10.05.23 Southwest Orange Observer by Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 8, NO. 52

FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Matthew’s Hope goes wild It was steampunk-meets-western at the nonprofit’s annual fundraising party. 8A.

FOR

ANCHOR OTHERS

City, residents pleased with Stoneybrook Exchange

NATURAL WONDERS

The Winter Garden City Commission approved plans for the Stoneybrook Exchange, a nearly 90,000-square-foot commercial development. 6A.

Oakland Nature Preserve hosts Nature Fest. SEE PAGE 7A.

YOUR TOWN OAKLAND SWINGS WITH JAZZ CONCERT

Former OCPS teacher fired, arrested for child porn

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue into October with “Music Under the Oaks,” from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in VanderLey Park, 117 E. Gulley Ave. This free outdoor music event also will offer Latin food vendors, artisan craft booths coordinated by Orange Blossom Market, and wine and beer by West Orange Creamery. The evening will feature the #CubanAmerican Trio, presented by HAPCO, playing modern jazz. Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano fronts this internationally acclaimed trio, accompanied by renowned Cuban drummer Ludwig Afonso and Grammy-nominated New York City bassist Edward Pérez. Guests can take a lawn chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the show. Coolers and outside alcohol are prohibited. Parking is available at the Family Church field at Oakland Avenue and Tubb Street.

Ryan Hamil, 22, worked at Water Spring Middle School and the YMCA. 2A.

Starting strong

OCOEE TO CELEBRATE UNITY PARK

Courtesy photo

Leah Stiles served 20 years in the U.S. Navy before coming to Horizon West.

Lake Buena Vista is 3-1 so far this season. SEE PAGE 1B.

Horizon West resident and veteran Leah Stiles is using her nonprofit, SeaWaves, to raise awareness about eating disorders for those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

The city of Ocoee is holding a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new Unity Park at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10. The park is at 130 N. Cumberland Ave. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The city also will recognize Ocoee’s 100-year anniversary. As part of the celebration, the West Oaks Library will set up a StoryWalk along the park’s walking path featuring the book, “Breathe and Be: A Book of Mindfulness Poems.” Attendees are invited to take a stroll and enjoy reading in the outdoors.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

BRIEFS WINTER GARDEN POLICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT The Winter Garden Police Department is asking the community for its help in locating a suspect following an attempted homicide. Officers responded to an attempted shooting at 1135 Maxey Drive, Winter Garden, at 8:50 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28. The department said it made contact with the victim, who stated a known subject, identified as Dilson Matel Flores-Miranda, pulled up to him while he was in front of his residence and came to a stop. The victim stated Flores-Miranda aimed a firearm at him and fired before fleeing the scene. Although the victim was not hit, the residence that was occupied by family was. However, there were no reported injuries from the incident. The victim believes the incident is a result of an ongoing dispute between him and Flores-Miranda. Flores-Miranda was driving a

OCPS SEEKS NEW POLICE OFFICERS The Orange County Public Schools District Police is searching for employees. The school district is accepting applications for police officer, police sergeant, and threat management and compliance administrator. The district police is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of students at the 210 traditional public schools and 42 charter schools throughout Orange County. Officers are responsible for providing police services to the district; administering districtwide school resource officer agreements; partnering with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure school safety; managing specialized school security programming, conducting security-related assessments, and coordinating security for school activities, district meetings and special events. Visit ocps.net/departments/district_police.

Ventrac 4520

Former Water Spring teacher arrested for child pornography Ryan Hamil, 22, worked at Water Spring Middle School. He also worked in the summer camp programs at the Roper YMCA Family Center. ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

A former teacher at Water Spring Middle School and former part-time employee of the Roper YMCA Family Center has been fired and arrested following allegations of child pornography. According to Orange County Public Schools officials, Ryan Hamil, 22, was terminated from his employment with the school district Aug. 25, when school administration was made aware of a law enforcement investigation. The YMCA also terminated Hamil in August. Hamil, an Ocoee resident, has not been on campus since that day. Water Spring Middle Principal Brian Sanchez-Corona sent a message to families the day of Hamil’s termination. “Although I cannot discuss

employee matters, please be assured I take all allegations very seriously, and we will work closely with investigators,” he said. “Law enforcement may be reaching out to families in order to obtain statements from students.” According to an affidavit for an arrest warrant, Hamil was stopped and interviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer July 9, after he disembarked a cruise at the Port of Miami. Hamil admitted to the officer he had purchased “child sex abuse material via the dark web.” He also admitted to taking pictures of children with his cell phone while on the cruise, as well as taking similar pictures of children in his care at the Roper YMCA. No criminal charges were filed against Hamil at this time, and he was released. Hamil was interviewed by the officer again who traveled to Water Spring Middle Aug. 25, where he stated he had never taken any pictures of students at the school. However, a search of his phone Aug. 28, revealed two photos of a juvenile female.

Hamil was arrested by Orange County deputies and faces two counts of possessing obscene material. He has been issued a $2,000 bond. YMCA of Central Florida Chief Mission and Brand Advancement Officer Daniel Saginario said FDLE officials said none of the victims was from the Y. “At the YMCA of Central Florida, there is nothing more important than the safety and well-being of all in our care,” YMCA officials said in a prepared statement. “The individual in question no longer works for the Y and is restricted from all access to Y programs and locations. We will cooperate fully with authorities during their investigation. As a cause-driven community builder serving Central Florida families for over 135 years, the YMCA remains steadfast in our commitment to provide a healthy and safe environment.” According to his LinkedIn profile, Hamil was employed with OCPS since November 2021. He was hired as a part-time tutor and later became a language arts teacher in January. The profile states Hamil worked in various capacities in the YMCA’s summer camp programs since May 2021. He is a 2019 graduate of West Orange High School.

SHOP OR RENT AT 403535-1

NEWS

dark blue Chevrolet pickup with Florida tag AN41XP. The truck has a large “CHEVY” sticker on the rear window. The WGPD has placed charges on Flores-Miranda for attempted homicide and shooting into an occupied dwelling. The police department is asking anyone with information on the case, or the location of FloresMiranda, to contact Detective Steven Edmonds at (407) 656-3636, Ext. 4410.

Locations: Winter Garden, Clermont, Ocala | www.mainstreetmower.com

398007-1

OrangeObserver.com

City of Ocoee

The set millage rate for Fiscal Year 2023-24 remained at 4.95, the same as the previous fiscal year. This means property owners will pay a $4.95 tax for every $1,000 worth of property value.

mission approved the

Department City Commission City Manager City Clerk Finance Human Resources Legal Planning General Government Public Works Admin Support Services Admin Maintenance Operations Police Fire Street Operations Parks and Recreation

final Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget during its Tuesday, Sept. 19, meeting. The 2023-24 General Fund stands at $67,633,171 — a 6.77% decrease from Fiscal Year 2022-23.

— ANDREA MUJICA

TOTAL REVENUES & OTHER FINANCING SOURCES General Fund: $67,633,171 Stormwater: $4,994,641 CRA: $8,892,049 Water/Wastewater: $19,409,238 Solid Waste/Sanitation: $4,511,799 Other Fund: $7,481,906 Total: $112,827,872

FY 2020 $173,289 $574,309 $286,945 $1,111,560 $489,476 $231,496 $619,143 $11,936,957 $216,778 $1,359,948 $737,077 $12,601,301 $8,929,523 $3,593,553 $2,844,023

GENERAL FUND REVENUE

FY 2021 $279,177 $619,924 $373,385 $1,180,688 $631,308 $337,500 $851,522 $15,338,153 $225,035 $1,761,896 $959,429 $13,198,267 $7,996,594 $4,893,575 $3,301,516

FY 2022 $279,377 $640,692 $328,105 $1,233,192 $686,751 $327,500 $775,392 $39,746,377 $318,695 $1,631,474 $976,257 $13,293,525 $8,167,564 $4,171,358 $3,662,587

FY2023-24 $322,923 $644,635 $429,652 $1,435,225 $651,860 $327,500 $1,261,032 $14,879,532 $251,765 $1,769,360 $1,649,309 $17,784,286 $9,808,942 $8,650,024 $4773,639

Other Financing: $4,698,824 Fines and Forfeitures: $1,940,150

Other Revenues: $1,110,200

General Fund: $67,633,171 Stormwater: $4,994,641 CRA: $8,892,049 Water/Wastewater: $19,409,238 Solid Waste/Sanitation: $4,511,799 Other Fund: $7,481,906 Total: $112,827,872

Licenses and Permits: $2,159,500 Charges and Fees: $4,983,468

Taxes: $30,795,466

Cash Balance: $5,487,284

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT The proposed budget includes 116 capital improvement projects totaling nearly $45.6 million for this upcoming year. The individual requests are: Cemetery, with $78,000; CRA, with $2,555,259; Fire Department, with $5,140,000; Fleet Maintenance, with $140,000; Maintenance Operations, with $561,500; Parks, with $1,061,000; Police Department, with $9,000,000; Recreation, with $260,000; Stormwater Operations: $1,405,962; Street Operations, with $6,118,500; Support Services Administration, with $45,000; Utilities Administration, with $12,582,872; Water Facilities, with $143,000; Water Field Operations, with $2,469,408; Wastewater Facilities, with $820,000; and Wastewater Field Operations, with $3,190,000.

FY2021 ACTUAL $6,302,783 $226,207 $77,336 $481,542 $1,813,738 $39,439 $261 $8,941,307

The 2023-24 FY budget includes a 4.5% increase in employee salaries.

FY 2023 $284,343 $630,499 $411,529 $1,356,108 $645,734 $327,500 $1,040,038 $16,138,197 $222,607 $1,877,670 $1,691,933 $19,323,209 $13,346,830 $8,633,219 $4,124,136

TOTAL: $67,538,239

TOTAL EXPENDITURES & DISBURSEMENTS

FY2020 ACTUAL $5,974,494 $250,733 $77,569 $461,725 $2,120,449 $25,224 $0 $8,910,195

4.5%

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT

Intergovernmental: $16,363,347

POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL CATEGORY Regular Salaries Overtime Pay Incentive Pay FICA Taxes Retirement Contribution Health Insurance Unemployment Comp. TOTAL:

4.95

Fiscal Year ’23-’24 he Ocoee City Com-

POLICE AND FIRE

The total budget for the Police Department is $17.8 million, a 7.97% decrease of $1,538,923 from last year. The total budget for the Fire Department is $9,808,942, a 26.51% decrease of $3,537,888 from last year. Combined, the police and fire department budgets for FY 2023-24 total $27.6 million, a 15.54% increase from the FY 2022 budget. The total decrease for public safety in FY 2023-24 was $4,955,980, despite the addition of personnel in both, the police and fire departments. The police personnel are a new community service officer, crime scene investigator and three new police officers. At the fire department, the personnel are two new deputy fire chiefs, one captain training and EMS officer.

FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL FY22 BUDGETED $7,133,029 $262,500 $83,599 $518,595 $1,800,000 $53,000 $0 $9,182,322

FY23 BUDGETED $7,658,271 $400,000 $84,840 $556,764 $1,466,280 $55,000 $0 $10,221,155

FY2023/24 BUDGETED $8,094,793 $420,000 $86,500 $612,323 $1,466,280 $55,000 $0 $10,896,649

FY2020 CATEGORY ACTUAL Regular Salaries $3,914,416 Overtime Pay $320,105.94 Incentive Pay $23,030 FICA Taxes $307,656 Retirement Contribution $1,633,091 Health Insurance $32,526 Unemployment Comp $1,034 TOTAL $6,231,858

FY2021 ACTUAL $4,043160 $437,110 $23,944 $334,259 $1,475,096 $62,149 $5,682 $6,615,437

FY22 ACTUAL $4,152,488 $465,110 $36,063 $320,000 $1,208,582 $35,000 $5,000 $6,222,243

FY23 ACTUAL $4,500,000 $483,710 $37,326 $340,500 $817,000 $36,050 $5,000 $6,219,586

FY2023/24 BUDGETED $4,872,420 $525,000 $38,819 $354,120 $786,000 $70,000 $5,000 $6,697,030

411149-1

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Resident helps fellow veterans through nonprofit

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

s far back as Leah Stiles can remember, she sought comfort from the turmoil of her childhood within the mystical magic of the ocean. Dolphins, mermaids and the infinite depths of the water brought her a sense of peace and hope, and they anchored her spirit in times of turbulence. Her unwavering love for the water led her to a career serving in the U.S. Navy. Although 20 years of service taught her lessons of family, hope and resilience, her time at sea also led to some of the darkest moments of her life. Now, the beacon of light she found in her lowest moments is helping her guide others out of the darkness. Stiles, a Waterleigh resident, is CEO and founder of SeaWaves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocacy, support, education and awareness about eating disorders for those who have served in the armed forces. After facing her own challenges, it has become Stiles’ life mission to aid other service members battling eating disorders. She is committed to establishing beacons of awareness, education and support for her military family, navigating alongside them through uncharted waters.

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

Leah and Marlando Stiles foster children in addition to their own three.

ABOUT SEAWAVES WEBSITE: sea-waves.org PHONE: (737) 471-3733 EMAIL: info@sea-waves.org

A LOVE FOR THE SEA

With her natural attraction to the water, it only made sense Stiles would join the Navy and embark on a twodecade voyage as a sailor. “Once I found comfort in the water and established it was a safe place to me, I began to find ways to bring it around me every chance that I had and wherever I was,” she said. “Growing up in foster care, I would draw dolphins, mermaids, anchors and other symbols that represented water in my room or even on my rack when I was deployed.” Originally from New York, Stiles was inspired to join the Navy because she had a chaotic and traumatic childhood. She yearned for a tribe of people she could call family. “I saw it as a way to leave the area, reinvent myself, make something of myself and grow,” she said. “One thing I’ve always struggled with is family, and that was a big priority to me. I remember the recruiter telling me the Navy was like a big family, and when he told me that, I was ready to join. He wasn’t wrong.” Stiles was 21 years old when she joined the Navy in 2001, right before 9/11. She initially served as a combat photographer and moved locations every few years. As she progressed through the ranks, she served as a public affairs officer and communicated with the media outlets to provide information on the branch. She even had the opportunity to serve as a presidential photographer when former President Barack Obama traveled to her base. “They called attention on deck, and when he came in, he immediately locked eyes with me and said, ‘Good morning,’” she said. “But I was not prepared whatsoever for that, and so I gave him the, ‘What’s up,’ line as I was standing at attention. I immediately was like, ‘I’m so sorry,’ and he just laughed and gave me his special coin.” Stiles said the people, connections and camaraderie in the Navy are what kept her serving for so long. Family was the greatest lesson she learned. Eventually, she also was made chief petty officer. “When you join the chief ranks, the term that we use for (one another) is ‘brother,’ or sister,’” she said. “Once I understood that, it propelled me to grow even further in my career and as a person. We all worked together, but more than that, we all had a safe, family space where we looked out for (one another). … This week, several of the newly pinned chief petty officers are junior sailors I once led. They tell me how their leadership style for their own junior sailors is to treat each other like family. They will continue to pass that message down through generations. I just think it’s really amazing to have that connected to your legacy.” NAVIGATING TROUBLED WATERS

Along her journey, Stiles encountered

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.

Courtesy photos

One of Stiles’ mentors, Capt. Gavin Duff, performed her re-enlistment on the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

many struggles and setbacks that threatened to steer her off course. Before she joined the Navy, Stiles struggled with an eating disorder. The attention the weigh-ins and measurements called to her body exacerbated her struggles even when she was in recovery. “I always knew the military had a gap in care, because when I first joined the Navy, I was struggling with my eating disorder,” she said. “For the first 10 years, it was very much a secret for me. I didn’t tell anybody. I would look around for resources, help, therapy or even support groups relating to eating disorders when I was serving, but I just couldn’t find it. Now, I know that it’s because it wasn’t there.” The deeper she descended into her eating disorder, the higher she climbed in her personal and professional life. But the cost was heavy, as the weight of her secrets and lies strained against the fiber of her integrity. In 2017, Stiles hit a low point. It got so bad she had to leave her deployment to receive in-patient treatment. She was tube-fed through her nose for months. “That was really hard for me to leave them like that, and it was really hard for my leaders to secure in-patient treatment care like that,” she said. “There was no subject-matter expert in the military, and there still isn’t, which is what I’m working on. I want to teach people how to be subjectmatter experts. … I just think that if someone is looking for help, they should be able to find it — especially for the service members who give up so much for everybody else.” One of Stiles’ command master chiefs on deployment was the person that held an intervention for her and helped support her in talking through her struggles. “It was very hard for me to accept his help, because all I could see was that I was leaving my deployment family, but I’m glad that he did step in,” she said. “It’s taken several years for me to really be able to thank him for educating himself and making that decision for me even when I couldn’t see what was best for myself.”

A BEACON OF HOPE

Despite the fear and shame Stiles held, she grew weary of navigating the treacherous waters alone. She gathered her courage and took a leap of faith, publicly unfurling her truth to all who would listen. The response was a tidal wave of support. When Stiles exited the Navy in 2021, she struggled to find her purpose. The thought of being able to possibly help others encouraged her to push through her own struggles, and she started spreading awareness for eating disorders. “I might have been a little bitter when I first got out of the Navy and was trying to process everything through,” she said. “Then, I realized, ‘What’s really the point of being bitter, being upset or complaining when I could come up with solutions?’ I started brainstorming, and I just felt like there would be more opportunities for solutions if I made the nonprofit.” Stiles is using the nonprofit to obtain leverage for resources for her fellow service members and their loved ones. “Civilians have a lot of eating disorder resources, but the military has none,” she said. “I just kind of act as the bridge to get my military service members that are struggling to the resources that civilians offer until I’m able to fix what’s actually broken in the military, which is us not having that to provide on our own.” Stiles believes education is the most important step, because people don’t know what they don’t know. “It’s really hard to help anybody with anything if you haven’t made yourself smart on it,” she said. “Because eating disorders are so taboo, they’re not often talked about, and there’s a lot of myths or assumptions that are out there that just aren’t true anymore. After you educate yourself, talk about it. Talk about it with people that might have it, who might not have it, who might have a loved one who has it. It’s way more common than people even know

around them. We have to confront it head-on — even when it’s scary.” Along the way, Stiles still faced upheaval in the form of heartbreak and loss. She said the No. 1 cause of death in a person with an eating disorder is suicide. Stiles has lost several people in her life to suicide, including multiple service members, her mother, her friend and her niece. “Eating disorders thrive and grow through silence and secrecy,” she said. “It has to be a conversation. Just don’t do it alone. It’s too much. It’s too consuming. It’s too overwhelming. Different people are ready for recovery at different times, and it’s not linear. There’s no laid-out process for how to overcome an eating disorder. You will always have your eating disorder. There will be different times where you will be doing better or struggling in recovery, but it will always be there. You need to figure out who it is that you can talk to.” STRAIGHT SAILING

On the day Stiles retired from the Navy, she moved to Horizon West. Her husband, Marlando, retired from the Navy the same day. The pair has been married for 21 years and has three children: Alexzander — who currently is serving in active duty with the Navy as a second class petty officer — Ayanna and Alyvia. Family runs deeper than blood ties for the Stiles family, who also have fostered several children. “I have a lot of people that call me ‘Mom,’” Leah Stiles said. “Even on the ship they called me, ‘Sea Mom.’” This weekend, Leah Stiles will host a booth at Ms. Veteran America, an event that showcases “The Woman Beyond the Uniform.” All proceeds from the event provide housing for homeless women, veterans and their children throughout the country. Leah Stiles hopes the nonprofit encourages resilience. “Resilience is a really big thing in the military because of how important our jobs are,” she said. “We need to be able to take care of ourselves to bounce back constantly and be the best service member that we can be. That’s the light that I try to shine a lot. In the darkness, when you’re alone, are you not looking for the lighthouse? That is when you see the hope. As much as I want to teach about resilience, hope is just as important. They’re in connection with (one another).” When she’s not working on her nonprofit, Leah Stiles can be seen enjoying Disney with her family or in the stands at Horizon High School, where her youngest child is a senior and her husband coaches football and softball.

If you wish to subscribe, visit our website, OrangeObserver.com, call (407) 656-2121 or visit our office, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden.

TO ADVERTISE

For display or digital advertising, call (407) 656-2121. For Classifieds, call (407) 656-2121.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP PUBLIC NOTICES

The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals Permit (USPS# 687-120)

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, 14004 Roosevelt Blvd., Suite 606 Clearwater, FL 33762-9908.

Observer Media Group Inc.

is locally owned. Publisher of the Longboat Observer, East County Observer, Sarasota Observer, Siesta Key Observer, Palm Coast Observer, Ormond Beach Observer, West Orange Times & Observer, Southwest Orange Observer, Business Observer, Jacksonville Daily Record, Jacksonville Record & Observer, LWR Life Magazine, Baldwin Park Living Magazine and Season Magazine

Founding Editor and CEO / Matt Walsh President / Emily Walsh Vice President / Lisa Walsh Chairman Emeritus / David Beliles

1970 Main St. Third Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941-366-3468

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Courtesy of the Daddy Daughter Dance Committee

Windermere Elementary School previously sponsored father and daughter dances at Windermere Town Hall.

Windermere to host first Daddy Daughter Dance Mothers in Windermere are coming together to plan the first Daddy Daughter Dance hosted by the town. ANNABELLE SIKES

IF YOU GO

The town of Windermere is hosting a night to remember for fathers and their daughters. Windermere will host the first Daddy Daughter Dance Friday, Oct. 6, at Town Hall. The special dance is a residentorganized event led by longtime Windermere local Milani Walters. Walters said mothers who used to be on the committee for Windermere Elementary School’s Father Daughter Dance came up with the idea a few years ago, because the school is no longer allowed to sponsor the Daddy Daughter Dance. “After the COVID-19 pandemic hit and events were put on hold, the Daddy Daughter Dance never really came back,” she said. “The dances turned into sort of open family events, because the school district wanted all of the events to be inclusive of everyone.” Walters said she and the other mothers recognized there was still a need for the dance, so they approached Town Manager Robert Smith to see if the town could help host a new event. “The town was approached by residents who wanted to create an all-inclusive Daddy Daughter Dance, and we were in full support,” Smith said. “Anything the town can do to help promote strong families and a healthy community is something we will always promote.” MAGICAL MOMENTS

The enchanting evening will include a deejay, photo booth, sweet treats, face painting and crafts. The event is limited to town of Windermere residents only, and address verification is required for ticket purchase. However, the Daddy Daughter Dance Committee decided not to include an age limit on the event participation. “Some students missed the event because of the pandemic, and then

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 WHERE: Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St., Windermere MORE INFORMATION: https://bit.ly/3Q6RkZb

when they came back, it had changed, so some students at the school never got to experience it,” Walters said. “Now, the students that are maybe in middle school who had previously attended the elementary school can attend also.” In addition to Walters, the dance committee members are Brittany Grier, Kirby Filar, Lana Marchitelli, Jessica Strickland, Caitlin Karr, Amanda Lewis, Lisa Scott and Margaret Ross. Sponsors for the event are Victoria Jewelers, Horizon Land Management, Land Plus, Greenery Productions, The Heinz Group and Victory Martial Arts. “We just really think it’s so special,” Walters said. “The girls have been looking forward to this. Every year, it’s a tradition in town. It’s the only time the dads and daughters really get something that’s their own. The girls get to dress up, and they get quality one-on-one time with their dads. It’s a function where it’s not a whole family event. It’s a time for dads and daughters to share a special night with a bond that only a father and their daughter could have.” When the event was hosted at Windermere Elementary, Walters said there were about 300 attendees. The new event has about 200 attendees already through word of mouth and town announcement. Although the time of year may change for the event, the committee hopes the dance becomes an annual tradition carried on for many years to come. “It’s such a way for them to strengthen their relationships,” Walters said. “It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that creates a memory that stays with the dad and the daughter forever.”

ARE YOU ON TRACK TO REACH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS? CALL OR TEXT US TODAY. 336 E Plant St. Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.laportefinancial.com PHONE: 407-395-9720 FAX: 866-250-4831 Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC

411103-1

NEWS EDITOR

WHEN YOU WORK WITH ME, YOU WORK WITH THE

#1 NAME IN

REAL ESTATE I Know West Orange LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

Ready to Make a Move? Scan here to get started. www.tennillebiggers.com (850) 628-4455 TennilleBiggers@kw.com 404297-1

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

City approves Stoneybrook Exchange development ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

The city of Winter Garden approved unanimously plans for the Stoneybrook Exchange development following a commission meeting Thursday, Sept. 28. The second reading and public hearing of the ordinance passed commissioners, with eight additional staff conditions formed with the help of resident recommendations. The ordinance pertains to the rezoning of 11.34 acres located at Stoneybrook West Parkway. The subject property is located south of State Road 429, west of Windermere Road, east of Scarlett Sage Court and north of Stoneybrook West Parkway. The applicant is requesting to rezone the subject property from Arterial Commercial District to Planned Commercial Development to construct 13 buildings consisting of office space, medical offices and retail uses. The 89,889-square-foot development also will include parking, a stormwater pond and enhanced landscaping. Planning Director Kelly Carson said all the buildings will be one-story tall, except for the building at the corner of Stoneybrook West and Windermere, which will be two stories. Carson said the city has been working with residents to discuss the eight additional items pertaining to traffic and safety concerns that will be addressed during the site plan review. “This project was designed in close coordination with the community members and neighborhood groups who desired an attractive, neighborhood-scale commercial development that emphasized pedestrian comfort and safety,” she said. The items relate to improvements within the right-of-way and the roundabout at the corner of Stoneybrook West Parkway and Windermere Road, elevations, fencing, sidewalks, utilities, runoff and lighting.

n The Winter Garden City Commission approved unanimously the second reading of four ordinances pertaining to adopting the proposed budgets and millage rate for Fiscal Year 2023-24. The General Fund revenues budget for FY 202324 totals $82,768,911. This is an increase of $31,920,525, or 63%, when compared to the budget for the prior fiscal year. The budget reflects no change in millage rate — set at 4.5 mills. n City commissioners approved unanimously an interlocal agreement between the city and Orange County for limited transfer of jurisdiction over Oak Street lots. n The commission approved unanimously the purchase of a new Panasonic projection system from Alchemy Controls Inc. in the amount of $120,268. n Winter Garden officials approved unanimously a purchase order for design services for permanent Fire Station 21 to Bentley Architects and Engineers Inc. in the amount of $398,063.94.

Courtesy

This rendering depicts the new 89,889-square-foot Planned Commercial Development at Stoneybrook West Parkway.

Kelly Morphy, resident of the Westfield Lakes subdivision and speaker for the Safe Streets West Orange coalition, has worked with City Commissioner Mark Maciel to protect the area. “This is a project that the city staff has been incredibly collaborative; working with us and ensuring the needs of the community and the community’s well-being are foremost in the considerations,” she said. “Everybody has been working really hard for at least, as far as I know, 11 years on making sure that this becomes a great place for Winter Garden to be very proud of. A lot of time, effort and money have gone into protecting that area and keeping it prime for great development. … With a few caveats, this is a really good project. It’s the type of project that is going to create an anchor for the intersection and ensure it remains a place that we all want to go to, as opposed to just a space to pass through in your car as fast as possible. We’ve been working

n City commissioners approved unanimously a purchase order for construction manager at risk pre-construction services for permanent Fire Station 21 to McCree Design Builders Inc. in the amount of $51,545.

against allowing cars to go through there as fast as possible, because we want to make sure that it remains a place for people, and this type of project can help do that.” Morphy said residents like that the project honors the ideals of a walkable, suburban development to the extent it can given the context. With the extent of uses, she believes the development will become a place to which locals can drive, bike or walk. Although Morphy said there are numerous benefits to the project, she said eight additional items are of importance to residents. “We’re asking the City Commission

to embrace that,” she said. “As proposed, it’s a good project, and it won’t be detrimental to the community. But with some additional improvements, it can be a fantastic project.” Morphy said the residents worked with the city’s consultant transportation engineer to identify points for improvement. Of the items, she said the two most important are the raising of the crosswalk at the roundabout and for the right-turn lane into the development to be terminated by a physical barrier by moving the pork chop island. Carson said the raised crosswalk item will pose the most difficulty.

n The commission approved unanimously a request for quote rankings and awarding continuing services contracts for professional surveying services to Allen & Company, Halff, L & S Diversified, and SMA Surveying & Mapping. n Winter Garden officials approved unanimously a revised change order to Southern Development and Construction for the Marsh Road Traffic-Calming Improvement Project in the amount of $179,680.50. n City commissioners approved unanimously the West Orange High School Homecoming Parade special event from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10.

OPEN TO EVERYONE Registration is required. Visit wochamber.com. Individual Rider: $30

Children Rider (12 and under): $10 Team Rate: $100 for 4 riders

Chamber Member Spectator: $ 15.00

Chamber Non Member Spectator: $25.00 Winter Garden Wheel Works Bike Rentals Available Complimentary drop-off and pick-up

Thursday, November 2, 2023 @ Home State Brewing Co. in Horizon West from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm

409177-1

POSITIVE PROJECT

IN OTHER NEWS

405699-1

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Zoey Bonner, 13, sold ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) from her grandfather’s nursery.

Paisley Mickler, Shannon Diaz and Andrea Pumar sold handmade items at the Matthew’s Hope booth.

Festival blossoms at Oakland Nature Preserve

he Oakland Nature Preserve and Orange Audubon Society held a successful Nature Fest event Saturday, Sept. 23, on the ONP grounds with more than 1,000 guests and vendors. Environmental groups set up booths, attendees had close-up views of birds of prey, representatives from the St. Johns River Water Management District offered boat tours of Lake Apopka, and children’s art was on display.

Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson and communications aide Andrew Dietzen shared information about protecting the environment and water supply. Right: The Avian Reconditioning Center, which takes in orphaned or injured birds, brought several birds, including a peregrine falcon, barn owl and juvenile bald eagle.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Carole Weibley-Engle and Melissa Brudzinski, of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society, shared information about pollinators.

PRESENTED BY

October 13-15

PigonthePond.org l

16th

a nnu

CARNIVAL · BBQ COMPETITION · PIG RACING LIVE MUSIC · FALL ACTIVITIES · FIREWORKS

410550-1

Waterfront Park Clermont

Enjoy an afternoon Sampling 20 Fine Dining Restaurants Wine & Beer with Live Music by the Down Brothers.

Sunday

November 5, 2023 1pm – 4pm

A SIGNATURE DR . PHILLIPS EVENT

7958 VIA DELLAGIO WAY • ORLANDO • FL 32819

Order Tickets & Bid On Auction At:

www.atasteofdrphillips.com

410314-1

Presented by The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips Foundation, Inc., 501(c)3

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Sarah Dewitz and Scott Billue, founder of Matthew’s Hope, showed off their steampunk attire.

Attendees showcased their “Wild Wild West” attires. Some rocked steampunk looks, while others opted for a more western style.

Matthew’s Hope goes all-in at fall fundraiser Matthew’s Hope volunteers Ryan Soner, Alberto Pumar, Zaria Hunter, Brian Morgan and Denise Diaz enjoyed their time together at the event.

Lisa Bass and Greg Robinson dressed to impress with the Wild West theme. Right: Dannie Hubp, daughter Charlie, Maria Rexach and Yoli Evans had a blast at this year’s event.

atthew’s Hope returned with its annual fall fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. This year’s theme was “Wild Wild West,” and attendees dressed in both steampunk and western attire. The evening started with hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction, before the main event followed with a buffet, music, games of chance and fellowship.

Speakers included Scott Billue, founder of Matthew’s Hope; Sherry Easley, past resident in Matthew’s Hope’s transitional housing program; and Parker Pridgen, CEO at AdventHealth Apopka. Scott Maxwell, columnist at the Orlando Sentinel, served as emcee. Sponsors for the event included AdventHealth, The Porchlight Foundation and Observer Media Group. — ANDREA MUJICA AND ANNABELLE SIKES

404298-1

THE WORLD’S GREATEST FIREARMS EXPERIENCE

TAKE YOUR FIRST SHOTS AT SHOOTERS WORLD FREE CLASS DAILY FOR BEGINNERS weekdays at 6pm, weekends at noon* Children 7+ are welcome and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

407.500.GUNS | WWW.SHOOTERSWORLD.COM/ORLANDO | 4850 LAWING LANE ORLANDO, FL 32811

410816-1

*Please call ahead to confirm class time, as classes may change due to private events

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE NEURODIVERSE EDUCATION A Christ-centered program serving students with ADHD/ ADD, Dyslexia, ASD, Dysgraphia, anxiety, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities, and other unique abilities. (K-12th Grade)

Registration is Open—Call (407) 206-8801 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT US AT: 407.206.8801 | thefirstacademy.org/hope 3000 S John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32805

404405-1

Offering work experience, social skills, and life skills support.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

BAPTIST

EPISCOPAL

First Baptist Church Church of the Messiah Pastor Tim Grosshans 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, (407) 656-2352 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com 9:45 AM Bible Study METHODIST 11 AM Contemporary First United Methodist Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana www.fumcwg.org 2nd Campus: 125 N. Lakeview Ave., First Baptist Church Winter Garden @ Horizon West (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 15304 Tilden Road, 10:45 AM Contemporary Winter Garden Also viewable on YouTube Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org NON-DENOMINATIONAL STARKE LAKE BAPTIST METHODIST Church Orlando NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH Starke Lake Baptist Church Purpose FIRST UNITED METHODIST 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110,PURPOSE CHURCH OLANDO Y PO Box 520,Pritchard 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff CHURCH 13640 W. Colonial Dr., Ste 110, Winter Garden Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden Winter Garden Trombitas (407) 654-9661 (407) 656-2351 Ocoee Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM • Prayer 9:30AM, arden Sunday Service: 10:05 AM 407-654-9661 www.starkelakebaptist.org Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:45AM, Service 10:05 AM (407) 656-2351 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Web: fumcwg.org www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Saturday Service: 6 PM CHURCH OF GOD www.purposechurchorlando.org OCOEE CHURCHChurch OF GOD Victory Baptist UNITED CHURCH OF Pastor Thomas Odom & Christian Academy CHRIST 1105 N. Lakewood Ocoee 1601 A.D. Mims Avenue, Rd,Ocoee WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 407-656-8011 (407) 656-3097 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. en Sunday: 11 AM & 6 PM Windermere, FL 34786 EPISCOPAL stWG.org Wednesday: 7 PM 407-876-2112 Worship times: CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 9:30AM www.VBCOCOEE.com 9:00am Adult Sunday School

Advertise your Services or Events on this page weekly. This page appears weekly in the West Orange Times & Observer and online at OrangeObserver.com. To advertise in the Church Directory call 407-656-2121 or email AdvertiseNow@OrangeObserver.com

410318-1

10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

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

wana

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

P es School rden om

custom ion items ilable at arty on 9!!

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

It's all about YOU. YOUR Neighbors. YOUR Neighborhood.

Matthew’s Hope Chest Creations

HELP US CELEBRATEBarn Doors, and More

• Custom Furniture, Farm Tables,

by pledging $13 for 13 months

years!

• Repaired, Refinished and Repurposed Wood Furniture • Gently Used Furniture and New & Used Household Items

Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park Blvd. #101, Winter Garden LIMITED TIME OFFER 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon Fri • 8am-3pm Saturday Let your spare change make a change.

Get our e-Newspaper on your laptop, smartphone or tablet all in our new, easy-to-use app. Scroll through the pages of the paper on any device, and take us with you, wherever you go.

611 Business Park Blvd, #101 Winter Garden FL 34787 (407) 905-9500 SCAN HERE TO PLEDGE

http://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ https://www.facebook.com/matthewshopeministries

¢ FOR YOUR FIRST MONTH

READ OFFLINE

LISTEN

BOOKMARKS

TRANSLATE

Save articles for future reference.

Our new tool offers instant translation in multiple languages.

Love an article? Share it with a link.

Print articles and crosswords.

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

CALL (407) 656-2121

Download our digital edition on your mobile device and read it anywhere.

On-demand narration is available for those who prefer to listen to their newspaper.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!

or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

SCAN HERE or visit us online at OrangeObserver.com/subscribe

Have questions? Call 941-366-3466, ext. 320 or email: subscriptions@orangeobserver.com

410025-1

OUR MADE MAS OW!

— INTRODUCING THE — ORANGE OBSERVER E-NEWSPAPER APP:

411080-1

onal

241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30,OF & 11am, 7pm CHURCH GOD www.churchofthemessiah.com Ocoee Church of God

XNSP21470

H en

CHURCH DIRECTORY

LV14252

AM 6:00PM

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF PUBLIC NATURAL GAS WEEK IS YOU!

t Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD), we understand that you, the customer, are the reason why we do what we do. Our team is committed to providing your homes and businesses with safe, affordable, and reliable natural gas each and every day, and we want to say “thank you” for choosing natural gas as your preferred energy source. That is why, this Public Natural Gas Week, from October 1-7, LANGD is excited to share ways we give back to our valued customers. As a public utility invested in our community, we love participating in local events and have even sponsored several this year, including the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival, Pig on the Pond in Clermont, Montverde Day Fall Music Festival and Winter Garden Spring Fever in Garden events to engage with our customers. At the District, we empower our customers to make informed energy choices. That is why we consistently share natural gas facts and tips on our Facebook and LinkedIn social media, website, and handout materials to keep our community members in the loop. We understand that not everyone has the time to stay engaged; some may be going through a tough time and have trouble covering their bills. That is why we are so proud of our LANGD Helping Hand

Fund initiative in partnership with Heart of Florida United Way, which supports our customers most in need. We also offer incentives, including rebates on natural gas appliances and when you switch from other energy sources, including electric and propane. Those rebates are added to the savings our customers already enjoy, thanks to the affordability of natural gas service. The U.S. Department of Energy recently shared that “natural gas is 3.3 times more affordable than electricity and significantly more affordable than several other residential energy sources for the same amount of energy delivered.” This incredible affordability enables our customers to enjoy lower energy bills, putting money back into their pockets and contributing to a thriving local economy. Recognizing the impact of our team and the relationships they have helped build with our Apopka, Clermont, Winter Garden and surrounding communities, we will celebrate Public Natural Gas Week with you and acknowledge their efforts over the 64 years we have provided safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to strengthen our district. Those efforts continue to win awards and industry recognition from the American Public Gas Association and the Florida Public Service Commission.

To express our gratitude to the community for supporting LANGD, we are providing an increased residential rebate of $125 for customers who purchase an Energy Star natural gas water heater, dryer, range or cooktop stove during Public Natural Gas Week through October 31, 2023. Submit proof of purchase at Rebates and Energy Savings (langd.org) for this special offer by November 6, 2023. Our offices will also provide refreshments and a 2024 calendar in our lobbies for customers to celebrate together during Public Natural Gas Week. We invite you to celebrate Public Natural Gas Week and experience the benefits of natural gas firsthand.

If you are considering making the switch to using natural gas, please get in touch with the LANGD marketing team at (407) 656-2734 or marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org for more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle. Be sure to stay in the loop by liking, following and sharing LANGD’s content on Facebook and LinkedIn.

411405-1

10A

OCTOBER 5, 2023

SPORTS

Ocoee sophomore outside linebacker Michael McClenton has been a beast for the Knights this season. Page 2B.

HIGH

Starting to believe 5

Orange County School Board member Melissa Byrd — who represents District 7 — accepted a challenge from School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs pertaining to the Olympia High School vs. Apopka High School football game, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at Olympia. If the Titans win, Byrd will wear their jersey at the next board meeting Tuesday, Oct. 10. If the Blue Darters win, however, Jacobs will wear their jersey during the meeting.

The Olympia High School girls varsity volleyball team was crowned West Metro Conference champions Saturday, Sept. 30. Olympia defeated Apopka (25-14, 25-12) Thursday, Sept. 28, and Dr. Phillips (25-18, 25-20) and Windermere High School (24-28, 2522, 15-10) Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Horizon High School cross country boys and girls teams had an amazing performance at the 50th Annual Florida Pre-State XC Invitational Saturday, Sept. 30. The girls team established a new team record with a 109:05.7 — the combined time for the Top 5 runners — breaking the previous record set in 2022 of 111:29. On the boys side, the Hawks placed second, with a team time of 89:55.2 — two minutes shy of breaking last year’s team time of 89:53. Horizon will compete at The Hammond XC Invitational at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at East Ridge High School.

Andrea Mujica

The Lake Buena Vista Vipers have found a quarterback in senior inside corner Tyson Tran.

Lake Buena Vista is turning some heads, and its 3-1 start represents the Vipers’ first winning record in school history.

The Windermere High School esports teams had a great start of their season during the week of Sept. 25. The Wolverines’ Rocket League Lime defeated Timber Creek High School, the Mario Kart Lime defeated Cypress Creek High School and Super Smash Bros. Navy defeated Olympia High School.

Ocoee High School girls volleyball junior player Janay Jackson entered the record books of Knight Nation for the most aces in a career with 66. Jackson also has 141 assists, 158 digs and 25 kills.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

he Lake Buena Vista High School football team currently owns its first winning record since the team first took the field in 2021. The Vipers have looked dominant this year, with two shutouts (Gateway Aug. 25 and Cypress Creek Sept. 29), and they got the best of Windermere, 12-7, in a tough defensive battle. Lake Buena Vista’s only loss came Sept. 8 at the hands of Freedom, 24-7. “These kids work hard, and they deserve everything they got, and we are not done,” head football coach Brant Peddy said. “I hope people still keep writing negative things about us and about the other teams when

we win. That just gives me plenty of bullet points to keep these kids level-headed and humbled — and show them that it’s just us and nobody else.” Senior quarterback and inside corner Tyson Tran, 17, has been a part of the Vipers since its first season. Seeing how much the team has grown over the last two seasons — especially during his last season as a Viper — is exciting for him. “It’s been great, because I’ve been here since the beginning but our first year, we didn’t do well at all,” he said. “Then our second year, we started to progress. Then, this year is showing that we actually progressed the last two years and that LBV is going to start to make a name (for itself). I think the players have had more improvement, and they have

GRIDIRON ACTION

THURSDAY SCHEDULE n 7:30 p.m. CFCA at All Saints’ Academy FRIDAY SCHEDULE n 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips at Lake Nona n 7:30 p.m. Foundation Academy at Seffner Christian n 7 p.m. Horizon vs. University n 7 p.m. Lake Buena Vista vs. Lake Howell n 7 p.m. Legacy Charter vs. Master’s Academy n 7 p.m. Ocoee at Winter Park n 7 p.m. Olympia vs. Apopka n 7 p.m. Windermere vs. South Lake n 7 p.m. Windermere Prep at Lake Highland Prep

started to understand the game more and that’s how we have succeeded.” Tran started playing football at age 5. The sport piqued his interest after seeing how much his stepfather enjoyed watching the game. “They put me in it, and I really started to enjoy it, so I just continued playing football,” he said. Despite being Lake Buena Vista’s quarterback, Tran leads the Vipers in rushing yards per game with an average of 130 yards. “I took the step to help out my team (as quarterback because) we all agreed that it would be the best option for me to play that position for us to be able to succeed throughout the season,” he said. One of the big challenges Tran has faced when improving his play style is to learn how to control his thought process when on the field. “It’s controlling the team; it’s understanding how everyone is going to react to what we are doing,” he said. “So, being in that position, SEE VIPERS ON PAGE 2B

Kime after Kime: Family a mainstay on Foundation Academy’s cheer team The school’s cheer squad has had a Kime sister as part of the team all eight years the team has been in existence. This year, Erika Kime is the last sister to graduate from Foundation Academy. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Cheer is a shared passion for the Kime sisters.

For the Kime sisters — Erika, McKenna and Maria — Foundation Academy’s cheer squad is the best thing they ever decided to do together. “When we were all together, it was just so much fun,” McKenna Kime said. “It definitely brought out the worst of us at times but also the best of us other times. I got to be in the same stunt group as my sisters ... and I think that definitely grew us as teammates but also as sisters

and there’s just so many memories. I can’t imagine what life would be like if we didn’t do that together because that was pretty much my whole high school experience with them.” Since the squad’s inception eight years ago, it has featured at least one Kime sibling. This year, the youngest — Erika Kime — is a senior. SISTER ACT

Maria Kime, 21, started cheering for FA when she was in seventh grade, as one of the cheerleaders that formed the first Lions cheer squad.

“I’m trying to wrap my head around the fact that there has always been a Kime sister on the cheer team for the last eight years,” she said. “But I hope we left a good legacy; I would like to think that we have.” McKenna Kime, 20, joined the team in 2017 and cheered with her older sister for three years. As the middle sister, she enjoyed the privilege of cheering with both her sisters. In 2020, all three were on the team at the same time. “My sisters are my best friends — definitely,” she said. “In terms of cheer, I appreciated (our bond) more. Erika (is) a flyer, and I was a back spot, so I flew her. I just remember when I flew her, it was more of a bigger deal, because she was my sister, so that kind of made me realize how imporSEE SISTERS ON 3B

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

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

Michael McClenton Ocoee High School sophomore outside linebacker Michael McClenton has had a season to remember with the Knights. McClenton has had a total of 126 tackles — 31 for losses. Even better: He has 20 quarterback sacks in only six games.

What do you believe has been working out for you defensively to get all those tackles? Our new scheme, it’s just our scheme. We are just running around to get to the ball. What is the highest number of tackles you’ve ever had in a game? Twenty-six. It was actually at this field in little league last year. How did you get into football? All my brothers and my dad played in the NFL. I have a cousin in the NFL, so I’ve always been playing football. What is your favorite thing about your team? The brotherhood that we have built. Have there been any challenges for you over the years? Just getting over injuries that I have had in my recent past. What do you love most about football as a sport? I love bonding with my teammates — just coming together with new guys that you can just meet or just bringing out different people that you can just come together with and play as one. What do you believe football has taught you on and off the field? It teaches me a lot of leadership. Being able to lead other people or help other people out when they don’t know what they are doing, mostly by telling the other kids that if they see a teammate down, to pick him up, and if they see someone doing the wrong thing, tell them how to do it right. What do you think about when you are in the middle of a game in the line of scrimmage? “Let’s go make a play.” What is your favorite hobby? I love playing basketball. Who is your favorite NFL player? Why? Micah Parsons. He just loves to run around, fly and get to the quarterback (and) make a lot of plays.

THE BASICS

Vipers will host Lake Howell CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

there’s a lot you have to think about and overthinking it’s something I have still to work on.” This season, Tran has grown alongside his teammates, and one of the big thing the team has been working on is learning how to

WEEK FOUR RECAP

Age: 16 Sport: Football, basketball, track and field Position: Outside linebacker Grade: Sophomore School: Ocoee

If you get to the NFL, where would you like to play? I’d like to play for the Dallas Cowboys, because my dad used to play for them. What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? I would bring a football, my phone and my teammates. Looking back, what would you say to your 10-year-old self? I would say drink some milk. They always say milk strengthens your bones, (and) I just feel my bones aren’t as strong as they could be right now. If you could write a letter to your future self, what would you say? (I would say to myself) that I can be as good as I want to be. What is your biggest fear? Never play another game of football, because football just takes my mind off of everything. So, if I don’t play football, what else am I going to do? So, I just keep thinking the same thing over and over.

GAME OF THE WEEK West Orange (2-4), 26 Ocoee (3-3), 14 HIGHLIGHTS: The Warriors had huge fourth quarter to lift West Orange over rival Ocoee and retain “The Shield.” The Knights led the Warriors 14-13 going into the fourth. However, West Orange scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth — including a momentum-shifting 45-yard punt return for a TD from Larry Miles. The West Orange D got an interception and then forced a turnover on downs to keep the Ocoee offense out of the end zone and secure the win. Defensively, the Knights got to the Warrior quarterback for eight sacks. Outside linebacker Michael McClenton led the Knights with 25 total tackles and five sacks. UP NEXT: The Warriors will host Windermere Friday, Oct. 13. The Knights will travel to Winter Park Friday, Oct. 6. OTHER RESULTS CFCA (0-3), 16 Saints Academy School (1-1), 34 HIGHLIGHTS: The Central Florida Christian Academy football team fell to Saints Academy School 3416 Friday Sept. 29. However, despite the loss, the Eagles posted good numbers in their rushing game, carrying the ball 37 times

Olympia (4-1), 61 Windermere (3-3), 7 HIGHLIGHTS: Olympia quarterback Juan Gainous was too much for the Windermere defense. He went 10-for-15 for a total of 362 passing yards. The Titans rushed the ball 15 times during the game for 160 passing yards. (averaging 10.7 yards per carry). In the receiving game, Olympia wide receiver Xavier Tucker only caught three balls — but for a whopping 154 yards (averaging 51.3 yards per reception). On defense, the Titans got four sacks. UP NEXT: The Wolverines will host South Lake Friday, Oct. 6 for Homecoming. The Titans will host Apopka Friday, Oct. 6.

Foundation Academy (3-3), 53 Poinciana (2-3), 18 HIGHLIGHTS: Foundation Academy quarterback Michael Dove went 12-for-20 in passing for 180 yards with four touchdowns. Running back J.T. Bronaugh carried the ball 15 times for 215 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns. He also hauled in two receptions, including a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Bronaugh also had four tackles — two solo tackles — and one interception return for 23 yards. Outside linebacker Stephen Ford had seven tackles — three solo tackles — one quarterback sack and one forced fumble. Outside linebacker Cole West also contributed to the team during the game with eight tackles — four solo tackles — and one receiving touchdown on the offensive side of the ball. UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to Seffner Christian Friday, Oct. 6. Lake Buena Vista (3-1), 34 Cypress Creek (0-5), 0 UP NEXT: The Vipers will host Lake Howell Friday, Oct. 6.

The First Academy (4-2), 24 Orlando Christian Prep (6-0), 44 HIGHLIGHTS: Despite the loss, the Royals’ passing game didn’t waver as quarterback Jack McKissock went 18-for-35 for 280 passing yards. Wide receiver Julian Anderson had two touchdown receptions for a total of 158 receiving yards. UP NEXT: The Royals will host Duval Charter Friday, Oct. 13. Windermere Prep (1-3), 8 Cocoa Beach (1-4), 7 UP NEXT: The Lakers will travel to Lake Highland Prep Friday, Oct. 6.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? I would love to be able to read minds. It’d be cool to know information that would be useful to me. What are three places you’d like to visit? Why? I’d like to visit Bora Bora, Jamaica and The Bahamas. I just want to go see what they have to offer. If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, which one would it be and why? I’d like to go back to the early 2000s. I just feel like when I look at stuff from that generation, it looks like everything is so old and good.

Shannon Till, Agent Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 www.shannontill.com

Olympia volleyball sweeps Windermere

he Olympia High School girls varsity volleyball team swept Windermere High School, 3-0, during a district match Tuesday, Sept. 26. The Lady Titans won in straight sets, 25-13, 25-19 and 25-23. Olympia senior outside hitter Laney Perdue and freshman opposite hitter Mia Diouf led the team with 14 and 12 kills, respectively. Senior libero Emma Schutt and Perdue led the team in digs with 16 and 15, respectively. Windermere seniors, outside hitter Ashtyn Sims and opposite hitter Loanne Bengaber, led the Lady Wolverines on the court with eight and six kills, respec-

animal for a day, which one would you be and why? A dog, I just think We’re all in this together. they are cool. So, Farm to hasbe a long it’dState be cool a tradition of being there. That’s one reason dog. ®

Family. Family . why I’m proud to support West Orange— county.. ANDREA Friends. Friends. Get to a better State . MUJICA Community. Community . ®

Athlete of the Week sponsored by:

Athlete of the Week Sponsored by Shannon Till,

We’re all in this together.

why I’m proudproud to support West why I’ m to suppor t Orange county.. Orange count 1211007 y.. State Farm, Bloomington, IL Get to a a betterbetter State . Get to State .

— ANDREA MUJICA

Looking for new floors?

minneola 301 E. Washington St. Unit F (352) 394-0303

West

winter garden 731 S. Dillard St. Unit 101/103 (407) 410-8998

Call us to have our mobile showroom come to you! 396854-1

1620 Daniels Rd, Ste 110 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-4000 I www.shannontill.com Hablamos Español

tively. Senior libero Cay Cay Russ and Sims led the team with nine and six digs, respectively. Olympia has an overall season record of 13-5 and a Class 7A, District 5, record of 2-0. The Lady Titans were scheduled to travel to Winter Park at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, after press time. Windermere defeated Edgewater 3-1 Wednesday, Sept. 27, and currently owns an 8-3 overall season record and a Class 7A, District 5, record of 2-1. The Lady Wolverines were set to travel to Dr. Phillips at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, for a district game after press time.

Shop our extensive flooring selection.

Shannon Till, Agent We’re all all in this together. We’ re in this together. TM Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd ® State Farm® has a long tradition State Farm has a long tradition Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there.there. That’s one reason of being That’s one reason www.shannontill.com

1211007 State Farm, Bloomington, IL Farm, Blooming ton, IL

for 180 yards — with running back Josiah Arrington carrying the ball 28 times for 148 yards and two touchdowns. UP NEXT: The Eagles will travel to All Saints’ Academy Thursday, Oct. 5.

Who is you favorite superhero? Why? I like Superman, I just always had a feeling for Superman. I used to wear Superman cleats (when I was younger).

Family. Friends. Community. If you could be an

… We go out there to do our job and not worry about what everybody else is doing — what we can’t control. That’s what we do in practice. We do all that right, and we respect our opponent, and it pays off in the end. I know they are starting to see it, and they are starting to believe it, and that’s the biggest thing.”

What is your favorite type of music? I love to listen to rap (music).

What color would you say represents your personality? Why? I’d say gray, It’s a very cool color.

State Farm has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support West Orange county.

stay competitive through the four quarters and finish each game. “These kids did not know how to finish; they did not know how to compete; they weren’t disciplined,” Peddy said. “They lacked structure and toughness, and that’s something I’ve been focusing on through the four quarters.

Shop our entire catalog now at www.marksfloorsonline.com

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Sisters shine on Foundation Academy cheer squad CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

tant it is when you are flying someone to be a strong base and catch the flyer. It helped me see that when you are flying someone, you are holding their lives in your hands.” When the time came for Erika Kime, 17, to join the squad, she knew she already would have two great mentors in her older sisters. “I didn’t know a single thing about cheer,” she said. “So, they were great mentors but then also my sisters, so it also got kind of hard during the season. We would get frustrated with (one another) or have arguments. But, ultimately, it was really good to have their guidance.” For all three sisters, the best moment they experienced together was in the 2019-2020 season, when Foundation made it to the state finals for the first time. “That was a special moment — getting to do it together and then

getting state runner-up that year,” Erika Kime said. “That year was really crazy, because the program was really small, like we had never even been in a finals at states. So, it was really cool just sharing that pride with my sisters.” The three sisters occupied different spots on the mat. Maria Kime was a base, McKenna Kime was a back spot, and Erika Kima continues to be a flyer. That gave them completely different perspectives of the same sport — just like being sisters means having different ways of showing their love to one another. “We are very much so the classic youngest, middle, oldest,” McKenna Kime said. “Maria definitely is always wanting to take care of us. She’d be the more worried one at practices when something went wrong — just kind of the first one to run over and make sure we are OK. She’s more nurturing in that way, but also she’s … blunt and to the

point. Erika is the youngest child. … She has a crazy sense of humor and is always making us laugh and has high energy all the time.” “McKenna is very straight down to business, strong-willed; she just did what she was supposed to be doing,” Erika Kime said. THE KIME LEGACY

All three of the Kime sisters served as captains of the squad at some point in time. This year — with Erika Kime being a senior — will be the last year the Kimes will be on the mat representing the Lions. “I’m the last one standing,” Erika Kime said. “My goal is just to leave the same legacy that I know. Both of them were on the original too, so … they were both so passionate about (the team) and they made things happen. To be able to be one of the most awarded teams at our school but also one of the smallest programs, it shows … the progression

of seeing how hard they worked not only for themselves but for the program, for their sisters and for their team.” Besides all the moments the Kime sisters lived on the mat, having one another through it all made everything extra special. “I don’t think I would have spent nearly as much time with them in high school if I didn’t do cheer,” McKenna Kime said. “This was an opportunity to spend so much time together, because we all had to go to practice, so we automatically had to be around (one another), and I just saw them from a new light in the sense of learning how to understand (one another) and get their explanation for something. It made me appreciate their point of view more and just trust that they want what’s best for the team and I want what’s best for the team. So at the end of the day, we can come together and build (one another) up.”

Courtesy photo

The squad, which included the Kime sisters, was state runner-up in the 2019-20 season.

Serving the Community Since 1966

KNOW YOUR IMPLANT OPTIONS! W.Kevin Cox, M.D.

Jose A. Torres, M.D.

Jacob L. Cox, M.D.

Andrew W. Geers, P.A.-C

Now Offering PRP Injections Empowering Patients and Restoring Active Lifestyles.

Open Monday - Friday Call us at (407) 654-3505 For Appointments: Press 3

Sinus lifts

All-on-four dental Implants & dentures

DR. ROBERTO GIL

celebrity cipher

A DYING ART by Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

3 Australia has over 40 million of them 4 Positional number 5 Sow’s spot 6 Spot for a loaf 7 Yellowstone tributary named for sheep 8 Company VIP 9 Hawaiian hub 10 Japanese cartoon style 11 Built for speed 12 Inherent inclination 13 Artisan’s marketplace

65 Geeks 66 What might be taken in protest 67 Capitale d’Italia 68 DVD remote button 69 “King Kong” actress Wray

21-Across 16 Serve as a go-between 17 Bronzed 19 Tiny amount 23 ___ as dishwater 28 New England cape 29 “Am not!” retort 31 Serve well done? 33 Toronto pro 36 Scary Spice, to fans 37 Slushy drink

6 “Fawlty Towers” network

18 Target rival, once 19 Camembert relative 20 Small bay 21 Brunei’s continent

76 Hierarchy level 78 Protein builder 79 Fix 80 Like French toast 82 Like French toast, to

24 Property claims 25 Mom’s mom 26 Movie SFX 27 State shaped like two

86 Chillax 89 X-ray alternative 90 Teetotal, e.g. 91 Subj. for Bill Nye 92 Wannabe dictator 94 Nickname for a Canadian coin 95 Often-used employment designation

106 Many fraternity head-

gists

35 Witherspoon of “Walk

72 Like modern paint and

quarters?

39 Toss, in Zoomer slang

pipes

109 New York Mets, e.g.

41 JFK guess

73 Tag or jacks

111 ___ Vegas

45 Keanu’s role in “The

improbable touchdowns?

74 Bonkers

113 Apartment, in realtor-

Matrix”

40 Teased

77 Besmirch one’s honor

speak

46 Beloved

42 School for Simone

81 King under Morgan le

114 Chose

48 Gucci competitor

43 “My Little ___”

Fay’s spell?

115 Rice farmer’s security

49 Pro near Penguins and

85 HD purchases

measures?

Pirates

108 “Show Boat” author

“Gator”

96 Colorful herbal brew 98 Promos 99 Award won by Julia LouisDreyfus 11 times

119 Sappy substance

89 Stable parent?

120 Formal ceremony

51 Funny ___

54 “Take care!”

91 Jitterbug dance style

121 Disney’s “Little Mer-

52 Result of slow Wi-Fi

57 Art one might regret

93 Astronomer’s guide

maid”

53 “Say what?” utterances

124 Ambient music legend

57 Light metal

kitchen employee

Brian

58 Home security co.

63 Top 10 lists and such

104 One might be burned or 125 More quirky

67 Abstinence program?

slipped

61 “Indeed, captain!”

“OROUEYGWHD EXZ PX WH YGO HNLO XT YGO OHRWUXHLOHY HXY XHSE KNROK EXZU GONSYG, WY KNROK EXZU KXZS.”

NSWVWN KWSROUKYXHO

sudoku

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

107 Lively wedding dance

88 Complete agreement

101 Apt name for a soup

KMTSTU ZHETRZLDWZB

103 “Here, give this a shot!”

49 Evil twin?

60 Legitimate

VZMMI JDN.”

Rwanda”

48 Old-school transmission

Erasmus Prize

SRTU XDMMDY T PEGTL YRZBR UGTEMJ

102 Ethnic group in “Hotel

50 Worldwide humanitarian Ferber 110 Suffix with “Power” and relief org.

56 Type type

BDUSGUS YZSR YRTS JDN RTWG ETSRGE

93 Makes like a peacock

problem

28 “Oh, dear god, not an30 Like neat freaks

85 Found the source

34 ___ out a win

55 Simmered down

other improv troupe”?

84 Eagerly unwraps

38 Org. employing ecolo-

97 The junkiest of junk food? 122 “CSI: NY” actress Ward sets of black squares on the buying 59 Trevor who won the 2023 100 Indigenous sculpture 123 Lawyer Hill sides of this grid

“IDLGSZLGI ZS’I HGSSGE SD HG

Armas

105 Spanish surrealist Joan

87 Ryan of “You’ve Got Mail” 118 Scrabble piece

ZRODCJ WJRSSYOV ATLYJG

75 Margaret of “Sex Appeal”

70 More vexing, as a

22 Dora’s cousin, on a desert 44 Puts into law 47 Sign of summer? trek?

RS’Z BJYNV RIHTJSYOS.”

71 Not, for a Scot

32 Sensei’s school

9 Proverbial maker of waste the Line” 36 Tom tossing ridiculously 14 Ditch at the altar

HTZZRWEC. ... OCKCJ ZXRH TO ZECCH;

70 USSR spy group

14 “___ Little Pill” (Broadway many 83 “Knives Out” star de show) 15 Country in West

“R ... SJV ST DCS YZ IFBA ZECCH YZ

Puzzle Three Clue: T equals F

2 Apple variety?

64 Corgi’s cry

Puzzle Two Clue: K equals Z

1 Approves

62 Historic happenings

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

Puzzle One Clue: G equals D

DOWN

1 Greek yogurt brand

GENERAL DENTIST

1317 Winter Garden Vineland Rd. Ste. 110, Winter Garden, FL 34787

crossword

ACROSS

410817-1

Socket preservation 408222-1

www.westorangeorthopaedics.com

407-614-5955

Soft tissue grafting

Authorizations and Referrals can be faxed to (407) 654-4956 596 Ocoee Commerce Pkwy, Ocoee, FL 34761-4219

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

Same-day crowns

10-05-23

OrangeObserver.com

410823-1

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

DR. P. PHILLIPS YMCA 7000 Dr. Phillips Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 407-351-9417

ROPER YMCA 100 Windermere Rd Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-656-8816

The YMCA of Central Florida is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening our community.

What do you love most about your school? I absolutely love the people I get to work with. I am lucky to say that the team at WSMS is amazing. What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? I would probably be working as a medical interpreter or in the foster-care system. Who influences you? I am influenced and inspired by the good people I get to do life with. Good friends, the engaged parents, the experienced and kind co-workers, and the kindhearted leader.

410829-1

LEARN MORE!

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why? I would choose to dine with Martin Luther King Jr. He led a peaceful move-

REPORT CARD POSITION: ESOL compliance specialist TIME AT SCHOOL: Fall 2022

ment and transformed history for the better. I think it’s amazing how much change he inspired with his life-giving words. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would choose teleportation, to be able to visit my extended family every time I want to — especially to hug my parents. If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why? I love to listen to music, but if I had to pick just three it would be Michael Bublé, Coldplay and Luis Miguel. What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student? On Fridays, they used to sell tacos and rice pudding at the cafeteria. Those were my favorite! What is your favorite holiday and why? My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, because of the true meaning of gratitude and the food. Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? My friend, Carla. She was a good friend and always fun to be with. We have been friends for (more than) 30 years. A year ago, we were able to do a girls trip to New York City. It was amazing.

408892-1

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Increase the value of your home with natural gas and save money. At Lake Apopka Natural Gas, we’re helping families connect to affordable, reliable, and efﬁcient natural gas, with appliances that pay dividends for years to come. Studies show a home with natural gas has a 6% greater resale value than an all-electric home.

FoundationAcademy.net

www.langd.org 407-656-2734 ext. 307

410825-1

ymcacf.org

PICKLEBALL

Ximena Martin is the ESOL compliance specialist at Water Spring Middle School. In her role, she assists in the coordination of eligibility and placement of English language learners, as well as supports teachers in improving instruction for all ELL students. Principal Brian Sanchez-Corona said Martin has many initiatives and is a force to be reckoned with. “She single-handedly secured funding for adult English language classes on our campus and also English language learner tutoring programs (in partnership with other staffulty),” he said.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to go to the beach, go on outside walks at dusk and spend time with my family.

Elevate your wellness journey with us at the YMCA! Immerse yourself in a thriving community that not only supports your fitness goals but also provides opportunities for meaningful connections. Join today to embrace a life of physical and mental wellness!

AQUATICS

WATER SPRING MIDDLE SCHOOL

What is your favorite children’s book and why? My favorite children’s book is “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn. I love it because it is about the importance for children to have a person that loves them and whose love is with them all the time.

A NEW WAY TO YMCA GROUP EXERCISE

XIMENA MARTIN

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Mr. Julian was my sixth-grade teacher. He was always interested and invested in making connections with his students. Being his student changed my life.

408886-1

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE

Take a chance on them West Orange High’s production of ‘Mamma Mia!’ opens Thursday, Oct. 5. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The music in West Orange High School’s new production is ABBAsolutely fun and catchy and sure to get you dancing. The thespian troupe is staging “Mamma Mia!” which features the music of Swedish pop group ABBA and tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is getting married on a Greek island and invites three men to her wedding, believing one of them is her father. The West Orange version features two casts, the Boogie Cast and the Groovy Cast. Kyla Rodrigues and Delaney George portray Sophie. Her mother, Donna, is played by Ellie Meurer and Callie Huffman. In her younger years, Donna was in a girl group, Donna and the Dynamos, and her two friends, Tanya and Rosie, are played by Chandler Smith and Lola Coey, and Camryn Flakes and Kallyn Maday, respectively. “We’re excited to have people come out,” West Orange theater director Tara Whitman said. “I’ve already had a lot of adult buzz. They want to sing along. There’s a big mega mix at the end, and people are welcome to get on their feet and dance along.” SUPER TROUPER

DANCIN’ QUEENS

Amy Quesinberry

There are two casts for West Orange High’s “Mamma Mia!” performances: Delaney George, front, and Kyla Rodrigues; Kallyn Maday, middle, Ellie Meurer, Camryn Flakes and Callie Huffman; and Lola Coey, back, and Chandler Smith.

Meurer portrays Donna in the Groovy Cast, and Huffman is the Boogie Cast Donna. Both have been in every West Orange theater show since their freshman year. Huffman auditioned with the idea of playing any of the female characters. “I thought it would be fun to be part of,” Huffman said. “It’s ‘Mam-

“MAMMA MIA!” WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, Friday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 7; and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, and Sunday, Oct. 8 WHERE: West Orange High School, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden TICKETS: Available at teachtix. com/wohs for $12 to $18. Discounts available for students and military.

ma Mia!’ you know. Everything is just so fun about it.” Meurer auditioned with one role in mind: Donna. She said she watches the movie about every month. “I auditioned for ‘Mamma Mia!’ because it is my most favorite show ever,” she said. “I have been talking about ‘Mamma Mia!’ since my freshman year here. I specifically auditioned for Donna because it’s my dream role.” Meurer and George are best friends, so the two are enjoying acting together as Donna and Sophie. Meurer said she loves the scene with “Super Trouper” in it, her favorite ABBA song is “Hasta Mañana,” and her favorite to sing is “Winner Takes it All.” She has been dancing since she was 2 and started theater when she was 10. She wants to become a performing arts educator and hopes to be the “next Ms. Whitman,” she said. Huffman said her favorite scenes include the song “S.O.S.,” because she gets to act with Reanan Ramlackhan, and “Super Trouper,” because it’s fun every single time. “The other girls who play Tanya and Rosie are a lot of fun,” Huffman said. Her favorite song is “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).” She has been performing in choir and theater shows since she was 7. “I will stick with performing,” she said of a potential career. “That’s what I’ve always wanted to do.”

410822-1

“I think that more people know about ‘Mamma Mia!’ more so than any show we’ve done,” Whitman said. “It’s just pure fun. … The power of the script is really the songs. … The music is the star, and they wrote the script around the music.” West Orange typically takes its big stage shows to multiple competitions each year, but Whitman decided to take a break from that this year. “I wanted to do a big show they

could have fun with,” she said of her students. “These seniors, since their freshman year, have been chirping about doing ‘Mamma Mia!’” These seniors finally get to take a chance on staging the fun musical. When the rights to the show were released six or seven years ago, Whitman said, “Mamma Mia!” many high schools picked it up, but West Orange chose to wait. The West Orange version has 83 students in the cast and crew; about 60 are actors. “I have a big senior class this year, and they’ve all been hard workers since we started,” Whitman said. “I have a ginormous freshman class. They’re all so talented and, more importantly, hard working.” The students will perform on a stationary stage that features “this big, beautiful Greek island,” Whitman said. Other scenes include Donna’s room, a dock and taverna. Whitman loves “Mamma Mia!” for all of its fun music. She admits her least-favorite song has turned into her favorite because of the way it is staged. “In ‘Under Attack,’ Sophie is having a nightmare, and it felt kind of ridiculous, but it’s been really fun, so I really enjoy it,” she said. “And, of course, the Donnas sing Act 2, and those two seniors — those are some really special moments. Donna is having emotions about having her daughter grow up and get married, and it’s kind of the same for me watching my seniors on the stage.”

IF YOU GO

OPEN

HOUSE FALL 2023

AT WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

RSVP TO OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 21

(407) 905-7737 info@windermereprep.com windermereprep.com

410818-1

410824-1

IB Diploma & Certificate Program Collaborations with MIT, The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and IMG Academy Seven National Merit Qualifiers (Class of '24) Top Honors at State for WPS Thespian Troupe Over 21 Athletics Programs

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

BRAINF

The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.

Scare Tactics I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher If you’re like us, there’s something extra special in the air once October hits. Pumpkin spice everything starts hitting every menu and grocery store aisle, but it’s more than that. It’s the sudden appearance of pumpkins on front porches. Some even smile at you as you walk pass. Oh yes: the jack-o’lantern! And although we all enjoy breaking out the carving tools and crafting our orange glowing masterpieces, how many of you know the origin story of the jack-o’-lantern? It’s fascinating, so read on! A DARK PAST

The idea of turning a large fruit or vegetable — originally turnips or potatoes — into a face dates back thousands of years and originates in Celtic cultures in Ireland, England and Scotland. Some historians believe they might have been used to represent war triumphs over enemies. The jack-o’-lantern’s link to Halloween can be found from its inclusion in the Celtic holiday called Samhain, which took place on Nov. 1. Back then, people used them to keep evil spirits away. According to National Geographic, they also served a practical purpose. Metal lanterns were expensive, so jack-o’lanterns were a great way to bring light to dark areas.

holding a burning jack-o’lantern. Later in the early 20th century, Irish immigrants also brought their country’s tales to the states. They discovered pumpkins were much better for carving than the traditional turnip. As the celebration of Halloween rose in popularity, so too did the use of jack-o’-lanterns as decorations. And it’s still popular today. According to the U.S.

“STINGY JACK”

The term “jack-o’-lantern” comes from an Irish folk tale. According to The History Channel, “Stingy Jack,” a drunkard, had a drink with the devil. He didn’t want to pay for the drink, so he convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin. Instead of using the money to pay, Stingy Jack pocketed the devil coin. After Stingy Jack died, God would not let him into heaven, and the devil was angry at Stingy Jack because he had tricked him, so he didn’t let him into hell, either. So, according to legend, Stingy Jack now roams the earth with a carved turnip with a burning coal inside to light his way. He became known as Jack of the Lantern.

Department of Agriculture, six states — California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Texas and Virginia — are responsible for growing 40% of the country’s pumpkins. SEEING BLUE

When trick-or-treating, you may come across a blue pumpkin at a house. This isn’t just a pretty

AMERICAN TRADITION

Jack-o’-lanterns became part of American culture around 1820, when Washington Irving’s short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” captivated and terrified families throughout the country. The horror’s creepy villain, the Headless Horseman, often was depicted

alternative to the classic orange. It actually has meaning. Families often will display blue pumpkins to let others know their child is on the autism spectrum.

RECOMMENDED READING NON-FICTION n Pumpkin carving! by Renée Kurilla, illustrated by Keith Zoo n Celebrating Halloween by Ann Heinrichs; illustrated by Teri Weidner FICTION n The Halloween Moon by Joseph Fink n The Happy and Heinous Halloween of Classroom 13 by Honest Lee & Matthew J. Gilber; art by Joelle Dreidemy

407625-1

Illustration by Andrea Rukstalis //Graphic Designer

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

JOYCE ANN BUTTRAM DIED SEPT. 18, 2023.

MATTIE JEAN GRAFTON DIED SEPT. 24, 2023.

Joyce Ann Buttram, of Clermont, passed away Sept. 18, 2023, at her home, with her boys by her side. Joyce was born May 19, 1938, in Decatur, Alabama, to James Cedric and Maude Sinclair Stribling. She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, James Ross Buttram; and her parents. She is survived by her sister, Sandra Brown (Richard), of Huntsville, Alabama; three sons, James William (Jay) and wife, Patty, of Groveland, Florida, John Randal (Randy) and wife, Angie, of Panama City, Florida, and Tobin Ross and wife, Kate, of Seattle, Washington; granddaughters, Emily Layne Heymann (Ray), of Nashville, Tennessee, and Ellie Kate Shirley (Hayden), of Plano, Texas; and great-grandchildren, London Kate, Ari Jack Heymann and Millie Marie Shirley. A 1956 graduate of Huntsville High School, she participated in numerous clubs and activities and was a class favorite, voted the cutest. After high school, she worked for Mallory Capacitor in Huntsville until she married Jim in 1958. They lived in Starkville, Mississippi, and Auburn, Alabama, while Jim pursued his education. All three boys were born in Auburn. The family lived in Georgia and Michigan until moving to Florida in 1969. The boys grew up in Lakeland and Windermere. She and Jim moved to Clermont in 1996. Joyce was a full-time homemaker while the boys were growing up. When the youngest started junior high, she joined Jim as they started and operated multiple businesses in West Orange County, includ-

Mattie Jean Grafton died on Sept. 24, 2023, in the home where she was born. Services Oct. 8, 2023; family visitation at Ocoee Christian Church at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m., and livestreamed on Mattie Jean Grafton’s Facebook page. Full obituary at dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11474380.

INEZ M. RILEY DIED SEPT. 21, 2023.

Inez M. Riley, 88, of Plymouth, departed this life on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. TT, as she was affectionately called, was born on June 4, 1935, in Shorter, Alabama. She began her career as a nursing assistant with Sunland Hospital until 1965. She later went on to work with OCPS as a custodian, and in 2014, she retired as a security guard. Inez was an active member of Bethlehem MB Church, Winter Garden, serving faithfully on the usher board for several years. She later joined the membership of New Inspiration MB Church and continued serving as an usher. Inez was a devoted aunt, sister, servant and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, at the church. A service of celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at New Inspiration Missionary Baptist Church, 617 S. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden. Interment: Plymouth Memorial Gardens. Postell’s Mortuary Pine Hills Chapel is providing services for the Riley family.

We’ll take the first step with you

Direct Cremation

$845

921 S. US Hwy 27, Minneola, FL One block north of Citrus Tower 352-394-8228 I CremationChoicesfl.com

404286-1

plus container

BR DENTAL 407-905-9965

SARAH (WELCH) MATHEWS DIED SEPT. 27, 2023.

www.drbrianramski.com www.drbrianramski.com

Now Offering DentalImplants Implants ✳✳Sedation SedationDentistry Dentistry ✳✳Dental CosmeticClear ClearBraces Braces ✳✳Pain PainFree FreeInjections Injections ✳✳Cosmetic AcceptingNew NewPatients Patients ✳✳Accepting 213SSDillard DillardSt., St.,Suite Suite140 140 213 Winter Garden, Garden, FL FL 34787 34787 Winter Office Hours: Hours: Mon: Mon: 8-4 8-4 Office Tues-Thurs: 8-12 8-12 && 1-5 1-5 Tues-Thurs: Fri: 7-1 7-1 Fri: Call Today Today for for Your Your Appointment! Appointment! Call

310499-1

Sarah (Welch) Mathews, 97, of East Gulley Street, Oakland, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at the Clermont Health and Rehabilitation. Sarah was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Sandersville, Georgia, to the late Willie and Mattie Sue Welch. She moved to Winter Garden at the age of 6 years old. Sarah worked as a fruit packer for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Mathews; son, Ray Mathews; brothers, James W. Welch and Wayne W. Welch. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Ward; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. The family received relatives and friends for a visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at Winter Oak Funeral Home. Services were held at noon with Pastor Jeff Shaver officiating. Sarah was laid to rest next to her loving husband immediately following the service at Woodlawn Cemetery. Sarah’s arrangements were in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home.

410813-1 310499-1

ing Dr. Buttram’s Pest Control and Citrus Systems. She was an invaluable asset to Jim during her “business” years, however, being a homemaker was her passion. She made June Cleaver look like a slacker. She created an ideal environment for her family. An immaculate housekeeper and fantastic southern cook, a diehard little league baseball and pop warner to high school football and golf fan, even a hard rock music fan when Toby was playing. Her days were filled with taking care of her family and providing an ideal childhood for her boys. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, where she was a Bible school teacher and served continually on ministry and service committees. Those who were blessed to know her found her to be a truly kind and generous person, who was not afraid to speak her mind. A quote attached to her photo in her senior yearbook said it all: “Humor, anger, valor, fire … a girl that life could never tire.” She never changed. She will be missed. The family will have a private memorial in the spring, and her remains will be laid to rest next to her beloved Jim in Giles County, Tennessee.

ChFC, CLU, CLF

Horizon West – next to Publix at Hamlin

Richard L. Andrews, 90, of Ocoee, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.

410833-1

WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

OrangeObserver.com

Maureen Elizabeth Chiasson, 80, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, Ocoee. Mark Allen Lusby, 62, of Windermere, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.

@Observerorange

Plan for the future. Enjoy the now. Don’t let the unexpected catch you off guard.

Winter Garden’s ONLY family owned funeral home. Direct Cremation for

995

407415-1

Exceptional - Not Expensive

(407) 614-8350 1132 E. Plant Street Winter Garden, FL 34787 www.winteroakfuneralhome.com

Including the alternative container. Call for details.

LIC #F080822

Pre-plan your funeral needs. Scan QR code or call us today. 407-877-6700

396848-1

1148 East Plant Street | Winter Garden, FL 34787 collisoncareyhand.com

FRANK SCARLATA

All inclusive direct cremation only $995 Burial starting at $2,295

“Because You Care” (407) 695-CARE (2273)

www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com

MAITLAND 9001 N. Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32771

SANFORD 905 Laurel Ave. Sanford, FL 32771

OCOEE 1400 Matthew Paris Blvd Ocoee, FL 34761

Family Owned & Operated Director/Manager

UNIONTOWN 65 N. Gallitan Ave Uniontown, PA 15401

TODD DEGUSIPE Director/Owner

396842-1

Full service funeral provider with onsite crematory.

RED PAGES AD RATES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

RED PAGES HELP US CELEBRATE

years!

FIND BUYERS AND SELLERS HERE!

SCRAP BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121

NOW PURCHASING

Accounting

SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495

SCRAP BATTERIES

This week’s Crossword answers

407-656-3495

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I ... try to get as much sleep as possible. ... Never skip on sleep; it’s crazy important.” Singer Brittany Howard

FUR BABIES HERE Call today to find a new home for your fur baby.

Winter Garden

407-656-3495

411092

Advertise your

You’re only cheating yourself.

www.CMMDR.COM

We provide Medical Marijuana in a variety of forms such as tinctures, pills, pain patches, vapes, concentrates, buds, vape shatter pills, dry flower & much more!

410837

Let your spare change make a change.

peekers’ place

1801 E. Colonial Dr Orlando, FL 32803 410840

SMOKE!

Merchandise Wanted

NOW PURCHASING

407-755-0012

You now get the dry flower to

Full Bathroom, Kitchen, Dining/ Living Room, Master Bedroom, Walk in Closet. Washer/Dryer 410528 access, Utilities and Internet included. Beautiful backyard and private garden. Located in Dr. Phillips across from Bay Hill. Parking in driveway. Credit report and security deposit required.$1750 13178 W.Frank Colonial Dr. 321 689 8056

The Vineyards • Ocoee-Apopka Rd

NOW PURCHASING

Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phone

delivered directly to your home or business

SAT. 10/7 • 8am-2pm

SCAN HERE TO PLEDGE

CERTIFICATION

FULLY FURNISHED IN-LAW SUITE WITH PRIVATE ENTRANCE.

GARAGE SALE

13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden

FAST & EASY

DELIVERY

Room for Rent

COMMUNITY WIDE – MULTIPLE HOMES

by pledging $13 for 13 months

GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD HERE

FREE

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

403051

Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

PLACE YOUR AD: Call: 407-656-2121 Email: redpages@ orangeobserver.com Online: orangeobserver.com/ redpages

411387

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Friday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Color background: $ 5 per week Ad border: as low as $3 per week

410836

Announcements

15% DISCOUNT FOR 4-WEEK RUN

349888

INFORMATION & RATES: 407-656-2121

redpages@orangeobserver.com • orangeobserver.com/redpages

First 15 words .......................... $ 15.00 per week Each add’l word ................25¢

Made for where you live. Here!

Puzzle Two Solution: “Sometimes it’s better to be content with what you have rather than follow a dream which nearly kills you.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Puzzle Three Solution: “Everything you do in the name of the environment not only saves your health, it saves your soul.” Alicia Silverstone

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Auto Service

Professional Services

For all your chimney and dryer vent cleaning needs.

410844

Auto Service

Rob Meehan

407657

407-719-1263 sweepsalints@gmail.com www.sootloose.com Serving Central Florida Since 2003

5-Star Clean Inc.

TRAYWICK'S

ATW

1207 North Lakewood Avenue Ocoee, FL 34761

Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395

407-656-1817

ATW

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD

Central Florida’s Oldest & Largest Transmission & Total Car Care Company

“Your Complete Service Center” Oldest & Central Florida’s Largest Transmission Total Car Care Company 10 West Story Rd., Winter Garden,&FL 34787

CALL 941-955-4888

REG# MV-01095

• Transmission

TFN

1150 E Semoran Blvd. Dr, Ste. B 12939 W. Colonial Apopka, FL, FL 32703 Winter Garden 34787

407-880-9300

alltransmissionworld.com

Richard• Foreign Hudson&•Domestic Regie Hudson

410848

WITH THE RED PAGES 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703

Call to reserve your ad space

407-880-9300 407-656-2121

alltransmissionworld.com

UPGRADES & REPAIRS VIRUS & SPYWARE Winter Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 REMOVAL Serving All of West Orange County DATA & PASSWORD Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement RECOVERY 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com WIRELESS & WIRED NETWORKING FREE ESTIMATES

“If you’re on a mission to fix your transmission call...”

ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD

Central Florida’s Oldest & Largest Transmission & Total Car Care Company

ATW

HEROES • Transmission • Clutches • CV Axles • Foreign & Domestic

ATW

• Transmission • Clutches • CV Axles • Foreign & Domestic

found here.

1150got E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Relax. You’ve better things to do. 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703 Apopka, FL, 32703 Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

407-880-9300

alltransmissionworld.com

Roofing

Phone• Clutches 407-656-6646 • CV Axles

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

410851

Showcase your products or services each week in the Red Pages.

41084989

• Transmission • Clutches • CV Axles • Foreign & Domestic

TFN

“If you’re on a mission to fix your transmission call...” www.Firetechextinguisher.com

410847

“If you’re on a mission to fix your transmission call...”

SERVICE

1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More

410842

TFN

EXTINGUISHER

TFN

410845

GARAGE

INSPECTIONS, REPAIRS, AND MORE

FIRE TECH

RED PAGES

• Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires

407-880-9300

alltransmissionworld.com

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com/RedPages

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023

Collaboration is the key for healthy employees. Offer your employees health solutions, more benefits, and more savings. Florida Blue and Truli for Health partner with high-quality local doctors and specialists so that you and your employees can enjoy benefits like $10 copays for virtual visits for general medicine, plus access to 8,000+ doctors,* 180+ hospitals, and most major pharmacies.

Talk to an exclusive Florida Blue agent today.

Call 1-800-274-8183 Or scan the QR code to visit FloridaBlue.com/GoodBusiness

*Provider networks are subject to change. They are made up of independently contracted physicians, hospitals, and ancillary providers. Health benefit plans have limitations and exclusions. The amount of benefits provided depends on the plan selected and the premium may vary with the amount of benefits selected. Health insurance is offered by Florida Blue, a trade name of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. and HMO coverage is offered by both Florida Blue HMO, a trade name of Health Options, Inc. and Truli for Health, a trade name of BeHealthy Florida, Inc., both HMO affiliates of Florida Blue. These companies are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 114218T2 0723 404600-1

10B