06.08.23 West Orange Times & Observer

YOUR TOWN

W.O. HABITAT RECEIVES GRANT

West Orange Habitat for Humanity recently received a $5,000 grant from State Farm.

“West Orange Habitat, working in close cooperation with the city of Winter Garden, is addressing the need for affordable housing in our community located in east Winter Garden,” Habitat officials said in a prepared statement. “This partnership provides the opportunity for low-income families to purchase their first home. ... In addition to our existing stalwart partners and volunteers, West Orange Habitat seeks strategic relationships with other interested corporations, churches, and community organizations to help us expand our volunteer and material resources, and hence our reach and impact for good.”

The grant will go toward purchasing materials and supplies to help in the construction of affordable homes in Winter Garden.

Demonstration garden takes root in Ocoee

The garden promotes water conservation practices through Waterwise and FloridaFriendly landscaping. SEE PAGE 2A.

FREE-FLOWING MOVEMENTS

The Centre for Dance & The Performing Arts is bringing the 2023 Global Water Dances to Lake Apopka. SEE PAGE 6A.

time to shine

Born to ride

Anne Bingler got a law degree and then bought a horse farm. Now, she’s using her legal knowledge to fight not only for the future of her property — Crown Pointe Equestrian — but her way of life.

STORY ON PAGE 4A.

OARS glides to nationals

Former MLB star Johnny Damon kicks off

The Winter Garden City Commission will come to a final decision on the proposed annexation and development this week.

The

Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden now open

SIKES

ANNABELLE

NEWS EDITOR

The city of Ocoee is celebrating a new hidden treasure in its community.

Phase 1 of the city’s Florida Friendly Demonstration Garden opened May 22, located next to the Ocoee Lakeshore Center at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive.

The city is encouraging residents to stop by and take a look at the garden, which seeks to promote water conservation practices through Waterwise and Florida-Friendly landscaping.

“The ultimate hope is that the garden will demonstrate to homeowners how to be cost-effective and conserve water through a design that they would want to see in their homes,” the city’s Utilities Department and Development Services Department said in a prepared statement. “Florida-Friendly plants are non-invasive and can thrive in Florida’s

natural climate. They minimize the use of water for irrigation, avoid the runoff of excess fertilizers and pesticides, and provide habitats for wildlife. Although Florida has water everywhere, the supply of the Florida Aquifer is not endless and the majority of water usage is on landscaping.”

The garden is part of the St. John’s River Water Management District’s consumptive use permit.

City officials said the garden’s design and location were carefully selected to showcase landscape plant materials and techniques in support of the city’s sustainability goals.

The garden previously existed as the POWR Park and was located on the corner of Bluford Avenue and City Hall.

“The city repurposed the area for parking in 2020 and had been debating the new location for the park,” the city’s involved departments said.

“In 2022, the location was decided and work began on the new POWR Park, which during the process was renamed to the Florida Friendly Garden.”

The garden design is a collaborative effort across multiple city departments, with help from the University of Florida’s

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the SJRWMD to ensure that all aspects for Florida-Friendly and Waterwise landscaping are incorporated into the design.

The garden includes a watersaving irrigation system to promote water conserva -

tion, as well as a variety of plants.

“The garden provides examples of environmentally friendly (Florida-Friendly) and water conserving landscape design with low maintenance needs while maintaining curb appeal,” city officials said. “It includes site-appropriate plants grouped by water need, and the irrigation system has been designed to provide the appropriate supplemental water needs during dry periods. Staff carefully selected plants that offer a variety of texture and color and are readily available at local stores.”

Plants were selected based on the Florida Friendly Landscaping Principles that are set forth by the UF/ IFAS.

“They are plants that are well suited to Central Florida’s climate, can grow in the garden’s current conditions (sandy soil), are drought tolerant and require minimal watering once established,” the city’s departments said. “With the exception of a few flowers, plants were also chosen based on the availability of local nurseries or home improvement stores, making the majority of plants easily accessible to Ocoee’s residents.”

About 17% of the plant species in the garden are native to Central Florida.

Phase 1 of the garden took about a year to complete from planning to breaking ground.

The city is now looking ahead to Phase 2, which includes the installation of interpretive signage throughout the garden. The signs will have details on the plant species and how to best care for them.

“The garden demonstrates that there are ways to use less water to irrigate the landscaping and help conserve one of the Earth’s most valuable resources,” the city said. “Once established, they require minimum water for irrigation, protecting water resources and saving our residents both time and money. These plants are ones that will not further degrade the environment of Florida, but rather work within it.”

MEETING THE NEEDS

OAKLAND GENERAL

126 Petris Ave., Suite 100, Oakland FACEBOOK: bit.ly/3IWOiCI

PHONE: (407) 395-2346

EMAIL: theoaklandgeneral@ gmail.com

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

The owners of the West Orange Creamery and Soda Fountain have opened a general store in Oakland, a sister concept to the ice cream shop in Ocoee.

Oakland General opened in the concession space at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at the town of Oakland in March.

The popular family business is run by Jo and Chris Eveland, as well as their children Christopher Anthony, 12, and Isabella, soon to be 17. Madison Ludwig, the West Orange Creamery manager, and Skylar Worthington, the Oakland General manager, also play an integral role in the businesses.

OAKLAND OPERATION

The Evelands said the concept for the general store started when the creamery began a partnership with the town of Oakland. The creamery began to help with small events, and the family quickly fell in love with the town. Although the plan never was to expand, the Evelands said the opportunity fell into their laps.

“The general store end of it just kind of fit in line with our vintage-y feel,

and we knew we didn’t want new real estate but something more historic,” Chris Eveland said. “We were thinking that this would kind of open us up to changing what we can provide.”

The general store blends in with the historic feel of the town and heritage center, and pays tribute to the original small general store that opened in a building once located in the center of town. The building opened in 1912 and was operated by the Michael family.

Currently, the general store offers items such as pizza, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, smoothies and, of course, ice cream.

The Evelands said not every offering they have presented at the store works, and the location is still in the process of figuring out the needs and wants of the community.

Although the store is currently only operating as a snack bar that has balanced food options, the Evelands have goals for the future of the business.

“Mostly, we just want to fuel people,” Jo Eveland said. “But the whole concept is going to be not just a fuel station. If you have a tire that all of a sudden went flat … we could be able to provide that little kit for you that you could buy. Or if you need a Bandaid, or you have a bug bite or need sunscreen. … We actually have a list inside where if anybody comes in asking for something they write it down.”

The Evelands said their current focus is putting themselves out more in the community and letting locals know the store is there. The family said the staff in the town and at the heritage center have been nothing short of amazing in providing support.

“We want this space to bring people together and be recognized as a community hub,” Jo Eveland said.

CREAMERY CONCEPT

The Evelands said the creamery, which is going on six years in business, has been a blessing.

Jo Eveland said she wanted to have a business in the specific area because of the freedom it would allow her to raise her children and have the flexibility she was not being offered in her current position at the time at Walt Disney World.

“We wanted to better our family and also teach our kids to work hard,” Chris Eveland said. “Business ownership in general just kind of presents opportunities to become teaching moments for the kids all the way through their lives.”

The Evelands said they picked Ocoee specifically because of the West Orange Cinema.

“While we were dating, we used to go to a place in St. Pete called Larry’s Ice Cream, and we still go there with our children now,” Jo Eveland said. “I knew I needed to be able to transition out of Disney to take care of our children. … I told Chris I loved ice cream, and we should open a shop. … We knew that it just had to be by the theater. That would be perfect. There was no other place, really it was nonnegotiable. It was so unique, close to our house and family owned.”

The availability of the location was fate.

“Chris said, ‘If we drive down from St. Pete tonight and there’s an open place, then we’re doing it,’” Jo Eveland said. “I kid you not, we drove down, and there was a rent sign for the place right next to where we are at right now.”

The Evelands knew they wanted

their business to not be flashy and to instead exhibit a Prohibition-era feel.

“We wanted it to be something where people could come back and experience something a little different,” Jo Eveland said.

Even the name of the employees, known as Jerks, pays tribute to a past time in history.

FAMILY FOUNDATION

Although Chris Eveland grew up in the West Orange County area, Jo Eveland first came to the United States in 2002 from Puerto Rico.

The couple met working at Walt Disney World that same year and later got married, building their family home in the Gotha area.

When not helping out at the creamery or general store, Chris Eveland works for the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

However, the concept of family expands outside of just the blood ties.

The business owners have conducted myriad fundraisers, partnered with local small businesses, memorized local regulars orders, invited employees into their home and watched babies grow up, all from the connections the creamery has offered.

“At first, it was really nerve-racking for all of these people to trust us with their special moments,” Jo Eveland said. “But as you become part of their community, people actually become more flexible, and they get to meet all of our employees and we really become family.”

Another resident used to come in regularly to get ice cream for herself and her husband, who was in the middle of dialysis and would wait in the car. When the husband died, the wife donated his collection of New York Yankee memorabilia to the store. The wife said his dream was to have the collection displayed, and if the creamery were to ever sell any of the items, that the money was to go to the Jerks for college.

“We are becoming part of these people’s lives,” Jo Eveland said. “The community has been such a blessing.”

Only a few weeks ago, a firefighter who works with Chris Eveland and whose daughter works at the Eveland’s business was brought back to life after dying on shift.

The Evelands have partnered with the Reedy Creek Benevolent and the Reedy Creek Fire Department Pipes & Drums to host a “new” birthday celebration fundraiser for Steve Hollingsworth.

The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 25, at the Winter Garden Elks Lodge.

Jo and Chris Eveland, the owners of West Orange Creamery and Soda Fountain, have opened Oakland General, a sister concept to the ice cream shop in Ocoee.

Skylar Worthington and Kaylee Hollingsworth help to operate the Oakland General store.

Annabelle Sikes

The Eveland family ties run deeper than just business.

“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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CONTACT US

Horse farm owner fights for the future

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Winter Garden residents

Anne and Paul Bingler are fighting for their way of life.

After the Winter Garden City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance pertaining to the annexation and development of a property next to their home and business, Crown Pointe Equestrian, the future appears bleak for the owners of the horse farm.

However, the Binglers are not giving up hope, and the community has come together to rally behind them in opposition to the development.

‘ALL WE KNOW’

Originally from Philadelphia, Anne Bingler’s love affair with horses began when she was just 4 years old.

“It was a learning experience … in just how to deal with humans,” she said. “It was something I did with my whole family. My mom rode, my sister rode. We showed and competed together. I went off to college, and I continued to do it down here. Then when my sister had my niece, my niece became a competitive rider. It’s in our family; It’s kind of all we know.”

Bingler attended the University of Central Florida before continuing on to Stetson University’s College of Law.

As soon as she completed law school, she bought the horse farm, a decision her parents called “crazy.”

“I was a new little associate at a law firm, and I said, ‘I want to buy this acreage and build a horse farm,’” she said. “And my dad’s like, ‘How about you save some money and not do that?’ And I said, ‘No, no, this is what I want to do.’ And so I did. I built this myself.”

‘ALL WE HAVE’

As one of the few remaining horse farms in West Orange County, Crown Pointe has owned the narrow plot of land along Tilden Road for almost 25 years and has been training Olympiclevel horses there since 1998.

Anne Bingler said she knew she wanted to have her horse farm in Winter Garden because of the central location and its beauty.

“This was an unmowed field with brush,” she said of the property when she purchased it. “I divided it out and built my pastures and moved the horses in, and that was that. There used to be five cars a day that would go down (Tilden Road). It was so quiet. We used to literally ride our horses down the road to Tiny Road or to the back of our property and go through the fields and just ride. We used to just disappear and ride for a day. Now, I’m afraid to even cross the road.”

The property is 66 acres, although the Binglers only use the front 12 acres, because the back end is wetlands.

The property houses 25 horses with an additional two infants — and another on the way — at a valuation of more than $2 million.

Although the horse farm brings joy and pleasure, the property does not come without hard work.

The Binglers have only taken one vacation since they met, and they work seven days a week — from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days — to maintain the farm.

“I don’t know what keeps me doing it,” Anne Bingler said. “I guess it’s just the passion for it.”

With Anne Bingler showing horses at the top level in the world, there is nothing comparable in the area to what the horse farm offers.

“We’re a true horse business,” she said. “We’re a breeding, selling, training, performing business.”

The pair cannot afford to move the horse farm; all the farms are listed at development prices.

Anne Bingler said she has stayed to herself her whole life in Winter Garden, and it wasn’t until the project came to light that she has had to become public.

“I don’t tell people what I do and where I show and that I have these expensive horses because I’m not like that,” she said. “But I’ve had to lately as an act of survival for the farm. This is not a casual; this is our life. This is what we have. This is all I have.”

ALL FOR ONE

The Binglers have set up a petition to fight the development, which has garnered more than 2,000 signatures.

Many residents have consistently spoken against the development, noting concerns with traffic and other impacts, and how the horse farm needs to be preserved to keep the city as special as possible.

Although Anne Bingler does not really have students, she has a habit of taking on “misfits.”

A young girl who had the passion to ride but not the money is now riding at the top tier in the nation after the Binglers gifted her a $150,000 horse, and took her to shows to train and teach her. A young boy who was expelled from school now works hard labor on the farm fixing things in exchange for profit. A young girl failing school with social anxiety was transformed within a year when the Binglers invited her to see the joys of the farm. A homeless man who wanted to work on the farm was rented a local apartment with the rent paid and given a car until he could get back on his feet by working at the farm.

“We have so many kids from the community (who) have come here (who) just don’t fit into (the) community,” she said. “They come to this farm, and they’re treated just like everybody else. They’re not singled out. The horses don’t know. … This place is not a true commercial riding facility. But … it’s kind of a second chance for a lot of the kids (who) would never have an opportunity to do this.”

“When she told me her plans to build her farm on Tilden Road, I was elated — even more so once I saw the picturesque piece of land,” Barrett said. “It felt like paradise with the beautiful trees and rolling pastures. As soon as her barn was finished, I moved my horses there to what would become a refuge for me.

I was a typical teenager — lonely in a new place and tempted to make some bad choices,” she said. “Anne truly took me under her wing and helped shape me into who I am today. I had the honor of working at the farm throughout high school and college, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. None of that would have happened without Anne’s farm. I highly doubt that yet another zero lot line, cookie-cutter subdivision would have afforded me the same opportunity. I hate to think of how differently my life may have turned out without Anne and that beautiful horse farm on Tilden Road.”

Rylee Tessmer said the horse farm has impacted her life by helping her grow and improve in the sport of competitive riding.

“It has helped me realize what I want to do for the rest of my life as a career,” she said. “It also brings me so much joy and happiness. My trainer Anne Bingler has given me so many amazing opportunities with these animals and without her or the horse farm I wouldn’t be able to do what I love.”

One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, said her daughter — who she refers to as sweet and sensitive — struggled with finding an activity that made her happy from the young age of 3. She said she took her daughter to the horse farm. Immediately after Anne Bingler welcomed them through the gate, her daughter’s eyes lit up.

“We knew at that moment she had found her happy place, and this is where she needed to be,” the mother said. “This child, when I tell you she had struggled in school with friendships … definitely gets bullied, definitely has really had some hardships as far as trying to struggle with her own internal anxiety in school and with all aspects of life. But when she goes to that farm, all of that goes out the window; it’s pure heaven for her.”

The young girl is now 11 years old, and Anne Bingler fondly refers to her as “my mini-me.”

“Anne has been a mentor to her since she was a little girl,” the mother said. “It’s a safe place that she’s always been able to go. Those animals have that unconditional love. … She talks and sings to them. … This has absolutely been a saving grace for us. We’ve raised our family around this farm. It has saved our child, and we owe so much of that to this farm. It’s going to be a big shame if they vote this in.”

UPCOMING MEETING

The Winter Garden City Commission is scheduled to hear the second reading of the development proposal at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at City Hall, 300 W. Plant St., Winter Garden.

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Nicole Barrett met Anne Bingler when she moved to Florida as a teenager back in 1998. The pair bonded over their mutual love of horses.

Annabelle Sikes

Crown Pointe Equestrian has a valuation of more than $2 million in horses alone.

Courtesy photo

Anne Bingler shows and rides horses at the top level in the world.

Hotel conversion proposed on Turkey Lake Road

ANNABELLE SIKES

NEWS EDITOR

Southwest Orange County residents had plenty to say about a proposed hotel conversion on Turkey Lake Road at a community meeting Tuesday, May 30.

The project, located at 9350 Turkey Lake Road, is bound by Turkey Lake Road to the east, Sand Lake Commons Boulevard to the south, Big Sand Lake to the west and Sale Lake Vista Drive to the north.

The request is to amend the Future Land Use Map from Commercial to Planned DevelopmentCommercial/Medium-High Density Residential to convert an existing 215-unit hotel into 215 multifamily residential units on a 7.05-grossacre parcel.

Because the parcel already is considered PD, rezoning would not need to be completed at this time.

If the proposal is approved, the existing hotel would be converted from rooms to studio-style dwelling units, and the existing medical office would remain on the subject parcel located south of the hotel.

PLANNED PROPOSAL

Orange County Case Planner Nicole Palacios introduced the proposal, followed by a presentation by applicant Ryan Abrams, from Abrams Law Firm, who represents the property owner.

Palacios discussed the projectrelated impacts and resident concerns, including traffic, environment, schools and development compatibility.

Palacios said according to the county’s transportation planning division, project trips from the currently approved Future Land Use versus the proposed use indicate the proposed residential use would result in a decrease in the number of peak trips by eight, and therefore not impact the area roadways.

Palacios said the subject property does not have any wetlands, and regarding schools, the school-capacity determination was required and processed, and it was determined by Orange County Public Schools’ reviewer the school capacity for the proposed development is considered not available.

“The Board of County Commissioners decides at the BCC adoption public hearing whether the additional students generated because of the Future Land Use amendment application is significant or not,” she said. “That is something that will be discussed at the time of the adoption hearing.”

Doug McDowell, another county planner, said the proposal also will go to the School Board, which will ascertain school impacts.

“Because this is being switched to a residential project, they will be required to meet school concurrency standards,” he said. “That means there either have to be school seats available; if they’re not available they have to enter into a mitigation process with the School Board to account for that and they also have to pay impact fees to the School Board.”

Palacios said achieving compatibility between the new and existing development is the fundamental consideration between all land use and zoning decisions. Surrounding properties include a medical office complex, hospital, Walmart, 7-Eleven, self-storage units and shopping center.

Attendees then heard from Abrams, who said the property is an underutilized Quality Inn hotel that has been there since 1990.

“Since the pandemic, the numbers have not returned to what they once were and the owners of properties such as this, including my client, are in a position where they want to make the highest and best use out of this property,” he said. “They recognize that in this state, there is an incredible demand for housing, one that puts a lot of stress on pricing throughout the state, including Orange County. The only way to deal with that directly is to increase inventory. That is to increase the supply of units, the supply of housing, in a way that makes sense — smart growth. We

think it’s efficient to make use of an existing structure.”

Abrams said the targeted residents for the units are workforce housing members who work in the surrounding medical and service industries.

He said the studio-style units will be competitively priced as compared to other similar workforce housing in the area at $500 less than the lowest similar comparable properties. The units are estimated to run from $1,000 to $1,200, with smaller units measuring about 350 square feet and larger units running about 400 square feet.

COMMUNITY COMMENT

One of the major concerns at the meeting was the impact the proposed development would have on the already-existing parking issues.

The property currently hosts 372 parking spaces.

“This frustrating and unsafe condition will only get worse when the project to the west of this application is completed,” resident Kurt Kotzin said. “Signalization is probably not an option, (because) this intersection is too close to the main entrance of Dr. Phillips Hospital.

“The justification that the conversion helps the ‘housing crisis’ is patently false,” he said. “The crisis is not housing, but ‘affordable’ housing. Is the applicant committing that the studios would be affordable?

The applicant knowingly bought the parcel with the entitlements granted under the present zoning. What has changed since that purchase that supports a request for more entitlements to develop the property? The applicant has determined that the parcel is not being utilized to its highest and best. The parcel has been a hotel since at least 1997. No doubt that the property is not a jewel, but that should not be a reason for Orange County to provide this applicant with an avenue to recover his investment on, in some opinions, was an overpriced purchase.”

However, another resident said she frequents the area often and never has had an issue with parking.

Abrams said the concerns on parking are noted, and he will discuss it with his client. Palacios said parking will be discussed more at the LPA meeting — the next step in the process.

Another major concern at the meeting was compatibility.

“I also have concerns about the idea of there being the wrong fit at the wrong place and my residents, they have a very hard time with what they feel like is a predictable plan in a lot of these places,” District

1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, who attended the meeting, said. “The idea of making sure that the intention is clear and that the use that is on this application is the actual use, I think is really important … having sort of that articulated limits to what this application is is really important.”

Wilson stressed the importance of not only providing living but also providing quality living.

“The comprehensive plan encourages structures that are underutilized to be changed to a different use if needed in order to get proper use,” Abrams said. “Otherwise, you have structures that just end up not being used properly. We’re seeking flexibility, and we’re open to feedback like we’re getting here, and we hope to be able to address the feedback.”

The proposal will next be heard at the LPA public hearing July 20, before proceeding to a BCC meeting at a date to be determined.

“The justification that the conversion helps the ‘housing crisis’ is patently false. The crisis is not housing, but ‘affordable’ housing. Is the applicant committing that the studios would be affordable …

— Kurt Kotzin, resident

A new movement

For the first time, Friends of Lake Apopka and The Centre for Dance & The Performing Arts are partnering to bring the Global Water Dances movement to the West Orange community.

IF YOU GO

GLOBAL WATER

DANCES

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon

Saturday, June 10

WHERE: Magnolia Park, 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka

DETAILS: Watch a dance performance and learn about the needs of Lake Apopka.

COST: Free

WHAT IS THE LABAN/BARTENIEFF INSTITUTE OF MOVEMENT STUDIES?

The Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement is a nonprofit educational organization based in New York City accredited in higher education, as a research center and a cultural arts institution that has been training teachers and coaches for 40 years.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

The Centre for Dance & The Performing Arts has partnered with Friends of Lake Apopka to participate in the Global Water Dances event for the first time.

“Every year I have wanted to support it and to have my dancers participate (in it),” CDPA owner, teacher and director Kathryn Austin said of the event. “But, every year, it fell on our dance recital weekend. When I saw that in 2023, (Global Water Dances) was going to be the weekend after our dance recital, I was like: ‘OK, this is the year.”

The event, which happens every two years, seeks to promote community awareness about the need for healthy, clean water and possible water issues happening in communities around the world.

“Global Water Dances began as a collective idea of an international group of individuals, certified by the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies, with decades of experience in producing Movement Choirs: events that use community dance to create social cohesion through nonverbal communication,” according to its website. “We connect and support a global community of choreographers and dancers to inspire action and international collaboration for water issues through the universal language of dance.”

GLOBAL WATER DANCES

Since the first Global Water Dances event in 2011, more than 55 locations around the world have joined the movement.

“It’s all these different site choreographers who on the same day, June 10, will — at their location — do something in their community that promotes this awareness of healthy water or water issues,” Austin said. “For us specifically, it’s going to mean that we are going to be at Magnolia Park and on the lake side that just following COVID-19 has been really refortified. It’s super beautiful.”

To provide a deeper connection between those in attendance and the water, multi-faceted teacher and drummer of culture percussive techniques Mark DeMaio will welcome spectators with the sound of drums.

In addition, Tai Chi instructor Sonya Dumas will lead a Qigong flow for anyone who would like to join,

followed by a Tai Chi performance. Sacred dancer and sound and energy healer Amy Anthony then will perform a cleansing of the space while honoring the water.

“Then our dancers will be performing a dance that was derived from really thinking about how any lake, but (especially) our Lake Apopka in particular should be a place where people come to the water’s edge and play — and don’t have to feel like there is a reason that they shouldn’t be in the water (because) it should be a place where you feel safe,” Austin said.

Fourteen dancers from CDPA will perform a dance that touches on how the hydrilla — an aquatic plant that can grow in various conditions — can

disrupt water flow in reservoirs, hampers drainage and irrigation canals, and also can decrease oxygen in water. After that dance, the Global Water Dance will follow.

“That is the dance that everybody around the world has learned and will do,” Austin said. “It (represents) the idea of unity around the world, no matter what your (water) issues are, no matter what your space is, there is that sense of unity — almost like giving all water this great big hug around the world.”

Some movements included in the Global Water Dance are based on the idea of catching raindrops, as the dance starts with a feeling of needing water. The dance also includes ocean-like movements such as waves circling and the cupping of the hands again while lifting them up and letting the water fall all over you as a symbol of connection and hope.

“At the end, we invite the audience to do just some simple gestures that kind of bring us all into awareness and accountability to understand that water is about cleansing our bodies,” Austin said. “But also, we need that water as a life source and so, to make us all walk away and remember (and be mindful) of whatever is happening with the lake that is central to our community.”

Photos by Ansa du Toit

The dancers movements and attires will reflect the qualities of water.

CMN carnival sweetens weekend in Hamlin

The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partnered with Publix to host a Candyland Carnival Saturday, June 3, in Hamlin. Families and friends enjoyed games, a dunk tank, prizes, music and more in the Publix parking lot. In addition, attendees chowed down on bites from local business Fat One’s Orlando. All proceeds from the event went to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

opportunity

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Amber, Ellie and Randol Schrimsher attended the event together as a family.

Myles Murillo played in the fishing pool.

Colton Croft collected prizes from the fishing pool.

SaraKate Croft attended the event to support her cousin, Myles Murillo.

Attendees had the

to dunk several Publix employees in the dunk tank.

Reyna Santos-Duncan was thrilled to catch a fish from the pool.

Isleworth estate sells for $6.4 million

Ahome in the Isleworth community in Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from May 28 to June 3.

The home at 9832 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold June 1, for $6.4 million. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, three half-baths and 11,100 square feet. Days on market: 262.

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

DR. PHILLIPS ESTATES AT PHILLIPS LANDING

The home at 8901 Elliotts Court, Orlando, sold May 31, for $1,225,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,569 square feet. Days on market: 28.

NORTH BAY

The home at 9111 Brookline Drive, Orlando, sold May 30, for $719,900. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,186 square feet. Days on market: 26.

RESERVE AT CYPRESS POINT

The home at 8709 Cypress Reserve Circle sold June 2, for $1,122,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,398 square feet. Days on market: 14.

SOUTH BAY

The home at 9120 S. Bay Drive, Orlando, sold June 2, for $1,050,000. Built in 1994, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,519 square feet. Days on market: 156.

TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10951 Emerald Chase Drive, Orlando, sold June 2, for $1.3 million. Built in 1996, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,965 square feet. Days on market: 12.

GOTHA

OAKS OF WINDERMERE

The home at 10631 Oakview Point Terrace, Gotha, sold June 2, for $710,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,485 square feet. Days on market: Three.

HORIZON WEST

EDEN ISLE

The home at 14069 Eden Isle Blvd., Windermere, sold May 31, for $915,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,162 square feet. Days on market: Three.

HAMLIN RESERVE

The home at 6654 Dwarf Lemon Alley, Winter Garden, sold May 29, for $655,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,502 square feet. Days on market: 40.

HICKORY HAMMOCK

The home at 15587 Hamlin Blossom Ave., Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $527,500. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,860 square feet. Days on market: One.

INDEPENDENCE

The home at 7178 Maleberry Run, Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $530,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,094 square feet. Days on market: Three.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE

The home at 6909 Northwich Drive, Windermere, sold June 2, for $565,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,269 square feet. Days on market: One.

The home at 6897 Northwich Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $532,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,229 square feet. Days on market: Five.

LAKESHORE PRESERVE

The home at 15661 Shorebird Lane, Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $750,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,170 square feet. Days on market: 56.

MOUNTAIN PARK ORANGE GROVES

The home at 17425 Lake Ingram Road, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $550,000. Built in 1977, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,246 square feet. Days on market: Two.

OVERLOOK 2 AT HAMLIN

The home at 15161 Shonan Gold Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $920,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,950 square feet. Days on market: Two.

PEACHTREE PARK

The home at 8748 Peachtree Park Court, Windermere, sold June 1, for $700,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,514 square feet. Days on market: One.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 15138 Book Club Road, Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $612,000. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 2,722 square feet. Days on market: Five.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 14007 Snowy Owl Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $798,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,922 square feet. Days on market: 59.

The home at 8109 Soldierwood St., Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $590,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,692 square feet. Days on market: Six.

The home at 8148 Common Teal Court, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $569,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,916 square feet. Days on market: 14.

The home at 7917 Iceland Gull St., Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $520,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,781 square feet. Days on market: Four.

SUMMERPORT

The home at 13839 Amelia Pond Drive, Windermere, sold June 1, for $600,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 2,362 square feet. Days on market: 70.

The home at 4933 River Gem Ave., Windermere, sold May 30, for $515,000. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,015 square feet. Days on market: 159.

WATERLEIGH

The home at 17942 Adrift Road, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $800,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 2,866 square feet.

The home at 17070 Water Spring Blvd., Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $546,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,215 square feet of living area. Days on market: 117.

The Local Motion magazine will help new as well as longtime residents easily connect to local businesses, community resources and learn more about their hometown.

Reserve Your Space Today!

Deadline: Wednesday, June 28

407-656-2121 or advertise@orangeobserver.com

Photo by Uneek Image

The home at 9832 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold June 1, for $6.4 million. This home is situated on the shores of Lake Butler and the 15th hole of Isleworth’s golf course. The selling agent was Terri Schon, Coldwell Banker Realty.

Photo by DeVore Deisgn

The home at 204 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold June 2, for $640,000. It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from May 28 to June 3. The selling agent was Katie Tedesco, Coldwell Banker Realty.

The home at 13618 Salamander St., Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $544,740. Built in 2022, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,216 square feet. Days on market: 74.

WATERMARK

The home at 9857 Summerlake Groves St., Winter Garden, sold June 1, for $929,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,115 square feet. Days on market: Four.

WINDERMERE SOUND

The townhouse at 12856 Strode Lane, Windermere, sold May 30, for $425,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,617 square feet. Days on market: Six.

WINDING BAY

The home at 15427 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $739,900. Built in 2022, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,045 square feet. Days on market: 30.

The home at 14961 Lebeau Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $709,900. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,042 square feet. Days on market: 22.

OAKLAND

JOHNS LANDING

The home at 632 Strihal Loop, Oakland, sold June 2, for $630,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,311 square feet. Days on market: Four.

LONGLEAF AT OAKLAND

The home at 2773 Bobcat Chase Blvd., Oakland, sold June 1, for $560,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,463 square feet. Days on market: 24.

OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2195 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold June 2, for $500,000. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,204 square feet. Days on market: 83.

OCOEE

ARDEN PARK NORTH

The home at 2105 Mountain Pine St., Ocoee, sold June 1, for $550,000. Built in 2021, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,296 square feet. Days on market: 64.

BROOKESTONE

The home at 204 Covered Bridge Drive, Ocoee, sold June 2, for $640,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,464 square feet. Days on market: Two.

FORESTBROOKE

The home at 286 Weathervane Way, Ocoee, sold May 30, for $579,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,340 square feet. Days on market: 71.

SPRING LAKE RESERVE

The home at 1721 Hammock Park Way, Ocoee, sold June 2, for $500,000. Built in 2017, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,356 square feet. Days on market: 57.

SOUTHWEST ORANGE

ROYAL CYPRESS PRESERVE

The home at 10385 Royal Cypress Way sold June 2, for $890,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 2,251 square feet. Days on market: 18.

WEST ORANGE

GLENMUIR

The home at 6443 Crestmont Glen Lane, Windermere, sold May 30, for $710,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 3,080 square feet. Days on market: One.

WINDERMERE

BELMERE VILLAGE

The home at 1033 Algare Loop, Windermere, sold June 2, for $795,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,758 square feet. Days on market: Three.

ISLEWORTH

The home at 9832 Laurel Valley Drive, Windermere, sold June 1, for $6.4 million. Built in 2004, it has six bedrooms, seven baths, three halfbaths and 11,100 square feet. Days on market: 262.

KEENE’S POINTE

The home at 6121 S. Hampshire Court sold May 31, for $2.4 million. Built in 2014, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two half-baths and 6,823 square feet. Days on market: 19.

The home at 6288 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $2,350,000. Built in 2003, it has five bedrooms, four baths, three halfbaths and 5,478 square feet. Days on market: Four.

The home at 8254 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $1,940,000. Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, five baths and 4,710 square feet. Days on market: 75.

The home at 11952 Camden Park Drive, Windermere, sold May 30, for $1,590,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,337 square feet. Days on market: 12.

The home at 8052 Tibet Butler Drive, Windermere, sold May 30, for $1,625,000. Built in 2001, it has six bedrooms, five baths and 4,050 square feet. Days on market: 145.

RESERVE AT BELMERE

The home at 1638 Lake Rhea Drive, Windermere, sold June 2, for $1,300,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,434 square feet. Days on market: Five.

SILVER WOODS

The home at 9338 Palm Tree Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $560,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet. Days on market: Three.

TILDENS GROVE

The home at 12715 Jacob Grace Court, Windermere, sold June 1, for $1,479,000. Built in 2004, it has seven bedrooms, five baths and 4,751 square feet. Days on market: 158.

WINDERMERE DOWNS

The home at 9650 Wildoak Drive, Windermere, sold May 31, for $1,050,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,194 square feet. Days on market: Five.

WINTER GARDEN 30 NORTH PARK

The home at 60 N. Park Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $1,685,000. Built in 2021, it has four bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 3,782 square feet.

BRONSONS LANDINGS

The home at 2206 Tillman Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $829,000. Built in 2007, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,394 square feet. Days on market: 10.

CAMBRIDGE CROSSING

The home at 1149 English Garden Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $635,600. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,750 square feet. Days on market: 18.

OAKLAND PARK

The home at 979 Prosperity Drive, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $925,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,679 square feet. Days on market: Three.

The home at 218 Hammock Preserve Loop, Winter Garden, sold May 30, for $867,112. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,254 square feet.

STONEYBROOK WEST

The home at 15043 Spinnaker Cove Lane, Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $708,300. Built in 2005, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,906 square feet. Days on market: Four.

Courtesy photo

The home at 60 N. Park Ave., Winter Garden, sold May 31, for $1,685,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from May 28 to June 3. The selling agent was Mindy Colón, Metro Brokers Florida LLC.

CHURCH OF GOD

Ocoee Church of God

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

EPISCOPAL

Church of the Messiah

241 N. Main St., Winter Garden

First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden

Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org

Starke Lake Baptist Church

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

Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com

Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM

Sunday: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM., 4PM (French & Creole), 7 PM www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com

METHODIST

First United Methodist www.fumcwg.org

125 N. Lakeview Ave., Winter Garden (407) 656-1135

Services: 9 AM Traditional

10:45 AM Contemporary

Also viewable on YouTube

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

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

SPORTS

The Rosen JCC Sports Variety Camp is offering summer camp experiences. The camp provides instruction and challenges campers through drills and scrimmages in a variety of sports such as basketball, hockey, baseball, kickball, soccer, volleyball and more. Campers are grouped based on grade and skill level to ensure fair play and appropriate instruction. Tuition varies for children in kindergarten through eighth grades. For more information, contact (407) 387-5330.

2

The First Academy alum

John Dubois was part of the University of Florida men’s golf team that recently was crowned NCAA National Champions. The Gators took the Division I men’s golf National Champion team title with a 3-1 match-play win against Georgia Tech Wednesday, May 31, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The West Orange Recreation Center offers the opportunity to play pickleball under an open-play, firstcome, first-serve basis from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays at 309 S. West Crown Point Road in Winter Garden. Those interested in pickleball can purchase an annual membership for $100, a 90-day adult membership for $25 or play per day for $10.

3

Rough waters make strong rowers

4

The city of Winter Garden is offering the Super Soccer Stars Camp, a soccer development program from children ages 12 months to 3 years old. The program teaches soccer skills in a fun, noncompetitive and educational environment. Session 2 will last until July 22. For more information or to register, contact (407) 656-4111 or email orlando@ soccerstars.com.

5Olympia High School released its 2023 summer workout schedule. Hours of training will be 2 to 4 p.m. June 5 to 29, and 8 to 10 a.m. July 10 to 28. Training will take place Mondays through Thursdays with no workouts the week of July 3 to 7. All studentathletes who would like to participate in the workouts must have an updated physical exam and bring a water bottle, shoes and cleats. For more information or questions, contact head football coach Travis Gabriel at 46215@ocps.net or call (407) 905-6400.

The Orlando Area Rowing Society is taking nine boats — the most in its history — to the U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships June 8 to 11 at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

“There are A through E finals,” OARS Director Kirsten Anderson said. “Each boat really has varying expectations. We would like for as many boats as possible to get into the A final, but that is really tough when competing against 220 teams from across the country.”

Getting to nationals is a long and arduous process. Rowers must compete in several regattas throughout the year, where coaches test speed, power and the ability to move the boat on the water, to later place the rowers in the boats where they would be a better fit.

“It is really about finding the fastest rowers,” Anderson said. “From there, coaches determine line ups based on categories we enter. Some

SEE NATIONAL ON PAGE 2B

The Orlando Area Rowing Society battled weather issues all season. But, its rowers persevered, and for the first time in OARS history, nine boats are headed to nationals.

Squeeze opens 2023 season with series sweep

The Winter Garden Squeeze won its first series of the season against the DeLand Suns 2-0.

During its 2023 season opening series, the Winter Garden Squeeze overpowered the DeLand Suns 2-0 — 4-3 in the first game Friday, June 2, and 7-6 in the second Saturday, June 3.

“So far, I like our chemistry, and I like our group of guys,” head coach Mike McDaniel said. “I think we have had some upgrades in some spots, and we are a little more athletic than we were a year ago. … We signed a lot

Ocoee High graduate Ma’kala Davis became the first Knight to win the state championship title for the triple jump. Page 2B.

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

ANDREA MUJICA STAFF WRITER

Mujica

Ma’kala Davis

Ocoee High graduate Ma’kala Davis recently became the first Knight to win the state championship title for the triple jump with a distance of 11.98 meters. Davis also placed third in the high jump category with a height of 5 feet, 3 inches.

How do you feel about being the first Knight to be state champion for triple jump?

It’s cool. I didn’t know I was the first until my coach told me. But is really cool because I had a lot of support from my team. They were all excited for me, and my mom was very excited for me. It’s cool to be able to say you were the first in anything.

Tell us about your years as a triple jump athlete.

I started back in seventh grade, (but) I didn’t start being good at it until high school. COVID-19 happened my freshman year, so I didn’t have a freshman season, and I didn’t do jumps until 10th grade, when I really focused on jumps. It was hard because not having my freshman year and coming in sophomore year — it was hard to adapt. But I adapted.

Why track and field — triple jump?

Because you can do multiple things, you can run, jump, throw. I feel like with other sports, you just do one thing. Also, it’s more of an individual sport so you can focus on what you do.

What do you love most about your sport?

I like that it brings out the best in me. When you are doing track, you see what is truly inside of you — your discipline, how persistent you are. You see what you can take, and I like that because it makes you push yourself to the limit for a millisecond.

What do you believe track has taught you not only on the track but also outside of it?

To keep going even though it’s hard, being persistent and endurance. Even in track, you have times where you don’t want to finish your workout. … But you still have to push yourself.

THE BASICS

Age: 17

Sport: Track and field Position: Long jump, triple jump, high jump and 100-meter hurdles

Grade: Senior School: Ocoee

in it, and I like that Chloe Bailey was the protagonist, because it’s encouraging for black women to actually succeed in other things besides sports and music.

What is your favorite type of music?

I like classical music, relaxing music to focus (because) it helps me think about what I have to do for the meet and where I need to be at. It calms me down.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Why? Batman. He thinks outside of the box, and he is really smart. I like how he uses technology to his advantage.

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

Flying. I know that’s so generic, but I like being up high in the air. Doing track, we fly a lot … so I like the view from really high above. But, I don’t like heights.

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

I would like to visit Korea, because I like the culture. I am a big anime fan. Or Japan, maybe. Another place would be maybe Italy because there are so many things to do. I just want to say I went to Italy.

If you could go back in time to a specific period of history, which one would it be and why? Probably the Civil Rights being prosecuted. I feel like just being able to see those

National spotlight

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

are determined by age — like U15, U16 (and) U17.”

For senior Molly Dansby, 18, who will attend the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in the fall — where she will be a part of the rowing team — this will be her first national championship as an OARS rower.

“I’m so excited; I just switched to the team, and it’s really exciting to be able to say that I was able to be a part of one of the biggest teams in Florida and represent (it) at nationals,” she said. “It’s such a unique environment here that cultivates speed and positive energy, and it’s really nice to be able to represent something as positive … as OARS has been to me.”

Dansby, who will compete in the Women’s U19 4+ category, has been putting in extra hours during the past couple of weeks, along with her teammates and boat partners.

“It honestly takes a lot of dedication,” she said. “Since ending school … I’ve been putting in the two-a-day practices. … It takes a lot, and you have to make sure you are on top of the game, because it is the Varsity 4 (boat), so (the team) has to take the fastest rowers. (You have to) try to make sure you are one of those fastest rowers on and off the water.”

Senior Owen DeBoer, 18, who will attend Florida State University, is competing in the U19 4- category. This will be his third year going to nationals — and the most promising.

“I would like to get a medal at nationals, and (be a part of the first boat) in this category for OARS to get a medal and just set a standard for the (future) senior classes,” he said. “A lot of the time, seniors get senioritis — especially here at OARS

BOATS CATEGORIES

Men’s U19 2-

Men’s U19 4-

Men’s U17 1x

Women’s U19 4+

Women’s U16 8+ A

Women’s U16 8+ B

Women’s U17 8+

Women’s U15 4x+

Women’s U174x

ATHLETES ATTENDING

Marwah Ahmed

Abi Anderson

Ian Ballard

Ryder Bax

Sophie Bellingham

Brooke Burton

Manon Collot

Mary D’Amico

Mia Dansby

Brooke Deaton

Owen DeBoer

Emmie Elliott

Abby Gardener

Nora Goote

Gianna Gottschall

Elizabeth Gould

Lily Harhi

Charlotte Jaehnel

Livia Johnson

Bianca Koster

Chasey Kozak

Romi Kraut

Mia Kunica

Mykolas Binkys

Jane Langley

Lyla Larsen

Patricia Menendez

Grace Miller

NATIONALS SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 8: Time trials

Delaney Moore

Conley Morris

Chloe Mulligan

Lily Murphy

Tyler Murphy

Noelle Murray

Buckley Newbold

Gabriela Peña

Avery Peterson

Serena Popat

Gabriel Rancante

Gabriella Rivera

Sage Roddy

Hailey Romain

Isabella Romain

Chloe Sandwell

Julianna Sara

Emily Schurr

Gabriella Spotts

Enso Tapia

Friday, June 9: A/B Semifinals will run Friday morning. All ‘Youth’ E Finals will follow on Friday afternoon.

Saturday, June 10: U15, U16 and U17 B Finals and all C and D Finals will run Saturday.

Sunday, June 11: A Finals will be held Sunday morning. B Finals for Youth events will be held after A Final events on Sunday afternoon.

LEARN TO ROW

OARS is hosting Summer Learn to Row Camps for anyone interested in learning the sport. Learn more at oarsrowing.com/summer.

— they get in the mindset of, ‘I’m done; I’m graduating.’ But I want to switch that standard to even if you are a senior and you are not rowing in college, you can still put 100% of your energy and have it pay off so the younger guys can look up to that.

“The group of guys that we have going — it’s really solid and really committed,” he said. “The category we are in — we have performed well all year — and I think that’s going to allow us to do well at the national level.”

Taking more boats to nationals comes thanks to a variety of factors for OARS. One of these is the inclusion of a wide variety of boat sizes in which rowers can now practice.

“We … have created more opportunities for our kids by having a variety of boat sizes at our club,” Anderson said. “We used to only

Off to a good start

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

more pitchers this year than we did last year, because at the end of the year, they kind of fizzled out. So we made some adjustments in the roster, and I feel like we have a better team so far.”

animal for a day, which

body is scared of you, and there are so many different

— ANDREA MUJICA

day before, (because) there are still a couple of guys who are playing in regionals, and a couple of guys who are wrapping up at school right now. Once they are done, they will be here, as well.”

focus on eights and fours. Now, we are able to boat all sculling and sweep boats. … USRowing has added more opportunities at this event. It used to be all just ‘Youth 8’ or ‘Youth 4.’ Now, they have created more categories based on ages, which gives so many more athletes the opportunity to compete.”

The U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships is designed as a progression system. Through time trials during the first day, only 26 to 28 teams per category will advance to the next days of racing. This, of course, depends on the number of entries per event.

“Honestly, I love big races,” Dansby said. “It’s nice to say that whatever place I get, that’s the place I am in the nation. … It will be cool no matter what, to say, ‘I’m this (number) place in the nation.’ No one can take that away from you.”

Of the 32 players in the roster, only seven are returners. That meant the only practice the team had prior to the opening game of the season was crucial for the players to connect and get to know one another.

“Guys are coming from all over the place, so logistically, it’s hard to get them all here,” McDaniel said. “We just practice once the

Windermere resident and former MLB player Johnny Damon threw the first pitch of the game. The Squeeze lost against the Leesburg Lightning 10-1 Sunday, June 4, but won Monday, June 5, 4-2.

“We expect to go out and compete, play every day and make the playoffs,” McDaniel said. “The expectation is to make the playoffs and once we get there, anything can happen.”

Players are excited to return to the baseball field this summer.

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

Andrea Mujica

Foundation names new head baseball coach

TFA alum Dakoda Grove hopes to make a name for himself as the new head baseball coach at Foundation Academy. He coached for one year at East Ridge High School.

ANDREA MUJICA

STAFF WRITER

A former Royal is now a Lion. Dakoda Grove, a First Academy alum and former head baseball coach at East Ridge High, is the new head coach of Foundation Academy’s baseball team.

“I’m excited because I know the ceiling for Foundation is extremely high,” he said. “I’m excited because (of the opportunity) to being open to talking faith with the players. … I grew up a Christian, went to TFA and always have talked about (faith). … That is how I live my life.”

Those who followed Groves’ path from East Ridge to Foundation know it was more than coincidence.

“It was a God moment, if you will,” interim Athletic Director Robert East said. “We were looking to fill the position here at the school while Dakoda was looking to serve in a school like ours, and it was just sort of a match made in heaven.”

A BASEBALL LIFE

Born in the Orlando area and raised in Winter Garden, Grove’s earliest baseball memory dates back to when he was only 4 or 5 years old.

“My dad (TFA head coach Scott Grove) was coaching for the Georgia Stars, which was a summer collegiate team in Georgia,” he said. “I was probably 4 or 5 years old, and I got to stay in the dorms all summer and be around college athletes. That was probably the first memory I had — just being at the baseball field all day and getting to interact with everyone.”

Grove played all his life and wanted to spend as much time as possible enjoying the game he loved. However,

during his last year of college at Bethune-Cookman University, he tore two discs in his back while diving for a catch. The injury ended his baseball career as a player but catapulted his coaching career.

“When I went down with the injury — the last week of fall ball (in 2021) — I was told I was never to play again from doctors after an MRI, and they advised that I hang it up,” he said. “I was pretty upset for a while and then had the opportunity to join the coaching staff at Bethune-Cookman University. I’ve been coaching ever since.”

Having gone to college for a business degree, coaching was not something Grove saw in his future career plans. But after coaching first base for the Wildcats, he fell in love with it.

“I grew up watching my dad (coach) and being at the baseball field all day,” he said. “So, when I first got hurt, it was a pretty upsetting time,

because I thought being around the game would be over. I wasn’t really planning on getting into coaching, but then the opportunity presented itself. It was really exciting being around baseball. It’s awesome, so I’m very excited to keep doing it.”

A NEW LION Foundation received stacks of applications for its baseball coach opening before the job even was made public.

“Because of the public nature of the varsity head-coaching position becoming available, we received several inquiries and enough that we didn’t feel the need — or take the time — to publish it as an opening,” East said. “We felt we had several qualified candidates to choose from.”

Grove has paved his own path since he first started coaching a couple of years ago.

“I could have stayed at college a couple of more years as an assistant

coach and probably just start working under my dad at TFA, then eventually get that job when he was done,” he said. “But, I didn’t really want to do that, because I wanted to make a name for myself. Everyone, of course, knows who my dad is. That is why I was so excited to start at East Ridge — kind of away from his area of town in Orlando. I started making a name for myself (there), and then, when this job became available, I was really excited, because I want to be here long-term.” But what is it about baseball that has captivated Grove for his entire life?

“Baseball is a tough sport to really ever master; there is a lot of failing in it,” he said. “So, I played the three sports — baseball, basketball and football — until I got to high school, when I just started focusing on baseball. .. For baseball, you really just have to work every day, or you are

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

n Started a fall baseball season at East Ridge for the first time in six years.

n Six more regular-season wins than previous season.

n Set a record of 25 runs scored in one game.

n Offensively, East Ridge scored 52 more runs than last year.

n Batting average went up from .227 to .318 this year.

going to get humbled. So, that challenge of trying to master it, which no one ever does, but working every day to try to, that really grew my love for baseball.”

Grove brings with him a new outlook to the game of baseball to Foundation for upcoming seasons that he expects will continue the Lions’ winning ways.

“He brings a youthful enthusiasm, a love for the sport, a love for working with student-athletes,” East said. “And of course, an enthusiasm for using baseball as a vehicle to reach young men through Christ.”

Andrea Mujica

Windermere Prep seniors turn tassels

Windermere Preparatory School hosted its 2023 graduation ceremony Friday, May 26, at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s class showcased more than 160 graduating students. The ceremony started with a speech from Head of School Dr. Mitchell Salerno and was followed by words from valedictorian Jay Khemchandani and salutatorian Manya Arora, as well as other student leaders.

Maya Botansky, Arielle Josephs and Natalia Delgado Bayter matched in white dresses.

Colby Ferrell, Sienna Morris and Ana Carolina Leitao showed off their colorful cords.

Left: Matthew Lucas decorated his cap with a Lego design.

Students gathered in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for the graduation ceremony.

Elise Mattimoe and Emma Turiano stopped to take a picture in their blue caps and gowns.

Salutatorian Manya Arora will be attending the University of Florida, and valedictorian Jay Khemchandani will be attending Stanford University.

KNIGHT MOVES: Ocoee seniors graduate

The Ocoee High School graduating students filled the Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida with black and gold Saturday, May 27. The graduating Knights included valedictorian Brian Vo and salutatorian Marianne Cartaxo, who both shared words at the ceremony.

Ian Satterwhite, Zach Allen, Zale Lugo, Reynaldi De La Rosa and Conner Bent attended the graduation ceremony together.

Kenneth Springer, Zacharie Norzelus and Isaiah Vazquez are part of the Class of 2023.

Makyla Orr, Breniya Gaines, Kevin Chery, Chelsy Dor and Daisha Christie gathered together for a group photo.

Erinleigh Spears and Keira Swaby rocked their white caps and gowns.

Allison Hernandez and Hannah Haworth posed in the Addition Financial Arena.

Penelope Sims, Jada Brown and Jasmine Ramsubic showed off their graduation attire.

Dr. Phillips celebrates 2023 Panthers

Dr. Phillips High School celebrated its 2023 graduating class as it hosted its graduation ceremony Friday, May 26, at the Amway Center. Students dressed in bright blue gowns and wore big smiles on their faces as their high school journeys came to an end. All Panthers were happy to conclude a chapter of their lives alongside the classmates who filled the hallways of DPHS with them — a school that will forever hold a place in their hearts.

OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT. CALL TODAY!

The Crenshaw Academy is a K-12th private college preparatory school with a well-earned reputation for educational excellence. Nestled in the heart of beautiful Gotha, we pride ourselves in providing a tight community that offers students a distinctive learning environment, through an established program of educational innovation.

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Complete

WRONGFUL TERMINATIONS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

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

— ANDREA MUJICA

Teacher Boras Jackson chatted with Raianna Cutts about Florida A&M University. Cutts was accepted and it was the same university Jackson attended.

Anny Contreras, Mason Considine, Kieran Connolly and Riley Conley were excited to celebrate together.

Dr. Phillip High School’s top 10 students were the first to enter the arena for graduation.

MICHAEL PHILIP RUSHING

July 24, 1956 — June 2, 2023

“To be absent from the body … (is) to be present with the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:8

Michael Rushing, age 66, died peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, in Ocala, Florida.

Born in Gainesville to Joe and Margaret Rushing, he attended elementary school and Starke Lake Baptist Church in Ocoee, where he was saved and baptized at age 5. Growing up in Winter Garden, he attended Winter Garden and Dillard Street Elementary Schools, and joined Calvary Baptist Church, where he was active in youth activities.

At Lakeview High School’s Class of ‘74, Mike joined the Interact Club and enjoyed activities with neighborhood friends. Like many Winter Garden boys, he often worked firing the groves to protect the oranges.

After early admission to Valencia Community College, he earned an AA degree and attended Florida Technological University. He held many positions, including night auditor at the Orlando Sheraton Twin Towers. After moving to Orlando, he worked for The Southland Corporation before retiring on disability in 1989.

Mike lived in Orlando for over 30 years, often riding a bike around downtown before becoming disabled. Active in the Libertarian Party, he wrote a column for Orlando Weekly called “Getting It Right with Downtown Mike.” He returned to Ocoee, living at Sleepy Harbor Condominiums until moving to Ocala for more nursing care.

Mike found peace in his faith, the Bible, worship and friends. He loved classic hymns, ‘70’s rock and country music, action and spy novels, the beach, westerns, and nautical memorabilia. He admired Martin Luther, Dr. Vernon McGee and Dr. Jeffrey Moore of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joe Rushing, paternal grandparents Dan, Clydell and Ann Rushing and maternal grandparents Claude and Velma Driggers.

He is survived by his mother, Margaret Rushing; siblings, Beth, Ken (Gina) and Van (Marie) Rushing and Kim (Mike) Mitchell; eight nieces and nephews, Ben and Thomas Rushing, Jenna and Paige Rushing, Shannon Ballew, Nathan Weaver, Chris and Alex Mitchel; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mike’s favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31. “… they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles

...”

Now free from pain, Mike is with his Savior.

Celebration of Life Service: 11 a.m.

June 17, at Marie Williams Chapel, First Baptist Church Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway. Reception to follow in Faith Hall.

SCHOOLBRIEFS

OCPS HOSTS HOMELESS EDUCATION SUMMIT

Orange County Public Schools hosted its third Homeless Education Summit Friday, June 2, at Windermere High School.

More than 500 educators throughout Central Florida attended to learn how to identify and assist homeless students.

Brian Poslewait, COO of Homeless Services Network, kicked off the event with a message of compassion and hope.

In addition to an Expo Hall, there were more than 25 sessions available, such as a poverty simulation, fair housing laws and variety of resources available for students and families.

WINDERMERE HIGH NAMES BAND DIRECTORS

Windermere HighSchool’s award-winning competitive band program has new leaders.

The school announced Wednesday, May 31, Marc Kolodinsky as its new band

director and Kathrine Rudzik as its new assistant band director.

Kolodinsky brings 17 years of band director experience to the Wolverines. He started his career at Deltona High School and also led the programs at Matanzas (Palm Coast) and Oviedo high schools. Most recently, he served as band director at Lyman High School in Longwood.

Rudzik comes to Windermere from Conway Middle School and also previously taught at Bridgewater Middle.

BOARD RECOGNIZES ACHIEVEMENTS

The Orange County School Board at its May 23 meeting recognized several West Orange and Southwest Orange students for recent achievements.

Bay Meadows Elementary fourthgrade student Paayal Sonde won first place during the Florida 4-H Public Speaking competition.

Hamlin Middle sixth-grader Arthur Ferreira won the Orange County Public

CHERYL

Cheryl Robin Faith Bowlds, 68, of Winter Garden, Florida passed away Thursday, June 1, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

She was born July 1, 1954, in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of late Thomas and Eddie (McGavic) McEuen. She was united in marriage to John Bowlds at Duncan Memorial Chapel just outside of Louisville. The couple relocated to a new home in Winter Garden, Florida, in 1987. Cheryl and John celebrated 42 years of marriage this past November. Cheryl loved cooking, gardening and birdwatching.

Those Cheryl leaves behind to celebrate her life include her husband, John Bowlds; daughter, Gillia Kaschner; son-in-law, Bradley Kaschner; son, James T. Bowlds; and sister, Franda (husband Butch) Krauth; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her son, Everett Bowlds, who passed in 2015.

A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday, June 8, at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, 428 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.

Schools Spanish Spelling Bee.

The board also recognized the Odyssey of the Mind student team winners from Thornebrooke Elementary: Emilia Sanchez, Grace Emerson, Sylvia Fiori, Eli Radmall, Tanner Krissman, Logan Frisch and Dean Brugal.

The chess team from Windermere High also won the recent Chess Club Tournament. Those students include: Aaron Gomez, Ethan Parekattil, Brandon Nova, John Piza, Gabriel Rugeles, Tyler Syzdio, Tyler Feldman, Aarav Joshi, Jayden Mathura, Shai Neudigate, Brenda Nova, Grant Stace and Victor Valvassori.

ROBIN FAITH BOWLDS

DIED JUNE 1, 2023.

But Wait ... THERE’S MORE!

Visit

Farmers Market

Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 1 • 8 am–1 pm

• Kids Cra s • Live Music • Lawn Games Patriotic Decorated Booths • Summer Produce & BBQ Essentials

• Downtown Pavilion – 104 S. Lakeview Ave.

All AMerican Kids Parade & Breakfast

Tuesday, July 4 • Parade at 10 am (Line up 9:45 am)

• Kids Pancake Breakfast (Free) – 8 am

• Entertainment, Activities, and Fun!

• Winter Garden Masonic Lodge – 230 W. Bay St.

PARTY IN THE PARK | FIREWORKS DISPLAY

Tuesday, July 4 • 6–10 pm

• Fireworks Display on Lake Apopka – 9:15 pm

• Festivities begin at 6 pm – Live Music, Games, Cra s, Vendors, & More

• Pack a picnic, chairs/blankets (No alcohol or personal reworks permi ed.)

• Newton Park – 29 W. Garden Ave.