the rapid intelligence of AI growing, it poses a threat to whether teachers are going to be out of a job sometime soon. AI has grown to the point where it can be asked any question, create any image and search the whole web, leaving teachers questioning whether their job is being taken over. Duolingo, which uses an AI generator, can practically do the same as teachers, and studies have shown using computers to teach has drastically improved performance.

Potential errors. Inevitably, AI will come across an error, and nobody knows for certain how accurate AI can possibly be. As AI continues to grow in education, the initial purpose is to help educators with students, but errors can come along and relay false information to the learner. That’s why most teachers tend to rely on textbooks and teaching the old-fashioned way — because there isn’t any room for error.

Reduced human interaction.

One of the most important parts of school is the social aspect. Being able to interact with students on projects and assignments is a key factor in education, but with AI, this key aspect could be taken away. Not only could this make students socially inept, but it could also prove to be a disadvantage in the future when they need to build relationships within their job.

Try these family-favorite cookies this summer!

JIM’S MOTHER’S CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

INGREDIENTS

1 cup shortening

3/4 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup brown sugar

LILY PARKER WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

One of my many hobbies includes baking, specifically desserts. My love of baking started around when I was in the fourth grade. My grandma would always throw me into the kitchen, and we would try and create something we found online and thought we might like.

Sometimes, they come out exactly like we have imagined, and other times, they were a failure. Every time we started mixing together another recipe, I would love every minute even more.

Then, I started baking on my own and finding out how to perfect recipes I had made multiple times.

Baking has always been one of my many passions because I love sharing it with my friends and family.

My favorite thing to bake is cakes with fun scenes — even though I am not very good at piping. The buttercream and batter almost always turn out exactly how I imagine them. I tend to go for a simple scene with buttercream, but I always get carried away and create a cake that looks different from what I originally had in mind. All the different colors clash together, but they create something that you can tell exactly what is going on.

I’m always super happy with how

the cake tastes rather than how it looks. I like baking so much because it is an excellent way for me to express myself in a way that can be fun for everyone. I also love sharing my ideas through a form of art that usually tastes good.

When I bake, I will usually do it on Sunday, and I will bring my various treats to school, dinner parties, and give them away to the neighbors. On those Sundays, I bake whatever I am in the mood for, and that can range from cookies to cakes. My family gave many different recipes that they have been using for many years, and I love to put my own spin on them.

My recipes all come from different places, including online, cookbooks and random sheets of paper that have measurements written out on them.

My favorite recipe to make is a family recipe called Jim’s Mother’s Chocolate Chip Cookies. Every

single time we have made them, they always come out so delicious; everyone loves them.

There is also a really fun backstory that goes along with it. Jim was a little boy that lived across the street from my mom’s house, and Jim’s mother would always make the best chocolate chip cookies. She gave that recipe to my grandma, and that is how we started making our favorite chocolate chip cookies.

Baking has always helped me through many boring weekends where we were just sitting at home all day. It keeps me busy, and that is one of the maany reasons why I love it so much. It is also a great way for me to share my idea of art without being the most artistic person. Baking is a hobby and a passion of mine.

I hope that whenever I make something, someone always enjoys it, whether they like the picture that I’m creating or the taste of it!

1 teaspoon soda in 1 tablespoon hot water

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups flour

12 ounces chocolate chips

1 cup nuts (optional)

METHOD

n Cream shortening and white sugar until light and fluffy.

n Mix in eggs and vanilla then add brown sugar, soda/hot water.

n Stir in salt, flour, chocolate chips and nuts (optional).

n Bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Enjoy!

Courtesy

Lily Parker likes experimenting in the kitchen and made this themed cake.

WILLIAM “BILL” EURY DIED MAY 1, 2023.

William “Bill” Eury, born Jan. 31, 1942, was killed in a tragic accident on May 1, 2023, in Orlando.

He was respectfully and lovingly known as “Sea Ray Bill” by most during his more than 30-plus years at Parker Boat Company in Winter Park. Bill loved boating, diving and snorkeling and spent hours on the rivers and waterways of Florida in his canoe and kayak. He was an avid wildlife and nature photographer.

Bill is survived by Phyllis, his friend and former wife of 46 years; and his children, Scott, Jackie, Ryan, Kyle, Seth, Devin and Kalyn, and their spouses Michelle, Ashley, Josh and Dolan. He also leaves behind his 13 grandchildren, Heather, David, Noah, Brendan, Ella, Gabby, Donavan, Logan, Landon, Melanie, Madeline, Charlotte and Levi; siblings, Peter, Steven, Michael, Pauline and Virginia.

Bill’s family will be having a Celebration of Life on the Wekiva River, one of his favorite places.

Sue Shuman was born in San Diego, California, and grew up in Winter Garden, Florida. She is predeceased by her parents, Floyd Charles Payne and Mary Elizabeth Kannon Payne; her brother, Allen Floyd Payne; and her oldest son, Michael Albin Newberg. She was raised by her maternal grandparents, Allen Brown Kannon and Sudie Wilkes Kannon.

Sue claimed the Promise of Resurrection on June 19, 2023, after months of declining health.

Sue was happily married to David L. Shuman for almost 24 years. Dave was a loving and devoted husband and her advocate throughout her illnesses. Sue taught middle school English in Orange County and Lake County schools for 28 years. She loved the beaches of Florida, especially New Smyrna. She loved to travel with Dave, to explore novel places in the U.S., and to travel to Europe with her sister and brother-in-law.

Sue was an obsessive lover of dachshunds and loved each one fiercely. Sue loved to teach reading, and she loved the joy of reading for herself. She enjoyed word games, tending to plants and flowers, was an excellent Southern cook, and loved her two sons

and all her grandchildren.

Sue was an avid member of Bloom & Grow (Garden Club) in Winter Garden until her health prevented her from being active.

Dave and Sue met at the Singles Ministry of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando, Florida. They joined the church where Sue was active in the choir, and they both still helped for a season in the Singles Ministry and supported many programs and outreach ministries of their congregation.

Sue is survived by her son, Shane Bradley Newberg (Aurora, Colorado); sister, Charlene Payne Kammerer (Lake Junaluska, North Carolina); daughter-inlaw, Alpha Newberg Robles (Mt. Dora, Florida); and Craig Shuman (Auburndale, Florida) and Tonia Shuman Thompson (Orlando, Florida). Grandchildren include Katelyn and Haley E. Newberg, Collin and Anna Newberg, and Braydon and Audrey Thompson.

A Memorial Service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida. A reception will be provided for all guests at the church followed by a family interment service at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Gotha, Florida.

In addition to flowers, the family requests consideration of these memorial gifts to honor Sue’s life and memory: St. Luke’s UMC Singles Ministry, 4851 South Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819; or, Bloom & Grow Garden Society, P.O. Box 97, Oakland, FL 34761; or a charity of your choice in her memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for Sue’s family at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11340736.

Camp J ignites students’ creativity

The Rosen JCC is holding Camp J throughout the summer for students and includes swimming, basketball, dance and the Super Awesome Cool Art Camp. On Friday, June 23, art camp participants created and painted several clay projects: trinket bowls and a miniature fire pit that holds a tea candle. In previous weeks, projects included window art and canvas painting. The camp continues throughout the summer.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Rachel Orr was pleased with her colorful finished product.

Above: Parker Fagan worked on the details of his fire pit.

Left: Xandria Abenina had fun working with clay.

ORANGE HISTORY

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Cameron Shipp, Winter Garden agent for the American Express Company, carried this ad in the Winter Garden Journal: “Five days in Chicago pullman from Orlando, meals on the train, room and meals at the famous Parker House, tickets to the fair, boat trips, sightseeing trips in this allexpense tour — $93.”

85 years ago

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported there was considerably fewer arrests made since beer became legal.

80 years ago

Ocoee City Council awaited federal approval of a city beautification project. Ocoee asked for more than $10,000 in Works Progress Administration funds.

50 years ago

Kathryn Petris and Maggie Martin retired from Lakeview High School this year. Petris began her teaching career in 1930, and Martin first taught in 1938.

Scotty’s Home Builders Supply opened in Ocoee with Jinx Givens as manager.

David Owens and Richard King opened Modern Taxi on Highway 50 and offered rides in an air-conditioned nine-passenger station wagon. Owens previously served with the Winter Garden Police Department, and King owned Winter Garden Paint and Body. They also provided charter and limousine transportation in the area.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This postcard depicts a citrus packinghouse mural that once graced the east wall of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum. They were distributed to visitors beginning with the museum’s opening in 1998.

Painted by Don Reynolds, it graced the wall, with occasional touchups, until it was painted over due to upkeep issues: “The oranges were peeling,” the heritage staff was told. A seasonal visitor from Canada, named Mr. Blackie, photographed the setting for Jerry Chicone Jr., who commissioned the postcard.

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.

40 years ago

Many friends and well-wishers attended the celebration of Charlie and Ruby Connell’s golden wedding anniversary at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden.

30 years ago

City of Ocoee employees hung up a closed sign at Ocoee City Hall and moved their offices to the Ocoee Community Center and a module facility across the parking lot. The present City Hall was to be razed in preparation

for a new municipal complex on that site.

It’s late afternoon on a beautiful summer day, and you decide to ride your bicycle for some fresh air and exercise. You head toward the new bike trail, where you can ride free from automobile exhaust and traffic lights. This potential scene was laid out as county and state park officials made plans for the first phase of the West Orange Greenway, part of the national Rails to Trails program. The path was planned with five trailheads: at the LakeOrange County Line, in Winter Garden, between Winter Garden

THROWBACK THURSDAY

JUNE 26, 1942

In 1942, many of the advertisements in the West Orange News were centered on World War II and the war efforts on American soil.

The Atlantic Ice Company, in downtown Winter Garden, told citizens: “It’s patriotic to save food, save money with modern ice refrigeration.” It recommended residents “help win the war by saving food, avoiding waste — conserving all the vitamins and nutriment” by buying the modern air-conditioned ice refrigerator. It was noted that a single servicing of ice lasts three to five days or longer. To inquire about the new appliance, folks could call the company at phone number 113.

First National Bank of Winter Garden invited residents to buy United States war savings bonds and stamps to keep the nation united by war and so “you, too, can sink U boats.”

and Clarcona, in Clarcona, and in Apopka. The linear park was later named West Orange Trail.

Mandy Maxey, of Gotha, graduated first in her class from the University of Florida College of Medicine. For this honor, she received the American Medical Women’s Janet Glasglow Memorial Award and the Upjohn Achievement Award. She also was recognized with the Bythewood and Baker Scholarship for Women, the University Medical Guild Scholarship and induction into the international medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha.

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Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

UP AND DOWN MARKETS by Garrett Chalfin, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

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.