The town of Windermere will host a memorial dedication in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at the town of Windermere office, 614 Main St.
The town also will welcome back “Old Glory” — the famed American flag-inspired horse statue — at the event.
Fitzgibbon, who graduated from Foundation Academy in 2017, was one of two soldiers killed during a Ranger School training incident Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.
Fitzgibbon was an infantry officer assigned to the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course, 199th Infantry “Leader Brigade” at Fort Benning, officials said. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and commissioned in May 2021.
OAKLAND SEEKS NEW LEADER
After 13 years of service, Rick Polland resigned as Seat 1 commissioner to pursue future endeavors. The town of Oakland is accepting applications for the vacant commission seat; the term will end March 10, 2026. The Town Commission will establish the process for reviewing and selecting applications at the Jan. 14 Town Commission meeting.
Visit bit.ly/4gAlv5D to apply for the position. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Completed applications must be signed and submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office, 230 N. Tubb St./P.O. Box 98, Oakland, FL 34760 or emailed to ehui@oaklandfl.gov.
For questions, call Elise Hui, Town Clerk, at (407) 656-1117, Ext. 2110.
OLYMPIA SOCCER TO HOST NEW 5K
If your New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to improve your fitness, then the Olympia girls soccer program has an event this weekend that will help you reach that goal.
The soccer team will host its Titan Trot 5K fun run/walk at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando.
And unlike many 5Ks, canines are invited to join their twolegged owners in the fun.
“The event will feature professional timing and live tracking in our custom app (we will even have a Dog Leaderboard), and the post-race party will have a deejay, a ‘Canine Lounge’ and treats provided by many local businesses,” girls soccer coach Dan Vincent said.
To register and download the app, visit rtrt.me/app/TTA.
2025 FORECAST
and local
2025FORECAST
Centennial celebration
Ocoee officially reaches the 100-year mark as a city Tuesday, May 13. The city will celebrate the milestone with a plethora of events all year.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
It was in the mid-1800s that the land adjacent to Starke Lake and southeast of Lake Apopka, which would later be named Ocoee, was settled. But it would be more than a half-century before the subdivision turned town would officially become a city on May 13, 1925.
The city of Ocoee is a few short months away from reaching the 100-year milestone. However, to celebrate its centennial anniversary, the city isn’t waiting until May to start the festivities — nor is it stopping the party when that marker is crossed. Instead, Ocoee is ready to fill the entire 2025 calendar with centennial celebration events and to put a centennial twist on the litany of community events that have become a staple in this part of West Orange County.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been around for this long,” Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson said. “I look back to when I got in office all those years ago, and now here we are celebrating the city’s 100th year. It’s an amazing thing for me to experience this and for the residents to have this opportunity to learn all about the city and see some things that the city’s done in these 100 years — see some of the things that we’re doing here today and also see a bit of what we’re going to do in the next 100 years. … The city has made a lot of progress over the years, and we’re really moving in the right direction. I love this place, and it’s just such a good place to live,
and this anniversary is a chance to celebrate Ocoee.”
Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver III echoes Johnson’s thoughts about the magnitude of this celebration and the opportunity the city has to show just how far it’s come.
“This is a major, major milestone for the city of Ocoee,” he said. “This is something that’s going to show the state of Florida, the communities around us and show our residents how far we’ve come. It’s going to show them that we’re a thriving city in West Orange County as a result of our 100 years of existence. The centennial is going to be extremely important to all of us, not just the elected officials, the city staff and all the individuals who are working so hard to make this celebration successful. It’s going to be important for the citizens of Ocoee, because they’ll see exactly where we’ve come from and how far we’ve come, but it also is going to be a chance to reflect on the bright future that we have in store.”
100 YEARS OF GOOD LIVING
Before looking forward to the next 100 years, the journey Ocoee has been on in the past 100 to become the Center of Good Living it is today shows just how much Orange County’s third largest city has grown from its agricultural roots.
With a population of just 820 residents when it was settled in the 1800s, the Ocoee-area was mainly a small farming community focused on growing citrus and vegetable crops. In 1880, the first school was established in the township of Ocoee
and later in the decade, construction the Florida Midland Railroad was complete and the small 820-resident town started to see its population boom.
By 1921, the tiny farming community named after a river in Tennessee had grown into a state-recognized municipality, before becoming a city in 1925.
As the infrastructure in and around Ocoee grew, the city found itself in a rather favorable position. In 1959, the construction of State Road 50 connected Ocoee with a direct eastwest route to the growing Orlando. It made Ocoee an attractive place for developers to build homes, because the new road made living in Ocoee
and working in Orlando much more viable.
“I’ve been here in Ocoee since the early 1950s, and back then, if you wanted to find a job, you had to go to the neighboring cities,” Johnson said. “When I was a young person, I got a job at the Winn-Dixie in Winter Garden, because back then, that was really the only place available for me to work.”
That is until — like the Florida Midland Railroad — a new development brought the spotlight back onto Ocoee.
“It’s incredible to think about how we’ve grown so much since that time,” Johnson said. “From my perspective, when I came back from the
Army, Ocoee really started to grow into what it is today, and one of the big reasons for this was when Disney came in the 1970s. Disney really changed everything for us because of how close we are, as far as the number of jobs coming to the area and physical growth in the area in terms of population and amenities.”
The impacts of Ocoee’s geographical footprint and its small-town charm have carried the city from its agricultural inception to the thriving city with a population of nearly 50,000 it is now.
“When we think about Ocoee being the Center of Good Living, which is our kind of our mantra for this city, the concept is the direct reflection of who we are as a community and how we stand together as one Ocoee,” Oliver said. “I believe when you spend time talking to the citizens of Ocoee, you’ll pick up that good living spirit we all have toward calling this city home. This feeling that you’re part of something bigger than yourself, that we are one. … To me, that’s a testament to the type of people who live here; they buy into the idea of being a community, and they really enjoy that.”
OCOEE’S NEXT 100 YEARS
Just as the city of Ocoee in 2025 would look unrecognizable to the citrus farmers who settled the land in the 1800s, the city in 100 years’ time will surely be a far cry from how it stands at its centennial anniversary and generally unfathomable for us to accurately imagine. Still, it’s fun to prognosticate on what the 2125 version of Ocoee might look like.
“Our city is going to continue to grow — that’s inevitable,” Oliver said. “Ultimately, Ocoee in the near to distant future may see the population top out at 80, maybe 90,000
“I always want Ocoee to be the type of community where folks partake in the local recreation activities, and when they go to those events, they see their neighbors and friends from the community. I never want Ocoee to lose that sense of community as we grow larger.”
Rosemary Wilsen, Ocoee city commissioner
residents. That could mean future leaders may start annexing parts of unincorporated Orange County, which would increase our numbers. That would increase our tax base, all those things. So, I could see us become even more of a major city within Orange County. I see a city that has an infrastructure that is head and shoulders above any other city around us with features like 5G, 6G or 10G technology all over the city and free Wi-Fi. I see roads that are able to get cars in and out of this city with ease. Most important, I see development going on (in) our city that has a balance between how we
myself to dream about what Ocoee will look like in the next 100 years, I see these types of things happening because I trust that this community will provide the type of leaders who will bring new and fresh ideas to the seats of this commission. The type of folks that will take Ocoee to a different level.”
When asked what she thought the city may look like 100 years from now, Ocoee Commissioner Rosemary Wilsen wasn’t as interested in predicting what’s to come in the future of the city she’s called home for nearly three decades.
Her focus was instead on what she
“I do not want to lose the special flavor that we have here,” Wilsen said. “At our core, we are a residential community and folks value that. I know a lot of our residents may work in Orlando or other locations, but when they go home to Ocoee, they still want to have that almostrural characteristic that Ocoee offers; at least, I know I want that. … We always want to make Ocoee a hometown, and I don’t want to lose that characteristic no matter how big we get. I always want Ocoee to be the type of community where folks partake in the local recreation activities, and when they go
from the community. I never want Ocoee to lose that sense of community as we grow larger.” Johnson, on the other hand, took a slightly different approach to considering his home of more than a half-century.
“One-hundred years from now? I have no idea what they’ll be doing here,” he said. “Heck, I’d love to be able to see it, but I won’t make that centennial party. All I know is that right now, the people who are making the decisions that will impact the next 100 years of Ocoee are doing excellent work that will send the city in the right direction. ... Ocoee will continue to be a beautiful place that people love living in
2025FORECAST
Meet the mayor
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
The town of Oakland has a new mayor after 20 years, and Shane Taylor is eager to continue the work started by former Mayor Kathy Stark.
Since being elected mayor of the 6,000-resident town of Oakland last March, Shane Taylor has spent his first nine months learning the operations from the inside out. He knows that staying aware of the issues is key to running the town successfully, and he is committed to that.
“I spend probably three days a week just up (at Oakland Town Hall) checking in, not full-time, but come in for a few hours,” Taylor said. “The town manager and I talk every day, we catch up, (share) what’s going on. If you’re going to be the mayor of the town and represent the town, you have to be involved.”
This includes in-person appearances and the ever-growing world of social media.
“People have said, ‘We like that you’re out there,’” Taylor said. “They like when we’re posting things.” When the last string of hurricanes hit Florida, the town posted multiple videos of Taylor answering residents’ questions about the water supply, debris pick-up and other storm-related concerns.
“Just telling the residents, ‘Hey, the water plant is prepared, the Utility Department is ready to go, the backup plant is ready; rest assured, you’re going to be OK,’” he said. “That type of reassurance … it resonates a lot with the people.”
Taylor also plans to resume his Meet the Mayor gatherings next month as a way to engage with residents and initiate important conversations in a relaxed setting.
He said residents have been receptive to the idea and the meetings have brought in up to 20 people — many of them new each month.
THE DECISION TO RUN
What made Taylor run for office?
“The reason why I ran was the canal thing and the spending of public money on a private problem,” he said. “This one issue just bothered the hell out of me where there was no thinking about what’s the repercussions if we do this?”
The town spent $120,000 in March 2023 to remove sediment that had washed into Lake Apopka from the Johns Lake Outfall Canal. Days later, more sand had returned to the area. In November 2023, elected officials
voted 3-2 to spend the same amount of money to redo the work.
“For me, the issue was, you can’t just throw money at the situation,” Taylor said. “You have to look at how you’re really going to do this thing.
What other help can you get? … I think the problem was that people lead with the heart and not with their head.
“I remember … It was put up for a vote to spend a quarter of a million dollars to get this thing cleaned out, and I got up and said, ‘I don’t think you should do this,’” Taylor said. “My wife was with me at the commission, and I said, ‘This is ridiculous, I’ve got to run. It’s a misuse of funds.’”
Taylor also ran for office with the idea of building town’s economic base.
“There’s so much opportunity in the town,” he said. “We have a blank palette on (State Road) 50, and developments are starting to come in. … You want to build up that (commercial) base, because that’s the only way the town’s going to grow. That’s always where I’ve tried to put my planning attention.”
As Oakland’s levels of service increase with a growing population, it will take more funds to operate the town, which means either higher taxes for residents or a higher tax base in the way of commercial development to help pay for those services.
“We have all these grand plans and these conceptual plans, but you have to spend money to make money,” Taylor said. “Unfortunately for us, we’re not rich. I remember when they did the town center here. … They had to borrow to make that a reality, so you’re going to have to do the same thing down here … and I think we can find private partners to help with that.”
Today, Oakland’s demographic includes a high percentage of young families.
“I would love to see money set aside
for more programs and events for families,” he said. “We did a neighborhood block party a couple of months after I was elected. It was great. There was a deejay, a car show. A lot of people showed up.
“I’d like to see more of those,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be big events like Heritage Day, but small events that center here and people migrate here and come here. It’s a great way to converse and meet people. The event we did, Music Under the Oaks, that was very successful. We had a lot of people. It was a lot of fun.”
FOUR-YEAR GOALS
Taylor has set goals for his four years in office.
“The first year was learning the processes of the town; there (are) ways to do it,” he said. “Are there ways to improve upon that process? Toward the end of that first year, (I’m) trying to come up with some plans and try to start working on those plans to better the town. Not that you’re changing the town; the whole focus is you’re trying to help the town grow.”
In the second year of his term, which begins in March, he wants to get input from all town staff and start laying out and implementing those plans. The third and fourth years will be building on those plans.
“There are some things I think the town has that’s on its side, and I think you can utilize that to create that need that residents want,” Taylor said. “All I heard during the (campaign) process is, ‘We want something to do.’”
The goal, he said, is not to re-create downtown Winter Garden but still be able to offer places for people to eat and hang out with friends. Soon, he hopes to introduce some ideas to town commissioners and, likewise, get their ideas, as well.
Taylor was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital, in Winter Garden, and grew up in the area, attending Ocoee Junior High and West Orange High schools and playing on the marching band drumline. After graduating from WOHS in 1990, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of South Florida. And then he returned to West Orange.
Taylor has deep roots in Oakland, as his great-grandfather moved to the town as a truck farmer and his grandmother, her siblings and Taylor’s mother grew up here. This is the place he calls home.
Today, Taylor holds a state general contractor license and is a partner and owner in a construction development firm and site construction company.
Since settling in Oakland 25 years ago, Taylor has served on several boards and committees. He was involved in collaborative design sessions for the redesign of the town center, as well as the implementation of the design districts and the commercial overlay districts. From 2013 to 2024, he served in different capacities, including chairman of the town’s Planning & Zoning Board. In 2019, he was named Oakland’s Person of the Year. In 2022, he sat on the selection committee for the hiring of the new Oakland police chief.
Through the years, Taylor has volunteered in his town to help with a number of projects, including rebuilding the C.M. “Pete” Tucker brick marker and assisting in rebuilding the Oakland Nature Preserve’s sidewalk, drainage system, boardwalk and pavilion.
As much as Taylor is out in the community lending support and assistance, he said he is very much a homebody and is happiest when he’s in the company of his wife, Kelly; his three daughters, Samantha, 22, Hannah, 20, and Kate, 16; and their two Dachshunds, Charlie and Willy. He loves to travel and scratched off an item on his bucket list in 2019: a cruise to Alaska.
They want to take a European river cruise this year. Taylor said as a high school student, one of his favorite classes was history and the study of World War II.
“It would be cool to go around those places — Berlin, Germany, France…” he said.
PROUD TO SERVE
With the influx of young families and a new mayor at the helm, Taylor thinks there’s a renewed excitement for the town and its potential.
“What I’ve noticed is that whole renewed interest in town and people getting involved … to keep the town growing,” he said.
“On the commercial development, I’ve been working hard with (Town Manager) Andy (Stewart) and (Assistant Town Manager) Elise (Hui),” he said. “If everyone agrees, I think in two years you’ll see some difference here, you’ll see some things start to pop and you’ll see a town that is starting to flourish.”
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Courtesy photo
Oakland Mayor Shane Taylor loves nothing more than spending time with his wife, Kelly, and their three daughters.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Oakland Mayor Shane Taylor is dedicated to helping the town grow in a healthy direction.
2025FORECAST
Check-ups and balances
The new leaders of Orlando Health’s three West Orange- and Southwest Orangebased hospitals are focused on addressing community needs as communities grow.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Most people try to avoid hospitals.
Philip Koovakada, the president of Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, said it’s the job of the hospital to ensure it is providing excellent care, so when people decide to come into the hospital or need to, they are well cared for during that time.
“There’s not another system that is well positioned as Orlando Health is in West Orange to continue to grow and take care of that community,” Koovakada said.
Along with Maggie Bonko, the president of Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, and Joseph Khayat, the president of Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital, Koovakada said their hospitals collectively address the health and wellbeing of West Orange and the changes that come with the continued growth of the area.
“For us, being able to make sure we have optimal care experience working through those different challenges, that we’re the light for people in that time of darkness, I think, is important,” Koovakada said. “Every day, there’s instant gratification, because we just see patients and the impact we make — not only for those patients but inside the community. … The most exciting thing about being a president of each one of our hospitals is we get to make a difference, and we get to be a pillar of what health should mean, what it should mean for the community and be an educator to try to make sure we pioneer that path for each one of our hospitals.”
In 2025, it’s the goal of the three new hospital presidents to deepen connections with the community to provide care that meets the needs of the communities they serve.
Khayat said having a brick-andmortar facility in the community only is a piece of the puzzle. Spending time with residents, forming partnerships with business and organizations and
supporting nonprofit organizations within the community all are part of meeting the community’s needs, Khayat said.
NEW YEAR, NEW PROGRAMS West Orange is growing in population, and people are having to drive farther to receive care.
Addressing the growth is vital for the hospitals to continue to find ways for patients to receive care closer to home.
Bonko is focused on the new limb preservation program Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital launched in December.
“We are one of few programs in the United States really focused on ensuring patients who have had vascular challenges don’t run into a situation where they have a loss of limb,” she said. “Having that expertise here is a collaborative effort.”
Through the program, a multidisciplinary team will provide care to patients at risk for limb loss to prevent a life-changing emergency.
Also at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital will be the opening of an infusion center to be able to infuse blood into patients from throughout Central Florida. The infusion center will be able to provide infusions to any patient, regardless of whether they are seeing a doctor within the Orlando Health system.
“Anything that we can do to make that experience less frightening, less difficult, less strenuous, we’re going to do,” Bonko said. “Being able to have infusions close to your house so you’re not driving to the outer limits is important. Being able to do that as a patient, not only from an Orlando Health side but from a community side, is exciting.”
As Orlando Health’s newest hospital in West Orange, Horizon West Hospital, which opened four years ago, is quickly becoming a “crown jewel for Horizon West,” Khayat said.
As such, patients are going to dictate the services the hospital provides.
“Whatever it is they want, we’re going to be there to provide for
them,” Khayat said. “Right now. we’re going to be very good at being our local-based community hospital and provide those general services that are needed in the hospital. As the community grows, we will be listening to what services need to be added onto it. We have plenty of opportunity with plenty of land there to build on, and now it’s just a matter of what does the community need and how can we best grow with the community?”
The hospital recently relaunched its cardiac catheterization program, which Khayat said was instrumental for the hospital so residents don’t have to drive far distances to receive care during a cardiac event.
Koovakada said Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital serves not only Dr. Phillips and the surrounding communities but also tourism areas. His goal is ensuring Orlando Health is the provider of choice when people leave the city of Orlando, whether they are a permanent resident or a tourist. Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital is focused on enhancing its services and programs, Koovakada said.
“What we’re going, I believe, to see is a lot of community hospitals continuing to grow but now starting to serve more as regional hubs,” he said. “Historically, we would focus on what we call a primary service area, which is the area that you support locally. The reality is as we continue to grow as a community, we’re making sure we provide services at an acuity level that’s higher that serves more of a regional hub … so patients don’t have to drive 50 minutes for those kinds of services.”
ADDRESSING NEEDS EFFICIENTLY For Orlando Health as a whole, Koovakada said access to care is crucial. As more people move to the area, he said the Orlando Health system will have to continue to develop access for residents.
“Now everybody needs a hospital, so how do we partner with our medical group to also create primary care access points, specialty access points,” he said. “I think that’s what you’re seeing a lot across West Orange and even farther south in the Davenport area is we’re really partnering holistically with the whole entire Orlando Health Group to say, ‘OK, what does that community need again and how do we make sure that
MEET THE PRESIDENTS
MAGGIE BONKO
Hospital: Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital Joined Orlando Health: 2005
Previous Orlando Health positions: President of the Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital for two years; assistant vice president and chief operation officer of Orlando Health — South Seminole Hospital; recruitment leadership roles; director of human resources for Dr. P. Phillips and Central Health hospitals
Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a bachelor and master of science from Capella University
JOSEPH KHAYAT
Hospital: Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital Joined Orlando Health: 2019
Previous Orlando Health positions: Chief operating officer at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital; administrator of allied health and support services at Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital
Education: Bachelor’s degree in cardiopulmonary sciences from the University of Central Florida and a master of business administration in health care administration from the University of Phoenix
PHILIP KOOVAKADA
Hospital: Orlando Health — Dr. P. Phillips Hospital Joined Orlando Health: 2022
Previous Orlando Health positions: President of the Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital
Other responsibilities: Overseeing the Health Central and Horizon West hospitals, leading strategic and operational direction for all facilities.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis, a master’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health care administration from California State University, Long Beach
access is available for them quickly?’” Khayat added not only is access to care vital but also making sure it is done efficiently.
“If we’re growing in population, it doesn’t mean we just start building more facilities. We need to ensure our service that we provide is high quality and efficient as well,” Khayat said. “You don’t want to go to the hospital, but when you do, you want to quickly and you want to get the best care possible. It’s constantly being focused within our teams to ensure we’re efficient with whatever the volume of patients that are around us.”
Part of working efficiently, Koovakada said, is leveraging the resources and experience of those in the Orlando Health system.
“It’s challenging to be a hospital by yourself. I mean, you’re reinventing the wheel every single time,” he said. “When you get to work and leverage the scale of a system, I believe you’re able to exponentially move the needle on any initiative that you’re working on faster, better and more efficiently, right? That’s because the reality is one mind is great, seven minds is much better. Working in that team environment is truly what healthcare is. Everybody really knows that health care is an absolute team sport, and everybody’s viewpoints and lenses should be appreciated.”
CONTINUING QUALITY CARE
Each of the West Orange- and Southwest Orange-based hospitals is a LeapFrog A-rated facility, and each of the presidents is determined to keep that high standard. The LeapFrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital rating focused exclusively on hospital safety.
As a relatively new hospital, Khayat said Orlando Health — Horizon West Hospital earning an A rating from LeapFrog gives him immense pride in the hospital.
“That means a lot. It doesn’t happen by accident. That is intentional work by each member of the team, from engineering to the clinical team and others. Everyone is focused on the quality and the safety of our patients, and being recognized by a large national organization with an A grade feels really good, and the team is so proud of that,” Khayat said.
Bonko said Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital was a top teaching hospital in 2024, according to LeapFrog.
Liz Ramos
Maggie Bonko, president of Health Central Hospital, Joseph Khayat, president of Horizon West Hospital, and Philip Koovakada, president of Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, are focused on addressing the needs of their growing communities.
2025FORECAST
WHAT DO BUYERS WANT?
Several post-pandemic trends continue, said Rose Kemp, 2024 president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association. People are looking for an outdoor/indoor lifestyle.
“They’re looking for an area outside, whether it’s a simple patio outside, so they can spend time outdoors,” she said. “If the house doesn’t have an outdoor space that’s designated and designed specifically to use as an outdoor living room … they’re looking for homes that can be converted … not only to entertain family and friends, but also making outdoor working space.”
The COVID-19 pandemic also saw a rise in home offices.
“People being able to work remotely became a big thing during the pandemic. … That’s a reason people are relocating because they still have an opportunity to work for their company in a remote location.”
Buyers who like to travel are looking for townhomes and condominiums because they want lock-and-go housing without the worries of lawn maintenance. Others who are looking to buy a house are looking for lowmaintenance and low-energy properties.
“If you’re selling a home and have energy-saving features and green features, that’s a big selling point,” Kemp said.
Simon Simaan, of The Simon Simaan Group, has found that people are looking for more turnkey homes that are updated and not in need of repairs or major renovations.
“With the costs of high interest rates … people expect more for their buck,” Simaan said. “They’re going for homes that don’t have issues … and are move-in ready.” Many of his clients are looking for pools, big backyards, privacy space between neighbors, three-car garages for extra storage.
“Now that kids and inlaws are staying in people’s homes, they want more space,” Simaan said. “With costs increasing, children are staying with their parents longer; parents need those extra bedrooms.”
Market conditions
Some of the area’s top-selling Realtors say the market is favorable for buyers and this should continue far into the year. By 2026, it is predicted to switch to a seller’s market. The hottest trend right now is having livable outdoor space.
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
Real estate is a constant hot topic because it turns the wheels of the economy, said Rose Kemp, 2024 president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.
“Real estate is a great indication of how our economy is going to go,” she said. “Every sector of the Orlando region is growing; we have about a thousand relocations a week. We have investors investing in the Orlando region.
“The West Orange sector has really grown over the last three to four years because of the high demand for housing,” Kemp said. “There’s such growth in Horizon West.”
There’s no doubt Horizon West is the community with the hottest housing market — in both new construction and resales.
Ken Pozek, a real-estate agent with The Pozek Group, said one of the trends he is seeing is Horizon West residents moving within the community.
“We’ve had a lot of people from other places … but there are a lot of residents moving from one part of Horizon West to another,” he said.
Many folks originally flocked to the southwest area of Orange County in search of a new home — but now that they are established, they want a bigger house or one that better suits their needs, he said. Inventory continues to be strong there, he said.
Simon Simaan, a Realtor and broker with The Simon Simaan Group, has been successful in the more established areas of Winter Garden and Windermere, in addition to Horizon West.
Simaan is optimistic about the 2025 real-estate market and expects interest rates — which currently are about 6.7% — to go down.
“I hope they’ll go down to somewhere in the 5s, and with the cost of everything going down, affordability will be better for first-time homebuyers, people looking to upsize or downsize,” he said. “I think we’ll be in a bet-
“If you’re
a buyer, this is a great market with great opportunities for buyers; opportunities we haven’t seen since pre-pandemic.”
Rose Kemp, president, Orlando Regional Realtor Association
LOCAL SALES DATA
ter position (this) year.”
Kemp has had much success selling homes in the areas surrounding Walt Disney World.
“I specifically have served customers who specifically want to live in that quadrant because they are Disney lovers,” she said. “That trend has not stopped; that trend continues. People are definitely moving into those areas because they love Disney.”
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
The real-estate market stabilized in 2024 for probably the first time since the pandemic, Kemp said.
“At the beginning of the year, we were at about three months’ supply of inventory,” she said. “Prior to the pandemic, we were at six months’ supply. When everything shut down, we had two months, because everyone pulled off the market. The values went up, because there wasn’t much inventory.”
“When the interest rates started dipping a bit, that regenerated the market, and what you’ll see is a lot of homebuyers jumping off the sidelines and buying property,” Kemp said. “Those that are waiting are coming back on the market and securing a home. … We’re on an upward trend of inventory.”
Sixty-seven is the average number of days homes are staying on the market, Kemp said, meaning it takes about two months for the average home to sell.
Central Florida is sitting at a fourto five-month supply of single-family homes, according to real-estate agents; it’s closer to a four-month supply in West Orange, Simaan said.
At the start of 2025, it’s definitely a buyer’s market, he and Pozek said.
“We’re seeing anywhere from 5 to 7% off list price,” Simaan said. “Things aren’t selling for asking price. A year ago, it was a seller’s market, six months ago it was definitely a buyer’s market. … The market changed so fast that sellers are still thinking they can still get prices they got two years ago, and buyers are still thinking they can get a better deal.”
Some months are better than others when it comes to buying or selling, Simaan said.
“The seller will get the best price in May; the buyer will get the best price in December,” he said. “Sellers want to offload at the end of the year; everyone’s focusing on the holidays. Historically, between the election, the interest rate and the holiday season, this fourth quarter has been challenging in real estate. It’s been slow this past quarter. In the middle of January, I expect it to pick up.”
REAL ESTATE ADVICE Kemp has advice for both buyers and sellers.
“Seek to work with a local Realtor,” she said. “Find yourself a local Realtor that knows the local market and trends. … If you don’t have a Realtor, you can go to ORRA to find one. … This is not a do-it-yourself market.”
Pozek suggested people in the market for buying visit the ORRA website and search “quarterback.” This provides weekly statistics on the supply of homes and how many are short sales or bank owned.
“If you’re a buyer, this is a great market with great opportunities for buyers; opportunities we haven’t seen since pre-pandemic,” Kemp said. “Why? Because there are more houses coming on the market, you have more
options. … There was a time when buyers just had to get what was available.”
Current interest rates in the 6% range changes that, she said.
“You have more houses on the market to pick from, and that gives you better options for negotiating and finding the home that’s right for you.” This means there are more sellers because they have more options for making their next purchase.
Pozek said buyers definitely have more flexibility now than in past years. In this season of buying and selling, sellers need to be prepared to have multiple offers.
Simaan said sellers should do everything they can to enhance the price of their home — increase curb appeal, stage their home and remove distracting personal items, make sure it has a pleasant scent, and consider new furniture.
“You really want your home to look like a model home,” he said. “Look at any new-construction model home … and resemble those.”
For buyers, Simaan said, they will have more negotiating power if they focus on listings that have been on the market for a long time.
“If the house has been vacant four or five months, the owner is continuing to pay for expenses every month,” he said.
In addition, he said buyers should always get a detailed home inspection, including a wood-destroying organism inspection, and they should do survey, title and lien searches.
“Make sure you check all these things, because if you inherit these problems, after closing, you’ll be stuck with those problems,” Simaan said.
Realtor/broker Simon Simaan sold this home at 5243 Isleworth Country Club for $5.25 million in August. This was one of his biggest sales for 2024.
Courtesy photo
2025FORECAST
The next level
As the new director of Healthy West Orange, Krista Carter coordinates her team in helping West Orange County residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life.
There’s just something about working in the community in which you live, and Krista Carter is happy to be back in West Orange and working with familiar faces.
After leaving her position as West Orange Chamber of Commerce vice president in 2022 following more than two decades with the organization, Carter accepted a job with the Orlando-based International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
Two years later, she has returned to this side of town to serve as director of Healthy West Orange, a movement funded by the nonprofit organization Foundation for a Healthier West Orange. She is responsible for the daily leadership and coordination of all activities for the grassroots movement, whose mission is to make West Orange the healthiest community in the nation.
How is this measured?
“We use the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation statistics, a big organization that collects data all over the United States, and then we drill down into Florida and then drill down into Orange County,” Carter said. “If all of Orange County is doing (well), we’re doing (well).”
To accomplish this, HWO provides important tools, educational programs and social connections to help residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life.
“This also includes overseeing the resource navigation platform HUBB, an online and in-person resource center designed to connect residents with local health and wellness services as well as local critical assistance programs.”
This new role is exactly what Carter was hoping for when she accepted it last summer. She said she saw it as a meaningful way to make an effective difference in the community.
“I was drawn to this role because of my passion and commitment to the West Orange community,” she said. “After working at IAAPA and gaining a global perspective on community engagement, I wanted to bring that experience back home. The opportunity to lead Healthy West Orange and contribute to the well-
FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHIER WEST ORANGE
The Foundation for a Healthier West Orange invests in and champions initiatives that support the health and well-being of the community. It brings together an engaged network of businesses, government, faithbased organizations, educational institutions, not-for-profits and healthcare professionals. To learn more about the foundation’s vision to cultivate the healthiest community in the nation, visit fhwo.org.
Healthy West Orange is a grassroots movement that inspires West Orange County to become the healthiest community in the nation.
The program provides important tools and social connections to help local residents eat well, stay active and enjoy life. Residents are encouraged to join the movement at healthywestorange.org.
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
being of my community was something I couldn’t pass up.”
ANGLICAN
Her favorite part of this job is seeing the positive impact the HWO programs have on the community.
ANGLICAN COMMUNITY
FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
“It’s always exciting when we go out and we’re in the community and people want to share their health journey with us … and it’s even more exciting to hear, ‘I did my first 5K with Healthy West Orange and now I’m doing my first marathon,’” Carter said. “We have a lot of stories like that.”
Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden
SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Find us at: Theacf.net
BAPTIST
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
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
She also is thrilled to participate in programs with students. HWO partners with the American Heart Association on two programs: Westly’s Mile, which currently is at 15 elementary schools with plans to expand to 25, and Hydration Week, which encourages drinking water.
BEULAH BAPTIST
Pastor Casey Butner 671 Beulah Rd, Winter Garden 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM
SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM
“It’s great to see us planting seeds and inspiring health at a younger age,” she said. “Just knowing we are making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and in our community is incredibly rewarding.”
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
125 E Plant St., Winter Garden
407-656-2352
FROM BUSINESS HEALTH TO PERSONAL HEALTH
For decades, Carter was known as “Krista at the chamber,” so it was an interesting switch when she went to work for IAAPA and she was relatively unknown.
“I went from ‘Krista at the chamber’ to nobody,” she said. “Then, coming back here, I’m in my hometown again. I was making your businesses healthy, and now I’m making you healthy — still in the community, just wearing a different hat.”
SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Bible Study 11:00 am Contemporary WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana Pastor Tim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org 2nd Campus: FOUNDATION WORSHIP
SUNDAYS 9:45 am - All Ages Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com 407-730-1867
Carter said the chamber definitely was foundational in shaping her career, teaching her the importance of community involvement, the power of collaboration and the impact of effective leadership.
“Having a front-row seat to the history and development of West Orange County allowed me to understand the community’s needs and aspirations deeply,” she said. “These experiences have been crucial in my role at Healthy West Orange, where I continue to apply the lessons I learned to promote a healthier, more connected community.”
The strong bonds she forged with local business and community leaders while she was at the chamber also has been invaluable to this role, she said. Many of the relationships she built during her time at the chamber also have carried over to her role at HWO.
“Both roles require a strong focus on community engagement and building partnerships. While at the chamber, I worked to support businesses and foster economic growth; here, I’m focusing on improving health and wellness.”
Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org
APPRECIATING THE ENVIRONMENT
“I love the outdoors, I’m an environmentalist, I love bird watching,” Carter said. Her passion for the environment led her to serve on several directors boards: the Oakland Nature Preserve for about 20 years and Friends of Lake Apopka for about three years.
“I think our green spaces and our environment are very important to the health of our community,” she said. “And we do have a whole initiative for green spaces.”
Carter and her family enjoy outdoor activities such as traveling to state parks, camping and hiking. They like the Helen area of north Georgia, and they frequently snorkel in the Florida Keys.
“Most of the times you’ll see me birdwatching,” she said. “I take binoculars with me every time we go somewhere.”
In December, she spent two days attending the North Shore Birding Festival on Lake Apopka.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Krista Carter, the director of Healthy West Orange, has enjoyed working closer to home again.
2025FORECAST
Few and far between
As workforce shortages continue to challenge local businesses, here is how some local leaders will work to recruit and retain their employees in 2025.
ANNABELLE SIKES
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Although 2025 marks five years since COVID-19 shut down the world, its effects still linger — especially in the labor market.
According to a study from North Carolina State University, COVID-19 caused a restructuring of where people work, affected how much workers are paid, and accelerated the development of machines and technology that could replace humans in the workplace. All three of these elements emerged from something that was unique in the modern economy: a massive labor shortage.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Orlando, Kissimmee and Sanford areas, the number of people employed dropped in 2020 to fewer than 1.1 million, and the number of people unemployed spiked to about 300,000. The unemployment rate during this time was about 20%. As of September 2024, about 1.4 million people are employed, and about 51,000 people are unemployed. The unemployment rate now is at about 3.4%.
UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES
In West Orange, the results of these statistics are readily apparent; District 1 is the largest and fastest growing district in Orange County. The area has seen many businesses come and go since the pandemic. For example, the Horizon West area alone has added businesses such as Sephora, Maple Street Biscuit Company, Paris Baguette, Chick-fil-A and Urban Air and lost business such as Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., BurgerFi, Planet Smoothie, Chick’nCone and, most recently, Playa Pizza.
Although there are many factors that contribute to a business’ success or failure, many local business owners have stressed the challenges related to employee retention.
In the city of Ocoee, Anthony Santora, owner of Santora’s Italian Kitchen, faced heavy setbacks throughout the last few years when
opening because of a lack of employees.
Santora bought the business, previously known as Franco’s Pizza, in July 2023. After undergoing a serious two-day makeover, the eatery reopened. When two cooks unexpectedly quit, the business was forced to close for two months due to lack of help. Franco’s Pizza then was able to reopen as Santora’s Pizzeria in November 2023. The eatery’s biggest challenge continued to be lack of staff, so the location only opened for dinner hours. In March 2024, Santora’s again was forced to close because of staffing issues. Santora’s then hosted a grand reopening in June. Since then, the business has changed its name to Santora’s Italian Kitchen.
This example is not uncommon.
Stephen Lewis, president of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, said employers across all industries and sectors currently are facing unprecedented challenges in recruiting and retaining employees — both entrylevel and skilled.
Although many believe the answer as to why is financial, he said this only paints a piece of the overall picture. Even employers that have increased pay are facing recruitment and retention issues, because they are unable to keep pace with the rising costs of housing and living expenses.
“The good news is that employers are realizing they must take a multifaceted approach to addressing the issue,” Lewis said. “You see some of our region’s larger employers, such as Disney and Universal, addressing it by investing in workforce housing projects. You see several more investing in programs that pay for, or subsidize, tuition at local colleges and universities in hopes they can keep employees to stay and develop their future leaders.”
RESPONSE
As Central Florida’s largest employer, Walt Disney World is home to more than 80,000 cast members who work in hundreds of different roles. Disney offers myriad benefits for its employees, including an industry-leading employment package that includes
benefits such as paid vacation and sick time for full-time positions, as well as health care, dental and vision coverage for eligible cast members and their families beginning on the first day of employment.
In addition, Disney offers countless resources, including an Employee Assistance Program, legal support and on-site Partners Federal Credit Union branches for financial wellbeing, in addition to life support through Care.com, which connects employees to quality child and senior care, housekeeping services, pet care, homework help, and more. Access to Disney Aspire for eligible full-time and part-time hourly employees also offers an evolving catalog of programs and degree options across various fields of study, skills and professions, providing eligible employees the opportunity to pursue disciplines and diplomas, including high school equivalency, English language learning and undergraduate degrees. Yet another perk is Disney provides cast members and their families complimentary access to Disney parks and discounts on Disney experiences and products, as well as exclusive looks at special events and previews.
Associated Builders and Contractors also focuses on equipping its members with tools to retain employees, said WOCC member Michele Daughtry, president and CEO of the Central Florida Chapter. These tools include offering workforce training, professional development opportunities, peer groups and access to resources, such as apprenticeship and craft training programs, as well as leadership academies. Additionally, the company actively promotes workplace culture enhancements, such as focusing on total human health and employee well-being, which Daughtry said are critical for retention in today’s market.
“I know it is thrown around a ton, however, it is the power of ‘why,’” she said. “We have been blessed with staff where there is a shared belief in the organization’s mission, which is: ‘ABC and its members develop people; win work; and perform that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the community in which we work and live.’”
Daughtry said the ability to make a meaningful impact in the industry and community has been a driving
force in keeping her with the company for almost two decades.
“At ABC, we are deeply committed to fostering a merit-based construction environment, supporting workforce development and advocating for policies that help businesses thrive,” she said. “Being able to contribute to the professional growth of our members and their teams is incredibly fulfilling. We aren’t just building the community, we are building the people within.”
Daughtry said high turnover is a challenge, especially in industries such as construction. She said the construction industry will need to attract an estimated 501,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2024 to meet the demand, and those numbers are not being hit.
“Nationally, we see a shortage of skilled labor due to the aging workforce and lack of new skilled and trained talent, a lack of awareness about construction career opportunities, lack of longevity causing ineffective leadership and management, and an increasingly competitive job market,” she said. “Locally, these issues are compounded by Florida’s rapid growth and the high demand for infrastructure development. Understanding these causes was our first step toward implementing targeted strategies to improve employee satisfaction and retention within the construction industry. I started my career in the ’90s in construction and want to see everyone reap the career benefits that I did, which is why I lead ABC and am committed to workforce development initiatives that include training, career fairs and partnerships with schools and community organizations to attract and retain talent.”
PERMANENT CHANGE
However, larger corporations don’t fit every employee’s wants and needs. Winter Garden resident Mark Kaley, public relations manager for Otter Public Relations, previously worked for large companies including Amazon and Disney. He has been with Otter since 2021 and said it’s by far the best company he has worked for throughout his career.
“(Although) there is often an element of job security and promises of growth with larger employers, I have found that smaller localized businesses often offer the best in terms
AdventHealth officials said pay and benefits are only part of the equation to keep employees happy. Many are looking for other benefits, such as self-care, wellness and mission.
Courtesy photo
File photo
As the area’s largest employer, Walt Disney World employs more than 80,000 cast members.
of work life harmony and growth, as well as the ability to chart your own path to success based on what is important to you,” he said. “Think of it like focusing on your own ‘why.’ Why do you do what you do?
“I am much more an independent, creative type who thrives on taking ownership of my responsibilities and tasks to excel and perform at my highest possible levels,” he said. “I have advanced further and faster with local businesses through meaningful job growth. I also think it’s important to personally buy into the business/ employer. It is a lot easier to buy in with a smaller, but growing business, because often leadership is present, communication is more direct and usually a greater personal interest in what is important to you is taken, which translates into work-life harmony. At Otter, all of these elements are present. I knew when I first started working here that the company would grow, and I could not only be a part of that but also help it. Conversely, that is not the feeling you get with Disney or Amazon. There, you are more of a cog in a wheel and have to stay in your lane.”
Joslyn Jones, who works for Go Figure Accounting in downtown Winter Garden, also previously worked for Disney, as well as in the hospitality industry, for a local Realtor and a law firm. She has been with her current company for two years. In her role, one of her current job functions is vetting and interviewing new hires, as well as focusing on employee retention and training.
The owner of Go Figure Accounting, Rachel Siegel, also is Jones’ neighbor and friend.
“She approached me saying she thought I had skills her business could use, and she asked me to come work with her,” Jones said. “I knew nothing about accounting or bookkeeping, but I knew it was an office environment and the boss was a really wonderful person. I work for the best company in all of Central Florida, hands down. Rachel is a tough employer in the fact that she expects greatness from you even when you have no idea what you’re doing, but she’s also really fair and compassionate. She makes work fun and brings in snacks and drinks for us. She looks out for us and takes care of us. Like so many people who are in a more mature age bracket, we all started in jobs where we weren’t really valued as an employee. We were a number. When Rachel built Go Figure, she wanted to build a place that was perfect for someone with a growing family. She gives us a very generous time off package. If your kids are sick, she tells you to go home and take care of your kids. If you are sick, she will tell you not to come to work and to rest up. She matched my current salary when I first started here, even when I had no prior experience in this industry. She knew I was an adult with adult responsibilities that had to make enough to live off.” When it comes to hiring employees at the company, Jones is part of the process. She said the business takes its time to make sure they are hiring the best people for the job who also are the best fit for the team culture. She said the business also is very quick to determine if someone is not a good fit, so it does not affect the rest of the family culture.
“What I think a lot of employers are experiencing when it comes to the employee retention problem is not being well-rounded,” she said. “People don’t leave bad jobs; people leave bad managers and bad bosses. People in all industries are not necessarily being compensated for what
they believe their value is, paired with the amount of work that they are asked to do. People also may feel like they’re not getting enough additional benefits beyond money, and people may feel like their employers are not loyal to them. The things you do for your employees beyond paying them is very important.”
Jones feels there has been a shift in the job market since the pandemic, but she said she works for an employer who was prepared for the shift.
“If we want to work from home for a day, we work from home for a day,” she said. “I feel like my boss understands that that is a thing that’s out there that’s desirable for some people, and she is very much willing to work with you. That brick-andmortar, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. corporate thing is not something people want anymore. The pandemic changed that and taught us that there’s so much more to our lives than going to work. Our family, our friends and our experiences outside the office are just as valuable. We’re never going back to what it was prepandemic. I think that any employer who thinks they could have that sort of structure and work environment is deluding themselves.”
ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORM
Lewis said another unique issue businesses in Central Florida face is that so much of the economy is servicebased which, by its very nature, is busiest on nights and weekends.
“Given the work-life balance shift that occurred post-COVID, employers often find it difficult to hire employees that want to work these hours — especially in a competitive labor market,” he said. “To address this issue, you see many employers offering flexible work options (when possible) during slow times, allowing employees to work modified schedules, or from home, a couple days a week to save on commuting and/or child-care expenses.”
Anthony Ferguson, owner of local eatery Clean Eatz in Horizon West, said competing with large organizations such as Disney is not easy.
“Finding employees, especially in the restaurant industry, has been quite challenging,” he said. “We’re competing with large employers and numerous other restaurants in the area, which makes attracting good talent difficult. Retention can be just as tough, as many employees are quick to move on if another opportu-
nity offers even $1 more per hour. This dynamic creates constant pressure to not only hire but also find ways to foster loyalty and engagement within our team.”
At Clean Eatz, Ferguson said he strives to create a fun and positive workplace where team members feel valued and appreciated.
“I believe the work environment, company culture and manageable hours play a significant role in encouraging employees to stay with a business,” he said. “We constantly praise our employees for their hard work and contributions, which helps build a sense of loyalty and belonging. When employees feel supported and enjoy coming to work, they’re more likely to stay.”
Ferguson said another significant challenge in the Horizon West area related to the economy is the lack of affordable housing and public transportation.
“Many of our employees have to travel long distances to work, because there aren’t affordable living options nearby,” he said. “This not only adds financial stress due to rising transportation costs but also impacts their work-life balance. Addressing affordable housing could allow employees to live closer to their workplace, reducing travel times and expenses. Similarly, improving public transportation options would make commuting more accessible and less burdensome for employees who don’t have reliable personal transportation. Both of these solutions could significantly improve employee retention and satisfaction, while also supporting local businesses by expanding the local workforce.”
Christopher Rice, vice president of Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet in Winter Garden, agreed there is a new norm and business owners need to adapt to the incoming workforce. He believes employee retention is tough these days for multiple reasons.
“Post-COVID-19, the workforce seemed to shrink, and employers were scrambling to fill positions,” he said. “They offered higher wages, and those wages attracted people from different industries to move around, and it upset the applecart a bit. There is a new type of employee hitting the workforce these days, as well. This newer generation of workers does not usually stay in the same company for many years as the older generation did. The newer generation appreciates the work style of love languag-
es. Some like small gifts, some need verbal encouragement, etc. Some employers today don’t know how to offer the support, and employees seek employment elsewhere to have their needs fulfilled, which is completely OK.
“We retain workers by treating them how we would want to be treated,” he said. “We pay them well, we have excellent relationships and open door policies, so we are always here for our staff when they need us, and we have fun.”
Another local employer, Jo Barsh, a State Farm Insurance agent in Ocoee, said qualities such as being ethical,
IN THEIR WORDS
“We want people who are invested and passionate in this type of work and in our community. Employees want owners to be present and in their businesses and put in the work with them.”
Jo Barsh, State Farm Insurance
“Post-COVID-19, the workforce seemed to shrink, and employers were scrambling to fill positions. They offered higher wages, and those wages attracted people from different industries to move around, and it upset the applecart a bit.”
maintaining good energy and having a service heart are all important to her when looking to hire employees.
“I believe in a happy environment,” she said. “I don’t believe, as an owner, we should be putting ourselves above our employees. I think that makes you inhuman. People have to know you, and you have to know them. We try to do fun things together in the office like bringing in massage chairs, as well as outside the office, such as having a bowling night or going out to dinner. A lot of times, staff feel like they aren’t appreciated for the work they do. I think when you do little things like that every so often, it goes a long way.”
Barsh said it’s difficult to even get people to apply for jobs, much less have them show up for interviews, complete training, and be nurtured to become reliable and hard workers.
“I have to find people that are really looking for a career, because this isn’t just a job,” she said. “We want people who are invested and passionate in this type of work and in our community. Employees want owners to be present and in their businesses and put in the work with them. As owners, we have to set an example for our staff. I believe you receive what you give out.”
Although competitive pay and benefits are a priority, wellness, self-care and mission also guide companies, such as AdventHealth, when it comes to employment, Amy Santorelli, chief people officer at AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, said.
“I really, really, truly believe in our mission and just the care and compassion that we show to our patients, our community and to each other,” she said. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. We are like family here. I think the mission of a company is essential to employees, especially those of the newer generation, who are searching for jobs. We hire people at AdventHealth because we need them to deliver on our mission, but I think we have the success that we have because our team members experience it themselves.
“We’re in the health care business, so we are looking for clinical competencies and skills,” she said. “We have to hire folks with the right licenses and certifications to be able to do the job and deliver the care. However, not every role we hire for is clinical. In both our clinical and non-clinical roles, we feel very passionately about the fact that we can teach people the skills. If they have the heart and they have the mission mindset to want to be here and contribute to our mission, then we feel pretty strongly that we can teach them the skills.”
Throughout the pandemic, Santorelli said AdventHealth was desperate to hire and retain employees to keep up with the high demand for health care services.
“I do think, in general, that the workforce is looking for something different in today’s day and age, especially in health care,” she said. “Health care is demanding. You see a lot of things in health care that you wouldn’t necessarily see anywhere else. I do think that some of the population has kind of taken a step back after the pandemic and said health care is very strenuous and stressful, and that’s not for everyone. We’re certainly supportive of where everybody needs to be in their given time in life with their responsibilities outside of work, but I really do think our mission is what keeps people here even when the work is really hard. I think mission is really what aligns us all when it comes to picking a place that maximizes our happiness.”
— Christopher Rice, Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet in Winter Garden
File photo
West Orange Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Lewis said staffing needs are an ongoing concern for businesses.
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2025FORECAST Classroom perspective
ANNABELLE SIKES CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Anne Douglas started teaching her dolls using an easel in her makeshift school at her childhood home when she was 6 years old. As an adult, her dream of teaching became a reality after moving from France to the United States. Observing America’s education systems, she again became inspired.
The public school teacher has 25 years of experience under her belt, and she will use that experience to guide her as a Orange County School Board District 4 member. The District 4 area includes four high schools, nine middle schools and 20 elementary schools stretching throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange. Douglas won the seat over two other candidates, Jake Petroski and Kyle Goudy.
She was sworn into office for her four-year term at the School Board meeting Nov. 19. She replaces longtime member Pam Gould, who served for three separate terms starting in 2012.
“I am deeply honored and overjoyed to have won this election,” Douglas said following the results.
“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 — The Florida Democratic Party, the Florida Executive Committee, Ruth’s List, the Rainbow Democrats, Florida Rising, CTA and many others. Your support has been the backbone of this campaign — thank you! I would also like to extend special thanks to the individuals who have been instrumental in my success: Vivian Lyte Johnson, president of the Democratic Women’s Club of West Orange, who offered unwavering support; my exceptional campaign manager, Jeremy Rodriguez, who guided me every step of the way; Scott Hottenstein and Stephany Vanos for their invaluable contributions; Congressman Maxwell Frost; (Orange County) Commissioner Nicole Wilson; State Rep. Rita Harris; my friend and canvassing partner Terri Falbo; Senator Torres; Ms. Carmen Torres; and so many others who believed in me. Finally, I am eternally grateful to my wonderful family, who were the true foundation of this campaign, lifting me up every day. Thank you all for your belief, encouragement and dedication. Together, we’re about to make a real difference.”
Although West Orange is an expansive community, Douglas dreams of bringing residents together using the tool she believes is best equipped to change the future: education.
“I am incredibly honored that the residents in the area chose to select me to represent them on the School Board, and I am truly humbled to have the trust of the people within my own community where I work and live,” she said. “Them trusting me means they believe in my vision, and my vision is to be able to create a better public education system where all students are accepted, no matter who they are. I want the students to have all the tools and opportunities they need to have a bright future. That’s my goal. Although I know I have a lot to learn in my first year, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and begin. I’m ready to go to work and advocate for our students. I promise you, I will go full force with that.”
DREAM TURNED REALITY
As an immigrant, Douglas said her family is the embodiment of the American Dream.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish in France, where she originally contemplated working for an embassy because she loved learning new languages and traveling. However, when she came to the U.S. in 1988 in pursuit of career opportunities with Walt Disney World and saw the education profession, she fell back in love with teaching. She worked at the French pavilion at Disney for a year, which is where she met her husband, Naldi Douglas. Douglas began teaching in 1999 and worked to earn her master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern
Anne Douglas has replaced Pam Gould as the School Board representative for West Orange and Southwest Orange. She plans to utilize her background as a teacher in her new role on the board.
University. She started her teaching career at Washington Shores Elementary School, where she worked for about five years before moving on to Eagles Nest Elementary School for four years, followed by Mollie Rae Elementary School and Pineloch Elementary School. She then worked at Union Park Middle School and served as an adjunct professor at Valencia College for four years.
She joined the Olympia High School team in 2015. Speaking three languages fluently, Douglas used these skills to teach English as a second language, as well as intensive reading.
“Being a teacher has been a very rewarding profession for me, because I love working with kids,” she said.
“I’m actually more comfortable being around and talking to kids than I am with adults. I just love them — especially at the high school age. You can have real-life conversations with them, and they’re very talkative. They want to share what’s going on in their lives. It’s just a fun experience. It has been such a precious gift working with the children, and it’s something I will never forget.”
Not only has Douglas observed public schools throughout the years as a teacher, but also she is a mother of three children — Philicia Douglas, 34; Kaitlynn Douglas, 29; and Nate Douglas, 24 — who graduated from Orange County public schools.
She believes public schools are where students are given the chance to weave their way into the fabric of the community, and she knows the students of today are the workforce of tomorrow. She said she understands
“Although I know I have a lot to learn in my first year, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and begin. I’m ready to go to work and advocate for our students. I promise you, I will go full force with that.”
— Anne Douglas, Orange County School Board District 4 member
strong public schools must recruit and retain high-quality teachers, administrators and staff. Then, they must empower them to build strong school cultures and foster safe, welcoming schools where every student has the opportunity to succeed, she said. Douglas’ priorities include providing high-quality, welcoming learning environments; supporting professional educators and staff; promoting a positive school climate and culture; and ensuring students are safe at school.
Improving teachers’ salaries is one of Douglas’ main goals as a School Board member.
At one point, she worked at Universal Studios while she was teaching to be able to better provide for her family. She said it was hot and hard work, but she also loved meeting new people, hearing the different languages they spoke and having people share their stories. Douglas said she has been lucky enough to have a husband who works and helps provide for the family, but not all teachers can afford that same luxury.
“There are many single mothers or fathers who work in our school district (who) have to live with one paycheck like this,” she said. “I just can’t even imagine. Why do we have teachers, professionals that have master’s or (doctoral) degrees, having to work two jobs to take care of their families? Teaching alone is a lot, and when you leave the classroom, your work is not done. It’s a very heavy burden to bear. It breaks my heart.”
Douglas said she will use her experience as a teacher to share a unique, inside perspective on the School Board.
“I want the other members to be able to visualize the classrooms, the students, the schools and the needs,” she said. “It’s not always about infrastructure, although that is an important piece. Mental health is something I think is very important in the school environment that often is overlooked. We need to put greater emphasis on eliminating bullying in our schools, because the students are dealing with a lot of things inside and outside of the classroom, and we have to understand where they’re coming from if we want to be able to help. Sometimes, as a teacher, we feel like it’s about us when a student comes to the classroom angry or
upset, but usually it’s something that started before they even stepped onto campus. And mental health isn’t just about the students, it’s also about the teachers and the administrators. We all go through things in life, and in order to be healthy and learn, we have to be able to talk these things through and express our emotions, even when it’s hard.”
Teacher retention and recruitment also are issues Douglas plans to focus on improving.
“We have to take care of our teachers,” she said. “Without teachers, there’s no schools. If a teacher’s not happy, learning is not happening. We have increasingly large class sizes, which is so hard to navigate, because every student is at a different level of learning, even when the classes are split up into intensive or advanced. It’s unrealistic. They’re dealing with new issues from our students who need help, and they need to be provided with the tools and knowledge to better navigate these situations. We also need better incentives to be able to keep the people who truly love these jobs in our schools.”
Douglas knows she has a lot to learn in her new role, but she plans to become like a sponge to absorb as much knowledge and information as possible.
‘WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER’ Gould will help facilitate the School Board transition with Douglas. Although she does not know her well, Gould said she has met with Douglas a couple of times to have coffee, and she plans to get to know her better in the upcoming months.
“She has an incredibly strong education background, so she’ll bring that perspective,” Gould said. “She has had some community involvement through her work with committees and her church, but she’ll learn the rest. As a teacher, you have to learn new things all the time, so I believe she’s very capable and will do a great job in that. I just plan to be there to offer support if it’s ever anything that she needs or wants.”
Douglas said Gould is an essential adviser and already has offered enormous support.
Gould believes Douglas and newly reelected District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson will work well together to oversee the area.
“That partnership with the county commissioner is vitally important in a community that is so intertwined,” Gould said.
Wilson said she’s excited to welcome Douglas in her new role.
“Anne and I have known each other for years, and I have always valued her commitment to serving our community,” she said. “She has both the head and the heart for this position. She is an experienced teacher with the depth of compassion and grit necessary to tackle the challenges facing our district.
“Board member Pam Gould has been a steadfast public servant for our children and families,” Wilson said. “I am grateful for our great working relationship and a friendship over these last few years. I know we will continue to work together on issues we both care about here in our community.”
Douglas plans on blending her vision with Wilson’s for the betterment of the community.
She said her short-term goal is to learn and to listen from her fellow board members, as well as to better get to know her community and schools and to continue to nurture the trust the residents have in her. As far as long-term goals, Douglas hopes she leaves a lasting, positive impact in the community for the students.
When not working, Douglas enjoys traveling, reading and relaxing with her family, who she said play an essential part in her life. Faith also plays a large role in her life.
“We are all connected, no matter what we’re talking about,” she said. “I never see the color of people’s skin; I only see their character and their hearts. I was raised by white folks in France, and they never made me feel any different. They accepted and loved me the way I was, and that’s the same lesson I try to convey to my own children, as well as the children in the classroom.”
Annabelle Sikes
Anne Douglas is excited to bring her experience in the classroom to the Orange County School Board.
2025FORECAST
‘It’s all thanks to music’
Ocoee High School
Band Director Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr. is one of 10 finalists for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award.
ANNABELLE SIKES
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The phrase, “It can always be better,” is written in black and gold letters above the two doors in the band room of Ocoee High School.
These are the words that have guided Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr., who has served as Ocoee High’s first and only band director since the school opened in 2005.
And they’re the same words that have earned the local band director national attention.
Hendricks is one of just 10 finalists for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. Presented annually by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum, the award honors “educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to music education and demonstrate a deep commitment to maintaining music education in schools.”
The winner will be recognized during Grammy Week 2025, ahead of the 67th annual Grammy Awards, which take place Feb. 2. The winner will receive a $10,000 honorarium, along with a matching grant for their school’s music program. As a finalist, Hendricks already secured a $1,000 honorarium and matching grants.
But the magnitude of the award isn’t what has made it the most significant; it’s the fact the person who
nominated Hendricks for the award was a student who attended Ocoee High — one who had never even had a class with him.
“None of us really teaches to receive awards,” Hendricks said. “We teach because we love what
we do and we love the ability to work with young people. I learn just as much from the students as they learn from me, if not more. I knew about the award and had even applied for it once before, but I never heard anything back, so I never
really thought about it again.
“This student who nominated me attends the same church as me and came up and introduced himself,” Hendricks said. “I didn’t even recognize him, because he had never been in any of my classes. He told me he
Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr. is Ocoee High’s first and only band director.
watched me do my thing from a distance and he was always impressed with me and the fact that I have been teaching music for so long. For someone who didn’t even know me that well and to not even have had my class to recognize what I’m doing, that means everything. He recognized that what we are doing is so much more than just band. He told me I changed lives, and that’s just indescribable.”
LABOR OF LOVE
With a father serving in the U.S. Army, Hendricks grew up as a military brat. Both of his parents were musicians, and he has fond memories of listening to jazz on the record player with them. His father even played the tuba in a band while wearing a lederhosen when the family was living in Germany.
Although he was born in Georgia, Hendricks spent the majority of his younger years in Tallahassee. He attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education in 1997 while working as an assistant manager at Domino’s Pizza.
Hendricks said having wonderful teachers is what nurtured his love for music. The percussionist director for 60 years at FAMU, Shaylor L. James, lived around the corner from him in Tallahassee, and he took private lessons from him in his garage. He also learned from William P. Foster and Julian White, band directors at FAMU.
“Even starting in middle school, I had some of the best relational teaching experiences I believe are out there,” he said. “It was one great musical experience after another.”
When Hendricks graduated, Domino’s offered him a managerial position, which he said he considered because of the excellent pay, but he turned it down to pursue several other offers in education. His first teaching job started in 1997 at Rob-
“As a beloved icon and original member of our school, (Bernard ‘Bernie’ Hendricks Jr.) has laid the groundwork for a culture of positivity and inspiration.”
inswood Middle School, where he served as the band director for eight years.
“I’ll be honest, it was quite the challenge working there,” he said.
“Middle school is a tough age, and I was fresh out of college, but those were the years where I really learned how to teach and work with young people.”
Hendricks helped grow the music program at Robinswood Middle from 120 students to 400. He still maintains strong relationships with many of the staff members and students from the school.
In 2005, Hendricks was recruited to help open Ocoee High School by Michael Armbruster — previous West Orange High School principal and current Orange County Public Schools deputy superintendent. He was recommended to Armbruster by Jeffery Redding — previous choral director at WOHS — who attended college with Hendricks.
“Armbruster really took a chance on me, because I had never taught the high school level,” he said. “He trusted me to recruit others that I knew had the same passion for students to help run the music program, and they had never taught at the high school level either.”
Taking a chance paid off, current Ocoee High principal Frederick Ray said. He refers to Hendricks as “truly the heart and soul of Ocoee High School.”
In 2000, Hendricks was voted Teacher of the Year at Robinswood Middle, and in 2007 and 2017 he received the same award at Ocoee High. Also in 2017, he was a finalist for the Orange County Teacher of the Year. In 2007, he was on the School Band & Orchestra Magazine list of 50 Most Influential Directors, and, along with his wife, he was Volunteer of the Year in 2017 at Orlando World Outreach Church.
Hendricks is an active member of the Florida Bandmasters Association, serving as district officer from 2007-2015 and president from 20222024. He also served for the Florida Music Education Association as an executive board member and multicultural network committee chair from 2010 to 2018.
Under his leadership, the Ocoee High Wind Ensemble has received consistent superior ratings at district music performance assessments and superior and excellent ratings at state music performance assessments. The Ocoee Jazz Big Band also
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Michael Eng
Ocoee High School’s band is known for its fun and energetic marching performances.
Frederick Ray,
Ocoee High principal SEE
has received consistent superior ratings at district and state music performance assessments. The jazz band has performed with Scotty Barnhart and Wycliffe Gordon over the years, as well as premiered music for composer Michele Fernandez.
The Ocoee Marching Band also has received consistent superior ratings at district music performance assessments. The marching band has participated in the Liberty Bowl Music Festival, National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C., Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
In addition, Hendricks is an active member of HAPCO Music Foundation, a nonprofit in the town of Oakland that assists young people in furthering their education through music and the arts.
“He embodies the spirit and passion that define our community,” Ray said. “As a beloved icon and original member of our school, he has laid the groundwork for a culture of positivity and inspiration. His legacy as a band director shines through in the uplifting morning motivation provided by his talented students, reminding us all of the power of music and mentorship.”
‘I’M JUST HAVING FUN’
Everyone who attends Ocoee High knows Hendricks. This is largely in part to the emphasis Hendricks continues to place on developing relationships as not only a teacher, but also as a member of the Ocoee community, where he has raised his three children — Destini, 24; Bernie, 21; and Anthony, 13 — with his wife, Shasaree Hendricks, who also works at Ocoee High.
Having built the music program from the ground up at Ocoee High, Hendricks refers to it as his baby, and he has never considered leaving to work somewhere else. He said there’s something special about the family-oriented vibe and culture in the Ocoee community.
“That’s one of the many wonderful things about teaching,” Hendricks said. “You get to build the most wonderful friendships and relationships with people. I stay in touch with the majority of students I have taught, as
well as the teachers and administrators I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years. Music brings together a true community, much like a family, which I feel is what we have here in this city.”
Hendricks also has used his love for food to help nurture his relationships. He is known in Ocoee for his barbecue catering, which he has promised to the band students who raise the most money in this year’s annual fundraiser.
“I have this thing where I just like to serve people,” he said. “Whether I’m doing that through music or through food, there’s really something special about that mission. I like making people happy. God gave me a gift to be able to provide that for people, so I never take that for granted. It’s my job to use those gifts.”
The relationships Hendricks has nurtured have grown so strong that he has been asked to serve as an officiant for about 10 of his former students’ weddings. He even helped to marry Jacob Pickett — former band director at Ocoee Middle and current band director at Olympia High School — and his wife.
“That just lets you know that you were able to affect people in a positive manner to where they are trusting you with one of the biggest things they’ve done in their lives,” he said.
“That, by far, to me is the biggest thing that I can say I’ve been able to do. I’ve been able to cultivate that atmosphere in our band program so that it spreads outside the walls of the classroom. Yes, the trips and the activities we do as a band are fun, but more than that, we’re creating a safe space for students who enjoy the arts. I’ve seen firsthand the impact music education can have on students’ lives. I’ve heard from so many students that the only reason they show up to school is because of the arts.”
‘IT CAN ALWAYS BE BETTER’
Hendricks holds himself to the highest standard for his students, his family and the overall Ocoee community. Sometimes, maintaining those standards can be exhausting. He said the students have helped teach him to celebrate the small wins along the way and to be more present in the special moments.
“I truly love the grind,” he said.
“Even when the music sounds horrible, I love it, because it means we can do the work to make it sound better.”
— Bernard ‘Bernie’ Hendricks
“Even when the music sounds horrible, I love it, because it means we can do the work to make it sound better. I do sometimes feel like what I’m doing isn’t enough or that I need to be doing a little bit more. There’s just never enough time in the day to get everything done that I want to
do. Time is so limited, but one of the things the kids have taught me is that I can’t do everything all the time. It’s impossible, and I have to be content with that. They’ve taught me to slow down and to just really enjoy the moments.”
When he does finally retire from music education, Hendricks said he wants students to remember him as always being positive and seeing the good in even the worst of situations.
“We have it a whole lot better than we think we do sometimes,” he said. “Kids go through a lot, and so do we as adults, but I do think if you can look at every situation and try to find a positive, even when it’s hard, that’s the best way to live. Life isn’t easy, and sometimes things take more time or work than others, but it’s all
about the attitude you approach it with.”
However, Hendricks does not see retirement coming up in his cards just yet. He said he still has a lot of work to do and more purposes to fulfill.
Hendricks also is on the ballot this year to be president of the Florida Music Education Association. The election will take place this month.
“It’s funny, because the only other person on the ballot is someone I’m actually friends with, and his visions for the future of music education align pretty closely with my own,” he said. “No matter who wins, we plan on working together to make changes happen. With everything going on in the world, there has never been a better time for us all to come together, despite our differences, to offer support for our students. I’m optimistic about the future.”
Hendricks currently is using his music relationships to connect with other educators in search of finding appropriate band literature for his students written by minority and female composers.
“Many, although not all, of the great classical music composers are white males,” he said. “My students have told me they want to learn from and see others that look like them in the music world, so that’s what I’ve recently been working to do.”
When Hendricks does eventually retire, he plans to open his own barbecue food truck, as well as continue to travel and have new experiences with his wife. The couple completes a trip every year for their anniversary and most recently traveled to South Africa.
“As individuals, when we are grounded in something — for me it’s my faith and my belief that God has me here for a very specific reason — we will continue to affect humanity in a positive way,” Hendricks said. “I think if everyone has some type of foundation, they can positively affect whatever change that foundation is telling them to affect. That’s what has guided me throughout these decades. The music, the trips and the traveling is great, but the relationships are why I do what I do, and I know my music education friends would agree. We are changing the world, one student at a time, and it’s all thanks to music.”
celebrity cipher
Courtesy photo
Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr.’s large personality connects with his students.
SPEAKING by Sam Koperwas & Jeff Chen, edited by Jared Goudsmit
By Luis Campos
2025FORECAST
Building a Dynasty
In 2025, the southeast corner of OcoeeApopka Road and Fullers Cross Road will see the 159-acre sports facility, dubbed The Dynasty | Ocoee, begin to emerge.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, Mickey Mantle’s New York Yankees, Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers and the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s, 60s and 70s all have at least this one thing in common: They are, inarguably, dynasties in their respective sports.
To achieve this level of dominance, these organizations — from the players to coaches, administrators and even the janitors — had to push themselves beyond what the competition was doing. There needed to be a vision that saw what they were doing day to day was building something special, a legacy that would be remembered decades later.
In November 2021, the building blocks of a new sports dynasty began to come together, but this one wasn’t a sports team; in fact, what this concept is goes beyond how to categorize it traditionally.
On paper, The Dynasty | Ocoee is a youth sports complex. In reality, the project’s developer, Montierre Development, is building a 159-acre revolution-in-the-making within the youth sports and sports tourism sectors.
“This project represents more than just a sports complex,” Montierre President Anne-Marie Douglas said. “It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation, engagement of today’s youth, an enhanced family-driven experience, a focus on health and wellness, (and) Ocoee’s legacy, inclusivity, accessibility and community development. We’re building fields and courts that will craft memories, shape futures and redefine what it means to experience sports as a family. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where young athletes thrive, develop resil-
ience, and cultivate a lifelong love for the game.”
WHAT IS THE DYNASTY | OCOEE?
To fully capture the scope of The Dynasty, you need to consider it in three ways: As a physical facility, as a strategic business decision and — similar to theme parks — as an experience. Combining these three concepts is what makes this development such an exciting proposition for the group behind it, Ocoee officials and residents of West Orange.
As a collection of physical buildings and spaces, which will be situated on the southeast corner of OcoeeApopka and Fullers Cross roads, The Dynasty will first and foremost be the home to a plethora of sports fields and a state-of-the-art indoor facility that aims to predominantly host youth sports tournaments and other athletic events; think ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex. Stretching alongside the fields of play, running parallel to Ocoee-Apopka Road, will be a comprehensive mixed-use pedestrian riverwalk lined with several restaurant, retail and entertainment spaces, which will be open to the public; think Universal’s CityWalk. On the north end of the property, serving as one of the bookends to the sports fields, there will be the larger of two hotels, while the smaller boutique hotel is set to be on the south end of the pedestrian riverwalk. In total, the two hotels will have more than 1,100 rooms.
All together, the construction of this massive, high-end sports, entertainment and lodging complex is estimated to cost $1 billion. After considering the cost and the massive infrastructure undertaking, a natural question arises: Is this going to be a profitable business? That’s why considering The Dynasty as a strategic business decision is vital to understanding it wholly.
The Dynasty’s concept of combining sports event-hosting facilities with other revenue-generating businesses like retail, food and lodging isn’t a new one; just look at Patriot Place, L.A. Live and the upcoming Westcourt development in downtown Orlando, next to the home of the Orlando Magic, the Kia Center. The aspect of this project as a business that needs to be understood is that The Dynasty is the sports and entertainment district concept that focuses on the youth sports and sports tourism markets.
There are two reasons this helps define this development. First is the projected growth of the sector.
According to Montierre Development, the sports tourism industry is on the rise — citing projections by Grand View Research that say by 2030, the market could see a compound annual growth rate of 17.5% and its global market value reach more than $2 trillion.
“We anticipate The Dynasty | Ocoee will contribute significantly to the … global sports tourism market,” said Jaime Douglas, Founder and CEO of The Dynasty and Montierre Development. “Our goal is to capture a substantial portion of this growth while providing an exceptional experience for athletes and families alike.”
The other reason brings us to the experiential portion of capturing what’s actually coming to Ocoee, and that is The Dynasty’s target audience: Youth sports, emphasis on the youth.
“Every industry experiences a revolutionary turning point that paves the way for a sustainable future; this is that moment for youth sports,” Jaime Douglas said. “The Dynasty experience will bring convenience, connection and affordability to youth sporting events across the nation, addressing a critical need in the industry. As participation costs and time demands rise, families often face the dilemma of choosing between a family vacation or attending a large-scale sporting event for their child. The Dynasty | Ocoee eliminates this choice by providing an all-in-one experience for the entire family.”
BY THE NUMBERS
17 The number of convertible, multi-purpose sports fields with world-class amenities
150,000 The size of the indoor facility in square feet
1,100 The total number of on-site rooms in two hotels at The Dynasty | Ocoee
350,000 The number of square feet of dedicated retail, dining and entertainment space
At the core of The Dynasty’s business model, and the answer to the question about this being a viable business, is this simple pitch to the families that make up the youth sports industry: Families can combine their children’s athletic competitions with a family vacation at The Dynasty’s conveniently located facility near the tourist capital of the world’s top attractions.
The experience The Dynasty offers is a dream for youth sports families who have traveled hundreds of miles from home to week-long tournaments in random cities with limited entertainment options. Instead of settling for spending an off-day wandering the local outlet mall and having dinner at a chain restaurant, families have the opportunity to attend their children’s games in the morning, spend the afternoon enjoying theme parks and end their night at one of Central Florida’s almost endless options of restaurants.
THE LOCAL IMPACT
Since conversations about this development began, the project originally referred to as the Ocoee Regional Sports Complex has been a highly-anticipated and welcomed idea by both local residents and community leaders for myriad reasons.
“I think that the public at large (is) highly anticipating this project,” Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver III said. “The feedback that I’ve been receiving over the past few years is that we’re waiting on this and we are excited … (for) this project.”
Considering the litany of posi -
tives The Dynasty promises to bring to Ocoee — from the impact on the local economy to the access the city will have to the facilities and added entertainment, retail and dining options, to name a few — it’s understandable why folks are excited.
“The vision for The Dynasty | Ocoee is to create a haven where every guest is engaged and embraced in an environment that fosters an appreciation for family, sports, science and fun,” Ocoee City Manager Craig Shadrix said. “Not only will this project create meaningful economic impact for Ocoee and the surrounding areas, but it will also offer health, wellness and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of Central Florida.”
According to Montierre’s projections, the impact of the development of this facility is expected to contribute more than $540 million to the local economy and generate roughly 10,000 short-term construction jobs and 5,000 permanent jobs.
Along with this massive impact on the local area’s economy, this facility provides locals with a new and incredible recreation option right in their backyard and, according to Jaime Douglas, the city will have access to the athletic facilities when available.
“It’s completely inclusive to local residents,” he said. “There’s no charge for anybody … to come enjoy the complex at any time … to come and feel a part of something. … We’ve (also) made it to where any time there’s not a big event going on, the city of Ocoee is going to have access to the fields and they’re going to have access to the indoor space … we want to make sure the city of Ocoee truly takes advantage of this situation and benefits greatly from it.”
As part of The Dynasty’s commitment to the Ocoee community, Montierre will dedicate an inclusive playground and the 17th Avenue extension to the city for public use.
“The work you (all) have done with the city, the community you guys have built … it brings people here,” Jaime Douglas said. “We love it here, and it’s just such a blessing that we have the opportunity to bring this to you (all).”
The $1 billion, 159-acre sports complex will be generally located on the southeast corner of Ocoee-Apopka and Fullers Cross roads.
Renderings courtesy of Montierre Development, AECOM and MDSX
pictured above
the south side’s
2025FORECAST Movers & shakers
Meet 14 people who will make a significant impact on the 2025 sports landscape in West, Southwest Orange.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE
SPORTS EDITOR
The 2024 West Orange and Southwest Orange sports season was littered with championships, broken records and the type of stories Hollywood filmmakers couldn’t come up with on their own.
After another tremendous year of sports, it is only natural to look forward and imagine what is in store for 2025 across the litany of youth, high school and even professional sports the area offers.
To scratch that forward-looking itch — and really celebrate the incredible individuals in the community — the Orange Observer team has put together a list of the 14 sports people (players, coaches, administrators and other individuals) who will make a mark on the 2025 sports landscape.
Here is the 2025 class of the Forecast 14.
C.J. BRONAUGH
Windermere High football, track & field
If 2023 was Bronaugh’s debut to the high school athletics stage — by earning a starting role on the Foundation Academy football team and being part of the Lions’ track-and-field region championship-winning 4x100 meter relay team — then 2024 was his emergence as a leading man.
This past spring, he went from a contributor to Foundation’s impressive collection of sprinters to literally and figuratively separating himself from the pack by winning an individual state championship in the FHSAA Class 1A 100- and 200-meter dashes while also leading the 4x100 meter relay team to silver.
His accomplishments didn’t end on the track in 2024. After transferring to Windermere High for the 2024-25 school year, he continued to show just how dominant an athlete he is by helping lead the Wolverines football team to an undefeated season. Bronaugh, a 6-foot-1 and 170-pound junior cornerback, caught six interceptions — three of which he returned for touchdowns — in his seven appearances and racked up a truckload of offers from Power 4 football programs from around the country.
Based on the leap Bronaugh made from 2023 to 2024, it’s only natural to expect even bigger accomplishments from the Nebraska football commit in his 2025 efforts on the track and gridiron.
RACHEL CAREY
Foundation Academy cheer coach
The Foundation Academy competitive cheerleading program is a dynasty.
Here’s the proof: The Lions have won five consecutive regional championships, three consecutive FHSAA state championships, and in 2024, this team won the NHSCC national championship and the WSC world championship.
At the helm of this dynasty has been Carey, who took over the program in 2019, and with her continued leadership — with co-coach Kristin Johnson alongside her — to expect 2025 to be any different would be foolish.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Individuals are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Statistics and accomplishments were compiled from a variety of online sources.
T.J. DRAIN
Windermere High boys basketball
With a little less than half the 2024-25 boys basketball season left to play, Windermere High’s 6-foot8 senior forward has been the best player on the area’s clear-cut best team, leading the Wolverines to a 12-3 record.
After a sensational junior season for Windermere — during which he led the 20-9 Wolverines in points per game (19.8), rebounds (8.6) and blocks (3.2) — Drain fielded a plethora of college offers before signing with Liberty.
So far this season, Drain already has made his mark by setting a new Wolverines’ single-game scoring record of 39 points against rivals Olympia High.
Projecting forward to 2025, Drain and the Wolverines have a real shot at making some noise in the Class 7A playoffs; especially when you consider their stellar play and district rivals
Oak Ridge High’s — the defending 7A state runner-up and district champions — less-than-ideal start.
MACKENZIE DUNCAN
Horizon High softball
There isn’t an athlete more synonymous with their program than Duncan is with Hawks softball.
Since the team’s inception in 2022, Duncan has established herself as the most accomplished player in program history.
She is Horizon’s career leader in games played — having appeared in 77 of the team’s 79 games — runs batted in (58), innings pitched (290), strikeouts (439) and pitching wins (24). Duncan is also just 11 hits and one home run shy of those career marks.
In 2024, the Penn State signee helped lead the Hawks to their best season with her best-ever season from the circle. She had career-highs in ERA (0.95), opposition batting
average (0.153) and wins (12), Duncan helped guide Horizon to its first district championship, first regional championship, most wins (23) and its best finish in program history, by reaching the Class 5A final four. The Hawks had never advanced past the first round before.
In her final season at Horizon, Duncan has a chance to further cement herself as the program’s all-time best by breaking even more records and leading the 2025 Hawks even further into the postseason.
RYLEE ERISMAN
Windermere High girls swimming
In terms of competing on the highest stage in their respective sports, there’s not a single area studentathlete that can match the heights Windermere’s sophomore sensation reached in 2024 — or what she’s destined to accomplish in 2025. Erisman began her incredible run last year by breaking four-time
Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin’s U.S. national age group (13-14 girls) record in the 50-meter freestyle and becoming the youngest girls swimmer ever to record a time under 25 seconds in the event (24.98). In the summer, she was just .36 seconds away from earning a spot on the 2024 U.S. National team competing at the Paris Olympics. Despite missing out on the Olympics, she was selected to represent the U.S. at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships and brought home five gold medals and a silver. In the fall, Erisman returned to Southwest Orange and put together a dominant high school season for the Wolverines, winning the individual state title in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle and being part of the 400-meter freestyle relay state championship team.
To end 2024, Erisman reminded the national swim community that she’s not going anywhere by becoming the youngest girls swimmer (15 years old) to break the 47-second barrier in the 100 freestyle at the 2024 Speedo Winter Junior Championship. She also became just the fourth-ever American female under 18-years-old to best the mark. Her time of 46.69 was the 17th-best alltime performance among all female swimmers and would have placed fourth in the event at the 2024 NCAA National Championships. It’s safe to say — at the very least — Erisman comes into 2025 as the most impressive student-athlete the area has to offer, and with her unrivaled list of accomplishments, there’s no limit to what she’ll do in the pool this year.
REMO INDOMENICO
The First Academy baseball In his first season as part of The First Academy baseball team, having transferred from Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School in Chicago, Indomenico’s performance from the batter’s box was crucial to the Royals’ midseason turnaround and run to the final four.
Indomenico, an Oklahoma State signee and senior outfielder, led the TFA offense in 2024 with a .455 batting average (35-for-77), .577 on-base percentage (22 walks), 11 stolen bases and 26 runs batted in. He also added four home runs and 31 runs scored; both of which were the second-most on the team.
With a majority of the Royals’ 2024 roster — which went 24-7, won a district crown and reached the Class 2A state semifinals — returning and the addition of new coach Alan Kunkel, who brings college baseball and FHSAA state title-winning experience to Orel Hershiser Field, there’s no reason to think the 6-foot, 185 pounds lefty won’t once again be leading TFA to glory in 2025.
DAN LAFOREST
Influencer Counsel, NIL expert With the Florida Department of Education’s ratification of the FHSAA Name, Image and Likeness policy last summer — which allows the state’s high school student-athletes to monetize their NIL without jeopardizing their eligibility — there’s a chance high school sports in 2025 could turn into the wild west.
With an impending gold rush of sorts by the area’s student-athletes, athletic departments and businesses to capitalize on the new policy, there is an opportunity for someone to be at the center of the NIL Venn diagram that connects each piece together. LaForest is that guy because of his deep roots in the Central Florida football community — he’s a former Apopka High player, a member of the Orlando TD Club, Florida Citrus Sports and Cure Bowl All-Star Games and he also hosts the Central Florida High School Scoreboard Show — his financial and legal qualifications, NIL expertise and marketing savvy. Combined, LaForest is positioned to get his name in front of any and all student-athletes interested in obtaining an NIL deal.
Sam Albuquerque
Windermere High School two-sport star C.J. Bronaugh excelled in his first season as a member of the Wolverines’ football team.
File photo
Since Foundation Academy hired Rachel Carey, the Lions cheer team has won three consecutive state championships.
Coastal Soul Media | Peyton Powell
Windermere High swimming sensation
Rylee Erisman brought home three individual or relay state championships.
DEMETRICE MCCRAY
The First Academy football, boys basketball
Despite what the record books may say following sanctions handed down by the FHSAA, which stripped the Royals football team of its nine wins in 2024, in McCray’s eight games on the gridiron for TFA, he showed he’s the kind of player who can carry a program to the promised land.
The best way to characterize his impact is this nugget: In the Royals’ eighth game of the season — McCray’s seventh — the junior wide receiver broke the program’s all-time career receiving yards record. Overall, he finished 2024 with 36 catches for 894 yards with nine touchdowns. His performances, coupled with his 6-foot, 187-pound frame and lightning speed, earned him offers from UNC, UCF, West Virginia, Ole Miss, Illinois and others.
Expect more of the same from McCray on the football field in 2025, with the added bonus of being an asset for TFA on the hardwood as a member of the boys basketball team. He is currently averaging 10 points and 2.4 rebounds a game for the 8-2 Royals.
DAKARA MERTHIE
Ocoee High girls basketball
Looking back at the 2023-24 girls basketball season in West Orange and Southwest Orange, it’s easy to see just how talented the area is in the sport. When it was all said and done, eight of the area’s teams made it to the FHSAA playoffs in their respective classifications, five were district champions, four won a playoff game, three reached the regional championship game, two reached the state title game and one — Dr. Phillips High — won a state championship.
So, for Merthie to walk in into her first season in the area as one of its best players is a testament to just how talented the junior transfer from Lake Mary High is, and over the season’s first 15 games, she’s exceeded expectations.
Not only has she led the Lady Knights to a 13-2 record by upping her scoring output — going from 20.8 points per game as a sophomore to 23.7 ppg — but also Merthie has seen her per-game rebounds (3.5 to 5.3), steals (3.4 to 4.7) and assists (2.2 to 3.7) averages increase.
With a large chunk of the regular season still to play and the playoffs on the horizon, expect Merthie and Ocoee to make headlines in the early portion of 2025.
EMANUEL PARDO
Dr. Phillips High boys water polo
After a surprising 2023 season, during which a young Panthers team with no seniors and one junior reached the playoffs and finished with a 17-10 record, DP grew into a force in 2024 — finishing the season with a 29-3 record, winning a district and regional title and reaching the state championship game.
At the center of this two-year run, both literally and figuratively, has been junior hole set Emanuel Pardo.
The hole set role — which resembles the traditional center role in basketball — is one of the most crucial spots in the pool for any successful water polo team. The player in this role is positioned directly in front of the goal, facing away from the scoring target and toward his five other teammates; who usually surround him in a semi-circle.
Often, the offense runs through the hole set, with teammates passing the ball to the player nearest the goal in the hopes that he can either score, make a pass to an open teammate, after the defense collapses on him, or draw a foul. Because of this, hole sets are often the focal point of the opposing defense’s strategy — aka don’t let Pardo get the ball — but if he does, pounce on him.
That attention doesn’t bother Pardo, and, it hasn’t slowed him down either. He’s scored 189 goals and recorded 34 assists across 57 games in two seasons for the Panthers, even earning himself a spot on one of the 2023-24 NISCA Boys Water Polo AllAmerica teams.
Expect Pardo and the Panthers to once again be a force in 2025.
KENDALL PERRY
Dr. Phillips High girls basketball
For the past two seasons, no one has had a better opportunity to learn what it takes to become the leader of a championship-winning program than the Panthers’ junior guard. She shared a backcourt with the best girls basketball player to walk the halls of Dr. Phillips High, current Georgia guard Trinity Turner, on DP’s quest to win state titles two and three of a three-peat.
So far in the 2024-25 season, Perry has taken the opportunity to step up and lead DP by increasing her production across the board from last season. Through 15 games, she’s seen her numbers go from 10.2 to 14.1 points per game, 2.3 to 4.1 assists per game — both team-highs — and 4.3 to 5.6 rebounds per game.
Although the Lady Panthers’ 8-7 record may indicate a down season, a quick look at their murderer’s row of opponents and their claiming of a third-consecutive Metro West Conference crown will calm any doubts about six-time state championshipwinning coach Anthony Jones’ team in 2025.
With a less taxing schedule to finish the regular season a, expect DP to be fighting for another state title.
SASHA VALLABHANENI
Windermere Prep, USA Women’s Cricket
From tennis to basketball, swimming and even competitive weightlifting, Vallabhaneni’s exceptional athletic gifts have been seen from an early age as part of various Windermere Prep sports teams. Still, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she found her true athletic calling: cricket.
Thanks to her father’s passion for the sport and a makeshift backyard setup, Vallabhaneni fell in love with the game and quickly climbed up the youth cricket ranks, eventually breaking through on the international
stage this past summer by making her U19 USA Women’s Cricket team debut against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
Fast-forward to the end of 2024, and — thanks to that debut performance, continued development as a player, and various showings at the club level and during a week-long national team camp — the Windermere Prep senior was named to USA Cricket’s T20 roster for the ICC U19 World Cup in Malaysia.
As of Jan. 3, Vallabhaneni has been with the team in South Africa for a pre-tournament camp and warmup fixtures against Cricket South Africa’s U19 team.
From there, the national team will travel to Malaysia for its final warmup matches against New Zealand Monday, Jan. 13 and Nepal Wednesday, Jan. 15, before its first group stage game of the World Cup against Pakistan Saturday, Jan. 18.
DR. STEVE WHITAKER
The First Academy Head of School
For more than 20 years, Whitaker has been at the helm of The First Academy, overseeing numerous major renovations and expansion projects — such as the building of a new Upper and Middle School, the opening of the Tennis Center, the renovation of the Boyd-Moline
Library, the building of the $10.5 million Cramer Family Field House and more.
Although his leadership over the academic and spiritual portions of TFA is probably what he’ll say he’s most proud of during his more than two-decade-long tenure, his impact on the area’s sports community has also been felt in that time.
However, it can be argued that Whitaker’s most significant impact on high school athletics is still to come.
After the hiring of football coach Jeff Conaway and his subsequent promotion to athletic director following his first season at TFA, the Royals’ athletics department began a pursuit of elite-level success on the field of play that sparked a massive overhaul in its coaching staffs, rosters and general athletics philosophy — with Whitaker serving as one of the forces behind the shift.
This new direction, which seemed to have begun in late 2023, has shown to be extremely fruitful on the fields of play but controversial in the area’s athletic community and in the FHSAA board room, with the Royals football team serving as the prime example. After going 9-1 on the field against a gauntlet of a schedule, destined for a deep playoff run, TFA was stripped of its nine wins and banned from the postseason after an FHSAA investigation brought sanctions down on the team.
Following these sanctions, Whitaker and TFA announced an athletics department restructure that shifted Conaway’s focus exclusively to
coaching and no longer as athletic director.
How Whitaker decides to fill this vacancy at the top of his athletic department could be the most influential decision the area’s sports community could see in 2025 and beyond. On one side, an AD hire that aligns with the continued pursuit of athletic excellence that Conaway began could result in Royals Athletics racking up championship after championship while continuing to have its every move dissected by the FHSAA, media, opposing schools, and fans.
The other path of hiring an athletic director who leads in a more traditional way could see less scrutiny but less on-field success.
Whitaker’s decision surely will make a mark on 2025, one way or another.
AVA ZHANG
Windermere Prep girls golf
As just a freshman, the Lakers’ golfer demonstrated throughout the high school and junior circuits in 2024 why she’s considered one of the state’s top female prospects.
For Windermere Prep, Zhang finished tied for third at both the district and regional championships. At the Class 1A state championship tournament, she had the area’s top individual performance — finishing tied for 10th with a score of 142. On the junior circuits, Zhang continued to show her merit on the course by racking up four top-5 finishes and six top-10s. She’s currently 84th on the American Junior Golf Association’s player rankings.
Courtesy photo
Horizon’s Mackenzie Duncan, a Penn State signee, will look to finish her stellar Hawks career with a bang.
David Jester
Liberty basketball signee T.J. Drain (No. 23) showed off his athleticism against rival Olympia High.
JIM ARNOLD DIED MONDAY, DEC. 30, 2024.
Jim “Papa” Arnold, 95, of Orlando, Florida, left us too soon on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. Join us for a Celebration of Papa’s Life at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Orlando. You are also welcome to join the family at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home earlier that same day for visitation from 10-11:15 a.m., followed by the committal with Honors. Condolences and full obit at dignitymemorial.com/ obituaries/12149797.
KENNETH ERROL SMITH
DIED WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25, 2024.
Kenneth Errol Smith, known affectionately as Bigdaddy, passed away on Dec. 25, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on March 3, 1947, in Winter Garden, Florida, Ken’s life was defined by his deep love for his family, his passion for the outdoors and his appreciation for good food.
A proud Marine veteran who served in Vietnam. Ken’s lifelong love for hunting allowed him to pass down the values of patience, persistence and respect for nature to his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He was a fixture in the kitchen, always preparing the best meals with family by his side, never without a good story.
Ken is survived by his wife of 54 years, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. Jan. 4 at Starke Lake Baptist Church. He will be forever missed, his memory cherished by all who knew him.
BILL DAMMES DIED THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 2024.
Bill Dammes, age 85, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan.
He graduated from Denby High School in 1957 and from Western Michigan University in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. Bill and Dinah married on Feb. 4, 1966. They welcomed their son, Jeff, in 1966 and daughter, Barbara, in 1968. In 1969, they moved to sunny and warm Brandon, Florida, to escape the cold and snowy winters. Bill pursued a career as a claims adjuster, and in 1977, they moved to Central Florida to join the newly established Guest Claims Department for the Walt Disney World Company. Bill
WILLIAM JACKSON
“JACK” TURNER III
DIED THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 2024.
WILLIAM JACKSON “JACK”
TURNER III. Jack was born on Aug. 1, 1948. He was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather (Papa), uncle and friend who went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Dec. 19, 2024. Born in Cleveland, Tennessee, and raised in Orlando, Florida, by his parents Bill and Geneva Turner Jr. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Turner; daughters, Lori Turner Cassidy, Dawn Turner Gamache and her husband, Chris Gamache; and stepdaughter, Blair Gibbs, and her husband, Andrew Evans; and brothers Jim, Ken and Larry. Papa to three grandchildren. Jack is best known as a musician, singer and saxophone player who loved to praise the Lord with his music. Jack participated in several churches singing with his gospel quartet, Sonday Four, or playing his saxophone. In addition to his gospel quartet, Jack and his brother Larry formed a band known as Friday’s Knights in their early years and performed at weddings, Christmas parties, New Year Eve’s and Valentine dances until 2023. Alongside his brother Larry, he co-owned and operated the Remedy Shop, Mr. Postman and Turner Brothers Inc. dba Turner
retired in 2002 as the Manager of the Guest Claims Department after 25 years with the Walt Disney Company.
After retirement, Bill and Dinah enjoyed many years of travel and time with family and friends. They have also participated in many community activities in their Royal Highlands neighborhood and most recently at their residence at the Orlando Lutheran Towers.
Bill was actively involved in church leadership throughout his lifetime. Sharing his faith was a very important part of his life. Knowing he is now with Jesus his Lord and Savior gives us all peace and comfort.
Bill is survived by his wife, son, daughter, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Drugs until their retirement in 2023.
An avid sports fan who enjoyed cheering on the University of Florida Gators, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most of all Orlando Magic. He was a season ticket holder for the Magic for many, many years and for the past few years became a fan-favorite usher known as the “Dancing Usher” during hometown Magic games.
Visitation will be at Family Church – Windermere Campus, 300 Main St., Windermere, Florida 34786, from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, with a Celebration of Life to begin at 2 p.m. at Family Church – Windermere Campus. Interment to follow the Celebration of Life at the Winter Garden Cemetery, 13636 Lake Butler Blvd., Winter Garden, Florida 34787.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Jack’s memory.
RAY FORD VEECH
DIED TUESDAY, DEC. 13, 2024.
Ray Ford Veech, 99, of DeLand, Florida, went to her Heavenly home on Dec. 13, 2024.
Ray was born on July 21, 1925, to F.M. and Berenice Ford in Manchester, Kentucky. When she was an infant, the family moved to DeLand. After graduating from DeLand High School, Ray attended the University of Kentucky, where she met the love of her life, Alex B. Veech Jr., affectionately known as Jack.
Following graduation from UK, they moved to the family dairy farm in Finchville, Kentucky, where their two children, Lex and Barbara, were born. In 1955, they moved off the farm to Louisville, Kentucky, to allow Jack to begin a new career.
In 1964, Ray, Jack and the children relocated to Winter Garden, Florida. Following the freezes, Ray and Jack made the decision to move to DeLand in 1985 for Jack to manage Ford Properties.
Ray was predeceased by her husband, parents and sisters, Emma Ford and Jean Ford Penrod. Ray is survived by her children, Lex and Barbara Veech Werth (Martin); and grandchildren, Ali Veech, Robin Adams and Jay Belk. In addition, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Sally Ford, as well as three generations of nieces and nephews.
Ray loved her family and friends dearly, was generous to her community and was a Southern lady who enjoyed hosting memorable gatherings.
The family wishes to thank the team of caregivers who lovingly supported Ray.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, First Presbyterian Church, 724 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Florida 32720.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to this church.
Greg Brown, 60, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Sarah Nell (Rogers) Cothern 86, of Ocoee, died Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Patricia E. “Patsy” Hernandez, 90, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Linda S. Lowe, 66, of Windermere, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 at Orlando Health — Dr. Phillips Hospital. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Margaret Sharon McKenzie 85, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, Christmas Day, at the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Eduard Nurdjaja, 88, of Winter Garden, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Barbara Joan (Allen) Oller 92, of Ocoee, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at her home. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Maureen Michelle Smith, 62, of Winter Garden, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. BaldwinFairchild Winter Garden Funeral Home.
Bea (Betty) Suggs, 90, of Winter Garden, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations, Winter Garden.
Geraldine “Gerry” Vaughn, 76, of Ocoee, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
