Falls.”
Quesinberry Price
DP Rotary delights foodies with 2024 Taste of Dr. Phillips. SEE PAGE 8A.
Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Applegate honored for 34 years of work
SPORTS EDITOR
The city of Ocoee recognized Gordon Applegate, its longest-serving volunteer, for his 34 years of service as a member of the Ocoee Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at the Nov. 5 commission meeting.
Members of the Applegate family, including Gordon’s wife, Sherall Applegate, and daughter, Michelle Applegate Cummings, as well as Ocoee Parks & Leisure Director Mark Johnson and Ocoee City Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen all spoke during the recognition ceremony.
“My daddy was not born or raised here in Ocoee, unlike my mama,” Applegate Cummings said. “He planted roots here and made Ocoee home 52 years ago. Daddy (may have been born) a Yankee, but my mom raised him Southern. My daddy has dedicated 43 volunteer years within this city. It started with Ocoee Little League and followed me to West Orange Girls Club. … There’s not enough time in the day to express the gratitude I have for my daddy. … Thank you, mayor, commissioners and the city of Ocoee, for recognizing my daddy.” Sherall Applegate shared a message on behalf of her husband, who was unable to be present at the ceremony.
“Speaking on behalf of my husband, Gordon Applegate,” Sherall Applegate said before reading her husband’s message. “Thank you, mayor and commissioners. I am
deeply honored to accept this recognition for my volunteer work. …
This dedication is a testament to the incredible community we have, and I am truly grateful to be a part of it.”
Together, Gordon and Sherall Applegate have volunteered in Ocoee for more than 80 years.
“I’ve been here almost 49 years … and Gordon’s been a big part of our youth program since I’ve been here; from Little League to the parks department, (and) he was a big, big advocate for a skate park,” Johnson said. “We’re very, very happy to have him on the board for (these) 34 years … (so) we just want to thank him and we appreciate him.”
In recognition of Gordon Applegate’s service to the city’s parks, an honorary plaque will placed at the Ocoee skateboard park, at Vandergrift Central Park.
DYNASTY SPORTS COMPLEX
Representatives of the Montierre Development, the group developing the proposed Ocoee Regional Sports Complex at the intersection of Ocoee-Apopka and Fullers Cross roads, shared a presentation of what residents can expect from the oneof-a-kind youth sports facility during the first reading transmittal and public hearing for an amendment to
the property’s future land use map.
“(This will be) the largest allinclusive destination sports complex in the country,” said Montierre CEO Jaime Douglas. “We’ve created this as a destination where families don’t have to choose between going to a sports event or to a destination vacation. They can have it all in one … and enjoy family-friendly events . This is a first-of-its-kind destination. … We truly feel this is going to change the way travel sports is going to be approached in the future. It’s very convenient; it’s cost-effective. It cuts family costs dramatically, and we’ll share that with everybody over the next six months on how that’s going to be accomplished.”
Beyond the unique, all-encompassing facility, dubbed “The Dynasty, Ocoee,” this sports complex projects to bring a major economic boost to not just Ocoee but West Orange County as a whole.
“Youth sports is … a big thing that we do here in our city,” Mayor Rusty Johnson said. “(This is) a great place for it with the road systems and all. It works out perfectly for people to come to Ocoee and spend their time (here) with … the restaurants and shops and stuff there too. The other main thing is jobs. (This will) bring in jobs for our citizens and not just in Ocoee, but around the area. West Orange County
will be sitting in a position here (to welcome) a lot of jobs, and that’s a good thing, too.”
Marcos Bastian, the developer’s representative, shared during his presentation the project is expected to generate more than 14,000 combined short-term, direct and indirect jobs over the course of its construction and opening.
“It was fitting that we saw so much tonight about families and about parks, because that’s what this project is all about,” Bastian said. “The project has 17 multi-purpose fields, as it’s designed today. … (It will) have more than 1,100 hotel rooms on-site and almost half-million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment. … In the end, (we project this will) generate in excess of 9,000 short-term construction jobs over the course of anywhere between two to five years. … We also (anticipate) the project itself will generate 3,000 direct jobs and another 2,000 indirect jobs in the local economy. And also, based on the model and the expenditures that we created for the project — and I have to say that it’s actually quite a conservative estimate — it can generate up to half a billion dollars in economic impact for the region every year.”
with
Following the presentation, the commission voted unanimously to approve the amendment to the Future Land Use Map from Low-Density Residential and Conservation to Commercial.
Courtesy photo
Members of Gordon Applegate’s family accepted a plaque of recognition for his more than three decades of service.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE AND ANNABELLE SIKES
West Orange and Southwest Orange honored our nation’s heroes with a trio of events.
The events kicked off with American Legion Post 63 hosting its eighth annual Challenge 22 Walk to End Veteran Suicide Nov. 2 in downtown Winter Garden. The event included opening ceremonies with guest speakers, a 2.2-mile walk and a postwalk gathering with music, food and a raffle.
This year’s theme was “Serve those who are still fighting.”
Former post commander Kurt Gies, founder and executive director of the local chapter of Challenge 22, announced he is leaving his job to focus on full-time ministry with the nonprofit organization.
The city of Ocoee then held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 7 at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center.
Ocoee residents, city leaders, family and friends gathered for the morning honoring military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacri-
fice for the common good. Attendees were greeted by Ocoee Middle School students who gave out handwritten cards thanking veterans and their families.
The event’s festivities included a welcome message from Mayor Rusty Johnson, greetings from U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, an invocation from City Commissioner George Oliver III, the presentation of colors by the Ocoee Police and Ocoee Fire departments’ honor guards, the Pledge of Allegiance led by City Commissioner Richard Firstner, the national anthem by Ocoee resident Sherri Gladney, and musical selections from the Ocoee Middle School Wind Ensemble. City Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen introduced keynote speaker Barron Mills, a retired Marine Corps major, who then gave a moving address. Attendees afterwards followed elected officials, escorted by the honor guards, to the city’s memorial site. The honor guards raised the flag while Marcus Jiao, from Ocoee High School, played taps.
Finally, the town of Windermere hosted its own Veterans Day celebration Nov. 10 at Town Hall.
The event began with an invoca-
HOW TO HELP
Challenge 22 Inc. was founded with the mission to end veteran suicide and has expanded to include active duty, first responders and family members still fighting the effects of PTS and suicidal ideation. To make a donation, visit bit.ly/3UqtOYA or text c22 to 41444.
tion by Pastor Brad Jagger, of Windermere Union Church; the singing of the national anthem and other patriotic songs by the Girl Scout Citrus Singers; a welcome by Mayor Jim O’Brien; showing of the colors by the Lone Sailor Division cadets; and a message from veteran and Town
The
and the Windermere Police Department.
Council Member Tony Davit. The festivities continued with a car show, food trucks and live music from locals Francesca Tarantino and Layla Brisbois.
event was organized by the Rotary Club of Windermere
Amy Quesinberry Price
Mel Jenner is a 102-year-old World War II veteran who participates in the Challenge 22 each year. He was escorted by U.S. veteran Jack Lait.
Annabelle Sikes
Veterans in attendance at Ocoee’s ceremony included Joe Jones, left, William E. Maxwell and George Bernard Gibson, all who served in the Vietnam War at varying times.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Members of the Lady Lake American Legion performed a ceremonial fold of the American flag to be presented to Kurt Gies, former commander of American Legion Post 63. Gies presented the flag to the family of Gilbert Waganheim, a local World War II veteran who died earlier this year.
Courtesy photo
The Lone Sailor Division cadets presented the colors at Windermere’s event.
Annabelle Sikes
Kevin Glackin, left, and Patera Scott-Marsh helped to represent the Ocoee Police and Ocoee Fire departments’ honor guards.
Amy Quesinberry Price
A veteran stands guard at the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall prior to the 2.2-mile Challenge 22 walk.
Annabelle Sikes
Veterans from across the city of Ocoee came out for the annual ceremony.
BOOK PROLOGUE
“Beyond where we could travel was a mystical waterfall in a small kingdom far away. The waterfall was called River Rock Falls. This natural treasure had always seemed to shimmer peculiarly, and fetching water from this place of flowing water was part of the people’s daily routine.
“A story passed down from generation to generation said the falls had an enchanted stone behind it that gave every kingdom and individual in the land their unique magical abilities. The rushing water slashed down and rubbed off some of the rocks each year.
“Many years went by. One day, though, the kingdom’s source of magic and power was threatened.
“A young woman collected a pail of water for her family. … Once she got to River Rock Falls, it seemed as though the waterfall had lost its sparkle, magic and purpose. She ran to the back of the falls and, to her surprise, the stone was gone! Erosion from the past centuries had rubbed away the stone. The woman dropped her pail and ran as fast as she could back to her family to tell them what happened. The people of the kingdom gathered to discuss the issue. …
“After warning her kingdom, the woman hurried to the woods to calm her panicked mind. … As she quietly strutted down this familiar path … she saw an injured fox. … She cradled the creature in her arms and bolted to the only place with hope.
“She sprinted to a pool of water. … This pond could transport anyone anything to Earth. She gentled placed the creature into the waters and wished there would be someone to help on the other side. …
“In Ohio, Magnolia strolled through the forest in her backyard. … She noticed something strange near her pond. When an arctic fox’s deep blue eyes met hers, Magnolia knew the time to act was now. She cradled the cold, wet creature in her arms just as the woman in the distant land had. … Soon, the fox was restored to good health. … A close bond formed between this family and the fox … named Luna.
“(Although) they did not know it yet, Luna was destined to do remarkable things; things that had never been seen or experienced before.”
Emma McCleary pens first book at 13
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
COMMUNITY EDITOR
Emma McCleary has fond memories of exploring the Cleveland Metroparks woods and trails behind her grandmother Peggy Miller’s home in Ohio. She wanted to create a story based on those adventures with Grandma Peggy — so the 13-yearold wrote a 215-page fantasy book titled “River Rock Falls.”
“The Cleveland Metroparks are behind my grandma’s house,” Emma said. “It’s a forest, and she would take me and my cousins, and we would walk around there all the time and explore. That gave me the idea.
(The book) is dedicated to her, too.”
McCleary’s main character, Magnolia, lives in Ohio too, as well as in the fantasy world of Geomagia, where a special stone behind a waterfall gives everyone their magic powers. When the stone erodes, so, too, do the people’s powers.
This book has been four years in the making for Emma. She started writing the story as a fourth-grader; she now is an eighth-grader at Foundation Academy. She said the book is written for third- through fifth-graders.
“I always loved writing, and I always wanted to do a big project,” she said. “The story was completely different, and I totally changed everything. They were just going to go on this adventure and find something and be done. And I made it so much more.”
She titled the book after the name of the waterfall: River Rock Falls.
“One day it just came to me,” she said. “There’s a waterfall, and there’s a stone, and there’s a pool of water it flows into.”
For Emma, the writing process wasn’t difficult.
“I would just write anywhere I could,” she said. “Usually, my cat, Snickers, would be there, too. We have an office in our house, and I have a desk there. I would sometimes write in my room, at school, in Ohio or on vacation. While writing, I always have a notepad. I just write whenever I (can) really.”
She said her writing style changed significantly between fourth and eighth grades, so she spent a great deal of time in the editing process as well. She also had help from two friends, Maggie and Nora Winnell, who gave both positive and negative feedback when making editing suggestions.
For the cover art, Emma used AI images through the Magic Media app on the Canva graphic design platform.
Paperback and hard-cover versions of “River Rock Falls” are available on Amazon. The book is dedicated to Grandma Peggy.
“She was really happy and really honored, and she cried,” Emma said of her grandmother. “She said, ‘It’s really cool to have a book dedicated to me.’”
What’s next for this published author?
“I’m writing the second one right now,” she said. “It’s a sequel of the first one. I’m still developing it. There’s like the main antagonist, Versipellis — it’s his return, and he sends out this fog, and it makes everybody sick. … It’s like a plague, and it’s about them healing everybody and them trying to find the serum to heal everybody and to make sure he doesn’t come back to Geomagia.”
When Emma isn’t writing, she still is engaged in creativity, working on watercolor paintings, charcoal paintings, pencil drawings and pen art.
“If
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Snickers the cat stays close by when Emma McCleary is writing.
BAPTIST
First Baptist Church
Pastor Tim Grosshans
125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352
Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana
EPISCOPAL
Church of the Messiah
241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, 4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com
METHODIST
First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org
Orlando Health installs new tech for patients
STARKE LAKE BAPTIST
CHURCH
PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee
Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org
CHURCH OF GOD
OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH
241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com
Orlando Health is the first health care system in Florida to use the Hercules Patient Repositioning system, an automated device able to effectively and efficiently reposition patients in a hospital bed.
The Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital hosted a live demonstration showcasing the new system Wednesday, Nov. 6.
CHURCH DIRECTORY
our team members at the right place at the right time providing optimal care. It’s not only a win for our team members, but it’s also a huge win for our patients. It allows us to comfortably reposition our patients, keeping them safe and helping to avoid pressure points that could cause ulcers and other safety implications, as well as leaving our team members really engaged and excited about the care that they provide.”
The system, which can accommodate patients who weigh up to 750 pounds, increases the comfort of patients, optimizes the safety of clinical team members and streamlines clinical workflows. With the system, the task of repositioning a patient becomes more manageable and less intrusive.
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Orlando Health leaders said the new system is going to be game changing.
“Our patients will experience increased comfort and an elevated level of care from the use of this new bed device,” Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital President Philip Koovakada said. “We are proud to implement this advanced technology for the benefit of our patients and to improve clinical workflows for our team members who can now perform this important health care task without physical strain.”
LEADING THE WAY
Darius Love, who has been with Orlando Health for two years, serves as the assistant vice president of workforce optimization and redesign at Orlando Health. He is one of the leaders helping to oversee the roll out of the new device.
Bianca Timothy, who has served as one of the registered nurses at the Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital for about three years, said the main aspect the new device provides is relief.
“It relieves other nurses on the floor so I don’t have to keep calling them to come and slide patients up, it allows for better body mechanics and overall is just better for everyone involved in our day-to-day responsibilities,” she said. “Being part of this team means a lot. Orlando Health is thinking of ways to make our jobs better and easier while also providing our patients with the best care possible.”
‘WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER’ Love said Orlando Health has been intentional as far as its phased plan and rollout of the new device.
Orlando Health has launched a pilot program with the device at the Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center and the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. The hospital system currently is in the middle of Phase One, and the system’s impact will continue to be evaluated throughout the release.
“This initiative underscores Orlando Health’s dedication to serving our patients and to being the best place to work by equipping our clinical team members with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care while also prioritizing their well-being,” he said.
“We are grateful to be at the forefront of using this advanced technology that simplifies an important health care task for the benefit of patients and team members.”
The device will be installed this fall in progressive care units throughout the rest of the system’s Florida hospitals. As soon as Dec. 4, Hercules will be found across all of the Orlando Health Central Florida hospitals and the Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg.
Love hopes Orlando Health continues to lead the way in optimization and innovation within health care systems to maximize patient and team member support .
Love describes the new machine as a treadmill attached to the bed that allows comfort flow and constant movement that transforms care with the touch of two buttons.
“We want to be the best place to work, as well as the place that provides the best care for the communities the hospital serves,” he said.
“We continue to be open, willing and always looking for ways to reimagine care — not only post-pandemic but (also) for the further future.
The system comprises a drive, a sleep surface and a specialized sheet and is designed to facilitate seamless repositioning maneuvers. The specialized sheet attaches to the drive at the head of the bed. Clips along the sides of the sleep surface ensure precise alignment of the sheet, preventing any unwanted wrinkling or displacement.
The device is attached to a bed frame and pulls up a patient lying down on a special sheet in about 15 seconds. The device helps to reposition a patient in bed and maintain a healthy blood flow. It also alleviates pressure on injury-prone areas of the body and removes the need for multiple clinical team members to lift and redistribute a patient’s weight in bed. This prevents physical strain on caregivers and improves time efficiency.
“It’s an amazing way to marry automation and simplification to serve our patients and our team members well,” Love said. “It gives us the opportunity to literally transform care with the push of two buttons. It gives us the opportunity to have
“We want to figure out how to make care resonate with our patients and communities we serve, as well as our clinicians that really lean into their calling of providing care and saving others,” Love said. “The opportunity to have this impact literally means the world, but it’s not just one person that is able to make this difference. We are always better together.”
“We are proud to implement this advanced technology for the benefit of our patients and to improve clinical workflows for our team members who can now perform this important health care task without physical strain.”
ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR
Annabelle Sikes
Orlando Health employees hosted a live demonstration showcasing the new Hercules Patient Repositioning system at the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.
West Orange Habitat rocks with its annual fundraiser
West Orange Habitat for Humanity hosted its annual Rock the House event Nov. 9 at the McKinnon Grove Family Farm. The annual fundraising event is a unique celebration filled with live entertainment, food and drinks, a silent/live auction, and stories from Habitat families. West Orange Habitat for Humanity partners with people in the community and all over the world to help families build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes, alongside volunteers, and pay an affordable mortgage. For more information on the organization, visit westorangehabitat.org.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING
Pursuant to Florida Elections Laws, Chapter 100, Section 100.021 and Ocoee Code of Ordinances, Section 5-13, notice is hereby given by the City of Ocoee, Florida that an election will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the City of Ocoee for the purpose of voting on referendum ballot questions regarding changes to the City Charter, and electing two (2) City Commissioners for four-year terms, one (1) Commissioner from District Two and one (1) Commissioner from District Four Candidates for these offices must Qualify by filing qualifying papers and fees with the City Clerk during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) beginning at noon on Friday, December 6, 2024, and ending at noon, Friday, December 13, 2024, at City Hall, 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida. The fee for qualifying for the office of Commissioner is $90.00.
There will be three polling locations in the City of Ocoee at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A. D. Mims Road, the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive, and Fire Station 39, 2500 Maguire Road. To find your polling location, please contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/findmy-polling-place or by calling (407) 836-2070. Polling places will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Those electors who opt to cast a vote-by-mail ballot for this election must contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/vote-by-mail or by calling (407) 8368683 and requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. Book closing date to register to vote in this election is February 10, 2025.
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk West Orange Times Ad Run Date: November 14, 2024
Michele’Le Henderson, left, Aixa Vargas, Vanessa Cuascut and Maria Fernandez helped to represent this year’s families selected by West Orange Habitat for Humanity.
Hart Donovan, left, Bonnie Phelps and Chuck Phelps represented Seacoast Bank at the event.
Ashley Boyd, left, Dave Blastic and Jill Metsala planned their outfits around a Western time period.
Jo Barsh, left, and Cyndi Gustafson have helped support West Orange Habitat for Humanity for years.
Teresa, left, and Chance Showell were two of the attendees at the Rock the House event.
Join Our Team
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking for friendly and service-oriented people to join our team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season.
Tax-Aide is a program that provides free tax preparation services for those that need it most. Neighbors like you help prepare tax returns or serve in other ways, like organizing client paperwork, managing computer equipment, acting as interpreters, or making sure everything runs smoothly.
The Rotary of Dr. Phillips delighted palates with its signature event, A Taste of Dr. Phillips, held Sunday, Nov. 3, at The Dellagio. Attendees were treated to top-notch bites and cocktails from more than 20 of the area’s best restaurants. The Down Brothers provided live music, and guests also could participate in 50/50 raffle and a silent auction that included trips, gift baskets and experiences. — AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear
I recognize how big of a step that is to accept a paid publication from the top.
There’s been a lot of censorship on this, and no matter which way a person believes, they should have all the information to make their own discernment. That is true journalism. It was clearly outlined as paid but is informative, and I applaud your franchise decision to include it.
J.R. WINDERMERE
Jessica Sims, left, Kay Quint, Kate Spiess and Jane Sims enjoyed the atmosphere at A Taste of Dr. Phillips. Jessica Sims and her mother have been attending for more than a decade, and a third generation of family joined them this year.
Denise Mullin, left, and Barbara Hamre, spent the afternoon tasting bites from the various restaurants.
Rober Alanis, executive chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, offered a sweet potato appetizer to guests.
Left: Guests could sample food and drink at the Del Frisco’s booth.
Reserve at Lake Butler Sound estate sells for $3.8M
Ahome in the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Nov. 4 to 10. The home at 6120 Kirkstone Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $3,800,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 6,972 square feet of living area. Days on market: 165.
The sellers were represented by Monica Lochmandy, Isleworth Realty LLC. Leonardo Pereira, of Charles Rutenberg Realty Orlando, represented the buyers. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
HAWTHORN SUITES ORLANDO
The home at 7601 Canada Ave., No. 433/435, Orlando, sold Nov. 8, for $199,900. Built in 1999, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 795 square feet of living area. Days on market: 229.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8440 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 4, for $860,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,754 square feet of living area. Days on market: 55.
HORIZON WEST DEL WEBB OASIS
The villa at 13454 Princess St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $435,500. Built in 2024, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,579 square feet of living area. Days on market: 134.
ENCORE AT OVATION
The home at 12096 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $554,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,345 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.
HAMLIN RIDGE
The townhouse at 16333 Hamlin Hills Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $435,990. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,715 square feet of living area.
HARVEST AT OVATION
The home at 15094 Summer Harvest Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $665,000. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,120 square feet of living area. Days on market: 277.
The home at 15030 Summer Harvest St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $588,332. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 2,861 square feet of living area.
LAKESIDE
The condo at 8180 Boat Hook Loop, No. 108, Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for $310,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,442 square feet of living area. Days on market: 198.
PROVIDENCE
The home at 13151 Zori Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for $650,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,226 square feet of living area. Days on market: 49.
STOREY GROVE
The townhouse at 11367 Great Rock St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $440,000. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,717 square feet of living area. Days on market: 143.
SUMMERLAKE
The home at 14708 Spotted Sandpiper Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $685,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 3,140 square feet of living area. Days on market: 32.
The home at 14904 Porter Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $549,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,129 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.
WEST LAKE HANCOCK ESTATES
The home at 7526 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $2,500,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, six-and-onehalf baths and 5,749 square feet of living area. Days on market: 84.
WESTHAVEN AT OVATION
The townhouse at 12867 Westhaven Oak Drive, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $460,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,770 square feet of living area.
WINDERMERE TRAILS
The home at 10652 Reams Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $495,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,030 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.
WINDSTONE
The home at 6884 Trellis Vine Loop, Windermere, sold Nov. 6, for $825,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,409 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
The home at 6937 Trellis Vine Loop, Windermere, sold Nov. 4, for $640,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,773 square feet of living area. Days on market: Six.
OCOEE
BRENTWOOD HEIGHTS
The home at 1407 Kimberly St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 8, for $320,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,050 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.
MILL CREEK VILLAGE
The home at 28 Heather Green Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 6, for $549,700. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,221 square feet of living area. Days on market: 43.
REMINGTON OAKS
The home at 2214 Yorville Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 4, for $450,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,842 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2537 Coachwood Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $509,990. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet of living area. Days on market: 72.
SOUTHWEST ORANGE
ROYAL LEGACY ESTATES
The home at 9392 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 4, for $1,250,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,197 square feet of living area. Days on market: Nine.
The home at 9373 Royal Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $925,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,293 square feet of living area. Days on market: 113.
WINDERMERE
RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND
The home at 6120 Kirkstone Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $3,800,000. Built in 2004, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 6,972 square feet of living area. Days on market: 165.
WINTER GARDEN
AVALON RIDGE
The home at 16064 Barkly Ridge, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $1,206,385. Built in 2024, it has six bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 5,250 square feet of living area.
EMERALD RIDGE
The home at 14766 Tullamore Loop, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 4, for $660,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,891 square feet of living area. Days on market: 93.
FULLERS CROSSING
The home at 1066 Woodson Hammock Circle, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $490,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,487 square feet of living area. Days on market: 78.
MAGNOLIA WOOD
The home at 549 Teacup Springs Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $705,000. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,627 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.
WINDTREE GARDENS
The condo at 103 Windtree Lane, No. 103, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 5, for $225,000. Built in 1984, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 918 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.
WINTER GARDEN SHORES
The home at 387 N. Boyd St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $425,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,106 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.
Courtesy photo
The home at 6120 Kirkstone Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 5, for $3,800,000. This Mediterranean-style estate spans 6,972 square feet on 1.28 acres on the shores of Lake Butler. The sellers were represented by Monica Lochmandy, Isleworth Realty LLC.
redfin.com
The home at 1736 Southern Red Oak Court, Ocoee, sold Oct. 18, for $575,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Oct. 14 to 20. The sellers were represented by Monica Mendivil, Sunshine Premium Properties.
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SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
Dr. Phillips High and West Orange High are the only two West Orange and Southwest Orange County FHSAA football teams to reach the 2024 playoffs.
Dr. Phillips finished the season 9-1 and ran the table against its Class 7A, District 9 competition — outscoring its district foes by a combined score of 129-9. The Panthers earned the No. 2 seed in the Region 3 bracket and will face No. 7 Tohopekaliga High Tigers (6-4) at Bill Spoone Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15. In Region 2, West Orange — after the Warriors went undefeated in 7A, District 5 play and finished with an 8-2 record — earned the No. 3 seed and will host district rivals and No. 6 seeded Apopka High (4-5) at Raymond Screws Field at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.
2
The First Academy’s Sulexy Falcon, a junior shortstop for the Lady Royals softball team, has announced her commitment to play college ball at Florida International. As just a sophomore in the spring 2024 season, Falcon was a force for TFA from the batter’s box — leading the Royals in hits with 31, runs batted in with 23 and stolen bases with 18.
3
The Horizon High boys cross country team finished fourth overall in the FHSAA Class 4A, Region 2 championship meet at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton. It was the best finish of any West Orange and Southwest Orange team, and it qualified the Hawks for the state championship meet in Tallahassee Saturday, Nov. 16. Foundation Academy was the only other area boys team to qualify for states, finishing fifth in the Class 1A, Region 2 meet at Holloway Park in Lakeland.
4
TFA girls golf shot a four-under team score of 284 to claim the 2024 FHSAA Class 1A, Region 2 team championship, the eighth region crown in program history and its second in a row. The Royals topped second-place Monteverde Academy by 10 strokes at the Seven Springs Golf Club in New Port Richey Nov. 6. Junior Angela Wang led the way for TFA by shooting a 68 (-4) over the 18-hole tournament. Wang nailed a long putt on her last hole for birdie to get her to four-under for the round, which was enough for the individual regional championship title, separated by just one stroke from second place. Senior Katie Yang finished two strokes behind Wang, shooting a 70 (-2) in the tournament.
The Lady Royals will compete for the Class 1A state championship at the Mission Inn Golf Club in Howey-in-the-Hills Tuesday, Nov. 12, and Wednesday, Nov. 13 — after press time.
5
Dr. Phillips wide receiver Mykel Calixte announced his commitment to play college football next season at Florida Atlantic — flipping from his original commitment to the Central Michigan Chippewas.
The Panthers’ 6-foot-4 dynamic pass catcher and three-star prospect selected Central Michigan and coach Jim McElwain — the former Florida Gators coach — in late June over six other offers, including the chance to link up with his current high school quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton at Middle Tennessee.
Foundation Academy’s Riley Michels, a 6-foot-6 sharpshooter with a high-flying dunk package, is ready to lead the Lions boys basketball team in the 2024-25 season. Page 2B.
GAME OF THE WEEK: SSAA CLASS 1A CHAMPIONSHIP
Legacy Charter (4-6) vs. Cedar Creek Christian (5-5)
UNBREAKABLE BROTHERHOOD
Legacy Charter’s start should have buried this team, but with a blue-collar mentality, an unbreakable brotherhood and an overhauled offensive scheme, the Eagles are one win away from a championship.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
In football culture, more so than in other popular sports in America, the concept of having an identity is viewed as crucial, whether that’s the identity of a team, coach, player or even fanbase.
In the college game, the service academies’ football teams — specifically Navy and Army — are known for running the triple-option offense. For years, regardless of the coach, those two teams ran this offense. It’s who they were as a football program, it’s part of their identity.
Another example of this is the late
great college coach Mike Leach and his famed offense scheme, the Air Raid. It didn’t matter who, what, where and why The Pirate, as Leach was affectionately called, was coaching; his offense was going to throw the football.
Leach’s identity as a coach was so tied to his pass-happy offense that if he got lost on one of his pirate adventures in the Atlantic Ocean and somehow ended up landing on the shores of Peters Cove in Annapolis, New Jersey, during the Army-Navy game at NavyMarine Corps Memorial Stadium, Leach undoubtedly would end up on the sidelines with a headset calling some version of the four-verticals
The First Academy is ‘prepared to seek remedies through the court system’ after the FHSAA upheld a postseason ban and forfeiture of 2024 wins for the Royals’ football team.
The First Academy saw multiple appeals for sanctions against its football team denied by the FHSAA, and as of Nov. 10, the Royals will have to forfeit its nine wins from the 2024 season, which disqualifies the team from the 2024 playoffs. TFA also would be banned from the 2025 postseason, and the school would have to pay thousands of dollars in fines.
TFA administrators have admitted to not complying with some of the FHSAA rules and regulations — specifically regarding allowing studentathletes who were not yet enrolled at the school to participate in athletics.
TFA’s Assistant Head of School Will Cohen told the FHSAA at one of the appeal meetings the school did allow students to participate early and that they’ve learned from that. Football coach and Athletics Director Jeff Conaway said the enrollment process for the private Christian school has a different timeline for each student and admitted he made some mistakes in that process.
However, in a letter to the TFA community, TFA School Board Chair Clark Keator and TFA School Board attorney Charles Cramer said the school’s leadership believes the high school association’s punishment is too harsh and
play concept just for a giggle.
Throughout Zachary Fox’s threeyear tenure as Legacy Charter’s football coach, the Eagles’ identity on offense has been a pass-first, prostyle spread scheme. But going into this season, he had a problem: He didn’t have the type of quarterback who could run this offense.
Fox had two options: Stick to the program’s developed identity or flip the whole thing on its head and try something new.
“We had talked a lot about the offense in the spring,” Fox said. “We tried out the single-wing offense a
Sam Albuquerque
After a 1-6 start, the Legacy Eagles have rattled off three wins in a row and are playing for the SSAA 1A championship. Brian Jean, left, Mario Gomez, coach Zach Fox, Kevin Barnard and Logan Futch have been key to the turnaround.
THE WEEK
Riley Michels
Foundation Academy senior Riley Michels’ game on the hardwood for the Lions’ boys basketball team feels like it was handcrafted for the three-point-shot-crazed modern era of hoops — think a local version of Klay Thompson with a bit more hop to his game.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and with a smooth shot, not only can Michels shoot the lights out of the ball, but also he’ll have no trouble shooting over most defenders he faces this season. And if defenders try to take away that silky shot by overplaying him or closing out too aggressively when the ball swings to him, then Michels will put the ball on the ground, blow past the defender and use his freaky bounciness to finish above the rim.
It’s no wonder the senior swingman will be playing college ball next year; he recently committed to play for Rhodes College, a Division III program in Memphis, Tennessee.
This skillset, Michels’ production from last season — as Foundation’s top returning scorer and rebounder at 12 points and 5.2 rebounds a game — and the Lions’ loss of four of its five top contributors to graduation, expect new coach Sharrod Williams to lean heavily on him.
How does it feel to be named
Athlete of the Week?
It’s an honor. I’m proud to represent my school and teammates.
What do you like the most about basketball?
I love to compete, and it gives me joy.
THE BASICS
South Lake High in an overtime win last season.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
A turkey sub from Subway.
What is your go-to pregame hype song? “Old Streets” by 2KBABY.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby? Fishing with my friends.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My open gym class, because I’m able to play basketball and mess around with friends.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
A cruise ship, some sunscreen and a fishing pole.
What is your favorite movie?
“Cars,” because I watched it 1,000 times as a kid.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
My girlfriend, Gabby, because she lives in Ohio, and I never get to see her.
If you could go back in time to a
The First Academy announces changes following sanctions
that taking this fight to the judicial system isn’t out of the question.
“While we respect the FHSAA’s authority and acknowledge the mistakes that we made, we find the penalties harsh in relation to the allegations,” Keaton and Cramer wrote in the letter following the appeal rulings. “Despite this outcome ... our commitment to justice for our student-athletes is unwavering, and we are prepared to seek remedies through the court system to safeguard their interests.”
According to the FHSAA 202425 Handbook, policy 37.3.1 states if a school is found to have allowed a recruited student-athlete (policy 37.1.1) or student-athlete who received an impermissible benefit (policy 37.2.1) to participate in an athletic event, it will forfeit all contests and awards won from events in which the student-athlete(s) participated.
In the original sanctions notification letter written by FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon, the association’s investigation alleged The First Academy violated both policy 37.1.1 and 37.2.1, which meant the forfeiture clause in policy 37.3.1 could be invoked. The alleged violations of those two policies are the basis for the forfeiture sanctions that will see, barring further legal action, the 2024 Royals go from a 9-1 record on the football field to 0-10 in the record books and miss out on the 2024 playoffs.
The investigation alleges the impermissible benefit policy (37.2.1) — which states that nobody associated or linked with the school may be involved in giving an impermissible benefit to any student or family member for the purpose of participating in sports — was violated because TFA allowed three studentathletes, who never enrolled at the school, to participate in summer football activities and seven others to participate in football activities
prior to their enrollments.
This policy section in the handbook lists various specific prohibitions that would be categorized as impermissible benefits. Those include financial assistance of any kind, cash or such as monetary items; gifts of clothing or other tangible items; free or reduced-cost transportation; free or reducedcost rent for housing; vehicles; or other items; and any other form of arrangement, assistance, discount or benefit that is not generally available to other students based on athletic ability.
However, nowhere in the impermissible benefit section of the bylaws does it mention or categorize allowing students who did not or had yet to enroll in the school to participate in football activities as an impermissible benefit. This is not a monetary item or gift, nor an arrangement not available to other students at that said school.
During the appeal process, the school also asserted all 10 studentathletes who participated in football activities prior to being officially enrolled had started the process of becoming students and were not enrolled at any other school.
The second alleged violation was of the improper contact policy (37.1.1) — which states nobody associated or linked with the school may contact a student or family member for the purpose of playing sports at a different school, aka recruiting — when assistant coach Steven Moffett and an unspecified representative of the school’s athletic interests communicated with student-athletes from different schools about TFA prior to their enrollment.
Moffett denied the allegations of recruiting players while under oath at the appeal hearings, and a pair of student-athlete parents told the appeals board they had not communicated with the Royals assistant prior to deciding to enroll their children at TFA.
CHANGES TO TFA ATHLETICS
n Utilization of a compliance officer. “This individual will operate independent of the athletics department and report directly to the School Board and Head of School,” TFA School Board Chair Clark Keaton and School Board attorney Charles Cramer wrote in a letter to parents. “This will ensure strict adherence to FHSAA guidelines and add an additional layer of accountability.”
n Enhanced training for coaches and athletic staff. “We are implementing comprehensive training for all athletic personnel to ensure a thorough understanding of FHSAA policies and best practices,” Keaton and Cramer wrote.
n Improved administrative processes. “We are revising our procedures for facilities use agreements, enrollment forms and FHSAA-related documentation to ensure accuracy and alignment with FHSAA Bylaws and TFA’s standards,” they wrote.
n Updated enrollment contracts. “To prevent future issues, we have added safeguards, advance notice requirements and additional approval layers to our enrollment contracts, ensuring accountability and oversight beyond the athletics staff,” Keaton and Cramer wrote.
n Ongoing communication with the FHSAA. “We are committed to maintaining open and constructive dialogue with the FHSAA to clarify expectations and promote compliance,” they wrote.
Windermere swimming brings home individual, relay state titles
The Windermere High boys and girls swimming and diving teams both had impressive showings at the Class 4A state championship meet. Both teams finished as state championship runners-up and brought home a total of seven individual or relay state championships.
In the girls meet, the Wolverines finished with 311 total points across the meet’s 12 events and fell to state champions Riverview Sarasota High; the Rams finished with 378 points. West Orange High finished fourth overall with 117 points. Windermere’s 311 points came on the back of four firstplace finishes, two silvers and one bronze. The Wolverine boys finished second with 227 points to G.
Holmes Braddock Senior High’s 306 points. The boys brought home three gold medals, four silvers and two bronzes in total across the events. Individually, girls sophomore swimmer Rylee Erisman had the most impressive outing of the area’s swimmers by not only winning three golds and a silver in her four events but by setting two state records in the 50-meter (21.61 seconds) and 100-meter (47.14 seconds) freestyle. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Athlete of the Week sponsored by:
Coastal Soul Media, Peyton Powell
Windermere High girls swim team finished in second at the 2024 Class 4A state championships.
Eagles claw their way to 1A title game
little bit, but it just wasn’t clicking the way that we thought it would. So, we decided to go back to our old offense — but with a simplistic approach that we tried make fit the guys that we have on the roster. At the time, that seemed like the best call, because they were understanding the concepts a little bit better.”
But when the season started, it was painfully clear that it wasn’t working. Legacy lost four consecutive games to open the season and scored just 14 points. At the Eagles’ lowest point of the season, they fell to a 1-6 record and were averaging just 5.71 points per game.
That’s when a blessing in disguise came and Fox got a second chance to reshape the identity of his offense.
“After losing our starting quarterback for a couple of weeks, we just realized that we didn’t have that setin-stone backup who could command the offense,” Fox said. “So, we decided to make the shift to the single-wing and put the ball in the hands of three or four different guys who are able to equally share the carries and responsibility of making sure our offense works. That’s made all the difference for us.”
Since then, the Eagles are 3-0 and have scored 82 total points — more than double the points they scored in their first seven games.
“It was incredible to see them get the offense that first week,” Fox said. “To see them just really buy into the change, understand the scheme so quickly and then go out on the field and execute it all throughout that week in practice and in the first game was amazing. In that first game, we rushed for 380 yards — that was more yards than we had rushed for in total, up until that game. I think the scheme is more than just a great fit for us because of the play style of our players across all three phases; it’s great because it’s aligned with the kind of culture we’ve built here and the identity of these guys.”
Junior running back Brian Jean is a great example of the type of player Fox
is describing — someone who is tough as nails, fearless, and focused on the team and not himself.
For the early portion of the season, Jean wasn’t in the backfield. In fact, he didn’t feature very often on offense at all. He predominantly saw the field as a cornerback for the Eagles’ defense. But when the shift in scheme came, his athleticism was even more valuable to the team with the ball in his hands, never mind the fact he had never played running back before this season. Neither Jean nor Fox was going to let that silly little fact stop them from going all in on the move.
“At first, I was scared of playing running back,” Jean said. “There’s a lot of expectations that come with the position in this offense. ... I didn’t want to fumble, I didn’t want to really deal with that pressure. But once I got that first run in, I just built my confidence from there, and it started to come to me. A lot of the credit, though, has to go to my teammates.”
Over this three-game stretch, Jean has gained 536 total yards, scored six of his eight touchdowns, added a twopoint conversion and is still contributing on defense.
Because of the way this group of student-athletes bought into this shift and didn’t quit in the face of a 1-6 record, the word “turnaround” isn’t strong enough to describe this moment. This is more than a feelgood story, it’s more than a turnaround; Legacy’s offense has sparked a football revival that’s carried the program all the way to the SSAA Class 1A championship game.
Just reaching this point is impressive. But if Legacy can bring home the hardware with a championship win, the status of this team’s run as one of epic proportions would be solidified.
“This run just shows the kind of group of guys we have here,” Fox said.
“Their ability to overcome anything that’s been put in front of them is ultimately why we’ve been able to dig ourselves out of that tough place and have the chance to write our own ending to what could have been a lost season.
“I can’t say enough about that
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
Dr. Phillips (9-1), 47
East Ridge (3-7), 0
HIGHLIGHTS: Before the Knights of East Ridge High could blink, the Dr. Phillips offense was all over them. After an 80-yard run by Panthers senior running back Kenorris White and a punt return for a touchdown from Duke commit Maliki Wright, DP was in full control of this game. Add in a pair of almost duplicate long touchdown passes from quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton to receiver Mykel Calixte down the Panthers’ sideline before the end of the first half and, well, the win seemed more than secured by the halftime break.
UP NEXT: With the win, the Panthers officially claimed the Class 7A, District 9 championship and will host a first-round playoff game Friday, Nov. 15 at Bill Spoone Stadium against Tohopekaliga High (6-4).
Lake Buena Vista (3-7), 6
Davenport (5-5), 33
HIGHLIGHTS: The Vipers finished their 2024 season with a road loss to the Davenport Broncos, despite their defense forcing a pair of turnovers on the night.
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
Foundation Academy (5-5), 5
St. Joseph Academy (10-1), 10
CLASS 5A SEMIFINAL
HIGHLIGHTS: After scoring the only touchdown of the game, early in the first quarter, St. Joseph Academy held off the young Lions of Foundation Academy to clinch a spot in the SSAA 5A championship game. Following the Flashes TD, Foundation forced a safety, and senior kicker Braedyn White also hit a field goal to make it a 7-5 game going into the half. The game only saw one more score; a St. Joseph field goal that came after an inadvertent whistle wiped a fumble recovery by the Lions in the third quarter.
collective group and the pride that they’ve played with over the past couple of weeks,” he said. “I can’t say enough about this coaching staff and how we’ve all been able to adapt to everything that’s happened this season. So much credit needs to go to both my coordinators and all the
OBSERVER 8, PLAYOFFS
A weekly power ranking of the eight best football programs in West Orange and Southwest Orange.
Dr. Phillips (9-1)s1
West Orange (8-2)s1
Windermere (10-0)s1
Ocoee (5-5) s1
Olympia (4-6)s
(5-5)
Legacy Charter (4-6)s
Legacy Charter (4-6), 16 Trinity Prep (1-9), 14
CLASS 1A SEMIFINAL
HIGHLIGHTS: Led by its defense and strong rushing attack, the Eagles of Legacy Charter clinched their spot in the SSAA 1A championship game. After falling behind 14-0 in the first half, Legacy’s defense pitched a shutout in the second half that included a pick-six from freshman Jason Conserve. This win marked Legacy’s third consecutive victory. UP NEXT: The Eagles will look to make it four consecutive wins as
assistant coaches, really. Their contributions have been phenomenal, especially when it came to keeping the guys locked in after the difficult start.
I think this really is that type of great, redemptive story that everyone loves to hear about.
“To start 0-4 and then have the
they face off against the Saints of Cedar Creek in the SSAA 1A championship game Friday, Nov. 15. One of Legacy’s wins over this run was against Cedar Creek — beating the Saints convincingly, 36-12, on the road in Week 10. If that matchup is any indication of what you’ll see in the title game, watch out for Legacy junior Brian Jean on offense; he scored three touchdowns and accounted for 235 total yards.
Windermere Prep (1-7), 27
Cedar Creek Christian (5-5), 64 CLASS 1A SEMIFINAL
HIGHLIGHTS: The Saints of Cedar Creek Christian got on the board twice with a pair of rushing touchdowns to start this semifinal matchup up 14-0, but the Windermere Prep Lakers were able to respond with a rushing TD of their own by Angelo Arrivillaga to make it 14-7. However, Cedar Creek put its foot on the pedal and rattled off 22 unanswered points to end the half up 36-7. Despite WPS scoring 20 points in the second half, the Saints never looked back and punched their ticket to the SSAA 1A championship.
chance to finish 4-0 and bring some hardware home — that’s not something you take lightly,” Fox said. “I’m just happy for this group, because despite how hard this season was … they never strayed away from each other, they never left each other, they never broke their brotherhood.”
Sam Albuquerque
Dr. Phillips’ Maliki Wright returned a punt for a touchdown against East Ridge.
CRAWLING BACK by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen
By Luis Campos
EHREN STEINER FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Ehren Steiner is the Upper School assistant principal at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus. Prior to coming to Foundation, he taught for 10 years at Orange County Public Schools and for three years at Windermere Preparatory School. In his role, Steiner offers support for teachers and students, as well as helps with instructional coaching, scheduling, implementation of procedures, campus logistics, discipline and serves as the field trip coordinator.
What brought you to your school? Early in 2022, I had just finished my master’s degree in education leadership at Stetson University and was looking for a position as an assistant principal. A longtime friend of mine, Steve Jurs, had a couple of children at Foundation Academy and brought to my attention that they had an opening for an assistant principal. I immediately applied and went through that process. Thankfully, it ended up being a great fit for me.
What do you love most about your school?
The camaraderie and team-mindedness among the teachers and staff is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in an organization. There is such a high concentration of highly skilled and highly qualified professionals who are constantly thinking towards the greater good of the organization. Everyone is completely sold to the mission of creating a great learning environment for our students and experiences for our families each day.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?
I would 100% be a first responder or in the military. Coming out of college with a degree in education, I was a signature away from going forward with Army officer candidate school. I
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Upper School
assistant principal TIME AT SCHOOL: Three years
ended up choosing to stay in education, deciding there may be opportunities to have a greater impact on people. Then, throughout the years, there were several instances of considering and pursuing the police academy or fire academy to become a police officer or firefighter. But again, I would arrive back at the conclusion that remaining in education may be the best way for me to have an impact with the gifts and skills that God has given me.
Who influences you?
I believe the Bible is the word of God, so I’d say that it is the primary source of influence in my life on a daily basis. My entire worldview and perspective on life has to do with what I have learned from reading the Bible over the last 18 years. The people who have the strongest influence on me throughout the developmental years of my life have undoubtedly been my mom and dad, my grandpa, and my aunts and uncles. My wife is one of the smartest people that I know, so since we’ve been married I try to make it a habit of receiving input from her.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? I took physics in my senior year of high school. I wasn’t a great student, honestly, so going in felt like I had out-kicked my coverage. Mr. Flueso was the teacher and also was a football coach. I really connected with his teaching style and ended up having a great experience in the course and learned a lot. I remember a ton of the examples that he used to this day, a
lot of problems involving sports and vehicles. His teaching style was very engaging, practical, and full of illustrations and explanations, and it really resonated with me.
What is your favorite children’s book and why?
“Cars, Trucks and Things that
Go” by Richard Scarry is the book
I remember loving the most as a child. My two boys have the book now, and we look at it all the time together. I remember enjoying the book with my parents when I was a kid, and it’s really neat to be able to watch my boys enjoy it today.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
My mom always gave me really good stuff. It was always so much food. Lots of turkey sandwiches and Ziploc bags filled with all kinds of stuff. She always kept it pretty healthy but fun.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Memorial Day, because it marks the beginning of summer and the summer holidays, such as Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and some family birthdays. It’s at the end of the school year, so there is this feeling of accomplishment and completeness, as well as the start of a season of refreshment.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?
Oli Marmol, Nick Carris, Drew Longenecker and I had a great friendship through middle and high schools. We played baseball together, and our parents and siblings were all very close, so it was just like family. We still have a little group chat going and try to touch base often, although we are spread out all over the country.
— ANNABELLE SIKES
Windermere Prep rolls with Homecoming parade
Windermere Preparatory School students decked out in Lakers red, white and blue lined the streets inside the gates of the school’s campus to celebrate Homecoming with the 2024 edition of its annual parade Oct. 18.
The parade, which kicked off at 1 p.m., was just one part of the daylong celebration, which started with a pep rally for the Lakers’ Lower School students in the morning and continued through the day to the evening. It culminated in a senior night celebration during the Homecoming football game — the only home game of the season played under the lights.
Besides the action on the gridiron and the senior recognitions for the sports medicine, football, cheer, cross country and golf teams, the school’s Homecoming king and queen were announced: Luke Slattery and Julia Velotta.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Laura Grande, Windermere Prep
Windermere Prep Homecoming Court member Saumya Rao, left, and Homecoming King Luke Slattery were all smiles during the parade.
Photos by Patrick Dakota Collier, Windermere Prep
Windermere Prep students Alejandro Varon, left, and Lee Crocetti made sure to show some love to the children watching the parade. Right: Brooklyn Davies, left, and Holland Ort shot bubbles at parade-goers.
MUSIC IN MOTION
From Billie Eilish and Michael Jackson to Queen and Antonín Dvořák, marching bands from throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange performed a wide variety of music in their shows at the 2024 Florida Bandmasters Association District 8 MPA, held Nov. 2 at Boone High School, Orlando. All public school marching bands from West Orange and Southwest Orange showcased their 2024 field shows at the event.
— MICHAEL ENG
Windermere’s show featured plenty of impressive solos throughout.
Lake Buena Vista’s show was titled, “Which Witch is Which.”
Olympia’s color guard impressed the judges.
Right: Horizon’s band performed its show, “The Wonder of the West.”
Ocoee’s show, “The MJ Experience,” featured the music of Michael Jackson.
Dr. Phillips brought the music from “The Phantom of the Opera” to the football field.
Lake Buena Vista was the first Southwest Orange band to perform at this year’s MPA.
Left: Horizon’s Western-themed show delighted the audience.
Olympia’s show, “The Crown,” featured some difficult music and movement.
West Orange closed this year’s MPA with its show, “Rhapsody in Orange and Blue.”
As always, Ocoee’s dancers were ready to take the spotlight.
Windermere’s show included an impressive trumpet feature.
Dr. Phillips’ show was inspired by the Broadway classic, “The Phantom of the Opera.”
West Orange’s color guard added some visual pizzazz to the Warriors’ fun show.
Ocoee students even performed the “Thriller” dance during their 2024 show, “The MJ Experience.”
Windermere’s show, “Stepping Into the Limelight,” featured music from Billie Eilish, Eminem and The Weeknd.
Olympia’s show was titled, “The Crown.”
Left: Horizon’s 2024 marching band season culminated with a stellar performance at MPA.
Dr. Phillips’ “Phantom” show featured some interesting and engaging choreography.
Left: West Orange High performed several tunes with the word “rhapsody” in their titles.
Lake Buena Vista’s show featured some impressive low brass performances.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
OCT. 31, 1974
“Give your family new carpeting for the holidays.” That’s what the Scotty’s Builders Supply store advertised in a 1974 issue of The Winter Garden Times.
Scotty’s was a retailer of home improvement and construction products and services located on West Colonial Drive in Ocoee.
Customers could choose from a variety of styles. Highland Bouquet was a brightly patterned textured level loop carpet for $4.99 per square yard. Highland Fling, priced at $8.29 a square yard, was called the ideal carpet for do-ityourself installers. If you were looking for a deep, luxurious shag carpeting, the Captivating option could be yours for $7.99 per square yard.
New on the market was the fancy New Look, a hi-lo cutand-loop shag priced at $10.49 per square yard.
In what colors do you think these carpets came? We’re imagining golds, browns and oranges.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The staff at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is having a fascinating time sorting through a batch of photographs donated by the Lau family for the archives. This photograph, taken Jan. 18, 1918, shows an enormous alligator found in Lake Apopka. It measured 11 feet, 8 inches and weighed 600 pounds.
During the first few decades of the 20th century, Lake Apopka became famed as the large-mouth bass capital of the world, drawing thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The lake’s alligator population thrives, with many specimens of all sizes sunning themselves on the canal banks visible along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive — an excursion definitely worth taking. Before making the trip, call the St. John’s River Water Management District at (877) 228-1658 or (407) 659-4800 to make sure the drive is open.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
90 years ago Local telephone numbers were as follows: Iserman & Co. (Florida Metal Craft), 1; Ned Vick Inc., 696; Highfill Dry Cleaners, 307; Davis Pharmacy, 79; Winter Garden Hardware, 208; and Mask Welding & Repair Shop, 612-Green.
80 years ago
From all reports, canning of food by the women of Winter Garden district was a record-breaker the past season. Records at the local ration board office showed about 20,000 pounds of sugar was used.
Consumer purchases of rationed stoves had to be made with a certificate obtained at local War Price and Rationing Boards.
Mrs. L.F. Roper, chair of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, announced 24 workers prepared 5,400 surgical dressings during the month of October.
70 years ago
Mrs. Arthur O’Brien, leader, and Mrs. Bob Kerr, co-leader, enter-
tained Troop 10 Girl Scouts at the Kerr home with a Halloween party.
After the Roper Co-Operative held its regular annual meeting, members went to the Ropers’ camp on Lake Butler for a chicken supper. The Winter Garden Garden Club box supper gave Lou Warden the inspiration to write a song especially for the members of the club.
50 years ago
The last Homecoming queen to be crowned at Lakeview High School was Dianne Tiddy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Tiddy of Bay Hill. Serving on the Homecoming Court with her were Jeanne Pitchford, Lisa Godfrey, Dale Duppenthaler, Diane Duppenthaler and Debbie Woodsby. Jimmy Spears, a senior at Lakeview High, was notified he was featured in the Eighth Annual Edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” the largest student award publication in the nation. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond G. Spears of Winter Garden.
45 years ago
It didn’t make the Guiness Book of World Records, but the West Orange YMCA had its own version of the world’s biggest apple-bobbing contest at its Halloween party. Instead of a barrel of water, the competition-size swimming pool was used.
In the Windermere Rotary Club, Don Tyndall completed nine years of perfect attendance. Ann Elizabeth Tope represented Queens College, Charlotte, North Carolina, at a SALT II conference at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia. She was the daughter of Robert and Gretchen Tope of Winter Garden.
35 years ago
New mayors were elected in three West Orange County municipalities: Lester Dabbs in Ocoee, Ray Spears in Winter Garden and Jim Kay in Oakland.
LOU ELLEN MARTIN
DIED JULY 26, 2024.
Lou Ellen Martin, age 82 and lifelong resident of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee, Florida, July 26, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family. Lou was the daughter of the late Univee Hall Phillips and Ocie Wesley Phillips. She was one of seven children. She was born and raised in Kinston, Alabama, where she graduated from Kinston High School in 1959. She moved to Winter Garden, Florida, with her husband, Bill Whitman, in 1961, where they raised their two sons, Tony and Jeffrey Whitman. Lou married Johnnie Martin in 1985. Johnnie passed away in 2019. He had four children: Allen, who passed away in 1989, Neal, Roger and Chad.
Lou worked as the secretary and bookkeeper for Selby and Billy Burch of Burch Properties for 57 years. The Burch family was near and dear to Lou’s heart, and she considered them to be family. Lou will be remembered for the way she loved and cared for her family and the precious voicemails that she would leave her grandchildren. Lou is preceded in death by her brothers, Ronnie and Earl Phillips; and sister, Geraldine Smith. She is survived by her three sisters, Ann Smith (Jack), Rebecca Matthews and Eulene Jones (Waylon); ex-husband, Bill Whitman; two sons, Tony and Jeffrey Whitman (Debbie); four stepchildren, Allen Martin and spouse Tammy and their daughter, Sarah, along with Neal, Roger and his son Austin, and Chad Martin; grandchildren, Blaise (Jillian), Bradley (Madison), Brittany Whitman and Donna Ross; and numerous close family members and friends.
A celebration of life for Lou will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida.
redpages@orangeobserver.com
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Saturday, December 7 • 4:00 - 8:00 pm at Downtown Winter Garden
Market Stalls of Holiday Goods & Gifts Holiday Entertainment Santa Visit
Trolley Rides to Main Street Holiday Stroll Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade, 6 pm Outdoor Holiday Wonderland Free Commemorative Tote Bags (while supplies last)
Pedestrian Only
www.cwgdn.com
pm – 8:00 pm