SOUTHWEST ORANGE
Meet the top area football players, the ‘24 All-Orange Observer Teams. PAGE 1B.
YOUR TOWN
OCOEE CEREMONY TO HONOR VETERANS
The public is invited to attend the city of Ocoee’s 22nd Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive.
Retired Marine Corps Maj. Barron Mills will be the keynote speaker. Mills spent 20 years in the military; his prior experiences include leading Marines on missions in the Mediterranean, Haiti, Cuba, Iraq and Afghanistan. His military career included a variety of roles, such as a project manager for a $42-miliion simulation training system, building a 5,000man Iraqi infantry brigade and leading a 35-man platoon in conducting security operations in Bosnia and Haiti.
The program will include music, Ocoee’s police and fire department honor guards, a wreath placement, and refreshments.
WINDERMERE
HOSTING VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
The town of Windermere is inviting the community to its Veterans Day Celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at Town Hall, 520 Main St.
The event will honor the veterans who served this country and will include a car show, food trucks and live music.
ROCK THE HOUSE WITH HABITAT
West Orange Habitat for Humanity will host its annual Rock the House celebration this weekend. The annual fundraiser will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the McKinnon Grove Family Farm, 1401 Williams Road, Winter Garden. Rock the House is a unique celebration for more than 400 friends to gather to enjoy live entertainment, participate in silent and live auctions, and celebrate Habitat family stories. West Orange Habitat has served hard-working families for nearly three decades through building and preserving homes, raising and upholding the community, and strengthening and safeguarding neighborhoods. Tables start at $500. To sign up, visit event.gives/ rockthehouse.
Wilson wins District 1 seat
After suffering a sudden cardiac arrest newly crowned Mrs. Florida American 2024, Janaina Bonassi, is using her pageant platform to help inpsire hope in the hearts of other community members. SEE PAGE 4A.
Wilson wins District 1 commission race
After the ballots were tallied in the General Election, incumbent Nicole Wilson triumphed over challenger Austin Arthur and will serve the district’s residents for another four years.
OBSERVER STAFF
All eyes have been watching for the results of the contentious race for the District 1 seat on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. Incumbent Nicole Wilson was vying to keep her elected position, and challenger Austin Arthur was hoping to unseat her. After all the votes were tallied, Wilson was declared the winner.
According to the Supervisor of Elections’ unofficial election results Tuesday, Nov. 5, Wilson won the election with 52,115 votes (52.07%), compared to Arthur’s 47,977 votes (47.93%).
“I am extremely grateful to the people in District 1 and to Orange County at large for showing up to vote,” Wilson said. “Our turnout today was so critical, not just for my race, but also for the charter amendments. I’m grateful that I get to get up tomorrow morning and get to go back to work, and I am super grateful to be able to see some of the things I know are important to people get across the finish line.
“The good thing about being a representative is that it’s not any one item, it is the priorities of the district that I get to focus on,” she said. “One of the things that was loud and clear, and continues to be loud and clear, is that people are very concerned about our growth patterns ... and the idea of implementing ordinances and comprehensive plan amendments that are a benefit, if we do grow and when
we do grow. Protecting the rural area is critical to people, so continuing to do that and making sure we continue to focus our investments on quality of life, on our parks, our green places and our trails.
“There were a lot of people who really felt strongly about Austin, and I want to tell everybody ... that I want to support and continue to represent all of District 1,” Wilson said.
“Austin was kind enough to reach out tonight, and being able to open that dialogue and make sure that the representation includes everybody is really important to me.”
“While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, I extend my sincere support to Commissioner Wilson as she begins her new term,” Arthur said. “I’ve always believed that our greatest strength lies in coming together in partnership and being kind to one another. Our shared love for this community and our desire to see it prosper will always be stronger than any political disagreement. I truly believe our best days lie ahead, and my work inside the community continues just as it has for years — not in opposition to the commissioner, but in a welcomed partnership.”
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
In the District 4 race for a position on the Orange County School Board, Anne Douglas
had the most votes with 49,004 (58.68%), compared to Kyle Goudy’s 34,510 votes (41.32%).
“I am deeply honored and overjoyed to have won this election,” Douglas said. “Joining this incredible School Board is a privilege, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work for our students, teachers and community. I want to give my heartfelt thanks to God for His guidance throughout this journey. I am profoundly grateful to the organizations that stood by me … your support has been the backbone of this campaign. I would also like to extend special thanks to the individuals who have been instrumental in my success. … Together, we’re about to make a real difference.”
“This has been an incredibly humbling process, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Goudy said. “There are so many people to thank: my family, friends and the countless volunteers. I will forever be grateful for all the great people I met along the way. Congratulations to Anne, I wish her nothing but the best.”
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Karen Castor Dentel garnered 177,493 votes (40.09%), while Sunshine Linda-Marie Grund received 96,125 votes (21.71%), Dan Helm brought in 86,860 votes (19.62%), and Wes Hodge received 82,216 (18.57%).
FLORIDA SENATE
In District 13, Keith Truenow won with 41,237 votes (53.25%), as opposed to Stephanie L. Dukes’ 36,201 votes (46.75%).
FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
In District 45, Carolina Amesty garnered 36,508 votes (50.54%), while Leonard Spencer received 35,732 votes (49.46%).
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
In Florida District 11, Daniel Webster took the election with 80,857 votes (51.62%), while Barbie Harden Hall received 75,786 votes (48.38%).
STATE ATTORNEY
In the Ninth Judicial District, Monique Worrell garnered 303,399 votes (57.52%), while Andrew Bain received 224,067 votes (42.48%).
SCHOOL SALES
SURTAX REFERENDUM
The School Sales Surtax Referendum passed with 71.67% of the voters in favor of continuing the one-half cent sales surtax. This will fund the construction, reconstruction and improvement of school facilities, and land acquisition, land improvement and design and engineering costs … and the cost of retrofitting and providing technology implementation, beginning
Jan. 1, 2026, and ending Dec. 31, 2035, shared proportionately with charter schools as legally required, with continued oversight by an independent citizens’ committee.
COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS
All 10 Orange County Charter amendments passed:
• No. 1 revises Orange County’s charter initiative petition process.
• No. 2 requires the continued existence of Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
• No. 3 provides that in elections for charter offices, write-in candidates shall not count toward the number of qualified candidates necessary to trigger an election at the August primary.
• No. 4 requires the adoption of a fiscal sustainability analysis tool.
• No. 5 establishes an office of the county attorney.
• No. 6 increases the number of County Commission districts.
• No. 7 creates a Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission.
• No. 8 defines “County Protected Lands.”
• No. 9 establishes a rural area where county comprehensive plan amendments increasing density or intensity, and ordinances removing lands from the rural area, must be approved by a majority-plus-one vote of the entire membership of the County Commission.
• No. 10 establishes a process for voluntary municipal annexations and land use in rural areas.
Winter Garden author pens second novel in series
Stoneybrook West resident Amar Shah released recently the second book in his “Play the Game” series: “Take the Shot.”
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
It was Judy Blume’s “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” that made Amar Shah fall in love with writing when he was in only the fourth grade.
As a young adult, Shah went on to become the youngest writer for NBA magazine “SLAM,” where he had the opportunity to meet basketball legends including Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
His first big journalism assignment in high school was getting into the gymnasium of Dr. Phillips High School to watch the Chicago Bulls practice. His achievements in writing continued as his career progressed in markets including ESPN, Fox Sports, the NFL, The Wall Street Journal and the Orlando Sentinel.
Now, Stoneybrook West resident Shah’s culmination of experiences has helped him to nurture his love for writing to accomplish one of his lifelong goals: writing and publishing a book.
The Emmy Award-winning sports author brings the thrill of the game — paired with big dreams, life lessons and heart — to life through his “Play the Game” series, which is published by Scholastic and gaining national recognition.
Both the first book in the series, “The Hoop Con,” and the second book in the series, “Take the Shot,” were released this year. The third book, as well as Shah’s graphic novel memoir, “Wish I was a Baller,” will be released within the next year.
“I’ve always wanted to be a writer,” Shah said. “I did journalism all throughout high school, college and had the chance to work for some really big companies in my adult career. I was able to learn a lot of different skill sets throughout the years, but the love was always writing and books. … Having my book published and in the hands of kids is a dream come true. It’s still hard to believe it’s happening.”
‘I WISH I WAS A LITTLE BIT TALLER, I WISH I WAS A BALLER’
Although Shah was born in New Jersey, he grew up in Central Florida, primarily in the Dr. Phillips area. He attended Windermere Elementary, Southwest Middle and Dr. Phillips High schools. He went on to attend the University of Florida and, upon graduation, worked for ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, for two years before moving to California. He lived there for 11 years and worked for the NFL. When his oldest child was born, he earned a job with the Orlando Magic and moved back to Central Florida. He then worked for the Orlando Apollos.
Although he decided to leave the sports industry to explore content creation in hospitality, he never forgot his dream of wanting to write a book. “As people, we all have these starts and stops throughout our lives,” he said. “I was wondering when I would finally have the chance to discipline myself to actually do it, and I think after my son was born, I knew I wanted to do something for him, for our kids.”
He started writing his first book, “Wish I was a Baller,” in 2016. It was a coming-of-age memoir about his thrilling high school journalism career covering the NBA. One of his favorite memories of this time is landing a one-on-one interview with O’Neal and developing a friendship with the basketball legend.
“I wanted to write about my sophomore year of high school,” he said. “It was around the time of 1995, 1996. The whole story was about how this kid, me, was trying to use journalism and covering the NBA to become popular, when I still didn’t even have the guts to ask the girl I wanted to go out with to prom.”
Shah spent about five years working on the book and finished it around 2020. He was turning 40 years old at the time and referred to the book as his “mid-life crisis.”
After completing the book, he knew he needed to obtain an agent. He went through about 17 rejections until he found someone willing to take a chance on him: Jas Perry. The pair revised the memoir and began to submit it to publishers.
“We got one bite from Scholastic,”
Shah said. “The editor there said he liked my voice, but it skewed towards more of a young adult audience and they wanted to stay more towards the middle-grade fiction area. He told me he had a sports series he wanted to develop but didn’t have the writer for it. He asked me to write a couple of chapters and an outline.”
So, he did.
About six to seven months passed with no updates. Shah was in Texas shooting a documentary when he got a call from Perry.
“My agent told me there was good news and bad news, and I asked for the bad news first,” he said. “I was told the editor was leaving Scholastic, but the good news was his boss wanted to give me the three-book deal. Usually, you need to write a full novel or book to get an offer, but I somehow wrote maybe two sample chapters and an outline, and, all of a sudden, my dream came true.”
Shah hosted a book launch event in March at Writer’s Block Bookstore in downtown Winter Garden to celebrate the release of the first book. The second book was published only a few months later in October.
The books introduce readers to main character Raam Patel, who is eager to prove himself after not making the middle school basketball team, a feeling Shah is all too familiar with.
Shah said he loved reading sports books growing up, but he never saw himself in any of the characters. His own books inspire children to embrace their “Mamba mentality.”
“I wanted to create a character based on me or someone like me,” he said. “I wanted kids to be able to see themselves in these characters I was creating and believe in themselves and their dreams. I didn’t want them to see themselves as just another side character in someone else’s book. That sense of empowerment really helped drive my inspiration for writing these stories.”
The books also pay tribute to Shah’s life and the West Orange County community, with little anecdotes scattered throughout that he believes give the stories authenticity.
For example, his wife, Tejal, was a Bollywood actress when she was in India, so Shah made Raam’s mother a former Bollywood actress. Stoneybrook West — where Shah and his family have lived since 2017 — also is referenced as Storybrook West, complete with a story of the golf course’s closing and reopening and a multitude of visits from local wildlife.
“I wouldn’t have been able to write this book if I wasn’t living in Stoney-
brook,” he said. “That neighborhood is as much of a character in the books as any. I love this community, because it reminds me of how I grew up. I never thought I would come back to live in Orlando, but you always end up landing exactly where you’re supposed to be. I think being back in Orlando has been one of the best creative decisions for me.”
After revising the memoir to become a graphic novel, “Wish I Was a Baller” was sold to Scholastic as a separate book.
Both the graphic novel memoir and the third book in the “Play the Game” series are planned to be released in the summer of 2025.
“The books are about resilience,” Shah said. “They’re about showing grit and falling down and getting back up again. I think the message with Raam, the main character, is that no matter what happens to you, you can control your own fate. … Throughout this process I learned you really have to have the mental strength to go through rejection. It’s hard when it’s your own life you’re putting out there, but all it takes is one person to enjoy your work, see the vision and sign you. For me, it was all about the journey, not so much about the destination.”
‘MAMBA MENTALITY’
“The Hoop Con” has been selected for this year’s Scholastic Book Fair, and Shah had the opportunity to see the book at the annual event with his two children — Rohan, 9, and Annika, 6 — who attend Whispering Oak Elementary School.
Rohan even dressed up as the main character in the book for Halloween.
“It was one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Shah said. “Watching kids pick up my books is pretty amazing. It really gives meaning to what you do. Seeing these kids be inspired by these books leaves me feeling awestruck.”
Shah said he is incredibly fortunate his wife has supported him going fulltime as a writer, and she has made a lot of sacrifices for him to be able to chase his dreams.
“I feel like I’m living my dream right now, and I don’t take that lightly,” he said. “When someone is going to
invest in reading your book, they’re coming on an adventure with you. You want to make sure you’re a really great host, a really great guide and they enjoy your trip.”
Currently, Shah also teaches a sports media and entrepreneurship class at his alma mater, UF.
His current goal is to continue to get his books in the hands of more readers, as well as to continue to write books and develop his brand.
In addition, he is directing a documentary on “The Patel Motel Story,” which unravels the amazing and untold story of how three undocumented immigrants from the villages of Gujarat state in India came to America and inadvertently started an empire.
When not working, Shah enjoys working on projects around the house, spending time with his family and following New York sports.
LEARN MORE
WEBSITE: amarshahwrites.com
EMAIL: amarharishshah@ yahoo.com
PURCHASE THE BOOK: The first book in Amar Shah’s “Play the Game” series, “The Hoop Con,” can be found on Amazon at shorturl.at/ANWGe or on the Barnes & Noble website at shorturl.at/FQbuw.
Annabelle Sikes
Winter Garden resident Amar Shah is the talented voice behind the “Play the Game” series.
Courtesy photo
Amar Shah’s two children — Annika, left, and Rohan — are his biggest fans in his writing endeavors.
‘WE’RE ALL SURVIVORS OF SOMETHING’
Janaina Bonassi, Mrs. Florida American 2024, is using her inspirational story to educate and raise awareness for cardiac arrest following her own life-threatening cardiac arrest episode about five years ago.
ANNABELLE SIKES
NEWS EDITOR
It was 2 a.m. when Janaina Bonassi awoke from her sleep gasping for air. Her 4-year-old daughter, who was asleep next to her, began to cry and scream for help. Bonassi passed out, and her heart and breathing came to a halt.
At only 33 years old, Bonassi suffered sudden cardiac arrest.
Nearly five years later, her life has changed exponentially. Earlier this year, the 39-year-old Horizon West resident was crowned Miss Florida American 2024.
She credits her crown and sash to her story of perseverance as a survivor of cardiac arrest, and she is using her platform to educate and inspire hope in the hearts of others.
“When I first entered pageantry, I was told I had to sell my platform, and I almost was offended,” Bonassi said. “I didn’t want to sell my story and pain for a title, but then I understood that wasn’t the case at all. I shifted my perspective. I want to show the world that you can live with a condition and still have a healthy and active lifestyle. I want to tell people not to give up and to know that trauma is OK. It’s lonely and it’s very dark, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I want people to know their loved ones will be there for them, just like mine were for me.
“We’re all survivors of something, and I want to leave a legacy,” Bonassi said. “I owe this to my family, I owe this to myself, I owe this to people who have this condition and are scared, and I owe this to people who have lost loved ones as a result of cardiac arrest. This is my mission.”
REBIRTH-DAY
Bonassi was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
When she was 10 years old, she moved with her family from her home country to Hunter’s Creek in Orlando.
Her mother opened a dance studio, and she started dancing and helping with classes when she was about 12 years old.
When she was in high school, her family decided to move back to Brazil, and she studied physical education in college there while also working at a dance studio and a gym.
Upon graduating college, Bonassi met her husband, Ricardo, who was a technician for St. Jude Medical and worked with pacemakers.
Bonassi moved with her husband for his job to Minnesota, where she then worked as a personal trainer for LA Fitness. When her husband’s office again was transferred, the couple moved to Texas and Bonassi worked in nutrition.
When the pair decided they were ready to buy a home and start a family, they made the move to Davenport and eventually settled in Horizon West in 2017.
The Bonassis have two daughters — Stella, 9, and Giovanna, 7 — who attend Windermere Preparatory School and dance at Peaches Dance and Music studio in Horizon West.
SOMETHING WAS OFF
Bonassi said her first sign something could have been wrong was when she had a C-section with her first baby.
“I remember having some issues with my heart rate dropping, but I had my baby and everything was fine,” she said. “When Stella was 2 years old, I had my second baby, Giovanna, and when I was leaving the hospital I was told I had postpartum preeclampsia, so I was upset and my blood pressure was really high. For almost two months, I had to be on medication to help lower my heart rate and prevent something worse from happening.”
In 2019, Bonassi traveled with her husband and children to spend the New Year’s Eve holiday in Brazil with her family.
“I remember feeling really tired the next day, and so I went to bed early with my daughter, Stella,” she said. That’s when her world stopped.
“My husband realized I didn’t have a pulse and I wasn’t breathing,” Bonassi said. “He started performing CPR. Thank goodness he had the background he does and knew what to do.” She was rushed to the hospital and lost her memory for about a week. The doctor informed her the cardiac arrest was a result of a genetic condition called Long QT.
“The QT is the polarization between heart beats,” she said. “So, your heart beats and then it beats again, and the reading between those beats is called
Long QT. Mine is type three, which is the arrhythmia that happens in the middle of the night when you’re sleeping. I had no idea, but it explained the episodes I was having even going back to the birth of my girls. It’s not something I was thinking about at 33. I was healthy. There was nothing indicating I should have my heart checked.”
An ICD, which serves as both a pacemaker and a defibrillator, was placed in Bonassi’s chest. The small, battery-powered device detects and stops irregular heartbeats, as well as continuously checks heartbeats.
“As exciting and as innovative as technology is today, having the device has been scary,” she said. “I was concerned, and I had a lot of posttraumatic stress. I feel like it was a moment in my life where I couldn’t allow myself to suffer that trauma I went through, because my family also was suffering that trauma with me. So, I wanted to be strong for them. They saw a lot. So, I kept those feelings to myself, and down the line that took a major toll on me. Up until the beginning of this year, I wasn’t even able to talk about my story without choking up and shedding tears.”
SEEING THE SILVER LINING
Hannah Neeleman, known to her millions of followers on social media as Ballerina Farm, was the one to inspire Bonassi to make a change in her life.
“I’m following that page, and I’m seeing this amazing mother taking care of her farm and her eight children like Superwoman,” she said. “I saw she was the 2023 Mrs. American, and she was talking about her pageant experience and that we should join. She really inspired me to do it, because she had so many roles as a woman and seemed to excel at all of them. The pageant celebrates women, and I thought ‘Why not?’ If she could do it, maybe I could too.”
Bonassi joined the pageant world in the beginning of this year, competing as Mrs. Windermere for the Mrs. America Pageant. Although she had no prior pageant experience, she always loved being on stage because of dance.
When Bonassi was crowned Mrs. Windermere, she said her daughter, Stella, told her that no matter what happened to her, she shouldn’t give up. Bonassi said she tries to live up to her promise every day, but there were times when giving up did cross her mind.
“I was silent about the incident for about five years,” she said. “None of my family members talked about it; even my daughter didn’t talk about it. So, when I finally started talking about it, a lot of emotions came out. I wanted to quit, because my daughter started having panic attacks about the incident, and it was really heavy and hard. I felt a lot of guilt, and I didn’t want to bring anymore pain. Not talking about it felt good, and who wants to feel bad and talk about the scary things? I thought it was a scar, but it turned out to still be an open wound.”
Bonassi was crowned the 2024 Mrs. Florida American at the annual Mrs. Florida Pageant held May 19 at Westgate Resort. The delegates competed in three categories of competition: interview, swimsuit and evening gown.
Bonassi then competed at the fifth annual Mrs. American pageant Aug. 27 in Las Vegas, Nevada, among 51 women who were vying to win the coveted title of Mrs. American 2024. She ended up placing in the top 15, and she even had the opportunity to meet her inspiration: Neeleman.
“My daughter’s words always stayed in my mind,” Bonassi said. “I told the girls that if Mommy wins the crown,
it would be for them. I ended up being double crowned. I won Florida’s People Choice and the Mrs. Florida American crown. It was perfect. One crown for each of them. I told them that one day they’re going to have the opportunity to inspire little girls with their own stories, and they started shifting their own negative traumas into something more positive.”
FRAGILITY OF LIFE
Bonassi said sharing her story has given her the ability to connect with people all over the world.
She now serves as an ambassador for the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, a national community benefit organization with the vision of eliminating preventable death and disability from sudden cardiac arrest and supporting people affected.
She also is a founder of the “Heart of Hope” podcast, which brings hope to the hearts of those impacted by cardiac arrest.
Bonassi has a book coming out next year, also called “Heart of Hope,” which shares the details of her story and life experiences. There is even a chapter written by her husband, who talks about how he saved her life and the details she missed being in the hospital and suffering from memory loss.
She plans for the book’s pre-release date to be Jan. 2, 2025, her rebirth-day, the day she feels God gave her a second chance. Ten percent of the book sales will go to the SCAF.
“This isn’t something like when you break a leg and you put a cast on and after six weeks you have the cast off and move on with your life,” she said. “Having cardiac arrest isn’t something I can talk about as being in my past. This is my present, and it’s also my future. Every day I will live with this, and there’s a lot of others that do also. It’s so important that we continue to educate our community and continue to share our stories. It’s helped me heal, and I know it can do the same for others.”
On Nov. 2, Bonassi partnered with Hugo Boss and the American Heart Association to host an exclusive shopping event where 10% of the proceeds were donated to AHA. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy cocktails and meet Bonassi.
Because of his life-saving techniques, Bonassi’s husband will receive the Heartsaver Hero award from AHA at its annual Greater Orlando Heart Walk Saturday, Nov. 9, at the University of Central Florida.
Bonassi recommends people have Long QT screenings done, no matter their age.
“People have this misconception — even I did — that heart health problems don’t start until we’re much older, but that’s not always the case,” she said. “I was on top of my health, my blood work and my eating habits. We need to take this seriously. This can happen to anyone and at any time. These little measures and awarenesses can really make a difference.”
She wishes more people would learn CPR and practice implementing the
techniques through live drills. Getting teachers into local schools to educate about CPR is a goal of hers, as well as installing AEDs in more local establishments.
Shifting the way people perceive pageants, as well as growing her following to reach more people, also are goals of hers.
When it comes to day-to-day activities, Bonassi said she’s focused on being present in the moment and enjoying her second chance at life.
“I am living proof that life is fragile and can be taken away from you at any moment,” she said. “When you go through what I went through, you see life through different lenses. These little moments that we don’t take pride in that are our every day, I enjoy those. …I didn’t give myself the opportunity to heal for a long time, because I was concerned about what others were going through.
“I think we have to be spoiled at certain moments in our life and just take care of ourselves,” Bonassi said. “We have to check in and ask ourselves what’s going on and if we’re OK. Saying ‘I’m fine’ isn’t enough. If we don’t help ourselves, we can’t take care of others.”
“If
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Courtesy photos
The swimsuit section is one of the three categories of the Mrs. Florida American competition.
At only 33 years old, Janaina Bonassi suffered sudden cardiac arrest where her heart and breathing stopped.
Horizon West resident Janaina Bonassi, center, was crowned Mrs. Florida American 2024 at the annual Mrs. Florida Pageant held May 19 at Westgate Resort.
Oakland switches solid waste contractor
The current waste management contract ends in January. The move to another company means changes in rates and service.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Residents will see changes to their solid waste service and their bill when the town of Oakland switches providers at the first of the year. The Oakland Town Commission approved a new provider at its Oct. 22 meeting, and the new contracted company will begin in February.
The town’s current 10-year contract with Waste Management ends Jan. 31, 2025. Residents currently pay $17.97 monthly.
A solid waste advisory committee comprised of John Schmidt, Carlos Esquivel, Steve Stanford and Ed Kulakowski met in July and August to review four proposals received by the town. They ranked them based on letter of interest, qualifications, scope summary, total fees and references.
To keep the current level of service in the town, including twice-a-week collection using residents’ cans, the bids ranged from $28.95 to $43.11, said Nathan Brown, assistant public works director.
The committee selected Waste Pro of Florida Inc., which had the highest rankings of the four bids and carried the lowest fee structure, Brown said. This company also has prior experience with the town of Oakland.
“The group’s selection saves money by reducing the collection days to once a week,” he wrote in a report to the Oakland Town Commission.
“However, it does provide townbranded rolling trash and recycling carts that will be owned by the town.
… The town will be split into two separate routes (and) collection days. This brought the monthly rate down to $25.58.”
Waste Pro provided several options, and the commission selected Option 4, which includes once-a-week pickup of household waste, yard waste and recyclables. Residents will receive one 95-gallon rolling mainstream trash container and one 95-gallon rolling recycle container — and will have the option of requesting smaller 64-gallon cans and paying a rate for additional cans if needed.
The town will own the cans at the completion of the contract.
Service will be provided by two new compressed natural gas-powered rear-loader trucks and one supervisor pickup. These trucks include service verification GPS-enabled cameras that record and verify the waste collection activities and manage anomalies, such as missed pickups.
Mainstream solid waste service will address the town in two parts — half the town will be serviced on Tuesdays, and the other half will have collection on Fridays. One truck will collect recycling on Thursdays, and one truck will pick up yard waste on Wednesdays. Collection of bulk waste, including furniture, will take place on the same days as regular trash pick-up. White goods (appliance) collection will be accomplished by one supervisor truck on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Service also will be provided for annual hazardous waste pickup events, public facilities and Oakland Avenue Charter School.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING WOES
The town has been looking for ways to alleviate traffic problems during the week at Oakland Avenue Charter School and in this same area on the weekends. Town Manager Andy Stewart presented possible parking improvements at a September commission meeting that also would provide additional parking as it relates to local churches.
Oakland in recent years has formed partnerships with the churches, which have provided parking for town-sponsored events. Last month, the town’s department heads met with local churches to discuss and gather input about a proposed study and traffic issues in the area.
According to Stewart, the consensus gathered at this meeting was most of the traffic concerns were experienced on Sundays, as well as on weekdays during student pick-up and drop-off times at OACS.
The commission approved the hiring of Myra Planning and Design at a cost of $7,500 to provide recommendations and schematic designs to explore improvements by using a portion of underutilized land at the southwest area of the school property for parking during non-school hours.
The school no longer needs the existing drain field after the septicto-sewer conversion, so the town wants to remove the drain field and improve the site to create overflow parking and a second drop-off and pick-up loop for the school.
Stewart said the proposed agreement would be funded in the current budget under the road resurfacing line item and proposed funding for the project is to be determined upon completion of the evaluation and schematic design.
HWO brings Health & Harvest Festival to farmers market
The city of Winter Garden and Healthy West Orange hosted a Health & Harvest Festival Nov. 2, and attendees could participate in fitness activities, games, giveaways, cooking and gardening fun, and health screenings. The free event took place during the Winter Garden Farmers Market near the downtown pavilion.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
Courtesy photo
The town is proposing to use the southwest portion of the Oakland Avenue Charter School property, at top right, for overflow parking for town events, as well as another drop-off and pick-up area for students.
Healthy West Orange hosted the Health & Harvest Festival at the Winter Garden Farmers Market Nov. 2, and the HWO team was on hand to greet attendees and hand out free bags.
Easton Hicks concentrated on coloring his fall picture at the Orange Observer booth.
Roper YMCA staff, including Linda Bould, left, Scott Fishman and Angie Tilley, set up a table at the festival and encouraged attendees to participate in calisthenics.
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
Residents voice input on town’s future
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
The town of Windermere hosted a Town Square Design Charrette Oct. 28 at Town Hall where residents participated in an open discussion to provide input on potential improvements to Town Square Park.
A design charrette is an assembly of stakeholders who work together in a condensed session to strive toward a common design solution. Ideas are explored through collaboration via both writing and sketched concepts to discover and further diverse design ideas.
The meeting kicked off with an introduction from Town Planner Brad Cornelius, of Wade Trim, followed by a design team presentation from Wade Trim, charrette breakout sessions with resident involvement and concept prioritization discussions.
“A few months ago, the Town Council approved the work assignment of us coming up with a master plan for Town Square, which will go through a public process — which is what we’re doing tonight — and then ultimately the plan would come back to the Town Council for their consideration and possible approval,” Cornelius said. “What that would do for the town and its future is give a blueprint and a guideline for what would happen here. What we’re not talking about is Town Hall and what may happen to it, because it’s not part of our project. Our project is the area around Town Hall.”
PROJECT ANALYSIS
Christopher Thompson, landscape architect with Wade Trim, led the project presentation.
The goals and scope of the project include analyzing the existing conditions and uses of Town Square, facilitating an open discussion for future planning efforts, presenting input to the Town Council at a workshop, preparing several concepts based on the stakeholder input, and presenting concepts to the Town Council.
Thompson discussed what the town already knows about the area, which includes site analysis, current uses and planned improvements.
Current uses of the area include the Friday farmers market, fourth Friday food trucks, the Wine & Dine, Run Among the Lakes, Halloween Holiday Hoopla, art fair, centennial events, PetFest and the back-to-school celebration.
Planned improvements for the area that already are taking place include parking access from East Sixth Avenue and the East Sixth Avenue roundabout improvements.
RESIDENT FEEDBACK
Following the presentation, residents split into small groups to have discussion. The groups first asked each other about their favorite and least favorite part about Town Square as it currently is, followed by what kind of elements they would like to see in Town Square. Residents’ favorite present elements of the area included the tree canopy and open green space. Their least favorite elements included the food truck events, as well as the lack of parking for the number of people who visit the town, traffic in the area, lack of shade and the lack of public restrooms.
“We want open space,” said Windermere resident Theresa Schretzmann-Myers of her group’s thoughts. “We want to replant the tree canopy back in this area, as well as tougher native grasses that can handle traffic and add some benches in the shaded areas. We want to keep the basketball courts. We feel like those are utilized by the youth in the town. We want to repurpose the Cal Palmer building as a museum or shop and move the storage that’s being used there now somewhere else close by. We also want to restore the Town Hall building here. The roof and the foundation desperately need help, and the porch needs to be rebuilt. No bathrooms added to the historic Town Hall, because it’s a National Register historic site. We want the bathrooms to be off near the drain field somewhere near the library.”
Although all residents in attendance agreed on the restrooms and the green space, there were mixed opinions on the food trucks in town. Some residents voiced displeasure with the amount of traffic and outside residents the events bring to town, while others said they enjoy having the food trucks in the community.
“I think if you’re going to have events here, you just have got to have restrooms,” another resident said. “We moved here in 2020, and honestly one of the things that brought us here was the food trucks. We love seeing all the children and the families out at these events. This is an increasingly younger community, and there isn’t an awful lot being constructed in this area to actually bring people together outside of their homes.”
For those who were unable to attend the inperson meeting but wish to provide feedback, an online survey is available on the town’s website.
The findings from the charrette and the online survey next will be presented at a future Town Council workshop.
LOCAL MOTION
This annual guide provides important information about the West Orange communities of Winter Garden, Oakland, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Gotha and Horizon West including the history, area maps, hospitals, utility companies and local leaders.
Including:
• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events
• 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
Boys & Girls Clubs breaks ground on Winter Garden branch
The new location on Ninth Street officially will be called the June Family Branch.
Individuals and organizations came together Oct. 24 for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the future Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida facility that is coming to Winter Garden. Representatives from BGCCF, the city of Winter Garden, donors and more gathered at the site on Ninth Street to turn the dirt to signify the start of construction and to recognize the many donors who are making this new club branch possible.
The city donated the land for the clubhouse, to be named the June Family Branch, after Randy and Jamie June for all they have done to raise funds and awareness for the project.
The new club will offer 20,000 square feet of programming space and serve up to 220 children daily, and it is expected to be completed next fall.
It will include a dedicated teen center, which will include a teen arts lab/maker space, music
studio, dance studio, technology lab, and college and career lab. The dedicated youth center will incorporate a STEM/robotics lab, health and life science learning center, arts lab, game room and “zen den.”
To make a monetary donation, visit bgccf.org and specify the June Family Branch.
The Central Florida organization is a beacon of hope that provides a safe and caring club experience every day after school and all summer long for children between the ages of 6 and 18 from disadvantaged neighborhoods at little or no cost to families.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
Jamie Merrill, left, president and CEO of BGCCF, presented the first scoops of dirt to Jamie and Randy June, Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams, and Mayor John Rees.
Children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida turned the dirt to signify the beginning of construction for the club’s new
June Family Branch in Winter Garden. Assisting are Randy June, left, Winter Garden City Commissioner Iliana R. Jones, Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Jamie Merrill, president and CEO of BGCCF.
Some of the youngest attendees wore their club T-shirts.
Children from the local Boys & Girls Clubs chatted with Winter Garden City Manager Jon C. Williams, left, Mayor John Rees and City Commissioner Choe Johnson Brunson.
Special Hearts Farm project receives final approval
The project in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement has been a strong point of contention since its announcement.
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
Editor’s note: County Level is a monthly feature that highlights the most impactful actions taken by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
The approval of the Special Hearts Farm Planned Development project led Orange County Board of County Commissioners actions at their October meetings. Several other decisions also were made that impact West Orange and Southwest Orange.
SPECIAL HEARTS FARM
At its Oct. 29 meeting, the County Commission approved unanimously the Special Hearts Planned Development project in the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement.
The project has been a strong point of contention since the initial community meeting held in May.
The residents of the rural settlement say they’re fighting for their community’s rights as they were intended. Representatives and families of Special Hearts — which provides life skills in agriculture and agribusiness to adults with special needs — say the location is perfect. The nonprofit organization hopes to set up a larger farm space and build a cluster of small residential care cottages on property located in a protected area off Avalon Road in unincorporated Winter Garden.
The project moved one step further in the approval process following a second community meeting Sept. 18 and a county Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Sept. 19.
Kathy Meena and Jennifer Elliott founded Special Hearts off Ninth Street in Winter Garden about six years ago. The organization has since outgrown its space at the former Maxey Elementary School property.
The 18.26-acre subject property is located at 4151 Avalon Road, which is in the rural settlement at the north-
east corner of Avalon and Dangler roads.
For Special Hearts to have its new project approved, Orange County would have to change the Future Land Use Map designation from Rural Settlement to Institutional and rezone the land from Citrus Rural District to Planned Development District.
The full 18 acres would be rezoned, but only 10 acres at the back of the site would be amended to reflect the Institutional designation so up to 30 Special Hearts participants could live on the farm.
The original request was for a 25,000-square-foot training facility, a 5,000-square-foot event barn to be used for a farmers market and petting zoo, and overnight housing for 50 adults in the program. The applicant decreased the sizes of the training facility and event barn to 15,000 and 3,500 square feet, respectively, and lessened the number of overnight residents to 30.
At all of the community meetings, rural settlement residents expressed fear the project would set a precedent that would allow other Institutional development, such as nursing homes, into the area. Concerns for traffic, other institutions submitting applications and the applicant increasing the numbers requested if approved also were voiced.
Rural settlements call for one dwelling unit for every five acres, meaning the applicant, Jim Hall, of Hall Development Services, could have three units on the land. A single-family home and a barn already occupy the property.
In addition to the already 19 conditions of approval, county staff said eight additional conditions were added following a meeting Oct. 23 with the applicant and District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson to better address concerns.
At the BCC meeting, 26 people signed up to speak.
“The Special Hearts Farm has gone above and beyond by making multiple
compromises with the Avalon community,” Meena said. “I would like to remind everyone that helping individuals with disabilities should never be political, and Special Hearts Farm continues to make a positive impact throughout our community. I am asking for your support of our project, because it will serve as a bright star for Orange County, the state of Florida and serves our most vulnerable population. … Please vote yes and help us be the change.”
Laurie Forrester, president of the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement and Avalon Home and Property Owners Association, said she met with the applicant team on at least six different occasions to try and find a solution that worked for all involved parties.
“During that time, we made sure that they knew and understood that we were very good with the agricultural portions of this project and how important it was, and we agreed to provide individuals with a meaningful and productive day for their participants,” she said. “They continually stated that they wanted to be good neighbors to us, and so we continued to see if we could find common ground in regards to the facilities that required Future Land Use and zoning changes that would be beneficial to both us and Special Hearts, but we soon came to realize that they really didn’t have an interest in making these concessions or modifications due to the aspects of their project that needed the changes.
“Our community has been damaged and vilified by having a halftruth in what has been communicated. … They are not telling the other half of the story,” she said. “Special Hearts has created their dream, but their dream disregards, dismisses and comes at the expense of the dreams of those residents that live in this rural settlement and the promised commitment to our rural settlement for the future integrity of our county ordinance.”
Several Special Hearts participants spoke during the meeting asking for the board’s approval of the project, as well as Winter Garden Commissioner Chloe Johnson. Wilson made a motion for approval
WINTER GARDEN RESIDENTS SHRED FOR FREE
Event Guidelines
with 25 of the discussed conditions.
Read the Observer’s most recent story on the project at shorturl.at/ x3fJl.
DISNEY AFFORDABLE-HOUSING
PROJECT Despite objections from the Horizon West community, Walt Disney World received the final approval needed to move forward with its affordablehousing project at the BCC meeting Oct. 8.
After nearly two hours of discussion and an abundance of public comment, commissioners approved the project 6-1, with Wilson dissenting.
Wilson urged the board to postpone the decision, arguing it was unfair to ask residents in the community to choose between preparing for the approaching Hurricane Milton and driving about 30 miles to downtown Orlando to have their voices heard. She said the majority of people who spoke in support of the project did not live in the Horizon West area.
Read the Observer’s full story on the approval at shorturl.at/9SDEx.
REAMS ROAD
DEVELOPMENT HALT
Wilson also gave a commissioner’s report in which she discussed the flooding and infrastructure issues on Reams and Ficquette roads in the Horizon West area at the Oct. 29 BCC meeting.
Following hurricanes Ian and Milton, Wilson said there have been significant and persistent flooding problems in the area. She said the Public Works Department did everything in their power to try to prevent the issues.
“This critical roadway serves as a primary access point for residents of Horizon West and surrounding areas, yet it is increasingly unsafe, especially during heavy rainfall and tropical storm events,” Wilson said in a memo to the board prior to the meeting. “The flooding issue stems largely from the surrounding conservation wetlands and Lake Hancock, which are hydrologically connected.
The northwest lane, where Reams Road turns into Summerlake Park
Boulevard, is directly impacted by the wetland adjacent to Lake Hancock. The elevation and constant water flow from the lake have overwhelmed the roadway, causing consistent and dangerous flooding.
“Similarly, the northeast side of the intersection is inundated by runoff from another large wetland, which has reached max saturation levels,” she said. “Approval for development in the Lake Reams Basin occurred under conservation impact permits that allowed construction in these wetlands in 2019-2020. The longterm impact of these decisions (is) now apparent. These developments are failing to keep their runoff onsite. Our retention ponds, intended to manage runoff and protect roadways, are failing to perform as needed.”
Wilson urged the board to prioritize the Reams Road expansion project to relieve congestion and improve infrastructure resiliency. She said it’s essential the county allow Public Works experts to identify longterm flood mitigation strategies that address the immediate problem, as well as future growth in Horizon West.
“Although Public Works is in the process of securing right-of-way acquisitions to facilitate the expansion, progress has been slow,” she said. “Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2025.”
Given the ongoing safety risks, Wilson also asked the board to consider a temporary suspension of comprehensive plan text and map amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions in the affected area.
“This would provide Public Works with the necessary time to implement permanent solutions to the flooding problem, to review and upgrade the design of retention ponds to ensure proper runoff, and complete the long-awaited road expansion without the pressure of new developments exacerbating these issues,” she said. A work session to further discuss the requests is planned for Jan. 7, 2025. County staff has been directed to collect the information needed in order to discuss pausing development in the area.
Garden club celebrates Flora’s birthday
The Bloom & Grow Garden Society held a lively party Oct. 23 to celebrate the birthday of Flora, the butterfly sculpture located in downtown Winter Garden. Garden club members held the event in the park beside the splash pad and invited students from Oakland Avenue Charter School, Tildenville and Windermere elementary schools, and Eight Waves to join them.
Students paraded around the splash pad and received a succulent in a bee planter, and garden society members released 60 Monarch butterflies. Representatives from three sponsors, Live Trends, State Farm – Shannon Till and Berkshire Hathaway, were in attendance as well.
The Bloom & Grow Garden Society dedicated the sculpture in downtown Winter Garden in October 2021.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
West Orange Dream Center hosts annual Dream Big fundraiser
The West Orange Dream Center, a local nonprofit organization, welcomed members of the community to its east Winter Garden campus for its annual Dream Big fundraising dinner. Guests attending the event spent the evening enjoying a delicious dinner catered by 4 Rivers Smokehouse while a live band filled the air with music and student volunteers served them throughout the night. The event also included a live auction, raffles, award recognitions and special performances.
Founded by Family Church, the Dream Center is a Christ-centered enrichment organization that provides programs, education and resources to the east Winter Garden and West Orange County communities. The Dream Big event secures the organization the funds to complete its mission.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Hope Church honors military personnel, first responders at Hero Day event
The Winter Garden church welcomed and recognized military personnel and first responders during its Hero Day celebration event and service.
Hope Church welcomed and honored local military personnel and first responders at its Hero Day service and community festival event Nov. 3 at its Winter Garden campus. Beyond being recognized as local heroes, all present military personnel and first responders also received a special breakfast and gift during the outdoor portion of the event, while others in attendance were able to explore emergency vehicles, interact with police animals and enjoy light refreshments. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE
A live band filled the fundraiser dinner with lovely tunes.
Members of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society donned butterfly and bee costumes to celebrate the birthday of Flora, the butterfly sculpture in downtown Winter Garden.
Nancy Sines, left, and granddaughter Katherine Sines wore matching Monarch butterfly outfits.
Oakland Avenue Charter School students Benjamin Mawatari, left, Jack Tate, Grace Mawatari, Johanna Gillman and Juliana Gillman showed their support of butterflies and bees at Flora’s birthday celebration.
Hope Church welcomed and honored local military personnel and first responders at its Hero Day service
community festival event.
Marc Williamson, left, and his wife, Susan, enjoyed the dinner at the event.
Part of the night’s special performances was a song by one of the Dream Center’s young students.
There were plenty of photo opportunities during the Hero Day event.
Part of the fun of Hero Day was exploring different emergency vehicles.
Members of the Hope Church team honored local heroes during the special Hero Day service
Left: Children throughout the event hopped behind the wheel of utility vehicles, such as the Windermere Police Department’s UTV.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1In a letter sent to The First Academy Nov. 1, FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon notified the school that pursuant to the athletics association’s investigation, its football program had violated numerous rules and regulations regarding recruiting and providing impermissible benefits to players.
As a result of the FHSAA investigation, TFA has been fined a total of $36,000, ordered to forfeit eight of its wins from the 2024 season (meaning it would miss the 2024 playoffs), and has been placed on restrictive probation until Dec. 20, 2025 — which bars the Royals from participating in postseason play next season.
“The First Academy will vigorously defend the allegations made by the FHSAA,” said the school’s attorney Frank Kruppenbacher in a statement.
“As a longtime member in good standing with the FHSAA, we find ourselves once again puzzled and disappointed. Their scrutiny of our admissions process led them to conclude that innocuous date irregularities in the enrollment process should result in the most draconian sanctions imaginable. While The First Academy has been cooperative and respectful, their colleagues at the FHSAA have remained insolent and trenchant. Those suffering the most are those the FHSAA is supposed to serve, the innocent student-athletes. It is unsurprising that the legislature has repeatedly taken steps to dismantle the FHSAA because of their disregard for common sense educational practices.”
2
The Windermere Prep boys golf team won the Class 1A, District 6 team championship, while the Lakers’ Chase Bauer won the individual title after shooting a 69 (-3).
3
Four Windermere High athletes — a trio of baseball players and a boys lacrosse player — announced their commitments to play at the college level.
The boys making the move to the college diamond are Noah Townsend, who announced he will be playing at Vassar College; Mason Pickert, who committed to Thomas University; and Tyler Hershiser, who is headed to the panhandle to play for Pensacola State.
Alex Briggs is the Wolverines athlete headed to college for lacrosse. He has announced he’s committed to Coker University.
4
Horizon High cross country teams led the West and Southwest Orange County area teams at the district meet and qualified for regionals Saturday, Nov. 9, in Boca Raton.
The Lady Hawks finished fourth, one place ahead of Windermere High, while Olympia High finished seventh. On the boys side, Horizon finished second overall — just eight points behind first-place Viera High — while Windermere finished eighth and qualified for regionals for the first time since 2019.
5
Lake Buena Vista High’s Nathan Frette has claimed his fourth consecutive regional boys diving individual championship. Frette, a twotime state diving champion, now will have the chance to complete a three-peat at the 3A state meet in Ocala Nov. 8-9.
GRIDIRON GIANTS
To celebrate the high school football players who shined the brightest during the 2024 football regular season in West Orange and Southwest Orange County, meet the 2024 All-Orange Observer football first, second teams and individual award winners.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
As the 2024 high school football regular season comes to a close and the playoffs begin to ramp up in West Orange and Southwest Orange County, it’s time to take a moment and reflect on the incredible season it has been so far.
Although the season isn’t over yet and plenty of teams still have hopes of hoisting a state championship trophy before 2024 is done and dusted, the end of the regular season is the perfect time to recognize the incredible talent in the area.
Meet the 2024 All-Orange Observer football teams, players of the year and coach of the year.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
CHANCELLOR BARCLAY, THE FIRST ACADEMY
It’s rare that an offensive guard is recognized, period, let alone with a Player of the Year award when pitted against the flash of other skill positions and the stats they can accu-
mulates to justify the selection, but when it comes to Barclay, he’s just that rare of a player.
Sure, he didn’t score 20-plus touchdowns or gain thousands of yards, but what he did do was dominate whoever was lined up against him from the right guard spot on the Royals’ offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior was a mauler in the run game, constantly being used as a
Windermere High boys and girls swimming win regionals, leads area into state meets
The Wolverines boys and girls team claimed the regional title, with the West Orange High girls finishing second and the Dr. Phillips High boys earning third.
SAM
ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Windermere High boys and girls swimming teams continued their dominant form by winning the FHSAA Class 4A, Region 2 swimming and diving championships Nov. 1.
The Wolverines were the only area 3A or 4A team to win a region crown and will lead the West Orange and Southwest Orange County area into the 3A and 4A state championships Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Florida Aquatics Swimming and Training center in Ocala. Here’s a breakdown of the area’s 3A and 4A teams still fighting for a state title.
Ocoee girls basketball player Dakara Merthie is ready to lead the Lady Knights to the next level in the 2024-25 season.Page 2B.
The 2024 All-Orange Observer teams are littered with talent from around West Orange and Southwest Orange County.
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
Courtesy
TFA’s Chancellor Barclay (No. 77) is the 2024 Orange Observer football player of the year.
Dakara Merthie
Ocoee girls basketball player
Dakara Merthie is a bucket. With an average of 20.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game last season, the transfer from Lake Mary High earned offers from Albany State and Southern Miss as just a sophomore.
Merthie’s production led Lake Mary to an appearance in the FHSAA Class 7A, Region 1 finals and a 22-8 record.
Beyond her pedigree as a college hoops prospect, Merthie also has established herself as a record-breaker. Last season, she broke the Lady Rams’ single-season scoring record of 591 points — and combined with her output as a freshman, when she averaged 15.3 points a night, Merthie is just 12 points away from reaching the 1,000 points scored mark in her young career.
The junior hooper has joined the Lady Knights for the 202425 season, where she will immediately fill a huge need for coach Marcus Spears as Ocoee’s two leading scorers from last season’s 20-6 team, that won the Class 7A, District 3 championship — Micah Hannah and Paris Triplett, who combined for 23.3 points a game during the 2023 season — have graduated.
Merthie will join senior guard Jayla Weiser in the Knights to make one of the most dangerous backcourts in West Orange County.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I am blessed; it is such an honor.
What do you like the most about basketball?
Basketball is very therapeutic, and it is an outlet for me.
What is your goal for this season, for yourself and the team?
My personal goal for this season is to be a better version of myself than I was last year.
My goal for the team is to make it to Lakeland for the final four and play with no excuses. We need to be giving 100% effort at all times.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from basketball?
To be disciplined on and off the court.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite player is A’ja Wilson.
Is there someone you try to model your game after?
I don’t really model my game after anyone.
I just go out and play the game I’ve been consistently working on.
Favorite basketball memory?
When I scored 591 points to break the single-season scoring record at Lake Mary High last year.
What’s your go-to pregame meal? Pasta.
What’s your goto pregame hype song?
I don’t have a specific song, but
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Going to the beach; anything with being outside.
What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
My favorite subject would be science. I think it’s cool to learn about the planet we live on.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island? Why?
I would take my phone, a basketball and food — that’s all I need to survive!
What is your favorite movie?
“Love and Basketball,” because it’s just real life to me and a good movie overall.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
I would have dinner with Dawn Staley, because I personally think she has opened so many doors for us in the women’s basketball world.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
To always live by Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be? Did I live up to my expectations?
Who is your favorite superhero? Spider-Man, because he gets to swing around New York City.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Venom; I just think he’s pretty cool.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I wish I could teleport, so I could go anywhere at any time.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go?
Hawaii, Dubai and Tokyo.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A golden doodle. They provide therapy to others, and I feel like we give off the same energy.
What is your most controversial food take? I eat liver. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Pineapple DOES NOT belong on pizza!
All-Orange Observer teams
lead blocker or puller and getting up to the second level and burying defenders into the ground. In pass protection, Barclay’s dominance on the interior of the line was vital for his mobile quarterback — Salomon Georges Jr.
Ultimately, Barclay was the best player regardless of position in the West Orange, Southwest Orange County area and the biggest justifications for that are as simple as this: Watch the tape and look at the offers — the four-star prospect has his pick of schools to go to, from Alabama and Georgia to 23 others.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR, OFFENSE
STANLEY ANDERSON-LOFTON, DR. PHILLIPS
From his command of the offense to his physical gifts and how he leads his team on the biggest stage, Dr. Phillips’ senior QB is everything you want under center, and
he’s one of the main reasons why the Panthers look primed for a deep playoff run.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR, DEFENSE
MICHAEL MCCLENTON, OCOEE
The junior linebacker is the definition of a problem for offensive coordinators. Not only is McClenton one of the most dominant defenders in Central Florida, according to MaxPreps at press time, he also leads the nation in total tackles with 219 through 10 games — to go along with his 46 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR, UTILITY
BRIAN DILLARD, WEST ORANGE
Quarterback, receiver, defensive back or return man; it doesn’t really matter where you put the Warriors sophomore on the football field; he’ll go out there and ball. Across all four spots this season, Dillard has racked up 1,676 total yards, 11 total TDs and an interception over nine games — leading West Orange to an 8-2 record and the Class 7A, District 5 championship.
COACH OF THE YEAR
RIKI SMITH, WINDERMERE
In a season that was dubbed the most anticipated in program history, with a new stadium on its way, the adversity of starting its season with five consecutive away or neutral site games and an expectation of winning that was not usually associated with the team, the Wolverines’ third-year coach was set up to disappoint. So, for Smith and his Windermere
team to go from a 3-7 finish in 2023 — the school’s most wins in a single season at the time — and come out on the other side of the 2024 season with an undefeated 10-0 record and a heap of other program firsts, making the former Dr. Phillips assistant the coach of the year was a nobrainer.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Quarterback
Salomon Georges Jr., TFA
Running backs
Jamarian Robinson, Ocoee
Dane Thompkins, TFA
Wide receivers
Demetrice McCray, TFA
Mykel Calixte, Dr. Phillips
Ja’Cari Jackson, Olympia
Offensive linemen
Noah Devine, TFA
Nico Marti, West Orange
David Gardner, Dr. Phillips
Parker Moss, Olympia Deuce Forrester, Windermere
Just keep swimming
CLASS 4A
WINDERMERE
Region finish
• Boys: First, 418 points
• Girls: First, 515.5 points Athletes to watch at state meet
• Ryan Erisman: Won the boys 200-meter and 500-meter freestyle at the regional championships.
• Rylee Erisman: Won the girls 50 and 100-meter freestyle at regionals.
• Lilliana Krstolic: Won the girls 100-meter butterfly and 500 free at regionals.
• Walter Kueffer: Won the boys 50 and 100 free at regionals.
• Carolina Leitao: Won the girls 100-meter breaststroke and 200 free at regionals.
• Jacob Mannarino: Finished second in boys one-meter diving at regionals.
• Aidyn Reese: Won the girls 200-meter individual medley and finished second in 100 breaststroke at regionals.
• Maddie Reynolds: Won the girls 100-meter backstroke and finished second in 100 free at
• Hollace Stokes: Finished sec-
ond in girls 200 IM at regionals.
• Roberto Zarate: Won the boys 100-meter butterfly and finished second in the 200 free at regionals.
WEST ORANGE Region finish
• Boys: Fifth, 159 points
• Girls: Second, 339 points Athletes to watch at state meet
• Isabella Eggebrecht: Finished third in the girls one-meter diving at regionals.
• Linda Egger: Finished second in the girls 100 free and fourth in the 50 free at regionals.
• Hannah Le: Finished second in the girls 200 free and in the 100 butterfly at regionals.
• Kayla McKinney: Finished third in the girls 100 butterfly at regionals.
HORIZON Region finish
• Boys: Ninth, 114 points
• Girls: Fourth, 160 points Athletes to watch at state meet
• Mariana Baptista Landim: Finished second in girls 100 backstroke at regionals.
• Ian Batoni Cazella: Finished third in boys 50 free at regionals.
• Isabella Taliaferro: Finishesd second in girls 500 free.
OLYMPIA Region finish
• Boys: Fourth, 188 points
• Girls: Sixth, 142.5 points Athletes to watch at state meet
•Tristian Bonnet-Eymard: Finished third in boys 100 free.
• Ethan Hodson: Won the boys 200 IM and finished second in the 100 breaststroke at the regionals.
DR. PHILLIPS Region finish
•Boys: Third, 193.5 points
• Girls: Ninth, 83 points Athletes to watch at state meet
• Martin Montalvo: Won boys 100 backstroke at regionals.
CLASS 3A
LAKE BUENA VISTA Region finish
• Boys: Seventh, 109 points
• Girls: 10th, 93 point
Athletes to watch at state meet
• Nathan Frette: Won the boys one-meter diving at regionals.
• Jacob Tsai: Finished third in boys 200 IM and sixth in the 100 butterfly at regionals.
Dr. Phillips quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton (No. 8) has led
offense.
Dr. Phillips wide receiver Mykel Calixte (No. 4) lined up against West Orange cornerback Devonte Anderson (No. 12).
Courtesy of Coastal Soul Media, Peyton Powell
Three Windermere High swimmers held onto the blocks, waiting for the signal to begin their race.
DEFENSE Defensive linemen
Enzo Fernandes, Windermere
Bryson Furrey, West Orange
Blaze Jones, TFA
Daniel Bradley, Windermere
Linebackers
Aden Hall, TFA
Logan Hartman, West Orange
Defensive backs
Dariyon Gordon, Ocoee
CJ Bronaugh, Windermere
Ivan Taylor, West Orange
Devin Jackson, TFA
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker, punter
Braedyn White, Foundation
UTILITY
Devonte Anderson, West Orange
Joshua Guerrier, Ocoee
Bryce Speed, Windermere
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback
Jack Reilly, Windermere
Running backs
Raymond Green, Olympia Sam Wood, Foundation
Wide receivers
Evan James, TFA
Tavion Greaves, Dr. Phillips
Davy Murphy, CFCA
Offensive linemen
Jonathan Robinson, Lake Buena
Vista
Evan Reinhart, Horizon
James Phillips, Foundation
Reed Ramsier, TFA
Theo Fernandes, Windermere
DEFENSE
Defensive
linemen
Maurice Jones Jr., Dr. Phillips
Srlondo Whiley, TFA
Stephen Ford, Foundation
Josiah Butler, West Orange
Linebackers
Willems Noel, Windermere
Reece French, Foundation
Jake Threadgill, Legacy Charter
Defensive backs
Maliki Wright, Dr. Phillips
Erik Denico, Lake Buena Vista
Danny Odem III, TFA
Julien Michel, Dr. Phillips
The First Academy’s Satiago Suarez (No. 99) kicked off.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker, punter
Santiago Suarez, TFA
UTILITY
Steven Grecco, Foundation
Mason Mathis, CFCA
Octavio Ulloa, Windermere
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS
FRIDAY, NOV. 1
Dr. Phillips (8-1), 33 West Orange (8-2), 11
HIGHLIGHTS: On the back of a pair of big drives at the end of the first half — led by two passing touchdowns from quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton and the Dr. Phillips High passing attack — the Panthers were able to top the West Orange Warriors in the Ole Orange Crate rivalry game.
UP NEXT: West Orange’s regularseason slate is done, and it will be off in Week 12 before gearing up for the first round of the FHSAA playoffs.
Dr. Phillips will have one more regular-season game before the end of its regular season campaign, a Week 12 district home game against East Ridge High Thursday, Nov. 7.
The First Academy (9-1), 56 Calvary Christian (5-3), 20
HIGHLIGHTS: The Royals came out firing to open up its final regularseason game of 2024, with senior QB Salomon Georges Jr. accounting for four unanswered touchdowns — three passing and one rushing — to help The First Academy take a 28-0 lead with 11:50 left to play in the second quarter. Before the end of the half Georges Jr. threw another TD, his fifth of the game, and running back Dane Thompkins ran for another to make it a 42-8 game at the break. TFA cruised for the rest of the game.
UP NEXT: TFA will be off in Week 12.
FIRST ROUND OF SSAA
5A PLAYOFFS
No. 1 Foundation Academy (5-4), 35 No. 4 Bishop Snyder (5-5), 0
HIGHLIGHTS: Foundation senior Steven Grecco caught four touchdown passes, three from junior QB Braydon Marks and one from eighth-grader Gianni Rodriguez, to lead the Lions to a blowout win in
the first round of the SSAA playoffs. Sophomore running back Sam Wood also added a 15-yard toucdown run to the scoreline.
UP NEXT: As the No. 1 seed, Foundation will host its semifinal matchup against St. Joseph’s Academy (9-1) Friday, Nov. 8.
Horizon (1-9), 7 Windermere (10-0), 13
HIGHLIGHTS: After a scoreless first half, Windermere QB Jack Reilly found receiver Lane Frost during the opening drive of the second half for the game’s first TD, to give the Wolverines a 7-0 lead they would take into the late stages of the fourth quarter.
However, Horizon High running back Emmanuel Blackwell scored the Hawks’ lone TD to force overtime and give his team a chance to keep the Battle of the Groves trophy, the Smudge Pot, in Horizon West. In overtime, it was Reilly again who came through for the Wolverines with a one-yard QB sneak to win the game.
Lake Buena Vista (13-6), 33 Liberty (2-7), 16
HIGHLIGHTS: Lake Buena Vista High got its third win of the season on the back of its highest offensive output of the year, scoring 33 points — its previous best was 28 points
2024 King of Darkness Waterski Festival
against Cypress Creek.
UP NEXT: The Vipers will close out its regular-season campaign on the road at Davenport High in Week 12.
Ocoee (5-5), 17 Winter Park (6-3), 21
HIGHLIGHTS: In their final regularseason game of 2024, the Titans fell at home to the Wildcats on the back of a 44-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter that flipped a 17-14 Olympia High lead to a 21-17 deficit.
UP NEXT: Olympia will be off in Week 12 and will await the announcement of the FHSAA playoff brackets Saturday, Nov. 9, to see if it will make the postseason.
OBSERVER 8, WEEK 11
A weekly power ranking of the eight best football programs in West, Southwest Orange County. 1. The First Academy (9-1) 2. Dr.Phillips (8-1)s1 3. West Orange (8-2)t1 4. Windermere (10-0) 5. Ocoee (5-5)
The King of Darkness Waterski Festival, a Waterski Pro Tour stop, made its way back to the Isles of Lake Hancock in Horizon West Oct. 26.
With $30,000 total prize money up for grabs, festival-goers witnessed some of the world’s top waterskiers of all disciplines — jump, trick, slalom, barefoot — fight for the win on the water during this free event.
Out of the water, the event offered a litany of food truck options, a beer and cocktail garden for the adults, as well as free ice cream and face paintings for children.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Ten-year-old Ridge Krueger began his ascent on the ramp for his jump at the King of Darkness Waterski Festival.
Ridge Krueger pumped up the crowd before his second of three jumps.
World barefoot waterski champion Faith Dix performed an exhibition at the festival before the jump competitions began.
British waterskier Joel Poland celebrated landing a trick in the Open Men’s Trick competition at the King of Darkness Waterski Festival.
Ocoee High’s Michael McClenton (No. 5) leads the nation in total tackles. Sam Albuquerque
In his first season at Windermere, CJ Bronaugh (No. 23) was vital to its undefeated season.
SANDRA NOTICE-THOMAS LAKEVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sandra Notice-Thomas was chosen by Principal John Linehan as the Observer School Zone Influencer of the Week for Lakeview Middle School. She is the teacher of students with specific learning disabilities, and she supports the facilitator and teaches a unique skills curriculum.
What brought you to your school?
One driving force behind my decision was the desire to make a positive impact on students’ lives. Coming from a social work background, it’s always been my passion to work with children. Recognizing that many children face challenges outside of school, I wanted to be in an environment where they felt safe, valued and inspired. Lakeview Middle School is one of the many schools in this county that afforded me the opportunity to help nurture young minds and help navigate their educational journey.
What do you love most about your school?
There are many things I love about my school — the warmth you feel and support from the staff makes it easy to navigate the environment. I also enjoy a good working relationship with the parents and benefit from their support towards the student’s development. Moreover, the diverse student body where individuals from various backgrounds come together, contributing their unique perspectives and experiences.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Teacher of students with specifc learning disabilities TIME AT SCHOOL: Four years
job is to realize that the relationship I have built with my students promotes trust, which allows me to use my expertise to guide them through their educational journeys and help them develop essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. When my students think they cannot do something and I teach them the skills to accomplish that task, I love to hear that “aha” moment.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? I would probably continue in the social work profession and help with shaping policies.
Who influences you?
The person who influenced me to become a teacher was Andrew Jackson. He was principal at the school where I previously worked. He recognized my passion in working with the students and encouraged me to get my teaching certification.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
My favorite teacher when I was in school was my math teacher. She was my favorite teacher because I was not good at math, and she recognized that and never gave up on me.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
I must say “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is my favorite, because this book not only talks about real
events that happen in the lives of
but it also
What do you like to do in your spare
I am a nature person. I enjoy outdoor activities with my
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would dine with Sylvester Stallone. I love action movies, and I feel that he gives his all when he is playing a role. I believe that when you have a job to do and you give it your all, you get best results — and that is one of the reasons I believe he is such a good actor.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have a magic wand to wave and fix children’s suffering (physical, mental and emotional well-being), I would.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
My artists would be Bob Marley, (for the message in the songs) Kenny G (instrumental songs for relaxation) and Kenny Rogers (for amusement).
What is your favorite holiday and why?
My favorite holiday is Christmas because that is when my family gets together.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
My best friend in school was Nicole Shirley. Yes, we are still in touch.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
Maxey Elementary students gather for trunk-or-treat
Maxey Elementary School held its annual trunk-or-treat event Oct. 30.
Hosted by the school’s Parent-Teacher Association, the event invited Wildcat students and their families to campus for a night of Halloween festivities. The event included spooky and sweet costumes, a plethora of candy and creatively decorated trunks, fall themed activities, games and activities, music, and food trucks.
High School FFA shared games with attendees. Winter Garden’s police and fire departments took part in the fall celebration, too.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
Students waited in line to have both beautiful and scary designs painted on their faces.
Courtesy photos Maxey Elementary School students showed off a plethora of creative Halloween costumes.
Ava Baucom, Aubrey Baucom, Asiel Medina and Andrew Baucom cooled off with some sweet treats from Kona Ice.
Laila Smith purchased an enormous stick of cotton candy to snack on.
BRAINFOOD
The Observer answers kids’ burning curiosities.
THANKSGIVING EATS! I Michael Eng // Editor and Publisher
Now that we’re past Halloween, we’re really in the thick of the holiday season. And as we turn the calendar to November, for Americans, that means one thing: Thanksgiving!
For many of us, the holiday is all about family, football and, of course, food! Yes, turkey is the quintessential main dish, but the meal would not be complete without the many, many side dishes and, of course, the desserts!
This Thanksgiving, we hope you try some of these kid-friendly and delicious recipes and add them to your Thanksgiving menu. If you do, please let us know how they turn out. Email Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com. From all of us at the Observer, we wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!
HOMEMADE BUTTER
This one is so simple to do — and it’s super fun to make with friends or siblings! The ingredient list is super short — heavy whipping cream and salt! And you’ll just need a small container with a tight-fitting lid!
Start by pouring some of the whipping cream into the small container. Make sure the lid is on tight. Then, you just start shaking! It takes some time, so this is a great activity for you and your friends or siblings. After a while, you’ll notice the whipping cream begin to thicken. You’ve just made whipped cream! But we’re not done yet! Keep shaking, and eventually, you’ll hear liquid sloshing around again. That’s the cream separating!
Keep shaking — and soon, you’ll feel and hear something thumping against the side of the jar. Guess what? You now have a butter blob and buttermilk!
Pour out the buttermilk (you can save it for another use, if you want), and now you have butter!
This is ready to eat, but if you want, you can add some salt to it to give it a little more flavor. And if you have some fun molds, you can shape the butter into fun shapes, as well!
CRANBERRY CRESCENT ROLLS
Found on the Beauty Through Imperfection blog (bit.ly/4fdGp9x), this side dish is easy enough for any kid to do — but delicious enough for the entire family to enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• One tube of Pillsbury crescent rolls
• One can of jellied cranberry sauce
METHOD 1. Open the tube of crescent rolls and lay each one flat.
2. With a spoon, place one scoop of cranberry sauce one the wide end of each crescent roll. Roll them up gently.
3. Bake according to the package directions.
PUMPKIN RICE KRISPIES TREATS
Found on the Sugar Spice and Glitter blog (bit.ly/3BRlif1), this recipe is a Thanksgiving take on a tried-and-true classic. We warn you: These are so cute that you might eat all of them in just one sitting!
INGREDIENTS
• 6 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 400g bag mini marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 4 drops yellow food coloring
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 12 Tootsie Rolls
• Miniature chocolate chips or sprinkles
• 1 green Fruit Roll-Ups
METHOD
1. Pour your mini marshmallows into a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and heat in 30 second bursts until melted.
2. Add in food coloring, optional vanilla and stir until all clumps of marshmallow are smoothed out. Stir in the Rice Krispies.
3. Let mixture cool a minute or two before shaping into balls with clean hands (wet your hands with water or oil slightly if the mixture keeps sticking to you).
4. Insert the Tootsie Rolls in the center to make stems while the mixture is still warm.
5. Set on a lined baking sheet, and cut Fruit Roll-Ups “leaves” by hand, gently pressing each leaf onto a pumpkin. You can also use the chocolate chips and sprinkles to create Jack-o’-lantern faces.
6. Refrigerate until set, at least two hours.
EVENTS
WINTER GARDEN BRANCH
SOUTHWEST BRANCH Turkey Tots - Orange County Library System: 11 a.m Wednesday, Nov. 13
WINDERMERE BRANCH
Decorative Marbled PumpkinsOrange County Library System: 11 a.m Saturday, Nov. 16
RECOMMENDED READING STORYBOOK
n “No Thanks, Said Turkey” / by Jeffrey Burton ; illustrated by Florence Weiser
n “The Crayons Give Thanks” / Drew Daywalt; Oliver Jeffers
n “Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story” / Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry and Alexis Bunten; illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr.
n “Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday” / words by Denise Kiernan; pictures by HJamey Christoph
COOK BOOKS
n “The ChopChop Family Cookbook: Real Food to Cook and Eat Together” / Sally Sampson.
n “The Berenstain Bears’ Holiday Cookbook: Cubfriendly cooking with an Adult” / by Mike Berenstain
Olympia celebrates Homecoming Week
Olympia High School hosted its second Homecoming parade Oct. 23 through the streets of downtown Windermere.
Titan family members and friends brought lawn chairs and blankets to wave at their students as they passed by in the parade.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES
MARY BENEDICT DIED OCT. 28,2024.
Mary Ann Benedict, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin and friend, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Oct. 28, 2024. Born May 26, 1955, in Troy, Alabama, Mary Ann lived a life filled with love, kindness and unwavering faith, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. For 29 years, she shared a deep and devoted marriage with her husband, Michael Lee Benedict, the love of her life and steadfast partner. Together, they built a life rich with love, laughter and joy.
Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Edlo Price and Sara Frances Price; and her brother, John Earl Price, whose memories she carried in her heart.
She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her daughter, Mechelle Ann Conlon-Tyndall (William E. Tyndall), who was her pride and joy. Mary Ann was a devoted grandmother to her twin granddaughters, Maegan Ashleigh Conlon (Anthony Aranda) and Morgan Renee Conlon, as well as to Rilee Lynn Conlon, each of whom brought her boundless happiness and purpose. She also embraced her bonus grandchildren, Hannah Morgan Tyndall and Logan Edward Tyndall, with open arms and a heart full of love.
Mary Ann is survived by her brother, James Price (Joyce), and her sisters, Shirley Korp (John) and Judy Russell, who were not only her siblings but also her lifelong
ROBERT “ROCKY” R. HECKMANN
DIED OCT. 27, 2024.
Robert “Rocky” R. Heckmann, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at the age of 71. Rocky had a larger-than-life personality and had an uncanny way to make every moment memorable. He loved to make everyone laugh and smile and was known to share a dad joke or two. He handed out Lifesavers mints wherever he went, and many in the community knew him as the “mint man.”
Rocky was born June 24, 1953, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Frank and Regina Heckmann. He married the love of his life, Janet, in 1973, and together they built a warm and loving home that was a place of joy and acceptance to all. He was a devoted father to two children, Christie and Matthew, and a loving grandfather to Rose.
Rocky enjoyed listening to music, especially from the Big Band era, cars, shopping, traveling and being outdoors. He was a collector of M&M’s memorabilia and enjoyed showing his collection to anyone who came to visit.
Rocky is survived by his devoted wife, Janet; his children, Christie Kurtz (Matt) and Matthew Heckmann (Sara Farell); his cherished granddaughter, Rose Kearney (Sam); brother, Francis Heckmann; and sisters, Patricia Crowley, Barbara Kolas, Anna Lynch and Regina Bruner.
companions and friends. Her extended family included many loving cousins with whom she shared treasured memories, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews and friends who were blessed by her kindness, generosity and warmth.
Her Christian faith was the guiding light of her life. Mary Ann lived her faith openly, reflecting God’s love through her compassion, resilience and dedication to others. Her presence reminded those around her of the peace and hope that comes from trusting in God’s love and promises.
Mary Ann Benedict was a beautiful soul who blessed the lives of all who knew her. Although she has left this world, her spirit lives on in every memory, every shared story and every heart she touched. Her legacy of faith, love and kindness will remain with us always, a testament to a life well-lived and deeply loved.
Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. The funeral service is from 11 to noon.
He was preceded in death by his parents and the late Margaretta Rocco, Eugene Heckmann, Mary Guckes, Judith Heckmann and Ceilia Anderson. He also leaves behind many extended family and members of our Winter Garden community. Rocky leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and adventure that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life for Rocky will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, with a service beginning at about 6 p.m. at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Polka Dogz Pet Rescue at bit. ly/3C193MM.
Girls from the school’s Generation WOW club decked out their car in splashes of pink.
Above: Sophomore Homecoming court members Baron Banez, left, and Ruby Kauffman smiled as they passed by parade attendees.
Right: The school’s Titan mascots joined in the parade festivities.
Elias Rueda, left, and Mallory Carsten helped to represent the sophomore Homecoming court.
Windermere High’s hosts
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Siblings Claire and James Riebau took a moment to enjoy some of the candy they got.
Part of the evening’s entertainment was a performance by the Windermere High drumline.
Windermere
Members of the Windermere High girls basketball team Gracelynn West, left, Malu Monteiro, Jordan Rozefort and Kiirtan Altuve gave away candy and shots at their pop-a-shot hoop at their table.
Left: Crowds of families, students and community members filled the courtyard of Windermere High for its annual
ANIMAL CRACKERS by Ilana Levene, edited by Jeff Chen
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