County commissioners also approved adding a charter amendment to the
YOUR TOWN
NATURE PHOTOG TO SPEAK IN OAKLAND
The Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland is hosting a presentation by international award-winning photographer Wei-Shen Chin at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Chin’s “The Art of Bird Photography” offers a unique opportunity to delve into avian art with a local artistic celebrity. Attendees will view neverbefore-seen photos from Chin’s global expeditions, including images of penguins in Antarctica, puffins in Newfoundland and crested caracaras in Chile. His local photography is included in the center’s ongoing exhibition, “Lake Apopka – An Art & History Timeline.”
PINWHEELS FOR PEACE
Celebrate
Nerding out
Oakland Nature Preserve recaps year of growth
ONP Managing Director Jennifer Hunt gave an update during a recent Oakland Town Commission meeting.
AMY QUESINBERRY
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Four of the six summer camps at the Oakland Nature Preserve were filled on the first day of registration, more than 6,000 volunteer hours were logged, and more than 1,000 native plants and trees were planted in the last year.
Jennifer Hunt, the nature preserve’s managing director, reported these statistics and more during her annual update at the Tuesday, Aug. 27, Oakland Town Commission meeting.
“It’s exciting; it’s had its challenges,” Hunt said. “This year, we changed things a little bit.”
An estimated 35,000 visitors explored the preserve in the last year, she said. This includes hundreds of students from Innovation Montessori Ocoee and Oakland Avenue Charter School, as well as students in the homeschool series.
In the summer camp program, 144 campers enjoyed visits from the Bat Conservancy, Avian Reconditioning Center and
Orange County History Center; beekeepers and fossil hunters gave presentations too.
Hunt said education is the cornerstone of the preserve.
A future outdoor education space will allow ONP to expand its offerings, she said, and she hopes the preserve can secure funding for the cleanup and creation of the space on the Briley Farm property.
Equally important are the volunteers, and the more people who volunteer, the more likely the preserve is to receive higher grant dollars.
“We can show there is value coming in with our volunteers,” Hunt said.
A total of 189 individuals and 14 groups worked more than 6,000 hours assisting with restoration, events, animal care, data entry, museum docents, eco interpreters and project construction.
Other programs are bringing folks to the preserve, including the UF-Florida Master Naturalist adult certification program, scout badge work, firefly hikes, blue hikes and Story Time at the Preserve.
Nature Fest brought an estimated one thousand people and 38 vendors and partners to ONP, and 1,675 visitors enjoyed the Pumpkin Glow
Jack-o’-lantern Trail. The Oakland Heritage Festival and Pours at the Preserve are always popular events.
Eight Eagle Scout candidates created their projects at the preserve, and more than $20,000 in scholarships were awarded to six high school students.
Hunt introduced Nicole O’Brien, who will be taking over Hunt’s position when she retires this month. O’Brien said she and the staff have some exciting programs planned.
ISSUES ON THE ROADS
The commission heard from several residents concerned about speeding vehicles on East Vick and Vandermeer avenues and other parts of historic Oakland. They suggested the town install signs telling drivers to slow down and lower the speed limit in the area to 10 mph.
“The reason I think 10 mph is appropriate is it is a dirt road, there are kids playing there and pets that roam around, and the dust and dirt kicked up would lessen,” the resident said. “I have concerns every time my kids go out.”
IN OTHER NEWS
n The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the Oakland Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, safety and security requirements at Oakland Avenue Charter School, the school’s internet policy, and the town’s dispatch agreement with the Winter Garden Police Department.
n The commission made appointments to the Auditor Selection Committee. Mayor Shane Taylor will lead the six-member group.
n Commissioners approved switching the employee health insurance provider from United Healthcare to Florida Blue, resulting in an employer cost savings of $131,492.
n The tentative budget hearing is Monday, Sept. 9, and the final budget hearing is Tuesday, Sept. 24. Both will take place at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Meeting Hall.
Dump trucks along Starr Street are failing to stop at the stop signs where the West Orange Trail crosses as well, resident Donna Reed said.
“I have videos of these dump trucks flying through the stop signs,” she said.
n The commission issued four proclamations declaring Sept. 20 West Orange Healthy Selfie Day, September National Preparedness Month, Sept. 2 Labor Day and Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 Hispanic Heritage Month.
WAY BACK WHEN
Ray Gillard
The Winter Garden native was born at home in August 1928 and lived his entire life in the city until moving to Montverde five years ago at age 91.
AMY QUESINBERRY
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Editor’s note: Way Back When is a feature that records and preserves the stories and memories of lifelong West Orange and Southwest Orange residents.
When Ray Gillard was 13, he had saved up enough money
— $40 — to buy his own car, a Model T Ford he called “Shake Rattle and Roll” because that’s what it did. He was too young to have a license, so when it came inspection time for vehicles, he knew all of Winter Garden’s back roads and was easily able to skirt around the inspection spot at Highway 50 and County Road 535. It was during the height of World War II, and food, materials — everything — were rationed. Drivers could get six gallons of gas per week. That was OK, because Gillard didn’t need to go far in Winter Garden.
Gillard, who just turned 96, was born at home Aug. 22, 1928, the fifth of eight children. Home was “an old shack of a house,” he said, where Roper and Vineland roads intersects. “There was a dirt trail that led from 535 from the huge Black Lake swamp to (County Road) 545,” he said. “It was never more than a mule and wagon trail.”
When Ray was born, he joined his siblings, Irma Dollar, Artie Moran, Jerry Roscoe (who was known as Bud) and Bessie Reynolds. Following Ray were James (known as Chick), Hubert and Kathy Parkhill. Ray and Kathy are the only two still living today.
He, his three brothers, four sisters and their parents, Roscoe and Carrie, lived in the board-and-batten cracker house with two bedrooms and a tin roof. The girls had a makeshift bedroom in the front room.
There was no electricity, but there was running water, Gillard said.
“That’s when you pumped water and ran with it,” he said, laughing.
Water for the household came from a pump on the back porch and a pump in the yard. In the winter, the family chopped wood to keep the stove burning.
The family later moved to an old wooden house in a block of citrus groves, also on 535. After living in several homes in the groves, the family settled on Gillard Road — named for the family — east of Beulah Road.
Money was tight, but the Gillards knew how to grow lush gardens that produced an abundance of food for the family to eat and sell.
“We were a self-sufficient family in that we raised all our own vegetables and our own cows and our own hogs, and we slaughtered them and
cured the meats,” Gillard said. “On Saturdays, I would bundle up the onions and radish and get a box tied around my younger brother’s neck. He could go to downtown Winter Garden and bring money back.”
Years later, Gillard built his mother a house on Donald Street north of downtown. She lived to be 94 and tended her own garden until she was 90.
ABOUT TOWN One of Gillard’s earliest memories of downtown Winter Garden is going with his older sister, Artie, into a store operated on South Main Street by A.B. Newton. Plant Street was a busy place to be Gillard said. A police telephone was mounted to an oak tree that stood where the gazebo was built, he said.
Police Chief Mark Bailey was known for having his sidekick police dog, a German shepherd.
“If that phone rang and no one was around, that dog would run around town until he found a cop to let him know about it,” Gillard said.
Another regular downtown occurrence was an old guy by the name of Ed who parked his wheelchair at the southeast corner of Main and Plant streets.
“He was always in Army-type woolen clothes, and he had a whistle, and if anybody didn’t stop at that intersection, he blew the whistle to let them know,” he said. Downtown had several dime stores, clothing stores, and a bar and pool room owned by John Harrell when Gillard was growing up. There were three grocery stores — one on Plant Street owned by the Ficquette brothers, another near Boyd Street owned by the Capplemans and a third on South Main Street owned by Shorty Reddick.
“On Saturday night,
everyone from the country came to Winter Garden and parked their cars next to Plant Street,” he said. “Prior to the supermarkets, you didn’t pick anything up. You told the clerk what you wanted on a piece of paper, and he would go get it. (Groceries) came in bulk, tied up in twine and put on the counter.”
Gillard’s father worked in the orange grove until noon on Saturdays and then cut meat at Reddick’s Grocery. He sometimes helped Elmer Merritt, who ran Reddick’s Oakland store. Gillard worked there too, and his first customer was a little boy about 3 or 4 years old. He wanted five cents’ worth of candy and handed Gillard a button as payment. Merritt said to accept the button; the boy’s mother kept a tab at the store. Saturdays were special if you could come up with a quarter and go to the downtown movie theater.
“For nine cents you could get in, five cents for a bag of popcorn, you could take a penny next door to (theater owner Collie) Biggers’ sister’s candy store and buy a Tootsie Roll or peppermint stick,” Gillard said. “You still had a dime left. Coca-Cola was five cents a bottle, and ice cream was 10 cents.”
Further west on Plant Street was the ice plant, which produced 300-pound ice blocks to keep vegetables and fruits cool when shipping them via railroad cars to other parts of the country. The plant had a platform for vehicles, and residents could drive up and pick up 10- or 25-pound blocks of ice to take home for their ice box. Trucks also delivered ice to homes.
MAKING A LIVING
After school and on Saturdays, Gillard worked for Lawrence Iserman, who owned a blacksmith shop, where Florida Metalcraft now operates, on Dillard Street. He assisted other welders in moving metal and cleaned up the shop, including the machine that created acetylene gas.
“He paid me more than I was worth; I know he gave me $40 one week,” Gillard said. “That was good pay.”
Another job, when he was 12, had him working after school and Saturdays for Ezzard Farm, located on West Colonial Drive where Stage Stop Campground is now. The retired attorney-turned-farmer paid 10 cents per hour.
“Mr. Ezzard always liked that
Amy Quesinberry
Ray Gillard goes in his backyard daily to check his gardens and feed the fish in Lake Apopka.
Courtesy photos
A postcard shows Winter Garden when it was full of citrus. At right, Ray Gillard and his little brother.
Thor’s Sanctuary provides safe space for nerds, families
ANNABELLE SIKES
EDITOR
NEWS
Horizon West resident David Pool, 35, is known to his close friends and family as Jedi Dave. He remembers his mother renting a Star Wars movie from the library and bringing it home to him as a young child. He said he was instantly hooked and has become a mega Star Wars nerd ever since.
Pool’s passion for video games and animation led him to study 3D animation in school, and he has used those nurtured skills and passions to now develop his own nerd safe haven: Thor’s Sanctuary.
Thor’s Sanctuary is an organization for nerds and families to come together and spend time in a safe space. The group hosts different kinds of themed events for those interested in anything from video games to Pokémon to Dungeons & Dragons. Although some events are adult-only, a majority of the events cater to families and children, as well.
Created almost two years ago, the group now has more than 100 members.
The group most recently met for a Family Fun Arcade Night Saturday, Aug. 31, at Playa Pizza.
Pool brought myriad games and activities, including Playstations, his Nintendo Switch, pre-made decks of Pokémon cards, board games and coloring books. The reason behind the creation of the group and these free events: to provide a safe space for anyone — no matter their interests.
“Nerds need to be able to have a place to hang out and do fun, nerdy stuff,” Pool said. “It doesn’t have to be just one specific thing, because just like the rest of the world, the nerd community is so diverse. You’ve got anime nerds, horror nerds, sci-fi nerds, furry nerds. There’s a genre for everything, and everyone has a passion for something. I wanted to give people a safe space to hang out. I was bullied a lot growing up, and no one deserves to live in fear. It started as just an idea for everyone to have a good time, but it really has grown into so much more.”
‘FUN SHOULD BE FREE’ Pool was born in South Carolina and has lived in Horizon West with his family for about nine years.
He used to work for Walt Disney World and was part of the team that helped to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge until his health started to decline, and he said he was let go. Pool has been diabetic for many years, and his kidneys are failing.
“I’ve dealt with a lot of depression surrounding my sickness, because no one really wants to come to terms with their own demise,” he said. “I have two little ones (who) I want to see grow up. My health is currently stable, but it has gotten progressively worse over time.”
Pool has worked at local business Playa Pizza since 2022, which is around when he first got the idea to form Thor’s Sanctuary.
“I wanted to do something that matters in this world, and I wanted to leave something for my children to be happy and proud of,” he said. “I wanted to spend more time with my kids, so I decided to start my own group.”
Pool’s background in 3D animation helped him to quickly design a logo for the group.
Pool’s family descended from Vikings, and he considers himself to be a modern day Viking. The group’s namesake, Thor, was worshipped by most Vikings and seen as the protector of all — especially children.
Pool usually gives out prizes at the events, thanks to generous donations from the group’s sponsors.
The first Thor’s Sanctuary event was a Super Smash Bros. tournament, where Pool gave out a $50 gift card from local eatery Stuff A Bagel. The events hosted by the group always are free.
“If I leave this world, I want to know that I didn’t charge people to have fun and enjoy life,” Pool said. “Fun should be free. I want to leave this world in a better place and in a better situation than when I entered it. This world has enough hate and nonsense, and I don’t want to contribute to that. No one should feel like they have to hide who they are and not feel safe. I think if more people looked at the world like
this, then it would make a bigger difference. The little things do make a big difference to somebody.”
Eric Marquardt was among the beneficiaries of Thor’s Sanctuary. He was a member of the group who died this year, and the group held a memorial service with his parents and had the opportunity to meet his friends.
“He still enjoyed life, and I’m so glad we got to be a part of that,” Pool said. “For me, it’s about the moments. Creating memories for people that make a difference. People are going to remember the time you spent living, because time is more precious than anything materialistic on this earth.”
POOL’S PARTIES
Pool said he is appreciative of everyone that got on board with supporting the group, especially when first getting the organization off the ground.
Stephen Facella, owner of Playa Pizza, was one of the first sponsors for the group, along with Marissa Giambalvo, owner of Stuff A Bagel. Stephen and his wife, Danielle, are members of the group and often bring their two children.
Danielle Facella said she heard about the group through a coworker, and it sounded interesting, so she decided to bring her family to check it out.
Marketing and Sales Associate / Zari Gotay, zari@OrangeObserver.com
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THOR’S SANCTUARY
Join the Facebook group at shorturl.at/i33DG or email David Pool, founder of the group, at superdave92388@yahoo.com.
“You never know if you like something new until you try it,” she said.
“My (at the time) 8-year-old and 10-year-old enjoyed it, and they have attended several events since. They still like attending at their current ages of 10 and almost 12.”
Danielle Facella said the family looks forward to helping the group expand and getting the word out.
“These kinds of activities are great for both introverts and extroverts alike,” she said. “It helps people of all ages come out of their shells and meet people outside of their usual daily social circles. Kids are naturally drawn to screens. Thor’s Sanctuary allows them to enjoy video games that aren’t moving so fast it makes you dizzy, while getting structured face-to-face in-person communication with their peers.”
Christian Buckingham, owner of Timewarp Tattoo, another group sponsor, learned about Thor’s Sanctuary about a year ago when he first met Pool.
“He came into the shop to ask if we would be willing to put one of his flyers up promoting an event,” Buckingham said. “We are a retro-themed shop focusing on collectibles and pop culture. We immediately knew he was a good soul and did what we could to help get the word out.”
Since then, Pool has become a valued friend of the shop and often helps with events.
“We consider him part of the family,” Buckingham said. “We instantly wanted to be a part of what he’s trying to do, because we recognize the importance of creating a community of like minded people. Gaming and what we call ‘nerd culture’ mean so much to all of us. I believe that it inspires imagination, creativity and often provides a much needed in-person social environment for people’s lives. The ideals and values that Thor’s Sanctuary promotes are exactly in line with what Timewarp Tattoo has created, and we look at the organization as an extension of the community that we ourselves are trying to cultivate in the area.”
In the future, Pool would like the group to be an organization with a home location, such as a comic shop, that can host free events.
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Courtesy photos
Thor’s Sanctuary celebrates all things pop culture, including superheroes.
Thor’s Sanctuary creator David Pool hopes to find a permanent home for the group.
Thor’s Sanctuary members have a blast cosplaying as their favorite characters.
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
EPISCOPAL
Church of the Messiah
241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah. com METHODIST First United Methodist
natural fertilizer from Howard’s Dairy next door,” Gillard said. “He would let us drive his tractor and get that cow manure.
“We raised cabbage, escarole, lettuce, sometime peppers, sometimes corn, and we would raise it from seed to shipping,” he said. “We would harvest it, send it to P.H. Britt, a vegetable packing house, at Ocoee Winter Garden Road on the railroad track.”
Gillard’s mother, in addition to raising eight children, held a job at the Tilden packing house, washing, grading and packaging fruit.
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH
PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011 EPISCOPAL
His father was a manager for J.N. Joiner, known as the citrus guru of Central Florida, Gillard said. When Joiner died, Gillard’s father became the overseer of the J.N. Joiner Estate. Gillard said his father had a workforce of eight — his children — and he put them to work at various Joiner plots. They grew sweet peas at Newton Park (long before it was named that), four acres of tomatoes near their home in the citrus grove and sweet potatoes near Walker Field (before it had a name). They could sell the sweet potatoes by the pound for 1.5 cents each.
During the Korean War, Gillard received his draft notice, went to the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland for basic training, followed by five months of guided missiles training in Huntsville, Alabama. After a transfer to Las Cruces, New Mexico, Gillard was assigned to the systems test division and tested missiles for the rest of his two-year career in the Army. When he returned to Winter Garden, he attended vocational school in Orlando to learn about auto mechanics. In 1955, he used those skills with Glen Joiner & Son. By 1960, he was promoted to service manager. Not one to remain long in one place, he left that job and went to work for Orange Buick as sales and service manager. He also taught auto mechanics to juniors and seniors at Boone High School; four years later, he left to teach engine rebuilding and auto machine shop at Mid-Florida Technical College on Oak Ridge Road. He enjoyed a 12-year career before retiring.
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LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
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Gillard attended Tildenville Elementary School from first through sixth grades and Lakeview High School until ninth grade, when he dropped out of school at age 15. By then, 1943, he was making a good wage as an assistant forest ranger. His primary job was to fight forest fires, but in the summer months, when everything was green, the employees repaired equipment and replowed fire lanes from Winter Garden to the area later known as Walt Disney World. When Gillard’s boss died, he became forest ranger.
In a career change around 1950, when Winter Garden Citrus Products Cooperative added a machine to evaporate water out of orange juice, Gillard and his buddy, Harold Bekemeyer, helped the engineers install the machine. The two became the operators, taking turns running the machine in 12-hour shifts seven days a week.
Upon retirement in 1979, Gillard has become a builder, gardener, birdwatcher and traveler. He bought four acres of land in Highlands, North Carolina, cleared it and built a cabin. He frequently spent summers there. His baby sister currently is there enjoying the cooler temperatures.
Gillard also bought 100 acres ($225 an acre) in Taylor County, Georgia, around 1985. He harvested timber out of the big pine trees and built a hunting cabin. He has owned several types of campers and motorhomes and has traveled as far south as Key West and as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska. He has made stops at many national parks along the way. Gillard moved to Montverde five years ago to the southwest shore of Lake Apopka. He keeps his bird feeders full of seed for the cardinals and painted buntings; he likes to sit on his small dock and throw bread for the fish; and he constantly checks his gardens and trees for ripe grapes, peppers, bananas, sweet potatoes, coconuts and other homegrown fruits and vegetables.
NATIVE FROM PAGE 3A
Courtesy photo
Ray Gillard, center, was just 13 when he bought his first car, a Model T Ford. With him are friends and family.
Cities, towns present plans for safer roads
The towns of Oakland and Windermere and the cities of Winter Garden and Ocoee all recently presented their Vision Zero Safety Action Plans, which seek to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
All local municipalities in West Orange now have presented their findings from their individual Vision Zero Safety Action Plans.
The plans from the towns of Oakland and Windermere and the cities of Winter Garden and Ocoee are part of the broader Vision Zero initiative.
The goal is to integrate safety principles during the planning and implementation of transportation programs countywide, as well as to reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries on the transportation system to zero by 2040.
CREATING SAFETY ACTION PLANS
The Orange-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area continues to rank as one of the deadliest traffic areas, and the average annual deaths continue to rise.
In 2022, there were 209 fatalities and 1,208 severe injuries on Orange County’s roadways.
Municipalities that wished to obtain grants for roadway projects under the Safe Streets and Roads for All were required to draft a comprehensive Safety Action Plan before being able to obtain implementation grant funding.
VISION ZERO RESOURCES
WEBSITE: shorturl.at/iGnGo
ORANGE COUNTY PLAN: shorturl.at/Atpwk
CRASH DATA DASHBOARD: shorturl.at/tBkhT
CONTACTS: Humberto Castillero, Orange County Public Works Department Traffic Engineering Division, Humberto.Castillero@ ocfl.net; Roberta Fennessy, VHB consultant team, Rfennessy@ vhb.com
MetroPlan obtained a $3.8 million federal Safe Streets for All grant, which allowed the organization to create a Safety Action Plan for each municipal entity within the MetroPlan region as part of their commitment to the Vision Zero program.
This act allowed the municipalities to proceed forward with applying for implementation funds for roadway and safety enhancements to local roadways.
A Vision Zero Safety Action Plan includes: a high injury network, equity component, list of priority streets and intersections, educational and enforcement programs, and sustained efforts.
TOWN OF OAKLAND
Oakland presented its Vision Zero plan Tuesday, June 24, at the Town Commission meeting.
The action plan was developed using crash analysis, public outreach and a working group with Town Manager Andy Stewart, public works and the police department.
From 2018 to 2022, there were 124 total crashes, with two severe injuries and zero fatalities. Of these, three were pedestrian crashes and three were bicycle crashes.
Twenty-seven percent of all the crashes involved either drugs, alcohol or distracted driving.
Based on these results, four safety improvement projects were identified, with the most expensive being $570,000 for Oakland Avenue from Florida’s Turnpike to Jefferson Street. The project ranked of highest importance was State Road 50 to Tubb Street in the amount of $20,000.
“The transportation safety projects identified in the study will be implemented through local funding, as well as federal grant funding,” Stewart said.
“This document was created with involvement from the entire community and will be used as a resource for the decision-making process. ... This
PERCENT OF SEVERE/FATAL CRASHES IN ORANGE COUNTY BY JURISDICTION
is just the beginning of a joint and collaborative effort among local, state and federal governmental agencies to accomplish the goal of zero traffic fatalities on our roadways in Oakland.”
CITY OF OCOEE
The city of Ocoee presented its Vision Zero plan Tuesday, Aug. 20, at the City Commission meeting.
In Ocoee, 46% of the population lives in a community considered to be transportation underserved, and 55% of all crashes and 70% of fatal crashes occur in or adjacent to transportation underserved communities. Many of these crashes involved a severe injury or fatality. As fatal and severe injury crashes disproportionately occur in transportation underserved communities, improvements in transportation underserved communities are prioritized.
In the last five years, 12 people were killed and 102 people were seriously injured in traffic crashes on roads in the city. Per month, 1.6 crashes result in severe injuries or fatalities.
People walking and biking were involved in only 3% of all crashes but account for 22% of the serious-injury crashes between 2018 and 2022. While there were no fatal bicycle crashes in that time period, pedestrians were involved in 30% of fatal crashes.
Crash concentrations are most apparent on West Colonial Road and Silver Star Road, as well as the intersections of Clarke and Silver Star roads and Maguire and West Colonial roads.
Several safety projects were pro-
posed based on the plan’s findings.
The highest ranking projects are:
$1,745,000 for Silver Star and Clarke roads, $80,000 for S.R. 50 and Maguire Road, $15,000 for S.R. 50 and Blackwood Avenue, and $15,000 for S.R. 50 and Clarke Road.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The town of Windermere presented its Vision Zero plan Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Town Council meeting.
The plan was created using crash analysis, public input and a town working group, which consisted of Town Manager Robert Smith, public works, the police department and a traffic engineering consultant.
From 2018 to 2022, there were three severe-injury crashes and zero fatalities. Overall, 29 non-incapacitating injury crashes and 45 possible injury crashes occurred, and pedestrians and bicycles were involved in 2% of all crashes.
One of the severe crashes took place on East Sixth Avenue, and the other two took place on Main Street.
Fifteen safety projects were recommended as a result of the plan, with six of them pertaining to Main Street and three being for East Sixth Avenue.
These include widening the existing sidewalk; reviewing existing lighting and adding pedestrian crossing on East Sixth Avenue; widening the existing sidewalk on Main Street; and adding sidewalks, upgraded signage, curb ramps, crosswalks and speed feedback signs.
“Windermere is committed to achieving zero traffic fatalities and
severe injuries on our roads,” Smith said. “This Vision Zero Safety Action Plan serves as the town’s comprehensive road map to realizing our goal of zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries.”
CITY OF WINTER GARDEN
The city of Winter Garden presented its Vision Zero plan Thursday, June 26, at the City Commission meeting. The plan was developed using crash analysis, public outreach and a city working group with City Manager Jon C. Williams, the community development department, the fire department, the police department and public services.
The results showcased 17 severe injuries and seven fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Of these, pedestrians and bicycle road users were involved in 3% of all crashes, 41% of serious injury crashes and 57% of fatal crashes. Twenty-four percent of serious injury crashes and 29% of fatal crashes involved distracted driving.
Seven safety improvements projects were identified, with the most expensive being $40,000,000 for Dillard Street from S.R. 50 to Plant Street. The second most expensive project was $9,110,000 for Story Road from S.R. 438 to S.R. 429.
“We are always seeking opportunities to enhance the safety and comfort of our roadways and trail networks, and we’re eager to explore any creative ideas that will ultimately lead to less dangerous outcomes for our community,” Kelly Carson, planning director for the city, said.
COUNTY LEVEL Commission denies Reams Road townhomes
The applicant sought to subdivide 4.95 acres to construct 21 single-family townhomes in Horizon West.
ANNABELLE
SIKES NEWS EDITOR
Editor’s note: County Level is a monthly feature that highlights the most impactful actions taken by the Orange County Commission.
The denial of a townhouse project off Reams Road in Horizon West led decisions made by Orange County Board of County Commissioners in August.
The commission denied an applicant’s request to construct the Windermere Springs Townhomes off Reams Road in Horizon West at the Tuesday, Aug. 13, meeting.
Applicant Haris Civil Engineers had requested to subdivide 4.95 acres to construct 21 single-family townhomes off Reams Road in the Horizon West Lakeside Village.
The proposed project is located northeast of Reams Road and southeast of Summerlake Park Boulevard, and the subject property currently is entitled for 21 single-family attached residential dwelling units.
No members from the public signed up to speak for the item. However, District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson voiced myriad concerns, including the potential safety hazards of continued development along Reams Road, the local schools being overcapacity and flooding from wetlands impact. Reams Road was closed for several weeks because of flooding following Hurricane Ian.
“So, I understand this was rezoned prior to my coming to this board, and I don’t have a time machine … but I cannot continue to endorse decisions that I feel like were originally inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan,” Wilson said. “I continue to
believe that if we don’t do something on Reams Road … we are creating a public-safety hazard. … We just can’t in good conscience put more human beings in those circumstances.”
Wilson made a motion to deny the proposal, and it passed 5-2.
ENCLAVES
DR. PHILLIPS RURAL
Also at the Aug. 13 meeting, the County Commission heard a report from Wilson on the possibility of creating a rural enclave for the Kilgore Road, Darlene Drive and Charles Limpus Road neighborhoods.
Last month, Wilson said, her office received a petition from more than 197 homeowners in the area requesting to preserve their Country Estate District zoning designation.
As a result, Wilson said she facilitated a community meeting regarding Vision 2050, where the same concerns were echoed.
To preserve the rural nature of this community, Wilson asked to establish protections that will supersede Comprehensive Plan changes that may come in the future.
The establishment of a rural residential enclave would give the area its own special set of guidelines, including setting a new, higher minimum lot size. It would not change the Future Land Use or the zoning districts for the property.
The board consented to Wilson’s proposal. Orange County staff plans to conduct a study on the area, seek resident feedback and return to the board with the recommendations.
ANNEXATION
CHARTER AMENDMENT
In July, the commission approved unanimously adding a charter
amendment to the November ballot establishing a rural area and rural boundary.
The amendment will give voters in Orange County a chance to restrict development in rural areas. The ordinance, known as the Rural Boundary Proposal, requires a majority-plusone vote of the commission to either approve more urban development on property located in the rural boundary or remove property from it altogether.
Similar to the rural boundary amendment, an ordinance, known as the Voluntary Annexation Proposal, was discussed at the Aug. 13 meeting. It would require a majority-plus-one vote of the commission to approve voluntary annexations within the rural area.
The municipality also has to provide notice to Orange County 10 days before the first public hearing. However, even if annexed, the county still would be in charge of development regulations of property in the rural area.
City officials from local municipalities, including Oakland, Winter Garden, Ocoee and Windermere, signed a letter to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings opposing both measures and proposing amendments to the proposal.
Thirty-two people signed up to speak on the item, including Ed Williams, with Williams Development Services Inc., a planning consultant for Winter Garden.
“Several cities with adopted, legally binded Joint Planning Area agreements have submitted written comments for you to consider,” he said. “We support the staff draft … and we think we can work out some changes as far as some of the other issues that we have. But realize that the Joint Planning Area agreements; and in Winter Garden’s case it’s (more than) 32 years, 33 years they’ve had it in
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effect. It’s on its seventh version of it over time as it changes with requirements. In that time, I’ve not been able to find any case where the (county) has had to challenge, stop, fight or take the city to court on any annexation. If there was an issue, it got worked out or the property would not be annexed. I assume many of the other cities have a similar circumstance, though there are cities that do not. We would ask that you consider the proposed revisions.”
Brandon Pownall, attorney with the Fishback Dominick law firm, spoke on behalf of Winter Garden and Ocoee.
“The cities object to the ordinance in its current form,” he said. “After most of Orange County’s cities met with Mayor Demings … and discussed proposed changes to the ordinance, several cities sent the county proposed changes that will allow for efficient, long-term planning and fix problems in the ordinance, like noticing all properties within a two-mile radius, which for some parcels would require mailing more than 20,000 notices. … While Winter Garden and Ocoee object not only for the reasons that this ordinance hinders their ability to plan in the long-term, the ordinance is legally deficient, because it violates the Florida Constitution and fails to comply with Florida Statutes. We ask that you consider our proposed changes.”
Other community members shared a different opinion, such as Kathy Sheerin, who has lived in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement for 20 years.
“I am strongly in favor of this annexation amendment,” she said.
“We are constantly battling to keep our rural settlement intact from inappropriate development. This amendment, along with the rural boundary amendment, will not prohibit growth but just help control it. Please allow the citizens of Orange County to let their voices be heard, and vote yes to have this ballot amendment on the November ballot.”
The motion passed, which resulted in applause from a majority of the audience members.
BONNET CREEK RESORT PD
Also at the Aug. 13 meeting, commissioners discussed and approved an amendment to the Bonnet Creek Resort Planned Development.
Applicant Brent Lenzen’s request is to update the trip equivalency matrix, convert 196 timeshare units into 169 hotel rooms and to request an additional 181 hotel rooms. This will result in a total development program for Phase 3 of 350 hotel rooms and 250 timeshare units.
The property is located south of Epcot Center Drive, north of Chelonia Parkway and west of Interstate 4. The area is designated on the FLUM as Activity Center Mixed Use and is zoned PD.
VISION ZERO
The Orange County Vision Zero Safety Action Plan was the main topic of discussion at the Tuesday, Aug. 27, meeting.
Vision Zero states loss of life is not an acceptable price to pay for mobility. The goal of the initiative is to integrate safety principles during the planning and implementation of transportation programs countywide, as well as to reduce the number of fatalities and severe injuries on the transportation system to zero by 2040.
The initiative seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries on the transportation system by providing a proactive and preventive approach.
From 2018 to 2022, Orange County had 213,553 crashes, 893 of which were fatal and 5,588 resulted in serious injuries.
County staff said it will cost about $264 million for the safety improvements on the top identified 24 corridors. However, the total projected cost for safety improvements across all areas of the county is about $2.8 billion.
Commissioners approved the Vision Zero plan unanimously.
Although there were minimal changes made to the ordinance amendment language, the cities’ feedback was not included in the final motion.
Waterstone estate sells for
$5,250,000
Ahome in the Waterstone community near Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Aug. 19 to 25.
The home at 11449 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 20, for $5,470,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, five-andone-half baths and 6,235 square feet. Days on market: 198. The sellers were represented by Dianna Desboyaux, Southern Realty Group LLC.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
HORIZON WEST
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16805 Wingspread Loop, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $870,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,320 square feet. Days on market: 138.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 5954 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 23, for $760,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,909 square feet. Days on market: One.
LAKESHORE PRESERVE
The home at 8204 Topsail Place, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $1,025,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 4,207 square feet. Days on market: 98.
LATHAM PARK NORTH
The home at 14364 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $880,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,882 square feet. Days on market: Six.
SUMMERPORT
The home at 4842 Indian Deer Road, Windermere, sold Aug. 20, for $820,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,656 square feet. Days on market: 41.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 12627 Charmed Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $802,601. Built in 2024, it has four
SNAPSHOT
bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,225 square feet. Days on market: Two.
The home at 12734 Charmed Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 19, for $763,151. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,327 square feet. Days on market: Three.
WATERSTONE
The home at 11449 Waterstone Loop Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 20, for $5,470,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, five-and-onehalf baths and 6,235 square feet. Days on market: 198.
OCOEE MEADOW RIDGE
The home at 2775 Valeria Rose Way, Ocoee, sold Aug. 19, for $672,000. Built in 2010, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,388 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.
WESTYN BAY
The home at 2472 Orsota Circle, Ocoee, sold Aug. 22, for $560,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,590 square feet of living area. Days on market: 15.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE CYPRESS SHORES
The home at 10215 Trout Road, Orlando, sold Aug. 19, for $2,200,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,403 square feet of living area. Days on market: 97.
WINDERMERE
CHAINE DU LAC
The home at 12237 Park Ave., Windermere, sold Aug. 23, for $3,350,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 5,899 square feet. Days on market: 14.
ESTATES AT WINDERMERE
The home at 2111 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold Aug. 23, for $1,250,000. Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,880 square feet. Days on market: 49.
ISLEWORTH
The home at 5243 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, sold Aug. 20, for $5,250,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, five-and-one-half baths and 6,424 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
WINTER GARDEN
BAY ISLE
The home at 14045 Hampshire Bay Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $960,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,774 square feet. Days on market: 11.
DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN
The home at 235 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 23, for $1,142,500. Built in 1937, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,305 square feet. Days on market: 281.
LAKEVIEW PRESERVE
The home at 3303 Buoy Circle, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 19, for $620,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,741 square feet. Days on market: 123.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 1156 Riverway Drive, Winter Garden, sold Aug. 21, for $1,055,743. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,017 square feet.
WATERSIDE AT JOHNS LAKE
The home at 16832 Broadwater Ave., Winter Garden, sold Aug. 22, for $1,148,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,776 square feet. Days on market: 103.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Windermere Prep star point guard Samuel Shoptaw has announced his commitment to play college basketball for South Alabama.
“All glory to God,” he said in a post on social media. “Thanks to coach Riley, coach Conroy and the whole South Alabama staff! I want to thank all my coaches, teammates, parents and trainers who have pushed me from Day One!”
Shoptaw transferred to Windermere Prep last season from Lowndes High in Georgia and helped lead the Lakers to a second consecutive state championship game appearance. He averaged 9.7 points per game and 6.6 rebounds along with a team-leading six assists each outing.
2
Ocoee High has hired Todd Verkennes as the school’s next softball coach. Verkennes has been a coach in the club ranks since 2007. Most recently, he owned and coached his own club team, Exclusives Academy, which coincidently use the Ocoee High softball facilities for training.
3
Windermere High boys basketball player TJ Drain has announced his commitment to play college basketball at Liberty University.
“| thank God for bringing this blessing to life,” Drain wrote on a social-media post. “| also want to take a moment to thank my village that was there from Day One, believing in me from the start and always pushing me to be the best me! Thank you, God, for this opportunity.” Drain had a breakout junior season in 2023-24 for the Wolverines, averaging 19.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game — all of which were teamhighs for a Windermere squad that finished with a 20-9 record. The 6-foot-8 forward chose the Flames over USC-Upstate, UMass and other offers.
4
YMCA of Central Florida and Orlando Health have announced a new partnership to support youth sports across Central Florida. Orlando Health will be the official “Youth Sports Partner” of YMCA of Central Florida and will support initiatives with a contribution directly benefiting the Y’s youth sports programs. The goal is to foster a safe and supportive environment for young athletes.
“As a nonprofit leader in providing preventative health care for our community, the Y is committed to helping our children lead healthy and active lives,” YMCA of Central Florida President and CEO Kevin Bolding said. “We look forward to this new partnership with Orlando Health to help educate the thousands of families in our Y youth sports programs on ways to keep their kids healthy and injury-free during their practices and games.”
5
Former Foundation Academy standout football player and current Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman donated a large portion of his NIL earnings to the walk-ons part of the Sooner football team.
“These guys are the backbone of our program,” said Stutsman in a post on his social media account. “Extremely blessed to be able to give back to them!” Stutsman, a senior, is projected to be one of the nation’s top linebackers this season and is a highly rated NFL prospect.
A
Next man up
Foundation Academy football’s young roster has opened the door for new leaders on the gridiron. Meet the area’s
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
With eight seniors on its roster and only a handful of returning starters from the 2023 season, the 2024 Foundation Academy football team is going through what only can be described as a transitional season. For the Lions’ young roster, though, that transition represents an opportunity for each of its players to employ the mentality that coach Andre Walker is preaching this season — next man up.
With the warm-up meets now done and dusted, the 2024 cross-country season is in full swing.
“This offseason has been a growing experience for the entire team,” Walker said. “Traditionally, I work with our players starting from middle school on up, but this season, it’s a lot of guys (who) have come to us from different middle schools and a few transfers from different high schools (who) we are incorporating into the program. So for us coaches, we’ve been focusing on helping them understand the expectations here. That starts with the physical commitment of playing Ironman football and the preparation that comes with it from the conditioning aspect, as
well as understanding our concepts. We’re also asking a lot of them on the field, asking players to be leaders and playmakers for us this year.”
So far in the early portion of the season, Walker points to four players who have taken the next-man-up mentality to heart and become vital to the growth of this Foundation team.
VETERAN VOICE
Although this Foundation team has eight seniors, its most veteran and experienced player is junior center James Phillips. Because of his experience and natural leadership skills, Walker has entrusted Phillips to become the focal point of his offense, empowering him to make decisions and take command when needed, as well as increase his contributions on the other sides of the ball.
p.m. CFCA (0-1) at Berean Christian (0-2) n 7 p.m. Dr. Phillips (1-0) at Apopka (2-0) n 7 p.m. The First Academy (2-0) vs. Treasure Coast (0-2)
It’s no secret that West Orange and Southwest Orange are chock full of top-tier student-athletes across all sports. One of the sports the area is quickly emerging as a hotbed for is cross country, both on the
and
KNOPFLE, OLYMPIA The Titans’ star senior runner picked up where she left off in 2023 with a win at the 2024 Ocoee High XC Invitational — finishing with a time of 19:48.9. Last season, she won two meets — the Metro West Championship and the West Orange Invitational — with four
DeLand Invitational — Lack, a senior, will look to improve on her
record-holder and regional champion for the Horizon High swim team, Bella Craven enters her senior season ready to lead the Hawks as a team captain. Page 2B.
Courtesy
Windermere High boys cross country team lined up at the start of the DeLand XC invitational.
Sam Albuquerque
Foundation football’s Aiden Cubero, left, Daniel Stills, James Phillips and Cole Huntley have emerged as key players for the Lions in 2024.
Bella Craven
Senior swimmer Bella Craven returns to the Horizon High swim team after spending her junior year at Windermere High. She was a member of the inaugural class at Horizon and spent her freshman and sophomore years as a Hawk.
In her first two seasons of high school swimming, Craven set or broke seven records for the Horizon girls swim team as well as established herself as a force in the area’s swim scene her sophomore season by winning two regional championships — in the 200- and 500-meter freestyle.
As Craven returns to Horizon for her senior season, she has been named one of the team’s captains and hopes to continue to help build the young Hawks program before heading off to college, where she plans to study biology or another pre-med major in preparation for medical school.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
Surprised and extremely honored.
What do you like the most about swimming?
I like the fact that you can compete both on a team and as an individual. Not many sports offer that. I love the feeling of being in the water and competing against myself and others.
What is your favorite swim stroke?
Freestyle. It’s the one that I have trained and worked the hardest to refine.
What are your goals for this season — for yourself and the team?
To support the team and get as many of my teammates to regionals and states as possible.
I hope to continue to help build the foundational pieces of a still relatively new program that is growing at Horizon.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from swimming?
Trust in the process and you’re either all in or not. There is no room for half-effort.
Who is your favorite swimmer? Katie Ledecky. She is breaking barriers on what women can do in sports. She is an athlete, leader and author.
THE BASICS Age: 17 Sport: Swimming Grade: Senior School: Horizon High
such a competitive field and ended up getting my times cut.
What is your go-to pre-meet meal?
(I usually eat) very little, but if I do, it’s something that’s high protein and high carb.
What is your go-to pre-meet hype song?
“Unforgettable” by French Montana.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Shopping, of course! And better if it’s with my girlfriends!
What is your favorite subject in school?
Science. I’ve always found it interesting, and it’s one of the reasons I’m looking to study to become a doctor in college.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A tent, my pillow and my dog, Lola.
What is your favorite movie? I’m more of a TV series girl. My favorites are “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Outer Banks.”
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
The whole Kardashian family. It’s just fascinating how they grew their marketing machine in the age of social media.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go? English renaissance. The galas, pageantry and art always seemed interesting to me. I love the beautiful dresses and fashion from that time.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be so hard on yourself.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
What color is our G-Wagon?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Read people’s minds.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
Bora Bora for the snorkeling and swimming, Croatia because it looks beautiful, and Greece for the architecture.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I’d be a lion, because they are the kings of the jungle.
What is your most controversial food take?
I like BBQ sauce on pizza! Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Youthful exuberance
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
“Our center, James, who has been part of this program probably longer than I have, is going to serve as our long snapper on special teams,” Walker said. “He’s also been asked to step up into a role where he has to play some defense and give us an extra option there. We’re adding a lot on his plate this season. In the past, he’s always been the little guy (who) kind of followed the lead of the older guys. We expect him to step up into a leadership role now, where he has to take the initiative. He has to orchestrate our offense more. I told him in a recent conversation, ‘James, don’t be afraid to take hold of the huddle and maneuver things,’ because … he has a good grasp, a good understanding of everything we want to do.”
Despite his added responsibilities on the field, what he brings to the offense is priceless, according to Walker.
“He’s the brains behind the offense,” Walker said. “When James tenses up, you see it in our whole offense. But when James is relaxed and confident, then you see our offense follow and we’re able to flow. So, he is absolutely the engine that drives this car, and he’s taking that role on with a full head of steam and starting to embrace it a lot more now.”
It was a growing process for
WEEK TWO RESULTS
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
CFCA (0-1), 7 The Out-of-Door Academy (3-0), 53
HIGHLIGHTS: ODA hit the gas early and didn’t let up against the home team, scoring 46 unanswered points before a Mason Mathis run set up CFCA’s lone TD of the game, a 2-yard run.
“Out-of-Door (is) a very talented team, and hats off to their players and coaches for the win,” CFCA coach Kevin Blackman said. “Our boys put up a fight and showed some promising things to build on — especially in the second half.”
UP NEXT: CFCA travels to Berean Christian Friday, Sept. 6. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
Dr. Phillips (1-0), 54 University (0-2), 0
HIGHLIGHTS: Only a weather delay could have stopped the Dr. Phillips Panthers football team on Friday night, and unfortunately for the University High Cougars, that didn’t happen.
UP NEXT: The Panthers travel to Apopka to face the Blue Darters, Friday, Sept. 6.
The First Academy (2-0), 28 Edgewater (0-1), 24
HIGHLIGHTS: With 1:09 left in the fourth quarter, The First Academy QB Salomon Georges Jr. hit WR Demetrice McCray for the gamewinning touchdown pass to put the Royals up on the Edgewater Eagles, 28-24.
“I think the thing that was glaring was the resolve — the ability to keep fighting through adversity,”
TFA coach Jeff Conaway said. “I felt like our guys had a chance,
WEEK TWO: A weekly power ranking of the eight best football programs in West Orange and Southwest Orange.
Phillips when it came to taking the wheel of the offense, but leaning on his experience helped him develop his identity as a leader for this Lions team.
“I mean, at first, it seems (like) a lot,” Phillips said. “But I’ve been playing this sport for five-plus years, so it’s become easy for me in a sense to grow into a leadership role because really all I have to do is just do my job 100%, make sure I’m being very communicative with the other four linemen. And everything else that comes with it is just second nature, and that’s a breeze at the end of the day.”
LEADING THE D
Similarly to Phillips, sophomore Cole Huntley and junior Aiden Cubero were breakout contributors to the 2023 Lions but leaned on the leadership of the seniors around them last season. This year, Walker says the two have become leaders of the defense in their own right.
“Cole (Huntley) played a lot for us as a freshman last year, and we’re asking him to step up in the role of being a big brother to a lot of our guys,” Walker said. “Aiden is another one we have asked to step up and be in a lead role. Last year, he got to perform next to older guys like Cole West, who helped bring him along. They both are going from being young guys who fit into the team surrounded by seniors to needing
multiple times to fold it in and concede and walk away with the loss. But they kept fighting, and our defense manufactured some big stops late. Our offense found ways to create touchdowns and extend drives. Very proud ... of our players and our staff for the way they handled themselves.”
UP NEXT: Home-opener against Treasure Coast Friday, Sept. 6.
Foundation Academy (0-2), 21 Lake Highland Prep (1-1), 23
HIGHLIGHTS: Despite a threetouchdown performance by Sam Wood, the Lions of Foundation Academy fell in their first full home game of the season to Lake Highland Prep in heart-breaking fashion. As time expired, the Highlanders threw a 5-yard touchdown to win the game and keep Foundation winless on the young season. “Frustrated with the officiating, but I won’t negate that we showed our youth and inexperience in the game,” Foundation coach Andre Walker said. “We will learn from this and be better next week versus Bronson.”
UP NEXT: Foundation hosts Bronson on Friday, Sept. 6, in the Observer’s Game of the Week.
Horizon (0-2), 3
Lake Nona (1-0), 28
HIGHLIGHTS: Despite taking the early lead and holding Lake Nona High scoreless in the first half, the Horizon Hawks fell for the second consecutive week.
UP NEXT: Horizon will travel to Wekiva High (0-1) Friday, Sept. 6.
Lake Buena Vista (0-1), 7
Colonial (1-1), 24
HIGHLIGHTS: With a 7-0 lead going into the half, the Vipers looked to be in position to win their opening game. But the third quarter flipped the game the other way, as Colonial scored three TDs.
UP NEXT: Lake Buena Vista will host University High in its homeopener Friday, Sept. 6.
Legacy Charter (0-3), 0
Faith Christian (1-2), 42
HIGHLIGHTS: Week Two was another tough loss for the Eagles to open the 2024 season — this time on the road at Faith Christian.
UP NEXT: Legacy Charter will be on the road again in Week Three, traveling to Cornerstone Charter Academy Friday, Sept. 6.
to be that player for our more inexperienced players.”
For Huntley that means being versatile, developing a comfort level with his new role and improving as a player, too.
“I felt like last year I did a good job producing on the field, but I know this year I have to do more than just play well,” Huntley said. “I know I have to step up and be a leader, because we’re a young team, but I also have a lot of expectations for myself to improve on the field as well.”
Cubero has a more vocal role on the defense. He’s transitioned from outside linebacker to inside linebacker and now serves as Walker’s voice on the field. With that role comes the knowledge that when one of his teammates need help, they will look to him for answers.
“Aiden’s been with us longer than most of the players on the roster, so he has a full understanding of what to expect,” Walker said. “So going into that first game he wasn’t shocked by what was going on. When guys were confused, he was the one that was relaying the messages to our guys and kind of giving his input on what they should expect. ... He is the quarterback of the defense. He’s the one (whom) we trust to put everybody in the right position.”
CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE
Ocoee (1-1), 53
Olympia (1-1), 10
HIGHLIGHTS: Led by the rushing attack’s four touchdowns — two from running back Jamarian Robinson and three passing TDs from sophomore quarterback Onrique Archie — the Knights bounced back big in their homeopener over Olympia High.
UP NEXT: Ocoee will host Lake Nona High, while Olympia will host Boone High in its 2024 homeopener. Both games kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6.
West Orange (1-0), 32
Wekiva (0-1), 14
HIGHLIGHTS: Led by sophomore quarterback Brian Dillard and defensive backs Ivan Taylor and Devonte Anderson, the Warriors dominated its home-opener.
“The kids played for each other tonight,” West Orange High coach Geno Thompson said. “Regardless of the ups and downs throughout the game, they never pointed fingers (and) always had each other’s back. This is a special group.”
UP NEXT: West Orange High goes on the road to face Titusville Friday, Sept. 6.
Windermere (2-0), 42 Cypress Creek (0-1), 0
HIGHLIGHTS: The Wolverines of Windermere High showed again why 2024 is the team’s most anticipated football season ever.
“I told our players the most disciplined and the most physical team wins the game,” coach Riki Smith said. “All offseason, up (to) this moment, we have put an emphasis on doing the little things right. Everything impacts everything.”
UP NEXT: Windermere High travels to Colonial Friday, Sept. 6. for its Week Three matchup and final road game before officially opening its new on-campus stadium in Week Four.
Windermere Prep (0-1), 7 Glades Day (2-0), 38
HIGHLIGHTS: Windermere Prep fell on the road to Glades Day thanks to the Gators’ effective rushing attack . The Lakers will look to bounce back from the opening game loss, after its Week One game was postponed.
UP NEXT: Windermere Prep visit Orangewood Christian Sept. 6.
Although Cubero has thrived early in his new role, he definitely noticed the difference in being able to lean on his seniors last year and being the one his teammates are looking to this season.
“There’s a big difference going from being the younger guy to being the guy taking the command and leading the defense,” Cubero said. “Because of how young we are as a team, some of the more experienced guys — even though we don’t have the leadership experience — have to step up for the team. … To make sure I can lead and take command of our guys on the field, I need to make sure I’m locked in during film. … I have to know everything that’s happening on the field — not just what I’m supposed to be doing. I have to know what the DBs are doing, the linemen. I have to know every assignment because I know they’re looking to me out there, and I don’t want to leave any of my teammates out to dry.”
SETTING AN EXAMPLE
For junior Daniel Stills, a transfer from Ocoee High, his role is to lead by example. Given Stills is new to the program but plays a vital role all over the field for the Lions, how he’s bought into the expectations Walker and his staff have set has been crucial in helping usher in this new era of Foundation football.
“This is really Daniel’s first introduction into playing in actual games on the varsity level,” Walker said. “He was part of Ocoee’s team but didn’t see the field much, so him coming here and playing in every phase of the game for us is a big change for him. I think he’s handled it well, as far as going out there and making plays for us. … After a few weeks, I think he has a better understanding and a better grasp of the idea of Ironman football. Like we’re expecting him to not take any plays off when he’s out there. We have to be full throttle every single down. Now that he’s seen what that looks like, he’s taking he’s really understood why we ask and expect certain things and he’s responded so well in practice. He’s more spruced up, he’s hustling, and overall, his preparation has amped up because now he
knows he needs to get to the next level in order to be able to last the whole game in the way we expect him to play.”
Although Stills needed to gain a bit of perspective when it came to what was being asked of him on the football field, with the help of coaches and teammates his transition into this much bigger role has been a smooth one and now he can focus on the opportunity he has to show off his skills on the gridiron — and hopefully earn a chance to play at the next level.
“I feel like my teammates and my coaches have allowed me to mature and find myself as a player and as a leader,” Stills said. “It has come with its challenges, but it’s been a good transition so far, and I’ve learned what it takes to meet the expectations that my team has of me. Meeting those expectations has been really exciting, honestly, because of the opportunity I have to play so much. Personally, I always felt like I had the ability to play anywhere on the field — offense, defense, special teams, whatever is needed. So the expectation I had for myself has always been to go out there and play to the best of my abilities for my team and for myself.
“My goal is to win games but also to play at the next level, so to do that, every game, every practice, I am trying to take one step forward and be a better teammate, a better player and overall be the best I can be,” he said.
TRUST THE PROCESS
Since before the onset of the season, Walker has been bullish on his group of players but always understood that it would be a process because of the bunch’s inexperience.
But, as Stills, Cubero, Huntley, Phillips and others continue to develop as players and leaders, Walker expects their next-man-up mentality to spread to the rest of the team, and for Foundation football to find its identity.
“As the season goes along, being that we’re young, the experience we gain after each game, each practice is going to be really important to our growth,” Walker said. “I’d say there will be a significant jump around our fourth game, and it all will look a lot smoother than what it has been these first few weeks.”
They were born to run
three top-10 finishes from 2023. She set her personal best time of 19:17 at the Class 4A, District 2 meet, good enough for eighth place, while her best finish came at Metros (third).
ABIGAYLE WHITE, HORIZON
The speedy sophomore has hit the ground running for the Hawks girls cross country team in 2024, with two podium finishes in the preseason — third at the FCA preseason invitational at Southern Hill Farms and second at the Ocoee High School XC Invitational, where she set her personal best time of 19:54.1.
MARYN WHITESELL, HORIZON
As a sophomore, Whitesell’s personal best time and best regularseason finish of 2023 came at the Metro West Championships. There, she finished fourth with a time of 20:00.6. Whitesell’s 14th place finish at Regionals qualified for the Class 3A state meet. Overall, she had 10 finishes in the top 15 last season. The junior has started the 2024 season in similar form — finished 13th and 11th in Horizon’s first two meets.
BOYS GIRMAY BUCK, HORIZON
Last season was a wildly successful campaign for the Hawks runner — starting off with a win in the Ocoee XC preseason invitational. He finished the year with seven top 10s — including a third-place finish at the Metro West Championships — and a new personal best time of 16:53.1. Buck also qualified for states and helped Horizon to its best ever finish as a team. This year, the senior started off the preseason with back-to-back sixthplace finishes.
DAVIS EMPRIC, WINDERMERE
Despite only one top-10 finish as a sophomore, Empric showed off the type of leap he could take in a short period of time when he set a personal best time of 16:47.1 at the Class 4A Regional Championship meet. This time was a significant jump from his 17:01.3 time at Districts less than a week before and his 18:13.7 time set at Metros nearly a month before Regionals. Given this upside, Empric, now a junior, could be a runner to watch come the end of the season.
JACOB FINCH, HORIZON
The Horizon boys cross country record-holder, Finch, a junior, has established himself as one of the top runners in the area and holds a personal best time of 16:46.8, which he set at the Class 3A state championship meet last season — where he finished 40th. Finch finished in the top 10 five times last season, and in the young 2024 season, he’s already shown signs that this season will be special. He finished third and second in Horizon’s two preseason meets. At the Ocoee XC invitational, he not only finished second but also broke the 16-minute mark — a feat he accomplished only once last season.
JAIDEN MCKEE, WEST ORANGE
By far the fastest and most decorated boys cross-country runner in the area, McKee won four meets last season — including the Metro West Championships. He finished fourth at the Class 4A, District 2 championships, set a personal best time of 15:55.6 at Regionals and finished 27th at the state meet. So far in 2024, the senior has finished second at the FCA XC preseason invitational at Southern Hill Farms and fifth in the Kowboy XC Invitational.
Courtesy Olympia’s Emily Knopfle smiled after winning a gold medal.
Courtesy
West Orange High’s Jaiden McKee ran in a track-and-field event at Raymond Screws Field.
At
HEATHER WILSON SAND LAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Heather Wilson is the exceptional student resource teacher for students in first, third and fifth grades at Sand Lake Elementary School. She has been with the school since it opened in 2006 and has been with Orange County Public Schools for 29 years. She also attended OCPS schools from fourth through 12th grades. Wilson was Sand Lake Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in 2018. She is Orton Gillingham-trained and currently is working on her practicum to become a certified Orton Gillingham teacher. Principal Kathleen Phillips said Wilson is pure sunshine and love. “The care, compassion and enthusiasm she has for all students, as well as for her colleagues, is genuine and endearing,” Phillips said. “She is invested in the academic, social and emotional growth, and well-being of each student.”
What brought you to your school?
I came to Sand Lake Elementary School to work for Principal Mary Hool, who I’d worked with at my previous school. She had watched me “grow up” in my career and saw something in me that she wanted at her new school. We are still in touch.
What do you love most about your school?
Sand Lake Elementary is special!
We have an overall feeling of family and community like no other. We are all here for the right reasons, and we love our students, our families and (one another).
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
My students and families! I work with the sweetest students who work hard for every bit of their learning. Because I work with the same students for multiple years,
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Exceptional student resource teacher for students in first, third and fifth grades TIME AT SCHOOL: 18 years
I really get to see them grow and get to know them as people. We become a family. I love their personalities and their perspectives. I love working as a team with their families to ensure they learn in their best way and can be successful learners and people.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I’ve never wanted to do anything else. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since before I was in school myself, and I decided on working with students with special needs when I was in the seventh grade. If I had to choose another career, it would probably be in business or the hospitality field.
Who influences you?
My family has and continues to be my main influence in my life. I’m a fourth-generation teacher but the only elementary and special-needs teacher in my family.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
I have so many! I loved school, learning and reading from a young age. My mom was my first favorite teacher. She taught me to read and how to be a good person. One of my high school English teachers, Mrs. Gwinn, stands out as a favorite, because she was my first teacher to really “get” me.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
Curious George. I have fond memories as a child of the book “Curious George Takes a Job” and mak-
ing the origami boats and hats that he makes in the story. When I became a teacher, the character Curious George reminded me of some of my students; he has a good heart and always means well but often gets in trouble and doesn’t exactly know why. When he’s taught why what he did was a mistake, he works hard to help make everything better.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I fill my spare time with family and friends. I enjoy being with them, whether it be going out to eat, seeing a movie, playing games (board and card games), or volunteering with family, friends and my church.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I still like to eat them from time to time as an adult.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because I enjoy the time spent with family and friends, and it’s my all-time favorite meal.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
I stay in touch with a lot of school friends through Facebook.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student?
Did you win any accolades or honors?
I played piano and danced ballet when I was younger. In high school, I was the team manager of the girls soccer team and bowled on the bowling team. My only “accolade” was being most improved in bowling.
LAKER CREATE LIKE A
West Orange High School grad receives OCSO scholarship OBSERVER
Emma
Koehler was one of 14 high-achieving students who were presented the 2024 award from the Florida Sheriffs Association.
AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR
Emma Koehler was awarded one of 14 statewide STEM scholarships presented to children of sheriff’s office employees through the Florida Sheriffs Association.
“I am so grateful to have received this scholarship to help support my college experience,” Koehler said. “Engineering includes a lot of tough curriculum, so free time is limited. Having the FSA STEM scholarship to supplement the cost of attending university helps relieve a lot of stress from my parents and me.”
The Florida Sheriffs Association provides the $2,000 scholarships to students seeking degrees in the fields of science technology, engineering or math. The award stipulates the money must be used for tuition or to buy books.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina presented the scholarship.
Koehler is a sophomore at the University of Florida and is studying chemical engineering in the Honors Program. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree before going to work in the industry.
“I am very interested in biomaterials, so I want to work as either a research and design engineer or a manufacturing and packaging engineer,” Koehler said.
She graduated from West Orange High School in May 2023 and was her class’ salutatorian.
Koehler is the daughter of Joe and Michelle Koehler. Her father has worked at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. He spent 20 years on the OCSO squad and 10 years in narcotics, worked six or seven times in the Tactical AntiCrime Unit, and this is his ninth year with the fugitive task force.
Sgt. Koehler said he is proud of his daughter’s achievement.
“It’s awesome,” he said of his daughter receiving the scholarship. “She’s awesome. She’s applied herself for the last 15 to 16 years, and she’s led at everything academic.”
ANNABELLE SIKES
Courtesy photo
Orange County Sheriff John Mina, right, presented the Florida Sheriffs Association STEM Scholarship award to Emma Koehler, daughter of Joe Koehler, fugitive sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
BRAINFOOD
The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.
¡Artesanía!
I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher
This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from Sunday, Sept. 15, to Tuesday, Oct. 15. And to celebrate the occasion, in this month’s Brain Food, we’re taking a look at something called “artesanía.” Now, that word may not be familiar to you, but we’re pretty sure you’ve seen it. It means Mexican folk art — and it is used to describe the brightly colored creations you might have seen in Mexico at EPCOT’s World Showcase or in the movie, “The Book of Life.”
HISTORY
Mexican artwork dates all the way back to 1500 BC and the area’s early peoples, including the Olmecs, Incans, Mayans and Aztecs. Back then, people made art for a variety of reasons — to honor their rulers and gods or even to perform certain religious ceremonies. They used several media, including paper, stone and ceramics.
Then, after the Spanish came and conquered the land, they brought with them some European influences and the Christian religion.
After the Mexicans won their independence from Spain in the early 1800s, artists began to create pieces that honored the country’s heroes and also its rich history and independence.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Mexican folk art is just that — artwork created by normal folks. Today, people use a variety of materials, including clay, wood, metal, stones and even plants. The artwork is known mostly for its bold, beautiful colors and is especially important to the holiday, Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
The holiday’s most famous decoration is the sugar skull — a brightly colored skull that represents a departed soul of a loved one. During the holiday, family members place the skulls on an altar or grave to honor the return of their loved ones’ spirits.
One of the most famous Dia De Los Muertos artists is Don Alfonzo, who in 1996 received one Mexico’s most prestigious awards, Premio Nacional de Ciencias y Artes.
MAKE YOUR OWN PAPEL PICADO
Translated, this means “perforated paper” or “pecked paper.” As Mexican folk art, it is often seen as elaborate designs cut into tissue paper and hung by string as banners or decoration. These are often displayed on holidays such as Easter and Christmas, as well as for weddings, quinceañeras, baptisms and christenings.
The awesome part: You can make these at home pretty easily! All you need is colorful tissue paper, a pen, scissors, glue and string.
1. To start, take a square of tissue paper, fold it in half and then in half again (in the same direction). Then, make cuts in any shape you like along the bottom of the long rectangle. You can use a pen to draw guides if you want.
2. Then, fold the paper in half the opposite way, and then again. Cut more shapes from the sides formed by the new folds. Triangles, semicircles and half hearts work great!
3. Now, open up all the folds to reveal your paper picado!
4. Repeat the process with more squares, and once you have enough, you can glue each one to the string, and then they’re ready to hang!
FAMOUS ARTISTS
There are many, many brilliant Mexican artists, but the three most influential are David Alfaro Siqueiros, Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco. All three worked during the Mexican Revolution, and their work helped change the country’s culture.
WINTER GARDEN BRANCH Mexican Folk Art: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30
RECOMMENDED READING
FICTION
n “Spanish is the Language of My Family” by Michael Genhart; illustrated by John Parra
n “Plátanos Go with Everything” by Lissette Norman; illustrated by Sara Palacios
n “Pepe and the Parade: A celebration of Hispanic Heritage” by Tracey Kyle; pictures by Mirelle Ortega
NON-FICTION
n “Latinitas: Celebrating 40 Big Dreamers” by Juliet Menéndez
n “Dreams From Many Rivers: A Hispanic History of the United States Told in Poems” by Margarita Engle; art by Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez
Disney hosts back-to-school event to benefit teachers, students
As part of Walt Disney World’s Summer of Sharing, Cast Members helped to sort and count thousands of school supplies donated during the organization’s annual Back-To-School Supply Drive supporting A Gift For Teaching.
SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
$169 million in school essentials have been distributed since 1998.
a large number of Cast Members to help at one time.
PAT BOND DIED AUG. 18, 2024.
Pat Bond, 74, of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Aug. 18, 2024, after a battle with cancer.
Born on Feb. 23, 1950, in Richmond, Virginia, to James and Amelia Cason, Pat grew up in Winter Park. She graduated from Winter Park High School in 1968 and attended North Florida College before starting her career at Walt Disney World and TRW. There, she met the love of her life, her husband of 43 years, Allen Bond.
Pat was known for her strong will, outgoing nature and dedication to her community. In 1990, she founded Palm Tree Properties Inc. in Ocoee and enjoyed a rewarding 34-year career as a Realtor, helping many families achieve their homeownership dreams.
She also served on the Ocoee Planning and Zoning Commission, as chairman, and was involved in various local boards and commissions.
Thousands of students across Orange County struggle to afford lunch — let alone school supplies — limiting their ability to learn and achieve.
Walt Disney World has been a founding sponsor for A Gift For Teaching since 1989.
Pat is survived by her husband, Allen; sisters, Judy Miller (Roscoe) and De-De Stupp (Rick); nieces, Brenda Walton (Quentin) and Meg Alexios; and nephews, Brett Miller (Vashia), Clint Keller (Virginia) and Tony Hesler; along with numerous other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Cason and Amelia Cason Hare. ANNABELLE
Enter A Gift For Teaching, a Central Florida nonprofit organization with the mission to provide educational resources that empower teachers to inspire future leaders and a vision of a future where every student has the tools and experiences to succeed.
Community philanthropist Gary Landwirth started A Gift For Teaching. The concept was simple: improve public education by providing free resources and surplus materials to teachers for their students in need.
Today, the nonprofit provides an average of $70,000 in supplies daily to teachers and their students in Orange and Osceola public schools, and more than
As part of Disney’s Summer of Sharing, Cast Members, Disney leaders, Disney VoluntEARS, A Gift For Teaching representatives and Disney College Program participants gathered to sort and count thousands of school supplies donated during the organization’s annual Back-To-School Supply Drive supporting A Gift For Teaching.
Around 200 volunteers gathered in three separate three-hour shifts for the event Thursday, Aug. 29, at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
NO MAN LEFT BEHIND
Although the event previously was held at A Gift For Teaching’s location, this year marked the first time Disney hosted the sorting and counting event on-site.
The larger space allowed the items to be collected in one place and for
The enterprise-wide collection of school supplies began July 1 and ran through Aug. 23. Cast Member donations were matched by Disney.
This year, collection items of top priority included No. 2 pencils, notebooks, two-pocket folders, looseleaf paper, and dry-erase markers and erasers.
Volunteers split up into three groups to perform tasks: boxers, sorters and runners.
Attendees also had the opportunity to write thank-you letters to teachers, and the event included a special surprise visit from Mickey Mouse.
Angela Garcia, vice president of development and marketing for A Gift For Teaching, said Disney has been an incredible partner since the beginning.
“The number of volunteers keeps growing every year, and we are so appreciative of that,” she said. “It’s truly inspiring to see students taking action to help other students
in this community. We would not be in existence without the community’s support. Seeing these companies and individuals coming together to tell the ones who are struggling, ‘Hey, we are here, and we want to back you and support you,’ makes all the difference. It’s remarkable what we’ve been able to do here.”
Last year alone, Disney Cast Members completed more than 260,000 volunteer hours in Central Florida. At this event, about 600 volunteer hours were completed.
Next year, Disney hopes to collect even more school supplies and host the event at a larger space so more people can participate.
Nelson Placa, senior manager of corporate social responsibility at Disney, said he is proud to have been working for the company for 20 years.
“Our Cast Members live in this community, so it’s perfect for us as a company to be able to give back to support our shared community,” he said. “We are serving more than 80,000 Cast Members who reside in our home here.”
Now, Disney is gearing up for its Season of Giving, with events such as a toys drive in partnership with Toys for Tots.
Timothy “Timmy” Benjamin Clark died Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Orlando. Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Mark Nienstedt, 47, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Sally R. Wright, 89, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 at AdventHealth Hospice in Altamonte Springs. Winter Oak Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
About 50 Disney College Program participants gathered to help sort and count school supplies.
Annabelle Sikes
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
80 years ago
J.M. Lanier, of St. Petersburg, assumed his duties as athletic director at Lakeview High School.
Pvt. Edgar R. Vining, who was with the Chemical Warfare in France, wrote that he was receiving the West Orange News and enjoyed every copy.
The Winter Garden Elementary School started its fall activities with an enrollment of 289, against 258 the year before. The highest enrollment was in the first grade with 78.
70 years ago
Holler Motors featured a new 1954 two-door sedan for $1,695.
The last service in the old building of the Ocoee Methodist Church was held. The church stood for 65 years, and it was the third church building to stand on or near the location.
Bert Roper, chairman of the Father’s March on Polio, announced the emergency drive netted $532.75.
50 years ago
Valencia Community College students Tom Elrod, of Windermere, Bill Hart and Mark McNeil acquired a Delta wing ski-kite and were enjoying an exhilarating experience up in the wide blue yonder. The three hoped to establish a ski club at Valencia and compete in state and national tournaments. Elrod was the son of Bob and Jean Elrod, of Windermere.
The Star-Lite Drive-In Church marked its 21st anniversary at a well-attended 8:30 a.m. service. Dr. Roy Ben Ridley preached the message. The drive-in church was established in 1953 by the Rev. O.V. Hitchcock, then pastor of the
George and Anne Bailey purchased The Winter Garden Times (later renamed The West Orange Times) from its Winter Haven News-Chief owner in July 1970, operating out of a small building located at 18 N. Boyd St.
— the present location of the Deli Downtown. Ten years later, they invited Winter Gardeners to the opening of their new office at 720 S. Dillard St. Ken Morris was named managing editor that month. A newspaper has served the town’s citizens since Sept. 13, 1905, when founder and first mayor Arthur Bullard Newton published the first edition of The Ricochet. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation treasures an original copy of that four-page newspaper; its editorial items and advertisements conjure a simpler time as it was lived in Winter Garden 120 years ago.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Winter Garden Methodist Church, and six laymen: Duck Teal, Ward Britt, Carl Hall, Herbert Pounds, Hilton Teal and Judson Moore.
New teachers at Lakeview High School were announced: Jacquelyn Page, psychological adjustment teacher; Gail Thomas Barnes, teacher of eighth-grade home economics, ninth-grade clothing and foods, and senior high clothing and bachelor foods; Susan Miller, seventh- andeighth-grade English and humanities; and Scott A Bowman, English teacher.
Ocoee Elementary School’s new teachers were announced: Patricia Rawls, adjustment; Robert Gawron, fifth grade; Laurie Adams, art; Lois Jones, Learning Disability; and Sylvia Brown, speech.
Helen Watson, the new principal at Dillard Street Elementary School, introduced the new school secretary, Pat Harper; new permanent substitute, Nancy Hardy; and Grace Boram, social adjustment teacher.
Joining the staff at Winter Garden Elementary School were Rita Ingalls, media specialist; Barbara Rutland and Daphne Horton, first grade; and Cynthia Collins, Learning Disability.
Woodsy Owl Says: Make sure your car has the required smog device and have it checked regularly. … Organic materials like cooking fat clog plumbing and septic tanks, causing sewage overflow. Throw them out, not down your sink. … Carry a litter bag in your car and boat. Bring it home and dispose of it properly
after your trip. Give a hoot! Don’t pollute!
Ruth and Ernie Hawk returned after a wonderful trip to Europe, where they visited Austria, Switzerland, Holland and West Germany.
45 years ago
Tickets were priced at $15 for five home games in which the West Orange Warriors play Oak Ridge, Titusville, Edgewater, Evans and Apopka.
35 years ago
Stacy Haiduk, starring as Lana Lang in the popular syndicated television series “Superboy,” was seen in Gotha waiting to shoot a scene at the Gotha Country Store.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
SEPT. 9, 1969 Along with encyclopedias, A&P stores sold Sheffield dishes to help
a Serenade saucer in the gold sunburst pattern. Elsewhere
three-pound package of Ajax detergent was 59 cents, and a half-gallon jug of Clorox bleach was 29 cents.
By Luis Campos
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