04.20.23 West Orange Times & Observer

YOU YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Following tragedy, faith guides the Savey family

Three years after a double murder rocked the town of Windermere, the Savey family is relying on faith. The killer was sentenced to four life terms in prison.

LE SERVING ABOARD GUIDEDMISSILE DESTROYER

Ensign Ryan Le, from Ocoee, kept watch through a telescopic alidade on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius during an underway replenishment with the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe while operating in the South China Sea.

Milius is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/ Destroyer Squadron 15, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 logistically resupplies deployed units in the Indo-Pacific along with regional allies and partners.

ONP UNCORKS

SPRING SOIREE

Join the Oakland Nature Preserve in celebrating Earth Day Saturday, April 22, at Bubbly on the Boardwalk, a twothirds-of-a-mile stroll along the boardwalk to Lake Apopka that includes a selection of wines, beers and sweet treats. Enjoy the flora and fauna of the wetlands, the birds as they fly over the water, the sunset over the lake and, possibly, some fireflies. The event is limited to 100 participants 21 and older. When registering, participants must select from two time

Fair warning!

IF YOU GO

1500 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, just west of State Road 429 HOURS: The fair is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 10 p.m.

Sunday.

FEES: Parking and admission are free; guests can take advantage of moneysaving, unlimited ride offers, including Unlimited Ride Days Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (wristbands cost $25; guests can save $5 on each band if purchased online in advance);

Weekend Midway Magic Saturday and Sunday (payone-price ride wristbands are $30); and Twosday at the Fair (guests pay $2 for each ride Tuesday, April 25, only)

TICKET INFORMATION: WinterGardenFair.com

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

If you’re a fan of dizzying heights, flashing lights and carnival sights, West Orange County is the place to be for the next 10 days as Strates Shows Inc. brings the Winter Garden Fair to town. More than 30 amusement rides are being set up this week in anticipation of the fair, to be held April 21 through April 30 at 1500 E. Plant St., just west of State Road 429. There will be carnival rides such as the Giant Wheel, Zipper, Sky Flyer and carousel, plus a Kiddieland designed especially for children.

Traditional prize games; attractions; and festival foods, such as funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar and French fries drizzled with vinegar, are all part of the fun. Guests can enjoy walk-around entertainment on the weekends.

The Winter Garden Fair will be produced by Orlando-based Strates Shows Inc., which celebrates its century anniversary this year.

The Strates company has been part of Winter Garden since the late 1990s, when it set up the Orange County Fair just north of the intersection of West Colonial Drive and Ninth Street, according to Marty

Biniasz, manager of marketing, promotions and media relations. When that property was sold, Strates moved the fair to the property on East Plant Street around 2006.

For the past few years, the fair has been set up in Hamlin. However, this year marks the fair’s return to the city of Winter Garden.

“It’s a great place,” Biniasz said of the property on East Plant Street.

“Over the past couple decades, that area has become a convergence of multiple communities. … For our

use, it’s a blank canvas to create this carnival environment for the community — with the goal of establishing events like this on an annual basis.”

The Strates Shows is a 100-yearold family-owned and -operated outdoor amusement and carnival business. Founded in 1923 by Greek immigrant James E. Strates as the Southern Tier Shows in Elmira, New York, the Strates Shows is one of America’s premiere providers of carnival midways.

The show has called Taft home since 1955. The Strates Shows is managed by the third and fourth generations of Strates family members. E. James Strates is 93 and has been in charge of the fair since 1959, Biniasz said. Jimmy Strates, Jay Strates and John Strates handle the day-to-day operations, and another family member, Nick Strates, is involved too.

Fair-goers can seek thrills on more than 30 carnival rides. Courtesy

FOODIE FODDER

Oakland updating personnel policies

A traffic study also is being conducted at Hull Island Drive and Oakland Avenue.

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

The town of Oakland is re-evaluating its personnel policy manual; the last time it was updated was in 2016.

Interim Town Manager Jack Butler told the Town Commission at its April 11 meeting that a number of changes and additions have been made, including progressive discipline, a travel policy, military leave and safety. Butler will come back to the commission with the final version in the next few weeks.

Commissioners also approved the second reading of three ordinances — voluntary annexation, adoption of the future land-use plan and zoning map designation — for a 1.29-acre piece of property owned by James Whebell and Mary Lee at 1016 Hull Island Drive. The parcel is intended to be used for single-family residential development.

JOHNS LAKE OUTFALL CANAL

Hundreds of people spent a beautiful evening at Bill Breeze Park in Ocoee, as they celebrated the 2023 Best Fest Thursday, April 13.

Attendees were able to get a taste of local flavors from different vendors located around West Orange County.

Guests were given tickets for voting for the top booths. Winners were Westgate Lakes Resorts & Spa for Best Food, Pilars Martini for Best Beverage, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream for Best Dessert, Table Top Catering for Best Healthy Option and Love Motorsports Ocoee for Best Business Booth.

Participating restaurants included 4Rivers Smokehouse, Amber Brooke Farms, Home State Brewing Co., Pilars Martini, Texas Roadhouse, Pammie’s Sammies, Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Toastique, and Westgate Resorts & Spa.

Butler updated the commission on the Johns Lake Outfall Canal issue. The town has received a joint easement agreement with Oakland Park and an agreement with Bob Christie, who lives on the shore of Lake Apopka. A channel has inadvertently been delivering sediment into the lake in a westward flow, which is affecting several lakefront homeowners. This will be dredged and used to fill in the improper channel and to create a berm to block that outfall. The next step will extend the channel to its original location, so sediment flows straight out into the lake. Butler said this work should begin in May.

TRAFFIC TALK

Butler also shared with commissioners that Oakland Park is working on its Phase 7 street connections into the east side of Oakland and those will be opening up soon. Mayor Kathy Stark asked about the town’s plan for golf carts, and Butler said the town is conducting a mobility study.

A traffic study also is being conducted at Hull Island Drive and Oakland Avenue for the consideration of a three-way stop at the intersection.

“That’s when we would look to establish the 25 mph speed limit, and then golf carts would be able to access to Town Hall,” Butler said.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The commission approved the consent agenda, which included the renewal of an agreement with Discover After School to provide care before and after school and during school breaks at Oakland Avenue Charter School. Discover has been providing the service since fall 2020. The vote also included the rejection of a branding proposal for OACS.

— ANDREA MUJICA, AMY QUESINBERRY AND ANNABELLE SIKES

Oneka Burnett and Leo Stoney delighted themselves with some snacks accompanied with good conversation.

Healthy West Orange representatives Heather Lamson, Jason Cannon and Erika Feazell provided various ways to stay healthy.

Tom West Blueberries handed out packages of fresh blueberries. West Tree Services shared a tent with the blueberry farm.

Emerson Moberg, 18 months, played with grass while her parents waited in line to taste some food.

Joe and Danita Dunn stopped foro a photo opportunity at the Observer Media Group booth.

Ocoee resident to perform at ‘This is Jesus’

For Khristian Dentley, music is life, and he loves sharing his passion with the world.

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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For Ocoee resident and Take 6 group music member Khristian Dentley, music is everything, and performing with Take 6 in the “This is Jesus” concert means the world to him.

“Music is, for me, an opportunity to allow the sunshine of God’s love to emulate everything and everyone,” he said. “That’s why I love this — the idea of the whole ‘This is Jesus’ concert, because I get to do what I love in front of the people that I love for the One that gave me the gift. (Music) is everything, it brings people together, different nationalities, different cultures. Everybody doesn’t like apple fritters, everybody doesn’t like Popeye’s chicken, everybody doesn’t like sushi. But music is this thing that has the ability to unite and connect everybody without saying a word. You can play a song, and it touches everybody, and I love that.”

Dentley was born and raised in South Carolina, a place he believes helped shape his persona and his character because of the charming hospitality that sets it apart from other states in the country.

“I’m really happy about that,” he said. “There is something about Southern hospitality and the Southern charm that really equips people in their upbringing to be just genuinely nice. … I love the fact that there’s a warmth in my person and my character, and it was shaped from being born in South Carolina.”

MUSIC AND MINISTRY

Dentley grew up surrounded by music on both sides of his family as well as ministry. The son of a pastor, he grew up attending church and playing music alongside his father since age 9.

“For me, it was almost like (music) is the code that God wrote into my family’s DNA, so I didn’t have to search hard,” he said. “I remember my first solo in church … my dad, he would show me what to play, and I remember singing a song, and nobody knew that it was me. They would be looking around for the person who was leading the song and they saw me — this little guy whose head could barely get over the organ. And … I remember not only how that felt for me — the joy that it gave me to be able to do this in (that) space, but also how the people’s faces looked, the joy that it gave them. So, I use music to make people smile.”

Even though his parents were not formally trained in music, they were blessed with the gift to be able to share their melodies with those around them for generations. Dentley did attend — for two years — the Dillard Center for the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, where he completed his junior and senior years of high school.

“That changed my life, being in a space … designed to enhance, pour into and help you nurture the gifts in you, regardless of whether that’s music, dance or drama,” he said. “That was my first time ever being in a space where not just my family supported the music but (also) my teachers and the administration. Everything pointed to you finding your gift.”

A songwriter in every sense of the word, Dentley takes all the lessons life has taught him over his years in this world to reflect and depict all of what

he’s learned — with its ups and downs — with the hope to connect with everyone he shares his music with. An example of this is a song he composed in 2015 he called “The Scale,” Dentley’s favorite song he has written to date.

“I actually wrote it when I was in the middle of my divorce, and it was a song that reminded both, me and the people that hear it, of how much God loves you,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what you are experiencing, what you are going through, why you’re going through it. It’s just that His love is extremely strong and that when I sing it, it has the ability to reach people wherever they are. It talks about sliding down the scale and just when you thought that you reached the end, you hear the voice or your familiar friend, and He clears the scale and lets you start again.

“That means a lot to me because I know what that felt like,” Dentley said.

“When you are going through something in life and you feel like you’ve let yourself down or you feel like you’ve let your family down or the world down, there is somebody who understand you and that love you anyway. And His scale is different than yours, and He has the ability to put you back where you belong.”

Dentley plays the piano and the drums, and he can dabble on bass when necessary. However, when he sits down to compose and write a song, his go-to instrument is the piano.

“I feel like I go into my little space, and I write from my heart, and then I bring my heart to the group (Take 6) and they embellish it,” he said. “So, I bring a song to the group and Mark Kibble, who is our main arranger, will take it and make the arrangement. And then, we all sing and it’s magic.”

TAKE 6

Dentley was not always part of Take 6 — an American a cappella gospel sextet that was formed in 1980 in Alabama. Take 6 performs medleys jazz with spiritual and inspirational lyrics, and it has been awarded 10 Grammys, and 10 Dove Awards and was nominated for the NAACP Image Award.

The first time Dentley made contact with the group was in 2000. He was 16 and had attended a Fred Hammond concert. Suddenly, he found himself backstage, helping set up the keyboards and sound system. He attributes this to the Hammond shirt he was wearing that day and his music background.

“Never in my life would I have imagined that I would be a part of this incredible musical legacy,” he said. “I can’t honestly say that I was driven to be a part of the group, I’m just the kind of guy who uses what I have and whatever happens, happens.”

Four years later, after he had completed his college studies, Dentley was working in a call center and had a gut feeling he was meant for more. So, he reached out to Kibble and asked if he could send a song — not a demo — asking him if he believed he had what it took to be an artist.

“If I (didn’t,) I’d rather know (then) and (I would have) adjusted my expectations,” he said. “Well, that was when they were looking for somebody to fill in for the baritone at the time, which was Cedric Dent, and it was a moment where I knew that this was the reason for me being born. I didn’t have to pray about it or anything, I was like, this is the opportunity that all the years of preparation were designed for, and that day had to happen. I think that if people would take more risks, then they would see more reward in their life, honestly.” A natural tenor, Dentley adapted to singing the baritone part of the group, and he loves it.

“It’s great because I never lose my voice,” he said. “I always get the chills in the concerts, because I’m the cello — the low range. And that’s specifically the part that makes some of the harmonies special. … I can sing all parts, but with the guys, baritone is my sweet spot.”

Dentley has been a fan of the group since he was a young teenager and becoming one of the guys — as he calls it — didn’t come formally until 2011, when he received a call while he was at a golf course in Orlando. They asked

him if he wanted to, formally, be a part of the group — and not just a fill-in.

“It was at that moment something clicked,” he said. “Now, it’s a totally different space. It’s literally like when you go to get married and you’ve been dating for all of these years. At that moment, when the preacher says, ‘I now pronounce you man and wife.’

That’s like, ‘Oh my God, this is it.’ That’s what that moment was for me, and it was like, ‘OK, we are committed. They are committed to me, and I’m committed to them.’”

Dentley’s favorite song to perform with Take 6 is “I Got Life/Spread Love,” because it contributes to the group’s purpose: to spread love to those who are listening.

THIS IS JESUS

This is the second time the group was invited to perform at the “This is Jesus” concert that will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.

“This concert means so much to me — not just because I live here in Ocoee, in Orlando, and it’s coming here and I get to sing here in front of my home team,” he said. “But (also), because it’s sharing the truth that I know with the people from this place that I love to let them know, ‘Hey, it’s not that you’re this horrible person that God is mad at.’ It’s like, ‘Let me reintroduce you to Jesus. He loves you.’”

Take 6, “The Voice” season 9 winner Jordan Smith and Tecla award winner Blanca will join forces to deliver renown tunes within the contemporary Christian music community.

“This concert is going to be phenomenal,” Dentley said. “I love the fact that it’s a representation of really how much God loves you. I’s like the sun coming out after a hurricane. It’s like, with all of the things that are going on in the world — the devastation, the atrocities, the mass killings and the wars and all these other kind of things — to have this brilliant, beautiful ray of light that gives us hope, that’s what this concert is.”

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ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Windermere leaders serve notice on unapproved tennis court usage

Parks and Recreation Chair Nora Brophy spoke during public comment to bring council awareness to the ongoing complaints about non-resident professionals teaching all non-residents on the town’s courts.

SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Windermere Town Council members addressed the ongoing battle regarding non-resident professionals teaching all non-residents on the town’s courts at their meeting Tuesday, April 11.

Parks and Recreation Chair Nora Brophy spoke during public comment to bring awareness to the issue.

“We’re getting a ton of complaints about the tennis pros invading our tennis courts again,” she said. “This has been going on for many years. We’ve kind of done everything we know how to do: self-locking locks we’ve put on the gates, we have numbered keys, residents have all agreed not to give the keys out.”

Brophy believes the main issue is residents giving out their keys to the professionals.

Brophy said she contacted the town’s police department to see if officers could help by monitoring the courts and checking the keys. However, she said, it’s not something the Windermere Police Department can do. She also said residents cannot enforce the courts, because it could lead to safety concerns.

“Maybe there is some way that the town can help with this,” Brophy said.

COURT COMPLICATIONS

Mayor Jim O’Brien said enforcement of the town’s facilities has been an ongoing issue.

“Some residents are giving these individuals access to the keys,” he said. “Those are the same residents who are complaining they have people on the tennis courts. Often, we are our own worst enemy. … This puts us in a situation of using police authorities to enforce civil things that get a little interesting; so we try to minimize those negative impacts.”

Brophy said Town Manager Robert Smith’s suggestion was to post the town’s non-emergency number at the courts on signs with warnings. Brophy said the professionals use the town’s courts because they are free.

“To me, it sounds like the issue here is the instructors going in with the resident and not leaving with the resident,” town attorney Heather Ramos said. “So I think the resident needs to realize — and I have a feeling the residents don’t even realize — that if the instructor doesn’t leave with them, then they’re at risk of losing their

key, or maybe they think the instructor is leaving five minutes later, who knows? But that seems like the issue that should be addressed first. If you bring somebody in with you, then they leave with you.”

Following the meeting, Parks and Recreation Department officials sent out an email to tennis members and Windermere neighbors.

The email noted the town recently resurfaced the Main Street courts and added windscreens at the location, as well as at the Windermere Recreation Center.

“These improvements were made

IN OTHER NEWS

n Mayor Jim O’Brien read a proclamation for Municipal Clerks Week from April 30 to May 6.

n The Town Council approved two sets of minutes: Town Council meeting minutes from March 14, and Town Council workshop “Lake Street Parks Discussion” minutes from March 28.

n The council approved an ordinance renaming Down Yonder Lane to Down Park Lane.

n O’Brien assigned the new Town Council liaisons. The full list can be viewed at town.windermere.fl.us/government.

n The Windermere council approved $14,830 to Kimley-Horn for the pedestrian bridge project.

after we added new tennis court privacy locks/gates to cut down on non-resident interlopers several months ago,” the email reads. “One of the areas we take great interest in is ensuring that our tennis facilities support open resident play as much as possible. Six courts for 2,200 residents seems like a lot, but our town residents are very supportive of recreational tennis and are very active on the courts, as you know.”

The email went on to explain the issue and the increase in complaints.

“Frankly, this problem is primarily caused by residents loaning out their tennis keys,” the email read. “The tennis pros then are able to spend hours at the courts providing lessons to their other clients. This needs to stop immediately.”

The email explains any resident caught giving their tennis keys to anyone outside of their household will have their tennis privileges revoked

n After much discussion and explanation, the Town Council approved $18,040 to KimleyHorn for Florida Department of Emergency Management grant support for the Bessie Basin Project. Tonya Elliott-Moore, director of public works, explained the administrative components, requests for additional information and damage assessment calculations to qualify the project for Phase 2 funding for the Bessie Project grant were more intensive than anticipated. The Bessie Basin project has been budgeted for Fiscal Year 202223, and the project schedule has not been determined yet, as the project is still under review by FDEM.

for one year. In addition, the tennis pro who is caught illegally using the courts may be trespassed from all town property for a year, and both parties can be fined $200.

“Moreover, to support this policy, posted instructions to report rules violations are now on all tennis courts,” the email read. “We also encourage any resident you may know to immediately recall any tennis key that has been loaned out to avoid this very public embarrassment of losing tennis privileges.”

ANNABELLE

Annabelle Sikes

The six courts in the town serve 2,200 residents.

‘Lord, please don’t let me be bitter’

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

On July 30, 2020, the Savey family’s lives changed forever.

Ezekiel Hopkins, 36, drove his vehicle into the family’s Windermere driveway, crashing into a tree and exiting the vehicle in an attempt to evade police officers.

Hopkins beat John Savey, 61, and son Jay Savey, 30, to death with a baseball bat and left wife Lisa Savey beaten with severe injuries.

On Friday, March 31, justice was served when Hopkins was convicted by an Orange County jury.

Judge Diego Madrigal presided over the case, and Assistant State Attorney Sean Wiggins represented the state.

Hopkins was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder and burglary with an assault. He was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to four life terms in prison.

“First, our hearts still break for their family, and we have promised to be by their side every step of this process,” Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said. “While no one truly wins in these horrendous acts of violence, the family is relieved this portion has concluded and justice is being served. Our town and the Windermere Police Department will continue to support the Savey family, and we consider them a part of our family. The family has endured this horrific tragedy with dignity, grace and incredible strength entirely attributed to their steadfast faith.”

HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY

Ogden said the truth is no one will ever know why Hopkins did what he did the night of July 30, 2020.

When Lisa Savey heard the commotion in the driveway, she looked out the window and thought someone was trying to steal their vehicle. Ogden said the defendant’s car lights were still on; they were the same color as those on the family’s vehicle.

Lisa Savey woke her husband, John Savey, who fell asleep with his grandson watching their favorite Thursday night show together.

John Savey grabbed a baseball bat to protect his family, opened the garage door and encountered Hopkins. John Savey inquired what Hopkins was doing, and Hopkins charged him, grabbing the bat and eventually overpowering him. He beat him with the bat as they struggled inside the garage.

When the initial attack occurred, Lisa Savey was in the garage, and John Savey told her to run into their house and get their adult son, Jay Savey, whose bedroom was on the other side of the home.

While on that side of the home, Lisa Savey noticed Hopkins approaching her in the kitchen area.

Ogden said Hopkins looked at Lisa Savey, smacked the bat in his hand to indicate she was next and then attacked her as she tried to defend herself with her hands crossed over her head. Lisa Savey suffered from several broken bones in her wrist and forearm, as well as damage to her skull.

Hopkins then went after Jay Savey.

Lisa Savey said she heard her son pleading with Hopkins, saying he didn’t have to do this to them.

Footprint evidence showed Hopkins followed Jay Savey outside the front of the home, where he murdered him with the bat. He then returned inside

the house and killed John Savey; Lisa Savey heard what she described as another beating.

Ogden said during this period, law enforcement arrived on the scene and observed the defendant inside the home.

Hopkins jumped over the body of John Savey and entered the hallway bathroom, where he barricaded himself for nearly four hours.

Police said it is unknown what the suspect did inside the bathroom. However, officers were uncertain if Hopkins was armed.

At some point, Hopkins fell asleep, and the officers entered the bathroom and extracted him. The officers secured the home, rendered medical aid to Lisa Savey and rescued the 9-year-old grandson, who had called 911.

Ogden said he was fortunate to witness the Savey family’s “great resolve,” during the past two years and the long trial week.

“While still grieving and in pain, Sunday night, Lisa asked for two things to come out of the trial,” Ogden said. “The first was for God to be glorified, and the second was for justice to be served. On Tuesday, after the opening of the 911 tapes, we witnessed several of the jury members in tears, and Lisa’s response was to pray for them to endure the trial and find peace. She told me she knew how this could affect them seeing such gruesome things. This was one of the most selfless acts I have witnessed by a victim in my 37 years of police work.”

‘IT’S GOD ALL THE WAY’

When asked what has kept her going over the last few years, Lisa Savey said:

“It’s God all the way.”

“I have so many people praying for me,” she said. “I heard there were people praying for me in other countries; there were two biker groups praying for me. I’ve got family in Washington State (who) are believers, and they had people praying for me. I’ve heard it’s all over that we have had people praying for us … people I’ve never even met. … It was very comforting to know.”

Lisa Savey said she could feel the prayers during her stay in the hospital.

“My mind was kind of in and out with the drugs I was given at the hospital, but I woke up to two of my girls — the third one was on the way to us — and I said, ‘How’s dad and Jay?’” she said. “And they just looked at me. They couldn’t say anything. I had never seen looks on their faces like that, and I said, ‘Both of them?’ And they just kind of nodded. … I remember praying, ‘Lord, please don’t let me be bitter.’ Because if I’m bitter, it’s going to affect everyone I know — my kids, our siblings, everybody. … It would be like poison, and you would be spewing poison on people. I just didn’t want to do that.”

Jay Savey was the youngest of the family, with three older sisters: Ashley Lynette Savey, Jennifer Lea Savey and Kara Beth Savey Stagg.

Lisa Savey said her son and Jennifer Savey were especially close.

“She always had protected him growing up, and I think she feels like

she let him down by not protecting him that night,” Lisa Savey said.

Lisa Savey said there are many family members and friends who are still very angry, and she has tried to talk to them and ask them not to be.

“Not for him (Hopkins), because he doesn’t care, but for their own sake,” she said. “I want them to let that go because you can’t live like that.”

On top of her family support system, Lisa Savey said the community’s support has been outstanding.

“The school my grandson had gone to for a long time, the police department, our church and the community in general just kind of wrapped their arms around us,” she said. “They walked with us. It’s not easy to ask for help, but we’ve just been blessed with a wonderful community.”

Ogden said with the WPD being a small agency, the level of service it provides is extremely important to him, and honor is No. 1.

“From Day 1, I knew we had to wrap our arms around this family, and it also gives us an opportunity to do things differently,” he said. “I’ve been doing this a long time, so I’ve lived through a lot of tragic events. But now we have a chance to kind of really surround the family as much as we can. In most situations, all you can do is walk beside people. These aren’t things that you can fix.”

Ogden said Lisa Savey’s faith has been amazing and she has continued to put others before herself.

“Usually, officers go to a scene, something terrible happens, and they

never see those people again in their life,” he said. “This has been uniquely different. Officers almost never get this kind of closure. The officers actually got to hear from Lisa and hear her heart. I thought that was so important. … She provided some great healing for a lot of officers just with her positive faith. … For them to be able to see the family and to see that they’re going to make it through this has a huge impact on officer wellness.”

When the officers were angry and sad, Lisa Savey comforted them still.

“Police officers don’t like moral failures, because it’s our job to stop the bad guys from doing stuff, and this case just didn’t make sense,” Ogden said. “The family’s strong faith has just been amazing. It’s been a light for everybody to help guide them through whatever tough time they’re going through.”

Ogden said what happened the night of July 30, 2020, will always be a part of everyone in the town.

“Those officers — they didn’t have to come in that night,” Lisa Savey said. “Police have been run down so much lately, but it’s not fair. These guys put their lives on the line every day, and they came into a situation they had no clue about, and they protected me, they protected my grandson, and they got the bad guy. … I told them all, ‘I don’t know your name, but I love you guys. You guys are wonderful, and I will never forget you. I’ll always pray for you.’”

REMEMBERING JOHN AND JAY Lisa Savey said her husband and son would have gone out of their way to help anyone.

“John was our glue; he was our fearless leader,” she said. “The kids loved him, the grandkids loved him, people that had worked for him loved him. I’ve been told by many people that he was the best boss they’ve ever had, because he was fair and honest. For us, he was a cheerleader, and he did the same for his employees.”

Jay Savey was borderline autistic and had different learning disabilities. But he was attending Orange Technical College to become a welder like Lisa Savey’s father.

“He was thrilled and so excited about all of that,” she said.

Lisa Savey said both John and Jay Savey were huge Ohio State fans and had a great sense of humor. Jay Savey was similar to his father in more ways than one could count.

“They were just sweet, fun guys,” Lisa Savey said. “We live on a lake, and we had a fire pit down there, and some of our best nights were just roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and sitting there playing music and talking. We still honor them with a bonfire, even in the middle of summer.”

Lisa Savey said she obtained the pair’s lifelines from the funeral home and wears their names and thumbprints on a dog tag around her neck, close to her heart.

“They loved God, and I know they’re with Him now,” she said. “That gives me a lot of peace to know that some day I’m going to get to see them again, because they’re going to be together with the Lord, and I’m going to get to see that.”

Lisa Savey hopes her family and everyone impacted remembers John and Jay Savey are with the Lord, and they wouldn’t want anyone to be bitter, upset or angry.

“Our job is to try to walk with the Lord the way He wants us to and grow in our walk, mature in our walk,” she said. “Try to live a life that honors them.”

Ogden said he and Lisa Savey share similar faiths and he continues to be inspired by the family.

“We’re all here in this world and everything we’ve been through; in our faith, we’re called to share that with other people to help them get through a tough time,” Ogden said. “What we’ve seen the family go through is the ultimate resilience. It’s the ultimate resilience because of their deep faith.”

Above:

Left: The Savey family all together.

Above:

Right: John, Jenna, Jay, Kara, Lisa and Ashley Savey.

Horse farm discussion postponed — again

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EITOR

A series of ordinances regarding the continued discussion of a property next to Crown Pointe Equestrian were postponed after the applicant requested a continuance at the Winter Garden City Commission meeting Thursday, April 13.

A passionate discussion from residents and the applicant in March already spurred the commission to move the annexation and development conversation to April.

The applicant is requesting to annex the 30.24-acre parcel on Tilden Road into the city, as well as amend the future land use and rezone the property to Planned Unit Development. The approval would mean the development of a 24-home neighborhood.

IN OTHER NEWS

n The commission approved two sets of minutes: Workshop meeting minutes and regular meeting minutes, both from March 23.

n Mayor John Rees read a proclamation designating April as Florida’s Water Conservation Month.

HAVE IT YOUR WAY

The City Commission also approved three site plans for properties in the area. The first applies to the property at 13500 W. Colonial Drive.

Planning Director Kelly Carson said the item is a request to demolish the existing Burger King to rebuild a new 3,349-square-foot building with an expanded drive-thru on the 1.315-acre C-2 zoned site.

Carson said the new building will be slightly smaller and there will be an added bypass lane for the drive-thru in order to provide better circulation. Additionally, a directional median will be installed on the Daniels Road driveway to ensure it is right-out only.

IMAGE BUILDERS

Commissioners also approved a site plan for the property located at 680

n Sustainability Coordinator Donna Corbus announced the 2023 Drop Savers Poster Contest winners. The winners are Liam Jesse, StarChild Academy; River Estes, StarChild Academy; Emily Morgan Schneck, StarChild Academy; Bailey McLean, Foundation Academy; and Carlin Whitney, West Orange High School.

and 690 Garden Commerce Parkway. The applicant, Image Builders, is requesting to construct a 29,802-square-foot office/warehouse. The property is located in the Garden Commerce Center Phase 1 commercial subdivision.

The 1.94-acre property is designated Multi-Office Industrial on the city’s Future Land Use Map and is

Three posters also received Honorable Mention recognition: Spencer Marcus, Oakland Avenue Charter; Christopher Drummond, Drummond Home School; and Autumn Tucker, Lakeview Middle School.

n The commission approved additional traffic unit staff including three sworn officers, one staff officer, two motor officers and two civilian staff community service officers.

n City commissioners approved a recommendation to declare vehicles and equipment as surplus, and authorized the sale or disposal in a manner to be determined by the city manager.

zoned Planned Industrial Development. The project will have associated development including parking, sidewalks and landscaping.

FIRE STATION Commissioners approved a site plan for the property at 902 Avalon Road for a temporary fire station.

n The commission approved a recommendation to approve traffic signal improvements and a fairshare agreement with Pulte Home Company, LLC.

n Winter Garden commissioners approved a final plat for 30 N. Park Ave. and a recreation fair-share agreement.

n City commissioners approved the For the Culture Community Day/ Basketball Tournament community event for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29, at Zanders Park.

Carson said the request by the city is on a 0.45-acre subject property designated Institutional on the city’s FLUM and is zoned No Zoning. Carson said the city would install two buildings on the site, a 24-foot by 60-foot personnel building and a 36-foot by 40-foot equipment building. Two access drives will be provided along Avalon Road.

Golden Oak estate sells for $5,650,000

An estate in the Golden Oak community in Southwest Orange topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from April 8 to 14.

The home at 10158 Carthay Drive, Orlando, sold April 12, for $5,650,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 4,824 square feet. Days on market: 38.

These are the highest-selling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS BAY HILL

The home at 5519 Brookline Drive, Orlando, sold April 14, for $775,000. Built in 1982, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,468 square feet. Days on market: 24.

The home at 6072 Masters Blvd., Orlando, sold April 10, for $650,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,084 square feet. Days on market: 12.

HIDDEN SPRINGS

The home at 7820 Pine Marsh Court, Orlando, sold April 14, for $665,000.

Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,390 square feet. Days on market: One.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8220 Sugarbush Court, Orlando, sold April 14, for $530,000.

Built in 1978, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,148 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 8619 Shady Glen Drive, Orlando, sold April 14, for $483,000. Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,640 square feet. Days on market: 134.

TOREY PINES

The home at 5309 Woodstead Way, Orlando, sold April 10, for $930,900. Built in 1993, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,689 square feet. Days on market: 75.

VISTA CAY AT HARBOR SQUARE

The condo at 5036 Shoreway Loop, No. 10405, Orlando, sold April 14, for $535,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,097 square feet. Days on market: 296.

WINWOOD The home at 7809 Underbrush Lane, Orlando, sold April 10, for $640,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,570 square feet.

SNAPSHOT

Total

GOTHA

FALCON POINTE

The home at 3873 Shadowind Way, Windermere, sold April 10, for $590,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,872 square feet. Days on market: Three.

HORIZON WEST

ASHLIN PARK

The home at 7229 Still Pond Lane, Windermere, sold April 12, for $750,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,635 square feet. Days on market: 18.

The home at 7230 Rambling Water Way, Windermere, sold April 12, for $620,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,208 square feet. Days on market: 19.

EDENS HAMMOCK

The home at 5606 Remsen Cay Lane, Windermere, sold April 10, for $610,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,520 square feet. Days on market: Two.

ENCORE AT OVATION

The home at 13786 Werrington Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $638,685. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,807 square feet.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15518 Lake Burnett Shore Court, Winter Garden, sold April 11, for $950,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,844 square feet. Days on market: 11.

LAKE SAWYER SOUTH

The home at 13246 Vennetta Way, Windermere, sold April 14, for $720,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,628 square feet. Days on market: 137.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 12837 Cragside Lane, Windermere, sold April 11, for $640,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,879 square feet.

The home at 13067 Overstreet Road, Windermere, sold April 13, for $536,000. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,336 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN

The home at 15173 Lake Bessie Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $649,442. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,687 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

ORCHARD HILLS

The home at 14711 Magnolia Ridge Loop, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $513,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,135 square feet. Days on market: 109.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14838 Bahama Swallow Blvd., Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $595,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,790 square feet of living area. Days on market: 149.

The home at 15121 Pigeon Plum Lane, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $570,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,004 square feet. Days on market: Three.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 4748 Blue Major Drive, Windermere, sold April 14, for $495,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,085 square feet of living area. Days on market: 174.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 9008 Sonoma Coast Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $765,000. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,348 square feet. Days on market: 17.

The home at 13630 Salamander St., Winter Garden, sold April 12, for $536,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,027 square feet of living area. Days on market: 46.

The home at 9537 Waterway Passage Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $525,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,028 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 39.

WINDERMERE TRAILS

The home at 11804 Silverlake Park Drive, Windermere, sold April 10, for $500,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,092 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

OCOEE

MCCORMICK RESERE

The home at 3522 Heart Pine Loop, Ocoee, sold April 12, for $513,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,466 square feet of living area. Days on market: 29.

The home at 3554 Gretchen Drive, Ocoee, sold April 12, for $495,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,406 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

OAK TRAIL RESERVE

The home at 3098 Timber Hawk Circle, Ocoee, sold April 10, for $394,000. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet of living area. Days on market: 11.

PRESERVE AT CROWN POINT

The home at 1854 Donahue Drive, Ocoee, sold April 13, for $540,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,514 square feet of living area. Days on market: Three.

WESTYN BAY

The home at 566 Palio Court, Ocoee, sold April 10, for $595,000. Built in 2005, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,586 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

ARLINGTON BAY

The home at 9241 Edenshire Circle,

Orlando, sold April 14, for $535,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,226 square feet. Days on market: Seven.

GOLDEN OAK

The home at 10158 Carthay Drive, Orlando, sold April 12, for $5,650,000. Built in 2015, it has six bedrooms, six baths, two half-baths and 4,824 square feet. Days on market: 38.

The home at 10107 Mattraw Place, Orlando, sold April 12, for $5,100,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 4,244 square feet.

WEST ORANGE CASA DEL LAGO

The home at 12210 Montalcino Circle, Windermere, sold April 11, for $3,550,000. Built in 2021, it has six bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 6,172 square feet. Days on market: 125.

OXFORD MOOR

The home at 5933 Oxford Moor Blvd., Windermere, sold April 12, for $1,399,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 4,364 square feet. Days on market: Three.

WINDERMERE KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 11752 Vinci Drive, Windermere, sold April 12, for $1,975,000. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,150 square feet.

The home at 6241 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold April 12, for $1,254,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,556 square feet. Days on market: Two.

TOWN OF WINDERMERE

The home at 11 Main St., Windermere, sold April 13, for $1,050,000. Built in 1955, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,638 square feet on .41 acres on the Fischer canal. Days on market: 12.

TUSCANY RIDGE

The home at 1330 Belfiore Way, Windermere, sold April 14, for $877,500. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,722 square feet of living area. Days on market: 146.

WHITNEY ISLES AT BELMERE

The home at 1439 Whitney Isles Drive, Windermere, sold April 12, for $775,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,230 square feet. Days on market: Eight.

WILLOWS AT LAKE RHEA

The home at 2130 Willow Brick Road, Windermere, sold April 12, for $1 million. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,033 square feet. Days on market: 25.

WINTER GARDEN

BRADFORD CREEK

The home at 14145 Creekbed Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $775,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,823 square feet. Days on market: 17.

COVINGTON PARK

The home at 933 Meadow Glade Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 11, for $687,900. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,526 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 303 Millwood Place, Winter Garden, sold April 11, for $520,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,844 square feet. Days on market: Four.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 1163 Celadon St., Winter Garden, sold April 14, for $840,830. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,442 square feet.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15156 Spinnaker Cove Lane, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $599,000. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,922 square feet. Days on market: Six.

TIMBERCREEK PINES

The home at 244 Timbercreek Pines Circle, Winter Garden, sold April 13, for $505,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,995 square feet. Days on market: 75.

WESTLAKE MANOR

The home at 392 Floral Drive, Winter Garden, sold April 10, for $805,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,729 square feet. Days on market: 57.

Photo by Uneek Luxury Tours

The home at 10158 Carthay Drive, Orlando, sold April 12, for $5,650,000. The Villa Firenze features 4,824 square feet of living area with Disney touches throughout. The listing agent was Anna McKee, Golden Oak Realty.

ANGLICAN

ANGLICAN COMMUNITY

FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

are FDIC-insured and offered through Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas 1146 East Plant St, Winter Garden

Investors in money market funds should carefully consider information contained in the prospectus, or, if available, the summary prospectus, including investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. You can request a mutual fund prospectus by calling Schwab at 1-800-435-4000. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM

Find us at: Theacf.net

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church

Pastor Tim Grosshans 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden (407) 656-2352

Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional 9:45 AM Bible Study

11 AM Contemporary Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana

EPISCOPAL Church of the Messiah

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

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

STARKE LAKE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

CHURCH OF GOD

OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD

BAPTIST

BEULAH BAPTIST

You could lose money by investing in the Schwab Money Funds. SWVXX seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, but cannot guarantee it will do so. SWVXX may impose a fee upon the sale of your shares or may temporarily suspend your ability to sell shares if the fund’s liquidity falls below required minimums because of market conditions or other factors. An investment in the Schwab Money Funds is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Schwab Money Funds’ sponsor has no legal obligation to provide financial support to the Funds, and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Funds at any time. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. For the most recent 7-day yields, see schwab.com.

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SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM

SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM

WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden 407-656-2352

SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional

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WEDNESDAYS - 6pm - Awana

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH

241 N. Main, Winter

Foundation Academy High School 15304 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden

SPORTS

The Olympia High School track and field boys and girls teams brought home the bronze and the gold, respectively, from the 2023 Panther Invitational meet Saturday, April 8. Several teams from the West Orange and Southwest Orange areas participated, including Dr. Phillips, Horizon, Ocoee, West Orange, Windermere and Windermere Prep. Some individual recognitions for the Titans were Nauti’ka Robinson, who placed first for the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash; Eliana Oquendo, who placed first at the 800-meter run; and Omaria Gordon, who placed first in the 100-meter hurdles. The boys 4x400 meters relay took first place during the meet.

Windermere High’s Luke Ellenback currently is ranked No. 6 in the state for pole vault and recently won the Metro West championship meet. Page 2B.

Goal-oriented

SunRidge Middle School eighth-grader and budding soccer star

John Christian

“JC” Lewis took his game across the pond with US Club Soccer.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

SunRidge Middle School eighth-grader John Christian “JC” Lewis, 14, was one of the two Floridians who traveled to London to play in a friendly tournament as part of US Club Soccer from April 1 to 10.

“It was really cool,” he said. “It really helped me grow because it was very different over there. The players are a lot stronger and bigger, and they’re better technically.”

2

The West Orange High School water polo teams had an impressive season this year. Both the boys and girls varsity teams reached the regional championship game for the first time. The boys (20-5) fell short from becoming one of the Final Four teams to battle for a state championship title after losing against Boca Raton 1611 Tuesday, April 11. The girls (24-2) also fell short during the regional championship game and saw their season come to an end after falling to Lake Nona 5-4 Wednesday, April 12.

This was JC’s first season as part of the US Club Soccer team, which works to foster “the growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States to create the best possible development for players of all ages in every club,” according to its website.

The team, 14U, played against four different clubs in England — West Bromwich Albion, AFC Wimbledon, Oxford United and Leeds United — and won every match. Both his parents, John and Kimberly Lewis, were there to witness every victory while their son played as the striker for the team.

“He was one of the fastest (players),” John Lewis said. “He never was out of breath, never talked on the court … so that was impressive seeing.”

SOCCER STAR

3

Central Florida Christian Academy former head football coach Jeremy Campbell announced recently he has accepted a position as the new defense coordinator at Windermere High School and will be joining the Wolverines on the field next season.

JC began to play soccer at age 5. Since then, the pitch has become his sanctuary.

“Whenever I play, it’s my happy place,” he said.

4

The Windermere High School boys varsity lacrosse team became the Class 2A, District 5, district champion for the third year in a row after defeating the West Orange Warriors 8-4 during the district championship game Friday, April 14.

One of his favorite memories, which he shares with his father, is playing soccer when he was about 6 or 7 years old among older players. During the trip to England, JC also was one of the youngest players on the team.

Prior to being scouted for the US Club Soccer, JC played in different teams — first at Rush Soccer then Florida Kraze Krush (where he still plays) and also at SunRidge Middle. Those experiences have helped him develop different areas of his playing style over the years.

5

The Lake Buena Vista High School boys varsity tennis team became the first Class 3A, District 13, district champion in Viper Nation history.

“They reached out to the coach to get the background on (him) — not

SEE INTERNATIONAL PAGE 2B

SEEING DOUBLE: Twin sisters anchor Legacy Eagles softball

Avery and Madison Velazquez have shared every experience in life together, including being involved in the same sports and the same teams. The twins play together in the Legacy High softball team.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Legacy High School softball team twins, Madison and Avery Velazquez, have been inseparable since birth — Oct. 24, 2005.

Setting aside the 30 seconds Madison spent in this world without her sister (she was born first), the twins have done everything together — including sports.

“We’ve always done everything

together,” Avery said. “Being in the same classrooms, playing in sports: We are always on the same team and then being on a team, we are always together. We are inseparable, pretty much.”

When it comes to sports — especially softball — the twins enjoy each other company on the field. They truly believe they have a constant emotional support that will not

Courtesy photos

Andrea Mujica Avery and Madison Velazquez have each other’s backs in life and on the softball field.

Luke Ellenback

Windermere High School senior track runner and pole vaulter Luke

Ellenback is the only member of the current team who medaled at the States Championship meet last year. He currently is ranked No. 6 in the state for pole vault and is looking to returning to states and potentially make podium once more time before his graduation. Ellenback recently won the Metro West championship for pole vault.

Tell us about your years as a pole vaulter.

My older brother, (Noah Ellenback), ran track, and it’s always been in my family. I used to watch him run in track meets, and I would always watch pole vault. My mom used to see me watch it and said (she thought I would like it if I tried it out). I did, and I just kept on doing it.

Why pole vaulting?

It’s a rush of adrenaline, and I’m just a thrill-seeker, I guess. It’s fun to me, and I just want to jump high.

What do you love most about pole vaulting as a sport?

The satisfaction of clearing a personal best bar — that’s what makes it worth it in the end. When you get the satisfaction of getting a good height, you feel good about yourself.

Do you have a favorite drill to do at practice?

For practice, you kind of just vault, but there are running drills you can do with the pole or without the pole just to help you get faster. If I’m not jumping, the days I’m not jumping, I’ll be running — specifically to get better for pole vault.

What makes you a unique athlete on the vault?

I feel like for me, there is a lot of room for improvement. My form, technically, some people would say it’s not the greatest, but I rely more on my run than anything, just because the fastest you can run in there with no fear, it’s really just mental. I try and go out there with a good attitude and be fearless. That helps me jump higher.

What is your favorite part about your team?

I like my teammates a lot, and I have good coaches. We train

THE BASICS

Age: 17 Sport: Track and field

Grade: Senior School: Windermere High School

What do you think when you are all the way up in the air?

I just focus on what trying to get over the bat cleanly. Definitely don’t want to touch the bar, because if you touch it, it’s definitely coming down. … When you land on the mat, you just get a sense of euphoria.

Where would you like to go to college?

I’m in between two colleges right now — seeing the track possibilities there. I like the University of South Florida.

Do you know what you would like to study? Marketing.

What is your favorite hobby?

I like watching movies, and I like hanging with my friends or listening to music, as well.

What’s your favorite movie?

“Rocky III.” I’m a big fan of the Rocky movies.

What’s your favorite type of music?

I like rap. I listen to a lot of Drake.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Why?

Spider-man, because ever since I (was) young, I just like the fact that he lives two lives. He’s a superhero, but he’s also a human. He goes through pain and struggle just like everybody else, and that’s just so inspiring to me.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why? Super speed, because there

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?

United States, I feel like it’s a relatively young country, and I just want to see (the) history of tries and (also) some of the monuments. And Greece -

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

just his soccer skills but his allaround attitude and everything,” John Lewis said. “Then, obviously, the US Club Soccer has (its) own coaches there that are evaluating him and scouting him, they are the ones that do the picks for the round two and then round three.”

To become part of the team that would travel to England, all the players within the 14U category at the US Club Soccer had to go through three rounds of tryouts.

“They had to scout you for it,” John Lewis said. “After the third tryout (in Tampa), they decided who they wanted on the national soccer team.”

BIRTHDAY BOY

Both JC’s parents were able to travel to England to see him play. They were not traveling with him though, as he had to spent the majority of his time with the team. However, because JC’s 14th birthday fell on April 3, they had an opportunity to experience the tournament with him and celebrate his birthday too.

“That exact day, they played Leeds Academy (and won 3-0),” his mother Kimberly Lewis said. “And he met … two professional American players (Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, who play for Leeds United. Pretty awesome birthday.”

Recently, JC also received an invitation to join the Orlando City Soccer Academy, an invite-only school where he could receive his high school studies while going through some intensive soccer training. However, he still has not made his mind on whether he would like to accept or attend West Orange High School next fall.

“We’ve had some friends (whose) sons have gone through the academy, and one got a full ride to (the University of) Maryland — he went all the way through the academy

and graduated with his high school (diploma),” John Lewis said. “Then, Maryland offered him a full ride. And then, there’s other players that go straight to signing a contract with Orlando City, and then they play on, they’ll start in Orlando City B, and then the goal is always to move up to the top-pro team.”

Despite a huge emphasis on JC playing soccer, his parents still are looking forward to him getting a good education while staying focused in developing his soccer skills.

“Our focus is education; he is very smart,” Kimberly Lewis said. “He’s in algebra this year and, next year, will be in ninth-grade geometry. However, if we can get a scholarship out of (soccer), that would be fantastic. John Christian is ready to go pro, even his coaches said that he has a great future, he just has to focus and not be distracted.”

waver when either one of the two needs it.

“It’s good to have her, because I have an emotional friend with me no matter what happens on and off the field,” Madison said. “On the field, we play together, and then off the field, we can talk about it, understand what happened, evaluate and help each other grow in other ways.”

EAGLES SOFTBALL

The Velazquez twins are a double powerhouse when it comes to representing Legacy High School on the softball field.

This year, both are statistics leaders in most — if not all — of the team statistics. The secret? The twins usually practice together. Avery pitches and Madison catches, which helps them improve their game — and their hitting skills.

competitive. When I’m pitching and she’s hitting against me, I like to strike her out, and she likes to hit against me. My goal is to at least get her to not get a hit, but she normally gets a hit off me so I’ve been working on (that).”

TWIN TELEPATHY

Not only do the 17-year-old twins believe they complement each other on the field but, also, they feel emotionally connected in a way they cannot explain.

“She knows when I’m getting in my head or I’m getting frustrated — she know how I’m feeling,” Avery said. “She’s able to help calm me down and be able to help me get through the stuff I’m feeling.”

The connection between the twins is so strong — especially coming from Madison — that every time Avery is feeling down, upset or frustrated, she gets a feeling that something is wrong.

It’s pretty weird because if she’s in a bad mood, I’m in a bad mood. If she’s happy, I’m happy. It’s funny.”

LIFE BEYOND THE EAGLES

The twins hope to continue experiencing all moments of life together, having a best friend at all times, as they are looking at playing softball together at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

“One of our friends is on the softball team,” Avery said. “She told us about the school, and she introduced us to her coach and the team. I was very impressed. I loved it a lot and hopefully, we’ll be able to go up to visit in two weeks. So, we are praying on it. It’d be really cool.”

lot. I’m not really an inside person as much as I like the

“She helps me improve my pitching skills,” Avery said. “She helps me locate more balls and all that stuff. So, let’s say I’m pitching a ball, and she hits it really (well), then she can tell me what I’m doing wrong and how I can improve on what I do to help me fix what I was doing.”

Besides being each other’s most reliable trainers, playing sports together — and being in the same sports teams over the years — the twins have developed a lot of trust on each other.

“It’s definitely helped us to trust each other — no matter what,” Avery said. “We know we can always back each other up and everything. And then (in terms of competition) we are equally matched — we are both

“(Usually), I’m going about my day, and I just feel like something is wrong,” Madison said. “And, I go to her and it’s like, ‘What’s up?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, I’m not in a good mood or something.’ And I’m like ‘Oh, so that’s what was wrong,’ because it just doesn’t feel right throughout the day.”

The connection doesn’t always involve negative emotions. Both Madison and Avery are able to feed off of each other’s energy when they need a booster during practice, individual practices or just their daily routines.

As they approach the end of their junior year and their last year as Legacy Eagles, the twins are excited to experience all their last year in high school will offer and apply everything being on sports together has taught them. “Collaboration, camaraderie and the group of girls we have,” Madison said. “You can experience people with negative energy and people with positive energy, and just with the right team, you have a ll the right positive-energy people. Your team can go places with it, because everybody is always on a positive outlook, and the team never lets one bad error or mistake get to them.”

However, they are going to miss their family — their support system — and their close group of friends.

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

The Orlando Area Rowing Society crew traveled to Sarasota to compete at the Sculling States Championship meet Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16.

OARS rowers saw a high level of competition as they went down the race course at the Nathan Benderson Park, rowing against some of the best teams in the state, including Belen Jesuit, Sarasota, Treasure Coast Rowing Club and Vero Beach. With 21 entries, OARS had eight

OARS competes at state championship

boats qualifying for the petite finals — to claim their state placement between No. 8 and 16 — and 11 boats qualifying for the grand finals — where they competed for a state placement between No. 1 and 8. OARS already is back on the water preparing for the upcoming Sweep States that will take place April 29 and 30 at Nathan Benderson Park.

ANDREA MUJICA

OARS RESULTS

n Overall team points:

Eight of 43 teams

n Girls team: Ninth in the state

n Boys team: Sixth in the state

n Men’s V2x: Third in the state

n Women’s V1x: Fourth in the state

n Men’s Junior 4x (A): Second in the state

n Men’s Junior 4x (B): Eight in the state

n Women’s Junior 4x

(A): Fifth in the state

n Women’s Junior 4x

(B): 10th in the state

n Men’s Junior 2x: Seventh in the state

n Men’s Junior 1x: Second in the state

n Women’s Junior 1x: Fifth in the state

n Men’s Freshman 4x: Eight in the state

n Women’s Freshman 4x (B): Eight in the state

n Women’s Freshman 4x (A): Ninth in the state

n Men’s Freshman 2x

(B): Ninth in the state

n Men’s Freshman 2x

(A): 11th in the state

n Women’s Freshman 2x

(B): Ninth in the state

n Women’s Freshman 2x

(A): 15th in the state

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: MONDAY, MAY 1

DATE OF PUBLICATION: THURSDAY, MAY 25

KIM ALLEN, OAKLAND PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL

Kim Allen is the lead Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten teacher at Oakland Presbyterian Preschool. She has been in charge of teaching and shaping the lives of the preschool’s youngest students for about 17 years.

What brought you to your school?

I was introduced to Oakland Presbyterian Preschool by a friend who worked there at that time.

What do you love most about your school?

The thing I love most is being able to work at a place that feels like home — with coworkers who feel like family and amazing children.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to see my students grow throughout the years as far as into college is the most rewarding feeling.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with family, go to the beach and on cruises, and deliver groceries to those in need.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? Coach Carlson, my drivers ed teacher, who never gave up on awful driving abilities.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly,” because my students always are so excited and involved when we read it. I even have a puppet of the old lady with all the animals she swallowed that the kids love.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why? ABBA, Queen and the Bee Gees, because they were all my favorite bands way back in the day.

REPORT CARD

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

I wanted to be a veterinarian because I absolutely love animals.

What are your hobbies?

My favorite hobby is cruising and traveling to new places.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Teleportation, so I can be anywhere at any time. Weekend in Italy? I’ll be there!

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

My go-to lunch was homemade pizza on an English muffin, homemade in the cafeteria every week. A special treat was having anchovies on pizza; don’t knock it till you try it.

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

My best friends in school were Patty and Amy; we clicked immediately. I talk to Amy every morning on my way to work and talk to Patty often, as well. What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

In elementary school, I was a Girl Scout. In high school, I was on the Student Council and worked full-time at Chick-fil-A.

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Dillard Street Elementary engages in reading battle

AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades at Dillard Street Elementary School have been preparing for the Battle of the Books competition since last summer, and the team was determined based on the participants’ knowledge of the books they read. Representing DSES are Jame-

APPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS

son Becker, Zoe Cooper, Faith Stump, Abigail Estrada and Cadence Barber, and alternate Crew Wooton.

The Dillard team was one of 17 West Learning Community schools to participate in the areawide competition and one of two to qualify for the district round. The other was Whispering Oak Elementary.

“We were very proud to say our kiddos are some of those who get to move

on,” said Angie Farley, the school’s intervention specialist and one of the Battle of the Books coaches. She and fourth-grade teacher Dinara Metova are coaching the students in the program, which is back at Dillard after a multi-year hiatus.

Farley said the participants have worked hard for this opportunity and took their reading seriously. Students in third, fourth and fifth grades started last summer with a list of 15 Sunshine State Young Readers Awards books. It wasn’t mandatory to read all 15 but was encouraged, Farley said.

“Once they have read their books, we have a small in-house competition to see who can officially join our Battle of the Books team that goes to district,” she said.

To keep the reading task from seeming so daunting, the coaches gave separate deadlines for reading five books and then 10 and then 15.

“They’ve worked really hard to meet these goals,” Farley said. “We also ask that they take AR tests to make sure they read and comprehend the books.”

The students who qualified for the team have been meeting with their coaches twice a week before school since October.

“It’s been a big commitment,” Farley said of the students and their participation.

The areawide competition was multiple choice, so team members came up with questions to ask one another during practice. They engaged in different battles to test their knowledge of the books.

The district competition has 30 open-ended questions, and the students have 20 seconds to respond.

“We have switched to asking them open-ended questions and given them that 20 seconds,” Farley said. “They can collaborate, but only the team captain can speak. It’s quite a competitive process that we’ve put them through to get them ready for this battle.”

The winner of this week’s district competition will be the team with the highest points in three semifinal battles.

The district Battle of the Books was set to take place Wednesday, April 18, after press time, at Winter Park High School with nine other teams: Whispering Oak, Dr. Phillips, Lake Como, Moss Park, Stonewyck, Castle Creek, Dommerich, Audubon Park and Lake Gem.

Three other schools in West Orange County also participated in the areawide competition: Keene’s Crossing, Lake Whitney and Windermere elementaries.

“We’re just proud as can be that they’ve worked this hard and come this far,” Farley said.

SUNSHINE STATE YOUNG READERS AWARDS BOOKS

Students had to read these 15 books:

“Amari and the Night Brothers,” “The Beast and the Bethany,” “Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom,” “Carry Me Home,” “Distress Signal,” “J.D. and the Great Barber Battle,” “Julieta and the Diamond Enigma,” “Katie the Catsitter,”

“Leonard (My Life as a Cat),” “The Lion of Mars,” “Measuring Up,” “The Million Dollar Race,” “Mystery on Magnolia Circle,” “Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer” and “Stella.”

Courtesy photo

The Dillard Street Elementary Battle of the Books team: Jameson Becker, Zoe Cooper, Faith Stump, Abigail Estrada and Cadence Barber and alternate Crew Wooton.

Whispering Oak Elementary hosted its Spring Carnival Friday, April 14, at the school. Students, families and friends flocked the green area outside of the school to enjoy rides, inflatables, food trucks, games, face painting, a dunk tank, a live deejay and more. The event, put together by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization, included community sponsors such as i9 Sports, Healthy West Orange, Dramatic Ed, Perfect Gift Ultrasound, Clean Cans and TGA Sports.

Whispering Oak throws springtime carnival

CHARLES “CHUCK” GRAHAM

1937 — APRIL 8, 2023

Charles Graham, known to friends as Chuck, was born in Manhattan, New York. He moved to Staten Island, New York, at the age of 4. He resided there until 2001 before moving to Winter Garden, Florida.

In 1971, Chuck married Arline, who passed in 2011. He is survived by Arline’s children, his stepchildren, Linda Silva and Jeffrey Larosa. He also is survived by four granddaughters, Danielle, Kayla, Briana and Nicole; and two great-grandsons, Jax and Luca.

Chuck graduated from Charles Evans Hughes Trade School in Manhattan. As a young man, Chuck owned and operated Wimpy’s Burgers in Port Richmond, Staten Island, until the sewer project on Richmond Avenue caused him to close the business due to no vehicular traffic on the once-busy thoroughfare.

In the early 1960s, he was hired at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to convert the electric powered tools to pneumatic power tools, due to the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard fire. Being totally blind at this point, he had to prove himself qualified. As he said, “I knocked them out as fast as they supplied them to me.” They kept him employed until the closing of the Navy Yard, a few years after starting there.

After that, he was hired by the Department of Army at Fort Monmouth Army Base in New Jersey as a bench mechanic. There, he worked in the auto pool rebuilding alternators and starters, and cutting brake drums and rotors. He retired from the government in 1988.

Next, he bought and operated a Laundromat for 10 years, doing most of the machine repairs himself with his good friend, Joe.

For 25 years, Chuck was active in Lions Club, the Pioneers, Knights of Columbus and the local community board. In the latter, at times, he chaired transportation and land-use committees. Chuck also was president of the Staten Island Blind Society, where he and Arline were members. He also was a member of the Lighthouse for the Blind. He was an active participant in the State Island Blind Bowlers League. He also started a blind bowlers league at Carter Family Bowl in Winter Garden, Florida.

A graveside ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. April 29, 2023, where Chuck’s ashes will be placed with his wife, Arline, in the Winter Garden Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Students ran around the carnival enjoying the event together.

Students sported Whispering Oak Elementary School spirit T-shirts.

Friends gathered on a bench to cool off with shaved ice from Pelican’s SnoBalls.

Children couldn’t contain their laughter as they spun around in one of the available carnival rides.

ORANGE HISTORY

THESE OLD TIMES FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

90 years ago

Florida’s citrus crop was going to market in crates made almost entirely of Florida-grown wood. It was estimated the 1922-23 crop would total 18.5 million crates shipped by freight, boat and express. In addition to crates, Florida timber was used by the citrus industry for fence posts, picking ladders, field boxes, truck bodies, packing houses and grove owners’ and caretakers’ homes.

Griffin Chevrolet Company in Winter Garden featured a Chevrolet six-cylinder closed car for as little as $445.

Patrick’s Bar-B-Q featured sandwiches for 10 cents.

Attorney General Cary D. Landis ruled that regardless of congressional action taken in Washington, Florida would have no legal beer until an amendment to the State Constitution was made.

85 years ago

Mrs. James Cloughley was elected president of the Winter Garden Parent Teachers Association. Other officers to serve were Mrs. Ira Thornton, secretary; and Mrs. Curtis Britt, treasurer.

The local fire department answered a call Wednesday afternoon about 3 o’clock to the resident of Bob Tanner, south of Winter Garden, past Fleming’s Corner. The fire, a roaring blaze from a pile of trash and dry shingles, originated from around the wash pot.

An informal Easter Monday dance was held at the Ocoee Woman’s Club with Roy Fulmer’s orchestra providing the music. Admission was 50 cents per couple.

60 years ago

James Powell Sr., of 91 E. Morgan St., Winter Garden, was pictured with a giant rutabaga that weighed 8.25 pounds and was 24 inches around, grown in his back yard. Seed was purchased from McCord’s Feed Store.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This setting, photographed in April 2000, shows hay being delivered to the Winter Garden Feed and Seed, once housed on South Main Street in the building where Doxology now is located. The store stocked animal feed, dozens of varieties of seeds and bulbs, health supplies for animals, and articles useful in farming and agriculture. On Saturdays, a veterinarian arrived to administer vaccinations to customers’ stock. Shoppers never knew what they would encounter upon entering the store — a hefty sow, a rabbit and even a chicken often were spotted strolling the aisles or sleeping.

Steve and Sherry Hines purchased the building in February 1996. Although there had been a similar store at this location, Winter Garden Feed and Seed was established as a brand-new enterprise. The store closed in 2016.

The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.

50 years ago

From Editor’s Notebook, by Anne and George Bailey: “We had the throat-lumping experience last week of watching our dog graduate from school. The fact that she placed fifth in a class of five hardly dampened our pride. After all, blowing the final exam is something that can happen to any student.”

40 years ago

A vacancy existed in the Winter Garden Fire Department for a fulltime firefighter. Chief Jim Briggs planned to resign his present position and take a less-demanding job.

30 years ago

As a delegate to Nickelodeon’s Kids World Council, considered the first kids earth summit, Scott Graham, a fourth-grader at Wind-

THROWBACK THURSDAY

APRIL 18, 1947

The Economy Store was located on Main Street in downtown Winter Garden and offered free delivery for customers who called the grocery store at phone number 321.

In a springtime advertisement in The West Orange News the store announced “pancake queen” Aunt Jemima would be there in person “serving free samples of my scrumluscious, temptalatin’ pancakes, trimmed with Armour’s butter and Br’er Rabbit table syrup.”

Her ready-mix pancake flour was available for 26 cents for the family size, the Armour’s butter was 75 cents for one pound, and the table syrup was 18 cents for a 24-ounce bottle.

Elsewhere in the store, patrons could purchase one pound of pure lard for 39 cents, one pound of oleo for 45 cents, cube steak for 55 cents per pound, Maxwell coffee for 45 cents per pound, 10 pounds of potatoes for 37 cents and a box of Quaker Puffed Wheat Sparkies cereal for 10 cents.

ermere Elementary, had the rare opportunity as one of 56 children from across the United States and six foreign countries selected for the event. The highlight of their weekend meeting, called Plan it for the Planet, was a discussion on energy and environmental problems with Vice President Al Gore.

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© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

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

CAMPING MISHAPS by David Alfred Bywaters , edited by Jeff Chen

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

The Importance of National Safe Digging Month

Locator Safety Appreciation Week and A

pril is National Safe Digging Month, and we at Lake Apopka Natural Gas District use this month as an opportunity to educate our communities to work smarter, not harder, by emphasizing the importance of verifying the location of your underground utilities before you dig.

Did you know construction industry experts estimate that an underground utility line is damaged every six minutes in the U.S.? Florida continues to be ranked as one of the top states in the country for construction activity (i.e., ABC.org), especially underground excavation-related projects. Now more than ever, Florida residents and visitors need to remember to call 811 before we dig. Calling 811 is free, and it is the law to notify Sunshine 811 before you start digging anywhere in Florida!

In 2008, the Common Ground Alliance created National Safe Digging Month. As a collaborative industry effort, the consortium – primarily consisting of the natural gas industry members and its partners – implemented proactive initiatives that reduced damage caused by unsafe digging practices. Florida law requires that before any project requiring digging moves forward, you should call 811 and connect with a company in your area to locate and mark any gas, public water, electric or other utility lines with paint or flags so you can dig and work safely.

We are also happy to use this month to highlight Locator Safety Appreciation Week, which takes place April 24-28. Locator’s diligent efforts to chart the subsurface infrastructure allows us to avoid costly mistakes and work around any obstacles in our excavation plans while we expand our natural gas network. We know we would be lost without their specialized skills and training to help us map all our cables, pipes

and lines lying under the surface in our communities.

Sunshine 811 – the state’s goto resource for education and training on safe digging practices – is celebrating 30 years of work to make Florida the safest place to dig. Their efforts are all about preventing underground utility damage, which has the potential to cost Florida billions of dollars annually and comes out of taxpayer pockets.

Our very own Administrator of Regulatory & Safety Compliance, Terrill Booker, is a member of the board of directors at Sunshine 811. Below are four tips he shared to help ensure utility damage prevention, prevent gas leaks and promote proper construction restoration:

1.The public should immediately report any gas smells to your local Natural Gas utility.

2.The public should report contractors digging, crews operating boring equipment in roadside areas that have no small colored flags implanted, or contractors digging in areas without colored lines marked on the ground to the Sunshine 811 customer service.

3.The public should report unsafe hole openings that do not have secured construction mesh fencing ropeoffs and other unsafe site hazards to utility management to protect children and pedestrians.

4.When daily roadside construction has ended, the public should ensure the local contractors leave no site debris and that the proper cones, flagging, vest or protective gear, and traffic warning signage are used on site. If not, these violations should be reported to utility management or code enforcement.

Whether you are a business owner, excavator, contractor or homeowner starting on a small project, join us this National Safe Digging Month in reminding your neighbors and others to call 811 before you dig. To contact the Sunshine 811 team or learn more, visit 811beforeyoudig.com. You can also learn more at commongroundalliance.com/ Tools-Resources.

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