12.29.22 West Orange Times & Observer

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The downtown Ocoee bakery sold out of the Chocolate Lover’s Donut concocted by fifth-grader Caleb Reid.

Andrea Mujica

Oakland examines future development

The Town Commission workshop focused on setting parameters for all mixed-use projects that likely will come to West Colonial Drive in the coming years.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Town Commission held a work session prior to its regular commission meeting Tuesday, Dec. 13, to discuss the moratorium on multifamily dwellings and mixed-use buildings on West Colonial Drive.

In February, the town established the moratorium on processing applications for all development on Colonial to allow staff time to make sure the right standards, tools and policies are in place moving forward and to assess what needed to be added or modified. The commission extended the moratorium another 180 days, and it is set to end in February 2023.

“The discussion today is really just to put some vision on what Highway 50 (Colonial) could look like and try to put some things out there that might be helpful in talk-

ing to developers when they come in to develop,” Town Manager Steve Koontz said.

Mike Morrissey, of Morrissey Design Studio, and another consultant put together a draft document that focused on three pieces of property, all containing 20 or more acres, that likely will be developed in the future.

The town has a population of about 5,400 residents, which cannot support 60 acres of commercial, Koontz said.

“It’s going to be tough to get somebody to come in and just put commercial,” he said. “Over the last four or five years we’ve had multiple developers coming in and wanting to put in multifamily … but it’s always multifamily first with no real plan for commercial. … The idea is, how do we move forward as a town, as a commission, with a vision … that might include multifamily, but it’s more of a true mixed use, where a portion of this property has some meaningful commercial: grocery stores, restaurants, things that would keep people in the town and not having to travel to

Winter Garden or Clermont … and be supportive and be successful.

“One of the things we have to be careful with is … not making things too hard for people to develop on,” Koontz said. “As far as traffic, nothing that happens on any of the three properties is going to impact roads any more than the (Florida’s) Turnpike already does. We are looking already at roughly 105,000 cars a day coming off the turnpike. If all 60 acres is developed densely, it’s still going to be a small percentage of traffic on Highway 50. That’s one thing we need to stay away from is that it’s a traffic issue.”

VILLAGE CONCEPTS

Oakland officials are trying to address the issue of connecting neighborhoods on the south and north sides of Colonial.

“Folks want Mayberry, but the reality is we do have a six-lane arterial roadway going through the middle,” Morrissey said. “If we can create a sense of place in each of those (20-acre sites) and make something (that resembles villages).”

The idea is to increase walkability and pedestrian activity through mixed-use development. Morrissey said multifamily units paired with restaurants, retail and office space — with four or five different building types — will have a better aesthetic than a regular apartment

or single-use commercial development.

The types of building materials also were discussed.

One of the three village concepts would be conducive to a large-format operation, such as a grocery store, Koontz said. Another piece of property has space that could be ideal for pedestrian, bicycle and golf cart connections.

“The idea is to not encourage owner-occupied type dwellings along Highway 50,” Koontz said. “It is the opportunity to diversity the tax base here in town with commercial development and multifamily as part of that.”

The town would require its Complete Streets program with its grid system be incorporated into each of the developments.

“I like this a lot on (Colonial),” Commissioner Sal Ramos said. “Is there something we can put in the developer’s agreement that keeps a master developer from coming in? Because I don’t want a bait-andswitch like we had with Unicorp.”

“I’m glad we are where we are right now, being cautious, but I think we’re in a good place,” Commissioner Joseph McMullen said.

Koontz said he will bring the document back to the commission in January and request it be accepted as a vision for the town.

n Police Chief Darron Esan introduced a new officer, Chadwick Edmondson, who is retired from the Clermont Police Department, and announced an assignment change for Officer René Castro, who will serve as a liaison to the commissioners and handle the Oakland Police Department’s community engagement and social media.

n Commissioners accepted the consent agenda, which included several items — a vote for Town Manager Steve Koontz to move forward with the execution and closing of the contract to purchase a .132-acre parcel at 19 Petris Ave. for $150,000, and acceptance of Oakland Park Phase 6B-2 infrastructure improvements.

n Koontz announced completion of the roundabout on West Oakland Avenue is delayed about two months and should be completed by mid-March.

n The Town Commission passed several ordinances and resolutions that formalized the town’s special events process and established a new fee schedule for town rentals.

n Commissioners approved the architectural design, monument and site plan for Goldfish Swim School; as well as the preliminary subdivision plan for Daniels Cove.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Located at 2000 Fowler Grove Blvd, Ste 360 in Winter Garden, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute is a world leader in the field of orthopaedics. Year after year, they have been ranked among the nation’s best in orthopaedic providers by U.S. News & World Report. Their top docs are repeatedly ranked by Castle Connolly for providing superior and affordable orthopaedic care to patients, both locally and nationally. To learn more, visit https://rothmanortho.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 135-year anniversary of the Town of Oakland

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 135-year anniversary of the Town of Oakland. A day spent in the Town of Oakland will take you back in time to the old, quaint Florida of yesterday - even as new residents begin to discover what just a few have known for generations. Established in 1887, it is one of the oldest municipalities in Orange County. Oakland is a diverse, thriving and growing small community noted for its laidback lifestyle and majestic oak trees. It operates under a Commission/Manager form of local government with a Mayor, Kathy Stark, and four Commissioners elected at-large. To learn more, visit https://oaklandfl.gov/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand openings of Celebration OB-GYN and Celebration Pediatrics

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand openings of Celebration OB-GYN and Celebration Pediatrics. Located at 1997 Daniels Road in Winter Garden, Celebration Obstetrics & Gynecology and Celebration Pediatrics are privately owned medical practices that have served Central Florida for 25 years. They are thrilled to expand with the opening of their Winter Garden offices, which will open to patients starting Jan. 2. They are currently accepting new patients and booking appointments. To learn more, visit https://celebrationobgyn.com/ and http://www. celebrationpediatrics.com.

2022YEAR IN PICTURES

Peter

Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

Ocoee High School’s first Super Scholar heading to Brown

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

For Ocoee High School senior Brian Vo, 17, receiving his acceptance letter — along with a full-ride scholarship — to study at Brown University is a dream come true.

“It means everything to me,” he said. “This moment has been building up for so many years, and I’ve (always) dreamed of the day when I would open my college acceptance letters. I just feel like all the work that I’ve put in for all my years of high school have built up to this moment, and it feels like such a relief to finally have the confirmation that next year I’ll be going to college, and I won’t have to worry about any funding for my education.”

Vo matched with Brown through QuestBridge’s Match Scholarship, a program that grants recipients of the scholarship admission to one of QuestBridge’s college partners along with a full four-year scholarship worth more than $200,000. According to QuestBridge’s website, the scholarship covers tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and travel expenses, and there will be no parental contribution and no student loans.

During his junior year, Vo was accepted to QuestBridge’s College Prep Scholars program, where he received education on how to apply for the National College Match scholarship, which is only available for high school seniors. Through the Match Scholarship program, Vo also applied to Yale, Princeton, Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania.

“Since I was little, I’ve always been sort of an Ivy League fanatic,” he said. “My spectrum of schools I wanted to go to has definitely expanded over the last two years, but of course, Ivy Leagues are where you always start looking because you (know) those are the top schools in the country and, obviously, the world.”

Looking ahead, Vo already knows what he wants to study in college — and even what type of concentration he wants to pursue parallel to his major. In fact, part of the reason he believes he matched with Brown University through the QuestBridge’s Match Scholarship was

because of the passion behind one of his supplemental application essays.

“I wrote about my aspiration to become a surgeon in the future,” he said. “Not just become a surgeon and study natural sciences like biology and neuroscience but also how I want to incorporate maybe a concentration or a minor in ethnic studies or Asian American studies.”

The reason for this lies in Vo’s desire to contribute his knowledge to the ethics and social aspects of current medicine that may be, in Vo’s opinion, often overlooked.

“I want to sort of reform the medical field by showing that these minority groups can receive the same sort of treatments that may not be available now because of socioeconomic backgrounds or racial backgrounds,” he said. “I want to bridge the gap in the medical field, because now, in today’s society, there is a breach between the science of medicine but also the ethics side of medicine. I want to learn and be able to study both sides and be able to incorporate that into my future practice for all my patients.”

Despite his interest in medicine, Vo didn’t always want to be a surgeon. Back in elementary school, he loved mathematics — when all it tested him with was addition and multiplication tables. Then, in middle school, Vo discovered a passion for astrophysics as he became curious to know everything about the universe and how it came to be.

“Going into high school, I actually was placed in a biomedical class,” he said. “We had Principles of Biomedical Sciences here, and that’s when I really developed a love for the medical field. … One thing that really drew my attention the most were anatomy and physiology, because I wanted to know how different systems in the body worked. I just found it so interesting that these little pieces in our bodies all worked together to form what we are today.”

Because of his involvement with the college and career counselors and his initiative to start sharing college prep courses information, SAT and ACT courses information, as well as new scholarship opportunities, Vo was asked if he’d like to become a college and career ambassador at Ocoee High School. A lot of his knowledge about college and career processes Vo owes to a former Ocoee Knight who now attends Yale University — Kobe Yang.

“So, at the beginning of this year, my college and career counselors had seen what I was doing and they came up to me as asked ‘Brian, how would you feel about being a college and career ambassador?’” he said. “So, this was the first year that we actually had student ambassadors helping out with the college and career processes here.”

Through the QuestBridge’s Match Scholarship process, Vo became Ocoee High School’s first Super Scholar.

“It means everything, because since the beginning of this year — even since last year —(I have been able) to sort of be an example of what the students here at Ocoee can achieve,” he said. “Even my closest friends didn’t think they could apply to these scholarships and win anything so, being the first one of our class and the first match recipient from QuestBridge of the school means a lot because I feel like I’m setting an example for future generations of this school.”

For his first semester at Brown, Vo already has looked at some of the classes he’d like to take — and because the school has an open curriculum, he has the option to pick any class that catches his eye.

“I’m not constrained to any major requirements or taking STEM classes,” Vo said. “Some of the classes that interest me are introduction to biology and neuroscience. Brown actually has a really good neuroscience institute that I can study at.”

With his senior year half way done, and the majority of his life dedicated to academics, Vo has a deep appreciation for everything his years at school have taught him.

“Academics is such an important part of my life, because not only I can receive a great education and build on my knowledge and form aspirations for the future, but school is also where I have formed the greatest relationships of my life,” he said. “My childhood friends from elementary school are still my best friends today. I’ve met so many teachers and adults over the years and they’ve taught me so many lessons. I feel like academics is not just in the classroom but everything that happens in the school environment that has shaped me in so many different ways and I wouldn’t have it any other way because I wouldn’t be the person I am today without school.”

“Academics is such an important part of my life, because not only I can receive a great education and build on my knowledge and form aspirations for the future, but school is also where I have formed the greatest relationships of my life.” —

REPORT CARD

Favorite

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

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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WEST ORANGE TIMES

The West Orange Times (USPS 687120) is published weekly for $40 per year ($50 outside of Orange County) by the Observer Media Group, 661 Garden Commerce Parkway, Winter Garden, Florida, 34787. Periodical postage paid at Winter Garden, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to the (name of pub; i.e., West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer or Southwest Orange Observer), Observer Media Group, P.O. Box 135, Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069-0135.

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Andrea Mujica

Brian Vo with friends Benedict Ridore and Gladysmar Mercedes Mejia.

JANUARY

WRITING

I think my donut is the best donut because of the creamy hot fudge in the middle, Oreos on top and the yummy chocolate chips.

OK, now everybody likes hot fudge. The warm hot fudge in the middle will be mouth-watering. Its rich and pure taste is awesome.

Also, Oreos are the best! Once they taste the Oreo, their mouth will say, “I want more.” They will also taste the nice crunch of the Oreo.

Lastly, on top there is nice pure chocolate chips. Trust me, they go perfectly with the hot fudge and Oreos.

So this is why this donut is the best for your store.

Foundation Academy fifthgrader concocts new donut

COMMUNITIY EDITOR

DG Doughnuts had a special sweet treat in its display case the weekend of Dec. 9 through 11 — the Chocolate Lover’s Donut — created by a fifthgrader at Foundation Academy.

Caleb Reid, an honor student in Heather Graziotti’s class, was tasked with a persuasive writing assignment, and he chose to write about why his chocolatey doughnut should be sold in the bakery in downtown Ocoee.

Taylor Garrett, DG Doughnuts manager, said her employees voted on the best descriptive writing piece and selected Caleb’s assignment.

“They all were great, but Caleb’s just stuck out to us,” she said.

Caleb’s doughnut featured choc-

olate fudge icing, Oreos, chocolate chips and hot fudge drizzle, and it was selected for the store for a limited time.

How did Caleb come up with the idea for so much chocolate?

“I love chocolate, and so I bet other people would like chocolate, too,” he said.

It turns out quite a few people were eager to try the sugary goodness too, because the special doughnuts sold out every day of the promotion.

“It was just on a whim, and it was fun,” Garrett said. “We took some to their class, and we sold his doughnut for an entire weekend — and we sold out every day. It was a great experience for everyone.”

Two dozen Chocolate Lover’s Doughnuts were made each day.

Caleb’s mother, Jessica Reid, said

she wonders if DG Doughnuts will offer the Chocolate Lover’s Donut again in the future because it was so popular.

“They were really good,” Reid said.

DG sent a few home with Caleb, who said his dad ate most of them.

“He said it was the best doughnut ever,” Caleb said.

The Reids, who are chocolate lovers, made a visit to DG Doughnuts that weekend to buy more. Caleb said it was exciting to see his name on a sign with the chocolate doughnut. He liked going behind the counter to take a photo with his concoction, too.

Students in Graziotti’s honors class, as well as some of the teachers, were able to try Caleb’s creation when the bakery provided doughnuts to the school.

Robert James “Bob” Pleus Jr. spent his entire adult life serving others — in the U.S. Navy; as a commissioner, mayor and attorney for the town of Windermere; as a judge with the Fifth District Court of Appeal; and as a deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church. Pleus, who was born in Orlando and was a longtime Windermere resident, died Dec. 14, 2021, at age 85. Published Jan. 13, 2022.

The city of Winter Garden honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a downtown parade and celebration Monday, Jan. 17. David, Brklyn, Tink, Dez and Kerrie Adams sported matching hoodies at the celebration. Published Jan. 20, 2022.

Myles Murillo, who weighed less than 2 pounds at birth, was selected as a 2022 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Champion. Published Jan. 27, 2022.

William “Bill” C. Spoone — the first principal of Dr. Phillips High School. Mr. Spoone, 89 of Orlando, died Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. Published Jan. 13, 2022.

Right: After two decades, Joan Bailey — Edgewood Children’s Ranch longtime Swiss Army knife — called it a career. Published Jan. 20, 2022.

Harold and Mercedes Masih-Das built one of Winter Garden’s most celebrated restaurants — Daniel’s Cheesesteak House. Published Jan. 27, 2022.

Left: Kenneth Armour — aka The Man with the Pants — added color, cheer and personality to Winter Garden — one leg at a time. Published Jan. 13, 2022.

AMY QUESINBERRY

Courtesy Foundation Academy fifth-grader Caleb Reid created the Chocolate Lover’s Donut, with hot fudge, Oreos and chocolate chips on top.

Vincent Urick-Brokus, aka TikTok’s The Camping Cuber, spent some time in Winter Garden. Published Jan. 20, 2022.

NOTICE OF MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND CANDIDATE QUALIFYING

Pursuant to Florida Elections Laws, Chapter 100, Section 100.021 and Ocoee Code of Ordinances, Section 5-13, notice is hereby given by the City of Ocoee, Florida that an election will be held Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in the City of Ocoee for the purpose of electing the following seats for a four-year term:

Mayor

Commissioner for District 1

Candidates for these offices must Qualify by filing qualifying papers and fees with the City Clerk during regular office hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) beginning at noon on Friday, January 20, 2023, and ending at noon, Friday, January 27, 2023, at City Hall, 1 North Bluford Avenue, Ocoee, Florida. The fee for qualifying for the office of Mayor is $145.00 and for the office of Commissioner is $90.00.

Due to the 2022 Redistricting, your polling location may have changed. To find your polling location, contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/find-my-polling-place or by calling (407) 836-2070.

There will be three polling locations in the City of Ocoee. Polling locations for Districts 1 & 4 will be at the Jim Beech Recreation Center, 1820 A. D. Mims Road; for District 2, the Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 North Lakeshore Drive; and District 3 has a new polling location at Fire Station 39, 2500 Maguire Road. Polling places will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

All vote-by-mail requests expire annually beginning December 31, 2022. Those electors who opt to cast a vote-by-mail ballot for this election must contact the Orange County Supervisor of Elections either online at www.ocfelections.com/vote-by-mail or by calling (407) 836-8683 requesting a vote-by-mail ballot. Book closing date to register to vote in this election is February 13, 2023.

Commissioner for District 3

Photo by of Peter Schreyer

This image of Deloris Riggins and her 9-year-old son originally was printed in a book on small-town living created by Crealdé School of Art. The photo was among 30 on display at the Maxey Community Center documenting Winter Garden’s black communities. Published Feb. 10, 2022.

Courtesy photo

Above: The West Orange High Theatre Department earned numerous accolades during the 2021-22 school year. Published Feb. 10, 2022.

Left: Ocoee police officer Natalia Ortiz braved icy waters at this year’s Polar Plunge — a fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. Published Feb. 24, 2022.

Foundation Academy students and families powered through a 2-mile course for the school’s 2022 Color Run Friday, Feb. 11, at the Tilden Campus. Published Feb. 24, 2022.

Healthy West Orange hosted the 2022 Fresh Start Festival Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the Town of Oakland. Published Feb. 10, 2022.

FEBRUARY

The Horizon West Golf Cart Club is working to designate the area as a cart-friendly community. Published Feb. 3, 2022.

District 6 Commissioner Bakari Burns received the Chair’s Award from Camille Evans at the West Orange Chamber of Commerce’s Big Orange Awards. Published Feb. 17, 2022.

yond event Saturday, March 26, at Newton Park. Published March 31, 2022.

Left: Former Ocoee residents Shawn and Amy Sullivan, who founded Mission 823 more than 22 years ago to help the European country’s orphans and at-risk children, have switched their efforts to caring for Ukrainian refugees of the week-old war between Russia and their country. Published March 3, 2022.

Windermere resident Barbara Roper was a female powerhouse who made an enormous impact on the West Orange County community. Mrs. Roper died March 7, 2022, at home. Published March 24, 2022.

Jon and DeeDee Hinson, of Winter Garden, spent 15 months on their powerboat, War Eagle, traveling the 6,000-mile America’s Great Loop from here to the Canadian border and back home. Published March 17, 2022.

Earl Brigham and his striped barber pole have been a staple in downtown Winter Garden for more than four decades.

Published March 10, 2022.

Crooked Can Brewing Company in downtown Winter Garden celebrated the holiday with its seventh annual Crooked Can Celtic Festival Thursday, March 17, through Saturday, March 19. Kevin and Dana Mullhall shared the day with their in-laws, Sharon Emerson, Terry Walsh and Gail Zielinski. Published March 24, 2022.

APRIL

Above: West Orange graduate Lucas Cawthorn died in a motorcycle accident Friday, April 15. He was only 19 years old. Published April 28, 2022.

Right: Winter Garden resident Jared Fairchild was promoted to chief petty officer, the highest cadet rank attainable, with the United States Naval Sea Cadets. Published April 21, 2022.

Below: Some rain on Saturday, April 2, could not drown out the fun and festivities of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society’s 20th Spring Fever in the Garden. Published April 7, 2022.

Walker Hayes was among the featured performers at the 2022 Ocoee Music Festival, held April 8 and 9 at Bill Breeze Park. Published April 14, 2022.

Officers from the Winter Garden Police Department came out to celebrate Global Not Local’s first For The Culture Community Day, held March 19, at Zanders Park in Winter Garden. Published April 7, 2022.

Foundation Academy basketball player Justin Williams received the third annual Jersey Mike’s Naismith High School Basketball Courage Award Tuesday, April 12. Published April 21, 2022.

Legacy Events for Education kicked off the season with its Spring Celebration, held Saturday, April 9, in Hamlin Town Center. Published April 21, 2022.

Left: Longtime Windermere resident Bill Martini set up a live camera on his dock to observe otters and other animals in the naturalistic community. Published April 21, 2022.

Artist Thomas Canuelas began creating realistic scenes and characters as a hobby after a serious illness rendered him homebound. Published April 21, 2022.

Left: Ocoee residents, families and kids enjoyed a nice Saturday morning at the 2022 Easter Eggstravaganza, held Saturday, April 16, at Jim Beech Recreation Center. Published April 21, 2022.

Bright colors and fancy hats were the order of the day at the West Orange Junior Service League’s 12th annual Run for the Roses Derby, held Saturday, May 7, at the Ocoee Lakeshore Center. Published May 12, 2022.

The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department and the Ocoee Fire Rescue Department came together for a week of collaborative training at the south campus of Orange Technical College, also known as Mid Florida Tech, which also houses the Central Florida Fire Academy. Published May 12, 2022.

Photo by Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography

West Orange High School hosted its 2022 graduation at Additional Financial Arena. Published May 26, 2022.

Carlos Watson, better known as Mr. Winter Garden, spent his days — from sunup to sundown — sitting outside his home on West Story Road and waving to all the vehicles going by. Published May 26, 2022.

West Orange women donned hard hats and strapped on tool belts to help build homes through West Orange Habitat for Humanity. Published May 5, 2022.

Left: Evelyn Hawthorne, 10 months, donned a tiny sombrero to celebrate the city of Ocoee’s Cinco de Mayo Block Party. Published May 12, 2022.

Bob Restivo has been teaching numbers and equations for 40 years — 35 of them at West Orange High — and will retire at the end of the school year. Published May 19, 2022.

Right: Senior Karina Guerra was among the Ocoee High thespians who presented the musical “Songs For A New World.” Published May 5, 2022.

Horizon West saddled up for a day of cowboy fun at the Hamlin Hoedown, held Saturday, May 14, at Hamlin Town Center. Published May 26, 2022.

Left: Daniela Salcedo, 8, saw the Windermere Elementary School spring carnival from a different perspective. Published May 5, 2022.

Head Coach Jay Welsh & Kingdom staff has over 75 years of collective coaching experience.

Alasia Davis, Erline Caulange and Trinity Smith celebrated Ocoee High’s 2022 graduation. Published June 2, 2022.

Windermere resident Olivier Chavy biked the Dolomites in Italy to raise funds for the Christel House organization. Published June 16, 2022.

Frostina, Fishstick and Sunshine were the three characters for “Unexplainable: The Miracle of Jesus” at Lifebridge Church. Published June 23, 2022.

The last time anyone saw Tracy Ocasio, she was leaving a MetroWest bar after an Orlando Magic game in 2009. Thirteen years later, Ocasio’s disappearance remains an open case as Ocoee Police Department detectives continue to look for evidence. Published June 2, 2022.

After 13 years of training, Windermere Prep dancer Parnika Chintapalli celebrated her Kathak Visharad — a graduation. Published June 23, 2022.

Windermere resident and Olympia High School graduate Thomas Kelly entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June. Published June 9, 2022.

Bathroom selfies were popular prior to Windermere Prep’s graduation ceremony. Maria Luiza Larangeiras, Karie Yanez, Simone Watson and Caroline Becker took advantage of the huge mirror in the women’s room. Published June 9, 2022.

JULY

Hamlin resident Johanna Oakes is

family and wedding photographer whose goal is to help turn moments into lifelong cherished memories. Published July 14, 2022.

Gretchen Olah, a West Orange High School senior, was selected as one of six students to serve as an International Thespian Officer for the Educational Theatre Association and International Thespian Society. Published July 7, 2022.

Ocoee native Christina Bianco participated in an international maritime warfare exercise with the U.S. Navy. Published July 28, 2022.

Leila Sweeting and Aria Moore showed off matching face paint on an inflatable at the Windermere Police Department Foundation’s Summertime Bash Saturday, June 25, in downtown Windermere. Published July 7, 2022.

Emmeline Pevehouse, 3, was excited to sit in the fire truck at the Independence community’s Independence Firework Spectacular event. Published July 7, 2022.

Windermere resident Tom Stroup shares construction tips and woodworking how-to’s on his YouTube channel and Instagram page. Published July 28, 2022.

AUGUST

Right: Southwest Orlando’s Todd Thompson worked with actress Nichelle Nichols to create a documentary about her life and her influence in NASA. Published Aug. 11, 2022.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, who graduated from Foundation Academy in 2017, was one of two soldiers killed during a Ranger School training incident Tuesday, Aug. 9. Published Aug. 10, 2022.

Ocoee welcomed the public to its new City Hall. Published Aug. 4, 2022.

Ray and Bibi Peeples started Ray Peeples Ministries to help locals in need. Published Aug. 25, 2022.

West Orange High School students took to the parking lot to paint their parking spots Saturday, Aug. 6. Published Aug. 11, 2022.

Left: Windermere’s deputy police chief, Jennifer Treadwell, took to the police radio for the last time Friday, Aug. 19. Published Aug. 25, 2022.

The Ocoee Police Department’s Teen Citizen Police Academy Camp graduated its largest class — 22 students — at the completion of camp July 29. Published Aug. 25, 2022.

Two-year-old Max McCabe was diagnosed with a rare and fatal neurological disease, TBCD, with a life expectancy of only a few years and no known treatment. Published Sept. 15, 2022.

West Orange High alum Nick Marotta will teach English in Madagascar for two years as a member of the Peace Corps. Published Sept. 1, 2022.

Kloe Rodriguez, a SunRidge Elementary student, was paralyzed in a car crash. She is wearing a stabilizing halo and enduring daily physical therapy, and doctors are hoping this will allow for healing without surgery. Published Sept. 29, 2022.

Thomas Smothers, who has worked with the Ocoee Fire Department since he started as a firefighter 18 years ago, was named the department’s chief. Published Sept. 29, 2022.

West Orange alum Sean Lewis was one of 16 finalists in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge competition. Published Oct. 13, 2022.

Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee opened a new breast imaging center Oct. 17. Published Oct. 13, 2022.

Hurricane Ian caused power outages, downed trees and flooding in West Orange. Published Oct. 6, 2022.

Right: More than 1,000 runners and walkers enjoyed a scenic route through the town of Windermere Saturday, Oct. 15, as they completed the annual Run Among the Lakes 5K/10K. Published Oct. 20, 2022.

Horizon West resident Jeremy Kent, a Halloween fanatic, spent nearly a year creating “The Reaping,” a haunted house experience with props and jump scares on par with local theme parks. Published Oct. 20, 2022.

The Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers are dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need. Published Oct. 13, 2022.

Tyler Wells, 14, was nonverbal but had a way of connecting with people, and his happiness made others happy. The Windermere teen died unexpectedly Aug. 24. Published Oct. 27, 2022.

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352 Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study 11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana 2nd Campus: First Baptists Church

EPISCOPAL

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org 125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST

CHURCH PO Box 520, 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff Pritchard (407) 656-2351 www.starkelakebaptist.org

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

Pastor Thomas Odom 1105 N. Lakewood Avenue, Ocoee 407-656-8011

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH 241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30,

Darron Esan, brings 26 years of law-enforcement experience to the town. Published Nov. 10, 2022.

attendees flocked to the Hamlin area

annual Horizon West Flavor Fest Saturday, Nov.

Published Nov. 17, 2022.

West Orange Habitat for Humanity celebrated its 2022 Rock the House event Saturday, Oct. 29, at the family farm of former Orange County Commissioner S. Scott Boyd. Published Nov. 3, 2022.

DECEMBER

celebrity cipher

West Orange High student Zion Isom spent a day with Orange County Sheriff John Mina after winning an essay contest. Published Dec. 1, 2022.

Central Florida Community Arts offered a night of jazz-infused holiday music with “A Big Band Christmas” Friday, Dec. 2, at the Lake Buena Vista High School auditorium. Published Dec. 15, 2022.

Winter Garden’s weekend of holiday hoopla continued at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, with the city’s annual Christmas Parade. Published Dec. 8, 2022.

The Venardos Circus, created by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Kevin Venardos, returned to Horizon West. Published Dec. 1, 2022.

The town of Oakland closed its downtown streets to traffic and welcomed a huge crowd of guests to its annual Santa’s Lane event Saturday, Dec. 3. Published Dec. 8, 2022.

Five members of the West Orange High School marching band were invited to participate in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Published Dec. 8, 2022.

JUMBO FREESTYLE

WHITE CHRISTMAS by Ryan McCarty and Adrian Johnson, edited by David Steinberg

By Luis Campos

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Toastique. Located at 14410 Shoreside Way Ste 170 in the Hamlin part of Winter Garden, Toastique is a boutique gourmet toast and juice bar offering a fresh, chic, rustic experience that perfectly transitions from early on-the-go breakfast to corporate lunch to post sweatsession fuel-up. Toastique offers fresh, seasonal and responsibly sourced products and a feelgood atmosphere.

To learn more, visit https://toastique.com/.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Crisp & Green. Located at 16055 New Independence Pkwy Ste 130 in the Horizon West portion of Winter Garden, Crisp & Green believes nourishing your healthy lifestyle goes beyond the kitchen. They are devoted to delivering an exceptionally crisp experience to their guests, not just with their chef-crafted and scratch-made menu, but also through their high standard of service, belief in being 100 percent authentic and passionate commitment to the community.

To learn more, visit https://crispandgreen.com/.

Congratulations on Membership Milestones to:

Safely Softwash

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of Safely Softwash. Located at 930 Carter Road Suite 224 Winter Garden, Safely Softwash is a roof and exterior cleaning company. They use soaps and chemicals to clean without using the harsh pressure from a pressure washer. To learn more, visit http://www.safelysoftwash.com.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Miller’s Ale House - Hamlin. Located at 16428 New Independence Pkwy in Horizon West, Miller’s Ale House is a sports-themed casual dining restaurant, a local business looking to make an amazing impression on a wonderful community. To learn more, visit https://millersalehouse.com.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of StretchLab. Located at 2534 Maguire Road in Ocoee, StretchLab is a one-on-one assistedstretching studio. Their goal is to help you gain the benefits of stretching - increased range of motion and flexibility; reduction of stress and pain in muscles and joints; sports-performance improvement; better relaxation and posture. To learn more, visit http://www.stretchlab.com/ location/wow.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 5-year anniversary of TopGolf Orlando. Located at 9295 Universal Blvd in Orlando, TopGolf, the premier entertainment destination in Orlando, invites you to enjoy their climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort with HDTVs in every bay and throughout their sports bar and restaurant. Using their complimentary clubs or your own, take aim at the giant outfield targets and our high-tech balls will score themselves. To learn more, visit http://www.topgolf.com/ orlando.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & HORIZON WEST

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Crisp & Green

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of StretchLab

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of TopGolf Orlando

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Miller’s Ale House - Hamlin

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 5-year anniversary of

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Toastique

2022 YEAR IN SPORTS

From

BY ANDREA MUJICA | STAFF WRITER

West Orange and Southwest Orange sports fans certainly had plenty of reason to celebrate in 2022. Students at local high schools excelled both on and off the field — proving once again that athletics not only teaches specific physical skills but also offers experiences that will influence their lives long after they’ve hung up their cleats.

Here, we take a trip back and revisit 10 of our favorite sports memories of 2022.

1FOUNDATION CHEER

WINS STATE TITLE

The lady Lions made school history this year after winning the first state championship title.

The girls became champions in the large school non-tumbling division at the FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading State Championship Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Gainesville.

To commemorate the team’s success, Foundation Academy held a ring ceremony Tuesday, April 26, to give the girls the school’s first state championship rings.

The rings feature the phrase, “Be the light. Build the legacy,” which is engraved on the inside.

The sides of the rings feature the state of Florida with a cross on the inside to highlight Orlando and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.”

2DR. PHILLIPS GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS STATE TITLE

The Panthers brought home their first state championship since 2013 after defeating Miami 47-45 Saturday, Feb. 26.

This was the fifth consecutive title for the Panthers in school history, which gave head coach Anthony Jones his fourth state championship title.

“I kept telling the girls, ‘Don’t look up at the scoreboard. We’re going to come back,’” Jones said. “We had some nerves early on in the game, which affected our execution, but I kept saying we were going to win.”

As of their last game of the season, the girls remain undefeated 11-0 and are ready to come back to the court at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, when they will travel to Timber Creek.

district and state championships to a heart transplant and history-making performances, 2022 definitely was a year for the record books.

CHAMPS

The Lakers became district champions for the first time in Windermere Prep’s history Wednesday, March 30, joining the lady weightlifters who also had been crowned district champions during their winter season.

“Those guys have been training since their last season ended last year,” coach Micah Kurtz said. “They trusted our training, they trusted our program, and when they trust in us, believe in us and the hard work pays off, it’s awesome.”

DENZEL IRVIN RECEIVES

A NEW HEART

Foundation Academy alum Denzel Irvin got a second chance at life this year, after a visit to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, in March turned his life upside-down.

On March 29, the doctors told him his heart was only working at a 10% capacity and that build-up was threatening his heart and lungs and filling his stomach.

“If he would have been 45 minutes to an hour later, we would be having a different conversation,” his dad, Djuan Irvin, said. “(He) went into the intensive care unit. The (doctors) started moving very fast from that time.”

Less than a month later, on April 25, Denzel Irvin got a new heart — and a new chance at life.

“It’s really nothing but a miracle,” his twin brother, Darius Irvin, said. “God got him through it.”

Now, months after his surgery, Denzel Irvin returned to his alma mater and his hometown as defensive back coach for the Lions.

“It’s definitely a different experience — seeing it from another angle and another view,” he said. “It’s a humbling experience. It’s also kind of funny, as well, watching the kids making some of the mistakes I used to make. (But I love) watching them succeed and seeing how the school has flourished in the nine years since I’ve been here.”

Denzel Irvin had preciously written a hand-written letter to his donor’s family. After receiving a letter from the mother, he is looking forward to writing back and forming a connection.

Windermere

“The decision was spontaneous,” he said of playing overseas. “I feel like every kid in America would love the opportunity to go play in Europe. So, it was a no-brainer for me; it was just a matter of getting the option (to do it).”

The program offered intensive training every day of the week, with games taking place on weekends. During his time there, Fernandez trained twice a day, in the mornings and afternoons, and the remaining time of the day was dedicated to his academics.

However, his journey was cut short due to immigration proceedings that got him back to Windermere at the beginning of 2022. The family is still contemplating the possibility of Fernandez returning to Spain.

6TFA SOFTBALL WINS STATE TITLE

After an incredible run during their 2022 season, the lady Royals became state champions for the first time in school history after defeating University Christian 8-2 Wednesday, May 25.

“I’m so proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished,” TFA softball head coach Kaley Gangelhoff said. “It’s unbelievable what they did and how young they are.”

Comprising three sixth-graders, one seventh-grader, three eightgraders, two freshmen, three sophomores, one junior and two seniors, the team has room to grow and come back stronger next season — this time as defending champions.

“It’s amazing; I’ve been in this position with other sports because I’ve coached at this school for 23 years,” former assistant coach Jane Knuth said. “But (because) this is my main sport, this is the one I’ve been the head coach at some point in time and have been involved with the program. To win this one, this being my last season, I have no words.”

Hablamos Español

PREP

BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING

CROWNED DISTRICT

5LOCAL STUDENT PLAYS IN SPAIN

was represented across the pond when Horizon High student Sebastian Fernandez spent three months at the end of 2021 playing with the Levante UD team U-16 team in Valencia, Spain.

life of Winter Garden resident

PGA pro Bart Bryant came to an abrupt end Tuesday, May 31, after he died in a car crash in Polk City. He was 59.

Bryant’s success in the tour didn’t come until after he turned 40, having his first PGA Tour win during his 187th start at the 2004 Valero Texas Open. In 2005, he won the Memorial Tournament and, a few months later, defeated Tiger Woods to capture the season-ending Tour Championship by six shots. In only 142 appearances in the PGA Tour of Champions, he won twice, logging 29 top-10s to make an appearance on the top-25 world ranking.

“He was very special,” his older brother, Brad Bryant, said. “I always said he’s the guy that I always wanted to be when I grew up. Even though he was my younger brother, he was the much better example of what a Godly life looks like. He was just really a good man. He was generous to all, and he was kind to all and pretty much a friend to anybody that came along.”

Bart Bryant is survived by his second wife, Donna; daughters, Kristen and Michelle; and his stepchildren. His first wife, Cathy, died of cancer in 2017.

WILDFIRE WINS NATIONAL TITLE

For the first time in the 15 years the team has been in existence, the Windermere Wildfire 16U softball team won the 2022 USA Softball National Championships after defeating the Atlanta Vipers Hargrave 16U Sunday, July 23.

“It’s always good competition,” head coach and team founder George Paulson said. “This is the first national tournament that this team has played, and we were lucky enough to win it. … Florida, to me, has the best softball and the best competition in the Southeast and

maybe in the country. If you are one of the better teams in Florida, you are one of the better teams in the country.”

9LAKE BUENA VISTA FOOTBALL WINS FIRST GAME

Two years after school opening its doors, Lake Buena Vista High earned its first football win in history after defeating Colonial 37-15 Friday, Nov. 4.

“Some of the biggest things that we like to preach are that details matter — not necessarily footballwise but just in life,” he said. “In

school every day, you’ve got to pay attention to details regardless of what you are doing. I am (also) really big on making sure that kids are having fun, and accountability. They’ve got to understand that they are part of something bigger than (them) so accountability is really big on what we are trying to instill and what we are trying to build here.”

10OCOEE MAKES HISTORY

This season brought with it a new pathway for the Ocoee Knights on the football field as the team fell short to enter the state championship final after falling to the Columbus Explorers 41-26 during the state semifinal Friday, Dec. 2.

With a historic run that got them all the way to be part of the Final Four teams to battle for the state championship title, the Knights made school history not once, not twice, but multiple times this year.

“It’s been amazing,” Ocoee High School Athletic Director Bill Alderman said. “Obviously, this has been the first playoff run we’ve had, the first regional championship. Even at East Lake, we had people (from Ocoee) that came to their first Ocoee football game ever to watch it. That’s how big it’s been for the community.”

The boys won the school’s first playoff game, became Region 2 champions and made it to the Final Four teams in just a few weeks.

What will happen next year? Who knows, but state champion Ocoee Knights does have a nice ring to it.

BART BRYANT DIES The

8WINDERMERE

Meh.

2022

We survived another crazy year. But we are thankful for our loyal readers and advertisers helping us get through the year. Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2023!

Tis e Tis e 2022 2022 Se on Se on Se on

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS IN DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

November 26

• Shop Small Business Saturday and Downtown Sidewalk Sale, Daylong

December 2

• Light Up Winter Garden, 6-9 pm

December 3

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

• Winter Garden Christmas Parade, 10 am

• Christmas Golf Cart Parade, 6 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 4

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 5

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 6

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 7

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 8

• Holiday Boutique Stroll Downtown, 5-8 pm

December 9

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 10

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 11

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 12

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 13

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 14

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 16

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 17

• A Very Merry Farmers Market (Santa Visit), 8 am-1 pm

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 18

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

December 19

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 20

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 21

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 23

• A Merry Winter Garden Light Show, 6-9 pm

• Live Holiday Music - Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 24

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm

December 26

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 27

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 28

• Horse Drawn Holiday Carriage Tours, 5:30-9:30 pm*

December 30

• Live Holiday Music – Fridays on the Plaza, 7-9 pm

December 31

• A Very Merry Farmers Market, 8 am-1 pm *reservation/fee required