10.13.22 West Orange Times & Observer

Page 1

Winter

Hamlin ushers in fall season ROAD RAGE:

ROLLING OUT THE PINK CARPET

The race includes

Ian exacerbates flooding issues on Reams

CREALDÉ, WGHF PARTNER FOR EXHIBIT

GAME OF THE WEEK

Olympia vs. Dr. Phillips

Orange teams renew their rivalry

Learn more about

Game

A collaboration between Crealdé School of Art and the Winter Gar den Heritage Foundation offers a photographic window into the culture and landscape of Lake Apopka. Highlights from the trav eling exhibition are on display at Winter Garden City Hall through Oct. 31, and a special reception and gallery walk with project director Peter Schreyer is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13. City Hall is at 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.

OCOEE POLICE TO HOST NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Join the Ocoee Police Department for a Night Out Against Crime at the annually celebrated National Night Out. It takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, along McKey Street in downtown Ocoee. The free event will include music, food trucks, inflatables, vehicle tours and face painting.

National Night Out is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships.

ROTARY DEALS POKER TOURNEY

The Rotary Club of Winter Garden is holding its 14th annual Poker Tournament Friday, Oct. 21, at Tanner Hall, 29 W. Garden Ave., Winter Garden. Registration starts at 6 p.m., and cards fly at 7.

The cost is a $75 donation if pre-registering; $85 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at bit. ly/3fTo0FE and include pizza, salad and two drinks (beer, wine or soda). The prizes are a $1,000 Visa gift card for first place, $500 gift card for second and $250 for third.

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. Observer FREE • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022
YOUR TOWN
Amy Quesinberry Dr. Margo Shoup and Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital President Philip Koovakada are excited to introduce the new breast imaging center. The mural at the center’s entrance was painted by local artist Rudy Drapiza.
Windermere laces up for Run Among the Lakes WEST ORANGE TIMES &
Garden, Ocoee, Oakland PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID WINTER GARDEN, FL PERMIT NO. 81 *****************ECRWSSEDDM**** Postal Customer VOLUME 89, NO. 41
Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee is opening a new breast imaging center Oct. 17. SEE STORY ON PAGE 4A.
5K and 10K options for participants, and all finishers receive a cool bottle-opener medal. SEE PAGE 2A.
Road. SEE PAGE 6A.
Southwest
this Friday.
our
of the Week. PAGE 1B. Families flocked to Hamlin Town Center last weekend for Pumpkin Palooza. PHOTOS ON 6B.

Windermere

returns

Set your alarm for an early wake-up call Saturday, Oct. 15, and head over to Windermere for the town’s 21st annual fall 5K and 10K event.

More than 1,000 runners have signed up, and a crowd of 3,000 people is expected.

Packets can be picked up from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, and Friday, Oct. 14, and the day of the race from 6 to 7:15 a.m. at Windermere Town Hall, 520 Main St.

Runners will start the 10K route at 7:15 a.m., and walkers and runners take off at 7:45 for the 5K. This year’s route begins at Town Hall and winds through the town’s dirt roads, under huge oaks and along several lakes — south to 11th Avenue before heading northeast. At West First Avenue and Maguire Road, 5K participants go

given to the top three in each division, as well as overall winners. The medals are sponsored by Windermere Brewing Company and are bottle openers featuring the company’s pelican logo.

Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute is sponsoring the Recovery

benefiting the town of Windermere Parks and Recreation, which is responsible for all the town’s parks and which provides capital improvements such as playgrounds, docks, exercise equipment, pavilions and tennis courts.

All the funds raised by the

new shade structure at a park that recently lost several old oaks.

Those who sign up for the event and use the code WINDBREW at checkout will be entered to win a $50 Windermere Brewing gift card.

There is no registration for the Kids Run, which is free to children 7 and

2A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 OrangeObserver.com
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Saturday Windermere Brewing Company is sponsoring this year’s medals, which are bottle openers featuring the company’s pelican logo.

City of Ocoee Fiscal Year

The Ocoee City Commission approved the final Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget during its Sept. 21 meeting. The 2022-23 General Fund stands at $72,546,232, which shows a $6,166,757 decrease from Fiscal Year 2021-22.

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT

Department FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2022 FY 2022-23

City Commission $173,289 $279,177 $279,377 $284,343

City Manager $574,309 $619,924 $640,692 $630,499

City Clerk $286,945 $373,385 $328,105 $411,529

Finance $1,111,560 $1,180,688 $1,233,192 $1,356,108

Human Resources $489,476 $631,308 $686,751 $645,734

Legal $231,496 $337,500 $327,500 $327,500

Planning $619,143 $851,522 $775,392 $1,040,038

General Government $11,936,957 $15,338,153 $39,746,377 $16,138,197

Public Works Admin $216,778 $225,035 $318,695 $222,607

Support Services Admin $1,359,948 $1,761,896 $1,631,474 $1,877,670

Maintenance Operations $737,077 $959,429 $976,257 $1,691,933

Police $12,601,301 $13,198,267 $13,293,525 $19,323,209

Fire $8,929,523 $7,996,594 $8,167,564 $13,346,830

Street Operations $3,593,553 $4,893,575 $4,171,358 $8,633,219

Parks and Recreation $2,844,023 $3,301,516 $3,662,587 $4,124,136

GENERAL FUND REVENUE

Other Financing $3,556,917.90

Fines and Forfeitures $1,620,150

Other Revenues $4,098,600

4.95

The set millage rate for Fiscal Year 2022-23 is 4.95, which represents a .10 decrease from the previous fiscal year. This means property owners will pay a $4.95 tax for every $1,000 worth of property value.

5%

The 2022-23 FY budget includes a 5% increase in employee salaries. All em ployees earning less than $12 an hour were brought up to the minimum $15 an hour. For employees earning more than $15 an hour, the 5% increase in salary was applied.

TOTAL REVENUES & OTHER FINANCING SOURCES

Oakland approves final budget for FY 2022-23

The town will operate next year with a budget of $28,079,668 and a millage rate of 6.3.

Oakland town commissioners approved next year’s final operating budget Sept. 27, and it is set at $28,079,668 with a millage rate of 6.3. This was the second of two public hearings that must be held to make it official. It is the same budget amount and millage rate that was approved at the Sept. 12 meeting.

The Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget includes several impact fee projects, several water system projects, the third phase of renovations and upgrades for Speer Park, funds for new personnel and equipment for the Oakland Police Department, and completion of the roundabout on West Oakland Avenue.

The town has been able to lower its millage rate for four of the last five years — from 6.75 to the current 6.3.

Licenses and Permits $2,044,400

Charges and Fees $5,225,450

Cash Balance $15,053,969

Taxes $27,513,511

General Fund: $72,546,232 Stormwater: $4,168,850 CRA: $6,107,353 Water/Wastewater: $18,605,671 Solid Waste/Sanitation: $4,708,648 Other Fund: $5,541,566 Total: $111,678,320

TOTAL EXPENDITURES & DISBURSEMENTS

$13,433,235

POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

The proposed budget includes 39 capital improvement

nearly $32.5

General Fund: $72,546,232 Stormwater: $4,168,850 CRA: $6,107,353 Water/Wastewater: $18,605,671 Solid Waste/Sanitation: $4,708,648 Other Fund: $5,541,566

Total: $111,678,320

POLICE AND FIRE

With concerns of a recession, Oakland Town Manager Steve Koontz suggested the town look closely at the reserves and millage in future years and consider increasing the reserves, which would mean no millage rate decrease next year.

PEACOCKS AND PEAHENS

Town resident Maureen Jacobson presented a packet of information that included a petition signed by about 160 people requesting the town become a sanctuary for the peafowl that have lived in the town for decades.

Mayor Kathy Stark said staff will look at the documents and the subject would be placed on a future commission meeting agenda.

The peahens are no longer in the town, Jacobson said, and she wants the town to save the peacocks that still are here.

“We appreciate all the work you have done and all the passion people have around the peafowl,” Stark said. “We will take all this into consideration. … I want to go on record … We have neither relocated or euthanized any peafowl in the town of Oakland.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS

this

with $5,081,237; General Government Services, with $122,900; Parks, with $421,088; Police Department, with $5,628,259; Recreation, with $219,548; Support Services Administration, with $16,000; Utilities Administration, with $75,000; Water Facilities, with $313,327; Water Field Operations, with $1,490,111; Wastewater Facilities, with $50,000; and Wastewater Field Operations, with $1,280,899.

individual requests are: CRA, with $6,970,537;

The total budget for the Police Depart ment is $19.3 million, a 31.20% increase of $6,029,684 from last year. The total budget for the Fire Depart ment is $13.3 million, a 38.8% increase of $5,179,266 from last year. Combined, the police and fire depart ments for FY 2022-23 total $32.7 million, a 34% increase from the FY 2021 budget. The total increase for pub lic safety in FY 2021-22 was $11,208,950. Part of this increase can be attributed to the hir ing of new personnel. These are a new ser geant, a new technolo gy specialist and three new police officers. On the fire department side, a new senior mu nicipal fire inspector position was added. The increase will fund all new positions.

n The Town Commission approved its consent agenda, which included a water rate increase of 93 cents. The town’s water rates are increased each Oct. 1 based on the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers, finance director Renee Mullen said in a memo to the commission. The maximum increase cannot exceed 5%, so the minimum bill for residential water will go up from $18.69 to $19.62.

n Commissioners gave final approval to ordinances that pro tect the new official municipal logo, clean up and update the Town Code referencing build ings and building regulation, and set a schedule of develop ment application review fees.

n Mayor Kathy Stark read proclamations declaring Oct. 15 Blind Americans Equality Day and October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as well as one declaring a State of Local Emergency. The meet ing was held prior to Hurricane Ian’s arrival later that week, and the third proclamation qualifies the town for funding through the Florida Emergency Manage ment Agency in case of storm damages.

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 3AOrangeObserver.com
’22-’23
TOTAL: $72,546,232
FY2020 FY2021 FY22 FY22/23 CATEGORY ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGETED BUDGETED Regular Salaries $5,974,494 $6,302,783 $7,133,029 $7,658,271 Overtime Pay $250,733 $226,207 $262,500 $400,000 Incentive Pay $77,569 $77,336 $83,599 $84,840 FICA Taxes $461,725 $481,542 $518,595 $556,764 Retirement Contribution $2,120,449 $1,813,738 $1,800,000 $1,466,280 Health Insurance $25,224 $39,439 $53,000 $55,000 Unemployment Compensation $0 $261 $0 $0 TOTAL: $8,910,195 $8,941,307 $9,850,723 $10,221,155
FY2020 FY2021 FY22 FY22/23 CATEGORY ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGETED BUDGETED Regular Salaries $3,914,416 $4,043160 $4,152,488 $4,500,000 Overtime Pay $320,105.94 $437,110 $465,110 $483,710 Incentive Pay $23,030 $23,944 $36,063 $37,326 FICA Taxes $307,656 $334,259 $320,000 $340,500 Retirement Contribution $1,633,091 $1,475,096 $1,208,582 $817,000 Health Insurance $32,526 $62,149 $35,000 $36,050 Unemployment Comp $1,034 $5,682 $5,000 $5,000 TOTAL $6,231,858 $6,475,811 $6,222,243 $6,219,586BUDGET BREAKDOWN
37.9% Intergovernmental
18.5%
20.8%
7.2%
4.9%
2.8%
2.2%
5.6%
projects totaling
million for
upcoming year. The
Fire Department,

Imaging center opens in Ocoee

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and to coincide with this, Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee is opening a new breast imaging center Oct. 17.

The renovated wing of the hospital will give residents access to comprehensive breast care — from screening and diagnostic care to treatment and surgery — all on the hospital campus.

The space provides the latest technology to detect breast cancer. It will offer patients 3D mammograms, breast ultrasounds, DEXA scans and image-guided breast biopsies in five treatment rooms. Breast MRIs will be available in early 2023.

Officials wanted the imaging center to have a relaxing atmosphere from the moment patients step inside.

Orlando Health commissioned local artist Rudy Drapiza from the Winter Garden Art Association to paint the entrance mural, including daisies symbolizing the Daisy Award, which recognizes the extraordinary efforts of nurses throughout Orlando Health.

Inside, a spa-like setting with dimmed lights, soft music and water features provide a calming effect. Patients also will experience a team devoted to giving them expert care.

“Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital is always working to bring more top-notch health care services and specialties to the West Orange community,” said Philip Koovakada, senior vice president of Orlando Health South Central region and president of Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital. “The Breast Imaging Center is part of that mission. It enables us to offer our patients comprehensive and high-quality breast care all on our campus.”

He said a cancer diagnosis is physical and emotionally draining, and navigating the health care process shouldn’t be another added stress.

“We’ve heard from our patients how important convenience is to them,” said Dr. Margo Shoup, presi dent of Orlando Health Cancer Insti tute. “We also know that patient out comes improve when care is delivered close to home in a seamless manner.

The breast imaging center, Orlando Health Cancer Institute — Ocoee and Orlando Health — Health Central brings those components together on one campus.”

“We want to make it easy for patients to book appointments and see their doctors in the same locations,” Koovakada said.

Two physicians from Orlando Health downtown are committing 100% of their time to Health Central’s new imaging center.

“The new Breast Imaging Cen ter ensures that our patients here in West Orange County have convenient access to the same advanced breast cancer detection technology found at the top cancer centers anywhere in the

country,” Shoup said. “This center, combined with our expert physicians and team members who specialize in breast care, completes the muchneeded center for comprehensive breast cancer and breast diseases here in Ocoee.”

Marisa Cooke is the breast surgical oncology physician assistant, and she also runs the diagnostic clinic, where she sees patients with any breast complaint.

“I utilize the Breast Imaging Services to work up/follow the patient’s complaints,” she said. “I work closely with breast imaging to coordinate the care. It is imperative to have a close working relationship so that communication with the patient is accurate and timely. I cannot do what I do for the patients without the support of Breast Imaging.

Cooke developed the diagnostic clinic, which was originally in down town Orlando, five years ago.

“This model was very successful, and Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital wanted to replicate the clinic in Ocoee,” she said. “I work close to the hospital so jumped at the oppor tunity to do what I did downtown close to home.”

Cooke will be able to work oneon-one — and side-by-side — with patients.

“My intention is that for the women in need of biopsy or additional imag ing, I will be able to sit down and review their imaging with them, explain the findings and recommendations, and coordinate further work-up for the same day,” she said. “I have found that the waiting period is usually very anx iety-provoking. By having the ability

to see the patient and have additional work-up performed the same day, I can decrease the waiting period and deliver fast and efficient care to the women of West Orange County.”

“We always want our patients’ screening mammograms to come back negative but based on statistics, we know that some of them will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” Koovakada said. “Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough, so we want to make sure people can easily make appointments and receive all of their care in the same place, near their homes.”

“Our patients can expect worldclass treatment when they walk through the doors of this center,” Shoup said. “We’ve taken what we’ve learned at our downtown Orlando campus and brought it to Ocoee so that our patients in West Orange can benefit from having comprehensive cancer treatment options right in their own backyard.”

“Not only can patients expect a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere; they will also have an experienced and dedicated team with them the entire way,” Koovakada said.

“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

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4A OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 OrangeObserver.com
Health Central Hospital officials celebrated the new breast imaging center Monday, Oct. 10 with a ribbon-cutting event. Courtesy photo
The imaging center team includes Kiara Brown, left, mammography supervisor; Rachel Gartner, mammography technologist; Marisa Cooke, physician assistant; Roxann Prieto, care navigator; and Selena Ratcliffe, registered nurse/nurse navigator. Photos by Amy Quesinberry The center has multiple screening and scanning rooms.
“Dealing with a cancer diagnosis is difficult enough, so we want to make sure people can easily make appointments and receive all of their care in the same place, near their homes.”
— Dr. Margo Shoup Observer
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Commission OKs Ocoee Oaks rezoning, with a traffic caveat

Traffic concerns will need to be resolved prior to approval of the 22-home development.

The Ocoee City Commission on Oct. 4 approved unanimously the rezon ing of the Ocoee Oaks Joint Venture with the condition the traffic issue be examined and resolved.

The subject property spans 12.59 acres. However, only the southern 5.71-acre portion adjacent to White Road pertains to the rezoning. The property is located in the northeast corner of the South Clarke Road and White Road intersection.

The rezoning of the property would change the current low-density residential land-use designation to single-family residential, which will allow the development of 22 homes.

Doug Gomber, Ocoee resident and White Hill Home Owners Association member, addressed the commission.

“We are not here to kill this whole project; we put all of our faith in the (city of Ocoee) to do all of the things they’ve got to do,” he said. “But I have do voice my one big issue here, and we are going to do this until time ends, and that’s a traffic issue.

IN OTHER NEWS

“The way this property wraps, there’s only going to be an access road that is only going to come out on White Road, which is very near to the intersection of White and Clarke,” Gomber said. “(That intersection) is already blocked up in the mornings and afternoons with school traffic, school buses, people coming back and forth.”

Commissioners Larry Brinson and Rosemary Wilsen echoed traffic con cerns.

“I don’t think our residents have a problem with the rezoning, it’s the issues that will come from adding homes in there,” Wilsen said.

Wilsen made the motion to approve the rezoning of the property with the condition that the traffic issue be studied and resolved prior to the future development of the land.

“We can vote to make sure we change the zoning, but when it comes down (to it), we need to make sure that we work on that intersection,” Mayor Rusty Johnson said. “I don’t mind doing it, but you need to tell me that we will be able to fix that.”

n The commission proclaimed the month of October 2022 as Community Planning Month. According to the proclamation, this gives the city of Ocoee and its residents “the opportunity to publicly recognize the participation and dedication of the members of planning commissions and other citizen planners who have contributed their time and expertise to the improvement of the city of Ocoee.”

n The commission approved an emergency item that requested the closure of public roads within downtown Ocoee from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, for the Ocoee High School Homecoming Parade. There will be 25 vehicles or floats partici pating in the parade, and about 400 people are estimated to be in attendance for the event.

n The commission heard the first reading of an ordinance for the Ocoee Landings PUD mixed-use building amendment, which will come back for its second reading and public hearing on the Oct. 18 meeting.

n The commission also heard the first reading of an ordinance for the Rodriguez/Torres property, located at 285 11th Ave., regarding future annexa tion and rezoning. This item will be brought back for its second reading and public hearing during the Oct. 18 meeting.

n The commission heard the first reading of an ordinance for the Persuad/RAMA Communica tions Inc. property located on 175 Clarke Road regarding future annexation and rezoning of the property. This item will be brought back for its second reading and public hearing during the Oct. 18 meeting.

n The commission pulled from the agenda the unsolicited offer from resident John Yu for a cityowned property located on the west side of the Ocoee-Apopka Road and the north side of Fullers Cross Road. The subject property is 6.96 acres, and the letter of intent is requesting to purchase about 3 acres for $1.2 million. There is no set date as to when this item will be brought back to the commission.

n The commission approved the rezoning of Covingtown Oaks, a 9.94-acre property located on the north side of A.D. Mims Road from lowdensity residential to single-family residential.

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A wet mess: Ian exacerbates Reams issues

water pond on the planned develop ment on Aug. 20, 2019.

The longtime flooding problems of Reams Road overflowed when Hurricane Ian saturated the area as it rumbled across the state.

And even as of press time Tuesday, Oct. 11, a portion of the road remains closed, causing commuter and traffic problems for thousands who use the road on a daily basis.

Residents have turned to local government officials with questions. How did this happen? Why did this happen? And what can be done to prevent it from happening again?

Unfortunately, the answers are nei ther easy nor simple.

“Until we elevate the roadway, flooding will likely be an ongoing issue for sections of Reams Road,” Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said. “The Lake Reams Basin drains down toward Reedy Creek, and outfall has increased over the last 10 years due to encroaching development.

“We are in discussions with Reedy Creek about pumping south, because, based on the elevations, pumping water north would just push it back onto the same stretch of road,” she said. “Public Works is also evaluating the use of sandbags or berms. Longterm, we have plans to elevate the road in these low-lying, wet areas so that water and wildlife can move freely

“Long-term, we have plans to elevate the road in these low-lying, wet areas so that water and wildlife can move freely under, and we are in the process of acquiring some of the area for Green Place flood mitigation.”

under, and we are in the process of acquiring some of the area for Green Place flood mitigation.”

As of Monday, Oct. 10, the Orange County Roads and Drainage Division said the area is seeing some improvement with the pump, but the road still has about 4 inches of water on the westbound side.

“We are currently refueling the pump in hopes to have this road accessible soon,” division officials said. “We do have to address a couple of locations on the road once the water is removed or low enough to repair.”

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Bill Vandewater also provided an update on Monday.

“At that pace, it appears to me, it may take another couple of days before the roadway can be safely reopened without vehicles crossing the double yellow line to avoid the standing water or hydroplaning,” he said.

A LOOK BACK

The Lake Reams Neighborhood Planned Development was approved Aug. 25, 1998, and is located within the Lakeside Village Special Planning Area of Horizon West.

The subject property went through a Comprehensive Plan Future Land

Use Map amendment in 2015, undergoing a public hearing process before receiving ultimate approval.

During the July 28, 2015, public hearing, the County Commission supported unanimously former District 1 Commissioner Scott Boyd’s motion to remove an additional 20-acre upland island located to the south and maintain it as Upland Greenbelt, which does not allow for residential development.

However, the Upland Greenbelt does allow for road crossings, parks, golf courses, storm water manage ment areas and recreational uses such as bike/pedestrian and equestrian trails.

Boyd said this was not supported by the developer for removal during the community meeting input process.

“My reason for pulling the 20 acres was that it was not contiguous to the fronting acreage along Reams and Ficquette and required the need for additional wetland impacts for connectivity,” Boyd said. “By removing the 20 acres, I felt it addressed the concerns of residents in the south along Abbotsbury Drive and would also provide when developed additional stormwater management and compensating storage during

heavy rain events for the proposed community, surrounding area and those along Abbotsbury Drive.”

Boyd said the developer also was required to convey all right-of-way required for Reams and Ficquette roads prior to preliminary plan approval.

Boyd said significant input was taken through county, community and developer-driven conversations. His office held two community meetings related to the project leading up to the final amendment on Nov. 17, 2015.

“The result of the two … meetings … led to a reduction in the origi nal proposed 280 residential units down to 75 residential units,” Boyd said. “Mostly driven by multiple upland island areas within the pro posed development that would have required wetland impacts for access and a neighboring community con cern about encroachment of natural buffers and periodic street flooding along Abbotsbury Drive.”

When former District 1 Commis sioner Betsy VanderLey took office in 2016, the discussion continued as the developer proposed to the Coun ty Commission significant wetland impacts due to a proposed storm

VanderLey said she and the com mission remanded the request and the associated Conservation Area Impact Permit and PSP back to county staff for the developer to reduce the devel opment program, reconfigure the storm water management program and reduce the conservation area impacts.

According to an Orange Coun ty staff report from May 5, 2020, a motion was made by VanderLey to “remand the cases back to the Devel opment Review Committee; further, remand the Adequate Public Facilities Agreement for Lake Reams Neigh borhood PD / DevelopCo Inc. Prop erty to the appropriate staff; recon figure the storm water management program, reduce the conservation area impacts, protect the wetlands and any other changes that are con sistent therein.”

Throughout the process, the requested development plan was reduced from 280 single-family units to 57, and there was an addition of almost 300 acres of wetlands and uplands to conservation.

In addition, the developer’s land was used to address a flooding issue in an adjacent neighborhood, a reduced speed was implemented to address the wildlife crossing area, and the contribution of land and funds were supplied by the developer to improve the intersection and traffic signal required at Summerlake Boulevard and Reams Road.

LIVING WITH IT

However, many local residents feel the improvements have not been enough.

Robert McKinley said he remembers the Florida area as it was years ago before the increase in paving over a majority of the land.

“It just irritates me to watch them haul dirt in and fill in a low area,” he said. “That low area is there for a reason and what was a little pond or marsh area will now have houses built on it. The flooding is going to continue as long as they continue to fill those areas.”

He said he believes if the former

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Annabelle Sikes The intersection across from the Dream Finders project still was flooded Saturday, Oct. 8.

commissioners had focused more on the issues rather than money, the community would be in better shape environmentally.

“I have heartburn with commissioners that just, to me, want to fatten their pockets,” he said.

Brandon Jo, who has lived in the Horizon West area since 2016, said the intersection has gotten to the point where it will flood with just a strong afternoon rainstorm.

“There is no excuse — the county has not re-engineered the drainage or at least installed pumps to move water away when it floods like this,” he said. “Frankly, there is no easy way around, and the county knows this. There’s enough development going on; they have the money in impact fees to do something yet they don’t. Too much development and loss of natural drainage. They will have to do something soon. Our calls out there have gone through the roof.”

Sandy Pirie, who has lived in Sum merport for six years, believes pos sible solutions could include digging a 4-foot trench and placing a pipe under the road for short-term or rais

ing the road 2 feet so the water does not crest over it for a long-term solu tion.

“From Windermere Cay to Independence, the road, about a mile, has flooded a number of times but usually a few inches and not the entire roadway,” she said. “This flooding is significantly worse. In terms of a Florida priority, it is minor. In terms of a neighborhood, the need is high.”

Wilson said she believes Reams Road should never have been so low.

“If it were going to be that low, there should have been more culverts to let water flow beneath the road,” she said. “As we approach the Reams Road Improvement Project, I plan to advocate for additional culverts and push back on any development in the area. All the remaining land is wetland and needs to be kept as is to keep historic water flow and wildlife crossings.”

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Don Kendzior, naturalist and president of Noah’s Notes, a nonprofit environmental organization, has lived in Horizon West for 13 years. He

remembers when Reams Road was a straight two-lane country road.

Noah’s Notes sent out a notice to area residents regarding the potential for flooding on Aug. 29.

“Exceptionally heavy rainfall has brought the Lake Reams watershed above its normal wet season high level, and the watershed is approaching its maximum stormwater storage capac ity,” the notice read. “The watershed is comprised of Lake Reams and the surrounding wetlands and conserva tion areas in the eastern quadrant of Horizon West. Water levels have now exceeded the high point prior to Hur ricane Irma in September 2017, when 15 inches of additional rainfall flooded Reams Road and surrounding areas.”

The nonprofit also followed up by sending a memo to Wilson regarding road and safety improvements with an immediate action and long-term action plan Thursday, Oct. 6.

Kendzior’s organization testified before the commission in opposition to the DevelopCo, now Dream Finders Home, project coming to the area with concerns he believes are now com ing to fruition. He has advocated for

raised crossings and larger drainage culverts on Reams for several years.

Dream Finders purchased 306-acres with plans to create The Palms at Windermere, a single-family home community, on Reams Road.

The property — which Dream Finders purchased for $5.87 million — is part of a conservation area consisting of more than 1,200 acres around Lake Reams.

“Most of the land there is considered wetlands and is classified as a conservation area,” Gerry Boeneman, president of the company’s Central Florida Division said in a press release.

“Because of that, only 15.95 acres of the 305 can be developed and we will build only 57 homes.”

Although Dream Finders officials said construction and sales are sched uled to begin this month, the develop ment area also was flooded during the storm. Dream Finders did not respond to multiple inquires seeking comment by press time Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Kendzior said the criteria used for evaluating environmental impacts of developments is out of date and does not reflect the impacts of climate

change or address and mitigate the impacts of development on wildlife, biodiversity and flooding.

In addition, the historic flow between Lake Reams and Bay Lake has been blocked by development, Reams Road and canals. The dominant flow is now to the south and southeast while water levels overwhelm the existing pipe culvert between Peachtree Park Court and Greenbank Boulevard.

LOOKING FORWARD

Kendzior said the flooding issue is a decade in the making and the result of the cumulative impacts of poor planning and climate change.

“There will be more Ians, stron ger and more frequent in the future,” he said. “The blame lies squarely on former commissioners Boyd and VanderLey for approving the devel opments in watersheds that destroyed wetlands and uplands and subjecting future residents to increased flood risk.”

Boyd said the roads were designed as rural roads decades before he or VanderLey served and thousands of residents have since moved there. He said the scheduled improve ments to the roads, paid for by development and former Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ INVEST funds, will be designed to meet the standard 100year flood stage.

“It is also important to note that prior to Ian, we have received higherthan-average rainfall thereby saturat ing the area prior to Hurricane Ian,” Boyd said. “Ian then produced twice the amount of rain that a 100-year flood is defined by — 11 inches in a 24hour period. In many areas of Orange County, there was twice that amount of rain. Given that, the design, which again, was done years prior to either me or VanderLey serving, would have been inadequate due to an unforeseen amount of rainfall.”

Boyd said if Wilson wants to change county policies, thus requiring devel opment design to accommodate 200or even 500-year storms, then she is well within her rights to do so. How ever, he said by doing this, it would likely diminish all affordability of housing in unincorporated Orange County and likely would not be fol lowed by cities and towns.

Reams Road is scheduled for widening and improvement, with completion estimated in 2026.

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 7AOrangeObserver.com 382625-1
The Dream Finders project on Reams Road still had standing water as of Saturday, Oct. 8.

REAL ESTATE

West Lake Hancock Estates home sells for $1.8 million

Ahome in the West

Lake Hancock Estates community in Horizon West topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Oct. 1 to 6.

The home at 7412 John Hancock Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 6, for $1.8 million. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,056 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

HORIZON WEST HIGHLANDS AT SUMMERLAKE GROVES

The home at 15440 Murcott Blos som Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 6, for $749,900. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,338 square feet.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15736 Cutter Sail Place, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 6, for $1,070,000. Built in 2020, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,387 square feet. Days on market: 121.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14340 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 4, for $887,000. Built in 2014, it has

SNAPSHOT

six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,963 square feet. Days on market: 38.

The home at 14542 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 4, for $860,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,055 square feet. Days on market: 13.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 8741 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 4, for $1,150,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,911 square feet of living area.

The home at 18018 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 5, for $882,000. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,327 square feet of living area.

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 12983 Westside Village Loop, Windermere, sold Oct. 3, for $735,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,064 square feet. Days on market: 30.

WINDERMERE ISLE

The home at 8255 Procida Isle Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 4, for $800,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,735 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

OAKLAND

HULL ISLAND AT OAKLAND

The home at 1105 Simeon Road, Oakland, sold Oct. 6, for $656,890. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,850 square feet of living area.

on

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Total Sales: 73 High Sale Price: $1.8 million Low Sale Price: $135,000

OCOEE

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 260 Wallrock Court, Ocoee, sold Oct. 4, for $655,000. Built in 2011, it has seven bedrooms, four baths and 5,138 square feet. Days on market: 32.

The home at 327 Beacon Pointe Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 3, for $599,900. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,750 square feet. Days on market: 62.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 3007 Cardassi Drive, Ocoee, sold Oct. 4, for $730,000. Built in 2007, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,362 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WEST ORANGE

BELLARIA

The home at 13118 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 4, for $1,650,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,879 square feet. Days on market: 92.

ENCLAVE

The home at 11757 Hampstead St., Windermere, sold Oct. 7, for $1,367,500. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,676 square feet. Days on market: 50.

WINDERMERE

ESTATES AT WINDERMERE

The home at 2333 Ridgewind Way, Windermere, sold Oct. 7, for $935,000. Built in 2001, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,887 square feet. Days on market: 13.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11421 Cranebrook Court, Windermere, sold Oct. 7, for $1,595,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, four baths, two half-baths and 4,131 square feet. Days on market: Four.

KELSO ON LAKE BUTLER

The home at 1312 Kelso Blvd., Windermere, sold Oct. 4, for $1,350,000. Built in 1978, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,696 square feet. Days on market: Three.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 11618 Delwick Drive, Windermere, sold Oct. 7, for $750,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,818 square feet. Days on market: 23.

RESERVE AT LAKE BUTLER SOUND

The home at 6425 Cartmel Lane, Windermere, sold Oct. 7, for $1,170,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,531 square feet. Days on market: 15.

WINTER GARDEN DEER ISLAND

The home at 106 Mericam Court, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 3, for $1,120,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,250 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

G T SMITH SUBDIVISION

The home at 215 S. Highland Ave., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 3, for $950,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,700 square feet. Days on market: Five.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 764 Lake Brim Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 3, for $990,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,773 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 848 Gayle Mill Drive, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 4, for $710,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,228 square feet. Days on mar ket: Five.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1427 Marble Crest Way, Winter Garden, sold Oct. 7, for $785,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,648 square feet. Days on market: Four.

TWINWATERS

The home at 1652 Holcomb Creek St., Winter Garden, sold Oct. 5, for $835,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths, two halfbaths and 4,670 square feet. Days on market: 67.

realtor.com

The home at 13118 Bellaria Circle, Windermere, sold Oct. 4, for $1,650,000. It was the largest transaction in Windermere area from Oct. 1 to 6.

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Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively. ©2022 Andrews McMeel Syndicate crossword ©2022 Universal Uclick ACROSS 1 Real humdingers 8 Sauna stuff 13 Snapback feature 17 Seasonal purchase that counts down the days until Christmas 20 Actor Reeves 21 Antiestablishment move ment 22 Gets on an airplane 23 One might be in a cast 24 Research specialties 25 Automatic garage door device 27 “Les Miserables” star Hathaway 28 Melissa Joan ___ 30 Glass of public radio 31 Howard or Alcorn State, e.g. (Abbr.) 32 Middle Eastern country home to the world’s oldest dam 34 What opens doors for journalists? 37 Aries symbol 38 Discontinue, like a show 39 The ___ Piper of Hamelin 40 Arroz con ___ (rice pudding) 41 Triage places (Abbr.) 42 Indian state known for tea and silk 43 Woody frames? 44 Word after “floppy” or “compact” 45 Primatologists’ subjects 47 Extend across 48 Common dog biscuit shape 49 Ruby, e.g. 50 Worked (up) 52 Mint Mobile and TMobile 54 Stop motion game? 56 Poet’s “before” 57 Hockey Hall of Famer Willie 58 “That’s a ___ to process” 59 “Ooh, ooh, let me!” 60 Fuel additive brand 63 “That’s fantastic to hear!” 65 Mariner’s guiding light 67 Donut-shaped cake type 68 Subj. for some aspiring polyglots 69 Nimble for one’s age 70 Makeshift swing 71 Malek of “Bohemian Rhapsody” 72 “Kisses, my love!” 74 Not off the chain? 75 In high spirits 76 “So cool, dude!” 77 “Awesome, great to hear” 79 Wild pig 80 Maritime forces 81 Programmer Lovelace 82 Mischievous sprite 84 “That’s too nice!” 85 Bartenders and detec tives appreciate them 87 GI fare 88 Diatribe 89 Largest continent 90 Thoroughly 93 Like Jupiter and Neptune 95 Ankle’s place 98 Archaeologists dig them 99 “Thanks so much for the help” 102 “Things ___ as they seem” 103 Whirling “Looney Toons” character 104 Blast from the ___ 105 Judges to be 106 High-minded individu als? DOWN 1 Policy for “Dreamers” (Abbr.) 2 A durian has a pungent one 3 Egg cell 4 ___ garden (meditation spot) 5 As a team 6 Undying 7 Cellphone surface 8 Stack of unsolicited manuscripts 9 Business card no. 10 Walked into 11 Many are still kids at heart 12 Colt’s mom 13 Seashore 14 Unusual specimen 15 Certain speedway racers 16 Places where the past can be present? 18 Inits. aptly found in “Obamacare” 19 Some family secrets 20 Pond carp 22 Aggressively bold 26 Performance history 27 Esoteric 29 Final boss in the video game “God of War” 32 Artist Johns 33 Like bargain bin items 35 Snail’s trail 36 Ship’s navigational route 38 “___: The Origins of Our Discontents” (2020 bestseller) 39 Gift for a calligrapher 43 “You wanna fight?!” 44 Specifics, in slang 46 Mastermind piece 48 In search of stimulation 49 Sound from an empty stomach 51 Country that’s the world’s second-largest producer of olive oil 53 ___ game hen 54 Crayola color renamed Peach 55 Sleeping bag fastener 60 Add while cooking 61 Did some road repair work 62 Hunts for food 63 Chew on this! 64 “That’s pretty cool!” 66 Plant-based sweetener 67 No-goodniks 69 Standardized test conveniences 71 Period before television 73 “Yeah, yeah, the joke’s on us” 74 Parking meter insert 75 Getting by 76 Rodent catcher 78 Developmental sites? 79 “It’s all my fault” 80 Hardly a perfect person 83 Wander the web 84 Lively Carnival dances 86 Stretch at work? 91 Bat Appreciation month (Abbr.) 92 Mario Kart character with a mushroomlike head 94 “Yes, monsieur” 95 “SNL” segment? 96 Qatar ruler 97 Meshes well 100 West African staple crop 101 Yellow Monopoly bill JUMBO FREESTYLE 4 by Adrian Johnson. Edited by Amanda Rafkin
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GAME OF THE WEEK OLYMPIA VS. DR. PHILLIPS

5

1The Windermere High School football team received a $5,000 donation from the Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute Friday, Oct. 7. The donation will help with the purchase of a new set of varsity uniforms, including jerseys and pants. This is the first time team players will have the opportunity to wear new uniforms since its first season in 2017.

2The Horizon High School girls volley ball team, which cur rently holds a 17-1 overall record, defeated the Free dom Patriots after a fiveset game. Horizon won the first set 26-24; Freedom won the second and third sets 25-22 and 25-23; and Horizon won the last two sets 25-11. The Hawks were led on the court by Hailey Cappleman with 17 kills and 11 digs; Hannah Pridgeon put down 15 kills and 23 digs, Juliana Neves had 55 assists and 12 digs, and Gaby Park finished the game with 16 digs.

3

The First Academy safety Trey New some and defensive back J.R. Millar will play on the south team in the 2022 Blue-Grey AllAmerican Bowl, which will take place at 1 p.m. Jan. 30, 2023, at the Raymond James Stadium.

Sometimes, sports rivalries are born out of equally matched competitors, of two teams so evenly matched that every game between the two is considered a classic.

The rivalry between Olympia and Dr. Phillips is not that.

Olympia head football coach Travis Gabriel calls it the “Big Brother, Little Brother” rivalry.

4

West Orange High School will hold girls wrestling tryouts from Oct. 24 to 28. Sched ule is as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday tryouts will run from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Boys tryouts also will take place between Oct. 21 and Nov. 4. Schedule is as follows: Monday, Tues day, Thursday and Friday tryouts will run from 2:30 to 5 p.m. and Wednes days from 1:30 to 4 p.m. All students will need to have a current physical and ECG and have all their documents uploaded in Athletic Clearance.

5The Metro West Swim Champion ships took place Oct. 6 to 7. In the West Metro Swim and Dive category, the Windermere High School boys team placed first, with a score of 504.50; the West Orange High School boys team placed second with 391 points; and the Olympia High School boys team placed third with 343 points. On the girls side, Windermere High School placed first with a total of 520 points, followed by West Orange High School with a total of 502 points and Dr. Phillips High School in third with 221 points.

“I don’t recall the last time Olympia has beaten Dr. Phillips,” he said. “So we are still that little brother. We are still trying to earn our keep, and the main thing for us is we want to be able to compete with them.”

Dr. Phillips head football coach Rodney Wells is a good friend of Gabriel’s. And although both coaches communicate on a regular basis throughout the season, when it’s the week before this particular game, the phones go silent.

“We talk every day or every other day — except the week we play,” Gabriel said. “But that’s my brother, and we want each other to do well. When the lights go on Friday, we go at it, we compete, and after the game, we are back to being brothers.”

Better than the day before

For the Olympia football team, the football field is much more than a platform to play the sport. It’s also where players learn life lessons that will turn them into future role models and leaders.

Horizon West’s BNA Sports finds success

The youth sports organization’s 8U travel team recently had a chance to play on the home field of the Dallas Cowboys.

Founded in February, youth sports organization BNA Sports seeks to cre ate lasting experiences for its players and to provide children the oppor tunity to enjoy the beauty of youth sports.

“It’s not just teaching these kids how to run, how to block, how to catch the ball, but also how to be a great teammate, how to be responsi ble, how to be held accountable, how to act once you lose, how to act once you win,” Director Darrell Taylor said. “(How) once we pull a flag, let’s give

it back to the other team. That’s what we do here.”

The idea behind this is to create an atmosphere in which young athletes are not only developed as athletes but also as individuals.

“From a culture standpoint, we really are trying to make them under stand the importance of team,” coach Mike Rodriguez said. “So we talk about encouraging your teammate if they drop the ball or they make a mistake, or that if a mistake is made is not necessarily that player’s fault, it could be anyone on the team doing one thing wrong.

“It’s also about making your name great,” he said. “We want them to be proud of their name, as well, so there is a combination of cultural standpoint of understanding the importance of team but also of who you are as an athlete.”

SPORTS OCTOBER 13, 2022
Windermere junior and softball pitcher Lexi King announced recently her verbal commitment to the University of Arkansas. Page 2B.
HIGH
Photo courtesy of Mike Plotkin SEE SUCCESS PAGE 3B SEE TITANS PAGE 2B
Andrea Mujica Outside linebacker Joey Evans and defensive end Kamran James are two Titan leaders this year.

Lexi King

Tell us about your years as an athlete.

I actually have always been a pitcher, and I kind of just fell in love with it recently. I used to hit, but now, I’m just a pitcher. … I pitch with my dad almost every day. I started in fourth grade in Little League, and I just liked it a lot better than all the other sports. … I just started to get more competitive and then just started to test myself and see how hard I could push myself.

How do you feel after having made a verbal commitment with the University of Arkansas?

On my official visit, I just kind of fell in love with the town and the coaches and the teammates, and it was just a super welcoming atmosphere, and it felt like family.

Was this the school you were envisioning prior to receiving their offer?

At the beginning, I didn’t know much about it, because I didn’t know anyone that goes to Arkansas. But then on Sept. 1, they showed interest in me, and then I took the visit and fell in love with it.

How did you get into softball?

My cousin (Jessica Shults) actu ally played for the University of Oklahoma, and she won two national championships there, so we thought there would be softball in the bloodline. She was a catcher for the world series game.

What is your favorite aspect about softball?

I just really like the family atmosphere and always being able to count on your teammates to have your back. I really like the competition and just always competing with each batter. It’s always a different game; it’s never the same.

THE BASICS

AGE: 16

Titans prep for Panthers

Proximity — the two schools are only 4 miles part — forged this rivalry in 2005. But the competi tiveness only lasts until the final whistle.

Junior

Why did you decide not to hit anymore?

I still do it for fun, but it was more kind of an injury (type of thing). I didn’t want to get hurt.

… I’d always get hit if I was in the box, so I had really bad luck.

What’s your favorite pitch to throw? Why?

The drop ball. I never used to like (it), but one day, it just clicked.

I was like, ‘Oh this can be one of my greatest tools.’ So I started to throw it more and more and see how competitive I could get with the pitch, and it really started to just define me as a pitcher. I really got to utilize it, and I’m still playing around with it to this day.

What do you believe softball has taught you — not only on the field but off the field, as well?

It’s taught me to never give up and that you are going to have some bad days. But you just have to shake it off and just keep pursuing. It’s taught me that I’m not always going to be perfect and that it is OK to mess up and just reset and keep playing like you can (play).

What’s your favorite hobby?

Probably wake surfing. My fami ly is big on the lake, so we all like to wake surf. I also like to play with my dog; I just got a new puppy. We named him Razor, because (Arkansas’ mascot is the) Razorback. He’s a golden retriever. We also have another golden retriever; his name is Buddy, and he’s 4 years old.

Who is your favorite superhero? Why?

Probably Spider-Man, because I like the movies, and the ride at Universal is good.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?

Probably to fly, because I feel like just to be able to defy gravity

Any secret talents you have you’d like to share with us?

I can juggle. I can also do the worm. Me and my dad can do it; we do it together.

What are three places you would like to visit? Why?

Costa Rica, Mexico and probably Greece.

What are three things you would bring with you to a deserted island?

I would probably bring food, maybe my dogs and a pillow.

If you could be any animal for a day, which one would it be and I’d want to be a golden retriever, because I think dogs are the best animal. I would love to see what they do for a day and get loved on by everyone.

What are three things on your

I want to go skydiving, I want to go to a Braves World Series game, and I want to go to the world series in college.

“We try to let the kids know that this rivalry we’ve got with Dr. Phillips — at the end of the day, we are all brothers,” Gabriel said. “That’s what we want to establish — we will compete, we go after it. But once that’s over, we tell the kids, ‘That’s it, let’s move forward and help each other out.’”

The two Southwest Orange teams meet 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Olympia.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Every year, Gabriel chooses four captains and two leaders.

This year, the Titans’ leaders are defensive end Kamran James and outside linebacker Joey Evans.

“They lead by example,” Gabriel said. “They are doing what we ask them to do (the right way), and they are setting the tone for the younger kids. … I try to establish a consistency of four captains, but I usually only have one or two leaders that exemplify everything we look for as a football player on and off the field. They’ve been doing a pretty good job at that.”

James, a senior and University of Florida commit, believes lead

ership is more than being the best player on the field.

“Leadership is leading by exam ple, always keeping your head up, and always being the light that people can try and reach,” he said.

“The leader doesn’t have to be the best player on the team. (He) is just a voice, the fire that keeps every body going, making sure everybody is good and making sure everybody is focused and together.”

Evans, also a senior, agrees.

“I just do my job,” he said. “We all do our job to be the best team we can be.”

Discipline, accountability and responsibility form the base of Olympia’s football culture. Gabriel and the coaching staff at the school not only focus on teaching the game of football to their players but also life lessons that will last long after the stadium lights go dark.

“We try to continue to build them to be better men for the future,” Gabriel said. “I’ve always used football as the tool to help create positive and successful men, because at some point, they are going to be role models and fathers.

This game of football goes beyond the field for us.”

LOVE FOR THE GAME

To build better players, better men and a stronger team, Gabriel surrounds himself with a coaching staff that not only loves football

but also loves being around the players.

“You have to love to coach in this state,” he said. “It’s not about the money, so it has to be about the love. … It’s not about winning — that’s not what this should be about. It’s all about developing these young men to be successful — whether they play football (in the future) or not.”

That emphasis has, indeed, filtered down to the players.

“(There’s) definitely a lot more character development, better energy and better team morale in the locker room and stuff like that,” James said. “There’s more leadership on the team (too), less negativity. Everybody is uplifting each other; everybody is closer. It’s like a brotherhood.”

Looking forward, the team is excited to continue competing with strong teams that will push them to be better each week.

“You want to be able to have the kids compete and be able to understand that you always want to work to get better, and I think that you can really establish that by going against good competition,” Gabriel said. “You are working and competing against the best, you don’t want to be satisfied where you are. … Every day, we work at getting better — just (trying) to be better than what (we) were the day before.”

WEEK SIX RECAP

GAME OF THE WEEK

HORIZON (5-0), 27

CYPRESS CREEK (4-2), 20

HIGHLIGHTS: Horizon also came out on top in overtime Thursday, Oct. 6. After being tied with Cypress Creek 20-20 at the end of the fourth quarter, the Hawks were able to find the end zone in overtime to claim victory over the Bears. Devon St. Clair carried the ball 28 times for 129 yards, while Trey Ginn carried the ball 16 times for 79 yards and three touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, the team had a total of 37 tackles. Bo Wargel and Jacob Brown led the defense with seven total tackles apiece.

UP NEXT: The Hawks hosted Lake Buena Vista Monday, Oct. 10.

OCOEE (5-1), 31

WINTER PARK (5-1), 28

HIGHLIGHTS: After being tied with Winter Park at the end of the fourth quarter 28-28 Thursday, Oct. 6, the Ocoee Knights were able to kick a field goal to top the previously unbeaten Wildcats in overtime. The team’s defense had a total of 86 tackles — 18 tackles for loss. Calvin Smith led the defense with 11 solo tackles, two assisted tackles and seven TFL.

UP NEXT: The Knights will host Edgewater Friday, Oct. 14.

DR. PHILLIPS (3-3), 27

LAKE NONA (2-3), 14

UP NEXT: The Panthers will travel to Olympia Friday, Oct. 14.

LAKE BUENA VISTA (0-6), 21 LAKE HOWELL (4-2), 27

UP NEXT: The Vipers traveled to Horizon Monday, Oct. 10.

OLYMPIA (2-3), 23 APOPKA (3-2), 38

HIGHLIGHTS: Despite the Titans’ loss against Apopka Thursday, Oct. 6, quarterback Juan Gainous went 19-for-30 for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Xavier Tucker had seven recep tions for 107 yards and a touch down, while wide receiver Rom elo Walker had four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive side of the ball, outside linebacker Joey Evans had 11 tackles (one TFL), while defensive end Kamran James had six tackles and three sacks.

UP NEXT: The Titans will host Dr. Phillips Friday, Oct. 14.

WINDERMERE (2-4), 0 WEKIVA (3-3), 41

UP NEXT: The Wolverines will host West Orange Friday, Oct. 14.

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (4-0), 42 ST. EDWARD’S (2-3), 7

HIGHLIGHTS: After defeating St. Edwards 42-7 Friday, Oct. 7, the Eagles remain undefeated this season as they prepare to face New Smyrna Beach Monday, Oct. 10.. During Friday’s game, running back Marcus McCrim mon Jr. carried the ball 16 times for 383 yards and scored four touchdowns.

UP NEXT: The Eagles traveled to New Smyrna Monday, Oct. 10.

FOUNDATION (4-2), 23 ORANGEWOOD CHRISTIAN (0-5), 7

HIGHLIGHTS: The Foundation Academy Lions defeated Orange wood Christian 23-7 Friday, Oct. 7. The team’s defense had a pow erful performance, as offensive and defensive linebacker Drew Flournoy ended the night with a total of 17 tackles, four sacks and six offensive pancake blocks.

Defensive back Stephen Ford had nine tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble. Despite being called in late in the game, run ning back Jadon Johnson scored a 50-yard touchdown run.

UP NEXT: The Lions will travel to The First Academy Friday, Oct. 21.

LEGACY CHARTER (3-2), 0 MASTER’S ACADEMY (2-3), 32

UP NEXT: The Eagles will host Halifax Academy Friday, Oct. 14.

THE FIRST ACADEMY (5-1), 34

TRINITY PREP (0-6), 0

UP NEXT: The Royals will travel to Florida A&M Friday, Oct. 14.

WINDERMERE PREP (4-2), 12 LAKE HIGHLAND PREP (5-0), 31

UP NEXT: The Lakers will host Hudson Friday, Oct. 21.

2B OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 OrangeObserver.com
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GRADE:
SPORT: Softball POSITIONS: Pitcher Windermere High School junior and softball right-handed pitcher Lexi King announced recently her verbal commitment to the University of Arkansas. Besides playing for the Wolverines, King also plays with the Tampa Mustangs Seymour travel team.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
Phillip
Pacheco | Central Florida Sports Photography

BNA TEAM CATEGORIES

Success in Texas

A person’s name represents much more than one individual, Taylor said.

“Your name means a lot more than you think,” he said. “You represent something that’s bigger than yourself. You represent your father, you represent your mother, you represent your brother, your sister, and that goes a long way.”

It seems that combination of learning the game and learning life is working. Since its inception, BNA Sports already has grown to 22 teams and more than 160 athletes.

And most recently, BNA’s first 8U travel team — The Bengals — already has a championship to its name. That team brought home rings from the annual Flag Football X Tourna ment, held Aug. 20, 2021, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“They wore a patch on their team jersey proudly saying they were part of the travel team — part of the Bengals,” Mike Rodriguez.

Middle linebacker Tyler Plotkin, 9, said the game for the championship title was filled with emotions and that the opportunity to play at the home of the Dallas Cowboys was amazing.

“It was a very nerve-wracking game, because it was the championship,” he said. “I think all of us tried our best, which led for us to succeed and just (to play) on a real-life football field where professionals play in a stadium which actually was an NFL field, it was amazing.”

Tyler Plotkin was named Defensive MVP of the game, Miles Taylor was named Offensive MVP,

and Mason Rodriguez was the snapper that scored the extra point to bring the championship title home.

“(My favorite part about the championship) was winning the championship, because we got that extra point when I got the ball and scored that extra point,” Mason Rodriguez said.

Wins are great, sure, but ultimately, BNA Sports seeks to provide its athletes with experiences they will cherish for a lifetime.

“At the end of the day, these kids will forget everything about the wins and loses, but they will never forget the experience that they had, the friends that they made and the lives that they were able to impact by being themselves and representing themselves as well as representing (their) family,” Taylor said.

Practice for BNA Sports Athletes encompasses more than just learn ing the rules of the game.

“We obviously want to do well and win, but it’s not about that,” coach Mike Plotkin said. “It’s building character, it’s building sportsmanship.”

Mike Rodriguez and Mike Plotkin said coaching at BNA is not only caring about the game but also the athletes.

“I love the game, obviously, I love my son, so I want to be involved in it,” Mike Plotkin said. “I just wanted to give back to the kids. … I love the game, love coaching and having that extra time with my son. Nothing can beat it.”

“I care enough, let alone the fact that your child is playing,” Mike Rodriguez said. “You get to see the other kids, and then your child

connects to that kid, and they truly enjoy it. So then you feel a sense of responsibility like, ‘I want to make sure that they know what they are doing.’”

Looking forward, the organization is excited to grow and continue offering play time opportunities and events for the players to keep growing as both — athletes and their own individuals.

For more information, visit bnasports.org.

JOYCE M. (SCROGGINS) OLIVER DIED OCT. 8, 2022.

Joyce M. (Scroggins) Oliver, 84, passed away Oct. 8, 2022.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Services will immediately follow at noon, also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

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WEST ORANGE OBITUARY
6U — Boys and Girls 8U — Boys and Girls 10U — Boys and Girls 12U — Boys and Girls 14U — Boys and Girls Two travel teams: 8U and 10U Photo courtesy of Mike Plotkin CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

INFLUENCER OF THE WEEK

Loretta Moser is the school resource officer at Innovation Montessori in the city of Ocoee. Her primary job is to provide a safe and secure environment on campus while developing a rapport with students, staff and parents. Nicole Tischer, assistant principal at the school, said Moser is a wonderful addition to the school community. “She works hard each day to make sure that students, staff and members of the community feel safe,” Tischer said.

What do you love most about your school?

Being a smaller school, what I love most about Innovation Montessori is that you really get to know the staff and students. It is a very tight-knit community that really looks out for one another.

What is your motivation?

I would say that my biggest motivation is my daughter. Her smile is definitely what keeps me going and striving to be my best.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to interact with the students on a day to day basis. While I worked in criminal investigations, I met with people under unfortunate circumstances. Before officers were placed in schools, many kids only met police officers when something bad was happening. I think it is important for kids to have positive interactions with police officers other than during calls for emergencies.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have a 4-year-old who is constant ly on the go; my spare time is usually consumed with just trying to keep up with her. We are often found playing outside or finding new places to go and explore.

REPORT CARD

POSITION: School resource officer

TIME AT SCHOOL: Almost three years

NOMINATE YOUR INFLUENCER

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?

Mrs. Carty and Mrs. Castaneda from fifth grade were my favorite teach ers. Depending on the subject, we switched between classes, and both made learning new things fun and were very passionate about their students’ learning.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, I tried to bring any and every animal I found back home with me. If it showed up at my house, I begged my parents to let me keep it. If I saw an injured animal, I tried helping it. Everyone always thought I would grow up to be a veterinarian, but realizing that being a veterinar ian also came with some pretty hard decisions, I found that it was not for me.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

One of my favorite children’s books is “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. I have always loved Dr. Seuss books and often read them to my daughter. What I really like about this book is that it really inspires you to keep reaching no matter what challenges you may face.

Do you have an “unsung hero” at your school? If so, please nominate him or her for our Influencer of the Week feature. Nominations can be sent via email to contact@orangeobserver.com.

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OBSERVER

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include going to the gym, spending time with family, reading, fishing and finding a good movie to watch.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

Reba McEntire, George Strait and Garth Brooks. I just love the sound of classic country, and these art ists remind me of my childhood.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student? Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

One thing I remember is the square pizzas we used to get for school lunches. Pizza day at school was definitely the best day of the week. A special treat was being able to walk up to the convenience store and picking out an ice cream.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is definitely my alltime favorite holiday. When I was a child, every Christmas my fam ily would load up in the car and drive around to different neigh borhoods to look at all the lights on the houses.

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

This is a hard one. I feel like I had many best friends throughout my school days. I do have a good friend, Maria, who I have known since middle school, and, yes, we still do keep in touch as much as we can living in different states.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I did a little bit of dance and karate as a child, but softball is what I loved most.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

The science of success

West Orange alum Sean Lewis is one of 16 finalists in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge competition.

ANNABELLE SIKES STAFF WRITER

Eighteen-year-old Sean Lewis has myriad accomplishments. He currently is attending Yale University. He was a National Merit Scholarship finalist and a National African American Recognition Program winner. He received the Ron Brown Scholarship and was a semifinalist in the Princeton Classic Speech and Debate competition.

Now, the Ocoee resident can add yet another achievement to his list — finalist in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge competition.

Lewis is one of only 16 finalists selected out of thousands of applicants worldwide.

The annual challenge asks students to inspire creative thinking about science through the making of an original short video that brings to life a concept or theory in life sciences, physics or mathematics.

Lewis, who learned about the competition from his mom, said the competition combines two of his favorite passions — science and videography.

“I was really excited,” he said of being named a finalist. “It shows how much I’ve improved in terms of video-making, and, also it was great to know I’m on track to pos sibly win the competition. It’s amazing to see people appreciating the video I made and the way I talk about science.”

SILICON-BASED LIFE Lewis’ video explores whether life on other planets may be made of something other than carbon and

considers the possibility of sili con-based life.

Silicon-based life is a theory pro posed by popular shows including “Star Trek.”

“If you have carbon-based life, and silicon is the molecule that’s the most similar to it, is it possible for life to be made out of silicon?” Lewis asks.

Lewis conducted research on the concept for his AP Research class at West Orange High School and was able to take a deep dive into the topic and its history.

“It’s a very small topic that not a lot of people know about,” he said. “I thought it would be nice to be able to share that topic with more people, because the more research that’s done in that area, the more we can possibly learn and expand the ideas of the concept. If silicon-based life is possible — and is possible on other planets — it might expand our definition of life and the search for life on other planets, thus being able to improve our search for habitable planets in our universe.”

As a finalist, Lewis now will go through panel judging.

The winner of the competition will receive a $250,000 post-secondary scholarship, a $50,000 prize for a selected teacher and $100,000 for a science lab at his past high school.

Lewis said he selected his phys ics teacher, Tyler Hedrick, who has been an inspiration for him.

“Mr. Hedrick has always been a great, funny, interesting guy in terms of being able to make physics fun even with the limited resources of being in a public school with so many kids and so many classes,”

Lewis said. “He was still able to work to make engaging labs and intriguing lessons. If you’re willing to work with him, he will work with you.”

Lewis was even Hedrick for senior flip day at the school during which seniors took over as teachers for one day. Lewis completed a presentation on deriving the equations for the size of a black hole.

Lewis said he is passionate about science — and, particularly, physics, because it’s one of the only “endall-be-all” fields.

“It’s cool even on the basic level to be able to calculate things like the trajectory of a ball and know exactly where it’s going to land at an exact time,” he said. “Being able to understand the intricacies of the molecules that make us who we are and being able to understand what’s happening millions of miles away, and it all works together in every single way. Through science, you’re

able to uncover the mysteries of what we don’t know while also being able to understand everything about the world and what we do know. It allows you to really contribute to something that has so much left to be discovered.”

FUTURE PLANS

If he wins, Lewis will use the schol arship prize money to continue his work in furthering his education at Yale University, where he studies astrophysics. He eventually hopes to attend graduate school.

His dream job is high-energy astrophysics — working with black holes and neutron star systems.

As far as the lab for WOHS, he has high hopes.

“Being able to have the students and teachers have access to some thing that puts them on par with private schools in the area that cost like thousands of dollars to go to and have such high tuition … being able to have that work in a public school and also to make the job easier for teachers like Mr. Hedrick and the rest of the creative teachers at the school,” Lewis said.

The winner for the competition will be announced in November.

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LEARN MORE Breakthrough Junior Challenge competition: breakthroughjuniorchallenge.org Sean Lewis hopes to work in high-energy astrophysics in the future. Courtesy photo

www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee (407) 656-8011

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135 Services: 9 AM Traditional 10:45 AM Contemporary Also viewable on YouTube

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Purpose Church Orlando 13640 W Colonial Dr. Ste 110, Winter Garden (407) 654-9661

Sunday Service: 10:05 AM Sunday Brazilian Service: 7 PM Saturday Service: 6 PM www.purposechurchorlando.org

West Orange Christian Church 7325 Conroy Windermere Rd, Orlando (407) 299-2092

Sunday Service:10:30AM www.woccorlando.org

A ‘gourd-geous’ evening

T

he Horizon West community welcomed the incoming fall season at the Pumpkin Patch Palooza, which took place Saturday, Oct. 8, at Hamlin Town Center. Locals, families and friends gathered on the green space outside Cinépolis for an evening of fun complete with a pumpkin patch, photo booths, live music, food trucks, local vendors, art projects and more.

show

OrangeObserver.com
“ MHM ” TO 41444 TO DONATE TEXT 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407)905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org This is a secure site for giving Help Us. Help Them. Help Themselves. TO 41444 611 Business Park Blvd #101, Winter Garden, FL 34787 (407)905-9500 I MatthewsHopeMinistries.org This is a secure site for giving Help Us. Help Them. Help Themselves. “ MHM ” TO 41444 TO DONATE TEXT For those ready to take advantage of our Moving Forward Program, the following is a partial list of assistance available through our Program. Transitional Housing Mental Healthcare Counseling Montessori Preschool & Daycare Educational Opportunities Resume Building & Employment Opportunities Legal Assistance Credit Counseling & Debt Reduction Moving Forward Program Offerings PHOTO CONTEST SHOW US YOUR STRENGTH Could your school use an extra $2,500? If so, make sure you enter our Show Us Your Strength Photo Contest! The Observer Media Group and Healthy West Orange are teaming up to present this contest to celebrate West Orange’s wonderful education community. Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of anything you feel shows off the strength of your school. That could be anythingathletics, arts, academicsbe creative! WIN $2,500 FOR YOUR SCHOOL! Upload Your Photos Now through Thursday, Dec. 1 OrangeObserver.com/2022-show-us-your-strength Vote for your favorite photos Dec. 2 to 15 For more information, call us at 407-656-2121 or email Editor and Publisher Michael Eng, meng@orangeobserver.com. Good luck! 388939-1 Presenting Sponsor:Brought To You By:
Yani and Elyse Tejera, and Ashley and Mayah Perez enjoyed the crisp fall breeze. Siblings Dom and Celeste Davis sported large grins
as they
frolicked in the pumpkin patch. Event attendees
enjoyed a
as they watched SpaceX complete a Falcon 9 launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Freya Zhang sat patiently surrounded by pumpkins as her parents took photos.

THESE OLD TIMES

80 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Vandergrift and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Mask of Ocoee were hosts to soldiers of Unit 11 at an Italian spaghetti supper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Foots Vandergrift. The spaghetti was prepared by Mrs. Howard Armstrong.

Miss Ina Sayer and Navy Lt. Edgar Henderson of Royston, Ga., were married at a quiet wedding in the Methodist church.

Miss Frances Fosdick of Oakland and Lt. James F. McKey of Plant City were married at the Oakland Presbyterian Church.

Mrs. Comer Nelson was hired as the new telegraph operator in Winter Garden at the Postal Telegraph Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Bud Bean were the proud parents of a son, Jimmy, who was recently born.

Chief of Police William L. Fisher submitted his resignation. The other policemen, Ernest Crawford and Clyde Ethridge, were expected to remain on the force.

70 years ago

Dedication for the new Dillard Street Elementary School was held with Judson Walker, superintendent of public instruction, giving the dedicatory remarks. Also on the program were the Rev. Albert Stulck, Mrs. W.H. Hinson, Miss Margaret Holbrook, Lew Warden and Mrs. W.H. Roberson.

Hoyle Pounds, Winter Garden fire chief and merchant, was given emergency treatment at West Orange Memorial Hospital after an accident with a turbine dusting outfit in which he lost two fingers on his right hand.

The building at 101-121 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden, seen here in 1998, has changed little since its 1921 construction by J. Davis “Jeter” McMillan, Robert E. Black and Alvah Cohen Bray. It was often referred to as the Clinic Building, as several physicians leased space in the upstairs offices. From 1933 to 1953, the Winter Garden Post Office operated from a space on the first floor. After McMillan and Bray sold their shares to Black, a citrus grower and Clermont businessman, the structure was known as the Black Building. L. Eugene Cappleman Sr. and Ed Fischer purchased the building in 1968, and the Cappleman family acquired Fischer’s share at his death. In 2012, it was renamed again in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the arrival of brothers William and Thurlow Cappleman to Winter Garden; the family owned and operated groceries, insurance and real-estate businesses on Plant Street for many years.

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.

50 years ago

David Colburn, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Colburn, of Windermere, grew a 34.5-inch dipper gourd.

40 years ago

Walt Disney World began a new era of entertainment in Central Florida with the opening of Epcot Center.

30 years ago

Winnifred and Ben Griffin’s chil dren and grandchildren hosted a 50th wedding anniversary party

for the couple at the Woman’s Club of Ocoee. They were married Oct. 3, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas, where Ben was stationed with the Navy.

The Winter Garden City Commission approved its next fiscal year budget, set at $8,313,530. The millage rate remained at 3.804.

Crawford Tire in Ocoee cel ebrated its 25th year in business. Junior Crawford began selling tires in a service station on McKey Street in downtown Ocoee. It

moved and expanded the busi ness three years later.

20 years ago

The Oakland Nature Preserve dedicated its new 3,300-foot boardwalk, which meanders through the pristine wetlands that make up the preserve and ends with a spectacular view from a large pavilion and dock overlook ing Lake Apopka.

OCT. 1, 1992

Cutting out printed coupons once was a popular and beneficial part of shopping and having services done.

The Winter Garden Shopping Center, at Park Avenue and West Colonial Drive, announced many sales and deals at its businesses in an advertisement with The West Orange Times.

Remember frequenting C&H Hallmark, Jack’s Aquarium & Pets, Sadie Babe’s, Geared to Dance, Publix, Beall’s, Niccoli’s, Eckerd Drugs, Movie Scene and these other businesses?

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 7BOrangeObserver.com Hay Maze Halloween & Fall Photo Spots, Decorations, & Light Displays Winter Garden Farmers Market Ripe with Fall Harvest in the Morning Halloween Light Show and Surprises in the Evening Shop, Dine & Stroll during the Annual Halloween Experience Outdoor Sidewalk Sale In-Store Sales & Promotions Seasonal Merchandise, Food & Drinks Saturday, October 22, 2022 Come Early & Stay Late! ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR EVERYONE ALL DAY www.downtownwg.comwww.cwgdn.com 386868-1 *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27 Perry’s Decorative Glass www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 A of a Good Sale! CLEANING OUT THE WAREHOUSE Many Styles to Choose From! YOU SAVE BIG! Closeouts • One-of-a-Kind Leftovers • Discontinued *Not good with sales, prior orders, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. #SCC131151683 10% OFF15% OFF2 OR MIRRORMOREMATE Before Mirror Wrap SHOWERS www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 *FREE Can of Glass Cleaner w/Any Shower Purchase $100 OFF TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE DEALS! Fall is comingit’s Time to $ave 24th 24th FULL GLASS HALF GLASS Door & 1 Sidelight Door & 2 Sidelights ARE YOUR ENTRY DOORS WEARING OUT? PACKAGE DEAL DAYS ARE BACK! Welcome *Not good with sales, promos or closeouts already marked down. Lic. # SCC131151683 $100 OFF Matching Transom (over 5 sq. ft.) Leaded glass only. Not good on closeout or marked down glass. Not good on prior sales. Must be purchased between 9/2 thru 9/30/22. HALF GLASS $50 OFF Door $75 OFF Door & 1 Sidelight $100 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights FULL GLASS $100 OFF Door $125 OFF Door & 1 Sidelight $150 OFF Door & 2 Sidelights Perry’s Decorative Glass 1122 Bichara Blvd, Next to Publix on Route 441/27 www.EntryPointbyPerrys.com • 751-0883 Facebook.com/entrypointbyPerrys Are your entry doors wearing out? FRONT ENTRY DOOR W/1 SIDELIGHT OR 2 SIDE-LIGHTS NEW DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ½ OR FULL GLASS COMPLETE DOOR REPLACEMENTS NOW AVAILABLE! FREE In-House Estimates After Mirror Wrap Before Mirror Wrap SWING SHOWER DOORS SLIDING SHOWER DOORS WE YOU BACK! $50OFF Any clear swing shower door over 15 sf $50OFF Any installed sliding door INTERIOR DOOR SLAB SPECIAL We have a large selection of slabs: Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry 25-40% OFF* ANY IN STOCK DOORS PACKAGE DEAL DAYS ARE BACK! 10% OFF Any 1 Frame 15% OFF 2 or More THRU 9/30/22 Change out those old sliding glass doors with new French doors with blinds! Welcome FRONT ENTRY DOOR W/1 SIDELIGHT OR 2 SIDE-LIGHTS NEW DOORS WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ½ OR FULL GLASS SAVINGS!New Year Not good with discount glass,closeout or prior sales. $100 OFF Any Full Leaded Glass $50 OFF Any 1/2 Leaded Glass 10% OFF OR 15% OFF 2 OR MORE... MIRROR MATE Before Mirror Wrap After Mirror Wrap ANY DBL DOOR, SWAP OUT or PRE-HUNG UNIT DOORS MIRRORS FREE In-Home Estimates $50 OFF Any Sliding Shower Door with Carved Design (over 20 sq ft), Slide or Swing $100 OFF Swing Over (over 20 sq ft) $50 OFF Any Chip Top Shower DoorSHOWERS Decorative Glass INTERIOR DOOR SLAB SPECIAL We have a large selection of slabs: Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry 25-40% OFF ANY IN STOCK DOORS $100 OFF INTERIOR DOOR SLAB SPECIAL We have a large selection of slabs: Pantry, Homegrown, Assorted Styles, Wheat Frosted, Reedglass, Laundry 25-40% OFF* ANY IN STOCK DOORS SLIDING SHOWER DOORS SWING SHOWER DOORS $50 OFF $50 OFF ANY INSTALLED SLIDING DOOR Help us Celebrate our ANY CLEAR SWING SHOWER DOOR OVER 15 SF Help us Celebrate our FREE IN-HOUSE ESTIMATES
FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION WEST ORANGE HISTORY
THROWBACK THURSDAY
INFORMATION & RATES: 407-656-2121 redpages@orangeobserver.com • orangeobserver.com/redpages RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 Observer Media Group reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Observer Media Group to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. DEADLINES: Classifieds - Friday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 10AM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card You now get the dry flower to SMOKE! 407-755-0012 389588 GET YOUR MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARD HERE FAST & EASY CERTIFICATION Call now for your FREE pre-evaluation by phoneFREE DELIVERY delivered directly to your home or business peekers’ place This week’s Sudoku answersThis week’s Crossword answers You’re only cheating yourself. Call 407-656-2121 or visit Made for where you live. Here! RED PAGES Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages. HEROES found here. Furnishings 389763 Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales 389765 Meadow Ridge Community Annual Garage Sale SATURDAY, OCT. 15, 2022 8am - 1pm Enter from Jordan Rose Ave. Ocoee, FL 34761 Merchandise Wanted NOW PURCHASING SCRAP 407-65613178 Winter 349888 NOW PURCHASING SCRAP BATTERIES 407-656-3495 13178 W. Colonial Dr. NOW PURCHASING SCRAP BATTERIES 13178 W. Colonial Dr. Winter Garden 389586 Accounting 389585 BUY STUFF HERE! Call 407-656-2121 to place an ad FIND BUYERS & SELLERS HERE! 407-656-2121 SELL MORE STUFF AT YOUR NEXT CALL 407-656-2121 GARAGE SALE
OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 9BOrangeObserver.com Auto Service 389590 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703 407-880-9300 alltransmissionworld.com 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703 407-880-9300 alltransmissionworld.com •Transmission •Clutches • CV Axles •Foreign & Domestic •Transmission •Clutches • CV Axles •Foreign & Domestic “Ifyou’reonamissiontofixyourtransmissioncall...” ATW ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD Central Florida’s Oldest & Largest Transmission & Total Car Care Company 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703 407-880-9300 alltransmissionworld.com •Transmission •Clutches • CV Axles •Foreign & Domestic “Ifyou’reonamissiontofixyourtransmissioncall...” ATW ALLTRANSMISSIONWORLD Central Florida’s Oldest & Largest Transmission & Total Car Care Company 1150 E Semoran Blvd. Ste. B Apopka, FL, 32703 407-880-9300 alltransmissionworld.com •Transmission • Clutches •CV Axles • Foreign & Domestic 12939 W. Colonial Dr, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-877-7600 alltransmissionworld.com 389592 Auto Service TFN 389591 • Bridgestone • Michelin • Toyo • BFG Tires TFN TRAYWICK'S GARAGE 1045 S. Vineland Rd. • Winter Garden • New and Used Tires • Alignment • Complete Auto Repair • A/C Serv. & More 407-656-1817389594 Auto Service Professional Services 389593 FIRE TECH EXTINGUISHER SERVICE 1207 North Lakewood Avenue Ocoee, FL 34761 Danny Motes Cell 407-466-4738 Tel 407-654-2395 www.Firetechextinguisher.com TFN Roofing Winter Garden’s Premier Roofing Company Since 1978 Serving All of West Orange County Fully Licensed and Insured Roof Repairs and Replacement 407-656-8920 www.WestOrangeRoofing.com FREE ESTIMATES 38959638 FUR BABIES Call 407-656-2121 or visit OrangeObserver.com/Business-Directory Made for where you live. Here! RED PAGES found here. TO ADVERTISE CALL 407-656-2121FOUND HERE! TREASURES SATURDAY SPORTS SPOTLIGHT Get all the action and passion of high school sports in your inbox. Visit OrangeObserver.com Sign up to receive West Orange scores, highlights, updates and profiles straight to your inbox every Saturday! 386857-1Copyright © | 2021 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved. Local News right to your inbox! A daily dose of up-to-the-minute news from West Orange, delivered to your inbox every weekday afternoon. SIGN ME UP FOR FREE! VISIT ORANGEOBSERVER.COM 386858-1
10B OBSERVER | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022 OrangeObserver.com 390441-1 IT COMES FOR YOUR WALLET FIRST! 388283-1 OrangeObserver.com PUBLICATION DATE Thursday, Nov. 17 AD SPACE DEADLINE Friday, Oct. 28 RESERVE YOUR AD TODAY! Call your account executive at 407-656-2121 or email Advertise@OrangeObserver.com 385977-1 Shoppers are always looking for where to go and what to spend their money on this time of year. Let them know about YOUR business and YOUR sales this holiday season by advertising in our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide — a reader’s one-stop shop to planning their spending!

But Wait ... THERE’S MORE!

the page for more sales and specials!

Flip
XNLV18913

50 years of Leadership

“Being part of the West Orange Chamber and being involved in their programs allows us to share our expertise, give back, and enhance the community; a strategic business decision. Our interests in the community are integral to our success. No other entity in West Orange offers these types of outlets.”

Celebrating
Take
the lead today. Join us!
(407) 656-1304 12184 West Colonial Dr in Winter Garden www.wochamber.com The West Orange Chamber of Commerce
Hay Maze Halloween & Fall Photo Spots, Decorations, & Light Displays Winter Garden Farmers Market Ripe with Fall Harvest in the Morning Halloween Light Show and Surprises in the Evening Shop, Dine & Stroll during the Annual Halloween Experience Outdoor Sidewalk Sale In-Store Sales & Promotions Seasonal Merchandise, Food & Drinks Saturday, October 22, 2022 Come Early & Stay Late! ACTIVITIES & FUN FOR EVERYONE ALL DAY www.downtownwg.comwww.cwgdn.com
www.downtownwg.comwww.cwgdn.com DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN Halloween Light Show on City Hall – Weekends Hay Maze at City Hall Fall-Themed Photo Spots Seasonal Decorations & Light Displays in Historic Charm Special Performances & Surprises – Weekends Harvest Sidewalk Sale & Stroll – Saturday, October 22 Farmers Market Halloween Celebration – Saturday, October 29 Spooky Caboose at the History Center – October 31 Halloween Movies at the Garden Theatre Schedule & Tickets at gardentheatre.org

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