07.21.22 West Orange Times & Observer by Orange Observer

IN THIS ISSUE:

W EST O RA N G E T I M E S &

Observer Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

HURRICANE GUIDE

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 89, NO. 29

Commission initiates action against county

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Bible adventures

Children at FUMC Winter Garden participated in VBS. PAGE 9.

Winter Garden officials vow to fight PureCycle. SEE PAGE 6.

YOUR TOWN

MEMORIAL SERVICE FRIDAY FOR PETER ABATIELLO

A memorial service for former West Orange High School coach and teacher Peter Abatiello will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, July 22, at the WOHS football stadium, 1625 Beulah Road, Winter Garden. Those affiliated with Abatiello through WOHS, Florida State University, Plantation High School or sports are asked to wear the appropriate school colors or sports attire. Following the memorial, there will be a time of fellowship and remembrance in the school cafeteria. The Memorial Committee is asking guests to consider donating school supplies for Tildenville and Dillard Street elementaries; golf balls, tees and clubs for an underprivileged youth league; or new soccer cleats for a needy youth league. To make a monetary donation to the Peter Abatiello Memorial Service Fund, visit bit. ly/3cmeg5f. To RSVP so organizers can get a head count, visit bit.ly/3aTopWp.

MEET CANDIDATES AT WEST ORANGE CHAMBER HOBNOB

Sensei Ty Frantel, Paul Robinson and Te Robinson pass down Isshin-Ryu knowledge to those who wish to learn the art.

Isshin-Ryu Instruction In four decades, the Dojo has produced just 16 black belts, some of which are no longer active. STORY ON PAGE 4.

Oakland mixes art and history

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Hob Nob & Straw Poll from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive. The nonpartisan event allows members to mingle with community leaders and candidates who will shape the future of Orange County. Tickets are $36, and includes dinner, two drinks and a vote in the straw poll conducted by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office. One dollar from each ticket goes to the West Orange Foundation. To register, visit bit. ly/3RKYGjQ.

OCOEE CITY HALL CLOSING FOR MOVE Ocoee City Hall will close early at 2 p.m. Friday, July 29, to accommodate the relocation into the new City Hall facility. Normal hours of operation will resume, Monday, Aug. 1. For information, call (407) 905-3100. PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81

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Andrea Mujica

‘Old Town Road,’ ‘Land, Water, Air’ celebrate 23 artists. SEE PAGE 7.

Retiring Royalty Jane Knuth is leaving TFA after 23 years. SEE PAGE 19.

TOWN TRAFFIC TRIALS

The Windermere Town Council approved a temporary traffic-calming program. SEE PAGE 2.

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Windermere proceeds with traffic-calming program

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

The Windermere Town Council has approved staff moving forward with a temporary traffic-calming program to address concerns along Oakdale Street. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Windermere Town Council members passed a temporary traffic-calming program to alleviate traffic concerns along Oakdale Street at their Tuesday, July 12, meeting. Residents along the road have expressed issues with cut-through traffic, speeding, stop sign running and aggressive-driving behaviors for years. To address the issues, the council previously had approved a temporary roadway closure of East Eighth Avenue at Main Street and East Seventh Avenue at mid-block on the line between the commercial and residential parcels at their Tuesday, June 14, meeting. Although the original business item on the June agenda pertained to closing the southeastern quadrant

of town at East Sixth Avenue, three of the four council members present voted to temporarily adopt the new plan, with Council Member Tony Davit dissenting. Mayor Jim O’Brien was absent, and Council Member Molly Rose was present on Zoom, which allowed her to participate in discussion but not vote. The four items in the original resolution to address the residentinitiated issue, included closing off a portion of East Seventh Avenue just east of The Art Room and closing off East Eighth Avenue, as well as creating left-turn-only signage and a possible diversion barrier at East Ninth Avenue and Oakdale Street heading north and south, and closing off East 12th Avenue and Chase Road. The July approved temporary measure will only include the use of a diverter with no road closures and authorize flexibility to Town Manager Robert Smith to implement the program, providing for a re-evaluation period after three and six months, and requiring an ordinance for permanent traffic-calming measures.

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COUNCIL DISPUTE

There also was much debate between council members on the traffic issues. “Maybe the way to start it is to just do the Ninth Street diversion and see what that does and see where that throws traffic before we start doing more closures,” Council Member Molly Rose said. “I do think that the majority of people though want to work with this and try to find a solution. They may disagree on how bad the situation is, but I also think traffic isn’t going to get any better. This is the best it’s ever going to be. … It isn’t going to get better unless we try to do something about it.” Council Member Bill Martini said although the town may not have 100% documented data which illustrates the problem, he believes due to the overwhelming outpouring of residents that there is a problem. “I’m not particularly married to any solution,” Martini said. “Whatever creates the least amount of inconvenience for the residents and will provide an additional measure of safety for the residents, I’m all in favor of that.” Council Member Tony Davit disagreed with his fellow council members, voicing concerns over lack of studies and engineering, and recommending a tabling of the issue until a

IN OTHER BUSINESS n Town Council members heard the first reading of several ordinances relating to railroad right of way swaps vacating a 20-foot portion of dirt Main along the east boundary at the following properties: 928 Main St., 1036 Main St., 112 W. 8th Ave. and 824 Main St. n The Town Council heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the town’s land development code to change the maximum and minimum number of members on the citizen boards. n Council members approved the revision of Lake Butler speed humps by Middlesex Paving not to exceed $22,600. n The Windermere council approved an amendment to the town’s retirement policy where the following three hardships are the only reason a participant may take an in-service distribution: death of an immediate family member, medical bills and for the purchase of a primary residence.

public forum is held where all residents in the southeastern quadrant are notified. “If we are banking on the fact that it’s temporary, why do it anyway?” Davit said. “Let’s evaluate it more. … Again, the majority of the residents that have come in for the last couple of public workshops that I’ve been involved with were looking at a different plan and it wasn’t all the affected residents. The folks that were noticed for those public workshops were within 500 feet of Oakdale, not the entire quadrant.” The resolution was passed 4-1, with Davit dissenting and O’Brien absent.

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Smith said concerns have been raised by residents about closures of East Seventh Avenue and East Eighth Avenue but he has seen no real pushback on the diversion plan. Many community members echoed their concerns during public comment, speaking out against road closures and calling for traffic studies with clear goals. Martin Collins, Gloria Groom, Frank Chase, Jim Willard and Nancy Nix were several of those who spoke out. Collins said his main issue with the proposed measure is there are no goals for the resolution and the traffic data in the area has been inconclusive. “If we proceed with closing those streets, I’m asking that the resolution be amended, but please collect the data on how big the problem is on Seventh and Eighth and establish a goal on what we’re trying to solve there before we upset the traffic patterns over here,” Collins said. “Generally speaking, all my neighbors are against closing any streets,” he said. “We understand this has gone down a road that the residents of south Oakdale are very passionate about — the big problem they have but they can’t measure. We would like to have goals established on the diversion also so that when we measure this thing after the diversion is put in place, we can show the results and be able to determine what is successful and what isn’t.” Willard said although he is in favor of doing something about the traffic issues, he thinks the closing of roads is a big deal and the council needs to

be cautious about it. “Before we start restricting publicly dedicated roads, the town needs a pretty substantial, compelling interest as to why they’re being closed,” Willard said. “Closing roads is a permanent problem and creates unintended consequences and more problems than it solves.”

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Salvador family is keeping the faith Former Winter Garden resident Faith Salvador is facing long-term rehabilitation after a hemorrhagic stroke paralyzed her on one side. The family is praying the paralysis is temporary. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Mark and Alais Salvador have a deep faith, and they have relied on that during each of Alais’ four bouts with cancer. Now the Winter Garden residents are again putting their trust in God for healing while their 22-year-old daughter, Faith, recovers from a hemorrhagic stroke. The Salvadors and their other daughter, 17-year-old Mya, were vacationing in Michigan for the Fourth of July weekend and enjoying time with Faith and with Mark Salvador’s parents. The next day, Faith Salvador called her father, and he could tell something wasn’t right when she spoke. “Tuesday she called, and … I realized quickly her speech was just off a little bit and … I told her boyfriend to immediately call 911,” Mark Salvador said. Faith Salvador was rushed to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital and then to University of Michigan Hospital, where doctors discovered an arteriovenous malformation. They said she likely was born with it. An AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that connects arteries and veins in the brain, and it can go undetected until it ruptures. Her father said she has had some headaches but nothing that would indicate an issue of this magnitude. The stroke has caused paralysis on Faith Salvador’s left side, but her father said they are starting to see slight movement.

“We’re just getting through the acute time now,” Mark Salvador said. “She’s getting the physical and occupational therapy in her bed primarily. … I’m an occupational therapist, so I push her a little more so. I’m taking advantage of the fact that she’s 22 and the sooner we can (get) the neurotransmission back onto that left side, the sooner we can get those muscles to start firing. We understand right now there (are) still a lot of unknowns — damage from the bleed, bruising — and because of that there’s pressure put on the brain, so they’re working to resolve that. All of that is being resolved which will allow us to focus on the rehab.” The Salvadors will remain in Michigan¬ — likely for months — caring for their daughter and monitoring her daily progress. The couple will rotate staying in Michigan with one daughter and in Florida with the other. Mya is in the 12th grade, and the Salvadors don’t want to completely miss any of her senior-year activities. ‘THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN TO 22-YEAR-OLDS’

Meanwhile, a team of doctors will continue working on the eldest Salvador daughter every day. “They’re tentatively optimistic,” Alais Salvador said. “They’re feeling she’s going to make a recovery,” Mark Salvador added. “It’s just too early to tell how much of a recovery she will make on the left side. They keep reminding us she’s 22.”

TO HELP

A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the Salvador family with medical bills, travel expenses and other unforeseen expenses. To donate, visit bit. ly/3ccw6XX. Cards and messages can be mailed to Faith Salvador at 10977 Wynns Road, Pinckney MI 48169.

“She’s strong, she’s young,” her mother said. “She’s very sad. She wants to move her side and get up and do stuff she did.” “I think this is just hard for any 22-year-old to swallow,” Mark Salvador said. “This doesn’t happen to 22-year-olds.” Faith Salvador has since been moved from the neuro intensive care unit to a stepdown unit, and from there she will enter an inpatient rehabilitation center for two weeks while the team continues to work with her through therapy. “We don’t think she’s going to remember much of last week but from this point forward we think she’s going to have a lot of recall — and that’s causing some of her anxiety,” her father said. “That’s what’s been heartbreaking. She’s only been up here 10 months, sharing a house with friends, doing what 22-year-

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olds do, and then this happens.” The family is hoping for a positive outcome and praying for 100% recovery. “We have strong faith,” Alais Salvador said. “We have a ton of people praying for her, and just as many praying for me.” “We’re going to get through it — with a little bit of time and a whole lot of faith,” Mark Salvador said.

Courtesy photos

Top: The Salvadors — Mark, Faith, Mya and Alais — are all praying for Faith’s recovery. Above: Sisters Mya and Faith Salvador

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Andrea Mujica, amujica@OrangeObserver.com Staff Writer / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com

Andrea Mujica

Isshin-Ryu Budo Kai Karate: 40 years of passing down knowledge ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

or 40 years, the Isshin-Ryu Budo Kai Karate Dojo has been providing the city of Ocoee with an opportunity to learn the martial arts at an affordable rate. “We are here just to do our style and pass our style on,” Sensei Paul Robinson said. “What’s unique about us is that you only get promoted if you meet the qualifications. … We don’t promote people just to keep the checks rolling in. We promote you when you deserve to be promoted.” Robinson has been in charge of the dojo since 1984. One of his favorite aspects of the Isshin-Ryu Budo Kai Dojo is it feels like a second family. “I would say that 70% of our blackbelts are still involved with this school,” he said. “For me, that’s my best memory — to think that we stay close enough as a family and everybody still considers themselves as part of this school, even when they are not able to be physically involved.” Over the years, the dojo has helped shape struggling young children into well-rounded young adults. “We’ve seen kids that have matured from young to be really hard-driven students, and I know (Sensei Ty Frantel) can probably tell you the same thing,” Paul Robinson said. Frantel, who now runs the dojo, first became involved when his parents separated and his mother found an article in the paper that listed the class. Up until this day, he never stopped attending the dojo and has been practicing Isshin-Ryu for 39 years. Sensei Te Robinson has been involved with the dojo since 1990 when she took her son to practice. Since that day, she never stopped going to the classes and is now, along with Frantel and Paul Robinson, passing the knowledge on to new generations. According to Frantel, one of the characteristics of Isshin-Ryu kara-

te is that it teaches its practitioners how to attack the lower areas of the body, as it is “harder to defend yourself below the knee.” Because of the length of time this dojo has been serving the community, Paul Robinson said, “it’s not uncommon to be in (a restaurant) and have some kids come up to you and say, ‘Hey, Sensei, do you remember me?’” “That’s when you feel old,” Frantel said. “When someone rolls in and they say ‘Hey, I was your student when I was 14, but this is my 8-year-old son.’” A great example of participants who become family at the Dojo is Sherrall Applegate’s family, as they have been involved with the dojo for 35 years. Her late son, Matt Applegate, always felt part of the dojo since the first day he put on his first white belt. His son, Derrick, currently is enrolled in classes. Sherrall Applegate’s husband, Gordon, has been involved in both the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Isshin-Ryu class for more than 30 years as well. Former recreation director Jim Beech was a supporter of the school. The year of his retirement, the dojo presented him with a plaque commemorating reaching more than 50 students. Today, the dojo has just 16 students because of the pandemic. “He knew that that was our goal,” Robinson said. “He knew what we were about and what we had been through to keep this school in existence. … That’s just a great memory.” Frantel recalled one of his best memories: “Truly, my best time was when I was 13 or 14 years old and I was riding my bike to the dojo because I knew that’s what I wanted,” he said. “I would ride my bike seven miles to the dojo.” In 40 years, the class has produced only 16 black belts. Usually, it takes between five and eight years to become a black belt at the Isshin-Ryu school. However, many students never end up taking the black belt test. “The unknown is what’s scary,”

BELTS

n White n Yellow n Orange n Green n Purple n Brown x3 n Black (10 degrees. Only nine are available) — After becoming a black belt, it takes two years to get a second degree and then three years for the third degree, and so on until reaching the ninth degree.

Paul Robinson said. “People get frightened. … (But), we would not be testing you for black belt in our school if you were not worthy of a black belt.” The class has moved to different locations throughout the years. Flewelling Avenue, Ocoee City Hall, the Ison Center and a fire station at Vignetti Park have served as physical locations for the dojo ever since it started. In the future, the class is looking forward to hosting its Tuesday and Thursday sessions at the Jim Beech Recreation Center. For Frantel, there is no movement hard enough that it cannot be learned. However, he and Robinson agree the katas or forms practiced in Isshin-Ryu are complicated because they take a lot of memorization. “They have a little bit of everything — they stretch the body, have kicks and blocks and teach you movements,” Paul Robinson said. “It’s kind of like a dance, but it’s an imaginary person that you are defending yourself from.” Included in Isshin-Ryu practices, black belts utilize the Bo, a long stick that is used as a defensive weapon aimed at teaching men how to use daily objects such as broomsticks or a branch to defend themselves in case someone tries to harm them. For information about classes visit ocoee.org/155/youth-programs.

HISTORY OF ISSHIN-RYU KARATE Originally from Okinawa, this style of karate is one of the most popular today. It was formed by Shimabuku Tatsuo in 1954. Tatsuo walked 12 miles to the neighboring village of Shuri to learn karate from his uncle. Literate in the Kobayashi-Ryu and Goju styles, Tatsuo also learned the art of the Bo, Sai and Tonfa. The Kobayashi-Ryu style originally was known as Shuri-Te because it originated in the Island of Shuri. The Goju style originated in the city of Naha by Kanryo Higashionna and was initially known as Naha-Te. After World War II, Tatsup consulted the island’s leading practitioner of both the Shorin-Ryu and the Goju styles about a strong urge he felt about combining both styles. After the consultation, Tatsuo founded the Isshin-Ryu stile, or “The One Heart Method.” Courtesy Photo

KATAS / FORMS

n Seisan Kata: named after the famous Chinese martial artist Seisan, who lived on the island of Okinawa during the 16th and 17th centuries, when he was considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World because of his unique power and ability. This is the first kata that is taught to beginners. n Seiunchin Kata: named after Chinese martial artist Seiunchin, who lived during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. It is said that he was so powerful, he could pierce the side of a cow with the tips of his fingers. This kata focuses on the stance and is broken into segments that utilize specific breathing and muscletensing methods. n Naihanchi Kata: the origins of this kata is still unknown. Known for the use of the returning wave kick, this kata trains the lower part of the body through low and sideways steady movements. n Wansu Kata: brought to Okinawa by a Chinese envoy named Wansu in 1683, this kata was reformed by karate men around the Tomary Village. This is considered the fourth kata in the Isshin-Ryu system, it is known as a power kata performed in an X pattern— the sequence of the movements is forward, back, left, right and forward again. This kata includes two side kicks. n Chinto Kata: considered the tiger of Chinese karate, Chinto comes from ShorinRyu. It is characterized by dynamic movements that use kicking techniques such as the flying kid and different offense-defense techniques. This kata is characterized by a relaxed body motion. n Kusanku Kata: adapted and developed by Okinawan karate men after being brought to Okinawa in 1761 by a Chinese karate man named Kusanku. Also referred to as night-fighting kata, or a form that teaches fighting at night. n Sunsu Kata: named after master Shimabuku Tatsuo, this kata encompasses combinations of movements from the first six katas. This is the only kata that is only practiced in the Isshin-Ryu style. n Sanchin Kata: originates from the Goju-Ryu style and is the oldest kata still practiced in modern karate. Not many are able to say that they have mastered all of the intricacies that this kata encompasses. It translates to “Three steps” or “Three conflicts,” and it traces its origins to China’s later T’ang dynasty.

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Orange Crate Café opens in Winter Garden The downtown restaurant serving lunch and dinner is owned by the Laboys, who years ago opened a pizza establishment on Plant Street. AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

ORANGE CRATE CAFÉ ADDRESS: 360 W. Plant St., Winter Garden PHONE: (407) 614-0499 WEBSITE: orangecratecafe. com HOURS: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Leah Laboy spent hours on the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation’s Facebook page looking for inspiration. She and her youngest daughter, Sarah Laboy, wanted a catchy name for their new downtown Winter Garden restaurant and wanted a moniker that reflects the area. They chose Orange Crate Café — because it was clever and reminded Leah Laboy of the comfort-food restaurant Whistlestop Café in the film “Fried Green Tomatoes.” There are even fried-green tomatoes on the Winter Garden eatery’s menu. The mother-daughter duo opened the newest restaurant a month ago and said business has been fantastic. Orange Crate is located between Winter Garden City Hall and Plant Street Market, in the space previously occupied by Fat Mike’s Hot Chicken. Orange Crate Café is a real family business. Taylor Reinholt, Leah Laboy’s son, has worked at his family’s other restaurants and is working here too. Leah and Sarah also are accompanied in the kitchen by Willie Laboy, Leah’s husband, who has been devoting 14-hour days to get the restaurant established and keep it running smoothly. If the Laboy name sounds familiar, it might be because this isn’t the family’s first downtown restaurant. In 2002, Willie and Leah opened Winter Garden Pizza Company, which still is in business at 42 W. Plant St., albeit with different owners. They sold the business in 2007 to Michael Scorsone, who also was the owner of Fat Mike’s. Coincidentally, Leah Laboy said, when she conducted an online search for the Orange Crate Café name earlier this year, another restaurant of the same name was opened in 1993 at the exact location of the pizza restaurant. “I saw that as a sign,” she said. “Since we’ve opened, we’ve had a few customers who came in and said, ‘Did you know there was an Orange Crate Cafe here before?’” She sees it as another full-circle piece of the puzzle. “We’re very glad to be back,” Leah Laboy said. The family moved to Tennessee after selling the pizza restaurant — opening an eatery up there — but often talked of returning to Winter Garden. When they moved out of state, their daughters, Sarah and Megan, were about 3 and 8. They frequently traveled south to visit Leah Laboy’s parents, and they decided now was a good time to come home. “We came back,” Leah Laboy said. “My mother has been praying for 15 years. I don’t know why we ever left here.”

Leah and Willie Laboy are the proud owners of Orange Crate Cafe in downtown Winter Garden.

For those with a sweet tooth, ice cream is available and homemade desserts are coming soon. Drink options currently are tea, soda or water with an orange slice. City employees receive free drinks whether they dine in or carry out. Some of the employees working behind the counter and at the tables might look familiar too; they previously worked for Scorsone. The owners will continue making tweaks to the restaurant. Leah Laboy said she is searching for a local baker who can make orange cake. The hours will expand, too, once Willie Laboy can hire and properly train cooks. The Laboys said they made the right decision to return to Winter Garden, where they have many friends and customers and are excited to meet more. “I prayed and prayed, and God had a hand in it,” Leah Laboy said.

Orange Crate Cafe’s menu features items such as a blackened salmon dinner complete with grilled zucchini, wild rice and seasoned black beans.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU

In keeping with the café vibe, the Laboys offer menu items such as five-grain tomatoes, rice and beans, country-fried pork chops or chicken with mashed potatoes and white gravy, and catfish and cornbread. To cater to folks trying to eat healthier, the restaurant includes grilled protein options. The menu also has starters, salads, sandwiches, Healing Spirits . Tranforming Futuresand a variety of sides. wraps

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Winter Garden initiates action against Orange County over PureCycle The city has initiated conflict-resolution procedures with Orange County regarding its approval of PureCycle Technologies. ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

The Winter Garden City Commission approved at its July 14 meeting a resolution that will initiate conflict-resolution procedures with Orange County regarding its zoning manager’s approval of PureCycle Technologies. PureCycle is attempting to open a controversial waste-recovery operation in east Winter Garden at 851 E. Maple St. The property currently is zoned I-2/I-3 Industrial in unincorporated Orange County. According to a press release from the city, PureCycle intends to use the site as a central collection point for waste from around Florida, trucking in large bales of compacted trash and other plastic waste. Once deposited at the site, the company would then break the bales and recombine the waste into new bales before shipping the material to other facilities. ZONING HISTORY

The city first learned of PureCycle when the company attempted to annex its site into the city, as it is adjacent to the city’s boundaries, but withdrew the request when the city insisted on the company meeting certain criteria. Without the city’s knowledge, the company then asked Orange County to separately approve its proposed plastic waste-recovery use. Although the county zoning department initially denied PureCycle’s request, the county then reversed the decision and issued an approval to allow the use under county zoning. Upon discovering the county’s approval, the city then filed an administrative challenge, after commission approval May 26, to the zoning manager’s decision, as PureCycle’s use is

not allowed under the existing county zoning for the site. “PureCycle’s use would require a rezoning,” the city’s press release states. “The county zoning manager refused to consider the city’s challenge, which contained new information submitted to the zoning manager by the city. PureCycle omitted the new information in its submissions to the county zoning manager.” According to the city, PureCycle also has not obtained other sources of sufficient water supply to handle the potable water and fire suppression needs the organization’s operations would require. “Under the county zoning manager’s determination, the allowed use includes the washing and shredding of the waste and the use of chemicals,” the city said. “The city would not supply water to PureCycle for their initial proposed use as such use would likely contaminate our water resources with the discharge of microplastics and compromise the city’s wastewater treatment systems for our citizens.” PURECYCLE PROBLEM

PureCycle currently is moving ahead with its project, causing the city to enact the resolution with additional measures as needed. The commission’s approval authorizes the city to commence litigation if necessary. “Obviously we disagree with the county’s determination and our original concerns with the environmental impacts that PureCycle and its use, if allowed, would have to our water supply, public access free use, Lake Apopka and, most importantly, to our residents of east Winter Garden remains,” City Manager Jon C. Williams said. District 2 Commissioner Ron Mueller expressed extreme concern for the project.

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“We’re talking about Winter Garden becoming the plastic dumping ground for the southeastern United States,” Mueller said. “This is an environmental disaster. … We’ve spent so many decades building this community, and this is something that belongs next to a landfill and not a community…there’s not a greater threat for us.” The resolution was passed unanimously by the commission. City Attorney A. Kurt Ardaman said the next steps will include the city manager, city attorney and others who express interest to meet with the county mayor, county attorney and others in an attempt to resolve the issue. If the meeting is unsuccessful, a meeting would then be held between the full city and county commissions with the available staff to consider the issue. “That does not stop us from proceeding with a lawsuit, but our thought was to … try to make this work rather than litigate it,” Ardaman said. MAINSTREET COMMUNITY BANK

City commissioners heard the first reading of a series of ordinances pertaining to a request to annex the county properties at 12950 and 12962 W. Colonial Drive, 648 Magnolia St. and a portion of the Magnolia Street right of way into the city. The ordinances included a request to assign the properties as a Commercial Future Land Use designation and rezone the entire subject property to Planned Commercial Development to permit the development of the site with a new bank building. The 4,000-square-foot bank would include three drive-thru banking lanes, a 3,000-square-foot office building and a 4,200-square-foot office building on the property. The project also includes associated site elements such as landscaping, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure. Community Development Director Steve Pash said the proposed annexation, FLU amendment and rezoning is consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and the city of Winter Garden

IN OTHER NEWS n Three new police officers took the oath of office: Justin Inabnet, Derek Pruim and Andrew Davis. n City Commissioners approved Linette M. Coleman as a new member on the Code Enforcement Board. n The city commission approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget for mid-year adjustments in the total amount of $6,667,450. n Commissioners approved a recommendation to establish proposed millage rate and budget hearing dates for Fiscal Year 2022-23 for Thursday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 29. n City Commissioners approved a sole source purchase order for $55,478 to Alfa Laval Inc. for reconditioning of the belt filter press at the wastewater treatment facility. n The commission approved a purchase order for Mead & Hunt to analyze the stormwater collection system on Roper Drive and provide alternatives to alleviate the constriction in the system in the amount of $59,344. n Commissioners approved the lease of four vehicles from Doering Fleet Management to be used by the police department for undercover deployments. The 60-month openend lease with a $1 buyout will result in a total annual cost of $46,080.

Code of Ordinances. Mayor John Rees asked if the buildings on the property would be demolished, to which Pash said he has been trying to encourage the applicant to do so as it builds. “It needs to be sooner or later,” Rees said. “We’ve been listening to this for a long time, and the old Golden Corral is pretty dilapidated — it needs to go.” The ordinances passed unanimously with a second reading and adoption hearing anticipated to be held during the next City Commission meeting, Thursday, July 28.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

Oakland debuts roads, transportation in joint history, art exhibition

A total of 23 Florida artists, including a number from West Orange County, are part of the town of Oakland’s latest double exhibition at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center. “We are always striving to find a balance between art and history that will appeal to the public,” said Elisha Pappacoda, administrative services and communications director with the town of Oakland. “We’ve had a lot of interest in the people behind Oakland’s street names, so we are telling their stories in ‘Old Town Road.’ The works in ‘Land, Water, Air’ seamlessly complement the history exhibit and feature works by local artists focusing on movement … and transportation.” “Land, Water, Air” features artwork that celebrates motion on roads and waterways, including trains, vehicles, bikes, boats, planes and other modes of transportation. Artists in the exhibition are Kelley Batson-Howard, Kathleen Bell, Carolyn Bellino, Sara Gillen Burr, Racheal Cor-

“Blue Springs Run,” by Kelly Vick Pounds.

tez-Foley, Tom Eder, Anne Fanelli, Aaron Gombar, Bridget Hanley, Carissa Imel, Adrienne H. Lee, Heather Lorenz, Julio Milanes, Violeta Militaru, Dave Minichiello, Mark Mitchell, Elizabeth Parrish, Kelly Vick Pounds, Jambvant Ramoutar, Peter Spence, Joe Warren, Lori Warren and Lyla Wright. Their artwork runs the gamut from pottery, paintings and photography to hand-blown glass and digital art. Most of the pieces are for sale. “Old Town Road” gives guests an opportunity to learn about the folks for whom many of the town’s historic streets are named. Explore Oakland’s history of thriving citrus groves, industrial center and social hub through the lens of the major players of Oakland’s past, featuring historic photographs and artifacts. In 1886, the town officially was platted in a uniform square of roughly 10 blocks. First through Eighth avenues were the east-west roads, and First through 10th streets were north-south. These numbered names remained the same for 86 years, until 1972, when town leaders rename them to honor those who put the town on the map. The exhibition will run through Aug. 26. The center, located at 126 W. Petris Ave., is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It remains open until 6 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month and on select Saturdays. For information, visit oaklandfl.gov/ artsandheritage.

JULY 22 - AUGUST 7 Tickets at st.lukes.org/oliver 385204-1

COMMUNITY EDITOR

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

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Artwork from 23 Florida artists, including many from West Orange County, is on display at the town’s arts and heritage center. AMY QUESINBERRY

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

KLA Schools summer camp Julia Kaufeld hid behind a garden bed in the arboretum to avoid being found during the echolocation game.

Children traveled outside to the arboretum to enjoy an afternoon of bat-themed educational activities. Children listened as a book was read by Anne Russo, media specialist who helps with STEM and STEAM learning at the school.

LA Schools in Horizon West is hosting its “All Things in Motion” summer camp for ages 3 months to 5 years. The 10 weeks of summer camp allow children to discover a STEAM inspired world of movement and motion. Children can participate in a wide range of weekly themes including Carnival Kick-Off, Full STEAM Ahead, Robot Roundup, Out of this World, KLA Olympics and Ocean Adventures. Children recently engaged in the Amazon Adventures theme after curiosity sparked when the school found two bats nesting in the school’s arboretum. Summer camp participants enjoyed creating a coconut tree craft, visited the LunaSea Alpaca Farm, played on slip and slides, learned yoga, created animal and plant fossils with clay, and even took a shot at an Amazon jungle obstacle course in the gym. As part of the weekly activities, Anne Russo, media specialist who helps with STEM and STEAM learning at the school, took children in small groups out to the arboretum to enjoy an educational book about bats followed by an echolocation game. To learn more, visit klaschoolssummercamp.com.

Right: Anne Krasnow pointed to where she heard the echolocation of her classmates with the help of her teacher, Anne Russo.

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Some of the older campers took a break with popsicles after completing a water activity outside.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

First United Methodist VBS Camp T

he First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden hosted a Vacation Bible School July 11 to 15 at its campus in downtown Winter Garden. Last week’s camp theme was coined adventure week, and children traveled through time to learn the wonders and history of Jerusalem. The camp averaged 85 children per day with rising preschoolers through rising fifthgraders. Volunteers included rising sixth-graders through adults. Children started the day gathering together before separating into small groups where they learned about Jerusalem through a series of unique activities. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in ventures such as singing and dancing along to music, completing marketplace crafts such as basket making, playing games outside, and even participating in educational activities where they learned about Jewish family traditions.

Children learned about Jewish family traditions with the help of Pastor Melissa Stump.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Top: Faith Stump enjoyed a flavored popsicle to cool down after playing outside in the summer heat.

LEARN MORE Website: acswebnetworks.com/ fumcwg Email the children’s director Elyse Grossman: egrossman@ fumcwg.org

Right:Caitlin Johnson, Tilly Mathews and Andie Healy happily sang along to an interactive musical piece inside the church.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

TAP WATER

An essential part of a hurricane preparedness plan COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY

Orange County residents are being warned to heed the advice of emergency officials to prepare ahead of time for hurricanes. Waiting until the storm is approaching could mean empty shelves of bottled water. While bottled water may be a convenient way to store water prior to a hurricane, Orange County Utilities’ customers already have a readily available source, the tap. Orange County tap water is safe, reliable and inexpensive. Monitored 24/7, the water produced in the county’s facilities meets or exceeds state and federal standards. The cost to customers for the first 1,000 gallons of Orange County Utilities tap water is a little more than $1, making it an excellent and cost-effective source when preparing for a hurricane. During an extended weather event, residents should plan to have one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes for

at least three days following a storm. Right before the storm, fill sanitized containers with tap water. Investing in containers, like a camping or sports cooler, may cost the same as buying cases of bottled water. Use a food-grade container that is unbreakable and has a top that can be tightly closed. Wash it with dishwashing soap and rinse completely with tap water. Make a solution of 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach and one quart of water. Pour it into the container, cover and shake well so that the solution touches all inside surfaces of the container. Wait at least 30 seconds and empty the container. Let the container air-dry before use or rinse and fill with tap water. Never use containers that once held toxic substances. In addition, residents may want to sanitize and store water in a bathtub. OCU tap water delivers public health, fire protection, support for the economy and quality of life. You rely on it every day, so make it a part of your hurricane preparedness plan.

BOIL WATER ADVISORIES Orange County Utilities is committed to providing safe drinking water. Occasionally, unforeseen emergencies may result in a loss of water pressure or power at our facilities, which could compromise water quality. If necessary, Orange County Utilities will issue a boil water advisory. If you are notified that your area is under a boil water advisory, you should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes prior to use. Heat the water to a constant, rolling boil for at least one minute. The water is safe for bathing, laundering and other non-consumptive uses. After your water service is restored, the boil water advisory will usually remain in effect for at least two days while samples are collected and analyzed. You can call the Boil Water Hotline at (407) 254-9670 for information on the status of a boil water advisory.

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Victor Russer

OBSERVER

OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

STAY INFORMED, BE SAFE. Hurricane season has arrived and is predicted to be above-normal* acitivity this year. Stay up to date on the latest hurricane activity affecting West Orange County by following the West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer on the following digital channels.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

Orange county encourages tree trimming in preparation for hurricane season COURTESY OF ORANGE COUNTY

June 1 marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts until Nov. 30. In preparation, Orange County homeowners are being advised to keep their trees trimmed and healthy. If maintained properly, healthy, mature trees can help shield your home during a storm. Keeping them professionally pruned will allow hurricane force winds to pass through them, as this will lessen the chances they blow over. Healthy, trimmed trees are critical to avoiding potential damage to the home due to flying debris. Professional pruning should be done every few years by a certified, insured arborist. Look for an arborist who provides written quotes before agreeing to have any work done. It is important to have your tree-care specialist evaluate branch patterns that may be susceptible to wind damage. Dead wood, especially, can substantially damage your home during high winds. Sometimes, an arborist may recommend removing large, unhealthy and damaged trees that are close to your home to avoid potential hurricane damage. If unhealthy or damaged trees are removed, always ask the arborist to recommend a replacement tree you can plant. As should always be the case when having any work done in or around your house, make sure permits have been properly prepared before you agree to have trees removed or have other substantial hurricane preparation work completed. Please note that Orange County Government does not provide tree trimming and arborist services to residents on private property. To find an ISA-certified arborist in your area who does provide these services, please visit Treesaregood.org. For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane, visit www.ocfl.net/storm.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

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t is officially that time of year when Floridians begin stocking up on canned goods and non-perishables, flashlights and batteries, and a hearty supply of bottled water. Hurricane season waits for no one, so it is imperative for individuals to prepare early. Having a solid plan in place helps ease the unpredictability of storm season and, with Lake Apopka Natural Gas District (LANGD) by your side, you can ensure you and your loved ones will be well taken care of during a major storm.

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins June 1, but since 2015, there has consistently been a named storm before the start of every season. Because of this, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is debating whether to change the official start of the season from June 1 to May 15. At LANGD, we have always emphasized the importance of preparing for hurricane season sooner, rather than later. Although no official changes have been made thus far, perhaps this year more than ever it is important to plan ahead and prepare for a potentially busy storm season. According to Colorado State University, another above-average hurricane season is in the forecast for 2022, with at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes – four of which are projected to be Category 3 or higher. Regardless of size, any hurricane has the potential to cause electric power outages and severe damage to your home or business, even if your community is not in the eye of the storm. Fortunately, LANGD customers can rest assured knowing that, even when the power goes out, they will be covered thanks to the direct use of a reliable, resilient and convenient energy source: natural gas.

The true beauty of natural gas is that it is delivered underground directly to your home, making it extremely dependable – especially during a storm. This is why so many essential services like hospitals, nursing homes and fire stations rely on natural gas to cook meals, keep their water hot and keep generators running.

Not only is natural gas cost-efficient, yielding an average savings of $879 per year; but it is also environmentally friendly. According to a recent article by Blue Flame Alliance, natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, emitting 50-60% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than petroleum. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you and your family are protected by natural gas is priceless. Don’t delay, formulate a plan and explore the potential for natural gas at your home now. There are also many resources to take advantage of like FloridaDisaster.org, to ensure you have everything you need to safely ride out a storm.

Ready to make the safe choice and switch to natural gas ahead of hurricane season? For more information on natural gas service for your home, business or vehicle, please contact the District marketing team at (407) 656-2734 x307, marketing@langd.org, or visit www.langd.org. Already a customer and loving your natural gas hookup? Tell us all about it! Email marketing@langd.org and share what you love about using natural gas in your home or business for a chance to be featured on LANGD’s Facebook page. As always, be sure to like, follow and re-share LANGD’s content on Facebook at @LANGDFL.

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21

MONDAY, JULY 25

FRIDAY, JULY 22

WINDERMERE ROTARY CLUB MEETING 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St. Visit windermererotary.org.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

ORLANDO HEALTH HIRING EVENT 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. On-site job offers will be extended to qualified candidates seeking a variety of professional positions at Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital, Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital and the new Orlando Health Emergency Room - Reunion Village. Register at bit.ly/3uVKTwU. WINDERMERE FARMERS MARKET 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays at Town Square Park, 520 Main St., Windermere. Use the entrance along West Sixth Avenue. Live music, flowers, produce, home goods, ready-to-eat food and more.Leashed pets welcome. Visit town.windermere.fl.us. MUSIC ON THE PORCH SUMMER SERIES 3 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Friday of the month at the Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center, 126 W. Petris Ave. Pull up a chair and enjoy the sounds of live music by Amanda and Steve Breivogel, an acoustic musical duo based in Central Florida. Presented by HAPCO Music Foundation and the town of Oakland. Food trucks available. Visit oaklandfl.gov. FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. This week, the Tree Frogs play classic hits from the 1970s and ’80s. Free. Visit cwgdn.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

YOGA AND BEER 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at Home State Brewing Co., 16016 New Independence Parkway, No. 100, Winter Garden. Enjoy a 60-minute yoga session with Warrior One and then sip on a post-yoga beer. Class is $10. No registration necessary. Homestatebrew.com. LIBRARY POP-UP HORIZON WEST 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23, at 16150 Pebble Bluff Loop, Winter Garden. Magical Mr. Tim will perform his crazy and zany magic in a comical program. Free. Registration required. (407) 835-7323. FAMILY RECREATION DAY 11 am. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center and Family Aquatic Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee. Free. (407) 905-3180.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

CHRISTMAS IN JULY FUNDRAISER 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, July 25, at Ritter’s Frozen Custard, 2560 E Highway 50, Suite 114, Clermont. Ten percent of all purchases go to Eight Waves in Winter Garden. The group also will be collecting hygiene bags. (352) 255-7350.

TUESDAY, JULY 26

LET’S CROCHET CLASS FOR KIDS 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 26, at the West Oaks Library and Genealogy Center, 1821 E. Silver Star Road, Ocoee. Children ages 10 to 12 are invited to spend an hour learning to crochet bracelets. Free. Registration required. (407) 835-7323. OAKLAND TOWN COMMISSION MEETING 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington St. Visit oaklandfl.gov.

THURSDAY, JULY 28

WINTER GARDEN CITY COMMISSION MEETING 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. Visit cwgdn.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 29

ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY BOOK SALE 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30; and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd., Orlando. Find your latest reads at the next Friends of the Library half-off book sale with a selection of fiction and non-fiction plus DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs and more. (407) 835-7323. FRIDAYS ON THE PLAZA 7 to 9 p.m. Fridays at the Centennial Plaza Gazebo on Plant Street in downtown Winter Garden. This week, the Orlando Gentleman of Jazz will perform. Free. Visit cwgdn. com.

SATURDAY, JULY 30

BEACH BUOYS IN CONCERT 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. This Beach Boys tribute band recreates the vintage look and sound of the mid-1960s pop group. Free. Visit hamlinfl.com/events.

TUESDAY, AUG. 2

OCOEE CITY COMMISSION MEETING 6:15 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Ocoee City Hall, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive. Visit ocoee.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 4

KIWANIS CLUB OF HORIZON WEST/WINDERMERE MEETING 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Piesano’s, 7782 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Windermere. Horizonwestkiwanis@gmail. com or kiwanis org.

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OrangeObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

OCPS announces more “A” schools The Florida Department of Education released the 2021-22 school and district grades, the first official letter grade release from FDOE since the 2018-19 school year. AMY QUESINBERRY

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Fifty-six percent of Orange County Public Schools earned an “A” or “B” this year, according to the Florida Department of Education. The FDOE released recently the 2021-22 school and district grades. This is the first official letter grade release from the FDOE since the 2018-19 school year. According to the report, the number of “A” schools in OCPS improved, with 59 schools earning an “A” in 2021-22 compared to 39 that would have received an “A” in 2020-21 if school grades had been assigned to all schools. Overall, the district earned a “B” grade, just shy of an “A,” according to the FDOE report. The district received 61% of the possible points, and the cutoff for an “A” is 62%, the FDOE release stated. The district’s results maintained or improved in 10 of the 11 components or areas reported. The largest improvement was in mathematics performance. “This data provides a limited view of what our students, teachers, administrators, support staff and families accomplished this year. We are proud of their hard work in the midst of a global pandemic and will use this data to continue leading our students to success,” said Dr. Barbara Jenkins, OCPS superintendent. Each school’s letter grade will be reported on its individual school

report card that is updated annually before the start of the school year. The district is waiting for grades for 17 of its traditional schools. They received an Incomplete due to delayed score release or low percent tested. West Orange County schools received the following grades: n Elementary — Bay Lake, A; Bay Meadows, A; Castleview, A; Citrus, B; Dillard Street, C; Dr. Phillips, B; Frangus, C; Hamlin, N/A; Independence, A; Keene’s Crossing, A; Lake Whitney, A; Maxey, B; Ocoee, C; Palm Lake, A; Panther Lake, N/A; Prairie Lake, B; Sand Lake, A; Spring Lake, C; Summerlake, B; SunRidge, Incomplete; Sunset Park, B; Thornebrooke, A; Tildenville, A; Water Spring, A; Westbrooke, A; West Oaks, C; Whispering Oak, A; Windermere, A; Windy Ridge School K-8, A; n Middle — Bridgewater, A; Chain of Lakes, C; Gotha, B; Hamlin, N/A; Horizon West, A; Lakeview, C; Ocoee, C; Southwest, Incomplete; SunRidge, A; Water Spring, A; n High — Dr. Phillips, C; Horizon, B; Lake Buena Vista, N/A; Ocoee, B; Olympia, B; West Orange, B; Windermere, A; n Charter — Hope, B; Legacy High, B; Innovation Montessori Ocoee, Incomplete; Oakland Avenue Charter School, B; Renaissance Charter School at Crown Point, C.

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OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

SUMMER SCHOOL ZONE

Making the most out of high school Gabriel Gonzalez shares tips for having the best experience in ninth through 12th grades. There are many ways to make the most out of your high school experience, from making multiple friends to choosing electives that best suit you. The choices you make will shape your entire student life. As a student leader on campus, I’ve seen many students have cherished moments from the following tips. GABRIEL GONZALEZ OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

TIP 1: JOIN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

As simple as it may be, joining extracurricular activities like sports and clubs are a great way to elevate your school involvement. Most students don’t even realize the benefits of being a part of your school’s community. You meet new people and experience something new that might interest you. Having these things to look forward to after school gives students a

sense of purpose and the feeling of belonging. That feeling of belonging could even prevent students from dropping out of high school. According to authors J.L Mahoney and R.B. Cairns’ “Do extracurricular activities protect against early school dropout?” — students who participated in extracurricular activities had a lower dropout rate than those who did not. This goes to show that joining your school’s community can be worth more than you think. TIP 2: HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEACHERS

You might be questioning how having a relationship with your teachers could affect your student life, but teachers are the people who could make it or break it for you. Teachers are there to help you learn and grow as a person. If you build connections with them, going to class won’t feel as forced. Having that lasting connection with them makes school feel less stressful, especially since you have them to help you with work, which gives you more time to

enjoy high school. Another great benefit I’ve learned is that teachers are willing to write you a great recommendation letter if you have a bond with them. TIP 3: PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL EVENTS

When I attend events, I see a lot of students scared because of the stigma that comes with participation. A lot of the time, students feel embarrassed to participate, but when they do get involved, it’s more fun than they expected. Some of the best moments from high school come from doing the things everyone is scared to do, like playing a game during a pep rally or dressing up for Spirit Day. Putting yourself out there is a huge part of enjoying every day and it’s one of the best feelings when you’re with friends doing something fun. TIP 4: LIVE IN THE MOMENT

With all the rigorous classes and the struggles that school might bring, students don’t take advantage of what’s happening around them and forget to live in the moment. We forget that this is our only time in high school — and once it’s gone, we aren’t getting it back. It’s important to take advantage of every opportunity your Observer 1 3/18/22 schoolad_HUBB.pdf has to offer, whether1:44

W that’s attending an event or choosing a class. Living in the moment is one of the best ways to make the most out of your school experience because, after high school, nobody is going to ask what your GPA is or what your grades are like. That’s why it’s important to take a step back and focus on what’s going on in front of you. I’ve learned that I should focus just as much time on school involvement as I do on my academics because I’ll miss some of the best chances of my student life.

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

THESE OLD TIMES

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

JULY 19, 1973 The El Prado Quality Inn, on Route 50 in Ocoee, was once the top place to dine, stay, swim, hang out and listen to cool music. The Sunday Family Buffet, as advertised in a July 1973 issue of “The Winter Garden Times,” offered meat and vegetable choices, a complete salad bar and discounts for small children. Entertainment that week included Rick Montorono and Company, Hal James and the United Sound, and Clay Daniels and the Nashville Cats. Reservations were necessary.

60 years ago

From Dining with Dottie: Maple Egg Cuplets — 2 Tbsp. maple syrup, 2 Tbsp. melted butter, 8 slices bread, 8 eggs, salt, pepper. Combine syrup and butter. Decrust bread, flatten, spread with syrup and butter. Press into buttered muffin pans. Break one egg into each. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in 400-degree oven for 14 minutes. Serve with additional syrup and bacon. Makes 8 servings.

40 years ago

FROM THE ARCHIVES Twenty years ago this week, Plant Street was undergoing a facelift. Thanks to the arrival of the West Orange Trail and hard work by Winter Garden’s citizens, the downtown historic district was attracting new businesses. Shirley’s Trailside Antiques is seen at left in the 1912 Bond Building before its restoration, and the reopened 1927 Edgewater Hotel at right housed the popular Choctaw Willy’s restaurant. At far right is Tony’s Liquors in a building that began its life in 1913 as the Shelby Hotel. At center is the clock tower, shown under construction; it was gifted by the Chicone family and was ready in time for the festivities held the following to celebrate Winter Garden’s 1903 establishment as a city. It was incorporated five years later in 1908. The Winter Garden Heritage Foundation preserves in its extensive archive thousands of photographs showing Winter Garden’s growth over the past 125 years. Call (407) 656-3244 to make a research appointment and get to know the city.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history. with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. … Mrs. Fannie B. Foster from Newark, New Jersey, was a house guest of her father, Mr. and Mrs. Moses Morgan. … Mrs Lillian Bing, president of the Gospel Choir of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, sponsored an appreciation for 15 Heavenlyletts Gospel Singers. … Mr. Jason Reynolds is on the sick list. … Carlisa Davis celebrated her 7th birthday at Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Time Theatre

with her parents, Hosea and Johnie Mae; grandmother, Mrs. Carolyn Anderson; aunt, Ms. Freddie Anderson; cousins, Tracey Brunson, Letitia Morris, Cory Hendrick, Paquita Jackson, Shawn and Sylvester Scott and Aisha Willis.

20 years ago

eral. Amy Quesinberry, Kathy Aber and Robert Comer walked away with honors. The judges represented the North Carolina Press Association. A total of 2,113 entries were received from 91 newspapers; 61 of those received at least one award.

The West Orange Times won three awards in the Florida Press Association’s Better Weekly Newspaper Awards contest held in Cape Canav-

crossword

celebrity cipher

WEIRD AL by Trent H. Evans. Edited by David Steinberg 121 Jeri of “Star Trek: Picard” 122 Opening on Broadway? 123 Didn’t need to guess 124 Dateless 125 Soapy bubbles 126 Dark brews

ACROSS

34 Paw cushion 35 Mexican 35-Down 1 Coarse-toothed cutter 37 Like the Vikings 7 Mix 39 Author Amy 11 Payment promises 40 Consent to the instal15 Bit of trivia 19 Aggressive poker phrase lation of banana chandeliers? 20 You can often see 43 Boxer’s combo through it 45 “Dear Evan ___” 21 Tiny size 46 Chik’n ___ (vegan bite) 22 Woody Guthrie’s son 47 Admit an error 23 Supplier of St. Nick’s 50 Steam, for one steering mechanism? 51 Texter’s “My bad” 26 Heat or Flames, e.g. 52 “Shaquille and his entire 27 Next up, perhaps family are so judgy”? 28 Unagi, in sushi 29 One may last a lifetime 60 Energy-efficient bulbs (Abbr.) 30 Seven, on a sundial 32 “Poor venomous fool,” in 61 Chapel Hill sch. 62 Shrimp look-alike “Antony and Cleopatra” 63 Court pledge 33 Part of a tall cake

66 Behind on bills 68 Acura model 71 Enjoying something 73 Market with an opening bell, briefly 74 Etsy’s business 75 Palindromic French vote 77 Classic dog toy 78 What a court ruling prohibiting games with a Nintendo princess would cause? 83 Chess pros, for short 86 Measure of resistance 87 Scallops and such 88 Lin-Manuel Miranda, for one 90 Tennis legend Andre 94 Bilingual “Sesame Street” character

98 Utopian novel in which people get up late? 102 One of 12 on Mount Olympus 103 Silent performers 104 How a minimalist lives 105 “Help!” 106 Standard 107 “Lose Yourself” genre 108 TV coach Lasso 110 Zumba beginner in Britain? 111 Be sick 112 Bacteriologist who invented a dish 113 Poetic tributes 115 One who didn’t intend to become an attorney? 119 Do some programming 120 Destroy

uses circular logic? 54 Swirling current 55 Magic charm 56 Neighbor of Uru. 57 Subway unit 58 “Hotel ___” (Don Cheadle film set in Africa) 59 Persian retirement DOWN spots? 1 Creamy Italian rice dish 64 Squeegee, e.g. 2 Like Zoroastrianism 65 Like rear legs 3 Pro-V shampoo brand 67 “Don’t sugarcoat it” 4 Indian instrument 69 Keep reminding 5 “Immediately!” 70 Aunt, in Ecuador 6 Director Anderson 71 Notifies 7 Limited coverage pro72 Sun-brewed drink, vider at the Olympics? sometimes 8 Cow’s “flyswatter” 74 “Nightmare” street 9 Traveler’s stop 76 “That punch hurt!” 10 Legume in a Creole rice 79 DIY site dish 80 SAT component elimi11 “It all gets done” nated in 2021 12 Dip for Italian bread 81 Early astronaut Arm13 Jagged strong 14 Relative of Alexa 82 Chaotic places 15 12-Down, for one 83 Flashy music genre 16 Partial floor coverings 84 Hit maker? 17 More elegant 85 Ranch rush 18 Singer with the Heart- 89 Wrath breakers 90 Beer that sounds like 24 “___ knowledge is to 111-Across know the extent of one’s 91 Finishing, as donuts ignorance” (Confucius) 92 Addressed on Twitter 25 Makes, as a salary 93 Welds with an iron 31 Steeping process 95 “Understood” 34 Carefully plan 96 Deluge 35 Shoulder wrap 97 Holds in high esteem 36 One is pressed for cash 99 Prime rib option (Abbr.) 100 “Crazy Rich ___” 38 The “O” of NGO, briefly 101 Hot streak, in a saying 40 Not home 106 Just learning about 41 “Hold it, horse!” 109 Cobs with kernels 42 Little buzzer 111 Not too much 44 Most concise 112 Treaty 48 Chris Wallace’s channel 114 Darn it all? 49 Say, as the Lord’s 116 Grp. with moles Prayer 117 Big Apple sch. 50 Tonic’s partner 118 ___ Vegas Aces 52 Name within “Nobelist” 53 Kind of diagram that

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another. “PI MIC KBPLH EH DJ EJ NBZZHNNHN, KBPLH EH DJ TIV EYMJ CUEHN U XHSS PIVM YMP LIC DYZW BO YLYUM.” – MHSNIM EYMPHSY

“POYCFHWJ FY VEVJ RKB, FYR’C FC? CMJVJ EVJR’C CMEC PERO JRFXPEY FR CMFY PKTJVR BKVGT.” – SJRJTFZC ZWPSJVSECZM

“XSGWG’J, HYPG, U CUWP VGGCHG MW U VUYH XSUX HYNGJ UX XSG FUAP MK UHH MK MLW SGUCJ, UVC XSUX’J EMLW – JUVCWU MS

KGUW.”

Puzzle Three Clue: F equals B

The Winter Garden Rotary Club installed new officers: Johnny Griffin, treasurer; Ray Spears, vice president; John Terrell, president; Steve Girvin, secretary; and Jon Johnson, Tommy DeLoach, Bob Barber, Jim Watson, Jim Crowe, Jim McNabb and John Langford, directors. Outgoing president was Waymon “Lee” Jones.” The Marketplace on Sand Lake Road and Dr. Phillips Boulevard was taking shape in Dr. Phillips. The unique community shopping center’s first announced tenant was Gooding’s Supermarket, which would be open 24 hours a day, was to include a bakery, delicatessen, florist and custom meat department. Other tenants were Loomis Drugs, as well as a seafood restaurant, raw bar and fresh fish market. Albert C. Valdes of Winter Garden, president of Valbro Business Forms Inc., was honored by Rollins College as a 50-year graduate. He served this past year on a committee that helped his class set a record for alumni giving. In Community Notes by Malissia Cruese: The Jeffersons held a family reunion in Barton with approximately 125 attending. Those from Winter Garden were Rachel Jefferson and Ida Jefferson, each

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Puzzle Two Clue: X equals G

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OBSERVER

Puzzle One Clue: K equals J

sudoku Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

7-21-22

JULY 21, 2022

SPORTS HIGH

Ready to

The city of Winter Garden is looking for adult slow-pitch USSSA softball umpires and scorekeepers for the games hosted at Braddock and Veterans Memorial park Monday through Thursday. Experience is not necessary but preferred. Training will be provided. All adults aged 18 and up are welcome to apply. For more information, contact the Winter Garden Parks and Recreation office at (407) 656-4155 or email recinfo@cwgdn.com.

The city of Winter Garden adult kickball league has ongoing registration until Friday, July 29. The league start date is Aug. 18. Games will be at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 p.m. The price to register is $300 per team. Games will be held at Braddock Park, 13460 Lake Butler Blvd.

Windermere Prep is looking for one or two assistant/intern sports performance coaches for the 2022-23 academic school year. This position offers the opportunity to learn how to design and coach a program, how to earn recommendations for future opportunities and potentially receive college credit. This position is unpaid. For more information, contact coach Micah Kurts at micah.kurtz@windermereprep.com.

RUMBLE! Participants will fight in a Battle Royal to define the two finalists who will fight for the first local pro-wrestling championship. SEE PAGE 21.

RANDY WENTWORTH Age: 23 How did you choose your nickname: I just wanted something that fit me. … I like to shorten it to “The Boujee Brawler.” Years pro-wrestling: I first started training for pro-wrestling in 2018 and haven’t stopped since. How you got into pro-wrestling: I loved wrestling as a kid but stopped watching because it became “lame” as I was growing up. I refound my passion for wrestling and couldn’t ignore it. Broken noses: No broken noses or … anything. Concussions: I’ve had a couple of concussions, (none during a match). Worst injury: I capitalized on opportunity to get wins rather than brutally damage my opponent. To me, it’s more of a chess match where I’m the only one who bends the rules. Won matches: I do know is that I’m undefeated Who do you hope to defeat tomorrow? I’m going to keep that streak alive when I defeat the entire local pro-wrestling roster. Then everyone will know what it’s like to #WinWithWentworth.

Registration for the Junior Magic “Fun”damentals basketball fall season is ongoing until Aug. 26 or until capacity is reached. Leagues play Sept. 10 through Oct. 29. The price to register is $60 per child and includes game jersey, regular-season play and ticket opportunity to a Magic game. Every child must provide proof of residency within Orange County. Non-resident children will be charged an additional $20. Volunteer coaches are needed. For more information, email parks@ocfl.net or contact (407) 836-6280.

REY XION

Age: 102 says Facebook How did you choose your nickname: It was given by trained Mr. Hughes; he was watching “(Mobile Suit) Gundam Wing.” Years pro-wrestling: I’ve been wrestling “officially” since 2015. WWA4 was my way in. Broken noses: Blame Muay Thai Concussions: Blame Texas football Hospital visits after a fight: 3; needed stitches Worst injury: MCL level 2 in both knees Worst damage done to an opponent: Coma Number of matches: More than 500 Won matches: 80% win ratio Who do you hope to defeat tomorrow: Defeat anyone (who) rings the doorbell of the House of Spades.

AZRAEL ROW

Age: 23 How did you choose your nickname: I realized that a religious man needs to bend some rules. Years pro-wrestling: 3 years Broken noses: 0 Concussions: 0 that I know of Hospital visits after a fight: 0 Worst injury: Sprained ankle Worst damage done to an opponent: I only do enough damage to win the match. Won matches: Currently undefeated Who do you hope to defeat tomorrow? Hopefully I’ll be one of the last two men left in the Battle Royal. Then, in the main event, I will come out victorious and be crowned the local prowrestling overall champion.

The Orlando Area Rowing Society is quickly approaching the end of its Learn to Row summer camp. Any middle or high school student is welcome to join with little or no rowing experience. Registration is $160 per week. To register, visit oarsrowing.com, and for more information, email coach Kirsten Anderson at coachkirsten@oarsrowing. com.

Jaylin Acevedo recently got offers from three different colleges to play football at the higher level. Page 20.

BOBBY FONTA

Age: 34 How did you choose your nickname: When I was training, the people training me liked the name Fonta, so I kept it. Years pro-wrestling: 16 years How you got into pro-wrestling: I always watched it as a kid and couldn’t picture myself doing anything else beside wrestle. Broken noses: 0 Hospital visits after a fight: 2 Worst injury: I would say concussions; I’ve blacked out from them. Worst damage done to an opponent: Drop them on their head with a DDT. Number of matches: Easily, over 1,500 Won matches: A lot of them; I’ve lost count. Who do you hope to defeat tomorrow? Everyone when we do this Battle Royal and see who becomes the first local pro-wrestling overall champion.

DEATHROW JETHRO

Age:41 Years pro-wrestling: 22 How you got into pro-wrestling: It allows me to get out anger and frustration. Broken noses: None Concussions: 1 Hospital visits after a fight: None Worst injury: A severe high ankle sprain Worst damage done to an opponent: Don’t know; I just leave bodies (lying). Number of matches: Doesn’t matter Who do you hope to defeat tomorrow: Everyone

KNUTH: TFA’S RETIRING ROYALTY From coaching basketball, volleyball and softball to teaching PE classes, Knuth touched the lives of many during her years at TFA. ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Twenty-three years after becoming a Royal, Winter Garden native and Windermere resident Jane Fulmer Knuth is leaving The First Academy behind to step into retirement.

Her last day as TFA’s assistant athletic director is July 29. “It’s getting real,” she said. “There’s going to be a lot of things that I’ll miss, but there’s a lot of things that I’m looking forward to. It’s an exciting time.” Before the school year started, Knuth was prepared to work for two more years to reach the 25-year mark. But her husband, Brad Knuth, presented her with an unexpected gift at the end of last year. “For Christmas, Brad decided he was going to give me retirement,” Knuth said. “He gave me

a box with a letter in it that said I could retire this year. It’s two years earlier, which I’m not going to complain. I told him he couldn’t take it back now.” LEISURE YEARS

Knuth is looking forward to enjoying her four grandchildren. “I’m anxious to spend time with them,” she said. Traveling is in the horizon for her and her husband; they already are planning a trip to Hawaii come February. They hope to make travel plans to other destinations too. “I don’t necessarily have a

bucket list,” she said. “My husband has a bucket list, so I just kind of hang on to his. I’m just a content person. I don’t need a lot.” Despite entering retirement, Knuth said, she will help at her husband’s family business for a while on a flexible schedule of up to three days a week. “We have a farm; the family business is farming in Nebraska,” she said. “They do all of it pretty much from here. It’s crazy that they can do that.” SEE TFA PAGE 20

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Jaylin Tavion Acevedo Jaylin Tavion Acevedo has been a student at Central Florida Christian Academy for three years. A rising senior, Acevedo currently holds a 3.8 GPA and has received offers to play football at the collegiate level from the Naval Academy, Brown University and Warner University. Acevedo was recently named to the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl Southern Conference’s watch list.

How long have you been playing football? (I’ve been playing football) since my ninth-grade year, so about four years. How did you get into football in the first place? My stepdad brought me out here to the fields, and we just started out from there. How long have you been part of this school? I’ve been going to this school for three years. What does football mean to you, and what do you love most about it? I’d say it means an opportunity. One of the things I love the most about it is probably “pancakes.” I like destroying people, really like being aggressive and being able to dominate somebody. How do you believe you’ve progressed since you started to play football four years ago? Tremendously. When I first started (playing football), I was almost 400 pounds. (Since then), I lost down to 329 pounds, around there, so I’m doing good. Why play football, out of all other sports? Because you can be a big guy and also be able to move.

THE BASICS

SCHOOL: Central Florida Christian Academy AGE: 17 SPORT: Football POSITION: Guard, center, tackle GRADE: Rising senior

them back, showing your strength, how low you can get and what you can use. Do you prefer playing offense or defense? I like defense more, but offense is my calling. Ever since I started playing football I started at left guard, and then I’ve been working out in the O-Line since then.

After 23 years, Jane Knuth was able to be part of TFA’s first state softball championship.

TFA assistant athletic director Jane Fulmer Knuth retires after 23 years

Do you play any other sports besides football? I’ve played basketball, and this year I played baseball just to stay fit. What are you looking forward the most to the next season? I’m looking forward to going to the state championship. The past two years we were (runners-up) and part of the final four, so we’ve been pretty close.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

LIFE IN THE SPORTS WORLD

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? Banana; I love a banana milkshake.

When she was little, Knuth enjoyed watching her late brother, Pete Fulmer, compete. What is your favorite thing “I love sports,” she about being a part of your What’s your favorite hobby? said. “I grew up in a preteam? Fishing. dominantly boy-world Probably traveling with the team sports. I used to watch for the games and the team meals. What’s your favorite thing to my brother play basedo during the summer? ball. I would hang on the What’s your favorite thing to Lift, probably summer lifts. fence, and I would wait to do at practice? get in there and play.” Our board drills. It’s basically like What’s your favorite movie? When she was 10 years a one-on-one (drill), “Roll Bounce,” it’s like a skatold, Knuth was among so we go heading movie. I love going skating, the first group of girls on with like Rollerblades. (The movie) is who started the West another about that. They are trying to Orange Girls Club. person and save an old burned-down skat“I started to play softthey have ing rink. ball when I was really to try to young,” she said. “I push you Who’s your favorite marvel started to play at the back so superhero? West Orange Girls Club you have Thor; nobody can beat Thor. because that was all there to try to was for girls to play in.” push If you could have A former Warrior, a super power, Knuth graduated from which one West Orange High School would it be in 1980 with a scholarand why? ship to play slow-pitch I don’t know. softball at Valencia ColProbably lege. A few years later, invisibility she received a scholarso if I play ship from the University D-line. I of Florida to play softball just get to with the Gators. the quarterDuring her last year of back easy. college, however, “the governing body for slowFavorite pitch softball folded,” she type of said, but the University of music? Florida allowed her and Rap and R&B. the other senior girls who were part of the team to What’s on keep their scholarships. your bucket That’s when Knuth list? discovered her love for Probably travel coaching. Initially, she out of the country began coaching at Santa and have a house Fe College in Gainesville when I’m 21 years in 1984 until her graduold. ation. “It paid my way Best vacation through school,” she said. place? 1984 was a big year New York; that’s for Knuth, as she moved the first place back to Winter Garden that I flew to. Shannon Till, Agent We’re all in this together. - ANDREA and got married to her Fowler’s Grove 3279 Daniels Rd State FarmMUJICA has a long tradition husband, with whom Winter Garden, FL 34787 Toll Free: 855-742-1591 of being there. That’s one reason she has two children — a www.shannontill.com why I’m proud to support West daughter, Kori, and son, Orange county.. Bryce.

Family. Friends. Community.

Prior to beginning her career at TFA, Knuth coached at West Orange High from 1989 to 1990 before becoming a stay at home mom from 1990 to 1999. In 1999, her college friend Benna Cail, who played with Knuth at Valencia, asked her if she would like to help with the lower school sports program at TFA — and that opened the door that amplified Knuth’s love for coaching and sports. “TFA was a God’s timing type thing,” she said. “Coaching is all about the kids. When you coach, you coach not to win state championships — yes, you do, but you coach to mentor the kids, and so that’s the reason I coach.” A HELPING HAND

Throughout her years at TFA, Knuth coached volleyball, basketball and softball; and taught physical education classes. However, in the more than two decades she was a Royal, Knuth mostly spent time as assistant coach; for a brief time, she held the title of head coach for the softball team. “I thrive on making life easier for other people,” she said. “For me, as an assistant coach, I want to do the things that a head coach doesn’t necessarily want to do or does not want to spend the time doing because they can’t

focus on what they have to do to build their program.” During the first stages of TFA’s softball program, Knuth recalls it was not easy to get girls to play the sport. But, in the end, those who joined the program had fun while learning to play softball, and some of them even went on to play at the collegiate level. “Yes, I had the title of head coach for a while, but that’s not where I like to be,” she said. “I always made sure that I surrounded myself with some really good coaches that mentored the girls and taught them the skill of fast-pitched softball, because at that point it was fast-pitched and I grew up as a low-pitch player.” Over her years as assistant coach for the basketball, volleyball and softball programs, Knuth was a part of eight state championships: two for girls basketball, five for volleyball and, the last one — the one she had been looking to get for a long time — the softball title in May. Even though the softball state championship holds a dear place in Knuth’s heart, the girls basketball state championships of 2006 takes the title for her fondest memory at TFA. “Winning the first state championship with my daughter when she

played on the 2006 girls basketball team,” she said. “Just having her as part of that program and that being the first state championship (we won together).” For the last seven years, Knuth held the position of assistant athletic director. “I thrive on doing the things that our athletic director doesn’t have time to do, so I get it done so he can focus on the big picture as I focus on the little things,” she said. As her last day approaches, Knuth has mixed emotions about leaving. One of the things she will miss the most about TFA is the big family aspect of the school. “All the way from our administration down to our operations department, it’s just a family environment,” she said. “Everybody knows everybody. So I know all of our teachers’ kids, and they know me, it’s just a size that it’s a village. Everybody is watching out for each other.” What legacy does Knuth hope to have left within the walls of TFA over her years there? “I hope it is that I ran the race well and that I touched a lot of lives,” she said. “And that I was an example for Christ. That’s what I hope my imprint is.”

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARIES

Summer Heat brings pro-wrestling fans to Ocoee BATTLE ROYAL WRESTLERS

ANDREA MUJICA

Bobby Chrono Devin Decay Bobby Fonta Mike Hammer Deathrow Jethro Daniel Lacey Christian Mills Apolo Misery Daemon Morningstar Mike Reed Azrael Row Rich Wise Randy Wentworth Rey Xion D.O.M

STAFF WRITER

Ocoee is getting ready to rumble. The city is welcoming local prowrestling fighters for its Summer Heat event Friday, July 22, at the Jim Beech Recreation Center. Former pro-wrestler and promoter Les Allier and a friend, Eric Holingsworth, came up with the name of the event in 2019. “We do a family-friendly show where everyone can come out for two hours,” Allier said. “Once you walk into the building, for those two hours or so, everything outside that building doesn’t matter. Everyone is escaping the reality that they need to get away from. They get lost into a live event.” The idea of hosting the event came after Allier — who fought under the name Bonez The Cutthroat from 1999 to 2007 — realized he wanted to start running shows again after taking a 15-year sabbatical after the birth of his daughter. Summer Heat will start with a Battle Royal, where about 20 contestants will fight with everything they’ve got to become the last two men standing. The two will face each other to determine who will be crowned the first local prowrestler champion. According to Allier, wrestling provides “an outlet to get energy out, to be boisterous. … If I’m not 100% me, wrestling gives me the ability to be me 150%. … It’s about (controlling) the environment that you are in, being the center point and, I guess, having all eyes on you, to be able to express myself freely as a wrestler.” The show has been three years in the making. First, it was hosted in Clermont, where it attracted about 150 people. Then, it was moved to Groveland, but that event was canceled because of COVID-19. “I was itching to put out a show,” Allier said. After things began to open up, he spoke to staff at Stormy Hill HarveyDavidson to host a free event on Halloween. “The way I was thinking was, the kids weren’t going to have a Halloween,” he said. “So we ended up putting an event 100% free with food trucks, vendors, and then we did a wrestling show as well.” That event attracted around 1,000 people. After that, Allier hosted a fundraising event to support veterans that raised more than $5,000. This year, he decided to move the event to a bigger venue, and the Jim Beech Recreation Center was chosen.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Summer Heat Battle Royal WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 22 WHERE: Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A.D. Mims Road, Ocoee. TICKETS: Front-row tickets are $20 and include priority entry and a Summer Heat poster. Regular admission is $15 per adult, $10 per child and $20 for a combo. Available at bit.ly/3zeQyAw.

CHARLES TEMPLE “TIM” LANDERS DIED THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2022.

Charles Temple “Tim” Landers, of Apopka, Florida, died Thursday, June 23, 2022. Tim was born in Anniston, Alabama, on May 28, 1958, to Joseph Temple Landers and Winifred McCarty “Wink” Landers. Tim graduated from Anniston High School in 1976 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University in Agriculture in 1980, majoring in ornamental horticulture. Tim is survived by his wife, Maureen Landers, of Apopka, Florida; his daughter, Lisa Landers of Savannah, Georgia; and his brother, Mark Landers, of Charlotte, North Carolina. He is preceded in death by his son, Petty Officer First Class Madison Landers of Apopka, Florida; and his oldest brother, Kel Landers, of Atlanta, Georgia. Tim also leaves behind an extensive network of beloved family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. He cared deeply for the people he surrounded himself with and never denied anyone a seat around his grand outdoor firepit. Tim had an extensive career and spent forty years in the indoor foliage industry. He and his wife Maureen were the own-

ers of Benchmark Foliage, Inc. in Apopka, Florida, from 19962010, and he most recently served as the head grower for AG 3, Inc. in Eustis, Florida. During his career, he also spent time working in landscape design and as an educator, teaching horticulture at Oxford High School in Oxford, Alabama. Tim was an active member of his community serving as the president of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce from 2005-2006 and president of the Action Chapter of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association from 1997-1998. He was also an active member of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life serving on the Apopka area Hobson-Berry Team. Many may remember enjoying Tim play music as a bass player and member of “Johnny and the Moondogs,” a local oldies band from Apopka. Tim was

also a founding member of the bluegrass band “Distant Cousins” of Anniston, during the 1980s and ’90s. One of Tim’s favorite pastimes was sitting around the bonfire watching Auburn Tigers Football. He could almost always be found wearing orange and blue and welcomed all friendly rivalries. His love and passion for the Tigers was indisputable and is shared with the Auburn Family. Tim was an outdoorsman who spent countless hours catching fish and trolling gators. He enjoyed playing golf, taking golf cart rides around his neighborhood, and landscaping his beautifully manicured lawn and garden. A celebration of life for Tim will be held Friday, July 1, 2022, with a visitation beginning at 3 p.m. and memorial service at 3:30 p.m. at Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida. Those who so desire, please make memorial donations in memory of Tim to the Stephen Siller Tunnels to Towers Foundation in Staten Island, New York 10306; or any military charitable organization of your choosing. Flowers may be sent to Loomis Funeral Home in Apopka, Florida 32712.

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