06.20.24 Southwest Orange Observer

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

“May you fly with the butterflies and touch the stars, dance with the angels, and talk to the moon.”

The debate will feature incumbent Nicole Wilson and challenger Austin Arthur. SEE 6A.

YOUR TOWN

A GHOSTLY ADVENTURE

Are you interested in learning about Florida’s intriguing ghost towns and their spectral presence and purpose in Florida’s past and present? Join the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation for Richard Cronin’s talk at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in Heller Hall, 21 E. Plant St., Winter Garden.

In his program, “West Orange County’s Golden Age of Railroads: Ghost Towns & Phantom Trains,” Cronin will share information and stories from Central Florida’s Citrus Belt towns. Reserve a seat for this free event by emailing Rick@CroninBooks. com or contacting the WGHF at (407) 656-3244.

OCPS PARTNERS WITH AGENCIES

Orange County Public Schools has signed a School Justice Partnership Agreement with 12 local law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. The agreement lays out guidelines for how to handle instances of student misconduct.

Ninja Challenge opens new obstacle gym in West Oaks Mall, Ocoee. SEE PAGE 3B.

Windermere High School student Kayden Avera, 14, died after a tree fell onto the car in which she was riding on Reams Road in Horizon West. STORY ON PAGE 4A.

Winter Garden honors Charlie Mae Wilder at bash

$32 million project will bring a multitude of health and wellness offerings to residents in Winter Garden and beyond. PAGE 7A.

Winter Garden throws 2024 Juneteenth celebration

he city of Winter Garden hosted a Juneteenth community celebration at the newly named Charlie Mae Wilder Park on Saturday, June 15. As part of the celebration, which included free food, games, and a litany of speakers and performances. Mayor John Rees and members of the

Winter Garden City Commission named the park at 1203 E. Plant St. after local community advocate Charlie Mae Wilder. Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of all enslaved AfricanAmerican people in the United States. Following the Emancipation Proclamation and the end of the Civil War, it took troops more than two years to reach the westernmost Confederate state of Texas and announce the freedom of those enslaved to the last state in the Confederacy June 19, 1865. That day became known as Juneteenth by the newly freed people in Texas.

We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With 14 ER locations throughout Central Florida, we’re ready to provide expert emergency care if you’re facing one. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/ER

Officials wih the city of Winter Garden dedicated the park at 1203 E. Plant St. in honor of Charlie Mae Wilder, second from the left in front.

Charlie Mae Wilder, center, was all smiles during the dedication of the park at the Juneteenth community celebration.

Members of the West Orange Dream Center dance group “The Father’s Daughters” performed a praise dance at the celebration.

The Grove subdivision passes first design hurdle

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Before approaching the town of Oakland with plans for The Grove, a 44-lot residential neighborhood in Oakland, developers took feedback elected officials made for another proposed community.

The Oakland Town Commission, at its June 11 meeting, approved the first reading of an amended developer’s agreement proposing design guidelines and architectural standards for the 19.2-acre upscale master-planned community. The guidelines will serve as the manual for the homeowners association.

There are four lot styles available, from 8,750 to 10,800 square feet, depending on location, and the community will have just two architectural styles, Florida Vernacular and French Farmhouse.

The Planned Development zoning was approved in 2022. The Grove is being constructed south of Oakland Avenue and east of Catherine Ross Road. It will have entrances on both roads and will feature walking trails, bike paths and parks.

The entrance off Catherine Ross will feature a larger monument sign, and the two Oakland Avenue entrances will include columns with small medallions to continue the visual theme of Oakland Park, which also has entrances on the main street.

The second ordinance hearing is at the June 25 Town Commission meeting.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

n The Oakland Town Commission approved the consent agenda, which included a resubmission of the Oakland Avenue Charter School Policy and Procedures Safety & Security document to the state of Florida with the addition of a policy for threat management.

n Elected officials assigned Commissioner Sal Ramos as the Oakland delegate for the Florida League of Cities conference to be held in August in Hollywood.

n Mayor Shane Taylor led a discussion about the materials placed on two dirt roads, Vick Avenue and Edgegrove Lane, to try to eliminate the dust created by motorists. He said the results of the study indicate the dust was cut down but still remained.

“We want the residents to know we are aware of the issue and are trying to do everything we can to mitigate that issue and cut down the problem,” Taylor said.

“A couple years ago, I headed up a committee to figure out what to do with the roads,” Commissioner Mike Satterfield said. “We have a new (community) now. Could we put together a committee to go door to door and see if people even want the dirt roads?” Taylor said it might be time to look at the idea.

MEWTWO MOVEMENT

Winter Garden 10-year-old Lleyton Chan has won multiple local and regional battles in his first year of playing the card game and is hoping for a world championship title.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Pokémon card game has been compared to the game of chess, which, on the surface, sounds absurd. But both are strategic, competitive games that depend on players using attacks or moves to try to defeat their opponent.

It takes skill to create a toptier Pokémon card hand with an assortment of trainer, energy and Pokémon cards, and 10-year-old Lleyton Chan has become so adept at it that he keeps winning battles and championships. His latest accomplishment has won him a trip to Hawaii to compete in the three-day 2024 Pokémon World Championships.

He, his parents and his sister are Honolulu-bound in August so he can compete for the title of Pokémon World Champion. Lleyton currently is ranked 94th in the United States and Canada, and to earn the top title, he must beat 2,862 other contestants in the Junior Division.

GETTING TO THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2024 Pokémon World Championships is the capstone event of the 2024 Championship Series season, and players from all around the world will battle for the title of

World Champion. Main events at the Pokémon World Championships are by invitation only.

Competitors qualify for Worlds by earning championship points at events throughout the championship series season. There are league challenges, league cups, regionals and internationals prior to the ultimate championship match.

At the beginning of the gaming season, battles are played at various stores, such as West Orange Comics and Video Games in Ocoee.

“That was our first venture into Pokémon and learning about the card game and … learning how to play,” Jenni Chan, Lleyton’s mother, said.

That was in 2021, and stores weren’t engaging in play because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, Lleyton and his mother played at home. He became competitive last September, joining the Junior Division for 6- to 12-year-olds.

In his first regional matchup in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lleyton won multiple games and placed 37th out of 197 contestants. At the Orlando regionals, he placed 30th out of 182.

“These regionals are so intense; they’re different than the league cups and the little ones they do all the time,” Chris Chan, Lleyton’s father, said. “Everyone is there at 8 a.m. checking in, and it starts at 9 a.m. and they go until 7 at night. He

Lleyton Chan has amassed quite a collection of Pokémon cards and stuffed characters. His

gets in there and plays round one of the eight rounds. Up to three rounds, best of three. Then, it’s back-to-back all day long, one hour per round and a 10-minute break.”

In the tournament, a computer program randomly pairs two people for the first round. Players who win that round are matched for the second round. This continues for eight rounds.

“You can put me in a random deck, and I feel like I would know how to play,” Lleyton said. “It’s just memorizing and knowing what to do. That’s a strategy.”

Lleyton set up a GoFundMe account (with his parents’ help) to assist him in getting to the match:

“Playing Pokémon is my biggest dream, and this World Championship is a super big deal!” the page reads. “It’s where all the best players from around the world come together, and I’m so excited to have a chance to show what I can do. I’ve been working hard and dreaming about this ever since I started playing. … Thanks a bunch for supporting my Pokémon journey!”

To make a donation, visit bit. ly/3VKmFTY.

If Lleyton places in the top 32, he wins a cash prize of between $5,000 and $50,000.

BUILDING A DECK

The key to winning is to build a 60-card deck with three different kinds of cards: trainers, energy and Pokémon. Lleyton has created a successful deck, and it’s hard to keep up as he explains his strategy.

“You have to have a 60-card deck with at least one basic Pokémon,” he said. “You can only have four of each card besides basic energy. My strategy is you just want to get a bunch of energy cards in your hand and to use (the Pokémon) Gholdengo. … It’s really good because there are a lot of Pokémon that have a lot of hit points, and you have to do equivalent or more damage, and it can do a lot of damage.

“I have four of Gholdengo, the max,” Lleyton continued. “I play 10 energy, because it’s a good number of it and it’s easier to draw into them.

WHAT IS A POKÉMON?

Pokémon was launched in 1996 in Japan. The word is an abbreviated form of “pocket monster.” The Pokémon franchise is set in a world in which humans coexist with creatures known as Pokémon. As of January, 1,025 Pokémon species, mostly inspired by real-world animals, have been introduced. There are three different ways to play Pokémon: TCG (Trading Card Game), VGC (Video Game Champions) and Pokémon GO (augmented reality mobile game).

In the trading card game, the colorful characters fight for the player and have the ability to evolve into stronger forms. They are categorized by energies: grass, fire, water, lightning, psychic, fighting, darkness, metal or fairy. There also are trainer cards that the player can use to gain advantages in the game.

Every turn, when you start your turn, it’s by drawing. You start with seven cards, you draw seven; each turn you draw one card until the Pokémon has an ability and you can draw more.” Lleyton has created several different decks, and those sometimes need to be updated when Pokémon issues new cards with new characters. Lleyton and his mother play the game frequently, and if he doesn’t yet have all the new characters, they print black-and-white versions of those — proxies — with which to practice. Getting more card packs means spending money, so to afford them, Lleyton will perform extra chores, sell a few of his quality cards or make trades with other card collectors. Of the more than 1,000 Pokémon species, Lleyton has three favorites. “I like Snorlax, because in the anime there’s a really funny episode about him,” he said. “Mew was always my favorite because it was really cute and it also can transform into others. And Tatsugiri because she’s just a cute fish.”

He has binders full of cards and an assortment of plushies, many of them Snorlax. He wears Pokémon sneakers, and his Crocs have multiple Pokémon shoe charms called Jibbitz. There’s always room for more Pokémon items, and if Lleyton wins one of the big prizes, there likely will be more in his future.

Amy Quesinberry

favorite is Snorlax.

West Orange community remembers Kayden Avera

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

June 6 at 6:49 p.m. is a date and time that will haunt the Avera family for the rest of their lives.

It was at this moment Kayden Avera, 14, had her life taken in a tragic accident from parents Travis and Christine Avera and 12-year-old brother Camdyn Avera.

The young Windermere High School student died after a tree fell onto the roof of a 2011 Lexus in which she was riding on Reams Road, south of Summerlake Boulevard.

Kayden was riding in the rear right passenger seat of the car with her mother and brother, who were not injured.

Kayden was transported to Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The West Orange County community and beyond grieves the unexpected death of Kayden. Her close friends and family remember her as “special,” “kind,” “sweet,” “selfless,” and someone who “brought the best out of anyone and anything.”

To know Kayden was to know love.

“So many of the notes that I am receiving from Kayden’s friends tell me about how, in their lowest times or hardest days, Kayden was the one that got them through it,” Christine Avera said. “She came to this earth to be a helper, and now she is our angel. … I will honor her memory by living each day remembering the joy and love that Kayden brought to every moment, by taking care of each other the way Kayden took care of all those she loved, and by always being kind. ‘Friendship is always the answer,’ as Kayden lived by or would say. ‘Be kind to everyone.’”

‘TO KNOW KAYDEN IS TO LOVE KAYDEN’ Kayden was born June 25, 2009, at the Mayport Naval Base hospital in Jacksonville.

She attended local schools Sunset Park and Bay Lake elementaries, Horizon West Middle, and Windermere High.

Kayden’s father was her first love.

“She was totally a daddy’s girl and loved riding in the back seat of the truck with her favorite music blaring on the stereo system,” Christine Avera said. “She’d holler ‘Turn it up,’ and on she rode with a look of peace and happiness.”

Kayden was certain her mother was the most beautiful woman in the world. Together, they had many girlie adventures and enjoyed dressing alike and doing their nails. They also shared a love for creativity and art.

Painting and drawing consumed a large portion of Kayden’s preschool years, and her family said her talent was amazing. She excelled at creating drawings, including tattoo designs in her more recent years.

Shortly before Kayden’s second birthday, her brother was born.

The bond between the two was unusually close.

“Kayden and Camdyn immediately became best friends, and that continued throughout their time together on this earth,” Christine Avera said. “Kayden was the best big sister ever, and she and Camdyn had endless adventures together. He is two years younger than her, and she has always looked out for him.”

Kayden participated in several sports throughout her years, including soccer, gymnastics, taekwondo and, her latest passion, boxing.

Kayden loved the beach, the moon, the stars, sunsets, coffee, cake pops, Crumbl Cookies, her family and friends, fancy nails, makeup, the colors pink and red, music, and tattoos. Kayden’s best friend, who she called a sister, was Ava Desjarlais.

“She called me, and we were talking about what we were going to do when she came over later,” Ava said of that terrible day. “I regret hanging up to go watch a show. I wish I had stayed on the phone and talked to her for just a little longer. I am beyond grateful to have had the chance to call Kayden my best friend. I will continue to be her friend in death by honoring her in everything I do. The value of our friendship is beyond measure. I’d do anything to have her back for just one more moment.

“The love we share will forever be unbreakable, and I thank her for that,” she said. “She is who shaped me into the person I am today. Kayden and I

shared four years worth of memories, and I’ll forever cherish them. We did everything together — from painting pictures, to watching shows, to listening to Bruno Mars, to staying up until sunrise laughing. She was there for me through thick and thin, because that’s just the selfless person Kayden once was. Throughout this long and hard journey without Kayden, we were all taught to live without fear, to welcome life’s uncertainties with open arms and to find happiness within the process. To know Kayden is to love Kayden, and I will never stop loving her.”

Friend Adeline Spears met Kayden through Ava.

“I will forever be grateful I was able to become good friends with her,” she said. “I will forever miss the sleepovers. I will forever miss the late night talks at those sleepovers. I will forever miss the laughs we shared or the lunch we ate together every day.”

Friend Meygan Glowney said from the moment she met Kayden, she realized she was special.

“Kayden always brought the best out of anyone and anything,” she said.

“She was always able to fill any situ-

party and cruise. That’s who Kayden was. Always kind, generously giving and purposefully thoughtful.”

“If

Design

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AngeLink: shorturl.at/9PJ9G

ation with joy and laughter, whether it was watching funny videos together or walking around shopping malls and putting on the most random outfits just to get us to laugh and take pictures of her. My favorite times I got to spend with Kayden were all of our sleepovers where we would stay up all night laughing and talking about anything and everything. I truly wish we could’ve just had one more of those nights together.”

‘ALWAYS KIND, GENEROUSLY GIVING AND PURPOSEFULLY THOUGHTFUL’

Ava’s stepmother, Tiffany Desjarlais, who started an AngeLink for the family, remembers Kayden as being nothing but sweet and kind.

“Her favorite color was red, although I swear it was pink,” she said. “She loved hibiscus flowers. She wished me happy Mother’s Day every year. She would tell me I’m the coolest mom ever and my stepdaughter was so lucky to have me. On our way to school, we would stop by Starbucks and grab Kayden an iced white mocha with a birthday cake pop. It was her favorite. For my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday celebration, she gave me two of her own Hawaiian flower barrettes to put in my hair for the

Family friend Mary Verbinski also started a GoFundMe to help raise funds for the family.

“Kayden brought so much love and joy into the lives of all that knew her, and she will be deeply missed,” Verbinski wrote on the page. “As we come to terms with Kayden’s passing, her family is faced with the difficult task of arranging her final farewell. Although there is no easy way to say goodbye to a child, we hope to at least ease the financial burden of the family. We are reaching out to our community for support in honoring Kayden’s memory. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow her family to focus on grieving and remembering Kayden fondly. … We also appreciate your thoughts, prayers and messages of support during this difficult time.”

A visitation for Kayden was held June 14 at Family Funeral Care, where attendees dressed in Kayden’s favorite colors, red and pink.

Christine Avera said Kayden was extremely close to her grandmother, Nana, who lived with the family, and Kayden helped her every day.

When Kayden died, her Nana suffered an immediate heartbreak. She died one week later.

The Avera family dedicated the following quote to Kayden: “May you fly with the butterflies and touch the stars, dance with the angels, and talk to the moon.”

WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $60 per year and $110 per two years by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, 11970

Observer to host District 1 candidate debate

ENG

MICHAEL

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

You’ve likely heard it by now:

Horizon West is the fastest-growing master-planned community in Orange County — and one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.

And with that boom comes all the typical growing pains — traffic, overcrowded schools, infrastructure strain, environmental concerns and more.

Furthermore, and obviously, it also comes with new people — many of whom are transplants from other states and countries.

All of that combined makes the race for the Orange County Commission District 1 seat the most important local election on the ballot.

Indeed, all development decisions in the Horizon West area are made by the County Commission. And of the seven board members, Horizon West voters choose one.

To help you make an informed decision at the polls, the Observer Media Group is presenting the 2024 Orange County District 1 Candidate Debate. The debate will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, on Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine’s beautiful, new campus in Horizon West. Tickets are free but limited, and if you’re interested in attending, I suggest you reserve yours as soon as possible.

The debate will feature incumbent Nicole Wilson and challenger Austin Arthur, the candidates who will appear on your primary ballot Aug. 20. Both have a long history and a deep love for the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities, and we are lucky to have two qualified and active members of our community ready and willing to represent us at the county level.

Wilson was elected to the seat in 2020 after defeating incumbent Betsy VanderLey. A Gotha resident, Wilson is an attorney who has worked with individuals and nonprofit environmental organizations to help them navigate local, state and federal laws. She is a member of the Florida Bar Environmental and Land Use Section, Florida Bar Animal Law Section, The American Bar Association State and Local Government Law Group, and the Orange County Bar Association. She also has served on several Orange County Public Schools PTA, PTO and SAC boards.

Arthur is a local entrepreneur, community advocate and a former firefighter/paramedic. With his brother, he founded Gymnastics USA in Winter Garden and also runs Stars and Stripes Marketing Services. The Winter Garden resident serves on several local boards,

IF YOU GO

ORANGE OBSERVER’S

DISTRICT 1

CANDIDATE DEBATE

WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 31. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, 7011 Kiran Patel Drive, Winter Garden

MODERATOR: Sam Albuquerque, sports editor, Orange Observer

INFORMATION: Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@ orangeobserver.com

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS

To submit questions for consideration, email Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com. Please write “District 1 Candidate Debate Question” in the subject line.

TICKETS

Limited tickets are available.

To secure yours, visit orange observer.com/debate.

including the Winter Garden Archi-

tectural Review and Historic Preservation Board, West Orange Habitat for Humanity, Challenge 22 to End Veteran Suicide, Central Florida YMCA, West Orange Scholarship Foundation, Eight Waves Children and Family Services, and Explore and Soar Children’s Museum. Before the debate, I urge you to get to know both by visiting their respective websites: votenicolewilson.com and voteaustinarthur.com.

At the Observer’s debate, both candidates will have three minutes for introductory statements. Then, in alternating fashion, they will field a series of questions. Each candidate will be allotted two minutes for answers, followed by a oneminute rebuttal from the opposing candidate. At the conclusion of the question-and-answer portion of the debate, each will be given three minutes for closing statements.

Note-taking will be allowed; however, props will not.

Our moderator will be Sports Editor Sam Albuquerque; and I will serve as our timekeeper.

In addition to questions created by our Observer editorial staff, the debate also will include questions from you, the voters. If you have questions you’d like to submit for consideration, please email them to me, meng@orangeobserver.com, with the subject line: “District 1 Candidate Debate Question.”

In nearly every development story we publish, we have some residents celebrating the made decision and others bemoaning it. This race for the District 1 County Commission seat is your chance to make your voice heard before those decisions are made. And before you head to the polls to fill in that bubble on the ballot, it is imperative you know how these two candidates differ.

I hope to see you there.

Your daily briefing from Winter

City OKs ranch contractors

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS

EDITOR

The Winter Garden City Commission moved one step closer to its completion of the highly anticipated Tucker Ranch project at its meeting Thursday, June 13.

At the meeting, the city approved the list of contractors and authorized the city manager to award a contract for each bid package in the amount of $19,906,266.24, with a 10% contingency.

On May 8, the city received 31 responses to bid packages one through five, eight, 10, 11, 13 through 22 and a separate proposal for construction materials testing.

City staff comprised a list of contractors who have been selected as the lowest responsive, responsible proposer for each bid package.

The contractor list includes Cathcart Construction Company LLC, earthwork and site utilities; VMG Construction Inc, concrete paving and site concrete, building concrete, and masonry; and Met-Con Inc., structural steel and miscellaneous metals.

Staff also recommended Tierra Inc. be awarded the construction material testing services for the project.

Phases 2A and 2B of construction for the Tucker Ranch Park and Nature Preserve are planned to kick off at the beginning of September.

The legacy park will include 20 acres transformed into a regional park with trails, fitness areas, multi-purpose buildings, canoeing, camping, and a state-of-the-art working and teaching farm that will function as a regional food hub.

Key partnerships — between the city and physical and mental-health organizations — are working together to bring this health and wellness facility to Winter Garden. The goal is to capture the whole mind-bodysoul concept and to create a culture of health and wellness.

Construction completion for Phase 2 is estimated for July 21, 2026.

FORM 6 LITIGATION

City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman also gave the commission an update regarding the Form 6 lawsuit.

United States District Court Judge Melissa Damian has issued a pre-

liminary injunction that prevents the Florida Commission on Ethics from enforcing the new Form 6 requirements for elected officials.

Damian ruled “it is not apparent from the record that a change from the Form 1 requirement to the Form 6 requirement was necessary, nor that S.B. 774 is substantially related to the state’s identified interests.”

The new Form 6, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year, is facing two lawsuits. More than 170 elected municipal officials from throughout Florida challenged the law as a violation of the First Amendment.

Damian ruled the elected municipal officials “have demonstrated a reasonable likelihood that they will succeed on the merits of their claim” and prevented the members of the commission from enforcing the new requirement statewide during the pendency of the lawsuit.

Locally, the town of Windermere is part of the lawsuit.

As of press time Tuesday, June 17, City Manager Jon C. Williams said no members of the commission have joined the lawsuit.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The Winter Garden City Commission approved the second 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.

n The commission approved hiring Cathcart Construction to remove and repair sidewalk, trim, and remove tree roots along Winter Garden Vineland Road in the amount of $72,650.

n Commissioners approved awarding a purchase order to USSI LLC for sanitary sewer system inflow and infiltration inspection and repairs in the amount of $100,000.

n Following a discussion with City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman, the commission approved the crafting of a memorandum to present to the County Commission voicing the city’s disdain for the Orange County Charter Review Committee’s recommendation for provisions requiring the approval of a majority plus one from members of the County Commission to modify the Rural Boundary. The provision also

states if a city wishes to expand its territory by annexing land that is contiguous to the city in compliance with the state annexation laws, then the land use in the county prior to acquisition would control the development of that land and not the city to which it has been annexed.

n The city approved the site plan for 114 E. Cypress St. An applicant is requesting to permit the development of the .52-acre property with a new two-story, 7,960-square-foot commercial office building. The development will include additional improvements, such as landscaping, parking and a dry retention pond.

n Winter Garden approved the addition of three floors to the existing AdventHealth hospital tower located at 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd.

n Economic Development Director Marc Hutchinson gave a brief presentation on the city’s new Nonprofit Grant Program in partnership with the Central Florida Foundation, which currently is in a soft launch. The program is estimated to fully launch in the fall.

re you planning a vacation? Be sure to pack a copy of the West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer and take a high-quality photo of you and your friends or family members with the paper. Be creative with your background! Photos can be emailed to Community Editor Amy Quesinberry at AmyQ@orangeobserver.com or mailed or dropped off at Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Suite 180, Winter Garden, FL 34787

Include the names of everyone in the photo, where it was taken and a phone number where the editor can reach you. Call the newspaper office at (407) 656-2121 with questions.

A group of friends took their local newspaper when they cruised from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to Anchorage, Alaska: Chris Lee, left, Dania Lee, Ron Sikes, Laura Sikes, Robin Parker, Daryll Parker, Jennifer Talbot, Rod Talbot, Samantha Robinson, Diana Rinaldi, Fred Chambers and Dennis Robinson.

Windermere begins to repay failed pavilion project monies

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

IN OTHER NEWS

FUELING PROGRESS: THE RICH HISTORY OF NATURAL GAS

For thousands of years, the power of natural gas has captured the imagination of civilizations around the world. From the ancient Greeks who built large temples around natural gas deposits as far back as 1,000 B.C., to pre-imperial China, where citizens would construct crude bamboo pipelines to transport the early power source for heating homes and boiling water. Today, as Lake Apopka Natural Gas District celebrates 65 years of service to our community, we’re proud to reflect on the enduring legacy of natural gas and the impact it has had – and still has – on our society.

Despite its early uses, it wasn’t until the 18 th century that humans began to utilize natural gas for commercial purposes. In 1785, Britain became the first country to truly harness the power of natural gas when it was used to fuel lighthouses and streetlights

In 1821, another breakthrough occurred in Fredonia, New York, when William Hart (later the founder of the first natural gas company in the United States) dug the very first well with the express purpose of capturing natural gas, successfully lighting his home and marking the dawn of natural gas as a commercial fuel source in the United States. By the early 1900s, natural gas became a popular choice for heating homes, cooking meals, and even generating electricity for businesses and communities.

In 1957, visionary leaders from Apopka, Clermont, and Winter Garden realized the power natural gas could bring to their own community and united to create Lake Apopka Natural Gas District. By the end of August 1965, the District had connected its service to approximately 2,200 customers. Today, we’re proud to serve over 29,000 customers with nearly 1,000 square miles of distribution pipelines!

In 2024, natural gas plays a crucial role as part of the global energy mix, offering a cleaner and more responsible alternative to traditional options like coal and oil.

Today, natural gas fuels modern kitchens with affordable precision. A simple flick of the switch delivers instant, controllable heat for perfectly cooked meals.

Compared to other energy sources, natural gas also offers significant cost savings – about $1,068 per year compared to the average all-electric home (American Gas Association) –leaving more room in the budget for experimenting with new recipes or enjoying summer cookouts with natural gas grills.

Natural gas has fueled innovation and progress for centuries, playing a vital role in powering our communities and shaping our modern way of life. Abundance, affordability, and a lower environmental impact have solidified natural gas’s role on the path toward a more sustainable future. We at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District are proud to have grown with this valuable resource and we look forward to continuing to deliver it to our valued community for generations to come.

To learn more about our history, visit www.LANGD.org/Home/History.

Want to be a part of natural gas’s rich history and begin enjoying all the benefits that it has to offer? Get connected with the District’s marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org. Stay in touch with the LANGD team on our Facebook and LinkedIn.

District offices are located at 1320 Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Winter Garden; 38 N. Park Avenue, Apopka; and, 676 W. Montrose Street, Clermont.

Get connected with the District’s marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org or visit www.langd.org.

and LinkedIn.

At the Windermere Town Council meeting Tuesday, June 11, the council voted unanimously to pay back $95,621.58 of the original $1 million grant from the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, also known as Healthy West Orange, with other outstanding invoices planned for negotiations.

In February, the foundation pulled the $1 million grant the town had previously been exploring to help fund the possible renovations to its Town Hall following the failed pavilion project.

The original grant agreement was between the West Orange Healthcare District and Windermere Rotary Inc. and went into effect May 5, 2021.

With the cancellation of the grant by both the foundation and Rotary Inc., former Town Council Member Molly Rose, Town Consultant John Fitzgibbon and Town Manager Robert Smith reviewed the invoices paid by Rotary Inc. for services rendered prior to the cancellation.

In addition, staff worked with the legal team on the existing contracts and cancellation clauses.

“This is something that’s been going on for several months now since we received the letters from both the foundation and also Rotary Inc.,” Smith said. “I know there’s still some questions on the outstanding invoices … staff would probably recommend having a Town Council liaison, and then with Rotary Inc. they have a liaison as well, to negotiate anything that is outstanding from this point on for the invoices.”

After review, staff recommended the town pay the following invoices: ZHA, project management, $23,850; Professional Services Ind., $1,950 (asbestos survey); Construction-Peace of Mind, $9,900 (demolition); Hunter Brady, architect, $38,100; McCree Construction, $8,531.28; survey by Chastain Skillman, $12,960; and $330.30 in miscellaneous fees.

Smith said in discussion with the foundation, Rotary Inc. has yet to pay back $100,000 of the original grant.

Rotary Inc. has claimed there are outstanding invoices for additional services rendered, T-shirts and lost profits for McCree Construction totaling $150,589.19.

Town Council Member Tony Davit offered to serve as the liaison for the negotiations.

“Our thinking is that we would like to take care of what we do have documentation and substantiation for and get it on the books for this year,” Mayor Jim O’Brien said.

TOWN SQUARE CHARETTE

In discussions with the Long Range Planning Committee, town staff is requesting Wade Trim hold various public meetings and come up with an overall plan for the future of Town Square.

The last charette was completed around 2011 or 2012 and is outdated.

“With all of the stuff that’s been going on, especially with the events and stuff that we have in Town Square, we thought it would be prudent to actually retain the services of Wade Trim to ensure that we can have public input … to make sure that we have a plan for the future of what may or may not be developed in the Town Square itself,” Smith said.

“Parks are typically viewed as very special places in most communities, and we know that Town Square Park is the quintessential gathering space for the residents of the town of Windermere,” Wade Trim representatives wrote in the proposal to the town. “As we assist the town in facilitating a charrette process to lay the framework for improvements, our guiding light will be the needs of the community. Through community input and discussions, we will gather ideas to help forge a plan to create a cohesive space for the residents to enjoy alone, in small groups or in larger events where residents of the town come together to enjoy the uniqueness that makes the town of Windermere a special place for its residents.”

Wade Trim representatives will gather as much information about Town Square as possible before any meetings are held.

n The Windermere Town Council approved a resolution pertaining to adopting revisions to the planning and zoning fees and deposits. According to Town Planner Brad Cornelius, the town has not updated these fees for more than 10 years. The current fees were in place when Cornelius, representing Wade Trim Inc., started working with the town in 2014. Costs have significantly risen since then, but the town’s planning and zoning fees have stayed the same and were not adjusted to account for changes in costs. The town’s Land Development Code requires applicants to fully reimburse the town for efforts incurred by town consultants for permits and zoning/planning cases. With the current planning and zoning fee schedule, Cornelius said often applicants are invoiced for payment of additional planning and zoning fees to cover the town’s cost. The update will help in reducing the need to invoice applicants for additional planning and zoning fees.

n The council approved Christine Samek-Yonge as the newest member of the Parks & Recreation Committee.

n Windermere approved an amended employment agreement contract with Town Manager Robert Smith. At the April 9 Town Council meeting, the town approved a 5% increase to the town manager’s salary and for the negotiation of an amendment to the employment agreement to extend the contract for up to five years. The new agreement extends Smith’s term to March 26, 2031, with the current expiration date being March 31, 2026. The agreement also provides for automatic renewals for two-year terms, instead of one-year terms, and for a new annual salary of $170,958.06, up from Smith’s current salary of $162,817.20. In addition, the agreement adds 40 hours of additional flex/compensation time.

n The town approved the state funded grant agreement for the Windermere Road at Main Street roundabout project. Windermere was awarded a $1.5 million grant from state appropriations for the roundabout. Smith worked with the Marina Bay subdivision to obtain needed right-of-way for the project. The state now has issued the agreement, which must be approved and executed by the town. The agreement is between the town and the Florida Department of Transportation, which is the state agency assigned to oversee this grant project for the state. The next steps of finalizing a design for the project now can begin.

n Town Attorney Heather Ramos gave the council an update regarding the Form 6 lawsuit. United States District Court Judge Melissa Damian has issued a preliminary injunction that prevents the Florida Commission on Ethics from enforcing the new Form 6 requirements for elected officials. Damian found “it is not apparent from the record that a change from the Form 1 requirement to the Form 6 requirement was necessary, nor that S.B. 774 is substantially related to the state’s identified interests.” The new Form 6 was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this year and is now facing two lawsuits filed by Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, PL. More than 170 elected municipal officials from throughout Florida , including the town of Windermere, challenged the law as a violation of the First Amendment.

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Ahome in the Waterstone community in West Orange topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from June 3 to 9.

The home at 6127 Orta Court, Windermere, sold June 5, for $2,600,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 68. The sellers were represented by Dianna Desboyaux, Southern Realty Group LLC.

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

DR. PHILLIPS

BRENTWOOD CLUB

The home at 9501 Castleford Point, Orlando, sold June 5, for $1,525,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 5,407 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

BAY HILL

The condo at 6248 Masters Blvd., No. D103, Orlando, sold June 6, for $660,000. Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,980 square feet of living area. Days on market: 114.

CITRUS CHASE

The townhouse at 8232 Citrus Chase Drive, Orlando, sold June 4, for $520,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,518 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

LAKE CANE ESTATES

The home at 7017 Talbot Drive, Orlando, sold June 5, for $415,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,416 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

LAKE MARSHA HIGHLANDS

The home at 7255 Glasgow Ave., Orlando, sold June 7, for $460,000. Built in 1971, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 1,482 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

PHILLIPS BAY CONDOMINIUMS

The condo at 7609 Bay Port Road, No. 33, Orlando, sold June 5, for $438,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,831 square feet of living area. Days on market: 85.

SOMERSET SHORES

The townhouse at 7349 Somerset Shores Court, Orlando, sold June 5, for $825,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,368 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

HORIZON WEST

ARLINGTON BAY

The home at 9049 Edenshire Circle, Orlando, sold June 7, for $550,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,824 square feet of living area. Days on market: 23.

ENCLAVE

The home at 11671 Hampstead St., Windermere, sold June 7, for $1,118,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,291 square feet of living area. Days on market: 127.

HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16406 Olive Hill Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $832,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,470 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.

The townhouse at 16449 Prairie School Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $446,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,624 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 1551 Hamlin Blossom Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $560,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,839 square feet of living area. Days on market: 12.

HIGHLAND RIDGE

The home at 14399 Braemar St., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $508,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 28.

The home at 12313 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $522,995. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

The home at 12127 Bracco St., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $515,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet of living area. Days on market: 38.

INDEPENDENCE/ SIGNATURE LAKES

The home at 14931 Gaulberry Run, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $1,800,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 5,224 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

The townhouse at 14797 Peekskill Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $414,500. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,644 square feet of living area. Days on market: 81.

LAKE HANCOCK PRESERVE

The home at 8013 Bowery Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $580,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,115 square feet of living area. Days on market: 102.

LATHAM PARK SOUTH

The home at 9348 Bradleigh Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $999,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,530 square feet of living area. Days on market: 26.

LEGADO

The townhouse at 9085 Legado Drive, Windermere, sold June 4, for $421,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,513 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

MABEL BRIDGE

The home at 8925 W. Kittanning Ave., Orlando, sold June 6, for $630,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,277 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

PROVIDENCE

The home at 6306 Little Lake Sawyer Drive, Windermere, sold June 4, for $745,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,813 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

SANCTUARY AT HAMLIN

The home at 7536 Tangerine Knoll Loop, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $612,500. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,270 square feet of living area. Days on market: 68.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9668 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $625,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet of living area. Days on market: 21.

The home at 16946 Oakboro St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $485,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.

WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES

The home at 7352 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 4, for $2,575,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 5,084 square feet of living area. Days on market: 77.

WINCEY GROVES

The home at 5633 Orange Orchard Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $820,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,688 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

WINDERMERE SOUND

The home at 13178 Kegan St., Windermere, sold June 5, for $510,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,207 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WICKHAM PARK

The home at 12990 Garridan Ave., Windermere, sold June 7, for $500,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,669 square feet of living area. Days on market: 113.

OAKLAND JOHNS LANDING

The home at 636 Strihal Loop, Oakland, sold June 6, for $465,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,054 square feet of living area. Days on market: 113.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2151 White Feather Loop, Oakland, sold June 5, for $487,500. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,069 square feet of living area. Days on market: 22.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 1962 American Beech Parkway, Ocoee, sold June 4, for $566,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,632 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

CROSS CREEK

The home at 2482 Cliffdale St., Ocoee, sold June 4, for $510,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,144 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11. The home at 611 Darkwood Ave., Ocoee, sold June 7, for $465,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,588 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

FOXFIRE

The home at 1604 Starfire Lane, Ocoee, sold June 6, for $190,000. Built in 1978, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,014 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

HIDDEN OAKS

The home at 407 S. Cumberland Ave., Ocoee, sold June 7, for $475,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,026 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

LAKE OLYMPIA CLUB

The home at 1509 Acropolis Circle, Ocoee, sold June 4, for $489,900. Built in 1991, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,199 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

POUNDS ADDITION

The home at 308 Bay St., Ocoee, sold June 5, for $292,000. Built in 1960, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,065 square feet of living area. Days on market: 61.

SILVER GLEN

The home at 302 Forrest Crest Court, Ocoee, sold June 4, for $554,000. Built in 1994, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,245 square feet of living area. Days on market: 155.

SLEEPY HARBOUR

The home at 705 Stinnett Drive, Ocoee, sold June 4, for $375,000. Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,108 square feet of living area. Days on market: 60.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

RESERVE AT CYPRESS POINT

The home at 8927 Grey Hawk Point, Orlando, sold June 5, for $1,430,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 4,503 square feet of living area. Days on market: 33.

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE

The home at 10625 Royal Cypress Way, Orlando, sold June 6, for $1,300,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,819 square feet of living area. Days on market: 70.

WEST ORANGE

WATERSTONE

The home at 6127 Orta Court, Windermere, sold June 5, for $2,600,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 68.

WINTER GARDEN

BAY STREET PARK

The home at 1035 Lincoln Terrace, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $225,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 814 square feet. Days on market: 75.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

The home at 204 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 7, for $1,332,500. Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,400 square feet of living area.

GROVEHURST

The home at 1001 Araminta St., Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $630,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,391 square feet. Days on market: 222.

JOHNS LAKE POINTE

The home at 940 Marsh Reed Drive sold June 6, for $772,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,430 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. The home at 519 Marsh Reed Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $585,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,584 square feet of living area. Days on market: 34.

LAKEVIEW PRESERVE

The home at 3254 Hanging Tide St., Winter Garden, Lake County, sold June 6, for $545,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,144 square feet of living area. Days on market: 99.

SHOWALTER PARK

The home at 207 James Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 6, for $630,000. Built in 1958, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,991 square feet. Days on market: 21.

UNINCORPORATED ORANGE COUNTY

The home at 15668 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, sold June 5, for $949,000. Built in 1925, it has six bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,022 square feet of living area. Days on market: 47.

WESTFIELD LAKES

LOCAL MOTION

Local

•

• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved

Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget

A complete guide to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs

Reserve

SPORTS

HIGH 5

1

Recent Windermere High

graduate Jose Moyetones has been named the 2023-24 Gatorade Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Moyetones is the first to be chosen from Windermere High. The award distinguishes Moyetones as Florida’s best high school boys soccer player. The senior winger scored 26 goals and dished out 20 assists, leading the Wolverines (16-2-1) to the FHSAA Class 7A state semifinals. This award caps off an incredible campaign in which he also was named Class 7A Player of the Year.

2

Windermere Prep has announced the promotion of assistant baseball coach Omar Peña to head coach. He also will serve as a middle school PE coach.

Peña joined the Windermere Prep baseball staff in 2024 as an assistant He previously served as an assistant at Saint Monica Prep in California from 202223 and was the head coach at Gainz Athletic Facility in Beverly Hills from 2018-23 — specializing in sport-specific training and functional workouts for athletes of all ages.

3

Dr. Phillips High football’s Maliki Wright has committed to play his college ball for Duke. The 6-foot, 190-pound three-star defensive back was committed previously to the University of South Florida but reopened his recruitment at the end of 2023. Wright chose the Blue Devils over other Power 4 programs, such as Iowa State, NC State, Missouri and Vanderbilt.

4

Foundation Academy has announced assistant softball coach Armand Winters has been promoted to head coach. The hire comes following the departure of former coach Tate McClellan to become an assistant at Polk State McClellan had served as the program’s lead coach for three seasons.

Winters, a Little League softball, club and longtime assistant coach at Foundation, helped lead the Lions to a 15-8 record and regional semifinal appearance last season, and in 2022, he helped Foundation win a regional championship.

5

Windermere High football, in its first season as an independent program, is the latest West Orange and Southwest Orange County area team to announce its schedule for 2024. Despite the lack of familiar foes, there is plenty to be excited about in Windermere’s 2024 slate, like its rivalry game — The Battle of the Groves — at the end of the season against Horizon High. Another monumental game is the Sept. 13 home opener against University High. This is slated to be the inaugural football game played at the school’s new on-campus stadium. The other game to circle for area high school football fans is the Wolverines’ Sept 27 matchup against Lake Buena Vista High. Find Windermere High football’s full 2024 schedule online: bit.ly/3Xm57yU.

PLAYING WITH PURPOSE

True, the records, trophies and accolades are nice. But above all, West Orange High football is all about getting players ready for college.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

One of the biggest arguments against the professionalization of amateur sports, from college down to even the pee-wee level, is that the main purpose of one level of a sport should be to develop athletes — physically, emotionally and mentally — for the next and not to win games or championships.

Although you could argue that winning inherently helps development, the importance a program places on winning also can hurt a player’s growth. For example, if a program trains players in schemes and tactics that work at a lower level but become obsolete in the future, are those skills really worth learning at all?

If you ask West Orange High

football coach Geno Thompson, the answer is no.

“Our main purpose as a program is to get kids into college,” he said.

“And not just get them there but prepare them to have the ability to be successful at the collegiate level on the football field, the classroom and in life.”

THE WHY OF WEST ORANGE FOOTBALL

Thompson not only knows what it takes to get to the next level and be

successful from his time as a coach, but also from his playing days, he knows what it’s like to not be prepared for success at the next level.

“When I had the opportunity to go to college, there were some things that I wasn’t prepared for,” Thompson said. “I ended up going to Wofford College, and my college career consisted of one career catch that came on a fake punt against The Citadel, 32 yards. That was my big

Local country singer blends love for community, pickleball into new brand

Mark Houghton is starting a new brand — Renegade Pickleball — to blend his love for the community and the growing sport.

SAM

ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

What do you get when you combine a desire to give back to the local community, a passion for getting the whole family active and a love for the fastest-growing sport in America? In the case of Mark Houghton, the resulting concoction is called: Renegade Pickleball — a local apparel and equipment brand that focuses on organically bringing the West Orange County community together for fun, fitness and maybe even a little country music through the sport he loves.

FROM THE STAGE TO THE COURT Houghton, an Ocoee resident of

more than 20 years, is best known for his work as a local country music performer. He uses his talent on stage as a tool to promote local charities, help raise funds for those charities and ultimately give back to those in need locally.

“I’m all about community and charity when it comes to my singing,” Houghton said. “I do charity events like Toys for Tots. I just did an event for a local Clermont charity horse ranch that heals and takes care of abandoned horses or horses that people can’t afford to take care of. … That’s what I like to do with my time — events to give back to my community.”

Jennifer Borocz, senior director of membership and finance for the PGA, is one of eight golf pros to qualify for the Women’s PGA Championship. 2B.

West Orange football coach Geno Thompson led his team out of the tunnel.

Photos by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Chaka Scott, left, Latorie Hollinger and Tavarrius Powell — with West Orange coach Geno Thompson beside them — announced their college football decisions at the 2024 spring signing day ceremony.

File photo

Mark Houghton is well known in West Orange for his work on stage as a country music performer, now he hopes to make a similar impact on the area’s pickleball courts with his new start-up brand.

OF THE WEEK

Jennifer Borocz

Local PGA of America Golf

Professional Jennifer Borocz is the PGA senior director of membership and finance for the Winter Garden-based North Florida PGA Section and former women’s golf coach at Jacksonville University. Borocz has qualified to play in the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to be held June 20-23 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. Borocz is one of eight golf pros to earn a spot on the Corebridge Financial team competing in the championship. It will be her third time appearing in the LPGA major.

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

Being named Athlete of the Week is a great honor. There are so many talented athletes doing amazing things on and off the course.

What does it mean to you to qualify and compete at the highest level of the sport?

I am very lucky to be able to play at the highest level. Golf is unique where PGA of America golf professionals have the chance to compete with the best of the best.

What is your goal for this tournament?

The ultimate goal for this tournament is to enjoy the experience with my family by my side. Making the cut would be an added bonus.

What do you like the most about playing golf?

I like to be challenged, and golf provides a good challenge whether it be the desire to get better or playing different courses.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from golf?

Golf is not a game of perfect. I am a perfectionist at heart, but I’ve had to learn to accept that not every shot is going to be perfect.

Who is your favorite athlete? Tiger Woods. I grew up in the Tiger era, and he is likely the reason I play golf. I rarely watched tournaments that he wasn’t competing in.

THE

BASICS Sport: Golf Alma mater: Sam Houston State University Position: PGA senior director, membership and finance for North Florida

have been able to play some of the nicest courses in Minnesota.

What is your go-to pre-match meal?

Steak, although this week it might be salmon being that we are so close to the Pacific Ocean.

What is your go-to pre-match hype song?

Whatever my favorite song is at the time; currently “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey.

What is your favorite non-golf hobby? (Going to) Walt Disney World.

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

Soap, a razor and water. I would bring soap and a razor for cleanliness, and water to stay hydrated.

What is your favorite movie?

Any Disney movie. I am a big Disney fan and can watch these movies over and over again.

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

Give everything you have and have no regrets.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Did you give 100% of yourself, all the time?

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

The ability to teleport, so I can go anywhere, at any time.

If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why? Scotland, Ireland and England, because that is where golf originated.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?

Dog, they have the (best) life and get to go so many places nowadays. They are so loved by their humans and get to experience the

Does pineapple belong

West Orange High School football focused on future

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

moment, and that wasn’t what I expected my college-playing days to look like, but I wasn’t prepared.

“What I learned when I got to college was I didn’t know anything, I wasn’t well-versed in football schemes — even though growing up I was always told I was smart in terms of my football IQ,” he said. “But I get to college, and it’s like information overload. I didn’t know how to process it all; I didn’t understand the system of college football. I ended up redshirting, and I had this idea that I’m going to just focus on academics to make sure I get my grades right, and then I’ll worry about football because the redshirt year doesn’t matter. That was the worst attitude to have. It ended up really putting me behind.”

Thompson’s experience playing in college did more than help form his coaching philosophy. It became the central thesis of the program he’s built at West Orange.

“I realized that in college having a good enough skill set was one thing, but the most important thing, when you (get) to that level, is your dedication, your work ethic and your understanding of the scheme; because if you didn’t know what to do, you wouldn’t step on the field,” he said. “Fastforward to me now as a high school coach, and we talk about our why and our purpose as people and as a program, our why is not only to get kids the opportunity to go to college but to prepare them to be successful in college. If playing college football is something that you want, you’re going to get every opportunity to prove you belong there and you’re going to get prepared for that chance at West Orange because we run our program like a college program.”

STUDENT — NOT

JUST AN — ATHLETE

Putting players’ development first means Thompson needs to make sure his guys are getting the job done in the classroom.

“We’re lucky as a football program, because West Orange as a school does a phenomenal job of preparing kids to be successful in college — not just as an athlete but as a student-athlete,” Thompson said. “Our teachers do a great job of holding students accountable, making sure that they do what they’re supposed to do in the classroom and that they meet the academic standards … before they even get on the field. … That commitment from the school and teachers shows in our group going into next year, our 2025 class is a great group … not just on the field but academically. Their GPAs are

through the roof. The majority of them are above a 3.4 GPA, which is unheard of.”

Despite college football’s increasing focus on a player’s ability on the field, in many institutions, from the Division I level to D-III, execution in the classroom is still one of the biggest determining factors in a player getting a scholarship — or even an opportunity. Thompson’s mission this offseason is to take full advantage of that academic achievement and get his guys scholarship offers.

“Knowing that this group is set in the classroom, we’re trying to figure out how to take advantage of that and get our guys recruited by the schools that put higher importance on academics and offer scholarship money to the kids that are good enough to play at the next level,” he said. “What we found was that a lot of those types of schools are sitting up in that Ohio Valley region. So we were asking ourselves what is the best way to get these schools to look at our kids?

“Usually, those schools we’ve identified will come down to visit and see our kids but not until January at recruiting fairs,” Thompson said. “By that time, a lot of the scholarship money they have to offer is already dedicated or allocated to different players, and it’s usually the players from their local area. The money they have allocated to Florida kids is limited, so often that means Florida kids are having to pay out of pocket to play at those schools who give them a chance. … So, we recognized that we need to get our kids in front of these Division II, D-III schools earlier so they can have the chance to get scholarships — academic and football — to these very, very good academic schools, some of which, more so than a lot of these Division I schools, are better academically or have an alumni network that you can’t beat.”

What Thompson and his team cooked up was a six-day, 12-school bus tour that was headlined by an academic mega-football camp at Miami University in Ohio. Overall, West Orange’s players on

the tour were evaluated by more than 150 total schools, which paid dividends.

“From that trip, we ended up with four seniors getting multiple offers,” Thompson said. “We had more seniors get the chance to build relationships with schools that they can follow up with during the season, to see how they’ve developed. Not just that, but we actually had a Class of 2024 senior commit to an offer on the trip.”

CHECK THE RESULTS

The list of players who have come through the West Orange program recently or are currently at the school is chock full of current and future college players.

Just look on the incoming 2024 roster: Senior defensive back Ivan Taylor is a Notre Dame commit; senior athlete Donovan Lanier holds offers from Ole Miss, FAU, Coastal Carolina and more; junior DB Devin Jackson holds offers from Florida, Mississippi State, Wisconsin and more; junior athlete Devonte Anderson holds offers from Florida, Kansas, Colorado and more; junior defensive back Chakai Scott has an offer from UMass; senior receiver Ryne Brown holds an offer from Ole Miss; and senior offensive lineman Nicolas Marti, holds an offer from Wabash College.

Thompson expects to see a few more upperclassmen receive offers throughout the summer and come fall.

Another great example of Thompson’s approach working is West Orange alum Jordan Castell, Class of 2023. In his freshman season, the University of Florida defensive back hit the ground running, playing in 12 games. He made 60 total tackles (1.5 for a loss), deflected four passes and caught an interception. Castell’s play on the field earned him a spot on the Freshman All-SEC team and the ESPN Freshman All-America team, while his work in the classroom got him on the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Courtesy photo

Photos by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Tavarrius Powell announced his decision to sign with the University of West Florida football team at West Orange High’s spring signing day ceremony.

West Orange football’s Ivan Taylor announced his commitment to play at Notre Dame.

USA Ninja Challenge, Ocoee now open

USA Ninja Challenge in Ocoee, a year-round obstacle course training gym, is now open.

USA Ninja Challenge Ocoee is now open in the West Oaks Mall, near the Orange County Tax Collector office, and is offering classes, camps and private parties to boys and girls from ages 4 to 17 — including students with special needs.

The new Ocoee location is one of many around the country that offer the year-round obstacle course training program that combines basic skills from gymnastics, climbing, cross-training and track-and-field, to not only to develop its athletes for the sport of obstacle course racing — similar to what is featured on the TV show “American Ninja Warrior”

— but also to give kids a unique way to stay active and socialize.

The curriculum includes six levels

USA NINJA CHALLENGE OCOEE

West Oaks Mall, 9401 W. Colonial

Dr. Suite 338

Services: Classes, camps and private parties

Contact: (689) 280-9296 or ocoee@usaninjachallenge.com

Hours: Classes start as early as 9 a.m. to as late as 6 p.m., from Monday to Saturday.

Rules and information: visit ninjaocoee.com.

to master — each of which challenges participants with a wide variety of progressions and drills. Students advance to the next levels when they demonstrate mastery of each skill.

Coaches — who are trained in creating an immersive, fun and most importantly safe environment — guide students at their own specific pace through each level in small classes — six to eight students per instructor — to ensure personalized attention.

According to its website, the purpose of this new youth-athletic

program is to “help build children’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of accomplishment, one obstacle at a time.”

As the gym and its students grow in

numbers, experience and ability, the hope is to introduce a competition team, so expect to soon see Ocoee’s Ninjas competing in the growing sport and bringing home trophies.

Renegade Pickleball to launch mid-August

As a longtime tennis player, Houghton, 49, gravitated toward pickleball for the same reason many others do: It’s an easy way to stay active and competitive with a reduced chance of injury. He never expected to find an environment that mirrored his passion for gathering the community for a good time.

As the sport has done for countless people around the world, it captured Houghton’s heart, and now, he wants to do what he does best, give back to his community through his new brand.

“I’ve been seeing the sport just continuously growing, and the

more I’ve played, the more fun I’ve had with it,” Houghton said. “I take my son out to play, and we have a blast. … To me, it’s exciting to get people involved. It’s exciting to get people out of the house and moving. I feel like I’m doing a good thing by bringing people to play with me.

“That’s really my main thing with the brand: I want to get people up and moving,” he said. “In this society, that’s what we need because of things like social media, which has everybody on their phones all day. I just want to get people to take an hour and a half and go out, get some good sun, some vitamin D and get their heart pumping. I think everybody’s going to feel better and

make our community a better place.”

That mindset is exactly how he wants to go about building Renegade Pickleball, through an organic approach of growing the game in West Orange. To do that, Houghton plans on hosting free Renegade Pickleball clinics and tournaments as core elements of his business to go along with equipment and apparel sales, and private lessons.

There was even a mention of a country music concert, pickleball tournament crossover event.

For now, though, Houghton’s budding business is still on the ground floor — specifically in the product design and development phase, following its acquisition of

the appropriate licensing — but as the sport keeps growing locally, there will be a void for a local-first brand like Renegade Pickleball to fill.

“I just got the licensing, I’m designing paddles, I’m designing merchandise right now; it’s just a really exciting moment for me,” Houghton said. “I’m not sure which direction we’ll be going in as far as how we’ll get our products to the customer, but we’re obviously going to be hitting it hard locally at our pickleball courts in Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, so get ready.”

Houghton expects to fully launch the brand’s initial line of products in mid-August.

Photos by Sam Albuquerque

As part of USA Ninja Challenge’s junior class for 4- and 5-year-olds, Antonia Bastos jumps from one platform to another.

Yahli Ran swung from rope to rope at the USA Ninja Challenge gym at the West Oaks Mall in Ocoee.

During a USA Ninja Challenge junior class, Ethan Ran, with the help of one of the gym’s coaches, practiced keeping his balance on the rolling cylinder.

‘Hawk News’ an unforgettable experience

Recent Horizon High graduate James Governali-Anselm shares about his time as executive producer for the school’s TV program.

JAMES GOVERNALI-ANSELM HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL

I walk into the broadcasting room at Horizon High School before anyone else. It’s 6:50 a.m. when I start the pre-show to-do list: flicking the lights on, powering up equipment, transposing a show into the teleprompter. I am the executive producer, and we have a show to put on.

The Horizon High School DVT program was established three years ago, with the opening of the school itself, under the guidance of Patrick Tyler. He was an industry professional for more than 20 years, a freelancer and graduate of the University of Central Florida. Horizon High is lucky to have him.

Under his guidance, I helped pioneer the broadcast show “Hawk News,” which you can view on YouTube.

From the name of the show to how the show script would run and what stories would be done, I have been there since the rocky start.

Film and TV has always been a passion of mine. I’ve had aspirations of being a writer for as long as I can recall, from the young age of 3. I grew up in New York being exposed to a variety of films, museums and novels that formed my worldview. Moving to Florida at the end of eighth grade and on the cusp of COVID-19 — with the intention of studying under Ms. Nancy Laurenzana at Windermere High School — was an interesting, sporadic time.

I had dreams of doing news shows and having my work shown at the Enzian Theater. With the seeming winds of change, the notion of masking while on campus to make this happen quickly set in. However, as fate would have it, Horizon West grew, and by 10th grade, I was redistricted to Horizon High before getting the opportunity to make a cinematic difference.

It was a nerve-wracking transfer. Yet again, anxiety and distress lingered. A new school would mean separation from friends and the progress I’d made, with untold fears of what awaited hanging in the shadows. Yet, the entire school was going through the exact same change as me, and little did I know about the amazing opportunities in store, waiting in the wings.

The first year of our broadcast program was slow. There was a series of roadblocks, even issues with equipment delivery. Our first show didn’t hit air until March. However, when our crew took the leap of faith under Mr. Tyler’s guidance, we adapted to meet the challenge. When interviews for executive producers arose, I jumped at the chance and was granted the role. Early on, I wanted to have a bit of fun filming, so I decided to establish Halloween specials, as well as end-

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

of-year

shows. You can see these on YouTube, as well. Although there are three executive producers on staff per year, I am proud to be the only executive producer to be producing for the full run of the program. It was a challenging, invigorating job. Each week, the mantle of producing shows is passed onto the next executive in the cycle of three. This responsibility is fully directed by those producing students. This includes finding information; writing the script; and casting roles like anchors, camera operators, teleprompters and the switcher. Shows can be a daunting task, as they must be filmed in one class period so the SD card will be given to Mr. Tyler, who will edit and upload it to YouTube for everyone to view by 8 a.m. the next day. This past year, Mr. Tyler felt we could handle an entire week of shows complete with stories when

available. We all elevated to this amazing task.

The DVT and broadcasting program has offered exponential growth for me. With experience from the school station, I was afforded the opportunity of becoming the reporter for HHS FFA under Stephanie Jornd. I also jumped at the chance to film and edit coverage of the first two football games of the school, feeling it was important to document those keystone moments.

From that first covered football game complete with fireworks in the background, I was there to capture, report, edit and produce. I embraced the role and eagerly took on opportunities in writing or covering interviews of staff and events around school. Through it all, I always felt that everyone should feel valued.

Recently, Ms. Ashley Fisher, who runs the theater department, put on “Urinetown” the musical.

I was there to make sure public relations was covered with stories all week long. As a producer, there’s also a responsibility to run the newsroom, oversee classmates and keep stories on task. Students within the program need to film, edit and produce three stories a quarter. These stories can be anything related to the school, events and local community. An important aspect of producing was to guide these stories to completion through deadlines, hands-on help and feedback.

Enzian Theater in Winter Park puts on a student film festival — a driving reason I enrolled. Windermere High enters this contest every year, and it has been a goal to enter since freshman year.

This past year, I took a leap of faith and ended up winning an award for Best Directing. Throughout my time as a producer, I learned a lot of valuable lessons on leadership, com-

“Although there are three executive producers on staff per year, I am proud to be the only executive producer to be producing for the full run of the program. It was a challenging, invigorating job.”

— JAMES GOVERNALI-ANSELM

munication skills and connection. Maybe the most important of these, I found the opportunities needed to succeed are often right in front of you. You have to be open to them and evaluate where you can make a difference.

Life has taken me in many different directions from an SAE project in the FFA on growth and development in Horizon West, to working at the local church, or even writing three books. The outlier for each of these was to relish the available opportunities and see where life takes you.

This May, I helped pick the people who are taking the producer mantle, as this year’s team happened to be seniors. Look up Hawk News on YouTube; you might be pleasantly surprised at what your local high school is producing.

I am so excited to announce that Disney is backing our backdrop for all foreseeable shows. Even though I will not be able to use the set, it is extremely satisfying to know I had a part in this outcome and helping future students elevate the pursuit. We handed our reins over to Daniel, Esteban and Max. I know they will do amazing things with the program.

To anyone who can relate to this experience, hold fast and have faith. Life is a beautiful thing. I hope each one of you reading this will strive to elevate the pursuit and soar in your own ways. Like we always ended our shows: Have an amazing day, Hawks.

SCHOOL NOTES

STUDENTS FINISH SEMINARY

Thirty local high school seniors from the Orlando Florida West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were able to celebrate a second graduation in honor of completing the Seminary Program Sunday, June 2.

As part of the Church’s Seminary Program, high school students attend an early-morning class four days a week before school.

Yralia Devereux, who teaches more than 20 students from Windermere and West Orange high schools, said the program is a reminder of what is important in life.

“One of the most important words in the Scriptures is ‘remember,’” she said. “Seminary provides the students, as well as the teachers, daily reminders of the most important principles of the Gospel.” Ava Peters, graduating student from West Orange, said it is a sacrifice to wake up each morning before school but also is worth it.

“Seminary has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she said. “Even though it’s sometimes hard to initially wake up, I love starting my day by learning more about the Gospel. It puts me in the right mindset for the day and honestly makes my day-to-day life easier. ... I am reminded daily that I am a child of God, that Jesus and my Heavenly Father love me, and how amazing the Gospel is. Seminary has strengthened my testimony and helped me develop study habits that I will use for the rest of my life.”

Courtesy photo

James Governali-Anselm was a member of last year’s “Hawks News” team.

THEATER: The ultimate team sport

West Orange and Southwest Orange students have plenty of ways to get involved in the theater arts.

I’ve had a love of theater for many years. When I mention this passion to people, they often don’t think the arts are as beneficial and rigorous as sports or academic activities. However, performing has taught me valuable lessons from the first day to closing night.

CREATIVITY

The first step to many shows is auditions. Usually, the director will ask you to prepare part of a song or a monologue. The goal is to not show you’re better but rather to show how you’re different from everyone else. It’s important to be yourself!

At one audition, I could perform whatever song I wanted. While this sounds easy, I had to pick from hundreds of pieces of music. I had to consider how much time I had until the audition, my vocal range and what song would correspond to the character for whom I was auditioning.

TEAMWORK

After the roles are assigned, the cast and crew meet each other and begin practicing. We learn our blocking, which is the movement of the actors throughout a scene. If it’s a musical, we’ll learn dances and music, as well. Every person I’ve worked with is unique. Some directors will assign blocking, while others will let the actors “feel it out.” Certain choreographers will want fancy footwork, while others will let performers stand in place. Different personalities make shows special! The cast will be different each time, too. Some cast members,

such as the ones in school shows, know one another already. You can have plenty of friends in your show but can be a little uncomfortable performing in front of others. I’ve also walked into rehearsal rooms not knowing anyone and walked out ecstatically. You don’t have to like everyone you work with, but if you’re starting a show, try to be open and make new friends!

DISCIPLINE

Tech Week, the week leading up to opening night, is one of the most rigorous parts of performing. The

cast begins wearing costumes and sometimes microphones. The crew is busy rigging up the lights and practicing sound cues. It’s difficult and exhausting for everyone involved, especially with opening night looming in the near distance. For many days, I’d drive straight from school to the theater. After spending hours at rehearsal, I’d eat in the car and stay up late doing my homework. Then, the next day, I’d do it all again. For Tech Week, you have to be flexible while putting in as much effort as possible. Instead of making

room for the theater, you must put the theater first. In a recent show, I knew all my blocking and choreography but the addition of puppetry was a huge curveball. The dedication of our cast and crew was truly admirable.

BRAVERY

After hours and hours of work, opening night comes! There are many ways to approach the event: stress, anxiety, excitement. Having to face an audience is terrifying. Every response is understandable. Know that people want to see you succeed. Going onstage is an amazingly brave feat, and you should be proud. When I get onstage and start singing, I remember why I perform: Because I love it. Making people laugh and cry fills me with a warmth everyone deserves to have. Theater has taught me creativity, teamwork, discipline and bravery. The sense of community in a cast is unlike anything else. Whether the arts are your passion or not, I encourage you to go after what makes you happy. You never know what could happen.

DENISE ANN BURKHALTER-COLBERG

DIED SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2024.

In loving memory of Denise Ann Burkhalter-Colberg, 82, born on Dec. 4, 1941, and entered into rest on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Denise was a loving wife, devoting her life to raising her sons and loving on her grandchildren. She was an avid animal lover and strong supporter for law enforcement, having worked for the Ocoee Police Department for many years, as well as with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.  Affectionately remembered for her love of University of Florida Gator Football (Go Gators!) and for many years performing with the Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus, one of Central Florida’s chapter of Sweet Adelines International.

Denise was preceded in death by her first husband, Ray Burkhalter; parents, Babe and Forrest Haynes; sister Nancy Lewis; and brother-in-law, David Lewis.

She is sorely missed and survived by her husband, Jim Colberg; and her children, Joe (Barb) Burkhalter, Mike (Jill) Burkhalter, Jesse (Beverly) Burkhalter, Joe Colberg; along with her grandchildren, Jennifer (Sammy) Giufre, Joey (Devon) Burkhalter, Joanie (Max) Ewy, Samantha (Tim) Perkins, Brooke Burkhalter, Jessica (Lita) and Sage Keeley; 10 greatgrandchildren; niece, Debbie Lewis; nephew, D.J. Lewis (Ingrid); as well as many friends and family in the Sound of Sunshine Chorus; Winn-Dixie workers she befriended on her trips up and down the aisles; and all those she touched with her generous heart. Rest in peace, Nana, we love you!

AVA MARIE PETROSKI

OLYMPIA HIGH SCHOOL

Courtesy photos

The lead character of “Willy Wonka” was portrayed by Ava Marie Petroski.

Left: Ava Marie Petroski was a member of the “Matilda Jr.” cast.

OCPS leaders host 2024 State of the Schools

Superintendent Maria Vasquez and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs touched on the district’s performance and impact on Orange County.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vasquez and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs partnered to host the 2024 State of the Schools address Monday, June 3, at Edgewater High School.

The leaders discussed the district’s progress of ongoing programs, as well as strategy, goals, budget, continuation of the half-cent sales tax and new initiatives while touching on the district’s performance and impact on Orange County.

DISCIPLINE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Since taking on the superintendent role, Vasquez said communication has been a priority.

She has held more than 60 town hall meetings throughout the district.

One of the most common themes she heard was the need for more support for schools from the district level.

In response to that plea, OCPS reorganized and moved away from its geographic learning committees where area superintendents supervised as many as 35 schools. Now, principal leaders work more directly with about 12 schools each. Vasquez said feedback shows this has been extremely beneficial in providing more support and professional development for principals.

Vasquez said it also was important to be able to connect directly with families, students and staff on a regular basis, which promoted the creation of “Mondays with Maria.”

The superintendent has hosted 38 of the video segments.

One of the many topics Vasquez touched upon in the videos was student discipline, an issue she said parents consistently highlighted during the town halls.

In response to these concerns, the district formed a Discipline Task Force, with minds from inside and outside the district.

As part of that effort, a new cell phone policy was developed, which states students must keep their cell phones turned off and put away during class hours.

Jacobs said increasing reports of anxiety, depression and loneliness amongst youth can be traced back, in part, to cell phones.

A-PLUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Vasquez said the number of “A” rated traditional schools in the district continues to rise, with 77 earning the title from the Florida Department of Education in December compared to 60 the previous year. In addition, 99.5% of the district’s traditional schools earned an “A,” “B” or “C” grade.

OCPS has increased its graduation rate from fewer than 50% in 2000 to 95.5% in traditional schools in the 2022-23 school year. Charter and alternative schools had an 89.1% graduation rate.

The district had 122 Super Scholars and 54 career and technical education scholars this year.

OCPS is continuing to expand, with the district’s technical colleges currently undergoing a once-in-a-generation reimagining.

Both the east and west Orange Technical College campuses are under construction and soon will offer state-of-the-art skills labs with the latest technology and more student gathering areas. Renova-

tions on the main campus also were just completed.

Districtwide, 164 graduating seniors earned an OCPS diploma along with an associates degree from Valencia College. Secondary students earned more than 9,500 industry certificates.

In the arts, OCPS was recognized as one of the best communities for music education in the United States from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for the eighth consecutive year.

SCHOOL SAFETY

The district signed a School Justice Partnership Agreement with 12 local law enforcement agencies and the judicial system following the event.

The agreement lays out guidelines for how to handle instances of student misconduct, with an emphasis on finding alternatives to arrest for less-serious offenses that do not pose a threat to school safety.

HALF-CENT SALES TAX

On Nov. 5, Orange County voters again will decide whether to continue the halfcent sales tax for district capital needs for an additional 10 years. The current halfcent sales tax is set to expire at the end of 2025.

The half-cent sales tax first passed with 59.3% approval in 2002. The sales tax was then again continued by voters in 2014, where it passed with 64% in favor.

According to OCPS, at least 136 schools have been or will be rebuilt or renovated by the end of the current referendum.

Revenues from the half-cent sales tax have funded the OCPS Capital Renewal Program since 2014 to replace major systems, such as air conditioning and roofing.

Since the implementation of the sales tax, portable usage has dropped by about 75% and the average age of K-12 schools has decreased from 32 to 13 years.

CHALLENGES

The OCPS leaders said transparency and honesty are important and it is essential to discuss challenges the district is facing.

“I believe that public education as a whole is at a tipping point in this country,” Jacobs said. “The impact of our work can’t be overstated, as we instill critical thinking skills that make our students not only employable but productive members of society and informed voters.”

She said teachers are the backbone of the district’s core mission to educate young people.

Of OCPS’ almost 25,000 employees, more than 14,000 are teachers.

However, the number of young people entering the workforce in this profession has declined dramatically.

Jacobs said OCPS is working on ways to recruit teachers, such as the Center for Future Educators magnet at Edgewater High, the Para to Teacher Pipeline Program, apprenticeship programs and alternative certification options.

Staffing challenges aren’t just limited to teachers. OCPS continues to suffer from the shortage of bus drivers.

“This year, OCPS was about 100 drivers short, which meant some of them were making two trips to schools, and students experienced inconsistent or delayed routes,” Vasquez said.

Starting this upcoming school year, parents can start registering their intent for their children to ride the bus, which will help OCPS to start creating routes much earlier than before.

The district’s fleet of electric buses also are being expanded thanks to grant dollars, and tablets will be placed on buses that will allow the location of children in real time and help track the location and arrival time of the school buses.

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

Courtesy photo

Superintendent Maria Vasquez helped lead the State of the Schools address.

Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28

Eighteen months after Splash Mountain closed, the ride will reopen at Magic Kingdom with a new theme.

MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Walt Disney World will celebrate the opening of its newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, June 28 at Magic Kingdom.

The ride, a reimagined version of the shuttered Splash Mountain, is inspired by the film, “The Princess and the Frog.” And instead of whisking riders into the events of the film itself, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure tells a new story that takes place after the events of the movie.

And while riders certainly will enjoy floating along the bayou on their way to a Nawlins Mardi Gras celebration, they may not realize the lengths to which Disney’s Imagineers went to make the ride as authentic as possible.

“Tiana is everybody’s princess,” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering executive creative producer-VP, said. “She comes from a real place in America. She wasn’t born into royalty. She has a working mom. She has military ties. And there is so much about her life that is relatable.”

The character was inspired by Leah Chase, known as the “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” and her legendary New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase. Disney Imagineers worked closely with the Chase family to create the new ride.

“Tiana would not be possible if it were not for Leah Chase,” Carmen Smith, Walt Disney Imagineering vice president of creative development, said. “She was a dreamer and a doer, a working mom … who followed her dream to run a restaurant. She and her husband, Dooky, ran Dooky Chase in New Orleans, but it wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a gathering place that inspired so many. Multiple U.S. presidents dined there. So did Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall (and) Ray Charles. … While Leah and Dooky are gone, their legacy lives on through the future generations who are a huge part of this project. Their children were our guides, her life and her community. We even made her daughter, Stella Chase, an honorary Imagineer.”

And that’s not all. The Chases’ daughter, vocalist Leah Chase Kamata, can be heard singing, “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans,” on the radio broadcast playing in the queue. And the ride’s new merchandise shop will stock Chase family cookbooks. It also will be the only place outside of New Orleans to offer four Dooky Chase signature spices.

“The whole family is in this,” Smith said. “We are so blessed to have them with us.”

The ride also features 19 new characters and a new song, “Special Spice,” written by New Orleans Grammy Award-winning musician and producer P.J. Morton and performed by Anika Noni Rose, who played Princess Tiana in the original film.

In the end, Disney officials hope the ride replicates authentically the sounds, sights and spirit of New Orleans.

“We, at Disney, have incredibly high standards for ourselves, and we want to make sure our guests feel … that they are invited to this party Tiana is hosting,” Karin Han -

son, Walt Disney Imagineering principal show mechanical engineer, said. “That means we have people — everything from planners and schedulers all the way over to mechanical engineers, finishers and painters — it’s literally hundreds of people all having to work at the top of their games to

make sure it is the level of perfection that we are hoping to give to our guests.”

Hanson has been working on the project for about four years.

“It’s absolute incredible to be able to get to this point in one of our projects and see our guests enjoying the fruits of our labor,” she said. “I’m really excited to start seeing people enjoying feeling like they’re connecting with the characters, feeling like they’re enjoying a whole new story. I can’t wait to share it with the public.”

In addition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new animated series, “Tiana,” will be coming to Disney Plus.

By Luis Campos

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Photos by Michael Eng

Malaika Favorite and Sharika Mahdi created the artwork at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Left: The ride’s queue features many special touches that pay homage to the Chase family.

AUTO BIOGRAPHIES by Aidan Deshong, edited by Jeff Chen

redpages@orangeobserver.com

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Visit Historic Downtown For Patriotic Small Town Charm

4th of July Community Celebrations

All American Kids Parade & Breakfast

Thursday, July 4 • Parade at 10:00 am

Line up at 9:45 am at City Hall, 300 W. Plant St.

• Kids Pancake Breakfast (Free) – 8:00 – 10:00 am (while supplies last)

• Entertainment, Activities, and Fun!

Winter Garden Masonic Lodge – 230 W. Bay St.

Party in the Park & Fireworks

Thursday, July 4 • 6:00 – 10:00 pm

• Fireworks Display on Lake Apopka – 9:15 pm

• Festivities begin at 6:00 pm

– Live Music, Games, Crafts, Vendors, & More

• Pack a Picnic, Chairs/Blankets

(No alcohol or personal fireworks permitted.)

Newton Park – 29 W. Garden Ave.