05.30.24 Southwest Orange Observer

Roundabouts,

beacons among

Tiny Road improvements

Orange County is continuing its Roadway Conceptual Analysis study to evaluate improvements needed for the two-lane section of Tiny Road. SEE PAGE 2A.

GRADS SERVING IN JAPAN

Two graduates of Ocoee High School are serving in the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Petty O cer 1st Class Rafael Alvarado, a native of Ocoee, is in Japan aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet agship USS Blue Ridge. He graduated from OHS in 2017. Airman Caleb Webster, a native of Orlando, serves in Japan aboard the self-contained mobile airport and the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan.

Equipped with a full ight deck and more than 60 aircraft including attack ghter jets and helicopters, aircraft carriers are one of the largest warships in the world. Webster graduated from Ocoee High in 2023.

The Gold Star families released doves at the conclusion of Woodlawn Memorial Park’s 74th annual Memorial Day Ceremony. From left: Orange County Sheri John Mina; retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin Wimbish; Barbie and John Pugh; and Placida, Francisco and Angelica Hernandez.

Michael Eng

Courtesy photos

Tiny Road improvements to begin in 2028

SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Orange County is continuing its Roadway Conceptual Analysis study to evaluate improvements to the twolane section of Tiny Road, and a preferred alternative has been selected.

The county hosted a community meeting to discuss the study in November 2023. Since then, several updates have been added to the plans to reflect resident input, which were presented at the most recent community meeting Wednesday, May 22.

The updates include the additions of a right-turn lane at Green Orchard Avenue; pedestrian concrete barriers under the State Road 429 bridge; and a traditional traffic signal at Tiny Road with dual left turns onto Tiny and Tilden roads.

“We listened to you from our first meeting, and we have gone back to the traffic engineering folks and asked them to come up with some interim solutions,” Ian Phyers, Orange County project manager for the Transportation Planning Division, said. “They are going to include the addition of two signs north of Green Orchard and reflected paveway markers along the edge line and center line of the

roadway, so that when you go over them they make noise so you actually know you’re coming off the roadway.

… The work order is already in.”

SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS

After listening to resident comments and feedback from the first meeting, Phyers said roundabouts were recommended at several intersections along the roadway.

He said roundabouts have fewer conflict points compared to conventional intersections and can promote slower speeds through the intersection and along the corridor; crash severity can be reduced compared to conventional intersections; pedestrians only cross one directions of traffic at a time as they traverse a roundabout; and unlike conventional signalized intersections, roundabouts are not affected by power outages.

Pedestrian hybrid beacons also are being proposed, which can be used at roundabouts to help with the crossing of the roadway. The beacons will remain dark until activated by a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

The preferred Tiny Road typical section includes two 11-foot-wide travel lanes with a 22-foot raised median, 10-foot-wide shared-use paths on both sides, a design speed set at 35 mph and a closed drainage system with stormwater ponds.

The preferred alternative analysis for Bridgewater Crossings Boulevard, Hamlin Groves Trail and Orchard Hills Boulevard is a roundabout.

The preferred alternative analysis for Tilden Road is a traffic signal shifted east, which would create dual left turns onto Tiny Road and onto Tilden Road, with a multi-use path (east side) that would continue across Tilden Road and connect with the future trail project.

Two alternatives were presented, and alternative one was selected as the preferred method.

When looking at the smaller details, the differences between the two plans are: Alternative one has 11 parcels impacted as opposed to 8 in alternative two, alternative one has 7.84 acres of right-of-way needed as opposed to 7.29, alternative one has 0.28 acres of wetlands impacted as opposed to 0.19, and alternative one is less expensive at $40,594,000 as opposed to $41,798,000.

COMMUNITY INPUT

Dave Buckles, who serves as president of nearby school Foundation Academy, asked about funding for the project and how it could affect the timeline.

is the reality? … Getting funding for this is a big deal, because it’s a safety issue on this road.”

Brian Sanders, chief planner for Orange County’s Transportation Planning Division, said the county has funding for the design of the project.

“The way we’ve developed the concept is to minimize the impacts to right-of-way, which makes the project less costly and speeds it forward to construction,” he said. “Those are the realities that we’ve built into this project. This is a very desirable project, and I think it will gain favor as we go through the budgeting process. These kinds of projects bubble up quicker than other projects that take much longer and have a lot of issues to resolve with right-of-way.”

Although interim solutions were given, residents still expressed concerns with the project not starting quickly enough.

Linda Sibley inquired on safety for cyclists on the road and said as an avid cyclist and resident in the area, Tiny Road is one of the most dangerous roadways in the community.

Existing level of service: Stable tra c ow

Pedestrian/bicyclist counts along Tiny Road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: 37 pedestrians, 18 bicyclists Safety and crash history 2015 to 2021: 21 injury crashes, 12 property crashes, one fatality, 18 night-time crashes, one pedestrian crash and one bicycle crash

“I’ve watched these projects for a long time; we’ve had that property on the corner there for a long time and watched the intersection of Tiny and Avalon work forever to have that funding taking place,” he said. “What

“You’ve got cars, low-speed vehicles and street-legal golf carts all in the same lane at 35 mph,” she said. “It appears in the presentation that the sidewalk is only vehicles on the roadway. So, my assumption is that roadway cyclists, as well as sidewalk cyclists, will be using the sidewalk? And if not, from looking at it

it didn’t look like there was enough room in the lane for a vehicle as well as a street cyclist. So, if that can’t happen, are street cyclists actually going to be forced to be on the sidewalk with the pedestrians and the runners?”

“There are going to be 11-foot lanes, and there will be some opportunities to pass the cyclists,” Phyers said. “Remember that in the typical section, the median is mountable. So, if they really need to pass the cyclists that badly, they can mount the curb and go.”

The project is estimated to go before the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in September, and construction is estimated to start mid-2028.

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Because of the brave

The West Orange and Southwest Orange communities remembered those who died for our country’s freedom in several different ways.

The city of Ocoee hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony Thursday, May 23, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Retired Lt. Col. Yolanda Frazier, who served in the U.S. Army for 30 years, was the keynote speaker. The Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, and Pam Jones read a message from U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster’s office. Ocoee High School students took part in the program, as well — Jaslynn Gaskin sang the national anthem, and Marcus Jiao played taps by the city’s memorial wall. After a processional to the memorial site, at which a memorial wreath was placed, members of the City Commission read the list of Ocoee residents who died in battle: Billy Bennett, James W. Brown, James W. Bruce, Jack Corbin, Charles Day, Robert L. Day, Buford Gerald Johnson, Robert G. Fischer, Logan A. McNeil, George Robert Salisbury, James S. Simmons, Walter I. Turner, Dominic Ungaro Jr. and Eric Ulysses Ramirez.

Three Gold Star families were recognized. Margaret Colella’s husband, Ungaro, was killed in the Vietnam War two months after he arrived. Debbie Berry was 7 when her 21-year-old brother, Paul Lloyd Berry, an Army helicopter pilot, was killed in Vietnam. Gwen Taliver’s grandson, Sgt. Gene Hawkins, was serving in Iraq when he was killed.

Woodlawn Memorial Park honored our country’s heroes at the 74th annual Memorial Day Ceremony Monday, May 27. This year’s event included three keynote speakers — U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Carey Baker, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard

and Windermere High School JROTC presented the colors, while the Scouts USA Troop 210 (Winter Garden) led the presentation of colors and performed the tolling of the Liberty Bell. The Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard performed the rifle volley, and Keith Bolves and the Orlando Concert Band performed a variety of patriotic tunes throughout the event. At the end of the ceremony, Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard gave a benediction, and Gold Star families released doves. Windermere hosted its annual Memorial Day observance event Monday, May 27, in front of Town Hall. The ceremony, organized by the Rotary Club of Windermere, included songs from the Girl Scout Citrus Singers led by musical director Susie Reale; an innovation from Chaplain Andy Jones of the Windermere Police Department; the presentation of colors and taps by the Windermere Lone Sailor Division Cadets; and words from Mayor Jim O’Brien and Town Council Member Tony Davit. The city of Winter Garden and the local chapter of the American Legion,

Hugh T. Gregory Post No. 63, held a Memorial Day Community Ceremony May 27 at Veterans Memorial Park. Members of the community came together to honor and remember the local veterans who gave their lives during times of war or while serving in the United States armed forces. The event included a roll call of veterans, placement of ceremonial wreaths, speeches from local officials — such as Winter Garden Winter Garden Mayor John Rees and U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster.

Finally, John and Catherine Ward held a Memorial Day event in the town of Oakland Monday, May 27, to pay tribute to the residents who gave their lives serving their country and are buried in the Oakland Cemetery and the Oakland Tildenville Cemetery. They identified 64 veterans in the two cemeteries and placed flags on their graves. Oakland police officers also placed a flag in each cemetery to recognize the unknown soldiers buried there.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE, MICHAEL ENG, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings presented a proclamation and gave a heartfelt speech at Woodlawn Memorial Park’s 74th annual Memorial Day Ceremony. From left: Retired U.S. Army Col. Calvin Wimbish, U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Carey Baker, Demings, Orange County Sheri John Mina and Woodlawn Funeral Director Brooke Heldman.

The Windermere Lone Sailor Division Cadets led the presentation of colors at the town’s event.

Dozens of locals paid their respects to our fallen heroes at Windermere’s event.

Debbie Berry, left, Margaret Colella and Gwen Taliver were recognized in Ocoee for the loss of a loved one in military combat. Berry’s brother and Colella’s husband were killed in the Vietnam War, and Taliver’s grandson was killed in Iraq.

Oakland ceremony organizer John Ward was among the dozen people who placed ags on the graves of veterans in two of Oakland’s cemeteries.

Veterans of all branches of the military were present to pay their respects at Winter Garden’s Memorial Day event.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Carey Baker was one of three keynote speakers at Woodlawn Memorial Park’s 74th annual Memorial Day Ceremony.

The city of Ocoee remembered its fallen heroes.

Olympia High artists win congressional competition

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

Two Olympia High School stu-

dents are celebrating big wins in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Leah Chen won the grand-prize first-award for a portrait of her great-great-grandmother, and Madison Benedict won Best in Show in Drawing for her colorful depiction of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.

For winning the grand prize, Chen and her family will travel to Washington, D.C., this summer for a national reception and the chance to see her artwork on display in the United States Capitol for one year. Congressional Institute sponsors the trip.

Benedict’s Best in Show artwork will be on display in the offices of U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost. The congressman chose the art theme, “Leading with Creativity,” for this year’s competition.

Chen and Benedict are students of Joanna Levine of Olympia’s Visual Arts Department. Both are taking the Advanced Placement Drawing Studio Arts course.

“Leah and Madison are dedicated, creative and talented artists,” Levine said.

LIFELONG PURSUIT

Chen has been drawing since she was 6, and she’s excited to know all her hard work has led to this winning moment.

“I have to thank all the people who have been with me all the way,” she said. “Definitely my mom; she’s been the one who’s always been supporting me and my love for art.” Chen used Prismacolor colored pencils to create her winning artwork she named Breakthrough, which depicts an elderly Chinese woman threading a needle.

“It’s my great-great-grandmother,” Chen said. “I remember me visiting her back in China when I was young, and everything she did was just so diligent, and she was always so careful with everything she did, and I felt like she would nurture me. That moment in time, I had such a vivid memory of it. I just felt that every time I’m going through a hardship or something’s going wrong … I remember that moment.

“I named it that because in that moment in particular, I thought it really resembled her patience with everything. The moment where the thread is going through the needle, it’s very hard to do, and considering her old age I just remember that, ‘Wow, she can really do this.’ She was always so patient with everything.” While in D.C., Chen will participate in a ceremony celebrating all

the district winners. She said it will be surreal to see her art hanging in the Capitol.

“I’m very, very excited for that,” she said.

Chen has won other art awards as well, including the Scholastic Keys Award, taking home four gold keys and four silver for eight pieces of art she submitted.

The rising sophomore isn’t sure what she wants to study in college, but she knows art will be an important part of her life.

“I do find art relaxing and easy on the mind,” Chen said. “When I’m going through stress, I find art very relaxing. It’s good to have it on the side. I plan to explore different mediums. I find that I’ve been using colored pencils for a very long time.”

She recently took a trip to London and had the chance to explore several museums.

She said the big canvases and large

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the artistic discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s o ce, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

“If

Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com

News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com

Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com

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paintings have inspired her to explore different mediums.

“One thing that helps when I’m drawing is immersing my mind in the drawing,” Chen said. “It helps me to live in that drawing. What you’re doing is making a true connection to that art.”

IT’S ALL CONNECTED

Benedict said she was shocked to learn she won Best in Show in the Drawing category.

“To win it in my junior year — I felt very proud of myself,” she said.

Of the 50 pieces of art submitted, she said, there were about 10 finalists in different categories. Her drawing was a colored-pencil piece depicting blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, which she called Assorted Berries. She also used the Prismacolor pencils.

“I took the AP drawing class this year, and you have to pick a theme, so I picked nature and how all living things connect,” Benedict said. “My first was a rabbit, and for the next one I thought, ‘What do rabbits eat?’ And I thought, ‘Berries.’”

Benedict also takes a ceramics class, and next year, she’s taking AP 3D and AP 2D art classes. This is her first artistic win.

Following graduation, she expects to pursue a career in the arts.

“I really like designing, and I’m either thinking of continuing into ceramics or possibly interior design, maybe murals or something like that,” Benedict said. “I’m looking at doing some college tours this summer. … I want to look at schools that are focused on art.”

TITANIC INFLUENCE

Chen and Benedict credit Levine for her role in shaping them as artists.

“She’s definitely a great, great teacher,” Chen said. “She always makes sure that every student is on top of the curriculum and work because AP art has you submit 15 total pieces by the end of the year. … She’s also good at motivating students in different ways.

“I love her because she’s the reason I got this award, and I feel so grateful for that,” she said.

Benedict feels the same: “Joanna Levine is very encouraging, and she helped me get where I’ve been able to draw currently. She’s very helpful.”

Levine has been a visual arts teacher for 23 years, nine at Olympia. Chen’s win is a first for Levine at Olympia.

Art plays an important role in education, she said.

“Visual arts encourage students to think creatively, develop their imagination, enhance critical thinking and build their confidence,” she said.

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

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Madison Benedict used colored pencils to create her winning art piece she named Assorted Berries.

Courtesy images

Leah Chen used colored pencils to create her award-winning artwork she named Breakthrough.

Ocoee Chick-fil-A presents 5K check to Eight Waves

Also, members of the Ocoee Youth Council presented their year-in-review projects to the Ocoee City Commission.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

As part of the annual Ocoee Music Festival, the Chick-fil-A 5K run is a charitable event that aims to benefit a different local organization each year by donating the proceeds of the event. At the Tuesday, May 21, Ocoee City Commission meeting, the Ocoee Chick-fil-A — located on West Colonial Drive in Ocoee — presented a beneficiary check of $1,416 from the proceeds of the 12th annual run to West Orange County nonprofit Eight Waves.

“I’m just thankful and grateful to be here this evening to present this check to the nonprofit that we picked this year as the benefactor for our 5K,” Chick-fil-A representative Beth Ott said. “This was our 12th 5K this year, and we could not do it without the city of Ocoee. We appreciate the city, the Parks and Rec Department — Mark Johnson, Toren Hogan and their team.”

Eight Waves is an organization that invests in the lives of children, youth and families who live in underresourced communities by working to build the healthy support systems needed to thrive and by empowering community members to create a lasting change in their own lives and communities.

“We serve all of West Orange County, and we also serve Lake County,” said Kelly Carr, Eight Waves director of operations and programs. “We have a free after-school program, in-school mentorship programs, and we really just focus on serving children and families that live in under-resourced areas. So, families that might not be able to pay for their own tutoring after-school help, we provide that. … We have summer camp programs, and we help with food insecurity, hygiene and we have together eight programs.”

The Ocoee Chick-fil-A 5K run is set to return in April 2025 as part of the Ocoee Music Festival, and applications to be a beneficiary will be posted on the city of Ocoee’s website closer to the race date.

OCOEE YOUTH COUNCIL

The Ocoee Youth Council was created by the city commission to provide constructive means for youth to have a voice in the decision-making processes of the city, to provide them opportunities for self-growth and ultimately to help develop Ocoee’s future leaders.

As part of the OYC program, the nine members of the 2023-24 class learned about a specific commu-

IN OTHER NEWS

Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson read a proclamation at the Ocoee City Commission meeting, declaring the month of May 2024 as Asian American and Paci c Islander Heritage Month.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the consent agenda. Among the items approved was the acceptance of a grant of $13,818 for the Ocoee Police Department to purchase Forward Looking Infrared, “which is speci cally used to address criminal activity,” read the sta report. “The Forward Looking Infrared would be deployed to assist in surveillance, to identify criminal activity and to aid in apprehension.”

Another consent agenda item approved by the commission was the approval to award a $3,898,252 contract to Sawcross Inc. for the electrical upgrade and expansion of the Ocoee wastewater treatment facility at 1810 A.D. Mims Road.

nity event or department, and at the commission meeting they shared and summarized their experiences in a presentation to the commission and the public present.

Among the presentations, students highlighted and spoke about their experience serving and learning about community events, such as the Descendants’ Dinner — a memorial event that serves to remember the victims of the Ocoee Massacre and raise awareness of the importance of racial equality — the Evening with Santa event and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade.

The city of Ocoee also awarded scholarships to the program’s four graduating students — Kennedy Whitley, Niya Lewis, Bayleigh Castle and Robert Davidson — as part of the OYC Scholarship Program. Upon graduation, the city awards $250 per year of participation to the students in the program.

Upon the conclusion of the presentations and scholarship awards, Commissioner Scott Kennedy applauded the council members for their work as part of the program.

“Last year when we revamped this program, and we approved the scholarship, this is exactly, well, frankly, this is more than we envisioned,” Kennedy said. “I have never seen a more thorough presentation and curriculum, and you all are to be commended. You did a fantastic job. You seniors, we wish you the very best at university and thank you. We appreciate it.”

Courtesy photo

Members of the Ocoee Chick- l-A presented a bene ciary check to local nonpro t Eight Waves at the Tuesday, May 21, Ocoee City Commission meeting.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans

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

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary

Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

Site plan for freestanding ER receives city approval

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

After much discussion and many questions, the Winter Garden City Commission on Thursday, May 23, approved the proposed site plan for a new freestanding emergency room in the area.

The commission has debated and reviewed the plan since the item was placed on the agenda at the Thursday, April 25, meeting.

At that meeting, the item was postponed after commissioners expressed desire to gather more information, have additional questions answered and speak to the local hospitals in the area.

The item was then again postponed for the same reasoning at the Thursday, May 9, meeting.

Cameron Howard, chief operating officer for HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, spoke on the hospital and the impact it hopes to have on the local community.

IN OTHER NEWS

Florida Sen. Geraldine Thompson gave a presentation on legislative updates at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting.

The commission approved the rst reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of the plat dedicated 10-foot wide drainage and utility easement over lot 23 and 24 of the Winter Garden Commerce Center Phase 2.

Commissioners approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 70, Article I of the code of ordinances to add requirements for communications services provider applicants seeking right-of-way permits for installation of facilities within public rights-of-way.

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR P:

Matthew’s Hope is looking for volunteers to provide prepared lunch meals and

on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7AM to 10:30AM.

“Our Winter Garden freestanding emergency department is an extension of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital,” he said. “HCA Florida Osceola Hospital currently operates four freestanding emergency departments, and we’re pretty good at it. Patients are seen by a provider in under five minutes, most patients are discharged in under 80 minutes, and our patient satisfaction scores are above the 90th percentile. … Given our experience and proven track record in operating freestanding emergency departments and being part of the nation’s largest health care system, we’re confident in our ability to care for the citizens of Winter Garden.”

EMERGENCY SITUATION

At a community meeting in January, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital shared plans to build the ER on the vacant tract to the south of 1200 Daniels Road in the recently developed Daniels Road Business Park.

The existing land use for the 1.56acre property is vacant land, and the existing zoning is Arterial Commercial District.

The $11.5 million project will include a one-story, 11,570-squarefoot freestanding emergency room building. The facility will house 11 exam rooms, CT scan, digital X-ray, ultrasound, on-site laboratory services and would be capable of caring for all ages, including pediatrics.

Planning Director Kelly Carson said the facility would be open 24 hours a day, with walk-in and ambulance accommodations but not overnight care.

The ER requires a special-exception permit, which received approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board with six staff conditions.

Carson said the conditions of approval include that no helicopters are permitted to land on or near the facility; the facility will provide an on-site ambulance service as to not negatively impact Winter Garden’s emergency services; and no sirens will be permitted during the unloading and loading of patients.

After Mayor

The city approved the second reading of three ordinances pertaining to annexing, amending the Future Land Use Map and rezoning the 2.20-acre property located at 681 W. Plant St.

Winter Garden approved two special events: the Winter Garden Choir — Annual Wine Walk from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 6, and the Winter Garden Police Athletic League — Donut Dash 5k run from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.

John Rees recused himself from the vote, as did Commissioner Colin Sharman, who is on advisory board for AdventHealth Winter Garden, the three remaining commissioners all had questions for Howard.

“If a patient is in an emergency situation and they do not have the ability to acknowledge that they would like to be at a closer hospital, would you take them to Osceola?” Commissioner Chloe Johnson asked.

“If they are not voicing it and they are needing that higher, additional care, we would transport them to Osceola,” Howard said.

Two residents also shared their thoughts on how the new hospital would affect the community.

“When this was proposed … it was suggested and brought up that the (city) would check with the local hospitals to see if this was needed,” Gretchen Tope said. “When you go down Highway 50, there’s places to get help all the way down. … Is this really necessary to have another forprofit hospital emergency room right here?”

City Manager Jon C. Williams said in talks with the existing facilities in the area, the hospitals believe they currently have what is needed to serve the community.

Johnson made a motion to approve the site plan, and it passed 3-0.

CHEERS! ABC Fine Wine & Spirits opens

The store includes whiskey and wine tasting centers and the company’s largest walk-in humidor for cigars.

ANNABELLE

West Orange County residents can now shop for their favorite drinks closer to home.

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits opened its doors in Winter Garden Friday, May 24. The 15,000-square-foot building is located in the space formerly occupied by a gym and a CVS at 4110 Winter Garden-Vineland Road.

The one-of-a-kind, next-generation store includes whiskey and wine tasting centers and the company’s largest walk-in humidor for cigars.

The newest location joins several others in the area. The company operates stores in Ocoee, Clermont and Lake Buena Vista.

Sean Kelly, executive vice president of operations and marketing at ABC, said the spot on Winter Garden-Vineland Road was perfect for expansion.

“We were kind of all around the area, but we just had never found a property here that we had liked, that was big enough, was affordable and made sense for us,” he said. “We couldn’t just go anywhere that was available. Because we were patient, we ended up finding what feels like the perfect location. The demographic is fantastic for us. We felt like this was an underserved area from the perspective of ABC. There are so many people from this area who drive to us in other parts of the community. We just wanted to be more local.”

Although ABC purchased the property in September 2023, Kelly said it has taken a long time to reshape the building to make sure it exemplifies the company’s brand.

“It’s not enough to just come in here and gut the place,” he said. “The length of the process includes so many other small things, like getting the colors right, getting the monitors we want and figuring out where all the

IF YOU GO

ABC FINE WINE & SPIRITS

4110 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden

PHONE: (407) 554-7634

WEBSITE: abcfws.com

shelves are going to go. With the exterior, as well, we didn’t want it to just look like the same building that’s been here for a lot of years. We wanted to present it more as an ABC, especially being located at such a busy intersection like this one. Because this store is different from most ABCs, we had to get creative with planning. We had to make sure it looked good.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA NATIVE

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits started in 1936 in downtown Orlando as Jack Holloway’s Friendly Neighborhood Bar, a bar and packaging store, named after the company’s founder.

The family-owned and -operated store currently has more than 123 locations from the Florida Panhandle to Miami, with several more under construction.

The typical ABC store carries more than 10,000 different wines, spirits and beers from popular brands to the company’s exclusive sourced and certified collection of thousands of items found in Florida only at ABC.

In addition, most stores have walkin humidors that have made ABC one of the top cigar retailers in the country.

The new Winter Garden location houses the company’s largest walkin humidor. The store is equipped with coolers filled with chilled cases of beer, hard seltzer and premixed canned cocktails, as well as a wide selection of gourmet foods, including cheeses, chocolate and snack items.

Perhaps some of the most unique aspects of the store are the exclusive, private barrel selections, as well as the

whiskey and wine tasting centers.

Kelly said the No. 1 change in the newly designed ABC concept is how the company departmentalized the whiskey section of the store.

“Whether it’s bourbon, scotch, Irish, Canadian, Japanese — it’s all in one section that’s meant to feel like you’re walking into a very different part of the shop,” he said. “That’s where you see the barrels. We added a tasting section there that we typically don’t have. Usually, it’s all in one space, but we tried to make it so that you could walk in and it almost feels like its own store.”

The size of the luxury section and the amount of products carried in this ABC location are yet other features that make the location special.

Education also is a large part of the newly designed store.

“What we’ve noticed over the years is that some of our guests, especially around the holidays, will come in; and they don’t necessarily know the difference between a rye and a bourbon,” Kelly said. “We try to educate

them with the signs in the store, as well as our videos on the screens and the knowledge of our team members.”

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Kelly said one of ABC’s core missions is to serve the communities where the company serves.

“Our team members have volunteer-based goals attached to their annual goals,” he said. “We have people who are very active in our local

communities. It could be a nonprofit, or a food drive or even something they’ve started on their own. We try to get involved with local events where maybe we make donations, and those in executive roles serve on different boards.”

A grand opening for the new location will take place Saturday, June 1, where customers who stop by the store from 3 to 7 p.m. can enter a contest for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree.

The team at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is knowledgeable and ready to serve the Winter Garden community.

Photos by Annabelle Sikes

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Works of HeART

Leah Theresa Nieves

The mission of the Winter Garden Art Association is to showcase, encourage and celebrate individual creativity and artistic expression among local artists.

West Orange County is teeming with artists whose talents range from visual to performing to literary arts. Whether they are expressing themselves with a microphone, paint brush and canvas, or the written word, artists and their creations give us avenues in which to imagine, dream and wonder.

In this feature, the Observer and the WGAA will highlight a local artist monthly.

This month, meet Winter Garden resident and artist Leah Theresa Nieves.

Why is expressing yourself through art important to you?

Creating is how I make sense of the world around me. Painting and poetry helps me process trauma. Art enables me to use my talents as a platform for causes I’m passionate about. For example, I’m incredibly passionate about promoting diversity and practicing anti-racism in our local communities. My hope is to help create context and uplift untold stories.

Do you have a formal art education? If so, where and when?

New York University Bachelor of Fine Arts in fine studio arts with a minor in creative writing 2020-21. Savannah College of Art and Design 2020-24 Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting with a minor in museum studies.

Favorite famous artist and why?

Lenora Carrington: She was a painter and novelist — two things I aspire to be. I’m intrigued by her whimsical esoteric work. It’s incredibly dreamlike and feels as if she is painting a snapshot of her mind. Lastly, I admire her impact on feminist movements and women’s liberation in Mexico.

Notable places your artwork has been displayed?

City Arts, Savannah Cultural Arts Center, Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland.

In which museum (worldwide) would you most like to see your artwork displayed and why?

Any contemporary art museum really. Specifically, being exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago would be full circle for me. I lived there briefly while I was undergoing medical treatment. Escaping to the downtown museums was my favorite pastime.

and Filipino ances-

Accolades and awards?

Savannah College of Art & Design Honors Scholarship, School of the Art Institute of Chicago Merit Scholarship, Seneff Honors College Valencia, Valencia College Presidential List, Legacy Charter High School Creative Writing Award.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

LEAH THERESA NIEVES

Courtesy images

These works are titled ‘Isabel Veronica,’ above, and ‘Florene Jean Baptist,’ left.

Ahome in the Bay Hill community in Dr. Phillips topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 13 to 19.

The home at 6108 Dartmoor Court, Orlando, sold May 15, for $4,062,500. Built in 1979, it has ve bedrooms, ve baths, two half-baths and 4,936 square feet. Days on market: 168. The sellers were represented by Leslie Heimer, Stockworth Realty Group.

These are the highest-selling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 9107 Southern Breeze Drive, Orlando, sold May 15, for $2,450,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 5,604 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

GRANADA VILLAS

The home at 8076 S. Cadiz Court, Orlando, sold May 15, for $535,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,619 square feet. Days on market: 15.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 6674 Doubletrace Lane, Orlando, sold May 15, for $480,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,633 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

PHILLIPS BAY

The townhouse at 7431 Green Tree Drive, No. 95, Orlando, sold May 15, for $500,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,422 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

RESERVE AT VISTA CAY RESORT

The condo at 4012 Breakview Drive, No. B205, Orlando, sold May 13, for $560,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,185 square feet of living area.

TOSCANA

The condo at 7516 Toscana Blvd., No. 241, Orlando, sold May 16, for $555,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,085 square feet. Days on market: 15.

TURNBURY WOODS

The home at 8736 Bay Ridge Blvd., Orlando, sold May 13, for $864,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,773 square feet of living area. Days on market: 31.

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 5024 Shoreway Loop, No. 10506, Orlando, sold May 13, for $515,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,823 square feet. Days on market: 54.

GOTHA

SADDLEBROOK

The home at 1724 Bridlewalk Court, Gotha, sold May 15, for $652,500. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,744 square feet. Days on market: Four.

HORIZON WEST

HARVEST AT OVATION

The home at 15113 Summer Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $602,480. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,338 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 15109 Summer Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold May 14, for $569,380. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,441 square feet.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 14407 Braemar St., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $508,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,082 square feet.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 14799 Old Thicket Trace, Winter Garden, sold May 14, for $664,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,698 square feet. Days on market: 60.

The home at 15540 Camp Dubois Crescent, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $510,000. Built in 2012, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,840 square feet. Days on market: 29.

The townhouse at 14421 Vashons Way, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $350,000. Built in 2005, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,088 square feet. Days on market: 27.

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

The home at 5349 Lake Virginia St., Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $805,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,080 square feet. Days on market: 92.

LAKEVIEW POINTE

The home at 14209 Lakeview Park Road, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $565,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,110 square feet. Days on market: 16.

MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 11524 Chateaubriand Ave., Orlando, sold May 14, for $590,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,280 square feet. Days on market: 57.

NEWBURY PARK

The home at 8856 Leeland Archer Blvd., Orlando, sold May 17, for $610,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,411 square feet. Days on market: 19.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14670 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $625,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OSPREY RANCH

The home at 15424 Enchanted Melody Lane, No. 101, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $469,912. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,536 square feet. Days on market: 128.

STOREY GROVE

The townhouse at 15013 Book Club Road, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $445,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,717 square feet. Days on market: Three.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 7931 Winter Wren St., Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $612,000. Built in 2013, it has five bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,774 square feet. Days on market: 20.

The home at 7925 Rock Dove Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $552,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,199 square feet. Days on market: Five.

THORNHILL

The home at 9231 Taborfield Ave., Orlando, sold May 16, for $540,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,167 square feet. Days on market: 105.

VINEYARDS AT HORIZON WEST

The home at 6620 Bridgewater Village Road, Windermere, sold May 13, for $510,104. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,115 square feet. Days on market: 29.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 18386 Oliver Twist Way, Winter Garden, sold May 14, for $761,166. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,924 square feet. Days on market: 30.

The home at 8757 Bayview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $620,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,361 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 16518 Sea Glass St., Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $544,500. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,200 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 11138 Sound Shore Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $539,740. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,027 square feet. Days on market: 33.

WATERMARK

The home at 14673 Glade Hill Park Way, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $713,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,808 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE SOUND

The home at 7451 Fairgrove Ave., Windermere, sold May 15, for $555,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,092 square feet. Days on market: Six.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11813 Cave Run Ave., Windermere, sold May 13, for $719,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,935 square feet. Days on market: Nine.

OCOEE BRYNMAR

The home at 3594 Cheswick Drive, Ocoee, sold May 13, for $600,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,848 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

PRAIRIE LAKE VILLAGE

The home at 2717 Tall Maple Loop, Ocoee, sold May 16, for $445,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,880 square feet. Days on market: 75.

WYNWOOD

The home at 2386 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold May 14, for $532,990. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: 52.

WINDERMERE ESTATES AT WINDERMERE

The home at 2206 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold May 13, for $1,325,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,443 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 9204 Tibet Pointe Circle, Windermere, sold May 16, for $2,150,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 5,291 square feet of living area. Days on market: 168.

The home at 11312 Fenimore Court, Windermere, sold May 13, for $1,220,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,136 square feet. Days on market: 115.

The home at 8369 Bowden Way, Windermere, sold May 16, for $955,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,210 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 9700 Pleasance Circle, Windermere, sold May 17, for $730,000. Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,733 square feet of living area.

WINTER GARDEN

BLACK LAKE PARK

The home at 546 Cascading Creek Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $670,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,834 square feet. Days on market: 69.

CAMBRIDGE CROSSING

The home at 12146 Windermere Crossing Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 17, for $950,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,555 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

The home at 12061 Windermere Crossing Circle, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $795,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,853 square feet. Days on market: 12.

CARRIAGE POINTE

The home at 1832 Jean Marie Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 16, for $726,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,683 square feet. Days on market: Two.

HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET

The townhouse at 664 Orange Belt Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $485,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,688 square feet. Days on market: 62.

LAKE AVALON HEIGHTS

The home at 17525 Seidner Road, Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $870,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,179 square feet. Days on market: 37.

The home at 17618 Davenport Road, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $470,000. Built in 1975, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,163 square feet. Days on market: 18.

MCALLISTER LANDING

The home at 699 Caterpillar Run, Winter Garden, sold May 13, for $570,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,449 square feet. Days on market: 70.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 2807 Balforn Tower Way, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $485,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,905 square feet. Days on market: 13.

WESTFIELD

The home at 1012 Shadowmoss Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $910,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,570 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

WINTERS LANDING

The home at 607 E. Oakland Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 15, for $757,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,406 square feet. Days on market: 100.

Baseball player, wrestler, cellist, valedictorian and future U.S. Naval Academy Midshipman: It’s safe to say Olympia High’s Madden Bourst is a man of many talents. 2B.

HIGH 5 DECISIONS, DECISIONS

1

Windermere High’s and Horizon High’s softball teams both fell in the FHSAA state semi nals in their respective classi cations — Class 5A for Horizon and 7A for Windermere. The Wolverines (23-5) lost, 4-0, to a fellow Central Florida team in Seminole High (18-8), while the Lady Hawks (23-6) lost, 6-1, to the eventual 5A state champions Parrish Community High (20-8).

2

In the FHSAA baseball playo s, the last remaining West Orange and Southwest Orange County team — The First Academy Royals — fell in the Class 2A state semi nals to Miami Christian School, 9-2.

The Royals nish the season with a 24-7 record under interim coach Nick Franklin, who took over the program following the resignation of long-time coach Scott Grove in early April. Franklin led TFA to its rst nal-four appearance and regional championship since Grove led the Royals to a state title in 2021.

Windermere baseball

3

coach Eric Lassiter and senior Ty Head both won big at the Metro Conference award ceremony. Head, an outelder committed to play at NC State, was named OCPS Male Athlete of the Year, while Lassiter was named OCPS Coach of the Year.

The two were vital to the Wolverines’ historic 2024 season and run to the Class 7A state championship game. At the plate, Head had a batting average of .408 (40-98) and an on-base percentage of .546, to go along with 19 RBIs, two home runs, 44 runs scored and 28 bases stolen. Lassiter, Windermere baseball’s only-ever coach, has built the Wolverines into one of the best programs in the state since taking over in 2018 — winning 20 or more games in a season four times.

4

Ocoee High Athletics announced via social media it is looking to ll two head coaching vacancies — softball and swimming — and various assistant coaching roles in football, boys soccer, wrestling and girls lacrosse. For more information on the openings, email Athletic Director Billy Alderman, Bill.Alderman@ ocps.net.

5

With the Winter Garden Squeeze season set to begin Friday, May 31, the team is looking for families to participate in its host family program and ll the current need of hosting three of its players. Host families take in one or more players for the course of the season, from late May to the beginning of August, and receive bene ts like complimentary season tickets to the Squeeze for each member of the family, special recognition during the nal home stand of the season, and would have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to form a bond with a college baseball player during a formative portion of his career in the sport and in life. For details on qualifying for the program, email Squeeze General Manager Adam Bates, ABates@FloridaLeague.com. To apply for the program, visit bit. ly/fcslhost.

With a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics, Foundation Academy’s Emma Sundermeyer chose to miss out on graduation and chase a spot on the Canadian national swim team.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Senior year of high school is one of the most unforgettable moments in a person’s life because of the incredible amount of opportunities that are at the fingertips of many soon-to-begraduates.

What college will you attend? What major will you choose? What city will you live in? What will your life look like now that the safeguards of high school are being removed and you can step into the real world?

With these questions and opportunities come decisions — some easier than others.

For Foundation Academy graduating senior Emma Sundermeyer, one of the biggest decisions she had to make in her final year of high school didn’t have anything to do with what school she would attend or what major she would choose.

No, the future University of Alabama swimmer had a unique decision to make: Attend her high school graduation or travel across the northern border of the United States and attempt to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris this summer as part of the Canadian national swim team?

THE DECISION

“It was a pretty tough decision,” Sundermeyer said. “Originally, I thought that I wasn’t going to go. I was like, ‘No, I’m not going. I think I should go to graduation instead.’ I was having such a great senior year, and I didn’t want to leave my friends and miss out on this moment. I just wanted to go to the graduation, because I wanted to end my senior year, well, kind of like everyone else does.”

But as the Olympic trials in Toronto crept closer, Sundermeyer knew the chance to compete at the highest level of the sport she loves would be a special opportunity.

“We talked about it with Emma in the fall and left the decision totally

SEE SUNDERMEYER PAGE 3B

SAM SESSION

Part IV: Sam’s spring football stops

In the fourth and final edition of the spring series, we visit Horizon High and Legacy Charter.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Week Four of the high school spring football season marks the end of our first peek at what may happen under those Friday Night Lights come August in West Orange and Southwest Orange County. In those four weeks, we saw the stars live up to their shining

potential, coaches establish a culture, position battles emerge and teams begin their championship journeys.

In the final week of the Florida high school football spring session, we made two final stops to wrap up spring ball in the area: Horizon High and Legacy Charter.

HORIZON HIGH 2023 record: 5-5

Coach: Dennis Thomas, fourth season Key returners, additions: RB Jamarie Pierre, OL Evan Reinhart, DB Hamzeh Ghassemi and LB Nicholas Grantz

In just three seasons, all under coach Dennis Thomas, Horizon football has established itself as a force in the area. In their young history, the Hawks have compiled a 12-8 combined record the past two seasons. Thomas and his Hawks have done this by crafting a simple — yet effective — identity: Play good defense and run the football; all while causing havoc and confusion.

After watching Horizon beat Poinciana High, 30-20, I can say this with confidence: Expect more

Courtesy photo

Foundation Academy recent graduate Emma Sundermeyer stood in her cap and gown at the 2024 Canadian Olympic swim team trials in Toronto.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography Horizon coach Dennis Thomas stood for the U.S. National Anthem in front of his huge roster of players.

Madden Bourst

Olympia High’s Madden Bourst would be mighty impressive if you just talked about his athletic achievements.

THE BASICS Age: 18 Sport: Baseball, Wrestling Grade: Senior School: Olympia High SPONSORED BY

As a two-sport athlete in baseball and wrestling, Bourst was named the 2024 Olympia High Athlete of the Year; won the individual wrestling district and metro conference championships; led the Titans’ baseball team in onbase percentage in 2024 — while hitting .308 and stealing 12 bases; and was named to the baseball academic All-Metro Conference and All-State teams.

Now, add in the fact that Bourst nished his senior year as Olympia’s valedictorian, with a 5.41 GPA, and will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy in the fall, and, well, impressive starts to seem like not a strong enough word to describe the future Midshipman.

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

It is truly an honor to gain recognition for being a top athlete in an area full of such talented athletes. This feels rewarding because of all the long hours I put into both sports I am involved in.

What do you like the most about baseball?

I would have to say hitting is the most enjoyable part of baseball. There is nothing better than putting a good barrel on a baseball.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing sports?

I would say that you have to learn to not chase outcomes. You can hit a ball as hard as you can straight to the centerfielder on a line drive and still get out. Therefore, it is important to not see that as a negative, because if that ball is hit just a tad to the right or left, it will be a hit every time. Sometimes, you just can’t control everything.

Who is your favorite athlete?

I have always enjoyed watching Andrew McCutchen play. He would have to be my favorite athlete because of his tenacity and the great spirit he brings to Pirates baseball.

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

In wrestling, I would always enjoy learning new tilts from Spencer Lee and would try to model my wrestling after him.

What is your favorite nonsports hobby?

Playing the cello.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Calculus. I had a great teacher, and he helped me find a new passion for math.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? Why? Water, phone and a jet, so I can get out of there.

What is your favorite movie? Why?

“Good Will Hunting.” I was fascinated by the mind of Will throughout the movie.

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

Jonny Kim, from being a Navy Seal to being an astronaut and (then) becoming a doctor, I have many questions to ask about his life and what drives him.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? I would love to travel to Rome during the period of the prime Roman Empire. I would like to see some of the daily events and fights that occurred in the Colosseum.

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

Just keep working hard and the results will come.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? What is life like in the military?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Thor. I always loved watching his movies and looked up to his strength and courage.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker. His ability to be cunning and sly is truly fascinating.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Flying, being able to get anywhere without a car or plane would make life tremendously

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would Egypt, to see the pyramids; Rome, to see the Colosseum; and Norway, to ski and visit family.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you Cheetah. They are probably one of the coolest animals.

What is your most controversial food take? Bleu cheese is disgusting. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Yes, I do enjoy a good Hawaiian slice of pizza.

— SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Spring football

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

of the same type of football in 2024.

NO. 1: It’s not just Jamarie Pierre in the 2024 Hawks backfield It’s no secret, the Horizon offense is going to run the football. Just turn on the tape and see for yourself. Last season, the Hawks ran the football 379 times to only 72 pass attempts.

When you have one of the top running backs in the area in rising senior Jamarie Pierre — who rushed for 1,468 yards with 17 touchdowns — there’s not much of a need to throw it.

“It’s hard to start a program from scratch and try to compete,” coach Dennis Thomas said. “A lot of new schools wouldn’t be able to win a game in its first year, but we won two, and we feel like it’s because of what we do on offense. And what we do on offense is we run a little bit of single wing. That’s not all we do. But we run a little bit of single wing, and we feel like the best thing is to keep the ball on the ground and we’re going to try to run through you. We’re going to try to play oldschool football a little bit. And hopefully, we have some great running backs, and we do have some really good running backs this year.”

That’s right. He said, “some.” Not one.

And if you were out at Horizon’s spring game, you would have seen more than just the Hawks star back, you would have seen a few others making their presence known.

“Obviously, we have Jamarie — who can run a 10.5, 100-meter dash,” Thomas said. “But we also have Kaio (Oliveira), who’s back with us and is an absolute stud. He runs all the inside stuff for us. We have other guys too, like (Emmanuel) Blackwell, like Blake Mottley and Gavin Thomas. We just have a bunch of guys we feel like we can use to just run through people.”

NO. 2: Defense will go through its scary secondary

Despite a Bo Kenney-sized hole on the second level of this defense — and his 103 tackles (20 for a loss) and five sacks — the Horizon defense isn’t going to miss a beat in 2024. That’s all because of the special group at the back.

“The kids take it upon themselves to call it the Dark Side defense, and it works,” Thomas said. “That whole secondary group starts with No. 1, that’s Hamzeh Ghassemi. He’s a great player, a three-year starter. He’s just a hard guy to get a pass on. The other corner is our new

starter this year, Andrew Miller. He’s been stepping up all spring, and we really like what we’ve seen. We also have a third corner in Mason Strain; I call him the Nature Boy. He’s got that bleached blond hair, but he just goes out there and gives it all he’s got, and he’s a hard guy to make a play on, too. At safety, we have Andrew Firth (and) Vitor Silvarolli too. He’s a really good player.”

NO. 3: Roster size is impressive for program’s fourth season

One of the biggest challenges for any athletics program is getting students to participate in a specific sport. That is especially true with a young program and a sport that requires a large amount of participants.

So one of the most impressive parts of seeing Horizon football’s spring game was seeing the amount of players on the sideline. Although I didn’t count one by one, and would guess a good amount were junior varsity players, I would estimate upward of 70 athletes were suited up and ready to go. For a new program, that’s impressive.

“It’s a testament to this community,” Thomas said. “Our area has a bunch of parents that say, ‘I want my kids to work hard, I want them to play football.’ And they’ve raised money, they’ve supported us.”

LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

2023 record: 2-6

Coach: Zachary Fox, second season

Key returners, additions: QB/LB Jake Threadgill, DB Ajay Singh and OL/DL Logan Futch

Following an appearance in the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Class 5A state championship game in 2022, 2023 was a transition year for Legacy Charter football, with a new coach taking over the program.

Despite a bit of a down season in his first year, coach Zachary Fox’s second season in charge has shown promise over the course of the spring session in two areas: togetherness and toughness.

Combine those two elements with a talented group, some shifts in the scheme and a linebacking group that plays with its head on fire, and well, Legacy may get back to its winning ways in 2024.

NO. 1: Expect a new-look Eagles offense

Those who have followed Legacy for the past few seasons are in for a bit of a surprise when the Eagles offense steps onto the field this fall. With starting quarterback Liam Lamprecht graduating, Fox and his staff have done what all good coaches should do: Fit his scheme to his personnel.

For the Eagles offense that means there’s going to be a shift.

“For us, not having the same quarterback that we’ve had for the past three years and this being our first year in three years that we don’t have a true pro-style quarterback to run our pro-style spread offense, we decided to make some changes,” Fox said. “We’re looking at more of a quick-throw offense but also very fast-paced, single wing-ish type of offense now. It just fits well with what we have.”

NO. 2: QB1 is Jake Threadgill’s job to lose

With the new offense for the Eagles, there will also be a new starting quarterback. And according to Fox, the QB1 slot belongs to Jake Threadgill at the moment.

“Jake has been a solid running back for us and a really good linebacker, and he’s got a solid arm, so he’s definitely picked up that role as our quarterback well,” Fox said. “But it’s still an open competition over the summer. Jake’s been dealing with an injury that’s limited him in the spring, so it’s been hard to get a real look at him. That’s another reason why we changed the offense up a little bit, so that way we can have multiple people in that position for whenever we go with our more run-heavy sets. But going into the spring, it was Jake’s job to lose, and it still is.

“But this is an open competi-

Horizon defensive back Vitor Silvarolli (No. 8) fully stretched to make a play during the Hawks’ spring game.

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Sam Albuquerque

Legacy quarterback Jake Threadgill received the snap during practice.

tion with guys like TJ Stimmell, who is another guy (who) can throw the ball pretty well, and Ryan Rushing, who is a baseball kid that’s not too shabby throwing it,” Fox said. “So, over the summer, we’re looking at more competition, but like I said, it’s Jake’s job to lose right now.”

NO. 3: Linebackers key to new defensive identity

As a standout linebacker at Ocoee High, Fox knows a thing or two about the position.

“I am a defensive guy at heart and played linebacker all throughout high school and in college, so that’s my baby when it comes to the position groups,” he said. Because he knows that position so well and understands not only how to physically dominate at the spot but also what is required mentally, a compliment like this about his second-level group means a lot. “I love this group; they’re gritty,” Fox said. “Our guys at that spot are fast-paced, tough and hardnosed guys. That’s where they’re at already, and I love it.”

Fox pointed out a few of his top guys in the position group. He said rising junior Mario Gomez has transitioned from safety to middle linebacker seamlessly.

“He’s been having a fantastic spring for us,” Fox said. “Last year he played safety, and I was going to use him more in the slot for us, but when Jake (Threadgill) went down, he stepped up and filled a huge role at the MIKE linebacker spot.”

Another player Fox says has been great for the linebacking core is TJ Stimmell.

“He’s just tough and pretty nasty on the football field. I love to see it,” he said.

Overall, with this group and a healthy Threadgill, Fox expects his new-look defense to be led by the group in the middle.

Ocoee club team wins 16U

Florida State Cup championship

The 16U GGS Gold team, a club soccer organization from Ocoee, has claimed the top state-level trophy — the Florida State Cup — after topping Key Biscayne SC in the nals.

Led by Davi Miranda’s trio of goals and one more from Jorge Mardini, the 2008-born ballers won the championship convincingly, 4-0, and became the only area team to claim the state cup and advance to play in the Southern Regionals; which will be held in Tampa from June 21-27.

To celebrate their state cup victory, the players, coaches, their families and the GGS sta held a small parade with a police escort through Ocoee. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE

Sundermeyer picks Olympic trials over graduation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

up to her,” Emma’s father, Chad Sundermeyer, said. “I really didn’t think she was going to skip graduation. … But around Christmastime, she came to my wife and me and just said that she was thinking of going to the swim meet and not attending graduation — which was kind of a shock to us. But we told her to think about it, pray about it.” That’s exactly what Foundation’s star swimmer did.

“I just kept thinking it over and over, and I decided that this is a once-ina-lifetime kind of experience,” Emma Sundermeyer said. “It’s not everyone who gets to go to this. It’s a privilege for me to get the chance to go. And yes, graduation is a cool thing. But the chance to qualify for the Olympics, in my eyes, is a much bigger deal. It’s a dream, and not something that I thought I should pass up.”

So, with the support of her parents and the Foundation Academy administration — which helped facilitate the Sundermeyers remote graduation celebration — the soon-to-be alumnus of Foundation made the trek to the Great White North.

“We met with Sarah Reynolds, the principal at Foundation, and … she and the entire administration were 100% supportive of Emma’s decision and told us how we could celebrate her graduation remotely with no big deal, and they were happy to accommodate,” Chad Sundermeyer said. “That really made her feel like, ‘Yes, this is definitely the right decision for me.’ So, we made the commitment to go to the trials, and the wheels started to turn.”

For Chad Sundermeyer, his daughter’s decision to chase this experience was what he hoped she’d choose.

“My wife and I were fully supportive of whatever decision Emma made, but deep down, I was hoping she would choose to go to the trials,” he said. “I just thought this would be such a great experience for her — not just for the 2024 games but for years to come for her in the sport of swimming. … But from her perspective, she was having such a fun senior year, and I just didn’t think she wanted to give that up for the swim meet. But in fact, she did. So, I was very, very delighted to hear that.”

TRIALS AND LESSONS

Despite being one of the best swimmers in Florida, making the Canadian national team for the 2024 games was a long shot for Sundermeyer. Regardless, the chance to compete at the sport’s highest level was more than just a fun opportunity, it was an experience that opened her eyes, motivated her and gave her confidence going into her first college swimming season.

“I’m definitely motivated,” Emma Sundermeyer said. “It was really a great experience in the sense that it showed me what my future could look like. The trials … gave me something to shoot for and look forward to in the future. … It just kind of showed me that in the future I could do this again. And in four years, I’ll be better prepared.”

But Sundermeyer didn’t just travel north of the border to find motivation, she went to the trials to see where she measured up against the best of the best.

After competing in four events — the 400-meter freestyle, 200-meter free, 100-meter free and 200-meter individual medley — Sundermeyer’s

performance clearly justified her decision to skip graduation for the meet, as she qualified for the finals in two events — the 400 free and 200 IM.

“Making two finals was a really great experience, just swimming at night was cool because there was a pretty big crowd there,” she said.

“I got to watch swimmers who will probably win gold this summer at the Olympics. I got to see them hit world record times there. … It just inspired me to keep training hard, so that in four years I can do this again.”

Sundermeyer’s father believes the chance to compete in a high-leverage situation is going to help her when she dives into the Crimson Tide pool against SEC-level talent.

“What was very neat to see was how much higher the pressure was than most competitions she’s experienced,” Chad Sundermeyer said.

“It was just a great experience for her to build on, as she goes off to school and swims in the SEC. It’s just great for her to feel that type of pressure from a meet that she swam in. Those two finals … were a very good experience for her. … I hope she takes the

confidence that she was able to gain about her swimming abilities and grows it. She’s kind of grown up in this little bubble of Foundation and West Orange County, and for her to just go up there and prove to herself that the hard work is paying off and that she’s on this level right now. I just believe the sky’s the limit for her and her abilities.”

Now, Emma Sundermeyer knows she is fully capable of earning a spot on the team for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

“I do believe that I can qualify for the Olympics in 2028,” she said. “I think with four more years of training and competition, I can put myself in a really good spot to succeed at trials.” With this confidence, motivation and an experience of a lifetime lived, how does the 18-year-old alumnus of Foundation Academy feel about her decision to skip graduation?

“The whole experience was amazing,” Emma Sundermeyer said. “I’m so happy that I made the decision to go to trials.”

GGS’s Jeronimo Sanchez lifted the Florida State Cup trophy in front of his teammates during a celebration of their championship win.

Below: Members of the GGS state cup-winning team showed o their gold medals during the team’s parade.

The GGS 2008 Gold Team, coached by Carlos Carlet, back right, lined up before a match during its state cup winning season.

GGS 2008 Gold Team coach Carlos Carlet held the state cup trophy and a smoke are during the celebration.

Courtesy photos Jeronimo Sanchez smiled for a picture with the state cup trophy.

KYLEE CARSKADEN

KLA SCHOOLS OF HORIZON WEST

Kylee CarSkaden is one of the lead teachers of a 3-year-old class at KLA Schools of Horizon West.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the growth and transformation of my school and all the students in it, and it’s been truly such a rewarding opportunity,” she said of her time with the school. “Six months ago, I had the pleasure of traveling to Reggio Emilia, Italy, with some fellow teachers to explore rsthand what the approach is all about, and it was such a transformative experience.” Tina Le, owner of the school, said CarSkaden is a role model for everyone with her positivity and true passion for early childhood education. “From her well-thought-out learning experiences to her loving, nurturing demeanor, Kylee inspires us all to give our students the best preschool experience possible,” she said. “All of our teachers look up to Kylee, and her students and families love her for all that she does.”

What brought you to your school?

I was drawn to KLA of Horizon West because of its commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach. Reggio Emilia curriculum honors the children, because it is flexible, hands-on, and based around the children’s interests and curiosity. This approach allows children to guide their own learning experiences, giving them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

What do you love most about your school?

What I love most about my school is its vibrant and nurturing environment. Each child’s creativity, uniqueness and exploration are celebrated every day.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing the growth and development of each child as they discover their unique personalities, interests, talents and capabilities. Know-

REPORT CARD

POSITION: Lead teacher of a 3-year-old class TIME AT SCHOOL: One year

ing that I play a role in laying the foundation for their lifelong learning journey is incredibly fulfilling.

What would you be if you weren’t in this position? I could see myself pursuing a job in a children’s hospital. I have always cared deeply about children and would want to help them in any way possible and leave a lasting, positive impression on them.

Who influences you?

My biggest influences are my fellow teachers, who continuously inspire me with their dedication, creativity and commitment to providing the best possible learning experiences for our students.

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

Mr. Henderson in fifth grade. He always found a way to make learning fun and engaging, made an effort to know each child personally, and genuinely cared about each of his students’ well-being.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, because it illustrates the power of one single adult’s actions to change a child’s life. The book speaks to the importance of teacher-student relationships and our connections as human beings.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy cooking, journaling, staying active, spending time with friends, and experimenting with different art and craft projects.

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

I would choose Jesus because of his influence on human history; his teachings of love, compassion and forgiveness; and the opportunity to gain insight into his perspective on life and spirituality firsthand. It would provide a unique and transformative experience, offering the chance to engage in meaningful conversation and reflect on timeless truths and values.

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

I would choose the ability to fly. The freedom to fly whenever and wherever I wanted would offer a unique perspective and uninhibited freedom.

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

Grilled PB&J sandwiches and ice cream!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas, because everyone is full of joy, all the cherished traditions and opportunities to spend quality time with loved ones.

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

I’ve had many different best friends throughout the years in school, but my best friend from school that I’m still closest with to this day is my friend Haleigh. We have similar personalities, support each other through challenges, push each other to always be better, have fun in every situation and always have each other’s backs.

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

As a student, I was involved in track and loved to volunteer.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Lions ready to leave the den

Foundation Academy celebrated the largest graduation class in its history with a commencement ceremony Friday, May 17, at Leiferman Gymnasium on the Tilden Campus. The ceremony was a beautiful time for parents, family members, friends, faculty members and administrators to congratulate and celebrate Foundation’s 92-member Class of 2024.

Photos by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography Foundation Academy President David Buckles congratulated each graduate.

There were plenty of hugs and smiles at Foundation’s graduation ceremony.

Right: Foundation Principal Sarah Reynolds will remember this senior class forever.

Foundation’s graduation concluded with the traditional cap tossing.

Graduation is always a time for both happiness and hope.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West

Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 55-year anniversary of Rotary Club of Windermere

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 55-year anniversary of Rotary Club of Windermere. Meeting at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. in Windermere, on Tuesdays at 6:54 a.m. except for fourth Monday socials at 6 p.m. at various locations, Rotary Club of Windermere enjoys helping their local community as well as needy areas around the world. At their meetings, they hear amazing presentations by select speakers and plan club, community and international service activities. Club members also enhance their professional network, career development and cross-cultural understanding. eir membership represents a cross-section of civic-minded people who are successful in their endeavors, willing to work hard for others and who proudly wear their mantra “Service Above Self.” To learn more, visit https://www.windermererotary.org/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Torchy’s Tacos - Vineland

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Torchy’s Tacos - Vineland. Located at 11757 Daryl Carter Pkwy in Orlando, Torchy’s Tacos has elevated the traditional taco since its founding as a food trailer in Austin, Texas, in 2006. Torchy’s does this with unique avor combinations that include responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients from around the world. At Torchy’s Tacos, every taco, queso, and margarita is hand- cra ed with fresh ingredients and made-to-order. To learn more, visit https://www.torchystacos.com.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Gentiva Hospice

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Gentiva Hospice. Located at 950 S Dillard St in Winter Garden, Gentiva Hospice and Palliative Healthcare provides our community quality of life and support throughout their journey. To learn more, visit https://www.gentivahs.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 10-year anniversary of State Farm Insurance - Jo Barsh Agency

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of State Farm Insurance - Jo Barsh Agency. Located at 317 West Rd in Ocoee, State Farm Insurance - Jo Barsh Agency is invested in serving our community, but also giving back to the same community. To learn more, visit https://www.jobarsh.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 30-year anniversary of Winter Garden Heritage Foundation

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation. Located at 21 E Plant St in Winter Garden, the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archives and presents local history through their Healthy West Orange Heritage and Cultural Center; the Winter Garden Heritage Museum; and the Central Florida Railroad Museum. eir mission is to preserve our architecture and heritage while creating new cultural experiences. To learn more, visit https://www.wghf.org/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 60-year anniversary of Mission Resort + Club

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 60-year anniversary of Mission Resort + Club. Located at 10400 County Rd 48 in Howey-in-the-Hills, Mission Resort + Club, Central Florida’s premier meeting and golf destination resort, provides Howey-in-the-Hills locals and guests alike an unmatched experience characterized by stunning outdoor scenery, recreational activities for the whole family and two historic championship golf courses that provide exceptional play to enthusiasts. To learn more, visit https://www.missionresortandclub.com/.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

Olympia Titans turn tassels

Olympia High School hosted its 2024 graduation ceremony Friday, May 24, at the University of Central Florida’s Addition Financial Arena. The graduating Titans gathered in the arena’s Venue Area to line up and get prepared before walking the stage. Following the ceremony, graduates celebrated their accomplishments with classmates, teachers, friends and family.

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DOUBLE TALK by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Nailah Goodson, left, and Rayanna Buchana stopped to help each other with last-minute makeup and hair touchups before entering the arena.

Jesenia Acevedo, left, Gana Aboelnaga, Bibi Abedin and Victoria Acevedo sat next to each other during the ceremony.

Joshua Evans, left, and Clarens Exavier searched for their assigned places together.

Micheyna Jean-Baptiste, left, and Ariel Miller were all smiles for their special day.

Above: Isaac Rodrigues, left, and Tarun Sathyanarayanan showed up to the ceremony in style.

Left: Layla Ayyashi, left, Zaina Mari and Talya Mubarak took pictures before the ceremony.

The Legacy High School seniors had their moment in the spotlight Saturday, May 25, during the school’s 16th annual graduation ceremony, held at 10 a.m. in the school gymnasium.

A total of 35 students received their diplomas — a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2024. Graduates and guests heard remarks from valedictorian Kylie DesRochers and salutatorian Carissa Ware, CEO Crystal Yoakum and Principal Maurio Medley.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Innovation Montessori High seniors celebrate commencement

nnovation Montessori High School celebrated its graduates Wednesday, May 22, in a program at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Valedictorian Shalom Barnes welcomed graduates and guests to the ceremony. Those in attendance also heard from Heather Clay, executive director; Stacey Williams, board president; senior adviser Alison Franks; and student speakers Rafael Barragan-Cisneros Jr., Ra Gonzalez, Yeisha Rodriguez Aponte and valedictorian Brighten Young. Cole NeSmith gave the commencement address, and Principal Jared Stewart presented the diplomas.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Final adjustments were made to caps before taking the graduation walk. Lucia Vargas added a Bible verse to her graduation cap.

Brody McCully, left, Yuri Sokolowsky, Christopher Homere, Ra Gonzalez and Christian Gill were ready to graduate.

Students took some fun photos before the graduation ceremony began.

Thirteen graduates have spent their entire educational career as students of Hope Charter School and Legacy High School.

Skye Sorenson helped Jillian Goodrich adjust her cap before the ceremony.

Left: Graduates led in to ‘Pomp and Circumstance.’

Carissa Ware and Maven Marrero, left, were this year’s Homecoming royalty, and Isaac Reyes and Olivia Baer were prom royalty.

redpages@orangeobserver.com

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of MassageLuXe Hamlin

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of MassageLuxe Hamlin. Located at 5724 Hamlin Groves Trail in the Horizon West part of Winter Garden, MassageLuXe is a nationwide spa franchise that o ers high-quality massages, facials, and waxing services.

To learn more, visit https://massageluxe.com/locations/hamlin- /.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of EM Agency

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of EM Agency. Located at 855 E Plant St Ste 1600 in Winter Garden, EM Agency is a brand-focused marketing and advertising agency and proud publisher of e Local Winter Garden. ey build brands they believe in-maybe even a brand you believe in.

To learn more, visit https://emagency.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Ocoee Village Townhomes

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Ocoee Village Townhomes. Located at 2070 N Lakewood Ave in Ocoee, Ocoee Village Townhomes is a Kimaya Real Estate development that features 232 Class A luxury singlefamily townhomes. is development exempli es the epitome of modern living, featuring spacious layouts and pet-friendly environments meticulously cra ed by our esteemed, award-winning design team.

To learn more, visit https://www.ocoeevillage.homes/about.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Lakeside Christian Academy

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Lakeside Christian Academy. Located at 16001 W Colonial Dr in Oakland, Lakeside Christian Academy is an early childhood educational facility with certi ed teachers and sta that guide children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, in both their academic and spiritual journey. At Lakeside Christian Academy, children will develop their cognitive, social emotional, physical and language skills while also being introduced to the beautiful world of ne and performing arts.

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

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Orlando Health-Health Central Hospital’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Located at 10000 W Colonial Dr in Ocoee, e Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute and Orlando HealthHealth Central Hospital are partnering to increase the number of epilepsy monitoring unit beds available for patients in Central Florida. ere are currently four beds in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC).

Four additional beds are now available at a new EMU site at Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital. “ is is a major step to provide our patients with epilepsy additional access to these highly sought a er monitoring units,” said Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute epileptologist Dr. Naoir Zaher. “Utilizing the epilepsy monitoring unit allows us to track

“Utilizing the epilepsy monitoring unit allows us to track seizures in a safe environment and best determine the next steps for our patients.” According to the Florida Department of Health, more than 340,000 adults statewide have been told by a doctor that they have a seizure disorder or epilepsy. Patients in the epilepsy monitoring unit will stay at the hospital while their seizures are monitored and recorded 24/7. Neurodiagnostic technicians and nurses will utilize cameras and electroencephalogram (EEG) technology to capture data on the patient’s brainwave activity. Adult patients are expected to stay at the hospital for three to ve days during the monitoring period. Patients will be referred by an epileptologist before entering the monitoring unit. e Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital site began accepting patients earlier this month. To learn more, visit https://www.orlandohealth.com.

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

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 3 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304