03.09.23 West Orange Times & Observer

Winter Garden, Ocoee, Oakland

TIME TO SPRING FORWARD

You will lose an hour of sleep this weekend — but you’ll have one more hour of sunlight in the evenings starting Sunday, March 12 — when daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night — or at 2 a.m. Sunday — whichever comes first.

OCOEE HOLDING SHREDDING EVENT

The Ocoee Police Department is hosting a document-shredding event from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18, at the station, 646 Ocoee Commerce Parkway, Ocoee. The only items being accepted are papers, folders, file folders, staples and paper clips. The first box is free, and a donation of $5 per box is suggested, up to five boxes. The event benefits the Ocoee Lions Club and the Woman’s Club of Ocoee.

Resident: ‘This is greed, and it hurts our safety’

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Residents voiced their opinions at a community meeting hosted by Orange County Government Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Water Spring Elementary to discuss two separate requests pertaining to a property in the Horizon West area.

The first request is an amendment of the Future Land Use Map. The applicant is proposing to change the FLUM designation of a 13.83-acre property at 14331 Avalon Road.

The applicant, Erika Hughes, of VHB Inc., is requesting the property, located in the U.S. 192 Growth Center, to be changed from Growth Center-Commercial to Growth Center-Planned Development-MediumHigh Density Residential.

The proposal for the property is to develop a multi-family residential community with up to 250 units.

Because the application is considered to be a large-scale amendment to the Orange County FLUM, it will require two rounds of county review: transmittal public hearings and adoption public hearings.

The second request is a privately initiated text amendment to the Future Land Use Ele-

ment Policy FLU8.1.4, which established the maximum densities and intensities for Planned Development and Lake Pickett FLUM designations adopted subsequent to Jan. 1, 2007.

This request would revise the Sutton Lakes Planned Development’s maximum development program of 700 single-family dwelling units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. If the proposed amendment is adopted, a new development cap of 253 single-family units, 304 multifamily units and 20,000 square feet of commercial space will be established and added to the policy.

Although the two requests are separate, the plan is to combine the two, Sutton Grande and Sutton Lakes, into one community.

MEETING MINUTES

Jennifer DuBois, case planner from Orange County, gave a brief explanation on the requests before turning the floor over to the owner of the property, Chuck Whittall, president of Unicorp National Developments LLC.

Whittall spoke about decreasing the property’s density from 700 single-family dwelling units to 557 residential units.

“In general, we are taking the density and reducing it from what’s allowed on the property,” he said. “We are

reducing the number of trips when you talk about traffic. … We are reducing by 287 trips of what can currently go on the property. We have estate lots that are going to be on the lake; we have townhome lots that are going to be a buffer between the estate homes and the apartments. … Our logic for not doing retail here is several-fold. We do a lot of retail, so if there’s a retail play, we would certainly do retail. … But just up to the north there’s a new shopping center under construction … directly across the street Disney is doing a big retail development commercial, so the grocery stores that are in our market are here. There’s not another grocery store to be here and the small retail generally wants to be around an anchor which would be a grocery store.”

As far as the traffic, Whittall said the projects already meet the traffic requirements by building less than what is allowed on the property.

“What we are doing is working with the county and the county is widening this road during the process,” he said. Currently, DuBois said widening plans are undergoing roadway conceptual analysis. The latest meeting estimated the timeline for completion of the project will not be for another 10 years. Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson spoke about the local concern for traffic and safety.

“What the residents want to make

sure the developers understand is that sometimes the lopsidedness of it is that private development doesn’t have to go through the county procurement process,” she said. “Once they’re past this part, it doesn’t have the onus to taxpayers to make sure we’re doing the most with those tax dollars, which is what takes a long time. A lot of times, that private development is done first, and then everyone ends up having to wait for the infrastructure part of it, and they’re really feeling that out here.”

RESIDENT RETALIATION

Although Hughes said there would also be interconnection between both communities to help with traffic along Avalon Road, residents still voiced concern.

One resident, who lives directly next to the subject property, said at 6:40 a.m., he already has to wait at least 10 minutes to even get out of his driveway because of the traffic already present in the area.

“I’m a contractor; I’m a builder; I understand exactly what’s going on, but I just think the road is a vital issue,” he said.

A Hamlin resident who has lived in Southwest Orange County for more than 30 years and is a professional engineer working in transportation planning, said he thinks a better use for the property would be for it to remain a commercial retail site.

Another resident chimed in to share his input.

“For Horizon West, we’re done with more homes,” he said. “There’s so many things getting built. What do we need? Schools. We have so many people here that our schools are overcrowded as soon as they open … You’re looking at it in your little fox hole. … Horizon West is a different beast.”

The resident brought up a death on Avalon Road and his concern for traffic and safety.

“The road isn’t even going to widen for 10 years,” he said. “You’re going to endanger people for the next 10 years? We had a death next to my son’s elementary school last year. A traffic accident. Last week, a kid, a middleschooler, got hit and is in critical condition. I understand the business side of it, I do, and I empathize with you. I think what we’re asking you to do is keep the plan the same. You’re going to make money. I don’t care what you do, just keep it the same. We’ll shop, we’ll spend money, you will be successful. This is greed. This is greed, and it hurts our safety.”

The requests will next be heard at the Board of County Commissioners transmittal hearing Tuesday, March 7, after press time.

What To Do

• Label the material. If you do not know what the material is, label it “unknown”.

• Do not mix different or unknown materials together.

• If containers are leaking, pack them in a larger container with absorbent materials, such as cat liter, to soak up leaks.

• Use boxes with dividers for easy packing and transport.

• If the material is still usable, use it up!

Cloud 90

At 90 years old, east Winter Garden resident Charlie Mae Wilder has no plans to slow down. In fact, she wants to create a space for training youth and adults on a piece of property she owns near her home.

AMY QUESINBERRY

COMMUNITY EDITOR

There are two things about Charlie Mae Wilder that will never change: her love of fancy, colorful hats, and her dedication to her community.

Wilder turned 90 last week, and she slowed down — if you can call it that — just long enough to accept birthday wishes and enjoy her big day.

As soon as her day started, Wilder was in prayer.

“I (thanked) my Lord and savior

Jesus Chris for allowing me the number of years He’s allowed me to be here,” she said. “I can get around. I can dress myself. I can cook my food. I can drive my car. And I’m still helping people.”

Even on her birthday, she was thinking of others. She picked up boxes of food from a fellow church member and delivered them to people in need.

“I didn’t want to get complacent, so I started to do some work around the house to make sure we keep that up,” Wilder said.

Her next stop was at an Orlando senior center she frequents for fellowship. She was celebrated there too.

That evening, the city of Winter Garden feted Wilder at City Hall prior to the commission meeting.

“I was on Cloud 9,” she said. “All these people from the city, from the mayor on down. They were so nice.”

Her church of 47 years, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, celebrated her a few days later.

THERE IS WORK TO DO

Her birthday is over, and there is work

to be done in her east Winter Garden community, where she has lived since 1976.

Wilder is one of the neighborhood’s biggest advocates, and she keeps herself busy with memberships in multiple organizations and boards designed to promote and improve the community.

Her latest affiliation is with One Winter Garden, an organization created to support unity and participation and advocate for the historic community. The group works alongside the city of Winter Garden, West Orange Habitat for Humanity and other organizations to meet the community’s needs and goals.

Wilder has received many accolades for her work and service. Most recently, she has been part of an exhibition paying tribute to local women who have made a difference. Curated by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, “West Orange Women: Making History Part I” currently is on display at Winter Garden City Hall.

Wilder organized the Winter Garden Community Garden in 2009, and she maintains her plot and continues her service as garden executive director. She said there is talk of getting some chickens because the price of eggs is so high.

A few years ago, she was chosen as the Winter Garden Christmas Parade grand marshal.

She was named a Citizen of Distinction in 2010 by the local Culture Keepers organization. She won a Heritage Builder Award from the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in 2016. She received a Kitty J. Ellison

Service Award in 2019. She helped open the Mildred Dixon Community Center and its Neighborhood Center for Families. She founded the Young at Heart Seniors Inc. group and served as president and executive director. She organized the East Winter Garden Community Development Co-op Inc. She reorganized the West Orange Citizen Action Coalition Inc. and was president and executive director of that too.

She worked hand in hand with another east Winter Garden activist, Mildred Dixon, and together they made great strides in the community.

Dixon was a Winter Garden city commissioner, and when she died while in office in 2006, Wilder was appointed to complete the term.

Wilder had other city responsibilities too. She chaired the city’s Code Enforcement Board and served with the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Recreation Board. She organized the Community of Love Outreach Ministry, which continues today. Every Thursday, she shares God’s word and then serves lunch from tables set up in her yard. Any leftover food is packed up and delivered to shut-ins.

A LIFETIME OF RESPONSIBILITY

Charlie Mae Hayden Wilder’s sense of responsibility was ingrained at a young age. She was born in Bainbridge, Georgia, in 1933. Her daddy wanted a boy, so she was given his first name, Charlie, and her mother’s middle name, Mae.

Wilder learned to take care of her people at an early age. She was the

baby of 11 children, but her mother gave her many responsibilities. She taught all of her children to respect God, themselves and others.

“She taught all of us to do the best we could everywhere, but in the meantime, most of all, she taught us to not forget to study the word of God and to pray,” she said. “You don’t pray amiss, you pray believing. That He is who He is and He will do what He says He will do for us. It’s kept us afloat, really.”

Whenever her family had extra books of stamps for groceries and provisions, her mother shared them with neighbors.

Her mother worked long hours at the Alberta Crate and Box Company

“Sometimes she would work 10 hours, 40 cents per hour,” Wilder said. “But she would come home, and once she made sure we had food and everything, if there was someone who was ill in the community, we all had to go. When she would get there, she would do whatever needed to be done. Whether it was cook for them or clean up for them.”

Sundays were church days, and it was mandatory that the entire family went.

“It was no saying, ‘I don’t want to go to church today because I don’t feel like it,’” she said. “(Mama said) ‘You’re going to feel better when you get there.’ And we had to do something; we had to sing or do a poem or something. She did not allow us to just go and sit.”

“I (thanked) my Lord and savior Jesus Chris for allowing me the number of years He’s allowed me to be here. I can get around. I can dress myself. I can cook my food. I can drive my car. And I’m still helping people.”

— Charlie Mae Wilder

It was in childhood that she developed a love of hats.

“My mother always wore a hat,” Wilder said. “‘If you’re a lady, you’re going to look like a lady,’ she said. And she would make us wear those little hats that children wore. I’ve worn hats since I was a little child.”

Wilder is the last survivor of her siblings. Her family consists of two nieces in Orlando and her granddaughter, who has special needs and lives with her.

Her introduction to Winter Garden came when she was attending a church conference and met Pastor Frank Edward Wilder. Their friendship turned into romance, and he brought her to his church and community — and his family of nine children — in Winter Garden. They were married nine years and together for 47 before he passed away in 1985.

Charlie Mae Wilder, who also is an ordained minister, has spent decades in service at Bethlehem MBC. She has supervised the youth department and served as director of Christian education, counselor for the Young Women’s Auxiliary, instructor for the deaconess ministry and sang in the choir.

“Whether they want to listen or not, I like to sing,” she said. “Sometimes in singing, if you have a problem, something that’s pressing on you, can just sing it off. It’s good for you. Music is an international language.”

She also was the church’s daycare director for eight years.

Wilder worked for Orange County’s social services department for 31 years, starting as a social service aide before being promoted to director, center manager and area supervisor.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Wilder knows the importance of education and would like to have more programs promoting it. She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2010 and is thinking about getting her master’s. She wants to see more training sessions for youth and adults with a focus on literacy, finances and parenting.

She wants to see parents more involved in their children’s lives.

“They need attention,” Wilder said. “You don’t go out there in your garden and plant a seed and forget about it. You’ve got to water it and pull the weeds, and you’ve got the pull the weeds from these kids.”

Wilder quotes scripture often, especially when talking to parents.

“I like to talk to parents about their children. … Proverbs 22: 6: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old he will not depart from it.’ And then training requires verse 15 – ‘foolishness is in the heart of the child but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.’

“Parents need to take control of their child,” she said. “We need to take them off the streets.”

To fulfill the need for more training, Wilder wants to have her own facility built on property she owns across the street from her home.

“If I live long enough to have a house built on my property, two story, I hope to have in that place a training room,” she said. “It can be done if you put your mind to it, put your heart in it. You’ve got to feel it. And remember that it’s not you that’s doing it. It’s the one that we call Jesus, God’s son.

Wilder said she has no plans to stop.

“Some of my friends tell me, ‘If I was your age, I’d be home in my rocking chair,’” Wilder said. “I said, ‘You keep on rocking. I’m going to keep on going and helping somebody.’ An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”

Amy Quesinberry

Charlie Mae Wilder fills her day serving others.

Rock, country headlining 2023 Ocoee Music Festival

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

It’s been quite a year for Mark Houghton, whose local country presence is on the rise. And it’s about to get even bigger this weekend when he performs at 4 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Ocoee Music Festival in front of an anticipated crowd of 20,000.

Houghton has been preparing for this moment since he ventured into the land of country music just a few years ago. He was invited to perform at the music festival after a resident heard him singing at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge and suggested him to Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson.

“It’s kind of one of (those) deals where you never know who’s listening,” Houghton said.

The Ocoee resident is one of nine acts scheduled to perform this weekend at the Ocoee Music Festival, formerly called the Ocoee Founders’ Day Festival, a staple in the city for 28 years. He takes the stage Saturday among country greats such as Chris Janson and Niko Moon, and he said this is a dream come true.

“I’ve said it a million times: It’s probably the biggest day of my life,” Houghton said. “I’ve got family coming from other parts of Florida. I made 100-something shirts with my picture on front. I’ve sold out of all of them but eight.”

This is the perfect year for him to be performing at the festival because his favorite country artist is Janson. Houghton said he sings five or six of Janson’s songs in some of his performances and has won singing contests with them, including at the recent Orange Blossom Opry.

It would be “the icing on the cake” to sing with Janson Saturday night, he said.

THE LINEUP

JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS

Joan Jett and her band will bring their slew of hits to Ocoee Friday night, playing songs such as “I Love Rock ’N’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself for Loving You” and “Crimson and Clover.”

The band, which recently completed The Stadium Tour with Def Leppard and Motley Crüe, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jett and her longtime producer and music partner, Kenny Laguna, founded Blackheart Records, and 40 years later, the entertainment company produces music, film and television and champions emerging bands.

The group’s newest release, ‘Changeup,’ is its first-ever acoustic album. “Bad Reputation,” a documentary about Jett’s life, premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and is available on streaming.

NIGHT RANGER

Rock band Night Ranger has sold more than 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4,000 stages and captivated a radio audience that exceeds 1 billion. Night Ranger’s popularity is fueled by a number of recognizable hit singles, including “Sister Christian,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “When You Close Your Eyes.”

Night Ranger has been touring around the globe promoting its latest album, “ATBPO,” which stands for And The Band Played On. Night Ranger is celebrating its 40th year of turning out hits.

THE MAVERICKS

The Mavericks, the eclectic rock and country group known for crossing musical boundaries, has gone through three distinct phases since it was founded in Miami in 1989. An initial period of heady success marked by big hits and critical acclaim in the ’90s.

The band took a hiatus starting in 2003 when the musicians went their separate ways but reunited in 2012 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary.

The band entered its fourth phase with the No. 1 Billboard debut of its first-ever all-Spanish album, “En Español,” released on the band’s own Mono Mundo label. The collection represents a diversity of musical styles and cultural traditions.

ROCKTOWN

Rocktown is a interactive party rock cover band based out of Orlando that performs a wide variety of music including rock, pop, Top 40 and

country. Rocktown has played at House of Blues, Hard Rock Live and Universal Studios as well as many big corporate events.

In the band are Greg Pontoni on vocals/guitar, Rick Dotchin on bass/ vocals, Jaime Barnes on guitar/vocals and Ian Budha on drums/vocals. This is Rocktown’s fourth time performing at Ocoee Music Festival.

CHAPEL HART

Chapel Hart has found a way to wrap up its Mississippi roots and Louisiana spice and share it with listeners. Consisting of sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and cousin Trea Swindle, the band went from singing together as children in Hart’s Chapel, to a group whose colorful and contagious energy has flourished into a full live band experience.

In 2021, Chapel Hart was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country. This trio’s music has reached fans around the globe, earning Chapel Hart the title of International Group of the Year, as well as International Song of the Year for the single “You Can Have Him Jolene” in Scotland. The group has an ability to join people together in song and dance and in their live performances. The trio will often treat the audience to three-part harmony a capella arrangements that run the emotional gamut.

Country Now and Music Mayhem Magazine, as well as Artist to Watch in 2021 by Sounds Like Nashville and The Boot and a Country Next pick by Country Now.

Montgomery is a rising singer/ songwriter who knows a thing or two about family tradition as the 21-yearold son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery.

Signed to Play It Again Entertainment and produced by the awardwinning chart-topping team known as The Peach Pickers, Montgomery already has put his classically inspired, honey-bourbon vocal to use on a self-penned hit debut, “Simple Town.” A pair of singles followed: “Like My Daddy Done It” and “Saving For A Rainy Night.”

NIKO MOON

With more than 758 million ondemand streams to his credit, Niko Moon broke out with his No. 1 debut single, “Good Time,” and followed up with an acclaimed debut album of the same name.

After winning SESAC’s 2021 Songwriter of the Year (he has written six No. 1 songs for artists including Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley), the Texas and Georgia native released his “Coastin’” EP and has been selling out dates across the country on his headlining tour throughout the fall.

The first-time father also delivered “I Can’t Wait to Love You,” an ode to his daughter, Lily, that was written with his wife, Anna.

“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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OCOEE MUSIC FESTIVAL

n WHEN: 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, March 10, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 11.

n WHERE: Bill Breeze Park, 150 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee

n EVENTS: Friday, marketplace, food vendors, beer garden, carnival rides and games, tours of the historic Withers Maguire House and Ocoee Christian church, car show, ’80s rock music; Saturday, Chick-fil-A 5K at 7:30 a.m., fishing tournament for children and adults from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., marketplace, food vendors, beer garden, carnival rides and games, house and church tours, car show, fireworks and country music.

n MUSICAL ACTS: Friday: Rocktown (5 p.m.), The Mavericks (6:15 p.m.) Night Ranger (8 p.m.) and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (9:30 p.m.). Saturday: Mark Houghton (4 p.m.), Walker Montgomery (4:30 p.m.), Chapel Hart (6 p.m.), Niko Moon (7:30 p.m.) and Chris Janson (9 p.m.).

n KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Pets and coolers are not permitted; clear bags and backpacks only, and all bags are subject to search. Tickets for preferred seating are sold out.

Parking is limited. Attendees using a ride-share service can drop off and pick up at Bluford Avenue and Lakeview Street.

n INFORMATION: ocoeemusicfestival.com or (407) 877-5803.

CHRIS JANSON

Chris Janson is a breakout country star, multi-instrumentalist, awardwinning singer/songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member.

The ACM award-winner has collected prestigious accolades that place him among country music greats. His debut single, “Buy Me A Boat,” was recognized as the iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Song of the Year.

His other big hits include “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes” and “Done.”

Bobby Bones called Janson “one of the greatest entertainers in country music.”

To contact us, email to Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com.

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WALKER

Walker Montgomery was chosen

by

Night Ranger will bring its top hits to Ocoee Friday night.

Niko Moon will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11.

Chapel Hart sings a fun response to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”

The Mavericks will share their rock and country tunes Friday night.

WOHS STEM students take first, third in robot challenge

QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Mad Eye Warriors and Harry the Platypus teams were geared up and ready to show off their robots at the Lockheed Martin Robotics Competition Feb. 20. In a contest with 18 teams from about 10 schools, the West Orange teams mixed potions, navigated obstacle courses and completed other tasks — and walked away with first- and third-place honors.

The teams represented West Orange High School’s STEM Club, led by engineering teacher and club sponsor Priscilla Long. Members are in ninth through 12th grades.

The annual event is held during National Engineers Week. Prior to the competition, three Lockheed engineers visited West Orange to present

this year’s theme — Harry Potter — and brought with them robotic chassis, circuit boards and sensors, telling the students what obstacles they would have to overcome, Long said.

“For example, they would have to go up a ramp, they would have to read an infrared frequency, and they would have to pick up and move objects from one place to another,” she said. “The engineers come over once a week, and they do teaching on programming sensors, different remote controls, and then the students start trying to figure out what they want to do. At one point, they had to present what they thought the solutions would be.”

To have their robots in working order in time for the competition, Long said, the students put in many after-hours sessions together.

West Orange sent two teams of

nine students. On the Mad Eye Warriors team were Jack Rainville, Donny Akers, Daniel Douglas, Hayden Leis, Darren Nguyen, Dalisha Victorin, Luke Swanson, Jaden Jean and Rhys Fisher. The Harry the Platypus team comprises Diya Raj, Avery Hanebrink, Andrew Vo, Megan Wilson, Hannah Taylor, Noah Blanchard, Aiden Fowler, Simon Ou and April Surac.

In the last few years, Long has seen an increase in the number of students joining the club; this year there are about 35.

“There’s more awareness; students are branching out,” Long said. “We’re seeing more female representatives in our classes.”

Long said one-third of the West Orange teams was female.

“It’s a big deal, because engineering is a very male-dominated profession,”

she said. “I see it in my engineering classes, for sure. But it was just cool, because we had so many young ladies participate. … We were kind of proud of having so many females.”

Participants are students willing to take risks who want to be around others who are willing to do that too, she said.

“It’s very much a team effort,” she said.

The teams started with a chainreaction type machine that ultimately must complete tasks such as moving a marble along various chutes and ramps. Members came up with their own designs.

In the competition, teams navigated three courses — each with a driver and a mechanic on the floor and the other members on the sidelines solving various logic and math puzzles to help the two on the floor.

“Most of the teams brought a robot that had some kind of claw on it,” Long said. “We had a team that decided they were going to have a different strategy, and I think that was why we did so well. We did a robot with a claw, and we had a robot that pushed things along. The two teams worked together — sort of. They had success with different methods.”

Rainville was the driver for the Mad Eye Warriors team and also worked on the design team, printing 3D parts and assembling mechanical devices.

“The aspect of creation really interests me and creating something from nothing and collaborating with others to solve a problem,” Rainville said. He plans to study mechanical or industrial engineering in college.

Fowler was the driver for the Harry the Platypus team and was part of the design team, as well.

“It was definitely nerve-wracking when I first stepped up,” Fowler said. “Not only 10 minutes before, one of our treads was slipping off. … We fixed it about five minutes before. … Once we got through the first round, we crushed it.”

“When he says they crushed it, they did it with time to spare,” Long said.

“I just love the creation of things,” Fowler said. “When I get the chance, I take apart things to see how they work and just fidget.”

Akers, the mechanic for Mad Eye Warriors, helped Rainville navigate the course and served as the communicator.

“The team came with the information, and I would communicate that with Jack,” he said. “One room we had to make a potion, and the challenge team found a recipe for a potion we had to make. And I had to tell Jack the correct ingredients to grab to make the potion.”

Akers also coded most of the robot and infrared portion of the design.

“The work that he did with the programming was a huge benefit,” Long said.

Vo was on the Harry the Platypus challenge team and helped program the robot.

“We had to program a circuit board in order for our robot to move,” he said. “The other team had a motor controller. We had one as well, but unfortunately it did not work with our design, so we had to program one for it to work.”

Working together is a must on any winning team, and the two STEM Club teams did so successfully.

“No one knew everything about the robot,” Rainville said. “We had to come together to use our own strengths. … I didn’t know much of the coding as well, so I had to work with Donny and Andrew.”

Wilson was the lead on the challenge team and helped with design ideas. Raj also worked on design ideas, helping build the robot and helping fix issues with it. Hanebrink was on the challenge team and helped come up with the practical concepts.

Wilson and Raj joined the club because they want to study engineering in college. Hanebrink became a member because of her passion for engineering, math and science.

AMY

The winning teams: Mad Eye Warriors comprise Jack Rainville, Donny Akers, Daniel Douglas, Hayden Leis, Darren Nguyen, Dalisha Victorin, Luke Swanson, Jaden Jean and Rhys Fisher. On the Harry the Platypus team are Diya Raj, Avery Hanebrink, Andrew Vo, Megan Wilson, Hannah Taylor, Noah Blanchard, Aiden Fowler, Simon Ou and April Surac.

Courtesy photos Harry the Platypus’ robot came in third place.

Oakland names interim town manager

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The Oakland Town Commission has named Jack Butler as the interim town manager effective Sunday, April 2. Butler currently is the town’s assistant town manager.

“Jack Butler … has the experience to maintain the continuity of operations until a permanent replacement is hired for the town manager position,” Steve Koontz wrote in a memo to the commission that was included in the Feb. 28 meeting packet.

Koontz is resigning from the manager’s position effective Saturday, April 1. The Town Commission has engaged an executive recruitment firm to manage the process of recruiting a permanent town manager, Koontz wrote.

CANAL DISCUSSION CONTINUES

Koontz said town officials have continued to meet with multiple parties, including Oakland Park developer Landeavor and Orange County representatives to find solutions to the ongoing issues with the Johns Lake Outfall Canal, which feeds excess water from Johns Lake north to Lake Apopka.

Erosion has increased in recent years, causing more silt and sediments to be deposited in Lake Apopka. Several lakefront residents have shoreline property affected by the outfall runoff.

The county will consider updating a study conducted in 2021, he said. He also hopes to see a meeting at which all stakeholders would be invited to attend to discussion how costs can be divided.

According to Koontz, there are two immediate issues on the table: canal restoration so it runs north instead of northwest into the lake, and removing the sediment that has accumu-

NEWS BRIEFS

MARYLAND FRIED CHICKEN ANNOUNCES CLOSING DATE

IN OTHER NEWS

n Commissioners accepted the architectural building elevations and floor plan for the one-acre Remington Plaza commercial subdivision at 20 Remington Road. This is along an urban corridor, and the space will house medical offices; there are no restaurants in this project.

n Commissioners approved the consent agenda, which included the interim town manager appointment, as well as a change in lottery process, out-of-field teacher assignment, and safety and security policy and procedure approval for Oakland Avenue Charter School.

n The town proclaimed March as Women’s History Month.

lated at the outfall.

Koontz obtained three quotes for the projects, and they range from $129,500 to $280,000.

Residents have offered possible financial solutions, such as adding the project to the next budget, putting the money out upfront and then getting reimbursed by the various municipalities involved, and looking for grant money.

“We’re hesitant to jump in too deep and too far into this,” Koontz said.

“If you apply a simple solution to a complex problem, sometimes you make the problem worse,” said Joe Dunn, past president of Friends of Lake Apopka and current board member. “Kudos to you for doing the right things. And (FOLA) thanks you for that.”

The consensus was to keep moving forward with this issue and continue discussions.

After nearly 60 years in business, one Winter Garden restaurant has announced a closing date.

The owners of Maryland Fried Chicken announced the last intended day of business of Winter Garden’s restaurant will be Saturday, April 1.

The property, at 13675 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden, went under contract in an auction Wednesday, March 1.

The brainchild of the Constantine family, Maryland Fried Chicken originally opened for business in 1959.

“It is with a heavy heart that we’re closing our doors after so many years in Winter Garden,” co-owner Kyle Sleeth said. “This was a place that our grandparents used to come as children and have since been bringing their families to enjoy the familiarity and homestyle feel that Maryland Fried Chicken has brought them over their lifetime.”

Maryland Fried Chicken has become a home away from home for their staff members. The Sleeths attribute the restaurant’s longtime success to the people who work there.

“The pressure-fried chicken is the draw for customers; but the smiles and hospitality from our staff make Maryland Fried Chicken extra special,” co-owner Sarah Sleeth said. All contents of Maryland Fried Chicken — including furniture and equipment — will be for sale during the business’ last month. Furthermore, the Sleeths will be offering commemorative T-shirts for sale. All proceeds from these sales will be given to the staff.

“Taking care of our people has always been our priority when closing became a reality,” Sarah Sleeth said.

The Sleeths felt it important to send off this mainstay with a bang, so a monthlong celebration has been planned for their grand closing.

Alerting residents of the closing was important to them so they could enjoy their childhood favorite chicken one last time.

“Fifty-seven years in business deserves to be celebrated, not mourned,” they said. “We hope local residents will come in and share a favorite story with our staff. We are thankful to the residents of Winter Garden, Florida, and the United States for their patronage.”

FORMER NFL PLAYER SENTENCED FOR ATTACK

Former NFL running back Zac Stacy will spend six months in jail and one year on probation for the November 2021 domestic-violence attack on his ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child.

An Orange County judge delivered the sentence Monday, Feb. 27.

A video of the incident, which took place Nov. 13, 2021, in an apartment in the town of Oakland, went viral.

In an affidavit written during their investigation, Orlando Police Department officers said Stacy “struck (the victim) on the right side of her head, and picked her up and threw her against the television, causing it to crack and fall over. ... He continued yelling at her and striking her while she got up from the floor, and picked her up again and threw her into the baby’s bouncy chair. While she was still on the floor pleading for him to stop, he picked her up and body-

slammed her onto a baby walker, causing the object to break.”

Stacy is a former running back for the then-St. Louis Rams and New York Jets and played from 20132015. He also played for the XFL’s Memphis Express.

WINDERMERE PD WELCOMES NEW STAFFER

The Windermere Police Department has welcomed a new member. Danyel Hylton is the new police clerk and administrative assistant. She was raised in Winter Garden and attended West Orange High School. She later graduated with high honors and magna cum laude with an associate’s degree from Seminole State College.

She always has been an active member of her church and community. She founded a nonprofit organization in 2017 that assists the homeless and impoverished community in the east Winter Garden and downtown Orlando areas.

Hylton is the mother of two adult daughters. When not working, she can almost always be found near a body of water. She enjoys walks by lakes, afternoon boating and trips to the beach.

“Danyel’s humble upbringing and life experiences have cultivated a deep fervor for serving others,” Chief Dave Ogden wrote on a Facebook post. “She lives by core values of honor, integrity and service.”

The town has temporarily filled the position in advance of Steve Koontz’s April 1 departure.

CREATIVE FLAIR: Windermere Fine Art Show returns

The event will include a variety of art available for purchase, live entertainment, performing arts and food.

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

The art event of the year for West Orange and Southwest Orange County residents is returning this weekend to the town of Windermere.

Windermere Arts Chair Anne Scharer started the show in 2016 as the Windermere Art Affair. This year, the show will feature more than 70 artists — more than 20 under age 18— and their creations in clay, pottery, painting, sculpting, woodworking and more.

The show, set to take place Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, will feature a variety of art available for purchase, live entertainment, food, drinks and performing arts in a festive atmosphere around Town Square and Main Street sidewalks.

Scharer, a certified intuitive life and wellness coach, said although the show is hard work to put together, the artists are what inspire her to keep putting on the event.

“When I find raw talent that doesn’t recognize the talent they have or that they have an ability, that inspires me,” she said. “When you look back years later at the impact this has … I have artists reach out to me and thank me for helping to build them up and saying that I’ve inspired them, when really they’ve inspired me. I want them to know what they’re capable of.”

ABOUT THE SHOW

The show will feature 75 artists in total, with 24 of the artists under the age of 18.

Scharer aims to create a calming

IF YOU GO

WINDERMERE

FINE ART SHOW

WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 12

WHERE: 520 Main St., Windermere WEBSITE: windermerearts. com/windermere-fine-art-show

and inspiring environment in which attendees can have fun while also learning from and supporting artists through the purchase of creative works.

Since the pandemic, Scharer said she has not put the show’s information out to the entire country to limit the show to supporting Floridabased artists, but she said the show most likely will be opened to artists nationwide next year.

Young artists have been a focus for Scharer this year, and she hopes she can see even more young talents get involved in future years.

This year, she created a first-, second- and third-place award category for young artists under age 18, in addition to the best in show award and placing awards for the adult artists.

The sidewalk chalk competition is also a new feature of the art show this year.

Local high school students will have the opportunity to show off their talents in the judged event from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Windermere Town Hall.

MEET THE ARTISTS

KATE THOMAS

The First Academy student Kate Thomas will participate in the show for her second time this year. She is excited to be in the show again and feels the show is a good platform for artists who can share their own art while also experiencing others.

“I have been involved with art for as long as I can remember,” Thomas said. “As a kid, I was always drawing any chance I could get, but I finally devoted myself to my passion when I was just 8 years old.

I love the amount of freedom I have as an artist. Being able to express myself in so many different mediums and see others do the same is a huge inspiration for me.”

Thomas works in both 2D and 3D media and describes her style as whimsical. Her biggest inspirations for her style include subjects such as animated films and shows, as well as comics.

Follow Thomas’ art on Instagram @rabbitqueeb.

STEPHEN WITHERS

Local artist Stephen Withers has been participating in the art show since its inception.

“I do it because it’s a great community event,” Withers said. “I think a lot of the other artists do it for that reason as well. It’s fun to meet your neighbors, show them what you’re doing and talk about art with the other artists.”

Withers said his style is nonexistent — he tries to do something new every day. He enjoys trying everything in art, including watercolor, sketching and studio art.

Recently, he joined a group of retired Disney artists who travel the local area doing plein air painting, a new concept for him to explore.

Withers’ passion for art started when he was only in first grade.

He remembers his mother sending him to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, where he took art classes when he was 10 years old. By seventh grade, he knew he wanted to be an architect which became his life for the entirety of his professional career.

Since he retired 12 years ago, Withers said he has been able to focus more on his art.

Follow Withers’ art on his website at stephenwithersart.com.

CRISTIAM RAMOS

Artist Cristiam Ramos also has been part of the art show since its inception. He believes the show is an amazing opportunity for artists to showcase their art and start building relations with other artists and collectors. He said some galleries have even reached out to him because of the show.

Ramos started creating art at age 5. Back then, it was just a game for him. He started experimenting and discovering new materials without thinking it would become something important in his life. At age 19, he started his professional career as an art teacher and artist.

Ramos’ career has been challenged with many obstacles and rejections, but he said he has learned to never give up and to fight for his dreams — even when others did not believe in him.

“Art for me is a way of life, and it is the way I express my feelings, thoughts and my way of seeing the world,” Ramos said. “I am inspired by everything I see in God’s creation and everything that surrounds me. I have always been looking for new ways to express myself and be different from others. I believe that the key is to be original and different from the others. If you are not different, you get lost along with everyone. You have to be excellent in every job you do. It does not matter if it takes a long time and practice. Practice makes you perfect. After that, there is no obstacle impossible to overcome to achieve success.”

Ramos’ works are featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not museums around the world, as well as in museums in New York, Hollywood and Orlando. He has earned more than 20 awards and holds two world records. He also is featured in several galleries around the country and has participated in contemporary art shows in New York.

His creative works include projects such as painting on real butterfly wings and making a portrait composed of different candies. His latest collection features art with denim jeans.

Follow Ramos’ art on his Facebook at Cristiam Ramos Art.

Courtesy photo

Kate Thomas is one of the many artists participating in the event.

ESTATE

Gotha home sells for $3.3 million

Ahome in the town of Gotha topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Feb. 25 to March 3.

The home at 1733 Hempel Ave., Gotha, sold March 1, for $3.3 million. Built in 2006, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,514 square feet of living area. Days on market: 205.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10770 Woodchase Circle, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $520,000. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,882 square feet. Days on market: 29.

BAY HILL

The home at 6253 Indian Meadow St. sold Feb. 27, for $1,200,000. Built in 1984, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,686 square feet. Days on market: 52.

CITRUS CHASE

The townhouse at 8329 Citrus Chase Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $300,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,050 square feet. Days on market: 106.

HERITAGE BAY

The home at 9018 Heritage Bay Circle, Orlando, sold March 3, for $682,000. Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,164 square feet. Days on market: 122.

HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 5740 Cedar Pine Drive, Orlando, sold March 1, for $630,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,216 square feet. Days on market: 213.

ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB

The home at 7601 Orange Tree Lane, Orlando, sold March 1, for $480,000. Built in 1980, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,082 square feet of living area. Days on market: 17.

PHILLIPS GROVE

The home at 9219 Hanging Vine Court, Orlando, sold March 3, for $1,430,000. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,200 square feet. Days on market: 21.

POINT CYPRESS

The townhouse at 9020 Della Scala Circle, Orlando, sold March 1, for $640,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,550 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

RUBY LAKE

The home at 10778 Citron Oaks Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 27, for $790,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,114 square feet. Days on market: 184.

SAND LAKE COVE

The home at 10051 Cove Lake Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 28, for $585,000. Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,535 square feet.

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 5049 Shoreway Loop, No. 30201, Orlando, sold Feb. 27, for $499,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,001 square feet. Days on market:

12.

GOTHA CITRUS OAKS

The home at 9213 Lake Lotta Circle, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $339,900. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,110 square feet. Days on market: 65.

HORIZON WEST ENCLAVE AT BERKSHIRE PARK

The home at 13616 Riggs Way, Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $509,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,147 square feet. Days on market: 34.

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 12513 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $630,035. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,781 square feet. Days on market: Two.

The home at 12501 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $629,565. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,341 square feet.

The home at 12542 Encore at Ovation Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $623,400. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2781 square feet. Days on market: Five.

The home at 13807 Lanyard Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $520,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,983 square feet. Days on market: 57.

The home at 13780 Werrington Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $478,950. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,803 square feet. Days on market: 15.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 15272 Honeybell Drive sold March 1, for $599,900. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,979 square feet. Days on market: 81.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 7035 Pasturelands Place, Winter Garden, sold March 1, for $545,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,539 square feet. Days on market: 32.

The home at 15707 Signature Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 1, for $490,000. Built in 2013, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,714 square feet. Days on market: 126.

The townhouse at 14638 Whittridge Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $426,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,109 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The townhouse at 7025 Cultivation Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $350,000. Built in 2010, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,318 square feet of living area. Days on market: 20.

LAKE BURDEN SOUTH

The townhouse at 7549 Ripplepointe Way, Windermere, sold March 3, for $430,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,740 square feet of living area. Days on market: 44.

LAKE REAMS TOWNHOMES

The townhouse at 12639 Langstaff Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $380,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,444 square feet. Days on market: 80.

The townhouse at 8835 Newmarket Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $350,000. Built in 2003, it has two bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,316 square feet. Days on market: One.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 12813 Woodmere Close Drive, Windermere, sold March 1, for $760,000. Built in 2012, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,995 square feet of living area. Days on market: One.

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

The home at 5379 Lake Virginia St., Winter Garden, sold March 3, for $664,256. Built in 2023, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,853 square feet.

LATHAM PARK NORTH

The home at 14274 Shocklach Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $515,000. Built in 2017, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,197 square feet. Days on market: 88.

PANTHER VIEW

The home at 9227 Cut Shot Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 1, for $550,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,638 square feet. Days on market: 30.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 11133 Folklore St., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $537,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,475 square feet. Days on market: 126.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8172 Common Teal Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $965,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 3,781 square feet. Days on market: 13.

The home at 7828 Winter Wren St., Winter Garden, sold March 1, for $480,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,708 square feet. Days on market: 128.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 4870 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $665,000. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,867 square feet. Days on market: 19.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9975 Lost Creek Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $750,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,758 square feet. Days on market: 146.

The townhouse at 13251 Pontoon Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $431,990. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,817 square feet. Days on market: Two.

The townhouse at 9979 Schroeder Alley, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $420,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,814 square feet. Days on market: 16.

The townhouse at 13329 Pontoon Road, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $392,990. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,568 square feet.

WICKHAM PARK

The townhouse at 7711 Maslin St., Windermere, sold Feb. 27, for $360,000. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,460 square feet.

Days on market: Two.

WINCEY GROVES

The home at 5409 Orange Orchard Drive, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $685,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, threeand-one-half baths and 2,700 square feet. Days on market: 96.

Courtesy of Darrell Nunnelley, Vintage Realty Group

The home at 1733 Hempel Ave., Gotha, sold March 1, for $3.3 million. It was the largest transaction in the Windermere area from Feb. 25 to March 3.

Photo by My Visual Listings Photography

The home at 8172 Common Teal Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $965,000. It was the largest transaction in Horizon West from Feb. 25 to March 3. The selling agent was Kristy Kennedy, EXP Realty.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA

VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION 1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE ORDINANCE 2023-01

The Town of Oakland Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM, and the Town Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held in Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL 34760, to consider an application initiated by James Whebell and Mary Lee, to consider the adoption of the following Ordinance to voluntary annex their property located at 1016 Hull Island Drive into the Town of Oakland. The subject property contains a total of 1.29 acres and is an enclave within the Hull Island Estates subdivision. The legal description of the property is:

Lots 3 and 4, of HULL ISLAND ESTATES, according to the Plat there of, as recorded in Plat Book W, at Page114, of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida.

ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-01

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE BEARING PROPERTY TAX PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (ADDRESS) 19-22-27-3776-00-030 (1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE), AND LOCATED CONTIGUOUS TO THE TOWN OF OAKLAND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE TOWN CLERK TO RECORD THE ORDINANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF ORANGE COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered.

The full ordinance with legal description may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office at 230 N Tubb Street Oakland, FL 34760 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Town designated holidays.

If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission or any other Board of the Town, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).

The Town of Oakland does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on 48 hours’ notice (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407-656-1117 ext. 2110 or email ehui@oaklandfl.gov. Contact Brad Cornelius, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or email @ OKL@wadetrim.com for more information.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA

SMALL SCALE

FUTURE LAND USE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE 2023-02

AND REZONING ORDINANCE 2023-03

1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE

The Town of Oakland Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 6:30 PM, and the Town Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 7:00 pm. Both meetings will be held in Oakland Meeting Hall, 221 N. Arrington Street, Oakland, FL 34760, to consider an application initiated by James Whebell and Mary Lee, to consider the adoption of the following Ordinance to voluntary annex their property located at 1016 Hull Island Drive into the Town of Oakland. The subject property contains a total of 1.29 acres and is an enclave within the Hull Island Estates subdivision. The legal description of the property is: Lots 3 and 4, of HULL ISLAND ESTATES, according to the Plat there of, as recorded in Plat Book W, at Page114, of the Public Records of Orange County, Florida.

SMALL SCALE FUTURE LAND USE AMENDMENT

ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-02

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TOWN FUTURE LAND USE PLAN MAP DESIGNATION OF ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE, LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE, AS MORE PARTICULARILY DESCRIBED HERE IN, WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 1.29 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

REZONING ORDINANCE NO.: 2023-03

AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF OAKLAND, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TOWN OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION OF R-1A, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, FOR CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY JAMES WHEBELL AND MARY LEE, LOCATED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: 1016 HULL ISLAND DRIVE, AS MORE PARTICULARILY DESCRIBED HERE IN, WITH AN APPROXIMATE SIZE OF 1.29 ACRES; MAKING FINDINGS, AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

All interested persons are invited to appear and be heard. Written comments submitted to the Town will also be considered.

The full ordinance with legal description may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office at 230 N Tubb Street Oakland, FL 34760 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Town designated holidays.

If any person desires to appeal any decision of the Town Commission or any other Board of the Town, that person will need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based (F.S. 286.0105).

The Town of Oakland does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, marital status, or handicapped status in employment or in the provision of services. Handicapped individuals may receive special accommodation in services on 48 hours’ notice (Fla. Stat. 286.26). Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation for this meeting, as provided for in the American with Disabilities Act, should contact the Town Clerk at 407656-1117 ext. 2110 or email ehui@oaklandfl.gov. Contact Brad Cornelius, Contracted Town Planner, at 813-415-4952 or email @ OKL@wadetrim.com for more information.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 8656 Crescendo Ave., Windermere, sold March 3, for $545,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,073 square feet of living area.

WINDWARD CAY

The home at 3415 Tempest Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $750,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,263 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

OAKLAND

HULL ISLAND

The home at 1364 Foltz Loop, Oakland, sold Feb. 28, for $771,850. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,562 square feet. Days on market: 48.

OCOEE FOREST OAKS

The home at 407 Withers Court, Ocoee, sold Feb. 28, for $390,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,824 square feet. Days on market: 28.

LAKE OLYMPIA LAKE VILLAGE

The home at 163 Hercules Court, Ocoee, sold March 1, for $540,000. Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,922 square feet of living area. Days on market: Four.

OCOEE HILLS

The home at 1100 Oakwood Lane, Ocoee, sold Feb. 27, for $349,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,804 square feet of living area. Days on market: 36.

The home at 503 Apricot Drive, Ocoee, sold March 3, for $300,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,501 square feet. Days on market: 49.

PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

The home at 1855 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, sold March 1, for $565,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,202 square feet of living area. Days on market: 206.

The home at 2008 Farnham Drive, Ocoee, sold Feb. 28, for $485,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,182 square feet. Days on market: 249.

VILLAGES OF WESMERE

The home at 1990 Fishtail Fern Way, Ocoee, sold Feb. 28, for $420,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,870 square feet of living area. Days on market: 18.

WATERSIDE

The home at 2753 Cullens Court, Ocoee, sold March 2, for $415,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,702 square feet. Days on market: 64.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

PROVENCE AT LAKE SHEEN

The home at 10443 Lavande Drive, Orlando, sold Feb. 27, for $730,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,559 square feet of living area. Days on market: 13.

ROYAL ESTATES

The townhouse at 9006 Via Di Canti, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $560,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 2,417 square feet of living area. Days on market: 58.

WEST ORANGE

GLENMUIR

The home at 6454 Chatham View Court, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $840,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two half-baths and 3,310 square feet. Days on market: 14.

WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY

The home at 2334 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $895,000. Built in 1991, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,321 square feet. Days on market: 30.

ESTANCIA AT WINDERMERE

The home at 1217 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold March 2, for $1,615,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 4,098 square feet. Days on market: 21.

The home at 1152 Estancia Woods Loop, Windermere, sold March 2, for $1,260,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,493 square feet. Days on market: 16.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 9909 Brentford Court, Windermere, sold March 2, for $1,930,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,479 square feet of living area. Days on market: 79.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 1708 Woody Drive, Windermere, sold Feb. 28, for $695,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 1,932 square feet. Days on market: 10.

WINTER GARDEN CITRUS COVE

The home at 17515 Satsuma Circle, Winter Garden, sold March 3, for $429,900. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,872 square feet. Days on market: 20.

COVINGTON PARK

The home at 504 Silverdale Ave., Winter Garden, sold March 3, for $405,000. Built in 2009, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,664 square feet. Days on market: Four.

CROWN POINT SPRINGS

The home at 1530 Spring Ridge Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $485,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,721 square feet. Days on market: Four.

CYPRESS RESERVE

The home at 14230 SunRidge Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $595,950. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,270 square feet. Days on market: 100.

FULLERS CROSSING

The home at 931 Burland Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $456,500. Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,487 square feet. Days on market: 103.

HERITAGE AT PLANT STREET

The home at 764 Orange Belt Loop, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $620,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet. Days on market: 44.

LAKE APOPKA SOUND

The home at 17914 Hither Hills Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $625,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,314 square feet. Days on market: 116.

The home at 14419 Topaghan Way, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $532,990. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,108 square feet.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 708 Lake Brim Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 3, for $1,150,000. Built in 2018, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 3,339 square feet of living area. Days on market: 90.

The home at 1254 Civitas Way, Winter Garden, sold March 3, for $864,420. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,763 square feet of living area. Days on market: 42.

The home at 926 McKinnon Square, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $530,471. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 1,584 square feet of living area. Days on market: 65.

ORCHARD

The townhouse at 333 Winter Nellis Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $325,000. Built in 2006, it has two bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,644 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

ROPER RESERVE

The home at 1633 Highbanks Circle, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $680,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,775 square feet of living area. Days on market: 19.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 1929 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $1,600,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 4,725 square feet of living area. Days on market: 96.

SHORES

VALENCIA

The home at 217 Valencia Court, Winter Garden, sold Feb. 28, for $450,000. Built in 1973, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,880 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

Fun on four legs

The Windermere Pet Fest, held on the Windermere Town Hall lawn, was a popular place for pets and their owners Saturday, Feb. 25. The event was hosted by the town of Windermere and the Animal Clinic of Windermere. There were pooches and smooches and a lot of panting on the warm day as the human attendees visited various pet booths and entered their animals in a variety of contests.

The Ocoee Police Department brought its K9 Unit for demonstrations, and at The Barking Lot, dogs chased a yellow ribbon through an obstacle course. There were contests for eating peanut butter, best dressed, best tricks as well.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Suite 204 Orlando, FL 32819

FL 34711

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The 7-Day Yield is the average income paid out over the previous

Michael Eng

The home at 1929 Black Lake Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Feb. 27, for $1,600,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Feb. 25 to March 3.

The Pug Rescue of Florida and Georgia brought its kissing booth full of pugs ready to give wet smooches: Luna Bear, left, Sadie Sable and Roscoe. With them is Megan Sorbo.

The Ocoee Police Department brought its K9 Unit to the pet festival.

Nana was entered into the pet trick contest for her ability to give hugs.

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HIGH 5

What a ride!

1

The Windermere High School girls varsity flag football opened its season with a 39-13 win over The Villages Charter 39-13 Monday, Feb. 27. The girls will take on another opponent as they are set to travel to Lakewood Ranch at 7 p.m. Friday, March 3. On the JV side, Lady Wolverines defeated the Lady Buffalos with a 20-0 win.

The West Orange High School JV boys basketball team has a new head coach, former Ocoee High School freshman boys head basketball coach Dell Coates. “I’m thankful for a new opportunity to help my community,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.” Coates will take on the task to lead the Warriors during their long off-season and get them ready for their next basketball season come winter. This will be Coates’ second year coaching high school athletes. The school is still in conversations with Coates about the position. 3

The Ocoee High School boys and girls track team competed at the West Orange Dr. Baptiste Track Invitational

Friday, March 3. Of the 20 teams that participated in the meet, the Lady Knights brought home the gold, while the boys brought home the bronze. On the girls side, the 4x100 relay team of Destiny Cladwell, Leneah Green, Bertina Green and Jayla Newton placed second; Ma’kayla Davis placed first in the high jump and triple jump, and finished second in the long jump division; Brooklyn Bender placed second in shot put; and Leneah Green also placed second in the 100and 200-meter events. On the boys side, Dylan Horne placed first in the shot put and discus category, and Taylor Douglas placed second in the shot put category. 4

The Foundation Academy varsity baseball team shut out Apopka High School 8-0 Thursday, March 2. Pitcher Nate Seeber was on the mound the entire game. Seeber allowed three hits and walked two while striking out 10. The Lions have an overall season record of 3-1 and are scheduled to host IMG Academy Friday, March 10, for a nondistrict game. 5

Mili’s Gym hosted its second annual Rosie the Riveter Women’s Powerlifting Championship Saturday, March 4. Four teams competed for the gold — Florida Gators, Mili’s Gym, Schulze Strength and Team Heart. The home team, Mili’s Gym, earned gold. The event was hosted with the intention of honoring Women’s History Month. In fact, 19% of the proceeds will be donated to Women Voice Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, inspiring, encouraging and empowering women. Amna Chaudhary, who competed in the junior division, earned the overall best lifter award during the meet.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Windermere High School boys basketball team’s incredible journey ended one win short of a state championship. The Lakers fell to Riviera Prep 51-27 during the championship game Saturday, March 4.

“I’m extremely proud of our group,” head basketball coach Brian Hoff said. “This is a group that kind of from the beginning of the season was sort of doubted. We overcame a lot; we got a ton better as the year progressed. The group … bonded very well as a team; we just didn’t play our best. So, it stinks that it came in this moment, but over the course of the year, this group defied odds, and I’m just proud of their togetherness and proud of their competitiveness in order to get this far.”

Despite the loss at the state championship game, this was a season for the Lakers’ history books. The team had not made it that far into post season play since 2016, when the program brought home their first — and only — state championship title.

“(We are) special,” freshman shooting guard Brandon Bass Jr. said. “And I feel that’s what helped us get to where we (got this season).”

In a fast-paced game, the Bulldogs pulled ahead of the Lakers early — taking the lead during the first quarter. Windermere Prep never recovered.

“I thought their defense was great,” Hoff said. “I thought they were in the passing lanes, (and) their passing lane pressure affected a lot of the stuff that we ran.”

Senior point guard Aiden Fletcher helped lead the team during his last game as a Laker.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “We all came together. Young guys put their trust in me, and I put my trust in them. We came a long way. We didn’t get the results that we wanted, but I had a great time with those guys.”

Through the season, Windermere Prep team had something no other team led by Hoff had had in previous years: three freshmen in its top-six rotation. Those included Bass Jr., center Sinan Huan and small forward or shooting guard Shiva Atwal.

“To have three young guys like that, it’s unusual (and) it’s uncommon,” Hoff said. “But, these freshman are unusual in a good way. They worked extremely hard, they are extremely talented and this moment (was) not too big for them.”

SEE LAKERS PAGE 2B

Kurt Kitayama wins Arnold Palmer Invitational

Kitayama bettered all the big names present at the Arnold Palmer Invitational — Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Harris English — and jumped from No. 46 to No. 19 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational welcomed a new name to the list of winners: Kurt Kitayama, who collected his first win at the PGA Tour Sunday, March 5.

“It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “Just to get your first one I think it’s an unbelievable thing, (and) I’m lucky enough to have had it at a very special place, so it’s a bonus.”

Nicknamed “The Project” during his college years at the University of Nevada — Las Vegas, Kitayama was able to prove himself to all the big names in the sport, including past API champions such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell

Hatton and Jason Day.

“My iron game has jumped a level and my shorter game has seen a big level of increase rate,” Kitayama said. “Just finding the little successes around the world and making it out here, put myself in the contention, you start to really believe in yourself — that you belong out here.”

Prior to competing at the API, during his time as a pro golfer, Kitayama had participated in 10 tours — including Canada, Europe, PGA, Korea, Asian Development Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, India and Sunshine.

SUNDAY AT BAY HILL

With thousands of spectators at the

SEE API PAGE 2B

TFA sophomore Austin Pierzynski is the catcher on the Royals’ currently undefeated baseball team. Page 2B.

With three freshmen in their top-six rotation, the Lakers pulled through and surprised every opponent they faced on the court this season.

The moment Kurt Kitayama realized he had won, he felt a sense of relief.

Few outside of Windermere Prep believed. But the Lakers turned many heads en route to their first state-championship appearance since 2016.

Andrea Mujica

Andrea Mujica

Pierzynski

The First Academy sophomore and catcher Austin Pierzynski has been helping lead the Royals this season on the baseball field as the team’s starting catcher. The Royals cur-

Tell us about your years as a baseball player.

I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. My dad played in the MLB, so I was on the field with him every day. Baseball has been in my life pretty much since I was a kid. Did you ever consider any other sports? Baseball was always the main one. I played basketball and football in middle school and lower school, but I was always focused on baseball, mostly.

What do you love most about baseball as a sport?

I think just the camaraderie with your team. Especially as a catcher, you have to bond with your pitcher and know everything that’s going on, so I really like that. … The mental part also. (Baseball) is more mental instead of physical, so you always have to know what’s going on. You’ve got to be smart (on the field) and all that.

What is your favorite part about catching?

Just controlling the game. I always feel like I’m in control. You are involved in every single play.

What do you believe baseball has taught you not only on the field but also off it?

To deal with failure, because you fail seven out of 10 times, and you are (still) really good. I think in school, you succeed more than you fail. In most other sports, you succeed more than you fail. But in baseball, you fail more than you succeed.

Do you have a favorite drill at practice?

I think just throw downs, probably. That’s the main thing I work on with catching — just throwing the ball down.

What do you think makes you a unique catcher on the baseball field?

I really think I receive the ball well, and I think I have a unique relationship with the pitchers. I think we are on the same page most of the time.

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?

I think just leading by example. I am not really a yeller or stuff like that, but I just kind of do the right thing and trust them to follow my lead.

THE BASICS

Age: 16 Sport: Baseball Position: Catcher Grade: 10 School: The First Academy

Do you have a favorite MLB player? Right now, I really like Jose Trevino. I really like how he catches.

Wha is your favorite baseball team?

The White Sox; that’s where I grew up. That’s where my dad played the longest.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Probably hanging out with friends, fishing or playing video games.

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Hang out with friends, go to church on Sunday — pretty much every Sunday — and baseball.

What’s your favorite music?

Country. (My favorite singer is) Morgan Wallen.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Why?

Maybe Batman, because he doesn’t have any actual superpowers; he’s just rich and smart.

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

Probably teleportation, just because it’s the most useful. You could go anywhere you want at any time.

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

I want to go to Japan, because I’ve heard the baseball there is crazy. Someplace in Africa — do a safari or something like that to see all the animals. Probably a tropical place like Bora Bora, where I could go scuba diving.

Which one would you choose: Instagram, BeReal or TikTok? Instagram; I don’t have BeReal or

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why?

Probably Jesus’ time, just

What color would you say represents your personality?

Probably green. It’s kind of laid-back. Not standing out that much — just go with the flow.

grounds of the Bay Hill Lodge and Club following every move and call, Kitayama — who jumped in rank from No. 46 to No. 19 — was not leading until the end of Sunday.

McIlroy was on the top of the scoreboard all through the back nine right before a number of bogeys at holes 14 and 15 put him in a tie with Harris English in second place. Before taking the lead, Kitayama was at eight under, tied with McIlroy, Scheffler and English. However, Kitayama was able to strike a 6-iron from the tee at par-3 17th to 13 feet and later drain the putt to get the lead.

After tapping his 47-foot, 2-inch birdie putt on the 18th green that landed an inch from disappearing at the bottom of the cup, Kitayama turned around and gave his caddie, Tim Tucker, a big hug.

“It was a big relief, you know, that it was really happening,” Kitayama said.

In addition to the outstanding golf, the API also featured plenty of fun off the course. This included the annual Wine and Dine on the 9, which took place from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 3. Fans enjoyed food from local restaurants such as American Social Bar and Kitchen, Big Fin Seafood Kitchen, Brio, Burntwood, Jimmy Hula’s, Fresh & Co, Melting Pot and more.

2023

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

DEFENSE KEY

mates to play their best,” he said.

Family. Friends. Community.

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? Some type of fish; I want to breathe underwater.

From Day 1 of practice for the 202223 season, the Lakers focused on honing out their defense skills; they believed this would contribute to an unforgettable season.

“We knew from the very beginning we would need to be a good defensive team to be successful,” Hoff said. “So, luckily, these guys have really bought in on the defensive side to help us make it (that) far.”

One key element on the defensive side of the ball for the boys was Huan, a 7-foot freshman.

“I try to block any shots and try to do what I can do to help my team-

“It’s really exciting (to have gotten here) and I’m proud of us. I think we are worth it, we put (in) a lot of time to get (there).”

After the team bought into the fundamentals of defense for the season, the word “togetherness” resonated with the Lakers.

“Win or lose — we are a family,”

Hoff said. “This is not a one-man show, this isn’t a one-man program, this isn’t a one-man team. We have a lot of great players on this team.

We have players who play every different role … (and) every player is important. They have a role in our program, so I’m proud of all of our guys — not just the ones (who) score

a lot of points but (also) the guys (who) help us get better at practice every day and our leaders from the bench.”

Moving forward, the Lakers will continue practicing their steps and working on their fundamentals so next year, they can come back ready to rumble.

“I’ve got to get our guys better prepared to play against teams like (Riviera Prep) next year,” Hoff said. “I think this will motivate us,” he said. “I think they had an amazing experience being a part of this run. But at the end of the day, I think they leave more hungry than anything. So I think it should help propel us into the next season.”

This was the first time 30-year-old Kurt Kitayama participated in the API. Andrea Mujica

Andrea Mujica

Power forward Mason Williams was one of the sources of motivation — and a constant leader — throughout his last season as a Laker.

West Orange girls lax bests Horizon

ROBERT L. BURNETT.

DIED MARCH 2, 2023.

Robert L. Burnett passed on March 2, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, and his sons, Chris and Brett Michael.

Rob was born in Orlando and lived in Windermere and Winter Garden. He attended Lakeview High School and USF, where he earned his degree in mechanical engineering.

He was a longtime business owner in Winter Garden until his retirement. As an instructor at Palm Construction School, he touched many lives, and he will be truly missed.

The West Orange High School girls varsity lacrosse team defeated Horizon High School 17-2 Friday, March 3, during a nondistrict game. This was the second time in the history of Hawks Nation the two teams faced each other. The Lady Hawks currently hold 6-2 overall season record, while the Lady Warriors have started 7-2. Horizon is scheduled to host Edgewater for a non-district game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. West Orange is set to host the Windermere Wolverines for a district game at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8.

Andrea Mujica

The Lady Warriors currently own

The

Hawks

— ANDREA MUJICA

A NEW WAY TO SPLASH

THERESA WHITEHEAD WESTBROOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Theresa Whitehead is a second-grade teacher at Westbrooke Elementary School. Principal Alex Reyes said of Whitehead: “She is always willing to help teachers and students. She has excellent rapport with the students and parents. Mrs. Whitehead provides a calm and at the same time rigorous learning environment for the students. She is a great team player.” Whitehead is a team leader and in charge of planning and implementing lessons. She was named Teacher of the Month in 2022.

What brought you to your school?

A neighbor of mine told me about this school being built and that I should apply. I was working as a secondgrade teacher at the time at a wonderful school — Palm Lake Elementary. However, my children were involved in extracurricular activities, and this new school, Westbrooke Elementary, would be closer to my home and help with my personal taxi service for my children. I was lucky enough to get an interview with Mr. Bixler and had to make the tough decision to leave Palm Lake for my family. I now have been at Westbrooke since the doors first opened 15 years ago.

What do you love most about your school?

What I love most about my school is my class family, all my students — from past to present. The community is wonderful and supportive.

I also appreciate my second-grade team; these ladies are an amazing group of educators that really put the students’ learning first. My school is full of supportive staff — office staff, lunch staff, custodial staff and administrative staff.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is when I can celebrate with my students their personal success — when they say, “I read that, Mrs. Whitehead, and understand it!” (and) “Mrs. Whitehead, I want to learn.”

Motivation is seeing how I motivate my students to work hard in whole group, small group and on their own to learn. My motivation is sitting with a student and working together to learn. Students are my motivation.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy attending my son’s baseball

games, visiting with my daughter on the phone who lives in Atlanta. Love reading a good book (and) watching a good positive show, “Ted Lasso.”

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

My favorite teacher was Mrs. Davis. She was my first-grade teacher. She made me feel special and worked with me.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why? I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I would play school with my sisters. I have always loved working with others and helping children learn and be proud of themselves.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett. I love this book because the narrative and illustrations. She gives her readers a preview of what may happen in the story with her illustrations.

What are your hobbies?

I love to make wreaths for doors.

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

If I could have a superpower, it would be to duplicate myself so that I could help or do more for others. Sometimes, I need 20 of me for my class family.

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

Three artists I would listen to are Florida Georgia Line, Reba McEntire and Michael Bublé, because they have music that feeds my spirit! I can dance to them when cleaning house, grading papers etc.

What was your go-to lunch as an elementary student?

My go-to lunch was peanutbutter-and-jelly as an elementary student.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas — first and foremost to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is the main thing in life. Also love this holiday (because) I get to celebrate with family members with traditional cooking from my mom — tamales, pozole, bizcochitos and other sweet treats. Love to decorate the inside and outside of my home.

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

My best friend was Wendy Cox, because she listened to me and made me laugh. We only connect now through Facebook.

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

In school, I was in choir, drama club and drill dance team. My choir team did win many events. My drill dance team took state my senior year. I did perform in many plays, especially loved playing Liesel from “The Sound of Music” in high school.

— ANDREA MUJICA

Tildenville experiments with Family Science Night

Tildenville Elementary School held a fun Family Science Night Thursday, Feb. 23, that gave students and families the opportunity to try out 15 hands-on science activities thanks to the Orlando Science Center and The Bond Foundation.

STEM activities and a live KaBOOM show were part of the full-day science festival. In the evening, families experimented with circuits, paper airplanes, weather balloons, sail cars, rockets and drones; made shaved ice treats, gears, bridges, rollercoasters and foil boats; and watched another KaBOOM show.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

ONLINE

See more photos at OrangeObserver.com

Nikolette Robinson worked hard on her rollercoaster and tried to

Derek Blakeslee, of The Bond Foundation, assisted at the bridge engineering table. The Bond Foundation sponsored the science festival and Family Science Night at Tildenville.

Left: Bryce Jackson pretended to be a scientist as he posed behind a cardboard cutout.

Ethan Gilmore mixed different ingredients to create bubbles.

Bubble Ball delights Palm Lake Elementary School families

The Palm Lake Elementary School outdoor courtyard was filled with bubbles, glowing lights and delight at the 2023 Bubble Ball event Friday, Feb. 24. Students dressed to impress in elegant gowns or tuxedos accompanied by their family and closest friends. Attendees enjoyed photo opportunities, a bubble bus, a live deejay, games, dancing, temporary tattoos, pizza, cake and much more under the stars.

Right: Olivia Trytek and Harper Kellen posed in front of one of the many photo opportunities.

Crystal Mudd, Kimaya DeChristopher and Gianna Arocho showed off their photos from the photo booth.

The West Orange High School Warriors danced the night away at the Children’s Miracle Network WarriorThon Friday, March 3. The event, hosted by the school’s Student Government Association, encouraged students of all grade levels to come out to the gymnasium for a night full of activities benefiting Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. Students dressed in purple T-shirts complete with space-themed headbands for this year’s theme of “Out of This World.” Participants danced to the tunes of a live deejay and played games to raise money such as giant Jenga, musical chairs, Twister, hula hoops and spikeball. —

ANNABELLE SIKES

Audrey Calvert and Aly Henry played a game of table tennis.

Right: Natalie Villafane, Kacey Weaver and Yara Abdalnabi collected donations for the WarriorThon.

Students helped raise money for the WarriorThon by placing some of their friends in a temporary jail until bail was posted and paid.

Nicolas Caro, Brooklyn Hicks, Sims McClusky and Tate Maroth enjoyed the event together.

Right: Sims McClusky stopped for a quick photo with the fog machine.

HARD WORK deserves to be RECOGNIZED

BAPTIST

LET’S CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2023

Earning a high school diploma is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That’s precisely why the Observer is creating an extra special Graduation section. In it, we will celebrate seniors at all of our area’s public, private and charter high schools. Tell your graduating senior how proud you are of their accomplishments with a personalized congratulatory card in our 2023 Graduation section.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, MAY 1

DATE OF PUBLICATION: THURSDAY, MAY 25

CHURCH

EPISCOPAL

METHODIST

ORANGE HISTORY

WEST

90 years ago

Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Gulley motored to Orlando Sunday and visited Mr. and Mrs. Norman Gulley, their son and daughter-in-law.

60 years ago

Plans were announced for the Railroad Ramble to visit Winter Garden.

Jere Sullivan was named local Heart Fund chairman.

55 years ago

In the face of adverse conditions, Winter Garden teachers were to be complimented. Only six teachers from the three Winter Garden schools were reported to be on strike after the first two days of the statewide walkout.

45 years ago

A freak accident slowed traffic at Winter Garden’s busiest corner when a dump truck went through the intersection of Dillard Street and State Road 50 with its bed partially up, taking with it two signal lights.

30 years ago

Columnist H-Lee Allen (Harriette Grimes) wrote a piece about her grandsons, Jason and Justin Grimes, and the beginning of I Want You to be Happy Day. The day is celebrated March 3 to remind people to be thoughtful of others even when things are not going well for themselves.

Residents of Winter Garden and Ocoee could hop on the TriCounty Transit Lynx bus when a route was determined for the area. The bus traveled west on Highway 50 to Health Central in Ocoee, to Old Winter Garden Road to Story Road, to Ninth

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Four students who worked on the Gold Award Project at Tildenville Child Care Center of Winter Garden are pictured with students and teachers though not specifically identified in the original photo. They are Dorothy Johnston, Tracy Myerson, Kathleen Perricone and Glenda Shaw — all members of Girl Scout Senior Troop 840. The center, managed for many years by Amanda Booker, is no longer in existence. Established in 1971 with the purchase of the former Avalon School that once stood adjacent to the Tildenville Missionary Baptist Church, the center served the neighborhood as much more than a school for almost four decades. Clothing, furniture, household items and more was collected here and then distributed to families in need.

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.

Street, back to Highway 50, to Park Avenue, to Plant Street, to Hennis Road, to the Klondike Center and the Center Street. This ended the route, and then the bus looped back to Plant Street and back through the cycle.

The community exhibits of Ocoee and Winter Garden each earned the top trophies of the Central Florida Fair. Ocoee took home the Manager’s Trophy and Winter Garden won the Presi -

dent’s Trophy. Marine Lance Cpl. John Bennett returned from a deployment to Mogadishu, where he was stationed for two months to help fight hunger, death and disease in the impoverished Somalian town in East Africa.

Plans were being made for the Possum Queen Pageant, part of Winter Garden’s Florida Cracker Festival. Crystal Tucker, the previous year’s Possum Queen, was prepared to give up her crown to

THROWBACK THURSDAY

MARCH 1, 1979

Winn-Dixie filled many kitchen cabinets with exquisite fine china in 1979 when it introduced its Ekco International shopping rewards program.

An advertisement in the March 1 issue of The Winter Garden Times promoted pieces in four patterns: Floral Generation, Winsford, Spring Bouquet and Golden Autumn.

For every $3 shoppers spent, they could purchase a certificate for 88 cents that could be used for a 20-piece set that included four dinner plates, four soup bowls, four cups, four saucers and four salad plates.

The set could be rounded out with the purchase of a platter, casserole dish, vegetable bowl, fruit bowls, salt and pepper shakers, sugar and creamer, and gravy boat.

one lucky woman (or man). On the Possum Queen Committee were Janis Murphy, “mother” of marsupial Phoebe; Lynn Walker Wright; and Mary Van Deventer, who were waiting for the applications to come rolling in. The Possum Queen Parade would head down Plant Street with all Possum Queen candidates riding atop a possum vehicle.

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“PVB ‘60X TNX YHB YE PVB EDLXP PDOBX PVB JYTBL YE OAXDG TNX AXBI

WM N KBHBLNPDYH PY WDHI PVBO

PYKBPVBL.” HBDC MYAHK

“V OTFS GWJIJW CSJ WKZX. ... CSJWJ VN

Z NCJWVBJ JMDVWKMOJMC CK Z

NCTXVK CSZC XKJNM’C OZPJ OJ BJC AK.” NCJGSJM NCVBBN

“M NWMVV YBDX BF MFNBFX CAMDX WJ

SAXBWX BFC XPIAXNN GUNXVZ ...

MW’VV FXDXA NWJI ... M CJF’W TFJE YJE

WJ NWJI MW.” LABYBG FBNY

Puzzle One Clue: J equals P Puzzle Two Clue: F equals C Puzzle Three Clue: U equals Y

TWO-WAY

by Pam Amick Klawitter, edited by Jeff Chen

But Wait ... THERE’S MORE!