05.23.24 Southwest Orange Observer

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

YOUR TOWN

OBSERVE MEMORIAL DAY IN WINDERMERE

The Rotary Club of Windermere is holding a Memorial Day observance at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. U.S. Air Force Col. Tony Davit will deliver the message, the local Girl Scout Citrus Singers will perform the national anthem and other patriotic songs, and the Navy Lone Sailor Cadets will show the colors.

HELP PLACE FLAGS ON OAKLAND GRAVES

A former Oakland resident is returning to the town Monday, May 27, to celebrate Memorial Day by placing American flags on the graves of veterans at two cemeteries in the town. John Ward estimates there are 100 veteran gravesites in the cemeteries, and he is asking Oakland residents to join him in honoring them. Flags will be provided, and the event begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the corner of West Sadler Avenue and South Walker Street.

At 10 a.m., Ward will make comments about the day and taps will be played. To participate or for more information, call Ward at (904) 891-0059.

Hamlin residents oppose apartment proposal

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Residents in the Horizon West area voiced disdain for a developer’s plans to build another apartment complex in Hamlin.

The community learned more about the project during a community meeting hosted by Orange County’s Planning Division Wednesday, May 15.

Applicant Kelly, Collins & Gentry Inc., representing Boyd Development, is proposing to construct 373 multifamily dwelling units on 18 acres and assign a second parcel as a future commercial development tract.

The property is located south of New Independence Parkway and east of Avalon Road.

The Horizon West Land Use of the property is Horizon West Town Center — Corporate Campus Mixed Use District, and the current zoning is Hamlin West Planned Development.

Orange County planner Tiffany Chen said a land-use amendment to add the subject prop-

erty to the Hamlin West PD-UNP was approved by the County Commission on May 2, 2023.

Chen explained the amendment designated the property as an addition to the CCMU district within the PD, with multi-family residential, townhome and non-residential (commercial/office) entitlements.

She said surrounding multi-family and townhome developments within the CCMU district have been approved recently. The current proposal is the remaining CCMU (nonflex) area to be considered.

The Station at Hamlin development plan includes multiple apartment building types, plus a clubhouse designed to look like an old train station.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson spoke to residents at the meeting about private property rights and the entitlements for the property.

“I know there’s a lot of frustration with development patterns and the way things are coming online, but I want you all to know that every single thing that you tell me I try to relay back to applicants, to property owners, to developers and to our

divisions that create the code and the comprehensive plan,” she said.

“When the entitlements were given out 12 years ago, this area was then promised for a certain kind of use, which means that when we come back now and try to negotiate or navigate this with what works best for you all; they’re not pulling anything new, but it still does require us to try to make sure we do it in the right way and at the right time. … I will take every chance I can get to utilize what tools I have to negotiate and work with the property owners for what I hear from my residents.”

Residents expressed issues with traffic — noting the infrastructure can’t handle the development that already has been done. Many said they do not want more apartment complexes, specifically.

“This area feels like it’s overwhelmingly residential,” one resident said. “I understand you’re welcome to do whatever you want to on there as long as it’s been approved, but if you look at the other side of Hamlin, there’s much smaller amounts of multi-family residential and much bigger amounts of commercial space.”

these people are living in these places yet. So, if we already have traffic problems, I mean, what is the solution to that?” Scott Gentry, with the applicant team, said he believes once the property is built out that residents will begin to see the commercial contributions.

“It’s really disheartening to see,” another resident agreed. “We don’t want to become like MetroWest. … My other concern is the traffic. … None of

“Typically, single-family and multi-family come first, and then you have those users so the restaurants and everything else can come,” he said. “You just won’t get the quality users to come that you normally would (if you built the commercial first). … It takes time, but there’s some really cool stuff

we’re doing out here that you’ll see as we build it out. … We’re moving as fast as we can.”

The development plan currently is undergoing the county’s Technical Review Group for analysis. The proposal next will go before the Development Review Committee at a date not yet determined.

“We as residents see all of these individual projects being approved and developers each have their own thing going, and we kind of see a bad thing coming,” another resident said.

“We’re worried that at a certain point these things can’t be changed.”

Courtesy

The Station at Hamlin development plan includes multiple apartment building types, plus a clubhouse designed to look like an old train station.

RANCH HANDS

A group of men from West Orange traveled to Colorado to volunteer at Wind River Ranch, a Christian ranch for veterans and first responders.

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The men traveling from Winter Garden, Oakland, Windermere and Ocoee to Colorado earlier this month were met with snow flurries and temperatures in the teens. But these Florida “cowboys” pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, grabbed their tool belts and did whatever needed to be done at the Wind River Ranch dude ranch. To them, this chilly weather was minor compared to the elements in which some of the ranch’s summer guests have made a living as veterans and first responders.

Winter Garden resident Joel Johnson has led a group of volunteers for the last 11 years to the peaceful getaway spot in Tahosa Valley, near Estes Park, Colorado.

This Christian guest ranch resort serves as a vacation destination for hundreds of families and groups for 14 weeks each summer. But more important, it also serves as a place of healing for the men and women serving their communities and their country, for missionaries worldwide, and for women who have been rescued from trafficking situations.

They and their families are invited for a week of healing and, as Johnson calls it, “a little touch of this side of heaven.”

WEEKLONG RANCH HANDS

To prepare the ranch for its opening for Healing Warriors Week, the volunteers spruce up and make repairs to the entire property inside and outside.

“We’re mending fences, we’re cleaning saddles, we’re repairing cabins, whether it be piping grounds,

landscaping, maintenance on roofs, clearing trees that have fallen,” Johnson said. “There’s something to do every year.”

Felix Gonzalez, of Oakland, was on saddle duty, and he and about five others oiled more than 120 saddles and saddle bags in one day. Other volunteers were assigned the task of fixing electric bikes or replacing posts.

“Some have some real skill sets,” Johnson said. “And then there’s people like me who say, ‘What do you want me to push, shove or move?’”

This year, Johnson took 37 men on the weeklong mission; about a quarter of them are veterans, and many still are serving in police and fire capacities.

He has had as many as 52 accompany him for the week, and some return to volunteer for another week with their families, and others go back for their family vacation.

Johnson’s family is returning in August to serve a unit that was bombed in Afghanistan.

“We’re just going to love on them and serve them,” he said. “There’s a lot of healing still going on.”

The ranch has had an impact on Johnson’s entire family. His daughter has served two full summers, his son worked there for six weeks, his wife has served several times, and he goes out there three or four times a year.

LIFE-CHANGING TRIP

Johnson was introduced to Wind River Ranch 13 years ago when his family was attending a K-Life event and bid on a trip to the ranch in a silent auction. They won the bid — and an opportunity that would change their lives. They have been there multiple times each year since, and Johnson went back with seven local volun-

“I want to give back to those who have given and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our community and our country. That’s the least I can do.”

— Felix Gonzalez

teers 11 years ago after feeling the urge to give back to this ranch. This was Gonzalez’s first year volunteering after being asked by his best friend, Windermere resident John Fitzgibbon, who lost his son two years ago. First Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, 23, was killed in 2022 during a U.S. Army Ranger School weatherinduced training exercise in Georgia.

WIND RIVER RANCH

Wind River Ranch is located seven miles south of Estes Park in what is known as the Tahosa Valley, situated at the base of Twin Sisters Mountain at an altitude of 9,200 feet.

The ranch property was originally homesteaded in the 1870s by Elkanah J. Lamb, an itinerant pastor and missionary from the Midwest. Lamb and his wife, Jane, used the property as a cattle ranch and a small dairy operation while he preached and ministered throughout the valley. Through the years, it transitioned from a working ranch to a guest ranch as it was sold several times and expanded. Don Anderson Ministries purchased the property in 1997 and continued the western tradition of Wind River Ranch but with an intentional, Christcentered focus. The current owners continue the ministry of the ranch.

He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and commissioned in May 2021.  Fitzgibbon and his son had served as volunteers at the ranch. John and Cindy Fitzgibbon created the Gold Star Program at the ranch, and families who have lost a child in the military receive a grant to spend a week at the ranch. Three families will attend this year during Healing Warriors Week. This year and in past years, West Orange County “wranglers,” plus a few from Lake and Seminole counties, have included Johnson, Gonzalez, Fitzgibbon, Dave Ogden, Andy Jones, Tim Young, Kyle Johnson, Aaron Smith, Luis Salazar, Frankie Liz, Jack Garrity, Dan Ford, Mike Henkelman, Kevin Joyce, Shawn Carrol, Kenny Love, Jeff Stellinga, Jesse Stanley, Jadon Stanley, Rob Phillips, Robby Phillips, Bill Wagner and David Hill.

Men also travel from other states around the country to volunteer.

“We really had fun through,” Johnson said of this month’s trip. “It’s a great camaraderie of men, just stacking hands together with the ranch, getting it ready for people in need.”

“It was very honoring to be with this group of guys and see what Wind River is doing for first responders and veterans at the ranch,” Gonzalez said.

The volunteer work is something Johnson looks forward to each year.

“This has turned into a mission week itself even though that’s not how it started out,” he said. “Grown men serving something greater than themselves. Friends and strangers … become lifelong pals who remain in touch the rest of the year.”

Each night, Johnson asks a different person to share a story in their life, whether it be about loss, grief or any personal issue.

“It’s a camaraderie,” he said. “I keep returning because … it’s joyful in itself. You give, but you get in return. And we keep returning.”

After his first year, Gonzalez already is eager to return.

“For me, it was a way to honor Evan and a way to honor John, my best friend,” he said. “What I found is that for men, who share each night, it’s to understand that we all go through something, we’re all in it, and you get support from the men at the ranch.

“I want to give back to those who have given and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our community and our country,” Gonzalez said. “That’s the least I can do.”

The group gathered for its meals in this rustic cabin setting.

Above: Chaplain Andy Jones, left, Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden and Aaron Smith.

Right: Jeff Stellinga, left, Joel Johnson, Felix Gonzalez and Tim Young.

Courtesy photos

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Home State Run Club combines fitness, fun Observer

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Home State Run Club isn’t your typical running group that sends you out with a specific distance in mind.

When organizer Stephanie Rosborg started the club in 2022, she wanted to form a program that gave everyone the opportunity to cross the finish line at the same time to create more camaraderie.

“My husband (Kevin Fairchild) and I had always joined clubs that they had a distance, run a 5K distance, for example, so everyone would run the 5K,” Rosborg said. “But if you’re slow, you sometimes return, and everyone else has had their beer and is gone. We do 45 minutes total, and it doesn’t matter what your distance is, no matter how far you go, we all go 45 minutes and finish at the same time. We try to make it inclusive for everybody.”

The group started with 32 runners at the first meet-up, and it has grown to more than 100 each week. It’s a mix of walkers, runners, people pushing strollers and other folks with dogs.

“We just want people to get active and get outside,” she said.

According to the group’s Facebook page, “Basically (it’s) an excuse to get outside, be active, hang out with friends and drink a beer in the end.”

Runners use the walking trail that runs alongside the brewery.

Running club members celebrated the group’s second anniversary in February, about two weeks after the brewery opened, Rosborg said. She contacted the owners and struck up

a partnership of sorts. Runners meet every Monday evening on the brewery’s patio before the run and celebrate at the end with a beer. In exchange, club members volunteer at various brewery events, such as Oktoberfest and Summerpalooza.

The company also created the logo printed on runners’ shirts.

“Home State is our go-to hang-out spot in Horizon West,” Rosborg said.

“We love going to the weekly events like run club, trivia, jukebox bingo and more. There is always something new to do and someone new to meet.”

MAKING RUNNING FUN

She also makes sure to keep a big emphasis on fun. She and Fairchild set up an official finish line at Home State with music, cowbells and, on occasion, bubbles or confetti.

Many of the Monday runs are themed for holidays and movies.

“We just had a Stars Wars run for Star Wars Day (May 4),” Rosborg said.

“We try to make it different themes to … give people a chance to dress up and have fun with it. Our Halloween run is awesome. We did St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day; my husband and I have our anniversary in August, so we’ll bring a cake and have a party with our run club.”

Her favorite, by far, though, is the Christmas in July run. Runners like participating in this one because many of the surrounding restaurants and shops donate gift cards for a big raffle.

“It’s fun and festive and a way to break up the summer fatigue,” she said.

The next themed run is June 3, and participants will be encouraged to don their brightest colors for the Pride Run.

Rosborg always shows up with her container of chalk to write motivational messages along the route ahead of the run. She writes birthday greetings when appropriate; shares song titles and lyrics, such as “Running Up That Hill”; and gives directives, such as, “Imagine Rocky’s theme song here.”

When runners were training for the Walt Disney World races, she announced a “Lilo and Stitch” theme and wrote Ohana messages along the route.

Rosborg is the event coordinator for Sommer Sports, so she is working many of the races her friends are running.

She and Fairchild travel for many of the races in which they participate, and they don’t run in many local races. The first marathon they ran together was Cincinnati’s Flying Pig Marathon,

which included an actual pig on the course. They also have participated in the New York City Marathon, and they currently are training for the Berlin Marathon in the fall in Germany. This will be her 17th.

Fairchild and Rosborg make it a point to show up to as many local races as they can to cheer on the club members and take group photos.

“It’s nice to have that support,” Rosborg said. “It’s nice to be there for our friends and the runners.”

A REASON TO RUN

Rosborg said she hasn’t always been into running. In 2011, she found herself battling an autoimmune disease that left her in a wheelchair for 18 months.

“My motivation was that I was going to run a marathon,” she said. “I dream big.”

She attended rigorous physical therapy sessions to strengthen her body. She progressed to a walk and then to a run. She still has occasional flareups associated with the disease, which necessitates a rest; otherwise, she runs an average of five days a week.

She said she is grateful for the community and for the chance to organize a group of runners who have become friends.

“It’s a really great opportunity for people to meet other people,” Rosborg said. “It’s great when people meet up and introduce themselves and are open to meeting everybody else.”

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. 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.

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Stephanie Rosborg and her husband, Kevin Fairchild, organize all the logistics in the weekly 45-minute run.

Runners showed up in a sea of green to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day.

Courtesy photos

Runners of all ages and paces have formed great friendships through Home State Run Club.

Orange Code will dictate development regulations for county

West Orange and Southwest Orange residents gathered to gain insight into the regulations at a recent town hall meeting.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Anticipating a population increase of 500,000 by 2030, Orange County is rethinking how and where the community should grow.

The county hosted a series of town hall meetings for each district, where residents gathered to gain insight into the county’s proposed new land development regulations: Orange Code.

The District 1 meeting took place Tuesday, April 30, at Windermere High School. More than 30 residents attended to voice opinions on topics such as open space, transportation planning and roads, zoning and lot sizes, and planning and zoning terminology.

District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said she is looking forward to the future and ensuring the county has caught up with the goals and vision of the community.

“I hope that we keep going down this path, because I think the dialogue we’re having is so important,” she said. “I love my district, because I feel like we have an unbelievable wealth of experience, background differences and knowledge, and what that means is when we all get together, some really great things happen. I know that many of my residents who have been involved in planning for a really long time have a protective stance, because they feel like applications come in and they affect their way of life. My hope is this process becomes very predictable and that with all the information that comes out it makes more sense when there’s a change in any type of land use, because we know if it was there and part of the plan. That predictability means stability, which also brings good economic development.”

WHAT IS ORANGE CODE?

Every city and county has land development regulations that describe where and how new buildings and communities may be built.

Orange County’s land development code was written in 1957.

Orange Code will be the new land development regulations that focuses on placemaking standards and context-based regulations.

This form-based code relies on desired development characteristics rather than what communities seek to avoid.

While the Vision 2050 comprehensive plan dictates land-use types and where growth will occur, Orange Code will help shape the form of the local urban fabric by fostering predictable built results and a high-quality public realm.

County staff said the plans aim to protect

n For more information on Orange Code, visit bit.ly/3UG7Joh.

n For more information on Vision 2050, visit bit.ly/3QIlMbG.

the region’s natural resources, preserve the county’s diversity, address the multimodal transportation needs, and achieve predictable and compatible growth patterns.

The meeting began with county staff providing an overview of Orange Code and form-based code, discussing how it aligns with Vision 2050 and providing a breakdown of the draft document.

Transect zones will replace the county’s existing zoning districts in its development code. There are six transect zone identifiers — natural, rural, sub-urban, general, center and core — as well as secondary identifiers. Additionally, zoning requirements will be easier to interpret using the zone standard tables.

Next, during the public engagement portion of the meeting, county staff broke out into stations for residents to visit and provide input, which included framework, public work and environmental protection, zoning, and interactive portals.

The Orange Code zoning map is available through the Gridics Mapping Platform, which enables users to interpret and visualize how municipal zoning rules and ordinances apply to specific properties throughout Orange County.

When searching for a parcel through Gridics, users can check for their respective transect zone, applicable overlays, lot coverage, setbacks and many more site specific standards.

Staff and residents then came back together to meet as a group, where moderators from each station summarized comments and questions received by the community.

Residents voiced thoughts on public transit, impact fees and affordable housing. Community members living in the Avalon Rural Settlement expressed concerns on how the new code could potentially impact the protections the area currently has.

The first initial draft review for the new code started in 2019, and the county now is at the fourth draft review, which started in September 2023. This draft currently is undergoing staff review.

Orange Code and Vision 2050 are both expected to go before the County Commission for approval in September.

Foodie Call

This image shows Orange County’s population growth through 2050.

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

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

Starke Lake Baptist Church

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

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy

1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097

www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

Windermere denies SolVino’s request for on-site beer, wine consumption

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

The Windermere Town Council at its meeting Tuesday, May 14, denied unanimously a conditional-use request for onsite consumption of beer or wine for a new business.

Applicant Sun Wine Inc., also known as SolVino — Fine and Rare Wines, is a business planned for the Downtown Windermere Redevelopment Project. SolVino was requesting the conditional-use approval because it is located fewer than 1,000 feet from Family Church, as well as three other locations with the same approval: Tim’s Wine Market, Windermere Brewing Co. and Paloma Coffee.

The town’s code provides the council may waive the separation requirement through the conditional use.

However, the request must meet all seven criteria provided in the code, including being harmonious, compatible and appropriate with the existing character of the area; not having significant adverse impacts on the livability and usability of nearby land; and preserving the public’s health, safety and welfare.

Several of the Town Council members voiced the welfare condition as their reasoning for denial.

Council Member Andy Williams recused himself from the vote, because he owns the building that houses Tim’s Wine Market, as well as other nearby property.

“We have six retail stores downtown, and, of the six, five have liquor licenses, and this is the current makeup of our downtown area,” Council Member Tom Stroup said. “I look at public safety and welfare. If we have five of the six businesses downtown selling alcohol, I mean, hypothetically, that means 95% of the people leaving the stores downtown have had something to drink. That, to me, is not compatible with our residents and is a big issue to me.”

DEVELOPMENT DETAILS

The SolVino business at 527 Main St. will be within the Windermere Downtown Property PUD.

Although the applicant was not present at the meeting, according to a letter, the business aims to “transcend the wine retailer industry by providing an educational, personalized purchase experience which focuses on quality over quantity.”

The family-owned business, led by a husband and wife, plans to draw inspiration from European bottle shops and neighborhood cafes. The applicant hopes to include 30 flexible seating options with high-top and lounge tasting areas centered around a 20-foot display case.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Windermere Town Council approved two contracts and agreements: negotiating contract rates with Kimley-Horn and Associates for continuing engineering services and a 2023 memorandum of agreement for participating Orlando/ Orange urban security initiative agencies for license plate readers.

n Windermere approved the purchase of two patrol cars in the amount of $60,586.

n Council members approved the 90% plans for Old Dirt Main and Tenth Avenue.

Market. My first point is very simple. Approval of this conditional-use permit is actually a vote for Tim’s Wine Market, and the best thing this council can do to minimize competition between the two venues. … Point two is that denial of this CUP, given the facts before you and the statements that we’ve established in our narrative … is equivalent to a market control and inconsistent with the standard of review to which this council is bound and the spirit of local government.”

Town Council Member Brandi Haines said the 1,000-foot rule exists for a reason, and Town Council Member Mandy David said the applicants do not live within town limits, and the local residents do not wish to have additional outside people brought into the community to enjoy the new business.

Mayor Jim O’Brien said he was still not understanding the business model and what would make the shop unique, while Town Council Member Tony Davit said he struggled with the item and saw both sides of the argument.

“I’m certainly not interested in market control, but I do respect the opposition, and I do feel that even when some of the current conditional-use permits that we have … we have to be very careful, because I think we are currently stretching what some people will tolerate that live in and reside in our community,” O’Brien said. “I hear these issues regularly … I think there’s been limited outreach to the community, the owners have not reached out to me. I think that I do feel a genuine concern that we could change, in a negative way, the essential character of the downtown area.”

BOATHOUSE LITIGATION

The town’s code prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages between the hours of midnight and 7 a.m, and the applicant is proposing to be closed by 10 p.m. each day.

The applicant was proposing outdoor seating only if approved by the town.

“We have communicated already that that would not be allowed the way that the development agreement is structured,” Town Planner Brad Cornelius said. “There really isn’t room for additional parking on that property.”

MAKING A CASE

At the April 16 Development Review Board meeting, the DRB was unable to reach a majority vote to provide a recommendation to the Town Council on the item.

Public notices were mailed to property owners within 500 feet of the property. The town received four letters in support and eight in opposition. The town also received 21 emails, all in opposition of the item.

Residents Debra Neal and Sarah Lopez spoke during public comment against the request and asked the council not to approve the item in the best interests of the community.

Town Attorney Heather Ramos reminded the council the item is a quasi-judicial public hearing.

“The Town Council is going to apply the criteria in the town’s code … as opposed to making policy decisions,” she said. “The decisions you make tonight must be based on the evidence presented this evening.”

Kara Ann Groves, attorney representing the applicant, said the applicant plans to offer wines around the $100 price range and above, which differentiates it from Tim’s Wine Market. They also do not plan to offer any events or promotions.

Even without the request, Groves said the business still would have the ability to provide samples on-site with the current approvals.

An update on the pending boathouse litigation also was discussed at the Town Council meeting.

“We are here to seek approval for wineby-the-glass offerings; consumption on-premises,” she said. “I just want to drive two main points home. You have heard from many already on Tim’s Wine

The town hosted a closed attorneyclient session pertaining to the litigation in February.

Town Attorney Nick Dancaescu said the mediation reached an impasse, but he could not share what happened in the mediation because of Florida Statutes.

Stroup said he was hoping the issues of the litigation would have been resolved in mediation, but that has not been the case.

He said hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on both sides of the argument and he believes the trial will double those numbers.

“I don’t see that as being a win for anybody,” he said. “They’re just boathouses. The property itself is not that significant. They’re just historic landmarks that make Windermere what it is — regardless of if they’re owned by the town or the residents.”

Stroup suggested both parties involved in the boathouse lawsuit drop the lawsuit and neither party seeks legal cost restitution. He said the previous lease agreements would be terminated and the town of Windermere would sell the boathouses to the previous lessees. The cost of the boathouse sales would be determined by the Town Council, but the cost would not exceed the current cost of legal fees already incurred by the seven lessees. The boathouse upkeep and maintenance would fall under the same rules and regulations as all residential property in Windermere, and any further legal costs incurred in complete disagreement would be pursued independently by all parties involved. He said his suggestion would be contingent on acceptance by all parties.

Stroup agreed to speak with Dancaescu and Town Manager Robert Smith to discuss the possibility of the offer and see if there is any appetite for the suggestions by those involved.

Although there would be many details to work out in the complex case, if the offer were to move forward, it would be brought before the council for a vote.

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

80 years ago

“Act Your Age” was the play being staged by the senior class at Lakeview High School, with leading parts going to Rebecca Kennedy as Cora, Lillian Ussery as Helga, Lessie Cooper as the Messenger Girl and Donald Cloughley as Commander Stone.

Advertisement: “Why not let us service your car? We specialize in greasing, washing and polishing.

Gulf Oil Station at Pounds Motor Company. L.A. Young, manager. Call 62.”

The annual Lakeview High junior-senior party will be held in the city auditorium on the lakefront. A beautiful contrast will be the group doing “The Virginia Reel” and “The Grand March.”

70 years ago

Culminating activities of the year for the Lakeview High chapter of Future Farmers of America was the banquet given at the school cafeteria with approximately 225 guests in attendance.

The auxiliary of the Church of the Messiah, Episcopal, gave an old-fashioned box supper Friday at the VFW hall, with proceeds going to the building fund.

A Silver Tea for the benefit of the Winter Garden Masonic Lodge was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tell Minor.

The Lakeview High School senior class presented a play, “Books and Crooks,” directed by Vernon Parrish, English teacher.

Tom Cox men’s clothing store announced the sale of 70 pairs of work shoes for $4.95.

45 years ago

Mike Armbruster was named Most Valuable Player in soccer in his senior year. His coach was Mr. Mroczkowski.

40 years ago

The Adopted Grandparents Program at Dillard Street Elementary School, coordinated by Anna Fulford, received a $1,000 award for Service to Senior Citizens at the Disney Awards Luncheon. A recent “Books and Brown Bag Lunch” had a twist to it when Windermere Library Board chair Cheryl Paben held the meeting in the Windermere Town Hall kitchen

as a cooking class called “Quick Recipes for Busy People.”

20 years ago

For the first time in a generation, a new commercial building was being developed along recently revitalized Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. The proposed 11,000-square-foot building was planned at 252 W. Plant St., directly across from the Winter

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Lela Ester Stephenson (Mrs. Henry) Bekemeyer (1901-1993) is portrayed in a beautiful setting from 1920. Facing a post-World War I future with confidence, she was the embodiment of the new young women determined to succeed in a rapidly changing society. However, a new war was to come; in January 1946 Lela was honored by the American National Red Cross “in recognition of meritorious personal service performed in behalf of the nation, her armed forces and suffering humanity in the Second World War.”

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

Garden Municipal Complex. The two-story building was proposed to include prime retail and commercial space on the street level and an equal level of Class A office space on the upper floor. Based on Orange County Property Appraiser records, the last commercial building constructed downtown was the Khouzam Building, at 54 E. Plant St., in 1983.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

MAY 7, 1954 Train cases were once all the rage for female travelers. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Tom Cox Inc. Men’s and Boys’ Wear advertised in Winter Garden Times a Samsonite beauty for $17.50. It included a mirrored traveling dressing table, removable plastic tray and special pockets, and it was sold in a variety of “glamorous costume colors.”

In front of the Christ

Far East meets West Orange at annual Asian festival

Developer nixes

hotel

plans, earns Oakland approval

The Oakland commission also approved changes to the Briley Farm project.

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Town Commission approved three ordinances having to do with two proposed development projects at its May 14 meeting.

A small-scale future land-use amendment changed from Mixed Use Commercial to Mixed Use Activity Center for future development on about 21 acres at the southwest corner of Fourth Street and West Colonial Drive. This property, called Fourth Street Village, was rezoned to Planned Development with a development agreement and master plan.

The owner is Oakland West Five Zero LLC.

After initially meeting with the Town Commission March 12 and hearing the elected officials’ comments, the developer was given time to revise the development agreement. The second public hearing was then tabled until last week’s meeting. A proposed 110-room hotel was

removed and replaced with a mixeduse building, a minimum of 40,000 square feet of commercial and office space was added, and the taller threeand four-story buildings were moved to the back of the property.

The proposed project still calls for a maximum of 190 multi-family dwelling units, a maximum of 125,000 square feet of commercial and 25,000 square feet of office space, a net density of 10.8 dwelling units per acre, and a net floor area ratio of .2.

Commissioner Rick Polland asked to add that the development must adhere to any current and future Dark Sky lighting ordinances.

Beverly Parsons, who lives on Fourth Street, is against the proposed project because it would be built directly across the street from her home. She said she is concerned about the increase in traffic and noise it will bring to her quiet street and the danger it poses to her visiting grandchildren.

“Here (are) your choices,” Mayor Shane Taylor responded. “We can keep the land like it is, and (Florida Department of Transportation) will come in and buy the land and put a pond in it — and it adds nothing to the town. … This town is ready to move

forward. … We’re going to do this the smart way. We’re not going to throw things in.

“One of the things I wanted to look at, because of where you live, is putting in an advanced landscape package so it blocks you,” he said.

In addition, the developer would have to install temporary chain-link fencing during construction.

“We’re not losing our identity,” Commissioner Sal Ramos said. “The property will look just like Oakland, and people will notice it.”

BRILEY FARM PHASE 1

Some changes have been made to the 35-acre Briley Farm proposed community near Lake Apopka as well. In April, the commission approved the first reading of an ordinance that included the proposal to rezone Briley Farm Phase 1A and Briley Farm Phase 1B — owned by Briley Land Holdings LLC — and Daniels Cove — owned by Daniels Land Holdings LLC — from R1-A to Planned Development to unify into Briley Farm Phase 1 and to approve specific design guidelines and architectural standards for development.

Briley Farm Phase 2 is owned by Voss Family Holdings LLC and cur-

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Oakland Town Commission accepted a project agreement with Bike/Walk Central Florida to assist with the creation of an inventory list of trails, sidewalks, bike lanes and crossings within the town. The mapping of these pedestrian networks will provide the town with a way to analyze the existing inventory and identify opportunities to enhance the connectivity of pedestrian traffic. The inventory and Geographic Information Systems mapping will be instrumental when prioritizing projects in the town that have the greatest probability of receiving grant funding. The GIS/mapping inventory would be funded by Transportation Impact Fees at a cost of $2,105.88.

n Jenoptik, a company that offers speed-enforcement cameras and license plate-reading systems, gave a presentation. Police Chief Darron Esan’s goal is to increase the safety of students and parents at

rently is zoned Planned Development with a development agreement.

According to town staff, eventually all Briley Farm phases, which includes Daniels Cove, will be under one PD zoning and development agreement. Among the proposal revisions, side setbacks must be a minimum of 7.5 feet, with the exception of Lot Type D, which will have 5 feet; accessory

Ocoee celebrated Asian and Pacific American Heritage Month as it hosted the Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida’s annual Asian Cultural Festival. The festival was held Saturday, May 18, at Ocoee Lakeshore Center.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of performances honoring the heritage of many different countries, including China, Japan, Taiwan, India, the Philippines and Korea. The festival also included plenty of authentic Asian arts, crafts and, of course, cuisine.

ENG

— MICHAEL

and near Oakland Avenue Charter School. The speed cameras would be placed in the school zone, and the plate readers would go in each corner of the town, Esan said. “It doesn’t cost the (town) or taxpayers any money,” he said. “The speeders will pay for it. … The purpose here is to encourage people to drive slower for the kids.”

A portion of each speeding ticket issued goes back to the school

n Esan also introduced two new full-time officers, Brienna Brown and Barry Strykowski, who come to the town with a total of 20 years of experience with other agencies.

n The town has embarked on a project to test products in an attempt to lessen the dust that comes off the dirt roads, according to Public Works Director Mike Parker. A crushed shell material was laid on Edgegrove Lane and Vick Avenue, and the town will assess the integrity of the road for about 100 days.

dwelling units cannot contain permanent cooking appliances and cannot be used for permanent occupancy; and one of the five architectural styles, British West Indies/Bermudian, was removed.

The next step for the developer is to plat Phase 1B and create a preliminary subdivision plan and replat for Daniels Cove.

Raksha Sri Rajakumar stood still as the last-minute changes were made to her outfit and makeup.

Right: Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson presented a proclamation to Yan Lu, president of the Asian American Heritage Council of Central Florida.

The C.H.A.R.G.E. dragon boat team of the Chinese American Association of Central Florida performed an exciting dragon dance.

Attendees enjoyed perusing a variety of booths that featured Asian art and trinkets.

Right: The Orlando Young Lions of Youth Enrichment and Senior Services performed a lion dance to open the festival.

Golden Oak estate sells for $9.2M

Ahome in the Golden Oak community in Southwest Orange topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 6 to 12.

The home at 10030 Enchanted Oak Drive, Orlando, sold May 9, for $9,200,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, sixand-one-half baths and 9,444 square feet. Days on market: 43. The sellers were represented by Karen Balcerak, Golden Oak Realty.

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

DR. PHILLIPS

BAY HILL

The condo at 8986 Houston Place, No. 203, Orlando, sold May 6, for $1,100,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,027 square feet. Days on market: 10.

BAY VIEW RESERVE

The home at 8937 Crichton Wood Court, Orlando, sold May 10, for $730,000. Built in 1971, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,413 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 8755 Southern Breeze Drive, Orlando, sold May 7, for $2,200,000. Built in 1998, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,693 square feet. Days on market: 12.

RESERVE AT CYPRESS POINT

The home at 8757 Cypress Reserve Circle, Orlando, sold May 6, for $1,580,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 4,973 square feet. Days on market: 19.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8125 Golden Sands Drive, Orlando, sold May 8, for $600,000. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,677 square feet. Days on market: One.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8745 The Esplanade, No. 6, Orlando, sold May 8, for $735,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,903 square feet. Days on market: One.

HORIZON WEST

LAKE CAWOOD ESTATES

The home at 13734 Lake Cawood Drive, Windermere, sold May 6, for $1,215,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 4,437 square feet. Days on market: 26.

WESTHAVEN AT OVATION

The townhouse at 13993 Easdale Alley, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $459,995. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,897 square feet.

WINDERMERE LANDINGS

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14256 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $750,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,585 square feet. Days on market: 28.

PANTHER VIEW

The home at 7536 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $575,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,461 square feet. Days on market: 53.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 10253 Love Story St., Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $530,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,042 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8121 Soldierwood St., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $600,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,699 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 10277 Spring Shores Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $875,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,316 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.

The home at 8269 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $675,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,272 square feet. Days on market: 12.

The townhouse at 12032 Holystone St., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $425,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,568 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

The home at 6556 Golden Dewdrop Trail, Windermere, sold May 9, for $540,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,260 square feet. Days on market: 38.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11859 Gold Creek Trail, Windermere, sold May 7, for $910,000. Built in 2012, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,804 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

WINDING BAY PRESERVE

The townhouse at 11139 Hanlon Terrace Alley, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $460,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,037 square feet. Days on market: 84.

OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2255 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold May 7, for $515,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,028 square feet. Days on market: One.

WINTERS LANDING

The home at 501 E. Oakland Ave., Oakland, sold May 11, for $799,900. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,448 square feet. Days on market: Four.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 2844 American Elm Cove, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $535,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,555 square feet. Days on market: One.

The home at 2833 Black Birch Drive, Ocoee, sold May 7, for $490,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,930 square feet. Days on market: 48.

WOODS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 1449 Maravilloso Loop, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,860,000. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 5,290 square feet. Days on market: 35.

WINTER GARDEN

CHAPIN STATION

The home at 1718 Lindzlu St., Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $498,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,047 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

COBBLESTONE

The home at 339 Black Springs Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $710,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,589 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

DEER ISLAND

The home at 255 Deer Isle Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $1,200,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 3,041 square feet. Days on market: 77.

GLENVIEW ESTATES

The home at 1783 Black Maple Place sold May 9, for $460,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,754 square feet. Days on market: 215.

BROOKESTONE

The home at 878 Patriots Point Drive, Ocoee, sold May 9, for $635,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,501 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

FOREST TRAILS

The home at 2563 Laurel Blossom Circle, Ocoee, sold May 7, for $470,000. Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,873 square feet. Days on market: 10.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 3484 Big Eagle Drive, Ocoee, sold May 8, for $950,000. Built in 1936, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 3,120 square feet. Days on market: 36.

LAKE MEADOW LANDING

The townhouse at 1929 Terrapin Road, Ocoee, sold May 6, for $431,839. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,807 square feet. Days on market: 18.

PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

The home at 2926 Bushmead Court, Ocoee, sold May 10, for $699,900. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,202 square feet. Days on market: 13.

WYNWOOD

The home at 2398 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold May 7, for $657,990. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,787 square feet. Days on market: 48.

The home at 2312 Coachwood Drive, Ocoee, sold May 9, for $429,990. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet. Days on market: 137.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

GOLDEN OAK

The home at 10030 Enchanted Oak Drive, Orlando, sold May 9, for $9,200,000. Built in 2019, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 9,444 square feet. Days on market: 43.

WINDERMERE

ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE

The home at 1128 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold May 8, for $1,950,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,382 square feet. Days on market: 23.

WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

The home at 1706 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold May 10, for $829,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,104 square feet. Days on market: Five.

WINDERMERE

The home at 1942 Hempel Ave., Windermere, sold May 6, for $1,215,000. Built in 1983, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,780 square feet. Days on market: 56.

The home at 644 Glenview Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $505,000. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,618 square feet of living area. Days on market: 24.

HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET

The townhouse at 632 Orange Belt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $490,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,688 square feet. Days on market: 56.

LAKEVIEW RESERVE

The home at 162 Zachary Wade St., Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $650,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,842 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

ORCHARD

The townhouse at 248 Winter Nellis Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 8, for $379,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,647 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

SHOWALTER PARK

The home at 213 James Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 10, for $470,000. Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,500 square feet. Days on market: One.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 14639 Masthead Landing Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $605,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,033 square feet. Days on market: 37.

SUNSET LAKES

The home at 3111 Shadow Pond Terrace, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $780,000. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,938 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

TIMBERCREEK PINES

The home at 9 Timbercreek Pines Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 6, for $740,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,960 square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.

TROYNELLE BY

BIG LAKE APOPKA

The home at 17502 Killarney Cove Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 9, for $407,000. Built in 1994, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,890 square feet of living area. Days on market: 80.

WATERSIDE — THE COVE

The home at 17184 Ocean Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 7, for $545,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,078 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

WESTLAKE MANOR FIRST ADDITION

The home at 391 Floral Drive,

May 8, for $680,000.

in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two

and 1,728 square feet. Days

Winter Garden, sold

Built

baths

on market: 58.

Uneek Luxury Tours

The home at 10030 Enchanted Oak Drive, Orlando, sold May 9, for $9,200,000. This home is located in Carolwood Reserve and features pond and golf-course views. The sellers were represented by Karen Balcerak, Golden Oak Realty.

Charlie Lube, Charlie Lube Photography

SPORTS

HIGH 5

1

After eight innings of play in the Class 5A, Region 2 championship game, the Horizon High Hawks (23-5) topped Osceola High (19-11), 3-2. Horizon was led from the circle by senior pitcher Avery Velazquez, who allowed just one earned run and had five strikeouts. Horizon will face Parrish Community High (18-8) at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23, at PFX Athletics Complex’s Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont.

2

Windermere High baseball (28-4) fell to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High (26-5), 3-2, in the 7A state championship game Saturday, May 18. The loss marks the end of the most successful season in Wolverines history, which saw Windermere win the most games in a single season (28), win its first regional championship and advance to the state title game for the first time.

3

Following Rob Gordon’s announcement of his retirement as Olympia High’s boys basketball coach, the Titans have hired Justin Shipp as their next coach.

“We are really excited to have Justin become only the sixth head coach in Titan history,” Olympia Athletic Director Russell Wambles said. “There is no doubt in my mind he is highly capable of continuing the tradition of excellence that the previous coaches have put in place.”

This will be Shipp’s first varsity head coaching position, after having served as a varsity assistant for Windermere High — and former Olympia coach Mark Griseck — and junior varsity head coach. Prior to his time at Windermere, Shipp also served as an assistant at Dr. Phillips High

4

At the FHSAA state championship track-andfield meets, Foundation Academy sophomore CJ Bronaugh stood out above the pack from West Orange and Southwest Orange. Bronaugh won two Class 1A state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and led the Lions’ 4x100-meter relay team — along with JT Bronaugh, Daniel Jean and Zephy Rogers — to a second-place finish.

Ocoee High’s Diego De Pina was the only other male athlete from the area who finished on the podium throughout the four classifications, earning a silver medal in the 4A shot put competition.

On the girls side, Olympia High’s Omaria Gordon was another shining star in the 4A meet. She won the state championship in the long jump and finished fourth in both the triple jump and 400-meter hurdles.

5Foundation Academy announced Kimberly Smith as its new girls basketball coach.

“We are so excited to have Kimberly Smith leading our girls basketball program!” Foundation Associate Athletic Director Krystal Thomas-Smith said. “As a former D-I athlete, she has a wealth of playing and coaching experience, and will be an asset to FA for years to come.” Following her playing career at Florida Atlantic University, Smith joined the FAU staff in 2014 as a video coordinator.

Most recently, she served as the girls basketball coach of South Lake High in Groveland.

With a .495 batting average and 39 stolen bases, Horizon softball’s Lila Hernandez is the sophomore sensation leading the Hawks’ fight for a state championship. 2B.

Calm in the

CHAOS

After seven scoreless innings in the Class 7A, Region 2 softball finals between Windermere High and Steinbrenner High, the Wolverines leaned on a practice drill called chaos to help them win.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

After seven straight innings of two pitchers dialing it up from the circle, Windermere High’s Lexi King and Steinbrenner High’s Lily Patton, the Class 7A, Region 2 championship game was heading to extra innings.

As the visiting team, Steinbrenner was up to bat first in the top of the eighth — and with the international tie-breaker rule in place, a runner was

placed on second base. By the time Windermere managed to get three outs, Warriors sophomore baserunner Jenna Fortenberry scored the first run of the game.

You’d think after that many at-bats without a run and only a few hits to their name, the Wolverines would have feared that a single Steinbrenner run would end their magical season.

Well, you’d be wrong.

“If I told you that I was afraid, I’d

This week, we visited Dr. Phillips High, Lake

Vista High and Windermere Prep.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

SPORTS EDITOR

Week 3 of the high school spring football session means one thing: Strap on your helmet and shoulder pads; it’s time for spring football games. In West Orange and Southwest Orange, six teams went out on the gridiron to see how the work they have put in this spring measured up against another team, West Orange High hosted Lyman High,

Lake Buena Vista High went to Ocoee High, Windermere Prep traveled to Trinity Prep, Dr. Phillips High faced Winter Park High, and Olympia High went on the road to Oviedo High.

For the third edition of the spring series, we take a look at Dr. Phillips, Lake Buena Vista and Windermere Prep.

DR. PHILLIPS HIGH

2023 record: 7-5

Coach: Rodney Wells, 13th season

Key returners, additions: QB Stanley Anderson-Lofton, DB Maliki Wright, WR Mykel Calixte and OLB Maurice Jones

After two uncharacteristic seasons in 2021 and 2022, coach Rodney Wells’ Panthers bounced back last year to take back its position as the area’s top team. With key playmakers returning on both sides of the ball — including four starters on the offensive line — and a new district that includes an Olympia High team that lost 36 seniors, a Celebration High team with a new coach and offseason turmoil that finished 1-9 last season and an East Ridge

High team that lost key starters from every position group, DP should at least be a force in its district.

NO. 1: Rising senior Stanley Anderson-Lofton goes into 2024 as area’s top QB Anderson-Lofton’s 2,400 total yards gained and 26 total touchdowns as a junior showed just how potent the rising senior gunslinger can be from under center. Add in another year of growth, expert tips from his time competing at the Elite 11 QB camp and trust from his coach, and, well, it’s pretty easy to see that he’s poised for a big 2024 season.

“We go as Stanley goes,” Wells said. “He’s been sharp, he’s been crisp with the ball. College coaches have been very impressed with him throwing the ball.”

Since I spoke with Wells at DP’s practice, Anderson-Lofton has picked up an offer from LenoirRhyne University and Delaware State; to go along with his MTSU, Lehigh and FAMU offers.

Sam Albuquerque

Dr. Phillips football’s Stanley Anderson-Lofton launched a pass during practice.

Above: Senior pitcher Lexi King was dominant in the circle, pitching all nine innings and only allowing three hits.

Top: Windermere coach Eileen Hannigan coached up shortstop Emilie Ching before her at-bat.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

Lila Hernandez

As a sophomore, Horizon softball’s Lila Hernandez has taken a leap in her second season for the Lady Hawks. She’s nearly doubled her batting average from .268 (19-of-71) last season to .495 (45-of-91) this year, has 19 more runs batted in — 24 to five — and has stolen 18 more bases. With Hernandez’s improvement, along with the team’s overall growth, Horizon has had a historic third season as a program.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

With so many extremely talented players in Central Florida, being named Athlete of the Week is truly an honor.

What do you like the most about softball?

The connection I have with my teammates is my favorite part. The girls are some of my best friends. We spend a lot of time together on and off the field.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from softball?

Confidence is key. Of course, the physical training is important, but if you don’t have confidence on the field, the physical abilities won’t shine through.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My dad. He played in the minor leagues for eight years and still works harder than anyone I know. I was 10 days old when I went to my first baseball game in Richmond, Virginia.

Is there someone after whom you try to model your game?

Derek Jeter, because he was a great teammate and leader. Long after my last game is played, I want to be remembered as a positive role model for the game of softball.

What is your favorite softball memory? Winning Regionals was amazing!

What is your go-to pregame meal?

Chick-fil-A never disappoints; and post-game, (it’s) Chipotle.

What’s your go-to pre-game hype song?

“I Want to Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. It’s even better when (Horizon softball) coach Steve (Lenzi) sings it from the press box.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

I love a beach day with my friends.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Science is my favorite subject in school. I want to major in exercise science in college.

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

Survival kit, my sisters and my phone. The sur vival kit is a no-brainer. My sisters are so fun to be around and would entertain me and help me survive. Hopefully, I would have cell service so I could keep up with the group chat!

What is your favorite movie?

“The Notebook.” I love a great love story!

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

I would definitely want to have dinner with my Nana. She passed away on March

THE BASICS Age: 16 Sport: Softball Grade: Sophomore School: Horizon High

2, and coming to my games was one of her favorite things. She has always been one of my biggest fans and supporters no matter what I am doing.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

I would go back to 1943, so I could try out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — from the movie “A League of Their Own.” This would be an iconic opportunity.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Never give up, and keep working hard. When I had surgery in 2020, I lost a lot of weight and strength. I batted 10th and didn’t play much. I could have quit softball or outwork everyone else. I chose to work harder and persevere.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? Did I make the most of the opportunities that came my way?

Who is your favorite superhero? Superman, because he is a symbol of strength and hope; (and) he can fly and has super speed.

Who is your favorite supervillain? Loki, because he transforms from villain to hero.

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

I would love to be able to fly. Having an aerial view of everyday life would be interesting.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?

Greece, Paris and Italy. I am a foodie and would love to eat my way through Europe. Also, I could incorporate my love for the beach in Italy and Greece.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

If it makes you happy, go for it!

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Inside the huddles

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

NO. 2: Defense is young, but Wells knows the unit will be right come fall

Despite losing college-level players from each level of its defense, Wells is not worried about how his defense will cope with the losses.

“The experience and the leadership are going to come from the offense until we get the defense together; which we always do,” Wells said. “The good thing about our returning group is that a lot of them played last season — guys like Kaori Lang and John Poussin, Kramar Brown. They weren’t starters — they weren’t like Jerard Smith and Alfred Thomas or Johnny Fudge … but they all played meaningful minutes for us.

NO. 3: The Panthers offense will be full of weapons

With Anderson-Lofton at QB and four of five starters on the offensive line returning, DP is set up to be able to get the ball to its playmakers. Moreover, the three top receivers — Mykel Calixte, Cameran Dixon and Brandan Johnson — are back, along with transfer running back Zion Matthews, who looks like a potential

“A lot of our skill guys had really good seasons last year,” Wells said. “Now, they’re really all back and they have two seasons under their belt. So the expectation on offense is very high.”

LAKE BUENA VISTA HIGH

2023 record: 5-4

Coach: Brant Peddy, second season

Key returners, additions: OL/DL Jonathan Robinson, ATH Micah Winslow and LB Sean Adekunle

In its spring game against Ocoee High, the Vipers lost 28-7. But for coach Brant Peddy and his Vipers, this spring wasn’t about topping its Class 7A opponent in a meaningless spring game. It was about establishing a culture.

Year Two for Peddy is about growth

With most of its players lining up on both sides of the ball, this season’s Lake Buena Vista team is going to have to push itself and

that’s exactly what Peddy wants to see out his team.

“The biggest thing is there’s not a whole lot of us,” Peddy said.

“We’ve got a little over 35 kids. That’s not a whole lot of depth, but the biggest thing for me is that this spring, we saw our guys just go out there and give effort. We wanted to see them fight, finish and not stop. That’s the biggest thing with us — discipline.”

NO. 2: It’ll be a three-way battle for starting quarterback

In its spring game, Lake Buena Vista played three quarterbacks — Max Imber, Stoly Cenemat and Thomas Restrepo. Each brought a different flavor to the position, but regardless of their performances, Peddy won’t make a decision until the fall.

“It’s an open competition,” he said. “We won’t know who’s going into the QB1 slot until the fall. So, we’re just going to keep getting better.”

NO. 3: Independent schedule could see a more even slate for Vipers

Like Windermere High, Lake Buena Vista is an independent program for the next two seasons — meaning it won’t play in an FHSAA district nor be eligible to play in the playoffs. The schedule that comes with independence means the Vipers may have an easier run of competition in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

“We play a lot of great teams in that independent schedule,” Peddy said. “We’re all right there; I feel like we’re all even. But you know, they all have great coaches, they have great players, I just hope that we can keep doing what we do and keep giving effort. Hopefully, we can compete with those teams and maybe we can sneak in a win or two (in) there somewhere.”

WINDERMERE PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2023 record: 1-7

Coach: James Hamilton, first season

Key returners, additions: QB/LB Jacob Duffy, ATH Peyton Hollern and ATH Caden Epps

In its spring game at Trinity Prep Episcopal, first-time head coach James Hamilton started his tenure as Lakers coach with a convincing 20-3 win.

The more important takeaway from this regime’s first game was that the program, despite its small roster number, has enough athletes on each level that it is able to implement the coaching staff’s schemes on both sides of the ball.

NO. 1: Rising sophomore Jacob Duffy looks like a star in the making

After a breakout freshman season in which Duffy took most of the snaps, it appears that the rising sophomore is going to be the key playmaker both on offense as Windermere Prep’s starting quarterback and on defense as its starting middle linebacker.

“Last year, he was kind of thrown into the fire at quarterback,” Hamilton said. “He’s not really a quarterback, but he’s taken the opportunity and run with it. As he continues to grow as a leader and in taking control of the offense, he’s been doing everything we asked of him. The main thing is just growing as a leader of that group and that’s what you want from your quarterback. As the summer goes on, he’ll just continue to get better at that.”

NO. 2: Hamilton is making things simple, and it’s working

The biggest part of any high school coach’s job is helping his players understand the mental aspects of the game. That’s especially true in football, and Hamilton knows that his young team needs to get the basics down to be successful this season.

“You have to be able to make your scheme fit the players you have,” Hamilton said. “Players aren’t going to be able to do everything that you want to call, and so sometimes, that means we have to simplify the scheme down. … If the players are thinking too much, then they’re slowing down and they’re not making their reads. If we can keep it simple it will allow them to play fast.”

NO. 3: Expect a lot of Lakers to play on both sides of the ball Because of its smaller roster, a lot of its best players will be playing on both sides of the ball. The Lakers need to work both mentally and physically to prepare for the incoming toll that pairs with playing multiple positions.

“It’s just a mindset,” Hamilton said. “That mentality starts to become developed in practice with simple things like running on and off the field, competing in everything you do, in all the drills just competing. It’s just all a mindset and that’s the thing we’re trying to do: Change the minds of the kids, change the culture of this program. It’s been great because the kids have bought in, and I think it showed out here on the field today.”

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Windermere Prep football’s two-star Jacob Duffy will lead the Lakers at quarterback and linebacker in 2024.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque Lake Buena Vista coach Brant Peddy is focusing on building a never-giveup culture.

Practice drill prepare Wolverines for playoffs

be lying,” said Windermere softball coach Eileen Hannigan.

Neither Hannigan nor her team were scared, because they practice for this type of chaos.

“In practice, we do a drill called ‘chaos,’ and yesterday, we did that drill and practiced going to ITB,” Hannigan said. “We did this exact scenario, we had the girls lose the lead in the top of the eighth inning, and we practiced two innings of ITB. When this game got to that point, I told them, ‘You’re going to win this game, because you’re one of the best teams in the state and you’re ready for this.’ And we were ready for it. In all honesty, it’s hard to believe that we practiced that exact scenario a day before it happened in the game.”

Windermere’s preparation showed.

“We knew that all we had to do was just stay calm and do what we’ve been practicing,” said Windermere pitcher Lexi King. “We’ve practiced for this moment, so we trust our preparation and what we have in each other as a team.”

In the bottom of the eighth, the Wolverines clawed back and tied the game at one run apiece on a score by Windermere senior Carly Bunnell. In the top of the ninth, King and the Wolverine defense shut down Steinbrenner and got out of the inning unscathed.

“I felt really good out there,” King said. “A lot of practice has gone into this. All I was just trying to do was not to let the moment get too big and just stay calm. I trusted coach Hannigan and stayed locked in with Carly the whole time, that really helped me just not overthink anything.”

With the top of the batting order on deck in the bottom of the ninth, Windermere knew this was the moment to pounce and end this game once and for all.

First, to advance the ITB baserunner to third base, sophomore Ariana Lara laid down the sacrifice bunt. Check, baserunner Sabrina Boyer reached third. Now, all Windermere had to do was get Boyer across home plate.

That’s where shortstop Emilie Ching came in.

“I just thought to myself, ‘They pulled in an extra outfielder to the infield, so right field is completely open.’” Ching said. “So my head goes

straight to, ‘Hit it to right field however possible and the game’s done.’”

That’s exactly what Ching did. The pitch came, and she belted it to right field. Boyer reached home to seal the walk-off region championship win and a berth in the state semifinals — both firsts in the young program’s history.

“I don’t think there are words to describe what I’m feeling,” Hannigan said. “This is something we’ve talked about and dreamt about and we just get a tremendous amount of leadership from my seniors and juniors. There aren’t enough words. I just love them, and this is the most amazing feeling. … I don’t think they come better as human beings. They set their mind to achieving this four years ago when they walked on this campus. And today, they go out and do this. Do you get a better effort from Lexi King? And then the defensive stops, they just backed her left and right. When you’re in big-time games and need big-time plays, I know I’ve got a team ready to make big-time plays.”

Windermere, now 23-4 on the season, will need to top a fellow Central Florida team in the 7A state semifinals, to earn a berth in the championship game: Seminole High.

To get past Seminole and whoever wins the Western High/Jupiter High game, and claim the 7A state title, the Wolverines know what they have to do.

“We just need to keep doing what we’re doing,” Ching said. “That means just keeping the energy high. We all love each other so much, I think if we just keep playing for each other, we’ll win this thing.”

Their coach agrees and is more than happy to hand her players the keys to the car.

“They have the right mindset, they’re focused and they know what their goals are and what we need to do to accomplish them,” Hannigan said. “I’m lucky to have two amazing assistant coaches, who do nothing but help support these girls, and we’ve all told our players that they’re driving the car. It’s our job to make sure it’s fueled up for the whole trip there. But we have two more to go and we’re ready.”

The first pitch of the 7A semifinal is set to be at 11:15 a.m. Friday, May 24 at PFX Athletics Complex’s Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont.

Special Olympics Florida hosts 2024 State Summer Games

Special Olympics Florida held its annual State Summer Games on May 17-18 at ESPN Wide World of Sports and the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona. The two-day event drew more than 2,300 participants from across Florida, competing in seven different sports: track and field, basketball, soccer, bocce ball, cycling, cheerleading, and tennis.

The State Summer Games, one of Special Olympics Florida’s largest competitive events, also featured a spectacular opening ceremony.

Special Olympics Florida was founded in 1972 and provides year-round sports training and competition, crucial health services, and life-changing leadership programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities; serving more than 70,000 Special Olympics athletes annually, at no cost to athletes or their families.

To learn more about the organization and its events, visit specialolympicsflorida.org.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Sam Albuquerque

Windermere High softball topped Steinbrenner High in extra innings, 2-1, to win the Class 7A, Region 2 championship.

More than 2,300 athletes participated in the two-day Special Olympics Florida games.

The Florida State Summer Games gives athletes of all ages the opportunity to showcase their skills.

SENIOR MOMENTS

Horizon, Ocoee, West Orange and Windermere high schools all celebrated the last day of classes for their seniors with various parties, parades and events last week.

Horizon hosted its Senior Sunset Tuesday, May 14. Hawks seniors enjoyed one last moment full of fun that included a slip-n-slide, inflatable obstacle courses, snacks, water balloon fights and a load of more activities that helped end their high school journey on a high note.

At Ocoee, seniors enjoyed the End of an Era Breakfast followed by Field Day, complete with activities such as dodgeball, an inflatable obstacle course and a deejay.

West Orange seniors walked their school halls for the last time Wednesday, May 15, as they participated in the much-anticipated tradition — the walkout. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends lined the Warrior courtyard waiting to catch a glimpse of their graduate. After gathering near the student parking lot, seniors gathered for photos and some fun with Silly String and shaving cream. Later that evening, the seniors walked throughout downtown Winter Garden in their Sen-ya Later Parade.

Windermere students rolled off campus for the final time in the annual Senior Walkout Wednesday, May 15. The event started with friends and family members of the senior Wolverines helping to decorate their students’ cars before the Class of 2024 walked through the courtyard and out onto the school’s fields for its last few moments on campus.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

The Ocoee Field Day event featured all sorts of fun, food and games, such as tug-of-war.

Windermere family members and friends got creative with their senior fan gear by creating large cardboard cutouts of the student’s faces.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Horizon High School’s seniors celebrated with a walkout and Senior Sunset last week.

Right: Windermere senior Nico Mujica’s family covered him in silly string to help celebrate.

Below: The walkout was an emotional affair at Horizon High School.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

One of the various water-based games and activities at Horizon’s event was a massive slip-n-slide tarp.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

West Orange High School seniors enjoyed being the center of attention as they made their way off campus for the last time.

Following their final walk through the courtyard, West Orange seniors took part in some fun with shaving cream.

Seniors looked for family and friends as they took their final walk through the West Orange courtyard.

Windermere senior Masson Sam had his sister, Johanna, help decorate his car.

A group of Ocoee seniors lined up to take a selfie and capture the moment during the school’s senior events.

With a deejay playing their favorite songs, members of the Ocoee senior class sang along during their “End of an Era” senior celebration.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography Parents were eager to see their seniors take one last lap around campus.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

The walkouts give seniors a chance to give plenty of hugs along the route.

Astrid Attias, left, and Rebeca Melendez participated in the car decorating for their Windermere seniors, Marcelo Lavanga and Lucidio Mendoza, respectively.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography West Orange High’s walkout featured just a little bit of shaving cream.

Windermere senior Elisa Koechner’s family surprised her with homemade signs.

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

DAVID VILLASENOR

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

As Central Florida Christian Academy’s school resource officer, David Villasenor’s job is to preserve the lives and safety of every individual who steps foot on the CFCA campus. That entails protecting the school and the individuals from any negative activity or any criminal mischief such as vandalism or theft.

“Officer David has made a tremendous impact on our campus this year,”CFCA Head of School Dr. Hal Stewart said.

“He is a humble man who is faithful, honorable and cares for the well-being of students and staff. He is the consummate teammate on our staff who is dependable and exudes love of God and people. He’s been a great blessing to us this year.”

What brought you to your school?

I asked God to give me a job that will bring me challenges, and He brought me to CFCA.

What do you love most about your school?

The humbleness and the fact that we can serve the Lord freely.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to impact each student in a positive way.

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

Who influences you?  My wife pushes me to strive to be better in life.

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

Ms. Dorothy. She was my fourthgrade teacher. She always wanted the best for me and saw potential in me.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“The Berenstain Bears,” because Mama Bear was always encouraging the baby bears to enjoy the outside instead of watching TV all the time.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: School Resource Officer

TIME AT SCHOOL: Nine months

What do you like to do in your spare time? I love riding my motorcycle and enjoy working on my custom car.

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

Erik Estrada, because I loved TV cop shows and the uniform.

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

Control people’s minds — to control negative activities.

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

One is Barak, a Hispanic Christian band. Their music has had so much spiritual influence on my life. The other would be Stevie B’s freestyle music, because it is soft-spoken.

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

Hamburgers, tater tots and oatmeal raisin cookies.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, because it feels so positive and it is very exciting to exchange gifts.

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

Eric Balegas, because he always had my back and I had his. Unfortunately, he passed away.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Principal Turner sworn in as attorney

West Orange High School Principal Matt Turner has graduated from law school and passed the Florida Bar Exam, and he is accredited to practice law in the state of Florida.

West

High School Princi -

pal Matt Turner can add a new title to his résumé now that he’s passed the Florida Bar Exam and has been sworn in to practice as an attorney in the state.

For three years, starting in 2016, he served as a principal by day and attended law school and studied at night. There are three parts to the process — taking 90 credit hours at an accredited law school, passing the bar exam and fulfilling the bar applications — and they must be completed in 25 months.

Turner earned his degree from Florida A&M University College of Law, but he learned it was nearly impossible to effectively run a school during a pandemic and study for and pass the bar exam.

“I had my master’s in educational leadership, but I knew I needed something else. (Going to law school) really changed my life. The amount of stuff I know now is crazy.”

— Matt Turner

“I was principal at Westridge Middle, then the pandemic hit, and I kind of stopped taking the test,” he said. “There was just too much going on. … When you’re working full-time, it doesn’t stop. (To pass) one of the tests, you have to study full-time. The other students aren’t working; they’re not doing anything else but studying.”

After the pandemic, Turner was determined to take the test again. He passed the federal portion in February 2023 and the Florida portion that July. He passed the professional ethics test but had to retake it because it had expired.

There’s a cutoff score of 136, he said, and most people score between 132 and 140. He worked hard to learn the material, he said, and scored 147. He had to write three essays, and one of the questions was about a commissioner who had a Facebook page and was blocking people.

“It’s the same with me,” he said.

“I’m a government official; could I do that? The answer is no. It was a full-circle moment, because I could use some of the things I do here.”

Turner’s swearing-in ceremony was April 30. His good friend, Chad Alvaro, a circuit judge for District 9, swore him in — and at that moment, he was officially licensed to practice law in Florida.

FULFILLING A DREAM

Turner has made it his mission to be an encourager of students. He has high expectations of them, and he pushes them to excel.

Likewise, he pushed himself to excel in law school, too.

“I believed I could do it, but no one

in my life told me I could,” he said. “No one ever told me growing up, ‘You can do this.’ I tell my staff and my kids here: No one ever pushed me academically. I was an athlete, a good one … so I was basically put in a corner and told to do a good job.”

Turner chose to become an educator, a decision he does not regret. He was a teacher at Oak Ridge High School, a dean at Edgewater High School and an assistant principal at Jones High School and Westridge.

“I had my master’s in educational leadership, but I knew I needed something else,” he said. (Going to law school) really changed my life. The amount of stuff I know now is crazy.”

It’s important to make connections in law school, too, he said. When he was having an addition put on his house, workers were deviating from the contract, so he called one of his former law school classmates, and she took care of it.

Turner is interested in practicing law on the side, and he currently does a little consulting work on education cases using his legal background with a few law firms. As well, he assists the Orange County Association for School Administrators and its principals and assistant principals with investigatory issues or situations at schools. He takes around 10 calls each week from those needing assistance.

He knows this degree will open up career possibilities in the future, but he said he loves West Orange High and its students and the community too much to leave education right now. This is his 20th year in education, 19 with Orange County Public Schools. He has been a principal for six years.

He could decide to apply for a superintendent’s position within a decade, he said.

“Down the road, if I feel I don’t want to do education anymore, I have something else I can do,” he said.

Courtesy photo

Matt Turner, left, was sworn in by his longtime friend, Judge Chad Alvaro. He has no plans to leave West Orange High School but will use his new degree in a variety of capacities on the side.

Windermere honors active-duty heroes on Armed Forces Day

The town of Windermere hosted its third annual Armed Forces Day ceremony Saturday, May 18, inside Town Hall. The event, organized by longtime Windermere resident Pam Martini, honored local service members and their families.

The town recognized 10 active-duty service members from Windermere: Calvin C. Anderson, Allie Batten, Christopher Clark, Kathlyn Love, Charles W. Martini, Andrew McKinley, Christopher McKinley, Sarah Myers, B.

WEST ORANGE OBITUARY

DIED

Wayne Wincey suffered a massive stroke on Saturday, May 11, 2024. As the humid breeze of Florida blew through the air in the early morning of May 15, 2024, with his wife, Ann, by his side, Wayne’s spirit was taken home to heaven. Wayne was born John Wayne Wincey on Sept. 27, 1945, at Eglin AFB, Florida, to John Westberry Wincey and Mildred Louise Williams Wincey. He graduated from Choctawhatchee High School in 1963 and could not have been prouder to have attended Florida State University, where he met his future wife, Ann, as his genetics lab partner.

Wayne and Ann married in 1968 at Oakland Presbyterian Church. After four short years, their plan was to be in Winter Garden for the summer and then move to North Carolina so Wayne could sell furniture. Working at 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

as a captain was not what the world planned for Wayne. That’s where he was, though, and in a short time he was moved to the Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World and the people of its company became Wayne’s life work.

The Mouse was a 40-year career of ups and downs, but there wasn’t a day that his briefcase, a pot of coffee, a cigarette and his laugh didn’t make someone’s day be filled with magic. All this considered, rest assured, you never wanted to be pulled to the side for a “come to Jesus” meeting with Wayne.

Wayne was an animated storyteller. As a storyteller, he also loved to hear stories. He loved the people who told them and who were in them. He was

Mason Plante and Ashley Paige Springer.

Speakers included Mayor Jim O’Brien, Chaplain Andy Jones, U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, Town Council Member Tony Davit, Charles W. Martini and several family members of active-duty service members.

The service members enjoyed reading notes from Windermere Elementary School students. In addition, care packages were organized with cards from friends and family members.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

a lover of the details, the things that made it special. He knew God made everyone special and that everyone had gifts.

Wayne’s gift was his love of communication. He always wanted to know how everyone was doing, especially the ones he has now left behind: wife, Ann; daughter, Beth Ielfield (Ian); bonus granddaughter, Riley; adopted son, Mehmet Emec (Lale); adopted granddaughter, Sophi; sister, Kathy Litzenberger (Ron); brother, Ronald Wincey (Sharon); nieces and nephews, David Litzenberger (Mia), Nathan Wincey (Mallery), Kimberly Pearman (Zach), Jill Zuiderweg (Garrett), Ryan Wincey (Kyndal), John Litzenberger (Cheryl).

Never did you have to guess Wayne’s

favorite colors, team or what was his most important past time — FSU Football! For Ann, it’s the game. For Wayne, it’s the event! The event brings together people to make memories and, therefore, you have more stories. Wayne lived his life like every day was an event!

In honor of Wayne, visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2024, at Oakland Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Pilar’s Loft. If preferred, donations can be made to Cornerstone Hospice for the Care Center at Health Central or Oakland Presbyterian Church.

Above: Windermere’s Armed Forces Day ceremony garnered much town support.

Right: Several local veterans attended the Windermere Armed Forces Day event.

Local active-duty service member Charles W. Martini, third from left, celebrated being home with his family.

Town Council Member Tony Davit shared a special speech about what it is like to have a family member in the military.

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RISING THROUGH THE RANKS by Daniel Hrynick, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos