09.14.23 Southwest Orange Observer

Local communities host ceremonies to remember those lost on 9/11. SEE 3A.

A shock to the system

YOUR

TOWN

OAKLAND MARKET OPENS THURSDAY

Where there’s life, there’s hope

Edgewood

Courtesy photo

The town of Oakland is holding its first farmers market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in front of the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland, 126 W. Petris Ave. Additional markets will be held on the second and fourth Thursdays.

The town is partnering with Orange Blossom Market Co. to secure quality vendors offering fresh produce, specialty items, homemade food, and arts and crafts.

Live music will be featured on the porch on select dates. Two Acoustic Roosters, a rock, folk, pop, country and blues band, will perform Thursday. Vendors selling handmade items can apply by emailing specialevents@oaklandfl. gov. For more information, visit bit.ly/3RfhOIC.

LARGEST HEART 5K IS SATURDAY

Duke Energy customers are feeling the pain. The Observer takes a look at the numbers. PAGE 7A. as takes stage Thing.’ 4A.

Be a Largest Heart is hosting its fifth annual 5K and pet-friendly fun run starting at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, on the West Orange Trail. The event raises funds for the Largest Heart organization and its efforts to bring awareness to the societal impacts of drug overdose and suicide. The event takes place at Chapin Station, 501 Crown Point Cross Road, Winter Garden, and supporters can join in person or remotely. The cost is $25. For details, call (407) 900-8254.

Church helps food pantry after hurricane

Pastor Fred Bekemeyer and his congregation at Fellowship Bible Church sent aid to the small island community of Cedar Key after Hurricane Idalia. SEE PAGE 2A.

Horizon West residents oppose mouse housing

Disney’s affordable-housing project includes building up to 1,410 apartments on Hartzog Road. SEE PAGE 6A.

Sunset Park Elementary School students made memories with their grandparents at a special game night last week. SEE 7B.

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

Cedar Key receives aid from locals

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Sometimes, friendships arise from difficult circumstances — but those connections still can have positive results.

Fred Bekemeyer came to know Phil and Mary Prescott through Bekemeyer’s late brother, John, who was friends with the couple. When John became sick earlier this year, Fred Bekemeyer and his wife, Gwen, became acquainted with the Prescotts, who traveled frequently from Cedar Key to Clermont to spend time with John and Amy Bekemeyer.

John died in July, and his best friend and fishing buddy, Phil Prescott, returned to Central Florida to officiate at the funeral service.

Last week, Fred Bekemeyer was able to show his appreciation by doing something for his new friend.

Phil and Mary Prescott operate Cedar Key Food Pantry in the small Gulf Coast island community of 750 full-time residents. When Hurricane Idalia hit Florida Aug. 30, it destroyed much of the island and flooded many residences and businesses, including the food pantry.

Fred Bekemeyer, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church, on Hiawassee

Road in Orlando, jumped into action when he learned what happened to the Prescotts’ pantry.

“Watching the devastation that came from the hurricane, we reached out to our assembly, Fellowship Bible Church, and we’ve had a remarkable response, I think, for a small fellowship like we have,” Fred Bekemeyer said. “On Sunday, people (were) bringing in nonperishables … and we’ve had several financial donations.”

He estimated 200 pounds of canned goods, plus water, baby necessities and clothing, were donated — enough to fill two SUVs.

This contribution will greatly help the Prescotts get the pantry operating again.

“Our community … is heavily populated with what I would comfortably call the working poor,” Phil Prescott said. “Many are not on food stamps but are hard-working people. … We have a food pantry that provides them with a week’s worth of food every Wednesday. The last distribution, we had 106 families get food.”

The Prescotts live above the food pantry, and while the structure is sound, everything in the pantry — all of the food and equipment — was destroyed.

Fred Bekemeyer said he and Gwen plan to visit Cedar Key soon, and one of the first things they hope to do is replace one of the pantry’s freezer units.

“If they can get that up and running, we can begin an outreach of sending perishable items,” he said.

Phil Prescott said another source has joined in to help. Seacoast Bank, which recently opened a branch in Cedar Key, has set up an account to assist with disaster relief.

Cedar Key’s economy is based on aquaculture, Phil Prescott said.

“We farm clams and oysters,” he said. “If you go to Publix and buy clams, I planted some of those clams. Ninety percent of the clams pro -

duced in the state of Florida come from Cedar Key. … It was affected by the hurricane. Everything comes to a screeching halt, and the farmers who are making a living are not making a paycheck.

“The funds we receive that exceed what we need to rebuild and restock (the food pantry) will be given as grants to people as they need to rebuild and restore whatever,” he said. “One of the biggest producers of clams lost their entire home. They have nothing.”

Phil Prescott said every business on the island has closed and a significant number of them, mainly restaurants, are service oriented.

“I talked to a restaurant owner …

and he said financially he’s stable and he’ll be ok,” Phil Prescott said. “But he has a long-term loyal staff who needs the paycheck, so he has to get back in business for them. … It’s pretty dire here, but if you walk the streets with me here, you’ll be greeted with smiles and everybody will be OK.”

“We were so pleased that we were able to do something that was so helpful to them,” Fred Bekemeyer said. “And, hopefully, we can do some things in the future.”

Fred and John Bekemeyer grew up in Winter Garden. John Bekemeyer started Fellowship Bible Church, and Fred Bekemeyer is senior pastor.

The Cedar Key Food Pantry was destroyed by Hurricane Idalia. Courtesy photo

We remember

West Orange and Southwest Orange residents acknowledged the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks at three different ceremonies Monday, Sept. 11.

Winter Garden’s Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony, held at 8 a.m. on the front steps of Winter Garden City Hall, was a chance for the city and residents to remember and honor the lives lost on 9/11, as well as the heroes who emerged. The ceremony also recognized the 61st anniversary of the Sea Cadets.

In Dr. Phillips, cadets from the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Dr. Phillips High School, students and local first responders gathered in front of the school’s doors during the annual 9/11 memorial tribute ceremony.

The keynote speaker was Orange County Sheriff John Mina, who served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army as a military police officer.

“I just want to commend the Air Force Junior ROTC and the members who raised the flag — a job well done,” he said. “All of you are very young, but in your lifetime, you will have moments

when you will know exactly where you were and exactly what you were doing. They will be few, hopefully, and those will be — rarely — good news, most certainly they will be a horrible and tragic event, catastrophic in nature. Ask anyone where they were Sept. 11, 2001, and they will know the exact location and exactly what they were doing.

“It is hard to believe it’s been 22 years,” Mina said. “Our hearts go out to the friends and families of the victims lost on 9/11. Our country mourns for them each year, but we can’t possibly know the pain the families feel — not only of this day but all the birthdays, anniversaries and holidays they passed each year without their loved ones.”  Residents in Windermere gathered for a 9/11 sunset memorial service at Town Square Park.

“Today, we remember and memorialize all those whose lives are forever impacted by the terrorist attacks on our nation 22 years ago today,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said. “Twenty-two years ago Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, dawned bright and full of hope for 2,977 people. A normal day just like yours today. Par-

ents getting children ready for school, flight attendants and professionals rushing to make an early morning flight, military and civilian workers planning at The Pentagon, firefighters and law enforcement officers serving their communities. The day quickly became anything but normal when symbols of our freedom and mobility, airliners, were hijacked and used to execute a coordinated attack on the Twin Towers in New York and The Pentagon. Life and freedom in these United States would never be quite the same again.”

The event included the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Lone Sailor Division, which served as the honor guard and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance; songs from Family Church Worship Arts Pastor Mark Goff and the lamplighter singers from Lamplight Academy; an invocation by Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones; and words from Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, U.S. Army Retired Maj. Gen. Ralph H. Groover III and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster.

ANDREA MUJICA AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Red, white and blue roses were placed at the base of Windermere’s 9/11 Memorial.

Right: Orange County Sheriff John Mina addressed attendees at the Dr. Phillips High School ceremony.

Ralph H. Groover III, Windermere

Daniel Webster and Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden at the Windermere service.

Winter Garden’s ceremony recognized the 61st anniversary of the Sea Cadets.

Family Church Worship Arts Pastor Mark Goff helped sing “God Bless America” at Windermere’s ceremony.

Left: Cadets from the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Dr. Phillips High School paid their respects as the American flag was hoisted.

New Edgewood Children’s Ranch program takes root

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Hope.

That’s what the new program at Edgewood Children’s Ranch — Hope Farm — seeks to transmit to all students who go through it.

“It’s ‘Hope Farm,’ because of everything that we do in our program,” Edgewood Children’s Ranch Executive Director Bruce Jordan said. “Everything we do (here) is to provide hope for the children that we work with: hope for a better future, hope for potential in their life, hope to get out of the circumstances that they are in. So, Hope Farm just adds to it (and) that’s why it’s called Hope Farm, because it’s another extension of what we do for providing hope.”

Students who go through the program will be able to learn lifelong lessons and realize good things take time to mature, grow and flourish. Moreover, they will learn time, patience and dedication can go a long way in farming — just as they do in other aspects of life.

“They learn how to work, they learn schedules, they learn perseverance,” Jordan said. “Sometimes, the first time you plant something may not always work, so you have to work through that (to see results).”

A BIGGER PURPOSE

There are several elements included in the idea behind the farm.

The program can serve as an educational tool for students, a means to feed all residents of the ranch, a therapeutic activity and a fundraising tool through selling the excess produce harvested by the students.

“We were looking for a way to engage students that necessarily don’t want to do book work all day long,” Jordan said. “(Students) that aren’t looking to even potentially go into a detailed college career but (instead), do something different (such as) agriculture or some other kind of trade that they can still get a degree in.”

Edgewood Children’s Ranch’s new program functions through food donations — the same way all children at the ranch are fed daily.

“Imagine a child who is able to go out into the garden, grow their own food and then be able to eat that same food that they grew,” Jordan said. “Another piece is therapy. Our kids come from adverse childhood background, a lot of trauma in their backgrounds. So, for some children it’s therapeutic to dig in the sand, to plant plants, to go out and work in the garden.”

The ranch works with Valencia College students, who guide the students through their work at Hope Farm while accumulating credit hours.

“They get the experience of being able to work in a real farm or garden,” Jordan said. “Our students get to rub elbows with Valencia students. And they get to learn that there (could be) another career for (them) and say, ‘If these guys that I’m working side by side with are going to college, I can go to college.’ So, it gives them hope for their future.”

PLANTING THE SEED

The idea for the program was born about a decade ago, when former Edgewood Children’s Ranch Director Stuart Eldridge; ranch volunteer, supporter and previous employee Bruce Myrick; and, Javier Garces, professor and program chair for the Plant Science and Agricultural Technology Program at Valencia College, discussed partnering to start a garden.

However, because of sustainability issues, the program was set in place for about three to four years prior to becoming dormant until last year — when the idea was set on the table and put up for discussion once more.

“We are just adding a little more to it,” Jordan said. “We are adding an elective in our school so that it’s a part of an agriculture track for education where we are adding in the potential sale of the produce for a fundraising portion to sustain the farm so that we can have it be sustainable long-term.”

Students between the ages of 9 and 17 years old are welcome to participate in the program — which requires a minimum of five students and has a limit of eight students per class.

“The teacher-per-students ratio is really low,” Jordan said. “We have one teacher to eight students, so one teacher will be out there supervising and monitoring the students — the lead farmer (Mike Wilcox), who is also a Valencia College student, now works for us, (and) helps educate the kids on how to do it. He shows them how to farm.”

Students are taught how to farm different produce — and care for different seeds — such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, greens, carrots, onions, basil and even watermelons.

“It’s a confidence-booster,” Jordan said. “It’s a little win when they realize, ‘I can do this.’ It’s one more

ABOUT THE RANCH

The Edgewood Children’s Ranch has provided a safe environment for children who may be experiencing rough situations in their lives since its foundation in 1966. For 57 years, the ranch has been providing its services to children from the community it has positively impacted — and changed — the lives of children between the ages of 7 and 17 through services such as counseling, structure, responsibility and education.

vertical hydroponics system allows for better utilization of space — both outdoor and indoor — and the more biological approach allows for a more organic farming and biological approach of the living system.

“I’m hoping in the next year or so, the (farm) will have some financial stability,” Garces said. “That’s the key, to not make this something that costs the ranch money but that makes the ranch money.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Another factor that adds into what the Hope Farm program provides to the children at Edgewood Children’s Ranch stems from how students are able to realize they are able to grow their own food.

“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

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thing that they can do and another experience they are able to try. It builds confidence to where their new story in their life is going. So, it is the meaning behind it. … They need to take the class, because they need to discover what they may not know they like.”

Wilcox teaches the students how to properly farm vegetable produce through different planting technologies. The students learn how to plant crops — and care for them — using the fertigation system, the vertical hydroponics system and a more biological approach to farming.

According to Garces, the fertigation system works through fertilizing the produce through irrigation, the

“A lot of the kids in our program — they do come from those homes that are in food deserts,” Jordan said. “So, the convenience store or the fast food or whatever is the quickest thing. That’s their meal; that’s what they have to eat. And all of the sudden, now they are able to grow something that’s healthy that now they can eat and be healthy.”

“We can show the children that there is hope,” Garces said. “Show them that we can grow our food, we can plant a seed, tend to a crop and then harvest the produce, and enjoy the fruit of our labor. Part of it for me, also, is to show these children that there are very valuable, sustained careers in agriculture. Not jobs, careers — lifelong careers — and this also shows our college students the hands-on teaching part, demonstration part and even a research part in our plant science program.”

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Edgewood Children’s Ranch students learn how to properly work the soil to fertilize it.

Courtesy photos

Students work on building a plant house for plants that need a steady climate in which to thrive.

Chamber names new president

And you can walk to it. That’s kind of how it originally started.”

He collaborated with a graphic designer to create a logo, and within a few weeks, he had a green and orange design featuring an alligator and the group name. Soon, the West Orange Ruckers had their official patch. Anyone who rucks with the club gets a patch, and there are additional opportunities to walk and earn specialty patches with images of heavy objects such as watermelons or coolers.

In June, the club participated in its first specialty walk in downtown Orlando, where they rucked three miles to a food truck and earned a food truck patch. This month is the four-mile buddy carry ruck, and members must carry 20% of their group for the last mile.

OBSERVER STAFF

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce has named Stephen Lewis as its new president and CEO.

Lewis will join the chamber Oct. 2 and take over for Stina D’Uva, who is retiring after 22 years serving the chamber.

Lewis will work with D’Uva throughout the month of October and assume the role Oct. 27.

Lewis was born and raised in Apopka and now resides in Windermere with his wife, Amanda; daughter, Hayden; and son, Lawson. Outside of work, the Lewis family enjoys boating on the Butler Chain of Lakes, staying active with the kids’ sports and making frequent visits to the theme parks.

Prior to joining the chamber, Lewis served as the director of governance and leadership for Associated Builders & Contractors, a national construction industry trade association representing more than 22,000 members.

Throughout his career, Lewis has worked in the Chapter Services Department of ABC National based in Washington, D.C. He was hired as a field manager in 2012 and worked primarily with the 12 chapters located in the Southeast. In 2013, he transitioned into the Chapter Development Manager position, taking on a more active role in working with all 68 chapters nationwide.

A weighty workout: West Orange Ruckers in it for the long haul

loosened, Haggerty invited other folks to join him on his ruck walks.

It’s up to the walker how much weight he or she wants to carry. Thirty pounds is the standard weight, but Haggerty sometimes pushes the limit at 45. Typically, anyone weighing 150 pounds or less carries 20 pounds and anyone over that carries 30.

“But, we don’t judge anybody,” he said. “If you’re starting brand new, you definitely don’t want to start with 30; you want to start with 10 to 15. You’re working your core muscles you’ve never worked before. I want this to be a fun thing that’s maybe a little bit challenging at the same time.”

Sometimes, they walk through Winter Garden and Oakland wearing heavy backpacks. Sometimes, they carry big coolers, and other times, they carry giant watermelons.

They are the West Orange Ruckers, a group of men and women who hike the West Orange Trail three times a week for exercise and camaraderie — and to keep challenging themselves. Rucking involves walking with extra weight, usually contained in a backpack or ruck sack.

Chad Haggerty began rucking during the pandemic, when everyone and everything was on lockdown — including the gyms.

“During COVID, we’re all by ourselves, and I started rucking through the neighborhood and then going through Lake Louisa Park, just spending a couple hours in nature by myself, exercising but not really feeling like I’m exercising,” he said. “But it was more for my mental health.”

With the stress of the pandemic and having a 1-year-old, Haggerty saw rucking as a way to “get my head straight,” he said. As restrictions on the lockdown

“Rucking really is about, ‘Let’s get people out here. I don’t care who you are, who you pray to. You don’t even have to put on the weight, but let’s get out together and hold each other accountable,’” Haggerty said. “We’re all from different walks of life. It’s also very therapeutic for them. Some people need someone to talk to.”

Haggerty discussed with a few friends the idea of forming a rucking group in West Orange County, and in April, he, Dave Tran and Doug Sahr formed West Orange Ruckers. The group meets at the fountain on Plant Street in Winter Garden.

“Downtown Winter Garden is the perfect area to be seen and (get) people involved,” Haggerty said. “You can do like a coffee ruck or a beer ruck or a pizza ruck, and everything is there.

His plan is to engage in a few outreach programs. The first will be Challenge 22, an event in November that raises awareness of veteran suicide.

The local club officially is affiliated with the international GORUCK organization, and its motto is “Ruck Around and Find Out.”

There are officially 91 members, Haggerty said, but there are 10 to 15 who are regular walkers.

“I have a feeling, as the weather starts calming down, we’ll have more,” he said.

Ruckers can choose from the three days and times — 5:30 a.m. Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and 5 p.m. Sundays — or elect to walk all three.

The ruck walks take about an hour, and all ages are welcome to participate. For information, email westorangeruckers@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page.

When the West Orange Ruckers meet for their three-mile hike on the West Orange Trail, they do so with 20 to 30 extra pounds in their pack.

Amy Quesinberry

Member of the West Orange Ruckers don their backpacks and hit the West Orange Trail for a three-mile hike three times each week.

Stephen Lewis will join the team Oct.

2. He takes over for longtime President and CEO Stina D’Uva, who is retiring.

Disney project meets Horizon West opposition

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Residents in Horizon West had plenty to say about Walt Disney World’s proposed affordable-housing project at a community meeting Wednesday, Sept. 6.

The proposed parcel sits on 114.23 acres on Hartzog Road, generally bounded by Hartzog to the north and east, and State Road 545 to the west.

Applicant Kathy Hattaway, Walt Disney Imagineering, is requesting to develop up to 1,410 apartments in the area.

The applicant’s request is to amend the Future Land Use Map to apply the Village FLUM designation through the expansion of the Village H boundary.

The concurrent request includes also to rezone to Planned Development District and to assign Horizon West Special Land Use Map designation of Apartment District. The property currently is zoned Reedy Creek Improvement District.

“Disney is pleased to be able to contribute to the need for affordable and attainable housing in Central Florida,” Hattaway said. “This contribution and initiative have been in the planning for a long time, and the applications that we’re going to talk about tonight are the next step in bringing that community to life.”

THE PROJECT

Disney first unveiled its plans for the project in April 2022.

Disney officials said the development would offer residents a variety of home choices that are affordable and attainable, located in close proximity to schools and the Flamingo Crossings Town Center retail and dining complex.

The development would be available for qualifying applicants from the general public, including Disney cast members.

The development — planned to be privately financed — will be limited to applicants within a certain income range. This initiative will support and build upon Orange County’s Housing for All action plan to address housing affordability for local residents.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson was in attendance at the meeting, as well as Jason Sorensen, with the Orange County Planning & Zoning department.

Sorensen said the southern portion of the property would be preserved for conservation.

The applicant is requesting four waivers from the Orange County code: To allow vehicle parking within 750 feet of a building in lieu of 150 feet; to allow Central Florida Tourism Oversight District stormwater design requirements in lieu of the requirement to include rate of discharge limitations in the project’s stormwater management system; to allow parking at an alternative ratio in lieu of one-and-one-half spaces for efficiencies and one bedroom units and two spaces for two bedroom and larger units; and to allow CFTOD stormwater design requirements in lieu of the runoff retention requirement for sites containing hydrologic soil group Type A.

Hattaway said Disney has contributed the land for the project and is managing the entitlements process. After the applications are complete, the proposal would be handed to The Michaels Organization, which would construct and manage the community.

Disney announced it had selected The Michaels Organization to build, own and operate the housing in November 2022.

With more than 425 communities in more than 35 states, The Michaels Organization has provided solutions to affordable housing for many years and is the largest privately held owner of affordable housing in the country. However, Hattaway said Disney had no details from The Michaels Organization to share as of the meeting. She said the plans would be shared as soon as they are available.

THE CONCERNS Horizon West residents cited as concerns traffic and transportation, school capacity, location, affordability and attainability, and more at the meeting.

“How is this going to be different (from) the more than a dozen apartment complexes that are all in the same price range and to a much higher standard than the affordable framework that you’re laying out?” one resident asked. “This piece of property was set up originally to return reclaimed water back to the aquifer, and you’re now saying that you’re going to put houses there — 1,400 multi-use houses. We’ve got apartments in the area. Multiple, plus

still quite a few that are in build that are half-empty. … How is this going to affect the infrastructure, because we’re light on police, fire, water — all of the infrastructure pieces.”

Another resident agreed, saying there is a dramatic burden that comes with the development.

“The affordability and what these cast members are in a position to have to contend with is really something that the company needs to deal with, too,” he said. “I feel like this is a BandAid that they’re putting forth that’s ultimately, for whatever it’s worth, saving (the) public face that they’re doing something. ... It’s not right. This isn’t where it should be built.”

Hattaway believes the most significant way Disney’s community would be different is the attainable aspect.

“The residents who live there will be income-qualified,” she said. “They will be in the 50% to 100% average median income for this area. So, I don’t believe there are any other projects in communities in Horizon West that are specifically attainable housing communities. … There is a lot of care being put into making this a great community for the residents who will live there.”

Because the PD rezoning application is under the Horizon West code, the project will have to meet the Hori-

zon West standards for design, architecture and development.

Hattaway said the project has received an evaluation and determination from Orange County Public Schools that states capacity will be available for the students generated by the development. The applicant stated the units will not come online until 2026.

THE NEED

Not all in attendance were against the project.

One resident, who moved to the Orlando area about five years ago as an hourly Disney cast member, said at the time she joined a Facebook group for apartment hunting that she is still a part of today.

“The posts are really scary to me,” she said. “I’m really aware of the housing crisis as someone who very rarely can afford an apartment to live in. ... I think all of your concerns are so valid. ... But one thing I would ask you to remember is that you mentioned ‘just not in our backyard.’ These people are already in your backyard. They drive from other parts of Orange County, from Osceola County, from Lake County. They drive to work in your backyard every day. They are the engine of Central Florida.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

There will be four public hearings regarding the project.

The first hearing for the FLU request will be a Local Planning Agency transmittal hearing before going to the Board of County Commissioners for transmittal; both dates are to be determined.

If transmitted, the project will be reviewed by the state before proceeding to adoption hearings. If the BCC chooses to not transmit the project, the proposal will not move forward and the applicant will have to reapply for the request to be considered again. In terms of the PD request, the project will go through the same process, except for the transmittal. If transmitted, the PD zoning would marry up with the FLU request for the adoption hearings.

The proposed project would sit on 114.23 acres on Hartzog Road in Horizon West.

POWERFUL GUT PUNCH

DUKE’S SUGGESTIONS

n Change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy.

n Set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.

n Close blinds, drapes and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Keeping these items closed will help prevent the sun’s rays from heating your house.

n Use a ceiling fan in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Make sure the fans are set to operate in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down into living spaces. Only use ceiling fans in rooms that are occupied; fans cool people, not things.

n Grill outdoors. Using your electric oven and stovetop creates a lot of indoor heat. Help save energy by firing up the grill outdoors or prepare meals that don’t require cooking.

n Turn off unnecessary lights. Be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room. Lights emit heat and cause your air conditioning system to work harder.

Source: Duke Energy

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Downtown Winter Gar -

den resident Rebecca Hurst purchased her 2,700-square-foot home last September.

When she was researching utility costs, the previous owners told her their Duke Energy Florida bill averaged around $250 or $300 — and peaked at $400 in the summer.

But now, just one year into owning the home, Hurst is experiencing something much different.

“Ours has been increasing throughout the year but just last month, they suddenly sent us notice that our monthly bill pay was going to go up over $1,100 per month,” she said. “The $1,100 bill included rounding up for my balance pay. The actual monthly bill once we paid off the balance was in the $700 to $800 range, which is still more than double.”

Hurst contacted Duke repeatedly asking for more clarification and if the company would come out and check the meter.

“Not only do we keep the house pretty warm and monitor our energy usage, but we also did a substantial remodel to the house after we bought it, including redoing the entire attic with new insulation, new encapsulated crawl space, energy-efficient windows, more energy-efficient appliances, etc., all of which should’ve helped lower costs,” she said. “They would not come out and basically just looked at the computer and said it was right and that our energy usage was up. … If we were older, and on a fixed income, like many of my neighbors, I don’t know how we could afford this kind of energy bill.”

Hurst isn’t alone. Dozens of West Orange and Southwest Orange residents are reporting substantial increases in their bills from Duke Energy.

But, why?

THE COST FOR COMFORT

The Florida Public Service Commission in March approved Duke’s updated fuel and capacity rate request and recovery of storm restoration costs due to increased fuel costs from 2021 and 2022.

The rate adjustment includes also storm-restoration work, mostly associated with hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

As a result, Audrey Stasko, Duke Energy corporate communications representative, said, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh is $171.83 — an

increase of about $25 compared to last year.

Comparatively, customers who have Orlando Utilities Commission as their electric utility pay about $132 for the same energy usage after a fuel-rate decrease the OUC board approved goes into effect Oct. 1.

For homes that go over 1,000 kWh in a month, Duke calculates the overage at a different rate — currently 10.860 cents per kWh (compared to 9.266 cents in 2022). Fuel charges are 5.302 cents for up to 1,000 kWh and 6.372 cents for anything over. That’s compared to 4.469 and 5.539, respectively, in 2022.

The rate adjustment went into effect last April and reflects recovery of the fuel under-recovery for a period of 21 months.

Stasko said air conditioning accounts for the most energy usage during the summer in a home. Because of this, some customers may have higher bills recently, she said.

Stasko also said Duke does not profit off rising fuel costs.

“Whatever we collect from customers goes directly to the fuel providers,” she said.

Duke on Sept. 5 filed its projected 2024 fuel and capacity costs with the FPSC. Together with previously made filings and costs, this is the first look customers get at their proposed electric rate for the upcoming calendar year.

“The good news is fuel prices have begun to stabilize, which is a positive sign for customers,” Stasko said. “However, 2024 rates will also be impacted by Hurricane Idalia, which are not known at this time, as the company’s key focus is on safely restoring service to customers. In the coming weeks, Duke Energy Florida will gather the costs of this storm and determine appropriate next steps. Once estimated costs for Idalia are known Duke Energy Florida will make a filing with the FPSC.”

Duke’s current filing estimates that in 2024, the monthly bill for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh would decrease by $3.03 per month.

However, Stasko said that rate may change.

“The proposed rate that is being filed today does not include any costs from Hurricane Idalia or any other storms that may impact our service territory this hurricane season,” she said. “Duke Energy Florida will make a filing with the FPSC once those costs are known.”

NOT BUYING IT Lee Lovette, who lives in downtown Winter Garden, said his bill has also increased at an alarming rate.

“Between June and July, we were out of town for a week,” he said.

“With everything shut off and AC on 79 … our bill actually went up $52 to almost $500 in a townhome. We have close friends (who) have a house literally double the size of ours and have OUC electric, and their bill was $272. One of them works for Duke and says they literally built a house outside of Duke power because they are a rip-off. … Honestly, it seemed like after COVID, they started creeping up … but especially the last two

years. They blame it on the weather and the economy. We started doing the budget billing where they average the bill and you pay the same every month and they review your usage every quarter, so we will see.”

Susanna Renzy, who lives in Horizon West, has noticed her bill steadily increase since the summer.

This past month, the bill increased from $282 to $339.

“We have a 4,000-square-foot home, two-story, and we leave the air at 77 upstairs and 76 downstairs,” she said. “I understand it’s hotter and maybe it’s because the AC unit is always running, but I feel like that is a big cost jump.”

Angela Grey, who lives also in the Horizon West area, said her household installed solar panels last year to help with costs. However, the solution didn’t last long.

The four family members live in about a 1,950-square-foot house.

“My power bill went down to $34 one month,” she said. “Now, it has skyrocketed to $191 with solar. My daughter has since moved out, so we are one less person in the house. I don’t get it. They need to be stopped.”

Hurst said it feels like Duke Energy has a monopoly.

“None of us (has) any choice,” she said. “Even those (who) have switched to solar are now saying their energy prices are going way up, so what motivation do any of us have for solar if that’s the case? The biggest question is who is holding Duke accountable? It’s really easy for them to sit in an office and look at a computer screen and say everyone’s usage went up. OK, so even if our usage went up 10%, how did our bill double in a year? Those are the kinds of questions that nobody is answering. … They are a monopoly. We don’t have anywhere else to go for competition. Other than solar, which is not allowed in my particular house, nor do I want that. I just want a working, honest utility company.”

THE NUMBERS (IN CENTS)

Courtesy photos

The Hurst family moved into a well-known downtown Winter Garden home, coined “Birdhouse,” about a year ago. Now, the family is paying more than double for its electricity through Duke Energy.

Lake Butler shoreline estate sells for $7.6M

ALake Butler shoreline estate in Windermere topped all West Orangearea residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 26 to Sept. 2.

The home at 11940 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $7.6 million. Built in 1985, it has five bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 6,549 square feet of living area. Days on market: 577.

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

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL COVE

The home at 8678 Great Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 31, for $962,000. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,151 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

CITRUS CHASE

The townhouse at 8235 Citrus Chase Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 1, for $380,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,252 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

GREENLEAF

The home at 6843 Spring Rain Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 28, for $676,500. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,973 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

NORTH BAY

The home at 5614 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 31, for $2.3 million. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,955 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

ORANGE BAY

The home at 6320 Edge O Grove Circle, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $570,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,266 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

PARKSIDE

The home at 8136 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 31, for $935,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,259 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 26.

SAND LAKE COVE

The home at 10120 Cove Lake Drive, Orlando, sold Sept. 1, for $675,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,789 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 26.

SAND PINES

The home at 6167 Sand Pines Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Sept. 1, for $700,000. Built in 1988, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,855 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

SANDPOINTE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 7722 Sundial Lane, Orlando, sold Aug. 28, for $378,695. Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,302 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

TANGELO PARK

The home at 4829 Anzio St., Orlando, sold Sept. 1, for $305,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,209 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

VISTA CAY

The condo at 5036 Shoreway Loop, No. 203, Orlando, sold Aug. 29, for $630,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,097 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The townhouse at 4816 Tidecrest Ave., No. 174, Orlando, sold Aug. 31, for $509,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 1,741 square feet of living area.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8749 The Esplanade, No. 20, Orlando, sold Sept. 1, for $460,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,824 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WINDHOVER

The condo at 5846 Peregrine, No. B12, Orlando, sold Aug. 30, for $150,000. Built in 1974, it has one bedroom, one bath and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

GOTHA AZALEA RIDGE

The home at 1623 Red Ruffle Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $375,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,412 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

HORIZON WEST DEL WEBB OASIS

The home at 13124 Blue Reef Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $687,600. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,200 square feet of living area.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 14026 Frasier St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $499,410. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,985 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

The home at 60 Frasier St., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $482,655. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,788 square feet of living area. Days on market: 153.

LAKE REAMS TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 8843 Newmarket Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $380,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,420 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

LAKESIDE VILLAGE TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 10635 Village Lake Road, Windermere, sold Aug. 29, for $485,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,850 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

The townhouse at 10643 Village Lake Road, Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $430,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 1,938 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

NORTHLAKE AT OVATION

The home at 11219 Pixie Mandarin Court, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $749,602. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,101 square feet of living area.

The townhouse at 11129 Lime Flower Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $419,398. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,675 square feet of living area.

OASIS COVE I

The condo at 14105 Oasis Cove Blvd., No. 305, Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $430,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,826 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 16471 Parable Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 30, for $586,905. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

The home at 16567 Parable Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $536,595. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,023 square feet of living area.

The townhouse at 14035 Title Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $450,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,636 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

The townhouse at 13859 Title Way, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $389,830. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,000 square feet of living area.

The townhouse at 10072 Memoir Ave. N., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 29, for $419,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,755 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The townhouse at 13760 Calera Alley, Windermere, sold Aug. 28, for $446,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,912 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9893 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 30, for $1,295,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,910 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

The home at 17816 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $852,036. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,323 square feet of living area.

The home at 17823 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $548,170. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 141.

The home at 15735 Fountain Springs Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $515,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 71.

WATERMARK

The home at 9338 Tyrella Pine Trail, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $510,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,868 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

The home at 9324 Mira Valle Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $498,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,821 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11943 Gold Creek Trail, Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $855,000. Built in 2012, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,450 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

The home at 8498 Powder Ridge Trail, Windermere, sold Aug. 29, for $689,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,393 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WINDING BAY

The home at 15951 Pantuso Alley, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $630,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,740 square feet of living area. Days on market: 63.

The home at 11940 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $7.6 million. This private, gated lakefront home is set on 2.4 acres in Windermere.

The home at 5614 Bay Side Drive, Orlando, sold Aug. 31, for $2.3 million. The selling agent was George Stringer, Coldwell Banker Realty.

OAKLAND

HULL ISLAND

The home at 1152 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, sold Aug. 31, for $1,250,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,009 square feet of living area. Days on market: 140.

The home at 1417 Southern Sun Drive, Oakland, sold Sept. 1, for $610,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,278 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

OCOEE ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 2941 Muller Oak Loop, Ocoee, sold Aug. 29, for $412,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,432 square feet of living area. Days on market: 30.

BROOKESTONE

The home at 934 Patriots Point, Ocoee, sold Aug. 28, for $615,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,458 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

CROWN POINTE COVE

The home at 1617 Regal River Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 31, for $488,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,144 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The townhouse at 1848 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold Aug. 31, for $405,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,963 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

PRIMA VISTA

The home at 614 Gallego Ave., Ocoee, sold Aug. 29, for $415,000. Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,530 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

REFLECTIONS

The home at 879 Cool Springs Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 31, for $449,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,884 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

TWIN LAKES MANOR

The home at 704 Spring Creek Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 29, for $335,000. Built in 1974, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,401 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

WESTYN BAY

The townhouse at 2462 Viterbo Way, Ocoee, sold Sept. 1, for $315,000.

Built in 2015, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,513 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

WINDSOR LANDING

The home at 226 Sagecrest Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 31, for $795,100.

Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,693 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

WEST ORANGE THE LAKE HOUSE

The home at 3801 McKinnon Road, Windermere, known as The Lake House, sold Aug. 30, for $2.3 million.

Built in 2022, it has six bedrooms, 15 baths and 24,080 square feet of living area. Days on market: 115.

WINDERMERE POINTE AT LAKE ROPER

The home at 13048 Lake Roper Court, Windermere, sold Aug. 31, for $1,071,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,941 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.

WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6125 Lake Burden View Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 29, for $1,780,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,038 square feet of living area. Days on market: 72.

The home at 11321 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 30, for $1.3 million. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,468 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 100.

LAKE DAVIS RESERVE

The home at 5502 Marleon Drive, Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $1,875,000. Built in 2011, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 6,355 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.

METCALF PARK

The home at 11940 Lake Butler Blvd., Windermere, sold Sept. 1, for $7.6 million. Built in 1985, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,549 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 577.

RESERVE AT

LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 6149 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 31, for $2,550,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 5,929 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 10430 Birch Tree Lane, Windermere, sold Aug. 31, for $1,190,000. Built in 2000, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,579 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 118.

WINTER GARDEN

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 544 First Cape Coral Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $565,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,360 square feet of living area. Days on market: 16.

redfin.com

COURTLEA OAKS

The home at 450 Valley View Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $820,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,100 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 41.

ESTATES AT LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3283 Windbeam, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Aug. 31, for $892,255. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 4,272 square feet of living area.

FULLERS OAK

The home at 1791 Fullers Oak Loop, Winter Garden, sold Sept. 1, for $700,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,194 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 15217 Johns Lake Pointe Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 1, for $980,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,668 square feet. Days on market: 41.

The home at 715 Marsh Reed Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $715,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,997 square feet. Days on market: 170.

LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 17834 Hither Hills Circle, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Aug. 29, for $1,250,246. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three-

redfin.com

and-one-half baths and 3,920 square feet of living area. Days on market: 153.

The home at 17850 Hither Hills Circle, Winter Garden, Lake County, sold Aug. 31, for $1,114,838. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,416 square feet of living area. Days on market: 213.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1037 Eaglecrest Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $935,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 2,693 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

OXFORD CHASE

The home at 14885 Ellingsworth Lane, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 31, for $685,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,554 square feet of living area.

REGAL POINTE

The home at 812 Hayley Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 30, for $449,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,260 square feet of living area. Days on market: 78.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1850 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Sept. 1, for $745,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,377 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 13572 Sunset Lakes Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $1,090,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,731 square feet of living area. Days on market: 67.

WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE

The home at 1413 Viscaya Cove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 28, for $575,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,502 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

WINDTREE GARDENS

The condo at 25 Windtree Lane, No. 101, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 30, for $226,500. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The home at 1152 Hull Island Drive, Oakland, sold Aug. 31, for $1,250,000. The selling agent was Diana Kepley, Deniz Realty Partners LLC.

The home at 9893 Beach Port Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 30, for $1,295,000. The selling agent was Matt McKee, Compass Florida LLC. watsonrealtycorp.com

The home at 226 Sagecrest Drive, Ocoee, sold Aug. 31, for $795,100. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Aug. 26 to Sept. 2. The selling agent was Rita Phillips, Florida Realty Investments.

Residents in Windermere joined the town’s police department to fish among the lakes at the fourth annual Cops & Bobbers event Saturday, Sept. 9. Locals met at Windermere Town Hall before making the short trek down to the lake to race minnows, fish with the Windermere Police Department officers and win prizes. Tiny bobbers, ages 3 to 6, fished along the shoreline, while children ages 7 to 17 had the opportunity to ride on a boat with police officers.

The event was sponsored by the Windermere Police Department Foundation and Get Hooked Bait & Tackle.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Snehal and Shayan Patel caught the first fish of the day.

Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden and Police Clerk Danyel Hylton helped lead the event.

Abbott Rapp fished from the dock.

Cal Candelaria caught a huge fish inside the boathouse.

Right: Amanda and Kieran Klinski fished inside the boathouse together.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY: LANGD’S HELPING HAND

When the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced in 2020, nobody could have imagined its impact on so many families trying to make ends meet. At Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we saw firsthand the staggering number of households that struggled to keep up with their monthly bills. We believe that nobody should have to worry about keeping their lights on and appliances running, which is why in July 2021, the District partnered with Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) to set aside $5,000 and launch our first-ever customer assistance program: LANGD’s Helping Hand.

Over the past two years, Helping Hand has supported our community in ways we could never have imagined. The fund has supported over 70 families with overdue utility bills this year alone. The Helping Hand program is truly a testament to our community’s “good neighbor” mentality and the importance of supporting one another through hard times.

While we are proud of the impact that Helping Hand has made in our community in such a short time, we are even prouder to say that this was an employee-led program, with many members of our team as well as many of the suppliers and vendors we work with on a daily basis, having already generously donated to the fund. Every cent counts, which is why we’ve made strides to

provide ways for LANGD customers to contribute, including the opportunity to round up bills to the nearest dollar to continue supporting our community members who need it the most.

Knowing we can show our community that we care and are here to help makes all the difference. Whether it’s volunteering time to sponsor community events or donating non-perishables to local fundraisers, our LANGD family knows how important and impactful it can be to lend a helping hand.

By providing financial assistance to families in need, Helping Hand has helped ensure that all families have access to natural gas services, which is essential for heating their homes and cooking their meals, even during the toughest of times.

The criteria to be eligible for Helping Hand – as set forth, reviewed and distributed by HFUW –include being the primary account holder for a LANGD residential account, having no record of involvement in criminal activity related to tampering and having a past-due balance on your LANGD bill. Assistance is limited to twice yearly or up to $350 per household in 12 months. To apply, customers must provide their name, contact information, LANGD account number, and a copy of their most recent bill. If you or someone you know believe they may qualify for financial

assistance with their LANGD gas utility bills, contact our customer service department at (407) 656-2734.

If you want to donate to the Helping Hand fund, check out LANGD.org to learn more or contact us at (407) 656-2734. We are grateful for the generosity of our customers, employees and other community members who have donated to Helping Hand, and we believe the best is yet to come.

At LANGD, we will always work hard to ensure families in need have access to natural gas.

SPORTS

GAME OF THE WEEK

WINDERMERE (3-0)

VS. DR. PHILLIPS (1-2)

Setting the standard

Even though the sport of football is popular in the United States, it is not a common sports in other countries around the world.

However, this year, the Windermere High School football team is a melting pot of players representing

16 different countries, including South Africa, Iran, Serbia, Haiti, Venezuela, Brazil, Turkey, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, St. Mar-

The swing of things: Local golf instructor celebrates anniverswary

For 11 years, PGA Tour pro-golfer Chris Couch has provided instruction to students of all ages.

ANDREA MUJICA

STAFF WRITER

For Chris Couch, the passion and love he feels for the game of golf didn’t come until he was 16 years old.

“I started playing around 7 (years old), and I played a bunch of sports,” he said. “So, golf was kind of just a back-burner sport. But, I started taking it seriously (when I was) around 16. I qualified for a PGA Tour event (the Honda Classic), so I kind of changed my perspective on golf and ended up becoming the No. 1 junior at 17 in the world.”

Couch went on to play at the University of Florida during his college years (1992 to 1995). As a sophomore, was he part of the Gators’ 1993 NCAA championship team — alongside

tin and Canada.

“A lot of players haven’t played American football before,” Windermere head football coach Riki Smith said. “So, the buying-in process was easier for them, because they just liked being a part of the team. They are smart, and they listen well. We are making an effort to expedite the

SEE MELTING ON PAGE 3B

Eagles, the Lions fell to Windermere Prep — 164-177 on the girls side and 153-192 on the boys side.

1The Windermere Preparatory School girls varsity volleyball team defeated Freedom High School, 3-2, Tuesday, Sept. 5. It was a tough battle on the court for both teams throughout the game. However, Windermere Prep came through during a decisive fifth set to settle the victory. The Lady Lakers won the first set 25-23, lost the second and third sets 20-25 and 16-25, respectively; and, won the fourth and fifth sets 25-22 and 15-13, respectively. 2

The Foundation Academy boys and girls swim teams participated in a tri-meet with Master’s Academy and Windermere Prep Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Windermere Prep. On the girls side, Foundation defeated Master’s Academy 204123, while the boys triumphed 206127. Despite their win against the

3

The Horizon High School boys cross country team placed second and the girls team sixth at the Hawks on the Hill Invitational meet Saturday, Sept. 9. Runner Girmay Buck placed fifth and set a new school record in the 5K with a time of 17:06.75. On the girls side, runner Maryn Whitesell placed 13th while setting a new school record in the 5K with a time of 20:09.60. The Hawks had a total of nine personal best times during the meet.

With 305 points, the Windermere Prep boys golf tied for eighth place with Jesuit High School during the Central Florida Prep Invitational Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Country Club of Orlando. Sebastian Fernandez was the top golfer for the Lakers, with a round of 73 (+3), followed by Josiah Wang with a round of 76 (+6), Lexi Xue with a round of 77 (+7), Kirill Zubov with a round of 79 (+9) and Santiago Navarro with a round of 80 (+10).

The Olympia High School varsity boys swim team defeated Boone High School 105-65 Wednesday, Sept. 6, placing first in all events except in the 200-meter free relay.

Golfer Katie Yang shot a 35 to lead The First Academy against Bishop Moore Thursday, Aug. 31. Page 2B.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, Iran, Turkey, Germany and Italy are some of the countries players from the Windermere High School football team are from.

Windermere is a perfect 3-0 for the first time in school history with a roster of players who represent 16 different countries.

Andrea Mujica

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

Katie Yang

With a 35, The First Academy junior golfer Katie Yang led all Lady Royals in the team’s first tournament of the season against Bishop Moore Thursday, Aug. 31. Yang fell in love with golf because the sport allows her to be in control of her decisions on the golf course. She also enjoys analyzing a play and deciding what shots she wants to play for each hole.

How did you feel about being top performer at the tournament against Bishop Moore?

I was actually really excited to play, because this is the first match of the season. I wanted to start off (well), so I’m glad I did. I think (I) just focused and (made) sure I didn’t rush each shot and (thought) about what I (was going) to do.

What do you believe golf has taught you on and off the course?

Definitely patience. Sometimes, you get a bad shot, and you have to learn to recover from that and not be frustrated or angry.

What do you think about when you are in the middle of a competition?

I try not to think that much, because it can distract me a lot. If I think a lot, I kind of get angry, sometimes. But, if I don’t think enough, then I lose focus.

What was the most challenging thing for you to learn in golf?

Patience, because especially as a kid, your emotions are kind of all over the place, so you can’t really control them. So, just learning how to control your emotions definitely helps you improve your game.

What is your favorite hobby?

Sleeping.

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

I would take water, food and a tent.

THE BASICS

Age: 16 Sport: Golf Grade: Junior School: TFA

What is your favorite movie?

As a kid, I really liked the movie

“Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper.” That was the one I watched the most as a child.

If you could choose one person you admire to have dinner with, who would it be?

Maybe Tiger Woods; that’d be cool. I kind of just want to hear what he was thinking when he was in his prime.

Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self?

Try anything. If you want to play this sport, play it. If you want to try this food, try it. If you want to be friends with this person, be friends with that person.

If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say?

I would want to ask what job I have, maybe how much money I’m making, if I’m still friends with my current friends, and where I live.

What is your biggest fear?

Either falling or losing someone I love.

What is your favorite type of music?

Something on the slower side but not ballads, like a chill song. Maybe just any NewJeans songs

Baymax; I think he is really cute.

I kind of want to just hug him,

If you could have a superpower, Mind-reading. I want to know

Olympia girls volleyball snags second at Nike Tournament of Champions

The Lady Titans defeated powerhouses such as TFA, Cardinal Mooney and Gulliver Prep at the tourney.

The Olympia High School girls varsity volleyball team finished second at the Nike Tournament of Champions which took place Friday, Sept. 1, and Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel.

“It was great; I didn’t have any expectations going into it, but right off the bat, we played super (well),” senior captain and libero Emma Schutt, 17, said. “We were just sharp. We worked really well together, and everyone had the same goal in mind.”

This was the fourth year the Nike Tournament of Champions hosted a high school volleyball tournament in the Southeast region of the country. It was Olympia’s second year participating.

“It was really fun,” senior captain and outside hitter Laney Perdue, 17, said. “It was a lot different than it was last year. We performed really

you’d like to visit? Why?

try their food — all three places have really good food — and they have a

If you could go back in time to a specific period

History is kind of scary. Maybe when the group of Americans (colonists) Boston Harbor to protest

What color would you say represents your perBlue. It’s a quieter color, a

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be I’d like to be a bird, because I’d

ANDREA MUJICA

in this

well. … Our team is so young, so we have to be there for them, show leadership and stay positive and encouraging.”

Olympia defeated South Fork 2-0 (25-18, 25-17), St. Agnes Academy 2-1 (27-25, 23-25, 15-9) and Cardinal Mooney 2-0 (25-21, 25-23) Friday, Sept. 1. During the second day of the tournament, Olympia defeated The First Academy 2-0 (26-24, 25-20) and Gulliver Prep 2-0 (25-18, 26-24). However, the Lady Titans lost to Ramson Everglades 2-0 (2426, 21-25) during the final game of the tournament Saturday, Sept. 2.

“I was proud of us, because we gave a lot of effort the whole tournament,” sophomore setter Madison Wehr, 15, said. “We just want to win.”

“This year is more about quality than quantity,” Olympia High head volleyball coach Semei Tello said.

“This group particularly — not saying that last year they didn’t — will fight for every point. Last year, they were a little bit too comfortable knowing that they were the top dog going into the season; everybody knew that we were the team to beat. This year, at the very beginning (of the season), everybody didn’t think we were going to be very good until

Golf instructor shares passion for the game

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

PGA Tour golfer Brian Gay. Couch won the Southeastern Conference championships in 1992, 1993 and 1994 while he was still at UF.

In 1995, Couch turned professional — but it was not until 2006 when he experienced a career high after winning the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

“I’m not playing the PGA Tour anymore,” he said. “I probably could play a few tournaments if I wanted to, but I’m mostly teaching now.”

In 2012, Couch suffered a back injury, which didn’t fully let him swing a club. One day, he was at the West Orange Country Club and a child practicing day-in and day-out caught his eye.

“I just kind of went up to him and asked him if he had a coach,” Couch said. “He said ‘No.’ I said, ‘How would you like to be coached?’ And he said, ‘I’d love it.’ So, I started with him and discovered that I loved (coaching).”

What started with an informal question and a desire to pass along the knowledge of the sport to others blossomed into a new business, Chris Couch Golf Instruction.

“I have no idea how many students I have; I have a lot,” he said.

“I have some weekly students, some every other week, some monthly. Some see me a couple of times a year, (and) they range from 7 years old to 82 years old. So, I have a wide range (of students): I have pros, I have beginners. It’s all over the place.”

Couch’s wife, Julia, helps with scheduling.

“I just kind of took on the position of, ‘I’ll do it. Let me do the scheduling, and you can teach,’” she said.

“And it just became kind of fun. So, we are trying to find different strategies for setting people up, because more and more people are coming.”

Lessons are unique and tailored to each student. Some last only an hour, while others can last as long as five hours. Couch teaches students

they saw us in the Nike tournament, how we were winning these games and people are starting now to turn their heads toward us again. So, it’s something that this group particularly needs to learn how to deal with. I guess last year they knew they were the team to be, this year they are learning that they are the team to beat.”

Part of the success the girls have encountered on the court this year, currently owning a 10-4 overall season record, as of press time, is attributed to the way they approach practices — focusing on service patterns and offensive plays.

“We will put 6-on-6, we will have our starting lineup on one side and another squad on the other side of the net,” Tello said. “We challenge each other.”

Overall, the team is truly embracing the newness and youngness of the girls — having lost six seniors last year — with a starting lineup of one freshman, four sophomore and two seniors.

“I just think with them being so you and able to play at that level, there’s a lot of room for growth,” Tello said. “In the next couple of years, they are going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

CHRIS COUCH GOLF INSTRUCTION

Contact: Julia Couch at (407) 325-2241 Facebook: Chris Couch Golf

Instruction Location: West Orange Country Club

how to be more efficient on the golf course — both with their decisions and their swings.

“When I get out on the course with them, we mainly talk about the best strategies to think over the shot and really not put too much thinking into it — and especially too much mechanics,” he said. “It’s mostly just picture the shot and react to it, and always have a positive thought when you are hitting.”

Couch is inspired by the progress his students make, as well as their shared love and passion for the game.

“It’s something love to do — something I definitely want to do forever, so we gave it a name,” he said. “If I was to make an impact … it would just be to teach all my students to be honest and just always do their best.”

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Andrea Mujica

The Lady Titans has embraced the youth of the team, which has helped on the court this season.

‘Melting pot’ Wolverines are undefeated

learning curve to coach them up to be good football players.”

For Carson Toughey (South Africa), Joao Araujo (Brazil) and Adam Vucic (Serbia), being a part of the Wolverines gives them a place to make deeper connections.

“You make great relationships on and off the field with your teammates, athletic trainers and even managers,” Vucic, 16, said. “So, it’s just a great camaraderie sport, because of the brotherhood that you (create) with your teammates and just a very physical sport.”

And so far, the melting pot is working. The Wolverines (3-0) are one of three of the area’s unbeaten teams. What’s more, this year’s team made school history Friday, Sept. 1, during the game against Cypress Creek when it broke the school record for points (65).

“I guess that’s an accomplishment,” Smith said. “But, I’m more concerned about the week to week — just improving every week to be a complete football team.”

“The team this year feels very good,” Toughey said. “There’s just a different kind of brotherhood. Everyone seems to work really well together, and everyone is in all the way. Everyone is here to play — not half and half — and everyone wants it.”

“Making history is fun, but we are not done yet,” Araujo said. “We just want to keep going and keep getting better and improving as the season goes on. It’s just small steps to a bigger goal.”

Despite still having their eyes set on the “Build” phase of the team, this year the Wolverines added a new mindset: “The Standard.”

“We have it painted in the weight room,” Smith said. “We are focusing on the standard of Windermere football. The standard is at (a certain level), and moving forward you need to be at this level or height to be a part of the Windermere football team. … We are getting it through hard work, dedication, commitment, love for each other and no

WEEK THREE RECAP

GAME OF THE WEEK

CFCA (0-2), 0

Boca Raton Christian (3-0), 46

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Legacy Charter Friday, Sept. 29.

Click here for a full recap and photo gallery.

FRIDAY, SEPT.1

Dr. Phillips (1-2), 14

Apopka (3-0), 18

UP NEXT: The Panthers will travel to Windermere Thursday, Sept. 14.

Foundation Academy (2-1), 21

Tohopekaliga (2-0), 49

HIGHLIGHTS: Despite losing to Tohopekaliga 49-21 Friday, Sept. 8, Foundation Academy came out of the game with a wealth of information. Wide receiver Sam McFarland showcased versatility during the game, playing as wide receiver and as a return specialist. He finished the game with three receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown, and one kickoff return for 65 yards and one touchdown. Defensive back Zephy Rogers had nine total tackles — seven solo — and one forced fumble. Punter Will Prunity landed all his punts inside the 20yard line

UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to Orlando Christian Prep Friday, Sept. 15.

Horizon (3-0), 37

Colonial (0-3), 0

UP NEXT: The Hawks will host Poinciana Thursday, Sept. 14

selfishness. (We are a) team.”

In Windermere High’s history, no coach prior to Smith had stayed as the head of the football program for more than one season.

“It’s nice to have a coach that is actually here,” Toughey said. “It’s nice to have some structure.”

“Having coach Smith here the whole time — since my freshman

Lake Buena Vista (1-1), 7 Freedom (1-2), 24

UP NEXT: The Vipers will travel to Oak Ridge Thursday, Sept. 14.

Legacy Charter (0-3 ), 0 Cornerstone Charter (1-2 ), 20

UP NEXT: The Eagles will travel to Trinity Prep Thursday, Sept. 14.

Ocoee (2-1), 17

Wekiva (1-2), 8

HIGHLIGHTS: Ocoee defeated Evans High School 17-8 Friday, Sept. 8. On the offensive side of the ball, the Knights carried the ball 27 times for 171 yards. Defensively, Michael McClenton had 24 total tackles (20 solo), including three quarterback sacks.

year — just builds a sense of trust,” Araujo said. “You can trust that coach is going to be by your side every step of the way, and you don’t have a feeling that he’s going to leave you for someplace else. It’s nice, because it just makes you feel like you are cared for, and it translates onto the field.”

For Smith, it is the continuity and the consistency that makes a differ-

LOCAL NEWS FOUND

He also had one receiving touchdown. Kicker Santiago Suarez went 5-of-5 on field goals.

UP NEXT: The Royals will host Pine Ridge Friday, Sept. 15.

West Orange (1-2), 13

Edgewater (3-0), 27

HIGHLIGHTS: Despite losing to Edgewater 27-13 Friday, Sept. 8, the West Orange showed plenty of grit. The Warriors went 16-for-41 in passing for 217 yards. On the defensive side of the ball, West Orange had a total of 18 tackles, nine solo and nine assisted tackles.

UP NEXT: West Orange will travel to Wekiva Thursday, Sept. 14.

Windermere (3-0), 65 Cypress Creek (0-2), 14

UP NEXT: The Knights will travel to

Olympia Thursday, Sept. 14.

Olympia (2-1), 29

Lake Nona (1-2), 6

UP NEXT: The Titans will host Ocoee Thursday, Sept. 14. The First Academy (3-0), 43 Belleview (0-2), 6

HIGHLIGHTS: The First Academy defeated Belleview 43-6 Friday, Sept. 8. The Royals’ passing game was efficient, as quarterbacks Brooks Tulp went 9-of-10 for 72 yards and Jack McKissock went 9-of-21 for 161, for a total of 233 passing yards. Running back Ryon Smith carried the ball nine times for 113 yards and four touchdowns.

ence in the way a team is built — and the way it performs on the field.

“Me being here longer than a year — it makes them feel more at ease and more confident,” he said. “They are able to give more, because they know that I’m going to be here.”

Players and coaches at Windermere have learned this season the main focus of the team cannot be an

HIGHLIGHTS: Windermere scored the most points in a game ever recorded in school history. Quarterback Bryce Speed went 6-for-7 in passing for a total of 206 yards and carried the ball five times for a total of 42 yards. Isaiah Nell carried the ball eight times for a total of 102 yards (8.4 yards per play). On the defensive side of the ball, strong safety Joao Araujo had 10 tackles, and linebacker Rowan Wassilyn had nine. Kicker Lucas Glassburn totaled 552 yards on nine kickoffs — an average of 61.3 per kickoff.

UP NEXT: The Wolverines will host Dr. Phillips Thursday, Sept. 14.

Windermere Prep (0-2), 0 Orlando Christian Prep (3-0), 28

UP NEXT: The Lakers will host Crystal River Friday, Sept. 15.

overall season record but, instead, a week-by-week standard.

“Just focus on the now: every day, every week, every game, no looking ahead, no projecting,” Smith said. “Just focus on what you can control that individual day. Our motto is, ‘We want to win the week.’ We are trying to go 1-0 every week, and it goes no further than that.”

Andrea Mujica

Every week poses a new challenge for local prep football teams.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

DEPUTY JAMES VIGNALI GOTHA MIDDLE SCHOOL

James Vignali is a master deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and is the school resource officer at Gotha Middle School. He has letters of gratitude from the FBI for assisting in apprehension of a cartel leader, and he earned an award for being on the Squad of the Year in 2017 with the most arrests in progress.

“Deputy Vignali is a very relatable SRO who is truly invested in our school,” Principal Monica Emery said. “He is always willing to do anything to help, from safety trainings to working with families. He is diligent in ensuring our campus is safe.”

What brought you to your school?

I was in the patrol unit as a master deputy for 18 years. Looking for a new adventure, I decided to be an SRO in the schools. I put in for the SRO Unit and was a floater SRO for one year at different schools. For the last two years, I’ve been blessed to be at Gotha Middle School.

What do you love most about your school?

I love the way all the Gotha Middle staff works together and genuinely cares for the students’ well-being.

I like that I can be a good role model for the students. Gotha Middle does a lot of fun things for the students, (such as) a silent DJ party and lipdub videos.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

I wanted to play professional baseball and made it to Double AA ball in high school. However now, I could not see myself doing anything else other than being a lawenforcement officer. I have been in law enforcement for 25 years, and it has been well worth it.

Who influences you?

My dad was a big influence on my life. He would tell me, “Always do the right thing no matter what you do in life.” I guess it was my calling to become a law-enforcement officer and be a protector of people in need. I always try to make my dad proud, even though he is no longer with me and passed on.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: School resource officer

TIME AT SCHOOL: Second year

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

My favorite teacher was my gym coach, Mr. Tuttle. He was my coach for the junior high wrestling team, junior high soccer team and my high school baseball team. He always looked out for his players and made sure we didn’t skip classes. If we didn’t make good grades, he would kick us off the team sports. If he saw any of his players in the hallway during classes, we would hear it from him. He kept us in line, but he taught us how hard work and training paid off.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to take out my boat in the ocean on the Gulf side of Florida. I also like to play golf and do cycling for the OCSO team.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

President John F. Kennedy, because I had won a medal when I attended Public Elementary School 179 in Brooklyn, and I was a school safety crossing guard. I pulled a small toddler out of the road when a car ran a stop sign. I was awarded a medal

with John F. Kennedy on the front, and on the back it said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” I always wanted to meet him from that point on.

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

To be like Iron Man — to be invincible, fly around and have all that high-tech gear to fight crime.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

The Eagles because I learned to play guitar listening to them; Run DMC (because) I used to be a deejay back in school; and Spyro Gyra (because) they are one of the best jazz bands. I like all kinds of music across many genres.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as a student?

My go-to lunch would be pizza — the Elios pizza they used to give us back in elementary school. I still love pizza — but good New Yorkstyle pizza.

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas was always the best, because I would see all my cousins when we went to our abuela’s (grandmother’s) house. We would play games all night long and stay up waiting to open presents with all the family. There was also all the great Spanish food to eat.

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

I was on the junior high wrestling team, and we went to the state finals, where we came in second place. I played junior high soccer and high school baseball. I made it to Double AA baseball league while still playing high school baseball. I remember hitting in the winning run in a high school Baseball League World Series game where we played in Coney Island against an Upstate New York high school team.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

UKE CAN DO IT! Dillard Street introduces ukuleles to students

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Music teacher Stephanie Bryant wants to expose her Dillard Street Elementary School students to as many instruments as possible now so they can make an informed decision when they choose one to play in middle and high school. She was excited to receive a delivery of 25 ukuleles for her classroom recently. The students are full of excitement, too, she said, and wanted to know how soon they could start playing them.

The DSES PTA purchased the instruments for the music program. Bryant said she approached the PTA with her request for a class set in hopes of getting them within a few years.

“I know this is the first year they’ve given a teacher a grant or a gift,” she said. “I love that they’re excited to help teachers with projects.”

Bryant bought her first ukulele when she was interning under music teacher Lisa Hewitt at Westbrooke Elementary; Hewitt urged her to buy one.

This is Bryant’s third year as Dil-

lard’s music teacher, and she has been playing the instrument in her music classes. A fun song she likes playing is the color song for kindergarten, first and second grades — and the students enjoy that one, she said. She decided it was time for her students to have the chance to play.

“I thought it was an easy instrument I could pick up,” she said. “I taught myself the basics. I’ve been teaching myself more so I can teach them.”

Bryant said she will start by teaching the students in the younger grades about open chords, how to

hold the instrument and how to move their hands. Fourth- and fifthgraders will learn how to tune them, as well.

“They can take the tuning to other instruments,” she said. “It’s about having that ear for it, and it’s something they can transfer to other instruments as well.”

Bryant hopes to start a ukulele club at Dillard in addition to the class.

“If they have a knack for it, they could have a club for it,” she said. “I was thinking a second-grade club for ukulele, and then in third grade when they can join the music club, I would add ukulele.”

Bryant has started several other clubs at the school, including the advanced music club, a piano club for fifth-graders and an after-school drama club she co-directs with Sean Murphy.

Amy Quesinberry

Music teacher Stephanie Bryant is eager to teach ukulele music to her students, including Paula Carrasquel Mora, Lillyann Beier, Walter Wootton, Crew Wootton, Catalina Fiallo, Milena Fiallo and Madison Jackson.

Knight Nation takes over downtown Ocoee

It was a sea of black and gold as Ocoee High School took over downtown Ocoee Wednesday, Sept. 6 , for its 2023 Homecoming Parade.

The parade featured many of the school’s clubs, sports teams and, of course, the marching band, as they showed off their school spirit.

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden

Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional

10:45 AM Contemporary

Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Purpose Church Orlando

13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661

Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

The Ocoee High cheerleaders brought the energy to the parade.

Ocoee High students marched the streets of downtown Ocoee with pride.

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson paraded in style with the Ocoee High Knights.

Right: The Ocoee Knights football team was pumped and ready for its Homecoming game.

The Lakay group paraded through Ocoee in brightly colored costumes. Students got into the Homecoming spirit.

Right: The Homecoming parade included some bold dance moves.

Grandparents, students share special night at Sunset Park

The cafeteria at Sunset Park Elementary was filled with chatter and laughter as students and their grandparents attended the celebration of the 2023 Grandparents Night event Friday, Sept. 8. The Eagles enjoyed a fun night out with their grandparents, playing a wide variety of board games — Uno, Candy Land, Checkers, among others. Grandparents and grandchildren also enjoyed eating pizza and snacking on cookies and other desserts during the evening.

— ANDREA MUJICA

Grandparents Ralph Lambert, Birdy Connolly, Patricia Revolinski and Scott Revolinski enjoyed the event with granddaughters Avery and Riley.

Debbie Schoonover was lucky to find herself in Orlando during a visit from New Mexico to be able to attend the event and spend some one-on-one time with granddaughter Ellie Schoonover.

Debbie Dole and granddaughter Chloe Caddo, 7, wore adorable matching outfits and hair accessories.

Mia Streibig, 12, and Molly Trimble, 12, volunteered to help students stuff eagles during the event.

Kathleen Kirkbride and granddaughter Charlotte Hixon, 7, had fun together while playing a game of Candy Land.

Theresa and Dennis Webb had fun playing a game of Uno with grandson Aidan Trimble, 7.

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Half-pint burglars descended from the sky and stole clothing. Using a piece of stolen rope to lower themselves through the skylight, burglars dropped into George S. Merchant’s men’s furnishing store and walked out the door with $10 in cash and a good assortment of suit and haberdashery, all small sizes. The hole they came through was extremely small.

50 years ago

Advertisement: Are you looking for three or four bedrooms, two baths, a garage, shag carpeting, wallpaper, central heat and air, 95% mortgages, and VA/FHA?

Then visit Ocoee Hills, off Silver Star Road and Good Homes Road, where homes listed at $28,250 to $30,250.

The Ocoee City Council voted to purchase an $18,000 Burroughs accounting/billing “mini computer,” which was to take over much of the city’s paperwork.

40 years ago

The Windermere Town Council set its next fiscal year budget at $370,069 with a .946 millage rate.

Editorial: Boundary lines will be redrawn, and at least five schools may be closed if the Orange County School Board gives the go-ahead to change its 19 junior highs to middle schools. … Under the district’s current system, elementary schools handle grades K through 6, junior highs grades 7 through 9 and high schools 10 through 12. Going to a middle school system

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Star-Lite Drive-In opened in 1949 on the corner where 7-Eleven stands at East Plant Street and West Crown Point Road. It was constructed by Malon O. Wright. The theater was known locally as “Peavey’s Passion Pit” for Thelbert Peavey, who managed the extremely popular attraction for years.

At one time, the site could accommodate 400 cars. The aerial view shows the wide screen — with Plant Street running behind it — that eventually replaced the original smaller screen. It was closed in 1996 when the management company, Floyd Theatres, ceased operations. It was demolished in 1998 after Save Our Star-Lite, a fundraising effort, failed to achieve its goal.

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.

will shift 6,225 ninth-grade students to the senior highs and 6,116 sixth-graders to middle schools. It is anticipated that the transition into a middle school system may take up to five years from the plan’s inception because of the need to construct several new schools, phase out some elementary schools, redistrict students and reassign staff.

The kickoff of the 1983 Gator football season brought a large contingent of West Orange residents to Florida Field, includ -

ing Jean and Jimmy Pitchford, in one of the elegant new sky boxes. Among the other season box-holders were Sheila and Milton West, of Ocoee. West Orange High School alumnus Joe Henderson, playing fullback, gave area fans something extra to cheer about as he led off the season with two touchdowns in the 28-3 rout of Miami. Winter Garden teammate Roy Harris played an outstanding game for the defense.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

SEPT. 11, 1969

The five-and-dime store McCrory’s once operated in the West Orange Shopping Center, on South Dillard Street. It was customary for stores such as this to offer limited-time photography sessions for families, and folks were typically enticed by the low-cost pictures they received. The Winter Garden Times ran an advertisement that guaranteed satisfaction, a variety of poses and an 8x10 for just 99 cents (plus a 50cent film charge). To reiterate the low price, the ad depicted a photo of a baby popping out of a piggy bank.

30 years ago

Phil Ritson, internationally known golf educator, and David Harman, who had built more than 180 golf courses all over the world, were key members of the professional group dedicated to building the Orange County National Golf Center on 525 acres on State Road 545 southwest of Winter Garden. Harman also built the Isleworth course in Windermere and remodeled the Bay Hill course in 1983 and 1989.

celebrity cipher

By Luis Campos

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

“PV’HH FHPFOG CDKDX JCV CVXDVG DE 9/11. ... PV ZHVTUV JCFJ PV PRHH KVIVX EDXUVJ JCVRX GFLXRERLV.”

ZXVG. UVDXUV P. AMGC

Puzzle One Clue: M equals U

“RN RG’Z COIUG NAY CO, RG MRFF HO. GXAZO MAYLZ IYO CV CIUGYI RU FRNO, IUL RG XIZ UOBOY FOG CO LAMU.” KOUURNOY XTLZAU

Clue: A equals Z

“V’N UROYJU GJ R BVN REN CPRZ KVOY CRCJU CPREJW OYRE GJ R ARE REN CPRZ KVOY R KIARE’W YJRUO.”

VUVWY WVEFJU EVRPP YIURE

sudoku

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

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE by Aaron Rosenberg, edited by Jeff Chen

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